Indian diaspora, in best of glittering ethnic wears
a w
Diwali reception hosted by the Prime Minister.
In absence of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was in Egypt for the Gaza Summit, Secretary
o f S t a t e f o r H o u s i n g , C o m
Government, Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE hosted the evening, lit the diyas and addressed the guests
Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Equalities a n d M i n i s t e r a t F o r e i g n , C o m m o n w e a l t h a n d Development Office kickstarted the formal part of the evening welcoming all
Rt Hon Dougals Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Scotland of the United Kingdom who accompanied PM Starmer on his trip to India, spoke about the historic visit with a trade delegation of 127 people and the monumental bond between the UK and India
Continued on 15
u High Commission celebrates Uganda’s 63 years of freedom Page 09
u Fragile ceasefire at Sharm el-Sheikh Page 21
u Bihar 2025: The historic battleground shaping India’s future Page 25
U K - I N D I A T I E S E N T E R A N E W E R A
Anusha Singh
The streets of Mumbai were alive with colour and anticipation as Sir Keir Starmer arrived for his two-day visit to India’s financial
greeting to what both sides hope will be a new chapter in UK-India relations
At the heart of the visit was the
hailed as a “launchpad” for closer economic and technological ties Flanked by the UK’s largest-ever trade delegation, with 127 CEOs, entrepreneurs, university leaders, and cultural figures, he met PM Narendra Modi to explore ways to expand business, investment, and collaboration across industries
Continued on 12
Diwali and New Year Greetings
The ABPL family warmly wishes all our readers, wellwishers, supporters and advertisers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar a joyous Diwali and a prosperous New Year
Please note that
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE lighting diyas at No10 to celebrate Diwali
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a bilateral meeting at the Raj Bhavan, Mumbai
Robert Jenrick under fire over controversial integration comments
Con s er v at i v e MP R ob e r t
Jenrick has sparked controversy after recorded remark s he made ear lier t his yea r we re published by the Guardian
Discussing Handsworth, a diverse neighbourhood in Birmingham, Jenrick described it as “ one of the worst integrated places I’ve ever been to” and “ as close as I’ve come to a slum in this country ” He added that during his hour-and-a-half visit, he did not see “another white face” and expressed concern that people were living “parallel lives” rather than alongside each other
The comments, made at a private dinner in the spring and secretly recorded, were widely criticised The city has long prided itself on multiculturalism, making Jenrick’s remarks particularly contentious among politicians, rights groups, and local residents West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker labelled the comments racist, a charge Jenrick rejected Conser vative leader Kemi Badenoch defended him, calling his observations prescient and noting that community fragmentation is a growing concern She added that high immigration had made integration harder, while Britain remains a success-
ful multi-racial country
Handsworth’s Independent MP Ayoub Khan described the remarks as “wildly false and incredibly irresponsible”
Writing for The Times, journalist Sathnam Sanghera recalled Enoch Powell’s Rivers of Blood speech, which painted an apocalyptic picture of race relations in the area, and pointed out that Jenrick would have been aware of this dark history when making his comments
Sanghera wrote, “After all, he was born in Wolverhampton, which has a similar racial make-up and history, and attended the same racially diverse school as me in the city He would also have understood the absurdity of his claim that Handsworth was not ‘ properly integrated’ based on not seeing any
UK Foreign Office urges Brits to avoid travel to Pakistan
The UK Foreign Off ice has issued a strong warning to British nationals planning to t ravel to Paki s tan, u rgi ng them to "stay away" amid escalating unrest
This advisory follows the Pakistani government’s decision to suspend mobile and internet ser vices in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and to seal entry and exit routes into the capital ahead of a planned protest by the radical Islamist group, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), on Friday, October 10
Tensions have intensif ied following violent clashes in Lahore between police and TLP supporters during an anti-Israel protest, leaving dozens injured The unrest was sparked by the TLP’s announcement of a planned demonstration outside the US Embassy in Islamabad In response, Punjab police raided TLP headquarters and arrested
the group ’ s leader, Saad Hussain Rizvi
In a statement issued today, the Foreign Off ice said, “Protests have led to movement restrictions in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore Travel in and around these areas may be severely disrupted Mobile data services are also suspended in some locations British nationals should avoid all political demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow the advice of local authorities ” The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Off ice (FCDO) has also reiterated separate guidance against all travel within 10 miles of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and within f ive miles of the Pakistan-India border except for travel via the Grand Trunk Road to India through the Wagah border crossing
white people in the area during a 90-minute period ” He added, “Would he argue that we are not integrated, even though some of us have white partners? Even though most of us have university educations and professional jobs? Even though I stood in the same room as him as we sang Jerusalem at the end of each term at school? If anything, you could say we have taken integration too far More generally, how can anyone judge whether someone is integrated by their skin colour?”
Sanghera also recounts growing up in a predominantly Punjabi community, where Indian customs and language often overshadowed British norms He describes practical challenges, from navigating services to fearing strangers, and notes “integration is a two-way street”
Handsworth’s population is 91 3% Black , Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME), signif icantly higher than Birmingham as a whole, which is 51 4% BAME and 48 6% white Across England and Wales, 18% of the population is BAME and 82% white
Other Birmingham neighbourhoods, including Small Heath, Alum Rock, and Sparkhill, have populations more than 75% Asian and British Asian
Judge clears Quran burner in victory for free speech’
A man convicted of burning a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish consulate in London has had his co nvictio n overturned in what has been hailed as a “victor y for free speech ”
Hamit Coskun, 51, who is halfKurdish and halfArmenian, “briefly lit” the Islamic holy text during a February protest in Knightsbridge Magistrates had convicted him in June of a religiously aggravated public order offence, but Justice Bennathan ruled at Southwark Crown Court that Coskun’s act “clearly amounted to political speech ”
Unity, not division, defines our nation
Krupesh Hirani, London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow
Ata time when far-right activists are trying to stir division and exploit people’s fears, it has never been more important to stand up to hate in all its fo rms As someone who represents the people of Brent and Harrow, and who has lived here my whole life, I kno w what truly makes this city special It is our diversity, our resilience and the shared values that hold us together
I saw that spirit growing up in Brent, where people from every corner of the world live and work side by side
The British Asian community has been central to that story, helping shape the London we know and love Our community understands the importance of hard work, compassion and standing together
Recently, we saw a troubling demonstration organised by far-right groups on our streets I understand that some who attended may have felt frustrated about different issues, but the organisers were not seeking solutions Their goal was to divide us and spread fear Their words and actions do not represent who we are as a city, and we cannot let that go unchallenged
London’s strength has always come from its unity Our City shows that people from all backgrounds can thrive together That unity cannot be taken from us, and it must not be twisted by those who want to use our symbols and our identity as tools of hate
I am a proud Londoner and proud to be English
Growing up in Neasden, I could hear the roar of the crowd from the old twin towers at Wembley Stadium Every time England played, the whole country came alive with pride I still remember the summer of Euro 96, when Terry Venables managed a team that brought people together
The streets were f illed with St George’s flags, and it did not matter where you came from or what your background was We were all united That flag belonged to everyone, including families like mine who had made Britain their home
We cannot allow that symbol to be taken by those who wish to divide us The flag of St George represents a country that is diverse, tolerant and fair It is a symbol of unity, not exclusion It belongs to all of us
The British Asian community has always played its part in building this country, from serving in the armed forces to running businesses and working as public servants We have always believed in Britain’s promise of fairness and opportunity, and we will not let anyone tell us we do not belong
That is why it is so important to speak out when people try to twist our national symbols or def ine Britishness in narrow terms Our strength as a nation comes from our diversity and shared values That is something to celebrate
The judge said the protest was not directed at any person or group, adding, “In a liberal democracy, we must
tolerate speech that may upset or offend ” Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick welcomed the ruling, calling it “ an important victory for free speech,” though he described the act itself as “unpleasant ” Coskun, backed by the National Secular Society and Free Speech Union, said he sought to highlight Turkey’s growing religious authoritarianism
Diwali Magazine 2025
Sunday 26 October 2025, the clocks will go back by
We are delighted to share that our vibrant and colourful Diwali Magazine is being posted separately This special edition is filled with insightful and engaging articles from a wide range of fields This festive season, gift a subscription to Asian Voice or Gujarat Samachar, a thoughtful present that keeps your loved ones informed, inspired and connected to the community all year round Also receive the Diwali Magazine absolutely free Celebrate the joy of giving and share the festive spirit with us!
Robert Jenerick Sathnam Sanghera
Hamit Coskun
Gaza: Two years of war in search of justice
Two years after Hamas’s attack on 7 October 2023, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 people being taken hostage, Gaza is now in a fragile peace The Trump-brokered Gaza Peace Plan, announced on 13 October 2025, promised to end the fighting, rebuild Gaza, and allow limited Palestinian self-rule But under the big promises, there is still pain, destruction, and deep mistrust
The cost of the war has been devastating Reports from Gaza’s health authorities and aid groups say more than 67,000 people were killed, 170,000 injured, and many left permanently disabled Nine in ten Gazans were forced to leave their homes Most buildings are gone, schools and hospitals destroyed, and farmland turned to dust Cities such as Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah are now mostly empty, with families living in tents or ruins
Across the border, the day the ceasefire began brought tears and cheers in Israel In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, crowds gathered as the final 20 surviving hostages were released after 738 days in captivity Families who had waited two long years finally embraced their loved ones Nearly 1,900 Palestinian prisoners were freed in exchange For many Israelis, it felt like the end of a dark chapter, though sadness remained for the 28 hostages who never returned According to recent reports, Hamas has so far handed over only four of the 28 deceased hostages’ bodies, prompting Israel to refuse to reopen the Rafah crossing Meanwhile, six Palestinians were killed after Israeli forces opened fire in northern Gaza, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire US President Donald Trump called the peace deal “the historic dawn of a new Middle East ” Speaking in Jerusalem, he said
it was “the first step toward lasting harmony ” Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who hosted the peace summit in Sharm elSheikh, called it the region’s “last hope for peace ” The plan’s next steps include Hamas disarmament, Israeli troops withdrawing from Gaza, and an international peace force entering the territory
But not everyone is convinced Critics, including European diplomats and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, say the plan leaves out key issues, such as the question of Palestinian statehood and the future of the West Bank Hamas was not part of the talks, and there is no mention of justice for war crimes or compensation for victims A transitional government run by international officials would manage Gaza, which many fear could leave Palestinians with no real voice On the peace prospects, as one observer said, “the devil is in the lack of details ” The humanitarian situation is still desperate Over two million people need food, clean water, and shelter Egypt has promised to host a reconstruction conference, but unless Palestinians are included and decisions are made transparently, rebuilding could become another form of outside control
For Israelis, the hostages’ return brought relief For Palestinians, peace feels fragile and incomplete The latest violence and political strain show how easily this truce could unravel Gaza today stands as a test of the world’s conscience There may be peace, but there is still no justice Unless rebuilding comes with dignity, accountability, and political inclusion, this truce could freeze into another long, painful waiting period, instead of a true new beginning
As you sow so shall you reap
Robert Jenrick’s recent comments about Birmingham’s Handsworth area, where he claimed he “ saw no white faces” and described it as “ one of the worst-integrated places” and “ a slum,” have sparked outrage across Britain His words have been called racist, divisive, and deeply damaging But this is not just about one politician’s poor choice of words It reveals something bigger: a growing wave of toxic nationalism and confusion over what “integration” really means in modern Britain
Jenrick, now the Shadow Justice Secretary, says he was only speaking “hard truths” about integration But when he equates integration with seeing white faces, it exposes a troubling belief that Britishness is still measured by colour Integration is not about skin tone It is about shared belonging, equal chances, and mutual respect When diversity is treated as a threat rather than a strength, it tears at the very fabric of what makes Britain modern and vibrant
The backlash was strong and immediate Community leaders in Birmingham and across the Midlands called his words racist and irresponsible The Bishop of Birmingham, Dr Michael Volland, said he was dismayed that a senior politician would use language that risks creating fear and mistrust Journalist and author Sathnam Sanghera has compared Jenrick’s comments to Enoch Powell’s infamous “Rivers of Blood” speech in an article published by The Times, another time when race was used to divide rather than unite Even some within party have warned that such comments damage the Conservative Party’s credibility and push Britain backwards
Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed Jenrick’s remarks as “hard to take seriously,” suggesting they were less about community integration and more about keeping his leadership ambitions alive Local figures, including former Tory Mayor Andy Street and Bishop Volland, sharply criticised his portrayal of Handsworth as “ a slum,” calling the description “inaccurate and careless ”
Some politicians, like Kemi Badenoch, defended Jenrick,
saying he raised “valid concerns ” about integration But there is a difference between talking honestly about segregation or inequality and using race as a marker of social success The real reasons some areas struggle with integration are not about who lives there; they are about class divides, poor housing, underfunded schools, and lack of jobs These are problems of policy, not pigmentation
Handsworth residents, interviewed by The Guardian, described his comments as “incendiary” and “detached from reality,” insisting that their neighbourhood is diverse yet cohesive, with strong inter-community ties Within his own party, senior figures such as Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride have publicly distanced themselves Jenrick, however, has refused to apologise, claiming that “telling the truth should not be controversial ”
The more dangerous trend is how this kind of rhetoric turns national identity into a weapon Across politics, “Britishness” is increasingly spoken of as something that must be protected from outsiders, as if it were a fixed identity that some people naturally have and others must prove When Jenrick talks about “seeing no white faces,” he feeds the false idea that to be British is to look a certain way That kind of message alienates millions, especially British Asians, whose lives and contributions have shaped Britain for generations and still applauded for (see p15)
Britain today faces real challenges such as inequality, racism, alienation, and mistrust Politicians should be healing divides, not deepening them As Diwali approaches, its message feels especially relevant: light over darkness, inclusion over exclusion Real patriotism is not about defending whiteness It is about standing up for fairness, compassion, and shared purpose
If there is a lesson in this controversy, it is that unity cannot be built on fear Integration is not about erasing difference; it is about creating belonging Britain’s strength has always come from its mix of cultures, and that is something to celebrate, not fear
Promise, power and the test of partnership
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first official visit to India (this October), with one of the largest trade delegations, marks a decisive turning point in post-Brexit British diplomacy and India–UK relations Following the landmark Free Trade Agreement signed in July 2025, both sides have entered what Starmer described as “ a new era of partnership built on trust, technology and trade ” For once, the rhetoric seems matched by substance
The visit yielded a series of tangible outcomes India announced £1 3 billion of investment across 64 British companies, projected to create around 7,000 jobs in the UK In return, British firms such as Revolut and Graphcore confirmed major expansions in India A fresh missile-systems partnership, coupled with cooperation in maritime security, signals growing strategic confidence Perhaps most symbolically, the announcement of three Yash Raj Films productions to be shot in the UK underscores the increasingly cultural dimension of this relationship, diplomacy meeting cinema
Beyond trade and soft power, the two governments unveiled a Joint Centre for Artificial Intelligence and a Connectivity Innovation Centre to advance cooperation on semiconductors, cybersecurity and telecoms Such ventures could, if managed well, become the backbone of a shared technological future Education, too, forms part of this narrative: nine British universities will soon open campuses in India, giving Indian students world-class access without leaving home, while strengthening the academic bridge between the two nations
Both leaders have much to gain For Starmer, still early in his premiership, this trip offered the chance to project Britain as
a proactive, global actor after years of inward-looking politics
For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it validated India’s growing influence as an economic and diplomatic power, able to deal with London on equal terms Yet parity in diplomacy does not always mean equality in capacity The truth is that while India’s growth trajectory is impressive, Britain’s economic base, institutional experience, and technological ecosystem remain stronger for now The partnership has immense potential, but the stronger partner has to extend a helping hand
That helping hand must come not as patronage but as partnership Britain can assist by easing technology transfer restrictions, providing flexible investment frameworks, and supporting India’s climate transition with finance and innovation It must also ensure mobility pathways for skilled professionals, researchers and students, resisting the temptation to retreat behind migration anxieties For its part, India must guarantee transparency, regulatory consistency and an open business environment Confidence will depend not only on deals signed but on promises kept
Still, challenges remain Non-tariff barriers, uneven infrastructure and political scepticism on both sides could slow the momentum Yet the tone of this visit suggests that both governments recognise the historic opportunity before them: to forge a relationship not defined by colonial nostalgia or strategic necessity, but by shared purpose
If both nations act with foresight, generosity and vision, India and the United Kingdom could indeed craft a modern partnership that embodies balance, a meeting of equals where the stronger lends strength, and both grow in dignity
Thought for the week
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much ” -Helen K eller
Call it the Trump Peace Doctrine: a simple prescription tell your enemies and terro rists and their proxies to surrender or face the democracies
In practice, the prescription looks like blunt coercion backed by selective partnerships: pressure Iran with sanctions; starve Pakistan of aid until it curbs militants and surrenders to India in Operation Sindoor; reward Arab states for normalising with Israel The appeal is obvious It is theatrical, immediate and sells well on a headline: peace through punishment, with friends ready to step in as the hammer But does it last? History and theory both answer: sometimes, briefly often, no
There are successes to point at The Abraham Accords brokered during Trump’s first term produced tangible diplomatic normalisations between Israel and several Arab states, a payoff built on incentives and diplomatic choreography rather than pure coercion The accords changed some regional calculations and opened economic and security channels that were previously taboo
But the doctrine’s signature tool maximum pressure is less convincing The U S withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and the reimposition of sanctions aimed to compel Tehran to capitulate; instead, Iran progressively rolled back JCPOA commitments and accelerated parts of its nuclear programme, at least until different diplomatic configurations later emerged Coercion delivered leverage but not sustainable compliance
On Pakistan, the Trump-era tactic of suspending security assistance was headline-grabbing and signalled American impatience with Islamabad’s handling of militants It changed tone and perhaps behaviour in the margins but it did not settle the deep strategic drivers of India–Pakistan rivalry: territorial disputes, national identity and the Kashmir question Aid suspensions are a stick; they are rarely a substitute for political settlement That he got Munir to surrender, like with Hamas, and call the other side (India) in exchange for a photo opp, as Trump did with the Syrian former terrorist now President is working in the near term India, instead of denying Trump’s involvement because they do not want to be seen having 3rd party involvement, should have simply stated the obvious –Trump called the Pakistanis and told them to surrender and to call the Indians India thanks President Trump for getting Pakistan to feel the heat since they could not see the light
That mixed record is predictable to students of coercive diplomacy Coercion can work when the target is constrained, isolated and faces an affordable choice; it fails when the enemy has domestic rallying incentives, asymmetric resilience, or alternative patrons In short: threats can produce concessions, but they rarely settle underlying grievances Scholarly work shows the conditions for coercive success are narrow and often fleeting
Comparisons are instructive The Bush Doctrine’s preemption and regime-change experiments promised security but left long tails of instability; Nixon’s “Vietnamization” ceded fighting to local proxies and left wounds that decades of policy could not fully heal Trump’s approach mixes punitive pressure with transactional diplomacy (and spectacular media theatre) Its advantage is speed; its liability is fragility
So will the Trump Peace Doctrine stick? It can produce episodic order: hostages freed, deals signed, aid withheld But durable peace requires institutions, conflict-resolution mechanisms, incentives for moderation and the removal of existential drivers of violence Threats get headlines; institutions get history If “ peace ” is defined as the absence of immediate violence because rivals recalculated the cost, that is achievable If peace means a durable settlement of rival claims and grievances ask any student of Kashmir who faces terrorists on the India side and Pakistani military force daily on the Pakistani occupied side, Tehran’s domestic politics, or Gaza the prognosis is poor
Verdict: the doctrine is useful as theatre, occasionally productive as coercion-plus-incentives, but a poor substitute for the slow, patient architecture of lasting peace If Trump “brought peace ” somewhere, it will be the kind that holds until the incentives to return to conflict reassert themselves That is not a tribute to strategy; it is a reminder that geopolitics rarely bows to slogans I just hope the West watching the Pakistani puppet PM fall at the feet of President Trump don’t think all ‘Asians’ are subservient grovelling fools
The Trump Peace Doctrine threat, theatre and fragile quiet
Alpesh Patel
Birmingham Asian business leaders quit amid racism claims
Te n As i an lea der s ha ve res i gn ed f ro m
B irmingham’s i nfluential Asian Chamber
o f Commerce, citing “ ra ci al i ns ens i tiv ity ” and “disrespect” that ero ded trust, accordi n g t o BirminghamLive
The departures, from a 14-member committee, were highlighted in social media posts
Joint co-presidents Neelam Afzal and Sapreena Kumari, former president Omar Rashid, and committee member Sana Saddique were among those voicing
concerns, linked to a dispute over sponsorship at a chamber awards event that exposed deeper issues
The chambers’ acting deputy CEO Raj Kandola and President Nasir Awan downplayed the resigna-
tions, denying racism and calling it a “disagreement over operational matters ” However, ten Asian Business Chamber members resigned over blocked sponsorships and lack of consultation Omar Rashid said the departures highlight issues with “leadership, culture, and direction ” Sana Saddique criticised the Chamber for treating the community as a “diversity tick box” and prioritising profit, adding: “Enough is enough Asian business owners are not
here to be exploited ” The Asian Chamber, one of nine under the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), relies on a central team to run events Plans to revamp the 2027 calendar reportedly triggered the resignations GBCC, chaired by Greg Lowson with president Nasir Awan and CEO Henrietta Brealey on maternity leave, denied racism claims, calling the departures a “disagreement over operational matters” while highlighting its 40-year role in promoting business and diversity
Jailed Pakistani man seeks return to UK after child bride scam
An asylum seeker, previously impriso ned for a sham marriage to a schoo lgirl, has reportedly remarried her in a bid to stay in Britain, according to The Telegraph Nasir Khalil was jailed nine years ago for “deceiving” a Slovakian girl into a Muslim wedding held four days after her 16th birthday The then-36-yearold from Rochdale had children with her before and after serving a 15-month sentence
A jury found him part of a “mailorder” gang bringing EU women to the UK to defraud immigration Deported
in 2019, he remarried the woman in 2020 after she gained indefinite leave to remain with their children
Khalil’s lawyers say he has applied to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for a family visa A 13-year legal battle, detailed in an upper tribunal ruling, shows he repeatedly exploited the system While he can now be named, his wife remains anonymous The ruling notes his claim of a “durable loving and stable relationship” despite her being 20 years younger and a former victim
Khalil’s lawyers claimed he was
entitled to a “residence card as the spouse of an EU national,” but judges rejected this, leaving only a pending family card application He arrived in the UK from Pakistan in 2012, overstaying after an initial refusal After divorcing his first wife, he “undertook Nikah” with the girl in November 2013, a ceremony she did not understand, and tried to use her as a “mail-order bride” to claim EU residency A year later, his application for an extended family residence card was rejected, including for failing to provide biometric information
Gogglebox star films how while off sick from NHS job
Gogglebox star Sid Siddiqui, 80, has been appearing on Channel 4 while signed off f ro m hi s N HS j o b wi th stress Siddiqui, who has featured on the show since 2013, has been on leave from Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust since July, working three days a week as an environmental manager with a pro-rated salary of
around £35,000
The trust reportedly permitted his TV appearances during his mental health leave, though his outings have frustrated some colleagues A CIPD study notes that stress and mental health are among the top reasons for sick leave
An insider at the Trust said staff felt overburdened while Siddiqui remained “ on full pay, ” adding, “We get home after long shifts and there he is on Gogglebox, laughing and joking ”
UK employees are now taking a record 9 4 sick days per year, up from 7 8 in 2023, with mental health a leading cause of longterm leave
Siddiqui, on the show since 2013 with his sons, earns around £4,500 annually and promotes episodes on social media, filming reactions to shows like ‘Dragons’ Den’ and news events
What’s your take?
Share your views on the stories making headlines we want to hear from you and highlight your voice in our pages Email us at anusha singh@abplgroup com
Mosque plan sparks clash
Plans to lease Abergavenny’s historic Carnegie Library in Monmouthshire to the Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association for use as a temporary mosque have sparked controversy Critics, including four councillors and several residents argue that the council’s decision is “reckless and potentially unlawful ” citing concerns about early morning calls to prayer disturbing elderly residents in nearby almshouses The 120-year-old library named after philanthropist Andrew Carnegie is subject to restrictive covenants that opponents claim may prohibit such use A legal opinion commissioned by the group reportedly warned of significant legal risks tied to the 30-year lease proposal Conservative councillor Rachel Buckler criticised the Labourled county council for failing to consult residents, calling it a failure of compassion and common sense The council, however, defended its decision, stating it had “absolute confidence” in its process and governance, warning that any attempts to obstruct the democratically agreed arrangement would be “appropriately challenged ” Are these concerns about noise masking deeper anxieties about cultural difference?
Mosque excludes women from charity run
A mosque has faced criticism for allegedly breaching the Equality Act after banning women and girls over 12 from participating in a charity fun run The East London Mosque’s Muslim Charity Run in Victoria Park drew over a thousand runners yesterday While described on the event website as “family friendly” and “inclusive,” it was open only to men, boys of all ages, and girls under 12, with spectators of all ages welcome to cheer The annual event marked its 13th year Baroness Gohir OBE chief executive of the Muslim Women’s Network UK said the exclusion of women was “likely” unlawful Kellie-Jay Keen founder of the feminist group Party of Women criticised the policy saying “No charity should operate under different rules because of religion or culture; equality before the law applies to everyone
Is it fair for minority communities to demand equality while restricting the rights of women within their own group?
Birmingham fraudster owned 30 homes while claiming to be broke
A B ir mi ngha m ma n, Gurmeet Handa, has been jai led fo r lau ndering o ver £5 3 million thro ugh properties
Sources close to Siddiqui said he followed all protocols, with permission from his doctor and employer to film the show while off work, outside NHS hours, and beneficial for his mental health
Matri
His NHS role focuses on reducing the Trust’s carbon footprint across Derbyshire, with a Band 8a salary of £55,690–£62,682 The Trust declined to comment, while a Gogglebox spokesperson confirmed all permissions were granted
A respectful, well-established Gujarati gentleman seeks companionship with a kind, sincere, and respectful lady. Caste, background, or status is not a barrier—genuine connection and mutual respect are what matter most.
d, atus espect
His complex fraud was uncovered after West Midlands Police seized £30,000 in cash from an Alum Rock address in 2016, triggering a two-and-a-halfyear investigation by the Regional Economic Crime Unit, West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit, and HMRC
Handa, 52, of Newick Avenue, Little Aston, bought around 30 properties using funds from multiple UK and overseas accounts despite declaring little income to HMRC He was charged with laundering over £5 3 million and appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on 2 October, pleading guilty He was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison and ordered to repay £5 8 million, including £460,000 to HMRC
Failure to repay will add 10 years to Handa’s sentence, and he must also sell 28 properties linked to his
crimes Avtar Nijjer, 73, of Leicester, helped deposit cash for Handa over a year and was sentenced to 15 months in prison, ordered to repay £138,125, with an extra year if unpaid Iftikhar Hussain, 68, from Birmingham, received a 12month community order for laundering £29,400 on a single occasion Detective Constable Richard Causier of the Regional Economic Crime Unit said the two-and-ahalf-year investigation involved analysing over 100 bank accounts, reviewing digital evidence, using Proceeds of Crime Act powers, and working with expert witnesses He praised the partnership approach for exposing a sophisticated criminal operation, putting offenders behind bars, and recovering their ill-gotten gains
Sid Siddiqui
Gurmeet Handa
Lalbaba Rice Thames Durga Parade celebrates Goddess’ journey back to Kailash
Bengali community in the U K wa s s ee n ce le bra ti ng
Durga puja carnival in Red Road Kolkata style but on Ri ver Thames as Heritage
B en gal G lo b al o rg ani s ed their annual Thames Durga
Pa ra de o n 11 O c to be r i n a s so c i ati o n wi th Lal ba ba Rice The celebration marks the end of Durga Puja, as the Goddess makes her journey back to Kailash
The excitement among diaspo ra
It was a crisp and sunny autumn morning, as people in gorgeous Indian outfits waited by the Shakespeare Globe Theatre in anticipation to board the boat to celebrate Thames Durga Parade
The front deck of the boat had the glorious murti of Ma Durga in a terracotta colour, with garlands and shiny weapons
The idol, made in England, has been provided by a first time Durga Puja in the UKW ar wic k shi re Sarb o j o ni n, where the organisation member De ba bra ta Mukhopadhyay was the idol maker
As the boat sailed downstream passing Tower Bridge, and making a u-turn to head towards Putney, people on board crowding on the front deck, shouted “Durga Mai Ki Jai” with beats of Dhaak (drums) and ‘kashor ghonta’ (brass bell) in the background
Around 200 people, braving the early morning chill, representing different organisations, sponsors and wider communities were on board Also joined representatives from His Majesty’s Armed Forces and London Rowing Club As the boat neared Wandsworth Bridge,
one could see members of the London Rowing Club, rowing side by side of the boat, escorting it towards Putney Pier A thrilling moment, and made possible by Chandan Ro ychowdhury of the prestigious Calcutta Rowing Club, people rushed to the front deck to take photos
Every year, HBG ropes in a different Durga puja, to showcase their murti (idol) but also to engage the diaspora from a different demography Last year students of Tec hno I ndi a University created a sustainable Durga idol that was later displayed at the Q u een s gate Sho ppi ng Centre, an event spearheaded by the Bengali Sanskriti Club of Peterborough and Heritage Bengal Global, trying to promote Kolkata’s Durga Puja as a global tourism destination It later also went on to become part of the Kingston River Festival Gratitude for sponsors and supporters
Speaking to Asian Voice, A ni rb an Mu kho pa dhya y, President, HBG, said, “This was our fourth year of celebration With the help of our Vice President Mahua
Jain Network honours Bharat Shah, Prakash Joshi and Deepak Visavadia for Kilimanjaro climb and charity
Jyotsna Shah
The Jain Network hosted a feli citation ceremony at the Colindale Centre to honour B ha ra t Sh ah an d f e ll ow adve nturers Praka sh Joshi and Deepak Visavadia, who c om ple te d the i r c l i mb of M oun t K il i ma n ja r o, Ea s t Africa’s tallest peak, at their own expense on Saturday, 11 O c tob e r A t t he su mm it , they spread the message of non- vi ole nce for the f irs t time The trio was congratulated for raising £28,000 for the dining hall project
Bej and other HBG members such as Jyoti Roy, Arijit Sarkar, Tushar Das Ghosh and others, we have pulled off another Thames Durga Parade successfully! This time even the youngsters were seen helping and distributing food on board And as everyone can see for themselves, every year it is slightly different The crowd and vibes are different from year to year, the food is different and this year we have served breakfast and lunch both on board The cultural programmes by members of Warwickshire Sarbojonin, the famous So u rav Mo ni and Papi a Gho s hal were appreciated by all I also must thank our sponsors and supporters viz Techno India Grou p, Aditya Group, MadhuMukti, Panthonibas, B ho o ter R aj a D il o B o r, Rotary Club of Calcutta Jadavpur, London Rowi ng Cl u b, Brandman, Acquist, Mylokalmarket, ETOS, Pointers Business Forum, Kolkata London Club and Calcutta Ro wing Club And a special thank you to Pa rtha N an di of Lalbaba Rice for sponsoring and helping us make Thames Durga Parade a success now for three years in a row!”
The Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community Centre organises Europe’s largest garba
The Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community Centre (SKLPC) in Northolt, London, hoste d Eu r op e ’ s
m 2 2 September to 6 October 2025
Now in its 45th year, the festival celebrated unity and devotion, attracting thousands from across the UK Each evening featured Mataji’s arrival with chanting, followed by vibrant Garba and Raas dances
On the final day, Mataji was carried by young female members, closing the festival with Dussehra celebrations, a Raas Fusion Night, and Sharad Poonam, as devotees dressed in white for divine Raas Leela
Each evening featured circular Aarti and prasad distribution, with the 14th Navratri Family Workshop engaging all
generations The Vadil Sammelan joined for the first time with music, folk dance, competitions, and lunch Weekend attendance peaked at 4,000, supported by 300+ volunteers, showcasing the festival’s community spirit
This year ’ s celebrations were highlighted by the presence of three London Mayors; Cllr Anthony Kelly, Cllr Philip Corthorne, and Cllr Ryan Hack along with Cllr Anjana Patel, cultural representatives, sponsors, and international visitors The Navratri convenors, Raksha Ramnik Jina, Chandrakant Varsani, Sachin Meghani, and Mavjibhai Dhanji Jadva Vekaria, thanked advisors, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and devotees for their support
Followi ng a group photo, Trustee Dr Ajay Shah welc om ed a tt en de es an d praised the team for their inspi ring achievement
The trio’s remarkable adventure and generous contribution were honoured by Prof Ajay Shah, Bina Holden, Vijay Sheth, and Deepak Shah Bharat Shah shared thrilling stories of their challenging climb, accompanied by video clips that amazed attendees, describing the journey’s success as a miracle thanks to the blessings and support of sponsors and well-wishers Reflecting on his first-ever hiking experience, he expressed gratitude to Lex Hirani from SKLP and the Desi Ramblers for six to
eight months of training, highlighting their dedication to ensuring both mental and physical well-being throughout the climb
He recounted the sevenday ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), enduring freezing tempera-
tures, thin air, strong winds, and exhaustion, often tempted to give up
Witnessing the Tanzanian guides, porters, and cooks face these hardships with smiles inspired them to persevere, bolstered by hot meals and the chanting of Navkar Mantra, Bhaktamar Stotra, and Shanti Mantras Carrying 15–20 kg bags in minus 16–18°C, their courage made the team’s struggles feel small
Reaching the summit, surrounded by snow-capped peaks with their flag fluttering, all hardships melted away, it felt like moksha
The experience underscored that true fulfillment comes not from money alone, but from dedicating time, effort, and heart to a noble cause
Navnat Vanik Bhagini Samaj, Life Global UK aim for £100K
for Project ‘Life’
The 250 Challenge: ‘Change a Life’, hosted by N avnat Vanik Bhagini Samaj and Life Global UK on 5 October 2025 at the Navnat Centre, aimed to raise £100,000 to empowe r un d er pr ivil e ge d w om e n in G uja ra t through Project ‘Life’
The event also marked the Golden Jubilee of Navnat Vanik Bhagini Samaj and the 10th anniversary of Life Global UK, led by President Saroj Varia with support from Bina and Mayur Sanghvi, attracting over 500 supporters from the UK and overseas
Distinguished guests included Anjana Patel, Mayor of Harrow; Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, CB Patel; Jyotsna Shah; Lavina Mehta MBE; Shashi Vekaria; Anna and Mitesh Vekaria; Chandni Vora; Madhavi Vadera (CEO & Trustee, Lifelines Fund, UK); Bakul and Dipali Mehta, Muscat; Amar Shah, New Jersey (Founder, Life Global USA); Pooja Raval; and several other dignitaries from the UK and overseas Soulful performances by Bina Mistry, Bali Brahmbhatt, and Pandit Dinesh enthralled
the audience
The event highlighted Project ‘Life’s 47year impact on 9 8 million lives through women ’ s empowerment, education, and health, with CB Patel paying tribute to Founder Chandrakant Koticha President Saroj Varia reaffirmed her support, while Bina and Mayur Sanghvi reflected on Life Global UK’s 10 years of community upliftment
Meetal Koticha Shah, Joint Executive Trustee and CEO, announced plans for 171 new primary schools and 20,000 empowered women by 2030 Kirit Vassa and Rushikesh Pandya highlighted the Women Empowerment Programme’s success, with women earning up to 700,000 annually Awards were presented to Anita and Divyesh Kamdar, with Lifetime Achievement honours to Alka and Anil Doshi Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel praised the organisations’ humanitarian work, as trustees invited the community to visit Project ‘Life’ in Rajkot to witness its 47-year legacy
Thames Durga Parade nearing the Palace of Westminster
Dignitaries and committee members at the event
Trio triumphs over Mount Kilimanjaro achieving a remarkable feat at East Africa’s Tallest peak
Bharat Shah at the Summit spreading the message of non-violence
Highlights from the event
U
Conservative Friends of India host landmark reception
C o nf erenc e Rec ep tio n L ed
by Dr Ko olesh Sh ah and Sir Oliver Dowd en
The Conservative Friends of India (CF India) held a landmark reception at the Conservative Party Conference, uniting more than 300 attendees, from senior ministers and party leaders to business and community representatives, to celebrate the strengthening UK–India relationship
The event was co-chaired by Dr Koolesh Shah, philanthropist and CF India CoChair, alongside The Rt Hon Sir Oliver Dowden MP, former Deputy Prime Minister Key guests included Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly MP, Foreign Secretary, and Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake MP, whose presence highlighted the Conservative Party’s strong support for one of its largest affiliate groups
Dr Shah, speaking on CF India’s mission, said, “It is a privilege to host colleagues and friends dedicated to advancing the UK–India partnership The strong support from our Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly underscores how integral CF India is to this vision ”
Sir Oliver praised James Cleverly for his impactful
visits to India as Foreign Secretary and Dame Priti Patel for her steadfast commitment to UK–India ties He also welcomed Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake and MP Bob Blackman, commending their dedication to engaging the British Indian community
“With leaders like Kevin, James, Bob, and Priti, alongside Koolesh and the CF India team, I am confident Conservative Friends of India will continue to grow in strength and influence,” Sir Oliver added James Cleverly highlighted the UK–India Free Trade Agreement as a landmark for investment, jobs, and cultural exchange between the two nations
Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake praised CF India for strengthening ties with British Indian communities,
High Commission, and the UK India Business Council, recognising their role in strengthening UK–India ties Guests enjoyed speeches, discussions on trade, culture, and community, and authentic Indian cuisine, celebrating the vibrancy and contributions of the UK–Indian community while reinforcing CF India’s role in the Party’s international engagement
Looking ahead, CF India will host a Grand Diwali Celebration in Leicester on
congratulating the team on a successful event “From Leicester to Harrow, these vibrant communities are key Conservative strongholds CF India’s passion and commitment will be vital ahead of next year ’ s local elections,” he said
The evening highlighted the support of CF India’s key sponsors, including London Town Group, the Indian
20 November to further engage the community and celebrate UK–India cultural and economic ties
“With strong backing from the Party Chairman and senior ministers, CF India is well positioned to continue growing and delivering impact for our communities and the UK–India partnership,” Dr Shah concluded
A h i s to ri c P a rs i d i n ner r ec en tly t o o k p lac e at M ansion House, the official resid ence and office o f the L ord Mayor of London
The event was co-hosted by Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer and the first Zoroastrian Parsi in the House of Lords, alongside the Lord Mayor of London,
Alastair King This marked the first occasion the Lord Mayor officially welcomed and hosted members of the Zoroastrian Parsi communi-
ty
The dinner brought together distinguished Parsi figures across business, finance, law, and community leadership Among attendees were Ron Kalifa, Cyrus Kapadia, Sirous Wadia, Percy Marchant, Javid Soli Canteenwala, Zarir Cama, Perses Sethna, and Bapsy
Dastur, as well as community leaders such as Malcolm M Deboo, Shernaz Engineer, Professor Zenobia Nadirshaw, Rusi K Dalal, Perses Bilimoria, and Ervad Yazad T Bhadha
The evening began with a prayer led by Ervad Bhadha, followed by speeches celebrating the community’s values, dedication, and impact Malcolm Deboo described the event as “historic,” emphasizing that true legacy lies in care and ser-
vice, not just wealth
The dinner also highlighted the community’s deep historical roots in Britain A standout feature of the evening was the exquisite food, masterfully prepared by award-winning chef Cyrus Todiwala Guests enjoyed a multi-course Parsi feast, beginning with Patra Ni Machchi, delicate sea bass fillets wrapped in banana leaves and steamed with a vibrant coconut chutney, followed by the community’s signature fried chicken, Murghi No Farcho
The main course, Jardaloo Ma Gos No Palav, featured lamb slow-cooked with apricots, accompanied by spiced lentils and fried potatoes, and the meal concluded with the classic Parsi dessert, Lagunn Nu Custard, subtly flavoured with rose, cardamom, and nutmeg, and finished with a drizzle of nuts Parsis arrived as early as
Don’t let Someone else’s mistake define you
Rohit Vadhwana
Ev ery tim e you see someone w ith a coffee stain on their shirt, remem ber: it may no t be th eir fault Perh aps the coffee was spilt not by them, but by so meone else It could h av e been an accid ent or mere carelessness caused by a friend , a colleague, or ev en a com plete strang er Yet, when it h app ens, the person with th e stain is the one wh o lo oks bad They are th e one who suffers embarrassment, perh aps even forced to leave the party
And as they walk out, the onlookers silently judge, assuming carelessness or feeling pity, without knowing the truth
Life often mirrors this situation In relationships, too, sometimes it is the other person who spills the coffee, but the stain lands on your shirt You are the one who suffers the consequences You end up looking bad in the eyes of others who don’t know the truth You may have to leave the ‘party’ of the relationship, while the other person continues to enjoy as if nothing happened It can be painful, especially when the bond was dear to you, when the evening truly mattered
And yet, without your fault, you find yourself paying the price
Those who spill the coffee may feel sorry for a moment, but they walk away unstained They go unnoticed, while you carry the visible mark, the evidence of their mistake
That is the quiet injustice of many human experiences
In such moments, we have two choices: to walk out of the party and clean ourselves, or to stay - pretending that nothing happened
If you choose to stay, the evening will not be the same
Every person who sees you will ask about the stain Some will judge, some will pity, some will offer advice You’ll keep explaining that it wasn’t your fault but the stain will still be there You may try to smile and move on, yet deep down, you’ll know that the moment has been altered forever
Sometimes, the wiser choice is to leave the party, change your shirt, and return with dignity Because staying there with a stained shirt will only make you look bad, not the one who caused it No matter how positive your mindset, you won’t enjoy the rest of the evening with that visible reminder of pain
So, when life stains your shirt through someone else’s carelessness don’t stay there explaining Step out, clean yourself, and come back when you ’ re ready Not for them, but for yourself
(Expressed opinions are personal)
1724, and in 1861, Muncherjee Hormusji Cama and Dadabhai Naoroji cofounded the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE), the oldest Asian association in the UK
Despite a small population of around 5,000 in Britain, Parsis have historically held positions of influence, from Ardaseer Cursetjee Wadia, the first Indian Fellow of the Royal Society, to the Tata family, and political pioneers like Dadabhai Naoroji, Mancherjee Bhownaggree, and Shapurji Saklatvala
The event celebrated not only Parsi achievements in business, science, and politics, but also their enduring values of integrity, philanthropy, and community service, underscoring the lasting imprint of this vibrant community on British life
World Sindhi Congress 37th Conference calls for Sindh’s self-determination
The World S ind hi C ongress ( WS C ) h e ld i ts 3 7 t h International C onference at th e U n iv ers i ty o f Westm inster, Londo n, und er the th em e “Save Riv er Ind us – S av e I nd u s V all ey Civ ilisation ” S cholars, journal i st s, an d h u m a n r ig h ts defenders d iscussed S ind h’s political, social, and env ironmental challenges
In the ‘Young Sindhi Voices’ session, activists highlighted forced conversions, women ’ s rights, and cultural revival, with reports
of 3,500 enforced disappearances since 2000 Baloch and Uyghur speakers voiced solidarity, linking shared struggles
WSC Chair Dr Lakhu Luhana warned of an existential crisis from state exploitation and corporate land grabs Speakers linked ecological destruction and economic marginalisation to military dominance, urging global accountability and renewed calls for Sindh’s self-determination, noting, “Self-determination is not secessionism, it is selfrespect ”
The event also launched ‘The Sun of Sindh: GM Syed’s Life and Writings’, (edited by Dr Zafar Junejo) featured poetry and a proposal for a Sindhi diaspora TV channel, and urged the UN and EU to hold Pakistan accountable for human rights abuses It concluded with a musical tribute to Sindh’s enduring spirit The conference closed with a musical performance by Pooja Vazirani and Kamran Lashari
Attendees at the dinner
Lord Karan Bilimoria and the Lord Mayor of London, Alastair King
Lord Karan Bilimoria Alastair King his wife Florence Walker and Malcolm Deboo
Bob Blackman MP Lord Kulveer Ranger Sir Oliver Dowden
Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly MP Ameet Jogia Kevin Hollinrake MP Koolesh Shah Resham Kotecha with other dignitaries at the event
Panellists and committee members at the conference
Koolesh Shah, Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly MP with Sir Oliver Dowden
High Commission celebrates Uganda’s 63 years of freedom
T h e U g and a H i g h
C omm ission celebrated the 6 3 rd I nd ep en d en ce A nniversary of th e Rep ublic o f Ug anda on Saturday, 1 0 Octo ber 20 25, at the IMO Building
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including chief guest Lord Karan Bilimoria and CB Patel, Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar
High Commissioner of Uganda to the United Kingdom and Ambassador to Ireland, HE Nimisha Madhvani, welcomed guests, highlighting the significance of the occasion in marking Uganda’s 63 years of independence
“It is truly a pleasure and an honour to welcome you all this evening as we come together to celebrate the 63rd Anniversary of Uganda’s Independence,” she said, extending her gratitude to the Uganda High Commission team for their efforts in organising the celebration
Reflecting on the historic day in 1962, she said, “Sixty-three years ago, our forefathers raised high the Ugandan flag, adorned with the proud and graceful crested crane, proclaiming to the world that Uganda was free and independent That moment marked the birth of a nation guided by
courage, unity, and hope ”
The High Commissioner praised Uganda’s progress and resilience, noting that “under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Uganda remains a land of peace and stability, a safe and vibrant destination for investment, trade, and tourism ”
She highlighted that trade between Uganda and the UK now exceeds £600
million annually, with over USD 1 3 billion in UK investments in the past five years
“These are not just numbers,” she said “They represent factories built, farmers empowered, and livelihoods transformed ”
Celebrating deepening bilateral ties, she cited the launch of the UK–Uganda Growth Dialogue in Kampala, the establishment of the British Chamber of Commerce in Uganda, and
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the relaunch of direct Uganda Airlines flights to London Gatwick “We invite you to visit Uganda, escape
the cold, grey skies and enjoy our full days of sunshine, natural beauty, and world-famous hospitality,” she added warmly
To the Ugandan diaspora, she said, “You are our pride, our ambassadors, our investors, and our bridge to the world Your remittances of over USD 1 6 billion annually make a real difference in the lives of families and communities back home ”
Looking ahead, HE Madhvani said Uganda stands “at the threshold of transformation, a country
where innovation drives progress, where women and men lead together, and where peace and prosperity belong to all ” She concluded, “Our partnership with the United Kingdom and the wider world is no longer about aid, it is about shared ambition Uganda is open, ready, and rising The Pearl of Africa shines brighter with every passing year ” “Long live the Republic of Uganda! Long live the friendship between Uganda and the United Kingdom! Happy 63rd Independence Anniversary!”
Uganda High Commissioner HE Nimisha and Brigadier General Geoffrey Karuhanga Defence Advisor at Uganda High Commission welcoming CB Patel (centre left) and Samina Sheikh (right) at the International Maritime Organization
Lord Karan Bilimoria (Left), HE Nimisha Madhvani, and Brigadier General Geoffrey Karuhanga at the Uganda Independence celebration
The 63rd Uganda Independence Day celebration was held at Westminster Abbey on 9th October 2025, where HE Nimisha Madhvani had the honour of reading the second lesson during Even song to mark the occasion The event was attended not only by Ugandan Diaspora but also by members of the British public, including those of Ugandan Asian descent, with the Abbey witnessing a large and enthusiastic gathering
Pope with HE Nimisha Madhvani and other dignitaries
Starmer in Mumbai: The Empire visits the the global engine
When Keir Starmer stepped off his plane in Mumbai last week, it was more than a diplomatic visit It was a moment of quiet irony A British Prime Minister arriving in a city that once symbolised empire, now looking to strike deals with the very nation that has become an engine of global ambition The choreography was elegant, the messaging deliberate Britain was not dictating this time It was pitching Starmer’s meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were polite but pointed Trade was the headline, but the subtext was power The UK India Free Trade Agreement remains unfinished, yet the tone has shifted dramatically This is no longer London offering markets to a developing India It is London asking to be part of India’s growth story When Starmer publicly supported India’s claim to a permanent seat with veto power on the United Nations Security Council, it was a diplomatic moment worth noting Britain knows the global order is tilting eastward, and it would rather ride that wave than resist it
Then came Bollywood Starmer’s stop at Yash Raj Studios, his meeting with Rani Mukerji, and his announcement that several big films will soon shoot in the UK may have looked like soft optics, but it was clever economics Britain needs the creative energy and diaspora pride that Indian cinema brings Culture has become trade by other means, and in this case, trade wrapped in glamour For the British Asian community, it was a moment of perfect symmetry The former colonial capital courting India’s cinematic capital, not as patron but as partner
Still, reality demands patience A few photo calls cannot erase years of red tape, visa frustration, or uneven trade flows But something important has shifted For the first time in decades, a British Prime Minister arrived in India not to instruct or to preach, but to listen and to learn In the new hierarchy of global power, humility is not weakness It is realism And for Britain, realism may finally be the beginning of renewal
Dr Narsinhbhai Patel
Protect your mental health
World Mental Health Day is marked every year on 10 October and is a reminder to us all of the importance of good mental health
In today’s era of instant news at your fingertips, and access to ever-changing events here in the UK and across the world, it’s no wonder that we may feel wrought with feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, and overwhelm
At the Mental Health Foundation, we recognise the value of access to information in a more connected world But it is also important that we know when to take a break from rolling news cycles and late-night doomscrolling on social media in order to protect our mental health
The Mental Health Foundation have created tips and resources specifically to support those feelings of overwhelm, when engaging with bad news all gets a bit too much which can be found on our website: mentalhealth org uk/WorldMentalHealthDay Alexa Knight Director for Po licy and Influence at the Mental Health F oundation
Celebrating the festival of lights
Diwali’s significance lies in its celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, symbolizing hope and renewal Celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, the festival’s meaning is rooted in various historical and mythological events, such as the return of Lord Rama for Hindus, the liberation of Guru Hargobind Singh for Sikhs, and the enlightenment of Lord Mahavira for Jains The “Festival of Lights” is a time for renewal, spiritual awakening, strengthening family bonds, and welcoming prosperity into the home
Hinduism: Often celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile and victory over the demon king Ravana It also includes the worship of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity
Sikhism: Marks the day Guru Hargobind Singh was released from imprisonment and returned to Amritsar
Ja inism: Commemorates the enlightenment and liberation (Moksha) of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism
Buddhism: Some Buddhists celebrate Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism
Diwali signifies a New Year for many and is a time to discard negativity, clean and decorate homes, and start new ventures The festival is also a time for family reunions, where loved ones gather to share meals, exchange gifts, and celebrate together, strengthening community bonds
Lighting of Diyas: Homes and public spaces are decorated with rows of clay oil lamps (Diyas) to symbolize the dispelling of darkness
We wish all esteemed readers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, its staff, and their families a very divine and spiritual Diwali, bringing a healthy, happy, peaceful, and prosperous life ahead
Suresh and Bhavna Patel
Eco-friendly Diwali
This is to highlight the issue of air pollution caused by fireworks during Diwali and New Year celebrations
While the festivities bring joy and excitement, the environmental consequences are severe and demand immediate attention Fireworks leave behind debris and chemical residues, contributing to soil and water pollution
This not only harms the ecosystem but also endangers the diverse flora and fauna in our surroundings Jubel D'Cruz
Dr Kalam
On Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s birthday, October 15, we celebrate the Missile Man’s legacy
His vision, humility, and dedication to education inspire generations Let’s honor him by fostering innovation and empowering youth to dream big Let us recall his words, "Small aim is biggest crime" TS K arthik
Urgent support needed for Peterborough Mandir
The Hi ndu co m m u nit y in Peterborough faces th e r eal t h r eat o f losing their Mandir next week, after the local Council withdrew its offer to sell the site to the community and is now planning to sell it to the highest bidder
The Mandir is a vital hub, serving families within a 35-mile radius It is not just a place of worship, but a community space where cultural events, religious
Without it, the community would have nowhere else to come together
The potential loss of t
Peterborough, erasing an important centre of faith and heritage
help by signing the petition to preserve this essential space for the community Sig n the petition here: https://peterborough moderngov co uk/mgEPetition Display aspx?id=149&TPID =14 280983
Postmasters secure full Horizon redress fight
For years, t he story of the Post Office's Horizon sca ndal was a chilling t ale of corporate injust ice Now, a crucial chapter in the fight for redress has begun, with the UK G ov e r nm e nt fo r ma lly responding to the Inquiry ’ s Volume 1 Report
The financial scale of the injustice is becoming clearer: in the last 15 months alone, over £993 million has been paid in redress, an amount reportedly five times the total compensation distributed before last year's election The government has accepted nearly all but one of Sir WynWilliams' recommendations
Key reforms include establishing a new appeals process for postmasters who had accepted fixed sums
under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS), backed by the provision of funded legal advice To ensure fair oversight, Sir Gary Hickinbottom, a senior lawyer, has been appointed to lead the HSS, and the scheme’s deadline for new applications has been extended to 31 January 2026, giving vulnerable claimants more time to apply Furthermore, the government confirmed it will proceed with redress for close family members of victims and has commenced work on a restorative justice project in partnership with the Post Office and Fujitsu Business Secretary Peter Kyle called the measures a crucial step towards delivering full and fair compensation
Chha Gam Nagrik Mandal (UK)
K
A P I L’S K H I C H A D I Peace in the Middle East -
Really?
Let me warn you, this is going to be a controversial article, more so than usual I guess, and for that I offer no apologies This world is ma de up of those who stay below the radar and avoid all confrontations, and those who will do anything to appease and get a pat on the back, and then the very ver y few who dare to say it as it is By now I suspect you all know I am in t he third cate gory
This week we have seen incredible fanfare of Trump the 21st Century saviour sorting out the whole of the Middle East and bringing peace to the region He believes he has brokered peace between Israel and the Palestinians He also believes that in the process he has got the mandate for peace from other regional players Let me state upfront, this is cloud cuckoo land thinking
On the very day Trump declared his victory against Hamas, I posted the following on X:
‘There is breaking news that the Palestinian terrorists Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire I am left wondering when was the last time Hamas kept their word! As long as Hamas, and the mentality and ideology they aspire to exists - there will never be any peace These are monsters who have used their own people as shields to protect themselves Monsters who fed themselves whilst their own people starved Monsters who have sworn that they want the end of all Jews If Palestinians want true peace then the 1st step is the total eradication of Hamas’
I accept this is brutal, but it is the truth that most politicians dare not visit, and a truth that most media wish to avoid – none will dare to state the obvious
The west has tried to separate the Palestinians from Hamas terrorists This is their way of condemning the terrorist Hamas, whilst letting off the hook the Palestinian people Let me be very clear, in my view there is no difference between Hamas and Palestinians Using simple logic will tell you that most of Hamas are drawn from the general Palestinian polulation, with some extra terrorists coming in from other neighbouring nations
When ‘Hamas’ attacked Israel on 7th October 2023, the streets of Gaza and even the West Bank, were throbing with Palestinians who had come out to celebrate the mass murder and rape of Israelies In fact, we saw similar celebrations right across many nations in the Middle East
The Hamas movement was founded by the Palestinian Islamic scholar Ahmed Yassin in 1987 Hamas has promoted Palestinian nationalism in an Islamic context to form a state in all of former ‘mandatory Palestine’ Note the terminology, ‘mandatory Palestine’, this is the key phrase used to declare the elimination of Israel They aspire towards their declared policy of ‘from the river to the sea ’ , meaning to take full control of all lands from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea i e The elimination of all Jews
The so called 20-point Trump peace plan does not address anything related to the Palestinian demands Palestinians have never rejected the Hamas ideology They have still not denounced the core objective of, ‘from the river to the sea ’ The only reason for this temporary cessation is because Israel has destroyed Gaza and it’s a means of getting the remaining hostages back home Once that aim is achieved, the last bargaining chip Hamas holds will be gone
Trump and his cheering squad of western leaders are selling the plan on a massive re-development of Gaza, and that most of this money will come from the region This may well be true, and we may yet see Gaza re-developed and the Palestinians re-housed However, for Palestinians, and for Islamists, this is just a bleep in their timescale of getting what they really want, namely the end of Israel
Enduring peace I fear is just a hopeless wish I cannot see any prospect of any type of enduring peace until there is a significant change in the Islamist ideology A faith that declares all non-believers as ‘Kafir’, and commands the follower of the faith to use any and all means to either convert these ‘Kafir’, enslave them or terminate them In Jammu and Kashmir do remember the same idology was at play The call made from every mosque was, ‘Ralive, Galive, Chalive’, a phrase that translates to "Convert, Die, or Leave”
Only followers of two faiths have shown over thousands of years that they have no desire to convert others, these being Hinduism and Judasiam Let’s not forget that Christianity was also spread by the sword When Islam came into being these two off spring of Abrahim fought for dominance for hundreds of years This fight between these two old foes has left the world in the mess that we find today Christians however have been clever, they amended the interpretation of their text to suit the times, whereas Islam still remains stuck in the 7th Century The elephant in the room is a massive mammoth, yet people are sticking their heads in the sand to avoid facing the truth
I cannot see any prospect of any enduring peace between Israel and its enemies because the enemies of Israel will never allow that to happen However, for the sake of humanity I would love to be proven wrong
Kapil Dudakia
organised a vibrant Navratri celebration from 22 September to 1 October 2025 at Kingsbury Green Primary School Participants of all ages enjoyed the lively Garba and Raas performances, devotional singing, and festive décor that brought the spirit of the festival alive
The UK government is facing scrutiny after the case against two men accused of spying fo r China collapsed ju st weeks before it was due to go to trial
Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry, who have consistently maintained their innocence, were charged under the Official Secrets Act in April 2024 They were accused of gathering and providing information prejudicial to the safety and interests of the state between December 2021 and February 2023
The head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) explained that the case collapsed because crucial evidence could not be obtained
UK spy case collapse sparks political row
from the government confirming China as a national security threat at the time of the alleged offences Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson, the most senior prosecutor in England and Wales, stated that the CPS had sought further evidence from the government "over many months," but the witness statements provided did not meet the threshold required for prosecution
While there was sufficient evidence when the charges were originally filed in April, a precedent set by another spying case earlier
Students bridge family law justice gap
The cold reality of Britain’s l eg al ai d cris is i s tu rning f ami ly c ou rtroo m s i nto intimidating spaces, forcing v ulnerable people to navig ate c omp lex leg al battles alone
Stepping into this widening justice gap is the University of Bedfordshire’s Family Law Clinic in Luton Run by law undergraduates, with all advice strictly overseen by a solicitor, the clinic offers free, step-by-step guidance to those who do not qualify for legal aid but cannot afford private solicitors
This crisis stems largely from the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment
of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) Since its enactment in 2013, the percentage of family law cases where neither party has legal representation has doubled, rising from 19% to 38% in the first three months of this year Clinic co-ordinator
Christine Quinlan noted that basic legal advice has become really hard to find By contrast, one law student, Shema Miah, said the clinic provides that strength and courage to move forward
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) promotes mediation, offering up to £500 for the scheme, which has helped 70% of families reach an agreement outside court
UK tightens English language requirements for migrants
T he H ome O ff i c e h as announced stricter English l a ng uag e s t an da rd s f or i m mi g ra nt s , ra i s i ng th e required proficiency to Alevel (B2) in s peaking, listening, reading, and wri ti ng
The new rules, effective 8 January 2026, will initially apply to Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual, and Scale-up visa holders, a statement to the House of Commons confirmed In the year to June 2025, over 40,000 workers were granted UK visas through these routes
The reforms are part of a wider overhaul of the UK’s immigration system, fol-
lowing a white paper in May that proposed tighter restrictions on skilled worker visas and shorter graduate visa durations Raising language standards and introducing English requirements for adult dependants is projected to reduce annual immigration by around 6,000, according to the white paper
Under the previous rules, migrants needed only B1-level English, demonstrating basic competence
The new B2-level standard ensures applicants can live and work independently in an English-speaking environment and pursue studies in English
would have been strictly necessary to pursue the prosecution
The political fallout has been intense Downing Street has maintained that the decision to drop the charges was made solely by the CPS, with no ministers, government members, or special advisers involved The government has expressed frustration at the trial’s collapse
this year meant that the government would have needed to have explicitly designated China as a "threat to national security" at the time of the alleged offences Some legal experts have questioned whether such evidence
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has sought to shift the focus to the previous Conservative government, arguing that prosecution could only be based on the Tory administration’s position at the time, when China
was reportedly not formally designated a national security threat Current Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has rejected this, citing examples where former Tory ministers and government documents described China as a threat
The Tories have accused the current government of withholding evidence from the CPS and suggested that the Prime Minister’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, who has advocated for closer relations with Beijing, may have intervened The government denies Powell had any involvement in decisions regarding the evidence Badenoch has also alleged that the trial was deliberately allowed to collapse because of the Prime Minister’s approach toward China, an accusation the government strongly rejects While Labour has pursued closer trade ties with China since last year ’ s general election, the situation has raised concerns about the handling of sensitive national security cases Whether it was the previous government or the current one at fault, it is disappointing that such crucial cases are not properly investigated, leaving no clear outcomes Rather than passing blame, a constructive solution is urgently needed to ensure national security matters are handled transparently and effectively
Shema Miah
Christopher Cash
Spirit of Diwali unites communities worldwide
The spirit of Diwali has tru ly gone glo b al thi s y ea r I n a hi st o ri c mo ve, t hree U S st ate s, Pennsylvania, Co nnecticu t, and California, have officially designated Diwali as a state holiday, marking a growing recognition of the festival’s cultural significance beyo nd South Asia
Even Disneyland joined the celebrations, hosting a vibrant Diwali Dance Fest where Mickey and Minnie Mouse donned traditional Indian attire, delighting visitors with music, colour, and joy
Here in the UK, Diwali has long been an integral part of the nation’s multicultural calendar
More than 120 volunteers gathered at the Darji Community Centre in Leicester to prepare hundreds of food hampers for families in need, part of a nationwide initiative that distributed 5,500 hampers across the UK
Each pack included a handmade Diwali card from children in India, a small gesture symbolising global compassion and connection
Across the country, smaller yet spirited celebrations are keeping the festival alive In London, Trafalgar Square hosted a grand Diwali celebration (full story on page 13), while Wolverhampton prepares for a community event
in Phoenix Park featuring a light switch-on and fireworks
Leamington Spa will hold its Diwali light switch-on this Sunday, and Rugby will celebrate with music, dance, and a lantern parade
Coventry, Staffordshire, Worcester, and Telford have also lined up a series of festive gatherings, from Diwali lights along Foleshill Road to cultural performances at museums and universities
However, this year ’ s celebrations arrive amid a more sombre atmosphere Recent anti-immigration rallies and a shocking synagogue attack have left many communities unsettled, sparking broader conversations around unity, tolerance, and public safety These events have inevitably
impacted Diwali preparations, with some large-scale gatherings scaled back or postponed due to security concerns
In Leicester, the iconic Golden Mile Diwali celebrations have been significantly altered For the first time, there will be no stage entertainment or fireworks, and Cossington Street Recreation Ground will not form part of the festivities The city’s safety advisory group made these changes following serious public safety concerns, citing the event’s growing crowd numbers in recent years
In Birmingham, the muchanticipated 10th annual Soho Road Diwali Mela has been postponed Organisers said the decision came after “careful consideration” in light of the recent Manchester attack and new safety obligations under Martyn’s Law It’s the second consecutive year the event has been disrupted, following last year ’ s cancellation due to funding challenges
Even as challenges cast their shadows, the light of Diwali endures, a reminder that resilience, kindness, and hope can outshine fear and division
As the nation prepares to celebrate, Asian Voice presents its special Diwali feature, highlighting the stories, communities, and traditions that continue to make this festival a powerful symbol of unity and light across the world
Young LEGO enthusiast creates Ram Mandir for all to see
Subhasini Naicker
Nowadays, children are achieving remarkable things at a young age, and ten - yea r- o ld Ana y K o te cha from Solihull is no exception He lives with his parents, his sister adopted from India, and their two dogs A cricket enthusiast, Anay enjo ys an acti ve lifes tyle as his family follows a mostly no-screen po
The UK Health Security Agency ( UKHSA) is u rging those celebrating Diwali to get their flu and Covid-19 vaccinations early to ensu re protection ahead of the festival and the winter season V accines take about two weeks to o ffer full immunity, so timely vaccination can help prevent severe illness and hospitalisatio n
As flu and Covid-19 spread more easily indoors, UKHSA urges eligible groups especially those at higher risk to get vaccinated for a safe Diwali Vaccination teams across England are building community immunity ahead of the winter peak
Inter vaccine appointments have been open since 1 September, allowing eligible groups to book early The NHS offers free flu and Covid-19 vaccines to those aged 65+, clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, frontline workers, close contacts of immunosuppressed people,
children, and pregnant women RSV vaccines are available for adults 75–79 and pregnant women, protecting both mother and newborn, while Covid-19 boosters are recommended for older adults and immunosuppressed individuals
Children are encouraged to take the free nasal flu spray, with under-5s particularly vulnerable Parents should complete school vaccination consent forms and book pre-schoolers for GP appointments Children unable to take the nasal spray for medical or faith reasons can receive the injected flu vaccine
Dr Anjali Pai, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA, urged the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities to get vaccinated this Diwali to stay protected during winter She highlighted that flu and Covid-19 cases rise at this time, and vaccines can prevent severe illness She also
encouraged parents to ensure children are vaccinated, noting that thousands of children are hospitalised each winter due to flu The NHS nasal flu vaccine is available at participating pharmacies, helping protect children, families, and vulnerable elders Dr Pai advised adding vaccination to Diwali preparations to safeguard loved ones
Upcoming event
The Navnat Vanik Association UK will host its Laxmi Pujan & Chopda Pujan 2025 on Monday, 20 October at the Navnat Centre Doors open at 4:30 pm, with Chopda Pujan starting promptly at 5:00 pm and expected to conclude by 6:00 pm
thro u gh va ri o u s c rea ti ve and learning activities
Speaking to Asian Voice, Anay shared, “In my free time, I enjoy doing puzzles, sometimes even 1,000-piece ones I love building LEGO, I’m currently working on a Van Gogh sunflower set I also like writing to famous people; I’ve written to Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak, the King, and even David Attenborough Besides that, I have three pen pals; one in Tokyo, whom I’ve been writing to for about two years, one in Germany, and one in the United States ” Passionate about exploring modern ways to connect with his faith, Anay shared some of his creative activities: “I do a Diwali tree, it’s like a Christmas tree, but for Diwali I also have a Diwali Advent Calendar, a 30-day countdown to the festival Every year, I make my own dog-friendly Holi powders and prepare Indian sweets like gulab jamun and barfis in unique flavors; Oreo, mango, rose, and Ferrero Rocher-inspired ”
Anay was also inspired by the opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya He explained, “For Ram Navami, I decided to study the history of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya PM Modi was inspirational in ensuring the Mandir opened, so I created a complete timeline and sent it to him ”
This year, Anay combined his love for LEGO and devotion by building a 10,000-piece model of the Ram Mandir “I love LEGO, and I have Ganesh, Ram, and Krishna sets from Index Bricks,” he said “So, I decided to build the Ram Mandir to put the Ram LEGO in ”
Reflecting on the challenges, Anay explained, “There was a tall tower at the top with a flag Every time I placed it, it would break, and we had to rebuild it until it stayed There were at least ten towers all around It was really hard and took five and a half months I used to wake up at 6:30, start LEGO while
my dad made breakfast, then continue after breakfast After school, I did my homework and then more LEGO On weekends, since there’s still no TV except Sundays, I worked on it then too ” His favourite part of building the Mandir, he said, was seeing how many small pieces came together to create something beautiful “The bottom floor took me about two months My favourite part was the back of the Mandir with the tall pillars, I loved putting them in ”
Anay hopes his LEGO Mandir can travel across the country so elderly people who cannot visit Ayodhya can experience its beauty “A lot of elderly people won’t be able to travel to India to see the Mandir, so LEGO allows them to see it and do darshan It’s about religion, and everybody can appreciate it and pray My sister, my two dogs, and I also make cards and wear Indian clothes This year, we had the Ram Mandir there, and we sent it to everyone we know If you can’t visit Ayodhya, come and see my Mandir, it’s welcome to everybody It’s everybody’s Mandir ” When asked about his favorite story from the Ramayana, Anay said, “I like the story when Lord Ram went to hunt the deer for Sita Lakshman went to find him, but first drew a protective circle around Sita When Ravan disguised as a beggar came, Sita stepped out to give him food Then Ravan took her to Lanka in his chariot Jatayu tried to stop him but was injured in the process ” Looking ahead, Anay is already planning new LEGO projects “I would like to build the Somnath Mandir in India It will have 3,000 fewer pieces than the Ram Mandir because I haven’t built a project that big yet ”
Anay building a model of the Ram Mandir using LEGO bricks
Anay Kotecha (right) with his sister and two dogs
Trafalgar Square shines for annual Diwali celebration
Lo ndon’s Trafalgar Square
was a hub of colo ur and f es ti vi ty o n Su nd ay, October 12, as the city celebrated its annual ‘Diwali on the Square’ from 2–8pm
An unprecedented number of people were seen queuing as for the first time bags
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O r g a n i s e d b y t h e Mayor of London in partnership with the Diwali in
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year, the event honoured the festival of lights, marking the victory of good over
e v i l a n d o b s e r v e d b y
H i n d u , S i k h , J a i n , a n d
B u d d h i s t c o m m u n i t i e s worldwide
A h e a d o f t h e e v e n t , controversy arose over the inclusion of certain organi-
Hindu values of peace, har-
Volunteers also highlighted the upcoming @BAPSParis Hindu Mandir in France ”
, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan wished everyone a Happy Diwali and paid tribute to the Diwali in London committee He acknowledged those who
buzzed with family-friendl y a c t i v i t i e s b e y o n d t h e stage, such as sari and turban tying, yoga and medit a t i o n s e s s i o n s , p u p p e t
Moore Kingston Smith hosts Diwali reception for Indian business leaders
more than 30 years, Moore
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The evening fea-
try to divide communities, saying, “You show our city at its very best You show the importance
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sations accused of promoti n g H i n d u n a t i o n a l i s m , p r o m p t i n g p
s t s a n d calls for their exclusion
The Mayor’s office emphasised that ‘Diwali on the Square’ is an inclusive celeb r a t i o n s h o w c a s i n g t h e best of London Despite the debate, the event was a success, drawing thousands to Trafalgar Square
T h i s y e a r ’ s D i w a l i e v e n t , t h e m e d ‘ E d u c a t e , I l l u m i n a t e , C e l e b r a t e , ’ k i c k e d o f f w i t h a m a s s G a r b a p e r f o r m a n c e , f o l -
lowed by a lively stage programme featuring classical, folk, and Bollywood acts, i n c l u d i n g a p p e a r a n c e s f r o m B A P S N e a s d e n T e m p l e , C h i n m a y a
M i s s i o n U K , a n d t h e Bollywood Dance School
T r a f a l g a r S q u a r e
shows, and cultural quizzes
i n t h e C h i l d r e n ’ s Z o n e V i s i t o r s a l s o e n j o y e d ‘ A Glimpse of Goddesses’, a m e d i t a t i v e d i s p l a y c e l ebrating the nine forms and virtues of the Goddess in Hindu tradition, alongside a v i b r a n t G a n e s h m u r t i exhibition
The square was filled with the aroma of fresh vegetarian and vegan dishes as visitors explored food s t a l l
t s , savouries, and handmade c r a f t s N e
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s h a r e d o n X , “ W e w e r e delighted to join the wider British Hindu community for the ‘Diwali in London’
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Diwali ” Reflecting on his
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children, Hindus, Sikhs,
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everyone is welcome to celebrate ” He concluded, “Have a wonderful Diwali this year Let us show the
Dancers bring energy to the Diwali celebrations
A woman and a man pose in front of 'Diwali on the Square banner The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, speaks to the crowd
Crowds illuminate Trafalgar Square during the Diwali on the Square celebrations
L to R: Kishor Parmar, Honey Dave, Vijay Tanna, Guest, Harshad Kothari, Pratik Dattani and Mansoor Popat
Matt Meadows with professional dancer Kashmira Sunni and her team
“We will bring the whole country back together”
Rupanjana Dutta
T h e rec ent co m m ent by Robert Jenrick, the Shadow
J u st ic e Se cre tary abo u t
B ritain' s integrati on p roblem has shaken the country
Not becau se o f th e “ to xi c nationalism” but because of the possibility of what those words can trigger
In an article in The Times by Trevor Phillips, he has pointed out that Jenrick has unfortunately “judged the book by its cover ” But the problem is not limited to Jenrick There are people like Tommy Robinson or even Nigel Farage who have weaponised the so-called diversity into something controversial Phillips acknowledges that the explosion of immigrants arriving in Britain may be less integrated with the ethnic majority because of social media and Internet “which transcend geography but keep immigrants tethered to where they came from rather than freeing them to become Britons of the heart as well as of the passport ” He also recognises the issues with it But the fixation on the number of immigrants arriving on Britain’s shores as refugees and integration, that in turn is increasing antagonism even towards legal migrants, who have lived here for decades or those born and raised here, as the country’s economy rapidly shrinks, is a huge problem Pride in Place Strategy
In an EXCLUSIVE interview, when asked about what message does the government have for minority communities who are facing the brunt of rising hostilities, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE told Asian
Voice, “It is legitimate for people to raise concerns about issues, but it's not legitimate, and it's not acceptable to for people to be intimidating, to incite hatred or aggression, and we won't tolerate that You'll have heard the Home Secretary talking in very strong terms about the additional action that she's going to take to make sure that that doesn't happen anymore
“We all understand when people become frustrated We re going through difficult times in many ways and have been for some years now Then tensions can boil over, but we will never tolerate or accept hatred or division of that kind in our community, in our society, and we as a government will do everything that we can, to bring people back together again
“So, we recently announced some funding called ‘Pride in Place Strategy’, which means in 224 different areas, poorest areas of this country, will receive up to 20 million pounds each, and the funding will be directed by the community itself Now, whatever different back-
grounds people come from, they will have a shared interest in their locality, their high streets, doing well and looking better So, we can pursue initiatives like that bring communities together Community by community, we will bring the whole country back together And for me, that's a big priority ”
When asked if this was a direct result of the insecurity people are feeling about the shaky economy, he added, “I think it's undoubtedly true that there's an economic insecurity And that s been the case for over 10 years now And as a new government, we can't fix it overnight People have a right to express their views What people do not have a right to do is to intimidate other people, spread hatred, promote aggression against minority communities, or, frankly, anybody else So, the government is taking steps to make sure that where there are protests or people expressing their views, they do it in a way that is acting within the law We will not accept intimidation against any community in this country And long term, we know that this country does best when we all come
together and we work together
“It's a very diverse country, and we all have a shared interest in Britain prospering and our economy growing stronger So, the Free Trade Agreement with India is one way of doing that I'm trying to get one and a half million new homes built That s going to add jobs up and down this country, and there will be more affordable housings ” FTA’s benefits for diaspora
When asked how the FTA between UK and India can make lives of the diaspora better, the Secretary added, “We have long historic ties with India There's a big Indian diaspora community here in the United Kingdom So, we have direct personal contacts with India And with the Free Trade Agreement that gives us much better trade and flow of goods and people between our two countries and with India, which is now a rising giant economically, a real powerhouse of the coming century
“It's important for our prosperity in the UK, as well as India's prosperity, that we strengthen trade between the two countries We've seen a reduction in tariffs that will allow goods to flow between our two countries much more freely Give you a small example In my constituency, for many years now, we have had a lot of Indian restaurants, and the owners have been saying how difficult it is to get chefs Now there will be more visas for chefs to come in and keep making the food that, frankly, all of us in the UK like to eat So, I think that's a great benefit culturally, socially and economically, all in one example ”
NYC’s Diwali Ball 2025: A night of South Asian elegance and style
On Octo ber 1 2, 2 02 5, th e L o tte New Y or k P alac e shone brighter than ever as the “All That Glitters” Diwali Ball 2025 brought together luminaries of film, fashion, business, and philanthropy in a glittering celebration of South Asian culture
Hosted by talent strategist and investor Anjula Acharia, the event is more than a soirée “Each year, we gather not just to honour our heritage, but to create space for South Asian voices, champion global causes, and build bridges through community, creativity, and purpose, ” Acharia said The glamorous evening featured traditional holiday attire, sumptuous food, dance, and a live performance by Indo Warehouse Funds raised will support the South Asian Council for Social Services and King
Charles’s British Asian Trust, highlighting the Ball’s philanthropic bent
A roster of stars turned heads on the red carpet
Among them, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and her husband Nick Jonas were among the most talked-about guests The couple chose coordinated ivory ensembles that struck a chic balance between modern and traditional Priyanka’s look
included a sleek outfit accessorised with a maang tikka, diamond earrings, and a white clutch, while Nick complemented her in an elegant ivory kurta with a floral sherwani overlay
Other attendees included Bollywood and Hollywood names such as Bhumi Pednekar, Nora Fatehi, Kal Penn, Jay Sean, Gurinder Chadha, Prabal Gurung, and many more
Ketan Dattani
The glow of diyas, the crackle of fireworks, the smell of incense, the taste of sweets, and the touch of new clothes Diwali i s a festival for the senses Together, these experiences create moments that are both nostalgic and renewing
Sustainability is often framed as a list of what not to do This Diwali, I invite you to think differently What if we celebrated through our senses in a way that brings joy without harming the environment? Here is what a truly sustainable Diwali could look, feel, sound, smell, and taste like
The diya with its gentle flicker has lit Diwali nights for centuries Unlike electricity-hungry displays, clay diyas are biodegradable, reusable, and made by local artisans Communities can also explore solar-powered collective lighting, turning Diwali into a celebration that honours both tradition and innovation
Diwali is full of textures Silk sarees, paper lanterns, and rangoli powders surround us Choosing natural fibres over synthetics, handcrafted decorations over mass-produced ones, and biodegradable rangoli colours over chemical dyes reconnects us to both artisans and the earth Every touch becomes part of a story that celebrates without discarding
For many, Diwali is associated with the loud bang of fireworks But that noise often overshadows the festival’s deeper melodies Live music, devotional songs, or community drumming circles can replace chaos with connection Instead of noise pollution, we create soundscapes of joy
The scent of Diwali comes from incense, oils, and festive foods By choosing natural incense, organic oils, and spice blends free from artificial additives, we reduce toxins in the air and bring the purity of tradition back into our homes The aroma of freshly roasted spices or marigold garlands is celebration enough
Diwali is a time of abundance, but abundance often leads to waste A sustainable feast does not mean less food It means cooking with intention, sharing homemade treats, and ensuring leftovers are shared or composted This honours both the festival and the planet
Seen through the five senses, sustainability does not diminish Diwali The softness of clay, the warmth of oil lamps, the rhythm of drums, the fragrance of spices, and the sweetness of shared desserts are the true sensory gifts of the festival By embracing them, we celebrate a Diwali that delights the senses while protecting the world that sustains them Diwali has always been about balance, light over darkness, harmony over chaos, and renewal over waste
Children’s Diwali party and Rangoli at Gujarat Hindu Society
Diwali celebratio ns at the centre began early with the Children’s Diwali Party and Rangoli competition
Designers like Falguni Peacock created custom looks for attendees, while creative voices and executives also joined the festivities
Reflecting on the night, Kal Penn remarked: “At a time of particular strife and darkness, it was a joyful night full of love, light, and friendship ” Many attendees noted how meaningful it was to have mentors and friends from across the diaspora under one roof, dancing to “Desi Girl ” The evening was not just about glamour, but also a celebration of South Asian heritage on a global stage In the season of light, the “All That Glitters” Ball reaffirmed that Diwali and South Asian artistry are not merely traditions, but a continuing cultural narrative shared with the world
On Saturday, 11 October, over 150 children and their parents took part
50 children participated enthusiastically, while the Ladies’ Arti Thali Decoration added extra colour and tradition to the event
A winner and runner-up
in party games, enjoyed a magician and musical chairs, and finished with a Pizza and Chips feast Each child received a goodie bag to take home The centre expressed gratitude to all sponsors for their support in making the event a success
The celebrations continued on Sunday, 12 October, with the Annual Rangoli Competition, divided into three age categories: 4–7, 8–11, and 12–15 years Around
were selected in each age group, with all participants displaying remarkable creativity and dedication Events like these not only celebrate Diwali but also encourage children to learn the art of Rangoli and express their imagination through cultural traditions The organisers expressed sincere thanks to all parents for motivating and supporting their children’s participation
A Sustainable Diwali Through the Five Senses
Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government with Rupanjana Dutta Managing Editor Asian Voice at No10 Diwali Reception
Participants and committee members at the event
Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra, Anjula Acharia and Furhan Ahmad
No10 hosts Diwali reception for diaspora
The gathering and celebration
As people walked towards the historical No10 door, it opened to the corridor ahead that lay beautifully decorated with yellow, orange and red marigold, candles, diyas and rangolis on the plush carpet The staircase leading up to the reception was also decorated with gorgeous flowers and candles as staff stood in every corner welcomed guests with a big smile and Happy Diwali greetings
In the reception hall, guests were welcome by a variety of nonalcoholic beverages, including mocktails, juices and lassis Madhu’s staff went around with vegetarian canapes, as people enjoyed their ‘Bhindi (okra) Jaipuri’ in paper cones and mini ‘Aloo Tikki Burgers’
Guests included MPs, Peers, councillors, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, community leaders, GLA Assembly Members, members of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, temples and community organisations etc Lo rd K ri s h Raval, Lo rd Jitesh Gadhia, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Seema Malhotra MP, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister fo r F aith and Communities, Rt Ho n Douglas Alexander MP, Uma Kumaran MP, Navendu Mishra MP, K ru pe sh Hi ra ni AM , ex
Indian heritage, I'm proud to be Member of Parliament in one of our most diverse constituencies in Britain, and indeed, to be the Minister for Equalities and Minister at the Foreign Office
“Tonight hold a very special meaning For us Diwali reminds us of the timeless triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair But it is also a moment to reflect on the values that we share, of compassion, of community and the belief that by coming together, we can build a fairer and brighter future forward These are the values at the heart of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and they are also deeply rooted in this government's values The bonds between Britain and India are woven through families like ours, through shared traditions and
Labour MP V irendra Sharma, His Excellenc y Vi kram Dorai swami , High Commissioner of India to the UK, H E Nimisha Madhvani, High Commissioner of Uganda to the U K , Uda y N aga raj u , I nd ia En gag eme nt - Lab o u r Pa rty , South Asian Heritage Month cofou nder Jasvir Singh CBE, Chefs Chetna Makan and Nisha Parmar, Bu s i nes s Co n su l tan t Pr as han t Kunwar, Hanuman Dass of Go Dha rmi c , D r Nee ra j Pat il o f Hindus for Labour, Visakha Dasi of Bhaktivedanta Manor, Trupti Patel o f Hindu Forum of Britain, memb er s o f t he Chi nm aya Mi ss i o n, Chi nma ya Swar anj a li and Mayank Shah, Trustee and Kirit Wadia, Interfaith relatio ns from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Lo ndon were also present Welcoming guests and prayers Seema Malhotra, welcoming over 100 guests gathered for the Diwali reception at No10 said, “It is such a joy and privilege to be here at Number 10 Downing Street to celebrate Diwali- the Festival of Lights, and be surrounded by so many familiar faces and new friends I'm Seema Malhotra, Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston, and as someone of Hindu faith and
the work that we were carrying forward with a range of British companies like British Telecom, Diageo, Rolls Royce, extraordinary, large and small British businesses, determined to seize the opportunities of that relationship
“Thirdly, it was very striking the sense that India is a 21st century superpower in the making It is already the most populous country on Earth It's the fourth largest economy in the world But we travelled to Mumbai Delhi, of
“There is even more that we can do to gether in the future”
Rt H o n Do u gl as Al exa nde r MP, addressing the gathering reminisced about his recent trip to India with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the trade delegation – the largest so far He said, “We travelled with 127 business leaders, cultural leaders, university vice chancellors, an extraordinary galaxy of British talent, and engaged directly with the Premier League's extraordinary work that they are doing across India Bollywood, although, alas, I was in meetings, while the Prime Minister was enjoying and a very strong and important bilateral contact with the Indian government
enterprise
He further added, “We saw those bonds renewed and strengthened in a recent visit by our Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer to India, the visit that also reaffirmed how vital our ‘Living Bridge’ - the Indian diaspora is to the friendship between our two nations So, as we light diyas tonight, let us celebrate not only our heritage and faith, but also a shared future of opportunity, understanding and peace ”
Following her welcome speech, prayers were recited by Her Grace Visakha Dasi, Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor in Sanskrit with English translations and a modern interpretation of Diwali message and prayers from Shri Mahant Swami Maharaj by Kirit Wadia, Interfaith relations, representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London
While Rt Hon Steve Reed lit diyas to mark the occasion of Diwali, he was garlanded by Avanti Schoo l children
Chinmaya Swaranjali (music based spiritual wing of the Chinmaya Mission), presented a musical rendition of the Hanuman Chalisa which was joined by an enthusiastic audience
“The first point I would want to mention would be it is a huge tribute to the Prime Minister of the strength of personal relationship that has been built with Prime Minister Modi It was great for me to observe both informal meetings and in formal settings, the strength of that personal relationship
“Secondly, it was an important economic endeavour, both not just to celebrate the trade deal that was agreed at the end of July, but to focus on the implementa-
tion and utilisation of that trade deal Trade deals are great to secure, but they must never lie on the shelf They must be living and breathing entities, and that was
ment has established with the Government of India, however strong the relationship from people to people - that ‘Living Bridge’ that Seema spoke so eloquently of, I genuinely believe there is even more that we can do together in the future, and that sense that's our responsibility of government But it's not limited to government It's a task for every one of us in this room ”
“A Britain for all, where every community is respected and difference is celebrated ”
Addressing the guests, Communi ties Secretary Rt Hon Steve Reed, who stepped in the shoes of PM Starmer, in his absence as the host, said,
course, has a lot of history, but Mumbai has an extraordinary future And it was a focus role, it was a focused visit, relentlessly focused on the future of that relationship and all that we can do
“And the final point I would
“Namaskar It is truly an honour for me to be here this evening to represent Prime Minister Starmer, and of course, to light a diya Just a few days ago, the Prime Minister did a special event in Mumbai, held in the lead up to Diwali, to celebrate the shared history, common values and deep cultural bonds that unite our two nations
As you're no doubt aware Sir Keir Starmer, our Prime Minister, is in Egypt on this historic day, attending the international summit where a peace plan at last for Gaza has been signed I believe the message of Diwali, light overcoming darkness, of hope, of unity, resonates all the more deeply with so many of us at this particular moment in our planet's history
want to give you a sense of is just the senses We travel back to the United Kingdom, was that, unlike some visits that you're obliged to do in government, this felt generationally significant If you think of that ‘Living Bridge’, those 1 8 million British citizens of Indian heritage, you think about the extraordinary potential for that partnership from the future, and what it can do for both India and the United Kingdom, and also what together we can do for the world It was one of those visits that will live long in my consciousness, not simply because of the warmth and strength of the relationship that it revealed and the relationship is in genuinely good shape, but because it was pregnant with possibilities for the future
“And if I want to leave you with one thought, it is, however strong the relationship is that the Prime Minister and the govern-
“Just a few weeks ago, the Prime Minister shared his vision for the future of our country at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, and at its heart was a call for national renewal, for a Britain built for all of us, underpinned by the values of decency and patriotism, because that's how we bring the country together and build a Britain for all, where every community is respected and difference is celebrated under our one national flag
“The Prime Minister also talked about service, about people who give up their time, just like those who volunteer in temples, serve Langar in the Gurdwaras, or put together food parcels for those in need of something to eat I know that spirit of service runs deep in so many of your families, and we see that same commitment to others in every walk of life, whether it's serving in our Armed Forces, leading in business, driving innovation in technology and AI, working hard at school or caring for others in our National Health Service
“So, let me just say a huge thank you as the Communities Secretary for your incredible contribution and for the light you bring to communities up and down the United Kingdom, to British Hindus, Jains and Sikhs, who are, of course, also celebrating Bandi Chor Divas Thank you for all that you do for our communities and all that you do for our country On behalf of the Prime Minister, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy Diwali and a joyful Bandi Chor Divas ”
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE addressing the guests
Rt Hon Dougals Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Scotland of the United Kingdom
Seema Malhotra MP Minister for Equalities and Minister at Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office welcoming guests
Uma Kumaran MP Uday Nagaraju Prashant Kunwar and other guests
Members of His Majesty s Armed Forces
Kirit Wadia, Interfaith relations, representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London
A member of Chinmaya Swaranjali
UK-India relations reimagined
Lord Karan Bilimoria
I’ ve just returned from India, where I h ad the honour o f jo ining Sir Keir
S tarm er on the first
U K prime m inisterial d elegation to the cou ntry in nine years It was a land mark visit that sent a p owerful
m essage: the UK is serious about its relationship w ith India
This trip was particularly significant for me I’ve had the privilege of accompanying every UK prime minister to India since Tony Blair in 2005, including Gordon Brown, David Cameron, and Theresa May in 2016 Each visit has played its part in strengthening bilateral ties, but this one marked a turning point
In July, after three and a half years of negotiation, the UK and India signed a historic Free Trade Agreement at Chequers I was fortunate to be present at that moment - a testament to how far the relationship has come
This agreement lays the foundation for an ambitious and strategic partnership between two of the world’s largest economies
Sir Keir led one of the most substantial business delegations ever sent to India, comprising 125 business leaders from across sectors like manufacturing, services, finance, academia, and innovation Delegates included representatives from key organisations such as the Confederation of British Industry (which I formerly led) and the International Chamber of Commerce UK, which I currently chair, along with ministers, university leaders, and members of the press
The delegation received one of the warmest welcomes I’ve ever witnessed in India
Thousands of posters featuring Sir Keir alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi lined the roads from Mumbai airport to the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel The reception from the city of Mumbai, the state of Maharashtra, and the Indian government was nothing short of spectacular The bond between the two prime ministers was visibly strong, a clear reflection of the growing trust between the two nations
The numbers tell their own story Bilateral trade between the UK and India currently stands at £43 billion The UK is the world’s sixth-largest economy; India is fourth and on track to become the third largest within a few years With a GDP growth rate of 6 5% (and a target of 8%, according to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the Kautilya Economic Conference, where I spoke), India is the fastestgrowing major economy in the world
Yet, despite this, India is currently only the UK’s 11th largest trading partner, a figure that doesn’t reflect the full potential of this relationship I firmly believe that, with the momentum created by the FTA and this prime ministerial visit, we can double bilateral trade in goods and services within five years
But the opportunity extends well beyond trade We are entering a new era of investment, education, and technological collaboration India now permits foreign university campuses, and top-tier UK universities, among the best globally, are preparing to establish a physical presence there This is a win-win for both nations
Technology is another area ripe for deeper cooperation whether from fintech and artificial intelligence to identity management India’s groundbreaking digital infrastructure and the successful implementation of Aadhaar (identity cards for over a billion people) are examples of innovation that could benefit the UK
India is no longer just an outsourcing destination It is a strategic partner in research and development, innovation, security, and defence
“This trade deal is huge for the UK,” Sir Keir told journalists at a press con-
India has ever done It’s
everything from tech, to life sciences, to renewable energy and much more beyond that The opportunity is clear Just look at the sheer scale of India, the world’s largest democracy, on track to become the third-largest economy by 2028 ”
India and the UK are nat-
Soft power at centre stage
ti ng Ya sh Raj Films (YRF) Stu dio He w as welco m ed by Bollywo od su perstar R ani M u ke rj i a nd Y RF C E O A kshay Widhani in a display o f cultural dip lom acy at its finest
According to the British High Commission, the visit aimed to
p
” between the UK and Indian film industries, a move widely seen as an effort to strengthen Britain’s soft power in one of the world’s largest entertainment markets
Inside the iconic studio complex, Starmer engaged with YRF executives and toured key parts o f
s Photos captured Rani Mukerji in animated conversation with the British leader, discussing storytelling and cinema against a backd r o p o f Y R F ’ s
posters Starmer even tried his hand at an editing console before
Bollywood’s global reach inside the studio auditorium
Highlighting the new era of
announced that Yash Raj Films would return to the UK to shoot
busters starting in 2026, ending
Prime Minister Narendra
between the two countries is emerging as a crucial foundation for “global stability and economic progress in the current era of global instability ” He added that “the foundation of our relationship is a shared belief in values such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law ”
Global issu es on the ag enda Trade was just one part of their wide-ranging discussions The war in Ukraine also featured p
Keir pressing Modi on I
3,000 jobs and inject millions of pounds into the UK economy
“Bollywood is back in Britain, and it’s bringing jobs, investment, and opportunity, all while showcasing the UK as a world-class destination for global filmmaking,” Starmer said
The prime minister’s delega-
chase of Russian fossil fuels, which contribute
paign
M o d i ,
friend of Putin, stressed his preference for “dialogue and diplomacy” as a path to ending the conflict The prime ministers a l s o d i
o a d
issues of stability in the I n d o - P
operation on climate and energy, including reducing dependence on fossil fuels
Human rights were not left off the agenda Sir Keir raised the case of
imprisoned in India for seven years without conviction Ed ucation and innovation
The future of UK-India relations is bright This visit was not just a diplomatic milestone; it was a clear signal that both countries are ready to elevate the relationship to new heights as equals, as allies, and as trusted partners U K - I N D I A T I E S E N
Institute (BFI), in a statement accompanying the memorandum of understanding, said the prod
Starmer’s visit was not limited to cinema He also met aspiring footballers, sharing his admiration for the Premier League’s t r
Posting pictures on X, he said: “The Premier League’s training programme in India is so impressive: coaching future professionals, and showing the world what British sport can do ” With film, sport, and culture at the centre of his itinerary,
at JioWorld Fintech conference at the Bandra Kurla Complex
PM Starmer meets Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji and Yash Raj Studio CEO Akshaye Widhani as he tours the India's Got Talent studio and meets some of the actors and technicians at Yash Raj Film Studio
approval to open campuses in India, part of a growing network of British universities “I’m delighted that more Indian students will be able to benefit from a world-class British education,” he said
“This will strengthen the ties between our two countries while pumping millions back into our economy and supporting jobs at home ”
Nandan Nilekani, the architect of India’s digital ID system, as the UK prepares its own plan for a compulsory digital ID to verify workers’ rights
Additionally, even before the visit concluded, the trade deal was already bearing fruit The UK reports £1 billion in investment and nearly 7,000 jobs created, with plans to cut taxes on Indian imports such as clothing, footwear, jewellery, and frozen seafood, while India will reduce duties on Scotch whisky, cosmetics, medical devices, and luxury cars
For Sir Keir, the trip was more than a diplomatic exercise, it was a statement of intent
Walking the vibrant streets of Mumbai, surrounded by a delegation representing the best of British business and culture, he offered a vision of a strengthened partnership: a relationship rooted in trade, education, innovation, and shared global responsibility, poised to grow alongside India’s rise on the world stage
Key outcomes of Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to India
u India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre established to enhance collaboration in frontier technologies
u India-UK Joint Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) launched to drive innovation and research in AI
u UK-India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory (Phase II) launched to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals
u Critical Minerals Industry Guild established to promote sustainable green technologies and secure supply chains
u Satellite Campus at IIT-ISM Dhanbad, launched to expand educational collaboration
u Lancaster University in Bengaluru: Letter of Intent handed over for a new campus
u University of Surrey in GIFT City: In-principle approval granted for a new campus
u Nine additional UK university campuses approved in India:
u Southampton University in Gurgaon
u Queen’s University Belfast in GIFT City
u Coventry University in GIFT City
u University of Surrey in GIFT City
u University of Bristol in GIFT City
u University of York in Mumbai
u University of Liverpool in Bengaluru
u University of Lancaster in Bengaluru
u University of Aberdeen in Mumbai
u India-UK CEO Forum: Inaugural meeting of the reconstituted forum convened to strengthen business collaboration
u India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO): Reset to support implementation of the CETA and drive economic growth and job creation
u Climate Technology Startup Fund launched to support innovative entrepreneurs in climate technology and AI
u Bio-Medical Research Career Program (Phase III) launched to advance collaborative research
u Health research collaboration: Letter of Intent signed between India’s ICMR and the UK’s NIHR to strengthen joint health research initiatives
u Offshore Wind Taskforce established to promote renewable energy cooperation
“A rare and valuable partnership”
Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India
A New Chapter in the India–UK Partnership
Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom
Prime M inister Sir Keir Starmer’s first official visit to Ind ia, less than th ree m onths after th e historic India UK C omp rehensive Trad e and Economic Ag reem ent (C ETA ) was sig ned d uring PM M odi’ s v isit to the UK, is a defining mo ment in the India–U K partnership Lead ing the larg estev er British trad e, education and cultural delegatio n to the subco ntinent, the P rime Minister’ s two-d ay visit to Mum bai was a rapid first step in transform ing the newly-annou nced Ind ia– UK “Vision 203 5 ” d ocument into concrete collabo ration across trade, education, d efence, technolo gy, and clean energy
In a sign of the importance India attached to this visit, it was the first time the Indian Prime Minister has travelled to another city to host an entire summit for a visiting Head of Government outside the national capital
Along these lines, the UK Prime Minister also said that the much discussed visa situation hasn’t changed; “ we didn’t open up more visas The issue is not about visas it’s about business-tobusiness engagement and investment and jobs and prosperity coming into the United Kingdom ” More commitments were reiterated on frontier technologies like t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , critical minerals, AI, and health technologies Sig
It’s been quite an exciting few days across the UK-India corridor This all stems from the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) It was a momentous occasion, cementing the relationship between the two countries at a time when global stability is uncertain
This follow-up visit, following PM Modi’s invite, was an excellent opportunity to maintain momentum, ensuring that progress does not stall after the signing of a treaty The UK delegation, probably the largest ever to India, consisted of approximately 130 businesses, ranging from top CEOs to small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as venture capital firms, academic representatives, and cultural icons bridging the two communities
The scale of the visit was unprecedented Hosting a Prime Minister alone is a complex task, but managing such a high-powered delegation made it one of the most complicated exercises I’ve ever undertaken The Indian side matched the scale and commitment, resulting in a significant cohort present in Mumbai for nearly half a week The primary focus was trade and investment, with extensive interaction among CEOs, academic leaders, and other delegates through large networking events, dinners, and small breakout groups
One notable engagement was a meeting with the Chief Minister of
the Global FinTech Conference at Jio World, a massive venue accommodating 50,000–60,000 attendees
Maharashtra and the top 10 CEOs in our delegation, discussing opportunities for investment and collaboration in Mumbai It was an excellent chance for the state to showcase itself and for businesses to explore local opportunities
The Prime Minister also engaged with Mumbai society and, being the home of Bollywood, visited Yash Raj Studios The studio showcased the full scope of Bollywood’s global influence, and there were commitments to collaborate on future projects in the UK, including filming three films outside London, a sign of growing cultural exchange
The following day featured a formal bilateral meeting at the Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s residence in Mumbai This included a private discussion between the two Prime Ministers on key global issues, followed by a more structured bilateral meeting with eight UK representatives and eight Indian counterparts Vice-Chancellors from nine UK universities, who are establishing campuses in India, were also present
The Prime Ministers attended
At the conference, we relaunched the Global CEO Forum, originally started a few years ago, and signed the Joint Economic and Trade Cooperation (JETCO) agreement Both Prime Ministers delivered speeches to a rapturous reception, highlighting shared goals in trade, investment, and emerging industries like artificial intelligence
The visit concluded with the inauguration of our new offices After 48 hours of intensive engagements, the visit had an immense impact, setting the UK-India relationship on a firmer footing for the future
One striking aspect of the visit was the warm personal rapport between the two Prime Ministers Their interactions convey a shared vision for their nations’ future relationship Businesses on both sides are highly enthusiastic about the FTA and its potential, eager to capitalise on the opportunities it presents
Equally significant is the people-to-people connection between the UK and India Whether in science, academia, or culture, the relationship is natural, unique, and unmatched by other countries, including Germany, France, or the US
It’s a rare and valuable partnership that we should continue to nurture and make the most of
The visit saw business deals worth over £1 3 billion, expected to create more than 10,000 jobs in the UK and spur new capital flows UK businesses also announced new plans for expanding their presence in the Indian market, including in global capability centres, and in increased offtake of components for industrial goods To strengthen the framework for greater trade in goods and services and increased twoway investment flows, the two Governments have re-constitued the India–UK CEOs Forum and set new Terms of Reference for the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), cochaired by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister The new JETCO will work to prepare businesses, sectorally and regionally, to be ready to take full advantage of the CETA as soon as it is ratified by the UK Parliament Additionally, a new joint Climate Technology Startup Fund will back entrepreneurs working in AI and green innovation The leaders also addressed the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest Other outcomes included a decision to establish an India–UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre and a Joint Centre for AI The two sides have also agreed to launch Phase II of the Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory, a satellite campus at IIT-ISM Dhanbad, and a new Critical Minerals Industry Guild to strengthen supply resilience and sustainable growth
Education formed another key pillar with nine UK universities cleared to establish campuses in India; of these the University of Southampton has already opened its campus and is welcoming its first cohort of students at its Gurugram campus near Delhi New campuses by Lancaster in Bengaluru and Surrey in Gujarat’s GIFT City are expected soon These ventures will expand academic exchange and access to worldclass learning
Defence cooperation is also deepening, through joint exercises, training, and codevelopment of advanced systems, including electric propulsion for naval platforms and lightweight missile systems, as well as in defence education, with Indian qualified flying instructors being deputed to the RAF to assist in providing training to young fighter pilots The joint exercise (Ex-KONKAN) between the Indian Navy and the UK’s Carrier Strike Group featured an aircraft carrier each, and interoperability training including cross-deck landings The timing of this exercise, along with the Prime Ministerial summit, was testament to our growing defence and maritime cooperation
This visit showcased the breadth and ambition of our partnership By aligning strengths in innovation, sustainability, and security, India and the UK are shaping a modern, resilient, and truly global relationship one that looks firmly to a brighter future
a conversation at Raj Bhavan, Governor of Maharashtra
House it has served
Keir Starmer speaks with Trade Commissioner to South Asia Harjinder Kang and British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron in front of the Gateway of India in Mumbai
Sandea Wholesale expands with vision, strategy, and impact
East African-born entrepreneurs Sanjeet and Kar an Manek are s tee r i ng San de a W hol es al e through an impressive growth tr a j ector y , es tab li shi ng the company as a rising star in the UK wholesale sector
Founded in 2019 amid the challenges of the pandemic, Sandea Wholesale initially focused on OTC pharmaceuticals and cosmetics Over a short period, it has transformed into a diversified FMCG powerhouse with a growing presence across the UK and increasingly on the international stage
Despite economic headwinds over the past four years, the company has maintained steady financial growth, created jobs, and supported local communities From its modest beginnings in a 1,000 sq ft warehouse in Harrow, Sandea now operates more than 6,000 sq ft across two depots, employing over 20 professionals in sales, operations, and logistics
Central to Sandea’s success is a strong commitment to customer
relationships and strategic partnerships with leading consumer brands Sanjeet Manek, an investment banking veteran with a degree from Royal Holloway, University of London, brings financial acumen and strategic vision to the business His brother Karan, a Brunel University graduate, has been instrumental in steering the company into the fastmoving consumer goods market, leveraging his commercial experience in real estate Strengthening the leadership team, cousin Priya Virdi serves as Chief Operating Officer, applying her project management expertise from Lloyds Banking Group to scale operations efficiently
Sanjeev Gupta challenges Greensill over Australian steel stake
Met als tycoon Sanjeev Gupta has launched a legal bat tle to protect his crumbling business e mpire, filing a claim to assert o wn e r shi p of $3 b illi on A us tr a li a n st e e l p r od uce r Infr aBuild
Sanjeev Gupta
GFG Alliance, Gupta’s holding company, lodged the claim in the High Court in September, contesting a Greensill-backed claim over InfraBuild shares made by the administrators The move intensifies his struggle to retain equity in InfraBuild, valued at billions of pounds, just weeks after losing control of Speciality Steels UK (SSUK), part of his Liberty Steel subsidiary SSUK, the UK’s third-largest steel producer, went into compulsory liquidation, with the government now overseeing a sale process
A GFG Alliance spokesperson said the disputed security, dating back to 2021, “has no legal foundation” as it depended on Greensill securing insurance and advancing substantial funding, neither of which materialised GFG is seeking a UK court declaration that the security is invalid, while aiming to negotiate a comprehensive settlement for stakeholders
UBS Asset Management, one of Greensill’s largest creditors, is named as a defendant, while Grant Thornton, the firm managing Greensill’s insolvency, has filed a separate action in Australia asserting security over the InfraBuild stake A spokesperson for Greensill’s UK administrators said the claim “lacks merit” and would be challenged as necessary
Gupta’s business interests in Europe are also entangled in legal disputes In August, Australian regulators, including ASIC, served Liberty Steel with a fresh information request and reportedly seized Gupta’s mobile phone as part of an ongoing investigation
Sandea Wholesale’s rapid expansion has earned it a spot on the UK Fast Growth Index 2025, highlighting it as one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies A strategic acquisition of competitor Swastik International has further broadened the company ’ s product range and customer base Additionally, backed by a new HSBC line of credit and plans for additional capital market funding, Sandea is well-positioned to pursue ambitious growth targets Innovation remains central to the Maneks’ vision The company is investing heavily in digital transformation and preparing to launch a private-label product range
International expansion is also on the horizon, with Africa and the Middle East identified as key markets to meet rising consumer demand
We want to take Sandea into Africa to meet the growing needs and aspirations of the emerging generation This is an exciting opportunity to bring our trusted products and services to markets that are evolving quickly and have enormous potential,” said Sanjeet and Karan Manek Alongside commercial success, the Maneks are committed to social impact, supporting charitable initiatives and community engagement to build a legacy grounded in innovation, responsibility, and trust
Revolut UK to enter India payments market
Lo ndo n -b as ed di gi ta l fi nanc e f irm Revo lu t ha s ann o u nc ed tha t it w il l lau n ch i ts pa yme nt pl atform in India, marking its first entry into o ne o f the world’s largest digital payments markets as part o f its global expansion strategy
Revolut will enable Indian users to make domestic and international payments through its partnerships with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Visa Initially, 350,000 waitlisted customers will gain access later this year, with plans to open the platform to a broader audience subsequently
The UK-based fintech sees India as a key component of its global growth ambitions The company will offer a prepaid card and a digital wallet, according to Paroma Chatterjee, CEO of Revolut India
Leveraging the prepaid payments instrument license granted by the Reserve Bank of India earlier this year, Revolut will provide domestic payment services and also has regulatory approval to offer for-
eign exchange services
Chatterjee said the company aims to attract 20 million customers by 2030, focusing on India’s “ aspirational youth” demographic To comply with local regulations, Revolut has invested over £40 million in adapting its technology to meet India’s data sovereignty requirements; the only market where the company has undertaken such extensive localisation, a spokesperson noted India’s digital payments sector has surged, with over 400 million active users Powered by UPI, which handles billions of monthly transactions, it has become the backbone of the country’s fintech ecosystem, establishing India as one of the world’s most dynamic digital payments markets
UK millionaire exodus may accelerate
Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel
Each week, I write about investing and pensions Of course, being Asian, so many of you invested in your children and they are your pension So this week, let me present that story this week
This is my friend, Nish Kotecha, with his wife, Varsha, and their children, Shaan and Anya a proud family captured at a graduation A typical photograph, one might think
Parents beaming, son in gown, daughter radiant with promise Thousands like it will fill social feeds each summer But what the photo doesn’t show is the real story of Britain
At his mother’s funeral, Nish told a story that should be etched into every national conversation about immigration and belonging
As a child in north London, during the riots, he and his parents would hide in a cupboard, barricading the door against the mobs outside They were frail, recent immigrants afraid, uncertain, and unwelcome in a country that they still wanted to call home He was born here, but a mere child during those turbulent times
Nish was an only child No brothers or sisters to share the fear But that early vulnerability forged something else: steel
That same child went on to the London School of Economics, then Lehman Brothers and JPMorgan He was part of the team behind eBookers’ IPO
Today, his son is an NHS doctor – having graduated from Imperial College That’s not just upward mobility that’s a generational triumph built on discipline, gratitude, and quiet faith in Britain’s promise
Is he proud to be British? Yes Is he Indian? Of course Does he complain about the country? No
Is he lucky? Possibly But mostly, he’s determined And he represents a truth often missing in the shouting matches of our politics that Britain’s immigrants, far from “taking”, have been quietly making the country stronger for decades
While some rail on social media about division, people like Nish are busy building They don’t protest; they produce
They don’t wave flags of grievance; they lift others through example And that, as the late Queen and now the King understand, is what makes Great Britain great ordinary people doing extraordinary things, quietly
So here’s the uncomfortable truth Britain’s problems are real the NHS is stretched, social trust is frayed, and political cynicism is rampant
But so are Britain’s fixers: the doctors, coders, investors, teachers, and entrepreneurs who don’t make it into the headlines because they’re too busy getting on with it
Every generation of immigrants has faced suspicion Jews, Irish, West Indians, South Asians all had their turn in the glare of prejudice But the story that endures isn’t one of grievance; it’s one of grit
People who were told to “ go back home” stayed, built, and called this home And the children of those once feared now heal, innovate, employ, and lead
So, to those who see only decline, look again This photograph, like thousands across the UK, tells you who’s really holding the country together who remind us that identity and patriotism aren’t opposites They’re what happen when you decide to build, not blame
Britain has its faults But if you want to fix it, stop moaning Get on your bike It’s your country too
UK steel industry in crisis
The British steel industry is facing what experts call its “big g e st c ris is” a f t er t he European Union imposed a 50 per cent tarif f on UK st eel imports The mov e, de s igne d t o sh ie l d Eu ro p e an st e el ma ke r s, comes as the EU a ccelerates plans to halve the volume of steel allowed into the bloc tax-f ree
With 78 per cent of UK steel exports destined for the EU, industry leaders warn the tariffs could “decimate” the nation’s already fragile manufacturing base, which is also grappling with US tariffs and global oversupply Gareth Stace,
director-general of UK Steel, cautioned that the decision could redirect millions of tonnes of steel to the UK, endangering the survival of domestic producers Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government is in talks with Brussels and Washington to address the issue, while Industry Minister Chris McDonald confirmed efforts to assess the tariffs’ impact and consider possible countermeasures The sector’s future remains uncertain amid mounting international trade pressures
Paroma Chatterjee
Karan Manek Sanjeet Manek
Priya Virdi
PM Modi urges India to be 'trusted partner' in global manufacturing
Pr im e Mi n ist e r Na r e n dr a
Modi used the platform of the Indi a Mob ile Congr ess (IM C) t o la un ch a m aj or
app ea l fo r in ve st men t a n d innovation, declaring that it is the “best time to invest, innovate and make in India,” with t he goal of positioning
th e n a t io n a s a "t r u st e d partner " in the global supply chain
The stateme nt comes as I nd ia n av i ga t e s challenging tariff headwinds fr om t h e US wh ile simultaneously pursuing new global t rade alliances
Addressing a large
gathering of domestic and global business leaders, including Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani and Airtel chief Sunil Mittal, PM
Modi highlighted the country's massive strides in the telecom and digital sectors Modi noted that digital connectivity has become an "integral part of everyday life," citing that the cost of 1GB of wireless data is now lower than the price of a cup of tea
Modi championed the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision, recalling how skeptics once mocked the idea of Make in India He decisively countered those doubts by detailing the
growth in domestic manufacturing: electronics production has increased six fold since 2014, mobile phone manufacturing has grown 28 times, and mobile phone exports have surged 127 times
The Prime Minister assured the corporate sector that the government is committed to easing investment and expansion, stating that India's democratic setup and welcoming policies have firmly established it as an investor-friendly destination
India offers unmatched talent: PM Modi tells Qualcomm CEO
P M Narendra Modi met USb as ed c h ip m a ker
Q ua lco m m P re si dent and CEO Cristiano R Amon and discussed India's strides in Ar ti fi ci al In tell igen ce and i nn ova tio n “ It w as a
w o nder fu l m eeti ng wi th Amon and discussing India's strides in AI, innovation and s ki ll ing, ” P ri m e M ini s ter
M odi said in a post on X “Great to see Qualcomm's commitment
towards India's semiconductor and AI missions India offers unmatched talent and scale to build technologies that will shape our collective future,” the PM said Amon met the prime minister at his official residence last week “Thank you PM @narendramodi for the great conversation on fostering a broader
Tech titan Graphcore to launch AI engineering campus in Bengaluru
B r i ti s h se mi c on du ct or
c om pa ny Gr ap hc ore , a subsidiary of the SoftBank
G r oup, ha s an n oun c ed a
s i g ni f i c an t e xpa n si on i n India, launching a new AI
e n gi n ee ri n g c
n Bengaluru with a planned i nvestment of up to £1bn over the next decade
The ambitious move is
semiconductor jobs in the country, forming a core part
o
b u i l d a d v a n c e d A I computing platforms The e n g i n e e r i n
SoftBank Group’s goal of
d y commenced for the first 100 A I s e m i c o n d u
logical and physical design, verification, and chip bring up
Nigel Toon, co-founder
a n d C E O o
G
h c o
, emphasised that the new Indian team would not be
stated: “We want
ownership of the products on the roadmap I see this much more as an integral
team inside Graphcore that
those products ” While the initial focus is on silicon roles, the company plans to integrate more capabilities, including software, into the Indian operation over time
Foxconn looks to invest £1.5bn in Tamil Nadu projects
Taiwan-based electronics majo r Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxco nn) has announced an investment o f £1 5bn for variou s manufacturing projects in Tamil Nadu, the state’s industries minister TR B Rajaa said
n
While details of the projects were
Foxconn is likely to invest in electric
creating job opportunities for around 14,000 people in the state
A Foxconn delegation led by Robert Wu, I n d i
executive of the company, met Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin Monday Tamil Nadu govt has also agreed to set up a ‘Foxconn Desk’ at Guidance TN - a coordination and trade
f
agency for industrial investment promotion While country-specific facilitation desks are already operational, this is the first such cell dedicated to a company
Robert Wu was quoted as expressing
infrastructure readiness, and ease of doing business According to a statement from the Tamil Nadu industries department, these investments are part of Foxconn’s next phase of growth in India, focusing on valueadded, R&D-integrated manufacturing and automated operations With about 41,000 employees, Foxconn’s largest footprint in India is in Tamil Nadu, where it assembles Apple iPhones and related components such as enclosures and display modules The
Karnataka and is building
manufacturing complex in Jewar, UP
TCS
to create 5,000 UK jobs and launch London AI innovation hub
IT serv i ces g i an t Tata
Con sultancy Serv ices (TCS) has ann ounced a significant expansion of its operations in the UK, pledging to create 5, 000 new jobs across the country over the n ext three years Th e co mm i tmen t coincided with the launch of the company ’ s new Artificial In telligence (AI) Experien ce Zo n e an d L on d o n Des ig n
Studio
TCS, which has been a major technology partner to UK enterprises for over 50 years, already supports around 42,000 direct and indirect jobs in the nation
partnership between @Qualcomm and India in support of the IndiaAI and India Semiconductor Missions, as well as the transition to 6G,” Amon said in a post on X
“We are encouraged by the opportunities to develop an Indian ecosystem across AI smartphones, PCs, smart glasses, auto, industrial and more, ” Amon said
The new London facility is the company ’ s secondlargest design hub, designed to foster innovation and client collaboration, similar to its flagship PacePort facilities The announcement was made as UK Minister for Investment Jason Stockwood who visited the TCS Banyan Park campus in Mumbai, leading a business delegation with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Stockwood reaffirmed the pledge between the two economies
to maximise on the trade deal signed in July, highlighting that investors like the Tata Group and TCS are "central to this mission, which ultimately will create jobs, put money in people’s pockets, and deliver economic growth across both countries " A recent report by Oxford Economics, launched during Stockwood’s visit, quantified TCS' substantial contribution to the UK economy, noting that in the financial year 2024, the company contributed £3 3 billion and supported over £780 million in tax contributions to the UK Exchequer TCS’s ongoing investment strategy focuses on expanding delivery capabilities, boosting innovation through R&D, and enhancing the talent ecosystem
Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Cristiano Amon
Afghanistan and Pakistan: A complex and tumultuous neighbourhood
The si mm eri n g ten si o n s a lo ng t he Afghani stan-Pakistan bo rder erupted into violent clashes last week, highlighting the f ragi le s ec ur ity lan dsc ape o f the regi o n Afghanistan’s Taliban forces and Pakistan’s mi li tary exchan ged heavy fi re al on g the contentious Durand Line, with both sides suffering casualties Against this backdrop, India's engagement with Afghanistan stands o ut as a steady beaco n of diplomacy and development amid volatility
The border fighting began when Taliban forces launched retaliatory attacks following Pakistani airstrikes targeting militants in Kabul Pakistan claimed it was striking training bases of the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whom it accuses Afghanistan of harbouring Conversely, the Taliban government condemned what it called violations of Afghan sovereignty
The roots of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan run deep The Durand Line, drawn in 1893 by British colonial officials, divides Pashtun tribal lands but was never formally recognised by Afghan governments This legacy of discord has fuelled enduring mistrust and frequent skirmishes, exacerbated by cross-border militancy and complex ethnic affiliations
India’s history and independent foreign policy stance
India shares a centuries-old history of cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties with Afghanistan The two nations connected through ancient trade routes such as the Silk Road More recently, India played a critical role in rebuilding Afghanistan after decades of conflict, investing over $3 billion in key
projects like the Salma Dam, Afghan Parliament building, highways, and electrification These efforts underscore India's steadfast commitment to Afghanistan's stability and growth
India’s decision to reopen its embassy in Kabul, after a closure following the 2021 Taliban takeover, signals New Delhi’s intent to deepen bilateral ties and promote stability This contrasts with Pakistan’s ambivalence toward the Taliban regime, highlighting divergent regional approaches
Trump’s Bagram airfield ambitions
In a dramatic geopolitical twist, US President Donald Trump expressed strong desire to reclaim control of the strategically vital Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan After the chaotic US withdrawal in 2021, Bagram, a key hub north of Kabul used extensively in the war on terror fell under Taliban control
Trump repeatedly warned that bad things would happen if Afghanistan did not return the base to the US, hinting at possible military action without specifying details
Trump framed Bagram's strategic importance in the context of countering China, pointing to its proximity, about an hour's drive from Chinese nuclear weapons manufacturing sites This plan, however, was met with strong opposition from the Taliban and Afghanistan’s neighbours, including Russia, Pakistan, and China, who viewed any US military return as a threat to regional peace
India, meanwhile, maintained an independent foreign policy stance While Trump aggressively pursued military foothold ambitions, India chose diplomatic
engagement and development cooperation as its path in Afghanistan New Delhi opposed militarisation that could destabilise the region, advocating for sovereignty and peace India’s reopening of its Kabul embassy and support for counter-terrorism signal a measured, long-term commitment beyond power politics
Navigating regional challenges ahead
The clashes on the Pakistan-Afghan border reiterate the fragility of their relationship, shaped by colonial legacies and proxy conflicts For India, the renewed border violence coincides with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visiting Delhi to discuss strengthening ties While Pakistan protests India’s growing influence in Kabul, India’s consistent message emphasises peace, development, and regional security cooperation
India’s historic ties and substantial development aid provide a foundation for hope amid ongoing instability Its strategic, principled diplomacy offers a counterweight to aggressive postures and underlines that peaceful engagement, not military control, holds the key to South Asia’s future stability
Two year-old girl becomes Nepal's living goddess
Two weeks ago, Aryatara Shakya was an ordinary two-year-old girl p layi ng h app i ly at h o me in K ath mand u T od ay, sh e i s Nepal’s youngest living goddess, the R oyal Kumari, worshipped by tens o f tho us ands as a l iv ing em bo di ment o f d iv i ne p o wer The journey from playful toddler to revered deity is ancient, deeply s pi ri tual, and s teep ed in tradition, a transformative path her proud parents, Ananta and Pratishta, now live and breathe every day
“She was just my daughter yesterday,” Ananta, her father, recalls “She loved dancing around the house, playing, singing traditional Newari songs, and colouring ” But on September 30, during Dashain, Nepal’s longest and most sacred Hindu festival Aryatara underwent a rigorous and mystical selection process that marked the start of her divine transformation
The sacred and fearless selection
The title Kumari means “virgin” or “princess” in Sanskrit, and the Kumari is believed to be the earthly incarnation of the warrior goddess Taleju, revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike But becoming a Kumari is no simple honour given lightly The chosen girl must belong to the Newar Shakya caste and meet the 32 perfections of a goddess, including physical traits poetically described as “eyelashes like a cow ’ s, ” “ a voice as soft as a duck’s,” and a “body like a banyan tree ”
Crucially, the little girl must display calm fearlessness During a chilling trial, she is brought into a darkened room containing the severed heads of buffaloes
and goats while masked men dance around Aryatara did not flinch Passing this test is a rite of passage, proving that the goddess spirit has taken residence The final confirmation is choosing the personal items of the previous Kumari from a collection, which Aryatara did flawlessly
After passing, she was carried from her family home to the Kumari Ghar, her new palace in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, a UNESCO world heritage site
The walk, usually 15 minutes, took one and a half hours as crowds showered flowers and offerings, celebrating a
momentous day with closed schools and offices Her parents cried tears of joy and grace, knowing their daughter’s life would never be the same Life as a living goddess From this point forward, Aryatara is worshipped for her divine presence Unable to leave her palace except on sacred days, she will live there until puberty, when her menstrual cycle marks the goddess’s departure During this time, she will be showered, fed, and attended to by a dedicated staff in strict ritual cleanliness Even her kitchen has a separate tap reserved just for her Her feet will never touch the
outside ground; when leaving her home on holy occasions, she will be carried in a chariot
The Kumari’s expressions are seen as omens, if she weeps or rubs her eyes, it can forewarn disasters or upheaval Though some critics question the psychological impact of such a life on children, many former Kumaris speak positively of their experience Aryatara’s parents remain reassured, emphasising that she will experience the wider world vicariously through technology, social media, and their constant support
The Kumari tradition, dating back to the 17th century, maintains Nepal’s mystical connection to divine feminine power and is an enduring testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage The transformation of a two-year-old girl into a goddess is both a profound spiritual journey and a poignant reflection of Nepal’s living history For Aryatara and her family, it is the beginning of an extraordinary chapter of devotion, reverence, and wonder
24 killed as Myanmar military bombs village gathering
SAG AI NG ( MY A NMAR ) : At least 24 people, including children, were killed and mo re than 5 0 o t hers i n ju r ed af ter
My anm ar ’ s mil i tar y regi me lau nched a deadly paragli der strike on a village in the central Sagaing region
The attack targeted a gathering that was celebrating a Buddhist festival and hosting a rally to call for the release of political prisoners, including
the country’s former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi Local resistance group members reported that over 100 people from nearby villages had assembled at the village primary school for the oil lamp lighting ceremony and activist rally
The assault marks the latest instance of the military, or Tatmadaw, deploying unconventional aerial weaponry, such as paramotors, in its escalating
in brief TEXAS MAN ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF INDIAN
A 23-year-old Texas man has been arrested over the murder of an Indian student at a Fort Worth gas station last week The suspect allegedly shot Chandrashekar Pole 28 while he was working a part-time shift then fled the scene before being caught After shooting Chandrashekar the suspect identified as Richard Florez from North Richland Hills, fired at another vehicle about a mile away without injuring anyone, and later crashed into a gate while attempting to enter a nearby residence Police arrested him shortly afterwards and recovered a firearm from his vehicle
SIKH WOMAN JOINS CANADIAN POLICE
Rajbeer Kaur Brar (35), who hails from an agrarian family of Thandewala village in Punjab has become the first turbaned woman constable to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Saskatchewan, Canada An MSc (IT) graduate from Guru Gobind Singh College for Women, Chandigarh, Rajbeer moved to Canada after her marriage in 2016 From working at a Walmart store to briefly serving in the Canadian Reserve Army, her determination finally paid off last year when she was selected for the RCMP Having completed her training she is now posted at Milestone, Saskatchewan
INDIAN ARRESTED MISTAKENLY FIGHTING DEPORTATION
An Indian-origin man in Arkansas is fighting to restore his US visa after a shocking case of mistaken identity led to his arrest and possible deportation, all over a bottle of perfume Kapil Raghu was pulled over by Benton police on May 3 for a minor traffic violation while making a food delivery During the stop officers found a small bottle labelled "Opium" in his vehicle Despite Raghu’s insistence that the bottle was simply designer perfume not narcotics police assumed it was an illegal substance and arrested him for drug possession
TRUMP SLAPS ADDITIONAL 100% TARIFF ON CHINA
The trade war between the US and China reached an alarming phase after tit-for-tat export controls that rattled markets A staggering $1 65 trillion was wiped out of the US stock market when President Trump announced retaliatory measures against Beijing’s move to squeeze supply of critical technologies including rare earths processing Hours after the Chinese move Trump announced an economic countermeasure, declaring the US would impose an additional 100% tariff on all Chinese goods on top of existing duties effective Nov 1 2025 The White House also announced new export controls on “any and all critical software ”
MANY HURT AS BLAST DERAILS PAK TRAIN
civil war against resistance forces A motorised paraglider dropped two bombs onto the field where local people were gathered, killing an estimated 20 to 40 individuals, including children, villagers, and members of local political groups With more than 50 people wounded, the attack has inflicted one of the highest civilian deaths from a single incident in the ongoing conflict
Several people were injured in a blast that occurred on a railway track, which derailed five bogies of a train in Pakistan’s southwestern Sindh province, railway police said The injured passengers of the Peshawarbound Jaffar Express, which has been attacked multiple times this year, were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital The explosion occurred near Somarwah close to Sultan Kot in Shikarpur district of Sindh Heavy contingents of police and paramilitary forces have cordoned off the area and begun collecting evidence The Jaffar Express has been targeted in recent months with the attack in March being the worst which resulted in the loss of 26 lives
Aryatara Shakya with her father Ananta
Fragile ceasefire at Sharm el-Sheikh
The Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt marked a momentous step in the r egi on ’ s t u rbu l en t r ec en t hist ory , gathering over 30 world leaders to witness and endorse a framework
t ha t, on the sur fac e , pr omi ses
r e new e d st a bil i ty for Gaz a a nd Palestine The summit’s signatu re achievement was a ceasefire agreem ent b etw een Israel and Ham as, brokered with the decisive intervention of US President Donald Trump
The deal facilitated the release of 20 Israeli hostages, held for over two years since the October 2023 massa c re , in e xc han ge for 1 ,9 69 Pal estinian detainees, part of a series of t ru c e a gre em e nt s c oor dina te d with the Red Cross
The summit saw Trump joined by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Qatar’s Emir, signing a document charting Gaza’s future Humanitarian optimism flourished as United Nations aid, water, sanitation, and nutritional support began flowing into Gaza for the first time in seven months, with plans to support half a million residents and reconstruct infrastructure battered by years of blockade and war Reconstruction, described by Trump as the “easiest part” given his real estate background, faces immense challenges The World Bank estimates at least £50 billion and 54 million tonnes of rubble to be cleared before even basic normality resumes The summit’s immediate effect is the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces and a fragile stability, but the implementation of the 20-point peace plan remains contingent on further political manoeuvre and international cooperation, particularly from regional Muslim states whose support proved pivotal in isolating Hamas
and nudging both parties to the table
Hamas: Role, demands and defiance
For Hamas, the ceasefire is a forced concession rather than a voluntary move towards reconciliation While the group nominally agreed to Trump’s disarmament framework, it swiftly deviated from the plan, recalling thousands of fighters to reclaim internal control and launching factional purges The release of hostages and the acceptance of humanitarian aid did not equate to a political surrender; instead, Hamas has categorically ruled out any role in governing post-war Gaza and dismissed outright any notion of complete disarmament, calling such demands out of the question
With local power vacuums and rival armed clans such as Dogmush now contesting territory, the potential for violent reprisals and internecine strife looms large The prospect of an Arab-led peacekeeping or stabilisation force exists, yet the United States and Britain have refused to deploy ground troops, making success depend on robust regional effort and durable monitoring by nations like Turkey, Egypt, Qatar and the UAE
The wider Palestinian community, meanwhile, faces the daunting
task of reconstruction and the slow crawl towards self-determination, a goal the summit’s framework promises but may not deliver quickly or easily, especially given lingering opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has historically resisted Palestinian state-
Prize for his mediation between India and Pakistan
Trump’s penchant for claiming credit was on full display, as he reiterated his role in preventing war between India and Pakistan, citing the episode as one of eight major conflicts he purportedly helped resolve Yet, his track record is mixed; while his personal force and willingness to pressure allies catalysed the Middle East breakthrough, similar efforts elsewhere – notably in Ukraine – have stalled, suggesting a pattern of ambitious intervention with uneven results
World leaders at Sharm elSheikh and the Israeli Knesset expressed caution about the deal’s durability, mindful of Trump’s tendency to bulldoze through diplomatic protocols Egyptian
hood while Hamas retains influence Trump’s strategy and the credit conundrum
President Trump has used the Gaza ceasefire and peace plan to bolster his reputation as a global negotiator, drawing comparisons, often unflattering to Muhammad bin Tughluq, the medieval Sultan of Delhi notorious for unpredictable and controversial policies The summit in Egypt saw Trump trade both jibes and goodwill with fellow leaders, high-fiving Turkish President Erdogan and addressing Pakistani Premier Shehbaz Sharif, who nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace
President el-Sissi’s symbolic conferral of the Order of the Nile underscored the sense of urgency and finality, the last chance for regional peace On social and political fronts, the peace process remains deeply divisive, fuelling protests and political realignment in Britain and beyond, while aid organisations like the UN and the Red Cross stress that challenges in humanitarian logistics and local governance will persist for months, if not years Why Modi skipped the summit?
Prime Minister Modi chose to skip the Sharm el-Sheikh Gaza Peace Summit and instead sent Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh as India’s representative This decision was driven by a combination of strategic and diplomatic factors, most notably the presence of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the summit In the context of recent heightened tensions, including terror attacks linked to Pakistan and India's strong diplo-
matic measures in response New Delhi was keen to avoid any unintended diplomatic encounters or photo opportunities with the Pakistani leadership
Some analysts have also interpreted India’s lowered representation as a measured signal of strategic distance, doubting the summit’s utility when its agenda was widely perceived as a platform for US President Trump to claim diplomatic credit, rather than advancing substantive changes for Gaza Gaza and Palestine now stand at a crossroads, with hope rekindled yet overshadowed by uncertainty: the promise of peace hangs on the precarious balance of regional alliances, local grievances and the unpredictable calculus of a president for whom taking credit is both an art and a distraction Isra el erupts in joy a s final host age s ret urn
The hostage exchange, which freed all 20 of the remaining living hostages represented the biggest step toward ending the two-year war in Gaza since an earlier ceasefire was broken This war has tragically cost the lives of nearly 68,000 Palestinians and nearly 2,000 Israelis Maharashtra connection Israel has a unique connection with Maharashtra Israel’s connection with Maharashtra is rooted in history and is manifest in both migration and cooperation The Bene Israel community, originating from the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, began significant emigration to Israel after 1948 and approximately 12,000 members migrated, joining the new Jewish state Today, the Bene Israel population is around 80,000, with the majority tracing their heritage to Maharashtra
A recognition for Machado’s struggle and rebuttal of Trump’s claims
In a closely watched announcement that sparked i ntens e political s parring, Vene zuelan oppos iti on leader María Corina Machado was a wa rde d the 2 02 5 N obe l Pea ce Prize, a deci sion that sparked fury f rom the Tr ump White H ous e D espite President Donald Trump’s voci ferous campaign and public claims that he deserved the pri ze for brokering an everlas ting peace i n Gaza, the prestigious accolade went to Machado, who was hailed for her heroic struggle for democracy in Venezuela
Machado, 58, who currently lives in hiding in Venezuela amid a repressive regime, expressed gratitude and dedicated the prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to Trump for his decisive support of our cause The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised her tireless work promoting democratic rights and her fight to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in a country gripped by economic collapse and authoritarian rule
María Corina Machado: A beacon of democracy
María Corina Machado is a conservative former congresswoman and prominent opposition figure whose fight against the regime of Nicolás Maduro has made her a symbol of resilience across Latin America Daughter of a wealthy industrialist displaced by the previous Chávez government, Machado is a qualified industrial
engineer who entered politics becoming an influential voice for free markets and democracy in Venezuela
Her political rise began in 2012 with a now-legendary moment when she openly challenged President Hugo Chávez, calling his policy of expropriation theft – a confrontation that went viral on social media Since then, her staunch opposition has seen her banned from holding office, forcing her underground amid political persecution Machado played a key role coordinating the opposition campaign in the 2024 presidential election, which official tallies controversially awarded to Maduro against the little-known Edmundo González, the opposition’s candidate supported by Machado and many Venezuelans Her Nobel acceptance speech emphasised the democratic aspiration of Venezuela’s people and lay
at the core of the prize’s message: "This prize is the biggest recognition to our people that certainly deserve it," she said, underlining her commitment to peaceful change amid immense repression
Rigorous selection and Indian laureates
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually in Oslo, Norway, through an exacting selection process overseen by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, an independent body appointed by the Norwegian Parliament Nominations begin a year in advance and only qualified nominating bodies such as political leaders, scholars, and previous laureates can submit candidates The committee considers a shortlist of candidates through extensive expert reviews and secretive discussions, culminating in a decision made in early October, which remains confidential for 50 years
Over the years, notable Indians
have joined the ranks of Nobel laureates, spanning categories from literature to sciences to peace Rabindranath Tagore was the first Indian and Asian Nobel Prize winner in 1913 for literature; Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979; and Kailash Satyarthi was awarded the Peace Prize in 2014 for his campaign against child labour and exploitation India’s tradition of producing Nobel laureates underscores its rich contribution to global progress and peace
Trump’s Nobel peace prize saga
President Trump’s reaction to Machado’s win was predictably fiery The White House lamented the committee’s decision as putting politics over peace, reflecting deep disappointment over missing out on the prize despite Trump’s repeated claims that he deserved it for multiple peace efforts around the world White House Communications Director Steven Cheung praised Trump’s “humanitarian heart” and “ mountain-moving” will, echoing the President’s long-standing narrative that he was unfairly denied the honour
Trump himself took to Truth Social to attack the Nobel committee as “fraudulent” and insisted his historic Gaza peace deal merited the accolade His decades-long obsession with the Nobel Prize has been well documented, from lobbying foreign leaders for nomina-
tions to publicly complaining about the committee’s decisions Even during his presidency, he was nominated multiple times but never won, prompting accusations that his combative foreign policy clashed with the prize’s principles Public and international reactions reflected a mix of support for Machado’s courageous activism and scepticism over Trump's bombastic claims The Nobel Committee clarified that its decision was independent, made long before recent peace deals, reaffirming the prize’s focus on democratic and humanitarian contributions rather than political popularity
Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize win highlights the enduring power of democracy and the brave individuals who champion it under adversity In contrast to the theatrical antics that surrounded Trump’s expectations, Machado’s award signals a deeper, often perilous commitment to peaceful change and human rights in oppressive regimes
As Latin America and the world watch, this Nobel moment reinvigorates debates about the prize’s meaning, the role of politics, and the champions chosen to inspire hope Whether seen as a vindication of Venezuela’s democracy movement or a rebuff to Trump’s geopolitical bravado, the 2025 Peace Prize has become a riveting chapter in the global quest for peace and justice
Donald Trump
María Corina Machado
Abu Dhabi's BAPS Mandir wins AV award
AB U DHAB I: The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi ha s been aw arde d the prestigious accolades in the audiovisual industry: the MONDO-DR Award in the c ategory of House of Worship Dubbed as the "Oscars of the AV world," the awards, he l d at Ol e Re d Orl a ndo, Fl or ida , c elebrated the highest achievements in a u dio-v isu al i nte gr at ion ac r oss e nt er t ain me nt v enu e s, ar c hit ec t ur a l l andmarks, and cultural spaces
This recognition cements the Mandir not only as a spiritual and architectural marvel but also as a technological benchmark for immersive AV design in sacred spaces
A category filled with global excellence
The House of Worship category at this year ’ s awards featured a record number of entries from across the world With dozens of high-profile submissions showcasing advanced audio and immersive lighting systems, the competition was fierce Judged by a panel of international experts, the awards identify exceptional projects that merge innovation with impact The award holds a similar prestige to what an
Academy Award represents in film
First in spiritual experience engineering
Conceived as the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, the BAPS Hindu Mandir stands as a symbol of peace and harmony and now, t h a n k s t o i t s s o p h i s t i c a t e d
implementation, as a global showcase of innovation Designed to create a deeply spiritual, yet technologically enriched atmosphere, the AV system integrates seamlessly into the aesthetic, acoustic, and ceremonial fabric of the temple complex The award-winning
through a global collaboration of AV
acoustic engineers, and AV integrators
Transcending technology
The show itself is the culmination
meticulous designing by an in-house BAPS Team of swamis and volunteers with selfless assistance by professional
surround sound experience
The immersive experience
through time and space, witnessing
Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s first prayer in the deserts of Sharjah (1997), the generosity of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the Presidential Palace (
Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2024)
Modi-Trump call marks narrowing gap on trade issues
PM Narendra Modi said he had spoken to US President D onald Trump last week , and flagged “good progress
a c hi e ve d i n t ra de n e got ia ti o ns ” , the d ev el opm en t c oi n c id i ng w i th g row i ng in d ic a ti on s about the narrowing of the gap between the two sides on issues which have held up a resolution
While a lot of distance is yet to be covered to arrive at a c o m m o n g r o u n d , g o v t officials indicated that India has offered to import more energy – oil and gas – as well as ethanol from the US to
r e d u c e t h e t r a d e s u r p l u s that it enjoyed and address a key grouse that Trump has B e s i d e s , i m p o r t o f ethanol would address the
U S a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s d e m a n d f o r s a l e o f f a r m products such as corn, a l a r g e c h u n k o f w h i c h i s g e n e t i c a l l y m o d i f i e d a n d unacceptable to India The g o v t h a s i n d i c a t e d i t s w i l l i n g n e s s t o p u r c h a s e refined produce
U S o f f i c i a l s h a v e s a i d t h a t t h e T r u m p a d m i n i s t r a t i o n i s n o w
“ m o r e f l e x i b l e ” o n f a r m products than India India
w a n t s a t i e r e d t a r i f f s t r u c t u r e f o r i t s e x p o r t s , especially labour-intensive products, instead of a flat “reciprocal tariff”, which is t h e c a s e w i t h a l l o t h e r trading partners, and the US’s response to it would i n f l u e n c e w h e n t h e f i n a l step is taken towards the deal
t a r i f f s o n g e n e r i c d r u g
imports in a retreat that will come as a relief to Indian pharmaceutical companies, which account for nearly 50% of generic prescriptions in the US As importantly, it has also calmed millions of
A m e r i c a n s w h o w e r e o n tenterhooks because they d e p e n d o n i m p o r t e d generics, mainly from India, t o m a n a g e h e a l t h i s s u e s ranging from hypertension to depression, ulcers to high cholesterol
Sometimes dubbed the “ pharmacy to the world”, India is the largest single s o u r c e o f g e n e r i c prescription drugs for the US market, far exceeding d o m e s t i c p r o d u c e r s ( 3 0 % s h a r e ) a n d o t h e r f o r e i g n s u p p l i e r s A c c o r d i n g t o IQVIA, the world’s leading m e d i c a l d a t a a n a l y t i c s c o m p a n y , I n d i a s u p p l i e s 4 7 % o f a l l g e n e r i c prescriptions filled in the US pharmacies ‘US values ties’: Gor
In a rare gesture, amidst ongoing efforts to repair the India-US relationship, PM M o d i r e c e i v e d U S a m b a s s a d o r - d e s i g n a t e Sergio Gor, who delivered a m e s s a g e t o h i m f r o m P r e s i d e n t T r u m p i n t h e f o r m o f a f r a m e d photograph of their White H o u s e p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e earlier this year signed by the president as, “Mr Prime Minister, you are great! ” Modi later said in a post on X he was glad to meet Gor “I’m confident that his t e n u r e w i l l f u r t
strategic partnership,” said Modi, who spoke to Trump for the second time in less t h a n a m o n t h G o r responded by saying it was an honour to meet Modi, who is considered a “great a n d p e r s o n a l ” f r i e n d b y Trump, and the relationship w i t h I n d
l o n l y strengthen over the months ahead
G
i g n minister S Jaishankar, NSA
A
D
raising hopes of an early conclusion of the trade talks as well as a summit-level meeting Indian team to visit US for trade talks
A t e a m o f I n d i a n officials led by commerce secretary Rajesh Agarwal is once again headed to the US for talks on the proposed bilateral trade deal, amid i n d
administration is keen to
indicated that the Indian
Washington this week itself as the two sides seek to
California declares Diwali a state holiday
LOS AN GEL ES: The I
Ame
various advocacy organisations ha ve
gra
Gov
thrash out a deal in the next few weeks The move comes
inclusion for Hindus" in the
thanked Assembly Members
Ca
offi cially designated Diwali as a state-wide holiday T
legislation makes California
following in the footsteps of Pennsylvania in 2024 and C
including the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), hailed the decision a
Price spike halts India’s jewellery pilgrimage
The familiar sight o f gold being weighed in the bustling markets before Diwali is usually one of unrestrained joy and traditio n But this year, a shadow has fallen across the shop counters The ritual of purchasing the auspicious yellow metal has been hit by a brutal market reality
The festive atmosphere is being dimmed by gold prices that have soared by nearly 50 per cent year-on-year, pushing the retail price above Rs 100,000 per 10 grams This dramatic increase has severely impacted the customary demand for jewellery Analysts forecast that gold demand for ornaments will plummet by up to 27 per cent in volume terms during the core three-week festive period This follows a stark 28 per cent year-on-year drop observed earlier in the season, according to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) Consumers are actively postponing or trimming their purchases, especially in larger cities
Despite the consumer gloom, the bullion backrooms are witnessing a quiet glitter Jewellers remain optimistic, largely because large firms are sitting on low-cost inventory, meaning the market rally translates directly into healthy inventory gains and book profits Crucially, the market is seeing a strategic shift as investment demand is thriving Customers, reluctant to pay the high 'making charges' associated with intricate jewellery, are instead focusing on gold coins and bars This trend reflects the enduring significance of gold as an asset
This underlying resilience is key to the global gold market India is not just a major buyer; it is the world’s largest consumer of gold jewellery, with its total annual demand recently surpassing 800 tonnes Gold is more than an accessory; it is a financial cornerstone Indian households collectively hold an estimated 24,000 tonnes of the metal, a colossal reserve that accounts for roughly 11 per cent of the world's gold supply For millions, gold is the ultimate, nonnegotiable financial safety net, a fact even record prices cannot fully diminish
8 Indian origins arrested in Canada over mail thefts
O TTAWA: Canadian po lice have arrested eight Indianorigin men o ver mail thefts, including credit cards and chequ es, and slapped them with o ver 300 charges, with s o me f ac i ng de po rta ti o n, repo rts said Peel police recovered more than 450 pieces of stolen mail, such as credit cards
, ” police added Investigators executed search warrants in September during which 465 pieces of stolen mail, such as 255 cheques, 182 credit cards, 35 government IDs, and 20 gift cards were recovered,the report added The police have identified the suspects as Sumanpreet Singh, Gurdeep C h a t t h a , J a s h
, H
m
community members,” police said Police have launched a joint operation called “Project Undeliverable” in April to investigate reports of a series of mail thefts “The investigation uncovered a group of
n Singh, Jasanpreet Singh, Manroop Singh, Rajbir Singh and Upinderjit Singh, it said The eight suspects, aged between 21 and 29, are collectively facing 344 charges, including multiple counts of theft and possession of property obtained by crime
Swami Brahmaviharidas presents
HH Mahant Swami Maharaj with the award for The Fairy Tale Show
A moment of quiet pride Adrian Goulder of VuEAV presents the prestigious MONDO-DR award to Swami Brahmaviharidas for The Fairy Tale
Sergio Gor and Narendra Modi
Navi Mumbai’s new gateway to the skies
efle ct both n ation al a spir ation a nd comme rcial oppor tunit y
The history and futur e India’s airports have long been markers of its economic ambitions
From the early days of JRD Tata’s pioneering flights in the 1930s to the modern hubs at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, each large-scale terminal has told a story of growth, connectivity and aspiration Yet, Mumbai, one of the busiest gateways in South Asia has long faced an acute bottleneck at (CSMIA), where the limits of space and infrastructure were being stretched
The city’s history with air travel is storied, but the pressures of its single- airport system were prompting urgent solutions Much like London’s leap decades ago to a multi-airport network, this second international airport positions Mumbai alongside global cities with robust aviation ecosystems, much as Heathrow and Gatwick define the British capital’s connectivity
The airport, constructed at a cost of £1 96bn, emerges on more than 1,100 hectares in Navi Mumbai, with future expansion planned to handle up to 90 million
passengers and 3 25 million metric tonnes of cargo once fully operational Its modern design, inspired by the lotus, fuses state-of-the-art
Airlines have begun capitalising on GST reductions by adjusting fares and offering introductory discounts to redirect passengers and
technology, digitised processes, green energy solutions, and advanced passenger services Rapid execution, completed in under 50 months illustrates India’s capacity for large-scale infrastructure development, while the launch of direct international flights and improved metro and road links reposition Navi Mumbai as a rising global hub
freight to this new facility, increasing NMIA’s appeal in the competitive Mumbai market Pot ent ial out come s, be nefits, with challe nge s
The airport’s economic impact promises to be transformative
Industry analysts expect the facility to directly and indirectly generate over 200,000 jobs, spanning avia-
tion, logistics, retail, hospitality, and support sectors Major urban development projects, such as the nearby Aerocity and the Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA), are attracting billions in investment for commercial centres, hotels, warehousing, and highquality housing Property values across Ulwe, Panvel, and Kharghar have already risen sharply, with projections for further increases as the airport reaches its potential
On a broader level, experts estimate that a mere 1% increase in regional air connectivity can raise GDP by half a percent, fuelling Maharashtra’s and India’s push towards a $10 trillion economy
The airport’s integration with new metro and sea-bridge links, alongside freight networks, is set to reduce travel times, lower logistics costs, and position Navi Mumbai as both a twin city to Mumbai and a strategic commercial corridor Areas for potential improvement might be a slightly deeper exploration of major challenges faced or lingering concerns about environmental or social impacts,
which would add further nuance
Land acquisition, rehabilitation of displaced families, ecological preservation, including mangrove protection and river diversion projects have sparked debate and scrutiny Continued transparency and stakeholder engagement will be crucial for balancing economic development with responsible stewardship of natural and community resources
Just as Delhi’s airport transformed Gurugram and Bangalore’s Kempegowda spurred the north of the city, Navi Mumbai’s new airport is poised to redefine the region’s skyline and commercial potential The project is widely seen as a testament to India’s development, future ambition, and the collaborative power of public-private partnership With its strong foundation in technology, job creation, and urban renewal, yet tempered by the need for ongoing environmental and social review, NMIA is set not only to ease congestion but to open a nuanced new chapter for Maharashtra’s and India’s place in world aviation
Foreign investments igniting growth and innovation in India
India is witnessing a remarkable influx of foreign investments that signal a transformational shift in its economic landscape A flagship example is Google’s massive $10 billion commitment to build Asia’s largest data centre cluster in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, a project set to become a cornerstone in India’s digital infrastructure by 2028 Meanwhile, Indian companies are also declaring their growing international ambitions, with around £5 million flowing into the UK and US markets, highlighting bi-directional investment momentum This symbiotic relationship between inbound and outbound capital is poised to profoundly impact India’s economy, employment landscape, and infrastructure over the coming years
G oogl e ’ s $10 b il lion bet on Visa khapatna
largest foreign direct investments (FDI) in India’s digital economy The project will encompass three
Andhra Pradesh State Investment Promotion Board approved the proposal, recognising its potential
is not just the scale but the ripple effect it promises The data centre cluster is expected to create around 188,220 direct and
broad-based employment boost likely to catalyse economic activity across sectors The project will
, including submarine cables, metro fibre networks, and cable landing stations, thereby enhancing regional and national telecommunications infrastructure India’s data centre industry has become a magnet for investment, with projections estimating up to ₹2 trillion in investments over the next five to seven years aimed at adding 7 1 gigawatts of fresh datacentre capacity The Visakhapatnam cluster is uniquely poised to position India as a global player in AI and cloud infrastructure, challenging traditional Indian tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad with a new
Indian companies abroa d & ec onomic impacts
Foreign investment inflows are matched by outward Indian investments, reflecting India’s increasingly global corporate footprint
Approximately £5 million has been invested by Indian firms in the UK and US markets, underscoring a strategic focus on diversifying business interests internationally
Total UK-India trade in goods and services rose to £44 1 billion by Q1 2025, supported by strong Indian FDI in the UK reaching £12 4 billion, a 22 2% increase over the previous year This trend exemplifies India as both a destination for foreign capital and a dynamic source of outbound investments
The economic effects of rising FDI into India are measurable and
significant In FY 2024-25, India’s FDI inflows topped $50 billion, a 13% increase from previous years, reinforcing confidence amid global economic uncertainties The technology sector, in particular, leads this surge with investments that drive innovation, digital infrastructure, and high-value employment opportunities
Employment growth tied to these investments boosts household incomes, consumption, and local economies, creating virtuous growth cycles
Infrastructure improvements driven by FDI projects extend beyond data centres Enhanced connectivity, power supply scaling, logistics advancement, and urban development accompany these capital flows, strengthening India’s capacity to sustain future growth
For example, Google’s investment is expected to enhance Andhra
Pradesh’s industrial ecosystem and encourage further investments and innovations in AI and digital services
India’s current foreign investment wave, epitomised by the Google Visakhapatnam project represents far more than capital infusion It is a driver of technological advancement, job creation, and infrastructure development on an unprecedented scale Coupled with Indian companies’ growing investments abroad, this evolving investment landscape is reshaping India’s economic foundations domestically while extending its corporate influence globally The transformation heralded by these developments’ positions India at the forefront of the digital age, ready to harness technology and capital for inclusive and robust growth
PM Modi vows to work harder for 'Viksit Bharat'
Prime Minister Narendra Mo di has marked th e start o f his 25th continu ous year in a constitutional p ost, a tenure that began when he fi rst to ok office as Gujarat's Ch ief Minister in 2001 by renewing h is co mmitment to ach ieve th e "cou ntry’s co llective dream of a V i k si t B h a ra t ( D e ve lo p ed India) R e f l e c t i n g o n h i s j o u
y , which includes nearly 13 years as Gujarat CM and over 11 years as Prime Minister, Modi posted on X that his constant endeavour has
been to improve citizens' lives and
formidable challenges he faced both when he became CM, inheriting a state reeling from an earth-
d droughts and when he took the top national office in 2014, amid a crisis of trust and governance Modi praised the transformational efforts of the last 11 years, crediting the people of India for lifting over 250mn people from p
Shakti (women power) and Yuva Shakti (youth power) He also recalled the promise he made to his mother, who sought two commitments: to "always work for the poor; second, never take
lauded the Karma Yogi PM for
change in the lives of millions, c
quarter-century-long dominance in India's political landscape
PM at the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport and Mumbai Metro Line-3 at Mumbai in Maharashtra
PM visits an exhibition during the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport at Mumbai, in Maharashtra
SC entrusts Karur stampede probe to CBI Row over recitation of Quran at Karnataka event
NE W DE L HI : The Suprem e Co urt h as decid ed to hand o ver the p rob e into Karu r stamp ed e in Tam il Nad u to CBI, noting that the incid ent shook “ national conscience” and th e case h as “ p olitical
u nd ert o ne T h e c o u rt h as al s o ap p oi n ted a th r eem em ber pa nel h ead ed b y i ts f orm er j u d g e A j ay Ra st o g i to s u p er v i se th e investigatio n
Questioning the fairness of the ongoing probe, a bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and N V Anjaria noted that top state police officials had made a statement that their subordinates were not at fault and said, “Prima facie, this fact in itself creates a doubt in the minds of the general public about the independence and impartiality of the investigation.” The families of those who died and got injured in the tragedy are in the doldrums and what they want is a free and fair probe, with the political tussle over the stampede being of little solace to them.
“The incident of Karur stampede has
definitely left an imprint in the minds of the citizens throughout the country, wherein 41 people died in a stampede and more than 100 were injured; it has wide ramifications in respect of the life of the citizens and in this context enforcing the fundamental rights of the families who lost their kith and kin is of utmost importance. Therefore, looking to the political undertone of the case and the fact that without having regard to the gravity of the incident, the comments which have been made before the media by the top officers of the police department may create doubt in the minds of the citizenry on impartiality and fair investigation. The faith and trust of the general public on the process of investigation must be restored in the criminal justice system, and one way to instill such trust is by ensuring that the investigation in the present case is completely impartial, independent and unbiased,” the bench said.
Guru Gobind Singh's footwear to be enshrined at Patna Sahib
NEW DE L HI : After establishing the authenticity of the 30 0-yearo ld Jo re S ahib belong ing to the ten th S i kh Guru , Guru Go bi nd S ing h, and his wife Mata Saheb K a u r, i t h a s be en d e ci d e d to enshrine the sacred relics at Takh t S ri Patna S ahib follow ing a 1, 50 0km nagar kirtan fro m Delh i to P atna
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, whose family has served the holy pair of shoes for three centuries and now plans to institutionalise these, announced that the religious journey of the Jore Sahib will be organised with the support of the entire Sikh Sangat a few days after Diwali.
dating and to decide their final enshrinement location.
BE NGA L U RU : A fresh p olitical row has bro ken ou t in Karnataka ov er a recital fro m Quran at w hat the BJP has called a " go v ernm ent p ro g ram m e" T he prog ramm e took p lace o n October 5 in Hubbali and a vid eo o f the Quran recital is now being widely sh ared The BJP has alleg ed that it w as a violation of protocol on all co unts The Co ng ress has ru bbished the allegations, inclu ding d isputing th e claim that it was a gov ernm ent p rog ramme
"It was a government function. How can they call an Imam and make them recite Quran... There were Congress flags at a government event and the officials present were acting like party workers," said BJP MLA and Deputy Leader of Opposition Arvind Bellad. State minister Santosh Lad, who was present on the occasion and gifted sewing machines to beneficiaries, said, "He has only taken this particular video and showing it. There was a recital from Quran. But there were other recitals too, for Hindu gods and goddesses... So many recitals from Hindu religion. So why he has objections I do not know." Lad also insisted that it was not a government programme.
"It was organized by corporators of the Congress," he said, insisting that there was nothing wrong with displaying Congress flags at such an event.
Rohtak SP, accused of abetting IPS officer’s suicide, shunted
C H A NDI GA RH: In the stro ng est yet d ecisive action in the alleged suicide of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kum ar, Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini warned that no ne w ill be spared, “ no matter ho w in fluential ”
The CM’s statement came hours after Rohtak SP Narendera Bijarniya was removed from his post. Bijarniya has not been given any posting and will be attached to police headquarters in Panchkula.
NORTH-EAST
Zubeen’s cop cousin arrested; ED quizzes event organiser
Zubeen Garg’s cousin Sandipon Garg, an Assam Police Service officer of DSP rank, was arrested after being interrogated for a week on the alleged conspiracy behind the music icon’s Sept 19 death in Singapore, making him the fifth suspect to be brought in since a SIT took over the case. A Guwahati court remanded Sandipon in SIT custody for seven days. He is under investigation for alleged murder, criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and causing death by negligence. Sandipon’s arrest coincided with ED interrogating coaccused Shyamkanu Mahanta, organiser of North East India Festival in Singapore, regarding alleged financial irregularities. Assam Police suspended two personal security officers assigned to Zubeen and initiated departmental proceedings after SIT discovered financial transactions exceeding £100,000 in their bank details.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has repeatedly said the state govt would ensure “justice is done to Zubeen”, intends to meet Singapore ambassador to India in Delhi this month to seek assistance from law enforcement in his country to tie up any potential loose ends in the probe. The CM said he was confident the SIT, led by special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta, would file the chargesheet within the stipulated 90 days.
FORMER UNION MINISTER, SENIOR LEADER QUITS ASSAM BJP
Puri’s cousin, Jasmeet Singh, was the custodian of the relics. After his passing, the family decided to hand over the sacred Jore Sahib for the devotion of all Sikhs. Puri involved the government in the process, and a committee of senior Sikh leaders was formed to verify the relics’ authenticity through carbon
The committee, chaired by senior academic Simrit Kaur, Principal of Sri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi, consulted the Sikh community and recommended that the relics be enshrined at Gurdwara Patna Sahib - the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh. “It was considered fitting to enshrine the holy relics at the place where Guru Sahib took his first steps towards greatness,” Simrit Kaur said.
5 arrested for gang-rape of medical student in Bengal
arrested to
accused
of a
-year
ed ical stud ent at a private medical college
Three people were arreste d on Sunday
“The three accused on Sunday were given police custody. We will ask for the remand of the other two. Now that we have got all the five accused in the case, a reconstruction of the event will be done where the incident took place,” said a police source.
The men had dragged the student from Odisha into a wooded area near her college on Friday after she had stepped out of her hostel to have dinner. Police sources said there are discrepancies in the initial statements given by her companion and the college authorities, which have to be corroborated.
YouTuber, teenage son arrested A 48-year-old YouTuber from Bengal and his teenage son were arrested in
North 24 Parganas district’s Haroa for allegedly raping a 15year-old girl after luring her with the promise of featuring her in comedy and dance reels. The survivor’s father is a cop attached to Kolkata Police. Basirhat sub-divisional court remanded Arabindu Mondal in police custody for five days and sent his son to a juvenile offenders’ home.
Investigators said father and son approached the Class 9 student several months ago with an offer to make shorts with her. The girl went with them to various locations for shoots, and the two allegedly filmed and photographed her secretly when she was changing. “The duo used this to blackmail her into silence after repeated sexual assault.
The suspects were arrested immediately after Haroa police station registered an FIR under the Pocso Act and recorded the survivor’s statement.
Bijarniya and Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur were named in Puran Kumar’s suicide note and his wife IAS officer Amneet P Kumar’s complaint to police as the alleged “harassers” who drove him to end his life. Amneet has refused to allow an autopsy of her husband’s body until action is taken against the DGP and SP. It has been nearly five days since Puran Kumar’s suicide.
On Saturday evening, while addressing the BJP state executive in Panchkula, Saini began by offering condolences to the deceased IPS officer. After that, Saini expressed solidarity with the IPS officer’s family and said: “Our govt will conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. If anyone harasses a person, we will not spare them,” Saini said, urging the opposition not to play politics on sensitive issues.
7 injured in Burdwan railway station stampede
BU RDW AN : At leas t seven
Burdwan railway station on
rushed onto a foot overbridge from oppo site d irections
All seven persons were admitted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital. A doctor said the condition of at least three of them is critical.
A source said a local train arrived at platform No. 4 of Burdwan station while another train on the Sahibganj loop line was announced to arrive at platform No. 5. As the foot overbridge connecting both platforms was the same, passengers who were to catch the train arriving at platform No. 5 started rushing onto the bridge, while those who had just got down from the train at platform No. 4 also rushed to exit the station using the same bridge.
“During the heavy rush from both sides on the foot overbridge, one of the passengers fell down, and a stampede-like situation occurred,” said the source. Passengers alleged that although there are escalators on different platforms, they remained defunct on most days, forcing commuters to use the foot overbridge.
Former Union minister and four-time BJP MP Rajen Gohain from Assam’s Nagaon parliamentary constituency resigned from the party along with 17 other members, officials said. In a letter to state BJP president Dilip Saikia, Gohain said he was resigning from the primary membership of the party and stepping down from all party positions with immediate effect. Seventeen other BJP members, mostly from Upper and Central Assam, also submitted their resignations to Saikia, sources said. Gohain said he resigned as the party had failed "to fulfil the promises made to the people of Assam and betrayed the indigenous communities by allowing outsiders to settle in the state." He also charged the party's state leadership with "encouraging communal politics and dividing the centuries-old Assamese society." Gohain, 74, said that he was disillusioned with the party as it had betrayed its core assurances to the indigenous communities. He criticised the government's approach to the contentious issue of illegal immigration, a central plank of the BJP's earlier campaigns.
MEGHALAYA CM APPEALS FOR PEACE AFTER BORDER CLASH
Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma called for restraint and calm following the violent clash along the Assam–Meghalaya border that led to the death of a resident on October 9. Sangma, who was on a visit to Manipur, told reporters that the violence in Lapangap village in Meghalaya’s West Jaiñtia Hills was between local residents. Police personnel from both states were trying to prevent furher confrontation. Police said the incident took place when residents of Lapangap were harvesting paddy under police supervision and a group of people from Assam’s Karbi area tried to stop them, triggering violence that claimed the life of one person from Assam’s Tahpat village. Sangma said such incidents were deeply unfortunate, especially at a time when both governments are working tirelessly to find lasting solutions. The chief minister highlighted progress in the ongoing peace process, noting that six of the 12 areas of dispute between Assam and Meghalaya have already been settled through mutual dialogue and public consultation. “We didn’t make decisions behind closed doors. We went to the people, held public hearings, and asked them where they felt they belonged.” he said.
WEST BENGAL
D U RGA P U R: The Durg ap ur police o n M ond ay
Bihar 2025: The historic battleground shaping India’s future
Bihar, one of India’s most populous yet economically underdeveloped states, will hold its crucial assembly elections in the first week of November 2025
While Bihar may be small in size compared to other Indian states, its significance in the nation’s governance and history is immense Known for producing the highest number of government officials such as IAS and IPS officers who have played influential roles nationwide, Bihar’s elections always draw keen attention This year ’ s polls, scheduled in two phases on 6 and 11 November with counting on 14 November, promise to be a decisive moment not just for the state but for India as a whole
Fro m Magadha to mod ernity
Around 2,600 years ago, the region now called Bihar was known as Magadha, emerging as a powerful
kingdom by the 6th century BCE By about 544 BCE, King Bimbisara founded the Haryanka dynasty and began expanding Magadha by annexing neighbouring kingdoms such as Anga His reign lasted till around 492 BCE and was marked by economic prosperity, alliances, and the patronage of Buddhism and Jainism His son Ajatashatru, ruling circa 492–460 BCE, continued this expansion by conquering Vaishali and Kosala, further consolidating power
Magadha’s capital shifted from Rajagriha (modern Rajgir) to Pataliputra (modern Patna) around 460 BCE under Udayin, helping it become the administrative and strategic heart of the kingdom By the 4th century BCE, the Nanda dynasty brought centralised authority and military dominance, setting the stage for the Mauryan Empire
Chandragupta Maurya, educated and guided by the renowned political strategist Chanakya, overthrew the Nanda monarch around 321 BCE and established India’s first vast empire, extending beyond Magadha’s original borders Nearby Nalanda University, established centuries later in the 5th century CE, became a worldfamous centre of learning, embodying the region’s enduring legacy as a hub of knowledge and power
Population power and political stakes
Today, Bihar stands as
Delhi finds an unlikely ally as Kabul battles Islamabad
A tense silence fell over the A fghan embassy in Delh i, m omentarily broken as an
e m p lo y ee d ra m at ic al ly stomp ed out of the buildi n g c arr yi ng a f la g p o le , p rotesting : " I will not let them hoist the flag as long as I’m arou nd ”
The incident, rooted in ideological and political defiance, served as a stark, symbolic backdrop to the arrival of the Taliban Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi Sanctioned by America, Muttaqi’s mission to Delhi, the first high-level diplomatic engagement since the US withdrawal four years ago, signals a profound reshaping of regional alliances, driven largely by a mutual foe: Pakistan
sparked a furious response from the Afghan side
the third most populous state in India, with over 120 million inhabitants crammed into its borders It is marked by a youthful demographic, with millions eligible first-time voters who could shape the future political landscape The population density and diverse caste, ethnic, and religious composition make Bihar’s electoral dynamics complex and significant, often reflecting broader national trends and issues
The upcoming elections hold immense importance for India’s political future
Bihar has often been viewed as a political bellwether, where electoral outcomes can influence the central power balance The state’s political configuration is dominated by alliances such as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the rival Mahagathbandhan coalition spearheaded by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
These elections could alter the trajectory of governance in Bihar and influence the strategies of national parties as they prepare for future general elections
With over 74 million registered voters and more than 90,000 polling booths, strict election security measures are in place, with extensive deployment of Central Armed Police Forces and enhanced monitoring including webcasting at all stations to ensure free and fair polls This election is thus seen as a test of India’s democratic strength and electoral management
In essence, Bihar’s 2025 elections are not just about choosing representatives for 243 assembly constituencies; they are about shaping the destiny of a state with deep historical roots, a significant youthful population, and outsized influence in India’s polity The story of Bihar’s past as Magadha and its future as a democratic powerhouse unfolds dramatically at polling booths this November, with millions casting votes that will ripple far beyond the state’s borders
5 Gujaratis held in Grenada for presenting fake passports
F iv e Ind ian natio nals from Gu jarat hav e been arrested in Grenada, for p resenting forged p assp orts to imm igration officials
imprisonment in default
A new diplomatic d awn in Delh i Muttaqi’s visit culminated in a crucial bilateral meeting with India’s Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, during which India announced plans to upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy This decisive shift stops short of formal recognition but marks the deepest level of engagement between New Delhi and the Taliban regime, firmly establishing a de facto relationship
India, a long-term developmental partner in Afghanistan, is backing this rapprochement with renewed humanitarian aid
This includes a gift of 20 ambulances, the provision of MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals, and a commitment to construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul and five maternity clinics in provincial areas Jaishankar underlined that the enhanced cooperation contributes to Afghanistan's national development and regional resilience Muttaqi, for his part, appreciated India's assistance and invited Indian companies to explore mining opportunities, cementing the trade and commercial foundation of the burgeoning ties
The boiling bo rder: P akistan’s TT P head ache
The diplomatic blossoming in Delhi occurred amid a furious, bloody escalation along the Durand Line, the contested Pakistan-Afghanistan border The Pakistani military's recent drone strikes on Kabul and the alleged bombing of a market in Patika province, believed to be targeting the leadership of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
In the ensuing clashes, the two sides issued vastly different casualty figures: the Taliban claimed its forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers and captured army posts, while Islamabad reported 23 of its troops killed but asserted that it had neutralised over 200 Taliban and affiliated terrorists This explosive exchange underscores Pakistan’s gravest internal security threat The TTP, which shares the Afghan Taliban’s Deobandi ideology but operates independently, has intensified its attacks, recently claiming responsibility for deadly assaults in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that killed over 20 security personnel The Pakistani Defence Minister has since warned that there are currently “ no ties” between Islamabad and Kabul, stressing that Pakistan retains the right to retaliate against militant hideouts in Afghanistan India’s strateg ic calculus
For New Delhi, the growing rift between its arch-rival and its troublesome neighbour presents a rare strategic opportunity
Security analysts agree that "An Afghanistan that is unfriendly to Pakistan and friendly to India is certainly strategically useful " India's normalisation of relations is driven by national security calculations, primarily the desire to combat its vulnerability to crossborder terrorism emanating from Pakistanbased groups By engaging with Kabul, India aims to exploit the current discord and keep Islamabad off balance
However, the engagement remains cautious Despite the diplomatic upgrade, India is not yet comfortable with formal recognition of the Taliban regime Concerns persist over the Taliban's past support for militants who have attacked India and its discriminatory policies, notably the decision to a female journalists from attending the embassy press conference, an act described by an Indian MP as a "dishonour to the women of India" While Afghanistan assured India that the Taliban would not allow its territory to be used against any country, Delhi’s path forward is a necessary, calculated risk, balancing regional security imperatives against human rights and global diplomatic norms
T he Royal Grenada Po lic e F orce (RGP F ) confirmed the arrests
According to the RGPF press release, the accused were identified as Malkesh Patel (35), Aarti Patel (27), Nidhi Patel (31), Ishita Patel (24), and Ashika Gajjar (24) - all from Gujarat They were detained by officers of the Immigration and Passport Department, after they allegedly produced forged Indian passports in an attempt to gain entry into the Caribbean island nation believed to be a transit point to the US During questioning, this group admitted that they had intended to enter the US
The five appeared before the St George’s No 1 Magistrate’s Court, where they pleaded guilty to the charge of using a falsified passport Each was fined $6,000 to be paid immediately, or face four months of
Grenadian police have invoked Section 36(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, which penalises anyone who fabricates, falsifies, or uses fraudulent travel documents to enter or remain in the country illegally Investigators suspect the group was attempting to travel through the Caribbean - a path increasingly used by Indian migrants, especially from Gujarat, seeking illegal entry into the US US immigration authorities, as part of their intensified crackdown on illegal immigrants, work in close coordination with their counterparts in nations which are used as a transit route to the US by agents and handlers Police officials in Grenada said investigations are underway to identify the agents or handlers who facilitated the group ’ s travel from India More arrests are likely as authorities coordinate with Indian and US agencies to trace the wider network operating such rings
With deep sorrow and heartfelt grief Santokben Morarji Shonchhatra in Harrow
pril 11, 1935 - October 077, 2025 , 2 grieff, we announce the peaceful passing of , nchhatra in Harrow, at the ble
Formerly of Bugiri, Uganda and Navagam / Dadar
2025 e essed age of 90 Dadar r Jamnagar India, Jai Jalaram
ohana Centre ribute L r, , Jamnagar, Santokben was a source of boundless love, strength and wisdom, a guiding light to her family and all who had the privilege of knowing herr. Her warmth, . compassion and values will be cherished foreverr.
On be
d her to the departed noble soul. May her soul rest in eternal peace and her
A prayer meeting was held on Sunday, 12th October 2025 at the Dhamecha , Harrow ehalf of CB Patel and the ABPL family, we pay our heartfelt tribute ory continue to inspire generations.
Condolence messages can be shared with Dinesh Shonchhatra on 07956 8106477. .
Shree Krishna
Amir Khan Muttaqi & S Jaishankar
The birth and re-birth of Indian locomotives
Swathi Anil
The story of India’s railways
is, in many ways, the story of India itself a tale of reinvention, resilience, and revolution on steel tracks.
Today, as sleek, air-conditioned coaches glide across electrified lines, millions experience a new era of rail travel defined by comfort, safety, and digital precision. Passengers book with a tap, track their journeys in real time, and step aboard carriages so pristine that they mirror the nation’s growing technological confidence. Even the simplest act cleaning a train has been transformed. On the Amrit Bharat Express, high-pressure drones now complete in minutes what once took hours, heralding a future of “Smart trains, Smarter cleaning ”
PM Modi intervenes as Tata boardroom battle explodes
The scene was extrao rdi nary,
by
Minister Amit Shah and Finance Mi ni st er N ir mala Sit harama n sat down with the leadership of India’s most important conglomerate, the Tata Group
The go ver nme nt' s mo ve wa s a di re ct response to a tu multuou s period marked by escalating boardroom divisions and repeated crises that have rattled the business empire
Yet, this marvel of modernity was born from a humbler, harder past The world’s first steam-powered railway journey commenced in South Wales, Great Britain in 1804 and when the first Indian passenger train chugged from Bori Bunder to Thane in 1853, pulled by Sahib, Sindh, and Sultan, it was not built for the people, it was built to serve the empire Over time, those same rails that once carried colonial ambition came to bind a nation together From a tool of control, the railways evolved into a lifeline of democracy, connecting villages and cities, dreams and destinies What began as borrowed steam now runs on the power of self-reliance
The nation's lifeline
Today, the Indian Railways operates one of the world’s largest railway networks under single management Its expansive tracks stretch for tens of thousands of kilometres, carrying over eight billion passengers annually, underscoring its foundational vitality This includes the densely packed suburban 'local' lines, which form the literal and figurative arteries of metropolitan centres like Mumbai and Kolkata, and the rapidly growing metro networks that power urban economies
The rail system is not merely a mode of transport; it is a gargantuan contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product It moves essential commodities like coal, steel, iron ore, and food grains across the country, serving as the most affordable and reliable logistical backbone, thereby supporting everything from heavy industry to the daily mobility of its vast workforce Yet, this steady, decades-long growth has witnessed a breath-taking acceleration and fundamental shift in focus over the past ten years under the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
aggressive expansion and modernisation Investment figures highlight this rapid transformation: the Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) for the Railways in 2023-24 was increased to ₹2 4 Lakh Crore, an eightfold increase over the 2013-14 allocation This financial push has translated directly into physical infrastructure development and electrification As a measure of acceleration, between 2004 and 2014, approximately 14,985 Route Kilometres (RKM) of rail track were completed In stark contrast, over 25,871 RKM of track was laid in the nine years following 2014, with the current daily track laying target set at an unprecedented 16 km
The electrification drive further boosts train speeds, cutting fuel imports, and slashing carbon emissions while saving billions annually Today, Indian Railways stands as the world’s largest electrified network, a testament to innovation and foresight Leading this transformation is the indigenously built Vande Bharat Express and complementing it is the KAVACH collision avoidance system, developed in India, which enhances safety across new corridors, marking a decisive move toward the ambitious goal of a ‘ zeroaccident’ railway network and a cleaner, smarter transport future
For the travelling public, the arrival of
these newer services represents a monumental leap in the quality of the rail journey Madhan, a regular traveller, described journey as a whole new experience," comparing the quiet, smooth ride favourably to older European trains
For a business empire that has historically maintained its strategic autonomy despite its central role in crucial sectors including arms manufacturing and semiconductors, this internal intervention by the government in the group's governance is considered highly unusual As historian Mircea Raianu observed, the meeting underscores a key reality, the Tata Group is important for India and important for the Indian state
Operational fires and financial headwinds
The extraordinary meeting capped a tumultuous half-year for the conglomerate, which has wrestled with a devastating series of operational and financial setbacks The market value of Tata's 16 listed companies, which span sectors from steel and tourism to technology, has fallen by about $70 billion this year, dropping to under $300 billion
The group's operational challenges began with the tragic Air India jet crash in June, which claimed the lives of 260 people Furthermore, a devastating cyber-attack on Tata's UK-based carmaker, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), in late August put renewed pressure on executives and drew scrutiny to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which manages JLR’s technology backbone
TCS, which is the main cash cow for the Tata empire, has also faced its own industrywide issues, including slowing growth resulting from the rise of artificial intelligence The company recently announced plans to cut 12,000 jobs, representing 2 per cent of its workforce, in a bid to recalibrate its business model around AI The company posted profits of $1 38 billion for the quarter to September, similar to the previous year, yet its staff count of 593,314 was down almost 20,000 compared with the prior quarter Adding to the complexity, the US' decision to increase H1B skilled foreign worker visa application
fees to a prohibitive $100,000 created an additional quandary for TCS, the second-largest corporate beneficiary of the scheme
Boardroom divisions and regulatory pressure
Compounding the external pressures is a leadership rift that burst into the open after Noel Tata, Ratan's half-brother, took over as chair of Tata Trusts last year Tata Trusts, which is made up of five philanthropic trusts, owns a decisive 66 per cent of the group ’ s parent company, Tata Sons Noel Tata has struggled to consolidate power, with internal sources noting he is seen as "conservative and risk averse" by some other board members
The internal discord extends to major financial decisions, including Noel’s attempts to broker a potential exit from Tata Sons for Shapoorji Pallonji, a debt-burdened construction conglomerate that holds a significant 18 per cent stake
Perhaps the largest unresolved issue is the pressure from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) The central bank had pushed for Tata Sons to undertake an Initial Public Offering (IPO) by September to increase transparency, classifying it as a major shadow lender While the group does not want to list, a move that would benefit Shapoorji Pallonji by allowing it to sell its stake it has since pared down its debt in an attempt to be declassified and avoid a mandatory float
Underlying resilience amid market optimism
Despite the turmoil at the top, the broader Indian equity market remains buoyant, providing a vital underpinning for the group's listed companies The Nifty 50 stock index is up 14 per cent from an April low Furthermore, Tata Capital's recent $1 7 billion IPO saw its shares rise 1 5 per cent above the issue price of Rs 326 ($3 68) The market strength is being driven by strong domestic investor sentiment, with net inflows of $63 2 billion more than covering the $25 3 billion in net outflows from foreign holdings this year
Analysts remain confident in the conglomerate’s long-term stability As one director from an Indian proxy advisory firm remarked, the Tata companies are large businesses with strong management teams and a huge degree of resilience They believe the leadership will ultimately get their arms around it
Charges framed against Lalu, Rabri and Tejashwi in IRCTC scam
A D el hi co u r t f ram ed c har ges ag ai ns t f
A decade of rapid transformation
The period since 2014 marks a true inflection point, moving away from an era of comparative stagnation towards
He lauded the Vande Bharat as an "excellent upgraded new age train" and the "Pride of Bharat " Similarly, Abhiroop Sengupta, whose earliest memories of train travel date back to the late 1980s, noted the vast positive shift from a time when safety concerns and dirty facilities were common Today, he finds the staff courteous, the washroom clean, and the amenities, such as spacious, reclinable seats in the Executive Chair Car, rival premium air travel The ease of booking, the general cleanliness, and the efficiency of the modern system collectively demonstrate that Indian Railways is now firmly headed in the right direction, blending strategic business acumen with a renewed, uncompromising focus on the passenger experience
rme r ra i lway mi n is te r La lu Prasad, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav, and 11 others in the alleged IRCTC s ca m t hat ri gge d r ai lwa y hotel contracts for favoured private players Rabri and Tejashwi prima facie emerge as participants in the criminal conspiracy of which Lalu Prasad was seemingly the “fountainhead”, Special Judge Vishal Gogne said The “individual strands of the cheating” between 2005 and 2014 were “intrinsically interwoven” with a larger network of collusion among multiple accused, he added According to CBI, when Lalu was railway minister between 2004 and 2014, two BNR Hotels of railways - in Ranchi and Puri - were first transferred to IRCTC and then leased to Patna-based
Sujata Hotels through a manipulated tender process
In return, land parcels in Patna were allegedly transferred at undervalued rates to Lalu’s family through firms linked to the hotel owners Investigators allege this quid pro quo formed the heart of the scam
CBI registered the FIR on July 5, 2017, and filed its charge sheet in April 2018
The court took cognisance of the final report on July 30, 2018, and the prosecution sanction followed in July 2020
Those named in the charge sheet include former IRCTC group general managers VK Asthana and RK Goyal, and Sujata Hotels directors Vijay and Vinay Kochhar, who also own Patna’s Chanakya Hotel Two firms - Sujata Hotels and Delight Marketing
Company (now LARA Projects LLP) - are among the accused
“You conspired for the undervalued purchase of land parcels You conspired with other accused for the subsequent transfer of effective control over these land parcels to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav,” Judge Gogne said while pronouncing the order All accused, including the Yadav family, were present in court
The court said the transfer of land to Lalu’s wife and son by “ commercial players” suggested “ an instance of crony capitalism fostered in the guise of eliciting private participation” in the operation of railway hotels
“This conspiracy may be sublime but not entirely hidden from the court’s view,” the judge said
An old picture of one of the first locomotives in India, journeying across the Thane creek
India, Canada agree on raft of measures to restore ties
India signalled the revival of b i lat era l r el ati o ns wi th
C ana da a s the t wo si de s a gre ed o n a ro ad map to d eepe n c o o pera ti o n i n trade, investment, agricu lture, science and technology, civil nuclear collabo ratio n, artifici al i ntelligence, critical minerals and energy
Canada’s foreign minister Anita Anand who reached Delhi on Sunday night, held talks with her counterpart, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi before leaving for Mumbai
New Delhi and Ottawa agreed on a raft of measures: start ministerial-level discussions on bilateral trade and investment, resume the India-Canada CEOs Forum in early 2026, revive the energy dialogue, discussions on civil nuclear energy
cooperation, and a joint working group on higher education
This is the first visit to India by a Canadian foreign minister in over two years Ties between the two countries plummeted in 2023 after Justin Trudeau, the then Canadian Prime Minister, alleged “potential” involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of Canada-based
Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – a charge that India rejected as “ absurd” and “ motivated” This led to downgrading of diplomatic ties
Following the change of guard in Ottawa, Prime Minister Mark Carney met Modi on the sidelines of the G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis this June and the two leaders asked their officials to mend ties
MoUs worth £32bn signed during Vibrant Gujarat regional summit
The first of the Vibrant Gu ja rat R eg ion al C on fe ren c es (V GR Cs ) en ded in Mehsana, w ith the signing of 1,212 MoUs across 21 sectors, paving the way for an estimated i n ves tmen t of £32 4b n
Chief minister Bhupendra Patel said at the valedictory function of the event w i ll a cc e lera te reg ion al d ev elopm en t i n n orth Gujarat
“The VGRC in north Gujarat was organised to ensure that development reaches every village, making people active participants in the growth process The success of the first regional conference strengthens the belief in advancing the ‘Vocal for L o c a l ’ a n d ‘ G l o b a l f r o m L o c a l ’ i n i t i
said
T
India, Australia ink three pacts amid US disinterest
I ndi a and Aus tral ia h ave m o ved to s i gnif i cant ly s trengt he n th ei r bi later al defence and military interoperability, inking three key pacts in Canberra, in a move th at si gnal s f ai th i n th e strategic convergence of the Quad grouping despite the T ru m p adm in is trat io n' s ap parent dis interest i n i ts Indo-Pacific strategy
The agreements, signed during a delegation-level meeting between India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles, cover the sharing of classified information, mutual submarine search and rescue cooperation, and the establishment of joint staff talks
The collaboration is accelerating amid a backdrop of plummeting bilateral ties and raging tariff tensions between India and the
US Officials noted that the two nations are also working to finalise a joint maritime security collaboration roadmap and a new longterm defence and security cooperation framework to update their 2009 joint declaration
This concerted effort reflects India's strategy to intensify defence coopera-
tion with other Quad partners like Japan, and regional players such as South Korea and the Philippines All these nations share profound concerns over China’s expansionist muscle-flexing across the Indo-Pacific, underscoring a commitment to regional stability regardless of the fluctuating US commitment
Tributes paid to Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda after
Popular Punjabi singer and a ct o
Fort is Hospital, Mohali, on October 8, after succumbing to serious injuries sustained
cci
on Se pt embe r 27 in Himachal Pradesh
tragic death
s attended by key officials, industry leaders and representatives from educational institutions and industrial associations
The govt said that over 160 B2B (business to business) meetings and more than 100 B2G (business to govt) meetings were held
s a w participation from 34 foreign companies and over 170 startups More than 29,000 registrations were made, with over 440 international delegates particip
during the two-day conf e r e n c e M o r e t h a n 4 1 0 exhibitors took part in the trade show and exhibition held alongside the confere n c e , w i
from over 170 MSMEs and startups
During the second day
workshops were held on several key areas Leaders of industry and officials of the state govt participated in a seminar on ‘Renewable Energy: Storage Solutions ’
Expert panel clears India's Chenab project after Indus Treaty
F ollowing the suspension of t he I ndu s W at ers Trea ty ( I W T) , I ndi a i s s wi ft ly advancing strategically significant water projects, with an expert committee of the environment mi ni stry reco mmending environmental clearance for the ambitio us 1,856-MW Sawalkot hydroe le ct ri c pr oj e ct on the Chenab River
This major hydropower initiative is located in the Ramban district of Jammu & Kashmir and is a run-of-theriver project developed by the NHPC The project is designed to utilise the waters of the Chenab, one of the western rivers (along with Indus and Jhelum) whose flow to Pakistan has been largely unchecked, despite India’s right to use it
for non-consumptive purposes like hydro-power generation
The clearance effectively clears the construction after the necessary UT government formalities are completed The project, estimated to cost over £3 13bn, will be constructed in two stages
across an area of more than 1,401 hectares It will feature a 192 5-metre-high concrete dam, an underground power station, and a system to return the water to the river, adhering to "environment conditions" and safeguards specified by the expert appraisal committee
The funeral for the young artist was held in his native village of Pona, near Jagraon (Punjab), where thousands of fans, fellow artists, and community members gathered to pay their final respects to the star
Sital Singh Gill, General
Secretary of the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain), expressed deep shock and sorrow, describing Jawanda's untimely death as
a heartbreaking loss for Punjabis across the world Gill highlighted Jawanda as not just a gifted artist but also a proud voice of Punjab’s cultural identity" who celebrated the dignity and struggles of ordinary Punjabis through his soulful music The IWA(GB) and the wider Punjabi diaspora offered heartfelt condolences, acknowledging that his passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of Punjabi music, but ensuring that his voice will forever echo in the hearts of his admirers
INDIA bloc to skip JPC on bills to dismiss ministers
The Congress is learnt to have conveyed to the govt tha t t he INDIA bloc w ill not be a part of the JPC set up to scrutinise the bills on a u to ma t ic d ismis sa l of ja iled chief ministers and ministers, putting to an end questions over the issue
Sources said a senior Congress neta and MP had spoken to a key minister about the opposition’s stance The parliamentary panel is set to be a much watched platform given that the three bills on the issue, moved by home minister Amit Shah in the monsoon session of Parliament, had triggered bedlam in the Lok Sabha, with the opposition bloc opposing them vehemently
The govt has not been able to constitute the JPC despite the passage of nearly two months since the L o k S a b h a ’ s d e c i s i o n t o send the three bills to the parliamentary panel
Sources said the govt had conveyed last week its intent to go ahead with the
cotted the panel, it would fill the vacancies with representatives of smaller outfits and independents The message was sent to the Congress interlocutors as the opposition had been dragging its feet on names f o r t h e p
d e s p i t e repeated reminders
The sole holdout, CPM, also gave its nod to the boycott after Congress reached out to persuade the Left ally CPM MP John Brittas sasid, “We are for opposition unity In that spirit, we are with other opposition
parties on the issue of JPC ” While major anti-BJP parties headed by Congress were earlier keen to join the JPC, an uncompromisi n g T r i n a m o o l C o n g r e s s queered the pitch for the INDIA bloc by announcing in Aug that it would boycott the panel It then drew support from SP, AAP and Shiv Sena
They argued that parl i a m e n t a r y p a n e l s w e r e being used by the Modi govt to bulldoze bills without considering the views of the opposition, citing the example of the Waqf Bill
Anita Anand Prime and Narendra Modi
Rajvir Jawanda
President Murmu urges students to promote made-in-India products
President Droupadi Murmu u rg ed yo u t h to ac ti v el y
p ro m o te m ad e- in - In d i a
p ro d u c ts w i th a ‘ Ras h tr a Prath am ’ (nation first) spirit, em p h
try A tm
r (s el f- reli an t) i s a nat io na l priority
“Making India selfreliant is our national priority All of you have to play an active role in the ‘Swadeshi’ campaign and promote Made-in-India products with the spirit of ‘Rashtra Pratham’,” the President said while addressing the 71st convocation ceremony at Gujarat Vidyapith, a deemed university founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920
The university conferred degrees to 713 students from 18 disciplines across seven departments According to vice-chancellor Harshad Patel, some degree
recipients were in their 70s In a first, Vidyapith honoured students with gold medals based not only on their meritorious performance but also on their social activities
President Murmu praised Gujarat’s culture of self-employment and selfreliance in her address “Entrepreneurs from Gujarat have left their mark not only in India but also in the world I urge you all to move forward with the same global outlook that has been
the hallmark of Gujarat,” she said
The President also stressed the importance of lifelong learning “Education is a lifelong process I hope that keeping in mind the development of your personality, progress of society and the welfare of the countrymen, you will continue to give importance to acquiring knowledge,” she said She also remembered Vidyapith’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle
Herminie's victory in Seychelles will revive ties with India
T h e tr anq u i l sh o r es o f
S ey ch
rty e m erg ed victo rious in a closely foug ht presidential ru noff election
The win, with Herminie securing 52 7 per cent of the vote against incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan, marks a significant comeback for the party that had governed the Indian Ocean archipelago for four decades before its defeat in 2020 This unexpected result followed a campaign that delved into pressing local issues, including drug addiction and concerns over foreign land deals, which had created controversy for the previous administration
The outcome holds a particular resonance for India, which has a longstanding and strategic relationship with Seychelles, a key player in the Indian Ocean region Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to congratulate Herminie, expressing confidence that the timetested and multi-faceted relations between the two nations would deepen and gain further momentum during his tenure India views Seychelles as a crucial maritime partner in its "Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR) doctrine This has been demonstrated through defence cooperation, with India providing naval vessels,
Dornier aircraft, and a $100 million line of credit to strengthen Seychelles' maritime capabilities These efforts are aimed at combating piracy and securing vital shipping lanes Furthermore, India has a significant expatriate community in Seychelles, and provides assistance through human resource development and technical cooperation programmes, including medical aid and solar energy projects The election of Herminie, whose party previously held power during periods of close IndoSeychellois cooperation, signals a potential for continuity and perhaps a strengthening of this strategic partnership
8 Indians, 10 firms face US sanctions over Iran oil link
Iranian LPG to China
he US t reasury act ed ag ainst 6 0 en tities
On the US treasury’s office of foreign assets control list are Niti Unmesh Bhat, Kamala K Kasat, Kunal Kasat and Poonam Kasat (all based in Mumbai), Tamil Nadu-born Iyappan Raja, Varun Pula from Tirupati apart from Piyush Maganlal Jiviya and Soniya Shrestha
Among the 10 entities named were Pula’s Bertha Shipping, which is accused of using its Comoros-owned vessel to transport nearly four million barrels of
Similarly, Raja’s Marshall Islands based Evie Lines, which owns a Panamaflagged vessel, shipped one million barrels of LPG to China
Since Jan, Shrestha, who owns India-based Vega Star Ship, used Comoros-flagged NEPTA to move Iranian origin LPG to Pakistan
In a statement, the US state department said between Jan 2024 and Jan 2025, India-based petrochemicals company CJ Shah & Co imported Iranianorigin petrochemical
Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan organises de-addiction rally
victorious in a closely fought preside ntia l run off election
The win, with Herminie securing 52 7 per cent of the vote against incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan, marks a significant comeback for the party that had governed the Indian Ocean archipelago for four decades before its defeat in 2020 This unexpected result followed a campaign that delved into pressing local issues, including drug addiction and concerns over foreign land deals, which had created controversy for the previous administration
The outcome holds a particular resonance for India, which has a longstanding and strategic relationship with Seychelles, a key player in the Indian Ocean region Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to congratulate Herminie, expressing
confidence that the timetested and multi-faceted relations between the two nations would deepen and gain further momentum during his tenure
India views Seychelles as a crucial maritime partner in its "Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR) doctrine This has been demonstrated through defence cooperation, with India providing naval vessels, Dornier aircraft, and a $100 million line of credit to strengthen Seychelles' maritime capabilities These efforts are aimed at
combating piracy and securing vital shipping lanes
Furthermore, India has a significant expatriate community in Seychelles, and provides assistance through human resource development and technical cooperation programmes, including medical aid and solar energy projects The election of Herminie, whose party previously held power during periods of close IndoSeychellois cooperation, signals a potential for continuity and perhaps a strengthening of this strategic partnership
Sadguru Shri Madhavpriyadasji
Swami blesses owner of EPCO Builders
pres ident of SGVP Guruk ul,
Ram jibhai Devjibhai Vars ani, k
M adhavpriyadasji Swam
Gurukul
in m odern era
He has been awarded multiple national Sanskrit medals and titles including ‘Sadguru’ and ‘Devarshi,’ is a global ambassador of Vedic culture and value-based education He founded SGVP International School, Darshanam Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, and a Kanya Gurukul in Saurashtra
products worth $44 million from multiple companies Javiya-owned Chemovick is also accused of importing Iranianorigin petrochem of $7 million BK Sales Corp allegedly imported petrochemical products, including methanol, worth $235 million, while Mody Chem is said to have imported $49 worth of Iranian Petrochem between Jan 2024 and Feb 2025
Similarly, Paarichem Resources imported $2 million worth of Iranianorigin petrochemical products from multiple companies, including USdesignated Shivnani Organics FZE, between May and Nov 2024, which included products such as toluene, the US state department said
He has promoted education, interfaith harmony, and environmental initiatives worldwide, participating in conferences such as the UN World Religious Conference, Parliament of World Religions and World Hindu Congress Under his guidance, 1,000 check dams, 56 schools in earthquake zones and extensive tree plantations have been
completed Author of 15 books, he leads numerous social, health and disasterrelief projects, inspiring communities globally
RD born into a humble family of Samatra village in Kutch, is a leading industrialist in Kenya He is serving as the President of the Nairobi Kutchi Leva Patel Samaj and as a Trustee of the East Africa Shree Swaminarayan Temple He is renowned as a philanthropist and community servant from Kutch
In the impoverished rural areas of Kenya, he generously provides financial support for service activities organised by institutions like VHP and the Hindu Council
He has also established numerous schools in the underprivileged regions of Kutch Thousands of
employees work in his company and RD lovingly takes responsibility for the education and welfare of all their families
RD’s contribution to the development of SGVP
Gurukul is immense He played a significant role in the construction of the SGVP Holistic Hospital Additionally, for the education of girls in rural areas of Saurashtra, he established the “Matru Shree RD Varsani Kumar – Kanya Vidhyalaya” in the name of his mother
He is also the principal donor of the grand, newly constructed girls’ hostel (Dharmajivan Bhavan) at Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul, Droneshwar, which provides free education and residential facilities to over 500 girls
Param Pujya Sadguru Shri Madhavpriyadasji Swami, visited Kenya s EPCO Builders, blessed its owner Ramjibhai Devjibhai Varsan and his team
The 70th Filmfare Awards took place last week at ‘EKA Arena, Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad’, with Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Maniesh Paul hosting the glittering event.
‘Laapataa Ladies’ dominated the night, winning 13 awards, including Best Film, matching Gully Boy’s record for the most wins by a single film. Abhishek Bachchan and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor (Male) trophy, while Alia Bhatt won Best Actress. The evening celebrated the memories, milestones, and timeless magic of Hindi cinema.
The 70th Filmfare Awards, themed “Celebrating 70 Years of Filmfare,” paid tribute to Bollywood’s legacy with moments that stirred nostalgia, from marking ‘50 years of Sholay’ to the heartwarming reunion of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol on stage.
Fresh off his National Award win, Khan hosted the show alongside Karan Johar and Maniesh Paul, bringing his trademark humour and charm. A highlight came when the familiar tune of “Ladki Badi Anjaani Hai” filled the arena, as SRK and Kajol recreated their beloved ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ scene to a thunderous ovation.
The night featured dazzling performances by Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Kriti Sanon, Ananya Panday, and Siddhant Chaturvedi, celebrating the evolution of Hindi cinema. Abhishek paid tribute to his father with hits like “Apni To Jaise Taise”, “Khaike Paan Banaras Wala”, and “Jumma Chumma”, and in a touching
Abhishek Bachchan and Kartik Aaryan share best actor at Filmfare
moment, invited his mother Jaya Bachchan on stage for a twirl, earning a warm round of applause.
Abhishek Bachchan and Kartik Aaryan shared a hug after jointly winning Best Actor for ‘I Want To Talk’ and ‘Chandu Champion’, while Alia Bhatt took home Best Actress for her role in ‘Jigra’. The night was dominated by ‘Laapataa Ladies’, which won Best Film, Best Director for Kiran Rao, Best Debut for Nitanshi Goel, and several other awards.
Elli AvrRam credits Salman Khan for industry support
from the
occurred
The Lifetime Achievement Awards went to late filmmaker Shyam Benegal and actor Zeenat Aman, with Johar praising Aman’s enduring legacy and Aman thanking Filmfare for the honour.
The evening also introduced Cine Icons, a segment paying tribute to pioneers of Indian cinema. As names like Bimal Roy, Meena Kumari, Nutan, and Dilip Kumar
Annu Kapoor recalls encounter with Nawazuddin ‘disappointing’
were announced, the audience rose in a standing ovation. At the awards, Laapataa Ladies dominated the evening, winning Best Film and Best Director for ‘Kiran Rao’. ‘Pratibha Rannta’ received the Critics’ Award for Best Actor (Female), while Chhaya Kadam and Ravi Kishan won Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor, respectively. The film also bagged awards for Best Screenplay, Best Dialogue, Best Music Album, Best Background Score, Best Lyrics, and Best Costume.
Rajkummar Rao won the Critics’ Award
for Best Actor (Male) for ‘Srikanth’, and ‘I Want To Talk’ by Shoojit Sircar earned the Critics’ Award for Best Film and Best Adapted Screenplay. ‘Article 370’ was recognised for Best Story, while Kunal Kemmu (Madgaon Express) and Aditya Suhas Jambhale (Article 370) shared the Best Debut Director award.
In debut performances,Nitanshi Goel (Laapataa Ladies) and Lakshya (Kill) won Best Debut Actor (Female) and Male, respectively. Kill also led in technical categories, winning for Action, Sound Design, Editing, Cinematography, and Production Design. Munjya took **Best VFX, and Bad Newz’s Tauba Tauba won Best Choreography.
The ‘Lifetime Achievement Awards’ were presented to Zeenat Aman and Shyam Benegal (posthumously), while the ‘RD Burman Award for Upcoming Talent in Music’ went to ‘Achint Thakkar’ for Jigra and ‘Mr & Mrs Mahi’.
Boney Kapoor confirms Varun Dhawan still a part in ‘No Entry 2’
Swedish actress Elli AvrRam made her Indian television debut on Bigg Boss 7 in 2013, the same year she appeared in her first Hindi film, Mickey Virus. Often linked to Salman Khan’s camp early in her career, Elli, in an exclusive interview with SCREEN, opened up about their bond and his support. Reflecting on their relationship, she said, “I’ve stayed in touch with Salman and recently met him at Ganpati after many years. I’m not great at keeping in touch, I live in my bubble and focus on my work. Living alone in a different country, away from my parents, you have to figure out life on your own. I’ve always tried to do everything independently, even though it can be difficult.”
Elli AvrRam expressed her gratitude for Salman Khan’s support, saying, “He is very protective of his people and has been like an angel in my life. Hearing about other girls’ experiences in the industry has been shocking, and I realised that many are careful around Salman, which has offered me a sense of protection I’m very grateful for.”
On the work front, Elli was last seen in the music video ‘Zaar Zaar' and earlier this year made headlines when photos with content creator Ashish Chanchlani went viral.
Veteranactor Annu Kapoor recently described an encounter with Nawazuddin Siddiqui as “disappointing and uncomfortable.”
He recalled being invited years ago to Goa to host an on-stage interview with Siddiqui, organised by a club. While Kapoor had initially admired Siddiqui’s academic background, a master’s in chemistry, the interaction soon took a negative turn.
On a recent podcast with Shubhankar Mishra, Kapoor said, “He wasn’t giving many answers, so I tried to lighten the mood by asking about his love life. He replied, ‘Many came and went.’ The way he said it made me feel he is a frivolous person. What do you mean by ‘Many came and went’? It felt like a very cheap comment.”
The host noted the interaction seemed uneven, and Kapoor agreed, calling it “largely one-sided.” He added, “He didn’t answer my questions, so I had to keep speaking. Later, the organisers said, ‘Sir, you were the only one talking.’ I told them, ‘If he has nothing to say, that’s on him. He didn’t disrespect me, he disrespected himself.’”
On the work front, Kapoor was last seen in ‘Jolly LLB 3’ (released 19 September), while Nawazuddin Siddiqui will play the villain in ‘Thamma’ alongside Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, hitting theaters on 21 October.
The much-anticipated sequel ‘No Entry 2’ has been making headlines, first for its new cast replacing the original stars, and now amid rumours of actors leaving the project. Producer Boney Kapoor has clarified that reports of Varun Dhawan quitting after Diljit Dosanjh’s exit are false, confirming that both Varun and Arjun remain part of Anees Bazmee’s sequel.
Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, Boney Kapoor confirmed, “We are making *No Entry Mein Entry*, and Varun and Arjun are very much in the film. We are in active discussions to finalise the rest of the cast.”
The sequel was initially reported to have Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Arjun Kapoor in triple roles. While some speculated Diljit left over creative differences, Kapoor clarified it was due to a scheduling clash. Recent reports suggested Varun might step away as well, citing complications after Diljit’s exit, but Kapoor’s statement puts those rumours to rest.
Varun Dhawan’s dates are now tied up with ‘Bhediya 2’, prompting producers to consider cast adjustments. The report added, “Arjun Kapoor remains fully involved, and we are working on alternative arrangements for Varun’s schedule.”
A memorable moment
when Goel nearly tripped on her gown; Shah Rukh Khan quickly steadied her, earning applause
audience.
Abhishek Bachchan Kartik Aaryan
Shah Rukh Khan
Kriti Sanon
Karan Johar
Rajkummar Rao
Akshay Kumar
Atlee says his film ‘AA22 x A6’ will be new, intriguing and addictive
Atlee’s announcement of his film with Allu Arjun sent fans into a frenzy Excitement grew further with Deepika Padukone joining as the female lead Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on AA22 x A6. In an interview with India Today Digital, Atlee said he aims to make the film 'addictive to watch.'
Actor Nayanthara
reflects on 22 years of
acting, shares gratitude
Nayanthara’s
life changed overnight 22 years ago when veteran Malayalam director Sathyan Anthikad cast her opposite superstar Jayaram in Manasinakkare
Since then, she has conquered the Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu film industries
On completing 22 years in cinema, she thanked fans and film lovers in an Instagram story
Nayanthara wrote, '22 years since I first stood in front of the camera, not knowing movies would become the love of my life Every frame, every shot, every silence shaped me, healed me, and made me who I am Forever grateful '
One of India’s highest-paid actresses, she rose to stardom in Tamil cinema, debuting opposite Sarath Kumar in Ayya (2005) and later starring with Rajinikanth, Suriya, and Silambarasan in hits like ‘Chandramukhi’, ‘Ghajini’, and ‘Vallavan’ Nayanthara made her Telugu debut in 2006 opposite Venkatesh in the blockbuster Lakshmi and has spent over 15 years balancing hits across South Indian cinema, especially in Tamil She married director Vignesh Sivan in 2022, and the couple has two children With over 75 films to her credit, she has headlined solo hits like ‘Maya’, ‘Dora’, ‘Aramm’, and ‘Airaa’ Recently, she appeared in Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawaan (her Bollywood debut) and Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food Upcoming projects include Malayalam films Dear Students (with Nivin Pauly) and Patriot (with Mammootty and Mohanlal), and Tamil’s ‘Hi’ (opposite Kavin)
Bad Girl’s actor
Anjali Sivaraman
claps back, confirms she’s Tamilian
Actor Anjali Sivaraman, who recently starred in Vetrimaaran’s Bad Girl, faced an online attack after a troll questioned her identity and casting
Pradeep Ranganathan opens up about hiding film dreams from dad
Instead of retaliating angrily, Anjali responded sassily, clarifying her Tamil roots She shared on Instagram that while she usually avoids calling people out, she couldn’t stay silent this time, posting a screenshot of the abusive message The troll left a hate-filled message attacking Anjali Sivaraman’s casting, questioning her identity, and using abusive language
Atlee spoke about AA22 x A6, sharing that the shoot is progressing as planned He said his team is exploring new ideas to deliver a fresh experience with unique visuals 'The audience is really sweet and keeps pushing m he explained 'After Rajarani, they expected something bigger Their love motivates me, so it’s not a risk I’m enjoying t h e p r o c e s s a n d a i m i n g t o c r e a t e something new, intriguing, and addictive to watch ' H e a d d e d , “ P l e a s e w a i t a f e w months; we ’ re working on some h truly special We’re collaborating h Hollywood professionals, and even they find it a challenging project which makes me believe we are creating something truly big ” The film was announced on Allu Arjun’s 43rd birthday in April, ma k h i s r e t u r n a f t e r t h e b l o c k b u s t e r
Pushpa 2: The Rule A sci-fi actioner, it will also star Deepika Padukone in an a c t i o n - p a c k e d r o l e P r o d u c e d b
Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Pictures, the project features top Hollywood techn i c i a n s , i n c l u d i n g A c a d e m y A w a r d
winner Justin Raleigh (Fractured , William Wright Anderson (co-owner, Lola VFX), and VFX supervisor James Madigan
Pdeep Ranganathan has become a household name with ack-to-back hits ‘Love Today’ and ‘Dragon’, the former also marking his directorial debut
With a flawless record as actor and director, he continues his streak with upcoming releases Love Insurance Kampany and Dude Known for youthful romantic comedies, Pradeep’s p h o cinema wasn’t easy, and he even hid his early struggles from his father
In a chat with Anupama Chopra, Pradeep Ranganathan recalled hiding his film ambitions from his father After quitt his IT job for small ad projects, he confided only in his mother, who kept it secret For a year and a half, his father believed he was working night shifts, while his mother reassured him, “Our poor son worked all night and is sleeping now ”
Responding on social media, Anjali clarified her roots, saying, 'I am Tamilian My mother is Chitra Iyer, my father is Vinod Sivaraman, and my entire family is Tamilian I may not speak Tamil fluently, but I understand it perfectly ' She added, 'I grew up in an English-speaking household and before making baseless judgments, people should do their research '
The ‘Love Today' actor kept up the act until his directorial debut Comali in 2019 “When Comali was about to release, my father finally found out after seeing the ads in the newspaper, ” Pradeep recalled “Till then, I had told my parents I was working night shifts while making a film on the side, and they actuall believed it! That’s the kind of family we are ” Pradeep recalled with a laugh, “My dad thought filmmaking was just a hobby Even after ‘Comali’ became a hit, he asked if ’d go back to work When I said this is my full-time job, he k d ‘Who do you think you are, Mani Ratnam?’”
He now fondly adds that his father is his biggest supporter, p dly keeping his photos and awards Pradeep’s next film, ‘Dude’, co-starring Mamitha Baiju, releases on October 17 al side Dhruv Vikram’s ‘Bison’ and Harish Kalyan’s ‘Diesel’
Helmed by Varsha Bharath and produced by Vetrimaaran’s Grass Root Film Company, along with Anurag Kashyap, Bad Girl is a Tamil coming-of-age film starring Anjali Sivaraman, Shanthipriya, and Hridhu Haroon The film received positive reviews upon release Anjali debuted in the web series PM Selfiewallie (2018), appeared in the Hindi film Cobalt Blue, and gained recognition for Netflix’s Class (2023), adapted from the Spanish hit Elite She made her big-screen debut with Bad Girl in 2025 and has yet to announce her next project
Aryan Khan experimented
with
VFX at 10, made short film with SRK and Suhana
Riding high on the success of his directorial debut
‘The Ba**ds of Bollywood’, now streaming on Netflix, Aryan Khan is making his mark as a filmmaker beyond being Shah Rukh Khan’s son. In a recent interview with Variety, he shared that storytelling has been his lifelong passion.
“Ever since I was a kid, I loved telling stories I enjoy
t h e c o n t r o l b e h
c
d o something you love, it stops
f e e l i n g l i k e w o r k a n d y o u always do your best,” he said Aryan Khan reflected on how his father, Shah Rukh
K h a n , i n t r o d u c e d h i m t o f i l m m a k i n g e a r l y o n “ M y father is extremely detailed a b o u t f i l m m a k i n g V F X , lighting, camera work As a kid, he’d show me how effects
a r e c r e a t e d , l i k e m a k i n g a p l a n e f l y w i t h o u t a c t u a l l y flying It felt like magic,” he recalled
By age 10 or 11, Aryan was already experimenting with VFX on iMovie and editing on F i n a l C u t P r o D u r i n g t h e
p a n d e m i c , h e c o l l a b o r a t e d with friends Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, creating 15–20 short films for aspiring actors and film students
E v e n d u r i n g l o c k d o w n , Aryan and his friends kept
c r e a t i n g “ W e s h o t o n e a t home with my sister Suhana and my dad, and I was just the DOP,” he shared “We were experimenting with storylines and eventually decided to do it on a larger scale ”
Interestingly, Shah Rukh
K h a n o n c e d r e a m e d o f becoming a filmmaker and even enrolled in a course at Jamia Millia Islamia Aryan is n o w l i v i n g t h e d r e a m h i s
father once envisioned
Deepika Padukone becomes India’s first mental health ambassador
OnWorld Mental Health Day, Deepika Padukone announced she has been appointed as the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador Sharing the news on Instagram, she described the honour as ‘deeply humbling
Deepika Padukone shared a picture with JP Nadda and Punya Salila Srivastava, captioning it, 'On World Mental Health Day, I am deeply honoured to be appointed the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador '
She added that under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has taken meaningful steps to prioritise mental health, and through her work with @tlllfoundation, she’s seen the impact of collective efforts She looks forward to working with Shri @jpnaddaofficial and @mohfwindia to further strengthen the country’s mental health framework Ranveer Singh reacted in the comments, writing, 'So proud of you (clapping emoji)(heart emoji)
Deepika Padukone has long championed mental health, founding ‘The Live Laugh Love Foundation in 2015 after seeking professional help for depression On screen, she was last seen in ‘Singham Again' ( 372 crore worldwide), directed by Rohit Shetty and starring Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Kareena Kapoor, and Arjun Kapoor She will next appear in Shah Rukh Khan’s King and Allu Arjun’s upcoming film with Atlee
Bridgerton Star goes full desi at wedding
‘Bridgerton’ star Jonathan Bailey, known for pushing menswear boundaries, recently embraced South Asian fashion for the first time He attended the Italy wedding of actors Anjli Mohindra and Sacha Dhawan in a white kurta paired with a sleeveless Nehru-style jacket, blending his sharp aesthetic with traditional Indian attire The tailored vest featured a high-banded collar and metallic buttons, worn over a flowing kurta and straight-cut trousers He completed the look with glasses hanging from a cord around his neck
The actor’s desi look was a hit online, with fans flooding social media
One X user wrote, “Jonathan Bailey wore a kurta and Nehru jacket and nobody told me? He went full desi I’m cryinggg ” Another expressed delight at seeing him in traditional Punjabi attire Referencing his onscreen romance in *Bridgerton*, an Instagram user joked, “Johnny in Indian attire it’s like the premise of hundreds of Kanthony fanfics ”
Bailey rose to international fame as Viscount Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’, famously marrying Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) The 37-year-old recently starred in ‘Jurassic World
Rebirth’ and will next appear in ‘Wicked: For Good’ alongside Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo He has announced a break from acting to focus on his non-profit, The Shameless Fund, founded in June 2024 to support the LGBTQ+ community through partnerships with global brands
Priyanka
Chopra Jonas rings in Karva Chauth with family festivities
Priyanka Chopra is embracing the festive season while balancing her Hollywood and Indian commitments. The ‘Sky Is Pink’ actress shared glimpses of her Karva Chauth celebrations on Instagram, showing off her intricate mehndi designs with “Nicholas” written at the center of her palm, set to the iconic song Mehndi Hai Rachnewali
Priyanka Chopra also shared a sweet motherdaughter moment, showing her hand alongside her daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas’ tiny palm, both adorned with matching henna by celebrity artist Ishirin Charaniya, whom she tagged in her post
On the work front, Priyanka is set to return to Indian cinema, starring alongside Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu in SS Rajamouli’s upcoming jungle adventure, ‘SSMB29’, filmed in Kenya for authentic locations
According to Telugu Chitraalu, Priyanka Chopra and Mahesh Babu will feature in a high-energy, folk-style dance number in ‘SSMB29’, which also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran Meanwhile, Priyanka is gearing up for ‘Krrish 4 ’ , marking Hrithik Roshan’s directorial debut and her return to one of Bollywood’s biggest superhero franchises
India beat West Indies in second test to sweep series
A dominant India completed a 2-0 ser ie s swe ep ag ain st West Indies following their seven-wicke t victory in the final test at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday
Chasing 121 for victory against a modest West Indies attack, the home side achieved the target in the final day’s morning session with KL Rahul making 58 not out and B Sai Sudharsan contributing 39
“It’s a really big honour and I would say I’m getting used to it,” said home captain Shubman Gill, who registered his first series victory since taking over as test skipper earlier this year “Managing all the players and leading this team is a great honour ”
India won the series opener in Ahmedabad inside three days and put themselves in the box seat in the second match when they amassed 518-5 before declaring their first innings
West Indies folded for 248 in the first innings and were made to follow on The visitors delivered a muchimproved batting display in their second innings and rode hundreds by John Campbell and Shai Hope to post 390 all out to stretch the contest to
its final day
Resuming on 63-1, India needed just an hour to complete the chase, but West Indies managed to grab a couple of wickets courtesy of two superb catches
Touring captain Roston
Chase dismissed Sudharsan with Hope diving to take a low catch in the slip
Gill (13) hit a six and a four before miscuing a ball from Rose Justin Greaves locked on to the swirling ball and ran from midwicket to take a brilliant catch
That was the last of the drama, and Rahul hit the winning boundary to seal India’s win
India spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed a match haul of eight wickets, was named player of the match and teammate Ravindra Jadeja player of the tournament
West Indies captain Chase said his side would take some positives from the defeat “The positives for us in this match was that Campbell and Hope played well and scored hundreds,” he added
“We batted 100 overs after a long time, that was another positive Taking the game to the fifth day, that was great for us ”
India’s tour of Australia begins on October 19 with the first one-day international (ODI) in Perth
Dementia affected football fans' gesture
F o o tb al l fa ns l i vi ng wi th dementi a made histo ry at W emb ley Sta di u m whe n the y j o in ed E ngl and an d Wales players as mascots for their international friendly As part of the o fficial charity pa rtn ers hi p be twee n Alzheimer's Society and The F o o tb al l
walked out and stood fo r the national anthem alongside the players Players of both teams also returned for the second half of the game wearing shirts with their names removed – drawing attention to memory loss, which is one of the most
common symptoms of dementia
A donation from the sale proceeds of the tickets will help fund the charity’s services and dementia research, whilst MatchWornShirt have also
partnered with both The FA and The Football Association of Wales to auction off player shirts from the first half, with a percentage of the proceeds going towards Alzheimer's Society
Kenya's Matata and Rengeruk win Delhi Half Marathon
Ke ny a n lon g- dis ta n ce r un ne r s
stamped their authority on the capital’s streets, storming to victory in the men ’ s and women ’ s elite races respectively at the Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday Matata, who finished runner-up here last year, ran a perfectly-timed race to cross the line in 59:50 seconds, while Rengeruk triumphed in the women ’ s field with a time of 1:07:20 seconds, braving the warm and humid conditions
Both winners pocketed USD 27,000 each for their efforts They were greeted at the finish line by event ambassador and legendary ninetime Olympic gold medallist Carl Lewis
Over 40,000 runners took to the streets of Delhi, participating across multiple categories, including the Half Marathon, Open 10K, Champions with Disability Run, Senior Citizens’ Run, and the Great Delhi Run
It was a dominant display from Matata, who led for the most part of the race He left behind Ethiopia’s Boyelign Teshager (1:00:22 seconds) and compatriot James Kipkogei (1:00:25 seconds) to seal victory
The 28-year-old had earlier this year won the Meishan Renshou Half Marathon, a World Athletics Platinum Label race in China, clocking 59:28 seconds
In contrast, the women ’ s race went down to the wire Multiple world crosscountry medallist and pre-race favourite Rengeruk surged ahead in the final stretch to edge out Ethiopia’s Melal Siyoum Biratu (1:07:21seconds), who was competing in her first race outside her country Ethiopian Mulat Tekle finished third with a time of 1:07:29 seconds
Rengeruk, the reigning Prague half marathon champion, had previously clinched the Bengaluru World 10K crown in India last year
Among the Indians, Abhishek Pal and Seema were the fastest finishers, clocking 1:04:17 seconds and 1:11:23 seconds respectively
