AV 22nd November 2025

CB Patel, Publisher/Editor, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar with Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor at Lancaster House

Russian President Vladimir Putin with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar

MP quits Corbyn’s party over infighting and ‘veiled prejudice’

A d na n Hu s sa i n h as qu i t

Jerem y Co rbyn and Zarah Sultana’s p olitical party, citi ng “ p ersi stent i nf ig h ting ” a nd “ v e il ed p re ju d ic e ” against Muslim men

The Blackburn MP, who sat on Your Party’s steering committee, announced his resignation two weeks before its inaugural conference, deepening a dispute over the party’s f inances Hussain was among four MPs who warned that hundreds of thousands of pounds in donations had become “beyond reach”

He said the party’s culture had devolved into factional battles and power struggles, adding he had witnessed “insinuations” and dismissive attitudes towards Muslim men that echoed rhetoric the left claimed to oppose

The row centres on

Adnan Hussain

funds held by MOU Operations Ltd, a company controlled solely by Sultana Party off icials requested roughly £800,000, but Sultana initially offered £600,000, citing potential liabilities

Her spokesperson said she was working to transfer all funds once costs were settled Your Party has not commented

‘Race sensitivities’ and systemic failures left Sara Sharif unprotected

P ro fe s si o na ls w h o fear ed “ c au s in g o f fe nc e ” m i s s ed critical w arni ng signs that co uld have sav ed ten-yearold Sara S harif, a dam ning sa fe g u ard in g re v i ew h a s fo und Sara, murdered in August 2023 by her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, had begun wearing a hijab at the age of eight, a change that concealed bruises but went largely unchallenged by those responsible for her welfare

The Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership report concluded that “ race was a bar to reporting possible child abuse”, with professionals reluctant to question cultural explanations

Expert advice conf irmed it was “highly unusual” for a child so young, especially in a family where no one else wore a headscarf, to adopt the hijab voluntarily Yet concerns went uninvestigated An occupational therapist later admitted she hesitated to raise the issue for

fear of appearing offensive

The review catalogues widespread failings by Surrey county council, the family courts and Sara’s school Despite her father’s history of domestic violence, including arrests for assaults on women and his own children, a family court judge granted him custody in 2019, accepting an inexperienced social worker’s assessment without suff icient scrutiny Subsequent safeguarding opportunities were repeatedly missed In March 2023, teachers reported bruises on Sara’s face, but key historical concerns were omitted from the referral

The family withdrew her from school weeks later

At the end of her life,

Sara was malnourished , injured and conf ined to the home A home-education visit scheduled for the day before she died went to the wrong address

Her mother, Olga Domin, speaking from Poland, said her daughter “could have been saved” had authorities acted sooner Though she shared parental responsibility, she said she was effectively excluded; “They never contacted me If they thought I was unf it and her father was a criminal, why wasn’t she fostered? She’d still be alive ” Surrey council and police have apologised and pledged to implement all recommendations from the review

Nigel Farage hit by new school racism claims

“jeering” tone to day rem ind s him of troubling mo ments from their school d ays

He told the Guardian that when they were classmates at Dulwich College, a teenage Farage would sometimes come up to him and say, “Hitler was right,” or “Gas them,” occasionally adding a long hiss to imitate gas chambers

Ettedgui, then 13, says he was blindsided by what he describes as a sudden intrusion of antisemitism into his life His account is one of more than a dozen allegations gathered by the Guardian from former pupils who say they wit-

nessed offensive behaviour by Farage during his school years

Others told the newspaper they remembered Farage simply as provocative, attention-seeking and rude, but did not recall the behaviour

described by Ettedgui and others No one claims Farage holds the same views today, but some say the memories have lingered , resurfacing when he discusses issues such as immigration

A number of former pupils told the Guardian what troubles them is the absence of contrition Some admit shame over joining in racist songs as teenagers and question whether Farage has ever reckoned with the past Farage has strongly denied the allegations In legal correspondence to the Guardian, he rejected ever saying anything racist or antisemitic as a teenager and questioned the public interest in revisiting claims from over 40 years ago Reform UK said, “These allegations are entirely without foundation,” adding that no contemporaneous evidence has been produced to support them

Workers Party figure linked to investment scandal

Accord ing to The Times, a

Georg e Galloway’s Wo rkers Party of Britain is em broiled in an al leg

sm all investors out of pocket Ahsan Ullah, once hailed by Galloway as an “outstanding f igure”, became sole director of Avora Capital in November 2024

The property investment f irm, which claimed to fund social housing, is believed to have taken in up to £24 mil-

lion from almost 350 investors in the early 2020s

Investors told The Times that they were promised 8 per cent annual returns and assured their money would go towards homes leased to charities or housing associations on long-term deals But analysis of Land Registry records suggests Avora owns only nine properties worth £1 6 million, far fewer than the 75 units it once claimed

Some investors initially received quarterly dividends, only for payments to

stop after Ullah took over A letter from Avora last September blamed “transitional costs” and promised

payouts within eight weeks, but no money has been released Essex police are now assessing complaints Avora’s accounts show net assets of just £6 8 million, far below what shareholders believe they contributed Ullah denies wrongdoing and says he has acted in the best interests of investors The Workers Party has since cut ties with him, a move he disputes The f irm continues to advertise “hands-free investments” despite the growing concerns

British audiologists arrested at India-Nepal border

Tw o B ri ti s h a ud io l o g is t s volunteering in Nepal hav e been arrested after allegedly crossing into Ind ia with out valid v isas

Shakil Sumithra, 61, from Gloucester, and Hassan Saleem, 35, from Manchester, were part of the Britain Nepal Otology Service (Brinos), a Surreybased charity that runs “ ear camps ” in Nepal The pair were detained on Saturday at Rupaidiha, the main border crossing in Uttar Pradesh One reportedly

wanted to briefly “put a foot in India” out of curiosity

Neil Weil, founder of Brinos, said the two drove from Nepalgunj to the border in their free time without informing the team Sumithra, of Indian heritage with family in India, wanted to step across despite being warned by Nepali authorities Saleem, of Pakistani heritage, accompanied her, which heightened security

concerns amid longstanding India-Pakistan tensions Border security had been tightened following a recent car explosion in Delhi

Ganga Singh Udawat, a central police commandant, said the pair “did not possess a valid Indian visa” and failed to provide a satisfactory reason for entering India

Sumithra is a clinical lead in paediatric audiology at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, while Saleem is a technical instructor at De Montfort University Both institutions, along with the Foreign Off ice, were contacted for comment

Sara Sharif

Peter Ettedgui Nigel Farage

Ahsan Ullah

Hassan Saleem and Shakil Sumithra

Smoke and Mirrors?

The Prime Minister hosted an interfaith reception at 10 Downing Street last Wednesday to celebrate Inter Faith Week, which ran from 9 to 16 November The theme was Community: Together We Serve, and the week included a diverse range of events such as social action projects, dialogue sessions, and cultural activities, all aimed at promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation Many of the events were organised locally by faith groups and community organisations to showcase their contributions and encourage people from all backgrounds to connect

Speaking at the reception, a noteworthy comment by Prime Minister Keir Starmer was about his worry for the nation we are turning up to be He said, “What is our identity? And on the one hand, you've got what I call sort of a patriotic national renewal, a whole country that wants to come together and pull forward for everybody in the country Or toxic division, where we're saying whether it's in real life or online - more division, more abuse, more attacks In politics, rhetoric that I thought we had got past decades ago coming back into politics, whether that's pure racism or other forms of division

“And this is really important to me because I want to serve the whole of this country, the country as it is, in all its reasonableness, its practicalness, its tolerance, its live and let live, and its diversity

“And it s really important that we hang on to that, because I do feel that that is under attack as an idea of who

we are as a country, in a way it hasn't been for many, many years ” (see story on p12)

While Mr Starmer expresses concern for a nation so divided, it was he who referred to the diverse fabric of our nation as an “island of strangers” during an Immigration White Paper press conference, a phrase he later regretted using However, politics is unforgiving, even though public memory is often short-lived The ultimate power held by trade unions and the never-ending debates on immigration are deterrents to a nation being tolerant and diverse, especially when the economy is collapsing The ONS figures released on Tuesday morning, as we went to press, showed that 257,000 British nationals left the country by the end of December 2024, compared to 77,000 previously This exodus is part of a “historic wave of wealth migration,” and the drain of wealth is never good news for any country Harman Narula, boss of the £2 5 billion tech firm Improbable, told the Telegraph he was preparing to emigrate from the UK to the UAE And this is despite the Chancellor trying to prevent the wealthy from avoiding taxes by moving wealth to low-tax jurisdictions A stable country is measured by its growth and integration of diverse communities, not by how many refugees it has allowed or turned back Fifteen years later, the Tories had lost their momentum as the nation yearned for stability and change The Labour Party should strive to be part of the solution, but the internal and external divisions it is currently displaying are far from encouraging

Freebie politics and the erosion of voter judgment

The long-awaited results of the Bihar Assembly elections are finally out The NDA alliance, led by the BJP at the Centre, has secured 202 out of 243 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan under Tejashwi Yadav managed to win only 35 These results came as a shock not just to the Opposition but also to the Ruling Coalition led by Nitish Kumar

This brings us to an important question: Is it truly healthy for any one party to hold unchecked power in a democracy? A strong Opposition is essential for a vibrant democratic system The US Congress offers a good example of this balance, where the Ruling Party and the Opposition counter each other effectively Even a forceful and unpredictable leader like Donald Trump was unable to push his agenda without resistance His difficulties in getting the budget approved, which ultimately led to the longest government shutdown in US history, underline just how vital a robust Opposition is

In the Bihar Assembly elections, the sweeping victory of NDA candidates suggests that many voters may have pressed the EVM buttons without fully considering the long-term implications for their future Indian elections have increasingly come under scrutiny for the growing “freebie culture ” Allegations have surfaced that the Nitish Kumar government deposited Rs 10,000 into the bank accounts of women under an employment scheme just before the elections and that this influenced a large section of women voters to support the NDA in substantial numbers

There’s a well-known saying: “Everything is fair in love and war ” Elections, too, are battles of a kind and political parties are constantly looking for new ways to gain advantage over each other One of the most common tools in this contest is the promise of freebies This trend is not new to Indian democracy Many still remember how the late Jayalalithaa, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, reg-

ularly swept elections by announcing attractive schemes just before polling The “freebie culture” she set in motion has since become a nationwide habit, eagerly adopted by political parties across the country

Whenever elections are announced in any state of India, political parties compete to make increasingly enticing promises to woo voters Bihar was no exception It wasn’t only the NDA alliance that offered benefits, the opposition Mahagathbandhan also promised a list of incentives, including a government job for every family In a state where the annual per-capita income hovers around Rs 72,000, a sudden deposit of Rs 10,000 can understandably sway voter sentiment But decisions driven by short-term gains ultimately harm not just the individual voter, but the state and the nation

Indian politicians seem to have realised that as long as they keep offering freebies, they can retain power Drawn in by these promises, many voters are casting their votes without questioning the long-term consequences The recent Bihar election is a stark example More than 100 winning candidates have serious criminal cases pending against them, including charges of murder, rape, and attempted murder In contrast, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraj Party introduced a slate of highly educated, clean candidates for the first time Yet not even one managed to win This, sadly, shows one of the biggest weaknesses in Indian democracy

Crucial issues such as employment, necessities like food, clothing, and housing, rising prices, education, and healthcare no longer seem to carry weight at the polling booth Instead, short-term freebies have become the main attraction This mindset is pulling the intellectual level of the electorate dangerously low At the very least, voters must recognise that for democracy to remain healthy and vibrant, no single political party should be allowed unchecked power Only with a thoughtful and balanced mandate can India’s democracy truly flourish

Sheikh Hasina’s fall and the shifting South Asian balance

In Bangladesh, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been handed a death sentence by the country’s own International Crimes Tribunal, accused of committing grave human rights violations during the 2024 student uprising

From India’s point of view, this verdict is nothing short of a diplomatic blow Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League have consistently been among India’s strongest allies in the region

The 2024 student movement that unseated Sheikh Hasina was far from a purely domestic matter For years, Pakistan, China, and the United States have attempted to strengthen anti-India elements in neighbouring countries, and they have made considerable headway The political shifts in Sri Lanka and Nepal, the increasingly hostile posture of the Maldives, and Pakistan’s long-standing animosity towards India have all contributed to weakening New Delhi’s influence in South Asia Amid this shifting landscape, Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina remained the one steadfast partner But even there, under the banner of a student uprising, extremist forces succeeded in bringing down a pro-India government and elevating groups with clear anti-India leanings The outcome of this entire sequence is deeply ironic: the very Bangladesh that India helped create by breaking Pakistan into two parts has now found itself sitting in Pakistan’s lap

From India’s perspective, the consequences of Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence are bound to have a ripple effect

With this verdict, the possibility of her returning to Bangladesh has virtually ended and she remains in refuge in India Bangladesh’s acting Prime Minister Yunus has announced parliamentary elections for February 2026, yet without Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, serious doubts loom over the Awami League’s prospects Likely, this paves the way for anti-India forces to take charge in Dhaka Such an outcome would play directly into the hands of Pakistan and China, two nations that have consistently positioned themselves against India’s strategic interests

On the other side, the United States is doing everything it can to pull Pakistan closer After losing strategic ground in Afghanistan, Washington now views Pakistan as essential for maintaining its influence in the Indian subcontinent This is why President Trump has been extending unusual cordiality and attention to Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir

Taken together, these developments show that an axis of anti-India forces is gradually taking shape around the country In response, India will need to recalibrate and strengthen its diplomatic approach, rebuild trust with its neighbours, and proactively counter the emerging strategies being crafted against its national interests

Thought for the week

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

Political Sketchbook

Alpesh Patel

Immigration and What is the Real Issue?

Does immigration strengthen a nation’s economy more than it strains its social fabric?

The treatment is often bipolar: either a panacea for economic dynamism or a threat to cultural cohesion

The UK’s ONS consistently finds that migration boosts labour supply without depressing wages in the long term Migrants tend to be younger and thus contribute more in taxes than they take in services A 2024 Oxford Economics study shows that EU and non-EU migrants each contribute tens of billions more to the Treasury than they cost

Immigrant-founded companies are disproportionately represented in high-growth sectors In the US, over 55% of billion-dollar start-ups have an immigrant founder; the UK’s tech sector shows similar patterns

Economically, the verdict is unambiguous: immigration strengthens growth, productivity, innovation, and fiscal sustainability

The Social Fabric: Perception vs Reality

Public anxiety focuses on pace, not presence

Studies by the British Social Attitudes Survey show that Britons are not opposed to immigration per se - they are concerned about speed, pressure on local housing, and uneven regional distribution

Across Europe, higher migration levels correlate with lower crime rates Social tension arises not from migration, but from political narratives about migration

Canada and Australia absorb proportionally more immigrants than Britain with far less social conflict because integration systems are better structured and expectations are clearer

Why Economics and Sociology Appear to Conflict

The paradox is that immigration’s economic benefits are dispersed, while its social strains are localised

This geographic mismatch fuels resentment despite positive national outcomes

The Psychology of Immigration: Identity Before Data

Public opinion rarely tracks economic evidence People respond to:

-symbolic concerns about identity

-anxiety about rapid change

-political rhetoric

-local visibility of newcomers

-perceived competition for status

-segregation - if communities self-isolate, integration weakens

-underinvestment - rapid population growth without infrastructure expansion causes resentment

-labour exploitation - unethical employment practices depress conditions for all

-perceived unfairness - if newcomers are seen as gaining more from the state than long-term residents, social trust erodes

However, these are failures of policy, not failures inherent to immigration

Social strain is real but preventable, and arises from politics, mismanagement, and narrative manipulation

Thus, the correct framing is not whether immigration is good or bad, but whether societies manage it intelligently: invest in integration distribute migration evenly communicate honestly

celebrate contribution rather than amplify fear

design policies that treat migrants as future citizens, not temporary labour

Those that fail drift into polarisation

Thank you for your continued support for the Essay Competition!

We have received a fantastic number of entries so far. The last date for submission is 30 November, so if you haven’t sent your entry yet, or even if you’d like to make any changes to an entry already submitted — please do so at the earliest

Bollywood star-turned-educator honoured by UK University

Swaroo p Sam pat-Rawal, a ce le bra ted B o ll yw o o d ac tre ss an d f o rm e r M i ss Ind ia, has been awarded a prestig io us Fellow sh ip by th e U ni v e rs i ty o f Worcester in the UK; an in sti tu ti on th at p layed a transform ative ro le in her journey from screen icon to globally reco gnised ed ucator Swaroop, who starred in the beloved Indian sitcom Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi and was crowned Miss

India in 1979, began teaching later in life after a successful career in entertainment

Her passion for education led her to pursue a PhD in Education at the University of Worcester, where she graduated in 2006 Her doctoral thesis explored the use of drama to enhance life skills in children with learning disabilities

R e f l e c t i n g on her F e l l o w s h i p ,

Swaroop said, “It just feels awesome It made me look back at my younger self, when I was such an unsure student, but I came here, and I excelled Worcester was the place I changed, and became super confident, so to be included in the College of Fellows here feels great ”

Her Fellowship comes as she also receives the Education World Educational Researcher TREE Award for 20252026, recognising her as an impactful educator

Swaroop has remained closely connected to the University, visiting regular-

ly when in the UK In 2018, she was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her contributions to education and social change

Swaroop said her time at Worcester was pivotal in her life, “My time studying at Worcester was life changing I learned things beyond my imagination, and when I look back, I realise I wouldn’t have succeeded anywhere else The University of Worcester changed the way I think, it brought out my creativity and it turned me into an academic I’m so proud of the books I’ve written and the conferences I’ve presented at, but it has all come from my time at Worcester ”

Swaroop is married to actor and politician Paresh Rawal, and continues to advocate for inclusive education and creative learning methods

Man found guilty of teen murder

S eeraj Ayub has been conv icted of murdering 1 9-yearo l d A li Ri ya n in a f at al

s h o o ti n g o n Oc to b er 1 9, 20 24 The 24-year-o ld was a rre s ted i n J a nu ar y a nd f o u nd g u il ty f o ll o w i ng a t w o - w eek tr i al at Birmingham Crown Cou rt

Ali was shot on Alderson Road, Washwood Heath, around 10:15 pm and died in hospital two days later

The case was immediately treated as a murder investigation West Midlands Police review of CCTV footage showed Ayub following Ali and a friend on an e-bike in a black Mercedes

Ali and his friend stopped on Alderson Road when a gunshot was fired from a black Mercedes beside them The car followed before a second shot struck Ali A passerby gave him CPR until paramedics arrived, but he died in hospital two days later, on October 21 Ayub fled the country that evening but returned via ferry from Dublin on January 28, when he was arrested Ayub, of Alexander Road, Birmingham, was

Birmingham councillor linked to alleged fugitive in Pakistan

Birm ing ham Liv e reports that a Birmingham councillor said he had “ no idea” a m an he w as tw i c e p i ct ur ed w i th i n P ak is ta n w as an alleg ed international drug smu ggler wanted for trafficking heroin into th e city

Cllr Waseem Zaffar said he was shocked to learn Raja Arshad Billu was wanted when he met him briefly during visits to Mirpur in Pakistani Kashmir Upon discovering Billu’s fugitive status earlier this year, Zaffar immediately notified authorities and shared what little information he had This marks the second time a Birmingham Labour councillor has been asked about awareness of alleged drug fugitives

Last month, Labour councillor Saqib Khan, representing Small Heath, faced criticism for attending his brother Fahan’s wedding in Kashmir while Fahan was on bail for serious UK drug offences Fahan was later sentenced to four years Khan denied knowledge of his brother’s crimes and notified police once aware The Labour Party barred him from standing in 2026 Cllr Zaffar said he had no connection with fugitive Raja Arshad Billu

IN B R I E F COMPASSIONATE KENILWORTH WINS KING’S AWARD 2025

Charity Compassionate Kenilworth has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025, the highest honour for local volunteering groups in the UK, for its work tackling social isolation Founded in 2019 during the pandemic by 500 volunteers the group will receive a crystal and certificate from Warwickshire’s Lord-Lieutenant Tim Cox and attend a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace next year Founder Pauline Hayward said: We are deeply honoured to receive The King s Award This belongs to every volunteer, partner, funder, and resident who helps make our community so connected The charity said the award reflects the compassion, kindness and teamwork in the community and thanked volunteers and local organisations for their support “Your belief allows us to reach those who need connection most,” it added “Thank you for trusting us and sharing your stories Together, we’re proving that care and kindness can achieve amazing things Congratulations to our town ”

UNIVERSITY TEAM STUDIES YOUTH VIEWS ON KNIFE CRIME

found guilty of murder after previously pleading not guilty Senior Investigating Officer Jenny Birch said: “I hope this verdict brings some peace to Ali's family

Our team worked tirelessly and I’m pleased justice has been secured ” Ayub will be sentenced later this year

Billu, 29, was accused of importing heroin in rice cookers after a National Crime Agency operation His co-accused, Qaiser Khan, was jailed for seven years, while Billu fled on bail; 1 3kg of heroin was later found at his Sparkhill address He remains wanted in the UK and is linked to a multimillion-pound trafficking ring in Mirpur

Cllr Zaffar said he only knew Billu as a prominent community member, had no idea of his alleged crimes, and reported what he learned to police and the Labour Party By contrast, Cllr Saqib Khan lost his 2026 selection after attending his brother’s wedding

TikTok star brings dhol to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ stage

T ikT o k m us ici an J os h Kapur h as become the first d hol player to perform on ‘ Strictly C ome

D anc i ng ’ F r o m

Wh i t m o re R ea ns ,

Wo l v er h am p t o n, h e played during Balv inder

S o p al a nd J u li an C a il lo n ’ s P u nj ab i B h ang ra C o u p l e ’ s

Ch oice d ance

Kapur, who has nearly 300,000 followers, credited the “ power of social media” after Ed Sheeran reposted a TikTok of him playing the dhol to Sheeran’s latest hit, ‘Sapphire’

The 19-year-old, now from Telford, said Sopal specifically want-

ed a dhol player for her Sapphire routine, and an internet search led to his “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity “Being on stage for the first time, on live TV, representing my culture and my family, was the best I felt like a celebrity,” he said Sopal called Kapur’s performance “ awesome, ” while partner Julian Caillon said it “brought the heartbeat” to the routine Kapur rehearsed for a week and felt the pressure when meeting Dave

Arch and the band: “I was scared, but everything I’d practised went exactly as I wanted ” He said the response has been overwhelming, with his phone “ not stopping

ringing” after the show “I couldn’t have done it without my parents,” he added “When I first started making dhol videos for TikTok, I was making such a racket at home, but they’ve always supported me ” Kapur said he was “ so proud” to represent the dhol community The 19-year-old, a second-year maths and computer science student at the University of Birmingham, said he hopes to take his music “to the next level” and one day perform with artists like Ed Sheeran

A research team at the University of Wolverhampton is launching a pilot study to tackle knife crime among young people Led by Dr Mahuya Kanjilal and in collaboration with The Way Youth Zone the project will explore youths knowledge and views on knife crime Advisor Dr Opinderjit Takhar said the work is vital locally and nationally adding that it involves schools, politicians, and community groups to address the growing problem and support bereaved families The team also includes Dr Antigonos Sohos, a reader in applied psychology, and postgraduate researcher David Martin Using a peer research approach, the project empowers young people to explore knife crime by answering three key questions: what they know, why they get involved, and how it can be reduced in Wolverhampton Findings, due by year-end, will inform local strategies and policy Dr Kanjilal said the project aims to “listen to young people and reflect real experiences” through The Way Youth Zone

ASSAULTS AND DRUG USE SOAR AT LEICESTER JAIL

An inspection has found high levels of violence and drug use at overcrowded HMP Leicester continue to put staff and prisoners at risk HM Inspectorate of Prisons carried out unannounced visits between 18–25 August 2025 finding safety and purposeful activity had “deteriorated,” with the highest assault rate among comparable reception prisons The report recorded 114 assaults on staff, 143 on prisoners and a 29% positive drug test rate, noting delays in substance misuse support and weak oversight of drug reduction efforts The MoJ said staff were receiving extra training to reduce violence HMP Leicester, a reception prison holding inmates short-term from the courts was found to be under pressure with more than 300 men in an ageing Victorian building Many prisoners spent long periods locked in cramped poorly ventilated cells with damaged floors and windows often less than two hours out at weekends Inspectors noted positives, including good access to social visits, a popular refurbished gym, generally respectful staff-prisoner relationships, and improvements in staff retention Self-harm rates had fallen, but 23% of prisoners still felt unsafe and 40% reported bullying or victimisation, which remained a concern

Swaroop Sampat-Rawal with Professor David Green CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester

Seeraj Ayub

Cllr Waseem Zaffar (right) with Raja Arshad (left) pictured at a house in Mirpur

Josh Kapur

Swaroop delivers a speech as she is made a Fellow of the University of Worcester

Mahmood vows to accelerate deportations of foreign national offenders

H o m e S ec ret ary S h ab an a M ah m o o d h as u nv ei le d th e bigg est o verhaul of asylum laws in th e U K in 40 years

The proposed changes include forcing refugees to return to their home countries if deemed safe, extending the wait time for those arriving illegally to apply for permanent settlement from five years to 20, and potentially removing financial support for families with children under 18 if their asylum claims are rejected

The package is inspired by Denmark’s stricter approach and has sparked fierce opposition within the Labour Party, raising fears of a rebellion

In a Commons speech, Mahmood argued that the asylum system feels “out of control and unfair,” warning that failure to reform could fuel further resentment

The ONS has replaced the outdated International Passenger Survey (IPS) with new administrative databases (RAPID/HOBI) for more accurate migration figures The result is a revised net migration estimate that is 97,000 lower for the 2021-2024 period, driven by a greater increase in emigration (people leaving) compared to immigration Government unveils major asylum and immig ratio n policies

Under the new rules, asylum status will be temporary, reviewed every 30 months, with

possible forced returns if the home country is deemed safe (mirroring Denmark) The wait time for permanent residence is extended from five to 20 years However, a new "work and study" visa route will allow faster settlement and is the only way for refugees to sponsor family members

The government is overhauling the asylum appeals system by replacing multiple appeal routes with a single consolidated process, managed by a new independent body Simultaneously, it plans to significantly restrict the application of the right to family life under ECHR Article 8, permitting only immediate family members, such as children or parents, to remain in the UK Additionally, the Modern Slavery Act will be reformed to require asylum seekers to disclose trafficking claims early, thereby preventing last-minute exploitation of the legislation

The government also intends to end the legal duty to provide asylum seekers with guaranteed housing and financial support, except for those who are destitute Asylum seekers with assets will need to contribute to accommodation costs, mirroring Denmark’s system The use of hotels for housing asylum seekers will end by 2029, saving the government £5 77mn per day

The UK plans to introduce new legal refugee routes featur-

ing an annual cap on numbers These routes will include community-led sponsorships, similar to the "Homes for Ukraine" scheme, and an expansion of the Displaced Talent Mobility pilot to let businesses sponsor at-risk individuals to fill skills gaps

Those arriving through these routes will have a streamlined ten-year path to settlement The government will impose visa penalties on countries that fail to cooperate with return policies, including visa bans on nations with high asylum claims, such as Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo India is also being considered for similar sanctions

To enhance enforcement, the UK will roll out AI-driven tech-

nology to verify asylum seekers age and introduce a digital ID system to streamline right-to-work checks and combat illegal employment

Labour d ivided ov er reform s

Former Labour frontbencher Richard Burgon called the policy “ a desperate attempt to triangulate with Reform,” while Ian Lavery questioned whether the party was “in the right place” if the Tories and Reform supported it Stella Creasy warned the plans would leave refugees in “ a permanent sense of limbo,” and Nadia Whittome MP labelled it “shameful” that a Labour government was undermining the rights of people who have suffered trauma Lord Dubs, a Labour Peer and child refugee from the Holocaust, accused Mahmood of “using children as a weapon ” He argued that children with family in the UK should be reunited with them, calling family reunion the “right thing to do ”

The plans have also garnered support from MPs across other parties Tory leader Kemi Badenoch described the measures as "positive steps; baby steps, but positive nonetheless " Reform MP Danny Kruger, who switched from the Tories earlier this year, echoed the sentiment, stating, "I recognise the rhetoric of the Home Secretary, she’s announced a plan to restore order and control, while we have our own plan for restoring justice "

Mothers fleeing abuse with children overseas face criminal charges

A new legal amend ment proposes to crim inalise m others fleeing d om estic violence who take their children ov erseas with out p ermission

This change, which is part of a proposed amendment to the crime and policing bill, is supported by fathers' rights groups and the Reunite International charity The amendment has yet to be debated in parliament and is currently being considered by the House of Lords

If passed, the new law will criminalise a parent who remains abroad with a child without the other parent's permission Critics argue this amendment to the Child Abduction Act 1984 undermines the Hague Convention and the UK's domestic abuse principles, which prioritize child safety

Currently, retaining a child overseas is a civil matter, though taking them abroad without consent is already a crime Statistics show that roughly 75% of these overseas abductions are by primary-carer mothers fleeing domestic abuse; the UK sees about 500 new parental abduction cases annually

Charity CEO Roz Osborne confirms the vast majority of child abductions are by mothers fleeing abuse who are often unaware they are acting illegally She warns that the proposed seven-year prison sentence is a severe deterrent An advocate, Ruth Dineen, stated the law could force children to return alone to potentially abusive fathers, or result in protective mothers facing jail and separation from their children

Shabana Mahmood

British Indian charities among King’s Awards honourees

This year ’ s King’s Awards for V o lu nta ry S ervi ce ( K AV S ), announced for King Charles I II ’ s 7 7 th birt hday , reco gn is ed 23 1 o rgan is ati o ns, i nc lu di ng Bri ti s h Indi an c h ari ti es and c o m mu ni ty groups A Manchester-based M u s li m S c o ut gr ou p w as also honoured with the UK’s top award for local volunteers

Gun salutes rang out near Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey’s bells tolled to mark the King’s birthday, as Buckingham Palace released a new photo of Charles at Sandringham The monarch spent the day in Wales with Queen Camilla, attending a reception in Merthyr Tydfil

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) confirmed the 2025 KAVS list, recognising groups across the UK supporting mental health, youth services, environmental work, and community care

“These awards celebrate volunteers who give their time, energy, and compassion to their communities,” said Stephanie Peacock, minister for civil society

Honourees include London-based Yog Foundation for promoting mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing, while West Midlands groups Saathi House and Nishkam Healthcare Trust were recognised for supporting diverse young people and delivering values-led healthcare

Sir Martyn Lewis, chair of KAVS, said the awards honour “remarkable citizens transforming local communities ” This year ’ s list includes 185 organisations from England, 25 from Scotland, 16 from Northern Ireland, and 5 from Wales,

with 78% based outside London

Among the recipients is the BMHC Scout Group in Manchester, based at the British Muslim Heritage Centre Since 2014, the group has supported over 150 young people, with a focus on leadership, teamwork, community engagement, and empowering girls and young women

Dr Afzal Khan, MP for Manchester Gorton, called the award “fantastic news for Manchester,” highlighting the group ’ s role in building confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging among young people

Avanti Schools receive multiple accolades in Edurio 2025

A va n ti Sc hool s T rus t received recogni tion in the 2 025 Edurio Awards, with multiple schools honoured for their achievements

Krishna Avanti Primary (Harrow), Avanti House Primary (Stanmore), Krishna Avanti Primary (Leicester), and Avanti House Secondary all earned accolades from Edurio, which surveys pupils, parents, staff, and stakeholders

The national awards celebrate the top 10 performing schools, while regional awards recognise the best school in each category

Avanti House Secondary School (Stanmore) won the national Pupil Choice Award and the Listening & Acting Award for Pupil Feedback Krishna Avanti Primary (Harrow) also received the national Pupil Choice Award

In the regional awards, Krishna Avanti Primary (Leicester) won both the

Pupil Choice Award and the Listening & Acting Award, while Avanti House Primary (Stanmore) earned the Listening & Acting Award for Pupil Feedback Dr James Biddulph MBE, CEO of Avanti Schools Trust, expressed pride in the recognition of several schools with Edurio Awards, saying, "These awards are a testament to the dedication, care, and commitment of our staff, communities, and students in fostering environments where everyone can thrive "

He added, "Receiving multiple Edurio awards reflects the Avanti Way in action, highlighting our shared commitment to educational excellence, character development, and spiritual insight Listening to our school communities and acting on their feedback is central to continuous improvement, and these awards demonstrate that our efforts are making a real impact in shaping compassionate, spiritually-minded changemakers "

Celebrating the life of late Mrs Sudha Rasik Bhatt

Among those who have made significant contributions to our weekly, we remember the late Sudhaben Rasikbhai Bhatt with deep sorrow and affection It has been one year since she embarked on her eternal journey

After migrating from Kenya to the UK in 2013, she became a regular correspondent, writing thoughtful letters to the Editor in both Gujarati and English, leaving a lasting impact on our publication She lovingly made a memory book where she pasted cuttings of all her letters, all in all nearly 90 such letters! Unfortunately, from 2020 onwards, her reading and writing gradually declined, and the blankness in her book became apparent She was

diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2022 Surrounded by her family, Sudhaben breathed her last on 16 November 2024

Even towards the end of her life, she continued to bring smiles to everyone ’ s faces with her unique sense of humour As a tribute to her remarkable life, her son, Jaimin Bhatt, who is a consultant urological robotic surgeon in Glasgow, has been appointed as an Ambassador for Alzheimer Scotland

Born in Zanzibar on 16 December 1939, Sudhaben grew up as someone who stood for truth and justice, while embracing equality, inclusivity and diversity, and had best friends from all ethnic backgrounds and religions She was a devout Hindu herself who helped countless lives After moving to Kenya in 1964, she got married to Rasiklal Bhatt in 1966 Nairobi (Kenya) became her ‘Karma Bhumi’ (land of action), where she not only cared for her in-laws but also raised three children She was always ready to help those in need and frequently organised events to raise funds for the community She remained the heart and soul of the community It was little surprise that she requested her family, just before getting dementia, to take her back home to her beloved Nairobi for her ‘antim yatra’ (final journey)

May her soul rest in eternal peace

Aum Shanti

London bus driver Sangeeta Birdi aims for boxing world championship

Sa nge eta Bi rd i i s on the brink of making history as she aims to become the first Punjabi Sikh woman to win a worl d b oxi ng c hampionship Born in Toronto and moving to the UK at age 10, Birdi discovered her love for the sport at 20 while out with friends

“I’d never seen boxing before, but when Amir Khan’s fight came on the screen, I just fell in love,” she

recalled “The next morning, at 4am, I was in the gym, thanks to my mum ’ s friend who introduced me to a coach ” Her natural talent was quickly recognised, and Birdi has since claimed multiple titles, including the WBC of India, PST of Tanzania, and the International UBL title, the latter two won in a single night with a knockout just 30 seconds into the second round

Despite her boxing success, Birdi works full-time as a London bus driver, which allows her the flexibility to train while raising her eightyear-old daughter “At school, she proudly tells everyone, ‘My mummy ’ s a champion,’” Birdi said, tearfully adding, “That’s everything, I’m inspiring her ” She credits her achievements to her family and faith, especially her mother,

who was initially shocked by her boxing but now supports her fully “I owe her the world,” Birdi said With two years left in her career, Birdi is determined to make history “I’ve had more downs than ups, but I’m still standing I was the first Punjabi Sikh woman in the UK ring, and soon, I’ll be the first Sikh world champion It’s written in my hands, I can feel it ”

Mrs Sudha Rasik Bhatt

A memory book with nearly 90 cuttings of her heartfelt letters compiled by Sudhaben

King Charles III

Sangeeta Birdi

Odisha Diaspora celebrates maritime heritage at UK House of Lords

The Odia diaspora celebrated Bali Yatra in London on November 1516, highlighting Odisha’s rich maritime legacy and cultural heritage

A G

Heritage Summit at the House of Lords on Friday traced the histori-

c

(ancient sailors) and explored the

Riddlesdown Collegiate, Croydon,

s

through music, dance, and cuisine

Arun Kar, founder of Xpertnest and one of the summit organisers, said, “This summit is a remarkable opportunity to showcase Odisha’s

emerging leadership in the global economy, celebrating history and sustainable innovation ”

thought leaders attended, focusing on circular economy, sustainability, and international collaboration

Sweta Mohanty, spokesperson of the organising committee, noted that parliamentarians were briefed on the historical significance of Bali Yatra to build cultural awaren

Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was also played, and attendees took a pledge to advance sustainability inspired by Odisha’s ancient seafarers

The event drew UK parliamentarians, shadow ministers, mem-

Boita Bandana, Odissi dance performances by Avirup Sengupta and Adwiti Pattanayak, an Odia feast, and over 50 stalls featuring crafts, art, and property showcases

More than 600 people attend-

lieutenant Col Ray Wilkinson

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma engages with diaspora

As sa m Chi ef Mi

s ter H ima nta

Biswa Sarma on Sunday met members of the Indian diaspora and the Assamese community in London, spotlighting Assam’s rich cultural heritage and its expanding global presence

Kingdom is centred on facilitating the return of the sacred Vrindavani Vastra, a 16th-century textile masterpiece created by Mahapurush

S

held at the British Museum On his first day in London, he toured the

ment aims to incorporate international best practices

H

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British Museum w

Mahatma Gandhi Leadership Award honour global leaders

The Mahatma Gandhi Leadership Awards ce leb rated fi gures promotin g leadership, compassi on, and c ultural unity at the Lord May or of Oxf ord’ s C oun c il Chamber Organised by the NRI Welfare Society (UK Chapter), the event honoured contributions to cross-cultural understanding and peace, attended by global leaders in cl udi ng Mar k Ly go, L ubna Arshad, and Dr Deepak Singh Awards were presented by Mr

Lygo and Ms Arshad, with Yana

Gandhi’s legacy and celebrating

leadership, creativity, and cross-cultural connection

Iqbal Singh and R a v i n d e r S i n g h Johal of Ballantines LLP were also hon-

visit and its reflection on India–Oxford ties and interfaith under-

standing The ceremony received a m e s s a g e f r o m U K P r i m e Minister Sir Keir Starmer praising India–UK cultural and humanitarian links

Ms Flame thanked the NRI Welfare Society (UK Chapter), Dr Deepak Singh, Ms Lubna Arshad, and Mr Mark Lygo for the award, supporters of Flame International for promoting creativity and leadership, and her husband for his steadfast support

Vrindavani Vastra to Assam on a loan basis

Describing the textile as a “timeless masterpiece,” Sarma

Sankardev’s devotion and creativity and serves as a living testament to Vaishnava culture “Our government has begun the process to bring this historic treasure back to A

Vikas and Virasat continue to be the pillars of our governance, ” he added

Sarma had previously shared progress on the textile’s return in August The British Museum has a

Vastra for 18 months in 2027 The Assam government has allocated land for a dedicated museum, to be built under the CSR initiative of JSW Group

British Museum Director Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE reaffirmed the museum ’ s support, highlighting its commitment to preserving Assamese textile traditions Pushes for return of

bers of Labour Friends of SouthEast Asia, delegates from Africa,

Performers at the event

Himanta Biswa Sarma

Dignitaries present at the event

Golden Tours CEO wins two categories at the Forty Under 40 UK Awards

Golden Tours CEO Mikesh Palan, has been honoured with two major awards at the prestigious Forty Under 40 UK Awards, inc ludin g the evening’s final and most c ove ted a cc ola de, “ F i rs t

Among Equals”

The Forty Under 40 Awards celebrate exceptional young leaders across the UK who demonstrate outstanding innovation, leadership, and impact Mikesh’s recognition reflects his strategic vision, commitment to excellence, and his ongoing efforts to redefine the London tourism experience

Under Mikesh’s leadership, Golden Tours has expanded its portfolio of tours, experiences, and city operations while investing in innovation, technology, and partnerships that continue to elevate the industry He is the son of Nitin Palan MBE and Kamu Palan who founded Golden Tours in 1984

Speaking about winning the awards, Mikesh said, “These awards may have my

name on them, but they truly reflect the dedication and passion of our entire team

“Golden Tours is a proud family business; everything we achieve today is thanks to the incredible people across our organisation who bring the energy and passion to make London unforgettable for our guests I am truly honoured to work with such amazing people and humbled by this recognition ”

The awards also highlighted Golden Tours’ con-

tribution to UK tourism, one of the country’s most important industries, supporting jobs, economic growth, and world-class visitor experiences

Established more than 40 years ago, Golden Tours operates Hop-on, Hop-off open top bus tours, day trips across the UK, Warner Bros Studio Tour London transportation, Afternoon Tea experiences, and a wide portfolio of attractions and experiences Golden Tours is also the official Gray Line licensee for London

A promise for inspiring the next generation

Radhika Thakrar

The L IB F E x po 2 02 6

M umba i Ca lli n g d in ne r or gan is e d b y t he Lohan a C ommuni ty Uni te d Kingdom was an informative a nd a we ll -c oordi n ate d event

The dinner was excellent, and the discussions provided valuable insights into the upcoming business forum and its vision to connect and empower Lohana entrepreneurs globally However, it would have been encouraging to see more young people in attendance, as the entrepreneurial spirit seems to have been stronger in our parents’ and ancestors’ generations Supporting and mentoring the younger generation who may have different skills, talents, and aspirations would help ensure the continuity and growth of our community’s business legacy It would also be helpful if future events provided more details about accommodation and travel arrangements for participants I would very much like to attend and be involved in

future initiatives, but I am uncertain about where to begin or how best my own skills and talents could contribute to this vision It would be wonderful to have clearer guidance or mentorship opportunities to help individuals like myself understand how we can play a meaningful role in strengthening and expanding the Lohana business network

While financial investment is undoubtedly important in driving business and community growth, it is equally vital to recognise

SGVP Gurukul family hosts grand Shakotsav celebration in London

Inspired by Swami Shri Madhavpriyadasji, President of the SGVP Gurukul family, a grand Shakotsav celebration was held in London on Sunday 9 November 2025 at SKLPC Sports and Community Centre in Northolt

Thi s yea r, Sha kot sa v had a special si gnificanc e as it was observed as the ‘Celebration of Hi n dui s m ’ Duri n g t he

Sats ang as sembly, an audiovisual presentation highlighte d th e wo rl d- c la s s ‘Sarvajivhitavah’ humanitarian i niti ative s b ein g ca rried out un de r t he g ui da nc e of Swami shri Madhavpri yadas ji I n hi s v i de o b le s s i ng s, Sw am i s hri ex pla i n

by the devotion of the villagers of Loya and the Darbar of

ed the ver y f i rst Shakotsav to support and uplift the farmers of Loya, Nagadka and nearby regions

Reflecting on solutions to today’s challenges, Swamishri noted, “In the present age, wealth and material resources are not the real concerns The true struggle lies in finding ‘ peace of mind’ People are now facing mental health issues that were virtually unheard of before To stay protected from such conditions, experts advise living among people, singing together, dancing together and seeking guidance from a trusted counsellor when needed ”

On this occasion, Swamishri warmly appreciated and congratulated the donors and volunteers who support the education of girls studying free of charge at SGVP Gurukul’s Droneshwar branch Vatsalyamurti Pujya Purani Swami Shri Ba lkrishnadasji also conveyed his congratulations to the organisers through his video blessings Sw a mish r i Ra msu khd a sji, the coordinator of SGVP International School,

that time is an even more valuable resource The willingness to dedicate time whether through mentoring, volunteering, or sharing knowledge can create lasting impact and inspire others to follow in the same spirit

True progress often comes not just from money, but from the time and commitment people are willing to give to a shared cause

Overall, the initiative to unite and uplift the Lohana community globally is highly commendable and holds great promise for inspiring the next generation

The global travel community gathered at World Travel Market London on 4-6 November, where Taj Hotel's team reconnected with valued partners and forged new relationships at the IHCL stand To mark the occasion, Taj hosted an exclusive India Evening cocktail reception on 4 November celebrating the rich heritage diverse flavours, and warm hospitality that define Taj Taj was delighted to welcome over 400 guests - including dignitaries, trade partners, esteemed clients, and friends of Taj - for an unforgettable evening of connection and celebration

encouraged parents to instil strong values in their children and ensure they remain rooted in their studies and connected to Hindu culture

As part of the Shakotsav, S a d hu Bhaktivendantdas delivered an insightful discourse on the theme ‘Celebration of Hinduism’ S w a mi S hr u tiv a l l a bhd a sji and S w a mi Divyasagardasji provided valuable guidance to the volunteers who helped make the festival a grand success

A very large number of devotees from London as well as from various other regions attended to experience the joy of the Shakotsav Among the distinguished guests present were councillors from different areas, S ha sh i Ve ka r ia (Chairman, Vascroft Contractors), Ma vj i V a r sa ni (President, Kutchi Leva Patel Samaj), Shri RP P at e l (President, Vishv Umiya Foundation), along with representatives from Jalaram Mandir, Asian Foundation and several other organisations

Under the guidance of Rav ji Hira ni, Go v ind bha i K e ra i and Gov ind bh a i Ra g h va ni, trustees of the Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Parivar UK, a large team of volunteers, including Mahesh Vora , D inesh Ja d hv a and many others, made excellent preparations to enhance the Shakotsav celebrations

At the conclusion of the gathering, devotees partook of the prasad and enjoyed the joy and spirit of the Shakotsav

Bhajan Bhojan at Gujarat Hindu Society, Preston

encouraging

For the past 35 years, the G uj ara t Hi ndu S o ci ety (GHS) in Preston has proudly hosted ‘Bhajan Bhojan’, a m o nth l y p ro gram m e th at e nco u rages c h il dren as young as three to engage in devotional singing

Sponsored each month by a dedicated devotee, the event provides a warm and inclusive environment for families to come together in prayer, music, and community spirit

The programme begins at 11 in the morning, with young children singing bha-

jans and dhuns, supported by Tarlikaben Navekar and her team Talented young musicians also participate, with children playing tabla alongside adults accompanying them on harmonium

This intergenerational collaboration nurtures musical skills while strengthening cultural and spiritual connections

Following bhajans, children lead arti, after which everyone is invited to partake in prasad On average, more than 200 people attend each ‘Bhajan Bhojan’,

reflecting the programme ’ s popularity and the strong sense of community it fosters

Over the years, this initiative has helped many young participants develop confidence, sing bhajans proficiently, and gain a deeper understanding of their meaning It stands as a shining example of partnership between the mandir, parents, and children learning together and sharing a delicious hot meal prepared by the volunteer ladies’ team

Bhajan Bhojan,

children to engage in devotional singing at GHS, Preston

Dr Christopher Williams-Martin and Mikesh Palan

go, B ha gwa n Shr ee

Swami narayan, deeply touched

Sura khac har , org ani s

Radhika Thakrar with CB Patel, Publisher/Editor, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar

Navnat Vadil Mandal honours the incredible ladies of the kitchen committee

O n Fri d ay 1 4 No ve mbe r, N a v n a t V a d i l M a nd a l ( N V M) h

ci

rogramme to honour the

k

by B

w arm and me mora ble ce lebrati on

making it a truly memorable gathering that celebrated the spirit of community and togetherness

TAL celebrates Children’s Day

C hildr en's Da y celebrat ions in Feltha m Assem bly Hall, L ondon

Sh ah, complete with cake cutting The celebration was requested by his daughter D ip t i be n McGov er n, who also made a generous donation of £273 to NVM for the occasion

The morning programme was followed by a delicious lunch generously sponsored by A t u l bh a i V ira ni and family Prayers

The event opened with prayers led by Ansu ya be n Ba vish a, joined in unity by the entire kitchen committee and members of the NVM committee The atmosphere was filled with gratitude, laughter, and heartfelt appreciation,

Bansariben extended a heartfelt thanks to the NVM committee for their support, to K i sh o r e bh a i Ba tav ia for managing the audio visuals with care, and to Mina ben Sangh ani for beautifully capturing the moments through photography Special thanks was conveyed to all attendees whose presence made the event truly joyful

Adding to the warmth of the morning was a surprise 91st birthday celebration for S u r ya k a n t bh a i

were recited by Atulbhai Virani and N a l in bh a i Ud ani before lunch

As announced during the variety show (7 November), Bh a n u be n Su kh i Sha h gifted £50 each to the kitchen committee ladies

Vadil's Variety Show: A celebration of culture and community

Bansri Rupani, Joint Secretary, NVM

T he Navnat Vad il M andal's Variety Sh ow h eld on Frid ay morning was a joyful and c u lt u ral ly r i ch g a th er in g th at bro u g h t together talent, tradition, and com munity spirit

Coordinated by Purnimaben Meswani and Bansariben Rupani, the morning was filled with vibrant performances that delighted attendees and showcased the creativity of participants

Compered with charm and warmth by Jashuben Sheth, the event unfolded with a delightful sequence of performances:

The show began with a serene and graceful prayer dance, setting a peaceful and respectful tone for the morning

Traditional Gujarati folk dances and devotional performances brought energy and colour to the stage, celebrating heritage through rhythmic movement, festive attire, and spiritual melody

vating the audience with its expressive tones

The event concluded with a heartfelt dance tribute to Bollywood legend Sridevi, blending nostalgia and admiration through

expressive choreography and iconic music

More than 400 people attended the event where students of TAL Culture Center (TCC) along with other children entertained the audience with classical music and traditional dance performances Awards were presented to winners of Telugu Speaking competitions hosted in multiple locations across the country aimed at promoting the language which was warmly welcomed by the Telugu fraternity

Chief Guest, The Worshipful Mayor of Hounslow, Coun cillor Amy C roft, congratulated all the

children who actively participated in this unique event She extended her praise to all the volunteers of TAL for their services She added that London thrives because of communities like TAL that celebrate diversity and inspire the next generation Culture Trustee Sree dev i

A short play added humour and storytelling to the lineup, engaging the audience with its relatable themes and expressive acting

A highlight of the morning, the kitchen committee ladies took to the stage with a confident and elegant catwalk, celebrating their spirit and style

Adding further excitement to the morning, the NVM committee men showcased their enthusiasm and unity through a lively and entertaining dance performance It was energetic, fun, and thoroughly entertaining

A soothing and melodious violin and drums added a touch of elegance and musical artistry to the programme, capti-

We were honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Harrow, Anjanaben Patel, whose attendance added a special significance to the occasion and was warmly appreciated by all As she shared:

"It was truly inspiring to witness the vibrant spirit and cultural richness of the Vadil community Events like these remind us of the strength found in unity and tradition I feel privileged to have been part of such a meaningful celebration "

The morning was a testament to the vibrancy and unity of the community, leaving everyone uplifted and inspired A heartfelt thanks to our wonderful compere Jashuben Sheth, and to all the participants whose enthusiasm and dedication made the event truly memorable A special thanks to Kishorebhai Batavia who compiled the music for the performances and Hasmitaben Doshi for the decorations

who led the event along with the cultural team and numerous volunteers for helping to make this programme a success She said it was gratifying to see participation from many young volunteers which was an inspiration for many

Mayor of Rushcliffe Council inaugurates Samarpan Meditation Retreat Centre

Sa ma rpan Meditation Trust UK we lcomed the Ma yor of R u sh cl iff e C o un ci l , Jo hn Cott ee, and his wife on 1 6 Nove mb er 2025 to officia lly ina ugura te the newly compl eted Samarpa n Medita tion Y og a R e t r e a t Ce n t r e - in Nott in ghamshire

Coordinator, the Communications Team, the Construction Team, and numerous dedicated volunteers whose collective efforts contributed to the successful development and launch of the Centre With leadership from Managing Trustee

ly open the Meditation Hall to the public The inauguration was followed by a guided meditation session, a celebratory toast, and light refreshments With the Centre now fully operational, visitors Founded in 1999 in India by H H Sh r ee

This landmark event marks a significant milestone for the Shree Shivkrupanand Swami Trust, commemorating 25 years of Samarpan Meditation in the United Kingdom

The ceremony brought together past trustees, area heads, the Centre

Paras Meisheri and support of current trustees M ansukh Shah and Em ma Dol man , and advisor Dilip Patel , the event ran smoothly and was met with heartfelt enthusiasm

A highlight of the day was the Mayor cutting the ceremonial ribbon to official-

, Samarpan Meditation has expanded to over 72 c ount r i es worldwide by 2025, touching the lives of millions Its simple, accessible method enables individuals from all walks of life to experience deep peace and spiritual growth

1700s Sikh scripture brought to Leith Gurdwara

S i kh s fr om a cr o ss Scotland came to gether to see a rare 17 00s h andw ritten co p y of th e Gu ru G ran th Sahib

For the first time in 175 years, the ancient scripture was brought out of the University of Edinburgh for a special ceremony at Edinburgh Gurdwara in Leith Discovered in the university’s digital archives in 2020, it’s thought to be the oldest of its kind in the UK Due to its delicate condition, the book was transported in a special convoy for a brief visit, with no flash photography allowed The holy book arrived in a box draped in ornate cloth

and rose petals, as crowds waved Sikh and Scottish flags, with a bagpiper playing outside Inside the temple, it was carried above the heads of the congregation, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of a drum A volunteer waved a ceremonial whisk over the book, while Priest Giyani Himit Singh

recited prayers from its sacred pages

Originally owned by Maharaja Kharak Singh of Punjab, the book was taken from Dullewalla Fort in 1848 and later gifted to the University of Edinburgh by Sir John Spencer Login Its ink contains gold Galab Singh Gold called the event a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to see a historic scripture revived, bringing both joy and tears Edinburgh University’s honorary Sikh chaplain, Trishna Kaur-Singh, said the book should stay in Scotland, calling it the most valuable find for the Scottish Sikh community

L-R: Purnimaben Meshwani and Bansri Rupani

Members of the Kitchen and NVM Committee along with other volunteers

Edinburgh Gurdwara

Mayor of Rushcliffe Council, John Cottee, and his wife along with Samarpan Meditation Trust UK trustees members and volunteers

The BBC’s credibility on the brink

The crisis now surrounding the BBC, marked by the abrupt departure of senior leaders, is not an unfortunate coincidence but the latest chapter in a long record of editorial misjudgement and cultural failings

The controversy created by a manipulated Panorama clip of Donald Trump’s speech on 6 January has intensified global scrutiny The BBC has issued a written apology, yet Trump is nevertheless preparing to sue for one billion dollars This deepens the public anger and underlines both the seriousness of the error and the potential legal consequences facing the Corporation Still, this incident is only the newest sign of a deeper problem, one that has grown over many years as the BBC has struggled to maintain the standards expected of a national public-service broadcaster

History offers several reminders of how the BBC has faltered In the mid-nineteen-nineties the Corporation was criticised for using footage filmed in Chechnya to illustrate unrest in Kashmir, an error that raised serious concerns about accuracy and context The exposure of the Jimmy Savile scandal in 2012 revealed grave failures of oversight, and the Dame Janet Smith review later described an environment in which warnings were repeatedly ignored The 1995 Panorama interview with Diana, Princess of Wales, later examined through the Lord Dyson report, showed that deceptive tactics had been used to gain access, a revelation that shook public confidence in one of the BBC’s most celebrated journalistic moments Each of these episodes chipped away at the trust the public once placed in the institution

Further controversies added more weight to this erosion of credibility The Andrew Gilligan report and the resulting Hutton Inquiry in the early two-thousands exposed weaknesses in editorial control and management supervision The 2012 Newsnight broadcast that wrongly implicated a former politician in abuse allegations led to strong condemnation of internal processes Repeated questions about impartiality have surfaced in Ofcom findings and public debate, while internal reviews have highlighted concerns about how misconduct complaints have been handled Although the details of these cases differ, together they present a picture of an organisation struggling to uphold its own principles

The challenges now facing the BBC cannot be overcome through leadership changes or apologies alone The Corporation needs a fresh foundation based on clarity, responsibility and a renewed commitment to public service This requires stronger safeguards for accuracy, transparent procedures for handling complaints, greater openness with licence-fee payers and a culture that values accountability above reputation Without meaningful reform, the BBC risks drifting further from the values that once defined it What is needed now is not a short-term repair but a full and honest reset that restores integrity to the centre of its mission

Dr Narsinhbhai Patel

CB Patel captures legacy and life’s spark I felt compelled to write after reading two remarkable columns by CB Patel published in Asian Voice dated 15 November,2025 Each piece, in its own way, carried the depth, warmth and clarity that only someone of CB’s experience and insight can offer

His tribute to the Hinduja Brothers was profoundly moving It wasn’t simply an account of two legendary business tycoons; it was a personal journey through shared history, community struggles and moments of quiet humanity CB captured not just their extraordinary achievements, but their humility, their generosity and their unwavering dedication to Sanatan Dharma For readers like myself, it felt as though the curtain had been gently lifted on decades of relationships, conversations and milestones that shaped the Indian diaspora in the UK It was nostalgic, illuminating and filled with a rare emotional honesty

The accompanying column on Dev Diwali complemented the tribute beautifully In celebrating the “festival of life,” CB reminded us of the simple but profound truth that vitality, faith and human connection are what truly keep us going His reflections on the House of Lords, the wisdom of senior peers, and that touching exchange with the 93-year-old Baroness were inspiring The idea of jeejivisha, the inner spark that keeps us moving forward, was expressed with grace and quiet strength

Together, these two columns painted a complete picture: one honouring an extraordinary legacy that has left an indelible mark on our community, and the other reminding us to live our own lives with purpose, courage and gratitude It is rare to find writing that is both deeply personal and universally uplifting, but CB achieved exactly that

My sincere appreciation to CB Patel for sharing these reflections with such elegance and sincerity Columns like these are not merely read, they are felt

Radha Joshi

Weight loss : Quick fix vs healthy habits

In today’s digital era, the way we live, work, and interact has undergone a seismic shift With the rise of remote working, online gaming, and virtual socialising, many of us are spending more time indoors and less time engaging in physical activity Add to that the convenience of food delivery apps like Deliveroo and Just Eat, and it’s no surprise that obesity rates are climbing While genetics play a role for some, lifestyle choices are increasingly becoming the dominant factor

In response to this growing health concern, many individuals are turning to pharmaceutical solutions for weight loss Medications such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic have recently gained popularity, particularly on social media platforms These injectable treatments work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which reduces appetite and slows digestion, helping users feel fuller for longer and consume fewer calories Some users have reported losing up to 20% of their body weight within just four to six weeks

The appeal of these medications is understandable For many, they offer a quick win by helping them feel lighter, healthier, and more confident Some high-profile celebrities have reportedly used such treatments, further fuelling public interest While some may qualify for them through the NHS, many are left to seek private options, often at a cost ranging from £80 to £180 per week depending on the strength But as with any medical intervention, there are caveats Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhoea are not uncommon Moreover, the appetite-suppressing effects of these drugs tend to diminish over time, raising concerns about long-term sustainability and dependency

Rather than relying solely on such pharmaceutical shortcuts, it’s time we shift our focus toward promoting healthier lifestyles The NHS could play a pivotal role by introducing incentive-based wellness programmes For instance, individuals classified as obese could be offered gym memberships or fitness class vouchers Further motivation could come in the form of rewards; say, £20 in gym or supermarket vouchers for every 5kg of weight lost in a healthy, supervised manner

Ultimately, while weight loss medications may serve as a helpful tool for some, they should not become the default solution A balanced approach that prioritises education, community support, and positive reinforcement can empower individuals to make lasting changes Let’s invest in sustainable health, not just quick fixes

Devang Bhatt

Sanskar Sareeta

I have been a regular reader of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar for many years Over the last 2–3 weeks, I have noticed the new segment Sanskar Sareeta, and I must say it has been a delightful addition Last week’s piece on Heeral Pabari was especially impressive, such a thoughtful and profound poem from a young schoolgirl The earlier week’s feature on the Mundan ritual was also very interesting and well explained

The title Sanskar Sareeta itself conveys so much, and the way each segment includes a Sanskrit verse along with its significance gives it even greater value I have really enjoyed reading it, and I hope Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar continue offering such meaningful and engaging segments in the future Hats off to this innovative concept and for sharing our cultural values with the younger generation Chandrakant Mehta

Maliha Khatoon creates post-surgery survival journal

Reg is te red n urs e Ma li ha Kh atoon , co- f oun der of BodyLogiic, has authored the UK’s f ir st nurs e- l ed plas ti c s urge ry rec over y journal ‘The Swollen Girl’s Survi va l G ui de’ bl end s clinical expertise with her pers ona l ex peri e nc e, suppor ti ng pat ie nt s through both physical and emotional recovery often overlooked by traditional care

Serving as both a guide and companion, it provides recovery timelines, FAQs, journaling prompts, and emotional support for a holistic healing process Ms Khatoon, also known as Millie, is praised for blending science and empathy to normalise post-surgery recovery and promote patient-centred care

Broadcasting Corporation

Readers o f K api l’s Khi chad i will alread y know that I exposed the systematic and institutionalised fake news operation of the BBC some years back

In June of 2014 I wrote about the BBC being anti-Modi I raised the issue since even in 2014 my own investigations showed that the BBC was anti-India and anti-Modi since at least 2002 In 2014 it became clear to many of us that the BBC narrative to paint a very negative image of the then CM Modi was to undermine Indian elections, and I guess to stop CM Modi becoming PM Modi They failed, but that did not mean their central institutional mindset of being anti-India stopped The anti-India virus had infected the organisation, and it would only get worse

In February 2020 I exposed the corrupt practices of the BBC yet again I said, ‘In my view, and let me be upfront from the start, the BBC has lost its way It is abusing its power as the national privileged broadcaster It is run by people with an agenda, their own biased agenda that is more woke than common sense In my view the BBC has failed in its duty of care to its own charter’

In September of 2021 I wrote a piece titled, ‘BBC – A Mouthpiece for the Terrorists?’ Reporting on the BBC had become so compromised that one was left feeling that it was there to defend the atrocities committed by Pakistan I was so incensed that I wrote, ‘So I ask Richard Sharp Chairman of the BBC, Tim Davie Director General of the BBC, The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and our Prime Minister Rt Hons Boris Johnson MP: ‘What will it take before you get a grip on this national disgrace called the BBC?’

The Tory government had ample time and opportunity to fix the BBC Instead, they tinkered around the edges The rot that had set in festered and grew into a monster that no one wanted to confront

Thankfully in 2024 Pt Satish Sharma and his team researched the corruption in news and documentary programmes that had become rife in the BBC At their cost, they produced an eye opening and earth-shattering documentary that exposed the very core of the BBC and its institutionalised bias

The name of the documentary is ‘BBC on Trial’ and you can verify for yourself its content: https://bbcontrial com and https://www youtube com/watch?v=8WeI06k6n20

Let me openly challenge our politicians and the media at large, I am ready and willing to ensure that this documentary becomes available to everyone so they can understand how the BBC has, since its inception in 1922, been the creator and narrator of lies against India and Hindus PM Starmer, if you have the spine to face the truth, please organise a screening in the House of Commons, I will ask Pt Satish Sharma to make available the documentary

Pt Satish Sharma commented, ‘The BBC dismissed my concerns leav ing us no option but to produce a fully researched documentary Which I will be pleased to make available to Parliamentarians, before Multilingual release across India’

Some of you may remember that last year we saw the publication of the ‘Asserson Report’ that found that the BBC was biased against Israel and the Jewish community Nothing new there, we all knew this of course

The litany of corrupt practices within the BBC has been allowed by those in power Let me be clear, and it is my genuine view that much of this has happened with the nod of approval from very senior executives and the BBC Board

I was therefore not surprised when we learnt this week that the BBC, in at least two separate programmes, purposefully spliced videos of President Trump in such a way as to change the very meaning of what he was saying And guess what, once again it was at a time of a major election

The only reason why this came out was because finally someone within the BBC found their spine and leaked confidential internal reports President Trump of course does not take such foolishness lightly He is now on a war path to take the BBC to the cleaners What is clear is that unless Keir Starmer and Number 10 intervene, President Trump is likely to seek damages as high as $5 billion

Heads at the top of the BBC have rolled, but there are many more still in their place who should also be sacked

The BBC is unfit to exist in its current structure

Thousands of BBC staff need to go since they are there not for BBC programming that is fit for the nation, but it seems they are there to promote a corrupt ideology and world view to the masses

Let me remind you all, the Rt Hon Priti Patel MP wrote on 19th May 2014 to complain and challenge Lord Tony Hall the Director General of the BBC about a Newsnight programme that was nothing short of a hatched job to undermine and destroy PM Modi A decade later, it seems nothing has changed at the BBC The only conclusion I can come to is that the BBC is institutionally biased against certain nations, certain people and certain faiths I coined the term Bogus Broadcasting Corporation; I stand by it

Kapil Dudakia

Maliha Khatoon

Uganda High Commission hosts landmark tourism gala in London

The Ug and a H i gh Commission in London, in pa rtn er shi p wi th the U gan da Touri s m B oard , hosted a networking dinner and travel gala on Friday, 7 N ovem ber 202 5 , at the M il le nni um H otel , Harrington Gardens

The event brought together prominent guests, including Lord Rami Ranger, Uganda’s Executive Director of Tourism Juliana Kagwa, the Honorary Consul of Montenegro in India, representatives from the South Indian Business Community, Westminster Business Group, Spotlight on Africa, former MP Virendra Sharma, diplomats and members of the Ugandan diaspora

Guests enjoyed a vibrant live performance by the Bantu Band and a fashion showcase featuring Banana Bark Cloth designs by Uganda’s diaspora The evening’s highlight was a dynamic song-and-dance performance by renowned Ugandan artist Sheebah Karungi

“Tonight is not just a celebration, it is a statement”

At the start of the event, Her Excellency Ambassador Nimisha J Madhvani, High Commissioner of Uganda to the Uni ted Kingdom said, “Good evening, and welcome to the very first Uganda Gala Tourist Night here in the vibrant city of London! It fills me with

great pride and joy to stand before you tonight, as we gather to celebrate Uganda, our beloved Pearl of Africa ”

She thanked colleagues, partners, and the Ugandan diaspora, saying, “Allow me to express our deepest appreciation to my colleagues at the Uganda High Commission in London, Uganda Tourism Board, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, our sponsors and partners, and the Ugandan diaspora community in the UK for their dedication and passion To Ms Juliana Kagwa, the new Executive Director of Uganda Tourist Board, and your team, for bringing renewed energy to the promotion of our beautiful Uganda, Heaven on earth

here in gloomy cold grey United Kingdom ”

The Ambassador expressed her delight at the attendance, “It is an absolute honour to see so many faces gathered tonight, united by our shared love for culture, adventure, and the Pearl of Africa ”

She emphasised the purpose of the evening and said, “Tonight is not just a celebration, it is a statement A statement that Uganda is open, alive, and ready to share her beauty with the world This is the vision and

Mountains to the tranquil waters of Lake Victoria, from the mighty Nile that begins its journey in Jinja to the breathtaking gorillas of Bwindi, Uganda is a land of discovery, diversity, and deep human warmth ”

She spoke of the spirit of the Ugandan people, “Our people, smiling, welcoming, and resilient, are the heartbeat of our nation Sir Winston Churchill, after visiting Uganda, called it ‘the Pearl of Africa ’ And more than a century later, that title still rings true ” She also noted the gala’s significance, “This gala marks the beginning of a new chapter in how we tell Uganda’s story to the world We are here to showcase not just our destinations, but our identity, our music, art, cuisine, and the soul of our nation ”

leadership of His Excellency President Museveni ”

Highlighting Uganda’s natural beauty HE Madhvani said, “From Gatwick to Entebbe on our direct Uganda Airlines flights to the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori

High commissioner Nimisha invited the world to engage with Uganda, saying, “We invite the world to explore Uganda, to invest in her potential, and to experience her wonder firsthand ”

Emphasising tourism’s impact, she said, “Tourism creates jobs, empowers communities, and builds bridges between nations it is a

Light, love, and community spirit shine at SRMD London Spiritual

The SRMD London Spiritual Centre was filled with light, love and community spirit as it hosted its annual Diwali Open House on Sunday 9 November 2025 The celebration brought together families, friends, faith representatives a nd l oc al d ig ni tar i es fr om ac ros s Hertsmere, Hertfordshire, Harrow and s urrounding areas to commemorate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolisi n g t he tri umph of light over darkness and the power of unity and service

Over 350 guests attended throughout the afternoon, immersing themselves in a joyful blend of cultural festivities, creative workshops and spiritual reflection The vibrant event created an atmosphere of harmony, devotion and inclusivity, embodying the essence of Diwali

Centre’s ‘Diwali Open House’

Highlights of the Celebration

Visitors participated in a wide range of engaging activities including diya making or rangoli art, Diwali card making, cultural dance performances, Indian snacks or sweets making activities

Guided tours of the SRMD London Spiritual Centre also offered guests the opportunity to learn about the inspiration behind the Mission, Shrimad Rajchandraji and its founder, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji and delve deeper into the Mission’s values and teachings

Several Councillors and civic representatives took part in the celebrations

including, Cllr Yogesh Teli and Neela Teli, Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Harrow, Cllr Tushar Kumar, Deputy Mayor of Elstree & Borehamwood, Cllr Parveen Rani (Borehamwood Kenilworth), Cllr Harvey Cohen (Elstree), Cllr Chris Shenton (Bushey St James), Cllr Prabhakar Kaza (Borehamwood Kenilworth), Cllr Aaditya Kaza (Borehamwood Hillside), Cllr Nitin Parekh (Edgware), Cllr Krishna Suresh (Rayners Lane) and Cllr Sasi Suresh (Headstone) The event was also graced by interfaith and community representatives from various organisations including Kirit Wadia (Interfaith Relations, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha), Bhrama Kumaris, Jeet Dhelaria (Co-Chair, Jain Vishva Bharati) and Radha Mohan Das

bridge that connects people, cultures, and opportunities ”

On the experience of visiting Uganda, she added, “Visitors don’t just see a place; they feel a connection and leave carrying a piece of our home in their hearts ”

The Ambassador celebrated the partnership between nations, said, “And so tonight, we celebrate that bridge; between Uganda and the United Kingdom, Ireland between our past and our future, between dream and reality ”

She highlighted sustainability, said,“For Uganda, it is also a story of conservation and sustainability, protecting our wildlife and landscapes while sharing their beauty responsibly with the world ”

She thanked the guests for their support, saying, “Your passion keeps our flag flying high beyond our borders To our visitors here

tonight, thank you for believing in the beauty of Uganda ” Encouraging travel, HE Nimisha Madhvani said, “We invite you to visit, to explore, and to tell others: that the Pearl of Africa shines brighter than ever ” She reminded attendees of Uganda’s story, saying, “Tourism begins with a story and each of us is a storyteller Let’s tell Uganda’s story with pride, celebrate her beauty, her people, and her promise, and make tonight the beginning of a journey that brings the world closer to the heart of Africa ” She concluded with an invitation and assurance, saying, “I look forward to welcoming you all to Uganda, and our mission in London issues visas within 72 hours as long as you have submitted all the correct documents ”

WDHA HINDU SANATAN MANDIR & HIGHFIELD COMMUNITY CENTRE

133 Highfield Road, Wellingborough, North Northamptonshire NN8 1PL

(Charity No: 276747)

Vacancy for Hindu Religious worker in non-Pastoral Role

Wellingborough District Hindu Association (WDHA) invites applications for the position of Hindu Religious Worker in non-Pastoral Role for our Sanatan Hindu Mandir and Community Centre based at 133 Highfield Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, UK, NN8 1PL

(Communications Officer, Bhaktivedanta Manor)

Many dignitaries also participated in a specially curated Sound Bath and Meditation session, experiencing the holistic practices and atmosphere of peace that SRMD London promotes Beyond festive celebration, the Diwali Open House highlighted the SRMD London Spiritual Centre’s yearround commitment to spiritual growth, wellbeing and community service The Centre regularly offers: wellbeing sessions, yoga and meditation workshops, education for children, community service projects etc

These initiatives reflect SRMD’s ethos and Mission statement to ‘Realise one ’ s true self and serve others selflessly’ Reflecting on the success of the event, Mayur Mehta, President of SRMD UK, shared “This Diwali Open House was a radiant expression of unity, gratitude and service By opening our doors to all, we celebrated not only the festival of lights but also the light that exists within every individual SRMD London remains dedicated to fostering wellness, spiritual awareness and community connection; values that truly reflect the spirit of Diwali ”

Applicants must be able to conduct religious ceremonies/rituals (Karma Kand) for the temple, including daily Seva, Puja and Aarti and other temple services, including preparing daily Raj Bhog (food), bathing the deities, cleaning and maintaining the sacred Bhavans. Should be able to perform administrative duties whenever requested by management.

The candidate should be fluent in Gujarati, Hindi and Sanskrit. Knowledge of English is preferable but not essential. Ability to play musical instruments and sing. This vacancy is exempt from the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, (SDA) Section 7 (II)(e); the Race Relation Act (RRA) and Equality Act 2010, due to genuine religious requirement.

Hours of work and Remuneration

The Temple’s opening times are Monday to Sunday 7.00am to 12.30pm and 5.00pm to 8.00pm. The Religious worker will be paid £500.00 per month. In addition to salary, he will be provided with free furnished accommodation. All utility bills, as well as all sustenance costs, will be paid by WDHA.

For further information about the full job description, qualifications,

HE Nimisha J Madhvani, High Commissioner of Uganda to the United Kingdom

Ms Juliana Kagwa (centre right) with members of the Ugandan diaspora, including Mrs Bhavnaben Joshi (centre)

Artists performing at the event

Performance at the Diwali Open House

L-R: Mayur Mehta, President, SRMD UK; Ashwin Mehta, Trustee, SRMD UK; Cllr Chris Shenton; BK Ruchi Ben, Brahma Kumaris; Cllr Tushar Kumar Deputy Mayor of Elstree & Borehamwood; Cllr Parveen Rani; Cllr Aaditya Kaza; Cllr Prabhakar Kaza

PRIME MINISTER ‘WORRIED ABOUT COHESION’ ACROSS BRITAIN

Sir Keir Starmer hosts Reception to celebrate Inter Faith Week at No10, praises solidarity and inherent goodness in Britain’s people and urges communities to stand together against hatred and divisions Rupanjana Dutta

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed deep concern about social cohes ion in the Uni ted Kingdom, more so than he has in many years

Speaking to over 100 guests from various faith or religious backgrounds at a 10 Downing Street reception on Wednesday 12 November eveni ng, celebrating Inter Faith Week (9-16 November), PM Starmer acknowledged that relations between different religious communities in the UK have been severely tested in recent years

After being introduced by the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate Sarah Mullally, Sir Starmer said, he feels interfaith works bring communities together However, he then focussed on worries of growing racism, divisions and hatred across the country

“I have to admit to you that I m more worried about cohesion across our country now than I've been for very many years, ” he said “We do face a bit of a fork in the road for our country now, because there's an argument not just about this policy or that policy, but who we are as a country What is our identity? And on the one hand, you've got what I call sort of a patriotic national renew-

hall the next day with Vic and my wife We got as close as we could to see the scene and to just get a sense of what it must have been like

“Spoke to some of the people who had been at the synagogue Either simply at the synagogue attending or some of them within the CST putting in the protective measures that sadly are necessary these days ”

Fight against abuse and attacks on people of all faiths

The Prime Minister then went on to talk about the solidarity and goodness still alive in people irrespective of their faiths or cultures He said, “I was struck then by a number of things

al, a whole country that wants to come together and pull forward for everybody in the country

“Or toxic division, where we're saying whether it's in real life or online - more division, more abuse, more attacks

“I'm very proud to be Prime Minister, but I want to serve the whole of this country, the country as it is, in all its reasonableness, its practicalness, its tolerance, its live and let live, and its diversity And it's really important that we hang on to that, because I do feel that that is under attack as an idea of who we are as a country, in a way it hasn't been for many, many years

“And that s - when I speak of national renewal, when I speak of patriotism - that's what I mean by patriotism, recognising who we really are as a country, not some caricature of who we are But we are, I genuinely believe, a group of reasonable, practical, compassionate people who want to look after each other ”

He then went on to address the "terrible" terror attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, which occurred less than 48 hours after his speech at the Labour Party convention in Liverpool, where he discussed the nation's divisions

" It was a really chilling moment I think all of you will have probably had the same feeling I had about the horror and the impact of that And I went up to the cinema

Firstly, the sheer horror of what had happened The shock I met the families of four of the five victims

And this is within 24 hours, so you can imagine the state that they were in, particularly those that had lost a loved one

“I was really struck by the fact that it was members of the local mosque who were amongst the first to run to the synagogue to see if they could help

“I was really struck by the fact that many in the cinema hall put their own lives at risk, one very much so Pushing the door shut and holding it shut to make sure that other people were safe Undoubtedly saving the lives of very, very many people And thinking not of themselves, but what they could do for others So even in the depths of that despair, I could see what I truly believe is the country that we are ”

Referring to the arson attack targeted on Peacehaven Mosque he added, “Within days of that, we had the Peacehaven Mosque arson attack And again, I had the privilege of going down to the mosque to meet the community, to talk to some of the family members who had been hugely impacted and were scared

“ It had a huge impact on those that used the mosque But again, even in that depth, they told me about all the members of the community of Peacehaven and nearby who had come forward to the mosque within hours and days to say, we're with you, we support you, this isn't us, this isn't the country that we are And they showed me the pictures and the cards and the letters that had been sent of support for everybody in

Keir Starmer’s leadership faces critical test

the mosque So that decency is there, but we have to fight for it And I choose those two examples, but there are so many other examples of abuse and attacks of people of all faiths and none

“We saw the march out here in the late summer, which sent chills through so many communities Not just people who were in the immediate vicinity who saw what it felt like in relation to that demonstration, but across the country they could feel the division, the hatred that was on show there So, we need to recognise the depth of it

“It means we're all up for a fight It means we've got to fight And

interfaith work is more important now than it has ever been This is a really defining moment in our history And we have to make sure that we go down the right path and not the wrong path Because that toxic condition will tear us apart as a country It will tear apart everything that you and I believe in ” A partnership of interfaith communities and government Urging the interfaith community in attendance to work together, the Prime Minister concluded by saying, “We want to work with you on this This has to be a partnership This can't be done by a prime minister or a government We will play our part, but we recognise that we can't do it on our own Each of you brings so much to this But we want to join you in this We want to reinforce it We think it's more important now than it's ever been ”

The reception that saw food and non-alcoholic drinks catering to all faiths was attended by members of Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities Some of the notable organisations in attendance included Bristol Multi Faith Forum, National Hindu Students’ Forum (NHSF-UK), Chinmaya Mission, Yog Foundation, City Sikhs, Avanti Schools Trust – to name a few Some other guests included Communities Secretary Steve Reed, Faiths Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh, Naz Shah MP, Afzal Khan MP and Guri nder Sin gh Jos an MP among others

Downing Street

Sir Keir Starmer’s grip on power is “ more likely” than ever to be challenged, and the explosive briefing war between Downing Street and Wes Streeting may have “pulled the plug” on his premiership, Harriet Harman has warned

appears equally bleak A YouGov poll for The Times shows only a third of Labour voters from last year want Starmer to lead the party into the 2029 election Nearly a quarter think he should step aside immediately His personal

In a blistering intervention on Sky News’ Electoral Dysfunction podcast, the Labour peer said there was “still time” for No 10 to “get their act together” but admitted Labour MPs had been left “dismayed” by a stream of “unforced errors ” emanating from the prime minister’s inner circle

Her comments follow an extraordinary row triggered by claims, reportedly from Starmer “allies”, that he was preparing to fight off an imminent leadership challenge, with Wes Streeting named as a key conspirator The health secretary angrily denied the accusations, saying No 10 figures had attempted to “kneecap” him Sir Keir later insisted the briefing was “ never authorised”

The situation has intensified calls from cabinet ministers for Starmer to dismiss his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who is accused of orchestrating the briefings Despite Downing Street insisting the prime minister has full confidence in McSweeney, some cabinet members argue that if Starmer had prior knowledge of the leaks, firing the powerful aide may be unavoidable

McSweeney denies criticising Streeting to the media Allies of the health secretary, however, suggest Starmer’s team “is not in touch with reality” and that McSweeney’s actions have inadvertently strengthened Streeting’s position

Baroness Harman also did not hold back, “This is a mess of Number 10 ’ s making If the plan was to strengthen Keir and weaken Wes, it has had precisely the opposite effect ” Even Starmer loyalists, she said, are now wavering “The faithfuls are losing faith All they’re seeing is a cascade of unforced errors ” Public sentiment

ratings have collapsed since entering Downing Street, and Labour now trails Reform in national polling

The public has every reason to feel disappointed, and one thing is clear: voters no longer have the patience to give any leadership unlimited time to deliver Rishi Sunak was forced out after barely a year, despite inheriting a country where almost nothing worked and every system needed rebuilding Yet even he managed to hand Sir Keir Starmer a stabilising economy

During the election campaign, the former prime minister repeatedly warned that many of Labour’s promises were simply not practical, and he has now been proven right Labour has already been pushed into a series of U-turns on core manifesto pledges, particularly on the economy

Meanwhile, the prime minister himself is struggling to get a grip From the grooming gangs inquiry to the rise of the far right, the cost-of-living crisis, and a faltering economic plan, Sir Keir is finding that delivering in government is far harder than promising in opposition

With an expectedly bruising budget to soon follow, despite a hurried Uturn on income tax, and local elections in May threatening further embarrassment, pressure is mounting Senior Labour figures are already whispering that the aftermath of the budget, or next year ’ s contests in London and Wales, could become the flashpoint for an outright leadership challenge

While Starmer insists he will fight on, in Westminster, the question is no longer if a challenge emerges but when Will the Prime Minister be able to get a handle of it all?

Photo courtesy: Lauren Hurley / No 10

PM Keir Starmer speaking to Nima Suchak from Avanti Schools Trust at No10 Inter Faith Week Reception

Prime Minister meeting members of interfaith organisations

Prime Minister talking to a guest in attendance of Inter Faith Week Reception at 10 Downing Street

Sir Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting at King's Mill Hospital on April 8 2024

Concerns grow as Hindus remain under-represented in national and local politics

In 2024/25, around 16% of the UK population was from a mi n ori ty e thni c b ac k-

gr oun d Ac c or di ng t o the 2 02 1 Ce ns us , thi s r ang ed from 3% in Northern Ireland to 19% in England Over the years , the UK has see n a steady rise in both ethni c diversity and the representation of minority groups in public life

However, when it comes to political participation, British Hindus appear to lag behind their Muslim and Sikh counterparts Despite being one of the most economically successful and highly educated communities in the country, Hindu political engagement remains comparatively low

In the 2024 General Election, around 25 Muslim MPs , 12 Si kh MPs, and 9 H i ndu MPs were elected Overall, an estimated 90 MPs (14%) were from minority ethnic backgrounds, the highest level to date According to the Labour Muslim Network, there are now over 500 Muslim councillors across the UK, more

than 75% of them representing the Labour Party In contrast, Hindu representation remains limited Across London boroughs, approximately 80 to 9 0 Hindu councillors serve, but significant gaps remain Several boroughs, including Tower H aml ets , Wal tham F ore st , W es tmi ns te r, R ic hmon d upon Tha mes , E nf i el d, Gre enw ic h, Hackney, and Bexley, have no Hindu councillors at all Even Leicester, home to one of the UK’s largest Hindu

populations, has only 11

Hindu councillors

This disparity highlights a growing concern: British Hindus are underrepresented in local and national politics Even though the UK has had its first Hindu Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, the wider community continues to struggle for visibility and influence In comparison, the United States, where Hinduism is now the fourth-largest religion and Indians are the second-largest immigrant

group, has seen a far greater rise in Hindu political figures

The issue goes beyond party politics There is an increasing worry that Hindu underrepresentation stems from a lack of engagement in civic life, which may ultimately leave the community unheard in

national decision-making despite its substantial contributions to the country’s economy, culture, and public service

While the UK has taken significant steps to combat hatred and intolerance including over £1 million committed this year to monitor Islamophobia and

support victims of antiMuslim hate crimes, questions remain about the support available for other communities

Where does anti-Hindu hate fit into this framework and without stronger political representation, who is speaking up for the British Hindus?

"British Hindus still feel they’re not fully included in society"

Asian Voice approached several Indian-origin councillors about their experience and the wider issue of Hindu underrepresentation in UK politics

Councillor Ameet

Jogia MBE said, “In the last General Election, I lost the Hendon seat by just 15 votes, a margin that could have been overturned by just a few households Hendon has a significant Hindu community, yet many British Hindus later expressed regret that they hadn’t voted Too often, there is a sense of apathy, a belief that one vote doesn’t matter or that politics is distant from everyday life It’s disheartening, especially when our community makes such a tremendous contribution to the UK economy but often feels disconnected from civic life This isn’t about supporting any particular party, but about recognising the importance of participation; voting, engaging, and holding elected representatives accountable Many British Hindus still feel they’re not fully included in society, but things are changing My experience has shown that every single vote counts, and we must empower our community to ensure their voices are heard ” Councillor Chaman Lal said, “My experience of serving as a Birmingham city councillor since 1994 is that it appears to me that the Hindu community lacks enthusiasm or interest in the local politics and don’t

join the political parties hence, we have low political representation of the Hindus in the UK I know that there are some areas with a large Hindu population that do have

some political representation, but it is very low compared to the other communities and my advice is that the Hindus need to join the political parties to address this issue ”

Councillor Kumud Joshi, commenting on the lower political representation of Hindus, said, “Several factors contribute to this First, Hindus make up only around 1 6–1 7% of the UK population, which naturally limits electoral influence The community is also geographically dispersed rather than concentrated in specific constituencies, reducing the chances of forming a strong, unified voting bloc

"Historically, many Hindu migrants focused on education, professional growth and building businesses rather than political engagement, which delayed the development of a strong political presence Organised political mobilisation, such as coordinated advocacy and manifestos, has also emerged much later for Hindus compared to established Sikh and Muslim networks ” On the role of cultural attitudes, community priorities, and party dynamics, Cllr Joshi said: “Cultural attitudes within the Hindu community often place politics

secondary to professional careers and community service, which has historically limited political engagement Community concerns, such as temple security or

anti-Hindu hate, were typically handled informally rather than through structured lobbying or advocacy, reducing political visibility

"Party dynamics have also played a role Labour saw a decline in Hindu support after its stance on Kashmir in 2019, while the Conservatives have increased their outreach and recruited more Indian-origin candidates However, representation within the party remains limited beyond a few high-profile figures ” On how to encourage greater Hindu participation in politics, Cllr Joshi added, “Political parties need to create stronger mentorship and talent pipelines by actively supporting Hindu candidates at the local level The community should also expand initiatives such as Hindu hustings and advocacy campaigns to build visibility and engagement

At the policy level, there must be a stronger push for recognition of Hindu concerns and priorities within mainstream political discussions ”

*This is a developing story Asian Voice is looking into several sectors to assess Hindu representation across Britain and understand the growing concerns among the community members

Rishi Sunak Lisa Nandy

Ameet Jogia

Chaman Lal Kumud Joshi

F or t he f i rs t ti m e, t hi s November, the internationa l ly re no wn ed Aga Kh an Mus ic Awards will arrive in the UK, unfolding ac ross a four-day festival from 20–23 November, in collaboration with the closing weekend of the EFG London Jazz Fes tival

What audiences will encounter is a sweeping artistic vision that challenges dominant narratives about the Great East and reasserts its historical role as a cradle of innovation, beauty and imagination

The Aga Khan Music Awards, established in 2018 by His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and his brother Prince Amyn Aga Khan, honour musicians and cultural practitioners who sustain and reimagine musical tra-

ditions shaped by the East

Beyond the prestige and monetary prizes, winners receive professional development support ensuring that living heritage continues to evolve rather than stagnate This year ’ s programme celebrates artists from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, spotlighting remarkable figures who preserve centuries-old traditions while pushing them into new sonic realms

In this interview, Fairouz Nishanova, Director of the Aga Khan Music Awards, reflects on the ethos of the Awards and the vision behind their landmark London debut Excellence inspired by the East

“The Music Awards were created to celebrate excellence that comes from

The sound of the “Great East” to reverberate through London

education became the first mission That evolved into global concerts, high-quality recordings, and finally, the commissioning of “East–East” creative encounters that reconnected musicians whose cultural links had been disrupted by politics or borders

the East,” Nishanova said “His late Highness was deeply troubled by how the dominant news stream reduces the East to a narrow loop of poverty, conflict, and crisis In this kaleidoscope of negativity, we forget that the East has historically been the cradle of extraordinary creations, from poetry, music, architecture and medicine It was, and still is, where the world looks for inspiration ”

The Aga Khan Music Programme began in 2000 as an education initiative At the time, artists across greater Central Asia could no longer create new music rooted in their traditions because the master–apprentice system had collapsed and wasn’t contemporized Rebuilding musical

Tom Stoppard's Indian Ink, echoes of empire and art

Swathi Anil

The air in 1930s India is thick with the scent of jasmine and the tension of empire Into this setting strides Flora Cr ew e, a bri lli an t, free -s p iri ted Bloomsbury Group poet, unsettling all she encounters

Yet, she secretly captivates Nirad Das, a handsome Indian painter Decades later, in 1980s England, the ripples of their meeting continue as Flora’s sister, Mrs Swan, confronts an American biographer determined to uncover the truth of that trip The mystery deepens when Das s son appears, bearing a provocative nude portrait of Flora painted by his father This is the compelling canvas of Tom Stoppard’s evocative and witty play, Indian Ink, which is set for a major revival directed by Jonathan Kent

The production promises to be a powerful meditation on art and love, exploring how creativity can bridge even the most profound cultural barriers It also delivers a keen satire on the self-importance of both academia and the ruling class Indian Ink runs at Hampstead Theatre from December 3, 2025 to January 31, 2026 Following its London run, the show will travel to Theatre Royal Bath from February 10 to 14

In Conversation with Nirad Das

Talking with Asian Voice, Gavi Singh Chera who plays Nirad Das in the play talk about his take on the play Gavi Singh Chera, who steps into the role of the enigmatic Indian artist Nirad Das, believes the play is fundamentally an examination of culture and

love and art He sees the central pursuit of both his character and Flora Crewe as being authentic For Das, as an artist under British colonial rule, art becomes a vital tool to express "the things he probably doesn't have the words for and might be imprisoned for"

Chera defines the play's genre as nostalgic and romantic, while acknowledging that the interpretation can be different for different people The dual time frame structure, which jumps between 1930s India and 1980s England, is described as "beautifully woven together" by Stoppard For the actor, this structure creates a nostalgia as the audience witnesses’ characters at different ages, making the experience extremely exquisite

A particularly profound aspect of the play, according to Chera, is the exploration of spirituality Nirad Das introduces Flora to the Sanskrit word ‘Rasa’, which means juice or essence, or life force This concept suggests that every piece of art must possess a life force that "should move or stir something within the viewer or the audience" To inhabit the character of the painter, Chera immersed himself in the world of art and Indian culture He bought sketching paper and pencils, visited galleries, and even met with the artist commissioned to paint the portraits used in the production to learn about techniques, brush-holding, and the artistic process In a significant step, Chera also travelled to Delhi and the Himalayan Mountains to prepare, even choosing to stay in places where the British would have resided during colonial rule to better understand the

“But many artists still fell outside our geographic reach,” she explains “Diaspora communities in the West needed a broader framework of support and that’s how the Awards emerged as the final pillar of the Music Programme ” London as a stage for shared heri tage

This year marks the first time the Awards will take place in London, within a major international festival “We wanted to host this edition in a country that lets émigré music flourish despite whatever is happening in the world today, which is very scary It needs to be in a place that lets all these voices speak out loudly ” said Nishanova “I’ve long dreamt of presenting the Awards in collaboration with a major festival, and opening it up to audiences who would never otherwise have access to

setting

The most challenging aspects of the role included ensuring the Hindi dialogue with the servants was correct and clear, as he typically speaks Punjabi at home He also dedicated time to learning about Hindu philosophy and the various gods referenced in the play, such as Vishnu, Krishna, and Hanuman, to steep himself in Nirad's cultural background

The most relatable aspect of Nirad Das, Chera finds, is the concept of yearning Reflecting on a conversation with the commissioned artist, he concluded that there is a yearning in every creator "to express that thing they cannot say," a powerful parallel to his own artistic drive

If he could choose another role, Chera found both Flora Crewe and Mrs Swan to be really interesting and complex characters who go on "lovely journeys" Indian Ink is more than a historical drama; it is a timeless conversation about the things that connect us across time and culture, love, art, and the universal human desire for authentic expression

this kind of music London Jazz Festival has embraced us, giving us their stages while letting us bring this remarkable content to London’s audiences”, she added,

The result is a programme that spans West Africa to the Eastern Mediterranean, bringing together musical lineages that rarely share a stage; particularly as many come from regions currently in conflict

Artists such as Soumik Datta and the Warsi Brothers exemplify the breadth of this year ’ s vision Soumik, a 2022 award

recipient, reinvested his winnings into work with émigré and Indian communities, producing new forms that London audiences will now witness The Warsi Brothers, bearers of a 700-year-old Amir Khusrau lineage, will perform in the UK for the first time on Friday 21st November, carrying with them the roots of qawwali and its preservation

“What we present is an extraordinary cluster of musical journeys and proof that music remains the one medium through which cultures can unite”, says Nishanova

Siddhant Bhatia's ‘Sounds of Kumbha’ earns Grammy nomination

Delhi-based artist Siddhant

Bhatia has secured a prestigious Grammy Award nominat i on f or hi s al bum, Sounds of Kumbha, in the Best Gl obal Musi c Alb um ca teg ory for t he 68th Grammy Awards (2026)

our collective consciousness," created to celebrate Indian culture and spirituality Sounds of Kumbha, recorded live at the sacred confluence in Prayagraj, merges authentic Maha

Conceived as a tribute to the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj (2025), the deeply spiritual album features 12 tracks and an extraordinary global ensemble of over 50 artists, including 24 Grammy winners and nominees

The album's centerpiece is the track "Ram Ram," featuring Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and his message of "the whole world is one human family " Siddhant

Bhatia hailed the Grammy nomination as a "joyous moment" and a "victory for

Kumbh sounds (bells, chants, rivers) with contemporary global music to depict the spiritual journey

The album features a vast roster, including Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's first musical appearance, multiple Grammy winners, and Indian icons like Raja Kumari Released by Vedam Records (India s first wellness music label), it is hailed as a cultural renaissance that proves, as Bhatia noted, that " when spirituality meets creativity, the world listens "

Fairouz Nishanova

Gavi Singh Chera

His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar with Siddhant Bhatia

NHS faces £20 billion loss in productivity, struggling to keep up

NHS productivity has taken a significant hit, costing the economy £20 billion annually, with Labour's health-

c are re fo rm s p ro gre ss ing

s lo w ly Ac co rdi ng t o a re po rt fr om th e H eal th F o undat io n, i neff ic ie nci es

s in ce t he pa ndem i c h ave erased a decade's worth of productivity gains

W h i l e s p e n d i n g a n d

s t a f f i n g l e v e l s h a v e increased, this hasn’t translated into more treatments or operations, with many

h o s p i t a l s s t i

g o n outdated practices

The report revealed that if pre-pandemic trends had continued, NHS productivity in 2022-23 would have been 14% higher, potentially freeing up enough resources

f o r m i l l i o n s m o r e o u t p atient appointments or tens of thousands of additional major surgeries

The Office for National Statistics reported that NHS productivity in 2024 is 7 8% below 2019 levels, with a 1 5% decline in the second

q u a r t e r c o m p a r e d t o t h e

s a m e p e r i o d l a s t y e a r

H o w

d a t a f o r a c u t

h o s p i t a l s showed a 2 4% increase in productivity from April to July

H e a l t h S e c r e t a r y W e s

Streeting has promised radical reforms, but these are delayed due to budget disputes In March, Streeting announced the abolition of NHS England, resulting in 9 , 0 0 0 j o b c u t s , b u t n o redundancy payments have

been allocated, leaving tens o

i pment, underfunded hospitals, and rising staff costs due to strikes, which have not led to improved care

While some hospitals have a d o p t e d t e c h n o l o g y t o boost efficiency, significant d i s p a r i

trusts are still costing billions

Flawed design and underinvestment drive NHS strain

Speaking to Asian Voice, D r Jo yde ep G rov er, Vi c e President of BAPIO (British Association of Physicians of I ndi an Ori gi n), s t a t e d , “Efficiency is a product of b e i n g a b l e t o d e l i v e r t h e r e q u

y and with the least duplicat

i n i n g high standards The loss of productivity is driven not by personnel, but by a flawed system "

Dr Grover highlighted several factors behind NHS productivity loss: growing demand from an increasing

Nurses often work while sick amid staffing crisis

A s urve y b y t he Roya l College of Nursing (RCN) f ound n urs es are of te n w or ki ng whi le unwe ll i n understaffed hospitals, with stress the main cause

O f m o r e t h a n 2 0 , 0 0 0 r e s p o n d e n t s , 6 6 % h a d worked when they should have taken sick leave, up from 49% in 2017, and 65% cited stress as the top illness cause, up from 50% Seven

i n 1 0 s a i d t h e y r e g u l a r l y worked beyond contracted

h o u r s , w i t h h a l f u n p a i d England currently has over 25,000 nursing vacancies

P r o f N i c o l a R a n g e r , RCN chief executive, said nurses are being driven to ill health by “understaffed and

u n d e r - r e s o u

c e d s e r v i c

S h e a d d e d :

C a r i n g f o r dozens, or even over a hundred patients at a time is

i m p o s s i b l e M a n y a r e a l r e a d y b r o k e n U r g e n t i n v e s t m e n t i s n e e d e d t o grow the workforce, ensure safe conditions, and provide patients with the best care ”

The RCN said it receives six daily calls from members about staffing, with many r e p o r t i n g b

and ageing population, and higher public expectations

f

care He said, “Fear of litigation has led to more investig

widespread use of electronic systems, though improving safety, adds time to each patient interaction, reducing efficiency The NHS also struggles with insufficient infrastructure, Germany has 8 treatment beds per 1,000 people, compared to just 2 in the UK, putting immense pressure on an already over-

staff strikes have worsened waiting lists and added significant costs to society ”

, "Overall, there are complex reasons leading to loss of productivity, but almost all of these lie at the design level and a lack of investment in the NHS " P ro f ess o r M ala Rao CBE , Di rec tor of th e Ethnicity and Health Unit at Imperial College London, emphasised that claims of low NHS productivity due t

y overlook the complex context in which staff work She said, “The NHS faces unprecedented challenges, with growing poverty, an

term conditions Low funding increases and underin-

Calls are expected to reach 2,175 this year, up from 1,837

unable to leave, while a care home nurse said they dreaded unpaid extra hours

An NHS spokesperson s a i d : “ N u r s e s a r e

heart of the health service

cates and the graduate guara n t e e a r e h e l p i n g r e d u c e v a c a n c i e s a n d e a s e p r e ssure ”

A Department of Health

s p o k e s p e r s o n a d d e d : “ W e v a l u e n u r s e s a n d a r e i m p r o v i n g c o n d i t i o n s through our 10-year plan

The graduate guarantee also creates better job opportunities and eases the burden on staff ”

12,000 estate failures from 2022 to 2024, further hinder c a r e d e l i v e r y T h e N H S workforce plan is also in disarray While the number of doctors is rising, England still lags behind comparable EU countries in doctor-tocapita ratios, and general practice has seen a decline

R e l i a n c e o n i n t e r n a t i o n a l recruitment has exacerbated retention problems, as staff leave due to work-life balance issues, health concerns, and feeling undervalu

burnout ”

Professor Rao suggests tapping into the knowledge o f i n t e r n a t i o n a l m e d i c a l graduates, who could offer innovative solutions based o n t h e i r e x p e r i

resource-constrained healt

t e c h n o l o g i c a l advances in healthcare truly i m p r o v e p r o d u c t i v i t y , a s some may prioritise commercial interests over efficiency

NHS focuses on ethnic minority staff in new anti-bullying programme

The NHS Race and Health Observatory has launched a 16- mont h progr amme to tackle bullying, harassment, and abuse in the health service, focusing on the experiences of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic staff

The initiative will analyse data, gather staff feedback, and identify ways to improve workplace culture, i n

University of Birmingham, University of Sheffield, and N I H R Y

Research Collaboration

review NHS staff surveys, h

studies from hospitals that have reduced bullying The latest NHS Workforce Race E

shows nearly 90% of trusts i

ethnic minority staff, affecting wellbeing and patient care The Observatory will

y region and trust, segmented by ethnic group

Sikh community engages in health event

The University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UH NM) vi si t ed Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Stokeon- Trent to tackle health in eq uali t ie s in the Si kh com muni ty Part ne ri ng with local Sikh leaders, the pilot event promoted cancer

screening, healthy lifestyles, and e arl y det ec ti on to improve health outcomes

S a d a f f B u t t f r o m

U H N M s a i d t h e e v e n t h e l p e d b r i d g e h

A s i a n c o m m u n i t y , w i t h plans to replicate it at local m o s q u e s , t e

other community settings

The visit followed a trust

would welcome health outreach Ms Butt highlighted

AI to help detect fractures in trial

AI will be trialled in hospitals to detect fractures and dislocations, enabling faster treat m ent E m ergen cy dep artm en ts at No rth ern

L inc o lns h ir e an d Go o le

NHS Foundation Trust will jo i n a tw o- yea r NHS England pilot starting later this month Abdul Khan, a consultant in emergency medicine, said: "Using AI to help ident i f y p o t e n t i a l i s s u e s h a s p r o v e n e f f e c

T h e p r o g r a m m e w i l l track trends, identify best practices, and use staff feedback to examine leadership, c u l t u r e , a n d H R p o l i c i e s The final report will set targets for trusts to reduce bullying, ensure accountability, and cut costs linked to legal claims and staffing Owen Chinembiri, assistant direct o r f o r W o r k f o r c e , n o

d ethnic minority staff face

paid roles

Professor Habib Naqvi, c h i e f e x e c u t i v e o f t h e Observatory, said bullying and harassment continue to h a r m s t a f f w e l l b e i n g a n d t e a m t r u s t , a n d t h e p r o -

g r a m m e w i l l p r o v i d e e v idence-based recommendations to promote inclusivity R e s e a r c h e r s f r o m Birmingham and Sheffield universities added that negative experiences affect both morale and care quality, and t h e m i x e d - m e t h o d s approach will give staff a

v o i c e i n s h a p i n g e f f e c t i v e solutions

s northern Europe, and we are eager to see its impact here " The trust added that the AI s o f t w a r e w i l l s e r v e a s a n additional tool to support clinicians in their diagnoses

The trust, which man-

Goole, said the AI technolo-

d f o r patients under two, nor for inpatient or outpatient clinics, or for chest, spine, skull, facial, or soft tissue scans Jake Bates, an advanced practitioner reporting radiog r a p h e

a t i e n t r e c o r d will include a near-instant AI-annotated version highlighting potential issues for clinicians to review Every Xray will still be assessed by o u r c l i n i c i a n s , w h o w i l l make the final diagnosis and decide the appropriate treatment ”

Hospital at risk of being ‘overwhelmed’ by emergency cases

Hospita ls risk being “ ov erwhelmed” as urgent cases of lung conditions rise, a charity has warned

A s t h m a a n d L u n g U K reported a 23% increase in e m e r g e n c y a d m i s

o r respiratory illnesses, including asthma and COPD, over the past two years The charity highlighted inconsistent care year-round and warned of a surge in demand this winter

The charity said “regular” winter crises are now occurring due to poor routine care for patients with respiratory conditions Emergency hospital admissions in England rose by 427,855 over the past two years, from 1,841,010 in 2 0 2 2 – 2 3 t o 2 , 2 6 8 , 8 6 5 i n 2024–25 NHS data shared with the charity showed

December

Last winter saw 1 1 million hospital admissions for breathing emergencies, with a spike in December, according to NHS data shared with Asthma and Lung UK The

admissions, where patients

care for lung conditions is pushing the NHS to breaking point, with too many avoidable A&E visits Winter is the worst time, and hospitals risk b

u levels rise Routine care is currently dismal, leading to

change

Dr Joydeep Grover

Professor Mala Rao CBE

People visiting Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Stoke-on-Trent

Celebrating a year of extraordinary ties between UK and India

Rupanjana Dutta

The be auti f ul Lan ca s ter H ous e lobby was buzzing as guests walked around portraits of the UK and Indian Prime Ministers’ recent visits to each other’s countries

Guests walked up the historic stairs into a reception, welcomed to celebrate an outstanding year of UK-India relations and the two Prime Ministerial visits in 2025 It was presided over by the Minister for Indo-Pacific, Seema Malhotra MP She was joined by Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor The event also celebrated the signing of the pivotal UK-India Vision 2035 and a comprehensive Trade Agreement

The reception was joined by several senior diplomats from UK and India, MPs, Peers, councillors, local mayors, business leaders, and community representatives from both the UK and India To name a few, it was attended by Pri nc e Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, I ndi an Hi gh Commi ss ion er H is

They conveyed UK’s solidarity with the people of India and condolences to the families of the victims Seema also paid homage to Lord Swraj Paul, Lord Meghnad Desai and GP Hinduja, who passed away recently, as notable figures who contributed immensely to the UK-India relations, as well as acknowledging their lifelong efforts to strengthen bilateral ties

The event also witnessed cultural performances including an

E x ce ll enc y V i kra m Dor ai sw ami , D eput y H i gh C ommi s si one r of India to the UK Kartik Pande, parl ia ment ari ans s uch a s Ka ni shk a N ara ya n M P, Pa rli a men tar y Under-Secretary of State for AI and Online Safety, Se c ret ary of St ate for Education and Equalities, Bridget Phillips MP, Skills Minister Jackie Smith MP, L ord Ka ran B i li mori a, Lord J itesh Gadhia, former MP Virendra Sharma, a ct res s Me er a Sy al, c el eb ri ty c hef s Che tna Makan and Nisha Parmar, Home Cook and Author M all i ka Ba su, Dr Nandakumara MBE from The Bha van , Ani rb an M ukhopad hyay from H er i tage Be nga l G lob al (H B G), Suran j an Som, Sour av N iy ogi , Koushi k Chatterjee from Bengal Heritage F oundation (BHF), Anuj Chande OBE from Grant Thornton, CB Patel from Asian V oice and Gujarat Samachar, Shehla Hasan from CIIUK, Param Singh from City Sikhs, Pratik Dattani from EPG, Human R ights ac ti vis t Man dy Sangher a OBE, Kevin McCole, GEDU Global E duc ati on to name a few The Bhavan is currently facing a huge challenge due to parking curbs around their West Kensington premises and are petitioning to the local Council to turn their decision around (see Asian Voice, issue 15-21 Nov 2025, P5)

“I am proud that since we came into government, we have focused on stabilising our economy and building the foundations for long term decisions I'm proud about how because of our prime minister, Keir Starmer, we have once again become an outward facing nation, a nation that stands tall on an international stage, promoting prosperity and security and working together to tackle the crucial challenges of today like climate change, that choice to rebuild trust and relationships with other nations has led to us resetting our relationship with the European Union, the trade deal with the United States, and in July at the Chequers, with Prime Minister Starmer and Prime Minister Modi, the signing of UK-India Vision 2035, and comprehensive economic and Trade Agreement

“It is a deal that is built on trust and ambition for each other's nations, and it is hugely important in our economic partnership

“The Prime Minister's recent visit to Mumbai was supported by one of the largest UK delegations in years, showing the scale and ambition of our partnership with many of you here tonight having joined the visit

expressive classical dance performance by students from the Guru Rakesh Yadav Movement, and a musical performance by members of Bengal Heritage Foundation

“Our country's partnership is often described as a unique living bridge, and I think that it is a special bridge of shared knowledge, mutual respect and the incredible contributions the Indian communities to our economy, our society and our culture

Addressing the guests, both Seema Malhotra MP and David Lammy MP started their speeches expressing deep sympathy over the recent terrorist attack in Delhi

A great and transformative year Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra, who is due to travel to India on Wednesday 19 November for three days said, “Thank you to all of you from across the UK, from business, politics, industry, media, education, community organisations, hospitality etc , for joining us to celebrate an extraordinary year in the UK India partnership I m also really delighted to welcome the Indian High Commissioner, Vikram Doraiswami tonight and I'm also grateful to the High Commissioner for all he has done to support negotiations on the journey of last year with the Trade Agreement with India - now a strength and foundation for our partnership for the future

“Let tonight be a celebration of what we've achieved, but also an opportunity to strengthen networks and build new connections, to strengthen the friendship between our nations of which each one of you is a part, and to create from the choices we make today a path for success for future generations ” “Our joint story is so very far from over ” Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy addressing the guests, said, “We have much to celebrate this evening, and it’s fantastic to see you all here India is one of the UK’s most important partners So much so, that I made sure it was one of the very first countries that I visited, within weeks of becoming Foreign Secretary last year And it was one of my very last visits too

“It was a great honour to meet with Prime Minister Modi to discuss our shared history and shared future And what a future India has It is the emerging superpower of the 21st century with the fastest growth in the G20, and on course to become the third largest economy in the world by the end of the decade

“But while I was there, I also saw what so many other Brits have seen before me A country so different in so many ways, but also so familiar Because scratch the surface, and you find so much

ed in £1 3 billion of investment into the UK and £3 6 billion into India, while unlocking 10,600 new jobs

“It’s a clear win-win, and a demonstration of the strength and promise of our partnership And thank you to the Government of India for the warm welcome they extended to my colleague, the Prime Minister, and the entire delegation

“I’m happy to see some of those businesses represented here tonight I’m also pleased to be continuing to support our partnership in my new role as Deputy Prime Minister but also as Lord Chancellor, and Secretary of State for Justice

“Just last week, Sir Geoffrey Vos, one of our most senior judges led a

that unites us Two vibrant democracies of passionate people

Two economies fizzing with ideas and potential Two nations, determined to build on the past and deliver a better future Our joint story is so very far from over And what we have achieved so far is only the start of what we can do together

Speaking about the Trade Agreement between UK and India, the Deputy Prime Minister went on to say, “Our Trade Agreement will deepen our historic ties and strengthen our economic partnership Not least, thanks to our common interests in the green transition, in harnessing new technologies and in strengthening economic and global security

“From Bengaluru to Birmingham, we are unlocking potential and delivering growth And both our countries have already started to reap the benefits of this agreement, thanks to many of you in this room “The Prime Minister's most recent visit result-

judicial delegation at the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts in Delhi The meeting paved the way for further collaboration under the Memorandum of Understanding between our justice ministries I look forward to continuing to work together ” Speaking about Vision 2035, he added, “As Minister Malhotra rightly said, Vision 2035 and our trade deal marks a new chapter, one that reflects the importance of our partnership, not just economically, but in securing a safer, more prosperous future for both our countries Trade between us is already worth more than £40 billion We are already collaborating on the defining technologies of this decade through our Technology Security Initiative And we are already working closer than ever before to tackle climate change, this century’s most serious threat But this is just the beginning We have so much more to do, and to achieve, together ”

Minister for Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra MP welcoming guests to the reception

Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor speaking at the reception

Dance performance at the reception

Rt Hon David Lammy meeting actress Meera Syal

CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar shaking hands with Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh

CB Patel Publisher/Editor Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar Minister for Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra MP, Rupanjana Dutta, Managing Editor, Asian Voice and hotelier Girish Sanger

Ketan Dattani

Rooted in Culture and Nature: The Significance of Trees for South Asians

Asour cities rise and forests shrink, we risk forgetting the deep connections our communities have always had with trees Trees are more than just greenery They are the lungs of our planet, the shelter for countless creatures, and the providers of food, medicine, and clean air Yet every year, forests disappear at an alarming rate, leaving a void that is felt environmentally, culturally, and spiritually.

For South Asians, trees have always held sacred meaning In Hinduism, the Earth, or Prithvi Mata, is a living mother deserving of respect In Buddhism, the Bodhi tree is where Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment, a reminder of wisdom and mindfulness Islam encourages us to act as Khalifah, caretakers of the Earth, protecting all that Allah has created The Banyan tree, standing tall in villages and towns, has long been a place of community gathering, storytelling, and spiritual reflection

There is something magical about being close to a tree

Hugging a tree, feeling its rough bark and immense presence, is more than symbolic It is a way to reconnect with nature, to honor life, and to remind ourselves that we are part of something far bigger than our urban routines

I have personally made it my mission to plant trees in my community Each sapling is a step toward reversing deforestation and healing the Earth Tree planting is a hands-on, grounding experience that blends environmental action with cultural mindfulness Beyond planting, we can all contribute by reducing waste, recycling, choosing sustainable products, and supporting organizations that protect forests Every action matters

Deforestation is happening faster than most of us realize, and its consequences ripple across the globe

Losing trees is not only an environmental tragedy It is a spiritual and cultural loss, a severing of the bonds that connect us to our heritage and the natural world

Protecting our trees is a responsibility to the Earth, to our communities, and to future generations Let us nurture our forests, hug our trees, and plant new ones so that the heart of Asia and the planet can continue to thrive

Kew botanists hunt for a vanishing palm

Ke w Ga rde ns f ac ed a

m aj or di l emma as i ts

G ra de I- l is te d Pal m House began to deteriorate F or more than 60 y ea rs , the V i c tori an glasshouse has housed a 46ft ‘Ravenea moorei’, the only known specimen on Earth

The rare male palm cannot be moved or replanted; any attempt could kill it With no way to propagate it, botanists feared the species would be lost during the 2027 renovation unless another ‘Ravenea moorei’ could be found in the wild, a mission with no guarantee of success

Professor Bill Baker, Kew’s leading palm expert, said: “We simply didn’t know if ‘Ravenea moorei’ still survived in the wild For years there had been no confirmed sightings It was entirely possible the last living example was at Kew, and that we were about to drive a whole species to extinction ”

European wildcats could return to England after 100 years

The return of European wildcats to south-west England has moved a step closer after a two-year study found a reintroduction in mid-Devon is feasible, and largely supported by local residents

The region offers suitable habitat, with ample woodland for cover and den sites, and low-intensity grassland and scrub for hunting

The study concluded that wildcats would pose no risk to people, livestock, or pets, proposing the release of 40–50 wildcats from 2027 However, interbreeding with feral and domestic cats, which has threatened the species' genetic integrity in Scotland, remains a challenge

It highlights the need for collaboration with local communities and cat welfare groups to implement a neutering programme to ensure successful reintroduction

Led by the South West Wildcat Project, in partnership with Devon Wildlife Trust, Forestry England, and the Derek Gow Consultancy, the two-year study assessed the impact on people, wildlife, livestock, and the long-term viability of a wildcat population

T O X I C T R U T H S

Why the poorest still breathe the dirtiest air?

Subhasini Naicker

Despite major progress in r educ i ng ai r pol luti on across E ngland and Wales, new evidence shows that clean air remains a privilege for some Air pollution in England and Wales has dropped significantly over the past decade, yet the poorest neighbourhoods remain exposed to the highest levels of toxic air, a new analysis reveals

According to new analysis by Friends of the Earth, people of colour, lowincome households, and non-drivers are now disproportionately concentrated in the 5% of neighbourhoods still exposed to the worst air pollution, mainly in low-income urban areas such as London and Manchester

A decade ago, 30% of residents in pollution hotspots were on low incomes, 20% were people of colour, and 22% didn’t own a car Today, those figures have surged to 48%, 50%, and 60% respectively Experts warn air pollution remains a social justice crisis in the UK

Asian Voice spoke to experts and city officials who warned that air pollution remains a deep social and environmental justice issue, with the poorest and most diverse communities still breathing the dirtiest air

A spokesperson for the Ma yor of Lond on said: “The Mayor believes that access to clean air is a social justice issue We know that more deprived communities and those from ethnic backgrounds are disproportionately affected by air pollution We have made London a global leader in improving air quality, with the ULEZ helping to massively reduce harmful emissions across London, leading to all Londoners

breathing cleaner air For some of the most deprived communities living near London’s busiest roads, there has been an estimated 80 per cent reduction in people exposed to illegal levels of air pollution

“But the Mayor is not complacent He is committed to continuing to reduce air pollution and has rolled out indoor air quality filters across 200 schools in London, prioritising areas of higher deprivation and poorer air quality In addition, he is working on electrifying all of London’s bus fleet, expanding London’s Electric Vehicle charging network and tackling emissions from the construction industry, as we work to build a fairer, healthier London for everyone, ” spokesperson added

Prof es s or Pras ha nt Kumar, Founding Director of the Global Centre for Cl ea n A ir Re s ear ch (GCARE ) at the University of Surrey, said the findings

reveal “ a profound environmental injustice,” where those least responsible for pollution suffer the most from its effects He explained that disadvantaged communities often live near busy roads, lack green spaces, face poor housing conditions, and have longer commutes, all of which heighten their exposure

“Do we all breathe the same air? The evidence resoundingly says no, ” he

UKHSA recommends community groups to combat climate distress

A new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) report claims that climate change anxiety significantly impacts the mental health of British youth and can cause guilt about having children To combat this "eco-anxiety", distress over the climate threat, the report suggests methods like yoga and attending climate cafés to build emotional resilience

The UKHSA report also highlights that strong psychological reactions, like solastalgia (sorrow over degraded familiar environments), are natural responses to environmental destabilisation, not irrational ones Data from the assessment shows many young Britons are struggling, with nearly 40% of survey respondents citing climate fears, specifically worries about safety, resources, and quality of life, as a reason for being hesitant to have children

It also found evidence that eco-anxiety is influencing reproductive choices, citing a survey where 39% of UK respondents felt hesitant to have children due to concerns about their future quality of life To counter this distress, the UKHSA recommends activities promoting community connection and resilience, such as yoga, citizen science, and "climate cafés," noting their association with reduced psychological distress

said, adding that limited ventilation and more time spent indoors further increase risks, especially for children and the elderly He emphasised that “ onesize-fits-all policies won’t work” and urged policymakers to prioritise targeted measures that protect vulnerable groups and make clean air “ a universal right ”

Jabeer Butt OBE, Chief E xe c ut i ve of the R ac e Equality Foundation, said

the findings reflect “ systemic environmental injustice and policy failure,” with low-income and ethnic minority communities facing the highest exposure to air pollution He noted that current government strategies place too much emphasis on individual behaviour change, urging households to buy greener cars or switch heating systems, without providing the structural support needed to make these shifts possible

“The fact that lowincome areas and communities of colour face the worst air pollution is no anomaly,” he said, adding that incentives like electric vehicle subsidies often benefit the better-off, excluding lower-income and ethnic minority workers Butt warned that policies ignoring racial and social disparities “ risk deepening inequality,” and stressed that a just transition to net zero must embed race equity into all major areas of

policy to ensure marginalised communities are not left behind Professor Anil Namdeo, Pr ofes s or of A ir Qual i ty a nd N et Z er o at N orthumb ri a Uni ve rs it y, said, “These findings clearly

show that pollution exposure is an issue of environmental justice Lowincome communities are disproportionately affected because they often live near major roads and high-traffic areas, with limited ability to move to cleaner neighbourhoods My research across UK cities shows a clear pattern: vulnerable groups, including low-income and ethnic minority communities, face higher exposure, rely on public transport or walk along polluted routes, often live in older, poorly ventilated housing, and have limited access to green spaces ”

“This exposure is worsened by limited healthcare access, higher underlying health conditions and fewer resources to adapt, creating a cycle where environmental and social inequalities reinforce each other Tackling this requires more than technical fixes, we must prioritise these communities through better traffic management, affordable public transport and communityled air-quality monitoring The transition to net zero must put equity at the centre so those most affected benefit first,” he added

William slams big business over climate inaction

Pri nc e W i lli a m has c ri ti c i se d maj or b us in es s es for “ fa ll in g short” and lacking “ courage ” on climate action, expressing frustrati on at the pri vate se ctor’s apathy

During his five-day trip to Brazil for the Earthshot awards and Cop30, he raised his concerns with the prime minister, President Lula and energy secretary Ed Miliband

A royal source said William used his Brazil visit to warn the prime minister and the energy secretary that global businesses are not offering meaningful support on climate action He believes major companies are still doing far too little and wants bolder private-sector leadership While firms such as Ikea, Uber and Compass Group are backing Earthshot finalists, “ many others are still falling short” William has built a “ warm relationship” with Starmer and urged the government to push businesses for stronger climate action He plans to take next year ’ s prize to India, aiming to engage major polluters India, the third-largest emitter, was absent from the Cop30 summit A royal source said William wants Earthshot to reach “ every corner of the planet” and showcase India’s climate innovation

Anil Namdeo

Jabeer Butt

Prashant Kumar

Prince William

Britain’s growing inactivity time bomb

Britain faces a hidden economic crisis as long-term sickness, soaring welfare costs and rising inactivity shrink the workforce, strain public finances and threaten future growth

Britain is confronting an economic crisis hiding in plain sight, a slack economy weighed down by unprecedented levels of long-term sickness, soaring welfare dependency, and a shrinking labour force that threatens the country’s future prosperity

While political debates rage over tax, immigration and public spending, a fault line also runs through a population increasingly unable, or in some cases financially disincentivised, to work

The numbers are stark Today, 2 8 million working-age Britons are economically inactive because of long-term illness, the highest on record What began as a postpandemic blip has hardened into a structural rupture Chronic health conditions, mental illness, long Covid, and an overstretched NHS have combined to create a workforce hollowed from within The financial drain on the state

The costs are exploding Spending on working-age sickness and disability benefits has risen by £20 billion in just four years, and is forecast to climb toward £70 billion a year by the end of this Parliament The Office for Budget Responsibility warns that disability benefit spending alone will jump from £39 billion to £58 billion by 2028–29 Some parliamentary forecasts place total incapacity and disability spending at £100 billion by 2030 around 3% of GDP This is the quiet crisis draining Britain’s public finances

According to N ati o na l Institute of E co nom ic and Social Research’ s ( NIE SR) judgement,

higher inactivity would have a constricting effect on labour supply, thereby reducing slack “The data suggests that higher inactivity reflects net outflows from the labour market rather than an uptick in those who stay inactivity So, broadly, one can say that the rate at which people are entering the labour market is not a concern, it is rather than the rate at which people are leaving the labour market,” said F er g u s Jim enez, A ssociate Economist at NIESR

“As for the broader picture of labour market slack, the last few years have seen a reduction in inactivity paired with healthy jobfinding rates among the unemployed This has meant that the unemployment rate has only steadily ticked upwards However, if the demand-side of the labour market (i e , job-finding rates) cool further, as we saw in the data releases for Q3, then we could see a greater margin of slack open up, ” he further added

The deeper story is more

unsettling Nearly one in four working-age adults is now classed as disabled The number of people with a work-limiting health condition has surged from 6 million a decade ago to 8 4 million today Meanwhile, one in ten workingage people receives a sickness or disability benefit, and more than a quarter have remained on such benefits for over ten years

For millions, illness is real, debilitating and economically devastating But the system around them is collapsing under its own weight

When work pays less than welfare

Research from the Centre for Social Justice shows that, in some cases, households on Universal Credit combined with Personal Independence Payment can receive £2,500 more per year than a full-time worker on the National Living Wage after tax At the same time, organisations like Scope warn that disabled adults face £1,095 a month in unavoidable extra costs, from higher energy

bills to specialist equipment, far beyond what benefits currently cover

The welfare state is being stretched from both ends: too expensive to sustain, yet too inadequate to live on and now Rachel Reeves is set to rely on a stealth tax in her upcoming budget, extending the freeze on income tax thresholds until 2030 Although she has dropped her earlier plan to raise the basic rate of income tax, the freeze will still pull millions more people into higher tax bands as their wages rise

This approach has sparked criticism and market alarm, but it also raises a simple truth: whenever any tax is imposed or increased, the cost ultimately falls on the consumer Workers and pensioners end up with less take-home pay, which creates two major problems First, their spending power drops, making everyday life more expensive Second, many begin cutting back on essentials including healthcare

The hidden cost of Black Friday bargains

How to save yourselves from scams happening online on this Black Friday

Swathi Anil

The air is thick with anticipation As the leaves turn and the nights draw in, the UK prepares for the annual retail spectacle known as Black Friday. Originating as the Friday following American Thanksgiving, this event has transformed into a global, weeks-long spree, marking the unofficial curtainraiser for the Christmas shopping season

This year, the focus of the frenzy will sharpen on Friday, November 28, 2025

The urgency and excitement of the hunt blind many to the rising tide of deception that accompanies it The data is sobering Reports revealed that a chilling three in four spam emails are, in fact, scams

These fraudsters cast a wide net, employing highly localised and often personal tactics The most common pitfall is smishing, where victims are targeted with text messages impersonating familiar names like their bank or a delivery service Furthermore, as shoppers chase rock-bottom prices, they encounter numerous fake pop-up storefronts The pervasive threat is the deluge of social media ad scams where criminals clone trusted British brands on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, using urgency and time-limited offers to push non-existent goods

The real cat-mous e game

Speaking with Asian Voice, NCSC Director for National Resilience Jonathon Ellison said

“When looking out for bargains, it is important for shoppers to remember that cyber criminals seek to exploit this surge in spending, using trust in established brands and the seasonal popularity of products to lure people into clicking malicious links or sharing personal and financial information ”

Sharad Agarwal, a Final-Year PhD Candidate at University College London (UCL) measuring online financial fraud, talking with Asian Voice, offers a crucial perspective on why hubs like London are so vulnerable, despite high awareness He notes, “UK Finance’s 2025 fraud report shows that more than a third of scam losses are

enabled by telecommunication Scammers send messages throughout the day, often when people are comparatively busier in a typical work setting and are less likely to stop and think before clicking or replying These messages tend to create a sense of urgency, impersonate a well-known authority, or offer something tempting, such as a refund ”

When discussing the tactics themselves, Agarwal confirms that fraudsters follow the money “Scammers really take advantage of the festive rush around Black Friday One of the most common tactics is smishing As shoppers hunt for deals, scammers exploit that sense of urgency, mimicking trusted British brands and creating fake, time-limited offers It’s become a real cat-and-mouse game ”

Addressing the delivery scam, Agarwal notes a shift in the criminal's method "Scam delivery messages are still the most common way fraudsters get to people UK mobile networks already run filters to block known scam texts, but the rules they use aren’t fully standardised yet, so collaboration across the industry is really important ” The key, he stressed, is collaboration and data sharing The true art of Black Friday shopping in the modern age isn't just about finding the best deal, but about safeguarding your wallet from the shadow of the scammer

In the long run, this leads to poorer health outcomes, higher medical costs for the government, more pressure on the NHS and a combustible mix of public resentment, political fear, and genuine human hardship Successive governments have tiptoed around reform, wary of the backlash that comes with tightening disability rules or reassessing claimants But without bold intervention, in healthcare, job support, skills training and benefit design, Britain risks locking millions into a permanent state of economic detachment

Fergus, however, thinks that the government deserves some credit for restoring investment spending relative to the previous government's plans “This will help productivity and growth in the long-term, although much of the investment allocations in the medium term have gone to defence, which may be less effective for productivity returns

“That being said, the government needs to establish a larger fiscal buffer (at least £30billion) against its fiscal rules to ensure that uncertainty over tax and spend policy does not become a chronic feature of this government s tenure By providing fiscal certainty, the private sector will be more likely to commit to investment decisions while households will be more likely to spend rather than save This will help growth in the coming years ”

The real question now is not whether Labour can afford to fix this crisis It is whether Britain can afford not to

Exodus triples past expectations

Revised

figures show Britons left the UK at more than three times the previously estimated rate last year

Updated data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that 257,000 British nationals emigrated in the year to December 2024, compared with an earlier estimate of just 77,000 The sharp revision follows the ONS’s overhaul of its migration methodology

Net migration had long been calculated using the International Passenger Survey, but the ONS said the survey had been “stretched beyond its original purpose ” and relied on a small and unreliable sample Estimates are now drawn from Department for Work and Pensions data linked to National Insurance numbers, providing a far more comprehensive picture of both emigration and returnees

The number of Britons moving back to the UK has also been significantly revised upwards The ONS now estimates that 143,000 British nationals immigrated to the UK last year, compared with the previous figure of 60,000

The updated data comes amid reports that Britain is set to lose a record 16,500 millionaires this year, driven by rising taxes and stricter rules on non-dom residents According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report, the UK is being outcompeted by rival countries for global capital as part of a “historic wave of wealth migration”

The revised figures also show that overall net migration peaked earlier and slightly higher than initially thought, reaching 944,000 in the year to March 2023 It has since fallen more sharply, dropping to 345,000 by December 2024, far lower than the 431,000 originally reported

Fergus Jimenez

Rachel Reeves

Sharad Agarwal

Dear Financial Voice Reader,

Alpesh Patel

We Indians, Asians, Gujaratis – all love a bargain. So why can’t we have cheap stocks that only go up?

Why Is Risk and Return Interlinked in the Stock Market?

1 T he Eco no mi c Logic: Compensatio n fo r Uncertai nty

At the core of modern finance lies one simple truth:

If two investments offered the same return, rational investors would choose the safer one

This means risky assets must pay investors for accepting the possibility of loss This compensation the “risk premium” is the foundation of market equilibrium

Government bonds offer low returns because they are safe: repayment is almost certain

Equities offer higher returns because shareholders are paid last, behind lenders, and carry the full exposure to recessions, earnings shocks, and bankruptcies

If stocks paid the same as bonds, no one would ever buy them

If stocks paid less than bonds, markets would collapse instantly

Thus, risk and return are linked not by theory but by necessity The system cannot function otherwise

2 Th e Stru ctu ral Lo gic: Markets E qualise Opp ortu nities

Competition enforces the risk-return trade-off If a high-return investment had low risk, capital would flood into it Prices would be bid up, expected returns would fall, and the “free lunch” would disappear

Similarly, if a low-return asset carried high risk, investors would avoid it; its price would fall until its expected return rose to compensate

This self-correcting mechanism explains why:

• Blue-chip stocks have lower expected returns than small-cap equities

• High-yield (“junk”) bonds return more than investment-grade bonds

• Emerging markets historically offer more than developed ones

You are paid more only because others are unwilling, unable, or too fearful to bear the same risk

3 The Behavioural Logic: Fear Creates Return

Traditional finance assumes rationality, but real markets are ruled by human psychology

Riskier assets tend to offer higher returns not simply because they are riskier, but because fear suppresses prices

• Investors overreact to bad news

• They avoid uncertainty, even when uncertainty is mispriced

• They prefer smooth, predictable returns over jagged ones, even if jagged returns are higher

This behavioural aversion creates opportunity

Warren Buffett built his empire not by chasing risk, but by buying temporarily disliked assets companies whose perceived risk was higher than their actual risk

Thus, the return premium is not only for risk, but for discomfort

Markets reward those who can tolerate what others cannot

4 Th e Mathematical Logic: V olatility Is the Price o f Long-Term Growth

Equities return more over time because they fluctuate more over time

The price of long-term participation in capitalism is short-term pain

A bond pays a fixed coupon

A stock pays an uncertain future stream of earnings

This uncertainty volatility widens the distribution of possible outcomes:

• Bonds: narrow, predictable, stable

• Stocks: wide, uncertain, compounding

The range is wider because the upside is wider

Volatility is not the enemy of return; it is its infrastructure

5 Th e T ime H orizon: Why Lo ng-T erm Investo rs Win

The longer you invest, the more predictable returns become

Short-term risk is high for equities but long-term risk is dramatically lower

Across 15+ year periods:

• equities almost always outperform bonds

• the probability of loss collapses

• compounding dominates volatility

This reveals a deeper truth:

Risk is not just a property of assets, but of time

A diversified equity portfolio held for 20 years is far less risky than cash held for 40 years because inflation silently destroys wealth while equities regenerate it

Thus, long-term investors earn higher returns because they buy the one thing the market refuses to price cheaply: patience

Patience I think we Indians,Asians are good at that too for eventual reward

Is property still a safe bet?

As UK house prices see sharpest drop in over a decade, what does it mean for investors?

Anusha Singh

Hocutting their asking prices at a pace unseen in 13 years, as buyers hesitate

slowdown in high-value transactions.

The latest figures from Rightmove, reported by The Times, reveal that asking prices for new listings over the past four weeks have fallen by 1 8 per cent, or £6,589, bringing the average to £364,833 By comparison, the typical decline over the same period in the past decade has been just 1 1 per cent

This marks the steepest autumnal fall in asking prices since 2012

But it’s not just fresh listings that are adjusting; existing homes on the market are also seeing reductions Around 34 per cent of properties currently listed have had at least one price cut, with the average reduction hitting 7 per cent, the highest level recorded since February last year

The big question looming over the market is: are houses still the reliable wealth-building assets they once were?

A changing investment landscape

Inder Ghai, Senior Mortgage & Protection Advisor at Echo Finance, warns that property returns today are no longer guaranteed, consistent, or as high as they once were

“If you are new to property investment and have done your homework, your returns should align with your forecasts,” Ghai explains “But for seasoned investors, the rate of return is noticeably down Changes to

stamp duty, higher borrowing costs, increased maintenance expenses, energy efficiency requirements, and stricter regulations have all eroded profitability Rental yields, meanwhile, have struggled to keep pace with these rising costs ”

He adds that while rents have increased in parts of the UK, they often lag behind the surge in interest payments and compliance costs “For some landlords, particularly those with higher mortgage borrowing, profitability has become marginal, or even negative

We’re seeing more properties previously held for healthy returns being repositioned for firsttime buyers or experienced investors ”

The long-term view

Despite the current slowdown, Ghai believes UK property remains a resilient long-term investment but with a recalibrated outlook “Expect steady, sustainable capital growth rather than the double-digit increases seen in past decades The chronic undersupply of homes and strong institutional interest in rental properties will continue to underpin

demand, particularly in wellconnected areas Property remains a reliable wealth-building asset, but success now demands a disciplined, data-driven approach ”

He advises investors to focus on fundamentals such as location, tenant demand, and opportunities for valueadded improvements, rather than relying solely on passive capital gains

“Higher borrowing costs and evolving regulations mean investors will need to prioritise rental income consistency Location, property quality, and energy performance are now crucial determinants of long-term value ”

The market slowdown coincides with speculation that the government may introduce new property taxes

Potential measures include a “mansion” tax on homes valued above £2 million, ending capital gains tax exemptions for primary homeowners, and raising council tax These possibilities have intensified following the chancellor’s recent decision not to raise income tax, leaving a £20 billion gap in public finances, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility

Expert advice for buyers and investors

Ghai offers practical guidance for those considering buying property in the coming months:

• Factor in all costs: Assess rental yields with mortgage payments, maintenance, insurance, and potential void periods in mind

• Focus on fundamentals: Look beyond speculative capital gains Target areas with resilient rental demand, such as student hubs or commuter towns

• Consider alternatives: Non-traditional buy-to-let models, including HMOs, serviced accommodation, holiday lets, or mixed-use properties, can offer stronger returns

• Negotiate assertively: Sellers may be more flexible than expected, so push for terms that work in your favour

• Plan for the long term: Many investors now purchase through limited companies offering potential tax advantages; but it’s vital to align with your long-term goals

• Prepare for regulatory shifts: Factor in energy efficiency standards, tenant protections, and potential tax changes when buying, or invest in properties that already meet anticipated regulations

Improbable founder faces losses amid UK exit tax concerns

Herman Narula, co-founder and chief executive of SoftBank-backed tech company, Improbable, has seen cumulative losses at his business reach nearly £425 million, as the entrepreneur voiced concerns over proposed UK tax policies targeting wealthy emigrants

Narula, who shared with The Telegraph that he was “preparing to emigrate to the United Arab Emirates over reports that Ms Reeves intended to unleash a so-called settling-up charge on entrepreneurs”, describing the speculation as making it “too unstable and too risky to maintain residency” in Britain, calling the proposals “irresponsible ” The government reportedly shelved the plans following reports that Narula was considering

relocating to Dubai

Narula, born in India but a long-time UK resident and Cambridge graduate, has built a global reputation as one of Britain’s most high-profile young entrepreneurs

However, Improbable, valued at £2 5 billion in a SoftBank-led round in 2022, has only posted a profit once in over a decade Companies House filings show it swung back to a £17 4 million loss in 2024 after recording a £12 9 million profit in 2023 Narula explained that the 2024 loss reflected the lack of asset sales and the significant investment required to build deep-tech ventures,

including work for the British Army Narula, whose stake in Improbable is worth an estimated £780 million, criticised the Treasury’s policies as “ antientrepreneur,” warning that an exit tax could drive founders to sell early or avoid establishing companies in Britain altogether His stance echoes broader unease in the start-up community More than 1,000 entrepreneurs have signed an open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, cautioning that the proposed tax could signal that Britain is “not welcoming” to innovative founders

Cyber-attack drives JLR into £500m loss

pushed the company f rom

near £500 milli on qu arte rly loss

JLR reported pre-tax losses of £485 million in the three months to 30 September, a dramatic reversal from the £398 million profit recorded a year earlier and ending 11 straight quarters of gains Production was suspended throughout September,

with factories only returning to full output after a phased restart in October

The full financial fallout remains unclear, but the hack is estimated to have cost the wider UK economy up to £1 9 billion and was blamed for dragging GDP growth down to 0 1%

JLR booked £196 million in exceptional direct costs related to the incident, including hiring global IT

specialists to rebuild systems The company confirmed that all plants are now “ at or approaching capacity” following widespread shutdowns across the UK and abroad

The manufacturer added that Donald Trump’s tariffs, which briefly halted exports to the US and now stand at 10% under the UK-US trade deal, compounded the unprecedented quarterly losses

Herman Narula

Inder Ghai

Malabar Gold & Diamonds expands Hunger Free World initiative to Ethiopia

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, t he world ’ s fi f th- la rges t j e wel ler y re tai l er a nd a l ea di ng adv oca te of c orpor ate s oc i al responsibility in India, has announced the expansion of i ts f lag shi p Hun ger F r ee World initiative to Ethiopia

Following its success in India and Zambia, the program now enters a new phase on the African continent The Hunger Free World model, rooted in India’s ethos of compassion and collective progress, reflects how local initiatives can achieve global impact

Malabar Gold & Diamonds invests 5% of its net profits into the program; more than double the mandated CSR allocation in India

At an event at the Malabar International Hub in Dubai Gold Souq, Mr Abdul Salam KP, Vice Chairman of Malabar Group, handed over the Letter of Intent to HE Asmelash Bekele, Consul General of Ethiopia in Dubai Currently, the

Abdul

KP Vice Chairman hands

initiative provides over 85,000 meals daily across 170 locations worldwide Its expansion to Ethiopia will support 10,000 children with daily meals by 2026 and include infrastructure development, scholarships, mentorship programs, digital literacy initiatives, and library development

“Hunger Free World has positively impacted millions of lives, demonstrating our vision of sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Mr MP Ahammad, Chairman of

the

Malabar Group Mr Abdul Salam KP added, “Extending this program to Ethiopia strengthens our mission of eradicating hunger and fostering education equity globally ”

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Ethiopian project will adopt a communitycentric approach, engaging schools, local authorities, and stakeholders to ensure local ownership, employment generation, and long-term impact

India's retail inflation hits record low

I nd ia’ s ret a il in fl at i on , m ea sured b y t he

C o ns um er Pri ce In dex (CPI), cooled to a record

l o w of 0 3% in O ct ober

This dramatic drop, significantly lower t han the 1 4% recorded in September and t he 6 2% from Oct ober l ast y ear, has t ri ggered w ide sprea d s pec ul at io n regarding a potential int erest rate cut by the Reserve B an k of In dia (R B I) in December

Data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) highlighted that the monthly inflation rate decreased by 119 basis points Crucially, food inflation entered the deflationary zone, contracting by a remarkable 5%, a 269basis point decrease from September and the lowest on record for the current CPI series

The substantial decline in headline and food inflation is attributed to a confluence of factors, including the full-month impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts, a favourable base effect, and a sharp slide in the prices of key consumables Specifically, vegetable inflation contracted by 27 6%, with staples seeing

massive price drops: onion inflation fell by 54 3%, tomato by 42 9% and potato by 36 7% The data further revealed that rural inflation contracted by 0 3%, while urban inflation remained positive at 0 9% This widespread and sharp deceleration in prices strengthens the likelihood of a monetary policy easing by the central bank

India hosts majority of world's best workplaces

A new rep o rt hi gh li gh ts India’s significant role in the g lo bal e m pl oy m ent la ndscape, revealing that 16 of the 25 companies featured on the prestigious Fortune W orl d’s B est Wor kp lac es 2025' list have active operations within the country

The list, compiled annually by Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine, is based on comprehensive surveys of over 9 million employees across 25 million workplaces worldwide The ranking assesses companies on their proven success in

cultivating trust, pride, and camaraderie among their workforce, both at a local level in India and across their global operations

Michael C Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work, commented that the organisations featured on the list are distinguished by demonstrating consistently higher levels of employee trust and providing ample opportunities for professional growth

He added that these leading employers not only offer an outstanding working environment but also strengthen

7 per cent rise in India's direct tax collection

India’s net direct tax collection grew by 7 % year-onyear to reach ₹12 92 trillion by November 10th in the c urre nt f in an ci a l yea r (FY26), according to provisional data from the Central B oard of D i re ct Ta xes (CB D T) Thi s m odes t growth, however, trails the gov ern men t's amb it i ous ₹ 25 2 trillion target for the full fiscal year

The increase in net collections was significantly aided by a sharp decline in refunds, which fell by 17 7% overall Refunds issued to non-corporate taxpayers plummeted by an even steeper 37 7% Experts attribute this steep drop primarily to timing issues, citing the extension of tax return filing deadlines for both individual and corporate taxpayers this year, meaning a large portion of

refunds is yet to be processed

Despite the lower growth in overall gross collections (up 2 15%), the noncorporate tax segment, paid by individuals and HUFs showed notable resilience, rising by 8 7% to ₹7 19 trillion Tax experts noted this as a positive sign of stronger growth in income levels, even after significant rate cuts implemented last year

Net corporate tax collection grew by a slower 5 7% to

₹ 5 37 trillion Meanwhile, Securities Transaction Tax (STT) collections remained flat, declining marginally by 0 67%, reflecting the sideways movement in the equity markets Analysts warn that while the resilience in individual taxes is encouraging, the overall slower momentum compared to budget projections raises questions about achieving the high annual target without a significant collection surge in the final quarter

India's smartphone market achieves five-year high sales

India's smartp hone market achieved a five-year high in the third qu arter o f 2025, buoyed by an unprecedented surge in iPhone sales and a strong festive season push Wh ile Chi nes e behem oth s Vivo and Op po dominated o vera ll sa les vo lu m e wi th th ei r m ai nst ream devi ce s, Ap p le em erged as th e qu ar ter' s bi gges t su cc es s story

According to data from IDC's worldwide quarterly mobile phone tracker, the overall smartphone market expanded by 4 3% year-onyear to reach 48 million units in Q3 2025 This growth was decisively driven by premium smartphones, encompassing both new launches and older models Simultaneously, the demand for more affordable massbudget ( ₹ 9,000– ₹ 18,000) and entry-premium (₹18,000–₹36,000) Android devices remained weak, hampered by ongoing affordability concerns

The market shift toward higher-value segments was pronounced, pushing the average selling price (ASP) up Apple hit a landmark achievement, recording its highest-ever quarterly shipments in India at 5 million units This success propelled the company past Realme to become the fourth-largest brand in the country, trailing only Vivo, Oppo, and Samsung CEO Tim Cook has consistently highlighted India as a key growth spot globally for the brand

However, IDC cautioned that pressure on the mass market is causing a significant inventory build-up heading into Q4 Coupled with rising component costs, particularly memory, and currency fluctuations, this is expected to lead to price increases post-Diwali Consequently, IDC forecasts a year-on-year decline in shipments for Q4, resulting in an overall annual contraction with total shipments falling below 150 million units for the year

Noel's son Neville appointed to Sir Dorabji Tata Trust board

the communities where they operate and are leaving behind a better world than the one, they inherited Alyson Shontell, editorin-chief of Fortune, noted that the list serves to highlight workplaces where employees genuinely feel trusted, empowered, and motivated to perform at the peak of their abilities India's strong representation on this global ranking underscores its importance as a talent hub for the world's most successful and employee-focused businesses

Tata Trusts, which holds the controlling stake in the $180billion Tata Group, has signalled a key generational shift by inducting Neville Tata, son of Chairman Noel Tata, onto the board of its flagship Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT ) The appointment was unanim ously a pprov ed by t he SDTT board, bolstering Noel Tata's authority and formalising the 33-year-old's position w it hin the c ong lome ra te 's core struc ture Neville, who serves as the business head of Trent Hypermarket (operating the Star Bazaar chain) and previously led the highly successful fashion retailer Zudio, now joins three Tata family mem-

bers on the principal Trusts’ boards SDTT, along with the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), collectively owns over 51% of Tata Sons, the group ’ s holding company Neville already serves on the boards of several smaller Tata Trusts and is widely expected to eventually join the SRTT board, a potential precursor to a seat on the

Tata Sons board

Alongside Neville, the SDTT board also inducted Bhaskar Bhat, a seasoned Tata Group veteran and former Managing Director of Titan Company, for a threeyear term The expansion of the board to seven trustees injects younger leadership and deep retail experience into the Trusts' governance This significant development comes shortly after the departure of trustee Mehli Mistry, underscoring a period of strategic consolidation and renewal within the philanthropic entity that dictates the direction of India's largest conglomerate

Mr

Salam

over

Letter of Intent to HE Asmelash Bekele Consul General of Ethiopia in Dubai

Neville Tata

TEEN JAILED FOR 65 YEARS FOR KILLING INDIAN FAMILY

A Texas judge sentenced 19-year-old Luke Garrett Resecker to 65 years in prison for a 2023 crash that killed six members of an Indian American family Resecker who was 17 at the time, was under the influence of THC when his pickup truck veered into oncoming traffic on December 26, 2023, slamming head-on into a Honda Odyssey minivan on US Highway near Cleburne, Texas The victims - Rushil Barri, 28, of Irving and five relatives - were returning home from a family outing All but one of the seven passengers in the van were killed instantly The deceased were identified as Naveena Potabathula, Nageswararao Ponnada, Sitamahalakshmi Ponnada; 10-year-old Krithik Potabathula; and 9-year-old Nishidha Potabathula

KERALA TEEN DIES AFTER FALLING FROM DUBAI HIGH-RISE

A 19-year-old Kerala teenager who was visiting the United Arab Emirates died after falling from the terrace of a building in Dubai s Deira Mohammed Mishal a resident of Kerala s Kozhikode district was visiting his cousins and had been in Dubai for about 15 days, according to a report Mishal, who according to his family members was a photography enthusiast, had reportedly gone on top of a multi-story building to take photographs of flights when the accident occurred "He was staying with his cousins while his parents remained in Kozhikode He had been in Dubai for about 15 days " Haneefa K K, a family friend, said

INDIAN STUDENT DIES IN US

A 23-year-old Indian student has been found dead in her apartment in Texas, United States, leaving her family and friends in deep shock

The student, identified as Rajyalakshmi (Raji) Yarlagadda, was a resident of Andhra Pradesh and had recently graduated from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and was actively seeking employment in the US According to her cousin Chaitanya YVK, she had been sick with a severe cough and chest pain for the past two to three days "Tragically, on the morning of Nov 7 she did not wake up while her alarm rang leaving her family and friends heartbroken " the cousin said

INDIAN SURGEON 'FORGOT' DEADLY PAST IN AUSTRALIA

The Indian-origin surgeon Jayant Patel who was once the focal point of an explosive medical scandal in Australia has claimed that he has "completely forgot" the patient deaths and severe complications linked to his surgeries Nearly two decades after the controversy that earned him the infamous nickname Doctor Death the 75-year-old responded to a reporter s confrontation in Portland, Oregon, with striking detachment Patel, who worked in Queensland between 2003 and 2005, was accused of engaging in botched procedures, misdiagnoses, and dangerously careless medical practice

US BLACKLISTS

CHANDIGARH-BASED FIRM

The US has sanctioned an Indian company, alleging it has links through one of its directors to Iran s missile program The Treasury Department listed the Chandigarh-based Farmlane Private Limited among 32 businesses and individuals sanctioned because of their alleged connections to a supply chain for Iran’s missile and drone programs The Treasury Department did not directly accuse Farmlane of supplying material used for rocket propellants for missiles, but said that one of its directors was involved in the scheme that relied on Chinese suppliers

Bangladesh’s youth revolt at the crossroads

Anusha Singh

Bangladesh is racing toward one of the most pivotal elections in its history; an election forged from fire, fury and the unyielding defiance of its youth Just over a year ago, the nation watched in disbelief as Prime Mi ni ster Sh ei kh Hasina’s long-do minant Awami League crumbled under a studentled revolt now etched into history as the “Monsoon Revolution ”

What started as scattered campus murmurs exploded into a nationwide roar

Students from schools, universities and madrassas flooded the streets despite a brutal state crackdown, inspiring parents, teachers and ordinary citizens to join them Even bitter rivals like the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami formed an unlikely front to challenge Hasina’s 15-year grip on power

The breaking point came on August 5, 2024, when tens of thousands stormed Hasina’s official residence, forcing the 77-year-old leader to flee to India In the aftermath, student revolutionaries turned to Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to steer an interim government charged with rebuilding a nation shaken to its core

government now fear their revolution may be slipping from their hands

Reflecting on the youth-led movement, Dr Chietigj Bajpaee, Senior Research Fellow for South Asia at the Asia-Pacific Programme, noted, “The Monsoon Revolution, in many ways, has delivered more continuity than change Bangladesh’s entrenched cycle of revenge politics is still very much alive Under Sheikh Hasina’s government, the BNP and Jamaat faced persecution; now, under the interim administration, it is the Awami League and its supporters who are being targeted, with little sign of genuine national reconciliation

“A key question in the months ahead will be whether the new government is willing, and able, to implement the reforms outlined in the July National Charter ” However, as elections draw near, the euphoria of the uprising has begun to sour

The very young people who toppled a

Instead of the “ new political settlement” they imagined: fresh leaders, clean governance, a break from dynasty politics; they see familiar power networks regrouping for a comeback Bangladesh’s old political families are reasserting themselves, threatening to overshadow the voices that sparked the transformation

Dr Bajpaee warns that the uprising’s other core goal, breaking the grip of entrenched political elites and escaping the era of “battling begums”, is faltering

“Efforts to develop a credible third front through the student movement appear to be fraying as entrenched political elites reassert their influence This comes as the

most likely outcome for next year ’ s election is a BNP-led government

“In this context, there is a risk that the youth become increasingly disenchanted as they fear a return to politics as usual If the student-led NCP fear the odds are stacked against them during the election, we could see renewed unrest with the politics of protest becoming normalised,” he said

The country of 170 million is fraying at the edges Sectarian violence has become almost routine, raising alarms of a resurgence in radical Islamism The Awami League, though banned from contesting the February elections, claims its members are being hunted down and killed Yunus, once seen as a moral compass for the transition, is now accused of overreach and “lawfare” after barring the Awami League from the polls, citing its alleged orchestration of last year ’ s deadly unrest The stakes could not be higher Bangladesh stands at a crossroads shaped by its youngest generation; the same generation that toppled a political giant but now fears the return of old shadows The coming elections will determine whether the Monsoon Revolution marks the beginning of a new democratic chapter, or simply another cycle of the same entrenched power

Death sentence for Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal awarded death sentence to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity on Monday, for her role in a crackdown on last year's student-led uprising which the United Nations says left up to 1,400 people dead The tribunal also sentenced Hasina s home minister Asaduzzaman Khan to death Hasina and Khan fled to India in August

last year and were sentenced in absentia A third suspect, a former police chief was sentenced to five years in prison after becoming a state witness Hasina denounced the verdict as biased and politically motivated India responded to Hasina’s sentencing with caution, saying it had taken note of the verdict and as a close neighbour, remained committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh

Pak army chief gets more powers, no court interference

IS LAM ABAD: Pakistan’s p arliam ent approved a constitutional amendment to expand the powers of the army chief and curb the remit of its Supreme Court, a m ove that critics said had done irrep arable harm to the country’s democracy

The lower house of parliament approved the legislation with a more than two-thirds majority, with only four lawmakers voting against The upper house passed the bill two days earlier after the opposition boycotted the debate - an unusually swift passage for a constitutional change Such amendments usually require weeks or months of consideration The amendment will become law once signed by

the president, a formality Army chief Asim Munir will now be elevated to the new post of Chief of Defence Forces, placing the navy and air force under his command in addition to the army After completion of his term, he will retain his rank and have legal immunity for life

Prime Minister Shehbaz

Sharif hailed the amendment as a step toward institutional harmony and national unity “If we ’ ve made this part of the Constitution today, it’s not just about the field marshal,” Sharif said, adding that it also recognized the air force and navy “What’s wrong with that?” he asked the speaker “Nations honor their heroes We know how to show and earn respect to our heroes ”

Critics say the changes concentrate power in the hands of the military and the ruling coalition Under the amendment, constitutional cases will move from the Supreme Court to a new Federal Constitutional Court, whose judges will be

appointed by the government In recent years, the Supreme Court has blocked government policies and ousted prime ministers

‘Death knell’ for judiciary Legal experts warned the reform could erode judicial independence “We are facing completely uncharted territory: a breach in our judicial system the likes of which we haven’t seen in almost a century,” said constitutional lawyer Asad Rahim Khan “The members slapping each other on the back should prepare themselves for when they’ll be seeking relief from the same courts they have destroyed and subordinated to the state ”

Indian techie sues employer, alleging forced labour and exploitation

SA N JOS E: A n In d ian -or igin software engineer has filed a lawsuit in the US against his In dia n A m er ica n em p lo ye r , alleging exploitation under the federal H-1B visa programme a lo ng sid e cl a im s th at ca stebased discriminatory practices were enforced in the workplace

The case shines in light the light on how visa-de pe nde nt workers can be made vulnerab le to abuse, often by employers from their own community

The plaintiff, Amrutesh Vallabhaneni, accuses Siri Software Solutions and its

owner, Pavan Tata, of engaging in forced labour, labour trafficking, and multiple violations of US labor laws

According to the complaint, the company allegedly weaponised the H-1B programme, using threats tied to the worker's immigration status to exert total control over his employment The lawsuit alleges severe wage and financial exploitation Vallabhaneni claims he was illegally made to pay all costs associated with his H-1B visa and, astonishingly, was forced

to pay his own salary for several months just to maintain his legal immigration status The company is further accused of violating the Department of Labour s prevailing wage rules by retaining up to 20 per cent of his earnings from client contracts as profit

The complaint states that whenever Vallabhaneni questioned these unlawful conditions, Siri Soft threatened to withdraw his visa sponsorship, thereby risking his right to remain and work in the country They allegedly used the promise

of a Green Card application as constant leverage to compel him to accept low pay and continue making required payments

A labour trafficking expert assisting in the case noted that the dispute also draws attention to how caste-linked discrimination from India can surface in US workplaces The lawsuit suggests that some Indian-run companies replicate social hierarchies, creating an environment where lower-caste workers feel powerless to challenge unfair or illegal treatment

Dr Chietigj Bajpaee

Sheikh Hasina

Asim Munir

BAPS' Diwali 'Sangam' gives a boost to interfaith harmony

CHINO HILLS: The BAPS Shri

Sw aminarayan Mandir in Chino H il ls , S o ut he rn Ca li fo rni a, h osted a m aj or i nterfaith and m ulticultural Diwali celebration, nam ed ‘Sangam ’ , dedicated to f o ste rin g u ni ty an d cu lt ur al h ar m ony T he hi gh - pr of i le ga the rin g su cc ess fu ll y drew a di ver se gro u p o f att endees , i nc lu di ng dip lo m ats , fai th l eader s, a cade m ic s, and community representatives from across the region, all centred on Diw ali's u ni versal themes: the victory of ligh t over darkness and unity over division

The event saw substantial representation from the diplomatic community, including Dr K J Srinivasa, the inaugural Consul General of India in Los Angeles, who delivered opening remarks emphasising the power of such gatherings to build bridges The diplomatic corps present included representatives from the Consulates of Armenia, El Salvador, Switzerland, Cambodia, and South Africa, alongside members of the LA28 Cultural Olympiad Committee

The focus on local community ties was equally prominent, beginning with a special land acknowledgment and prayer delivered by members of the Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians This was followed by the reading of a message from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who

extended Diwali greetings and praised the Mandir’s role in promoting unity

Guests were given traditional hospitality and a tour of the intricately carved temple before the main gala, held outdoors against the backdrop of the illuminated Mandir The formal programme featured heartfelt interfaith reflections from leaders representing the Sikh, Zoroastrian, Jain, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Indigenous faiths, followed by a traditional vegetarian thali meal

The evening culminated in an inspiring video address from Paramtattvadas Swami of BAPS’s London Mandir, who urged continued global collaboration, particularly in the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games

BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi hosts ‘a symphony of harmony’

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu D ha bi hos te d a n in s pir in g evening titled ‘A Symphony of Harmony’, celebrating People of Determination and highlighting the UAE’s values of inclusion, compassion, and shared humani t y M ore t han 500 gues ts attended, including UAE leaders hip, c ommuni ty f igures, and f am il i es of People of Determination

The highlight of the evening was a breathtaking performance by 15-year-old Emirati pianist and composer Ahmed Al Hashemi, a young star on the autism spectrum who has represented the UAE in over 200 international performances Recipient of the UNESCO Rising Talent Honorary Certificate and the Mother Teresa Memorial Award, Ahmed performed eight pieces – including works by Beethoven and his own compositions – offering a moving reminder that courage and creativity transcend all limitations

Ahmed shared that he was inspired to perform at the Mandir after feeling ‘ peace and love’ during a previous visit His original piece ‘Dark to Light,’ composed as a tribute to the Mandir, symbolized humanity’s journey from challenge toward harmony

During the interlude, Swami Brahmaviharidas reflected on the transformative power of music through a story from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan He emphasized that harmony

Special 'saree' event celebrates culture, empowerment in NYC

NEW YOR K: Diverse hues and styles of sarees inundated the popular Times Square as women from the Indian diaspora and other nations c elebrated the elegance of the garment, and empowerment of women through heritage, artistry and community at a special event here

The second edition of the ‘Saree Goes Global' event was organised by New York–based philanthropic organisation Uma Global in partnership with the Consulate General of India in New York This year's celebration brought together participants from India, Bangladesh, the UK, the West Indies, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, multiple cities across the US, and New Yorkers, transforming Times Square into a vibrant global mosaic, according to a statement issued by Uma Global

Consul (Head of Chancery) Pragya Singh at the Consulate General of India in New York highlighted the deep cultural history and diversity of the saree “The saree is one of the world's oldest continuously worn garments, with a history spanning thousands of years Its countless styles, drapes, and fabrics reflect India's extraordinary diversity and artistic heritage," she said Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs at the New York City Mayor's Office Dilip Chauhan said that the event is more than a cultural celebration “It honours generations of craftsmanship, storytelling, and community The saree reminds us that when women lead, communities thrive and innovation flourishes This event truly reflects the spirit of New York City - diverse, dynamic, and driven by opportunity for all,” he said

A letter from New York Governor Kathy Hochul noted the event's contributions to diversity, empowerment, and community engagement across New York State

in brief

JOB SEEKERS FLOOD NYC MAYOR-ELECT MAMDANI

NEW YORK New York City s incoming administration led by Mayor-elect Zohran

begins within each person and praised Ahmed as a beacon of determination, adding: “With courage, compassion and determination, let us overcome all inner limitations to create a world of harmony ” He also thanked the UAE leadership for empowering People of Determination nationwide Swami Brahmaviharidas honoured Ahmed with a special memento, while BAPS volunteer Shaily Desai honoured Ahmed’s mother, Eiman Alaleeli, for her

Mamdani, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in public interest, having received more than 50,000 job applications via its transition team s resume portal This massive inflow of interest signals an eager desire to join the new city government which is campaigning on an affordability-focused agenda centred on working-class residents In a written statement Mamdani welcomed the enthusiasm saying The sheer number of applicants speaks to the excitement at the heart of this movement one that has inspired people to believe that government can put working people first " The transition team confirmed it is actively seeking candidates from various backgrounds, including community organisers, policy experts, government veterans and new workers from New York and beyond who can quickly contribute to the administration s goals The flood of job seekers accompanies a dramatic fundraising milestone The transition committee successfully raised $517 947 from over 7,000 donors in less than 30 hours This total fundraising sum eclipses the combined firstterm transition totals of the last two mayors, highlighting the strong financial and public momentum behind the incoming administration Mamdani a Democratic Socialist stunned the political establishment with his victory and the overwhelming response from both job applicants and donors suggests a broad desire for systemic change in the nation s largest city

PAK FORCES KILL 26 TERRORISTS IN KHYBER

To honor Ahmed’s determination and the inspiration he brings to many Swami Brahmaviharidas presented him with a special memento, a model of the Mandir surrounded by musical notes

unwavering support Distinguished guests, including Brigadier Hamed of Joint Taskforce Abu Dhabi; H E Mubarak Al Ameri and H E Mohamed Al Balooshi, representing H E Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Zubin Karkaria, CEO of VFS Global; and Vibu Bose, Executive Director of Ahalia Medical Group, were also felicitated

Dayton Literary Peace Prize honours Rushdie with lifetime award

D AYTON: Aut hor Sa lman Rushdie has been presented with t he A mba ssa do r Ri cha rd C H olbr ook e Di st in guis hed Ach ie ve men t Awa rd , t he prestigious lifetime honour of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, in r ecog nit io n o f his ex ce pti ona l literary merit and commitment to promoting peace through his work

The 78-year-old author's resilience was a central theme of the ceremony The recognition comes just three years after he was brutally attacked and blinded in one eye while on a lecture stage in New York in 2022 Despite the ordeal, Rushdie has maintained his writing career, recently publishing the acclaimed memoir 'Knife' in 2024, which was a finalist for the National Book Award for Nonfiction, and his 23rd work, 'The Eleventh Hour', a collection of novellas and short stories In accepting the accolade, Rushdie said: "I’m grateful for this opportunity to celebrate the

beauty and urgent necessity of peace, and to remember that art is always in the service of that cause ” Rushdie’s life was irrevocably altered by his 1988 novel, 'The Satanic Verses', which prompted Iran’s Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to issue a 1989 call for the writer’s death, forcing him into years of hiding His assailant in 2022, Hadi Matar, a US citizen, was subsequently sentenced to 25 years in prison

The lifetime achievement award, named for the American diplomat and architect of the Dayton Peace Accords, Richard C Holbrooke, has a distinguished list of past recipients, including former US President Jimmy Carter, Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, and writer Margaret Atwood

Other honourees this year included Kaveh Akbar for his novel 'Martyr!' (Fiction Winner) and Sunil Amrith for his historical work, 'The Burning Earth: A History' (Nonfiction Winner)

Pakistani security forces killed 26 terrorists in multiple intelligence-based operations in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province officials said The three operations were conducted in the Bajaur Kohat and Karak districts The operation was conducted after receiving credible information about the presence of a large number of terrorists in the Gaddar village The terrorists were hiding in the village which the locals had evacuated Meanwhile, Pakistan announced the arrest of four militants over their alleged involvement in a deadly suicide bombing outside a district court in the capital in which 12 people were killed and 28 others injured

NEPAL PARLIAMENTARY POLL ON MARCH 5

The election commission of Nepal published the schedule for the parliamentary election to be held in March The candidates will have to file nomination for the election to the house of representatives on Jan 20, according to a notice published by the election commission The list of the candidates will be published on the same day Those who wish to protest against any candidate may do so on Jan 21 The list of candidates will be published the next day Those wishing to withdraw their candidacy can do so till Jan 23 The final list of candidates will then be published on the same day The election will be held on March 5 according to election commission

DON’T INTERFERE IN TAIWAN, CHINA WARNS JAPAN

China warned Japan of a “crushing” military defeat if it uses force to intervene over Taiwan, and even cautioned Chinese citizens against visits to Japan, angered by its prime minister s remarks about the island, which Beijing claims Tokyo summoned Beijing’s ambassador to Japan to protest against a top Chinese diplomat s online post about PM Sanae Takaichi, continuing a tit-for-tat spat that has run for a week Chinese defence ministry spokesperson said Takaichi s words were irresponsible and dangerous Should the Japanese side fail to draw lessons from history and dare to take a risk or even use force to interfere in the Taiwan question, it will only suffer a crushing defeat,” Jiang said

Swami Brahmaviharidas also honored distinguished members of the UAE leadership and community for their unwavering support: Brigadier Hamed of Joint Taskforce Abu Dhabi; H E Mubarak Al Ameri and H E Mohamed Al Balooshi, representing H E Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Mr Zubin Karkaria, CEO of VFS Global; and Dr Vibu Bose, Executive Director of Ahalia Medical Group

The growth showdown: Gujarat v/s Tamil Nadu

As India charts a course to achieve rich-country status by its independence centenary in 2047, req uiring an annual economic expansion of around 8%, the spotlight falls on the handful of states reliably achieving such dynamism

T

Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, are con-

offering vastly different models for India's poorer regions

Gujarat: The infrastructure-led engine

Gujarat, the heavily industrialised western state once led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,

population but accounts for over 8% of national GDP and more than a quarter of the country’s exports In the decade leading up to 2022-23, its economy expanded at a robust annual rate of around 8%, placing its income per person 60% above the national average

The state's success stems from

its history as a manufacturing hub and its recent pivot to capitalintensive megaprojects in pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals

G

ture, five-folding its power-generating capacity over two decades and building an ever-expanding network of high-quality roads

However, this growth comes

with a significant caveat: too few ordinary Gujaratis have benefited Nearly 12% of the population lives in "multidimensional poverty," a rate five times higher than Tamil Nadu and similar to much poorer states This is partly due to megafactories that are profitable but not major job creators, and poor human capital investment Less than half of the state’s youngsters’

45 Indian Umrah pilgrims to Mecca die after tanker rams into their bus

Eighteen members of a family were among at least 45 Umrah p ilg r im s fr om H y d er a ba d cha rred to death on Monday in a bus infe rno triggered by a highway collision with a fuel ta nker while travelling from Mecca to Medina in Saudi Arabia

M o h a m m e d S h o e b , t h e lone pilgrim to survive, escaped because he was seated beside the driver when the bus burst into flames after ramming into the tanker Both men broke through a window and jumped

Hyderabad police commissioner V C Sajjanar said the 46 passengers were part of a 54-member group that flew from the city to Saudi Arabia on Nov 9 They were to return on Nov 23 after visiting Islam's holiest site

“Four members of the group hired a car to travel to Medina after completing Umrah rituals Another four stayed back in Mecca,” Sajjanar said

The victims include 22 women, 12 men and 11 children Shoeb, whose brother also travelled to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage but wasn't on the bus, remains in intensive care at Saudi German Hospital with injuries to his arms and legs

“I spoke to Shoeb Going by what he said, some

passengers were asleep during the crash He was lucky to be in the cabin with the d r i v e r , ” h i s s i b l i n g , Mohammed Sameer, said “It is unclear if the tanker hit the vehicle while it was moving or was stationary ” Sameer and his family landed in Jeddah three days after the rest of the pilgrims and are yet to finish their Mecca rituals

PM Modi condoled the deaths in a post on X

“Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured Our embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance,” he wrote The Telangana govt has decided to depute a team, led by its newly appointed minorities welfare minister Mohammad Azharuddin, to Saudi Arabia to coordinate relief efforts Announcing ex gratia of Rs 500,000 each to the kin of those who died, the govt said it would help arrange the funerals of the deceased in Saudi Arabia in accordance with religious traditions Two members of each affected family would be flown to Saudi Arabia, it said

study to high-school level, below the national average of 58% Tamil Nadu: The social policy champion Tamil Nadu, which is similarly rich and populous, offers a contrasting blueprint Last year, its economy surged by 11%, making it

attributed to the rapid growth of e

i n g , including Apple’s expansion in the state, which accounted for around $15bn in electronics exports last The state is also a major manufacturer of cars and motorbikes Tamil Nadu’s advantage lies in its investment in health and education Its primary-health centres boast about 60% more doctors than Gujarat s, and its public hospitals have more than twice the number of beds Critically, over 8

school for the maximum period, and about half of young adults

proceed to college or university (the national average is 28%) T

development, rooted in a century o

spoils of growth are widely distributed; despite a similar GDP per person, Tamil Nadu has far fewer impoverished people than G

n o t e that the state’s high concentration of engineering colleges produces abundant talent, and its well-educated female workforce has been key to attracting electronics assembly

The central lesson for India is clear: while politicians across the country favour visible infrastructure projects, unleashing the true power of India’s young population requires significant investment in health and education, a

Nadu has proven can ultimately

widespread prosperity

India and Russia reaffirm enduring strategic partnership

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded a significant visit to Moscow this week, reaffirming the stability of the "special and privileged strategic partnership" between India and Russia The visit, which occurred amid preparations for the forthcoming annual summit, underscored the enduring commitment of both nations to high-level strategic dialogue despite the complexity of the current global landscape

Jaishankar was received by President Vladimir Putin, joining other heads of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) delegations for a key meeting in the Russian capital This high-profile interaction followed detailed deliberations the previous day between Jaishankar and his counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov The ministers’ extensive discussion focused on the bilateral agenda and crucial international developments, placing particular emphasis on finalising arrangements for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit scheduled for early December in New Delhi

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow issued a statement confirming that the two sides had stressed their mutual commitment to forging a more "just, multipolar world order" and ensuring collective global security Both nations agreed to maintain close coordination across key multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, the SCO, BRICS, and the G20, illustrating their shared geopolitical perspective on international governance This crucial diplomatic activity was mirrored simultaneously in New Delhi, where Nikolai Patrushev, the top aide to President Putin and Chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia, called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi Their discussions addressed various facets of Russian-Indian cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector, where both parties expressed mutual interest in deepening interaction to enhance their respective maritime capabilities Crucially, the Patrushev-Modi meeting also served to touch upon the advanced state of preparations for the eagerly awaited December Summit

PM Modi attends birth anniversary celebration of Birsa Munda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed

t he J a nj ati y a G aura v D i was progr amme , marking the 150th birth anniversary celebration of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, in Dediapada, Gujarat On the occasion, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various infrastructure and development projects worth over £970mn Stating that the sacred land of Maa Narmada is today witnessing yet another historic occasion, Modi recalled that on 31st October, the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel was celebrated at the same venue to celebrate India’s unity and diversity, Bharat Parv was initiated

PM Modi highlighted that several projects related to national development and tribal welfare were inaugurated and foundation stones laid Under PM-JANMAN and o t h e r s c

region have been provided with permanent houses A large number of Eklavya Model Schools and Ashram Schools have also been inaugurated and their foundation stones laid Modi said that the Shri Govind Guru

C

Munda Tribal University

Birsa Munda: A legacy of resistance and pride

Bhagwan Birsa Munda, known affectionately as "Dharti Aaba" (Father of Earth), his life was a powerful, albeit tragically brief,

saga of resistance against colonial oppression and a fierce defence of tribal identity

Munda belonged to the Munda tribe Deeply inspired by Vaishnavism and his tribal faith, he established the Birsait sect, becoming a spiritual and political leader who mobilised the tribal masses under a common banner

The fight for land and dignity

Birsa Munda's primary struggle targeted the destructive economic policies of the

British Raj The imposition of the Zamindari s

destroyed the traditional tribal land owner-

relentlessly against this exploitation, challenging forced labour (Begari), protesting revenue policies that stripped tribals of their a

British atrocities He urged them toward self-rule and cultural resistance against the 'Dikus' (outsiders), promoting tribal pride

An immortal legacy Birsa Munda's movement, the Ulgulan (The Great Tumult), was brutally suppressed

He was arrested in 1895 and later tragically died in Ranchi Jail in 1900 at the young age of 25 His movement stands as a towering testament to tribal resistance and directly i

Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908), a landmark legislation that provided significant

unwavering courage and leadership, he is revered as “Bhagwan” In recognition of his unparalleled contribution to the freedom struggle, the Government of India declared

Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day) in 2021

This designation ensures that the incredible saga of Birsa Munda is finally afforded the national recognition it has always deserved

PM pays floral tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary at Narmada

PM performs Darshan and Puja at Dev Mogra Temple Narmada Glimpses of the inauguration and laying the foundation stone of development project

TVK, DMK hold state-wide protest against SIR in TN

CHE NNAI: The Tamilaga Vetri K a zha ga m (T V K ), hea ded b y a c tor -polit ic ia n V ija y, sta ge d a st a te -w ide pr ot est aga in st t he c onduct of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in T a mi l Nadu, ev en as t he Opposi ti on con ti nued i ts c r it ic ism of t he c ont rove r sial phase 2 of the ongoing exercise

Though Vijay did not participate in the demonstrations, leaders including TVK state general secretary N Anand and senior leader Adhav Arjuna led the protests in Chennai The protests came days after the ruling DMK protested against the Election Commission's decision to conduct the exercise in the state ahead of the 2026 assembly

elections

The TVK targeted the DMK over the nationwide exercise “Why is the DMK not passing a resolution against SIR in the assembly?” asked TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna The DMK in turn questioned why the

TVK had not participated in its all-party meeting held on November 2 The meeting in which 44 parties of Tamil Nadu attended was skipped by the TVK, AIADMK and BJP

The DMK moved the Supreme Court against the

RSS activist shot dead in Punjab, pro-Khalistan outfit owns up

F E ROZE PUR: A young RSS member, who came from a family of Sangh ac ti vi s ts , wa s s hot de ad b y t wo unidentified assailants in Ferozepur

The vic tim, Naveen Arora , 32, was attacked when he was returning home after c los ing his shop for the day Several shots were fired, one of which hit him in the head, killing him

The assailants sped away Naveen was rushed to hospital where he was was declared dead on arrival The police were not sure of the motive for the murder or the identity of the killers Naveen’s father Baldev Raj Arora is a local RSS functionary, as was his grandfather Naveen is survived by his wife, a two-year-old son, and parents

A pro-Khalistan outfit, Sher-ePunjab Brigade, claimed responsibility for the murder in a social media post signed by its self-styled ‘commander’ Paramjit Singh and issued by ‘spokesperson’ Bahadur Singh Sandhu

It accused RSS of “ assimilating Sikhs into Hinduism in Punjab” A video has surfaced that purportedly

shows the gunmen fleeing the spot Ferozepur SSP Sidhu urged residents not to react to social media propaganda “Police teams are on the job and we will nab the culprits shortly,” said SSP Sidhu, who visited the crime scene

The local traders’ association condemned the killing and shut markets in protest and to mark solidarity with the family of the victim They demanded strict action against the killers

Police are examining CCTV footage from shops in the vicinity to try and identify the assailants

Bengal governor asks police file FIR against Trinamool MP over his remarks

K O LK A TA : Wes t Be nga l Governor CV Ananda Bose had directed the police to start an i nve s ti gat ion i n to t he al le gat ion s made b y t he Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan B ane rj ee ’ that arms a nd am muni ti on we re be i ng distributed from the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata by registering an FIR in the matter

According to reports, the Governor’s office had also cautioned the police that action would be taken in case of noncompliance with the order and that he is also consulting legal experts on possible actions that could be taken by his office on the matter

The Governor described the allegation floated by Banerjee as “inflammatory, explosive and irresponsible” and also cautioned of strong legal actions on his part He also demanded an unconditional apology from Banerjee if his allegations made publicly are untrue

However, the strong note of caution from the government could not stop Banerjee from continuing with his jibes “If necessary, I will also file a counter suit

and fight it out till the Supreme Court level At the same time, I am challenging the government to appear in an open forum where I will also be present,” Banerjee said

On Saturday, while interacting with the media persons, Banerjee alleged that the Raj Bhavan was giving shelter to “criminals” of the BJP He said that the Governor should first stop giving shelter to criminals and distributing arms and ammunition to them to kill TMC workers “As long as an incompetent Governor like you remains, you will never see anything good happening in West Bengal,” Banerjee said Banerjee also made a controversial statement about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, linking the latter with the car explosion in New Delhi last week Banerjee said the blast was conducted deliberately just a day before the second phase of the Bihar Assembly polls, just to create a sympathy wave in favour of the BJP and directly accused the Prime Minister of “ masterminding that conspiracy ”

exercise and protested along with their allies - the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) who are part of the INDIA bloc four days ago on November 14 Meanwhile Tamil Nadu’s main opposition, the AIADMK and ally BJP have backed SIR Vijay released a video message questioning how SIR will be implemented to cover a total of 636mn voters in the state “There is a lot of confusion among the people regarding this SIR process, ” Vijay had said Meanwhile the Election Commission of India (ECI) said that 59mn enumeration forms have been distributed to the voters in Tamil Nadu across 234 assembly constituencies That accounts for 92 04% of voters, the ECI said

SGPC plans banning lone women travellers to Pak

AMRITSAR: After reports emerged of "missing" woman Sikh pilgrim Sarbjit Kaur embracing Islam and changing n ame to N oor H uss ai n fol lowi ng he r n ik ah w it h Sheikhupura resident Nasir Hussain in Pakistan, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has said it is planning to bar lone women travellers from accompanying jathas to the country and tighten norms in this regard

The SGPC said it would not recommend the names of such women for travel to Pakistan in jathas in the wake of the incident SGPC secretary Partap Singh said the SGPC had been forced to have a rethink of its policy since it was the second such incident In April 2018, a Sikh jatha member, Kiran Bala, had failed to return to India after she embraced Islam and changed her name to Amna Bibi after marrying a Lahore man

He said taking abundant precaution, they had initially objected to Sarbjit's solo travel to Pakistan However, after she obtained the recommendations of her village sarpanch and nambardar, the Sikh body sent her passport to the embassy

He said it was failure on part of the police and intelligence agencies in verifying her antecedents, since three cases were registered against her and nine against her two sons

As per a 1974 accord between India and Pakistan, a 3,000-strong jatha is allowed to travel to Pakistan on the most auspicious occasions of Sikhism

Calcutta HC disqualifies TMC's Mukul Roy from assembly

KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court cancelled the membership of TMC leader Mukul Roy from the West Bengal legislative assembly under the antidefection law A division bench presided over by Justice Debangsu Basak passed the order acting on petitions submitted by opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari and BJP MLA Ambika Roy

This is for the first time that a high court has disqualified an MLA on charges of “anti-party" activities It also struck down the decision to appoint the senior leader as the chairman of the public accounts committee (PAC), calling it flawed

The core conflict addressed by the court revolved around his swift transition between political parties following the 2021 assembly elections He was originally elected to the House on a BJP ticket in May 2021 but only a few months later, in August of that same year, switched allegiance and formally joined the ruling Trinamool Congress

His transition happened in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee “We have to examine the matter, this is a controversial topic; we have to see the order and then determine what to do We have some protection, let’s see what’s there in order," said Speaker Biman Banerjee

The HC’s verdict now overturns the Speaker’s prior ruling, solidifying the strict application of the anti-defection law in this specific instance

NORTH-EAST

7 Oppn parties join hands for 2026 Assam poll

In wha t co uld re sha pe Assa m ’ s p olit ica l la ndscape a hea d of t he 20 26 polls, se ven Opposition parties announced the revival of the Asom Sonmilito Morcha, pledging to take on the BJP with a common front Leaders of the Congress, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), Raijor Dal, CPI(M) and three other parties came together at a meeting held at the Assam Legislative Assembly Secretariat, resolving to fight the polls under a unified banner

“Today we have taken an important decision In view of the BJP’s atrocities and the injustice of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, we have all united to provide relief to the people of Assam We are coming together to contest the 2026 Assembly elections to liberate the citizens of Assam,” said Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief Gaurav Gogoi after the meeting

The announcement marks a significant comeback for the Asom Sonmilito Morcha, which had splintered earlier owing to internal rifts and strategic differences This time, however, the tone among Opposition leaders was noticeably different, pragmatic and conciliatory, bound by a shared resolve to challenge the BJP’s dominance in the state

AJP chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi said discussions revolved around the Opposition’s agenda, highlighting governance issues and alleged corruption under the current regime “The main point we decided today is to work tirelessly in this coming election and fulfil our duties towards the people of Assam,” he said Echoing the sentiment, MP Ajit Bhuyan said the decision to revive the front came after extensive deliberations

“We talked about many issues and decided to unite and fight for the citizens of Assam against Chief Minister Sarma’s government and the BJP, who are trying to break and sell Assam We are coming together to overthrow this government,” Bhuyan declared

The earlier fragmentation of anti-BJP forces had proved costly, particularly in constituencies where votes split among regional and national Opposition parties

With the formal revival of the Asom Sonmilito Morcha, the parties are now expected to work on a common minimum programme, coordinated campaign strategy and seat-sharing arrangement to present a credible alternative in 2026 “More details about our strategy and plans would be divulged later,” concluded the APCC chief

KUKI-ZO MLAS REJECT REPORT ON JOINING GOVT IN MANIPUR

A news report published by The Sangai Express titled “Kuki-Zo MLAs decide to join formation of popular Ministry in Manipur ” has drawn strong objections from the United Peoples’ Front (UPF), the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and several Kuki-Zo MLAs, who have termed the headline misleading and factually incorrect The criticism comes a day after Manipur observed National Press Day, where concerns were raised about the spread of misinformation in the state At the event, the Director of Information and Public Relations urged media organisations to prioritise verification over speed, cautioning that inaccurate reporting can heighten public tensions Responding to the newspaper report, both the UPF–KNO and the Kuki-Zo MLAs stated that no decision had been taken regarding joining any future popular Ministry They clarified that no resolution was adopted on the matter and noted that several MLAs referenced in the report were not even present at the meeting mentioned In their statement the UPF–KNO described the report as a misrepresentation while the MLAs said it had caused unnecessary confusion by presenting assumptions as conclusions According to the clarifications, the primary focus of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) conference held on November 15 was the community’s ongoing political demand for a Union Territory with Legislature, or a Separate Administration

Naveen Arora

CV Ananda Bose

India and Pakistan's arms race threatens global peace

T h e sh o rt w ar fo u gh t between India and Pakistan in May has given way not to diplomacy, but to a dangero u s glo bal a rms sh o pp i ng spree Just six months after their confrontation, the two perpetual south Asian rivals a re "fre neti cal ly s ur veyi ng the world's weapons market" to procure deadly arms for their next round of conflict

Paradoxically, the countries that were instrumental in coaxing the nucleararmed neighbours to end hostilities are now selling them top-of-the-line fighter jets, combat choppers, missile defence systems, and suicide drones for billions of dollars

The fragile ceasefire has held for several months, yet occasional gunfights between allegedly Pakistanbacked rebel fighters and Indian troops in Kashmir remind the world how easily peace can become unstuck With repression unleashed by the government of Prime

Minister Narendra Modi on Kashmiris at an all-time high, and young men in the region still willing to resist, the question is not if, but when the next conflict will erupt The intensity of the last war, which saw the two countries hurling missiles and drones at each other for four days, does not bode well for the region

Global powers prioritise profit over mediation

The concern for peace previously shown by the US, UK, China, and several Arab countries now appears to be "outweighed by arms suppli-

ers' desire to profit" from the frantic race between India and Pakistan to outgun each other Both countries have turned to trusted allies to beef up their conventional arsenals India, fearing the loss of its technological edge is looking to acquire more than 100 Rafale jets from France The Indian Air Force is also keen to obtain two to three squadrons of stealth fighter jets, considering either the Russian Sukhoi-57 or American F-35 The Indian military's desperation may push New Delhi closer to its historically reliable

India offers concessional aid to fund Bhutan's hydro power, rail links

P r ime M in is ter N a r e nd r a

Modi an d B hutan ese King

J ig me Kh e sa r N a mg y el Wangchuck jointly inaugu-

r a te d the 1 020 MW

P un a tsa n gch hu -II h yd r oe lectr ic project, hailing it as a milestone in the vibrant and growing mutua lly beneficial e nergy partnership between the two nations The project is ex pected to bring significant benefits to ordinary pe ople in both India and Bhutan

During his two-day visit to Bhutan, PM Modi announced a substantial concessional Line of Credit (LOC) of £400mn specifically designated to fund new energy projects in the kingdom Beyond energy, the leaders focused heavily on enhancing connectivity PM Modi announced that key Bhutanese towns, Gelephu and Samtse, will be connected to India’s extensive rail network, a move intended to give Bhutanese industries and farmers

Jyotsna Shah

easier access to India’s large markets "Connectivity creates opportunity and opportunity creates prosperity," Modi stated The two countries also signed three MoUs to further solidify bilateral cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, mental health services, and healthcare The King also offered condolences regarding the loss of life in the recent Delhi tragedy Endorsing the King’s vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City, PM Modi stated that India would establish an immigration checkpoint near Gelephu to facilitate visitors and investors Modi highlighted the interconnected progress of the two nations, noting that the new project, along with the resumption of work on another stalled hydroelectric project, will boost Bhutan's hydropower capacity by nearly 40%

supplier, Moscow

Simultaneously, China has fast-tracked the supply of 40 J-35 stealth fighters to its ally, Pakistan The Chinese military leadership seems so pleased with Pakistan's performance in the May confrontation that it is now willing to indulge Islamabad's every wish China supplied the Z-10ME all-weather combat helicopter in August and intends to provide KJ-500 early warning aircraft and the HQ-19 missile defence system This massive economic benefit from arms sales in south Asia has created strange bedfellows Russia, which is at odds with the US and France in Ukraine, now accounts for 36 per cent of India's arms imports, followed by France with 33 per cent This shortsighted policy of bolstering the conventional arsenals of two nuclear powers could prove calamitous for the whole world

India activates strategic airbase near China border

Indi a has formally operationalised its new Nyoma airbase in eastern Ladakh, marking a major boost to its mi li ta ry in fr as truc tur e barely 35 km from the Line of Act ual Cont rol (L AC) wi th Chi na The ai rb as e, situated at a challenging altitude of 13,710 feet, is now fully capable of sustaining operati ons by heavy-lift transport planes and, by early 2026, fighter jets, making it one of the world's highest operational airfields

The development was officially inaugurated by IAF chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, who personally flew a C-130J 'Super Hercules' transport aircraft from Hindon to the Mudh airfield at Nyoma The airbase has undergone a £23mn upgrade, which included extending the original airstrip into a 2 7-km 'rigid pavement' runway, along with new hangars and an Air Traffic Control complex The strategically located facility will be crucial for quickly deploying troops, weapons, and supplies to sensitive areas in eastern Ladakh, such as Pangong Tso, Demchok, and Depsang This move, combined with the ongoing large-scale Army exercise 'Poorvi Prachand Prahar' in Arunachal Pradesh, underscores India's high military readiness across the 3,488 km frontier with China

The operationalisation of Nyoma comes as the trust deficit remains high along the LAC Officials confirm that troops will continue to be forward-deployed for a sixth successive winter since the multiple Chinese incursions in AprilMay 2020 India's infrastructure push is a direct countermeasure to China's continued, assiduous upgrade of its own airbases and heliports facing India, including advanced facilities hosting J-20 stealth fighters

India plans world’s deepest underwater research station

India has set an ambitious goa l to construct the world’s deepest underwater research station at a depth of 6 km in the India n Ocean by 2050 This pioneering venture forms a key part of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)’s Vision 2047 r oa d ma p , w h ich a ims t o re v o lu t ioni se marine science and ocean exploration

NIOT Director Balaji Ramakrishnan confirmed that groundwork for the project has already begun The final deep-sea habitat will enable scientists to conduct longduration experiments, observe marine life through 360-degree transparent walls, and study human endurance under immense pressure The station is likened to an oceanic counterpart of the International Space Station As a critical demonstration phase, NIOT first plans to deploy a station at a 500-metre depth This pilot project will be designed to allow three scientists to stay underwater for a day or more, equipped

with advanced life-support systems and a docking facility for the submersible that ferries researchers from the surface

This proposed depth far surpasses existing facilities, notably Florida International University's Aquarius Reef Base, currently the world’s only operational undersea lab, which sits at a shallow 19 metres India’s plan will place it in direct competition with global powers like China, which is developing its own deep-water space station in the South China Sea, expected by 2030

The complex engineering required for the 6,000-metre habitat, which must withstand hundreds of times the surface pressure, will draw heavily on technology developed for Matsya 6000, India’s indigenously built manned submersible The project represents a significant step towards securing India's place as a global leader in deepocean technology and scientific discovery

Empowerment programme for poor women launched

A n em po wer ment p rogramme for 250 poor wido w s, aband oned w om en, women with disabilities and th o se faci ng h ard sh ip i n Ahmedabad and nearby areas w as inau g urated at Gaj j ar Ha ll, N i rmal Bh avan, through the joint efforts of P ro jec t ‘L I FE’ and LI FE Global Australia

Under this programme, 250 women are trained every quarter for three months in skills like sewing, hand and machine embroidery, beauty-parlour work, catering and basic computer operations For their overall empowerment, they are also taught self-defence, gender equality, banking, budgeting and finance, with advanced training given whenever needed After completing the course, they receive free tools and support to connect

with the market so they can become self-reliant

The session was inaugurated by Pushpa Vaghela, founder of the ‘Women’s Mentoring Foundation (WMF)’ in Tanah Merah,

Queensland, Australia, who was born in Kenya Other distinguished guests included Ms Kari Chan from the ‘For the Love of Children Society of Alberta, Calgary, Canada’; Dr Nalini Vassa

from the USA, a nephrologist with 56 years of experience, currently settled in Florida and a supporter of Project LIFE’s Primary School Infrastructure Development Education Programme;

Dharmendra Pandya, Manager & OSD at Gujarat Government’s ‘The Centre for Entrepreneurship Development’; Himanshu Makwana, a professional in the Entrepreneur Development sector and advocate of social empowerment; Ajay Kaul, Deputy Regional Head, Central Bank of India, Ahmedabad; Jyotsna Shah, Consulting Editor of Gujarat Samachar; Kirit Vasa, Co-founder of Project ‘LIFE’; and Rushikesh Pandya, Chief Development & Operating Officer at Project LIFE, Rajkot, serving for the past 26 years

After the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, the programme began with the prayer “Hamko Man Ki Shakti Dena ” The women who had completed their training spoke first They shared their stories, their

struggles and how much they now earn, giving inspiring examples of growing confidence and stability They thanked the donors and Project ‘LIFE’ for helping them change their lives Many now earn between ₹ 20,000 and ₹ 50,000 a month and even help other women become self-reliant, creating a strong chain of empowerment The women currently in training also spoke, some with tears in their eyes, sharing the challenges they faced Their words moved the entire audience The dignitaries encouraged them to stay strong and continue progressing in life Over the past 17 years, Project ‘LIFE’, Rajkot has helped more than 12,750 women in Gujarat become self-employed and independent, benefiting over 51,000 family members

PM Narendra Modi and Bhutanese king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Bihar voters give a big thumbs up to Nitish-BJP alliance

T

On November 20th, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will formally establish its dominance as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pre pares to be sworn in f or a h ist oric te n th t im e, le a d ing a massive new coalition

This ceremony is the testament of a crushing electoral victory that saw the NDA secure an overwhelming three-fourths majority, bagging 202 seats in the 243-member assembly The mandate was emphatic: the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, closely followed by Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) with 85 seats, proving that their combined appeal was an unstoppable force that swept aside the opposition

The ensuing government formation has been rapid and clear: the new cabinet is expected to be a coalition showcase, with the BJP and JD(U) dividing the spoils alongside key allies like Chirag Paswan’s LJP(RV) and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM(S) With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of top national leaders set to attend the grand oath-

taking, the event symbolises not just state continuity but the full power of the NDA’s national endorsement

The quiet electoral tsunami

If the NDA’s victory had a single, golden thread, it was the meticulously cultivated loyalty of Bihar’s women voters, which was finally secured by the promise of a ₹10,000 grant This policy was not merely a financial handout; it was the ultimate culmination of Nitish Kumar’s long-term strategy to build the most powerful and dependable vote bank in the state

For years, he had laid the groundwork with landmark social engineering policies, including bicycle schemes that empowered schoolgirls and the contentious, yet popular among women, implementation of prohibition

The direct financial incentive became the tipping point It resonated deeply in the state's poorest communities, cementing the loyalty of the Pahunch Didi (accessible sister) vote bank By directly addressing the economic needs of the women the NDA secured a reliable and decisive edge, turning an already strong base into an unassailable majority

The opposition’s defeat was, in essence, a failure to counter this singular, powerful bond

This strategic economic move was perfectly paired with the successful weaponisation of the past The NDA campaign effectively invoked the 'fear of Katta Sarkar', a direct reference to the perceived collapse of law and order during the RJD's previous tenure in the 1990s and early

Terror's shadow looms over India's capital

Continued from page 1

The car bomb at the Red Fort Forensic investigations and DNA testing confirmed the suicide bomber driving the vehicle was Dr Umar Un Nabi, a medical professional from Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir The car was reportedly packed with different types of explosives

Officials believe the car, which had been parked nearby for several hours, was an improvised explosive device (IED)

The deliberate targeting of a crowded street during peak rush hour suggested a cold, calculated attempt to maximise casualties and sow widespread panic But as authorities dug deeper, the Delhi bombing revealed itself to be not an isolated incident, but rather the panicked fallout of a much wider plot that had been running for months

The white-collar network of Faridabad

The trail of the bomber Dr Umar led investigators directly to the bustling city of Faridabad in Haryana, and a terrorist network linked to Al-Falah University, where Dr Umar was an assistant professor Just hours before the Delhi explosion, a coordinated intelligence operation had successfully dismantled this network, recovering a cache of nearly 3,000 kg of explosives, along with assault rifles and bombmaking equipment

The perilous connection of India's doctors

The most unsettling revelation was the profile of the plottersprimarily comprised of highly educated professionals Alongside Dr Umar, key figures arrested included Dr Muzammil Ganaie, Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, and Dr Shaheen Sayeed, a woman doctor from Lucknow These individuals, reportedly associated with the

banned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH), had allegedly exploited their medical credentials and academic positions to procure chemicals, secure hideouts, and recruit others

Dr Umar, the core operative, even ran a secret laboratory at his residence near Al-Falah University to test explosives and assemble IEDs, following bomb-making instructions received from Pakistani handlers Investigators also found that some suspects, including Dr Umar and Dr Muzammil, had travelled abroad, possibly to meet their handlers and finalise the execution of the attacks

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the founder of Al Falah University, after uncovering his alleged involvement in a terror module connected to the Delhi blast The arrest forms part of a broader investigation into suspected terror-financing activities

A Hamas-style blueprint and Kashmir's shadow

Initial investigations revealed that the terror cell had originally planned for "Hamas-style" drone and rocket bomb attacks in Delhi This strategy, involving modified drones to deliver rocket-based explosives, is designed to maximise casualties and panic in crowded urban environments The failure of this technical plot forced the

module to revert to the car bomb IED, but the intention highlights a significant and alarming evolution in the terrorist threat faced by India

National resolve and security response

The gravity of the threat has spurred the government into immediate and farreaching action The probe was swiftly transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) The NIA has since made crucial arrests, including that of Amir, who allegedly helped procure the car, and Jasir Bilal Wani, an "active coconspirator" who provided technical support for the drone modification attempts

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also launched parallel investigations, conducting searches at Al-Falah University and related entities to trace financial irregularities and potential money laundering, aiming to cut off the terror network's funding arteries

2000s Nitish Kumar’s reputation for focusing on security and infrastructure played perfectly against the spectre of instability By contrasting his commitment to the rule of law with the potential return of a less disciplined regime, the NDA successfully swayed the crucial floating voters and kept the middle-class firmly in its corner

The RJD family feud

Across the political fence, the atmosphere in the opposition

Mahagathbandhan camp is one of utter wreckage Having only managed a dismal 35 seats, the RJD’s young leader, Tejashwi Yadav, has been left to contend with the immediate internal fallout of the loss The disappointment quickly devolved into public, familial

recrimination, revealing deep fissures within the Lalu Prasad Yadav family The most dramatic sign of this turmoil came from Lalu’s daughter, Rohini Acharya, who launched a blistering public attack on her brother Tejashwi and his close aides She publicly announced she was quitting politics and cutting ties with her brother, tragically claiming she was humiliated, abused, and threatened with a slipper after she questioned the RJD’s defeat

In a heartbreaking twist, Rohini alleged she was insulted and accused of giving a dirty kidney and seeking political favours in return Her emotional public statements, which also led to three more of her sisters leaving their parents’ Patna residence, forced Lalu Prasad to intervene at a meeting of RJD MLAs, declaring that the family matter would be "solved inside the house " The RJD’s desperate claims of an NDA cash for votes tactic were entirely overshadowed by the sight of their ruling family publicly imploding, showcasing that the electoral defeat was not just a political setback but a shattering personal crisis for the state’s most prominent dynasty

9 killed as bomb material blows up in J&K police station

A n ac ci dental exp lo si on at Nowgam police station, caused by subs tanc es seized du ring rai ds i n Fari da bad and trans po rted to K ash mi r by police, killed nine people and injured 30 others

J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat said that the recovered materials were kept securely in the open area of the police station As part of prescribed procedure, samples had to be forwarded for further forensic and chemical examination On account of its voluminous and sensitive nature, it was being handled with utmost caution However an accidental explosion took place on Nov 14 Any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary ”

There are SOPs for handling and sampling seized explosives and officials in Delhi said these were followed in Nowgam as police personnel, magisterial staff and forensic experts continued working late into night to complete the sampling Though protective gear, like bomb suits, is available, forensic teams rarely use them

Officials said an external agent yet to be ascertained, but which could be a flying spark from something nearby, may have triggered the explosion, with the cars of teams parked nearby adding to its magnitude

The explosion, operating from a private house in the posh Sheikh-ulAlam Colony, shook large parts of Srinagar and reduced the police station to rubble Among the nine killed were a special investigation agency officer, three Forensic Science Laboratory personnel, two revenue officials, and a tailor associated with the police station Thirty others - 27 policemen, two revenue officials and three civilians - were wounded

Jaishankar holds talks with Canadian, US counterparts to deepen ties

India's External Affairs Minister S J aish ankar c onducted signifi cant di p lo m ati c en gagem ents o n th e s i deli nes o f th e G7 fo rei gn m i ni st ers ’ m eet ing i n Ni aga ra, Ca nada, w he re Indi a is participating as an invited partner These meetings underscore India’s continued efforts to normalise ties with Canada and deepen strategic cooperation with the US In his third meeting this year with Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand, the two leaders reviewed the progress of the new roadmap 2025, an agreement aimed at enhancing bilateral relations across key areas like trade, energy, climate action, and security Both

ministers praised the steps taken towards rebuilding the partnership The discussions also involved reviewing the ongoing law-enforcement dialogue between the two nations, which has been a critical focus point following recent strains Minister Anand also offered condolences for the victims of the explosion in Delhi on November 10th

Jaishankar’s diplomatic calendar continued with a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Their discussions centred on the strengthening of bilateral ties, with specific attention paid to trade and resilient supply chains The leaders also exchanged views

on pressing global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East/West Asia, along with broader strategic developments in the Indo-Pacific region This meeting with the US Secretary of State comes just days after President Donald Trump publicly suggested that a comprehensive trade agreement between Washington and New Delhi was imminent, signalling high-level focus on the economic dimension of the bilateral relationship Jaishankar’s engagements reflect India’s commitment to multilateralism and its active role in global security and economic stability discussions

India becoming a major player in solar power

Swathi Anil

The global energy landscape is undergoing a revolutionary shift, and at its heart is the majestic, relentless power of the sun. Once a fringe technology, solar power is now a strategic asset, and nations are pouring fortunes into harnessing it. India, a country bathed in abundant sunshine for over 300 days a year, is not just participating in this race, it is rapidly becoming one of its defining contenders.

The global solar race

China remains the undisputed world champion, having built a phenomenal capacity of over 890 GW. China’s dominance stems from its strategic, state-backed investment in manufacturing the entire solar supply chain, driving down costs globally. Following this colossal lead are nations like the United States (around 236 GW), whose growth has been heavily turbo-charged by policy frameworks like the Inflation Reduction Act, and Japan and Germany (both over 100 GW), which have focused heavily on technological innovation and distributed rooftop generation, respectively. According to recent data, India has firmly cemented its place as the third-largest solar power producer globally, surpassing Japan in annual generation and achieving an installed capacity of approximately 119 GW.

Why India's investment is distinct

While India’s overall investment figures are huge, attracting billions in foreign capital, they remain below the outright spend-

ing of China and the US due to distinct economic and political hurdles. The journey has been difficult, marked by land acquisition complexities for massive solar parks and heavy reliance on imported solar components, largely from China which impacts the speed and cost of domestic projects. However, India’s investment approach is unique: it is driven by a non-negotiable need for energy security and a commitment to lift millions out of energy poverty. This is why the investment has been channelled into world-beating mega-projects, such as the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan (once the world’s largest single location solar park at over 2,245 MW) and the sprawling Pavagada Solar Park in Karnataka. Even symbolically, India is pioneering, with the Cochin International Airport in Kerala becoming the world’s first to be entirely powered by solar energy, demonstrating utility in high-traffic commercial hubs.

Increased investment will bring three profound benefits. Firstly, it will dramatically bolster energy security, reducing India’s vulnerability to volatile global oil

and gas markets, thus saving billions in foreign exchange. Secondly, it is a formidable engine for job creation, generating employment across manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, especially in rural areas. Finally, achieving the ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 will solidify India's global leadership in climate action, safeguarding its burgeoning economy.

Structural bottlenecks and economic impact

Talking with Asian Voice, Jyoti Roy, Founder & CEO of GreenEnco, provides an assessment of the challenges and opportunities facing India's solar sector. India’s ambition to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 is within reach, but unlocking that potential demands urgent reforms to overcome deep-rooted structural and regulatory bottlenecks. While the country has made tremendous progress in scaling up solar installations, challenges in policy execution, grid readiness, and investment confidence continue to slow momentum.

Kerala's welfare success: A lesson for India

Keralites have long maintained that their state, nestled in India's lush south-western corner, is fundamentally distinct from the rest of the nation They now have a profound, verifiable claim to this uniqueness: on November 1st, Kerala declared it had e li mi na ted ex tre me povert y, a f ea t unmatched by any other Indian state

Kerala truly stands as India’s development champion. The government’s "multidimensional poverty index" reveals that less than 1% of Keralites were defined as poor in 2019-21, a stark contrast to the all-India average of 15%. This index, a composite measure of 12 indicators spanning health, education, and living standards, consistently places Kerala at the top of national rankings, it’s the Scandinavia of Indian indices.

Welfare driven by unique politics

This extraordinary social success is rooted in the state's unique political landscape, which has historically centred on redistribution and welfare rather than caste and religious identity. With a distinctive demography, just over half the population is Hindu, compared to 80% nationally, alongside large Muslim (27%) and Christian (18%) minorities identitarian politics resonate less deeply. State power alternates between the centreleft Congress and the further-left Communist Party of India (Marxist), a pattern that fosters responsiveness by routinely booting out stagnant governance.

The state's success is also down to decentralisation. Unlike most Indian states that operate from the top down, Kerala worked with local councils and community organisations, such as Kudumbashree, a women’s cooperative with over 4 million members, to identify and draft "micro-plans" for the 64,000 households living in extreme poverty. This ground-level approach allowed for effective intervention and successful poverty eradication.

The trade-off: Stifled economic growth

Yet, Kerala's leftist model presents a paradox: while it has engineered societal equality, it has demonstrably stifled economic growth and investment. At the height of communist dogmatism in the 1960s and 70s, a proliferation of trade unions became notorious for hindering businesses. Today, industry accounts for only a quarter of Kerala’s output, a share that has barely changed in two decades. In contrast, next-door Tamil Nadu sits at 33%.

Overall growth for Kerala last year was 6.2%, which slightly trailed the national average. More dynamically, Tamil Nadu grew by 11%. This stagnation is highly visible in the workforce: Kerala’s youth unemployment rate, at around 24%, is the second-highest in the country, despite its young people being the most literate in India. The state’s income is heavily propped up by vast remittances sent home by Keralite migrants working in the Gulf.

However, this economic reality is forcing change. The Communist Party is now distancing itself from militant unions and actively courting investors. While the business environment has improved, Kerala still lags behind leaders like Tamil Nadu, ranking ninth out of 15 states tracked by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Kerala’s development superstar status is commendable, but its model would be truly impressive if it could combine its universal social welfare with powerful, sustainable economic dynamism.

Key bottlenecks include Land Acquisition, where fragmented ownership, complex records, and multi-departmental approvals often delay project development. Streamlining these through statelevel renewable land banks and GIS-based mapping systems can fast-track large-scale project deployment. Grid Connectivity is another major issue, as India’s generation capacity is outpacing its transmission infrastructure, leading to curtailment and stranded assets.

The Financial Stress of DISCOMs is also critical, as cashstrapped state utilities delay payments and renegotiate tariffs, dampening investor confidence. A centralised payment security mechanism and performancelinked incentives for DISCOMs would help stabilise cash flows. Furthermore, Policy Uncertainty, with frequent tender changes, shifting ALMM norms, and statelevel inconsistencies, increases risk premiums. Finally, Curtailment Without Compensation undermines project bankability; a "must-

run" compensation policy and transparent curtailment reporting dashboards can enhance investor trust.

From an economic perspective, enhanced investment in solar power can deliver transformative economic benefits for India over the next decade. The sector is emerging as a driver of GDP growth, employment, and national energy security. Solar deployment is highly capital-intensive and labour-rich, creating thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering & construction, and digital operations. The Atmanirbhar Bharat programme, strengthening domestic manufacturing for modules, inverters, and batteries, would retain greater value within the Indian economy while reducing dependence on fossil-fuel and equipment imports, improving the current account and stabilising the rupee. Solar and storage integration also enhance industrial competitiveness by reducing electricity costs, enabling green manufacturing, and supporting the emerging hydrogen economy. Economically, large-scale solar investment contributes directly to GDP through new capital formation and indirectly by powering industries more efficiently. To gauge its true impact, India should monitor metrics such as clean-energy investment flows, investment confidence index, domestic actual manufacturing capacity (rather than name place capacity), and jobs created per MWH energy generation (rather than MW installed).

India’s first Bioethics Centre launched at Bhaikaka University

India's first Bioethics Centre was launched at Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, under the aegis of the International Chair in Bioethics (ICB), Porto, Portugal The University has been h o me to th e Guj arat U ni t of th e International Chair in Bioethics - formerly the UNESCO Bioethics Chair Program, Haifa - since 2015, and this upgraded centre reflects its growing commitment to leadership in ethical education, interdisciplinary research, and capacity building in healthcare

The distinguished guests present at the inauguration include Prof Rui Nunes, head of the International Chair in Bioethics (ICB) at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Dr Nandini Kumar, retired Deputy Director General, ICMR & president of Forum for Ethics Review Committees in India (FERCI), Dr Anant Bhan, consultant, Bioethics & Public Health at Sangath and Adjunct Faculty at Yenepoya University, Mangalore, as well as senior leadership of Bhaikaka University - Dr. Abhay Dharamsi, Provost; Dr. Jyoti Tiwari, Registrar; Dr. Swapnil Agarwal, Dean, Pramukhswami Medical College; and Dr. Barna Ganguly,

Professor, Department of Pharmacology, PSMC- along with other senior members and faculty of Bhaikaka University and Pramukhswami Medical College. Dr Barna Ganguly, being a senior member of International Chair in Bioethics is instrumental for this new venture in India.

This centre is dedicated to promoting ethical discourse across healthcare and related fields. Its scope includes offering certificate courses, workshops, and faculty development programs, as well as providing consultation for integrating Bioethics modules into MBBS, Nursing, and Allied Health curricula at the national level. The Centre will also undertake funded research on ethical issues emerging in healthcare and technology.

India rolls out next-generation e-passports

In a major upgrade to its passport system, India is set to roll ou t next-generation e-passports equipped with cutting-edge security features, including interlocking microletters, relief tints, and embedded RFID chips storing encrypted biometric data, and more

Under the rollout, all newly issued passports will immediately be e-passports, while existing non-electronic passports will remain valid until their expiry. The government plans a full transition to e-passports by June 2035. Each e-passport is embedded with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna that securely store encrypted biometric and personal data, such as photographs and fingerprints, in a digitally signed format compliant with International Civil Aviation

Organisation (ICAO) standards. The contactless data-reading capability of these chips enables faster and more reliable identity verification at immigration counters, significantly reducing fraud, tampering, and wear-and-tear. So far, the MEA has issued 80,00,000 e-passports domestically and over 60,000 through Indian missions abroad. The RFID chip securely stores the passport holder’s biometric and personal information, including photographs, fingerprints, and other personal details, in encrypted form. This digital layer allows for faster and more reliable authentication at immigration counters, significantly reducing the risks of fraud and forgery. The antenna enables contactless data reading, enhancing durability by minimising physical handling.

Jyoti Roy - Founder & CEO of GreenEnco

NHS talking therapies helping more people across England

The NHS’s talking therapies service continues to expand, providing vital support to people struggling with their mental health

According to NHS England, 101,731 referrals accessed the service in September, marking an 8 8% increase compared to the same month last year, and a 9 1% rise compared to pre-pandemic figures in September 2019

The service is accessible through self-referral online or via your local GP practice and supports a range of conditions including body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), health anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder

One inspiring example is Kali Patel, 40, who sought help through West London’s NHS Talking Therapies A firstgeneration South Asian immigrant and a gay woman living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Kali faced multiple challenges that affected her self-esteem and ability to maintain relationships, work, family, and social life

Kali describes her experience explaining, “My therapist took the time to understand my experiences and worked alongside my abilities Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I learned to change negative thought patterns and regain control of my life when I didn’t know how to ”

She credits the service with transforming her life

“Taking advantage of the talking therapies service at West London is the reason I am alive today I have gone from having low self-esteem to presenting on stages in front of hundreds of people If you ’ re willing to put in the work, your therapist will support you, and life becomes easier to manage ”

Dr Adrian James, National Medical Director for Mental Health at NHS England, encourages anyone struggling to reach out for support “If you or someone you know is really struggling with mental health, the NHS is here for you You can self-refer online or speak with your local GP practice Seeking help can make a life-changing difference ”

Symptoms to look out for as flu season hits early

Aswinter approaches, coughs and colds are spreading rapidly, but health experts are warning that this season could bring one of the most severe flu outbreaks in decades

A new H3N2 strain, described by health officials as “unpleasant,” is already driving an unusual rise in hospital admissions, even before the typical peak in December

Many of the most vulnerable, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions, may not yet be vaccinated, raising concern among health professionals

Unlike a common cold, flu symptoms appear quickly, with extreme fatigue often the first sign Other symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) emphasises that the most effective protection is vaccination, particularly for high-risk groups

Additional precautions can further reduce the risk of infection: wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoid close contact with anyone who is unwell, and ensure your living spaces are well ventilated

Music and the Heart

Your heart can actually sync with the rhythm of music, a phenomenon known as entrainment When you listen to music with a steady beat, your heart rate may adjust to match the tempo, which can also influence blood pressure and breathing patterns Slow, calming music can promote relaxation, lowering heart rate and reducing stress, while fast, energetic tunes can stimulate the cardiovascular system, increasing alertness and energy This effect is why music is often used in therapy and exercise settings

Sleeping better when sleep doesn’t come as easy anymore

From stress and technology to simple daily habits, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan shares her expert tips on restoring deep, restorative sleep and boosting energy, health, and wellbeing

Intoday’s fast-paced, always-on world, sleep often feels like a luxury we can’t afford We set alarms, chase deadlines, sip coffee to keep going, and convince ourselves we’ll “catch up” later But what if sleep isn’t just rest; what if it’s the foundation for everything from productivity to happiness, even our mental and spiritual wellbeing?

Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, a physiologist and sleep therapist, has spent almost 30 years helping people improve their sleep In an exclusive interview with Asian Voice, she explains why sleep matters, how it affects our daily lives, and the simple but powerful steps anyone can take to reset their sleep

The importance of sleep

“Sleep is absolutely essential; it is vital to our overall wellbeing,” says Dr Ramlakhan “Nature has designed us to spend a third of our lives asleep, which clearly reflects an intelligent and necessary physiological purpose ”

When sleep quality or quantity is compromised, the effects are felt on multiple levels “It impacts people physically, emotionally, and mentally I would even say spiritually People are noticeably less happy and fulfilled when they are sleep-deprived The impact is profound,” she explains

Most adults require between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, although this varies depending on biological, hormonal, and social factors Research shows women generally need about 20 minutes more sleep than men The female brain’s tendency to multitask and process complex information increases the need for deep sleep

“Hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause further disrupt sleep, making restorative REM sleep harder to achieve, so women often require extra rest”, says Dr Ramlakhan

Sleep technology: Helpful or harmful?

Dr Ramlakhan observes that the

rise of sleep technology affects people differently “It varies from person to person, but there has also been a rise in anxiety,” she notes Over the years, the pace of modern life, fuelled by the internet, mobile phones, and email, has intensified sleep problems This has driven the growth of the sleep industry, including wearable devices, sleep aids, and sleep therapy

“People have, in many ways, forgotten that sleep is a natural instinct,” she adds “It’s no longer intuitive for many, they’ve forgotten how to do it There’s even a form of insomnia called orthosomnia, which arises from over-measuring sleep,

creating anxiety and disruption ”

The most accurate way to measure sleep remains a clinical sleep study, where brain activity is recorded using a polysomnograph “Otherwise, it’s difficult to know exactly how much deep sleep or REM sleep you ’ re getting,” she explains

The connection between sleep and stress

“Sleep and stress are closely linked,” explains Dr Ramlakhan “It’s a feedback loop: stress worsens sleep, and poor sleep increases stress ”

Stress elevates adrenaline and cortisol, causing fatigue, poor diet, and reliance on caffeine or energy drinks, while sleep deprivation often leads to skipped exercise and neglected healthy habits

High-performing professionals frequently sacrifice sleep to boost productivity, thinking they can “catch up ” on weekends but this approach is ineffective and can increase burnout, especially after age 35–40

Her advice? Aim for an 80–20 approach “Eighty percent of the time, really value and protect your sleep quality but more importantly, pay attention to how you feel when you wake up, your energy levels, and the quality of your relationships Exhaustion often impacts life outside of work first ”

Five non-negotiables for better sleep

Dr Ramlakhan recom mend s fiv e core habits th at act as a “reset” for sleep :

1 Eat breakfast within 30–45 minutes of waking Don’t fast, especially if experiencing burnout or sleep issues

2 Avoid caffeine after midday It can amplify stress hormones, disrupting restorative sleep

3 Hydrate adequately Aim for two litres of water daily to keep your brain and nervous system functioning optimally

4 Go to bed earlier Aim for 9:30–10:00 PM Begin by resting, meditating, reading, or journaling to prepare your body for deep, restorative sleep

5 Remove your phone from the bedroom Use an old-fashioned clock instead Start your day “inside-out” by centering yourself before checking your phone, social media, or news

“These five habits help the nervous system feel safe,” Dr Ramlakhan explains “We sleep when we feel safe, and these routines reset the nervous system into safety mode ”

Habits silently harming your brain

Youmight be spending hundreds, even thousands, on supplements and special diets to boost your brain health, but all of that effort can be undone by everyday habits you may not even realise are harmful

Some routines that seem harmless, or even healthy, could be putting your brain at serious risk

Here are three surprisingly dangerous habits to watch out for Using a massage gun on the neck

Massage guns are trendy for relieving tension, but using them on your neck can be risky The vertebral and carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain, are vulnerable to damage from repetitive shear forces

This can cause arterial dissection, a tear in the artery wall, potentially leading to blood clots and stroke

Listening to loud music on earbuds

Turning up the volume may feel

thrilling, but research shows it can harm cognitive function A 2018 Ohio State University study found that loud music drains mental resources, impairing memory and thinking, and potentially increasing dementia risk over time

Holding a sneeze

Suppressing a sneeze may prevent embarrassment, but it spikes internal pressure, which can damage eardrums, blood vessels, and in rare cases, trigger brain haemorrhages The safest approach?

Let it out naturally while covering your mouth and nose

Small adjustments to these habits can go a long way in protecting your brain

Blood donors needed to support NHS

The NHS is making an urgent appeal for blood donors with specific blood types to help hospitals manage a high-demand period Hospitals in England are currently ordering almost 400 more units of blood per week than usual as they work to reduce the backlog of planned surgery and prepare for a typically busy winter

This increased demand, alongside routine transfusions, is creating a critical need for O negative, B negative, and the Ro subtype The Ro subtype is most common in people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage, and more is urgently required due to an increasing number of reliant patients

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and NHS England are asking donors to fill 136,000 appointments over the next eight weeks Specifically, 10,000 extra O negative donors are needed before Christmas for emergency situations

Existing donors with Ro, O negative, or B negative blood types are urged to book in or call the helpline if they have difficulty finding availability at one of the 28 donor centres

Dr Nerina Ramlakhan

Ranvir Shorey blames makers for ‘Chandni Chowk To China’ failure

Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani’s actioncomedy ‘Chandni Chowk To China’, starring Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone, was a major box-office flop

In a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, actor Ranvir Shorey, who appeared in the film, attributed its failure to poor execution by the director and producer He said the script was strong but “the script was better than the film for sure, ” placing the blame on the filmmaking team

He elaborated, saying the responsibility lay squarely with the film’s producer and director “If the script is good and the film doesn’t meet that standard, then the mistake is clearly on the producer and director It’s as simple as that,” Ranvir said

In a 2021 interview with ‘Film Companion’, Nikkhil Advani also addressed the film’s failure, saying there were “too many captains” involved He recalled Akshay Kumar, Ramesh Sippy, Rohan Sippy and Sridhar Raghavan all pulling the film in different directions, adding that he eventually “ gave up ” because he felt his voice didn’t matter Released in 2009, the martial-arts action-comedy starred Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Mithun Chakraborty, Gordon Liu and Ranvir Shorey The film follows Sidhu, a cook from Chandni Chowk who is mistaken for the reincarnation of a Chinese warrior Despite its ambitious premise, it received mixed reviews and earned only 53 45 crore against its 65 crore budget

Veteran actor Kamini

Kaushal dies at 98 in Mumbai

Veteran

Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa welcome baby girl: “Over the Moon”

Bollywood

couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa welcomed a baby girl on their fourth wedding anniversary, sharing the joyful news on Instagram. In a joint post, they wrote, “We are over the moon. God has blessed us with a baby girl,” calling her “the greatest blessing” on their special day Fans flooded the couple with love and heartfelt wishes

In July, Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa announced their pregnancy on Instagram with a sweet post featuring a drawing of a cradle that read “Baby on the way, ” along with their names They captured their joy in a single word: “Elated,” accompanied by red heart emojis

The couple, who dated for over a decade, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on 15 November 2021 Sharing their wedding pictures online, Rajkummar wrote, “After 11 years of love, romance, friendship and fun, I married my everything; my soulmate, my best friend, my family Here’s to forever and beyond ”

The couple have collaborated on several projects, including ‘Citylights’ and the web series ‘Bose: Dead/Alive’ Earlier this year, they launched their production house, KAMPA Films, and announced their first project, ‘Toaster’ Directed by Vivek Das Chaudhary, the quirky comedy stars Rajkummar and Sanya Malhotra, with Archana Puran Singh, Upendra Limaye, Abhishek Banerjee, Seema Pahwa and Jitendra Joshi in key roles The film is set to release on Netflix, with the date yet to be announced

Tabu reflects on her career start: “Wouldn’t debut today”

actor Tabu, who entered the industry as a teenager and went on to deliver hits like ‘Coolie No. 1’, ‘Maachis’, ‘Border’ and ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’, recently made a candid remark about debuting in today’s Gen Z era.

After turning showstopper for designers Abu Jani–Sandeep Khosla, she was asked whether she would start her career now Laughing, she replied, “I don’t think I’ll be entering the movies now I’m happy I did when I did ”

She turned heads on the runway in black trousers, a cowlneck tunic and a matching coat embellished with silver embroidery and crystals Her chic look drew loud cheers from the audience, which included veterans Jaya Bachchan, Neetu Kapoor and Soni Razdan Jaya was even seen blowing her flying kisses a moment that quickly won hearts online

Tabu began her career with Dev Anand’s ‘Hum Naujawan’ (1985) and earned her first lead role in the Telugu film ‘Coolie No 1 ’ She made her Bollywood debut with ‘Pehla Pehla Pyar’ and rose to fame with films like ‘Vijaypath’, ‘Jeet’ and ‘Haqeeqat’ She won her first National Award for ‘Maachis’ (1996) and went on to deliver commercial hits such as ‘Iruvar’, ‘Border’, ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’, ‘Andhadhun’ and ‘Hera Pheri’, while earning critical acclaim for ‘Chandni Bar’, ‘Astitva’ and ‘The Namesake’ Tabu was last seen as Sister Francesca in the American scifi series ‘Dune: Prophecy’, set in Frank Herbert's universe and centred on the origins of the powerful Bene Gesserit order She will next appear in Priyadarshan's horror-comedy ‘Bhooth Bangla’, co-starring Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi, slated for a 2026 theatrical release

illustrious

over seven decades with roles in films like

Singh Chaddha’, ‘Kabir Singh’, ‘Do Raaste’ and ‘Neecha Nagar’, passed away at 98 at her Mumbai residence on Thursday night

Sajan Narain, a close family associate, confirmed her death, saying she “died at her Mumbai home late on Thursday night” and would have turned 99 in February The cause of death remains unknown, and the family has not yet issued an official statement

Kamini Kaushal was a celebrated Indian actor whose career in Hindi films and television spanned over seven decades, earning her a place among Indian cinema’s finest performers Born in Lahore, she was the daughter of Prof Shiv Ram Kashyap, a renowned University of Punjab botanist known as the Father of Indian Bryology She began her career when Chetan Anand cast her in ‘Neecha Nagar’ (1946), which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes The film also earned her recognition at the Montreal Film Festival, marking her as a standout newcomer With hits like ‘Aag’, ‘Shaheed’, ‘Nadiya Ke Paar’ and ‘Ziddi’, she became one of the highestpaid actresses of the late 1940s Over the years, she starred opposite iconic actors such as Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Raj Kapoor In 1963, she transitioned to character roles and continued to shine in films including Do Raaste, Prem Nagar and Maha Chor In the later years of her career, she appeared in blockbuster films like Shah Rukh Khan’s Chennai Express and Shahid Kapoor’s Kabir Singh Her final screen appearance was in a cameo role in Aamir Khan's Laal Singh Chaddha

Bollywood actor Kamini Kaushal, whose

career spanned

‘Laal

Actor Dulquer Salmaan on criticism: “I start questioning myself”

Dulquer Salmaan, gearing up for the release of his period drama

‘Kaantha’, revealed that despite his success, he still faces criticism from viewers who doubt his acting skills

Speaking to Gulte Pro, he said, “My character is Naditu Chakravarthy I don’t think I’m a great actor There’s always a section of the audience that says I can’t act Sometimes I read those comments and wonder if I’m not good enough That fear is always there ”

He added that this fear actually drives him “It pushes me to work harder and take tougher roles When I play

s o m e o n e k n o w n a s a p h e n o m e n a l

a c t o r , I w a n t p e o p l e t o b e l i e v e I deserved that part, that no one else could’ve done it better ”

M

D u l q u e r , s o n o f s u p e r s t a

‘Second Show’ (2012) and has since become one of India’s most versatile actors, earning acclaim for films like ‘Charlie’, ‘Mahanati’, ‘Kurup’, and ‘Sita Ramam’

‘Kaantha’ has also faced legal trouble after B Thiagarajan, grandson of legendary actor-musician Thyagaraja

B h a g a v

Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse, and Rana Daggubati Produced by Spirit Media and Wayfarer Films, the movie explores the creative and emotional clash between an actor and his mentor It is slated to release in Tamil and Telugu on November 14

Vijay Deverakonda gets emotional as he praises Rashmika’s growth

Actor Vijay Deverakonda attended the success meet of The Girlfriend, starring Rashmika Mandanna, as the chief guest. The event turned emotional when Vijay spoke about how deeply the film moved him and expressed pride in Rashmika’s growth.

“I’ve seen her since Geetha Govindam She’s become the strong woman she is today, choosing a film like this at the peak of her career I feel so proud,” he said, leaving Rashmika visibly emotional

Vijay added that despite facing criticism and bullying, Rashmika “chooses kindness every day,” and said he believes the world will eventually recognise “the amazing woman she truly is ”

Actor Vijay Deverakonda attended the success meet of The Girlfriend, starring Rashmika Mandanna, and grew emotional while praising both the film and Rashmika’s journey

“I’ve seen her since Geetha Govindam She’s become such a strong woman, choosing a film like this at the peak of her career I feel so proud,” he said, leaving Rashmika visibly moved He added that despite facing criticism and bullying, she “chooses kindness every day,” and said the world will eventually recognise “the amazing woman she truly is ”

Released on 7 November, The Girlfriend has earned strong reviews and crossed the 10 crore mark within six days, becoming one of Rashmika’s most talked-about performances

Chinmayi responds to criticism over Jani Master collaboration

Music composer AR Rahman is facing criticism for collaborating with choreographer Jani Master, who is out on bail after being accused of sexually harassing a minor When asked why she hadn’t called him out, singer Chinmayi Sripaada, often seen as Rahman’s frequent collaborator, clarified that she had already questioned him about it.

After an X user accused her of staying silent because it inv Rahman, Chinmayi respond please shut up I asked Sir, had no idea I’ve called out CM and the biggest actors i Tamil film industry ”

Chinmayi also noted that ever since she named her alleged harasser, lyricist Vairamuthu, she has been repeatedly dragged to court “You’re not the one going to court and getting harassed,” she wrote “Stop attacking me when powerful men hire a molester I’ve done

enough, lost enough, been abused and harassed enough You’re an anonymous handle with nothing to lose ”

On November 9, Jani Master shared photos with Rahman and Peddi director Buchi Babu Sana on Instagram He choreographed the song Chikiri Chikiri, featuring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor The pictures triggered fresh criticism, with many questioning Rahman’s decision to work with Jani One Reddit ’ s hard to believe he about the allegations ” r was arrested in Goa o Hyderabad in year after a woman him of sexually assaulting 2020 during a work trip umbai The woman, a nor at the time, also eged continued arassment and threats As result, Jani’s National Film Award was suspended, and a POCSO Act was added to the charges He is currently out on bail

Kamal Haasan on director

right story”

Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan recently announced their upcoming film, tentatively titled ‘Thalaivar 173’, slated for a Pongal 2027 release.

Days later, director Sundar C exited the project, citing “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances ” Kamal has now addressed the unexpected departure and what the team plans next

Speaking to reporters at the airport, the actor-politician said, “Sundar C has explained his withdrawal in his press release, I have nothing more to add As an investor, I want a script my star is happy with We’ll keep searching until he’s fully satisfied We’re currently working on finalising a strong script ” When asked about the kind of stories they’re exploring, he simply added, “Expect the unexpected ” Sundar C apologised to fans for stepping away from the project, calling it a “difficult decision ” He said that although the film diverged from his path, he deeply values his long association with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan and will always cherish the moments they shared while developing the project Rajinikanth and Kamal have been hinting at their collaboration since before ‘Coolie’s release Kamal was last seen in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Thug Life’ and is currently filming an unannounced project The makers have yet to confirm a new director for ‘Thalaivar 173 ’

Mona Singh on asking

Shah

Rukh

Khan

to leave the set: “I can’t do this in front of you”

Actor Mona Singh, who plays Neeta Singh in ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’, recently shared why she asked Shah Rukh Khan to leave the set during the shoot of the song

‘Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela’ In an interview with News18, she said SRK encouraged her to “be professional,” as her face was superimposed onto one of the dancers from the original 1997 track in ‘Gupt’.

Mona added that her DMs were flooded with memes after the song went viral again “My team even suggested I post something with it I loved the response it’s been very overwhelming,” she said

When asked if she met Shah Rukh, Mona recalled a light-hearted exchange “Of course! He would often come to the set On the day we shot ‘Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela’, he was there I told him, ‘Sir, you can’t be here, I can’t do this in front of you ’ He laughed and said, ‘Mona, you have to be professional ’ But I still insisted, ‘Not in front of you, please leave!”

In the recreated song featuring Bobby Deol, Bhanu Khan’s face was digitally replaced with Mona’s The sequence ties into the climax, where Aasman Singh (Lakshya) learns he is the illegitimate son of Neeta (Mona) and Ajay Talvar (Bobby) To highlight their connection, director Aryan Khan included Mona alongside Bobby in the track

‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ marks Aryan Khan’s directorial debut and features Raghav Juyal, Sahher Bambba, Aanya Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Vijayant Kohli, Manoj Pahwa, Gautami Kapoor and Rajat Bedi The seven-episode series is now streaming on Netflix

‘Saiyaara’ wins popular choice award at Yellowstone Film Festival 2025

‘Saiyaara’, one of Indian cinema’s highest-grossing romantic films, has won the Popular Choice Award at the Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025. The musical romantic drama, starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, earned nearly 570 crore worldwide Directed by Mohit Suri, the film released on July 18

Saiyaara’s producer and YRF

CEO Akshaye Widhani, along with director Mohit Suri, accepted the Popular Choice Award at a ceremony in Mumbai

“This is really special I’ve been around for 20 years, and this is my first award,” Suri said

The 44-year-old filmmaker, known for hits like ‘Aashiqui 2 ’ and ‘Kalyug’, said ‘Saiyaara’ was especially meaningful as it was his first film with YRF He

recalled watching ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ as a child and realising he wanted to become a filmmaker

Suri thanked Widhani for his support and remembered presenting the ‘Saiyaara’ script to Aditya Chopra and Widhani, who immediately backed it He added that YRF wanted “the best film

and best music,” and he was thrilled to have met their expectations

According to an official statement, ‘Saiyaara ’ s title track became the first Hindi song to enter the Billboard Global Top 10

With the film’s massive success, many compared Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda’s debut to Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel’s launch in ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’ (2000) Widhani said the film’s record-breaking run as “the highest-grossing love story of all time” made the team incredibly proud, praising Mohit Suri for doing an “exceptional job ” He added that the award belonged to the entire cast and crew who worked tirelessly to bring the film to life

Taira Malaney's Turtle Walker, backed by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, to open ALTEFF Festival

Zoya Akhtar–backed documentary ‘Turtle Walker’ will open the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival, scheduled from December 4 to 14.

The festival highlights films focused on climate awareness and action Since premiering at DOC NYC in 2024, ‘Turtle Walker’ has travelled globally, earning major recognition Produced by Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Taira Malaney, and the Oscarwinning HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, the film won the Conservation Award at the International Ocean Film Festival and took home both the ‘Conservation’ and prestigious ‘Grand Teto awards at the Jackson Wild Media Awards

Malaney’s documentary traces the rema journey of Satish Bhaskar, a pioneer of Indi turtle conservation movement, who spent h protecting the endangered species In the la 1970s, Bhaskar travelled across India’s coas living among rare turtles to understand the world and help save them from extinction

Zoya Akhtar called Turtle Walker a trib to “ a man ’ s quiet heroism,” saying Bhaskar’ story highlights the value of every living be and praising ALTEFF for championing environmental storytelling

Festival director Kunal Khanna said the were honoured to open with the film, noting that Bhaskar’s journey reflects

ALTEFF’s mission to spotlight humble yet powerful acts of conservation

Director Taira Malaney said working on Bhaskar’s story renewed her sense of wonder for the marine world and gave her hope when she needed it most

Reema Kagti added that the film captures both the fragility and resilience of nature, calling ALTEFF the ideal platform for an Indian-rooted story that deserves a wide audience

Priyanka Chopra shares Hindi words she taught Nick Jonas

Priyanka Chopra, soon to return to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s ‘GlobeTrotter’, recently gave fans a fun peek into Nick Jonas’s growing Hindi vocabulary during an AMA session on X

When a fan asked what Hindi words she had taught Nick, Priyanka replied, “Khana, paani, pyaar, paneer, but I think he picked it all up himself!”

During the session, a fan asked Priyanka about working in the Telugu film industry She replied enthusiastically, “It’s still early days for me on the movie, but it’s been ‘adiri poyindi’! Also, the biryani in Hyderabad is the best in the world ”

Priyanka, who continues to balance Hollywood and Bollywood, often shares glimpses of her family life online Last month, she posted adorable photos from an Orlando getaway, including Nick hugging her and daughter Malti Marie by a mermaid statue In another clip, Nick joked about her posing with a snake around her neck, saying, “Loving the new jewellery, babe,” and she playfully replied, “Thanks, it’s the new serpenti ”

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’s romance began in 2017 after connecting on social media and meeting at the Met Gala Their relationship moved quickly, with Nick proposing in Crete in July 2018 They married later that year in a grand dual ceremony in Jodhpur, honouring both Hindu and Christian traditions Since then, the couple has become one of the most admired globally, often supporting each other’s careers In January 2022, they welcomed their daughter, Malti Marie, via surrogacy

India win 13 medals at world shooting championship

Olympian Gurpreet Singh came agonisingly close to becoming the world champion in men's 25m Centre Fire Pistol event but

er losing on inner 10s to Ukraine's

second individual medal in the World Championships, the first also being a silver won back in 2018 at Changwon in the 25m Standard Pistol event

Yann Pierre Louis Fridrici of France won the bronze here India thus ended their World Championship campaign in third place with a total of 13 medals, including three gold, six silver and four bronze behind China The Chinese team mustered 12 gold, seven silver and two bronze

South Korea secured seven gold, three silver and four bronze medals to end third in the overall standings

Gurpreet shot a total of 58418x over two days of competition in the precision and rapid stages, while Korostylov shot 29 inner 10s and a perfect score of 100 in the final rapid round to edge away with the gold medal

The Indian shooter, who was placed ninth after the precision stage with a score of 288-8x (95,97,96), bounced back on the second day to shoot a brilliant score of 296-10x (98,99,99) in the rapid stage to clinch the silver medal

The Ukrainian, who was leading after the precision stage with a score of 291-14x, shot 293-15x in the rapid stage to level Gurpreet's score and win the gold on inner 10s

Harpreet Singh, who was in contention for a medal after the precision stage with a score of 291-10x that placed him second, could only manage 286-6x in the rapid stage which saw him

eventually finish in ninth place

The other Indian shooter in fray, Sahil Choudhary, finished 28th with a total score of 56114x (Precision – 272-4x, Rapid –289 – 10x) The three shooters also finished outside the team medal places, ending fifth Samrat Rana (10m Air Pistol), Ravinder Singh (50m Standard Pistol and 10m Air Pistol Team) won the gold medals

Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (50m Rifle 3 Positions

Men), Anish Bhanwala (25m Rapid Fire Pistol), Gurpreet Singh (25m Centre Fire Pistol), Esha Singh and Samrat Rana (10m Air Pistol Mixed Team, 10m Women's Air Pistol Team and 50m Men's Standard Pistol Team) secured the silver medals

Esha (25m Sports Pistol), Elavenil Valarivan (10m Air Rifle), Varun Tomar (10m Air Pistol and 10m Women's Air Rifle Team) won bronze medals for India

India suffer humiliation with 30-run defeat to South Africa

India suffered another defeat in under a year at home as they lost t he f i rs t Tes t agai n st South Africa by 30 runs, failing to chase down a 124-run target on day 3 at the Eden Gardens on Sunday

On a ragged pitch that has sported variable and uneven bounce aplenty across the 22 yards, India’s bowlers were frustrated by a vital partnership between South Africa captain Temba Bavuma and Corbin Bosch on the third morning

The 44-run association ensured that India had to chase a threefigure score, leaving enough for the Proteas to make a match of it in the final innings By the time India had managed to eke out three wickets, Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 had ushered a 123run lead

India’s chase began virtually with a wicket down already as captain Shubman Gill was ruled

out of the match ahead of the day’s play, after having suffered a severe neck spasm on Day 2, three balls into his innings The start was further jolted with the early loss of openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) and KL Rahul (1) to left-arm seamer Marco Jansen

The middle-order was then subjected to a stern test by the spinners on a surface that has played devilish tricks in the

minds of the batters Tall offspinner Simon Harmer dismissed Dhruv Jurel with a long hop dished to the deep mid-wicket fielder before proceeding to dismiss stand-in captain Rishabh Pant early for two runs Harmer then fired in a 91kph yorker to trap Ravindra Jadeja lbw

Number three Washington Sundar, who adeptly blocked

India top Asian Archery Championships 2025

In a groundbreaking performance at the 2 4th Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka, India emerged as the top nation, clinching a record 10 medals, including six golds This marks a significant shift in archery’s power balanc e in A si a, wi th Ank it a Bha ka t a nd Dhir aj B omm a dev ar a w inni ng ind ivid ual r e cur ve golds, breaking South Korea’s long-standing dominance

Ankita Bhakat stunned Olympic silver medallist Nam Suhyeon of South Korea with a 7-3 win in the women ’ s recurve final Her path to gold included a tense semifinal shoot-off victory over former world number one Deepika Kumari, highlighting her resilience and skill

In the men ’ s category, Dhiraj Bommadevara outclassed compatriot Rahul with a 6-2 victory, securing a 1-2 Indian finish

This reflects India’s growing depth in talent and the success of domestic training programs

India’s medal tally was bolstered by strong team performances across both recurve and compound events The women ’ s recurve team, which included Bhakat, secured gold by defeating Korea in a dramatic final Sangeeta

INDIA BEAT PAK IN WOMEN'S BLIND T20

India defeated Pakistan by 8 wickets in a high-voltage Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind clash in Colombo on Sunday India achieved the target of 136 for 2 in just 10 overs, sealing their fifth straight win of the tournament Pakistan, playing only their second match, were bowled out for 135 after a top-order collapse left them at 23 for 4 A superb 66 from Mehreen Ali and a fighting 44 from Bushra Ashraf pushed the total to respectability, but India’s sharp fielding produced seven run-outs India’s reply was explosive led by skipper Deepika TC’s brisk 45 and an unbeaten 64 from Anekha Devi whose authoritative knock earned her Player of the Match as India strengthened their semi-final momentum

DHANUSH SRIKANTH WINS AIR RIFLE GOLD

out as many deliveries as possible, ran out of steam and stoicism when Bavuma turned to part-timer Aiden Markram, the offie finding a faint outside edge to the first-slip fielder Throwing a bait with leftarm spinner Keshav Maharaj almost proved to be a decisive blow for the Proteas when Axar Patel smashed the first boundary after a lull of 72 deliveries and tonked a six and a four in succession Maharaj floated another delivery outside offstump and Axar’s mistimed slog was pouched by Bavuma Maharaj proceeded to induce a thick edge off Mohammed Siraj off the very next delivery to power South Africa through to their first Test win in India in 15 years and take ample momentum into the second Test, starting in Guwahati, on Saturday

Indian shooters started strong in the 2025 Deaflympics with Dhanush Srikanth winning the air rifle gold medal and setting a World Record of 252 2 points in Tokyo He successfully defended his title from the last edition His compatriot Mohammed Vania secured silver with 250 1, completing a double podium finish for India In the women s air rifle event, Mahit Sandhu and Komal Waghmare clinched the silver and bronze medals respectively, giving another double podium finish for India

INDIA GO DOWN 0-3 TO NETHERLANDS

Despite the support of the home fans, India were outplayed by a dominant Netherlands in the Billie Jean King Cup Playoffs at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, the world no 381, went down 2-6, 4-6 to Anouk Koevermans, ranked 198, in one hour and 29minutes in the day’s first match In the battle of No 1s, Sahaja Yamalapalli (309) suffered a 2-6, 3-6 loss to Suzan Lamens (87) in one hour and 14-minutes Sahaja and Shrivalli, who entered the competition after winning their first-round matches at the Chennai Open (WTA 250) late last month stressed the need for more high-level tournaments in India India lost both their Group G ties while the Netherlands won one and lost one Slovenia advanced into the qualifiers to be played in 2026

India's boxing duo Sumit Kundu, Jadumani Singh make waves

won the women ’ s recurve bronze, overcoming Deepika Kumari in another thrilling shoot-off

Compound Women’s Team (Deepshikha, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep) defeated Korea 236-234 to win gold Compound Mixed Team (Abhishek Verma and Deepshikha) beat Bangladesh to clinch another gold Compound Men’s Team secured silver after a close battle with Kazakhstan

These victories across categories showcased India’s all-round strength and growing tactical excellence in archery

For over two decades, South Korea dominated the recurve discipline in Asia But India’s breakthrough this year, particularly in men ’ s team recurve, ended a 12-year Korean winning streak This marks a pivotal shift in regional archery supremacy, with India asserting itself as a rising superpower

This performance is the result of systematic training, better facilities, and increased competition exposure Initiatives like the Archery Premier League have nurtured talent and given young archers the opportunity to gain high-pressure match experience

India's scintillating run at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 roared with strong performances from Sumit Kundu and Jadumani Singh Sumit (75 kg) and Jadumani Singh (50 kg), ensured India completed a perfect medal sweep across both sessions, along with Pawan Bartwal (55kg) and Hitesh Gulia (70 kg,) delivering two of the tournament's biggest results

Boxer Sumit Kundu said, "My performance was not that good in the first round But it was very good in the 2nd and 3rd rounds I was injured, and it took me around 2 years to make a comeback I have reached the semifinals and I am happy about it "

Sumit followed Pawan s lead with an equally assured 5:0 win over South Korea's Kim Hyeontae in the 75kg quarterfinals A sharp punch to the face early in the bout set the tone for a relentless display where the Indian pugilist married aggression with tactical control

He pressed forward throughout, dictating the exchanges and forcing Kim into survival mode as the verdict became a formality Naveen, a Strandja 2024 medalist, completed the trio of wins in Session 2 with a composed and

intelligent performance against Kazakhstan's Bekzat Tangatar

Indian Boxer Jadumani Singh said, " Today's match was against Kazakhstan It was a good game I learnt a lot about how I should play further in the semifinals "

In session 3, Jadumani opened his World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 campaign with a unanimous decision win over Kazakhstan's Nurzat Ongarov, displaying his blistering attacking intent from the word go and pinning his opponent to the ropes throughout the contest Ten Indians will enter semifinal action on Day 3, led by World Champion Minakshi (48 kg) against Korea's Bak Cho-rong Preeti (54 kg) faces a major test against Olympic medalist and three-time World Champion Huang HsiaoWen, while Arundhati Choudhary (70 kg) meets German standout Leonie Muller, who has won a medal each at the three previous stages of the World Boxing Cup 2025 Saweety Boora (75 kg) takes on Australia's Emma-Sue Greetree, with Narender, Naveen, and Ankush also chasing finals spots Abhinash Jamwal opens his campaign against Ukraine's Elvin Aliiev