AV 11th November 2023

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE Nandini Das’ remarkable debut wins British Academy Book Prize SEE PAGE - 13

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11 - 17 NOVEMBER 2023

Man charged with hate crime for killing elderly Sikh man

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

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Overlooked narratives of sacrifice in World War

Passing: A quest for self-acceptance within Indian roots

Meet South Asian Supernovas

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VOL 52 - ISSUE 28 SEE PAGE

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PM Modi, Hasina jointly launch key infra, rail link projects

Disparities in accessing NHS mental health services continue, but experts tell Asian Voice, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

King Charles delivers his first speech to the nation

Mother teaching little daughter to meditate at home - one of the ways to reduce stress and create a calmer environment

In 1982, Arvind Pandya undertook an extraordinary 400km backward run from Mumbai to the Siddhi Vinayak temple to pray for Amitabh Bachchan's recovery after an accident on the set of the film "Coolie."

His feat earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Pandya extended his philanthropic efforts, travelling from Los Angeles to New York to collect funds for the Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation, aiding cancer patients. He also ran in the UK for various charitable causes, including mental health, with support from ABPL Chief CB Patel.

Continued on page 12

FULL STORY ON PAGE 07

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11 - 17 November 2023

UK NSC ill-prepared for Discussions on AI safety intensify in the UK Middle East terror Senior intelligence sources have raised concerns about the UK's National Security Council (NSC) being ill-prepared for an increased terrorist threat associated with the Israel-Hamas conflict.

This lack of readiness is attributed to the turmoil within the Tory leadership last summer, which disrupted the NSC's operations.

The NSC is a vital component of the government's response to security threats and its readiness to address them. It is a central platform where intelligence agencies and military leaders regularly brief Cabinet ministers on national security threats and formulate policies to address

them.

In recent weeks, the NSC has been convening to address the growing terrorism threat resulting from escalating tensions in the Middle East. However, according to five senior intelligence sources, including two with direct involvement in NSC meetings, the continuous changes in prime ministers during 2022 and the under-resourcing of the Cabinet Office team that supports the NSC have led to its decreased effectiveness.

This has made the NSC more "reactive" than proactive in addressing the threats it is designed to prepare for.

Sunak talks free trade with India's Prime Minister Downing Street announced that British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

The phone call primarily focused on the situation in

the friendship between the UK and India, the leaders discussed recent advancements in free trade agreement negotiations. They both stressed the importance of achieving an ambi-

During the world's inaugural summit on AI safety last Wednesday, prominent nations like the UK, US, and China unanimously acknowledged the need for global action. Hosted at Bletchley Park in North London, the UK introduced the "Bletchley Declaration," signed by 28 countries and the EU. This critical document highlights the immediate necessity for a collaborative global effort to understand and address potential AI risks, advocating for its safe and responsible development for the global community’s benefit.

Chancellor Sunak praised the declaration as a "landmark achievement," while King Charles III emphasised international cooperation to combat the "significant risks" posed by unregulated AI progress.

India for trustworthy, safe AI development India’s Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics, and Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, advocated for international cooperation to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) embodies principles of integrity, safety, and reliability at the Summit.

Kamala Harris

Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Rishi Sunak

In his representation of India at this inaugural event, the minister underscored the achievements of the government led by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in advancing the digital economy and fostering innovation.

Over the past nine years, India has notably escalated the digital economy's contribution from approximately 4-5 percent of the total GDP to its current standing at 11 percent, with a set goal of reaching 20 percent by 202526.

Chandrasekhar said: “We have learned in the last 10-15 years as governments that by allowing innovation to get ahead of regulation we open ourselves to the toxicity, misinformation and weaponisation that we see on the internet today, represented by social media; and we certainly can agree today that that is not what we

should charge for the coming years in terms of AI.” "AI-formulated biowe-apons that could jeopardise the lives of millions" - Kamala Harris Vice President US Kamala Harris emphasised the pressing need for immediate action to safeguard both the public and democracy from the risks associated with artificial intelligence. Addressing safety concerns about this technology, she unveiled a series of initiatives during a speech at the US embassy in London.

Harris highlighted the potential dangers AI could present to individuals and the Western political system, cautioning that the technology holds the capability to instigate "cyberattacks on an unprecedented scale" or produce "AI-formulated bioweapons that could jeopardise the lives of millions."

Some British executives and lawmakers raised concerns about the timing of Vice President Kamala Harris's speech, suggesting that it might have been intended to overshadow Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's concurrent AI Safety Summit, occurring on Wednesday and Thursday.

This perception was fuelled

by Harris's invitation to several research groups for a closed-door event at the US embassy in London, potentially requiring some attendees to depart the Bletchley Park summit prematurely.

During her speech, Harris advocated for a more comprehensive definition of AI safety, emphasising the need to address the "full spectrum" of threats, including issues related to bias, discrimination, and the propagation of disinformation.

Rishi Sunak with Narendra Modi during the G20 summit

West Asia, but it also encompassed discussions about bilateral relations and the progress in the ongoing negotiations for an ambitious India-UK free trade agreement (FTA).

According to a Downing Street spokesperson, the leaders expressed their concern about the distressing situation in West Asia and strongly condemned Hamas's attacks on Israel.

Shifting their attention to

tious deal that would be mutually beneficial.

Additionally, the leaders discussed the ongoing Cricket World Cup taking place in India. Prime Minister Sunak, a cricket enthusiast, congratulated Prime Minister Modi on Team India's success in the World Cup and expressed hope for England's better luck in their Test series against India, scheduled for the New Year.

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Xahra Saleem, a key organiser of the Black Lives Matter protest that led to the removal of the Edward Colston statue, has been sentenced to jail after misusing more than £30,000 intended for a youth charity.

Saleem, 23, co-founded the All Black Lives Bristol group in 2020 and was part of the group that orchestrated a protest in Bristol city centre on June 7, 2020, in response to the tragic killing of George Floyd by US police officers. During this protest, the statue of the slave trader Edward Colston was pulled down and thrown into the harbour.

Before the demonstration, Saleem initiated an online fundraiser under the group's name, aiming to collect a few hundred pounds to cover the protest's expenses. It was declared that any surplus funds would be allocated to a Bristol youth group called Changing Your Mindset, which intended to sponsor trips to Africa for young individuals.

According to Alistair Haggerty, representing the prosecution at Bristol Crown Court, an amount totalling £32,344 was raised from the fundraiser. As the youth group encountered issues opening a business bank account, it was agreed to keep the money in Saleem's personal account.

From July 2020 to June

Source: X

BLM activist imprisoned for £30,000 fraud

Xahra Saleem

2021, Saleem misappropriated the funds for personal expenses, including purchasing a new iPhone and computer, beauty products, clothing, taxi rides, takeout meals, and various lifestyle expenditures. Notably, she spent £5,800 on Uber rides over an 11-month period leading up to June 2021.

First Britons exit Gaza, others await nervously Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, British nationals have departed Gaza for the first time since the conflict began last month.

The UK Foreign Office verified that an unspecified number of individuals holding UK passports were able to exit Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt on Wednesday. This opening of the route is part of a controlled and time-limited initiative to facilitate the departure of certain foreign nationals and injured Palestinians.

Approximately 200 British citizens are estimated to be present in Gaza.

Reports on Wednesday revealed that approximately 500 individuals per day would be permitted to pass through the Rafah crossing,

under the jurisdiction of the Egyptian authorities.

However, a British schoolteacher, Zaynab Wandawi, who is currently in Gaza, expressed feelings of being "insignificant" after the Foreign Office informed her that they could not offer further assistance in helping her leave the country.

According to Wandawi, a Foreign Office official mentioned that they have no staff in Gaza who can provide practical assistance and that they are doing whatever they can to help.

She has been in Gaza for three weeks with members of her husband's family, arriving just days before the Hamas attack on October 7.

Despite her attempts to leave through the Rafah border with Egypt, she has been unable to do so.

Suella Braverman pledges to tackle UK 'hate marches' Home Secretary Suella Braverman strongly criticised the extremist nature of the large-scale protests in the UK amid the Israel-Gaza conflict, labelling them as "hate marches."

She affirmed her determination to modify terrorism legislation to confront individuals she described as "utterly odious." These comments came following an emergency Cabinet Office

Suella Braverman

Briefing Rooms A (COBRA) security meeting chaired by

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street.

Braverman emphasised the need for law enforcement to adopt a "zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism" and warned about a significant number of individuals deliberately operating below the criminal threshold, engaging in behaviour that the majority of British citizens would find abhorrent.

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11 - 17 November 2023

Turning a new leaf The Festival of Lights is near. The victory of good over evil has never been more anticipated than ever due to the ongoing war in Israel. With the demise of thousands of countless people amid a war, the world desperately needs to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Despite all odds and adversities, the community sailed through another remarkable year, of building itself up all over again, like a cloud to rain again and nurture new ideas for a better future.

2024, will be the start of a new Vikram Samvat. Not just a new year and the ending of an old era, but also the beginning of a new future for Britain. This new year, the UK might see a change of hands in the top administrative cadre. With the general elections due, the overall global socio-political climate will also see a shift as India and the US will also have their general elections. While there are still debates on weak or lack of opposition in some countries, the UK is gearing up for a tough fight between the Labour Party and the Conservatives. It’ll be interesting to see whether Britons will actually elect a man of colour as their Prime Minister. King Charles’ first Speech on Tuesday, outlined the Government’s plans for the year ahead, amid a tricky time for the Conservative Party. But with an election set to take place before January 2025, does the King’s Speech set out the Government’s long-term ambitions or is this just electioneering? Only time will tell.

At 61, Keir Starmer presents himself as a unifying figure within his party, offering a centrist platform in contrast to his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn, known for his socialist stance.

Starmer's challenge is to strike a delicate balance between winning elections with his centrist appeal and maintaining the party's core values. Starmer's ability to navigate crises and uphold his political stance will be critical as he takes charge in a country facing economic and social challenges. But Labour has turned a new leaf, after all.

Brickbats and critical shots are being fired left-right-centre, but this is perhaps the right time for Britain to glance at a recent study published in The Economist, to learn how to do things in moderation.

Turmeric, a flowering plant from the ginger family, boasts anti-inflammatory qualities and a vibrant colour, cherished in Asian cuisines and Ayurvedic medicine. However, the practice of dusting its rhizomes with the neurotoxin lead chromate, for enhanced colour, has resulted in South Asia having the world's highest lead poisoning rates. This leads to heart and brain diseases, especially affecting children, causing 1.4 million deaths and a crippling 9% GDP loss in 2019. Bangladesh tackled this issue through strict enforcement of anti-adulteration rules, public awareness campaigns, and stings.

Over the last several years, especially during the pandemic, there has been a clear sign from the universe that nothing is how it seems and that’s also the real beauty of nature. So this new Vikram Samvat, let us embrace changes, continue to work together with the spirit of community building, nurturing each other, and do things in moderation. The lights around us and our flowers can be yellow, not our skin and faces, both literally and figuratively!

Let’s give peace a chance A month has elapsed since Hamas, classified as a terrorist organisation by several countries, initiated unexpected attacks against Israel. The consequent Israeli airstrikes have significantly devastated the Gaza Strip, which is under Hamas' administration. Reports from the health ministry indicate a grim milestone, with the death toll in the conflict surpassing 10,000 since October 7th.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has sharpened global divisions, with widespread concern that the escalation could broaden the conflict, leading to global repercussions. The situation has left Israel in an increasingly precarious position on the international stage, with calls from its principal ally, the United States, for a "humanitarian pause" in hostilities.

One of the central tenets of international law and global ethics is the idea that no state should be held to ransom or terrorised by non-state actors. The sovereignty of a nation—its right to exist in peace and security—is a cornerstone of the international order. The actions of Hamas, which include rocket attacks on Israeli cities and the targeting of civilians, are widely condemned and have led to numerous military confrontations, often resulting in tragic loss of life and suffering on both sides.

This insistence on the part of certain groups to resort to terror to achieve their aims echoes similarly in other parts of the Middle East, most notably with the rise of ISIS in Syria, Iraq, and Iran. Iran's role in the region has been contentious, with its support for Hezbollah in Lebanon and its backing of militia groups in Syria and Iraq, along with its relationship with Hamas. These proxies have been employed as strategic

tools to extend Iran's influence and challenge its adversaries, both regional and Western. However, Qatar was one of the first Arab Gulf states to establish ties with Israel. Since the start of the war, it has been involved in negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the implications of terrorism and the responses to it often transcend national borders, affecting international relations in varied and complex ways. The tension between India and Canada over the alleged involvement of Indian agents in the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the subsequent demands for evidence by India's High Commissioner demonstrate how allegations of terrorism can quickly escalate into diplomatic conflicts.

According to recent sources, designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has released a new video asking Sikhs not to fly in Air India aircraft after November 19, as their lives can be under threat. He highlighted that this is the same day on which the final match of the ongoing Cricket World Cup will take place.

In today's world, the emerging generation is more connected and informed than ever before and has shown a propensity to engage with global issues, including the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, with renewed vigour and a refusal to be passive observers. The widespread access to information technology and social media platforms has not only made the younger generation more aware of the complexities involved in the war but has also empowered them to mobilise, advocate for change, and demand action from the international community.

India's Bhutan-China dilemma Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck arrived in Delhi preceding discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. The King's visit is prompted by a significant project in Gelephu, Bhutan's border with Assam. Meanwhile, for India, this visit occurs after Bhutan and China recently reached a boundary agreement in Beijing, raising specific concerns regarding the Doklam region.

Recent attention has been drawn to Bhutan’s border conflicts with China and its association with India, raising concerns about the potential shift away from its long-standing ally, India. India and Bhutan enjoy a distinctive and profound relationship founded on a rich history of cultural, economic, and political connections.

Despite its modest size, Bhutan holds a strategically vital role in South Asia and has been a pivotal ally for India in regional collaborative endeavours and traditionally maintained a close partnership with India while avoiding formal ties with any of the UN Security Council's five permanent members, including China, aiming to steer clear of major power conflicts.

However, recent shifts in Bhutan's approach are evident.

Previously aligned with India in its international affairs, Bhutan is now moving towards formal diplomatic relations with China, causing apprehension in India. The King's ongoing visit to India is anticipated to offer insights into these evolving dynamics.

A significant concern is the visit of Bhutan's foreign minister to China, marking a new milestone in their diplomatic relations. During this visit, both nations issued a joint statement and participated in boundary discussions, the first in over seven years. China expressed interest in normalizing ties with Bhutan, a prospect that the Bhutanese foreign minister, Tandi Dorji, seemed eager to consider. This marked a notable deviation from Bhutan's past stance.

Bhutan's ambition for formal relations with China encounters a significant hurdle in the contested border, particularly in areas like Doklam. This region is strategically vital for India as it lies near the Siliguri Corridor, linking India to its northeastern states. If China gains control of Doklam, it could disrupt India's access to these regions.

In 2017, a 73-day standoff in Doklam occurred when China attempted to build a road. India intervened, safeguarding Bhutan's territorial integrity and its own interests, highlighting Doklam's importance to India's national security.

China disputes several other territories, except Doklam, with Bhutan. In the northern region, these include the Pasamlung and Jakarlung valleys, both culturally significant to Bhutan. In the western area, the disputed regions are Doklam, Dramana, Shakhatoe, Yak Chu, Charithang Chu, Sinchulungpa, and Langmarpo valleys.

However, the landscape has evolved. Bhutan engaging directly with China in border talks and discussions about diplomatic ties occurs without India's direct involvement.

This shift poses new challenges for India in safeguarding its interests.

The resolution of the border matter between Bhutan and China signifies that India remains the sole country among China’s twelve neighbouring nations with an unresolved boundary dispute. The potential establishment of diplomatic ties between Bhutan and China is a source of concern for India, primarily due to fears about its influence diminishing in Bhutan.

India is particularly focused on articulating its interests to Bhutan and actively monitoring China's engagements in the area. Bhutan’s King visiting India provides an opportunity for both countries to exchange views and tackle apprehensions regarding Bhutan's changing relationship with China.

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

— Nelson Mandela

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel

Sardar Patel, Middle East, Parliament, PM and Diwali It’s been a busy couple of weeks. From my India League/City Hindus Network with City Sikhs Network, event in Parliament, where I spoke about the futility of conflict, to a memorial at the Indian High Commission with the dedicated Sardar Patel Memorial Society, to meeting the PM this week and finally ending with Diwali. The Indian High Commission has rightly taken up MC’ing and running the event in the High Commission and made it even better than ever – short, sharp, focussed.

The thread to unify all these things is Unity Day – October 31st and birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.

We stand at the precipice of a world teetering on the brink, a world where the dark clouds of separatism and extremism ominously gather on the horizon.

Sardar Patel, the Iron Man of India, was not just a man of words but a colossus of action. When the subcontinent was a fractured mosaic, a jigsaw puzzle of princely states, it was his indomitable will that wielded the hammer and anvil of unity. He moulded a scattered land into a singular, invincible entity. He showed us that unity is not a mere poetic fancy but a concrete edifice upon which nations are built and civilizations stand tall.

So it is befitting the world’s tallest statue is of him in the world’s largest democracy, the most populous nation in the world, and soon, the largest economy, again, in the world.

We stand on his shoulders. Each of us. He paved the way, that there could be an Indian Prime Minister of UK. Because the world knows our character, our beliefs, our values, our creed, our brand as Indians.

Oh at times they may laugh at us – corner shop owners. No, nation builders. Democracy builders.

Unifiers. CEOs, doctors, nurses and Prime Ministers.

We sacrificed even our own motherland into parts, to maintain a unity. And how ARE WE DOING? The nation he put together. Respected on the World Stage. Admired. And among enemies, feared. Yes. So be it.

Listen closely, for the words of Sardar Patel echo through time: "non-violence has to be observed in thought, word and deed. The measure of non-violence will be the measure of our success”. This makes India, Bharat, Hindustan unique among nations. It is not enough to have your freedom, it is how you achieve it that is the soul and character of a nation.

Today, as the serpents of division hiss and the wolves of extremism howl, let us not cower in fear. Let us rise, rise like the majestic phoenix, fueled by the eternal flames of unity that Sardar Patel once kindled.

Let us lock arms and stand as one, a human fortress against the battering rams of division and hate.

For in unity we find our salvation. In unity, we find the promise of a tomorrow where the sun of hope dispels the darkness of discord, where the symphony of human spirit drowns out the cacophony of strife.

There is a memorial book at the home of Sardar Patel, on one page are the words by me, “Even if I have a 1000 rebirths, I will not be ever so fortunate as I am now to hail from this, his, village”.

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in brief

The London Assembly has made a call for the Metropolitan Police to collaborate with local Hindu communities to ensure the reporting of hate crimes directed at them. Despite Hindus being the second most frequently targeted group in religiously motivated hate crimes, data suggests that such incidents are not effectively documented by police services, as conveyed by the Crime Survey for England and Wales.

Expressing concern over the underreporting, the Assembly urged the Met to incorporate a religious breakdown of hate crimes in their crime dashboard.

Assembly member Krupesh Hirani, who introduced the motion, highlighted the need to address Hinduphobia, emphasising that while Hindus are significantly targeted, this trend is not being adequately reflected in police records. He stressed the importance of improved data collection and better responses by law enforcement.

Hirani, a Labour representative for Brent and Harrow, welcomed the

Krupesh Hirani

Assembly's backing to hold the Metropolitan Police accountable for fostering trust within the Hindu community. Citing Home Office statistics, the motion referenced a rise in recorded hate crimes against Hindus, accounting for three percent of total hate crimes in 2022/2023, a notable increase from the previous year's count of 161 recorded cases.

Data also indicated a consistent rise in racially or religiously aggravated offenses reported by the police since 2015. The motion thus emphasises the imperative for better recognition and handling of hate crimes affecting the Hindu community, reflecting the London Assembly's commitment to addressing and rectifying these concerning trends.

Royal Mail loses 360-year parcel monopoly Royal Mail is discontinuing its 360-year-long exclusive parcel delivery service from Post Office sites, responding to grievances over service quality.

With complaints on service deterioration, the postal service will collaborate with competitors Evri and DPD in the approach to Christmas, allowing customers to choose couriers for the first time. The decision follows growing discontent about service standards within the Post Office linked to Royal Mail.

The Post Office and Royal Mail were previously

part of the same group until the Post Office's separation as a distinct company in 2012. While the Post Office oversees branches and banking, Royal Mail handles deliveries, contending with mounting competition from courier firms.

Royal Mail has faced challenges in meeting delivery goals, leading to criticism and an ongoing investigation by communications regulator Ofcom. Strikes in the preceding year compounded the company's hurdles during peak trading months, exacerbated by inclement weather and delivery issues.

CHANGE OF NAME

We Ms. Soni and Mr. Ved Prakash, residing at 55 Ingle Avenue, Leeds, UK, LS27 9RA and the parents of Miss VEDANSHI (D.O.B 13/07/2015); hereby give notice of our intention to change the name of beloved minor daughter 'VEDANSHI' to'VEDANSHI JHA', So relinquished to the intent that she may here after be called/known and identified by her new full name

VEDANSHI JHA

CHANGE OF NAME I, SONI w/o Ved Prakash

at present residing at 55 Ingle Avenue, Morley, Leeds, UK, LS27 9RA hereby give notice of my intention to change my Name to SONI PRAKASH , so relinquished to the intent that I may hereafter be called / known and identified by the new name of

SONI PRAKASH

Britons abroad 15+ years to gain voting rights

IMPERIAL COLLEGE INITIATES INDIA More than three million British citizens Disappointed by governments' failure CONNECT FUND living abroad for 15 years or more are set to honour manifesto commitments, he to gain voting rights in the upcoming general election. The adjustments in enfranchisement for the long-term UK diaspora are anticipated to become law by mid-January, according to The Guardian.

Conservative sources believe this timeline offers ample time for eligible expatriates to register for the vote if a general election occurs in autumn 2024.

This change represents the culmination of a nearly two-decade-long initiative spurred by the late Harry Shindler. In 2016, Shindler contested the former 15year voting limit in the high court.

pursued the case to the European Court of Justice until his passing at 101 in February. Shindler consistently argued for full enfranchisement for all citisens, believing it essential for genuine democracy in the UK. Jane Golding, co-chair of British in Europe, acknowledged Shindler's tireless advocacy, thanking the government for fulfilling its pledge. She attributed the proposed legislation to years of dedicated efforts by campaigners in the organisation, aiming to provide a political voice for expatriate Britons since 2017.

Imperial College London is set to unveil the India Connect Fund during events in New Delhi and Bengaluru, aimed at supporting innovative scientific breakthroughs. With grants ranging from £3,500 to £5,000 for successful project teams, the initiative will prioritize projects impacting health, climate, and sustainability. The collaborative effort between Indian and UK researchers aims to address shared global challenges. Professor Ian Walmsley, Imperial College London's Provost, highlighted India's significance in research and innovation, emphasizing the strong partnership with UK scientists. The India Connect Fund seeks to bolster these ties by fostering closer collaboration between the best scientists in India and their counterparts at Imperial, focusing on cutting-edge research in health, climate, and sustainability.

Husband attributes wife's stroke death to 'postcode lottery' BOOHOO'S LEICESTER Jasbir Pahal, a 44-year-old teaching assistant and mother of four, tragically passed away in November 2022 following a severe stroke, as disclosed in an inquest.

Her husband, Satinder Pahal, accused Calderdale Royal Hospital of a delayed transfer to a facility equipped with around-the-clock clot removal treatments, attributing her death to a "postcode lottery." The inquest highlighted that despite the urgent need for life-saving treatment, hospital staff only offered aspirin to Jasbir, as reported by The BBC. The

incident was discussed at Wakefield Coroners’ Court, shedding light on the events leading to her tragic death.

Satinder found his wife on the floor in the early hours of November 13, 2022, recognised signs of a stroke, and immediately sought emergency aid. While the first responder arrived promptly, foggy driving conditions delayed the arrival of an ambulance and paramedics, taking over 70 minutes, significantly surpassing the targeted response time, a key point emphasised during the inquest into Jasbir’s untimely passing.

Ethnic minorities’ receive less pensions than half whites Recent research conducted by Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) revealed a substantial disparity in pension savings between ethnic minorities and white British individuals in the UK. The study, encompassing over 4,000 participants, unveiled that the average pension pot for ethnic minority individuals was notably smaller at £52,333, less than half of the £114,941 average for white British counterparts.

Factors contributing to this gap included limited disposable income due to the cost-of-living crisis, misperceptions, and risk aversion among ethnic minority communities. While 31% of ethnic minority respondents

cited insufficient spare income as a barrier to pension investment, only 20% of white Britons expressed the same concern.

Moreover, concerns about risk were higher among ethnic minority participants, with 26% averse to risk compared to 7% of white Britons.

Some perceived pension structures as vulnerable or "corruptible." Lowerpaid ethnic minorities were disproportionately affected by the Covid pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, hindering their ability to save for retirement.

The research highlighted a "pension ethnicity pay gap," accentuating the importance of tax-efficient pension savings for the future.

COMMITMENT UNDER SCRUTINY A BBC Panorama investigation alleges that orders supposedly placed at Boohoo's new Leicester factory were outsourced to other factories in Leicester and Morocco. The Thurmaston Lane factory, established in 2022 to enhance working conditions, was discovered fulfilling orders across seven Moroccan factories and four more in Leicester. Boohoo, a fastfashion retailer, previously emphasized its commitment to the city's textile industry after an independent review by lawyer Alison Levitt KC suggested enhancing conditions and transparency. Boohoo responded with 'Agenda for Change.' The review revealed Boohoo's prior knowledge of subpar conditions in the Leicester factories producing its goods, deeming it a low priority, sparking ethical concerns.

SOUTH CAMBS QUESTIONED FOR FOURDAY WEEK IMPACT The Government issued a non-statutory Best Value notice to South Cambridgeshire District Council over concerns about their trial of a fourday working week. The warning, sent beyond the Secretary of State's Local Government Act 1999 powers, aims to ensure continuous improvement. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities clarified that while the Secretary of State can intervene in cases of Best Value failure, it's necessary for the council to demonstrate ongoing enhancement. Max Soule, Deputy Director of local government stewardship at DLUHC, expressed apprehension that the council failed to thoroughly assess the trial's impacts on services or workforce productivity, communicated in a letter to South Cambridgeshire's chief executive, Liz Watts.

Killer's appeal win prompts Sara TORY PARTY ACCUSED Aleena's aunt's plea Sara Aleena’s aunt, rative portraying Farah Nas, is advocating McSweeney's actions for legal reform after her as seeking consensual niece's murderer sucencounters, labelling it cessfully appealed to absurd. According to reduce the minimum Nas, the judges overterm of his life sentence. looked McSweeney's Jordan McSweeney, actual intent, which Aleena's killer, managed was to exercise sadistic to reduce his original 38behavior, a crucial year minimum sentence aspect disregarded in Sara Aleena to 33 years following a the appeal.

Court of Appeal decision on Friday.

Nas expressed concerns about McSweeney's defiance of the legal Nas criticised the court's deciprocess, stating that someone who sion, stating that it sends a disheartdemonstrates contempt for the law ening message to women, suggesting should not have the privilege to that their suffering won't be given manipulate it for their benefit. due consideration. Speaking on BBC McSweeney, 30, had confessed to Breakfast, Nas questioned the basis the murder and sexual assault of for the appeal judges' decision, espe35-year-old Aleena, a law graduate, cially considering the trial judge's on June 26, 2022, while she was extensive involvement in the case for walking home in Ilford, east over six months.

London.

She raised doubts about the narSource: Met Police

London Assembly urges Met to support Hindus reporting hate crimes

OF CONCEALING ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MP IN SERIAL RAPE CASE

Tory Party chairman Jake Berry has reported an alleged cover-up of serial 'rapes' committed by an unnamed MP to the police.

In a letter to the police, Berry revealed that the party had received multiple accusations against the MP but had done little to address them. One specific concern that triggered action was when Berry learned that one of the victims had received treatment at a private hospital at the party's expense. Legal restrictions prevent the identification of the accused offender or the alleged victims in this case, with the MP referred to as X. The letter, co-written with former Chief Whip Wendy Morton and a Downing Street official, informed the police that it had been discovered that there might be up to five victims of X who had suffered various offenses, including multiple rapes.

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11 - 17 November 2023

International students in the UK scoring lower grades than their British counterparts International students studying in the UK are reportedly achieving lower grades than their British counterparts, raising concerns about whether universities prioritise financial gains over academic quality.

Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency analysed by the Financial Times reveals that in the 2021-22 academic year, 28% of non-EU students received lower-second (2.2) or third-class degrees, compared to 20% of domestic students.

This performance disparity is most significant at prestigious institutions, particularly those in the Russell Group, where international students compete for limited spots. Russell Group universities enrolled international students from outside the EU who were twice as likely as their British peers to receive 2.2 or third-class degrees.

The UK higher education sector has become increasingly reliant on fees from international students to alleviate financial pres-

sures. These students contribute about double the tuition fees compared to domestic students, with fees from non-EU students now making up a fifth of university income, double what it was a decade ago.

The quality of international students' intake has faced scrutiny, with concerns about high dropout rates and financial instability raised by Lord Jo Johnson, a former Conservative universities minister. Johnson called for more stringent admissions processes to filter out weaker applicants.

The attainment gap is more pronounced in universities with significant international populations, such as Queen's University Belfast, the University of Sussex, and Nottingham Trent University, where non-EU students are overrepresented among lower achievers.

Universities UK, a sector lobby group, pointed out that language barriers and different education systems could partially explain the attainment gap.

Sadiq Khan leading London mayoral race by 50% In a recent survey for the upcoming London mayoral election in May 2024, Sadiq Khan maintains a considerable lead, with fifty percent of support compared to Tory candidate Susan Hall's twenty-five percent. The YouGov study, conducted for Queen Mary University's Mile End Institute, indicates a robust advantage for Khan.

The poll reflects that Khan is poised for a "comfortable victory," according to analysts, with Green candidate Zoe Garbett at 11%, Rob Blackie of the Liberal Democrats at 7%, and Howard Cox of Reform UK at 4%.

However, despite the lead, the survey reveals concerns about Khan's performance, with a -16% net

Suella Braverman incited public outrage with her declaration to crack down on homeless tent encampments, labelling rough sleeping as a "lifestyle choice."

The Home Secretary warned of the possibility of streets being overrun, leading to a rise in crime, drug use, and squalor if no action is taken in British cities.

Braverman insinuated that many tent dwellers were "from abroad" and asserted that authentic homelessness would always receive support. However, her comments sparked significant criticism, with accusations of indulging in "disgraceful" politics and shifting blame onto the most vulnerable for government shortcomings.

Asian Voice contacted some charities that work with the homeless to gauge their reaction.

Charan Sekhon MBE, Founder & Chairman of SEVA Trust UK said, ''No one chooses to sleep rough.

People are forced to do this and they have no other option. Debt, relationship breakdown, evictions, financial difficulties, job loss, mental health issues, domestic abuse and other situations force people to face such hardships.

“It is very disappointing to read the Home Secretary's comments who has not

Suella Braverman

commented on the real circumstances that are contributing to homelessness and rough sleeping such as rising cost of living, job losses, rise in unemployment, high interest rates, minimal salary growth, lack of govt support for most vulnerable people.

“Giving such irresponsible statements cannot help people facing these challenging situations in any way.

We all need to work together and try to offer the needed support and the government; community & charitable organisations must work in partnership to identify & address the root cases. We must focus on the underlying issues'' Brad Taylor, Rural Campaigns Officer at CPRE, the countryside charity said, “Everyone has a right to live in a home they can afford, and no one in England should find themselves without a roof over their heads, however under gov-

UK visa renewal fee hike threatens migrant destitution amid rising living costs Sadiq Khan

The UK government has increased fees for migrants applying to stay in the coun-

approval rating. Only 30% of Londoners expressed satisfaction with Khan's performance as mayor, while 46% are dissatisfied. The dissatisfaction is notably higher among older Londoners, residents of Outer London, and those who supported the Conservatives in 2019 or voted to leave the EU in 2016.

Kemi Badenoch accuses Stonewall on Leftist influence During a conference organized by the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC), Kemi Badenoch, the Minister for Women and Equalities, criticized Stonewall, an LGBTQ+ organization, labeling it as an example of an institution influenced by "leftist" ideologies.

She mentioned that these ideas had impacted the government's approach to gender and transgender rights.

Badenoch implied that certain charities, like Stonewall, had shifted their stance over the years. She highlighted that Stonewall's role had evolved from merely advising

Suella Braverman facing criticism over “homeless” lifestyle choice comment

the government to potentially overstepping boundaries by offering legal counsel and guidance that may differ from the Equality Act's provisions.

Speaking on the symposium's concluding day, Badenoch emphasized that the government had been influenced by a leftist perspective, primarily from organizations like Stonewall. This change, she argued, deviated from the original stance taken by such institutions. The event took place under the umbrella of the new rightwing consortium led by Philippa Stroud, an influential Tory figure, with support from GB News' owners.

Nazek Ramadan

try, now requiring over £3,000 every 30 months.

Labeled as "extortionate" and "devastating" by campaigners, the augmented international health surcharge and visa application expenses aim to fund essential services and allocate more resources for public sector pay rises, according to the government.

Advocates warn that these heightened costs will push many migrants into poverty and lead them away from authorized immigration paths. The sharp increase in fees places families in the difficult position of deciding whether to leave a child undocumented due to the high costs of visa applications.

Migrant Voice Director Nazek Ramadan highlighted that approximately 82% of individuals who lost their status overstayed their visas, despite arriving in the UK through a supposedly "legal" route, according to the charity's data. This shift in fees may deter many migrants from following proper immigration procedures, posing significant challenges for their legal stay.

ernment policies we've seen a 24% increase in rates of homelessness in rural areas in the year 2021-2022.

“Instead of criticising those who find themselves in the position of having nowhere to live, we would encourage the Home Secretary to speak to those who have sought to understand the causal factors of rising rates of homelessness.

Research commissioned by English Rural, with input from CPRE and others, found that rural poverty exacerbated by high housing costs is the fundamental driver of rural homelessness.

“To make matters worse local authorities in rural areas receive 65% less funding per capita than urban areas for homelessness prevention and support services are dispersed and often unavailable. We would like to see a renewed political commitment to ending all homelessness, including rural homelessness.”

Hanuman Dass, Founder of Go Dharmic shared his views and possible solutions to homelessness, stating, "In a compassionate society, nobody wants to witness fellow human beings sleeping on the cold streets. If we act considerately, we have the power to eradicate homelessness in the UK. Our unwavering commitment should be to extend a help-

Leicester mum's kitchen table ventures go global Tajinder Banwait, a mother from Leicester, initiated two successful companies from her kitchen table. Her upscale body and home fragrance line, Urban Apothecary, is marketed globally, competing with renowned brands like Jo Malone and supplying prestigious stores such as The Conran Shop and Selfridges.

Not stopping there, in March, she launched Palette London, an eco-luxe beauty brand with distribution in

Warsi criticises Braverman amid pro-Palestine protest controversy Former Conservative cabinet minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi strongly criticized Home Secretary Suella Braverman, branding her "dangerous and divisive" for characterizing proPalestine demonstrations as "emboldening the far right."

Warsi, a Tory peer and ex-party chair, expressed severe dissatisfaction with Braverman's stance on the issue and also criticized some within the Rishi Sunak administration as individuals projecting themselves as patriots but behaving as "arsonists."

ing hand to lift people out of tents and provide them with dignified and proper accommodation.

“To tackle this issue effectively, the government must engage charities working on the ground and civil society along with those directly facing homelessness. I think efforts to tackle the problem of homelessness should transcend political views and differences and bring everyone to the table.”

In the latest development, the Home Secretary's proposal to prohibit charities from distributing tents to the homeless has been removed from the King's Speech by No. 10. According to sources from The Independent, Rishi Sunak is uneasy with the language Braverman used, especially after she faced widespread criticism for labelling rough sleeping as a "lifestyle choice."

The conservative cabinet member had suggested creating a civil offence to dissuade charities from supplying tents to those experiencing homelessness. Under the proposed plans, organisations could face fines if the tents they provide are considered to have caused a disturbance. These measures were believed to have been recommended for inclusion in the King's Speech.

In a Sky News Politics Hub interview with Sophy Ridge, Warsi openly denounced Braverman's label of the demonstrations as "hate marches." The demonstrations coincided with Armistice Day and Remembrance events, which Warsi found concerning.

Despite the Metropolitan Police assuring the avoidance of the Whitehall area and The Cenotaph during these events, Warsi accused Braverman of intentionally politicizing the issue to embolden the far right.

Tajinder Banwait

the UK and USA. Despite juggling family and two thriving businesses, Tajinder credits her passion and drive for her achievements: "I always knew I'd have my own business coming from an entrepreneurial family." Her father, a significant clothing manufacturer in Leicester, influenced her entrepreneurial spirit.

Tajinder retains strong ties to Leicester, where her candles are locally handpoured in Billesdon, reflecting her commitment to her hometown. "We're proud to have a local team that creates our products," she said, emphasizing how personal memories inspire her fragrances. Despite traveling regularly, Leicester remains her cherished hometown.

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in brief

Jail time for passenger shouting 'rape' comments Source: X

A 42-year-old father of around 30 charges three, Mohammed Shiras related to alcoholRias, received a 14-month fuelled violence, jail sentence for subjectincluding assaulting ing women to racist and police officers and misogynistic verbal abuse engaging in disorderly on two flights to Britain. conduct while intoxiDuring a flight from cated.

Marrakesh, Morocco, to On July 15, 2019, Liverpool John Lennon Rias's first incident airport, Rias insulted an unfolded during his air stewardess using flight into Liverpool Mohammed Shiras Rias derogatory language, from Morocco. leading to his arrest but was subseStewardess Jelena Suravska reported quently released on bail. that trouble arose when Rias requested more drinks. In her statement, Despite being on bail, Rias manSuravska mentioned that she aged to book a subsequent flight to attempted to handle the situation Istanbul. On the return journey to professionally by advising Rias to Manchester, he unleashed a string of take a seat and have something to eat. sexist and racist insults at cabin crew, Additionally, she made the decision fellow passengers, law enforcement, not to serve him any more alcohol in and female airport staff. The an effort to prevent the situation MailOnline reported that Rias, from from worsening.

Dewsbury in West Yorkshire, faced

Conservative politician fined for racially abusing activist UK police called to address noise join Navratri celebrations Amid noise complaints at a Navratri celebration in the UK attended by the Gujarati community, local police officers arrived on the scene.

Surprisingly, rather than dispersing the gathering, they joined in the festivities.

A video shared on Instagram by user @itsajwavy showcased this heartwarming sight. The footage displayed the officers engaging joyfully, participating in aarti, a Hindu ritual, and trying their hand at Garba dance steps.

Remarkably, they even carried Dandiyas, the traditional wooden sticks used in the dance, tucked in their pockets.

The caption humorously captured the

unexpected scenario: "When the police get called for noise complaints but end up joining in."

The viral video displayed the officers' spontaneous involvement in the celebration, becoming an unexpected part of the joyous Navratri festivities.

The unforeseen instance of cross-cultural engagement resonated deeply with audiences, amassing an astounding 9 million views on Instagram. Comments flooded the section, brimming with admiration and gratitude for the officers' eagerness and openness in embracing and participating in the traditions of Indian culture.

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British lawmaker Bob including the phrase, Stewart, a former UN "Now shut up, you stupid peacekeeping comman." Alwadaei stated that mander in Bosnia, he was exercising his right received a £600 fine to protest alleged corrupand additional costs tion and human rights vioafter being found guilty lations in Bahrain when of a racially aggravated questioning Stewart. He public order offence. accused the MP of being backed by Bahrain and actThe incident ing as a defender of the occurred following a regime. Alwadaei felt confrontation with Bob Stewart dehumanised by the human rights activist exchange and expressed concerns for Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei outside the his safety if he were to return to Bahraini Embassy last December.

Bahrain, fearing potential harm and Stewart was heard responding to persecution.

Alwadaei's questions about his ties to Stewart previously apologised for the Bahraini regime with phrases such his comments, admitting to feeling as "Go away, I hate you," "You make a persistently taunted during the incilot of fuss," and, "You’re taking money dent. He acknowledged the confrontaoff my country, go away." tion in a statement to the Guardian, Video footage presented during the publication that first reported the the Westminster Magistrates’ Court altercation. trial revealed Stewart's remarks,

KBC Arts honours Indian poets with diverse art Kasa Business Consultants, operating as KBC Arts, recently orchestrated an event at the East Ham Mahalakshmi Temple on October 29, 2023, celebrating the literary works of revered 15th and 16th-century Indian poets Kabir, Tulsi, and Surdas.

Known for hosting two annual gatherings dedicated to highlighting the compositions of specific poets, this marked the 13th event in the series organised by KBC Arts. Open to all performers and free for the audience, the initiative aims to intro-

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This initiative is supported by ABPL Group

Sankari Mridha

duce India’s rich cultural heritage to younger generations.

Encompassing diverse art forms such as Carnatic music, Bharathnatyam, Kuchipudi dance,

Prabhakar Kaza handing memento to Mrs. Pushkala Gopal

and musical instruments, the event delivered an enriching experience for attendees.

Jayashree Varadarajan provided insights into the poets’ lives, encouraging attendees to delve into Kabir, Tulsi, and Surdas's works.

Additionally, Pushkala Gopal, MBE, an esteemed artist, shared the mysticism and profound impact of these poets on the Bhakti movement. She commended the organisers for their innovative approach, underscoring the importance of such events in preserving the poets' legacy, which continues to resonate with audiences today.

UK'S LOW PAY PROMPT NEW TEACHER EXODUS Newly-trained teachers in the UK are considering teaching positions overseas due to poor pay and conditions in domestic schools, a recent study highlights. Teachertraining programs note a surge in graduates opting for international roles as their first jobs, enticed by better salaries, increased respect both inside and outside the classroom, and a break from Ofsted scrutiny. This inclination worsens the existing teacher shortage crisis in UK schools. Vacancies in England have nearly doubled post-COVID. School vacancies this year increased by 93% compared to the same period in 2019, says the National Foundation for Educational Research. The government consistently fails to meet teacher-training targets.

UK WOMEN WISH TO HAVE ALMOST ONE MORE CHILD THAN THEY CURRENTLY DO UK women, on average, wish to have almost one more child than they currently do, according to a survey conducted by MP Miriam Cates for the New Social Covenant Unit. The poll, involving 1,502 women aged 18 to 35, revealed their desire for an average of 2.35 children, whereas the fertility rate in England and Wales was 1.55 in 2021. The survey also highlighted that many women, especially those aged 18-24 and 25-35, do not have children yet.

Economic concerns, including childcare costs and housing, were cited as barriers to family expansion, with few expressing career-related worries.

'OUTRAGED' LONDON HEADTEACHER COMPLAINS OVER ADVERT Headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh from Michaela Community School in Wembley has criticized Marks & Spencer for its Christmas advert titled "Love Thismas not Thatmas." The advertisement portrays celebrities like Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Tan France from Queer Eye, and Hannah Waddingham from Ted Lasso getting rid of typical festive activities like burning cards, discarding games, and shooting festive hats into a snow cannon. Birbalsingh deems the ad disrespectful towards traditional Christmas values and has urged for its removal, arguing that it undermines the spirit of the festive season. In her letter to the supermarket, she expressed her "deep disappointment and outrage" regarding the Christmas advert for 2023.

POLL REVEALS POLITICIANS USING CULTURE WAR DISTRACTION In a survey by King’s College London (KCL) and Ipsos UK, involving 3,716 participants, over 50% of the British public believe politicians are utilizing culture wars as a diversion from other crucial issues. The term "woke" is increasingly viewed as an insult, the survey revealed. Reportedly, 62% of respondents perceive politicians as fabricating or magnifying cultural conflicts for political gains, a significant increase from 44% three years ago. Only 10% believe these politicians genuinely consider cultural divisions as significant, while 56% think they are merely diverting attention from other pressing matters.

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Couple face allegations of smuggling cocaine into Australia A husband and wife, Arti Dhir and Kaval Raizada, are currently on trial, facing allegations of smuggling cocaine into Australia with an estimated value of £57 million.

According to the prosecution, the couple engaged in a large-scale operation, transporting substantial amounts of the Class A drug on 37 commercial flights between 2019 and 2021.

To evade detection, they established fictitious companies and forged documentation, successfully deceiving both British and Australian authorities regarding the legitimacy of their cargo.

The investigation began when Australian law enforcement officers tipped off the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), leading to the discovery of substantial amounts of cash and bullion concealed in the couple's west London residence. As the trial commenced at Southwark Crown Court, it was revealed that cash had been found stashed in a safety deposit box, in a storage unit, and deposited into multiple bank accounts.

The prosecution, represented

by Hugh French, described Arti Dhir and Kaval Raijada as a far cry from the typical married couple due to their alleged involvement in international organised crime.

The Crown's case asserts that the pair played a central role in a drug-smuggling operation that moved millions of pounds' worth of cocaine from the UK to Australia.

The unravelling of their criminal activities began in May 2021 when Australian police intercepted a consignment that had

Arti Dhir and Kaval Raizada

arrived from the UK at Sydney airport. Examination of six metal crates revealed 568kg of cocaine, divided into 514 blocks weighing approximately 1kg each, with an estimated street value of £57 million in Australia. Raijada's fingerprints were reportedly found on the packaging.

During the period of the alleged offences, Dhir and Raijada were documented as employees of Viefly Freight Services, receiving annual salaries of around £20,000. The NCA's investigation extended beyond the intercepted consignment, uncovering their alleged involvement in the drugsmuggling operation. Despite their attempts to cover their tracks, the evidence trail reportedly led back to the married couple.

Authorities discovered cash and bullion in their residence, as well as a storage unit in which, the Crown contends, they had stored nearly £3 million in cash, representing their profit from the drug-smuggling endeavour. Both Dhir and Raijada, residing in Hanwell, west London, have pleaded not guilty to all 33 charges related to drug smuggling and transfer of criminal property.

The trial is ongoing.

King condemns Kenya's colonial violence During a poignant speech in Kenya at a State banquet in Nairobi, the King conveyed his deep remorse over Britain's historical colonial injustices.

King Charles notably became the first monarch to articulate his "deepest regret" for the atrocities led by Britain, particularly addressing the brutal suppression of the Mau Mau uprising from 1952 to 1960. This period witnessed the execution, torture, and grave suffering of thousands of Kenyans due to the harsh crackdown by the colonial government.

He said: “The wrongdoings of the past are a cause of the greatest sorrow and the deepest regret.”

His words come as activists demand substantial compensation from Britain for its colonial legacy.

Roughly ten years ago, the British Government disbursed nearly £20 million in compensation to Kenyan victims who suffered torture during the uprising.

Notably, the Mau Mau War Veterans Association chair attended the meeting. The issue remains a source of anguish for many Kenyans, with police dispersing a

King Charles delivers his first speech to the nation In his first parliament opening as monarch, King Charles III honoured his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, acknowledging her legacy of service and devotion.

The King's Speech served as a comprehensive guide to the government's legislative agenda, focusing on three main pillars: economic growth, societal betterment, and public safety. The proposed bills span a broad spectrum, covering various aspects of governance.

Economic strategies, such as the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill and the Trade Bill aiming at securing Brexit advantages, were highlighted.

Additionally, bills addressing technological advancements, like the Automated Vehicles Bill and Digital Markets Bill, were featured.

There were also plans to update laws, as with the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, and reform the rail sector through the Draft Rail Reform Bill.

Societal improvements, as highlighted, encompassed legislations such as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill aiming to create a "smoke-free generation" and reforms in housing rights through the Leasehold and Freehold Bill.

The Renters (Reform) Bill was designed to fortify renters' rights, while the Football Governance Bill aimed to safeguard football clubs and their supporters.

Regarding public safety, bills were proposed to ensure tougher sentences through the Sentencing Bill, enhance criminal justice, empower security services, fortify measures against terrorism, and offer support to victims in the Victims and Prisoners Bill.

Moreover, the explanatory notes indicated additional bills, like the Animal Welfare (Live Stock Exports) Bill to ban live livestock exports and the Economic Activities of Public Bodies Bill to prevent politically motivated boycotts.

The speech has garnered different reactions from the masses, some welcoming while some, on the other hand, critical.

Reacting to the speech, John Foster, CBI Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer, said, “With a general election within the next 12

King Charles III

months looking increasingly likely, the priority for business is ensuring that the economy isn’t put on the back burner. The King’s Speech offers an opportunity to inject momentum into the economy and action to speed up grid connections, advance autonomous vehicle technology through future-focused regulation, and back UK businesses to trade globally through CPTPP is welcome.

“But the critical moment will be when the Chancellor delivers the Autumn Statement in less than two weeks’ time, where action to unlock business investment, deliver an internationally competitive business environment and seize high growth opportunities can help ignite the economy.”

Lee Bloomfield, the chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has criticised the government for failing to include a firm commitment in the King’s Speech to build more new affordable homes.

In a statement, he said that the speech is written by Ministers but delivered by King Charles and highlights that taking homeless people off the streets was not a priority for Ministers after Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s description of homelessness as a “lifestyle choice.”

Roger Mortlock, Chief Executive at CPRE, emphasized the urgent need for enhanced action to combat the climate emergency, stressing the promotion of rooftop solar to safeguard the

countryside. He advocated moving away from fossil fuels, stating that easing oil and gas extraction won't impact bills or energy security.

Mortlock highlighted the vital importance of involving communities in new electricity infrastructure construction to protect landscapes. He expressed concern that implementing new infrastructure, including battery storage and pylons, might endanger scenic areas. Urging the government to reconsider, Mortlock emphasized prioritizing community and landscape considerations in planning new infrastructure.

Mark Littlewood, Director General of the free market think tank, the Institute of Economic Affairs, said, “The King’s Speech was an opportunity to reset the agenda, yet has proven little more than heavy on intervention, light on liberalisation. While the government promised to ‘make long-term decisions to change this country for the better’, these announcements risk perpetuating Britain’s nitpicky overregulation, high tax, and low growth economic model.”

Dr Anandadeep Mandal, Department of Finance in Birmingham Business School at the University of Birmingham said that it’s possible for a well-structured bill to strike the right balance.

He said, “A UK bill to reform the housing market can affect both the rental and purchase markets simultaneously through a range of measures. It can enhance affordability in the rental market by introducing rent controls or stabilization policies, protecting tenant rights, and promoting the development of cost-effective rental housing.

“In the purchase market, the bill can simplify entry into homeownership by offering incentives to first-time buyers, supporting affordable housing projects, and reforming leasehold arrangements to lower costs for leaseholders. In summary, a well-structured bill can strike a balance, catering to the requirements of both markets and tackling concerns related to affordability and accessibility for renters and potential homeowners.”

Ministers propose a "disguised" pay increase for senior doctors King Charles III

small group of demonstrators at the base of Kimathi's monument in Nairobi. Juliet Wanjira from the Mathare Social Justice Center demanded the return of land under British control to the Kenyan people and also called for the end of the British military training mission in Kenya.

Responses to the king's statement were diverse; President William Ruto diplomatically acknowledged Charles's "courage and readiness to shed light on uncomfortable truths" while condemning Britain's brutal suppression of Kenya's freedom movement as "monstrous in its cruelty."

A breakthrough in the ongoing NHS disputes may be on the horizon as ministers have proposed a "disguised" pay increase for senior doctors. This development marks the first clear sign of progress in resolving the disputes that have disrupted the NHS. Talks with consultants have taken a positive turn, leading to growing optimism about reaching an agreement.

Although discussions are described as going "really, really well," there is still a significant financial gap to bridge, and an immediate breakthrough is not guaranteed. Consultants have been engaged in industrial action over a 6% pay rise offer, demanding raises that keep up with inflation. Negotiations began earnestly last week, with ministers now

acknowledging the need to offer more to end the disputes. The Health Secretary, Steve Barclay, has ruled out a headline pay rise but is open to increasing other aspects of consultants' contracts, such as "clinical impact awards" and payments linked to working unsocial hours or productivity improvements.

This approach aims to provide the British Medical Association (BMA) with more for its members while allowing ministers to claim concessions related to productivity. The deal, described as a "disguised" pay increase, also seeks to mitigate potential backlash from staff like nurses, who accepted a 5% pay rise while doctors continued striking for more generous settlements.

Resolving the dispute with consultants is critical for the NHS, as strikes by senior doctors disrupt routine care and leave no prospects for cover. It would also isolate junior doctors, who are pursuing a more rigid stance, demanding a 35% pay increase.

Talks with junior doctors are less advanced but reportedly making progress.

NHS leaders argue that the costs of satisfying doctors' demands must be weighed against the expenses incurred during strikes, including inflated overtime payments and difficulties in addressing the backlog of patients. Both sides are cautiously optimistic about reaching an agreement that can put an end to the ongoing disputes, and further negotiations are planned.

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Overlooked narratives of sacrifice in World War Remembrance Day marks the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. Parades and services on November 11 will honour those who served and fell for their country.

As the world remembers the martyred heroes, the contribution of the Indian Army to World War I and World War II is often underrepresented in mainstream historical narratives. The immense contributions and sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, particularly during World War I, are not always given the attention they deserve.

During both World Wars, millions of soldiers from the Indian subcontinent fought on various fronts. They were involved in critical battles and played a significant role in both conflicts, particularly on the Western Front in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Over 1.5 million soldiers from the Indian Subcontinent participated in World War I, engaging in major war theatres. Their valour earned them 11 Victoria Crosses, 5 Military Crosses, 973 Indian Order of Merit, and 3130 Indian Distinguished Service Medals during WWI. Additionally, 12 Cavalry Regiments, 13 Infantry Regiments, and several other units participated in the 13 Campaigns of World War I. As we approach the day of acknowledging the brave soldiers in the World War, Asian Voice tries to shed light to the role of Indian Army in the war.

The importance of highlighting South Asian stories of sacrifice Shalina Patel, a historian,

have been today. This is a very important day when we also remember the soldiers of the Commonwealth who came voluntarily to fight for the word freedom. “ Lord Navnit Dholakia PC,OBE, DL said, “Whatever

Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty buying Poppy

the war's outset. Contrary to the assumed few thousand participants, historical records indicate approximately 74,000 Indian soldiers lost their lives, a contribution often overlooked.

Shalina addresses the common belief that Remembrance Day doesn't adequately acknowledge the South Asian diaspora's contributions in World War I and World War II. She emphasizes the essential role played by men and women, including those on the homefront.

This perception arises due to the lack of representation or acknowledgment in ceremonies, perpetuated by insufficient recognition and absence of relatable figures.

Shalina advocates for a more inclusive education system, highlighting the need for broader representation beyond stories like Ganga Singh's journey from India to France.

The stories of Indians in the World War need to be highlighted in order for them to embrace the significance of Remembrance.

Shalina highly recommend the book "For King and Another Country" by Shrabani Basu for anyone interested in learning more about the exceptional account of Indian soldiers during World War I. Nandini Das, who

Shalina Patel

teacher and writer, is one of the leading figures decolonising the history curriculum in the UK. Speaking to Asian Voice about Remembrance Day, she shares how she usually wears two pins on her lanyard: the poppy pin and the marigold pin. She explains this choice“I believe wearing both is my way of paying homage.

While the poppy signifies remembrance, it may not wholly represent us as it should. I see the marigold as a more fitting symbol of our remembrance.”

She imparts knowledge on the significant role of the Indian Army, spanning present-day Bangladesh, Pakistan, Burma, and other regions pre-partition, in World War I. She highlights the commonly underestimated involvement of over 1.3 million Indian soldiers at

Nandini Das

recently won the prestigious British Academy Book Prize for “Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire” shared her opinion, stating“Money and resources drained out of India to support and fuel war endeavours halfway across the world.

There was individual heroism and recognition, but also terrible, avoidable loss of lives. Statistics is seductive: it is tempting to think in terms of large numbers and large historical events and forget the individual lives involved, with their small, everyday hopes, fears, and dreams.

Perhaps Remembrance Day is also an opportunity to acknowledge the latter.

Fragmentary, inconsistent, often difficult to trace, they

are a necessary reminder of the human cost of war.”

Leaders reflect on the importance of Remembrance Day Virendra Sharma, MP from Ealing Southall

Lord Navnit Dholakia PC,OBE, DL

Virendra Sharma

our views about world wars, we cannot forget the sacrifices made by commonwealth citizens towards this end. We bow our heads to them and vow never to forget their contributions for protecting our democratic values. Long May they be remembered for this contribution.”

Krupesh Hirani, the

expressed, “Service is important to everyone, and I am proud to lay a wreath each year in Ealing Southall at the war memorial, joined by hundreds from our community paying their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Lord Dolar Popat said,

Lord Dolar Popat

“For the Indian and South Asian diaspora, it reminds us of the remarkable contributions our ancestors made to the British army during times of conflict. Their sacrifices, bravery, and unwavering commitment to defending freedom and justice should never be forgotten.

Cllr Ameet Jogia and I will be laying a wreath at Harrow Memorial to pay our respect.

Lest we forget.”

Lord Rami Ranger CBE

Lord Rami Ranger CBE

said, “As a grateful nation, we must remember those who sacrificed so much, paid the ultimate price for our freedom and helped preserve our way of life.

“I shudder to think if we had not come together as one, how our world would

Krupesh Hirani

London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow said, “Remembrance Sunday is quite rightly a day of reflection to remember the sacrifices made by so many. In my role as London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, I often meet members of the Indian diaspora in my area who have a relative who served. It is my responsibility to ensure that their relative’s contribution to the defence of our nation’s liberty is not only not forgotten but celebrated.”

Gurdaspur woman murdered in the UK, husband arrested Mehak Sharma, a 19-year-old girl who recently moved to the UK from India, has been tragically identified as the victim of a fatal stabbing.

Her life was cut short when she was found dead at a property on Ash Tree Way, Croydon, on October 29.

Her husband, Sahil Sharma, 23, has been charged with her murder.

Details surrounding her murder have prompted her relatives to speak out, with claims that her husband had repeatedly threatened her with dire consequences leading up to the tragic event.

They assert that on that fateful Sunday, her husband carried out the heinous act.

Mehak, hailing from Jogi Cheema village in India, was married to Sahil Sharma on June 24 the previous year, who followed her to the UK

Mahek Sharma

on a spouse visa. She had left for the UK five months after their marriage to work as a caretaker with Fabulous Homecare Limited, a home care provider in Croydon.

The family has reached out to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to arrange for her body to be brought back to India from the UK, marking a sombre end to a life filled with aspirations and dreams.

Senior lawyers criticise handling of Sikh activist's case in India The UK minister’s assertions that a British man, Jagtar Singh Johal, detained in India will face a fair trial contradict the stark evidence of his arbitrary detention and torture, as cautioned by three legal experts. Ken MacDonald KC, Elish Angiolini KC, and Jim Wallace KC penned a letter to UK Foreign Office minister Lord Ahmad challenging his statements assuring "due process" for the British citizen held in India.

The former senior legal figures highlighted that a trial can't be deemed fair if tainted by torture, or if charges stem from political

motivations, suppressing freedom of expression. Johal, a Sikh activist from Scotland, was abducted in 2017 during his visit to India for his wedding. He was seized by plainclothes officers in front of his wife, subjected to torture, and detained, allegedly due to information from UK intelligence sources, as per the Reprieve campaign group.

The legal experts' intervention underlines the concern regarding Johal's case, emphasizing the critical need for justice and fairness, particularly concerning issues of torture and politically motivated charges.

UK’s Israel-Hamas protest situation matter of concern A heated dispute has broken out regarding a proPalestinian march scheduled in London on Armistice Day. Rishi Sunak has expressed concerns, stating that the event poses a "clear and present risk" to the Cenotaph and other war memorials.

While the demonstration's organisers claim they have no intention of approaching the Cenotaph, the Prime Minister has tasked Home Secretary Suella Braverman with aiding the Metropolitan Police in safeguarding the sanctity

of Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

In a message posted on X, previously referred to as Twitter, Mr Sunak expressed his thoughts: “To plan protests on Armistice Day is provocative and disrespectful, and there is a clear and present risk that

the Cenotaph and other war memorials could be desecrated, something that would be an affront to the British public and the values we stand for.

“The right to remember, in peace and dignity, those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for those freedoms must be protected.”

Just this last Saturday, Scotland Yard arrested a minimum of 29 individuals on charges related to breaching the Terrorist Act, inciting racial hatred, and disregarding dispersal orders following a pro-Palestinian demonstration in London.

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After successful shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Seven Dials Playhouse, Want the Moon Theatre is set to premiere its touching and perceptive family drama, “Passing”, at Park Theatre.

Celebrating Diwali, Passing is a warm-hearted comedy set in a single room, delving into Indian family heritage and the journey of self-acceptance. The narrative follows Rachel, a young biracial woman navigating a sense of detachment from her roots. Through Rachel's story, Passing sheds light on the contemporary biracial experience. The play will be performed from November 1 to November 25.

In an interview with Asian Voice, writer Dan Sarren talks about the play, its inspiration and the intricacies behind it. an you tell us about the inspiration behind your one-room comedy play? What motivated you to explore Indian family? the piece Initially, stemmed from my connection to my Indian heritage and my eagerness to learn more about unfamiliar aspects. I aimed to portray how a family encountering Indian culture and the Diwali festival for the first time might feel. I wanted to explore how their British

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Credit- Matt Martin

Anusha Singh

Credit- Want the Moon Theatre

Passing: A quest for self-acceptance within Indian roots

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Dan Sarren

Poster featuring Amy-Leigh Hickman

identity and the pressure of time affected this experience. The play also delves into the challenges of being biracial, a theme I hadn't seen explored before. These personal themes felt crucial for biracial individuals like myself, as I noticed their absence in current theatre representation. I wrote this play for individuals sharing similar emotions, as a way to address these unexplored feelings. an you share moments from the play that highlight the cultural and family dynamics?

There are a few scenes which focus on familiar staples of a family gathering, such as when the characters decide it would be a good idea to play a board game. I

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really enjoyed writing a scene in which the group’s attention is pulled in multiple directions whilst trying to focus on a game, and the conflict sparks as a result. hat role does the oneroom setting play in creating a unique atmosphere?

The one-room setting and the one-day time period of the play really add to the sense of intimacy and naturalism, which I think the audience will connect with. I was particularly interested in experimenting with how much conflict and tension could be achieved between the family members without anyone actually leaving for good. That’s the special and relatable thing about family gatherings, things can get

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heated and argumentative, and even go drastically wrong, but people will somehow still be drawn back together into polite conversation and perhaps enforced enjoyment. That’s how these types of celebratory events work, particularly in the UK. ow do the characters in your play represent the different aspects of Indian family heritage, while contributing to the comedic elements?

Different characters relate to the Indian side of their heritage in different ways. The central conflict comes from the protagonist, Rachel’s frustration with her father for his failure to teach them about Indian culture and their heritage. So there’s inevitable opposition from other characters when Rachel is telling them how they need to dress and what they should be doing, because they’re not used to the festival or the culture.

It’s all played comically, find-

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ing humour in that reluctance and the clash of stubborn personalities. ould you describe some of the cultural and generational conflicts that arise in the play, and how they contribute to the characters' personal growth?

There is definitely a clash between the younger generation and their parents in the play, which mostly arises from how and in what era each of them have been raised. The older characters were born in a different time, and they have an oldfashioned view on things explored in the play like discrimination, which juxtaposes the younger people’s modern sensibilities. I think each of the characters has something to learn by listening to others’ experiences and so there’s no right answer, no correct point of view. ow do you balance comedy and the exploration of self-acceptance and cultural heritage? How do you think audiences from various backgrounds will relate?

The comedy in the play is tied into the naturalistic dialogue which comes from group scenes, with characters sparking off each other and reacting. It’s something I’ve really enjoyed playing withfinding those

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moments of humour even in the tough, dramatic scenes in which the characters are voicing or confronting important thoughts.

Although this is a story about a biracial person of Indian and white heritage, I think it’s going to be relatable for a lot of dual-heritage people who feel caught between two sides. Anyone who has experienced their heritage and culture being lost through the generations and the sadness of it, will also relate. hat message or takeaway do you hope the audience will have after experiencing your play?

Hopefully, the audiences will come away with something to think about around the themes of biracial identity, but part of what we’re trying to say with the piece is that there are no easy solutions to the questions being raised. There are a lot more discussions to have and hopefully more and more plays will start exploring the modern biracial experience.

I hope audiences come away thinking about heritage, race and identity, but that the play provides a starting point for anyone who has not considered these themes from a biracial perspective. Mostly though, I hope they find it enjoyable, relatable and entertaining to watch this family chaos unfold.

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Narendra Modi is steering India towards progress Even while residing in London, I rely on Gujarati News to stay informed about all the significant happenings in India, particularly in Gujarat. In the previous issue, I was delighted to read the coverage of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Gujarat. The PM is indeed leading the nation towards progress while also safeguarding our cultural heritage.

Under the leadership of PM Modi, the centuries-old Ram Mandir issue has been successfully resolved, and the construction of the Ram Mandir has advanced swiftly, culminating in the Prana Pratishtha on January 22nd. His visit to Gujarat commenced with a reverent gesture at Maa Amba's feet, where he also placed the world's largest Shriyantra.

In his effort to boost people's income, he enhanced the railway system to appeal to both global and Indian tourists.

Several green initiatives, including projects in Ektanagar, a visitors centre, Kamalam Park, live streaming of Narmada Aarti, a walkway, and a heritage train, were established for the convenience of tourists. In addition to these endeavours, development works in the water resources and supply departments, as well as road and building projects, were also concluded and initiated. This vision of PM Modi is bound to draw tourists and serve as a catalyst for local job creation.

Ishwarbhai Patel

The price of onions in India has increased considerably. As a matter of fact, the existing rate has brought tears to the eyes of consumers all over the country. Onions are an important food item, and people have been hard hit due to the present inflationary prices.

The state government has to consider the difficulties of citizens and initiate appropriate favourable steps in order to provide onions at a subsidised rate through its outlets. The onion is widely seen as the poor man's vegetable. It is the staple food of the common man and has seen a steep rise in the country in the last few weeks. This is because of hoarding and the black sale. The price rise has resulted in kitchen grievances for the majority of households, as the price is too high for them to afford.

Onions are needed by us daily, not only for cooking but also for making salads, poha, bhajiyas, and burji. It is also needed for garnishing raitas. This inflation has made the life of the common man very difficult. The worst hit are the fixed-income groups like salaried people, the labour class, and the pensioners. For them, even the commodities of basic necessities like rice, wheat, sugar, pulses, and vegetables are getting out of reach. Every increase in price disturbs their budget.

The government must control inflation and do something to bring down the price of onions so as to provide relief to the common man.

Charity begins at home I was indeed surprised at the tough attitude our Home Secretary, MP Suella Braveman, has taken towards the rough sleepers, destitute, and misfit people we come across practically every day. However, I feel it is a wrong attitude to put them in a single basket and deduce, conclude that most of these rough sleepers are there out of choice rather than compulsion.

A few years back, I used to accompany our friends, who were delivering some thirty food bags with other necessities, such as blankets and warm clothes, once a month to rough sleepers we usually found congregating under the bridge, even in parks and tubes, railway stations if not locked, in shop entrances after shops were closed and disappearing before shops were open.

Most of them became rough sleepers out of misfortune rather than deliberate act, when their marriages break down, lose their jobs, and they become homeless due to being unable to pay their rent but mostly their mortgages.

Some who come from affluent backgrounds and have their parents and other relatives do move with them until they can stand on their own two feet. But in such a scenario, helpful relatives are more often in our imagination than in reality at ground level, as we all love our independence and sharing our accommodation is the least of our worries, especially when children are involved.

Most of these people are not work-shy but rather assiduous. They are honest, decent, hard-working, but not streetwise, who could demand, fight for their rights, go to Social Security, and live on benefits, although most are entitled to at least some of the benefits that could stop them from becoming destitute, rough sleepers. Their average age is just under 45, less than half of the well-to-do people!

That is why some of our charity workers are annoyed and angry, as these people are forgotten and left to their own devices while refugees, boat people, and economic migrants who come here illegally are provided with hotel accommodation until they can be housed properly. What a sharp difference! Charity never begins at home for our outof-touch politicians who live in their “Ivory Tower” with the bridge raised, providing them with complete peace and security!

The gap between rich and poor has never been so great, and it is increasing day by day, year by year, and nobody cares! So when you retire at night into your soft, comfortable beds, please think of these unfortunate rough sleepers who deserve our thoughtfulness rather than contempt or despise!

Bhupendra M Gandhi

Diwali at Trafalgar Square I was present at the official Diwali celebrations organised by London Mayor Sadiq Khan at Trafalgar Square on Sunday, October 29. Dancers in colourful attire took centre stage with their captivating performance. The event showcased a stunning array of cultural performances by artists hailing from the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities.

After a considerable period of time, the Indian community came together on a grand scale, creating a sense of being in a foreign land. Activities such as dance workshops for children, yoga and meditation sessions, Ramayana puppet shows, Soho Theatre comedy performances, and numerous stalls displaying depictions of gods and goddesses were not only captivating but also offered an immersive experience of Indian culture. The event was well-received not only by locals but also by Indian Muslims who savoured Indian vegetarian cuisine at the South Asian food stalls.

Bhargav lakhlani

KAPIL’S

Onions are making us cry

Jubel D'Cruz

End terrorism and war Factors like disturbed surroundings, animosity with neighbours, and long-standing conflict are the root causes of the terror menace and radical or extreme actions.

People and countries all over the world are facing profound difficulties. The lack of vision, the missing farsighted actions, the scarcity of great minds, and the dearth of understanding and relationships have led to the conflict and animosity that have long been raging across the world.

Economic slumps, unemployment, unstable lives, and uneven growth have turned out to be bigger issues. The leaders of the various countries should understand these chronic issues and take urgent steps to resolve them.

Above all, the countries in the world should bury their differences of opinion and come together to jointly fight the terror menace and avoid war tactics through proper strategies and technology.

It is time to walk towards a world of peace and prosperity.

P Senthil Saravana Durai

Hope ChatGpt AI doesn’t make us devil “Khaali Dimag shaitan ka ghar hai” (empty mind is the devil’s workshop). What took 10 hours is done in 1 minute with artificial intelligence. But nature abhors vacuums. Let us make sure we don’t become shaitans or devils with extra energy and in the remaining extra time of 9 hours and 59 minutes. Freedom without discipline is a country without defence.

TS Karthik

New hotline aims to get long-term sick back to work Government officials are currently developing plans for a telephone hotline, akin to the "111-style" NHS service, aimed at providing support to the more than 2.5 million individuals classified as long-term sick in order to encourage their return to the workforce. This initiative is part of a larger set of measures to be revealed in the upcoming Autumn Statement, with the primary objective of addressing economic inactivity.

Long-term sickness has been a significant factor contributing to the increasing number of individuals who are unable to participate in the job market. Therefore, a key focus of the forthcoming statement will be on reducing the number of people who are declared unfit for work and subsequently drop out of the workforce. Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride, alongside Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, are considering strategies to motivate individuals to make changes that would enable them to remain employed.

In addition to these efforts, the Chancellor has expressed his intent to further strengthen benefit sanctions in the upcoming statement, though specific details are yet to be announced. Simultaneously, the government is working to reduce the cost of welfare benefits by stemming the flow of 100,000 workers leaving the labor force each year.

According to data from the Office for National Statistics as of July 2023, 2.6 million of the 8.7 million economically inactive individuals in the UK cited long-term sickness as their reason for economic inactivity.

Kapil Dudakia

KHICHADI

Starmer:To be commended?

The Home Secretary Suella Braverman put the cat amongst the pigeons when she described themarches as ‘hate marches’. For most sane people it was easy to see why she used those words. When we witness such marches on our streets, it becomes clear that most peoplehad gathered to vent their hatred orgrind their own personal axe against the government, or in their ignorance jumped on a bandwagon of convenience.

Can you imagine, we even saw members of the LBGTQ+ community joining these marches. How ironic because if they were in Palestine, they would be executed under Sharia Law. They were joined by people of faith and others. Again, under Sharia all of them would be classified as ‘kaffir’ and would be forcefully converted, and if that did not work, they would be killed, and if youhappen to be a woman, turned into a sex slave.It was incredible to see thousands marching, almost begging to be abused and exploited by the people who strive to enforce Sharia not just in Gaza, but right across the world.

Interestingly, the marchers had every kind of placard, poster and banner demanding a ‘ceasefire’ and to free ‘Palestine from the river to the sea’. I did not see even one that denounced the Hamas terrorists. How can thousands march and demand the demise of the whole Jewish community, and not once denounce Hamas? No wonder it was called a hate march.

So when the leader of the Labour Party followed the lead of PM Rishi Sunak and refused to demand a ceasefire, all hell broke loose within the Labour Party, and those on the left.

There is one simple reason why a ceasefire is futile, since even with it, Hamas would regroup and continue their attacks on Israel. In essence, Hamas would continue to attack Israel and all Jews until, and in their own words, the nation of Israel was destroyed, and they hadexterminated every Jew. Now pray tell me, how on earth can any sane person believe that a ceasefire would work? Hamas have not even bothered to do the one simple task that only they control, namely releasing all hostages without any conditions. Not surprising given Hamas uses its own people as hostages to hide behind.

It’s now one month since the first attack by Palestinian Hamas terrorists on Israel, and so far, both our main political parties have refused to seek a ceasefire. This has changed the narrative for Keir. The question to be asked is, should we commend Keir for his position? Or are there other factors we should consider as well?

This week we finally saw a few Muslim Labour councillors resigning in protest at the stance taken by their leader. As far as I know, not one Muslim Labour MP as resigned. A few have made noises of discontent, but not one has had the spine to resign from the Labour Party.

Telling.

I commend Keir since he finally found the confidence to call out the bluff of the Muslim community.

They now have nowhere else to go. They won’t vote for the Tories. A vote for LibDems is wasted. Their only path to some sort of resolution rests with them joining hands with Jeremy Corbyn and ask him to float a centre left party that attracts Corbynites, the Militant Tendency, Extinction Rebellion, CND, militant Unions, and others.

If they do, and Muslims leave Labour in large numbers, then it’s possible for them to teach Labour a lesson of a lifetime. It might even mean that they accept Tories winning again. Maybe a small price to pay to securetheir bigger prize, to take control of Labour should it lose in 2024. Because if Keir wins, then we can safely say the far left and the Muslim community will be totally under his thumb (not a bad thing).

As it stands, Keir and Labour are some 20% ahead of the Tories and they will win the next election. Only theinternal chaos within Labour can bring it down, or if Rishi and the Tories find that silver bullet to bring their foes down.

I commend Keir for his strategic decision to alienatethe lunatics on the left. It seems Tony Blair 2.0 is finally rising (but without the charisma!). However, Labour – the political party has not changed. It’s fundamentals of antisemitism, anti-Israel, anti-India, and anti-Hindu sentiments still thrives, and it affects its foreign policy with both these nations. Keir has taken a leaf out of Kapil’s Khichadi in his recent decision making, maybe he needs to take a few more leaf’s to truly shed the Labour Party of its corrosive image. A good start Keir,but I need to see substantive evidence of change before Labour can be trusted again.

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Meet South Asian Supernovas South Asian Supernovas, a new organisation passionate about improving outcomes of breast cancer in the South Asian community, has created an awareness campaign to increase awareness of self-checking, routine screening and signs and symptoms of breast cancer within the South Asian community.

South Asians are the largest ethnic minority in the UK and have the lowest awareness of breast cancer signs and symptoms and have the lowest rate of selfchecking and attending routine screening appointments, such as mammograms. Research from Estee Lauder Companies shows that over 40% of South Asian women do not check their breasts regularly.

Toral Shah and Kreena Dhiman, co-founders of South Asian Supernovas were both diagnosed with breast cancer at a much younger age, 29 and 33 respectively, and know firsthand how important it is to know your normal and to self-check. Both found their breast cancer by being aware of their breasts, self-checking and recognising that their symptoms weren’t normal. Whilst Kreena had an inverted nipple and Toral had a distinct lump, both underwent mastectomies with reconstruction and have lasting impacts from having a cancer diagnosis at a younger age.

They spoke to Asian Voice about it: hat is the first sign of breast cancer that people miss?

Most people think they are self-checking to look for cancer, but in reality, we need to self-check to know our normal so that we notice any unusual changes and ask for help as soon as possible from a medical professional. Whilst people think that a lump is the only sign of breast cancer, we should be looking for lumps along with • A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling • A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed • A nipple change, for example, it has become

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The largest ethnic minority community in the UK has the lowest awareness of breast cancer signs and symptoms.

Toral and Kreena

pulled in (inverted) • Rash or crusting around the nipple • Unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple • Changes in the size or shape of the breast hat was yours and how did you deal with it?

Kreena: I noticed that my nipple was inverted but had no idea that this was a sign of breast cancer. There was a lump which I couldn’t initially feel. I ignored her symptoms for a few weeks, and eventually visited her GP after my husband pushed me to. My concerns were dismissed several times as I was believed to be at low risk of breast cancer due to my age and not being a smoker, drinker or overweight.

Toral - I noticed my large square lump when self-checking which I did regularly, as my mother and maternal aunt had breast cancer along with many of her mother’s cousins. Like Kreena, I was dismissed by her GP for an urgent cancer referral due to my age despite there being a strong family history. My mother worked in the NHS and managed to expedite her referral through her hospital connections. ow can we educate South Asian families to help someone diagnosed with this condition?

Kreena and Toral: Firstly, our community is diagnosed later due to a lack of awareness, self-checking and attendance to routine screening so we are trying to ensure that anyone who finds the campaign, understands how important early diagnosis is. Early diagnosis means that you are more likely to have curative treatment and a better outcome.

We know how lonely and isolating it can be to receive

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a breast cancer diagnosis.

Our community tends to react in 2 different ways; some people are treated as outcasts for having received a cancer diagnosis, and others feel smothered and burdened by myths and home remedies. In isolation, neither of these are helpful but there are ways in which we can support someone diagnosed with breast cancer effectively. We know that we have a loving and caring community that wants to help, but we need to ensure that patients receive support in the way they need rather than what others think they need. The easiest way to support someone who is diagnosed with breast cancer is to ask them what they need and not make assumptions. It doesn’t have to be anything huge but simple things like offering to cook and help with chores, or keeping them company at appointments. They don’t need toxic positivity. hat does conquering a disease like this teach you about life?

Kreena : It stopped me from living a life I had been conditioned to believe was successful and to lean into a life that fulfils me beyond the amount of money I have in the bank. Breast cancer taught me to accept my adversity, surrender to the greater picture and find the fortitude to chase my dreams. It gave me the strength to shatter the glass ceilings that so often crush our community. It was breaking those ceilings that brought me my four miracle babies and gave me the courage to find Motherhood through surrogacy and egg donation.

Toral: Life can be short so you need to go out and live life to the utmost. You also realise that you are resilient and tenacious and can overcome all sorts of barriers, and achieve anything you put your mind to.

It’s also made me realise that not everyone in our community will understand or be able to provide empathy so you need to ensure you have a few trusted people to support you and give you the love, support and empathy that you need.

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UK working mothers twice as likely to consider quitting over childcare costs Research commissioned by the Fawcett Society and Totaljobs surveyed 3,000 parents with young children, highlighting the overwhelming burden faced by working mothers in juggling childcare and careers.

The study uncovered that significantly more new mothers than fathers are contemplating leaving their

jobs due to these challenges.

The report revealed that nearly one in five (19%) mothers of young children have considered exiting the workforce, either temporarily or permanently, to manage the demands of childcare and work. In contrast, one in 10 fathers have faced similar considera-

tions. Childcare costs have surged, making it harder for parents to balance office work, with 30% of mothers and 17% of fathers struggling to secure flexible work arrangements. Additionally, the study showed that the career progress of 34% of mothers and 22% of fathers had been impeded by their childcare responsibilities.

'Repurposed' NHS drug to aid thousands of women Tens of thousands more women at increased risk of breast cancer could now benefit from a proven riskreducing drug on the NHS, after it was licensed in a new use to help prevent the disease.

Anastrozole, which has been used for many years as a breast cancer treatment, has today been licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a preventive option – which it is hoped could help prevent around 2,000 cases of breast cancer in England.

The drug, which is offpatent, has been shown in trials to reduce the incidence of the disease in postmenopausal women at

increased risk of the disease by almost 50%. It was first recommended as a preventive option by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in 2017, however, with the treatment being unlicensed in this use, uptake has remained low.

Thanks to a pioneering Medicines Repurposing Programme led by NHS England, the drug has today been granted a new indication by the MHRA as a preventive option for women at increased risk, including those with a significant family history of the disease.

Around 289,000 women at moderate or high risk of breast cancer could be eligible for the drug, and while not all will choose to take it,

it is estimated that if 25% do, around 2,000 cases of breast cancer could potentially be prevented in England, while saving the NHS around £15 million in treatment costs.

NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, said: “It’s fantastic that this vital riskreducing option could now help thousands of women and their families avoid the distress of a breast cancer diagnosis.

“Allowing more women to live healthier lives, free of breast cancer is truly remarkable, and we hope that licensing anastrozole for a new use today represents the first step to ensuring this risk-reducing option can be accessed by all who could benefit from it.”

Survey reveals positive British view on immigration In a recent academic survey conducted by the European Social Survey, a noteworthy shift in British public sentiment towards immigration has been observed. Over the last two decades, there has been a significant transformation in attitudes, particularly after 2016, marking a positive turnabout.

Respondents were asked to rate, on a scale from one

to ten, the impact of immigration on the economy, cultural life, and overall quality of life in the UK. The latest 2022 survey indicated a notable change, with a majority expressing highly positive opinions about immigration: 59% viewed it as beneficial to the economy, 58% felt it enriched cultural life, and 56% believed it improved the country as a

place to live.

Comparatively, in 2002, only 17% expressed high positivity about immigration's economic benefits, 33% saw it as culturally enriching, and 20% thought it enhanced the UK as a living place (in 2016: 44%, 46%, and 39%). This substantial shift reflects a change in public perception over the years.

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THE LIGHT THAT UNITES US Continued from page 1

Asian Voice has been involved in numerous mental health campaigns and collaborations, notably with Lord Rix, a key figure in the Mencap movement advocating for individuals with learning disabilities.

These examples demonstrate the community's resilience in overcoming challenges.

As the festive season approaches and 2023 draws to a close, mental health remains paramount, especially amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, health emergencies, and social challenges. However, a recent report highlights disparities in accessing NHS mental health services for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic individuals compared to their white counterparts. The report, titled "Ethnic Inequalities in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies," is based on a decade of anonymised patient data from the NHS Talking Therapies program, which aims to improve mental health service access. In 2021-22, over 1.2 million people utilized these services, to assist 1.9 million people in England with anxiety or depression by 2024.

The study reveals that individuals from black and minority ethnic backgrounds were less likely to attend treatment sessions after GP referrals and experienced poorer treatment outcomes, particularly for South Asian individuals. Longer waiting times and reduced referral rates further compound these disparities, with a correlation to areas characterised by higher levels of deprivation and unemployment, particularly among Bangladeshi individuals.

Satwinder Kaur, a lived experience representative, stressed the importance of addressing cultural sensitivities within therapy. While acknowledging the merits of her 12-week program and supportive clinician, she highlighted the need to tackle cultural disconnect, stigma, and trust issues that ethnic minority individuals may encounter during therapy.

Baroness Kate Lampard launched a statutory public inquiry investigating the deaths of up to 2,000 mental health in-patients in NHS Trusts in Essex. The inquiry can now compel NHS staff to provide testimony or face potential arrest. It aims to enhance mental health inpatient care and may extend its terms of reference to include cases until the end of this year. Families of the deceased hope it will bring about change, transparency, and improved services in mental health care settings.

Professor Raghu Raghavan addressed the impact of stigma on South Asian individuals' access to mental health services, underscoring the role of culture in shaping perceptions. Longer wait times and poorer recovery outcomes for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic individuals result from mental health services' neglect of their needs. Language barriers deter South Asian patients from seeking help, necessitating culturally sensitive approaches.

Professor JS Bamrah calls for NHS reforms, targeted funding, cultural competency training, and stigma reduction. Mohammed Sbahuddin

Rafiuddin's mental health campaign aims to empower Asian, African, and ethnic minority communities, advocating for open conversations and awareness.

Alcoholism and mental health issues in the UK's Punjabi Sikh community are on the rise, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate services.

Let go of stigma and shame Addressing this issue, Professor Raghu Raghavan, Professor of Mental Health, De Montfort University told the newsweekly,

Professor Raghu Raghavan

“Stigma and shame are major contributing factors as to why South Asian individuals and families do not access mental health services. South Asians are experiencing the worst outcomes from MH services as they may not to the treatment adhere approaches for a longer period due to the stigma. The side effects of the medication are another issue as they do not get adequate explanations about this from services, and in many cases, they may not seek explanations as they feel they lack the confidence to communicate these matters with mental health professionals.”

Culture plays a pivotal role in shaping how different ethnic groups perceive and experience mental health, says Raghavan.

Longer waiting times and poorer recovery outcomes for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic individuals are linked to mental health services not prioritizing their needs. Many South Asian patients can't effectively express their need for mental health support due to language barriers.

They often seek help only during a crisis when family support becomes insufficient. Raghavan stresses that culturally sensitive approaches are crucial in psychiatric and mental health services, urging service commissioners and professionals to abandon the one-size-fits-all approach in favour of culturally competent and integrative strategies when working with diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Light at the end of the tunnel Professor JS Bamrah, Co-Chair of the Mental Health Advisory Group at the Race and Health Observatory, highlighted key

issues for our readers regarding ethnic inequalities in accessing mental health services. He underscores the lack of cultural awareness within many mental health providers, discouraging individuals from seeking help.

This, coupled with past negative experiences, contributes to a pervasive sense of alienation within ethnic minority Prof.

Bamrah communities. emphasised the need for reforms in the NHS to account for the multicultural nature of society, targeted funding to address mental health disparities, better training for NHS leaders, engagement with community and faith leaders, and cultural competency training for front-line staff. He also stressed the urgency of tackling stigma within these communities. While progress is being made, he believes that open conversations about structural and racial disparities, especially during festive seasons, should not overshadow the challenges faced by low-income families, with a direct link between poverty and mental illness, necessitating support from statutory and voluntary services.

Aspiring lawyer initiates bold mental health campaign for the Asian community Mohammed Sbahuddin Rafiuddin, a resilient trainee lawyer from Watford, has initiated an innovative mental health campaign, urging his community to join the effort. He envisions a

NHS England responds to NICE's draft guidance on hybrid closed loop systems for Type 1 Diabetes Professor Partha Kar, NHS National Speciality advisor for diabetes, expressed enthusiasm regarding NICE's recent recommendation to offer people with type 1 diabetes the option of a hybrid closed-loop system for managing their condition.

He credited this significant development to the diligent efforts of the NHS in continuously

evaluating and testing cutting-edge innovations for the betterment of patients.

Kar highlighted the groundbreaking nature of this technology, noting that while it may seem futuristic, its potential impact on the quality of life and health outcomes for individuals with type 1 diabetes is substantial. He described it as akin to achieving a scientific

"holy grail" – a fully automated system that allows people with type 1 diabetes to lead their lives without the constant concern of monitoring glucose levels or medication management. This breakthrough promises newfound freedom and ease for those managing the condition, marking a remarkable advancement in healthcare and quality of life for patients.

15-year-old sustains critical injuries in an apparent stabbing near a school in Leeds A 15-year-old boy sustained critical injuries in an apparent stabbing near a school in Leeds. The incident occurred on Town Street in Horsforth, close to St Margaret's Primary School, at around 3:00 PM GMT on Tuesday.

West Yorkshire Police have arrested a teenage boy in connection with the incident, and they have established a police

cordon at the scene while ongoing investigations are being carried out.

The head teacher of Horsforth School, located nearby, revealed that the victim was a former student of the school and had been stabbed on St Margaret's Avenue.

In a message to parents, Paul Bell expressed sympathy for the victim's family and the distress this incident

has caused among students and staff who knew the student.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service dispatched multiple response vehicles to the location, and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance remained on-site for approximately an hour. Students from Horsforth School were visibly upset and gathered near the police cordon.

Harrow resident faces fraud allegations in connection with the collapse of the Patisserie Valerie bakery chain A Harrow resident is facing fraud allegations in connection with the collapse of the Patisserie Valerie bakery chain. Nilesh Lad, a 50year-old financial consultant residing on Tenby Avenue, is one of four individuals charged with fraud.

The other three defendants include Christopher Marsh, a former director and chief financial officer of Patisserie Holdings, the company behind Patisserie Valerie, along with his wife, accountant

Dr JS Bamrah

Mohammed Sbahuddin Rafiuddin

world where mental health is a fundamental human right, akin to privacy and a fair trial. Through "Mohammed's Mental Health Campaign," he aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health by promoting open conversations, focusing on awareness and education, especially within Asian, African, and ethnic minority communities. As someone of Kashmiri origin, he recognises the taboos in these communities and seeks to provide representation.

His three-step mental health mission includes empowerment, improved care, education, and awareness, leading to a comprehensive five-point action plan. This plan encompasses ensuring mental well-being for all, increased funding for research and services, public health campaigns, and stigma eradication.

A study by Lancaster University, King's College London,

the University of Liverpool, and Edge Hill University explores the connection between alcohol use and mental health in the UK's minority ethnic groups. The research uncovers varying associations between alcohol and mental health in different ethnic groups, highlighting the need for integrated mental health and alcohol services and culturally appropriate support.

Alcoholism and mental health Alcoholism in the UK's Punjabi Sikh community, long shrouded in stigma, is gradually being unveiled as more people share their experiences and seek assistance.

The UK's alcohol abuse rates have been exacerbated, with 31% of drinkers exceeding recommended limits, according to Drinkaware research. Although data gathering is crucial for addiction services, there's a lack of information on how alcoholism affects ethnic minorities. Official UK statistics don't break down alcoholism by ethnicity, creating a significant knowledge gap. Alcohol Change UK emphasises that problematic alcohol use may be underestimated in Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.

Alcohol problems and mental ill health are closely linked. Research shows that people who drink alcohol are more likely to develop mental health problems. It's also true that people with severe mental illness are more likely to have alcohol problems.

Louise Marsh, and Mr. Marsh's former deputy, financial controller Pritesh Mistry. Their trial is not scheduled until March 2026.

In 2018, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) initiated an investigation into the case, which resulted in the bakery chain's collapse, leaving a £94 million deficit in its accounts in 2019. The four defendants appeared in Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, where they only confirmed their names.

Christopher Marsh (49) and Louise Marsh (55), both from St Albans, Mistry (41) from Leicester, and Lad (50) are all charged with conspiracy to commit fraud.

Additionally, Christopher Marsh, Mistry, and Lad face five counts of fraud by false representation and one charge of creating or supplying an article for fraudulent purposes.

Christopher Marsh also faces an additional charge of making false representations as a company director.

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Nandini Das’ remarkable debut wins British Academy Book Prize Nandini Das' book, 'Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire,' clinched the prestigious British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding—a £25,000 award recognizing exceptional nonfiction works that significantly contribute to public comprehension of diverse world cultures and their interconnectedness.

Hailing from Kolkata and serving as a Professor in the English faculty at the University of Oxford, Das received acclaim for her "remarkable debut." Her work offers a fresh and significant perspective on the genesis of empire by delving into the arrival of Sir Thomas Roe, the first English ambassador in India during the early 17th century. The book reshapes the narrative of Britain and India, departing from a Eurocentric approach, and presents a balanced and captivating account of the interaction between two cultures, highlighting their aspirations, misconceptions, and biases.

When Nandini previously spoke to Asian Voice about her book being shortlisted, she described the inspiration behind the book.

She said, “ I wanted to understand that encounter, and I wanted to understand not just what Roe saw in India, but how and why he responded in certain ways, and how it shaped both Britain and India in the centuries to come.”

“The history of the British in India is often told in proleptic terms, with an eye to what the British Empire was to become in the future, assuming that how that history turned out was always what was meant to be. When I came across Roe’s journal from his embassy, and the accounts of his embassy by other contemporaries and fellow travellers, I was struck by how counter-intuitive that story was in comparison to our understanding of the British Empire in India. I wanted to find out more,” she added.

Reflecting on the win and the challenges She spoke to us post her win and described what the award meant for her personally: “I am both delighted and deeply honoured to have received this award, particularly given that Courting India was chosen from a stellar shortlist of books, from each of which I have learned an enormous amount.

“In a world that is currently at a point of crisis on multiple fronts, global cultural understanding seems an increasingly elusive goal. To think that Courting India may have

Nandini Das

contributed even marginally towards that goal at some level is a wonderful impetus towards my future work.”

About the challenges she faced while writing the book, she said, “Sometimes the challenge that faces historians is the lack of material, but my challenge was just the opposite. I wanted to write an account that attends responsibly and accurately to multiple perspectives, and that meant trying to compare and collate historical documents in multiple languages, European and non-European, as well as paintings and other material evidence.

“Tackling that challenge demanded planning on a scale I had never done before, but it also demanded days, weeks, and months of poring over historical artifacts, only to decide in the end that I could not fit all of them into the narrative.”

Upcoming book to redefine England’s history Nandini’s next book is a new history of sixteenth and seventeenth-century England, written not from the perspective of kings and queens, but that of people moving in and out of the country. Describing the book, she said, “Some of them were voluntary migrants, others who suffered forced displacement. All of them helped to shape and define not just the history of the nation, but through England, the entangled fortunes of many of the nations and peoples across the globe, with whom England came into contact in this period and subsequently. It'll be out with Bloomsbury in spring 2026.”

The award-winning writer suggests that anyone who wants to understand the role played by the East India Company should read William Dalrymple's “The Anarchy”, which offers a thoroughly approachable, yet rigorous account of the Company’s ruthless ascent and its exploitation of post-Mughal India's turmoil. David Veevers's “The Great Defiance: How the World Took on the British Empire” also offers a new take on global responses to British colonialism in its early period.

The added prejudice around Multiple Sclerosis Anusha Singh Trishna Bharadia, a Multiple Sclerosis(MS) patient for approximately 18 years, is a multi-awardwinning patient advocate and engagement consultant. She collaborates with various stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem and life sciences industry to amplify the patient voice across different sectors.

Her accolades include the MS Society Volunteer of the Year 2013, Woman of Achievement (Women of the Year Foundation) 2015, Points of Light Award (UK Prime Minister’s Office) 2018, and Asian Achievers Award “Woman of the Year” 2018. Bharadia owns The Spark Global, a patient engagement consultancy, and holds a position as a visiting lecturer in patient engagement at the Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research at King’s College London University. Additionally, she has received an honorary membership from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (Royal Colleges of Physicians) in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the life sciences industry.

Speaking with Asian Voice, she highlights the intense judgment and misconceptions about her condition within the Asian community, making it difficult for her to openly discuss her mental and physical health challenges. ould you tell us about your experience with MS and its impact on your daily life?

I was diagnosed with MS in 2008 at 28. My initial symptoms began around 2004-2005 and were misdiagnosed as repetitive strain injury. By 2007, I experienced a loss of feeling on one side of my body, leading to a referral to a neurologist. Following various symptoms like fatigue, sensory issues, and poor temperature regulation, I received the MS diagnosis in May 2008.

Since then, I face daily challenges such as pain, muscle spasms, and bladder issues, with fatigue, bladder problems, and temperature regulation being the most impactful. I've adjusted my work, social life, and exercise routines, planning activities around my energy levels and the need for accessible bathrooms. MS significantly influences all aspects of my life, prompting my shift to selfemployment, which allows me to manage my schedule based on my energy levels. hat would you say are the unique challenges you faced as a South Asian woman?

One of my primary challenges revolves around the shift in family roles due to my MS diagnosis.

Expected to care for my parents in South Asian tradition, my illness complicated these norms.

Cultural beliefs around karma added complexity, as some viewed my MS as divine retribution. This created a need to constantly explain and justify, making acceptance difficult.

Additionally, the lack of awareness about MS in the South Asian community posed hurdles.

Explaining the illness in various languages, especially with terms lacking direct translations, added to the struggle. The burden of

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isolation, demanding more energy and causing fatigue. re there any support groups or communities that you found particularly helpful in overcoming all of this isolation?

The MS Society established the Asian MS support group, initiated by two Asians who discovered they were both living with MS and were surprised to find someone else within the South Asian community experiencing the same challenges.

For around 14 years, I've been involved with this group that offers culturally sensitive support for South Asians affected by MS, including individuals with MS, caregivers, family members, or friends of those with MS. The group organises informative webinars, provides peer support, and offers information in various languages, even arranging interpretation services if needed. It serves as a safe space for the South Asian community to come together, addressing the unique challenges faced by those affected by MS. Personally, being part of the Asian MS group has encouraged me to openly discuss my MS, aiming to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and support others in the community. an you share any positive or empowering moments or stories related to your journey?

In 2015, I joined Strictly Come Dancing, seizing the opportunity to raise MS awareness on a large stage and represent Asian individuals affected by this condition.

While more progress is still needed, it sparked conversations and inspired families to discuss living with MS. Speaking at 10 Downing Street, at a reception hosted by Samantha Cameron, was another empowering moment. Post-diagnosis, my advocacy journey has been transformative. Engaging with others, learning, and gaining skills profoundly shaped me.

Despite MS challenges, I pursued my goals, profoundly influencing my personal and professional growth, shaping the individual I am today. hat advice or insights would you offer to others who are living with MS or those who've been affected?

Seeking support from family, organisations like the MS Trust, or local services significantly aids in managing conditions like MS. Avoid comparisons because each journey is unique. Educate yourself about the condition for confident navigation of challenges.

Informed discussions with healthcare providers empower shared decision-making. Even though MS is unpredictable, being part of healthcare decisions offers a sense of control. Abundant support is accessible, so don't handle it alone. Taking the initial step in seeking support makes a remarkable difference.

For more information and support on living with MS visit www.mstrust.org.uk and for information on Asian MS visit https://www.mssociety.org.uk/car e-and-support/emotional-support/ms-support-groups/asian-ms

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Trishna Bharadia

clarifying and justifying my condition, coupled with cultural stigmas and language barriers, made coping with my diagnosis particularly challenging. ow has cultural and societal influences affected your MS journey as a South Asian woman? Is it in any way, easier for men?

Within the South Asian community, cultural norms profoundly impact individuals managing long-term health conditions like MS. Expectations concerning marriage, children, stable employment, and family care become particularly challenging postdiagnosis, influencing the MS experience.

In the South Asian MS community, both men and women encounter arduous circumstances, albeit in differing ways.

Men may encounter more societal acceptance if they leave their spouse post-MS diagnosis, especially if the wife is affected.

Conversely, women face immense pressure from family and in-laws to oversee household and childcare duties, disregarding their health condition.

This strain often leads to concealing an MS diagnosis, fearing social stigma or being labelled unsuitable for marriage. When marriages dissolve due to MSrelated disabilities, it's frequently the woman unable to fulfil societal expectations. n what ways have you personally felt isolated due to the disease?

And how has your culture added specific challenges to experiences of isolation?

Experiencing isolation due to MS has been two-fold. Within the Asian community, a lack of understanding about the condition, particularly its invisible symptoms like fatigue, led to missing crucial family events. This lack of comprehension added to the isolation.

Additionally, the variable nature of MS-related fatigue wasn’t widely understood.

In the MS community, my distinct challenges as a South Asian with MS weren't entirely acknowledged. In discussions among nonAsian members about the cultural responsibility for elderly parents, there was a lack of comprehension. I didn't anticipate them to understand, being a very South Asian concept, but this lack of understanding left me feeling isolated. I wanted to relate to others with MS on these matters.

Changes in my social life, remote interactions, and battling stigma have increased the sense of

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EXPERT RANGOLI TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

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angoli, an art form originating from the Indian subcontinent, involves crafting intricate patterns using materials like powdered lime, rice flour, sand, and flower petals on floors or tabletops.

While commonplace in Hindu homes, its creation is primarily reserved for festivals due to its timeintensive nature.

Celebrated during Diwali, Tihar, Onam, and Pongal, these designs are deeply rooted in Indian Hindu festivals, especially prevalent during Diwali. Passed down through generations, Rangoli designs preserve this tradition, ensuring the art form's continuity and the cultural heritage of the practice.

As the Indian diaspora across the world gears up to celebrate Diwali, acclaimed rangoli artist, Rahul Swami shares some basic tips on how to make a neat and beautiful rangoli for beginners.

BASIC TIPS: 1. Before you actually start filling in and outlining your patterns with the colours, draw an outline with chalk.

2. Use the alternate colour concept so as to attract attention towards your work. The concepts of contrasting or shading can be applied to achieve this.

3. Always fill in the colours before you outline your rangoli. That is how your rangoli will look neat.

4. Use a tea strainer instead of pinching colours between your fingers for even filling in of colours.

5. Cut your own DIY stencil using a newspaper in case you’re unable to draw even shapes.

About Rahul Swami

works as well and makes your work look more put together.

7. When filling in the background, always use darker colours as they help other colours stand out.

When using additional mediums like flowers and diyas:

Rahul Swami, based in Ahmedabad, is a celebrated Rangoli artist with an illustrious career spanning over two decades. His exceptional talent has led to multiple record-breaking achievements. In 2013, his remarkable skills earned him a place in the Limca Book of Records. Notably, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani honoured him as the best Rangoli artist in 2017.

Swami's artistic expertise extends globally and he has collaborated with the Jain Centre, London, for the Pratishtha Mohotsav as well, leaving a profound impact with his work. He has also been recognised by the World Book of Records, London, in 2019.

6. Always add a frame to your rangoli. It isn’t compulsory to fill in the frame. Only an outline

1. Never place the flowers randomly, always make a shape.

2. Layer your rangoli by repeating a shape. If you have a circle filled with colour, you can make the inner and outer circles surrounding it, with flowers.

3. If you are using multiple diyas, place them on the outline of the rangoli, similar to its shape. Within a rangoli, always place a single diya in the centre.

Avoid common mistakes: Never start with borders. Fill in the colour first and then move on to the border. That way you can be a little shabby with the colour-filling and the border will be your saving grace.

Always give time to the border and don’t hurry.

Tracing perfect shapes is what adds that pop to your rangoli.

Always clean the area around your rangoli and your art looks neater.

King and Queen host a reception to mark the 60th anniversary of the Kenyan independence Their Majesties the King and Queen hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, October 24 2023, to mark the 60th anniversary of Kenyan inde-

attended the reception.

Sharing his feelings, after the event, Kamal said, “It was a pleasure to connect with so many leaders from the UK-

Westcombe Group’s Chairman Vraj Pankhania with His Majesty The King

pendence ahead of their State Visit to Kenya.

Westcombe Group’s Chairman Vraj Pankhania and CEO Kamal Pankhania

from the Royal Collection Trust relating to the Royal Family’s long-standing connection with the nation, which included photographs of the then

Westcombe Group’s CEO Kamal Pankhania with His Majesty The King

Kenyan community and even speak to His Majesty himself.”

At the reception, there was a display of items

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip while visiting Kenya, days before Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne in 1952.

Patidar community celebrates Diwali The 5LP Parivar (Panch Gam Leuva Patidar Samaj) is a vibrant community of Patidars originating from five villages: Balisana, Sander, Manud, Valam and Bhandu, situated in Patan and Mahesana, the districts of North Gujarat. The 5LP Parivar plays a pivotal role in preserving its cultural roots, fostering unity among its members, and organising various events and gatherings that celebrate their shared identity and values.

Through a commitment to education and the promotion of cultural traditions, the 5LP Parivar exemplifies the strength and resilience of its community across generations and geographic borders.

A vibrant and joyous get-together was organised for the 5LP community to celebrate Diwali on Friday 03 November 2023. The venue of choice was the Blueroom sports venue in Harrow, London. This gathering showcased the diversity of the 5LP community's

culture, uniting people from various age groups.

During the festivities, there were various games and competitions that catered to everyone's interests. Children, young people, and the elderly joined in for a day filled with fun and laughter. Classic games like musical chairs and Bingo added a touch of nostalgia, while energetic Garba dancing brought the essence of Diwali alive. The colourful and rhythmic dance performances were a highlight, allowing everyone to express their festive spirit through movement and music.

As the evening unfolded,

a delectable dinner party awaited the attendees.

Traditional Diwali dishes and a wide array of delicacies were served, offering a delightful culinary experience that pleased the palate.

We are grateful to the ABPL Group for their dedication to preserving and promoting our mother tongue, Gujarati, by distributing few copies of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice newspapers during our get-together. This initiative encourages us to read in Gujarati, helping us stay connected to our cultural roots, even when we are living far away from our homeland.

Diwali celebrations light up the West Midlands This year’s Diwali celebrations saw the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) organise a vibrant array of events, cultural showcases, and community engagements across the region, highlighted by the attendance of Bollywood icon Preity G Zinta.

The acclaimed actress was joined by Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands for a programme of exciting events over the weekend (Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November) in conjunction with the Consulate General of India.

The festivities commenced on Saturday with a visit by the Mayor and Preity

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands with Bollywood actress Preity G Zinta during the gala dinner at Millennium Point

G Zinta to the Digbeth neighbourhood of central Birmingham, home to Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight’s new Digbeth Loc film studios, the Creative Content Hub at The Bond and a host of film and media

schools.

The visit showcased the city’s potential as a global filmmaking hub and to forge international links and partnerships, not least with the multi-billion-dollar Bollywood film industry.

Sutton played host to a magnificent Ram Leela event In an unprecedented celebration of Indian culture and tradition, Sutton played host to a magnificent Ram Leela event on October 30, 2023. The event took place at the renowned Thomas

ning across London and India, this event marked a turning point in cultural celebrations.

Behind this monumental cultural extravaganza was the dedicated commu-

Paul Scully, the IT Minister of the United Kingdom, and Elliot Colburn, the Member of Parliament representing Carshalton, UK. Adding to the grandeur of the occasion were notable figures such as

Wall Theatre in Sutton and was broadcast to a global audience through live links on YouTube.

With over 35 talented artists, a dedicated team of more than 130 volunteers, and a vast viewership span-

nity group known as Friends of Sutton, which comprises over thousands of Indianorigin families residing in and around Sutton.

The event attracted an array of distinguished guests, including the likes of

Colin Stears, Mayor of Sutton, Sanjay Singh from the Indian High Commission, Sunil Chopra, Former Mayor of Southwark, and Ravi Sharma of Lyca gold.

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Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary and Diwali celebration Salonee Batavia: Spacious Wings Therapies (Part One) Sunetra Senior

S

al offers unique insight into the underrepresented side of contemporary holistic therapy.

Having extensive experience in social work, counselling, and trauma therapy, including hypnotherapy and craniosacral therapy, she professionally delves into the underlying subconscious and beyond. Her burgeoning wellness enterprise, Spacious Wings Therapies, offers the intriguing serSALONEE BATAVIA vice of past-life regression which emphasises the significance of tranrepresent their loved ones and by scendent holistic healing. Creativity, extension areas of conflict from the physicality, intuition, and spirituality terrain of everyday life where the psyare combined to facilitate meaningful chodynamics of these relationships personal growth. “The motto is relax, can be incredibly telling, informing release, relief and transform,” Sal the person who one is today. It makes shared with us. “I want to give people sense that people would benefit from the space for empowering catharsis dealing with their intimate troubles and be transmuted anew. I, myself, viscerally and be granted a sense of have vast knowledge of the human agency in an otherwise chaotic situacondition, having worked with many tion. “I encourage people to interact people who have experienced various with the alternative life that they have types of traumas over the years.” generated and really explore themIndeed, the youngest social worker to qualify on her course that year at just 22 years old, Sal has previously worked with troubled young offenders, dealing directly with challenging mental health issues and the gritty developmental behavioural and social aspects of human psychology. “I have the foundational social and psychological context to really understand the power Salonee Batavia conversing with a client prior to a regression of letting go and how much goes into that. selves. I’ve had people facing their Boundaries are also very important abusive partners in another form, for and this is central to the practice of example, and generally make sense of Spacious Wings Therapies. I am layered trauma. The processing can invested in the overall wellbeing of my even get physical where clients have clients and vet thoroughly so that we experienced their legs being chopped are not entering into a potentially off, or are pulling chords our of their intense session without the appropribody, or even taking their last breath. ate internal groundwork and readiPeople have needed to release the ness for them.” painful energy that simultaneously *** manifests. Sometimes clients comSpacious Wings Therapies begins ment, ‘Did I just make that up? That treatment with an in-depth consultawas emotional and I could feel thing tion, exploring the needs of the client, in my body’, and I say ‘well, we are who is encouraged to be honest and travelling to an incredibly instinctive comfortable before starting their pastplace – way beyond the realm of regulife regression: a session which typilar consciousness – where memories, cally lasts between 2 and a half to power and healing potential lies. Ask three hours. “We will do our best to yourself this again in a few weeks’ get to the heart of the problem in one time and come up with your own sitting but sometimes we may need answer.” more time. If you are handling your To be continued next week... biggest life obstacle, it is, in my opinW: https://www.spaciouswingstheraion, worth the energy!” Indeed, pastpies.com/ life regression is a compelling metaphor for one’s complete and current psychological state. Plunging deep into your past, or hidden self, "We travel to an can paradoxically provide an advanced way of negotiating the funincredibly instinctive damental cause of recurring issues place – way beyond through one’s life in the present.

Accessing the core of one’s character the realm of regular further allows a purely intuitive engagement with the self, galvanising consciousness – where a primary sense of confidence. This is memories, power and via a, perhaps literally, multidimensional approach. Sal shared with us healing potential lies" that clients undergoing the treatment will immersively meet characters on their journey back in time who may

On Sunday 5 November 2023, Vaso Nagrik Mandal, National Association of Patidar Samaj and Karamsad Samaj celebrated Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary and Diwali at the National Association of Patidar Samaj Hall at Tooting Broadway.

The hall was aptly set with Sardar Patel’s portraits and decorations for Diwali.

Pravinbhai Amin, President of National Association of Patidar Samaj and Vaso Nagrik Mandal welcomed all and in his tribute to Sardar Patel narrated story about Sardar’s bravery and how he served as a lawyer with dedication.

Mahendrabhai Patel, President of Karamsad Samaj, Jayraj Bhadranwala from Bhadran Bandhu Samaj and Chairman of Chha Gam Nagrik Mandal, Mukundbhai, President of Dharmaj Society and Jayshree Patel, President of Nadiad Nagrik Mandal and Bhadreshbhai Patel, President

of Sojitra Samaj, garlanded Sardar Patel’s portrait and lit lamps.

Councillor Ravi Govindia CBE, highlighted Sardar Patel’s skilful action as the architect of India.

Truptiben Patel, President of Hindu Forum of Britain, spoke about Sardar Patel’s connection with Sardar Patel University in Gujarat, and described how Hindu Forum of Britain, the largest umbrella body of voluntary organisations served the community in faith

matters.

Cllr Paul White commended the work National Association of Patidar Samaj and all Chha Gam organisations. He also narrated amazing facts about Sardar Patel’s life and his achievements.

Sanjay Kumar, Secretary for Minister of Coordination at the Indian High Commission wished all a Happy Diwali. He also reminded all how Sardar negotiated with princely states to join India after independence.

Conservative Friends of India - Diwali celebration

The Conservative Friends of India Diwali Reception was held at the Taj Hotel, London.

It was attended by Co-Chairs of CFIndia, Cllr Reena Ranger OBE and Ameet Jogia MBE, CFIndia Director, Nayaz Qazi, Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, Conservative Party Chairman, Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, Minister for Security, Rt Hon Nigel Huddleston MP, Minister for International Trade, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Minister for Immigration, Shri Sujit Ghosh, Deputy High Commissioner of India for UK, Rt Hon Priti Patel MP, Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, Lord Dolar Popat, Gagan Mohindra MP and Mr Simmy Sekhon of Sekhon Group among others.

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Sir Keir Starmer celebrates Diwali with the British Asian Trust On Tuesday 31 October, Sir Keir Starmer and members of the Shadow Cabinet, including Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Shadow Minister for International Development Lisa Nandy, joined the British Asian Trust, a charity founded by The King when he was The Prince of Wales, to celebrate Diwali.

The event highlighted some of the British Asian Trust’s achievements including a major Mental Health programme across South Asia and the launch of a $50m Child Opportunity Fund set up to give milSir Keir Starmer, Lord Jitesh Gadhia and Indian High lions of children better opportunities Commissioner HE Vikram Doraiswami lighting a lamp for the future. important than ever that we focus on a posiThe guests included leading British tive future in which we work together across Indians who celebrated as Sir Keir took to communities and faiths. Only by doing so the stage to light a symbolic ‘diya’ candle and will we ensure that everyone, no matter their receive garlands of flowers from children on background, has an opportunity for a peacebehalf of the community. ful, fulfilled and happy life.

During his address, Keir Starmer, leader “Tonight I reiterate my gratitude to the of the Labour Party, said: “On behalf of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities for the Labour Party, I want to give my thanks to the enormous contribution they make to this British Asian Trust for hosting tonight’s great country of ours. Your positive impact is reception to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of felt across so many spheres and sectors, and Lights, a time when we mark the triumph of that your contribution is pursued in accorlight over darkness, of good over evil and of dance with your spiritual convictions, knowledge over ignorance. reflects the powerful message of Diwali.”

“In dark times such as these, it is more

Moore Kingston Smith’s annual Diwali reception appreciates diversity and richness of Indian culture We are witnessing an unbelievable transformation in India; the UK cannot ignore India: Lord Popat Moore Kingston Smith’s annual Diwali reception was an occasion to appreciate the diversity and richness of Indian culture. On 2 November 2023, the reception marked the huge presence of the Indian diaspora recalling the roots, aiming towards a bright future.

Diwali flick fest: Celebrating family togetherness through movies

T

his is the time of the year when families get together in the cosy comfort of their homes to celebrate Diwali, as the amber hues of the festival fill the night sky with the sound of crackling fireworks. However, beneath all of the glitter and flare, there is a custom of storytelling that dates back to the festival

that never ceases to amuse, the movie’s quirky characters and humorous storyline provide a ‘feel good’ experience, ensuring a lively and cheerful atmosphere, much needed for a joyful Diwali celebration.

5. Chupke Chupke (1975): Chupke Chupke is a classic romantic comedy show-

itself. Tales spun on the silver screen weave the magic of Bollywood into the hearts of families and we have curated a list of movies that can kindle the festive spirit in every household: 1. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001): A cosy Diwali watch, "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" is an enduring story of love, acceptance, and healing. A classic film that reflects the essence of family and tradition as the characters travel through a journey of emotions.

2. 3 Idiots (2009): The camaraderie, the laughter, and the life lessons embedded within '3 Idiots' encapsulate the youthful spirit of Diwali. As the trio navigates through the maze of life, their story is a reminder of the enduring bond of friendship and the pursuit of one’s true calling, making it a delightful and thought-provoking watch for the family.

3. Mohabbatein (2000): A romantic and rebellious mix of melodies Mohabbatein perfectly captures the joyful and upbeat vibe of Diwali. The story of the film is both tragic and fascinating, with love challenging longstanding conventions.

4. Andaz Apna Apna (1994): A cult classic

casing stellar performances by Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, and Jaya Bachchan. The humour derived from familiar situations, endearing characters, and timeless music makes it a cherished light-hearted watch.

6. Khubsoorat (1980): A blend of comedy, romance, and family values, the narrative revolves around a young girl altering the stern demeanour of a family matriarch. With performances by stalwarts like Rekha, Ashok Kumar, and Rakesh Roshan, the movie offers a charming take on familial bonds and love.

7. Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006): A brilliant comedy that tells the story of a middle-class family's struggles against a land thief, the film embodies the spirit of good over evil and is reminiscent of Diwali at its core. It does this by blending humour and morality through snappy dialogue and realistic events.

8. Bawarchi (1972): A heartwarming comedy-drama that humorously examines the highs and lows of living as a combined family. It's a great pick for a family movie night.

The family-friendly story goes well with the joyous family get-togethers that occur throughout Diwali.

Deepawali and New Year celebrations at the Anoopam Mission UK Cultural performance to entertain the audience

Sanjay Radia, Sanjay Rughani, Vijay Tanna, Lord Popat, CB Patel, Yatin Kotak

As the main speaker Lord Dolar Popat said, “Diwali is a time of joy, unity and celebration and also looking for light in the darkness.”

He added, “British Indians play a very significant role in the UK. We believe in hard work, education, enterprise, family, faith and values. Roughly about 3 percent of the population contributes to 7 percent of GDP. It’s an amazing success for the community.

The UK is the best country for immigrants, if you come here, work hard, get engaged and take all the opportunities available, success is all yours.”

Lord Popat further said, “Let me now go back to the UK-India trade relationship. We are witnessing an unbelievable transformation in India. Prime Minister Modi is a dynamic great leader. He has connected the rest of the world in investment. He is investing in infrastructure, speeding the process and that’s making a big difference in the Indian economy. We in the UK, cannot ignore India. The same applies to Africa.

“It's time to become Global. Post Brexit we are looking to engage with other countries. We want to engage with the whole world. In the last 40 years, we saw nothing other than the European Union.”

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, CB Patel said, “Happy Diwali to all of you. It’s a time to review, revive and reconnect for all those who came here in the UK from wherever in the world. We should remember the hard efforts, morals and values of our ancestors and try to follow their good steps. As on Diwali, when we are talking of Ram and Ramayana, In today's world, we need a Maryada Purushottam. In the tragedy of violence, we should also remember all those deaths and destruction.”

Vijay Tanna FCCA, Partner, Moore Kingston Smith LLP gave credit to CB Patel for his contribution to Asian and wider society over the past 50 years.

Welcome address was given by Ian Matthews, India team lead partner.

Anoopam Mission UK celebrating Deepawali and Nutan Varsh (new year) this weekend has invited everyone with family and friends to join the festival of light. Mahaprasad will be served throughout the celebration, hosted at The Lea, Western Ave, Denham, Uxbridge UB9 4NA. Shri Laxmi Poojan and Sharda Poojan ceremonies will commence at 6:30 pm, on 10 November Friday. Nutan Varsh celebrations will be on 12 November Sunday. Nutan Varsh Ashirwad and Thal event will be at 11:30 am, first Annakut Aarti will start at

Sahebji

12:30 pm and final Annakut Aarti will be at 5 pm. There will be one Annakut Aarti every hour between 12:30-5 pm.

Diwali celebration by Lions Club London Park Royal The Lions Club London Park Royal hosted a Diwali lunch for carers and their loved ones with dementia at Milmans Day Care Centre in Pinner on Friday 3 November 2023.

The club members donated colouring books, puzzles and messages in a bottle to the centre to support people’s wellbeing.

The Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Ramji Chauhan and District Governor Lesley Spence (in photo) graced the event.

President of The Lions Club London

Park Royal, Manju Parmar donated £101 to the Lord Mayor’s dementia charity and £51 to the District Governor's charity youth project.

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Back to roots for the first time, a girl’s journey to Punjab with her grandparents Anila Dhami just travelled to Punjab for the first time and did a road trip with her grandparents to the villages they grew up in as well as visiting The Golden Temple for the first time.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Dhami said, “I lived with my grandparents in Essex and grew up hearing about their childhoods in India, cultural and religious values, and imagining life through their eyes. So when they told me that they were flying to Punjab Pictured with an item called a 'charka' my greatgrandmother and gran used to make blankets in October, at the ages of 85 and 86, I knew I could not miss the opportunity to see a big part of their world through their eyes. It was a road trip of a lifetime! During my one-week visit, we stayed in the house my gran was Anila with her grandparOriginal shop door that born in, where I Anila with her grandparents at The Golden belonged to her was able to touch ents Tarsaim Dhami and Temple, Amritsar great-grandfather Davinder Dhami and feel items to rest. I felt lucky to be there for that. I belonging to my great-grandparents. Nearby learnt so much on the road as we travelled to was my gran's school, as well as the different villages, met family members, Gurudwara her father had commissioned to peered out the car window at people using be built.” innovative ways to sell items, pit-stopped for “Driving through the fields of rice, we delicious food, and visited historical and arrived at my grandad's childhood home cultural sites.” where the kind owner opened the doors for Anila appreciated how strangers made my grandad to share what the house was like her feel like their own. She said, “When we when he was a boy. He'd married my gran visited my grandfather's school the staff here. Directly next door, I was able to touch offered us a drink. I was moved by the the original shop door that belonged to my importance of family values; shown in the great-grandfather! It is around 100 years old actions of family I barely knew who made now with the original blue paint peeling off, our trips possible. I was surprised by how but the memories are still vivid,” she added. many people said they watched and loved my Talking about the original shop door work. And I was inspired to embrace some that belonged to her great-grandfather, new 'normals' for the week to ultimately Anila said, “We also spent two nights in connect with people, generations and Amritsar at The Golden Temple. To visit The worlds.

Spending time with my Golden Temple - and with my grandparents grandparents and being around their love for - was a dream of mine. Along with family one another was also inspiring. I am 32 and from Punjab, we woke at 3 a.m. to go inside have only just visited Punjab. But it was when Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the central worth the wait to feel the joy thereby seeing holy scripture of Sikhs) is brought inside. As the sun rose, amid the peace, I reflected on through my grandparents' eyes, seeing how how incredible it was to be there. And we far they have come and their family legacy were there after 10 p.m. when Sri Guru which I can now, with my new knowledge, Granth Sahib was carried to a separate room continue.”

Chhath Parv: An age-old festival of renewal C

hhath Parv, also known as Chhath Puja, is a Hindu festival that is primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, as well as in the neighbouring country of Nepal.

The festival is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and his consort, Usha, the goddess of dawn. It is one of the most important festivals for

food and water. The fast concludes in the evening after worshiping Chhathi Maiya.

They break the fast with prasad, including "Rasiao-kheer" (rice cooked in milk), "puris" (deepfried puffs) or chapattis, and bananas. This prasad is shared with family and neighbours, promoting communal sharing and goodwill.

Sandhya Arghya (Evening the people of these regions and holds great Offering)- On the third day, Vrattis continue cultural and religious significance. their fast, abstaining from both food and Four days of celebrations water. This day is dedicated to preparing The festival typically spans four days and "Arghya," puja offerings, which are then is observed with a series of rituals and placed in "Dauri" (a bamboo basket) or ceremonies, often taking place near rivers, "Supa" (fine bamboo sticks). These offerings ponds, or other water include Thekua, Puri, bodies. Some of the key Coconut, Banana, Apple, The sun of the first day aspects of Chhath Parv Orange, and seasonal include: Put the question fruits.

Naha Khay- The first day To the new In the evening, at of Dala Chhath is "Naha manifestation of liferiverbanks or ponds, Khay." On this day, the Vrattis and their loved Who are you?

Vratti observing the fast ones come together for There was no answer. ritually bathes, often in the sunset rituals, offering Years passed by. sacred Ganga River, "Sandhya Arghya" to the The last sun of the last day collecting its holy water to Sun God. Uttered the question make prasad (offerings) at Kosi (Kosiya)- Kosi home. A key part of this on the shore of the western sea Bharna, a radiant and In the hush of eveningprasad is "Lauki-bhaat," a beautiful event during lentil soup with bottle gourd Who are you?

Chhath Puja, follows the and rice.

No answer came again.

Sandhya Arghya at the KharnaDevotees house's courtyard. Kosi maintain an extended day- Rabindranath Tagore involves earthen pots or long fast, refraining from lamps placed under the shade of five or twentyfour sugarcane sticks tied together with yellow cloth. This ritual is also observed at the riverbanks early in the morning before the Morning Arghya.

Bihaniya or Bhorwa Ghat (Morning Arghya)- On the final day, devotees return to gradually. Dementia can impact the riverbank with family and friends to visual perception, so maintain a offer "Bhorwa Arghya" to the rising Sun. brightly lit environment with They then kneel at the ghat to honour distinct colour contrasts. Avoid Chathi Maiya, share "thekua," and return patterns that might cause home. To break their fast, the devotees confusion; for instance, images consume ginger with water. of fruit might be misconstrued The many stories as real, leading to about the parv misunderstanding. Opt for clear Deeply rooted in mythology and and straightforward designs to tradition, Chhath Parv is tied to the worship support individuals living with of the Sun God and its profound significance dementia. in the lives of those in the regions where the Seek out support - Dementia festival holds prominence. affects individuals uniquely, and One prominent legend revolves around what's effective for one person Karna from the Mahabharata, renowned for might not be for another. his charity, especially during Chhath. His Regardless of your devotion to Surya, the Sun God, and his circumstances, Alzheimer’s benevolence during this festival are believed Society offers confidential support and to have led to his immense success and guidance, available year-round, tailored to valour in battle. your specific needs and challenges.

Another tale from the Mahabharata Angelo continues “Including people relates to Draupadi, who observed Chhath with dementia in the Diwali celebrations Parv with unwavering faith in the Sun God, can evoke happy memories and create new playing a pivotal role in the Pandavas' ones, and can really enhance their survival during their period of exile. wellbeing.”

In the Ramayana, Lord Rama, Sita, and Alzheimer’s Society is here for anyone Lakshmana fasted and offered prayers to the affected by dementia. Their support line Sun God after defeating Ravana, a tradition (0333 150 3456) provides a translation for that eventually evolved into modern-day callers who do not have English as their Chhath Parv. language of choice. They also provide a According to another legend, the return number of dementia publications and films of Sita from Lanka saw her observing a fast in other languages, including Punjabi, Urdu and offering prayers to the Sun God, and Hindi. To find out more visit initiating the Chhath Parv tradition as a alzheimers.org.uk gesture of gratitude and a quest for blessings.

Five simple tips for a dementia-friendly Diwali During religious festivals such as Diwali, which are often centred around family, feasting, dancing, and jubilation, it can be challenging to support a loved one dealing with dementia. However, making some considerations when planning these events can ensure inclusivity and a joyous experience for all.

Angelo Makri, Senior Knowledge Officer for Wellbeing at the Alzheimer’s Society, provides guidance for a dementiafriendly Diwali. This advice aims to help individuals ensure that those with dementia can be part of the celebrations and enjoy the occasion.

Create a ‘quiet room’ – Crowded gatherings overwhelm those with dementia. Loud music, fireworks, and conversations cause confusion and anxiety.

A designated 'quiet room' offers a serene space for quality time, ensuring their involvement in celebrations in a peaceful manner with family members.

Plan some Diwali-themed activities – Consider the individual's past Diwali celebrations and inquire if there's something specific they'd like to do this year. Sharing photo albums, playing familiar music, and songs that evoke cherished memories can be a way to reminisce and involve them in the festive

spirit. This approach taps into their nostalgia and allows them to actively participate in ways that feel meaningful and familiar to them.

Celebratory food and drink – Individuals with dementia might require gentle prompts to eat and drink, especially amidst distractions. Offering a small finger buffet with their favourite treats can be more inviting than a large plate of food, which might feel overwhelming. This approach encourages them to snack and enjoy their preferred treats at their own pace.

Decorating for Diwali – When preparing for Diwali decorations or rearrangements, introduce changes

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Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel OBE

The PM hosted a major AI conference. This week I’ll be at Number 10 for Diwali celebrations. So let’s combine AI and one aspect of Diwali – Lakshmiji, or wealth. After all we are a tech savvy and wealthy community. I want to make sure we stay as Asian Voice readers at the forefront of what is going on in finance and tech.

Specifically let’s look at the Rise of AI in stock analysis beyond the hype.

As someone who has navigated the intersections of technology and finance, and who has been at the forefront of utilizing AI in developing sophisticated investing software, I bring a grounded perspective to this discussion.

The proliferation of AI in stock analysis is not just a trend; it's a paradigm shift. With the capacity to process vast datasets and identify patterns imperceptible to the human eye, AI is redefining what it means to be 'informed' in the stock market. Yet, the question remains: can we make more money.

In my experience, the most effective application of AI in stock investing is as an augmentative tool rather than a replacement for human judgment. AI excels at crunching numbers, recognizing trends, and even predicting certain market movements with higher accuracy than traditional models. However, it lacks the nuanced understanding of market psychology and the complex web of geopolitical and economic factors that can cause sudden shifts in investor sentiment.

One of the most compelling applications of AI I have witnessed is in predictive analytics. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, investors can forecast stock performance based on historical data and real-time inputs. Yet, these predictions are only as good as the data fed into them. The adage 'garbage in, garbage out' is particularly salient here. An algorithm can run amok if the input data is biased or incomplete, leading to overconfident and potentially disastrous investment decisions.

What's more, the rise of AI-driven investing tools has democratized access to sophisticated analysis, once the exclusive domain of institutional investors. Retail investors now have at their disposal the same calibre of tools that I have developed, levelling the playing field and introducing a new wave of informed decision-making in the stock market. I’ve been using AI for about a year now in investing decisions. I’ve used it to add to the stocks I’ve picked and double check my decisions in my www.campaignforamillion.com and I am pleased with the results; stocks I had not considered for instance being thrown up

by AI. However, the human element remains irreplaceable.

The contextual intelligence, emotional quotient, and ethical considerations that human investors bring to the table are vital. As such, the most prudent path forward is a symbiotic relationship between AI and human intelligence.

In light of these insights, I welcome your thoughts: - How have you integrated AI into your stock analysis and investing strategies?

- What challenges have you encountered, and how have you mitigated them?

- Can AI maintain its integrity in the face of volatile markets and unprecedented global events?

I encourage you to share your experiences and insights, whether they reinforce or challenge the narrative of AI as a revolutionary force in stock investing. Write in to Asian Voice and let us know. After all, the Prime Minister reads the paper.

Tata Steel halts 3,000 job cut announcement Tata Steel has retracted an anticipated announcement that was set to validate potential job cuts of up to 3,000 at its Welsh factory, creating further uncertainty for the employees of the largest steel producer in Britain.

Prior to a board meeting

by India-based Tata, unions had criticised the looming threat of significant job reductions as part of the impending restructuring plans. According to officials, warnings were issued to UK executives, emphasising a strong opposition if Tata proceeded with the proposed plans.

Alun Davies, the national officer for steel at the Community Union, stated, "We made it clear that we

would leverage every available resource, including resorting to industrial action." Despite the board meeting taking place, the group concluded without issuing any official confirmation. Tata Steel UK, the British arm of the company, initially declined to comment, although it had previously expressed a desire to "commence formal discussions with our employee representatives soon."

Representatives from the unions expressed optimism that Tata might contemplate a more gradual shift towards less carbon-intensive methods of steel production, potentially lessening the impact on the workforce at the primary site located in Port Talbot, Wales.

JLR earns record revenues amid sales surge Britain's primary carmaker, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), has reported record-breaking revenues amid sustained high demand for its Range Rover and Defender models.

However, the company revealed it would meet UK electric car targets through a series of exemptions.

Owned by India's Tata, JLR announced revenues of £13.8 billion between April and September, marking a substantial 42% increase from the previous year.

Revenues for the latest quarter reached £6.9 billion, with a year-on-year rise in pre-tax profits to £442 million.

Remarkably, the company reported its fourth consecutive profitable quarter, a sig-

nificant achievement following a challenging period during which it devalued significant investments in China and navigated through the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and a global shortage of computer chips.

Despite retaining an

order backlog of 165,000 cars, a reduction from its peak of over 200,000, JLR emphasised strong demand for its Range Rover SUV, the smaller Range Rover Sport, and the rugged Defender, particularly in the Chinese market.

Adrian Mardell, the

company's chief executive, anticipated that revenues would continue to reach new heights in the latter half of the financial year.

However, an expected decline in demand is foreseen from April onward.

Initially, Mardell indicated that JLR would face additional penalties related to the UK government's zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate, requiring 22% of total UK sales next year to be electric cars. Nevertheless, JLR later clarified Mardell's statements, asserting the company's anticipation of largely circumventing fines due to loopholes that permit manufacturers to produce plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Economy nears recession, Bank of England warns The Bank of England has issued a cautionary warning that the economy is at the edge of a possible recession, particularly in an election year. This warning comes subsequent to the indication that interest rates will need to remain elevated for a prolonged period to counter persistent inflationary pressures.

Having kept rates steady at 5.25% for a second consecutive time - a level not seen since the 2008 financial crisis - the Bank of England expressed concerns. They emphasised that the risks stemming from the

Middle East conflict and domestic inflationary pressures would necessitate the maintenance of high borrowing costs, despite a worsening growth forecast.

Despite the Bank of England's assertive stance, there is a likelihood of a future downward adjustment in interest rates.

Couples urged to check Marriage Allowance eligibility Married couples and those in civil partnerships are being encouraged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to take 30 seconds to determine their eligibility for the Marriage Allowance.

Through the HMRC's online calculator during Talk Money Week, couples can swiftly discover if they qualify, potentially boosting their finances by up to £252 annually. Eligible couples often include situations where one partner works while the other's income falls below the £12,570 personal allowance, spanning retirees, caregivers, individuals with health conditions, part-time or low-income workers.

Surprisingly, many among the 68% of those in their sixties in marriages or

civil partnerships are unaware they can claim Marriage Allowance, especially if retired with a working partner. The UK Men’s Sheds charity is highlighting this benefit to its retired members. This allowance empowers the lower-earning partner to transfer a portion of their £12,570 Personal Allowance to their spouse or civil partner, potentially saving up to £252 yearly. Moreover, eligible couples can backdate claims for the previous four tax years, leading to a lump-sum payment exceeding £1,000.

To qualify, one partner’s income should be below £12,570, while the higherearning partner's income must range between £12,571 and £50,270 (£43,662 in Scotland).

UK cancels £979 mn Covid loan guarantees The United Kingdom has made a significant move by withdrawing guarantees on loans totalling £979 million that were provided to businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. While this decision only impacts a small fraction of all loans, it might lead to potential losses for lenders if the loans are not repaid.

The Conservative government is under pressure to mitigate losses stemming from its Covid loans due to criticisms about inadequate borrower checks and delayed implementation of anti-fraud measures. According to a report, the British Business Bank has already removed state guarantees from 10,786 loans as of October 11. The business department's spokesperson mentioned ongoing discussions between lenders and the British Business Bank regarding the potential elimination of some loans from the guarantee.

Governor Andrew Bailey highlighted that while it is premature to consider rate reductions, higher interest rates are proving effective, and inflation is decreasing.

However, a sustained decline in inflation towards the 2% target needs to be observed.

In updated forecasts issued as Rishi Sunak's government faces mounting scrutiny over its economic management leading up to an anticipated upcoming election, the central bank

predicted stagnant growth through 2024. The Bank projected a 50-50 probability of a recession by the middle of the following year, coinciding with a potential spring election.

The forecast envisioned four consecutive quarters of zero growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) if interest rates align with the anticipated trajectory as per financial markets. Financial experts anticipate a rate reduction next autumn, considering the mounting pressures on households and businesses resulting from previous rate hikes

ASEAN UK Business Forum reception held at House of Lords

His Excellency the Philippines Ambassador giving the Keynote speech

The ASEAN UK Business Forum (AUBF) reception, supported by Malaysia Link UK (MLUK) was held at the House of Lords. The event was hosted by Lord Sonny Leong CBE, the only and first Malaysian Peer in the UK. The event was organised by the President of AUBF Rt Hon Datuk (Sir) SK Lingam. It was an enriching experience to connect with numerous like-minded individuals, including Aimee Alado-Blake (AUBF Chairperson), HE Teodoro Locsin (Ambassador of the Philippines to the UK and Chairman of the ASEAN London Committee), and Matthew Findlay (Head of ASEAN Desk at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office). These individuals have been relentless in their efforts to promote ASEAN to the UK Business Community, positioning it as a prime choice for investment, trade, and tourism.

This dedication extends to fostering closer relations and collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat and its affiliated NGOs, including the remarkable achievement of investing in and reopening the Battersea Power Station in London, one of the largest single investments of £9 billion in the UK by a consortium of Malaysian companies. It has completely regenerated the whole area with a thriving business community.

Datuk has fostered a close collaboration between MLUK and the Malaysian High Commission in addressing concerns and issues directly impacting Malaysia's image in the UK, as well as the broader Malaysia-UK bilateral relations. He also delivered closing remarks.

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At £17 bn, GST mop-up Apple sees record revenue in surges to 2nd highest ever as India amid China woes imports recover Goods and services tax (GST) receipts increased 13.4% to £ 17.20 billion, the second-highest amount ever, due to a recovery in import mop-up. All other states recorded strong growth, according to figures supplied by the finance ministry, with the exception of problematic Manipur, which experienced a 19% decrease in revenues in October (based on sales in September), and Himachal Pradesh (-2%) that has been severely damaged by rains.

In a statement, the finance ministry said collection from domestic sources was 13% higher. A break-up of the components showed that central GST rose 15.4% to top £3 billion,

while state GST kitty was 14.3% higher at £3.81 billion.

Interstate sales and imports are subject to integrated GST, which increased by 11.7% to £9.13 billion.

The expected increase in IGST on imports during this period was 13%, amounting to £4.21 billion.

Likewise, the import duty increased by 56% to around £130 million.

“The remarkable growth in GST collections over the

past few months is not only on account of the underlying strong economic factors, but also due to the efforts of the tax authorities in deploying tools to compare data sets to short determine payment and evasion. The growing emphasis on audits led by specific information available on various databases, not only on the GST portal, has led to a significant increase in compliance across sectors and states. This is also reflected in the upsurge in the GST collections across key manufacturing and consuming states,” said MS Mani, partner at Deloitte India.

Tata Motors gets £76.6 mn compensation for scrapped Singur plant Tata Motors has been awarded £76.6 million as compensation by a threemember Arbitral Tribunal in the Singur plant case. The year 2008 saw the announcement of Tata Motors' audacious intentions to produce the "Nano," the world's cheapest automobile, at its Singur plant. Mamata Banerjee, the leader of the Trinamool Congress, had opposed the company because they claimed that farmland had been acquired by force.

As a result, Tata Motors was forced to shift its manufacturing plant to Sanand in Gujarat, this is despite the fact that the car maker had invested over £100 million in Singur.

Tata Motors has now been declared entitled "to recover from the respondent (West Bengal) a sum of £76.6

million with interest thereon of 11% per annum from September 1, 2016 till actual recovery thereof," according to the arbitral tribunal's unanimous decision in its favour. Furthermore, Tata Motors is also eligible to receive reimbursement for up to £100,000 to cover legal expenses.

The compensation is said to be in respect of Tata Motors’ claim of loss of capital investments with regards to the manufacturing facility.

India excelled once again for Apple as the company lauded its sales in the “extraordinary market” at the global quarterly results announcement, though CEO Tim Cook emphasised that “there’s a lot of headroom” to expand with the growing middle-class logging into the iPhone ecosystem.

The praise for India, which has now become a regular feature at Apple’s quarterly results, came at a time when the company’s quarterly sales and profit beat Wall Street expectations, but revenue from China dipped 2.5% on growing competition and restrictions in iPhone certain government departments.

However, Cook praised India and a clutch of other markets in his assessment on results. On India, the Apple CEO said, “We had an all-time revenue record (in the September quarter) in India... we grew at very strong double digits. It’s an incredibly exciting market for us and a major focus of ours.”

However, he added that

the momentum is just beginning in the market where it opened two company owned stores for the first time this year (in Mumbai and Delhi), and where it has begun online sales through its official channel.

“We have a low share in a large market and so it would seem that there’s a lot of headroom there... We see an extraordinary market - a lot of people moving into the middle class... Lots of positives, we put two retail stores there and they are doing better than we anticipated - it’s still early going but they are off to a good start and I couldn’t be happier with how things are going at the moment.”

Six Indian banks win $2bn case against GVK in London HC Six Indian banks have prevailed in their legal struggle in London to collect payment of $2.1 billion from a GVK group company located in Singapore that had fallen behind on loan repayments.

The Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, ICICI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and Axis Bank are entitled to $1 billion in interest and $1.1 billion of the original amount outstanding, according to Dame Clare Moulder's ruling at the London High Court.

With the exception of

Axis Bank, the security agent, Indian banks gave GVK Coal Developers (Singapore) a $1 billion loan in September 2011, a $35 million letter of credit facility, and a $250 million loan in March 2014. After taking $160 million out of the 2014 loan and drawing down on the $1 billion, GVK stopped making its payments.

After demands for payment were unsuccessful, the six banks brought the case against GVK Coal Developers in the commercial court of the high court as well as against

various companies within the GVK Group in Singapore and India.

The court heard that GVK had intended to use the loans to part-finance coal mining projects in Australia but failed to obtain a mining licence. In its defence, GVK said that “the deterioration in the market for coal, the lack of third party investment and legal challenges to the mining projects in the courts of Queensland meant that very little progress was made to develop the Hancock Companies’ mining assets”.

Indian companies can list on foreign bourses directly With 149 IPOs, India tops in listings this year: Study

After GIFT City, the government has allowed India companies to list directly on foreign exchanges in a move that has been in the works for several years.

The harder part will be convincing the revenue department to support the amendments to the Companies Act that would allow direct overseas listing.

While some other steps, like

notification under Fema, will need to be taken, CBDT's refusal to make the necessary changes regarding capital gains tax has made the amendments unworkable. As of right now, October 30 was the date that the notification under the Companies Act was supposed to be sent, according to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Many businesses and market participants say that

following the initial rush, the government changed its mind and was hesitant to permit international listings because it preferred that they handle internal issues first.

In any event, some in the investment banking community believe that, although some brands are well-known in India, they won't have much momentum, say, in the US, and that Indian entities have

more recognition and coverage in those countries.

At the moment, depository receipts are used for foreign listings of locally listed companies. A few Indian businesses have also moved on with SPAC (special purpose acquisition companies) transactions.

Indian businesses have favoured local listing due to the market volatility during the last 18 months or so.

Zydus acquires UK’s LiqMeds Group for £68 mn Major Indian pharmaceutical company Zydus Lifesciences Limited revealed that it had purchased the UK-based LiqMeds Group of firms.

Zydus Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, a whollyowned subsidiary of Zydus, completed the transaction, the business reported in a stock exchange filing.

LiqMeds has capabilities and specialisation in development, manufacturing and supply of oral liquid products for global markets, which it currently commercialises through its partners.

The group’s subsidiary LM Manufacturing Limited

(LMML), has an oral liquids manufacturing site at Weedon, Northampton, UK, which supplies products to the US and UK markets.

In order to acquire the LiqMeds Group of enterprises, Zydus has agreed to pay an upfront fee of GBP 68 million as well as annual earnouts until 2026, contingent upon the fulfilment of specific milestones. As soon as Zydus completes the acquisition, the deal will increase its earnings per share.

Dr Sharvil Patel, managing director, Zydus Lifesciences Limited, said, “We believe that liquid orals

is a large, growing market and serves unmet needs with significant new market expansion opportunities. In line with our patient-centric approach, we believe that

oral liquid formulations would help geriatric and paediatric patients, bringing in greater ease of convenience and therapy compliance.”

Even as listings rebound after a disastrous 2022, the Indian IPO market has been the busiest in the world this year. As per an EY analysis, India has recorded the highest number of initial public offerings (IPOs) this year, with 149 listings, up to September.

During 2022, on the other hand, there were 144 initial public offerings (IPOs) by Indian companies. These included both small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and major organisations listing on the exchanges' main platform.

“India has emerged as the global leader in the number of IPOs year-to-date in 2023,” a statement by professional services major EY said.

Comparing the September quarter of 2023 to the same quarter in 2022, there were a startling 21 initial public offerings (IPOs) on the bourses' main platforms. According to EY, these businesses raised $1.7 billion in proceeds during the quarter, a 376% increase over the $372 million they raised in the same period last year. The SME segment also recorded significant success by raising $166 million from 48 IPOs in the last quarter. “The IPO landscape is witnessing a surge in activity driven by both an urge to tap the capital markets pre-orZurich had also been post Indian general exploring partnerships to elections and strong enter the non-life business economic activity, positive during the liberalisation domestic and foreign period and had set up a investor sentiment representative office, but towards India,” said these plans were later Adarsh Ranka, partner and abandoned. More recently, financial accounting Zurich had expressed interest advisory services leader, in Reliance General member firm of EY Global Insurance during the Reliance Capital bankruptcy said in a statement. “This process but subsequently momentum is expected to continue.” withdrew from the deal.

Zurich Insurance to buy 51% in Kotak for £405 mn Zurich Insurance Group will buy a 51% stake in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance for £405.1 million, valuing the company at around £800 million. The deal, which is the single largest investment by a global strategic insurer in an Indian non-life insurer, marks the Swiss company’s return to India.

Zurich has signed a deal to acquire up to 70% stake in the Kotak Mahindra Bank

unit - it intends to acquire an additional stake of up to 19% over time. Part of the consideration will go to Kotak Mahindra Bank for the sale of shares, while some of it will be allocated towards subscribing to the fresh issue of shares by the insurer.

Prior to the opening up of the insurance industry in 2000, Zurich had a mutual fund presence in India, which it sold to HDFC in 2003.

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in brief

Days after 157 killed in strong quake, another one hits Nepal NEW DELHI: Nepal was hit by a 5.6 magnitude earthquake on Monday, days after 157 people were killed and dozens injured when a strong quake struck the Himalayan country.

The tremors were felt in neighbouring India also.

The first earthquake occurred on Friday with a magnitude 6.4, Nepal's National Seismological Centre said. The German Research Centre for Geosciences measured the quake at 5.7, downgrading it from 6.2, while the US Geological Survey pegged it at 5.6.

The death count in Friday's earthquake in Jajarkot could rise, officials feared, as they had not been able to establish contact in the hilly area near the epicentre, some 500 km west of the capital Kathmandu, where tremors were also felt. The district has a population of 190,000 with villages scattered in remote hills.

The search and rescue operation was also blocked by landslides, triggered by the earthquake, which hit the roads to reach the affected areas, Nepal police officer said. Since the quake, thousands of buildings in

Pak air force training base attacked, 9 terrorists killed ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani military reported killing of nine terrorists associated with a newly formed group following an attack on an air force training base in the Mianwali region of Punjab province last week. This occurred a day after a series of terrorist attacks resulted in the deaths of 17 soldiers and five civilians in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces in Pakistan’s southwest and northwest.

Tehreek-i-Jihad The Pakistan (TJP), a new group affiliated with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement. However, there have been no claims regarding last week's attacks.

According to the military, three grounded aircraft and a

fuel tanker have been damaged in the Mianwali attack, while none of the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) functional operational assets were harmed. “Due to the swift and effective response by the troops, (the attack) has been foiled and thwarted, ensuring the safety and security of personnel and assets,” it said.

On Friday, an ambush on a military convoy in Gwadar resulted in the deaths of 14 soldiers. In KP’s Dera Ismail Khan, a remote-controlled bomb explosion targeting police and security force convoys left five civilians and a soldier dead, and wounded 24 others. Two soldiers also lost their lives during an operation against suspected terrorists in KP’s Lakki Marwat district.

Jajarkot and neighbouring Rukum West district have collapsed or developed cracks making them uninhabitable.

Survivors said they heard the loud noises of collapsing buildings soon after the quake struck. The earthquake was the deadliest since 2015 when about 9,000 people were killed in two earthquakes in Nepal. Whole towns, centuries-old temples and other historic sites were reduced to rubble then, with more than a million houses destroyed, at a cost to the economy of $6 billion.

Prime Minister Narendra

RAJ SHAH NAMED TO US SPEAKER'S OFFICE

Modi expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and damage caused by the earthquake.

"Deeply saddened by loss of lives and damage due to the earthquake in Nepal. India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and is ready to extend all assistance.

Our possible thoughts are with the bereaved families and we wish the injured a quick recovery," Modi said in a post on X.

INDIANS CAN VISIT THAILAND WITHOUT VISA FOR 6 MONTHS Bangladesh arrests more opposition Thailand will allow visa-free entry for tourists

leaders as PM rejects dialogue DHAKA: Bangladesh’s main opposition party said that three more of its senior leaders had been arrested, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ruled out talks with adversaries demanding her resignation.

Hasina has been accused of ruling the South Asian nation with an iron fist and the United States has sanctioned some of its most senior police figures for widespread human rights violations. Hundreds of senior cadres and supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been arrested, with former commerce minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury among those taken into custody overnight.

“Police arrested my dad from my aunt’s home in Gulshan at around midnight,” Chowdhury’s

son Israfil Khosru said. The party also confirmed the arrests of BNP spokesman Zahir Uddin Swapan and Aminul Huq, a former national football captain and a Dhaka unit chief of the party. The latest arrests come just days after police detained Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, one of the BNP’s highest-ranked leaders. Police have yet to comment on the latest arrests but said in an earlier statement that at least 2,113 people had been arrested over the past week on charges of violence during opposition protests. Hasina again ruled out any dialogue with the BNP in an address to parliament.

“Who would ask for talks with these beasts?” she said, in a speech that also accused her adversary Zia’s son of hiring killers to murder her.

Afghans swamp Pak border amid migrant crackdown ISLAMABAD: Thousands of people swamped Pakistan’s main northwestern border crossing seeking to cross into Afghanistan, a day after the government's deadline expired for undocumented foreigners to leave or face expulsion.

Pakistani authorities began rounding up undocumented foreigners, most of them Afghans, hours before Wednesday’s deadline.

More than 24,000 Afghans

crossed the northwestern Torkham crossing into Afghanistan on Wednesday alone.

Thousands of Afghans have returned to their country in the past month while hundreds of families have been stranded at Torkham and Chaman border crossings, in Pakistan’s northwest and southwest, waiting for their turn to enter Afghanistan. Many of them, who were born or have lived in Pakistan for decades, are clue-

India will continue supporting Lanka: Sitharaman COLOMBO: India assured Sri Lanka that it will continue to work very closely with the island nation on debt restructuring discussions and extend support for the economic recovery. Speaking at the ‘NAAM 200’ organised by the Government of Sri Lanka to commemorate the 200th anniversary of arrival of IndiaOrigin Tamils (IOTs), finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India rendered an unprecedented financial assistance of over $4 billion last year when the island nation faced a financial crisis.

“When Sri Lanka faced its unprecedented economic crisis a year back, we felt it was our duty to stand by with our friends in Sri Lanka. We could not bear the difficulties our friends in Sri Lanka had to face. Our government and

the people of India acted collectively and came to your assistance in record time,” she said.

Sitharaman also said that India was the first bilateral creditor to convey financing assurance to the International Monetary Fund that paved the way for others to provide similar assurances that formalised the IMF programme for Sri Lanka.

“As a true friend, India continues to work closely with the government of Lanka on debt restructuring discussions as well as on its path of economic recovery,” she said. Sitharaman said that “our leaders have released a vision document for economic partnership in July this year, outlining specific areas of cooperation for a sustainable economic development and prosperity for our people.”

The new US House Speaker Mike Johnson has tapped Raj Shah to be his deputy chief of staff for communications. The Indian American who has played the roles of deputy press secretary and deputy assistant to the president, was among those who were embroiled in the lawsuit Dominion Voting Systems’ lawsuit brought and won against Fox Corp. Shah’s internal messages along with other Fox executives, where he was a senior vice president helped go toward the news outlet having to make a $787 million settlement.

It also exposed him as promoting the election lies of Donald Trump. Shah had to leave the job under a cloud. Shah has also been a research director and deputy communications director for the Republican National Committee. In his new job, Shah will be Johnson’s chief spokesperson and “help run messaging for House Republicans.”

less about their future. Others are terrified to be heading back to Taliban-ruled country. Of the over four million Afghans living in Pakistan, the government estimates 1.7 million are undocumented.

In Islamabad, police have begun demolishing hundreds of illegally built mud homes where Afghans had been living in poverty. In Karachi, Afghans who have lived for generations in refugee camps have reported

weeks of arbitrary arrests and extortion.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has urged Pakistan to give undocumented Afghans more time to leave.

More than 200,000 Afghan nationals have returned to their homeland, Pakistani officials said, adding that about 104,000 had left via Torkham in the last two weeks.

Pakistan’s interior ministry claimed 140,322 have left through Chaman.

Pakistan to hold delayed national elections on February 8 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will hold delayed national elections on February 8 as the country grapples with overlapping political, economic and security crises. “It was unanimously decided that the election will be held on February 8,” the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said in a statement after its members had a meeting with President Arif Alvi.

Polls were supposed to have taken place within 90 days of parliament’s dissolution, but the ECP said it needed time to redraw constituency boundaries after the latest census. It is constitutionally mandated that polls can be held only after constituencies are redrawn according to the latest population count, a process that would take at least four months, the ECP said previously.

The caretaker government, led by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, also has a mandate to ensure the holding of a transparent election.

However, with the country’s main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and its leader, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, having faced months of a nationwide crackdown, concerns have been raised about whether the caretaker government and the ECP are capable of holding fair elections.

Khan and his government were removed in April last year through a parliamentary vote of no confidence. The 70-year-old, who had been campaigning across the country to hold early elections after his removal, was jailed on August 5 on corruption charges.

from India and Taiwan for a period of six months from November 10 to May 10, 2024. The decision has been taken with an objective to draw in more tourists as the tourism season approaches, a Thai government official said.

Those arriving from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days, according to Thai government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. He added the authorities hoped that the scheme would attract 1.4 million extra tourists, generating additional revenue. As of now, Indian and Taiwanese tourists have to apply for a 15day visa-on-arrival at immigration checkpoints, present bank statements and proof of accommodation.

YOUNG PAK COUPLE KILLED IN THE NAME OF 'HONOUR' A young couple was shot dead in the name of "honour" in Punjab province of Pakistan, police said, days after a top court warned the girl's relatives not to harass them. Adil Afzal and Zubair Afzal, the brothers of Ramsha, 20, along with two accomplices barged into 23-year-old Nasir Gill's house and shot them dead, a police official said. Gill and Ramsha, who stayed in the same locality, secretly held a court marriage after the boy sent a marriage proposal to the girl's parents, which they declined, police official said. Ramsha had gone to her parent's house after the marriage, assuring Gill that she would persuade her parents to accept him as their son-in-law, Ahmad said.

SHEIKH HASINA’S DAUGHTER TO HOLD KEY WHO POST India preferred Bangladesh over Nepal for the post of regional director of World Health Organization’s (WHO) Southeast Asia Region contributing to the comfortable victory of Saima Wazed, daughter of Bangla PM Sheikh Hasina.

Although officials were tight lipped about which way India voted, sources said that it voted for Wazed at the expense of Dr Shambhu Acharya who could manage only one vote, apart from Nepal’s. It could not have been an easy decision as India has been working to improve ties with both neighbours. The decision may have been influenced by Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s effort to stop Islamic terrorist groups, many of them backed by Pakistan, from using Bangladesh as a base to launch attacks against India.

CORNELL PUPIL HELD FOR ANTISEMITIC THREATS A junior at Cornell University was charged with making death threats online to Jewish students in an incident that roiled a campus battling antisemitism. Patrick Dai, 21, was charged with posting threats to kill or injure another using interstate communications, according to a statement by Carla Freedman, the US attorney for the Northern district of New York. Dai allegedly threatened to “stab” and “slit the throat” of Jewish males he sees on campus, to rape and throw off a cliff any Jewish females, and to behead Jewish babies, according to the statement.

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in brief RUSSIA REVOKES NUCLEAR TEST BAN TREATY President Vladimir Putin signed a bill revoking Russia’s ratification of a global nuclear test ban, a move that Moscow said was needed to establish parity with the US. Putin has said that rescinding the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, also known as the CTBT, would “mirror” the stand taken by the US, which has signed but not ratified the nuclear test ban. Both houses of the Russian parliament voted last month to revoke Moscow’s ratification of the bill.

The CTBT, adopted in 1996, bans all nuclear explosions anywhere in the world, but the treaty was never fully implemented. In addition to the US, it has yet to be ratified by China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel, Iran and Egypt.

CHINA SENDS 43 AIRCRAFT, 7 SHIPS CLOSE TO TAIWAN Taiwan said that China sent 43 military aircraft and seven ships near the self-ruled island, the latest sign that Beijing plans no let-up in its campaign of harassment, threats and intimidation. Taiwan’s defence ministry said 37 of the aircraft had crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait, which China no longer recognises as an informal divider between the sides. It said Taiwan had monitored the situation, scrambled jet fighters, dispatched ships and activated land-based missile systems, all standard responses to Chinese military activities, which include crossing into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone but not into its actual airspace. China’s military maneuvers are seen as intended to break down Taiwanese morale, exhausting its pilots and other personnel and wearing down its equipment.

WOMAN SHOUTING DEATH THREATS SHOT

BY PARIS COPS Paris police shot and critically wounded a woman wearing a hijab who was behaving in a threatening manner and shouted “Allahu Akbar” and “You’re all going to die” in a metro station, Paris police chief said. France is on its highest state of alert after the October 13 murder of a schoolteacher in a suspected Islamist attack, which officials have linked to what they called a “Jihadist atmosphere” linked to the Israel-Gaza war. The fully-veiled woman was shot at the Bibliotheque FrançoisMitterrand station. Commuters had reported her “uttering aggressive, Jihadist comments,” a government spokesman said.

PHILIPPINE RADIO ANCHOR SHOT DEAD A radio anchor was fatally shot by a man inside his Philippine station in a brazen attack that was witnessed by people watching the programme live on Facebook. The gunman gained entry into the home-based radio station of provincial news broadcaster Juan Jumalon, 57, by pretending to be a listener. He then shot him twice during a live broadcast, police said. The attacker snatched the victim’s gold necklace before fleeing with a companion, police said. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. strongly condemned the shooting and ordered the national police to track down, arrest and prosecute the killers. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said Jumalon was the 199th journalist to be killed in the country since 1986.

THE US INFANT MORTALITY RATES RISE LAST YEAR The US infant mortality rate rose 3% last year the largest increase in two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

White and Native American infants, infant boys and babies born at 37 weeks or earlier had significant death rate increases. The CDC’s report also noted larger increases for two of the leading causes of infant deaths - maternal complications and bacterial meningitis. “It’s definitely concerning, given that it’s going in the opposite direction from what it has been,” said Marie Thoma, a University of Maryland researcher who studies maternal and infant mortality.

Man charged with hate crime for killing elderly Sikh man NEW YORK: A 30-year-old man, who beat an elderly Sikh man to death while calling him “turban man” during a road rage incident here, has been charged with manslaughter as a hate crime.

Gilbert Augustin also faces charges including assault as a hate crime and unlicensed driving in connection with the death of 66-year-old Jasmer Singh, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced.

While the police were treating Singh’s death as a road rage case earlier, Singh’s family

pushed for hate crime charges to be filed against Augustin. Singh was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens in critical condition where he died of a brain injury a day after he was assaulted on October 19.

Prosecutors said Augustin called Singh “turban man” during an argument that followed their crash on the Van Wyck Expressway in Queens. “He just hit my father so intense, like so hard on his head. His two front teeth were fallen down,” Singh’s son Subeg Multani said.

Police said that the altercation began after Singh’s Toyota collided with Augustin’s Ford Mustang near Hillside Avenue in Kew Gardens on October 19.

Both men pulled over and Augustin got out of his car and confronted Singh.

Prosecutors said quoting witnesses that they heard a man say “no police, no police” when Singh went to call 911 and saw him snatching the phone from the latter’s hands. Singh got out of the car and followed Augustin to get his phone back as the two

Indians to gain as Canada to admit nearly 485,000 new immigrants in 2024 TORONTO: Though Canada will admit 485,000 new immigrants in 2024 as in 2023, it plans to raise the numbers to 500,000 by 2025.

Unveiling immigration plans for 202426, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said that immigration levels will be capped at 500,000 from 2026.

As India is Canada’s biggest source of immigration and students, Indians will be the biggest beneficiary of these levels because they are going to get the lion’s share of a record 281,135 newcomers under the economic category and 114,000 under the family category.

Last year, over 118,000 Indians took up Canadian permanent residency (PR), accounting for a quarter of all 437,120 newcomers to Canada. The new immigration targets will push up Canada’s population each year by 1.3 per cent.

In fact, record immigration levels have helped the Canadian population cross the 40-million mark even as the country faces an

acute housing shortage.

The Justin Trudeau-led government is sticking to high immigration levels despite opinion polls showing opposition to the plan because of the housing crunch. “Canada will continue to welcome newcomers and ensure that they are supported in their new lives,” Miller added.

He, however, admitted that immigration levels were being capped at 500,000 because “we recognize that housing, infrastructure planning, and sustainable population growth need to be properly taken into account”.

“Through this plan, we are striking the appropriate balance to grow Canada’s economy,” the Minister added.

Canada, which admitted more than 46,500 refugees from over 80 countries last year, will welcome a record 76,115 new refugees in 2024.

Over 5.2 million applications from around the world for permanent residence, temporary residence and citizenship were processed last year.

Israeli troops encircle Gaza City, setting stage for fierce urban battle GAZA CITY: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Ankara, Turkey, where he held a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Blinken has been carrying out a tour of the Middle East that included stops in Jordan and Iraq over the weekend. Turkey has been critical of Israel and called for a cease-fire. Ankara also supports a two-state solution.

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened to foreign nationals and badly injured Palestinians, the Gazan border authority said. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces took control of a Hamas compound and struck over 450 aerial targets in an overnight operation, the military said in an update.

It said that the targeted compound included observation posts, training areas

and underground tunnels, and that Hamas operatives were also killed during the offensive. Elsewhere, leaders of United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations have issued a joint statement calling for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire. They called Palestinian militant group Hamas’ terror attack on Oct 7 “horrific,” but said that the “horrific killings of even more civilians in Gaza is an outrage, as is cutting off 2.2 million Palestinians from food, water, medicine, electricity and fuel.”

More than 10,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks on Gaza since Oct 7, according to the Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry. The total number of deaths recorded over the 31 days of fighting is 10,022, including 4,102 children, the ministry said.

300,000 attend Sikh Nagar Kirtan at Yuba City YUBA CITY: An estimated 300,000 people came to celebrate the Sikh Nagar Kirtan on November 5, according to KCRA News. As is the case every year, Sikhs flew in from around North America and elsewhere to take part in a parade that featured floats, music, a show of traditional Sikh martial arts like gatka, great food and religious togetherness.

The entire area was swathed in vibrant colors as the air echoed with kirtans and Punjabi tunes. As always, the Sikh event featured food stalls that covered the gamut and was served with generosity to

all who attended.

The annual Sikh Parade festival was introduced in Yuba City in the 1980s by wellknown PunjabiAmerican peach farmer Didar Singh Bains, also known as the “Peach King”.

The celebration was marred with a Sikhs For Justice float which celebrated the killings of Indira Gandhi and General A S Vaidya. SFJ’s Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist in India, has given a call to the global Sikh community to “stop flying Air India” from November 19.

Jasmer Singh

argued. When Singh was walking back towards his car after getting his phone back, Augustin punched him three times in the head and face, witnesses said.

He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Indian student stabbed at gym in US, critical INDIANA: A 29-year-old student from Khammam in Telangana, Putcha Varun Raj, is critical after he was stabbed in the head by a man at a gym in Valparaiso city in the US state of Indiana. Police found Varun in the massage chair at Planet Fitness Club at Strongbow Centre Drive with knife injuries on his head, and shifted him to a hospital in FortWayne.

The assailant, Jordan Andrade (24), told cops that he did not know Varun and found him a “little weird”. Andrade said he felt a threat from Varun and hence “reacted”.

Varun had arrived in the US last year for his MS in computer science from Valparaiso University. The incident happened on October 29.

Considering the nature of injuries, reports said Varun had a slim chance of survival. “...My son would not even hurt a fly...

It is unthinkable that he has been attacked so badly,” Varun’s father Putcha Rammurthy (55), who is a government school teacher in Mahbubabad said.

His family requested the state government for assistance, following which IT minister KT Rama Rao responded on ‘X’, assuring all support with the help of the Indian embassy and NRIs from Telangana in the US. The staff of the fitness centre, where Varun was a regular, told cops that he usually kept to himself and was reserved, and there was nothing to indicate that he was a ‘threat’ to anyone, as the assailant claimed. Andrade had been booked for ‘attempted murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon’ and lodged at the Porter County jail.

Thieves break into temple, steal donation box in US SACRAMENTO: Two suspects broke into the Hindu temple here and stole its donation box, police said. Officers from the Sacramento Police Department reached Hari Om Radha Krishna Mandir in La Mancha Way after receiving reports of a burglary early on October 31.

Surveillance videos captured two thieves racing to the altar and going right through to the donation box. The footage showed them taking the box, which weighed close to 100 pounds, behind the temple building and shoving it in a getaway car before fleeing.

Temple keeper Guru Maharaj said that the box contained thousands of dollars.

“Looks like whoever has done it, it was premeditated,” Maharaj said.

“The first thing I saw was the curtains blowing and I said, ‘Oh, my God. Somebody is in the building’,” Maharaj’s wife said, adding that they tried to break in via the front, back, and side doors.

“It’s a very big hit to our community and we’re here to help people out,” Maharaj said.

“We have this land here. We are about to build 40 rooms of a homeless center so we can help people out, and if these things happen how can we help other people?”

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Amid China overtures, King of Bhutan begins 8-day India trip Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has embarked on an eight-day official visit to India amid Beijing's drive for diplomatic ties with Thimphu and fresh efforts by Bhutan and China to resolve their boundary issue.

Among those attending the royal visit will be Queen Jetsun Pema and the couple's two sons.

India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, which are characterised by understanding and mutual trust, said the government in a statement.

A Bhutanese foreign

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck & Narendra Modi

minister visited Beijing last month, raising concerns in New Delhi over Thimphu's apparent attempts to open up to China. The King's visit, during which he will see Prime Minister Narendra

Modi, is being viewed as a "reassuring" gesture by Bhutan to India.

“The visit will provide an opportunity to both the sides to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and to

advance the further exemplary bilateral partnership, across diverse sectors,” the government said. Bhutan is said to have assured India that it will be mindful of New Delhi’s interests in case of any border deal with China.

King Wangchuck’s visit comes close on the heels of a rare visit to China last month by Bhutanese foreign minister Tandi Dorji, during which both countries held the 25th round of their boundary talks after a gap of seven years and expressed interest in demarcating the boundary soon.

2 college students arrested for threat mails to Ambani Two college students - one from Telangana and the other from Gujarat were taken into custody for sending six distinct threats via email to Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries. According to the authorities, both students appear to have been mischievous in this case.

According to the police, the primary culprit, Rajveer Khant, 21, of Gujarat, wrote five emails between October 27 and November 1 using the email address ShadabKhan@fencemail.com over a virtual private network (VPN).

Khant raised his demand from £2 million to40 million when the entrepreneur failed to reply to his

emails. The other student has been identified as Ganesh R. Vanpardhi (19) of Telangana. According to authorities, he wrote one email - the sixth threat email in this instance - from his email address after reading about threats in the media. £50 million was his demand. Vanpardhi appeared in court and was detained by the police until November 8.

While Khant was arrested by the Mumbai crime branch, Vanpardhi was held by the Gamdevi police. The crime branch has seized Khant’s desktop and two mobile phones he used in the crime. “Khant believed he would not be caught and tried to challenge the

investigating agencies. He had gone through the dark web to get information and searched at least 650 websites for almost a week before creating the ID in the name of ‘Shadab Khan’ that was used,” a police officer said.

Police said Khant is an internet buff. He was tracked with the help of digital footprints he had left without his knowledge. “He had used proton mail (end-to-end encrypted email service and Mailfence(secured and encrypted email service) to send the threats. Khant used a virtual private network (VPN) which showed the IP address in Belgium,” an officer said.

Crest of Naval warship ‘Surat’ unveiled The Diamond City became the first city in the state to unveil a warship crest named after it. One of the four guided missile destroyers of its class being built in India is called "Surat," and it is currently under construction. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral R Hari Kumar inaugurated the crest in the city.

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) will receive a replica of the warship "Surat" from the Indian Navy, which will be displayed for public

viewing. The well-known lighthouse at Hazira, which is situated at the southern entrance to the Gulf of Khambhat, is depicted on the crest of the cruiser "Surat." It was one of the first lighthouses in India, built in 1836.

The Asiatic lion on the crest, which is also Gujarat's state animal, represents the mighty and majesty of the ship.

Equipped with the latest advancements in naval warfare technology and combat capabilities, the warship ‘Surat’ stands as a powerful embodiment of the Navy’s

commitment to maritime security and national defence.

“Our country is becoming independent in defence technology.

With the unveiling of the crest of warship ‘Surat’ we are witnessing the same,” said Patel.

“In the past, ships from 84 countries used to dock at the Surat port and hence the area is known as Choryasi (or eighty-four in Gujarati).

Gujarat is the first state with a warship named after its city and it is being unveiled in the city itself,” Patel added.

97,000 Indians caught sneaking into US in one year Despite fatalities among Indians attempting to enter the United States illegally, there has been no let up in the number of people trying to enter 'the land of promise'.

According to the data from US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP), between October 2022 and September 2023, an incredible 96,917 Indians were detained while entering the country illegally. To date, this is the most number of Indians apprehended at the US border.

Of these, 30,010 were caught at the northern land border of Canada, while 41,770 were apprehended at the southwest land border with Mexico. The rest are those who get caught mainly after crossing the borders.

Law enforcement and central agencies point out that these figures represent only recorded cases, and the actual number of illegal Indian immigrants is likely to be significantly higher. “This is just the tip of the iceberg. For every person caught at the border, there may be at least 10 others who successfully infiltrated the US,” said a Gujarat police officer. Comparing these numbers to that from the period between October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020, which saw 19,883 Indians caught attempting illegal entry, reflects a five-fold increase in recent years. “These are mainly people from Gujarat and Punjab who have aspirations to settle in America,” said an officer of Gujarat police cracking down on illegal immigration rackets. The categories of people arrested are: unaccompanied minors, minors with family members and full families.

LS ethics panel postpones meet on Mahua issue The Lok Sabha ethics committee meeting to adopt its draft report on the cash-for-query allegations against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitrahas been postponed to November 9. It was scheduled to meet on November 7. The Lok Sabha secretariat, in a notice, did not cite any reason for rescheduling the meeting.

The committee, headed by BJP MP Vinod Kumar Sonkar, has finished its inquiry and will make its recommendation after its members ranged along party lines in the last meeting on November 2. BJP members are in a majority in the 15-member committee which is likely to take a grim view of the charges against Mahua, more so after she accused Sonkar of asking “filthy and personal” questions to her in the last meeting before walking out in a rage.

Sonkar had alleged that Mahua made baseless allegations to avoid questions based on the affidavits given to the committee.

Vishv Umiyadham: Fostering national consciousness in youth To commemorate the 149th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the visionary behind united India, Vishv Umiyadham, Ahmedabad organised the Sardar Patel Rashtra Chetana Maha Sammelan as part of the 'Rashtra Chetana with Spiritual Consciousness' campaign. On the occasion 20 royal descendants from the country, including Lakshyarajsinh Mewad, the lineage holder of Maharana Pratap, and Vijaysinhji Maharaj, the great-grandson of Raja Krushnakumarsinhji, Maharaj of Bhavnagar, were honoured.

Sardar Patel is a source of pride not only for the Patidar community but for the entire society, said Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, who was the chief guest on the occasion. In his address, Bhupendra Patel lauded Vishv Umiyadham for its groundbreaking initiative in recognising royal families, emphasising its potential to inspire national consciousness among the youth. He said, “Vishv Umiyadham, known for its

(L-R) Former Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, Former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Vishv Umiya Foundation President R P Patel, dignitaries including descendants of royal family

pioneering services, continues to said, “The programme harmony within our society. play a significant role in this simultaneously served as an Furthermore, the completion of regard. Sardar Patel's legacy is a exemplary showcase of social the world's tallest Jagat Janani Ma source of pride not only Umiya temple, soaring to for the Patidar a remarkable height of community but for the 504 feet in Jaspur, entire society, uniting Ahmedabad, stands as a people in admiration for matter of immense pride his contributions to the for the Sanatan Dharma nation,”he added. community.

Vishv Umiyadham takes pride For the first time the in being the pioneering royal families were global organisation to honoured, says R P Patel, president of Vishv Lakshyarajsinh Mewad was honored by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel recognize and honour and R P Patel, President of Vishv Umiya Foundation India's royal families,” R P Umiya Foundation. He

Patel added.

Lakshyarajsinh Maharaj said, Ma Umyia is not just the mother of the Patidars but also his own mother. During his address Lakshyarajsinhji Maharaj, acknowledged Vishv Umiyadham's monumental undertaking, which he described as a Bhagirath endeavour, marking an unprecedented achievement in history.

Umiyadham launches IAS academy Setting a world record, 10,000 cars participated in a massive car rally, converging from different districts of the state. Vishv Umiyadham played a pivotal role in organising the rally and earning a place in the Gold Book of World Records.

Furthermore, CM Patel inaugurated the Vishv Umiyadham IAS Academy, a significant educational initiative. The academy began its operations in Nikol, furthering the organisation's commitment to fostering leadership and excellence in education.

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Free ration scheme to be extended for 5 more years: PM Modi The PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna (PMGKAY), a free foodgrain programme that helps over 800 million impoverished people, would be extended for another five years, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Going by the government's scheme, PMGKAY is ending this December. But your son who has seen poverty, lived with it and came from among you (poor), has taken another decision. I have decided that the BJP government will extend the scheme to provide free foodgrain to 800 million poor for the next five years.

This is not a political

Narendra Modi

promise, this is Modi’s guarantee," the Prime Minister said while addressing an election rally in Durg in Chhattisgarh.

The announcement, which is anticipated to result in an annual subsidy of £20 billion, ignited the beginning of what will

undoubtedly be a bustling election season and raised hopes for other welfare initiatives ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha campaign.

Although there was a chance the programme would be extended until the middle of 2024, many were surprised to learn that it

would be extended for a further five years by a government that would need to apply for a mandate renewal in the coming months. This move is likely to support Modi's "propoor" agenda.

On the government’s focus to ensure that all beneficiaries of the world’s biggest food security programme get their entitlement, the PM also said that with ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ in place, those entitled to get the free 5kg foodgrain from any part of the country, including migrant workers from Chhattisgarh or any other part, can avail this anywhere.

India invited for the swearing -in of Maldives’ pro-China leader The Maldives president-elect, Mohamed Muizzu, has sent invitations to a number of nations, including India, for his oath-taking on November 17, according to diplomatic sources. Though those close to Muizzu have refuted any Beijing slant in his foreign policy, the government has not yet decided who will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of a leader who is seen as pro-China.

In 2018, PM Narendra Modi was the only head of state to visit Male for the inauguration of Ibrahim Solih, Muizzu's predecessor. However, there were very different conditions

because Solih was the representative of the Maldivian Democratic organisation, an apolitical organisation with a more favourable position towards India.

The Indian government was also relieved to see the return of Chinafriendly Abdulla Yameen, the predecessor of Ibrahim Solih. Yameen was imprisoned later on corruption charges, but he is now hoping to obtain an early release as his partner Muizzu assumes the presidency.

When asked about the invitation to India, a spokesperson for Muizzu told the media that as a policy, Muizzu

did not intend to focus on any specific invitation. “We treat all invitations in the same order of importance. In this matter, all neighbouring countries, close partners of Maldives and multilateral organisations have been invited,” said the official. China is among the countries that have been invited.

Since he defeated Solih in the presidential run-off in September, Muizzu has repeatedly said he will keep his poll promise to rid the archipelago of Indian military presence, although, as he himself has admitted, he isn’t aware of the number of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives.

Isro chief’s remarks on ex-boss Sivan spark row The publication of S Somanath's unpublished memoirs, "Nilavu Kudicha Simhangal" (Lions that drank the moonlight), has been postponed by the chairman of Isro after certain passages in the book sparked controversy. According to reports, the book in Malayalam mentioned that K Sivan, the former head of Isro, tried to prevent Somanath from being appointed to the agency's top job.

Somanath clarified that he never wrote that someone tried to thwart his chances. “I think the publishers (in Kozhikode) have given some copies to somebody… In view of the controversy, I’ve told the publishers to hold the book’s release, which was due next

week… It should not have any content that can be misrepresented because the purpose was not to create controversy. I will make a decision later about whether or not to release it at all,” he told the media. Sivan responded to the controversy by stating, “There is nothing for me to say.” But people close to him noted several inaccuracies in the reported book excerpts, including the timeline of Somanath’s appointment as the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) director.

The scandal started when a Keralan news story claimed that Somanath described how he felt ignored by Isro before being promoted to the top position.

Kejriwal will run govt from jail if arrested by ED: AAP Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal would manage the government from prison if he is caught in the excise policy case, according to Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, and cabinet ministers and personnel will go to jail in order to attend meetings.

Following a meeting of MLAs at the Delhi legislative assembly, which Kejriwal summoned after receiving a summons from the Enforcement Directorate about the purported liquor policy scam, the statement was made.

The chief minister disregarded the summons, which was delivered to Kejriwal on October 30 and asked him to appear before

Arvind Kejriwal

the ED on November 2, referring to them as "illegal" and "politically motivated."

Following the meeting, Bharadwaj briefed the media alongside his cabinet colleague Atishi. He said that all of the MLAs agreed that Kejriwal will continue to lead the government from behind bars because he had the people of Delhi's

mandate.

“There is no provision in the Constitution that mandates the resignation of the chief minister if they are placed in jail for a trial.

Arvind Kejriwal will continue to run the government from prison and hold meetings with officers and ministers inside the jail complex,” Bharadwaj said.

The Delhi health minister added that the action against the chief minister in a false case proved that PM Narendra Modi and BJP were afraid only of Arvind Kejriwal. He said BJP seems to have realised that it cannot remove Kejriwal from power through elections and it was now only possible “through conspiracies”.

Indian envoy accuses Canada of carrying out ‘tainted’ Nijjar probe Sanjay Verma, the Indian high commissioner in Ottawa, reiterated that Canada hasn't disclosed anything in the Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder case that India may help it with. He also accused Canada of conducting a "tainted" investigation into the crime.

Verma hinted in an interview that the investigations had been tainted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's public accusations regarding Indian involvement. India expelled 41 Canadian diplomats in response to allegations, Trudeau's sparking a diplomatic spat.

However, the US and other Canadian allies in the Five Eyes alliance pushed India to rethink its position and assist the Canadian investigation.

Foreign minister S Jaishankar and his counterpart Melanie Joly are said to be in touch over the issue but India has officially continued to maintain that the allegations made at the highest level by Canada are unsubstantiated and absurd.

“There is no specific or relevant information provided in this case for us to assist them in the investiga-

Sanjay Verma

tion. Where is the evidence?

Where is the conclusion of the investigation? I would go a step further and say now the investigation has already been tainted. A direction has come from someone at a high level to say India or Indian agents are behind it,” said Verma.

According to Canadian government sources cited in the report, the intelligence linking Indian operatives to the agents includes information from an unidentified Five Eyes ally and Indian "diplomatic communications" intercepted by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.

The US has also said that joint Five Eyes intelligence informs Canada's accusations.

However, Verma stated that any conversation between diplomats is confidential and cannot be made public or used as evidence in court.

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in brief

SOUTH INDIA

Kerala, Tamil Nadu IN BLOW TO BJP, Karnataka CM makes U-turn after EX-MP asserting that he’d be CM for full term move SC over ‘inaction’ TELANGANA QUITS, JOINS CONGRESS BENGALURU: A day after asserting that he will remain Karnataka CM a full five years and junking reports of a midterm leadership change, Siddaramaiah did a Uturn and said he would “abide by the decision of high command on my tenure”.

In the course of the day, minister Priyank Kharge joined the other two CM aspirants - DK Shivakumar and Dr G Parameshwara - with his willingness to be CM to turn the air thick with speculation.

With three aspirants in the CM fray, Siddaramaiah told reporters in Gadag that he won’t respond to any CM change speculation. “I say something, and you (media) write something else. Earlier I had said I am bound by the high command’s decision as ours is a high commandabiding party.”

In Hubballi, Shivakumar did little to conceal his anger at the power-sharing theory gaining currency by the day. He told reporters: “Did we tell you about the power-sharing agreement when we took oath in May? Why are you unnecessarily creating things? It’s not necessary.”

Amid uncertainty, Siddaramaiah has convened a breakfast meeting with 15 ministers at his official residence. Sources

on bills by governors

Siddaramaiah

said these ministers have been given the task of assessing the winnability of likely party candidates in the state’s 28 Lok Sabha constituencies next year. “The ministers are likely to submit reports to the CM at the meeting,” a source said.

With Siddaramaiah’s statement on leadership change providing more grist to the mill, minister Priyank Kharge made no secret of his desire to occupy the top post if the high command asked him to replace Siddaramaiah. “Siddaramaiah’s statement is personal. The high command should decide on this. Four people in Delhi will sit together and decide these issues. If they say I’ll be CM, I’ll say ‘yes’ to it. Barring those four, whoever talks has no value,’’ he added.

NEW DELHI: After Punjab and Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments have also approached the Supreme Court alleging that the governors are not taking a decision on bills forwarded to them after passage by the assemblies, thereby “defeating” the rights of the people to the welfare measures sought to be implemented through the proposed laws.

The SC, which has in recent months examined a similar plea filed by the Telangana government and also adjudicated the legal battle between the Delhi government and the LG over control over bureaucracy, will now have to hear and decide on the petitions filed by Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Kerala. In its plea, the Kerala government pleaded the court to pass orders in relation to “inaction” on part of the governor in relation to eight bills passed by the state legislature and presented to him for his assent under Article 200 of the Constitution.

The Kerala government said three bills have been pending with the governor for more than two years and three for more than a year.

PUNJAB

As oppn skips, Punjab CM Mann's open debate turns into one man show LUDHIANA: The their supporters, who had Opposition parties in Punjab invites issued by the CMO skipped the much touted were allowed inside. Police ‘open debate’ to which they detained several protesters, were challenged by Chief including unemployed Minister Bhagwant Mann to teachers, farm union discuss issues pertaining to activists, health workers state, with the session among others who tried to Bhagwant Mann turning into a monologue for enter the venue or raised the Aam Aadmi Party leader who said it slogans against the government. would have been “better” had the heads of As the ‘Main Punjab Bolda Haan’ the political parties come and not which was broadcast live on the official “runaway” from presenting their views. social media and YouTube channel of Punjab government, started, Dr Nirmal The CM also spoke at length on the Singh Jaura - the moderator appointed by Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal - the the CM - requested Mann to wait for a issue on which the Opposition had been few minutes in anticipation that demanding the debate but which was Opposition leaders might join. Jaura also never listed as agenda or ever found showered heaps of praise on Mann for mention in the statements issued by “inviting opposition leaders and common Mann and other AAP leaders ahead of the Punjabis” to hold discussion on issues of debate.

Punjab. Asked by the moderator to Even as Mann had issued a “khulla explain his concept of “Rangla Punjab”, sadda” (open invitation) to ‘aam aadmi’ of Mann launched into a monologue saying Punjab to attend the session, the entire that people watching the session were Ludhiana city was turned into a fortress “becoming witness to history” on Punjab and police checkpoints were installed at Day. “It’s a debate between me and those every few meters on Ludhiana-Ferozepur who ruled Punjab till now. I wish they highway to stop protesters, activists and had joined the debate, but they had common people from reaching the started making excuses since the day I,” venue. The entry of media was also also said Mann in his nearly hour-long prohibited inside the venue and only address. “select guests”, including AAP MLAs and

Supreme Court's advice to governors over pending bills NEW DELHI: Governors must remember that they are not the elected representatives of states and have limited power over legislative actions of an elected government, the Supreme Court said on Monday, seeking a detailed account of action taken by Punjab governor Banwarilal Purohit on four bills, which the state government claimed he has withheld for an inordinate period and inexplicable reasons.

Expressing its anguish over a trend of governors acting on bills only after the states approached the Supreme Court, a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that governors should not compel the state governments to pursue legal recourse each and every time the latter exercised their legislative powers.

“It happened in Telanganala also. There are other states also approaching this court regarding pending bills. Why do parties have to come to the Court?

Governors must act even before they come to the Supreme Court. After they come to the court, Governors start acting. This has to stop,” the bench, which also comprised justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, told solicitor general Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Punjab governor.

As Mehta said that the governor has acted on the bills and that he can put on record an updated status report, the bench fixed the next hearing of the petition filed by the Punjab government on November 10. In the last one week, state governments of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have also moved the top court against the alleged inaction and delay by their respective governors in clearing several bills. Those petitions are yet to come up for hearings.

WEST BENGAL

Centre spreading misinformation on rural jobs scheme: Mamata KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that a deliberate misinformation campaign was on to delay clearing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) dues to the state.

Her accusation came a day after she extended the deadline by a fortnight, till November 16, for the Centre to clear the dues.

She said the central government did not release any funds despite Trinamool Congress' movement for it and alleged that misinformation was being spread to confuse people.

Mamata Banerjee

"I detect a deliberate disinformation campaign regarding Central release of funds in MGNREGA. Despite our vigorous movements and submission of detailed factual

records and accounts, the Centre has been dragging its feet and has not released any withheld fund whatsoever at all," Mamata wrote on X. She described the spreading of misinformation as "shame" on the part of the central government.

The central government had earlier said funds for the rural job scheme were not released to Bengal due to non-compliance of directives.

In a statement, the ministry had said funds for West Bengal "have been stopped from March 9, 2022" as per provisions of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, due to non-compliance of directives of the central government.

"The misinformation is being spread to be fool people and to spread confusion, and to malign the state government. We need, deserve, and are entitled to our rightful share. We continue to be unfairly deprived, despite leaking of false information here and there. Shame!!" she added.

BJP in Telangana suffered another blow barely a month before assembly elections after the party’s manifesto committee chairman and ex-MP Gaddam Vivek Venkataswamy resigned from the party.

Along with him, spokesperson Anugula Rakesh Reddy too resigned from the party.

Vivek and his son Vamsi Gaddam later met Rahul Gandhi and joined Congress. “We have joined the grand old party to end the autocratic rule of the BRS,” he said. His resignation, sent to Telangana unit president and Union minister Kishan Reddy, was two sentences long: “With a heavy heart, I tender my resignation from Bharatiya Janata Party.

Thank you for your support during my tenure.” BJP had appointed Vivek the manifesto committee chief on October 5 in a bid to hold him back.

TAX MEN RAID DMK MP JAGATHRAKSHAKAN Income Tax officials have conducted raids on 40 premises of DMK member of parliament K T Jagathrakshakan on the charge of tax evasion by educational institutions run by him.

Jagathrakshakan at the time of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections declared £20 million as his total assets in his and his wife’s names. The raids will also show if he has amassed wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income. Such evidence, if any, will be shared with other investigating agencies like the CBI. Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin denounced the raids against Jagathrakshkan as “vendetta politics” against the opposition being pursued by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government.

NOW, DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM AUSTRALIA, NZ TO AMRITSAR The Punjabi community residing in Australia, New Zealand and other Southeast Asian countries would now have the privilege of multiple flight options than ever before for flying directly from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International (SGRDJI) Airport. The facility for direct flights would be provided by four prominent airlines - Batik Air, Air Asia X and Malaysia Airlines from Malaysia and Scoot of Singapore - all of which would operate flights to Amritsar via their respective hubs in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. All these airlines are competing and eyeing the Punjabi diaspora for increasing their business. Sameep Singh Gumtala, convener, FlyAmritsar Initiative, said starting from November 8, Malaysia Airlines would commence two weekly direct flights from its hub in Kuala Lumpur to the holy city.

The airlines would provide direct flights from Punjab to multiple cities across Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Philippines, Vietnam and more countries.

POLICE ISSUE NOTICE TO BCCI ON TICKET SALES Amid allegations of black marketing of tickets for Sunday's World Cup cricket match between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens, Calcutta police issued a notice to BCCI president seeking information on ticket sales for the event, a senior officer said. The notice asked the BCCI president to submit documents to the officer of the Maidan police station who is investigating the complaints regarding black marketing of the tickets, he said. "A notice was sent to the BCCI president, asking him to provide relevant documents and information regarding the sale of tickets either personally or through any competent person of his organisation to the investigating officer of Maidan PS during working hours on Tuesday," the officer said.

Calcutta police have so far arrested 19 people and seized 108 tickets from their possession, besides registering seven cases in connection with the black marketing of tickets.

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PM Modi, Hasina jointly launch key infra, rail link projects A cross-border train link, the first between northeast India and the neighbouring country, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina.

The opening of the AgartalaAkhaura cross-border rail link, which connects Bangladesh and India, was hailed by Prime Minister Modi as a "historic" occasion. Recalling the land boundary agreement and the resolution of the maritime boundary, the PM also informed Hasina, who is running for reelection in January, that the kind of work that has been done between the two countries in the last nine years had not occurred in decades earlier.

“India takes pride in the fact that it’s the number one development partner of Bangladesh. The list of our achievements is so long that we can spend an entire day talking about it,” said Modi.

Sheikh Hasina & Narendra Modi

The other two projects inaugurated by Modi and Hasina are the 65-km KhulnaMongla port rail line, and Unit 2 of the Maitree super thermal power plant in Bangladesh’s Rampal.

“The joint inauguration of these important projects shows that we have a strong bond of friendship and collaboration... I also thank PM Modi for the warm

hospitality during my visit in September for the G20 Summit,” said Hasina.

India had given Bangladesh a grant of Rs 392.5 crore for the Agarta la-Akhaura train line. A 65-kilometer broad gauge link was built as part of the KhulnaMongla port rail line to connect Bangladesh's Mongla Port to the city's already-existing rail system.

Turmeric adulteration killing millions in South Asia Turmeric has long been prized in Ayurvedic medicine for its antiinflammatory properties and in Asian cuisines for its earthy flavour and vibrant hue. But for the millions of South Asians who habitually consume it, turmeric’s skin-staining yellowness can be deceptive and deadly.

To heighten their colour, the rhizomes from which the spice is extracted are routinely dusted with lead chromate, a neurotoxin.

The practice helps explain why South Asia has the highest rates of lead poisoning in the world. The heart and brain diseases it causes accounted for at least 1.4 mn deaths in the region in 2019. The economic cost is crippling; that year lead poisoning is estimated to have lowered South Asian productivity by the equivalent of 9% of GDP. Yet it turns out that with clever policies, enlightened leadership and astute messaging this blight can be greatly reduced.

Bangladesh has shown how.

At the instigation of teams from Stanford University and the International Centre for

Diarrhoeal Disease Research, the country launched a nationwide campaign against turmeric adulteration in 2019. Rules against adulteration were enforced and well-publicised stings carried out against wholesalers who persisted in it.

According to newly published data, the country thereby reduced the prevalence of turmeric adulteration to zero in just two years.

That slashed lead levels in the blood of Bangladeshi turmericmill workers by about a third.

Nationwide, it probably saved thousands of lives.

Other countries where lead poisoning is rife should follow Bangladesh. Recent estimates suggest a staggering 815 mn children

have been poisoned by the metal. According to the Centre for Global Development, a think-tank in Washington, this disaster explains a fifth of the learning gap between children in rich and poor countries.

The poisoning has many causes. Weak or absent regulators permit lead-infused cooking utensils, cosmetics and other products. Yet adulterated turmeric looks like a major culprit almost everywhere, chiefly owing to poor practice in India, which produces 75% of the spice. India was the source of much of the poisonous pigment found in Bangladesh and is estimated to have the highest incidence of lead poisoning of any country.

Bangladesh’s response could work in many countries. Its key elements included an openness to foreign expertise; effective NGOs; a willingness by the government to work with them; and the formation of an even broader coalition, also including journalists and private firms, to maximise the effort.

Don’t fly Air India after Nov 19, Canada-based outfit warns Sikhs Canada based terrorist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) has warned Sikhs not to board Air India flights on November 19 and beyond, threatening to replicate the "Kanishka Bombing" and endangering their lives. On November 19, SFJ chairman Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said in a video statement that they would not allow Air India to "fly at any cost" and vowed to impose a blockade.

On June 23, 1985, a bomb hidden in a suitcase on an Air India flight travelling from Canada to India via London detonated, killing every one of the 329 passengers.

Twenty four Indians and 268 Canadian citizens, the majority of whom were of Indian descent, were among the dead. Talwinder Singh Parmar, the leader of the Babbar Khalsa at the time, was the mastermind behind this terror act. He was purportedly "protected" by the Canadian government at the time, which was led by Pierre Trudeau, the father of the current prime minister, Justin Trudeau.

Remarkably, Ripudaman Singh

Malik, a deceased associate of Pannun, was first charged in the Kanishka bombing case but was ultimately found not guilty due to insufficient evidence. In 2022, local thugs in Canada shot and killed Malik. In the latest video, Pannun said, “We are asking Sikhs not to fly Air India on November 19. On November 19, there will be a global blockade and Air India will not be allowed to fly anywhere across the world. Sikhs, you do not travel by Air India after November 19. It can be life threatening. This is my warning to the government of The Indira Gandhi India.

International Airport should remain closed on the 19th of November.”

“It is the same day on which the final match of the World Terror Cup will be played. It will be shown to the world that a genocide of Sikhs happened in India and India did it. When we liberate Punjab, the name of these airports will be Shahid Beant Singh and Shahid Satwant Singh Airport,” the Khalistani terrorist added.

Chhattisgarh and Mizoram record over 70% voter turnout According to an initial estimate of the Election Commission, over 71.11 per cent voters exercised their franchise at 20 of Chhattisgarh’s 90 assembly constituencies that went to the polls on Tuesday. According to reports, Mizoram recorded an approximate voter turnout of 77.32%.

Bhanupratappur constituency in Chhattisgarh has so far recorded the highest voter turnout of 79.10%. Bijapur constituency recorded the lowest turnout at 40.98%. According to the Election Commission the data from some polling stations are sketchy and it will take some time to get the final percentage.

According to reports, clashes occurred between Maoist insurgents and security forces at some places. Four security personnel were reportedly injured in the clashes. Earlier, a security officer was injured after stepping on an explosive planted by Maoists. Voting to the remaining 70 constituencies in the state will take place on November 17.

Mizoram’s Tuikum seat registered a voter turnout of 87.32%, the state’s highest yet. Election Commission data showed that as of 7 pm, the constituency with the lowest turnout in Mizoram was Aizawl East-I, where 65.97% of eligible voters exercised their franchise. There are 40 seats in the Mizoram legislative assembly and elections were held for all of them on Tuesday. Votes will be counted on December 3. The Congress party is in power in Chhattisgarh while the Mizo National Front rules Mizoram.

Ram Mandir rituals begin with ‘akshat puja’

Blinken and Austin to be in India for talks with Jaishankar, Rajnath US secretary of state Antony Blinken and secretary of defence Lloyd Austin will visit India for the government-hosted 5th 2+2 ministerial conversation, which takes place on November 10.

The two nations are anticipated to reaffirm their commitment to their IndoPacific cooperation and global partnership during the dialogue, despite rising geopolitical tensions and significant disagreements over Canada's attempts to link the Indian government to the killing of a terrorist from Khalistani province in British Columbia.

PM Modi will, however, not travel to San Francisco for the APEC summit mid-November and

instead nominate someone else.

During Modi’s visit to the US in June, President Biden had invited India to be the guest of the host.

The campaign for the assembly polls will likely keep Modi occupied around the time of the meet, where the focus will be on Biden’s meeting on the margins with

Chinese President Jinping.

PM Modi will also be spared the trouble of coming face to face with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau in the middle of a standoff that saw India expelling 41 Canadian diplomats.

Although the US has adopted what appears to be a pro-Canada stance, stating that Trudeau's assertions regarding Indian complicity in the assassination of terrorists from Khalistani are supported by shared intelligence, the 2+2 meeting will probably serve as a reminder that disagreements over Canada won't slow the progress of bilateral relations.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has conducted a "akshat puja," in which 1,000 kg of rice is offered to the deity as one of the first rituals connected to the consecration (pran-pratistha) ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

The rice will be combined with desi ghee and turmeric and then placed in brass pots. Two hundred volunteers from the RSS and VHP will receive the pots and distribute the rice around the nation prior to the consecration event on January 22, 2024.

Before it is given to the people living in more than 500,000 villages nationwide, an additional 100 quintals of rice will be added to it.

The purpose of the puja is to inform the public about the consecration event by holding "akshat" ceremonies in villages and cities using the same "akshat" rice as the Ram Temple. Other than this, more than 20 million leaflets have been printed in regional languages of different states.

These leaflets will be sent to every home along with ‘akshat’ rice.

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SOUVENIRS FROM AROUND THE WORLD A keepsake or memento, such as a souvenir, is an item treasured for the memories it holds. Often collected or bought during travels, souvenirs serve as reminders of special trips or gestures of affection. To uncover the most popular souvenirs across 20 highly visited countries, travel experts at Iglu Cruise utilised Google Trends Data to capture the prevailing choices in each nation.

Jewellery emerged as the top pick in several countries, particularly renowned for designer pieces in places like France, Greece, Malaysia, and Poland. France, in particular, boasts a substantial luxury jewellery market valued at over $3 billion.

Tea, an iconic beverage, stood out as the most sought-after souvenir in China, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, where an astounding 5 billion cups are consumed daily. Austria is acclaimed for its chocolate, often taken as a souvenir, with its citizens consuming an average of 8.10kg of chocolate annually, following Switzerland.

Canada's renowned souvenir is Maple Syrup, with Quebec producing 70 percent of the world's supply, commonly enjoyed with various foods like pancakes and waffles. In Germany, beer steins are a popular choice, associated with the annual Oktoberfest celebrations and appreciated for their decorative appeal.

Italy's prized souvenir is wine, given its status as the largest wine exporter globally, with approximately 383,000 vineyards within the country. Japan's commonly gifted souvenir is chopsticks, symbolising good health, wealth, and family wellbeing according to local tradition.

Tequila stands as Mexico's most popular souvenir, boasting an annual production exceeding 650 million litres, made from the blue agave plant indigenous to the country. The Netherlands is known for its clogs, while Portugal is a

significant producer of cork, attributing to cork as a favoured souvenir.

Spain's most coveted souvenir is olive oil, with the country producing more than half of the world's supply. Wooden carvings made from teak wood represent Thailand's most preferred souvenir, often featuring elephants, of which the country is home to over 3,000.

Turkish Delight is Turkey's quintessential souvenir, a jelly confectionery made from natural ingredients and recognized for its vibrant appearance. In the USA, the American flag holds the distinction of being the most sought-after souvenir, with an estimated 150 million sold annually Lastly, coffee is Vietnam's standout souvenir, positioning the country as the second-largest coffee producer after Brazil.

“My Silk Road” by Ram Gidoomal CBE

Ram Gidoomal's autobiography, "My Silk Road," is a deeply moving and inspiring account of a life filled with triumphs, challenges, and an unwavering quest for self-discovery. In this captivating narrative, readers are invited to explore the author's most intimate memories, his struggles, and his ultimate successes.

The book is divided into twenty chapters, collectively recounting the extraordinary journey of the author from Kenya to London. Within these chapters, Gidoomal shares his reflections on his life, beginning as a minority student at a

Muslim community school and culminating in the prestigious honour of a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) awarded by Queen Elizabeth in 1998.

Gidoomal's family experienced the harsh transition from being citizens to refugees not once but twice. On both occasions, they were uprooted due to political decisions, leading to a painful separation from their community, culture, social status, and educational opportunities.

As a teenager waiting in immigration queues, Gidoomal discovered that he was an "alien," and despite his academic brilliance and significant contributions in his early workplaces, he remained acutely aware of his differences.

In this book about his life, Gidoomal begins by fondly describing his joyful childhood in Kenya. He then delves into the challenges of adapting to Britain in the late 1960s.

The book provides intimate glimpses into the complexity of his family, punctuating them with poignant tragedies, including the loss of his birth father and the uncle who raised him as a father figure. Additionally, readers gain fascinating insights into business practices and secret codes within

Book Review

community networks. Later, during his contented days with a young family in Switzerland, Gidoomal was the rolemodel father who adjusted his work hours to spend time with his children, returning to the office after they had gone to bed.

One of the most prominent themes in the book is Gidoomal's extensive network of relationships across various aspects of life. In the 1970s, his superiors failed to recognise the tremendous asset these connections represented, an asset that could have taken their organisation into new markets with valuable new customers.

The book boasts an elegant storytelling style, featuring humour and a suspenseful plot as the narrative unfolds.

It is a compelling and evocative memoir that takes readers on a journey of selfdiscovery, resilience, and the enduring power of human connections. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring impact of one's cultural heritage and personal relationships.

Ram Gidoomal's life story is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, making this book a must-read for those seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

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Adding sugar to coffee, tea may not significantly impact health The researchers discovered that there were no appreciable extra health risks associated with adding sugar to tea or coffee. Too much sugar in the diet can cause obesity, heart disease, and tooth decay, among other health problems, reports said.

The recommended daily intake of added sugar is 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men, according to the American Heart Association, but many people frequently go above that amount.

With one can of soda containing more than the recommended maximum daily sugar intake for both men and women, it is easy to exceed those recommendations.

Researchers from Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK recently questioned whether sugaring one's daily cup of tea or coffee is really as bad for health as people think. After examining data from the Copenhagen Male Study, researchers discovered that men who added sugar to their coffee or tea did not have a higher risk of diabetes, all-cause mortality, or fatalities from heart disease or cancer.

The Copenhagen Male Study was conducted in the 1970s with a focus on Danish men who were between the ages of 40 and 59. The men's heart and lung conditions were evaluated as part of the initial workup, and they also had to fill out questionnaires regarding their lives.

Your brain doesn’t work the same on Zoom, scientists say Scientists have discovered that when you chat to someone on Zoom, your brain does not function the same way. The current study discovered that neural signaling is much lower during video calls than during in-person conversations.

Upon observing a live subject's brain activity during speech, scientists discovered a sophisticated and intricate network of neural activity. But that was far less on Zoom. It implies that communicating with people virtually still lacks something essential. The researchers propose that facial expressions do not have the same effect on brain activity. That comes as a bit of a surprise because, according to existing models, people's faces should be processed by the brain in the same way whether they are in person or on Zoom because they have similar features. However, the results of the new study point to a real difference between the two situations. “In this study we find that the social systems of the human brain are more active during real live in-person encounters than on Zoom,” said Joy Hirsch, a Yale professor who was the lead author on the new study. “Zoom appears to be an impoverished social communication system relative to in-person conditions.”

For digestive relief drink Watermelon juice A glass of watermelon juice can be an effective remedy for relieving acidity and promoting good digestion. It is renowned for its high water content and contains a modest amount of fiber, both of which play pivotal roles in maintaining smooth digestive processes. This fluidity helps prevent issues associated with constipation and ensures that your digestive tract functions optimally.

Health Views Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Dementia cases to double in England, Wales by 2040 The number of people with dementia in England and Wales is expected almost to double to 1.7 million by 2040.

Rates in the population are increasing far more quickly than previously believed, a trend that is being connected to growing disparities, obesity, and bad lifestyles. According to a University College London study, the number of future cases will be 42% higher than previous projections had shown, putting a "considerably larger" burden on the NHS and social care.

The expected number of dementia cases in England and Wales is close to 900,000, but if current trends continue, this number might rise to 1.2 million

by 2030 and 1.7 million by 2040.

The research, which was published in The Lancet Public Health, examined data from English residents between the

Brain health: some common damaging habits to avoid Our brain, known as the command centre of the body, is a complex organ that requires constant care and attention.

However, certain habits can significantly impair its function and overall health. Four main habits can influence poor brain health and affect cognitive function too much sitting, lack of socialising, inadequate sleep and chronic stress, according to Harvard Medical School.

Sitting for too long: According to a study, excessive sitting can lead to changes in the medial temporal lobe (MTL), a brain region crucial for memory formation. Individuals who sat for prolonged periods had thinner MTL regions, which could potentially lead to cognitive decline and dementia. To counteract this, it's recommended to engage in physical activity every 15 to 30 minutes.

Lack of socialising: Loneliness and isolation can accelerate cognitive decline and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A study found that less socially active individuals experienced more significant loss of the brain’s grey matter, responsible

for processing information.

Inadequate sleep: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one-third of adults don’t get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep. Insufficient sleep can lead to a decline in cognitive skills such as memory, reasoning, and problem-solving.

Chronic stress: Persistent stress can damage brain cells and shrink the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for memory and learning.

Managing stress through mindfulness techniques, deep breathing exercises, and maintaining a flexible mindset can help protect your brain health.

Unhealthy diet: Overeating and consuming too much junk food can harm your brain.

Overeating has been linked to memory loss and cognitive decline in older adults.

ages of 50 and 80 between 2002 and 2019.

Between 2008 and 2016, dementia incidence increased by 25 per cent. The study said that

an “epidemic” of obesity and type 2 diabetes — both risk factors for dementia — may have contributed.

“Other possible explanations include worsening risk factors in socially disadvantaged groups and improved survival for patients with stroke,” it said.

It is possible to avoid four out of ten cases of dementia by making lifestyle improvements including quitting smoking, eating less, and drinking less alcohol.

The study revises a 2017 prediction that put the number of cases at 1.2 million by 2040. This number was computed using historical data that indicated a positive decline in dementia rates.

Just 22 minutes of walking can offset health risks of all-day sitting Take a quick 22-minute stroll to counteract the health concerns associated with excessive desk time or all-day Netflix consumption. According to recent studies, individuals who engage in physical activity for at least 22 minutes a day had a lower chance of dying young. The British Journal of Sports Medicine released the results.

When they're not sleeping, most people in Western countries spend nine to ten hours being sedentary, most of which happens during a person's workweek, according to the study.

Physical activity is known to have numerous health benefits, yet being sedentary is associated with an earlier death.

This latest study sought to examine just how much sedentary time it takes to trigger the risk of early death, and just how much physical activity it takes to reduce that risk. The researchers examined physical activity level

that is, at a minimum, equal to a brisk walk or gardening.

The Norwegian researchers merged data from four earlier studies including 12,000 participants aged 50 or above who used hip-mounted fitness trackers to monitor their amount of active and inactive time for the analysis. When people are typically asleep, from midnight to six in the morning, data was removed.

The analysis showed that having more than 12 daily sedentary hours was linked to a 38% higher risk of early death only among people who had less than 22 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Study says common antibiotics for childhood infections are not effective The results of a recent study show that widespread antibiotic resistance has rendered popular medications used to treat infections in infants and children ineffective in many countries of the world, including India.

A study conducted by Australian researchers at the University of Sydney revealed that less than 50% of the antibiotics prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) were successful in treating chil-

dren diseases such meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis (bloodstream infections).

The findings of the study were published in The Lancet

Regional Health-Southeast Asia journal. The study emphasises on the need to update the global guidelines on antibiotic use.

According to the researchers, the most seriously affected regions are in Southeast Asia and the Pacific where thousands of unnecessary deaths in children resulting from antibiotic resistance occur each year.

According to the World Health Organisation, one of the top ten worldwide public health

dangers to humanity is antibiotic resistance (AMR). Sepsis in infants is thought to cause three million cases worldwide each year, with as many as 570,000 (5.7 lakh) deaths.

Lack of appropriate antibiotics to treat resistant bacteria is a major cause of many of these.

The researchers claim that surgery and other procedures like chemotherapy could be gravely jeopardised by an inability to prevent infections

Too much salt linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes In a recent Tulane University research, consuming a lot of salt may increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. Since the majority of Americans consume more sodium than is advised daily, researchers and professionals advocate lowering sodium intake.

Type 2 diabetes is becoming more and more common worldwide, which is concerning for

healthcare and a major cause of death. Diabetes is a contributing factor in over a million fatalities worldwide each year.

According to reports, 462 million individuals were affected by type 2 diabetes in 2017, with a prevalence rate of 6,059 cases per 100,000. By 2030, type 2 diabetes is projected to increase to 7,079 cases per 100,000.

Individuals who are obese or

over 45 and at risk of developing the illness are frequently encouraged to minimise their sugar intake, eat a balanced diet, and exercise frequently.

Reducing salt consumption may also help delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, according to recent Tulane University research (T2D).

“We already know that limiting salt can reduce the risk of

cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, but this study shows for the first time that taking the saltshaker off the table can help prevent Type 2 diabetes as well,” said lead study author Dr. Lu Qi, PhD, director of the Tulane University Obesity Research Center and professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, in a press release.

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Fans gather outside SRK’s home on his birthday

Aishwarya cuts birthday cake with daughter and mother A ishwarya Rai Bachchan, who celebrated her 50th birthday last week, was pictured with daughter Aaradhya and mother Brindya Rai at an event. She cut the birthday cake in front of media at the event. As the paparazzi sang the happy birthday song for her, Aishwarya was visibly elated by their gestures.

After cutting the cake, Aishwarya said to them, "Thank You. You have sung for me. Thank you so much." She blew kisses towards them. Aishwarya can be seen feeding a piece of cake to her mother and daughter. Aaradhya can be seen giving her mother a hug after the cake-cutting ceremony. When asked to have a piece of cake, Aishwarya can be heard saying, "I am fasting for Karwa Chauth. Can't eat now."

Aishwarya was dressed in a white chikankari suit. She completed her look with a small bindi and red lipstick. She kept her hair loose. She looked gorgeous as ever. Aaradhya was twinning with her

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ollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is celebrating his 58th birthday, expressed gratitude to his millions of fans, who greeted the actor outside his residence Mannat, and said that he “lives in a dream of their love.”

mother in white. She was dressed in her casual outfit. Brindya Rai wore a yellow salwar suit.

Later, The Jodha Akbar actor attended the L'Oreal event in Mumbai.

She chose an embroidered black ensemble for the occasion. She accentuated her look with ruby lips and diamond danglers. Aishwarya came, posed and conquered the red carpet like a queen. She kept her newly-coloured tresses loose.

I scare myself to do better as a comedian: Vir Das The video that went viral on social media shows the sea of fans outside his residence at midnight, chanting his name, and expressing their love for the ‘DDLJ’ actor.

SRK penned a heartfelt note for his admirers: “It’s unbelievable that so many of u come & wish me late at night. I am but a mere actor. Nothing makes me happier than the fact that I can entertain u a bit. I live in a dream of your love.”

“Thank u for allowing me to entertain you all. C u in the morning…on the screen & off it,” added SRK. The superstar, who is having a successful year after his films ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’ created a storm at the box office, got onto his balcony to greet fans.

He first greeted his fans with a namaste, showed them thumbs up, blew kisses at them, and did his iconic pose.

On his birthday, his film ‘Jawan’ got a digital release and a teaser of his upcoming film ‘Dunki’ was unveiled.

While fans and Bollywood colleagues showered love on the star, his daughter Suhana too posted some adorable pictures with her dad.

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ctor-comedian Vir Das, who has received the International Emmy nomination for his streaming comedy special ‘Landing’, has said that he loves to “scare” himself concerning his work and that he enjoys the process of working on something which is “impossible”.

And it’s this perspective of his towards his work that has brought him international recognition. Vir, who also actively takes up acting gigs and is currently busy directing a project, said that he enjoys making the tasks difficult for himself.

He said, “I like to remove the trappings of comfort from my shows. I could have done this comedy special at a huge stadium with numerous cameras focusing on me from different angles, but I wanted to keep it simple, and Netflix was gracious enough to agree to that.”

He added, “In this special, there’s no set, there’s just one stool. There’s no production as such, there’s only some sand on the floor, and there’s not even any enhanced lighting.

In such a case, the special rides just on the words that come out of the comedian’s

During career slump, Bobby Deol turned to alcohol B

obby Deol, on the chat show ‘Koffee With Karan’ said he withdrew from the industry when his films didn’t work, adding that he started self-pitying himself, and became negative about everything. Bobby was accompanied by his brother Sunny Deol on ‘Koffee With Karan’, hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar.

The ‘Badal’ fame actor has made one of the strongest comebacks with the crime drama web series ‘Aashram’.

Talking about the low phase in his career, Bobby said, “I just took on drinking a lot, I was sitting at home. I used to keep cursing and saying, why don’t people take me? I am good, why don’t they want to work with me? I think I became so negative about everything, that there was no positiveness coming from me.”

Then, he said, “Suddenly I heard my son saying,

‘you know Mom, Papa sits at home and you go to work every day’. Something snapped in me. I just said, no I can’t. It was a slow process, but when I got out of it, it took me time to get into the right mind frame to become okay. It can’t happen overnight. My brother, my dad, my mom, my sisters, they were always there,” he shared.

The ‘Ajnabee’ actor said: “You cannot always do anything holding someone’s hand. You have to walk on your own feet. Then things start changing. I became more focused, more serious, and when you focus you have that energy in you. I mean I have gone and met so many people, I said to myself, I will go and meet people, tell them I want to work with you all. I came to you also, you still haven’t worked with me.”

Deol is now shooting form ‘Animal’, and Telugu movies ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’, and ‘Kanguva’.

mouth and the content. So, I like to scare myself in that sense.”

The comic artiste also feels that the greatest achievement for any artiste is when their audience walks back home with a small part of the performer in their minds, a moment where humanity shines through.

“There is a demarcation between an artiste and their personality, but the greatest glimpses of artistry happen when the lines between the two are blurred. Every great song is about a real person who broke their heart in a moment of truth, isn’t it?”

The comedian also spoke up on the ongoing wars across different parts of the world be it RussiaUkraine or between Israel and Hamas. He said in jest everybody wants to know comedians’ opinions on serious things like these because comedy is not enough apparently for comics.

Kangana may contest elections, drops a big hint

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ollywood actor Kangana Ranaut hinted at entering electoral politics, saying if Lord Krishna blesses her, she would contest the next Lok Sabha elections. She was at Devbhumi Dwarka to offer prayers at the famous Dwarkadhish temple of Lord Krishna. When reporters asked her whether she would contest the next Lok Sabha elections, Kangana said, "Shri Krishna ki kripa rahi to ladenge (If Lord Krishna blesses, I will fight)."

She praised the BJP-led Union government for making the consecration of Lord Ram's idol at Ayodhya possible "after 600 years of struggle". "With the efforts of the BJP government, we Indians get to see this day after 600 years of struggle.

We will establish the temple with great celebration. The flag of Sanatan

Dharma should be hoisted all over the world," said the actor, who played the role of an Indian Air Force pilot in her recently-released film "Tejas".

Kangana also urged the government to create a facility to allow pilgrims to visit the remains of the lost city of Dwarka that was submerged under the sea. "I always say that Dwarka is a divine city.

Everything here is amazing.

Dwarkadhish is present in every particle. I become blessed when we see Him. I always try to come here as much as possible to have darshan of the Lord. But whenever I get a moment from work, I come," she told reporters.

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Prabhas starrer 'Salaar' to be massive action entertainer

Fan builds temple for Rajinikanth in Madurai

Siddharth calls rumoured girlfriend Aditi Rao Hydari his ‘partner’ A

diti Rao Hydari celebrated her 37th birthday last week. To mark this special day, her rumoured boyfriend, actor Siddharth, penned a cute birthday post for her. What's more? Siddharth referred to Aditi as his 'partner', which suggests that the couple has now made their relationship Instagram official.

Siddharth posted a beautiful picture of Aditi sitting with colourful sunglasses and pouting. The second picture had both of them posing in a selfie. In the long caption, which was written like a poem, Siddharth said, "Isn't she lovely? Happy Birthday partner. Thank you for being. All the pixies in all the worlds/ Fly around sprinkling dust in your grace/ Incantations and giggles fill the

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die-hard fan of megastar Rajinikanth has built a temple dedicated to Thalaiva on the premises of his house in Madurai. Selfproclaimed Rajini fan, Karthik converted a part of his home space into a shrine where he also installed the actor’s statue. As per Karthik, Rajinikanth’s idol weighs 250 kg.

air/ All in wait of a smile on your face// Be you be true/And thank you/For showing us/It always, without fail, takes two (red heart emoticon)// See you soon. It's been too long."

Soon, Aditi reacted to the sweet birthday wish and commented on the post. She wrote, "been toooooo long… (laughing face emoticon) You’re a poet and I didn’t know it!

Ps- I should have known you over talented boy!" Aditi and Siddharth have been rumoured to be dating for a long time now.

They are often spotted together. However, they have neither confirmed nor denied the rumours. They met while working on the Telugu film Maha Samudram in 2021. Both of them were previously married.

Ram Charan inducted into Academy’s Actors Branch

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he Prabhas starrer 'Salaar: Part 1Ceasefire,' has moviegoers on the edge of their seats. The movie, which is being eagerly anticipated by viewers, is creating a buzz ahead of its upcoming theatrical release.

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“For us, Rajinikanth is God. I have built a temple for him as a mark of respect,” he said. Karthik’s daughter Anushiya also expressed her admiration for Rajinikanth. “We worship the idol of Rajinikanth in the same way we worship God in the temple,” she said.

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is basking in the success of ‘Jailer’. He plays a man seeking to avenge the death of his cop son in ‘Jailer’.

Mohanlal, Shivarajkumar, and Jackie Shroff were seen in important cameos.

In the coming months, he will be seen sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in ‘ ‘Thalaivar 170’.

elugu star Ram Charan has joined his 'RRR' co-star NTR Jr. into the Oscars, as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) recently announced his induction into its prestigious Actors Branch.

Ram Charan, whose role as the freedom fighter Alluri Sitaraman Raju in director SS Rajamouli’s universally acclaimed historical-fiction-epic film 'RRR' gained him global spotlight, he has joined a roster of established stars.

The Academy, the institution that overlooks the Oscars announcing his induction took to their Instagram and posted their roster of the recent inductees.

They wrote: “Through their nuanced portrayal and dedication to authenticity, these actors gift us with characters that leave a lasting impression on our hearts and minds.

Their mastery of their art form transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary cinematic experiences, enriching our appreciation for the depth and complexity of human emotions.”

Announcing the roster, they added: “We’re thrilled to welcome these accomplished performers to the Actors Branch of the Academy: Lashana Lynch, Ram Charan, Vicky Krieps, Louis Koo Tin-Lok, Keke Palmer, Chang Chen, Sakura Ando, Robert Davi and more.”

The announcement not only celebrates Ram Charan’s induction but also highlights the significance of his involvement in shaping the future of the motion picture industry.

The film is undoubtedly going to be the most violent movie ever made, and the elaborate plans the team made to create its international-level action say it all. It comes from the home of the biggest action director in the business, Prashanth Neel.

According to a source close to the production, "Salaar: Part 1-Ceasefire features a lot of on-ground action, so over 750 different vehicles, including jeeps, tanks, trucks, etc., were procured for the shoot." It surpassed the size of any major battle scene in a Hollywood production.

The scale and ambition of Salaar: Part 1 Ceasefire has been making headlines, and for good reason. The film is poised to redefine the standards of cinematic grandeur. Prashanth Neel is an expert in action sequences with heavy weapons. He has time and again shown that in the KGF series.

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Yellow Bus - the story of being imperfect, but humane parents

W

endy Bednarz launched make mistakes, and this was a very interesting entry point her career in the fashion to the story for me as I was industry of NYC under thinking about all the characStephen Sprouse at Andy ters, As a parent, I couldn't Warhol's Factory, fostering a imagine putting my child on a passion for unconventional school bus and then not and visual storytelling. She returning home to me and traverses diverse narratives my first thought was - I through film, photography, would be angry at the school and video installations, with at the system but I probably works showcased globally, would be most upset with earning accolades from venues Director Wendy Bednarz with actor myself.

Tannishtha Chatterjee at the . You’re being applauded like NY MoMA, Montreal World for getting the minute Film Festival, and Venice Film screening of Yellow Bus at Mumbai Film Festival 2023 details of Indian culture Festival. This is the first of its perfectly right in the film. How did you kind, Indo-Jordanian production, co-produced manage to do that, considering you don’t

by Guneet Monga Kapoor.

Wendy's inaugural fiction feature, speak the Hindi language?

'Yellow Bus,' marks her debut in the genre.

The right producers, the right crew, the Starring Tannishtha Chatterjee and Amit crew, the background, the crew backSial, ‘Yellow Bus' is inspired by a real event grounds, mirror those of the story, the castof the tragic, avoidable death of a little girl, ing was extremely important. I had a priest, a forgotten in a school bus only to succumb to Hindu priest on speed dial who I would the heat. speak to. I was just constantly asking a lot of Here’s her exclusive Q&A with Asian questions and listening to the translation of Voice: the screenplay was very challenging. It was written in English, I naively assumed that it . Over the years, you may have seen would easily translate into Hindi Arabic and multiple issues that the Indian diaspora and Urdu and it was not an easy process. This migrants in general face abroad, despite kind of caveat was a benefit that the discovworking harder than the locals. Why do you ery of directing in a language that was not think that is the case? How did that translate my own also was very freeing because it into the plot of Yellow Bus? allowed me to look at the performances.

I think it's really hard to make a home . We’re amid a migrant, cost-of-living and away from families in a foreign country to a larger human crisis, where Yellow Bus is feel valued for your contributions. There a very relevant film. What can the diaspora should be a lot of gratitude for the people take away from it and what can the people who come and do that because it's giving up from other cultures, non-Black Asian Minority a lot more than probably the remuneration they receive in return perhaps. In Yellow Bus Ethnic learn about being a little less harsh on there are all kinds of Indian diaspora living themselves? in the Gulf, some of them own banks, and a Yes, I agree with this. I can tell you that lot of them are workers in the oil industry. I I believe that the diaspora coming to counchose a very specific one - a family with a tries must allow themselves to have a voice home and not living in a camp. So there is a even when they may feel that they don't have certain amount of success. The main protagone. I think it's very important that people onist Ananda (Tannishtha Chatterjee) is very speak up. It's challenging to be away from educated and has given up her career to raise families challenging to be subjected to culthe children. tural norms that may not make sense at first, . The film humanises the protagonists, to a person. I think that surrendering to these challenges is just super important as to perhaps a first in cinema like this, which knowing that no one is alone in this. This is may be very cathartic for a lot of parents who the shift. This is a worldwide shift as as peoaren’t perfect. Where did this idea germinate ple move from one place to the other and it from? does come with discomfort but it doesn't It germinated from my being in me being mean at the end of the day that their contrian imperfect parent. I'm interested in the butions are any less valuable. fact that all of us as humans are flawed. We

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‘Just looking like a wow’: Nick Jonas compliments wife Priyanka

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'Singham Again' first look: Ranveer Singh aka Simmba is back with a bang

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ick Jonas expressed his feeling with a touching post as Priyanka Chopra celebrated Karwa Chauth without him. He lauded the global celebrity utilising the popular "just looking like a wow" trend while sharing a picture of her latest appearance from the Jio World Plaza after-party. He commented on the post, saying, "So beautiful, so elegant... just looking like a wow."

The actor can be seen in the photo donning a velvet blouse and an embroidered neon green Sabyasachi saree. She had her hair open and donned a set of diamonds.

Priyanka posted a throwback picture of the couple having fun on a yacht, but she did not respond to his post. “When anything is overwhelming … #myrock #throwback,” she wrote. In the photo, Nick sits on the edge while Priyanka lazes on the floor, keeping her head on his legs.

The American singer reposted the Instagram story adding a heart emoji to the post.

Returning to the now-viral dialogue, stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Ranveer Singh, and Deepika Padukone all embraced the practise.

Ranveer used the amusing line to thank Nita Ambani as he walked the ramp at the Jio World Plaza launch, while Deepika and

Work culture different in Hollywood and Bollywood: Adil Hussain

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he actor Ranveer Singh is set to play Simmba once more in Rohit Shetty's next movie, 'Singham Again'. Last week, the cast and producers unveiled Ranveer Singh's first image from the movie. Ranveer Singh is seen in the photo flaunting his toned biceps and muscular physique. A reflection of Lord Hanuman can also be seen in the crimson background, symbolising Simmba's physical vitality and enthusiasm. Sharing the picture, Ranveer Singh wrote in the caption, "SABSE NATKHAT, SABSE NIRALA!!!ALA RE ALA, SIMMBA ALA!!!" Take a look.

Last month, Rohit Shetty and the actors started shooting 'Singham Again'. 'Simmba' actor Ranveer Singh, who portrays Inspector Sangram Bhalerao in the movie series, uploaded a photo of himself performing aarti from the muhurat. He wrote in the caption, "Subharamabh. All set to reprise one of my most loved characters from the Rohit Shetty Cop Universe - SIMMBA in #SinghamAgain ! We seek your love and blessings for our new journey."

Wamiqa shared it on social media.

In the wee hours of Thursday, shared a photo of the decorated sieve with a diya, while waiting for the moon to be seen.

“Happy Karwa Chauth to everyone celebrating,” she wrote, adding a heart emoji and tagging Nick. In the next picture, she also informed fans of her departure from the city as she wrote, “Wil miss you Mumbai. Alvida meri jaan… see you soon.”

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The newest characters in the world of cops are Tiger Shroff and Deepika Padukone. They're going to perform at Singham once more. In 2011, Singham was released. In key parts were Ajay Devgn, Prakash Raj, and Kajal Aggarwal. 2014 saw the release of 'Singham Returns'. Main actors Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, and Amole Gupte were portrayed. With the 2018 release of 'Simmba', Ranveer Singh joined the franchise. With the release of 'Sooryavanshi' in 2021, Akshay Kumar entered the world of cops. Each of the four films was a box office success.

ctor Adil Hussain has a wide range of films to his name, including internationally acclaimed works like ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ and ‘Life of Pi’. The actor, who is renowned for his refined acting abilities and diversified, unconventional performances, talked about the culture of filmmaking in India and abroad.

When asked if to work in Hollywood, an actor has to change their work style, he said, “It depends. One of my works hasn’t been released in India unfortunately. It was an Italian film, ‘Gangor’ based on Mahasweta Devi’s story. The movie was directed by an Italian director and an Italian production.

So, it is an English film when I started acting, the director asked me, ‘Move your hands, you are from India, it’s not a cold country.

Don’t act like a Hollywood actor.'”

He added, “The genre of acting in European films or Hollywood films is influenced by their climate. As it is cold, there is

less body movement, and they don’t prefer to speak much unlike India.”

On his experience during the shoot of ‘Life of Pi’, Hussain recalled the meticulous planning, professionalism, and discipline and how filmmaking is different in Hollywood and Bollywood.

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11 - 17 November 2023

Kohli slams ton as India crush South Africa

On his 35th birthday, Virat Kohli equalled Sachin Tendulkar's record of most ODI centuries with his 49th hundred, laying the foundation for India's 243-run victory over South Africa in Kolkata on Sunday. But, by the time the game got over, South Africa were left bruised and battered after being bowled out for 83 in 27.1 overs as India consolidated its top place in the pecking order, with Kohli finally matching Tendulkar 49 centuries.

Ravindra Jadeja captured five wickets for 33 runs. Set an imposing target of 327 after Kohli's 121-ball 101 not out, Shreyas Iyer's fluent 87-ball 77 and some fireworks towards the end

by Suryakumar Yadav and Jadeja, the Proteas crumbled like a pack of cards. When the Proteas' turn to bat came, the pitch remained

pretty much the same but the Indian bowling was again at a different level altogether, running through the side with the same relentlessness and potency they have been doing through the tournament.

Australia qualify for semis; beat Afghanistan A superhuman effort from Glenn Maxwell has seen Australia qualify for the semi-final in the World Cup. Maxwell was struggling with cramps and back issues but he helped Australia win the match in an unbelievable fashion.

He smashed 201 runs off 128 balls to lead Australia past Afghanistan with 19 deliveries to spare and into the semifinals. He hit 21 fours as well as 10 sixes, the last coming off the final ball of the match.

Australia joined India and South Africa in the last four and damaged Afghanistan’s unlikely bid to reach the semifinals.

Australia, set 292 to win, had collapsed to 91-7 before Maxwell dragged his team back into the reckoning. Australia would have been in deep trouble if Mujeeb Ur Rahman had taken a simple catch at short fine leg when Maxwell was on 33.

Bangladesh knock out Lanka Bangladesh knocked out Sri Lanka from the semi-final race with a 3-wicket win at Arun Jaitley

ICC playing conditions, was informed he was timed out.

Fakhar keeps Pakistan alive Pakistan endured a battering

by New Zealand’s top-order before launching their own onslaught through centurion Fakhar Zaman to win a rain-hit World Cup game by 21 runs via the DLS method on Saturday in Bengaluru and stay alive in the hunt for a semi-final spot.

Chasing 402 to win the highstakes clash, Pakistan took the attack to New Zealand as Fakhar hit a blistering century off 63 balls and Babar Azam inched towards his fifty when rain halted play with the score on 160-1 in 21.3 overs. The target was revised to 342 in 41 overs and Fakhar picked up from where he left off, reaching 126 not out with eight fours and 11 sixes, while Babar struck an unbeaten 66 but the showers returned with Pakistan adding 40 to their total in four overs. Pakistan's fireworks meant they were 21 runs ahead of the DLS par score when the game was eventually called off, DĂƚĐŚ tŝŶ >ŽƐĞ EZZ WŽŝŶƚƐ ensuring a victory that ϴ ϴ Ϭ нϮ͘ϰϱϲ ϭϲ took them to eight ϴ ϲ Ϯ нϭ͘ϯϳϲ ϭϮ points from as many ϴ ϲ Ϯ нϬ͘ϴϲϭ ϭϮ matches - level on ϴ ϰ ϰ нϬ͘ϯϵϴ ϴ points with fourthϴ ϰ ϰ нϬ͘Ϭϯϲ ϴ placed New Zealand. ϴ ϰ ϰ ͲϬ͘ϯϯϴ ϴ Afghans beat Dutch by ϴ Ϯ ϲ Ͳϭ͘ϭϰϮ ϰ 7 wickets ϴ Ϯ ϲ Ͳϭ͘ϭϲϬ ϰ Half centuries by ϳ Ϯ ϱ Ͳϭ͘ϯϵϴ ϰ Afghanistan skipper ϳ ϭ ϲ Ͳϭ͘ϱϬϰ Ϯ Hashmatullah Shahidi

Stadium in New Delhi on Monday. It was their second win of the tournament for Bangladesh as they outplayed Bangladesh in all three departments. Chasing the 280-run target, Najmul Hasan Shanto (90) and skipper Shakib Al Hasan’s (82) 169-run stand paved the way for Bangladesh’s 3-wicket triumph. Sri Lanka have one game left to play but the defeat has pushed them out of the race. The highlight of the match was senior Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews becoming the first player to be given “timed out” in the 146-year history of international cricket. Mathews was already on the pitch and in his final preparations before taking strike against Shakib Al Hasan.

His helmet strap broke just as he was tightening it around his chin.

He called for a replacement helmet. Shakib then appeared to initiate a discussion with umpire Marais Erasmus, after which Mathews, as he was not ready to face his first ball within the two minutes to do so as allowed in the dĞĂŵ /ŶĚŝĂ ^ŽƵƚŚ ĨƌŝĐĂ ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂ EĞǁ ĞĂůĂŶĚ WĂŬŝƐƚĂŶ ĨŐŚĂŶŝƐƚĂŶ ĂŶŐůĂĚĞƐŚ ^ƌŝ >ĂŶŬĂ EĞƚŚĞƌůĂŶĚƐ ŶŐůĂŶĚ

and Rahmat Shah and veteran Mohammad Nabi’s superb bowling spell helped Afghanistan register a seven wicket victory over the Netherlands on Friday at Lucknow. After the Afghans restricted the Dutch to 179, batter Rahmat Shah’s of 52 and an unbeaten 56 by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi saw the team home with a whopping 18.3 overs to spare. With this win, the Afghanistan team has climbed to the fifth spot in the points table with eight points. Earlier, Sybrand Engelbrecht (58 off 86) anchored the Netherlands innings after the Dutch suffered a mid-innings collapse.

South Africa beat New Zealand South Africa have continued their march towards the semifinals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 with a 190-run win over fellow contenders New Zealand at Pune’s MCA Stadium on Wednesday. Helped by centuries from Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen, the Proteas posted 357-4 after being asked to bat first by New Zealand stand-in captain Tom Latham.

Keshav Maharaj took four wickets, Marco Jansen took three and Gerald Coetzee took two as South Africa recorded their sixth win of the tournament. The Proteas built on the de Kock and van der Dussen 200-run stand with 119 in the last 10 overs as David Miller put the New Zealand bowlers to the sword with a 30-ball 53.

India dethrone Japan, win women’s Hardik Pandya ruled out of WC, Asian hockey champions title Prasidh Krishna named replacement India’s talismanic skipper Savita did it innumerable times in the past and once again put up a matchwinning performance as the hosts beat defending champions Japan 4-0 in the final of Women’s Asian Champions Trophy at Ranchi.

India were leading 2-0 after scoring early in the fourth quarter but after some good showing, Japan earned a penalty stroke following a penalty corner midway into the last quarter. But Savita, with her outstretched left foot, kept out Kana Urata’s shot.

The save broke the Japanese spirit and India

went on the rampage from then on. Savita also made quite a number of good saves throughout the game, including a triple save from a penalty corner in the second quarter.

As for the goals, Sangita Kumari opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Neha, Lalremsiami and Vandana Katariya scored one each in the fourth

quarter to wrap the game for India.

The match began at around 9.25 pm after one of the four light towers went dark and the players were forced to leave the turf even after warming up. Once the issue was finally resolved, it was Yuri Nagain who had the first clear chance for Japan but from a very close range she played it wide. India also had a chance but they failed to take it. They were finally able to take the lead two minutes into the second quarter following an error by Japan in their own half.

Hardik Pandya would not be a part of India’s campaign for the remainder of World Cup 2023 after he failed to recover from his ankle injury. Last month, the all-rounder sustained the injury during India’s match against Bangladesh in Pune.

Midway through his first over, the 30-year-old Hardik twisted his ankle and fell on the ground.

Later, after being treated, he stood up with his leg heavily strapped. However, he failed to continue bowling and it was Virat Kohli who bowled the remaining three balls of the over.

After Hardik got

injured, India included Mohammed Shami in the playing XI and the latter has already picked up 14 wickets from three matches at an economy rate of 4.27. He also picked up five-wicket hauls against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

Prasidh Krishna, in the meantime, has replaced Pandya in the squad. The Event Technical Committee of the tournament approved the pacer as a replacement. Krishna is available for the match against South Africa to be played on Sunday, November 5 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Krishna recently played

for Karnataka in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, where he picked up five wickets in as many matches.

With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj already doing well, it is unlikely that Krishna will get a chance immediately barring any unforeseen circumstance.

In 17 ODIs thus far, Krishna has picked up 29 wickets at an economy rate of 5.60 with two fourwicket hauls to show for his efforts. He last played an ODI on September 27, 2023 when India and Australia faced each other at the SCA Stadium in Rajkot.

Lanka cricket governing body Saudi Arabia eyeing stake in IPL Tendulkar statue unveiled Saudi Arabia has expressed kingdom’s defacto ruler at Wankhede stadium sacked after dismal show interest in buying a multivisited India in September, Sri Lanka has dismissed the board of its cricket governing body and replaced it with an interim committee, the ministry of sport said, after a disappointing World Cup campaign. Lanka have won only two of their seven World Cup matches, all but crashing out of the semi-final race, with the board coming under heavy criticism from angry fans after last week's 302-run loss to hosts India.

Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe called the governing body, Sri Lanka Cricket, "traitorous and corrupt" saying board members should resign.

The secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket, Mohan de Silva, the second-highest official on the board, stepped down as fans protested in front of its headquarters. The minister sacked remaining board members, replacing them with an interim committee chaired by World Cup winning former captain Arjuna Ranatunga, his ministry said in a statement.

Ranatunga will be joined by two retired Supreme Court judges in the seven-member committee.

billion-dollar stake in the Indian Premier League, international cricket’s most lucrative event, following a string of investments that have upended professional sports including football and golf.

Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s advisers have sounded out Indian government officials about moving the IPL into a holding company valued at as much as $30 billion, in which Saudi Arabia would then take a significant stake, people familiar with the matter said. The talks were held when the

the people said.

Under plans discussed at the time, the kingdom proposed investing as much as $5 billion into the league and help lead an expansion into other countries, similar to the English Premier League or the European Champions League, the people said.

While the Saudi government is keen to press on with a deal, the Indian government and the country’s cricket regulator BCCI - are likely to take a call on the proposal after next year’s general elections, the people said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on November 1 unveiled a gleaming bronze statue of Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede Stadium.

Commissioned by MCA, the statue depicting the cricket icon in his trademark ‘lofted drive’ pose is the first-ever erected for any legend at the 49-year-old Wankhede Stadium and is placed prominently at the Sachin Tendulkar Stand.

It was created by Ahmednagar-based sculptor Pramod Kamble, who said the larger-than-life-size statue stands 14 feet tall. It is now at a strategic location visible from all sides, just ahead of some of the ICC ODI World Cup matches scheduled there. The selected pose, after scouring thousands of action images of Tendulkar, finally zeroed down to the memorable sixer shot in a lofted drive pose, with his left leg extended, body slightly bent, head high, and the bat pointing at the sky, and the personal approval of the cricketing giant.

Tendulkar, a resident of Bandra, not only played some of his best matches and set or broke many records at the Wankhede Stadium, but it was also the venue for his swansong Test 10 years ago – in November 2013 – before he retired.

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