AV 04th November 2023

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE Biden honours two IndianAmerican scientists for remarkable medical discoveries

Ramayana puppet show to shine on UK stage SEE PAGE - 14

SEE PAGE - 21

Durga Parade brings Bengal’s Bhatiyali to London’s Thames

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4 - 10 NOVEMBER 2023

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

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PM Modi calls for fostering unity and brotherhood in society SEE PAGE - 25

VOL 52 - ISSUE 27

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SHRI RAM JANMABHUMI,

A SYMBOL OF HOPE

Hundreds celebrate Diwali on the Square braving bad weather

As the end of the battle of disputed land has finally paved the way for the inauguration of Shri Ram Janmabhumi temple in Ayodhya, India, devotees from all faiths and walks of life gear up to welcome Ram this Diwali.

Photo credit: Sourav Dutta

Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir themed Durga puja pandal in Kolkata, that was inaugurated by Home Minister Amit Shah

Diwali is more than just a festival of the Hindu faith. It is in fact a global celebration of cultures, increasingly, independent of religious beliefs and practices. It is as widely celebrated and observed as Christmas. The homecoming of Lord Ram, the victory of good over evil, the mythological anecdotes and the zeal with which light takes over dark, make Diwali a pious annual moment for communities.

Continued on page 12

People braved London’s rain and bad weather to gather at Trafalgar Square for London Mayor’s official Diwali celebration on Sunday 29 October.

The event opened with 200 colourfully dressed dancers followed by an exciting mix of performances from artists drawn from London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities.

Continued on page 16

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4 - 10 November 2023

Starmer faces mutiny over Gaza ceasefire stance Pressure is mounting on Sir Keir Starmer as more highranking politicians diverge from the party's position by expressing support for a ceasefire in Gaza. While the Labour leader has emphasised Israel's right to selfdefence following Hamas' terror attacks on October 7, he has also endorsed 'humanitarian pauses' to facilitate aid delivery to the Gaza Strip.

Sir Keir's hesitation to explicitly call for a ceasefire and his comments on LBC regarding Israel's right to control water and electricity have triggered a backlash within the Labour party.

This dissent includes several shadow ministers, with even staunch loyalist Jess Phillips retweeting a statement from UN Chief Antonio Guterres, who reiterated the call for a ceasefire.

Ms. Phillips is among several prominent dis-

Sir Keir Starmer

senters within the party, including figures like Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester, Anas Sarwar, the Scottish leader of the party, and London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan. It's worth noting that Mr. Khan reportedly informed Sir Keir that he intended to release a video advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza the night before it was posted on Twitter, disregarding the Labour leader's pleas, as reported by The Times.

Musk sparks backlash labelling Yousaf racist Elon Musk incited a Scottish uproar after accusing Humza Yousaf of being “a blatant racist” based on a selectively edited clip of a speech by the first minister.

The tech mogul, owner of Tesla, SpaceX, and the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), reacted to a 45-sec-

lic posts held by white people. Musk's response, calling Yousaf a "blatant racist," ignited controversy.

Musk faced immediate challenges on X, and in response, Yousaf posted a gif from a BBC Scotland sitcom, Still Game, showing an Asian shopkeeper doing a

Elon Musk

Humza Yousaf

ond snippet posted on X by an anonymous account, End Wokeness.

The clip shared by the verified account accused Yousaf, Scotland's first ethnic minority first minister, of openly showing contempt toward white individuals by listing all senior pub-

dance with the words "racists foaming at the mouth at my very existence." Musk's comment triggered widespread backlash in Scotland for its perceived misinterpretation and the subsequent impact on the conversation about racism.

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Boris Johnson joins GB News as presenter Former PM Boris Johnson announced his upcoming show on GB News, becoming the latest Conservative politician to join the rightleaning TV network. In a video posted on X, Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for joining the "remarkable" channel, highlighting that the platform would allow him to share his unfiltered opinions on political matters.

In a hint at the scope of discussions, Johnson mentioned addressing various global issues such as Russia, China, the war in Ukraine, and forthcoming UK and US elections. GB News confirmed Johnson would cover these events. Johnson also expressed his desire to explore why he believes the future holds immense opportunities for the UK, emphasising the notion of a more globally engaged Britain.

This move solidifies Johnson's role as a presenter on GB News, offering an

The Tory government is reducing hotel housing for asylum seekers due to decreased migrant arrivals.

This type of accommodation raises political concerns due to its high cost, estimated at about £8 million per day, as per official figures.

insight into his future show's themes, which are poised to delve into international affairs and the country's future trajectory.

In heels of his recent employment, WhatsApp messages have been revealed during the Covid inquiry, pointing fingers at Boris Johnson, alleging that his leadership created disorder during the Covid-19 crisis.

The exchange between Johnson and his advisors highlighted his approach as "impossible" to manage the pandemic, accusing him of constant changes and causing chaos.

Meanwhile, the mosque has taken action by banning the individual from public speaking while it carries out its own investigation. The video featured an unidentified imam delivering the address in Arabic.

A translation of some of his comments reads: “O God, curse the infidels and the polytheists. O God, curse the Jews and the children of Israel. And tear them apart, destroy their homes, destroy their homes, and send down on them your punishment that does not turn away from the criminal people.”

Leicester Councillor apologises for ableist language Conservative Leicester City Council member Hemant Rae Bhatia publicly apologised after using an ableist term to describe the current Labour administration in response to a post by Deputy City Mayor Adam Clarke on X (formerly Twitter). Clarke's post highlighted the reduction in car trips benefiting health, wellbeing, and climate goals.

Bhatia countered, alleging that the council's transport policies were impeding movement, causing "economically damaging congestion." Disability charity Mencap condemned the term as deeply distressing to people with learning disabilities, stripping away their humanity.

Following the backlash, Coun Bhatia expressed

the contentious "Bibby Stockholm" barge docked off the southwest English coast. Although it faced a Legionella bacteria outbreak leading to the evacuation of numerous migrants within days of being housed there in August, recent

Boris Johnson

London mosque probes speaker's anti-Jewish remarks A London mosque is conducting an investigation into a speaker who, in a widely shared video, called on Allah to "curse the Jews." In the video, an imam at Redbridge Islamic Centre is seen asking Allah to "destroy the homes" of Jewish people and "tear them apart." This address occurred on October 20, less than two weeks after the Hamas terror attacks on Israel.

The Metropolitan Police has been assessing the video's content to determine whether any criminal offenses have been committed.

Migrant hotels to shut, says Government

Bibby Stockholm

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick informed Parliament that roughly 50 hotels will no longer house migrants in the next three months, with more reductions to come. Jenrick attributed this decision to recent measures such as increased shared housing and efforts to repurpose disused military sites, despite facing opposition in some local areas.

Jenrick also addressed

remedial works have allowed the barge to accommodate 50 people since last week.

The barge is intended to house up to 500 young male migrants following these improvements, but rights advocates criticise its suitability. The UK government is awaiting a court ruling on the legality of another immigration policy, involving deporting failed asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Champion unity amid Middle East conflict: Faith leaders Faith and community leaders, activists, and MPs are urging people in the UK not to allow their frustrations over the Israel-Palestine conflict to escalate into street violence.

These global tensions have had repercussions in the UK, leading to a notable increase in hate crimes.

Between October 1 and 18, the Metropolitan Police recorded 218 antisemitic incidents, a substantial rise from 15 during the same period the previous year. Similarly, the number of Islamophobic incidents has increased to 101 from 42 compared to the previous year.

In response to these

developments, officers focused on community safety have visited 445 schools and 1,930 places of worship, emphasising the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding violence in the midst of international conflicts. Last week, 100,000 protesters joined a Palestine Solidarity Campaign march.

Some lawmakers criticised police for not acting tougher on slogans shouted during the protest.

Met Police chief Mark Rowley met with Home Secretary Suella Braverman on Monday (23) and suggested that laws would need changes for stronger government-backed action.

NHS exploits overseas doctors, investigation uncovers

Hemant Rae Bhatia

regret for his comments. His public apology came after the use of the ableist slur, acknowledging the impact and recognising the insensitivity of his language in describing the city administration.

An investigation reveals a controversial program in English hospital trusts, where overseas doctors participating in the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges’ medical training initiative (MTI) scheme receive lower pay and reduced benefits compared to their locally hired counterparts.

The MTI initiative enables doctors from abroad to gain experience in the NHS for two years before applying their skills in their home countries. According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), these MTI fellows might receive lesser compensation than locally hired doctors and face the risk of being sent back to

their home country if they become pregnant.

While some NHS trusts offer equal compensation and benefits to both employed doctors and fellows, exclusive arrangements with the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), NHS Foundation Trust, and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust result in lower pay and reduced benefits for the fellows.

Critics, including employment lawyers and doctors, denounce this practice as exploitative, highlighting the disparity and limitations faced by the fellows under these exclusive arrangements.

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Illicit trade exploits UK visa seekers An investigation unveiled a thriving illegal trade targeting UK visa applicants from certain South Asian regions.

Brokers in these areas charge high prices, reaching up to £800, for appointments that are meant to be freely available, as reported

by The Guardian.

The illicit trade is actively promoted on social media platforms like

Facebook and Telegram.

Potential applicants from countries such as Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh are enticed by promises of stress-free UK visa appointments and assistance in navigating system delays. Offers guarantee next-day appointments at what they consider "fair rates," all without any upfront payment.

The increased demand for UK visas, particularly from international students and healthcare workers, has given rise to this exploitative system, the report highlighted. Appointments for long-term stays or shortterm visits from specific countries necessitate an inperson meeting in their home country for the submission of biometric data.

MPs to probe environment's impact on ethnicities The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Race and Community is examining the unequal impact of the environmental crisis on Black people, indigenous groups, and individuals of colour.

This joint inquiry with the APPG on the Green New Deal aims to investigate the connections between systemic racism and the environmental emergency. By

engaging the most affected communities in Parliament, the inquiry seeks to develop more comprehensive, inclusive, and intersectional environmental policies.

Additionally, there will be opportunities for environmental professionals and leaders of colour from both the global North and South to discuss climate justice directly with

Parliamentarians.

The Runnymede Trust, a leading UK race equality think tank and secretariat for the APPG on Race and Community, will handle and analyse the short written submissions.

These, combined with oral evidence in Parliamentary sessions, will contribute to a report scheduled for publication in spring 2023.

Tory MP confirms suspicion of rape arrest Conservative MP Crispin Blunt confirmed yesterday that he was arrested on suspicion of rape, contributing to a series of allegations of misconduct that have troubled the ruling party.

In a statement posted on a platform, formerly known as Twitter, the MP for

Reigate stated, “I have now been interviewed twice in connection with this incident," and he expressed concerns about possible extortion linked to the allegations. Blunt further added, “The arrest was unnecessary, as I remain ready to cooperate fully with the

investigation that I am confident will end without charge."

This arrest adds to the challenges faced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has been dealing with successive scandals involving sexual misconduct and bullying among his party's MPs.

Sunak celebrates first year anniversary as PM “I know this year has been tough, and there is still work to be done to help hardworking families across the country, but I’m proud of the steps we’ve made,” said Rishi Sunak marking a year of his historic milestone as the first Indian-heritage Prime Minister of Britain this week.

“I know that the rising cost of living is something families across the country are struggling with. It’s why we’re working so hard to halve inflation, reduce debt and grow the economy,” he

Rishi Sunak

said.

He vowed to stay active, engaging in a parliamentary face-off with Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Opposition Labour Party.

Downing Street marked October 25 as a regular working day without any anniversary festivities planned. Conservative Party chairman Greg Hands commended the party leader on his one-year milestone.

Amid external challenges stemming from the Israel-Hamas and RussiaUkraine crises, Sunak confronts a significant domestic agenda concerning inflation and the cost of living pressures as the UK readies for a forthcoming general election next year.

Five charged for pro-Palestinian protests in London On Sunday (29), charges were brought against five individuals following their arrest in London during pro-Palestinian demonstrations a day prior, where tens of thousands had gathered in support of a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

The Metropolitan Police detained a total of nine individuals, two on suspicion of assaulting police officers and seven for public order violations. Additionally, two more individuals were apprehended on Sunday morning on suspicion of inciting racial hatred after

an incident in Trafalgar Square the previous evening, as per the Met's statement.

Within the group of five facing charges, spanning from ages 16 to 51, two are accused of racially aggravated offenses, involving the display of a threatening and racist placard. The remaining individuals face allegations that include hurling a beer can at a protester and verbal and physical assaults against law enforcement.

About 100,000 people participated in the "March for Palestine" in London on

Saturday, with instances of altercations with the police.

This marked the third consecutive weekend in which London held significant rallies in support of the Palestinian cause.

Ministers held an emergency Cobra meeting due to concerns of Israel-Gaza conflict heightening the potential threat of terrorism in Britain. Home Secretary Suella Braverman joined national security officials and police at No. 10 Downing Street to evaluate the domestic security risk posed by the situation.

Please see page 4 for Comments this week.

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Thought for the week "It always seems impossible until it's done."

— Nelson Mandela

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel

A United Stand for Democracy and Tolerance - The UK's Stance Against Global Extremism This week I hosted an event in Parliament as Chair of the City Hindus Network, and the President of the India League. I closed the event referencing the problem of extremism. Three weeks ago I was giving a speech on extremism in commemoration of Gandhiji’s birth. Again, the topic was dealing with extremists.

In the wake of an unspeakable act of terrorism orchestrated by Hamas in Israel on 7th October, a crucial call to action reverberates across the UK, urging every citizen to form a collective front against extremism, terrorism, and fanaticism. This incident not only delineates a defining chapter in history but also underscores the perilous intent harboured by extremist factions like Hamas and ISIS. Their ultimate goal, it seems clear, is to disintegrate the fabric of liberal democracies and supplant them with their radical ideologies, thereby extinguishing the flames of tolerance and coexistence that are the hallmarks of a civilized society.

At this juncture, it's imperative to acknowledge that such destructive ideologies find support, albeit from a minority, even within the UK's borders. This isn't merely a confrontation between differing civilizations; it's a battle to preserve the essence of civilisation itself. The core values that the UK holds dear—tolerance, freedom, and the sanctity of human life—are being insidiously targeted by these extremist entities.

The repercussions of their nefarious agendas are already palpable within the UK, and the threat looms large over the democratic ethos we cherish.

The call to action is unequivocal. Silence is no longer a luxury we can afford. The need of the hour is a united front that unequivocally communicates that extremism will find no quarter here. It's a call that demands courage, unwavering commitment, and a collective resolve to uphold the democratic values that define the UK. The battle against extremism isn't new to us; we've faced and thwarted such threats before.

The legacy of defending our civilization against forces of extremism is a testament to our collective strength and the enduring values we uphold.

The onus now lies on every citizen, irrespective of colour, race, religion, political affiliation, or gender identity, to rally together under a common banner of tolerance, freedom, and democracy. The present circumstances necessitate that we reaffirm our commitment to these values, and stand united against the forces that seek to undermine them. The ethos of the UK is rooted in the principles of tolerance and coexistence, and it's these very principles that will guide us as we navigate through these turbulent times.

The battle against extremism transcends political and personal differences. It's a shared responsibility that beckons every citizen to play a part in safeguarding the democratic foundation of our society.

Together, as a united front, we can ensure that the forces of extremism are effectively countered, thereby preserving the cherished values that form the bedrock of the UK's identity.

As we unite to stand against extremism, we reiterate our unwavering resolve to protect the values that define our nation, and in doing so, ensure a safe and tolerant society for future generations to thrive. The path may be fraught with challenges, but with a united resolve, the UK will emerge stronger, upholding the torch of democracy and tolerance against the dark shadows of extremism and terror.

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Diaspora’s Diwali spirit shines amidst global tensions Navratri heralds the onset of a vibrant and diverse array of festivals that are celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm across the UK. As we wind up from the nine days of garba and pujo, festivals like Diwali, Hanuka, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. While all festivals are celebrated with great fervour, the grandeur and excitement of Diwali amongst the diaspora is unmatched and with the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya fast approaching, the excitement this year knows no leaps and bounds.

While the festive sentiment has never dampened over the years, it has evolved immensely and has definitely gone beyond sentimental and personal. There is definitely a political aspect to all and any celebrations, with religion often taking the front seat. For instance, the Ram Mandir will definitely be the frontier of the Modi government’s campaign in the upcoming elections back in India.

In the UK, engaging in Diwali or any other festive celebrations enhances a politician's presence among the diaspora, and may potentially garner heightened political backing.

Politicians expressing support for cultural festivals may earn favour within these communities, potentially translating into support during elections or community initiatives.

Take Rishi Sunak, for instance. He has made his identity as the first British-Asian Prime Minister of the country his USP and collects major brownie points from the diaspora from time to time.

Diwali celebrations in the UK provide a significant platform for political leaders to underscore the vital role of cultural integration and diversity within the nation.

Involvement in Diwali festivities stands as a symbolic gesture, signifying inclusivity and recognition of the invaluable contributions made by the South Asian community to the cultural fabric of the United Kingdom.

While the practice of inviting wealth and prosperity into our homes during Diwali remains, the way we handle our finances has evolved. The world has moved on from a cashheavy era to a digitised one and money is no longer just paper. It is easily available at the tip of our fingers and with the introduction of e-money, it is now a digital entity.

The form of currency being discussed is recognised as a central bank digital currency (CBDC). It goes by different names such as 'digital sterling' or 'Britcoin'. In the UK, this specific variant is referred to as the digital pound. The Treasury is expected to make a decision regarding the introduction of the UK's digital currency by 2025.

Only a few years ago, people were extremely choosy about the banks they wanted to trust in, mostly preferring named, high-end brands. However, that’s not the case any-

more. In a survey of 2,000 UK adults, it was discovered that 34% of participants had opened a new savings account with an alternative bank or savings provider within the past two years. More than half of these individuals opted for an online-only provider, moving away from traditional high street banks. Specifically, 55% of those who shifted their savings transitioned to digital banks, departing from the conventional high street lenders.

We have, however, stuck to some traditions that might not be such a good idea. The practice of safeguarding cherished jewellery within our homes can inadvertently make the South Asian community a primary target for theft. Due to this, the police are cautioning individuals to secure their jewellery following recent home-targeted incidents. The force stresses the significance of conveying this advice to members of the Asian community, who uphold the tradition of gifting and passing down gold jewellery across family generations.

Three years ago, the Covid-19 pandemic brought significant changes to the way we celebrate festivals. For two years, many global celebrations were impacted as people couldn't come together for special occasions. Just as things were returning to a semblance of normalcy, the news of Russia's invasion of Ukraine shocked the world, overshadowing the scale of celebrations.

However, many families in the UK extended their compassion by inviting Ukrainians into their homes to share festivities. In March 2022, the UK Government launched the Homes for Ukraine refugee scheme, allowing British citizens to sponsor visas for Ukrainians fleeing conflict and offering them a safe place to stay for at least six months.

In the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict this year, the world has been forced to confront the grim reality of the situation, leading many to set aside their festive spirits in light of the ongoing suffering and loss of life. The global tensions stemming from this conflict have reverberated in the UK, resulting in a significant increase in hate crimes.

Between October 1 and 18, the Metropolitan Police reported 218 incidents of antisemitism, a stark rise compared to the 15 incidents recorded during the same period the previous year. Similarly, Islamophobic incidents have also surged, increasing from 42 to 101 compared to the previous year. Just last week, a Palestine Solidarity Campaign march drew 100,000 protesters in a show of solidarity.

Despite ongoing global tensions, the diaspora remains resilient. Diwali celebrations continue, with events hosted by leaders like Sadiq Khan and Rishi Sunak, along with various charities, organisations, and communities across the UK, all celebrating Diwali with enthusiasm.

Anticipated global power shift in 2024 elections India, the US, the UK, and Taiwan are set for general elections in 2024. The outcomes of these democratic processes wield the power to shape and influence the distribution of global power in multifaceted ways. Through economic policies, foreign relations, military, international alliances, soft power, climate strategies, technological innovations, human rights advocacy, development assistance, and global health responses, these elections have the potential to impact the world order, making them pivotal moments in the ongoing evolution of global geopolitics.

Taiwan goes to the polls in January 2024. Anti-China President Tsai Ing-wen has already served two four-year terms. Now, she is ineligible to contest. Unlike the autocratic Chinese President Xi Jinping, who declared himself president for life by amending the Chinese Communist Party’s Constitution, Tsai will step aside in democratic Taiwan this January. Months later, in April 2024, India will hold a decisive Lok Sabha election, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi aiming for a historic third consecutive five-year term. On November 5, 2024, deeply polarised Americans will choose between incumbent US President Joe Biden and former US President Donald Trump. Weeks later, Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party will face a British electorate weary of declining living standards, high energy costs, and buyers' remorse over Brexit that has crippled essential services. The Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, is far ahead of the Tories in opinion polls.

With two wars raging in Europe and the Middle East, neither the US nor China wants to open a new front in the Pacific. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also waiting for the US presidential election in November 2024 before deciding Beijing’s strategy on Taiwan. If former US President Donald Trump returns to power against the odds and despite the criminal cases against him, Xi will seek a transactional modus vivendi with him. Taiwan could emerge as a bargaining chip.

But Xi also knows that it was Trump as president who began a damaging trade war with China that US President Joe Biden has broadened with a ban on high-tech exports to Beijing. For Xi, both Trump and Biden are cut from broadly the same anti-China cloth.

Britain goes to the polls at the end of 2024 and is expected to elect the Labour Party. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s time appears to be up as Britain grapples with post-Brexit

trauma: labour shortages, high retail prices, and crumbling health infrastructure. Britain has always punched above its geopolitical weight, using a combination of hard and soft power. The break with the European Union (EU) has led to a shortage of workers from Poland and other EU countries.

Commercial ties with China have meanwhile unravelled following Beijing’s support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

India, with its vast market, is, for the pragmatic British, the best option. Indian policymakers must leverage this.

India’s stance on Ukraine- Russia has affected Europe’s opinion on the Indian government. It has raised concerns and led to a reassessment of India's international relations.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has already caused an increase in oil prices. This, in turn, could lead to inflation in importing countries, such as India. Presently, the upcoming assembly elections in India appear to be centred around state-specific issues and the intricacies of Indian politics.

However, the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict, combined with higher oil prices causing persistent inflation, could introduce an additional variable into the electoral equation.

In the upcoming year, India prepares for significant events: the general elections and the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The consecration of the Ram Mandir at the historic 'Janmasthan' holds immense significance. It will mark the fulfilment of the BJP's long-standing promise, "mandir wahin banayenge" (we promise to build the temple at the same spot). Crucially, the temple's consecration coincides with the likely announcement of the next Lok Sabha elections. This convergence sets the stage for it to become one of the central themes of the BJP's 2024 campaign. The excitement of the temple inauguration is palpitating amongst the Indian diaspora across the world, and many plan to witness the historic event in person. Sources revealed that around five lakh are expected to visit the temple from abroad.

Recently, a UN resolution urging an immediate Gaza ceasefire passed with an overwhelming majority. The resolution called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all civilians, the protection of civilians and international institutions, and ensuring the safe passage of humanitarian aid into the Strip. One hundred and twenty countries voted in favour of the non-binding resolution introduced by Jordan, while just 14 voted against it.

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Scotland's First Minister, Humza Yousaf, has reestablished contact with his family in Gaza following a period of communication blackout. His in-laws had been stranded in the region due to the conflict initiated by Hamas in Israel. After two days without communication, they managed to reconnect, and they reported a shortage of drinking water in the area.

Yousaf has emphasised the urgent need for a ceasefire and the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected region.

According to The BBC, phone lines and internet connections are gradually being restored in Gaza after a communication blackout lasting more than a day.

Humza Yousaf

Elizabeth El-Nakla and her husband Maged, who are the parents of Yousaf's wife Nadia, were out of contact since Friday (27) morning, leading to deep concern about their well-being.

Yousaf had feared for their safety, but thankfully, communication has now been reestablished.

20-year-old in East London convicted for child pornography A 20-year-old named Mohammed Ahmed has been convicted for possessing a vast number of child abuse images, more than three years after his arrest. Ahmed was merely 17 years old when the police detained him at his residence on Violet Road in Bow and took him for questioning at an East London police station in July 2020.

Initially, authorities were unaware of the scale of his collection. However, they seized his blue Samsung phone at the time and subjected it to forensic analysis. After completing the phone

analysis in February of this year, the examination unveiled over 4,000 indecent images of young children.

At the Thames Magistrates' Court on Thursday (October 26), Mohammed Ahmed pleaded guilty to multiple charges. These included possessing 1,015 Category A images, 986 Category B images, and 1,259 Category C images of child abuse. He also admitted to holding a prohibited image of a child and an extreme pornographic image depicting a person engaged in an offensive and obscene act of intercourse with an unidentified live animal.

UK unveils significant ethnicity pension gap Data reveals that an individual from a minority ethnic background in the UK typically possesses a pension pot that is less than half the size of the average saved by a white British individual, as per research findings.

Conducted by Legal & General's investment division, the research highlighted a substantial "ethnicity pensions gap" in the UK. This gap was attributed to several factors including "misconceptions" surrounding pensions, a notable "lack of trust in employers," and insufficient disposable income among individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds.

The study found that the average pension pot for a saver from a minority ethnic background is £52,333, significantly lower when compared to the average pension pot of £114,941 held by a white British saver.

The research encompassed surveys conducted among more than 4,000 UK adults.

Additionally, interviews were carried out with six focus groups to delve into the key areas, rendering this research one of the most extensive studies on this subject, as reported by Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), which oversees £1.2 trillion of investment and pension funds.

NHS loses £500M annually on incontinence pads A report reveals that the NHS is losing over half a billion pounds annually due to subpar incontinence care. Presently, 164,833 individuals in residential care and nursing homes face bladder or bowel control issues.

An eight-week value-based procurement pilot conducted at two care homes in Lincolnshire shed light on the financial and dignity costs associated with using cheap, ill-fitting incontinence products. In partnership with the NHS, hygiene and health company Essity conduct-

ed the study to assess the impact of providing more clinically suitable products, rather than those chosen solely based on unit cost.

The study found that individuals using the current products were prone to around 2.5 leaks daily, necessitating staff time for changes and requiring six pads per day, resulting in a total cost of £15.33. In contrast, individuals required only four of the slightly more expensive pads with an average of 0.5 leaks per person, resulting in a reduced cost of only £6.68.

Islamist who praises Hamas, doubles as NHS doctor Abdul Wahid, the leader of the UK branch of the radical Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT), has been revealed to have worked for over two decades as an NHS doctor under a different name.

The group, Hizb ut-Tahrir, has celebrated recent attacks by Hamas on Israel and aims to establish an Islamic caliphate governed by sharia law. At a proPalestine march in London, HT members provoked outrage by chanting "jihad" and calling for "Muslim armies" to attack Israel.

There has been pressure on the government to ban Hizb utTahrir, which is already prohibited in parts of Europe and much of the Middle East.

The Mail on Sunday reported that Abdul Wahid, the long-time leader of the group in the UK, had practiced as a family doctor using his real name, Dr Wahid Asif Shaida, while working for the NHS in Harrow, northwest London, for more than 20 years.

In another attack at Israel, a

Source: Facebook

Humza Yousaf contacts family amidst Gaza blackout

in brief

Abdul Wahid

British television station frequently features a fugitive associated with Hamas, who recently used the channel to express admiration for the "resistance fighters" responsible for the killing of seven individuals in a synagogue on Holocaust Memorial Day. Al-Hiwar TV is a satellite news channel based in London, regulated by Ofcom, and caters to Arab communities in both the UK and the Middle East. It enjoys popularity among younger audiences and boasts 1.2 million subscribers on YouTube.

Woman aided genital mutilation abroad A woman from London, Amina Noor, aged 39, has been convicted for her involvement in the genital mutilation of a threeyear-old British girl. She claimed that she feared being cursed if she objected to the procedure.

Noor took the child to Africa for the mutilation, stating at the Old Bailey that her community would have ostracised her if she had refused. The victim remained silent about the mutilation for 13 years until she dis-

closed the incident to her English teacher at a school in London.

Doctors at University College Hospital later confirmed that the girl's clitoris had been entirely removed.

Residing in Harrow, northwest London, Noor became the first person to be found guilty of assisting a non-UK citizen in the mutilation of a girl's genitalia overseas, contravening the Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2003.

Racial stereotypes and cost-ofliving affect healthcare A midwife expressed that while the NHS is 'amazing', it was predominantly constructed by and for white people, as highlighted in interviews conducted for a significant report by England's healthcare watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The CQC's annual assessment on the state of health and social care revealed a 'turbulent' situation, citing issues such as the high cost of living and racial stereotypes contributing to some individuals receiving 'unfair care'. As part of the

assessment, the CQC conducted interviews with ethnic minority midwives to understand their experiences in maternity services and gain insights into safety issues.

A prevalent theme highlighted was the influence of racial stereotypes and a lack of cultural awareness among NHS staff on maternity care. The report noted that black and Asian infants face higher death rates at birth, with black women having a higher likelihood of readmission within six weeks post-partum.

Watchdog concludes inquiry against chair The equalities watchdog closed its investigation against its chair, Kishwer Falkner, after a review initiated by Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) cited the review as the reason for ending the investigation and stated that the board would address any remaining issues with all parties in confidence.

Falkner, who had denied wrongdoing, expressed gratitude for the conclusion of the investigation into unsubstantiated claims against her.

Previously, it was revealed that the EHRC had been examining around 40 complaints made by

12 current or former staff members at the EHRC. Some characterised this as a "witch-hunt" against Falkner by pro-transgender rights staff members due to EHRC's support for changing the Equality Act 2010. The proposed change would define the protected characteristic of sex as biological sex, potentially allowing transgender women to be excluded from single-sex spaces.

However, sources within the organisation clarified that while some complaints were related to transgender policy, the broader concerns revolved around issues of independence and impartiality within the EHRC.

CONFLICT WILL BE JUDGED IN DUE COURSE, SAYS MINISTER According to Michelle Donelan, the Science, Innovation, and Technology Secretary, Israel's compliance with international law in its conflict with Hamas will be assessed "at a later date." She stated that it is not within her purview to determine whether global rules are being violated in Gaza.

Furthermore, she mentioned that the UK has not set specific "red lines" for Israel in the conflict, as the parameters of warfare are already well-established in international law. In Gaza, health authorities report that 8,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israeli strikes.

Donelan added that the UK continues to call for a pause in the violence to allow humanitarian aid into the region and enable people to leave, but the government has not formally demanded an outright ceasefire.

NEWCASTLE-UNDERLYME: RHS BLOOM 2023 WINNER Newcastle-under-Lyme wins RHS Britain in Bloom 2023. It's the Overall Winner in the UK's largest community gardening competition, standing out in the Small City Category among 44 community gardening groups. The competition recognised 12 category winners from villages, towns, and cities, including Aberdeen, Better Bankside, Brandon, Churchtown, Darlington, East Haven, Kinnesswood, Lytham, Newcastleunder-Lyme, Oswestry, Redbourn, and St Saviour. This event, with over 3,000 community groups and numerous local volunteers, highlights collective efforts to maintain thriving neighbourhoods yearround.

DEMENTIA IN ENGLAND AND WALES TO DOUBLE Nearly 1.7 million with dementia are expected by 2040 in England and Wales. A University College London study highlights increasing rates, linked to inequalities, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyles. Estimated cases will surge by 42% compared to previous forecasts, placing a heavier burden on NHS and social care. Currently, around 900,000 people have dementia, expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030 and 1.7 million by 2040. The Lancet Public Health published the study, analysing data from people aged 50 to 80 in England between 2002 and 2019.

RAIL STATION BIKE THEFTS SURGE 40% YEARLY In the past year, bicycle thefts at railway stations saw a significant surge, even with the presence of widespread CCTV cameras, but law enforcement's effectiveness in apprehending offenders seems to be diminishing. According to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, the number of stolen bikes rose by almost 40 percent, reaching 6,956 in 2022 compared to 4,999 the previous year. These statistics revealed that commuters in the home counties were more susceptible to falling victim to these thefts. Despite this marked increase in thefts, the British Transport Police's success in charging individuals decreased by 8 percent, resulting in only 238 individuals being charged. Additionally, the police managed to recover merely 103 out of the nearly 7,000 stolen bikes, reflecting a small percentage of the total thefts.

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The Institute of Jainology and Jain All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) celebrate 20th Annual Ahimsa Day at the House of Commons London: The Institute of Jainology (IOJ) and the Jain All-Party Parliamentary Group celebrated its 20th annual Ahimsa Day at the House of Commons.

Ahimsa Day is held annually at the House of Commons, Palace of Westminster, and brings together esteemed personalities and dignitaries including from parliament, Jain and other faith communities, and academia.

The evening commenced with the serene recitation of the sacred Jain prayer, Navkar Mantra, and blessings by the revered nuns, Pujya Samani ji, setting a spiritually uplifting tone for the gathering. Dr. Mehool H Sanghrajka, the Managing Trustee of the IOJ, warmly welcomed the attendees, emphasising the importance of promoting compassion and non-violence in the contemporary world.

Gareth Thomas MP, Chair of the Jain APPG, extended a gracious welcome, highlighting the continued relevance of Ahimsa in fostering peace and harmony.

Bob Blackman MP and Vice-Chair of the Jain APPG also gave a warm welcome and provided insightful remarks emphasising the importance of fostering understanding and appreciation for the Jain community's cultural and educational needs.

The Shadow Minister of Faith, Sarah Owen MP addressed the event and underscored the significance of upholding principles of non-violence and compassion in society.

Lord Karan Bilimoria, Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, delivered a compelling introduction, setting the stage for the announcement of the endowment of the Bhagwan Dharmanath Chair at the University of Birmingham.

To mark the occasion, a Jain Murti (idol) of Bhagwan Dharmanath was presented to the Chancellor and other professors of the university by the Directors of the IOJ.

L to R: Vinod Kapashi, Kirit Mehta, Mukesh Kapashi, Rumit Shah, Niraj Sutaria, Ketan Gandhi, Mayur Mehta, Dr. Jaswant Modi, Arvinder Jain, Dharmesh Doshi, Nemu Chandraia, Himanshu Jain, Dilip Shah

Charlotte Professor Hempel, Head of the School of Philosophy Theology and Religion, Professor David Cheetham, Director of the Birmingham Centre for Philosophy of Religion, Professor Andrew Davies, Director of the Edward Cadbury Centre for the Public Understanding of Religion, and Dr Marie Hélène Gorisse, Assistant Professor in Jain Studies collectively articulated the University of Birmingham's profound commitment to fostering Jain Studies.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Ahimsa Award.

Previous winners have included HM The King and the Dalai Lama. The award is presented annually by the IOJ to individuals who embody the spirit of compassion.

Kumar Mehta, a Director of the Institute read the citation for the awardee and declared the winner of the 2023 Ahimsa Award was Jasvant Nagindas Modi of Los Angeles, California, for his exemplary contributions to the field of Jain education by endowing over 30 chairs at major colleges and universities, including the University of Birmingham.

The award was presented by the Chair and Vice Chair of the Jain APPG alongside the Directors of the IOJ, and was graciously acknowledged by Mr Modi in his heartfelt response.

Nemubhai Chandaria OBE, IOJ Chair said “Jasvant bhai is a deserving winner of this year’s Ahimsa Award for establishing many chairs in Jain studies in Western universities. His vision of Jain education becoming a part of

Supporting a regional charity with a national reach, Shruti Arts recognised the commendable work of the British Heart Foundation with a £1500 donation from the Aarti collection during its 2023 Navratri Festival at the Peepul Centre.

L to R: Rohit, Dinta, Shefali, Bhavu, Priti, Darshana, Jonathan (from BHF)

the mainstream has already started to become a reality.”

Parveen Jain of the Arihanta Institute, a major online platform for the study of applied Jainism, presented the vision and objectives of the institute.

He was also accompanied

by Dr Christopher Millar, its Academic Director.

The event concluded with Dr Adrian Plau of the Wellcome Collection, responsible for the collection’s 2,000 Jain manuscripts. He discussed the acquisition of the manuscripts and decision

by Wellcome on the restitution of the entire collection to the Jain community. Dr Mehool Sanghrajka, on behalf of the IOJ, accepted the collection and called the move both brave and pioneering. He announced that the IOJ would arrange for the collection to be loaned to the Jain centre at the University of

L to R : Himanshu Jain, Jaysukh Mehta, Nemu Chandaria, Lord Bilimoria, Mehool Sanghrajka, Charlotte Hempel

Birmingham, to contribute to its status as a major global site for Jain teaching and research.

Amit Lathia, a director of the IOJ, presented the

vote of thanks and in his closing remarks, expressed the IOJ’s gratitude to all participants and attendees, including those who had travelled far for the event.

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73-year-old British ‘Lal Pari’ travels back from Ahmedabad to her roots The 73-year-old British classic car (fondly called ‘Lal Pari’ or Red Angel) has travelled back to her roots from Ahmedabad, India to Abingdon, covering over 11,000 kilometres and crossing 14 countries, reaching Harrow.

Daman Thakore, Ahmedabad-based JCB construction equipment dealer, and his family embarked on this journey to London by road on 15 August.

Joining Daman in the unique adventure was his father - Deval, daughterDevanshi, and wife - Udita Thakore. Noted documentary and architectural photographer and filmmaker Vinay Panjwani and vintage car expert Mukesh Bararia were also part of the team.

Considering the challenges of the unique endeavour, the expedition was supported by the first Made in

Team ‘Lal Pari’ with the Mayor of Harrow and local Councillors

India Tata camper van, which has been named Lal Pari Ki Saheli (Red Angel's friend).

‘Lal Pari' was received and the team was felicitated

by Mayor Councillor Ramji Chauhan, Councillor Anjana Patel and Councillor Yogesh Teli. They congratulated the team ‘Lal Pari’ for being the first Indians to embark on such an expedition by travelling in a 73-year-old car from India to London.

Talking about the journey and experiences, Daman

Thakore told us, "It is not only the destination, but the journey, the incredible people we have met on this expedition, smiles exchanged with thousands of unknown people across all the countries and cities we have passed through. This expedition has not only been about travelling from one point to another but more about knowing people, culture, environment and enriching experience."

'Lal Pari' started its journey from Ahmedabad and

first reached Mumbai. From Mumbai, it was shipped to Dubai and then to Iran.

Further in the journey, ‘Lal Pari’ covered Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, France and reached the United Kingdom on 25 October, reaching London on 26 October.

Thakore added, "Each day in the last 73 days was full of twists and turns just like the roads we travel every day. Breakdowns, weather conditions, and unexpected plan changes were common that we got used to during the expedition. We have learnt to repair major parts of the car on the go due to breakdowns. several However, just like our determination to reach London, the car always cooperated despite challenging situations."

Shanti Bhavan UK Chapter’s 2023 Fundraising Gala to be held on 9 November Shanti Bhavan UK Chapter’s 2023 Fundraising Gala will be held on Thursday, 9 November in London.

A spokesperson of Shanti Bhavan said, “We invite to Join Director of Operations Ajit George, members of the Board and our supporters for an evening of networking, accompanied by music in the beautiful setting of No.11 Cavendish Square, London.

We are delighted to also host a Shanti Bhavan graduate who will share their incredible story, so our supporters can directly see the

award-winning NETFLIX documentary “Daughters of Destiny” tells the story of Shanti Bhavan and is available to watch worldwide.

2024 marks the year when Shanti Bhavan opens the doors to its second school in Karnataka. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our donors.” invaluable impact of their donations.”

The spokesperson further added, “In 1997, Shanti Bhavan welcomed its first

class: 24 girls and 24 boys.

Over a span of 26 years, our unwavering dedication has cultivated a legacy of successful graduates. The

Prideview Group enters into JV with Cordage Group The Prideview Group and Cordage Group have formed a joint venture, bringing you Prideview Cordage, to offer a range of services within planning and architecture in the London area.

With Prideview’s expertise in property acquisitions and disposals, it was a natural transition to branch into asset management and planning services. The Prideview Group now cover every stage of the property development lifecycle, combining Cordage’s planning expertise with Prideview’s tried and tested transactional abilities.

Established in 1985, The Prideview Group has become an authority in the acquisition, management and sale of commercial and residential properties throughout the United Kingdom.

Cordage Group is a privately owned asset management company, specialising in real estate value creation and profit maximisation.

With offices in London, Chichester, Portsmouth, Essex and Manchester, the company provides expertise to real estate projects across the UK, with an 83% success rate achieved on first application and an average project lifecycle of nine months.

Prideview Cordage is Cordage Group’s regional office covering London and the M25. Headed up by Juan Fernando Galue, who brings with him a wealth of experience in architecture and planning.

Both companies have an impressive set

Joint Venture team From L to R : Nilesh Raj Patel, Jesal Raj Patel, Christian Roberts, George Harrison, Callum Gurden, Daniel Faulkner, Juan Galue and Pritesh Patel

of existing clients, including Tesco, McDonald’s, McCarthy & Stone, Sainsbury’s, Travelodge and Punch Pubs and Co. – to name a few – demonstrating key activity in all sectors. Prideview Cordage strengthens and supports the huge growth potential in these areas.

The business has a pipeline of sites across London which are being planned and developed for sale, owned by several major Housing Associations, Pub and Supermarket chains, meaning Prideview’s private investors can rest assured that a strong supply of off-market investment opportunities is available to them first.

To find out more about these opportunities and the new JV, please email juan@plarchitects.com. More information about Prideview Cordage is here: https://www.prideviewgroup.com/services/planning-architecture/

Secure your ticket to the gala using the following link. All proceeds go to Shanti Bhavan. https://donorbox.org/events /499176

Vale4Africa charity dinner raises money for health and education in Uganda On October 13, 2023, a charity fundraising dinner was held by the Vale4Africa at the Mercure Hotel in Cardiff to raise funds for their work in Tororo, east-

General Hospital, backed

by Vale4Africa, ensure crucial healthcare provision.

Pre-Covid, joint eye care camps treated 5,000 patients, facilitated by

L to R : Prof Has Shah BEM Trustee, Jane Hutt MS, CBE Minister for Social Justice and Chief Wipp, Revd Aled Edwards OBE, Chair, Annette Dobbs Trustee, Sian Tesni, Trustee, Gary Dunsford Vice Chair, Graham Benfield Trustee, Ted Arbuthnot, Former Chair

ern Uganda. Over 130 colleagues attended the dinner and the charity raised £2622 pounds sterling to go towards supporting Vale’s activities in Tororo.

Prof Has Shah BEM, trustee, Vale4Africa organised this charity dinner.

According to him -Vale4 Africa is a registered charity based in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan. With partner organisation called Advancement for Community Empowerment in Tororo (ACET), they work in Tororo district to support rural-based initiatives in developing improved health and education outcomes for its residents.

Funds raised to bolster the Benedictine Eye Hospital and Tororo

Welsh optometry teams and local centers.

Two ongoing education projects include the ACET rural library, which supports over 3,046 students with educational materials. Contributions will maintain this secure environment for school children and secondary students in Tororo.

The Water to Schools project provides clean water to 32 primary schools and a nursery, benefitting 8,000 students and removing the burden of fetching water, particularly alleviating the challenge for girls during class time.

This initiative has effectively reduced attrition rates among female students.

Ragasudha presented an invocation dance at the Hindu Forum of Europe’s Diwali event at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Several dignitaries, representatives of member organisations, diplomats and ambassadors of different countries were in attendance. Spiritual advisors of HFE Swami Amarananda and Swami Rameshwarananda Giri gave their messages of Diwali while President Dr Lakshmi Vyas gave an inaugural speech and concluding remarks.

Farewell in honour of Amish Tripathi

The Friends of India team organised a farewell event in honour of Mr Amish Tripathi at The Bhavan, London. “Thank you so much for the wonderful farewell event @FISI_UK and @BhavanLondon. I was touched and humbled by the love shown to me. Thank you for the exceptionally kind speeches Lord Ranger, @VirendraSharma ji, Nandakumar ji and Chandrakant ji. I'm not sure I deserved the compliments, but will try to live up to them! London and the UK will always remain close to my heart,” Tripathi tweeted

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Brain damage associated with domestic violence A significant global brain autopsy investigation into women who endured intimate partner violence has uncovered significant brain damage. However, it has not detected any signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the neurodegenerative condition commonly associated with athletes in contact sports who experience recurring head injuries.

The collaborative effort was spearheaded by experts from the Brain Injury Research Center of Mount Sinai and the New York City Office of the Chief Medical

Examiner, working in conjunction with researchers from the University of Glasgow and the University of Pennsylvania, as part of the CONNECT-TBI project.

Researchers examined the brains of over 80 women with histories of intimate partner violence.

The findings of this landmark study are published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica.

The research revealed that these women displayed considerable brain damage in the form of vascular and white matter pathology.

Additionally, the study unveiled a noteworthy prevalence of medical comorbidities among these women, encompassing conditions such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

The researchers propose that these discoveries underscore the pressing necessity to take into account the extensive range of pathological factors that may impact brain injuries associated with intimate partner violence, in addition to the medical and psychiatric comorbidities that play a role in brain health throughout one's life.

Indian minister Jaishankar commences Europe tour India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has initiated an official trip to Portugal and Italy. In Portugal, Jaishankar will engage in talks with Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho, addressing various aspects of bilateral relations and exploring shared interests in regional and global matters.

The EAM's stay in Portugal extends for two days, until November 1. It's worth noting that India and Portugal share a growing and mutually advantageous partnership across various domains, which has evolved positively. The Ministry of External Affairs anticipates meetings between the EAM and key figures in the

S. Jaishankar

Portuguese government, as well as interactions with the Portugal-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, and the Indo-Portuguese and Indian communities in Portugal.

After his visit to Portugal, the External Affairs Minister is set to embark on a bilateral jour-

ney to Italy from November 2-3. While in Italy, the EAM will hold discussions with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister for 'Made in Italy.'

Additionally, he is anticipated to have meetings with the highest echelons of the Italian leadership. As per the MEA statement, he is scheduled to deliver an address at a Joint Session comprising the Senate's External Affairs and Defence Commission, as well as the EU Affairs Commission. Furthermore, he will convene with the India-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Group and engage with members of the Indian community during his visit.

Report uncovers dismissive behaviour towards female staff in No 10 during pandemic An internal investigation into the governmental culture in the early pandemic months revealed that female staff were experiencing instances of being "talked over and ignored," and that senior leaders were tolerating "inappropriate conduct."

This report, authored by former senior aide Martin Reynolds and then Deputy Cabinet Secretary Helen MacNamara in May 2020, was prompted by concerns about discipline, "macho behaviour," and misogyny, as disclosed in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

Revealed as part of a set

of documents relevant to the inquiry, the report surveyed over 45 individuals closely associated with No 10 in May 2020 to gather recommendations for better supporting the prime minister. Among the report's identified themes was the failure of the culture to maximise people's contributions. The report's summary emphasised that a significant number of respondents had cited instances where junior women were either ignored or talked over.

“We need a modern culture of organised collaboration, not superhero bun-

fight.” The report also found that “people are exhausted and stressed” and that “bad behaviours from senior leaders (are) tolerated”. Other themes included that there were “far too many meetings” taking up the time of senior leadership, and that No 10 was “always at war with someone”. Mr Reynolds was asked about the report while giving evidence to the inquiry. He agreed with counsel that the report showed “dysfunctionality, lack of discipline, chaos and a significant degree of misogyny”.

Sikh barred from jury due to sword Jatinder Singh, a Sikh summoned for jury duty, felt unfairly treated and like a criminal when denied entry to a Birmingham Crown Court after a lunch break due to his five-inch kirpan, an essential article of his faith.

Singh reported that despite initially being

allowed entry that morning, a security officer later barred his re-entry, citing the kirpan's size. He expressed discomfort, feeling singled out while observing others passing without issue. The kirpan is a religious symbol integral to initiated Sikhs, meant to be worn at all times.

A former president of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick and a past secretary general of the Sikh Council (UK), the 38-yearold from Smethwick highlights the distressing incident that seemingly conflicted with his right to observe his faith's practices in a public setting.

British climber, guide die scaling Mount Kenya A tragic incident occurred on Mount Kenya as a British climber, identified as Shilpa Shah, and her guide met a fatal accident while descending.

Shah lost her life after slipping on ice, falling from a rock face during the descent. Her guide, Kelvin Muriuki Mwithi, attempted to assist her on a slippery slope but tragically also slipped and fell from a steep section on Africa's secondlargest mountain.

Shah, aged 60, was part of an eight-member female

Shilpa Shah

climbing group aiming to conquer Point Lenana, the mountain’s third-highest peak. Despite adverse

weather conditions, rescue teams made multiple efforts to recover the bodies, undertaking the operation on Friday afternoon.

Ms Shah’s remains were flown to Nairobi while Mr Mwithi’s were taken to a hospital in central Kenya, according to reports.A Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Kenya and are in contact with local authorities.”

Keith Vaz may run as independent candidates in Leicester East The former Labour MP of Leicester East, Keith Vaz is being considered as a potential independent candidate in the next general election, according to Leicester's Labour mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby. He believes that Vaz may run against an official Labour candidate, possibly causing a division in the vote.

This marks the first instance where a prominent city party figure has voiced concerns about the seat's potential shift to the Tories, breaking the national trend.

Leicester East, characterised by a substantial South Asian population, has been under

Keith Vaz

Labour's control since 1987 and has faced various controversies.

In the past year, the city gained international notice due to confrontations between Hindu and Muslim

youth. Labour took the step of suspending the Leicester East constituency Labour party in August, marking it as one of its most problematic seats, following allegations of irregular conduct.

Local activists alleged that Keith Vaz had a controlling influence on the CLP's actions and aimed to secure his return to the candidates list, a claim he refuted. On Monday the party announced two possible candidates – Rishi Madlani, a Camden councillor in Keir Starmer’s north London constituency, and Rajesh Agrawal, a deputy mayor of London.

Worries emerge over issues at Sadiq Khan's new £30 million City Hall HQ London politician Leonie Cooper has raised concerns about various issues in Sadiq Khan's new City Hall headquarters, such as leaks, floor cracks, and excessive indoor temperatures. She highlighted that the high temperatures have been particularly problematic for staff members going through menopause at the new Royal Docks location.

In a letter addressed to Mary Harpley, the chief officer of the Greater London Authority (GLA), Leonie Cooper expressed concerns about various issues. These include a lack of dedicated desk spaces and ongoing uncertainty regarding the

relocation costs.

A spokesperson for Mr. Khan noted that the facilities management team has been diligently addressing issues related to temperature control and other concerns.

In an effort to reduce expenses, the GLA relocated from central London to the Crystal Conference Centre in east London in early 2022.

However, Leonie Cooper, a former chair of City Hall's oversight committee and a Labour member, pointed out that several ongoing problems persist with the new headquarters.

She highlighted that the chamber within the building, where the London

Sadiq Khan

Assembly conducts its meetings, including the monthly Mayor's Question Time sessions, has been particularly susceptible to overheating.

Landlord hit with a whopping £50,000 fine Despite repeated warnings, Kamran Adil, a landlord from Gosforth, has been instructed to pay nearly £50,000 for non-compliance with licensing regulations for multiple rental properties.

County Durham council pursued legal action against him, filing nine charges under the Housing Act. Starting in April 2022, specific regions within the county have mandated the licensing of private rental properties through the Selective Licensing scheme. This initiative was

introduced to enhance the quality of housing in the private rental sector. Under this scheme, private landlords are obligated to secure a license to legally lease properties in designated county areas. These properties are subject to inspections to verify compliance with licensing regulations.

Peterlee Magistrates' Court heard that Adil owns eight properties and that despite receiving several written and verbal warnings from the council, reminding him of the legal

requirement to apply for a selective licence, he did not have any licence in place for the eight properties.

The court also heard that following an inspection of one of the properties, an officer found that the Electrical Condition Report for the address had been undertaken by an engineer who was not believed to be competent.

A Housing Act Notice was served to Adil as a result, giving 14 days to provide a copy of a valid electrical report but no response was received.

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UK continuously ignores Gurkha plight Apart from the“Gurkhas”,the naive UK government also did not spare their own citizens, like Harry Schindler and others. Not only that, the UK government sent packs of their own innocent children on a ship to Australia, Canada and New Zealand and illegally occupied the land from the native people of the above-mentioned countries. They made these aboriginal people second-class citizens in their own land.

Now they are finding out why their own government treated them like illegitimate children, like the Gurkhas, who are still struggling hard to find status and dignity, and are barred from basic voting, and human rights and are barred from travelling to EU countries.

The UK can find millions of pounds for the Afghan refugees and provide all the facilities and British passports as they board a plane to the UK after the chaotic withdrawal of UK forces from Afghanistan. But they have been pennypinching, biased, and continue to ignore the plight of the Gurkhas, who sacrificed the prime part of their lives for the past two centuries for the vested interest and expansion of the British Empire. Dogs and cats are more privileged than the Gurkhas living in the UK. Even military police guard dogs are paid more than the alien Gurkhas as labelled by the Home Office in the UK government.

Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has failed to keep his promise when breaking the hunger strike in 2021.

He did read loud and clear in his signed letter in front of the Gurkhas, the public, and the media to find long-lasting solutions to end the 209 years of continuous historical injustice meted out by the UK government, especially against the pre-July 97 British Gurkhas and their families from Nepal.

It is very unfortunate and sad to say that we, the innocent victims - Gurkhas, are again forced to submit an ultimatum letter on the 26th of October to PM Rishi Sunak for another mass hunger strike Fast unto death in front of 10 Downing Street for being biased and continuing to ignore the plight of our issues. Now the Gurkhas are on the verge of becoming limbo and an illusion in the 21st century.

Please Google a greater map of Nepal and the illegal occupation of 66 thousand hectares of land from East to West of Nepal during the British Raj in India. The UK government has continued violations of the Tripartite Agreement of 9th November 1947 and failed to treat the Gurkhas on equal footing as the other units in the parent army, so that the stigma of mercenary troops may be wiped out for good. The UK government has yet to stopthe illegal mining of cheap raw materials from the foothills of Nepal, using the Gurkhas. They use the Gurkhas as diplomatic currency in international markets and collect a huge revenue from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and now from the oil-rich state of Brunei.

They also collected millions of pounds from rich nations across the globe, showing hardship pictures of the Gurkhas and their families from Nepal in the name of the Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT). Gurkhas were ordered by British officers to do the 3 Ds: dangerous,difficult and dirty jobs. and they were paid less than Philippine housemates.

The UK government has never been tired and shies away from preaching the 'rule of law and human rights to others.'

Yam Gurung (Retired)

Trees, not war Countries are unnecessarily engaged in a war and all types of media conglomerates are now focusing on the ongoing wars in the world today.

To be frank, the Asian countries are geographically different from the western countries like America and Latin America. In these Western countries, many forest areas and agricultural tracts still remain amazingly intact especially because of their attitude towards nature. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Asia. We should learn from them all – nothing wrong in doing so. Also, famous Indian magazines like FRONTLINE often release articles on beautiful Asian countries like Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh [mostly perching on the Himalayas or tucked in forest areas] Rather than engaging in wars, the countries should work together and appreciate the business of fellow countries – this will definitely lead to robust growth and great wealth among the continents. For this purpose, biodiversity and agriculture should be vigorously supported by all. I [also often observing the beautiful sky] have long been a big crusader/supporter of nature, for long supporting agriculture activities and planting trees in my native areas of Korkai, Tuticorin, Tiruchendur, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.

Even if you google the term “human race” on the Internet, the following example will come up:“Trees are vital to the survival of the human race.” Therefore, countries worldwide should realize this fact and act accordingly towards the Planet and Mother Nature.

P Senthil Saravana Durai

KAPIL’S

Eat cakes if you don’t have bread Most of us are in our comfort zone, as far as financial circumstances are concerned, especially retired and elderly persons. Some of them may be living either with their children under one roof while others are tucked away in safe places like retired homes and others in “Care Homes” on tax payers’ expense, having disposed of their assets.

But there is always an exception to the rule. There are many people in our supposedly well-off community, especially single parents or those where only one person can work, who need to stay home to look after children.

The cost of “child care” has propelled out of reach for most parents. Often child care expenses out-strip one’s weekly wage, making it difficult to stay in employment.

The government’s attitude is somewhat like dominating and ruthless French Queen “Marie Antoinette” who while addressing protesting farmers and the general public, famously said, “If you don’t have bread, then eat cakes!”

This led to the bloody French Revolution in 1788-89 and the end of monarchy, the totalitarian rule that kept French people in preputial poverty while the rich and the privileged enjoyed the enviable lifestyle one may only think of in our dreams!

Is the attitude of the present government which has been continuously in power for some thirteen years, the same as the French Monarch! Obviously, there is no comparison, as people have the power to oust the government at the next election.

But all is not right on the “Western Front”. Our school buildings are crumbling due to a lack of essential maintenance, school places are at a premium in welladministeredcouncils and our students are burdened with tuition fees that would amount to a small mortgage.

NHS is struggling to cope with the ageing population, armed forces have been reduced to ragtag outfits, inflation is rampant and the middle class is struggling to survive. While the generosity of our politicians knows no bounds, our “overseas aid budget” is spiralling out of control as if money grows on trees!

I wonder whether we will ever get politicians, a government that believes in charity at home, puts our people first and stops hugging the limelight on the international stage as if we are God’s gift to humanity. We have an Empire to govern! It is time to come out of daydreaming and be part of the real world.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi

Use technology judiciously The power of digital fasting by TS Karthik in AV dated 28 Oct to 3 Nov 2023 is not only relevant and thought-provoking but also needs to be implemented by all sensible individuals as soon as practically possible. It seems slowly but surely we are becoming slaves of technology. If we do not use any technology judiciously, it will do more harm than benefit.

Many times we hear that young children in schools feel sleepy, one of the reasons apart from a genuine sickness is, using mobile, laptops and other technological devices for an excessive number of hours, late at night.

It is difficult to imagine the world without mobile and digital technology but as suggested by TS Karthik, we can do regular digital fasting and connect ourselves with friends, families and nature. One of the reasons for depression and loneliness is also excessive usage of digital technology.

Like any change in lifestyle is slightly painful in the short term, digital fasting will also make people nervous but it has enormous advantages. It is just a matter of changing the lifestyle and informing others about it. For long-term gain, it is worth trying. The intention here is not to suggest that we should not use technology, but to use it in a balanced way.

Hitesh Hingu

National unity day National Unity Day (or 'Rashtriya Ekta Divas', as it is known in Hindi), is observed in India on October 31 every year in memory of the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was also known as the ‘Patron Saint of India’s Civil Services’ and the ‘Iron Man of India’.

This year marks the 148th birth anniversary of the great leader who played an instrumental role in India’s struggle for independence, and later during the integration of the country.

Jubel D'Cruz

Kapil Dudakia

KHICHADI

Starmer the Puppeteer?

Last week we witnessed cries of ‘halt the war’ and demands for a ceasefire. This fake outrage exposed its madness by appeasing to the Palestinian Hamas terrorists, and ignoring the fundamental point, that Israel was attacked by these monsters who killed, raped, brutalised thousands, and took more than 200 hostages.

So what has all of this got to do with Keir Starmer I hear you ask? Well, the headline asks the question, is Starmer a master puppeteer? And whilst there are many complex political moves being played out, I should like to try and put a few of these together and see if we might be able to connect some of the dots.

Rishi and the Tory party have been resolute in their support for Israel. They stood their ground and will not seek cessation of hostilities, or a ceasefire. This emphatic clear position has put Starmer in a difficult hole. The normal position for Labour politicians, be they on the left or the right of the party, would always be to side with causes such as Palestine. The instinct of the Labour party tends to be anti-Israel. However, on this occasion siding with Palestinians was going to have a negative impact on Labour, especially in those areas of the nation where their traditional vote has become compromised over recent elections. I get the feeling the internal polling conducted

by Labour shows that in these areas many Labour voters are sick and tired of its support for Islamists and extremists.

Starmer had no choice but to come out and match Rishi and the Tories. In so doing, he crossed the redline Muslim voters had laid down. They in their tens of thousands voiced their outrage through public protest and marches. During a period of several weeks, astonishingly most Muslim Labour MPs and Councillors remained silent. Some went AWOL. Others who were always on TV doing interviews were nowhere to be seen. But the outrage from the Muslim community was such that eventually these Muslim MPs and Councillors were forced to come out in favour of Palestinians and demand a cease fire. This is against the very stance of their own leader, Keir Starmer!

Everyone is saying that Keir and Labour have made a fatal mistake and are now likely to lose more than 40 seats that can be influenced by Muslims. And this is where many commentators, and even the Muslim community, might have made their fatal error. You see, when it comes to the election, the 80% or so of the Muslim community that vote for Labour, most will do the same again. And Keir knows this. I get the feeling the internal polling Labour has done tells him the Muslim vote has no other place to go since they will not vote for Tories, and a vote for LibDems or others is a vote wasted. Keir the puppeteer has pulled the strings of the Muslim community to such an extent that their fake bravado of controlling Labour has been exposed.

At the same time, Keir has sent a signal to those in the centre and right of British politics that he is the man who will be as tough as the Tories on this issue. Calculating that this will ensure he retains some of that vote.

So can this puppeteer win the next election? Well, he is so far ahead in the polls he would have to be a monumental failure to lose from this position. However, there remains that possibility, it is Labour after all.

The one wildcard no one is talking about is Jeremy Corbyn. Whilst he has a sizeable following within Labour and from those on the left, he has been a coward to nail his colours to the mast. However, given these special circumstances, it seems to me that if ever the far left were to launch their own political party, this is the time. If Jeremy does have the spine to take that risk, then it’s likely that many Muslim protest voters will go to him. Couple this with the traditional labour left and the militant left, it would be reasonable to assume he stands to secure some 50 seats. And that in any new post-election scenario makes him a power broker.

Of course, should he enter the arena then it’s equally likely that there will be a surge back to the Tories. They certainly would not want any combination of Keir’s Labour and Jeremy’s far-left coalition to come into power.

And that leaves the door open for Rishi to secure sufficient support to get the Tories back in power.

Interestingly, in October a new party was registered called the‘Party of Islam’. Well, should they carry out that threat, then what a Khichadi we will have at the next election! A reminder, we have been here before. The Islamic Party of Britain was formed in 1989, it became defunct in 2006!

I leave you with one thought, the above gives all of us food for thought. Maybe there are many more surprises that await us. One thing is for sure, the next election is going to be one hell of a roller coaster ride for all of us.

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A sundae twist for the Indian kulfi Oxford academics win prestigious UK research prize Two scholars at the University of Oxford with Indian heritage have emerged as recipients among the 30 distinguished winners of the 2023 Leverhulme Trust Prizes, recognising outstanding research spanning various disciplines.

Amia Professor Srinivasan, hailing from Bahrain and affiliated with the Faculty of Philosophy at Oxford University, has been commended for her contributions to epistemology, social and political philosophy, feminism, metaphilosophy, and the history of philosophy. Similarly, Ridhi Kashyap, associated with the Department of Sociology, has been lauded for her work in demography, social statistics, computational social science, digital and

Amia Srinivasan

Ridhi Kashyap

computational demography, and studies on gender inequalities.

Each of the Leverhulme Trust prizes, attracting nominations from exceptionally high-calibre researchers, carries a value of £100,000. This collectively forms a prize fund totalling £3 million, which the recipients are free to allocate toward any endeavours that advance their

ongoing research.

Kashyap intends to utilise the Leverhulme Prize to advance her endeavours in digital and computational demography. Concurrently, Professor Srinivasan is dedicating her efforts to her second book, delving into the realm of critical genealogy with the titled work 'The Contingent World: Genealogy, Epistemology, Politics'.

NHS Campaign about Support available at GP Practices NHS England is raising awareness of the support available for patients, following a survey that reveals that almost one third (31%) of South Asian people in England are unaware of the different options available to them at their GP practice.

More than 31,000 additional members of staff have been recruited into health and care roles at general practices across the country since 2019.

The NHS in England’s new campaign highlights the support offered in community health teams, including pharmacists, mental health practitioners, paramedics, physios, and social prescribers who are now available in every part of the country.

A patient can always see their GP, but the NHS is training more than 7,500 staff to better assess the information patients provide about their need so they can be seen by the right health professional in the team or other local service.

Almost two in three (63%) South Asian people surveyed said they were happy to receive care from another health worker, recognising they didn’t always need to see a GP. Professor Bola Owolabi, NHS Director of Healthcare Inequalities Improvement, said: “It’s vitally important that everyone understands that general practice is so much more than a GP. “As a GP myself, with a host of different health care professionals working in my general practice team, I see firsthand how

my patients benefit from the care and support they can provide.”

Dr Sheetle Shah is an experienced GP working with a team of health professionals at her surgery in Croydon. She said: “Our reception team is specially trained to ask you the questions that will get you an appointment with the right health professional for your particular condition. We know that a lot of people are used to seeing a GP for a wide variety of health concerns, but having a broader team of specialists has really helped our patients to feel reassured that they’re getting personalised advice and the best treatment for their individual situation.”

Record numbers of people are seeking support from their family doctors but, with one in five GP appointments for nonmedical reasons such as loneliness or seeking advice on housing or debts, the NHS wants to make sure that the right convenient help is available.

To help explain the support available in the community, a new film has been released by NHS England, which sees three curious children go behind the scenes at a general practice to meet some of these professionals and learn more about how they help patients get the care they need. This will be followed later in the year by an animated film aimed at wider multicultural communities, explaining the roles of the various health professionals and translat-

Dr Sheetle Shah

ed into a range of languages, including Hindi, Panjabi, Gujarati and Bengali.

The primary care plan published by NHS England and Government earlier this year committed to offering people more convenient options to seek care including options to self-refer for conditions such as physiotherapy, podiatry, and hearing tests without seeing a GP. Kinal Vora is a clinical pharmacist at a GP practice in Wembley, London. Her work can include areas such as carrying our medication reviews for patients at the surgery who may have ongoing health problems. She says: “The work I do is a really good example of why you don’t always need to see a GP – someone like me has the clinical skills to deal with minor health conditions, giving you advice or medication if needed. I also can review your medication and enhance the use of it or deal with any issues such as side effects. Having a close-knit team of different health professionals makes our surgery work efficiently, so that each patient gets the care they need at the right time.”

To get help from your general practice, patients can get in touch using a form on their website, by phone or in person.

However you choose to contact them, your practice team will ensure you get the care you need.

Visit nhs.uk/GPservices to find out more.

At the core of the Diwali experience lies an irresistible array of traditional Indian sweets and desserts, serving as an integral part of the festivities.

While traditional sweets remain a cherished part of the festival, there's a growing trend to incorporate a more modern, refreshing, and creative element into the festivities.

This year, Creams Cafe is bringing a limited edition Pistachio Kulfi Sundae crafted celebration of the Hindu festival of lights, inviting family and friends to come together and enjoy. Asian Voice spoke to Simran Sablok, the Creams CMO, about their ice cream shop and limited-edition sundae.

Can you provide an overview of your ice cream shop?

In 2008, we embarked on our journey as "Creams," starting with our very first location in South Hall, nestled in a predominantly Asian community. This venture was spearheaded by two individuals of Asian descent, Adam Mani and Balal Aqil, who played a pivotal role in igniting a dessert revolution in the UK. Our brand philosophy revolves around the concept of celebration, fostering connections with friends and loved ones over shared moments of enjoy-

ment.

Since our inception, our growth has been nothing short of phenomenal, with a network of over 100 stores across the country rapidly becoming a staple in the culinary landscape. Our signature creams and gelato are meticulously crafted using premium ingredients sourced from Italy and manufactured in our very own English factory, ensuring the highest standards of excellence. Our menu has continuously evolved to align with changing consumer preferences and interests.

What are some of the most popular and signature flavours on your regular menu, and do you have any unique or innovative offerings that customers love?

Within our diverse range of offerings, our waffles and classic bubble tea stand out as consistent crowd-pleasers and have been a remarkable success. Creams' bubble teas offer a distinctive spin, and the "Mango Lychee Bubble Tea" is a star in this category.

We recently introduced the "lemon meringue cheese cakeundae", a limited-period zesty and tangy creation. It exceeded all expectations and became an instant hit among our customers, becoming a permanent addition to our menu.

Can you tell us about your limited-edition Diwali ice cream product?

What inspired this special offering?

A substantial portion of our customer base comprises South Asians, which can be attributed in part to our strategic location choices.

It's no secret that Asians, in general, have a sweet tooth and we take pride in satisfying their cravings for something delightful and indulgent. Understanding the significance of Diwali as a festival of togetherness and celebration, we sought to create a product that would evoke the spirit of the occasion while staying true to the essence of creams. Drawing inspiration from the beloved Indian dessert, Kulfi, we incorporated the essential flavours of pistachio and cardamom into a sundae. To visually and gastronomically capture the essence of Indian desserts, we adorned it with a luscious white chocolate sauce, white chocolate petals, nuts, and a finishing touch of dried rose petals.

The result is a visual and taste sensation that evokes the rich cultural heritage of India, reminding you of the traditional Indian sweets that are a hallmark of Diwali celebrations.

(The Pistachio Kulfi Sundae is available at Bedford, Coventry and other various locations in the UK.)

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Shri Ram Janmabhumi, a symbol of hope Continued from page 1

Most members of the community know about the massive fan following of filmmaker Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan which used to be screened in the 80s and 90s, filling households with hundreds of viewers in front of a small television set, from all walks and faiths of life, glued to the story of Ramayan.

Among those ardent devotees, was also PM Rishi Sunak’s grandmother, whom he spoke about during his visit to Cambridge earlier this year, as he attended a community event and reminisced about Hanuman Chalisa as well. To further add to the valour and zeal this year, is the scheduled upcoming inauguration of the much disputed, awaited yet revered Ayodhya Shri Ram Janmabhumi temple in India.

Asian Voice spoke to members of the diaspora community in the UK, to understand their sentiments and ideologies attached to the festival and what they look forward to ahead of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir opening.

A beacon of peace that invites individuals of every faith to come together The issues revolve around the control of a site traditionally regarded among Hindus to be the birthplace of their deity Ram, the history and location of the Babri Masjid mosque at the site, and whether a previous Hindu temple was demolished or modified to create the mosque. The final judgement in the Ayodhya dispute was declared by the Supreme Court of India on 9 November 2019. The Supreme Court ordered the disputed land (2.77 acres) to be handed over to a trust (to be created by the government of India) to build the Ram Janmabhoomi (revered as the birthplace of the Hindu deity, Ram) temple.

Moving over the faith-related debates and disputes, there is a beacon of light here as the Muslim artisans from Agra who are actively involved in the crafting work of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya view it as a source of great fortune and take immense pride in contributing their artistry to the temple's construction. A total of 65 craftsmen from two Agra-based companies, Jai Constructions and Rajput Enterprises, are dedicated to meticulously carving the red sandstones using traditional tools.

For these Muslim craftsmen, participating in the carving work is considered a privilege and a point of pride. Notably, the red sandstone sourced from Fatehpur Sikri and other areas of Agra has not only been used in the construction of the Ram Temple but has also left its mark on the architecture of the old Parliament building. This same distinctive stone has played a role in the construction of notable structures like the Fatehpur Sikri Fort, Agra Fort, and several other architectural marvels dating back to the Mughal era.

Lord Dolar Popat told Asian Voice, “As the sun sets on the eve of Diwali, we gather to celebrate not only the lighting of lamps but the illumination of our hearts and minds with the upcoming inauguration of the magnificent Ayodhya Ram Temple in India.

This momentous occasion carries a significance that transcends the

Ram Mandir under construction Source- Wikimedia Commons

Lord Dolar Popat

boundaries of faith and religion, speaking to the core of our shared humanity. The temple stands as a symbol of hope, a beacon of peace that invites individuals of every faith to come together, to appreciate the values of justice, compassion, and sacrifice that the story of Lord Ram represents. In a time when the world faces challenges that often seem insurmountable, the Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration calls upon us to reflect on our shared values, to extend a hand of friendship to our neighbours, and to celebrate our common humanity. It reminds us that we can all find inspiration in the epic of Ramayan, in the journey of a hero who fought for what is right and just, and in the message of hope that resonates across cultures and creeds.”

Trupti Patel, President Hindu Forum of Britain and Trustee of the HFB Charity told the

Trupti Patel

newsweekly, “This Diwali, Dharmic people from all walks of life saw their dream of Shree RamMandir come into existence; the promise of 'The Place of worship ' after hundreds of years of persecution, and dispute truly shows that truth always wins. We must remember thousands of people who perished in the fight to have Shree Ram-mandir at its rightful location. All Sanatani states ' eternal Dharma reestablished in the form of Shree Ram-Mandir will guide us for future path of righteous existence'.”

Lord Rami Ranger CBE said, “Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is the most sacred place for Hindus all over the world and to have access to the place associated with Lord Rama will be a remarkable treat for them. “It will be a place for everyone to visit even for the nonHindus to see the splendour of Lord Rama's place and love for Him in the hearts of so many.”

The inauguration Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, the treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has officially announced that the consecration of the idol of Lord Ram in Ayodhya is set to take place on January 22, 2024, at 12:20 p.m.

This momentous event is anticipated to draw approximately 7,500 attendees, including 5,000 sadhus and saints.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is confirmed to be in attendance at the inauguration ceremony and has expressed his deep privilege in witnessing this historic occasion. During the ceremony, the prime minister will personally perform the "Pran Pratishtha" ritual, symbolizing the rich history and culture of the nation.

Other esteemed dignitaries, such as RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, will also be present for this significant event.

The sculpting of three idols depicting Lord Ram in his childhood form is currently underway, with one of them ultimately being selected for installation. Ayodhya is preparing to welcome over one lakh visitors to the temple in a single day.

A truly global Indian festival Recently, social media was inundated with photographs of the Durga Puja pandal and its decor, which featured a theme inspired by the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This distinctive pandal was orchestrated by the Santosh Mitra Square Puja Committee and was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The illuminated community Durga Puja pandal was intricately designed to replicate the grandeur of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Fast forward approximately four decades, the "Indo-Russian Friendship Association" known as Disha has resurrected the grand spectacle of the Ramayan through their Ramleela performances.

Their rendition of Lord Rama's story follows Valmiki's narrative without pausing at Tulsidas's version. In Ayodhya, the Deepotsav festival has been a cherished

tradition for many years, attracting artists from more than twenty nations to partake in Ramleela performances.

In 2023, the India-Russia Friendship Association "Disha" is spearheading the organization of Ramleela as a central part of the Deepotsav festival. They are extending invitations to artists from diverse countries who will take the stage to pay tribute to Lord Rama and celebrate Indian mythological tales.

Gennady Mikhailovich Pechinkov, renowned as the "Russian Rama," has dedicated nearly two decades to staging Ramleela. His numerous visits to India and the prestigious awards

in Faizabad and Ayodhya, ranging from luxurious establishments to budget-friendly, economical lodgings, as well as lesser-known guest houses, dharamshalas, and homestays/paying guest houses.

Additionally, there are four government guest houses with a combined total of 35 rooms.

District administration officials have reported that approximately 50 small guest houses are currently under construction and are expected to be ready for occupancy

by November.

The Ram Mandir is about to stand tall to welcome its devotees from all walks of life and faiths.

While history hasn’t been kind to this land, Maryada Purushottam

PM Modi at Ram Mandir Bhumi Pujan

he has received, including the Padma Shri, underscore the significant contributions he has made to this art form.

Ayodhya completely booked to witness the event Even before the inauguration date of the Ram Temple approached, starting July 2023, there has reportedly been a significant surge in the demand for hotel reservations in Ayodhya for January 2024. Tour operators and hotel reception desks are working tirelessly to manage the sudden influx of inquiries and reservations from devout individuals eager to participate in the consecration ceremony taking place between January 15 and 24. The region boasts an array of accommodation options, including over 100 hotels

Ram has been an idol for believers and non-believers. ABPL Chief Editor, CB Patel once met the Prime Minister of Guyana who told him people from all walks of life sing verses of Ramayan back in his country. That battle of lands is over, and we do have a verdict by the highest court of order. Yet, the world lives in fear of another ongoing war.

It’s worth reminiscing the words of Javed Akhtar who wrote a song in the Ramleela picturised in the Shah Rukh Khan starrer movie, Swades. “Mann se Ravan jo nikaale, Ram uske mann mein hai” (whoever removes Ravan (evil) from their heart, Ram (light) resides inside them). Maybe it's time to reflect and welcome the lord.

Jammu & Kashmir Day

Jammu & Kashmir Day was celebrated in the House of Commons in the UK Parliament on the eve of the 76th anniversary of the Accession of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir to India on 26 Oct 1947.

The program was organised by the Jammu Kashmir diaspora based in the UK and hosted by Rt Hon Bob Blackman MP Harrow East. Other parliamentarians attending the event included Rt Hon Jonathan Lord MP Woking, Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP Chipping Barnet. The special guests for the evening included

the grandson and granddaughterin-law of Maharaja Hari Singh, Maharaj Kumar Ajatshatru Singh & Kuvrani Ritu Singh. Other keynote speakers included Dr Gautam Sen, Sh Sushil Pandit & Mr Sajjad Raja NEP Party representing POJK. A number of community volunteers worked together to shape the event including Ms Sonal Sher ( moderating the proceedings ) Mrs Shafalica Bhan Kotwal Ms Anupama Handoo Mr Vinod Tikoo Mr Anupam Fotedar Mr Lalit Sharma Mr Pankaj Raina and others.

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A rare feat for a South Asian in a lead role in a prestigious theatre production in London Chaya Gupta is an experienced stage, screen and audio actor who recently graduated with an MFA in Professional Acting from LAMDA, one of the top drama schools in the world.

Prior to this, she completed an MA in Music with First Class Honours from the University of Glasgow. She is a confident drummer, with skills in piano, guitar and sound design. Since graduating, she worked as an actor-musician in ‘We’ll Have Nun of It’ at the Underbelly Cowgate venue during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She has begun working in a lead role in an exciting theatre production in London, which is to be announced.

Chaya hopes to create more stories with accurate contemporary representation of British/South Asian women, as well as uncovering stories from our history.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Chaya said, "I was very fortunate growing up that my parents encouraged creativity and extracurricular music and drama lessons, so I was able to discover my love for it very young. I spent most of my lunchtimes in the music department at school, either creating with my friends or playing in the school bands and orchestras, and most of my weekends participating in drama, dance and singing classes.

Through all the major changes

Chaya Gupta

in my life (finishing GCSE, sixth form, moving out and through university) I found that my love and search for the creative world never phased.

I had a clear vision in mind for my future and it has driven me to work and strive for the achievements I’ve had so far, for where I plan to go next, and most importantly has kept me persevering.

I’m very grateful to have had this clarity from a young age. It has just shown me that it is possible to achieve whatever you set your mind to, you just have to be brave enough to allow yourself to see it and go for it! Furthermore, on my journey so far I have learnt so much about the importance of creativity and storytelling in understanding our world, ourselves and those around us, and I hope to continue on this path so I can share that wonder and importance."

Ethnic minority women get multilingual menopause resources To mark World Menopause Day 2023 on 18 October, Besins Healthcare introduced a range of new multilingual resources called the “Language of Menopause.”

These resources aim to facilitate improved discussions about menopause-related issues between women of diverse ethnic backgrounds and their healthcare providers.

Available for free download in English, Urdu, Punjabi, and Gujarati, the digital resources comprise an 'A-Z' symptom guide and a 'Jargon-buster' leaflet. Further languages will be added in the upcom-

ing months. In relation to menopause, a woman's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) heightens due to hormonal fluctuations affecting various natural bodily processes. This exposure to CVD risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, weight gain, and high blood pressure increases after menopause.

Research shows that South Asian adults in the UK face a higher risk of CVD in midlife compared to white European adults, even after accounting for various factors.

However, there is a lack of suitable and accessible information and support aimed at perimenopausal and

menopausal women within these communities.

In England and Wales, 18% of the population identified with a black, Asian, mixed, or other ethnic group in 2021. Health inequity in the UK indicates that ethnic minority groups report poorer healthcare experiences than their white counterparts. Furthermore, there has been limited focus on the menopause experiences of British ethnic minority women, as highlighted by the British Menopause Society (BMS) Tool for Clinicians – “Menopause in ethnic minority women” released earlier this year.

East London teacher becomes a finalist for $1m prize An esteemed teacher from east London, Shafina Vohra, has achieved recognition as a finalist for the esteemed Global Teacher Prize 2023, a prestigious accolade valued at $1 million (£825,000).

Despite encountering significant hurdles after a university car accident, Vohra, an A-Level psychology teacher at the London Design & Engineering University Technical College in Newham, emerged as one of the top ten finalists from over 7,000 nominations. Her innovative teaching approach, employing Lego in the curriculum, has significantly impacted students in underprivileged areas, enhancing their

Shafina Vohra

understanding of design engineering.

The Global Teacher Prize,

renowned as the most substantial of its kind, aims to honour an exceptional educator who has made a remarkable contribution to both the teaching profession and society. Presented in collaboration with the Varkey Foundation, UNESCO, and Dubai Cares, the prize recognizes Vohra's extraordinary journey from utilising Lego to boost learning in a Year 7 class to developing a comprehensive curriculum.

Her dedication led her to pursue a Ph.D. and refine her teaching methods, engaging students in real-world engineering challenges related to climate change and biodiversity.

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Bridge India, in partnership with StoryHour UK, is presenting an enchanting cultural celebration in honour of Diwali. At the heart of StoryHour UK's offerings stands the renowned Ramayana Puppet Show a cherished narrative that unveils the profound tale linked to the Diwali festival, creatively brought to life through intricately crafted puppets.

This show, celebrated across diverse audiences, has earned acclaim for its ability to encapsulate the essence of this classic narrative. It has graced screens at several Indian embassies in Europe, London schools, and is accessible in six languages. Notably, esteemed figures such as Indian Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor and author Amish Tripathi have lauded this performance.

The event on November 10 will feature a screening of the puppet show and live demonstrations by skilled puppeteers, showcasing pivotal scenes from the Ramayana.

Producer Neelima Penumarthy speaks to Asian voice about the upcoming show and the art of puppetry. an you tell us about the inspiration behind presenting the Ramayana story through a puppet show in the UK? Primarily, the inspiration for delving into the Ramayana story stemmed from my two sons, who engaged with skits and storyboards related to it during their school years. That exposure laid a foundational context for sharing the narrative, particularly because people were introduced to the story at a rudimentary level, especially in the leadup to Diwali,.

Moreover, puppetry, as an art form serves as a medium for storytelling. I noticed that puppets have a distinct ability to immerse the audience in a storyline.

While people or cartoons alter expressions to reflect changing situations, puppets, with their static expressions, surprisingly draw the audience deeper into the narrative. It's this immersion, where viewers start attributing emotions to the puppet, that struck me as a powerful way to convey a story. hat unique elements or artistic styles will the puppet show incorporate to represent the Ramayana narrative?

My show is a concise 15minute live performance and it's intended to introduce this Indian epic to the world. To achieve this, I've chosen to maintain a straightforward narration.

The story commences with the four princes, progressing

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Neelima Penumarthy with the puppets at the Trafalgar Square Diwali celebrations

to the pivotal wedding of Rama and Sita, followed by the forest exile and Sita's abduction. A brief yet impactful battle ensues, leading to the reunion of Rama and Sita, culminating in their journey to Ayodhya, illuminating the origins of Diwali.

I've deliberately simplified the narration to make it easily accessible to a global audience, with a particular focus on those familiar with Indian culture. I aim to connect cultures through my work and want everyone to understand why Diwali is celebrated in India without complicating the narrative. iven the 15-minute duration, how did you decide, which scenes and characters would make the cut?

During the puppet production, I could only extend to six puppets. The decision-making process for the characters became a critical aspect then. Certain characters like Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Ravan and Hanuman were the obvious choices. For the sixth character, Shurpanakha's role as the catalyst and turning point towards Sita's abduction marked the limit of our puppet cast.

Upon finalising these characters, the challenge was to structure the narrative around these six key figures visually. It was essential to segment the extensive story into cohesive parts that flowed smoothly from one character to another. hat goes on behind the scene when it comes to story-telling with a puppet?

Puppeteering involves a meticulous and demanding process. Unlike human performers who naturally emote, puppeteers act as the conduit for transferring emotions through the puppeteers they are handled by, making the rehearsal process equally, if not more, demanding compared to performances with human actors.

The intricacy arises from not only the puppeteer's own movements but also in synchronising the movements of the puppet they control. Achieving graceful puppet movements or coordinated actions often necessitates the involvement of at least two, if not three, puppeteers to manipulate a single puppet.

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This synchronisation and harmony among multiple puppeteers to control a single puppet require a level of precision that surpasses the demands of human performances. ow will this production resonate with audiences unfamiliar with the Ramayana story?

Since 2018, when I started staging the Ramayana, I've had people from all walks of life and age groups attend shows. There is basic understanding, and people are enamoured by the puppets, and are drawn into the story. Like, for example, I recently was at a screening on Trafalgar Square and people from different walks of life and age groups attended. There were these tiny under five-year-olds who were all seated in the front row and wouldn’t budge There are also some people who are absolutely engaged with and enthralled by the music.

We’ve also taken the show to care home as well to hospitals, and people there are all absolutely enthralled.

They love it. ow did the COVID period impact your puppet show, and what changes did you implement to ensure wider accessibility and engagement with your audience?

During the COVID period, I transitioned my puppet show to a 15-minute filmed version for convenience. This film allowed for wider access, as I've been screening it since COVID restrictions eased in 2021. I accompany these screenings with a puppet installation, enabling interactive sessions discussing the characters with the audience, making it more engaging and cost-effective compared to live shows. Additionally, I collaborated with students from various European schools to create multilingual versions of the film in French, German, Spanish, Italian, and English. This initiative allows people across Europe to experience the story in their preferred language. I'm open to sharing live demonstrations and further promoting the art of puppetry, as it's an art form that requires more recognition and support, both in India and globally.

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Celebration of South Asian art with “Hemantika” Subhasini Naicker Classical dance, an art form that transcends time and culture, stands as a testament to the depth and richness of human expression.

Rooted in the traditions and heritage of various regions, classical dance encompasses a diverse range of styles and techniques, each with its own distinctive history and storytelling.

Supported by Arts Council England, Sujata Banerjee Dance Company (SBDC) presents Hemantika, the annual festival of classical Indian dance. Asian Voice spoke to SBDC director and choreographer Sujata Banerjee about Hemantika and celebrating the identity, heritage and joy of South Asian art.

Enriched and enlightened perspective on the world of dance She says,”Hemantika had its humble beginnings in 2016, and this year marks its eighth edition. The festival is a celebration of the enchanting Hemant Ritu, a season that graces us with its beauty during the months of November and December. This year's theme is "eight". The horizontal number eight symbolises infinite possibilities, and we've drawn inspiration from various mythological and textual elements related to the number eight. From the enchanting Ashta Nayika to the intricate Drishti Bheda, exploring eight distinct ways of conveying a glance, and from the sacred Ashtavinayak to the divine Ashta Lakshmi, there's a wealth of rich and diverse topics associated with the number eight.”

“To paint this larger canvas, we introduce our attendees to the vast world of dance. Hemantika isn't just about isolated lessons; it's about comprehending the magnificent tapestry of dance. We achieve this by inviting international artists and showcasing our very own accomplished professionals on a shared platform. Through this, we provide our attendees with a comprehensive experience, one that exposes them to the full spectrum of the dance world, enabling them

Sujata Banerjee

to grasp the profound depth and breadth of this magnificent art form. Hemantika ensures that the festivalgoers leave with an enriched and enlightened perspective on the world of dance.”, she added.

Our aim is to celebrate heritage while embracing the dynamism of innovation She emphasised, “A primary focus for us is to provide a wide-ranging exposure, with particular emphasis on engaging the younger generations, many of whom are the third or fourth generation. It's crucial for them to connect with their cultural heritage, to feel a sense of pride in their roots.

Simultaneously, we are committed to fostering contemporary and innovative dance forms that may not adhere strictly to classical traditions. Our aim is to celebrate heritage while embracing the dynamism of innovation. This duality in our approach reflects our core values.”

Talking about the unique performance this year, she said, “One of this year's most distinctive highlights is our presentation of Gaudiya Nritya, a classical dance style hailing from the vibrant culture of Bengal.

This dance form is exceptionally rare, not just in India but also on the global stage, let alone in the UK. Gaudiya Nritya's uniqueness lies in its relatively recent reconstruction over the past three decades. At the forefront of this revival, we are honoured to host Priyanka Rachel, an esteemed practitioner and exponent of Gaudiya Nritya, residing in Bangladesh and teaching at Dhaka University.”

Despite challenges, women are at the forefront of the dance world She said, “Women are undeniably at the forefront

of the dance world. While there are certainly male gurus and dancers, the vast majority of practitioners worldwide are women. This holds true even in the dayto-day education and grassroots awareness efforts for dance forms like Kathak, which is celebrated globally.”

“In our own school, a striking example of this gender balance is evident.

Among our 10 professionals, only one is male. This vividly illustrates the prominent role that women play in the world of dance. Despite the photo credit Simon Richardson

Ramayana puppet show to shine on UK stage

unique physical challenges that women may face at different stages of life, their unwavering dedication and commitment have propelled them to the forefront of the dance community. In the realm of dance, women have truly demonstrated their excellence and leadership, “she added.

Dance is a powerful vehicle for enhancing both personal and interpersonal skills She said, “I firmly believe that dance, beyond its artistic and physical attributes, bestows upon individuals a unique set of life skills that make them sharper and more intelligent. As a dancer, one develops an exceptional 360degree awareness of their surroundings and an acute sense of periphery.”

“These transferable skills extend far beyond the dance floor. Dance equips individuals with the ability to engage in meaningful conversations, exuding confidence and a commanding presence. In essence, dance is a powerful vehicle for enhancing both personal and interpersonal skills, offering a holistic and enriching experience that extends to every aspect of life, “ she added.

Debut: Jashn-e-Rekhta, celebrating Urdu in London The eminent Jashn-eRekhta, globally recognised as the largest Urdu language, literary, and cultural festival, made its debut in London on October 28th, 2023, at the Westminster Chapel, Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6BS. This event commemorated the composite culture of South Asia through the unique medium of Urdu,

inspired by Rekhta's remarkable annual festival in Delhi since 2015, orchestrated by Rekhta Foundation India, which tirelessly championed the preservation and promotion of Urdu literature and culture since 2012, amassing an ever-expanding collection of Urdu poetry, prose, and e-books.

Conceptualised and curated by Huma Khalil, a

trustee of Rekhta Foundation and a versatile figure in writing, translation, and filmmaking, the festival welcomed prominent figures such as Annu Kapoor, Bushra Ansari, Irshad Kamil, Samina Peerzada, Farhat Ehsas, Arfa Sayeda Zehra, Mahmood Farooqui, Juhi Babbar Soni, Abi Sampa, and numerous others.

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Ketan Dattani

Conserving South Asian wildlife

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outh Asia is a region renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and remarkable biodiversity. Home to iconic species like the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, snow leopard, and Indian rhinoceros, the South Asian subcontinent has a unique responsibility to protect its natural treasures. As human activities continue to encroach upon these ecosystems, wildlife conservation in South Asia becomes an increasingly vital imperative.

The biodiversity hotspot South Asia, with its diverse range of ecosystems encompassing the Himalayan mountains, tropical rainforests, arid deserts, and coastal mangroves, is a global biodiversity hotspot. This region houses a staggering array of flora and fauna, including over 13% of the world's bird species and approximately 7% of all mammal species.

However, rapid urbanisation, industrialisation, and unsustainable agricultural practices have led to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and over-exploitation of natural resources. These factors, coupled with climate change, have placed immense pressure on South Asian wildlife, pushing many species to the brink of extinction.

Human-Wildlife Conflict - As human populations expand and encroach upon wildlife habitats, conflicts between humans and animals become more frequent.

Finding sustainable solutions that safeguard both human livelihoods and wildlife is a complex challenge.

Illegal Wildlife Trade - South Asia serves as a major hub for the illegal wildlife trade, driven by demand for exotic pets, traditional medicines, and luxury goods made from animal parts. Strengthening law enforcement and raising awareness is essential to combat this lucrative and destructive trade.

Habitat Loss - Deforestation, infrastructure development, and land conversion for agriculture are major drivers of habitat loss. Conservation efforts must prioritise the preservation and restoration of critical ecosystems.

Climate Change - South Asian wildlife faces the threat of changing climate patterns, which can disrupt migration routes, breeding cycles, and food availability.

Conservationists are working to develop climateresilient strategies for species survival.

Conservation Initiatives - Despite these challenges, South Asia has made significant strides in wildlife conservation. Several initiatives and organisations are dedicated to protecting the region's natural heritage.

Protected Areas - South Asian countries have established numerous national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves to provide safe havens for endangered species. These areas also promote ecotourism, generating income for local communities.

Community-Based Conservation - Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is crucial. Projects that involve communities in wildlife protection and provide them with alternative livelihoods help reduce human-wildlife conflicts and support conservation goals.

Research and Monitoring - Ongoing scientific research and monitoring efforts provide critical data on wildlife populations and their behaviour. This information is essential for making informed conservation decisions.

Education and Awareness - Public awareness campaigns, environmental education in schools, and media engagement play a vital role in changing attitudes toward wildlife conservation and reducing demand for illegal wildlife products.

International Collaboration - South Asian countries collaborate with international organisations and neighbouring nations to combat transboundary conservation challenges. Regional cooperation is essential for protecting migratory species and combating the illegal wildlife trade.

South Asia's remarkable biodiversity is not only a source of pride but also a global responsibility.

Conserving the region's wildlife is not just about protecting charismatic species; it's about safeguarding the health and balance of ecosystems that benefit us all. To ensure the survival of South Asian wildlife, we must continue to address the challenges of habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts, and climate change while promoting community engagement and international cooperation. It's a complex task, but one that holds the promise of a more sustainable and harmonious future for both people and wildlife in South Asia.

Diabetes researcher listed as a top ethnic minority health leader in England Professor Kamlesh Khunti CBE, a renowned figure known as 'Mr. South Asian diabetes,' has been recognized as one of the leading individuals of ethnic minority backgrounds in England who are making a significant impact in the NHS. He secured a spot on the Health Service Journal's (HSJ) list of the top 50 most influential Black, Asian, and minority ethnic figures in the healthcare sector. This recognition follows his recent achievement as the world's foremost researcher in type 2 diabetes.

The list showcases prominent professionals from minority backgrounds who are poised to wield significant influence in shaping health policy for the next year. Notably, Lord Victor Adebowale, Chair of the NHS Confederation, and Dr. Vin Diwakar of NHS England secured positions in the top 10.

Professor Khunti holds the position of Professor of Primary Care Diabetes and Vascular Medicine at the University of Leicester.

Additionally, he serves as

Professor Kamlesh Khunti CBE

the Co-Director of the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC), a global institution dedicated to addressing the pressing challenges of type 2 diabetes and chronic conditions through pioneering research, education, and innovative solutions.

Alongside his academic roles, Professor Khunti is also the Director of the Leicester-based Centre for Ethnic Health Research, where he has contributed significantly to improving the health of the ethnic minority community. He was one of the very first to spot the disproportional impact of COVID-19 on people from ethnic minorities.

Croydon murder: Man charged in case of 19-year-old Indian national A 23-year-old man, Sahil Sharma, has been accused of the murder of 19-year-old Mehak Sharma in Croydon, south London. The incident occurred at an address in Ash Tree Way on Sunday, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Sahil Sharma is sched-

uled to appear at Wimbledon Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. He is believed to be a recent arrival in the UK from India.

The next of kin have been notified, and formal identification is pending. A postmortem examination is slated for Tuesday.

Celebration meets grandeur at a Diwali ball Family togetherness during Diwali is an integral aspect of the festivities, and it is a tradition that carries immense importance for those who observe it.

Moreover, in recent years, a delightful and growing trend of celebrating Diwali in restaurants has added a unique flavor to this festival.

Sopwell House, along with Vivek Singh’s critically acclaimed restaurant, The Cinnamon Club, have come together to host a Diwali celebration like no other in the stunning Georgian hotel in St Albans, Hertfordshire on Friday, 10th November.

Speaking to Asian Voice, the hotel’s Executive Head Chef Gopi Chandran about the exclusive Diwali Ball. an you please elaborate on the Diwali ball that you are hosting?

This is our very first Diwali ball, and it's a realisation of a long-held vision to create a vibrant gathering for people to enjoy before they embark on their home celebrations. The event promises to be a fantastic evening, open to individuals of all backgrounds and religions, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and people from any faith. It's all about coming together and celebrating the spirit of Diwali as a diverse community.

Collaborating closely with Vivek Singh at the Cinnamon Club, we’ve

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L to R: Group Development and Training Chef- Rakesh Nair, Chef Vivek Singh, Executive Sous Chef Moorthy Veerapan and Executive Head Chef Gopi Chandran

designed a three-course menu with the intention of providing our guests with a memorable culinary experience, followed by a captivating firework display and lively late-night celebrations lasting until 12 in the night.

Diwali is all about celebration, and that's precisely what we aimed to capture in our menu.

Our approach to menu planning was to blend traditional elements, such as the ever-popular chicken tikka, with more diverse and unique offerings.

For instance, we've included a dish of 24-hour-simmered black lentils, as well as a variety of vegan options.

This combination of flavours pays homage to tradition while also embracing innovation and diversity. ow has it been collaborating with Chef Vivek Singh and Cinnamon Club for this ball?

Our collaboration with Chef Vivek, has been truly

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fantastic and an absolute honour. In our interactions, we've had the privilege of engaging in thoughtful discussions about various flavours and how to infuse the essence of Diwali into our dishes. While working with a culinary luminary, we strived to keep our approach simple yet tasteful. ow do you select dishes and ingredients that capture the spirit and flavours of Diwali, while also catering to the preferences of your guests?

Many often associate Diwali primarily with the Hindu faith, but it's crucial to recognize that it is celebrated across the world and among various faiths.

Having resided in London since 1998, I've had the privilege of hosting numerous Diwali parties. In fact, I have more European people coming to my Diwali celebration at home than our desi people.

On the same lines, our

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menus are a reflection of traditional flavours with a modern twist. We've been mindful of the cultural shifts in people's diets, with an increasing emphasis on plant-based choices, and as a response to this, we've included a range of vegan options.

Traditionally, Diwali in India is characterised by a prevalence of vegetarian and vegan dishes, and we've placed a significant focus on these aspects as well. This approach ensures that our menu caters to both the traditional and evolving preferences of our diverse clientele. ow do you envision your ball promoting a sense of togetherness and celebration among the attendees?

While we believe that Diwali, at its core, is a celebration of togetherness, and this begins with the food, we've also arranged for an incredible DJ, Amit from Divine Music, who will infuse the evening with high-energy party vibes and, of course, some captivating dhol beats. Adding to the vibrancy and colour of the event, there will be dazzling lighting arrangements that promise to make the ball a truly immersive experience. To encourage social interaction and new connections, we're also introducing shared tables, providing a fun and interactive element to the celebration.

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London restaurant launches special Diwali menu Subhasini Naicker In India and among the Indian diaspora around the world, Diwali is one of the liveliest and most beloved holidays. People from many different religious and cultural backgrounds enjoy this festival of lights with great excitement and dedication.

It symbolises the victory of knowledge over ignorance, light over darkness, and good over evil. For many, Diwali is a time when family join together to celebrate and deepen their ties rather than merely a festival.

Yaatra, a London-based restaurant is hosting guests with a special, limited-edition Diwali menu throughout November, alongside two celebratory events: a special candlelit dinner on Diwali itself (Sunday, November 12th) and a Diwali Supper Club on Thursday, November 9th, hosted by executive chef Amit Bagyal.

In an interview with Asian Voice, Mr Bagyal discusses the importance of food around festivities and his exclusive menu. ow do you incorporate elements of the Diwali traditions into the ambience and presentation of your restaurant?

Diwali is a profoundly significant and special festival and to honour its essence, we're adorning our restaurant with an abundance of candles, symbolising the victory of good over evil. In catering to the diverse traditions of patrons, we've crafted a menu that reflects the varied culinary preferences during Diwali.

Some cultures strictly adhere to vegetarian food, while others include meat in their celebrations. We've thoughtfully incorporated both options into our menu, recognising that Diwali is a deeply personal and cherished festival for each individual who observes it. an you elaborate on the supper club and one speciality from each course?

Our hosted dinners have had a successful run this year, and now I'm eager to host one that's deeply personal to me. This special dinner aims to offer an insight how my personal experiences of celebrating

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Chef Amit Bagyal

Additionally, many families share Indian sweets known as mithai, made from a variety of ingredients like milk, sugar, nuts, and spices.

Presently, people are increasingly open-minded about experimenting with new culinary experiences, showing a genuine desire for authenticity. Keeping that in mind, our approach

Diwali over the years have greatly influenced the menu.

The menu is more than just a collection of dishes; it's a reflection of the flavours and traditions that my family and I cherish during the festival. By joining our supper club, guests will have a unique opportunity to delve into the food that has inspired me and left an indelible mark on my culinary journey.

Each of our dishes is a reinterpretation of the traditional favourites that people prepare and enjoy at home during Diwali. We commence the culinary journey with Samosas or Pakoras, moving on to a delectable selection of kebabs and grilled specialities and end with a dessert which seamlessly weaves together various sweet elements, such as the laddu crumb, a delightful treat made from chickpea flour, fried to perfection, and combined with sugar to form delectable balls. hat role does food play during festive occasions? How does your restaurant highlight this culinary experience?

Stressing the significance of food in uniting families, especially during festive occasions, is incredibly important. Families engage in diverse preparations such as chaats, samosas, and paneer, each crafted in unique ways.

involves using traditional ingredients while infusing a modern or European twist.

For instance, transforming a tikki into a croquette serves to help individuals grasp the essence of the food. hat do you see as the future of such cultural culinary events, and how do you envision them evolving and expanding in the UK dining scene?

London and the UK have undergone significant cultural evolution over the years. The increasing amalgamation of diverse cultures, along with a willingness to learn from one another, has paved the way for festivals like Diwali to become more accessible and open for broader cultural appreciation. It's a positive shift that extends beyond local communities, as we can expect to witness a growing celebration and recognition of festivals from various cultures and religions on a more prominent scale.

We eagerly explore and participate in the celebrations of others while also sharing the significance of our own. This exchange of traditions and knowledge not only enriches our understanding of one another but also fosters a more inclusive and culturally diverse society.

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The first Diwali shopping festival was organised in Barnet,North London. The Rt Hon Theresa Villiers , Cllr David Longstaff(Barnet) and The Mayor of Barnet , Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Nagus Narenthira attended the event which was organised by Shikha Chadha and Anandana Nadhavajhala.

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British media cunningly undermine PM Rishi Sunak Nitin Mehta On 25th October 2023 Rishi Sunak completed a year as the Prime Minister of the UK. One cannot overstate the significance of this event, as a young man of Indian heritage and a proud Hindu, helms a country that had ruled over India for 200 years. This momentous event surprised the whole world as for many years, Indians were seen as inferior and backward.

British media with the exception of the Times have been extremely negative of PM Sunak’s achievements so far. However, this is nothing new, right from the time he took office the media adopted a new strategy to undermine Rishi Sunak. News related to him was relegated to pages four or five. As an example, Rishi Sunak attended the G20 summit in India. He met the Narendra Modi and other world leaders but there was nothing in the BBC TV news. This way, the media avoids being accused of being biased and at the same time undermines the PM. Now that the PM has completed one year in office, the print media has tried very hard to create an image that Sunak is unfit for office. Here is what Guardian's Martin Kettle wrote on 26 October: “Sunak's shambolic Government is achieving nothing.

Must Britain wait 15 months(that is when new elections are due) to throw him out?”

The Guardian's editorial dated 27 October did not hold back in its dislike of Sunak. It thundered: “The charge that the PM abstained from voting at the Commons vote on the Privileges Committee report on Boris Johnson was emblematic of the cowardice and weak judgement that makes Mr Sunak incapable of shaking off a long, toxic incumbency.”

The Times on the other hand presented a much more balanced picture. It acknowledged that Sunak is on course to meet the biggest pledge he made when he took office which was to halve inflation. It was 10.1% in January and 6.7% now and falling. His second pledge to improve the economy has also been achieved as it has grown by .5%.

On the negative side, the cost of living crisis and the tax burden are on course to reach the highest level since 1950. To mitigate the cost of living impact the PM has helped families with £3,300 cost of living support. Working parents can now access 30 hours free childcare a week for 38 weeks of the year for children who are 9 months to when they are old enough to go to school.

The NHS waiting list is at a record high with 7.7 million people waiting for treatment.

Sunak believes this is due to the doctors' strike on pay. He has unveiled a plan to see more than 300,000 extra nurses, doctors and other staff employed in the NHS in England in the coming years. There will be a

major shake-up in how the NHS operates. Regarding the illegal boat crossings, the PM has taken bold steps to bring this to a halt by working closely with the French. The number of crossings has fallen by a third and the home office is on course to clear the 92,000 backlog of asylum cases.

The plan to move illegal asylum seekers to Rwanda depends on the outcome of the Supreme Court hearing. Sunak has also taken the bold decision to scrap HS2's Northern railway link to Manchester. The £36 billion pound saved will be spent on improving regional transport. He has also successfully resolved the Northern Ireland Protocol issue in the Windsor Framework. Anyone who knows anything about the region and its violent history will acknowledge that this indeed was a personal triumph and proof of his ability to successfully deal with insurmountable problems.

Sunak has also taken a bold initiative to raise the educational standards in the country. He has been especially concerned with the standard of Maths in the country. The new Advanced British Standard will put technical and academic education on an equal footing. Every student will study some form of Maths and English up to age 18. An initial £600m funding boost has been given to schools and colleges to support teacher recruitment and retention and help more students pass Maths and English GCSE. Sunak has also introduced a radical programme to eradicate smoking. Anyone who is 14 years old this year will never be able to buy cigarettes. The proposed new legislation will make it an offence for anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 to be sold tobacco products – effectively raising the smoking age by a year each year until it applies to the whole population. This has the potential to phase out smoking in young people almost completely as early as 2040. He has announced the creation of 12 Freeports across the UK. According to the PM, this will create tens of thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of investment across the whole of the UK, with 2 Freeports in Wales, 2 in Scotland and 8 in England. The government has also delivered on recruiting 20,000 more police officers. He has joined the CPTPP, an £11 trillion trade pact with 11 countries, the only European country to do so. In the near future, Sunak will sign the most prized free trade pact with India.

He has also initiated an action plan to put the UK as a frontrunner in Artificial Intelligence. Under his leadership, the UK will host the first major global summit on AI safety in November. Though the media is trying to portray Sunak as a failure, the facts speak otherwise. As conditions improve in 2024 the gap between the Labour and Conservatives will get narrower. Sunak has everything to play for.

Belfast prepares for Diwali celebrations The upcoming weekend will witness the gathering of Belfast's Indian community to joyously celebrate the festival of lights, Diwali.

The event, known as Belfast Diwali 2023, is being orchestrated by ImageNation NI, a Belfastbased Indian voluntary organization. It will take place at Belfast City Hall on Saturday, November 4th, starting at 6 pm, offering a vibrant evening brimming with Indian cultural expressions including dance, music, and delightful cuisine.

Their initiative aims to foster a unified and inclu-

sive Indian community within Northern Ireland while fostering essential connections between the local populace and various ethnic communities.

Adding to the festivities, Belfast City Hall will be adorned in hues of red and yellow, symbolizing the significance of this special occasion.

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Durga Parade brings Bengal’s Bhatiyali to London’s Thames

Durga Puja celebrations across the world

Rupanjana Dutta After the huge success of the inaugural Thames Durga Parade in 2022 UK based Heritage Bengal Global, a not-for-profit Organisation comprised of Bengali diaspora mostly with roots in Bengal, India celebrated this year’s second edition of ‘Thames Durga Parade’ on 28 October with a double storied boat and a larger audience than the last year.

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Thames Durga Parade organised by Heritage Bengal Global as the Tower Bridge opens up

Rowing Club (CRC) - an event to be held in Kolkata, in November, supported by London Rowing Club (LRC). On the HBG boat- mem-

Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata addressing the audience.

Others in the picture include: Ashok Verma, Cllr Mathew Goodwin Freeman, HBG President Anirban Mukhopadhyay, Ashok Chauhan and Shiv Chand with other members of HM Armed Forces, HBG Vice President Mahua Bej, members Priyanka Burman Mitra and Shoumo Roy Choudhury to name a few

The Durga protima was sailed downstream through an open Tower Bridge, from Blackfriars pier to Canary Wharf to Waterloo and back to the loud cheers of, “Durga ma Ki jai” and sounds of dhaak (drum) and kansor ghonta (cymbal), replicating the emotions of the Red Road Carnival in Kolkata organised

by CM Mamata Banerjee.

The event saw over 230 members of the diaspora on board some who had flown in to London only for this, from as far as from Australia as well as India. In attendance was globe trotter, author and influencer Indranil Halder, from Sydney, who visited Durga pujas in the US and UK over past one month before the finale on Thames Parade.

It was also attended by dignitaries such as the current British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) to Kolkata Dr Andrew Fleming and the outgoing British DHC to Kolkata Nick Low, along with members of Armed Forces, Royal Air Force and local Mayors and Councillors. Noted Tollywood actor-turned-filmmaker Soumyajit Majumdar was also present.

Working on the Kolkata London bonding, this year’s parade also saw the launch of the centenary celebrations of Calcutta

Durga puja celebration by Mitra USA, a non profit community organisation serving the Central Valley, California. Mitra which means friends, started their festivity with Dandiya celebrations, then showcasing local talents with music and dance. Due to weekdays being busy, most of the celebrations were on the weekend of 13-15 October

AUSTRALIA

Bhatiyali on Thames by the famous folk singer Saurav Moni

bers of CRC and LRC symbolically flagged off the Kolkata event on Thames, making it a unique Indo British experience.

The event also saw Bhatiyali (river folk songs mostly sung by boatsmen) live singing, first time on river Thames by the famous Saurav Moni, as the audience joined him and danced to his beautiful music.

HBG President Anirban Mukhopadhyay, who started this Durga parade on Thames last year (2022) said, “Last year we started this Parade with one boat and this year we have doubled the participation with actual Durga idol display on the deck celebrating the final journey of Ma Durga to her husband’s abode on Dashami with culmination of the Bijoya Dashami (final day of the puja) celebration.

We are not far from the days when we would have more boats on the Thames parade, to fulfil our objective of attracting more local people to watch this extravaganza, so to be inspired to visit Bengal during this annual festival in India thus to boost inward tourism into Kolkata and Bengal as the destination.”

A separate boat was organised by Camden Durga Puja (London Durgotsav Committee) which witnessed Kojagori Lakshmi Pujo on board for the first time in history.

A ‘ghoroa’ (homely) Durga Puja in Mernda, Melbourne conducted and hosted by a female priest - a new trend set in Australia this year.

Puja named after her mother Protiva, Dr Madhumati Chatterji was the hostess and priestess, performed the puja at her home with utmost devotion, trained by a veteran priest in Melbourne

Continued from page 1 There was host of market stalls and activities to enjoy, including dance workshops, yoga and meditation, Ramayana Puppet shows, Soho Theatre comedy, and the Glimpse of Goddesses stall where visitors could find out more about Hindu goddesses, sari and turban tying.

Performers at Diwali on the Square

This year there was also a series of dance performances presented by 'Kalasetu,' a collaborative project between Subrang Arts and Kinetika commissioned on behalf of This is Croydon, the Mayor's London Borough of Culture 2023.

An array of South Asian food stalls served delicious traditional and fusion, vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

Mayor Sadiq Khan reportedly said the Diwali celebrations across London over the coming few weeks would be the biggest outside of India.

Describing Sunday's festival he called it as "an amazing day".

(Photo credit: Greater London Authority) Doctors join Diwali at Trafalgar Square Doctors from St George's joined the team from Health Protection Agency, NHS England, BAPIO Research and South Asian Health Action at the Health Awareness Tent in the London Mayor's Diwali Celebrations at Trafalgar Square on Sunday 29 October.

It was a great opportunity to bring the message of health awareness and promot-

Durga puja organised by Bangiya Sanskritik Parishad, the oldest Bengali organisation in Scotland. They hosted their first ever Durga Puja as early as in 1981. This year, around 1200 people visited the puja on Mahashtami alone.

On all 5 days of the pujo the organisers cooked traditional 4-5 course Bengali cuisine for guests as well as held cultural events.

London witnesses first-ever ‘Sindoor Khela’ at Trafalgar Square on Mayor’s Diwali At London Mayor’s official Diwali celebration for public, on Sunday 29 October, for the first time in UK’s history, women wearing white and red saree, hosted a Sindoor Khela (translated as vermillion game - a Hindu tradition of Bengal, where women smear each other with sindoor on Vijayadashami, the last day of the Durga Puja) at Trafalgar Square in central London,

Hundreds celebrate Diwali on the Square braving bad weather

London Mayor Sadiq Khan with Deputy Mayor for Business Rajesh Agarwal

SCOTLAND

ing healthy living to people joining the celebrations in London.

Dr Padmini Parathasarthy (GP), Dr Sana Mallick (Medicine) and Professor Indranil Chakravorty MBE (Acute Medicine) were among the team from St George's joining Priyanka Tamang (Public Health NHSE) and Kirit Mistry from SAHA. Through conversations with hundreds of people of all age groups who thronged the Square, the team were able to check

South Asian Health Action Awareness team with London Mayor Sadiq Khan

health status, screen for hypertension, and promote healthy eating, regular exercise and lifestyle choices.

along with items traditionally used for Goddess Durga ‘boron’ (welcome), such as kulo (winnowing clatter/shovel usually made of bamboo), paan (betel leaf), hath pakha (hand fans), sweets and obviously sindoor (vermillion).

They braved the chilly, wet and grey weather, as rain lashed across London and some were also seen performing to popular numbers ‘Dugga Elo’ and ‘Dola re’, at the Square, as thousands of spectators gathered around to cheer and enjoy their performances. The dances were choreographed by Senjuti Dass, while Dipti Jain led around 100 interested women for this innovative initiative of showcasing Bengal’s culture in the heart of central London.

Moumita Hajra, who attended the sindoor khela, told Asian Voice, “It was exciting as it upheld the rich culture of how we Bengalis in India celebrate and worship Goddess Durga and how we say good bye to her when she returns back to heaven.

“All the women were dressed in the traditional red and white sarees and we played with sindoor, fed sweets to each other.”

Dipti Jain, told us, “It was a fantastic and successful event. Spectators came up to us to join for the sindoor khela. In fact many of the participants were actually non Bengalis.

Just imagine their experience of such a spiritual ritual!”

The sarees and artefacts were sourced from rural artisans of Bengal, showcasing handicrafts of Bengal on Britain’s soil.

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Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel OBE

As markets fell this past couple of months, you should rightly think about your pension. Whether you are in your 20s or 60s.

The Impending Pension Crisis: A Wake-Up Call for Individual Responsibility The pension crisis is a ticking time bomb that threatens to disrupt the financial stability of millions. Despite the warning signs, many individuals have not adequately prepared for retirement, often placing undue trust in fund managers and Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs). This article delves into the data-rich evidence that underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action.

One reason for their failure is these individuals cannot take you out of stocks when you should be, like February 2022. So like a rollercoaster on the way down, you can’t get off the worst bits. Also they have so much money, they have to divide it into multiple pots (funds) which are focussed on a few geographies or styles and so can pick from only a few stocks. Worst still, some just pick from a few based on the most recent fad likely to be able to get the most investors to buy the fund such as AI, crypto, robotics.

The Data Speaks: OECD's Warning According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), nearly all OECD countries are grappling with the need to reform their pension systems. The dependence ratio of older people (those aged 65 and over as a proportion of those aged 20-64) is expected to rise from the current 22% to 46% by 2050. This demographic shift means fewer working-age individuals will be available to support an increasingly aging population. The OECD suggests that reforms are essential to ensure the sustainability of pay-as-you-go schemes and promote longer working lives OECD. The Fallacy of Trusting Fund Managers and IFAs Many individuals entrust their retirement savings to fund managers and IFAs, often without adequate scrutiny.

However, these entities are not infallible and can be driven by profit motives that don't necessarily align with the individual's best interests. The recent stock market plunges have battered public retirement systems, making the outlook even more grim.

The Need for Individual Responsibility Given the looming crisis, it is imperative for individuals to take control of their financial future. This means not just saving but also investing wisely. Relying solely on pension funds managed by others is a risky strategy that could lead to financial ruin. Governments and public institutions must also adapt their policies to meet the specific needs of older workers and facilitate their integration into the labour market.

Conclusion The impending pension crisis is not just a policy issue; it's a wake-up call for individual responsibility. The data is clear: reforms are needed, and they are needed now.

Trusting your financial future to fund managers and IFAs without due diligence is a gamble that many cannot afford to take. It's time to take control of your financial destiny and make informed decisions that will stand the test of time. The readers of Asian Voice are hard working. They worry about their old age and the future of their families.

I hope this is an important call to improve their financial literacy.

Stable interest rates as job market softens Indications of a slowdown in the UK job market reinforce expectations of unchanged interest rates in November. The unemployment rate between June and August stood at 4.2%, showing a slight rise from the previous quarter. However, this rate remained steady compared to the prior month's figures.

Employers are exhibiting caution in hiring, potentially due to the effects of escalating prices and higher interest rates taking hold.

Concurrently, recent UK economic growth has demonstrated sluggishness.

The Office for National Statistics implemented a slight alteration in calculating August's job figures to better reflect the employ-

ment landscape.

The Bank of England, responsible for setting UK rates, faces a decision next week on whether to raise, lower, or maintain the rate at 5.25%. After 14 successive increases, the benchmark rate was held constant in September.

Governor Andrew Bailey previously mentioned signs that higher rates were impacting the economy.

Rapid rate hikes could dampen spending and investment by consumers and businesses, potentially stunting economic growth.

The effects of interest rate adjustments, particularly higher debt repayments, typically take about a year to influence employers' strategies.

Cardiff-based e-commerce brand achieves record sales Entrepreneur Rakesh Aggarwal's brand, Escentual, which began 23 years ago in his parents' garage, is now dubbed the 'Amazon of online beauty.'

Sales for the Asian-owned retailer have surged by 30% to £30 million, capitalising on the increasing online trend for premium beauty products.

The UK's online premium beauty market comprises up to 40% of the indus-

Rakesh Aggarwal

try, compared to a lower 25% in other nations.

UK adults prefer digital banks for savings A recent independent study of 2,000 UK adults indicates that over the last two years, 34% have opted for a new savings provider, with 55% favoring digital banks over traditional high street options.

According to SmartSave, conducted by Chetwood Financial, respondents moved their savings primarily for better interest rates, with 69% switching banks due to higher rates offered by new

providers. Of those surveyed, 55% reported their previous banks failed to raise interest rates despite base rate increases.

Moreover, 70% based their decision to switch on online research via best buy tables, while 62% used comparison websites to find the most beneficial savings options.

Interestingly, only 23% encountered difficulty when transitioning to a new bank for savings.

Aggarwal attributes Escentual's success to its

Welsh roots, benefiting from the talent pool stemming from Cardiff's prestigious universities. discussed Aggarwal Escentual's accomplishments on the Retales Podcast by Brightpearl from Sage, highlighting the brand's impressive growth from £23 million in 2020 to the current £30 million, emphasising the significant role of customer loyalty in the brand's achievements.

BoE likely to maintain current interest rates Analysts predict the Bank of England will likely abstain from further interest rate increases during the upcoming meeting, marking the second consecutive pause following nearly two years of continual hikes.

The prevailing forecast anticipates the base rate to remain at 5.25%, even though there's some possibility of a rise in the eyes of the markets. An economist at ING noted the meeting's predictability. In September,

four of the nine members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) advocated for an increase to 5.5%.

Not much new data has surfaced since the last vote, which makes it improbable for those previously against raising rates to change their stances. ING expressed scepticism about a change in favour of further tightening, as just one committee member altering their position could sway the decision.

Carillion case costs Insolvency Service £8 mn The Insolvency Service faced an £8 million financial setback after the bid to disqualify former Carillion directors from UK boardrooms was dropped, emerging from a government mandate.

In the wake of the construction and outsourcing giant's collapse in 2018, which caused severe disruptions to numerous government contracts, disqualification proceedings were initiated against eight execu-

tives. An analysis by the National Audit Office revealed Carillion's staggering £1.5 billion debt.

While three former Carillion executives, including the CEO and finance

Airline anger: Increased fees post-air traffic crisis Airlines have expressed anger and warned of higher fares as the UK's aviation regulator raised air traffic control charges. These costs, borne by airlines, follow an air traffic control disruption in the UK in August, causing significant flight delays and stranding passengers.

The fee is set to increase from £47 to £64 per flight until 2027, amounting to approximately 43p more per passenger. Airlines argue that such increases are unwarranted, given the recent disruptions. Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, called the charge hike "another blow to passengers who faced issues this summer, including the August Nats IT failure."

The group represents major carriers like British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic, and Tui, stating that passengers will ultimately bear the cost of these increases.

Ryanair CEO Michael

O'Leary expressed astonishment at the illogical decision and called for its reversal.

In August, a system failure at the National Air Traffic Services (Nats) led to the cancellation of approximately 2,000 flights across UK airports, resulting in stranded passengers.

directors, faced disqualification, bids against five others, including the chairman, interim CEO, and committee chairs, were halted just before a trial earlier this month.

Responding to a parliamentary question, Minister Kevin Hollinrake disclosed that although costs related to three successful disqualifications were recovered, the overall expenses exceeded £8

million.

“The Department for Business and Trade has not incurred any costs in relation to the proceedings,” he said. “The Insolvency Service has incurred estimated costs in the proceedings against all eight directors of £11,064,519.

“Following the successful disqualification of the three executive directors, costs of £2,725,000 have been recovered.”

UK house price decline to continue till 2025: Lloyds UK's largest mortgage lender is anticipating house price fluctuations. Halifax-owner Lloyds Banking Group foresees a 4.7% decline in house prices this year and a further 2.4% drop in 2024 before an eventual recovery.

Increased borrowing costs have resulted in a deceleration in house sales,

NatWest faces potential breaches over Farage accounts The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced its discovery of possible "regulatory breaches" in NatWest's management of the closure of former Brexit party leader Nigel Farage's accounts.

NatWest confirmed that their initial review into the 'debanking' incident revealed deficiencies in their treatment of Farage, and the bank committed to implementing all recommendations derived from the report. Regarding the issue, NatWest stated a forthcoming decision on whether former CEO Alison Rose's pay would be affected, aiming for a prompt resolution. In response to the review, the FCA acknowledged potential regulatory breaches and areas necessitating enhancement, stating its ongoing assessment of the bank's governance, systems, and controls. NatWest had engaged the law firm Travers Smith in July to review the closure of Farage's account, which drew political backlash and played a role in CEO Alison Rose's departure after a lengthy tenure with the bank.

despite the average house price remaining substantially higher—around £40,000 more than the peak of the COVID-19 period when remote working fuelled demand for larger spaces.

Lloyds predicts a shortterm decline in prices over the next two years but anticipates modest long-term growth, with prices forecasted to rise by 0.6% by 2027.

The current interest rates, standing at 5.25%, the highest in 15 years due to measures aimed at curbing rising consumer prices, have led to increased borrowing rates, including mortgages, which now average at 6.24% for two-year fixed-rate mortgages.

Lloyds' projections are based on the Halifax House Price Index, which excludes cash buyer figures, constituting over 30% of housing sales. Despite indications of price declines in mortgage lender data, the average property price in the UK remains relatively high.

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4 - 10 November 2023

Tata group to make iPhones in India for global market Tata Group will start making Apple iPhones in India for domestic and global markets within two and a half years, announced Electronics and Technology Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The development underscores India's growing production prowess and reflects a significant departure from Apple's previous strategy of selling mostly Chinese-made new devices to frenzied customers across the world.

The group has acquired the operations of Apple supplier Wistron Corp which announced the development in a board meeting for about $125 million, according to a company statement. The Union Minister also thanked Wistron for "building a global supply chain from India with Indian companies at its helm".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's

financial incentives to boost local manufacturing and Apple's strategy to look beyond China amid a Washington-Beijing trade war have helped India become increasingly important to the iPhone maker's diversification drive.

"PM Modi Ji's visionary PLI scheme has already propelled India into becoming a trusted and major hub for smartphone manufacturing and exports," Chandrasekhar said.

Adani forays into aircraft leasing space The Adani Group has joined the aircraft leasing market by establishing a business in Gift City, Ahmedabad, just after the two largest Indian airlines, Air India and IndiGo, did the same. With an approved and paid-up share capital of £250,000, the infra major - which runs seven airports, including Mumbai - created Udanvat Leasing IFSC this week. The company is also building the Navi Mumbai Airport.

The Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZL) has incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary business named "Udanvat Leasing IFSC" on October

23, 2023, according to a filing from the corporation. In order to conduct business activities related to aircraft ownership and leasing, Udanvat was incorporated.

In GIFT city, Gandhinagar, Udanvat is integrated.

Together, Air India and IndiGo have about 1,500 aircraft on order. In addition to its previous order for 76 aircraft, Akasa plans to put a triple digit order for aircraft this year.

The government is eager to introduce aircraft leasing to India, which is now handled

by Indian carriers operating out of other countries like Ireland.

The PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme - which aims at boosting domestic manufacturing, creating jobs and supporting exports - was announced in 2021 for 14 sectors, including large-scale electronic manufacturing, white goods, textiles, manufacturing of medical devices, automobiles, specialty steel, food products, high-efficiency solar PV modules, advanced chemistry cell battery, drones and pharmaceuticals with an outlay of £19.7 billion.

The takeover of the Wistron Corp factory in Karnataka by Tata group has capped about a year of negotiations. The company already makes iPhone chassis, or the metal backbone of the device, at its factory spread over hundreds of acres in Tamil Nadu.

Reliance profit surges 30% to nearly £2 bn in September quarter Reliance Industries reported a 30% rise in its consolidated net profit of £1,98 billion in the September quarter as compared to £1.53 billion in the year-ago quarter. The energy-to-retail major’s results got a boost from a sharp uptick in oil & gas revenues and strong growth in retail and digital services.

RIL’s consolidated revenue in Q2 stood at nearly £26 billion, up 1.2% from £25 billion in the previous year. The numbers reported by Reliance were in line with expectations, market players said.

“Strong operational and financial contribution from all business segments has helped Reliance deliver another quarter of robust growth,” Mukesh Ambani, chairman & MD, RIL said in a statement.

At £7.71 billion, Reliance Retail’s gross revenue in Q2 rose nearly 19% as grocery and fashion & lifestyle businesses maintained strong growth momentum. Its net profit for the quarter stood at £ 279 million, up 21%.

India to lead the world in 6G: PM Modi at India Mobile Congress At the 7th India Mobile Congress in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India will lead the world in 6G technology. According to him, last year saw the quickest adoption of 5G technology in India. The government is currently attempting to lead in 6G. "In 5G, we reached from roll out to reach out stage," he said. Modi added that within one year of roll-out, 400,000 5G base stations have been set up in India.

was a net importer of mobiles, the country today is the world's second-largest mobile manufacturer.

He added that the country is also manufacturing electronic goods worth Rs 2 trillion for exports.

"Today we all are proud that the whole Narendra Modi world is using 'Made in "Not only 5G, we are in the India' phones," he said. direction of becoming a The PM added that the leader in the 6G space." need of the hour is to take Modi highlighted that forward the success in mobile unlike in 2014, when India and electronics and establish

a strong semiconductor manufacturing sector in the country.

"Today semiconductor companies from around the world, in collaboration with Indian companies, are investing in semiconductor assembly and testing facilities in the country," he said.

"India's semiconductor plan is not only working on meeting the domestic demand but also to meet the global requirements," he added.

Sajjan Jindal to buy Ford’s factory, stake in MG India The Indian auto sector may be a formidable opportunity.

The Chinese conglomerate SAIC, which owns MG Motor India, is the target of steel mogul Sajjan Jindal, who is creating a new firm to acquire Ford's Chennai factory after first purchasing a substantial portion of the latter. He is also in negotiations to licence Leap Motor's technology for the production of electric cars, a Chinese automaker, in the midst of all of this.

Motor and a company of Sajjan Jindal (for this venture) "looks imminent."

The media first revealed the discussions between Jindal and MG Motor India/SAIC in April. Now that the parties have decided to move forward with a Sajjan Jindal contract, the talks are The plan has been in the almost finished. works for about a year, and MG Motor views Jindal according to sources, an as a "best fit" partner agreement between MG because the latter is under

tremendous pressure to secure funding in order to grow its operations in India.

Though Jindal is now the front-runner, MG had also started talks with Hero Group, Reliance Industries, and Premji Invest.

The increased scrutiny on Chinese companies post the India-China border tensions has meant that MG is unable to get investments from its parent, while also facing difficulties in raising funds through other routes.

Appointment of Isha, Akash and Anant Ambani to RIL board approved

Anant Ambani & Isha Ambani & Akash Ambani

The appointment of Isha Ambani, Akash Ambani, and Anant Ambani as non-executive directors has been accepted by the shareholders of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), which is owned

by Mukesh Ambani. According to a corporate regulatory filing, 98.21 votes were needed to approve Isha Ambani's appointment.

On December 28, 2021, during Reliance Family Day, Mukesh Ambani made his first mention of a succession plan.

Prior to the release of Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL)'s September quarter results, shareholders of the company have accepted the appointment of Isha, Akash, and Anant Ambani as non-executive directors. Isha Ambani's nomination received 98.21 votes, according to a regulatory filing by the firm; Anant and Akash Ambani's appointments received 92.75 and 98.06 votes, respectively.

Till now, Isha, Akash and Anant were involved only at the operating business level and none were on the board of the company. Nita Ambani will resign, as stated at the AGM, among other adjustments. She will still hold the position of Reliance Foundation Chairperson. At that time, the business said that vote for the appointment of Isha, Akash and Anant as directors to the oil-to-telecoms board was conducted online.

India's youth should work 70 hours a week: Narayana Murthy The internet is divided over Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy's comments regarding youth productivity in India.

According to him, in order for India's youth to catch up with economies that have made significant strides in the recent two to three decades, they must labour 12 hours a day.

According to Murthy, India has some of the lowest rates of labour productivity in the world, and its youth need to work longer hours to catch up with nations like China, just like Japan and Germany did after World War II. "India's work productivity is one of the lowest in the world," Murthy said while speaking to former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai on the inaugural episode of 3one4 Capital's podcast 'The Record'.

Murthy implored India's youngsters to take up the mantle of nation-building, proclaiming, "So, my request is that our youngsters must say, 'This is my country. I'd like to work 70 hours a week'."

Murthy further said, "And that transformation has to come to youngsters because youngsters form a significant majority of our population at this point of time, and they are the ones who can build our country."

"Unless we improve our work productivity, unless we reduce corruption in the government at some level, because we have been reading I don't know the truth of it, unless we reduce the delays in our bureaucracy in taking this decision, we will not be able to compete with those countries that have made tremendous progress."

Korean brand Daewoo back in India with licensing deal The Korea-based Daewoo firm, which was formerly a wellknown automaker in India with models like the small Matiz and Cielo sedan, has returned, but with a completely new look.

Due to insolvency at its headquarters, the company was forced to exit the auto industry more than 15 years ago.

However, it is now back in business through a licensing arrangement, but this time for power and energy items, with consumer electronics and e-bikes to follow.

Daewoo and the Gurugram-based local vendor Kelwon Electronics and Appliances have forged a strategic alliance.

The only company licensed to use the Daewoo brand name for new product lines in India is Kelwon, which is run by veteran electronics industry worker H S Bhatia, who had formerly been employed by LG and Airtel in India.

Chan Ryu, director of Daewoo India Operations said: “In the initial stage, we will introduce a range of power and energy products, which would include batteries for both four-wheelers and two wheelers, as well as inverter and solar batteries. Additionally, we will offer a variety of inverters and UPS systems, designed for both online and offline applications.”

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in brief

Bangladesh opposition leader detained after anti-government rally DHAKA: Bangladesh’s leading opposition figure has been detained, as tensions mount between the country’s governing party and opposition forces ahead of general elections due in January.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary-general of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was picked up by law enforcement on Sunday, a day after mass anti-government protests rocked the capital, Dhaka.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman said Alamgir had been detained

for questioning over violence that broke out during Saturday’s protests, which killed one police officer and one protester, and injured many on both sides.

20 killed, several injured in Bangladesh train collision DHAKA: At least 20 people have been killed while several others were left grievously injured after a freight train collided with a passenger train in Bangladesh’s northeastern Kishoreganj district, officials said.

Many people are still feared trapped under the dilapidated wagons, however, rescue operations are underway. “Twenty bodies have been recovered so far. We are extending our all possible support to the rescue operations,” an official of the elite anticrime Rapid Action Battalion said while addressing the media persons on the spot.

“We expect to find more bodies as well as injured passengers during the rescue pro-

cess,” a fire service official said According to a report, the accident occurred when the freight train heading towards Chattogram hit the rear coaches of the Dhaka-bound Egarosindur Godhuli Express in the Bhairab area of Kishoreganj district.

In the massive collision, three passenger carriages were upturned, the fire services officials said adding that more than 100 passengers were already rescued with wounds and rushed to different health facilities. Meanwhile, a rescue train with cranes has left for the accident site as well and several units of Bangladesh Fire Service are already deployed at the site for the rescue operations.

“Police came and seized all the CCTV camera devices from our building,” Alamgir’s wife Rahat Ara Begum was quoted as saying. “They said they had

orders to arrest my husband. I hope they return him soon.”

Alamgir’s detention intensifies a crackdown on Bangladesh’s opposition in the lead-up to next year’s vote, which will decide the country’s next premier.

Hundreds of opposition activists have been arrested and the BNP’s longtime leader, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is under de facto house arrest.

Opposition figures have called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign, arguing she cannot be trusted to hold free and fair elections after being in office for more than 15 years.

Nawaz Sharif gets bail in corruption cases ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan HC granted bail to three-times former PM Nawaz Sharif in corruption cases until October 26, his lawyer said. Sharif was convicted on corruption charges in two cases after his ouster as PM in 2017.

He returned to Pakistan recently after four years in selfexile in London, promising to work toward an economic recovery for the South Asian country, which is experiencing record inflation of over 30%.

The Islamabad HC extended the protective bail for Sharif after prosecutors from the anti-graft agency said they did not have any objection to the extension as long as he turned up for the trial, said Sharif’s lawyer, Azam Nazeer Tarar.

Sharif had not set foot in Pakistan since leaving for London in 2019 to receive medical treatment while serving a 14year prison sentence for corruption. His convictions remain in force, but a court barred authorities from arresting him, when he is to appear in court.

The court also accepted Sharif’s plea to pursue appeals against the convictions. While he cannot run for or hold public office because of his convictions, his legal team says the appeals would pave a way for overturning the convictions. His party says he aims to become PM for a fourth time. Sharif’s biggest challenge will be to wrest back his support base from his main rival, former premier Imran Khan.

Pakistan asks illegal immigrants to leave the country by Nov 1 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan gave a last warning to all immigrants who entered the country illegally, including hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals, to leave voluntarily before a November 1 deadline, the country's caretaker interior minister said.

Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti told a news conference in Islamabad that Pakistan was determined to go ahead with a plan to remove all undocumented immigrants after November 1.

Pakistan announced the

move in October. It says it took the decision after Afghan nationals were found to be involved in crimes, smuggling and attacks against the government and the army, including 14 out of 24 suicide bombings this year.

"All the illegal immigrants have been identified. The state has complete data," said Bugti. "I want to appeal one more time that all the illegal immigrants should leave voluntarily by the deadline." Bugti warned law enforcement agencies will start an operation to remove people

after the expiry of the deadline.

He also said action would be taken against anyone found involved in facilitating or hiding the immigrants.

The immigrants, mostly Afghans, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for years, will be processed at temporary centres being set up by the government. leaving voluntarily will be helped to leave Pakistan, such as preparation of their documents, permission to exchange currency and transportation.

Pakistan has received the largest influx of Afghan refugees

since the Soviet invasion of Kabul in 1979. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans moved to Pakistan to escape war and conflicts, and many are registered as refugees with the government and UN agencies.

The expulsion plan marks a new low in relations between the South Asian neighbours after border clashes in recent months.

Islamabad alleges that the militants use Afghan soil to train fighters and plan attacks inside Pakistan, a charge Kabul denies, saying Pakistani security is a domestic issue.

Massacre of Hindus in Myanmar could be international crime: UN

China sacks defence minister after foreign minister's ouster

UNITED NATIONS: The UN officer investigating grave human rights abuses in Myanmar believes that the killing of 99 Hindus by a Rohingya group in that country may have been an international crime.

Nicholas Koumjian, the head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, responded to a question regarding the 2017 atrocity that Amnesty International had documented. He said, "The incident you're talking about, a massacre of close to 100 people, is obviously very serious and could qualify as an international crime."

He stated that the incident "was very serious and absolutely deserving of attention" and that "we are looking at actions by non-state actors."

Amnesty International reported that the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) killed 99 Hindus - women, men, and children - and abducted several Hindu villagers inside Myanmar’s Rakhine State in August 2017. According to Amnesty International's Crisis Response Director Tirana Hassan, "the investigation on the ground sheds much-needed light on the largely under-reported human rights abuses by ARSA during northern Rakhine State's unspeakably dark recent history." The report on the killings of Hindus in 2018 was released by the organisation.

BEIJING: China removed its defence minister, the second ousting of a senior leader in three months, raising questions about the stability of the leadership team around Chinese President Xi Jinping. General Li Shangfu, who has been absent from public view for two months, was dismissed as defence minister and state councillor, according to state media.

China also announced that Qin Gang, who was removed as foreign minister in July, was stripped of his state councillor position.

China also removed finance minister Liu Kun and appointed Lan Fo’an in his place. Liu is the third senior Cabinet minister to be replaced without any explanation. Before the promotion, Lan became the Communist Party chief of the finance ministry in late September.

Another official announcement said the National People’s Congress removed minister of science and technology, Wang Zhigang and appointed Yin Hejun in his place. Wang had served as the deputy minister of science and technology since July 2012 and became the minister of science and technology in March 2018.

No replacement for Li was named, leaving the country without a defence minister as it prepares to host foreign defence officials at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on October 29-31.

INDIAN AMERICAN HELD FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON MINOR A 21-year-old Indian American food delivery driver has been arrested for sexually assaulting a minor girl after forcefully getting into her motel room in California, police said.

Identifying Sandeep as the “primary suspect”, the San Jose police said that the incident occurred on October 21 at 1000 Alameda, in the city. The girl was staying with her mother in the motel and had ordered a pizza. The mother was not in the room at the time of the incident. Investigations by the SJPD Sexual Assault Investigations Unit revealed that Sandeep forced his way into the motel room and sexually assaulted the female juvenile.

EL SALVADOR SLAPS TAX ON TRAVELLERS FROM INDIA People travelling on passports from India or any one of more than 50 African nations will have to pay an additional tax of $1,130 from Oct 23, El Salvador’s port authority said. The money raised will be used to improve the nation’s main international airport, the authority added. Many migrants from Africa and elsewhere make it to the US via Central America. Airlines will be required to notify Salvadoran authorities daily of passengers who come from a list of 57 countries in Africa, and India.

PAK COURT JUNKS IMRAN BAIL PLEA IN CIPHER CASE In a major blow to Imran Khan, a top Pakistani court rejected petitions by the jailed former PM seeking post-arrest bail and the quashing of the FIR in the cipher case for allegedly leaking state secrets. Khan had approached the Islamabad high court with pleas for bail in the case as well as against the FIR which was registered by the federal investigation agency in August. The written verdict issued by the court declared both petitions as “without merit” and were “accordingly dismissed”, Dawn reported. “It is clarified that any observations, made here in above, are tentative in nature and shall not prejudice learned trial court during the trial,” the judgment emphasised.

SUSPECT IN US SHOOTING THAT KILLED 18 FOUND DEAD A US Army reservist accused of spraying a bowling alley and bar with gunfire in Lewiston, Maine, killing 18 people, was found dead after a 48-hour manhunt, restoring calm to communities unnerved by the bloodshed but leaving many questions unanswered. The body of Robert R Card, 40, was discovered in a wooded area within the neighbouring town of Lisbon Falls, near where police found his abandoned getaway vehicle shortly after the shooting spree, police said. A total of 18 people perished and 13 others were wounded earlier, when the gunman opened fire with a rifle inside the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley.

MIKE PENCE DROPS OUT OF US PRESIDENTIAL RACE Former US vice president Mike Pence ended his cash-strapped presidential campaign, after struggling for months to convince Republicans voters he was the best alternative to the man he once served with unswerving loyalty, Donald Trump. Pence’s surprise announcement at the Republican Jewish Coalition donor conference in Las Vegas made him the first big-name candidate to drop out.

Trump is the runaway front runner in the race.

“Traveling over the country over the past six months, I came here to say it’s become clear to me: This is not my time. So after much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to suspend my campaign,” Pence told the audience.

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in brief KREMLIN LAUGHS OFF PUTIN ‘ILL AND BODY DOUBLE’ RUMOURS The Kremlin denied a report that President Vladimir Putin was ill, and laughed off persistent rumours that he used body doubles to cover for him in public appearances.

“Everything is fine with him, this is absolutely another fake,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about an unsourced report by a Russian Telegram channel, picked up by some Western media, that the president had suffered a cardiac arrest. The spokesman laughed in response to a further question about body doubles, and denied that Putin had any. “This belongs to the category of absurd information hoaxes that a whole series of media discuss with enviable tenacity. This evokes nothing but a smile,” Peskov said.

TRUMP FINED $10,000 FOR GAG ORDER VIOLATION Donald Trump was called to the witness stand and then fined $10,000 after a judge concluded that the former president had violated a limited gag order in his civil fraud trial. It was the second time in less than a week that Trump was penalised for his out-of-court comments. Before imposing the latest fine, Judge Arthur Engoron summoned Trump from the defense table to testify about his comment to reporters hours earlier about “a person who’s very partisan sitting alongside” the judge. Trump and his lawyers said that comment was about witness Michael Cohen, a former Trump law, and not about the clerk.

Trump told the judge that his remark about partisans was aimed at “you and Cohen.” But Trump did not conceal his frustration with the clerk.

JOHNSON ELECTED AS NEW SPEAKER OF US HOUSE Republican Congressman from Louisiana Mike Johnson has been elected as the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, bringing an end to three weeks of uncertainty in US politics. The position of Speaker of the House of Representatives is one of the most powerful political chairs in the country and is third in the line of succession after the US President.

BIDEN WARNS CHINA OVER SCS ROW President Joe Biden warned China that the US would be forced to intervene if Beijing attacks Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, after two separate collisions in the disputed waterway over the weekend. “I want to be very clear: The US’ defence commitment to the Philippines is ironclad,” Biden said. “Any attack on the Filipino aircraft, vessels, or armed forces will invoke our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines.”

OFF-DUTY PILOT TRIES TO SHUT AIRLINE’S ENGINE MIDAIR An off-duty pilot riding in the extra seat in the cockpit of a Horizon Air passenger jet tried to shut down the engines in midflight and had to be subdued by the crew, a pilot flying the plane told air traffic controllers. Authorities in Oregon identified the man as Joseph David Emerson, 44. He was being held on 83 counts each of attempted murder and reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft. The San Francisco-bound flight was diverted to Portland, Oregon, where Emerson was taken into custody. Seattle-based Alaska Airlines, which owns Horizon, said the captain and co-pilot “quickly responded, engine power was not lost and the crew secured the aircraft without incident.”

Biden honours 2 Indian-American scientists for remarkable medical discoveries WASHINGTON: Two IndianAmericans - Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh - were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and the National Medal of Science, respectively.

President Biden also honoured leading American scientists, technologists, and innovators at the award ceremony.

The scientists, who were honoured at the event, made discoveries enabling lifesaving medical treatments, helping fight the opioid epidemic, improving food security, advancing accessibility, and much more.

Ashok Gadgil

"Today, President Biden is awarding the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to a number of Americans who have made exemplary achievements in science, technology,

Subra Suresh & Joe Biden

and innovation to strengthen our nation's well-being, " the White House said.

The National Medal of Science is the nation's highest scientific honour, established by the US Congress in 1959 and

Indian origin teen wins second spot in 3M Young Scientist Challenge SAN JOSE: Teen Shripriya Kalbhavi has won second place at the annual 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a premier science competition for middle school students in US. Kalbhavi, a ninth grader at Lynbrook High School here, received $2,000 prize money for developing EasyBZ - a costeffective micro needle patch that allows for self-automated drug delivery without pills or needles.

The first prize of $25,000 with the prestigious title of “America’s Top Young Scientist”, went to Heman Bekele from Virginia for his compound-based Skin Cancer Treating Soap.

Kalbhavi said in a blog post on the 3M Young Scientist Challenge website that she entered the contest because she wants to help change lives. She also hosts a podcast

called “Famous Personalities,” and as part of the theme of her show, she researches women scientists and speaks about their lives, achievements, and research.

“Scientific research and innovations have always interested me, and I find the scientists, especially doctors, all around me to be extremely inspiring because they work to help people every day,” Kalbhavi, who wants to become a neurosurgeon, said.

“I want to gain experience and advice from a mentor to help improve people’s lives with my invention, BZ reaction-automated micro needle patches, by making their medication painless and more affordable,” she added.

Apart from Kalbhavi, five other Indian American teens were among the top ten finalists and each of them received a $1,000 prize and a $500 gift card.

Israeli troops, tanks push deeper into Gaza JERUSALEM: Israeli troops and tanks pushed deeper into Gaza, advancing on two sides of the territory’s main city, as the UN and medical staff warned that air strikes have hit closer to hospitals where tens of thousands of Palestinians have sought shelter alongside thousands of wounded. Video circulating on social media showed an Israeli tank and bulldozer in central Gaza blocking the territory’s main highway, which the Israeli military in recent weeks has suggested Palestinians use to evacuate to south.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who remain in the north would no longer be able to escape if the road is blocked.

The Israeli military has been vague about its operations inside Gaza, including the location and number of troops. But the movements of recent days, including stepped-up ground operations both north and east of Gaza City, combined with calls for residents to head south, point to a focus on the city. Israel says much of Hamas’ forces and militant infrastructure, including

hundreds of kilometers of tunnels, are in Gaza City, which before the war was home to over 650,000 people, a population comparable to that of Washington, DC. Casualties on both sides are expected to rise sharply if Israeli forces expand their ground operation and end up battling Palestinian militants in dense residential areas.

Though Israel ordered Palestinians to flee the north, where Gaza City is located, and move south, hundreds of thousands remain, in part because Israel has also bombarded targets in so-called safe zones.

Around 117,000 displaced people hoping to stay safe from strikes are staying in hospitals in northern Gaza, alongside thousands of patients and staff, according to UN figures.

The death toll among Palestinians passed 8,300, mostly women and children, the Gaza health ministry said. More than 1.4 million people in Gaza have fled their homes. Over 1,400 people have died on the Israeli side, mainly civilians killed during Hamas' initial attack, also an unprecedented figure.

Despite tense ties, Canada’s parliament hosts Kullu Dussehra SHIMLA: Despite the tense diplomatic relations between India and Canada, the Indian diaspora celebrated Himachal Pradesh’s famed Kullu Dussehra for the first time in Canada’s Parliament Hill.

The event was held on October 23 and among the dignitaries were the High Commissioner of India to Canada, Sanjay Verma, besides 25 Indo-Canadian diaspora organizations and international diaspora.

The festival to mark good over evil was hosted by Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya and supported by the Himachali Pravasi Global Association.

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder

Sukhu addressed the attendees in a video message, which was played at Parliament Hill. A cultural program was performed by HPGA members that comprised Himachali Naati. During lunch, ‘dham’ was served to the audience. The ‘dham’ is a mid-day meal served in Himachali culture on the occasions of marriage or religious days. In the ‘dham’, cooked rice and moong dal are served. Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana, was staged. A colorful decorated palanquin carrying the idols of deities to pay their obeisance to Lord Raghunath, the presiding deity of the festival, was performed.

administered by the US National Science Foundation.

"It is bestowed by the President of the United States on individuals deserving of special recognition for their outstanding contributions in biology, computer sciences, education sciences, engineering, geosciences, mathematical and physical sciences, and social, behavioural, and economic sciences, in service to the Natio," the statement added.

"Those who earn these awards embody the promise of America by pushing the boundaries of what is possible," it added.

32 killed in Kazakhstan’s ArcelorMittal mine fire ASTANA: Kazakhstan said that 32 people were killed in a fire in yet another deadly accident in a mine owned by ArcelorMittal, with over a dozen still missing, in the Central Asian country’s worst disaster in years.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called the Luxembourg-listed ArcelorMittal group the “worst” company “in our history” and ordered his government to take control of the Kazakh branch of the company.

ArcelorMittal has a history of deadly disasters in Kazakhstan and is regularly accused of failing to respect safety and environmental regulations. The fire was one of the deadliest in Kazakhstan’s post-Soviet history and came just two months after five miners were killed in a blast at a site owned by the company.

“This is a tragedy,” Tokayev said as he met with families of the victims in the Karaganda region. He called for a day of national mourning. Tokayev, who has decried ArcelorMittal’s safety record, ordered his government to take control of the mines.

“This company has turned out to be the worst in our history from the point of view of cooperation between a company and the government,” Tokayev said. He asked the deputy governor of the Karaganda region, Vadim Basin - who used to work for ArcelorMittal to head the company.

San Diego declares October ‘Hindu Heritage Month’ SAN DIEGO: The vibrant culture and contributions of the local Indian and Hindu community were celebrated on October 14 in a grand ceremony at the Organ Pavilion.

Mayor Todd Gloria marked the occasion by proclaiming October as “Hindu Heritage Month,” recognizing the profound influence of the Hindu community on the city’s cultural fabric.

Mayor Gloria, amidst the luminous backdrop of the Organ Pavilion, paid homage to the essential role that the local Hindu community has played in enriching the lives of San Diegans. He commended the community for its dedication to preserving the rich Hindu culture, emphasizing the values encapsulated in the Hindu philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which signifies the unity of the world as one family.

In addition to the Hindu Heritage Month proclamation, CA State Senator Brian Jones, (District 40), honored Ekal Vidyalaya USA and the local chapter of Sewa International for their commendable community service efforts. These organizations have left an indelible mark with their impactful grassroots-level social welfare initiatives both in San Diego and globally.

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Blasts at Christian prayer meet in Kerala kill 2, injure 51 Three back-to-back explosions initially suspected to be a terror attack but later declared to be the alleged handiwork of a disgruntled former member of Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian denomination, killed two women and wounded 51 other members of a 2,000strong prayer congregation at Kalamassery in Kerala's Kochi on Sunday.

The improvised explosive devices (IEDs) allegedly planted at the Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre by the suspect, identified as Dominic Martin of Thammanam in Kochi, went off in the middle of prayers at 9.35am, police said.

The centre was the venue of a three-day Jehovah's Witnesses event since Friday. Survivors said they heard three explosions within seconds, with the first one being powerful, followed by two smaller ones. CCTV

footage of the aftermath shows children and elderly people among the crowd scampering out of the hall as chairs and other furniture burn. Some people are seen trying to douse the flames.

Much of the day went by without a breakthrough in the investigation as police appealed not to amplify rumours and speculation on social media about a possible terror attack on the religious congregation. Investigators said in the evening that suspect Martin, who had by then posted a video message claiming responsibility for

the blasts, had surrendered to police in Thrissur, around 68 km away. He was brought to Kalamassery for interrogation.

Martin said he planted the IEDs as he felt that the teachings of the denomination he was once part of were against society and the nation. Additional DGP (law and order) M R Ajith Kumar said Martin had provided evidence supporting his claim, which police were examining.

Kerala Police chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb confirmed that IEDs were used.

ED raids Rajasthan Congress chief, summons Gehlot’s son A new political spat broke out in election-bound Rajasthan with the Enforcement Directorate summoning Vaibhav Gehlot, the son of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, in a FEMA violation case and searching several locations in relation to the teachers' recruitment exam (2022) paper leak case, including the home and offices of Congress's state unit chief and former education minister Govind Singh Dotasra in Jaipur and Sikar.

Though the ED did not disclose the purpose of the latest summons issued to

Gehlot junior, the latter said he had received similar summons 12-13 years ago to which he had submitted detailed responses and the agency did not find any irregularities. “The ED has come back again with the same allegations. People understand why this is happening when there is an election code of conduct,” Vaibhav told reporters.

According to reports, the Rajasthan police's inquiry into the leak of a test paper used to recruit teachers is connected to the search operation conducted on Dotasra's property. Along with some other suspects in

the case, Om Prakash Hudla, an independent Mahwa (Dausa) MLA, had his home raided by the ED. The Congress said that the BJP was abusing the central agency because it was afraid of losing the upcoming state assembly elections and that the searches were against the model code of conduct. In defence of the move, the BJP emphasised that the probe into Dotasra was about the future of Rajasthan's youngsters and that it had nothing to do with the upcoming elections. The agency was merely taking action against corruption.

Ghee, pickle not allowed in checkin luggage on flights While travelling by flight, there are many restrictions regarding what we can carry in handbags and check-in luggage. There are various items like weapons, ammunition, pistols, lighters, scissors, matchboxes, crackers, umbrellas and other things that are restricted. But did you know you cannot carry oil, ghee and pickles in your hand luggage? While we may consider them to be just food items, they can land you in trouble.

Reportedly, bottles of jam and honey might still be permitted, however, a jar of pickle might not be allowed in hand baggage. Additional Commissioner, BCAS, R K Singh said, “A terrorist can easily put the deadly explosive, PETN or RDX inside the oil of the pickle in a jar or container and use it endangering the lives of passengers in the aircraft.”

Another reason why oil, ghee or pickle might not be allowed is that if there is a leak, it can get the seats of the plane dirty and probably even soil the clothes of the

passengers. Apart from this, ghee and oil are highly inflammable items due to their excessive fat content and pose a great threat in case of a fire in the aeroplane. Hence, for safety reasons such liquids are not allowed in handbags.

One more reason is that ghee is mostly liquid at room temperature and as per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), one can bring liquid gels or aerosols in containers in very limited quantities. As per the rules, liquids or gels can be allowed to be carried in the handbag only if it is of hundred millilitres or less and are properly sealed.

One should make sure to read the guidelines and the rules and regulations of the airlines. Some airlines do not allow ghee while some do. The restrictions can vary according to the laws and regulations of various states and countries as well because the safety of the aircraft and the passengers of the topmost priority.

BRS MP stabbed during campaigning in Telangana BRS Medak MP Kotha Prabhakar Reddy was stabbed Monday by a 38-year-old man while campaigning in Siddipet district as a candidate for the November 30 Telangana polls.

Prabhakar, contesting from the Dubbak seat, was rushed to a private hospital in Secunderabad where he was operated upon for three hours for the injury on his stomach’s right side. He was later described by doctors as stable.

The assailant, G Raju, who is suspected to be working for a local YouTube channel, was caught and beaten up by BRS workers before being handed over to police. The attack took place in

Surampalli village in Doulatabad when Prabhakar was about to get into his car after visiting a pastor in a local church.

BRS president and CM K Chandrasekhar Rao said he “considered the attack on Prabhakar as an attack on himself” while asserting there was no place for such assaults in a democracy.

KCR, campaigning at Banswada in north Telangana, was on his way to visit Prabhakar in the Secunderabad hospital.

Siddipet commissioner of police N Swetha Reddy said Raju went close to the

Kotha Prabhakar Reddy

MP on the pretext of shaking hands with him and then stabbed him with what appeared like a knife meant to cut vegetables “We will question Raju to know the exact motive for making the murderous attempt on the MP’s life,” the CP said.

Cash-starved Cong plans to crowdfund war chest Congress is to introduce "crowdfunding" as an additional source of income to combat the electoral bond system, which is purportedly unduly biased in favour of the governing party. The party has made the decision to open a special website for small-donor contributions.

Though a growing norm in the country in areas like charity, crowd funding in politics seems also inspired by liberal political parties and opposition outfits of the West. Struggling to attract big corporate donors, these groups have turned small donations into a fund

generation machine. In an emotive plea to supporters of the “only party fighting for Indian democracy” against the Narendra Modiled BJP, the Congress intention is to place a link on the party website that will solicit and receive money via a payment gateway.

Technical tweaks are being made to the initiative, which will be unveiled later this year.

According to sources, contributions up to Rs 20,000 do not need a contributor to show his PAN; only donations beyond that amount must

be reported to the Election Commission on a yearly under the basis Representation of the People Act. Although the party is examining this market, insiders stated that even little amounts - like Rs 100, 500, or 1,000 - would be appreciated. While the link would be open round the year for donations, Congress strategists are looking at special calls for donations on important anniversaries like the Congress Foundation Day. The link is said to have been briefly started but taken down a few years ago.

India keeps close watch as China hosts Bhutanese minister Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomed his Bhutanese counterpart Tandi Dorji as the two nations discuss establishing diplomatic ties and hope to swiftly resolve their boundary issue, according to Beijing. Beijing claims that Dorji came to China to discuss border issues.

A Chinese readout of the meeting said Bhutan firmly abides by the ‘One China’ principle and stands ready to work with Beijing for an early settlement of the boundary issue and “advance the political process of establishing diplomatic relations”.

Bhutan has stated many times this year that it is very close to reaching a settlement with China over its border dispute and that Beijing is not a major source of concern for it.

With the sensitive Doklam dispute between China and Bhutan and the determination of the Bhutan-China-India tri-junction, in which India is also a stakeholder, the Indian government has been monitoring the

negotiations to see if they will have any impact on the security situation. India has repeatedly reminded China that, as per a 2012 understanding, the trijunction boundary points between India, China and third countries has to be finalised in consultation with the countries concerned.

Wang informed Dorji, who was paying a rare visit to China, that Bhutan's long-term and core interests are fully served by the resolution of boundary disputes and the establishing of diplomatic relations.

“China is ready to work with Bhutan in the same direction, seize the historic opportunity, complete this important process as soon as possible, and fix and develop China-Bhutan friendly relations in legal form,” he said.

Beijing quoted Dorji as saying the two countries had enjoyed a traditional friendship and that he thanked China for its strong support and assistance to Bhutan.

ED summons Kejriwal hours after SC rejects Sisodia bail plea Hours after the Supreme Court turned down the bail petition of his former deputy and close confidant Manish Sisodia, the Enforcement Directorate summoned Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to appear before it on November 2 in connection with the ongoing probe into the alleged liquor scam.

This follows the ED’s submission to the SC earlier this month that it intended to investigate AAP as a beneficiary of the bribes, the “proceeds of crime” in ED’s parlance, in the case. The ED had made the submission

in response to a question by the court as to why it had not made AAP an accused in the case despite alleging that the bribes earned from allegedly favouring a cartel of liquor dealers were used to fund the Kejriwal-led party’s election campaign in Goa. But grounds for Kejriwal’s questioning appeared to be getting readied soon after the agency grilled his personal assistant Bibhav Kumar and Jasmine Shah, another close aide who headed the Delhi Dialogue Commission, in February, around the same time Sisodia was taken into custody.

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India warns Pakistan for referring Kashmir on Israel-Gaza conflict India has said that it will not respond to Pakistan's mention of Kashmir in a Security Council meeting about the Israel-Gaza conflict, treating it with the disdain it merits.

The remarks by India’s Permanent Deputy Representative at the UN, Ambassador R Ravindra, came after Pakistan’s UN envoy Munir Akram made reference to Kashmir at the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

“Before I end, there was a remark of habitual nature by one delegation referring to Union Territories that are integral and inalienable parts of my country,” Ravindra said.

“I would treat these remarks with contempt they deserve and not dignify them with a response in the interest of time,” Ravindra

said.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the Security Council meeting that all acts of terrorism, whether they are carried out

by Hamas, which targets people in Mumbai, or by Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terror group located in Pakistan, are illegal and indefensible.

“We must affirm the right of any nation to defend itself and to prevent such horror from repeating itself. No member of this

Council, no nation in this entire body could or would tolerate the slaughter of its people,” Blinken said.

“As this Council and the UN General Assembly have repeatedly affirmed, all acts of terrorism are unlawful and unjustifiable. They're unlawful and unjustifiable, whether they target people in Nairobi or Bali… Istanbul or Mumbai, New York or Kibbutz Be’eri,” Blinken told the UN Security Council.

J&K villagers race to make bunkers habitable as Pakistan violates truce Days after Pakistan Rangers violated the ceasefire on October 26 by shelling forward posts and villages along the international border, residents have undertaken a massive cleaning operation to make underground bunkers constructed over the years habitable. Not just in Arnia, but also in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua, residents have begun tidying up their bunkers.

Without regular upkeep, a majority of them had been inundated with rain water and overrun with wild vegetation. Villagers said the bunkers also lacked electricity and toilets. “We cannot trust Pakistan and must have a safe refuge,” said sarpanch of Treva village of Arnia, Balbir Kour. “We have cleared almost all the community bunkers,” added Prerna, a resident of ward number 5.

The Centre has approved the construction of 14,460 individual and communal bunkers in five districts - Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Poonch, and Rajouri - in December 2017 to protect border populations from Pakistani fire. Then, more than 4,000 more bunkers were authorised by the government.

“After 2018, our villages were pounded with mortars but we could not use most of the bunkers as we had paid no attention to their upkeep,” Kour said. After the October 26 shelling too, panic-stricken people, including migrant labourers engaged in harvesting paddy, fled in the night to safer places and returned home the following morning after the guns fell silent. “If we keep the bunkers clean, we need not flee our villages amid shelling,” said Nirmala Devi.

MP minister and Scindia aide booked for offering reward to manager of ‘best’ booth The Congress labelled the Madhya Pradesh minister Govind Singh Rajput's arrest for violating the poll code because he allegedly promised Rs 25,00,000 to the booth that receives the most votes. They demanded that Rajput be removed from his position as minister and prohibited from running for office.

Rajput, who holds the key transport and revenue portfolios in Shivraj Singh Chouhan government and is close to Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, is the BJP candidate from Surkhi constituency in Sagar district.

An FIR was registered against him at Rahatgarh police station following a complaint filed with the district election officer.

Addressing a press conference, AICC

spokesperson Sobha Oza said Rajput’s case is not an isolated instance but is the tip of the iceberg, as she replayed the now viral video of senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya in which he is seen promising money to the booths in his Indore constituency that ensure no votes are polled in favour of his Congress rival. Oza claimed that the remarks made by prominent BJP figures indicate that the party has realised it is losing the Bhopal election, which is why its members are being forced to turn to such overt financial inducements. She added Rajput should be questioned about where he is getting the enormous sums of money that he is giving to the people running his polling booths.

No decision yet on replacing ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’: NCERT The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) established a high-level social science committee to review the school curriculum. The committee suggested that in future textbooks, the word "India" be changed to "Bharat." The committee has also recommended that Hindu warriors' exploits be included in the curriculum.

Calling it “too premature to comment”, NCERT said, “No decision had been taken yet on the panel’s recommendations.” The group, led by CI Isaac, has also recommended that the Indian Knowledge System be

included in the syllabus for every subject and that "classical history" be substituted for "ancient history" in the curriculum. NCERT chairperson Dinesh Saklani, however, said no decision had been taken yet.

Endorsing the use of Bharat, Issac, who has been closely associated with the Sangh Parivar organisations for the past several decades, said, “Bharat is an age-old name.

The name Bharat has been used in ancient texts, such as Vishnu Purana, which is 7,000 years old.” The nameplate of PM Narendra Modi during the summit also read “Bharat” instead of India.

No mention of Hamas, India abstains from UN Gaza vote A resolution calling for an immediate, lasting, and sustainable humanitarian truce was adopted by the UN General Assembly with support from 120 countries, following several unsuccessful attempts to resolve the West Asia situation in the Security Council. India refrained from casting a vote on the resolution that failed to denounce the terror assaults on Israel by Hamas on October 7.

Government sources said the final text did not reflect all elements of New Delhi’s “steadfast and consistent” position, including that there can be no equivocation on terrorism.

While 45 countries abstained, 14 led by the US and Israel voted against the resolution that was supported by many European nations, including France, and all BRICS and Saarc partners of India.

A motion to explicitly denounce Hamas and call for the release of hostages was made by Canada, but it was rejected because it lacked the support of two thirds of the members in attendance.

India voted in favour of the amendment, but in its explanation of vote, it did not mention Hamas.

Instead, it called for the immediate and uncondi-

tional release of hostages and described the terror strikes in Israel on October 7 as appalling and deserving of condemnation.

Although non-binding, resolutions passed by the General Assembly are seen as an indication of the global mood. Looking to balance its position, the government reiterated its concern over the “astounding” loss of civilian lives, including those of women and children, saying the escalation of hostilities in the region will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and that it’s necessary for “all parties to display the utmost responsibility”.

India sends second highest no. of overseas visitors to US Despite the lengthy wait times for visa interviews and exorbitant flights, Indians accounted for the second-largest percentage of foreign tourists to the United States this summer. The National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) of the US Commerce Department received the most data from the United Kingdom (970,000) for the April–June 2023 quarter.

The UK and India (510,000 visitors) were followed by Germany (470,000), France (more than 400,000) and Brazil (370,000) in terms of overseas visitors.

At 26,00,000, Canada was the biggest source of visitors who flew into America this summer. Mexico, with which the US shares a

land border like Canada, followed, with 720,000 visitors. These two countries remain the biggest source of visitors, considering those who travel by road as well. Travel industry insiders say the number of Indians visiting the US would have been much higher, but for visa delays.

The current wait period for a B1/B2 visitor visa in India is about 1.5 years, against almost three years last winter.

The US State Department website states that although the embassy has made several efforts to reduce the wait time, the B1/B2 interview wait times in Delhi and Mumbai are currently 542 and 596 days, respectively.

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SOUTH INDIA

14 killed, 25 others injured as 2 trains collide in Andhra

Karnataka seeks £1.79 bn drought relief funds from centre NEW DELHI: The Karnataka government demanded £1.79 billion in funds from the Centre to compensate farmers affected due to drought in the Kharif season this year.

Karnataka Agriculture Minister N Chaluvaraya Swamy, Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge, and Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda met Union Agriculture Secretary Manoj Kumar Ahuja and Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla separately and updated them about the drought situation in Karnataka.

The three state ministers are also members of the Karnataka Cabinet subcommittee on drought management.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Byregowda said, "We have sought a total drought relief of 1.79 billion as per the NDRF norms. We have requested the central government to clear the funds at the earliest.

As of September 22, the state as a whole recorded 26 per cent deficit rainfall that led to an estimated agriculture and horticulture crop loss in about 45,55,000 hectares during the kharif season, he said.

The state has so far declared drought in 216 taluks and will examine the possibility of declaring more taluks as drought-hit in the first week of November, he said.

Out of £1.79 bn estimated drought relief funds, the Revenue Minister said the state government for the first time has demanded £1.25 billion as gratuitous relief to families whose livelihood has been seriously affected due to drought for 90 days.

The state has also demanded £441.42 million for agriculture and horticulture crop loss during the kharif season (July-June) this year, while £35.5million towards animal feed and £55.4 million for providing drinking water assistance in drought-affected taluks, he added.

The Karnataka government has estimated a total loss due to the crop damage in the state at £3.37 billion. It has sought assistance of £1.79 billion under the National Disaster Relief Find (NDRF).

VIZIANAGARAM: At least 14 people were killed and 25 others injured when a passenger train travelling from Visakhapatnam to Rayagada derailed after colliding with the Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train near Kothavalasa railway station in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. This was the third train accident since June 2 when the Coromandel Express crashed into a stationary freight train in Odisha’s Balasore, leading to the loss of 296 lives and 1,200 suffered injuries. On October 11, five passengers died and 30 others injured when the Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express derailed in Buxar district of Bihar.

The accident occurred when the Visakhapatnam-Palasa train was switching from the main track to a side track.

Simultaneously, the VisakhapatnamRayagada train, travelling on the main track, rear-ended the other train, leading to the derailment of the last three coaches upon impact and damaging two severely.

Vizianagaram SP Deepika Patil confirmed that “at least 14 people were killed and over 25 others seriously injured in the accident. Four coaches of the Rayagada passenger train were involved”.

PUNJAB

As Punjab moves Supreme Court, governor says ready to examine 3 bills on merit CHANDIGARH: With the Punjab government knocking the doors of the Supreme Court against Governor Banwarilal Purohit for withholding three money Bills, the latter said he was in consultation with all concerned and, in the larger interest of the welfare of people, decided to examine the bills on merit.

A letter to this effect by the governor to CM Bhagwant Mann says that he will soon convey to the Chief Minister his decision on each and every bill separately. “I may point out that after your taking over as CM, I have already given assent to 22 bills out of 27. The five bills, passed by Assembly as well as three money Bills sent by the government recently, are under my consideration and I will take a decision after due consideration in the coming days. I will convey my decision to you accordingly,” he has written.

Though the ruling AAP claimed that the governor had taken a U-turn, sources close to the governor said the letter seems to be a move to counter the state government’s petition in the

Bhagwant Mann & Banwarilal Purohit

Supreme Court. The petition was filed and is expected to come up for hearing soon.

The government is going to the Supreme Court for the second time against the governor. The government had earlier approached the SC in February this year after the governor had refused to call the budget session.

Official sources said the letter, written by the office of the governor to the secretary, Vidhan Sabha, refusing to allow the government the permission to hold the two-day special sitting of the House on October 20-21, is the basis on which the government has approached the Supreme Court.

Punjab BJP chief attacks CM Mann over river waters issue LUDHIANA: Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar on Monday attacked Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, accusing him of not being serious about the state’s river waters. Speaking to reporters in Ludhiana, Jakhar further alleged that Mann was diverting peoples' attention from the state’s real issues.

On the issue of SYL, Jakhar said it is the responsibility of the state government to take everyone along and protect the interests of the state, but the chief minister is running away from it. Jakhar said if the SYL canal is built and more water is given to Haryana, Punjab's Malwa area, especially Abohar, will be adversely affected.

“If somebody is not worried about river waters it is the Chief minister Bhagwant Mann because he is not serious about it,” said Jakhar. The BJP leader said Punjab does not have a single drop of water to spare with any other state. Replying to a question on the November 1 debate, Jakhar said that he had been saying from day one that the AAP government believed in “deception and distraction.” It tries to divert attention and befool people, he alleged.

Jakhar said the Punjab Agricultural University, where the debate is to take place, and the Ludhiana city has been turned into a police cantonment. CM Mann had dared opposition leaders for an open debate on issues concerning the state on November 1.

WEST BENGAL

in brief AZHARUDDIN, 3 EX-MPS IN TELANGANA CONG 2ND LIST Former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin, late singer Gaddar’s daughter G V Vennela and exMPs Madhu Yashki Goud, Ponnam Prabhakar and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy were among the prominent names in the second list of 45 candidates announced by Congress for the November 30 Telangana assembly polls.

Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy, who quit BJP and re-joined Congress, has been fielded from Munugode which he had represented earlier.

Azharuddin, who had represented Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh in Lok Sabha earlier, would try his luck in upscale Jubilee Hills constituency in Hyderabad. Former MPs Madhu Yaskhi Goud and Ponnam Prabhakar will be contesting from LB Nagar and Husnabad in Siddipet district, respectively, while Gaddar’s daughter Vennela would be making her electoral debut in Secunderabad Cantt (SC) constituency.

MAN TRIES TO THROW PETROL BOMB AT GOVERNOR'S HOUSE A man has been arrested for attempting to throw a petrol bomb at a gate of the Raj Bhavan in Chennai. The man had tried to do the same thing outside a BJP office in the city a few months ago. "The man, identified as one Vinod, will be sent for an examination of his mental health," a senior police officer said.

Police said he has been arrested. The incident comes in the backdrop of the governor returning, for the second time, a state government file recommending former director general of police C Sylendra Babu's appointment as chairman of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission. When the recommendation was sent for the first time, soon after Babu's retirement at the end of June, Ravi had questioned the criteria for his selection as well as those of other candidates for the post, and asked whether Supreme Court guidelines had been followed.

HARYANA STARTS PENSION SCHEME FOR OLD TREES In an innovative scheme launched by the Haryana government, trees aged 75 years or older located on the property of state’s residents will now get pension. Initially, a pension of Rs 2,750 per annum is being offered for “maintenance and care” of 3,810 trees under the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said, adding the allowance will see annual increments, akin to old-age pension. “Haryana is the first state to implement such a pioneering scheme, aimed at conserving and protecting aging trees,” Khattar said. The CM has asked the state residents, who have trees aged 75 years or older in their homes’ courtyards, to apply for pension by visiting their respective district forest department offices.

WARNS Bengal minister arrested in ration distribution scam case MAMATA SANTINIKETAN OVER

KOLKATA: West Bengal minister and Trinamool Congress leader Jyotripriya Mallick was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged case of corruption in ration distribution. He was the minister for food and supplies in the West Bengal government before he assumed his current post as the forest affairs minister.

According to reports, the probe agency released an official statement saying, "West Bengal minister Jyotipriya Mallick has been arrested by the ED in connection with an alleged case of corruption in rationing distribution."

Jyotripriya Mallick

His arrest came a day after the ED conducted searches at his house in Salt Lake on the outskirts of Kolkata.

As he was escorted out of his house by the authorities, Jyotripriya Mallick said he was a "victim of a grave conspiracy".

Hours before his arrest,

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee had threatened to file a police case against the BJP and ED if anything happened to Mallick during the searches at his residence. She had said that Mallick was unwell.

Further, the Bengal CM had alleged that the raids were conducted despite the lack of evidence of wrong doing.

"If they conduct raids at the residences of all the leaders, then what is left of the government?" Banerjee was quoted as saying. Former West

Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee and his aide Arpita Mukherjee were arrested in 2022 in connection with the teachers' recruitment scam.

Their arrest came after the recovery of a huge amount of cash from Arpita's residence.

Mamata Banerjee's close aide and TMC Birbhum district president Anubrata Mondal was also arrested in 2022 in connection with a cattle smuggling case.

Further, the CM's nephew and the TMC's general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was also summoned and questioned by the ED on many occasions in connection with corruption cases.

MISSING TAGORE PLAQUES West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the authorities for not inscribing the name of Rabindranath Tagore in the plaques of UNESCO ‘World Heritage Site' at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan and warned of widespread demonstrations there if those were not replaced. "It is only for Tagore that Santiniketan got the UNESCO tag and you have removed his name from the plaques. We were silent because of the Durga Puja celebrations. If you do not remove the plaques and put up new ones with the Nobel Laureate's name, our people will launch a demonstration holding Kobiguru's photos to their chests," Banerjee said. A huge controversy was triggered after the university authorities put up marble plaques bearing the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the chancellor of the varsity, but did not have any mention of Tagore.

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PM Modi calls for fostering unity and brotherhood in society Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the National Unity Day celebration at the Statue of Unity near Kevadia in Gujarat. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of India's first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel on the occasion.

At the event organised on the occasion, PM Modi led the oath for the integrity, unity and security of the nation. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said that the day would foster unity and brotherhood in society. He acknowledged the diverse yet unified crowd, stating, “The state is different, the language is different, the tradition is different, but every person present here is united. It is connected with a strong thread...”

PM Modi also emphasised the educational aspect of the event, noting that visitors to Ekta Nagar not only witnessed the impressive Statue of Unity but also gained insights into Sardar Patel’s life and his contributions to shaping a united India. He said, “Those coming to Ekta Nagar not only get to witness this grand statue (Statue of Unity), but also get a glimpse into Sardar Patel's life, sacrifices, and his contributions to building One India.”

He highlighted the significance of the next 25 years for India’s development, emphasising the need to transform the country into a developed nation.

PM offering prayers at Ambaji temple

PM Modi leads the National Unity Day oath

and learning opportuniMonday by addressing the crowd Launches MY Bharat platform ties in different fields like business, as members of his family. He began PM Modi launched the MY government departments and nonhis visit to the state by visiting the Bharat platform on occasion of famous Ambaji temple. PM Sardar Patel's birth anniverModi reached Ahmedabad on sary. Modi discussed the 'MY Monday morning and then Bharat’ platform (MY stands headed to Chikhla, a village for 'Mera Yuva') during the latnear Ambaji, by a helicopter. est episode of 'Mann Ki Baat.'

Thousands of people lined MY Bharat initiative aims to the road when the PM’s conempower Indian Youth via voy reached the temple town social mobility, educational in Banaskantha district of equity and practical skills.

North Gujarat.

According to the official webPrime Minister chairs meeting of the Shree Somnath After offering prayers at site of MY Bharat, it is an Trust in Gandhinagar Ambaji, Modi left for autonomous body that is being profit organisations. The engageDabhoda village in Kheralu taluka set up by the government of India ment of the youth with such of Mehsana for a public function. to offer a technology-powered opportunities will help them to Modi thanked the state governmechanism for the growth of understand the local community ment for facilitating his entry into youth. This MY Bharat mechanism issues, and it would also allow the rally venue at Kheralu in an works in the direction of providing them to help in generating conopen vehicle. “I got a chance to see equitable access to opportunities structive solutions. many of my childhood friends. for youth to realise their aspiraAddresses people as family When you come back to your tions and build an Amrit Bharat by members hometown, it gives you satisfaction 2047. and a chance to be thankful,” Modi PM Modi set the tone for his This platform will connect said. He referred to the people as two-day visit to the state on Indian youth with programmes

Qatari court sentences 8 former Indian navy men to death A Qatari court last week sentenced to death eight former Indian Navy personnel who were arrested last year on charges that have not yet been made public by local authorities, but are assumed to be - in the absence of any denial by either country - regarding spying. The men were working with a firm called Al Dahra which was involved in training of the Qatari defence forces. The chief of the company, an Omani national, was also arrested but released after a couple of months.

The Indian government said it would raise the issue with Qatari authorities.

“We are deeply shocked by

the verdict of death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgment. We are in touch with family members and the legal team and we are exploring all legal options,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement, adding that it would continue to extend all consular and legal assistance to the former naval personnel.

The eight individuals were named as Sailor Ragesh, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Captain Amit Nagpal, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, and Commander Purnendu Tiwari. Before

the eight's trial was eventually started in late March of this year, Qatari intelligence had abruptly detained them on August 8, 2022, without disclosing the charges against them. They had been held in solitary confinement for months.

The government refused to speak further on the matter. The case has been marked by complete secrecy from the beginning, although media reports have suggested that Qatar cited electronic intelligence to accuse the Indian men of passing on to Israel sensitive information related to a Qatari-Italian collaboration on a stealth submarine project.

With better security, India restarts some visa service in Canada India resumed work on entrance, business, medical, and conference visas as a start towards normalising visa procedures, following Canada's escalation of security measures for Indian diplomats. The announcement by Foreign Minister S Jaishankar that India could very soon resume visa services was the catalyst for the development.

However, Canadian citizens' ability to get tourist and e-visas would be temporarily stopped.

On September 21, India announced that it has stopped granting visas to

S Jaishankar

Canadian citizens, even for travel to third countries.

India claimed that Canada had breached the Vienna Convention by failing to provide Indian diplomats with safety and security.

This followed the controversy over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation that

India had a role in the killing of Khalistan leader and Canadian national Hardeep Singh Nijjar. A few hours following Jaishankar's statement, India declared that it was assessing the security situation. In an announcement, the high commission in Ottawa stated that "further decisions, as appropriate, would be intimated based on continuing evaluation of the situation." The resumption of entry visas is available to Indian nationals as well as dependant family members of individuals with work visas.

“mara parivar jano” or family members.

Development projects Modi said in Kheralu that India’s rapid strides in development and the fact that the country’s growth story is being discussed across the world are because of the power of the people who have elected a stable government. Addressing a public rally after inaugurating and laying foundation stones of several development projects worth £595 million, Modi added that when he resolves to do something, he delivers it.

The PM inaugurated railway projects, including new sections of Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), doubling of Viramgam-Samakhiali rail line, as well as a project for recharge of rural lakes, construction of a barrage on the Sabarmati river, and projects for drinking water and sewage water treatment.

Modi said so far work on the 2,500-km route of the eastern and western dedicated freight corridor has been completed in the last nine years, because of which both passenger and goods trains are reaping benefits.

Chairs meeting of Somnath Trust Modi, the chairman of Shree Somnath Trust, chaired a meeting of the board which manages the affairs of the famous Somnath temple in Gujarat. The trust said Modi’s tenure as the chairman was extended by another five years.

Priyanka, Himanta get EC notices for their ‘objectionable’ remarks The Election Commission has separately sent notices to Congresswoman Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for their alleged offensive remarks made during their campaigns in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

In its notice to Priyanka over her remarks about religiosity of PM Narendra Modi and to Sarma over his “communally-charged” remarks and “unverified allegations against Congress leader Mohammed Akbar”, EC

said they prime facie violate the model code provision requiring criticism of other parties to be confined to their policies and programmes and not extend to aspects of private life of party leaders and workers or be based on unverified allegations and distortion.

In accordance with the model code, EC questioned Priyanka and Sarma as to why suitable sanctions weren't applied to them. They have been instructed to reply by October 30. The notices,

according to a senior EC official, are consistent with the poll panel's "no-nonsense" attitude to dealing with infractions of the Representation of the People Act or the model code.

Parties and candidates are also required by the model code to refrain from any actions that could exacerbate already-existing animosities, foster animosity towards one another, or lead to conflict between various castes and communities - religious or linguistic - between them.

TMC MP Mahua admits to sharing parliament ID with Hiranandani The case against Mahua Moitra took an interesting turn when the outspoken Trinamool Congress MP admitted to sharing her Parliament login ID with Hiranandani, a businessman who had filed an affidavit supporting the allegations made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and advocate Jay Anant Dehadrai, in interviews with certain media outlets.

The two had alleged that the TMC MP had questioned the Adani Group at the request of its rival Hiranandani and had done so in exchange for favours from the latter company.

According to sources, TMC, which had remained silent

on the issue, seemed to be endorsing her by labelling the parliamentary investigation as "politically motivated." While admitting that she shared her Lok Sabha ID with Hiranandani, Moitra also accepted that she had taken gifts like scarves from the businessman, but denied having taken cash.

However, according to Dubey, Moitra's denial that she accepted money from Hiranandani does not lessen the gravity of the allegations made against her. He sent a copy of the contract that Members of Parliament sign with the National Informatics Centre, a government

organisation that manages websites for the House of Commons and other institutions. The contract makes it very clear that exchanging login credentials with third parties would be considered a violation of national security and is not permitted.

Dubey continued his attack on Moitra saying that the country wanted to know how an MP sold herself out. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha’s ethics committee has agreed to Moitra’s request to reschedule her deposition in the “cash-forquery” scam, but has made it clear that no further requests for postponement will be accepted.

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THE SPLENDOUR OF GLAMPING GETAWAYS

P

erched on a cliff and gazing over a picturesque valley lies the Heaven's Ledge Campsite in Yercaud. Just 15 kilometres from the famed 'Big Lake' of Yercaud, this site is embraced by sprawling coffee plantations, part of the Gowri Estate—an eco-tourism hub and coffee plantation. Here, the campsite is designed to cater to the trend of luxury camping, famously known as "glamping."

"Glamping" is a fusion of "glamorous" and "camping," offering a camping experience enriched with amenities and, in some instances, resort-style services that diverge from the typical notions of traditional camping. This contemporary style of

A trek spot around the campsite

camping has gained popularity among 21st-century travellers seeking modern comforts like Wi-Fi while still relishing the escapism and adventure associated with camping. The accommodations in glamping can vary, ranging from cabins and treehouses to tents.

Luxury tents at Heaven's Ledge

wake up to a breathtaking view that will make you truly feel as if you're perched on Heaven's very own precipice.

All the packages at the camping site are allinclusive, including stay, meals, morning and evening beverage along with a snack. The activities are all complimentary and guests s can use them free of charge. Food is predominantly South Indian. The site is planning to take the glamour to another level, adding a pool and spa services in the future.

Each season offers a different experience to the visitors. For those who love the Monsoon, the ideal time is mid-September to December. Between June and September, guests can enjoy the greenery.

Reservations for the site are handled online and it is suggestedfor the guests is to book as early as possible. Those who want to enjoy the peace and quiet should book for the weekdays.

Fauj-i-Khas: The Elite Brigade of the Lion of In the early years of British Punjab expansion ambitions in the Indian sub-continent, a major empire stood guard in the North Western region. This empire was not ordinary as it was headed by one of the greatest military minds the world had ever seen.

He was a genius strategist, an excellent administrator, a brave warrior and above all widely respected as "The Lion of Punjab". He was a one-eyed Abhiroop Sengupta Emperor, having lost its use in Abhiroop Sengupta is a Kolkata a childhood bout of smallpox based entrepreneur, fencer, amateur but that did not deter his historian and writer. Also a devoted ambitions. His name was Freemason and Rotarian, he spends Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This most of his free time researching story is about his elite brigade about varied subjects, especially those comprising of foreign officers which he feels did not get their called the "Fauj-i-Khas". deserved due in the course of history.

Before the arrival of the Maharaja, the mighty Punjab region had remained a central area of various historical incidents for centuries. Around the end of the eighteenth century, Punjab was a confederacy which comprised a union of multiple 'misls' or clans. It was around then that a young prince belonging to the Sukerchakia clan after a series of battles and violent clashes conquered a great part of the area and proclaimed himself the Maharaja of Lahore(Punjab) in 1801.

Maharajadhiraja Ranjit Singh was far ahead of his time and he

Enjoy nature in luxury For guests seeking a luxury camping experience, the Heven’s Ledge offers both cottages and luxury tents, situated in the coffee plantation.

Your action-packed weekend here will feature three hearty meals, trekking to the estate's highest peaks, traversing rugged terrain on a cycling adventure, discovering exotic wildlife, fishing, trekking through the Coffee Plantation, visiting Heaven’s Ledge, a west-facing scenic viewpoint, cyclingand unwinding by a warm bonfire. You'll

Yercaud's 'Big Lake'

The Day I Became a Runner

by Sohini Chattopadhyay

"The Day I Became a Runner" is a compelling sports non-fiction book that shines a spotlight on the remarkable and often unsung stories of Indian women runners who have defied societal norms and physical boundaries to excel in the world of athletics. Written

by Sohini Chattopadhyay, this book is a profound exploration of the triumphs, challenges, and extraordinary journeys of these incredible athletes.

The book begins with the author’s perspective with the chapter "The Bengali Women’s Running Diary,” then introduces readers to a diverse group of women runners who have shattered stereotypes and set new standards of excellence in the field. Each athlete's story is told

with meticulous research and an engaging narrative style that keeps readers enthralled from the first page to the last. It also has a chapter that is dedicated about the “Sunrise Project”, a longdistance running training initiative for rural teenagers in Maharashtra, open to both girls and boys.

The strength of "The Day I Became a Runner" lies in its ability to bring to life the struggles and perseverance of these athletes. The author paints a vivid picture of the hurdles they face, including societal pressures, a lack of facilities, and financial constraints. Yet, their resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of their families shine through as they break records and inspire future generations of female athletes.

From Ila Mitra, a potential trailblazer for Indian women at the 1940 Olympics, to Mary D'Souza, an athlete who excelled in both running and hockey during the 1950s, and Kamaljit Sandhu, who achieved the milestone of becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual gold medal outside India in Bangkok in 1970, these remarkable women represent the essence of post-independence India. Furthermore, PT Usha, who redefined women's sports in

Book Review

India during the 1980s and subsequent decades, stands as a testament to their enduring impact and influence.

One of the book's most powerful aspects is its exploration of the broader societal impact of these athletes. It not only portrays their individual achievements but also shows how their success has started to shift the paradigm of women in sports in India. This book is not just a collection of stories; it's a testament to the transformative power of sports in breaking down gender barriers. It encapsulates the collective aspirations, challenges, and gender dynamics of the nation, all interwoven with the realm of sports and national identity.

"The Day I Became a Runner" is a well-researched and thoughtfully written book that should be a must-read for sports enthusiasts, feminists, and anyone interested in the dynamic and evolving landscape of women in sports. It leaves readers inspired, enlightened, and with a deep appreciation for the indomitable spirit of Indian women runners who continue to inspire and change the game. This book serves as a poignant reminder that greatness knows no gender and perseverance knows no bounds.

appointed many European and American officers in his Army and administrative service. While the practice of hiring the services of foreigners had pre-existed among the Marathas and other Indian powers, Maharaja Ranjit Singh took it to a different level by bringing a bunch of these experienced officers under a common command. These officers included one General Josiah Harlan, Prince of Ghor, an American who is said to have inspired the famous Rudyard Kipling story -"The Man Who Would Be King".

The Sikh Emperor raised this special military brigade modelled on the European lines with its separate flag, called the Fauj-i-Khas or the Special Brigade which comprised many elite foreign officers and mercenaries. While the Sikh militia already had Generals like General Hari Singh Nalwa and Ilahi Baksh, the presence of these foreign-trained officers brought the required technological expertise which was developing or in practice in the European war theatres.

Colonel Alexander Haughton Campbell Gardener, popularly known as Gordana Khan because the soldiers had difficulty pronouncing his name, was a probable American adventurer or an Irish deserter. His memoir- "Soldier and Traveller: memoirs of Alexander Gardener" was edited by one Major Hugh Pearse and throws a great deal of light on this elite Brigade, its structure and its unique heterogeneous composition which among others even had a Greek official. The book "A Memoir of India and Avghanistaun" by Prince Josiah Harlan also give us some idea.

This army also included Italian archeologist-soldier Jean Baptiste Ventura and French adventurer Jean-Francois Allard who had previously served in Napoleon's army and was a decorated soldier, who further received the Kaukab-i-Iqbal-i-Punjab(Order of the Propitious Star of Punjab) from the Sikh Emperor. Another Napoleonic soldier was General Claude Auguste Court who had also served in Persia.

Interestingly the famous Transylvanian physician Johann Martin Honigberger who is often credited with the introduction of Homeopathy in Asia, was also associated with the Fauj-i-Khas in a way as he served for some time with the Royal Gunpowder Factory of the Sikh emperor. Maybe as a sign of motivation, the Sikh Empire also introduced its own chivalric orders and medals which were modelled on the Western counterparts like Legion of Honour and Knighthood orders. This included among others the Order of Guru Gobind Singh.

The Fauj-i-Khas was comparatively small when compared to other Sikh Army brigades but it was involved in many battles and wars including the Anglo-Sikh and Afghan-Sikh wars. It saw its demise after the decisive Battle of Gujarat in 1849 which acted as the sledgehammer blow on the existence of the Sikh Empire in Asia. Though it ceased to exist, its legends did not. The officers and their tales that travelled back to Europe and America after the fall of the Sikh Empire further added to the aura and myths associated with this legendary force which was dreaded by its enemies as it charged with its blue banners and the motto of "Deg Tegh Fateh".

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Grapefruit juice can have dangerous interactions with some medications Eating a grapefruit or having a glass of grapefruit juice in the morning can be a healthy way to start your day – the fruit is high in vitamin C and potassium. But the FDA is reminding consumers that grapefruit can interact with many drugs and how they work in the body, especially if you have high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat.

When grapefruit interacts with certain medications, the problem is that the juice causes too much of the drug to enter the bloodstream. That can lead to more side effects. For example, drinking grapefruit juice while taking statins such as Zocor (simvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin), drugs used to lower cholesterol, can lead to too much of the drug remaining in your system, increasing your risk for liver and muscle damage that can lead to kidney failure.

Grapefruit juice actually causes less Allegra to enter the bloodstream, which may hamper the effectiveness of the drug.

If you eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice and have concerns about it interacting with any of the drugs you are taking, talk it over with your doctor. You can also read the medication guide or patient information sheet that comes with your prescription drugs to see if there is a grapefruit juice warning.

Heart surgeons implant miracle pacemaker the size of a grain of rice One of the tiniest pacemakers ever created has been placed by cardiac surgeons; it is about the size of a rice grain. The new tiny pacemaker has a 20-year potential lifespan and is only 10 mm long. A typical pacemaker lasts six to ten years and measures 38 mm in length.

Prof Paul Roberts, the consultant cardiologist who carried out the operation at Southampton University Hospital, said: “This pacemaker is a significant advancement in patient care. “It is anticipated in the near future we will be able to implant a second device in selected patients which means a larger group of people may benefit from this technology.”

More than 1.5 million Brits with heart rhythm disorders benefit from pacemakers, which assist control their heartbeats.

In order to deliver electric shocks and quicken the pulse, the device attaches itself to the heart and senses rhythms.

Retired contract manager Graham, who was diagnosed with bradycardia during a GP check-up, went home two days after his operation.

He said: “I feel better than I have in months. I feel very lucky to be the first patient in Southampton to be fitted with this new device and I’m so grateful to the team - they have saved my life.”

Aromatherapy with eucalyptus Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for soothing and healing.

Eucalyptus essential oil can be particularly helpful in alleviating a dry cough as it acts as a decongestant. To benefit from its properties, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a diffuser, spritzer, or inhaler. Alternatively, inhaling the steam from a bowl of hot water with eucalyptus oil can provide relief from congestion. Additionally, if nighttime coughing disrupts your sleep, scenting your room with eucalyptus can help you get a more peaceful night's rest.

Health Views Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Fluctuating BP a warning sign for dementia, heart disease Fluctuating blood pressure can increase the risk of dementia and vascular problems in older people, a new study by Australian researchers has warned.

Researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) who conducted the study found a connection between short blood pressure (BP) variations over the course of a day as well as over multiple days or weeks and decreased cognition.

Elevated changes in systolic blood pressure, which gauges the pressure within arteries during a heartbeat, are also connected to artery stiffening, which is linked to heart disease.

While it is often recognised

that high blood pressure increases the risk of dementia, blood pressure fluctuations receive less attention.

“Clinical treatments focus on hypertension, while ignoring the

Exercises that can help reduce strain on your eyes Long-term screen time is known to impair eyesight, which is why many people begin wearing glasses early in life. Preserving the health of your eyes is crucial since screens can cause dryness and irritation in your eyes, which, if left untreated, can lead to a number of other ocular diseases.

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness estimates that 285 million people worldwide suffer from various forms of vision impairment, with 39 million of them being completely blind. Including strainrelieving workouts in your routine is the greatest strategy to prevent eye disorders.

Dr Ajay Sharma, Chief Medical Director of Eye Q Hospitals, shared some easy exercises to reduce strain on the eyes and keep them healthy.

One such exercise is palming, a yogic technique that involves relaxing the eye muscles to reduce strain and fatigue. It begins by rubbing your hands together to generate warmth and

then gently placing the palms over your closed eyes while breathing deeply for 3-5 minutes.

Blinking: Another useful exercise is blinking. Prolonged exposure to screens and digital devices often leads to a decreased blink rate, resulting in dry eyes.

Conscious blinking can help rejuvenate the tear film that keeps our eyes moist.

The 20-20-20 rule: It is another method to combat digital eye strain. To follow this guideline, every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break and focus your gaze on an object about 20 feet away. When coupled with the previous exercises, this practice significantly reduces ocular fatigue.

variability of blood pressure,” lead author Daria Gutteridge said in the paper published in the journal Cerebral Circulation – Cognition and Behaviour. “ Blood vessel health and

dementia risk appear to be increased by blood pressure fluctuations over short and long time periods, according to Gutteridge.

In order to investigate the mechanisms behind the relationship between blood pressure variations and dementia, the researchers enlisted seventy-five healthy older persons, aged 6080, who did not exhibit any symptoms of cognitive impairment or dementia.

They underwent a cognitive exam, had their blood pressure checked, and had transcranial doppler sonography and pulse wave analysis used to determine the arterial stiffness in their brain and arteries.

Cycling vs walking: which is better for weight loss?

In the past, walking and cycling were important components of daily commutes. They are now more of a pastime or form of exercise due to alternatives.

Both of these activities have a beneficial effect on the body.

They differ in terms of workout efficiency and caloric intake, as well as in terms of dynamics, exercise physiology, and biomechanics. That brings us to an important question: cycling vs walking - which one is better?

Cycling vs walking: Benefits Walking and cycling are both considered NEAT activities and have numerous health advantages. They enhance mental and emotional health, lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease, raise endurance, aid in weight control, and improve cardiovascular fitness.

“Cycling will build your endurance level. It is also good for the heart and lungs, and the blood flow will increase your lung capacity,” shares

Deekshith Gowda, a fitness coach. “It will increase the strength of your quadriceps or quads,” he added.

Cycling primarily works the leg muscles - the quads, hamstrings, and calves. Walking, on the other hand, engages a broader range of muscles, including those in the lower body, core, and even the upper body to some extent. If you’re looking for a full-body workout, walking is more effective since it engages multiple muscle groups.

Cycling and walking for weight loss Walking and cycling have different fat-burning potentials depending on length, intensity, and personal fitness levels, among other factors. Cycling at a high intensity can help you burn more calories in less time and possibly lose more fat while doing it. When done regularly and for extended periods of time, walking is also beneficial for losing weight.

New heart rhythm categorisation for stroke patients: Study A recent study stated that irregular heartbeats identified prior to a stroke are not the same as a trial fibrillation, which is diagnosed after a stroke. The findings were released in the Lancet Neurology.

Professor Luciano Sposato of Western University suggests that atrial fibrillation that is discovered after a stroke has certain features.

Compared to atrial fibrillation, which was identified before the stroke, it has a reduced prevalence of risk factors, cardiovascular comorbidities, and abnormalities connected to the heart's

upper chambers. This may account for its correlation with a lower risk of subsequent ischemic stroke caused by an occlusion of an artery.

Sposato said, "The differences in the nature and effects of atrial

fibrillation detected after a stroke compared to those known before are significant. The article proposes a new classification of heart rhythm and research standards to guide future research in the field, ensuring a more targeted and effective approach to secondary stroke prevention."

When atrial fibrillation occurs in stroke patients, it usually occurs in brief bursts and is only noticeable when the heart is

being continually monitored. To better evaluate patient risk and develop treatment choices, it is essential to strike a balance between other risk variables and the total duration of each of those atrial fibrillation bursts.

One of the study's main conclusions is that patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation post-stroke generally have fewer associated health conditions and a 26 per cent lower likelihood of experiencing another stroke than those with known atrial fibrillation.

Tai chi may slow Parkinson's symptoms for years, study finds Tai chi may help slow down the symptoms of Parkinson's disease for several years, a Chinese study suggests. The researchers found that individuals who trained the martial art twice a week experienced fewer difficulties and a higher quality of life than those who did not.

The Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine study followed hundreds of peo-

ple with Parkinson's disease for up to five years in terms of their health. One group of 147 people practised regular tai chi while another group of 187 did not.

The traditional Chinese exercise combines slow, gentle movements with deep breathing and relaxation. The charity Parkinson's UK describes tai chi as a low-intensity physical activity that can "help to lift your

mood and help you live well".

Based on assessments of symptoms, mobility, and balance, the researchers discovered that the condition advanced more slowly in the tai chi group.

Along with fewer falls, back discomfort, and dizziness, this group also experienced less memory and focus issues than the other.

A previous trial of people

with Parkinson's who practised tai chi for six months found greater improvements in walking, posture and balance than those not on the programme.

Writing in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, Dr Gen Li and coauthors say their study shows "that tai chi retains the longterm beneficial effect on Parkinson's disease"

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MAMI Film Festival 2023: Priyanka, Kamal Haasan, Sonam and others lit up the red carpet

Disha Patani replaces Sara in Tiger Shroff's 'Hero No 1'

M

D

umbai witnessed a starry night last week as some of the biggest names from the industry assembled under one roof for the opening ceremony of the Jio MAMI Film Festival 2023. Priyanka Chopra, Kamal Haasan, Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Karan Johar, Diana Penty, Jim Sarbh, Randeep Hooda walked the red carpet in their festive finery.

Richa Chadha-Ali Fazal, Arjun RampalGabriella Demetriades made appearances together. Shanaya Kapoor, Kritika Kamra, Tejasswi Prakash also rocked the red carpet in style. Shabana Azmi, Oscarwinning producer Guneet Monga also

marked their presence.

Priyanka Chopra stunned the Mumbai audience with her dazzling gown. She chose it from the collections of designer Tony Ward. Priyanka is the chairperson of this year's edition.

The festival will be held at the Jio World Centre, a convention, theatre and concert hall complex in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai. The festival will run from (October 27) to November 5.

The curation boasts over 40 World Premieres, 45 Asia Premieres, and 70+ South Asia Premieres, with a recordbreaking number of 1000+ submissions for the South Asia programme.

isha Patani and Tiger Shroff are all set to reunite onscreen. As confirmed by filmmaker Jagan Shakti, the two will be starring in his upcoming 'Hero No 1.' Previously, Sara Ali Khan was roped in for the part.

Responding to reports about Disha replacing Sara, Jagan of 'Mission Mangal'-fame said, “Disha is the fittest and apt to do action.

Sara was definitely a part of it, but unfortunately, we couldn't match the date.”

'Hero No 1' is also said to be a two-heroine film. It also stars Hrithik Roshan's cousin Pashmina Roshan. She will be playing Tiger's love interest. It is a standalone film and not a remake or sequel to the Govida-starrer, which was directed by David Dhawan and released in 1997. The film is backed by Jackky Bhagnani's production house.

Talking about the film, a source had previously said, "Though the shoot will begin in London in January 2024, Tiger has already shot for an action sequence, and Sara and Pashmina will join him only next year. Tiger had signed a three-film deal with Bhagnani’s production, and after 'Ganapath' and 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan', 'Hero No 1' is their third collaboration.”

Anurag Kashyap lauds Kareena's 'The Buckingham Murders'

'

The Buckingham Murders' directed by Hansal Mehta and starring Kareena Kapoor Khan is one of the most anticipated upcoming movies. After premiering at the BFI London Film Festival, the film is opening at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.

Director Anurag Kashyap has watched the film. Taking to his Instagram handle, he heaped praise on Kareena’s work in the film.

He wrote, “#KareenaKapoorKhan’s best performance ever in this moody film about loss and grief and murder by @hansalmehta.”

Not long ago, a poster of 'The Buckingham Murders' teasing the film’s dark subject was unveiled. It featured Kareena struggling with officers trying to restrain her.

The film’s London-set plot revolves

Kangana confirms that she will star in 'Tanu Weds Manu 3'

K

angana Ranaut won hearts with her performance in Tanu Weds Manu (2011) and Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015). The actor has now confirmed a part 3. The actor has now revealed in an interview that she is already scheduled to star in three more projects in the future, one of which is with Vijay Sethupathi. The actor also confirmed that she will return in 'Tanu Weds Manu 3.'

In a interview, Kangana was asked about her next projects. To this, she responded, "I am starting a thriller with Vijay Sethupathi sir. And a film called 'Noti Binodini.' And another film called 'Tanu Weds Manu 3'."

The announcement of a third part of Tanu Weds Manu came as a surprise because earlier, director Aanand L. Rai had declined that a sequel was on the cards. In an interview in 2015, he said, “I won’t make a third part just because it is a brand, or because it will work. Let’s not treat it like a series. Right now, there is no part three. I think I am done with the characters, at least for now.”

Even lead actor R Madhavan said part 3 was not happening. “I think that’s water under the bridge. There is no point in beating a dead horse… You know, it’s so difficult to come up with original stuff, and then there are expectations of a film. See, if it’s a sequel to Avengers or a superhero series, it’s easier because you have a template.

But with Tanu Weds Manu, it’s impossible. And I think I am done with it. I don’t want to go back to being Manu now,” Madhavan said last year. Kangana won the National Award for Best Actress for 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns.'

around a single mom and police officer who loses her child in a shooting case. The film is reportedly loosely inspired by Mare of Easttown and Mystic River.

'The Buckingham Murders' also features Rukku Nahar, Ash Tandon, Keith Allen and more.

Rekha touches Shatrughan Sinha's feet, hugs his wife

V

eteran actors Rekha and Shatrughan Sinha had a reunion last week as they met at Leslie Timmins and Saachi Nayak's wedding reception in Mumbai. Rekha, 69, touched Shatrughan's feet as before giving him a hug. He is 77.

Rekha then went on to greet his wife Poonam Sinha with a hug.

They were also accompanied by their daughter Sonakshi Sinha.

A paparazzo shared a video from Rekha and Shatrughan's reunion on Instagram. It shows Rekha walking towards Shatrughan Sinha and touching his feet before hugging him. As they all came together, Shatrughan posed with his hand around Rekha.

Reacting to it, a fan asked, “Aren't they almost the same age?” Another wrote, “Owowowowowo nice.” One more wrote, “Rekha ji respect button.” Many also praised how gorgeous Rekha looked in the golden and green silk saree. She also wore a mangtika, traditional earrings and bangles.

“Ufff Rekha ji is looking simply the most beautiful,” wrote a fan. “Rekha ji ... absolutely gorgeous,” commented another.

While some also trolled Rekha for the gesture, a fan wrote in the comments section

“Khamosh”.

Rekha and Shatrughan have worked in several films together in the 70s and 80s.

After featuring in so many films, Rekha and Shatrughan had a fallout during the filming of 'Khoon Bhari Maang.' Talking about it, Shatrughan had once said, “We had a difference of opinion over some silly issue.

After that, we didn’t speak to each other for more than 20 years.” Giving credit to his wife Poonam for making them patch up, he had said, “Rekha and she were close friends. And so my so-called cold war with Rekha was causing difficulties in my wife’s friendship with Rekha. She patched us up for her own selfish reason and I happily agreed to let bygones be bygones.”

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Suriya, Dulquer, Nazriya and Vijay Varma team up for a new film S

udha Kongara's upcoming film will see an amazing ensemble cast. The untitled film will feature Suriya alongside Dulquer Salmaan, Nazriya Nazim and Vijay Varma. The makers unveiled the announcement video on October 26.

The film is currently titled 'Suriya43'. However, a part of the title was revealed in the announcement video 'Puarananooru'.

Sharing the video, Dulquer expressed his excitement. He wrote, "An alluring and exciting journey. Thrilled to be a part of #Suriya43 with this stellar team (sic)."

Nazriya shared the promotional video on Instagram and wrote, "This one is very

special. A Sudha Kongara film. Can’t wait...

A special something from #Suriya43! Watch out for this one(sic)."

Meanwhile, Vijay Varma also expressed his joy on social media. "Thank you. I’m so

Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam come together for a new film '

Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan and acclaimed Tamil filmmaker Mani Ratnam are coming together for a new film, tentatively titled 'KH 234'. The upcoming film marks the big reunion of the two giants after 35 years when they collaborated on the cult classic 'Nayakan' (1987) and expectations have been massive right from the moment its announcement last year.

A new photo of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam ahead of the 'KH 234' production has been released, signaling the start of the early stages of the works in the highly-anticipated film. With the 'KH 234' teaser already revealed to be coming out on the occasion of Kamal Haasan's birthday on November 7, this latest photo of Kamal Haasan with Mani Ratnam has come as a special treat for fans. Along with this latest photo, the team has also revealed the core crew of the ambitious venture, which will include leading names in Indian cinema starting with cinematographer Ravi K Chandran, editor A Sreekar Prasad, stunt choreographer duo Anbariv, production designer Sharmishta Roy, costume

thrilled and delighted to be working with you and this fantastic team Sudha ma’am has brought together. My first Tamil film and it can’t get grander than this! Onwards #Suriya43 (sic)," wrote the 'Darlings' actor.

Vijay's 'Leo' becomes highest grossing Tamil film ever

F

ilmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Leo' continues to rule the international box office. Smashing records, the film has now become the highest-grossing film in the history of Tamil cinema, as per the new update. The production house, Seven Screen Studios, has shared the latest earnings of the film which is over £46.1 million worldwide for its first week.

designers Amritha Ram and Eka Lakhani, makeup artist Ranjith Ambady, publicity designer Gopi Prasannaa and PROs 'Diamond' Babu and Sathish.

The announcement has come ahead of the film's teaser and fans will now be waiting with bated breath to witness the duo recreate the magic of 'Nayakan' once again. There have been several big names doing the rounds in regard to the cast and

an official statement is expected soon.

While 'KH 234' is Mani Ratnam's next after his magnum opus 'Ponniyin Selvan' films, Kamal Haasan has in his lineup several big ventures starting with the much-awaited 'Indian 2' under Shankar's direction, followed by the tentatively titled 'KH 233' with director H Vinoth, while he will also be seen in a key role in Prabhas' 'Kalki 2898 AD.'

Rajinikanth shares pic with ‘mentor’ Bachchan from 'Thalaivar 170' sets R ajinikanth is over the moon to be working with his 'Hum' co-star and ‘mentor’ Amitabh Bachchan. Recently, he took to Twitter to share a picture with the superstar from the sets of his upcoming untitled movie, 'Thalaivar 170.'

Sharing the picture from his vanity van,

Rajinikanth wrote, "After 33 years, I am working again with my mentor, the phenomenon, Shri Amitabh Bachchan in the upcoming Lyca’s "Thalaivar 170" directed by T.J Gnanavel. My heart is thumping with joy!" The photo showed Rajinikanth in a white shirt and a wig, smiling while posing

next to Amitabh Bachchan, who is wearing a pink and blue jacket and large glasses.

A bunch of fans commented on Rajinikanth's tweet. “This is #Thalaivar @rajinikanth, See His Respect towards hi Senior. The Reason Behind Ruling TAMIL CINEMA for last 5 Decades,” a fan commented. “Respect always go higher whenever Rajini sir speaks :) What a human being he is.! Thalaiva for a reason,” commented another.

Lyca Productions shared the announcement of Amitabh joining Thalaivar 170 in October. "Welcoming the Shahenshah of Indian cinema Mr. Amitabh Bachchan on board for #Thalaivar170. #Thalaivar170Team reaches new heights with the towering talent of the one & only @SrBachchan," the post read.

Bachchan and Rajinikanth last worked together in 1991 film Hum, directed by Mukul Anand. The currently untitled film, which was announced in March, will be directed by TJ Gnanavel of 'Jai Bhim' fame.

Actors Fahadh Faasil and Rana Daggubati are the other two A-listers who have joined the film.

Sharing the latest numbers, film trade analyst, Ramesh Bala tweeted, “#LEO official collection update from Production house @7screenstudio For 1st week.” Leo stars Vijay and marks his reunion with Lokesh after their 2021 film Master.

Leo is faring equally well at ticket windows in India. As per the latest report of Sacnilk.com, Leo crossed the £26.6 million mark in India on day 7, completing one week of its release.

'Leo' had a grand premiere after the production house filed a petition before the Madras High Court requesting to allow the film to be screened as early as 4 am across cinema halls in Tamil Nadu on its release day.

Besides Vijay, 'Leo' also stars features Sanjay Dutt, Trisha Krishnan and Arjun Sarja. The film was released recently.

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'Friends' star Matthew Perry dies at 54

A

ctor Matthew Perry, who played the witty Chandler Bing in the highly popular US television comedy "Friends" in the 1990s, passed away after seemingly drowning in a hot tub. Perry's cause of death is still being looked at, and it might take several weeks to find out.

“The impact of his comic genius was felt around the world and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans,” the company (Warner Bros TV Group) said. Perry’s 10 seasons on “Friends” made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors, starring opposite Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer as a friend group in New York.

On social media, friends, co-stars, and some extremely well-known fans of Matthew Perry, such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his childhood classmate, Morgan Fairchild from "Friends," and even Adele, expressed their condolences. Trudeau wrote a tribute on X “I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them,” Trudeau wrote. “Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You will be missed.” “What a loss,” actress Maggie Wheeler, who played his girlfriend Janice, wrote on Instagram.

Amitabh Bachchan praises Waheeda Rehman’s simplicity O

n Kaun Banega Crorepati, Amitabh Bachchan frequently recounts experiences from both his personal and professional life. Big B mentioned his affection for renowned actor Waheeda Rehman in a recent show. Amitabh lauded Waheeda's skills and referred to himself as her biggest fan. Amitabh Bachchan was interacting with a family of contestants from Kalyan, Maharashtra. They were posed with the following question, for Rs 80,000: “Which veteran actress of films like Pyaasa and Guide was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2023?” Waheeda Rehman was the correct answer, prompting Big B to talk about her.

Amitabh Bachchan announced on the show that Waheeda had received the esteemed honour on the occasion of Dev Anand's 100th birthday. He continued by praising the seasoned performer and referring to her as an "incredible actor." “Meri favourite hain woh, main unka fan hoon bahut bada. Unke saath kaam karne ka saubhagya humein mila. She is kindhearted, very simple and she never makes anyone feel she’s such a huge star,” shared Big B, adding that the Dadasaheb Phalke honour

was long overdue.

This is not the first time that Amitabh Bachchan has called Waheeda Rehman his favourite. In 2015 too, Big B took to his blog to share, “The lovely Waheeda Rehman, my favourite from the time I started seeing cinema… And her childlike mischievous banter, resonant from the time I met her 45 years ago…And then through films that I did with her… ‘Reshma Shera’, ‘Kabhi Kabhie’ and ‘Adalat’ and ‘Trishul’ and so many other…

Karan Johar says he is ‘scared’ to call cricketers to his chat show T

he eighth season of Karan Johar's chat show Koffee with Karan has resumed. Bollywood couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were seated on the couch in the first episode.

When a fan inquired about whether Karan will be inviting cricket players to Koffee With Karan 8, he said that he is "scared" to do so in light of the recent issue involving KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya on Instagram Live.

In an Instagram Live, Karan interacted with a number of fans about the show and thanked them for the love they showered on the first episode. In the comment section, a fan even asked if he will invite cricketers in Koffee With Karan Season 8. To this, he said: "Will they come? I don’t know. (laughs)

I'm not sure. I would love to have them.

They are national icons and celebrated illustrious personalities.

Karan further added, "But I think with what happened last time, I'm not sure they will even take my call. I’m scared to even call, and I’m such a big fan and have so much respect in my heart. I don’t want to be rejected”.

Social media users were furious with Hardik and Rahul over their appearance on Karan's chat programme. Many criticised their insulting remarks towards women and branded them sexist. Despite their apologies, they were both suspended prior to India's opening One-Day International against Australia.

Additionally, Karan had mentioned that he felt accountable for the experiences the cricket players endured.

Rajkummar Rao appointed as icon of Election Commission of India

'The Railway Men' is a tribute to Bhopal gas tragedy's unsung heroes

R

T

ajkummar Rao has been named the Election Commission of India's National Icon. The star urged young people to vote, according to the media. He claimed that because he is from a metropolis, he has observed that many individuals do not cast ballots. He made a point of saying that creating a government and taking part in democracy is "the best feeling."

Rao then urged everyone to share the word about voting. According to the 'Stree' actor, complaining after the fact when things don't work out is useless. During his address, the actor made a comparison between the sensation of not voting and the moment when his films are not watched by enough people.

Rao, in an interesting cameo, was an election official who went to a Chattisgarh neighbourhood in Newton that was affected by the Naxals to take votes. Sanjay Mishra

and Pankaj Tripathi had important supporting parts in the Amit Masurkar-directed film.

Rajkummar's most recent appearance was in the social drama film 'Bheed', directed

by Anubhav Sinha and based on the circumstances leading up to the lockdown imposed by the Covid-19 outbreak in India.

he teaser for "The Railway Men," starring R Madhavan, Kay Kay Menon, Divyenndu and Babil Khan, was released. It offers an engrossing look at their story of bravery and humanity amid the Bhopal gas tragedy.

The 1 minute 24 second teaser starts with a glimpse of Union Carbide factory and the gas leak from it. A voiceover says: "Ek hadsa hua hai, bada hadsa, purane Bhopal me ek chemical factory se gas leak hua hai. Shehar ka gala ghuth raha hai." People can be seen running for their lives, as they are suffocated with the gas leak. The teaser shows that the story revolves around December 2, 1984 when the world's worst industrial disaster occurred in Bhopal.

It is evident from the teaser that it is based on genuine stories. In "The Railway Men," the unshakable bravery of Indian Railways workers is highlighted, as is their endeavour to save countless lives during the city's worst moments.

'The Railway Men' is engaging due to the outstanding performances of Madhavan,

Kay Kay Menon, Divyenndu, and Babil. The series launches Netflix and YRF's historic collaboration.

One of Yash Raj Films' (YRF) in-house talents, filmmaker Shiv Rawail, makes his directorial debut with the four-episode series. Inspired by genuine incidents and set against the backdrop of the Bhopal gas tragedy, "The Railway Men" is an inspiring tale of bravery and a celebration of mankind.

It provides a moving account of the unsung heroes of India's railway workforce - the workers who went above and beyond the call of duty in an attempt to save the lives of hundreds of defenceless individuals imprisoned in a hopeless city.

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Afghanistan beat Lanka; boost semi-final hopes Afghanistan have defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets in Pune on Monday to record their third win of the Cricket World Cup and boost their hopes of a semi-final place. Their bowlers had laid the foundation of their third win in six matches when they bowled out Sri Lanka for a below par 241 in 49.3 overs. Three of their top five batters, including Hashmatullah Shahidi, then produced halfcenturies in a clinical chase that they accomplished in 45.2 overs to move to fifth place in the points table.

Azmatullah Omarzai (73) scored the winning run with Shahidi (58) looking on from the other end. Put into bat, several Lankan batters got their eyes in but could not quite capitalise on those starts. After the fall of Dimuth Karunaratne in the sixth over, Kusal Mendis (39) forged halfcentury partnerships with Pathum Nissanka (46) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (36) to steady the innings. And the chase by Afghanistanwas a masterclass in composure, with Afghanistan recovering from the loss of Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the opening over to chase down their target with seven wickets and 28 balls to spare. Rahmat Shah (62), Hashmatullah Shahidi (58*) and Azmatullah Omarzai (73*) all scored half-centuries after Ibrahim Zadran had set the tone with a classy 39 early in the innings. The victory keeps Afghanistan in the hunt for one of the semi-final

spots.

India crush England by 100 runs Bumrah and Jasprit Mohammed Shami breathed fire in their magical opening spells after Rohit Sharma's rearguard 87 on a challenging pitch as India hammered England by 100 runs for their six straight win in the World Cup in Lucknow on Sunday. The win would not have been possible without Rohit (87 off 101 balls), whose sublime knock stood out as most Indian batters fell by the wayside on a two paced pitch.

Shami (4/22) and Bumrah (3/32) stole the show with the ball for the unstoppable hosts as England batters once against cut a sorry figure. It was the fifth defeat for England. Earlier England slumped to their fourth defeat as Sri Lanka claimed a runaway eight-wicket victory in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Netherlands trounce Bangladesh A clinical bowling effort complemented skipper Scott

after losing four games on the trot.

But their batters once again came up with an insipid show as they were unable to cope with the extra bounce as the Netherlands bowlers aced the conditions beautifully to bundle them out for 142 in 42.2 overs Australia win a thriller against New Zealand Travis Head’s rapid hundred trumped Rachin Ravindra’s gallant 116 as Australia beat New Zealand by five runs in the highest-scoring match in World Cup history to stay on course for a semi-final slot in the 50-overs tournament at Edwards’ gritty half-century as Dharamsala on Saturday. Head Netherlands once again punched smashed 109 off 67 balls in his first above their weight to secure a match of the World Cup and handsome 87-run win over forged a breakneck 175-run Bangladesh in Kolkata on opening stand with David Warner Saturday. Edwards overcame an (81) to propel Australia to a edgy start to score a second World commanding 388 all out. Glenn Cup 50 and take them to a modest Maxwell (41), Josh Inglis (38) and 229 all out after they opted to bat skipper Pat Cummins (37) provided on a fresh Eden wicket hosting its breezy cameos down the order first match of the global before Australia were all out in 49.2 showpiece. Bangladesh found overs. Ravindra led New Zealand’s themselves ‘at home’ with the spirited reply with his second 15,000-odd crowd strongly rooting hundred of the tournament and for them to revive their campaign Daryl Mitchell made 54 dĞĂŵ DĂƚĐŚ tŝŶ >ŽƐĞ EZZ WŽŝŶƚƐ to steady their innings.

South Africa break /ŶĚŝĂ ϲ ϲ Ϭ нϭ͘ϰϬϱ ϭϮ Pakistan hearts ^ŽƵƚŚ ĨƌŝĐĂ ϲ ϱ ϭ нϮ͘ϬϯϮ ϭϬ Aiden Markram EĞǁ ĞĂůĂŶĚ ϲ ϰ Ϯ нϭ͘ϮϯϮ ϴ cracked a crucial half ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂ ϲ ϰ Ϯ нϬ͘ϵϳϬ ϴ century as table ĨŐŚĂŶŝƐƚĂŶ ϲ ϯ ϯ ͲϬ͘ϳϭϴ ϲ topping South Africa ^ƌŝ >ĂŶŬĂ ϲ Ϯ ϰ ͲϬ͘Ϯϳϱ ϰ broke their 24-year WĂŬŝƐƚĂŶ ϲ Ϯ ϰ ͲϬ͘ϯϴϳ ϰ World Cup jinx against EĞƚŚĞƌůĂŶĚƐ ϲ Ϯ ϰ Ͳϭ͘Ϯϳϳ ϰ Pakistan with a nervy ĂŶŐůĂĚĞƐŚ ϲ ϭ ϱ Ͳϭ͘ϯϯϴ Ϯ one-wicket victory and ŶŐůĂŶĚ ϲ ϭ ϱ Ͳϭ͘ϲϱϮ Ϯ

inched closer to securing a Cricket World Cup semifinal place with their fifth win in six matches.

South Africa began well chasing 271 on Friday as Quinton de Kock (24) and Temba Bavuma (28) landed early blows before Pakistan struck back with timely wickets, but Markram (91) held his nerve to take them close and they eventually got home in 47.2 overs.

Pakistan fell to their fourth successive defeat as Maharaj hit a four off his legs but Haris Rauf (262) nearly won it for them towards the end with a diving catch to send back Lungi Ngidi before number 11 Shamsi survived a review for lbw.

Australia thrash Netherlands A plethora of records were broken as Australia crushed Netherlands by 309 runs during their World Cup contest in New Delhi on Wednesday. Glenn Maxwell's fastest century in the tournament's history, inarguably, was the highlight of the show.

Batting first, the Australians amassed 399 for eight with hundreds from David Warner (104) and Maxwell (106) before spinner Adam Zampa's four-for skittled the Dutch for 90 by the 21st over. It is the biggest margin of win across all editions of World Cup and the second biggest in ODI history, besides being the biggest for Australia. It is the highest total for Australia in a World Cup match in India and their second highest in the event overall. Maxwell scored the fastest hundred, reaching the landmark in just 40 balls.

India's para athletes make history India will be well-placed to host with record 111-medal haul 2036 Olympics: PM Modi India’s differently abled athletes created history last week as they finished their campaign at the Para Asian Games in Hangzhou with a record haul of 111 medals, including 29 gold. This was India's biggest-ever medal tally in any major multisport event, surpassing the count of 107 won at the recently held Asian Games in the same Chinese city.

On the final day of competitions, India claimed 12 medals, including four gold. Seven medals came from chess, four from athletics and one from rowing. India finished fifth behind hosts China, Iran, Japan and South Korea.

China claimed a whopping 521 medals.

India had started taking

part in Para Asia in 2010 and won 14 medals. The tally increased to 33 in 2014 and 72 in 2018. India had sent its largest-ever para contingent this year to Hangzhou, comprising 303 athletes (191 male and 112 female).

Sports minister Anurag Thakur hailed the performance and said the government would continue to support the para athletes.

“This performance reflects the hard work of our athletes and the introduction of the

right policies in sports. Be it the Khelo India scheme or the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for elite athletes, the support extended through these schemes is indeed showing results now.

You will be happy to know that eight Khelo India athletes and 46 TOPS athletes participated at the Games and won 38 medals .

Also, the increase of sports budget by three times as compared to 2014 has also given us the ability to extend better support to all our athletes, be it in terms of coaches, training, foreign exposure, diet, infrastructure,” Thakur said.

Amol Muzumdar appointed as head coach of women’s cricket team The BCCI finally announced the appointment of domestic stalwart Amol Muzumdar as the head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team. It ended a long wait for Muzumdar, who was shortlisted by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Sulakshana Naik, Ashok Malhotra, and Jatin Paranjape, for the job way back in June.

He takes over from former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar, who was removed from the post in December last year as part of BCCI’s ‘internal restructuring.’ For close to a year, the position of the head coach of the Indian women’s team had been lying vacant, with Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Nooshin Al Khadeer doing the job on an interim basis.

A domestic titan and a Mumbai Ranji-winning captain, Muzumdar scored over 11,000 First Class runs in 171 matches, including 30 centuries during his 21-year epic career in domestic cricket for Mumbai, and later Assam and Andhra. The 48-year-old’s first assignment will be the back-to-back Tests against England and Australia in December.

“From December 14-17, India will play England in a Test, and then from December 21-24, India will play Australia in a day/night pink ball Test at the iconic venue. A team from the BCCI and Cricket Australia recently conducted a recce of the stadium,” a reliable source said.

India will be an economic superpower in the next 13 years and will be well-placed to host the 2036 Olympics, the world’s greatest sporting spectacle, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while inaugurating the 37th edition of National Games in Goa. “From sports to space, India’s flag will be flying with pride,” he told a capacity crowd at the Nehru Stadium at Fatorda, reminding everyone how the country’s image has changed.

Stressing on the strong

pitch he made to host the Youth Olympics in 2030 and Olympics in 2036 at the International Olympic Committee session in Mumbai early this month, Modi said there are two things that are crucial for hosting the Olympics: Infrastructure and connectivity and “India has got both”.

“Today, when both India’s resolve and efforts are so huge, then it is natural for India’s aspirations to be high. Our aspiration to organise the

Olympics is not limited to just emotions. Rather, there are some solid reasons behind it,” the Prime Minister said.

He said India is moving ahead at breakneck speed and cited several achievements during the past 30 days itself. “When there is negativity in the country, disappointments, it shows on the sports field too. Progress of the sports sector of any country is directly related to the progress of its economy,” he said.

Shooter Tilottama, youngest Indian to win Olympics quota Tilottama Sen’s rise as a shooter has been fascinating. From watching Chhota Bheem on TV three years ago to becoming an international medalist in just two years, the Bengaluru girl has been hitting new targets at every outing on the big stage. Tilottama, 15, became the youngest Indian athlete ever to qualify for the Olympics by ‘winning’ a quota for the Paris Games. She clinched silver in the 10m air rifle event at the ongoing Asian Championships in Changwon, South Korea, which got her a berth for Paris.

The quota belongs to the country and Tilottama’s participation in the Paris Olympics next year will be subject to her clearing the selection criteria set by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). If she is selected for the Paris Games, she will become the third youngest Indian – after swimmer Arati Saha (12) and sprinter PT Usha (16) – to participate in the Olympics.

Tilottama will also break Abhinav Bindra’s record of being the youngest shooter at the Olympics. Bindra was 17 when he competed at the Sydney Games in 2000.

In the men’s 10m air rifle category, Arjun Babuta also won silver and a quota place for the Paris Games. Indian shooters now have 10 quotas for Paris. Tilottama had missed out on winning the quota at the World Championships in August as she finished fourth behind teammate Mehuli Ghosh.

Although there were four quota places on offer, as per the new rule, only one shooter from one country can win a quota at the Worlds.

“I am very happy with my performance today. I won’t deny that I was under pressure, and I am relieved after the medal and quota. It was tough to miss the quota in the World meet, but I worked harder to get my place back in the squad, which I missed for the Asian Games,” Tilottama said.

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