AV 13th January 2024

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds talks with UK counterpart Grant Shapps in London

London temple idol targeted, community shaken SEE PAGE - 08

SEE PAGE - 17

UK Minister visits Tamil Nadu and Gujarat to build closer UK-India trade and innovation partnership

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13 - 19 JANUARY 2024

PM Modi inaugurates Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show in Gandhinagar

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

VOL 52 - ISSUE 35

A NEW FACELESS Ayodhya prepares the return of ENEMY FOR WOMEN? forRam Rajya UK women 160% more likely than men to cite safety concerns, prompts urgent calls for urgent legal frameworks in the face of emerging threats like deepfakes and virtual assaults.

Subhasini Naicker

Shefali Saxena

Women’s safety has always been a double edged sword. Whether it has been a woman chased by a cop and killed in the UK, or young girls vanishing - never to be found again, to social media bullying, cyber attacks and more, the threat to women’s safety has now entered a new realm. As it is the status of safety in the physical world was always a matter of concern, now with the innovation in the webspace, metaverse has further aggravated the danger against women, making them vulnerable to another level of criminal attacks and conspiracy, alarmingly so - gangrape and mental harassment of digital avatars.

Continued on page 12

In Ayodhya, the vibrant preparations for the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir, revered as the sacred birthplace of Lord Ram, are in full swing. With eager anticipation, millions of Hindus from around the globe and across India await this momentous occasion.

Scheduled for January 22, the ceremony is set to be graced by the esteemed presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing distinguished dignitaries and celebrities from all corners of the nation. It signifies a deeply significant and cherished moment for the Hindu community. The Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, a week before the primary ceremony.

Continued on page 23

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13 - 19 January 2024

A new faceless enemy for women?

Continued from page 1 Not just young girls, but vulnerable women and even elders who are just getting their hands on social media to reconnect with their long lost friends and keep up with digital payments and tools, all are equally privy to harassment, crimes and unsafe events. Earlier when women became victims of crime, they were wrongly called out for their conduct and especially clothes they wore. But, the metaverse and its digital harassment of women and infringement of their safety has left naysayers and orthodox people liptied who now do not know the cause of a gang rape of any cyber attack on a virtual avatar of a person where clothes and body don’t matter to the harasser. It’s all in the mind.

Strava (an American internet service for tracking physical exercise) analyses data from the 120 millionplus athletes who use the platform, spotting trends and predicting what lies ahead. With the results from 2023 now in, there is plenty of positive news for runners, but there is one stat that makes for truly depressing reading for UK runners. Globally, women are 9% more likely than men to cite a lack of safe places to exercise as a barrier, yet in the UK, that figure rises to an astonishing 160% – women are more than twice as likely than men to cite safety as a concern.

That women don't feel safe is, sadly, not news – last year 92% surveyed in an Adidas campaign said they felt concerned for their safety on a run. It is, though, surprising that the stat is so much higher in the UK than globally. The UK is, after all, a reasonably safe country when looked at on a global scale, ranking 34th out of 163 on the Global Peace Index in 2023. While there is still much to be done for women's safety on the run in the UK, at least most women may feel they have that option, albeit under limited conditions like daylight and with a friend.

Shaista Gohir OBE (Baroness Gohir of Hall Green), CEO of Muslim Women’s Network UK told Asian Voice, “I believe that

Shaista Gohir

Black, Asian and minority women are over-represented in female domestic homicides. There is a need to focus on their particular experiences and additional barriers that contribute to this. To bring the government’s attention to this, I will be asking them about domestic homicide rates of minority ethnic women in the House of Lords on Monday 22nd January.

Muslim Women’s Network UK is also highlighting femicide rates in minority ethnic women through a dedicated page on our website called Say Her Name, the names include victims who have also been killed in domestic abuse crimes.”

Involve women in park design While online safety of women is dependent on the development of more stringent laws and their implementation, on physical grounds, in reality, there are some more practical solutions.

To address safety concerns and gender inequality in UK parks, a study commissioned by West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin, and conducted by Leeds University, proposed involving women in park design. Findings indicate women and girls face daily misogyny and harassment in parks, prompting the need for improvements.

Simple changes like enhanced lighting, lower hedges, and establishing escape routes could mitigate harassment risks. Over 100 women and girls participat-

ed in the research, expressing concerns about park The guidance, safety. encompassing ten design and management principles, aims to promote women's park usage and will be launched in collaboration with Make Space for Girls and Keep Britain Tidy.

Deepfakes of South Asian celebrities In the era of advancing technology, deepfakes, AIgenerated content replacing a person's likeness, present both exciting possibilities and concerns. Notably, South Asian celebrities like Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra have fallen victim to deepfake incidents. Highprofile cases, such as a deepfake featuring the Mayor of London, highlight the potential dangers in both visual and audio formats.

The rise of revenge porn facilitated by deepfakes raises significant privacy concerns. While celebrities may quickly dismiss fake content, ordinary individuals lack the resources to remove such material from the internet, posing a new threat to revenge porn victims. Deepfakes, using AI and deep learning, can create realistic simulations, leading to potential reputational damage and emotional distress. With deepfakerelated revenge porn on the rise, safeguarding personal privacy becomes crucial, especially in conservative South Asian societies. In the UK, where women are 160% more likely than men to cite safety concerns, the impact of deepfakes adds an alarming layer to digital threats.

The perspectives of British Asian women vary, emphasising the need for awareness, legal frameworks, and responsible technology use to counter the growing threat of deepfakes.

Virtual assault on a British girl In the UK, a girl reported wearing a Virtual Reality (VR) headset, experiencing a virtual assault on her animated avatar by several men in a game. The incident considered the world's first reported sexual assault in the virtual space, highlights concerns about inadequa-

cies in existing laws addressing virtual offences. While UK authorities investigate, there's apprehension about the limitations of prosecuting under laws narrowly defining sexual assault as physical contact. UK Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasised the potential real-world threats posed by those committing virtual atrocities, recognising the immersive impact on victims' psyches despite the temptation to dismiss them as unreal.

Pressing need for a legal framework The Metaverse, being a convergence of virtual reality, augmented reality, and other technologies, offers a highly immersive experience. This level of immersion can have profound emotional and psychological impacts.

Nina Jane Patel, Cofounder and director of Research Kabuni (an organisation aimed at making the metaverse safer for children) told Asian Voice, “The girl

Nina Jane Patel

involved is very brave, in a New World/ Frontier.

Bringing this to the attention of the police would have been no easy task, and she is breaking ground with her actions. While we don't know where it will lead, it is a step in the right direction.”

According to Patel, legally, this presents a complex landscape. Traditional laws are grounded in physical interactions, but the Metaverse blurs these boundaries, raising questions about jurisdiction, enforceability, and the definition of crime and personal violation. For example, if an assault occurs in a virtual environment, the legal sys-

tem must grapple with the nature of the offence. Is it akin to physical assault, harassment, or something entirely new?

“There's a pressing need for a legal framework that considers the unique aspects of the Metaverse. This involves rethinking concepts of personal safety, consent, and privacy. We need to ensure that laws are adapted or created to protect users in these spaces without stifling the innovation and freedom that make the Metaverse compelling. While the Metaverse opens up new worlds of interaction and experience, it also necessitates a thoughtful approach to its potential human impact. It calls for an evolved understanding of human rights, personal safety, and mental well-being in digital realms, along with legal structures that can adapt to these novel challenges,” Nina Patel told the newsweekly.

Protection of children and young people When considering the protection of children and young people in the Metaverse, specific emotional, psychological, and legal aspects need to be addressed with utmost seriousness and precision.

Nina said, “Emotionally and psychologically, children and young people are in a critical stage of development, making them particularly vulnerable to the experiences they encounter in the Metaverse. The immersive nature of these virtual worlds can blur the lines between reality and virtual experiences for younger users. This makes experiences like harassment or grooming in the Metaverse not just virtual incidents but potentially traumatic experiences that can have longlasting impacts on their mental health and development. The immersive and interactive nature of the Metaverse can intensify these experiences, potentially leading to anxiety, fear, and other psychological issues, just as real-world experiences do.

“There's a need for spe-

cific legislation that addresses the unique nature of offences in the Metaverse.

This includes defining and criminalising acts of grooming, bullying, and harassment in virtual environments. It also involves creating stringent age verification systems, privacy controls, and parental supervision tools tailored to the Metaverse's immersive experience.

“Protecting children in the Metaverse requires a multi-faceted approach: psychologically informed safeguards to prevent trauma, robust legal frameworks to define and prosecute offences, and international cooperation to effectively enforce these laws. This is a critical area that demands immediate attention to ensure the Metaverse is a safe and positive space for young users.”

West Midlands’ Women’s Night Safety Charter A new Women’s Night Safety Charter to help improve women’s safety across the region was launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in December 2023. The charter, the first of its kind in the region, sets out guidance for venues, operators, charities, councils and businesses to improve safety at night for women - including better training of staff, encouraging the reporting of harassment and ensuring public spaces are safe. More than 50 businesses have already signed up - including the NEC Group, the HMV Empire in Coventry, and Kings Heath’s iconic Hare and Hounds pub. Now West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and WMCA Night Time Economy Advisor Alex Claridge are encouraging more councils, businesses, venues and other organisations to sign the charter and help improve women’s safety. The charter’s measures, which include plans to appoint a Women’s Night Safety Champion for the West Midlands, are part of a new bold vision for how a safe and thriving night-time economy can operate in the region.

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The UK is set to pioneer the development of a cutting-edge fuel for the next generation of nuclear power plants, aiming to counter Vladimir Putin's potential influence over the West. The Energy Secretary, Claire Coutinho, unveiled a £300 million investment to support this initiative.

The proposed fuel, named high-assay lowenriched uranium (Haleu), will be utilised to fuel advanced modu-

Claire Coutinho

lar reactors (AMRs) scheduled to be opera-

tional in the 2030s.

Currently, Russia stands as the sole global commercial producer of Haleu, with the United States and the UK being the only other two nations to initiate production, as highlighted

by Coutinho. Amid efforts by the West to reduce reliance on Russian oil and gas since the Ukraine invasion, the US and some European nations continue to import Russian enriched

uranium.

Coutinho outlined the ambition for the UK not only to utilise Haleu domestically but also to become an exporter, enhancing its role as a "provider of energy security" for allies reliant on nuclear power. She pointed out that countries like France and the US, with their older generation gigawatt plants, depend on Russia for 20% of their uranium needs.

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Isn’t it time to seal that much-anticipated FTA? New year has brought along a bag of mixed news. London avoided a weeklong tube strike that would have grinded the capital to a halt.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the general election will be held in the second half of the year. While providing the country some stability after a series of resignations from Tory PMs, the ex-Chancellor has brought inflation down as promised. Still, the party lost considerable seats in by-elections, scaring the supporters.

In the meantime, Labour leader Sir Keith Starmer has warned the party that the PM might call for a surprise election in Spring. A YouGov poll has put 46% support for Labours vs 22% support for the Tories. In fact, his own leadership has 30% backing vs 18% for Rishi.

With the news of Dominic Cummings’ re-consultation

by No 10, there is a mix of fear and joke in the air. Reportedly Sir Starmer said: “We’ve even learned he is trying to get the old gang back together…Sadly, for Sunak, Cummings’ eyesight seems to have improved enough that he can spot a car crash when it’s presented to him, and he turned them down.”

In the meantime, with India getting ready for its upcoming elections, India’s Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh is visiting the UK to meet his counterpart Rt Hon Grant Shapps, as well as meet the diaspora to garner support in the upcoming elections.

The meeting between the two Ministers reportedly included a fruitful exchange of ideas on both sides (see full

story on p17) discussing a range of matters with particular emphasis on enhancing defence industrial collaboration.

The Indian Minister also visited Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Tavistock Square to mark Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. He was also presented a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Horse Guards Parade Ground.

At the same time, Lord Tariq Ahmad, who is the Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, UN arrived in India on Monday to launch two new UK-funded sustainability projects.

He visited Tamil Nadu to launch an Electronic and Battery Waste Management project and met Chief Minister Stalin, while attending the TNGIM - a flagship investment summit in Chennai. He would also be participating in Vibrant Gujarat from 10-12 January (see full story on p9).

While the bilateral relationship has only grown stronger in the last few years, especially after Mr Sunak took on the PM’s role, the future of UK-India FTA remains in the dark.

This FTA, which has been celebrated as a great sign of friendship between the two nations, has been a matter of pride for the Tories, especially for fostering a friendship with the Modi-government like no other.

2024 is meant to be an iconic year for many countries, as Bangladesh chose Sheikh Hasina for the fifth time as their Prime Minister. It remains to be seen if the UK will replace the US at the Republic Day ceremony by concluding the much-anticipated FTA as a celebration gift.

Safety beyond the physical realm “I smiled for the first time in 1.5 years,” said 2002 Gujarat riots gang-rape survivor Bilkis Bano last week, as the Supreme Court of India ordered 11 convicts, responsible for her family's murder and her gangrape, back to jail. Upon release last year, the 11 convicts were welcomed with garlands and released on account of "good behaviour," which lacked proper scrutiny and jurisdiction. While the purpose of punishment in most countries is to bring reforms in the culprits and justice to the victim, the line is blurred. The very lack of guarantee of continued “good behaviour” post the end of punishment is where humanity hangs by a thread.

In the UK, a girl reported a virtual assault in Meta's Metaverse, stating her animated avatar faced a virtual attack.

Although not physically harmed, she suffered psychological trauma, raising concerns about the inadequacy of laws addressing virtual offences. Termed the world's first officially reported case of virtual sexual assault, it challenges existing legal definitions. UK authorities fear prosecution under current laws may be insufficient. This global precedent emphasises the need for robust legal frameworks in India, actively adopting digital technology. At the same time, it also calls for more workforce training to be able to advocate such cases with up-to-date knowledge of the digital world and AI. Violence against women, encompassing intimate partner violence and sexual violence, is a grave public health concern and a blatant violation of women's human rights. Global estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide (30%) has experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence during their lifetime. The majority of this violence is intimate partner violence, affecting

almost 27% of women aged 15-49 who have been in a relationship.

Interventions must be culturally and age-appropriate and sensitive and respond to the individual circumstances and life experiences of women and girls. This means taking into account their age, identity, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity and language preferences. This is also in line with another main principle of the SDGs: Leave No One Behind (LNOB). Interventions must respond appropriately to women and girls who face multiple forms of discrimination not only because she is a woman, but also because of her race, ethnicity, caste, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital status, occupation or other characteristics – or because she has been subjected to violence.

An unequivocal message must be communicated that violence is unacceptable, constituting misconduct with perpetrators held accountable. For instance, Meta encourages taking steps to safeguard digital life, with resources available for creating safety plans and accessing domestic violence helplines worldwide. Yet, Instagram and Facebook are the key hot spots for crime against women and blackmailing.

Safety is not confined to the physical confines of a person.

It’s at the heart of of palm, the tap of a finger and an impulsive friendship or connection online. While the judiciary, police and law enforcement can only educate themselves to keep up with potential crimes, women’s safety calls for a larger global movement - a movement of sensibilities, boundaries and most importantly, freedom without fear. If there’s one feminist task at hand for global citizens, it’s women’s safety and it can only happen if all genders work towards a collective goal - respecting boundaries and protecting privacy.

India-Maldives relations in deep waters As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a snorkelling expedition in Lakshadweep to boost tourism in the region, Maldives hasn’t taken the promotion of the Indian island very well and the people in power weren’t removed from it. AntiIndia sentiments surfaced among some Maldives government officials on social media, calling Modi “Israel’s puppet” and a “clown”.

While there the obvious reason behind this hostility is the fact that the revamping of Lakshadweep means loss in the tourism business for the Maldives, the problem also has stemmed on a much deeper level. The recently elected President of the island Mohamed Muizzu has adopted a pro-China stance, a completely different approach from his predecessor. Muizzu's government had earlier requested the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and equipment provided for emergency medical evacuations and disaster relief operations.

Since then, India has been closely observing and sensing Maldives' increasingly hostile stance. Several politicians in Malé, including the current President, have centred their campaigns on anti-India sentiments, donning red T-shirts with slogans like 'Go Back India' and 'India Out.' All of this is when, historically, India was among the first nations to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives after it gained independence in 1965 and the country’s assistance to the island nation encompasses sectors like defence, education, healthcare and infrastructure.

Despite all of this, the attitude of the new government is not appreciated and India is right to distance itself from the political drama.

Whether India’s newfound interest in promoting Lakshadweep is purely economic or with the intention of steering business away from the Maldives, or both, this has prompted

not only a billion Indians but also the global community to scrutinise the shortcomings in the Maldives' hospitality sector, including concerns about women's safety. Simultaneously, ordinary Maldivian citizens were made aware of the risks associated with adopting a hostile stance towards India, a nation that has consistently and unconditionally provided aid.

India is also right to protect its interests given the involvement of China, both countries currently being involved in border issues. China also constantly aids Pakistan’s terrorist and army attacks against India and the country should definitely be alert about the closeness between China and the Maldives.

While China can go on and on about how it “respects the Maldives' sovereignty and does not interfere in its domestic affairs” and stress the fact that “unlike India” it does not exclude other countries' cooperation with the Maldives, the whole world is a witness of how the Pakistan-China relations have panned out. Pakistan has been reduced to nothing but a puppet in China’s hands and Maldives just might be on the same path.

With this recent Lakshadweep vs Maldives row, India has not only displayed the power of public opinion in shaping diplomatic narratives and economic decisions but also exposed the shortcomings of Maldives for the whole world to scrutinise.

Whether intentional or not, this current row has brought to light the anti-India sentiments of the Maldives that will help India tackle their relationship with the island nation with much more clarity.

As for Maldives and Mohamed Muizzu, there is something to learn from Mahinda Rajapaksha of Sri Lanka and KP Sharma Oli of Nepal. As the two leaders distanced themselves from India, building closer ties with China, they did not just loose India’s favour but were also thrown out of office by their people.

Thought for the week "With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." — Eleanor Roosevelt

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel

Hmmm Maldives for Holiday?

I have just returned from the Maldives. Timely and am due to visit again in 3 weeks.

Indian PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep when the Maldivean head was visiting China is not an accident.

Indeed it’s the best publicity for the place. I’ve been to the Andaman Islands – these too are underdeveloped for tourism by India.

So what should be the strategy on dealing with the Maldives?

Diplomatic Engagement: As Prime Minister Modi, the first step would be to seek diplomatic engagement with the Maldivian leadership to understand the reasons behind the insult. This approach aligns with Chanakya's principles of 'Sama' (negotiation) and 'Dama' (material inducement), suggesting a tactful and pragmatic approach to resolve conflicts.

Assessing the Influence of External Powers: Given the strategic location of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, it's crucial to assess whether the insult is a result of external influences, particularly China. The Maldives has been a focal point in the Indian Ocean for Chinese investments under the Belt and Road Initiative. Henry Kissinger's realpolitik approach would advise understanding the power dynamics and the influence of external players in the region.

Strategic Restraint and Public Messaging: Practicing strategic restraint in the immediate response is essential. Overreaction could escalate the situation unnecessarily. Public messaging should emphasize India's commitment to regional stability, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty, echoing Modi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Indeed Akshay Kumar put it well, “dignity first”.

Leveraging Economic and Military Cooperation: India should leverage its economic and military cooperation with the Maldives. This might involve reassessing aid and development projects or military cooperation in a way that signals India's displeasure without completely undermining the relationship. Chanakya’s 'Danda' (punishment) can be interpreted here as a calibrated response rather than overt aggression.

Domestic Political Considerations: Modi's response should also consider domestic political implications. Any perceived weakness in dealing with international insults could have internal political costs.

However, an overly aggressive response might also draw criticism.

Long-Term Strategy for Regional Stability: Finally, India should consider a long-term strategy for regional stability that includes but is not limited to the Maldives. This strategy should focus on building resilient and mutually beneficial relationships with neighbouring countries to counterbalance China's growing influence.

Anyway, there will be elections soon in Maldives.

282,000 vote.

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13 - 19 January 2024

Tory MP Chris Skidmore resigns over net zero

Rishi Sunak has expressed his intention to work towards a general election in the second half of the year, countering the pressure to call for an election sooner.

The prime minister stated that his "working assumption" is not to send the public to the polls in spring, contrary to speculations by opposition figures.

Sunak presented the prospect of potential future tax cuts to voters and criticised Sir Keir Starmer's green proposals as both leaders outlined their positions at the beginning of the election year. While Labour has hinted at a possible spring vote, the Liberal Democrats have urged Sunak to hold the election in May instead of trying to hold onto power for the remainder of the year.

Source: Nottinghamshire County Council/Facebook

Sunak aims for general election in later 2024

Rishi Sunak greeting people at My Place youth centre in Mansfield

During a visit to a youth centre in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, Sunak declined to categorically rule out a May election but reiterated his preference for later in the year. He emphasised his commitment to managing the economy, cutting

taxes, and addressing illegal migration.

In response, Sir Keir called on Sunak to set a date for the election, accusing him of "squatting" in Downing Street and causing delays by not naming a specific day.

Paula Vennells returns CBE amid Horizon scandal In response to the wrongful prosecution of numerous post office staff, former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells has announced her decision to return her CBE, which she received in the 2019 new year honours list.

Following days of mounting pressure, Vennells released a statement expressing her regret and confirming the immediate return of the award.

Downing Street has also endorsed Vennells' decision, stating that it is "obviously the right decision." Vennells, in her statement on Tuesday, offered a sincere apology for the devastation experienced by sub-postmasters and their families, who were wrongly accused and prosecuted.

The Metropolitan police have already officially confirmed the initiation of a criminal investigation into the Post Office regarding "potential fraud offences" associated

Paula Vennells

with the Horizon scandal.

This marks the first time the police have acknowledged such an inquiry.

Additionally, in an interview with the BBC on Sunday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed the ongoing compensation process for the accused numerous subpostmasters, many of them of Indian heritage, of fraud.

Sunak revealed that his justice minister is currently examining ways to expedite

the process of overturning wrongful convictions and providing compensations.

While the government, as the formal owner of Post Office Ltd, has already disbursed millions in compensation to many affected subpostmasters, there remains a significant number still awaiting resolution after enduring years of uncertainty.

The Horizon scandal, spanning from 1999 to 2015, resulted in over 700 post office branch managers wrongly receiving criminal convictions. The faulty Horizon accounting software erroneously indicated discrepancies in funds at their outlets, leading to a widespread and long-standing miscarriage of justice.

As calls for political intervention grow, there is increasing pressure on politicians to assist the remaining post office operators with convictions deemed unsafe.

DWP introduces rules limiting doctors' sick notes The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is reportedly introducing a new initiative to discourage doctors from signing people off sick to facilitate their return to work.

The DWP is set to launch the WorkWell scheme, initially as a pilot program in 15 areas during the current year, with plans for nationwide expansion by 2025.

Under this scheme, employers, job centres, social workers, charities, and doctors will have the ability to refer individuals for assessments and subsequent support, including medical treatment, training, or life coaching.

The initiative, officially

launched on January 3, aims to provide integrated health and job support tailored to individual needs, according to Mel Stride MP and Victoria Atkins, the Health Secretary. In addition to conventional measures, individuals may also be offered participation in community activities like singing, cooking, or gardening clubs through NHS "social prescribing" initiatives.

The upcoming pilot is scheduled to involve over 50,000 claimants, as confirmed by the DWP in anticipation of the rollout. The reforms are designed to streamline the process for doctors to refer individuals

to occupational health schemes and test methods to reduce the number of individuals GPs sign off from work.

The proposed changes could also result in families losing access to free prescriptions. Under the shake-up, Universal Credit claimants who refuse to actively search for employment risk losing entitlements such as free NHS prescriptions, dental care, and assistance with energy bills.

If a claimant fails to secure employment within 18 months of receiving support from the DWP, their benefits will be discontinued.

Rishi Sunak faces another by-election challenge as a prominent Tory MP resigns from the party and vacates his seat in protest against the Prime Minister's Chris Skidmore perceived failures on climate issues.

Chris Skidmore, former net zero tsar and ex-energy minister, has announced his decision to resign from the Conservative whip and step down as a Member of Parliament next week. In a strongly worded departure statement, Skidmore expressed his inability to continue supporting the Tories or "endorse" the government due to the Prime Minister's environmental stance, which he believes is "incorrect and will lead to future harm."

The representative for Kingswood in Gloucestershire emphasised that resigning the whip would provide his constituents with the opportunity to elect a new MP through a by-election. He stated, "I, therefore, will be stepping down from parliament as soon as possible."

Despite the Conservative Party's considerable majority of 11,000, the challenge to fend off Labour in the by-election could be a potentially disheartening struggle for Mr Sunak as he endeavours to generate momentum leading up to the 2024 general election.

in brief REDIRECTED HS2 FUNDS CAUSE DISMAY The government's choice to redirect HS2 funding towards addressing potholes in London through the Network North plan has faced strong criticism from leaders in the Northern region. The government recently confirmed the allocation of £235 million from the funding pot to address the issue of pothole-riddled roads in London. This decision to use the rerouted HS2 funds for road repairs in the capital has been widely condemned, with critics arguing that it goes against the principles of the levelling-up agenda. Critics are expressing concern that such a move may undermine efforts to address regional disparities and promote equitable development.

NOTTINGHAM LEADER SLAMS SUNAK The leader of Nottingham City Council, Councillor David Mellen, has responded to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's suggestion that the authority has disappointed residents through financial mismanagement. Mellen asserted that the government, particularly in terms of "wasting public money, mismanagement, and poor decision-making," is "in a league of its own." He also criticised Sunak for not having faced the public in a general election yet. These remarks from Mellen came after Sunak claimed on Thursday that the Labour-led city council had let down its residents by issuing a section 114 notice in November, indicating an inability to deliver a balanced budget. Sunak specifically pointed to the failed Robin Hood Energy scheme as an example of what he characterised as a series of poor decisions by the council, suggesting it reflects Labour's economic management approach.

France criticises UK’s cooperation on small boat crossings MICHELLE MONE SELLING ASSETS AMID NCA INVESTIGATION

Emmanuel Macron and Rishi Sunak

According to French state auditors from the cour des comptes, the UK and France lack sufficient coordination in addressing the issue of people crossing the English Channel in small boats, and detailed information sharing is inadequate.

The independent French body, which scrutinises the use of public funds, has released a report assessing the effectiveness of French policy on illegal migration. The report highlights France's challenges in developing operational cooperation with neighbouring countries, particularly the UK. The auditors specifically mention a joint UK-French intelligence unit established in 2020 to combat human smuggling and reduce Channel crossings.

While the unit contributed to dismantling seven illegal migration networks in 2022, the report notes that the British side often provides insufficient, unverified information on small boat departures, offering only vague, preliminary details. The report points out that when it comes to individuals arriving by small boats, information regarding boat and motor references or serial numbers and the nationalities of those involved seems to be inconsistent and lacking.

The UK, on the other hand, has rejected the claims, deeming the accusations "outdated." A Home Office spokesperson stated that the report from France's Court of Audits relied on outdated information. They further highlighted a new £500 million deal negotiated by Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron last year, asserting that this agreement contributed to reducing the number of Channel crossings by a third.

Tory peer Michelle Mone and her husband Doug Barrowman are divesting themselves of opulent properties, a private jet, and a superyacht amid a financial investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The couple, is currently contesting a £133 million High Court claim from the Department of Health related to defective PPE supplied to the NHS during the peak of the pandemic, facing an NCA inquiry into their finances and grappling with frozen bank accounts. In recent weeks, assets tied to the couple, including a £7.5 million private jet, a £7 million superyacht named Lady M, and a £41 million six-bedroom villa on the Caribbean island of St Barts, have been listed for sale.

These assets are linked to the couple through offshore holdings, as reported by the Daily Mirror.

WINTER SEES PEAK HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS AMID STRIKES The latest figures reveal that the number of individuals hospitalised with both flu and Covid has reached its peak this winter. In the week ending December 31, the admission rate for flu patients was 6.8 per 100,000 people, marking the sixth consecutive weekly increase from the previous week's 5.1. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) now categorises flu admissions as having a "medium impact" on hospitals. Although the current levels are lower than the same period last year when the rate was 12.7 per 100,000, and the UK was experiencing its most severe flu season in a decade, the recent surge is expected to exacerbate the strain on NHS hospitals in England. These hospitals are already grappling with the longest strike in history by junior doctors, heightened staff sickness rates, and an increase in other seasonal viruses, making them exceptionally busy.

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Labour pledges to address school absences Labour has pledged to address the issue of school absences and work towards mending the "broken relationship between schools and families." This commitment is part of a broader initiative that also aims to tackle the child mental health crisis, setting the stage for competing policy announcements from Labour and the government later this week.

Bridget Phillipson, the shadow education secretary, is scheduled to outline the "generational challenges" confronting schools and pupils in England during a significant speech on Tuesday. This comes on the heels of an announcement by the education secretary, Gillian Keegan, detailing the government's latest measures to address school attendance rates in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic.

Labour's proposals encompass the provision of additional mental health counsellors for secondary

Bridget Phillipson

schools and the implementation of universal free breakfast clubs for every primary school pupil in England. Notably, education policy is devolved to national governments, so these plans specifically apply to England.

Phillipson emphasised the role of parents in the initiative, urging them to consider the impact of taking their children out of school for non-essential reasons.

She highlighted the potential harm to children's life chances, stressing the irreplaceable nature of the school experience and childhood.

Survey finds British media contributes to Hinduphobia A survey conducted by diaspora advocacy group Insight UK reveals that some reporting in mainstream British media is contributing to Hinduphobia.

The report, titled 'British Media and Perception: How does the British Media portray Hindus and Indians?,' shares insights from a study conducted last year to understand the sentiments of the British Hindu and British Indian communities regarding their portrayal by the UK news media.

Key findings from the report include: - 81% felt that media reports on India result in negative perceptions

of Indians.

79% felt that media reports on Hinduism result in negative perceptions of Hindus.

- 59% felt that media reporting led to them being a victim or witness of prejudice against Hindus.

Respondents pointed out that reporting contributes to Hinduphobia and often focuses on stereotypes such as "cows, curry, and caste." The report emphasises the importance of examining how the media portrays specific communities to promote fairness, accuracy, and inclusivity, challenging biases and stereotypes.

-

Gap in earnings for minority women A recent analysis of pay data by the Fawcett Society has revealed alarming pay gaps in the UK, particularly affecting women of Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage. On average, these women earn nearly a third less per hour than white British men.

The findings, released on Ethnicity Pay Gap Day 2024, highlight significant wage gaps for mixed-race women and women of Black Caribbean heritage, who

earn a quarter less than their white male counterparts.

The data underscores substantial differences not only between various groups of women but also reveals a more considerable wage gap when compared to men.

Specifically, there is a 14.7% pay gap between women of Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage and white British women. When compared to white British men, this gap widens to 28.4%.

Investigation into prison worker's alleged relationship with killer A female prison worker is currently under investigation for her alleged involvement in a sexual relationship with Jordan McSweeney, the convicted killer of Zara Aleena, within the high-security Belmarsh jail.

McSweeney, 30, was sentenced to life in December 2022 for stalking, sexually assaulting, and murdering the 35-year-old aspiring lawyer in east London in June of the same year. The reported incident took place just months after McSweeney commenced his 33-year minimum life sentence at HMP Belmarsh.

Zara Aleena

Jordan McSweeney

The inmate and the female employee, who was not a serving prison officer, were allegedly discovered together in a locked room within one of the maximum-security wings.

In response, the 32-year-

old woman was immediately suspended from her duties, prompting an internal investigation by the Ministry of Justice.

Additionally, the police were notified, leading to a criminal probe.

The

unnamed suspect was arrested on suspicion of committing misconduct in public office and later released under investigation.

The ministry released a statement, stating that it would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.

McSweeney, a repeat offender with a criminal record dating back to the age of 12, had been released from jail only nine days before the assault on Aleena.

The convicted individual admitted to the murder but chose not to attend the sentencing at the Old Bailey.

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Cleverly apologises for date rape 'joke', defends Home Office Home Secretary James Cleverly issued a "heartfelt" apology on Monday for making a joke about spiking his wife's drink, following calls from women's rights groups for his resignation.

Cleverly made the offcolour remark at a Christmas drinks reception with journalists.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, he acknowledged that the comment had been hurtful to some individuals and emphasised the sinceri-

James Cleverly

ty of his apology. Cleverly defended his record on the issue of drink spiking,

pointing out that he had introduced legislation to address the problem on the same day as the reception.

He stated, "It is something that I've driven into the department from day one. So I hope that I'll be judged on my actions on this - my commitment on this is completely undiminished." Cleverly also highlighted his past efforts, mentioning that as Foreign Secretary, he implemented targets to ensure aid spend-

ing supported women and girls.

The controversy arose when the Sunday Mirror reported that Cleverly had made comments at a Downing Street event, suggesting putting "a little bit of Rohypnol in her drink every night" and making a disturbing remark about the secret to a long marriage.

Women's rights groups and others criticised these comments, leading to calls for Cleverly's resignation.

Sadiq Khan exploring free WiFi for London Sadiq Khan is currently exploring the feasibility of establishing a free WiFi network that would cover the entire city of London.

The Mayor of London envisions that an open access network could be beneficial for visitors navigating the city, facilitating business transactions, and supporting the increasing number of remote workers taking advantage of flexible working conditions.

The mayor's team suggests that a free WiFi network could also be advantageous for international tourists, who often encounter high mobile roaming costs for 4G and 5G services in the UK. Additionally, many Londoners might find free WiFi hotspots useful to avoid exceeding their mobile data plans.

To kickstart this initiative, the mayor has allocated

Sadiq Khan

£20,000 to develop a plan aimed at enhancing connectivity across the capital. Key

stakeholders, including the Wireless Broadband Alliance, Wi-Fi and mobile network operators, boroughs overseeing key destinations in the city, and international cities with open access internet, will be consulted.

A consultation process, led by telecoms and digital infrastructure specialists, is underway, and it is expected to provide recommendations early in the new year.

Ex-Lord Mayor calls title removal bid 'discriminatory’

Britain's top police chief deems force racist The head of the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) in Britain, Gavin Stephens, has emerged as the highest-ranking current leader to acknowledge the existence of institutional racism within the police force.

He is advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of national policies and practices to eradicate discrimination. Stephens, elected by his fellow chief constables to lead the NPCC, asserted that black individuals should no longer face disproportionately high levels of force, expressing disappointment at the slow progress in reforming policing. He emphasised that his personal belief is that discrimination operates at an institutional level within the police.

These statements come at a time when the policing community is grappling with the longstanding debate on whether it should acknowledge and address institutional discrimination.

His remarks are expected to intensify pressure on top officials of England's major police forces, including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, to acknowledge and address the issue.

Rowley had previously rejected the terms "institutionally racist" and "institu-

An ex-Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Mohammed Afzal, is facing potential loss of honorary privileges amid allegations of distributing packs of dates to voters and providing false information to an election court.

The 78-year-old, who also serves as the chair of Birmingham Central Mosque, contends that age and race are factors driving a 'discriminatory' attempt to remove him

Mohammed Afzal

from his duties as an honorary alderman of the city.

Three quarters of autistic children neurodivergent

Gavin Stephens

tionally misogynistic," citing unclear meanings in response to a critical report last year.

In 2022, there was a debate among police chiefs regarding whether to acknowledge institutional racism within their organizations. Most police chiefs were reportedly against making such an admission.Police Scotland, the second-largest police force in the UK, along with Avon and Somerset police and the British Transport Police, accepted that the term "institutional racism" applied to their organizations. However, the three largest police forces in England—the Metropolitan Police (Met), West Midlands Police, and Greater Manchester Police—all disagreed with this characterization.

Three quarters of children (76.2%) who were diagnosed with autism also had traits of other neurodivergent neurotypes – including traits associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning and motor differences – according to a new study.

The research – led by the University of Glasgow and published in PLOS One – found that more than half (55.6%) of children referred for autism assessment may also meet the diagnostic threshold for ADHD, and certainly

have at least some significant ADHD traits. The study only looked at a small selection of possible neurotypes, suggesting the actual number of children with autism and other neurotypes may be higher.

This study is believed to be the first time the level of overlap of different neurodivergence in children has been studied in Scotland, where services are aiming to move away from single neurotype assessments to a more holistic assessment model, where all possible overlapping neurotypes are explored and identified.

A meeting of the city council is scheduled for next week to discuss Afzal's future.

Despite not facing criminal charges related to the incidents, dubbed 'Dategate' due to the packs of dried fruits involved, calls for consequences stem from strong criticisms of his conduct in a legal judgment following the electoral case.

The judge ruled that Afzal had presented evidence he

likely knew was false. In a last-minute attempt to withdraw a legal bid to annul election results, Afzal faced additional scrutiny when evidence revealed his presence during the distribution of fruit packs to voters.

The court ultimately issued a ruling sharply criticising Afzal's actions. The Labour Party has suspended him in connection with the allegations.

Millions more people receive GP appointments: NHS Four million more GP appointments a month are being delivered for patients compared to the same month before the pandemic, as part of the NHS primary care access recovery plan.

New NHS data published today shows more than 31.4 million appointments (excluding vaccinations) were delivered by GP practices in November 2023, making it the busiest November on record for GP teams.

More than two fifths (42.6%) of appointments

were booked and attended on the same day, up 3.3% on the previous month and almost seven in ten appointments were attended within seven days of booking, up 4.5% on the previous month.

Other appointments such as vaccinations and routine follow up appointments are booked further in advance.

Every GP practice must offer face to face appointments as well as telephone and online consultations, with some patients choosing remote appointments where it is clinically appropriate.

Strike sees peak in ambulance arrivals Ambulance arrivals and calls for health advice in England reached their highest levels of the winter this week amid growing tensions between doctors and health leaders over ongoing strike action.

Data published revealed that 93,500 ambulances transported patients to hospitals, with a more than a

third increase in hospitalizations for flu compared to the previous week. Additionally, the number of patients with Covid-19 surged by 72% in a month. NHS 111 staff answered 444,285 calls, almost 34,000 more than during the same week the previous year.

Professor Julian Redhead,

NHS England's national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, issued a warning that the pressure would persist due to an unprecedented six-day consecutive walkout by junior doctors. The strained relations between the British Medical Association (BMA), representing striking medics,

and health leaders have intensified, fuelled by a dispute over when doctors should cross picket lines to support services.

The ongoing challenges in healthcare delivery and strained labour relations contribute to the complex landscape faced by the healthcare system in England.

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“I believe in the transformative power of policy change” - Conservative candidate Dr Vinay Raniga Anusha Singh Dr Vinay Raniga, a distinguished British Indian has been chosen as the parliamentary candidate by the Conservative Party to run in the upcoming UK general election in 2024, representing Oxford & Abingdon.

Dr Raniga comes from a working-class background. His parents migrated from East Africa to the UK in the 1970s, in fear of the sentiments of Idi Amin’s genocide in Uganda spreading to Tanzania and Kenya. His family originates from Gujarat, India. He has values like hard work, integrity, compassion, family, faith, and entrepreneurship.

In an interview with Asian Voice, Dr Raniga discusses his candidacy, constituency and campaign plans.

Below are paraphrased answers from his interview. He was in his scrubs, getting ready for his clinic in the constituency. ow do you believe your background and experiences uniquely qualify you for the career you’re choosing in politics?

My parents have always supported my aspiration through education, encouraging me to apply to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, overcoming logistical challenges and reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of policy changes.

Choosing a career as a dental surgeon, I witnessed firsthand the impact of policies on vital areas like the NHS during the pandemic.

Recognising the importance of

H

Education policy is economic acumen in another area of focus, policymaking, I am driven by the belief that dedicated to conevery child deserves a tributing to my counworld-class education. try at a policy level.

Additionally, fostering This led me to want diversity in politics is to run to be the MP of essential. Encouraging Oxford West & individuals from Abingdon. My comdiverse backgrounds to mitment to this cause run for office is imporstems from the belief tant, but the focus that small policy should always be based changes can have Dr Vinay Raniga on the merit of an indiprofound effects, and vidual. it requires dedicated individuals who understand the responsibility an you outline your campaign of handling taxpayers' money. strategy? How do you plan to hat are the key issues that you connect with voters and communicate feel passionate about your platform effectively? addressing?

I strongly believe in the power of The first is infrastructure, conspeaking to people face-to-face; peosidering that Oxford and Abingdon ple deserve the opportunity to meet are ancient towns! The existing trafand engage with their local reprefic and policy decisions like Low sentatives. Despite the prevalence of Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) social media, I consider knocking on need a thorough and thoughtful someone's door, shaking hands, and review. Another local concern is prohaving in-person conversations as tecting our countryside: the Botley indispensable. While maintaining a West Solar Power Plant will ruin robust online presence is crucial in that. the digital age, personal connections I strongly oppose placing large remain paramount. solar panels in fields, advocating Door-to-door campaigning instead for their installation on allows one to understand my neighbuildings. Understanding and bours' concerns, and learn about the improving flood defence plans is challenges facing their local commualso vital, given recent flooding incinities. Recently, during a canvassing dents in Botley & Abingdon. Of effort in Botley, Oxford, residents course, the future of the NHS is shared their perspectives on issues something I am very passionate such as the Botley West Solar Plant, about. I work n frontline healthcare housing, and difficulties in accessing so I understand what the people GP and dentist appointments. These want so I can take that up the chain. valuable insights can only be

W

C

obtained through direct communication. hat makes Rishi Sunak a strong candidate who deserves to be re-elected as the Prime Minister of the UK? I believe Rishi Sunak has demonstrated a clear and effective plan for the country. We just need to stick to it because it is working. In contrast, Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party appears to lack a substantive plan. Rishi Sunak has a proven track record of competence and diligence. During the pandemic, he played a pivotal role in implementing the furlough scheme, which prevented job losses and sustained the economy. Additionally, he secured funding for the successful vaccine rollout in the UK, making the country one of the first to achieve widespread immunity.

Sunak is strong on the international stage, standing up against Russian aggression against Ukraine and reaping the benefits of Brexit.

Inflation which was at 11% a year ago, has been reduced to less than half that figure. This economic stability has allowed for tax cuts, which will fuel investment and subsequent economic growth. While such achievements take time, the impact is evident in the progress made.

What sets him apart is his humility; he doesn't emphasise his background but focuses on his achievements and contributions. In the pool of candidates aspiring to be Prime Minister, Sunak stands out as the most competent with a clear plan.

W

VFS Global secures global contract for UK citizenship services VFS Global, a prominent outsourcing and technology services provider, has secured the global contract for managing overseas UK visa and citizenship services, including operations in India.

In 2024, VFS Global will establish 240 Visa and Citizenship Application Service (VCAS) Centres for the UK in 142 countries spanning Africa & Middle East, Americas, Australasia & Europe, China & Taiwan, and Asia & Asia Pacific regions. These centres will handle various visa applications, and in some locations, they will also process UK passport applications. The anticipated annual processing capacity of these centres is estimated to be 3.8 million applicants.

Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global, expressed delight at winning the contract and expanding their partnership with the Home Office to become the service provider for all UK visa customers abroad.

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Civic Service held by the Mayor of Ealing to reflect the diversity of the Borough The Mayor of Ealing, Cllr Hitesh Tailor led a New Year Civic Service on 7 January 2024, that was hosted by the Shree Jalaram Mandir & Community Centre in Greenford. Civic Service was held to reflect the diversity of the Borough.

Murray, Rupa Huq, the Deputy Representative Lieutenant, Richard Kornicki, GLA Member Dr Onkar Sahota, Mayor of Harrow Cllr Ramji Chauhan, Mayor of Hillingdon Cllr Shehryar Ahmad Wallana, Mayor of Richmond Cllr

Nikhil Kamath and Dr Neerja Birla's charity roles Indian entrepreneurs Nikhil Kamath and Dr Neerja Birla have been appointed to the India Advisory Council of the British Asian Trust, a charity founded by King Charles when he was the Prince of Wales.

India.

Dr Neerja Birla, the founder and chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, is known for her initiative Mpower, which advocates for positive change in attitudes towards mental

Nikhil Kamath

Dr Neerja Birla

Kamath, a co-founder of Zerodha, one of India's largest stockbrokers, as well as a wealth management firm True Beacon and venture capital firm Gruhas, is recognised as the youngest Indian signatory of "The Giving Pledge," committing to donate at least 50 per cent of his wealth to charity. In his new role with the trust, Kamath aims to address complex social changes in

health. Both Kamath and Birla join the trust alongside other Indian business and philanthropic leaders, including Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and managing of Reliance director Industries, who chairs the India Advisory Council.

Established in 2007, the British Asian Trust claims to have assisted approximately 12 million people across South Asia.

Mayor's Consort of Richmond John Lancaster, Mayor of Harrow Cllr Ramji Chauhan, Mayor of Ealing Cllr HiteshTailor, and Mayor of Hillingdon Cllr Shehryar Ahmad-Wallana

Mayor of Ealing Cllr Hitesh Tailor

Simon Woodroofe (Former Mayor), Onkar Sahota GLA, and Virendra Sharma MP

The Mayor's of Harrow, Eailing and Hillingdon with volunteers of the temple

In the reading, Mayor Cllr Tailor said, “I was honoured that the Mandir was able to host the service and helped to organise a magnificent spiritually uplifting service. I’m proud of the Mandir for how the event was organised and the tremendous work of the Mandir and Community Centre was highlighted to all those who attended.”

The service was attended by all three Ealing MPsVirendra Sharma, James

Suzette Nicholson and Ms Ovessa Iqbal, First Secretary from the Indian High Commission. Other guests included representatives from Hindu organisations, other faiths in the Borough as well as all Mandir Trustees and regular devotees.

The service began with a procession and aarti before an opening introduction from the Mayor’s Chaplin, Acharya Shree Palkeshbhai Trivedi, and a welcome from the Joint President of the

Mandir, Cllr Raj Khiroya, recently appointed the Chairman of Three Rivers District Council.

Hanuman Dass of Go Dharmic set out the essence of Hinduism and the Bhagavad Gita's vision for a better world. He said, “Indian wisdom has great value in tackling climate change, poverty, war and other social issues. The Mayor’s Civic Service gives a platform for bringing our Sanatana values to modern times for the benefit of the world.”

There followed New Year messages from the Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Richard Kornicki, all three Ealing MPs and the Leader of the Council as well as the First Secretary from the Indian

High Commission.

In the closing remark, Cllr Khiroya said, “It was indeed an honour and privilege to host the first-ever Civic Service for His Worshipful the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Hitesh Tailor at the Shree Jalaram Mandir & Community Centre in Greenford. The Mandir was delighted to welcome all distinguished guests on this grand occasion.”

Other attendees included representatives from other Hindu temples in Ealing, the Hindu Forum of Britain, the British Army, The Bhavan, as well as Past Mayors of the Borough.

Members of other faiths were also present.

Photo credit: Raj D Bakrania

Thousands gather for New Year peace prayers at Neasden Temple On New Year's Day, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London, commonly known as Neasden Temple, organised a special prayer session dedicated to seeking blessings for global peace, family harmony, and a safe and successful year ahead for everyone.

and optimism. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has motivated us to cultivate goodwill, unity, and positivity.

Witnessing thousands of people commence the new year with prayers for others was truly heartening."

He continued, "Our hope

Inside the prayer hall of Neasden Temple, hundreds of families, consisting of worshippers from diverse age groups and backgrounds, gathered to actively participate in the sacred ceremony.

Additionally, a substantial number of individuals joined the event online through a live webcast, enabling families across the country and in Europe to engage in prayers from the comfort of their homes.

Yogvivekdas Swami, the Head Swami of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in the UK and Europe, expressed, "The arrival of the New Year brings about a renewal of faith

is that the blessings and positive energy generated during the mahapuja endure throughout 2024 and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on our global community."

The mahapuja, translated as a grand prayer, is an ancient and highly significant holy ceremony involving the invocation of the divine presence of God, followed by offering reverence and devotion. During the ceremony, swamis led various components of the mahapuja, including the chanting of powerful Vedic mantras. To enhance participants' understanding and enjoyment of the ceremony, explanations were shared throughout the event.

London temple idol targeted, community shaken Metropolitan Police officers in London responded to a distressing incident at the Eelapatheeswarar Alayam temple in Wembley over the weekend. The local community was shaken after an aggressive intruder entered the Lord Shiva temple, disregarding pleas from devotees and volunteers to remove his shoes.

The man had to be restrained after he threw one of the sacred idols (murtis) just outside the sanctum sanctorum and smashed an oil lamp (diya) in the sanctum sanctorum.

Rajasingham Jayadevan, the Founder of the temple and the General Secretary of its Board of Trustees, praised the quick response of a devo-

tee and volunteers who restrained the intruder. The police were called to the scene and successfully dealt with the aggressive individual, who also allegedly assaulted one of the police officers.

Jayadevan expressed gratitude for the police's swift and effective response, saying, "We really welcome

their extra support after the truly terrifying incident."

The incident has left the community puzzled, as the temple has peacefully coexisted with a local mosque for the past 20 years, maintaining a relationship of mutual respect. The motivations behind the aggressive intrusion remain speculative at this time.

Kensington Palace exhibit highlights overlooked royal staff stories An upcoming exhibition at Kensington Palace, titled ‘Untold Lives: A Palace at Work,’ will showcase the often-overlooked stories of royal staff who worked behind the scenes in Britain’s palaces dating back to the colonial era.

Scheduled to open in March, the exhibition will feature a portrait of

Abdullah, an Indian "wild cat keeper," as part of a broader exploration of black and South Asian royal servants and attendants present at court since the 18th century.

The display aims to shed light on the contributions of servants and courtiers who played essential roles in running royal palaces throughout the centuries. Abdullah's

role in caring for royal tigers exemplifies the diverse range of duties performed by these individuals.

The exhibition includes various portraits and objects that unveil the untold stories of those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Sebastian Edwards, co-exhibition curator at Historic Royal Palaces, emphasised

the significance of recognising and sharing the stories of these often overlooked individuals.The exhibition will showcase a spectrum of roles, from butlers and cooks to wet nurses and seamstresses, illustrating how these workers utilised their skills and expertise to manage life at court and care for the royal family and their residences.

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Ketan Dattani

Is the celebration our festivals harmful to the environment?

UK Minister visits Tamil Nadu and Gujarat to build closer UK-India trade and innovation partnership Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict arrived in India on Monday 8 January where he launched two new UK-funded sustainability projects.

O

ur South Asian land, rich in culture and diversity, has been a witness to the beauty of nature for countless centuries. Our ancestors, in their wisdom, lived harmoniously with nature, recognising its abundance as a blessing.

However, in recent times, we find ourselves facing challenges that demand our attention. Climate change, pollution, and deforestation threaten the delicate balance that once existed between us and the environment. It is our duty, as inheritors of this magnificent land, to preserve and protect it.

Let us draw inspiration from the traditional practices of our ancestors.

The careful use of resources, the respect for all living beings, and the understanding that we are mere custodians of this Earth are values deeply embedded in our culture.

Our rich cultural heritage is intertwined with nature. The reverence for rivers, mountains, and trees is evident in our traditions and rituals. It is essential to draw inspiration from these practices and incorporate them into our modern lives.

However, that celebration of our festivities often comes at environmental costs, such as: Waste Generation: Festivals often lead to a significant increase in waste generation, especially non-biodegradable items like plastic plates, cups, and decorations.

The use of single-use plastic during festivals contributes to pollution, and improper disposal can harm the environment.

Air and Noise Pollution: Firecrackers, commonly used during festivals, contribute to air and noise pollution. The smoke from fireworks releases harmful chemicals, affecting air quality.

High noise levels can disturb both human and animal life, causing stress and health issues.

Water Pollution: Rituals involving the immersion of idols and religious items in water bodies can lead to water pollution.

The materials used in these items may contain harmful substances that affect aquatic ecosystems.

Deforestation: Most festivals involve the cutting of copious quantities of wood for various rituals and ceremonies.

This contributes to deforestation and habitat loss.

Eco-friendly alternatives are crucial for fostering sustainable celebrations.

By embracing sustainable practices, learning from traditional wisdom, and fostering awareness, we can ensure that the lush landscapes, pristine rivers, and diverse ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.

Let us unite in our commitment to coexist harmoniously with nature, safeguarding the very essence of our South Asian identity.

Lord Ahmad pays tribute to Gandhiji on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Ahmedabad

Whilst in Chennai, the Minister launched a Heat Mitigation project alongside Tamil Nadu’s State Planning Commission. The project will provide recommendations to the Government of Tamil Nadu to address extreme heat-related deaths and the loss of vital ecosystems.

With the Tamil Nadu Department of Environment and Climate Change, he will also launch an Electronic and Battery Waste Management project, which will develop a plan to reduce battery waste.

NHS faces concerns over surge in 'ghost patients' The prevalence of registered patients who may not actually exist has surged by almost two-thirds in the past five years, according to recent data. Termed 'ghost patients,' this phenomenon occurs when GP practices report more patients on their lists than the actual population count, raising concerns about potential financial incentives for practices.

NHS Digital figures, analysed by the PA news agency, revealed that on November 1, 2022, GP practices in England reported 62.9 million registered patients. In contrast, the Office for National Statistics estimated the population of England in 2022 at 57.1 million, indicating a significant discrepancy of about 5.8 million ghost patients associated with surgeries. This surge represents a 61% increase from five years ago when 2018 data suggested around 3.6 million ghost patients.

The financial implications of this disparity are substantial, with GP surgeries potentially receiving an average of £164.64 per registered patient in 2022-23. This could mean practices received an estimated £955 million for patients whose existence is uncertain.

While the Royal College of GPs emphasises efforts to maintain accurate patient lists, factors contributing to discrepancies include the omission of certain patients, such as babies, and those who have relocated or left the surgery.

However, critics, like the TaxPayers’ Alliance, argue that the public is unfairly subsidising GP practices for potentially fictitious patients.

The Minister met with national and local government representatives and talks will be wide-ranging, from clean energy to human rights. He will also discuss progress towards an ambitious trade deal, for which there is strong political will on both sides.

As the states of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are two of India’s largest economies, the Minister utilised his trip to highlight the strong UK-India trade partnership and explore new opportunities to collaborate, including on clean energy growth.

Lord Ahmad Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, UN, and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence said: “Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are leading the way in the development of emerging technologies, and I am delighted to see first-hand British businesses pioneering innovation in the region.

During my visit, I look forward to further promoting joint innovation projects alongside dynamic Indian businesses from renewable manufacturing to financial services. These are made possible through the close trade partnership we have between our two countries.”

Attending the TNGIM in Chennai, a flagship investment summit, Lord Ahmad delivered a keynote speech on the success of innovative UK-India projects in climate and energy.

He continued to showcase the sustain-

Lord Ahmad meets Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin in Chennai

able success of British businesses overseas at a GREAT reception and will see firsthand how British business is supporting clean growth in India.

At the Biennial Investors’ Summit, Vibrant Gujarat, the Minister celebrated the close ties between the UK and India through business, culture, and our great links between our peoples.

While at Vibrant Gujarat, he witnessed the signing of an MoU between the UK’s Abertay University and India’s École Intuit Lab. The partnership agreement will see teaching, research and innovation expertise shared between the two organisations.

Strengthening the UK-India relationship is a key pillar of the UK’s long-term foreign policy, as part of its enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific set out in the Integrated Review Refresh.

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Here’s to a joyful, purposeful and meaningful 2024!

Welcome to 2024!

How was your festive break? For some it may have been busy with family and friends and for others possibly a quiet time for rest and reflection. Did you get embroiled in all the commercial frenzy, plastic-laden gifts, supermarket warfare and noise from social media around Christmas? Or did you embrace the true spirit of Christmas and share love, joy and goodwill around you?

And now it is time to let go of 2023 and reset for the forthcoming year of 2024.

How do we best do this, so that our new year is filled with inspired action, compassion, love and boundless energy? Many of us try to do that by setting new year resolutions and goals at the start of a new year.

What are yours? The New Year resolutions are not just about the usual such asjoining a gym, losing weight, finding a new job, etc. Another approach helps to achieve all these as well as a sense of joy and purpose in one’s life and relationships.

Here are some ways you can make 2024 the best year for you so far.

Start with a clean heart- The first step is to let go of all the emotional baggage of 2023 and not take it with you into 2024. Have you let go of old grudges, offered forgiveness, and started 2024 with a clean heart?

Recycle- It is important to let go of the emotional baggage as well as the physical clutter left from wrapping paper, cards, and plastic packing from food and drinks during Christmas. Did you recycle and reuse all this in the right way? It is still not too late. Look up your local council website on how to recycle it appropriately and aim to keep this up for the coming year. This will help to reduce the burden on our planet from the colossal amounts of waste and keep your physical space at home clean and clear for inspired action.

Gratitude - Did you give gratitude for all the good things in 2023? No matter how challenging last year may have been, there are always positives we can draw out and be thankful for. My team and I wish to express our deep gratitude to everyone for their support and care extended to us during 2023 and for helping us create and deliver Well-being to countless individuals and businesses.

Setting purposeful and meaningful goals- What are your talents and skills? How can you use these this year to help others and make this world a better place? We all have unique attributes and talents that can enhance other people's lives so find a way of sharing these and making a difference.

Time in nature- Just because it is winter, does not mean we cannot be outside in nature. I find the hazy, dewy light during winter and the bare trees and branches have a certain beauty and charm about them. Soak the daylight and the beauty of the winter landscape every day. It will lift your spirit and provide the zeal needed for the coming year.

Read- It is easy to be drawn to the countless TV channels and pass the winter slouched on the couch in front of the TV. Instead, cosy up and read a book to stimulate the body and brain cells with a good self-help book or go on an adventure with a fiction book.

Let us together, make this the best year so far, for as many people as possible.

Hansa Pankhania- UK

Police identify man fatally stabbed in north London A 29-year-old man who was fatally stabbed in north-west London has been identified as Ahmed Jama. The Metropolitan Police were alerted by the London Ambulance Service to an incident on the Abbey estate near St John's Wood just after 7:30 pm on Friday, December 29.

Ahmed was discovered injured and received initial medical assistance from paramedics at the scene. He was then transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries later that evening. Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson, leading the investigation, urged anyone with information about the stabbing or those responsible to come forward.

Twins born on separate days, four weeks early Twins born to Adeeqa Parveen Ali, 31, and her partner Faisal Imran from Livingston, West Lothian, provided their parents with an early and special festive gift. The twins, a baby boy named Jami and his sister Rumi, arrived four weeks before their expected due date at St John’s Hospital on Christmas Eve. Although Jami and Rumi were born on consecutive days, they will not share the same birthday. Jami, weighing 5lb 8oz, was born at 11:44 pm on Christmas Eve, while Rumi, weighing 4lb 2oz, arrived almost an hour later at 12:27 am on Christmas Day.

KAPIL’S

Historic opening of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya As we witness the historic moment of the opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, it’s a proud moment for the Indians worldwide. This monumental occasion is not just a symbolic representation of faith but a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of our nation.

The journey leading to the establishment of the Ram Mandir has been a long and challenging one, marked by legal deliberations and societal dialogues.

The construction and inauguration of the Ram Mandir mark a significant milestone in the hearts of millions who hold Lord Ram in deep reverence.

May the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya be a beacon of peace, harmony, and spiritual enlightenment for generations to come.

We look forward to reading all the details in your newspaper, as British newspapers don’t report much on the preparations.

Jay Siya Ram… Ankit Parekh

Health feature in Asian Voice I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for the insightful and comprehensive health feature presented in the recent issue of Asian Voice dated 06 January 2024.

The feature, "Healthy Living" curated for readers, offers a wealth of information and expert insights on various aspects of healthcare, ranging from women’s health and mental well-being to fitness and nutrition including dental and importance of ayurveda. The inclusion of diverse perspectives and expert opinions makes it a valuable resource for readers seeking guidance on complete well-being. Loved reading your articles on Yoga, PCOS and detoxication. The in-depth exploration of medical tourism from the UK to India is particularly enlightening.

As someone who places great importance on the care of my skin and hair, Dr Natasha's article captured my keen interest.

I believe that this feature is a valuable resource for all the readers of Asian Voice. It is indeed a great contribution to fostering a healthier and happier new year in 2024.

A Gujarati translation of those articles for our elderly family members in Gujarat Samachar will benefit them.

Maybe the editors can help with that?

Ravya Singh

Elections around the corner Elections are just around the corner and the political parties have started to embark upon their respective charm offensives to woo the voters. These political parties have created a nation reeling from social, political, economic and religious schisms. The voters have tried voting for all the parties but have not been able to find a leader who couldrule the country properly and bring down corruption.

One can only hope that our next leader will turn out to be a saviour for the country.

Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai, India

Akshata Murty donates Koru Kids shares post-breach Akshata Murty, the revealed that millionaire busiSunak failed to nesswoman and properly declare wife of UK Prime his wife's shareMinister Rishi holding in Koru Sunak, has donated Kids, which could her shares in the benefit from a govAkshata Murty childcare company ernment childcare Koru Kids to charity. This policy announced in the decision comes amid conprevious year's budget. cerns about potential conIn the spring budget, a flicts of interest and pilot scheme was proposed whether she might benefit to incentivise people to from government policies become childminders, and related to childcare.

Koru Kids, a childcare services provider, was among Representatives for six private childcare Murty stated that she made providers involved in the the decision to exit her initiative. The parliameninvestment to avoid any tary standards watchdog unfair distractions for the concluded in August that company, allowing it to Sunak inadvertently focus on its work and breached the code of congrowth. The move follows duct by not properly declarscrutiny over potential coning his wife's shareholding. flicts of interest after it was

Kapil Dudakia

KHICHADI

Feeling Good - 2024 It's a new dawn, It's a new day, It's a new life, For me, And I'm feeling good.

For many of you, the lyrics of the song ‘Feeling Good’ can inspire you into the new year with great optimism. In a world that seems to be in perpetual selfdestruction. A world that appears to find new ways to galvanise its inhumanity. A world where greed and intolerance have become virtues for some. A world where hate replaces love, anarchy replaces peace, injustice replaces righteousness, and a world where violence is seen as a legitimate first step to ‘reconciling’ difference. It can be difficult to get up in the morning and feel good.

However, for me regardless of any immediate issues or problems around me, around the nation or around the world – I wake up feeling good. Some might think this is madness, but for me feeling good is a state of mind. As an individual there is a limit to what I can do to change the world. I may strive to affect change via Kapil’s Khichadi, or via my public speaking, orvia the daily tasks one performs. The easiest thing I can do is to affect change within, so that how I see the world around me is seen througheyes that seek out the nuggets of gold from the rubbish of human envy.

Yes folks, it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me, and I'm feeling good in 2024.

2024 will bring forth utter madness in the UK as we work towards our general elections. Keir Starmer appears to be running away with the election, but will Jeremy Corbyn and the Muslim community throw a spanner in the works anddismantle Labour’s plans for total victory? Time will tell.

For PM Modi the future looks bright. He represents a global leader who puts nation first. Whilst I have often questioned the rate of change over the past 9 years, there is no doubt that PM Modi is a breath of fresh air not just for Bharat, but also for the world. In 2024 with the inauguration of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, he sends a signal to everyone that India is Bharat first. The ills of the past, the corrupt narrative of history written by invaders will be corrected, and the true custodians of Bharat will rise up and lead the world into a new era. I am feeling good, of course I am.

This dharmic energy affects the world as wellin a positive way. A brush with PM Modi and the PM of Italy, Giorgia Meloni has become a fan. Other leaders in Europe who have mischaracterised India are now seriously looking at their own imperial prejudicethat gets in the way of them being on the right side of India.We hear that President Emmanuel Macron took less than a second to accept the invite from India to attend as chief guest of honour to mark India’s Republic Day. No sooner will Shri Ram Mandir be inaugurated; PM Modi will travel to Abu Dhabi to inaugurate the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Mandir. For the MiddleEast this is a genuine crossroads in history. Whilst Abu Dhabi leads, the rest of the Middle East lags significantly with many nations openly hostile to India and Indians. Maybe this seed of love, peace and reconciliation can encourage the growth for better relations between nations.

In America, a nation of extremes, the madness continues. Will President Trump 2.0 be in power? The answer is yesif they allow him to stand. As it is, every public institution is currently engaged in every tactic to stop the former president from standing for the highest office. I suspect the drama has just started. Will President Trump be feeling good in 2024? Time will tell.

Israel has shown the world, enough is enough. It has given a response to the Palestinian terrorists that redefines the scope of what a nation can to do to defend itself and its people. India should take note, as should India’s neighbours!

In the age of Kali, we muststrive to find our own nirvana. Feeling good is a state of mind. Whilst everything around us goes mad, it’s up to us to seek out the shoots of positive energy. Be the changeourselves and do our karma with steadfastness.

A happy new year to all of you. Have a great 2024.

We are grateful to all letter writers for more and more versatile letters well within word limit.

Please keep contributing as always.

If you are new, then write to Shefali at shefali.saxena@abplgroup.com

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Hinduism cements the diversity of North and South of India Nitin Mehta In their efforts to solidify control over India, the British employed a strategy of divide and rule, consistently seeking opportunities to implement it. Among these tactics, one of the most detrimental was the promotion of the notion that Northern Aryans and Southern Dravidians were distinct from each other. The narrative instilled in us was that the Aryans had invaded Europe, imposing their culture specifically on the southern regions of India.

Ample evidence in our scriptures suggests that Aryans were the original inhabitants of India, covering a vast expanse, including regions such as Afghanistan, Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Contrary to common misconceptions about our spiritual heritage, where some believe that Shaiva traditions prevail in the South and Vaishnava traditions in the North, the reality is that the principal Vaishnava schools of thought originated in South India. Ramanuja, born in 1017 in what is now Tamil Nadu, played a crucial role in propagating Vaishnavism, as did the Alwars. Madhavaharya, born in 1238 in Karnataka, and Adi Shankara, born in 788 in Kerala, also contributed to the dissemination of Vaishnavism.

Adi Shankara's renowned poem, 'Bhaja Govindam,' encourages worship of Govinda or Krishna. In the South, different names are used for Krishna and Vishnu. In the Tamil language, Krishna is also referred to as Parthsarthi and Kanan, while in Karnataka, he is known as Venugopala Swamy. Kerala observes Janmashtami, grandly celebrating Lord Krishna's birthday, with most people fasting until midnight. The youngest family member is dressed as Krishna for the occasion. The renowned Padmanabhaswamy temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and in Kerala, the Guruvayur temple is revered as the holy abode of Vishnu, popularly known as Krishna.

Lord Ayyappa, considered the son of Hari or Vishnu and Haran (Shiva), holds significance in South Indian culture. Lord Venkateswara, also known as Balaji, represents one of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Additionally, Lord Murugan, son of Parvati and Shiva and brother of Ganesha, is known as Karthikeya.

The celebrated poet, saint, and philosopher of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvalluvar (31 BC), in his book Thirukkural, does not make any mention of Dravidian culture. The Ramayana story unfolds in South India, involving the kidnapping of Sita, the killing of Jatayu by Ravana, the construction of the bridge by Lord Rama's monkey army, and Lord Hanuman's flight to Sri Lanka. Before going to war against Ravana, Lord Rama performs a Shiv Puja, and upon his return, he again conducts a Shiv Puja to atone for killing Ravana, who was a Brahmana.

Tens of thousands of devotees, hailing from the Southern States, make pilgrimages to the revered temple of Ramesavaram, fervently chanting 'Jai Shri Ram.' Additionally, the renowned Tirupati Balaji temple in Andhra Pradesh stands as a testament to devotion, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a revered form of Lord Vishnu.

The rich tapestry of South Indian culture is vividly expressed through traditional dance forms such as Bharat Natyam, where performances consistently weave narratives of Rama, Krishna, and Shiva stories.

Addressing the language controversy surrounding the imposition of Hindi, Prime Minister Modi has taken measures to neutralize tensions, affirming the importance of all languages across India and outlining plans to promote regional languages.

During my recent travels in South India, I observed a notable absence of antipathy towards the Hindi language, with many individuals proficiently conversing in Hindi. This trend is inevitable as people across India increasingly relocate to different states for work and business opportunities.

In conclusion, the unifying thread of Hinduism cements the bond between North and South India.

Attempts to create division are destined to falter in the face of this strong cultural and spiritual connection.

Mayor allocates funds for free school meals in Brent Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has pledged to continue funding the universal free school meals policy, benefiting 11,502 children in Brent for an additional academic year. This move will save London families up to £1,000 over two years and is part of the Mayor's broader £135 million program, currently delivering meals to approximately 287,000 children daily.

Under the proposed extension, Brent will receive £3 per meal, an 18.5 percent increase compared to the amount provided by the government. This funding aims to support children who do not qualify for government

Sadiq Khan

Krupesh Hirani AM

assistance, ensuring they receive free meals for another year.

Sadiq Khan's initiative has made this academic year the first time that free school meals are universally available to all primary-aged pupils in mainstream

schools, special schools, and pupil referral units in London. Previously, children in Years 3 to 6 received free school meals only if their households earned less than £7,400 per year, excluding benefits.

Krupesh Hirani AM has

Cameron concerned over Israel's Gaza actions On Tuesday, Britain's foreign minister, David Cameron, expressed concern about the possibility of Israel breaching international law in Gaza. While Cameron indicated that the advice he had received suggested Israel's compliance, he acknowledged lingering questions.

During a parliamentary session, when asked if Israel might face a challenge at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the proportionality of its actions, Cameron stated that the stance was "close to that."

Although Britain supports Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas attacks,

Cameron urged the military to exercise restraint and operate within international law during the Gaza offensive. While Cameron did not directly confirm receiving legal advice on Israel breaking international law, he acknowledged that certain incidents had raised questions about potential breaches.

In response to a question from the foreign affairs committee, Cameron admitted to being worried about possible Israeli actions that could violate international law, emphasising that lawyers would scrutinise incidents and provide advice on potential breaches.

long advocated for universal free school meals, especially given the cost-of-living crisis affecting London families.

Brent alone will be able to provide meals to 11,502 children this academic year, with each child receiving £3 per meal.

In addition to free school meals, City Hall has taken measures to address the costof-living crisis by providing an emergency funding package exceeding £3.5 million since April 2023. This funding has facilitated over 10 million free meals during school holidays and weekends, supporting low-income Londoners grappling with the escalating cost of living.

England conducts nearly 3 million urgent cancer tests In the past 12 months, new analysis from NHS England reveals that nearly three million individuals underwent urgent cancer checks, marking a surge of over a quarter compared to prepandemic levels.

The government underscores the critical nature of early disease detection for improving survival rates, while cancer charities point out unmet targets and prolonged patient wait times for treatment. The analysis discloses that a recordbreaking 2,980,258 individuals in England received urgent cancer checks

between November 2022 and October 2023. This figure reflects a 5% rise from the previous year and a substantial 26% surge from the same period in 2018-2019, before Covid.

Several factors contribute to the increased urgent referrals from GPs, including rising cancer rates due to an ageing UK population, individuals postponing care during the pandemic now seeking medical attention, and enhanced awareness generated by public campaigns and high-profile cancer cases.

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Children's doctor struck off of medical register A disgraced children's doctor, Salman Siddiqi, who had arranged to meet an underage boy for sexual purposes on hospital grounds, has been removed from the medical register.

Salman Siddiqi, aged 45, fell into a trap set by a selfproclaimed "paedophile hunter" posing as a 14-yearold boy. The meeting was arranged at Siddiqi's lodgings at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate, Kent.

Siddiqi pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child and attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a sex offence, resulting in a

Dr Salman Siddiqi

28-month jail sentence. It came to light that Siddiqi, an intensive care paediatrician, had continued treating children despite a prior police caution for indecent exposure.

Currently held at HMP Maidstone, Siddiqi opted not

to attend his three-day hearing at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester. The tribunal panel determined that Siddiqi's actions undermined his fitness to practice, leading to his removal from the medical register.

Mukesh Shah, a man who engaged in indecent behaviour by masturbating in front of a lone woman on the London Underground, has been sentenced to nine months in prison. The incident occurred on November 4, 2022, when Shah, aged 43 and residing in Primrose Way, Wembley, boarded a Piccadilly Line carriage between Sudbury Town and Acton around 11:40 pm.

Shah intentionally chose to sit diagonally opposite the only other person in the carriage, a woman. She observed him staring at her, causing dis-

Source: British Transport Police

Man jailed for masturbating on Piccadilly Line train

Mukesh Shah

comfort, before realising he was exposing his genitals and engaging in inappropriate behaviour. Despite the victim recording Shah in an attempt to deter him, he continued his actions.

When confronted, Shah denied any wrongdoing but eventually moved along the carriage.

The brave victim reported the incident to the British Transport Police, leading to Shah's identification from the video evidence. On December 18, he was sentenced to nine months in prison for indecent exposure at London Inner Crown Court.

Additionally, Shah was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years and subjected to a 10year sexual harm prevention order.

Prince Andrew reported to police after Epstein links Prince Andrew has been reported to the police after being mentioned numerous times in documents related to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The head of an antimonarchy group has contacted the Metropolitan Police, urging King Charles to make a public statement about newly released records linked to the 2015 case.

The new court documents allege that Prince Andrew participated in an "underage orgy" on Jeffrey Epstein's island. According to the records, an accuser

identified as Jane Doe 3 claims she was instructed to engage in sexual activities with the Duke of York while still a minor, in three different locations, including Epstein's private island in the US Virgin Islands during an orgy involving other underage girls. However, Prince Andrew has consistently denied the accusations against him.

The anti-monarchy activist group Republic has reported Prince Andrew to the police and called for the Metropolitan Police to initiate a criminal investigation into the Duke of York. The

Prince Andrew

Metropolitan Police has stated that it will not take further action regarding allegations made against Epstein in August 2022.

Starmer proposes a two-year tax freeze sans growth Keir Starmer has suggested that a Labour government might need to delay personal tax cuts for up to two years unless there is a substantial improvement in economic growth.

The Labour leader expressed his desire on Friday to "lower the tax burden on working people" but emphasised the importance of avoiding unfunded

promises, referencing Liz Truss's approach. This stance creates a distinction from Rishi Sunak's Conservatives, as the Prime Minister has committed to providing additional personal tax cuts leading up to the 2024 general election.

Speaking during an LBC radio phone-in, Sir Keir stated, “I do want to see a lower tax burden on work-

ing people ... I do want to do that.” He emphasised that the key to tax reductions lies in "growing the economy." However, he also stressed the necessity of avoiding the pitfalls of making promises that are unfunded and unaffordable, citing the example of Liz Truss and the subsequent economic repercussions.

in brief

£90,000 champagne POLLING EXPERT purchased in ANTICIPATES FARAGE'S House of Lords FORMER PARTY IMPACT New figures reveal that nearly £90,000 worth of champagne was purchased for events within the House of Lords and from its gift shop last year, marking the highest level in five years.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) obtained details of these sales, which amounted to 1,589 bottles. The SNP criticised the spending, arguing that it highlights the House of Lords as "archaic and out of touch" amid a cost-of-living crisis. The SNP, which opposes the unelected second chamber, does not have representatives in the House of Lords. Tommy Sheppard, SNP MP for Edinburgh East, remarked, "A parliament where unelected Lords glug fizz and collect £342 a day just for showing up is not a parliament fit to properly represent the people."

According to figures obtained through a freedom of information request, the House of Lords spent £88,987 on 1,589 bottles of champagne over the year, averaging about £56 per bottle. This cost is a slight increase from the 2022 total, where 1,580 bottles were sold at a cost of £85,462.

In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for the House of Lords stated that all alcohol, including champagne, sold within the House of Lords is done so at a profit.

Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh dies at 61 Camila Batmanghelidjh, the founder of the renowned Kids Company children's charity and a prominent advocate for disadvantaged youngsters in the UK, has passed away at the age of 61.

Batmanghelidjh, Camila recognised for her Batmanghelidjh charismatic personality, vibrant attire, and fervent dedication to social justice for children, had been facing illness for an extended period. Despite her health challenges, she showed resilience in recent weeks. She peacefully passed away on New Year's Day after celebrating her birthday with family and friends.

In a statement, her family said: “It is with great sadness that the family of Camila Batmanghelidjh announce her passing. She died peacefully in her sleep the night of 1 January, following a birthday celebration with her family.

“Camila dedicated her life to advocating for Britain’s most vulnerable children. She was the founder of two groundbreaking charities, Place2Be and Kids Company, which pioneered new therapeutic and clinical models to achieve a singular goal: ‘To see children and young people become safe and able to realise their potential.’”

Record diversity predicted in next Parliament The upcoming general election is poised to usher in the most diverse Parliament to date, with a comprehensive analysis of candidate selections in winnable seats indicating record numbers of ethnic minority and female MPs, as per a study by the think tank British Future.

The study predicts a notable increase in the number of ethnic minority MPs, rising from the current 65 to a potential 83, irrespective of the election outcome. If the number surpasses 75, it would signify a fivefold increase within a span of 15 years, considering that there were only 15 ethnic minority MPs out of 650 in the 2005 to 2010 parliament.

According to predictions from polling expert Sir John Curtice, the Conservative Party might face the risk of losing voters to both the Labour Party and the Reform UK Party in an upcoming general election. Reform UK, a right-wing fringe party originally founded as the Brexit Party in November 2019 under the leadership of Nigel Farage, gained prominence for advocating a nodeal Brexit. Curtice, speaking on the BBC's World At One on Monday, noted that if the opinion polls are accurate, Reform UK is emerging as a concern for the Conservatives. In essence, Curtice pointed out that the Conservatives are losing votes to Reform UK as significantly as they are to the Labour Party, suggesting a potential challenge for the Conservative Party in retaining its voter base.

LINGUISTS SAY SWEARING GAINS BROADER SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE Linguistics experts suggest that swearing has gained broader acceptance over the past two decades because it is increasingly employed for purposes beyond merely insulting people.

The two most commonly used swearwords in the UK, "fuck" and "shit," are now frequently utilised to emphasise a point in conversation or to strengthen social bonds, rather than with a primary intent to cause offense, according to academic researchers. These observations come in the wake of BBC presenter Mishal Husain using strong language seven times in less than a minute during an interview with Home Secretary James Cleverly. The interview, conducted on Radio 4’s Today program, focused on recent accusations against Cleverly, including whether he had described a person or a place as a "shit-hole."

NHS CHIEF CAUTIONS ENGLAND'S TRUSTS STRETCHED TO LIMITS An NHS executive has issued a warning that his trust is currently "stretching to the limit to provide safe care" amid ongoing junior doctors' strikes. He cautioned that further walkouts could impede efforts to reduce long waiting times, a key priority for Rishi Sunak last year, given the consistent concern among voters about the state of the health service. As the NHS faces what many consider to be its most challenging period of the winter, with ongoing doctors' strikes, there are already indications that additional strikes may hamper progress in addressing waiting times. Despite some trusts declaring critical incidents due to the strain, junior doctors' leaders have expressed readiness to support further strikes.

BRIGHTON ENGULFED IN FURY AMID RATINFESTED RUBBISH In affluent Brighton, rats are taking advantage of the heaps of rotting rubbish accumulating in the streets, a consequence of an ongoing strike by bin men. Disturbing images depict residents navigating through paths cluttered with overflowing bins reaching heights of 10 feet.

Concerns are rising as the strike, now in its seventh day, may extend for another five weeks, potentially turning the city into a hygiene hazard before a resolution is reached.

Representatives from the GMB union recently left a meeting with the Green-led council after rejecting the latest pay offer. The union members departed before the council officers had completed presenting their proposal, as reported by Brighton and Hove News.

Originally, the bin men, employed by the firm Cityclean, had planned to resume work briefly to clear the streets before initiating another strike from October 21 to November 3. However, they have now indicated that they will not return until the middle of the following month.

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Balancing act: Women End societal pressure for women's childbearing choices: Loughborough professor excelling in multitasking roles Motherhood may not be suitable for everyone, argues Professor Pragya Agarwal from Loughborough University, emphasising that society should cease imposing undue pressure on women to have children.

In an article published by The Conversation, the Visiting Professor of Social Inequities and Injustice contends that "society's idealisation of motherhood benefits no one."

Professor Agarwal highlights the societal tendency to perceive women who choose not to have children as outsiders. She criticises the language used, such as 'childless' or 'childfree,' which she believes

unfairly casts those without children as lacking.

According to her, the prevailing narrative not only expects women to become mothers but also demands that they conform to a specific notion of the 'right kind of mother.' She questions why society insists on pressuring individuals, particularly women, to prioritise motherhood as their primary goal, only to subsequently label them as inadequate, inattentive, or neglectful mothers.

The professor observes that women often delay making pregnancy decisions while seeking the

"perfect time." Although this may seem like autonomy, she argues that it often stems from enduring gender inequalities. Women lack the privilege and support to have children at 'less convenient' times due to persistent societal disparities.

Professor Pragya asserts that, despite contemporary beliefs, women do not enjoy the same status as men.

She points out a significant increase in the number of single parents in the UK but underscores the existing social and practical barriers that hinder individuals from being single parents.

Polar Preet returns to break Antarctica record Captain Hapreet Chandi, the renowned British Indian Army officer nicknamed Polar Preet for her numerous groundbreaking Polar expeditions, has returned to the Antarctic, aiming to secure yet another Guinness World Record.

In just over 31 days, Preet successfully completed the solo unsupported 1,130 km expedition, a feat that, once verified by Guinness World Records, would mark her third world record following two previous record-breaking Polar expeditions.

In a New Year's Eve blog update, Polar Preet disclosed her accomplishment: "Sooooo... I did it again... just a little faster. I came back to

Captain Hapreet Chandi

Antarctica this year but without letting the world know in advance and completed another solo unsupported expedition from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole but with a very specific goal."

This particular expedition presented a unique challenge for Preet,

who expressed uncertainty about her speed but resolved to give her best effort. Commencing her journey from Hercules Inlet on the Ronne Ice Shelf on November 26, 2023, she reached the South Pole on December 28, 2023. Throughout the expedition, she skied for an average of 12 to 13 hours a day, pulling a 75kg sled containing all necessary supplies for the demanding terrain.

With the aim of achieving a female speed record, Preet stated, "I completed the solo unsupported 1,130km expedition in 31 days, 13 hours, and 19 minutes. I have applied for the GWR [Guinness World Record] and am awaiting confirmation."

Dubai franchise pioneers coding classes from Scottish EdTech Children in the United Arab Emirates will be learning coding classes thanks to technology pioneered by Glasgow-based British Youth International College (BYITC) founded by Dr Rashmi Mantri.

Veerendra Sawai, a UAE-based entrepreneur and engineer, has become a BYITC franchisee having taught the company’s most popular programme, Supermaths, where instructor-led online classes are being conducted for kids in the area.

The Abacus method teaches

Dr Rashmi Mantri

students how to calculate complex

sums first with a physical abacus board, and then through visualisation. Such has been the success of the abacus classes that Veerendra has now expanded to also offer coding classes.

BYITC started in 2015 when Dr Mantri, taught her son, Dhruv, who was struggling with basic arithmetic how to use the abacus.

Spotting a gap in the market, the software engineer-turnedentrepreneur started her business which has since grown organically and taught thousands of students globally.

Royal Mail releases Spice Girls stamp collection The Spice Girls, with over 100 million global record sales spanning three decades and nine UK number-one singles, are recognized as one of the most successful British bands in music history.

Formed in 1994, the iconic girl band consists of Emma, Geri, Mel B, Melanie C, and Victoria – known as Baby, Ginger, Scary, Sporty, and Posh Spice.

They achieved chart dominance at a time when girl groups were not deemed commercially viable, revolutionizing the music scene with their infectious pop sound and empowering "Girl Power!" philosophy. In a historic move, Royal Mail has dedicated an entire stamp issue to the Spice Girls, marking the first time the postal service has honored a female pop group in this manner.

The Spice Girls join the ranks of only six music groups to feature in a dedicated stamp issue, following The Beatles in 2007, Pink Floyd in 2016, Queen in 2020, The Rolling

Spice Girls

Stones in 2022, and Iron Maiden in 2023.

Expressing their excitement, the Spice Girls collectively stated, “We are so excited to be celebrated

by Royal Mail, alongside some of the most iconic and influential music legends. When we formed the Spice Girls we couldn’t have dreamt that 30 years later we would be the first female group to be dedicated an entire stamp collection, that’s Girl Power.”

In collaboration with Bravado, Universal Music Group’s brand management and merchandise division, Royal Mail worked closely with the band to curate images celebrating the Spice Girls' incredible legacy. The set of 10 stamps features iconic images from group and individual live performances between 1997 and 2012.

Additionally, a miniature sheet includes five stamps featuring individual images of each Spice Girl from the iconic Spice World photoshoot.

The stamps, available for individual pre-order, can be purchased as a presentation pack featuring all 15 stamps in the set. They will go on general sale from January 11.

Anusha Singh omen often find themselves managing a combination of work tasks, responsibilities at home, and potentially additional commitments such as community involvement or educational pursuits. This multitasking skill is particularly evident in careers where women balance demanding job roles with family responsibilities.

They might seamlessly transition from professional meetings to household management, demonstrating a remarkable ability to handle diverse challenges.

One such woman, Punam Nagpal is equipped with a background in journalism and writing; and has prior experience working with a national newspaper and a multinational publishing house.

Currently, she is actively engaged in content creation and curation, predominantly collaborating with companies and startups.

In an interview with Asian Voice, she talks about her work and how she manages to achieve a near-perfect work-life balance. an you share your journey and how you've managed to build a niche for yourself in content creation?

I have a fair number of years of work experience, and yet following the break I took to be the primary caregiver for my son, I had to start as a fresher in my field. I started with freelance work; no project was too small.

The idea was to build a portfolio for my work. The one thing I always aimed for was to deliver more than the expectations of my clients. Work content, deadlines, client meetings, feedback – I always gave more than 100 per cent. This helped build my credibility and people did not hesitate to recommend me to others. It was a long journey but it paid off as I made sure to build the right foundation. I also read a lot and researched thoroughly about the work I undertook so my content delivery was always of a very high quality, and this became my USP. ith your background in journalism and writing, how do you approach content creation for companies and startups differently than traditional journalistic writing?

My training and experience in journalism gave me the right foundation – to read, research, sift the relevant from the irrelevant very quickly and put it together in a logical yet cohesive, user-friendly format. However, having said that writing for startups can be tricky. First I need an intelligent grasp of the product/concept I’m writing about – that needs a lot of research and reading up; next I need to adapt my writing style to the in-house style of the company – that is, the language they “speak” to their clients/consumers of the product. Then I need to tailor it to the format and word limit they require. So it can be quite a juggling act to get it precisely the way the client envisages. There can be quite a bit of to-and-fro with the client team and sometimes you need to convince them that what you’re delivering will work or it can go

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into unlimited iterations. ow did you identify your specific area of expertise, and what advice do you have for others looking to carve out their niche in the tech field?

I did not choose my area of expertise, rather the area chose me. I took on freelance work as it came my way and grew organically from there as the clients who would recommend me tended to be in related fields, so more of the work from the same or similar fields continued to come my way.

It also helps that when you keep working in similar fields, you build up expertise and experience over time and slowly it all adds up to a point where you begin to feel confident in what you’re doing.

My advice to anyone starting out would be to not be afraid. Start small if you need to, but make sure you give your very best even to the smallest projects even if perhaps they don’t pay that well.

Build your credibility, build good relationships and take the time to read well and research your work.

Don’t do a half-baked job and don’t cut corners. ow do you manage your time effectively between your work, professional development, and personal life?

Time management is one of the greatest life skills you can learn. From my own experience, I could not have done the work-life balance if I didn’t manage my time well. I try and keep client meetings for mornings/afternoons so I can be home in the evening for family time. No work on the weekends, even if that means spending a couple of hours working late at night after the family has gone to bed, so I can spend the weekend with them. I use my time spent commuting for client meetings to read/research for my work projects, so that adds hours of productive time to my weekdays. And I always make a priority list of my work, so things get done in order and I’m not panicking at the very last hour.

Updating upcoming work, family and social events on my phone calendar weekly keeps things running smoothly most of the time. ow have you overcome obstacles put in your path professionally and personally?

Obstacles are a given in life. I now, after much experience, like to think of them as growing opportunities. You do grow as a person and a professional when you live through and overcome obstacles. Microaggressions and professional rivalry are a part of life for most of us and my stance has always been to be dignified in such situations and understand what is happening without stooping low.

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Baar Baar Dekho: All eyes on the viral

“Singing Chef” Anusha Singh

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hef Manpreet Singh Ahuja stands as a shining example of multitasking. The chef is an exceptional singer, who recently went viral after sharing a heartwarming kitchen video. The viral video captures Chef Manpreet singing the song 'Baar Baar Dekho' while expertly spreading dosa batter on a griddle.Curious to learn more about the renowned "singing chef," Asian Voice engaged Chef Manpreet Singh in a candid conversation, delving into his profession, musical inclinations, favourite singers, and more.

Initiation into music Chef Manpreet has been involved in singing since the age of four, influenced by his father who had a deep passion for singing. Describing his foray into music, he said, “Despite my father’s excellence in music, my grandfather wasn't entirely supportive. Unable to pursue these dreams himself, he envisioned that I could fulfil them and introduced me to the stage at the tender age of four for my first performance.

“Throughout my school years, my father consistently encouraged me to take the stage on important occasions, effectively nurturing my interest in both singing and stage presence.

This musical journey continued during my college years and seamlessly transitioned into my professional life. Even as I started working, singing remained an integral part of my life.”

About the name “singing chef” and the fame The chef doesn’t perceive himself as someone famous. “There's no fame associated with me. While a small group of people may recognise me, that's about the extent of it”, he says.

The title "singing chef" came about to him accidentally, he stresses.

Chef Manpreet would often find himself singing while cooking and at a notable event at London's Nehru Centre, he had the privilege of being invited to speak about Indian spices to an exclusive audience that included the then Indian High Commissioner Mr Nareshwar Dayal and presidents / CEOs of companies.

Following his wellreceived talk on spices, he decided to conclude uniquely. “Instead of the traditional goodbye, I chose to express my farewell through the song, “Chalte chalte, mere yeh geet yaad rakhna, Kabhi alvida na kehna”. The room resonated with the melody”, he

Chef Manpreet Singh Ahuja recalls. Among the organisers was Frances Mascarenas Malhotra, a lady with a notable background in the beauty pageant world, who suggested that henceforth he be known as the "singing chef," and the term stuck.

“This idea gained traction when Rohit Khattar, the managing director of the organisation I worked for took it further, marketing the concept. The word spread, and soon, enthusiasm for the singing chef followed. This shaped an unique aspect of my identity”, he said.

The reason for choosing a different career Despite his father’s keen interest in seeing him pursue a career in music or cricket, Chef Manpreet didn't venture down that path.

He feels that it was his career that chose him stating, “Academically, I was performing well in school, and perhaps my father felt it was suitable for me to focus on a more conventional career, something he hadn't been able to do. He didn't push me extensively, and while he might have been happier had I chosen a musical or cricketing career, I pursued a different path.

“The journey into the culinary world happened somewhat accidentally.

Somewhere along the way, during both my college years and employment, I became associated with the title of a chef. It seems like my career chose me rather than the other way around, and one thing led to another.

However, singing has always remained an integral part of my life, running parallel to my professional journey.”

Singing his way into people’s hearts In his career, Chef Manpreet has had many Indian patrons inquiring about his singing. After having enjoyed their meals, guests often request to end the dining experience with a song. He recalls instances where notable personalities, such as the yesteryear actress Deepti Naval and socialite Surina Narula, dined at the restaurant he worked at and invited him to perform for them and their group, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience.

About his interaction with people, he said, “Over the years, it became natural for people to approach me and say, ‘You sing? Please,

can you sing for us?’ This interaction added a unique musical dimension to the overall dining experience.”

Behind the viral “Baar Baar Dekho” video Chef Manpreet’s account of the behind-thescenes of his viral video, which has 3.6 million views just on his own Instagram page and counting, is one of the most heartwarming stories. He said, “After 2011, for about 12 years, my passion for singing as a Chef remained somewhat concealed in the public eye until a dear friend and chef, Yogesh Datta suggested that I incorporate my chef's uniform into my singing videos.”

“The unplanned video of me making dosa in his restaurant's kitchen went viral. During a casual visit to his restaurant where I went for a meal, Chef Yogesh jokingly proposed showcasing my singing while doing something in the kitchen.

Spontaneously, we decided on making dosa, and as I sang the popular song "Baar Baar Dekho," one of the chefs even joined in with an impromptu dance behind me. This unexpected and spontaneous occurrence led to the video going viral globally, gaining attention not only for the singing but also for the lively atmosphere created in the kitchen.”

What’s next after the viral video We asked Chef Manpreet about his plans after the viral video and if he intends to market the “Singing Chef” label. He said that none of the social media attention he got has been intentional on his part and so he doesn’t plan on building on it, letting things happen naturally and organically. He said, “It wasn't part of any meticulous planning or a strategic move, but rather an organic, impromptu occurrence that has led to the popularity of my singing reels. My deeply spiritual mother always emphasised the influence of divine blessings in our lives.

“According to her, success, fame, and achievements are bestowed upon us when the Lord Almighty showers us with special blessings. Over the years, I've come to realise the profound truth in her words.

Our efforts alone don't make us famous or successful; it is the divine blessings that play a pivotal role.”

2024 BAFTA Film Awards longlists revealed The 2024 BAFTA Film Awards unveiled longlists on Friday across 24 categories, showcasing films that have advanced to the final round of voting.

Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer," and Martin Scorsese's "Killers Of The Flower Moon" lead with 15 longlist spots each. Other notable films include "Poor Things" (14), "Maestro" (12),

and "Saltburn" (11) in various categories.

The second round of voting, which determines the final nominees, commenced on Friday and will conclude in one week. Subsequently, the various lists will be narrowed down before the final nominations are disclosed on Thursday, January 18th, ahead of the ceremony at London's Royal Festival Hall, scheduled one month later.

It has also been announced that actor David Tennant will host the awards ceremony, marking his debut as the emcee for the event. Tennant, recognised for his roles in productions like Doctor Who, Broadchurch, and Good Omens, will take on the hosting duties for the prestigious awards ceremony, as announced by the British Academy.

A celebration of Abdul Shayek The National Theatre will commemorate and honour the remarkable Artistic Director of Tara Theatre Abdul Shayek, who passed away at the age of 39. Shayek assumed the role at Tara Theatre, the oldest theatre company in the UK led by the global majority, in August 2020, succeeding the founding artistic director Jatinder Verma.

During his tenure at Tara Theatre, Shayek initiated impactful projects such as Final Farewell, an audio walking project responding

Abdul Shayek

to the pandemic, and a virtual reality film. He also commissioned national and international productions.

In addition to his role at

Tara Theatre, Shayek served as the founding artistic director and CEO of FIO, Wales's first theatre company led by the global majority. He was a member of the British Council's Arts and Creative Economy Advisory Group and earned recognition in The Stage 25 in 2022 and The Stage 100 in 2023.

The remembrance is scheduled to take place at the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1 9PX, on Thursday, January 18, at 12 PM.

Karma Khazi to launch exhibition "Sh!t Show" Guerilla Artist, Karma Khazi has announced an ambitious new, multimedia exhibition that celebrates the ‘purest form of free speech’ the toilet cubicle door.

More than a century after Marcel Duchamp plundered a public toilet to make us question what art is, Karma Khazi follows his footsteps to mine inspiration from London's pub cubicles. Sh!t Show is an exploration of ‘social commentary’ the artist discovered after visiting 250 pub toilets in five days and photographing the graffiti scrawled on the walls, doors and ceilings.

The centrepiece of the show will be a single, black door with 63 pieces of graffiti, all pulled from different toilet cubicles and each with their own unique view on the world. Other compo-

nents featured in the exhibition comprise 63 individual canvases that capture the messages of the graffiti, fibreglass pub signs, and various sculptures, contributing to a comprehensive collection of nearly 100 pieces in total.

Expanding beyond the realm of physical art, the exhibition will incorporate music produced at

Courtyard Studios (noteworthy for Radiohead, Gaz Coombes, The Stranglers) and mixed at the iconic Abbey Road. The soundtrack will enhance the overall experience.

Additionally, a short film, crafted by doubleBAFTA winning filmmaker Lee Phillips, will provide insight into the work and its origins.

Full cast announced for the west end transfer of “Standing At The Sky’s Edge” The National Theatre and Various Productions have announced the complete cast for the West End transfer of Sheffield Theatres' highly successful production, "Standing at the Sky’s Edge."

Winner of the 2023 Olivier Award for 'Best New Musical,' this production, directed by Sheffield Theatres' Artistic Director Robert Hastie, pays homage to Sheffield and its iconic Park Hill Estate. Featuring songs by the renowned

Sheffield singer-songwriter Richard Hawley and a compelling book by Chris Bush, the musical explores the aspirations and challenges of three generations spanning six tumultuous decades, addressing universal themes of love, loss, and survival.

Making its West End debut at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London from February 8, 2024, "Standing at the Sky’s Edge" has already garnered multiple awards, including the 2023

Olivier Award for 'Best New Musical' and 'Best Original Score and New Orchestrations' for Richard Hawley and Tom Deering. It also received the prestigious 'Made in Sheffield'® accolade, a unique trademark awarded internationally for the first time to a theatre production.

Prior to this, the production earned the 2020 South Bank Sky Arts Award for Theatre and 'Best Musical Production' at the 2019 UK Theatre Awards.

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High-profile Labour insider Draper passes away at 56

Rachana Gupta: Oraanj Interior Design Sunetra Senior

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achana is a bright, charming, knowledgeable, and exceptionally passionate Interior Designer. She founded the award-winning bespoke, Oraanj interior design outfit which was launched in the UK in 2018.

Oraanj provides a platform for other up-and-coming young female designers who may struggle to find opportunities in this highly competitive industry. Oraanj is unique in that they have a specialist in their team of brilliant and creative members for every aspect of modern interior design, encompassing residential, commercial, hospitality design, sustainability, and digital rendering.

Each team member has their distinctive strength to create an excellent and exceedingly impressive complete design work. Each team member can produce a top-class vision: “As a testament to the superiority of our design work, we recently received the highest honour of being the only UK-based Interior design Company to be invited, on an allexpenses paid trip to Spain by the Spanish government. The Oraanj furniture and accessories department was able to participate in this prestigious event and acquired valuable knowledge on the latest features in Europe which Oraanj can make available to their customers in the UK”. *** Oraanj with its dedicated and diverse approach emanates the company’s central motto of ‘style meets function’, encapsulating the essence of quality, style, and unbelievably mesmerising interior design work which reflects contemporary life. “At Oraanj we know how to utilise space so that it is transformed into the stunning, introducing a “Wow” factor yet ensuring it is a practical project. Oraanj always ensures the production of magnificently beautiful and superapplied designs. The whole Oraanj team displays the qualities of an excellent interior designer such as good communication, great time management, and within the client’s budgetary constraints too. It is also well-suited to the client’s lifestyle”.

Indeed, many professional designers will be able to envisage stylish grand ideas but may not so easily be able to deliver them. However, Oraanj makes enormous and meticulous efforts to ensure superb and unique design concepts effortlessly and affordably too! “Needless to say, everything looks impressive in theory, for example, these dream designs on Pinterest,” Rachana told us: “but at Oraanj we always ensure that it can work for a particular client”.

Oraanj is very proud that one of the designs that they are able to introduce is the big marbling slabs from ceiling to floor. “At Oraanj we create the respective mood board, to enable us to realise the design,” the founder continued: “We can work with the particularly narrower architecture based in London, where we have done wonders with box rooms (pictured). At the company we believe that it is all about how creative you can be with the proposed concept”.

Another attractive feature of Oraanj, which is a very intriguing

selling point, is their captivating wall features and panelling solutions: “People don’t realise how much can be done with the walls,” Rachana commented: “In fact, you can save a lot on designer furniture if you simply focus on the surroundings: you can fill your home with mid-range furniture and it will still look striking”. Rachana further commented, that “in the UK, especially, one tends to have a lot of plain walls and paintings are hung to better the space.

RACHANA GUPTA being’ to the client’s home: essentially the experience of accessible to design luxury. Finally, not only does Rachana emerge as a role model for rising young women in the current interior design business world, but also embodies the forwardthinking philosophy of the power of positive perspective along with self-belief. an you summarise the aim of Oraanj for us?

We want to make the whole process of interior design as smooth, vibrant, affordable, and enjoyable as possible for the client. ot unlike a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed juice, or if we’re feeling experimental, a Mimosa! What has been an emotive drive for you in work life?

I am a mother of one and full of maternal love which extends to my team who I consider part of the family. Wanting to work hard, motivating, and inspiring is what keeps me going for my formidable and remarkable team members are what push me. My little boy now even knows the ins and outs of Oraanj Interior design work and he recently told me that he wanted some shares in the company, if I permit him to run my social media! That evoked a warm smile and made me feel ecstatically happy. o you have a quick styling tip for us?

Yes. Luxury does not need to be expensive. If you want to add a touch of glamour and a warm inviting glow to your home you can simply invest in one elegant statement piece and it will make everything look great e.g. if you put a Versace, or another, trendy vase on the table, the whole coffee table will look great. inally, do you have a piece of advice for other young interior designers who want to launch a successful career?

Educate yourself and follow your passion – study it to find out more and gauge just how much you love doing it along the way. Creativity demands so much of your time and commitment that you’ve got to be doing such a profession because you are genuinely interested. If you enjoy it, you will naturally be focused.

Don’t expect success overnight.

Remember getting that all-important first break can be difficult at the best of times, but never give up or relent.

Start by gaining experience by applying to do an internship or work as a trainee interior designer in an interior design company as the more experience you have the better the opportunities for you. Ultimately you could move on and open your firm!

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Similarly, you may try to fill the room with side tables, lamps, and rugs without tapping into the potential of the walls. However, that entire conversion is what creates true synergy.”

Rachana possesses a bubbly and warm personality which extends to her artistic ability. Her entrepreneurial journey originated in India where she was merely following in the foot-

steps of her father who was a prolific businessman with entrepreneurial & imaginative skill. Rachana quipped: “I remember talking with my friends when I was just 18 years old about how I wanted to create my interior design which will be a fun, fulfilling and energetic imaginative brand. I started in interior design doing projects for my friends and family and this fostered and grew my passion.”

Indeed, the organic intuition of Oraanj has borne the proverbial international fruit for many customers where the company brings ‘joy, comfort, and a sense of well-

"Luxury does not need to be expensive.

If you want to add a touch of glamour and a warm inviting glow to your home you can simply invest in one elegant statement piece"

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Derek Draper, a prominent Labour figure who gained visibility as one of Britain's most severe long Covid sufferers, has passed away at the age of 56. The announcement was made on Instagram by television presenter Kate Garraway, Draper's wife, who revealed that he had been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December, leading to complications due to longterm damage from Covid-19.

Sir Tony Blair led tributes to Derek Draper, describing him as a "tough, sometimes ruthless political operative, a brilliant adviser, and someone you always wanted on your side." Blair acknowledged Draper's dual nature, noting that beneath the tough exterior was a loving, kind, generous, and good-natured man who was valued as a friend.

Draper contracted

Derek Draper

Covid early in the pandemic, spending 13 months in the hospital before returning home, where he required continuous medical care for his damaged kidneys, liver, and heart.

Known for his sociable and affable nature, Draper played a significant role in Labour politics during the 1990s and co-founded the Blairite Progress pressure group. He also served as an adviser to key party figures, including Nick Brown and Lord Peter Mandelson.

Hack expected to incur £6m cost for British Library Reports indicate that the British Library is anticipated to utilise approximately 40% of its reserves to recover from a ransomware attack that has impacted the institution. The cyberattack, orchestrated by the Rhysida group, has paralysed the British Library since November.

The hackers demanded a ransom of 20 bitcoin (£691,428) for the release of data, encompassing employment documents and passport scans. When the ransom went unpaid, the group uploaded over 490,000 files, equivalent to 90% of their stolen data, to the dark web.

Due to the British Library's status as an arm'slength body under the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, offering a ransom was not an option.

The repair and strengthening of cyber defences are estimated to cost at least £6 million, with the library expected to allocate millions for this purpose, as per the Financial Times.

The Rhysida group, suspected to be based in Russia and named after an Asian centipede, has targeted other institutions, including the University of the West of Scotland.

Stabbing trial delay linked to Rushdie's memoir The trial of the individual accused of stabbing Salman Rushdie has been postponed due to the release of the author's memoir recounting the attack, as reported

by The Guardian.

Hadi Matar's defense attorney, representing the accused assailant, successfully petitioned Judge David Foley to delay the trial just before its scheduled commencement on Monday (8). Judge Foley ruled in favor of Matar's right to review the memoir manuscript for trial preparation. This decision may impact the scheduled jury selection set for the following week, according to the report.

Salman Rushdie, who

Salman Rushdie

was stabbed in August 2022, intends to publish the memoir titled "Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder" on April 16. Nathaniel Barone, leading Matar's defense, is contemplating a delay to gain access to the manuscript and associated materials.

In response to the prosecutor's request for the memoir, citing intellectual property rights, Rushdie's representatives rejected the plea.

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in brief

Starmer champions aggressive green investment strategies Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his readiness to confront the Tories regarding his green investment plans, declaring, "This is a fight I want to have." The Labour leader accused Rishi Sunak of attempting to "weaponise" Labour's commitment to borrowing up to £28 billion annually.

Starmer anticipates that such a move by the Tories would backfire, asserting his

Sir Keir Starmer

confidence that voters would support borrowing

for investment in green energy. He emphasised that these plans would not compromise economic stability.

Conservative strategists view the borrowing pledge made by Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, in 2021, as a potential target for exploitation. They have characterised it as an unfunded spending commitment and believe that previous attacks have led

Labour to modify the pledge. Some Tories hope that continued pressure will force further changes, leaving Starmer vulnerable to accusations of inconsistency.

Despite this, the Labour leader has stated that he welcomes the confrontation, as both parties gear up for what is expected to be an extended lead-up to the election campaign.

UK at risk of UN Human Rights Council blacklist Baseless accusations against an equalities chief have prompted threats of a potential human rights blacklisting against Britain by the United Nations (UN).

Baroness Falkner of Margravine, who chairs the Equality and Human Rights Commission, was exonerated from bullying, harassment, and discrimination allegations following an internal investigation by the commis-

sion. However, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions is conducting a review, partially based on the unsubstantiated bullying accusations. This review could result in limiting the commission's involvement with UN human rights mechanisms, including its Human Rights Council.

The primary catalyst for the alliance's scrutiny is a transgender dispute, ques-

Baroness Falkner of Margravine

tioning whether the commission should maintain its A status as an independent monitor. Lord Shinkwin, a Conservative peer, criticised the alliance (Ganhri), describing its actions as "clutching at straws." He pointed out the irony of awarding A status to countries like Haiti, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Qatar, and Iraq, where severe human rights issues persist.

Labour vows crackdown on private school VAT loopholes If Labour comes to power, the party, under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, plans to crack down on private schools' exploitation of loopholes to avoid paying VAT on school fees. Starmer intends to immediately and fully end the tax-exempt status of independent schools if he becomes the prime minister.

This move would subject private school fees to a 20 per cent VAT as early as the

first academic year following a general election if Labour assumes leadership.

Earlier revelations indicated that some schools have been encouraging parents to utilise "fees in advance" schemes to safeguard their finances from anticipated "political changes." These schemes allow parents to pay up to five years of school fees in advance, potentially saving substantial amounts of money for families with

multiple children attending the most expensive private schools, should the 20 per cent VAT charge be implemented.

Labour sources have asserted their commitment to closing this loophole and ensuring that schools bear the full VAT charge. The party is reportedly working closely with legal experts to assess whether attempts by private schools to evade the VAT charge could be cate-

gorised as tax avoidance.

There are indications that Labour is considering the use of retrospective legislation to apply VAT on school fees, even for parents who have paid in advance.

Legal professionals have suggested that schools hastily establishing such advance fee schemes, especially those without existing arrangements, may face increased scrutiny for potential tax avoidance.

NHS dispute warn of risk early cancer deaths Health officials are sounding an urgent warning that thousands of cancer patients could face premature death if the ongoing pay dispute between ministers and junior doctors is not promptly resolved.

Oncologists and cancer leaders express growing alarm and frustration over the severe impact of NHS strikes on cancer care and treatment.

Over the past 13 months, tens of thousands of cancer appointments, treatments,

and operations have been cancelled due to the strikes.

The current six-day strike marks the ninth instance of junior doctors halting work in the past year, making it the longest strike in the history of the National Health Service (NHS) since its establishment in 1948. The impasse between the government and junior doctors, who constitute approximately half of the medical workforce, shows no signs of resolution, and with

the possibility of further strikes looming, health officials stress that the deadlock is needlessly diminishing the chances of survival for patients.

The disruption caused by strikes poses a serious threat, potentially limiting treatment options and worsening survival prospects for these patients. The intervention of health officials adds pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Health

Secretary Victoria Atkins, and the British Medical Association's junior doctors’ committee to resume talks and reach a resolution.

Figures obtained through freedom of information requests indicate that by September of the previous year, approximately 36,000 cancer appointments had been postponed due to strikes since the industrial action began in December 2022.

Imran Khan's recent UK article not AI-generated, party confirms The Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) party has clarified that a recent article in the UK’s The Economist, attributed to Imran Khan, was indeed authored by the jailed former Prime Minister himself and not generated by artificial intelligence.

Published on Thursday with the title ‘Imran Khan warns that Pakistan elections could be a farce,’ the write-up expressed concerns about the scheduled February 8 elections in

Imran Khan

Pakistan. Imran Khan, the founder of PTI, is currently held in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, having been convicted in the Toshakhana corruption case and facing multiple other charges.

In the article, Khan highlighted his alleged engineered removal from power in 2022, attributing it to pressure from the United States and the lack of a "level playing field" in the upcoming elections. The write-up faced objections from the

caretaker government, and both the Pakistani government and the US Department of State have denied its claims. Some observers had raised doubts about whether Khan personally wrote the piece.

It was reported that the former cricketer-turnedpolitician stated he did not write the essay himself but provided points that were then transformed into words using artificial intelligence.

THOUSANDS OF UK POLICE SHIFT FROM FRONTLINE Government cuts continue to adversely affect police forces, as 6,000 officers are diverted from frontline crime fighting to address gaps resulting from a funding crisis, according to police chiefs. Gavin Stephens, the chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, highlighted that while police efforts in crime reduction persist, they face significant funding challenges, grappling with a £3.2 billion cash shortfall. The Conservativeled government initiated budget cuts in 2010, resulting in a reduction of 20,000 officers. However, a reversal occurred after a 2019 manifesto commitment, leading to the recruitment of the same number lost under the "police uplift" program. Notably, unlike officers, police staff—including police community support officers, forensic experts, and administrative workers—can be made redundant and have borne the brunt of the financial constraints. Stephens pointed out that approximately 6,000 of the 20,000 new officers are currently engaged in roles typically performed by police staff, indicating a shift away from being on the streets.

FLOODING ACROSS BRITAIN DUE TO HEAVY RAINFALL On Friday, major rivers throughout Britain experienced flooding due to heavy rainfall, leading the government to issue over 300 flood warnings. Travel operators reported significant disruptions, and approximately 1,000 homes have suffered damage so far. The recent storms have also caused flooding in various parts of Europe in the preceding days.

This swiftly led to swollen rivers and waterways bursting their banks across England and Wales. The River Trent in central England flooded, prompting the local authority to declare a major incident. London's fire service had to escort about 50 people to safety on Thursday night after a canal in the east of the capital overflowed. Caroline Douglass, the director overseeing flood management at the Environment Agency, described the situation as very wet across the country. She mentioned that around 1,000 homes had already been flooded. Great Western Railways reported the closure of its lines in three parts of the south of the country, and roads in the worst affected areas were also shut.

JN.1 VARIANT MAY SET UK COVID RECORD There are concerns that COVID-19 cases in the UK may reach a new record in the middle of January, driven by the highly infectious JN.1 subvariant, which became the dominant strain over the Christmas period.

Data scientist Professor Christina Pagel from University College London suggests that UK infections will continue to rise for another week or two, potentially rivalling or even exceeding the country's two previous significant COVID waves seen in early 2022. The JN.1 subvariant's prevalence has grown rapidly, accounting for 51.4% of cases on Christmas Day, making it three times as common as the second-largest strain. The surge in JN.1 has contributed to the UK experiencing its most substantial COVID wave in at least a year, and possibly almost two years. There are concerns that the current wave has not yet peaked, and COVID cases could potentially reach an all-time high in the UK later this month, four years after the virus first arrived in the country.

EGGS AND WINE: WORST FAD DIET COMBO Once hailed as the optimal weight-loss method, the combination of a bottle of wine and up to five hard-boiled eggs daily, popularised by Vogue magazine in 1977, is now deemed the most futile food fad of all time, as per a recent study. Despite its resurgence on social media, with influencers rediscovering the "wine and eggs" plan, half of the British dieters surveyed found it unsuccessful. The study identified the "baby food diet" as the second-worst food fad, involving the replacement of meals with baby food ranging from 20 to 100 calories. Despite being favoured by celebrities, 49% of the 2,000 participants in the survey reported its ineffectiveness.

ELVIS TO BE REVIVED AS A HOLOGRAM "Elvis Evolution," a groundbreaking show that merges artificial intelligence (AI) with holographic projection, is set to debut in London this year. The show will utilize thousands of photos and videos from the Elvis Presley estate to recreate the iconic figure, bringing him back to life on stage. This innovative production represents the latest trend in virtual performances, where technology blurs the boundaries between fantasy and reality. Similar to the virtual Abba Voyage show, which introduced youthful avatars, known as ABBAtars, of the still-active Swedish pop stars in London in 2022, "Elvis Evolution" taps into the capabilities of AI and holographic technology to create a unique and immersive experience for the audience.

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in brief ARTIFICIAL WOMB TRIAL ENHANCES INFANT SURVIVAL RATES The inaugural human trial for an artificial womb, potentially enhancing the survival prospects of extremely premature infants, could be conducted this year, instilling optimism within the medical community.

In this trial, a premature baby would undergo a portion of its gestation, typically lasting 40 weeks, within a fluidfilled plastic "bio-bag" meticulously designed to replicate the conditions inside a mother's uterus. An artificial placenta, connected to the umbilical cord, would supply the baby with oxygen and nutrients, maintaining the lungs filled with liquid, analogous to the natural womb environment. The primary objective is to elevate survival rates, currently standing at a mere 10% for babies born at 22 weeks.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds talks with UK counterpart Grant Shapps in London India & UK sign MoU for bilateral international cadet exchange programme; Letter of Arrangement inked on defence collaboration in R&D India's Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, engaged in a productive bilateral discussion with UK Defence Minister, Grant Shapps in London on January 9, 2024. This is seen as significant to the bilateral partnership in the sphere of defence and security as the last ministerial-level visit took place 22 years ago. Singh's previously planned visit to the UK in June 2022 was called off by

Rajnath Singh receiving Guard of Honour

WEIGHT-LOSS JAB DEMAND CAUSES SHORTAGE FOR DIABETICS A scarcity of drugs for diabetic patients is anticipated to persist throughout the year due to the soaring demand for "miracle" slimming injections, according to health officials. A national patient safety alert has been issued to both the NHS and private healthcare services, cautioning about the ongoing limitations in the availability of drugs such as Ozempic (semaglutide). The alert indicates that the supply shortage is expected to persist until "at least" the end of the year. These drugs, collectively known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, play a crucial role in helping individuals with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.

Additionally, they can aid in weight loss by reducing appetite.

BRITISH TECH SEEKS WATER ON MOON MISSION Final preparations are underway for the inaugural commercial mission to the moon, set to launch next week with technology developed by British scientists to explore for water. The $100 million Peregrine Mission One is scheduled for liftoff from Cape Canaveral in Florida on Monday. Constructed by Astrobotic Technology, the mission aspires to become the first by a private company to land on the lunar surface. Alongside commercial cargo, it will carry five NASA payloads, including DNA samples from science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke and Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek. Among the scientific instruments on board is the Peregrine Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (PITMS), developed by a consortium that includes the Open University and RAL Space, the UK's national space laboratory. The PITMS will analyse the lunar water cycle.

Singh paid homage to Pujya Bapu at his statue in Tavistock, London

the Indian side for "protocol reasons", making this tour a highly anticipated one.

The meeting centred on strengthening defence-industrial cooperation, highlighting the growing strategic alignment between the two nations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Minister Shapps emphasised the non-transactional nature of the UK-India relationship, emphasising commonalities and shared objectives.

Subsequently, two crucial agreements were signed—an MoU facilitating bilateral international cadet exchanges and a Letter of Arrangement between India's DRDO and the

Rajnath Singh offering flower petals in front of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj

UK's DSTL, promoting collaboration in defence research and development.

These agreements aim to foster people-to-people exchanges, especially among youth, and advance defence research cooperation.

Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to London, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square, highlighting the symbolic significance of January 9 in commemorating Gandhi's return to India in 1915. The visit underscores the rich contributions of the Overseas Indian community, marked by a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Horse Guards Parade Ground. Rajnath Singh

was on Tuesday given a full ceremony Guard of Honour at the Horse Guards Parade grounds in London. There was a special parade by the British Army's Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards and the Band of the Irish Guards.

The regiments represented in the parade are among the most historic in the British Army. Ceremonial welcomes of this nature are considered special and memorable moments of high honour from one nation to another. Later on Tuesday, the Defence Minister will depart for the Ambedkar Museum. He will then visit the Neasden Temple to offer his prayers.

Rajnath Singh with Grant Shapps

Dr Prabhu Rajendran, Consultant Paediatrician, NHS, who is attending the community event on Wednesday, told Asian Voice, “I feel proud and honoured to be invited to this event, as a representative of the vibrant Indian community in the UK. This one is even more special, as we are having a Defense Minister from India visit the UK, almost after two decades.

The atmosphere created by the two current Prime Ministers in recent times has been very optimistic, due to the policy initiatives by both the UK and Indian governments. So we are all very hopeful that these kinds of meetings will rebuild the confidence and revive the opportunities for us as NRI’s in contributing to the holistic development of our nations” Mr Singh also visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and said, "I have experienced tremendous peace at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London and have offered personal prayers that I am able to live totally without ego. By the influence of ‘Sanatan Dharma’, one's ego evaporates - this happens only by the blessings of God. This is the experience I had here.”

Channel 4 faces diversity backlash over board The controversy surrounding Channel 4's diversity has intensified as it was revealed that government ministers blocked the appointment of an ethnic minority woman, Rozina Breen, to the broadcaster's board.

Ofcom, the media regulator, had recommended Breen, a former BBC executive, for the position of non-executive director.

However, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who holds the final decision-making authority in such appointments, rejected the

Rozina Breen

proposal without providing any reasons. This development, ini-

tially reported by Deadline, adds fuel to the ongoing debate, especially after Channel 4's chairman expressed concerns earlier about the appointment of four white directors.

With these new appointments, 14 out of 15 Channel 4 board members will be white, falling significantly short of the broadcaster's diversity targets, which aim for 20% of staff from ethnic minorities, 12% from individuals with disabilities, and 6% from the LGBTQ+ commu-

nity. While Channel 4 Chairman Sir Ian Cheshire acknowledged that the recent appointments would enhance diversity, he also cautioned that the board still does not meet the desired levels of representation across the entire organisation.

Rozina Breen, who served for 13 years at the BBC, most recently as the head of north, currently holds the positions of editor-in-chief and chief executive at the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.

Britons at risk of online radicalisation post-Hamas The UK's Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit reports a significant surge in hateful social media content, with a twelvefold increase since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

Initially focused on monitoring Islamic State propaganda and online fallout from UK-based attacks, the unit has shifted atten-

tion to evaluating whether extreme social media posts violate anti-terror legislation. Following the Hamas attack, the unit received over 2,700 public referrals, primarily concerning antisemitic content shared by previously unmonitored young Britons. The team notes an intensification of hate, especially from youngsters displaying reck-

less behaviour online, and points to a failure by social media companies to address the overall climate of hate perpetuated by algorithms.

Matt Jukes, head of Counter Terror Policing, expresses concern about the escalating volume of content and the challenges his team faces in tackling extreme material amid the

broader issue of algorithmdriven hate. The BBC was granted exclusive access to the team's activities, with officers highlighting the sustained increase in hate since October 7.

The officers stress the urgency of addressing this surge in hate, particularly among young individuals vulnerable to radicalisation through online algorithms.

High Commission of India invites bids for Renovation and construction of counters at India House, High Commission of India WC2B 4NA. Tender documents may be downloaded from https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/tenders.php

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Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel OBE

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National insurance cut won't reduce tax for all Workers will experience a reduction in their national insurance contributions in the new year, with the main rate dropping from 12 percent to 10 percent, as announced in last year's autumn statement. Despite this tax relief, experts caution that the overall tax burden for the year will still increase.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt emphasised that families with two earners will see nearly £1,000 in savings as a result of this reduction. Specifically, for someone earning the average fulltime worker's salary of £35,400, the tax cut translates to £450, according to government estimates.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies however, highlighted that, notwithstanding the national insurance cut, overall taxes are projected to rise due to frozen tax thresholds, pushing individuals into higher tax brackets. Consequently, the Institute asserted that, when considering both factors, this constitutes an overall tax increase. Furthermore, it emphasised that the impact of frozen thresholds is more significant for both the highest and lowest-earning taxpayers compared to the national insurance cut.

The Resolution Foundation added that individuals earning around £50,000 stand to gain the most from the national insurance cut, particularly benefiting from this reduction.

Falling mortgage rates bring relief to households Mortgage rates have recently seen a decline as lenders hasten to reevaluate offerings in response to positive UK economic data, increased house sales, and a growing perception that interest rates have reached their peak. According to Moneyfacts, the average cost of a two-year fixed mortgage dropped to 5.9%, down from the 15-year high of 6.85% in August 2023 but still notably higher than the 2.4% recorded in early 2022.

With 1.5 to 2 million households anticipated to come off affordable mortgage deals in the next 12 months, housing affordability is becoming a prominent concern, placing pressure on the Prime Minister to address this potential election-year challenge.

The unexpected decrease in consumer price inflation to 3.9% in November has fuelled expectations of a possible reduction in the Bank of England's bench-

Japan's Development Bank supports UK's 4Bio Capital The Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) is joining forces with Kyowa Kirin, a Japanese pharmaceutical group, and US healthcare provider Children’s Minnesota to invest in 4Bio, a fund supporting companies in the UK and Europe.

4Bio aims to raise $200 million to $300 million for its third fund, twice the amount of its previous fund, focusing on earlystage private biotech companies.

Despite the depressed share prices in the biotech sector, with the S&P biotech index trading approximately 50% below its peak in February 2021, 4Bio sees an opportunity to support innovation in the life sciences.

Dmitry Kuzmin, managing partner of 4Bio Capital, highlighted the "peculiar disconnect" between public markets and private life sciences investments over the past year. Approximately

one-third of the US drug regulator's approvals were for advanced therapies, including the recent approval of the first Crispr gene-editing treatment for sickle cell disease.

Large pharmaceutical companies, with substantial cash reserves, aim to invest in early-stage innovation to replenish drug pipelines before blockbuster patents expire by the end of the decade. 4Bio is already deploying capital from its third fund, participating in a series.

A round for ViaNautis, a company spun out of University College London focused on developing genetic therapies for lung and central nervous system diseases.

While the UK government aspires for the country to become a "life sciences superpower," smaller companies often face challenges securing funding from riskaverse UK investors.

mark interest rate from the current 5.25% in the first half of 2024.

This positive economic outlook, coupled with pent-up demand in the housing market following the sharpest decline in house prices in over a decade, is prompting mortgage providers to enhance product competitiveness, anticipating an upswing in sales.

NatWest has joined the trend of major high-street

lenders, including HSBC, Nationwide, Halifax, Virgin, and Barclays, in reducing rates across its residential and buy-to-let range. This follows the Bank of England's decision in December to maintain the cost of borrowing at a 15-year high, a move that has played a "pivotal" role in uplifting sentiment in the property market, according to Charles Breen, founder of brokerage Montgomery Financial.

Aldi and Lidl enjoy successful Christmas sales Aldi and Lidl, along with Sainsbury’s and Tesco, emerged as the major victors in the intense Christmas supermarkets’ competition in the UK, according to data from market researcher Kantar. The German discount retailers achieved their highest market shares during the festive period, while the two largest UK grocers, Sainsbury's and Tesco, outperformed Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, and Iceland.

Sainsbury's achieved its highest market share since December 2020 at 15.8%, with a sales increase of 9.3%, while Tesco holds 27.6% of the market and saw sales rise by 7.5%. Both Aldi and Lidl reported strong sales growth during the Christmas period, with Aldi's sales surpassing £1.5 billion for the first time in the four weeks to Christmas Eve. Lidl claimed its best

Christmas since entering the British market in 1994, with sales increasing by 13.8%. The sales of premium ranges, such as Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference and Tesco Finest, rose by 11.9% compared to the previous year, accounting for 5.7% of all grocery sales.Kantar's data revealed that overall, supermarkets experienced their busiest Christmas period since before the pandemic.

The total number of shopping trips over the four weeks to December 24 was 488 million, 12 million more than the previous year. The average household spent a record £477 on groceries in December, £28 more than in December 2022, totaling £13.7 billion.

Ryanair shares plummet amid sales dispute Ryanair has issued a warning that it may need to reduce fares to compensate for declines in passenger numbers following the decision of certain online travel agents to stop selling the airline's flights on their platforms. This announcement immediately impacted the airline's share price.

The development occurred as some holiday agencies, led by Booking.com, halted the sale of Ryanair flights in an ongoing dispute labelled by the carrier as a conflict with "online travel agent pirates."

Ryanair, under the leadership of CEO Michael O'Leary, 62, has been engaged in a battle with certain holiday booking companies that sell seats on the airline's services without permission, referring to the mark-up on fares as "price scams." Due to pressure from Ryanair, legal actions, and the attention of consumer protection agencies, Booking.com and others began removing Ryanair flights from their websites last month. While Ryanair appreciated this move, the airline admitted in a

Businesses more confident as inflation lowers More than half of UK businesses anticipate an increase in turnover over the next year, marking the highest proportion since the beginning of 2022 and indicating a tentative recovery in business confidence.

The British Chambers of Commerce's latest quarterly survey revealed that 56% of the 5,000 surveyed companies predict growth in revenues in the coming 12 months.

Over 90% of the businesses surveyed were small or medium-sized, employing fewer than 250 individuals. This percentage reporting improved sentiment is higher than the 53% recorded in the third quarter of 2023, signalling

companies' optimism about benefiting from an economy with decreasing inflation and a potential reduction in interest rates in 2024.

Although inflation dropped to a two-year low in November, 47% of small businesses expect prices to increase over the next 12 months, while 49% anticipate prices to remain the same. Consumer price inflation has decreased to 3.9%, the lowest since 2021, and forecasts suggest it is on track to reach 2% by May. While falling inflation does not decrease overall price levels, it does indicate a slowdown in the pace of price increases.

statement to stock markets that it would have a short-term impact on its operations and finances. As a result, Ryanair's Dublin-listed shares fell by 4.9%, or 94 cents, to €18.18.

Airline fare levels have experienced a decline in recent weeks as post-pandemic demand wanes amid economic challenges for consumers. Ryanair's recent passenger data revealed it transported 12.5 million passengers in December, marking a 9% year-on-year increase as the airline added more flights to meet demand.

Airbus bids €1.8bn for troubled tech group's cybersecurity Airbus is reportedly in discussions to acquire the cybersecurity division of Atos, the troubled French technology group, for a sum of up to €1.8 billion. Atos's cybersecurity business, known as BDS (Big Data & Security), has been open to offers, given its parent company's ongoing debt restructuring of €3.65 billion, which is due to mature next year.

Daniel Kretinsky, a 48-year-old international investor with a substantial shareholding in Royal Mail, has been contemplating a potential takeover of Atos. This has led to demands from French politicians in the autumn for the company to be nationalised instead of falling into foreign hands. In the UK, Atos plays a crucial role as an IT contractor for the government, serving both the central government and the devolved administrations of Scotland and Wales.

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Hyundai declares a Chirag Agrawal joins Deloitte as South Rs 6,180 crore investment Asia's corporate finance head Chirag Agrawal, former Investment Banking Partner at EY India, has joined Deloitte as the new Head of Corporate Finance/ Investment Banking in South Asia. Agrawal, an alumnus of the London School of Economics and Politics Science, brings over two decades of experience in investment banking, specialising in advising clients on strategic M&A and capital raising from public and private markets.

Before his tenure at EY, Agrawal held roles at several

Chirag Agrawal

prominent financial institutions including Credit Suisse, Jefferies, Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, JM Morgan Stanley, and KPMG.

Deloitte, led by CEO Romal Shetty, has been actively expanding its team.

Shetty, who took over in April 2023, has spearheaded the firm's aggressive hiring strategy. Reports in July 2023 highlighted Deloitte's efforts, recruitment poaching multiple senior partners and over 100 professionals specialising in deal advisory from KPMG, including Vivek Gupta and Rohit Berry.

Furthermore, Deloitte's expansion included

acquiring PwC network firms in Sri Lanka and Maldives in October, one of the largest combination deals in the region, involving 28 partners and 800 professionals.

In an interview with media, Shetty emphasised Deloitte's growth plans, expressing intentions to hire 40,000 to 50,000 professionals over the next 4-5 years. The firm's current workforce in India stands at approximately 1.2 lakh employees.

Mercedes-Benz India to invest Rs 200 crore, unveil over 12 products in 2024 Mercedes-Benz, the esteemed German luxury car manufacturer, is poised to reinforce its presence in India by allocating a substantial investment of Rs 200 crore this year. This strategic investment encompasses various facets such as augmenting manufacturing operations, introducing new products, and advancing the digitalisation drive within the company.

Following the triumph of recording a historic high of 17,408 units in sales in 2023, Mercedes-Benz India aims for an ambitious year ahead. The company plans to launch more than 12 products in 2024, three of which will be electric vehicles (EVs). Among these launches, a significant focus will be directed towards the top-end vehicle (TEV) segment, with half of the

launches positioned above the price point of Rs 1.5 crore.

Emphasising the significance of the 30-year milestone of Mercedes-Benz in India, Managing Director & CEO Santosh Iyer outlined the company's commitment through this additional investment. The infusion of Rs 200 crore will be directed towards expanding manufacturing capabilities,

facilitating new product ventures, and enhancing the infrastructure digital associated with the manufacturing process.

This considerable investment reaffirms Mercedes-Benz's dedication to the Indian market, marking a pivotal step in consolidating its market position and fortifying its offerings in the country's automotive landscape.

ArcelorMittal JV, others invest $86 billion in Gujarat before summit Ahead of the biennial Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit slated to occur from January 10 to 12 in the state capital Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has finalised preliminary investment agreements with 58 companies.

These agreements span various sectors such as energy, oil and gas, and chemicals.

Anticipated to attract a record influx of both foreign and domestic investors to the western state, this summit is

perceived as a significant initiative by Modi to bolster investment in the country. This push comes just months ahead of the national elections, wherein he is vying for a third term.

Among the companies involved, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India inked a substantial commitment of 1.14 trillion rupees ($13.68 billion) for a green hydrogen project, an integrated steel plant, and

an expansion of its current steel manufacturing capacity in the state, as per official documents from the state government.

Additionally, NTPC Renewable Energy Limited proposed an investment of 900 billion rupees ($10.80 billion) to establish 15 gigawatt (GW) renewable energy parks and projects aimed at fulfilling the power requirements of the agricultural sector, according to a senior official from the Industries Department.

Gautam Adani surpasses Mukesh Ambani as Asia's wealthiest on billionaires Index Gautam Adani, the chairman of Adani Group, has surpassed Mukesh Ambani, the head of Reliance Industries, to claim the title of Asia’s wealthiest individual on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. With a net worth of $97.6 billion, Adani now ranks as the 12th richest person globally, climbing from the 15th position in December 2023.

Adani's wealth soared by $7.7 billion, catapulting his net worth to $97.6 billion, edging past Ambani, whose net worth stands at $97 billion according to the index. Initially, Adani's remarkable ascent made him the world’s thirdrichest individual, buoyed by the remarkable performance of Adani

Centre to investigate the market volatility caused by the short positions taken by Hindenburg Research and other associated entities, and to examine whether any legal violations occurred due to short-selling activities.

Gautam Adani & Mukesh Ambani

Group companies in the stock market.

However, a subsequent downturn followed the release of the Hindenburg Research report, which alleged “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud” by the Adani Group. This led to a decline in the share prices of the Group's companies.

The latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index update comes after the Supreme Court rejected demands for a court-monitored probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation or a Special Investigation Team into the allegations made by Hindenburg Research against the Adani Group.

The Court directed the

in Tamil Nadu

Hyundai Motor India to invest Rs 6,180 crore in Tamil Nadu, focusing on hydrogen resource center establishment among other initiatives. This investment comes as an addition to the previously announced Rs 20,000 crore commitment for electric vehicle manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and skill development over a decade. The automaker formalised this new investment through an MoU signed at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024.

"This substantial investment of Rs 6,180 crore is a testament to our enduring commitment to fortifying the state's pursuit to boost the socio-economic development in the state and make the country self-reliant," Hyundai Motor India MD & CEO Unsoo Kim said in a statement.

This collaboration with the state government goes beyond mere investment; it is a catalyst for cultivating a robust hydrogen technology ecosystem that mirrors the company's commitment to sustainability and a green future, he added.

"We are confident that this collective effort will propel Tamil Nadu towards achieving the milestone of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy," Kim said.

Under the MoU, Hyundai is set to create a specialised 'Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub' in collaboration with IITMadras, investing Rs 180 crore. This hub will serve as an incubation center, focusing on creating a structure for localized hydrogen ecosystems. Hyundai anticipates this initiative will not only create job opportunities but also promote skill development in the area, as per the automaker's announcement.

American Tower to sell India operations to Brookfield for $2.5 billion Canada-based Brookfield has announced its acquisition of American Tower Corporation's (ATC) Indian business for an enterprise value of USD 2 billion, subject to regulatory approvals. According to a release, the Data Infrastructure Trust (DIT), sponsored by a Brookfield Asset Management affiliate, has signed an agreement to acquire 100% equity interests in ATC's Indian operations (ATC India).

The agreement outlines the acquisition of ATC India for an enterprise value of Rs 16,500 crore (USD 2 billion) subject to pre-closing terms specified in the securities purchase agreement. ATC India boasts a portfolio of around 78,000 sites nationwide.

This acquisition marks Brookfield's third venture in the Indian telecommunications sector. In 2022, Brookfield acquired a portfolio of 5,000 indoor business solution sites and small cell sites, furthering the deployment of 5G technology and aiding telecom operators in expanding coverage capacity, particularly in challenging and densely populated areas. Additionally, in 2020, Brookfield acquired a portfolio of nearly 175,000 towers from Reliance Industrial Investments and Holdings Ltd. ATC India will merge into DIT, encompassing the existing telecommunications assets within its portfolio.

Vistara anticipates full legal approval for Air India merger by mid-2024 Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan recently announced that the legal approvals for the proposed merger between Vistara and Air India are projected to be secured within the first half of 2024. The merger was initially disclosed by the Tata Group in November 2022, outlining a significant deal that involves merging Vistara with Air India, with Singapore Airlines also set to acquire a 25.1 percent stake in Air India.

During a briefing session, Kannan emphasised the timeline, mentioning the anticipated legal approvals by mid-2024,

paving the way for operational integration likely by early or mid-next year. Additionally, he mentioned the ongoing anticipation for all competition approvals by the end of the current quarter, which concludes in March.

Highlighting the prior development, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) had granted approval for the proposed merger on September 1, 2023. Presently, Vistara boasts a fleet of 67 aircraft and operates as a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.

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in brief

Sheikh Hasina wins fifth term in Bangladesh amid turnout controversy Sheikh Hasina clinched her fifth term as Bangladesh's prime minister in an election that was predetermined when its schedule was announced in early November, following the main opposition's boycott of the poll.

Surprisingly, independent candidates emerged as the secondlargest group, securing a total of 63 seats, just after Hasina's Awami League (AL), which won 222 seats, causing a challenge in forming a parliamentary opposition.

Sheikh Hasina

The Jatiya Party, the current opposition, managed to secure only 11 of the 300 parliamentary

seats, as reported by the Election Commission. Most winning independent candidates were individuals initially rejected by the AL but later encouraged by the party leadership to stand as "dummy candidates," aiming to maintain a semblance of competition internationally.

"This is an unusual outcome of an unusual election," remarked Shahidul Alam, a prominent Bangladeshi rights activist and photographer.

Punjab Students protest at Canada’s Algoma University over alleged unfair grading An indefinite protest led by a group of international students, primarily from Punjab, has erupted at Algoma University in Brampton, Canada.

The demonstration is in response to the mass failure of 130 students in a theory exam of a specific IT Graduation course, despite passing in nine other subjects and the practical exam of the same course, 'Techniques of System Analyst.'

Karanbir Singh, a protesting student from Punjab, expressed disbelief over the failure of 130 international students in just one subject. He highlighted the unusually high failure rate in this course, noting that some students are repeating the subject after previous failures.

The students have vowed to continue their protest until the university agrees to a re-evaluation of the papers by a different professor.

The protest has attracted wider support, including from organisations like the

Montreal Youth Students Organization, demanding that the university investigates the professor's conduct in this matter.

Responding to the allegations Algoma University issued a press statement stating, “We've contacted every student protesting grades from one specific instructor. Taking their concerns seriously, the Dean of Science is leading an urgent investigation. We acknowledge the stress these students face.

We value academic integrity, and the Faculty of Science is intervening to ensure fair assessments for each student”.

Hayward Hindu temple vandalised with pro-Khalistan graffiti The Vijay’s Sherawali Temple in Hayward, California, fell victim to an act of vandalism, where anti-India graffiti supporting Khalistan was found on the temple's board, according to the Hindu American Foundation (HAF).

This incident occurred shortly after the recent attack on the Swaminarayan Mandir and a theft at the Shiv Durga temple in the same vicinity within the past weeks.

HAF shared a photo online displaying the defaced temple board with slogans advocating Khalistan and derogatory remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They mentioned their coordination with temple leaders, the Alameda Police Department, and the civil rights division of the Justice Department.

Additionally, HAF urged all temple leaders to utilize the Hindu American temple safety guide. This guide emphasises that temple graffiti constitutes a hate crime and stresses the significance of installing functional security cameras and alarm systems due to the escalating threat from Khalistan proponents and the persistent risk from antiHindu entities.

On December 23, the Swaminarayan temple in California was also targeted, with proKhalistan and anti-India slogans sprayed on its walls. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concern over the vandalism and emphasised that extremist and separatist forces outside India should not be given such platforms.

Gabriel Attal: France appoints youngest, first openly gay prime minister French President Emmanuel gained prominence as the govMacron appointed 34-year-old ernment spokesperson during Education Minister Gabriel Attal the Covid-19 pandemic, will sucas his new prime minister on ceed outgoing Prime Minister Tuesday, aiming to inject fresh Elisabeth Borne. Known as one momentum into his second term of the country's most popular ahead of the European politicians in recent polls, Attal is Parliament elections. recognised for his adeptness as a minister, particularly in media While this move may not lead appearances and parliamentary to significant political shifts, it Gabriel Attal sessions. As the new prime minsignals Macron's intent to move ister, Attal will be the youngest in French past last year's controversial pension and history and the first openly gay individual to immigration reforms and enhance his cenhold the position. trist party's prospects in the June EU ballot.

Notably, the combined ages of Gabriel Current opinion polls indicate that Macron's Attal and President Macron are slightly camp is trailing the far-right leader Marine below that of Joe Biden, who is seeking reLe Pen's party by around eight to ten perelection in the U.S. presidential race later centage points. this year.

Gabriel Attal, a close ally of Macron who

"Dummy candidates in an election that felt like a formality will now compose a 'dummy parliament.”

Boycotted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the AL's primary political adversary, which had called for the election to be conducted under a neutral body instead of Hasina's administration, last week’s "one-sided election" was perceived as a mere procedural step to reinstate Hasina into power, analysts suggest.

US Indian activist praises diaspora role in Ram Mandir As preparations progress for the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a prominent Indian community activist in New York, Prem Bhandari, has expressed gratitude for measures that now enable members of the Indian diaspora to contribute to the temple's development.

Previously appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for such provisions, Bhandari highlighted the substantial number of Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin, totalling over 3.5 crores worldwide, who are eager to contribute to the temple's development. Acknowledging this sentiment, provisions have been introduced on the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra website, allowing individuals with both Indian and Non-Indian passports to make donations and contributions.

The website specifies that the Trust has obtained registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) 2010, enabling devotees holding Non-Indian Passports to voluntarily contribute to the objectives of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Prem Bhandari, the founder of the 'Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir' organisation, welcomed this development and encouraged the 3.5 crore-strong Indian diaspora worldwide to contribute to the Trust. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for involving them in this historic event, Bhandari emphasised the global diaspora's connection to the temple despite being thousands of miles away from Ayodhya.

Blast in Pakistan kills five police officers during polio vaccination drive During a polio vaccination campaign in northwestern Pakistan, an explosive device targeted a police vehicle, resulting in the deaths of at least five officers and injuring nearly two dozen others. The incident occurred in Bajaur, a tribal district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, coinciding with Pakistan's launch of the latest vaccination drive.

Officials stated that the explosion occurred early in the morning while a police team was engaged in the polio vaccination campaign. Most of the injured were taken to a local hospital in Bajaur, with critically wounded individuals transported to Peshawar, situated approximately 133km (82 miles) south of Bajaur, according to Bilal Faizi, the spokesperson for provincial rescue services.

Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet, in recent years, the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) has been implicated in numerous attacks targeting polio vaccination workers and security personnel in Pakistan.

IRAN, SAUDI ARABIA, UAE, EGYPT AND ETHIOPIA JOIN BRICS Earlier this week, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt officially became members of BRICS, an influential economic group gaining prominence in the region. Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa were already part of BRICS. While joining BRICS is generally beneficial for regional cooperation, the recent move raises concerns for Israel, given the historical hostility of some member countries towards Israel and their lack of condemnation for the Hamas attack on October 7. The expansion of BRICS in the region aligns with a broader trend of Middle Eastern countries joining international groupings such as BRICS and the SCO, linked to China.

DANISH QUEEN MARGRETHE II ANNOUNCES ABDICATION In a surprise New Year TV address, Denmark's Queen Margrethe II has announced her abdication, formally stepping down on January 14, marking 52 years since she ascended to the throne. The 83-year-old, the world's only reigning queen and Europe's longest-serving current monarch, declared that she would pass the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

He will assume the role of King of Denmark and head of state in the constitutional monarchy, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Princess Mary, his Australian-born wife, will take on the title of Denmark's Queen Consort.

UGANDAN LGBTQ RIGHTS ACTIVIST STABBED IN HATE CRIME A prominent LGBTQ rights activist Steven Kabuye was brutally attacked and left severely injured by unidentified assailants in Uganda, as reported by his organisation. Coloured Voice - Truth to LGBTQ, which shared the news on the social platform X, informed the public that Kabuye is in critical condition, urging everyone to keep him in their thoughts and prayers. A distressing video posted on Kabuye's account reveals the extent of his injuries, depicting him in pain with a knife visible in his stomach and an apparent wound on his arm.

NIGERIA TO PROHIBIT DEGREES FROM KENYA AND UGANDA Nigeria has expanded its suspension of degrees accreditation to include additional countries such as Kenya and Uganda. This decision comes in the wake of the recent suspension of accreditation for degrees obtained from institutions in Benin and Togo.

The move is a response to the exposure of fraudulent qualifications from foreign degree mills, as revealed by the Daily Nigerian newspaper. In an undercover investigation, journalist Umar Audu detailed how he obtained a degree for a four-year program from a Benin university in less than two months.

INDIAN-AMERICAN DEVELOPER CHARGED IN $93M FRAUD SCHEME US authorities have filed charges against Rishi Kapoor, an Indian-origin real estate developer in Florida, accusing him of orchestrating a $93 million investment fraud scheme. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on Wednesday that it had secured an asset freeze and other emergency measures related to the alleged fraud, involving Kapoor's Miami-based entities, including Location Ventures LLC, Urbin LLC, and 20 other affiliated entities. The SEC's complaint alleges that Kapoor and certain entities made material misrepresentations and omissions to solicit investors.

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in brief PAKISTANI-AMERICAN APPOINTED TO CALIFORNIA APIA COMMISSION Khydeeja Alam, with years of experience in various Sacramento-based state and advocacy organisations, has been appointed as the executive director of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs. In her new role, Alam will collaborate with policymakers and state agencies to address issues affecting Asian and Pacific Islander communities throughout California. As the executive director, she intends to focus on combating anti-Asian hate, leading outreach initiatives, and addressing concerns related to cultural and language sensitivity within state agencies. Alam emphasises her commitment to uplifting communities across the state. In particular, Alam expressed her determination to confront anti-AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) hate directly by working with the state, the Department of Social Services, and community organisations through aid efforts and campaigns.

LARGEST, MOST VENOMOUS FUNNEL-WEB SPIDER FOUND IN SYDNEY Australian wildlife experts have uncovered the largest male specimen of the world's most venomous spider, a Sydney funnel-web spider named Hercules. Measuring 7.9 cm (3.11 inches), Hercules surpassed the previous record held by another male funnel-web spider named "Colossus" in 2018. Discovered on the Central Coast, nearly 80 km north of Sydney, Hercules was initially admitted to a local hospital before being retrieved by experts from the Australian Reptile Park. The arachnid is now housed at the interactive zoo, marking a significant find and contributing to the study of these venomous creatures. In 2021, the Australian Reptile Park received its largest funnel-web spider, a female measuring 8cm from foot to foot, akin to the size of a tarantula. This formidable arachnid was appropriately named "Megaspider".

FIVE RESCUED FROM SLOVENIA CAVE AFTER 55 HOURS A successful rescue operation took place in southwestern Slovenia, where five individuals, including three from the same family, were saved after spending 55 hours trapped by rising water in the Krizna Jama cave's subterranean labyrinth, according to officials.

The rescue unfolded at approximately 3:05 p.m. local time at Krizna Jama cave, with six highly experienced divers successfully extracting the stranded group, as reported by Sandi Curk, the commander of the Regional Civil Protection Headquarters for the Notranjska Region, to ABC News. All five individuals, comprising two parents and their adult child, emerged from the cave in good condition and did not require medical treatment, Curk confirmed.

IMRAN KHAN ARRESTED IN PAKISTAN ARMY HEADQUARTERS ATTACK CASE The former Prime Minister, Imran Khan was arrested in connection to the attack on the Pakistan Army headquarters in Rawalpindi that occurred on May 9 last year. His arrest followed the issuance of a release warrant in the cipher case. Summoned by an antiterrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, Khan, who is already imprisoned in cipher and graft cases, attended the court's proceedings via video link due to security concerns raised by the Adiala jail authorities. The court, presided over by Judge Ijaz Asif, oversaw hearings on at least 12 cases related to the May 9 riots involving Khan and others.

Teen gunman Indian-American medical biller held fatally shoots fellow for stealing more than $1 million Amrish Patel and his companies, Medlink Services and Medlink Partners, faced 27 felony charges for alleged thefts occurring from January 2012 to January 2019, as revealed by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The charges against Patel and his firms included one count each of insurance fraud in the first degree, grand larceny in the first, second, and third degrees, scheme to defraud in the first degree, 11 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, and 11 counts of workers' compensation fraud.

Following the allegations, Patel was released with electronic monitoring and a USD 100,000 bond, as reported by the New York Attorney General's Office.

Patel, associated with a Brooklyn-based orthopaedic surgery practice, purportedly submitted falsified claim forms to the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF), aiming to unlawfully acquire over USD 1.1 million in workers' compensation reimbursements for himself.

student, injures 5, then shoots self at US school Attorney General James stressed the importance of accurate and ethical billing in sustaining vital healthcare services, condemning any illegal diversion of funds that impacts healthcare providers and the community at large.

Gaurav Vasisht, the Executive Director and CEO of the New York State Insurance Fund, highlighted the severe repercussions of workers' compensation fraud, emphasising its detrimental impact on trust and the entire system, including medical providers, carriers, businesses, and injured workers.

Taiwan election giveaway mishap: Three ingest detergent Several individuals were hospitalised in Taiwan after mistakenly consuming colorful pods of liquid laundry detergent, which were distributed as part of a campaign freebie in the presidential race, according to Taiwanese media reports.

The pods, distributed by the Nationalist Party as part of their campaign, came in partially clear packaging featuring photos of their candidate, Hou Yu-ih, and his running mate. The packaging included the message "Vote for No. 3," corresponding to the Nationalist ticket in the three-way race, and highlighted that each pod could wash up to 18 pounds of clothes.

Unfortunately, at least three people were hospitalised, with one victim reporting that she thought the pods were candy. The Nationalist campaign office distributed around 460,000 of these laundry detergent pods. Hung Jung-chang, the head of the office, publicly apologised for the incident and stated that they would refrain from distributing such campaign material in the future. The Nationalist Party, also known as Kuomintang (KMT), acknowledged the mis-

Woman eating rice with hands secretly shamed at airport, sparking outcry claiming racism A woman, possibly of South Asian descent, faced public shaming for eating rice with her hands at an airport, captured in a secretly filmed video by a user named JusB (@jusbdonthate), seemingly a US citizen.

The video's caption expressed disdain for the practice, deeming it "unsanitary" and blaming it for potential health concerns and the return of mask mandates.

Critics swiftly called out the user for racist behavior, highlighting cultural differences and pointing out the hypocrisy of singling out this act while other similar actions would likely go unnoticed or be accepted. Responses on social media condemned the act of secretly filming a random person at an airport, emphasising cultural diversity and defending the handeating practice as a normal and hygienic cultural tradition, not synonymous with spreading saliva or uncleanliness. Users criticised the ignorance displayed by the original poster, highlighting the absence of any actual hygiene concern regarding eating with hands.

take and emphasised to the public that the pods were meant for laundry, not consumption. Those hospitalised, including an 80year-old man and an 86-year-old woman, were released after their stomachs were flushed.

The incident occurred amidst the presidential race in which Hou Yu-ih of the Nationalist Party is running against William Lai of the governing Democratic Progressive Party and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party. The election is closely watched by both Beijing and Washington, as China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while the U.S. provides arms to the self-governing island for defence.

Islamic state claims responsibility for twin blasts in Iran resulting in 100+ deaths Islamic State took responsibility for the twin explosions in Iran, which resulted in the deaths of almost 100 individuals and numerous injuries during a commemorative event for Qassem Soleimani, a top commander.

The militant Sunni Muslim group claimed through its affiliate Telegram channels that two IS members had triggered explosive belts amidst the assembled crowd at a cemetery in Kerman, southeastern Iran.

The memorial commemorated the fourth year since the assassination of Soleimani, who was killed in Iraq in 2020 by a US drone strike. In Washington, White House spokesman John Kirby informed reporters that the United States couldn't dispute Islamic State's assertion of responsibility for the attack. Tehran has pledged retaliation for what is deemed the deadliest attack since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The twin blasts also wounded 284 people, including children. "A very strong retaliation will be meted out to them by the hands of the soldiers of Soleimani," Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber told reporters in Kerman. Iranian authorities have called for mass protests, when the funerals of the victims of the twin blasts will be held, state media reported.

A teenager armed with a handgun and shotgun fatally shot one student and injured five others at a high school in Iowa, triggering a swift and substantial police response. The incident occurred before classes had commenced for the day at Perry High School in the Midwest.

The victim who lost their life was a sixth-grader, approximately 11 or 12 years old, likely present for a morning breakfast program at the high school, stated Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The 17year-old shooter wounded four students and a school administrator.

Authorities discovered an improvised explosive device inside the school premises, which they successfully neutralised.

"Officers swiftly responded to identify the threat and found what appeared to be the shooter, who had sustained a selfinflicted gunshot wound," Mortvedt informed reporters, refraining from confirming reports about the shooter's status.

A high school student named Ava Augustus told a local TV station that she hid in a classroom during the shooting. She ran out after authorities told her the incident was over, and recalled seeing "glass everywhere, blood on the floor." "I get to my car and they're taking a girl out of the auditorium who had been shot in her leg," she told the media.

Pope calls for worldwide ban on surrogacy

Pope Francis

During his New Year's address at the Vatican, the 87-year-old pontiff, Pope Francis, strongly criticised surrogacy, declaring it a "grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child."

He called for a global ban on the practice, describing it as "deplorable" and emphasising the importance of respecting life as a crucial element in the pursuit of peace. In a speech focused on advocating for an end to global conflicts, the head of the worldwide Catholic Church stated that the path to peace begins with the respect for life, starting with the unborn child in the mother's womb.

Pope Francis expressed deep concern about the exploitation of situations of a mother's material needs in the practice of surrogate motherhood, emphasising that a child should always be viewed as a gift and not as the basis of a commercial contract. He urged the international community to make a universal effort to prohibit this practice.

The Pope had previously condemned surrogacy as "inhuman" in June 2022. While "altruistic" surrogacy, where no money changes hands except for necessary expenses, is legal in various countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Canada, Brazil, and Colombia, commercial surrogacy is allowed in certain US states.

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PM Modi's visit to Lakshwadweep sparks Supreme Court orders re-arrest of Bilkis Bano controversy with Maldives Last week, a significant controversy arose showed an aerial view of three when the Maldives deputy minister, alongside islands, asking people to explore other cabinet members and government parts of India which turned out officials, made derogatory remarks about PM be from Maldives. Later he Modi's visit to Lakshadweep. On January 2, PM deleted that post.

Modi visited the Union Territory of China on India-Maldives Row: Lakshadweep and posted several images, ‘New Delhi should stay more including one of him enjoying snorkeling, open-minded’ describing it as an 'exhilarating experience'.

In the midst of tensions In a post that has now been deleted, the between India and Maldives, the Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Global Times editorial clarified Empowerment, Shiuna, contained mocking that Beijing never urged Malé to and disrespectful references to PM Modi. The reject New Delhi due to conflicts Maldives government has disassociated itself between China and India. The from these remarks by its ministers. Moosa piece emphasised China's Zameer, Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, perspective on cooperation denounced such comments against foreign between the Maldives and India, leaders as "unacceptable," emphasising that highlighting a willingness for they do not represent the official stance of the trilateral collaboration involving Maldives government.

China, India, and the Maldives.

Maldives MP Ali Azim has called for "New Delhi should stay more PM Modi enjoys snorkelling in Lakshadweep Mohamed Muizzu to be sacked as President as as China's open-minded, the row over comments critical of Prime Minister Narendra cooperation with South Asian countries is not a zero-sum Modi grows. A second MP, Meekail Naseem, has asked game," it said. Referring to the dispute between New Delhi Parliament to question Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer. and Male, China's state media addressed the situation in an The former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed editorial as Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Solih stated that New Delhi has always been a good friend to to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and finalise bilateral the island nation. Taking to his official handle on X, Solih agreements. Maldivian President Muizzu also appealed to posted, "I condemn the use of hateful language against India China to “intensify” efforts to send more tourists to his

by Maldivian government officials on social media." He country, amid a spate of cancellation of reservations by stressed that "India has always been a good friend to the Indian tourists after a diplomatic row.

Maldives and we must not allow such callous remarks to negatively impact the age-old friendship between our two countries." The government of the Maldives also suspended three deputy ministers in the youth ministry, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid for derogatory social media posts against Modi.

An article in China's Global Times praises India's strategic A segment of India's film industry stood in solidarity confidence and proactive stance under Prime Minister with PM Modi, strongly condemning the disrespectful Narendra Modi, citing significant progress in economic, remarks made by Maldivian leaders toward India and its social governance, and foreign policy. According to Zhang leader. They also expressed support for PM Modi's initiative Jiadong, director of Fudan University's Center for South to promote beach tourism in Lakshadweep. According to a Asian Studies, Modi's leadership has advocated a multireport by MakeMyTrip, searches for Lakshadweep on the alignment strategy, strengthening ties with the US, Japan, platform surged by 3,400% following the PM's visit. Many Russia, and other nations. individuals began comparing the Indian island to globally The piece highlights India's evolved foreign policy renowned beach destinations like Maldives and Seychelles. thinking, now leaning towards a "great power strategy" and Even the Embassy of Israel has stepped into the case and showcasing shifts in alignment, notably distancing from the shared photographs of Lakshadweep on social media.

West during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It mentions India's Emmy-winning comedian Vir Das recently mocked reduced reservations about Western powers, marked by social media users for sharing stock photos of Indian tourist increased activities within these nations beyond diaspora spots to promote domestic tourism. The diplomatic row events. between India and Maldives led to a global The author observes a shift in India's focus from Western #BoycottMaldives trend, however people sharing stock democratic ideals to emphasising its distinctive democratic photos of from other countries, falsely portraying them as framework, aiming to break free from its historical colonial being of Lakshwadeep. In an irony, Bollywood actor Ranveer past and assume a global leadership role, politically and Singh shared an image on his official X handle, which culturally.

gang-rape accused

India's highest court overturned the decision of a state government to release 11 men convicted of gang-raping a pregnant Muslim woman during the 2002 Hindu-Muslim riots, instructing their return to prison.

These men were part of a Hindu mob that had received Bilkis Bano life sentences for the gang rape of Bilkis Bano, who was 21 and pregnant at the time. The same mob had also brutally killed 14 members of her family, including her 3-year-old daughter. After serving only 14 years of their sentence, they were released in August 2022 following a decision by an advisory panel established by the Gujarat state government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

However, the Supreme Court of India on Monday nullified that decision, mandating the men to report back to prison authorities within two weeks. The court criticised the Gujarat government, stating that it lacked the competence to issue remission orders since the trial and sentencing had occurred in Maharashtra state. The court condemned the Gujarat government for misusing discretionary powers in releasing the 11 convicts without proper authority.

Bano expressed relief and welcomed the court's ruling, stating that she had "wept tears of relief." She mentioned smiling for the first time in over a year and a half, hugging her children, and feeling as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her chest, allowing her to breathe again.

Chinese state media applauds India's solar mission, Aditya-L1, reaches Sun's orbit India’s economic growth India's solar observation mission, Aditya-L1, has successfully entered the sun's orbit following a four-month journey, marking a significant achievement for the nation's space exploration endeavors. Launched in September, the mission carries an array of instruments to observe and measure the sun's outer layers.

Jitendra Singh, India's science and technology minister, confirmed on social media that the probe has reached its designated orbit, aiming to unravel the enigmatic connection between the sun and Earth.

While the US and the European Space Agency have previously sent probes to explore the solar system, including the sun's core, India's recent mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is Asia's first endeavor to be placed in orbit around the sun.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the milestone, attributing it to the unwavering commitment of the nation's scientists. He expressed determination to further the frontiers of scientific exploration for the betterment of humanity.

28-yr-old Indian American leading into USA’s most popular gaming market Nischal Sanghavi

G

et a glimpse into the exciting story of a young Indianorigin man in his 20s venturing into the uncharted territory of business and achieving newer heights after not giving up on struggles. AV talks with 28-yearold Chicago-based Nirmal Vasani to get a glimpse into his story.

Tell us something about yourself and how you get into the Pinball business My family hails from India's Gujarat state. I was born and brought up in the USA, but my wife Nishtha and I love the magic of India and invariably make a point to visit the homeland 2-3 times a year. 6 years ago, a customer came to my dad's electronics factory in Chicago to manufacture some parts for a game. I had just joined the business after completing my marketing baccalaureate My dad and I instantly related to the amazing game. We immediately made up our minds to get into the venture. I founded American Pinball along with my dad.

What is the Pinball Game all about?

Pinball has been a widely favoured game across the USA since the nineteenth century. A variety of exciting Pinball games can be seen in arcades, bars and game zones across America.

Some people even have a collection of Pinball machines at home. However, there are only a handful of manufacturers across the globe who manufacture them, because of the extremely complicated manufacturing process involved.

So what is so difficult in manufacturing a Pinball Game?

A single Pinball is created from approximately 5000 different electronic and mechanical parts in addition to the sound engineering, animation, content creation etc.

The creation of the game starts with a story and a storyboard.

Several characters are created to give users an immersive experience. The characters are given life with artworks, audio and animations.” For their latest

Nirmal Vasani, founder of American Pinball

game, Nirmal’s company has also created videos where film actors play the characters of the game.

One game creation costs £1-1.2 million. A single game weighs over 150 kgs and is sold at $7,00010,000 in the US. One of the biggest challenges of the game is its hundreds of moving parts. If a single part does not move properly the game might not work properly.

How was your journey into the venture?

American Pinball started in 2017 with several losses as only 300 games could be sold in the

first year. It was a defining moment for us. We were already investing a lot of time and money but were only meeting losses.

However, me and my team of 50 people decided that we wanted to make it anyhow. We worked relentlessly for months to create some of the most exciting stuff.

The games Houdini, Hot Wheels and Galactic Tank Force created by the company have now become hot favourites with Americans. In the current year, the company has already sold 2000 machines with a revenue of 15 million dollars.

What is the plan for the future?

Currently, Pinballs are also exported to Europe, South America and other countries.

But, they are not as popular there as in the USA. In the UK they are used as coining machines in publicly accessible places as compared to the US, where people also

have them at home. The UK is one of the biggest growth markets for us right now, outside the USA. We also want to make an entry into India as it is my home country.

Pinball gaming machines

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Ayodhya prepares for the return of Ram Rajya Continuation from page 1 The main rituals, to be officiated by priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit from Varanasi, are scheduled for January 22, coinciding with the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations in Ayodhya from January 14 to January 22.

An estimated gathering of over a lakh devotees is anticipated in Ayodhya on January 22 for the 'pran pratishtha,' with approximately 7,000 guests from India and abroad invited for the event. Akbar Taj, a visually impaired Muslim bhajan singer and poet from Madhya Pradesh, expressed joy upon receiving an invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony.

Over 6,000 invitation cards for the grand consecration ceremony of 'Ram Lalla' have been sent out nationwide by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Trust is meticulously organising the 10-day festivities, set to commence from January 14, following Makar Sankranti.

This event holds historical significance due to the widespread participation of people from every corner of

Grand celebrations in India As the Ram Mandir inauguration nears, various states in India are holding distinct celebrations. In Jharkhand, an 85year-old woman, Saraswati Devi, known as 'Mauni Mata,' who vowed to stay silent until her dream of the construction of Ram Mandir at the birthplace of Lord Ram is undertaken and its inauguration is done in the holy city, pledging to speak only after the Ram Mandir's inauguration on January 22.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision to turn Ayodhya into a solar-powered city sees the installation of 470 solar street lights across a 10.2 km stretch, aiming to set a Guinness World Record. Additionally, Chef Vishnu Manohar plans to create a 7-tonne 'Ram Halwa' for the consecration ceremony using a 12-tonne cauldron, distributing it to devotees and VIPs. Indore will celebrate the Ram Mandir inauguration akin to Diwali, lighting 1.11 crore

Ram Halwa preparation

like celebrations in honour of this significant event.

Members of the Hindu American community organised a large car rally in Houston in anticipation of the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya later this month. They made stops at 11 temples along the route, engaging in singing bhajans and chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' throughout the event. More than 500 Indian-Americans participated in the rally, carrying saffron banners adorned with images of the Ram temple, the Indian flag, and the US flag. Additionally, the eagerly anticipated 'Pran-Pratishtha' (consecration) of Ram Lalla will be broadcast live not only across all Indian states but also at Indian embassies and consulates worldwide.

In the UK, Shri Vallabh Nidhi UK is going to organise one week celebrations of Ayodhya Dham at their Wembley and Leytonstone temple. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) played a significant role in advocating for the construction of a Ram temple at the Janmabhoomi site, gaining momentum in the 1980s, which is also supported by the

A Saree featuring Ayodhya Temple displayed by Surat cloth merchants

the country. Contributions are pouring in from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Arunachal to Gujarat for the construction of the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

The construction of the Ram Mandir beautifully

108-feet-long incense stick

embodies the notion of 'Sabke Ram' (Lord Ram belongs to everyone). While the stone used in the temple's construction hails from Rajasthan, a team of carpenters from the temple towns of Tamil Nadu is designing 44 doors, including the Garbha Griha and the main entrance.

The Garbha Griha of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir echoes ancient Bharat's heritage. In 1989, during the Shila Pujan, approximately 275,000 stones were sourced from across the country. During the Nidhi Samarpan Abhiyan, around twelve and a half crore families contributed, which equates to over 65 crore individuals, assuming an average of five members per family.

Additionally, more than 3,000 workers from each state are actively involved in the Mandir's construction.

Saraswati Devi

'diyas' and organizing various events from January 14.

A monumental flag pole, weighing over 5000 kilograms was crafted by Ambika Engineering Works in Ahmedabad.

The emblematic brass flag pole was intricately designed for Ayodhya’s Ram Temple. After a meticulous two-year crafting process, the towering 44-foot pole is set to be installed at the main spire of the temple. Additionally, six other temples within the complex will feature similar flag poles. The exquisitely crafted pole safely reached Ayodhya and is now situated within the precincts of Ram Janmabhoomi, after a three-day journey.

Meanwhile, from Vadodara, a farmer crafted a 108-feetlong incense stick for Lord Ram, en route to Uttar Pradesh, and a special Sita-themed saree from Surat will be presented during the idol consecration ceremony. Rathyatra (Chariots) is being carried out across the various parts of the country and now rice from temple premises is being distributed in households.

Indian diaspora preparing for Ram Mandir inauguration Not only in Bharat, Hindus living abroad have the same level of enthusiasm for this day. As the spotlight shines on the grand ceremony, NRIs globally unite, echoing Diwali-

Indian diaspora. The culmination of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement came on December 6, 1992, when a large gathering of kar sevaks (volunteers) organised by the VHP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) converged at the disputed site in Ayodhya. The situation escalated, leading to the violent demolition of the Babri Mosque.

The demolition sparked inter-communal tensions between India's Hindu and Muslim communities that were felt globally. Hasmukh Velji Shah, Vice President, Trustee and Press Secretary of World Council of Hindus UK (Vishwa Hindu Parishad (UK)) highlighted severe repercussions in the UK. Hindu Mandirs, businesses, and leaders faced threats, property damage, and intimidation during the demotion.

In 2022, they also penned a letter to the former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, addressing accusations against

Monumental flag pole

Car rally in Houston

Sadhavi Rithambhara Ji. This occurred amid the September 2022 Leicester riots, where extremists from cities like Huddersfield, Luton, Dewsbury, and Halifax allegedly targeted Hindus celebrating the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

While Ram Mandir is a big win for the community all across the world, the diaspora unfortunately continues to face discriminations.

Five-year-old girl sets record as youngest ever Maestro Rashid Khan succumbs to cancer battle The renowned music maestro, entire music fraternity. I am to undergo 'awake brain surgery' at AIIMS Ustad Rashid Khan, who was in a lot of pain as I still can't Doctors at AIIMS in Delhi achieved a remarkable medical milestone by conducting a brain tumor removal surgery on a fiveyear-old girl while she was awake. This groundbreaking operation, carried out on January 4, positioned the young girl as the youngest patient globally to undergo an 'awake craniotomy' or conscious sedation technique surgery.

The child, who had a history of seizures, underwent an MRI that revealed a tumor located on the left side of her brain, close to the area responsible for speech and lan-

guage. The surgery, which lasted three hours, was successfully executed by a team of skilled neurosurgeons. Throughout this extraordinary procedure, the young patient remained fully conscious, and the tumor was effectively removed. Prior to the surgery, the young girl underwent assessments involving the identification of common objects and animals, along with language and sensorimotor tasks. Remarkably, these same tasks were also conducted during the surgical procedure, integrating them into the operation's unique approach.

undergoing treatment for believe that Rashid Khan is no prostate cancer at a hospital in more."

Kolkata, passed away. At 55 years The musician's health had old, the artist was on a ventilator deteriorated after a cerebral and receiving oxygen support. attack last month, leading Despite efforts, he succumbed to him to receive treatment inihis illness at around 3:45 PM, as tially at Tata Memorial Ustad Rashid Khan confirmed by an official from the Cancer Hospital. Later on, he private hospital where Khan was admitted. chose to continue his treatment exclusively in Kolkata. Despite an initial positive Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of response to treatment, Khan's health evenWest Bengal, expressed her grief over tually took a tragic turn, marking the end of Rashid Khan's demise, stating, "This is a a remarkable musical journey. great loss for the entire country and the

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in brief

SOUTH INDIA

Bengaluru CEO caught with 4-year-old son's body in bag A startup founder and CEO, provided by Seth to be Suchana Seth (39) was false.Subsequently, the apprehended in Karnataka on authorities contacted the taxi Monday under distressing driver once more and directed circumstances. Media reports him to drive to the nearest revealed she was found police station. By that time, traveling in a taxi with the they had already crossed into body of her four-year-old son Karnataka's Chitradurga concealed inside a bag. district from Goa. At the Allegedly, she took her son's Chitradurga police station, life, supposedly to prevent officers checked the woman's her estranged husband bag based on the prior alert Suchana Seth meeting him. from the Goa Police and found the body of her young son inside.

The incident unfolded while Seth was She was handed over to the custody of traveling from Goa to Bengaluru by road.

Goa Police for six days and later taken to Reportedly, Seth had checked out from a Panaji for a medical examination. service apartment named 'Sol Banyan Reportedly, Seth had checked into a Grande' in North Goa's Candolim earlier service apartment in Goa last week and that morning, intending to return to despite suggestions from staff to opt for a Bengaluru via road. cheaper flight to Bengaluru, she insisted on The staff alerted the police after traveling by road. Consequently, the staff discovering bloodstains in the apartment arranged a taxi for her. where Seth and her son had stayed, "The accused claimed that the blood prompting concern. Subsequently, upon stains were due to her menstrual cycle. She reviewing CCTV footage, Goa police noted also provided us with an address in Margao Seth's departure from the building without town (in South Goa) where she said her son her son, as relayed by senior North Goa was with a friend," Naik stated, as quoted by police officer Nidhin Valsan. Upon the news agency. contacting the taxi driver, Paresh Naik, an As per Seth's LinkedIn profile, she holds inspector from Goa's Calangute police the position of Chief Executive Officer station, communicated with Seth via phone.

(CEO) at startup Mindful AI Lab and was Allegedly, she informed them that she had recognised among the top "100 Brilliant entrusted her son to a friend. However, Women in AI Ethics for 2021". investigations revealed the friend's address

Controversial bus ad for rasam deemed insulting to North and South India

A bus advertisement in Bengaluru promoting instant rasam paste stirred controversy on X (formerly Twitter) after a user expressed dissatisfaction, deeming the ad sexist and derogatory toward both North and South Indian communities. The ad featured a man with a quizzical expression alongside text that read, "Wife North Indianaaa?" seemingly implying a solution for quick rasam preparation. Sharing the ad's image on the platform, user Tejas Dinkar, expressed disdain with the caption "Today in ads that manage to be sexist while also insulting both North and South India (from r/bangalore)." The post garnered attention, sparking debates among users, with some disagreeing that the ad aimed to insult the city's North and South Indian residents. Amidst the discussion, one user argued against taking offense, stating, "Not sure if it's offensive to the millions where the wife is a north Indian homemaker. We need to stop taking offense at every opportunity.

PUNJAB

Kotala Girls Shine for Punjab's Harike wetland welcomes Punjab at National Games 40,000-50,000 migratory birds Punjab's Harike wetland, the largest in North India, has welcomed an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 migratory birds this season. The arrival of these avian visitors was delayed due to the late onset of winter. Spanning 86 square kilometers across the Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Kapurthala districts, Harike is a crucial winter habitat for various rare migratory water bird species.

Situated at the confluence of the Sutlej and Beas rivers, the wetland annually hosts approximately 90 species of migratory birds from countries like Siberia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Russia, and others. These birds seek refuge in Harike when water bodies in their native regions freeze over in winter.

“Around 40,000 to 50,000 migratory birds are estimated to have arrived at Harike,” said Gitanjali Kanwar, coordinator, World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) India.

The exact number of the arrival of migratory birds will be known after the

census exercise of water birds is conducted this month, she further said.

Migratory birds usually start coming in September but this season, they started arriving in November, said Kanwar, attributing the delay to the late commencement of the winter season. The number of migratory birds is expected to rise further in the coming days, she said. At the Harike wetland, species like greylag geese, coots, gadwall, northern pintail, common teal, common pochard, northern shoveler, godwits, redshank, spoonbills and painted storks have arrived. We expect pochard and ducks to come in more numbers, she added.

Kotala, a village in Samrala block situated between Ludhiana and Chandigarh, is gaining attention for an extraordinary reason. Its government-run senior secondary school is making headlines in the sports world. Remarkably, eight out of the eleven players representing Punjab's under-19 football team at the National School Games in Ludhiana hail from this school.

The school's reputation in football has become so significant that some students have transferred from private schools to Kotala just to play for its team. Kotala is also known for nurturing football talent, including former Indian midfielder Jagpreet Singh.

“The eight players include Class XII students Mahima Walia, Arshdeep Kaur, Navneet Kaur and Gurkanwalpreet Kaur. Mahima and Arshdeep say the men in their families would play football and encouraged them to take up the sport. Rasleen Kaur, now in Class XI, enrolled in the school in Class VIII. “I shifted from a private school,” she says.

Her classmate Amritpal Kaur lives in Todarpur village, 3km from Kotala, but cycles or runs to the school for practice. The eighth player is Prabhjot Kaur, a Class IX student who has been playing for five years.

WEST BENGAL

New Market restoration to start with clock tower As New Market commemorates its 150th anniversary, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has undertaken plans to revive the iconic Gillett & Johnston clock situated atop its tower.

The repair and restoration work for the heritage market, which ceased functioning in 2018, will commence soon. An expert team will visit New Market to evaluate the current state of the clock. Following the damage caused by Cyclone Amphan in 2020, the tower's spire, constructed from wooden slats, has deteriorated, and the

structure has been affected by the elements. The timber floors have incurred damage, allowing

wild vegetation to grow. The Westminster chimes and hourly dongs are no longer audible,

while parts of the intricate glass dials, measuring 7 feet in diameter, are missing.

Assessments will focus on the tower's structural integrity and facade, with priority given to restoring this section before addressing other areas of the market.

Additionally, plans include applying a fresh coat of paint and illuminating the clock tower and facade, marking the commencement of a year-long celebration honouring the market's enduring legacy, which has been integral to the city's heritage for more than 150 years.

MISSING GOLD BANGLE RECOVERED FROM CROW'S NEST IN KOZHIKODE Grade 1 student Fathima Haifa from Kappad experienced an unexpected discovery after losing her gold bangle. Surprisingly, the 6gram gold ornament was found nestled in a crow's nest atop a coconut tree on their residence premises. Fathima had worn the bangle and a chain for a neighbor's wedding and kept it packed in paper atop a basket afterward. Despite alerting her mother Shareefa to keep it safe, the latter forgot about it. The family discovered the missing bangle after ten days, just before leaving for a relative's house. Suspecting its location, Nazeer's relative Ahammed Koya climbed the coconut tree and, to their astonishment, found the tiny bangle securely placed in the crow's nest. Haifa attends Alif School in Kappad, while her father Nazeer runs a shop in Koyenco Bazaar, Kozhikode.

MAN CHOPS OFF WOMAN'S NOSE AFTER HER CHILDREN PLUCK FLOWERS FROM HIS GARDEN In Karnataka's Belagavi, a middle-aged man is reported to have viciously chopped off the nose of an Anganwadi worker during a distressing altercation. The incident unfolded in Basurte village within Belagavi district when the accused, identified as Kalyani More, engaged in a heated argument with Sugandha More, a 50-year-old worker. This confrontation escalated drastically after Kalyani More reacted violently to Sugandha's children plucking flowers from his garden, leading him to impulsively sever her nose.

Sugandha, profusely bleeding, has been rushed to a hospital and is currently in critical condition. Police have initiated a search operation to apprehend the accused, who is currently evading authorities.

PREGNANT WOMAN KILLED IN FIRING BY NEIGHBOURS IN PATTI, 7 BOOKED Sunita Rani (24), a four-months-pregnant woman from Basti Sansia Wali in the Patti subdivision, tragically lost her life in broad daylight due to alleged random firing by her neighbors. Seven persons have been booked in this connection. Raja Singh, her husband, attributed the dispute with neighbors as the cause. Frustrated with the police's perceived lack of response, the bereaved family staged a protest with the deceased's body outside the DSP office in Patti, demanding justice. The family discontinued their demonstration following assurances from Gurtej Singh Brar, SHO City, Patti, who promised action against those responsible. “Basti Sansian Wali is known for its residents indulging in illegal drug trade and even Raja had been booked in several cases under the NDPS Act,” said Tarn Taran SSP Ashwani Kapur. Raja said that two days back also the accused had fired at his house.

EIGHT YEAR OLD IN MURSHIDABAD MISTAKES BOMB AS TOY, DIES In Murshidabad's Daultabad area, tragedy struck as an eight-year-old student, Muklesur Rahaman from Chaudanga village and a Class II student at Chaudanga Primary School, lost his life in a devastating incident. Upon returning home from school, the boy discovered a metal object near a nearby pond, assuming it to be a toy. Regrettably, the metal piece turned out to be an explosive socket bomb. In an unfortunate turn of events, the boy unintentionally triggered the explosive by throwing it against a wall, resulting in an immediate and fatal explosion that claimed Muklesur's life..

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PM Modi inaugurates Vibrant Bengal Heritage dinner spotlights UK-India Gujarat Global Trade Show in relations with Bengal-focused discussion Gandhinagar P

rime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show 2024 in Gandhinagar. Preceding the main summit, the exhibition sprawls across 2 lakh square meters in several halls at the Helipad Ground Exhibition Centre. It features participation from 20 countries and precedes the tenth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which will also be inaugurated by PM Modi.

During his three-day visit to his home State, Mr Modi arrived at the venue at 3 pm, commencing his tour of stalls alongside Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries. Welcomed by numerous students from local colleges, the Prime Minister and officials were greeted at the inauguration.

Earlier in the day, Mr Modi convened with heads of states and senior officials from Mozambique and Timor-Leste at the Mahatma Gandhi Mandir, the main summit venue.

Additionally, he engaged in discussions with global CEOs, including Sanjay Mehrotra of Micron, DP World's chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Toshihiro Suzuki, officials from Deakin University, and Vincent Clerc of AP Moller Maersk. The trade show is scheduled for business on January 10 and January 11, followed by two days open to the general public.

PM Modi, UAE President hold roadshow in Ahmedabad Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conducted a 15-minute roadshow in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. The event began

PM at the inauguration of Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show

at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and concluded at Indira Bridge, spanning around three kilometres. Both leaders waved at the large crowds gathered along the road,

Viksit Bharat, Australia is sending a significant delegation, comprising 36 businesses and 90 representatives, to foster enhanced bilateral business ties and explore opportunities in

PM receives UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Ahmedabad

with banners welcoming the UAE president.

Following the roadshow, they proceeded to their respective destinations in Gandhinagar. PM Modi will inaugurate the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre, where the UAE president will serve as the chief guest.

Australia sends over 90 delegates and opens university campus in India Australia is the official country partner at Vibrant Gujarat, India's premier investor summit. Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and

Gujarat and across India.

The delegation will include officials from three Australian states – New South Wales, Western Australia, and Queensland, alongside representatives from five universities. His Excellency, Mr Philip Green OAM, Australian High Commissioner to India, will be at the helm of this delegation. In a groundbreaking development for Australia-India educational relations, Deakin University will inaugurate India's first international university campus in Gujarat's GIFT City, marking a pivotal moment in their academic partnership.

The Bengal Heritage Foundation (BHF) successfully hosted the Bengal Heritage Dinner on 28 December, a distinguished event held at the British Club in Kolkata, in collaboration with the British Deputy High Commission, British Council, and Indo British Scholars' Association (IBSA).

L-R: Debanjan Chakraborty, Andrew Fleming, Sourav Niyogi, The evening was a splendid celSaibal Ghosh and Ashwika Kapur ebration of cultural exchange, fosto win the Green Oscar and a member of tering connections, and exploring the rich IBSA, shared her experience of plastic polluhistory and contemporary ties between India tion impacting pristine islands in the and the United Kingdom.

Andamans. She stressed the need for climate Sambrita Das, Trustee of Bengal and environmental change to become part of Heritage Foundation and Client Executive everyday conversations, akin to discussions with SAP UK, initiated the evening. The in the UK. highlight of the event was a captivating Following the insightful panel discuspanel discussion on 'Building Living Bridges: sion, Koushik Chatterjee, Trustee of Bengal Exploring India-UK Connection post G20.'

Heritage Foundation and Director at Esteemed panellists, expertly moderated Cognizant UK, presented a thought-provokby Sourav Niyogi, Senior Partner at IBM ing session on 'Bridging Bengal and the UK London and Trustee of BHF, delved into the Through Diaspora Connection.' This session multifaceted aspects of the relationship explored the significant role that the diaspobetween the two nations, examining the ra plays in strengthening ties between opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Bengal and the UK, emphasising the culturDebanjan Chakrabarti, Director of the al, sports, and social contributions made by British Council, noted that the creative individuals of Indian origin living in the economy has the power to absorb the disUnited Kingdom, also highlighting the work placement caused by the agrarian economy. done by charitable organisations Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High like Banchbo and Calcutta Rescue.

Commissioner in Kolkata, candidly The evening concluded with a networkexpressed that many people in the UK do not ing dinner, featuring a brilliant soirée on fully understand India, emphasising signifisaxophone in the background by Michael cant potential in areas such as Tourism, Banerjee and his ensemble musicians. The Science & Technology, and Education. He event was attended by a diverse set of stressed his role in connecting the dots and Kolkata citizens and visiting Bengalis living facilitating change. abroad.

Ashwika Kapur, the first Indian woman

Puri's facelift: Odisha govt unveils 'Shree Setu' and AC tunnels for temple devotees In anticipation of the upcoming inauguration of the Rs 2,700 crore Jagannath Heritage Corridor project on January 17, the Odisha government has launched a series of infrastructure developments in Puri.

Notable among these is the construction of ‘Shree Setu,’ a 2.8-kilometre bypass route. This bypass, originating from Bhubaneswar and Brahmagiri, leads directly to

a multi-level parking area in the city, potentially cutting travel time for visitors by an hour by avoiding city traffic.

The Shree Setu, distinguished as India’s first trum-

In Loving Memory

pet bridge, spans across four lanes and occupies 37 acres.

Furthermore, to accommodate the increasing number of devotees at the famous Puri temple, the surrounding area has undergone redevelopment.

This includes the creation of a 1.5-kilometre ‘Shrimandir Parikrama’ pathway encircling the temple, enhancing access for worshippers, as stated by officials.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF LAXMIBEN RAMANLAL PATEL Laxmiben Ramanlal Patel, a devoted reader of Gujarat Samachar, peacefully passed away in December 2023 at the age of 93 while residing with her daughter in North Harrow. Her husband, Ramanlal Patel, had preceded her in death, in 2018. Married in 1951, the couple moved to Kenya, East Africa, seeking a better life.

Laxmiben was the elder sister of Ghanshyambhai Patel, who has resided in New Jersey for the past 50 years and is a beloved childhood friend from grade 1 in Karamsad, India. In 1974, Laxmiben and Ramanlal relocated to England, mirroring the path of numerous Indians from East Africa. They toiled tirelessly, embracing any available work, to provide a good education, cultural values, and the heritage of both Eastern and Western ways of life to their four daughters—Lina, Dila, Ilaxi, and Priti. Following her husband's demise, their four daughters cared for her devot-

edly.

Laxmiben exemplified a caring and loving nature, always prioritising others before herself, and going the extra mile to assist those in need. Her life echoed Mahatma Gandhi's sentiment, "My life is my message," making her a role model for many.

Maintaining a distant but strong connection as the elder sister of my friend Ghanshyambhai, Laxmiben proudly shared my letters in Gujarat Samachar with family, acquaintances, and friends.

Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice serve as golden bridges connecting thousands of readers worldwide, with calls and messages pouring in from England, India, the USA, Canada, and East Africa in response to my letters in print or online editions. Beyond their business ventures, the newsweeklies play a pivotal role in community service, particularly for those living alone.

- Suresh and Bhavna Patel

Mr Vinodrai Amratlal Doshi

Demise: 2nd January 2024.

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and husband, Dr Vinodrai Amratlal Doshi who passed away peacefully at 5 pm on 2nd Jan 2024. He left behind.

Vinod was born in Mumbai, India and qualified as a Dental Surgeon from Nair Hospital. After getting married he settled in Nakuru, Kenya and resided in London from 1974, prior to graduating with LDS RCS from Belfast.

Jai Jinendra Wife: Hasmita Children: Mamta Manjari and Viral Grandchildren: Jaishil, Shanil, Jainam, Jainil, Shefalee, Harshil Daughter-in-law: Krishna Son-in-law: Bhupesh and Raju Grand daughters-in-law: Sonal and Vanisha

Contact: Viral Doshi: 07957 336 701, Mamta Tolia: 07957 437 959, Manjari Patel: 07941 273 422

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Discovering Sri Lanka: A tapestry of nature and history

S

ri Lanka can be encapsulated by the allure of golden beaches, surging waves, mist-covered mountains, majestic elephants, elusive leopards, colossal whales, a rich historical legacy, delightful tea plantations, and heartwarming smiles.

This compact island encapsulates a myriad of landscapes, allowing travellers to ride the morning waves and bask in the beauty of verdant mountains as evening falls. Sri Lanka's travel destinations offer a diverse range of experiences, from sundrenched beach holidays to immersive wildlife encounters, heart-pounding adventure sports, and pilgrimages to some of the world's oldest cities.

Here are five places in Sri Lanka that you must visit if you love nature or appreciate history: Sigiriya: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya stands as a remarkable testament to ancient urban planning. Situated within the Cultural Triangle, Sigiriya is arguably the most iconic historical destination in Sri Lanka.

Commonly referred to as Lion Rock, this site is globally renowned for the remnants of the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and its numerous captivating, well-preserved attractions. The intricate hydraulic system within the fortress further solidifies its reputation as an exquisite example of classical city planning in Sri Lanka.

Galle: Situated along the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, the port city of Galle stands as one of the country's most picturesque destinations. Renowned for the iconic Galle Fort, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city holds a pivotal place in Sri Lanka's extensive colonial history. Notable landmarks within Galle include the natural harbour, the Historical Mansion Museum, Flag Rock, and Meeran Mosque. Moreover, the Galle International Stadium has gained acclaim as one of the most scenic cricket grounds globally.

Yala National Park: Originally established as a hunting ground during the British colonial era, Yala National Park has undergone a

Book Review

B

Yala National Park

remarkable transformation and now stands as the habitat with the highest population of leopards on Earth. Encompassing a sprawling area of 900 square kilometres, it is Sri Lanka's largest national park. Yala not only provides a natural haven for a diverse range of animals but also offers a serene environment for various bird species. The park's allure lies in its rich biodiversity, drawing tourists from around the world throughout the year, and boasting a high density of leopards, along with other fascinating wildlife such as sloth bears, crocodiles, and deer.

Adam’s Peak: Adam's Peak, standing at 7,359 feet, is one of the most renowned pilgrimage sites in the Indian subcontinent, situated in Sri Lanka. This sacred mountain attracts visitors from various major religions, making it a symbol of religious

harmony. At its summit lies Sri Pada, an indentation resembling a foot, often referred to as the sacred footprint.The sacred footprint holds diverse religious significance, believed by Buddhists to be the imprint of Lord Buddha, by Hindus as that of Shiva, by Muslims as Adam's, and by Christians as belonging to St. Thomas the Apostle. This convergence of religious beliefs make it a spiritually significant and awe-inspiring destination.

Mirissa: Mirissa, once a quaint old beach town in the southern part of Sri Lanka, has emerged as a thriving destination, particularly renowned for its popularity in surfing and whale watching.

Nestled approximately 150 kilometres south of Colombo, this beautiful place is characterised by palm-fringed shores, crystal-clear blue waters, and vibrant boats lining the coastline. From the exhilarating experience of whale watching to the tranquillity3 of snorkeling, the excitement of surfing, and the thrill of bodyboarding, the town caters to a diverse range of interests. Mirissa strikes the perfect balance between serene days and lively nights, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking both Sigiriya relaxation and excitement on the shores of Sri Lanka.

BIRTH OF KINGS by Jayneet Patel

IRTH OF KINGS is a modern-day retelling of the dramatic events that unfold in the first part of the Mahabharata – the ancient Sanskrit text that is regarded as a historical account of the foundation of Hinduism and a code of ethics for those that follow the religion.

This version aims to tell the story in a manner that engages a contemporary

audience with dramatic tension and fascinating plots. The reader is taken on a thrilling journey to understand the roles that characters play in building towards the climax, focusing not only on key individuals but also others whose roles are significant but often overlooked. The text is written in a traditional epic manner which immerses the reader into the plot, leaving nothing amiss whilst adding great suspense.

The primary narrative follows two sets of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pāndavas, who vie with each other for the Kingdom. Multiple subplots weave throughout the epic, as the characters are brought to life and begin to pursue their motives, with the importance of family and loyalty a major theme. The loyalties of many characters become sewn into the fabric of the plot as the narrative develops in a fascinating manner. Characters are brought to life and seeds are sown that eventually grow to have a great impact on future events.

Tension builds throughout the epic as allegiances are forged, often in heartbreaking circumstances, laid bare for the reader to understand and become immersed in the tale.

About the writer: Jayneet Patel is a Specialist Orthodontist by profession and the father of two adorable daughters. He began his love for writing at a young age. The recent pandemic gave him the ideal moment to focus on his passion, with the result being the “Birth of Kings”. Growing up in a proud Indian household in London, England, he noted over time that although countless devotees of Hinduism have great faith in their religion, very few were aware of the epic scale and enthralling plots that the faith has to offer.

Having sought to discover the ancient text

Jayneet Patel

himself he felt compelled to tell the tale in a manner that would engage the reader, including those completely new to the fascinating events that unfold, guiding them through the key occurrence in a world that is full of suspense and tension.

THE TITLE OF THE BOOK IS “BIRTH OF KINGS” AND IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

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13 - 19 January 2024

Anger at Family Members Psychologist Mamta Saha

T

oday, I’m going to share what you can do to deal with anger to help you feel lighter, fresher and clearer as you head into 2024. My tips will be practical, through provoking and proven to be successful and I encourage you to save this article so you can always look back at it to remind yourself of how you can be your best self.

So many of my clients come to me with issues around anger and frustration towards certain family members. Having gone through years and years of tricky situations, challenges and dilemma’s - judgements have built overtime and this has resulted in my client’s experiencing ill-health, emotional suffering and deep feelings of being misunderstood. If any of this sounds familiar, keep reading, you are not alone.

When I work with these challenges, anger is the first emotion to unravel and unpack. This is because for so many being angry was the only option and means to break an unhealthy bond or connection. It was the only path to take to feel free from being held captive – either physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

In my work I encourage my clients to first acknowledge the anger, this is because we can have deep feelings of embarrassment and shame when it comes to feelings that are not deemed to be socially acceptable and as a result, we can supress anger and push it down until it shows up in our body. Therefore, the work is to allow my clients to feel and accept the anger they have towards family members without harbouring negative feelings towards themselves.

If you feel bad, wrong or ashamed for being angry it’s worth taking the time to examine the judgements that you are making of yourself. If you were to write down what you hear in your mind and who’s voice it is in, you can begin to understand where these thoughts were born. You can then make a choice as to whether they belong to you or not at all. These beliefs may have served some purpose in the past but might just be completely irrelevant now.

We can also work to accept, even be grateful to our anger for protecting us and set another intention: embracing our freedom. If you find your mind drifting to thoughts that feel heavy, choose to think loving thoughts instead, healing thoughts and send loving kindness to yourself and then to family members.

When you make a commitment to do this you can achieve forgiveness.

If anger still arises (which it may), allow it to be there and then release them by using your compassionate voice to acknowledge and reassure that it is perfectly normal and that you also have other choices available to you such as the freedom to feel peace and calm.

When you access that loving kindness for yourself you can then begin to send it to others. This mindset helps you heal and move forward in peace, not anger.

If you need support doing this work, then reach out and explore a bespoke coaching journey. I’d also love to know how you get on, email me: mamta@mamtasaha.com. Follow me on Linked in: Mamta Saha and IG: Saha_Mamta. Download my free e-book: www.mamtasaha.com. Good luck!

Health wonders of Cucumbers Cucumbers, comprising 96% water, are an excellent choice for detoxification and hydration. Packed with phytonutrients, vitamin K, and an array of essential nutrients like pantothenic acid and Molybdenum, they offer a host of health benefits.

Their nutrient profile includes copper, potassium, manganese, vitamin C, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin B1. Consuming cucumbers aids in regulating blood pressure, supports digestion, facilitates weight loss, promotes healthier skin and helps prevent bad breath.

Health Views Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Five minutes of physical activity can help lung cancer patients live longer A

new study led by Curtin University revealed that lung cancer patients at incurable stages may survive longer if they engage in less than five minutes of physical activity every day.

From the time of their diagnosis, the team kept an eye on 89 individuals with terminal lung cancer. After a year, they examined the death rates of individuals who participated in moderate-to-intense physical exercise and those who remained mostly sedentary, and they saw noteworthy differences.

Compared to those who were less active, those who engaged in moderate-tovigorous physical activity

for more than 4.6 minutes a day had a mortality risk that was 60% lower after a year.

In particular, early treatment of patients with inoperable lung cancer may benefit from this, according to

study lead and former postdoctoral fellow of the Cancer Council of Western Australia, Associate Professor Vin Cavalheri.

"We previously demonstrated that people with

inoperable lung cancer were highly sedentary and spent minimal time in moderateto-vigorous physical activity before the commencement of treatment," he said.

He added, “These new findings further indicate that healthcare providers should investigate a person's levels of physical activity in early management of inoperable lung cancer. We also need to evaluate what can be done to encourage people with inoperable lung cancer to exercise more, as 24 per cent of the study's participants engaged in less than one minute per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity.”

Avoid bloating after a big meal with these tips Bloating pain can occasionally overwhelm the satisfaction of enjoying a satisfying, flavorful meal. You may wish you had a cure after a meal when you feel stuffed.

Thankfully, there are strategies to avoid or reduce bloating following a large meal, so your delicious food doesn't tax your digestive system. Here are some tips to keep bloating at bay: Watch your salt intake: Bloating can be brought on by water retention brought on by high salt intake. Use caution when taking salt,

particularly in processed or prepackaged foods. It may be healthy to season your food with herbs, spices, or lemon juice.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can aid digestion and prevent constipation, a common cause

of bloating. However, avoid drinking large amounts of liquid during meals as it can dilute digestive enzymes.

Instead, hydrate between meals.

Choose your foods wisely: Bloating is commonly associated with certain foods.

Bloating can be exacerbated by meals that produce gas, such as broccoli, cabbage, beans and carbonated drinks. These foods are rich in nutrients, but they can also aid with digestion if eaten in moderation or in combination with other

herbs like peppermint or ginger.

Limit carbonated beverages: The carbonation in drinks like sodas or sparkling water can introduce extra air into your digestive system, leading to bloating. Opt for still water or herbal teas instead.

Consider digestive aids: Bloating can be reduced with natural therapies such as peppermint tea or ginger.

Furthermore, some people find that taking probiotics or digestive enzymes over-thecounter helps with digestion and lessens bloating.

Earlier meals can protect How body reacts to high or low oxygen levels your heart A significant study has indicated that eating meals earlier may lower the risk of having heart attacks and strokes.

A study conducted in France with over 100,000 participants revealed that persons who skipped breakfast and consumed their first meal later in the day were more likely to acquire cardiovascular disease.

Eating supper after 9 pm was linked to higher rates of stroke, particularly in women.

The study involved scientists from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and other institutions.

They said the link could be explained by food’s role in synchronising internal body clocks and controlling blood pressure rhythms. “Eating late at night can disrupt this system and lead to metabolic disturbances,” they said.

They also pointed out studies showing “sensitivity to insulin and to elevated glucose concentration are greatest in the early morning and decline over the day”, suggesting that the body’s metabolism “is prepared to anticipate and digest energy sources at specific times of the day”.

All things considered, a one-hour delay in breakfast was associated with a six per cent increased risk of cardiovascular disease. When compared to eating before 8 pm, eating after 9 pm was associated with a 28% higher risk of cerebrovascular disease, including stroke.

Additionally, the researchers discovered that a longer overnight fast - that is, the interval between a day's last meal and its first meal - was associated with a decreased risk of cerebrovascular illness.

While breathing in too much oxygen might have negative effects, are you aware of the negative repercussions of breathing in too little? According to scientists, breathing air that is higher in oxygen than what your body needs can cause illnesses and, in extreme situations, even death. The scientific understanding of the subject and its significance for health has been broadened by a recent Gladstone Institutes study.

The study describes how breathing air with varying oxygen concentrations from too little to just right or too much - affects the synthesis and breakdown of several proteins in the heart, brain, and lungs of mice. It was published in the journal Science Advances. The study also sheds insight on a specific protein that might play a key role in controlling

how cells react to hyperoxia.

Gladstone Assistant Investigator Isha Jain said, “These results have implications for many different diseases. More than one million people in the US breathe supplemental oxygen every day for medical reasons, and studies suggest it could be making things worse in some cases. That’s just one setting where our work is starting to explain what’s happening and how the body responds.”

The first author of the new paper and a graduate student at UC San Francisco, Kirsten Xuewen Chen, said, “Our study enters uncharted territory by using mice and looking downstream of gene expression at which proteins abnormally accumulate or degrade in response to different oxygen concentrations.”

Those who work from home accumulate 800 more extra calories The results of a recent MyFitnessPal poll, which reveal that employees consume over 800 more calories and walk 3,500 fewer steps on days when they don't go into the office, definitely won't surprise anyone who works from home. When the refrigerator is so close to their desk, some people might wonder if they are truly consuming that many extra calories.

As a home worker I am aware of the lure of leftovers, the temptation to take just a nibble of cheddar or a slice of Parma ham that don’t count because you are not popping to get the

full works from Pret at lunchtime.

Thoughtless eating, grazing while waiting for a kettle or coffee maker, or to steal a phrase from sports psychologists, the modest gains from unintentional snacking that gradually aggregate as extra weight around the middle, are the causes of increased energy consumption on work-from-home days.

Those who participated in the 2,000-person poll reported eating five snacks at home vs three at work. And that’s only what they admit to snaffling.

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13 - 29 January 2024

Vidhu Vinod Chopra's '12th Fail' becomes highest-rated Indian film on IMDb, beats Oppenheimer and Barbie

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idhu Vinod Chopra's "12th Fail" has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the highest-rated Indian film on IMDb, surpassing global hits like "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie" to secure its position in the 2023 global rankings.

The biographical drama, led by Vikrant Massey, has earned widespread acclaim, solidifying its place as the number one Indian film on IMDb's list of top 250 with an impressive rating of 9.2 out of ten.

This accomplishment places "12th Fail" ahead of several prominent Hollywood blockbusters from 2023, including "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" (rated 8.6), Christopher Nolan’s "Oppenheimer" (8.4), "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" (7.9), Martin Scorsese’s "Killers of the Flower Moon" (7.8), "John Wick: Chapter 4" (7.7), and Greta Gerwig’s "Barbie" (6.9) featuring Margot Robbie.

Adapted from Anurag Pathak's book

and featuring Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar, "12th Fail" recounts the inspiring life story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame severe poverty to achieve the prestigious rank of an Indian Police Service officer. The film sheds light on Sharma's journey, emphasising the pivotal role played by his wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, in his success.

With a worldwide box office collection of Rs 67 crore, "12th Fail" emerged as an unexpected hit of the year. Following its premiere on Disney Plus Hotstar, the film has continued to receive acclaim and affection from audiences, solidifying its status as a standout cinematic success.

Alia Bhatt to TV’s Ram and Sita: Celebrities invited for grand Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration conveyed her blessings and encouraged everyone to welcome Lord Ram into their homes on January 22, declaring it as the new date for Diwali. The grand celebration in Ayodhya promises to be a divine and memorable occasion, with the presence of these esteemed celebrities.

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star-studded lineup from Bollywood and South Indian cinema is set to grace the grand inauguration of Ayodhya's Ram Mandir on January 22. Among the Bollywood luminaries receiving invitations are Amitabh Bachchan, Kangana Ranaut, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Anupam Kher, Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Sunny Deol, Tiger Shroff, Rajkumar Hirani, Ayushmann Khurrana, Ajay Devgn, and Madhur Bhandarkar.

The list extends to South Indian cinema, with formal invitations extended to renowned actors Rajinikanth, Prabhas, Chiranjeevi, Mohanlal, Dhanush, Yash, and Rishab Shetty, ensuring a pan-Indian representation at this historic event.

Adding a touch of nostalgia, actors Arun Govil and Deepika Chikhalia, who portrayed Lord Ram and Sita in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan, are also part of the distinguished guest list. Chikhalia expressed her excitement, describing the event as "something magical and a historic moment."

Reflecting on her iconic role, she

Here’s why Aamir Khan’s son-in-law ran for 8kms to his own wedding

I

ra Khan and Nupur Shikhare's enchanting wedding video has been unveiled, capturing the magical moments from their celebration. The couple officially registered their marriage in Mumbai on January 3, marking the beginning of their beautiful journey together.

The video showcases the charm of the festivities, from Nupur Shikhare's heartfelt 8 km jog to reach the wedding venue to the exchange of vows surrounded by friends and family. The daughter of Aamir Khan, Ira Khan, and fitness trainer Nupur Shikhare embarked on this new chapter in their lives, with the celebrations extending to Udaipur.

The social wedding in Udaipur commenced with the mehendi ceremony on January 8. The wedding video, shared on Instagram, provides a delightful glimpse into the couple's special moments. In a heartfelt

narration, groom Nupur shares the emotional significance of his 8 km jog from his house to Ira's. “From my house to Ira’s house, I used to run. I have a very special connection to this route. Emotional reason,” he said in the video.

The montage captures the essence of the day, radiating the joy and love that surrounded Ira Khan and Nupur Shikhare as they officially became husband and wife. Fans are eagerly embracing the enchanting visuals, and the anticipation for the continued festivities in Udaipur is palpable.

Katrina Kaif addresses gender pay gap in Bollywood

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atrina Kaif preparing for the release of "Merry Christmas" with Vijay Sethupathi, delved into the persisting issue of gender pay disparity in the Indian film industry during a recent interview. Reflecting on her two-decade-long career since her debut in the 2003 film "Boom," Katrina expressed her views on whether any noticeable shift toward pay parity has occurred over the years.

In a candid conversation with Film Companion, when asked about the progress towards pay equality, Katrina straightforwardly responded, "No." She acknowledged the complexity of the topic and cited an argument she had heard about the disparate box office numbers for maleled and female-led films. Katrina emphasised the intricate nature of the debate, likening a film to a blend of various ingredients, making it challenging to pinpoint the most crucial factor. Despite the complexities, she expressed her aspiration for greater equality in the industry.

Maintaining an optimistic outlook, Kaif Katrina acknowledged the ongoing positive shift in the right direction concerning pay parity.

She believes that the industry is gradually becoming more supportive of equality, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Reflecting on her own journey in the film industry, Katrina shared insights into her initial financial struggles. When she embarked on her acting career, she had limited savings and contemplated pursuing films until her resources ran out.

Fortunately, her foray into modelling provided the necessary financial support.

Katrina emphasised her belief that genuine passion and wholehearted dedication to one's craft ultimately lead to financial success. She cautioned against prioritising financial success over passion, likening it to the age-old debate of the chicken and the egg.

Priyanka Chopra applauds Pankaj Tripathi's wisdom on embracing a 'Slow' Life" P

riyanka Chopra resonated with Pankaj Tripathi's recent interview, where he shared a valuable life lesson about embracing a 'slow' lifestyle and avoiding the rush of a hectic life. Priyanka, known for her successful career and commitment to maintaining a work-life balance with husband Nick Jonas and their daughter Malti Marie, applauded Tripathi's wisdom.

Taking to her Instagram stories on Tuesday, Priyanka shared a throwback video clip of Pankaj Tripathi from five years ago, featuring him in conversation with Neelesh Mishra. In the video, the Mirzapur actor expressed the significance of leading a deliberate and measured life, rejecting the notion of rushing through every moment.

Priyanka, connecting with Tripathi's perspective, praised his insightful words.

In the video, Pankaj Tripathi conveyed, "Main jeevan mein slow rehna chahta hu.

Thehraav rehna chahiye. Kyyu bhaagna hai?

Kahaan bhaagna hai?

Kidhar ud ke jaana hai?

Ho jayega. Sab ho jayega, itmenaan se saans to le. (I want to be slow in life. I want to be steady. Why run? Where to run? Where to fly? Everything will be fine. Take a deep breath)."

Priyanka, sharing the video, captioned it with "Wisdom" and a folded hands emoji, tagging Pankaj Tripathi. Her acknowledgment of the actor's perspective resonates with the importance of embracing a mindful and deliberate approach to life.

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13 - 19 January 2024

OPPENHEIMER WINS BIG AT THE

81ST ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES T

he 81st annual Golden Globes witnessed Oppenheimer emerging as the major triumph of the night, securing five wins for the Christopher Nolan film. These accolades included Best Picture (Drama), Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Original Score. Oppenheimer's dominance was complemented by Anatomy of a Fall and Poor Things, each claiming two awards. The former earned recognition for Best Non-English Film and Best Screenplay, while the latter triumphed in Best Picture (Musical or Comedy) and Best Actress.

A notable milestone occurred as Lily Gladstone secured the award for Best Actress in a Drama for her standout performance in Martin Scorcese's Killers of the Flower Moon. She became the

prior experience accepting Heath Ledger's posthumous award in 2009, Nolan expressed gratitude for Robert Downey Jr.'s supportive presence then and now. "The only time I've ever been on this stage before was accepting one of these on behalf of our dear friend Heath Ledger, and that was complicated and challenging for me," Nolan said during his speech.

"And in the middle of speaking, I glanced up and Robert Downey Jr. caught my eye and gave me a look of love and support — the same look he's giving me now, the same love and support he's shown so many people in our community over so many years. I thought it would be simpler accepting for myself, but as a director, of course, as I stand here, I suddenly realise I can only accept this on behalf of people. As directors, we bring people together and try to

Elizabeth Debicki from The Crown won Best Supporting Actress as Princess Diana

Greta Gergwig and Margot Robbie

first Indigenous performer to receive a Golden Globe in a groundbreaking achievement.

Cillian Murphy, acclaimed for his role as J Robert Oppenheimer in the film Oppenheimer, clinched the Best Actor in a Drama award, marking his sixth collaboration with director Christopher Nolan.

Robert Downey Jr, the supporting actor winner for Oppenheimer, humorously accepted his fourth Golden Globe, highlighting the challenges of being "unrecognisably subtle" in his role.

Christopher Nolan, the auteur behind Oppenheimer, celebrated his first Golden Globe win after six nominations. Reflecting on his

get them to give their best."

Oppenheimer versus Hindus The film "Oppenheimer" faced criticism from some Hindus for a scene where physicist J Robert Oppenheimer quotes a Bhagavad Gita verse during a love-making scene. Uday Mahurkar, the Indian government's information commissioner, called it a "direct assault on religious beliefs," suggesting it was part of a larger conspiracy.

Beyond the controversy, the film explores Oppenheimer's deep knowledge of Hindu texts, particularly the Bhagavad Gita, and its influence on his role in the Manhattan Project. The juxtaposition of the Gita verse with an inti-

The Suits Reunion- Patrick Adams, Gina Torres, Sarah and Gabriel

Cillian Murphy and Rober Downey Jr

Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift

mate scene raises questions about creative license and Orientalism.

The film offers an opportunity to reflect on the ethical implications of atomic weapons, the duty of scientists, and the need for public discourse on weapons of mass destruction.

Barbie earns the Golden Globe for Cinematic or Box Office Achievement Emma Stone secured her second Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy, courtesy of her role in Poor Things, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Stone characterised the film's narrative as a rom-com, highlighting her character's unique love for life itself. Paul Giamatti, winning Best Actor in a

Musical or Comedy for The Holdovers, dedicated his award to teachers, adding humour by acknowledging his character's distinct olfactory trait.

Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Giamatti's co-star, claimed the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, expressing gratitude to director Alexander Payne and dedicating the win to her character, Mary Lamb. The ceremony also introduced a new category, with Barbie earning the Golden Globe for Cinematic or Box Office Achievement.

In the television categories, Netflix emerged triumphant with The Crown's Elizabeth Debicki winning Best Supporting Actress,

Christopher Nolan honouring Heath Ledger in his speech

while Beef secured two key awards.

Succession from HBO also secured four Golden Globes for its final season, including Best Drama Series. The Bear dominated TV comedy categories, with Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri winning Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.

Introducing a new category for Best Stand-Up Performance on Television acknowledged stand-up comedians, with Ricky Gervais winning for his special Armageddon. Notably absent from the ceremony, Gervais spared celebrities from his customary pointed barbs as the host, highlighting the evolving landscape of major award shows.

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13 - 19 January 2024

Case filed Actor Amala Paul against Lokesh announces pregnancy Kanagaraj in A the Madurai High Court R

enowned for his gripping action dramas, Lokesh Kanagaraj stands as one of the most successful directors in the South Indian film industry. However, a recent legal development has surfaced against him. A case has been lodged at the Madras High Court Madurai branch targeting the director.

Kanagaraj's last directorial venture was the blockbuster action-packed film 'Leo', featuring Vijay in a leading role, known for its intense action sequences.

ctor Amala Paul and Jagat Desai exchanged vows in a Christian ceremony held on November 5 in Kochi, Kerala. Recently, on January 3, the couple joyfully revealed Amala's pregnancy through a heartwarming maternity photoshoot set against the backdrop of a beach. In the beautifully captured images, Amala lovingly embraced her baby bump, expressing her excitement about embarking on the journey of parenthood with Jagat.

In their joint Instagram post, the couple wrote, "Now I know that 1+1 is 3 with you!"

They shared happy pictures from their maternity photoshoot. In one of the photos, Amala Paul and Jagat Desai cradled her growing baby bump as he held her from behind. Another picture showed just their feet as they posed together on the beach.

There was also a picture of Amala smiling and showing her baby bump in what appeared to be her reflection in a mirror.

Amala was dressed in a red crop top and

matching skirt for her pregnancy announcement pictures. The mother-to-be also wore a statement necklace.

"Many many congratulations guys," wrote an Instagram user. Another commented, "Waiting to meet the wonderful soul that chose to be a part of your lives… becoming a mother is one of the most beautiful gifts that ‘chooses you.’ You both are going to be amazing parents… just love the first picture.

It speaks for itself."

Superstar Rajinikanth in talks with Mari Selvaraj and Nelson again for his upcoming films

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The legal issue arises as Raja Murugan, hailing from Madurai, filed a petition urging the Madurai High Court to address concerns related to 'Leo'. As per reports from Indiaglitz Tamil, the petition alleges that the movie portrays scenes depicting riots, unlawful activities, reckless driving of vehicles, and police-assisted crimes. Murugan asserts that these scenes might influence society negatively, urging censorship authorities to thoroughly scrutinise such content. Additionally, he demands a psychological evaluation of director Lokesh Kanagaraj and threatens further action if violent scenes persist in his films.

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Kanagaraj has embarked on his next project, tentatively titled 'Thalaivar 171', collaborating with superstar Rajinikanth. Notably, while this forthcoming film is slated as another action drama, the director has assured that it won't delve into drug-related themes and will not be interconnected with his established cinematic universe.

Kanagaraj has recently commenced scripting for the film, charting a different course from his previous works.

A Actress Anjali denounces false marriage rumors

recent DT Next report stated that Superstar Rajinikanth is deeply engaged in discussions with directors Mari Selvaraj and Nelson for his upcoming projects following his current commitments.

Presently occupied with TJ Gnanavel's film "Vettaiyan," Rajinikanth is scheduled to proceed to a project helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj later this year.

Post these commitments, Rajinikanth is reportedly on the brink of collaborating with director Mari Selvaraj. Additionally, talks are underway for his potential involvement in Nelson's upcoming project, especially after the massive success of "Jailer." The veteran actor shows no inclination to slow down and

remains a sought-after name in the industry following his contribution to one of Tamil cinema's most significant blockbusters in 2023.

'Thalapathy 68' is titled 'GOAT; Vijay's stunning first look delights fans

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ollowing the massive success of 'Leo', Vijay has collaborated with director Venkat Prabhu for his next project. The filming of the movie, tentatively titled 'Thalapathy 68', is currently underway, and the filmmakers have recently unveiled its first look. As a New Year's treat for the audience in 2024, the movie has been officially titled 'GOAT' (The Greatest Of All Time).

In this Venkat Prabhu directorial, Vijay is portraying a dual role, and the first look poster showcases the charismatic actor in the avatars of both characters. The director seems geared up to deliver a full-fledged entertainer tailored for Vijay's fanbase.

Enthusiastic Vijay fans are celebrating the release of the first look on various social media platforms, expressing their delight

njali, known for her debut in Kollywood with "Kattradhu Thamizh" directed by Ram, rose to prominence with "Angaadi Theru," a pivotal moment in her career helmed by Vasantha Balan. Her journey continued with successful films like "Engayum Epodhum," "Mankatha " alongside Ajith, "Kalakalappu" directed by Sundar C, and "Iraivi" by Karthik Subbaraj.

Amidst her flourishing career, Anjali's personal life, par-

over the impressive poster. Notably, numerous celebrities have also reacted to the 'GOAT' first look, leading to the movie dominating social media trends.

Meenakshi Chaudhary stars opposite Vijay as the female lead in this multistarrer drama. The film boasts a star-studded ensemble including Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Sneha, Laila, Jayaram, Yogi Babu, Mohan, Ajmal, VTV Ganesh, Vaibhav, Premgi Amaren, and Aakash Aravindh in significant roles.

Touted to be a time travelthemed movie, 'GOAT' features music by Yuvan Shankar Raja, with cinematography handled by Siddhartha Nuni. ticularly her relationship with actor Jai, gained attention. Rumors swirled about their impending marriage, but the relationship ended abruptly due to undisclosed reasons.

Anjali's temporary hiatus from cinema due to weight gain was a turning point.

However, her dedication to fitness transformed her into a glamorous actress.

Presently, she's engaged in the lead role in Ram

Charan's "Game Changer," directed by the esteemed Shankar, marking her active involvement in Tollywood.

Addressing recent marriage rumors in a Telugu media interview, Anjali expressed her frustration with false narratives, clarifying that media portrayals of her personal life have been misrepresented. She emphasised that the stories about her alleged marriage to a businessman settled in America were baseless and misleading.

Anjali highlighted the autonomy she and her friends within the industry have in deciding their narratives, expressing her disappointment at being depicted erroneously solely because of her profession as an actress.

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CROSS-PLATFORM

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13 - 19 January 2024

Netflix planning to introduce in-app purchases, ads to its games N

Prime Video’s Panchayat season 3 streaming date is out T

etflix introduced games to its streaming platform two years ago, offering them as part of the subscription package. However, the streaming giant is contemplating changes to monetize its gaming services, aiming to generate more revenue from this venture. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, internal discussions have been ongoing for several months within Netflix regarding potential strategies for monetisation.

Among the options under consideration are introducing in-app purchases, implementing premium charges for higher-quality game titles, and displaying advertisements within games available to subscribers under the adsupported tier. Notably, during an earnings call in April 2023, Netflix explicitly stated that, at that time, they had no intentions of introducing ads or in-game purchases.

According to Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters, the company wants to provide a unique gaming experience that prioritises player enjoyment. Therefore, the focus is on allowing game creators to build games without worrying about other forms of monetization. “We want to have a differentiated gaming experience and part of that is giving game creators the ability to think about building games purely from the perspective of player enjoyment and not having to worry about other forms of monetisation, whether it be ads or in-game payment,” Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters told investors.

he highly anticipated release date for Season 3 of Prime Video's "Panchayat" has been revealed, exciting OTT viewers. The show is set to start streaming from January 15th, much to the delight of its fan base eagerly awaiting its return.

Tusshar Kapoor’s debut OTT show is Dus June Ki Raat A ctor Tusshar Kapoor will soon make his streaming debut with his upcoming web show also starring Priyanka Chahar Chaudhary, Bigg Boss 16 participant.

Taking to Instagram, the actor shared the news sharing a photo of the clapperboard of the new web show, wherein Alt Balaji will be collaborating with JioCinema. Taking to Instagram, Kapoor shared the good news with the caption that reads, “Dus June Ki Raat. It begins #pulpfiction! Jai Mata Di! Dus June Ki Raat is directed by Tabrez Khan and is expected to be a finite series featuring an ensemble of cast.

Renowned as one of the finest Indian web series on OTT platforms, "Panchayat" has captivated audiences with its authentic and engaging storytelling across its first two seasons. Recently, the OTT platform announced the imminent arrival of "Panchayat" Season 3, accompanied by the availability of the previous seasons for free streaming.

Adding to its accolades, "Panchayat" Season 2 received the prestigious Best Web Series (OTT) Award at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The recognition further solidified the series' standing in the realm of exceptional storytelling.

"Panchayat" follows the journey of an engineering graduate compelled to work as a panchayat secretary in the fictional village of Phulera, Uttar Pradesh, due to a lack of job opportunities. Premiering during the Covid lockdown in April 2020, the show's first season garnered widespread acclaim. Created by Deepak Kumar Mishra, "Panchayat" features Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, and Neena Gupta in prominent roles, captivating audiences with their performances.

Sooraj Barjatya to Zeenat Aman's 70s revelations and make OTT debut Neetu Kapoor's surprise crush unveiled with family drama in new KwK episode F T ilmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, known for his iconic works, is reportedly gearing up to mark his debut on the Sony LIV OTT platform with the upcoming release titled "Badaa Naam Karenge," slated for Diwali 2024.

While specific casting details remain undercover, reports hint at the film being a family-centric drama, typical of Barjatya's storytelling style.

Simultaneously, the filmmaker is also preparing for the production of "Maine Pyar Kiya" featuring Salman Khan, showcasing his continued dedication to creating compelling narratives across different formats.As he spoke in an interview about it last year, he said, "I am starting with Salman mid-next year because when I make a film, I become selfish.

Today, at this stage of my life as a director, I have become selfish. I write the film myself and when I write myself, then I take my own time. With Salman especially, since we are doing something together after a long time, it has to be something special, especially after all these years.

So yeah, I will start next year mid."

he anticipation for an exciting episode of Koffee With Karan Season 8 heightens as veteran actresses Zeenat Aman and Neetu Kapoor take the spotlight, promising a treasure trove of intriguing revelations.

A recently unveiled promo teases snippets of engaging anecdotes and candid moments that await viewers in the upcoming episode.

The promo opens with Neetu Kapoor fondly describing Zeenat Aman as the epitome of 'style aur sexiness ki dukan.' Reflecting on their shared cinematic journey in movies like 'Yaadon Ki Baraat' and 'Heeralal Pannalal,' the actresses set the stage for an engaging conversation with Karan Johar. The highlight occurs as Johar probes Zeenat Aman about her 'wildest thing' during the 70s, to which she cryptically responds, hinting at intriguing revelations from that era

of her life.

An exchange regarding a mysterious Instagram post hints at an intriguing secret between the actresses, adding to the enigmatic allure of the episode. Neetu Kapoor displays her mimicry skills, humorously impersonating Zeenat Aman, creating an atmosphere filled

with playful banter and laughter.

Delving deeper into the conversation, Johar asks Neetu about her secret crush among the heartthrobs of Bollywood from her time, leading to a surprising revelation—Shashi Kapoor, eliciting laughter and surprise from both the guests and the audience.

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National Sports Awards honour Mohammed Shami, para-archer Sheetal President Droupadi Murmu presented the national sports awards to India's topperforming athletes in an esteemed ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Cricketer Mohammed Shami and para-archer Sheetal Devi received a warm welcome from the audience.

Shuttlers Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy were honoured with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award for their outstanding achievements in 2023. This included securing India's first-ever badminton gold at the Asian Games, as well as winning the Asian Championships and the Indonesia Open Super 1000 title. The duo, currently participating in the Malaysia Open Super 1000, were

unable to attend the ceremony.

Traditionally held on August 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, the awards ceremony was postponed due to the Hangzhou Asian Games, which took place from September 23 to October 8 last year. An air of celebration filled the Rashtrapati Bhawan as 26

athletes and para-athletes were officially named recipients of the Arjuna Awards this year.

The influence of the successful Asian Games from the previous year, where India achieved a record haul of 107 medals, was palpable during the ceremony. A majority of the athletes who graced the dais were medal winners at the Hangzhou event.

AAD expresses disdain over Gary Lineker’s Israel post Action Against Discrimination that UK football, including the (AAD) and its Chairman Jonathan Football Association and other Metliss have expressed disdain football authorities, clubs, over former England footballer politicians and the police had Gary Lineker’s latest tweet on let down the UK Jewish social medium platform Twitter Community. He cited various X, appearing to endorse incidences such as the failure comments from an academic to light up the Wembley arch who described Israel’s actions in AAD Chairman Jonathan Metliss at the recent England v Gaza as “ textbook genocide”, Australia game, the waiving of adding that this was a serious breach of the Palestinian flags by Liverpool and Celtic BBC’s social media guidelines. supporters and certain current players, the exclusion of the Star of David from the flag AAD and Metliss had recently criticised of the Chelsea Israel Supporters Club and Lineker for backing a proposed prothe continuous chanting of the “ Y”word by Palestinian demonstration on Armistice Day Tottenham Hotspur supporters which and criticising the then Home Secretary Metliss and AAD have opposed for so long, Suella Braverman for calling such a as provoking and encouraging anti-Semitic demonstration a “hate march”. She had said behaviour by fans of other clubs. that it was unacceptable to desecrate Gary Lineker had expressed support for a Armistice Day with a “ hate march through video accusing Israel of 'textbook genocide' London “.Metliss added “ Lineker has not in Gaza. The video features an interview said one apologetic word nor made one with Raz Segal, an Israeli associate professor criticism about the 1200 innocent Jews who of Holocaust and genocide studies at were callously murdered by Hamas on 7 Stockton University in the US. Lineker reOctober and the 240 hostages that were shared the interview, emphasizing its taken at the same time. Having been significance by stating, "Worth 13 minutes of suspended once by the BBC from Match Of anyone's time." The move reignited The Day, the disruptive and dangerous discussions about Lineker's involvement in Lineker should now be removed from the sensitive geopolitical matters and his use of BBC and generally once and for all, and for social media to highlight contentious issues. good reason. “Metliss explained how he felt

Bareilly's Khushbu excels in Malaysian sport, earns medal, and secures Army job When Khushbu was 14 years Khushbu tells the media. old, she encountered several Khushbu was left boys playing sepaktakraw, a awestruck by the game renowned sport in Malaysia, and insisted to her father at Bareilly's Major that she wanted to play Dhyanchand Stadium SAI the sport. centre. Initially, she mistook “The coach told my it for a variation of volleyball. father that they would Khushbu Keen to learn more, she need three more girls, so approached her father, Gopal, who worked he started a coaching programme for the as a home guard stationed at the stadium, girls. I brought three of my friends from and inquired about the sport. school. All of us were in athletics, and the game is so unique that they also wanted to “There is a sports hostel at the give it a shot,” she says. Cut to the present, stadium, and only boys from the north Khushbu was part of the team that won east region used to play the sport. My India’s first-ever medal in women’s father asked one of the athletes about the sepaktakraw at the Asian Games. game and then explained it to me,”

Indo British heritage cup wraps up with thrilling encounter at Kolkata’s Eden gardens The historic Eden Gardens witnessed a spectacular clash as the reigning champions, 'India in UK,' faced off against the formidable challengers, 'UK in India,' in the muchanticipated 4th edition of the Indo British Heritage Cup. On a honey-glazed sunny day, amidst the rich heritage of Kolkata, both teams showcased exceptional cricketing prowess, captivating the audience with their skill and sportsmanship. The echoes of cheers resonated through the hallowed grounds as the teams battled for supremacy in this iconic cultural exchange through sports.

The match was a nailbiter from start to finish, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Each run, every wicket, and the strategic manoeuvres unfolded a of intense story competition and camaraderie between the two nations.

In the fiercely contested match, 'UK in India' secured a triumphant win over the reigning champions, 'India in the UK'. The pivotal moment came as Timon Basu exhibited a scintillating innings, propelling 'UK in India' to a challenging total of 185.

Despite a commendable effort from Judhajit Mukherjee, Jishnu Chatterj ee, and Ankit Aditya representing 'India in the UK', their endeavours fell short.

Ravi and Timon, with their strategic prowess, managed to put brakes on the chase, resulting in 'India in the UK' finishing 15 runs shy of victory. As a testament to his outstanding performance, Timon Basu was rightfully adjudged the Man of the Match, sealing a memorable victory for 'UK in India'.

Acclaimed director Srijit Mukherji, a recipient

Winning team ‘UK in India’ celebrating

of the National Award, showcased exceptional skills behind the stumps for 'India in the UK'.

Expressing his delight, he shared that batting in the middle and gazing towards the B C Roy Pavilion was a truly amazing experience, reminiscent of the countless scintillating games he had witnessed from that vantage point.

Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, shared his enthusiasm, saying, "I am delighted that we are bringing in partners from both India and the UK to forge deeper connections through the shared passion of cricket. It’s a delight to be in the iconic Eden Gardens to see our teams play the game and bond.

This is what we aim to do through our sports diplomacy."

Subrata Paul, President, Indo British Scholars’ Association, added, “I am delighted to be partnering with partners - BHF, BDHC, BC - in joining hands for the fourth edition of IndoBritish Heritage Cup cricket match at Eden Gardens.

This activity is one of the ways by which IBSA connects with the wider UK alumni community in Kolkata through the love of sports."

Dr Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director British Council, East and Northeast India, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, "I am delighted that

this fabulous Living Bridge narrative - involving the Indian diaspora in the UK, alumni of UK universities in India, colleagues at Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office seeded by the British Council now finds one of its finest expressions in this annual cricket match at Eden Gardens. Education, culture, English language, and sports are unique to India-UK ties, and we celebrate all those connections through this event that brings Bengal Heritage Foundation, the Indo British Scholars' Association, British Deputy High Commission, and the British Council on the level playing field of cricket at Eden Gardens, supported by HSBC and the Cricket Association of Bengal."

The Bengal Heritage Foundation, under the scouting expertise of Surojit Lahiri and Abdul Monayem, presented cricket kits to two promising Bengal U-19 players, namely Rahul Prasad and Priyanshu Patel.

Sourav Niyogi, Trustee of Bengal Heritage Foundation noted, “We are proud to champion the aspirations of budding cricketers. Our support is not just a gesture; it's a commitment to nurturing dreams, cultivating talent, and fostering a legacy of excellence on and off the cricket field. We extend our best wishes to Rahul and Priyanshu, hoping for a bright and successful future ahead.”

Cape Town Test: Shortest completed game in history The second Test between India and South Africa in Cape Town on Thursday entered the record books as the shortest completed game in the history of Test cricket.

Lasting just four and a half sessions and concluding within two days, India (153 & 80/3) secured a 7-wicket victory over South Africa (55 & 176), resulting in a 1-1 series draw. The first Test in Centurion, which India lost by an innings and 32 runs, also ended within three days. In addition to the historic brevity, India became the first Asian side to win a Test match in Cape Town. This marked the 25th instance of a

Test match concluding within two days, dating back to 1882. The match at Cape Town set a new record for the shortest completed Test match ever in terms of overs bowled, with 642 balls (107 overs), surpassing the previous best of 656 balls (109.2 overs) involving Australia and South Africa at the MCG in 1932.

Notably, this was the third occasion where Team India was part of a two-day Test match, with previous instances against Afghanistan in Bengaluru in 2018 and against England in Ahmedabad in 2021.