AV 15th November 2025

A tribute to the Hindujas - Page 8

For the young and the young at heart – Page 14

Mission Diabetes: Awareness, Action and Hope - Page 19

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

I n d i a ' s p h i l a n t h

o p i c landscape is undergoing a rapid transformat i o n , w i t h

neers who built colossal businesses from the ground up now leading the charge in social givi

, underscores this shift, projecting an accelera-

systemic impact of the

UK may pay asylum seekers £100 a week to leave hotels

A sylum seekers in the UK

c o u ld be o ffere d £ 1 0 0 a w eek t o le av e t axp a yerfunded hotels, repo rts sugg est T he Ho me Off ice is exploring a sch em e allowing m igrants to u se the mo ney t o li v e w i th f am i ly o r acquaintances in the co untry T h i s p a y m e n t w o u l d come on top of the £49 18 weekly support already provided for living costs The proposal is reportedly one of several options presented to ministers as part of efforts to reduce the reliance on hotels

A source said off icials p r o v i d e m i n i s t e r s w i t h a “ range of options,” but not all will necessarily be pur-

s u e d A Ho m e O f f i c e s p o ke s m a n a d d e d : “ T h e government is furious about t h e n u m b e r o f i l l e g a l

migrants in this countr y and in hotels That is why we will close ever y single asylum hotel ” The scheme would target nationals whose asylum a p p l i c a t i o n s a r e r o u t i n e l y rejected such as Albanians,

B a n g l a d e s h i s , B r a z i l i a n s , Chinese, Indians, Nigerians, and Pakistanis offering up to £3,000 through a volun-

t a r y r e t u r n s p r o g r a m m e

Off icials said the initiative

h e l p s s a v e t a x p a y e r s m i llions by removing individuals with no legal right to remain

Latest f igures show over

3 2 , 0 0 0 m i g r a n t s w e r e h o u s e d i n r o u g h l y 2 0 0

h o t e l s i n Ju n e S h a d o w

Home Secretar y Chris Philp criticised the plan, calling it “morally repugnant” to pay p e o p l e w h o e n t e r e d t h e countr y illegally

The Met’s endless reckoning with race

Despite report after report exposing racism at its core, London’s police remain trapped in a cycle of promises and public distrust.

The Metr opol it an Police is

communities

The 220-page report, ‘ 30

Systemic Racism Within the London Metropolitan Police

racism not as isolated incidents by a few bad actors, but

Drawing on more than four d

D

Daniels highlights how Black

frontational,” while lighterskinned colleagues are treat-

warns that the system prioritises perceptions over power and image over justice, locking the force into a cycle of harm

This is far from the Met’s f

19 9 9 Macpherson Report branded t

Lawrence’s murder In 2023, B a r o n e s s C a s e y ’ s r e v i e w

e x p o s e d d e e p m i s o g y n y, homophobia, and racism foll o w i n g S a r a h Ev e r a r d ’ s killing Yet, despite decades of scrutiny, the same patterns persist Dr Daniels argues that a d d r e s s i n g a n t i-Bl a c k n e s s s p e c i f i c a l l y, r a t h e r t h a n v a g u e “d i v e r s i t y ” g o a l s , i s essential to rebuilding trust

“ W h e n i n s t i t u t i o n s s p e a k broadly of ‘ethnic minorities,’ those most harmed disapp e a r f r o m v i e w A n t iBlackness is the clearest indicator of organisational dysf u n c t i o n , ” s h e s a i d

A c c o r d i n g t o D a n i e l s , t h e s y s t e m s t h a t a l l o w r a c i a l harm to Black people also

f a c i l i t a t e o t h e r a b u s e s o f p o w e r, a n d m e a n i n g f u l r e fo r m m u s t s t a r t w h e r e harm is most acute

Me t C o m m i s s i o n e r Si r

Mark Rowley described the r e p o r t a s “ p o w e r f u l ” a n d acknowledged the need for deep cultural and structural change While trust among Bl a c k L o n d o n e r s h a s improved by 10% over two y e a r s , R o w

y a d m i t t e d

s t i l l “ l a g s b e h i n d o t h e r groups ” “London will only truly have policing by consent when the Met is inclusive and actively anti-racist,” he said, pledging to root out p a t t e r n s o f d i s c r i m i n a t i o n both operationally and within the organisation

The Mayor of London,

Sir Sadiq Khan echoed the c a l l fo r u r g e n t r e fo r m , emphasizing record funding and a “major cultural overhaul ” A spokesperson said, “There must be zero tolerance of all racism within the force and a lasting transformation in Met culture with no hiding place for off icers who abuse their position of trust The Mayor will hold t h e Me t a c c o u nt a ble u nt i l Londoners have the police ser vice they deser ve, one that is trusted and delivers the highest possible ser vice to ever y community ” Yet, the public remains sceptical Repeated reviews, pledges, and initiatives have f a i l e d t

continue to face bias, and communities still feel unsafe Recognition without reform has become the Met’s enduring reflex Two decades on

s death, the force’s credibility remains in crisis Reports are

Me

responds with promises, and t

ucracy and blame undermining progress, leaving the fun-

nswered: who truly holds the Met accountable?

Trump threatens $1bn BBC lawsuit over edited speech

Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for at least $ 1 billion over its edited coverage of a speech he ga ve on Ja n ua r y 6 , 2 0 2 1, un le s s t he br oa d c as t e r meets a s eries of demands

Tr u m p ’ s l e g a l t e a m claims the BBC “defamed” the president by “intentionally and deceitfully editing” the footage aired in October

2 0 2 4 t o i n t e r fe r e i n l a s t year ’ s presidential election

T

d

a retraction, an apology, and c o m p e n s a t i o n fo r “t h e harm caused,” warning that f a i l u r e t o c o m p l y w o u l d result in legal action

T h e c o n t r o v e r s y o v e r

t h e e d i t , w h i c h g a v e t h e impression of a direct call for violent action to his supporters, has already led to

t h e r e s i g n a t i o n s o f B B C director-general Tim Davie a n d B B C Ne w s h e a d D e b o r a h Tu r n e s s T h e

d e p a r t u r e s fo l l o w e d a leaked memo from Michael Prescott, a former Sunday Times political editor, criticizing the BBC’s coverage of Trump, the Gaza war, and

transgender rights Prescott claimed executives ignored these concerns, a claim the BBC chair, Samir Shah, disputed, describing the memo as a “personal account” and a s s e r t i n g t h a t d e c i s i o nmaking was more nuanced Shah acknowledged the BBC had made an “ error of judgement” in the edit but c r i t i c i z e d t h e m e m o fo r failing to present the full c o n t e x t T h e c r i s i s h a s prompted public scrutiny of the BBC board, responsible for appointing leadership, amid claims of politic a l l y m o t i v a t e d i n t e r fe rence

Fo r m e r Su n e d i t o r

D a v i d Ye l l a n d d e

Liberal Democrat MP

raised questions about the BBC’s independence

w n i n g St r e e t e x p r e s s e d s u p p o r t fo r a “ s t r o n g a n d i n d e p e n d e n t BBC,” with Prime Minister Ke i r St a

c t i n g claims that the broadcaster is corrupt or institutionally biased Shah also dismissed suggestions of a board-led coup as “fanciful,” insisting the BBC’s leadership is not passive and that the organiz a t i o n i s w o r k i n g t o address concerns over editorial decision-making and governance

Me a nw h i l e , B B C p r esenters and executives have described a paralysis at the top of the corporation in responding to the scandal, highlighting broader tensions over perceived bias

UK to adopt strict Danish-style immigration

Shabana M ah mood is set to ann

based on the Danish system, widely regarded as one

th

accord ing to the Gu ard ian

s were sent to Denmark to study its border control and asylum policies, with a focus on family reunions and temp

this month, the BBC reports

The plans have stirred debate within Labour Some left-wing MPs have called the approach a “dangerous

path,” while others advocate for even stricter measures to counter the rising influence of Reform UK

D e n m a r k p r i o r i t i s e s protection for refugees per-

sonally targeted by foreign regimes, while those fleeing conflict are usually granted o n ly t e m p o r a r y re s i d e n c e T h e D a

decides which countries it c o n s i d e r s s a fe I n 2 0 2 2 , around 1,200 refugees from Damascus were told their p e r m i t s w o u l d n o t

renewed, a move contrar y to UN and EU guidelines

The Danish system also i m p o s e s s

c t f a m i l y reunion rules Both partners must be at least 24, the resident must not have claimed benef its for three years,

pass a Danish language test Residents of “parallel societies”, areas with more than 50% of non-Western populations, can be barred from reunif ication Denmark has also processed asylum seekers outside Europe, drawing criticism from human rights organisations Since her appointment a s h o m e s e c r e t a r y i n S e p

M a h m o o d h a s emphasised that “contribution to this countr y is a condition” for asylum, proposing, among other measures, to extend the wait for indefinite leave to remain from f ive to ten years

Sir Sadiq Khan Sir Mark Rowley

Samir Shah

Shabana Mahmood

Lest we forget

His Majesty the King led the UK in the annual two-minute silence on Sunday 9 November to remember those who have fallen and suffered in conflict at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph

The King was joined by members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister, senior politicians and faith representatives to mark the Armistice of the First World War and all

forces

Approximately 10,000 veterans took part in the Royal British Legion’s March Past, with over 300 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations represented People of all ages will be among those marching – from bereaved children and military cadets, through to some of the last surviving veterans of the Second World War Approximately 1

Whitehall in London to watch the March Past and take part in the annual two-minute silence

This follows commemorations earlier in the year to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), which paid tribute to the millions across the UK and Commonwealth who served in Europe and the Far East, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated, and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front

But what particularly does not get highlighted at this Remembrance Sunday is the contributions of the Indian soldiers, who gave their life for a country and Queen they

Army, also known as the British Indian Army, played a crucial role in both World War victories The term "Indian Army" in the context of the World Wars refers to the army

Similarly, the Royal Indian Navy and Royal Indian Air Force were comparable units Pre-Partition India describes the territory of India under British rule before 1947

During World War I, approximately 1 7 million men served in the Indian Army, with over a million deployed overseas They engaged in border skirmishes in northern India, participated in set-piece battles on the Western Front, and took part in mobile warfare in the Middle East, among other regions and theatres of conflict

Two decades later, the Indian Army once again fought as the world descended into warfare 4 1 million Indians joined the various aspects of the World War II efforts of which 2 1 million were fighting forces in different wings of the Military- making it the largest volunteer army in history, although some service was more voluntary than others In fact, over 80 ,000 of died for the freedom of Britain and its western allies and over £800 million was contributed from India to the British Treasury

During this war, the Indian Army fought globally, including in Italy, North Africa, and particularly in Asia One such significant spot was Burma, near India The Imperial Japanese Army's attempts to invade India via the Burmese border led to two major clashes at Kohima and Imphal, resulting in decisive defeats for the Japanese As Field Marshal Auchinlek reportedly stated, it is difficult to imagine victory in both World Wars without the substantial contribution of Indian armed forces

India’s steady rise amid regional and global challenges

Despite the instability that has gripped almost every nation surrounding the Indian subcontinent, India continues to stand tall as a resilient and steadfast nation In recent years, c

witnessed waves of public discontent leading to the downfall of their governments Pakistan, which has long aspired to rival India, finds itself in a state of economic desperation Amidst all this, India remains the only country in the region that, since gaining independence, has not only strengthened its democratic foundations but has also achieved remarkable economic and social progress

India's economy continues to strengthen steadily despite challenges with neighbouring countries like Pakistan, China, Nepal, and Bangladesh, and global uncertainties such as U S trade tariffs Its foreign exchange reserves have nearly reached $700 billion, and GDP growth has consistently ranged between 6% and 8%, among the highest worldwide India is clearly following a path of its own, distinct from its neighbours

This journey of democratic and economic stability has not been without difficulty Since gaining independence in 1 9 4 7 , I n d i a h a s f a c e d r e p e a t e d e c o n o m i c c r i s e s , f o o d shortages, and wars with China in 1962 and Pakistan on four occasions At one point, the nation even had to pledge its g o l d r e s e r v e s N e v e r t h e l

economic liberalisation of 1991 marked a major turning

point, laying the foundation for the country’s modern economic success

India has certainly faced many challenges For years, its reliance on global financial bodies like the World Bank and IMF led to the rupee ’ s devaluation, negatively affecting imports and exports However, with regular tax reforms and improvements in the banking system, India’s economy has g r o w n s t r o n g e r a n d i s n

becoming the world’s third-largest economy

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has shown strong financial discipline Efforts to reduce the budget deficit and control public debt have made the economy more stable India’s growth, especially in the IT and services sectors, is impressive, with global companies now heavily dependent on India for outsourcing

Over the past 11 years, India’s infrastructure has seen

highways, and expressways have boosted the country’s economic momentum, while technological progress has further strengthened its base

Today, while many neighbouring countries struggle with

management, reforms, efficient taxation system, law and order, and strong democracy, all driving the nation steadily towards sustainable growth and development

Mamdani’s victory sets the stage for a fierce political showdown

With Zohran Mamdani's election as Mayor of New York, a clear battle line has been drawn between him and US President Donald Trump Mamdani is aware of the tough contest he faces against the unpredictable Trump, and he signalled his readiness for the challenge during his victory speech

D o n a

previously described Mamdani as the "left-wing future" of the Democratic Party It was Mamdani's left-leaning stance that led Trump to endorse former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo for the New York mayoral race However, Mamdani's victory has now left Trump visibly unsettled Even before the election, Trump issued a direct warning to New Yorkers that if they chose Mamdani, he would impose major cuts to New York's federal funding

The central question is why Donald Trump and New York's billionaires harbour such strong resentment toward Zohran Mamdani The answer lies in Mamdani's economic philosophy, which directly challenges the interests of the wealthy elite He has consistently called for higher taxes on the rich and has been a vocal critic of policies that deepen

initiatives, including rent freezes, free public bus services, universal childcare, and a 1% property tax on high-networth individuals It is these left-leaning, pro-people

policies that have irked Trump Despite his attempts to rally New York's affluent circles against Mamdani, Trump's efforts ultimately failed to gain momentum

, Trump sought to incite resentment among Jewish voters He even went as far as to warn that anyone supporting Mamdani would be betraying their own faith Mamdani, however, has never shied away from embracing his Indian and Muslim heritage In fact, he has spoken openly about his family's experiences as Muslims and has been an outspoken critic of the Israeli occupation of Gaza, a position that has further deepened Trump's disapproval of him

Mamdani has long been a vocal critic of right-wing ideology, whereas Trump's politics are firmly grounded in conservatism and capitalism In essence, this represents a clash between two opposing forces, the North Pole and the South Pole, whose paths are unlikely ever to meet As New York's Mayor, Mamdani is expected to face

proposed initiatives will depend on federal funding At the same time, it is widely anticipated that Trump will make every effort to obstruct his progress How this young,

Thought for the week

Clarity is the answer to anxiety. Effective leaders are clear - Mar cus B uckingham

The President of India

She is not who you mig ht think she is

No, that is the President of the Republic of India The first citizen of the country, and the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces

Recently she took to the skies in an IAF Rafaele jet

The aspirations and opportunities for women are not perfected in that nation or any other Yet

One in six of humanity sleep under the Constitution of that one country As goes India, so goes the world

When vision meets velocity, the message is - we will not be passengers in the story of the world - we will pilot it

We will not bend the knee

If you want to know how an Indian leader in office will react - it's very simple - imagine an American

Not a European, not someone from any other part of Asia Imagine an American reaction

Whatever your gender or nationality or ethnicity Do not bend the knee, bow and scrape Stand proud for your beliefs and principles - whatever your job - President of your nation or not

Then as vandals in London sprayed on Gandhi's statue this year, "Hindustani", will also be true for you too

Proudly

She is a follower of the spiritual organisation, the Brahma Kumaris

The organisation teaches the importance of moving beyond labels associated with the human body, including race, nationality, religion, and gender, through meditation that emphasizes the concept of identity as souls rather than bodies

The members of the organisation believe that all souls are good by nature and that God is the source of all goodness

Women continue to hold primary leadership positions within the organisation

There remains some hope for humanity then

Thank you for your continued support for the Essay Competition!

We have received a wonderful number of entries so far. The last date for submission is 30 November, so if you haven’t sent yours yet, please do so at the earliest.

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Alpesh Patel Political Sketchbook

Leicestershire police officer remembered for his compassion and dedication

T ributes have been paid to

H ar d i p S i ng h D ay al, a

b el o v ed L e ic e st ers h i re

p o li ce o ffi c er w h o p ass ed away in July after a sev enyear battle with cancer The 4 8-year-old w as a key figu re

i n h i s c o m m u n i ty a nd p layed a vital role in sav ing Oadby T own FC in the late 20 10s

H i s w i f e , S o n i a , described him as a "loving,

c a r i n g , a n d s e l f l e s s " m a n

w h o e m b o d i e d q u i e t strength and warmth "He never needed to be the loudest in the room; his calm presence spoke volumes "

Hardip and Sonia shared

t w o c h i l d r e n , A r j a n a n d Eisha, who were his world

S o n i a d e s c r i b e d h i m a s a devoted husband and father,

w h o s e l o v e a n d p a t i e n c e

w e r e e v i d e n t i n e v e r y moment together "Family meant everything to him

Despite battling cancer

f o r s e v e n y e a r s , H a r d i p

r e m a i n e d a p i l l a r o f strength, facing each chal-

lenge with grace and unwavering commitment Sonia said, "Hardip taught us to

e f i n e him; it revealed his character and deep love for us " His faith in Sikhism prov

Family of Harshita Brella awaiting justice, MP urges action

A n M P h a s s o u g h t "reassurances" regarding the pro gress of the investigatio n into the m u r d er o f Ha rs h i ta

h a m p t

r e , was discov ered in the boot of a car in Ilford, ea s t L o nd o n, i n November 2024 , nearly 1 00 m iles from her hom e

IN B R I E F AMBULANCE HANDOVER DELAYS IN WEST MIDLANDS HIT RECORD HIGH

began in 2006 as a PCSO "He was a trusted presence from the start," Mulley said

Constable and Detective in the Domestic Violence Unit, where he combined profess

, a n d quiet strength "He didn’t just do the job, he elevated it " I n 2 0 0 7 , H a r d i p c ofounded the Leicestershire Sikh Police Association, creating a supportive space for Sikh officers Mulley added, " H i s w o r k b u i l t b r i d g e s between the police and Sikh community, and his legacy c o n t i n u e s t o s h a p e o u r approach to inclusion "

Man sentenced for driving into wedding party

Govinder Singh, 28, has been jailed after driving h is car into a crow d at a wedding party

O n 3 1 M a y , G o v i n d e r

S i n g h w a s c a l l e d t o T h e

Regent Sport and Social Club in Leicester to help his brother As he approached in his Volkswagen Tiguan, he accele r a t e d a n d s t r

n permanent injury

A t L e i c e s t e r C r o w n Court, Singh, of Gwendolen

R o a d , E v i n g t o n , w a s s e n -

t e n c e d t o s e v e n - a n d - a - h a l f years in prison and banned f r o m d r i v i n g f o r 1 2 y e a r s

Recorder Dan Stacey called his actions a "shocking and violent attack After hitting the crowd near De Montfort Way, Singh exited the car,

threw punches, and removed t h e v e h i c l e ' s r e g i s t r a t i o n plates before fleeing Singh later claimed the crash was accidental, saying his foot "slipped" while wearing "sliders " Among those he struck w a s a c l u b w o r k e r , w h o d e s c r i b e d t h e i

court: Out of nowhere, a car came flying towards me and knocked me off my feet " The woman suffered a complex

p e l v i c f r a c t u r e a n d o t h e r injuries, which had a "serious impact" on her, as noted by Recorder Stacey

court in a wheelchair, while her partner, now her carer,

incident, only recalling wak-

Singh's cousin, also struck by the car, said he "thought he had died" after waking up i n h

injury, brain bleed, and frac-

d e r Stacey noted the victim now suffers from anxiety, pain, and trauma Singh pleaded guilty to causing grievous

b o d i l y h a r m ( G B H ) w i t h intent to two victims and wounding with intent

Mumbai Kitchen faces licence review over illegal workers

DevonLive report ed that an Indian takeaway in Tiverton, Mumb ai Kitc hen, is fac ing the pot ential r evoc ation of its licenc e af ter being acc us ed of employing ill egal worker s The res taura nt has been visited b y im migration of ficials t wice in two years, with at l east one worker f ound without proper authorization on both occ asions

The Home Office has requested a review of the premises licence, and a hearing will be held later this month in Mid Devon to decide the restaurant’s future The application cites concerns over failure to meet licensing objectives, including the prevention of crime and disorder

A 33-page document attached to the licence review request details two visits by the Home Office to Mumbai Kitchen, where workers without proper authorization were found In November 2022, a £10,000 civil penalty was issued for one worker, which remains unpaid and has been sent to collections A £60,000 penalty was issued in February 2023, also unpaid The document reveals three illegal workers were found, with no right-to-work checks conducted The employer admitted to hiring workers informally without verifying their immigration status, prompting immigration enforcement to request the licence be revoked In November 2024, two men were found violating work rules, one restricted to Shortage Occupation List roles, the other an overstayer since 2007

In a letter to the Home Secretary, Lee B a r r o n , L a b o u r M P f o

d E a

Northamptonshire, expressed concern that Harshita Brella's family is "waiting for justice" with "little or no information "

Det Supt Johnny Campbell, the senior investigating officer, assured that the investigation is ongoing and they are determined to bring those responsible to justice

A post-mortem revealed that strangulation was the preliminary cause of death Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, fled to India shortly after her death and is still believed to be on the run

Harshita Brella's family believes her husband, Pankaj Lamba, is in India, protected by local police, and was running a shop earlier this year In March 2025, Northamptonshire Police confirmed that the CPS decided to charge Lamba, 24, with murder

Labour MP Lee Barron described Harshita as a "much-loved" friend and colleague whose death had a profound impact on the community He highlighted her time in a refuge due to domestic abuse risks and raised her case in Prime Minister's Questions, calling for better support for abuse victims and measures to protect the vulnerable

A H o m e O f f i c e s p o k e s p e r s o n t h a n k e d Barron and reiterated the commitment to halving violence against women and girls

their support for Harshita's family, including traveling to India Det Supt Campbell called the case "exceptionally complex" and pledged ongoing support for the investigation

Road closures in Leicester for Nagar Kirtan Sikh procession

Rolling road clo su res will be in effect as thousand s g ather for the Sikh religious procession, Nag ar Kirtan, on Sunday in Leicester

The procession will start at 11:30 GMT from Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara on East Park Road, with participants walking across the city to reach Guru Nanak Gurdwara on Holy Bones by around 14:30 The event will connect two of Leicester’s most prominent Gurdwaras

L

road closures along the procession route to ensure the safety of participants

The route will cover East Park Road, St Peter's Road, Sparkenhoe Street, Swain Street, St George's Way, Charles Street, Humberstone Gate, Clock Tower, East Gates, High Street, St Nicholas Place, and St Nicholas Circle, before concluding at Holy Bones

In addition, some bus services will need to divert temporarily while the procession moves through the city

Parking restrictions will be in place on streets near East Park Road, including parts of Leicester Street, Rosebery Street, Nottingham Street, Holy Bones, Welles Street, and part of Great Central Street

Information signs will be posted on main routes into the city to alert drivers, and the city's Area Traffic Control team will provide regular traffic updates

West Midlands Ambulance Service lost 41 000 hours in October waiting outside hospitals marking the worst handover delays in England according to officials This delay was equivalent to the combined waiting time of five other ambulance services Vivek Khashu, the service s strategy and engagement director, reported a sharp rise in delays, with the lost hours increasing from 31,000 in September and 20,000 in August During Monday s meeting, Vivek Khashu, strategy director of West Midlands Ambulance Service, described the region's handover delays as the worst in England, surpassing the combined delays of five other ambulance services Of the 41,000 hours lost in October, 8,500 occurred in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, mainly at Royal Stoke University Hospital While ambulance response times for category two callouts met the target of 23 minutes Khashu warned that winter pressures were starting to affect these times To address the issue £30 million has been invested in additional resources but long waits outside hospitals remain a major challenge

SIKH COMMUNITIES DISTRIBUTE RAPE ALARMS FOR SAFETY

In response to recent sex attacks on two women, which are being investigated by police as racially aggravated, Sikh communities across the West Midlands are distributing thousands of rape alarms Congregations at local Gurdwaras are funding the alarms, aiming to send a message of unity and collective action within the community Deepa Singh, an activist with Sikh Youth at the Guru Nanak Parkash temple in Coventry, told the BBC that families should adopt simple safety measures to better protect themselves The initiative follows the rape of two Sikh women one in Oldbury in September and another in Walsall last month Deepa Singh of Sikh Youth urged the community to take safety more seriously saying There needs to be better communication and less focus on phones or music while walking, especially as it gets darker earlier A man has been charged in connection with the Walsall attack, while two people arrested in relation to the Oldbury rape have been released on bail

MAXIMUM COUNCIL TAX INCREASE EXPECTED IN DERBYSHIRE

Derbyshire County Council s Reform UK administration plans to raise council tax by the maximum allowed, 4 99% Although the party promised to keep tax hikes low when it took control in May, council leaders said the government’s pressure and inflationary costs left them with little choice Council leader Alan Graves explained "We aim to keep taxes low but with inflation running at around 4% the government has advised us to implement the maximum increase We’ll review costs to see where we can make reductions but for now this is the starting point When asked about Reform UK voters disappointed by the party s approach to the government, Council leader Alan Graves responded, I m mindful of the need to protect front-line services Reducing income could lead to cuts in those services, and I won t allow that " A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson added, "We understand the financial pressures people face and believe local councils should set fair and reasonable rates That’s why we’re providing over £5bn in new grant funding for local services over the next three years and working to reform the system to ensure funds reach the areas that need them most "

Hardip Singh Dayal (left) with his son Arjun

Harshita Brella (victim)

Govinder Singh

Parking curbs threaten London’s iconic cultural hub, The Bhavan

T h e Bh a rat iy a V i d ya Bhavan (The Bhavan) ,

o ne of the U K’s forem os t i ns ti tu ti o ns fo r

I n d i an c la ss i ca l ar ts and cu lture, has issued

a n ur g en t a p p ea l t o

H am m er sm i t h and

F u l h am C o u nc i l t o

r ec o ns i d er ne w ly

a nn o u nc ed p a rki ng control chang es w ithin

C P Z D ( C o n tro l led

P arking Zone refers to a d esig nated area in the UK where o n-street

p ark ing i s reg u lated to m an ag e traffic flow and prio ritise p arking for local residents) and launched a

p e ti ti o n to tu r n th e i r d e ci s i o n aro und Established in 1973 and based on Castletown Road since 1978, The Bhavan has been a cornerstone of London’s cultural life for

n e a r l y f i v e d e c a d e s , w e l c o m i n g around 1,000 students, teachers, performers, and visitors each week

The new restrictions extending e n f o r c e m e n t f r o m 8 : 3 0 a m t o 10pm, seven days a week, with a one-hour parking limit, pose a serious threat to its smooth functioning Many students and visitors carry instruments, costumes, or travel with children, making driving essential The Bhavan warns that these changes could signifi-

c a n t l y i m p a c t a t t e n d a n c e a t i t s classes, performances, and workshops, many of which last well over two hours

O r g a n i s a t i o n h a s u r g e d t h e Council to reconsider the restrict i o n s , p a r t i c u l a r l y t h e e x t e n d e d evening and weekend hours and

one-hour limit and to provide exempt

institutions

“ The Bhavan h as always been an inclusiv e space where everyone is welcome” S p e a k i n g t o A s i a n V o i c e ,

Executive Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Dr MN Nandakum ara MBE, reflected on The Bhavan’s enduring role at the heart of London’s Indian cultural landscape He said, “The Bhavan h a s a l w a y s b e e n g u i d e d b y t h e principle of inclusivity, welcoming e v e r y o n e , r e g a r d l e s s o f c r e e d , colour, or religion to anyone with an interest in Indian art and culture

That is the very foundation of The Bhavan We are open to all, a centre where people from all walks of life can come together and participate in our activities Indian art and culture are universal, they do not belong to any single communit

grammes and performances, we have sought to share this universality and, in our own small way,

between India and the UK ”

Speaking about The Bhavan’s students and wide range of classes, D

Covid, we had around 850 students attending regularly After the pandemic, numbers dropped by about 20% as people were still cautious about mingling, but it has been

gradually recovering At present, we have around 750 students In addition to classes, we host concerts every weekend, our auditorium can accommodate about 300 people, and with two concerts a weekend, that’s nearly 600 attendees Each year, around 80 to 90 p

alongside regular classes We offer 2

roof, covering South and North Indian music and dance, instruments, Bengali music, archaeology, yoga, and other disciplines from across the Indian subcontinent ”

On the proposed parking rules, Dr Nandakumara said, “Until now, parking restrictions applied only on weekdays from 9am to 5:30pm, with free parking in the evenings and at weekends The new proposal extends enforcement to seven days a week, from 8am to 10pm, allowing only one hour of parking This will severely affect everything we do at The Bhavan Our students often carry heavy instruments like sitar, tabla, veena, violin, or mridangam, and many elderly or disabled visitors rely on being able to p

grammes last at least three hours, so a one-hour limit is completely unworkable It will impact our stud

d even our existence as an institution ”

Highlighting the wider implications, he added, “Over the years, The Bhavan has welcomed more than 1,500 to 2,000 visitors every week, contributing greatly to local businesses and employment The restrictions would not only disrupt

our cultural and educational activities but also affect the local economy T

Mountbatten, and Harold Macmillan, and visited by King Charles and many U

growth, and community contribution ” On the petition that is

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms, and people are responding positively, supporting our case For nearly 50 years, these parking arrangements have never been an issue, so it is unclear why s u c h d r a s t i c c h a n g e s a r e b e i n g introduced now We only recently received notice that the restrictions would be implemented in November, which has caused great concern among our teachers, students, and the wider community If this goes ahead, it will deeply affect The Bhavan, the largest Indian cultural institute outside India, and the thousands who depend on it ” R

s inclusive and unifying role, he said, “The Bhavan has always been an inclusive space where everyone is welcome, we celebrate Christmas and Diwali alike, and our yoga and l a n g u a g e c l a s s e s i n c

Baroness Usha Prashar and Seema Malhotra MP, to help us prevent these restrictions The Bhavan provides employment and support to

Hammersmith and Fulham should feel proud to host the largest cultural institute of its kind outside India At a time when UK–India

would be truly disheartening to see an institution like ours suffer from a policy that can still be reconsidered ” Asian Voice firmly stands with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in its appeal to Hammersmith and Fulham Council to review the proposed CPZ D parking restrictions that threaten this vital cultural institution We urge our readers and the wider community to also support The Bhavan’s cause and help preserve its legacy of art, education, and inclusivity

u d e m a n y European students We have never had any conflict or controversy, only focused on art,

Dr MN Nandakumara MBE

A S I S E E I T

Ayearhas come and gone Diwali

finished a fortnight ago and today, on 5 November, the auspicious day of Kartiki Purnima, as we write this column, we find ourselves celebrating Dev Diwali!

For ordinary people like you and me, Diwali is the ‘festival of lights’, the festival that illuminates our hearts and minds But Dev Diwali, in my view, is the ‘festival of life’, a celebration of our existence itself

On this day, it is believed that Lord Shiva destroyed the three demons called Tripurasura, thus freeing the celestial world from their tyranny Hence, the day is also called Tripurari Poonam To commemorate this victory of righteousness over evil, the gods lit countless lamps, and that divine illumination came to be known as Dev Diwali

W e c a l l t h e d a y a f t e r

Uttarayan “Vasi Uttarayan,” - the day that follows kite festival Yet, the Dev Diwali that comes after the traditional Diwali is never called “Vasi Diwali ” In essence, this sacred day reminds us of a deeper truth Every living being that is born on this earth, one day, will leave it

T h e s p a n

n birth and death, is what we call life

Dev Diwali, the festival of life and the spirit to live on

Patricia Scotland KC among others We exchanged warm greetings, enquired after one another’s well-being, and then moved along

Similarly, a few weeks earlier, during another visit to the House of Lords, I had received a gracious invitation to attend a luncheon at the Members’ Dining Room On that occasion too, I had the opportunity to meet several eminent personalities, including Lord Neil Kinnock

decades Naturally, I first saw him in his youthful days, full of charisma and vigour My first meeting with him took place in 1982, and t h

strong and steady ever since

Of course, now his face bears the marks of time, as does mine, naturally! But that’s how life goes on; the years do their work, and we continue to move forward in our own ways

It’s been nearly four and a half decades since that first meeting with Lord Kinnock Just imagine, how many times we must have

House and shared a meal with us there

A l t h

The true purpose of life lies in how, positively, and meaningfully we live it When we use it not only for our own joy but also for happiness, growth and well-being of those around us, that is when life finds its true purpose

Visit to the House of Lords

On the 4 November, I visited the House of Lords for a private dinner When old friends often call me to such gatherings, I gladly j o i n t h e m W e c h a t , e x c h a n g e ideas and share light moments, sometimes over tea, lunch or dinner After all, who doesn’t enjoy spending time with friends?

Last evening, I had a long and p l e a s a n t c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h

Professor Lord Bhikhu Parekh, the true pride of Gujarat

Lord Parekh is truly a deep t h i n k e r a n d o n e o f t h e m o s t r e s p e c t e d i n t e l l e c t u a l s i n t h e entire Asian community and, of course, a distinguished Member of the House of Lords Those who know Bhikhubhai well will agree that spending time with him and engaging in conversation is a joy in itself

He is the embodiment of simplicity and humility Despite his immense knowledge, there’s never a trace of arrogance or pretence in his words Whenever you meet him, you always leave with something new, a thought, an idea, or a fresh way of looking at things We spoke at length about many topics

During this visit, I also had the pleasure of meeting several other distinguished friends and dignit a r i e s , s u c h a s L o r d N a v n i t Dholakia and Lady Ann Dholakia,

met during this span, how many c

W

those old days and revived many fond memories When you recall such pleasant moments and warm f

blossoms with joy You can’t help but smile and think, “Ah, those were the days!”

Dear readers, the House of L o r d s , t h

British democracy, has nearly 800 distinguished members Since the S e c o n d W o r

fields have been appointed to this respected House Though the system has changed over time, the tradition of appointing Lords continues even today

F r o m m y o w n e x p e r i e n c e , w h e n e v e r I v i s i t t h e H o u s e o f Lords, I notice that most of those with whom I share a close and friendly bond are senior members, many of them well over 80 While I often meet younger peers such as L o r d K r i s h R a v a l , L o r d J i t e s h Gadhia and Lord Karan Bilimoria, my deeper connections are definitely with the elder Lords

During my visit to the House of Lords yesterday, I noticed three or four distinguished Lords who were around 93 or 94 years of age Among them were both men and women, some of Indian origin, some British and some Caribbean I had a delightful conversation w i t h a r e m a r k a b l e 9 3 - y e a r - o l d lady, a Baroness, who had, many years ago, been a regular attendee of several of Asian Voice events She had even visited Karma Yoga

u g h o u r a c q u

n t a n c e goes back many years, we had lost touch over time But, true t o m y n a t u r e , I a p p r o a c h e d h e r a

rekindled the thread of conversation once again “ Y

y eighty miles away from London you travel all the way by train, it must be quite difficult, isn’t it? W

lenges, what keeps you coming to the House so regularly?”

There were many such q

“Time does its work and we must continue to do ours Age may advance, the body

m

t that’s all a natural part of life Should we let that bring life to a standstill?”

The spark with in

The Baroness’ powerful words reminded me of one

b

When the heart is determined, no barrier is too great to cross, n

come

Self-belief this one word carries the strength of a thousand

Modi after winning the One-Day World Cup, this very idea was discussed Smriti Mandhana said,“Sir, two years ago when our team lost the World Cup and finished as runners-up, you told us, have faith in yourselves, in your ability, in your preparedness and keep working hard That’s exactly what we did and today, look, we have come to meet you with the World

everything from politics to life T

mind lively and fresh There’s no real life in just sitting quietly at home True happiness comes from staying active and involved in the world around us

A s t h e s

s , “ T

who dive into the flow of life are the ones who truly enjoy it, the rest just watch and envy ” Such words couldn’t be more true

Speaking for myself, whenever I meet certain friends or wellw i s

, “ C B , you ’ re always on the move! You should slow down a bit, after all, age has caught up ” And I always reply; yes, age may have advanced, but that’s no reason to sit quietly in a corner at home Going out, meeting people and staying conn e c t e d , t h a t ’ s m

what keeps my body and mind alive and active What I gain from it is priceless When I see our younger generation, our society,

Indian origin, growing and achiev-

inspired And truly, could I have felt all this by staying at home? Of course not!

The distinguished individuals w h o g r

House of Lords have each made remarkable contributions in their respective fields, and it is in recognition of those contributions that they are granted a seat in this esteemed chamber B u t d o e s r

mean that they retire from their w o r k ? A

u t e l y n o t W h

means the will to live, the deep, instinctive desire to continue life

E v e r y

i v i n g b e i n g c a r r i

s t h i s spark within People often say, “Oh God, I’ve had enough, take me away now ” but those are just words Deep down, no one truly wishes to die Everyone holds a quiet wish to live a little longer, to see more, to feel more

It’s the bond with one ’ s children and grandchildren, the longing to spend more moments with them, the wish to enjoy life’s comforts, success and joy, all these keep us beautifully tied to the web of life and its countless attachments

Dear readers, you must have read the editorial published in our grand and festive Diwali special issue Its essence was this, that in life, challenges and problems of all kinds are bound to arise Yet, there is no need to surrender before difficulties or circumstances Stand firm in the face of obstacles; confront them with courage

Cup in our hands ” O n t h i s s a c r e d d a y o f D e v Diwali, let us make one simple p r o m i s e : w h a t e v e r c h a l l e n g e s come our way, we will not lose

c o u r a g e a n d n

e r g i v e u p Whether the struggle is physical, emotional or worldly, we will face it with faith and strength Even when the winds weaken, we must stand tall and steady, holding firm to our belief Let’s keep reminding ourselves that the Divine has filled each of us with great power We a

e c a p a b

o v e r c o m i n g a n y obstacle, no matter how hard it seems, and we are never alone The Supreme Power is always by our side And remember, when God stands with someone, that person already holds the majority So, when the Giver of Life is with us, let’s live each moment fully, with body, mind, and soul Friends, why does that elderly Baroness travel 70, 80, even 100 miles to the House of Lords so often? Because there, she meets people, her friends and talks about

t h e r man or woman, whatever their background or age, their efforts continue tirelessly Their sense of purpose never fades At this point, I am reminded of something a 94-yearold British Lord once said t o m e i n c o n v e r s a t i o n H e r e m a r k e d , “ W e a r e simply trying to give back t o t h e c o m m u n i t y , i n whatever way we can, for all that it has so generously given us ” From my many years of knowing and interacting with different Lords from various fields, one t h i n g h a s a l w a y s b e e n clear, they all see work as something noble and meaningful “ W o r k i s w o r s h i p ” i s n ’ t j u s t a phrase for them; it’s how they live No matter what their field is, staying active and involved gives them purpose and joy They believe that since society has honoured them with this position, it’s their duty to give back and never neglect their responsibilities That’s why they keep contributing, through their effort, time, knowledge, wealth and kindness, always finding ways to repay their debt to society In s

what we have gained, but about multiplying it, by sharing the light a n d g o o

n blessed with

On this day of the ‘festival of life’, the sacred occasion of Dev D

moment to remember the timeless messages and messengers of our Sanatan Dharma, and offer our heartfelt prayers to the Supreme, C

bless us with vitality, with a new light of life ”

CB Patel

Lord Bhikhu Parekh

Lord Neil Kinnock

Lord Shiva s celestial war against the demon Tripurasura

Agroup of thoughtful members of the Indian diaspora, including Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Lord Navnit Dholakia, Shantu Ruparel, I K Patel, Pranlal Sheth, Kanti Nagda, Zerbanoo Gifford, Gulam Noon, K B Patel, B K Joshi, Jashwant Joshi, Shreela Flather, Usha Prashar and several others, began meeting regularly These meetings, held almost every fortnight, either at my residence in Ealing or at the Karma Yoga House in Hoxton or at I K Patel’s hotel in Queen’s Gate, became a vibrant forum for discussion on current affairs and issues concerning the Indian community in the UK.

A Tribute to the Hindujas: Visionaries who blended wealth with wisdom, faith and service

the Hinduja Group had already built a substantial portfolio, with assets amounting to around £250 million, which at that time was an extraordinary figure I c l e a r l y r e m e m b e r

Srichandbhai and Gopichandbhai saying, “We are essentially trad ers We began with trad ing between I ndi a and Iran ( P ers ia) and we never wait for opportunities, we seek them ” That spirit of enterprise has defined their journey ever since

At that time, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was strongly a

British Leyland, which was losing nearly £1,000 million a year, had a

Nadu The Hinduja Group bought the plant at a discounted price and renamed it Ashok Leyland, after Ashok, one of the four Hinduja

Hinduja, resides in Switzerland, while their eldest brother Girdhar Hinduja sadly passed away in 1962

I

knowing all four brothers personally and have witnessed, over the years, how the Hindujas steadily went on to acquire and

took shape from this informal yet dynamic circle Among the early efforts were campaigns opposing P

Nationality Bill and Act, as well as discussions on teaching mothert o n g

, m u l t i c u l t u r a

s m a n d other pressing matters of the time It was through these deliberations and the collective spirit of service

t h a t o r g a n i s a t i o n s s u c h a s t h

N

P a t e l M e m o r i a l S o c i e t y , I n d i a Centre, University of Hull and several others were formally conceived

D u r i n g o n e o f o u r r e g u l a r gatherings in 1982 at the residence

o f R a t i b h a i C h a n d a r i a , t h e Hinduja Brothers, Srichand and GP Hinduja, joined us for the first time If I may say so, their presence was truly remarkable, both were highly engaging, radiating enthusiasm and confidence They shared fascinating insights into their family’s journey, from their roots in India, to their time in Iran, and eventually their establishment in the United Kingdom

T h e y s p o k e f o n d l y a b o u t t h e i r f

shaped their family’s vision and enterprise Amidst the conversation and in a very understated yet clear manner, they conveyed that

period, in which I also played

helped us reach the right people, not only within the Conservative Government but across political parties Their influence and will-

range of companies across various sectors

I remember a journal-

who was then working for Fortune magazine in the United States He wished

brothers and Lord Swaraj

P

d m e requesting their contact information, which I was happy to share with him He arrived in London in

Hindujas and Lord Paul, and later, while returning to America, he called me from Heathrow Airport to thank me for my help Rahul mentioned, half amused, that duri n

brothers spoke extensively about themselves and when he met Lord S

P

about the Hindujas!

At that time, there was a sense of healthy rivalry between them, as Swaraj Paul had also built his business from very modest beginnings in London, starting in 1965 I was fortunate to know him closely Sadly, Lord Swaraj Paul passed away just a few months ago

A Gujarati saying that comes to mind: “Paiso paisa ne khechi lave,” or “Money attracts more money ” I must say, the Hinduja brothers personify some of these qualities Their drive, vision and e n t e r p r i s e a

beyond their wealth, what stands out most is their dedication to seva and their enduring commitment to our Sanatan faith

When we were running the H

y extended immense support There was a dedicated team involved in the campaign, including Ramesh

K

Mandelson was then a Minister in the Labour Government, he was known to be a regular guest at the

culties We wrote a critical article a b o u t i t

h a n d b h a i

Hinduja personally called me and said, “CB, you have written a critical piece about us, but as a journal-

There are many wealthy individuals, but the Hindujas stand apart They do not simply accumulate wealth, they channel it t o w a r d s t h e u p l i f t m

n t o f t h e community and the preservation of Sanatan Dharma With recent

ingness to assist proved invaluable

By 16 March 1994, the government’s two-year stay of execution

d expired, meaning the temple was to be closed for worshippers The decision deeply hurt the Hindu community, something they simply could not accept A massive protest march through London was organised, drawing thousands

Earlier, the European Court of Human Rights had also rejected the appeal, closing legal options

Yet, through relentless campaigning and unity, we sought a

ist, you have done your job, we c a n ’ t c o m p l a i n T h e c h a l l e n g e s were beyond our control due to weather and other factors ” That gesture left a deep impression on m e D e s p i t e m y c r i t i c i s m , t h e y never let it affect our relationship, there was no resentment or hostili t y T h e i r m a t u r i t y a n d u n d e rs t a n d i n g s p o k e v o l u m e s a b o u t their character

A similar instance arose later during the family’s court proceedings regarding internal disputes We reported the matter objectivel y , a s o u r d u t y r e q u i r e d , e v e n

t h o u g h i t w a s u n d e r s t a n d a b l y u n c o m f o r t a b l e f o r t h e m Y e t

Land was acquired in areas surrounding Letchmore Heath, some through the help of a hospital trust and with the Hinduja family’s generous financial contribut

made In recognition of their generous support, the road leading to the temple was fittingly named “Dharam Marg,” which happens to

Hinduja’s late son, Dharam The Hindujas believed and often said, t

d Krishna, there is success Their faith and philanthropy remain a shining example of devotion in action

Over the years, there were at least three occasions when I was truly impressed by the Hinduja f

v i d l y w a s i n 2 0 0 0 , w h e n t h e Hindujas organised a grand Diwali celebration at Alexandra Palace Unfortunately, due to unforeseen issues, the event faced some diffi-

a g a i n , t h e y t o o k i t w i t h g r a c e , acknowledging that I was simply fulfilling my professional respons i b i l i t y S u c h to le ra nc e a nd accom mod ation are rare qualities, esp ecially amo ng peo ple of such stature

Over the years, I had the privilege of meeting SP Hinduja, his late wife Madhuben, their daughters Shanu and Vinoo, as well as GP Hinduja, his wife Sunitaben, their sons Sanjay and Dheeraj and their daughter Rita Despite their immense wealth, amounting to billions, they have always been remarkably humble, gracious and deeply committed to the community’s well-being Their generosity i s w i d e l y r e c o g n i s e d , n o t a b l y , t h e i r £ 1 m i l l i o n c o n t r i b u t i o n t o the Millennium Dome’s spiritual project, an exceptional act of philanthropy for its time, made nearly twenty-five years ago We sadly lost Srichand Hinduja in 2023, and now, just recently, G P Hinduja has also passed away

demise of GP Hinduja, personally, I feel I have lost not just a respected figure, but a dear friend, someone with whom I could sit, reflect and share thoughts openly People often criticise the rich, but we must judge them fairly and in the right perspective In that sense, I feel deeply saddened and d i s t r e s s e d b y t h e l o s s o f G P Hinduja When Srichandbhai was unwell, and later during my meetings with G P, we often recited t

ri ty u n j ay a Mantra, a spiritual bond that I will always cherish With the passing of G P Hinduja, it feels as though a vital link between the Hinduja family and our community has been disturbed, if not broken Yet, I must say, Prakash, Ashok and t h e y o u

respectful whenever we have met I was very keen to attend the funeral rites and the prayer meeting, but I must admit that agerelated limitations in energy and e n d u r a n c e , a l o n

u s hearing difficulties, prevented me from doing so During that time, I remained in my study, with the door closed, quietly chanting the M a h a m r i t y u n j

M a n t r a F o r me, along with countless others, there will no one like the Hinduja Brothers, especially Srichand and GP Hinduja Their passing feels like losing my own brothers They were not only exceptional in creating wealth but also in using it for noble causes and upholding t

Dharma

It is easy for people to criticise, but one must remember that over nearly six decades, what they have accomplished, and the legacy they leave behind, is something anyone would be proud of I would also like to fondly

shared with the Hinduja Brothers, a

guished philanthropists and business tycoons from the UK, India and around the world T h e t r u t h

t h G P Hinduja’s departure, our community and indeed India itself has lost a precious and irreplaceable member of the global Indian diaspora

CB Patel

L-R: Sunita Hinduja, GP Hinduja, Cherie Blair CBE, QC, Lord Gulam Noon, Srichand Hinduja, Lady Mohini Noon and Lord Kamlesh Patel at Asian Achievers Awards in 2013

L-R: CB Patel, Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, Joint General Secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and GP Hinduja during a special event organised by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar

The Hinduja brothers: Gopichand Hinduja, Srichand Hinduja (sitting), Prakash Hinduja, Ashok Hinduja (L-R)

Rishi and Divya’s spectacular three-day wedding celebrations at

Grosvenor Hotel

Jyotsna Shah

Ris hi, so n of L ond on bu sinessm an Yog esh and p hilanth ro p ist Ritaben M eh ta, and Di v ya, d au gh ter o f Delh i entrepreneurs Alkaben and Manojbhai, celebrated th eir wedd ing with a spectacular three-day event in Londo n

The festivities kicked off on 30 October with a welcome party at The Peninsula Ballroom, Grosvenor Place, followed by a musical evening on 31 October at The Chancery, Rosewood The grand finale was a royal-themed reception on 1 November, leaving guests thoroughly impressed

The vibrant hall, aglow with colorful lights, came alive with ballet dancers and melodic tunes, drawing applause from the delighted audience Surrounded by elegant décor and stylish guests, the atmosphere was filled with grandeur and celebration The 2025 event attracted leading personalities and prominent businessmen from across the globe, with nearly 1,300 guests attending the grand finale

Among the distinguished guests were India’s Minister Praful Patel, steel tycoon Ushaben and Lakshmi Mittal, Nynaben and Sunil Mittal, Lord Rami Ranger, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Shailesh Vara, Amber Paul, Apu Bagri, and CB Patel, Editor/Publisher of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, among other prominent figures who graced the occasion

During the cake-cutting ceremony, Ritaben warmly welcomed Divya into the Mehta family, expressing her happiness and thanking Divya’s parents for raising such a wonderful daughter

The Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar family congratulate the newlyweds and wish them a life full of love, happiness, and exciting adventures together

The British Asian Trust appoints Kamal Pankhania as Advisory Council Member

The British A sian Trust has app ointed K am al P ankh ania to its

Pitalia, and Tom Singh OBE Kamal Pankhania, Chief

E x

W

Group, has led the company to become a top 25 UK property developer The Group is known for transforming historic Grade I and II listed buildings into hotels, comm

dences, preserving Britain’s architectural heritage while boosting the hospitality sec-

tor Kamal’s strategic vision has also driven the success of Acre Hotels, Westcombe’s hotel arm, forging partnerships with global brands like Hilton, Accor, and IHG

focus

and

countries like Kenya, India, and Nepal In the UK, the F

with charities such as Crisis and the Trussell Trust, as well as environmental initiatives like The Queen’s Green C

causes

locally and globally

Kamal Pankhania, Chief E

Group, said: “I’m honoured

Kamal Pankhania

Rishi and Divya during the cake cutting ceremony

Yogesh and Ritaben Mehta

Founder of UK Media Agency, Here&Now365 Manish Tiwari (first right) receiving the prestigious Pravasi Bhartiya honour from the Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan, during the recent celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the formation of Chhattisgarh State, India

Honouring Asian Voice’s visionary leadership

As a regular and avid reader of AV Newspaper, I highly praise its role in providing timely and topical information for the British Asian community across a wide range of subjects, including news, features, finance, sports, Bollywood, and fashion

AV is not just a source of entertainment; it is also educational, particularly for our younger generation, helping them study, understand, and take pride in our roots, heritage, and culture Moreover, I truly appreciate that it covers not only news from across Great Britain but also the latest global stories

I particularly look forward to regular columns such as Introspection by Rohit Vadhwana, Political Sketchbook by Alpesh Patel, Kapil’s Khichadi (food for thought), and my personal favourite feature, As I See It, by none other than the founder and publishing editor, CB Patel, the servant visionary leader His dedication, discipline, and hard work inspire his team to produce a world-class newspaper

As a management leader and motivational speaker myself, I would love to see future editions include more coverage on motivational topics, personal development, and soft skills, which are increasingly relevant in today’s ever-changing, unpredictable, and volatile business environment

Once again, massive congratulations to CB Patel and his excellent ‘A’ team I will end with one of my favourite quotes: “The speed of the boss is the speed of the team ”

Paresh Rug hani

When the inquiry itself becomes the crisis

The national investigation into group-based child sexual exploitation, launched after years of pressure from survivors, is now mired in turmoil At least two survivors have resigned from the oversight panel, saying the process is being shaped by the same institutions that once failed them Candidates for the chairmanship have also withdrawn amid mounting controversy, leaving the inquiry without clear leadership and the government struggling to defend its credibility What was meant to be a reckoning is beginning to resemble a crisis of trust

The withdrawals are not mere formalities but warnings Survivors have long argued that the process was designed to manage, not expose, the truth In meetings, they say, discussions were steered by police and council officials, while survivor voices were sidelined As one survivor put it, the institutions that turned a blind eye to systemic abuse are now setting the terms of its investigation

The inquiry’s scope has become another source of tension Should it focus narrowly on so-called grooming gangs, or expand to cover all forms of group-based child sexual abuse? Survivors fear that widening the remit will bury accountability in bureaucracy Ministers insist the inquiry’s focus will remain intact, but with every resignation, its legitimacy erodes further

When those who once failed children are seen to be shaping the process of justice, it ceases to be justice at all The inquiry must be rebuilt from the ground up, led by people fully independent of the institutions under scrutiny Survivors must not merely be consulted they must lead Anything less is not a reckoning but a performance

Dr Narsinhbhai P atel

Amol Mazumdar echoes Kabir Khan

Amol Muzumdar, the unsung hero of Indian cricket, echoes Coach Kabir Khan's spirit from Chak De! He never played for India but coached our women to 2025 World Cup glory With calm resolve and fierce faith, he united warriors, shattering barriers His filmable story screams: Believe, build, conquer

Alan Bates receives £4 million compensation, but what about the others?

Camp aigner Sir A lan Bates has finally secured a multi-

sources have co nfirm ed

The settlement comes more than 20 years after he began his tireless fight for justice on behalf of victims

hundreds of sub-postmas-

accounting Reports suggest the payout is around £4 million, though the exact sum has not been publicly disclosed Bates has been widely praised for his dogged determination over two decades

Yet while Bates has secured this landmark settlement, the wider human cost of the Horizon scandal remains stark Between 1999 and 2015, more than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted, hundreds lost their life savings trying to cover accounting shortfalls, marriages broke down, and some victims suffered serious health conditions, addiction, or even took their own lives Inquiry reports suggest at least 13 people may have died as a direct result

Bates’ compensation includes recognition for the 20 years he spent campaigning on behalf of others, an unusual addition that sparked both praise and debate While his story is a triumph of perseverance, it raises uncomfortable questions: how many others will never see justice, and how long will the Post Office continue to evade full accountability? His campaign must be respected, but the fight for all victims is far from over

Human error could have led to dropped grooming gang cases

Early find ing s from Operation Beaco npo rt, a National Crim e Ag ency (NC A) review into failures in tackling gro oming g angs, sugg est human erro r m ay have contributed to criminal cases being w rongly closed

The operation is examining thousands of cases where police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service decided to take no further action against suspects Initial assessments indicate that in some instances, investigative lines were not pursued, victim statements were not properly taken, and suspects were not interviewed as required

Launched earlier this year, Operation Beaconport is reviewing cases between January 2010 and March 2025 So far, 1,273 cases identified by 23 police forces have been referred, including 236 rape allegations prioritised for review The NCA expects thousands of officers to be involved in what is described as “the most comprehensive investigation of its type in UK history ”

The operation will record the ethnicity of suspects and victims, flag dangerous offenders, and improve multi-agency data sharing to better track and disrupt criminal activity Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood

moments in this country’s history” and pledged the government’s support in bringing perpetrators to justice

The review runs alongside a national public inquiry into non-familial sexual abuse, while watchdogs have warned inconsistent definitions, poor coordination, and inaccurate data still risk leaving vulnerable children unprotected

Royal family pays tribute at Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday

The K ing le d t he nat ion in a twom inute s il ence at the Rem em brance Sunda y service at the Cenotaph, joined b y mem bers of the Royal Family and s enior pol iticians

The King, wearing a field marshal uniform, was first to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph, followed by Prince William in RAF uniform The Queen, Princess of Wales, and other royals observed from a Foreign Office balcony Three D-Day veterans, including 101-year-old Sid Machin and Donald Poole, attended the service, with around 10,000 veterans taking part in the Royal British Legion’s march past

Former prime ministers attended services in London, while First Minister John Swinney marked the occasion in

Aweek

is a long time in politics, and this week will be no different Doom and despair are increasingly becoming the norm. And no, I am not talking about Radiohead’s songs like Exit Music, Pyramid Song, Climbing up the Walls, Let Down, and Videotape that depict despair felt by people with the impending doom round the corner

UN Climate Talks known as COP30 will begin but with the absence of the three most important nations, US, China, and India It’s become an annual summit for some to have a five-star jolly at taxpayers’ expenses With some 50000 people involved, ironically, they will contribute significantly to the pollution

Talking of pollution, the next great global phenomenon is A I T h e A I S e c u r i t y S u m m i t

Wednesday, November 12 Ironically AI uses massive amounts of energy resulting in huge amounts of pollution

It’s Anti-Bullying Week and the theme is Power for Good

This will be wheeled out across the nation in all our schools

How Keir Starmer will be hoping that some of his backbenchers will stop bullying him Interestingly World Kindness Day is on Thursday, November 13 The cabal across the world will exhibit fake empathy to garner votes and ensure their grip on power remains, at any cost And in India, Children's Day falls on November 14 It’s observed nationally, but I often wonder why the children in our gaze are often never seen

Remembrance Day on Tuesday, November 11, commemorates the end of World War I Whilst we rightfully remember the fallen, let us be honest and remember the huge contribution of India and Indian soldiers The poppy shows support for the fallen, can we ask all our politician to also wear a marigold which is the official flower of remembrance for Indian soldiers

We now have billionaires who are heading to becoming trillionaires I have no issue with people becoming rich, they are often the job creators that help to finance millions of homes across the globe Some are very benevolent, whilst others use their wealth to undermine democracies, undermine elections, undermine peace, and undermine equity and justice Let’s hope those who wish well for humanity outnumber those who exploit humanity

Talking of billionaires, Musk and SpaceX has multiple Starlink missions scheduled for launch from Florida This man reminds me of the king with the Midas touch I often wonder, is he aided by aliens!

Talking of aliens, there is massive discussions on chat sites across the world discussing Comet 3I/ATLAS There is increasing frenzy that it might actually be an interplanetary space vehicle If so, I wonder who is visiting us on this vimāna?

The world plods along from one disaster to another We will no doubt see further twists and turns in the Ukraine and Gaza plot lines The whims of Trump are now legendary Regardless of the white noise surrounding these two wars, in my view the outcome is already decided

Get ready for smoke and mirrors in the forthcoming budget Labour is already sending signals to dampen the impact of a largely negative budget

Brace yourself for the next major fiscal event, the Autumn Budget on Wednesday, November 26, presented by the one and only Chancellor Rachel Reeves The chancellor has destroyed the British economy in just one year As calls for her to resign echo for her failures, she will have to face the significant fiscal shortfall and manage the cost-of-living crisis

Reeves faces a substantial "fiscal black hole" estimated to be around £50 billion Just a reminder, when Labour came to power, they blamed the Tories for a blackhole of £20 billion Which means the chancellor has managed to add an extra £30 billion in just one year Last budget she triumphantly declared that her policies would fix the economy She promised not to increase income tax, National Insurance, or VAT for working people Which means the only way to raise more money will have to be via stealth taxes (e g freezing tax thresholds), wealth taxes, and closing "loopholes" I should not be too surprised if she just raises income tax for some by as much as 2p i e Better to take the heat now and hope voters forget the treachery by the next election

we reflect on Remembrance Sunday, it’s important to remember that India, then part of the British Empire, played a pivotal role during the Second World War In September 1939, British India

Germany, and over two and

British command, contributing to the Allied war effort India also served as a crucial base for American operations in the China-Burma-India Theater, supporting China in its fight against Japan This shared history reminds us of the immense contribution of Indian soldiers and the debt the western world owes to their sacrifices The memory of their bravery and sacrifice must never be forgotten

The one area that looks easier to hit might be wealth and property taxes But how many times can you hit the same people repeatedly to raise more money? If there is no disposable income left, can you really grow the economy?

The UK faces high inflation relative to other G7 nations Somehow, she will have to deal with cost-of-living challenges, maybe by cutting VAT on certain products and services, like energy bills Don’t be too surprised if she also introduces new taxes on electric vehicles

Labour MPs have championed rights of illegal immigrants, and Brits are asking why they are being treated like second class citizens There are now identifiable communities who consider living on benefits to be a lifestyle choice Welfare is obviously out of control, and the chancellor will have to tackle it head on

People are asking why we are paying PIP payments to people who are essentially fit for work

Labour wants to rid itself of Starmer and Reeves but are also mindful they need someone to blame when they lose badly at

Kapil Dudakia

King Charles III

Sir Alan Bates

The Lohana Community United Kingdom hosts dinner to launch Lohana International Business Forum 2026

T h e L o h a na C o m m u ni t y

U ni te d K i ng d o m ( L C U K )

h osted a dinner and roads h o w a t B lu e Z en zer ,

H ar ro w , to p r o m o te t h e

u p c o m i ng L o h an a

I n ter nat io n al Bu s i ne ss F orum (LIBF) Expo 2026 –“ Mumbai Calling,” set fo r 3 0 January– 1 February 2026 at the Jio Convention Centre, M umbai

noting that UK members are part of a global network of b

excellence

S

outlined the vision for LIBF 2026, including the event’s structure, key sectors, and

via the LIBF digital app Past events in Uganda, Gujarat, and Dubai drew large audiences and prominent dignitaries

T h e e v e n i n g o p e n e d with a welcome from LCUK

S e c r e t a r y G e n e r a l S u n i l

M a j i t h i a , f o l l o w e d b y P r e s i d e n t B h a r a t S o d h

international business landscape, highlighting opportunities from the new UK–India trade deal and recent tariff changes He noted that the LIBF Expo 2026 will be a k

als, and investors to connect and grow their businesses

The evening’s highlight was a keynote by Vijay Karia, Chairman and MD of Ravin

Karia explained that the Expo provides an interna-

ported by sponsors like Euro

opportunities for UK businesses to showcase

with registration and open

to all communities

The Expo will also foster

, sports, employment, matrimonial services, and educat

S u b h a s h T h a k r a r O B E a d d e d i n s i g h t s o n m a t c h -

making facilities, the LIBF a p p , a n d t h e w o r l d - c l a s s venue, enhancing the discussion further

T h e e v e n t c o n t i n u e d with a lively Q&A session f e a t u r i n g V i j a y K a r i a a n d

Subhash Thakrar, drawing s t r o n g a u d i e n c e e n g a g ement Attendees found the discussion informative and inspiring, with many keen to participate in the Mumbai Expo

I n t e r n a t i o n a l m o t i v at i o n a l s p e a k e r P a r e s h

Rughani also addressed the a u d i e n c e , d e l i v e r i n g a n e

i n i n g a n

n s p i r i n g talk that left attendees both motivated and amused

The evening was graced by CB Patel, Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and G u j a r a t S a m a c h a r , w h o extended his best wishes for the success of the LIBF initiative Other distinguished a t t e n d e e s i n c l u d

of

and the global Lohana community spirit For more information or to join the UK delegation to LIBF 2026, members can contact LCUK Secretary General, Sunil Majithia at Secretary@LCUK org uk or reach out directly to President Bharat Sodha

L-R: Pooja Raval, Narendra Thakrar & Subhash Thakrar

L-R : Bharat Sodha, President of LCUK; Vijay Karia, Chairman and MD of Rabin Group and Chair of Lohana Mahaparishad Business Committee; Sunil Majithia, General secretary of LCUK

Guests at the event

Gujarat Hindu Society raises £260,000 for Saputara girls’ hostel project

y ( G HS ) , P res to n , raised funds for the Sanskruti Foundation U K Th e ev ent broug ht together d onors co ntributing £ 1,00 0 and abov e, local d ignitaries, and v olunteers from the recent seven-day K atha

In partnership with Pujya Bhaishri, the Society launched a fundraising appeal for the Girls’ Youth Hostel Project in Saputara, aimed at supporting underprivileged girls in this remote area Pujya Bhaishri, a long-time advocate for education, has previously established schools in Gujarat, with a focus on expanding access in underserved regions like Saputara

Invitations were extended to l o c a l d i g n i t a r i e s , i n c l u d i n g Chairman Bhupendra Kansagara, Ms Bhumi Patel, and the Gujarat S a m a c h a r t e a m , w h o h a v e l o n g supported the Society’s charitable initiatives The event featured a live v i d e o l i n k w i t h P u j y a B h a i s h r i , allowing him to witness the cheque presentation and offer his blessings

T h a n k s t o t h e c o m m u n i t y ' s g e n e r o s i t y , t h e S o c i e t y r a i s e d £260,000 for the girls' hostel project in just ten days, was reported in Gujarat Samachar and celebrated widely within the community The ceremony featured a prayer dance, welcome dance, and a fusion performance by the Abhinandana Dance Academy, followed by a traditional garland welcome for guests

Society, then spoke, followed by the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to CB Patel for his 50 years of support Mr Surendra Patel and Mrs Kokila Patel were also honoured for their dedication to the Society

A s pa rt o f th e ‘ A sk Y ou r P h arm ac is t W eek ’ , w h i c h encourages p eop le to make bet ter u s e o f th ei r lo c al ph arm aci st – not j us t for prescriptions, but for ad vice, su p p o r t, a nd ev e ry d ay h eal th c o nc er ns , F a ru qu e Gani, a com munity p harmacist in London and tells us more abou t how he helps local patients stay in control of their health

‘I’ve been working as a community pharmacist for over 30 years In that time, the services that pharmacists can offer have expanded When you go to a pharmacy, often it’s probably just to pick up a prescription, b u t w e c a n a c t u a l l y h e l p with a lot more than that We can provide advice and r e c o m m e n d o v e r t h e

d i c i n e

m

, o f f e r some health checks and we can even give some prescript

you needing to see a doctor at all

All community pharmacists have full training in managing minor conditions, with five years of education and training in the use of

medicines before we qualify

So, we ’ re perfectly placed to be able to help you with a

There are also certain conditions we can treat without you needing a GP appointment or a prescription first

If it’s appropriate, we can give some prescription medications, such as antibiotics or antivirals, for things like earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat and UTIs

We can also provide without a prescription oral contraception and the emergency contraceptive pill

You don't need to book in to come and see us, and we even have a private con-

sultation room so you can talk to us confidentially I t h i n k c o m i n g t o u s a l s o helps patients to feel in better control of their healthif you have a sore throat t h a t ’ s b o t h e r i n g y o u

example, you can walk down to your pharmacy at a time that suits you At our pharmacy we now have regular patients who welcome being able to come in and do this because it’s simple, conve-

time I do sometimes see cases of people who haven’t wanted to bother their doctor with a minor health issue, but because they waited it e n

u p g e t t i n

u c h worse My advice is, don’t just ‘wait and see ’ if it gets better Take control of your health, go and see your local

assess you If it turns out to be something more serious, or something that needs a different type of health professional to resolve it, we’ll

t appropriate local NHS service instead For m ore informatio n, v isit nhs uk/thinkp harmacyfirst

New network to boost Hindu representation and wellbeing in NHS

A new national Hindu NHS N e t w or k ( H N N) h a s b e e n estab lishe d to creat e a more i n cl u si

within

he N ational He alth Serv ice

Launched by a group of healthcare professionals and community representatives, the initiative seeks to ensure that Hindu values, spiritual practices, and cultural traditions are better recognised a n d r e s p

advocate for

hospitals, celebrate H

such as Diwali and Holi, and support s

gious leave R e p r

wish me a happy Ramadan, which shows progress, but few know about Diwali or Holi, despite the huge contribution of Hindu doctors and nurses to the NHS One of our aims is to make the NHS more aware of Hindu values and practices, espec i a l l y a r o u n d v e g e t a r i a n diets, as many Hindus do not eat meat or halal food We’ve also introduced a chaplaincy course and trained around 6

Among the distinguished guests at the event were Cllr Peter Mullineaux, Mayor of S o u t h R i b b l e ; M r A d r i a n P h i l l i p s , C h i e f Executive of Preston City Council; Mr Chris Lomas, Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire; Mr Mark Thompson, representing the John Turner Group; and CB Patel, Editor and P u b l i s h e r o f A s i a n V o i c e a n d G u j a r a t Samachar

Ishwerbhai Tailor, Vice President of the Society, outlined the project before inviting the Mayor, Chief Executive, and Deputy L i e u t e n a n t t o s p e a k E a c h p r a i s e d t h e Society for its community service and cultural preservation

Dashrathbhai Nayee, President of the

Pujya Bhaishri joined the ceremony via v i d e o l i n k , p r a i s i n g t h e G u j a r a t H i n d u Society for its leadership in the Saputara girls' hostel project

CB Patel also commended the Society and Pujya Bhaishri for their vision and support Pujya Bhaishri thanked Dashrathbhai, Ishwerbhai, and Ashitbhai for their teamwork and expressed gratitude to the volun-

for their dedication during the ten-day Katha

The event concluded with blessings, a k i r t a n , a n d a s p e c i a l t h a n k

TV for facilitating

e n t i n g H i n d u d o c t o r s , n u r s e s , m a n a g e r s , a n d o t h e r h e a l t hc a r e w o r k e r s , t h e n e t w o r k a i m s t o tackle underrepresentation in leadership and barriers to practising faith at work HNN plans t o i n t r o d u c e m e n t o r s h i p p r o g r a m m e s , p r o m o t e f a i r recruitment, and share educ a t i o n a l r e s o u r c e s t o h e l p N H S c o l l e a g u e s b e t t e r u n d e r s t a n d H i n d u v a l u e s and traditions

The launch took place at t h e H o u s e o f C o m m o n s , with Health Secretary Wes Streeting commending the

initiative for strengthening d i v e r s i t y a n d w e l l b e i n g across the NHS

In d i a n -b o r n G P a n d fo un d i n g me m b e r o f t h e H i n du N H S N e t wo r k (HNN), D r Shiv Pande, said, “I’ve been in this country for 55 years and have seen growing awareness of Asian cult u r e , y e t H i n d u t r a d

Many of my British patients

year It’s encouraging to see NHS trusts beginning to celebrate festivals like D

being set up in hospitals This helps foster wellbeing, unity, and compassion within the health service ” On supporting career

teers

Hemantbhai and Aastha

the video link Secretary Ashitbhai Jariwala closed by thanking the cooking team, volunteers, and supporters

Gujarat Hindu Society Preston President Dashrathbhai Nayee, Secretary Ashitbhai Jariwala, and committee members presenting a cheque for £260,000 to Bhupendrabhai Kansagra, Chairman of Sanskruti Foundation UK, and Trustee Bhumi Patel for the Saputara Girls Hostel Project

The President and board of trustees of Gujarat Hindu Society Preston honoured CB Patel Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar-Asian Voice, Kokila Patel, Consulting Editor, and Surendrabhai Patel, Patron of GHS, with special awards in recognition of their contributions

Pujya Bhaishri, delivering Bhagavad Katha in Kolkata, shared his joy via a live video message

Children greet the guests with a vibrant Kuchipudi dance performance

T H E S H I F T I N P A R E N T I N G

In earlier times, S outh A sian

p arenting was characterised

b y d eep in v o lv em e nt a nd

c o ns ta nt p res en ce i n a

ch ild ’ s life Parents not only

g ui d ed th ei r c h il d ren bu t

o ften made important deci-

s i o ns f o r th e m , e ns u ri ng they did no t fall behind and h ad equal op portunities to

s u c ce ed W h il e su c h an approach could som etimes

limit a ch ild ’ s independ ence, it also fostered strong family bonds and em otional security

However, modern parenting has shifted significantly With busier lifestyles and increased professional

c o m m i t m e n t s , m

ents now rely on digital dis-

t r a c t i o n s , o f t e n h a n d i n g over a phone or tablet when their child becomes restless

A s a r e s u l t , c h i l d r e n spend more time online and t u r n t o s o c i a l m e d i a f

While platforms like TikTok and Instagram can positively influence emotional aware-

n e s s a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n , they also carry risks

c

c a n c r e a t e e m o t i o n a l d i stance within families, and children may become more v u l n e r a b l e t o i

cyberbullying, online pres-

have replaced longer, heartfelt conversations, reducing

and children to truly connect

Speaking to Asian Voice about the extent to which parents are responsible for the lack of meaningful communication with their children, Clinical Ps ych olog ist

D

D

happens so easily, you catch

your phone, or checking a message while your child is talking to you Modern life has made technology everpresent, in our homes, and even during conversations, the very moments that were

once reserved for genuine

c

way to rebuild communication is to be fully present: put your phone or device

d

d approaches you We miss so much when we ’ re not truly looking at them; most com-

after all Introducing ‘tech-

walk, playing a board game, or cooking together ” About the importance of South Asian parents creat-

start having honest, face-to-

social media use

only helps them understand

approachable and available for open discussions beyond the digital space The goal should be to educate, not lecture or over-restrict, so that children feel confident navigating the online world and comfortable coming to

wrong

Defence Hindu Network celebrates Diwali at Neasden Temple

Th e Defence H indu

Ne tw o rk ( D H N) marked Diwali with a special celebration at Ne as d en T em p l e, uniting Armed Forces personnel, their families, and the broader co m m uni ty to h

Mandir, where they enjoyed a guided tour of its sacred

rich spiritual and cultural heritage

gramme in the assembly hall began with Vedic prayers for global peace and harmony

The celebration continued with a vibrant cultural presentation, including a tradit

n a l singing by swamis and volu

h e f a i t h a n d g r a t i t u d e t h a t

Diwali represents The Chief Guest for the c e l e b r a t i o n w a s M a j o r

G e n e r a l O l i v e r C h a r l e s

C h r i s t o p h e r B r o w n C B E ,

G e n e r a l O f f i c e r

C o m m a n d i n g t h e 3 r d

(United Kingdom) Division

o f t h e B r i t i s h A r m y H e

j o i n e d W a r r a n t O f f i c e r

C l a s s O n e ( n o w C a p t a i n )

Christopher Stephen Nicol a n d F l i g h t L i e u t e n a n t

Nigam Joshi, Chair of the Defence Hindu Network, in extending festive greetings to attendees

Reflecting on the event, M a j o r G e n e r a l B r o w n shared, “Diwali is a festival o f d e e p s i g n i f i c a n c e f o r m a n y i n D e f e n c e a n d beyond It’s a privilege to c e l e b r a

Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and unity over division –v a l u e

closely with the

how we lead, support each other, and represent our nation ” “Special thanks to the BAPS Mandir in

today’s event possible,” said Major General Brown Rena Amin, senior vol-

& Europe, added, “Diwali is

time for gratitude, and it was an honour to celebrate the brave men and women who serve our nation On behalf of Neasden Temple,

Hindu Network for choosing to celebrate this special festival with us, it embodies

gramme, guests enjoyed

necting and sharing experi-

Forces and Hindu community The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and Diwali’s spirit of renewal

Dr Jasbir Dhillon

Pujya Yogvivekdas Swami with Major General Oliver Charles Christopher Brown CBE

Dignitaries and volunteers lighting the lamp at the event

Your personal and career developments

CB Patel

Your success is built into each step

you take The better you are prepared, the greater the success To be successful, you must grow as the job grows for you A classic example of this is our Indian Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi He has become a top world leader because not only does he grow with the job, but he is ahead of his job’s growth

To assist our young and not-soyoung readers in their quest for a successful job, we want to provide a helpful series of articles These would be written for the readers to increase their opportunities for obtaining jobs

a n d h e l p t h e i r s u b s e q u e n t c a r e e r development

For this endeavour, I have invited Mr Jay Gohel, a senior banker, to share his experiences and successes with you

H e s a y s t h a t t o c l i m b t h e Managerial ladder, he followed one principle "Success is built into each step you take" He further says, if you keenly observe, you will find that PM Narendra Modi's successes are built on each step he takes Each step is so well prepared that there is no better step available! Other world leaders have noticed this and they respect him for it

S i n c e s c h o o l d a y s , J a y G o h e l ' s successes – big and small - were built in each step he took from the age of n i n e t o t h e t i m e h e r e a c h e d retirement age Though he has not r e t i r e d , h e i s a l w a y s w o r k i n g o n something or the other

His successes started at the age of nine, when he was made a prefect of the Junior wing of his private boarding

s c h o o l , R a j k u m a r C o l l e g e , R a j k o t (Gujarat, India) Subsequently, at the age eleven he became the Head Boy for this wing of 110 boys

He says he received the Head Boy’s assignment because he ensured he was an effective prefect In 1960, his parents moved to London He joined O r a n g e H i l l G r a m m a r S c h o o l , Edgware,Greater London For his last

t h r e e y e a r s a t s c h o o l , h e w a s appointed a prefect and proved to be effective, even though the students were not fully accustomed to taking instructions from a foreign prefect

Jay’s past experiences of managing school children at Rajkumar College

p r o v i d e d h i m w i t h b u i l t - i n confidence The previous successful step helped him with the subsequent one Similarly, successfully managing a department at a Bank made him

c a p a b l e o f m a n a g i n g a b r a n c h o f another

H e s t u d i e d H i g h e r N a t i o n a l

Diploma in Business Studies at what is now known as South Bank University

a n d h e l a t e r s t u d i e d C h a r t e r e d Institute of Bankers Course at what is n o w k n o w n a s C i t y U n i v e r s i t y a t Angel and at Moorgate, London EC2

His career in banking began in

1 9 6 7 i n t h e O r g a n i s a t i o n s a n d Methods Department of Lloyds Bank International He was the first Indian to join the bank and perhaps the first Indian in the Lloyds Bank group UK

S u b s e q u e n t l y , w i t h i n t w o y e a r s o f moving to the Central Bank of India, London EC2, he was appointed as the Head of department The successful learning he derived at Lloyds helped him in his career with the Central

B a n k o f I n d i a A l l w o r t h w h i l e experiences are vital steps in personal

d e v e l o p m e n t , s o m e t i m e s e v e n a failure at something teaches you what to do better We must not give up

because of a failure; we should double our efforts to catch up

Each correct step has a cumulative effect on the next Soon, Jay was ready to be a Branch Manager The BCCI

Morocco, he decided to stay in the UK

H

Society as a Lending Control Manager for the North West London area with fourteen branches He achieved his targets and had twenty-four years of successful and enjoyable career with them

success is built into each correct step you take But the correct steps need to be combined with self-motivation and willingness to be adaptable to the local e

acceptability by the people around you Such efforts will open doors for you to unlimited opportunities

It is up to you how big you want to make your successes to fit in with your goals and circumstances The playing field is infinite Achievements vary from making money to achieving successes in careers, sports, politics, and social life

Jay further adds that to seal the successes from above efforts you must take each correct step with honesty to yourself and others If you do this and believe in yourself, nothing can stop you from success!

I

acceptability, you can learn them by repeated practice until it becomes a successful habit For instance, at the age of thirteen, Jay won the Target shooting championship at the Indian private boarding schools' NCC camp at Khadakwasla, near Poona What helped him most to achieve this was repeated practice Not only did he practice regularly at the school’s rifle range, but he also practised at home during school holidays He did not have the target cards at home, so he u s e d e m p t y c i g a

boxes! But he practiced In his forthcoming articles, Jay will share the steps to achieving success that he has learned and believes in,

explaining how all this, and much more, can be accomplished He feels that to help others and to give back to society what one has

articles useful and enjoyable

Sir Jayvantsinh Gohel CBE, was the first Indian to receive knighthood in the United Kingdom He is perhaps

honours First CBE, then two years later, the Knighthood One generally receives one honour in a lifetime

Many of us already know about S

generation I feel it is important that the younger generation should be made aware of such achievements because in the 1960s and 70s even though migrants were less accepted into British society, some of us, like the late Sir Jay forged ahead Mr Jayvantsinh Gohel is the full name of Sir Jay In the 1930s, he studied Law at the famous Inn of C

overlooking the river Thames He qualified as a Barrister at Law and,

State of Morvi during the British Empire

appointed as Collector for Jamnagar

Collector of Sabar Kantha District,

Nations appointed India as Chairman of the Peacekeeping Mission during the War in Indo-China during the early 1950s Russia and Canada were the other members of the Mission Later, in the 1960, he again arrived in the UK and was appointed to the Board of Directors of the well-known Meghraj Group, which included the Meghraj Bank

His wife Lady Gohel, during all t h e

attended with Sir Jay, became very popular in the Asian community and w

popular with the English even though

unbelievable, is it not?

That is called charm This leads to a presumption that body language goes a long way! What she could not express by words, she explained it by charming behaviour Whatever she did, she managed it well because she achieved a key to success The success o

y T

acceptability she created went a long way This was endorsed by the fact that the Prime Minister at the time, M

Christmas cards to Lady Gohel even after the demise of Sir Jay

Young poet Hiral shines at Harrow Council’s Remembrance Day event

Hiral, daughter of Hitesh and Beena Pabari, proudly earned recognition as one of the winners of the Remembrance

P

October, Avanti House Secondary School encouraged its students to participate in the Council’s initiative, which invited young people to express their reflections and gratitude for Remembrance Day through poetry

Hiral eagerly embraced the opportunity, crafting a heartfelt poem and submitting it before the deadline To her delight, she was later called out of class by her teachers, who informed her that her poem had been selected as one of the winning entries

The award ceremony took place at the Harrow Council Registry Office, where the Mayor, Cllr Anjana Patel, delivered a speech Following her address, Hiral and the other winners presented their poems, each offering a poignant reflection on remembrance, sacrifice, and peace

After the presentations, certificates were awarded to the young poets in recognition of their creative contributions It was a proud and memorable moment for Hiral and her family, marking a significant achievement in her journey

Poppies bloom beneath skies of grey, We pause to remember come what may Brave hearts who fought, so strong and true, We honour them in all we do

Their courage lives in stories told, Of battles fought, both brave and bold

In silence, we stand, our heads held high, Grateful for those who never said goodbye

The fields are quiet, the air still,

As we reflect with hearts that fill.

The poppies bloom, a gentle red, For the lives of heroes, long since dead.

We bow our heads, in peace and pride, For those who fought and never lied

Their legacy lives in every land, A mark of strength that will always stand

With every step, we remember the cost, For the freedom we have, not forgotten, not lost

Their courage, their strength, will forever remain, And in our hearts, they'll always reign

Jay Gohel

Lady Gohel

Sir Jay Gohel

Hitesh M Pabari, Kumud M Pabari, Cllr Anjana Patel, Hiral Hitesh Pabari, Beena Hitesh Pabari and Paarth Hitesh Pabari

Hiral with Cllr Anjana Patel

The L and Sings Back em erges as a stu nning , intricate exhibit th at ‘ reimagines our relationsh ip to our breathing planet throug h the work of thirteen artists with ancestries acro ss So uth A sia, A frica and the Caribbean It encourages co nnection with ind ig eno us w isd om , w hic h i s recip roc al rather th an extractiv e in terms of land ’ The illuminative collectiv e sh ow is curated by Natasha Ginwala, the artistic directo r of Colomboscope: a Sri-Lanka based contemporary arts platform which aims to ‘ co nstantly listen with a netwo rk of o rg anisations of different scales across South-Asia, many artistic co llectives and p artnership with th e U AE The organisation is a respo nsive project, open to th e d ev elopm ents of Sri-L anka ov er th e last decade as it und ergoes various political and econom ic challeng es Th ey th i nk abo u t th e s l o w nationalism th at has led to nu m e ro u s y ear s o f war, and h ow to invo ke new forms of relationality th at ar e g o in g t o streng th en th e i sland ’ s eng ag e m en t w i th th e reg io n a nd th e w o rld tod ay Co lom bo scop e is no t a ty p i ca l b ri c k & mortar sp ace, and so a sp e ci f i c p ro g ra m d o es not need to be followed: th ey are i n ter es ted i n m an if es ti n g f es ti v al s that are plu ral and reg ionally resonant ’ This etho s is ev ident in The Land Sings Back as an artistic collaboratio n with the Dr aw i ng Ro o m , i n Ber m o nd se y, S o u th London, w hich features d ifferent indig enou s and diasporic artists wh o uniquely eng age th e interc onnecti vi ty of cu ltu ral mytho log y, neocolonial existence and the wider healing force o f the natural w orld: ‘ recep tion for the show has been extraordinary, ’ Natasha shared with u s: ‘it is d eeply committed to culture th at is rooted within liv ed context– it is about the shared experiences of the global majority wh ere solidarity spills ov er Many people hav e been writing to say that th ey feel there are rare ways in wh ich their h istories are being seen '

***

rect the gaze away from plant hunters, i

travelogues ’ Rupaneethan Pakkiyarajah’s

c

organisms as well as the marine cycle that sustains them, include playing-card format

drawings, ‘reflecting on how humans have evolved within the same waters, astral dust and minerals as the ecosystems they inhabit and often disrupt ’ As you walk in, Anupum Roy’s large-scale activist art hangs con-

environmental movements in rural Bengal opposing the proposed Deocha-Pachami coal mine, ongoing land grabs and dam projects impacting fragile ecologies in northeastern India ’

Swathi Anil

“Congratulations, you are hired”, sponsored by AI

T h e j o b in te rv i ew , t h at ne rv e - w rac ki n g , s u i t- andtie ri tual o f h um an j ud gment is being quietly d ismantled and rebuilt by an u ne xp e ct ed s u p erp ow er, A rti fic ial Int ellig en ce ( A I) Just a few short years ago, A I w a s a s c i- f i co n ce p t Bu t to d ay, i t’ s co n d u c ti ng s o p h i st ic a ted j o b sc re enings, scoring candidates, and deciding who g ets the final hand shake Its emerg ence as a s u p e rp o w er w as s w if t, ev o lv i n g f ro m s im p le A pplicant Tracking System s (A TS) that scanned resumes for keywords, to sophisticated platform s using m achine le arn i ng a nd n atu r al langu ag e processing (NL P) to analyse ev erything from a cand id ate's speech patterns to their non-verbal cues

A key pioneer in bringing AI to the interview stage was Unilever The multinational consumer goods giant partnered with psychometric tools in the late 2010s to transform its high-volume e n t r y - l e v e l r e c r u i t m e n t

Instead of human recruiters sifting through millions of CVs and conducting initial chats, AI systems took over C a n d i d a t e s r e c o r d e d o n eway video interviews, where the AI analysed their facial expressions, body language, a n d w o r d c h o i c e a g a i n s t traits known to predict job s u c c e s s T h i s s y s t e m allowed Unilever to process millions of applications, saving time and money while, critically, claiming to boost candidate diversity

r i t h m s , w h e n p r o p e r l y

trained, can reduce gender bias in recruitment by up to 7 0 % a n d i n c r e a s e o v e r a l l candidate diversity by up to 30% The probability of a d e s e r v i n g c a n d i d a t e b e i n g

o v e r l o o k e d d u e t o t h e fatigue or unconscious prefe r e n c e s o f a n i n t e r v i e w e r plummets when the process is standardised For every candidate, the AI applies the exact same evaluation criter i a , e n s u r i n g c o n s i s t e n c y that no human team could ever perfectly replicate This is a revolution built on the p r o m i s e o f f a i r n e s s a n d speed at scale

The soul vs the algorithm

To gauge public sentiment on this seismic shift, we conducted a small, voluntary convenience survey

The gallery becomes a meditative transformative space that invites one to explore sensitive relationships with the ancestral land while reconsidering our own abstracted connection to t h e f u n d a m e n t a l e a r t h Indeed, the walls reflect soil, expanding and stretching out into a liminal, almost spiritual, p l a n e T h e p a r t i c i p a t i n g a r t i s t s i n c l u d e L a d o B a i , S h i r a z B

"The show is deeply committed to culture that is rooted within lived context– it is about the shared experiences of the global majority where solidarity spills over"

Joseph, Manjot Kaur, Otobong Nkanga, Rupaneethan Pakkiyarajah, Joydeb Roaja, Anupam Roy, Anushka Rustomji, P a m e l a P h a t s i m o S u n s t r u m , A r u l r a j Ulaganathan and Charmaine Watkiss To delve into but a few of their jointly radiant works: Manjot Kaur’s, Custodians of the Grasslands, 2025, seems to evoke the giant curving form of a peafowl peacock feather as she ‘conjures femme hybrid identities in w h i c h b i r d

a n i m a l a n d f l o r a b e c o m e m y t h o p o e t i c t a b l e a u x T h e a r t i s t c o nsciously bases these on endangered species – for example the blackbuck, native to India’s grasslands –‘signalling the human follies and technocratic governance that perpetuate planetary exhaustion’ to partly quote Natasha’s critical essay In another piece, Otobong Nkanga’s Subsidence, 2025, tactile, organic blue pods appear to be highlighted as a potent source of restorative energy Shiraz Bayjoo’s precious collection o f b e a u t i f u l n a t u r a l a r t e f a c t s s u c h a s coconuts, volcanic rock and seashells, and drawings, Botanical Shrines, 2024, , ‘redi-

However, the beauty of The Land Sings Back is also held in its paradoxically large scope: the amplification of the celebration of nuance of the immense natural world and its reformative relationship with the individual subject Social legacy, ecofeminism and documentative yet intimate stories converge into one lifting overarching truth:

endurance of the sanctity of

work: ‘does connect to ques-

point of view of spatial and

artists over the years from various contexts that are focussed on principles of guardianship and sovereignty that exist in prenational and pre-colonial frameworks –artists engaged in conveying their own kinships and larger civilisational histories It is about the connections that are not just between people and earth but also relating to other species which presents a different approach and aesthetic ' There is certainly an all-encompassing ambient empathy that contributes to the highly ‘sensorial’ quality of the show and makes concrete the idea that it is possible to positively reclaim our relationship to the planet, not only pushing back against the complex corrosive division of current geopolitics, but perhaps also r e c o v e r i n g h u m a n i t y a n d e l e v a

direction of an ailing world Natasha is also the co-curator of Sharjah Biennial 16 The L

h December W: https://drawingroom org uk/the-landsings-back/

The metrics of a revolution

The case for AI is built on cold, hard data Time, the most precious resource in a hiring cycle, is reclaimed in m a s s i v e q u a n t i t i e s D a t a s u g g e s t s t h a t A I - p o w e r e d tools can cut the average time-to-hire by up to 70% f o r h i g h - v o l u m e r o l e s , allowing recruiters to shortlist top candidates in under 2 4 h o u r s a p r o c e s s t h a t previously took weeks

More importantly, it is h a i l e d a s a f o r m i d a b l e weapon against human bias

Studies show that AI algo-

a c r o s s I n s t a g r a m , a s n a pshot of the digital generat i o n ' s v i e w T h e r e s u l t s showed a profound split, a decisive 72% of respondents b a c k e d h u m a n - l e d i n t e rviews, yet a significant 28% supported the efficiency and perceived fairness of AI The comments revealed a fascin a t i n g t e n s i o n b e t w e e n logic and emotion

One respondent argued p u r e l y f o r e f f i c i e n c y a n d fairness "Pros are that people get unbiased opportunit y w h e n i n t e r v i e w i n g through this If 1000 people apply for a job the employer m i g h t o n l y i n t e r v i e w t h e first 30-40 Maybe the 999th c a n d i d a t e m i g h t b e t h e deserving one but he wouldn’t be even considered so through AI interviews all get the opportunity to attend i n t e r v

democratising force of the algorithm

However, another reply f o c u

n t h e h u m a n deficit "Even the emotional responses feel like carefully crafted blue prints It almost f

o n When we talk about human interactions the major sticki

, w h i c h

p s entirely missing in terms of AI We cannot judge it now a s t h i s i s o n

n i t i a l phase of AI and also human led interviews also comes with their own set of pros and cons There should be a proper proportion of AI and human, or else there will be v a s t c o n s e q u e n c e s " T h i s powerful observation captures the eerie, mechanical nature of AI, pleading for a b a l a n c e w h e r e h u m a n empathy remains the final check

Finally, a poignant note reminded us of the irreplicab l e h u m a n e l e m e n t : "Humans can add humours and memories to it AI just can’t!"

The future of hiring is undoubtedly hybrid AI has emerged as the unstoppable, u n b i a s e d s i e v e f o r m a s s r e c r u i t m e n t , y e t t h e f i n a l decision, the assessment of cultural fit, and the simple joy of a shared laugh still firmly belongs in the hands of the people The best comp a n i e s w i l l b e t h o s e t h a t learn to embrace both the power of the algorithm and the indispensable warmth of the human touch

Time to give children the financial education they need

“Wh y don’t th ey teach u s about money in sch ools?” is a qu estion adults o ften ask w h en s ee ki n g f i na n ci a l advice In England, th at is about to change: from th e age of five, financial edu cation will beco me compulsory

P a r e n t s a n d c h i l d r e n alike demanded this in the latest curriculum overhaul, highlighting a rare generational consensus The ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the rise of digital finance make skills like budgeting, avoiding debt, and navigating online scams increasingly essential Almost half

of 8- to 17-year-olds report

b e i n g s c a m m e d o n l i n e , while social media “finflue n c e r s ” a n d A I t o o l s l i k e ChatGPT blur the lines of reliable advice

Financial literacy benefits not only young people

b u t t h e e c o n o m y a s a whole

Half of UK adults

h a v e n u m e r a c y s k i l

n o higher than primary school level, and many small business owners struggle with cash flow and tax managem e n t T e a c h i n g c h i l d r e n about compound interest, inflation, and money management will create more c o n f i d e n t c o n s u m e r s , w o r k e r s , a n d entrepreneurs

Implementation is key Teachers need support and training, while charities and initiatives like Rishi Sunak’s newly launched math charit y p r o v i d e p r o v e n resources Real-life examples, from budgeting exercises to relatable scenarios, s h o w s t u d e n t s q u i c k l y engage and apply lessons For lasting impact, the UK should adopt internat i o n a l b e n c h m a r k i n g a n d ensure financial education reaches every child, preparing them for the challenges of the modern economy

Sunetra Senior

Natasha Ginwala

Natasha Ginwala: The Land Sings Back

Strikes a chord am

How Mamdani’s win is rewriting the global political playbook

When Zohran Mam dani’ s stunnin g vic tory electrifi ed New York Ci ty, it sen t ripples far be yon d A me ri ca ’ s s hore s a ll th e wa y to Lon don ’ s mayor Sadiq Khan

unwilling to contribute or integrate And here they are taking up leadership roles of very mixed societies, and obviously are trying to make some kind of contribution

No stranger to political storms, Khan said Mamdani’s win had given him hope “New Yorkers faced a clear choice between hope and fear, and just like we ’ ve seen in London, hope won, ” he declared For Khan, that victory carried personal resonance For years, both London and its mayor have been invoked by right-wing commentators in the United States as a cautionary tale Figures such as former Trump adviser Steve B a n n

London under Khan as a “disa

So how important is this win for the UK?

“Quite important” according to Prof Samad because developments in the United States inevitably ripple across Europe He sees the win as a potential “reversal” of a broader narrative that has dominated politics on both sides of the

M A M D A N I T O P P L E S N E

Zohran Mamdani’s victory reshaped history but his next challenge is far to Who would have ever im agined that th e m ayor-elect of t he wo rld ’ s w ealth ies t ci ty w as once a rapper? A t j u s t 3 4 , Z o h r a n

Mamdani has rewritten New York City’s political history

A socialist, LGBTQ+ ally, and the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor, he is also the youngest leader in m o r e t h a n a c e n t u r y B u t before the podium and politics, Mamdani had a brief, a n d

vision, a bold music career I

moniker Mr Cardamom, he released a single titled ‘Nani’, an affectionate rap dedicated to his grandmother, Praveen Nair, a former social worker from Delhi The track wasn’t

when India marked its indep

years of British rule

thunderous cheers at his victory rally in Brooklyn “My friends, tonight we have toppled

political dynasty

"Standing before you, I r e m e m b e r

Jawaharlal Nehru

Donald Trump himself went further, calling him “ a stonec o l d l o s

r ” a n d “ L o n d o n ’ s

b i g g e s t d i s a s t e r ” a n d f r equently citing Khan as an example of the chaos he claimed liberal governance produced, warning New Yorkers not to “end up like London ”

A tale of tw o progress ive m ayors

Now, with Mamdani’s win, Khan sees the narrative turning on its head “In recent years, there’s been a growing chorus of commentators and politicians on both sides of the Atlantic attacking London and New York for their liberal values,” Khan told The Guardian “They paint a picture of a lawless dystopia to sow fear and division But ask most Londoners or New Yorkers, and that narrative simply falls flat ”

Khan and Mamdani, both embody the plural, metropolitan politics that their critics dismiss and both have made affordability, transport reform, and social equity central to their platforms

Their similarities go beyond policy, they share a worldview Khan represents the “ s o f t - l e f t ” t r a d i t i o n w i t h i n L a b o u r ; Mamdani, a democratic socialist, channels a bolder challenge to establishment politics What binds them is a conviction that diversity is strength, and that cities must stand as beacons of tolerance and justice

“It’s never been more crucial for our cities to challenge those who weaponise our diversity,” Khan said “No matter who you are, or where your family comes from, you can achieve anything In our cities, hope and unity will always triumph over fear and division

”

Refram ing the debate: From imm igration to i nequality

A c c o r d i n g t o P ro f Yu n a s S a m a d ,

Em eritus Profess or of South Asi an Stud ies at the Uni versity of Bradford, two global cities being led by South

A s i a n M u s l i m s i s s i g n i f i c a n t , b e c a u s e “Muslims have been particularly painted as being against Western societies and values,

A t l a n

c , p a r t i c u

y a r o u n d immigration “In the UK, the debate has been shaped by the idea that controlling immigrat

He’s saying, in effect, that the real issue isn’t immigration; it’s inequality ”

That message, Prof Samad

because inequality affects everyone, not just minorities “None of the major parties here or in the US have confronted inequality directly, and Mamdani’s victory forces that discussion back into the mainstream,” he a d d s W

Western politics risks being swept further rightward

Beyond policy, Samad highlights what Mamdani’s win represents symbolically: “It c h a l l e n

grants that they live apart, don’t mix, or don’t contribute In reality, they build, lead, and strengthen societies ”

On the other hand, Dr Kalpana Wils on , Senior Lecturer, Intern ational Developmen t at Birkb eck, Univers ity of London describes Mamdani’s win as heartening amid rising far-right movements globally She said, “It's a time when we in Britain are facing rising racist attacks, including the recent horrific cases of rape in the West Midlands, enabled not only by the far-right parties like Reform, but the Starmer government's relentless anti-migrant rhetoric

“ M a m d a

because he showed that a left candidate with a clear economic agenda and policies like rent freezes, free transport and affordable childcare has a massive appeal to ordinary people who are really struggling with the economic status quo which only further e

Mamdani also proudly embraced his identity as a Muslim, migrant, and South Asian, and publicly supported Palestinian rights, gaining wide community support

She further added that despite facing attacks from far-right and Hindutva-aligned groups, he secured a historic victory Wilson said that the win should inspire progressives in Britain and South Asian diaspora communities to build solidarity and champion inclusive, left-leaning politics

a year ago, Mamdani

just heartfelt, it was undeniably catchy And yes, he even s t a r r e d i n a m u s i c v i d e o

s i o n p e r s o n a l i t y M a d h u r Jaffrey, who didn’t hold back on the colourful language T h e U K p r e s s t o o k notice In a 2019 Guardian i n t e r v i e w , M a m d a n i recounted convincing Jaffrey to swear on camera and marv e l l e d a t t h e c o n t r a s t between his early struggles for attention and the later viral reach of his work; "It’s been a wild ride," he said "Once, I was pulling teeth to get an obscure South Asian blog to write about me; now t h e F i n a n c i a l T i m e s i s reposting the video on its social feeds " In a prescient 2019 tweet f r o m h i s M r C a r d a m o m a c c o u n t , h e j o k e d , " Y o u know I’ll be forever spicy but I’m taking a break from being a spice to answer the question of what happens when a B-list rapper runs for office " T h e a n s w e r ? t h e B - l i s t rapper has become New York City’s 111th mayor-elect, winning nearly 51 percent of the vote and cementing his place in history

In a stunning upset, the Democratic socialist defeated two formidable rivals, form e r N e w Y o r k G o v e r n o r Andrew Cuomo, running as a n I n

y i d e a l i s m , g r i t , and a bold vision for economic justice, transformed him into one of America’s most magnetic and divisive political figures His inventive social media presence, b l e n d i n g p o p u l a r c u l t u r e with iconic Bollywood refere n c e s , g a v e h i m a g l o b a l stage, attracting supporters from all corners of the world

Moreover, for many of t h e y o u n g N e w Y o r k e r s , Mamdani’s rise is more than a political victory It is a vindication; a proof that a new g e n e r a t i o n c o u l d w r e s t power from the old order and shape the city’s future in its own image

Taking the stage to a sea of waving flags and chanting supporters, Mamdani began his speech with the words of early 20th-century socialist Eugene Debs, “I can see the d a w n o f a b e t t e

humanity ” It was a declaration of intent that his admini s t r a t i o n w o u l d f i g h t f o r workers, the poor, and the marginalized He also borrowed a quote f r o m

m e s b u t rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utter-

York has stepped from the old into the new

The real test lies ahead

After more than a year of repeating ambitious promis-

daunting task ahead of him: make those things reality for New York city

Though he will not for-

challenges await him; ones that may demand attention even before he steps into City H

national debates on immigration and federal funding

to confronting the deep divisions within the Democratic

pledge to make New York more affordable, he will need to forge strong alliances, both within the City Council and beyond, to push his agenda through “The first day I spend at City Hall will be very much like the last day I spend at City Hall: it will be focused

Dr Kalpana Wilson

Drawing parallels: Zohran Mamdani and Sadiq Khan

Zohran Mamdani waves at his supporters

A young Zohran with his father Mahmood Mamdani

Mamdani and wife Lina Duwaji

Prof Yunas Samad

E W Y O R K ’ S O L D G U A R D

ougher: governing a restless city under the shadow of Trump’s presidency

on the cost of living crisis,”

Mamdani said outside City Hall on the eve of the election

Mamdani’s campaign was built on an audacious vision for a fairer, more affordable New York Among his key p l e d g e s w e r e m a k i n g c i t y buses free, freezing rents on stabilized apartments, guaranteeing universal child care, raising the minimum wage by 2030, and cutting the cost of living by increasing taxes on large corporations and the w e a l t h i e s t 1 % o f N e w Yorkers He has also vowed multiple times now to confront President Trump directly, a president who had repeated-

l y d e r i d e d M a m d a n i a s a “communist” and threatened to choke off federal funding to the city if he won Political observers warn the conflict could escalate “The reality is the mayorelect will have to focus a lot of his attention on President Trump and the attacks on New York, as opposed to all

the issues he wants to deal with,” Julian Zelizer, professor of history at Princeton University told BBC “It will be a problem for the city and a challenge for the mayorelect to stay focused ”

M a m d a n i ’ s a m b i t i o u s plans rely heavily on localf e d e r a l c o o p e r a t i o n a n d funding If Trump continues to use Washington’s purse

s t r i n g s a s a w e a p o n , N e w York’s new mayor may find his progressive vision colliding with the hard edge of presidential power

The global family behind the h istoric w in B e h i n d Z o h r a n Mamdani’s stunning rise to power stands a remarkable global family, a lineage that stretches from the streets of Kampala and Rourkela to the heart of New York City Born in 1991 in Uganda’s c a p i t a l , M a m d a n i g r e w u p surrounded by the art, intellect, and activism of his parents: filmmaker Mira Nair a n d p o l i t i c a l s c h o l a r Mahmood Mamdani Their transcontinental lives, spanning Africa, India, and the U n i t e d S t a t e s , s h a p e d Zohran’s worldview, rooted i n j u s t i c e , d i v e r s i

deep sense of belonging to the world M

n Rourkela, India, is celebrated f

migration and cultural iden-

theorists, was expelled from U

i Amin, later earning a PhD from Harvard His influential

reshaped understandings of

spending his early years in Uganda and South Africa, the family moved to New York in 1999 when Mahmood joined Columbia University Carrying that legacy for-

chapter in this transnational

and ceramicist will become New York’s youngest First

the campaign spotlight, she

crafting the campaign’s dis-

curating its digital strategy, and refining its visual identity

raised between the US and Dubai, Duwaji and Mamdani met on the dating app Hinge, a modern love story behind a

redefining what it means to be global, progressive, and proudly multicultural

Diaspora p ower in p olitics

Mamdani’s historic victory places him at the forefront of a global cohort of diaspora leaders who have shattered political ceilings: Kamala Harris in the US, Rishi Sunak and Sadiq Khan in the UK, Leo Varadkar in Ireland, and Humza Yousaf in Scotland Like them, Mamdani has drawn strong support from his community and its leaders

The Indian American Impact Fund officially endorsed Mamdani, describing him as “ a bold new voice” and highlighting his focus on economic justice and affordability as reasons for their backing His campaign resonated deeply with South Asian Americans, who saw in him a reflection of shared values, from immigrant rights and social equity to p r o

Jackson Heights and Midwood, using cultural outreach, multilingual engagement, and references to South Asian heritage to connect with voters

Mamdani’s engagement extended to his personal history Following his win, he visited Hindu temples in Queens, speaking proudly of his Hindu heritage while also embracing his Muslim identity He reflected on the traditions of his Hindu heritage saying he was “proud of my Hindu heritage proud that my mother’s family is Hindu” During the temple visits he remarked how his mother’s family taught him about Raksha Bandhan, Holi and Diwali, and he said he attended in order to connect with Hindu community members who have long served through seva (service)

While his South Asian background offered symbolic res-

Supporters cite his commitment to affordability, social equity, and representation for marginalised communities Yet opinions within the community vary, with younger, progressive voters most enthusiastic, and some conservative or wealthier groups expressing reservations

Ultimately, Mamdani’s victory signals a generational and cultural shift in US politics For South Asian Americans, it is more than a win, it is a symbol of possibility, representation, and the growing influence of diaspora communities on shaping the political landscape

Indian-Americans ride a new wave in politics

Zohran M amdani ’ s landmark victory as New York City’s mayor-elec t is part of a broader surge of Indi an-Am erican politi cal inf luenc e across the Uni ted State s In the s ame elec ti on cyc le, s everal Indi an-origin can didates als o s ecured maj or wi ns, si gn alling the rise of a new gen erati on of

leaders

In Virginia, Ghazala Hashmi made history as Lieutenant Governor-elect, becoming the first IndianAmerican and Muslim woman to hold the post Born in Hyderabad, Hashmi immigrated to the US as a teenager and spent decades in academia before entering politics Back in New York, civil rights lawyer and housing advocate Shekar Krishnan secured re-election to the City Council from District 25 in Queens, one of the

most diverse districts in the country Meanwhile, in Ohio, Aftab Pureval, the son of Indian and Tibetan immigrants, won reelection as Mayor of Cincinnati, solidifying his status as a prominent Indian-American figure in the Midwest

This rise is part of a longer trajectory Barely a decade ago, fewer than six Indian-origin officials held elected office nationally; today, that number stands at nearly 60 At the heart of this ascent is the informal “Samosa Caucus,” comprising six Democratic members of the US House, including Shri Thanedar, Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, with Suhas Subramanyam set to join in 2026 Vice President Kamala Harris remains the community’s most prominent federal figure

Indian-American representation extends beyond Capitol Hill State legislatures now include nearly 50 IndianAmericans, up from fewer than 10 in 2013, while over 130 hold senior federal appointments, largely during the Biden administration Strong presence is seen in New Jersey, California, Texas, Illinois, and New York; states with significant South Asian populations Why it matters is because a community historically associated with tech and medicine is now shaping policy at the highest levels IndianAmerican leaders are ensuring their voices are heard on issues from immigration and education to diversity, bringing new perspectives and influence to the corridors of power across the country

What Zohran Mamdani’s win signals for the Democratic Party

Zohran Mamd ani’s sweeping v ictory in New York city is being hailed as a breakth roug h for the Am erican left and a mom ent that forces Dem ocrats to confront th e d irection of their party Beyo nd the celebration lies a deep er recko ning: what d oes social democracy mean in the US, and can Dem ocrats embrace it without fracturing their coalition?

Social democracy is built on the belief that democracy and economic justice must advance together It supports a mixed economy that preserves private enterprise while ensuring state intervention through welfare, regulation, and public services Rather than overthrow capitalism, social democracy seeks to reform it democratically through elections, legislation, and social institutions Historically, it shaped

the welfare states of Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, where governments guarantee universal healthcare, education, and worker protections while maintaining open markets In the US, however, both major parties have stayed largely within a liberalcapitalist framework, avoiding deep structural

reforms

For decades, the Democratic Party has relied on pragmatic centrism promising incremental change rather than structural transformation Mamdani’s win brings that debate to America’s political mainstream, challenging assumptions about what policies are possible As TIME noted, his win “has sparked a reckoning within the party ” Can Democrats move further left without losing moderates, or does the moment demand a new balance between moral clarity and electoral realism? Moreover, is the Democratic Party ready to move from cautious liberalism toward social democracy, tackling inequality through systemic reform rather than piecemeal fixes?

Ghazala Hashmi Shekar Krishnan

Aftab Pureval

Mira Nair canvassing for Zohran’s mayor campaign

arrive to cast ballot in Astoria

a

Weddings in India blend heritage, hospitality, and heart

Subhasini Naicker

India, with its rich cultural heritag e and breath-taking div ersity, offers ev erything needed to turn a w ed ding into a truly u nforgettable celebration

For British Asians born and raised abroad, choosing India as their wedding destination allows them to reconnect with their roots

a

within the traditions and values that define their heritage

From grand palaces in Rajasthan to serene beaches in Goa and Kerala, and from regal forts to luxurious heritage resorts, India provides the perfect blend of splendour, emotion, and a

a growing trend for couples to host their dream weddings in India where every

every setting tells

story,

e e p e d i n c u l t u r e a n d beauty

C ap t S w ad esh K u m ar (FRGS), Managing Director of Sh ikh ar Trav els (India) Private Lim ited, said, “India

continues to attract many expats as a wedding desti-

n a t i o n b e c a u s e i t a l l o w s them to celebrate their special day in a way that truly reflects their heritage and f a m i l y t r a d i t i o n s F r o m familiar rituals, music, and cuisine to the warmth of shared customs, everything

feels authentic rather than r e c r e a t e d a b r o a d W h e n guests travel in for the celebration, the wedding transforms into a rich cultural experience rather than just a

exchange rates make it possible to host lavish, multiday celebrations at breatht a k i n g v

n u e s , c

m p

e t e with exceptional hospitality and attention to detail, at a fraction of what it would cost in North America or Europe The entire experience feels deeply meaningful, personal, and rooted in identity ” S p e a k i n g a b o u t h o w t r a v e l a g e n t s c o l l a b o r a t e with wedding planners to e n s u r e s e a m l e s s d e s t i n ation weddings for couples a n d g u e s t s a r r i v i n g f r o m a b r o a d , C a p t S w a d e s h K u m a r s a i d , “ W e d d i n g planners and travel agents work hand in hand to create a flawless experience W h i l e w e d d i n g p l a n n e r s c o n c e n t r a t e o n c e r emonies, décor, entertainment, and event schedules, travel agents manage the l o g i s t i c s ; h o t e l r e s e r v at i o n s , a i r p o r t t r a n s f e r s , guest transport, and even local sightseeing or leisure activities This partnership ensures a smooth, stressfree experience for guests t r a v e l i n g f r o m d i f f e r e n t countries or cities, as every a s p e c t , f r o m a r r i v a l t o departure, is carefully coordinated ”

Adding to this, S rinjoy Sen, Directo r of 3S Travel Netw ork P riv ate Li mi ted, said, “Travellers coming all the way to India for a wedding often want to make the most of their trip by e x p l o r i n g t h e c o u n t r y ’ s major tourist destinations

T h a t ’ s w h e r e a t r a v e l agent’s expertise truly adds value, by extending the celebration into a memorable travel experience ”

“Co uples to day are seeking m ore exclu siv e and offbeat locations”

From royal palaces to tranquil beaches and heritage estates, the country presents countless venues that cater to every couple’s vision of a dream celebration Experts in the travel and wedding industry share their insights on the most popular and emerging wedd i n g d e s t i n a t i o n s a c r o s s India

D i s c u s

venues in India for destina-

“While Goa and Rajasthan have long been favourites, couples today are seeking more exclusive and offbeat locations Destinations like Khimsar in Rajasthan, heritage estates in Himachal Pradesh, and private beach villas in Kerala and Tamil Nadu offer intimacy, distinctive charm, and the luxury of feeling like the entire place is their own ” Sharing his perspective, S

“Rajasthan and Kerala continue to top the list, largely b

The slow travel revolution

While air travel has become increasingly stressful, trains offer a contrasting experience: city-centre-to-city-centre connections, minimal waiting times, and a relaxed environment where you can work or unwind immediately

Swathi Anil

F o r d e c ad es , t h e i d ea o f international trav el was synonym ous with th e roar of a jet eng ine Airliners d eliver ed a p ro m is e o f s p ee d , s h ri nk i ng c o nti n ent s an d making a holiday in Paris or Rome an ov ernig ht possibility Yet, as the no velty o f rapid transit faded, so too did its romance

Today, a quiet but prof o u n d s h i f t i s u n d e r w a y , moving travellers from the skies back to the rails Data

u n d e r s c o r e s t h i s d y n a

Eurostar continue to show strong demand for international connectivity from the UK, while globally, interest in holidays by rail is booming Reports highlight that around 51% of UK travellers who use Eurostar also take onward rail journeys, finding that the train makes the journey feel like part of the holiday experience

Wh y the tracks are calling ag ain

Why are travellers swapping airport queues for continental carriages? The decision is rarely based on a single factor, but rather a convergence of major cultural

minimal waiting times, and a r e l a x e d e n v i r o n m e n t w h e r e y o u c a n w o r k o r unwind immediately

Finally, the rise of the slow travel movement has made the journey itself an attraction Instead of a rapid means to an end, the train journey becomes a scenic, comfortable, and productive part of the adventure The promise of seeing the landscape unfold, from the vineyards of France to the Alpine peaks is a compelling antidote to the detached experience of flying

Travel experts confirm the trend

trend is encouraging people to enjoy the journey itself ” Jaymin adds that in the UK, the demand is evolving b e y o n d

n s p o r t :

“The growth is particularly strong in niche segments that value experience, comfort, scenery and sustainability, although it is not yet exploding in every part of the market ” With Asian Voice, Vas J

Adventures with Vas, also h

noticeable rise in interest around luxury and experiential rail travel, especially

channels Their well-establ i s

tructure and rich cultural appeal make them timeless favourites for destination weddings ”

During the visit, NACC

The Queen listened

Wheels support those in need and the crucial role

communities

Neel Radia, National

Catering, expressed his

a n d l o g i s t i c a l f o r c e s F o r many, the choice is fundamentally ethical Air travel carries a significantly higher carbon footprint than rail, particularly for short-haul journeys With environment a l a w a r e n e s s p l a y i n g a

m a j o r r o l e , t r a v e l l e r s a r e consciously choosing rail as a demonstrably more sustainable option to align their holidays with their values A

i nc r eas in gl y s tre s s fu l T h e need to arrive hours early, e n d u r e l e n g t h y s e c u r i t y queues, face flight delays, and cope with the growing sense of air travel anxiety

a r e p o w e r f u l d e t e r r e n t s

Trains offer a contrasting e x p e r i e n c e : c i t y - c e n t r e - t o -

c i t y - c e n t r e c o n n e c t i o n s ,

Travel industry professionals are witnessing this b u r g e o n i n g i n t e r e s t f i r s thand, noting that international rail is fast becoming a preferred, rather than niche, mode of travel for several distinct demographics

T a l k i n g w i t h A s i a n V o i c e , J a y m i n B o r k h a t r i a , from Southall Travels, notes the strength of this movement: “We’ve certainly seen a growing appetite among travellers choosing international train journeys over short-haul flights, particularly across Europe and parts o f A s i a C o n v e n i e n c e i s another key factor; trains o f f e r c i t y - c e n t r e - t o - c i t ycentre connections, no long security queues, and greater comfort The rise of highs p e e d n e t w o r k s h a s a l s o made cross-border rail travel faster and more competitive, while the ‘slow travel’

neys that combine comfort with cultural immersion In

paced, and meaningful travel where people rediscover the joy of movement, comfort, and storytelling along the tracks

back, inviting a new generation of travellers to slow down and enjoy the view, making the decision to trav-

much about conscience and comfort as it is about speed

National Chair Neel Radia presented The Queen with an Honorary Membership of the Association, which supports and represents those in the UK care sector catering industry Meals on Wheels Week, organised by the NACC for over 30 years, highlights the essential Meals on Wheels service across the UK This

Queen’s recognition of the Meals on Wheels service and its dedicated staff He highlighted that Meals on

Loneliness,” focuses on the importance of good nutrition for older and vulnerable

interaction to help older and vulnerable people live independently and with dignity

Capt Swadesh Kumar (FRGS)

Srinjoy Sen

Jaymin Borkhatria Vas Jesani

Her Majesty The Queen Camilla with Neel Radia (right)

Diabetes in South Asians

Professor Kamlesh Khunti CBE Professor of Primary Care Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, University of Leicester

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing health challenges globally and in the UK There are mainly two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes with a few rarer forms as well

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, meaning that the body’s own immune system destroys the insulinproducing cells in the pancreas It usually appears in childhood or early adulthood and is not linked to lifestyle People with type 1 need insulin for life and need regular blood-sugar monitoring

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, develops when the body makes less insulin, but also doesn’t use it properly (a p r o b l e m c a l

e d

n r e s i s t a n c e ) T y p e 2 d i a b e t e s accounts for around 90% of all cases People of South Asian, Black African, and Caribbean heritage are up to 2–4 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than White people and often at a younger age and lower body weight

Many years of research shows that several factors play a part in developing Type 2 diabetes including genetics, obesity, dietary patterns, physical activity, socioeconomic factors as well as psychological factors South Asians tend to carry more body fat around their abdomen and internal organs, even when their BMI is in the “healthy” range and this is one of the reasons they are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes

Previously, Type 2 diabetes was mainly seen in older adults after the age of 40 years , However, Type 2 diabetes is now increasingly diagnosed in young children, teenagers and people in their 20s and 30s The reasons mirror wider social trends inclduing rising obesity, less physical activity, and more processed, high-calorie foods Younger onset diabetes means a longer lifetime exposure to high blood sugar levels and other risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, putting people at greater risk of complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and vision problems

The good news is that the majority of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed. Even small, consistent changes make a big difference:

• Keep active – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity (like fast walking) per week

• Eat a balanced diet – more whole grains, fruit, and vegetables; less processed and fried or sugary foods

• Maintain a healthy waist size, especially carrying less weight around the middle is key

• Don’t smoke and limit alcohol

• Get regular check-ups, especially if diabetes runs in your family

You can also check your personal Type 2 diabetes risk in minutes using the Diabetes UK “Know Your Risk” tool at www diabetes org uk/risk It’s free, quick, and helps identify whether you should speak to your staff at your GP practice for further tests

The other good news is that we have so many options for treatment, however, these treatments especially your risk factors of glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol n e e d t o b e s t a r t e d f r o m d i a g n o s i s W i t h t h e r i g h t treatment, education, and support, people with diabetes can live long, healthy lives with some studies showing that if well controlled, people with Type 2 diabetes can have the same outcomes as those without Type 2 diabetes When type 2 diabetes is caught early, blood sugars can often be controlled and in some cases even sent into remission through weight loss and lifestyle change There are also excellent education programmes for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes which empower patients and help them take control of their diabetes

The key is awareness and early diagnosis and early action Diabetes doesn’t have to define your life but understanding your risk and making changes early could transform your future

Did you know? People

Reversing prediabetes A

wake-up call before its too late

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet within the range of type 2 diabetes It serves as an early warning sign, a stage that reveals the body’s growing struggle to manage glucose effectively If left untreated, prediabetes can progress into full diabetes, a long-term condition linked to serious health risks

According to Diabetes UK, over 12 million people in the UK are now living with diabetes or prediabetes This includes 4 6 million diagnosed with diabetes (90% type 2, 8% type 1, and 2% other types), 1 3 million undiagnosed cases, and 6 3 million identified with prediabetes The figures continue to climb each year, with 4 6 million new cases recorded this year, an increase from 4 4 million last year The positive aspect is that prediabetes can often be reversed through steady, sustainable lifestyle changes

Because it develops quietly, prediabetes often goes unnoticed, as symptoms are either subtle or absent Regular blood tests are the most reliable way

overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, having a family history of diabetes, or belonging to certain ethnic groups such as South Asian, African, or Middle Eastern backgrounds

While age remains a contributing factor, an increasing number of younger adults are being diagnosed due to unhealthy diets, chronic stress, and lack of physical activity Recognising these risks early is crucial for prevention and for maintaining long-term health

Why it matters

Without intervention, prediabetes often leads to type 2 diabetes, which increases the likelihood of heart disease, kidney damage, nerve problems, and vision loss. However, this stage offers a unique opportunity to prevent those outcomes With timely action, many people can bring their blood sugar back to normal levels and significantly reduce future health risks

Lifestyle changes that work

The most effective way to reverse prediabetes is through gradual lifestyle improvement rather than drastic change

1 ) Health y eating : A balanced diet focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps stabilise blood sugar Reducing sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods can prevent sudden glucose spikes

2) Reg ular exercise: Physical activity helps the body use insulin more efficiently Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week; such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can make a major difference

3 ) Weig ht m anag em ent: Losing even a small percentage of body weight can improve blood sugar control and overall health

4 ) Better sleep and stress control: Poor sleep and chronic stress can worsen insulin resistance Prioritising rest and adopting relaxation practices such as yoga or mindfulness supports recovery and balance

Prevention over cure

Prediabetes should be seen as an opportunity rather than a setback It serves as an early alert to make lasting health changes before more serious complications arise Regular medical check-ups, healthy eating habits, and staying physically active can keep blood sugar within a safe range and protect against type 2 diabetes By making small but meaningful lifestyle adjustments today, it is possible to reverse prediabetes and build a healthier, more resilient future The key lies in awareness, consistency, and the understanding that prevention is always easier than cure

Thousands beat Type 2 Diabetes with NHS diet plan

The NHS supported a rec ord 13, 000 people with type 2 di abetes through its ‘ soups and shakes’ diet plan i n 2024–25, nearly double the previous year A s tu dy f ou n d th at o ne i n th re e pa

pa n t s wh

ed t he program me put t heir di ab etes i nto re mi s s io n, los i n g an ave ra ge o f 16 kilograms R i c h a r d S e a l , a R e g i o n a l C h i e f P h a r m a c i s t f r o m t h e M i d l a n d s , successfully put his type 2 diabetes into remission after joining the NHS ‘ soups and shakes’ programme Following a routine check-up, his GP found he had p r o g r e s s e d f r o m p r e - d i a b e t e s t o diabetes and recommended the plan

“I was happy to give it a try,” he said “I monitored my blood sugar and weight weekly, supported by a lifestyle

c o a c h w h o h e l p e d m e c h a n g e m y relationship with food ” Within three months, Richard’s heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol, a n d g l u c o s e l e v e l s a l l r e t u r n e d t o normal He lost over four and a half stone and eight inches from his waist “ I t w a s a m a z i n g , ” h e s a i d “ I ’ d definitely recommend the programme to others ” The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is a year-long plan helping people lose weight and potentially reverse type 2 diabetes It starts with 12 weeks of low-calorie s o u p s , s h a k e

clinical support Since its 2020 pilot, over 30,000 people have joined the p r o g r

England

Developed by NHS England and Diabetes UK, the programme builds on research showing that people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight can significantly improve blood sugar control, reduce medication, and in many cases, achieve remission

New DVLA rules let bus and lorry drivers with diabetes use CGM

Th e Dr

Agency ( DVLA) will now allow people wi

for glucose

checks

America’s rich eye Britain even as the UK bleeds its own

R em e m be r w h en w

A m er ic an s , u nw il li ng to a bi d e by Do na ld T r um p ’ s

A merica, decamp ed for the U K in reco rd num bers? Well, now the tables are turning a ga in, o nly thi s ti m e, th e im petus is a fresh US politician whose war o n the rich is

d ri v i ng th e v ery w e alt h y acro ss the A tlantic

L o n d o n ’ s t o p l u x u r y estate agents have a number of queries from America and t h e r e a s o n ? W e a l t h y New York households are looking for an alternative to four years under the leaders h i p o f Z o h r a n M a m d a n i ,

t h e s e l f - d e c l a r e d s o c i a l i s t who won New York’s mayoralty with bold pledges and a hard-taxing agenda His signature “millionaires tax”, a 2 % levy on incomes over

$ 1 m i l l i o n , h a s n o t g o n e

d o w n s m o o t h l y w i t h t h e roughly 34,000 households it would affect

Mathematically, the tax

c o u l d r a i s e $ 6 8 0 m i l l i o n -

$1 4 billion annually for the city, enough to fund universal pre-K or make city buses free for a year But for those with the means to move, the prospect is prompting serious reflection: is staying in New York worth the extra tax or is relocating overseas the smarter move?

worth individuals don’t just

warn the migration could

B r i t i s h b u d g e t m e a s u r e s

When asked about warnings t h a t N e w Y o r k ’ s w e a l t h y might flee if Mamdani won, S a d i q K h a n e x t e n d e d a n open invitation to the UK ‘If t h a t ’ s t h e c a s e , c o m e t o London,’ he said ‘I’ll roll out the red carpet and welcome you ’ But can he guarantee t h e y w o n ’ t e n c o u n t e r t h e very same challenges these m i l l i o n a i r e s a r e t r y i n g t o escape?

T r e a s u r y o f f i c i a l s a r e weighing a mansion tax on homes worth over £2 million, or removing the primar y - h o m e e x e m p t i o

m capital-gains tax all while C h

o

R a c h

R e e v e s has confirmed higher taxes on the wealthy will “be part of the story” in her upcomi n g b u d g e t , w i t h e x p e c t a -

E n t e r B r i t a i n E v e n a s the UK signals the possibility of its own ‘wealth tax,’ the n o t i o n o f N e w Y o r k ’ s wealthy moving to London is gaining traction Yet any move now requires careful consideration of upcoming

tions of raising about £30 billion ($40 billion) to cover rising borrowing costs and support weaker growth forecasts

At the same time, the UK

Migration Report, Britain is

16,500 millionaires this year a

$92 billion in liquid assets

Since 2014, over 30,000 millionaires have left London and headed to tax-friendlier

Switzerland

So, if America stands to

x refugees, Britain stands to gain from American ones, at least in theory But Britain is also a net loser of global wealth, and that raises the deeper question: whose gain is it really when the UK loses its richest residents?

weaken London’s status as a global capital And yet, supporters of higher taxes argue the departure of a narrow elite is a fair price for a fairer system Back in New York, t h

squarely at affordability and redistribution

countries such as the UAE, w

d

; meanwhile, Britain is near the top of the loser list So, for wealthy Americans considering the UK as a refuge from progressive taxation in New York, there is no guarantee the UK will remain a safe haven for long Ultimately, America may be losing a few millionaires under Mamdani but Britain is losing many more without gaining the same numbers in A m e r i c a n s A n d w h e n Britain loses its millionaires, i t ’ s n o t s i m p l y a B r i t i s h problem, it’s a global one

Retail workers continue to face high levels of abuse, survey shows

Re tai l sta ff a cr oss the UK continue to endur e ala rmi ng l eve ls of ve rbal abuse , t h r e a t s, a n d a s sa u l t s , a ccor ding to the la test surv ey by trad e union Usd aw, r ele ased to ma rk the start

o f Re sp e c t f o r S h o p W orkers We ek 2025

I n t e r i m r e s u l t s

m

w o r k e r s i n d i c a t e t h a t i n the past twelve months 71% reported experiencing ver-

b a l a b u s e , d o w n s l i g h t l y from last year, 48% said they had been threatened by a customer and 9% had been physically assaulted U s d a w ’ s a n n u a l R e s p e c t W e e k , r u n n i n g f r o m 1 0 – 1 6 N o v e m b e r , a i m s t o h i g h l i g h t t h e s e i s s u e s a n d p r o m o t e t h e union’s ongoing ‘Freedom f r o m F e a r ’ c a m p a i g n Members engage with the public to urge respect for retail workers, particularly during the busy run-up to Christmas when incidents tend to rise

Joanne Thomas, Usdaw General Secretary, said the survey results show some improvement, but the levels of abuse remain “shocking ” She noted that government initiatives, including increased policing and town centre crime blitzes, appear to be having a modest effect “It will take time to reverse 14 years of police cuts, and legislation is also needed to protect workers properly,” she said Thomas welcomed the

Labour Party’s Crime and Policing Bill, which aims to strengthen protections for r e t a i l s t a f f , r a i s e t h e threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, and introduce C r i m i n a l B e h a v i o u r Orders She also highlighte d r e c e n t g o v e r n m e n t f u n d

ping areas

More on this to follow in next week’s issue

BT cuts jobs amid customer losses and market challenges

T e l e c om s gi a n t B T ha s an noun ced a reduction in i ts workforc e and reported a los s of b roa db an d c ustomers as it c on ten ds wi th an increas ingly competitive m arket

The company revealed a

d e c l i n e o f 2 4 2 , 0 0 0 Openreach broadband subscribers in the second quarter of 2025 BT attributed

t h e d r o p t o i n t e n s i f i e d

c o m p e t i t i o n a n d a s o f t e r overall broadband market

I n r e s p o n s e , t h e f i r m

h a s c o n t i n u e d a m a j o r r e s t r u c t u r i n g p r o g r a m m e , focused on cost-cutting and strengthening its UK operations and emerging business sectors This has led to a 6 per cent reduction in staff over the first half of

the year, with roughly 5,000 j o b s c u t , b r i n g i n g t o t a l headcount from 116,000 to 111,000 since the financial year began These reductions contribute to nearly £250 million in annual savings, adding to £1 2 billion s a v e d o v e r t h e f i r s t 1 8 months of the cost-cutting p r o g r a m m e B T a i m

achieve £3 billion in annual savings overall

T h e c o m p

n y ’ s g

p revenue fell 3 per cent to £ 9 8 b i l l i o n i n t h e s i x months to 30 September, driven by declines in legacy l

weaker mobile phone market, as customers held on to e

profit also slipped 11 per cent year on year, to £862 million Chief Executive Allison Kirkby said BT is “delivering on its strategy in comp

judgment Yet that caricature underestimates how far structured digital education has evolved Evidence now

behavioural reinforcement Confidence may come first, but it is the bridge to competence, not its enemy

Britain’s financial literacy gap is stark The OE CD (2023) found that fewer than half of UK adults could calculate compound interest or explain diversification The result is predictable: poor saving habits, overreliance on high-fee funds, and panic selling in downturns

Studies by the World Bank (201 8) and FC A (20 21 ) confirm that structured education improves long-term saving and reduces mis-selling The question is not whether to educate investors, but how Webinars cheap, interactive, and repeatable are the digital lecture theatre of our time

I love teaching through bite size financial videos on Y

subscribers to my investing channel) and TikTok with over 450k followers – and TikTok now use me in their adverts!

So, I know webinars and videos work, not just written content for financial education

Three features explain their impact

1 A ccessibility: anyone with Wi-Fi can learn from credible experts rather than salespeople

2 Repetition: sessions can be replayed until complex ideas risk, return, compounding become intuitive 3

accountability, turning learning into a shared habit rather than a one-off event

T

practical insight, functioning as digital apprenticeships in rational investing

Critics fear webinars inflate confidence faster than competence the Dunning-Kruger effect online In fact, confidence is a necessary first step The FC A (2020) found millions of Britons holding pension cash idle simply because they feared investing By demystifying markets, webinars lower that psychological barrier and replace paralysis with participation

A M orning star ( 2022) meta-study found investors completing structured online courses earned 1 5–2 per cent higher annual returns through better diversification and lower fees FINRA (20 21) showed participants raised retirement contributions by 16 per cent after digital training

The genius of good webinars is behavioural design: short modules, vivid examples, and regular rhythm Thaler-style nudges that sustain patience and process Poorly made webinars can mislead, but under the FCA ’ s Consumer Duty, credible providers disclose methods and avoid hype Done well, online learning is not financial fast food; it is structured nutrition for investors’ judgment

W

dependence into discipline They give ordinary savers the t

hardest lesson of all: growth comes not from excitement, but from understanding Confidence built on evidence is not vanity it is empowerment The classroom of the future is already here; it just happens to be on your screen I hope you will use social media (verified sources of course) for financial sources

LSL Property Services names David Tilak as CFO

Rachel Reeves Zohran Mamdani

David Tilak

t

India begins push for world-class bank

comes amid speculation of a

among public sector banks and a recent surge in big-

op erate and grow

S i t h a r a m

n c o n

m e d that the effort would require close consultation with both the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to gather its ideas on consolidation, and with the banks themselves to understand their strategic direc-

t i o n T h e a n n o

into private sector lenders like Yes Bank and Federal Bank

T

also used the platform to

the successful implementa-

tion of next-generation GST reforms, noting that citizens across all income segments

uncertainties Furthermore, Sitharaman observed a shift in investment trends She noted visible growth in consumption

which is now encouraging private sector firms to invest

"virtuous cycle" of growth for the Indian economy,

signs of

revival in private demand

Vedanta moves copper mines to US entity

T h e I n di

c o nglomerate Vedanta is strate-

g i c al ly re p o s i t io ni n g i t s

Z a mb i a n co p p e r a s s et s

u nder a new US -do mic iled

s u b s i di a ry , C o p p er T ec h Metals T his move is exp li ci tly designed to capitalise o n

r en e we d US go v er nm en t

su pp ort fo r th e mining sec-

t o r a n d a ttr ac t i nc r ea se d American i nvesto r interest,

l e ver a gi ng th e e xp ec te d mining pu sh under a potent ial D on ald T ru mp p res idency

T h e c r e a t i o n o f CopperTech Metals aims to help secure financing and build relationships with US

consumers Tom Albanese, former Vedanta CEO and s

table for raising the necessary $1 5 billion in development funding, including a possible public listing The funds will be invested in the Konkola copper complex in Zambia, with the ambitious goal of more than doubling

2026 to 300,000 tonnes by 2031

prices recently hit an all-

time high, driven by surging global demand for electrification, electric vehicles, and

Increased production would also significantly benefit the Z

s

which holds

21 per cent

reduce its debt burden following a 2020 default

While most of Konkola’s c o p p

e s t o Asian buyers, the projected growth will enable a greater supply to enter the US market, aligning with America s push for better control over its critical metal supplies

McDonald’s Q3 profit up as sales rise across segments

With new d eals and inno vative packaging, McDonald’ s r ep o rt ed n et i n co m e o f $2 27 bn for the third quarter

( Q3 ) of 2025, a 1 % increase from $2 25bn in th e same p eriod of th e previo us year

F or th e qu arter ended 3 0 S ept 2025, revenues rose 3 % to $7 08bn, co mpared with $6 87bn in the same quarter

o f 2024 Op erating income

i n cr eas ed 5% to $3 3 6 bn from $3 19bn

The company ’ s earnings

s t a t e m e n t a n n o u n c

t g l o b a l c o m p a r a b l e s a

grew 3 6%, with gains across

all operating segments The

Markets segment and the International Developmental

L

Corporate segment, which i n

investments in China and Japan and corporate activities

As of 30 September 2025,

Operated Markets 89% fran-

wide sales growth on a constant-currency basis

The company plans to open 2,200 restaurants globally, including 600 in the US and International Operated Markets, with developmental licensees and affiliates funding 1,600 openings in their markets Net restaurants additions are expected to be close to 1,800 in 2025

Japan’s auto giants to make India major manufacturing hub

J apa n' s la rges t c arm ak ers , i nc ludin g Toy ota, H ond a, and Suzuki, are collectively investing an es timated $11 billion to trans form India into a maj or glob al manufacturing and export hub Thi s mas sive c apital push s

shrinking profit margins Suzuki, already the mar-

nearly a 40% share, is committing $8 billion to expand its local production capacity from 2 5 million to 4 mil-

Similarly, Toyota plans to i n

o expand its existing facility and construct a new plant, aiming to boost its Indian

production capacity to over one million vehicles by 2030 a

share to 10% H

cantly ramping up its fourwheel business, positioning India as a production and export base for one of its planned electric cars, with exports to Japan and other

Asian markets beginning in 2027

This has resulted in a seven-fold surge in Japan's direct investment in India’s transport sector since 2021, while investment in China’s transport sector plummeted by 83% over the same period, underscoring the decisive strategic realignment

Unilever sidelines Ben & Jerry's chair Anuradha Mittal

T h e c o nf li c t be tw ee n U nilev er and Ben & J erry's show s no sign of abating as the consum er g ood s giant prep ares to sp in off its £1 3bn i c e c rea m b us i ne ss In a filing with the US Securities and Exchange C omm ission th a t th e br and 's c h ai r A nurad ha Mittal no longer 'meets the criteria' to serv e as a board m ember

T h e c o m p a n y d i d n o t spell out any details or even name Mittal in the filing, b u t c i t e d i n t e r n a l i n v e s t i g a t i o n s N o information regarding the criteria Mittal is allegedly f a i l i n g t o m e e t w a s provided Tensions between Unilever and Ben & Jerry's have been simmering for a

number of years

R e l a t i o n

s e n e d after the ice cream brand openly challenged its parent firm when it halted sales in t h e I s r a e l - o c c u p

d W

s t Bank in 2021 Ben & Jerry's has also attracted criticism f o r r e f e r r i n g t o I s r a e l s a c t i o n s i n

'genocide', which

rare move for a major US brand

to make Ben & Jerry's co-founder

month that the corporate

the brand will account for

I t a l i a n l ux u r y c a r m ak e r

F e rr a r i p os t e d a b e t te rth an - ex pec te d 5 per ce nt

i n c r e a s e i n t h i rd - q ua r te r earni ngs, helped by pri cier models in i ts SF90 XX and 12Ci lindri fa mily Increased personalisations

r e q u e s t e d b y b u y e r s a t e x t r a c o s t - a l s o contributed to the result, helping to offset higher US import tariffs, the company said Ferrari's Milan-listed s h a r e s r e v e r s e d e a r l i e r losses after the results to

India-New Zealand FTA nears conclusion after key talks

In dia an d New Zealand are pushing for the early conclusion of a Free T rade Agreemen t (FTA) a fter the fourth round of talks focused on key areas inc ludin g goods market ac cess, s e

opportunities India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal wrapped up his official visit to New Zealand last week, expressing optimism about

beneficial agreement While no official timeline was set, there are expectations that the deal could be sealed early next year

Todd McClay, is set to visit India next month to carry forward the

significant progress has been made, reducing the need for many more

continue protecting the interests of

farmers and fishermen

Beyond trade, there is growing interest in expanding cooperation across diverse sectors Agriculture, tourism, technology, education, and sports were highlighted as areas for

advancements, space collaboration

trade up 2 9 per cent before trimming the gains

Analysts said a 5 1 per c e n t i n c r e a s e i n F e r r a r i v e h i c l e s ' a v e r a g e s e l l i n g p r i c e s u p p o r t e d t h e c o m p a n y s r e s u l t i n t h e period, despite a slowdown i

model and ahead of first shipments of its new F80, s t a r t i n g i n

of focus," they said

Nirmala Sitharaman

Anuradha Mittal

Pak army chief to get more powers under proposed reform

I S L A M A B A D : Pa k i s ta n ’ s p owe rf

be given an expanded role and the r

of

c hanges passed by one of the two houses of parliament on M

democracy

Pakistan, historically coupp

period of elected govt But in recent years, after civilians have sought to assert more authority

in governance, the military has taken tighter hold of the levers of power, while not staging a takeover T h e b

senate in about three hours,

constitutional change, after the

debate, will now go before the lower house to become law

Donald Trump as his “favourite

naval forces

with the new

After completion of his term, he would retain his rank and have legal immunity for life

wielded extensive power, the reforms would give it greater

would not be easily rolled back Hitherto the army chief was

the equal of the air force and navy chiefs, with a chairman of the joint chiefs sitting above

eliminated

Bangladesh on high alert after a string of bombings, arson

DHA KA: Mo nths ah ead of th e electio n in Banglad esh, Dhaka w as j o lte d b y a st ri ng o f

h ead qu arters o f the Gram een

B ank, w hi ch i s li nked to th e i nterim adm inistrati on's ch ief, M uhamm ad Yunus The spate of attacks and arson has trigg ered a h i g h aler t a cro s s Ba ng l ad es h , e xt end in g w el l b ey o

capital

I n a s e p

arson in northern Bangladesh's M y m e n s i n g h , a m a n s l e

p i n g inside a bus was burned to death after the vehicle was torched

A c c o r d i n g t o p o l i c e a n d f i r e

s e r v i c e o f f i c i a l s , t h e f i r s t incident occurred around 12 54 am on Monday, when a bus of

t h e s t a t e - o w n e d R a j d h a n i

P a r i b a h a n w a s s e t a b l a z e i n

Dhaka Then, at around 2 03 am a private car was set on fire near Dhaka's Natun Bazar area

After the initial incidents of v e h i c l e a r s o n i n D h a k a , a n explosion occurred around 3 45 am on Monday in front of the Grameen Bank headquarters in Mirpur Witnesses reported that t w

h e building before fleeing A few hours later, another

attack was carried out o n a b u s

n e s s establishment owned by Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter Police said the attackers, a l s o o n m o t o r c y c l e s , used improvised bombs similar to those hurled a t t h e G r a m e e

office L

spread to other parts of Dhaka

reportedly thrown near Ibn Sina Hospital and Midas Centre in D

Tuesday Later, explosions were

'

M o u c h a k intersection, Bangladesh Betar in Agargaon, Khilgaon Flyover, and Shah Ali Market in Mirpur Attackers also hurled a crude b o m b a t t h e s t u d e n t s ' - l e d

bystander with injuries Police r e c o v e r e d o n e u n e x p l o d e d d e v i c e f r o m t h e s i t e a n d detained five suspects

Late at night, four vehicles, i n c l u d i n g t h e b u s e s a n d t h e private car, were set ablaze in f o u r s e p

Dhaka Three buses have also b e e n t o r c h e d i n D h a k a ' s Shahjadpur, Merul Badda, and Dhanmondi

Earlier, over 30 individuals, i n c l u d i n g a c t i v i s t s f r o m t h e

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

Chhatra League, were detained ahead of the party's announced "Dhaka Lockdown" programme

c h e d u l

extended nationwide

in

brief

SIKH MAN ELECTED AS CONNECTICUT’S MAYOR

Swaranjit Singh Khalsa, a baptised Sikh from Punjab’s Jalandhar, has been elected Democrat mayor of Connecticut’s Norwich He succeeds Republican Peter Nystrom, winning the top post in a town estimated to have only about 10 Sikh families His journey into US activism began in the turbulent period following 9/11 when Sikhs were frequently targeted by hate crimes He ran a campaign to highlight the distinct Sikh identity Swaranjit’s efforts to promote tolerance earned him recognition when he received the FBI Director s Community Leadership Award for 2016

ANJANI SINHA BECOMES US ENVOY TO SINGAPORE

Dr Anjani Sinha the Delhi University alumnus and orthopedic surgeon has officially begun his tenure as the US Ambassador to Singapore He is an accomplished orthopedic surgeon and successful entrepreneur He built and led specialized practices across eight locations in New York and served as a senior surgical consultant in Florida Sinha earned his medical degree from MGM Medical School and Delhi Universitya, where he also completed a Master’s degree in Orthopedic Surgery Sinha is joined in Singapore by his wife, Dr Kiki Sinha - a retired anesthesiologist and faculty member at New York University

5 INDIAN NATIONALS ABDUCTED IN MALI

Bangladesh Christians in fear as churches,

school attacked

DHA K A : Fear h as g ripped Bang ladesh’s tiny C hristian minority after three crude bo mb attacks on churches and a Catholic school, wh ich p olice said caused no injuries but w ere “certainly” d esigned to sow terro r

explained the motive for targeting Christian community, which numbers around 500,000 people of the South Asian nation’s 170 million citizens “We are trying to determine whether the incidents are connected - they are certainly aimed at terrifying people,” Dhaka police spokesman Muhammad Talebur Rahman said A churchgoer said there was an “eerie feeling” within the community “Anxiety grips many of us while going to church,” the 25year-old graduate said, asking not to be named

The first attack took place on Oct 8, when a crude bomb was hurled at the capital’s oldest church, the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, established by the Portuguese in the 17th century Later attackers targeted two more Catholic sites - St Mary’s Cathedral and St Joseph’s School and College

N i r m a l R o z

Association, said that the crude bomb exploded outside St Mary’s Cathedral, but around 500 people came the next day to worship

Rahman said attackers targeting the cathedral zoomed up on a motorbike, and “threw a crude bomb inside the school campus and fled ” Brother Chandan Benedict Gomes, school principal at St Jospeh’s, said that the attack had caused “anxiety” but that “teachers conducted the classes as usual ”

British woman arrested for teaching ‘sacred sexuality’ yoga

exuality" and c harge d with working i lle gally

Police said the woman, 40, known on social media as Maria Sky, was arrested while teaching foreign couples about tantric yoga - a kind of yoga from India - at a local restaurant She was charged with working illegally as a yoga teacher, even though she has a permit to work as a customer relations manager for an accommodation firm, police said The woman charged each student 400 baht for a basic course and 7,440 baht per couple for an advanced course In an advertisement, she introduced her courses as relating to “sacred sexuality ” Police were clamping down on foreigners who offer sex-related yoga courses on Koh Phangan because they affected the tourism image of Thailand In March police arrested a Polish YouTuber who gave introductory courses on tantric yoga on this tourist island

Former PM Lee transformed Singapore as leading financial hub

L ee Kuan Yew, the former prime min ister who was in strumen tal in S ing apore's transformation from a B ritish coloni al backwater to one

o f th e wo rl d s le ad i ng f i n an c ia l h ubs, has earn ed his place as a revered leader L ee died on March 23, 2015 at the age of 91 Lee began his political career in 1954 when he co-founded the People's Action Party (PAP) Five years later

h e b e

minister, an office he held until 1990 During his tenure, he was credited with a strict rule that laid the groundwork for a stable nation

with a booming financial sector and a low crime rate Singapore is one of the world's richest countries on a per capita GDP basis Relations with both the United Kingdom and Malaysia influenced

British colonial rule in 1963, Lee brought the city into a federation of states which eventually became Malaysia

both countries testified to Lee s legacy as a steadfast international partner "He was always a friend to Britain, if sometimes a critical one, and many British

advice, including me," said former UK Prime Minister David Cameron Former Malaysian Premier Najib Razak p

southern neighbor "I pay tribute to Lee Kuan Yew's determination in developing Singapore f

dynamic city we see today," Razak said "His achievements were great, and his legacy is assured," he added

Five Indian nationals were abducted in Mali last week in an “unfortunate incident,” the Indian mission in the country said The kidnapping took place on Nov 6 in the West African nation, the Indian embassy said in an X post on Sunday The embassy has been “working closely with the authorities and the company concerned to secure their safe release as quickly as possible,” it added

THAILAND DEPORTS 270 INDIAN NATIONALS

Thailand has deported 270 Indian nationals, including 26 women, to India, the Indian embassy in Bangkok said These Indian nationals recently crossed into Thailand from the Myawaddy region of Myanmar, where they were working in cyber scam centers They were subsequently detained by Thai authorities for violating immigration laws after entering Thailand illegally Indian embassies in Thailand and Myanmar are working with the host governments to secure the repatriation of those Indians who were allegedly involved in scamming activities and remain in Myanmar

US DEPORTS WANTED MAN TO INDIA

United States authorities have deported Praveen Kumar Kapoor a key promoter and co-founder of the SRS Group, to India in connection with a £220mn money laundering case Kapoor, who had been absconding for several years, was stopped at Newark International Airport by US officials Upon his arrival at New Delhi on November 2, Indian law enforcement agencies, took him into custody He has been accused of defrauding banks and thousands of investors

55 HURT IN BLASTS AT

JAKARTA SCHOOL COMPLEX

Fifty five people were hospitalised with minor to serious injuries after the blasts at the mosque inside a school complex in the Kelapa Gading area in Indonesia s capital Jakarta Officials identified a 17-year-old student as the suspected perpetrator Indonesia’s national police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said the suspect was a student at the adjacent school, and an investigation was underway into his background and motive

Asim Munir

B AN G K O K: A Britis h woman was arrested on Koh Phan ga n in Thai lan d while teachin g tantric yoga and "sac red s

Lee Kuan Yew

in brief AWAMI LEAGUE SUPPORTERS WARNED OF ACTION

The “full force of law” will be used if anyone from Awami League attempts to engage in “activities” defying the ban on the party, the Bangladesh interim govt said, citing recent directions from party chief and former PM Sheikh Hasina “Hasina is the butcher of Bengal We are certainly monitoring what she is doing and directing from India,” chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam said when asked by a journalist about Hasina announcing a ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ on Nov 13when the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal is set to fix the date to deliver verdict in the crimes against humanity” case against her Those acting under the influence of her would be brought under the law, he said

140 KILLED AS TYPHOON BATTERS PHILIPPINES

Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall in Vietnam’s already storm-battered central belt where thousands have been evacuated from areas in the path of one of the world s deadliest cyclones this year Later Kalmaegi cut a path of destruction through the Philippines, killing at least 140 people and leaving another 127 missing after unleashing devastating floods It crashed into central Vietnam, packing sustained winds of up to 149 kmph with much faster gusts, the environment ministry said Kalmaegi slammed into the central Philippines later, battering the islands of Cebu and Negros before swooping back out to sea

CHINESE FIRM TO PRINT NEPAL’S RS 1,000 NOTES

A Chinese company has bagged a contract to design and print 430 million pieces of Nepal’s Rs 1,000 denomination banknotes, officials said Nepal Rastra Bank issued a letter of intent to the China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation for the design, printing, supply and delivery of the notes, the bank officials said The total project cost has been fixed at $16 985 million according to the bank The firm has previously printed Nepalese banknotes of Rs 5 Rs 10 Rs 100 and Rs 500 denominations the officials said

POWERFUL QUAKE RATTLES NORTHERN JAPAN

A powerful quake rattled northern Japan followed by several more temblors, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency A tsunami advisory was issued, which was later withdrawn The earthquake with an upgraded magnitude of 6 9 and depth of 16 km, struck off the coast of Iwate prefecture There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, or any reports of abnormalities at the two nuclear power plants in the area A tsunami of about 10 cm was detected at Ofunato city in Iwate Prefecture, Ominato port, Miyako and Kamaishi, and subsequently as high as 20 cm in the coastal area of Kuji

DRIVER RAMS INTO PEDESTRIANS IN FRANCE, 9 INJURED

A driver rammed into pedestrians and cyclists on France’s Oleron island off the Atlantic coast interior minister Laurent Nunez said and at least nine people were injured before he was arrested according to officials Local lawmaker Olivier Falorni, however, said the motive for the attack on a quiet island popular with tourists remained unknown saying the suspect was not on France s watchlist of radicalised individuals “We’re dealing with an individual who lives on the island, and the victims also live on the island ” Falorni told reporters

Trump hints at cutting tariffs on India as loyalist Gor sworn in as envoy

W AS H I N GT ON , D C: US

President D onald Trump faces a fr es h

takes up h is po st as ambassador in New Delh i, amid tension o ver trade and Russian o il imp orts, wh ich h ave weighed o n the two countries' strategic ties

A

ceremony on Monday, Trump

lower tariffs on Indian goods,

s

moving closer to a trade deal "The tariffs on India are really high because of the Russian oil [imports], but they have now

Trump said

However, data from market research firm Kpler showed that India's imports of Russian crude w

October at 1 59 million barrels per day (mbd) from September

"So far, 1 73 mbd of October

signaled to India, with another 302 kbd (thousand barrels per day) not yet showing a final destination (a portion of which could also end up in India)," the tank tracker said, adding "it's still too early to draw a clear picture for November"

Trump said Gor's priorities w

investment in key US Industries, i

y exports and expanding security cooperation "I am looking at Sergio to strengthen one of most important relationships and that

Trump said

G

U S ambassador to India was confirmed by the Senate on Oct 7, arrived in New Delhi a few days later

technology "We also discussed t

minerals to both of our nations," Gor said in a statement

Gor represents the White House's push for faster, more d

New Delhi, bypassing the usual d

Alexandra Hermann of Oxford

Economics

"[This] suggests a desire to reach a trade deal sooner rather than later," Hermann said "A

may indeed speed things up, but it also raises the risk that if opinion in either country sours, they are less insulated and ties can become even more volatile," she added

Endorses Ramas wa my

state Trump’s

Ramaswamy (40)

faith All

previous governors have been white men, a streak unbroken since statehood in 1803

Alarming rise in hate crimes against South Asians in US

Asi an racism in America is surgi ng , re

rh eto ric, xenop hobic scap egoating, and onli ne disinformation, according to data from gro up s li ke Stop AAPI Hate and Moo nsho t

The data paints a grim pic-

tracked online, while threats of violence spiked to 879 incidents,

peak on record since tracking began in 2023 Particularly disturbing was the 69% increase in a vile slur, jt, and a 45% jump in the phrase "total pajt death" in September, indicating a linguistic groundwork for dehumanisation and real-world hostility

A central trigger for this rise is the H-1B visa debate, as South

s September announcement of a $100,000 fee for certain H-1B applicants ignited a celebration among extremist online users, who used slurs and called for violence against Indian immigrants, weaponising economic anxiety for political gain The hate is also transnational, with incidents spreading from the US to Canada and Ireland In US policy, institutionalised racism is a growing concern; Trump's $100,000 H-1B fee effectively blocks many South Asian applicants, and ICE detentions of Asian immigrants have tripled since his return to office Politicians and commentators are accused of amplifying this hostility Florida Council

draining our pockets and was later censured Additionally, the rise of Indian American Muslim m

9 4 9 % increase in

in July, with his faith

weaponised against him The

South Asians remain the perennial "other," regardless of their political alignment or profession

Canada rejects study permits to record number of Indian students

TORONTO: Ca na da’s s tringe nt n ew im m ig r at i on po l ic i

r e s ev er e ly im pa ct in g Ind ian s t udents, with st udy perm it rejection rates soaring amid esc alating concerns over appl ic ation fraud This tightening of rules marks a star k change from previous years , acc ording t o rec ent governme nt data

In August 2025, nearly 74 per c e n t o f I n d i a n a p p l

e denied, a dramatic increase from 32 per cent recorded during the

same period last year This high r e f u s a l r a t e s i g n i f i c a n t l y o u tpaced the overall rejection rate for international students, which stood at 40 per cent, and the rate f o r C h i n e s e a p p l i c a n t s , w h i c h was 24 per cent The dramatic fall i n a p p r o v a l r a t e s h a s b e e n matched by a steep downturn in interest Only 4,515 Indian students applied for study permits in August 2025, a sharp drop from over 20,000 applications received in August 2023 This downturn follows reve-

Tanzanian election failed democratic standards: AU observers

NA IROBI: Tanzania's recent presid ential election, which saw incumbent P resident Samia Suluhu Hassan declared th e landslide winner, failed to com ply w ith established d em ocratic standard s, according to observers from the A frican Union (A U) T he disp uted October 29th vote h as subsequently triggered d eadly p rotests acro ss the co untry

The AU observer mission issued a stern statement confirming its preliminary conclusion: "The 2025 Tanzania general elections did not comply with AU principles, normative frameworks, and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections " The mission cited several serious irregularities witnessed by its observers These included ballot stuffing at multiple polling stations, where individuals were issued multiple voting papers Furthermore, observers noted the absence of political party agents during the voting process and were, in some cases, asked to leave stations during the counting phase The Tanzanian government has maintained that the election was fair and transparent

However, opposition groups strongly disagree CHADEMA, the main opposition party that was barred from participating, claims to have documented hundreds of deaths resulting from the protests over the vote's exclusion of main challengers

l a t i o n s o f w i d e s p r e a d f r a u d linked to student visas In 2023, Canadian authorities uncovered nearly 1,550 fraudulent study permit applications tied to fake lett e r s o f a c c e p t a n c e , w i t h t h e majority originating from India

Last year, an upgraded verification system flagged over 14,000 p o t e n t i a l l y f a k e l e t t

study permit decisions remain

government During

October visit to India, Canadian

Anand affirmed Ottawa’s

and

m applicants globally In response to the fraud concerns, Canada has significantly strengthened its verification procedures and increased the financial requirements for prospective international students While the I

who warmly welcomed all devotees and guests The ceremony brought together many members of the community, who gathered to witness and participate in the sacred union of Lord Krishna and Goddess Tulsi The celebration concluded with aarti and mahaprasad, spreading a sense of togetherness, devotion, and festive spirit among all attendees

Donald Trump & Sergio Gor

The Nakuru Krishna Temple in Kenya celebrated the auspicious occasion of Tulsi Vivah on 2nd November 2025 with great devotion and joy The event was gracefully hosted by Mrs Harshida and Mr Mahesh Karia, along with Mrs Pragna Panara and her family,

Nakuru Krishna Temple celebrates occasion of Tulsi Vivah

Punjab MLA accused in rape case ‘flees’ to Australia

C H N A D I G A R H : P un j a b M

Har mit Singh Patha nma jra, who

ha

Septembe r 2 after being b ooke

in a r ape and chea ting case, has all egedl y fle d to Austra lia This ca

Patial a dist rict ’ s Sa nour appeare d in a video int erview wit h an

i e w, Pathanmajra said that he was in A us t r a

The MLA had been booked on charges of rape, cheating and c

September 1 after a woman from Zirakpur accused him of sexually exploiting her on the pretext of marriage She also alleged that he had concealed his first marriage

After the registration of the FIR, the Punjab Police had sent a

petition for anticipatory bail and has issued a proclamation notice

police

The police issued a look-out notice against the MLA and have been trying to trace him He has not been arrested despite being active on social media and giving interviews on television A court

Pathanmajra to appear before it on November 12

Last week, a notice was also

government residence He could

offender if he fails to appear before the court, which could lead to the attachment of his

Bengaluru prison officials suspended after videos show inmates partying

B

prison officials after back-to -back v id eo s expo sed illegal activities and V IP treatm ent

Parappana Ag rahara Central P rison

Jail Superintendent Mageri and Jail ASP Ashok Bhajantri have been

transferred, officials confirmed

A video, allegedly from a week ago, shows inmates singing, dancing, and shouting “party all night” while using plates and mugs as instruments This comes a day after visuals surfaced of high-risk inmates, including an ISIS recruiter, serial rapist Umesh Reddy, and actor Tarun, using mobile phones, watching a smart TV and enjoying special treatment

this goes on then why should we call it a prison?” he remarked, stressing that violations at the state’s main jail were unacceptable

The minister said suspensions and FIRs have already been initiated, and more steps will follow after reviewing inputs He rejected claims that the move was politically driven, saying, “We too have a responsibility ”

properties

described the case as a “political conspiracy” that was aimed at silencing voices that speak for

Punjab, ministers and MLAs are not consulted on key matters,” t

speech is being curtailed After l

o v e r Punjab, and they are ruining it the same way ” P a t h a n m a j r a h a d e a r l i e r accused the AAP’s Delhi unit of “ c o n t r o l l i n g P u n

floods, and soon after that, cases started coming up against me, ” he was quoted as having said in a statement after being booked

Row over men offering namaz outside Bengaluru airport

B E N G A L U R U : A v i d e o sh o w i n g a g ro u

o ffering nam az ou tside Term inal 2 of the Kempego wda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has sparked p olitical controversy, with the BJP alleging a security lapse in a sensitiv e zone

In the video, several men can be seen offering namaz near Gate 3 of Terminal 2 while personnel of the Central I n d u s t

According to reports, the prayers took place outside the terminal gate, even though a designated prayer room exists inside the airport premises

questioned the Karnataka government’s response and r

spokesperson Vijay Prasad took to X tagging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Priyank Kharge, to ask whether those offering prayers had obtained prior permission

NORTH-EAST

Northeast emerging as India’s new growth frontier: PM Modi

‘Ashtalakshmi’, the Minister explains

and

He said his interactions with the people of Assam and

commitment to the region’s development Scindia credited the transformation of the N

“farsighted vision” and his ability to “turn challenges into opportunities ” He noted that under Modi’s leadership,

development now “walking hand in hand with inclusivity and dignity ”

Assam cabinet approves bill to ban polygamy

In a landmark decision, th e Assam Cabinet ap p

my

practice

having more than one wife As per the bill, any

“The government will not tolerate i t a t a n y c o s t , ” K

H o m e

Minister G Parameshwara said before a review meeting, adding that officers responsible would face strict action “If

government of turning the prison into a “sleeper cell” for extremists, claiming

Bengal Muslim couples rushing to register their marriages

K O L K A T A : Mi n o ri t y -

d om i n at e d d i s t ri

W

a n unusual trend - married Muslim couples, who read thei r vows under I slami c

1954

According to reports ,

applied to register marriages in Bengal between Nov 2024 and Oct 2025 More than half these applications (609) were

Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls was underway in neighbouring Bihar Bengal govt officials linked the spike

increasing anxiety over SIR Many of these Muslim couples wanted to acquire an additional citizenship document in view of the impending SIR rollout in

Bengal, officials at the Bengal Marriage Registrar General office said M

received from North Dinajpur (199) and Malda (197), which share their borders with Bihar, followed by Murshidabad (185) and Cooch Behar (97) All four districts also share their borders with Bangladesh Kolkata was at the lower end of the data sheet with only 24 such

number of such applications

Alleging double standards by the government, he said: “Why does the government object when the RSS c o n d u

permission, but turns a blind eye to such activities in a restricted public area? Does this not pose a serious security concern in such a sensitive zone?”

Singing state anthem made compulsory in Bengal schools

K O L K A T A : We st B e n g al g o v t m a de i t mandator y for all go vt an d go vt-aided scho ols to sing the state so ng, ‘B ang lar Mati, Bang lar J al’, at mornin g assembli es A no tificati on, issued by the state seco ndary educati on board to heads o f all upper primar y and secondary scho ols, asked them to “take necessary action fo r regularly si nging the state so ng at the mo rning assembly mandatori ly” “ T h e f a m o u s s o n g w r i t t e n b y

Rabindranath Tagore in 1905 is now to be sung as a prayer song ( prarthana sangeet ) at the beginning of each day in every govt and govt-aided school in Bengal,” state education

m i n i s t e r B r a t y a B a s u p o s t e d o n X T h e

“regular singing of the national anthem, also written by the poet”, along with the state song, would be “ a catalyst for social and communal unity”, Basu added ‘Banglar Mati’, Tagore’s ode to Bengal, was composed in 1905 in support of the movement

a g a i n s t t h e B r i t i s h c o l o n i a l r u l e r ’ s 1 9 0 5

decision to partition Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee had organised a citizens’ convention in Sept 2023 to choose an appropriate melody as Bengal’s “state song ”

erso n co nvicted u nder the propo sed law will face up to seven years of imp riso nment T he Assam Proh ibitio n of Polygamy Bill, 2025, will be tabled in the Assembly on November 25, BJP leaders told th e media

“Under this bill, polygamy is prohibited in respect of a person who shall not marry if he has

following due procedure of

legally

party to

marriage that

yet dissolved or annulled by a decree of divorce The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, further

victimised women as they suffer immense p

marriages,” Sarma told reporters If the bill is approved by the Assembly, Assam will join

polygamy last year The bill includes certain exemptions The draft legislation excludes Scheduled Tribe communities and will not

Bodoland Territorial Council, the Karbi

Constitution The Sixth Schedule protects land and limited autonomy to citizens in designated tribal-dominated regions These councils collectively cover eight out of Assam’s

SOUTH INDIA

WEST BENGAL

Harmit Singh Pathanmajra

Court grants permission to auction properties belonging to Mehul Choksi

In a significant step towards

l i q u i da ti n g a s s et s a nd

r ec o v er i ng f u nd s i n th e

m as s i v e £ 2 3b n P u n j ab

National Bank (PNB) fraud case, a sp ecial P revention of

M o n ey La u n de ri n g Ac t ( PMLA) court has granted p ermission for the auction

o f p rop erties belo nging to Gitanjali Gems Ltd (GGL)

G G L i s

ny a

j eweller Mehu l Cho ksi

The court approved the c

proceed with the updated

d properties, which were last valued at over £4 6mn in

residential flats in Borivli, a major commercial unit in the Bharat Diamond Bourse ( B K C )

includes tangible items like

silver bricks, semi-precious stones, and machinery held

Zone (SEZ)

Gujarathi emphasised the

Amul and IFFCO lead global cooperative rankings

directed the liquidator to carry out a fresh valuation and then proceed with the

facilitation and assistance

Directorate (ED) C

mandated that the proceeds

must be deposited as a Fixed Deposit (FD) in favour of the court at ICICI Bank, the lead bank for the GGL and N

costs, the funds in the FDs

distributed to the banks and

marks a tangible movement toward restituting the losses

sector

Ajit Pawar’s son linked to controversial govt land deal

A major political storm has eru pted in Maharash tra following the alleg ed im proper transfer of a v aluable 40acre 'Mahar Watan' g overnm ent land parcel in Pune's M u nd h wa area T he land , r ep o rt ed ly w o rt h an es tim ated £1 80mn, was sold for £ 3 0 m n to A m a d ea Enterprises LLP , a co mpany in w hich Dy C M Ajit Pawar's son, Parth Pawar, is a partn er T h e ro w i nt ens i fi e d w it h all eg a ti o ns th

s ta te w ai v e d th

2 1 m n stam p d uty on th e sale registratio n, com pleted in May

C h i e f M i n i s t e r

Devendra Fadnavis immediately ordered a comprehensive probe by a five-member

c o m m i t t e e i n t o t h e d e a l , s t a t

serious Consequently, the

government has suspended sub-registrar Ravindra Taru f o r g r o s s i r r e g u l a r i t y a n d causing a loss to the exchequer Authorities also initia

attorney holder, and a partner of Amadea Enterprises

L L P T h e P u n e D i s t r i c t

C o l l e c t o r c o n f i r m e d t h e land was state-owned and

that an illegal transaction had occurred A day after the scandal

b r o k e , A j i t P a w a r announced the deal's cancellation While defending his son, he clarified that only a sale agreement had been signed, and not even one paisa had exchanged hands Despite earlier indicating he had heard rumours of the

Announcement of Parliament's winter session dates sparks row

T h e g o v e r n m e nt h a s a nnounced tha t t he wi nt er session of Par lia ment will be he ld fro m De ce mbe r 1st

t o 1 9 t h , t r i g g e r i n g a n i mmedi ate and a ngr y rea ct ion f rom Op posi ti on part i e s wh o d e s cr i b e d t h e s ch e d u l e a s u nu s u a l l y d ela ye d and hea vily trunca ted

The three-week session is slated to have only 15 sittings and is widely expected to be stormy This timing is particularly sensitive as the session falls during the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision

( S I R ) o f e l e c t o r a l r o l l s across 12 states and Union T e r r i t o r i e s U n i o n P a r l i a m e n t a r y A f f a i r s Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the dates on social media platform X, stating, "The Hon’ble President of

model into a global example of empowerment

T h e a n n u a l W o

Coopera tive Milk Mark et

one sp ot , while the India

issue months ago, he later

c l a i m e d h e w a s " t o t a l l y unaware" of the transaction at any stage

T h e c a n c e l l a t i o n d e e d was submitted by Amadea E n t e r p r i s e s L L P o n t h e grounds that its proposed data centre project on the site had been scrapped In a subsequent move, the revenue department demanded Amadea pay the full stamp duty and penalty before resubmitting the cancellation deed Furthermore, Pune city t e h s i

f a c e d a s e c o n

F I R f o r allegedly misusing his powe r s t o g r a n t o w n e r s h i p rights over this, and another government land parcel, to private parties

pla ce g lobally

This prestigious ranking was announced at the ICA CM50 conference in Doha, Q a t a r , a n d i s b a s e d o n performance relative to GDP per capita, according to the I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o o p e r a t i v e A l l i a n c e ( I C A ) W o r l d

Cooperative Monitor 2025

The ICA, headquartered in B r u s s e l s , i s t h e g l o b a l representative body for the cooperative business model U n i o n H o m e a n d

Cooperation Minister Amit Shah hailed the achievement as a proud moment for India, attributing the success to the t i r e l e s s d e d i c a t i o n o f m i l l i o n s o f w o m e n a s s o c i a t e d w i t h A m u l a n d farmers contributing to the IFFCO Shah also praised the

d Cooperative Monitor, a joint effort between the ICA and E U R I C S E , r i g o r o u s l y analyses the economic and social impact of the world's largest cooperatives Amul's M

Mehta, emphasised that the brand is owned entirely by

everything from production

of India's cooperative movement

recognising the crucial role cooperatives play in driving

BJP leader's claim on India's national anthem creates a political debate

2 0 t h and 23rd, and lasts three to four weeks He argued that the mere 15 working days conveyed a message that t h e g o v e r n m e n t h a

bills to get passed, and no d

I n d i a S m t D r o u p a d i M u r m u j i h a s a p p r o v e d t h e p r o p o s a l o f t h e g o v t t o c o n v e n e t h e # W i n t e r S e s s i o n o f P a r l i a m e n t f r o m 1 s t D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 5 t o 1 9 t h December 2025 " He added that he looked forward to a " c o n s t r u c t i v e a n d m e a ningful session " T h e C o n g r e s s p a r t y s w i f t l y s l a m m e d t h e a n n o u n c e m e n t A I C C spokesman Jairam Ramesh pointed out that the winter s e s s i o n i s t y p i c a l l y c o nv e n e d e a r l i e r , g e n

O’Brien escalated the criticism, alleging the governm

meaning a fear of facing the legislature

Rijiju hit back at the criticism, appealing to the Congress party to participate in debates and discuss i o n s a n d n o t t o c r

obstacles for other sincere MPs The political tone for the short session will likely be heavily influenced by t

assembly elections, which are due to be announced on November 14th

A heated political debat e has erupt ed in Karna taka af ter a s enior Bharatiya Janata Party ( B JP ) M P, V i s hw es hwa r Hegde K ageri, c laimed t hat I nd ia ’ s N at i on a l An t he m , Jana Gana Mana, was c ompos ed t o wel come the B ritis h Speaking at an event in Honnavar to mark 150 years of the national song Vande M a t a r a m , t h e U t t a r a Kannada MP suggested that V a n d e M a t a r a m d e s e r v e d greater prominence, stating that while there were strong calls to make it the National Anthem, our ancestors then d e c i d e d t o k e e p V a n d e

Mataram as well as Jana Gana Mana, which was composed to welcome the British He added that Vande Mataram was a greater source of inspir a t i o n d u r i n g t h e f r e e d o m struggle The remarks drew i m m e d i a t e a n d s h a r p c o nd e m n a t i o n f r o m t h e C o n g r e s s p a r t y S

Minister Priyank Kharge dismissed Kageri’s claim as utter nonsense, labelling it "another RSS WhatsApp history lesson" on social media

K h a r g e c l a r i f i e d t h a t Nobel laureate Rabindranath

m

T

Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata in

attaches assets belonging to cricketers Dhawan and Raina

India's Enforcement Directorat e (ED)

Shik ha r Dhawan and Suresh Raina as part of its expa nsive in vestigation into

of

£1 14mn The ED has so far uncovered illegal betting transactions exceeding £100mn and indicated that further attachment proceedings against other high-profile celebrities, including actors, are cur-

worth £664,000 belonging to Raina and a property valued at £450,000 held by Shikhar Dhawan The ED had previo u s l y s

d t h e statements of all celebrities who had endorsed the 1xBet platform

T h e p

FIRs filed by various state police forces against the illegal offshore betting platform, 1xBet, and its surrogate brands such as 1xBat and 1xbat Sporting lines, which actively promote betting and gambling across the country The ED stated that both Dhawan and Raina knowingly entered into endorsement agreements with foreign entities to

promote 1xBet via its surrogates The

were made in exchange for payments routed through foreign entities to conceal the illicit origin of the funds, which are directly linked to criminal proceeds generated from the illegal betting operations

Sources suggest that the ED may soon move to attach assets belonging to other celebrities who also received payments from 1xBet Other personalities q

include cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa, and actors Sonu Sood and Urvashi Rautela

1911, the first stanza of which

Anthem He stressed that the

session in Calcutta Crucially, Kharge cited Tagore's own historical clarifications from 1937 and 1939, where the poet

anthem hailed the "Dispenser of India’s destiny," and not any British monarch such as King George V

Kageri be charged with treason for insulting the work of India's National Poet, stating, "

him " The controversy high-

Mehul Choksi

Parth Pawar and Ajit Pawar

Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri

India to buy 113 more jet engines from US firm for Tejas fighter fleet

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), is scheduled to occur between 2027 and 2032 This o r d e r s u p p l e m e n t s a previous £537 5mn deal for 99 engines signed in August 2021, the delivery of which has also faced delays D K S u n i

aircraft are currently ready, four of which are fitted with new GE engines He stated

certification with the aim of delivering the first 10 jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of March next year

T

a

t h e s e c o n d t

A m b a n i h a s b e e n i n t e r r o g a t e d b y t h e agency He was previously q u e s t i o n e d f o r o v e r e i g h t hours on August 5th in a separate money laundering probe concerning his foreign

a s s e t s a n d g r o u p e n t i t y transactions Prior to that q u e s t i o n i n g , t h e E D

entity were illegally used to repay loans of other entities,

parties, or invest in mutual

terms of the loan sanction letters The agency stressed i t s c o m m i t

Astra beyond visual range a

air-to-air missiles, as well as laser-guided bombs, which m

with the Israeli-origin Elta ELM-2052 radar system

crucial for the IAF, which currently operates only 29 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of 42 5 The IAF is heavily relying

India to set up military station to guard critical 'Chicken's Neck' corridor

I n d i a i s s i g n if i ca n t ly bo l st e r

g i t s m il it a r y pr e sen ce in th e N or th ea st with t he laun ch of a n ew, str ate gically vita l st at ion in Assam's Dhubr i district The fa ci lit y , n a me d t he L a ch it Borphuka n Milita ry Sta tion

O f f i c e r C o m m a n d i n g - i n -

C h i e f o f t h e E a s t e r n

E D announced the attachment o f t h e D h i r u b h a i A m b a n i Knowledge City, a vast 132a c r e c o m p l e x i n

assets against Ambani and his Reliance Communication Ltd (RCom) group to more than £750mn T h e i n

c o n d u c t e d e x t e n s i v e searches at over 35 premises i n M u m b a i , s e i z i n g n u m e r o u s d o c u m e n t s a n d

o restituting proceeds of crime to their rightful claimants, an assertion that opens the

debt owed by Ambani and his entities to domestic and f

over £4bn

In its first attachment order on October 31st, the

Centre

Mehli Mistry steps down from Tata Trusts citing Ratan Tata’s vision

Exactly o ne week after being d enied reap pointment as a lifelong trustee of the Tata T rusts, businessm an Mehli M istry has anno unced h is d ecision to “ part w ays ” with the public charities Mistry’s m o v e ef f ec ti v el y d ee s ca lat es si m m e ri ng tensions with in the Trusts a nd co n so l i d at es th e influence of Chairm an No el T ata across the influential $1 80-billion Tata Gro up

I n a c o n c i s e l e

r addressed to Noel Tata and t h r e e k e y T

t

c h

, M i s t r y , a c o n f i d a n t a n d executor of the late Ratan N T a t a ' s w

l l , i n

i s dearest friend and mentor multiple times He stressed

t h a t h i s c o m m

t m e n t t o Ratan Tata's ideals required him to avoid actions that could spark further public

c o n t r o v e r s y M i s t r y ' s decision comes days after he had filed a caveat with the M a h a r a s h t r a c h a r i t y c o m m i s s i o n e r s e e

a hearing before any formal

him While his letter made no explicit reference to the caveat, he stated that his d e c i s i o n w a s i n t e

reports

nominee directors of Tata Sons, led by Mistry, blocked

Singh, thereby breaking the Trusts' long-held tradition

of unanimity Following this r i f t , N o

T

t a , V i c eChairman Venu Srinivasan, a n d S i n g h o p t e d n o t

reappointment as a trustee when his three-year tenure ended on October 28th C

Mistry invoked a quote he

"nobody is bigger than the

was in the greater public i

p formally ended at the key

i

Tata Trust

a f t e r t h e r e n o w n e d 1 7 t hc e n t u r y A h o m g e n e r a l, forma lly commence d

L o c a t e d a p p r o x i m a t e l y 30km from the Bangladesh i n t e r n a t i o n a l b o r d e r , t h e station is positioned close to the critical 'Chicken’s Neck' corridor, the narrow strip of land that acts as the sole c o n n e c t i o n b e t w e e n t h e Northeast and the rest of India The project directly a d d r e s s e s c o n c e r n s regarding regional threats, i n c l u d i n g p a s t r h e t o r i c about disrupting access to t h i s e s s e n t i a l c o r r i d o r L t

Gen R C Tiwari, the General

C o m m a n d , l a i d t h e foundation, marking what w a s d e s c r i b e d a s a significant step in further s t r e n g t h e n i n g t h e operational capabilities and infrastructure of the Army i n t h e r e g i o n T h e n e w station will fall under the operational command of the Tezpur-based 4 Corps In a related development crucial for border security, t h e N a t i o n a l B o a r d f o r W i l d l i f e ( N B W L ) h a s g i v e n the green light to 13 defence a n d p a r a m i l i t a r y p r o j e c t s T h e m a j o r i t y o f t h e s e projects are situated in the h i g h - a l t i t u d e p r o t e c t e d areas of Ladakh, with one also approved for Arunachal P r a d e s h T h e s e s t r a t e g i c clearances were granted on t h e c o n d i t i o n t h a t developers strictly adhere to e n v i r o n m e n t a l s a f e g u a r d s and robust mitigation plans t o p r o t e c t t h e f r a g i l e Himalayan ecosystems The a p p r o v e d i n f r a s t r u c t u r e includes the establishment of new border outposts, a b r i g a d e h e a d q u a r t e r s , a m m u n i t i o n s t o r a g e , t

SC agrees to hear plea for women's immediate quota implementation

O bs erv in g t h at th e 3 3 % reserv ati on fo r w om en i n leg islativ e bod ies is meant to bring social, economic and p o l it ic al j u s ti c e f o r “ th e l arg e st m i no ri t y o f th e country” that is wom en, the S u pre me C o urt ag reed to h e ar a p le a s eek i ng imm ed iate implementation

o f 3 3 % r es erv ati o n f o r wo men in Lo k Sabh a and state assemblies, instead o f w a it in g fo r d eli m i ta ti o n af te r t h e n ext c en su s a s re qu i re d b y th e 1 0 6th C onstitutional Am endm ent

A ct

T h o u g h a b e n c h o f

Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan expressed its

Indian doctor's ordeal in Russia

T he wif e o f an Indian do ctor from T am il N adu h as made an em otional ap peal for interventio n from the central and s tate governments, all eging that h er h usband was tortu red and h umiliated w hile in the custody of Rus sian authorit ies

D r K J a g a d

y from Tiruvallur district, had been living in Armenia with his wife, Yamini, after obtaining his medical degree there in 2022 The couple travelled to India in August for a visit, during which a friend p

tourist visa, citing the doctor’s fluency in the Russian language The ordeal

began upon their arrival at Sochi airport

discovering he could speak Russian, while his friend was later released and deported to India Subsequently, police detained the doctor, claiming he had failed to cooperate with immigration officials Yamini said that her husband was harassed, humiliated, and left to

leading to a sharp deterioration in his

Jagadeeswaran has now been released

reluctance in entertaining the petition, it finally agreed to examine it after senior

a d v o c a t e S h o b h a G u p t a p l e a d e d t h a t t h e c o u r t should ask the Centre to brief when it intended to c o n d u c t c e n s u s a n d t h e r e a f t e r d e l i m i t a t i o n exercise

“ T h e c o n s t i t u t i o n a l amendment cannot be put

o n h o l d f o r a n u n c e r t a i n p e r i o d I n f a c t , a s p e c i a l session of Parliament was called for implementing the reservation in Parliament as w e l l a s i n t h e S t a t e Legislature and both houses passed this bill unanimously a n d H o n ' b l e P r e s i

f

engagement of a local lawyer, he was only given back his passport and was

documents This lack of documentation has prevented him from travelling from Sochi to the capital, Moscow, where he c

facilitate a safe return home Yamini stated that repeated appeals to the Ministry of External Affairs and the BJP Tamil Nadu office have yet to yield the necessary breakthrough She is urgently seeking assistance to secure the documents required for his safe and immediate return to India

India also gave assent and thereafter Act was notified on Sept 28, 2023 But it is n o t b e i n g i m p l e m e n t e d There is no reason to wait for the delimitation process and the reservation can be done for women by rotating the reserved seats,” she said H

e constitutional amendment, Justice Nagaathna said that

representation in legislative bodies was decreasing and raised questions on why the

candidates The court was hearing a plea which was

Anil Ambani

Mehli Mistry

Swathi Anil

W

Caste, crisis and the fight for Bihar’s future

Exit polls predict NDA return as record turnout sparks debate over state’s future

A sse mbly Ele ction now concluded,

d ecla red on Nov ember 14, 2025 T

N

p rojections

A lliance (N DA)

Based on the exit poll data provided by various agencies, a consensus emerges that NDA is set for a convincing victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, with the Mahagathbandhan (MGB) trailing s i g n i f i c a n t l y P o l l s t e r s s u c h a s

D a i n i k B h a s k a r ( N D A 1 4 5 – 1 6 0 ) , Matrize (NDA 147–167), People's

P u l s e ( N D A 1 3 3 – 1 5 9 ) , P e o p l e s Insight (NDA 133–148), and DVC Research (NDA 137–152) all project the NDA to comfortably cross the majority mark of 122 seats, while the MGB is relegated to a distant second, typically projected to win between 70 and 102 seats

Bihar, the ancient heartland of India, is currently engulfed in a f i e r c e s t a t e e l e c t i o n t h a t transcends local politics; it is a critical national test and a raw

e m o t i o n a l b a t t l e o v e r development and identity As the third most populous state, home to over 130 million people, Bihar’s

0

Members of Parliament (MPs) to the Lok Sabha Crisis, turnout and the stakes

T h e s i g n i f i c a n c e o f B i h a r stems from its sheer population

a n d i t s s t a t u s a s a p o l

violently with deep-seated social justice politics Bihar grapples with staggering socio-economic issues

It remains one of India's poorest

s t a t e s , p l a g u e d b y l o w i n d u s t r i a l i s a t i o n , h i g h unemployment, and the crushing

reality of mass migration, where hundreds of thousands of its youth leave annually in search of work

engaged, proven by the 65 08% voter turnout recorded in the first p h

elections, a historic high The final phase saw this participation climb even higher, with a strong voter

attributes the surge to the success

factor ’ In contrast, the Opposition i n t

incumbency wave driven by youth demanding jobs

The Mahagathbandhan’s chief m

Yadav, has repeatedly slammed the incumbents, stating: "Bihar is still the poorest state with the highest u n e m p l o y m e n t , i n f l a t i o n , a n d migration Once our government

forms, within 20 days, we will pass a law to give one government job to every family without one " The NDA, meanwhile, has countered this with a focus on investment a n d s t a b i l i t y U n i o n H o m e

Minister Amit Shah has defended the alliance's approach, arguing, "Employment can be created in m u l t i p l e w a y s E m p l o

n t i s different from jobs We will have to create the opportunity of selfemployment in Bihar itself "

The turnout puzzle and economic viability

P r o f S a n j a y K u m a r , a renowned Indian political analyst and psephologist, gives detailed perspective on both the recordbreaking turnout and the political d

industrialisation and social equity

increased and governments have

governments have got defeated

declined compared to the previous ones, but government have got d

s t h e government has been re-elected A

different states till 2020 indicates, turnout increased in 188 assembly

Similarly, 144 times the turnout declined, and 56 governments got re-elected Clearly, there is hardly

SC dismisses 'nasty' foreign media reports on Air India tragedy

T h e S u p r e m e C o u r t o f India h as prov ided strong assu rance to th e no nagenarian f ath er of t he co mm ander of t he il l-f ated Air India f lig ht AI17 1, which cr ashed at Ahm edabad in June, by clar if ying that t he o ff icial inter im r ep ort does no t attribute blame to t he deceased pilot

Hearing a plea from the pilot's father seeking a fair and impartial probe, the B e n c h o f C J I - d e s i g n

S u r y a K a n t a n d J u s t i c e

Joymalya Bagchi sought to ease the family's emotional burden The judges noted that the preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident

I n v e s t i g a t i o n B u

e a u (AAIB) merely reproduced a cockpit voice recording which featured one pilot asking the other about the fuel supply cut-off, but it

made no insinuation or no

A d v o c a t e G

Sankaranarayanan, representing the father, highlighted the immense agony caused by reports in the W a l l S t

n d other foreign media, which c i t e d u n n

m

d I n d i a n sources to claim the crash was due to pilot error T h e S

articles, dismissing them as "nasty and motivated" reporting aimed at showing India in a bad light We a r e n o t b o t h

r e d a b o u t what Wall Street Journal or foreign media reported, the bench stated, adding, no Indian believes or talks about pilot error or mistake as a cause of the June 12 crash The court advised

the petitioner that if he was aggrieved by the foreign media's insinuations, he should seek remedial measures against the foreign media before the relev

before the Supreme Court

inquiry officials had visited h i s c l

pilot's marital life, insinuating the crash could have been a suicide While not-

Court maintained that the official probe has followed due procedure, even while i

h

DGCA and AAIB seeking responses to the plea for an independent investigation

voter’s turnout It is important to

completed only a few days before the elections Many voters who had come to their native place on the occasion of the festival may have decided to stay back after the event to cast their vote There are

any strong co-relation between turnout and electoral outcome

Given this evidence, it is hard to say, what does a higher turnout in

Bihar election indicate ” F i r s t a n d f o r e m o s t , h e highlights the exercise of a special intensive revision of the electoral roll in Bihar This resulted in the deletion of names of 'ghost voters', those who were either dead or p e r m a n e n t l y a w a y f r o m w h e r e they were registered but whose names continued to figure on the electoral roll Names of such ghost voters had continued to be on the voters list without any possibility of such votes being cast on voting day, naturally resulting in lower turnout in earlier elections

T h e p r e s e n c e o f a l a r g e number of migrant voters in Bihar o n t h e d a y o f v o t i n g , w h o normally are away from Bihar at the time of election, also seems to have contributed to an increase in

contrasting view to the typical political narrative “I

people (families) still depend upon

as well

With exit polls indicating a continuation of the NDA’s rule, the focus remains firmly on the

4 Whether the NDA’s narrative of

Trump hints at possible India visit next year

U S President Donald Trum p c o nf i rm ed h i s cl o se rel ati o n sh i p w i th t h e I nd i an leader: “He's ( PM M odi) a f ri en d o f m in e, an d w e speak He wants me to g o there We'll figure that out I ll g o I w ill h av e a great trip there w ith Prime Minister Mo di, h e's a g reat man And I'll be going, ” T rum p stated in response to a direct qu esti o n Wh e n p re ss ed o n wh ether the visit could take p l ac e in 20 2 6, T r u m p replied, "It could be, yeah ” The speculation over a p o t e n t i a l v i s i t c o m e s a s India is scheduled to host the next Quad summit, feat u r i n g l e a d e r s f r o m t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , J a p a n , a n d

Australia While the previous meeting took place in Wilmington, Delaware, the d a t e s f o r t h e N e w D e l h i summit are yet to be formally announced Trump, who has maintained a warm publ i c r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h P M

Modi, also briefly touched upon the subject of bilateral t r a d e H e c l a i m e d t h a t progress was being made in o n g o i n g t r a d e d i s c u s s i o n s b e t w e e n W a s h i n g t o n a n d

New Delhi

Additionally, he reiterate d h i s f r e q u e n t l y m a d e assertion regarding energy imports, stating that India has largely reduced its oil imports from Russia This claim, however, runs contrary to widely reported figures that show India's crude

oil imports from Russia have s u r g e d s i g n i f i c a n t l y s i n c e 2022, becoming a key buyer of discounted Russian oil

A visit by Trump, espec i a l l y d u r i n g a t i m e o f h e i g h t e n e d g e o p o l i t i c a l activity and the anticipated Q u a d s u m m i t , w o u l d undoubtedly draw considerable international attention and serve as a significant moment in Indo-US diplomatic relations, regardless o f h i s c u r r e n t p o l i t i c a l standing

Sanjay Kumar

Nitish Kumar

Tejashwi Yadav

Donald Trump

The philanthropy revolution of India

Continued from page 1

reaching an estimated ₹25 lakh crore ($300 billion) in the fiscal

persistent funding gap of around

against NITI Aayog's estimates It

expected to accelerate, growing at an annual rate of 10–12% over the

2025 reveals that the number of self-made philanthropists has now risen to 101, demonstrating that this generosity is directly tied to the audacious vision and ambition of India's newest industrial titans

The report noted that there were 12 new entrants to the overall list, with the most generous new entrant being Venu Srinivasan of

T V S M o t o r , w h o d o n a t e d ₹ 2 0 crore

Pioneers in wealth and giving

This new cohort of givers is led

b y i n d i v i d u a

monumental business vision Shiv Nadar remains the prime example, r e t a i n i n g t h e t o p s p o t w

t h a staggering ₹2,708 crore in annual donations, averaging ₹ 7 4 crore per day His foresight in building

H C L i n t o a g l o b a l I T s e r v i c e s p o w e r

Foundation, primarily focused on massive educational institutions

Self-made moguls of India rebuilding the definition of giving

Similarly, the Infosys co-founders e m b o d

c e journey Nandan Nilekani is a top

p h i l a n t h r o p i s t , d o n a t i n g ₹ 3 6 5 crore and focusing on systemic

at the age of 85 on November 4, 2025, in London He was a key figure in transforming the family

East trading operation into the multi-billion-dollar transnational enterprise it is today

The rising influence of women philanthropists

community development in the regions where the Adani Group

family, famous for building the

education and healthcare to uplift underprivileged communities

The Hinduja family also reentered the top ten, contributing

passing of Gopichand P Hinduja, the Group's Chairman, who died

direction of Indian philanthropy, with 24 women philanthropists featured on the 2025 list Rohini N

action Following her closely is

- S h a w , w h o d o n

t

₹ 8 3 c r o r e , s u p p o r t i n g scientific research, education, and h e a l t h c a r e a c c e s s t h r o u g h

M a z u m d a r S h a w P h i l a n t h r o p y

Bina Shah is another prominent

Conspirators won't be spared, says PM Modi as Delhi blast kills 13

Monday evening was likely to be Dr Umar Mohammad, a resident of Pulwama, Jammu a n d K

FIR under the The Unlawful

connection with the blast

H

Minister Amit Shah chaired

meeting in the wake of the blast Shah had earlier said

e d a n d a thorough investigation will b e c o n d u c t e d , t a k i n g a l l options into account ”

The national capital has

b e e n p l a c e d o n h i g h a l e r t w i t h s t r i c t v i g i l b e i n g m a i n t a i n e d a t t

n g vehicle around 6 52 pm , says Delhi Police Commissioner PM Modi spoke to Amit Shah on the phone from Bhutan

a n d t o o k s t o c k o f t h e ongoing investigation in the Red Fort blast case, said a senior government official

The high-intensity blast took place in a car at a traffic signal near Gate No 1 of the

occurred hours after Jammu

a

recovered nearly 3,000 kg of

Sources said that Dr Umar Mohammad, who owned the car, reportedly panicked and triggered the blast near the Red Fort after investigators arrested two key members of the module - Dr Mujammil Shakeel and Dr Adil Rather

was found in Faridabad, was

added

Rekha Gupta announced an ex gratia of ₹10 ,00,000 for the families of each of those killed in the blast near the Red Fort The Chief Minister said that a compensation of ₹500,000 will be provided to those rendered permanently disabled, ₹200,000 to those w h o s u s t a i n e d s

i o u s injuries and Rs 20,000 to those who sustained minor injuries in the blast

Bus conductor, Uber driver, shopkeeper among dead

The people who died in the blast include an Uber driver, a bus conductor, and a shopkeeper Many of them were family men, and some were the sole breadwinners in their households Pankaj Sahni, Dinesh Mishra both D e l h i r e s i d e n t s , A s h o k Kumar and Lokesh Aggarwal from Amroha and Noman, Shamli were the names of some of the victims

f i g u r e , c o n t r i b u t i n g ₹ 6 9 c r o r e towards a broad range of causes i n c l u d i n g e d u c a t i o n , h e a l t h , gender equity, and environmental sustainability India’s philanthropic focus areas

T h e o v e r a l l p h i l a n t h r o p i c c o n t r i b u t i o n t r a c k e d b y t h e

Hurun list amounted to ₹10,380 crore in 2025 In terms of sectoral d i s t r i b u t i o n , E d u c a t i o n r e m a i n s the most favoured cause by an overwhelming margin, attracting ₹ 4 , 1 6 6 c r o r e , w h i c h r e p r e s e n t s 4 0 % o f

donations While these traditional sectors form the core of giving, n

experienced the sharpest growth, leaping by 212% to receive ₹309

strategic diversification in giving, moving beyond essential services

Special programme to mark ‘Pramukh Varni Amrut Mahotsav’

I n 1 9 50 , th e f o un d er o f th e B A P S organisation, Brahmaswarup S hastriji M a h ara j , ap p oi n ted Br ah m a

P ra m u kh S w am

M

, w h

dedicated h is entire life to the serv ice of humanity, as th e president of the o rg ani s at io n at A m b li V al i P o l i n A h m ed a bad S i nc e t h en , P ra m u kh Sw am i Maharaj was revered by m illions across the world and carried th e eternal messag e of Sanatan Dharma far and wid e thro ugh h is d ivine actions and tireless spiritual serv ice This year marks the 75th anniversary of h i s a p p o i n t m e n t

h Varni) To commemorate this occasion, a s p e c i a l p r o g r a m m e w i l l b e h e l d o n 7 December 2025, coinciding with Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s birth anniversary, at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, in the presence of his spiritual successor, Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj Thousands of devotees and well-wishers are expected to

attend this celebration

As part of the event, a unique presentation will take place on the riverbank, featuring

Maharaj’s divine virtues and his inspiring life o

recognition of this saint’s

stretch of the Riverfront Road, from Dadhichi Bridge to Vasna Barrage, as ‘Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj Marg ’

India slams Pakistan’s Islamabad blasts charge

The Indian government dism iss ed Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif 's claim of being ass oc iat ed with the Is lamab ad terror atta ck as 'basel ess ' D e b un k in g t he a l l e ga t i on s , t he o f f i c ia l s pok es pe rs on of t he M in is tr y of E x te rn al Aff airs (M EA), Ranadhir Jais wal , sa id India f ir ml y r ejects all t he ac cusa tions , and t he country has no role behind any t error attack in the neighbouring c ountry "India unequivocally rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations being made by an obviously delirious Pakistani leadership It is a predictable tactic by Pakistan to concoct false narratives against India in order to deflect the attention of its own public from the ongoing military-inspired constitutional subversion a n d p o w

country," he said "

aware of the reality and will not be misled by Pakistan’s desperate diversionary ploys," he further added

The reactions came after Sharif blamed India for a suicide blast outside the Islamabad High Court that killed 12 people He also accused New Delhi of playing a significant role in Monday's attack on a cadet college in Wana, near the border with Afghanistan Sharif blamed Indian-sponsored terrorist proxies for the twin attacks, according to A

Pakistani government's news agency

India's state-sponsored terrorism aimed

Shiv Nadar Mukesh Ambani

Narendra Modi

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal welcome baby boy

stars Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal have welcomed their embracing a beautiful new chapter in their lives The the joyful news with fans through a joint Instagram post s arrival read, “Our bundle of joy has arrived With immense love e, we welcome our baby boy,” signed by both Katrina and nouncement card featured a soft cream-and-blue design d edges and a cute illustration of a teddy bear in a baby ounded by stars and gifts

le shared the post with a simple caption: “Blessed ” s Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal shared the joyous news, as flooded with congratulatory messages from fans and uneet Monga wrote, “Massive congratulations and all blessings,” while Kareena Kapoor welcomed Katrina to

Aryan Khan to direct Shah Rukh Khan in feature film set for 2027

Aryan Khan has become the talk of the town after delivering a major hit for Netflix India with ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’

The irreverent yet entertaining show has drawn comparisons to filmmaker Farah Khan for its sharp balance of tone, making audiences eager to see what Aryan does next

According to a recent Pinkvilla report, Aryan Khan is set to direct his father, Shah Rukh Khan, in a full-length feature film expected to go on floors in 2027 The report noted that this will be Aryan’s third project, with SRK in the lead role Before that, however, the 27-year-old filmmaker plans to focus on another full-fledged entertainer, which will mark his theatrical debut

A source close to the project revealed, “Aryan wants to prove himself as a filmmaker with a theatrical hit before taking on the challenge of directing his father, Shah Rukh Khan ” Detailing his approach, the source added, “He believes in earning that opportunity on merit and letting his work speak for itself If all goes as planned, Aryan’s third film will feature SRK in the lead The two have already finalised the core idea, though the collaboration is expected to materialise only in 2027 For now, Aryan is focused on completing the script for his second feature, which will soon move into casting ” Earlier, during a fan interaction on social media, Shah Rukh Khan was asked if his son would ever direct him in a fullfledged film The superstar replied with his signature humour, “If he can afford me and my tantrums!”

y Kaushal shared the post on his Instagram story, writing, “Main chacha ban gaya!” Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit, and Kiara Advani also sent their love, along with Rajkummar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana, Sonam and Anil Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Manish Malhotra, Zoya Akhtar, and Upasna Konidela

The couple had announced their pregnancy in September with a black-and-white Polaroid showing

captioned, “On our way to start the best chapter of our lives with hearts full of joy and gratitude ”

At the Yuvaa Conclave in Mumbai, Vicky said he was “just looking forward to being a dad,” calling it “ a huge blessing ” The couple, who began dating a few years ago, tied the knot in a royal ceremony at Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan, in 2021

Anurag Kashyap calls ‘Bombay Velvet’ his worst experience, says

failure was traumatic

In a recent interaction, Anurag Kashyap called the post-production of his 2015 film ‘Bombay Velvet’ “the worst experience” of his life. The filmmaker recalled being under immense pressure from producers to recover the film’s massive Rs 90 crore budget, calling the phase deeply traumatic

After the film’s failure, it earned only Rs 43 20 crore worldwide, Anurag said he decided to “ go back to basics” and make a smaller film “I asked the production house how much they’d give me without knowing the script or cast, just trusting I’d recover the money They gave me Rs 3 5 crore After Rs 90 crore, I went straight to Rs 3 5 crore because I didn’t want to get trapped,” he said

Speaking about the power dynamics in filmmaking, Anura Kashyap said, “A director is the captain of the ship, but the producer is the mother of the film A director can make a good film only when the producer stands firmly behind him If the producer is scared, that fear transfers to the director ”

Citing ‘Bombay Velvet’ as an example, he admitted, “Everyone was scared They felt the film was too long and wanted me to cut the childhood portions of the leads because the cost was too high The focus was more on opening weekend numbers than the film itself I got nervous and trimmed it Had I kept those 25 minutes, it would’ve been a better film and maybe not such a big failure ”

Calling ‘Bombay Velvet’ a traumatic experience, Anurag said, “If I could’ve owned its failure, it wouldn’t have been a trauma for me ” He admitted it was the worst phase of his 32-year career not during the shoot, but in postproduction, adding, “It was the first time I faced so much negativity in my life ”

Soha Ali Khan opens up about Saif’s journey and recent attack

Soha

Ali Khan reflected on her brother Saif Ali Khan’s journey in Bollywood, saying that he has handled his long career “remarkably well.”

Speaking on a podcast with ANI, Soha discussed Saif’s professional path and also addressed his recent personal crisis following the knife attack

Speaking about her brother Saif, Soha said, “He’s certainly experienced many ups and downs, but those are all relative He’s had his share of professional successes and setbacks, films that became hits and others that didn’t Yet, I’ve always seen him as someone people are excited to work with, often praised for his versatility There were never any real ‘low lows ’ I genuinely feel his journey has had normal fluctuations, and he continues to do remarkably well; financially, personally, and commercially ” She also spoke about the recent attack on Saif, saying, “At that moment, I couldn’t fully grasp what was happening Looking back now, it seems to have been a random incident, a lapse in security The intruder didn’t even know which house he had entered and likely acted in confusion in the dark It was clearly a security failure, something that’s been a concern across the country ”

For those unaware, Saif was attacked in the early hours of January 16 this year at his Bandra residence in Mumbai He sustained six stab wounds from the assailant, who was later arrested The actor underwent spinal and plastic surgeries at Lilavati Hospital and was discharged on January 21

Kavin hails Silambarasan TR and Vetri

Maaran’s ‘Arasan’: “A big gift for fans”

Actor Kavin recently sparked excitement among fans with his comments on director Vetri Maaran’s upcoming film ‘Arasan’, starring Silambarasan TR The gangster drama, set in North Chennai, also features Andrea Jeremiah, Samuthirakani, and Kishore in key roles With Silambarasan appearing in dual avatars, young and old, anticipation for the film is running high

Speaking to Cine Ulagam about ‘Arasan’, Kavin said, “I know everything about the film, but I won’t reveal it Silambarasan, Vetri Maaran, and Anirudh coming together is a huge gift for the fans,” as quoted by The Times of India

The 35-year-old assured that ‘Arasan’ would be “of very high quality” and “completely satisfy” fans

Kavin, who is busy promoting his upcoming film ‘Mask’, produced by Vetri Maaran’s banner and directed by debutant Vikarnan Ashok, spoke highly of ‘Arasan’, saying, “I have no doubt about its quality It will be a new experience for fans ”

The film, marking Silambarasan and Vetri Maaran’s first collaboration with music by Anirudh Ravichander, is already one of the most anticipated projects in Tamil cinema

According to The Hindu, ‘Arasan’ is directly linked to the 2018 Dhanush-starrer ‘Vada Chennai’, regarded as one of Tamil cinema’s finest gangster dramas The report adds that the film’s recent promo suggests a non-linear narrative

Gouri

Kishan shuts down sexist question on her weight: “It doesn’t define my talent”

Tamilactor Gouri Kishan confronted a journalist at a Chennai press meet for her film ‘Others’ after he asked an inappropriate question about her weight In a viral video, Gouri is seen firmly reprimanding the journalist, who attempted to justify his remark even as she expressed her displeasure.

Responding in Tamil, Gouri said, “How is my weight any of your concern? It has nothing to do with the film or my talent My weight is my choice, I speak through my work and choose career-driven roles ” When the team tried to calm her down, she added, “I have a point to make, and everyone is trying to silence me ”

The actor received an outpouring of support from fans and industry peers after videos of the incident went viral Actor Dhanya Rajendran shared a clip on Instagram, writing, “Absolutely appalled by what transpired, a male journalist insisting his question about a female actor’s weight was valid @gourigkofficial remained calm and firm while dealing with the bullying ”

One supporter commented, “The audacity to not let you speak after you patiently listened to this so-called journalist, glad you called him out ” Another wrote, “Loved the way you stood up for yourself, @gourigkofficial There’s nothing more powerful than speaking up when no one else will ”

Gouri Kishan, 26, is known for her work in Tamil and Malayalam cinema She made her debut at 18 as the younger version of Trisha’s character in ’96’, and later appeared in ‘Karnan’, ‘Ulagammai’, and ‘Boat’ Her latest film, ‘Others’, released on November 7, and she will next be seen in ‘Love Insurance Kompany’ alongside Pradeep Ranganathan, S J Suryah, and Krithi Shetty, releasing on December 18

Ilaiyaraaja slams producers for selling his songs: “They can’t transfer rights without my consent”

Veterancomposer Ilaiyaraaja has long defended his ownership rights, insisting on strict enforcement of copyright laws for his music His counsel told the Madras High Court that film producers cannot reuse his compositions or sell the rights to music labels and third parties for use in new films

According to ‘The Hindu’, Ilaiyaraaja’s counsel argued that the composer never had an employer–employee relationship with film producers, nor did he grant them full rights over his music The payments he received were only to cover technical costs, not to transfer ownership Emphasising that a film and its music are distinct works, the counsel stated that while producers can use the songs within the film, they cannot sell or license them separately without Ilaiyaraaja’s consent

The hearing concerned a plea by Mythri Movie Makers to lift the interim injunction granted to Ilaiyaraaja in September

The composer had accused the makers of ‘Good Bad Ugly’, starring Ajith Kumar, of using three of his songs, “Otha Rooba Thaaren,” “Ilamai Idho Idho,” and “En Jodi Manja Kuruvi”, without permission Music labels contended that Ilaiyaraaja’s dispute lies with the original producers, from whom they legally acquired the rights The court has reserved its order on the matter

Ajith clarifies Karur tragedy remark: “Don’t use it to pit me against Vijay”

ActorAjith

which claimed 41 lives

His earlier comments had gone viral, with some suggesting he was blaming Vijay Speaking to Rangaraj Pandey, Ajith said his words were misinterpreted and urged people not to pit him against Vijay “I never intended that I’ve always wished well for Vijay and pray for everyone ’ s happiness,” he said

Earlier, in an interview with THR India, Ajith Kumar expressed sorrow over the Karur stampede and questioned why such tragedies continue to occur at political or film-related events “The individual (Vijay) is not to blame, we all share r e s p o n s i b i l i t y , ” h e s a i d “ T o d

obsessed with showing off crowds This needs to stop You see large gatherings at cricket matches, but such incidents don’t happen there Why only with film stars? It reflects poorly on the entire industry ”

Following the tragedy, Vijay met 37 of the 41 affected families at a resort in Mahabalipuram, with 39 families reportedly receiving 20 lakh each in compensation Dismissing claims of logistical failure, Vijay called the incident a political conspiracy, saying in a video message, “I’ve campaigned in five districts, why did this happen only in Karur? People know the truth and are watching When the people of Karur began speaking out, it felt like God himself was revealing it ”

Kumar has clarified his remarks about the tragic September 27 stampede at Vijay’s rally in Karur,

Karan Johar

on childhood trauma: “I panic if Yash and Roohi gain weight or skip football”

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has often spoken about being bullied as a child for his weight In a recent chat with Sania Mirza on her podcast ‘Serving It Up with Sania’ for Myntra, he opened up about the deep emotional scars from his early years that still influence him as a parent

K a r a n r e f l e c t e d o n t h e darker side of social media, where people scrutinise every detail of one ’ s appearance, and shared his concern for today’s children who face pressure to l o o k “ h o t e n o u g h ” o r g a i n followers He said that while he was a plus-size child who was still allowed to be happy, he now worries for kids who are “physically different ”

When asked if his children are ready to handle societal pressures, Karan said, “Half of m e i s s t i l l s c a r r e d b y m y childhood, and I get paranoid about my kids gaining weight I carry that trauma, I tell them not to eat sugar, yet a part of me wants to free them from it I even get upset if they skip a football class ”

He added, “As a child, I was told to play ‘dabba gul’ because football wasn’t for me As a parent, I worry about screen

t i m e , o n l i n e e x p o s u r e , a n d how others might treat them

I ’ v e e v e n t o n e d d o w n m y

c l o t h i n g s o t h e y d o n ’ t f e e l embarrassed Above all, I want them to grow up accepting of everyone ” Karan became a father in 2017, welcoming twins Yash

a n d R o o h i v i a s u r r o g a c y , named after his parents, Yash

a n d H i r o o J o h a r H e o f t e n shares glimpses of their life on social media

Deepika Padukone

on being mocked for her voice: “Now I’m the voice of Meta AI”

Deepika

Padukone, one of Bollywood’s most recognisable stars, has ventured into artificial intelligence as the new voice of Meta AI across several countries

Speaking at CNBC’s Global Leadership Summit, she called the collaboration an exciting new step and recalled how she was once mocked for the same voice early in her career At the event, Deepika shared, “When I entered the industry, people used to mock my voice and accent and now, ironically, I’ve become the voice of Meta AI! I’ve learned to own it, and perhaps that’s exactly why this happened ”

Speaking about artificial intelligence, she said, “I’m thrilled about its possibilities, but the one thing AI can never replace is human emotion It can’t replicate how an actor feels or expresses, because you can’t infuse soul into AI ”

Deepika made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Om Shanti Om’, directed by Farah Khan, in 2007

Deepika was last seen in ‘Singham Again’, directed by Rohit Shetty, alongside Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, and Tiger Shroff The film hit theatres last year She is currently working with Shah Rukh Khan on his upcoming film ‘King’ and will also feature in Atlee’s next project opposite Allu Arjun

Shraddha Kapoor joins ‘Zootopia 2’, dubbed as feisty Judy Hopps

Bollywood

star Shraddha Kapoor is set to charm audiences as the voice of Judy Hopps in the Hindi version of Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’

Disney India announced the news on social media, sharing an adorable poster featuring Shraddha alongside the beloved bunny character

Disney India captioned the post, “Super excited to join the #Zootopia2 family as the voice of the amazing Judy Hopps in Hindi, she’s feisty, courageous, and of course, cute since forever! Stay tuned for a special surprise tomorrow! #Zootopia2 – In cinemas November 28 ”

On the film front, Shraddha will next be seen in ‘Stree 3 ’ , releasing in August 2027 She also stars in the fantasy trilogy ‘Naagin’ and the biopic of legendary Marathi folk artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar

The film, titled ‘Eetha’, will see Shraddha Kapoor portraying the titular role Reports suggest the actress has begun training in Lavani, a traditional Maharashtrian dance form, for the part

Production for ‘Eetha’ officially began on November 1, 2025

The film chronicles the inspiring life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated Tamasha performers Known for her wit and quirky personality, Shraddha Kapoor often shares glimpses of her fun side on social media Recently, she was spotted enjoying ‘gajar ka halwa’ while getting ready in her makeup chair

Priyanka Chopra returns to music with desi version of ‘Last Christmas’ for ‘Christmas Karma’

Priyanka Chopra is making her musical comeback with a Desi twist on Wham!’s classic ‘Last Christmas’.

Her reimagined version features in Gurinder Chadha’s upcoming family musical ‘Christmas Karma’, releasing on November 14 in the UK, Ireland, and the US, and on December 12 in India

The track blends Indian sounds with festive cheer as part of the film’s original soundtrack celebrating the UK’s rich musical diversity

The soundtrack also features global artists like Gary Barlow, Billy Porter, Nitin Sawhney, Shaznay Lewis, Pixie Lott, and Boy George, with the full album releasing alongside the film

Priyanka Chopra Jonas said, “Gurinder Chadha is a dear friend, and I’m happy to support her in Christmas Karma’ I hope this desi twist to a Christmas classic resonates with audiences ” Director Gurinder Chadha added, “As a huge George Michael fan, I’m grateful to his estate for letting us give his song a unique Hindi twist I hope he’s smiling in heaven as fans sing along to the vibe!”

Priyanka Chopra began her international music journey in 2012 with ‘In My City’ featuring Will i am, followed by ‘Exotic’ with Pitbull in 2013, though her singing debut came earlier with ‘Ullathai Killathe’ in the 2002 Tamil film ‘Tamizhan’ She has also sung Bollywood tracks like ‘Saajan Saajan’ (Barsaat), ‘Chaoro’ (Mary Kom), and ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’

For Priyanka, music is deeply personal, a tribute to her late father, Dr Ashok Chopra Speaking about ‘In My City’, she said, “This was my dad’s dream My parents were emotional when they heard my song My father was an incredible singer, and I’m glad I could fulfill his dream ”

India win T20 series against Australia as 5th match washed out

in brief

under five

o

stopped, initially for lightning Gill took the early initiative and pummelled six fours in his 29 not out, while his partner Abhishek was dropped by Glenn Maxwell and Ben Dwarshuis on his way to an unbeaten

after it started The opening match in the

squad so they could prepare to face England with the red ball and India won the third T20 by five wickets in Hobart and the fourth on the Gold Coast by 48 runs Abhishek was named Player of the Series for his 163 runs at an average of 40 75 "The way everybody chipped in in every game and we came b a c k f r o

down, I think credit goes to all t

effort," said Suryakumar

rankings in the shortest format, will head home with confidence

ahead of their defence of the T20 World Cup title on home soil early next year

Bindra, Paes may be honoured with Padma Vibhushan

India’s

Grand Slam champion in

is legend Leander Paes, have been

h i g h e s t c iv il i an h o n o u r af te

B harat Ra tna , sp orts mi nis try sou rces said

While the name of Bindra –a five-time Olympian and a 10m a i r r i f l e s p e c i a l i s t – w a s r e c o m m e n d e d b y t h e S p o r t s Authority of India (SAI), Paes’ candidature for the award by f o r w a r d e d b y t h e A l l I n d i a Tennis Association (AITA) Paes

w a s r e c e n t l y e l e c t e d a s t h e

B e n g a l T e n n i s A s s o c i a t i o n ’ s (BTA) president

Abhinav Bindra

The Padma Vibhushan has been given to four sportspersons in the past - Viswanathan Anand (2007), Sachin Tendulkar (2008), m

medallist M C Mary Kom (2020) Bindra was honoured with t h e P a d m a B h u s h a n , t h e country’s third highest civilian honour, in 2009 Paes, on the other hand, was conferred with Padma Shri in 2001 and Padma Bhushan in 2014 Paes won the

India’s first individual Olympic medal in 44 years, and remains

Olympic medallist to date Apart

medallist, men ’ s javelin thrower

Neeraj Chopra’s name has been

world champion and Diamond League Finals winner, Chopra received the Padma Shri award in 2022

e r M a n u Bhaker, who created history at the Paris Games by winning two b r o n z e m e d a l s , h a s b e e n nominated for the Padma Shri h o n o u r – a n a w a r d s h e p r e v i o u s l y a p p l i e d f o r t w i c e Similarly, Indian men ’ s hockey

t e a m c a p t a i n H a r m a n p r e e t Singh, who led the side to a

Harmanpreet and team India gift signed jersey to PM Modi

T he world cu p w inning Ind ian wo m en's cricket team met Prim e Minister Narendra M odi at his resid ence in New Delhi and gav e h im a jersey that was signed by the entire team, bearing th e nam e 'Namo 1 ' PM Modi hosted the triumphant team at his residence to celebrate their World Cup

v i c t o r y S t a y i n g t r u e t o h i s t r a d i t i o n o f meeting and honouring champion athletes,

P M M o d i w a r m

listened to their stories from the historic campaign

Harmanpreet told PM Modi why she pocketed the match ball after World Cup win PM Modi praises India’s World Cup queens for ushering a new era in sports

Although Modi was not present at the venue during the final - unlike the 2023 men

C

A

celebrating the monumental achievement, posting a heartfelt congratulatory message for Harmanpreet and her team

P M M o d

members of the team during the meeting Captain Harmanpreet recalled how the team had met Modi back in 2017 without a trophy in hand She said that meeting him again now, this time as World Cup champions, made the moment extra special- and that

they hoped to meet him more often in the future Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shared

motivating and that he has been a constant source of inspiration for the team She also remarked that women across different fields in India are achieving great success today, a n

them Deepti Sharma said she had eagerly awaited this meeting with PM Modi She

when he had urged them to stay determined and work hard toward their dreams

SMRITI, JEMIMAH AND DEEPTI IN ICC WOMEN'S WC TEAM

Indian stars expectedly dominated the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Team of the Tournament with Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma making it to the line-up South Africa also have three of their players in the side with Laura Wolvaardt chosen to captain Annabel Sutherland Ash Gardner and Alana King feature from the Australian team the ICC said WC team of the tournament: 1 Smriti Mandhana (India), 2 Laura Wolvaardt (c) (South Africa), 3 Jemimah Rodrigues (India), 4 Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), 5 Ash Gardner (Australia), 6 Deepti Sharma (India), 7 Annabel Sutherland (Australia), 8 Nadine de Klerk (South Africa), 9 Sidra Nawaz (wk) (Pakistan), 10 Alana King (Australia), 11 Sophie Ecclestone (England) 12th Player: Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)

h i s t o r i c b r o n z e f i n i s h a t t h e P a r i s 2 0 2 4 , h a s b e e n r e c o m m e n d e d f o r t h e P a d m a S h r i B o t h M a n u B h a k e r a n d

H a r m a n p r e e t ’ s n a m e s w e r e forwarded by SAI

A n o t h e r f o r m e r s h o o t e r , L o n d o n O l y m p i c s b r o n z e m e d a l l i s t a i r r i f l e m a r k s m a n Gagan Narang’s name has been

r e c o m m e n d e d f o r t h e P a d m a Bhushan by SAI

Former Asian Games gold medallist shooter and current Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) p r e s i d e n t R a n d h i r S i n g h a n d l e a d i n g o r t h o p e d i c , s p o r t s m e d i c i n e a n d s p o r t s i n j u r y

expert Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala’s names have been recommended f o r t h e P a d m a S h r i b y S A I

F o r m e r m e n ’ s h o c k e y t e a m captain Viren Rasquinha’s name has also been nominated for the Padma Shri, along with former S A I d i r e c t o r g e n e r a l S a n d i p Pradhan

DEEPTI, WOLVAARDT RELEASED AHEAD OF WPL AUCTION

India’s Deepti Sharma and South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt, two standout performers from the recent ODI World Cup, were released by UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants respectively ahead of the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction Deepti, who scored 215 runs and claimed 22 wickets to be adjudged the player-of-the tournament during India’s World Cup triumph had starred in the final with a fine half century and a five-wicket haul against South Africa However the 28-year-old who was also the player-of- the-tournament in the 2024 WPL season was not retained by the Warriorz The franchise chose to retain only former Under-19 World Cup winner Shweta Sehrawat as part of a fresh approach for the upcoming season Gujarat Giants too decided to release Wolvaardt, who struck consecutive centuries in the semifinals and final of the World Cup to finish as the tournament’s top run-getter

Pant back in Indian team against South Africa

T he national s elect ion c om mittee decided to ignore him f or the t

s against South Af ric a star ting in K ol kata on Nov 14

Shami’s name was the o n l y n o t a b l e o n e m i s s i n g from the team picked by the s e l e c t o r s R i s h a b h P a n t , e x p e c t e d l y , g o t h i s p l a c e back as the vice-captain of the team after playing for I n d i a ‘ A ’ l a s t w e e k p o s t r e c o v e r i n g f r o m a f o o t injury that he had sustained during the Manchester Test in July

A k a s h D e e p , w h o w a s nursing a back injury after the England tour in Aug, has made a comeback into the T e s t t e a m i n p l a c e o f Prasidh Krishna with Jasprit

B u m r a h a n d M o h a m m e d Siraj leading the attack

It will be interesting to see how the local curator, k n o w n f o r n o t t a k i n g

Rishabh Pant

i n s t r u c t i o n s f r o m h o m e teams in domestic cricket

a n d I P L , c a n c h a n g e t h e nature of the square at Eden

G a r d e n s i n s u c h a s h o r t period of time Akash Deep has a lot of experience in b o w l i n g a t E d e n G a r d e n s s h o u l d t h e c o n d i t i o n s compel India to go in with a proper third seam-bowling o p t i o n H o w e v e r , t h e chances of that happening are negligible I n d i a ’ s n e x t T e s t assignment is in Sri Lanka in July-Aug next year before a tour of New Zealand in late 2 0 2 6 S h a m i ’ s o m i s s i o n from the Indian team has

been a talking point since he was laid low by a chronic injury last year just when he h a d r e c o v e r e

cricket since the ODI World Cup final in Nov 2023

T e s t s

Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL R

Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep India ‘A’ one-day squad against SA ‘A’: Tilak Varma (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC),

Parag, Ishan Kishan (WK),

Ahmed, Prabhsimran Singh (WK)