Grace O'MalleyKumar honoured with 'George Medal' posthumously Page 08
P M S T A R M E R ’ S F I R S T
O F F I C I A L V I S I T T O I N D I A
Minister Keir Starmer is leading a delegation of upto 200 people including experts from different fields, organisations and media to attend the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai on 8-9 October, a source exclusively told Asian Voice.
PM Starmer who is now reaching a day ahead of his previously designated travel
Mumbai, along with Indian Prime Minister
three months of the signing of the UK-India
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India welcomes diaspora with faster entry
Sikhs prepare legal battle against controversial Islamophobia definition
preparing legal action against the government over plans to introduce a formal definition of Islamophobia.
The Network of Sikh Organisations (NSO), which represents Sikh communities across the UK, says it will seek a
s Secretary Steve Reed moves forward with the proposals The NSO claims the move is discriminatory, potentially disadvantageous to Sikhs and other faith groups by interfering with their right to freedom of thought and religion
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Swathi Anil
A s t h
approaches, bringing with it a swell of the Indian diaspora and tourists heading back to the motherland, the Indian government has enacted landmark changes a
embraced digitisation to revolutionise its airport entry process In a move that brings immediate relief and reassurance amidst global travel uncertainties, the
government has launched two major, simultaneous policy shifts designed to cater for every traveller: a mandatory e-
passport holders and a vastly expanded Fast-Track Immigration (FTI) scheme for citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) International passenger traffic to India has surged by approximately 60% over the last decade, reaching an estimated 8 1 crore travellers in 2024
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u Supermarkets expand, local shops feel the pressure Page 06
u Margaret Thatcher: A legacy remembered by leaders and media Page 17
u Exiled Bangladesh leader Rahman to return to fight election Page 21
Rupanjana Dutta
PM Keir Starmer and PM Narendra Modi at Chequers in July 2025
Sadiq Khan stands tall amid Trump’s racist attacks
Trump’s renewed attack on Sadiq Khan highlights his long history of racially charged rhetoric and personal feuds targeting minority and Muslim leaders
Sir Sadiq Khan, the mayor of L ondon , has publ ic ly con dem ned Pres iden t Donald Trump as “racist, se xis t, misogy nis tic an d Islamophobic” after the US lea der us ed his Unite d Nations General Assembly sp eec h to atta c k him Trump called Khan a “terrible , ter rible m ayor ” an d falsely claimed he wanted to br in g sh aria l aw to London , a leg al s ys te m with n o jurisd ic tion in England and Wales
Khan, speaking to the BBC, said, “People are wondering what it is about this Muslim mayor who leads a liberal, multicultural, progressive and successful city, that means I appear to be living rent-free inside Donald Trump’s head I think President Trump has shown he is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynistic and he is Islamophobic ”
A spokesman for Khan said the mayor would not dignify Trump’s “appalling and bigoted comments” with a response, adding that London remained “the greatest city in the world, safer than major US cities”
and proud to welcome US visitors
Moreover, the controversy around Trump’s visit has extended beyond politics Livia Giuggioli, an ecoactivist, announced she would return her honorary MBE in protest, accusing the UK of “appeasing” the US president
A history of Trump VS Khan
The hostility between the two leaders is longstanding Trump has attacked Khan repeatedly since 2015, after the mayor criticised his proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States
Following Khan’s criticism, Trump accused him of being “nasty” and “soft on
terrorism ” After the 2017 London Bridge attacks, he misrepresented Khan’s reassurance to Londoners as a “pathetic excuse ”
Their feud escalated in 2018 when Khan permitted a blimp depicting Trump as a baby to fly over Parliament Square during the president’s working visit to London During his 2019 state visit to the UK, Trump further escalated matters, calling Khan a “stone-cold loser”
The tension reached a new height when Khan was reportedly stopped from attending the state banquet at Windsor Castle at Trump’s request during the latter’s recent visit
Not a f irst for Trump Trump’s histor y of inflammator y remarks extends beyond Britain His rhetoric, often aimed at minorities and immigrants, has long been seen as deepening social divisions both in America and abroad
He infamously told four US congresswomen of colour to “ go back” to where they came from, called for a “total and complete shut-
down of Muslims entering the United States,” and described Mexican immigrants as “rapists ” Critics say the renewed attack on Khan is part of a pattern of rhetoric that stokes racial division and targets minorities for political gain
As Trump continues to vilify Khan on the global stage, the question looms: how far will the president go in his personal vendetta against the mayor of London? However, what is clear is that British leaders hopeful to make it to the Prime Minister’s off ice of a multicultural countr y should not be inspired by Trump’s ideas and rhetorics
Denmark loses £1.4bn fraud case in the UK
D en mar k ha s suf fe red a major legal setback after losing a £1 4bn tax fraud case at the High Court in London, dealing a blow to its efforts to reclaim funds linked to t he high-prof ile “ c um-e x ” scandal
The Danish tax authority, Skat, had accused trader Sanjay Shah and his UKbased hedge fund, Solo Capital, of orchestrating a three-year scheme that allegedly extracted £1 4bn in dividend tax refunds Skat, which successfully prosecuted Shah in Denmark last year, launched the London case to recover the money
The trial, one of the High Court’s largest, lasted 138 days and involved 56 defendants Skat claimed it had been misled over 4,000 dividend tax refund claims that had never been paid Shah and his colleagues were accused of exploiting
loopholes in the tax system through “ cum-ex ” trades
In his judgment, Justice Andrew Baker acknowledged that some defendants, including Shah, had acted dishonestly in certain ways However, he ruled that Skat had failed to prove it had been legally misled Shah called the judgment an “overwhelming victory” for the defendants
Skat said it strongly disagreed with the ruling and will appeal
Who is Sanjay Shah?
Sanjay Shah is a British trader who in 2024 was sentenced by a Danish court to 12 years in prison for tax
fraud, the harshest penalty ever imposed in Denmark for a fraud case He founded Solo Capital, a UK-based hedge fund that closed in 2016, and the NGO Autism Rocks, which shut down in 2020 Shah spent nearly two
decades working in banking, including roles at Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, and Rabobank, before launching his own investment management, brokerage, and principal trading business after losing his job in 2008
British Airways to expand f lights to India
British Airways is set to expand its flight network to India, aiming to capitalise on the growing trade and economic links between the UK and the subcontinent The airline currently operates 56 flights a week to f ive Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai Sean Doyle, BA’s chief executive, said in an article for The Sunday Times online that the airline would “expand our flying network in the country ” He added, “India is not just another market It is one of the fastest-growing major economies, the world’s most populous democracy, and a tech and innovation hub
Doyle’s comments coincide with his trip to India alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, visiting Bengaluru and Mumbai to meet Indian off icials The visit follows a landmark UK-India free trade agreement signed in July Starmer described the deal as “the biggest and most economically signif icant” post-Brexit trade agreement
Doyle highlighted the role of air connectivity in fostering UK-India trade “Connectivity breeds opportunity Every flight strengthens bonds, enables business deals, and supports the more than 1 6 million people of Indian origin living in the UK ” he said
What’s your take?
and Editor CB Patel cb.patel@abplgroup.com
Share your views on the stories making headlines, we want to hear from you and highlight your voice in our pages. Email us at anusha.singh@abplgroup.com
Mandelson stripped of Hartlepool Civic honour
Lord Peter Mandelson has been stripped of the Honorary Freedom of Hartlepool, a civic award he received in 2010, over his association with the late convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein The Labour-led borough council voted unanimously to remove the honour, describing Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein as “fundamentally incompatible” with the award’s values The council emphasised that the honour is reserved for individuals whose conduct reflects the integrity and dignity of the borough Officials said failing to revoke it would have risked damaging Hartlepool’s reputation and undermining public confidence Mandelson was recently dismissed as Britain s ambassador to the United States amid the controversy
Does revoking honours actually achieve anything or is it just symbolic- and does that symbolism matter?
Corbyn slams Blair’s suitability for Gaza role
Jeremy Corbyn has delivered a scathing critique of Sir Tony Blair ’s credentials for leading a proposed “Board of Peace” in Gaza Speaking in South Africa Corbyn said “All I can say about Tony Blair is I know him I’ve met him I’ve argued with him and personally I wouldn’t elect him to be a dog catcher ” The remarks mark the latest in a longstanding rivalry between the two Labour figures Blair who outperforms Corbyn in general election victories must now contend with a personal verdict that is as sharp as it is public
Do you think Blair has the experience and credibility to lead peace efforts in Gaza, or is Corbyn’s critique justified?
Man jailed over “sharia marriage”
Raja Zulqurnean 43 has been sentenced to 23 years in prison after being convicted of rape and indecent assault against a 15-year- old girl in Bradford The Court of Appeal increased his original 18-year term, reflecting the severity of the offences Zulqurnean married the victim in a socalled sharia ceremony in the early 2000s, which a local authority social worker reportedly attended The girl, described as being “passed between multiple males,” was first sexually abused by Zulqurnean, who controlled access to a property where she was kept for days Seven other men, including Basharat Khaliq Mohammed Naheem, and Safraz Ahmed Latif, have also been found guilty of sexual offences against the victim
Should illegal sharia marriages carry the same penalties as statutory child abuse?
Race claim dismissed
A judge has ruled that asking a colleague, “ Where are you from?” does not constitute racism Judge Kate Hutchings dismissed Angela Sharma’s discrimination claim against the St John Ambulance charity at a Cambridge employment tribunal, which argued that the question targeted her Indian heritage The judge described the manager ’s query as “well-meaning ” Should the intention behind a question matter more than how it is received? How have you responded when feeling uncomfortable being asked about your heritage?
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Sir Sadiq Khan
Donald Trump
Sanjay Shah
Thought for the week
I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service I acted and behold, service was joy -Rabin dran at h Tagor e
Political Sketchbook
Alpesh Patel
Gandhi, Fair Play, and the Courage to Stand Tall
A s the Britis h Pri me Mi ni ster visi ts Ind ia j ust a fter Gan dhi’s b irthda y, hi story f eels like i t has turn ed a q uiet circle The law yer from Porban dar, train ed in London , ta ught the empire that fai rnes s was n ot a courtesy but a d uty He took Bri tain ’ s f ine st value – fa ir play – a nd held i t up to Brita in its elf
Gandhi was not born in the shadow of violence He was born in the light of conscience His education in London taught him the power of argument over anger, principle over pride He returned to India not to destroy the empire but to redeem its promise – that all people are equal before justice
Too often we speak of him only as the prophet of non-violence But Gandhi’s non-violence was not silence It was resistance without hate It was courage without cruelty He stood unarmed before power and reminded it that the weak, too, could possess moral strength
That lesson is not Indian alone It is deeply British The idea that power must answer to principle, that fairness is the measure of civilisation – these are values Britain once gave to the world Gandhi merely showed what happens when those values are lived without hypocrisy
I speak as a British Indian I grew up believing that fair play, decency, and the rule of law are not Western or Eastern They are human They are what make us civil They are what made Britain admired, and India unbreakable
In our time, new empires rise – not of kings but of power, money, and might Presidents and strongmen who mistake fear for respect should remember Gandhi True power does not crush the defenceless It protects them
And to those who defaced his statue in London and scrawled “Hindustani” on it – Gandhi himself was the greatest Hindustani of all He refused to bow He took the blows, and stood straighter Every person who stands for what is right, without hate in their heart, is Gandhian Every person who refuses to kneel before injustice is Hindustani
So as the Prime Minister lands in India, I hope he does not see merely a trade partner I hope he sees the shared inheritance of conscience that binds our nations Gandhi was not against Britain He was the best of Britain and India joined in one spirit
A lawyer who reminded the world that justice without courage is cowardice, and power without fairness is tyranny
That was Gandhi’s truth It was also Britain’s And it can be ours again if we choose it Asian
Stop this political drift
Political talk in Britain is becoming harsher When Starmer called Britain an “island of strangers,” it made many people uneasy This came at a time of unrest and a rise in antiimmigrant feeling in general Britain’s migrant and minority communities, especially the South Asians, are watching closely, with concerns that are seen growing in the United States too, where immigration debates have become tense
The Labour party won the general election in 2024 on the basis of promised reforms and a clear vision, but many voters feel these promises have not been delivered On the other hand, Kemi Badenoch, shows weak and uncertain leadership of the Conservative Party The 70 odd Liberal Democrat MPs face confusion, with many unsure of the party’s directions or priorities This lack of clarity across the political spectrum leaves voters frustrated and uncertain about the future
Labour’s attacks on Nigel Farage have also backfired Farage was not even present at their conference, yet the party’s criticism has given him more attention and publicity This illustrates how misdirected political messaging can strengthen opponents instead of weakening them It also shows the importance of careful communication, especially when sensitive issues like immigration and national identity are involved
Britain has a long history of responding to intolerance In 1977, when the National Front gained support, people from all communities came together to form the Anti-Nazi League, challenging racism and extremism After the mur-
der of Blair Peach, a teacher in Southall, in 1979, the Queen highlighted the concerns of young people about tolerance in her Christmas message These examples show that Britain has a built-in capacity to correct itself through unity and collective reflection Civil society, communities, and leaders all have roles to play in pushing the country back toward inclusion and fairness
However, Labour Party faces serious problems that undermine confidence Early in Starmer’s government, corruption and unfulfilled promises weakened trust in the party Economic issues, such as highway taxation, government deficits, and policies affecting wealthy individuals and non-doms, remain pressing and require strong leadership and scrutiny Labour has also mishandled immigration debates, sometimes targeting individuals or groups unfairly, which has hurt the party’s credibility
Despite these challenges, the debate about how to make Britain fair, inclusive, and liveable is more important than ever The country has shown before that it can respond to intolerance, but it will require leadership, active pressure from citizens, and a commitment to fairness and inclusion Britain’s strength lies in its ability to come together, to learn from mistakes, and to uphold the values of tolerance, equality, and justice for all communities The coming months will test whether political leaders can rise to the occasion and ensure that Britain remains a diverse and tolerant democracy where everyone can live safely and fairly
India’s AI boom: Global goldmine, local test
India’s rapid rise as a global hub for artificial intelligence is transforming not only its economy but also its relationship with the wider world, including the South Asian diaspora For millions of professionals of Indian and Asian origin working in global tech, India’s AI surge is both a source of pride and a moment for reflection
Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, recently described India as “the most proactive country in adopting AI ” That observation now rings true across industries OpenAI is preparing to invest billions in India, while Google and Meta are strengthening their partnerships with Reliance Industries These collaborations promise cheap, accessible AI tools OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Go plan, launched in India for ₹399 a month, has already drawn millions of users
India’s attraction is clear: it has 900 million internet users, a thriving English-speaking middle class, and one of the most advanced digital ecosystems in the world Platforms like Aadhaar and UPI have brought hundreds of millions online and into the formal economy This scale of connected users generates an immense stream of data that global AI companies are eager to tap It is, in effect, the lifeblood that will train the next generation of global AI systems
But this success story has another side India’s dependence on foreign companies, many headquartered in the United States, means much of the value created by its data and user flows outward The pattern is familiar to many
across the diaspora: Indian talent powers Silicon Valley, while Indian consumers fuel its profits
As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman warned recently, “Regulation has to run the race equally as much as technology is running it ” The Indian government’s new AI Governance Framework, developed after more than 3,000 consultations, is a start, but the race between innovation and oversight has only begun
For the diaspora, particularly those in Britain, North America, and Southeast Asia, this moment is personal
Many have built careers in global tech, yet remain deeply connected to India’s digital transformation The challenge now is how to help India move from being a vast consumer base to a producer of world-class AI innovation
Projects like Krutrim, India’s multilingual large language model trained on two trillion tokens, hint at what is possible when local vision meets technical ambition But India’s AI R&D spending remains under 0 7% of GDP, far below that of the US or China Without stronger investment, the country risks remaining a testing ground for global giants rather than an equal player
India’s rise in AI is a story of scale, ambition and resilience But to truly lead, it must also own the tools and technologies shaping its future For the diaspora watching from London, Kuala Lumpur or Silicon Valley, the question is not just whether India can win the AI race, it is whether it can win it on its own terms
Modi, Trump and the possibility of convergence in Malaysia
This October, all eyes turn to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia has officially invited leaders to its ASEAN and East Asia summits, scheduled for 26–28 October, and indications suggest US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may meet on the sidelines
The possibility of a Modi–Trump encounter carries weight, particularly against the backdrop of Trump’s recent proposals to broker peace in the Gaza conflict The question being asked in diplomatic circles is whether Trump is pivoting, and if so, who will blink first
Malaysia has reached out to India before, but this time it is more important Reports suggest that Malaysia has told India that Trump will attend the Kuala Lumpur summits, which could allow a meeting with Modi Malaysian news agency, Bernama, says there are talks in Kuala Lumpur that such a meeting might happen alongside the ASEAN Summit So far, neither Washington nor New Delhi has officially confirmed it
To understand why this matters, one must appreciate Malaysia’s symbolic role In 1965, Malaysia stood alone among Muslim-majority nations in openly supporting India during the India–Pakistan war, under Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Indian-origin communities have long anchored Malaysia’s social fabric Today, roughly 7 to 8 per cent of Malaysians trace Indian heritage, and in neighbouring Singapore, the figure is about 17 per cent In Malaysia’s Penang region, Indian Malaysians are integral to commerce, civil society and cultural life
In January 2025, President Prabowo Subianto said during his India visit, “I have Indian DNA,” earning laughs and applause as he spoke of enduring civilisational linkages
India’s influence is woven into the national airline name, Garuda Airways Its currency bears iconography tied to Hindu tradition, and epics like the Ramayana remain part of public culture
Against this cultural backdrop, a possible Modi and Trump meeting carries several layers of meaning Diplomatically, it gives New Delhi a chance to strengthen its ties with the United States, reopen trade talks, and reshape its role in Asia’s shifting order
For the South Asian diaspora, particularly those in the United Kingdom, the moment resonates deeply Many families in London, Birmingham and Leicester trace their roots to Malaysia, Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia because of migration patterns during the British colonial period After independence and political shifts in the 1950s and 1960s, many of these families migrated again, this time to Britain, seeking stability, education and opportunity Their stories are part of a unique “twice-migrant” heritage: Indian by origin, Southeast Asian by upbringing, and now British by nationality
For these communities, summits such as the one in Kuala Lumpur are more than diplomatic events; they touch on identity, memory and belonging They highlight India’s reemerging role across Asia, a region many of their parents and grandparents once called home
As the world watches Kuala Lumpur, the symbolism outweighs the size of the stage This is not just about personalities or politics; it is a test of agency Will India chart its own path in Asia, or become part of another’s plan? In the end, power will rest not in words but in the gesture, and in who chooses to give in first
A fresh start after Diwali? Government moves to make homebuying easier
As th e first flickers of D iwali lamps ligh t up homes acro ss th e UK , families are stepp ing into a new year with
h o p e a n d am b it i o n F o r g en e ra ti o n s , D i wa li h a s been considered an auspici ous time to invest in new assets, fro m go ld to p ro per-
ty This year, the festive season brings more than tradition, it brings the promise of a transformed homebuying experience
Ministers are pledging reforms that could make securing a home faster, less stressful, and more transparent, turning long-held dreams of homeownership into reality
Under the proposed changes, the government aims to reduce the average time it takes to buy a home by up to four weeks By addressing common delays and shifting more responsibility onto sellers, these reforms could prevent lastminute collapses, streamline the process, and save buyers significant costs
Estate agents and sellers may soon be required to provide key property information upfront, including details about the condition of the property and any leasehold obligations These measures are intended to
give buyers clarity early on and reduce the uncertainty that often derails transactions
Financial relief fo r first-time bu yers
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government estimates that buyers could save an average of £710 under the proposed system
Binding agreements are also under consideration to reduce the risk of deals falling through after lengthy negotiations, a move that could halve the number of failed transactions and protect both time and money for all parties involved
While questions remain about whether sellers might pass additional costs onto buyers through higher asking prices, the proposals represent a meaningful step toward a smoother and more predictable market
Recent data also underscores the importance of supporting first-time buyers In 2024, 341,068 firsttime buyers secured a mortgage, a 19% increase from the previous year, highlighting the resilience and determination of new entrants despite rising costs and economic uncertainty Firsttime buyers now account
for 54% of all mortgagebacked property purchases, the highest proportion since records began in 2014
The typical first-time buyer is getting slightly older, with the average age rising to 34, reflecting broader social and economic trends such as delayed household formation and extended saving periods for deposits
Rising p rices and o ngoing demand
Affordability remains a challenge
The average property price for first-time buyers reached £311,034 in 2024, up 8% from the previous year Across the UK, average property prices in 2025 reached £271,000, a 1 4% rise from the previous year England led the growth with an average of £296,000, while Wales and Scotland saw more modest increases at £208,000 and £186,000, respectively
Overall, around 1 24 million residential sales were agreed in 2024, a 17% increase year-on-year Interest in new-build homes has also grown, particularly in England and Wales, where sales rose by 8%, highlighting ongoing demand for modern properties
Sachin Gupta, Property Hub
For first-time buyers, faster timelines, lower upfront costs, and red uced risk of delays are likely to boo st confid ence and make entering the property market mo re appealing Th is, in turn, could stimulate demand and contribute to a more v ibrant, dynam ic h ousing market
One particularly effective measure is improving affordability by shifting certain costs from buyers to sellers, such as legal fees, taxes, or survey expenses By easing the upfront financial burden, a major barrier for many first-time buyers, this approach makes purchasing a home feel more achievable and less risky, particularly for those without existing property equity or significant savings
As for cutting four weeks from the home buying process: it is possible but requires several conditions to be met Common friction points must be addressed before they arise, the buyer and seller profiles need to be well-matched, and everyone involved must remain proactive and responsive throughout the transaction
Even then, such a reduction in time is not guaranteed and may not be realistic in every case
Dr Debojyoti Das
T he main causes of delays in th e h omebu ying p ro cess typically include slo w local autho ri ty searches, lengthy bank valu ations, timeco nsuming surveys, and i nco nsistent co mmunication fro m o verburdened co nveyancers Gazumping also remains a significant issue, particularly in co mp etitive markets like Lo ndon, and stricter laws sho uld be in plac e to p revent it, Buyers sh ou ld also be p ro tected by conveyancing insurance if a sale falls th ro ugh, bu t cu rrently awareness is low and p ro ducts co veri ng searc h fees o r co nveyancing charges are limited
The proposals to overhaul the homebuying process and shift some costs to sellers address several of these pain points Successful implementation, however, depends on strict timelines and accountability, especially among conveyancers and lenders
Cutting four weeks from the average timeline is ambitious While achievable in principle, it requires systemic improvements, including digitising local authority searches and standardising processes across conveyancers For firsttime buyers, these changes could boost confidence by reducing financial uncertainty and making the process feel more accessible
Dr Debojyoti Das
Sachin Gupta
Supermarkets expand, local shops feel the pressure
Convenience stores, many run by British Asians, have long been the heart of local communities, offering daily essentials, social connection, and support especially on Sundays, late nights and public holidays Yet, with rising prices, aggressive delivery services, and extended hours from large supermarket chains, these independent shops are under increasing pressure, putting both their businesses and their vital community role at risk
Subhasini Naicker
M any supe rma rke ts a re expanding rapidly, offering greater convenience, wider s e lec tions , an d enha nc ed services While this benefits shoppers, it threatens local convenience stores, long the he ar t of the c ommun it y With supermarkets opening n ea rby , c us tomer s oft en c hoos e t he b ran d na me, even when local stores offer the same products at lower prices, causing a decline in business for independents
Krupa Trivedi, a convenience store owner in Leicester, who started two years ago, speaking to Asian Voice exclusively said, “Convenience stores have long been the first choice for customers, known as neighbourhood shops where people come not just to buy things but to connect Many of our regulars, especially older or retired people, enjoy the social interaction, as they often live alone
“These shops also support families and schools nearby, with parents stopping by for snacks or drinks for their children Beyond business, small stores contribute to the community through volunteering and fundraising for local charities, for example, we recently ran a fundraiser for a Leicester charity, with customers generously donating spare change Convenience stores will always have a place in the community
“The main challenge we face is the dominance of big supermarkets Many small cash-and-carry stores have been taken over by chains like Tesco, driving prices up and directly affecting smaller shops like ours
“Prices now rise every quarter, even for basic necessities, putting pressure on small businesses and households, and making it harder to stay competitive ”
H eta l P ate l, National President of The Federation of Independent Retailers, addressing the problems that small and independent stores continue to face, told us, “The government should provide better support for
independent retailers through grants, subsidies, or favourable policies Stronger backing from producers and suppliers is also essential to help them stay competitive
“The real strength comes from the community Independent shops are at the heart of local life, offering personal support that big supermarkets can ’t While it’s not always possible to shop only at small stores, visiting local shops more often makes a big difference, supporting small businesses means supporting the community ”
Bhaves h Patel of Patel Brothers said, “Supermarkets have been targeting demographic areas with small local stores, pushing out established independent convenience shops that are a pillar of the community During Covid, these businesses supported customers with more than just groceries, they offered conversation and care, especially for older people who may feel isolated You won’t find that in a supermarket
“Supermarkets have become aggressive, even in the South Asian grocery sector, stocking ethnic products like chapatti atta, basmati rice, spices, paneer, and snacks in areas with relevant demographics They buy from suppliers we ’ ve supported for decades and sell the same products cheaper, drawing customers away They are focused on profits, often at the expense of local stores that provide so much more than just groceries ”
According to the ‘Community Barometer
Sikhs prepare legal battle against controversial Islamophobia definition
Continued from page 01
The group sent a pre-action letter to the government on September 19, warning of its intention to challenge the plans Reed is expected to receive recommendations from a working group, established by his predecessor Angela Rayner, that aims to outline what constitutes unacceptable treatment or discrimination against Muslims Critics have warned that such a definition could amount to a de facto blasphemy law, curbing free speech and the ability to debate aspects of Islam
2025 ’ by the Association of Convenience Stores, convenience stores were ranked as having the third most positive impact and are considered essential to their communities
At the start of 2025, there were 50,486 convenience shops in the UK, a slight increase from previous years However, the proportion run by independent retailers has declined, falling from 75% in 2015 to 71% today Factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing economic challenges have also contributed to this shift
Krupa highlighted how the market has changed drastically since Covid
“Before the pandemic, many supermarkets didn’t offer delivery, but now even small stores provide doorto-door service Large chains have become highly competitive, offering flexible or even free delivery with annual plans This shift has hit small businesses hard, customers now prefer ordering online, and foot traffic in local shops has dropped significantly ”
She further added, “Many high street stores are struggling or closing as online shopping grows This move towards digital convenience has made it much harder for small, independent shops to survive post-Covid ” So what is the future of independent retailers? “The outlook is uncertain,” said Hetal “The government is considering extending Sunday trading hours for supermarkets, which could be a serious blow to many small shops There are over 40,000 independent retailers nationwide, providing more than 5,000 jobs If this policy goes ahead, many businesses could close, putting livelihoods at risk It’s crucial that policymakers consider the impact and protect independent retailers, who are vital to local economies and communities ”
NSO: ‘Vague’ and subjective term
According to the NSO, their opposition is to “the vague word ‘Islamophobia’”, based on its subjectivity A letter on the organisation’s official website explains, “It would be as absurd, for example, if Sikhs used the word ‘Sikhophobia’ to describe anti-Sikh discrimination We consistently refer to events in 1984, as the anti-Sikh genocide A phobia is an irrational fear, however, ‘Islamophobia’ encompasses not only antiMuslim discrimination, but also legitimate criticism of Islam, the bad behaviour of some adherents of Islam, as well as, when non-Muslims – like Sikhs, Rastafarians or Coptic Christians face backlash following jihadist attacks
‘Islamophobia’ has often been deployed to shut down free and open discussion about matters of significant public interest, like ‘ grooming gangs ’ , extremism and issues such as polygamy, misogyny and doctrinal hatred of non-believers or kuffars ’
The NSO argues that existing hate crime laws already provide adequate
protections It also cautions that the definition could unintentionally restrict discussion of Sikh history, which includes references to oppressive Muslim rulers
For instance, this year, Sikhs around the world will mark the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of the ninth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Tegh Bahadur, who gave his life defending the freedom of belief of Hindus who were being forced to convert to Islam under the sword by one of India’s Mughal rulers
Simply recounting this historical truth would be deemed ‘Islamophobic’ according to the APPG definition of ‘Islamophobia’
The organisation adds that some Sikh practices, such as abstaining from ritually slaughtered meat, could be wrongly interpreted as Islamophobic under the proposed framework
Wider community concerns
Writing for his weekly Asian Voice column, ‘Kapil’s Khich adi’ in July, Ka pil Dudakia also noted, “The fear surrounding APPG (Muslim) definition is genuine since it basically muzzles everyone from even expressing their concern about anything Islamic, or Muslims Basically, it would become the de facto blasphemy law specifically to protect one faith from any challenge or criticism and destroy the very concept of ‘Freedom of Speech’
“The repulsion to what the government was seen to be doing has become more pronounced Especially after the fiasco of how it handled the Pakistani grooming gang ’ s statutory inquiry ”
Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake has previously warned that the definition could resemble a “blasphemy law ” Others, such as Nick Timothy had also encouraged people to
oppose the definition, calling it a threat to free expression
Hind u Counc il UK (HCUK) has also voiced concerns that the council “ comprising of some Muslims only”, may bring in Islamism into the UK as a matter of policy “This will harm not only the Hindus, but we believe the 99% of likeminded Muslims too”, according to HCUK
“We had advised that the Islamophobia definition should be debated by all faiths and recommended to bring back Sir Tony Blair’s integrative Faith Communities Consultative Council as a way to do that, but Angela Raynor seems to be sidelining us and our suggestions altogether”, the organisation added
Some observers say the backlash reflects growing concerns that mass immigration is undermining national identity and social cohesion, particularly where newcomers are perceived as resisting integration Tensions have also been fuelled by public anger over historic failures to tackle grooming gangs, often involving men of Pakistani Muslim heritage, who targeted vulnerable white girls
A report by Baroness Casey found that authorities sometimes hesitated to act decisively out of fear of being labelled racist Critics argue the government’s reluctance to fully confront these issues has further eroded public trust
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said, “No decisions on a definition have been made, and we will not accept any definition which damages freedom of speech or discriminates against religious communities ”
Police Federation urged to publish accounts amid pay claims
T he H om e Of fi ce ha s i ns tr uc ted the Poli c e Federation to publish its annual accounts following claims that chief executive M uk un d K ris hn a , 4 6, received £600,000 in combined salary and bonuses last year
Labour MP and former Metropolitan Police inspector Jonathan Hinder raised the matter with Policing Minister Sarah Jones in parliament Labour MP Jonathan Hinder alleged that Krishna, who previously offered therapy services three days a week, received £600,000, later clarifying
it was roughly £300,000 in salary plus a similar bonus
The Police Federation, representing 145,000 officers in England and Wales, disputes claims about CEO Mukund Krishna’s
pay, but 2023 and 2024 accounts have yet to be published, leaving the exact figure unclear The last accounts, for 2022, were released in January
The Home Office has stressed the need for transparency The federation said 2023 accounts are under independent review by KPMG, with 2024 accounts to follow Delays were linked to two major legal claims, now resolved, including a £15 million data protection settlement from 2019 ransomware attacks and a tribunal ruling on pension discrimination
Bhavesh Patel Hetal Patel
Mukund Krishna
Grace O'Malley-Kumar honoured with 'George Medal' posthumously
One of the victims of the Nottingham attacks, Grac e
O 'M all ey -Kuma r will b e posthumously awarded the G eor ge Me dal f or he r e xt raord in ar y b rav ery an d selflessness
On 13 June 2023, the 19year-old medical student made the ultimate sacrifice, courageously trying to protect her friend Barnaby Webber as they were both fatally attacked by paranoid schizophrenic Valdo
Calocane
She is among 20 recipients of this year ’ s civilian gallantry awards, and one of four honoured posthumously for acts of exceptional heroism
At a London news conference, Dr Sinead O'Malley described her daughter, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, as “ an exceptional human being” whose bravery and creativity would be remembered in history “We are immensely proud of her, despite her youth, she was incredibly brave,” she said Grace’s father, Dr Sanjoy
Kumar, said she “ placed friendship over fear,” bravely confronting a 30-year-old armed with a hunting knife instead of fleeing, to protect her friend Surrounded by photos of his daughter, an England youth hockey player and Essex county cricketer he called her “ a true patriot” who “asked for nothing but gave everything” and urged others to follow her example by caring for their communities and country
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised Grace O’Malley-Kumar’s bravery as “ a powerful example of hero-
ism,” highlighting the courage of all civilian gallantry award recipients
The George Medal, Britain’s s e c o n d - h i g h e s t civilian bravery award after the George Cross, recognises “ conspicuous gallantry not in the presence of the enemy ” and is presented posthumously by a royal to a family member
Grace and her friend Barnaby Webber, both University of Nottingham students, were fatally attacked on 13 June 2023 while walking home from a night out Prosecutors described how Grace valiantly tried to protect Barnaby, pushing their assailant, Valdo Calocane, into the road, before being fatally stabbed herself Calocane later killed a school caretaker and injured three others, and was sentenced to a hospital order for manslaughter and attempted murder
Partition histories come alive at ‘Shattered Lands’ book launch
O n Vija ya das hami an d Gandhi Jayanti, The Bhavan
U K host ed the laun ch of Shattered Lands: The Five Partitions and the Making of Modern South Asia by Sam Dalrymple on 2nd October
The e ven in g b eg an with Chairman Subhanu Saxena s ha ring ver se s an d poems reflecting the book’s themes, followed by an introduction of the author
Sam Dalrymple, a Delhiraised Scottish historian and award-winning filmmaker, Oxford graduate in Persian and Sanskrit, and co-founder of Project Dastaan, a VR initiative recording Partition survivors’ oral histories, was a #1 bestseller in India with his debut book
During his talk, Sam Dalrymple recounted the British Indian Empire, which once stretched from the Red Sea to Southeast Asia under a single passport and currency He explored how colonial
policies led to five major partitions, creating 12 modern nation-states and leaving a legacy of division, exile, and conflict
The talk followed the book’s five-part structure: Partition of Burma, Arabia, British India, the Princely States, and Pakistan Sam highlighted the often-overlooked first partition of
Bestway Foundation supports British Asian Trust with £250,000
Bestway Group strengthens its legacy of giving, raising millions for charity through its flagship Ascot Race Day
The Be s tway Found ation, the group ’ s charitable arm, has donated £250,000 to the B ritis h As ian Trus t, highlighting Bestway’s standing as one of the UK’s most philanthropic businesses
The donation was presented at Bestway Group’s Head Office in Park Royal, London, by Chairman The Lord Choudrey CBE SI Pk, alongside Group Chief Executive The Honourable Haider Choudrey and Managing Director Dawood Pervez The funds were raised at Bestway’s 32nd annual Ascot Charity Race Day, one of the UK’s top corporate charity events Since 1994, the event has raised millions for over 30 charities, supported annually by more than 800 of Bestway’s partners, suppliers, and colleagues
Founded by King Charles III in 2007, the British Asian Trust is a diaspora-led organisation driving sustainable change in South Asia, focusing on education and livelihoods
Lord Zameer Choudrey said: “Charity has always been at the heart of Bestway’s family and business values Through the Bestway Foundation, we support causes that create real, measurable impact The British Asian Trust’s innova-
tive work across South Asia makes them an inspiring partner, and we are proud to support their efforts ” Asif Rangoonwala CBE, Vice Chairman of the British Asian Trust, added: “We are deeply grateful to Sir Anwar Pervez, Lord Choudrey, and the Trustees of the Bestway Foundation for their generous support Their commitment enables us to expand our work and transform more lives across South Asia ”
The Bhavan UK marks
Durgaashtami with music and dance
On the occasion of Navaratri an d As htami, The B havan UK celebrated Durgaashtami on 30th Se pt ember, s ponsored by Mr and Mrs Alok Bhardwaj and family, longtime s upporte rs of The Bhavan
The evening opened with an invocation, followed by performances from students of Bengali, Hindustani, and Carnatic music, as well as Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak dancers, celebrating Goddess Durga and the timeless lessons from her stories Young Vishnu Avadhani highlighted the
Dr MN Nandakumara MBE conducting the traditional pooja ceremony
significance of the Goddess, the essence of Navratri, and the values these teachings bring to daily life
The traditional pooja, led by Dr MN Nandakumara
Burma and traced the subcontinent’s historic ties to the Middle East and Arabia, showing how early migrations were shaped by imperial history but overshadowed by 1947
The evening ended with a Q&A session, followed by refreshments, a book signing, and a chance for guests to meet the author
MBE with Dr Radha Bhat, Kamala Kotcherlakota, and Vishnu Avadhani chanting alongside, concluded with aarti and the distribution of prasad as dinner
‘Diwali Story – A Musical’ lights up Royal Albert Hall
The show sold out weeks in advanc e, f il lin g the R oyal Albert Hall with an energy rarely seen in the iconic venue
At its peak, 5,000 at ten dee s r ose t o sing the Hanuman Chalisa in unison, creating a moment of pure c ol lec tive devotion
Created by the team behind Trafalgar Square’s Diwali celebrations, led by Nitin Palan MBE, “Diwali Story – A Musical” was a triumph of art, faith, and community spirit Having once transformed Trafalgar Square into a temple of light, the team now brought Britain’s grand hall to life in a dazzling celebration of unity and joy Nitin Palan described the production as “ my dream, inspired by my guru ” Though technically amateur, the show reached professional standards in every detail Choreography by Rohan and Shruti Shah of
the Bollywood Dance School was inventive and precise, while the costumes rivalled West End theatre with vibrant silks, rich embroidery, and flashes of gold The musical retelling of the Ramayana came alive through live music, narration, and dynamic dance, merging ancient myth with modern rhythm
The stage pulsed as theatre, temple, and festival combined into a single unforgettable experience
The Hanuman Chalisa began softly, then rose to a powerful chorus as all 5,000 attendees stood and sang together, transforming the hall into a sacred space of collective faith The second half dazzled with Bharatanatyam, Bhangra, Kathak, and Garba, celebrating India’s diversity Over 60 performers brought artistry and devotion to life, proving that Diwali can shine on the grandest stages
Ian Coates Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar were stabbed to death in Nottingham
Lord Choudrey, Dawood Pervez and other dignitaries
L to R: Subhanu Saxena, Sam Dalrymple, Dr Surekha Mehta and Dr MN Nandakumara MBE
Artists and team members at the event
Performers embody characters from the Ramayana in musical spectacle
O'Malley-Kumar's father Dr Sanjoy Kumar (left) with his family at a press conference
Honouring Mahatma Gandhi on 156th birth anniversary
On the occasio n of Gandh i Jayanti and th e I n ter nat io n al Da y o f No n- V i o le nc e, th e M ah atma Gandhi statue at Tavisto ck S quare in central London, recently vand alised , w as fully restored in time for the 1 56th birth anniv ersary of th e Fath er of the Nation
A separate event at Parliament Square
Council and the High Commission “The restored statue is a powerful reminder that no act of vandalism can harm an idea whose time has come, ” Doraiswami said
The statue, depicting Gandhi in a meditative pose, had been defaced with graffiti
also drew a diverse gathering to celebrate and honour his enduring legacy
Every year, the High Commission of I n d i a a n d I n d i a L e a g u e c o m m e m o r a t e Gandhi Jayanti with a special ceremony in Tavistock Square The ceremony was attended by India’s High Commissioner to the UK
H E V i k r a m D o r a i s w a m i , t h e M a y o r o f Camden Council, Eddie Hanson and prominent community leaders including Alpesh Patel OBE, President of India League, former M P V i r e n d r a S h a r m a , a n d C B P a t e l , Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, and other dignitaries
Floral tributes were laid at the statue, symbolising a shared commitment to Gandhiji’s enduring ideals of truth and non-violence
The event featured soul-stirring bhajans, performed by students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and a serene prayer for peace and harmony led by Buddhist monks HE Vikram Doraiswami reflected on the significance of the day, saying, “It is particularly timely that w e g a t h e r t o d a y , n o t o n l y t o m a r k I n t e r n a t i o n a l D a y o f N o n - V i o l e n c e a n d Gandhi Jayanti, but also in light of the recent attack on the statue and its base ”
He highlighted that the statue, which has stood for over 50 years as a symbol of India-UK friendship, now gleams brilliantly, thanks to the prompt restoration by Camden
action by Camden Council and the High Commission ensured it was cleaned and restored, making it even more striking for the commemorative ceremony C omm em orating Bap u at Parliament Square
Parliament Square, with notable attendees
Commonwealth & Development Office, and
former MP Virendra Sharma HE Vikram Doraiswami highlighted that it is fitting for the statue to stand at the heart of the UK’s Parliament, symbolising the nation’s democratic journey and reflecting Gandhi’s vision of morality in politics and an inclusive, compassionate society
silence in memory of Lord Meghnad Desai,
Gandhian philosophy and was instrumental to erecting the statue of Gandhiji at the Parliament Square The programme concluded with floral tributes and wreath-laying at the statue, paying heartfelt respect and reaffirming commitment to the Mahatma’s enduring ideals
Bharat Run 2025
Th e Hig h Comm ission of India in L ond on, in collabo ration with the Ind ian com munity in Harrow and u nd er M Y Bharat, Ministry of Y ou th A f fai rs a nd S po rts , o rg anis ed th e Viksit Bh arat Run 2025 on 28 Septem ber Th e ev ent drew enthusiastic participation fro m the Indian diasp ora, local com muni-
service, or ‘Seva,’ fostering community cohe-
Atmanirbhar Bharat
Under the theme “Run to Serve the Nation,” nearly 200 participants completed a 2-mile community run, accompanied by cul-
ties, students, and p rofessio nals
H
September–2 October), the run celebrated India’s progress in infrastructure, healthcare, technology, education, and sustainability under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with participants reaffirming their support for his vision of a developed Viksit Bharat
Cllr Anjana Patel, Mayor of Harrow, attended as Chief Guest, joined by Cllr Vipin Mithani, Cllr Kanti Rabadia, Cllr Jayanti
community ties
Indian High Commissioner to the UK, H
Viksit Bharat Run as a symbol of collective
Gujarat, and Assam, celebrating unity, heritage, and national pride
More than a fitness event, the Viksit Bharat Run highlighted Seva Bhav (spirit of service) and PM Shri Narendra Modi’s vision o
reliance, inclusivity, and sustainability
A key moment was the collective recitation of the Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat Pledge, with participants committing to support India’s development and heritage
Held across 150+ global locations, the run fostered diaspora engagement, youth mobilisation, and unity, showcasing India’s cultural and developmental achievements under the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – “The world is one family ”
CB Patel (left) with HE Vikram Doraiswami, Mayor of Camden Eddie Hanson,
former MP Virendra Sharma Alpesh Patel OBE and other dignitaries
HE Vikram Doraiswami paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square
Students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan singing Bhajans
HE Vikram Doraiswami addressing diaspora at Parliament Square
Indian diaspora participating in community run
Online GP or Offline Reality? Starmer’s NHS Pledge Feels Like Another Empty Promise
When Keir Starmer stood before the Labour Party conference promising every patient online GP access, the applause was warm and the headlines dutiful It was billed as the digital future of healthcare, sleek and efficient, an innovation for the modern age Yet to anyone who has seen the NHS close up, it sounded like a recycled slogan We have heard this kind of pledge before The government once said the same of its Border Force plan to stop small boats Ministers posed for cameras, declared a turning point, and the crossings kept coming Grand promises, weak delivery Starmer’s latest NHS idea risks the same slow collapse from glossy announcement to bitter disappointment
The truth is painfully simple The NHS does not need another press release It needs doctors Across the country surgeries are overwhelmed and waiting lists stretch longer than ever Thousands of GPs have left the NHS since 2015 and many who remain work reduced hours to cope with exhaustion Patients are now waiting weeks for basic appointments You cannot book an online consultation with a doctor who has already quit No app can replace a workforce that is running on fumes Starmer’s plan feels less like reform and more like a digital distraction, a neat bit of coding to hide the rot beneath Technology can help but it cannot heal Online consultations and virtual wards work only when there are enough trained people behind them The NHS is losing staff faster than it can replace them Launching another digital revolution without fixing the human crisis is like laying fibreoptic cables through a burning building It looks clever from the outside but changes nothing about the inferno inside If the Prime Minister truly wants a health service fit for the future he must first build one that survives the present
The public has grown tired of slogans and software dressed up as salvation The Border Force failed because it was more performance than policy The same danger now stalks the NHS If Labour wants to restore faith it must start with substance Recruit, retain, and properly reward the people who keep the system alive The NHS does not need a new interface It needs a government brave enough to face reality
Dr Narsinh bh ai Patel
Thanksgiving in Canada
Thanksgiving Day is observed in Canada on the second Monday of October This year, it falls on October 13, 2025 It is a federally recognised holiday in several Canadian provinces Thanksgiving in North America began in 1621 when European settlers, the Pilgrims, celebrated their first successful harvest in the New World In Canada, it is celebrated earlier than in the United States, where it falls on November 26, due to Canada’s shorter summers and longer winters
Across cultures worldwide, people express gratitude to God or a higher power for the blessings in their lives, often receiving more than expected, sometimes not immediately, but at the time they need it most
For our family, Thanksgiving holds special significance Fifty-one years ago, we immigrated to Canada just three weeks before Thanksgiving I was seeking work in accounting, having studied the field in India and the United States My wife’s cousin, Narendra Patel, who was visiting Canada with a friend, Harish Patel, encouraged me to apply at the bank where Harish worked After submitting my resume and interviewing with HR, I received a job offer just before Thanksgiving
That moment was a true blessing My wife Bhavna was pregnant, and our daughter Alpa was four and a half years old I went on to work at Scotiabank for 24 years until retirement In gratitude, we have consistently donated to the Scott Mission in Toronto, supporting their Thanksgiving hot meals for the homeless and destitute
Today, we enjoy our retirement and the fruits of our labour Our daughters are well-established: Alpa is a teacher in York Region, and Aarti is a Chartered Accountant and Vice President of Global Finance at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Both are happily married, raising their children while preserving and passing on our rich IndianCanadian heritage, values, and culture
Su resh and Bhavna Patel
Airforce Day
On 8 October Indian Air Force Day, we honour our valiant guardians who embody the motto "Nabah Sparsha Deeptam" from the Bhagavad Gita touching the sky with glory Vigilantly protecting our airspace, they inspire with unmatched valour As the legendary MiG-21 retires after decades of service since the 1960s, their legacy soars eternal TS Karthik
Punashcha School of Rabindra Sangeet celebrates Tagore with annual concert
T he Punashcha Scho ol of Rabindra Sang eet h eld its annual concert at T he Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, offering a vibrant
ed by Rabindranath Tagore
Founded to share the joy of Tagore’s music, Punashcha –meaning Post Script – nurtures children and adults alike, helping them connect with their cultural roots The school celebrates Vasantotsav each spring and its grand annual concert in September, a beloved tradition for many
This year ’ s theme, ‘Indian Seasons and Festivals: Through the Lens of Tagore’, showcased India’s cultural richness A highlight was the moving performance of Tagore’s dance drama ‘Chandalika’, brought to life with graceful choreography, Shantiniketan-style costumes, and soul-stirring choral singing The red-and-white garad saris worn by the singers added authenticity and elegance to the stage
Central to Punashcha’s journey is Mrs Shyamali Basu, disciple of Kanika Bandyopadhyay and Shantideb Ghosh, and daughter of poet Sri Haripada Roy, a direct student of Tagore Trained at Sangeet Bhavan, Santiniketan, she has dedicated herself to passing on the authentic Santiniketan tradition of Rabindrasangeet to new generations
Her guiding thought remains: “If the new generation forgets its language, songs, and culture, what will remain?”
Da v e h as be en s el ec te d to receive the prestigious Manav Ratna A ward from Anoopam Mission, in reco gnition o f his lifelong d ed ication to promo ting and preserv ing th e Gujarati lang uag e
The award will be presented by Guruhari Sant Bhagwant Sahebji on 17th October during a grand Diwali celebration
The event will also be attended by eminent personalities, including CB Patel, Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, along with other distinguished guests
A lifelong scholar of Gujarati language and literature, Prof Jagdish Dave has been teaching since 1957 His innovative methods and creative curricula have greatly advanced Gujarati education, especially for communities abroad
Prof Jagdish Dave, previously honoured with an MBE by the British Government for his outstanding global service and dedication, will receive the Manav Ratna Award on 17th October at Anoopam Mission, The Lea, Western Avenue, Denham, Uxbridge – UB9 4NA
Preston mandir hosts Javera Visarjan after vibrant Navratri
Fol l owi ng a succ essfu l Navrat ri festival, Jave ra Visarjan wa s hel d at the Pr e s t on ma n d i r o n Thursday, 2nd Octobe r, wi t h p uj a n pe r for m e d by D a sh r at h an d Ka l a Nayee , offer in g pra yers to Mata ji for eve ryone ’ s we llb eing
year o n from h aving l ost th e general election in th e mo st devastating way a party coul d, the voters are s till asking, ‘who are the Tories?’ T he qu estio n is legitimate given th at in the l as t ten years they h ave had no l es s than five leaders, and o f thos e, f our have been P rime Ministers
During the time of David Cameron there was clarity on leadership and what the Tory party stood for and where the nation was going The problems started as soon as Teresa May came into power Whilst the general direction of travel was still conservative in nature, her previous stance as a ‘remainer’ was never quite forgotten Her biggest error was calling a snap election which backfired, and the Tories lost their majority With that the opposition became empowered and at every turn Labour, LibDems, Greens and the SNP went out of their way to undermine the mandate of the British people
It was only a matter of time before she was replaced with Boris Johhson Boris being the larger-than-life figure made many bold statements and gave hope, but when it came to his personal behaviour, his exuberance with rules let him down He damaged the integrity of the Tory from which they still suffer Liz Truss was next, but the establishment didn’t like her and decided she had to go Rishi Sunak was seen as a safe pair of hands His biggest problem, he was wet And a wet Tory the electorate would never accept The Tories lost the last election because they broke their promise to sort out illegal migration, the ECHR, the madness of daily hate marchers on our streets, two-tier justice and policing and of course the cost of living They gave Reform UK a golden opportunity to take a chuck of their vote, which they did Labour promised the earth to a public that was desperate, and with the vote splitting on the right, it was not a surprise they won
The question, ‘who are the Tories?’, remains Kemi Badenoch is gradually steering them to find their soul, and with that, a direction of travel that not only Tories can sign up to, but also the voters In my view, they are still way off where they need to be to even get a reasonable share of seats next time round
So, what are the is sues th at they need to be robu st abo ut?
a Exit the ECHR and any other international treaty that hinders domestic policies
b Reject and deport all illegal migrants
c Make the British citizen the top priority when it comes to housing, jobs and welfare
d Reduce the cost of energy
e Managing the finances is important, but the voter on the street also wants to keep more of their hard-earned money
f End the madness of two-tier policing and two-tier justice Those who break the law should get punishment fit for the crime, regardless of their ethnicity
g Investigate, prosecute and put behind bars the police, the politicians and others who aided, appeased or turned a blind eye to the abuse of white vulnerable girls by Pakistani sex grooming gangs
h Proscribe Islamist and far-right groups If you allow the virus of hatred and violence to feed off the nation, it will destroy it
i Education, the NHS and public transport should be seen as a priority, and this should be the everyday experience of voters
Everything else they would normally do will of course have to be done as usual If the Tories want any chance of becoming relevant again, they need to resonate their political position with that of what the nation wants and needs This also means that some high-profile Tories who are associated with past failures need to be put in the background
The polls suggest Reform UK will take the popular vote and they will decimate the Tories again The only saving grace this time round is that there is a possibility that the Corbyn/Sultana new party will take away votes from Labour to reduce that massive majority they hold currently
Over the two-month festival, the mandir hosted daily Garba in the afternoons and Raas Garba with live music in the evenings, drawing over 300 attendees each
night On Ashtami, more than 600 devotees gathered, with 80 participating in the Arti, as the society now prepares to celebrate Diwali and the Hindu New Year
In May 2026 I suspect Reform UK will make massive inroads in the Council elections If Reform UK are seen to fail in running these councils, it gives Tories the opportunity to claim back the lost votes for the general election in 2029
The voters have already rejected Labour; Keir has made sure of that The only question unanswered, where will this vote go? I suspect they are more likely to go to a safe established political party, than say a failing Reform UK party with no experience of national governance However, if Reform UK are successful in running councils, then I can’t see anyone stopping them from getting into Number 10
If you ask voters how they would describe the Tory party, words like, out of touch, dishonest, corrupt, divided, chaotic, elitist, uncaring, and useless tend to be used Tories need a leader who can inspire and aspire the nation
Someone who can engage with the public Someone who is willing to own the mistakes of the past and apologise for those errors Can Kemi take them into the next election?
The jury is out on this
Kapil Dudakia
Standing: L to R: Sayantanee, Ruchita, Rima, Mrs Shyamali Basu, Ashwicka, Gitanjali and Sonali Sitting: L to R: Rimpa, Agnayee, Triparna, Dalia and Swapna
Jagdish Dave
Dashrath and Kala Nayee performing pujan
New Regulations, Same Service? Why Landlords May Be More Prepared Than Expected
Could landlords end up being surprised by how little they have to change post Renters’ Ri ghts Bill?
Much of the bill is focused on maki ng s u re B TL investors fix themselves up - making sure their assets are of the hi ghest sta ndards, and the services they provide are impeccable
Just as a reminder, the bill will bring with it the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law, a private rented sector ombudsman and database, prohibitions on certain discriminatory practices, and more All these efforts aim to ensure unscrupulous landlords are held to a higher standard, and that tenants are treated with more respect, something many believe is long overdue
But it looks like many of these plans will already be obsolete - or at the very least, diminished for many by the time they come into play
Only 7% of tenants reported a negative experience with their landlord or letting agent, according to a recent poll from Pegasus Insights What’s more, 70% of tenants renting from individual landlords described their most recent rental experience as ‘positive’
The rental market – or any market for that matter – isn’t perfect There will always be creases to iron out But by and large, the landlord-renter relationship does work As the dust settles after the initial bill
rollout, many landlords may be pleasantly surprised to discover how prepared they already are Despite all the pessimism and negative rhetoric, BTL investors already provide an amazing service, which is sorely needed
In fact, the evidence suggests that more landlords than perhaps would be expected, are realising that the coming months may not be as difficult as feared Leaders Romans Group (LRG) latest lettings report revealed that 60% of landlords plan to retain their existing portfolios Also, of those who are planning to sell, 12% say they intend to reinvest in another property
Given how well the BTL market is performing right now, despite everything, we may see even more investment on the horizon too Average rental yields have rebounded to a 10-year high, hitting 6 5% across the UK according to Pegasus Insight’s latest Landlord Trends report Meanwhile, Zoopla details that yields of over 8% are available in locations such as Sunderland and Burnley, with the North East of England being the best region for investors looking for strong returns all round
The prevailing narrative at the moment is that the BTL market is a disaster zone The reality though, is that the rental scene is in a healthier position than many realise As it continues to professionalise and shake off fears of legislative challenges, the tone could shift to an optimistic one once again Optimism could encourage a wave of investment, and the specialist market will be there to facilitate action
Dr Lalit Sodha leads historic Chiropractic event at Lords
History was made as the House of Lords hosted a centenary celebration f or t he B ritis h Chiropr ac tic A ss oc iation (B CA) in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace, bringing together Lords, Ladies, distinguished guests, and international dignitaries to honour 100 years of advancing chiropractic care in the UK
The event, hosted by Dr Lalit Sodha, the first practicing chiropractor to hold a celebration at the House of Lords, was attended by Lord Gadhia, Dr Tim Button, BCA President, and Nick Jones, Chief Executive of the General Chiropractic Council Pujya Shree Milan Kumar Goswami and his wife Pallaviji added an international and spiritual presence
from early practice to becoming a leading advocate and hosting the centenary at the House of Lords
Courage amid tragedy following Manchester Synagogue attack
On Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Manchester’s Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue became the scene of terror Two people were killed and several others injured in a shocking knife and car attack that would leave the city in mourning
The assailant, later identified as Jihad alShamie, drove a car into members of the public before stabbing several people outside the synagogue Police arrived swiftly, and seven minutes after the first call, al-Shamie was shot dead He had been wearing a vest that appeared to be an explosive device, which was later confirmed to be non-viable
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who returned early from a Copenhagen summit to chair the government’s Cobra emergency meeting, described the attacker as a “vile individual who attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values ” He pledged stronger police protection for the Jewish community
The attack marked the first fatal targeting of Jews in the UK in at least 30 years Heroes in the face of violence
Among the victims were two men remembered for their courage
Adrian Daulby, 53, was struck by a stray police bullet while helping to barricade the synagogue doors Friends and neighbours described him as quiet, unassuming, and courageous; a man who had only recently resumed attending services Melvin Cravitz, 66, a volunteer security guard, was killed outside while protecting worshippers Those who knew him recalled his kindness, devotion to family, and selflessness
Security guard Bernard Agyemang was seriously injured shielding worshippers, and several others were hospitalised Rabbi Daniel Walker, who led prayers at the time, called the attack a “desecration of our synagogue on Yom Kippur” but praised the com-
munity for keeping the attacker out
The attacker’s background Jihad al-Shamie, 35, was on police bail for an alleged rape at the time of the attack
Police said he had a prior criminal history, including investigations for theft
Residents described al-Shamie as reclusive, living with his mother after separating from his wife and child He moved to the UK as a child and became a naturalised citizen in 2006 His father, Faraj al-Shamie, a trauma surgeon who has worked in conflict zones, expressed shock at his son ’ s actions National response and rising antisemitism
The attack has reignited fears over antisemitism in the UK Starmer urged activists planning pro-Palestine protests to “ recognise and respect the grief of British Jews,” warning that some demonstrations can fuel antisemitic sentiment while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described participating in such protests as “un-British” and potentially divisive
The Community Security Trust’s figures underline the scale of the problem: 1,521 antisemitic incidents were recorded in the first half of 2025, the second-highest number on record Violent assaults continue, with 76 attacks reported in the first six months, three classified as extreme Research by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research shows that 35% of British Jews now feel unsafe, a sharp increase from 9% in 2023, and 82% view antisemitism as a serious problem, up from 11% in 2012
The centenary also marked 130 years since Chiropractic’s founding by Daniel David Palmer in 1895, with guests reflecting on the profession’s legacy in promoting health, wellbeing, and the body’s natural healing Speakers highlighted the BCA’s century-long journey and its vital role in UK healthcare
For Dr Sodha, the day was personally significant, marking 35 years since his graduation from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, celebrating his journey
Reflecting on the occasion, Dr Sodha said, “This event is not just about 100 years of Chiropractic progress It honours the present, celebrates our achievements, and looks to the future Chiropractic has a vital role in UK healthcare, and I am proud we marked this milestone in such a historic venue ”
As guests enjoyed afternoon tea overlooking the Thames, the atmosphere was one of reflection and celebration, with attendees emphasising the profession’s growing integration into mainstream healthcare and commitment to patient-centred practice
Paresh Raja, CEO Market
Financial Solutions
Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue
Lord Jitesh Gadhia (centre) Nick Jones and Dr Tim Button
Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes his first official visit to India
This is one of the largest delegations accompanying a UK Prime Minister to India in the last 9 years, since Conservative PM Theresa May’s visit to India in November 2016
Accompanying the Prime Minister are members of the Cabinet, representatives from sectors such as Fintech, Education, Culture, Media, Businesses, as well as organisations such as CBI, International Chamber of Commerce to name a few While the Indian High Commissioner to the UK H is Ex c ell en cy Vikra m Doraiswami left ahead for India to prepare for PM Starmer’s arrival, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha (in Indian Parliament), Harivansh Narayan Singh, along with other Presiding Officials of State Legislative Assemblies and Members of Parliament stopped by in London, on their way to the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados, to greet and meet some of the delegates accompanying PM Starmer on his maiden visit to India A dinner reception was held at India House in London to mark this occasion, which was hosted by Acting High Commissioner Kartik Pande The Indian delegates also had some bilateral meetings during their visit to the UK
The reception on Monday 6 October at Gandhi hall, in the Indian High Commission was joined by community members as well as Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Lord Krish Raval, Va le rie Vaz MP , for mer MP Virendra Sharma and some local councillors
Lord Bilimoria and Lord Gadhia are accompanying PM Starmer to India as part of the high level delegation
According to a press note by
the Ministry of External Affairs in India, on October 9 in Mumbai, the two Prime Ministers will take stock of progress in diverse aspects of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with ‘Vision 2035 ’ , a focussed and time bound 10-year Roadmap of programmes and initiatives in key pillars of trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education and people to people relations Both leaders will engage with businesses and industry leaders on opportunities presented by the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as a central pillar of the future India–UK economic partnership They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance
‘Immigration has always been great for Great Britain’
Speaking to Asian Voice exclusively Lord Bilimoria stated the importance of PM Starmer’s visit
Minis ter for the I ndoPacific, Se ema Ma lhot ra, launched two new climate adaptation initiatives with Malaysia on 6 October at the Forest Learning Centre in Kual a L umpur The eve nt w as att end ed b y Datuk Mas Rizal bin Mohd Hil mi, D eputy Sec re tar y General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Na tural R es ourc es a nd Environmental Sustainability
for the Indo-Pacific,
that strengthen Malaysia’s ability to tackle climate impacts such as flooding and heat stress ”
In partnership with UNDP Malaysia, the UK will support efforts to mitigate climate change impacts, including using innovative financial tools to attract green investment for climate projects
The UK will also partner with Monash University Malaysia on a project supporting Selangor’s local leaders to make informed decisions on water, energy, and food use The project will fund economic models showing how changes in one area like building more hydropower affect others, helping leaders protect communities, nature, and the economy Minister Malhotra said: “The UK and Malaysia have a long history of collaborating on climate These projects deliver practical, community-focused solutions
On her first visit as Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Malhotra highlighted the UK’s commitment to the region, promoting new markets for British companies and advancing innovation under the Government’s Plan for Change mission In Brunei, she will visit British Forces and meet Minister for Foreign Affairs II, Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, to strengthen cooperation on inclusive growth, nature, and regional security In Singapore, marking 60 years of UK-Singapore diplomatic ties, she will meet Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Gan Siow Huang, visit HMS Spey, engage with UK businesses, and attend a women in business reception celebrating trade and innovation
to India As the anti-immigrant rhetoric grows strong in the UK, the diaspora and their families back in India, fear for the future of the British Indian community
Many are even questioning Sir Starmer’s leadership and Labour party’s vision, as the unrest grows Lord Bilimoria told us, “It is nine years since we've had such a huge Prime Minister led delegation to India The last one was Theresa May in November 2016 PM Starmer is taking a large business delegation, ministers, the press, university leaders, and from a cross section of manufacturing, of services, of business organisations, the International Chamber of Commerce, which I Chair, the CBI, which I was President of, we're all going to be there ”
Emphasising on the significance of this visit, he added, “And this is very important, particularly given that it's within three months of the signing of the free trade agreement So it's the opportunity now for Britain to say to India, we mean business, and to grow trade, business and investment between our two countries The bilateral trade is 42 billion pounds, but it should be double of that in five years, because India is only the 12 largest trading part of the UK It should be one of the top five ”
Speaking about the issues of immigrant bashing that have been unnerving the diaspora recently, Lord Bilimoria said, “The problem at the moment is that the whole of the UK is very worried about the illegal immigration that's taking place, particularly on the boat, which is very sad and tragic, and that needs to be stopped But when it comes to the legal immigration under the Points Based System
(PBS) on which India is the number one, when it comes to international students, India is also number one We want the best and brightest students from the world, including from India We want the best and brightest people at work We're supporting our economy, and India plays a major role including in the NHS Without the Indian doctors and Indian nurses, the NHS would not function so efficiently Immigration has always been great for Great Britain ” He further added, “What is sad about the situation is there should not be a fear of immigration There should be a strong legal immigration There should always be an appreciation of the good immigration
“There are 15% ethnic minority in this country, 2 million Indians, of which I'm proud to be one - it is the most successful ethnic minority community and the largest ethnic minority community in the UK And what a contribution the Indian community makes in the
UK in every field - whether it's in education, medicine, politics, business, or every field that you can think of! The Indians have reached the very top and are making a huge contribution to the UK ”
Enroute India, PM Starmer takes over the cockpit
Leaving London, on Tuesday 7 October, as we went to print, PM Starmer posted a video of himself from the cockpit of his BA flight to Mumbai, with the pilot and copilot in the background
Taking over the pilot’s microphone, the PM announced, “It's really fantastic to have you all on board This is the biggest trade mission to India that the UK has ever sent So I'm much looking forward to working with you as we explore all of the opportunities and take full advantage of the opportunities in our new free trade agreement ” The Prime Minister was called “ a natural”, as he ended his announcement with a giggle Vodafone financial dispute and TSI
During this historical visit of PM Starmer, India’s long-standing dispute of $22 6bn, with the local subsidiary of British telecoms multinational Vodafone Group may “finally come to an end”, through a one-time settlement, according to a report by Bloomberg
At the same time, PM Starmer and PM Modi will also join senior ministers and officials to advance the 2024 UK-India Technology Security Initiatives (TSI), according to a report by the Politico
This will include co-operation on telecoms, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, quantum, bio-tech, advanced materials and semiconductors
During PM Modi’s visit to Britain in July 2025, the UK government said the TSI partnership would lead to the creation of a joint centre on AI The TSI is looked after by each country’s national security advisers and is reviewed every six months
Collaboration on graphene and critical minerals is also reportedly on the cards as the second phase of the UK-India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory is about to begin Britain and India will also reportedly hold a joint economic trade council meeting to leverage the deal that UK and India struck in July, during this visit
Jigna Dave visits London to promote girls’ education
Managing Trustee of Yoganjali Kelvani Mandal, Sidhpur (North Gujarat),Jigna Dave is visiting the UK until 15th October
Guided by the principle “Service to humanity is service to God,” the Mandal has transformed girls’ education in Patan, where literacy was once just five percent Over 10,000 girls have been educated, many now holding key positions across various sectors
Currently, the Mandal educates around 750 students,
providing free vocational training to equip them with practical skills and local employment opportunities Devoted to societal upliftment, Jigna Dave is committed to empowering the underprivileged, fostering economic, social, and holistic development without discrimination
During her stay in London, she can be reached at: 106 Whitmore Road, Harrow – HA1 4AQ or phone /
Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh addressing the guests at India House
Lord Karan Bilimoria of Chelsea CBE DL
Minister
Seema Malhotra (centre) with the dignitaries
National Trust to host inclusive Diwali festival
The National Trust is part-
ne rin g a gai n wi th the Bradford Hindu Council to c eleb rate D iwal i a t Ea st Ri ddle sden Hal l, bri ngi ng light, stori es , and cu ltural tra dit ions to t he his tori c Keighley site
Saved from demolition by two local brothers and gifted to the Trust, the property has been expanding its community-focused events, including its first Eid Mela alongside annual Easter, Christmas, and summer programmes
Janki Pankil Desai from the Bradford Hindu Council, said, “We want them to take away the deeper message of Diwali, that light always overcomes darkness, good triumphs over evil and generosity strengthens communities
tions Our partners have shared personal experiences, rituals, and favourite foods to create a meaningful, inclusive celebration Through storytelling, cultural interpretation, music, and food, we aim to convey the heart of Diwali to both those familiar with the festi-
Above all we hope they carry they spirit of togetherness and prosperity into their own houses ”
Speaking to Asian Voice, Emily Ghassempour, Senior Volunteer and Community Officer for the National Trust, said, “Last year, we hosted our first Diwali celebration at East Riddlesden Hall after hearing from local communities that they wanted the festival represented The event was a success, but feedback showed we hadn’t fully told the story of Diwali This year, in partnership with the Bradford Hindu Council, we ’ re bringing the festival to life through authentic storytelling, traditions, and community voices, ensuring it’s joyful, inclusive, and culturally meaningful ”
On highlighting rituals, storytelling, food, and music, Emily added, “We’re celebrating Diwali by showcasing Tamil, Punjabi, Bengali, and Gujarati tradi-
val and newcomers alike, a celebration of light, community, and heritage shaped by those who live it ”
Ma Kali exhibition brings strength and empowerment
Milly Basu, showcasing Bengal’s Kali Pujo exhibition at East Riddlesden Hall, said, “For Bengalis, Diwali is inseparable from Kali Pujo Ma Kali is woven into the cultural and spiritual life of Bengal, embodying strength, fearlessness, and protection, while breaking every stereotype of femininity Worship of Shakti, or female energy, has long shaped Bengal’s identity from art and literature to social reforms like widow remarriage and women ’ s education, including the founding of Bethune College Celebrating Kali Pujo during Diwali is not just about rituals or fireworks; it’s a declaration that women are leaders, protectors, and creators, placing female energy at the heart of culture and society, a mes-
Trafalgar Square set for spectacular Diwali celebration
The M ayor of Lon don, Sa diq Khan , has c onfirmed that Diwali on the Square will ta ke pl ac e a t Trafalgar Square on Sunday 12 October
sage that remains powerful and relevant today ”
Explaining the symbolism of Goddess Kali to audiences unfamiliar with her, Milly said, “At first, people may be taken aback, Kali is dark-skinned, with her tongue out, wearing a garland of skulls, holding a sword She doesn’t fit the soft, ‘pretty’ image of a goddess, and that’s the point Kali is unapologetic about her power and energy, challenging us to see strength in fierce forms For Bengalis, she is Ma Kali Mother Kali
To her children, she is the ultimate protector, destroying ignorance and injustice to make space for truth and love She embodies both fierceness and tenderness, wildness and nurture Her image isn’t about fear, it’s about empowerment, showing that women don’t need to apologise for being strong, different, or powerful, a message that resonates far beyond Bengal ”
Milly said, “Bringing Kali Pujo to East Riddlesden Hall creates a dialogue between two heritages: the centuriesold English history of the Hall and the Bengali festival rooted in light, power, and resilience It shows that heritage is living, diverse, and evolving Presenting the festival here allows people who may never visit Bengal to experience its values, reverence for female strength, balance of fear and love, and community spirit, while also enriching the Hall, reminding us that history is made of many interwoven stories This blending makes Kali Pujo both true to its origins and part of a shared cultural journey ”
New exhibition highlights Birmingham’s anti-racism legacy
A n ew exhib ition a t the L ib ra ry of B irming ham, ‘ Seek in g the Pionee rs : Routes of Resistance’, celebrates the city’s role in the fight for racial justice
It showcases the stories of 100 individuals and groups who challenged racism from the 1940s to today, created by the Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG) with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Building on last year ’ s debut at the BRIG Café, the exhibition highlights Birmingham’s long history of activism and ongoing commitment to becoming an anti-racist city ‘Seeking the Pioneers’ showcases stories of defiance and resilience through portraits and testimonies of activists, academics, artists, trade unionists, and scientists It connects local voices to global struggles against
racism Curated by cultural activist Mukhtar Dar, with photography by Johnathan Williams and Paul McKenzie, the exhibition explores the journeys of those who shaped Birmingham’s role in the UK’s anti-racist movement The free exhibition runs at the Library of Birmingham foyer in Centenary Square until November 2025
The free, family-friendly celebration runs from 2pm to 8pm, uniting Londoners to mark the Festival of Lights The event opens with 200 dancers performing in the square, followed by a vibrant programme featuring performances from London’s Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities
On the main stage, visitors can enjoy live music, classical and modern dance, diya lighting, a Diwali story retelling by Aaya Anand Chaaya Anand, Bollywood Bhangra, and more Free, family-friendly activities include sari and turban tying, yoga, henna, puppet shows, and dance workshops
A variety of vegan and vegetarian food, from tradi-
tional to fusion, will be available at market stalls Delivered with the volunteer-led Diwali in London committee, the event is supported by headline partner Remitly, with associate partners Lidl and Daawat
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Diwali On The Square is a fantastic opportunity for Londoners and visitors to celebrate light over darkness, hope over hardship, and unity in our diversity In a world where division persists, I am proud this free, familyfriendly event brings people of all backgrounds together to share a message of peace and hope Events like these highlight the strength of community as we continue
building a fairer London From my family to yours, I wish you a happy and blessed Diwali ” A spokesperson from Remitly, headline partner of Diwali On The Square, said: “Diwali celebrates light, love, and community, values central to Remitly We’re proud to support London’s South Asian communities and this vibrant festival ” Sarita Menon from the Diwali in London Committee added: “Enjoy an unforgettable celebration with 150 dancers across nine groups, plus cultural marquees and family activities for all ages ” Dr Milen Shah, Chair of the Committee and Chinmaya Mission UK, said: “This year ’ s theme, ‘Educate, Illuminate, Celebrate’, captures the true spirit of Diwali, uniting communities in joy, reflection, and shared purpose ”
Sadiq Khan (centre) with the participants at the event
Cred t Sam Chipman Photography
Credit Sam Chipman Photography
“I intend to be a shepherd who enables everyone’s ministry and vocation to flourish”
Dame Sarah Mullally steps into history as Church of England appoints first female Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally has made history as the first woma n a ppoin te d Archbishop of Canterbury, the Churc h of En gla nd’s highest office in its 1,400year history
At 63, Mullally will succeed the Most Rev Justin Welby, who stepped down last year after nearly twelve years in office Her appointment, approved by King Charles and announced by Downing Street, marks a defining moment not just for the Church of England but for the 85 million-strong Anglican Communion worldwide
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed her appointment, saying she would play “ a key role in national life” and that he looked forward to working with her A landmark moment for the church
It has been just over a decade since the Church first voted to allow women to become bishops, a decision that paved the way for this historic moment When Mullally became the first female Bishop of London in 2017, she was considered an “unexpected choice ” Today, she stands at the forefront of a Church grappling with change, renewal, and a loss of trust
Her appointment comes at a turbulent time, with hundreds of parishes in England, and many Anglican churches globally, still opposing women ’ s ordination
However, standing before the press at Canterbury Cathedral following her appointment, Mullally spoke with humility and resolve, “Some will ask what it means for a woman to lead the Church of England I intend to be a shepherd who enables everyone ’ s ministry and vocation to flourish, whatever our tradition To all the women who have gone before me, thank you for your support and inspiration ”
Moreover, Mullally has not shied away from the Church’s troubled history She has repeatedly acknowledged its “legacy of deep harm and mistrust” over safeguarding failures and pledged to build a “culture of safety and wellbeing for all ”
“This will not be easy, ” she admitted “We must all be willing to have light shone on our actions ” Her commitment to transparency and reform echoes the challenges she inherits from her predecessor, whose tenure was over-
shadowed by allegations of institutional failures in addressing abuse within the Church Faith, ethics and leadership
Speaking to The Times, Mullally said she would not hesitate to “ challenge unjust structures” in government and society, describing her role as one that must “speak truth to power ”
Asked whether Britain could still be described as a Christian country, she replied firmly, “The Christian faith still absolutely runs through this country as a clear thread ” She has also been an outspoken advocate on issues of race and equality
Mullally has long been a consistent voice against assisted dying legislation in England and Wales, arguing that society must “ protect life in all its forms ”
Her approach to leadership is often described as thoughtful and bridgebuilding; firm on ethical principles yet willing to listen across divides As she prepares to take up her role, she faces the challenge of leading a Church divided on questions of inclusion, sexuality, and safeguarding
Her enthronement at Canterbury Cathedral, scheduled for March 2026, will symbolise both continuity and change, the beginning of what many see as a new era for the Anglican Church
From nursing to the nation’s pulpit
Before her ordination, Mullally built a distinguished career in healthcare Beginning as a cancer nurse, she rose through the ranks to become England’s Chief Nursing Officer from 1999 to 2004, the highest position in British nursing
Shabana Mahmood: A Labour party leader in waiting?
R ata n Tata onc e s aid, “Leadership is about taking respon sibility, not mak ing excuses ” Few in the Labour government exemplify that prin cipl e b et ter tha n Shabana Mahmood, the rising pol it ic a l st ar whos e combination of discipline, pragmatism, and moral conviction has made her one of the most clos ely watc hed f ig ures in Br it is h pol itics today
Educated in Woking, Surrey, she trained as a nurse at South Bank Polytechnic and later studied theology at the University of Kent A devout Christian since the age of 16, she entered the clergy in her late thirties and was ordained in 2002
Known for her calm demeanour and pastoral warmth, she describes her love of pottery as something that “teaches patience and humility ” She is married to Eamonn, a business technology professional, and they have two children
A global impact, especially in Asia
Mullally’s appointment carries special resonance across Asia, home to some of the most dynamic Anglican communities in the world
Way before the west, the Church of South India began ordaining women to the priesthood as early as 1960, and in 2013, Eggoni Pushpalalitha became India’s first female bishop in Andhra Pradesh The Church of North India followed suit in 2024 with the consecration of Violet Nayak as its first woman bishop, recently joined by two more female leaders
The Church of Pakistan, while ordaining women as deacons since 2001, has yet to open the priesthood to them The Church of Bangladesh, meanwhile, resumed ordaining women to the diaconate in 2021 and celebrated its first female priestly ordinations two years later
For these communities, stretching from India and Pakistan to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Mullally’s elevation represents more than symbolism It is a reaffirmation of inclusion, equality, and shared faith across continents
As she prepares to take office, Dame Sarah Mullally faces the immense task of healing old wounds while shaping the Church’s moral voice for the future
According to The Telegraph, when Keir Starmer reshaped his Cabinet after Angela Rayner’s resignation, insiders say one name dominated the conversation “It was all about Shabana,” recalls a former aide who has worked with the Prime Minister since his early leadership days
Every key move in the reshuffle appeared to pivot around Mahmood Making her Home Secretary required reassigning Yvette Cooper to the Foreign Office, which in turn displaced David Lammy, who filled Mahmood’s previous role as Justice Secretary
The motivation was clear: Labour needed a firm hand at the Home Office, a department haunted by crises ranging from record small boat crossings to an asylum system under strain
A record of delivery
As Justice Secretary, Mahmood earned a reputation for combining results with political acumen She attributed the early release of prisoners to “Tory mismanagement” and gained tabloid attention by proposing the chemical castration of paedophiles, an idea that, while controversial, underscored her willingness to act decisively
Her readiness to explore policies that challenge Labour’s traditional instincts, such as reconsidering human rights provisions to address illegal immigration, stand appealing for No 10 At the Labour conference in Liverpool this week, Mahmood made her stance clear, telling delegates with trademark candour, “You may not always like what I do ”
This signals a brand of leadership that values delivery over dogma, something that is not a strong marker of the current leadership
A tough new brief
Even now, barely weeks into her new role as Home Secretary, Mahmood was thrust into crisis following the Heaton Park Synagogue terror attack Her task? Protecting and reassuring Britain’s Jewish community, deciding how to police proPalestine demonstrations, and overseeing the investigation into the Manchester atrocity
She evidently displayed how right her instincts are
she swiftly condemned proPalestine supporters who took to the streets just hours after the stabbing What’s more, she embodies a rare sense of accountability and it’s refreshing
In a BBC interview following the attack, Mahmood said she understood the strength of public feeling and had heard the message “loud and clear ” She noted that the government was reviewing how protest laws are being enforced in response
When asked whether Jewish people angered by the government’s handling of the situation were justified, Mahmood agreed She described it as “devastating” to hear of such experiences and said they were “ completely unacceptable ”
Her allies also note how personal and professional worlds have collided “Within a week, Shabana Mahmood has gone from being a virtually unknown minister to the most important person in this government,” said Lord Glasman, founder of Blue Labour, at the sidelines of the party’s convention “A Muslim woman responsible for confronting Islamic hate We should all support her ”
“Destiny has pushed her into a critical spot, and she will handle it with humility and resolve”, he added Faith, duty, and conviction
At 45, Mahmood is the only Muslim in the Cabinet Her faith, she has said, anchors her public service “It’s the absolute core of my life,” she has previously told The Spectator “It grounds me, and it’s where I draw my sense of duty and purpose ” That faith, and her moral clarity, have often placed her in difficult positions During the fallout from the October 7 Hamas attacks and Israel’s bom-
bardment of Gaza, Mahmood faced deep pressure from her Birmingham Ladywood constituents to back a ceasefire She reportedly broke down in tears while urging Starmer to take a firmer stance and was prepared to resign if forced to vote against her conscience
A Fighter’s instincts
Politics runs deep in Mahmood’s veins The daughter of Birmingham shopkeepers, her parents once kept a cricket bat behind the counter for protection, she learned early about grit and responsibility Mentored by Tom Watson, former Labour deputy leader, she cut her teeth in the rough terrain of Midlands politics
Her campaign management skills proved decisive in Batley and Spen in 2021, when she helped secure Labour’s razor-thin victory, saving Starmer’s leadership Later, as Labour’s national campaign coordinator, she played a central role in planning the party’s 2024 general election strategy alongside Morgan McSweeney, now Starmer’s chief of staff
Even her old Oxford peer Rishi Sunak once backed her, endorsing her in a student election when she ran for JCR president at Lincoln College
A pragmatist with principles
Mahmood’s politics blend social conservatism with reformist zeal She counts Margaret Thatcher and Benazir Bhutto among her political inspirations a pairing that reflects her respect for conviction and courage, regardless of party lines
Her critics see her as too cautious; her supporters, as the steady hand Labour will one day need at the top “She’s not a grandstander,” says Lord Glasman “She’s resolute, humble, and serious about power as a force for service ” For now, Mahmood’s focus is on restoring faith in Britain’s borders and security But whispers about her future persist With Labour facing new challenges, from Reform UK’s surge to looming economic headwinds, colleagues are already speculating about whether Mahmood could one day lead her party
Dame Sarah Mullally
Dame Mullally during her medical career as a trainee nurse
Shabana Mahmood with Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria at the reception to mark Eid in 10 Downing Street
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood
GP appointments made easier with online consultations
Anusha Singh
It’s 8 A M, and across the cou ntry, countless patients are frantically trying to g et through to their GP surgeries, stu ck in long phone queues that sometim es last
f o r h o u rs F o r m any , th e
o nly option has been to d rop b y th e su rg ery in pers on, w ait, and ho pe for a slot But from 1 October 20 25, th at stressfu l ritual h as beg an to ch ange
GP practices are now required to keep online consultation tools running throughout the day, giving patients the option to submit requests, ask questions, and describe symptoms digitally without waiting on hold or rushing to the phone first thing in the morning. The aim is simple: free up phone lines for those who need them most, provide more flexible access to care, and finally begin dismantling the infamous 8 a.m. scramble.
For patients, this is more than convenience. It’s about choice, access, and equity. Online submissions have surged in recent months, with nearly six million in July 2025 compared to 3.4 million the previous year, showing just how much people prefer digital access that fits around their busy lives. Yet access hasn’t always been equal. In some areas, online systems are limited, switching off after a certain number of requests or only available for a few hours each day. When patients cannot get through, the consequences can be severe — 6.6% end up in A&E, putting additional strain on hospitals and costing the taxpayer more.
Ho w it will work: Insig ht from Dr Nikita Kanani
To understand how these changes will work in practice, Asian Voice spoke to Dr Nikita Kanani MBE, a GP and former medical director of primary care at
T
NHS England.
“The new contract requires all GP practices to allow online consultation requests between 8 AM and 6:30 PM, Monday to Friday,” she explained. “Online consultations are fantastic for patients. They allow people to describe their concerns in their own words, at any time, without battling phone queues. They also help practices triage requests efficiently. But they’re not a silver bullet; you still need staff and resources to make them work, and technology alone cannot solve all the pressures on appointments.”
Some patients may be concerned about digital exclusion, especially older people or those without reliable internet access. Dr Kanani reassured that the new approach is digital first, but not digital only. “Phone lines remain essential, as do face-to-face and walk-in routes,” she said. “Reception staff often help patients fill out online forms on their behalf. Practices are being advised to run a blended model: digital where possible, but phone and in-person where needed. Equity of access means keeping multiple doors open, not forcing everyone through a single one.”
The government is also investing heavily in supporting GPs. An additional £1.1 billion has been allocated to general practice, the
largest increase in more than a decade, and over 2,000 new GPs have been hired since July 2024. Funding is also being directed toward extra staff, digital triage systems, and training to help practices safely manage patient demand.
“Even with these resources, the teams will still be under strain at first,” Dr Kanani said. “Patients may not notice an immediate difference, but over time, all of this support should translate into practical improvements: fewer queues, quicker responses, and better care.”
She emphasised the importance of well-being for practice teams. “General practice morale is low, so any new system must be matched with practical support for staff, along with clear communication for patients. Everyone needs to understand what to expect and how to engage respectfully with their practice.”
Looking further ahead, Dr Kanani painted a vision of the GP of the future. “I hope that in five years, patients won’t worry about 8 AM phone queues. They’ll be able to connect with their practice throughout the day, guided to the care they need. Practices will increasingly operate as multidisciplinary hubs where pharmacists, physiotherapists, mental health workers, GPs, and nurses working together.
“The experience will be simple, human, and personal, while flexible enough to meet the needs of every patient, whether online, on the phone, or in person. Equity has to be at the heart of this; everyone deserves the same level of care.”
These changes signal a new era for general practice, one where technology supports patient choice rather than replacing it, and where equity, access, and continuity of care remain central.
Trio admitted conspiracy to commit fraud
down ru les
Rokibul Islam, 31, Hakeem Walters, 29, and Muhammed Ahmed, 27, earned up to £412,000 by creating 1,648 fake certificates at a Stratford vaccine centre. They charged £250 per fraudulent record, Southwark Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Kathryn Drummond said the three “profited at the public’s expense during a national crisis” while abusing positions of trust in the NHS, enabling 847 people to
bypass lockdown restrictions.
Islam, who joined the vaccine project in June 2021, sold his National Immunisation Vaccination System login to Ahmed for £1,000. Drummond added: “Every record linked to his login was false. He never created a genuine vaccination.”
Sentencing, Judge SallyAnn Hales said: “Between August 17 and December 13 2021, you conspired to hack the NHS system to create false Covid vaccine records.”
NHS pushes for greater male representation in nursing
Nu r si n g h as lo ng b ee n v iew ed as a fem ale- do m ina ted p ro fes s io n , bu t th e NHS is encourag ing m ore men to consider a career in healthcare Duncan Burton, the first male Chief Nursing O ff ic e r f or E ng l an d , h as shared h ow rew arding nursing can be for both m en and wo men
Currently, only one in eight nurses and health visitors in the NHS are male, with just under 47,300 men compared to nearly 321,200 women. To support the workforce, the government’s Graduate Guarantee is creating thousands of roles for newly qualified nurses and midwives.
Healthcare degrees open doors to around 300 NHS careers, including nursing, midwifery, and allied health roles such as occupational therapy, radiography, and podiatry. Practical on-thejob experience is also available through health and social care apprenticeships or roles as healthcare support workers.
Chief Nursing Officer, Duncan Burton said, “I’ve been a nurse for 27 years, and it remains incredibly
rewarding. Helping people and providing the best care has always been my motivation. Our workforce should reflect the communities we serve, and diverse teams improve patient care. I’d especially encourage students, including men, not to be deterred by outdated stereotypes. Nursing offers opportunities for people from all backgrounds.”
With exam results recently released, many students are considering their next steps, and under the government’s 10-Year Health Plan, student nurses will receive extra support, including faster travel expense reimbursements and quicker course completion confirmation so new nurses can start work sooner.
Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock added, “Through our 10Year Health Plan, we’re expanding apprenticeships and widening routes into nursing and midwifery to break down barriers. The NHS is undergoing its biggest transformation since inception, and we need passionate, dedicated people to
help build a health service that’s fit for the future.”
Speaking to Asian Voice, Founder and Director of British Nurse Sikhs, Roh it Sagoo, said, “The underrepresentation of men in nursing remains a longstanding issue, so I welcome the Chief Nursing Officer’s encouragement for more male students to consider the profession. Nursing is still often seen through a gendered lens, yet it is about skill, compassion, leadership, and critical thinking, qualities that transcend gender. Increasing male representation challenges stereotypes, brings diverse perspectives, and enriches patient care. From my experience as a children’s nurse, male role models in healthcare are vital for children, young people, and families. Encouraging men into nursing isn’t about diminishing women’s roles but creating a balanced workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Alongside this, we must tackle structural inequalities, support inclusive recruitment, and showcase the rewarding career paths nursing offers.”
Spy trial collapses over China “enemy” definition
A Ch inese sp ying case collapsed last m onth after Sir K ei r S ta rm e r ’ s na ti o na l s ec ur it y ad v i ser , J o nath a n Pow ell, indicated in a topsecret briefing that Beijing wo uld no t be classified as an “ enemy ” of Britain
The judge said the trio acted for financial gain and that the conspiracy likely involved others. She added: “These are serious offences during the pandemic, with clear risks to public health and harm to the wider public.”
Noting the importance of the vaccine scheme in saving lives, she sentenced Ahmed, of Ilford, and Walters, of Hackney, to four years and four months, while Islam, from Tower Hamlets, received one year and seven months. All had admitted conspiracy to commit fraud.
The government’s evidence relied on a new document that avoided this designation, raising concerns it may have withheld information needed to prosecute under the Official Secrets Act. Experts note that without defining China as an “enemy,” a successful case is unlikely.
Ministers have not explained why the CPS dropped charges against Chris Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33.
It emerged that Jonathan Powell briefed senior officials on the case and deputy national security adviser Matthew Collins’s evidence, which relied on the National Security Strategy 2025 calling China a “geostrategic challenge” but not an enemy. Powell indicated Collins’s statement would follow the report’s
language, focusing on trade alongside a “threat-driven” approach to espionage and interference.
Civil servants learned Collins did not use detailed Home Office security assessments, and police said the decision to drop the case came from “the very top.”
Downing Street has strongly denied the government was involved in the collapse of a prosecution against two men accused of spying for China.
Britain’s unwritten constitution relies heavily on convention and trust, especially in the criminal justice system, where separation of powers ensures fair treatment and prevents political interference in police or prosecutorial decisions.
Police serve the Crown, and prosecutors operate under the Crown Prosecution Service, making questions of government interference in the espionage case against two men accused of aiding China deeply concerning.
Espionage charges hinge on whether information is passed to a “friendly” power—a detail overlooked until the last moment, even as UK officials, including Powell and Business Secretary Peter Kyle, engaged in trade talks with Beijing. Meanwhile, China is pressing the UK over its proposed “mega-embassy” on the former Royal Mint site. While a constructive relationship with China is important, any suggestion that Whitehall influence affected a serious, two-year investigation would undermine democracy and public trust. Full transparency from ministers, officials, police, and the CPS is now essential.
Dr Nikita Kanani MBE Credit: Guy's & St Thomas' Foundation
Duncan Burton Rohit Sagoo
Stephen Kinnock
Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry
Hakeem Walters Muhammed Ahmed Rokibul Islam
Baby Loss Awareness Week: Supporting dads through infant loss
Running from 9–15 October, Baby Loss Awareness Week supports bereaved families and raises awareness of the need to improve pregnancy outcomes and save babies’ lives.
Baby Loss A wareness Week is observed every October to sup port fam ilies affected by m i scarriag e, stillb irth, and i n fa nt l o ss , a nd to ra is e awareness about th e em ot i on al i m p ac t o f s u ch tragedies
While the grief of mothers is often acknowledged, fathers and male partners also experience deep emotional pain, which can sometimes be hidden due to societal expectations about men and grief
The week also aims to create a space for open conversations, provide access to support networks, and remind society that men, too, need compassion, understanding, and opportunities to express their loss
Men’ s g rief after baby loss often ov erlo oked
Baby loss affects the whole family, yet the grief of fathers is often overlooked
Cultural expectations and societal pressures can make it difficult for men to express their emotions openly
Speaking to Asian Voice, Sands volunteer Ra j C hagger said, “Men’s grief after baby loss is often less visible because society expects them to be ‘strong’ and supportive rather than openly vulnerable While the mother’s wellbeing rightly receives attention, this can leave fathers feeling their pain has no space Men are often told to ‘be there’ for their partner and family, but not encouraged to express their own heartbreak ”
He added, “Through my own experience, I’ve seen that men cope in different ways, some withdraw, some keep busy, and some bury their feelings That silence can be isolating But when
men have safe spaces to talk, whether on a football pitch, over coffee, or in a support group, they realise they are not alone and their grief is valid Sharing openly helps break the stigma and shows that fathers grieve deeply too ”
Raj Chagger emphasised that cultural and social pressures play a significant role in men ’ s grief “In many families, emotions like grief aren’t openly discussed, and loss is sometimes treated as something to ‘ move on ’ from quickly Men often face added pressure to be strong, provide, and hold everything together, so showing vulnerability can be seen as weakness, making it harder to express the pain of losing a baby
“In South Asian culture, there can also be silence around pregnancy and baby
loss People don’t always know what to say, which can leave fathers feeling isolated From my own experience, balancing grief with cultural expectations is challenging, but creating safe spaces for men to share openly helps I’ve met dads from many communities carrying the same pain, and talking about it not only aids healing but can slowly shift cultural attitudes for future generations,” he added
On support for men during grief, Raj said, “Men need support that recognises their grief as valid, even if they express it differently Some benefit from talking openly, while others connect through shared activities like sport or walks The key is giving men space to grieve without judgement or pressure to ‘stay strong ’
“Families and communities can help by asking how dads are doing, listening, and encouraging peer support Even small gestures, a message, remembering important dates, or sitting in silence, can make a big difference For me, football has been a powerful way to bring men together and create safe spaces to talk Compassionate communities play a vital role in breaking the stigma around men ’ s grief ”
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Mental health in the age of AI
A s a r t if i c ia l i nt e l l i g en c e bec om es inc reasingly em bedded in every day l if e, a growi ng nu m b e r of p eo pl e ar e t ur ning to AI c hat bots for c om fort, em pathy, and even c om panionship
Pr o f e s s or D r B e t h
Sin gle r, As s is ta nt Pr ofe s sor in Digital Rel igion(s ) and CoD ir e c t or of th e U ni ve r s it y R e s e a r c h Pr i or it y P ro gr a m m e i n D ig it a l Religion(s ) a t the University o f Z ur ic h, explains that humans are inherently social creatures “We’ve long known that humans can interpret emotions even in inanimate objects,” she notes “Emotional attachments are likely, and when no harm is involved, this could simply be seen as an expression of human nature ” Yet, while AI can simulate empathetic responses, there are significant concerns about its impact on mental health and human relationships Families have reported that some individuals become so engrossed in chatbots that it leads to distraction, social isolation, or,
Dr Beth Singler
in extreme cases, self-harm
Unlike human friends, AI cannot challenge users, hold them accountable, or provide the nuanced support that comes from authentic human interaction “An AI can’t stop being your friend if you do something wrong, ” Dr Singler warns Ethical questions also arise when AI is designed to mimic empathy or love Companies face criticism for “hacking” emotions, providing interactions that feel real but are ultimately programmed Dr Singler suggests that education about how AI works, alongside clear disclaimers, could help users understand the limitations of these digital companions However, even AI engineers sometimes mistake
sophisticated responses for real emotional understanding
Cultural factors can make AI particularly appealing for certain communities British Asians, for instance, may prefer AI as a non-judgmental outlet for sensitive conversations, especially where stigma around mental health exists Yet, there are risks: racial biases in AI, privacy breaches, and potential exploitation of users ’ trust Dr Singler emphasizes that community leaders and mental health advocates must guide users toward informed choices when engaging with AI technologies As AI becomes more persuasive and accessible, it is crucial to balance its potential benefits with careful oversight While AI can offer a “good enough” friend, it cannot replace the depth, accountability, and authenticity of human relationships Understanding its limits, and educating users, will be essential to ensure that the rise of AI enhances rather than undermines mental health
Prince William on why his children “don’t have phones”
Prince William has rev ealed that none o f his th ree child r en- P ri nc e Ge o rg e , 1 2 ,
Princess Ch arlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7-h av e mobile p hones, describing it as a conscio us decision to create a “health y, hap py and stable” fam ily env ironment
In a rare television interview with Eugene Levy for AppleTV+’s The Reluctant Traveler, the heir to the throne discussed balancing royal duties with family life and the lessons he has learned from his own childhood
“Everything is about the future,” he said “If you don’t start the children off now with a happy, healthy, stable home, you ’ re setting them up for a hard time and a fall ” Instead of screen time, his children spend their free hours playing sports, reading, and enjoying family meals a routine William insists is vital for emotional wellbeing
William also spoke about his determination to avoid repeating the mistakes of his own childhood
Having experienced the breakdown of his parents’ marriage, he wants to shield his children from stress and media intrusion He praised Kate for her strength during her cancer treatment, calling the past year “the hardest I’ve ever had,” and underscored that family well-being takes precedence over royal protocol
William’s approach, he explained, extends to practical routines: school dropoffs, family meals, and outdoor activity all reinforce stability and emotional security “None of our chil-
dren have any phones, which we ’ re very strict about,” he said
Experts in child development say limiting screen time and social media exposure can significantly reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and support mental resilienceoffering a foundation for happier, healthier development For William, the choice is both protective and preventative, shielding his children from the pressures of public scrutiny, online bullying, and the addictive pull of constant connectivity
Holidays boost mental health for UK travellers
80% of people believe holidays are vital for their mental health, a figure that rises to 90% among 25–34-yearolds
Time away from daily routines, whether on a beach or city break, is viewed as a chance to recharge, reduce stress, and improve mood
The survey found that
This value placed on travel is reflected in spend-
ing choices Only 28% would consider cutting back on holidays to save money far fewer than those willing to reduce dining, shopping, or entertainment costs Looking ahead, over a third of travellers plan to spend more on holidays, underlining the growing recognition of their role in sustaining mental wellbeing
Raj Chagger
Prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales with their children
Margaret Thatcher: A legacy remembered by leaders and media
T his year m arks the centenary of M argaret T hatcher, the formidable “ Iron L ad y ” w h o t ran sf o rm e d Bri t is h p olitics and defined an era
As the UK’s first female and longest-serving Prime Minister of the 20th century, she steered the nation through bold economic reforms, social shifts, and global challenges Her policies on privatisation, trade unions, and foreign affairs left an enduring and often divisive legacy, one that continues to shape political debate and inspire generations
On May 4, 1979, Margaret Thatcher made history as the first woman to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and in Europe
Her Conservative Party’s decisive victory over James Callaghan’s Labour government marked a turning point in British politics, redefining both leadership and ideology Once dubbed the “sick man of Europe,”
cemented her image as a formidable leader, though her later introduction of the controversial “ poll tax” sparked mass protests and eroded her popularity Rev iv ing a strug gling nation
When Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister, the UK was grappling with high inflation, rising unemployment, and stagnant economic growth
She transformed the country through bold free-market reforms: controlling inflation, cutting public spending, and limiting union power which stabilised the economy and laid the groundwork for longterm recovery
Thatcher also privatised major state-owned industries like British Telecom, British Gas, and British Airways, boosting efficiency, generating revenue, and encouraging ordinary citizens to own shares By curbing union power and introducing secret ballots before strikes, she restored produc-
Britain under Thatcher began a bold transformation, proving that determination and firm leadership could restore national strength and economic confidence
Born Margaret Hilda Roberts in 1925 in Grantham, England, Thatcher studied chemistry at Oxford before qualifying as a barrister Entering Parliament in 1959, she rose swiftly through Conservative ranks, becoming party leader in 1975
As Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, she championed free markets, individual responsibility, and limited state intervention Her sweeping economic reforms: deregulation, privatisation, and curbs on trade unions, became known as “Thatcherism,” credited with revitalising Britain’s economy but criticised for widening social divides
On the global stage, Thatcher forged a close alliance with US President Ronald Reagan and stood firm against the Soviet Union during the Cold War Her decisive leadership in the 1982 Falklands War
leadership gave the party renewed purpose and a clear ideological direction
A bond between trailblazing lead ers
Although politically different, the UK and Indian Prime Ministers, Margaret Thatcher and Indira Gandhi, shared a remarkable mutual respect
According to Thatcher’s biographer Hugo Young, their first meeting was pivotal in shaping her belief in
tivity and reduced industrial disruption Her focus on hard work, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility fostered ambition and innovation, supporting small businesses and private enterprise across the nation
Transform ing the Co nserv ative P arty
By 1975, the Conservative Party was grappling with internal divisions, economic stagnation, and a lack of clear direction
Margaret Thatcher revitalised the party, reshaping both its policies and identity She moved away from post-war consensus politics, embracing free-market principles by cutting taxes, reducing state control, limiting union power, and promoting the privatisation of state-owned industries
Thatcher also expanded the party’s appeal to working- and lower-middle-class voters who valued home ownership and self-reliance, groups that had traditionally supported Labour Policies like ‘Right to Buy’ created a new class of “ aspirational Conservatives ” With her focus on personal responsibility, hard work, and national pride, Thatcher’s
herself as a rising international stateswoman Gandhi was reportedly one of the few women who truly impressed Thatcher During that initial encounter, an Indian official recounted that Thatcher sat attentively, asking Gandhi how she had reached the top, maintained her power, and dominated her party
When Gandhi was assassinated in 1984, just 15 days after an IRA bombing targeting Thatcher, she expressed deep sorrow, saying, "I will miss Mrs Indira Gandhi very much indeed She was a truly great leader " Thatcher travelled to Teen Murti Bhavan in New Delhi to lay a wreath at Gandhi’s body lying in state
Years later, in 1989, Thatcher publicly honoured Gandhi again at the unveiling of a bust by KS Radhakrishnan at the Indian High Commission in London, paying tribute to a leader who had profoundly inspired her
A respectful connection across politics
Margaret Thatcher’s stature as a global leader extended beyond politics, inspiring respect even among those with differing views CB Patel, Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, experienced this firsthand Despite their political differences, Thatcher always treated him with great respect. He was once invited to join her team during her official visit to India, a memorable experience that left a lasting impression [CB Patel will revisit his reflections on Thatcher, their relationship, and her connection with Asian Voice (formerly New Life) in his column ‘As I See It’, after Diwali]
Michelle Mone ordered to return £122mn in Covid PPE scandal
Miche lle Mone’ s na me ha s be
Court order
£122 million for faulty medical ge ar supplied dur
Covid-19 pa
The Barrowmans made at least £65 million from defective PPE sold to the NHS while the country was in crisis PPE Medpro exploited the “VIP lane,” a fast-tracked procurement route created in March 2020, which allowed ministers’ recommended suppliers to bypass competitive tendering With limited oversight, faulty contracts worth £9 billion were eventually written off
The Barrowmans’ extraordinary profits raise serious questions about oversight and accountability: how did such vast gains go largely undetected, and why were clear conflicts of interest ignored despite Michelle Mone’s peerage and her official role as the government’s so-called “ entrepreneurship tsar”? This glaring lapse exposes significant weaknesses in the systems meant to safeguard public funds, particularly during the Conservative era, when rushed contracts and political connections often took precedence over proper scrutiny
The case highlights broader systemic failures in transparency, governance, and ethical standards, demonstrating how quickly public trust can erode when private gain is prioritised over collective welfare during a national crisis It also raises uncomfortable questions about the culture of deference surrounding politically connected figures: in a system specifically designed to monitor and protect public funds, how did Mone manage to operate with such latitude, and why did no one detect these issues until it was too late?
Ultimately, the Michelle Mone saga is more than one family’s gains; it is a cautionary tale about the dangers of blurred lines between political influence, public funds, and personal profit, highlighting the urgent need for stronger accountability in government contracts and crisis response
The elevation of Mone by David Cameron, coupled with the reliance of Johnson-era ministers on her persuasive pitches, provided the Barrowmans with unprecedented access to public money, enabling them to profit enormously from government schemes While AIled investigations into Covid-related fraud have successfully recovered nearly £500 million, millions of pounds remain unaccounted for, underscoring the scale of potential losses and the gaps in oversight that allowed them to occur
SRA considers ban on “no-win, no-fee” ads
The phrase “no-win, nofee” has become ubiquitous in dayti me TV and soc ial medi a adverts
However, concerns that law firms often fail to explain it properly have led regulators to consider banning its use in marketing to protect consumers
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned that the term “no-win, no-fee” can mislead the public about the risks and costs of pursuing claims It is proposing to restrict or caveat its use due to widespread poor practice in high-volume consumer claims, including housing disrepair, flight delays, data breaches, diesel emissions, and motor finance
The regulator has closed five firms, is investigating 76 more
handling hundreds of thousands of claims, and contacted over 600 firms to ensure compliance An August review of 129 firms managing 2 4 million claims found “significant concerns ” over unclear information on costs, funding, and insurance, prompting nine formal investigations
SRA chair Anna Bradley said: “The risks in the high-volume consumer claims market are unprecedented Too many firms don’t have their house in order ” Previously, lawyers could not act on a no-win, no-fee basis due to financial conflicts, but changes allowing conditional fee agreements (CFAs) in England and Wales were welcomed for improving access to justice after legal aid cuts
In 29th September 1983 Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and then US President Ronald Reagan speak at The South Portico of the White House after their meetings in the Oval Office
Margaret Thatcher with her Indian counterpart Indira Gandhi in India on 20 April 1981
Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher with Pushpaben and CB Patel
Michelle Mone
Americans are giving, so why aren’t Britain’s billionaires?
Across the marble halls of London’s g rea t ins tit utions , an unm is ta ka bl e accent is being heard more often, and it isn’t British American money is pouring into Britain’s museums, galleries, and universities, fuelling an unprecedented wave of big-ticket philanthropy
In September, the National Gallery announced it had received two separate £150 million gifts, one from Crankstart, the San Francisco foundation of venture capitalist Sir Michael Moritz and his wife Harriet Heyman, and another from the Julia Rausing Trust Together, they represent the largest single cash donations ever made to any museum or gallery in the world
Moritz, Welsh-born but long based in California, has said that it is “ essential for institutions like the National Gallery to receive the same level of philanthropic support as their American counterparts ”
Next month, Oxford University will open the Stephen A Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, built with a £185 million donation from the Blackstone chief executive Earlier this year, Miami-based property magnates Darlene and Jorge Pérez gifted the Tate a £50 million art collection According to Joe Crome of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), the influx of US residents has transformed Britain’s charitable landscape “Americans are more open about discussing their philanthropy,” he says “It catches on When people talk about their giving, it becomes normalised That’s still not the culture here ”
A culture gap in giving
Indeed, the culture gap could not be wider Notably, The Sunday Times Rich List continues to expand, yet the accompanying Giving List tells a more muted story Only a handful of Britain’s billionaires appear as regular major donors The question stands: The rich can write huge cheques to the Tory Party or Labour, so why not to
charity?
The question is echoed in Britain’s Indian and South Asian communities, whose economic power has grown steadily over the past two decades
From London to Leicester, South Asians now make up one of the most affluent and influential demographic groups in the UK; yet their collective contribution to British charities remains poorly measured and often under-acknowledged
How much do South Asians give?
New analysis of public data shows why The Office for National Statistics (ONS) puts the Asian and Asian British population at about 5 5 million people, roughly 9% of England and Wales
Based on national giving averages, that alone could amount to around £910 million a year in charitable donations if South Asian-origin individuals give at the UK’s average rate of £165 per person annually
But some studies suggest the real figure could be far higher A 2024 report by Blue State found that British Muslims give an average of £708 per person per year, more than four times the national rate With an estimated 3 87 million Muslims in England and Wales, that equates to roughly £2 74 billion annually in donations; a significant
proportion of which likely comes from South Asians of Pakistani, Bangladeshi, or Indian origin
Much of this giving, however, happens informally, through Zakat, remittances, community drives and religious causes, rather than through major UK institutions A lot of South Asian philanthropy is invisible It’s generous, but often local, faith-based or directed overseas, rather than towards British cultural or educational projects
That invisibility contrasts sharply with America’s culture of public giving, where philanthropy is woven into the fabric of wealth and status In the US, donating millions to a university or museum is a badge of honour; in Britain, it can still feel like showing off As American donors make generosity fashionable again in Britain, the challenge may be less about capacity than confidence Britain, and its wealthiest communities, including South Asians, have the means to give at scale What they may lack is the cultural permission to do so loudly Ultimately, in a year when the National Gallery and Oxford have both been transformed by American philanthropy, one question lingers: if America’s billionaires can give millions to Britain, why can’t Britain’s rich do the same?
Not a bailout, but a backstop
When hackers breached Jaguar Land Rover’s IT systems at the start of September, they did more than paralyse production lines
The cyberattack brought Britain’s largest carmaker, and much of its vast supply chain, to a grinding halt, exposing the fragility of one of the country’s most important industrial networks
A month later, the company is still recovering Production has resumed in phases, but insiders admit that a full return to normal operations may not come before Christmas In the meantime, the British and Indian-owned manufacturer is being propped up by an extraordinary mix of government guarantees and private financing designed to avert a collapse that could ripple through the automotive sector
tee, meaning the government will only step in if JLR defaults Analysts say this is unlikely Instead, the guarantee simply lowers the risk for commercial lenders, allowing them to offer loans on more favourable terms
The £1 5bn government backstop
Last weekend, Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled a £1 5 billion statebacked loan guarantee for Jaguar Land Rover The measure, routed through UK Export Finance (UKEF), is intended to help the carmaker unlock credit from banks such as HSBC, MUFG, and NatWest
Despite headlines describing it as a “ rescue ” or “bailout”, officials have stressed that no public money has been handed directly to JLR The arrangement is not a grant but a loan guaran-
The deal, which some senior civil servants initially resisted over concerns about its speed and risk, was personally pushed through by Kyle, who described the situation as “critical” The decision underscores how seriously the government views JLR’s role in Britain’s manufacturing landscape The company employs 34,000 people and supports another 120,000 jobs through suppliers
A £500m supplier bailout
While the UKEF guarantee works its way through government channels, JLR itself is preparing a separate £500 million privately funded initiative to shore up its embattled suppliers
According to industry sources, the car-
Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel
maker is finalising plans for an invoice financing facility that would allow suppliers to be paid almost immediately after submitting invoices, rather than waiting weeks for payment
This direct intervention could prove vital Many smaller manufacturers that feed parts into JLR’s production lines have been starved of cash since the cyberattack froze orders The heads of the Greater Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire, and Black Country Chambers of Commerce have warned that some firms are on the brink of collapse, with “ no guarantee of future sales ” The proposed supplier fund, still awaiting sign-off, is seen as a potential “ game-changer moment” Yet questions remain about whether it will be restricted to UK-based suppliers or include international partners
For now, the twin financial lifelines, one public, one private, may be enough to steer Jaguar Land Rover through the worst industrial crisis in its recent history and if all goes to plan, JLR’s engines will roar back to life in the coming weeks
But behind the hum of the assembly lines will linger an urgent question for policymakers and business leaders alike: how many more shocks like this can Britain’s industrial heartland withstand?
A reader query led to a lot of late nights for my software team and I but it was worth it We created amazing apps to help people with their investing Someone asked me how much they cost I said they’re free!
Campaign for a Million tools a quick guide to every free tool on www campaignforamillion com/tools and what you can use them for These tools are practical, nofrills, and built to help you make clearer pension and investment choices
What’s on the page (short list)
• Pension Calculator forecast your pension pot and estimate future retirement income Good for planning and comparing contribution scenarios
• Safe Withdrawal Rate Calculator models sustainable annual withdrawals from a portfolio given risk tolerance and time horizon Useful if you ’ re thinking about drawdown strategies in retirement
• Portfolio Stress-Test & Sequence of Returns Calculator simulates best and worst case scenarios and sequence-risk for a portfolio Use it to see how big market swings affect long-term outcomes
• FIRE Tool a financial-independence calculator that estimates when you can stop working based on savings rate and target pot Good if early retirement is a goal
• Pension Lifestyle Calculator (coming soon) will estimate the pension pot you need to maintain a chosen lifestyle
• Age and Pension Estimator (coming soon) will provide an AI-assisted age estimate and a rough comparison of your pension vs government benchmarks How to use them (practical steps)
• Start with the Pension Calculator to set a baseline Enter current pot, contributions, and expected returns
• Run the Safe Withdrawal Rate tool with your planned retirement age and portfolio mix to test how long income lasts
• Use the Stress-Test to model shocks (big falls or rebounds) That shows downside risk and recovery time
• If you ’ re evaluating the Great Investments Programme, the Returns Calculator helps quantify the trade-off between cost and expected performance Who these tools suit
• DIY investors who want numbers not opinion
• People approaching retirement who need drawdown scenarios
• Anyone checking whether a structured programme (like GIP) is worth the price Quick cautions
• These are educational tools They don’t replace personalised financial advice
• Inputs matter: small changes in returns, fees, or retirement age change results materially
Wins ton Soosa ipil la i, the former boss of the collapsed Lindsey oil refinery, has reemerged to admit he has no knowledge of the company ’ s debts or remaining assets
In a statement to Prax’s administrators, Mr Soosaipillai said he cannot confirm the company ’ s £1 5 billion debt pile or its financial position following its sudden collapse earlier this year “I xam without the direct knowledge necessary for concurring with the outstanding balances owed to creditors,” he wrote in a statement of truth filed with the High Court He added that he could not verify the value of Prax’s assets and is relying entirely on the company ’ s chief financial officer, Ben Lahnstein, for information
Soosaipillai, who was chairman, chief executive, and co-owner of Prax alongside his wife, Arani, has kept a low profile since the refinery’s demise in June, during which administrators were brought in amid urgent government scrutiny The collapse put hundreds of jobs at risk and sparked concerns about Britain’s fuel supply Administrators have since launched legal action against him, alleging deceit, misrepresentation, and breaches of contract, including irregularities in a £783 million loan from HSBC Prax owes hundreds of millions to creditors, including £250 million to HMRC and £9 2 million to Shell
Arani and Winston Soosaipillai
EFTA trade pact kicks in, Swiss push for crucial investment treaty
The la ndma rk Tr ade a nd
Ec onom ic Part ne rs hip Agreement (TEPA) between I ndia and the four-nation EFTA Bl oc (Swit ze rla nd, N orwa y, Ic el an d, a nd Liechtenstein) has officially k ick ed in, trigge ring a c ommit men t f rom the Eur opean nat ion s f or a m as sive $ 100 b il lion investment into India over the next 15 years
As the trade deal began its implementation, Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda immediately pressed for a crucial Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to further secure these commitments
The need for a BIT has been held up by the Indian Finance Ministry’s reluctance to amend its current model treaty, which is widely deemed unacceptable by most countries
Despite this regulatory
hurdle, EFTA companies are already moving forward At an event marking TEPA's launch, the pharmaceutical giant Roche Holding committed to investing $1 8 billion into its core business over the next five years, with at least 18 other companies also pledging new investment The TEPA grants EFTA countries lower or zero-duty import access for most of their exports to India, including popular Swiss items like chocolates and watches Commerce Minister
Piyush Goyal described the pact as a trusted partnership between friends, noting it is the first trade agreement to include a firm investment commitment He revealed that he has assurances for an additional $150 billion in investment, provided India finalises data exclusivity in its Intellectual Property (IP) laws India, in return, is offering duty concessions on 82 7% of its products, but has excluded sensitive sectors like dairy, soya, and coal from tariff reduction commitments
FM launches campaign to
return unclaimed assets
U nion Finan c e Minist er
N irmal a Sitha ram an
l aun che d the na tionwide c ampaign in Gan dhin agar aimed to return £18 4bn in unclaimed financ ial ass ets
t o the ir r ig htf ul own ers
This event was attended by G ujara t Fina nc e Minist er Kanubhai Desai and senior officials from banks and the finance ministry
The three-month programme aims to facilitate the return of funds lying with banks, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), insurance firms, mutual funds, provident fund accounts, and other institutions, while raising awareness among citizens
“These unclaimed amounts are not govt property but belong to individuals and families,” Sitharaman said “Decades have passed when people voiced the need to
Nirmala Sitharaman
return unclaimed monies from banks, RBI, or the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) This is their money ” She noted that unclaimed funds typically arise due to missing documentation, forgotten policies, or lack of awareness The minister said the campaign rests on three pillars - Awareness, Access, and Action “The first is awareness Build
awareness, tell them their money is lying there, and guide them to take it The second is access, through the RBI’s UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits Gateway to Access Information) portal or bank counters The third is action, where officials act on even small pieces of papers or clues to help claimants,” she said The campaign will now roll out across the country
Vis Raghavan turning Citigroup into a banking powerhouse
Vis Ra gha van , t he form e r JPMorgan Chase executive, has b ee n g ive n t he ta sk of restructuring the Citigroup into a banking powerhouse by chief
e xe cuti ve Ja ne Fr aser in February last year Little more than a year after starting in the job, Raghavan poached dozens of ba nke rs from a cr oss W all Street in an effort to turn Citi’s decade-long underperforming investment bank into a top three operator
Vis Raghavan
“The overriding metric is to become the reference bank for our clients in everything they do,” Raghavan said in an interview Key to this strategy is capitalising on the existing scale of Citi’s global commercial bank to funnel more deals into the investment bank “When you are that reference bank, all of that wallet share, league tables, it solves itself,” said Raghavan, an Indian-born banker who spent much of his finance career climbing the ranks
Over half of 2025's IPOs in the green as fundraising soars
The year 2025 is shaping up to rival, or even surpass, last year's record for initial public offering ( IPO) fundrais ing F oll ow ing a rec ord £17bn raised in 2024, the current year h as already seen 68 companies go public in the fi rst ni ne m onth s, rais ing nearly £11bn With another 13 companies li ning up to raise a further £2 31bn, the m arket i s exc epti o nally buoyant
The investment returns have been largely positive, with data from BSE and Chittorgarh showing that more than half of the IPOs launched (38 out of 68) have made money for their investors Two issues, Stallion India Fluorochemicals and Quality Power Electrical Equipments, have seen
spectacular gains, more than doubling the money for IPO investors Stallion India's stock closed over 155% higher than its offer price, while Quality Power Electrical Equipments saw an appreciation of nearly 150% Overall, six issues provided returns between 40% and 90%, and 20 gave doubledigit returns However, 30 IPOs have either generated no return or lost money
According to Mahavir Lunawat, founder of Pantomath Capital, a good IPO hinges on businesses that are both scalable and sustainable He advises investors to seek companies with "strong moats, differentiated capabilities, and long-term competitive advantages" that inherently command a premium for their ability to create enduring value
Gujarat outpaces national average with 10.36% surge in GST collection
G uja rat has d emon strate d rob ust econ omic a ctiv ity, wi th i ts GST co llectio n recording a strong growth of 10 36% in the second quarter of the financial y ear 2026 Thi s fi gure si gn ifica n tly outpaces the national average growth of 7 7%
According to data released by the Office of the Chief State Tax Commissioner, the state collected £1 92bn between July and September, marking an increase from the £1 74bn collected during the same period last year In September alone, the state's GST revenue stood at £605 2mn, which is 3 1% higher than the
£588 3mn collected in the corresponding month of the previous year Furthermore, the state accrued additional revenue from other taxes, including £261 8mn from VAT, £98mn from electricity duty, and £2 2mn from business tax in September, bringing the total revenue from these key taxes to £967 2mn
The state's efforts to combat tax evasion have also intensified, yielding positive results Collections from mobile squads deployed for this purpose rose sharply in September, bringing in £3 14mn, a substantial 34 7% increase from a year earlier Officials have credited this steady and above-average growth to continued compliance measures and the impact of structural reforms under GST 2 0, which were announced at the 56th GST Council meeting on September 3
Indian-origin Patil named CTO of Anthropic
O penA I c ompet itor
An thropic ha s appoint ed R ahul Patil as it s chie f te ch nology of fic er Pa til joins the league of Indianorigin leaders at the helm of some of the world’s most inf lue ntial t ec hnol og y companies
Patil succeeds cofounder Sam McCandlish,
of JPMorgan in London, from where he ran global investment banking before exiting in 2024
A relatively unknown financier from Europe, Raghavan is better known for being a tough internal operator than an extroverted deal maker deployed to win over clients and close deals “He gives much less importance to individuals He values his people and puts people he trusts where he knows they can execute He believes the brand name is stronger than most of the bankers That worked at JPMorgan We will see that tested at Citi,” said one veteran banker
A successful turnaround would place the 59-year-old in strong contention to one day succeed Fraser, the Scottish CEO overseeing Citi’s most ambitious restructuring in more than a decade Citi shares are at their highest level since 2008, following a run that has seen them rise nearly 70 per cent over the past year
who is moving into the role of chief architect Patil joins the AI company, which has developed Claude AI model, from payment processing firm Stripe, where he was its CTO overseeing engineering and global operations
In Sept, Anthropic raised $13 billion and was valued at
$183 billion Patil graduated from Bengaluru’s PES University in 1998 He earned his master’s degree in computer science from Arizona State University, followed by an MBA from the University of Washington Patil, who grew up in Bengaluru, is currently based in Seattle
Indian electronics manufacturing attracts overwhelming response
A major government initiative aime d at deep ening India’ s c omp one nt ec os ys te m f or electronics manufacturing has re ceive d an o verwh el ming re sp o ns e, a ttr act ing inves tment prop os als wo rth over £11bn, almost double the o riginal target T hes e 249 applications have the potential t o gener ate inc rement al production valued at £103bn, s ignific antl y su rp as sing t he initial goal of £46bn Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed the plan, which promises benefits of £2 28bn, as a push to make India self-sufficient in the
electronics supply chain He stated that the creation of "Swadeshi (indigenous) electronics components" will position the country as a major global supplier Significantly, around 60% of the applications have come from Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), ensuring the supply chain will be deeprooted The largest single investment proposal received is valued at £2 2bn Global giants like Foxconn and Flex are believed to have applied, alongside major Indian firms such as Tata, Dixon, and Amber
When asked about investment from countries sharing a land border, such as China, Minister Vaishnaw clarified that no special provisions exist, and applications are processed under the established Press Note 3 (PN3) provision Key categories receiving massive interest include ‘ enclosures for mobile, IT hardware products’ (£3 58bn) and ‘flexible printed circuit board’ (£1 65bn) The government has urged companies to pursue original design work in India to foster local intellectual property
Conservative Takaichi set to be Japan's first female PM
TO KYO: Ja pan 's rulin g party picked hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi as it s head , putt in g he r on course to become the country s first female prime minister in a move set to jolt inv es tors an d ne ighb ours
The Lib era l D em ocr atic Party, which has ruled Japan for almost all of the postwar era, elected Takaichi, 64, to regain trust from a public angered by rising prices and drawn to opposition groups pr omisin g st imulus an d clampdowns on migrants
A vote in parliament to c
outgoing Shigeru Ishiba is e
5 Takaichi is favoured as the r
largest number of seats
y woman among the five LDP c
moderate Shinjiro Koizumi,
with an expansionary fiscal
Takaichi takes over a party in crisis
The LDP and its coali-
under Ishiba over the past year, triggering his resignation Takaichi, who says her hero is Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female prime
Koizumi and is potentially more disruptive An advocate of late premier Shinzo
Abe's "Abenomics" strategy to boost the economy with a
d easy monetary policy, she has previously criticised the Bank of Japan's interest rate increases
after her victory, Takaichi laid out various plans to cut taxes and increase subsidies but said she understood "the
dence" The BOJ's monetary policy must account for the fragility of the economy and wage growth, she said
that lowered his punishing tariffs in return for Japanese
Hamas and Israel open talks under Trump's Gaza peace plan
CA I RO : Del egations from H am as a nd Is ra el be gan indirect talks in Egypt on ending the nearly two-year w ar in Ga za , with U S Pr es iden t Don ald Tr ump judging that the Palestinian militant group was ready to c ompromise over his proposals for a deal
Al-Qahera News, which is linked to Egyptian state i n t e l l i g
round of talks ended "amid
closed doors and under tight security, negotiators were to s
n g b a c k a n d
o r t h , only weeks after Israel tried to kill Hamas's lead negotiators in a strike on Qatar Hamas's lead negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, who survived Israel's attack on the Palestinian Islamist movement's leaders in Doha last month, held a meeting with E g y p t i a n i n t e l l i g e n c e o f f i -
cials ahead of the talks, an E g y p t i a n s e c u r i t y s o u r c e said This round of negotiations, launched on the eve of the second anniversary of H a m a s ' s O c t o b e r 7 , 2 0 2 3 attack that sparked the war, "may last for several days", s a i d a P a l e s t i n i a n s o u r c e close to Hamas's leadership "We expect the negotiat i o n s t o b e d i f f i c u l t a n d complex, given the occupa-
tion s intentions to continue its war of extermination," he said
T r u m p , w h o s e e n v o y Steve Witkoff and son-inl a w J a r e d K u s h n e r a r e expected in Egypt, has urged negotiators to "move fast" to end the war in Gaza, where Israeli strikes continued PM Modi backs Trump’s plan
P r i m e M i n i s t e r N a r e n d r a M o d i h a s w e l -
comed the reported breakthrough in Gaza, expressing s t r o n g s u p p o r t f o r t h e r e l e a s e o f h o s t a g e s a n d broader efforts toward lasting peace in the region Modi posted, “We welc o m e P r e s i d e n t T r u m p ’ s leadership as peace efforts in G a z a m a k e d e c i s i v e progress Indications of the release of hostages mark a s i g n i f i c a n t s t e p f o r w a r d I n d i a w i l l c o n t i n u e t o strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace ” T h e s t a t e m e n t f o l l o w s major developments in the Middle East, where Hamas h a s r e p o r t e d l y a g r e e d t o release all Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza The move is being widely viewed as a response to a renewed peace push spearheaded by U S P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d Trump, who unveiled a 20point peace plan earlier this week
Indian origin killed outside his motel in Pennsylvania
PE N N SY LV AN I A: Rak es h Eha gab an , a 5 1-ye ar-old mote l owner of Indian origin, was shot d ead in Pe nns y lva nia a ft er he stepped out to investigate a disturbance outside his property The incident occurred when Ehagaban reportedly asked the suspect, “Are you alright, bud?” - prompting the man to fatally shoot him in the head
The gunman, identified as 37y e a r - o l d S t a n l e y E u g
, was a guest at the motel and had been staying there for about two weeks with a woman and a child
P r i o r t o E h a g a b a n ’ s d e a t
West allegedly shot a womanbelieved to be his partner - while she was sitting in a car with a child in the parking lot Despite her injuries, the woman managed to drive to a nearby auto repair shop, where she was found and rushed to the hospital in critical condition
After killing Ehagaban, West reportedly walked to a nearby UHaul van and drove away He was later tracked down by police in the neighborhood of Pittsburgh
which a Pittsburgh detective was injured West was also wounded and taken into custody W
charges, including criminal homic
reckless endangerment Police are
The laser age for India’s self-reliance
The landscape of conflict is b ein g fun da me nt ally r edefin ed, shi ftin g a wa y from e xpe nsiv e k ine t ic wea pons t owar ds i nt ellect ual an d t echn olog y-dr iv en de fen se This mon um e nt al cha nge was dramatically underlined by Israel’s successful operat iona l t est ing of t he Ir on Beam system This groundbased, low-cost, high-power laser air defe nse syste m is designed to counter a host of a er ia l t hre at s, includin g drones, rockets, and mortars, by incinerating targets at the speed of light
Its revolutionary potential lies not just in its defensive capability but in its econ o m
costs only a few dollars, compared to the tens of thousands required for traditional m
p
r m a
nent, cost-effective defense against the burgeoning threat of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and short-range projectiles, thereby changing the calculus of conflict
Strategic autonomy and Mission Sudarshan Chakra
This global pivot towards D i r e c t e d E n e r g y W e a p o n s ( D E W s ) a n d s o p h i s t i c a t e d aerial defences serves as a p o w e r f u l v a l i d a t i o n f o r
India’s accelerated push for strategic autonomy under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (SelfR e l i a n t I n d i a ) v i s i o n N e w
Delhi recognises that future security rests on indigenous technological mastery, culmin a t i n g i n t h e a m b i t i o u s Mission Sudarshan Chakra
This comprehensive national s e c u r i t y p l a n i s s l a t e d t o e s t a b l i s h a n i n d i g e n o u s , multi-layered air and missile defense shield protecting the n a t i o n ’ s s t r a t e g i c , c i v i l i a n , and cultural assets by 2035 T h e m i s s i o n , c o n c e p t u a l l y likened to Israel’s Iron Dome but with a broader mandate, explicitly aims to integrate DEWs alongside its traditional kinetic interceptors The
Indian student shot dead in Texas A 27-year-old Indian student was shot dead at a gas s
Texas during an alleged rob-
hailed from Hyderabad, was reportedly working part-time at the gas station in Dallas, where the shooting occurred He was pursuing a Master’s in Data A
North Texas, Denton
The Dallas police department said an investigation is ongoing in t h e c a s e T h e D a l l a s C o u n t y Medical Examiner’s Office which conducted a post-mortem examination is yet to release the official cause of death or issue a death certificate, a necessary document before the body can be released for repatriation
defensive capability is built o n a s
tiered technological framework designed to fuse an AIenabled networked architecture using data from ground, a
response against multi-vector threats like hypersonic platforms and swarm drones The system is designed to integrate long-range systems u
short-range missiles like the Quick Reaction Surface-toA
(VSHORADS), with its operational readiness bolstered by
Akashteer and the Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) U
that has achieved unprecedented momentum India's commitment to self-reliance saw annual defense produc-
Excellence) scheme, particularly in AI, cyber warfare, and cutting-edge Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) ensures India’s defense shield is not just a technological match for global adversaries but a
n
force ready for the laser age of warfare
Hindus seek apology from Kellogg for non-disclosure of beef in products
NEVAD A: Hindus seek an official apology from the Amer ic a n food manufacturing company “WK Kellogg Co” for non-disclosure of beef in s ome of its food products Consumption of beef is highly confl ict in g to Hind u beliefs H i n d u s t a t e s m a n
Hindus to learn that some popular Kellogg’s products like Kellogg’s F r o s t e d M i n i
which Hindus had been consuming for decades, contained beef; w
tioned under the ingredients listed on the packages/boxes Zed said that Kellogg’s Frosted M
gelatin, but the source of gelatin
was not mentioned under the “ingredients” on pack-
When Zed contacted the company, Lycel A of WK K
gelatin derived from beef is found in the following: All varieties of Kellogg’s® F
cereal
Zed said that it was hard to comprehend why Kellogg did not mention explicitly the ingredients o
source of gelatin used in its products
Besides apologizing, Zed urged Kellogg to recall all packages/boxes where source of gelatin was not clearly mentioned and later replace these with packages/boxes which
gelatin under the ingredients label
Sanae Takaichi
Donald Trump & Benjamin Netanyahu
Kash Patel - An American of Indian descent
In the corridors of Washington's power, few figures cast a more complex shadow than Kashyap Pramod Patel The son of Gujarati immigrants, his journey from a federal public defender to Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the ultimate American dream writ large on the grand stage of Trumpian politics Yet, this remarkable ascent has created a profound identity crisis, not for Patel himself, who asserts his complete Americanness, but for the global Indian diaspora that sees in him a political and cultural standard-bearer.
Patel’s narrative is one of unyielding loyalty and defiant selfdetermination He has frequently used his background, declaring: “I am living the American dream, and anyone who thinks the American dream is dead, look right here
You’re talking to a first-generation Indian who is about to lead the law enforcement agency of the greatest nation on earth ” This rhetoric firmly places his identity in the U S context, embracing the title of "first-generation IndianAmerican", whilst his political alignment and career trajectory are
purely dedicated to the 'America First' agenda
The faith, t he flag , an d the quest ion of loya lty
The complexity of Patel’s identity is most visible in his use of his Hindu faith Unlike previous Indian-American politicians who might have tempered their cultural displays, Patel has openly embraced his roots for political effect During his congressional confirmation, he saluted his parents with the chant, "Jai Shree Krishna," and swore his oath on the sacred Bhagavad Gita
The moment was hailed by supporters as a "perfect amalgamation of diaspora sanskar and MAGA defiance," positioning him as a dharma warrior in Washington
However, this public assertion of faith has only amplified the scrutiny over where his ultimate loyalty lies For the Hindu diaspora, this was put to the test when Patel, a vocal supporter of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, was photographed warmly shaking hands with Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during a White House visit
The photograph triggered an immediate and furious backlash, with critics accusing Patel of "betrayal, opportunism and
Macrons fight to prove rumour-mongers wrong
C andace Ow ens, an A merican
i n fl u enc er , bel i ev e s th a t Brig itte M acro n, the F rench first lady, is a man Her claims
w ere i ni ti al ly g ree te d w i th sh rug s in the Élysée Palace as yet another of the absurd con-
s p i ra cy th e o ri es t h at sw ir l
a ro u nd t h e i nte rn et T h e y assumed that only a hand ful o f
c ra ck p o ts w o u ld bu y in to
O w en s ’ s n o ti o n t h at t h e
M acrons - Brigitte in particular - belong to a “demonic” p aedop hile netw ork secretly running the world
The theory, which was first aired in France by Natacha Rey has gained international momentum since being promoted by Owens Its seemingly unstoppable spread has prompted President Macron, 47, and his 72-year-old wife to file a defamation lawsuit against the influencer in the US They are asking the superior court in the state of Delaware, where Owens’s business interests are based, to order her to pay “punitive damages ” for spreading “false statements ” Their action is against the longstanding conventional that heads of state should feign indifference to the rumours that inevitably
hypocrisy " Many felt it was a humiliation, given Munir’s consistent championship of the TwoNation Theory, a geopolitical worldview fundamentally at odds with the unity of Hindus and Muslims Whilst his defenders insisted, he was merely following diplomatic protocol, for his critics, the handshake was not a routine courtesy but a profound test of loyalty for the man who is the most visible Hindu voice in the highest echelons of the Trump administration
Geopolitical tensions and th e A DL stance Patel’s profile as a high-ranking
circle over them and their families Presidential aides say that in an era of online conspiracy theories, the old approach no longer works
In an interview, Macron, who met his future wife when he was a pupil at the school where she taught, said much the same thing “They advised us not to sue But [the conspiracy theory] has taken on such magnitude in the United States that we had to act ”
The Macrons have already made an attempt to quash the rumour They took action in France against Rey for voicing the theory and last year, a lower court upheld the lawsuit and ordered the conspiracy theorists to pay damages to Brigitte Macron and to her brother This summer, however, an appeal court overturned the ruling, judging that although the theories contained “incoherences and weaknesses”, it was not libellous to suggest that someone had secretly transitioned Brigitte Macron said she would take the case to the Cour de Cassation, France’s supreme court
Exiled Bangladesh leader Rahman to return to fight election
T arique Rahm an, the U K-based leader of the Bang ladesh Nationalist party, said he will return to the country to contest up coming electio ns, pred icting his party would win a sw eeping m ajo rity following th e ouster of former p rim e m inister Sheikh Hasina last year He insisted th at th e student-led revolut io n th at top p led Has in a ’ s au th o rita rian reg ime could not be fully realised until a free and “credible” v ote was h eld
“We are confident we will win,” Rahman said in an interview “We strongly believe that we are in the position to form the government alone I think the time is very close for my return to Bangladesh ” Whoever leads the next government will face a fragile economy, with the vital garment sector hit by US tariffs, and a damaged relationship with neighbour India, where Hasina has fled
Rahman is widely expected to emerge as a prime ministerial candidate after the February vote, with polls showing the BNP is the frontrunner Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim leader, has banned Hasina’s Awami League from political activities
Rahman outlined some of his future economic programme for the country of 170mn, including diversifying away from garment exports by becoming a “supply hub” for online retailers such as Amazon, eBay and Alibaba
He also said he would pursue a “Bangladesh before all” foreign policy with India, which has historically backed Hasina, to reset what he described as a “one-sided” relationship He was evasive about allowing the Awami League, which is still thought to enjoy popular support, to return to politics
U S official of Indian descent means his actions are constantly judged against the backdrop of strained India-U S ties under President Donald Trump Patel's actions, whether diplomatic or political are viewed through a cultural lens as much as a policy one
His uncompromising loyalty was again on display in the aftermath of the tragic assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk Patel terminated the FBI’s long-standing intelligence-sharing and training partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
The decision came in direct response to the political furore that erupted after the ADL listed Charlie Kirk s youth organisation, Turning Point USA, in its “glossary of extremism” Patel justified the move by stating the FBI would not partner with “political fronts masquerading as watchdogs” and accused the ADL of "spying on Americans," thereby confirming his support for the conservative base that views the ADL as partisan
The sh ad ow of th e do ssiers Patel’s tenure as FBI Director has been further defined by his confrontations with Congress, particularly regarding a high-pro-
file, sensitive investigation
During heated exchanges with Democrats, Patel was repeatedly challenged over Epstein dossiers He was accused of being part of a 'coverup for the rich and famous, and of deliberately dodging questions about the files related to the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and President Donald Trump Democrats, including senior figure Jamie Raskin, pointed out that Patel had pledged full disclosure but then later cited legal constraints to justify his refusal to release further documents Raskin starkly asked how Patel had gone from being a crusader for accountability and transparency to becoming part of the conspiracy and cover-up Patel shifted the blame for the initial investigation's shortcomings, calling the original "non-prosecution agreement" by Alex Acosta the "original sin" that prohibited the collection of further material
Despite the intense scrutiny, Republicans rallied around him, with one member stating: "You're being attacked because you're effective " The episode perfectly encapsulated the polarised political arena that Patel now commands
Redrawn Middle East lines and the desert diplomacy
The story of t oday ’ s Middle East is mark ed by r apid t ran sfor mation an d shift ing allian ce s, challen ging old ce rt aint ies a nd r ed efinin g r egiona l dy nam ics
Once ruled with an iron grip by conservative Wahhabi clerics, Saudi Arabia is undergoing profound social and religious reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Valentine’s Day roses, music concerts, and women in the workforce are now part of daily life in Riyadh, where once the rhythms were dictated by puritanical law and relentless prayer schedules Yet, beneath this surface of change, the Wahhabi influence still shapes critical decisions Saudi Arabia’s recent move to sign a nuclear defense pact with Pakistan underscores the complex interplay between tradition, security concerns, and evolving international partnerships Meanwhile, Pakistan grapples with its alliances, particularly with the United States amid the fallout from the Hamas issue and conflicting government statements
Growing bond s beyon d re ligion
For decades, cynics have counted religious identity as the overriding bond in Middle Eastern diplomacy, yet Saudi Arabia and India prove that mutual interests often transcend faith While India is not a Muslimmajority nation, Saudi Arabia has consistently invested in its success, from pledging $100 billion through its sovereign wealth fund to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for high-profile state visits
The relationship draws on a long history of commerce, energy cooperation, and political support During global crises, Saudi Arabia has backed India, such as by supporting Indian citizens during emergencies and providing crucial oil supplies when energy prices spiked
The Kingdom’s shift toward religious moderation and liberalisation also signals openness to diverse partners Relaxation of strict laws, curbing clerics’ influence, and encouragement of interfaith dialogue all strengthen India’s ongoing partnership Notably, despite Saudi Arabia's nuclear umbrella agreement with Pakistan, India remains a favored ally for investment and innovation, drawing Saudi support even in delicate circumstances Meanwhile, India's refusal to openly side with Pakistan in recent disputes highlights a pragmatic approach
focused on strategic interests rather than communal or religious divides Such moves, coupled with India’s diplomatic reminders to Saudi Arabia to honor their mutual interests, reinforce that the Indian government’s stance is far from Islamophobic Instead, it actively seeks peace and cooperation, leveraging its strong ties with the Gulf region
Nucle ar umbrella and Tr ump diploma cy
Pakistan’s recent strategic gambit has drawn global scrutiny and opened a fresh chapter in the region’s balance of power The agreement, unveiled in September 2025, states that any aggression against either partner shall be considered aggression against both, a step interpreted by many as extending Pakistani nuclear deterrence to Saudi Arabia While Pakistani officials backtracked on explicit nuclear cooperation, Saudi interlocutors see the pact as including all military means This alignment builds on decades of cooperation, Pakistan’s troops have long guarded Saudi borders, and financial infusions from Riyadh have stabilised Pakistan’s economy during times of crisis
Yet, Pakistan’s foreign policy remains far from settled In recent months, field marshal Asim Munir has consolidated power in Pakistan, and his June 2025 visit to the White House marked a turning point President Trump’s outreach to Pakistan, amid growing U S -India trade tensions, signaled a possible recalibration of American alliances Trump even claimed to have pressured India into ending hostilities, a diplomatic nod appreciated by Pakistan’s leaders
At the same time, Pakistan showcased its rare earths and oil reserves to American negotiators, hoping to secure desperately needed economic aid The country faces dire challenges: a disastrous flood displaced million, IMF bailouts have been required, and economic forecasts remain grim These distress signals have prompted Pakistan to seek affirmation from both Saudi Arabia and the U S , even as its official statements vacillate Earlier support for Trump on the Hamas conflict has given way to attempts to distance Pakistan from American policies, revealing an internal rift and strategic uncertainty It is a government divided in outlook, with its military calling the real shots while elected leaders struggle for footing
Kash Patel
Brigitte Macron
Bihar assembly polls on Nov 6 and 11; counting on Nov 14
The elections to Bihar Assembly will be conducted in two phases, covering all 243 constituencies in the State The first phase of polling will take place on November 6 for
1 21 c ons titue nc ies , while t he second phase on November 11 will
c ove r t he r ema in ing 122 constituencies Counting of votes will be done on November 14, said C hief Ele ct ion C ommis sione r Gyanesh Kumar on Monday
T
constituencies, two reserved for
S c
Scheduled Castes in Bihar The State has 74 3mne eligible voters, including close to 39 2mn men,
3
14,01,000 are first-time voters (18-
19 age group)
The gazette notification for the first phase of polling will be issued on October 10, and the last date to file nominations is October 17 For
October 13, and the last date to file nominations is October 20
electoral roll has been shared with all the political parties In case voters notice errors in the list, they
India and China to resume direct flights this month
I n dia has a nnoun ce d the r es umption of direc t
s er vice s with China from l at e Oc tob
m ark ing a s
if ica nt st ep t owar ds normalising relations after a five-year hiatus caused by t he pan demic a nd pr olon ged militar y a nd political tensions T h e a n n o u n c
Tianjin for the SCO summit and a bilateral meeting with P r e s i d e n t X i J i n p i n g l a s t month This is the second m a j o r s t e p t o e a s e e x c h a n g e s , c o m i n g s o o n
a f t e r t h e g o v e r n m e n t r e s u m e d t o u r i s t v i s a s f o r Chinese nationals Officials stated that the agreement
can file an appeal with the District Magistrate If any eligible person has been left out, they can have their names added until 10 days b e f o
nominations
Kumar said that of the total 90,712 polling stations across the State, 13,911 will cover urban areas and 76,801 will be set up in rural areas While 292 of these stations will be managed by persons with disabilities, 1,044 will be managed by women, and 38 by youth The average number of eligible voters
p
“Webcasting will be done at all the polling stations for the first time,” he said Seat-sharing talks intensify
JD(U) is nearly finalised,
Indian Army chief issues strong warning to Pakistan
Indian army chief General Upendra Dwivedi delivered a sc at hin g wa rnin g to Pa kist an fr om ne ar t he b order in R ajas tha n, de cl arin g tha t I s lam ab ad mus t c ea se s upport ing te rror is m if it wis hes to remain on the world map
He explicitly cautioned that India would not show the same restraint it exercised during the recent Operation Sindoor
d e s t r o y e d n i n e t e r r o r i s t facilities, resulting in over 100 Pakistani soldiers and numerous terrorists being killed, adding that further provocations would be met w i t h a n e v e n s t r o n g e r response
c o n o m i c cooperation I m m e d i a t e l y f o l l o w i n g the announcement, IndiGo stated it will launch a daily n
starting October 26th, with a Delhi-Guangzhou route to
b e t w e e n c i v i l a v i a t i o n a u t h o r i t i e s w i l l f u r t h e r f a c i l i t a t e p e o p l e - t o - p e o p l e c o n t a c t a n d c o n t r i b u t e t o w a r d s t h e g r a d u a l n o r m a
follow shortly Air India is a l s o
m
services, likely with a nonstop flight between Delhi and Shanghai by the yeare n d I n d i G o C E O P i e t e r
Elbers said the flights would o n c e a g a i n a l l o w t h e s e a m
e s s m o v e m e n t o f p e o p l e , g o o d s , a n d i d e a s , strengthening bilateral ties b e t w e e n t h e t w o f a s tgrowing economies
Sabarimala gold theft raises alarming questions on temple security
K erala’s Sabari mala T emple is at the centre of a sensational controversy after 4 54 kg of gold went missing from the gold-plated Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols The case, involving the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), Chennai-based f irm Sm art Creatio ns, and sp ons or Unnikrishnan Potty, has sparked political uproar in the state
The Kerala High Court has ordered
directing completion within a month Court documents reveal that of the 42 8 kg of goldcovered items sent for plating, only 38 kg were returned, leaving a 4 54 kg shortfall Potty, who sponsored the plating, requested permission to use leftover gold for charitable
Devaswom officials Meanwhile, the pedestal of one Dwarapalaka was found at a relative’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram
Political parties have seized the issue to question the ruling Left Democratic Front ( L D F )
demanded resignations of TDB
Vasavan, alleging a cover-up The BJP has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation
( C
administration violated both tradition and court orders
silver, and precious stones, with donations running into millions of rupees annually Even with security measures such as CCTV cameras, tri-lock systems, and guards present on-site, the Sabarimala theft has exposed
uncomfortable questions: Are these assets
crucially, are current security systems robust enough to protect both the wealth and the faith of devotees?
temples across the country to reassess and strengthen their security protocols From the political row in Kerala to legal scrutiny and public outrage, the Sabarimala case highlights the urgent need for stricter governance and accountability in managing temple resources Beyond the material loss, it has shaken the trust of millions of devotees who regard these sacred sites as both spiritual and cultural treasures Every temple, big or small, may need to adopt advanced security measures to safeguard not only their valuable assets but also the faith and trust of their communities
The General’s remarks, m a d e d u r i n g a v i s i t t o f o r w a r d a r e a s l i k e Anupgarh, directly opposite P a k i s t a n ' s B a h a w a l p u r ( a
r e g i o n t a r g e t e d i n t h e
o p e r a t i o n ) , f o l l o w e d t h e
A p r i l 2 2 P a h a l g a m t e r r o r
a t t a c k D w i v e d i a s s e r t e d that Indian strikes precisely
The Army Chief stressed t h a t t h e p r e c i s i o n s t r i k e s d u r i n g O p S i n d o o r w e r e e x e c u t e d t o m i n i m i s e civilian casualties, focusing only on terrorist hideouts, t r a i n i n g c e n t r e s , a n d masterminds D w i v e d i c a l l e d f o r
h e i g h t e n e d r e a d i n e s s a n d v i g i l a n c e a m o n
fully prepared now if God wants, the opportunity will c
How religion, politics and extremism fuel a deadly cycle
Th e b l oody wa r b e twe e n Israel and Hamas continues r el en tl essl y, cla imin g thousands of human lives A feud rooted in ancient times ha s n ow a ssume d th e terrifying form of a religionb ase d con fl ict W he ne ve r re lig ion is e ntwined with regional disputes, it creates a deadly poison that breeds in stability, extremism and v io le nce Ele me nt s w it h political interests make this po ison e ve n m ore l et hal , r esul tin g in the lo ss of thousands of human lives These elements continue to e xploit the ir f oll ower s to achieve so-called nationalist goals
T h e c o n f l i c t b e t w e e n Israel and Palestine is not a recent one Its roots were sown as far back as the time of Abraham In the modern e r a , i n 1 9 4 8 , B r i t i s h colonialism, based on the “two-nation theory,” further c o m p l i c a t e d t h i s d i s p u t e Today, with Jewish religious nationalism on one side and p r o - P a l e s t i n i a n A r a b s b l e n d i n g i n I s l a m o n t h e other, both communities are fighting like generations-old enemies
F o l l o w e r s o f o n e r e l i g i o n p e r c e i v e a d h e r e n t s o f another as a threat and the r e s u l t i n g s u s p i c i o n a n d h a t r e d u l t i m a t e l y e s c a l a t e i n t o v i o l e n c e I n p o l i t i c a l disputes, polarisation based on religion often spills over
b e y o n d r e g i o n a l b o r d e r s into other countries as well
The anti-Jewish hatred and p r o - P a l e s t i n i a n s e n t i m e n t observed in Britain serve as a c l e a r e x a m p l e o f t h i s phenomenon
T h i s d e a d l y p o i s o n i s o f t e n u s e d f o r p o l i t i c a l a g e n d a s P o l i t i c a l l e a d e r s a r e f r e q u e n t l y s e e n e x p l o i t i n g r e l i g i o u s sentiments to garner public s u p p o r t T h e y w i e l d t h i s kind of religious frenzy as a weapon to defeat political
a n d r e g i o n a l o p p o n e n t s J u s t a s j i h a d a n d t h e c r u s a d e s w e r e f o r m s o f r e l i g i o u s f e r v o u r , t o d a y similar religious hysteria is m a n i p u l a t e d b y p o l i t i c a l leaders to consolidate their power
T h e c o n f l i c t b e t w e e n J e w s a n d A r a
W h e n e v e r r e l i g i o u s i d e n t i t y d o m i n a t e s o v e r n a t i o n a l o r l o c a l i d e n t i t y , i n t e n s e d i v i s i o n s e m e r g e
deadly form of instability
On the world map, Gaza Strip and Israel occupy such a tiny area that one would almost need a magnifying glass to see them, yet the lethal mix of religion and
world powers have shaped their policies while keeping this tiny patch of land in mind
If Israel and Palestine were to fully recognise each
living As
continue to manipulate the situation, there will be
Upendra Dwivedi
OBC leader Vishwakarma takes over as Gujarat BJP president
Ja gdis h Vis hwak arm a, an OBC leader, took over as the BJP’s Gujarat president Vishwakarma, 52, said, “My identity is saffron and the lotus ” He expressed gratitude to the party for the trust it has placed in him
CM Bhupendra Patel conveyed his best wishes to Vishwakarma and highlighted the effective use of technology under the outgoing state BJP chief Patel noted that Vishwakarma is also tech savvy
“Whether in govt or the organization, every worker has tried to fulfil their responsibilities well,” Patel said “That is why BJP has become a large entity ”
C R Paatil, the outgoing Gujarat BJP president, said, “during my tenure, some workers may have suffered losses, some may have benefited, but my intention was not to harm anyone ” He said, “If any harm was done in the party’s interest, please forgive me ” Paatil added,
“Today, as a worker, I stand with the newly appointed state president, Vishwakarma, and assure him that every BJP worker in Gujarat will walk in step with him ”
For his part, Vishwakarma emphasized that the responsibility of the state president is not his alone but belongs to all BJP workers “Whether it’s a booth president or a district president, both are equal in my eyes, ” Vishwakarma said He called for tireless efforts to serve the people of the state through Team Gujarat
BJP
Vishwakarma praised the party’s top brass and workers He said that the empowerment of the workers is key because they are BJP’s treasures
He invoked the legacy of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and affirmed that BJP is synonymous with public trust, development, and new ideas
The programme was attended by state ministers, MPs, MLAs, state BJP officebearers, and others
Temples where devotees pray for visas and overseas dreams
Across India, devotees often make unconventional offerings to deities, from symbolic objects to heartfelt vows; to seek blessings, new opportunities, or good health Among these, one modern expression of faith has g aine d rem ark ab le popul arit y: se ekin g d iv in e hel p f or v is as and opport unities abroad
In Vadodara, Gujarat, the Chamatkari Hanuman Temple has become a spiritual destination for those hoping to travel overseas Devotees bring passports, visa application forms, and even university admission letters, praying for success in their applications Some make personal vows, promising to return and give thanks once their wishes are fulfilled During the years of stricter US visa regulations, families would flock to the temple, praying for loved ones to keep their jobs or avoid deportation For many, the temple represents hope, a place where faith bridges the gap between ambition and uncertainty
In Punjab, near Jalandhar, the 150-yearold Shaheed Baba Nihal Singh Gurudwara, popularly known as the Hawaijahaj Gurudwara (Aeroplane Temple), has also become synonymous with overseas aspirations Here, devotees offer toy airplanes as symbols of their dreams to fly abroad The gurudwara’s rooftop features a large model aircraft, and locals believe that prayers made here help fulfil travel wishes For decades, families have visited the shrine, hoping to secure a chance at a new life overseas, especially in countries like Canada, the UK, and
the US Further south, the Chilkur Balaji Temple near Hyderabad in Telangana is famously known as the Visa Temple Dedicated to Lord Balaji, devotees believe that sincere prayers here can help secure visa approvals
The temple follows a unique ritual, worshippers perform 11 circumambulations around the sanctum to make their wish and return later to complete 108 circumambulations in gratitude once their prayer is answered Over time, the temple has become a beacon of faith for students, professionals, and families hoping to settle abroad
For some, such acts of devotion symbolise unwavering faith and optimism in the face of uncertainty, a belief that divine intervention can open doors where bureaucracy and policy might not For others, it raises a more complex question: are these practices an expression of deep cultural faith, or a reflection of how superstition shapes our pursuit of success? As passports, toy planes, and visa forms find their way into temples, one can’t help but wonder in our quest for divine favour and worldly opportunity, how superstitious are we really?
Taliban minister to make historic visit to India
India is set to host Amir Khan Muttaqi, the ac ting fo reign m ini ster of Af gh ani stan's Taliban administration, next week, marking the first high-level visit by a senior Taliban official since the group took power in Kabul in 2021 The unprecedented trip on October 9-10 signifies a major shift in India’s engagement with the regime Muttaqi, who is subject to a UN Security Council travel ban, has been granted a temporary waiver by the UNSC committee to facilitate the visit He is expected to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the second day
This caps a landmark year for IndiaTaliban ties, which has seen New Delhi steadily upgrade its contact despite with-
holding official recognition
The head of the Taliban’s political office, Suhail Shaheen, stressed that such high-level visits are crucial to upgrade and strengthen ties, paving the way for expanded trade and cooperation India’s approach, guided by historical friendship with the Afghan people, continues to involve substantial humanitarian aid, including 50,000 MTs of wheat, and over 500 development projects
Significantly, the Taliban has assured the Indian government that they have so far not allowed Pakistan-based terror groups to use Afghan territory for anti-India activities, providing a crucial security reassurance as India considers expanding its diplomatic presence
Why Rahul took the fight to Colombia?
I n the vi bran t, pol iti c ally c ha rged atmospher e of Medel lí n, Colombia , Congres s l eader R ahul Gandhi recently generated headlines that echoed across two continents It wasn't the sight of Indian-made Bajaj motorcy cl es, whic h he praised for their global success, but his sharply critical words abou t the s tate of democracy back home that defined his visit
This high-profile trip was not a casual diplomatic exchange but the first stop on a strategic four-nation South American tour, including Brazil, Peru, and Chile The official goal, as stated by the Congress, was to strengthen democratic and strategic ties, engage with future global leaders at places like EIA University, and explore opportunities to diversify trade in the face of shifting US-China global dynamics
Rahul Gandhi s choice of Colombia for a major address appears to be driven by a mix of political, ideological, and strategic factors
rather than significant bilateral investment ties His visit allowed him a global platform, specifically at a university, to sharply criticise the current Indian government, alleging a wholesale attack on democracy and centralised corruption, which is a key domestic political message for him Furthermore, the timing aligns with the presidency of Gustavo Petro, Colombia's first left-wing president, whose government and reform-oriented agenda, despite its own challenges and controversies could offer an ideological resonance or a symbolic counter-narrative to the right-leaning government Gandhi opposes in India Gandhi also made a point to
highlight the success of Indian companies like Bajaj, Hero, and TVS in the Colombian market as an example of innovation triumphing over cronyism, connecting his domestic economic critique to an international business success story Was the visit linked to personal investments or connections? Public records and news coverage confirm no evidence of personal financial dealings or property in Colombia The true purpose was neither personal connections nor private finance It was a calculated effort to define the narrative of the opposition on a global platform, positioning himself as a champion of democracy on the world stage, and attempting to solidify support networks within the Global South by appealing to its historically shared commitment to a multipolar world order Colombia served as the strategic loudspeaker for this crucial political message
Pentagon beard ban puts Sikh soldiers in US army in a dilemma
I n a j olt to Si kh soldi ers se rvi ng in the US a rmy , D e fen ce Se cre tary Pe te H eg se th h as a nn oun ced a strict new grooming policy tha t e ffe cti ve ly b an s mos t k inds of be ards in the US military, -allowing exceptions only for elite special forces
The September 30 directive calls for all military branches to re tu rn to “ p re -201 0 standards” for grooming that disallow facial hair waivers
The move has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups, veterans and advocates for religious freedom who say it may force service members from communities such as Sikhs, Muslims, Jews and Black troops with skin conditions, etc to choose between military careers and religious
beliefs/health needs
While officials of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Akal Takht, citing lack of clarity on the matter, say they will comment once they go through the order and consult serving Sikh soldiers in the US army, former Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, president of a SAD faction, has demanded restoration of the provisions, recalling the services of soldiers from the community during the two world wars
The North American Punjabi Association has called on the Trump administration to halt the implementation of the Pentagon directive “Asking a Sikh soldier to shave his
beard is the same as asking him to give up his religion,” said executive director Satnam Singh Chahal, adding it amounted to violation of religious freedom
“This decision is not about discipline or lethalityit is about stripping away the dignity and religious identity of devout soldiers who serve this country with loyalty and honour,” says Chahal, emphasising that keeping unshorn hair (“kesh”) is a non-negotiable religious mandate for Sikhs
NAPA has called on the Trump administration, members of the Congress and civil rights organisations to immediately intervene and halt the implementation of the directive
PM Modi praises RSS for its fight against caste bias, untouchability
Marking the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), P rime Ministe r Na re ndr a Modi publicly praised the or ganisa tion’s long-standing campaign against caste d iscr imina t ion a nd untouchability
Speaking at the event, Modi recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s past praise for the Sangh’s focus on social equality and highlighted current RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s call for shared access to temples, wells, and cremation grounds for all Hindus
Modi quoted previous Sarsanghchalaks to emphasise the core message: “Na Hindu Patito Bhavet” (No Hindu can ever be fallen), and referenced the statement that “If Hindu untouchability is not wrong, nothing else is wrong in the world ” The PM stated these ideals represent the Sangh’s effort to
eliminate internal divisions and strengthen national unity, countering claims that frame the organisation as a Brahmanical outfit
In his address, Modi also sought to rebut allegations of the Sangh's aloofness from the freedom struggle, noting that its founder, K B Hedgewar, was jailed multiple times by the British and that its workers supported freedom fighters
The PM also doubled down on a tough stance against illegal immigration, warning that infiltration poses a grave threat to India’s demography and internal security
Jagdish Vishwakarma
Narendra Modi
Rahul Gandhi
NORTH-EAST
HC sets up SIT to probe stampede at Vijay's rally
C H E N N AI : Cr it ic is in g actor-politician Vijay and his Tam il aga Vet tri Kazhagam (TVK) members for first causing a stampede tha t kil led 41 peopl e in Karur on Sept 27, and then ab an doning the ir c ad res and followers, Madras HC ordered a probe by an SIT
C i t i n g t w o a c c i d e n t s i n v o l v i n g Vijay’s campaign vehicle, which did not stop even after dashing against the bikes of his accompanying cadres, HC also ordered registration of a hit-and-run case against the politician “Both the driver and the leader (Vijay) saw the a c c i d e n t b u t l e f
p l a c e w i t h o u t stopping This court highly condemns the attitude of the party (TVK) There was not even a remote sense of feeling e x p r e s s e d b y t h e p a r t y t a k i n g responsibility for organising such an event This only shows the mental state of the leader and the party,” Justice N
Senthilkumar said “The SIT will be headed by Asra Garg, IGP (north zone), and comprise Vimala, SP, N a m a
Shyamaladevi, SP In addition, Garg is at
category/designation as he deems fit,” said the judge
All available CCTV footage from the place of the incident, and in particular CCTV footage inside and outside the bus carrying the head of the political party, shall be seized, the court said
The high court, meanwhile, rejected a plea filed by BJP leader Uma Anandan seeking a CBI probe into the stampede
Senthilkumar dismissed the anticipatory bail plea filed by TVK district secretary N Sathish Kumar in connection with the case
Punjab pounded by 41% excess rain this year
C H A ND I G A R H : The I ndia M ete orolog ic al De par tmen t (I MD a dmitt ed t hat th e for ec as t f or the northwest region, including Punjab and H imac hal Pr ades h, f or the monsoon season was not exact
The IMD in its second long-range forecast issued on May 27 had issued a forecast that the northwest region would receive normal to above normal rainfall However, the region - contrary to the forecast - received 27% excess rainfall, highest since 2001
As to Punjab specifically, the special weather report released by IMD revealed that the state received 41% above normal r a i n f a l l d u r i n g m o n s o o n P u n j a b received 621 mm rainfall against the Long Period Average (LPA) of 439 8 mm
With the highest rainfall during the monsoon season since 1995 and ninth h i g h e s t s i n
o experience one of the deadliest floods, killing nearly 60 people and destroying thousands of acres of agricultural land
When asked about the anomaly in the forecast, Surender Paul, director, IMD Chandigarh, said, “The topography
and geography of the northwest region is very different The region has a very distinct climate as plains and Himalayas are very close Therefore, it is difficult to issue an exact forecast Hence, there are always chances of deviations Moreover, the behaviour of the monsoon weather systems during the season also plays a role ”
devastating floods in the state Winding up the discussion on the first day of the special assembly session, Mann had said all forecasts made by IMD were far from the truth
24 killed, dozens missing as rains ravage Darjeeling
KOLKATA: At least 24 people were kil led as doz en s w ent miss ing as rel entle ss rain tore through n or th Bengal’s hills and plains, unleashing la nds l id es , c oll aps ing br idges , and flooding towns from D arjeeling to Cooch Behar Most of the casualties occurred in hill station Mirik as it was cut off by the deluge Darjeeling recorded 261mm in 24 hours from 8 am Saturday, classified as ‘extremely heavy rainfall’, while C o o c h B e h a r l o g g e d 1 9 2 m m a n d J a l p a i g u r i 1 7 2 m m G a j o l d o b a i n Jalpaiguri reported 300mm of rain The worst devastation was reported f r o m M i r i k , J o r e b u n g l o w , Sukhiapokhri, Maneybhanjang, and Falakata
E l e v e n b o d i e s w e r e f o u n d i n Mirik, known for its Sumendu lake and views of Kanchenjunga
E l e v e n b o d i e s w e r e f o u n d i n Mirik, known for its Sumendu lake
Hoax bomb threats TN CM Stalin, governor
CHENNAI: Anonymous emails sent to the Tamil Nadu Director-General of Police claimed that bombs had been placed in at least five locations, including the re side nce of Chie f M ini ste r M K St alin a nd the bungalow-cum-office of Governor R N Ra vi After thoroughly searching the premises, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) declared the threat a hoax Police sources said that on October 3, an email containing a bomb threat was sent from the ID ‘Sabarisan Vedamurthy’ to the office of the DGP The email claimed that five RDX explosives had been
Chittaranjan Road, which falls under the jurisdiction
conducted a search of the premises but found no explosives On Thursday (October 2) night, similar emails were sent to the official email address of the DGP, claiming that bombs had been placed at Raj Bhavan in Guindy, the Bharatiya Janata Party office in T Nagar, and the residences of actors S Ve Shekher in Mandaveli and Trisha in Teynampet The BDDS immediately rushed to the locations and conducted thorough checks but found nothing suspicious The Greater Chennai City Police have registered a case, and are conducting further investigations to trace the person who sent the emails
Punjab girl who survived on water for a month rescued from Muscat
JALA NDHAR: A young girl from Jalandhar district of Pun ja b , wh o ha d gon e to O man dre amin g o f improving her family’s financial condition, endured months of exploitation b efore b eing rescued and brought home safely by the intervention of MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal Her painful account has shed lig ht on the a la rmi ng ris e of huma n tra ffi cki ng networks exploiting Indians abroad
The girl had gone to Muscat on June 15 on the assurance of a friend, said she realised soon after arrival that she had fallen prey to a fraudulent recruitment racket She was confined to the four walls of an office-like building, where more than 10 other Indian women were being held in deplorable condition “They made us work for 12 hours a day without rest and anyone who made even a small mistake was mercilessly beaten up, ” she recounted Food was scarce and the victim revealed she survived for an entire month on nothing, but water “It was like living in hell,” she said, adding that her p a s s p o r t a n d m o b i l e p h o n e w e r e c o n f i s c a t e d immediately upon arrival, leaving her with no way to contact her family She said that many other women were deceived with promises of high-paying jobs, only to be coerced into illegal or immoral activities after their visas expired Those who resisted were subjected to severe physical and mental abuse
Day after mob attack, Mamata meets injured BJP MP
With four arrests so far, the Assam Police SIT es calating ch arg es from negli g ence to potential mu rder, and i nternati onal cooperation underway, Zubeen Garg’s death is no longer just about a tragic accident, it is evolving into a multi-jurisdictional criminal investigation
The Gauhati HC has now agreed to the A
commission headed by a sitting HC judge Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said the judicial committee, to be headed by Justice Soumitra Saikia, will be formed soon The ED and I-T department are likely to join the widening investigation into alleged financial crimes linked to Shyamkanu Mahanta, the arrested chief organiser of North East India
F
scheduled to perform Over 60 FIRs have been filed across Assam demanding justice The Assam police, meanwhile, invoked murder charge against Zubeen’s manager Siddharth Sharma and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta in connection with the death of the singer in Singapore last month They also
Goswami and actress Amritprabha Mahanta, taking the total arrests in the case to four
BJP MLAS IN DELHI TO SEEK POPULAR GOVT IN MANIPUR
BJP MLAs and leaders from Manipur including former chief minister N Biren Singh will meet the party's central leaders to discuss the formation of a popular government in the state Before leaving for Delhi, Biren Singh told reporters that a delegation is going to Delhi to meet central leaders "Would urge the central leaders to facilitate the formation of a new popular government, resolve the crisis faced by internally displaced persons and reopen key highways at the earliest, he said Former ministers Sapam Ranjan Singh and Heikham Dingo Singh and BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh accompanied the former chief minister to Delhi The same day a group of MLAs including former minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei Thangjam Arunkumar and Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei all BJP MLAs separately left Imphal for Delhi Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, former minister Govindas Konthoujam and MLAs Kongkham Robindro, Sapam Kunjakeshwor, Thounaojam Shyamkumar and Karam Shyam are also expected to leave Impha The state had a BJP-led coalition government headed by Biren Singh before the imposition of President s rule on February 13 this year Singh quit the chief ministerial post on February 9 four days before the President's rule was imposed in the state due to prolonged ethnic violence, which broke out on May 3, 2023 The 60-member Manipur assembly is under suspended animation and has a tenure till 2027
a n d v i e w s o f K a n c h e n j u n g a T e n o t h e r s , i n c l u d i n g t
Purkayet from Kolkata, were missing Officials warned that the toll may rise once teams reach the upper hills PM Narendra Modi expressed grief on social media and promised all possible help
A d d i n g t o f e a r s
alerted Bengal that Wangchu river was flowing over a dam The river, known downstream as Raidak, has a l r e a d y f l o o d e d l o w
waterlogged The downpour destroyed critical links: an iron bridge on Balasan river at Dudhya - the only direct route between Siliguri and Mirik - collapsed,
Another bridge at Pulbazar was badly damaged, cutting off Thanaline and p
major connector between Darjeeling and the plains, also caved in
K OLK AT A: A day after BJP MP Khagen Murmu and party MLA Shankar Ghosh were attacked by a mob during their visit to flood-hit people in the Dooars region of West Bengal, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said Lok Sabha Speaker has issued a notice to the state government seeking an ‘urgent report’ on the incident Rijiju, who reached Darjeeling to take stock of the situation in north Bengal following the devastation caused by Saturday night’s rains, said that if the TMC government delayed in submitting the report, then action under required rules and law would be taken
Banerjee over Monday’s assault on BJP leaders After PM Modi had called the attack “outright appalling”, the chief minister accused him of “politicising a natural disaster”
Meanwhile, Mamata met the injured BJP MP at a private hospital in Siliguri She, however, did not meet BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh, who is also admitted in the same hospital After meeting Murmu, the chief minister said it was a “courtesy” visit “I heard he got injured and came to see him He is stable now He is a diabetic, and that is why doctors are keeping him under observation He
CENTRE OKAYS WIDENING OF SECTION OF NH-715 IN ASSAM
Aimed at eliminating men vehicle and animal conflict in Kaziranga National Park (KNP) the Central govt approved widening and improvement of 86-km Kalibor-Numaligarh section of NH-715 in Assam, including three elevated sections of 34 5 km through the national park The £695 7mn project will be fully funded by govt Once the elevated section is built, the existing two-lane highway passing through the KNP will be abandoned The existing road will be part of the national park thereby ensuring unhindered movement of animals Sharing the Cabinet decision with reporters, I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project will decongest the existing corridor, improve safety, and necessary provisions have been made in consultation with entities, including National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India to prevent any harm to animals Sources said the plan to expand the road and building elevated stretch had been in works since 2016 but it gained momentum after NHAI took up the stretch in 2023
WEST BENGAL
The double standard of sanctions
The current diplomatic conflict over sanctions has unveiled a striking and pervasive hy poc risy a t t he hea rt of the We st ern a ll ia nc e W hile s ev era l na tions publ ic ly champion the cause of Ukraine, offering substantial aid, many of these same countries are simultaneously engaged in a massive, intertwined supply chain that has collectively poured billions back into the very conflict they seek to condemn This 'give and take' on Russian fuel presents a sobering contradiction, the loudest voices demanding nations like India cease their purchases are part of a global network whose financial f lows a re eff ec tive ly sus ta in in g t he wa r effort The data on 'Russian fuel imported by European countries and aid sent to Ukraine since March 2022' paints a picture where financial support provided to Kyiv is starkly outweighed by the money flowing back to Moscow for energy
Europe's financial inconsistencies
The numbers reveal those three and a half years into the war, the countries of the EU are still funnelling roughly £1 billion a month into the Russian war effort Overall, the majority of EU nations, specifically 17 of the 27 have paid more into the Russian economy for oil and gas than they have sent in military and financial aid to Ukraine since the conflict began Eight out of ten listed core European nations have spent more on Russian fuel than they contributed in aid
For example, Hungary imported a substantial £19 billion worth of Russian oil and gas, whilst sending a modest £626 million in aid Similarly, Slovakia imported £13 billion while providing just £1 billion in aid Italy spent £16 billion on Russian fuel compared to £10 billion in aid, Belgium imported £14 billion whilst providing £5 billion in aid, Spain imported £10 billion compared to £6 billion in aid, and Austria imported £9 billion compared to just £2 billion in aid
Even the two largest economies examined, Germany and France, still represent massive financial flows to Russia Germany sent £31 billion in aid versus £24 billion in imports, and France sent £17 billion in aid versus £16 billion in imports Furthermore, major importers of Russian gas over the past year include France (6 7 million tonnes), Belgium (3 8 million tonnes), and Spain (3 3 million tonnes) The continuous purchases, predominantly gas, amounted to over £16 8 billion over the past year Notably, exemp-
tions from the crude oil embargo were granted indefinitely to countries like Hungary and Slovakia, who continue to receive Russian crude via pipeline at about 20 per cent cheaper than alternatives
The money trail extends beyond direct European purchases Turkey, has imported a staggering £96 billion of fossil fuels from Russia since March 2022 Even the UK, one of the first to ban direct imports, has since indirectly imported about $3 billion of oil products, mostly jet fuel refined in India and Turkey from Russian oil This loophole is estimated to have indirectly contributed about £510 million to the Kremlin from Britain alone Furthermore, the UK's shipping and insurance industries have carried 76 per cent of Russia’s liquified natural gas (LNG) exports since the invasion Timeless friendship amidst western double standards
India’s longstanding partnership with Russia is founded on decades of mutual support, particularly during key moments like the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971 when the Soviet Union provided essential military and diplomatic backing In 1998, Russia maintained cooperation after India’s nuclear tests despite Western sanctions, underscoring a history of reliable collaboration across defence, technology, and energy sectors In recent years, India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil, critical for its energy security has sparked criticism from Western governments and media, portraying India as a supporter of conflict However, data reveals a stark double standard: since March 2022, 17 of 27 European Union nations have spent more on Russian oil and gas than they have contributed in aid to Ukraine, for example, Hungary imported €19 billion worth of Russian energy but sent only €626 million in aid, while Italy’s figures stood at €16 billion in fuel imports versus €10 billion in aid Even countries like Belgium, Austria, and the UK maintain significant financial flows to Russia through direct or indirect imports This highlights a glaring inconsistency where Europe condemns India publicly while continuing economic engagement with Russia behind the scenes India’s principled stance, balancing historic friendship and sovereign interests, contrasts sharply with Europe’s double standards, showcasing India as a greater exemplar of steadfast diplomacy in an era of geopolitical complexity
ED raids six sites linked to Reliance Infra in Fema case
Th e E nfo rce me nt
Directorate (ED) conducted searches at six premises in connection with a money la und ering ca se invol ving Anil A mba ni and e ntities under the R-ADAG group
The searches were reportedly part of an investigation into ov ersea s r emitt ance s mad e by Re l iance Infra str uct ur e , w hich a ll e ge d ly v iol a te d r e gu latio ns u nde r t he For e ign Exchange Management Act (Fema)
Reliance Infrastructure
confirmed the searches, stating they relate to a matter dating back to 2010 concerning an EPC contract for the construction of the JR toll road, which was awarded to Prakash Asphaltings & Toll Highways The company insisted this was a domestic contract involving no foreign exchange and that it has no continuing relationship with the contractor, with the toll road having been with NHAI for the past four years This latest action follows previous
questioning of Ambani by the ED on August 5th in a separate money laundering probe and a subsequent CBI search of his residence The ED is investigating the alleged laundering of public money exceeding £2bn, with some funds purportedly siphoned outside the country through undisclosed foreign bank accounts and foreign assets
Reliance Infrastructure affirmed it is fully cooperating with the ED's ongoing probe
Shoe attack on India's Chief Justice
A dramatic courtroom episode unfolded on October 6 , when Year-old advocate Rakesh Kishore hurled a shoe at Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, in Delhi’s Supreme Court The incident followed a wave of controversy ove r Just ic e Gava i’s re mark s d ur in g the rejection of a petition seeking the restoration of a beheaded Lord Vishnu idol in Madhya Pradesh The Chief Justice’s statement, Go and ask the deity himself to do something" sparked nationwide debate and accusations of religious disrespect on social media
Courtroom witnesses, including legal professionals Ravi Shanker Jha and Anas
Putin to visit India in December, vows to end trade imbalance
Russia n Pr esid ent Vladi mir Putin is expected to visit India on December 5-6 for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, marking his first trip to the country since the start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022 This high-level meeting will review the two nations’ Spe cial an d Pr ivi lege d Strategic Partnership across key sectors, including trade, e ner gy , and join t de fen ce manufacturing
Significantly, President Putin has instructed his government to increase imports from India, particularly in agricultural products and medicines, to address the
Vladimir Putin
substantial trade imbalance caused by India's soaring energy imports from Russia
Speaking at the Valdai plenary session, Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "balanced, wise," and "nationally oriented leader" with whom he shares a "trustworthy"
18 killed after landslide hits bus in Himachal's Bilaspur
At least 18 people have died after a massive landslide triggered in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district buried a private bus under heavy debris on Tuesday Several passengers are feared trapped, and rescue operations are underway
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the Bilaspur accident He announced financial aid of Rs 200,000 each for the families of the deceased Bilaspur Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar confirmed that 18 people have died and three have been rescued There were over 30 people onboard the bus, though the exact figure is not known, the deputy commissioner said
The incident occurred near Ballu Bridge when huge amount of mud and rocks slid down from a hillside and crashed onto a private bus The impact buried the vehicle under the debris
The bus was operating on the MarotanKalaul route when the accident took place Teams from the police, fire department, and disaster management authority have reached the spot and are working to clear the debris
Tanwir, reported that Kishore openly admitted his act, declaring that India would not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma Security intervened swiftly, Kishore was immediately detained and, by order of the Bar Council of India, suspended from practising law Yet, no criminal charges were filed
The episode was widely condemned by legal associations for breaching courtroom decorum Despite the disruption, Chief Justice Gavai continued proceedings, reiterating his respect for all religions amidst the furore The extraordinary incident underscores ongoing tensions at the crossroads of law, faith, and social media in India
relationship He expressed confidence that India would continue its energy imports, asserting that the Indian people and PM Modi would "never allow itself to be humiliated" by US coercion or penalties regarding trade decisions
The upcoming summit presents a key opportunity to deepen ties Russia's Deputy Ambassador noted that Russia is uniquely placed to offer India sophisticated weaponry, such as 5th generation fighter jets and licensed production, further strengthening their defence pillar
European vacation turns tragic for Nagpur family
An Indian family’s European trip turned tragic when a Nagpur businessman and his wife died in a road accident in Italy, leaving their children injured, one critically Javed Akhtar (57), and his wife, Nadra, died in a road accident on the last day of their vacation in Italy on October 2 The couple, along with daughters Arzoo (22) and Shifa (18), and son Jazel (15), were on a 10-day tour of Italy and France, according to relative Iqbal Azmi
“Their 9-seater taxi collided with another vehicle in Grosseto (Tuscany) on the morning of October 2 Javed and Nadra died, while Arzoo is critically injured She has undergone an operation and is currently unconscious Shifa and Jazel also sustained injuries,” Azmi said
Family members got in touch with the injured via video call, and two relatives have already travelled to Italy The Maharashtra administration and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are assisting the family The Akhtars own the Gulshan Plaza hotel in Nagpur
India welcomes diaspora with faster entry
Continued from Page 1
This growth necessitated a fundamental overhaul of traditional immigration procedures to maintain efficiency and a world-class welcome These new systems, effective from October 1, are particularly beneficial for the large and interconnected Indian community residing in the UK, ensuring their trips home are now smoother than ever before A seamless start to Indian sojourn
The foundation of this efficiency drive is the Fast-Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) First launched in a pilot phase in June 2022, the programme has recently been massively scaled up By September 2025, the scheme was expanded to cover an impressive 13 international airports, including major hubs such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai This system allows pre-verified travellers to use automated e-gates, dramatically cutting the processing time to as little as 30 seconds The impact is already significant, with over 2 6 lakh travellers having availed themselves of the facility since its inception
For members of the diaspora holding an OCI card, this expansion is a game-changer
They are now officially included in the FTITTP, meaning that with a prior one-time registration, they can bypass the general immigration queues alongside Indian passport holders, enjoying an unprecedented level of expedited service This completely redefines the arrival experience for family members returning for extended visits
Building on this success, the government introduced the e-Arrival Card (EAC) to address non-OCI foreign nationals This system, which became mandatory for nonIndian passport holders from 1 October, directly replaces the traditional, time-con-
suming paper disembarkation card
Previously, the procedure for non-OCI holders, including British partners and friends travelling with the diaspora involved collecting a physical card on the plane or at the airport, manually filling in details, and then waiting for an officer to enter the information
Now, travellers must simply complete the EAC online up to 72 hours before their flight This digitisation shifts the administrative work from the congested airport counter to the traveller's pre-departure preparation The result is a more efficient flow, enhanced data accuracy, and a significant reduction in arrival hall congestion, making the process cleaner and more userfriendly for British citizens and non-OCI family members alike
Positive outlook for visitors from the UK
The benefits of these dual initiatives for the UK-based Indian diaspora and British travellers are clear For OCI cardholders and their Indian family members, the e-gates promise speedy, hassle-free entry, maximising their valuable time with relatives during the peak holiday season For any accompanying British citizen or non-OCI family, the mandatory e-Arrival Card removes the friction of paper forms and speeds up their interaction at the immigration desk
By modernising its entry systems, India is not only handling a substantial increase in international traffic but is also extending a warm, efficient welcome In an era where travel often feels beset by unforeseen difficulties, this commitment to streamlining the gateway to India offers a positive and optimistic note, ensuring that the much-loved journey home is as joyful and seamless as possible
TRAVEL
Discovering Roman architectural echoes from ancient India
Imagine a time when the Arabian Sea was a highway of gold, and fortunes were made on the back of the monsoon winds
This was the era of the Indo-Roman trade, a vibrant exchange that began during the reign of Augustus Caesar, linking the Mediterranean world directly to the Indian subcontinent for over two hundred years The commerce was so extensive that Roman historian Pliny the Elder famously lamented that Rome was being drained of its gold to satisfy its appetite for Indian luxuries.
The western entry point to this vast network was the bustling port of Barygaza ( m o d e r n - d a y B h a r u c h ) L o c a t e d o n t h e b a n k s o f t h e
Barygaza was one of the most prominent ports mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, a 1st-century CE Greek text describing the vital trade routes Roman
B
y g a z
p
c e s , pepper, cotton textiles, pearls, ivory, and indigo They brought with them gold and
silver coins, wine, coral, glassware, and olive oil Roman coins and amphorae (wine jars)
h a v e b e e n e x c a v a t e d i n a n d a r o u n d
Bharuch, confirming this trade The region was under the Satavahanas and later the W e s t e r n K s h a t r a p a s , w h o m a i n t a i n e d strong trade ties with the Romans Barygaza served as the main hub in Gujarat, though other nearby sites like Sopara and Dwarka also participated Further south, the trade
t a p e s t r y e x p a n d e d t o t h e C o r o m a n d e l
C o a s t a t A r i k a m e d u n e a r P u d u c h e r r y , which holds the most tangible architectural remnants of a Roman presence Meanwhile, o n t h e M a l a b a r C o a s t o f K e r a l a , t h e
l e g e n d a r y p o r t o f M u z i r i s , n o w w i d e l y identified with the site of Pattanam acted as a major transshipment point for spices and other high-value goods Together, these three ports paint a picture of ancient India
a s a g l o b a l l y c o n n e c t e d e c o n o m i c powerhouse India's window to Rome Of this extensive commerce, Arikamedu near Puducherry stands as the lone physical architectural ruin in India to tangibly attest
t o t h i s p r o f o u n d , a n c i e n t I n d o - R o m a n connection Dating back to the 2nd century
B C E , t h e p o r t s
I n d i a s T a m i l k i n g d o m s t o t h e a n c
e n t Roman Empire It functioned as a critical hub for trading spices, textiles, and semip
production centre for bead making The architectural remnants, including massive brick walls and pillar bases believed to be part of warehouses and dock structures,
influences The construction is notable for using bricks and concrete, valued by the Romans for their durability The distinctive red brickwork was smaller than local types
Archaeological discoveries further reinforce the trade narrative, yielding fragments of the prized luxury pottery terra sigillata and
cemented in 1937 when an intaglio with the portrait of Augustus Caesar was acquired, conclusively linking the antiquities to the Roman Empire Unearthing Muziris
Another pivotal site that sheds light on Indo-Roman relations is Pattanam, located
Pattanam is widely debated as the location of the legendary ancient port of Muziris (or M
literature The site, which is part of the
maritime hub from the 3rd century BCE to t
findings confirm extensive global trade, revealing connections across the Indian
Artefacts unearthed include fragments of foreign pottery like Amphora sherds and terra sigillata, along with Chinese porcelain, glass beads, semi-precious stones, a sixmeter-long wooden canoe, and early Chera
photographs to explain the archaeological process and serving as a powerful testament to the site’s role as a major coastal trading centre
The legacy of the Indo-Roman trade,
confirms ancient India's role as a global economic powerhouse These sites offer powerful, tangible proof of extraordinary cross-cultural exchange, revealing shared architectural sophistication and maritime history
The enduring Indo-Asian nexus
The political theatre unfolding across India in recent weeks is as dramatic as it is telling Am eric an Pr es iden t D onal d Trump ha s appeared across the country, not in the flesh, but as an effigy, ritually slain as a demon during the Durga Puja festivities in states like Bihar and West Bengal This public defiance mirrors a diplomatic crisis, adding a gr owin g hea dac he f or Prime Minis ter Na re ndra Mod i, who urg ent ly ne eds t o mend the downward spiral in relations with the United States
The core issue remains India's continued s
R
a , specifically its purchase of cheap Russian oil, a move that flies directly in the face of
Though negotiations on a detailed trade agreement with America are at an advanced stage, officials concede that no deal will be signed until the much more personal spat between the two leaders is resolved Amid this standoff, the burning question is, Is Trump turning? Who will blink first? Will India succumb to the global pressure to abandon a crucial energy partner, or will Trump, faced with India’s unyielding stance and its expanding geopolitical importance, finally have to shut himself up?
High-stakes ASEAN conference
A crucial, high-stakes diplomatic contest is now fixed for the ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 26–28 This event is set to converge major world leaders, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosting the Chinese P r e m i e r , R u s s i a ’ s V l a d i m i r P u t i n , a n d p o t e n t i a l l y D o n a l d T r u m p h i m s e l f T h e
convergence has focused global attention on a possible bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Trump, as the leaders need a "much-needed détente" to reverse the downward spiral in relations The current bilateral crisis is marked by a deep political and personal dispute that escalated after the US imposed a massive 50% tariff on Indian goods, with a specific 25% penalty aimed at pressuring New Delhi to stop importing Russian oil Given that America remains India's largest export market and that the two nations are due to sign a major defense accord, diplomatic efforts are scrambling to ensure PM Modi attends and facilitates a f a c
S o u t h e a s t A s i a h i g h l i g h t s I n d i a ’ s d e e p diplomatic and cultural ties to the region, which can serve as a strategic and politically neutral counterweight, allowing cold logic to p o t e n t i a l l y h o l d s w a y
disputes and advance New Delhi's foreign p
external pressure A connection beyond borders
Indonesia, where Indian influence is woven into the very fabric of national identity, demographics, and strategic policy
The ties with Malaysia are characterised by a significant diaspora and a historically resolute political alliance Ethnic Indians constitute approximately 7-8% of Malaysia's total population, making them the nation's t h i r d - l a r
demographic foundation has translated into a profound political bond; notably, during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, Malaysia took the decisive step of vocally supporting India at the United Nations and breaking off diplomatic relations with Pakistan over its stance Culturally, the nation is home to globally important sites like the Batu Caves complex in Kuala Lumpur, a vital pilgrimage Center, and Penang s Sri Mahamariamman Temple (founded 1833), one of the oldest and most symbolic Indian religious structures in the country
In Singapore, the relationship is defined by a high-level strategic partnership and a deep-seated constitutional recognition of Indian heritage Indian Singaporeans make up a substantial part of the social mosaic, accounting for around 7 6% (2025) to 9 0% (
ethnic Tamils forming the majority of this community A testament to this history is that Tamil is recognized as one of the four
Singapore The cultural anchor is the Sri M
Singapore is
it is consistently one of the largest foreign investors in India, and the two militaries engage in regular, complex joint exercises, such as SIMBEX, cementing the economic and defense ties that define their modern relationship Perhaps the deepest cultural matrix is found in Indonesia, where the historical and c u
transcending its small modern ethnic Indian
established Indonesia as the world's most
century The enduring influence of ancient India is evident in national symbols and art forms: the country’s flag carrier is Garuda Indonesia, named after the mythological vahana of the Hindu deity Vishnu, and the most popular traditional art, Wayang Kulit (shadow puppetry), predominantly narrates
Mahabharata Architecturally, the massive
largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, is dedicated to the Trimurti and features narrative reliefs that tell the story of the Ramayana
Sun, schemes, and Schengen's lure
The iconic limestone Rock of Gibraltar has long stood as a beacon on the southern tip of Europe, but its future has never looked brighter than now A long-awaited deal between the UK, Spain, and the European Union is c ur rentl y eas i ng thi s tin y British territory out of its post-Brexit uncertainty, effectively switching the lights back on for the property market and residency inquiries Estate agents’ diaries are full, seeing a surge in interest from Britons lured by the sun, low taxes, and the promise of easy movement across Europe
with up to 6,000 of Indian origin T
recently surged from 1,000
year to 3,000 in just three months This influx includes
o f t h e m u l t r a - h i g h n e t worth individuals who might have been living in the UK
The Indian connection and key advantages For those of Indian origin, particularly the Sindhi community, Gibraltar offers a unique set of attractions The territory has a
Remains from Pattanam excavation
Storage unit in Arikkamedu
Over-60s can boost recovery by staying active
Staying physically active, sleeping well, and maintaining supportive relationships can help people over 60 bounce back from illness or low mood, according to a new study challenging the idea that old age is inevitably a period of decline.
Researchers followed more than 8,000 Canadians aged 60 and over who were experiencing physical or emotional difficulties Three years later, nearly a quarter of participants achieved what the study defined as “optimal well-being,” combining physical health, mental wellness, and a positive self-assessment of their own health
The study found that being active increased the odds of regaining health and happiness by 40% compared with a sedentary lifestyle Other factors associated with recovery included good-quality sleep (61%), not smoking (33%), and being married (27%) Participants living above the poverty line were 67% more likely to recover than those below it
Published in the journal Plos One, the research drew on the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Ageing, which tracks tens of thousands of people across the country Mabel Ho, a recent doctoral graduate at the University of Toronto and co-author of the study, said: “What’s powerful about this research is the reminder that later life can still be fulfilling, even after difficult periods ”
Covid cases rise as new strains emerge
If you are feeling unwell with a sore throat and a temperature, you may have caught one of the new Covid strains spreading this autumn
The two most common variants in the UK are XFG,
n i c k n a m e d “ S t r a t u s , ” a n d N B 1 8 1 , k n o w n a s “Nimbus ” Experts say these do not appear more dangerous than previous types, but r e c e n t g e n e t i c c h a n g e s could make infections easier to catch Viruses naturall y e v o l v e o v e r t i m e , a n d when they change significantly, they are classified as new variants
S o m e r e p o r t s s u g g e s t tell-tale symptoms of the l a t e s t s t r a i n s i n c l u d e a h o a r s e v o i c e o r a “ r a z o r blade” sore throat Covid can still cause headaches,
c o u g h s , r u n n y n o s e s , blocked sinuses and fatigue, making it difficult to distinguish from colds or flu
If you think you have Covid, avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home where possible If you need to go out, wear a mask Handwashing, tissue disposal and good hygiene
r e m a i n i m p o r t a n t T h e N H S r e c o m m e n d s f l u i d s and honey to soothe a sore throat
Cases are rising, especially among the very young and elderly, with hospital admissions also increasing People over 75 are eligible for a free NHS Covid vaccine Health officials urge a l l e
C
v i
, flu and RSV this winter for the best protection
Gut instincts matter
Your gut bacteria follow a circadian rhythm, meaning their activity rises and falls in a predictable 24-hour cycle, much like our own sleep-wake patterns These microbial fluctuations influence digestion, nutrient absorption, and even hormone production Disruptions to this rhythm, caused by late-night eating, irregular meal times, shift work, or poor sleep, can upset the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to digestive issues, weight gain, or metabolic problems. Maintaining regular sleep and meal schedules helps keep your gut microbiome in sync
What we can learn from the life of the world’s oldest woman
Maria Branyas Morera, who passed away at 117 and a half, has provided scientists with an unprecedented insight into healthy ageing.
conducted on a supercentenarian sug-
extreme ages without major health problems, thanks to a unique combination of biological factors Born in San Francisco in 1907, Branyas moved to Spain at the age of eight She survived two world wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish flu, and the Covid-19 pandemic, contracting the virus at 113 and making a full recovery B
“Please study me so I can help others
researcher, said, “The common rule is that as we age we become sicker, but she was an exception For the first time, we ’ ve been able to separate being old from being sick
Leukaemia Research Institute and the
Branyas’s genetics, cells, and microbiome, comparing them with other
urine, and stool samples collected a year before her death allowed the team to build a detailed biological profile Branyas enjoyed excellent health through lifestyle choices: she was not overweight, did not smoke or drink, maintained an active social life, and followed a diet rich in probiotics and fibre She ate a local Catalan yoghurt, La Fageda, three times a day and drank a morning smoothie made from eight
reducing inflammation
advanced age, Branyas had molecular traits that protected her from common age-related diseases She pos-
sessed advantageous genetic variants,
metabolism, and low inflammation, which helped prevent diabetes, cancer,
analysis suggested her biological age
chronological age
The findings, Esteller says, could
enhancing the protective traits that allowed Branyas to live a long and healthy life “Maria’s parents gave her very good genes, but we cannot choose our parents What we can do is learn from her biology and try to reproduce the effects of those good genes, ” he explained
What you can do today
• Eat smart: Daily probiotics and fibre-rich foods for gut health
• Stay active: Move your body and keep social connections strong
• Redu ce inflam matio n: Prioritise sleep, stress management, and anti-inflammatory foods
• Ch allenge your mind: Read, learn, and keep your brain engaged
Higher education may protect against dementia in later life
Higher education could help shield against dementia by strengthening cognitive ability, according to new research from the University of Helsinki The study suggests that the more education a person receives, the better their long-term protection from cognitive decline P
research analysed data from a 50-yearlong study that began in 1975, tracking
Participants reported their education levels, ranging from primary school to university The findings revealed a
clear link between longer education and better cognitive performance in advanced age People who had 12 years or more of schooling performed best on cognitive tests, while those with 7–11 years also fared better than individuals with fewer than seven years of education
ability to compensate for the effects of ageing Dementia is a complex disease, and not everyone can pursue long formal education, but other activities social engagement, physical activity,
managing blood pressure and choles-
smoking or excessive alcohol, may also build cognitive reserve ”
The study also investigated cardiovascular risk factors but found no direct link to late-life cognition Co-
“Research on cognitive ageing in people in their nineties is limited, yet this age group is growing, and the risk of memory disorders is highest in late old age ” In the UK, Alzheimer’s Society estimates around 1 million people currently live with dementia, a figure expected to rise to 1 4 million by 2040
Seed oils: Healthy or harmful?
Seed oils, including canola, corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, soybean, sunflower, safflower, and rice bran, have become a point of controversy in nutrition debates Extracted by pressing and refining plant seeds, they result in a neutral, inexpensive oil that resists smoking at high heat, making them staples in cooking and food production
Nutritionally, seed oils are rich in unsaturated fats, p a r t i c u l a r l y o m
g a - 6 f a t t y acids, and low in omega-3s Both are essential to health, t h o u g h t h e
a n n o t produce them Critics argue that the omega-6 to omega-
inflammation and chronic
disease Others worry about chemical residues from processing H
tists say these fears are overs t a t e d R e
residues like hexane are negligible and safe Studies also find that omega-6 intake,
, does not raise inflammation markers
In
Maria Branyas Morera 117 years oldCourtesy Manel Esteller
Maria Branyas, pictured in 1925 Courtesy Manel Esteller/Maria Branyas family
ran Johar’s ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’ was one of Bollywood’s boldest takes n modern relationships. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, it tackled lity and portrayed its leads in morally grey shades, a daring move that ed debate. The film faced backlash on release, dividing audiences ritics, and underperformed compared to typical SRK busters.
Varun Dhawan on ‘insecure, scene-cutting’ tag: “It doesn’t matter to me”
Varun Dhawan has appeared in several ensemble films throughout his career, sharing screen space with both contemporaries and senior actors In his latest release, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, he stars alongside Janhvi Kapoor, Rohit Saraf, and Sanya Malhotra
Ahead of the film’s release, online rumours claimed Varun had asked the director to cut his costars’ scenes to focus on him, though these reports lacked credible sources He addressed the speculation in a promotional interview for the film.
In an interview with BBC Asian Network, the host mentioned the internet perception of Varun as an “overly competitive, scene-cutting co-star ” Before he could respond, Janhvi Kapoor defended him: “He is the last person who would do that I’ve been in this industry for 6–7 years and seen enough to know, he understands a movie is a collective effort and genuinely enjoys building others up ”
Varun added, “I don’t focus on online narratives My friendships with co-stars and the unwavering support of my fans worldwide speak for themselves, through hits and flops alike ”
The duo’s latest film, ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’, received mixed reviews, with praise for its humour but criticism for its pacing Shashank Khaitan’s directorial opened to 9 25 crore (£773,318) net in India on Dussehra higher than some recent romcoms but modest given the festive release The film faces box-office competition from the pan-India hit Kantara Chapter 1
early two decades later, Rani Mukerji fresh off her National Award win, reflected on ‘Kabhi Alvida Kehna' in a conversation with ANI She admitted lm may not have connected with audiences because “India wasn’t ready for it ” Rani added being part of a project ahead of its time is rding, as such films “speak to the nation even e it’s ready to face the truth” and can spark ge he further noted that the story struck a nerve irroring reality too closely: “Infidelity was ening, and it made people uncomfortable use it reflected their own truth It’s always ult to confront that, and when it plays out on n, it gives you a jolt ” his isn’t the first time Rani Mukerji has spoken about lm’s impact At a Goa film festival two years ago, she led that ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’ left audiences deeply unsettled, influencing many to reconsider their ages “There were a lot of divorces after lm People watched it in extreme mfort, and that was the feedback Karan ved it opened many eyes and pushed e to choose happiness,” she said On the work front, Rani is gearing up for daani 3 ’ , slated for release early next year, and is reportedly set to reunite with Shah Rukh Khan in his upcoming project ‘King’
“India wasn’t ready”: Rani Mukerji on ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’
Vishal Jethwa reacts to being called ‘next Irrfan Khan’
Bollywood
actor Vishal Jethwa is receiving praise for his performance in Homebound, with some comparing him to the late Irrfan Khan
In an interview with The Hindu, Vishal called the comparison a compliment he couldn’t accept “It felt good to hear but also uncomfortable,” he said “Usually, I share filmrelated posts, but this one I couldn’t, it said: ‘Vishal Jethwa, next Irrfan Khan ’ Comparing me to a legend like him? I have no right ”
At a special screening of Homebound in Mumbai, Vishal Jethwa broke down on the red carpet, later consoled by his mother The video went viral, with many dubbing him the “next Irrfan Khan ” Like Irrfan, who began with shows such as Chandrakanta and Bharat Ek Khoj before excelling in Bollywood and Hollywood, Vishal also started on TV with Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap and Chakradhari Ajay Krishna He gained a breakthrough in Bollywood as the antagonist in Mardaani 2, and now Homebound has earned critical acclaim and been selected as India’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, receiving a nine-minute standing ovation Based on a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer, it stars Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, with Shalini Vatsa, Chandan K Anand, and Vijay Vikram Singh in supporting roles Backed by Karan Johar, the film released in theatres on 26 September to positive reviews from audiences and critics
Mandhira
Kapur calls Karisma ‘family’ amid estate dispute
death
TheSunjay Kapur, shocked his family and friends Tensions rose when his wife, Priya Sachdev, claimed the will named her sole beneficiary of his Rs 30,000 crore estate, prompting the Kapur family to contest it.
Sunjay’s sister, Mandhira Kapur Smith, recently spoke about her close bond with Karisma, calling her a “best friend ” On Vickey Lalwani’s YouTube channel, she said, “Karisma grew up in our house Even during a brief period when we weren’t talking, our friendship never ended She’s not just a childhood friend, she’s family, and always will be ”
Asked about the will and the family’s reaction, Mandhira said, “We’ve read the will, and it doesn’t seem normal I don’t understand how my brother would cut off his own children My mother was extremely disturbed and in disbelief It feels like our family has been ridiculed over money, my father worked hard to build this legacy, and my brother carried it forward ” She added, “I am very suspicious about the whole thing This isn’t how our family operates Despite not speaking to my brother for four years, I will always be his sister To say all of this goes to Priya, while my mother doesn’t even own the house she built with my father, is completely abnormal ”
Sunjay and Karisma Kapoor married in 2003 and had two children, Samaira and Kiaan They divorced in 2014, finalising it in 2016 Sunjay passed away on June 12 in London from a heart attack
Karisma’s children have now approached the Delhi High Court to claim their share of his estate
of Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband, businessman
Ajith Kumar admits family sacrifice for racing, lets kids choose
Tamil actor and racer Ajith Kumar was in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday for a 24-hour endurance race with Ajith Kumar Racing In an interview with India Today during the event, he admitted sacrificing family time to pursue motorsports, praising his wife Shalini for holding the fort.
Ajith admitted that his wife Shalini has been his biggest support while he pursues racing “Shalini handles so much; home, children while I’m away The kids hardly see me, and I miss them as much as they miss me
These sacrifices go unseen, but when you love something dearly, they’re necessary, ” he said
Ajith recalled that after marrying Shalini in 2002, he briefly returned to racing, with her supporting him at every event She stepped back to care for their children, Anoushka and Aadvik, once they were born On letting his children choose their paths, he said, “My son enjoys go-karting, but I’ll let him decide if he wants to pursue it seriously I won’t force them into films or racing; I’ll support them fully ” Ajith and Shalini met on the sets of ‘Amarkalam’ in 1999, dated, and married in 2000 Shalini, a former child actor, left films to raise their kids Ajith was last seen in ‘Vidaamuyarchi’ and ‘Good Bad Ugly’ this year and has yet to announce his upcoming projects
Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna confirm engagement, wedding in Feb 2026
After years of speculation about their relationship, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna have officially gotten engaged Rumours of their engagement had been circulating widely online, and the ‘Kingdom’ actor’s team has now confirmed th
the announcement came, though details of the intimate ceremony were not disclosed
The report also revealed that Vijay and Rashmika are planning to marry in February 2026 However, neither of the actors has shared any posts or made an nouncement about their nt on social media
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar to make directorial debut with ‘Saraswathi’
“I’ve been working on the script for a while, so this wasn’t a sudden decision,” says Varalaxmi Sarathkumar about her directorial debut She is wearing multiple hats in the thriller ‘Saraswathi’, serving as director, producer, and lead actress
Her interest in directing began while assisting on Bala’s ‘Tharai Thappattai’ (2016) “He always told me, ‘I don’t know what you ’ re doing with acting; you need to direct ’ He’s my first guru When I shared this project with him, he was happier than when I got married,” she recalls
Varalaxmi says she first heard the script three years ago but decided to direct it in the last six to seven months, modifying it while keeping a line she loved “I’ve been subconsciously directing all my life, helping on sets, so directing my own film felt like the next logical step,” she adds
Calling ‘Saraswathi’ a “female-centric thriller,” she says, “It’s a social thriller with a message I won’t reveal much, but it will definitely be a strong, women-led film ”
Varalaxmi expresses pride in having Prakash Raj, Priyamani, and Naveen Chandra in her directorial debut “It’s rewarding when senior actors find your story intriguing The characters demanded these actors, and good performers make 80% of a director’s job easier,” she says
“All of them are fantastic, Prakash sir is a stalwart, Priyamani has always impressed me since ‘Paruthiveeran’, and I’ve worked with Naveen Chandra on several Telugu projects ” About music, she adds, “Thaman S is a friend who loved the script and agreed to do it ” On her schedule, she concludes, “I’m currently shooting other projects but won’t act while directing this film ”
Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna have been linked romantically since 2018, after first working together in ‘Geetha Govindam’ The pair later starred in ‘Dear Comrade’, with both films achieving major box office success
Recently, the duo was spotted together at the 43rd India Day Parade in New York
Vinayan sets record straight on Divya Unni and Kalabhavan Mani rumors
Popular
actress Divya Unni, who has been away from films for years, has often faced social media trolls over rumors involving the late actor Kalabhavan Mani Claims suggested she refused a romantic song with him in ‘Kalyana Saugandhikam’ and declined a lead role in ‘Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum’ Director Vinayan has now dismissed these rumors
Director Vinayan, who helmed both films, has clarified the rumors In a social media post, he confirmed that Divya Unni never refused to play Mani’s heroine in ‘Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum’, noting it was another actress who made the remark
He added that in ‘Kalyana Saugandhikam’, a light-hearted exchange arose over a love scene in a song, but 14-year-old Divya, a newcomer, gracefully acted only with her debut co-star Dileep Vinayan stressed that Mani’s humorous interview comments were wrongly linked to this incident, creating false narratives Vinayan clarified, “The actress who had issues with ‘Vasanthiyum’ was never Divya Unni We never asked her I was referring to a different actress in ‘Chalakkudikkaran Changathi’ I’m setting the record straight ” On the work front, Vinayan made a successful comeback in 2022 with the Siju Wilson starrer ‘Pathonpatham Noottandu’, which became a hit
Tiger Shroff to star with Sylvester Stallone and Tony Jaa in Hollywood action film
Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff may soon share screen space with Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone and Thai martial arts star Tony Jaa in a global action film.
According to Pinkvilla, Amazon MGM is in talks for a multi-lingual project featuring all three stars together for the first time “It’s a global project,” a source said
Discussions are already underway, with insiders claiming that all three actors are interested in joining the project “The film is likely to have an Indian director, though details are being kept under wraps Tiger Shroff is thrilled to collaborate with his idol, Sylvester Stallone, in this unique pan-world action spectacle,” the source said
The untitled film is reportedly being crafted as a large-scale global venture, combining Hollywood’s signature action spectacle with the intensity and style of Asian cinema
Sylvester Stallone, who made a cameo in ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ (2009) alongside Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, and Denise Richards, could make his first full-fledged Indian feature if an Indian director comes on board, a source said Meanwhile, Tiger Shroff was last seen in ‘Baaghi 4 ’ , directed by A Harsha, which released earlier this month and starred Sanjay Dutt, Sonam Bajwa, Harnaaz Sandhu, and Shreyas Talpade
Alia Bhatt has been planning daughter Raha’s 18th birthday gift
Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt recently appeared on Kajol and Twinkle Khanna’s Amazon Prime Video talk show Two Much. During the chat, Kajol revealed that Alia writes emails to her daughter, Raha. Playfully, she asked, “Did you get this idea from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai? Does Karan Johar get the credit?” Alia laughed, clarifying, “Not really. A friend suggested it, and it’s monthly, not daily ”
Alia described her emails to daughter Raha as a monthly compilation of pictures and short notes: “It’s like: ‘You loved this so much!’ I plan to gift it to her at 18 or maybe she’ll want it earlier ” Twinkle Khanna called it “ so sweet,” and new father Varun Dhawan related, comparing it to old-fashioned baby books
When asked if her mother, Soni Razdan, did something similar, Alia said no, adding she started the tradition from Raha’s birth Twinkle noted, “It’s also a way to remember moments,” sparking a playful discussion on how parents often forget small details of their children’s early years
Alia recalled her mother saying, “You’ll be surprised at how much you forget,” a truth she now realizes Varun Dhawan joked, “I’ve only heard people forget the trauma of childbirth,” prompting Twinkle Khanna to tease him for his self-righteous answers
Varun added he’d heard something similar from his aunt during Natasha Dalal’s pregnancy, which Alia confirmed, noting she recently forgot a detail about childbirth herself Alia and Ranbir Kapoor became parents to daughter Raha in 2022, while Varun and Natasha welcomed their daughter in 2024
Aryan Khan shares mantra behind ‘The Bads of Bollywood’ as it tops Netflix globally
Aryan Khan, son of Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, has made his directorial debut with ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’, now trending in Netflix’s global top 5 non-English shows Following its success, he recently spoke time about the ma series
Aryan Khan re faced fatigue and nights while maki show, but a line fr Bedi’s character Ja going: “Haarne m maanne mein boh hai” (There’s a dif between losing an accepting defeat) first, I thought it was motivation, but later realised it was just exhaustion,” he said “Still, that vision pushed me forward, and seeing the joy my work brings people is deeply emotional that’s what draws me to storytelling ” On the show’s success and the wave of
nd fan theories it sparked, Aryan global love has been incredible my story now belongs to the Netflix made it possible As Jaraj ‘Ab pehechana?’” nika Shergill, VP – Content, Netflix praised the show’s success, saying, Bads of Bollywood’ has opened to enomenal response From memes reactions to revived classics, it ws how deeply the series has nnected Aryan Khan has captured ollywood’s timeless emotion and eam-inspiring spirit while offering rare look behind the screen ” A meta-satire on Bollywood, the how follows an outsider’s struggle to make his mark, starring Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Manoj Pahwa, and cameo appearances by several A-listers
IMDb lists Shah Rukh Khan as top Indian star
prolific star, appearing in 20 of the 130 most popular Indian films, according to a new IMDb report
Titled ‘ 25 Years of Indian Cinema’, the study analysed the top five Indian movies each year from January 2000 to August 2025, based on over 9 1 million user ratings Khan dominated the early 2000s, featuring in eight of the 25 most popular films between 2000 and 2004 He also headlined the top movie for five consecutive years during this period Even in years without a release, Khan remained a fixture on IMDb’s Popular Indian Celebrities list, featuring in the top 10 every week of 2024
“It’s pleasantly surprising and encouraging to see the impact my films have made My goal has always been to entertain and connect with audiences through storytelling,” Khan said “Cinema can transcend language and culture, and to see my films resonate beyond India is very fulfilling I’m grateful that my 25-year journey has been highlighted in the IMDb report can’t help but say, ‘picture abhi baaki hai ’” The report also noted changes in Indian stardom While 13 male leads dominated the 25 most popular films in the early 2000s, the past five years have seen 23 different male stars, with only Prabhas, Allu Arjun, Suriya, and Vijay appearing more than once
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has emerged as India’s most
India thrash West Indies by innings and 140 runs in 1st Test
India, under Gautam Gambhir and S hubman Gill, crushed West Ind ies by an innings and 14 0 runs on Day
T h r ee o f th e f ir s t T es t at t h e
N are nd r a M o d i S tad iu m i n
A h m ed a ba d A lre ad y i n a com mand ing positio n at the end of Day Two, Ind ia d eclared overnigh t at 448 /5 They were sitting on a lead of 286 and wanted to use th e f re sh n es s o f t h e p i tc h i n t h e m orning session West Indies w ere rolled o ver for 14 6 h alf an ho ur before tea, w ith Ravindra Jad eja following up on his 10 4 not out to lead the attack with 4-54
There were suggestions that Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy could have done with a hit and some runs, but with the forecast for Sunday and Monday not being too sunny, India did not want to take chances
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj got the ball moving to the two West Indian left-handed openers, John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, especially while bowling from round the wicket Siraj tested Chanderpaul with a short one that he pulled and gloved into no man ’ s land
Unlike his father, Shivnarine, who seldom hit the ball in the air and had the ability to bat for long periods of time, Tagenarine did not learn from the previous miscue and attempted another aerial pull
He connected well, but Nitish
Kumar Reddy dived full-length to his left and took a stunning catch while being parallel to the ground
Despite Siraj going through another long spell of 7-1-16-1, the pitch started offering generous turn an hour into Day Three - from even the good areas of the playing surface and not just the rough These were conditions tailor made for Jadeja
Fresh from an unbeaten hundred on Day Two, India’s star allrounder and player of the match settled in from the Adani end and tasted quick success He induced an error from Campbell as he flicked the ball to Sai Sudharsan at forward short-leg
Next over, he bowled one slower but slightly shorter, and the batter over-committed on the front foot and had no way to adjust - the edge was smartly pouched by KL Rahul at slip
At 34/3, captain Roston Chase walked in, hoping to stem the rot But Kuldeep Yadav’s wizardry proved too much for him Two balls later, he got one to drift in, and Chase, playing for the incoming delivery, failed to spot the one that went straight and saw his off-stump pegged back Jadeja then dismissed Shai Hope as the batter failed to ride the bounce and turn, and his attempted cut was smartly plucked by Yashasvi Jaiswal at point At 46 for 5, West Indies seemed to be in danger of registering a sub-100 total However, Alick Athanaze showed why coach Darren Sammy rates him as a decent player of spin He employed a couple of wellexecuted reverse sweeps, and he and Jayden Seales batted well Earlier centuries By Rahul, Jurel and Jadeja helped India to take a 286-run lead in the first innings
Women's WC: India beat Pak by 88 runs
T he contrasting knocks of Harleen D eo l an d R ic h a Gh o s h f o un d amp le su pport from the bow lers as India etched a co mmanding 88run w in ov er P akistan in a dram a fi lled IC C Wo men ’ s Wo rld C up m atch in C olombo on S und ay Deol’s 46 off 65 balls and Richa Ghosh’s 20-ball 35 lifted India to a competitive 247 on a sluggish track after the match referee erroneously ruled the toss in favour of Pakistan, who elected to bowl first Pacer Kranti Gaud (3/20) dismantled Pakistan’s top order while the spinners cleaned up the middle-order and tail, bundling them out for 159, despite a valiant effort from Sidra Amin (81 off 106 balls)
With this win, India extended their perfect head to head record to 12-0 in ODIs The match moved on familiar lines and the expected hostilities were conspicuous by its absence, but the day was not entirely bereft of drama India continued their “ no-handshake” policy at the toss or after the match Earlier, India cruised to a 59-run win (DLS method) against Sri Lanka in the match opener Banglad esh wo men thrash P akistan
An unbeaten half century from Rubya Haider and her matchwinning partnership with skipper Nigar Sultana, backed by fine bowling from young pacer Marufa Akter, helped Bangladesh thrash
Pakistan by seven wickets on Thursday Rubya struck a 77-ball unbeaten 54 and shared a 62-run partnership with Sultana for the third wicket as Bangladesh overhauled the target of 130 with 113 balls to spare, reaching 131 for 3 in 31 1 overs It was Marufa who triggered Pakistan’s collapse, with the 20-year-old giving the opponents a massive jolt in the opening over by dismissing opener Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin for first-ball ducks Pakistan were 2/2 then Slow left arm bowler Nahida Akter (2/19) then piled more pressure on Pakistan by sending opener Muneeba Ali (17) and Rameen Shamim (23) back in quick succession
India finish para athletics championship with 22 medals
G irl po wer drove Indi a ’ s medal rush o n the final day of th e World
P ar a At h l et i cs Ch am p i o n s h i p s , with S imran S harma and Preethi
P al lighting up th e track with th ei r s i l ve r- wi n n in g p er fo rm an c es b efo re javel in th rowe r Navde ep
S i ng h c o n c lu de d t h e h o s ts ’ su ccessful campaign by achieving another p odium finis h, winning a si lver medal at th e JLN Stadiu m in D elhi on Sunday
Sandeep took bronze in the 200m T44 final, as the country recorded its best-ever haul at a single edition of the para Worlds, finishing with 22 medals, including six gold The hosts also won nine silver and seven bronze to finish in 10th position in the medals tally among 104 participating nations At the previous edition in Kobe 2024, India had secured 17 medals, including six gold
However, the concluding day wasn’t without drama for India It
saw Simran’s medal being upgraded to silver in the women ’ s 200m T12 final and a re-run of the women ’ s 100m T35 race, involving Preethi, due to a technical fault
According to officials, the starter gun had malfunctioned, resulting in the competition being rescheduled after an hour
The evening started with Simran running another fine race with her guide Umar Saifi, clocking 24 46s for a new Asian record Simran, who won gold in the 100m T12, had initially finished third for a bronze But her medal was upgraded after eventual winner Venezuela’s Alejandra Lopez was disqualified for violating rule 7 10 4 of the competition, which states that the guide cannot offer any undue advantage to the athlete
In the 100m T35 event, the two-time Paralympics bronze medallist Preethi and seven other finalists had to run the race twice
Gill replaces Rohit as India's ODI captain
Sh ubman Gill h as been app ointed India's new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, and will lead the side in the three-matc h series in Au stralia starting o n October 19
Rohit has been picked in the ODI squad as a batter and, along with Virat Kohli, is set to represent India again for the first time since the 2025 Champions Trophy in March
The selection panel, headed by former India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar, met in Ahmedabad, where India won the first Test of the series against West Indies by
an innings and 140 runs The reason behind the captaincy change was that the selectors wanted Gill to settle down well before the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia It is understood the decision was taken collectively by Agarkar in coordination with India head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia "Obviously at some stage you got to start looking at where the next World Cup is," Agarkar said at a press conference in Ahmedabad
Celebrities spotted at NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025
The NBA Abu Dhabi Gam es presented by ADQ returned to A b u D h ab i o n 2 a nd 4 October, bringing w orld-class basketball and g lo bal stars to Etih ad A rena, Yas Island Fans enjoyed pre-season m atchups between long tim e riv als, New York Knicks and Philadelph ia 76ers, making their first-ever ap pearance in the region
Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, singer Badshah, and cricketer Rashid Khan brought star power courtside at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025
American favourites included actor Patrick Schwarzenegger, model Abby Champion, Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Award–winning actor Kiefer Sutherland, Victoria Justice, actors Adrien Brody & Barry Keoghan, and TV host & director Steve Harvey British rapper Central Cee and England football legend John Terry also joined the crowd
added to the star-studded atmosphere, including Emirati actor Ahmed Sharif and Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim
K-pop idols Chenle and WINWIN delighted their fans with appearances, and regional stars
in humid conditions after the starting gun fired twice In the first outing, Preethi had finished second behind China’s Guo Qianqian before the error was detected The officials took close to 45 minutes to decide that the race would be held again
In the re-run, Preethi clocked 14 33s to again end as a silver medallist behind Qianqian, who secured gold with a season best effort of 14 24s In javelin throw F41, Paris Paralympics gold medallist Navdeep Singh brought more cheers to the home camp after claiming silver with a season ’ s best effort of 45 46m Navdeep struggled to find his usual rhythm and fouled his three throws Iran’s Sadegh Beit Sayah, who had initially finished first at the Paris Paralympics but was later disqualified, trumped his Indian rival this time, winning gold with a new personal best of 48 86m
The arena also welcomed basketball personalities, including streetball legend The Professor, YouTube basketball creator Jesser, and basketball influencer MK, who engaged with fans courtside and added an extra layer of basketball excitement to the event
Deepesh shines in India
U-19’s win over Aussies
India U-1 9 stamp ed th eir superiority o ver
A ustralia U -19 with an innings and 58 ru ns win in the first Youth Test at Brisbane last w e
, A u s tr ali a U - 1 9 res u m ed th ei r s e co n d innings at eig ht for one but were bowled o
reg istered th e biggest win by any U-19 team that has been recorded in A ustralia in the history of Youth Test
India needed to bat just once in the game, thanks to hundreds from Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Vedant Trivedi Medium pacer Deepesh Devendran, who took five wickets in the first innings, added three more to his match tally Kishan Kumar, Khilan Patel and Anmoljeet Singh shared the rest of the wickets to fall Kishan and Deepesh bowled in tandem and wrecked Australia Under19's top-order, leaving them threadbare at 24/3 Captain Will Malajczuk attempted to keep his side alive with a sturdy 22(49), but Khilan ran through the middle order to take India Under-19 close to victory
