AV 14th February 2026

The government’s ambitious Cancer Plan pledges earlier diagnoses and improved survival, but without tackling the inequalities facing ethnic minority communities, thousands risk being left behind Reaching out through trusted platforms like Asian Voice, can help bridging the gap between policymakers and the communities they aim to serve

Released by Manish

Thought for the week

"Remember,

no one is stopping you from lighting a lamp in a dark night "

H arivansh Rai Bachcha n

Political Sketchbook

Alpesh Patel

From Karamsad India to US, EU Relations

In t he s hort time I was in India, the E U and US concluded trade agreem ents Does India’s hard-won independence still shape how it deals with American power es pec ially when foreign c om panies expect to write the tax rules?

Standing in Karamsad, Sardar Patel’s village, it becomes easier to understand why India often appears stubborn to foreign obser vers What looks like delay, friction, or resistance in modern trade negotiations is better understood as something deeper: institutional memor y

India’s independence was not merely a transfer of power It was a conscious rejection of a system in which foreign interests wrote the rules, extracted value, and dictated terms That experience left a permanent imprint on India’s political culture It explains why, even today, India is willing to align militarily with the United States, cooperate strategically in the Indo-Pacif ic, and yet dig in its heels when foreign corporations expect exemptions, special tax treatment, or regulator y deference

This distinction often confuses Washington

From an American perspective, economic integration is the logical extension of strategic partnership If two countries share security interests, why should trade, taxation, and regulation not follow the same logic? But this reasoning misunderstands how India thinks about sovereignty For India, militar y partnership does not imply economic subordination The two are deliberately kept separate

Sardar Patel understood that independence would be hollow without f iscal and administrative control His integration of the princely states was not an exercise in romantic nationalism, but a hard-headed assertion that sovereignty must be indivisible There could be no semi-autonomous f iefdoms, no external powers with privileged access, no parallel authorities operating beyond democratic accountability A state that cannot tax uniformly, regulate consistently, or assert legal authority is not a state at all

That lesson did not disappear in 1947 It migrated into India’s institutions

When American technology companies challenge India’s tax rules, data localisation requirements, or digital regulation, the Indian response is rarely just about revenue It is about precedent Allowing foreign f irms to write or bypass tax rules revives an old anxiety: the return of economic influence without political accountability To Indian policymakers, that is not globalisation; it is regression

This is where US–India relations periodically sour Washington sees India as an indispensable strategic partner against China and is often frustrated when economic negotiations stall India sees Washington as a powerful friend whose corporations sometimes behave like uninvited governors The friction arises not because India is antiAmerican, but because it is anti-exceptionalism The idea that foreign companies should enjoy special treatment because of their countr y of origin cuts against the ver y logic of the Indian Republic

British obser vers should f ind this familiar The East India Company was, after all, a commercial enterprise that slowly acquired sovereign privileges India’s suspicion of foreign corporate power is not paranoia; it is institutional trauma We’ve read their playbook We’ve lived it

This is also why India’s approach differs from that of the UK Britain, secure in long-established institutions, often treats economic rules as technocratic matters India treats them as constitutional Where Britain may see tax disputes as negotiable irritants, India sees them as tests of autonomy

Critics argue this slows growth, deters investment, and complicates partnerships There is truth in this India sometimes pays an economic price for its caution But the alternative rapid integration on terms written elsewhere carries a political cost India is unwilling to bear

What Karamsad reminds us is that Indian nationalism was never about symbolism alone It was about control of the state’s levers: taxation, law, territor y, and administration Patel’s realism ensured that independence was not merely proclaimed, but enforced In a multipolar world, this legacy may turn out to be an advantage India is not a client state It does not trade loyalty for concessions It partners, but on

sovereignty That posture earns respect, even when it frustrates For Britain and the United States, the lesson is not that India is diff icult It is that India’s memor y is long Deals that ignore that memor y will stall Deals that respect it will endure

India’s independence still shapes how it deals with power today not out of nostalgia, but out of constitutional instinct Karamsad is not just histor y It is policy

You are known by the friends you keep

Throughout histor y, there have always been predators who target the young, vulnerable, helpless, poor, as well as children and women The ongoing Jeffrey Epstein case has become disturbingly personal for many While exPrince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess, remain central to the controversy, people are awaiting King Charles’ actions towards his brother encouraging him to testify However with Peter Mandelson’s recent controversy, concerns grow even larger as the integrity of a democratically elected government is at stake, raising serious worries for the nation's future

Before appointing Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, Sir Keir Starmer received evidence of Mandelson’s close friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, according to The Daily Telegraph Civil ser vants sent a “due diligence” dossier, including a Telegraph article about Mandelson, to the Prime Minister in late 2024 Although Sir Keir claims he was unaware of the extent of their relationship, critics argue he should resign for appointing someone with strong ties to Epstein as ambassador to Washington

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as we go to print, continues in his role, despite the calls for his resignation In contrast to ex-PM Boris Johnson stepping down over the 2022

Partygate scandal, Labour has maintained unity, with Starmer holding Cabinet support even as Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sar war asked PM Starmer to quit

Health Secretar y Wes Streeting, frequently cited as a possible successor if Starmer resigns, made headlines by handing over his WhatsApp and text messages to Sky News a rare move that fuelled speculation about a potential leadership challenge This comes amidst allegations (though denied by Streeting’s team) that he supported Sar war ’ s recent comments Meanwhile, as police investigate alleged misconduct in public off ice, the Cabinet Off ice has instructed ministers not to share communications with Peter Mandelson, advising restraint until the inquir y is complete

After 14 years, voters in 2024 chose the Labour party in hopes of achieving stability, relief from the cost-of-living crisis, increased employment opportunities, and a robust pound Since Prime Minister Starmer took off ice, the government has reversed its position thirteen times True strength in government does not simply come from support among MPs; it is demonstrated by understanding the impact of poor decisions, particularly those affecting their nation and its representation (See p13 for more)

World’s largest democracy vs most powerful economy

In response to shifting global dynamics, the Modi government has managed to secure trade deals over the past

European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Nor way and Switzerland). As many countries, especially in the West, tr y to shield their economies and curb China's influence in international trade, the agreement with the US stands out as both a strategic and economic milestone This deal underscores the strengthening relationship between India the world's largest democracy and the United States the world's most powerful economy There is an ongoing discussion about who gains the most from this India–US trade pact Some argue it's mutually benef icial for India, while others claim the US comes out ahead While many have sought to gain favour with the US, the Modi government's steadfastness and determination not to yield ultimately garnered additional respect for the countr y

In truth, both the nations are seeking to maximise their own benef its, which contributed to the protracted negotiations Ultimately, the signif icance of this agreement will be measured by its immediate economic outcomes and its longer-term strategic advantages

This arrangement presents substantial export opportunities for American enterprises, particularly in addressing India’s expanding middle class and within sectors such as agriculture, defence, aviation, medical devices, and digital ser vices

India stands to gain through increased employment, technology transfer, and sustained economic develop-

ment Tariff exemptions will support vital industries including technology, pharmaceuticals, garments, diamonds, and automotive engineering Enhanced US visa policies may further reinforce India's position in highskilled ser vice areas such as IT and business process outsourcing. Growing exports to the US are anticipated to advance manufacturing as part of the Make in India initiative

India has agreed to lower standard tariffs on US industrial goods and several food and agricultural products, while the US will reduce tariffs on about 55% of Indian exports from 50% to 18% The Delhi-based GTRI think tank describes this as an "uneven exchange," a view reportedly echoed by opposition leaders like former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who believe the deal strongly favours the US However, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal supports the agreement, noting that the new US tariffs are among the lowest for its partners and will benef it sectors like textiles, leather, and gems Most industr y associations support the deal It is still uncertain if Delhi has promised to stop buying Russian oil But India's farm unions are concerned about the agreement, cautioning that tariff reductions on US agricultural imports might harm local producers

Stronger economic ties with India will def initely help reduce US dependence on China-based supply chains and are expected to deepen defence cooperation between the two countries So, in Asia, India is a key partner for the US in protecting its strategic interests, making this agreement valuable not just economically but diplomatically as well (Se e p25 fo r mo re)

Which way ahead for Bangladesh?

By the time this issue of Asian Voice is published, Bangladesh’s elections will have concluded and the results announced The government established following the 12 Februar y polls will signif icantly influence the future trajector y of Bangladesh-India relations With Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League excluded from the electoral contest, the principal competitors are now the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami

During Sheikh Hasina’s tenure while she is currently residing in India Bangladesh ser ved as a strategic partner for India, contributing to regional security initiatives and becoming India's largest trading partner in Asia However, after her departure from off ice, both nations implemented export restrictions against each other, resulting in a notable decrease in bilateral trade

Since Bangladesh gained independence in 1971 with support from India, the relationship between the two countries has varied depending on who governs in Dhaka When Sheikh Hasina was in power from 1996 to 2001 and again from 2009 to 2024 India and Bangladesh enjoyed particularly strong and cooperative relations With Pakistan and China increasing their efforts to influence Bangladesh strategically, the results of Bangladesh's elections could have a major effect on the Indian subcontinent India hopes that a govern-

emerge, rather than one closely aligned with nations that take anti-India stances

The interim government led by Mohammad Yunus has sidelined relations with India, but it would not ser ve the new government’s interests to let ties with

India weaken further They have also recently signed a deal with the US, that in a way has diminished India's relative position in the market

Although Bangladesh’s political rhetoric can occasionally be provocative or critical toward India, its political parties recognise that when in off ice, they need a pragmatic approach to deal with India a major and influential neighbour In fact, party manifestos for t

schemes and incentives, many of which resemble India’s established welfare programmes However, the murder of a Hindu businessperson just three days before the parliamentar y elections has once again raised concerns about the safety of minority communities Susan Chandra Sarkar was killed in the same district where Dipu Chandra Das was lynched and murdered in 2024

Human rights advocates have stated that such violence undermines the credibility of democracy India has expressed concern and urged Bangladesh to implement robust measures to address communal incidents MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that repeated attacks against minorities and their businesses represent a concerning pattern He further obser ved that Bangladesh frequently attributes these events to personal disputes, a stance that he believes may embolden perpetrators and heighten anxiety within minority communities The future trajector y of the new government's relationship with India remains unclear and will perhaps depend on the wisdom and vision of the forthcoming leadership in the weeks ahead

O P E N I F T A R

How shared meals are building hope and belonging across Britain

Anusha Singh

As the sun sets and the call to break the fast d raws near, long tables fill with strangers who, w ithin mom ents, become something closer to friends

This is the quiet magic of Open Iftar, a grassroots initiative by the Ramadan Tent Project (RTP) that has, for more than a decade, used the simple act of sharing food to build bridges between communities Founded in 2013 by Omar Salha, Open Iftar was born out of a desire to open up Ramadan beyond Muslim communities

and create spaces rooted in generosity, curiosity and belonging Thirteen years on, Open Iftar has brought together more than one million people across the UK, transforming public spaces into places of warmth, dialogue and connection during the holy month

As Open Iftar marks its 13th year in 2026, its longstanding partnership with Islamic Relief UK continues, helping to extend the spirit of Ramadan not only through shared meals in Britain, but by supporting communities in need around the world

Food as a universal language

At the heart of Open Iftar is a belief that food can do what words sometimes cannot

“Food is one of humanity’s oldest tools of cultural diplomacy,” Salha explains “It embodies heritage, tradition, history, identity and soul It equalises us When you sit down to eat with someone, you ’ re not debating identity or ideology, you ’ re sharing something deeply human ”

Open Iftar events are held at some of t h e U K ’ s m o s t i c o n i c l o c a t i o n s , f r o m

Windsor Castle and the Royal Albert Hall to Trafalgar Square, as well as parks, libraries and community centres across London and beyond Each setting becomes a meeting point for people of all faiths and none, united not by belief but by experience

“In soft power terms,” Salha says, “food is a non-verbal communicator It carries stories, memories, laughter, joy and values without needing translation The meal is the entry point, but what matters most are the conversations that follow ”

Challenging assumptions, one plate at a time

For many first-time attendees, Open

I f t a r i s t h e i r f i r s t e n c o u n t e r w i t h Ramadan and often with Muslim communities more broadly Some arrive curious, others cautious, and a few with assumptions shaped by distance or misconception

“ T h a t ’ s p r e c i s e l y w h y O p e n I f t a r exists,” Salha says “People often come not knowing what to expect, but they quickly discover a space that feels calm, warm and genuinely welcoming ” Non-Muslim guests frequently leave surprised, not by the food, but by the

atmosphere “They realise Ramadan isn’t a b o u t r e s t r i c t i o n , ”

reflection, compassion and community ” And, he adds how many also leave remembering the famously incredulous reaction: “Not even water?!”

“We take pride in our hospitality and s

Particularly those experience Open Iftar for the very first time It is lovely to hear feedback on how warm, calm, and commu-

added

The work no one sees

While the images that circulate online capture glowing lanterns and smiling faces, each Open Iftar evening is the result of hundreds of unseen hours

“Months of logistics, partnerships, permissions, safeguarding, volunteer coordination, and community outreach all converge into those few minutes before sunset Now multiply that by 20!”, Salha explained

The initiative is almost entirely volunteer-run, powered by people who arrive

early, leave late, and rarely appear in photographs: those carrying crates, preparing food, setting up prayer spaces, managing accessibility, programming speakers and artists, handling sound systems, security and crowd flow, and ensuring every space is left better than it was found

“These are the people whose names may never appear in a caption, but without them, Open Iftar events simply wouldn’t exist”, Salha said

A new generation, a shared tradition

Open Iftar also reflects how young Muslims are reshaping Ramadan: confidently, creatively and outwardly

“They’re embracing tradition while expanding its expression through art, digital storytelling, community organising and civic engagement”, expressed Salha

Ramadan Tent Project itself, he adds, is a product of that energy: grounded in timeless values, but expressed in a contemporary, public and socially conscious way “Faith and modernity aren’t in tens

another

Hope at the Centre

This year ’ s theme, Hope, captures both the mood and mission of Open Iftar in 2026 In a world often marked by division and uncertainty, the initiative offers something quietly radical: the belief that connection can still flourish

At Open Iftar, Salha said, the meal is simply the entry point and hopes that attendees feel like they have stepped into a space of generosity, curiosity, warm hospitality and shared belonging “The food nourishes the body, but the conversations nourish the social fabric If someone leaves feeling more connected to their neighbours, more informed about Ramadan, or

simply more hopeful about our ability to coexist, then the meal has not only fuelled the body, but the mind and soul too ” If there is one thing he hopes people carry with them after attending, it is not a statistic or a slogan, but a feeling “I hope they remember the feeling of being welcomed,” he says “Not just as a guest, but as part of a shared human moment If someone walks away thinking, ‘I belonged here,’ then we ’ ve succeeded ”

f belonging, nourished by food, conversation and care, may be Open Iftar’s most lasting gift

O P E N I F T A R 2025

More than 7,000 people came together for Ramadan Festival 2025, the world’s largest Ramadan festival, celebrating art, culture and creativity across some of the UK’s most iconic locations, including Trafalgar Square, Windsor Castle, Shakespeare’s Globe and Guildhall.

From the moving first call to prayer at Open Iftar gatherings to the collective energy of the Ramadan Run Club, the programme spanned cities and communities, uniting thousands through faith, purpose and shared humanity

Staying active during Ramadan

Ram ad an is often seen as a time to slow d own p hysically, but experts say m aintaining gentle mov em ent d uring the h oly month can support b o th p h y si c al h e alt h an d sp iritual w ellbeing Rath er th an d rai ning energ y, th e ri gh t k ind o f activ i ty c an help p eople feel m ore balan c ed an d

fasting

“There’s a common misc o n c e p t i o n t h a t f a s t i n g means you should avoid all exercise,” says Asma Musa, a q u a l i f i e d p e r s o n a l t r a i n e r who leads community activity sessions for women “In r e a l i t y , g e n t l e m o v e m e n t can help you feel more energised and complements the mindfulness and self-discipline that Ramadan encourages ” The key is to prioritise m o v e m e n t o v e r p e r f o rmance This is not the time to chase personal bests or intense training goals Light to moderate activities such as walking, stretching, gentle cycling or simple bodyw e i g h t e x e r c i s e s c a n h e l p m a i n t a i n m u s c l e m a s s , i m p r o v e c i r c u l a t i o n a n d reduce stiffness caused by long periods of sitting When you exercise also

matters Many people find that light activity an hour or two before Iftar works well, allowing them to rehydrate a n d r e f u e l s h o r t l y a f t e rw a r d s O t h e r s p r e f e r t o exercise after Iftar, when the body has access to fluids and n u t

movement For early risers, a short, low-impact session

b e f o r e S u h o o r c a n b e a n effective way to start the day feeling refreshed

Another practical strategy is breaking activity into short bursts throughout the

d a y R e s e a r c h s h o w s t h a t b r i e f s p e l

sometimes called “exercise

cardiovascular and metabol-

ic health Climbing stairs, doing a few squats at home or taking a short walk can all contribute

H y d r a t i o n i s c r u c i a l S i p p i n g w a t e r s t e a d i l y between Iftar and Suhoor, alongside water-rich foods

s u c h a s

helps support activity levels

Listening to your body is e

E n e r g y levels can vary day to day, and rest is essential if you feel dizzy or unusually tired

b e n efits, gentle movement can boost mood and focus, supporting the reflective and spiritual aims of Ramadan

As Musa puts it: “It’s about working with your body, not against it ”

Virdee actor to switch on Keighley Eid lights

Omar Salha

Danyal

Open Iftar 2025 at Windsor Castle

North East leads UK in business scaleup growth

Ne w research from Durham

Un ive rsit y B usiness School shows North East Engl and l

r egion al disa dvanta ge T

School’s Smart & Scale programme and led by Dr John Moffat and Dr Stephanie

S c o t t , e x

d h i g hgrowth firms, the barriers they face, and conditions for sustained performance

U s i n g O E C D d e

n

tions, the research found 1 8% of North East firms

a c h i e v e d a v e r a g e a n n u a l growth of 20% or more in e m p l o y m e n t o r t u r n o v e r over three years above the U K a v e r a g e o f 1 5 5 %

Notably, women-led businesses in the region exceeded national growth benchmarks at the highest thresholds

T h e s t u d y h i g h l i g h t s the value of aligned enter-

p r i s e e c o s y s t e m s Collaboration between universities, support organisat

strengthens

Scaleup North East and the Scaleup Leaders’ Academy

boost turnover, productivi-

growth The findings will

practice, helping the region

high-growth businesses

Four convicted over daylight Walsall stabbing

F o u r m e n h av e

been convicted fol-

l o w i ng th e fa tal

s ta bb i ng of a W als al l m a n i n a b ro a d d a yli g h t attack Moh am med

K h a n, 22 , w as a tta ck ed o n Bloxw ich Road on M arch 17 and left

w it h c at as tro p h i c i n ju r ie s H e la ter d ied in ho sp ital

Five men from Walsall

d e n i e d m u r d e r , b u t t h r e e were convicted after a trial at Wolverhampton Crown

C o u r t Z a i n R a j a , 2 3 , o f Harden Road, Asad Iftakhar, 34, and Hassan Iftakhar, 34, b o t h o f B l o x w i c h R o a d , were found guilty of murder Asad Iftakhar was also c o n v i c t e d o f p o s s e s s i n g a knife, while Hassan Iftakhar was found guilty of possessing an axe

A f o u r t h m a n , A m a a n Khan, 22, of Harden Road, was acquitted of murder but

Source West M dlands Police

L-R: Zain Raja Asad Iftakhar Hassan Iftakhar and Amaan Khan

convicted of manslaughter A fifth defendant, Iftakhar

NHS

advertises

nurse role focused on closerelative marriages

B rad fo rd T ea c h in g H o s p i tal s NH S Fo und ation T rust adv ertised a role fo r a “close-relative marriag e neonatal nurse/m idwife” to sup port fam ilies where parents are closely related

According to the job description, the post involves providing comprehensive care to families who have recently had a baby and are related by blood, such as cousins, uncles or aunts The nurse will focus on the wellbeing of newborns, particularly where genetic risks or health issues linked to consanguinity may arise

First advertised in March 2025, the role also requires the nurse to initiate sensitive and appropriate discussions with families affected by recessive genetic disorders associated with close-relative marriage

While marriage between siblings is illegal in the UK, there is no legal prohibition on cousins marrying

Accused killers ‘celebrated’ after teen’s stabbing

Th ree men accused of mu rd ering a teenager were seen “fist bumpi ng and h u g g i ng ” m o m e nt s a ft er th e fatal stabbing , a jury has heard

M o h a m m e d

being stabbed in the car park of the Power League football com-

Manchester Crown Court heard Afzal had followed a car containing someone he had an “issue” with and confronted the occupants while holding a bat

attacked with a knife and the bat Despite initially fleeing, Afzal later collapsed and died from eight stab wounds P

Biryan Ak all deny murder, with Hussain claiming self-defence

Hinckley crematorium plans scrapped

Hinc kley and Bosworth Borough

Coun cil has aban don ed i ts £5 milli on plan to build a c rematori um and plans to sell the site to a developer instead

Councillors cited rising construction costs and difficulties in the contractor market as reasons for scrapping the project

The council confirmed the land will be sold with a strict condition that it can only be

building crematoria

approved plans may be used, the developer will need to resubmit planning applications, including highways and ecological assessments Budget documents seen by the Local Democracy Reporting

Service show £4 million has been removed from the council’s capital programme for the project T h

u m would have featured a multifaith ceremonial hall, cremation facilities, administrative offices, m

roads, and car parks Its comple-

local waiting times for cremation services

I N B R I E F WEST MIDLANDS POLICE GET NEW TASER

A new type of Taser with double the range of earlier devices has been rolled out across West Midlands Police The Axon Taser 10 can fire up to 10 single-shot cartridges without needing to reload and has an operational range of up to 45ft (13 7m) The force said the new model, which replaces older Tasers, allows officers to deal with threats more accurately and from a safer distance The technology was approved by the Home Secretary last October, with West Midlands Police among the first forces in the country to introduce it The Police and Crime Commissioner said local residents are able to scrutinise Taser use

ANTI-LITTERING GROUP TARGETS BIRMINGHAM

Clean Up Britain a national group tackling fly-tipping and plastic pollution, has announced plans to tackle Birmingham s litter problem with an action plan featuring bold and innovative measures Fly-tipping and uncollected bin bags have surged since council bin crews went on strike over a year ago, leaving recycling and garden waste services suspended Two independent councillors recently described the city as an “international laughing stock ” Birmingham Council leader John Cotton said resolving the dispute requires addressing equal pay liabilities and delivering a modern waste service, stressing that these points remain non-negotiable while dialogue continues

FINES FAIL TO CURB ABSENCES

Parents are continuing to flout rules around taking children out of school during term time for holidays According to data obtained by BirminghamLive the city council has issued thousands of fines for unauthorised absences many linked to family holidays a long-standing divisive issue that often sparks conflict between parents and headteachers The Government has tried to curb the trend by raising fines from £60 to £80 but many families still prefer paying the penalty over the higher costs of holidaying during the six-week summer break Freedom of information data shows Birmingham City Council issued 11 605 fines between May 2025 and January 2026

Victim: Mohammed Isa Afzal

Rishi Sunak pushes back as race and belonging return to British politics

Rish i Su nak h as described h im-

s

as

B r i ti s h As i an ” i n re s p o n s e to what he says is a growing use o f racially charged language in pu blic debate

The former prime minister was speaking after his identity was questioned following comm

Konstantin Kisin, who claimed Sunak was not English because he is a “brown-skinned Hindu”

The remarks were echoed by Suella Braverman, the Londonb o r n R e f o

home secretary, who said she did not consider herself English and suggested that being born in the UK did not automatically confer

Matthew Goodwin, Reform UK’s c

Gorton and Denton byelection, declined to distance himself from claims that UK-born people from m i n o r i t y e t h n i c b a c k g r o u n d s were not necessarily British

Addressing the issue publicly f o r t h e f i r s t t i m e , t h e

Southampton-born Conservative said the racism he and his siblings e x p e r i e n c e d w h i l e g r o w i n g u p remained “seared” in his memory, and warned against Britain “slipping back” to an era when overt racism was more openly

expressed Sunak was giving evidence to the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, cochaired by Sajid Javid and Jon Cruddas, which aims to improve s o c i a l c o h e

Asked whether the boundaries of acceptable debate had shifted, he b

a m e d w h a t h

increase in “shock-jockery”, driven by the modern attention economy He argued that social media

and divisive language, encouraging individuals to make extreme

engagement While acknowledging that racist abuse is less common than in previous decades, a view he said Javid would share, S

should not be taken for granted

“There’s always more we can do,” he said, adding that he would not want Britain to return to a time when racist language was routinely heard on the streets or considered acceptable on television

Families criticise “two-tier” payout for infected blood victims

Angry families affected by the infected blo od scandal say v ictims who died young could receiv e u p to £ 2 million less in comp ensation than those who are still aliv e Ami Jai Presly, 38, and her sister Meera Peirson, 36, lost their father, Jai Brahmbhatt, in 1993 Brahmbhatt moved from Kenya to the UK in 1972, aged 19, seeking better treatment for haemophilia He was later given blood products infected

Despite becoming a professor of business studies at Brunel University, he died aged 39 from complications linked to the infections

His daughters were four

estate is now expected to receive £

about £1 3 million less than the £2 5 million he would have been eligible for had he survived Although h

£650,000 in spousal payments, the

a l

p e n s a t i o n remains significantly lower than if he were still alive

In a letter drafted by Jai Presly a n d S a m R i c h a r d s , r e l a t e d t o another victim, bereaved relatives have criticised the government’s payout scheme as unfair in a letter to Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, the paymaster general, and Sir Brian Langstaff, chair of the infected blood inquiry Written with the H a e m o p h i l i a S o c i e t y a n d t h e Hepatitis C Trust and shared with

The Times, the letter argues that the scheme creates a “two-tier system” It says victims who died before the government acted are being f i n a n c i a l l y p e n a l i s e d , a d d i n g :

“Infected victims who have died are a uniquely vulnerable group They are not here to speak for themselves or to hold government to account for what has been done to them ” A key element of compensation is for lost earnings For those who have died, payments are calculated only up to the date of d e a t h S u r v i v o r s , h o w e v e r , a r e compensated for future losses up t o a “ h e a l t h y l i f e e x p e c t a n c y ” , around 86 for men and 88 for women, creating large disparities

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife

Akshata Murty hosted a reception to mark Diwali at 10 Downing Street

Jai Brahmbhatt

Gujarat Hindu Society marks India’s 77th Republic Day

for the evening was the High S

opened with

patriotic

n d

cu ltural pride

praised the society’s com-

achievements, while Abacus students were recognised for their success in an interna-

Malaysia The evening fea-

rary and Bollywood perfor-

The celebrations began on Monday, 26 January 2026, with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the society’s centre

T h e I n d i a n t r i c o l o u r w a s hoisted by GHS President

D a s h r a t h b h a i N a y e e , f o l -

l o w e d b y t h e s i n g i n g o f patriotic songs Addressing

t h o s e g a t h e r e d , N a y e e reflected on India’s progress

s i n c e i n d e p e n d e n c e a n d thanked the community for

a t t e n d i n g a n d s u p p o r t i n g the occasion

A variety cultural show

w a s h e

January, to continue the celebrations The Chief Guest

mitment to preserving cultural heritage and strengthening ties with India

mances, concluding with the Indian and British national

received event

M A H A S H I V R A T R I

The Sacred night of devotion and renewal

M a h a S h i v r a t r i , o r “ Th e Gr e at N igh t o f Shi va , ” is one of t he most sa cr ed festiva ls in t he Hin du calendar Ce le bra te d in honour of Lord Shiva , it sy mbolise s the t riumph of light over da rk n ess, k now led ge ov er ignor ance, an d inn er st illne ss ove r cha os Observed on the 14th night of the lunar month of P h a l g u n a ( F e b r u a r y –March), devotees mark the o c c a s i o n w i t h f a s t i n g , prayer, and night-long vigi l s F o r m a n y , M a h a Shivratri also celebrates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, while spiritually it is believed to be the night when Shiva p e r f o r m s t h e c o s m i c Tandava dance, embodying creation, preservation, and d e s t r u c t i o n T h e f e s t i v a l offers a moment for selfreflection, discipline, and spiritual growth

fast, consuming only fruits and milk, while chanting

Namah Shivaya At home, a simple pooja can be performed by cleaning a quiet prayer space, placing a Shiva Lingam or image of Lord Shiva, and p e r f o r m i n

h e k a m with milk or water Fresh bilva leaves and flowers are

A c r o s s I n d i a a n d t h e world, temples are adorned with flowers and lights as d e v o t e e s o f f e r p r a y e r s , pouring milk, water, and h o n e y o v

offered, a diya and incense are lit, and the mantra Om Namah Shivaya is chanted 108 times The ritual concludes with meditation or

gratitude, and reflection U

Shivratri is not about elaborate ceremonies, but devo-

night to pause, reflect, and reconnect with faith

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

WCHU K – Ilford Hind u Centre ( February 2026) S P EC I A L C E L EB RA T IONS : Maha S hivratri

Sunday, 15th February

7:30 AM – 8:30 PM Hanuman C halisa Saturday, 28th February 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Aarti at 7:15 PM)

WE EK L Y K E Y E VE NT S Sund ay Satsang Sundays | 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM | Main Mandir

Ladies Satsang

Every Tuesday | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Main Mandir Bod y, Mind & S oul A ctiv ity

Every Tuesday | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Shivaji Hall Yoga

Every Wednesday 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Shivaji Hall

Senior Citizens A ssembly

Every Thursday 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM | Community Hall Lalitha Sahasranama Sto tram Every Friday | 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM | Main Mandir Kung Fu Every Friday | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Shivaji Hall

O TH ER E V ENT S : Th e Sou l of Music: Rhythm & Beat – A Tribute to th e Legends –Friday, 13th February

Organised by Kuldip Ubhi in collaboration with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Community Board, this concert brings together talented artists to celebrate musical legends Tw elveth Mahashiv ratri C elebrations –Om Devo neshwar M ahadev Sh ivalay, Exeter Saturday, 15th February

Young members perform a patriotic dance at the event

Community members in attendence

Report hails Indians as Britain’s pillars amid anti-migrant backlash

Continued from page 1

Released by M anish Tiwari of He re & Now 365 in collaboration with the

strengthening competitiveness in a globalised era The fourth wave, post-Brexit and postCovid, underscores the

people-to-people links with India ”

The white paper positions the community among the UK’s most

A st on India C ent re a t Aston

U nive rsity, the report traces four waves of Indian migration since independence, framing them as a continuous thread in modern Britain’s recovery, enterprise, and global competitiveness

The timing is politically charged The UK government is tightening net migration, linking visas to domestic training, and curbing routes into the country On the streets, tensions have flared: protests and counterprotests around asylum hotels, such as in Epping, Essex, have become emblematic of the “migrant hotel” row

Against this backdrop, the white paper ’ s message is clear: Indian migration has historically filled gaps Britain could not, and today powers sectors the country cannot afford to stall Postwar migrants arrived amid labour shortages, working across manufacturing, transport, and public services, laying the early foundations of the NHS

The 1970s East Africa expulsions brought families who revived local economies and entrenched a culture of enterprise

As Britain transitioned to a knowledge economy, Indian migration shifted to doctors, engineers, financiers, and educators,

present moment: Indian professionals now plug critical skills shortages, particularly in technology, healthcare, and social care

The report notes that Indian-born professionals make up around 15% of the UK’s tech workforce, a striking share in a country marketing itself as a science-and-tech power

Reflecting on the findings, Manish Tiwari states the diaspora’s contribution within Britain’s broader national journey, “Indian migrants helped rebuild Britain after the war, powered its digital revolution, and strengthened its health and care systems in times of crisis The Indian diaspora has played a defining role in building the tech superpower Britain is today and continues to contribute across every layer of society ” From an institutional and academic perspective, Aston University underscores the strategic significance of this relationship As the report notes, “The Indian diaspora is woven into the UK’s growth story The diaspora supports the UK’s public services delivery and powers innovation while also shaping future competitiveness and global influence through skills, enterprise, and

economically successful migrant groups, citing high employment, education, and entrepreneurship Its launch at the House of Lords signals that this is more than a community story it is a political intervention in a polarised climate, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, academics, and cultural figures Amid public frustration with services, political pledges to curb migration, and a streetlevel atmosphere where migrants are targeted, the report argues that reducing all migration to a grievance obscures a crucial fact: Britain’s hospitals, care homes, IT systems, start-ups, and high streets are deeply interwoven with Indian labour and enterprise The real question is not whether Britain can “do without” migration, but what the cost would be to growth, productivity, and services if contributors are treated as targets

In a Europe increasingly anxious about borders, the white paper offers a striking counterpoint: migration, evidence shows, can be an investment, and integration can be a competitive advantage, not a cultural threat

New campaign guides parents on social media

T he g overnment is launching a new campaign to help p arents talk to their children about h armful online cont en t, f o ll o w in g r es ear ch sh owing that half of parents avo id th e subject

U

The "You Won’t Know

the Midlands, is led by the

I

Innovation and Technology

T e c h n o l o g y S e c r e t a r y Liz Kendall told the BBC, “I know many parents are worried about what their children see and do online –often out of sight and sometimes beyond their control We are determined to give children the childhood they deserve and prepare them for the future That is why we are supporting parents w i t h t h i s c a m p a i g n a n d launching a consultation on how young people can live

Media disruptor Eddy Shah dies at 81

ism through the Manchester Evening News, rising swiftly

Group by 1983 That year he

practices

later in Surrey, he entered journal-

After months of strikes, violence and death threats,

including coffins delivered to his home, Shah secured

allowing him to hire outside union ranks The ruling hastened the collapse of Fleet Street’s old order and paved the way for sweeping

social media ”

Developed with expert o r g a n i s a t i o n s i n c l u d i n g NSPCC, Parent Zone, and Internet Matters, the guidance encourages parents to make use of social media s

difficult conversations

The campaign comes in response to parents’ calls for support in managing their c h i l

amid growing pressure to ban social media for under16s

in

and

Harrow inclusion founder makes UK Top 100

arro w-based en trepreneur who founded a con sultancy

among the UK’s

campaign, which celebrates women driving innovation and positive change Living in Pinner, Anand

leading on discrimination and vulnerable consumer cases The idea for Being Inclusive was shaped by her

Eddy Shah

Anand

L-R: Virendra Sharma, Lord Raj Loomba, Manish Tiwari and other guests

India-US trade framework

The interim India-US trade framework marks a positive step forward Tariff relief and energy purchase commitments can boost exports significantly Yet safeguards for agriculture, dairy and sensitive sectors must remain nonnegotiable to protect rural livelihoods and prevent market distortions

S

Maharashtra signals important gender representation Her experience can strengthen governance focus on women's issues The appointment should translate into effective policies addressing rural distress and empowerment across the state

Sri Lanka facilitating India-Pakistan T20 World Cup

Cricket diplomacy can ease tensions ICC and boards must ensure smooth conduct while prioritizing player safety and fan experience during the tournament

The collapse of major arms control treaties increases global nuclear risks New multilateral mechanisms beyond old frameworks are urgently needed India should advocate for inclusive dialogues that reduce strategic instability and promote verifiable confidence-building measures worldwide

Meta and YouTube facing trial over addictive design for children highlights serious platform accountability issues India must enforce stricter age-appropriate safeguards and algorithmic transparency to protect young users from mental health harms caused by endless scrolling

RBI maintaining status quo on rates conserves policy space amid uncertainties Supply-side measures and fiscal coordination remain crucial Gradual approach helps balance inflation control with growth support in current volatile external environment

The 16th Finance Commission formula rewarding efficient states promotes better fiscal discipline Performancelinked devolution encourages prudent budgeting Yet equity for lagging regions must not be compromised to ensure balanced regional development nationwide

India's growing trade deficit with China continues despite border talks Persistent non-tariff barriers and restricted market access hurt exporters Stronger reciprocity, diversification and domestic manufacturing push are essential to rebalance this asymmetric economic relationship

Renewable energy targets require faster execution across solar and wind Private investment incentives and supply chain localisation can accelerate progress Meeting climate commitments demands urgent policy clarity and execution to achieve sustainable energy transition goals

Corporate earnings show sectoral divergence with technology outperforming traditional industries Skill development and capex cycles must address manufacturing lag Balanced growth across sectors will sustain employment and industrial competitiveness in coming years

E n v i r o

repeated violations Stricter monitoring and communityled conservation efforts are vital Protecting forests and biodiversity needs political will and resources to counter climate change impacts effectively

Education reforms integrating vocational training early prepare youth better for jobs Equitable access to quality schooling across regions is critical Such steps will strengthen human capital and support long-term national economic advancement

Cricket team performances in ongoing series reflect strong depth Investments in youth academies and grassroots infrastructure are paying dividends Transparent selection and fitness focus will help maintain India's global dominance in the sport

Gig economy workers face increasing stress from irregular income and lack of social security Targeted policies easing their burdens through insurance and fair contracts are necessary Inclusive growth must extend to platformbased labour force

Affordable housing supply needs stronger policy support through incentives and faster approvals Addressing urban migration demands scalable solutions Public-private partnerships can accelerate delivery while ensuring quality and accessibility for low-income families

TS Karthik

Kent council faces net zero scandal

K ent C ounty Council, led by Reform UK, has been accused of telling a “blatant lie” after claim s of nearly £ 40m in net zero savings were found to be based on h ypo thetical projects with no do cumentation

The council, one of ten fully controlled by Nigel Farage’s party, said £32m would come from scrapping a property green-up programme and £7 5m from not electrifying its fleet by 2030 Labour MP Polly Billington, who requested details via a freedom of information request, revealed the projects were recorded only as two lines in the 2025-26 budget appendix, with no business cases or funding Billington said the figures were “completely made up ” for political credit The council defended the claim as a “future cost avoidance measure, ” despite admitting the projects were unapproved

Groundhog Day: Tradition, weather, and folklore

Suresh and Bhavna Patel

Grou ndh og Day, c el ebrat ed every February 2, is

irky

redic tion, and com munity

and Bhavna Patel wro

Americ an traditio

roo ted in P ennsyl vania Dutc h sup erstition and E urop ean fo lklore

speaking settlers’ customs,

behaviour of a groundhog a small burrowing animal

According to legend, if the groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow due to clear skies, it retreats, signalling six more weeks of winter Conversely, a cloudy day and no shadow foretells an early spring “The day marks the seasonal midpoint between the

spring equinox Immigrants

brought this practice to the United States and adapted it

Pennsylvania,” they wrote

Groundhog Day symbolizes the shift from the darkness of winter toward the renewal of spring, acting as a mod-

agricultural traditions such

popular, studies show the groundhog’s predictions are

making the day more about folklore than meteorology

On a personal note, they

Pakistan dissidents targeted in planned attacks

Three men a ccused of plotti n g a t t a c k s o n t w o Pa k i s ta

McGarry, 25, allegedly con-

Shahzad Akbar and journalist Adil Raja at their homes, W

ed,” aimed for simultaneous assaults on Christmas Eve last year Raja was not

punched repeatedly at his Cambridgeshire residence Afsar and Regan, both from Birmingham, face two c o u n t s o f c o n s p i r a c y t o cause actual bodily harm M c G a r r y , f r o m W

r w i c k , faces one count linked to Akbar’s attack None of the men entered pleas Four others, including Regan’s son Louis, 25, face r

firearm offences

T h e t h r e e w e r e remanded in custody, due a t t h e O

February 13

£1.4bn taxpayer bill for transporting illegal migrants

Brit is h taxpayers are s et to foot a £1 4 bill ion bil l under a ne w Hom e Off ic e plan to es cort and transport ill egal m igr ants The funding will provide round-the-cl oc k m onitored tra ns portation for those “who ha ve no l egal basis to r emain” in t he UK

The ten-year contract, starting in 2028, will cover tens of thousands of removals and is divided into three areas: escorting within the UK, escorting to overseas destinations, and transport at UK border control points in France Domestic escorting includes transfers between immigration removal centres, short-term holding facilities, prisons, police stations, flights for deportation, and medical escorting in hospitals

Overseas operations involve 24/7 escorting from UK detention centres to designated destinations via scheduled and charter flights The France border contract covers immigration checks where officers can detain or refuse entry Officials say costs may fall if voluntary return schemes expand

FCA fines two individuals £108,731 for insider trading

The Financial C onduct Authority has fined Bhav esh Hirani, former interim CF O of Bidstack Gro up, and Dipesh Kerai a co mbined £1 08, 731 for insider d ealing

Hirani shared confidential information about a major video game publisher deal with Kerai before it was publicly announced Using this information, the pair bought 1 3 million Bidstack shares, earning over £9,000 as the share price rose 125 per cent Kerai’s fine totals £52,731, including £9,260 in disgorged profits, while Hirani’s £56,000 penalty reflects a settlement discount FCA executive director Steve Smart said the individuals “exploited inside information for their own gain,” highlighting the importance of industry reports in uncovering market abuse The FCA stressed tackling financial crime remains a priority under its five-year strategy

The most famous celeb

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where thousands gather to w

, the iconic groundhog, make h

Though primarily

shows 61 cm fell in downtown Toronto one of the highest totals ever recorded i

Pearson Airport recorded 46 cm, making it the snowiest day on record for the site J a n u a r y 2 0 2 6 i s n o w

h e snowiest month on record since 1937 “ W h

family, friends, and acquaintances across Canada and the US, many expressed the same hope: for an early spring and that the groundhog does not see its shadow ”

media coverage, and community events across the United States and Canada Beyond the whimsical weather forecast, Groundhog Day reflects humanity’s fascination with nature and seasonal cycles It’s a moment to pause during the cold winter months, bringing people together in a shared experience of hope and anticipation for spring

largely dismiss the ground-

the day endures as a charming mix of tradition, celebration, and folklore that continues to capture the public’s imagination

Restaurateur convicted over drink spiking

drink with a date-rape dr ug a

in an atte mpt to overpower her for

, a d d e d gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) to the woman ’ s spicy margarita after she briefly left

heard Nath, frustrated by her reluctance to sleep with him, brought the drug to the club concealed in a vanilla extract bottle

P r o s e c u t o r s s a i d N a t h planned to drug the woman a n d t a k e h e r b a c k t o h i s Knightsbridge home, where

police later found two bottles of GBL and a motion-sensor camera aimed at his bed Staff at Annabel’s spotted him using a straw t o s i p h o n l i q u i d into the drink and intervened before it was consumed

A jury found Nath guilty of attempting to administer a substance with intent and possession of a Class B drug

T h e o w n e r o f M i c h e l i nstarred Benares was caught on CCTV and later admitted spiking the drink, though he claimed he only meant to “relax” the woman Staff recovered both the spiked drink and the bottle, which Nath had tried to dispose of in a toilet cistern

Vikas Nath

Caution, Not Retreat: How Today’s Property Investors Are Adapting

P r o p ert y i nv es to rs m a y

w ant to proceed with cau-

t io n I nv e s tm en t ac ti v it y m ay still be there ov er th e

c o m i ng m o nth s , bu t w e

m ay see m ore mod est p urchases

Single property expansions could be the name of the game Straightforward residential purchases, and run-of-the mill refurbishments Indeed, many landlords already appear to be embracing a more mindful outlook

A r o u n d 8 1 % o f l a n dlords expect looming legis-

l a t i o n c o u r t e s

R

make them more selective

a b o u t t h e i r p r o s p e c t

v e tenants, while 71% say they will increase rent to absorb the new restrictions

F o r t u n a t e l y , i f w e d o see property investors try to scale down, there are still options out there for them Flats, for example, tend to be cheaper than houses and

o t h e r l a r g e r r e s i d e n t i a l properties But flats experienced the largest growing yields in 2025, finishing at 6 33% at the end of the year

There is even scope to support property investors

o f s u b s t a n t i a l m e a n s a s they organise their affairs International buyers are set t o r e p r e s e n t t h e l a r g e s t portion of London’s super prime property buyers in

2026 according to a recent report

S h o u l d w e s e e m o r e non-dom residents move to more tax-friendly destinations, many are likely to still retain a foothold in the capi t a l L

d e n c e s c o u l d b e s o l d i n f a v o u r o f “ l o c k u p a n d leave” apartments and piedà-terres This is especially w o r t h n o t i n g w i t h i n t h e A s i a n c o m m u n i t y , g i v e n that Indian and South Asian purchasers made up 20% of all £15 million-plus property purchases in 2025

A manufactured panic in London?

O n so c i a l me d i a , L o n d o n o f t en appears as a ci ty on the brink of collapse Vi ral cli ps of knife-wi el ding fi gures and breathless warnings of "no -go zones " d ominate th e al gorith m

Populist rhetoric has further fueled this perception, with some political figures describing the capital as resembling the "third world " I n 2 0 2 5 , m e n t i o n s o f L o n d o n alongside violent crime terms on platforms like X surged, with engagement nearly doubling year-on-year

A significant portion of this content explicitly links crime to migration and race, often e m p l

Looking ahead, lenders should ready themselves to focus on smaller forms of support for more strategic investments In the current market, borrowers may not be willing to shoot for the stars with dramatic portfolio expansions – as much as they’d like to Instead of mansions in L o n d o n a n d t h e S o u t h East, we could all keep an e y e o n t h e e m e r g i n g opportunities in Wales and t h e N

t h o f E n g l a n d , where the best yields and l o w e s t p r i c e s h a v e b e e n recorded P r o g r e s s i s s t i l l p r o g

investor expanding with a small flat over a large HMO is still expanding A smaller bridging loan or BTL mortgage can offer just as much s u p p

substantial portfolio packages can

Rishi Sunak warns UK risks missing biotech revolution

F ormer Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

h as w arned th at Britain ris ks missing out o n th e bio tec hnol ogy revol ution unles s it urgently refo rms

r e gu l a t io n , f in a nc in g an d d at a a cc es s, des p ite th e UK ’ s h is to ric s trength s in l ife s ciences and innovation

Writing in the Sunday Times, Sunak described biotechnology as one of the most transformative yet underappreciated technologies of the age, with the potential to deliver personalised cancer vaccines, cures for rare diseases and entirely new industrial materials Globally, the sector is expected to add more than $2 trillion to the economy by the end of the decade

However, he cautioned that UK biotech faces mounting challenges Equity financing for British biotech fell sharply last year, w h i l e r

products invented in Britain can be sold overseas but not at home Sunak warned t h a t C h

already accounting for a growing share of new drugs and pharmaceutical supply chains

The UK biotech and life sci-

pounds annually to the economy and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs Britain hosts one of

more than half of Europe’s advanced therapy clinical trials taking place in the UK

Sunak argued that the UK’s world-leading NHS health data, genomic libraries and AI expertise give it a unique advantage, but only if companies are allowed to innovate, access data responsibly and bring products to market quickly

If Britain fails to act, he warned, it risks surrendering a defining technology of the 21st century, and the economic growth that comes with it

London sees highest number of illegal working raids

L ond on saw m ore illeg al w orking raid s than any other region in the U K last year, according to new Hom e Office fig ures

Immigration officers carried out 2,715 visits to businesses across the capital in 2025, an increase of more than 700 on the previous year These raids resulted in 2,172 arrests in London alone

Across Britain, a total of 12,791 illegal working raids were conducted, leading to 8,971 arrests Of those, 2,251 people were detained and 1,087 were deported Both figures were higher than in 2024, when 1,531 migrants were detained and 1,042 removed from the UK

The hospitality sector accounted for the l a

enforcement focused increasingly on restaurants, takeaways and cafés A total of 2,523

working illegally in these businesses Beautyrelated services, including nail bars, tanning salons and barbers, saw 1,052 arrests, while 1 ,

unlawfully in warehousing, distribution and delivery roles

financial penalties More than 100 businesses were fined over £6

million in the first half of 2025 after employing people without

almost £4 6 million in fines issued to nearly 90 London businesses in the second half of 2024 Under tougher rules introduced in 2024, employers can now be fined up to £45,000 per illegal worker for a first offence, rising to £60,000 for repeat breaches

"Londonistan" to drive clicks and revenue

The s tati stical reality of s af ety

Yet, when one moves past the digital noise, official data paints a starkly different picture Far from being a lawless wasteland, violent crime in London has been on a downward trend for years Despite the city adding approximately one million residents since 2010, robbery levels have remained broadly flat

More crucially, the most severe indicators of violence show marked improvement

Homi cid es : In 2024, London recorded 1 1 homicides per 100,000 people, the lowest rate since records began

I

London significantly safer than Paris or Berlin, and dramatically safer than New York City, which possesses a homicide rate nearly three times higher (roughly 3 1 per 100,000 based on recent trends)

H o s p i t al ad m i s s i o n s : A d m i s s i o n s f o r

injuries caused by sharp objects reached a decade-low in 2024

While the city faces genuine challenges, specifically a rise in shoplifting and phonesnatching by thieves on electric bikes, the narrative of a city overwhelmed by third world violence is simply flase

Governance ami ds t cultural grievance

Into this atmospheric tension steps Sir Sadiq Khan Re-elected in 2024 with a record 1 1 million votes, Khan holds the largest direct mandate of any British politician To his critics, he is a symbol of liberal failu r e ; t o h i s s u p p o r t e r s , a s t e a d y hand His most significant achievement, the expansion of the UltraLow Emission Zone (ULEZ), was politically bruising but demonstrably effective, significantly reducing nitrogen dioxide levels across the city Khan’s leadership style, progressive yet socially traditional, often weary but consistently responsible, mirrors the city itself

The "founder f actory" of the world

Nowhere is the gap between reputation and reality wider than in the economy While skeptics mock the "froth" of London’s networking scene, the city has quietly become the world’s most formidable startup hub outside the United States

London has produced more billion-dollar "

Tokyo combined In 2025 alone, London-based startups raised nearly $18 billion in venture capital This resilience is driven by three core pillars:

T alent: London attracts the world's premier machine-learning specialists, prompting firms like OpenAI and Palantir to establish their primary international bases here

I mmigratio n: Diversity is a functional asset; more than 50% of Britain’s fastest-growing startups were founded by immigrants

C ap i tal r ecy cl i ng: A "virtuous cycle" exists where alumni from successes like Revolut and DeepMind go on to found hundreds of new ventures

The danger facing London is not that it is failing, but that the noise of culture wars and digital hysteria might blind the country to its greatest asset

Paresh Raja, CEO Market

Financial Solutions

Sadiq Khan

Rishi Sunak

C U L T U R A L F

One of the clearest disparities lies in early diagnosis Ethnic minority communities are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, when treatment options are more limited and survival chances are lower Screening uptake for breast, bowel and cervical cancer has historically been lower among South Asian, Black African and Black Caribbean groups Language barriers, limited awareness of symptoms, cultural stigma, fatalistic beliefs about cancer, and practical challenges such as shift work or caring responsibilities all contribute to delayed engagement with services

Socioeconomic inequality further compounds the problem Many ethnic minority communities are overrepresented in areas of higher deprivation, which is strongly associated with later diagnosis, poorer access to care and worse outcomes

Against this backdrop, the government’s new National Cancer Plan sets out an ambitious vision: meeting all cancer waiting time standards by 2029, dramatically increasing early diagnosis, expanding diagnostic capacity and innovative treatments, and ensuring that 75 per cent of patients diagnosed from 2035 are cancer-free or living well five years after diagnosis The plan also pledges to reduce inequalities and boost survival rates to the best levels in Europe

But these targets will only matter if progress reaches every community, equally For the National Cancer Plan to truly succeed, equality must be built in at every step: from culturally tailored awareness campaigns and targeted screening drives, to robust ethnicity-based data collection, inclusive research, and genuine community-led engagement

Working with trusted community platforms like Asian Voice, a vital source of information for South Asian audiences, offers a fast, effective route to reach those most at risk

Promoting early cancer screening and diagnostic tests through these channels can empower individuals to take control of their health before it’s too late

Without deliberate, culturally aware action, system-wide improvements risk benefiting only those already well served, leaving the very communities who need support the most further behind

“Can cer s urvi val shouldn’ t de pe nd on the lottery of life”

Health and Soc ial C are Sec retary Wes Streeti ng, himself a cancer survivor, said the reforms mark a turning point

“Cancer survival shouldn’t come down to who won the lottery of life,” he said “But cancer is more likely to be a death sentence in Britain than in other countries around the

world As a cancer survivor who owes my life to the NHS, I owe it to future patients to make sure they receive the same outstanding care I did

“Thanks to the revolution in medical science and technology, we have the opportunity to transform the life chances of cancer patients This plan will slash waits, invest in cutting-edge technology, and give every patient the best possible chance of beating cancer ”

The plan comes amid record investment in the health service, with ministers promising a modernised NHS powered by faster diagnostics, robotics, genomic testing and artificial intelligence

Gem ma Peters , C hief Executive at Ma cmi lla n Can cer Support, said, “It's encouraging to see such bold survival ambitions in the National Cancer Plan for England This comes at a time when people living with cancer tell us all too often that their care hasn’t been good enough, from long waits for tests and treatment to being left without the support they need once treatment ends

"This Plan has the potential to transform care for people living with cancer, ensuring people not only live longer but live better with their diagnosis We look forward to working with

the Government to make this vision a reality: adding life to years, as well as years to life ” Ethni c data ga ps hin dering c anc er break throughs

Dr Raghi b Ali OB E, C hi ef Exec utive of Our Future Health, on improvin g outc om es f or B ritis h Asi an c om muni ti es said, “To help improve health outcomes for the British Asian community and other ethnic minorities, we need all communities to be represented in research cohorts, like Our Future Health, to enable health discoveries that can benefit everyone This, combined with the Cancer Plan’s focus on early diagnosis, could significantly improve the outlook for patients from the British Asian community

“Healthcare systems have traditionally focused on treating people once they show symptoms of diseases However, diseases like cancer often start in the body long before symptoms are detectable By developing a more detailed understanding of what makes certain people more likely to develop cancer, we can enable more effective approaches to early diagnosis, which has a huge impact on cancer outcomes ”

He further added, “We know that South Asian women are more likely to be diagnosed with

Faster Tests, Smarter Treatment

£ 2 3 bn fo r diagnostics

w Funding to deliver 9 5 million extra diagnostic tests by 2029

w 170 Community Diagnostic Centres already open, offering scans and checks closer to home

w Many centres operating 12 hours a day, seven days a week to boost access and cut waits

M ajo r expansio n of ro botassisted surg ery

w Procedures to rise from 70,000 a year to 500,000 annually by 2035

w Aimed at reducing complications, shortening hospital stays and freeing up NHS beds

P recisio n medicine through

g enomics

w Genomic testing for all

late-stage breast cancers, but we don’t yet know why health inequalities like this exist, because past health research programmes have not had enough data on people from ethnic minority backgrounds

Including diverse cohorts in research spaces can help study health inequalities and make cancer discoveries that are inclusive of everyone ”

Our Future Health is the most ethnically diverse largescale research programme in the UK, with 20% of our volunteers from a non-British white ethnic minority

With out cultur al focus, cance r inequaliti es wi ll persist

BAPIO believes that while England’s 10-Year Cancer Plan sets out a bold ambition and this goal will only be achieved if progress is shared fairly; and that means directly addressing cancer inequalities affecting Asian and Indian communities

Dr Joyde ep Grove r, BA PIO Presid ent, said, “The Plan rightly highlights earlier diagnosis, improved screening, and better use of data by ethnicity These measures have the potential to transform outcomes for Indian communities, particularly for bowel, breast, cervical and liver cancers, where late presentation remains a major challenge

eligible patients

w Tumour DNA analysis to tailor treatments more accurately

Digital access to faster app ointments

w New systems to let patients book the earliest available diagnostic tests across local NHS providers

AI to detect lung cancer earlier

w Pilot programme targeting hard-to-diagnose lung

cancers

w Designed to reduce invasive procedures and improve survival rates

Specialist care fo r rare cancers

w Greater coordination through expert centres

w Improved access to specialist teams and pioneering clinical trials

“However, the Plan stops short of the targeted action that is urgently needed It does not adequately tackle cancer risks more common in Indian populations, including smokeless tobacco and areca nut use, hepatitis-related liver disease, or the strong link between diabetes and cancer ”

On the other hand, Dr K

C om

d Plastic an d Rec onstructi ve Surgeon for c anc er at The Chri stie NHS Foundation Trus t, remarked, “Doctors must be empowered and expected to deliver culturally competent care, proactively promote screening, and ensure patients and families fully understand their options At the same time, community and faith leaders from temples and gurdwaras to Indian women ’ s organisations must be recognised as essential partners in raising awareness, challenging myths, and building trust

“The 10 year Cancer Plan does not sufficiently embed culturally tailored approaches that account for language barriers, stigma, modesty concerns, and family-centred decision-making Without this focus, inequalities will persist ”

BAPIO is calling for stronger collaboration with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cancer, chaired by Member of Parliament Navendu Mishra, and with senior clinicians such as Dr K Gajanan Real change will only come when policymakers, clinicians and communities work together to ensure the Cancer Plan delivers equity, not just ambition

The government’s ambition to transform cancer survival represents a major opportunity But its true test will be whether ethnic minority communities see the same gains in early diagnosis, access to treatment and longterm survival as the wider population Equity cannot be a footnote to reform, it must be central to whether the plan delivers on its promise

Beyond treatment: Living well with cancer

Suppo rt to stay in work

w New employer partnership to help 830,000 working-age patients remain in or return to employment during and after treatment

Prevention measures

w Proposed generational smoking ban

w Restrictions on junk food advertising before 9pm to tackle preventable cancer risks

Early p rog ress

w 213,000 additional patients diagnosed or had cancer ruled out within target times since July last year

Th e bigger test

w Delivering the pledge that three in four patients will survive long term will depend on sustained funding, workforce capacity and consistent delivery across the NHS

Gajan an, BAPI O Exec utive

mittee mem ber an

Dr K Gajanan

Dr Raghib Ali OBE

Dr Joydeep Grover Health Secretary Wes Streeting

Anusha Singh

Starmer’s grip slips as Epstein controversy explodes

Gov ernm ents rarely explo de in a single m oment Th ey fray Th ey wobble They insist everyth ing is fine A nd then, sudd enly, they’re in freefall Keir Starmer’ s adm inistration lo oks p erilou sly close to that second act

The spark was the scandal engulfing former Washington ambassador Peter Mandelson and his ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein The fallout has been swift and bruising First went Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff and the architect behind Mandelson’s appointment, falling on his sword and taking “full responsibility” Then came the departure of press secretary Tim Allan The exits began to feel less like coincidence and more like gravity S arwar breaks ranks

The real rupture arrived live and unscripted Anas Sarwar, once one of Starmer’s closest allies, detonated his support in a televised press conference

Eighteen months ago, the two men were politically inseparable Now, Scotland’s Labour leader has cut the rope, declaring the situation in Downing Street “not good enough” and saying “too many mistakes” had been made at the top Then came the line that echoed far and wide: it was time for Starmer to go

Sarwar’s intervention may prove the most consequential blow yet, not because it toppled the Prime Minister overnight, but because it accelerated a conversation that had been simmering for months With Scottish elections

looming in three months, Sarwar framed his rebellion as loyalty to Scotland over party hierarchy

Public unity, priv ate p anic as Sarwar spoke against Starmer, senior Labour figures scrambled onto social media to pledge loyalty to their embattled leader The optics were unmistakable: public unity, private panic

at the government, criticising it for having “ no [economic] growth strategy ”

Starmer, meanwhile, faced down his MPs at a packed meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party

He was greeted with applause, even a standing ovation by day’s end “I’m not stepping down,” he told them “Every fight I’ve been in, I have won ”

He cast himself as battle-hardened, defiant, unwilling to “plunge us into chaos, as others have done ” It was a speech heavy on resolve, light on contrition

While the Prime Minister addressed MPs, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, long speculated as a potential leadership challenger to Sir Keir, made an unusual move, publishing excerpts of his messages with Lord Mandelson Streeting said the step was intended to counter a “weekend of smear and innuendo” suggesting he had something to hide

“Contrary to widespread reports, I was not a close friend of Peter Mandelson,” he wrote in The Guardian, “but I will not deny my actual association with him either ” The messages also show Streeting taking aim

In Starmer’s support, Chancellor Rachel Reeves reminded colleagues that voters handed Starmer a “huge mandate” just 18 months ago Angela Rayner warned against “factional games ” Streeting himself told broadcasters, “It has not been the best week for the government Give Keir a chance ”

But chances in politics are finite Behind the carefully staged cabinet solidarity lies something far more fragile Around half a dozen Labour backbenchers have already broken cover to call for Starmer’s resignation Leadership speculation, once confined to Westminster whispers, is now dominating the conversation And some of the very ministers now lining up to defend him are understood to be among those who, through allies, had previously made it publicly known that they warned the leadership against appointing the socalled “Prince of Darkness” in the first place

For now, Starmer stands applauded, defended, and defiant But governments do not collapse because of one speech or one

resignation They collapse when authority drains away, drip by drip, until loyalty becomes conditional and applause sounds hollow

This week ended with a standing ovation Next week may not

If, in the foreseeable future, Starmer were to resign or be pushed out, the handover would be swift and pragmatic Governments don’t pause for reflection when authority crumbles; they act to stabilise the ship All eyes

are turning to a small cadre of senior figures now seen as immediately viable: Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting, and increasingly, Shabana Mahmood

This is no longer idle media speculation Betting markets and prediction platforms are starting to treat the scenario seriously The Guardian reported that a site promoting Ashton MP Angela Rayner’s Labour leadership bid briefly went live in January, with the domain angelaforleader co uk

registered on January 27 Rayner’s team called the site fake, describing it as an attempt to “undermine” her On the other hand, While Mahmood isn’t viewed as the frontrunner, she consistently ranks in the second tier of contenders Should she ascend to Downing Street, Britain would quietly welcome its first Muslim prime minister, a historic milestone, remarkable in significance even if low on fanfare

Ahmad Yunas Samad, British social scientist and Emeritus Professor at Bradford University

The way the Mande lson–Epstei n s can dal i s un folding in UK politics is tha t i t has moved be yond a que stion of poor j udgment or simply ass oci atin g wi th a sex of fen der It has escalated in to con ce rns ab out w h e t he r g o v e r n me n t s e cre t s co ul d h a ve b e e n compromi sed and pote ntially sha red with powerf ul billi onai res for profi t Tha t is a far more s erious allegation

I n o n e s e n s e , t h i s reflects the Blairite wing of the Labour Party Many of Keir Starmer’s inner circle have Blairite roots, and Mandelson was a trusted f i g u r e w i t h i n t h a t n e twork That is where the issue of judgment comes i n a n d i t a l s o e x p o s e s deeper cracks within the p a r t y D i f f e r e n t f a c t i o n s are now using this controv e r s y t o w i d e n e x i s t i n g divisions

Two senior Downing

S t r e e t a i d e s r e s i g n e d i n quick succession, escalating the crisis further when A n a s S a r w a r u r g e d Starmer to quit, even as cabinet ministers publicly rallied behind him But the r e a l t e s t w i l l c o

L a b o u r p e r f o r m s d i s a strously in upcoming bye l e c t i o n s o r l o c a l e l e ctions At that point, it is impossible to predict who might turn against him or

how events might unfold Others in the Labour P

until after the by-elections or local elections If results

may conclude it is better to remove Starmer sooner rather than risk entering the next general election cycle under a weakened leader

Labour’s crisis sits atop deep, structural divisions, f r o m G a z a t o e c o n o m

c policy and accusations of austerity Starmer’s break w

toward the party’s Blairite wing, alienating many on the left With Green figures claiming disaffected m e m b e r s a r e d e f e c t i n g , fears of fragmentation are growing, a calculation that m a y h a v e i n f l u e n c e d Sarwar’s move

Sir John Curtice, British political scientist and professor

We m ay well be looking at one of the big gest scandals in po st-war British politics, and th e question ev eryone is asking Keir Starmer is: “Why d id you really appoint this man?” A fter all, he h ad bee n s ac ke d tw ic e f o r all eg e d ly u ne th i c al behaviour

T h e c e n t r a l i s s u e i s whether this was ever a sensible choice To give her due credit, Kemi Badenoch asked the crucial question, a

deflected, and Starmer ultimately had to admit that he k

explicitly

All of this has unfolded a t a m o m e n t w h e n t h e Prime Minister was already politically weakened The Conservative government’s Partygate scandal undoubtedly had a serious impact, but it occurred when the T o r i e s ’ p o l l r a t i n g s w e r e beginning to recover and they were still marginally ahead This controversy, by

contrast, has erupted at a t

r s o n a l l y , a r e already deeply unpopular in the polls For many voters, it is likely to confirm rather than change their view of him The question now is whether he will be pushed out

The fundamental criticism of Starmer’s leadership has long been that he has struggled to articulate a clear sense of direction; a compelling vision for where he wants to take the count r y M i

should remain in post may project unity, but it also g o e s

v e h o w w e a k Starmer's position is

been followed by others In

through

wave of cabinet resignations, effectively paralysing the government, or through MPs telling the chief whip they can no longer support the

been how the Labour Party operates but nor has it

or 20 per cent For now, all the leadership hopefuls may be prepared to stand behind the Prime Minister because the timing does not suit them On the one hand, they are positioning themselves; on t

Sarwar, they are not facing an election on 7 May, and therefore have less immediate incentive to force a confrontation

John Curtice

Ahmad Yunas Samad

Anas Sarwar and Sir Keir Starmer

BREAKING THE ICE

How British Asians are claiming space in skiing

Anusha Singh

S kiing h as long been seen as an elite, overwhelmingly white spo rt, o ne where British Asian faces are still relatively rare But th at p icture is slowly beginning to ch ange, as more p eo ple from Asian backgrou nds disco ver s no w sp orts later i n life and carve out a sense o f belonging on the slop es

For Shrimoyee

Chakraborty, skiing was not a childhood tradition but something she found by chance after moving to the UK, and eventually embraced as a family way of life

Chakraborty moved to Britain from India in 2010, aged 20 At the time, skiing felt distant and inaccessible “A lot of my friends used to go, but I didn’t,” she recalls “Later, when I was working for a think tank, some colleagues suggested a ski trip, but it was incredibly expensive and I decided not to go ”

Her first real introduction came through a friend whose father owned a ski chalet in Verbier “That was the first time I went skiing properly,” she says What began as a one-off experience soon became something more enduring Chakraborty later started skiing regularly with her partner, now her husband, a selfconfessed ski enthusiast “I took to it quite naturally and managed to ski confidently on my very first day,” she says More than a decade later, the couple now ski several times a year

Unlike many lifelong skiers, Chakraborty did not grow up in a family where snow sports were the norm “My husband is the real ski maniac he even has a ski licence,” she laughs What keeps drawing her back, she says, is the balance skiing offers “It’s a fun holiday because you ’ re active and outdoors all day Especially once you have a child, it becomes a really positive experience; you ’ re not just switching off, you ’ re engaged ” While she acknowledges skiing remains expensive and largely elitist, she believes its physical and mental benefits make it worthwhile for those who can afford it “You’re moving all day, spending proper quality time together, often in sunshine,

which makes a huge difference when winters in the UK feel so grey ” That sense of adventure extends to how the family skis with their daughter, a decision that challenges more cautious attitudes often found in Indian households “I’m actually not risk-averse at all,” Chakraborty says Her daughter was just nine months old when she first went skiing, strapped safely to her father By the age of one, she was wearing ski boots and showing clear enjoyment “She loves the adrenaline ”

F

O M S

Swathi Anil

In th e s hado wed c ellar of a Glasgow confectio nery store in 2003, while th e wo rld outside erup ted i n protest against th e Iraq War, a you ng man sat in a petrified silence th at wo uld o ne day become th e heartbeat of a movement

The stamping, bashing, and cacophony of sound above was not just the noise of a city in turmoil; it was the birth of a story that would take over twenty years to tell Today, that man, awardwinning theatre-maker Umar Butt, is transforming that dread into a catalyst for community through his newest production, JOLT

Now five, Chakraborty’s daughter can ski confidently, having learned largely from her father when ski schools deemed her too young “He would take her between his legs and guide her down,” she explains Despite the cold and cumbersome equipment, her daughter never complained

Being one of few brown faces on the slopes is something Chakraborty notices, but it’s not something that unsettles her “I’ve been a minority my whole life,” she says “Women, especially brown women in Europe, are used to navigating spaces where we ’ re not the majority ” While Indian skiers were once rare, she believes visibility is growing, fuelled by domestic skiing in Kashmir and Leh and increasing social media exposure “The lack of representation is more about access than exclusion ” She is clear, however, that skiing comes with its own culture and etiquette

“You can retain your identity and still respect the space you ’ re in,” she says “If you behave completely out of place, like filming reels in the middle of a slope, people will look, not because of racism, but because it’s unsafe and disruptive ”

As more British Asians find their way onto the mountains, stories like hers highlight a quiet shift, one where snow sports are no longer reserved for those who grew up with them, but for anyone willing to learn, adapt and take the leap

morning-after clean-ups on his local streets, the community turned to him, the writer they knew, and asked him to speak for them, to inform and make things better for a generation of children who deserve a more accepting world

A first-generatio n journey

As one of the five Tees Valley Artists of the Year 2025, Butt is using this platform to share his journey with Asian Voice, offering a raw exploration of how diverse neighbourhoods can find unity in the wake of chaos

Th e s park of resili ence

The seed for JOLT was planted during those hours in the cellar, but it bloomed the moment the shop shutters were finally raised "I saw an elderly couple with a little brush and a plastic shovel, picking broken glass and putting it in the bin," Butt recalls "That was breath, that is resilience for me '" For years, that memory flickered whenever he heard news of riots in London or Newcastle, but the true jolt came in 2024 when protests turned into riots in his own backyard of Hartlepool and Middlesbrough Seeing the same resilience in the

Having moved from Pakistan to Glasgow and then to the North East, Butt has spent 13 years as an “honourary Smoggy ”

His understanding of resilience is deeply rooted in his work as an artistic associate at ARC Stockton By bringing in the Festival of Lights for Diwali and screening international films like ‘Sholay’, he began a dialogue that transcended language barriers, facilitated by his fluency in Urdu, Punjabi, and English This engagement showed him that resilience isn't just surviving; it is the active work of neighbours choosing to understand each other’s global stories close to home

Protest + Vio lence = Rio t Umar insists that “theatre only works if there is conflict ” During the Research & Development phase at ARC Stockton this January

2026, he delved into a raw formula: Protest + Violence = Riot He wants audiences to confront the frightened place where racism and cultural misunderstandings begin, the false notion that people are receiving benefits others are not JOLT is designed to be a dialogue before it is a drama, a safe space for global majority and white communities alike to ask the hard questions that are often avoided T he ongoing qu est Despite the acclaim, the personal journey remains fraught "I've had eggs thrown at me; I've been called names on the street in Teesside," Butt admits Yet, these experiences of displacement and representation are what make him “tick ” His storytelling remains an exploration of what home truly means in a world that can often feel hostile Until the lay of the land changes, he will continue to use his body, mind, and heart to ensure his children do not feel the isolation he once did

Scheduled to officially open at ARC Stockton in September 2026, the production will feature graduates from The Northern School of Art, bridging the gap between education and professional industry In these scary times, he hopes JOLT will be the breath that allows a community to finally relax, put down the shutters, and work together toward a shared, accepting future

White British pupils losing out in grammar school race

applicants in 2024/25, while

abroad, includ ing Ch ina and Italy

Some schools see more than 30 applicants per place,

early as age six In north London, one school accept-

focus on exam preparation gives some families an edge, a

British pupils are increasingly left behind Data from multiple schools show white British intake falling, while

Doors open for school leavers to become train drivers

Scho ol leavers will soo n

Umar Butt

Shrimoyee along with her partner and daughter

Shrimoyee Chakraborty

Shrimoyee’s daughter takes to the slope

Sunetra Senior Rajvi Bhogaita, professionally known as Shaw 22, is a breakout London-based graphic designer and illustrator whose work has been exhibited on Oxford Street and sold at Brick Lane market She has worked with several prominent brands, including big names such as Schuh, Adidas and Samsung Rajvi has also conceptualised elegant minimalistic furniture, created radiant large-scale murals and recently had her first solo show in December 2024 As a digital artist, her potent prolific prints often showcase a diverse range of daring women rendered in colourful geometric form which channels the intriguing aesthetic of soulful urban chic Her art carries an elemental relatable glamour where one piece may show an assassin-like character with long, lush flowing black hair in a curve-hugging moody maxi dress while another could depict a serene, composed face in nature, peering out through ‘chalky’ white lilies One particularly striking artwork illustrates a nonchalant South-Asian woman in a rich red veil as if to say essential confidence emerges from the fulfilling connection to culture What the pieces have in common is the idea of everyday womanhood as an intimate yet socially revitalising force

*** Rajvi states fun early 2000 ’ s cartoons such as Cartoon Network’s Powerpuff Girls as part of spurring her creativity growing up, as well as shows such as “Kim Possible and Totally Spies: I was drawing women from animations with edge and power Since I could hold a pencil, I have always gravitated towards drawing women I began by drawing my favourite Disney Princesses and making zines of their stories I have held on to that as I have grown as an illustrator and try to convey a sense of quiet confidence and style ” Rajvi’s designs seem to merge self-love, sensuality and cultural richness with the beauty of surrounding life Nature and inner peace are recurring themes where mindfulness is inherent to Rajvi’s work: there is an intuitive gentleness that underlies her signature sheer strength In terms of what compels the illustrator towards graphic art, she commented: “It is the way simple, ordinary elements such as shapes, colours,

type and space become something beautiful when combined I love finding inspiration in the mundane and how this can spark inspiration to be transformed into design e g I always find nice colour combinations to use out in the wild: the colour and texture of two people’s outfits as they stand next to each other or the details and contrast within flowers ”

Here, when asked what philosophy may summarise her illustration, she elaborated: “It would be to slow down, observe more and reconnect with play – so much of the joy we experienced when we were kids was from being in the moment and feeling free enough to use our imaginations and explore our environment I hope that people feel warm, comforted and inspired when interacting with my art ” Further to this, on

continued to freelance on the side, posting on socials, which led to brands commissioning me for their projects I now work as a designer at Hey Human full-time and continue to work on my passion projects on the side ” Rajvi herself embodies self-possession, gratitude and promotes complete consolidation of the self In addition to positivity, she sensitively advised:

“I think it’s important to sit in moments where things also feel hard and uncomfortable to understand those feelings and why you feel the way you do Often when creating things, you hit blocks and go through so much trial and error which no one sees You have to make a lot of ugly work before you get to the good stuff: having the resilience and slight delusion to push through that is what leads to success ” The fluid relationship between personal charisma and confronting the many challenges of the modern world then culminates in Rajvi’s animated brand today Shaw’s bold yet smooth commanding female figures ultimately reveal a formidable superpower: that of unbound yet centring femininity

"Having the resilience and slight delusion to push through that is what leads to success"

Instagram, Rajvi talks about her personal experience with challenging mental and physical health, including being diagnosed with cancer, and it seems the evolution of her grounded, healing spirit has certainly been shaped by this Workwise, Rajvi has a strong individual ethic, having been scouted by the head of design at Iris, a top creative agency, before she had even graduated: “This started my post-grad career as a designer in advertising and I

LSE Honors Lord Meghnad Desai

tribute to the life and legacy of econom ist and public intellectu a l L o rd M eg h n ad D es a i, marking the occasion w

a memo rial lecture and the official launch of a stu dent support fund in his name L o r d D e s a

,

h o p a s s e d away on 29 July 2025 at the age of 85, had been deeply connected to LSE for over five decades as a teacher, scholar, and mentor The event was

lighted Lord Desai’s intellectual independence, commitment to debate, and ability to inspire students to think boldly and embrace complexity He added that the fund would support students whose work reflects Desai’s belief in the transformative power of ideas, dissent, and global engagement, enabling them to drive meaningful social impact

Indian graduate launches London tour venture

A 23-year-old gradu ate from K e ra la h a s la u n c h ed a Londo n-based to ur service to h elp fellow gradu ates earn a steady income wh ile navigating the UK’ s comp etitive jo b market

J a m e T h o m a s M a t h e w , from Mallapally in Thiruvalla, recently completed a Master’s i n m a c

What are your goals for the future?

I hope to host art, design and craft workshops all over the UK and the world I would love to create spaces for community to come together and inspire people to get in touch with their creativity I’d also love to do another solo exhibition at some point when I have a new collection of work

What tips do you have for exploring the world of digital art – if you were relatively new to it?

This is probably the easiest time to get into it because there’s so many free resources online Affinity, a digital design software I started with when I was 18, has just made their software free forever This means that the barrier to entry is so much lower and there’s so many amazing creators making tutorials out there on YouTube, Patreon and their socials IG: @Shaw 22

London School of Economics and founded Thomas Tours, named in honour of his grandfather The venture offers flexible, part-time roles for graduates, particular-

living costs Drawing on his own experience of budgeting in the capital, Mathew creates customised, low-cost walking and public transport tours

SHAW

Shaw: On Graphic Design

Reika A1

PorcelinDoll1

Lord Meghnad Desai

Jame Thomas Mathew

M U M B A I C A L L I N G : L I B F E X P O C O N N E

T h e sk yli n e o f M u m ba i , I nd i a ’ s f in an ci al h ear tb eat , served as the backd rop for a transformative three d ays as

th e L IB F E xp o 2 0 26 –Mu mbai C alling unfolded at th e J i o Wo rl d C

Centre Mumbai Calling emerged

international trade and busin e s s

, drawing over 35,000 visitors

The event featured 18+ global conferences, welcomed delegates from 25+ countries, rep-

compliance frameworks, and access to capital across both

stature as a manufacturing base and services export hub, a

bound expansion by Indian small and mid-sized enterprises

A global marketplace under one roof LIBF operates as

global

resented 30+ industries, and s

spanning financial services, h

infrastructure, and emerging technologies

T h e E x p o c o n v e n e d a n influential mix of business leaders, institutional representatives, investors, policymakers, and sector specialists, linking enterprise ecosystems across India, the Gulf region, Africa, Europe, the UK, North

A

markets

More than 10,000 curated b u

participants took part in

roundtables, and trade-driven sessions Discussions centred on cross-border expansion strategies, supply chain

d

necting stakeholders across

ences at the Expo reflected d

States Participants highlighte

tructure partnerships, IT, AI and digital services, logistics, import-export trade, and specialised manufacturing supply chains

The Expo also saw partic-

linked institutions, including t

National Skill Development

forcing its role as a catalyst for collaboration, policy dialogue, and cross-border business growth

T he social im pact fram ew ork

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of LIBF Expo 2026

Organisers integrated social responsibility directly into the trade floor, proving that "ethical growth" is more than just a buzzword

mentary stalls for women-led Gruh Udyog enterprises, education and training institutions, and community-driven organisations, ensuring inclu-

also facilitated UAE-focused business advisory services and overseas expansion support, while recognising outstanding individuals and organisations through international awards

The BMC school initiative: A key highlight was

a l Corporation (BMC) municip a l s c h o o l s U n d e r a

T r i p a r t i t e M e m o r a n d u m o f Understanding signed within LIBF’s philanthropic framework, the Quality Council of I n d i a ( Q C I ) t h r o u g h i t s National Accreditation Board for Education and Training

(NABET) will provide certific a t i o n , a c c r e d i t a t i o n

structured capacity-building s

BMC schools LIBF will function as the coordinating and facilitating agency, including

schools

Together, this collaborative model reflects a blended approach that aligns enterprise engagement with sustainable, long-term social and educational outcomes, reinforcing LIBF Expo’s vision of inclusive growth and community-led impact

LIBF key committee members and other dignitaries on stage

Satish D Vithalani, President of Shree Lohana Mahaparishad and Chairman of LIBF, addressing the audience

Mayur Madhvani, Joint Managing Director of the Madhvani Group, addressing the event

Amruta Devendra Fadna Vijay

L–R: Sagar Popat felicitating Pradip Dhamecha of the Dhamecha Group, who was a keynote speaker for the panel discussion at the event

(Centre) Vice Admiral Atul Anand, AVSM, VSM, Additional Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, honoured during the event

Su L-R Professor Sir Nilesh Lady Varsha Samani felicitated an

C T S I N D I A T O G L O B A L E N T E R P R I S E

A confl uence of power and vision

The event was punctuat-

"Who’s Who" of Indian polic

senior policymakers, institutional leaders, defence officials, jurists, industry veterans, and elected representa-

t

form’s national and international significance

The Inaugural Ceremony w

video message from Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who

was further honoured by the presence of eminent digni-

Admiral Atul Anand, AVSM, VSM, Additional Secretary,

Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Government of India; Ashish Kumar Chauhan, Managing Director and Chief Executive O

Exchange of India (NSE); and Motilal Oswal, Co-Founder,

Financial Services Ltd T

Awards Ceremony was elevated by the presence of Smt Amruta Devendra Fadnavis as Guest of Honour, adding

value to the platform while celebrating excellence, leadership, and global collaboration

graced by an esteemed gath-

taries and eminent personalities, including Padma Shri

General of India; Bhushan

C o m m i s s i o n e r o f G r e a t e r Mumbai; Raamdeo Agrawal, C h a i r m a n , M o t i l a l O s w a l

G r o u p ; R a d h i k a G u p t a , Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Edelweiss

M u t u a l F u n d ; J u s t i c e M R

S h a h , F o r m e r J u d g e , S u p r e m e C o u r t o f I n d i a ;

N i t i n T h a k k e r , S e n i o r A d v o c a t e , B o m b a y H i g h

C o u r t a n d P r e s i d e n t , Bombay Bar Association; and M i h i r K o t e c h a , M L A , Mulund Constituency

A new e ra of con nect iv ity I n a j o i n t s t a t e m e n t ,

S a t i s h D V i t h a l a n i , Chairman, LIBF, and Vijay P Karia, Director, LIBF, said t h e E x p o u n d e r s c o r e s t h e growing need for structured, sector-driven platforms that empower Indian enterprises to engage with global mark e t s w i t h c o n f i d e n c e a n d clarity

They observed that LIBF Expo 2026 illustrated how t r a d e , p r o f e s s i o n a l k n o w ledge exchange, institutional collaboration, and community-focused initiatives can converge on a single platf o r m t

cross-border growth and fost

engagement

W i t h

chains continuing to diversif y a n d

avis, Guest of Honour for the event, welcomed and felicitated by y Karia Director of LIBF and Satish Vithalani

Dr Lalit Sodha D C interacting with Vijay Karia at the event

L–R: Minaben Khagram and Pannaben Raja honoured by Satish Vithalani

L-R: Ketan Kotecha (Director LIBF & Trustee Jalaram Charitable Trust Temple Leicester), Diti Kotecha, Jasu Thakkar, Pramod Thakkar (Chair of Jalaram Charitable Trust Temple Leicester, VSUK Trustee & Acquisition Consultant- JHOD Ex- Founder, Trustee - Advisory Board JHOD receiving the LIBF award 2026 from Bharat Sodha Chairman LCUK and Satishbhai Vithalani

LCUK members at the event

ubhash Thakrar OBE addressing the event

Samani, Cardiologist & Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leicester and nd receiving the LIBF 2026 Award from Satish Vithalani and Bharat Sodha

Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel OBE

I have , as you might e xpe ct , more Pate l’s an d Shah’ s r eaching out t o me thr ough TikTok a nd YouTube than an y othe r cha nne ls Now I am approa chin g a million followe rs in ag gre gat e, I expe ct eve n more

One key issue is the persistent underperformance of retail investors is often blamed on markets themselves: volatility, complexity, and unpredictable shocks Yet this explanation is increasingly unconvincing Over long horizons, markets have delivered robust real returns, particularly through diversified equity exposure The more compelling explanation lies elsewhere Poor long-term investment performance is driven less by market structure than by human behaviour, and a central behavioural error is the tendency to evaluate investments at the level of individual stocks rather than diversified portfolios F

Theory makes this distinction explicit Risk is not the volatility of a single asset, but the volatility of the portfolio as a whole Diversification reduces idiosyncratic risk and smooths outcomes over time A portfolio of equities behaves very differently from a collection of isolated bets

Yet most retail investors do not experience markets in this way They experience them through the daily movements of individual holdings, each treated as a separate psychological account

This phenomenon, known as narrow framing, was identified by Kahneman and Tversky and later developed by Richard Thaler Investors mentally compartmentalise each stock rather than viewing the aggregate The result is a distorted perception of risk A diversified portfolio is statistically resilient, but psychologically punishing At any moment, some holdings will be down Even in rising markets, there are losers When investors focus on these losses individually, they experience repeated emotional pain even when their overall wealth is increasing

Loss aversion magnifies this effect Behavioural evidence shows that losses are felt roughly twice as strongly as equivalent gains A portfolio with twenty stocks virtually guarantees frequent loss experiences at the individual level Each one triggers discomfort, regret, or fear The rational investor would ignore this noise and focus on long-term portfolio outcomes The human investor does not The emotional cost becomes intolerable

This explains a striking paradox Retail investors say they want higher returns, yet systematically avoid the assets most likely to deliver them Equities feel dangerous not because of their long-term behaviour, but because of how they are experienced By contrast, cash, bonds, and property feel safer because losses are either invisible, infrequent, or delayed Inflation quietly erodes purchasing power, but it does not flash red on a screen

The empirical evidence supports this interpretation Studies consistently show that investors who monitor portfolios frequently take less risk and earn lower returns Pension savers defaulted into diversified funds, where performance is framed at the portfolio level, maintain higher equity exposure than self-directed investors who track individual stocks The popularity of target-date and index funds reflects not only lower costs, but reduced emotional engagement with short-term losses

Industry behaviour reinforces the problem Media, apps, and performance reports emphasise stock-level movements, daily rankings, and “winners and losers” Even professional advice often attributes performance to individual holdings rather than progress toward long-term goals This presentation trains investors to experience markets as a sequence of judgements rather than as a compounding process Fear is not inherent in equities; it is manufactured by framing

Beware of IFAs and wealth managers and your own mind trying to play with your emotions Get an investing mentor Mine is me

UK home prices top £300,000 as market rebounds

T he av erag e price of a U K hom e crossed the £30 0,0 00 mark for th e first time in January, as h ouse prices rose at their fastest pace since November 2024

Figures from Halifax show prices increased by 0 7% month on month, the strongest growth since a 1 1% rise recorded in November On an annual basis, prices were up 1% Halifax, part of Lloyds Banking Group and the UK’s largest mortgage lender, estimates the average home now c o s t s £ 3 0 0 , 0 7 7 ,

Nationwide places the average price significantly lower, at £270,873

The rise represents a notable rebound after a subdued run-up to Christmas, when prices fell by 0 5% month on month Halifax revised this decline down from an earlier estimate of 0 2% Nationwide has forecast that average UK house prices will increase by between 2% and 4% over the course of this year

UK and US seal critical minerals partnership

UK businesses are set to benefit from a significant boost after the United Kingdom and the United States signed a new partnership aimed at securing supplies of critical minerals essential to modern life, from smartphones and refrigerators to electric vehicles and clean energy technologies

The agreement was formalised in Washington DC,

signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with US Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg at a meeting attended by representatives from more than 50 coun-

and diversified supplies of critical minerals, strength-

ening domestic production and supporting future-facing industries

The partnership will see

more closely to encourage private investment in areas such as mining and mineral processing It is expected to support key sectors includ-

turing, defence and clean energy, ensuring businesses on both sides of the Atlantic

have access to the materials they need to grow

Foreign Office Minister

importance of strong international cooperation

demand for critical minerals “As demand for critical minerals around the world

Karnataka entrepreneurs celebrated at London Commons awards

T

Achievers Business A ward s 20 26 were held on February 5 at th e M em bers’ Dining Ro o m o f

f Com mons in London, celebra ti ng g l o ba l lea d er sh i p and enterprise

T h e c e r e m o n y r e c o

nised individuals and organi

, with a particular focus on Karnataka, for their contrib u t i o n s t o b u s i n e s s , entrepreneurship and innov a t i o n T h e a w a r d s h i g hlighted the growing global influence of entrepreneurs a n d e n t e r p r i s e s f r o m Karnataka

T h e e v e n t w a s j o i n t l y

o r g a n i s e d b y U K - b a s e d

Luminary Networks Ltd and B e n g a l u r u - h e a d q u a r t e r e d M i n d B l u e L L P , a m e d i a strategy and buying agency Organisers said the initiative aims to create an intern a t i o n a l p l a t f o r m t h a t showcases leadership while s t r e n g t h e n i n g e c o n o m i c a n d c u l t u r a l t i e s b e t w e e n India and the UK

M o r e t h a n 1 0 0 g u e s t s a t t e n d

leaders and delegates from Karnataka, alongside members of the wider Karnataka diaspora in the UK

said the awards reflected the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora to the U

Commons underscored the importance of international collaboration

KannadigaruUK for its work in promoting Kannada language, culture and heritage Organisers said the awards are

JLR in trouble amid cyberattack, slowing sales

A cyb erat tack that t riggered we eks of fa ctory shutdowns ha

(JL

red, dra in in g more than £3 billion in cash a nd deal ing

based carmaker reported a loss of £310 million in the three months to the end of December, the third quarter of its financial year, before exceptional charges of a fur-

related to the cyber incident

exceed £600 million

through £1 5 billion in cash during the quarter, with total outflows of £3 1 billion so far this financial year, reducing cash reserves to £1 7 billion PB Balaji, JLR’s new chief executive, who joined from parent company Tata Motors in India, described his early

months in the role as a baptism of fire He said performance was hit by the prod u c t i o n s h u t d o w n , t h e planned wind-down of legacy Jaguar models and higher US import tariffs JLR has also been affected by a sharp slowdown in China, where a price war has slashed demand Sales fell 39 per cent to £4 5 billion in the quarter, while nine-month revenues were down 24 per cent year on year Despite the turmoil, Balaji said JLR expects a marked improvement in the final quarter and reaffirmed its target to break even for the full year

Tata Steel warns of potential mill shutdown

most

the actions

to

have now largely been taken,” he said The company is urging the UK government to double import tariffs and halve tariff-free quotas to shield domestic producers from

Foreign Office Minister, Seema Malhotra with US Under Secretary of State, Jacob Helberg

Kotak issues India’s first digital FPI licences

K o t a k M a hi n d

The bank confirmed it has already issued its first two

framework T

follows a major regulatory shift by the Securities and E x c

digital workflow in January

SWAGAT-FI (Single Window Automatic and Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors) framework, SEBI integrated Digital Signature C

C

applications directly into the Common Application Form (

enhance India’s appeal

friendly destination Since the FPI regime's

for

capital By leveraging Indian

Act, 2000, Kotak Mahindra

notarisation, this digital leap marks a significant step in

India vision for the financial sector

Mundra port sets record in auto exports

A d an i P o rts a nd S p ec i al

E c o no m ic Zo n e L i m i ted ’ s M undra Po rt has set new benchm arks in au tom obile

e xp o r ts , w i t h i ts Ro Ro terminal shipping a record 25,762 cars in January 2026, surpassing the prev ious high o f 24 ,48 9 vehicles record ed in May 20 24

The port also handled a record 5,701 cars on a single vessel, exceeding the earlier m a r k o f 5 , 6 2 2

n November 2025 Adani Ports

s a i d t h e a c h i e

n t reflects strong operational e f f i c i e n c y , s e a m l

security standards

Australia, Belgium, France,

reinforcing its position

previous

continues to play a vital role in boosting India’s trade and export growth

Government enters ride-hailing space with Bharat Taxi

U nio n Home M inister A mit S hah launched Bharat Taxi in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, I n d i a ’ s fi rs t c o o p er ati v ebased ride-hailing platform, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delh i O p

(STCL) with support from t h e N

t i o n a l C

o p e r a t i v e Development Corporation,

N A B A R D a n d A m u l , t h e

p l a t f o r m m a r k s a g o v e r n m e n t - b a c k e d e n t r y into the ride-hailing space

d o m i n a t e d b y p r i v a t e aggregators

R e g i s t e r e d u n d e r t h e M u l t i - S t a t e C o o p e r a t i v e Societies Act, 2002, Bharat

Taxi follows a ‘Sarathi Hi M a l i k ’ ( d r i v e r i s o w n e r ) model, under which drivers are shareholders entitled to d i v i d e n d s S i n c e i t s s o f t launch in December 2025, the platform has distributed about ₹10 crore to drivers, onboarded over 4 lakh active drivers and 1 lakh users, and i s c o m p l e t i n g m o r e t h a n 10,000 rides daily across the

company, India’s biggest SUV and tractor maker by volume, posted 19% growth in SUV s a l e

two regions

B h a r a t T a x i p l a n s t o expand nationwide within two years and charges a flat daily fee of ₹30 for cabs and ₹ 1 8 f o r a u t o

per cent, Bharat Taxi has also

g , offering fares about 30 per cent lower Drivers receive

Anil Agarwal pledges 75% of wealth to social causes

V ed ant a Gro u p c h ai rm a n

A nil A garw al h as announced plans to d onate 75% o f his perso nal wealth to society and step back from his role as

instead as

trustee,

Minister Narend ra Mod i

In a social media post, Agarwal said the decision followed his participation in

Energy Leaders during India Energy Week and came after the recent death of his only son, Agnivesh Agarwal, who died of cardiac arrest in the US while recovering from a skiing accident H

Minister Narendra Modi for

India

saying the encouragement

structured philanthropy and institution building

A g a r w a l s a i d t h a t , h o n o u r i n g

Spread over 1,500 acres, the Nagpur plant is set to begin production in 2028 and will be backed by a 150-acre s u p p l i e r p a r k i n S a m b h a j i n a g a r O n c e operational, it will have an annual capacity of over 5 lakh vehicles and 1 lakh tractors, making it Mahindra’s largest m

January FY26 Mahindra said Vidarbha was chosen for its strong connectivity, access to domestic and export markets a n d

support the next-generation NU IQ platform, producing I C

aggregators offer

Anand Mahindra

l o o k o f f e r s some relief to the Air India

G r o u p a s t h e f u l l - s e r v i c e

c a r r i e r f a c e s f i n a n c i a l

p r e

, s h

r e d d u r i n g a r e c e n t town hall, also noted plans to invest over $70 million in aircraft refurbishment

A i r I n d i a E x p r e s s , w h i c h o p e r a t e s o v

Boeing and Airbus narrow b o d y a i r c r a f t , p l a n s t o double its capacity over the n e x t f o u r t o f i v e y e a r s , targeting a fleet of more t h a n 2 0 0 p l a n e s , i t s managing director said in October The airline, along with its full-service parent

A i r I n d i a , i s u n d e r c l o s e scrutiny from analysts and government officials as it w o r k s t h r o u g h a turnaround Last month, it announced plans to add 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets Air I n d i a i s u n d e

h progress has been slowed by aircraft delivery delays, while its losses continue to w e i g h o n S i n g a p o r e Airlines, which holds a 25% stake

India, GCC restart long-pending free trade talks

India has signed th e terms of reference fo r a free trad e ag ree m en t w i th th e Gu l f C o o p e rat io n C o u nc i l, rev i v i ng F T A neg o

since 2004

t w o r o u n d s i n 2006 and 2008, before the GCC halted negotiations in 2011 Discussions resumed

a f t e r t h e G C C S e c r e t a r y General’s visit to India in N o v e m b e r 2

s i n c e O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3 T h e GCC includes Saudi Arabia, t h e U A E , Q a t a r , K u w a i t , Oman and Bahrain

C o m m e r c e M i n i s t e r Piyush Goyal said an FTA

w i t h t h e s i x - n a t i o n G C C

w o u l d s t r e n g t h e n I n d i a ’ s geopolitical and trade ties, b o o s t i n v e s t m e n t , c r e a t e jobs, and enhance food and energy security, adding that c l o s e r c o o p e r a t i o n w o u l d make India and the GCC a “force multiplier” for global g o o d H e n o t e d t h e p a c t would help India diversify its energy sources

I n F Y 2

G C C goods trade reached $178 56 b

trade, with Saudi Arabia the second-largest partner after the UAE The minister said s

while exporting gems and jewellery, metals, electrical machinery, iron and steel,

7 0 , 00 0 cr o r e in v e st me n t r oa dmap for Maha ra sht ra ’ s Vidarbha r egion , aiming t o estab lish Na gpur a s a gl ob al l e a d e r i n cl e a n e n e r g y , aviat ion, a nd l ogistics

S p e a k i n g a t t h e A d v a n t a g e V i d a r b h a 2 0 2 6

Fadnavis said the investment

plans in the Igatpuri–Nashik region, the projects form part of Mahindra’s Rs 15,000 crore investment in Maharashtra across more than 2,000 acres C

especially in Vidarbha

c o n c l a v e , J e e t A d a n i described the commitment as generational, focusing on long-term industrial revival The plan’s centrepiece is a m a s s i v e I n t e g r a t e d C o a l Gasification and Downstream Derivatives Complex at Linga, K a l m e s h w a r T h i s f a c i l i t y alone is projected to create 3 0 , 0 0 0 d i r e c t j o b s w h i l e producing syngas, ammonia, a n d h y d r o g e n t o b o l s t e r national self-reliance In the e n e r g y s e c t o r , t h e G r o u p already ensures a combined supply of 6,600 MW to the s t a t

Anil Agrawal

Piyush Goyal

Bangladesh palace becomes museum as Islamists rise

Ban gladesh prepared to unv ei l the July R ev oluti on M useum at G an abh aban , t he f o rmer res id ence of dep osed P rime Min ister Shei kh H asi na

F o l l o w i n g t h e p o p

uprising on August 5, 2024, w

Delhi after violence claimed over 1,000 lives, the fortress has been transformed into a

Curated by Tanzim Wahab, the site displays victims' personal effects and a life-size r

secret detention facility In a s

museum features a bust of British MP Tulip Siddiq, who was sentenced to prison in absentia by a local court over corruption claims

As the nation approaches its first free elections in 17 y e a

political vacuum left by the

b a n n e d A w a m i L e a g u

i s being filled by resurgent religious forces Reports indicate that Jamaat-e-Islami, a conservative Islamist party previ-

o

Hasina’s tenure, is projected to win a record number of seats This rise in Islamist influence coincides with the return of Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist

P

y 48% of the 127 million voters While the museum aims to institutionalise the memory of the "July Revolution," crit-

ics fear the country’s shift toward conservative religious

tions of the original student

The Commonwealth anticipated the Davos moment

Shirley Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Canada , a member of the Common we alth, has be en a t t he centre of globa l atte ntion fol lowin g Pr ime Minist er Mark Car ney ’ s st riking interv ention at the Worl d Economic Forum in Davos His sta rk an alysis captured b oth the fa il ure of today ’ s int ernat iona l system and the ur gency of rene wa l

World leaders made a similar diagnosis at the United Nations in September 2024 Their response, the Pact for the Future, was earnest but bureaucratic – heavy on process, light on transformation It failed to inspire and quickly succumbed to the very weaknesses Prime Minister Carney identified: an international rules-based system that no longer delivers stability, fairness, or opportunity

Prime Minister Carney has done the world a service by naming this reality plainly He has punctured the illusion that incremental reform will suffice and challenged us to reclaim multilateralism not as a constraint, but as a source of shared strength

sentencing

Hindu trader brutally murdered in Bangladesh

A 62-year-old Hindu trader, Susen Chandra Sarkar, was hacked to death inside his shop at the Bogar Bazar intersect

attacked Sarkar with sharp weapons, left him inside his shop, 'Bhai Bhai Enterprise', and closed the shutters before fleeing Family members discovered his blood-soaked body after he failed to return home; he was declared dead on arrival at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital

Bangladesh's parliamentary elections on February 12, the first since the August 2024 ouster of Sheikh Hasina The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has reported a sharp increase in communal violence, recording 51 incidents in December 2025 alone and at least 15 murders of Hindus since December 1 The victim's son, Sujan Sarkar, reported that several hundred thousand takas were stolen during the attack While police have initiated legal proceedings, no arrests have been made Minority groups warn that such violence aims to intimidate the Hindu community, which comprises roughly 7 95% (13 13 million) of the population ahead of the crucial national vote

Sanjay Tailor sworn in as Illinois Supreme Court Justice

Ju stice Sanjay T Tailor made

Illinois Sup reme Court

The ceremony, held in Chicago and led by Chief

Asian Americans represent

population but have historically been underrepresented in the highest echelons of the judiciary

Tailor’s ascent follows a distinguished 23-year career He first became an associate

judge in 2003, later becom-

American presiding judge in 2021 In 2022, he was elected as a Cook County Circuit Judge with 81% of the vote

before moving to the Illinois Appellate Court A Loyola University Chicago graduate, Tailor has spent over two decades balancing his t

h teaching civil procedure and leading community organisations like Apna Ghar

His appointment to the

viewed as a vital step toward

reflects the state's diverse demographics Justice Tailor expressed his commitment to maintaining a system that serves all citizens equitably

FIA Chicago celebrates historic 77th Republic Day

Fed

I llin ois

of

The event, attended by over 240 participants, was hailed as historic, marking 45 years since the organisation’s establishment in 1980 In a rare diplomatic gesture, the cere m o n

General, Somnath Ghose, and the Israeli Consul General, Elad Strohmayer, the first time an Israeli envoy has attended the FIA's Republic Day festivities

The evening featured a solemn tribute to Bangladeshi Hindu victims and celebrated the 150th anniversary of India’s national s o n g , V

Davos exposed a deeper truth The assumption that global cooperation still guarantees predictable norms, stable growth, rising living standards and social mobility no longer holds Our institutions – national, international and multilateral – are struggling to meet the moment The post-Second World War settlement, designed to preserve a status quo that worked for a few, now works for fewer still Not for advanced economies facing stagnation and discontent Not for developing countries trapped at the bottom of global value chains And not for businesses and investors navigating uncertainty with outdated tools

Above all, it is not working for people – confronting declining opportunities, rising costs of living, and a widening gap between promise and reality

At the heart of this crisis is a failure of imagination A system that sustains progress in a globalised world must be designed to work for every country and every community The world is now one marketplace That demands fresh thinking and the courage to act differently Too often, ambition is constrained by fear – fear of change, of unfamiliar ground, of disrupting inherited structures

For those who share my conviction that repeating yesterday’s solutions will not produce tomorrow’s transformation, I offer the example, experience and new energy of the Commonwealth

At a time when the global order is being shaken by unilateralism, protectionism, climate disruption, technological upheaval and democratic backsliding, the new Commonwealth offers a model rooted in partnership, not dependency – equality, not hierarchy – shared prosperity, not zero-sum competition

That partnership rests on four pillars

F ir st: t r a de an d i nv e stm en t Trade is the lifeblood of prosperity Trade among Commonwealth countries is already around 21 per cent cheaper – the Commonwealth Advantage We are turning advantage into opportunity Under my leadership, trade and investment are at the centre of the Commonwealth’s renewal We are building platforms that connect entrepreneurs, innovators and investors across continents, lowering barriers, harmonising rules, and enabling small businesses – especially women- and youth-led enterprises – to integrate into regional and global value chains We are mobilising investment in digital trade, agribusiness, green energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, and skills

Second: economic re silien ce and finan ce Many economies are being squeezed by debt, external shocks and rising borrowing costs While countries must strengthen transparency and governance, the global financial system itself must change Access to concessional finance and blended capital remains too limited, too slow, too conditional Global finance must be re-engineered – not to preserve privilege, but to unlock potential for all

Third: climate and sust ainabil it y Climate shocks are no longer abstract risks; they are daily realities – driving heatwaves, floods, food insecurity, displacement and instability Yet the Commonwealth includes green superpowers in waiting, with immense capacity in renewable energy, critical minerals, climate-smart agriculture and sustainable supply chains Through our Living Lands Agenda, Blue Charter and Sustainable Energy Transition Agenda, we are helping mobilise investment for a renewable energy revolution that delivers both growth and resilience

Fourth: de mocracy and the de mocratic divide nd Democratic reversals are increasing worldwide Democracy is not a luxury; it is the infrastructure of prosperity and investment

The Commonwealth will continue to stand for democratic values, developing early warning tools and supporting institutions, civic dialogue and good governance – because without trust and accountability, development cannot endure

The era of modest ambition is over

When I sought this office, I argued that a Commonwealth Free Trade Area could unlock larger markets, stronger businesses and shared prosperity – what I called the democratic dividend Some urged caution Davos made clear that business-as-usual carries far greater risk

The Commonwealth - 56 countries representing one-third of humanity – has not stood still Our Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, endorsed by Foreign Ministers last year, responds directly to the fractures Prime Minister Carney described We are building a dynamic marketplace for 2 7 billion people – but trade is only half the story

Our greatest asset is our people Sixty per cent of Commonwealth citizens are under 30 This demographic dividend can power global growth – if talent is matched with opportunity

We are scaling technology-enabled education and skills to reach millions, not thousands

Sixty-two years ago, at a Commonwealth Leaders’ Meeting in No 10 Downing Street, London, newly independent nations, together with the UK, Canada and others, chose cooperation through voluntary association Today, the choice that confronts us is even more consequential- greater integration in a fragmenting world

The message from Davos – and from the Commonwealth – is clear: cooperation, grounded in shared values and translated into action, remains the only credible path forward Together, we will prove that acting together remains both possible and indispensable

Donald Trump plans giant American independence arch

US Pres ident Donald Trump

n t Hemant Patel emphasised a tripartite friendship between India, Israel, and the United States to combat global extremism, reflecting on his recent visit to the Gaza border

and the Lincoln Memorial Trump justified the massive scale by aligning the height with the 250-year milestone While the administration

Key speakers, including Dr Bharat Barai, addressed regional challenges and supported the transition toward a Uniform Civil Code in India The celebration concluded with soul-stirring cultural performances, rein-

bond with Bharat

Tribunal

Hasina

Sanjay T Tailor

Lions conduct free eye screening camp in Nakuru

On February 1, the Lions

Sigh t First Eye Hospital, in

c o lla bo r ati o n w i t h th e

Lions Club of Nakuru, su ccessfully hosted a comprehensiv e free eye screening

cam p at the A CK Ch urch in Nakuru, Kenya

This community initiative aimed to provide critical ophthalmic services to u

who often lack access to affordable specialist healthcare

The event saw a signifi-

Medical teams identified 57 cases of cataracts, a leading cause of preventable blindness in the region Under the global Sight First initiative, 27 of these patients

w

ported to the main hospital facility in Nairobi to under-

In addition to surgical

referrals, the medical team distributed 36 pairs of pre-

attendees in need By providing these corrective lenses, the project significantly improved the daily quality of life and visual clarity for many local residents The Lions Club reaffirmed their

outreach, noting that such

detection and sight preservation across the county

India and Kenya strengthen ties in Nairobi talks

India and Kenya successfully conclud ed the

t h ir d r o u nd o f F o rei g n O ff i ce C onsu ltations (Fo C) in Nairobi Co-chaired by India’s Joint Secretary Janesh Kain and Kenya’s Ambassador Jane Makori, the high-level meeting focused on deepening a strategic partnership that has f

began in 1963

Both nations conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral sectors, including defence, digital public infrastructure, and healthcare, while agreeing to fastt r a c k m

Committee and the Joint Working Group on Agriculture

T h e c o n

growing economic synergy between the two Commonwealth members, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $3 3 billion in recent years Beyond policy, Janesh Kain visited the Mahatma Gandhi Library at the University of Nairobi, underscoring the deep cultural and people-to-people ties

shared by the 80,000-strong Indian diaspora in Kenya

Looking ahead, India extended an invi-

upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi later this year The delegations reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral cooperation at the United Nations, concluding the session with an agreement to hold the fourth round of consultations in India on a mutually convenient date

Takaichi secures historic supermajority in Japan

J apan ’ s politic al lands cape underwent a seismi c shift as P r i me M i n i s te r S an a e T a k ai c h i l e d t he Li b e ra l

D emocratic Party (LD P) to a landslide victory in a highs takes s nap election

Defying earlier polling that suggested a tight race,

t h e L D P i s p r o j e c t e d t o secure at least 316 seats in t h e 4 6 5 - m e m b e r l o w e r h o u s e T h i s r e s o u n d i n g mandate grants Takaichi a two-thirds supermajority, a l e g i s l a t i v e t h r e s h o l d t h a t provides her with the absolute power required to pursue her most ambitious and controversial policy goals

T h e v i c t o r y m a r k s a remarkable turnaround for the LDP, which had recently struggled with scandals and lost its majority in both

h o u s e s o f p a r l i a m e n t T

Japan’s first female prime

minister in late 2024, staked her three-month-old premiership on a platform of unapologetic conservatism and expansive fiscal spending By appealing directly to the electorate with promises of a new era of prosperit y , s h e h a s s u c c e s s f u l l y silenced internal party critics and solidified her grip on power

With this supermajority, Takaichi is now positioned to initiate a parliamentary debate on revising Japan’s 1947 pacifist constitution Her primary target

Article 9, which has long restricted Japan’s military c

"Takaichinomics" spending to counter deflation This electoral bet

Surrey resident calls for fast-tracked gun

A Surrey, British C olumbia resident has triggered controv ersy by urg ing authorities to fast-track 500 gu n licences amid a rise in extortion-related violence

Vikram Bajwa, in a letter to Premier David Eby, called

o quickly issue possession and acquisition licences, saying residents are living in fear and feel forced to protect themselves Describing the

families are limiting daily

questioning how parents are meant to respond to extor-

their children’s safety

licences

seen four extortion-related shootings since January 15, along with four other shootings and 34 extortion cases

this year, with high-earning business owners among the most vulnerable He said his call for 500 gun licences, about a quarter of the Lower

bers, was aimed

lengthy licensing timelines and limited police protection leave residents exposed

strong opposition, with BC Public Safety Minister Nina

and

under federal jurisdiction

Singapore fines woman for repeatedly feeding pigeons

A 71 -year-old Ind ian-orig in w o m a n i n S i ng a p o re h a s been fined S GD 3,20 0 (about U S D 2, 5 18 ) f or rep eate d ly feeding pig eons o ver a sixmo nth period in one of the city’s oldest hou sing estates S a n m u g a m n a t h a n Shamla, a resident of Toa P a y o h , p l

h e Wildlife Act, with five others considered She had previously been fined for simil a r o f f e n c e s a n d h a d

again caught feeding birds and disrupting a National P a r k s B o a r d p i g e o n - t r a pping operation

A n N P a r k s p r o s e c u t o r told the court that Shamla knowingly fed wild birds on nine occasions between July 2 0 2 5 a n d J a n u a r y 2 0 2 6 , despite being aware it was illegal Calling her a repeat offender with a “persistent disregard for the law,” the prosecutor said she had bro-

ken a personal undertaking n o t t o r e o f f e n d w i t h i n a month of her earlier conviction and argued that only a meaningful financial penalty would deter her While seeking a fine of SGD 800 to 1,000 per charge, the court noted Shamla’s request for leniency due to unemployment She agreed to pay the imposed fine the same day, though she could have faced up to SGD 10,000 per charge under the law

Stanford’s students mimic Jainism to bypass meal plans

A Stanford u ndergrad, Elsa

J ohnson, sparked debate in a New York Times op ini on p i ece, c laimi ng so me students falsely identify as Jain t o av o i d th e u ni v er s i ty ’ s mandatory $8 ,000 c ampu s meal p lan M o s t s t u d e n t s a t t h e

C a l i f o r n

per academic year

Sanae Takaichi

but has also set Japan

constitutional change and increased regional military assertiveness as she begins her full

Teen

dietary restrictions that dining halls cannot accommo-

Indian religion, mandates

n g r o o t vegetables and animal products to avoid harming living beings Johnson alleges that secular students are exploiting these complex rules to

Dr Nandini Rangaswamy joins India Malaysia CEOs forum

Industry, the forum gathered

CEOs Forum

Dr Rangaswamy participated in high-level discussions held in Kuala Lumpur

with the Prime Minister’s

secure refunds, which they then spend at premium grocery stores This gaming of t h e s y s t e m h a s c r e a t e d a dilemma for administrators, who fear that verifying the sincerity of religious claims could lead to discrimination lawsuits By February 2026, the debate had highlighted a growing trend of students optimising university loopholes

a t e r a l trade and industrial cooperation By identifying polic y h u r d l e s a n d e m e r g i n g i n v e s t m e n t a v e n u e s , D r Rangaswamy and her counterparts provided strategic recommendations to both governments H e r i n c l u s i o n h i g hl i g h t s h e r l e a d e r s h i p i n higher education and the Chandra Group, marking a s i g n i f i c a n t m i l e s t o n e f o r Indian industry representat i o n i n S o u t h e a s t A s i a n economic policy and sust a i n e d i n t e r n a t i o n a l growth

stabs Indian students in Russia

Janesh Kain with Amb Josphat Maikara

Vikram Bajwa

Dr Nandini Rangaswamy

Global nuclear order shatters as Arms Treaty expires

T h e w o rl d e nte red a

p e ri lo u s ne w era o f

s tra teg i c ins tab i lit y as the New STA RT Treaty,

t h e la st r em a in i ng n u cl ea r arm s c o ntr o l agreement betw een the U ni te d S t ate s an d Russia officially expired

Entering into force in 20 11, the treaty had successfully c ap p ed d ep lo y ed s trat eg i c w arhead s at 1, 550 for each natio n How ev er, its lapse h as left the tw o countries, w hich to gether p ossess 86 p er cent of the world 's 1 2,321 nuclear w arheads, w ith out any leg ally binding limits for the first time since 1 972

T h e e x p i r a t i o n i s compounded by a dramatic shift in the global balance of p o w e r W h i l e t h e U n i t e d States and Russia maintain military stockpiles of 3,700

nuclear expansion since the C

warheads in 2012, China’s

early 2026 and is projected to exceed 1,000 by 2030

This "third scorpion in the b

d Washington to reconsider its own limits; US planners estimate they could upload an additional 480 warheads

weeks and nearly 1,000

months to counter the dual threat of a RussiaChina alignment

are also intensifying as

continue to increase their stockpiles, estimated at 172

respectively Experts warn

verifiable limits and on-site

dangerous miscalculations

own nuclear path, the 40-

disarmament has effectively gone into reverse, replaced by a complex, multi-polar arms race

Vivek Ramaswamy raises record £15mn for Ohio race

R a mas w amy h as rai se d a record -breaking $19 8 mi llion f or his Ohio gubernatorial bi d T h i s s t a g g e r i n g t o t a l , achieved in less than a year w i t h o u t p

haul suggests that the 2026 race to succeed the term-

t o

b e c o m e O h i o ' s m o s t expensive election ever Ramaswamy’s campaign

r e p o r t e d b r o a d g r a s s r o o t s

support, with nearly 255,000 d o n

A c t o n reported raising $5 3 million, a record for her party at this

Man arrested after

grew following the decisions of high-profile Democrats l i k

Indian educator wins $1mn Global Teacher award

Indian teacher and activist Rouble Nag i has wo n the $1 millio n Glo bal Teacher Prize for h er w ork creati ng hu nd red s of learning centres and ed uc atio nal m urals in s lum com munities She receiv ed the award at the World Gov ernm ents Sum mit in Dubai

murals to teach subjects such as literacy, science, mathematics and history

The Global Teacher Prize is awarded by the Varkey Foundation, founded by Sunny

Education Nagi said she plans to use the $1 million award to set up an institute offering free vocational training She is the 10th recipient of the prize since it was launched in 2015 Previous winners include teachers from Kenya, Palestine and Canada, with last y

underprivileged communities

GEMS Education, or Global Education Management Systems, is among the world’s l a r g e s t p r i v a t e s c h o o l o p e r a t o r s a n d i s valued at billions Its growth has mirrored Dubai’s rise, where private schools cater to the children of foreign workers who drive the city’s economy

in brief TEENAGER SWIMS FOUR HOURS TO SAVE FAMILY

13-year-old Austin Appelbee performed a superhuman rescue off Quindalup Beach Western Australia While holidaying in Geographe Bay, Austin s mother, Joanne, and two siblings were swept 14km out to sea by strong winds Abandoning a sinking kayak Austin swam for four hours through sharkprone waters to raise the alarm He reached the shore at 6 00 pm, sparking a massive search by the Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group His courage saved his family, who were found drifting in the dark Austin was treated for exhaustion but has since returned to school

IRAN ALLOWS WOMEN TO OBTAIN MOTORCYCLE LICENCES

Women in Iran can now officially obtain motorcycle licences local media reported ending years of legal uncertainty While the law never explicitly banned women from riding motorbikes or scooters authorities had long refused to issue licences often holding women legally responsible in accidents The move follows a resolution signed by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and approved by Iran s cabinet in late January requiring police to train, test and licence female riders It comes amid the backdrop of widespread protests that began over economic grievances and escalated into nationwide antigovernment unrest, which authorities say left more than 3,000 people dead

SUICIDE BLAST KILLS 31 AT ISLAMABAD MOSQUE

highlights Ohio's role as a key political battleground, as both parties consolidate resources for a high-stakes

c o n t e s t t h a t i s a l r e a d y drawing national attention

a n d u

calling police

to

brag about getaway

Police in Clift on (Ne w Jer sey ) a r r est e d 3 8-y e ar -o ld Vish al

B hatt a fte r a bizarre ser ie s of e v e n t s wh e r e h e a l l e g e d l y t a u n t e d l a w e n for c e me n t ove r a faile d pursuit

T h e o r d e a l b e g a n o n J a n u a r y 2 9 , w h e n B h a t t called the East Rutherford

P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t t o c o m p l a i n a b o u t a t r a f f i c ticket, he had received the p r e v i o u s d a y H i s e r r a t i c comments during the call

s p a r k e d a w e l f a r e c h e c k , l e a d i n g o f f i c e r s t o h i s l o c a t i o n n e a r P a t e r s o n Avenue and Oak Street

Upon spotting the police in his white Kia Rio, Bhatt reportedly fled, initiating a high-speed chase Officers observed him running a stop

s i g n a n d i l l e g a l l y p a s s i n g vehicles, nearly striking an o n c o m i n g c a r C a p t J e f f

Yannacone stated that the pursuit was terminated for public safety, but Bhatt was positively identified In an audacious move, Bhatt then c a l l e d t h e d e p a r t m e n t several times to "brag" about eluding them

T h e f o l l o w i n g d a y , detectives tracked Bhatt to C l i f t o n , w h e r e h e w a s arrested without incident He now faces over a dozen c h a r g e s , i n c l u d i n

d r i v i n g , a n d o p e r a t i n g a vehicle without a license or insurance

Indian man convicted of in-flight sexual assault

F e d er al c o u rt i n V i rg i ni a convicted Varun A rora, a 38year-old Ind ian national, for sexu ally assaulting a fellow p asseng er during a dom estic flight in the U nited States

T h e i n c i d e n t o c c u r r e d on August 29, 2024 while Arora was travelling from Rhode Island to Washington D C According to the US

A t t o r n e y ’ s O f f i c e , t h e female victim woke during the aircraft’s final descent to f i n

continued the assault even after the victim repeatedly

hand The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led the probe into the attack, which

abusive sexual contact and

without lawful status, now

prison A federal judge is scheduled to deliver his final sentence on May 7 This conviction follows a similar high-profile case from November 2025, where

, Javed Inamdar, received a 21-month sentence in the UK for assaulting a child on

Libyan prosecutors probe killing of Saif Gaddafi

L i by an p ro s ec u to rs l au nc h ed a f o rm a l investigatio n into the assassination of Saif al-Islam Gadd afi, the 53-year-old son and one-tim e heir ap parent of former leader Mu am mar Gad dafi

commando unit broke into his home in Z i n t a n a n d k i

confrontation Conflicting reports from his sister suggest he may have died near the Algerian border, but forensic teams have been dispatched to Zintan to verify the site and identify the gunmen S a i

uprising Captured and held in Zintan for six years, he was sentenced to death in absentia in 2015 and wanted by the ICC but released under amnesty in 2017 Analysts say he was likely targeted for his lasting popularity or his 2021 presidential bid, removing a key, if controversial, figure from Libya’s stalled political transition

At least 31 people were killed and 169 injured in a suicide blast at a Shia Mosque during Friday prayers in Islamabad, officials said Police said the attacker detonated the explosives near the mosque gates in the Tarlai area, triggering an emergency response and appeals for blood donations Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and ordered an investigation, while President Asif Ali Zardari called the targeting of civilians a crime against humanity Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleged India and Afghanistan were involved but Kabul rejected the claims and the Islamic State group later claimed responsibility Afghanistan and India both condemned the attack and offered condolences with New Delhi dismissing the allegations

SURGE IN DEMAND FOR PAKISTAN’S JF-17 JETS

Reports emerged that Pakistan faces a production crisis as global demand for the JF17 Thunder fighter jet surges Following its success in the May 2025 conflict with India, five nations Iraq Bangladesh, Indonesia Saudi Arabia, and Libya have requested the affordable $40 million aircraft However, the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex produces fewer than 20 units annually, struggling to meet local needs and new export interest Experts warn that scaling up requires massive investment and stable supplies of Russian engines This boom signals Pakistan s rising influence as a major defence exporter to developing nations

TURKEY PLANS SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR UNDER-16S

Turkey is moving to restrict social media access for minors, with a parliamentary report recommending age verification, content filtering, and monitoring of AI-powered games and toys President Erdogan s AK Party is expected to soon submit a draft law, including a minor ban and mandatory content-filtering by platforms Following global trends Australia last December blocked under-16s from TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook Spain plans a similar ban, with Greece and Slovenia considering measures, while France Britain, and Germany explore restrictions Turkey proposes night-time internet limits for under-18s content filters and a full social media ban for under-16s

Rouble Nagi (Left)

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi

Vishal Bhatt

Prime Minister Modi concludes historic Malaysia visit

and Malaysian Ringgit) In

level delegation talks at Seri Perdana that resulted in the

transformative initiatives

leaders agreed

and the establishment

Universiti Malaya Other key

India's UPI with Malaysia's PayNet for

advancing the settlement of

DGCA flags 377 aircraft for recurrent technical issues

in the Lok Sabha showed The Air India Group and I

cases Minister of State for C

conducted 3,890 surveillance

r e g u l a t o r y audits, 84 checks of foreign a i r c r a f t , a n d 4 9 2 r a m p inspections to ensure safety and operational compliance

Nearly half of the aircraft i n s p e c t e d a c r o s s

airlines were found to have

aircraft from six scheduled carriers were reviewed, with

defects During this time, the DGCA conducted extensive surveillance and audits and

637 in 2022 to 1,063 Among airlines, 148 of 405 IndiGo

cent of the Air India Group’s 267 aircraft showed repeated defects

seen at SpiceJet and Akasa Air Air India said the higher

adding that most issues are low-priority cabin items that do not affect safety and will

retrofit programme

Online game addiction linked to Ghaziabad tragedy

maintenance and upgrade of Su-30 fighter aircraft C u l t u r a l l

reinforced people-to-people ties with the announcement

Two Jaish terrorists killed in Operation Kiya

Th e Indi an Army co mp leted

a h i gh - p r ec i si o n c o u n te rterro r op erati on, Operation Kiya, in Udhampu r ’ s Jo ph ar F o r es t, J am mu a nd Kashmir

Acting on local police

i n t e l l i g e n c e , a j o i n t t a s k force of the White Knight Corps (16 Corps), CIF Delta, and CRPF engaged Jaish-eMohammad militants who had holed up in a natural cave after initial contact on February 3, leading to a 20hour standoff

The elimination included top Pakistani commander Rubani, also known as Abu Mavia, who had been active in the region for several years Security forces u s e d s n i f f e r d o g s w i

h mounted cameras to locate the militants before blasting the cave mouth with rocketpropelled grenades (RPGs) High-tech M4 carbines and AK-47 rifles were recovered from the site T h i s s u c

r i k e occurred just hours before Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the region to review security It follows a period of heightened activity in the Basantgarh area, w

killed on December 15, 2025

The operation underscores

securing the hilly tri-junction of Udhampur, Doda, and Kathua

Indian Army renames 246 sites

The In dian Arm y ha s la unched a m ajor in it i a t i v e t o s h e d co lo n i a l -e r a le g a ci e s by re namin g 24 6 road s, buildin gs a nd facilitie s across its e stablishme nts The move aims to re in for ce an institut ional iden tity root ed in India’ s hist ory an d militar y t ra ditions, while honourin g galla ntr y awa rde es, war heroe s an d dist inguished militar y lead ers

O f f i c i a l s s a i d t h e e x e r c i s e c o v e r s 1 2 4 roads, 77 colonies, 27 buildings and other facilities, along with 18 sites such as parks, training areas and helipads, replacing Britishera names with ones reflecting Indian valour and leadership

Under the drive, Kirby Place in Delhi Cantonment has been renamed Kenuguruse Vihar and Mall Road as Arun Khetrapal Marg, while Ambala’s Patterson Road Quarters is n

Mathura’s New Horn Line has become Abdul H a m i d

Colony in Bareilly and Piru Singh Lines in Mhow, with Colins and Kingsway Blocks at the Indian Military Academy renamed Nubra and Kargil Blocks Fort William in Kolkata has also been renamed Vijay Durg, among several other such changes nationwide

Th e d ev astating trag ed y that s tru c k th e B h ar at C it y Society in Ghaziabad , wh ere th ree s isters, Nish ika ( 1 6) , Prachi (1 4), and P akhi (12) d i ed af ter ju m p in g f ro m their ninth-floor balcony at approxim ately 2:15 am T he sisters, w ho had reportedly dropp ed o ut of sch ool two years p rior, w ere discovered b y re si d e nts af te r fa ll i ng together h and-in-hand

The investigation led by DCP Nimish Patil suggests the girls were deeply addicted to a Korean task-based interactive love game and i m m e r s i

e d a nine-page diary and a suicide note addressed to their father, Chetan Kumar, stating, "Korea is our life, and you can't make us leave it " The tragedy was reportedly triggered after their father confiscated and sold their mobile phones days earlier to curb their addiction T h e c a s e h a s t a k e n a complex turn as authorities explore the family s history, including a suspicious death involving the father's live-in p a r t n

n 2 0 1 5 F o r e n s i c teams are currently tracing the sold devices to retrieve data from the specific apps

Jaishankar meets top US aides to discuss minerals

External Affairs M inister S J ai s h an kar v i si t ed Washington DC to d eepen strategic ties following the land mark trade ag reement betw een President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra M odi Jaishankar held pivotal m e e t i n g

y Secretary Scott Bessent and S e c

Rubio to translate high-level commitments into policy A key outcome was the decision to formalise bilateral cooperation on critical mine

China

T h i s d

follows the announcement t h a t t h e U S

d s l a s h reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18% In exchange, India committed to $500 billion in American p

technology, and agriculture, while ending its reliance on Russian oil Jaishankar's visit c

M

nuclear power, defence, and technology, both democracies aim to unlock vast eco-

‘Make in India’ programme

February 4, involving over 50 nations seeking to secure supply chains for defence and clean energy By aligning the recent t r a d e b r e a

Former MLA criticises leadership, challenges Gandhi

Forme r Punja b MLA Na vjot Kaur Sidhu la unched a sharp a tta ck on Congr ess M P a nd

L e a d e r o f t h e O pp o s it io n R ahul Ga ndhi, accusin g him of bein g out of t ouch with pa rty wor ke rs a nd ign oring gr assroots issue s In posts on X, Sidhu said repeated attempts to reach the

PM Modi meeting with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mr Anwar Ibrahim at Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia

PM Modi attends delegation-level talks between India and Malaysia with the Prime Minister of Malaysia Mr Anwar Ibrahim at Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with Scott Bessent, Marco Rubio in DC

Navjot Kaur Sidhu

Tamil Nadu minister sparks migrant row Yumnam Khemchand

T a mi l N a d

Mi ni ster MR K Panneers elvam

h

w

w

c

l anguage pol icy

Speaking at an event in Chengalpattu near Chennai, he said people from North India come south to work as

street vendors because they have learnt only Hindi, while Tamil Nadu’s two-language

p

opportunities abroad T

MRK Panneerselvam

and jobs, forcing people to migrate He said Tamil Nadu

the BJP

h e A I

K condemned the remarks as

Singh sworn in as Manipur CM

T h e p re s id ent r u le i n Manipur came to an end as Yum nam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the C hief

M i ni s te r o f M an ip u r o n February 4

T h e c e n t r a l administration, imposed on February 13, 2025 following the resignation of N Biren Singh, was officially revoked b y P r e s i d e n t D r o u p a d i M u r m u e a r l i e r t h a t

i n t a i n i n g that his remarks were not derogatory DMK spokesperson TKS

E

minister, saying the remarks were meant to highlight how B

opposition AIADMK, while the ruling DMK defended t h e m i n i s t e r , m

Spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said migrants in Tamil Nadu often face unsafe conditions,

despite their vital role in the state’s economy He added that Tamil Nadu has long prided itself on “Vandharai V a a z h a V

Thamizhagam,” welcoming all seeking livelihoods

Kerala HC orders vigilance probe in Sabarimala theft

T h e K era la H i g h C o u rt

d irected the V igilance and

A nti - C o rr u p ti o n Bu r eau

( V A C B) to i nv es tig a te th e alleged m isappropriation of

g o ld f ro m th e S abari m ala

A yyappa Tem ple

J u s t i c e s R a j a Vijayaraghavan V and K V

J a y a k u m a r i s s u e d t h e interim order after a Special I n v e s t i g a t i o n T e a m ( S I T )

r e v e a l e d g r a v e p r o c e d u r a l lapses concerning the 2017 installation of the temple’s flag mast The SIT report

h i g h l i g h t e d a d i s c r e p a n c y where 9,573 grams of gold

w e r e a v a i l a b l e t h r o u g h

C u s t o m s p u r c h a s e s a n d

d o n a t i o n s , y e t o n l y 9 , 3 4 0

g r a m s w e r e r e c o r d e d a s utilised, leaving a significant quantity unaccounted for

T h e p r o b e f u r t h e r e x p l o r e s a l l e g a t i o n s t h a t

original gold cladding on the s a n c t u m s a n c t o r u m a n d D w a r a p a l a k a i d o l s w a s removed and replaced with i n f e r i o r g o l d p l a t i n g t o conceal theft Because local

f o r e n s i c l a b s l a c k t h e n e c e s s a r y e q u i p m e n t , t h e court authorised the SIT to engage national institutions

l i k e t h e B h a b h a A t o m i c R e s e a r c h C e n t r e f o r advanced metallurgical tests,

i n c l u d i n g X - r a y Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Representative samples will

b e c o l l e c t e d f r o m t h e

S a n n i d h a n a m o n 1 2

F e b r u a r y t o q u a n t i f y t h e material loss and fix criminal

l i a b i l i t y T h e H i g h C o u r t , viewing the substitution of s a c r e d g o l d a s a s t r i k e against the temple's sanctity,

h a s s c h e d u l e d t h e n e x t hearing for February 19

Goyal prioritises energy for 1.4 billion Indians

U n i on M i n i s t e r P i y u s h G oy a l i n f o rm e d th e L ok Sabha that

priority

Addressing the House during the Budget Session, Goyal detailed the India-US

announced on February 2,

The Suprem e Cour t of India

r e f u s e d t o en t e r t a in a p e t it io n f r om Pr a s ha

K ishor’s Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) s

dismissed the writ petition, which alleged that the ruling

President Donald Trump's

imports

Goyal underscored that

excluded from concessions

markets for Indian textiles

vision

forum to get popularity " In

November 2025, the BJP-led NDA won 202 of 243 seats, while the JSP failed to win a single seat despite contesting

most candidates losing their deposits

The JSP’s plea claimed

m o r n i n g G o v e r n o r A j a y

Kumar Bhalla administered the oath at Lok Bhawan in Imphal to Singh, a former Speaker and veteran Meitei

l e a d e r p e r c e i v e d a s a unifying figure amidst the s t a t e ' s o n g o i n g e t h n i c tensions

I n a h i s t o r i c m o v e t o balance ethnic representation, two Deputy Chief Ministers

Kipgen (BJP), who became the first woman and first Kuki-Zo individual to hold the post, and Losii Dikho

( N

community Kipgen notably took her oath virtually from M a n i p u r B h a w a

Delhi The new cabinet also i

Sahara scam impacts 5.63L Gujarati investors

Th e federal data p res ented in th e I ndian Parliam ent reveals t h at 5 63 l a kh in ve s to r s i n Gujarat remain trapp ed in the m u lt i- b il lio n Sa h ar a G ro u p sc am, with over Rs 3,881 crore in cl aims still pending Nationally, the crisis is e v e n m o r e a c u t e : a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 4 3 c r o r e depositors have registered on the CRCS-Sahara Refund Portal to reclaim a total of Rs 97,412 19 crore However, despite the launch of the

digital portal in July 2023, only Rs 8,429 42 crore has been disbursed to roughly 3 9 4 6 l a k h v e r i f i e d applicants T h e d e l a y s t e m s f r o m the 2012 landmark Supreme Court ruling against Sahara f o r i l l e g a l l y r a i s i n

court recently approved an a d d i t i o n a l R s 5 , 0 0 0 c r o r e transfer from the SaharaSEBI account, the judicial committee led by Justice R

extended the disbursement

resubmission process to fix deficiencies in their

Mamta Banerjee’s Supreme Court appearance sparks legal debate

B eng al C h i ef M i n is te r Mamata Banerjee’s perso nal ap p ear anc e be fo r e t h e Sup reme C ourt to challeng e th e S p e c ia l In te ns iv e Revis ion (S IR) o f electoral ro l ls h as s p ark ed l i v el y d e ba te in t h e l eg a l com munity

L a w y e r s a c r o s s ideological lines focused on t h e c o n s t i t u t i o n a l s i g n i f i c a n c e , c o u r t r o o m d e c o r u m , a n d l e g a l misconceptions surrounding her appearance

C a l c u t t a H i g h C o u r t a d v o c a t e A k a s h S h a r m a c a l l e d t h e e v e n t “ u n p r e c e d e n t e d , ” n o t i n g that a sitting chief minister p e r s o n a l l y m a k i n g o r a l

s u b m i s s i o n s b e f o r e t h e Supreme Court highlighted the political sensitivity and c o n s t i t u t i o n a l s i g n i f i c a n c e of the voter roll dispute He

a l s o p r a i s e d B a n e r j e e ’ s conduct, saying she spoke

w i t h c o u r t e s y a n d s o u g h t p e r m i s s i o n f r o m h e r l e a d c o u n s e l a n d t h e C h i e f Justice before addressing the court

S e v e r a l l a w y e r s criticised social media for focusing on her attire rather than arguments Advocate Sourav Chunder explained g o w n s a n d b a n d s a r e f o r c o u n s e l , n o t p a r t i e s - i nperson, and noted Banerjee is a law graduate listed in the Calcutta High Court Bar

A s s o c i a t i o n A d v o c

A b h i s h e k C h a k r a b o r t y a d d e d s h e a r g u e d a s a litigant, not a lawyer, and wearing a gown could have p

media coverage

For some, the moment w

minister to personally fight for the people, making her proud as a woman lawyer Younger observers were mixed A Kolkata-born law student said her arguments highlighted real flaws in the SIR process, while a Delhi University graduate called the move

political mileage among the poorer sections of society

Yumnam Khemchand Singh

Mamta Banerjee

Prashant Kishore

India clinches major trade victory in US deal

I ndia and the United States f ormalised a landm ark interim trade framewo rk, signal ing a s elf- confident nation’s deep er integration into th e glo bal eco nomy

This deal, alongside a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, marks a historic pivot from protectionism Prime Minister Narendra Modi heralded the agreements as proof of India’s status as a trusted partner, potentially unlocking a $30 trillion market for Indian exporters The US

p a c t i n c l u d e s a $ 5 0

pledge over five years, spearheaded by a massive $80 billion order for 220 Boeing aircraft, while the EU deal slashes luxury car tariffs from 110% to 10% for a quota of 250,000 vehicles annually

U nyielding s overeignty amids t glo bal p res sure

While several Gulf countries have moved toward zero-tariff regimes on American agri-

cultural imports to appease the Trump administration, the Modi government refused to sway on core issues of food security Despite the US previously imposing 50% punitive tariffs on Indian jewellery and textiles, New Delhi negotiated a phased reduction India agreed to lower its Russian crude imports, which fell from 1 8 million barrels per day in November to 1 1 million in January 2026, only after securing a rollback of American duties to

ensured that the livelihoods of over 150 million Indian dairy farmers remained protected from a flood of subsidised foreign produce

Even after having certain benefits, Indian farmer unions and opposition parties have called for nationwide protests against the new India-US trade deal, fearing that lowered

American agricultural products to devastate

Gulf countries lead in Indian deportations

Mi

the Ra jya Sa bha

24, 600 Ind ia

depor

ed from 81 coun trie s in 2025 Saudi Arabia emerged as

half the global total In cont

from the United States hit a five-year high of 3,806, they remained significantly lower than figures from the Gulf Most Gulf-region deportations were attributed to visa overstays, expired work permits, and stricter biometric enforcement linked to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 infrastructure push

T h e g o v e r n

cyber slavery, where thousands were lured by fake job rackets to Southeast Asia In 2

m Cambodia, 1,421 from Lao P D R ,

m Myanmar To combat these syndicates, the Ministry has b l a c k l i s t e d 3 , 5 0 5 u n r e g i s -

tered agents on its eMigrate

regarding the maltreatment a n d u s

, including women and child r e n , o n m i l i t

landing in Amritsar

Macron to visit India from February 17

T he Mi ni s try of E x ter nal Affairs offici ally announced

t ha t Fr e n c h P

E m ma n ue l M

w i ll u n de r ta

offici al visit to India from February 17 to 19

the trip serves as a followup to the February 2025 AI Action Summit in Paris and PM Modi's subsequent visit The leaders are set to travel

t o M u m b

y inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation, a yearl o n g 2 0 2 6

weight is bolstered by the H

Agra conversion racket busted under Operation Asmita

I n v es ti g a ti o ns in to a m assiv e religio us con-

v ers i o n sy nd i c ate i n A gra reach ed a critical ju ncture with over 14 arrests now confirmed

The racket, led by mastermind Abdul Rahman (alias Rehman Chacha), was exposed following the disappearance of two Hindu sisters in March 2025 While the women were eventually rescued from Kolkata and Goa, the probe unraveled a sophisticated "ISIS-style" module operating across six states, including West Bengal and Rajasthan Authorities revealed that the gang targeted vulnerable Hindu women using social media and fake identities, often employing psychological manipulation and brainwashing to force conversions

the livelihoods of domestic producers Bangladesh ’ s z ero -tariff access Bangladesh also signed a trade deal with Washington that grants zero-tariff access for apparel manufactured using American cotton, alongside a reduced 19%

instantly neutralised India's recent 18% tariff advantage, causing major Indian textile stocks to plunge by 5% as investors feared a total loss of competitive pricing in the $118 billion US market

Major takeaw ays

The twin deals bring transformative benefits; Indian farmers now gain zero-duty access to the US for spices, tea, and mangoes, an export market valued at $2 5 billion annually Crucially, the US removed the 25% penal duty on Indian textiles and steel For the industrial sector, India will reduce high duties

on EU chemicals and cosmetics, currently averaging 16%, over a 10-year transition period A

Services Tax, India secured robust digital trade rules, positioning the nation to achieve its $2 trillion export target by 2030 and its Viksit Bharat goal by 2047

India calibrates Russian oil imports amidst global shifts

participate in the India-AI Impact Summit at Bharat M

governance This high-level

Council (DAC) is expected to approve the £32 billion (

procurement of 114 Rafale

Unclaimed deposits of £5.86 billion transferred to RBI

The Indian government informed the Rajya Sabha that over £5 86 billion

deposits has been transferred to the Reserve Bank of India’s DEA Fund Minister Pankaj Chaudhary confirmed these assets, untouched for a decade, primarily involve state-owned banks The shift follows the 2025 "Aapki Punji, A

recovery, the government promotes the UDGAM portal and the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, which permits multiple nominees, ensuring forgotten wealth supports financial literacy initiatives nationwide

Fo llow ing th e Ind ia-U S trade fram ew ork established earlier this month, New Delhi h as stra teg ic ally red u ce d its rel ian ce o n Mo sco w to safeg uard its $80 billion trade surplu s w ith Wash ing ton Russian crude imports, which peaked at 2 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in mid-2024, have plummeted to 1 1 million bpd as of January 2026, marking a 47% decline from their historic highs This shift comes as a response to a US Executive Order issued on February 7, which threatens a 25% penal tariff on Indian exports if Russian oil purchases continue at high volumes

Refining giants, including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Reliance Industries, have reportedly halted fresh spot orders, pivoting instead towards a $40 billion longterm energy commitment with the United States and Venezuela Analysts predict that if current trends persist, Russian oil will constitute less than 15% of India’s energy basket by December 2026, down from nearly 40% during the height of the 2023-24 fiscal year

India and China hold strategic dialogue to stabilise ties

Fo reign Secretary Vikram Mis ri and C hinese Execu tive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhao xu h el d a high- level Strategic Dial ogue in N ew Delhi

Mansarovar Yatra, which successfully resumed in June 2025 after a five-year hiatus The diplom

n

The talks, conducted on the sidelines of t h e B R I C S S h e r p

rebuilding bilateral relations following the 2024 disengagement in eastern Ladakh Both sides emphasised that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is fundamental to overall progress

A significant takeaway was the focus on

Services Agreement to restore direct flights, which have been suspended since the 2020 standoff Discussions also covered practical steps for visa facilitation and addressing trade

Crucially, the Chinese side expressed support for India’s 2026 BRICS Chairmanship and conveyed an understanding of India’s aspirations

notable shift toward cooperative engagement

rn: March 31, 1949 (Nakuru, K

Kenya)

Demise: Jan 21, 2026 (Chiswick, London, UK)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Ashwinbhai of Chiswick (Karamsad) at the age of 76. A native of Karamsad, Gujarat, India, he served the Karamsad Samaj with exemplary dedication, and his unwavering commitment to the community has left a lasting and indelible impact.

A respected member of the community, Ashwinbhai will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family Members

Shreenathaji Bhagwan

India and Seychelles secure strategic maritime vision

P r i me Mi n i

v isit to Ne w De lhi

The meeting, which took

inauguration, coincided with the dual golden jubilee of

and 50 years of diplomatic ties The cornerstone of the visit was the unveiling of the

t h a n d S e c u r i t y

t h r o u g h E n h a n c e d

L i n k a g e s ) , r e i n f o r c i n g

Seychelles as a pivotal pillar

i n I n d i a

Western Indian Ocean

To support this vision,

Package, comprising a $125 million rupee-denominated

million grant This package

establishment of a Seychelles

Hydrographic Unit Security cooperation also reached a new milestone as Seychelles

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to digitise Seychellois governance and agreed on a

the donation of 10 advanced

local affordability

Custom officials seize £2.75 million worth heroin in Ahmedabad

T h e A ir In t e lli g e n ce U n it

( A I U ) of A h m e d a ba d

C u s t o m s i n t e r c e p t e d a

m ajor drug ha ul at Sar dar

V a l la bh b ha i P a t e l

In ter na tiona l Airpor t Acting on sophisticated passenger profiling, officials detained a male passenger, identified as a resident of

C h e n n a i , a r r i v

g f r o m Kuala Lumpur via AirAsia flight AK-91 Upon searching h i s c h e c k e d - i n b a g g a g e ,

authorities discovered 6 8 kg of heroin, with an estimated international market value of ₹34 crore T h e c o n t r a b a n d w a s i n g e n i o u s l y c o n c e a l e d within 26 soap-sized boxes designed to look like herbal soap bars, along with three white envelopes To bypass X-ray detection, the packets were wrapped in silver foil

confessed to being a mere carrier, lured by a ₹30,000

, made under the NDPS Act

sophisticated international

Investigations are ongoing to trace the syndicate's local contacts and determine if

through this route

64 Jain devotees embrace monkhood in Sanyam Rang Utsav

T he Sanyam Rang U tsav marked the com mencement of a historic fiv e-d ay Diksha M ah otsav in Borivali, Mum bai

This grand religious event serves as the spiritual transition for 64 Jain devotees, known as mumukshus, who have chosen to renounce worldly life to become monks

T h e f e s t i v i t i e s b e g a n a t 7 : 0 0 a m a s a procession of over 700 sadhus and sadhvis e n t e r e d t h e p u r p o s e - b u i l t A d h y a t m a Nagari, a sprawling temporary township inaugurated by US-based philanthropist Rajeshbhai Shah

The opening day featured the Jain S h a s a n S h a u r y a g a t h a e x h i b i t i o n

n d traditional rituals, including the anointing o f d i k s h a g a r m e n t s w i t h s a f f r o n a n d a ceremonial mehndi Thousands of visitors gathered to witness the Vandoli procession at night, celebrating the candidates' journey t o w a r d a s c e t i c i s m O r c h e s t r a t e d b y t h e

Adhyatma Parivar Sanstha, the mahotsav highlights the enduring strength of Jain traditions in modern India By providing hourly artistic presentations and spiritual discourses, the organisers aim to inspire the c o m m u n i t y

Sachin Tendulkar invites PM Modi to Arjun's wedding

C r ic k et leg end S ac h i n T e nd u lk ar v i s it ed

Minister Narend ra Mod i to personally inv ite him to the wedd ing of his son, Arjun T

u lk ar , and

Saaniya C handh ok Accompanied by his wife Anjali, daughter Sara, and the couple, Sachin shared that he was honoured by the

PM for his thoughtful advice to the young pair

President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Rahul Gandhi for the upcoming celebrations A r j u n , a l

rounder recently traded to the Lucknow

prominent industrialist Ravi Ghai, whose Graviss Group

Ravi Nair convicted in Adani defamation case

M

ns a , Ga nd h in a ga r, co nvicted jo urnalis t Ravi Nair in a criminal def amatio n cas e, sentencing him to one year of simp le imp riso nment The court also imposed a f i n e o f ₹ 5 , 0 0 0 f o l l o w i n g a trial that established Nair’s t w e e t s w e r e f a l s e a n d d e f a m a t o r y s t a t e m e n t s i n t e n d e d t o t a r n i s h t h e r e p u t a t i o n o f A d a n i Enterprises Ltd (AEL) The p r o s e c u t i o n s u c c e s s f u l l y a r g u e d t h a t N a i r ’ s s o c i a l m e d i a p o s t s , w h i c h o f t e n

s c r u t i n i s e d t h e c o n g l o m e r a t e ' s o f f s h o r e i n v e s t m e n t s a n d b u s i n e s s ties, crossed the line from

l e g i t i m a t e c r i t i c i s m t o m a l i c i o u s a l l e g a t i o n s d e s i g n e d t o u n d e r m i n e investor confidence The case, which began w i t h a b a i l a b l e w a r r a n t served in July 2022, involved a series of tweets that AEL c l a i m e d w e r e p a r t o f a c o o r d i n a t e d c a m p a i g n

W h i l e N a i r ’ s l e g a l t e a m argued for fair comment, the magistrate declined to grant p r o b a t i o n , c i t i n g t h e j o u r n a l i s t ' s m a t u r e understanding of the legal c o n s e q u e n c e s o f d i g i t a l r e a c h T h i s v e r d i c t c o m e s just months after a Delhi court quashed a temporary gag order against Nair in a separate civil suit Despite t h i s c o n v i c t i o n , N a i r i s e x p e c t e d t o a p p e a l t h e decision in a higher court, as h i s s u p p o r t e r s r a i s e concerns over the chilling e f f e c t o n i n v e s t i g a t i v e journalism within the Viksit Bharat framework

Snake skin found after woman vanishes

A 20 - ye ar - o ld wo m an disap peared from her ho me i n S i n ga np u r vi l la ge , A u ra i ya di s tr i ct , l ea vi n g

b eh in d a s c en e th a t h as gr i p p e d t h e re gi o n wi t h su perstiti on After retiring to h e r r o o m o n S u nd ay nigh t, the woman ’ s mo th er di s c o v er ed a n em p ty b e d the follo wing mo rning Shockingly, the woman's clothes and jewellery were left neatly on the mattress

ceremony concludes the festival S p ir it ua l

Guyanese Minister silences critics with fluent Hindi

P arliament took an extraordinary turn

hen V i kash Ram ki ss oo n, M i nis ter w ith in th e M inistry of A griculture, deliv ered a defiant rebuttal in fluent Hind i The exchange began after an opposition m

questioned Ramkissoon

alumnus addressed the House in chaste Hindi, issuing an open challenge to debate any topic, anywhere, without the aid of notes or papers

The moment, captured in a video shared by the High Commission of India, has since

gone viral, garnering thousands of views

Ramkissoon, who assumed his ministerial role on September 13, 2025, holds a Master's

response, I challenge them to decide the topic, and I will debate right now without

nearly 40% of the population is of Indian descent By silencing his critics so decisively,

importance of cultural representation in modern governance

n D e v bh o o mi Dwar ka

T h e e n d o r s e m e n t f o l l o w s t h e O f f i c e o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s T r a d e

R e p r e s e n t a t i v e ( U S T R ) releasing an updated map in c o n n e c t i o n w i t h t h e F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 6 I n d oAmerican Trade Agreement

T h i s o f f i c i a l d o c u m e n t d e p i c t s t h e e n t i r e t y o f

J a m m u a n d K a s h m i r , including Pakistan-occupied

K a s h m i r ( P o K ) a n d A k s a i

C h i n , a s i n t e g r a l p a r t s o f

a l o n g s i d e a f i v e - f o o t - l o n g snake skin The presence of a snake burrow in the floor f u r t h e r f u e l l e d l o c a l r u m o u r s o f a m y t h i c a l s h a p e - s h i f t i n g s e r p e n t , o r "ichchadhari naagin "

L o c a l p o l i c e ,

India without the traditional dashed lines of control

A d d r e s s i n g a l a r g e

g a t h e r i n g , M o r a r i B a p u described the map as a vital step towards the vision of A k h a n d B h a r a t ( U n i t e d India) Historically, US maps have marked these regions a s d i s p u t e d , b u t t h i s strategic change aligns with t h e g

Dr Patrick Herminie, the President of the Republic of Seychelles meeting with PM Modi at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi

Sachin Tendulkar and family with PM Modi

Ravi Nair

Morari Bapu

The global erosion of truth and justice

T h e f ra g i le v e il o f g l o ba l

d em o c ra cy i s te ari ng as sov ereign states increasingly w eap oni se autocratic too ls to dism antle the free press

In 2025, a historic red line was crossed: for the first time in the history of the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, conditions for jour-

"bad" or "difficult" in over 50% of the world's countries

F

m

streets of Belgrade following the November 2024 railway canopy collapse to the high-

emerged

The Indian crisis and regional graft

nounced in the West, where

States' economic indicator

concentrated among billionaires; individuals like Elon

Rupert Murdoch (Fox News) control the narrative platf

billionaires use their outlets

Top Maoist leaders surrender in Odisha

T o p M ao i st lea d er s Niranjan Rout and his wife Ras h m i ta L e nka w e re am ong 1 9 rebels who surrend ered to Odisha Police N i r a n j

(

Broadcasting (MIB) saw its capital outlay for informa-

These funds often reward fawning outlets while the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR)

In India, the muzzling of journalism has evolved into a masterclass in state-sponsored intimidation through the strategic use of public

infrastructure graft allega-

voices Investigative leaders like Abhinandan Sekhri of

roughly 80 official notices and tax raids in just four years

Western media and billionaire interests

The decay is equally pro-

favourable FCC rulings or government contracts, the press ceases to be a watchdog To salvage democracy, governments must support press freedom through indep

e n t f u n d i n g m o d e l s and robust anti-SLAPP legislation, ensuring that the media's actual job remains holding power to account rather than serving it

deal

i a s N i k h i l ) and Rashmita (alias Indu) were state committee members, the second-highest tier in the CPI (Maoist) hierarchy, each carrying a bounty of ₹55 10 lakh Their surrender is seen as a major breakthrough in Odisha’s antiM a o i s t c a m p a i g n ,

h police calling it the “last nail in the coffin,” aligning with the Centre’s goal of a Naxalfree India by March 31

Four Maoists, including three women, surrendered t

Friday, while a formal ceremony for the remaining 15, including Nikhil and Indu, will be held in Rayagada on Saturday DGP Y B Khurania said, “We are committed to the Centre’s March 31 deadline for a Naxal-free India Only a few Maoists remain, and we are also engaging their families to persuade them to renounce violence

Operations) Sanjeeb Panda added that the four surren-

crore) dea l for 114 Rafa

j ets this week T

ghter

ment, the largest in India's

Emmanuel Macron s visit to New Delhi on February

1 8 U n d e r t h e " M a k e i n India" framework, approximately 100 jets will be

u

Advanced Systems, involving significant technology transfer

T h e p r o c u r e m e n t addresses a critical gap as the IAF currently operates only 30 squadrons against a sanctioned 42 These jets, featuring a mix of 88 singleseaters and 26 twin-seaters, will join the existing fleet of 36 Rafales and 26 naval variants ordered for the INS Vikrant Proven in combat during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, the Rafale’s a d v a n c e d S C A L P a n d Meteor missiles provide

security

LS accused of favouritism by Congress women MPs

T he fem ale C ong ress M Ps, inclu ding Priyanka Gandhi

V a d ra a nd S J o

against Lok Sabh a Speaker Om Birla via a form al letter

n impartial custodian of the House but is acting under sustained pressure from the ruling BJP The dispute cen-

, which the MPs branded an “act of fear

Narendra Modi rejects retirement talk at 75

D uring th e ninth ed ition of Pariksh a Pe Charch a, P rime Minister Narend ra Mod i ad dressed lingering spec ulat ion regard ing his r et irement

Reflecting on his 75th birthday celebrated on September 17, the Prime Minister recounted a phone call from a fellow leader who noted his milestone age Modi’s witty retort, "25 years are still remaining" signals his intent to lead India toward his Viksit Bharat 2047 vision The debate intensified following RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s July 2025 remarks regarding the traditional retirement age of seventy-five However, senior BJP figures like Amit Shah have clarified that the party constitution contains no such mandatory retirement clause While veterans like L K Advani were moved to the Margdarshak Mandal at seventy-five, the current leadership maintains that Modi will lead through 2029 Opposition leaders, including Sanjay Raut, continue to question this apparent exception to the party's established convention as the Prime Minister focuses on the years ahead

The controversy intensified after Birla claimed he advised the Prime Minister to stay away due to concrete information that Congress members might carry out an

PM's seat The women MPs d i s m i s

false and defamatory, asserting they were targeted for

They further criticised Birla for denying Leader of the

the floor while allowing a

India tightens water grip with Chenab mega project

The Indi an gove rnme nt si gnale d a maj or shi ft in i ts w ater diploma cy by invi ti ng tende rs for the £ 4 9 5 m i l l i on ( R s 5 ,1 2 9 c ro re ) S a w a lk o t Hy droe le ctric Proj ect in Jamm u and Ka shm ir

The state-run NHPC issued the bids for the 1,856 MW plant on the Chenab River, with the tender process set to run from March 12 to 20 2026 This development follows India’s decision in April 2025 to put the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, a move triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent military response under Operation Sindoor The project, located in the Ramban district, is strategically designed to regulate water flow previously guara n t e e d t o P a k i s t a n B y f a s t - t r a c k i n g t h e

Sawalkot dam alongside others like Pakal Dul, India aims to divert water toward northern states including Punjab and Rajasthan While New Delhi frames the nine-year construction plan as a clean energy and infrastructure necessity, Islamabad has warned that such diversions on the Western Rivers constitute a serious threat to its agricultural stability and national security

remarks With the Budget Session stalled by these tensions, the Opposition has warned of a resolution to seek the Speaker's removal, claiming he has subverted c

shield the government

(ED) and CBI fo r an unexplained delay in investig

(ADA G)

A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, e x p r e s s

d g r a v e c o n c e r n that while forensic audits f l a g g e d d

s c r e p a n c i e s i n 2020, formal FIRs were only r e g

r e d i n 2 0 2

T

c o u r t e m p h a s i s e d t h a t l a r g e - s c a l e e c o n o m i c offences demand "prompt and decisive action" to protect the banking system

To accelerate the probe, the apex court directed the ED to immediately constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of senior offic e r s M e a n w h i l e , A n i l A m b a n i p r o v i d e d a l e g a l undertaking not to leave the country without court perm i s s i o n F o l l o w i n g t h i s

judicial pressure, the ED set up the SIT on 9 February 2026 and issued fresh summons to Tina Ambani for February 17, with her husb a n d s c h e d u l e d f o r q u e stioning the following day

T o d a

(Rs 12,000 crore), including

M

o One, as it investigates the suspected siphoning of public funds

I R MO ME NG LOVI F O Y RY

L N

Bhar atkumar Ramlal P

Patel (BR)

It is with profound grief that we announce the peaceful passing of Bharatkumar Ramlal Patel (BR) on 28 January 2026, at the age 1947 in Kampala, Uganda, to Shri Ramlal Bhalabh

Patel, BR was known for his kindness, humility and in need.

ful e of 78. Born on 26 August ai Patel and Smt Maniben readiness to help anyone

, BR touched the lives of was a devoted husband to a proud grandfather to his riend to many. His passing him.

A man of strong values and quiet generosity, BR touched the lives of many through his compassion and warmth. He was a devoted husband to Indiraben Patel, a loving father to Anish and Aarti, two grandsons, a caring brother and a cherished friend leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him.

CB Patel and the entire ABPL family extend th to Indiraben and the bereaved family. We pray tha in eternal peace and that the family is granted strength this irreparable loss. Om Shanti..Shanti...Shanti

heir heartfelt condolences at the departed soul rests ength and courage to bear

Om Birla

Anil Ambani

Social connection is health

Strong social relationships are powerful predictors of long-term health and survival Studies show that people with meaningful social connections live longer and experience lower rates of heart disease, depression and cognitive decline Social interaction reduces stress, boosts immunity and encourages healthier behaviours Loneliness, by contrast, increases inflammation and mortality risk, making social bonds as vital to health as diet and physical activity

GUT FEELING

Why your digestive health rules your overall wellbeing

Your gut is doing a lot more than you think Often called the “second brain,” it not only digests food, it affects your immunity, mood, energy, and even your long-term health

Yet, for something so powerful, it’s often ignored A thriving gut can help you feel energized, think clearly, and protect your body from illness, while a neglected one can silently contribute to fatigue, weight gain, and chronic disease Taking care of your gut isn’t optional, it’s essential

The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome These microbes help break down food, produce essential vitamins, and maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining A balanced gut microbiome ensures proper digestion, efficient nutrient absorption, and effective communication with the brain and immune system

When the balance is off, a state called dysbiosis, it can trigger weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, digestive problems, and even chronic illnesses

A healthy gut contributes to:

The role of gut health

• Digestive efficiency: reducing bloating, constipation, and discomfort

• Immune support: 70% of the body’s immune system resides in the gut

• Mental wellbeing: gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, affecting mood and stress

• Metabolic regulation: a balanced gut helps maintain healthy weight and energy levels

Foods your gut will love

• Fiber-rich goodies: Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains feed beneficial bacter

• Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut introduce healthy microbes

• Prebiotics: Garlic, onions, asparagus, and bananas keep your gut bacteria thriving

• Hydration: Water maintains the protective lining of your intestines

• Lifestyle boosters: Regular exercise and consistent sleep improve microbial diversity

Foods and habits to avoid

• Highly processed foods: Sugar, refined carbs, and additives can harm gut bacteria

• Antibiotic overuse: These can wipe out beneficial microbes along with harmful ones

• Stress and sleep deprivation: Both disrupt your microbiome and increase inflammatio

• Excess alcohol: Can damage gut lining and reduce microbial diversity

• Gut health isn’t just about avoiding bloating or tummy troubles, it impacts your mood, immunity, metabolism, and overall longevity A healthy gut helps your body absorb nutrients, regulate hormones, and even fight disease more effectively

Quick Wins for a Happy Gut:

• Add a serving of fermented food to your meals

• Swap processed snacks for fiber-rich fruits or nuts

• Stay hydrated and aim for 7–8 hours of sleep

• Take a daily walk or exercise to keep things moving

• In short, a happy gut = a happier, healthier you Treat it right, and your body (and mind) will thank you

AI hope for breast cancer diagnosis

U sing artificial intelligence

( A I) i n b re as t c anc er screening can lower th e rate

o

% w h il e in cr

ng ea rly d etection, accord ing to the first trial of its kind

The study, the largest to

d a t e o n A I i n c a n c e r screening, involved 100,000

w o m e n i n S w e d e n undergoing mammography

b e t w e e n A p r i l 2 0 2 1 a n d December 2022 Participants were randomly assigned to

A I - s u p p o r t e d s c r e e n i n g o r

s t a n d a r d r e a d i n g s b y t w o radiologists

The AI system analysed m a m m o g r a m s , a s s i g n i n g l o w - r i s k c a s e s t o a s i n g l e

r a d i o l o g i s t r e a d i n g a n d high-risk cases to a double reading, while highlighting s u s p i c i o u s a r e a s f o r radiologists’ attention

R e s u l t s , p u b l i s h e d i n T h e L a n c e t , s h o w e d 1 5 5 cancers per 1,000 women in t h e A I - s u p p o r t e d g r o u p versus 1 76 per 1,000 in the control group Over 80% of cancers (81%) in the AI group

were detected at screening, compared with 74% in the c o n t r o l g r o u p A g g r e s s i v e sub-type cancers were also nearly a third (27%) lower in the AI group While AI showed clear b e n

Afternoon naps can boost learning

A short afternoon nap can

concluded that

Simbu voices strong support for Vijay’s

‘Jana Nayagan’

Actor Silambarasan TR, popularly known as Simbu, publicly stood by actor-politician Vijay amid the ongoing censorship crisis surrounding his final film, Jana Nayagan.

In a recent interview, Simbu declared that "we cannot separate Jana Nayagan and Vijay," expressing his deep respect for the veteran’s legacy as he transitions into full-time politics with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam

Directed by H Vinoth, the political thriller was originally scheduled for a Pongal release on 9 January 2026 However, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) withheld clearance over concerns regarding scenes involving the Indian Army and religious harmony The delay has sparked a fierce legal battle, with the Madras High Court recently setting aside a directive for immediate certification, returning the matter to a single-judge bench on January 27

Trade analysts estimate that the postponement has resulted in a loss of over 100 crore for Tamil Nadu theatre owners While the industry waits for a revised release date, rumoured for late February 2026

Simbu is focusing on his own major project, Arasan Directed by Vetrimaaran and set in the Vada Chennai universe, the film is expected to be a landmark release in 2026

Actress Anju Krishna arrested in Chennai drug bust

TheAnti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU) of the Chennai Police arrested 30-yearold actress Anju Krishna during a targeted raid in Valasaravakkam

The operation led to the detention of nine individuals, including Tamil film assistant director Vincy Nivetha (26), on charges of drug possession and suspected peddling Police officials reported the seizure of six grams of methamphetamine, seven grams of OG ganja, LSD stamps, and nine mobile phones from a vehicle intercepted near a local landmark

The investigation was triggered by the earlier arrest of Vigneshwaran (33), whose interrogation revealed a wider narcotics network involving film industry professionals

Officers successfully used a decoy operation to lure the primary supplier, Venkatesh Kumar, to a meeting point where the group was apprehended

Following their arrest, all suspects were produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody

Anju Krishna, who hails from Thrissur, Kerala, is a known face in the South Indian entertainment industry She gained recognition for her lead role in the Tamil film Om Vellimalai and appeared alongside Joju George in the Malayalam movie Aaro She is also a familiar figure on television, particularly for her performance in the popular Malayalam serial Priyankari

Raveena Ravi addresses online stalking and abuse

Rajamouli

confirms Ramayana roots for ‘Varanasi’

Visionary

director SS Rajamouli confirmed that his upcoming epic, Varanasi, is deeply rooted in the Ramayana

Prominent

South Indian actor and dubbing artist Raveena Ravi went public to name two men she alleges have harassed her family for three years. T

identified the individuals as twin brothers, S

photographs after legal complaints and

persistent stalking

harassment, which began in 2023, involved the brothers using multiple social media accounts to send obscene messages and create fabricated scenarios, such as claims of a fixed marriage Raveena, the daughter o

expressed deep regret that her friends and

National Commission for Women and Tamil Nadu Police to take decisive action, q

India’s safest city for women

Despite this personal ordeal, Raveena remains a powerhouse in the industry She recently earned acclaim for dubbing for

Athulya Ravi in Diesel, both released in late 2025 Her latest on-screen appearance was in the Malayalam film Vala: Story of a Bangle, further solidifying her status as a versatile performer

In a series of candid international interviews following a massive title launch at Ramoji Film City, Rajamouli revealed that the film features a major sequence directly inspired by an episode of the ancient Indian epic He explained that "all my films are inspired by the epics of Rama," but Varanasi allows him to present a literal episode on a grand, cinematic scale

Billed as a globetrotting actionadventure in the vein of Indiana Jones, the plot follows Rudhra (played by Mahesh Babu) on a time-travel journey spanning thousands of years, from the Treta Yuga to the present The story begins when an asteroid hits the city of Varanasi, forcing a saviour to traverse continents, from Africa to Antarctica to rewrite Earth's destiny The film also stars Priyanka Chopra as the mysterious thief Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist Kumbha

Produced by Sri Durga Arts with a record-breaking budget of over 1,000 crore, the film is being shot natively for IMAX While the heartbeat of the story is an intimate father-son saga, its technical ambition is unprecedented Varanasi is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027, strategically coinciding with the festivals of Ugadi and Gudi Padwa

Ranbir Kapoor returns as dual roles in ‘Animal Park’

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga

confirmed that the filming for Animal Park, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2023 hit Animal, is set to begin in mid-2027

During a virtual interaction with fans in Japan ahead of the film's local release on 13 February, Vanga revealed t

between two brothers who are identical in appearance but starkly different in nature

Ranbir Kapoor, participating from

reprise his role as Ranvijay Singh but also dive deeper into the character of the antagonist Aziz, first teased in the original film's post-credits scene

Vanga is currently prioritising the wrap-up of his cop thriller Spirit, starring Prabhas, which is scheduled for a March 2027 release, before moving on to the Kapoor-led sequel While the original film grossed over 900 crore worldwide, expectations for the sequel are sky-high In the interim, Ranbir has a prolific 2026 ahead, with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War slated for June and Nitesh Tiwari’s R

November 8, 2026

N I C K J O N A S

says he knew he’d marry Priyanka

In

a candid interview on the Jay Shetty Podcast, Nick Jonas opened up about the "intense" reality of his marriage to Priyanka Chopra and their daughter’s premature birth

Nick recalled that he knew he would marry Priyanka on their first official date, despite her being 45 minutes late He even met her mother, Madhu Chopra, on the same night, describing the meeting as perfect as he transitioned from long-distance messaging to a lifelong commitment

The conversation grew emotional as Nick detailed the January 2022 birth of their daughter, Malti Marie Born via surrogate three months early, Malti weighed only 1lb 11oz and was purple at birth, requiring immediate resuscitation Nick spoke of the visceral memories of the NICU, where he and Priyanka performed 12-hour shifts for 100 days while their daughter underwent six blood transfusions He praised Priyanka’s resilience, noting her strength was "inspiring" during their darkest hours

Now thriving, the family celebrated Malti's fourth birthday just weeks ago Professionally, Nick is preparing for the June 5 release of his film Power Ballad with Paul Rudd, and his new solo album, Sunday Best, dropped on February 6 Meanwhile, Priyanka is set for a major return to Indian cinema in SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi, scheduled for April 7, 2027

Hrithik

Roshan championing Director-led cinema

did interview with Brand Equity, Bollywood superstar Roshan outlined the definitive philosophy guiding his n house, HRX Films sion of his father’s FilmKraft Productions, the banto bridge the gap between grand commercial and deeply personal, cathartic storytelling Roshan ed a strict director-first rule, stating, "You are a fool pass the director," and argued that forcing creative n a filmmaker is a form of self-sabotage vision is already in motion with Storm, HRX Films' ut web series for Prime Video Directed by Ajitpal ngh and starring Parvathy Thiruvothu and Alaya F, he Mumbai-based thriller is scheduled to wrap filmng this month Roshan revealed that his cousin, Eshaan Roshan, plays a pivotal role in filtering scripts, often revisiting stories months later to ensure the timing matches the actor-producer's personal growth and perspective

R e f l e c t i n g o n t h e g l o b a l t r i u m p h s o f S S Rajamouli’s RRR and Aamir Khan’s success in China, Roshan identified "integrity, conviction, and an unadulterated vision" as the essential ingreents for international resonance He believes that remaining truthful to a single director's vision, cinema can continue to achieve the kind of univeraim seen by legends like Raj Kapoor and Mithun orty

Dhurandhar tops

Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller

Dhurandhar officially topped the Netflix Global Top 10 list for nonEnglish films

Following its digital premiere on January 30, the blockbuster amassed 7 6 million views and 26 1 million viewing hours in its debut week The film, which has a significant runtime of 3 hours and 26 minutes, reached the number one spot in seven countries, including India, Pakistan, and the UAE, while trending in the top 10 across 22 nations

The film’s digital success mirrors its historic theatrical run Released on December 5, 2025, Dhurandhar grossed over 1,300 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 Starring Ranveer Singh alongside Akshaye Khanna and Sanjay Dutt, the plot follows a covert intelligence operation in Karachi's Lyari district Its popularity has surged despite theatrical bans in several Gulf nations and Pakistan, where it is now a streaming sensation

Fans are now anticipating the sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which is scheduled for a pan-India theatrical release on 19 March 2026

The continuation promises to expand the high-stakes espionage universe across multiple languages, coinciding with major festivals like Eid and Gudi Padwa

Schalkwyk wreaked havoc,

h impressive figures of 4/25 India’s struggle deepened as they slipped to 77/6 by the 1 3 t h

tall, smashing an unbeaten

84 off 49 balls, including 21

Netravalkar

chase faltered early, losing

a record for the

b i g g es t m arg in o f v ictory in an U1 9 World C up final

replacement for the injured

bowling attack with 3/29,

Singh (2/18) and Axar Patel

/

T20 World Cup victory, a new tournament record

F o u r t e e n - y e a r - o l d Vaibhav Suryavanshi starred with a stunning 80-ball 175,

p o w e r i n g I n d i a t o 4 1 1 / 9

A b h i g y a n K u n d u a n d

K a n i s h k C h o u h a n a d d e d c r u c i a

innings as India crossed the 400 mark despite regular wickets

C h a s i n g a d a u n t i n g

t a r g e t , E n g l a n d b e g a n

p o s i t i v e l y w i t h a h a l fcentury from opener Ben

D a w k i n s , w h i l e T h o m a s

Rew and Ben Mayes added q u i c k r u n s H o w e v e

pressure triggered a middleorder collapse, leaving them at 177 for seven from 174 for t h r e e C a l e b F a l c o n e r fought back with a brisk 115 off 67 balls, sharing a 92-run stand with James Minto, but R S A m b r i s h b r o k e t h e p a r t n e r s h i p t o h a l t t h e r e c o v e r y E n g

w e r e eventually bowled out for 311, sealing India’s 100-run win

starred in India’s U-19

blasting a stunning 175 off 80 balls to power a 1

England and secure a record sixth title After t h e m a t c h , h e dedicated his Player of

, praising their role in the squad’s preparation over the past several months

S

fours, also saw him record

India posted 411 for 9 The BCCI announced a Rs 7 5 crore cash reward for the champions

However, he shot 221 5 in the final, finishing behind China’s world No 1 Hu Kai

s Valeriy Rakhimzhan (241 0)

10m air pistol India secured

Rana (581), Sharvan (578) and Varun Tomar (573) totaling

edging India 58-52 despite

bronze with

RCB seal WPL title with sensational chase

Delhi Ca pitals looked poised for the ir ma iden W omen ’ s Pr emier L eag ue (WPL) title a fte r post in g a for mid able 203/4, the hig hest tota l in a final H

Challengers Bengaluru to a s

them to their second title

M a n d h a n a ’ s b r i l l i a n t 8 7 , supported by Georgia Voll’s

7 9 , e c l i p s e d J e m i m a h Rodrigues’ classy 57, as RCB

o n c e a g a i n c e l e b r a t e d “ E e Sala Cup Namdu ” For Delhi

C a p i t a l s ,

g runners-up for the fourth time in as many finals

S m r i t i M a n d h

n a started quietly, facing just f i v e b a l l s i n t h e f i r s t f i v e overs as Grace Harris and Georgia Voll set the pace, before taking charge late in the powerplay with a four a n d a s i x o f f N a n d a n i

S h a r m a S h e t h e n dominated the chase with crisp strokeplay, racing to a 23-ball fifty and unsettling t h e D C b

While Voll’s 79 was assured,

defined RCB’s title-winning chase

late RCB were dominant in the chase, striking at least one boundary in every over

Mandhana was calm at the

impressed once again with a tight, wicketless spell at an economy of 4 75

, meanwhile, showcased her simplified approach with a fluent 37-ball 57, relying on timing and smart placement rather than power Mixing drives, sweeps and cuts, she struck eight fours in a classy innings before falling while

Yuki Bhambri breaks into ATP doubles top 20

Tennis player Yu ki Bhambri has climbed to a career-h igh wo rld No 20 in the latest A T P d

d r o s e from No 22 after a string of s t r o n g p e r f o r m a n c e s , marked by deep runs and f i n a l s a p p e a r a n c e s , i n c l u d i n g a t G r a n d S l a m events

At the Australian Open, B h a m b r i t e a m e d u p w i t h Sweden’s Andre Goransson a n d e n j o y e d a s o l i d r u n , w i n n i n g t h e i r o p e n i n g

matches before exiting in t h e t h i r d r o u n d , a p e r f o r m a n c e t h a t e a r n e d him vital ranking points His rise has been steady over the past year, highlighted by a U S O p e n s e m i f i n a l

The I ntern ation al Cricke t C oun ci l (I CC ) succes sfully b rokered a de al to en d a ten -da y deadlock, ens uring

t h e h i g h l y a n t i ci pa t e d

I n d i a v s P a k i s t a n T 20 World Cup match proce eds in Colombo on Februar y 15

The crisis began when the Pakistan government

a n n o u n c e d a b o y c o t t i n solidarity with Bangladesh, who were removed from t h e t o u r n a m e n t a f t e r refusing to play matches in I n d i a H o w e v e r , f o r m e r PCB chief Najam Sethi has

claimed it was the ICC, not Pakistan, that backed off by g r a n t i n g c o n c e s s i o n s t o s a v e t h e t o u r n a m e n t ' s commercial centerpiece

A c c o r d i n g t o S e t h i , P a k i s t a n ’ s 1 5 - d a y n o t i c e was a calculated strategy t h a t f o r c e

C C

negotiate While Pakistan’s d

e c t e d

h e I C C a g r e e d t h a t t h e B a n g l a d e s h Cricket Board (BCB) would f a c e n o s a n c t i o n s a n d would host a future global e v e n

Yuki Bhambri

Samrat Rana

Suryakumar Yadav