AV 18th May 2024

Much like America's gun violence crisis, Britain is facing a growing knife crime epidemic and yet efforts to address this crisis fall short. Decisive action has become imperative to reclaim our streets from this escalating threat as neglect of youth and austerity play a major role

Continued on page 26

ended

K N I F E C R I M E E P I D E M I C Community pharmacy supply crisis hits diabetics, children and those with ADHD

Anusha Singh As Sadiq Khan kicked off his historic third term, a spate of violence marred the bank holiday weekend across north and east London, resulting in three fatalities Police responded to an incident on Millicent Grove, Palmers Green, Enfield, where a man in his late 50s was found injured A 16-year-old boy was also treated for stab wounds In Bethnal Green, a 38-year-old man identified as Jack Hague was fatally stabbed following an altercation.

Continued on page 12

Voters displaying identity cards while standing in queue to cast

Labour pledges immediate halt to Rwanda deportations

Keir Starmer has m ade it clear that if Labour wins the g ene ral el ec ti o n, d e p o rtation flig hts to Rwanda will com e to an imm ed iate halt Following a speech outlining his strategy to address illegal immigration, Starmer unequivocally pledged to eliminate the Rwanda scheme entirely, including cancelling all flights associated with it. In an interview with Sky News, he emphasised that under a Labour government, no deportation flights would be scheduled or allowed to depart after the election.

Starmer reaffirmed this commitment while addressing supporters in Deal, a constituency represented by Natalie Elphicke, who

recently switched allegiance from the Conservatives to Labour. Elphicke criticised Rishi Sunak's handling of the small boats issue, emphasising the lack of delivery on this front.

Responding to Starmer's announcement, Home Secretary James Cleverly dismissed Labour's intention to scrap the Rwanda

scheme, labelling it as "comic" given its purported success, despite no flights having departed for Rwanda yet. Starmer countered by condemning the scheme as a "gimmick" and a "waste of money," stating his intention to replace it with a border security command.

However, Starmer stopped short of committing to "stop the boats," a slogan popularised by Sunak, or setting specific targets for reducing the number of Channel crossings. Instead, he emphasised the need for a substantial reduction in crossings, expressing a desire for their complete cessation but refraining from setting arbitrary targets.

PM Sunak urges university chiefs to combat antisemitism

Br it ish Pr ime Ministe r R ishi Sunak has urged unive rsity chie fs to a ddress the rise in a ntise mitic a buse on ca mpus a nd d isrupt ion of le ar nin g fol lowin g the Isr ae l-Ha mas confl ict

Downing Street announced that Sunak and his ministers will convene with university vice-chancellors to enforce a zero-tolerance stance on antisemitic abuse across all campuses. The government emphasised the importance of robust debate and the free exchange of ideas in universities but stressed that this should never escalate into hate speech, harassment, or incitement of violence.

"Universities ought to be hubs of lively discourse while

also serving as strongholds of tolerance and respect for every member of their community," remarked Sunak. "A vocal minority on our campuses are causing disruption

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Starmer divides party by accepting Tory defector

Sir Keir Starmer is enc ountering

from

Nata lie El phic ke to join the party

Elphicke's defection to Labour, just before Prime Minister's Questions, drew attention to what she termed the "broken promises of Rishi Sunak's tired and chaotic government." However, Labour frontbenchers and female MPs are expressing reservations, particularly concerning Elphicke's public defence of her husband, former Tory MP Charlie Elphicke, who was convicted of sexually assaulting two women.

In her defence of her hus-

band, Elphicke denounced what she called a "miscarriage of justice," asserting that he was unfairly targeted for his charm, wealth, charisma, and success. Despite their subsequent divorce, Elphicke's statements have drawn criticism, as has her previous criticism of Starmer, labelling him "Sir Softie" and accusing Labour of advocat-

ing for an "open borders" immigration policy. The Labour party is now divided over the implications of Elphicke's defection, with some viewing it as a significant blow to Sunak, particularly in a key target seat affected by small boat crossings, while others oppose it based on her political and personal history.

Monty Panesar quits Workers Party candidate role after one week

to the lives and studies of their peers and, in certain instances, perpetuating direct harassment and antisemitic behaviour. This must come to an end," he added.

The meeting is intended to contribute to forthcoming government guidance aimed at tackling antisemitism on campus. Apart from that, the General Medical Council (GMC), complaints of antisemitic abuse among doctors have surged since the start of the Israel-Gaza war.

Jewish doctors have reported instances of colleagues celebrating the attacks, as revealed in data obtained by the BBC through freedom of information requests. From the beginning of last year until October 7, eight complaints of antisemitic abuse were lodged. However, in the subsequent four months, the number surged to 60 medical professionals reported to the regulator.

Of these complaints, 22 are currently under "triage," where the General Medical Council (GMC) assesses whether they warrant a full investigation. The GMC estimates there were 1,903 Jewish doctors last year, constituting about 1 per cent of licensed doctors in the UK.

George Gallo way's Wo rkers Party of Great Britain after only one week

Initially set to contest the Ealing, Southall seat in west London, currently held by Labour with a significant majority, Panesar has decided to step back following a string of unsuccessful media interviews. He expressed his intention to take a pause, focusing on personal growth and finding his footing in politics.

Monty Panesar

help people.

“So today I am withdrawing as a General Election candidate for The Workers Party. I realise I need more time to listen, learn and find my political home, one that aligns with my personal and political values.”

In a statement on X, Mr Panesar said: “I’m a proud Brit who has had the honour to represent my country at the highest level of cricket.

“I now want to do my bit to help others but I recognise I am at the beginning of my journey and still learning about how politics can

Days before his withdrawal, Mr Panesar appeared confused about the Workers Party's pledge to leave NATO during a media interview. He mistakenly linked NATO's role to immigration policy, suggesting British membership made border control more difficult.

Britain leads online safety initiative for youth

New regulations have been announc ed t hat w il l require s oc ial me dia a pps like TikTok a n d In

m to r e i n in a g gr e s s i v e a l go r it hm s t ha t prom ot e harm ful content to c hildren

Additionally, these platforms must implement stringent age verification measures to prevent minors from accessing pornography and content related to suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders.

As part of a strategy outlined by Ofcom to enhance online safety, a code of prac-

tice has been introduced to regulate social media and search engines, in accordance with the powers conferred by the Online Safety Act.

Should tech firms fail to comply, the regulator will possess the authority to impose fines up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue, block their services, and initiate criminal proceedings against senior executives.

The Online Safety Act is heralded as one of the most stringent regulatory frameworks globally for combating

harmful online content. With its implementation, British officials assert that the nation will become "the safest place in the world to be online," contrasting with stalled efforts in the US. Australia and Europe have introduced new legislation, though not as comprehensive as the UK's.

Within the UK, messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Snapchat will be obligated to ensure that children are not added to group chats without their explicit consent.

Labour achieves largest poll lead since Truss reign

According to a poll commi ssioned by The Times, Labour has attained its largest lead o ver the Tories since Liz Truss's tenure in Do wning Street YouGov's survey reveals Labour's 30point advantage over the Conservatives, marking Rishi Sunak's lowest approval rating since assuming the role of prime minister. The

Tories currently hold 18 per cent of the vote, while Labour commands 48 per cent. Following the Conservative Party's setbacks in recent local and mayoral elections, the disparity between the two parties is the widest it has been since October 2022, after Truss's mini-budget announcement. Interestingly, the

Conservative vote share now falls below its nadir during Truss's term, with one-fourth of the party's 2019 supporters now backing the rightwing Reform UK, polling at 13 per cent. Despite Sunak's assertion that Britain is "heading for a hung parliament," voters remain sceptical. Only 14 per cent anticipate a hung parliament in the

upcoming general election, while 66 per cent anticipate a Labour majority. Merely 5 per cent predict a Tory majority.

The Labour lead diminishes slightly when voters consider the possibility of a hung parliament, with Conservative support rising to 21 per cent and Labour dropping to 46 per cent.

Sir Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer and Natalie Elphicke

Rishi Sunak

Diversity v/s Minister of “Common Sense”

Cabinet Office minister Esther McVey has declared that diversity jobs within HR teams will be relocated, with staff in these positions instructed to concentrate solely on statutory obligations McVey also revealed that the Cabinet Office will issue new guidance on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) along with impartiality These announcements are part of the "common sense fight back" initiative, which includes adjustments to staff lanyards, job advertisements, and civil service networks The minister said civil servants have “too often” been “distracted by fashionable hobby horses, especially when it comes to issues like equality and diversity”

Diversity and Inclusion foster greater acceptance of others and help break down harmful stereotypes and barriers These hinder both those affected and those perpetuating biases By limiting opportunities for minorities, we hinder our organisations full potential The decision to relocate diversity jobs and restrict HR staff to statutory obligations may hinder efforts to promote equality and inclusion Such measures risk diluting organisational diversity efforts and perpetuating systemic inequalities What is being rhetorically sold as “ common sense ” might escalate into actual detrimental consequences against the very premise of diversity and inclusion, in a nation whose socioeconomic fabric heavily rests upon the labour and brains of people from diverse backgrounds who have fought for years to be included in the British society It is also crucial for creating a level playing field in a society that is otherwise so divided

For example, the poverty and cost of living crisis in the UK has disproportionately affected marginalised communities, exacerbating existing inequalities Data published by the Institute of Race Relations in April 2024 suggests that Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups in the UK face higher poverty rates than white British individuals In 2022, BAME people were 2 5 times more likely to experience relative poverty and 2 2 times more likely to live in deep poverty As economic hardships deepen, access to opportunities diminishes, widening the gap

between socioeconomic classes In such circumstances, implementing quotas for diversity and inclusion becomes imperative to address systemic barriers and ensure equitable representation

A study commissioned by Ironmongery Direct for Mental Health Awareness Week found that 82% of UK tradespeople face mental health issues due to work Over half experience problems monthly, though fewer than last year Stressors include the cost of living and rising material costs

Private school fees have soared, making it unfeasible for middle-class Asian parents to afford elite institutions Despite fee hikes, private school costs have surged by 5 1% in 2022 alone, making it challenging for even affluent families to meet tuition expenses Suki Chandi, a contractor, told The Telegraph that she sacrifices her pension to fund her son's education at Lingfield College, Surrey, highlighting the financial sacrifices required to access elite schooling

And yet furthermore adversities don’t stop knocking on our doors - a new study warns that artificial intelligence (AI) might eliminate nearly 8 million jobs in the UK, with women and early-career workers facing the highest risk Analysing 22,000 tasks, researchers found 11% at risk of displacement by AI, particularly entry-level and administrative roles dominated by women

Systematically depriving minority communities of opportunities through inequitable diversity and inclusion practices has perpetuated generations of disparity, where white communities have historically enjoyed greater access to rights, opportunities, and exposure compared to brown or black communities

The question remains, how will a meritorious and deserving student who has grappled between affording private school education and state schools, compete with the Oxford and Imperial graduates who didn’t have to drop out of college or school in the name of a cost-of-living crisis? An answer one would expect the Minister of “Common Sense” to prepare

India's resilient global outlook

India is revered worldwide for its multicultural and multireligious society, exemplifying diversity and tolerance With its rich array of cultures, languages, and traditions, it embodies diversity at its core Former Congress overseas chairman, Sam Pitroda, sparked controversy with a misguided attempt to promote national unity In seeking to explain the nuances of democracy, he compared Indians from different parts of the country to Chinese, Africans, Arabs and Whites Though his intention was to celebrate Indian diversity, his remarks were widely condemned by citizens, political leaders, and even the Congress party itself

Amid global economic uncertainties in the past two years, many countries face the spectre of recession In contrast, India emerged as the least likely major country to experience a recession in 2024, according to Franklin Templeton’s latest survey, with a zero percent chance Conversely, Germany appears poised for a downturn, with a 73% likelihood, followed by Italy at 63% and the UK at 53% Canada and the United States hover at 50% and 45%, respectively, while Australia, France, and South Africa express varying degrees of concern China, Brazil, and Indonesia boast the most favourable outlooks among emerging economies, alongside India, with Japan and South Korea forming an optimistic Asian bloc at 15%

Over recent years, India has experienced substantial development across various sectors, witnessing the construc-

tion of motorways, fast intercity lines, urban metros, and advancements in aviation, among other notable projects The nation's infrastructure sector is on the brink of robust growth, with planned investments totaling US$1 4 trillion by 2025 under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) This progress is not solely attributable to governance but also to the unwavering determination and resilience of the Indian populace Despite credit often being claimed by the central government for state-level advancements, the collective efforts of Indians continue to be pivotal in driving the country's advancement

India's youthful population has emerged as a key driver of the nation's development With a significant proportion under 35, the country enjoys a dynamic workforce eager to contribute to economic growth Increased consumption of luxury goods by Indians bolsters the economy by driving demand across sectors However, this has also widened the gap between the rich and the poor Nonetheless, India continues to witness undeniable development, fueled by the collective aspirations and efforts of its young demographic McKinsey Global Institute in a report said over the past 25 years, the world experienced strong productivity growth, driven in large part by India and China The report further said India’s early upgrading of digital infrastructure and workforce skills in the 1990s enabled it to become a global IT leader, especially in software

AI in the year of elections

Technological advancements have made our lives easier in various aspects and are a crucial aspect of the way we now live With the emergence of Artificial intelligence (AI), imbibing technology with intellectual capabilities, as one of the most significant innovations of the past decade, society experiences both its advantages and disruptions as AI continues to advance AI is revolutionising education, healthcare, business and agriculture among various other sectors with advanced data analysis, faster execution, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency However, its potential for misuse raises serious concerns, making it difficult to distinguish genuine from altered, which challenges reliability and public perception

Politics is all about perception and with billions of people around the world heading to the polls in this year of elections, AI will crucially affect both voters and politicians The stakes for global democracies are high With most nations conducting their elections or tallying the count electronically, or both, the electoral process is already complex and constantly under scrutiny

Mix up AI to the blend and things get more complicated, the authenticity of everything and anything gets questioned and even the truth comes under doubt For instance, AI-generated fakes are being used increasingly in elections worldwide

Recently in India, viral videos featured Bollywood A-listers Ranveer Singh and Amir Khan criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urging people to vote for the opposition Congress party

Indian political parties are estimated to spend over $50 million on AI-generated election campaign material for the 2024 elections Several young synthetic media companies are working

overtime to meet the demand from all major political parties, with AI content creators setting their own "ethical" boundaries But is that enough to stop the manipulation?

Beyond India, countries like the US and the UK are also grappling with AI-driven manipulation Microsoft has reported that Russia and China have begun to influence the upcoming US presidential elections According to the report, Russian influence operations have intensified over the past two months, with the Microsoft Threat Analysis Centre (MTAC) identifying at least 70 Russian actors involved in Ukraine-focused disinformation In contrast, China is exploiting existing socio-political divides There have been reports of China targeting India, Pakistan and the UK as well

In the UK, AI-generated ‘deepfake’ audio clips featuring London Mayor Sadiq Khan and opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer circulated on social media ahead of the London mayoral elections caused a lot of disturbance and confusion Cyber experts anticipate that malicious actors will interfere in the upcoming elections through various means, including AI-aided disinformation The cybersecurity community also expects state-backed attacks to become more common as elections approach

The challenges posed by the advancement of technology and the advent of AI have introduced new aspects to the election process that need to be taken into consideration moving forward Political actors need to work with experts to understand the kind of impact AI can have on public mindset and take proper steps to ensure the ethical use of AI when it comes to the most important aspect of global functionality, elections

Political Sketchbook

Indian War Of Independence

May 10 As we comme morate the an nive rsary of the fi rst war of In dian i ndepe nden ce in 1857, a pi votal e vent th a t ca ta ly ze d th e e ve n tu al de cli n e o f t he Bri t is h Empire, i t i s imperati ve to ref lect on the broad er i mplication s of how s tates achiev e auton omy and the le sson s that can b e deri ved from Ind ia's un iq ue approach to gai ni ng i nde pende nce

The Tradi tiona l Pathw ays to Statehood

Historically, the emergence of new states has often been precipitated by violent conflicts The birth of nations through struggles such as wars of independence or revolutionary uprisings has been a common motif through the ages

For instance, the United States gained independence through the Revolutionary War against Britain, a violent rupture that led to the establishment of a new nation

These methods, while sometimes effective in achieving immediate goals, often sowed the seeds for long-term issues such as political instability, civil strife, and economic devastation The aftermath of violent revolutions has frequently been marked by the emergence of authoritarian regimes rather than the democratic ideals that fueled the original conflicts

The In dian Model of Non -vi olence

In stark contrast stands the Indian method of achieving statehood, predominantly under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi His doctrine of non-violence (Ahimsa) and civil disobedience (Satyagraha) introduced a revolutionary approach to political activism, which did not seek to overthrow the oppressor through force but aimed to change the oppressor's heart

This philosophy was rooted in the broader cultural and ethical ethos of India, drawing heavily from the teachings of ancient scriptures and Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu philosophies

The effectiveness of this approach was not merely in avoiding the immediate bloodshed but in fostering a sustainable, ethical foundation upon which modern India was built

The non-violent struggle led by Gandhi not only precipitated the British decision to relinquish control in 1947 but also inspired numerous other global leaders and movements, from Martin Luther King Jr in the United States to Nelson Mandela in South Africa Global In fluence a nd C ontemporary Rele vance

The global influence of India's non-violent independence movement is significant In a world increasingly weary of conflict and destruction, the appeal of resolving disputes through non-violence and negotiation grows stronger

Today, as various regions and groups around the world aspire for autonomy or reform, the Indian example serves as a beacon The statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside the British Parliament is not just a symbol of India's independence but a testament to the power and success of the path of peace It stands as a reminder that true victory lies not in the conquest of territories but in the triumph of principles

I will receive letters about why I have not mentioned others than Gandhiji such as Bose Let alone the modern fashion to criticise Gandhiji You can take solace from the line from The Man Who Shot Liberty Vallance: “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend ”

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Alpesh Patel

Nadhim Zahawi to stand down as MP at next general election

For mer C hanc el lor N adhim

Zahawi, who served under Boris John son , joins the ra nk s of Conservative MPs opting not to seek re-election in the upcoming general election

Elected in 2010, Zahawi expressed his decision to step down, stating that he believes it's time for a fresh, dynamic Conservative representative for Stratford-on-Avon

Reflecting on his tenure, Zahawi, who was removed from his role as Conservative party chair by Rishi Sunak last year due to a breach of the ministerial code regarding his tax affairs, acknowledged both his errors and achievements, crediting the support of his colleagues

With Zahawi's decision, the count of Conservative MPs stepping down for the upcoming general election rises to 64

While Zahawi refrained from commenting on Sunak's governance, he affirmed his unwavering support for the prime minister and the Conservative party beyond the

next election

Previously seen as a prominent figure and a possible future leader of the Conservative Party, Zahawi's leadership ambitions were curtailed in 2022 when he withdrew from the leadership race shortly after taking on the chancellorship in Johnson's government

Zahawi came under intense scrutiny in Parliament and the media when it was revealed in January last year that he had reached a settlement with HMRC, reportedly agreeing to pay around £5 million

World's first gene therapy restores UK toddler’s hearing

A groundbreaking gene therapy trial has suc ces sfully res tored he ar in g in a B ritis h toddl er, m ark ing a s ignif ica nt br eakt hrough in t he trea tme nt of deafness

Opal Sandy, who was born unable to hear due to auditory neuropathy, became the first person in the world to undergo this pioneering treatment

Auditory neuropathy disrupts nerve impulses between the inner ear and the brain and can be linked to a faulty gene

During a groundbreaking 16minute surgery, Opal received an infusion containing a functional copy of the gene

Following the procedure, the 18month-old now enjoys near-perfect hearing and delights in playing with toy drums

The treatment was conducted at Addenbrooke’s hospital, part of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation

Trust, as part of the Chord trial

The trial aims to recruit more deaf children from the UK, Spain, and the US, who will be monitored for five years

Professor Manohar Bance, an ear surgeon at the trust and chief investigator for the trial, expressed his surprise at the initial results, stating they exceeded his expectations He believes this therapy could potentially cure patients with this form of deafness

NHS trust apologises for care delay over immigration status

An NHS health trust in North London issued an apology foll owing an inc ident whe re an A&E receptionist attempted to delay a man's care due to concerns about his immigration status

A reporter accompanied her neighbour to North Middlesex University Hospital in Edmonton as he was experiencing pain and difficulty urinating

However, when she tried to check him in for treatment a receptionist accused him of coming "for free treatment"

The trust said it would "use" the incident to train staff

Upon arrival at A&E, the receptionist was informed that the man lacked a British passport, an NHS number, and regis-

UK expels Russian diplomat for spying

James Cleverly has announced the e xpuls ion of a s en ior Russian diplomat from the UK amidst allegations of espionage

The home secretary informed the Commons that the Russian defence attache was implicated in an attack on a commercial property in London owned by a Ukrainian, resulting in the arrest of five individuals Cleverly highlighted the attack as part of a broader pattern of suspected Russian activity across Europe, escalating since the invasions While investigations continue and criminal proceedings are underway, Cleverly asserted having sufficient evidence to act against Russia

This action includes revoking diplomatic status from Russian buildings in the UK, such as its trade and defence building in Highgate, and imposing restrictions on diplomatic visas, limiting the duration of diplomats' stay in the UK Anticipating Russia's

response, Cleverly dismissed potential accusations of Russophobia and conspiracy theories, affirming the UK's unwavering stance against malign activities He called upon Russia to end its illegal war, withdraw troops from Ukraine, and cease hostile actions

Despite the announcement, pressure persists from Tory benches for more robust measures against Vladimir Putin's regime

Actress avoids football matches after witnessing racism

Mee ra Syal rece ntly dis closed that she refrains from attending football matches due to a distres sing encounter with racist abuse during her first and only game attendance three decades ago

Recalling the incident at a Port Vale match against West Ham in 1991, Syal expressed feelings of "shame, fury, [and] isolation" upon witnessing racist abuse directed at black footballers She commended the courage of black players who endured such abuse in earlier decades and called for football fans to eradicate racism entirely by condemning the toxic minority responsible

The incident, reflecting on the pervasive racism in football culture, is detailed in "Namaste, Geezer," a memoir by her ex-

Shekhar Bhatia, who witnessed the racist abuse alongside her

Despite acknowledging improvements in the sport's culture, such as anti-racist policies and a more inclusive stadium environment, Syal emphasised the need for true football fans to confront and condemn racist behaviour to uphold the integrity of the game

Agency charges hospitals

£2,000

for nurse shifts

BBC News has uncovered that Thornbury Nursing Services, an agen c y prov id in g la st - minute freelance nurses to NHS hospitals, is routinely charging up to £2,000 per shift

tration with a GP

Despite experiencing urinary retention for over 24 hours, coupled with symptoms suggestive of sepsis such as vomiting and a high temperature, he was instructed to provide additional information before receiving medical attention They initiated recording of the conversation in response to this encounter

The individual, who preferred not to disclose his identity, appeared visibly distressed, experiencing difficulty speaking and standing Despite this, the receptionist insisted that he complete additional forms and accused him of seeking "free treatment," noting his lack of registration with a GP

Glen Burley, the chief executive of an NHS trust, criticised Thornbury for targeting areas in England facing nurse shortages and accused the agency of "profiteering" from an overstretched NHS However, Thornbury defends its services, stating it offers valuable flexibility

The government has announced new measures to curb the use of expensive agencies Nevertheless, Labour attributes the high costs to the Conservatives' failure to train sufficient nurses over the past 14 years While NHS rules require hospitals to use staffing agencies within an agreed framework with capped pay scales, trusts may resort to off-framework agencies like Thornbury for lastminute essential cover These

POST OFFICE DEFENDED FAULTY IT SYSTEM WITH 'RELIGIOUS PANIC'

During the Horizon IT inquiry, a lawyer remarked that the Post Office reacted to criticism of its computer system with "an almost religious panic " Simon Clarke a consultant who provided advice to the company, noted that certain staff members engaged in what he described as a "deliberate backcovering exercise Clarke, who previously uncovered instances of an IT expert allegedly misleading trials, also accused a senior manager of "shredding" evidence In 2013, while collaborating with the Post Office, Clarke was present when the initial independent investigation into the Horizon computer system unveiled notable glitches Clarke advised the Post Office to be prepared to retain documents, such as meeting minutes, as they might be required to aid postmasters in their appeals

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS RESORT TO SLEEPING ROUGH

International students in Wales are resorting to sleeping rough on campuses due to housing struggles These students are encountering challenges in securing affordable accommodation near universities, forcing them to commute for lectures and spend nights in university buildings Universities Wales has emphasised the importance of students reaching out to their institutions for assistance in such situations Presently, there are 20 920 non-EU international students enrolled in Welsh universities as per the latest data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency Welsh universities aim to boost this number, as international students can be charged up to four times the tuition fees of domestic students Last year, concerns were raised in the Senedd regarding the hardships faced by international students and the adequacy of information provided to them before their arrival in Wales

YOUNG MEN RESIST LEAVING THE NEST

agencies are not bound by preagreed pay scales Increased workload pressures and a desire for shift flexibility are driving more nurses to work for such agencies

While nurses may receive higher pay from these agencies, Thornbury charges nearly £2,000 for a 12-hour bank holiday shift by a specialist paediatric nurse, with the nurse receiving only about £1,050 of that amount, leaving the agency with nearly £800

New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that one-third of men aged 20 to 34 reside with their parents This accounts for 33 per cent of young men in the UK, totalling 2 2 million individuals in contrast to 22 per cent of women in the same age group Overall, 28 per cent of individuals aged 20 to 34 are living with their parents, marking a rise from 26 per cent in 2013 The ONS attributes this increase to the escalating costs associated with renting or purchasing a home Additionally, factors such as prolonged education and training periods and delayed parenthood contribute to the trend Furthermore, the ONS reports that 8 4 million people lived alone last year, comprising 30 per cent of all households, up from 7 8 million in 2013 Among those living solo, half were aged 65 or older, compared to 47 per cent a decade earlier Regarding one-parent families of the 3 2 million households 85 per cent were led by single mothers, with lone fathers heading the remaining 15 per cent

Nadhim Zahawi

James Cleverly

Opal Sandy

husband,

Meera Syal

Glen Burley

Going, going, nowhere.

We promise to keep every branch open until at least the start of 2028.

S I L E N T S U P P O R T E R S

The crucial role of carers in South Asian alcoholism

Subhasini Naicker

Alcoholism in UK’s Asian communit y p re se nts a mu lt ifaceted challenge that is often overlooked

While alcohol consumption is common across cultures, the South Asian diaspora grapples with unique cultural, social, and familial dynamics that shape patterns of alcohol misuse and access to support services Understanding these nuances is essential for developing effective intervention strategies and providing culturally sensitive care

It remains a global health concern, with researchers uncovering evidence linking it to numerous diseases, as highlighted in a study by researchers from Peking University in China and Oxford Population Health in the UK Among the 33 diseases associated with alcohol consumption, including gout, cataracts, fractures, and gastric ulcers, South Asian families, already prone to diseases, face additional challenges when unhealthy lifestyles and regular alcohol consumption are involved

Recovery from addiction poses a significant challenge, not only for the individual but also for their support system

Within South Asian families, alcoholism can bring about feelings of despair and burden, often compounded by issues of shame and family honour

Addressing these complexities is vital for effectively supporting individuals and families affected by alcoholism within the South Asian community

Asian Voice spoke to a experts about the involvement of carers, impact of addiction and much more

Family Involvement boosts recovery success

Founder and director of KIKIT Pathways to Recovery, Moh a mme d A sh fa q MBE emphasised the role of family involvement in the recovery process He said, “We provide families with information, advice, and education on how to best support their loved ones struggling with alcohol or drug addiction By working collaboratively with the family, with the service user's consent, we aim to enhance the success of the recovery journey Involving families helps break down barriers and fosters understanding and support at home, complementing the assistance provided by our community-based programs ”

“In many cases we encounter, particularly within the South Asian community, spouses struggle with supporting their partners battling alcohol addiction for extended periods This often leads to additional challenges such as depression and domestic violence, impacting both spouses and children As a community organisation with over 15 years

of experience, we collaborate closely with women's organisations and domestic violence support services to address such cases effectively Additionally, we maintain strong ties with Birmingham's mental health team, ensuring a holistic approach to support Individuals in South Asian communities often hesitate to seek medical help for fear of family judgement and stigma Many families share the same general practitioner, leading to concerns about confidentiality This fear of shame and judgement can prevent individuals from accessing support for addiction issues,” he added Limited culturally tailored support services for South Asian women

Research associate from Manchester Metropolitan University, Dr Sarah Fox discussed the lack of culturally appropriate and gender-specific support services for South Asian women She said, “Our project, funded by Alcohol Change UK, focused on the challenges faced by Asian women who use alcohol Many women feel out of place in traditional support groups like AAA, where they often find nobody who looks like them or understands their cultural background This lack of awareness and inclusivity across the UK is a significant issue Additionally, South Asian women face unique challenges due to cultural expectations of modesty, chastity, and family honour, leading to stigma and shame Existing alcohol services which are predominantly designed for white men, may lack understanding of these cultural nuances That’s why there is an urgent need for tailored support services that address South Asian women Speaking about the significance of carers in the lives of South Asian women, she said, “Our findings revealed a mixed response from family members, with some experiencing shame and secrecy surrounding the issue, while others actively sought support for their daughters A common theme emerged regarding the lack of understanding and education around alcohol use within the community Many family members expressed frustration at simplistic advice to "just stop drinking," highlighting a need for greater

awareness of problematic alcohol use and available support services Education and awareness-building initiatives are crucial to addressing these gaps, but face challenges due to the taboo nature of alcohol abuse, particularly among women, within certain communities Collaboration with community leaders and targeted outreach efforts are essential to overcoming these barriers and facilitating access to support services ” Keeping her identity anonymous, a woman from accounting background said, “Families often face a difficult choice between prioritising the family unit or seeking individual treatment This dilemma poses risks, such as household accidents, when individuals with alcohol addiction forget basic safety measures due to intoxication While not all cases involve violence, alcoholism impairs judgement, leading to negligence and potential hazards, like leaving stoves on or doors unlocked Thus, addressing alcoholism requires a holistic approach that balances individual and familial needs On the other hand, The NHS struggles with funding for alcohol addiction treatment Unlike other illnesses, individuals often don't acknowledge their alcohol addiction, limiting access to support South Asian families, especially women, face stigma seeking help, while Western families may have more options Overall, limited resources and societal judgement hinder support for addiction in Asian communities ”

Addiction impacts the whole family unit

Managing Director/Cofounder of BAC-IN CIC, S o han S ingh S ah o ta spoke about building healthy relationships and effective communication within the family dynamic He said, “We view

addiction as a disorder that impacts the entire family unit, not just the individual using substances Our approach emphasises family-based treatment, providing one-onone support for family members and children Additionally, we offer group family support sessions where addiction issues are addressed, along with education on the benefits and mechanics of recovery We facilitate mediation to mend relationships strained by addiction and offer stress management techniques to help families cope with the challenges they face Communication skills are also prioritised, as breakdowns in communication often occur over time ”

“The psychological impact of addiction is profound, leading to increased stress, feelings of anger, and helplessness within families Without proper support, these emotions can escalate into depression, distress, and ultimately, family breakdown Untreated addiction and trauma only exacerbate these issues, placing strain on relationships and leaving children and elderly family members caught in distressing scenarios Despite the widespread impact of addiction on families, support services are often limited and lack specialisation It's crucial to shine a spotlight on the importance of comprehensive family support to address these challenges effectively,” he added

Councillor Rav S ekho n urged carers to use the support network around them He said, “Taking care of a person who is alcoholic is a huge task The mental health of caregivers deteriorates over time and then leads to greater challenges ahead This is a huge problem in Asian communities that dates back to first generation British Asians, and continues to this very day The carers should use the support network around them Although they may feel alone, they are not, and this issue is more common than you may think Be honest with people they can trust, and talk about their feelings Carer’s health is of utmost importance and it’s vital you create space to focus on self Connect with local addiction services, there will be free services accessible via your local council

I N B R I E F

COUNSELLING FOR JURORS AFTER CHALLENGING TRIALS

A pilot project has been announced by ministers to offer free counselling services 24 hours a day to jurors hearing cases involving gruesome violence or sexual assault This initiative follows concerns raised during the trial of Lucy Letby a nurse convicted last year of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others over a ten-month period The pilot project, scheduled to launch in the summer, will provide free counselling and round-the-clock assistance to jurors following difficult cases Initially, the scheme will be implemented in 15 courts, including locations in London, Birmingham, Bristol, and Liverpool Jurors who are exposed to disturbing evidence related to charges such as murder abuse and cruelty will be eligible for up to six counselling sessions Funding for the pilot will be provided by the Ministry of Justice and the program is expected to run for approximately ten months

SCHOOLCHILDREN FALLING VICTIM TO VAPE SPIKING

Reports of vape spiking cases in the UK are described as a "new threat," with schoolchildren among those affected by the crime, according to i Police have expressed growing concerns after discovering vaping devices containing substances like THC, the primary active ingredient in cannabis, and spice, a potent synthetic drug Dean Ames the Metropolitan Police's forensic drugs operation manager, highlighted the emergence of vapes as a new concern, stating "Many of you are aware of the rise of vapes They're very much a new threat " While spiking incidents are commonly associated with pubs and clubs police emphasised its presence in schools due to the popularity of ecigarettes among young individuals A report from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) revealed that almost half (47%) of young people surveyed cited other individuals as their primary source of obtaining vapes, rather than purchasing the devices themselves

NHS OPS HALTED DUE TO LACK OF ANAESTHESIA

Doctors have issued a stark warning about the shortage of anaesthetists in UK hospitals, leading to a shortfall of nearly 2,000 specialists and resulting in the NHS missing out on 1 4 million operations annually Urging the government to take action medical professionals have called for increased funding to support the training of newly qualified doctors as anaesthetists Currently over 2 000 aspiring anaesthetists are unable to secure training positions each year According to the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA), addressing this shortage is essential for the NHS to effectively manage waiting lists Concerns have been raised that hospitals may resort to employing staff without adequate training, such as anaesthesia associates, who numbered 7 6 million in March The RCoA has cautioned that if the shortage of anaesthetists persists, it could escalate dramatically, potentially reaching 11,000 by 2040 This underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the shortfall and ensure the provision of high-quality healthcare services

Mohammed Ashfaq MBE Rav Sekhon

Sohan Singh Sahota

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak volunteers with Go Dharmic

The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, joined charity Go Dharmic in lending a hand to prepare meals in the kitchen with volunteers in London

The Prime Minister actively participated in preparing Vegan Kichari as part of the charity’s “Feed Everyone” initiative In addition to cutting vegetables and stirring the hot meal in the kitchen, he spoke at length with dedicated volunteers to assemble food parcels, gaining first-hand insight into the organization's vision of compassion in action from Go Dharmic’s founder, Hanuman Dass

The first British Hindu Prime Minister, spoke about the idea of Dharma when first taking office, and now serving with Go Dharmic volunteers has shown how important it is to him In November 2023, he awarded

Go Dharmic founders Hanuman Dass and Sheena Randerwala the Points of Light award, during the auspicious occasion of Diwali

At the event, several Go Dharmic trustees and lead volunteers from across the UK, including Central London, Wembley, Luton, Harrow, Northampton, Leicester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, highlighted the organization's significant

social impact, collectively serving over 50,000 meals a month to vulnerable individuals in their communi-

Four Gujarati Mayors at Royal Garden Party

Mayor of Harrow’s Thanksgiving Service at Baps Mandir, Neasden

The Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Ramji Chauhan held a Civic Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate his Mayoral Year on 12 May 2024 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden London B orough Mayors, H arrow Counc il lors, H arrow Interfaith and Religious Leaders as well as representatives from local, voluntary and youth organizations joined The Mayor, Cllr Ramji Chauhan expressed his gratitude to BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden for hosting this Service and to The Mayor of Brent, Cllr Orleen Hylton, for her kind permission to celebrate this auspicious occasion in Brent He said, “This was history made as previously no Mayor has had his Thanksgiving service outside the Borough of Harrow My theme for the mayoral year has been Unity and Diversity and I attended over 700 mayoral engagements during my term ”

ties

Reflecting on the visit, Hanuman Dass expressed gratitude, stating, "We are deeply moved by the Prime Minister's service with Go Dharmic and his willingness to join hands with our volunteers He has a genuine interest in Dharma and our mission of compassion in action This profound act of kindness by the leader of the nation will inspire more seva and more volunteers for many years to come ”

Classical dancer invited to Royal Garden Party

R aga sudha Vinja muri, a n As s oc ia te Le c turer at t he University of Sunderland in London with the Faculty of Business and Law and the f ounde r of the San sk ruti Ce nt re f or C ul tura l

Excell ence, was in vited to the first Royal Garden Party of 2024 in recognition of her "out st and in g s ervic es to Dance "

Sharing her excitement, Sudha said, “This was my first time attending a party hosted by the Royal Family It was exciting, and humbling to see guests who rendered services in their own fields for decades Much more to do I guess ”

The event saw around 8,000 attendees who have made significant contributions to the country and

society across various fields, including the military, creative industries, charities, and other services

HM King Charles, HM Queen Camilla, Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh mingled and conversed with the guests

Vibrant colours paint the skies

MP Vara calls for Horizon Scandal Lawyers to be held to account

Former Just ic e M in ist er Shaile sh Va ra MP tod ay spok e in t he Hous e of Common s t o h ol d to ac coun t the Pos t Of fic e lawyers responsible for prosecuting the sub-postmasters af fe ct ed b y the Hor iz on scandal

ably be considered capable of undermining the case for the prosecution” and added that this was “literally the most important rule ” He went on to say that “if they failed in this case, [he] would expect the appropriate authorities to take robust

Whilst recognising that there is currently an enquiry being conducted into the scandal, Mr Vara asked the Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Chalk KC MP, what his Department was doing to “hold to account those lawyers who prosecuted subpostmasters despite the evidence being to the contrary?”

In a robust reply, the Lord Chancellor said that “Anybody who appears in court, but particularly prosecutors, must be mindful of their solemn and sacred duty to disclose material to the defence that might reason-

and prompt action ” Following the exchange, Mr Vara said, “The manner in which the sub-postmasters were treated is appalling and those responsible must be brought to account I am grateful to the Lord Chancellor for his robust and very clear response to my question “There have clearly been failures in the legal process, as well as by some of the lawyers acting for the Post Office Those failings need to be thoroughly investigated, and action taken where necessary ”

Lepra welcomes new Royal patron

His Majesty King Charles III has chosen to continue the pa tr on a ge of Le pr a i n the footstep s of his b e lov ed mother , H er La te Ma je sty Queen Elizabeth II

Lepra’s relationship with the Royal Family began in 1924, when the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VIII, became patron of the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association (BELRA), now known as Lepra He was succeeded by his brother, His Majesty King George VI and his daughter Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who became Lepra’s patron in 1952

Her Late Majesty had a deep empathy for the cause, born in her engagement with children affected by leprosy in Nigeria who she met when she visited the country in her youth Throughout her patronage, she demonstrated incredible compassion for the people affected and the organisation Her Late Majesty kept neglected tropical diseases in the public consciousness and helped challenge perceptions about diseases like leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF)

A statement from Buckingham Palace confirmed that 376 of Her Late Majesty’s charity patronages were to be retained by the Royal Family, adding that, “Royal patronage highlights the vital work of these organisations and allows their many achievements and valuable contributions to society to be more widely recognised and promoted” Jimmy Innes, Chief Executive at Lepra said, “His Majesty’s patronage will be a source of great motivation across the world for Lepra and will inspire us to keep delivering our vital work supporting people affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis One hundred years on, we are thankful that the Royal Family continue to shine the brightest of lights on leprosy and LF, and we will continue to do all we can to live up to the honour”

The king and Queen hosted the first summer garden party of the year at Buckingham Palace, celebrating the country's creative industries

Four Gujarati Mayors- Mayor of Mayor of Harrow Cllr Ramji Chauhan, Mayor of Royal Borough of Kensington Cllr Preety Hudd, Ealing Cllr Hitesh Tailor and Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield Cllr Pankit Shah along with Hanuman Dass of Go Dharmic also joined the party

as seen from Canary Wharf London

Shailesh Vara MP

Care and charity leader abseils to raise funds

Avnish Goyal CBE, chair of Hallmark Luxury Care

Homes and founder of two charities, the Goyal Foundation and the Hallmark Foundation, was one of twenty brave Outward Bound supporters who abseiled down the Empire State Building in New York on Monday 6 May

They were joined by a celebrity participant, Jared Leto, and supported by Outward Bound Trustee, Her Royal Highness

Princess Beatrice

The event – the first of its kind – is raising funds for Outward Bound in the UK and other Outward Bound partners around the world Donations so far exceed £2 4 million and fundraising continues as people recognise the incredible feat

Avnish Goyal is raising funds for Outward Bound which the Goyal Foundation has long supported and for the charity’s new partnership with the Foundation’s Inner Spark programme which will bring free outdoor experiences to young people on school sites from this autumn

The Big Rappel abseil spanned nearly 900 feet from the building’s iconic spire down to the 30th

floor

“Bringing young people out of their comfort zones and supporting them to achieve something they never thought possible is what Outward Bound is all about I am so happy to offer my support as a Trustee and I am a great admirer of Outward Bound and all they stand forthese participants really are an inspiration,” said Princess Beatrice

Outward Bound is a worldwide educational and charitable network whose mission is to change young people’s lives through challenge, learning, and adventure

Martin Davidson, Outward Bound CEO, said: “It is awesome to put on this event at the Empire State Building Outward Bound has been supporting young people

to push through and challenge themselves for the last 85 years, and the participants of the Big Rappel show that appetite for adventure in abundance ”

Avnish Goyal said: “I did it! One of only a handful of people to ever abseil down one of the world’s most famous buildings the Empire State Building I started at the 103rd floor leaning backwards to start the abseil at over 1300 feet What an exhilarating experience expanding my comfort zone to make a difference to so many young people through our workshops with the Outward Bound Trust and Inner Spark Thank you to everyone who has supported me on the journey with kind words and donations ”

D R d T

ear Readers,

.. BUILD THE FUTURE T..AS PAS HONOUR THE P

E

Last week, Gujarat Samachar celebrated its 53-year milestone after an eventful 52newspapers published overseas. T To commemorate this achievement, to o gether a special volume for the occasion.

Our editorial board has outlined the structure of a book are thrilled to invite our loyal subscribers and esteemed readers celebratory voyage through our extraordinary years in publishing.

milestone after an eventful 52chievement, we’re putting tok titled “Smaranyatra@52” We aders to accompany us on this blishing.

Exclusive invitation to our devoted subscribers: Our orative volume to serve as a chronicle of our readers’ m cordially invited to submit a brief text in 300-500 words, accompanied

intention is for this commemmigration history too. Y You are ou are ccompanied by a photograph -

towards the upliftment of the community. Furthermore, if you possess any photographs capturing the moment when you or your family migrated from your homeland and embarked on a journey to an overseas destination, we request that you share them with photo captions latest by 31 May 2024. Please note, that our editorial board will retain the

and that the images provided are of high quality. -

ering a wide range of topics including mental and physical health, intellectual develop-

social workers, active organisations, and individuals. However, without your cooperation, our Gyanyagna and Sevayagna are incomplete. Jyotsnaben Shah and Kokilaben Patel, who have dedicated four decades each to working on the editorial board of Gujarat Samachar, have begun editing this volume.

A lot of readers have already started sharing ideas on how to make this volume

(Asian Business Publications L Ltd, Harrow Business Centre, 429-433 Pinner R td, Road, North Harrow, Middlesex HA1 4HN). Make sure to include your subscriber number along with your name and address in all your messages whether through email or post. Please

A golden opportunity to embody Modiji’s slogan, “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” Y Yours, ours, CB Patel, (Publisher and Editor-in-Chief )

Avnish Goyal CBE

Mother’s

Day

around the world

Mother’s Day is an annual holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada on the second Sunday in May and recognises mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds in general, as well as their positive contributions to their families and society

It was established by Anna Jarvis, with the first official Mother’s Day celebrated by worshipping at St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, on May 10, 1908 Popular observance includes holiday cards and gift giving, churchgoing often accompanied by the distribution of carnations and family dinners

Also on Mother’s Day May 12, 2024, Sunday a 10 km run called “Sporting Life 10K” was held for Campfire Circle in Toronto to give the healing power of camp to kids with cancer or serious illness and their families Since 2000, the Sporting Life 10k has raised more than $25 million for Campfire Circle

As an Indo-Canadian first-generation immigrant to Canada, I am proud to say that the second and third-generation Indo-Canadians are very actively involved and take part in different kinds of charitable causes with a sense of giving back to society and the country adopted by their parents and grandparents, who struggled to remove hurdles that came their way in a new country and passed down good education, values and a rich heritage of both Eastern and Western culture Most of them became Engineers, Accountants, Teachers, Pharmacists, Doctors, Architects, Pilots and Bankers

We are proud to say that this year our granddaughter Marisa Gandhi, third generation and sonin-law Mehul Adhvaryu, second generation woke up early in the morning and participated in the Sporting Life 10km Run Many of our relatives and friends’ sons and daughters very actively take part in different kinds of charitable organisations held throughout the year

Happy belated Mother’s Day to all mothers living or no more in this world

Suresh and Bhavna Patel

Chinese menace

No one in their right mind should ever trust cunning and manipulating Chinese politicians, who could lie, cheat and rob their allies without a second thought It is in Chinese culture and tradition to look after their own interest, first and foremost, without hesitation or guilt

So no one should be surprised that China, allegedly tried to hijack our defence department, thus gaining access to thousands of soldiers and key employees working in one of the most sensitive areas of the defence field, gaining access to their financial as well as their social and business background

The question is why the West or indeed any country trust China and let her in, normally through back-door The Chinese foreign reserves are overflowing with Western currencies, namely the US dollar and British pound, having corned consumer goods market that has seen Chinese exports to the West explode tenfold

Giving low-interest, even interest-free loans to developing nations to buy Chinese goods and services has seen many developing nations in Africa and South East Asia trapped in the Chinese web of financial intricacies that has ruined these nations, placed them under Chinese thumps until Western nations and India, Japan come to their aid and free them from Chinese exploitation

Then again West is sleep-walking into the Chinese domain, importing highly subsidised Chinese goods that include electrical and consumer goods and now even motor vehicles that may turn Western nations into industrial deserts

Let us hope that the West has at last awakened to the Chinese threat and will shift its industrial base from China to free, democratic nations like India, South Africa and Brazil which could rival China on the industrial manufacturing base

Bhupendra M Gandhi

Battling Heat Wave with Bollywood

As temperatures soar across the Indian subcontinent, the scorching heat wave can be relentless and unforgiving To stay cool and comfortable during this challenging season, it's crucial for Indians to be well-prepared

These are 10 practical tips infused with humour using iconic old Hindi film dialogues and movie titles to help you battle the Indian heat wave with a smile on your face!

1 "Jaa Simran Jee Le Apni Zindagi" - Stay Hydrated Like a Bollywood Protagonist:

Just like Simran in 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,' remember the iconic train scene and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day Water is your best friend in the scorching heat Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go and sip on it frequently to stay refreshed and energised

2 "Mere paas Maa Hai" - Seek Shade Under the Motherly Trees:

Channel your inner Amitabh Bachchan from 'Deewaar' and find solace under the protective shade of trees Trees not only provide cool shade but also help in reducing the surrounding temperature So, whenever you feel the heat beating down on you, seek refuge under the leafy canopy of a tree and feel the difference

3 "Main Udna Chahta Hoon, Daudna Chahta Hoon, Girna Bhi Chahta Hoon Bus Rukna Nahi Chahta"Embrace Light Exercise and Movement: Just like Hrithik Roshan in 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,' embrace light exercise and movement to keep yourself active and cool during the scorching heat Take a leisurely walk in the early morning or evening, practice yoga, or indulge in a fun dance session indoors to beat the heat and stay fit

4 "Kutte, Mein Tera Khoon Pee Jaunga" - Stay Away from Spicy Foods:

As Gabbar Singh famously declared in 'Sholay,' avoid spicy foods that can raise your body temperature and make you feel even hotter Opt for light and cooling meals like salads, fruits, yogurt, and smoothies to keep your body cool and well-nourished during the heat wave

5 "Bade Bade Deshon Mein Aisi Chhoti Chhoti Baatein Hoti Rehti Hai" - Use Small Wet Towels to Cool Down: Inspired by Shah Rukh Khan's dialogue in 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,' keep small wet towels handy to cool down quickly Dip a towel in cold water, wring it out, and place it on your forehead, neck, or wrists to instantly lower your body temperature and feel refreshed

6 "Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein Khayal Aata Hai"Install Curtains and Blinds to Block Out the Sun:

Just like the classic movie title 'Kabhi Kabhie,' install curtains and blinds in your home to block out the harsh sunlight and keep your living spaces cool By minimising direct sunlight exposure, you can maintain a comfortable indoor environment even during the peak hours of the heat wave

7 "Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge" - Stay Connected with Friends and Family:

In times of extreme heat, stay connected with your loved ones like Jai and Veeru from 'Sholay ' Check in on each other, share tips for staying cool, and plan indoor activities together to beat the heat as a team Social support can make the sweltering days more bearable and enjoyable

8 "Mere Karan-Arjun Aayenge" - Use Natural Remedies for Cooling:

Just like the iconic duo Karan and Arjun, rely on natural remedies to cool down your body Enjoy refreshing drinks like coconut water, buttermilk, or aam panna to replenish electrolytes and stay hydrated You can also apply a paste of sandalwood or rose water on your skin for a soothing effect

9 "Don Ko Pakadna Mushkil Hi Nahi, Namumkin Hai" - Avoid Peak Sun Hours:

Channelling Amitabh Bachchan from 'Don,' remember that catching the sun during peak hours is not just difficult but also harmful Avoid going out in the scorching sun between 11 a m and 4 p m If you must go out, wear lightcoloured, loose-fitting clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn and heatstroke

10 "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Tum Nahi Samjhoge" - Listen to Your Body and Rest:

In the words of Rahul in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,' pay attention to what your body is telling you and take a cue to rest when needed

TS Karthik

Postponement announcement

Kapil is taking time out this week. Kapil's Khichadi will return next week with it's customary zeal and insight.

Out About & Upcoming show

Join us on this weekend's episode of Out & About as we explore Kenton Derasar with members of the Mahavir Foundation, commemorating their 12th annual Pratishtha Mahotsav Experience three days of spiritual enrichment and grandeur.

Only on Zee tv, Sun 19th May @ 6 pm

Sky 707 Virgin 809

Soneri Sangat

The ‘Soneri Sangat’ Zoom event of last week was truly enlightening, featuring Alpesh Patel OBE as our distinguished guest speaker He is renowned for his expertise as an investor, mentor, and financial expert He provided invaluable insights into the financial and stock market landscapes during this zoom programme Moreover, he addressed common concerns about pensions and offered valuable career advice to the young participants The detailed report of this event will be published in the next week’s edition of Asian Voice

For those who missed it, catch up on this event and previous episodes by visiting our YouTube channel @abplgroup8772

Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way!

UK tradespeople suffer workrelated mental health issues

A recent study commissioned by IronmongeryDirect for Mental Health Awareness Week has revealed alarming statistics regarding mental health issues among UK tradespeople

According to the study, more than four in five tradespeople (82%) experience mental health problems related to work, such as stress, anxiety, or depression The findings, published in IronmongeryDirect's annual industry report, indicate that over half of tradespeople (56%) face some form of mental health challenge monthly, with more than a quarter (27%) experiencing symptoms weekly While these figures are lower than the previous year s, the study highlights ongoing concerns

Medicine prices keep soaring

If you compare the prices of medicines you bought eight months ago with the current prices, you will be surprised to know that the prices have gone up to more than 100 per cent Why did these pharmaceutical companies suddenly raise the price of medicines so much? The answer is 'electoral bond'

Several of the pharmaceutical companies had to pay crores of rupees to the BJP government as forced bribes through electoral bonds In order to recover this money, the companies had no other alternative but to increase the price

of medicines without any control The government allowed these companies to increase the prices of even essential medicines If this is not corruption, then what is it?

We are the world’s largest democracy and must preserve what our freedom fighters fought for Let’s not lose this legacy for a power-hungry politician It is very important that we, the people of India, wake up and take action before it’s too late

The leading causes of stress among tradespeople include the Cost of Living crisis (34%) and the rising cost of materials (32%) Other stressors identified include poor work-life balance, physical job demands, and a lack of recognition

Despite the prevalence of mental health issues, the study reveals a reluctance among tradespeople to discuss their feelings, with almost nine in ten (88%) feeling uncomfortable talking about their mental health Only a small percentage (10%) have spoken to friends or family about their struggles in the past year

Certain trades, such as bricklayers and joiners, report higher rates of daily stress and anxiety Joiners, in particular, have the highest incidence of mental health problems, with 92% reporting issues

Jubel D Cruz

Meet the sole first-gen Indian in Northern Power Women Award's 2024 Power List

Shefali Saxena

S h ar mi s h t a C h a tt er je e -

B a ne rj e e c o m es fr o m a n i ntergeneratio nal large joint family in K olkata wh ere th e women fro m every generation o f th e family insp ired

h er i n m an y w ay s S h e learned to believe in equity a nd li ve b y th i s beli ef i n bo th h er wo rk and family life H er parents raised her and her sister emphasising th e imp ortance of i ndependence and enc ouraged them to be fi nanci ally indep endent from a very early age

This was further supported by her husband, a Professor of Econometrics at Durham University, who believes and lives by the principle of equal partnership Sharmishta attended Loreto House and then joined Jadavpur University

“As a first-generation immigrant, my roots were always important, and I am especially so grateful that this is appreciated by my 25-yearold son, who is currently visiting my city, my home and my mother and enjoying everything that Kolkata, the city of joy has to offer,” she told Asian Voice

Here’s her exclusive interview with the newsweekly:

What inspired you to pursue a career in higher education, particularly in leadership roles, despite the challenges you faced as a first-generation immigrant and a woman of colour?

Universities in the early part of the 2000s were looking for professional marketers to join HE HEFCE was offering a scholarship to pursue formal qualifications in Marketing and a job at a University for those with professional marketing experience By this time, I had this experience where I had been working with Carnival Corporation having mobilised both my experience of working in marketing in the Indian travel sector plus the professional government-funded business qualification I had attained I always wanted to do a Master's in Marketing and therefore this seemed

like a perfect opportunity to do this in U K whilst gaining valuable work experience The process was hugely competitive and I was one of the 3 that gained the position, and certainly the only immigrant, and a young mother

Canyou elaborate on the importance of intersectionality in addressing gender and racial inequities in academia, and how your work reflects this perspective?

In Higher education unfortunately, intersecting inequalities continue to exist resulting in staff and students, where we see gaps between experience, to gaps in awards, retention and success Though Universities are trying hard to harness community engagement in their bid for inclusion, without actually understanding and embedding intersectionality in policy and practice, we may not be successful in engaging those who face multiple disadvantages In my work, rather than focusing on one aspect or action, I look at inclusion as a collective and develop institutional-level strategies that address this via collaboration through the 3 pillars of research, teaching and engagement

As the only first-generation immigrant from India on the 2024 Northern Power Women POWER list 2024, how do you hope to inspire other women, especially those from similar backgrounds, to pursue leadership positions in their respective fields? What does this honour mean to you?

When I looked at the power list, it felt so overwhelming to be in the company of those who have achieved so much more than I have Whilst I was proud to see others of Indian origin and women of colour on the list, I felt very excited, privileged and humbled to see that I was the only first-generation Indian Immigrant on it This honour was preceded by me winning the Inspirational Professional Award from Northern Asian Power, which I hope will inspire others from similar backgrounds My goal is to continue working for equality and justice I will strive harder to highlight, accelerate and encourage a more inclusive and representative society I am incredibly proud of my Indian upbringing, education and culture, and despite that in several situations even now I succumb to code-switching I did not have as many role models

in the UK within the HE sector which is still struggling with senior-level representation gaps, especially from the BAME community So I hope I can in some way be a role model for those who, like me in my younger days, are struggling with identity issues, especially pertinent to migration, where we lose our privileged status at home to becoming a minority suddenly

Youmentioned your involvement in creating the Inclusive Futures leadership program for the BAME community in universities Could you share some success stories or tangible outcomes resulting from this initiative?

I left Newcastle University to take up a job with Radboud University by the time the programme was implemented In its 3rd year now as a collaboration between Newcastle University and Common Purpose, I believe it has resulted in several positive outcomes The programme has been the recipient of the CIPD North East Award for Excellence in Inclusivity and Diversity in 2022 and also shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to EDI

Lookingahead, what specific strategies do you plan to implement to further promote diversity and inclusion, both within academia and in broader societal contexts?

Networks can be catalysts for change and I am looking forward to working with Northern Power Women Awards, Northern Asian Power Awards, Asian Business Connexions and several others to mobilise positive change in addressing sectoral and systemic inequalities through more board and senior-level participation in higher education and beyond This isn't just about optics or tick boxes If the Higher education sector's leadership bears no resemblance to the UK or to global or student demographics, how can universities effectively meet the needs of society? As a woman, and a woman of colour I aim to work to address these systemic inequalities, and part of that is by developing institutional strategies and collaborations that are a result of 'lived experiences' to ensure that future generations find more representation in leadership positions to inspire change This is still very much a work in progress and I will keep working at it

Sharmishta Chatterjee-Banerjee

Additionally, Metropolitan Police detectives are probing a fatal stabbing in Waltham Forest A week before these stabbings were reported, London faced tragedy when a man wielding a sword went on a stabbing spree, killing a 14-year-old boy and injuring four others

He was later tasered and arrested by a female police officer

One 14-year-old boy died, while two members of the public and two police officers were hospitalised due to the attack

Most recently, Anita Mukhey (66), who was born in Pune and was an OCI card holder, was stabbed to death at a bus stop in Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware All these incidents paint a concerning picture

However, since his re-election, the mayor has announced a further investment of a record £14 5 million in a major expansion of his Violence Reduction Unit’s (VRU) flagship prevention programme to tackle violence

New funding will be used to expand the VRU’s MyEnds programme and its neighbourhood-focused approach to every borough in London, for the first time ever

He said, “Tackling violence is my top priority I’m committed to building a safer London by being tough on violence and tough on its complex causes

“I said on my re-election as Mayor, that the next generation of Londoners would be the focus of my third term as Mayor, and my first major announcement in my first week is about providing a step change in the support we provide young Londoners who need it the most

"I have always been clear that we will never be able to arrest our way out of violence, which is driven by poverty, deprivation and lack of opportunity "

“This major City Hall funding boost will help my Violence Reduction Unit expand its MyEnds programme across London and help communities to target interventions through youth work, mentoring and afterschool activities, in the neighbourhoods in greatest need of support "

As Asian Voice reached out for Mr Khan’s statement on this pandemic plaguing London, a spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “The Mayor has set out comprehensive targets and actions he will take to continue to decrease knife crime in London and make the capital safer for everyone over the next four years

“These include recruiting an extra 1,300 neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs to make communities safer and bear down on knife crime, investing more in

Knife crime epidemic

youth clubs to help steer thousands of young Londoners away from the dangers of gangs and crime, redoubling efforts to reduce violence against women and girls with free legal advice for victims of sexual abuse and supporting the Met to deliver the reforms our police service needs and our city deserves ” The politics behind the rise of the crim e pand em ic

The number of knife or sharp instrument offences recorded by the police in London rose to approximately 12,786 in 2022/23, compared to 11,122 the previous year This marked the highest number of knife crime offences reported in London since 2019/20, when there were 15,928 cases Between 2015/16 and 2019/20, knife crime in London increased annually, with a significant spike occurring between 2016/17 and 2017/18

Despite Tory pledges to crack down on knife crime, hardcore offenders are repeatedly walking free Ministry of Justice (MoJ) statistics show that an offender with nine convictions received a community sentence during their most recent court appearance, typically involving unpaid work such as painting benches or clearing rubbish

In 2022, the most recent year available, 11 individuals received a fourth knife conviction, one received a fifth, two a sixth, and one a ninth None have ever been jailed for their crimes In their 2019 manifesto, the Tories pledged to prioritise tackling knife offences, declaring, “Those who use a knife as a weapon should go to prison ” However, the number of fatal cases involving children has continued to horrify the nation

Labour, on the other hand, has promised to halve the knife crime pandemic in the UK if elected

The party's platform includes implementing tough consequences for carrying a knife to remove them from the streets, early intervention to prevent young people from being drawn into crime and exploitation, and fostering a coalition between the government and the community to act together

However, the question that stands is what happens if Rishi Sunak’s prediction of a hung parliament comes true Will a coalition be able to come together to fight this issue effectively? Currently, one can only witness the blame game being played between the government and the opposition Another point that stands is that while the Tories do have a major responsibility towards these issues, the increased knife crime in London is majorly a Labour Party problem, given the stronghold over the city Need to stop alienating the youth Bruce Houlder C B K C, the founder of Fighting Knife Crime, London has spoken to young people whose everyday lives are impacted by knife crime He describes the youth’s mindset stating, “Some describe it as ‘normal’ which is quite frightening In 2023, the Youth Endowment Fund surveyed 7,500 teenagers to explore changing trends in violence Only 4% admitted to carrying a weapon, but 80% of those who did said it

was for their own protection

“This indicates a willingness to use them, which is not only madness but also illegal In the communities where these young men are found, the lives of the entire community are blighted by fear of violence and the loss of loved ones This is all they achieve by carrying knives for 'protection’ ”

Bruce feels that the root causes of knife crime are historic failures to help the poorest communities in London, shameful cuts in funding for youth services over the last 15 years, and the failure of governments to recognise that young people are the future, many having great untapped talent He said, “We have alienated a generation of young people who feel they have nowhere else to turn First, respect them for what they could be, provide sustained funding for community faculties where they can grow, do what they are good at, and prove themselves

“Early education is also vital We must teach children from the age of 8 onwards values that show respect for them as well as others, and the dangers of carrying knives at all ”

He is also of the opinion that the use of new unobtrusive technology should be supported For instance, the one developed in the United States to detect people carrying knives from a distance without them being aware of this and those known to be carrying them need to be approached The fear of arrest would be a major factor in reducing carrying He also said that the sentencing options need to be imaginative and less punitive for low-level offenders

Many alternative disposal options could be used but some authorities and politicians shy away from them

“Public debate needs to become more nuanced and informed, and every single person has a part to play in making our streets safer Trust in the police is an issue which needs to be addressed as a priority Stop and Search, although much criticised is a vital tool when properly executed and done with greater sensitivity Only those with something to hide should object to this”, he said

About combating knife crime effectively, he added, “It is for all of us, with the bounds of our individual talents and time, to do something to educate and solve the problems If the system cannot achieve it, then we can only look to communities and the individual determination of each one of us to buck the system If we are criticising young people, we should also ask, what we are doing to help them They won t respect us unless we first respect them

Dr Ro nald Do dzro is a Clinical and C omm unity P sychologist who

has researched and written extensively on the experiences of marginalisation and decolonisation, with features in The Psychologist, The Clinical Psychology Forum, and Forbes he works with some of London’s most at-risk young people to help them escape the cycle of gang affiliated violence and police brutality He said, “For me, the issue lies not only with individuals but the systems that surround young people Society needs to be held accountable for creating violent social environments Gang violence is not a disease but rather a symptom of an unequal society plagued with racism, inequality and poverty While society allows communities to be plagued by these issues, the cycle of gang violence will continue ” Local pu blic establish ments concerned Meet and Deep Newsagents is a grocery shop in London, run by Shashi and P allu P atel Their son, Deepen Patel shared his concerns

We are concerned about the increasing incidence of knife crime in the UK, particularly in public establishments People can easily obtain knives these days from online sources, and TV shows, films, and other media have normalised knife crime as something that just happens When this behaviour is normalised in society, it becomes easier for people to mentally justify committing knife crimes

“You don't necessarily have to be someone who's done something wrong to be a victim of knife crime One of our very close friends, Archie Beston, was stabbed to death in Kingston upon Thames, very close to our store He was only 19 and was simply helping someone else He was not to blame for anything This is very worrying because people take out their anger and frustration on innocent individuals As a result, nobody is safe Something has to be done ”

He also shared the precautions he takes to ensure extra safety at his establishment, stating, “We use CCTV cameras throughout the premises, including a visible screen where customers can see they are being monitored, and a sign at the door indicating that CCTV is in operation This tends to deter anyone who may be planning to cause trouble It also reassures us and our staff that we are safer, and if anything does happen, it will be caught on camera

regarding the potential risk of such crimes happening at public establishments like his, stating, “

“Additionally, we ensure that there are always at least two people in the shop at all times When only one person is present, potential attackers may find it easier to carry out an attack However, with two people in the shop, the presence of another person creates a sense of intimidation, making it more difficult for an attacker This "safety in numbers," combined with our CCTV system, helps deter potential attackers and enhances our overall safety ”

Lord Kulveer Ranger named Chair of UK-India Tech Forum

te c h U K h a s an n ou n c e d th e appointm ent of Lord Kulveer Ran ger as the new Chair of the UKIndia Tec h Forum With extensive experience in both public and private sectors, Lord Ranger brings exceptional expertise and leadership to this position Already an esteemed member of the techUK board, Lord Ranger has been a prominent advocate for the tech sector's growth and advancement His new role highlights techUK's dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation within the UK-India tech landscape As Chair of the UK-India Tech Forum, Lord Kulveer will spearhead efforts to strengthen engagement with businesses and governments from both nations

The Forum, a joint initiative between techUK and partner organization NASSCOM, serves as a platform to address key policy, trade, and investment issues while showcasing the vast potential of emerging technologies in the UK-India corridor

The first UK-India Tech Forum of the year is scheduled for 14 June during London Tech Week, featuring a delegation of Indian companies A Parliamentary Roundtable will also take place in June, with the exact date to be confirmed Following the summer, a techUK member delegation will visit India to further strengthen ties and collaboration

Sadiq Khan

Bruce Houlder CB KC

Dr Ronald Dodzro

Shashi and Pallu Patel

Lord Kulveer Ranger

Menopause: Educate and empower marginalised communities

Shefali Saxena

Aleading reproductive and mental health charity announced its inaugural event, Marginalised and Menopausal, shedding light on the unique needs of historically marginalised communities during menopause

Hosted by Cysters at MAC (Midlands Art Centre) on May 11, it aimed to create a safe space for sharing experiences beyond hot flashes and hormones

Experts like Dr Nighat Arif and Dr Aziza Sesay facilitated discussions Founder Neelam Heera-Shergill expressed pride, hoping to educate and empower marginalised communities

The event aimed to broaden treatment options and ensure voices were heard It was a significant step towards inclusive healthcare conversations

Asian Voice spoke exclusively to Dr Nighat Arif about this:

As a doctor specialising in women's health, what unique challenges do you believe historically marginalised communities face during their journey through menopause, and how do these challenges differ from those of other groups?

The biggest issue that marginalised communities face is the fact that they're under-researched because there are very few research projects that look into faith groups, and black and Asian communities LGBTQ+ those with visual impairments, those who are in neurodivergent or poverty groups, those who are affected by domestic violence and that includes digital poverty as well So, when those communities are left out of those conversations when it comes to women's health, they don't feel represented We don't have the clinical data to back up any health initiatives that we want to use for them

Secondly, these groups are then rarely invited to the place of the table to make policies or advice as policies and assumptions are placed on them And then finally, the biggest thing is that these communities do feel that they're others So they form their own network of care by doing that They feel that they don't have any trust in mainstream healthcare They're like, well, you've done nothing for us We managed to do it by ourselves We don't need you And so what happens is that if there's any misinformation with those communities, it just perpetuates further and further So they

become even more marginalised The biggest thing we need to do is keep trying to reach out and build bridges to have integration

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recently announced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as a potential treatment option for menopausal symptoms How do you think this alternative therapy could benefit historically marginalised communities, and what are the potential limitations or barriers to accessing this treatment for these groups?

It's important to stress that C BT has been suggested and it's only a suggestion alongside hormone replacement therapy So it's not that you don't offer first-line treatment, you must always offer first-line treatment to everybody regardless of whether they are marginalised Beauty, cognitive behavioural therapy is very nuanced when it comes to treatment for menopausal symptoms And that's based on the studies that have been done by Myra Hunter who led a 10year C BT research study for women ’ s breast cancer, you couldn't have HRT So we know that actually even if you wanted to have CBT, it does work but it has to be alongside the other aspects of care in your toolkit So hormone replacement therapy might be antidepressants, acupuncture, exercise, nutrition, supplementation, diet, or managing other underlying health conditions So I'm all for CBT But it has to be as part of a package of the rest of the care, regardless of whether you're marginalised or not in your experience

In your experience, how do cultural and societal factors impact the experiences of historically marginalised individuals navigating menopause, and what steps can healthcare professionals take to address these factors and provide more inclusive care?

The biggest thing, as I said earlier is research Communities don't feel that

this is a conversation that s relevant to them, nor is it prioritising health If you look at South Asian communities or migrant communities that are refugee communities fundamentally just want to survive So, bothering with hot flushes or aches and pains is the least of their problems when they just want to have day-to-day things And we are seeing that now in the current climate when poverty is huge because, at the moment, people are just literally fighting between heating and eating So therefore, their health is at the bottom of the list; having that cervical screening, going for their breast screening, the managing of their menopausal symptoms are at the bottom of the list

Also, lexicon in language, we don't have words in certain communities in British sign language, there is no word for menopause We also in certain other languages, Urdu or Punjabi We don't have a direct word for menopause We have derogatory words So again, it's taboo and it's embarrassing for women to talk about their bodies Finally, education It’s always education When you're not educated about the signs and symptoms, or you thought it was just hot flushes and you don t realise that there are about 40 different symptoms of menopause or the fact that you think that that conversation isn't part of what you're experiencing For example, if you're ADHD and you're menopausal and you're menopausal on top of that, where is the data? We don't have any

Asa GP and educator, how do you approach discussing menopause with patients from historically marginalised backgrounds, and what strategies do you employ to ensure that their unique needs and concerns are addressed in the healthcare setting?

Firstly, understanding the nuances I get my communities from marginalised groups to tell me how they want to be addressed You know what their gender preference is, whether they have any cultural things that they've tried listen to the person in front of you because they will tell you what they want and then do what they want you to do And then also is that plugging into grassroots organisations who already have the trust like Cysters, like black women in menopause, these marginalised communities, understand the nuances and they re able to then educate me as a GP

Oscars of Education recognises Harrow Hindu school teacher

Neetu S adh wani, Head o f Faculty of Mo dern Foreig n Languages at Av anti House S ec o n d ary S c h o o l an d Harrow C olleg iate Subj ect Lead, has been sho rtlisted for th e TES A ward s 2024 in the category of S ubj ect L ead of th e Year (Second ary)

Dubbed the ‘Oscars of Education’, the prestigious awards programme celebrates the best schools and teachers across the country Avanti House Secondary School, Stanmore, is the only Hindu faith school, and the only school from Middlesex to be shortlisted out of the 21 TES Awards categories

The TES Schools Awards recognises the very best teachers and schools from UK state and independent schools, across early years settings, primary and secondary

Chosen out of a national

field of educators, across both the state and independent sectors, Neetu Sadhwani commented, “I am truly honoured to be nominated for Best Subject Lead of the Year With 17 years of teaching and leading the Languages department, I've dedicated myself to igniting a passion for languages in our students From organizing educational visits to coordinating enrichment opportunities, my goal has always been to create an environment where students not only excel academically but also develop a genuine passion for languages ”

High-IQ Asian student earns four A*s

A British P akistani g irl has ac co m p lis h ed fo u r A * s as part of her ambitiou s p ursuit to comp lete 28 A-lev els

Mahnoor Cheema, 17, possessing an IQ surpassing that of Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking, embarked on her A-level journey in September after excelling in 34 GCSEs

Enrolled in 28 courses, she swiftly completed four A-levels in environmental management, marine science, English Language, and thinking skills by November, securing top grades in each

Her recent results,

received in January, underscore her unwavering dedication and exceptional intellect, as per the report

Next month, Mahnoor will undertake the final exams for eight additional subjects, including Maths, further Maths, Chemistry, Biology, and Film Studies

Born in the UK, Mahnoor relocated to Lahore, Pakistan, with her parents in 2010, before returning to the UK in 2016

Her mother, Tayyaba Cheema, observed her daughter's exceptional abilities from an early age

Mahnoor's exceptional memory and intellectual prowess have enabled her to excel academically without relying heavily on note-taking In addition to her favourite subjects such as Maths and sciences, she also finds enjoyment in studying film studies and French

Dr Nighat Arif

Neetu Sadhwani

Mahnoor Cheema

Bridging the historical gap

Anusha Singh

Shalina Patel is a highly accomplished historian, teacher, and writer who has made significant contributions to decolonising the history curriculum in the UK.

Renowned for he exceptional teaching ski and dedication, Shalina w awarded the prestigio Silver Pearson Teachi Award for Teacher of t Year in a Secondary Scho in 2018 Her new book, "T History Lesson," delves in the untold stories of histo shedding light on ov looked narratives

In an interview w Asian Voice, Shalina discu es the insights and inspi tions behind her book

What inspired you to write "The History Lessons" and delve into the forgotten histories of the world?

When I meet new people, they often find it interesting that I'm a history teacher Many tell me they either loved history in school and still do, or they didn’t appreciate it back then but have since developed a keen interest in it

Some even express regret about not paying more attention in history class

This feedback is one of the reasons I wrote the book

The second reason is that many people have significant blind spots when it comes to history I also recognise that people can feel intimidated by history books, believing they need extensive background knowledge Ultimately, I hope the book serves multiple purposes: rekindling a love for history in those who already appreciate it, and providing an accessible entry point for those who feel disconnected from the subject I believe it’s a book for everyone, helping readers revisit familiar topics from school or discover new connections and resonances with history

Could you share some insights into your research process for the book? Can you share a particularly intriguing story or person you discovered during your research?

I loved the research process for my book I began by using the same approach I use to teach my young students, focusing on the stories we tell them This served as a foundation for my research, giving me a great excuse to delve deeper into various historical topics For example, one subject I cover with my students is indentured Indian labour, but through my research, I was able to explore it in much greater detail

Exclusive worldpremiere of Bollywood movie ‘Baby Crasto’ at the UK Asian Film Festival

people don t know that after the British abolished the slave trade, they replaced enslaved people with Indian workers This isn't a widely known fact, and it’s something I highlight in the book Each chapter in the book represents a historical period, divided into minilessons One lesson, titled "Indian Indentured Laborers Replaced Enslaved Workers After Abolition," provides insights into this lesser-known aspect of history

During my research, I came across records of actual labourers For instance, I found a man named Gurdon from Calcutta, described as 5 foot 3 with a scar on his right shin These small details make history more personal and engaging for my students I also learned about the deceptive methods used to recruit Indian women as labourers, often near temples and shrines, where they were persuaded or kidnapped and taken aboard ships to work in places like Guyana, Fiji, Saint Lucia, and Jamaica

One fascinating fact I discovered is that there’s a town in Belize named Calcutta, due to the large number of Indian labourers who were brought there

Such nuggets of information are scattered throughout the book, making the history come alive Each chapter in my book mirrors a school timetable, covering periods like the medieval world, the Tudors, the Suffragettes, the Great War, and the Second World War While these topics might sound familiar, the stories I tell are not the ones typically known

Is your book intended for both adults and schoolchildren? Did you have to simplify the content for a wider audience?

My aim with this book is to give adults a chance to

it and refresh their ol history knowledge es, this book is primarior adults I hope that ents read this book and more confident in two ys: understanding hisy themselves and comring it with what their ildren are learning in hool They might notice disconnect and realise at the stories in my ook should be part of he curriculum, as they re the kinds of stories I each Ultimately, I want his book to be empowering for everyone s why it s called The History Lessons, it s a series of lessons for adults to build their confidence in history I hope it encourages people to watch documentaries or explore more about different periods In bookshops, history sections are usually filled with very specific topics You can't just buy a general book about World War II; you have to pick a book about a particular battle or person My book aims to fill that gap by providing a broad understanding of various historical periods

How did your students react to you writing a book? Additionally, what do you hope readers will take away?

I’m very lucky to have such supportive students and colleagues Many students and parents have expressed their excitement about reading my book, and they’ve told me how proud they are to know me, which is incredibly sweet What I want people to take away from my book is that history is for everyone I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true For example, I’m deeply passionate about teaching the world wars However, during Remembrance Day, I often notice that not enough South Asians and other ethnic minorities wear poppies I hope that when people read my book, they realise that World War I and World War II included millions of people who looked like them and that they were part of that history I want to show that history isn’t elitist or exclusive; it belongs to everyone I aim to highlight the diversity within these movements and bring attention to those who have been forgotten or written out of history I want readers to feel that history is accessible, something they can discuss and question

The exclusive World Premiere of the upcoming Bollywood movie ‘Baby Crasto’ was held at the UK Asian Film Festival at Harrow Arts Centre on Weds 8th May 2024

The ‘Baby Crasto’ team including the legendary, award-winning Indian actress Supriya Pathak Kapoor, actor Neil Bhoopalam and director Jesel Shah were specially present at the premiere which was followed by a

Q&A session with the audience

CB Patel, Publisher and Editor in Chief of Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar was the chief guest of the event Cllr Ramji Chauhan, the Mayor of Harrow also graced the event with his presence Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry MBE, CEO of The UK Asian Film Festival

and Tongues on Fire welcomed the guests

A brief synopsis of ‘Baby Crasto’:

Jako, a small-time gambler and Vasu, a petty robber around Goa, cross paths at BlueBird Shack Jako, looking for his exwife Maria owes a huge sum of money to the local Goan Mafia and needs

to sign off on their property Vasu needs money to marry his hooker girlfriend who has served him an ultimatum

Both find out at the motel that Maria is on the run for robbing her landlady Baby Crasto of Fifty Lakh Rupees and is wanted by the Goa police

However, the locals at the shack believe that Maria is not a thief and the old lady Baby Crasto, is a cranky troublemaker, falsely accusing Maria

They decide to investigate Baby Crasto’s rumoured fortune and pose as paying guests

Suspicious of each other, they find Baby eccentric Chaos erupts at Baby’s 60th birthday party, unveiling secrets about the missing Maria and the money

Tongues of Fire Flame Award winners at UK Asian Film Festival closing gala

The UK Asian Film Festival announced the winners of its coveted Tongues on Fire Flame Awards at the Closing Gala Ceremony of its 26th edition, on Sunday 12 May at Kiln Theatre, London

The UK Asian Film Festival has historically championed South Asian female-centric cinema and women in film – both behind and in front of the camera Its mission is to advocate and promote gender equality in cinema and its annual awards presentation further seeks to celebrate the achievements of women in cinema

The Closing Gala welcomed luminaries from Indian cinema in conversation onstage: celebrated playback and classical singer, Kavita Krishnamurthy, who was felicitated with the Lifetime Achievement Award; and veteran actress, Shabana Azmi, who was presented with the award for Celebrating 50 Years in Cinema As part of the festival’s celebrations to mark

her 50 years in industry, Shabana was also honoured with the Freedom of the City of London Award by the City of London

Corporation on Friday 10 May, in recognition of her prolific contribution to Indian cinema and as a campaigner for women ’ s rights

Speaking after the ceremony, Shabana Azmi, said, “I am deeply honoured to receive the Freedom of the City of London award It is a testament to the power of cinema and activism that we can transcend borders and make a meaningful impact on society

“I am grateful for this recognition and remain committed to using my voice and platform to advocate for positive change ”

Maria

CB Patel at Baby Castro screening

Star cast of Baby Castro

Kavita Krishnamurthy

Shabana Azmi receiving the Freedom of the City of London Award

Viren Ahluwalhia: Capturing on the Cuff

Sunetra Senior

Viren is a cardiology registrar and your resident digi tal Spielberg His fascination wi th the mise en scene of popular fantasy film such as Star Wars and Lord of the Rings has led to an exci ting videography venture outside of the medical day job This has been humorously dubbed The Re el Doc tor Vi re n ’ s m ot io n c on te nt emanates a signature glossy yet simply compelling feel where a sense of fun and adventure is clearly central to his enterprise “The bes t work emerges from intuitively exploring the subject and being as invested in the mechanics of the process as the final polished product,” he shared with us: “I started to experiment with video from a young age on my phone, trying to replicate scenes from my favourite fi lms while adding a personal touch e g “like the time me and my brother had a light sabre dual and I used it as the chance to try some VFX to make the lightsabres glow ” ***

Nowadays, Viren creates content for websites, Instagram, and private social events, including promoting product, managing social media, and filming special occasions such as weddings It is then important to be proactive about one ’ s passion as this is what can manifest in the concrete profitable profession Viren is especially fascinated by the latest contemporary technique such as transitional drone shots which enhance his unique cinematic charm: “I love drones: you can fly them as if you are playing a videogame with a headset on I have evolved into having more complex toys! This can be difficult to do but worth it for the wild shots Specialist equipment such as this is more accessible today and not just a hobbyist’s selection ”

Here, there is also an overlap with Viren’s vocational training as a young doctor who must come to grips with the nuanced technical methodology of medicine, hospital life and the human body:

“You do have to be able to master the basics before getting elaborate in medicine and have a lot of patience It is similar to how I have self-taught videography: doing the equivalent by watching lots of videos on You-tube to learn about aperture, using different shots and lenses and understanding what each setting means It is about how you adjust and versatility” However, Viren emphasised the equally innovative nature of being a medic: “You do have to think laterally and in that sense it is an art as much as science ” However, the two trades are ultimately different because one can use videography as an escape to distract oneself while being a doctor only gets more intense:

ness It’s getting the right balance between capturing authentically the energy versus the practical filming You are also moulding yourself accord-

ing to the vision of other people – your clients – and so collaboration keeps the videography dynamic ” Viren concluded by commenting on the secret to a success when starting a new platform online: “be consistent with a niche quality product and it will likely take off Perseverance, in particular, is key – a lot of people have started off slowly, refining along the way and rejecting the fear of failure ” Finally, the ebullient entrepreneur shows us that being creatively curious is not just fundamental to any profession but also thriving in life

Is it possible to use a phone camera to create an incredible film?

Yes! You do not need a bougie camera Your phone already has different focal lenses and features so it is just about being purposeful with your movements The latest iPhone, for example, has something called Log Just start with your phone – try to create a scene from a story e g you could have someone ’ s face looking up at you as you switch between an Ultra-wide lens and zooming in! What speaks to you?

Try to engage with the process as it is about experimenting You can literally start by messing about with filters – don’t get bogged down in the idea of the latest gear: they say the best camera available is the one you have on you!

"There’s a lot of skill behind creating that one slick video: creatives do stress over the details!"

Community

pharmacy

supply crisis

hits diabetics, children, those with ADHD

Shefali Saxena

The 2024 Pharmacy Pressures Survey conducted by Community Pharmacy England provides a comprehensive overview of the escalati ng challenges faced by pharmacies across England regardi ng medicine supply issues

Drawing insights from over 6,100 pharmacy premises and 2,000 pharmacy team members, the survey paints a stark picture of the dire consequences of these supply disruptions on patient health and pharmacy operations

A staggering 79% of pharmacy team members reported that patient health was being jeopardised due to medicine supply issues, indicating a critical threat to public health The severity of the situation is underscored by the fact that nearly all community pharmacy staff encountered medicine supply issues at least weekly, with 72% facing multiple issues on a daily basis These statistics underscore the pervasiveness and urgency of the problem, posing significant challenges to both patients and pharmacy businesses

trying to source medication so that our patients don't go without and every day we're spending a lot of time talking to our GP colleagues to try and get alternative prescriptions prescribed so that other patients don't go without either a similar medication or something else that belongs to a similar class of medication but the ones that we can't get This has been going on for so long now ”

ahold of them It's so sad, isn't it that we can't give them the medication they need?”

“I’m lucky to have both seriously in my life I do enjoy the fact that I’m continuing to explore with Reel Doctor: with every project you are growing where infinite possibility is part of the fun of the busi-

What have been some highlight moments?

Being able to turn my hobby into a proper profession and being paid for it I love capturing on the cuff too

those are some of my favourite videos e g when I'm on holidays The less intent and more spontaneous, the better the film I have some incredible shots from Singapore, Bali (pictured) and Kenya!

What is one aspect of videography people may not know?

That there’s a lot of effort behind creating that one slick video: creatives do stress over the details e g colour grading which is a whole job in the film industry! So much goes into these simple stylish videos: editing, planning and even reshoots to produce a precise product Steve Jobs has stated that the inside of a computer is as fascinating as the machine itself by way of an apt metaphor There’s a lot of skill involved

W: https://www reeldoctor co uk/

The impact of medicine supply disruptions extends beyond patient inconvenience, with 97% of pharmacy team members reporting that patients were inconvenienced, frustrated, and put at risk due to these issues Moreover, the need to issue partial prescriptions, known as 'owings,' has become increasingly common, affecting 98% of pharmacy team members This not only disrupts patient care but also adds to the administrative burden on pharmacies

Community pharmacist

Reena Barai spoke to Asian Voice about this crisis She said, “I think the pressure survey highlights what actually community pharmacists might be on the ground already know that the pressure is really immense right now in pharmacy And one of our biggest pressure points is the shortages of medicines And it's the fallout of that that we're really struggling with at the moment because every day there's a medication we can't get for somebody Every day, we ’ re getting lots of phone calls from people who are desperate to find a source of their medication Because it s out of stock and they're trying lots of pharmacies

“Every day we're spending lots of hours

When asked what steps could the government take to initiate immediate relief, Barai said, “Report after report is showing how this is really affecting the pharmacy team What we're asking for is a couple of things One, is to be given the permission to swap things so for example, if I can't get a premium version of something, can I give the ointment maybe instead? Or, if I can't get a tablet version could I give the capsule version and sensor just small population changes that would make life so much easier for us and support our patients better? But also we need the government to tackle the problems only getting worse and the reasons for it are many it feels like nobody's trying to solve the problem because community pharmacy is dealing with all of this in the background so silently that nobody realises the pressure it's causing ”

Speaking about those who are most impacted by this crisis, Reena told us, “At the moment we re struggling to get hold of some diabetic medication in particular And the one that's causing the most concern at the moment as children are doing GCSE, including university students and most importantly, ADHD medication Many children and young people rely on those medications to concentrate on their exams and obviously, they are now struggling because they can't get hold of the medication and we're getting lots of desperate parents ringing around pharmacies, trying to get

According to her, the short-term solution is to allow pharmacists to change products “If I can't get a tablet version the long-term solution is a government task force needs to be set up to look into the modern workforce Is it because of Brexit? Is it because of exchange rates? Is it because of the economy? Is it because of the wars going around in the world? And you know, what is it that is causing the shortages? And, you know, Britain needs to ensure that its residents and citizens don't go without medication You know, we're a first-world country and we're struggling to give medication to our patients, which just doesn't seem right,” Reena added

From a business perspective, pharmacy owners highlighted the significant increase in medicines supply chain and wholesaler issues compared to the previous year, with 91% reporting a notable escalation in challenges This exacerbates the operational and financial pressures faced by pharmacies, posing a threat to their viability and potentially leading to closures Medicine supply issues have been identified as one of the most severe pressures on pharmacy businesses, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue

The strain of navigating medicine supply issues has taken a toll on pharmacy teams, with 94% of pharmacy owners reporting that their teams spend more time sourcing medicines compared to the previous year This diverts resources away from core tasks and adds to workload pressures, leading to increased stress and frustration among staff members Additionally, 84% of pharmacy team members reported experiencing patient aggression, further exacerbating the challenges faced by pharmacy teams

VIREN AHLUWALHIA

Wedding Photography Reel Doctor shot

Bali Shot

light saber shot

Meera Patel reflects on cultural representation in music

Subhasini Naicker

Meera Patel, a prodigious talent and second generation immigrant in the UK c omme nc ed her m us ic al journey at age seven, mastering the violin as her prim ary in st rumen t Recognised for her exceptional skill, s he became a Jun ior A rtis t with the e s tee med Lon don Philharmonic Orchestra at a remarkably young age

Since then, she has graced renowned stages worldwide, captivating audiences with virtuosic performances, including solo concertos in illustrious venues like the Royal Festival Hall, Guildhall, and even performed in international cities such as Prague and Venice

In an interview with Asian Voice, Meera discusses incorporating South Asian elements into violin performances, her inspiration behind supporting CICS and much more

Have you incorporated elements of South Asian music or culture into your performances, and if so, how has that been received by audiences?

A lot of the music I have ‘formally’ learned on the violin over the years has been western classical Yet, constantly retaining an open mind in everything I do is something I always aspire towards, in the same way that I like to believe that ‘South Asian music’ and/or ‘culture’ need not to be limited to only one connotation In the past I have played (as an extra player) Indian music with the ‘Zohra’ orchestra, Afghanistan’s first allfemale orchestra, when they toured to London I’ve also undertaken work experience with British composer, record producer and tablaplayer Kuljit Bhamra MBE

The level of fusion between genres and music from different continents is something that I found very inspiring, as well as his work to ‘demystify’ tabla playing and bring it to more diverse audiences Recently, I have played the violin a few times to older Indian audiences –

an old mix of Indian songs, which was very well received so overall it has been a positive experience

Howhas your experience

as a South Asian violinist in the UK influenced your integration into musical spaces predominantly occupied by white musicians?

As a second-generation immigrant in the UK, I have often felt a complex and multifaceted sense of identity, and have never wanted to tie my identity down to one thing or one culture Having said that, I have at times, it seems, seamlessly integrated myself into musical spaces predominantly occupied by white musicians In other settings I have been one of many South Asian musicians, playing European music, and at other times, playing South Asian music

From when I first started playing the violin, in many settings I was acutely aware that there were very few people around me, with brown skin, pursuing it to the level that I was aspiring towards That’s not to say that South Asian violinists playing to a high level are unheard of, but the concept of succeeding and reaching a high-level on the violin often felt presented from the outside as something only attainable for people of a certain background – such as being ethnically white/European, and not very welcoming of diverse backgrounds

As an Oxford University student, I faced challenges as the only South Asian among a music cohort heavily focused on Western classical traditions Despite efforts to improve diversity, I found the curriculum often biassed towards Western classical music, particularly in orchestra and compulsory modules

Whatinspired you to lend your support to the Cochlear Implanted Children Support Group Charity (CICS)?

My two younger twin sisters, Ria and Karissa, were born deaf Ria has severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, while Karissa has profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss My

mother, incredibly observant, detected their deafness early on, marking the start of a new journey Karissa underwent surgery for cochlear implants, while Ria was fitted with hearing aids Growing up with access to both the Deaf and Hearing worlds, my sisters became inspirations, overcoming obstacles along the way CICS, a small charity run by parents, provided invaluable support to our family in the early years and continues to aid other families with profoundly deaf children

During my time at Oxford, I organised concerts, raising awareness about Deafness, with fundraising efforts such as for another charity –National Deaf Children’s society Deafness, though diverse and intricate, has always been present in my life, despite not being deaf myself Similarly, music has played a multifaceted role in shaping my experiences

Whatmessage or legacy do you hope to leave for future generations of musicians, especially those from diverse cultural backgrounds?

Wherever life may take you, there is always something to learn from music

To those from diverse cultural backgrounds – your diversity is a strength and gives you a unique insight, free from the constraints that may be posed by the status-quo For many younger generations – it may be likely that your cultural identification is a real mix, especially in the UK, and you will encounter a real diverse range of cultural experiences which foster open-mindedness – this too is a strength – such as the ability to integrate musically with many people from different backgrounds but also have a richness of heritage to draw upon

Employers support school Religious Education for inclusivity

Over thirty employers and business leaders from sectors including finance, higher education, and hospitality have signed a Call to Action urging the government and s c hools to enhanc e the teaching of religious education

The campaign is spearheaded by Lord Bilimoria, former vice president of the Confederation of Business and Industry and Chancellor of the University of

Birmingham, who issued an open letter emphasizing the importance of high-quality religious education in schools for fostering an inclusive, globally-minded workplace

“Over the last decade, the subject has evolved to provide a much-needed space in the classroom for young people to engage with the complexity of modern belief,” he wrote, adding that it helps students “avoid mis-

Asian communities alerted of gold theft surge

Pol

ic e a re ad visin g As ia n communities to stay alert following a surge in burglaries aimed at stealing family gold

Since the beginning of 2024, thieves have stolen hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of gold, specifically targeting Indian, Pakistani, and other Asian households, according to authorities

The advisory comes at a crucial moment as the Hindu spring festival of Akshaya Tritiya, during which Hindu and Jain families traditionally purchase gold, occurred on May 10

There is speculation that burglars might have been randomly contacting households, feigning wrong numbers as a pretext for later targeting specific homes

As of this year, Hampshire has experienced 19 burglaries, while Dorset and Surrey police have collectively reported 31 goldrelated burglaries since January, totaling an estimated value of £200,000

Similar patterns have emerged in established Asian communities located in Slough, Maidenhead, and Windsor

Devon and Cornwall

Police cautioned that the upcoming wedding season this summer could be a prime target for potential burglars Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police noted that criminal groups are aware that numerous affluent Asian families opt to store their wealth at home rather than in banks Ch Insp Matt Paling from Hampshire Police emphasised, "We have observed a rise in high-value gold theft, and I want to assure the community that we are taking all necessary measures and urge everyone to remain vigilant "

Pakistan army honours UK boxer Amir Khan

Am ir Khan , t he r etir ed British-Pakistani boxer, was recently bestowed with the honorary rank of captain by the Pakistan army

Khan clarified that the honour was unrelated to Pakistan's political developments, contrary to some media reports Khan expressed his gratitude to the army in a video posted on his Instagram account This development follows Khan's revelation that the Frontier Corps (FC) paramilitary force had assumed control of his boxing academy in Islamabad and repurposed it for their use

Established after signing a memorandum of under-

standing in 2015, Khan's academy was temporarily shuttered during the Covid19 pandemic and subsequently occupied by the FC in 2022

In response to public outcry, the Pakistan Sports Board recently intervened to reclaim and vacate the

premises of the Amir Khan Boxing Academy

Expressing gratitude to the government for reclaiming the facility, Khan affirmed that the academy would resume operations within a month

Hailing from Bolton, Khan secured a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics at the age of 17 His accomplishments extended to winning the WBA light-welterweight title in 2009 In 2022, Khan declared his retirement from boxing following a defeat against Kell Brook He faced a twoyear ban from all sports after testing positive for a prohibited substance

UK port stops involve BAME people

Figures reveal that approxima tely 70 % of i nd ivi dua ls ha lted a t UK p orts und er a nti- te r r or ism la ws s ince 2021 hailed from black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds These statistics ha v e ra ise d ap pr eh en sion s regarding the perception of in stituti ona l r a cism withi n counter-terrorist policing

Data from police logs, disclosed to the Guardian under freedom of information laws, indicate that less than one in five individuals stopped under the same laws during this period were documented as white

Campaigners argue that the figures provide evidence of the disproportionate impact of counter-terrorism laws on black and minority ethnic groups They also assert that the data challenges assertions made by police leaders regarding the effectiveness of counter-terrorism officers in addressing the escalating threat of violence from white far-right extremists

The figures show that of the 8,095 people stopped at UK ports in the last three years under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, 5,619

(69 4%) people were recorded as being from BAME backgrounds In the same period, 1,585 (19 6%) people stopped under schedule 7 were recorded as white British, white Irish or white other The ethnicity was not recorded in 891 (11%) of cases, reflecting the fact that it is not a legal requirement for police to record the ethnicity of those stopped

The police monitoring group Netpol said the ethnicity breakdown suggested that counter-terrorist officers were underestimating the threat of far-right extremism

Girlfriend, mother convicted for not reporting terror plans

In two separate criminal tria ls, the m other an d girlfriend of two Islamist terrorists have been convicted for failing to disclose plans for a terror attack

conceptions” and “leave school ready to work with people around the world from all walks of life ”

He praised RE teachers as “ some of the most passionate in the country,” but expressed concern about the lack of funding and support for them As part of the campaign, Young Ambassadors for Religious Education have shared videos explaining how the subject helps prepare them for the workplace

Tasnia Ahmed, 21, from Tower Hamlets in East London, did not report her then-boyfriend Al-Arfat Hassan to the police despite knowing his intentions to carry out a mass casualty attack using a knife or bomb

Earlier this year, 21year-old drill rapper Hassan, who used his music to "glorify" Islamic State killings, was convicted after purchasing chemicals online to construct an improvised explosive device

and possessing terrorist material This included a video showing how to kill a prisoner with knives and make an improvised explosive device In February, he was sentenced at the Old Bailey to five years in prison, followed by an additional two years on license

His co-defendant, 17year-old Sameer Anjum from Leeds, was jailed for two-and-a-half years for failing to disclose information about Hassan’s terrorist activities and possessing the same video Anjum, who had been exchanging extremist messages, graphics, and voice notes with Hassan almost daily over several months, can now be

named after reporting restrictions were lifted

Anjum’s mother, Nabeela Anjum, has also been convicted for failing to disclose information about Hassan’s activities, which she learned from her son

The 48-year-old woman was found guilty today following a trial at Leeds Crown Court, where she denied all knowledge of the activities

However, a jury was shown detailed messages in which she pleaded with her son to stop communicating with Hassan In one message following Hassan’s arrest, she told her teenage son: “Please get rid of everything from your phone ”

Meera Patel

MAC recommends maintaining UK Graduate Route

Subhasini Naicker

T

h e Mig r ati on Adv iso r y Committee (MAC) has concluded its rapid review of t h e UK g r adu ate ro ut e, fin din g no ev idenc e of widespread abuse

The Graduate Route visa, introduced in July 2021, allows international students to remain in the UK for up to two years (three years for PhD graduates) after completing their studies

The report represents a pivotal moment for the sector as it recommends that the government retains the two-year visa unchanged It emphasises that the graduate route does not compromise the integrity and quality of the UK higher education system Instead, it suggests that the route facilitates universities in diversifying their course offerings and compensating for financial deficits incurred from domestic students and research

The eagerly awaited 70page report outlines the committee's findings, chaired by Brian Bell, a professor at King’s College London The committee was tasked with investigation by Home Secretary James Cleverly

MAC's report on the graduate route is the first comprehensive examination of the visa system, benefiting from new data provided by the Home Office Key findings highlight the concentration of usage among four nationalities: India, Nigeria, China, and Pakistan, which collectively represent 70% of all graduate visas, with Indian nationals alone constituting over 40% The majority of visa holders completed postgraduate taught courses, a trend that has grown since the route's inception Additionally, the age profile of applicants has shifted, with a notable increase in the proportion of main applicants aged over 25, reaching 54% in 2023

The MAC review, initially focused on the graduate route and any potential abuse, also addresses broader issues in international recruitment Policy changes, like the ban on dependants, may decrease future use of the graduate route Some university recruitment agents may provide misleading information to international students, impacting recruitment Further restrictions could jeopardise the government's goal of hosting 600,000 international students and exacerbate financial strain on universities, potentially leading to job losses, course closures, and reduced research Such restrictions also diminish the UK's attractiveness compared to other countries like

Australia, Canada, and Germany

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are hosting a Zoom event on May 16 to delve into recent immigration policy changes and the associated issues Mr Kanti Nagda MBE, CEO of Sangat Advice Centre, will be the distinguished guest speaker at the event NISAU positively response to the MAC report on the Graduate Route

The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK welcomes the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) recent 'Rapid Review of the Graduate Route' NISAU actively contributed evidence to the MAC, advocating for the preservation of the Graduate route visa without changes

Sanam Arora, Chair of

NISAU, expressed satisfaction with the MAC's decision to retain the Graduate route, addressing concerns about education mis-selling by agents She emphasised the importance of distinguishing between 'work' and 'work experience' and highlighted the significance of work opportunities for Indian students 70% of Indian students have told us that the number one point that makes them ultimately choose between Australia or Canada or UK or in America is the ability to gain that work experience for a couple of years Arora stressed the need for stability, urging the UK Government to promptly confirm the permanence of the Graduate route

Vignesh Karthik, Head of Thought Leadership at NISAU, underscores the importance of the Graduate route for international students, providing them opportunities in the UK job market He urges the government to heed the MAC s findings and ensure the stability of the Graduate route

Additionally, Karthik emphasises the need for employers to utilise the route effectively to address critical skills shortages

Furthermore, Karthik highlights the significant economic and cultural contributions of international graduates on the Graduate route He notes the impact of policy changes on university recruitment and stresses the importance of universities in providing

career support Karthik underscores the Graduate route's role in post-study opportunities and the UK's competitiveness, citing its substantial economic benefits

Other organisations welcomes MAC's recommendation to retain the Graduate Route visa

NUS UK VP Higher Education, C hlo e F ield, praises MAC's recommendation to maintain the Graduate Route visa, advocating for easy access to quality education in the UK She highlights the positive impact of cultural diversity on students' learning experiences and emphasises the importance of borderless education Field urges the government to heed MAC's advice and preserve the Graduate Route visa

Rosalind Gill, Head of

Policy and Engagement at the National Centre for Universities and Business, underscores the positive impact of international students on the UK She emphasises the disruption caused by the government's review request, urging swift confirmation of no route changes to mitigate further effects Gill highlights the enriching contributions of international students to academic environments, emphasising their role in fostering diversity and cultural exchange She concludes by emphasising the benefits that universities and businesses derive from international students

John Foster, CBI Chief

Policy and Campaigns Officer, highlights the significance of international students as a major export success for the UK He emphasises the positive impact of attracting international students on local economies and underscores the importance of maintaining competitiveness to support undergraduate teaching and innovation Foster urges swift action to confirm the future of the graduate visa, emphasising the need to end damaging speculation

A more equal and culturally competent approach to therapy

Shefali Saxena Found er & CEO Sonia Kaurah started the company in 2023 after she found the process of finding a therapist for herself exhausting and expe nsive to have to educate them on her cultural background and the specific challenges she faces living in the Western world Sonia is a second-generation Aus tralian of South Asian heritage, she has a degree in Ps yc holog y a nd is exVenture Capital and startup mentor

She believed there should be a more equal and culturally competent approach to therapy Here’s her exclusive interview with Asian Voice centred on her work around mental health

Canyou explain how Tala Thrive ensures culturally competent care for its users,

pists and coaches who understand their culture, language, and/or religion?

Culturally competent care ensures that support is delivered in a manner that respects and integrates the cultural backgrounds, beliefs and preferences of individuals At Tala Thrive, we prioritise this approach to ensure our users receive the most effective and personalised care

Firstly, our AI-enabled platform begins by asking users about their cultural background, religious beliefs, and the importance

they place on having a practitioner who understands these aspects Additionally, we inquire about the language preference for sessions, recognising that English may not always be preferred Users can also select areas of support that many other platforms don’t offer such as racial trauma, cultural identity, generational trauma, colourism, visa stress and more Because you shouldn’t pay to educate your therapist about your culture and be matched with someone who just gets it!

Houtilise AI technology to enhance mental health sup-

individual needs?

Our AI-enabled process is simple and efficient:

Brief Questionnaire: Users answer just 13 questions about their cultural background, religious beliefs, areas of concern, and practitioner preferences

AI-Powered Matching: Our algorithm analyses the user's responses and suggests two highly compatible

therapists or coaches from our diverse pool of providers

Detailed Profiles: Users can review comprehensive profiles of their matches, including the practitioners' lived experiences, expertise, and specialisations

User s Choice: After reviewing, users can select their preferred therapist, or life or executive coach and book a session at a convenient time

Can you elaborate on the self-led programs offered by Tala Thrive and how they c o m p l e m e n t t h e v i d e o c a l l sessions with therapists and coaches?

In addition to video therapy sessions, Tala Thrive is developing self-led mental health programs with the expertise of Norman Kim, a racial trauma expert at the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry These programs will consist of educational materials and worksheets covering areas such as racial trauma, generational trauma, minority stress, cultural identity issues, and colourism

For generational trauma, for example, the self-led program will start with a few questions to understand the user's current situation It will then provide education on what is generational trauma, how it manifests physically and emotionally, and finally, offer strategies and exercises to improve the user's situation

Young genius: 11-year-old Dhruv joins Mensa with exceptional IQ score

At just 11 years old, Dhruv, a st ud ent a t Robin Hoo d Ju nio r Scho ol in Su tt on, L ond on, r e cent l y joine d Me nsa a ft e r scor ing an exceptional 162 on an IQ test

According to a report published in the Evening Standard, previously diagnosed with special educational needs, Dhruv's transformation from struggling academically to Mensa membership astonishes his father, Praveen Kumar, who once despaired at Dhruv s academic challenges

His headteacher, Elisabeth Broers, describes

Dhruv as an exceptional student, noting his talents in art and his ability to share knowledge with classmates While proud of his achievement, Dhruv remains humble about his IQ results Mensa, founded in England in 1946, boasts a global membership of 140,000, including 18,000 in the UK, with members spanning ages two to 102

The society admits individuals with IQ scores in the top two per cent of the population, offering tests to those aged 10 and above, while younger applicants must provide evidence of

their exceptional intelligence Dhruv's journey from academic struggles to Mensa membership serves as a testament to his perseverance and intellectual prowess, inspiring pride in his family and admiration from his school community A spokesperson for Mensa UK told Asian Voice, “Anyone who registers an IQ score which places them in the top two per cent of the population has done remarkably well The score Dhruv achieved therefore is very good and shows he has great potential ”

British, Nepali achieve new heights on Everest

Hiking officials have reported that a British climber and a N epa li guid e h ave surpassed their own records for the most ascents of Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world

According to Rakesh Gurung, the director of Nepal's Department of Tourism, Kenton Cool from Britain, aged 50, and Nepali guide Kami Rita Sherpa, aged 54, successfully scaled the 8,849-metre (29,032-

foot) summit of Mount Everest for the 18th and 29th times, respectively

They were on separate expeditions guiding their clients

“He just keeps going and going amazing guy!”

Garrett Madison of the USbased expedition organising company Madison

Mountaineering said of the Nepali climber

Lukas Furtenbach, representing the Austrian

expedition operator Furtenbach Adventures, hailed Cool's achievement as remarkable

Both climbers opted for the Southeast Ridge route to reach the summit

This route, initially traversed by the pioneering climbers Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953, remains the favoured path to Mount Everest's peak

Sonia Kaurah

Sanam Arora Rosalind Gill

John Foster

Over 3,000 participants are expected to join from UK and Europe in the 18 May Public event

On 20 May, a special event “In Conversation with Daaji” is organised by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar at the House of Lords

Daaji will receive the prestigious Freedom of the City award

nd on L eading sp iritual o rganization Heartfulness and its esteemed Global Guid e, known as Daaji makes h is high ly anticipated retu rn to th e U nited Ki ngd o m after a decade Scheduled fro m

1 6th to 22nd May 2024 , th is v isit w ill m ark a sig nificant milestone as Daaji reunites with UK audiences

To kick off the series of events, Heartfulness and Daaji will host a Masterclass in Meditation at the InterContinental London – The O2 on Saturday, 18th May, from 10 AM to 12 PM Open to the public at no cost, this session will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to learn from Daaji himself about the transformative benefits of Heartfulness meditation With over 3000 participants expected from the UK and Europe, including distinguished dignitaries, this event promises to be enlightening and inspiring The theme of this event is “Empowering Humanity Through Meditation” This event is free of

Daaji returns to the United Ki ngd om after a d ecade

charge To register, click: https://events heartfulness uk/da ajiinlondon2024

Another remarkable event will be on 20 May 2024, Monday at the House of Lords, UK Parliament Palace of Westminster The select guests’ event- “In Conversation with Daaji” is organised by Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice It will provide a unique opportunity to learn about the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits of the Heartfulness Way directly from Daaji This event will have an interfaith dialogue to promote harmony and unity through Heartfulness Meditation The

Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC will moderate the Fireside Chat

Recognised globally for his contributions, Daaji, a recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan award in India, has recently been appointed as the Global Ambassador for Peacebuilding and Faith to the Commonwealth by Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC, Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral In acknowledgement of his lifetime dedication to humanity and noteworthy efforts in education, wellness, and environmental initiatives through

Heartfulness, Daaji will be honoured with the esteemed Freedom of the City Award by the City of London during his visit

Expressing his gratitude, Daaji stated, “I am delighted to reconnect with the United Kingdom and accept the Freedom of the City Award This recognition is an honour Now more than ever, unity and harmony are important Meditation serves as an important means to bring the world together ”

Founded in India in 1945, Heartfulness offers accessible and practical relaxation, meditation, and rejuvenation techniques to promote self-growth and inner

peace in today’s fast-paced world With a global community of over ten million practitioners across 160 countries, supported by 16,000 trainers, Heartfulness continues to impact individuals worldwide positively

Daaji's teachings are deeply rooted in his journey on the Heartfulness path, his profound interest in meditation, and his unwavering respect for diverse spiritual traditions and scientific explorations His extensive work includes the establishment of Kanha Shanti Vanam, the expansive world headquarters of Heartfulness, featuring the largest meditation hall globally accommodating over 200,000 individuals

During his stay, Daaji will engage with esteemed local leaders, including signing a special Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Secretariat, delivering a speech at the 22nd Commonwealth Education Ministers Conference at Marlborough House, engaging with Members of Parliament and esteemed members of society at the House of Lords, and meeting with practitioners of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha at the Neasden Temple in London Daaji will also meet the founders of The Unity of Faiths Foundation (TUFF) a British NGO that works on 4 continents worldwide to start a mutual partnership in delivering humanity projects For more information on Heartfulness in the UK, visit https://heartfulness uk To explore Daaji’s journey and teachings, visit https://daaji org

“India is the mother of spirituality and democracy” says President Murmu at Global Spirituality Mahotsav in Kanha Shanti Vanam ~ Spiritual Gurus dwelled on ideas of inner peace, togetherness and global harmony H y de r a b a d S m t D ro up ad i Murm u - Hon’bl e Pres ident of India grace d the spirit uality c ong r eg a t io n ‘ G l ob

Ma hotsav’ taking pla ce at Kanha Shant i Vanam – the hea dquarters of Hea rtfulness on 15 M arch 202 4 The four-day spirituality summit brought by the Ministry of Culture and Heartfulness is unique in that it has brought together the spirituality gurus of all faiths and communities together at one platform to raise the collective human consciousness together The summit is themed at "Inner Peace to World Peace" The conference aims to bring interfaith dialogues and help people of every age and every walk of life connect with spirituality in daily life Anthem song for Global Spirituality Mahotsav titled ‘Inner Peace to World Peace’ was launched during the summit

A panel discussion on ‘Inner Peace to World Peace’ witnessed meaningful thoughts coming from noted panelists viz , Ranjana Chopra, Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Culture; Gaur Gopal Das (ISKCON); Swami Atmapriyananda (Ramakrishna Mission); Sister Usha Behn (BrahmaKumaris); HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji (Shri Vaishnavism); and Sh Kamlesh D Patel (Daaji)

Global Guide of Heartfulness

A second panel discussion on ‘Spirituality in Daily Lives’ by Jt Secy Smt Amita Prasad Sarabhai, Ministry of Culture (Performing Arts); Swami Gita Govind Giriji Maharaj (Gita Parivar); Sadhvi

Shilapi Ji Maharaj (Veerayatan); Pujya Bhaishree Ramesh Bhai Oza (Raj Chandra Mission); Yogi Nath J (Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan) + Experiential demonstration by Warkari groups; Dr Jayanti Ravi (Auroville Foundation); Master G Shri Rajesh Kamra and Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary General

Some of the organisations coming together for the Global Spirituality Mahotsav are the Ramakrishna Mission, Parmarth Niketan, The Art of Living Foundation, The Mata Amritanandamayi Math, Archbishop of Hyderabad, Rev Cardinal Anthony Poola, Shri Chinna Jee yar Swami Ji, The Brahma Kumaris, Patanjali Yogpeeth, Maharishi Foundation (Transcendental Meditation), Isha Foundation, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, Archdiocese of

Hyderabad, Rashtra Sant Tukdoji Maharaj Akhil Bhartiya Shri Gurudeo Seva Mandal, Sant Dnyaneshwar Devasthan, Alandi, All India Imam Organization, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur and the Shri Ram Chandra Mission/ Heartfulness

The summit hosted various panel discussions, cultural programs associated with spirituality, an exhibition showcasing India’s spiritual history, narratives of peace, and an immersive experience for spirituality through books and music There were also panchakarma centres set up for those who want to avail wellness and therapeutic sessions The role of eminent people from film, music, and sports in sensitizing people to who partook in the Global Spirituality Mahotsav is also being appreciated

Hon’ble Commonwealth Secretary-General confers the title of Global Ambassador of Peacebuilding and Faith in the Commonwealth upon Daaji

Hyderabad: Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission has been conferred with the honour of 'Global Ambassador of Peacebuilding and Faith in the Commonwealth' by the Commonwealth Secretariat

Hon'ble Commonwealth Secretary General Rt Hon Patricia

the

The

by

Hon Patricia Scotland and Hon’ble Vice President

Scotland conferred

prestigious honour upon Daaji

honour was presented jointly

Rt

of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankar at Kanha Shanti Vanam on 17th March 2024

Secretary General, Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland conferred the prestigious Global Peace Ambassador to Daaji in the presence of Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar

Hon ble President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu with leading spiritual gurus from India and the world at the Global Spirituality Mahotsav held in association with the Ministry of Culture and Heartfulness at Kanha Shanti Vanam

Hon'ble President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu being presented a memento of the Indian national emblem by Daaji - Guide of Heartfulness & President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission as Hon'ble Minister of State for Culture Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal ji looks on at the Global Spirituality Mahotsav held at Kanha Shanti Vanam

Dear Financial Voice Reader,

Alpesh Patel

I recently showed a reader the 50% return Microsoft achieved in 2021 And then showed that for 6 of those months (in total) out of 12 months of that year, it produced 0% What does that mean We all want the 50%, but we don’t have the patience to sit through 0% periods And how do we know a 0% period is not the end of the ride and our money underperforming the bank is not a bad idea?

Key Steps

1 Analyze Historical Performance

Begin by examining the historical performance of the stock in question This involves identifying periods of 0% returns and significant drawdowns Historical analysis provides insights into the stock's behaviour over various market conditions and helps establish a baseline for future expectations

Gather Data: Collect historical price data for the stock over a meaningful period, typically 5-10 years

Identify Trends: Look for patterns, such as the frequency and duration of 0% return periods and drawdowns

Statistical Analysis: Use statistical tools to analyze the data, calculating metrics like average drawdown duration and recovery time

2 Assume Similar Future Patterns

Once historical patterns are identified, assume that similar durations of 0% returns and drawdowns may occur in the future This assumption helps set realistic expectations and prepares investors for potential stagnation periods

Scenario Planning: Develop scenarios based on historical data to anticipate possible future performance

Risk Management: Incorporate these scenarios into your risk management strategy, setting aside reserves to weather periods of low or negative returns

3 Set Realistic Expectations

Use the historical and scenario analysis to set realistic expectations for your investments Understanding that periods of 0% returns and drawdowns are part of the investment cycle can prevent hasty decisions driven by short-term market movements

Long-term Perspective: Emphasize a long-term perspective in your investment strategy, focusing on overall growth rather than short-term gains

Patience and Discipline: Cultivate patience and discipline, recognizing that drawdowns are temporary and part of the journey to achieving higher returns

4 Monitor Performance Regularly

Regular monitoring of stock performance is crucial to adjust strategies as needed This involves staying updated on market trends, company news, and economic indicators that may impact stock prices

Frequent Reviews: Schedule regular reviews of your investment portfolio, at least quarterly

Performance Metrics: Track key performance metrics, such as return on investment (ROI), volatility, and drawdown periods

Adjust Strategies: Be prepared to adjust your investment strategies based on performance reviews and market conditions

Cautionary Notes

Avoid Overconfidence: Overconfidence can lead to risky investment decisions Stay grounded by relying on data and analysis rather than gut feelings or market hype

Pr emat ure Exit s: Avoid the temptation to exit investments prematurely, especially during periods of 0% returns Patience can often lead to significant longterm gains

Impulse Trading: Resist the urge to overtrade or make impulsive decisions based on short-term fluctuations Such actions can erode returns and increase transaction costs

Tips for Efficiency

Historical Data Tracking: Maintain a detailed record of historical data and trends for informed decisionmaking Tools like Excel or investment software can be useful for this purpose

Ut iliz e Mo nito r ing T oo l s: Leverage tools and resources such as financial news platforms, stock monitoring apps, and market analysis reports to stay updated

Seek Expert Advice: When in doubt, seek advice from financial experts or conduct thorough research

Understanding various perspectives can provide a more comprehensive view of potential investments

In conclusion, effectively managing stock investments requires a combination of historical analysis, realistic expectations, regular monitoring, and disciplined decision-making By following these steps, investors can better navigate periods of 0% returns and drawdowns, ultimately maximizing their returns over the long term

Britain exits recession as GDP surges by 0.6% in first quarter

The British economy saw its most significant growth in nearly three years during the first quarter of 2024, signalling the conclusion of the recent recession

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there was a 0 6 percent increase in gross domestic product from January to March, marking the highest growth rate

since late 2021

Analysts had forecasted a 0 4 percent expansion, following a 0 3 percent decline in the preceding quarter

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his satisfaction with the news, asserting that the economy had "turned a corner," whereas the opposition Labour Party chastised the government for being dis-

Thinktank warns of tax rise after UK election without fiscal rule reform

A prominent thinktank has warned that the incoming gov ern men t wil l nee d t o implement post-election tax inc re as es an d poten tial ly pos tpon e inve st men ts in a chiev ing ne t ze ro emissions unless it is willing to re c ons id er t he Tre as ury' s financial management regulations

The National Institute for Economic and Social Research (Niesr) advocated for a significant restructuring of the self-imposed limitations on government borrowing and debt

It cautioned that ongoing sluggish growth and reduced inflation would pose challenges in adhering to these regulations In its quarterly assessment, the thinktank noted that while the economy had rebounded from recession, the cur-

rent fiscal rules were deemed inadequate, leaving no room for Jeremy Hunt to propose new tax cuts ahead of the upcoming elections

After the general election, Niesr said a future chancellor would be faced with a choice: raise taxes to maintain the existing provision of public services or rewrite the rules so that they served the UK’s medium- and long-term needs and objectives – including raising the growth rate, levelling up the regions and greening the economy

Niesr anticipated a 0 4% increase in output during the initial three months of 2024 However, for the entirety of 2024, it revised its growth projection slightly downward from 0 9% to 0 8% compared to its forecast three months earlier

connected from the economic realities faced by voters

Finance minister Jeremy Hunt said, “There is no doubt it has been a difficult few years, but today’s growth figures are proof that the economy is returning to full health for the first time since the pandemic ”

“We’re growing this year and have the best outlook

among European G7 countries over the next six years, ” he said

The announcement coincided with the Bank of England's decision to maintain its main interest rate at a 16-year high The Bank projected a growth of 0 4 per cent for the first quarter and a more modest increase of 0 2 per cent for the subsequent quarter

MPs warn unfair banking affecting SMEs

The Treasury Committee of Parliament has issued a warning, expressing concerns over unfair banking practices and the detrimental impact of financial regulators on small businesses

A report stemming from the committee's inquiry into access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighted a lack of supportive policies exacerbating challenges faced by businesses, particularly amidst the turbulent circumstances of the past five years, including the global pandemic and energy crisis

The report noted a decline in SMEs' confidence in accessing finance, coupled with significantly lower acceptance rates for business credit It attributed these trends to unfair banking practices that may have further restricted access to finance and suppressed demand, consequently disincentivising risk-taking, innovation, and potential growth among small businesses

MPs identified various detrimental practices harming firms, such as the use of personal guarantees, where borrowers are required to leverage their homes as collateral against loans Additionally, the report highlighted concerns about debanking, wherein banks have closed 140,000 SME accounts in 2023 alone, often without adequate explanation This practice disproportionately affects sectors considered less desirable by banks, including defence, pawnbroking, and amusement machines

Moreover, the report criticised the substandard processes for resolving disputes between SMEs and their banks, emphasising the need for improved mechanisms to address disagreements effectively

NatWest receives more than £110m investment from US investor

A promin ent US inve st or has begun investing heavily in NatWest shares following a significan t reduc tion in the government s ownership stake, easing concerns about state intervention in the rescued banking group Los Angeles-based Capital Group, among the world's oldest and largest investment firms, boasting over £2 5 trillion under management, has acquired over £110 million worth of

NatWest shares This move comes shortly after the government reduced its stake, propelling Capital Group into the bank's top 30 shareholder list

Capital had reportedly been contemplating acquiring a stake for several months, particularly after observing strong profits and holding discussions with the newly appointed chief executive, Paul Thwaite, in February

NatWest posted its largest annual profit since the onset of the financial crisis in 2007 last year, buoyed by high interest rates Nevertheless, according to a source in the City, investors such as Capital had been deterred by the government's 30% stake, which retained its status as a controlling shareholder

The government's ownership stake is a legacy of its £46 billion bailout of

NatWest, previously known as the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, during the 2008 financial crisis, which saw the state acquiring an 83% stake in the lender In late March, the government's ownership fell below 30% for the first time, paving the way for a new round of investment from the US firm

AI firm commits £1 billion investment in Britain

Co reWeav e, a p ro minent American AI infrastructure group, is injecting an initial £ 1 bil l ion int o Br it ain, marking the third substantial investment in the UK's rapidly expanding AI sector

The company has inaugurated a London office to function as its European headquarters and is launching two data centres in the capital this year, with intentions to broaden its presence further by 2025

Wayve, a British company specialising in driverless cars, secured $1 billion from Softbank, Nvidia, and

Microsoft, while San Francisco's Scale AI revealed intentions to establish its European headquarters in Britain

Rishi Sunak, with a declared goal of positioning the UK as a global leader in regulating and innovating technology, hailed the latest investment as a move

that would "solidify the UK's status as an AI and tech powerhouse " CoreWeave, with a recent valuation of $19 billion, operates as a cloud service provider catering to businesses requiring substantial amounts of highperformance computer power, commonly referred to as "compute " Though not widely recognized by the general public, it holds a prominent position within the tech sphere for its provision of access to Nvidia's sought-

after AI computer processors, known as graphics processing units (GPUs) The demand for these GPUs is so significant that Elon Musk once likened them to being harder to obtain than drugs " They are stored in data centres and their capacity can be rented by companies for power-hungry work, such as training large language models and running AI applications CoreWeave’s founder, Michael Intrator, has dubbed the chips “the Maserati” of cloud infrastructure

Tata Motors profit in Q4 triples to £1.75 bn on tax gains

Tata Motors saw its profit

more than triple to £1 75 bn

in the March quarter aided b y tax c redit gain s a nd benefiting from the strength of its Brit is h unit Ja guar

Land Rover

For the full fiscal of 2024, profit rose 1,082% to £3 18 bn on the back of revenue that jumped 27% to £43 4 bn These are the highest-ever numbers reported by the car maker

Revenue during the fourth quarter of FY24 rose 14% to nearly £12 bn on the back of strong demand

Expenses climbed 9% to just over £11 bn

The management expects local demand for

vehicles to weaken during the first half of this fiscal as uncertainty around elections could impact sales It, however, expects the domestic demand scenario to be better during the second half of the fiscal The

luxury segment demand would likely remain resilient in this fiscal, a positive sign for its money minting unit

JLR In Q4 FY24, Tata Motors recognised a tax credit gain of £788 7 mn, largely on account of JLR

At nearly £2.1 bn, SBI posts highest ever profit in a quarter

SBI reported its highest ever net profit of £2 06 bn in Q4 - the biggest quarterly profit by any Indian bank The state owned lende r ’ s profit rose 24% from £1 66 bn in the year-ago period, b eat in g an aly st expectations of around £1 4 bn

SBI’s profit is also the highest reported by any entity in this quarter Reliance Industries posted a net profit of £1 89 bn in Q4, while HDFC Bank, which was previously the most profitable lender, reported a profit of £1 65 bn in the same period SBI’s FY24 net profit stood at £6 11 bn - a growth

of 22% over the previous year - after accounting for wage settlement and a onetime exceptional item of £710 mn

After the announcement, the bank’s shares closed at Rs 820, a 1% gain despite an over 1,000point fall in the sensex The

gain added over £800 mn to SBI’s market cap, which now stands at £73 bn behind ICICI Bank (£78 bn) and HDFC Bank (£110 bn) SBI declared a dividend of Rs 13 7 per share The bank’s margins improved because the bank’s credit growth during the quarter outpaced deposit growth As of the end of March 2024, the bank’s deposits stood at £476 bn, an increase of 11 1% from £442 bn a year earlier Advances grew 15 2% to £377 bn, up from £327 bn a year earlier

Businessmen eye 10-15% increase in Indian exports FPIs sell over £1.7 bn worth stocks in 6 sessions on poll jitters

Indian exporters are looking at a 10-15% increase in goods exports, with some es tim ati ng o verall expo rts to to uc h $900 billion this year, compared with aro und $ 780 billi on during the last financial year

In fact, exporters and govt were eyeing $900 billion exports last year as well, but weak demand in the developed market and a fall in commodity prices meant that goods exports fell 3% to $437 billion, while services exports rose 5% to $341 billion, according to commerce department’s estimates Federation of Indian Export Organisations, the umbrella lobby group representing exporters, has estimated that during the current financial year, goods exports will rise to $500-510 billion while services exports will go up to $390-400 billion

Despite a very challenging

geopolitical and consequent logistics disruptions and freight hikes, the demand for tech-driven products and services are very high and even for lifestyle goods, it is picking up, particularly from advanced economies assuring us for a much better performance this fiscal,” Fieo DG Ajay Sahai said Healthy goods exports will also bolster industrial production and overall economic activity

There are, however, some concerns of a slowdown in services due to IT and IT enabled services, given that growth moderated to a three-year low in 202324 While policymakers are looking to diversify beyond IT, telecom and business services, to newer segments such as tourism and healthcare, there is a demand for restoring the scheme to ensure that refunds taxes

On the goods side, exporters appear

Lanka approves power purchase pact with Adani Green Energy

Sri Lanka has approved a 20-year power purchase agreement between the island nation's government and Adani Green Energy for the development of 484 megawatt wind power stations in the northeast region

"The negotiated tariff rate of USD 0 0826 per kilo watt hour is to be paid in local rupees on the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment," energy minister Kanchana Wijesekara said in a post on social media platform X He added that the purchasing cost would be below the current average cost of energy at 39 02 Sri Lanka rupees per kilo watt hour According to a cabinet note, the development of wind power stations of 484 Mega Watt in Mannar and Poonerin had already been granted cabinet approval in March 2022

After the approval for an agreement with Adani Green Energy Limited of India, a negotiation committee was appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers in order to evaluate the project proposal furnished by the said company

"Based on the recommendations of that Committee, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution forwarded by the Minister of Electricity and Power to accept the last price as USD 8 26," the minister said

Tata Consultancy Service is setting up an AI centre of excellence (CoE) in Paris The c entr e w ill a do p t an indus tr y f irs t approach for banking and financial services, manufacturing, energy, and consumer industries to deepen the adoption of AI in the French economy

The announcement of the centre coincided with the Choose France Summit, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron The summit was attended by 300 global CEOs, including Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran

more confident and are putting in place a strategy to move away from traditional markets Garment exporters, for instance, are looking to tap into markets such as Mexico, Brazil, Poland and other east European countries as it seeks to diversify away from the US and Europe, its traditional focus areas, said Apparel Export Promotion Council chairman Sudhir Sekhri Pharma Export Promotion Council’s Dinesh Dua is budgeting for a minimum growth of at least 10% to close the current fiscal year with $31-32 billion on strong demand from the US Besides, he sees good demand coming from Africa and Latin America and dismisses the concerns over quality issues “Steps taken by govt and some of the industry bodies will ensure that pharma exports maintain the quality,” he said

India's retail inflation hits 11-month low

Indi a' s retai l inf lat ion dipped to an 11-month low in April, led by deflation in fuel and light segment and soft eni ng pr ess u res on clothing and footwear, pan, tobacco and intoxicants segments, but food and beverages i nf lati on remai ned stubborn Experts said continued uncertainty over food inflation dims the prospects of interest rate cuts for now

Data by the National Statistical Office showed retail inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, rose an annual 4 8% in April, marginally slower than the 4 9% in March Rural inflation was higher at 5 4% while urban was at 4 1% Inflation in the food and

The new AI centre will be based in Paris and is set to be inaugurated in June, becoming the 7th such facility in TCS’ global Pace network The TCS AI CoE in Paris will leverage TCS’ global ecosystem of startups, academia, and research organisations to bring the best of global capabilities to French companies The new centre will join France’s growing AI ecosystem and tap into its talent base in design and engineering, to build advanced technologies in the space of human-centric AI The centre will focus on areas such as

beverages group rose to 7 9% in April from 7 7% in March, led by higher prices in cereals, meat and fish, oils and fat and fruits Inflation in the vegetables and pulses & products segment remained in double digits for 11 months in a row Vegetables inflation rose an annual 27 8% in April, while pulses & products surged 16 8% Retail inflation had eased to a five-month low of 4 9% in March, slowing from 5 1% in Feb It was led by marginally moderating food inflation RBI governor Shaktikanta Das has said that food inflation continues to exhibit considerable volatility impeding the disinflation

brain-computer interface and unlocking the power of AI in arts and culture

Dr Harrick Vin, chief technology officer at TCS, said, “Our new AI centre in Paris will focus on many of these areas, including the development of talent and leveraging the world-renowned culture that France has for design – reflected in its fashion, luxury sector, and museums We will seek to deepen our partnerships with universities, startups, and research centres in the country, as we operationalize this centre in the coming weeks ”

Foreign fund ma na ger s are taking money off the table ami d a su rg e in ma rk e t volatility due to uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections At the sa me ti me, dome stic institutions - mainly mutual funds - have been big buyers on Dalal Street

In addition to pollrelated jitters, a recent rally in Chinese stocks may also be pushing foreign investors to shift some funds out of India to China and Hong Kong, market players said In just six trading sessions this month, FPIs have net sold stocks worth about £1 71 bn, data from CDSL showed

Moreover, excluding net foreign fund inflows through the primary market, the net outflow from the cash market will be around £2 5 bn In April, FPIs recorded a net outflow of £867 1 mn, while the corresponding figure in March was a net

inflow of £3 51 bn, CDSL data showed

According to Siddhartha Khemka of Motilal Oswal Financial Services, heavy foreign fund selling and concerns over the outcome of the ongoing general elections are weighing on market sentiment In contrast to net selling by FPIs, cumulative buying by domestic institutional investors in May stands at £1 94 bn, data from BSE showed Particularly, it’s mutual funds that together got over £2 bn of retail money through SIPs in April that are investing aggressively in the stock market, dealers said Net buying by DIIs in April was £4 41 bn, while it was £5 63 bn in March, BSE data showed

Winsol Engineers makes a bumper stock market debut

Winsol Engineers shares made a bumper stock market debut on Tuesday as the shares were listed at a hefty premium The share price was listed at ₹365 apiece on NSE SME, a premium of 386% to the issue price of ₹75 per share

The IPO listing gains stood at ₹290 per share With a lot size of 1,600 shares, the listing gains of the SME IPO stand at ₹4,64,000 a lot The IPO listing was better than with street expectations as Winsol Engineers IPO GMP, or grey market premium, was ₹199 per share, indicating listing with around 265 33% premium

The bidding for IPO began on May 6 and ended on May 9 The IPO allotment was finalized on May 10 and the IPO listing date was fixed on May 14

The company proposes to use the issue proceeds towards working capital requirements and general corporate purposes The IPO was subscribed by a robust 682 14 times in total The public issue was subscribed 780 15 times in the retail category, 207 23 times in the Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB) category and 1,087 81 times in the Non-Institutional Investors (NII) category The company provides integrated engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning services for Balance of Plant (BoP) Solutions for both solar and wind power generation firms Its core services for BoP Solutions include foundation work, substation civil and electrical work, and right-of-way services As of April 2024, Winsol Engineers had more than 41 major ongoing projects with a total value of approximately £11 953 mn

SINGAPORE PM HAILS IIT-IIM TALENT POOL

Singapore has one of the biggest pools of talented graduates from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) PM Lee Hsien Loong has said, as he praised the contributions of foreign talents in the country s progress The PM highlighted the quality of IIT-IIM alumni as he underscored the need for Singapore to continue bringing in foreign talent to meet manpower demands The IITs and the IIMs are the top institutions in India and securing a place in them is comparable to getting into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University or Harvard University, Lee told Channel News Asia in an interview before stepping down as head of the govt on May 15

INDIAN STUDENT GOES MISSING IN CHICAGO

In another case of a student from Telangana going missing in the US, a 26-year-old has not been seen in Chicago since he stepped out of home there on May 2, India’s mission in the US city said Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi, pursuing Masters in business analytics from Concordia University Wisconsin had joined the varsity earlier this year Rupesh’s father Ch Sadanandam said he had last spoken to him on WhatsApp on May 2 He had said he was busy with some work Later I could not contact him and he has since been offline, he said The family said they had spoken to Rupesh s roommates and they recalled Rupesh going out to meet someone who had come from Texas

THAILAND EXTENDS VISA EXEMPTION FOR INDIANS

In a move aimed at boosting Thailand s tourism sector and enhancing its economic prospects, the nation s cabinet has given the green light to extending visa exemption programs for tourists hailing from India and Taiwan Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said that visitors from these nations will be able to enter Thailand without a visa until November 11, after the expiry of the current waiver This extension will enable travellers to enjoy a stay of up to 30 days, giving them ample time to discover the country's diverse attractions and contribute to its tourism-driven economy

7 WORKERS KILLED NEAR PAKISTAN'S GWADAR PORT

Unknown gunmen opened fire and killed seven workers while they were sleeping in their residential quarters near Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan province The victims belonged to Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province and worked at a barber shop in Surbandar according to a report The shooting which also injured one individual occurred near the Fish Harbour jetty in the Surbandar area Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack and called it open terrorism He said the culprits won t be spared and vowed to support the families of those who died in the shooting We will chase after terrorists and their facilitators," Bugti was quoted as saying

PAK ECONOMIC STABILITY UNDER THREAT: IMF

International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Pakistan s high political uncertainty and resurgence of social tensions could undermine economic stabilisation policies in the cashstrapped country “Downside risks remain exceptionally high While the new government has indicated its intention to continue the SBAs (standby arrangement) policies political uncertainty remains significant,” the IMF said in a staff report Pakistan had narrowly averted a sovereign debt default last summer The economy has now stabilised after the completion of the last IMF programme, with inflation coming down to 17% in April from a record 38% in May last year

Flash floods kill over 300 in Afghanistan

I S L A MA B AD : F lash flo ods from unusually heavy seasonal rains in Afghanistan have killed mor e t h an 3 0 0 p eo p le and destroyed over 1,000 houses, the UN food agency said

The World Food Programme said it was distributing fortified biscuits to the survivors of one of the many floods that hit Afghanistan over the last few weeks, mostly the northern province of Baghlan, which bore the brunt of the deluges In neighbouring Takhar province, state-owned media outlets reported the floods killed at least 20 people

Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for the

Taliban government, posted on the social media platform X that “hundreds have succumbed to these calamitous floods, while a substantial number have sustained

Pak PM okays $82.6 mn for PoK to halt protests

I S L A MA BA D : Pa kista n P M

Shehbaz Sharif approved $82 6 mill ion ( Pa k Rs 2, 30 0cr ) fo r Pa kista n-occu pie d K a shmir (POK) in a bid to halt violent pr ot est s a nd st rike s a ga inst e scal a ting e l ect r icity ta riffs, flo ur pr ice s a nd t a xe s Th e protests have left a police officer dead and 90 others, mostly cops, injured in the la st few days The growing unrest poses a grave challenge to Pakistan’s military, which maintains a significant presence in the region to guard LoC with India

On Monday, protesters led by Awami Action Committee (AAC), an activist group that has united people to demand lower rates for essentials, continued a march to regional capital Muzaffarabad after talks with the govt ended in deadlock

The stalemate prompted PM Sharif, already under pres-

sure over postponement of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan, to clear the grant for PoK at a special meeting in Islamabad The meeting was attended by PoK leader Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and local ministers and other top figures Following the meeting, Haq announced cuts in bread prices and electricity tariffs

Mobile and internet services remain suspended in PoK and govt offices, markets, trade centres and educational institutes too stayed shut

Although there have been no calls for independence in the current wave of turmoil, locals said the protests reflected a general feeling of discontent with Islamabad In the past, Islamabad had come under fire for suppressing regional movements that demanded total independence

injuries ” Mujahid identified the provinces of Badakhshan, Baghlan, Ghor and Herat as the worst hit He added that “the extensive devastation” has

resulted in “significant financial losses ”

The Taliban defence ministry said in a statement that the country’s air force has already begun evacuating people in Baghlan and has rescued a large number of people stuck in flooded areas and transported 100 injured people to military hospitals in the region

Richard Bennett, UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, said on X that the floods are a stark reminder of Afghanistan’s vulnerability to the climate crisis and both immediate aid and long-term planning by the Taliban and international actors are needed

Pak court orders transfer of Imran’s wife to same jail

ISLAMABAD: The wife of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan was moved from house arrest to the same jail as her husband, lawyers said, where the pair will serve matching prison terms for illegal marriage Bushra Bibi, 49, and Khan, 71, have both been con vict ed of c orr uption a nd breaking Islamic marriage laws in the lead up to Feb’s general election

“She has already been shifted to a female ward of the jail on

her own request,” Intazar Hussain Panjutha, a lawyer for Khan’s PTI party, said She had been held at the home she shared with Khandeclared a sub-jail - on the outskirts of the capital for the past three months Khan is also serving a concurrent 10-year term for leaking state secrets She had made repeated requests to be “treated as a commoner ” and taken to the prison, a spokesman for the party said

Nepal’s dy PM quits, pulls party out of Prachanda govt

K AT H M A N D U : Ne pal ’ s deput y PM Upendra Yadav on Monday tendered his resignation and the Madhesi politician’s party also pulled out of the govt, a setback to PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda-led coalition

Yadav, also the minister for health and population, submitted his resignation to Prachanda, sources said His party member, minister of state for forest and environment Dipak Karki, has also submitted his resignation The resignation by Yadav, the chairman of Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal (JSP Nepal), comes a week after his party split into two groups with senior politician Ashok Rai forming a new party named Janata Samajwadi Party “Given the current political situation, I find it untenable to continue my cooperation with the govt,” Yadav said The

JSP-Nepal had altogether 12 lawmakers in the House of Representatives (HoR) After the party’s split, its strength has now been

reduced to 5

Prachanda’s coalition still holds a majority with 77 seats of the CPN-UML, 32 of the Maoist Centre, 21 of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, seven of the newly formed Janata Samajbadi Party and 10 seats of the CPNUnified Socialist (CPNUS) The coalition requires at least 138 seats in the 275-member HoR to prove a majority

JSP-Nepal’s pullout from the govt will not have an immediate impact, but it may ’ ve repercussions on the stability of the govt in the long run, say analysts According to reports, opposition Nepali Congress is trying to mobilise JSP-Nepal and CPN-US, led by former PM Madhav Nepal, to topple the Prachanda-led govt If CPN-US also withdraws support then the Prachanda-led govt might need to prove its majority

Saudi Crown Prince postpones Pak visit again

I S LA M A B A D : Saudi Cr own Pr in c e Muhammad Bin Salman (MbS) has postponed his long-awaited visit to Pakistan yet again, with sources suggesting that the decision was made due to incessant political, social, financial, and administrative crises in the cash-starved country The crown prince’s visit was expected before or after his scheduled trip to Japan from May 20 to 23

While authorities have kept silent over the postponement, the sources said MbS was upset with the political developments in Pakistan, particularly with statements of some politicians trying to drag Saudi Arabia

into the country’s internal matters

“It appears the feedback of Saudi highups, who had made visits to Pakistan in recent weeks, has played a key part in cancellation of the visit The Saudi ministers, seemingly, have convinced the crown prince that political situation in Pakistan is not stable, tensions run high between the military and jailed ex-PM Imran Khan-led PTI, and it would be unwise for him to visit the country in the current situation,” said Shehbaz Gill, a PTI functionary and Imran’s former principal staff officer Last month, PTI functionary Sher Afzal

Marwat had alleged that Saudi Arabia was a “conduit” in the US-led operation to oust Imran’s govt in April 2022 Following his claim, PTI removed him from its core and political committee, also issuing a showcause for trying to harm relations with Saudi Arabia Recently, Marwat blamed the “Saudi influence” for his party dropping his name for chairmanship of public accounts committee (PAC) of parliament

MbS had earlier cancelled his visit to Pakistan in Nov 2022 He had last visited Pakistan in Feb 2019 when Imran Khan was PM

Upendra Yadav

Canada arrests fourth Indian national in Nijjar killing

BR A MP TO N : Another Indian

of Khalis tan s eparatist H a rd e ep Si n gh N i

j a r, wh i ch f ol

he a r re s t s of th re e Indians in the same cas e earlier this month

Like those held earlier, Amardeep Singh, 22, a resident of Brampton (Surrey) and Abbotsford areas of Canada, has been charged with first degree

murder and conspiracy to commit murder Indian govt sources maintained that while Canada has informed it about the arrests, no information has been shared yet by Canadian authorities to link the killing with any Indian official The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Singh was arrested on May 11 He was

One more Indian arrested in Toronto airport gold heist

OT T A WA : A 3 6-yearold Indian origin man has been arrested in Canada in co nnection

w

at T o ro n to ’ s P

ars o n International Airp ort, almo st a mo nth after th e arrest of five oth -

er s i n v o lv e d

th e th eft - the bigg est in th e country’ s h istory

On April 17, 2023, an air cargo container carrying more than 22 million Canadian dollars worth of gold bars and foreign currency was stolen from a secure storage facility using fake paperwork, Peels regional police said The gold and currency had arrived on an Air Canada flight from Zurich, Switzerland, in Toronto

On May 6, 2024, investigators arrested and charged Archit Grover at the airport in Toronto as he flew in from India, according to the police The police had issued a Canada-wide warrant

for his arrest earlier He is charged with theft of over CAD 5,000 and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, police said Grover was held for a bail hearing and attended the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton He is also being indicted in the US for firearmrelated charges

Last month, two persons of Indian origin - Parmpal Sidhu, 54, and Amit Jalota, 40 - both from Ontario, were arrested in connection with the case along with Ammad Chaudhary, 43, Ali Raza, 37, and Prasath Paramalingam, 35 Besides, Canada-wide warrants were issued for Simran Preet Panesar, 31, from Brampton, who was also an Air Canada employee at the time of the theft and Arsalan Chaudhary, 42, from Mississauga, the statement said

already in the custody of Peel Regional Police for unrelated firearms charges, the release said

“This arrest shows the nature of our investigation to hold responsible those that played a role in the homicide of Nijjar,” said superintendent Mandeep Mooker, IHIT officerin charge Investigators said no further details of the arrest can be released due to ongoing

investigations and court processes

IHIT investigators on May 3 arrested three Indian nationals - Karan Brar (22), Kamalpreet Singh (22) and 28-year-old Karanpreet Singh - for the murder of Nijjar All three individuals are Indian nationals living in Edmonton and have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder

Nikki Haley out of the race but still getting votes in primaries

C OL UM BIA : Nikki Haley is set to reconnect

, m arking h er return to the p ublic sph ere amid ongoing suppo rt in select state p ri maries, despi te Donald T rum p ’ s dom inance as the presumptive GOP nominee Haley will convene approximately 100 donors in Charleston as gesture of gratitude, according to sources familiar with the arrangements Reportedly, Haley’s appearances won’t involve an endorsement of Trump or a plea for donor support for any other candidates, according to reports Haley’s ability to garner a noteworthy portion of the vote in certain primaries where her name still lingers on ballots underscores the fractures within the Republican Party as Trump advances toward a potential rematch with Democratic President Joe

To curb migration, Australia raises minimum savings for student visa

SY D NE Y : Aust ralia said it would rais e the amount of savings internat ional students will need to get a visa and warned s everal c ol leges of f raudulent student r ecruitm ent prac tices, as part of ef forts to rein in record migration Now onwards , international s tudents must show proof of s avings of at leas t A$ 29,710 ($19,5 76) to get their visa, the sec ond inc rease in seven months It was r ais ed to A$24,5 05 from A$2 1, 041 in Oct

The moves follow a raft of actions in recent months to tighten the student visa rules as the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in 2022 triggered a sudden influx of migrants, exacerbating pressure on an already tight rental market English language requirements for student visas were increased in March and the govt has been taking steps to end settings that allowed students to prolong their stay

Home affairs minister Clare O’Neil said

warning letters had been sent to 34 education providers for “non-genuine or exploitative recruitment practices” They could be jailed for up to two years and banned from recruiting students if found guilty, she said

International education is one of Australia’s largest export industries and was worth A$36 4 billion ($24 billion) to the economy in 2022/23

But record migration, mostly driven by international students, has put the govt under pressure with rental prices soaring across the country Net immigration rose 60% to a record 548,800 in the year to Sept 30, 2023

The govt expects its policies could halve Australia’s migrant intake over the next two years “We are significantly reducing migration levels - we are in the middle of the biggest drop in migration numbers in Australia s history, outside of war or pandemic, O’Neil said

Young Ashwin Ramaswami’s campaign raises over $280,000

WAS HINGTON: Ash win Ramaswami, 24, has emerg ed as the first G en Z Indian Amer ican to v ie f or a seat in a US State legisl atu re, making waves wit h a stagg er -

in g f u nd r ai si n g ac h i ev e m en t o f o v er

$280,000 Th is su bst antial f ig ure, especially at th e state level, u nderscores t he g r o w i ng m o m e n t u m b e h in d R am a sw am i ’ s c am p ai g n f o r t h e S t a t e Senate in Geor gia’s District 48, t he media has op ined

Ramaswami’s fundraising prowess comes to the fore as he outstrips his incumbent opponent, Shawn Still, by a remarkable 22 times in the latest filing

period from February 1 to April 30

“Our latest reports are further evidence that our community values honesty and integrity in our leadership above all,” asserted Ramaswami, a second-generation Indian American with a background in software engineering, election security, and technology law and policy research

“We’ve built a grassroots campaign with unprecedented momentum to ensure we elect a leader who will serve our communities first and foremost: funding our schools, supporting our small businesses, preparing us for the technology of the future, and protecting the right to vote ”

in brief

HK COURT BANS PRODEMOCRACY SONG

Hong Kong court granted a govt request to ban a popular pro-democracy anthem, raising further concerns about free speech in the Chinacontrolled city The decision could give the govt power to force Google and other tech firms to restrict online access to the song in Hong Kong At issue in the case is “Glory to Hong Kong which emerged in 2019 as an unofficial anthem for democracy protests and a flashpoint for the authorities who considered it an insult to China s national anthem The song has been banned from schools and has drawn angry official rebukes when played at international sports events The court said the anthem was a weapon” that could be used to undermine national security It was the first time a song has been banned in the city since Britain handed the territory back to Chinese rule in 1997

Biden, reports said Despite bowing out of the race after a series of defeats by Trump in the Super Tuesday contests in early March, Haley managed to secure over 21% of the votes in Indiana’s primary Subsequently, in Pennsylvania, she clinched nearly 17% of the primary vote Similar levels of support followed in Arizona shortly after her withdrawal

Before her withdrawal, Haley commanded nearly 27% of the votes in Michigan and received 13% of the Georgia GOP vote following her exit Indiana’s open primary system allows any registered voter to participate in either party’s primary While the Trump campaign has alleged, without substantiation, that Haley’s support stems from Democrats, President Biden’s campaign has attributed her success in Indiana to Trump’s challenges in suburban areas

Toronto float targets PM Modi, India raises it with Canada

N EW DEL HI: Following the use of a con tro-

Nar end ra Modi at a Khalsa Da y para de in a Gre ate r Tor ont o ne ig hbourhood , India ag ain ca lled upon the Can adia n gov t t o st op providing crimina l an d se ce ssionist eleme nts “ a sa fe have n an d political space in Ca nad a ’’

Ministry of External Affairs said India continues to remain concerned about the security of its diplomatic representatives in Canada and expects local authorities to ensure that they are able to carry out their responsibilities without fear

“As you are aware, we have repeatedly raised our strong concerns regarding the violent imagery being used by extremist elements in Canada against our political leadership Last year, a float depicting the assassination of our former PM was used in a procession,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal

He was speaking in response to queries regarding a float in the Nagar Kirtan parade at Malton in Canada “Celebration and glorification of violence should not be a part of any civilised society

“Democratic countries which respect the rule of law should not allow intimidation by radical elements in the name of freedom of expression,” said the official India had last month summoned the Canadian deputy high commissioner to register a strong protest against the raising of anti-India slogans at an even attended by PM Justin Trudeau

37 KILLED IN INDONESIA FLOODS, COLD LAVA FLOW

Heavy rains and torrents of cold lava and mud flowing down a volcano’s slopes on Indonesia’s Sumatra island triggered flash floods that killed at least 37 people and more than a dozen others were missing officials said Floods and cold lava flow on Mount Marapi caused a river to breach its banks and tear through mountainside villages in four districts in West Sumatra province The floods swept away people and submerged more than 100 houses and buildings the National Disaster Management Agency said Rescuers had pulled out 19 bodies in the worst-hit village of Canduang in Agam district and recovered nine other bodies in the neighbouring district of Tanah Datar

FIRST PERSON TO GET PIG KIDNEY TRANSPLANT DIES

The first recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney transplant has died nearly two months after he underwent the procedure, his family and the hospital that performed the surgery said Richard “Rick Slayman had the transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital in March at the age of 62 Surgeons said they believed the pig kidney would last for at least two years The transplant team at the hospital said it was deeply saddened by Slayman s passing and offered condolences to his family They said they didn’t have any indication that he died as a result of the transplant Slayman man was the first living person to have the procedure

GERMAN SENATOR STRUCK ON HEAD

Berlin senator and former city mayor Franziska Giffey was slightly injured and taken to hospital after a man struck her from behind with a bag containing an unidentified hard object A 74-yearold suspect, who was previously known to police for hate crime and unspecified incidents against state security has been detained police said adding the suspect was believed to have mental health issues The attack coincided with an emergency meeting of state ministers calling for greater police protection to politicians as the number of verbal and physical assaults has soared ahead of European and local elections this year

Politicians have blamed the rising political violence on the resurgence of the far-right AfD party, who could sweep three state polls this year

CONTROLLED BLAST TO BREAK DOWN BALTIMORE BRIDGE

After weeks of preparation, crews are scheduled to conduct a controlled demolition to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland which came crashing down under the impact of a container ship on March 26 The demolition will allow the Dali to be refloated and guided back into the Port of Baltimore Once the ship is removed, maritime traffic can begin returning to normal, which will provide relief for thousands of longshoremen truckers and small business owners who have seen their jobs impacted The Dali’s 21-member crew will shelter in place aboard the ship while the explosives are detonated

Indians abroad sent $111bn back home in 2022

Indians are the largest international migrants - nearly 18 m illion, with large diaspora i n UAE, US a nd S au di Arabia And it continues its m arch as th e top country receiving rem ittances from i ts di asp o ra: th e f igu re crossed $110 billion in 2022

According to the World Migration Report, 2024, released in Dhaka by the UN's International Organisation for Migration, India, Mexico and China were the top three remittance recipient countries in 2022, followed by the Philippines, France and Pakistan India received $111 billion in all, the first country to reach and even surpass the $100-billion mark In 2020, it had received $83 billion Mexico, with inward remittances of $61 billion, was the second largest recipient; in the previous year it had replaced China to occupy the second spot and continued to hold sway China’s inward remittances in 2022 were $51 bil-

lion The contraction and its slipping to third spot has been attributed to multiple factors, including demographic shifts that have resulted in shrinking of the working age population and the country’s zero-Covid policy, which prevented people from travelling abroad for work During 2022, India’s other neighbouring countries Pakistan (rank 6) saw an inflow of nearly $30 billion and Bangladesh (rank 8) received $21 billion

The report points out that international remittances have recovered from the dip in 2020 due to the pandemic Migrants sent an estimated $831 billion in international remittances globally in 2022, an increase

from $791 billion in 2021 and significantly more than $717 billion in 2020

Migration corridors: In 1970, there were just 84 million international migrants, which translated to 2 3% of the world’s population By mid2020 (per latest available data), nearly 280 million people lived in a country other than their country of birth, constituting 3 6% of the world’s population

The size of a migration corridor from ‘country A’ to ‘country B’ is measured as number of people born in ‘country A’ who were residing in ‘country B’ at the time of the estimate The Mexico-to-US corridor is the largest in the world at nearly 11 million people This is followed by the Syrian Arab Republic to Türkiye and Russian to Ukraine corridors, attributed largely to displacement of people owing to civil unrest and invasions

BJP MP Brij Bhushan charged with sexual harassment of women wrestlers

A court in Delhi has formally c harg ed BJP M P Bri j Bhushan Sharan Singh with sexual harassment, stalking, o u tragi ng m od esty of women, and criminal intimid ation in a case i nvolving five women wrestlers

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot of the Rouse Avenue Court issued the order, framing charges against Singh, the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), under Sections 354A (sexual harassment), 354 (outraging modesty), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Six women wrestlers had made allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan He was discharged

in allegations made by a sixth wrestler Charges were also filed against co-accused Vinod Tomar, former assistant secretary of the WFI, for the offence of criminal intimidation under Section 506 of the IPC

The case stems from complaints by six wrestlers who accused Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment The police registered a first information report (FIR) against the MP based on their allegations

On June 15, 2023, the police filed a charge sheet against Singh for offences including outraging modesty, sexually coloured remarks, stalking, and criminal intimidation under various sections of the IPC

Initially, the com-

plainants approached the Supreme Court seeking the registration of an FIR against Brij Bhushan Subsequently, the Delhi Police confirmed to the Supreme Court that an FIR had been registered and that the investigation was ongoing

One of the wrestlers later withdrew her complaint, leading to the Delhi Police filing a cancellation report under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) regarding her case

On April 26, the court also rejected Brij Bhushan's application for further investigation, despite his claims of not being in Delhi during the alleged incident involving one of the wrestlers

Mani Shankar Aiyar sparks controversy with remarks on Pak N- capability

Ve ter an C ongr es s l ead er M ani Shan kar A iy ar ha s once again stirred controv ers y, provi di ng the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) w it h fr es h amm uni ti on against the Congress In a viral video clip, Aiyar sugg es ted tha t I nd ia s hould res pec t Pa ki st an a s a sovereign nation and engage with it due to its possession of nuclear weapons

Aiyar cautioned that ignoring Pakistan's nuclear capabilities could lead to dire consequences, emphasising the need for India to recognise the potential threat He warned against adopting a solely muscular approach towards Pakistan, highlighting the mutual

possession of nuclear arms

"They have atom bombs We have them too, but if a 'madman' decides to drop a bomb on Lahore, it won't take eight seconds for the radiation to reach Amritsar," he warned The statement was reportedly made in April However, it went viral in May

Reacting strongly to Aiyar's remarks, BJP leaders condemned his stance, accusing the Congress of being soft on Pakistan and terrorism Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticised the Congress for allegedly siding with Pakistan

"Congress party has become an apologist for

12 Maoists gunned down in Chhattisgarh encounter

At least a dozen Maoists were gunne d down in a fierce, 11hour encounter in a forest in Bijapur district’s Gangaloor region, taking the numbe r of Maoists kille d this year to 103, including 29 in a single operation in Kanker

All security personnel in the operation are safe, said officers, adding that automatic weapons, a grenade launcher, and explosives were seized from the encounter zone The Maoists’ bodies were being taken to a police camp for identification The toll may rise as the exact number of deaths will be known when separate teams of security personnel converge at a place, an officer said The operation was launched based on specific inputs

about the presence of commander-ranked Maoists and over 150 cadres in the region, police said Over 1,000 security personnel - drawn from CoBRA, Special Task Force, and District Reserve Guards units in multiple districtsset out from different camps of Bijapur, Dantewada and Sukma districts, said officers

The security forces converged in a patch of dense forest near Pidiya village,

around 40 km from Bijapur and 470 km south of Raipur Police said Maoists fired the first shots, and the forces retaliated For 11 hours, gunfights erupted at different locations in the forest as security personnel pursued the Maoists The combat continued even after darkness fell Dantewada SP Gaurav Rai confirmed that bodies of 12 Maoists had been found at the encounter site

After 18-month gap, Chinese envoy arrives in Delhi

After a hiatus of 18 months amid t he pr otrac ted bord er s tand - of f s inc e May 2 02 0 , C hina h as f inal ly s ent an Ambassador, Xu Feihong, who arrived in New Delhi last week with his wife Tan Yuxiu

China is ready to work with India to “accommodate” each other’s concerns and find a mutually acceptable solution to “ specific issues” through dialogue at an early date, Xu said Xu, 60, who has served as China’s Ambassador to Afghanistan and Romania, was appointed the 17th Chinese Ambassador to India by Chinese President Xi Jinping

Xu said he regards his posting in New Delhi as an “honourable mission and a

sacred duty” to improve and advance bilateral ties “I will do my best to deepen understanding and friendship between the two peoples, expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and improve and advance the bilateral relationship,” Xu said in a media interaction in Beijing before leaving for New Delhi

“China is ready to work with India to accommodate each other’s concerns, find a mutually acceptable solution to specific issues through dialogue at an early date, and turn the page as soon as possible,” Xu said without elaborating further

He added: “I noted Prime Minister Modi’s comments on the importance of ChinaIndia ties, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded to that right afterwards ” In his recent interview with Newsweek magazine, Prime Minister Modi said India’s relationship with China is important and significant “The Chinese side always believes that ChinaIndia ties should not be defined by any single issue or area; the boundary question is not the entirety of the relationship Speaking at the Indian Council of World Affairs in September 2014, President Xi Jinping said that we must not focus our attention only on differences and forget about our friendship and cooperation,” Xu said

CBI arrests Dheeraj Wadhawan in £3.4

bn DHFL bank

T h e Centra l Bu reau o f Investigation (CBI) arrested Dheeraj Wadhawan in the £3 4 bn DHFL bank fraud probe He was earlier arrested by the agency in connection with the Yes Bank corruption case and was on bail

Pakistan and Pakistanbased terror Today again there will be an attempt from Congress to distance themselves from Mani Shankar Aiyar, he said

Union Minister Anurag Thakur said, "Congress leaders stay in India but their hearts reside in Pakistan What courage does Pakistan have? India knows how to give a befitting reply "

However, the Congress swiftly distanced itself from Aiyar's comments, asserting that they were made in his personal capacity Party spokesperson Pawan Khera emphasised that did not represent the Congress party's stance

The CBI had registered the DHFL case related to the alleged defrauding of a consortium of 17 banks to the tune of £3 4 bn, making it the biggest banking loan fraud in the country

In February this year, the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had ordered the attachment of bank accounts as well as shares and mutual fund holdings of ex-DHFL promoters Dheeraj and Kapil Wadhawan, to recover dues worth Rs 22,00,000

The market regulator's move came after the Wadhawan brothers failed to pay the fine imposed on them in July last year in a case concerning the flouting of disclosure norms

In July 2023, the regula-

fraud probe

tor imposed a penalty of Rs 10,00,000 each on Wadhawans, who were promoters of DHFL (now known as Piramal Finance), for flouting disclosure norms

Kapil Wadhawan was the Chairman and MD of DHFL, while Dheeraj

Wadhawan was a non-executive director of the company Both of them were on the board of DHFL In another development, the Delhi high court last Saturday had issued notice to the CBI on a plea of Dheeraj Wadhawan seeking bail on medical grounds

India extends budgetary support of $50 mn to Maldives

Following the recent visit of Maldives foreign minister Moosa Zameer, India has ex tended budgetary support of $50 million to the island nation The support is in the form of a roll-over of $50 million Treasury Bill for an additional year, through the State Bank of India, Male, from May 13, 2024

Thanking his counterpart S Jaishankar for the support, Zameer said this was a “true gesture of goodwill” which signified the long-standing friendship between the two countries

“Govt of India’s decision to roll over the T-Bill came following a request to that effect made by Zameer to India’s external affairs minister Jaishankar during the official bilateral visit to India from 8-10 May, 2024 Govt of Maldives is appreciative of the generous support that Govt of India has been providing to the Maldives in the form of budgetary support,” said the Maldives

Large number of infrastructural developmental projects and high impact community developmental projects are under way with the assistance of India, which consists of a notable part as grant assistance

Bengaluru court grants bail to Revanna in kidnapping case

BE N GAL U RU : A Bengalu ru co urt on Monday granted conditional bail to Janata D al ( Sec ular) l eader HD Revanna in kidnapping case linked to sexual abuse charges against son Prajwal

The bail was granted days after the former Karnataka minister was sent to judicial custody till May 14 in the case related to the kidnapping of a woman The court asked him to furnish a bond of Rs 500,000 and told him to cooperate with the investigation among other conditions Revanna, the son of former prime minister and JD(S) patriarch HD Deve Gowda, was booked for the purported abduction of a woman on April 29, as per a complaint filed by her son

The Karnataka government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case following a complaint by the State Commission for Women chairperson Nagalakshmi Chowdhary The JD(S) leadership has suspended Prajwal from the party Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of Deve Gowda, is facing charges of sexually abusing several women The scandal has raised a political storm with the ruling Congress and BJP-JD(S) engaged in a slug fest Prajwal is said to have flown abroad on April 27, a day after the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka was held

He was BJP-JD(S) alliance's joint candidate from Hassan Lok Sabha segment, which went to polls in the first phase On Sunday, the Karnataka SIT arrested two persons in connection with the leak and circulation of explicit videos involving the Hassan MP

Siddaramaiah rules out CBI probe Meanwhile, Karnataka CM

Siddaramaiah has ruled out transfer of the probe into sexual abuse charges against Prajwal to the CBI He said he reposed faith in the Special Investigation Team of the state police, which is investigating the case Questioning BJP’s locus standi to make such a demand, he asked the opposition party as to why it doesn’t trust the police He also hit out at the saffron party for making misleading statements aimed at causing confusion in the minds of the people about SIT, which is conducting a “fair probe”

BJP, JD(S) to fight Legislative Council polls together:

Yediyurappa

BENGALURU: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP stalwart B S Yediyurappa said the saffron part y a nd JD (S) will c ont es t the upcom in g Legislative Council elections together, scheduled on June 3

He said BJP-JD(S) alliance would not be affected in the wake of cases being filed against present Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna over alleged sexual abuse of several women The 33-year-old Prajwal is seeking re-election as an NDA candidate from Hassan He is absconding after a huge cache of explicit videos allegedly showing him sexually abusing several women became public

"Our (BJP's) alliance with the JD(S) will not be affected That (Prajwal case) has no connection with the alliance I'm confident that the alliance will continue," Yediyurappa said

Speaking about the Council election to three graduates and three teachers constituency on June 3, Yediyurappa said the BJP and JD(S) will fight it together "We had a discussion that they (JD(S)) will contest in two seats and BJP in four seats," he added

He also said the BJP national president J P Nadda will announce the names of candidates

On the Prajwal issue, Yediyurappa said the BJP is firm in its demand that the case should be handed over to the CBI The case is being probed by a Special Investigation Team formed by the Congress government in Karnataka

BJP, JJP candidates in Haryana to canvass under police escort

JIND/BATHINDA: A backlash against BJP and JJP in Haryana over issues ranging from MSP for farm produce to unemployment h as f or ced e le ct ion n omin ee s f rom t he estranged former allies, including ex-CM Manohar Lal Khattar, to campaign under p olice pr ote ction a n d so me time s e ve n cancel rallies in the face of public hostility

Candidates have been heckled at many places in the state's rural belt, occasionally triggering clashes between supporters on either side Besides Khattar, BJP's candidate for Karnal, the party's Hisar nominee, Ranjit Singh Chautala, has faced aggressive questioning and sloganeering by villagers at multiple venues in the hinterland BJP nominees Ashok Tanwar from Sirsa,

After

Banto Kataria from Ambala, Mohan Lal Badoli from Sonipat, Arvind Sharma from Rohtak, Dharambir Singh from Bhiwani Mahendragarh and Naveen Jindal from Kurukshetra have had to call off rallies on several occasions

JJP's Ajay Chautala and his family –former deputy CM Dushyant Chautala, the latter's brother Digvijay Singh Chautala, and the siblings' mother Naina Singh Chautalahave run into protests while campaigning in various districts

Naina Chautala's entourage and farmers clashed a few days ago in Uchana Kalan of Hisar constituency, forcing JJP to cancel her campaign trip to Roj Khera village A police contingent was assigned to her thereafter

Bengal governor’s video show, woman threatens suicide over identity leak

KOLKA TA: Bengal governor

C V Ana nda Bos e s c ree ne d CCTV footage before a select group that shows a Raj Bhavan female staffer he is accused of molesting walking out of the complex last week, prompting her to describe the disclosure of her identity without consent “ as another c rime tha t ma de he r ev en c ont empl at e suicide”

The video of the woman between 5 33 pm and 6 41 pm on May 2 shows her approaching a police outpost within the compound and then leaving in a car But it does not show anything to either corroborate or disprove the allegations

TMC ministers denounced the screening and questioned the governor ’ s intent, specifically his stand that he would not show the video to “(CM) Mamata Banerjee and her police” and his earlier contention that his position gave him immunity from prosecution Bengal women and child development minister Shashi Panja Panja announced a “boycott” of Bose “We will boycott him Will I sit beside him on the same dais when I know he is accused of molestation?” Panja asked

In a text message, the complainant said: “The governor committed a heinous act and

is now trying to cover up his misdeeds by staging a farce I was aware that Indian law mandates protecting the identity of the complainant during an investigation He has committed another crime ”

Speaking about “contemplating suicide”, she decried the fact that her and her family’s reputation was shattered because of the governor “He has released a video of mine without permission, thus leaving me with no choice but to take my own life However, if a real investigation can take place, truth will come to light,” she said

Mamata claims ‘ one more video’

Meanwhile, Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alleged that “not everything” about governor Bose had surfaced yet and claimed she possessed “ one more video, a pen drive” She demanded Bose’s resignation, declaring that even sitting beside him felt sinful to her Who are you to torture Bengal’s women?” she asked Bose Mamata announced her refusal to visit Raj Bhavan again “If you call me to the street (outside Raj Bhavan), I will meet you there From what I hear about your deeds and scandals, it would be a sin to even sit beside you, ” she said during a rally in Hooghly’s Adisaptagram

10 WORKERS KILLED IN TN FIRECRACKER UNIT BLAST

Ten workers, including six women, were killed and at least 10 others suffered severe injuries after an explosion at a firecracker unit at Sengamalapatti near Sivakasi According to sources, the explosion at Shri Sudharsan fireworks happened when the workers were engaged in cracker production The fire was doused after nearly three hours One of the workers who survived the explosion said around 100 employees were working at the factory at the time of the blast and many fled the spot immediately Police have registered a case and owner Saravanan, manager Muthukumar, and foreman Suresh have been arrested Preliminary investigation revealed that the explosion may have happened due to mishandling of chemicals by the workers

TORRENTIAL RAIN CLAIMS 20 LIVES ACROSS TELANGANA

Sonipat nominee Mohan Lal Badoli has also required police intervention after heckling and haranguing by farmers

Officials said intelligence agencies were on the job to pre-empt any protest brewing in a particular area ahead of campaigning by BJP and JJP candidates

In contrast to the former allies, Congress candidates have been campaigning freely and focusing on local issues, besides BJP's alleged plan to "change the Constitution and snatch the rights of backward communities" The undercurrents impeding BJP and JJP's poll campaigns coincided with the farmers' agitation at Shambhu and Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border completing three months on Monday

TMC-NCW spat over Sandeshkhali reaches EC

K OLKATA: The Sandeshkhali videos and retraction of rape allegations by two of three “survivors” triggered a fresh row involving TMC and National Commission for Women (NCW), culminating in the latter writing to Election Commission about West Bengal’s govern ing party “ c ompe lli ng women to withdraw cases ” The missive to EC came hours after TMC threatened to move the poll panel against NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma for allegedly “forcing and deceiving women from Sandeshkhali into filing fake rape complaints to malign Bengal”

Four videos have emerged in the last few days, each suggesting that the rape allegations - or at least some of them - might have been concocted A video from a purported sting in which BJP’s Sandeshkhali Block-II chief Gangadhar Koyal says the “Sandeshkhali movement” was MLA Suvendu Adhikari's brainchild is among them There are two other videos, each showing a different “survivor” alleging she had been made to sign a blank sheet of paper, and an older clip featuring BJP's Basirhat candidate Rekha Patra telling a TV channel she suspected some of the "survivors" taken to Delhi to meet President Droupadi Murmu may have been "paid to impersonate"

A two-hour spell of torrential rain last week wreaked havoc in Telangana, leaving at least 20 dead in different incidents across the state While Telangana has seen a high number of rain-related deaths in the past as well, last week's death toll - amid peak summer - stands out as unusual In one instance, seven migrant workers were crushed to death in Bachupally after a 25-foot retaining wall collapsed at a construction site in the area Two other labourers were killed in a similar incident in neighbouring Medak district The victims died when an under-construction wall fell on them following the downpour accompanied by gale According to IMD data, most parts of Telangana received an average of 12mm rainfall between 5 30 pm & 7 30 pm on Tuesday Hyderabad witnessed the heaviest downpour with an average of 39 5mm Following the rains at least four people from the city including a child died of electrocution Meanwhile following the deluge, police retrieved two bodies from the Begumpet nala

OPPN PUSHES TO TOPPLE HARYANA GOVT

The Congress and the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) stepped up efforts to topple the BJP government in Haryana and wrote to governor Bandaru Dattatreya even as chief minister Nayab Singh Saini exuded confidence about his administration being safe despite losing the backing of three independent lawmakers Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the Congress sought an appointment with the governor to apprise him about the current political situation and alleged that the BJP government was trying to indulge in horse-trading after being reduced to a minority “On moral grounds, it (BJP) should resign President s Rule should be imposed we are demanding fresh elections in the state,” he said

SC STAYS HC ORDER NIXING BENGAL SCHOOL APPOINTMENTS

In a relief to over 25,000 teachers and nonteaching staff recruited in West Bengal in 2019, Supreme Court stayed a Calcutta high court order annulling their appointments but warned that those recruited illegally would have to refund salaries to the state A bench of Chief Justice D YChandrachud and Justices J BPardiwala and Manoj Misra agreed to examine modalities by which tainted candidates could be segregated from non-tainted ones so as to enable the court to save the jobs of those who made it to the merit list honestly Dictating the order the Supreme Court bench said, The court cannot be unmindful of the impact of setting aside of a large complement of assistant teachers who are recruited for teaching Class 910 and 11-12 students, which would be the consequence if the impugned judgment of the high court stands However it permitted CBI to carry on with its investigation into the case

Ananda Bose

H D Revanna

India, Iran ink 10-year pact to equip, operate Chabahar port

India and Iran signed a 10-

y ea r c ont rac t to furt her

e quip a nd ope rat e a

C hab ahar port te rmina l

The contract will see India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) in ves ting $ 120 mill ion in equipping the strategic port that provides India access to

A fgha nis tan a nd Ce ntr al

A sia , by pas s in g Pak ist an w hic h de nies I nd ia la nd access to the region

During his visit to Tehran, minister of shipping, ports and waterways

Sarbananda Sonowal witnessed the signing of the new 10-year contract between IPGL and Ports & Maritime Organisation of Iran (PMO) According to govt sources, under the contract, IPGL will commit to further equip and operate the port for the duration of

the contract At the end of the 10-year period, both sides would further extend their cooperation in Chabahar, they said

“India has also offered an INR credit window equivalent to $250 million, for mutually identified projects aimed at improving Chabahar-related infrastructure,” said a source

With the operationalisation of India’s long-term investment in Chabahar, this port is likely to become an important hub for connecting the landlocked

countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan with India’s booming economy, according to Indian officials This is the first time India will take over the management of an overseas port

The Chabahar Port has provided much needed seaaccess to the landlocked countries of the region, including Afghanistan, and emerged as a commercial transit hub, according to Indian authorities It is seen as a more economical and stable route for landlocked countries to reach India and the international market Chabahar is a deep water port located in the SistanBaluchistan province of Iran It is the closest Iranian port to India

14 killed as huge billboard collapses in Mumbai during thunderstorm

At least 14 people were killed and 74 others injured after a huge billboard fell on them during a thunderstorm in Mumbai, according to local authorities The billboard collapsed on some houses and a petrol station next to a busy road in the eastern suburb of Ghatkopar following gusty winds and rain on Monday

Many others were trapped following the incident, with rescue operations continuing till early Tuesday Mumbai’s municipal corporation said 74 people were taken to hospital with injuries following the accident, of which 31 were discharged The rains, accompanied by strong winds, caused the 30-metretall (100-foot) billboard located next to a busy road in the Chheda Nagar area of Ghatkopar to fall over a petrol station and some houses on Monday evening

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said a high-level inquiry had been ordered into the incident and strict action would be taken against those responsible The thunderstorm brought traffic to a standstill in parts of the city and disrupted operations at its airport, with at least 15

flights diverted Rescue workers continued to clear the area on Tuesday, which still had mangled cars and debris Police are investigating the incident and say the billboard was illegally installed Thunderstorms in Gujarat

The India Meteorological Department said there were moderate thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall in Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Ahmedabad, Chhota Udepur, Surendranagar and Rajkot districts Light thunderstorms and moderate rain was also reported in Gandhinagar, Aravalli, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Narmada, Surat, Junagadh, Amreli, Morbi, Botad, Dang, Tapi, Navsari, Valsad and Bhavnagar districts Many places in central and north Gujarat also reported hail

Met department officials said a Western Disturbance has caused a cyclonic circulation over northwest Madhya Pradesh which is giving the state unseasonal rainfall While a few districts recorded light rain on Sunday, almost all districts in Gujarat except Kutch, Devbhoomi Dwarka and Porbandar reported light to moderate showers on Monday

Poll panel hits out at Kharge's remarks around voter turnout data

Coming down heavily on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Election Commission d is mis s ed his al leg ation s ar oun d vote r turnout data as “baseless” and said it could create an “ anarchic situation, besides doubts and disharmony”

“Through innuendos and insinuations, the contents of the post tend to create disharmony in respect of the delicate space of election management, can plant doubts in the mind of voters and political parties ” EC said The poll panel said Kharge’s allegations was part of a “design in creating a false narrative” during the poll period

In a strongly worded rebuttal, the poll panel said Kharge’s allegations in a letter to INDIA leaders and posted on social media was part of a “design in creating a false narrative” during the poll period and pointed out that no Congress candidates ever complained about the electoral roll, votes polled or filed any petition in the last three years based on any discrepancy in data It said the charges were meant to “create confusion, misdirection and impediments in the conduct of free and fair polls”

Refuting allegations of discrepancies, EC detailed the process to argue that there was no room for interference in the procedure and nothing could go unnoticed by the can-

Life term for two in Dabholkar murder case, suspected ‘mastermind’ freed

Ove r a de cade -a nd-a -half since the daylight murder of rationalist and anti-superstit ion cr usad er Nar en dr a Da bholk ar , a spe cial Pun e court con vict ed an d se ntenced to life two of the five arrested for the crime, while a cq uit ti ng the othe r thr e e with a stinging observation about the prosecution failing to "unmask the mastermind"

The trio acquitted for want of evidence includes accused No 1, Panvel-based ENT surgeon Virendrasinh Sharadchandra Tawde, whom CBI had identified as the mastermind of the crime

"They (CBI and Pune Police) have to introspect whether it is their failure (to nail the conspirators) or deliberate inaction on their part due to influence by any person in power," special judge Prabhakar P Jadhav said The court found Sachin Prakashrao Andure (33) and Sharad Bhausaheb Kalaskar

(28) guilty of shooting Dabholkar (69) to death on August 20, 2013 He was on his morning walk through Vitthal Ramji Shinde bridge near Omkareshwar temple in Pune's Deccan Gymkhana area Besides getting a life term, the killers were convicted under Section 3 (25) of the Arms Act and fined Rs 500,000 each Apart from ENT surgeon Tawde, the court acquitted Mumbai lawyer Sanjiv Gajanan Punalekar and Vikram Vinay Bhave, both of whom were accused of assisting the shooters

Share of Hindu population shrunk 7.8%, Muslim share up 43% in India: Study

The share of India’s majority Hindu population declined by 7 81 per cent between 1950 and 2015, while that of the Muslim community surged 43 15 per cent in the corresponding period, according to a study pub lishe d by the Ec onom ic Adv isory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)

In the study titled, “Share of religious minorities: A cross-country analysis,” the share of the Hindu population in India declined by 7 8 per cent to 78 06 per cent in this period

In contrast, the share of the Muslim and Christian population increased by 43 15 per cent to 14 09 per cent, and by 5 4 per cent to 2 36 per cent respectively in the corresponding period

Similarly, the share of the Sikh and Buddhist populations witnessed an increase to 1 85 per cent and 0 81 per cent

respectively during the same period

However, the share of Jains and Parsis in the population mix declined and stood at 0 36 per cent and 0 004 per cent respectively in 2015 The study conducted by the council clarified that it did not try to figure out why these changes happened, but rather looked at the numbers to see if minorities were getting more or less represented in society

It found that several neighbouring countries have seen a jump in the population of their majority community All the Muslim-majority countries have witnessed an increase in the share of the majority religious denomination except Maldives Among the five non-Muslim majority countries, only Sri Lanka and Bhutan saw an increase in the share of the majority populations

didates or their representatives It said political parties know the number of voters at every stage, with the booth-wise number available to candidates Besides, it said, there was no scope for any deviation with the number of votes polled, which was recorded in Form 17C, and a signed copy was made available to candidates at the close of voting Also, on the day of counting, the votes polled in the EVM were tallied with Form 17C in the presence of the candidates or their agents

It said no instance of deviation from the norms was flagged by any Congress candidate in any of the 283 seats that went to the polls in the first three phases

Permanent blot on institution: Cong Congress termed EC’s response to Kharge’s letter a “permanent blot” on the face of an institution which was there to “ ensure a level playing field for all political parties” Demanding transparency and promptitude from EC, an INDIA delegation met the poll panel and raised concerns over the delay in release of voter turnout data for the first two phases, and inaction on complaints of MCC by PM Modi and home minister Amit Shah The delegation included Congress’ Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Salman Khurshid, TMC’s Derek O'Brien, DMK's T R Baalu, CPI’s Binoy Viswam, among others

Narendra Dabholkar

Supreme Court grants Kejriwal bail till June 2

Describing elections as the l if eli ne an d barometer of par li amenta ry democr acy , Su preme Court grante d i nterim bai l to D elhi CM

Arvi nd K ejri wal to enable hi m to campai gn for hi s party, and INDI A al liance but imposed stiff conditions

He will be on bail till June 1 and surrender the next day

Stepping out of Tihar Jail shortly after 7pm, Kejriwal said he will continue to fight against “dictatorship” and urged people to join him in his struggle Addressing his supporters and the media from the sunroof of his vehicle, he said he was out because of the “blessings of Lord Hanuman and would visit the Hanuman temple at Connaught Place

A bench of justices

Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, which had earlier questioned Enforcement Directorate on Kejriwal’s arrest just before elections and also on the time gap

between registration of the excise policy case and arrest, said the CM not appearing before the agency despite nine summons was a negative factor He, however, deserved interim relief as his arrest was under judicial scrutiny, it added

The bench said Kejriwal was an elected CM with no criminal record and was not a threat to society

The SC bench turned down Kejriwal’s plea that he be allowed to stay out till counting of votes and declaration of results on June 4 It, in fact, barred Kejriwal from visiting his

office and Delhi Secretariat

It also forbade him from signing any documents unless it was necessary for LG’s approval

The court stressed that grant of interim bail would not be treated as an expression of its opinion on the merits of the case What weighed in Kejriwal’s favour and prompted the court to grant relief was the ongoing polls which it called “most significant and an important event” and rejected ED’s argument that extending relief to him would amount to treating politicians as a separate class as such relief

could not be extended to the common man

“Between 650-700 million voters out of an electorate of about 970 million will cast their votes to elect the government of this country for the next five years General elections supply the vis viva (living force) to a democracy Given the prodigious importance, we reject the argument raised on behalf of the prosecution that grant of interim bail/release on this account would (mean) placing the politicians in a benefic position compared to ordinary citizens of this country While examining the question of grant of interim bail/release, the courts always take into consideration the peculiarities associated with the person in question and the surrounding circumstances In fact, to ignore the same would be iniquitous and wrong, ” the bench said

BJP slams Pitroda, Cong distances itself from his ‘skin colour’ remark

S am P itroda, a co nfidant of NehruGandhi family since the days of his friend, the late Rajiv Gandhi, hastily s tep ped do wn as ch ief o f I ndian Overseas Congress after his comment likening Indians in different parts of the c ou ntry to di fferent raci al gro up s sparked an outrage PM Modi, who was campaigning in Telangana and Andhra, savaged the “friend, philosopher, guide and uncle of shehzada (Rahul Gandhi)” for his “racism”, linking the “racial profiling” to Congress’ opposition to the election of Droupadi Murmu as President in 2022 “because of her skin colour”

Congress, which swiftly went into damage-control mode by disassociating

itself from US-based Pitroda’s remark, immediately accepted his resignation later in the day in a bid to cap the controversy, which saw CMs of northeastern states taking exception to being equated with the Chinese in terms of looks

Pitroda’s remark follows another controversy he recently triggered by supporting the idea of 55% inheritance tax

You should look at your track record Your dadi (Indira Gandhi) imposed Emergency at one go Your father introduced triple talaq at one go, and now your party has stolen OBC reservations at one go ” Home minister Amit Shah also slammed Congress for declaring it would repeal CAA after

winning the Lok Sabha elections “Rahul baba, aapki dadi bhi upar se aa jayein to bhi CAA ko nahi hata payengi (Rahul, even if your grandmother were to return from heaven, CAA can't be repealed),” he said, iterating BJP's vow to accord respect to every Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist coming to India from Pakistan and Bangladesh by giving them citizenship Referring to SP general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav s remarks on the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Shah said that if the opposition had its way, they would put a “Babri lock” on the shrine He said that when SP was in office, uninterrupted power supply was ensured during Ramzan, but not on Diwali and Holi

67.3% voter turnout in phase 4 against

Continued from page 1

The overall turnout for 2019 does not include the delimited seat of Srinagar, which recorded the lowest turnout this time round, at 38% It was, however, the best performance in the constituency (as it stood then) since 1998, when 30 1% registered voters cast their vote In 2019, 14 4% voting was recorded

According to data available on Election Commission’s voter turnout app around midnight, the second worst polling was seen in Hyderabad, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s home turf, which saw 45 1% turnout, a slight improvement from 44 8% recorded in 2019 Secunderabad witnessed 48 1% voting, higher than 46 5% five years ago Pune saw 51 3% polling, although it managed to better last time’s record of 49 9%

Kanpur reported 52 9% polling compared with 51 6% in 2019, while Kannauj, where Samajwadi Party chief

is contesting, reported a marginal improvement in polling

PM Modi accuses Cong of striking deal with Ambani and Adani

In a curious twist to the electoral discourse on crony capitalism, PM Modi accused Congress of striking a deal with “Ambani and Adani” and asked if the party had received “tempo loads of black money ” from the two businessmen in return for Rahul Gandhi to stop “ abusing” them during the elections

“You must have seen, for the past five years, the Congress shehzada used to chant morning to evening about ‘five industrialists’ then ‘Ambani, Adani’ But ever since elections have been announced, these people (Congress) have stopped abusing Ambani-Adani,” the PM said at a rally in Karimnagar in Telangana

The PM said, “Mein aaj Telangana ki dharti se poochna chahta hoon shehzade ghoshit kare ki chunaav mein yeh Ambani-Adani se kitna maal uthaya hai Kaale dhan ke kitne bore bhar kar ke rupye maare hain? Kya tempo bhar kar ke notein Congress ke liye pahunchi hai kya? Kya sauda hua hai? (I ask from the soil of Telangana, let the shehzada declare how much money he has taken from Ambani-Adani these elections how many sacks of black money? Have tempos full of currency notes reached Congress? What deal has been struck?)”

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge joined in the counterattack and said the PM had turned on his friends because of his fear of imminent defeat in elections

“Since April 3, Rahul Gandhi has mentioned Adani 103 times and Ambani more than 30 times in his speeches,” Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said He added that Congress had repeatedly demanded the formation of a joint parliamentary committee to investigate the “Modani scam ” since Jan last year

Rushing to her brother’s defence, Priyanka Gandhi said, “The PM might be saying that Rahul does not take the name of Adani and Ambani, but the fact is that he (Rahul) does so every day On the contrary, I feel the PM is giving a lot of clarifications these days After all, he has given the nation’s wealth to billionaires Airports, ports, roads or mines, you name it, and it is gone ”

Kharge said Modi’s attack on his “ own friends” was the best opinion poll on the first three phases of elections “Time is changing A friend is no more a friend After completion of three phases of elections, the PM has started attacking his own friends,” he said Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal called the PM’s statement “laughable”

PM Modi files nomination from Varanasi, then a massive show of strength

in 2019

performance - from 60 86% to 60 89%

Barring Telangana and J&K, all other states where elections were held on Monday reported lower turnout; the sharpest decline was recorded in Madhya Pradesh where 71% polling was registered, against 75 7% in 2019 Polling

time in certain assembly segments of the 17 parliamentary constituencies in Telangana was increased due to higher voter participation, EC said in a statement

While West Bengal, where polling was held in eight seats, recorded the highest turnout of 78 4%, it was still lower than five years ago Among the 96

seats, where 1,717 candidates were in the fray, Bolpur recorded highest polling of 81 2%, against 85 7% in 2019 Bardhaman Purba, also in Bengal, saw a turnout at 81%, against 84 8% in the last election The EC app showed 78 4% turnout for the Andhra assembly, where elections were held simultaneously For all 25 LS seats, 78 2% polling was recorded 65 7% voter turnout in 3rd phase

The Election Commission said that the third phase of voting for Lok Sabha elections on May 7 held across 93 constituencies saw a voter turnout of 65 7% Like the earlier two phases, this time too the voting percentage among men (66 9%) was higher than among women (64 4%) However, four states and Union Territories - Bihar, West Bengal, Goa and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu - saw more women voters exercise their franchise As per data, South Goa, three constituencies in Assam - Dhubri, Guwahati and Kokrajhar - and Bidar in Karnataka also saw a higher women turnout than men Amreli in Gujarat, which recorded the lowest overall polling, also saw only 46 2% women casting their votes Dhubri in Assam, where overall voting has been the highest so far, saw maximum turnout of women voters at 92 2%

Prime Minister Narendra Modi fil ed his nomination for the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi Tuesday morning - after a s ix k m roa dsh ow on Mon day eve ning -

accompanied by a phalanx of senior leaders from the BJP and its alliance partners, including party boss JP Nadda, home minister Amit Shah and defence minister Rajnath Singh, as well as Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad Sangma According to Modi's affidavit, he owns moveable assets worth £302,000, possesses Rs 52,920 in cash and does not own land, house or car

The affidavit further shows that PM Modi's taxable income doubled from Rs 11,00,000 in fiscal year 2018-19 to Rs 23,50,000 in 2022-23

Alliance partners present included Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary and Lok Janshakti Party leader Chirag Paswan, as well as Apna Dal (Sonelal) boss Anupriya Patel and the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party's Om Prakash Rajbhar

In the morning, en route to filing his papers, Modi prayed at the city's iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat, on the banks of the Ganges, with UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath present, and visited the Kaal Bhairav Temple Before visiting the temple he said, "My relationship with my Kashi is amazing, inseparable, and incomparable it cannot be expressed in words!"

On Monday, after his roadshow, the Prime Minister said, "The love and blessings my family members of Kashi showed during the road show became an unforgettable moment in my life "

Modi is seeking a third consecutive term from the BJP bastion; the party has won this seat eight times since 1991, with only RK Mishra of the Congress, in 2004, managing to break the stranglehold

Varanasi will vote in the seventh and final phase of this election - on June 1 In the 2019 poll Modi won by nearly 480,000 votes, a big jump from the 372,000 winning margin five years earlier

Akhilesh Yadav

How to increase your walking speed

Every type of walking, from brisk to high-paced, offers nu mer ou s benefits

Mo nit oring your walking pace is crucial for maximising these benefits, but it's essential not to push yourself too hard

Adjusting your walking pace depends on various factors Speeding up can enhance calorie burning, cardiovascular fitness, and overall efficiency of your walks Whether it's for exercise, commuting, or daily mobility, here are some simple tips to help increase your walking speed:

1) Focus on posture while walking

Maintain good posture for efficient walking: stand tall with head up, shoulders back, and engaged abdomen Keep your arms bent at 90 degrees, swinging naturally with each step Avoid slouching or leaning forward to prevent slowing down and muscle strain

2) Take shooter and quicker steps

One of the simplest ways to increase your walking speed is to take shorter, quicker steps Focus on taking smaller strides and increasing your cadence (steps per minute) Shortening your stride can help you move more efficiently and reduce the risk of injury

3) Engage your core muscles

Activate your core muscles to stabilise your body while walking Maintain strong abdominal engagement for balance, posture improvement, and power generation with each step, resulting in a quicker walking pace

4) Increase arm swing

Utilise your arms as counterbalances while walking to sustain momentum and rhythm Enhance arm swing by increasing the range of motion from front to back The greater the arm movement, the more power you generate, propelling you forward for a swifter pace

Personalised diet app outperforms calorie counting

A clinical trial has shown that personalised nutrition plans, which do not require calorie counting, can effectively aid weight loss and reduce the risk of chronic diseases

Research published in the journal Nature Medicine revealed that adhering to Zoe, a program that customises diet recommendations based on individual biology, resulted in substantially greater health advantages compared to adhering to generic healthy eating guidelines

Experts emphasised that the discoveries held significant implications for addressing the obesity epidemic and chronic illnesses in the long term, underlining the necessity to shift away from guidance centred on low-calorie and low-fat foods

Zoe offers personalised food suggestions through an app, utilising results from

at-home tests that analyse gut bacteria and the body's reaction to fats and sugars

Caloric intake is not factored into the recommendations; rather, participants are encouraged to consume at least 30 different types of plants weekly and steer clear of ultra-processed foods

In an 18-week trial conducted in the US, 347 adults with an average age of 52 participated, with half assigned to the Zoe program for the duration while the other half received generalised government advice

Compared to the control group, individuals utilising Zoe experienced an average weight loss of 2 5kg (5 5lb) and a reduction of 2 cm in waist circumference

Tests demonstrated notable enhancements in blood sugar regulation, increased presence of beneficial gut bacteria, and improved mood and sleep among participants

Jasmine tea as weight loss booster

Jasmine tea contains catechins known for their fat-burning properties, accelerating metabolism and promoting weight loss Research indicates that individuals who consume jasmine tea shed pounds faster compared to those who don't

Expert tips for managing Asthma

Asthma is a significant global health issue affecting millions worldwide, including a c on side rab le por tion of India's population

The recent Global Burden of Disease study estimated India's asthma burden at 34 3 million, representing 13 09% of the global burden Alarmingly, India also accounts for 42% of asthma-related deaths globally and ranks first in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to asthma, underscoring its substantial impact on health and quality of life

In an interview with

media, Dr Angira Dasgupta, HOD Chest Department at BR Singh Hospital in Kolkata, emphasised that despite the increasing prevalence of Asthma in India, there is still lack of awareness around asthma and its symptoms Not many are aware that Asthma is not a disease that can be perma-

nently cured but can only be managed better with right intervention and medication

In my daily practice, I've noticed a surprising trend: only 20% of diagnosed patients are aware of asthma and its symptoms, while the majority (80%) have no knowledge of the disease Among the informed 20%, the majority are young adults aged 20 to 40 Conversely, those unaware of the disease typically fall in the age group of 35 to 55 This highlights the urgent need for widespread

public awareness efforts, targeting both diagnosed asthma patients and their families Dr Angira Dasgupta emphasises the critical importance of asthma awareness for effective disease management She advises, Understanding asthma symptoms and triggers enables individuals to mitigate risks, manage symptoms, and minimise asthma attacks For instance, avoiding exposure to allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen can alleviate airway inflammation and narrowing "

How eye ultrasounds help detecting brain shunt failure in children: Research

A recent study proposes that empl oying oc ul ar ult rasoun d in t he eme rge nc y room could swiftly and safely iden tify c hildr en with brain drainage tube failure

Research presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2024 Meeting in Toronto

shunts experience malfunction, displacement, or blockage, with an additional 5% failure rate annually thereafter

A ventricular shunt, a small plastic tube surgically inserted to alleviate brain pressure by draining excess fluid, is commonly employed in children to address hydrocephalus This condition stems from improper brain fluid drainage or absorption, often due to factors like tumours or brain bleeds

Specialists report that within two years post-implantation, approximately 30% of

Teaspoon of olive oil intake reduces Dementia death risk, Harvard study suggests

New research suggests that consuming about a teaspoon of olive oil daily is linked to a roughly 30% lower risk of dementia-related death, especially in women Replacing five grams per day of mayonnaise and margarine ('vanaspati') with an equal amount of olive oil was associated with a 14% and 8% reduced risk of dementia-related death, respectively

An international team of researchers, including those from Harvard University in the US, monitored over 92,000 American adults for 28 years to investigate the impact of olive oil consumption on the risk of dementia-related mortality Dementia, characterised by impaired memory, cognition, and decision-making abilities, significantly affects daily functioning and overall quality of life

"Consuming at least 7 grams per day of olive oil was associated with a 28 per cent lower risk of dementia-related death compared with never or rarely consuming olive oil," the authors wrote They also found that the results held good regardless of diet quality

In addition to promoting heart health, our study expands current dietary guidelines by recommending olive oil and other vegetable oils for cognitive health," stated the authors in their study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open

The researchers suggested that regular consumption of olive oil could reduce the risk of dementia-related mortality by enhancing heart health

Researchers note that when patients visit the emergency department for potential shunt failure, symptoms are often nonspecific, such as headache, vomiting, and fatigue Shunt failure poses a life-threatening risk, prompting children with shunts to undergo numer-

ous computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans annually, leading to excessive radiation exposure and sedation Swelling of the optic nerve sheath due to fluid backup can be measured by eye ultrasound, aiding in diagnosis

The study found that comparing the diameter of the optic nerve when a patient is symptomatic to the diameter when they are well can help determine if a shunt is blocked

Men suffered more from Covid,

heart disease and cancer than women, says Lancet study

A recent analysis by The Lancet Public Health reveals that globally, men have a greater disease burden and shorter lifespans compared to women Despite women living longer, they also endure many years of poor health

Key takeaways

In 2021, a recent analysis indicates that men bore a higher burden than women in 13 out of the top 20 causes of disease, including Covid-19, road injuries, and various cardiovascular, respiratory, and liver diseases These conditions disproportionately led to premature mortality among men Conversely, women globally faced a greater prevalence of non-life-threatening conditions such as musculoskeletal issues, mental health disorders, and headache disorders

Utilising data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, the modelling research compared the total disabilityadjusted life years (DALYs) lost to illness and premature death for the 20 primary causes of disease from 1990 to 2021 Dr Luisa Sorio Flor, senior author at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, USA, noted that women tend to experience higher levels of illness and disability due to their longer lifespans compared to men In 2021, Covid-19 emerged as the foremost cause of health loss globally, with males encountering 45% more health loss from the virus than females Ischemic heart disease followed closely as the second leading cause of health loss, with males experiencing a 45% greater health loss from this condition compared to females

99% of cars' cabin air contains cancer-causing chemicals: Study

A recent study in Environmental Science & Technology reveals concerning findings on car air quality, with drivers and passengers potentially exposed to cancerca using c he mic als Acr oss 30 st ate s, researchers examined cabin air from 101 electric, gas, and hybrid vehicles spanning model years 2015 to 2022 Alarmingly, 99% of the cars tested positive for TCIPP, a flame retardant under investigation for its potential carcinogenic properties by the U S N ational T oxicology Program Additionally, most vehicles also contained two more carcinogenic flame retardants, TDCIPP and TCEP

Lead researcher Rebecca Hoehn, a toxicology scientist at Duke University, stressed the importance of the findings, noting, "With the average driver spending about an hour in the car daily, this poses a significant public health concern " She highlighted the heightened risk for individuals with longer commutes and child passengers, who inhale at higher rates The study found elevated levels of hazardous flame retardants during summer, attributed to increased chemical release from car materials due to heat

Researchers identified seat foam as the primary source of cancer-causing

compounds in the cabin air Flame retardants, added to meet safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the 1970s, remain unchanged despite advances, raising concerns about outdated regulations

Patrick Morrison, from the International Association of Fire Fighters, voiced worry over flame retardants worsening firefighters' cancer rates He urged the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to revise flammability standards, eliminating the need for these chemicals in vehicles

‘Heartening to see greater representation of queer people on screen’, says Kiran Rao

Filmmaker Kiran Rao expresses optimism about the increasing presence of LGBTQ narratives in mainstream cinema, though acknowledging the pace of progress as slow

As a jury member for the narrative segment of the upcoming Kashish Pride Film Festival, she emphasises the growing representation of queer individuals in both films and web series, while also stressing the need for further advancements in this regard

"There's a long way to go before we can stop having to speak about queer issues with this specifically separate lens But it's slowly happening, as we can see in many shows on OTT, there's a much greater representation of queer people and a more diverse representation, which is very heartening for filmmakers like me and in general, for us as Indians, because this is something I feel we should all be sensitive to

"We all need to sort of grow and evolve as a society to not have to box people into this other kind of segment," the director told the media on the sidelines of an event

In some ways, cinema is a reflection of society, which needs to evolve with time, she said "It's wonderful that so much has changed in the last two decades in our country "

joins ‘Jolly LLB 3’ cast, reunites with Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi Huma Qureshi

Huma

Qureshi has signed on for Subhash Kapoor's courtroom dramedy, "Jolly LLB 3" In this instalment, she will reprise her role as Pushpa Pandey from the second part, joining Arshad Warsi's lawyer Jolly from the 2013 original and Akshay Kumar's lawyer Jolly from the 2017 sequel

Huma took to her Instagram handle and shared three pictures of her, posing with eyes closed for the camera She wore a white kurti with floral motifs and paired it with a pink dupatta and earrings She wrote in the caption, “Pushpa Pandey is backkkkk and looking pretty in Pink (pink flower emoji) #JollyLLB3 Clicked by the one and only @akshaykumar (camera emoji) ”

In the franchise, Huma portrays Akshay Kumar's wife "Jolly LLB 3" will serve as a reunion for her with both Akshay, following their collaboration in "Bell Bottom" (2021), and Arshad Warsi, after their work together in "Dedh Ishqiya" (2014)

Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi commenced filming for their upcoming movie, "Jolly LLB 3" Akshay shared a lively video from the set on Instagram, featuring himself, Arshad Warsi, and Saurabh Shukla In the clip, Arshad playfully cautions about "Jagdish Tyagi aka Jolly BA LLB Duplicate", followed by Akshay introducing himself as the "original" Jolly The video concludes with a glimpse of Saurabh Shukla

Shabana Azmi

Veteranactor Shabana Azmi, marking 50 years in the industry in 2024, celebrates the evolving landscape of commercial cinema She notes the increasing opportunities for women, regardless of age, in diverse roles Azmi, acclaimed for her performance in Karan Johar's "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," acknowledges the groundbreaking presence of stars like Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt, who now headline significant roles in mainstream cinema, a shift that was previously unimaginable

Shekhar Suman says he's ready to campaign for Kangana Ranaut if invited advocates male actors to embrace supporting roles

In an interview with an Indian media, Shabana reflected on the transformation over the past decade, emphasising how substantial roles for senior artists were once unimaginable However, in the past two years, she has witnessed a remarkable shift, having played a diverse range of characters She highlights the significant improvement in opportunities for women, noting that previously, such roles were confined to parallel cinema Shabana underscores the importance of mainstream cinema reflecting this change, citing the impactful roles portrayed by Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone She believes that for real change to occur, it must be evident in mainstream narratives, rather than merely preaching to an already converted audience

Shabana Azmi noted the positive presence of women in authoritative roles on sets today, seeing it as a promising sign

With the rise of female writers, she anticipates a surge in women-centred content Addressing pay disparity, she emphasised that change will come when women-centric films prove profitable at the box office She suggests that male actors must be willing to take supporting roles, as women have done historically

Shekhar

Suman, known for his role in "Heeramandi," has recently joined the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) This move puts him in the same political party as Kangana Ranaut. Notably, Kangana, who is contesting the Lok Sabha Elections from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, is also associated with the BJP. This development follows the footsteps of Shekhar's son Adhyayan Suman's ex-girlfriend, Kangana Ranaut.

During his induction into the party, Shekhar was asked by a news agency if he'd campaign for Kangana in Mandi, given their past differences He promptly responded, “Agar bulayengi toh kyu nahi jayenge? Ye toh mera farz hai, aur haq bhi (If she invites me then why wouldn't I go? This is my duty, and my right as well) ”

After starring together in "Raaz: The Mystery Continues," Kangana dated Adhyayan for a few months in 2008-09 Following their breakup, both Adhyayan and his father Shekhar alleged that Kangana had practised black magic on Adhyayan

Keeping that in mind, several X users couldn't wrap their heads around Shekhar and Kangana joining the same political party “This is interesting This new BJP leader Shekhar Suman had accused senior BJP leader Kangana Ranaut of performing black magic against his son, using menstrual blood I wonder if Shekhar and Kangana will campaign together for old times sake (teary-eyed laughter emojis) ” Another wrote, “Shekhar Suman & Kangana in the same Party (teary-eyed laughter cat emojis) Strange ”

BollywoodAamir Khan says Sarfarosh 2 is in the works

He added, “Sarfarosh 2 banni chaiye Sarfarosh 2 should be made) even I feel hat ”

Besides Aamir Khan, John Matthew Matthan, Sonali Bendre, Naseeruddin Shah, khilendra Mishra, Govind Namdev, Lalit andit, Mukesh Rishi, Makarand eshpande, Rajesh Joshi, Smita Jaykar, Manoj Joshi, Upasna Singh and Akash hurana among others graced the screening

superstar Aamir Khan participated in a special screening of his 1999 film "Sarfarosh" in Mumbai. During the event commemorating 25 years of the John Matthew Matthan directorial, Aamir revealed that "Sarfarosh 2" is in works

Talking about Sarfarosh 2, the actor said, “I can commit about one thing: We will definitely give it a really serious shot now of coming up with the right script for it So John you will have to get to work here ”

In a recent interview with the media, Sarfarosh director John Matthew Matthan said he is now yearning to make a comeback and wishes Sarfarosh 2 to be his next project

Matthan expressed Aamir's enthusiasm for "Sarfarosh 2" He highlighted the importance of creative freedom and enjoyment in filmmaking, emphasising the need for scripts that resonate universally Matthan aims for films that appeal to both intellectuals and the general audience He sees the current era as conducive for making intelligent and engaging cinema

Karan Johar on Ranbir

Kapoor:

"I appreciate his detachment from stardom"

Filmmaker

Karan Johar

recently shared behind-thescenes glimpses from his 2016 movie 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan The series includes candid moments of laughter between Ranbir and KJo, conversations with Aishwarya, and Anushka reviewing scenes with Karan It wraps up with a fun snapshot of Anushka and Ranbir rehearsing

Karan Johar has penned a heartfelt note alongside the throwback album, expressing the personal significance of 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' He reflects on the film as a culmination of life lessons on love, resilience, and heartbreak Johar describes the filming experience as one of his most cherished on-set memories

He shared insights on working with Ranbir Kapoor, admiring his dedication and unique approach to his craft He praises Ranbir for his discreet diligence and genuine persona, highlighting his ability to embody the character's emotional depth effortlessly Johar also commends the delightful dynamic between Ranbir and Anushka Sharma,

Ratna Pathak Shah on interfaith marriage with Naseeruddin: 'No pressure to convert'

noting their genuine camaraderie that enriched their on-screen chemistry

In acknowledging Anushka Sharma, Karan Johar praised her genuine nature that consistently shines through on screen Regarding Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Johar expressed gratitude for her portrayal of Saba with grace, dignity, and beauty He also expressed immense appreciation for her immediate acceptance of the role with love and a collaborative spirit

Karan Johar wrapped up his note with a contented heart, reminiscing about the filming days of ADHM with a smile He acknowledged the enduring legacy of the film's music, crediting the magic and genius of composers Dada and Amitabh

Ratna Pathak Shah and Naseeruddin

Shah, who met at the National School of Drama (NSD), fell in love and married in 1982 after seven years of courtship Naseer, previously married to Manara Sikri with whom he shares a daughter, entered his second marriage with Ratna In a recent interview, Ratna discussed their interfaith union

In an interview with Hauterfly, Ratna Pathak Shah discussed her adaptation to life at Naseer s home

She shared, My dad wasn t entirely thrilled, but he passed away before our marriage While my mother and Naseer initially had a rocky relationship, they eventually settled their differences and became friends "

She further continued that Naseer's family was very cool and didn't make a fuss at all "Naseer’s family surprisingly didn’t make a fuss

Rashmika Mandanna joins Salman Khan in ‘Sikandar’

National

Crush Rashmika Mandanna, recently seen in 'Animal' alongside Ranbir Kapoor, unveils her next Hindi venture She'll grace the screen with Bollywood icon Salman Khan for the first time in the highly anticipated film 'Sikandar.' Moments after the announcement, fans flooded social media platforms with excitement.

While some express concern over the 30-year age difference between Rashmika (28) and Salman (58), the majority of social media users anticipate a blockbuster release next Eid with their upcoming film One excited fan tweeted: “So #RashmikaMandana has been finalised as the leading lady opposite megastar #SalmanKhan in #Sikandar Blockbuster Loading Bring it on #Eid2025” whereas another gushed “This pairing in a whole new look will set the screens on fire I am really happy with the casting till now for #SIKANDAR Hope they bring some good faces as well for the other supporting cast ” Fans are particularly thrilled about Salman and Rashmika's pairing because they have previously appeared together, albeit not in a film Their interactions on

at all Not once did anybody ever even mention the ‘C’ word, convert Nobody said anything about me They just accepted me for what I am I’m very, very lucky because I’ve heard of people who have trouble settling down Afterwards, I’ve been friends with all of them, including my mother-in-law, who was a very homebound kind of person but extremely liberal in every situation," said Ratna Ratna Pathak Shah is widely recognised for her iconic portrayal of Maya Sarabhai in 'Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai' However, beyond that, she has left a lasting impact with her roles in numerous cult films Her memorable characters resonate with audiences, a trend continuing with recent films such as Lipstick Under My Burkha and the recent release 'Dhak Dhak'

gg Boss and during a media ent, where they even danced "Saami Saami" from Pushpa: he Rise (2021), left a lasting mpression on the audience, owcasing their remarkable emistry

This marks Rashmika's first ollaboration with Salman han as well as with director p r Sajid Nadiadwala Known for her roles in Tamil and Telugu cinema, Rashmika made her Bollywood debut with Goodbye in 2022, followed by Mission Majnu and Animal She's also set to star in Chaava alongside Vicky Kaushal and is preparing for Pushpa: The Rule with Allu Arjun in Telugu and Kubera with Dhanush in Tamil

Varsha Bollamma's interactive TamilEnglish film ‘Iruvam’ selected for Cannes

The bilingual film "Iruvam," produced in both Tamil and English, has been chosen as one of only four entries globally for the Let’s Spook Cannes event at the Cannes Film Festival Starring Varsha Bollamma in the lead role, the film stands out for its innovative interactive elements

Industry tracker Ramesh Bala made the announcement of the film’s selection on his X (formerly Twitter), writing, “ @Manmargames innovative project @iruvam ManMar has been officially selected for the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival's "Let's Spook Cannes" event A Landmark Indian Entry in the World's Premier Film Festival #Iruvam starring @VarshaBollamma ” An excited Varsha retweeted the post, writing, “Super super super excited for this one!!! Eeeeeeeeepppp!!!!

Iruvam is an interactive film that blurs the line between film and gaming The innovative full motion video (FMV) will offer a narrative where the viewers’ choices will impact the film’s storylines and the outcome, which will offer numerous endings The description sounds similar to Netflix’s Black Mirror: Bandersnatch Directed by Manoj Annadurai, who is known for the independent English film Get Happy, the film will feature Sidhu Kumaresan, Shanmathi and Bala Guru

Actress Samyuktha reveals she found it tough to act in

Telugu due to heavy makeup

Mollywood

actress Samyuktha stepped into the Telugu film industry with her debut in 'Bheemla Nayak' in 2022 She recently disclosed that her transition wasn't challenging due to the language barrier but rather due to adjusting to the makeup standards of the industry

In a conversation with South Indian media, Samyuktha candidly admitted to facing unexpected challenges in the Telugu film industry She confessed that while it might seem trivial, adjusting to the makeup norms was genuinely difficult for her In Malayalam cinema, she enjoyed the freedom of a more natural makeup style, leading to a relaxed atmosphere However, in Telugu cinema, the emphasis on personal grooming and appearance on screen presented a stark contrast to her previous experience, making the transition uncomfortable for her Samyuktha revealed that during filming, she allowed interruptions only from her costume crew to adjust her saree She found it challenging, feeling constantly conscious of her appearance, unlike in Malayalam cinema where she enjoyed the freedom of going makeup-free with natural hair

In Malayalam, she's set to appear in a film called ‘Ram’ alongside Mohanlal, directed by Jeethu Joseph In Telugu, she's gearing up to shoot for a period action film called ‘Swayambhu’ by Bharat Krishnamachari, where she'll share the screen with Nikhil Siddhartha and Nabha Natesh Additionally, she's also starring in a comedy-drama helmed by Ram Abbaraju, alongside Sharwanand

Filmmaker Sangeeth Sivan passes away, actors pay tribute

Malayalam and Bollywood director and screenwriter Sangeeth Sivan passed away in Mumbai at the age of 61. He is survived by his wife, Jayashree, and children Sanjana and Shanthanu. Born into a family of esteemed artists, Sangeeth was the eldest among three siblings, including renowned cinematographer Santosh Sivan and director-producer Sanjeev Sivan

Sangeeth's directorial journey began with the Raghuvaranstarrer 'Vyooham' (1990), but it was the Mohanlal-led 'Yoddha' that solidified his position in the industry He collaborated with Mohanlal again on projects like 'Gandharvam' and 'Nirnayam' In Hindi cinema, he helmed films such as 'Zor', 'Kya Kool Hai Hum', 'Apna Sapna Money Money', and 'Yamla Pagla Deewana 2' His final directorial venture was the web series 'Bhram' (2019), starring Kalki Koechlin and Bhumika Chawla Sangeeth's upcoming project, announced in March, was 'Kapkapiii', a remake of the Malayalam film 'Romancham', featuring Shreyas Talpade and Tusshar Kapoor

Ritesh Deshmukh, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tusshar Kapoor, and other celebrities paid tribute on social media Prithviraj Sukumaran shared a black-and-white photo of Sangeeth on his Instagram stories, writing, "Rest in peace Cheta! (sic)," accompanied by a heart emoji

Ali Fazal joins Kamal Haasan in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Thug Life’

Actor Ali Fazal, renowned for his work in both Bollywood and Hollywood, collaborates with legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam and iconic actor Kamal Haasan for the upcoming magnum opus, "Thug Life". This venture serves as Fazal's debut in South Indian cinema.

Starting with his acting debut in the English film "The Other End of the Line," Fazal has since been a part of notable movies such as "3 Idiots," "Ek Tho Chance," "Fukrey," and "Baat Ban Gayi " He also featured in Hollywood successes like "Furious 7," "Death on the Nile," and "Kandahar " Now, venturing into Tamil cinema, Fazal is exploring a new avenue for his career Ali Fazal expressed his joy at being involved in such a significant project In a statement, he expressed gratitude for the chance to collaborate with luminaries such as Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan

In a statement, the actor said, “I am truly thrilled to be a part of Mani Sir’s vision for Thug Life And I can only hope I bring something of significance to this canvas It’s also an honour to work alongside the Kamal Haasan sir and share notes with him on this The opportunity to collaborate with two stalwarts of Indian cinema has been humbling I am deeply grateful to Mani Sir for entrusting me with this role and am eager to bring it to life on screen ” "Thug Life" has garnered immense anticipation among film enthusiasts Enhancing the movie's star power is the musical brilliance of AR Rahman

actors Aishwarya Rai,

Aditi Rao Hydari, and Sobhita Dhulipala are poised to represent India at the forthcoming Cannes Film Festival. Aishwarya is a

Aishwarya Rai, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sobhita Dhulipala attend Cannes 2024

seasoned attendee of the festival, while Aditi made her debut in 2022.

The 77th edition of the festival will run from May 14 to 25 The theme this year is 'Many Ways To Be An Icon', focusing on confidence and selfempowerment Actor Sobhita Dhulipala, who recently made her Hollywood debut in Dev Patel's 'Money Man', will also walk the red carpet Meanwhile, Ankush Bahuguna will be the first male beauty influencer from India to attend Cannes In a statement, Aditi, who is in the news for her role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi', expressed her excitement about the upcoming festival stating, "I strongly advocate that women

India to host Bharat Parv at 77th Cannes Film Festival

India is gearing up to host a 'Bharat Parv' at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, inviting esteemed dignitaries and delegate worldwide to explore the diverse creative avenues the country offe A delegation comprising representatives from both central and governments, alongside industry members, will present India's creative economy at Marche du Films through various si initiatives, as announced by the Information and Broadcasting m This marks the inaugural hosting of a "Bharat Parv" at the Cann Festival, aimed at engaging with global film luminaries, dire producers, buyers, and sales agents, while spotlighting Ind abundant creative talent and opportunities

Assam's feature film

‘Kooki’ to be screened at Cannes

Before its nationwide release on June 28, "Kooki," a d feature film produced in Assam, will premiere at the Cannes Festival 2024 The screening is set for May 21 at Palais H, as mentioned in an official statement Producer Junmoni Devi Khaund expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am deeply honoured to present my debut feature film, 'Kooki,' at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival This platform not only celebrates cinematic art but also amplifies voices addressing crucial global issues " Khaund highlighted that the film tackles a topic demanding urgent international attention and dialogue, making its Cannes debut particularly significant

should confidently embrace their unique selves It is an honour to be aligned with a brand that has consistently championed the cause of women's empowerment " Music icon King is anticipated to attend, alongside stars like Demi Moore, Meryl Streep, and George Lucas Meryl is set to receive a special Palme d'Or award This year's Palme d'Or winners include George Lucas and the Japanese animation studio Ghibli Additionally, two Indian films, 'Santosh' by Sandhya Suri and 'All We Imagine As Light' by Payal Kapadia, are slated for screening at the festival

Actor Bhumi Pednekar honoured as a Young Global Leader of the world in Geneva

Actor Bhumi Pednekar is poised to make a significant impact on driving global change Joining global leaders in Geneva for the World Economic Forum, she will be inducted as a Young Global Leader, embracing the responsibility to foster a sustainable future.

The actor, a vocal advocate for discussions on climate change, is among five Indians selected by the World Economic Forum to join its Young Global Leaders (YGL) Community for the Class of 2024

The actor is elated to take on the new role, and said, “I’m proud to be a Young Global Leader from India at the World Economic Forum! This motivates me to dedicate every minute of my life for social good

This recognition is even more special

because it comes on the eve of my 10th year in cinema next year!”

Romesh Ranganathan and Mawaan Rizwan

shine at BAFTA TV Awards 2024

The renowned British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) TV Awards 2024 recently unfolded at London’s Royal Festival Hall, with comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh

with his popular light entertainment comedy series Rob & Romesh VS, sharing the honour with Rob Beckett

Additionally, the documentary The Shamima

Ranganathan as hosts

Recognising exceptional achievements in the television industry, the event featured esteemed presenters such as Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Jeff Goldblum, Martine Freeman, and Lashan Lynch

Since the March announcement of nominees, excitement has been mounting, particularly with leading shows like The Crown and Black Mirror boasting eight and seven

nominations respectively Additionally, contenders such as Slow Horses, Happy Valley, and The Sixth Commandment each garnered six nods, adding to the anticipation of the event

Begum Story claimed the esteemed award in the Current Affairs category The documentary explores the complex and controversial case of Shamima Begum, a British woman who departed the country as a teenager to join the Islamic State group in Syria It delves into the intricate legal, ethical, and humanitarian dimensions of Begum’s story, igniting extensive debate and reflection

“I’m constantly inspired by interacting with change-makers from various parts of the world who are walking the talk to make a difference This incredibly prestigious platform gives me the opportunity to connect to such brilliant minds and combine forces to leave behind a better world for our future generations,” she added

Talking about the responsibility that comes with it, she shared, “As an actor, entrepreneur and a climate warrior, I want to work towards actionable change My key focus area is rooting for sustainability and I wish to mobilise as many people as possible in a bid to keep our planet healthy I am looking forward to opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas and drive meaningful impact on a global scale ”

Notable winners included Mawaan Rizwan and Romesh Ranganathan, who were recognised for their exceptional contributions to the comedy genre, earning well-deserved accolades for their outstanding work

Rizwan, renowned for his multifaceted talents as a writer, comedian, and the creative force behind the acclaimed comedy television series Juice, secured his inaugural BAFTA win for Male Performance in a Comedy Meanwhile, Romesh Ranganathan secured the BAFTA for Comedy Entertainment

Despite being nominated in the leading actress category for her compelling performance in the Netflix series Black Mirror, Anjana Vasan faced tough competition but ultimately lost to Sarah Lancashire, who claimed the trophy for her role in Happy Valley

The event also introduced fresh talent to the Bafta stage, including Hannah Waddingham, David Tennant, Bella Ramsey, and Elizabeth Debicki Additionally, BAFTA paid homage to industry veterans who passed away in the previous year, such as Matthew Perry, Ray Stevenson, Annie Nightingale, and Sir Michael Parkinson

Famous South Asian personalities such as Anita Rani and Taj Atwal were also present at awards

Bollywood

Romesh Ranganathan Mawaan Rizwan

Anjana Vasan

Taj Atwal

Gujarat Titans knocked out

Gujarat Titans were on Monday knocked out of the IPL 2024 after their penultimate match against tabl e-t oppers Kolk ata K ni ght Riders was called off because of persistent rain at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday

The Titans (11 from 13 matches) and Knight Riders (19 from 13 matches) shared the points The no-result means KKR confirmed a top-two spot Earlier, the city witnessed dust storms and a gust of wind resulting in low visibility in the evening This was followed by persistent spells of rain throughout the night, rendering the playing area unplayable Water puddles were formed near the 30-yard circle

RCB rediscover the groove

Royal Challengers Bengaluru remain in its quest to reach the IPL playoffs, beating Delhi Capitals by 47 runs at the M

Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday In a must-win game for both sides, Faf du Plessis’ men defended a modest-looking 187 to record its fifth win on the trot and rise up to fifth in the table (12 points) DC lost Impact Player

David Warner early, but Jake Fraser-McGurk caned

Mohammed Siraj for a six and two fours to commence the pursuit in fiery fashion But his run out left DC reeling at 24 for three

CSK remain in the hunt

Chennai Super Kings beat

Rajasthan Royals by five wickets in its last Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 league match at home on

Sunday The victory was CSK’s seventh in the tournament in 13 games and helped the defending champion move to the third spot in the standings

With one game left, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 18, Chennai can still get to 16 points, which could confirm its position in the top-four However, with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants also in the hunt to accumulate 16 points, Chennai’s fate will hinge on Net Run Rate (NRR) calculations

KKR down Mumbai, enter playoffs

Kolkata Knight Riders beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs at Eden Gardens to seal IPL 2024

Neeraj Chopra starts season with 88.36m, finishes second

O ly mpic a nd w or ld

c ha mpion Ne era j C hopra finished second at the Doha

D iamond L eague m eeting javelin throw event as his big final effort of 88 36m fell short by two centimeters of Ja kub Vadl ejch ’ s win ning effort in Doha last week

The 26-year-old Chopra trailed Czech Republic veteran Vadlejch - who won the title with his third round throw of 88 38m - all through the competition

Chopra made a last ditch effort but his final round throw fell 2 cm short of Vadlejch’s mark as the Indian superstar failed to defend the title he had won last year Two-time world champion Anderson Peters took the third sport with a best throw of 86 62m

Kishore Jena’s Diamond League debut ended in

disappointment as he was eliminated after three rounds of throws, with 76 31m being his best He began with a 75 72m, then fouled his second effort, before coming up with 76 31m to be at ninth after three throws each by all the 10 competitors

The 28-year-old Jena has a personal best of 87 54m, a performance that fetched him a silver medal in the

Hangzhou Asian Games last year, but it was not his day on Friday last Vadlejch had won a silver in the Tokyo Olympics and a bronze in the 2023 World Championships, the two events in which Chopra had won gold Chopra had won the 2023 Doha Diamond League with a throw of 88 67m, ahead of Vadlejch (88 63) and Peters (85 88m)

playoff berth Getting an invitation to bat first, KKR posted 157 for 7 as the match was reduced to 16-overs-a-side due to a delayed start due to rain With 42 off 21, Venkatesh Iyer was the top runscorer for KKR, while Piyush Chawla and Jasprit Bumrah picked two wickets each for MI In the chase, Mumbai Indians started well but faltered during the middle overs to end at 139 for 8 in stipulated 16 overs SRH chase down 166-run target in 9 4 overs

On a wicket where Lucknow Super Giants batters struggled to score, Travis Head (89*) and Abhishek Sharma (75) put on a batting masterclass to power Sunrisers Hyderabad to a crushing 10-wicket victory on Wednesday Chasing a modest 165/4, thanks largely to Ayush Badoni’s (55*) and Nicholas Pooran’s (48) stand of 99

runs for the fifth wicket, Sunrisers chased down the total in a mere 9 4 overs Their seventh win propelled them to third spot in the points table Head equalled the record for fastest half-century for SRH in 16 balls, joining his partner Abhishek, who had hit a 16-ball half century against Mumbai Indians here earlier this season

20 students to be awarded

Formula 1 engineering scholarship

Twenty e ngi neeri ng students in the UK and Italy wi ll be come the lates t recipients of the Formula 1 en gine eri ng sc holars hip during 2024 and 2025, as the programme enters its fourth ye ar The s chola rshi ps provide c ruc ial fi nanci al, ac ademi c, and car eer s upport f or stu dent s f rom u nderre pr ese nted backgrounds, while offering them an i ns ight i nto the motorsport industry as they prepare for their careers

Founded in 2021, the scholarship addresses some of the key barriers to higher education for these students including the financial burden and accessing opportunities The scholarship covers the entire cost of the student’s tuition, together with living expenses for the full

India sweep series against Bangladesh

R adha Yad av (3 /2 4) r an through B an gla des h' s top or der af ter R ic ha Ghosh's quickfire unbeaten 28 off 17 balls, setting up India's 21–run win in the fifth T20I and a 5-0 series sweep at Sylhet Chasing a huge 157-run target, B an gla des h be gan promis in gly but collapsed against the left-arm spinner Yadav Despite the rearguard act by Ritu Moni (37) and Shorifa Khatun (28 not out), the hosts finished at 135 for six in 20 overs

All-rounder Moni and Shorifa put on a resolute stand of 57 runs for the sixth wicket to lead the fightback and put India in pressure, but the visitors prevailed eventually It was leg-spinner Asha Sobhana (2/25) who broke the resilient partnership, cleaning up Moni in the 17th over to shut the doors on the home side Bangladesh were left reeling at 52 for five halfway through but Moni and Shorifa reignited their hopes, cashing in on every opportunity to score boundaries and with deft rotation of strike Yadav made her first

impression in the game with an athletic catch to get rid of an on-song Sobhana Mostary (13) off Titas Sadhu Mostary had hit three fours off Pooja Vastrakar's first over to set her side on track during the chase

After getting Dilara Akter (4), caught at mid-off by Vastrakar for her first breakthrough off her first ball, Yadav cleaned up Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana (7) and pinned Rubya Haider (20) in the front of the stumps for two wickets in the ninth over

Deeksha breaks national mark in women’s 1500m

Indian track athlete KM Deeksha set a new national record in the women ’ s 1500m, while Avinash Sable finished second in men ’ s 5000m event at the Sou nd Run nin g Trac k Fe st in Los Angeles The 25-year-old Deeksha finished third in the final on Saturday after running the distance in 4:04 78, bettering the previous record of 4:05 39 set by Harmilan Bains in 2021 at the National Open Athletics

Championships in Warangal Deeksha’s previous personal best was a 4:06 07 set in the final of the National Inter-State Athletics Championships at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in 2023, where she upstaged Bains to win gold Deeksha who is from Amroha, UP has been part of the MP Athletics Academy for the last five years training under coach S K Prasad Parul Chaudhary ran 15:10 69s in the women ’ s 5000m to finish fifth Parul narrowly missed out

on improving her national record while compatriot Ankita ended 10th with a time of 15:28 88 Sable finished second in the men ’ s 5000m with a time of 13:20 37 and not his pet 3000m steeplechase event, and in the same event, Gulveer Singh ran a 13:31 95 Sable’s 5000m national record time is 13:19 30 Kartik Kumar ran the last lap in 62sec in the men ’ s 10000m but that could only fetch him a second-place finish He clocked 28:07 66s

duration of their degree It also ensures that the scholars can access support for their careers, including work experience with one of the ten Formula 1 teams during their second year of study, as well as career workshops and mentoring

Till now, the scholarship has helped 30 students from partner universities across the UK and Italy and will see 50 students in total supported through their studies by 2025 Earlier this year, Formula 1 welcomed the current group of scholars to its media & technology centre in Biggin Hill, Kent where they toured the broadcast centre and received insightful career talks from leading engineers and production colleagues from within F1

This year ’ s cohort, who

are already students at Strathclyde University, Imperial University, The University of Cambridge, University of Oxford and The Motorvehicle University of Emilia-Romagna (MUNER), are selected against a number of criteria set out by the participating universities who consider applications from students of lower socio-economic and underrepresented groups, including women and people from minority ethnic groups The scholarship is one of several schemes designed to build a more diverse and inclusive Formula 1 by breaking down barriers and encouraging all people regardless of gender, ethnicity, or social background to get involved in the sport

BCCI invites applications for Team India head coach

The Board of Control for Cric ket in I n dia (BCC I) invited applications for the position of he ad coa ch (senior men) According to a release, applications for the position s hould b e submitted by 6 pm (IST) on May 27, 2024

The selection process will include a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates

Main qualifying criteria for the position go like this: Applicant should have played minimum of 30 Test Matches or 50 ODI’s; or should have been head coach of a full member Test playing nation, for a minimum period of 2 years; or should have been head coach of an associate member /IPL team or equivalent international league/First Class teams/ National A teams, for a minimum period of 3 years; or should have BCCI Level 3 certification or equivalent; and should be below 60 years of age

The new Team India head coach will have a tenure of three-and-half years (from July 1, 2024 to Dec 31 , 2027)