AV 24th January 2026

u Starmer tells Trump tariff on allies ‘wrong’ Page - 02

u Concerns grow over potential closure of Peterborough temple Page - 12

u Healthy Living Special Page - 14-18

I N D I A , U A E S T R E N G T H E N T I E S

During the meeting, India and the UAE signed multiple agreements across key sectors including defence, space, energy, supercomputing, and food safety

Pongal celebrated at the heart of government

Number 10 Downing Street hosted a Pongal reception, celebrating the British Tamil community’s contributions to UK

regional and global issues of mutual interest

President and his fifth visit to India in the past decade, with the current

Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Team Annam at No 10 Downing Street

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi

Starmer

seven other countries unless t

allowed to buy Greenland

The prime minister all but ruled out retaliator y measures, stressing that escala-

Speaking at a press conference, Starmer defended his

“pragmatic does not mean being passive”

After telling Trump that t h e t a r i f f t h r e a t s w e r e

w r o n g , St a r m e r s a i d h e would use “the full strength

o f g o v e r n m e n t ” t o t r y t o prevent the move “Tariffs should not be used against allies in this way, ” he said, adding that Britain was not seeking a tariff war “A tariff war is in nobody’s interests, and we have not got to that stage ” Trump’s threat followed t h e d e p l o y m e n t o f s m a l l contingents of troops from e i g h t c o u n t r i e s t o Greenland last week, after h e r e p e a t e d h i s d e s i r e t o take over the Danish territo-

r y on U S security grounds

Starmer said he told Trump the forces were “clearly there to assess and work on risk from the Russians”, adding h e h o p e d t h e r e w a s n o w “real clarity” on the issue

The British leader sign a l l e d t h a t L o n d o n ’ s response would differ from t h e Eu r o p e a n Un i o n ’ s , which has discussed possible retaliation, including tariffs o n € 9 3 b i l l i o n o f U S i m p o r t s I n s t e a d , St a r m e r said Britain would prioritise maintaining a vital relations h i p w i t h Wa s h i n g t o n o n

defence, while opposing the tariff threat through diplomacy

He warned the standoff risked a “downward spiral” fo r t r a d e a n d a l l i a n c e s , adding, “That doesn’t mean that we put to one side our principles and our values Quite the contrar y ” Starmer

s a i d h e d i d n o t b e l i e v e

Trump was seriously conside

resolved through calm discussion,” he said

Me

said it had dispatched additional troops to Greenland after Trump declined to rule out using force to seize the island A multinational militar y exercise led by Danish

prompted Trump to threaten participating countries, including the UK, Germany and France, with an additional 10 per cent tariff from next month Eu

lantic trade war Germany

“clear” European response, with German f inance minis-

mailed ” Brussels has drawn up retaliation options but is holding back its most powerful tool, the anti-coercion

i

diplomacy can prevail during talks with Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos

European leaders have also signalled a willingness

Arctic defence, with NATO

s with Denmark focused on “ our collective security” and boosting key capabilities

Digital ID dropped as government U-turns cost £8.2bn

T h e go ver nment ha s aban-

d oned p lans to requi re workers to enrol i n a new d igital ID

s ys tem to prove thei r right to wo rk i n th e UK, the 13th si gn i f i c a nt U- tu r n o f Ke i r Starmer’s premiershi p Instead, Labour ministers

s a y e x i s t i n g c h e c k s , u s i n g documents such as biometric passports, will be moved fully online by 2029 The reversal is the latest in a series of recent

p o l i c y U- t u r n s , i n c l u d i n g changes to inheritance tax for farmland and business rates for pubs

This comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s reversals have already cost £8 2 billion over the course of this parliament, according to a new analysis by the Resolution Foundation

The think tank found that uncertainty over government policy is now at its highest level since records began in 19 9 7 , a t r e n d i t s a i d w a s “almost certainly linked to the scale and frequency of f iscal inter ventions during this parliament”

The £8 2 billion f igure, calculated using Off ice for

Consultation launched on under-16 social media ban

M i ni s te rs h av e launched a co nsultation on whether to b an u nd e r-1 6s f ro m u s i ng so c i al media, as part of a broader package of measu res aim ed at c u rb in g m o bi le ph one u se amo ng young people

The technology

s e c r e t a r y, L i z Kendall, announced the consultation amid growing pressure for tougher restrictions on social media use by younger teenagers The move comes ahead of a vote by peers on an amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill, which would introduce a ban within a year of the legislation receiving royal assent

In a statement, Kendall said the government had already taken “clear, concrete steps” to protect children online through the Online Safety Act, but acknowledged that parents’ concerns persist “These laws were never meant to be the end point,” she said, adding that she was prepared to take further action

The consultation will examine a range of options, including setting a minimum age for social media use, how any age limit could be enforced, restricting technology companies’ access to children’s data, and limiting addictive features such as inf inite scrolling

T h e g o v e r n m e n t a l s o s a i d i t e x p e c t s schools to be mobile-phone-free by default, with Ofsted inspections set to include assessments of phone use as part of routine reporting

British doctors first under new NHS rules

Th e NHS will be barred from offering training p osts to o verseas d octors unless no British ap pli cants hav e ap pl ied , u nder legi slati on being fast-tracked thro ugh parliament

He a l t h s e c r e t a r y, We s St r e e t i n g , h a s introduced a bill requiring hospitals to priorit i s e m e d ic a l g r a d u a t e s f ro m t h e U K a n d Ireland for job inter views and training roles before recruiting internationally

I N B R I E F NHS TRAINING ON COUSIN MARRIAGE UNDER PROBE

Health chiefs are investigating after it emerged NHS midwives were taught about the “potential benefits” of cousin marriage, despite evidence linking the practice to higher risks of birth defects Official training guidance said concerns over congenital disease were “exaggerated” noting that 85–90 per cent of cousin couples have unaffected children compared with a national average of 98 per cent While acknowledging health risks it urged these be balanced against perceived benefits including economic factors and emotional or social ties, and advised staff not to stigmatise south Asian or Muslim patients

UK PUBLIC DEFAULTS TO DISTRUST

Distrust has become the new default instinct in the UK a survey reveals The Edelman Trust Barometer found that three in four Britons are unwilling or hesitant to trust people with different values problem-solving styles, or cultural backgrounds Over a third would prefer to leave a job or switch departments rather than report to a manager with opposing values, and more than a quarter would exert less effort on projects led by such a boss Insularity is highest in developed countries, including Japan (89%) Germany (81%), and the UK (76%), cutting across income, age, and gender The survey covered 33 900 people across 28 nations

LONDON GATEWAY EYES FELIXSTOWE CROWN

The River Thames is set to reclaim its dominance in British seaborne trade after London Gateway saw traffic surge by over 50 per cent last year The south Essex port, operational for just 12 years, handled more than three million containers in 2025, up from 1 9 million in 2024 Growth followed the opening of a fourth quarter-mile berth, allowing the port to accommodate four of the world s largest container ships simultaneously With a fifth berth under construction and a sixth planned Dubai- owned DP World believes London Gateway is close to surpassing Felixstowe as the UK s largest and busiest deepwater container terminal

Budget Responsibility data, includes retreats on personal independence payments, universal credit, the winter fuel allowance and the twochild benef it cap

It does not include the cost of more recent U-turns on business rates for pubs a n d i n h e r i t a n c e t a x fo r farmers, which are expected to add a further £300 million and £130 million respectively Nor does it account for changes to jur y trials or the decision to drop mandator y digital ID cards

The BMA said the move offers “ some hope” on jobs and pay, but ministers could w i t h d r a w o r d e l a y t h e l e g i s l a t i o n b e fo r e March if junior doctors announce further strike action

The Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill is designed to address a system that has seen thousands of UK-trained doctors miss out on NHS training posts in favour of overseas applicants Last year, almost 40,000 doctors applied for around 12,000 training posts, with only 37 per cent of successful applicants trained in the UK

Un d e r t h e p r o p o s e d l e g i s l a t i o n , N H S trusts would be required to offer training posts to UK doctors f irst and prioritise them fo r i n t e r v i e w s fo r s p e c i a l i s t p r o g r a m m e s

Graduates of British medical schools would also receive priority for foundation placements

REFORM UK SPEAKERS FACE STUDENT OPPOSITION

A survey of student attitudes towards free speech found that one -third believe Reform UK politicians should be banned from speaking on university campuses highlighting what organisers called “contradictory” views While 69% told the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) that universities should “never limit free speech,” many also supported bans on specific parties Surprisingly, 41% of students who voted for Reform in 2024 backed restricting its politicians, while 23% of Labour voters supported barring their party Overall only 18% endorsed allowing all political parties to speak reflecting wide variation in students’ attitudes towards different aspects of expression

Keir Starmer at the press conference from 9 Downing Street

Liz Kendall

Broken and divided

After nearly fifteen years in power, the Conservative Party in B r i t a i

Several senior members have chosen to depart, with some aligning themselves with Reform UK Formerly recognised for its unity and wide-ranging support, the party now appears fragmented and uncertain about its future direction

This situation raises an important question: how has an institution once considered a dominant force in British politics come to face such existential challenges? The disorder within the Conservative Party now extends beyond internal matters, influencing the broader political environment of the United Kingdom and contributing to shifts in its political trajectory

The root of the Tory party crisis lies in prolonged leadership instability Since 2010, the party has lurched from one leader to another, with internal rebellions, scandals and repeated electoral setbacks ensuring that no one has managed to stay the course for long With each leadership change, the party’s problems have not been solved; instead, they have grown sharper and more exposed

From Brexit through the Covid pandemic and the subsequent period of instability, a succession of inconsistent and reactive policies has hindered the Conservative Party’s ability to articulate a clear and unified message to the electorate Concurrently, overt disputes among rival groups including centre-left pragmatists, free-market advocates, social conservatives, and nationalist voices have unfolded publicly These internal contests for influence have undermined the

party’s credibility and contributed to its increasing fragmentation

In recent years, the Conservative Party has faced significant challenges pertaining to its coherence and strategic direction Ongoing disagreements on critical issues such as Brexit, net migration, economic policies, and foreign affairs

Inconsistencies in positions both during its tenure in government prior to 2024 and subsequently as Opposition have undermined its credibility with the electorate

Repeated electoral losses at parliamentary and local levels have adversely affected morale among grassroots supporters Furthermore, the party's traditional voter base has become fragmented, with many individuals shifting their allegiance to other parties Consequently, Conservative leaders are encountering difficulties in articulating a clear vision or policy agenda for the country

Currently, several senior party members are leaving, and Kemi Badenoch is trying to strengthen her position by step-

Conservative politicians are being linked with other parties, with notable names such as Nadhim Zahawi and Robert Jenrick already gone There is talk that others, such as Suella Braverman, might also depart To win back public trust, the Conservatives need to clearly communicate their positions on key issues The party urgently requires strong and convincing leadership, but so far, no candidate has demonstrated the necessary decisiveness

India's expanding influence among Gulf nations

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conducted a brief visit to India, emphasising the importance of bilateral relations amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East

Meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on advancing cooperation in trade, defence, and energy sectors This is Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s third official visit to India as president, and fifth in the past decade, following recent visits by other UAE leaders

India and the UAE maintain strong trade and investment ties through several agreements, including those on currency settlement and energy supply This visit aims to deepen their strategic partnership and address key regional and global issues

India shares borders with several Muslim-majority nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, as well as maritime neighbours like the Maldives, shaping complex relations involving historical ties, security, trade, and cultural exchange, with India also having world’s third largest Muslim populations internally and building closer economic ties with Gulf states like UAE and Saudi Arabia, despite occasional tensions with some Islamic countries over issues like Kashmir Pakistan and Saudi Arabia currently cooperate in military training, intelligence, defence production, and strategic planning A proposed 2025 agreement may include a collective defence of Islamic nations clause (Islamic NATO) like NATO's Article 5, but details remain undisclosed and implementation would require broader support, according to Moneycontrol

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy is structured around five key pillars: mutual respect, engagement,

security, shared prosperity, and cultural and civilisational link-

(according to India vs disinformation - truth matters)

This approach has contributed to India’s emergence as a prominent international actor within the Islamic world

PM Modi has allocated considerable resources and diplomatic attention toward strengthening relationships with Gulf nations, surpassing the efforts of his predecessors These initiatives have led to a shift in perception within the Muslim world, positioning India as an influential interlocutor among conservative Muslim states

The Gulf region has been instrumental for the Indian diaspora, functioning as a significant source of remittances from Indians residing in West Asia Indian migrants represent a considerable segment of the workforce throughout the Gulf, with more than nine million individuals currently residing in these countries India ranks as the foremost global recipient of remittances, receiving an estimated $90 billion

Though UAE and Saudi Arabia are not at best of terms, especially in the light of recent developments in Yemen, India and Saudi Arabia have continued to have sustained diplomatic relations grounded in political trust and economic cooperation since 1947 The partnership has advanced significantly through mutual investments, exemplified by Saudi Arabia’s $100 billion commitment in 2019, as well as increased bilateral trade totalling $42 98 billion in 2023–24 Defence collaboration continues to strengthen, as reflected in joint military exercises and a $225 million export agreement concluded in 2024

Trump’s Arctic ambitions

US President Donald Trump has recently attracted international attention with his renewed interest in Greenland, including making statements directed at European nations traditionally considered close allies of the United States His focus on the Arctic island is not unprecedented; in 2019, during his previous term, President Trump publicly considered the possibility of purchasing Greenland from Denmark

This development prompts an important inquiry: what motivates the American interest in Greenland? Upon his return to the White House, President Trump’s geopolitical strategies have been widely discussed, with some observers characterising them as unconventional However, further analysis suggests that these actions are informed by calculated strategic considerations The effort to enhance American influence over Greenland reflects significant economic and strategic interests, which are influenced by broader shifts in global power dynamics and the United States’ evolving priorities within the international arena

Climate change and global warming are rapidly altering the Arctic landscape As ice in the Arctic Ocean recedes, emerging maritime routes have the potential to reshape the strategic dynamics of the region Russia and China have already increased their activities in the Arctic In this environment, Greenland is becoming a significant territory due to its strategic position between North America and Europe

Historically, Greenland has had substantial military value for the United States, serving as a critical element of national defence from the conclusion of World War II through the Cold War With new sea lanes opening because of melting ice, Greenland’s relevance has grown, particularly as the United States aims to limit Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic

In addition to strategic military interests, Greenland's nat-

ural resources are emerging as a significant factor in policy considerations The island is thought to contain sizeable reserves of rare earth minerals, uranium, iron ore, and potentially crude oil and natural gas Rare earth minerals play a critical role in modern technology sectors and are central to global supply chains, which are currently led by China Recognising this concentration of supply, United States policymakers are developing long-term strategies aimed at decreasing dependence on China and securing alternative sources

US policymakers recognise that climate change is progressively reducing Greenland’s ice cover, which increases the feasibility of large-scale mineral extraction This development aligns with the priorities of the current president, who frequently evaluates issues from an economic and commercial perspective, viewing land and infrastructure as assets with both strategic and financial significance

Historically, American expansion has often been achieved through purchases, negotiations, and military actions such as the Louisiana Purchase and the acquisition of Alaska Throughout different administrations, US policy has been

President Trump, this approach has become especially prominent

Meanwhile, increasing discussions have emerged over whether Washington is essentially reviving the centuries-old Monroe Doctrine, originally aimed at excluding European influence from the Americas Trump's actions indicate a

Hemisphere, encompassing both North and South America In this wider approach, Greenland stands out as particularly significant This may help explain why Trump appears prepared to challenge even America's longstanding European allies with little hesitation

Thought for the week

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life ” – Steve Jobs

Political Sketchbook

Alpesh Patel

The Real Threat to Your Future

What is it? Trump? China? Russia? New world order? Debt? Proliferation of nuclear weapons? Sorry for you and me it is something more mundane What should governments do when pension funds persistently underperform: regulate managers more tightly, empower savers, or accept market outcomes?

contribution systems have shifted investment risk from

chronically weak for many savers Governments therefore face an uncomfortable choice: tighten regulation of pension managers, empower individuals to take control

underperformance as an inevitable feature of market capitalism Each option reflects a different philosophy of the state’s role in managing risk, responsibility, and inequality

This essay argues that neither stricter regulation nor passive acceptance is sufficient on its own While tighter oversight can prevent abuse and misalignment, it often

ignores structural and behavioural failures The most effective response lies in empowering savers through t

reforming incentives within the pension industry to

Governments should act less as portfolio managers and more as architects of a system that makes good outcomes more likely

1 The Case for Tighter Regulation: Necessary but Limited

Regulating pension managers more tightly is the instinctive response to poor performance The logic is straightforward: if professional managers consistently fail to deliver acceptable risk-adjusted returns, the state should intervene to protect citizens’ retirement security

Stronger regulation can address genuine problems Fee caps reduce excessive rent extraction Disclosure rules i

workplace pensions and the introduction of the Consumer Duty reflect this protective impulse

constraints often reduce incentives to outperform Pension managers respond to regulation by hugging benchmarks, a

innovation The result is safe underperformance rather than d

downside risk frequently eliminates upside potential as well Moreover, regulators are ill-equipped to distinguish skill f

investment behaviour risk freezing yesterday’s consensus into today’s rules Tighter regulation can therefore prevent abuse, but it rarely creates excellence

2 Accepting Market Outcomes: Economically Pure, Politically Unrealistic

At the other extreme lies the laissez-faire argument

Markets are competitive; underperforming managers should lose assets; over time, capital should flow to skill From this perspective, pension underperformance is unfortunate but inevitable, and state intervention risks distorting market discipline

T

empirically Decades of evidence show that capital does

especially in default schemes where savers are passive Behavioural inertia, complexity, and lack of financial literacy mean that market discipline functions weakly in pensions

Accepting market outcomes also ignores the systemic importance of pensions Retirement provision is not an optional consumer good; it underpins social stability, welfare spending, and intergenerational equity When pension outcomes fail at scale, the costs are ultimately socialised through higher welfare expenditure or political pressure on the state pension

Pure acceptance therefore shifts risk from markets to the public purse Economically coherent, it is politically and socially untenable

3 Empowering Savers: The Most Promising Path

The most effective long-term response is to empower savers, not by turning them into day-traders, but by

competition matter

Appeal lodged over Leicestershire Hindu-Sikh crematorium plans

A n appeal has been lo dged after plans for a Hind u and S ikh crem atorium in the L eicestershire countrysid e w ere rejected by Harborough District

C ouncil (HDC)

The proposals, for Scraptoft Lodge Farm on Keyham Lane in East Scraptoft, were refused in April last year after being “called in”, meaning the decision was taken by councillors at a planning committee meeting rather than by officers under delegated powers

Planning officers had recommended refusal, arguing the development’s location, scale and design would harm the character of the surrounding rural area, and that the benefits of the scheme would not outweigh that impact

The applicants, CDS Group, have now appealed the decision HDC has confirmed that a public inquiry is under way, with a planning inspector reviewing the case at the council’s headquarters In appeal documents, CDS Group said the proposal, which would involve demolishing a late-19th-

century farmhouse and outbuildings and replacing them with a crematorium complex including a dining hall and car parking, had generated “substantial local interest”

A total of 92 representations were submitted, comprising 56 letters of support and 36 objections

One supporter said the facility could “enhance the quality of life in Leicestershire”, adding that it would help meet the needs of diverse communities, promote inclusivity and support environmental responsibility

However, opponents raised concerns about the impact on local roads,

particularly increased traffic from funeral processions One objector said the area was already struggling with narrow, poorly maintained roads, warning that additional vehicle movements could worsen congestion and create safety risks for drivers and pedestrians

The plans also included two chapels, which would be capable of hosting up to six services a day between them CDS Group argued there was a strong religious need for a faith-specific crematorium of this kind in the county

A decision on the appeal will be made by the planning inspector following the conclusion of the inquiry

Leicester MP urges 10-year driver safety tests

The Government has outl i n e d pl an s f o r s we e pi n g c hanges to driving rules as part of a new Road Safety Strategy, prompting scrutiny from MPs in the H ouse of Commons

T r a n s p o r t m

n

s t e r s were questioned on proposals that include introducing a waiting period of between three and six months for l e a r n

and taking their practical e x a m T h e s

g y a l s o considers compulsory eyes i g h t t e s t s f o r m o t o r i s t s a g e d o v e r 7 0 , a l o n g s i d e potential cognitive assessments for older drivers

Shockat Adam, the MP for Leicester South and a p r a c t i s i n g o p t o m e t r i s t , argued that proposed eyesight tests should go further He told MPs that the U K i s o n e o f t h e f e w European countries without mandatory sight tests

until licence renewal at 70, meaning some drivers may go decades without an eye examination He called for eyesight checks every time a driving licence is renewed, which is currently every 10 years Adam also raised concerns about headlight glare, citing RAC figures suggesting around 280 crashes a year are linked to the issue T r a n s p o r t M i n i s t e r

Lilian Greenwood acknowledged the problem, saying t h e G o v e r n m e n t h a s already conducted research and plans to review vehicle standards, including international approaches, with further action under consideration

Taxi driver killed in Bolton crash along with 3 teenagers

M as ro b A li , a 54 - ye ar- o ld taxi d riv er, w as killed alongs i d e th r ee tee na g ers i n a h orrific head-on collision in Bolto n The incident occurred at approximately 12:45 am on

W i g a n R o a d w h e n a r e d Seat, reportedly travelling at high speed on the wrong side of the 30mph dual carriageway, smashed into Ali’s

C i t r o ë n C 4 P i

Danyaal, 19, also died at the scene

G r i e v i n g r e

t i v e s described Ali, a father-offour from Blackburn, as a “safe driver” and the “sweetest, most gentle soul” who worked hard to support his family Greater Manchester Police confirmed that five o t h e r p a s

woman in the taxi with lifethreatening injuries

W h i l e

Council probes leak over controversial comments

A n investigatio n h as been launch ed into the leak of a v ideo

s h o w i ng a Leicestershire councillor m aking w hat o p p o n ent s h av e described as “ unacc ep t abl e ” re m ar ks

ab o u t M u sl i m prayer in scho ols

L e i c e s t e r s h i r e

C o u n t y C o u n c i l chief executive Jane

M o o r e t o l d t h e

Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the authority is examining how footage from a private internal counter-terrorism meeting was released, adding the matter is being treated “extremely seriously”

The video shows Councillor Carl Abbott, Reform UK cabinet member for adult social care, saying he was “worried” about children in primary schools being taught to pray “the Muslim way ” , questioning whether it could lead to radicalisation and future crime He later said he was relaying constituents’ concerns

The comments drew sharp criticism from opposition councillors, including Labour’s Jewel Miah, who, present at the meeting, called them prejudiced and unsupported by evidence Reform UK defended Cllr Abbott

The council said the investigation is ongoing

Major rail boost for North England

Britain has pled ged up to £4 5 billion ($60 billi o n) fo r a m ajo r rail in fras tru ctu re p rogramme in the north of England, a region long hindered by underinvestm ent

T h e g o v e r n m e n t p l a n s t o d e

Northern Powerhouse Rail in three phases, b e g i n n i n g w i t h u p g r a d

d c

n s between Sheffield, Leeds, York, and Bradford Next, a new line will link Liverpool and Manchester via Manchester Airport, followed by improved routes between Manchester and Yorkshire

Outdated transport networks have been identified by organisations such as the OECD as a key factor behind the productivity gap between northern cities and their international counterparts Northern rail lines, serving three of England’s five largest metropolitan areas, still suffer bottlenecks dating back to the Victorian era Prime Minister Keir

S t a r m e r ’ s L a b o u r g o v e r n m e n t , t r a i l i n g

Reform UK in polls, said reducing regional inequality is a priority

Most investment, capped at £45 billion, will occur in the 2030s and 2040s, with no fixed opening dates, reflecting lessons learned from the HS2 project’s cost overruns

Northampton imam avoids jail over illegal marriage

A n imam w ho carried out an illegal marriage c ere m o ny i nv o lv i ng t w o 1 6- yea r- o ld s h as avoid ed an immediate jail sentence

I N B R I E F SCORES

OF IMMIGRATION ARRESTS IN MIDLANDS

Scores of immigration arrests have been made at courier depots and distribution centres across the Black Country amid a sharp rise in enforcement activity in the West Midlands The Home Office said 1,254 immigration arrests were carried out in the region in 2025, a 76 per cent increase on the previous year, alongside 1,315 enforcement visits, more than double the number recorded in 2024 West Midlands enforcement lead Matt Foster said illegal working “will not be tolerated”

AMAZON SCREENS COVENTRY WAREHOUSE STAFF FOR TB

Amazon is screening workers at its Coventry warehouse for tuberculosis following an outbreak of the lung disease at the site A small number of employees were diagnosed with contagious TB last year, prompting the UKHSA to begin a screening programme in September Amazon said that 10 workers later tested positive for latent, noncontagious TB towards the end of last year The company said it followed NHS and UKHSA guidance as soon as cases were identified notifying employees who may have been affected The warehouse employs around 2 000 people according to the GMB union

POLICE CHIEF REFERRED TO WATCHDOG

Retired chief constable Craig Guildford has been referred to the police watchdog over the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from an Aston Villa match last November, days after his retirement Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood had criticised Guildford following a “damning” review citing leadership failures in West Midlands Police West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster voluntarily referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which will investigate whether any officers or staff may face misconduct proceedings

INSURANCE FIRM COLLAPSES INTO ADMINISTRATION

Ashraf Osmani, 52, performed the ceremony at Northampton’s Central Mosque in N

changed to raise the minimum marriage age to 18 in England and Wales At Northampton Crown Court, Osmani was given a 15-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, after pleading guilty to two counts of causing a child to enter into a marriage

Drivers have lost their car insurance after Premier Insurance Company Ltd collapsed into administration in October The firm underwrote policies for around 16,000 UK car and van drivers, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned customers that their coverage is no longer valid The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is working with regulators and partners to minimise the impact on customers and industry levy payers FSCS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates online Customers unsure if their policy was underwritten by Premier should contact their insurance broker

LEICESTER RESIDENTS ON EDGE

h a m m e d

Mukhtar, 18, Farhan Patel, 1 8 , a n d M

gate a video showing a car reaching 120mph prior to

the impact, local residents have renewed demands for speed bumps to prevent further tragedies

Prosecutors said the marriage came to light when the teenage girl’s family found a certificate in her bedroom Police were told neither teenager was forced or coerced Osmani claimed he was unaware of the legal change, but prosecutors said it was his responsibility to know the law The judge described his conduct as negligent, stressing the importance of upholding child marriage laws

Residents in Leicester have expressed fear after an attack in Castle Gardens left two men in their 60s hospitalised Witnesses said they “wouldn’t walk alone” at night following the assault, which reportedly involved a suspect wielding a metal pole The incident occurred between midnight and 2 AM on Sunday, January 18 Leicestershire Police are investigating but have not made any arrests so far

Shockat Adam

Masrob Ali

Cllr Carl Abbott

UK families seek justice over Air India crash

The f amilies of nin e Briti sh vi ctims of the June 12 , 2 025

A I 171 plane c rash have launc hed legal action

agai nst Ai r India in the High C ourt in London

A joint claim for personal injury and damages has been filed in the King’s Bench Division through their law firm

James Healy-Pratt, an aviation partner at Keystone Law, said High Court proceedings had been issued but not yet formally served, amid plans for confidential negotiations in London He added that the families hoped the claims could be resolved through dialogue without the need for a

trial

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board

The aircraft lost height seconds after departure and burst into flames on impact with a medical college hostel, also killing 19 people on the ground

Among those who died were Mariam Javed Ali Syed, 35, a Harrods brand ambassador, her husband Javed Ali Syed, 37, a hotel manager, and their children Zayn, six, and Amani, four The family had travelled to India to celebrate Eid and care for

Doctor vindicated over court “bullying”

A j u d i c i al w a tc h d o g h as ruled in favour of a GP who said she was h umiliated in cou rt and left feeling “ like a criminal” by a judg e d uring a n em p l o ym e nt tr ib u na l h earing

D r H i n a a T o h e e d , a mother of two, complained that Judge Philip Lancaster

s h o u t e d a t h e r 1 6 t i m e s while she was giving evidence in a 2022 tribunal case in which she alleged sex and p r e g n a n c y d i s c r i m i n a t i o n Lancaster, who chaired the panel, has now been sanc-

t i o n e d b y t h e J u d i c i a l

C o n d u c t I n v e s t i g a t i o n s Office (JCIO)

T h e p r e s i d e n t o f t h e JCIO found that Lancaster “raised his voice on several occasions” and interrupted

T o h e e d ’ s e v i d e n c e d u r i n g

c r o s s - e x a m i n a t i o n t o a n inappropriate extent, creating a “hostile environment”

L a n c a s t e r a n d t w o o t h e r p a n e l m e m b e r s d i s m i s s e d

Toheed’s claim in 2022, a d e c i s i o n s h e i s a p p e a l i n g

Toheed said the “bias, hostility and unfairness” at the o r i g i n a l h e a r i n g w e r e s o serious that the GP surgery involved has not contested her appeal, with both sides now seeking to resolve the case by consent

T h e s a n c t i o n i m p o s e d on Lancaster, described as “formal advice”, is the lowe s t a v a i l a b l e T h e r u l i n g cited his “ 20-year unblemished conduct record” and a “ g e n u i n e e x p r e s s i o n o f remorse ”

Labour suspends party official who praised Russian elections

L abour h as suspend ed i t s v i c e- c h ai rm a n i n Northern Ireland after i t em e rg ed th at h e tra v elled to M o sc ow to act as an observer at R u ss i a ’ s 2 0 21 p arli am entary elections and p raised a vo te wid ely condemned as rigged

Bikash Chudal, a long-standing Labour activist, told Russian

s t a t e m e d i a h e w a s “happy” with how the p o l l w a s c o n d

, claiming that citizens w

d and able to vote freely

h

Javed’s mother A claim has been brought by the administrator of Mariam’s estate and two relatives

Ramesh Hirani, 51, founder of Reset From Diabetes, was in India

developing a wellness project He is survived by his wife and three children, with the claim brought by his brother and mother Ashok Patel, 74, and his wife Shobhanaben Patel,

71, who had lived in the UK since 1978, were returning from a spiritual pilgrimage

Their sons are pursuing legal action

Ketan Kumar Shah Bharatbhai, 43, from Dorset, had travelled to India to see his ill father

His wife and two children are bringing a claim

Lawrence Christian, 30, who lived in London, was returning after performing his father’s last rites in Gujarat His wife has filed the claim on his behalf

Last July, Air India announced an interim payment of Rs 25 lakh to the families of all deceased passengers and to the sole survivor, Viswashkumar

Ramesh, to be offset against any final compensation Ramesh, now back in Leicester, is represented by a different law firm and is not part of the London case His spokesperson said his legal claim remains ongoing and that he is continuing rehabilitation

Separately, the families of four passengers have filed a lawsuit in the United States against Boeing and Honeywell, alleging the crash was caused by faulty fuel switches The case, filed in September, claims the manufacturers were responsible for the accident

Dr Hinaa Toheed

Bikash Chudal with Yvette Cooper

PM Narendra Modi at one of the buildings on the medical campus that was destroyed in the fire caused by the plane crash

Gujarati literatu re offers num erous timeless m e tap h o rs , o n e o f w h i c h

U m as h an kar J o s h i ’ s

em

" Bho miya Vina Mare Bham va ta Dungara " Th e pro tagonist yearns to wander barefoot w ith an op en m i nd , full y co nnected to nature Th is im ag e powerfully conveys how courag e and convictio n can m otiv ate a p erson to v entu re alone into unknown territories

Determination in the heart enables one t o j o u r n e y f a r , s

o

However, not every journey must be solitary For collective growth, shared progress, and reaching common goals, embracing the spirit of "sabka saath, sabka vikas" is vital At such times, leadership extends beyond simply pointing the way; like a lighthouse shining in the darkness, it shows the way forward for many

Y e t h i s t o r y d e m o n s t r a t e s s o m e t h i n g deeper: when a community aspires to break new ground, challenge limits, and achieve greater heights, mere guidance falls short What becomes essential then is visionary and courageous leadership leadership that combines wisdom with creativity, and balances steadiness with ambition to guide others through unfamiliar challenges

We are seeing this reality unfold today

U n d e r P r i m e M i n i s t e r N a r e n d r a M o d i ' s leadership, India has reached new heights on the world stage This pride is felt not only within India but also among Indians and the diaspora globally National leadership often reflects leadership at the community level, which is especially visible among overseas Indians who maintain strong ties to India even as they integrate into their adopted countries

Lohanas, achieving success arou nd the world

India comprises a diverse array of communities, each shaped by distinctive traditions and strengths While all communities have evolved over time, those with strong leadership and well-established networks have achieved remarkable success, especiall y i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y W h e n s h a r e d v i s i o n , encouragement, and unity are present, communities can accelerate their development and accomplishments The Lohana commun i t y ,

, serves as a prime example of this phenomenon Despite numbering fewer than one million globally, Lohanas have made notable contributions in business, education, healthcare, philanthropy, and public service

To appreciate their history, it is instructive to examine Gujarat, where ports such as K h a m b h a t , B h

have, for centuries, linked Saurashtra and Kutch to Africa and the Middle East Surat, at one time, functioned as a major international trading centre In that period, Jain S

ing legacy During the late 19th and early 20th cen-

Jamnagar, and Veraval were among the first Gujaratis to venture overseas, with Africa, particularly Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as their primary destination Demonstrating significant resolve, they worked diligently to

through sustained effort and perseverance

When I think of Lohana entrepreneurs, some promi

Dayalbhai Vadera and Shr

extensive business empires

That recognition took formal shape on 26 December 1952, with the first Lo hana

Mumbai Seeking unity, the community unanimously placed its trust in Shri Nanji

accepted the responsibility and went on to

impact, leaving behind a legacy of service Lo hana M ah aparish ad and th eir Internatio nal Business Forum

A strong foundation supports robust growth Over the years, successive leaders have enhanced the Lohana M ahaparishad, fostering greater unity within the commu-

President, Shri Satish bhai Vith alani, both the organisation and its members continue to advance with renewed assurance Strong

reminds me of the timeless lines of the song from the movie Naya Daur: “Saathi h aath bad haana Ek akela thak jaayega, Milkar bojh uthaana ”

The importance of collaborative effort has been integral to the community’s ability to overcome numerous challenges Today, the Mahaparishad is recognised as a prominent global organisation In the UK, more than twenty active units including Lohana Community North, East, London, UK and others work diligently to pursue common objectives that promote inclusive progress

As the parent body for the global community Lohana Mahaparishad has grown

Mahaparishad positively impacts individu-

(L IBF), established to bring entrepreneurs together and support the younger generation LIBF has quickly become

dynamic

global networking, with events held from U

Dubai in 2025, to the renowned Jio World Centre in Navi Mumbai

recognition well beyond just the Gujarati or Indian communities in fact, they were celebrated across Africa as a whole

beyond financial gain; their leadership was rooted in empathy They offered support not only to their families and the wider Indian diaspora but also made meaningful contributions to African communities The

stories of their lives show how they began with nothing, faced tremendous challenges, and turned adversity into opportunity a trait now closely associated with the Lohana

s p

ta, M ad hvani, and Vad era continue to be major forces in African economies

This enduring impact did not happen by chance It is a testament to unwavering commitment to values, ethical standards, and social responsibility

from seven zones within India to fifteen, further dividing into numerous sub-divi-

clear: to ensure that no member of the Lohana community, anywhere in the world, feels isolated Through the efforts of twenty-seven specialised committees focused on areas such as education, healthcare, legal a

The Lohana community’s trength stems from its insightul leadership and compassionate values Generous sharing of knowledge and kindness drives every initiative, offering valuable lessons for other communities to reflect on

and

ethos perfectly While individuals may start their journeys alone, true

Guided by strong leadership, a shared sense of purpose, and empathy, the Lohana community demonstrates how far one can go across boundaries, eras, and ideas while staying true to their path This enduring

accomplishment

Shri Nanji Kalidas Mehta

Shri Manubhai Muljibhai Madhvani

Shri Satishbhai Vithalani

Shri Vinodbhai Dayalbhai Vadera

Reform UK gains momentum as Conservatives face internal fractures

a lleg edly plot ting t

defect J

removing her leadership rival, saying it helped “realign the centre-right of British politics ” In a blister-

accused the Conservatives of being “broken,” “rotten,” and having “betrayed voters ” Jenrick’s defection followed Badenoch receiving what she described as “irrefutable evidence” of his intentions, including a draft resignation speech critical of shadow cabinet c

R

minister, also crossed to Reform UK, marking two high-profile departures in four days Atleast eleven Conservative MPs, including Suella Braverman, are on close watch Badenoch responded by warning MPs against internal plotting and “psychodrama,” stressing that the party must focus on governance, not ambition She framed the defections as a matter of character, not policy, and called for unity among Conservatives

Yet these defections raise broader questions: who truly benefits from this turmoil?

D o e s R e f o r m U K g a i n t r a c t i o n , d o t h e

Conservatives restructure and strengthen themselves as “bad elements” exit, or does this ultimately hand Labour an opportunity to position itself as the only stable choice?

British Asian communities, long courted by m a i n s t r e a m l e a d e r s h i p , a r e i

showing trust in Reform UK If leaders from any party fail to

how can the community feel c

them?

M e a n w h i

, R e f o r m U K

appears to be gaining support in certain quarters, with highprofile defections giving the party greater visibility As more mainstream

Conservatives, will Reform UK continue to attract voters, including within the British Asian community, seeking an alternative political voice?

Providing a perspective, Cllr Dr Rohit K D

Councillor for London Borough of Newham and Chair of Council and First Citizen said, “From a Labour perspective, the defections from the Conservatives to Reform UK is a symptom of a right in political disarray This is the fragmentation of a conservative coalition that no longer knows what it stands for Reform UK has no meaningful ideas, no rooted presence in communities, and no serious policy offer beyond cultural resentment As a Labour councillor and Civic Mayor of Newham all of this is just noise We remain disciplined, with a focus on material issues such as jobs, housing, public services, and the cost of living which actually impact the lives of our communities and people ”

The coming months could determine whether these defections reshape not only party politics but also the engagement, representation, and loyalty of communities long aligned with established leaders

Shoplifting nears record levels

F r om s un g l a sse s a n d sin k s t o d is po sa b l e v apes and even washing ma chines, shopl ifting in London is reachin g un pr ece dente d leve ls, according to a n anal ysis of pol ice data

The Metropolitan Police recorded almost 90,000 shoplifting offences in 2024, a 165 per cent increase since 2021 Figures obtained through a freedom of information request show 76,910 offences were logged by October last year, putting 2025 on course to set a new record Food, alcohol and toiletries remained the most commonly stolen items, but thefts of clothing and confectionery have surged, with clothes theft more than tripling since 2021 Ferrero Rocher chocolates emerged as

the most stolen brand Police data for 2025 shows thieves made off with 860 pairs of sunglasses, 735 toys, 219 bags of pet food, 194 toothbrushes and 15

stolen included radiators, pets, lottery tickets and hanging plant baskets

Rowley and London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan have stressed that violent crime is falling,

Bourne, retail crime lead for police and crime commissioners, described shoplifting as a “gateway crime” and called for tougher action on resale markets

Mum remembered as killer receives life sentence

Tribut es have pour ed in for a mother whos e killer has been jailed f or life, f ol lowing a highprofile court cas e in the North of E ngl and Family, friends and members of the local community gathered to remember the vict i m ’ s k i n d n e s s , w a

h a n d devotion to her loved ones, emphasising the profound impact her loss has had on all who knew her Speakers at memorials described her as a caring figure whose absence has left a deep void, particularly among her children and close family members

The man convicted of her murder was handed a life sentence by the judge, reflecting the severity of the crime and the court’s determination to deliver j

highlighted the senseless nature of the killing and acknowledged the suffering endured by the victim’s relatives

Local residents have expressed both grief and relief at the verdict, with many hoping that the sentence brings some measure of closure to a tragic chapter for the family

Kama Sutra quip gets groans and giggles in Commons

A familiar gag returned to the Commo ns on T u es day as P ri me Minister Keir Starmer aimed a ch eeky jibe at the Conservatives, p ro m p ti n g a mi x tu r e o f l au g h t er , a nd groans, fro m MP s

Mocking the Tories for frequent changes in leadership, the Prime Minister quipped, “They had more positions in 14 years than the Kama Sutra ” For context, the Kama Sutra is an ancient Hindu text on love, sexuality, and relationships While celebrated by some for its exploration of intimacy, its mention in Parliament left some MPs wincing The joke, however, is far from original According to Hansard, it has been used at

Disbarred KC fails in misconduct challenge

A form er King’ s Cou nsel has failed to ov erturn a ruling that struck him off after a ju dg e fou nd he h ad p ressured a you ng lawyer into a sexual enco unter

I

Justice Choudhury rejected an application by Navjot “Jo” Sidhu, 60, to set aside an

professional misconduct A disciplinary tribunal heard that Sidhu, once considered a contender for the role of director of public prosecu-

barrister to his hotel room

insisted she stay the night and sleep on his bed rather

engaging in sexual kissing and touching

Sidhu’s lawyers appealed against the sanction but did not challenge the tribunal’s

Justice Choudhury said the

characterised as an

unwise, spontaneous and consensu-

al sexual encounter” “ T h

s m i s c o n d u c t that involved a senior silk and prominent member of the Bar using his position to pressurise a young female mini-pupil into a compromising situation to gratify his own sexual desires,” the judge said The woman was undertaking a mini-pupillage with Sidhu at the time The tri-

contacted her with an unsolicited message on LinkedIn Sidhu was found guilty of misconduct in late 2024 and

ther appeal

Charity Commission rebukes churches over abuse failures

T w o C h ur ch o f E ng lan d d ioc eses hav e been iss ued with an unprecedented official w arning by th e C harity

C o m m is s i o n o v e r s af egu arding failures linked to th e i r h a nd l i ng o f s exu a l assault alleg ations against a bishop The regulator criticised t h e d i o c e s e s o f L i v e r p o o l a n d C h e l m s f o r d f o r t h e i r

r e s p o n s e t o c o m p l a i n t s about the Right Rev John Perumbalath, warning that t r u s t e e s m u s t b e a b l e t o challenge the behaviour of p o w e r f u l i n d i v i d u a l s , i n c l u d i n g t h o s e w h o s e

authority derives from spirit u a l l e a d e r s h i p P e r u m b a l a t h r e s i g n e d a s Bishop of Liverpool last year after allegations of sexual a s s a u l t a n d h a r a s s m e n t , which he denied The first complaint was made while h e w a s s e r v i n g i n C h e l m s f o r d , b e f o r e h i s move to Liverpool in 2023

One complainant was later identified as a fellow bishop T h e C h a r i t y Commission found inadequate risk assessment and f a i l u r e s t o p r o t e c t p e o p l e who came into contact with the charities It has given

Rev John Perumbalath

both dioceses two months to report on improvements Liverpool accepted the findings, while Chelmsford disputed some conclusions but pledged cooperation

least 33 times in recent years, by politicians across parties Conservatives have previously directed it at Starmer himself, while Labour figures, including Lucy Powell, used it in almost identical fashion to lampoon Tory reshuffles Other notable examples include Sir Vince Cable targeting Ed Balls in 2013, Tom Tugendhat invoking a “constitutional Kama Sutra” in 2020, and Sir Nick Clegg taking aim at George Osborne in 2008

Reactions to Starmer’s latest attempt were split Some MPs reportedly laughed uproariously, while others appeared unimpressed The consensus seems clear: when it comes to old political jokes, the Kama Sutra line remains more groan than guffaw

Navjot Siddhu KC

Robert Jenrick

Nilani Nimalarajah

Mohan Lal Mittal, patriarch of Mittal steel empire, dies aged 99

M ohan Lal M ittal, the quiet arch itect behind o ne of the w orld’ s great ind ustrial success stories and the father of steel tyco on Lakshmi Mittal, d ied peacefully in L ond on on

T h u r sd ay, ag e d 9 9 , s u rrounded by his family Tributes poured in from a

Modi described him as

guished himself in the world of industry” while remaining

“

Indian culture”, noting his deep commitment to philanthropy and social progress "He supported various philanthropic efforts, reflecting h i s p

progress Pained by his passing I will cherish our various interactions Condolences to his family and admirers Om Shanti," Modi wrote on X

B o r n i n t h e 1 9 2 0 s , Mohan Lal’s life was shaped early by upheaval As communal tensions rose ahead of India’s partition, he persuade d h i s f a m i l y t o l e a v e Karachi, sensing the danger that lay ahead Starting again with little more than resolve, he rebuilt his life in Kanpur and later Kolkata, weather-

ing floods, financial loss and u n c e r t a i n t y F r o m t r a d i n g iron scrap to running rolling mills, he laid the foundations of the Mittal family’s steel enterprise through perseverance and instinct rather than privilege I n 1 9 7 6 , f a c i n g I n d i a ’ s

restrictive licence regime, he made a bold, life-changing

d e c i s i o n t o s

d h i s s o n Lakshmi overseas to build a steel plant in Indonesia, a l e a p

formed the family’s fortunes and ultimately led to the creation of ArcelorMittal, now the world’s largest steelmaker D e s p i t e i m m e n s e s u ccess, Mohan Lal remained deeply rooted in faith, family and Indian culture Lakshmi M i t t a l p a i d a n

t i o n a l tribute to his father, saying, “My father was an extraordinary man, whose strong religious belief and work ethic stayed with him his whole life He was born into a loving and modest family in a

small village named Rajgarh, Rajasthan Always someone to make the most of his circumstances, he believed that hard work was usually, if not always the answer," he said

" H e w a s a n a t u r a l entrepreneur, with a vision that was in many ways well a h e a d o f h i s t i m e H e inspired us to be bold and extend our horizons beyond what was safe Throughout m y l i f e I w o u l d s e e k h i

wavered I never stopped discussing business issues and c

always encouraged me to be bold and ahead of time ”

“Family was everything to him,” he said, recalling a father who never missed a m

warmth, humour and gene

who knew

and 22 great-grandchildren

His life, marked by courage, humility and vision, leaves behind not just a global busin

love and quiet leadership

Children Celebrate bhajans, kites, and cultural traditions

The New Y ear b egan on a lively and joyous

n o t e wit h t he f i r s t

C hi l d re n ’ s Bh a ja n

B h oj an Pr og r a m m e ,

h e l d o n S un da y , 18

J a n ua r y a t Gu ja r a t H in du Soc i et y ( GH S) Pres ton The event wa s

c om b i ne d wi t h a

v i b ra n t ki t e -m a k in g

w or k s h op, o f f e r in g y oung m embers an aft ernoon of m us ic, cre ativity, and cult ural l earning

Earlier in the week, on 14 January, the mandir celebrate d M a k a r S a n k r a n t i , w i t h devotees sharing taal laddus, reflecting the traditional spirit of the festival As part of the a n n u a l f e s t i v i t i e s , o v e r 5 0 children participated in the k i t e - m a k i n g w o r k s h o p , designing and taking home

g

singing bhajans, performing arti, and enjoying a communal meal, creating a meaningful and festive atmosphere

S

n was extended to Shreya

Rohit Vadhwana

The m oment a person is born, d eath becom es inevitable Along with d eath, ch ange and transform ation also become an inescap able part of life’s jo urney Every birth carries within it th e seed o f chang e, embedded in the eternal cycle of the univ erse T his is a tru th, and it app lies not only to hu man beings but to all living creatures Ev en inanimate objects are not exempt from this law Decay is assured ; only the timeline may differ

Those who see birth merely as a beginning must also recognise that the direction of the journey is inevitably toward an end When a beloved person departs from this world, we grieve deeply Sadness clouds our clarity of thought, and we begin to question time and the reason for death itself Yet we often forget that what has happened was always destined to happen However, we were unaware of its cause and timing Lamenting the loss of loved ones is like denying the inevitability Those who truly understand the cycle of birth and death are aware of this truth and are less overwhelmed by sorrow, even in moments of loss

Consider something as ordinary as a beautiful wooden table purchased for your home At the moment of buying it, you would know that one day it will lose its shine and beauty With time, it will break or decay Yet the residue of that wood, when it merges with the soil, may become fertiliser for a new tree, or serve some other purpose Even here, the cycle of beginning and end continues like life and death To lament over such decay would be unwise, because it is nature unfolding as obvious

This truth has been stated with profound clarity by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Shloka 27:

Death is certain for one who is born, and rebirth is inevitable for one who has died Therefore, you should not lament over the inevitable

The body is impermanent, and so is life itself Anyone unwilling to accept this impermanent nature of the universe is, in a way, deceiving oneself The fifteenth-century mystic poet Kabir expressed this truth beautifully:

cance of kite flying in India, blending fun with education

In addition to the festival celebrations, the society also celebrated its young achievers i n m

n t a l a r i t h m e t i c Children representing the UK participated in the Pan Asia

Everyone who has come into this world will depart-kings, beggars, and sages alike Some leave with honour, others bound by their deeds, but all must go

It is a time-proven fact that birth implies decay, for there is nothing permanent in this universe Everything t h

e facilitator who leads the workshop each year She t

cultural and historical signifi-

Arithmetic Championship in M a l a y s i a , r e t u r n i n g h o m e with trophies Now in its fifth y e a r , t h e p

n i n g through the Abacus system, c o n s i s t e n t l y a c h i e v i n g impressive results President

D a s h r a t h b h a i p r a i s e d t h e children, parents, and tutors f o r t h e i r d e d i c a t i o n a n d e n c o u r a g e m e n t , n o t i n g t h e importance of nurturing and motivating the next generation

A new era for hindu business in Scotland

T he Hindu Eco nom ic Forum ( HEF ) UK marked a sig nific an t m i le st o ne

th

e l au n ch of

E d

n bu rg h ch apter, exp anding its footp rint in Scotland follo wing the success of its Glasgo w h ub The event, held at the V i l l

business leaders, and professionals from across

prosperity The launch featured distinguished speakers, including Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West) and Sohin Raithatha, founder of

Transformation is not an exception It is the rule of existence Those who deny this impermanent nature of the universe live under constant fear: fear of death, loss, and decay But those who accept the transitory nature of life are free from this constant fear They understand that it is only a matter of time and that no one can alter this law

Such people learn to enjoy what they have, wisely and fully, til it lasts Whether it is life, relationships, possessions, or position, they do not cling to the illusion of permanence Instead of taking pride in ownership, they cultivate gratitude and awareness, cherishing each phase for as long as it lasts

Elixir:

Birth is not merely the beginning of life, but the start of an inevitable journey toward decay; those who accept this truth live fully, unburdened by the fear of the end

(Expressed opinions are personal)

nesses

The newly appointed Labour peer, Lord Uday Nagaraju (middle) visited CB Patel (right), Publisher/ Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar at his residence on Thursday 15 January They were also joined by Rupanjana Dutta, Managing Editor, Asian Voice (left) On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti Lord Nagaraju was welcomed with a traditional Sanatan tilak and garlanding ceremony

Mohan Lal Mittal (L) with Narendra Modi

Mohan Lal Mittal

Pan Asia Mental arithmetic championship

Children with Kites

K A S H M I R I E X O D U S D A Y

A reminder of terror and displacement

The Kashmi ri exodus, w hi ch b egan i n the early 1990s , re main s one of the m ost tragic chapters in m odern I ndian history

Over 300,000 Kashm iri Pan dits were force d to flee thei r homeland due to e scalati ng violen ce an d terroris m i n the Kas hmir Valley Thi s m ass di splace ment le ft man y in ref uge e cam ps ac ros s I ndia f or decades , with the globa l comm un ity largely una ware of thei r sufferi ng

In recent years, awareness of the exodus has grown, driven by media coverage, social media campaigns, films, and advocacy groups The tragedy has become a key part of global discussions on human rights, ethnic displacement, and the impact of terrorism on civilians

The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019 raised hopes for the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their ancestral land, but ongoing security concerns persist The world is now beginning to recognise the profound loss and enduring struggle of the

Pandit community

Mrs Kris hn a Bhan wrote on behalf of IEKF & HCU K: "On 19 January 2026, Kashmiri Pandits/Hindus will observe the 36th Exodus Day, marking the tragic exile of their community from Kashmir on 19 January 1990 This day reflects the terror that uprooted families and threatened the cultural identity of Kashmiri Pandits, who have deep roots in the Valley The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019 brought

hope for their return, but security concerns persist

Despite this, Kashmiri Pandits remain resilient, hopeful for healing and rebuilding their heritage in Kashmir "

On this solemn day, Kashmiri Hindus stand in solidarity with the Hindus of Bangladesh, empathising with their pain and supporting their struggle for justice Our prayers are with those who have lost their lives protecting their identity and with the families who have lost their loved ones Om Shanti "

Our Upcoming Outreach Programmes

Vadil Sanman 2026

The ABPL Group is pleased to announce Vadil Sanman 2026, a special initiative to honour and celebrate elders aged 80 years and above Our senior citizens represent a lifetime of values, service and wisdom; publicly recognising their journey is at the very heart of our community mission

In previous years, we have successfully organised similar programmes across the UK and have been overwhelmed by the generous support and encouragement of our community We warmly invite partnership and support from local religious and community organisations, as well as the families of the elders Their involvement is highly valued and greatly appreciated

We plan to host Vadil Sanman 2026 across Cardiff, London (North and South), Birmingham, Leicester, Preston, Manchester and several other cities of the UK Elders aged 80 years and above are invited to attend, accompanied by their one or two family members

Please note that participation in this event is exclusively for our subscribers

To register, please send your entries to: support@abplgroup.com or call us at 020 7749 4080

Honouring the Unsung Heroes of Our Community

ABPL Group wishes to honour the unsung heroes of our British Indian community through a special feature article We invite you to share the names, details and inspiring stories of individuals who have made a meaningful impact but may not have received the recognition they deserve

Your submissions will help us shine a light on their contributions and celebrate their dedication, service, and achievements

Kashmiri Hindus from the

decade, heightened aware-

systematic persecution of minorities in Kashmir, the ethnic cleansing and forced d i s p l a c

n c i e n t c o m m u n i t y T h i s

r e c k o n i n g h a s s h a t t e r e d decades of enforced silence, dismantled revisionist nar-

r a t i v e s , a n d u n m a s k e d

e f f o r t s t o r e c a s t I s l a m i s t jihad as a benign quest for ‘Azadi’ For a Dogra from Jammu, such truths evoke

memory

Kashmiri Pandit camp were enclaves like Bakshi Nagar, e

P O J K

refugees The annihilation

Please share your entries with us at: aveditorial@abplgroup.com.

My first day at a new school

m W e s t P

a n a n d Pakistan occupied Jammu a n d K a s h m i r (

hills, events that reshaped

n o s u r p r i s e J a m m u h a s l o n g s e r v e d a s I n d i a ’ s refugee capital, extending s a n c t u a r y t o p e r s e c u t e d groups since the 18th century In recent history, it a b s o r b

Mirpur, Bhimber, and Kotli, integral Jammu territories now under Pakistani control, were shocking in scale and savagery These parallel tragedies demand excavation from historical amne-

requires unequivocal recognition of Islamist terrorism as the root Only through justice for victims and the secure rehabilitation of disp

r ancestral lands can Jammu

added

Community champion at Lords

of Lords First elected to Brent Council in 2014 she represents Kingsbury ward and has championed community development and inclusive growth A former secondary school history and humanities teacher, Tatler served on the Brent Council Cabinet for Regeneration, Planning and Growth, leading major projects She is Vice-Chair of the London Labour Regional Executive, a patron of the Labour Housing Group, and formerly Head of the Labour Group Office at the LGA A single mother, she remains deeply committed to community engagement

Some moments in life quietly stay with us forever For many, the first day at a new school, at any stage, becomes one of those lasting memories A tiny hand gripping a parent’s fingers, an oversized uniform, hesitant smiles in an unfamiliar classroom, and the first steps towards friendships that may last a lifetime These experiences are tender, timeless and deeply personal.

We are delighted to introduce a new column, ‘My First Day at a New School’ This feature is not limited to early school years alone Your story could be about starting junior school, moving after the 7+ or 11+, or even joining a new school following GCSEs

We warmly invite you to share your own memories Age is no bar, every journey has a story worth telling

Please send write-up in no more than 500 words, along with your name and a photo, to aveditorial@abplgroup.com.

Your journey, captured in photos

Share your treasured archive photos that reflect your journey, settlement, family, culture and traditions in this country Along with each photo, include a brief note (maximum 100 words) explaining its significance and story Selected entries will be featured in our upcoming newsweeklies, celebrating the rich experiences and heritage of our community

Send your photos and notes to aveditorial@abplgroup.com.

Don’t miss this chance to see your story in print!

Dear readers, we would

Kashmiri

Manu Khajuria

America unbound, Europe exposed

Donald Trump’s return to the White House has removed the last pretence that the United States respects the global rules it claims to defend Washington now uses international law only when it suits its interests and ignores it when it does not Allies are treated not as partners but as tools to be pressured, threatened, or discarded

This behaviour is not new What is new is its openness From Iraq to Yugoslavia, American power was always justified with moral language When that language no longer convinces, force and coercion take its place The assurances given in 1990 that NATO would not expand eastward were not misunderstandings They were broken knowingly As Russia weakened, NATO moved closer When Ukraine’s possible NATO membership was raised, Russia’s core security concerns were dismissed The war that began in 2022 was not sudden madness, but the foreseeable result of years of pressure

Trump’s second term has made this reality impossible to ignore American airstrikes on ships in the Caribbean u

Venezuelan president and oil tankers Actions taken without respect for allies or law show a country acting without

Denmark openly protesting are not symbolic gestures They are signs of a weakening alliance Trump has now gone further, openly threatening tariffs on countries that oppose his plan to take control of Greenland Economic punishment is being used as a weapon, even against friendly nations This is not leadership It is intimidation

Europe, however, is not innocent For years it has

Washington even when doing so harmed its own interests Ukraine was led to believe that Western support was unlimited On that basis, it rejected early compromise Today the country lies in ruins, paying in blood for promises that were never going to be kept

Europe then worsened its own position By abandoning Russian gas, it damaged its industry By freezing Russian central bank assets, it undermined trust in the global financial system At a moment when American leadership has become unstable and self-interested, Europe chose obedience instead of strategy The result is clear, a reckless power across the Atlantic and a European continent left exposed by its own refusal to think and act independently

Dr Narsinhbh ai P atel

Restrict children’s social media access

Just last week we had the Municipal elections in Mumbai and its suburbs Many people avoid voting believing that one vote doesn’t matter Yet elections shape laws, leadership and futures Democracy survives through participation, especially by youth Elections are peaceful battles of choice, not violence Think twice before skipping your vote because every ballot counts

Jube l D'Cruz

The Real Threat to Your Future

Continued from page 03

Empowerment operates on three levels

a) Transparency and comparability

S a v e r s c a n n o t d i s c i

understand performance Governments should require:

• clear benchmarking against global indices,

• standardised reporting of long-term real returns,

• explicit disclosure of opportunity costs and fee drag

Underperformance should not be hidden behind narrative or complexity

b) Structural competition

Many pension markets are oligopolistic Default funds face little competitive pressure Governments can improve outcomes by:

• consolidating poorly performing schemes,

• lowering barriers to switching,

• encouraging low-cost global investment options,

• f a c i

savers

• Competition, not regulation alone, disciplines managers

c) Financial education

Low financial literacy amplifies underperformance Savers often equate volatility with risk and safety with low returns Education need not create experts; it need only clarify fundamentals: compounding, diversification, inflation, and fees

Evidence suggests that even modest improvements in u n d e r s t a n d i n

Empowerment reduces reliance on brand, reputation, and authority bias

WWI tale of Khudadad Khan wins book award

The Nero Book Award s hav e ann o u nc ed t h ei r 2 0 2 5

Ch

inner, rec

ng writing from th e p ast year Celebrating th e best in literary c raf t and sto ryt elli ng , the awards highligh t works th

rang

of voices and g enres

As the only multi-category awards exclusively for UK and Ireland-based writers, the Nero Book Awards, l a u n c h e d

quickly become one of the most prestigious events in the literary calendar, championing exceptional writing and readability

F r o m h u n d r e d s o f entries, judges selected My

Khan, the narrative unfolds through four perspectives:

the shared human experience during World War I Inspired by the true story of

caught

battle; Ernst,

himself; and even a walnut tree, whose presence offers a unique lens on the conflict Judges praised the novel as an

exceptionally powerful

genius could tell a story on this scale in fewer than 200 pages, with prose of poetic

author Gavin, born in the Himalayas and now based in England, has previously won multiple awards, including

Prize for Coram Boy She receives £5,000 and is now in contention for the Nero Gold Prize, Book of the Year 2

from the adult categories

NHS merger blamed for hospital project delays

(NAO) released warns that

Programme

Starmer's decision to merge

Department of Health and

Social Care (DHSC) has trig-

senior staff and a 39% vacancy rate Consequently, the

date has slipped from the original 2030 target to 204546, with costs ballooning by £33 8bn since 2023 The delay is particularly critical for seven hospitals

Police frontline numbers fall as bureaucracy rises

Go v e rnm ent s o u rc es su ggests that local police fo rces are failing to combat crim e as thousands o f officers are d i v ert ed f ro m

e s tre et s into ad ministrativ e roles

New Home Office figures reveal that the number of trained uniformed officers in back-office positions, s u c h a s H R a n d I T , h a s surged by 40% over the past s i x y e

12,600 Consequently, visible frontline strength has dwindled to approximately 67,000, a significant drop from the 70,000 recorded a decade ago

I n t e r n a l p o l l i n g i n d icates that the public is most concerned by record levels

o f s h o p l i f t i n g , w h i c h h a s risen by 72% since 2010, yet

fewer than one in five incidents currently results in a charge To address this, the government plans to scrap t h e O f f i c e r M a i n t e n a n c e Grant and replace it with p r o t e c t e d f u n d i n g f o r

n e i g h b o u r h o o d p o l i c i n g

M e t r o p o l i t a n P o l i c e

C o m m i s s i o n e r S i r M a r k

Rowley supported the calls for reform, suggesting the current model of 43 separate forces in England and Wales

i s o u t o f d a t e M i n i s t e r s have now pledged £18 4bn in funding to recruit 13,000

a d d i t i o n a l n e i g h b o u r h o o d officers by the end of this

p a r l i a m e n t , a i m i n g t o restore order to town centres that many residents feel h a v e b e e n a b a n d o n e d t o criminals

Migrant challenges eviction from retirement housing

Shahidul Haque, a 59-yearold fat her-of-nine, is fighting Sou t he r n H

in

n Re a d in g Co

C our t t o prevent his fa mily’s

vic tion fr om age-r es

cc ommoda tion

Haque, who moved into David Smith Court in July 2024 following a homeless-

brought his 28-year-old wife and twin daughters into the single-room flat without permission in December 2024 The social housing provider launched legal action after receiving 39 noise complaints from elderly neighbours, cit-

doors, and children pulling

emergency assistance cords The hearing, originally scheduled for January 2026,

May 5 Haque argues that eviction would breach his human rights under Article 8 of the ECHR, claiming he misunderstood his tenancy d

tains that the property is unsuitable for children and that the family’s presence constitutes a significant nui-

RAAC concrete, which will now not be replaced until after 2032, posing significant clinical risks The DHSC has

gaps as red, as recruitment freezes prevent the hiring of

I T experts While the governm

provides

annually Despite these setbacks, the DHSC expects to

Grandmother fatally stabbed by obsessive gore video fanatic

A t ri al o f th e f ac ts o p e ne d a t th e O ld

Bailey concerning the bru tal death of Anita Mu k h ey , a 66 -y ea rold grandmo th er

The court heard that Jala Debella, 24, a l l e g e d l y s t a b b e d Mukhey 18 times in a senseless and unprovoked attack on May 9, 2024 The incident occurred at approximately 11:50 am while the victim was waiting at a bus stop on Edgware Road, North London Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC told jurors that Debella, a resident of a mental health support home in Colindale, had a disturbing obsession with extreme gore videos and hunting knives

The prosecution detailed how Debella received a 21cm hunting knife via Royal Mail on the morning of the killing, having tracked the delivery online Minutes after the parcel arrived, he reportedly searched for killing videos before heading to the bus stop Witnesses described seeing the attacker casually walk away after the stabbing, discarding the weapon in a bin Forensic analysis later found the DNA of both the defendant and Mukhey on the recovered knife and Debella’s trainers Although the defendant was too unwell to attend the hearing, the trial continues to determine the facts of the case

Northamptonshire Police were called to the Weldon Road site at approximately 13:00 GMT following reports of

Jamila Gavin

Anita Mukhey

P

N G A L C E L E B R A T E D

at the heart of government

For the second year running since Labour entered office, Pongal was marked at the heart of government, signalling both recognition and belonging

H o s

Labour MP Uma Kumaran,

Member of Parliament, the evening brought together

British Tamil elected repre-

leaders and pioneers from

public service Their pres-

and diversity of Tamil contributions to life in Britain, built over generations

Number 10 was transf

h e o c c a s i o n , decorated with sugarcane, banana leaves, flowers and lamps, echoing the tradi-

t i o n s o f T h a i P o n g a l

Guests were also treated to a performance by Chiinthu

S a r v a n ’ s T e a m A n n a m , adding rhythm and colour

t o t h e e v e n i n g ’ s c e l e b r ations

Speaking at the reception, Steve Reed, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said he was “absolutely delighted” to welcome Britain’s Tamil

c o m m u n i t y t o D o w n i n g Street Drawing on years of c e l e b r a t i n g P o n g a l i n h i s Croydon constituency, he described the festival as a

t i m e f o r f a m i l i e s a n d

ments to building mutual respect

“ W h a t i s g r e a t a b o u t this country is its diversity

The fact that there are so many of us from so many different heritages, that all come here and live together and share what is the best of our own cultural backgrounds with each other

“That enriches all of our lives, and it makes all of our lives better It's s o i m p o

e maintain our resolve to build a country where e v e r y c o m m

n

i g n i t y ,

n respect, in peace, alongs i d e c e l e b r a t i n g e a c h other's backgrounds as well ” T h e C o m m u n i t i e s Secretary also paid tribute to Tamil communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah last November i n S r

evening to speaking with some of you and hearing your own stories and about what's brought you here

“But may I wish all of

families joy and prosperity and thank you for coming today to No 10, the home of

home of the British governm e n t a n d y o u r h o m

have to the regions impact-

friends to come together,

e x c h a n g e f o o d a n d g i f t s , and celebrate as “ one big, vibrant community”

He said, “Tamil culture is incredibly ancient It goes back much further than our British culture does, so it's incredible for those of us who are not Tamil to be able to share and celebrate with you One small aspect of such a rich and beautiful culture So thank you for sharing it with us

“I know that we've said we've faced challenges in our communities as well We're here today to celeb r a t e , b u t w e h a v e s e e n i n c r e a s e s i n o u r c o u n t r y and the Tamil community won't be immune from it –the increases in hate crime, and I just want to reaffirm this government's commit-

ed

Highlighting the contribution of British Tamils to national life, Reed said, “I had no idea we had that many Tamil doctors in the UK as well, that's an incredible achievement But in so many areas where I'm going around my constituency or elsewhere, so many businesses, education, the arts, politics It's such a big contribution And we all benefit from our British talent community making such a contribution to our shared story as a country

“I want to thank as well - the many community and v o l u n t a r y o r g a n i s a t i o n smany of them will be represented here as well - for the work that you do to support the community and I look forward to the rest of this

“Thai Pongal is a celebration of our ancient cultural traditions of harvest festival But, we also have a s a y i n g i n T a m i l - T h a i piranthal vali perukuam –w h i c h s y m b o l i s e s h o p e , renewal and ambition for change for the year ahead That is what is being celebrated by our Labour government here today, and it is in that spirit we approach the New Year together ” I n a t t e n d a n c e a t t h e reception were community members, including Sanam A r o r a , C h a i r o f N I S A U ; U d a y N a g a

nominated to the House of Lords; and Pratik Dattani, Managing Director of EPG

Reflecting on the event, P

UK- in business, politics, television, and beyond This r e c e p t i o n d e m o n s t r a t e d

Number 10 ’ s commitment to recognising and celebrating such diverse contributions

" W h i l e g u e s t l i s t s f o r more established Downing S t r e e t e v e n t s , s

a s Diwali, have in recent years often overlooked top UKIndia change-makers, particularly in business, it was encouraging to see a focus

s well ” Uma Ku maran, Labou r MP for Stratford and Bow, said, “The success of the B r i t i s h T a m i l c o m m u n i t y exemplifies the promise of m o d e r

resilience and determination of the Tamil diaspora “ M y p a r

i l t their lives here in the UK, working hard to provide me with the opportunities that were torn away from them in their country of birth It’s a story that is familiar to T a m i l s r i g h t a c r o s s

on community groups from t h e T a m i l , T e l u g u , a n d other South Indian communities at the Pongal celebrations

"The event also included invitations for commu-

L o n d o n , B r i t a i n , a n d beyond “ T h a t ’

Tamil Heritage Month, the Prime Minister has opened u

Street to the next generation of Tamil changemakers and creative storytellers

Three exceptional humanitarians shortlisted for honour

nity-focused social media i n f l u e n c e r s , r a t h e r t h a n solely the most established T a m i l i n f l u e n c e r s i n t h e UK, who are typically in the a r t s o r j o u r n a l i s m T h i s approach reflected a broade r a n d m o r e i n c l u s i v e engagement with the community "

Three outstanding humanita r i an s f r om a c ro s s th e world have been shortlisted f or t he R ob e r t B ur ns Humanitarian Award 2026, as the prize marks its 25th anniversary S u p p o r t e d b y S o u t h A y r s h i r e C o u n c i l ’ s

and anti-trafficking work

Osas Aizeyosabor Agho

Destination South Ayrshire service, the award honours i n d i v i d u a l s w h o s e w o r k reflects the compassion and social conscience championed by Scotland’s national p o e t , R o b e r t B u

year ’ s finalists are Mandy Sanghera OBE, Ajay Shah a

Agho Mandy Sanghera OBE is an award-winning philanthropist and human rights activist recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List 2025 For more than 35 y e a r s , s h e h a s s u p p o r t e d refugees, migrants and survivors of abuse in the UK and internationally, includi n g l e a d i n g h u m a n i t a r i a n e v a c u a t i o n s f r o m Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine and Hong Kong

A j a y S h a h v o l u n t e e r s w i t h H o p e 4 S m i l e , a U K -

with more than 17 years ’ experience delivering lifes a v i n g h e a l t h a n d w a t e

sanitation and hygiene programmes in crisis and con-

Ukraine During the Covid19 pandemic, he led emer-

water and sanitation C o u

B r i a n Connolly, chair of the judging panel, praised the finalists’ “compassion, courage and dedication” The winner will be announced at an o n l i n e c e r e m o n y o n January 25, 2026, and will receive 1759 guineas, marking the year of Burns’ birth

Rachel Reeves pledges visa refunds to boost investment

C h a nc e l l o r Ra c h e l R ee v es unveiled

me n

t o th e United Kingdo m Under the proposal, the government will refund visa fees for certain international firms and accelerate the process for companies to become official migrant worker sponsors This initiative aims to lure highly skilled talent and capital to Britain, positioning the nation as a stable alternative amidst growing transatlantic tensions and Donald Trump’s threat of 10% global

providers, including Hilton and Marriott, who warned in a letter on Tuesday that recent business rate hikes threaten the viability of the hospitality sector While the

Communities Secretary Steve Reed addressing the guests at the event

MP Uma Kumaran addressing the attendees at the reception

Lord Uday Nagaraju and Sanam Arora, Chair of NISAU outside No 10 door

Team Annam performiing at the reception

Indian High Commissioner to the UK, H E Vikram Doraiswami speaking to Communities Minister Steve Reed

Mandy Sanghera OBE (top) Osas Aizeyosabor Agho (bottom) and Ajay Shah (side)

Concerns grow over potential closure of Bharat Hindu Samaj Temple in Peterborough

A Sc rut in y C omm it te e ha s co ncluded t hat councillors were n ot pr ovide d wit h sufficien t in for mat ion when mak in g the decision to se ll a Hindu te mple site , the BBC ha s r epor ted

The Bharat Hindu Samaj (BHS) Temple, serving nearly 18,500 wor-

Complex since 1986

P e t e r b o r o u g h C i t y C o u n c

l resolved to sell the asset as part of e

selecting a preferred bidder for the land in December The temple subsequently expressed concern that it had not been given the opportunity to acquire the site

T h e c o u n c i l ’ s S c r u t i n y Committee has now requested that the decision be referred back to the Cabinet, citing concerns that members "did not have the full material information to make the decision "

Although the identity of the preferred bidder has not been disclosed, the committee further reco m m e n d e d t h a t t h e C a b i n e t ensure no disposal takes place until the current tenant either secures

a l t e r n a t i v e p r e m i s e s o r r e t a i n s t h e i r e x i s t i n g t e n a n c y , w i t h a timescale of six months

N o t emple within 3 5-mile ra dius

Within a 35-mile radius of this facility, there is no temple, cultural and community centre for Hindus Far more than a place of worship, BHS serves as a vital community hub supporting people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds through services that promote wellbeing, social cohesion, and civic engagement, while significantly reducing p r e s s u r e o n p u b l i c s e r v i c

p

grammes, food distribution, elderly support, youth engagement, interfaith work, and cultural events, B H S d e l i v e r s m e a s u r

e s o c i a l value Independent estimates show its activities save £3 5-£4 million in p u b l i c s e r v i c e c o s t s e v e r y f i v e y e a r s f a r

market value

N

also use this temple BHS has been fundraising for years to buy the site and have negotiated with the council since 2011

In a statement, Kishor e La dwa of BHS told Asian Voice, “For over 1 4 y e a r s , t h e B H S c o m m u n i t y engaged constructively and in good f a i t h w i t h P e t e r b o r o u g h C i t y Council to secure the future of the premises it has occupied and maintained During this time, generations of volunteers have complied with every request made by the Council, often at significant emotional and financial cost

“But in recent months, the process has become increasingly concerning The community was given e x t r e m e l y t i g h t b i d s u b m i s s i o n timelines, without being provided adequate or complete material to enable a genuinely competitive or informed submission Despite this, BHS had submitted a bid exactly as requested and within the required timeframe, believing it was engag-

ing in a fair and transparent process ”

He added that their confidence was undermined when key decisions were unexpectedly brought forward to Cabinet, limiting meaningful engagement and scrutiny "The Cabinet decision itself was taken, in the community’s view, without full or accurate information, including clear assessment of s o c i a l v a l u e a n d c o m m u n i t y impact,” he told us

A long-standing member at the same time told the newsweekly, “Negotiating for 14 years is not a joke Some of the people who started this journey are no longer with us To reach this point without fair consideration is heartbreaking ”

17-year-old Samy u said, “This community has been part of my life since birth I’ve grown up here, performed here, celebrated every milestone here Losing it would be devastating ”

Min aben, a senior lunch club

m e m b e r , a d d e d , “ T h i s c e n t r e i s where we share our joys and sorrows It is our heart Taking it away would be unjust ”

T e m p l e P r i e s t , D h a r m e s h

P a n d a y a t o l d A s i a n V o i c e , “Through sacred Pran Pratishtha, this Mandir became a living spiritual presence It cannot be treated merely as property Losing it would break thousands of hearts ” Commun ity support s in ter ven tion

B H S h a s b e e n d e e p l y c o ncerned that proper processes were not followed in assessing the bid and its wider implications and is seeking a fair chance

Kishore said, “This includes the a p p a r e n t a b s e n c e o f a f o r m a l Equality Impact Assessment, concerns around the accuracy of social value calculations, and a lack of proportional consideration for the cultural, religious, and community significance of the site These concerns were significant enough that a c a l l - i n b y a s m a l l n u m b e r o f councillors was successfully made, reflecting wider unease about how the decision was reached and the i n f o r m a t i o n u p o n w h i c h i t w a s based ”

In December 2025, Moha mmed

J a m il , L a b o u r ' s f i n a n c e C a b i n e t member, apparently stated that the sale resulted from a competitive bidding process After evaluating two bids, officials recommended a c c e p t i n g t h e o n e d e e m e d b e s t value, the BBC reported H o w e v e r , I n d e p e n d e n t Councillor Rog er An tune s, who is among those requesting additional examination of the decision reportedly explained that terms had been

UK unveils £40bn international education strategy

reached with the Hindu community and were scheduled for Cabinet review last summer He said they were apparently assured their bid would be approved

He told the BBC, “It was then r e s c i n d e d , a n d a n o p e n - m a r k e t best offer provided That is unacceptable; the negotiated process should have been followed,” and a

only given a month "to put a bid together from a standing start"

Cllr Antunes said, "One of the k

radius of this facility, there are

centres There is only one Hindu consecrated temple and community centre Not once has that been identified within the evaluation " Liberal Democrat Chair Polly

tioned whether all necessary information had been provided, stating that some important details were missing and should be given to the Cabinet before they make a final decision

The Scrutiny Committee has now requested that the Cabinet undertake a review of the decision

Applauding the decision of the S

L

d w a added, “While the community welcomes this intervention and the role of scrutiny, there remains a serious concern that the recomm

u l l y upheld by Cabinet, and that the C

u n c i l c o u l d m

v e r a p i d l y toward reaffirming the same decision without adequately addressing the issues raised Such an outcome would further damage trust and confidence in the process

“After years of patience, compliance, and goodwill, many within the Indian and wider Hindu comm

pointed and betrayed ”

p

He further said, “If this centre is lost, Peterborough risks losing

strengthened cohesion, inclusion, and civic pride across all commu-

a j remains committed to dialogue, transparency, and lawful engagement The community is not seeking conflict it is seeking fairness, proper process, and recognition of its contribution

“ T h e h o p e r e m a i n s t h a t P e t e r b o

reflect carefully, uphold the principles of equality and inclusion it espouses, and work collaboratively with the community to secure a just and sustainable outcome

The U K gov ernm ent has lau nched an ambiti o u s I nt ern at io n al E d u ca ti o n S t rate g y aim ed at positioning ed ucation as a major d ri v e r o f e co n o m i c g ro w t h and g lo b al in fl u en ce T h e p l an se ts a tar g et o f increasing the v alue of ed ucation exp orts to £ 4 0 bi lli o n ann ua lly by 2 0 3 0 , su p p or ti ng jobs, inv estment, and internatio nal partnerships E d u c a t i o n a l r e a d y g e n e r a t e s £32 billion a year for the UK economy, surpassing sectors such as automotive and food and drink Exports include British schools, colleges, and universities deliveri n

pliance, and ensures h

students studying in the UK

providers to diversify income, strength-

ships, and give more students worldwide access to UK education, while boosting growth at home

A new Education Sector Action Group will work with universities, colleges, and schools to unlock

barriers The strategy also reinforces global soft power, with

international students studying in the UK, and digital learning and training services sold abroad

The new strategy shifts focus from solely attracting international students to promoting UK education abroad, helping providers expand into new markets, build partnerships, and deliver British curricula overseas It also simplifies bureaucracy, strengthens com-

highlighting the lasting influence of UK education

The initiative includes contin-

Scheme, new Erasmus+ participation in 2027, and a strong emphasis on skills, technical education, and long-term growth in the global education market

Hindu child forced to switch school over tilak

An eight-year-old Hi ndu student in Londo n was forced to change scho ols after rep ortedly facing discriminatio n over wearing a T ilakCh andlo, a sacred Hindu symbol ap plied o n th e forehead

y

Insight UK, an advocacy group r e p r e s e n t i n g

h e B r i t i s h H i n d u and Indian community, took place at Vicar’s Green Primary School Staff reportedly asked the child to explain and justify his religious practice, a response Insight UK described as inappropriate for a minor

The organisation also alleged that the headteacher monitored the student during break times in a way the child found intimidating, causing him to withdraw from p l

peers In addition, the student was r e p

responsibilities solely because of his religious observance Insight UK noted that if these claims are confirmed, they could constitute

, which recognises religion as a protected characteristic

The child’s parents, along with other Hindu families, reportedly made repeated attempts to engage with the headteacher and governors to explain the significance of H

Insight UK, these efforts were dis-

understand or accommodate the student’s religious observance

Asian woman wins landmark endometriosis discrimination appeal

An Asian w oman has w on a sig nific an t w o rk p lac e d i s c ri m i nat io n app eal in the U K after a six-year legal battle linked to end ometriosis, a ch ronic condition affecting around 1 5 m illion w omen in the country

Pal

and

for employees with chronic conditions

Sanju Pal, a 41-year-old professional originally from West Bengal, succeeded in her appeal against global consulting firm Accenture (UK) at the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) in London Pal’s case, which began in 2019 after she was dismissed from her managerial role following a failed p r o m o t i o n , c h a l l e n g e s h o w employers treat employees with chronic health issues under the E q u a l i t y A c t 2 0 1 0 a n d t h e Employment Rights Act 1996 Her lawyers argued that the original tribunal’s handling of her disability discrimination claim was “wholly inadequate,” particularly in failing to properly consider how endometriosis affected her day-today life The EAT agreed, ruling that the disability question must be reconsidered by a newly constituted tribunal In addition to overturning the earlier findings, the appeal could influence how UK workplaces address chronic illness and disability in future cases P a l , w h o a l s o r a n a CrowdJustice campaign to fund h

Bridget Phillipson

Sanju

BRIDGING JUSTICE AN TECHNOLOGY

Nimrita Dadlani is on a mission to humanise family law, using evidence intelligence AI to make divorce fairer, faster and culturally sensitive

Anusha Singh

Ni m ri ta D ad l an i, f o u nd e r a nd CEO of Pivo t, is redefining how we think about family law Her London-based legal-tech com pany sits at the intersection of liv ed experience, technolog y, and justice, creating a new category in the system : evid ence intelligence

D

d

s p a c e i s d

p

y p e r s o n a l A British-South Asian woman with

r o o t s i n I n d i a a n d N i g e r i a ,

Nimrita knows first-hand the cultural and emotional challenges of d i v o r c e H e r e x p e r i e n c e o f divorce, after a 14-year marriage, revealed a system that was fragmented, overwhelming, and emotionally exhausting “When you take that step, it’s like throwing the pieces of your life into the air; your money, housing, children, family- and you don’t know where any of it will land,” she explains For South Asian women, she adds, l e a v i n g a l o n g - t e r m m a r r i a g e takes enormous courage, often under cultural and societal pressures

It was during her own separation that Nimrita discovered the transformative power of proper support Working with a coach and a divorce consultant, she was able to navigate the process with guidance and clarity She realised

t h a t t h i s k i n d o f s u p p o r t w a s rarely accessible, particularly in a market that lacked digital tools

f o r i n d i v i d u a l s g o i n g t h r o u g h divorce While apps existed for grief or health challenges, there was nothing for divorce Pivot was born out of this gap with a simple yet profound mission- to make legal processes fairer, faster, and m o r e h u m a n e , p a r t i c u l a r l y i n emotionally complex cases like

sumer-facing platform, providing

ance, and tools for conflict com-

instance, ask how to handle a disagreement over weekend childcare arrangements But as Nimrita w

firms, she saw a systemic issue: l

unstructured evidence: WhatsApp

whelmed, senior lawyers couldn’t scale efficiently, and clients were left confused and depleted by the sheer volume of “digital debris” modern relationships produce This insight led to Pivot’s evolution Today, the company offers a deterministic, auditable AI platf

n s f o r m

m

s s y , multi-format case materials into s t r u c t u r e d , s e a r c h a b l e , c o u r tready evidence The system ident i f i e s c o n t r a d i c t i o n s , e x t r a c t s t i m e l i n e s , g

i d e s

s i n g l e source of truth For clients facing c o e r c i v e c o n t r

abuse, this can be transformative

transactions can now be uploaded, analysed, and linked to relevant evidence in minutes

enabling solicitors to spend time on human connection rather than administrative work This reduces

fairness long before the courtroom ” Pivot uses graph intelligence to map relationships and timelines in the data, rather than

relying on conventional vector-

Provenance tracking ensures that every piece of evidence is traceable, giving confidence to clients and lawyers alike

Nimrita also wants the platform to soon reflect her cultural

coercion, and control can look different in South Asian families

Nimrita aims to train Pivot to recognise these nuances, enabling

specific dynamics accurately

L

believes we are witnessing a technological revolution comparable

“Things that seem cutting-edge

months or years Adaptability is key AI is a tool, but human connection remains central

“AI can enable human connection and advocacy But the most important element is still people, supporting them, guiding them, and reducing the cognitive and emotional load that comes with navigating the legal system ”

investors Pivot is raising a seed round later this year and exploring angel investment opportunities, aiming to scale the technology and reach more communities across the UK “Fairness begins long before the courtroom If we can give people clarity, access, and support, then we ’ re building a system that truly serves them; one case, one family, one life at a time,” she said

Reform mayoral hopeful criticised over burqa remarks

Refo rm UK’ s London m ayoral cand idate h as been accused of endang ering M usli ms after sug g es ting that w omen w ho wear the burqa s h o u l d b e su b j ec t to s to p - a ndsearch pow ers

Laila Cunningham, Reform’s candidate for the 2028 London mayoral election, said that covering one ’ s face has no place “in an open society”, adding, “It has to be assumed that if you ’ re hiding your face, you ’ re hiding it for a criminal reason ”

Speaking on the Standard podcast, Cunningham said, “If you go to parts of London, it does feel like a Muslim city The signs are written in a different language You’ve got burqas being sold in markets ” She argued that there should be “ o n e c

Egyptian descent, has herself faced

party’s local election campaign in London

bench peer and chief executive of t h e M u

U K , d e s

d C u n n i n g

m ’ s remarks as “dangerous” and a “dog whistle” to racists, warning they

minority who wear the burqa Despite Cunningham’s background, Gohir said her comments w e r e “ s e n d i n g

g e t o Muslims that they do not belong” a n d “ e m b

influencing others who consume this misinformation” She added, “The number of Muslim women who wear the burqa in this country is tiny, yet she has chosen to focus

o n t h a t i n s t e a d o f t h e N H S ,

Arti Shah refuses to be boxed in

A rti S h ah i s b ri ng in g o ne o f

Britain’ s most belo ved characters to l i fe o n s ta g e, st arr i ng as Pad dington the Bear in the West End ’ s ‘Padd ing ton the Musical’

An accomplished actress and motivational speaker with more than a decade in the entertainment industry, Shah has carved out a distinctive career through her specialist work in “creature performance”, using prosthetics, movement reference and motion

c a p t u r e t o e m b o d y f a n t

beings that audiences rarely realise are human B

dwarfism, Shah stands just four f

bone growth and joints but does not impact intelligence, facial features or lifespan From an early age, Shah learned to navigate a world not designed for bodies like h e r s , a n e x p e r i e n c e t h a t w o u l d later shape both her resilience and her creative ambition Growing up, she was encouraged by parents who never treated her stature as a limitation Rather than shielding her, they pushed her to be visible, confident and proud of who she was, support Shah credits as found a t i o n a l t o e v e r y t h i n g s h e h a s

achieved

A s a c h i l d , s t o r y t e l l i n g a n d screen worlds offered both escape and inspiration One of her earliest memories is watching Paddington on television after school with her o l d e r b r o t h e r , l o n g b e f o r e s h e could imagine she would one day inhabit the bear herself That sense of wonder stayed with her as she pursued a business degree before

schools or the cost of living Is she going to ask the police to arrest wealthy burqa-wearing visitors in H a r r o d s , o r j u s t w o m e n i n Whitechapel?”

Responding on LBC, London mayor Sadiq Khan said attempts to “ sow seeds of division” were nothing new, stressing that a mayor ’ s role was to unite the city

“ A l m o s t w i t h o u t a r g u m e n t , our city is the greatest city in the world because of our diversity,” he said “How far back do you want to go when it comes to freedom of religion and freedom of expression? These are quintessentially British rights that we are rightly proud of ”

eventually rebelling against the narrow, s t e r e o t y p i c a l r o l e s typically offered to a c t o r s o f s h o r t stature

S h

Rocket Raccoon in

Galaxy Vol 1

, goblins in ‘Harry Potter a n d t h

D e a t h l y Hallows: Part 2 ’ and ‘ F a n t a s t i c B e a s t s ’ , and a female alien in ‘Attack the Block’ After working on the 2024 film ‘Paddington in Peru’, she was cast as Paddington on stage, a role that blends intense physical discipline with emotional depth

When AI turns women into targets: Ofcom investigates X

Britai n ’ s media regulator Ofc om has launched a formal investigati on i nto Elon Musk’s s ocial media platform X amid alarming claims that its AI chatbot, Grok, was used to generate and share sexualised deepfake images , inc luding intimate depictions of real people and potentially illegal c ontent involving children

The inquiry, which began on January 12, 2026, raises serious questions about how women, girls and other vulnerable users are being protected in the age of generative AI Ofcom said it received “deeply concerning reports” that Grok’s image-generation tool had been used to create undressed or sexualised images of individuals without their consent In some cases, the material may meet the legal threshold for non-consensual intimate imagery or child sexual abuse material under UK law

warned that AI-generated deep-

women, turning their faces and bodies into tools for abuse, humiliation and harassment The ease with which such images can be created and shared has amplified fears that technology is outpacing the safeguards meant to protect users

Under the UK’s Online Safety

Britain are legally required to prevent the spread of illegal content a n d t o t a k e p r o a c t i v

s t e p s t o reduce harm, particularly where children are concerned Ofcom’s investigation will assess whether X failed to meet those obligations by allowing sexually explicit AIg

without adequate protections in place

The regulator will also examine whether X carried out proper r i s k a s s e s s m

n t s f o r U K u s e r s before rolling out Grok’s imagegeneration features, a step intended to identify and mitigate potential harm before it occurs

Nimrita Dadlani

Baroness Shaista Gohir, cross-

Laila Cunningham Baroness Shaista Gohir

NAVIGATING HEALTH WITH INSIGHT, ADVICE, AND CARE

In to day’s fast-paced world, man aging o u r h ealth can

o ft en f e el o v er wh e lm i ng

F ro m navi gatin g co mp lex

m ed i c al i n fo r ma ti o n t o

f i n di n g r el i ab le w el ln es s advice, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of c onflicting gu idance

The health landscape in the United Kingdom pre-

s e n t s b o t h p r o g r e s s a n d profound challenges Life expectancy improvements have slowed, and chronic

c o n d i t i o n s r e m a i n

w

, prostate cancer has recently overtaken breast cancer as the most commonly diag-

n o s e d c

n c e

i n t h e U K , with over 64,000 new diag-

n o s e s i n 2 0 2 2 , a s t a r k reminder of the need for awareness and early detection across populations

A t t h e s a m e t i m e , women ’ s health continues

t o g r a p p l e w i t h s y s t e m i c h u r d l e s C o n d i t i o n

around one in ten women, yet in the UK, the average w a i t f o r d i a g n

i b u t e t o u n d

r i n v e s tment and entrenched biases in care pathways

i t y : health isn’t just about disease prevention, it’s about

informed support

Within this broader UK context, British Asians, who make up a significant portion of the population, face

health outcomes Research

such as type

diabetes and

with White British counter-

parts, and traditional BMI classifications can understate these risks, leading to u n d

y rates among Asians

Hospital admissions for infectious diseases also tell a stark story: certain ethnic minority groups, including S o u t h A

admission rates dramatically higher than the White British population, in some cases up to 29 times higher for conditions like tuberculosis

These patterns are driven by a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors, cultural barriers, and syst e m i c c h a l l e n g e s w i t h i n healthcare delivery, factors t h a t o f t e n l e a v e B r i t i s h

Asian communities underserved

A s i a n V o i c e ’ s H e a l t h y

Living feature is more than just a collection of articles, it’s a holistic health toolkit

Know the early warning signs of prostate problems

Anusha Singh

P rostate cancer is no w th e

m ost com monly diagnosed cancer in men in the United K ing dom, overtaking ev en breast cancer in recent years, with over 64,0 00 new cases recorded annually and m ore th an 12,0 00 d eaths every year Approximately o ne in eight men in the UK w ill be diagnosed with p rostate cancer in their lifetime, with risk increasing significantly after age 50 , and even h igher for Black men and those with a fam ily histo ry o f the d isease

In recent years, diagnostic pathways have improved significantly Men with concerning symptoms or elevated PSA levels are now referred rapidly into suspected cancer pathways that include repeat PSA testing, urine analysis, advanced MRI imaging, and, when indicated, targeted biopsies These advances mean prostate cancer can be detected earlier and with greater accuracy than ever before, and interventions can be better tailored to the individual, including options for active surveillance, precision robotic surgery, focal therapy, and modern radiotherapy techniques

Early detection remains crucial: men diagnosed at an earlier stage have a much greater chance of successful treatment and long-term survival, while late diagnosis, when cancer has

already spread, historically led to far poorer outcomes

Pro fessor Prokar Dasg upta OBE, one of the world’s leading robotic urological surgeons, in an interview with Asian Voice, shed light on the early warning signs men often ignore, the modern prostate cancer diagnostic pathway, and the latest innovations helping men avoid unnecessary side effects while achieving the best outcomes

Whatare the early warning signs of prostate problems that men most often ignore, and shouldn’t?

Patients can experience urinary symptoms such as slowing of the urinary stream, frequency and urgency, waking up at night to pee and blood in the urine Although less common these days than in the past, some men present with pain in the bones We are increasing seeing men who are diagnosed without any symptoms, simply as a result of a routine annual health check where the PSA blood test is elevated

What does a prostate cancer diagnosis actually look like in practice today, from initial testing to treatment, and how has that pathway improved in recent years?

Most of my patients either present with a raised PSA blood test or urinary symptoms Some of them have had the PSA blood test because they have a strong

family history of prostate cancer and have been told about this by other members of the family

These days patients are seen rapidly on a suspected cancer pathway After taking a history, I examine them, repeat the PSA along with a urine test and arrange a MRI scan of the prostate as well as a flow test which measures the strength of their stream If the MRI is abnormal, then patients are advised to have a biopsy of the prostate In my practice this is performed through the perineum, and not the rectum, to reduce the risk of infection

When I was training three in four patients presented with prostate cancer that had already spread to the bones which now occurs much less frequently

There is still confusion around PSA testing Who should be asking for it, when, and what should men realistically expect from the results?

A single PSA test on its own is inaccurate as it can be elevated due to other reasons such as benign enlargement of the prostate (not cancer) and urine infection Men who have abnormality of breast cancer genes called BRCA, a strong family history of prostate cancer particularly in younger men and AfroCaribbean heritage should be asking for it Currently there is no prostate cancer screening program for all

men above 50 in the UK

We also have more accurate genetic tests for prostate cancer based on blood and saliva and PET scans which can increase the accuracy of MRI

Whichmyths about prostate cancer do you most want to dispel, especially those that stop men from coming forward early?

Whilst there is no screening program for all, those at higher risk should seek advice from their doctors We are keen to avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment Many men with prostate cancer can be observed without any adverse effects that they fear, such as urinary leakage and difficulty with erections Others can be treated with highly precise robotic surgery which can be personalised to individual patients using AI Focal therapy and radiotherapy have also become very accurate and can cure the cancer without causing too many side effects

options, and strategies to

journeys, as well as compre-

o

understanding risk factors and screening debates to tips on approaching conversations with healthcare professionals T

offering practical advice on resilience, stress management, and knowing when to seek help For everyday

shares guidance on hair and scalp care, blending scien-

practical tips for nutrition, lifestyle changes, and pre-

ventive care By combining expert insights with com-

health information accessible, relatable, and actionable

As the UK continues to

health inequalities, public

empowerment have never

rising rates of chronic illness, disproportionate risks across ethnic groups, and gender-specific challenges

under-addressed, accessible health education is a cornerstone of stronger, more resilient communities

Whether you ’ re seeking support for a specific condi-

healthier habits, this initiative is here to inform, support, and inspire a healthier future for all

How small lifestyle changes can add years to your life

When it c omes to longevity, pe op le of te n th i nk i t requires drastic m easures, b ut s c i e n c e s ho ws t ha t s ma ll , c on s i st e nt l i f es t yl e changes c an have a significant impact on health and li f e s pa n S i m pl e da i l y hab its , r angi ng f rom di et and exercise to sleep and s tr e s s m an a g em e n t, c a n reduce the risk of chronic di s e a s e s , i m pr ov e ov e ra l l we l lb e i n g, an d ev e n a d d years to life

Diet and nutrition

One of the most influential factors in longevity is what we eat A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats prov i d e s e s s e n t i a l n u t r i e n t s that support heart health, brain function, and immun i t y R e d u c i n g p r o c e s s e d foods, refined sugars, and e x c e s s i v e s a l t i n t a k e c a n lower the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease Even small changes, such as swapping s u g a r y d r i n k s f o r w a t e r , adding an extra serving of v e g e t a b l e s t o m e a l s , o r choosing whole grains over refined options, can have a cumulative positive effect over time

Regular physic al ac tivity

Exercise doesn’t need to be intense or time-consumi n g t o i m p r o v e h e a l t h S t u d i e s s h o w t h a t e v e n moderate physical activity, s u c h a s b r i s k w a l k i n g , cycling, or stretching, can e n h a n c e c a r d i o v a s c u l a r health, strengthen muscles, and improve mental well-

being Incorporating movement into daily routines, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking short distances instead of d r i v i n g , n o t o n l y b o o s t s m e t a b o l i s m b u t a l s o reduces the risk of obesity, heart disease, and certain c a n c e r s O v e r t h e l o n g term, these small, consistent habits contribute significantly to longevity

Adequate s leep S l e e p i s o f t e n o v e rlooked, yet it is vital for overall health Quality sleep allows the body to repair tissues, regulate hormones, a n d m a i

n i t i v e function Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of s l

changes, such as maintain-

time before bed, and creating a calm sleeping environ-

p quality and, in turn, support long-term health

Stress management and mental health C

shorten lifespan by affecting the immune system and increasing the risk of heart disease and mental health issues Incorporating stressreduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, or

Spending time with loved ones, practicing gratitude, a

nections also contribute to a longer, healthier life

Professor Prokar Dasgupta OBE

F

R G E T F U L N E S S

Alzheimer’ s Disease and the Importance of Early Action

Small changes in memory or thinking are easy to overlook A forgotten appointment, difficulty finding the right word or repeating a story can feel like part of a busy life Everyone has moments of forgetfulness

However, when changes become more frequent, more noticeable or begin to affect everyday life, they should not be ignored With Alzheimer’s disease, early action matters, not because people should worry unnecessarily, but because earlier understanding creates more choice, more clarity, and more time

Advances in diagnosis, research, and treatment mean that Alzheimer’s care today looks very different from the past Early assessment can provide access to specialist support, clinical trials, and new treatment approaches that are most relevant in the earlier stages of the condition

The message is straightforward Notice the signs, talk about them and seek advice sooner rather than later

Alzheimer’s

Disease is Not a Normal Part of Ageing

Alzheimer’s disease is a pandemic It affects memory, thinking, language, behaviour and the ability to manage everyday tasks While age increases risk, Alzheimer’s is not a normal or inevitable part of ageing

The condition develops gradually Changes in the brain begin many years before symptoms are obvious During this early phase, people often continue working, socialising and living independently, even though subtle changes may already be present

Early sig ns can include:

w Forgetting recent conversations or events

w Asking the same questions repeatedly

w Difficulty finding words

w Confusion in familiar places

w Changes in mood, confidence or behaviour

w Reduced interest in activities

Because these changes are often mild at first, they are easy to explain away

This is why Alzheimer’s is frequently identified later than it needs to be

Why Timing Matters

It is natural to wait and see whether memory problems improve Many people do However, Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition, and timing plays an important role in determining what options may be available

Earlier assessm ent allows:

w A clearer understanding of what is happening

w Access to specialist monitoring

w Time to plan gradually rather than urgently

w Exploration of clinical trials

w Assessment for newer treatment approaches

Later assessment can mean fewer options and more difficult decisions made under pressure

Early action allows people and families to move forward at a considered and informed pace

alone and may also provide access to treatments and close specialist follow up

Modern clinical trials are carefully regulated, ethically approved and designed with patient safety as a priority For people with early Alzheimer’s, trials may offer:

w Access to treatments not yet widely available

w Detailed diagnostic assessment

w Regular monitoring by specialist teams

w The opportunity to contribute to future advances

symptoms alone, they target specific biological processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease

Key points to und erstand include:

w They are intended for people with early stage Alzheimer’s

w Not everyone will be suitable

Why an Early Diagnosis is Vital

An early diagnosis is not about labels It is about clarity

Understanding w hether Alzheimer’s is present help s indiv iduals and fam ilies:

w Make sense of changes they have noticed

w Reduce uncertainty and ongoing worry

w Access appropriate advice and support

w Take part in decisions about future care

It is also important to note that not all memory problems are caused by Alzheimer’s Conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety or medication effects can cause similar symptoms Specialist assessment helps identify or rule out these possibilities

Clinical Trials as an Option

Clinical trials are an important part of progress in Alzheimer’s care They are not limited to research

Participation is voluntary, and individuals are given time and information to decide whether a trial is right for them

A Changing Treatment Landscape

For many years, treatment for Alzheimer’s focused mainly on managing symptoms

While symptom management remains important, there is now increasing focus on approaches that target the disease process itself

This shift has led to the development of a new generation of treatments designed to slow progression in people with early Alzheimer’s disease

New Generation Alzheimer’s Treatments Available Privately

In the UK, access to new generation Alzheimer’s treatments is currently limited However, these treatments are available privately at specialist clinics for eligible patients following thorough assessment

These treatments are described as disease modifying therapies Rather than addressing

w Eligibility requires specialist diagnosis and imaging

w Ongoing monitoring is essential

w Decisions are made collaboratively and carefully

Private availability allows eligible individuals to explore these options while wider access continues to be assessed nationally Importantly, availability does not imply obligation The focus is on understanding suitability and supporting informed decision making

Early assessment is essential Without it, people may miss the point at which these treatments can be considered

The Role of Families

Memory changes rarely affect just one person

Families are often the first to notice when something feels different, and they play a central role in support and decision making

Early action allow s families to:

w Attend appointments together

w Ask questions and understand options

w Share responsibility

w Reduce uncertainty

w Plan gradually and thoughtfully

Early conversations can feel difficult, but they often make the journey more manageable for everyone involved

Specialist Support and Guidance

Once concerns arise, knowing where to turn matters

Re: Cognit ion H ea lth

is a UK based specialist provider focused on brain health, memory and cognitive conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease

They have administered more doses of the new Alzheimer’s drugs than anyone else in Europe, as they were instrumental in running clinical trials for the medications

The ir serv ices incl ude :

w Specialist cognitive and memory assessments

w Advanced diagnostic testing

w Guidance on clinical trial eligibility

w Assessment for and administering new generation treatments

w Ongoing monitoring and clinical support

Their role is to provide clear explanations, evidence based guidance, and support at every stage, allowing individuals and families to understand their situation and consider appropriate next steps

What to Do If You’re Worried About Memory Changes

Noticing changes in memory or thinking in yourself or someone close to you can feel unsettling

Many people hesitate, hoping changes will settle on their own However, early action is vital

Here are som e practical step s to consid er:

1 Look for pat ter ns

Occasional forgetfulness is common Concern usually arises when changes are persistent, increasing or affecting daily life

2 St ar t a conve rsat ion

Talking openly and gently can reduce worry and make it easier to take the next step together

3 See k an ear ly a sse ssme nt Specialist assessment can clarify what is happening and whether further support is needed

4 Ask about option s Early assessment allows time to explore monitoring, clinical trials and treatment approaches without pressure

5 Ge t ex pert guidan ce Specialist clinics such as Re :C ognition Hea lt h provide assessments, explanations and advice on early intervention and next steps

Taking action does not mean committing to treatment It means choosing clarity and support

Taking the First Step

Taking early action does not mean assuming the worst It means choosing not to ignore ongoing changes and seeking expert advice sooner rather than later

For many people, the first step is simply an assessment that brings understanding and reassurance

If memory or thinking changes are affecting you or someone close to you, early specialist input can help clarify what is happening and what options may be available

When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, early action supports better choices and more time to live well

Five everyday aches physiotherapy can actually fix

M ost of us have at least one ache w e ’ v e learned to live

w it h T h e s ti ff n ec k, th e

l o w er b ac k p ai n, o r th e

sh ould er that h urts for no

o bv ious reason T hese p ains are often dismissed as “ norm al”, but that d oesn’t mean they’ re untreatable

Physiotherapy can make

a r e a l d i f f e r e n c e t o t h e everyday aches we quietly put up with, often for years, assuming they’re just part of modern life; it isn’t just for elite athletes or post-surgery rehab In reality, many com-

m o n p a i n s a r e c

u s e d b y muscle imbalance, poor posture, or repetitive strain, all of which physiotherapy is designed to treat

Here are five everyday

a c h e s p h y s i o t h e r a p y c a n g e n u i n e l y h e l p w i t h a n d when it’s worth seeking support

1 Desk-related neck pain

H o u r s s p e n t h u n c h e d over laptops and phones can strain the neck and upper b a c k , l e a d i n g t o s t i

m e d i c a l h e l p , l o w e r b a c k pain is often caused by poor m o v e m e n t p

s , w e a k core muscles, or prolonged sitting Physiotherapy focuses on improving strength, f l e x i b i l i t y , a n d h o w y o u move day to day, rather than simply masking pain with medication

3 Knee p ain from walking or running

K n e e p a i n d o e s n ’ t always originate in the knee

It can be linked to hip weakn e s s , f o o t a l i g n m e n t , o r t r a

gait, correct muscle imbal-

p a d j u s t s l e e p i n g positions to avoid ongoing irritation

5 Jaw pain (TMJ)

J a w p a i n , c l i c k i n g , o r

tension headaches are often linked to stress, teeth grinding, or poor posture Many people don’t realise physio-

t h e r a p i s t s c a n t r e a t t e mporomandibular joint (TMJ)

p r o b l e m s t h r o u g h g e n t l

tion, and relaxation techniques

W

phys iotherapist?

n g with daily life, even if it feels “minor”, it’s worth

Why hair falls more in winter and how to manage it

Subhasini Naicker

Durin g win ters , hai r fall often in creas es, an d m any people mi stake it for s eas o n a l s h e dd i n g, t ho u gh the two a re quite differen t Seas on al s he dding is a natu r al , te m po r a ry p r o c e s s t i ed t o th e ha i r g r ow th c ycle, where old hai rs fall out to m ake wa y for new growth

Winter hair fall, howe v e r , i s o f t e n d r i v e n b y e n v i r o n m e n t a l a n d lifestyle factors, such as cold, dry air, indoor heating, and reduced moisture in the scalp, which make h a i r m o r e f r a g i l e a n d prone to breakage Asian Voice spoke to a f e w e x p e r t s , w h o explained how to tell them apart and offered tips on caring for your hair during the colder months

Fo u n d e r of T uh i

worsen the problem, espec i a l l y i n w o m e n “ B o t h

c o n d i t i o n s a r e d i f f e r e n t f r o m t e l o g e n e f f l u v i u m , w h i c h i s a p a t h o l o g i c a l

h a i r l o s s t r i g g e r e d b y stress, illness or nutritional deficiencies,” she added Dr M a n a v B a w a e x p l a i n e d t h a t s e a s o n a l

l p health and nutrition, sayi n g , “ P r

health with gentle cleansi n g ,

proper nutrition, including protein, iron, omega3s, and vitamin D ” He also cautioned that people should seek medical advice if hair fall is “sudden, excessive, patchy, or persists beyond three to f o u r

, ” a s t h i s could indicate an underlying issue

Adding a pharmacist’s perspective, S habir Daya, c

, h e a d a c h

n d r e d u c e d mobility Physiotherapy can help by identifying posture issues, strengthening weak muscles, and teaching simple exercises to relieve tension and prevent recurrence

2 Lower back pain

One of the most com-

m o n r e a s o n s p e o p l e s e e k

changes to reduce strain

4 Shou ld er pain from sleeping bad ly

Waking up with shoulder pain is common, especially if you sleep on one side or use unsuitable pil-

l o w

P

improve shoulder mobility, a

m e chronic ones

The key message: pain i s n ’ t s o m e t h i n g y o u j u s t h a v e t o l i v e w i t h Sometimes, it just needs the right kind of help

C l i n i c , Dr B ha v j i t K a ur, said winter hair fall and s e a s o n a l s h e d d i n g a r e

o f t e n m i s t a k e n f o r t h e same issue, though they differ in cause “Seasonal shedding is a normal physi o l o g i c a l p h e n o m e n o n , w i t h s t u d i e s s h o w i n g increased shedding at the end of summer and early autumn, while hair shedding is usually lowest in l a t e w i n t e r , ” s h e explained, noting that factors like daylight and temp e r a t u r e i n f l u e n c e t h i s cycle

She clarified that “winter hair fall is not a distinct medical condition” and is often perceived due to low humidity, indoor heating and scalp dryness, which lead to hair fragility and breakage rather than true shedding from the follicle

S t y l i n g h a b i t s , f r e q u e n t w a s h i n g a n d c h e m i c a l

t r e a t m e n t s c a n f u r t h e r

s h e d d i n g a n d w i n t e rrelated hair fall are often confused but have differe n t c a u s e s “ S e a s o n a l shedding is a normal, temp o r a r y c y c l e i n w h i c h more hairs enter the resting phase, usually noticed in autumn and early winter, and it corrects itself within a few months,” he said “Winter hair fall, on the other hand, is largely driven by environmental and lifestyle factors such a s c o l d w e a t h e r , d r y i n d o o r h e a t i n g , r e d u c e d s u n l i g h t , a n d d i e t a r y changes ”

He noted that dry winter air can “strip moisture from the scalp and hair shaft, making hair brittle and prone to breakage,” while lower sun exposure may reduce vitamin D levels that support healthy hair growth Tight headw e a r a n d l e s s f r e q u e n t w a s h i n g c a n a l s o c o ntribute to scalp irritation

“Keeping the scalp heal thy su pp or ts the hair gro wth cycle”

Advising on managing hair fall, Dr Bhavjit Kaur said, “Maintaining good n u t r i t i o n , g e n t l e s c a l p care and minimising heat

s t y l i n g a r e k e y ” S h e a d d e d , “ S e a s o n a l s h e dding is self-limiting, while w i n t e r - r e l a t e d h a i r f a l l can usually be controlled by improving scalp health and hair care practices ”

S i m

a l changes, winter dryness, or natural seasonal hair fall,” each with different triggers and treatments He noted that winter hair fall happens when “cold, dry air and indoor heati n g r e d u c e s c a l p m o i sture, making hair brittle and prone to breakage

scalp with warm oil massages such as coconut oil

omega-3 intake through diet or supplements ” For seasonal shedding, Daya highlighted that “keeping

adding that black seed oil is a popular option He also cautioned that “hair

severe itching or burning, or hair loss lasting longer than 12 weeks” should be checked by a GP, as these are not typical signs of

loss

Keep your body hydrated this winter

Hydration is often ass oc iate d with hot summ er days, but it is jus t as important during win te r C old t em pe ra tur es , dry indoor heating, and low hum idity can all lead t o fluid l os s, e ve n whe n you don’t f eel thirs ty

W h e n t h e b o d y i s n o t

p r o p e r l y h y d r a t e d , i t c a n result in dry skin, fatigue, headaches, and even a weak-

e n e d i m m u n e s y s t e m

Staying adequately hydrated helps regulate body tempera-

Many people mistakenly reduce water intake in wint e r , a s s u m i n g t h a t l o w e r sweat levels mean less need for fluids In reality, water l o s s c o n t i n u e s t h r o u g h b r e a t h i n g , u r i n a t i o n , a n d normal metabolic processes

Neglecting hydration can leave you feeling lethargic, irritable, and more prone to winter illnesses Maintaining c

t u r e , s u p p o r t s d i g e s t i o n , i m p r o v e s c i r c u l a t i o n , a n d keeps the skin and organs functioning optimally

, hydrating foods can make a significant difference Warm soups and stews, fruits like oranges and watermelon, and vegetables such as cucumber a n

water and essential nutrients

Practical tips for staying hydrated include keeping

Dr Bhavjit Kaur

Dr Manav Bawa

Shabir Daya

ENDOMETRIOSIS

The women’s health crisis hiding in plain sight

most significant concerns

Dr Nitu Bajekal

Anusha Singh

For millio ns o f wo men, pain is not a monthly inconvenienc e but a lifelong companion

Endo metrio sis, a ch ro nic condi tio n affecting arou nd one in ten women, is ro utinely dismissed, mis understo od, and diagno sed years too late, leavi ng many to suffer in silence

In the NHS, women can wait up to eight years for answers, often told their symptoms are “normal” or imagined To rectify the situation, women ’ s health will be a key focus of the NHS’s planned online hospital, due to launch in 2027

Menopause and menstrual problems, which can signal conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids, are among nine common conditions set to be prioritised for treatment through the NHS Online Service

To help readers understand what to look out for, Dr Nitu Bajekal, a senio r co nsultant obstetrician and gynaeco lo gist with 40 years of experience, offers practical advice

Whyis the NHS struggling to meet women’s health needs, and what must change to improve outcomes?

First and most important priority is raising awareness and improving education, not just for the public but also for healthcare professionals On average, it takes seven to eight years for women to receive a diagnosis for conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or even painful periods caused by other factors which are often dismissed or left undiagnosed for years

Education should begin at school and extend to children, young women and men, parents, and, crucially, doctors and other health professionals

Clinicians need to understand how serious these conditions are and the profound impact they have on quality of life

This, in turn, affects earning capacity, productivity, and sick leave, meaning the government has a clear responsibility to make women ’ s health a priority

Endometriosis, in particular, is one of the

Around one in ten women are affected, and among women who struggle to conceive, up to 50 per cent may have the condition It is frequently overlooked despite affecting women from the onset of menstruation through menopause and beyond The second priority must be improving diagnosis

Currently, diagnosis relies on highly specialised imaging or invasive keyhole surgery, both of which require expert clinicians and are not widely accessible There is hope that less invasive tests, such as blood tests, could enable earlier and more widespread diagnosis, preventing many women from being left undiagnosed for years

What signs should people look out for that indicate they should seek a diagnosis?

First and foremost, painful, heavy, irregular periods, or bleeding between periods should not be accepted as normal They are not At most, period pain should be limited to mild cramps that respond to simple pain relief, such as a single dose of ibuprofen

Anything beyond that, pain that affects quality of life, causes someone to miss school or work, or interferes with daily activities, should never be normalised

Painful periods are often a sign of an underlying condition

Initial investigations should include checking for anaemia, as heavy bleeding frequently accompanies pain Using double protection, bleeding for more than seven days, flooding, leaking, or passing clots are all warning signs that require medical attention Bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, missed periods, or very irregular cycles should also never be ignored

Crucially, women should not be told to wait until they want to conceive before seeking help There is a full life to live both before and after pregnancy, and symptoms deserve attention at every stage

Does endometriosis affect British Asian women differently?

Endometriosis diagnosis is often significantly delayed for women of colour There is a long history of discrimination in healthcare, and many

women are still told that nothing is wrong, that they are being “hysterical”, or that the pain is “all in their head” This is a major issue Language barriers and cultural taboos around discussing periods also play a role In many families, menstruation and reproductive health are not openly talked about, which means crucial family history, such as early menopause, endometriosis, or PCOS, may never be shared

Without that context, symptoms are often normalised and dismissed internally as well For many Asian women, lack of knowledge, dismissal by health professionals, and repeated negative experiences create lasting trauma

Whatcommon myths about endometriosis would you like to debunk?

One common myth is that everyone with endometriosis or PCOS will be infertile or unable to conceive That is not necessarily true While these conditions can make conception more difficult for some, seeking medical advice early can make a significant difference Many women with endometriosis or PCOS go on to become pregnant, some naturally and others with the help of assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF A diagnosis does not mean there is no hope, and it certainly does not mean pregnancy is impossible

Another widespread myth is that having one condition rules out having another This is incorrect Conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, or adenomyosis can coexist, and their symptoms often overlap Another important factor is the fear of hormonal contraception In many Asian families, there is resistance to medications that could significantly improve symptoms, driven by myths around fertility, promiscuity, or long-term harm While it’s essential to provide accurate information before prescribing, relying solely on “natural” approaches is not realistic for everyone

Diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms

However, many people will still require surgery or hormonal treatment Doing everything “right” does not guarantee symptom-free living

Why UK maternal deaths rose by 20%?

The rate of women dying during or shortly after pregnan cy i n the U nited Kin gdom has surged by 2 0% over the last 14 years , reveali ng a de epenin g cri sis in matern ity c are According to a report by MBRRACE-UK, maternal mortality has climbed from 10 63 deaths per 100,000 maternities in 2009–11 to 12 80 in the

2022–24 period This data, led by the University of Oxford, confirms that the previous Conservative government’s high-profile pledge to halve maternal deaths by 2025 has not only been missed but entirely reversed Experts have branded the findings an absolute tragedy, particularly as deaths linked directly to

pregnancy, including blood clots, pre-eclampsia, and severe bleeding have skyrocketed by 52% The audit exposes a maternity system under extreme pressure, where chronic workforce shortages and overstretched resources have created a dangerous environment for expectant mothers

Supporting women’s health with care and expertise: Dr Deepa Srinivasan

Dr Deepa Srinivasan is a consult an t obst et rician and gynaecol ogist with over 25 years of experienc e in l eading NHS and private hospitals She specialises in fibroids, PCOS, menopause, menst rual problems, high-risk pregnancies, and holistic women ’ s heal th, helpin g women navigate their care with confiden ce and reassurance

Known for her compassionate and personalised approach, Dr Deepa tailors care to each woman ’ s individual needs Fluent in Tamil, Hindi, Gujarati, and Marathi, she easily connects with a diverse range of patients

She leads the Fetal

Medicine Services at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust and is an Honorary Consultant at Imperial College London She also provides private maternity and gynaecology care at The Portland Hospital, London, and through MyGynaePlus clinics

Her services include

early pregnancy scans, detailed fetal ultrasounds, antenatal consultations, pregnancy planning advice, postnatal care, and support for complex or high-risk pregnancies

Many women choose her private care alongside their NHS pathway, benefiting from continuity, additional scans, and timely reviews all delivered with expert guidance

Dr Deepa accepts a range of insurers, making her care accessible to women throughout their reproductive journey For those seeking expert, approachable, and personalised support, Dr Deepa Srinivasan offers guidance and reassurance every step of the way

Dr Deepa Srinivasan

Mental health risks of modern digital intimacy

Swathi Anil

Inan era where perfection is accessible at the tap of a button, the landscape of human connection is undergoing a seismic shift. As generative artificial intelligence becomes an inescapable third wheel in modern dating, society is grappling with the clinical and social consequences of digital intimacy

To explore these shifts, Asian Voice spoke with Kamaldeep Bhui CBE, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford

a

Professor Bhui, who was awarded a CBE in 2017 for services to mental health research, h

inequalities and the socio-cultural influences on mental health His latest venture,

a

Maharaja’s Bodyguard’, continues his work of bridging complex histories and identities

Professor Bhui breaks down how calculated intimacy is impacting our conflict resolution muscles and whether we are reaching a social tipping point

The atrophy of conflict resolution muscles

Prof Bhui notes that the nature of healthy relationships relies on a two-way dialogue, a mix of mutual support and useful challenge By removing the friction of differing opinions, we risk a form of emotional atrophy While AI might seem a convenient way to meet emotional needs without the fear of embarrassment, it lacks the real history of family, joys, and sadness that defines human intimacy

Physical touch, the soothing caress of a mother or the embrace of a partner remains a biological necessity that code cannot replicate "I do not think it can replace real relationships," Bhui explains "There is a risk of not moving at a pace that requires us to adapt and learn from another " While AI has shown promise in providing brief psychotherapies, it currently lacks the depth offered in a human therapeutic space

Prof Bhui is cautious with the word delusional, which has a specific clinical meaning, but acknowledges the danger of attachments built on false premises In England, the Big Mental Health Report 2025 found that 20 2% of adults are living with a common mental health problem, and for those in crisis, AI can be a dangerous substitute "A greater risk than misinformation is information to progress the crisis," Bhui warns, noting that unregulated AI can hallucinate false guidance on self-harm Furthermore, structural disadvantages found in public services are often recreated in the digital world

Unless there is a concerted effort to adapt AI to specific cultural norms, these tools may fail to address the social responsibilities and community supports that traditionally sustain mental wellbeing

As of 2025, approximately 95% of UK teens have access to a smartphone, and nearly 40% of young people in England have turned to AI for advice or company Professor Bhui suggests that while young people may develop powerful branding and marketing skills, the distinction between a digitised persona and the deeper personal self is becoming blurred

Adolescence is a critical period for negotiating self-identity If AI becomes the only source of relationship, it may stifle the growth that comes from navigating real-world awkwardness "If AI is the only source of relationship, it may stifle growth and learning," Bhui says He notes that countries like Australia have already moved to ban digital and phone access in schools to combat this distraction

Digital radicalisation is a documented reality Research from 2023–2025 indicates that online radicalisation has risen sharply; between 2019 and 2021, 92% of those convicted of extremist offences in England and Wales were radicalised at least in part online Within this group, 42% showed a strong presence of mental health issues, including depression and autism

Professor Bhui explains that closed, self-sustaining groups can lead to violence against women and minorities AI that reinforces these beliefs by providing a submissive digital partner is "worrisome and should fall under legal proceedings " He emphasises that people are less likely to fall into these traps if they have access to socially valued roles and opportunities in the physical world Public education in schools and proactive parenting are the primary defenses against this digital grooming

The remedy is not as simple as a digital detox Professor Bhui advocates for a balanced approach where AI is used complementarily, much like search engines or cloud services In my research, young people preferred digital offers as they could retain control and avoid waitlists," he notes One of his current projects involves a game designed for youth who have experienced adverse childhood events, providing a safe, co-designed space for healing

However, the human premium remains irreplaceable To maintain health, we must remove reliance on AI as the only source of solace by encouraging adventures in the outside world and nature The goal is to embrace technological potential while anticipating ethical dilemmas and real risks of harm

Why synthetic connection is creating a loneliness epidemic?

The fabric of human intimacy is being rewoven by algorithms, and the results are chilling The rise of the Griefbots, AI companions, and digital dysmorphia has triggered what sociologists call a ‘synthetic connection crisis ’

While these technologies promise to bridge the void left by death and isolation, they are instead trapping users in a

increasingly exhausting Research from the University of Oxford and MIT indicates that while one-third of teenagers now turn to AI companions for social support, over 40%

human interaction as a result

The rise of digital avatars like Griefbots that mimic the deceased and non-judgmental companion bots has left one-third of teenagers reliant on software for emotional support While marketed as cures for isolation, these digital painkillers actually cause social muscle atrophy Because AI provides

24/7 validation without the friction of realworld negotiation, users increasingly find

Compounded by the anxiety of comparing real life to flawless, AI-generated perfections, this high-fidelity simulation offers the sensation of companionship while eroding the soul of authentic communal life

Unless we actively choose to preserve the soul of authentic presence, we may find ourselves in a future where we are surrounded by billions of voices, yet entirely and irrevocably alone

Managing stress in a high-pressure work culture

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, highpressure work environments have become the norm rather than the exception Tight deadlines, constant performance expectations, and the demand for multitasking can take a serious toll on employees’ mental and physical health P r o l o n g e d s t r e s s n o t

but also increases the risk of burnout, anxiety, and other health issues Learning to manage stress effectively is

manageable steps, and setting realistic deadlines can

r e d u c e f e e l i n g s o f o v e rwhelm Tools like calendars, to-do lists, and digital prod u c t i v i t y a p p s c a n h e l p

e m p l o y e e s s t a y o r g a n i s e d and focused Learning to say

mance and personal wellbeing U n

n d i n g t h e sources of stress is the first step High workloads, lack o

and poor work-life balance are common contributors A d d i t i o n a l l y , w o r k p l a c e dynamics such as office politics, unsupportive management, and lack of recognition can intensify stress leve l s B e i n g a w a r e o f t h e s e triggers allows employees to a d d r e s s t h e m p r o a c t i v e l y , e i t h e r t h r o u g h p e r s o n a l strategies or by seeking support from management

One of the most effective ways to manage stress is through time management Prioritising tasks, breaking large projects into smaller,

no to unreasonable requests and delegating when possible also prevents overburdening

A n o t h e r i m p o r t a n t strategy is cultivating mindfulness and relaxation techn i q u e s P r a c t i c e s s u c h a s meditation, deep breathing

e x e r c i s e s , y o g a , o r e v e n s h o r t m i n d f u l n e s s b r e a k s d u r i n g t h e w o r k d a y c a n l o w e r c o r t i s o l l e v e l s a n d i m p r o v e c o n c e n t r a t i o n P h y s i c a l a c t i v i t y , e v e n a b r i s k w a l k d u r i n g l u n c h breaks, can release tension a n d b o o s t e n e r g y Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and gett i n g s

structured support and coping strategies

balance is crucial Allocating time for hobbies, family, and social connections helps recharge mental and emotional energy Setting boundaries, such

Prof Kamaldeep Bhui CBE

Dear Financial Voice Reader,

Alpesh Patel O

Last week, at the JP Morgan Private Bank AI meeting, I did something I don’t normally do I made lots of notes and used an AI recorded to keep the transcript It was that good Whilst it confirmed my views about the stock market, it was useful to have those views confirmed

So let me share the insights with you

I Listened to Top Wall Street Strategists Talk About AI and the Economy Here Are the 5 Most Surprising Takeaways

For many investors, the current market landscape feels like a puzzle The explosive hype around artificial intelligence, combined with persistent political uncertainty and shifting economic fundamentals, has made it difficult to chart a clear path forward

To cut through the noise, I attended recent private briefings hosted by top-tier financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs and J P Morgan, where their leading strategists laid out a powerful new thesis: we are in a new investment regime, shifting from a 40-year disinflationary cycle defined by software to an inflationary cycle defined by the build-out of the physical economy, supercharged by AI This article distills the six most critical and counterintuitive insights from those sessions the core frameworks guiding how billions of dollars in capital are being deployed in this new economic reality

1. The Classic 60/40 Portfolio Is Officially Broken

For decades, the 60/40 portfolio allocating 60% to equities and 40% to bonds was the bedrock of sound investing The logic was simple: when stocks fell, safe-haven bonds would rise, smoothing out returns and cushioning the portfolio It was the ultimate tool for diversification

According to the strategists I heard, that model is now "dead " The core reason is a fundamental breakdown in the historical relationship between stocks and bonds that occurred after the COVID-19 pandemic Since that time, the two asset classes have become positively correlated, meaning they often rise and fall together

This shift has profound implications Bonds can no longer be relied upon to hedge against equity risk As a result, portfolios built on this outdated model are now exposed to greater volatility and are far less resilient than they once were

2 Commodities Are the New Bonds

With the 60/40 model broken, what has taken the place of bonds as the premier portfolio diversifier? The surprising answer from Wall Street is commodities

The evidence for this shift is compelling Before the pandemic, adding commodities to a portfolio often hurt risk-adjusted returns (measured by the Sharpe ratio) A key strategist explained why: "Because we were in a 40-year disinflationary cycle where bond yields basically went to the right for 40 years I think that period’s over " In the post-COVID world, that relationship has inverted Strategists now find that adding a small allocation (around 5%) to commodities improves a portfolio's Sharpe ratio

The most useful diversifiers highlighted were industrial metals like zinc, copper, and silver, as well as precious metals like gold, typically held through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) Gold's role, in particular, has changed

"They noticed something which I hadn't noticed I hadn't picked up before, is that previous to COVID, gold wasn't really acting as a diversifier and now it is acting as a little bit of a diversifier "

This new importance of real assets isn't just a portfolio construction quirk; it's a direct response to a major political force reshaping the economy

3. Populism is Pumping the Markets (For Now)

In a counter-intuitive twist, strategists see the global rise of populism a political trend often associated with instability as a bullish driver for the stock market in the short term The speakers noted this trend is rooted in the post-pandemic world, fueled by the wealth divides and growing inequality we ve seen globally

The mechanism is straightforward: populist leaders, regardless of their political party, tend to push for both looser fiscal policy (lower taxes and more government spending) and looser monetary policy (pressuring central banks to lower interest rates) This combination floods the economy with liquidity, or "abundant money "

This leads to a simple but powerful investment thesis that was repeated across the sessions

"When money is more abundant, I think it makes sense to own assets that are scarce, where supply is fixed Again, real assets "

While this environment is positive for asset prices right now, the speakers warned there will eventually be a "price to pay" for these policies For the moment, however, the strategy is to "make money while the sun is shining " And the biggest driver of demand for these scarce, real assets today is the single largest capital expenditure cycle we've seen in a generation So gold to $10,000? You read it here first

4 AI Isn't Just the Future It's Already 40% of US Economic Growth

While public attention is on the future promise of AI, its economic impact is already staggering The most stunning statistic shared was that AI-related capital expenditure (CapEx) accounted for approximately 40% of all US GDP growth last year

To put that in perspective, without the massive investment in building out AI infrastructure, US real GDP growth would have been a sluggish 1% to 1 5%

The velocity of AI's impact is just as impressive As one speaker noted, the CEO of Salesforce recently said that by using new AI tools, his team was able to accomplish in three weeks what would have previously taken 20 years of coding This isn't a forecast; it's a real-world example of AI acting as an immediate and powerful engine for efficiency and profitability right now

5. Prepare for a "Normal" 14% Drop, Even in a Bull Market

Perhaps the most practical piece of advice came as a surprising contradiction Despite a consensus view that was incredibly bullish on the market's direction, every strategist also forecasted a significant market drop

They were clear that an average intra-year drawdown of 14% to 15% in the S&P 500 is not just possible but entirely normal even in years where the market ultimately finishes much higher Historical data shows that over the last 40 years, the S&P 500 has experienced an average drawdown of 14% yet still ended the year with a positive return 78% of the time

Issa brothers plan US listing, London loses out

that wou ld d eal ano ther

strug gli ng IPO scene EG Group is expected to hold talks with m a j o r U S i n v e s

British diplomatic support fuels Chaiiwala’s Canadian expansion

UK-based Indian street fo od and café brand

Chaiiwala is accelerating its expansio n in C an ad a , w i th su p p

dip

competitive market

Chaiiwala has grown into one of the UK’s

operating more than 130 outlets worldwide

Known for its karak chaii and Indian street food offering, the company sold more than

i n 2 0 2 4 , contributing to a 35 per cent increase in global sales

Chaiiwala entered the Canadian market in 2021 after franchise rights were granted to business partners Shiraj Kothiwala and A j m a l G u n d h r a T h e i r e x p a n s i o n w a s supported by the British Consulate General in Toronto, which provided guidance on r e g u l a t o r y r e q u i r e m e n t s a n d h e l p e d c o n n e c t t h e e n t r e p r e n e u r s w i t h l o c a l

officials

The brand’s Canadian launch was not without challenges, particularly around securing building permits British Consul General to Toronto Fouzia Younis met the franchise partners and advised them on n

m , while also facilitating introductions to city council leaders across Ontario to help speed up approvals

continued to receive backing from the British diplomatic network The Toronto c

n s u l a t e h a s p r o m o t e d t h e b r a n d a t high-profile events, including the Toronto International Film Festival, and through i t s o f f i c i a l c h a n n e l s Y

showcased the brand during UK visits, including taking Brampton mayor Patrick Brown to a Chaiiwala outlet in London

M ini ster for the Indo-Paci fic, Seema Malhotra M P said, “Our diplomats play a crucial role in opening doors for British businesses overseas Across the world, they champion the interests of ambitious brands like Chaiiwala that represent the entrepreneurial spirit of modern Britain

“When UK businesses succeed abroad, the benefits are felt at home This means m

investment into communities across the country ”

Meaning “tea seller” in Hindi and Urdu, C h a i i w

Muhummed Ibrahim and Mustafa Ismail, drawing inspiration from their forefathers who sold chai from street stalls in Delhi in the 1920s

Chaiiwala’s success in Canada has only increased its founders’ ambitions to scale up further, with plans to open over 500 stores globally across the next 10 years This includes further stores in Canada, as well as across the US, Middle East, and Europe

S o hai l Ali, Co -fo under o f Chaii wala said, “We first entered Canada at a time when we ourselves were still scaling in the UK It was a calculated risk, but one that has paid off, which we are really proud of T

target more stores in Canada and cement our position as a household name, will be incredibly exciting ” T

Canada reflects both rising demand for S o u t h A s i a n f o o d c u

strengthening economic ties between the UK and Canada

B

success will encourage other UK small and m

expanding into the Canadian market, as p

support international growth

Morgan Stanley are among the banks likely to be involved in the selection process, according to banking sources cited by Sky News A US l i s t i n

Ind ian pharm aceutical giant Lupin

i s re p o rte d ly i n ea rly - st ag e nego tiations to acquire Vitabiotics, th e U K ’ s le ad i ng v i t am i ns and supplem ents m anufacturer

According to reports, Mumbaib a s e d L u p i n i s c o n s i d e r i n g a consortium bid alongside private equity heavyweights TPG Capital and EQT Partners The potential d e a l i s e x p e c t e d t o v a l u e t h e L o n d o n - h e a d q u a r t e r e d b u s i n e s s a t approximately £1 billion F o u n d e d i n 1 9 7 1 b y B r i t i s h - I n d i a n entrepreneur Dr Kartar Lalvani, Vitabiotics is now steered by his son, former Dragons’ D e n s t a r T e j L a l v a n i T h e c o m p a n y generates annual revenues of around £250 m i l l i o n , w i t h a p r e s e n c e i n o v e r 8 0 countries

Tej Lalvani

The acquisition would grant Lupin a

dominant position in the highg r o w t h n u

which is currently expanding at 9% annually in India Vitabiotics owns a prestigious portfolio of

Wellwoman, and Perfectil Its Indian subsidiary, Meyer V

roughly 20% of the group's global sales, with its flagship calcium brand Calcimax holding

strong market

Asda begins consultations that could cut jobs Asda

Seema Malhotra clicks a selfie with owners of Chaiiwala

24 - 30 January 2026

IMF raises India’s 2025 growth forecast

T he IM F has raised India’ s

2 0 2 5 g ro w th f o rec as t to 7 3 %, citing stronger-thanexpected corporate earning s in the th ird quarter and sustained mom entum into the fourth , wh ile noting that the g lo bal economy has larg ely

a bs o rbed th e in iti al tar if f sh ock

In its World Economic

to 7.3%

slowdown in earnings last year had weighed on markets, triggering foreign outflows amid trade tensions, high valuations and export concerns linked to US tariffs

Improving earnings are

boost, signalling early signs

o

expansion this year, 0 2 percentage points higher than

mainly by the US and China, with further upside in 2026 supported by AI adoption and strong IT investment

India set to enter uppermiddle-income group by 2030

India

2028, accord ing to an S BI Research report The World Bank classifies countries by p

2027, with India’s inflation

O u t l o o k , t h e F u n d l i f t e d India’s 2025 projection by 0 7 percentage points but expects growth to ease to 6 4% in 2026 and 2027 as t e m p

g rebuild investor confidence, stabilise markets and attract fresh capital T

A

despite US-led trade disrup-

though risks remain from

potential US equity correc-

geopolitical tensions

Modi urges start-ups to lead in AI, global tech race

P ri m e M i n i s te r N a re n dr a

M odi urged India to take the lead in emergi ng s tart up and technology trends over the next decade, stressi ng that countries which act e a

edge

S p

marking 10 years of Startup India, he said the government has full faith in Indian entrepreneurs and e n c o u r a g e d s t a r t - u p s t

b u i l d g l o b a l l y r e l e v a n t , high-quality solutions that address real problems

Calling Startup India a “revolution,” Modi said the ecosystem has grown from just four start-ups in 2014

t o o v e r t w o l a k h t o d a y , i n c l u d i n g m o r e t h a n 1 2 5 unicorns, making India the world’s third-largest startu p s h u b H e a d d e d t h a t

entrepreneurship in India has undergone a cultural shift, with risk-taking now widely accepted and young founders increasingly willing to move beyond their comfort zones

M o d i s a i d I n d i a n founders are showing growing confidence and ambition, focusing more on solvi

g beyond metros, with rising

- I I and tier-III cities and rural areas Highlighting inclusive growth, he said 45% of start-ups now have at least o

founders to move into manufacturing and research to

property Modi added that

r e f o r m s and better access to seed f u n d i n g , S t a r t - u p I n d i a must now aim for global leadership in technology

Data, however, offers a mixed picture While 724 start-ups shut down in 2025 (till October), a sharp drop from 3,903 in 2024, Indian start-ups raised $10 5 billion

t h i s y e a r , r a n k i n g I n d i a third globally after the US and UK

Anthropic appoints Irina Ghose as India Managing Director

Anthropic has nam ed Irina Ghose as it s m anaging director for India as it l ooks to strengthen it s pr esenc e in the country, the c om pany b ehind

th e C l a ud e c h at b o t announced

India is Claude ai’s second-largest market, mirroring the trend seen with rivals like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, as AI firms expand rapidly in the region

A n t h r o p i c ’ s E c o n o m i c

Index highlights that Indian users show a strong preference for technical use cases, with nearly half of Claude ai activity focused on computer s c i e n c e a n d m a t h e m a t i

tasks Ghose, formerly managing director of Microsoft India, brings over 30 years of experience and previously led enterprise AI adoption across

technology services, and government

C

Ghose’s track record in scal-

Anthropic’s India expansion, bringing crucial local insight as the company deepens its

engagement

Anthropic will open its Bengaluru office next month, its second in Asia-Pacific, and p l a n

impact in education, healthcare, and agriculture while

enterprises and non-profits

Rupee nears record low as markets falter

The r upee fell pas t the 9 1-adoll ar mark f or the s econd tim e in a month, c losing 14 paise l ower at 9 0 92 (provisional ) against the US doll ar on Monday, am id renewed gl o b al t r a d e c o n c e rn s a n d foreign fund outf lows Forex analysts said weak domestic equities pressured the currency despite a softer dollar and lower crude prices Investor sentiment was also h i t a f t e

potential tariffs on European

Greenland plan

At the interbank market, the rupee opened at 90 68, slipped past 91 01, and settled just 1 paise above its record low On December 16, 2025,

while Friday saw

44-paise fall to 90 78

G NI in to l o w , lower-m iddle, up per-mid dle and high-income groups Global data shows more

income ladder, with fewer

India took around 60 years

income status in 2007, with per capita GNI rising from $90 in 1962 to $910 at a 5 3% annual growth rate

o s t - I n d e p e n d e n c e , I n d i a r e a c h e d $ 1 t r i l l i o n GDP in 60 years, $2 trillion by 2014, $3 trillion in 2021, and $4 trillion in 2025, with $5

Air India, Singapore Airlines sign pact to deepen partnership

A i r I nd ia an d S in g ap o r e

A irlines have signed a commercial coo peration fram ewo rk agreement to d eepen their long-standing partnership and explore closer joint operations

S i g n e d i n M u m b a i o n January 16, 2026, the deal aims to boost connectivity

b e t w e e n I n d i a a n d Singapore and offer passengers more travel options

U n d e r t h e a g r e e m e n t , the two airlines will coordin a t e f l i g h t s c h e d u l e s , expand codeshare services, and enable seamless booki n g s

The partnership may also include closer integration of c o r p o r a t e t r

n h a n c

d benefits for members of Air India’s Maharaja Club and S I A ’ s K r i s F l y e r f r e q u e n t flyer schemes

Air India and Singapore

Airlines currently codeshare on 61 routes across 20 count r i e s , f o l l o w i n g a m a j o r expansion in 2024 The new f r a m e w o r k a g r e e m e n t opens the door to deeper c

beyond India and Singapore to meet rising global travel demand

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said the deal supports the airline’s strategy to g r o w i t s g l o b a l p r e s e n c e through partnerships, while SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong called it a natural progress i o n t h a

n

h

n connectivity, tourism, and people-to-people ties The agreement is subject to regu l a

p p r o v a l s , w i t h details on route expansions and passenger benefits to be announced later

Auto exports surge 24% on strong global demand

Indi a ’ s auto mobile exports jum ped 24% in 20 25, driven by strong ov erseas d em and for cars, two-wh eelers and c o m m e rc ia l v eh i cl es , acco rding to SIAM data

T o t a l e x p o r t s r o s e t o 63 25 lakh units, up from 5 0 9 8 l a k h u

h

c

r t s increased 16% to 8 63 lakh units, led by a sharp 32% rise in utility vehicle shipments to 4 27 lakh units Passenger car exports also edged up 3%

to 4 25 lakh units

I A

across key markets such as the Middle East, Africa and

straight session due to FII outflows, weak markets, and strong dollar demand, and may trade with a negative bias amid global risk aversion

though

lakh units, led by motorcycles, which jumped 27% to 43 lakh, while scooter shipments grew

units, and commercial vehi-

“ M a r u t i S u z u k i c o ntributes 46% of India’s passenger vehicle exports, positioning us well to grow our global presence, ” said senior e x e c u t i v e o f

India-EU trade agreement near finalisation, says government

Minister Piyush Goyal

Irina Ghose

Piyush Goyal

MACHADO PRAISES TRUMP, HANDS OVER NOBEL MEDAL

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump at the White House calling it recognition of his support for Venezuela s freedom Trump thanked her for the gesture, though the Nobel Committee has stated the prize cannot be officially transferred Machado told supporters she hopes she can count on Trump s backing, but the Nobel Institute has made clear the peace prize remains hers even if the medal changes hands She likened giving Trump the Nobel medal to a historic gesture symbolising US–Venezuela solidarity in the fight for freedom During her Washington visit, she met US senators as supporters outside chanted “María, presidente,” while urging Trump to support her coalition over interim leader Delcy Rodríguez

40 DEAD IN SPAIN HIGH-SPEED TRAIN COLLISION

Spain began three days of mourning after a high-speed train collision near Adamuz Córdoba killed at least 40 people and injured dozens Rescuers continued searching wreckage for victims, as families struggled to locate missing loved ones among the roughly 300 passengers Juan Barroso said five of his relatives were on the train, with only a six-yearold accounted for Police set up offices for reports and DNA samples while families turned to social media Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez promised a full investigation into the Adamuz train crash The Madrid-bound train derailed on a straight, recently renovated track, hitting an oncoming train and sending two carriages down a 4-metre slope A broken rail joint and past infrastructure issues may have contributed

NEPAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN HEATS UP

Nepal’s election campaign is heating up ahead of the March 5 general elections, with three parties projecting their prime ministerial candidates The Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has nominated former PM K P Sharma Oli, 74, while Nepali Congress (NC) and the Rastriya Swotantra Party have chosen leaders under 50 Gagan Thapa, 49, was elected NC president and named its PM candidate, though a faction led by former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba has challenged him Former Kathmandu mayor Balendra “Balen” Shah 35 joined the Rastriya Swotantra Party and resigned to file his parliamentary nomination on January 20 He will face CPN-UML’s K P Sharma Oli, 74, in Jhapa-5, a key battleground Oli represents conservatives, while Balen is popular with Gen Z voters Other notable candidates include Kulman Ghising and Harka Sampang

JD VANCE AND USHA EXPECTING FOURTH CHILD

JD Vance and his wife Usha are expecting their fourth child a boy later this year The Second Lady's office confirmed the news with a post on X (formerly Twitter) saying We re excited to share that Usha is pregnant with our fourth child Both Usha and the baby are doing well, and we look forward to welcoming him in July The post expressed gratitude for the military doctors and staff who support their family, enabling them to serve the country while raising their children Usha will be the first Second Lady to give birth while in office, following in the footsteps of Jackie Kennedy the last First Lady to do so in 1963 The VP and his wife met in 2013 at Yale Law School, joining the same discussion group JD, whose full name is James David, told Usha he had fallen in love with her

AI leaders who are changing everything

S ilico n Valley and the glo bal tech ecosystem are in the m id st of an AI rev olution that promises to transform society, business, and daily life

Trillions are being invested in AI infrastructure, driving a generational shift akin to the internet or railroads Despite fears of a bubble, AI’s impact is undeniable, and these are the people shaping the technologies that could define this century

Here are the key figures leading the charge:

mind behind ChatGPT, Altman envisions AI capable of managing daily life and achieving arti-

OpenAI now serves over 800 million users, and Altman is pushing the rapid expansion of AI despite financial and ethical risks M

ker be

lions to staff AI labs and build infrastructure, focusing on projects like AI companions, self-

advanced data centers to maintain Meta’s competitive edge Elon Musk (South African-

and Neuralink, Musk builds AI

interfaces, aiming to integrate AI into daily life and industrial applications

S aty a Na d

i anAm erican): CEO of Microsoft, Nadella has played a pivotal role in integrating AI into enterprise

Five arrested after Ontario gas station robbery

Five peop le were arrested in O n t ar i o , C an ad a, af t er sto rm ing a gas st ation with uncovered faces and st ealing cof fee machines, an o ven, a micr owav e, and ot her items

Th e arr ests, made on-sit e by p

so cial media as all five share the same surname: P at el

The suspects, 33-year-old D e v a n g k

B h a v i n k u

n d Mitulkumar, and 29-year-old

Ricky, have been charged with robbery and mischief under $5,000, INsauga reported

Police could not confirm if

the five men are related They w

d f

o d y and are scheduled to appear in court on February 26

A new employee at the gas station said he was alone when the men entered, threatening h i m

g items in under five minutes After they left, he called the o w n e r , w h o c o n t a c t

d t h e p o l i c e T h e o f f i c e r s a r r i v e d while the suspects were still on-site “That was a significant n u m b e r a n d d e f i n i t e l y alarming,” OPP spokesperson Const Jeff Hare told, noting s u c h i n c i d e n t s a r e uncommon

Rodríguez’s faith in Sathya Sai Baba draws global attention

Delcy Rodríguez was sw orn in as Venezu ela’s acting President follo wing a d ramatic US military operation that cap tured Nicolás Maduro and h is w ife, C ilia Flores

The transition has thrust Rodríguez’s personal faith into the global spotlight, revealing her as a dedicated devotee of the late Indian spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba Official records from the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust confirm that Rodríguez, who served as Vice President since 2018, visited the Prasanthi Nilayam ashram in Andhra Pradesh in August 2023 and again on 26 October 2024 to offer prayers at the guru ’ s Mahasamadhi

While Delcy Rodríguez initially struck a defiant tone, insisting Venezuela would never again be anyone ’ s colony, she now faces heavy pressure from Washington President Donald Trump warned on January 4 that she would “ pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” if she did not cooperate with US demands for full access to Venezuela’s oil and other resources Under pressure, Rodríguez adopted a more conciliatory stance, inviting cooperation with the United States as it maintains a military presence and asserts it will oversee the country until a transition is secured

invested $1 billion in OpenAI in 2019 and has since poured a total of $13 billion into the company, securing exclusive access

businesses globally to leverage AI tools in everything from productivity software to research a

emphasising collaboration, ethical tech deployment, and global reach, making the company a

central force in the AI revolution Other influential AI leaders i

(Taiwanese-American), CEO of Nvidia, whose GPUs power AI; Jony Ive (British-American), former Apple designer, now devel-

through io; Tekedra Mawakana (American), co-CEO of Waymo,

cles; Palmer Luckey (American), founder of Anduril Industries, building AI defense systems; CC

TSMC, producing

chips

source AI in China; Fei-Fei Li (Chinese-American), creator of

Hassabis (British), founder of

medicine; David Sacks (South African-American), AI investor and policy advisor; and Mira

OpenAI CTO, now leading Thinking Machines Lab

Anti-Indian rhetoric surges in US amid H-1B changes

A nti-Ind ian rhetoric in the US has risen alongside changes to th e H- 1 B v is a p r og r am , w i th Indian nationals holding 71 % o f v isas for skilled workers

H i g h - p r o f i l e I n d i a n - o r i g i n

executives like Google’s Sundar

P i c h a i a n d M

Nadella have benefited, but criticism persists

Raqib Naik, executive director of the Center for the Study of Organized Hate, said social media campaigns have targeted I

employees Advocacy groups say r

fueled by an ethnocentric narrative around migrants, with companies increasingly hesitant to

Strategic Dialogue warned that Indians have become

victims of

narrative around migrants” and

could increasingly be framed as a

investigated alleged visa fraud False claims accused employees at companies like Walmart and Verizon of selling jobs to Indian nationals FedEx defended its workforce, denying allegations that CEO Raj Subramaniam replaced

war for the

of America

Hindu farmer shot dead, protests erupt in Sindh

A Hindu farmer was sh ot dead by a l andlo rd in P akistan’s Sindh p rovince earlier this week, triggering wides pread p rotes ts by mino rity and h uman righ ts gro up s Reports said the accused, feudal lord Sarfaraz Nizamani, shot tenant farmer Kailash Kolhi in the chest, killing him on the spot Protesters have demanded the immediate arrest of the accused, registration of murder and terrorism charges, and full protection for the victim’s family, calling for urgent measures to safeguard lives across Sindh Shiva Kachhi, chairman of minority rights group Pakistan Darawar Ittehad, described the killing as a “brutal and cold-blooded murder,” calling it an attack on humanity and the rights of minorities in Sindh He said the fight for justice would continue until those responsible are punished The killing comes days after Pakistan’s foreign minister criticised India over minority rights following a demolition near Delhi’s Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque India rejected the remarks as “abysmal,” saying Pakistan’s own record of systemic persecution of minorities is well documented and cannot be obscured by finger-pointing

Elon Musk Satya Nadella

Delcy Rodriguez visited Prasanthi Nilayam during her August 2023 trip to India for the G20 Summit

US suspends immigrant visas for 75 nations

prevent foreign nationals from becoming a public charge or r e

immigrant visas and halt the

y approved while the review is c

span Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, though India remains excluded from the list

confirmed the review is open-

migration patterns in a state of prolonged uncertainty

Immigration experts have

will have immediate and severe c

dnationality families and those awaiting reunification While dual nationals may find some r

specific timeline for when the p

that the move functions as a de facto country-based restriction on legal migration, as officials

prospects with unprecedented a

financial self-sufficiency

Indian-origin woman charged in child deaths

US authoritie s have arre sted a

childre

said that on January 13 around 6:45 pm, the children’s father called 911 after finding his 5a n d 7

unconscious Police arrived to

deceased in

bedroom Lifesaving efforts by officers and m

unsuccessful

n w e r e pronounced dead at the scene, and their identities are pending confirmation by the Medical Examiner's Office

Natarajan was arrested and c h

first-degree murder and one count of third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon She is

Indian community in Oman

celebrates stitched ship arrival

T he Indian co mmunity in Oman, sup ported by the Indian Em bassy in Muscat, h osted a grand celebration

t o m ark t h e h i st o ri c v o yag e o f I NS V

K A U ND I NY A , w h i ch sailed from Porband ar on

D ecem ber 29 , 20 25, and a rri v e d in M us c at o n January 1 4, 2026

T a v i s h i B e h e l P a n d e y , Deputy Chief of Mission, called the ship’s arrival “emotional and inspiring,” saying it symbolises 5,000 years of Indian maritime

h i s t o r y a n d d r e w e n t h u s i a s m beyond official circles

S h e h i g h l i g h t e d s t u d e n t engagement with the crew, the voyage ’ s cultural and diplomatic

s i g n i f i c a n c e , a n d i t s r o l e i n strengthening India-Oman ties during 70 years of relations

The programme featured a

10-member Gujarati folk dance

t r o u p e l e d b y S h r i

R a j e n d r a k u m a r D R a w a l performing traditional dances like Bhavai, Hudo, Mishra Raas, Talwar Raas, and Garbo

I N S V K A U N D I N Y A , a reconstructed ancient stitched

v e s s e l , c o m p l e t e d i t s t r a n soceanic journey with 18 Indian N a v y p e

legacy and historic trade across the Indian Ocean

Key suspect arrested in Canada’s largest gold heist case

P eel Regional Po lice have arres ted

a key su sp ec t in co nnection with P ro je c t 2 4 K , t h e in ve s

C anadian histo ry 43-year-old Arsalan

C h a u d h a r y w a s a p p r e h e n

Chaudhary, who is of no fixed address, faces m

The heist occurred on April 17, 2023, when a cargo shipment containing 400 kilograms of pure gold, valued at over $20 million

commit an indictable offence Authorities allege he played a central role in coordinating the

stolen goods

vanished from an Air Canada holding facility While ten individuals h a

suspect, Simran Preet

year-old former airline employee, is believed to be hiding in India, specifically n

officials have submitted a formal extradition request to the Indian

justice

being held at Somerset County

hearing

investigation by Hillsborough Township Police, the Somerset

New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office A

confirm the victims’ identities and determine the cause and manner of death

Iran’s elite flee amid protests

A s p ro te s t s l oom e d i n I ra n , many members of the politic al and economic eli te slipped out o f p ub l i c

he c ountry

One was model and fashion designer Anashid Hoseini, who had days earlier flaunted luxury fashion on social media before her accounts fell silent amid internet blackouts

Hoseini, married to the son of Iran’s former ambassador to Denmark, is often associated with the aghazadeh, children of p

privileged lifestyles have fuelled p u b l i c

her lavish wedding underscored the divide between elites and ordinary Iranians

Similar scrutiny surrounds

p p i n g business accused of evading US

s a n c t i o

overseas displays of wealth have fuelled resentment, particularly among Gen Z Iranians facing rising living costs Despite

i n g p r o t e s t s , d e e p economic grievances remain E l l a R o s e n b e r g , a s e n i o r r e s e a r c h e r a t t h e J e r u s a l e m Centre for Foreign Affairs, said sanctions are weakly enforced a g a i n s t r e g i m e e l i t e s c o n t r o l l i n g v a s t a s s e t s , i n t e n s i f y i n g a n g e r o v e r h y p o c r i s y , i n c l u d i n g l e a k e d i m a g e s o f l a v i s h w e d d i n g s d e s p i t e s t r i c t m o r a l i t y l a w s Many elite families live abroad, s p a w n i n g t h e h a s h t a g # W h e r e I s Y o u r K i d ? , w h i l e f i g u r e s l i k e i n f l u e n c e r S a s h a

Sobhani openly flaunt luxury lifestyles Rosenberg added that elites are increasingly hiding w e a l t h t h r o u g h c r y p t o a n d high-value art

Singapore Parliament removes Pritam Singh as opposition leader

Singapore’s parliament v oted to remov e Pritam Singh as Leader of the Oppo sition following h is conv iction for g iving false testim ony to a parliamentary comm ittee The ruling P eople’s A ction Party (PAP ) approved th e m ove

Singh will remain an MP and Workers’ Party (WP) secretarygeneral but will lose opposition-related benefits, including extra allowances and priority speaking rights

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the conviction and vote made it inappropriate for Singh to continue, adding that the WP may nominate another MP Singh denied wrongdoing, saying he acted in good faith and remains committed to serving residents

The motion passed after about three hours of debate, with all 11 WP MPs present voting against it Parliament will also review the status of two other WP lawmakers Leader of the House Indranee Rajah said Singh’s actions undermined public confidence and criticised his refusal to accept responsibility

Singh’s conviction is rare, as criminal cases against sitting opposition MPs in Singapore are uncommon He was the first to hold the formal Leader of the Opposition role, created in 2020, amid past criticism that legal institutions are used to target political rivals a claim authorities deny

in brief

CHINA GDP GROWTH SLOWS IN 2025

China s economy grew 5% in 2025, one of its slowest rates in decades, as weak consumer spending and a property debt crisis weighed on growth GDP rose 4 5% in Q4, matching expectations but slowing year-end momentum Retail sales rose just 0 9% in December, the weakest since zero-Covid restrictions ended, while analysts warn that growth remains uneven despite government stimulus efforts China’s retail sales slowed further in December, growing just 0 9% yearon-year down from 1 3% in November, amid a prolonged slowdown China’s property sector faces a debt crisis, with real estate investment down 17 2% and fixed-asset investment down 3 8% House prices rose slightly but the market remains weak Exports stayed strong with a $1 2 trillion trade surplus ASEAN up 13 4% Africa 25 8% EU 8 4% though European imports fell

CRANE COLLAPSE KILLS DOZENS ON TRAIN CRASH

In a tragic incident, a construction crane collapsed over a moving passenger train in central Thailand killing 32 people and 66 The disaster occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima province as the train, travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, departed Nong Nam Khun station A falling crane on the ThailandChina high-speed rail project reportedly sliced a carriage in half, causing a derailment and fire Casualties include students and workers, with survivors aged 1 to 85 Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul demanded accountability The Chinese Embassy said Thai firm ITD was responsible for the Lam Takhong-Sikhio section where two crane failures occurred in 24 hours Train damages exceed £2 4 million (100 million baht)

BUDDING BROMANCE BETWEEN TRUMP AND MAMDANI

US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have formed an unlikely bromance, reportedly exchanging friendly text messages twice a week According to reports from Axios and the New York Post, the two leaders have maintained a private back-channel since their cordial November 2025 Oval Office meeting Their discussions reportedly span from NYC zoning laws to the recent US military operation in Venezuela, which saw the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3 Despite early rapport, the relationship faced its first public strain after Mamdani criticised the Venezuela strikes in a call to Trump Trump later said he was surprised by the swift criticism while Mamdani said being direct about disagreements is part of serving New Yorkers

5,000

REPORTED DEAD IN IRAN PROTESTS

An Iranian official said at least 5 000 people, including around 500 security personnel, have died in recent protests, blaming “terrorists and armed rioters” for the violence The deadliest clashes occurred in northwest Iran s Kurdish areas, where separatists have been active The official added that “Israel and armed groups abroad” had supported those protesting but said the final toll is not expected to rise sharply Iranian authorities often blame unrest on foreign foes, including Israel The US-based HRANA rights group reported 3 308 deaths and over 24 000 arrests as of January 17 2026 with 4,382 cases still under review The Norway-based Kurdish rights group Hengaw said the heaviest clashes during the December protests occurred in

Donald Trump

Priyatharsini Natarajan

Arsalan Chaudhary

AFRICA

Museveni’s re-election praised for stability and growth

Uganda’s long-time leader

Y o we ri Mu s e ve ni h as s ec u r ed a s e ve nt h t er m

with over 7 0% of the vo te, ac c o r di ng to el ec t io n au th orities, amid an i nternet shu tdown and allegatio ns of fraud

Museveni’s main rival, musician-turned-politician

B o b i W i n e , r e j e c t e d t h e results as “fake,” alleging abductions of polling officials, voting manipulation and a raid on his home that forced him to flee Police denied arresting him, sayi n

imposed to prevent unrest The opposition also cited biometric ID failures and later use of manual voter lists, which Wine claimed

S

stuffing,” a move backed by Museveni

D

shutdown and fraud allega-

central Uganda left at least

seven dead, with police and

Uganda

not free,” noting

Museveni, 81, has ruled for

term and age limits, bring-

growth Wine said he faced harassment and wore protective gear

Several African leaders and UAE rulers, including

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed

Mohammed bin Rashid Al

tion

“Enduring confidence in Museveni’s leadership”

Mina Khagram OGW said, “ P r e s i d

M u s e v e n i o f Uganda recently won the election Back in 1972, when A s

schools and festivals halted, and the country grew poorer The temples, however, w

Recognising the economic

i n v i t e d

x p e l l e d A s i a n s back, restoring their properties, factories, shops, and f a r m s , a n d e n s u r e d t h e i r s e c u r i t y T o d a y , U g a n d a has a significant Asian popu l a t i o n a n d i s t h r i v i n g , t h a n k s t o l o n g - s t a n d i n g partnerships with influential figures like Sudhirbhai Ruparelia, the Mehtas, and the Madhvanis, who have h e l p e d r e b u i l d t h e c o u ntry ” Commending President

Y o w e r i K a g u t a M u s e v e n i o n t h e e l e c t i o n v i c t o r y ,

U g a n d a ’ s H i g h

C o m m i s s i o n e r t o t h e

U n i t e d K i n g d o m a n d Ambassador to Ireland, HE Nimisha Jayant Madhvani,

s a i d , “ O n b e h a l f o f t h e Uganda High Commission

officials and staff, we convey our heartfelt congratul a t i o n s o n Y o u r

E x c e l l e n c y ’ s r e s o u n d i n g victory in the 2026 General Elections ” She added that the mandate reflects “the enduring confidence of the people of Uganda in Your Excellency’s visionary leade r s h i p , c o m m i t m e n t t o Pan-Africanism, patriotism a n d d e d i c a t i o n t o p e a c e , stability and prosperity for the nation and protect the gains ” P r a i s i n g t h e e l e c t o r a l process, she said it was “ an e x e m p l a r y d e m o n s t r a t i o n of democracy witnessed by the world ” Reaffirming full support, Madhvani added, “ A s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s o f Uganda abroad, we stand r e a d y t o a d v a n c e V i

2040 by promoting investment, strengthening trade partnerships, and showcasi n g U g

country’s investor-friendly policies across agro-industrialisation, mineral development, science and tech-

export potential, she noted opportunities in coffee, tea,

avocados, macadamia nuts and more She summed it up by saying, “Uganda is heaven on the earth ”

Indian-origin gynecologist guilty of medical fraud in US

D r S a nj ee v Kum ar, a gynecologic oncolo g i s t f ro m M em p h i s , Tennessee, was found g uilty of 18 counts of adulterating medical d ev ices, 1 6 counts o f misbranding, and six counts of health care fraud Court do cuments state he and his staff su bmi tted fraud ulent M e d i ca re a nd M ed i c ai d claims for unnecessary hysteroscopy w ith biopsy p roc ed u re s us i ng ad u lte rat ed dev ices from 20 19 to 20 24 D r K u m

r ’ s d e

n s e argued that the devices were d i s i n f e c t e d a c c o r d i n g t o CDC guidelines, though the government disapproved of his process During this peri-

o

formed over 15,000 hysteroscopies on 5,559 patients, a

diagnose endometrial cancer

D r K u

fewer than 200 new singleuse hysteroscopes, and some

graspers from 2019 were still in use in 2024 He billed

teroscopy with biopsy procedures during this period, earning more than $4 8 mil-

Medicaid alone T

misused single-use devices, failed to follow manufacturer reprocessing instructions for reusable ones, and did not label devices properly,

After his conviction, Kumar stated he respects the legal process and maintains that his practices were scientifically sound, treating every patient like family

Indian businessman jailed for smuggling aviation tech to Russia

Sanjay Kaushik, a 58-yearo ld In d i an b u si n es sm an fro m New Delhi, has been sentenced to 3 0 months in a U S fed eral prison, follow ed by 3 6 m onths of superv ised release, for illegally exp orting controlled av iation technolo gy to Russia

The case stemmed from a

bypass US export controls imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine He, as mana g i n g p a r t n e r o f N e w Delhi’s Arezo Aviation, con-

spired to obtain an Attitude

Oregon supplier using false claims that it was for civilian helicopters in India

the technology was meant for Russia, with India used as a transshipment point US authorities described the scheme as “calculated, profit-driven ” The conspiracy, which began in September 2023, involved transactions with sanctioned Russian entities

in October 2024 and pleaded guilty to conspiracy,

Justice Department’s Task

interception of the AHRS device was hailed as a significant security win Experts s a y t h

n d s a clear message to those using neutral countries to route s e n s i t i v

t e c h n o l o g y t o restricted destinations

Indian-American couple charged with drug and prostitution crimes

Kosha Sharma, 52, and her husba nd Ta run Sharma, 5 5, are facin g federa l char ges for profit ing from dr ug tr affick in g a nd pr ostitution at their Nort he rn Virginia motel , the R ed Car pe t Inn in Dumfr ie s According to court documents, the couple, who ran the business through Kosha LLC, are accused of knowingly allowing and financially benefiting from illegal activities on their property

Since May 2023, prosecutors allege that the Sharmas leased and operated the Red Carpet Inn, profiting from drug sales and prostitution, mainly on the motel’s third floor They face conspiracy charges for distributing controlled substances, including fentanyl, which carries a mandatory 10-year prison sentence if convicted

enforcement carried out nine undercover prostitution operations and 15 controlled drug buys at the motel, with 11 involving fen-

tanyl and four cocaine Authorities allege Margo Waldon Pierce, 51, distributed narcotics during all 15 transactions Two other suspects, Joshua Roderick, 40, and Rashard Perrish Smith, 33, were arrested for their roles in the operation The investigation was a joint effort by the FBI, Prince William County Police, and Virginia State Police

Bangladesh record 645 incidents involving minorities

ce r ecords fr om Ja nuar y to December 2025 docume nte d 64 5 in cide nt s in volving min oritie s Of the se , 71 we re iden tified as ha ving commun al eleme nts, while 574 wer e non-commun al, ste mming from cr iminal a ctivity such a s the ft , lan d d isput es, political r iv alries, an d pe rsonal con flicts Yunus emphasised that most cases affecting minority communities were criminal, not religiously motivated, and highlighted the g o v e r n m e n t

d d r e s s i n g crime with transparency and evidence-based reporting Communal incidents primarily involved vandalism or desecration of religious sites and idols H

involving minority victims were driven by criminal or social factors, not communal hostility Hundreds of cases have been formally registered, with arrests made in many and investigations ongoing Bangladesh faces significant law-and-order challenges, with 3,000-3,500 lives lost annually to violent crime, affecting all communities Since the formation of the interim government under Muhammad Yunus, attacks on the Hindu community have risen On January 17, Liton Chandra Ghosh, 55, was beaten to death in G

employee, Ananta Das, from assault Ghosh was struck with a shovel during the altercation and later died The suspects were arrested and handed over to the police

Yoweri Museveni

HE Nimisha Jayant Madhvani

Mina Khagram OGW

Sanjeev Kumar

Kosha and Tarun Sharma

US invites India to join Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace

discussion

follows the creation of the N

C o m m i t t

the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which will restore public services, rebuild civil i n s t i

n d deploying an International Stabilization Force (ISF) for security and police training, aligning with UN Security

C o u n c i l R e s o l u t i o n 2 8 0 3 (2025) and endorsed by the UN in November 2025

T h e l e a d e r s h i p g r o u p includes Trump, Secretary

o f S t a t e M a r c o R u b i o , former UK PM Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and others The US

c o u n t r i e s ,

n c l u d i n g P a k i s t a n a n d t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o

participation is still under

joining, but France plans to

join, has yet to decide World Bank President Banga appointed to Gaza governance World Bank President A j

reconstruction The White H

controversial 20-point plan to resolve the Gaza conflict, which has claimed around 70,000 lives Banga, 63, has

including

alumnus of St Stephen’s

Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A),

y B

regional stabilisation, has

experience, including roles on Obama’s cybersecurity

nomination was aimed at reforming the institution to address climate change and financial challenges Under T r u m p , h e ’ s n o w t a s k e d with mobilizing capital for Gaza’s reconstruction

India withdraws diplomat families from Bangladesh

I ndi a has made Banglades h a “non-family” posting for i t s di p lo m at s du e t o s ec uri ty conc erns , though all five diplomatic missions will c ontinue operating at full strength

T h i s d e c i s i o n c o m e s a m i d r i s i n g t h r e a t s f r o m e x t r e m i s t g r o u p s , w i t h diplomats advised to send their dependents back to India as a precaution The high commission and four assistant high commissions

i n C h a t t o g r a m , K h u l n a , R a j s h a h i , a n d S

i l l r e m

p e n D e t a i

VP Radhakrishnan discusses IndiaUK parliamentary collaboration

V i ce - P res i d en t C P R ad h a kri s h na n, d u ri ng a meeting with U K House of L o rd s S p ea ker L o rd J o h n Francis McFall, hig hlig hted th e s h ar ed d em o c ra ti c v alu es bet we en I nd ia and the U K They discussed potential c o l l a b o r a

two nations and emphasised t

s y s t e m i s inspired by the Westminster model, it has evolved to suit

I n d i a ' s u n i q u e d e m o c r a t i c f r a m e w o r k H e a l s o

u n d e r

c

m

commitment to rule of law, parliamentary privilege, and executive oversight T h e V i c e P r e s i d e n t emphasised the importance of responsible freedom of

PM Modi inaugurates key development projects in Assam

P ri m e M i n is te r Na ren d ra

Mod i laid the fo und ation for the Rs 6, 957-crore Kaziranga

E lev ate d C o rr id o r an d v i rtu a ll y fl ag g e d o ff t w o A m ri t Bh ara t t rai ns in Assam ’ s Nagaon district

During his two-day visit, M o d i p e r f o r m e d t h e ‘ B h o o m i P o o j a n ’ f o r t h e c o r r i d o r , w h i c h a i m s t o e n s u r e s a f e w i l d l i f e movement across Kaziranga

N a t i o n a l P a r k a n d T i g e r

Reserve, reduce accidents on NH-715, boost ecotourism, and generate local jobs

The project, part of the four-laning of the KaliaborNumaligarh section, includes 34 45 km of elevated wildlifef r i e n d l y c o r r i d o r s a n d

b y p a s s e s a t J a k h a l a b a n d h a

a n d B o k a k h a t M o d i a l s o

r e v i e w e d a m o d e l o f t h e corridor

P r i m e M i n i s t e r

N a r e n d r a M o d i v i r t u a l l y

flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains – DibrugarhGomti Nagar (Lucknow) and K a m a k h y a - R o h t a k T h e s e t r a i n s w i l l e n h a n c e l o n g -

d i s t a n c e r a i l c o n n e c t i v i t y between Assam and several s t a t e s , i n c l u d i n g W e s t B e n g a l , B i h a r , U t t a r P r a d e s h , D e l h i , a n d H a r y a n a , w h i l e r e d u c i n g t r a v e l t i m e a n d o f f e r i n g modern amenities Modi, in his post on 'X', h i g h l i g h t e d t h e B h o o m i

P o

I n d i a h a s c l a s s i f i e d

B a n g l a d e s h a s a " n o nf a m i l y " p o s t i n g f o r diplomats due to growing

s e c u r i t y c o n c e r n s , p a r t i c u l a r l y t h r e a t s f r o m r a d i c a l a n d e x t r e m i s t g r o u p s T h i s f o l l o w s increased tensions after the i n t e r i m g o v e r n m e n t o f M u h a m m a d Y u n u s assumed power, with India c r i t i c i s i n g i t s f a i l u r e t o protect minorities and its alleged tolerance for radical

a c t i v i t i e s R e l a t i o n s b e t w e e n I n d i a a n d

B a n g l a d

s h h a v e deteriorated since August

n w h e n d i p l o m a t s ' f a m i l i e s will return or the number of diplomats in Bangladesh have not been disclosed for security reasons

2024, prompting both sides to enhance security at their missions

Violent protests outside

response, India has reached

y ( B N

likely to be the largest party in the upcoming February

P M Khaleda Zia, meeting her

Tarique Rahman, signaling efforts to improve ties with the BNP

T he M adu rai Bench of th e Madras High C ourt, led by Justice G R Swaminath an, has s e t a s id e t h e M i nis tr y o f Home Aff airs’ rejection of a

c h a r it a bl e tr u s t ' s F o re ig n

C o nt r ib u t io n ( Re gu l a t io n ) Act (F CRA) registratio n The rejection was based o n t h e r e c e i p t o f f o r e i g n contributions without prior p e r m i s s i o n , d e s p i t e t h e

c o n t r a v e n t i o n b e i n g compounded under Section 41 of the FCRA The trust,

d i n g T h e c o u r t ’ s order came 14 months after l a w y e r S a i f u l I s l a m A l i f ’ s d e a t h , w i t h J u d g e J a h

against all 39 accused, despite the prosecution’s objections TV footage showed Das,

e s t a b l i s h e d i n 2 0 1 7 b y f o l l o w e r s o f S w a m i

unsubstantiated

foreign contributions, calling

D a y a n a n d a S a r a s w a t i , focuses on Vedanta, Sanskrit, Hatha Yoga, and preserving a n c i e n t m a n u s c r i p t s I t applied for FCRA registration i n 2 0 2 1 , b u t f a c e d d e l a y s After clarifications in 2025, the authorities rejected the a p p l i c a t i o n , c i t i n g t h e c o n t r a v e n t i o n a n d t h e o r g a n i s a t i o n ' s a l l e g e d religious nature The petitioner challenged the decision, arguing that the compounded offence should not be held against them The C o u r t a g r e e d , e m p h a s i s i n g t h a t a r e s o l v e d v i o l a

national security, and alleged Das and his followers were responsible His group had held protests in 2024 after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster over a t t a c k s o n H i n d u communities Hindus make up about 8% of Bangladesh’s 170 million population Das’ a r r

Delhi ties, with India expressing concern

Ajay Banga

PM Modi with US President Donald Trump

Prime Minister Modi inspects during the 'Bhoomi Pujan' ceremony of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project

Chinmoy Krishna Das

Continued from page 01

India-UAE elevate trade and energy ties

This marks his third official visit as UAE President and his fifth visit to India in the past decade, with the current visit lasting three hours

Prime Minister Modi personally received MBZ at the New Delhi airport, emphasising the close ties between the two countries The visit, made at Modi’s invitation, comes amid heightened developments in West Asia and provides an opportunity to chart new directions for bilateral cooperation

Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform X, welcomi n g U A E P r e s i d e n t S h e i k h Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, popularly known as MBZ, with the message: Went to the airport to welcome my brother, His Highness

S h e i k h M o h a m e d b i n Z a y e d A l Nahyan His visit underscores the s t r o n g I n d i a - U A E f

d s h i p Looking forward to our discussions " Modi shared photographs of the two leaders, including one of them seated in a car and another showing a warm embrace The PM later hosted MBZ and his family at h i s o f f i c i a l r e s i d e n c e o n L o k

Kalyan Marg, New Delhi (India)

A s p a r t o f t h e t r a d i t i o n a l Indian welcome, Modi presented MBZ with a hand-carved Royal

C a r v e d W o o d e n J h u l a f r o m Gujarat, symbolising togetherness

a n d b o n d i n g H e a l s o g i f t e d a

h a n d m a d e K a s h m i r i P a s h m i n a shawl from Telangana, with a similar shawl given to Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, along with Kashmiri saffron in an ornate silver box

Focus on bilateral partnership

Prime Minister Modi and UAE

P r e s i d e n t S h e i k h M o h a m e d b i n

Zayed Al Nahyan held a two-hour, s u b s t a n t i v e m e e t i n g i n I n d i a , focusing on nuclear reactors, AI, d e f e n c e , e n e r g y s e c u r i t y , a n d counter-terrorism

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that the two leaders, who share a "warm and close relationship," held both restricted and delegation-level talks Several agreements and letters of intent were exchanged, highlighting the strong India-UAE partnership

The UAE delegation included

members of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai royal families, along with k e y m

h Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai

E n e r g y s e c u r i t y w a s a k e y focus, with India and the UAE cel-

Petroleum and ADNOC Gas, making the UAE one of India’s largest LNG suppliers The deal highlights the UAE’s growing role in supporting India’s energy needs amid global volatility

The two leaders also discussed civil nuclear cooperation, agreeing t

including large reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) This follows India’s SHANTI law, opening new doors for international collaboration in nuclear energy AI and emerging technologies were also prioritised, with both nations agreeing to collaborate on a supercomputing cluster in India and exploring UAE investments in d a t a c e n t r e s T h

c

n c e p t o f "Digital Embassies" was discussed,

with Sheikh Mohamed expressing

Summit in 2026

Defence cooperation received a boost with a Letter of Intent for a S t r a t e g i c

while both sides condemned terrorism and pledged continued cooperation within the FATF framework to counter terror financing

Economic cooperation was a key focus, with India-UAE bilateral trade reaching $100 billion in FY

Partnership Agreement The two sides aim to double trade to $200 billion by 2032

They discussed UAE involve-

such as an international airport, Greenfield port, and energy facilities Additionally, both countries agreed to speed up initiatives like

focusing on commercialising space science and technology, and dis-

through sustainable supply chains and public-private partnerships A MoU on food safety is expected to

strengthen UAE food resilience

People-to-people ties were also emphasised, with discussions on promoting youth exchanges and establishing a ‘House of India’ in Abu Dhabi Both sides supported each other’s key regional and global initiatives, with the UAE backing

gratitude for the warm reception, marking the visit as a step forward in expanding India-UAE strategic ties

EU leaders to attend Republic Day celebrations amid trade deal talks

With UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visiting India just ahead of the 77th Republic Day, the occasion looks set for positive developments Meanwhile, India and the European Union are set to announce the conclusion of negotiations on a long-pending free trade agreement (FTA) at a summit in New Delhi on January 27, coinciding with Republic Day Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has called it the "mother of all trade deals," capping nearly two decades of talks The deal is expected to be signed soon after legal clearances

A small military contingent from the EU will also take part in the Republic Day parade, marking the first time an EU force has joined the event EU leaders, including President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, will be in India from January 25 to 27 for the summit, which will focus on trade, security, and diplomacy

The FTA, India’s largest and most complex trade agreement, spans goods, services, and trade rules across the EU’s 27-member customs union The deal follows years of stalled negotiations over issues like automobiles, intellectual property, and public procurement The breakthrough came in 2022, with both sides narrowing their focus and prioritizing an executable agreement, excluding sensitive topics like agriculture

ED investigates money laundering in Sabarimala gold case

T h e E n fo r c em en t

D irectorate (E D) condu cted raids at 21 lo catio ns acro ss

T am i l N a du

K er al a, an d K arnataka i n a mo ney lau ndering probe linked to th e S abarimala go ld loss case, so urces said

ina

g led d ies el hidden i n wate r ta nks The vessel’s master and t h e o w n

Padmakumar were among

case this month A K e r a l a H i g h C

supervised SIT is also investigating the politically sensit i v e S a b a r i m a l a g o

d

o s s case and has arrested 11 people, including chief priest Kandararu Rajeevaru, busi-

president A Padmakumar

The ED is probing proceeds of crime, irregularities, administrative lapses, and alleged criminal cons p i r a

gold from the Lord Ayyappa temple, including gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and Sreekovil door frames

Government demands to scrap 10-minute delivery services

The Indian governm ent has of ficially direc ted al l q uic k-c omm e rc e pl at for ms to aba ndon their 10-minute delivery prom ises following intense c onc erns over worker s afety

The Union Labour Ministry held closeddoor discussions with executives from major brands including Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart The directive follows a massive nationwide strike on New Year’s Eve 2025, where tens of thousands of riders protested against dangerous working conditions and the inhumane pressure of ultra-fast deadlines

urged firms to recalibrate consumer expectations to protect the lives of India's 7 7 million g

already rebranded itself as a “last-minute” rather than “10-minute” delivery app While platforms utilise dense networks of dark stores to maintain speed, critics argue that e

unsafe driving Although the Niti Aayog think tank projects the gig workforce will reach 23 5 million by 2030, workers currently lack social security and earn as little as £165 a month A 19 -y ea r-

in M

Bharat Mart and the Virtual Trade Corridor to connect MSMEs across West Asia, Africa, and Eurasia

PM receives Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the United Arab Emirates at airport

PM Modi with UAE delegation members

PM and the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessing the Exchange of MoUs between India and UAE

PM meets the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi

h

India showcases investment opportunities at WEF 2026

F orum Annual M eeting 2026 from J anu ary 19 u nd er the th em

S p iri t of Di alog u e,

largest delegations, including four U

Vaishnaw, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Pralhad Joshi, and K Rammohan N

Security Advisor Ajit Doval Six Chief Ministers are attending to promote their states as investment destinations

The India Pavilion highlights "Partner with Bharat and subscribe to the future," with IT giants like

infrastructure, clean energy, and digital services

On day one at Davos, India focused on readiness rather than

the tone with a blend of cultural diplomacy and economic goals He announced plans for Maharashtra to become a $1 trillion economy by 2

‘MahaNRI Connect’ platform to

diaspora to the state

Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted

under Prime Minister Modi, with Assam emerging as the country’s

invited global investors to explore

opportunities in hydrocarbons and green energy Sarma also met Tata

semiconductor industry, marking the state's debut at Davos as a rising investment hub E

i o n President Ursula von der Leyen at

Davos announced that India and the EU are nearing a historic trade agreement, which could transform

Gujarat CM joins kite festival in historic Dariapur area

Believing that, like kites

residents,

s

Gujarat should reach

celebrations, flying kites at Mulji Parekh ni Pole His presence sparked immense

T he En fo r ce m e n t

D i r e ct o r a t e ( ED ) h a s for ma lly all eged t hat Rohan

C ho k si , s on o f f ug i t iv e d ia m o n d m e r ch a n t M e hu l Choksi, was activel y in vol ved in the £1 2 bill ion (Rs 13,000 crore) Pun ja b National B ank (PNB) fr aud

I n a s i g n i f i c a n t s u b m i s s i o n b e f o r e t h e Appellate Tribunal in Delhi, t h e a g e n c y c l a i m e d t h a t Rohan utilised his 99 99% s t a k e i n L u s t e r I n d u s t r i e s

P r i v a t e L i m i t e d t o d i v e r t i l l i c i t f u n d s a b r o a d

Although Rohan has not yet been named as an accused in a First Information Report (FIR), the ED argued that his c o r p o r a t e c o n t r o l w a s instrumental in operating a network of paper companies and offshore entities

T h e i n v e s t i g a t i o n

revealed that Mehul Choksi, who fled India in January

2 0 1 8 , u s e d t h

s h e l l companies to stage fictitious transactions Specifically, the

Diamond and Jewellery FZE

entity allegedly controlled by the Choksis By linking these proceeds of crime to Rohan's

personal assets While Mehul Choksi remains in Antigua fighting extradition and his nephew Nirav Modi is jailed in London, this development suggests the eight-year-old

include the next generation of the Choksi family

chains She described the agreement as

prioritise "fair trade, partnership, and sustainability " Von der Leyen confirmed she would visit India s o o n t o

s , emphasising that the deal would c

quarter of global GDP, and offer European companies a strategic advantage in one of the fastestgrowing regions

Seven Indian tycoons join Trump at WEF reception

The world's elite, including US P

gathering in the Swiss Alps amid r

much focus on Trump's return to the World Economic Forum after six years

influential Indian business leaders: Natarajan Chandrasekaran (Tata Sons), Sunil Bharti Mittal (Bharti Enterprises), Srini Pallia (Wipro),

India ranks 16th on Responsible Nations Index

n c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h J N U a n d I I M M u m b a i , t h e f r a m e w o r k m e a s u r e s h o w n a t i o n s e x e r c i s e p o w e r

a c r o s s t h r e e d i m e n s i o n s : i n t e r n a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y , environmental stewardship, and international behaviour

G o v ern o r G av i n N ew s o m ap p o in ted ci v i l ri g h ts

ad v o c ate M an j u sh a P Ku lkarni to the C alifornia C ommission on A sian and P a ci f ic I s lan d er A m e ri ca n A ffairs

K u l k a r n i , E x e c u t i v e

W h i l e S i n g a p o r e t o o k t h e t o p s p o t , f o l l o w e d b y Switzerland and Denmark, I n d i a ’ s h i g h p l

and people-centred governance Former president Ram Nath Kovind

Director of the AAPI Equity Alliance and co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, has been a leading voice on anti-AAPI issues She was recognized alongside her co-founders in t h e T I M E 1 0 0 a n d Bloomberg 50 lists for their a d v o c a c y T h e p o s i t i o n c a r r i e s n o c o m p e n s a t i o n and doesn't require Senate confirmation

Manjusha P Kulkarni’s work has been featured in major outlets like The New York Times, NPR, and CNN, a n d s h e h a s b r i e f e d o r g a n i s a t i o n s s u c h a s t h e Aspen Institute, the World

B a n k , a n d t h e U N I n January 2024, she delivered a TEDx talk at UC Berkeley o n c i v i l r i g h t s a n d community empowerment Kulkarni also serves on the Board of LA Voice, the Los A n g e l e s C i t y

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis meets Head of Urban Transformation and Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum, Jeff Merritt

Himanta Biswa Sarma

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel celebrating Makar Sankranti

On Makar Sankranti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fed fodder to cows at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence, marking the Hindu harvest festival In a 39-second video, PM Modi was seen offering feed to the cows, which were adorned in festive cloths He extended his greetings to the nation, highlighting that Makar Sankranti, celebrated across India, signifies the Sun's transition into Capricorn

Manjusha P Kulkarni

Devotees from across India and abroad attend historic Ramkatha

Jain A charya Lo kesh inaug urated a

h i s to ri c Ra m ka th a at In d i a Mandapam , New Delhi, marking the first collaboration between a Jain spiritu al lead er and senio r Indian d ig nitaries to promote global p eace and harm ony

The Vice President of India, Hon C P Radhakrishnan, called it a land-

m

Morari Bapu and warmly welcoming Acharya Lokesh’s efforts

K

M

F

Acharya Lokesh, as a divine effort to strengthen India’s spiritual roots He highlighted that Morari Bapu’s Shri Ram Katha series, the 971st episode, will spread messages of global peace

a

every Indian proud

B

M

Ramkatha in Delhi seeks to spread p

compassion, hoping a large audience will advance Acharya Lokesh’s World Peace Mission

W o r l d P e a c e E n v o y A c h

r y a Lokesh noted that Morari Bapu introd u c e d R a m k a t h a t o m a r g i n a l i s e d c o m

humanity globally, including at the U N , a n d

W

Center’s Katha will further promote global peace

The event began with lamp lighting and aarti, followed by a shared Prasad meal, with organisers ensuring a smooth and meaningful experience for devotees from India and abroad

Delh i A ssem bly sp eaker attends M orari Bapu’s Ram K atha O

Mandapam, Jain Acharya Lokesh welcomed Chief guest Vijender Gupta, Speaker of the Delhi Assembly, with a

Dharma is a universal principle guiding humanity Morari Bapu said, “Ram embodies Dharma, ethics, and justice, balancing

CHARUSAT celebrates academic excellence at 15th convocation

(C

“A+” by NAAC and recog

ni

Excellence’ by the Gujarat gov ernm ent, held its 15th Convocation on Janu ary 1 3, 2026, at its cam pus

Union Home Minister A

Guest, delivered the con-

Surendrabhai Patel presided over the ceremony

lence, must evolve with progressive

Katha’s true success ” Vijender Gupta highlighted India as a spiritual hub, birthplace of the Vedas, Upanishads, and Agamas, and praised Acharya Lokesh’s Ram Katha as a symbol of unity in the country’s religious diversity

On the second day of the Katha, Swami Shailendra (Osho’s brother) said Ram is the root of all World Peace Ambassador Acharya Lokesh Ji emphasised that Sanatan consciousness unites all faiths and highlighted the global relevance of Mahavir’s teachings of non-violence and peace

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s family and senior BJP leader Shyam Jaju attended, with over 3,000 devot

Mandapam

BJP’s big urban push pays off in Maharashtra civic elections

T he BJP -led alliance scored a decisiv e v ictory in M ah arashtra’s m unicipal corp oration elections, with cou nting comp leted for 2,83 3 of the 2, 868 seats acro ss 29 civic bodies by mid nig ht

The outcome signals a major shift in urban politics, with the BJP emerging as the largest party, winning around 1,400 seats, followed by Shiv Sena (397), Congress (324), NCP (160) and Shiv Sena (UBT) (153)

T h e s h i f t w a s m o s t v i s i b l e i n Mumbai, where the BJP-led Mahayuti won a clear majority in the 227-member BMC, with the BJP securing 89 seats and ally Shiv Sena 29, ending the undivided Shiv Sena’s nearly threedecade rule Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the alliance is set to govern 25 of the 29 civic bodies that voted on January 15

P r i m e M i n i s t e r N a r e n d r a M o d i described the outcome as an endorsement of the NDA’s governance The BJP improved on its 2017 BMC performance and, with Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, tightened its grip on Mumbai, marking a decline of the Thackeray-led

Shiv Sena

The BJP dominated key urban centres, winning 96 seats in Pune and 84 in Pimpri-Chinchwad, dealing a setback to the Pawar-led NCP factions While the Congress struggled in Mumbai, it secured 43 of 70 seats in Latur, and the BJP swept Nagpur with 102 of 151 seats AIMIM made gains in select Muslimm a j o r i t y w a r d s , a s h i g h - p r o f

alliances failed, reinforcing the BJP’s hold over Maharashtra’s urban politics

In the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, where about 23 Gujarati–Marwari corporators were elected in

2017, the BJP fielded the most G

Gujarati-dominated areas this time, with many winning their seats

Winners from the BJP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena included Jitendra Ambalal Patel (20,126) from ward number 10, Jigyasa Shah (26,088) from ward num-

(23,346) from Ward-No 30, Harsh Patel (18,728) from Ward-No 55, Sandeep Patel (7153) from ward 58, Kesharben Patel from ward 81, Hetal Gala (13,398)

Morvekar (17,334) from Ward-No 103, Neil Somaiya (21,229), from ward number 107, Dharmesh Giri (14,253) from ward number 130, Kalpesha Kothari ( 1 2 , 1 7 9 ) f

r d n u m b

r 1 7 7 , G a u r a n g Z a v e r i ( 1 5 , 3 1 7 ) f r o m w a r d number 217, Akash Purohit (6178) from ward number 221 and Rita Makwana (12,154 votes) from ward number 222

Gujarat fisherman dies in Pakistan jail after sentence ends

An Indian fisherman fr om G ujar at died in a Pa kista ni jail on January 16, even though his sent ence ha d e nded in 2022

T

activist and journalist Jatin Desai, who said the fisherman’s nationality had been verified

C i t i n

Consular Access, Desai noted that several Indian fishermen continue to remain impris-

exposing a gap between policy and implementation

Around 200 Indian fishermen, mostly

Maharashtra, are lodged in Pakistan’s Malir Jail for alleged maritime violations Jatin Desai said three to four fishermen die there annually, citing poor health care, and urged both countries to handle the issue on humanitarian grounds

Recently, women from fisherfolk families met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi, seeking faster release and repatriation of the fishermen, along with medical care, return of seized boats, revival of the Joint Judicial Committee, and family support

Addressing 2,794 graduates, including 45 gold medallists and 38 PhD recipients, Shah emphasised that life without vision is meaningless, urging students to set ambitious goals and contribute to the nation’s progress under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision He personally conferred degrees and medals, congratulating students on their achievements

At CHARUSAT’s convocation, 2,794 graduates, including 45 gold medallists and 38 PhD recipients, were conferred degrees The ceremony began with a grand procession led by Registrar Dr Binit Patel, joined by the chief guest, Provost, President, governing body members, deans, and principals of various institutes

The event began with a prayer and University Song, followed by a welcome from Provost Dr Atul Patel, who introduced Union Home Minister Amit Shah Graduates took an oath pledging professional excellence, and PhD scholars and gold medallists received their degrees and medals from the dignitaries

The ceremony witnessed a large turnout of students, f a m i l i e s ,

Chancellor Dr Bimal Patel, Kelavani Mandal Secretary Dr M C Patel, Kiranbhai Patel, and CHRF President Vipulbhai Patel

The convocation concluded with a vote of thanks by Registrar Dr Binit Patel All medals were real gold, presented with certificates, and students and parents were given special hospitality and attention

Supreme Court dismisses Varma’s plea on impeachment panel

T

w a nt V

Birla’s decision to constitute a c o m m i tte e to e xa m i ne im p eac h m e nt ch a rg e s ag ainst him

The Speaker had accepted an impeachment motion s i g n e d b y 1 4 6 M P s a n d announced a three-member p a n e l c o m p r i s i n g J u s t

Amit Kumar and Maninder

Mohan Srivastava, and B B

Acharya The top court had

house inquiry recommending Justice Varma’s removal had legal backing

over the

The Supreme Court dism i s s e d J u s t i c e Y a s h w a n t Varma’s plea challenging the in-house inquiry report and former CJI Sanjiv Khanna’s recommendation to initiate i m p e a c h m

‘Non-Hindu prohibited’ signs put up at Har Ki Pauri

Am id c alls to declare the Haridw ar K umbh area a Hindu zone and restrict non-Hindus from religious sites and Ganga ghats, “No nHindu p roh ibited area ” s igns were installed at Har Ki P auri

The Ganga Sabha, which manages the ghats, put up the signs at all entry points, citing existing restrictions under the Haridwar Municipal Act of 1916 The move followed a viral video of two men in Arab attire at the ghat, later revealed to be Hindus filming a YouTube video The Sabha has now urged the Uttarakhand government to extend such restrictions across the entire Kumbh area before the Ardh Kumbh next year Following the Kandura incident, the Ganga Sabha urged authorities and media houses not to deploy non-Hindu staff in the area to maintain its sanctity

recovery of

from his official Delhi residence following a fire incident The cash was reportedly found by fire personnel after a blaze broke out at the residence on March 14, when Justice Varma was serving as a Delhi High Court judge and was not present at the time During a July 28 hearing, the apex court questioned why he had not challenged the three-judge in-

appearing before the panel

Jain Acharya Lokesh with Morari Bapu

Former President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President of India, Hon C P Radhakrishnan and Jain Acharya Lokesh

Vijender Gupta (left) with Jain Acharya Lokesh at the event

From left Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CHARUSAT President Surendra Patel and Provost Atul Patel

Yashwant Varma

A R Rahman hints at communal bias in Bollywood

C o mp o se r A R Ra h m an s p a rk ed c o n tro ve rs y by

h i n ti n g at “ c o m mu n al ”

di s c r im i na ti o n i n

B o ll y wo o d o ve r th e p a st eigh t years

Speaking to BBC Asian Network, he said, “Maybe I didn’t get to know all this stuff Maybe God concealed all this stuff I never felt all t h o s e ” H e a d d e d , “ P a s t eight years, maybe, because

t h e p o w e r s h i f t h a s happened people who are not creative have the power now to decide things And

t h i s m i g h t h a v e b e e n a communal thing also, but not in my face But I would hear like Chinese whispers

t h a t t h i s h a p p e n e d A n d they booked you and the music company went and funded the movie and got five composers And I said, ‘Oh, that’s great Rest for me ’” A R Rahman suggested a possible communal angle in some producers preferring o t h e r m u s i c i a n s O n

‘Chhaava’, he said, “It is I t h i n k i t c a s h e d o n divisiveness But I think the

why do you need me for this?’ He said, ‘We need only y o u

T h

m , directed by Laxman Utekar, was one of 2025 ’ s biggest hits R

drew criticism Javed Akhtar s

i have great respect for him I don’t think there is any communal element ” Singer Shaan added, “Rahman saab

angle in music

unfortunate,” noting, “The people of the country have never seen Rahman through the lens of religion ” VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal

BAPS hosts unity forum at Texas Hindu campsite

B A P S S h ri S

industry

Rahman later clarified in

inspiration, my teacher and

wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt

He

voices through projects like

mentoring young musicians,

Hans Zimmer

PM Modi praises Tamil culture at Pongal event

P ri m e Mi n i s te r Na re nd ra

Mo di jo ined vibrant P ongal

c e le b ra ti o n s a t th e N ew

D elh i res ide nce o f Unio n

Minister L Murugan

Addressing a gathering of ministers and bureaucrats,

t h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r h a i l e d

Pongal as a global festival

d i a s p o r a w o r l d w i d e H e emphasised that the harvest

f e s t i v a l s e r v e s a s a v i t a l tribute to the tireless efforts of farmers and a profound

e x p r e s s i o n o f g r a t i t u d e

t o w a r d s t h e s u n a n d t h e land

During the event, Modi

h i g h l i g h t e d h o w T a m i l

c u l t u r e , a s o n e o f t h e

w o r l d ' s o l d e s t l i v i n g

c i v i l i s a t i o n s , p r o v i d e s a roadmap for a sustainable

PM Modi addressing the gathering during the Pongal Festival celebrations

PM Narendra Modi participates in the Pongal Festival Celebration

future through its harmony with nature He linked the t r a d i t i o n a l v a l u e s o f t h e f e s t i v a l t o m o d e r n e n v i r o n m e n t a l i n i t i a t i v e s such as Mission LiFE and water conservation projects

T h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r a l s o issued a formal message in

b o t h E n g l i s h a n d T a m i l , p r a i s i n g t h e d i g n i t y o f labour and the strength of f a m i l i a l b o n d s r e i n f o r c e d during the festivities

T h i s h i g h - p r o f i l e o u t r e a c

t c o m e s ahead of the Tamil Nadu

A s s e m b l y e l e c t i o n s scheduled for later this year

B y p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n t h e s e

t r a d i t i o n s , t h e P r i m e

Minister aimed to reinforce n a t i o n a l u n i t y a n d

a

contributions of the Tamil

c o m m u n i t y t o I n d i a ’ s heritage

n ara yan M a nd i r, H o us to n j o i ne d Hind us of Greater Hou ston, a co a li ti o n o f o v er 4 0 mandirs and organisations, at th e ne w ly i nau g u r ate d Texas Hindu C am psite for a day of collaboration, service, an d d ia lo g u e T h e e v en t s erv ed a s b o th a s er v i ce i ni ti a ti v e an d a U ni ty F oru m, reinf orci ng efforts to strengthen Hindu valu es and co mmunity bond s A s p a r t o f i t s c o m m i t m e n t t o s e l f l e s s

s e r v i c e ,

B A P S H o u s t o n

d o n a t e d s e v e r a l y o u t h trailers to the campsite, the

f i r s t a n d o n l y H i n d u c a m p s i t e i n t h e U S , t o s u p p o r t e d u c a t i o n a l , c u l t u r a l , a n d s p i r i t

programs for Hindu youth

B A P S ’ s t r a d i t i o n o f s u p p o r t i n g c o m m u n i t y infrastructure The Day of Gratitude, organised by the c a m p s i t e ’ s f o u n d e r s S h r i S u b h a s h G u p t a a n d S h r i

S a r o j i n i G u p t a , b r o u g h t t o g e t h e r o v e r 6 0 d o n o r s ,

B A P S l e a d e r s , a n d volunteers to celebrate this collective effort

The 2026 Unity Forum,

Former CJI Chandrachud backs bail rights in Umar Khalid case

F o rm e r C h i ef Ju s ti c e o f

India D Y C handrach ud has w ar ne d th at p ro lo n g ed i nc ar ce rat io n w i th ou t a verdict v iolates fundamental rig hts, stating that p re-trial detention must nev er serve as a form of p unishm ent

Speaking as a citizen at t h e J a i p u r L i t e r a t u r e Festival, the former jurist a d d r e s s e d t h e o n g o i n g detention of activist Umar Khalid, who has remained in jail for over five years in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case C h a n d r a c h u d e m p h a s i s e d t h a t t h e p r e s

t i o n o f i n n o c e n c e r e m a i n s t h e

D Y Chandrachud

bedrock of Indian law and that bail should be treated as a

exception

D u r

moderated by Vir Sanghvi, Chandrachud said that even

in national security cases, courts must uphold Article 21 and the

N iti n Nabin formally took c harge as the 12 th national president of the Bharatiya J anata Party (BJP), marking a histori c generational s hift

i n In dia's la rgest politi cal party

At 45 years old, Nabin is the youngest leader ever to hold the post, succeeding JP

N a d d a f o l

process His candidacy was

Narendra Modi, Amit Shah,

ministerial portfolios for Road Construction and

during his tenure, he flagged judicial hesitation at lower levels, where judges often

of undertrials

Indian Coast Guard foils night escape of Pakistani vessel

The Indian Coas t Guard (ICG) inte rcepted a Pakis tani fishing boa t that c ros sed into Indian wa

Boundary Line in the Arabian Sea

In a post on X, the ICG said the vessel, ALMADINA, was spotted during a patrol and tried to flee towards Pakistan before being s t o p p

w members were found on board, and the boat is being towed to Porbandar for detailed rummaging and joint interrogation The ICG said the action underscores its commitment t

vigilance and law enforcement

A similar incident occurred in December, when the Indian Coast Guard detained 11 Pakistani fishermen after their boat, ‘Al Wali’, was found inside Indian waters near Jakhau T

within India’s EEZ and the fishermen were taken to Jakhau Port for investigation, amid heightened maritime security Around the same time, India and Japan reaffirmed closer maritime cooperation at the 22nd High-Level ICG meeting led by Paramesh Sivamani and J

Saguchi

Commercial flight transports organ for first time in Kerala

In a hi storic mi lestone f or Ind ian med icin

human organ was transported v ia a commercial passen ger ai rcraft for the first time in Kerala

Monson, who was declared brain dead on January 14 following a tragic fall from her school building was flown from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram on an IndiGo flight While the state typically relies on naval

reached a 27-year-old female recipient at the Government Medical College within the critical four-hour viability window The mission, coordinated by Dr Namitha and local police, utilised a green corridor to whisk the organ from Aster MIMS Hospital to the airport by 6 am Ayona’s selfless gift eventually saved five lives, with her liver and second kidney transplanted in Kozhikode and her corneas sent to Thalassery

Nitin Nabin

Suniel Shetty

on long work hours: “Not possible”

Deepika

Padukone’s exit from ‘Spirit’ reignited debate over long work hours in the film industry, and veteran actor Suniel Shetty shared his take. He said he prefers not to overwork, sticking to set hours. “Even in this industry, I make sure I work within my hours. If it’s 9 to 6, it’s 9 to 6,” he explained.

He added that he’s willing to extend hours if needed, especially to help a producer in trouble

“If my producer is in a bind, I’ll do 9 to 9 the next day, but m u t u a l u n d e r s t a n d i n g i s k e y ; otherwise, you can’t get the best from me, ” he said

Suniel Shetty said, “You’re talking about 12- or 18-hour workdays, it’s not possible ” As an action hero, he needs breaks and lunch to recharge, or he becomes irritable “If you want the best output, you give me my breaks,” he added

He also stressed that overextending o n e s e l f d o e s n ’ t l e a d t o s u c c e s s a n d emphasised, “Fitness is my life Take away the gym, and you take away my l i f e ” S h e t t y c o n c l u d e d t h a t t h o s e expecting him to work long hours need to understand this

On the work front, he will next appear in Ahmed Khan’s ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ and ‘Hera Pheri 3 ’ , with release dates yet to be announced

Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa announce their

daughter’s name

Mithila Palkar, known for her versatile OTT performances, is gearing up for Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, starring alongside Vir Das and marking Imran Khan’s return to the big screen, with backing from Aamir Khan Speaking to Mid-Day, she recalled how encouraging Aamir was after her audition, congratulating her for joining the project

Mithila also shared how she stepped out of her comfort zone for the film, especially during aggressive or confrontational scenes “The cussing was tough, but slapping Vir was even harder He motivated me to just go for it,” she said She also fondly spoke about reuniting with Imran Khan, praising his intelligence and storytelling

Recalling her early Bollywood days, Mithila said, “It was my first film, and Imran made everyone feel comfortable, so being new didn’t feel intimidating ” Having worked with him in Katti Batti and knowing many of his cousins, she now affectionately calls him “Imran bhai” and sees him as a big brother

She also spoke about early struggles, noting that many auditions didn’t work out and opportunities took time to materialise “It took a long time for things to translate into work, and I’m just grateful for it,” she said Next, Mithila will be seen in Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla with Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal She praised observing the trio at work, calling it “ a well-oiled machine” and noting how inspiring it was to watch their seamless rapport and efficiency on set

Javed Akhtar on film industry changes and secularism

Lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar reflected on the changing status of assistant directors in the Hindi film industry, recalling how they were once treated with little respect Speaking at the inaugural day of the 19th Jaipur Literature Festival, he also touched on secularism, describing it as a way of life that cannot be taught through crash courses

Recalling his early days, Javed said assistant directors were often reduced to running personal errands for actors, such as fetching clothes and shoes He noted that the industry is far more structured today, with assistants now working closely with stars and addressing them on firstname terms, something he said would have been

unimaginable in his time

mraan Hashmi explains long wait for ‘Awarapan’ sequel

Actor Emraan Hashmi has finally addressed the 19-year hiatus preceding the production of ‘Awarapan 2’, which officially commenced filming in Rajasthan this month Hashmi explained that the delay was due to a steadfast refusal to compromise on the script, asserting that any sequel must be worthy of the 2007 original cult classic The project was eventually greenlit after writer Bilal Siddiqi presented a compelling narrative that met the star's high standards

The production, led by Mukesh Bhatt, has recently faced challenges after leaked set photos went viral in December 2025, showing a rugged, long-haired Hashmi In response, security has been tightened on the North Indian sets, with mobile phones now strictly prohibited to protect the film's gritty aesthetic With original composer Pritam returning to score the soundtrack, the film aims to honour the legacy of its predecessor while delivering a modern, darker evolution of its protagonist for a 2026 release

Speaking to a packed audience during his session ‘Javed Akhtar: Points of View’, he described secularism as a way of life learned through daily practice rather than formal teaching, adding that values absorbed naturally from family and society last longer than those taught through lectures

He also reflected on being raised in a family of agnostics and atheists, recalling his grandmother’s innate wisdom despite her lack education Javed shared how she once stopped religious instruction from being imposed on hi a sensibility he said he deeply admires and wish today’s leaders possessed even in part

Rajini-Kamal film to be a commercial entertainer

Fans were thrilled after it was officially announced that Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan would reunite on screen after decades in ‘Thalaivar 173’ The project underwent a change in direction following Sundar C’s exit, with Cibi Chakaravarthi stepping in to helm the film.

On the occasion of Pongal, Rajinikanth met fans who had gathered outside his residence, waved to them, and extended his festival wishes. Speaking briefly to reporters, he highlighted the importance of farmers, calling them the backbone of the country

Responding to a question about his upcoming film with Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth revealed that shooting is set to begin in April and assured fans that it will be a “ proper commercial entertainer ”

Earlier this month, Raaj Kamal Films International officially announced that Cibi Chakaravarthi would direct the film, starring Rajinikanth and produced by Kamal Haasan

Sharing the news, Cibi penned an emotional note about his long journey from being a smalltown fan dreaming of meeting his idol to finally directing him, calling the moment a dream come true

Kamal Haasan had earlier spoken about the project while accepting an award at the SIIMA Awards, describing the collaboration as long overdue He said the film’s success would ultimately depend on audience response and likened their reunion

Parvathy Thiruvothu reveals intense battle with mental health

Acclaimed

actor Parvathy Thiruvothu opened up about her profound mental health struggles in a candid interview.

Speaking on The Male Feminist podcast, she revealed that she endured a period of deep loneliness and suicidal thoughts during early 2021 The Malayalam cinema star explained how she struggled for years to find an appropriate therapist who looked beyond her celebrity status After several unsuccessful attempts with US-based professionals and culturally disconnected sessions in India, she finally found healing through Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma-informed care

Parvathy used the platform to discuss how unaddressed trauma and shame previously impacted her personal life, even leading to the end of a significant relationship due to mismanaged anger By sharing her journey of unlearning shame, she hopes to encourage others to seek specialised support This revelation comes as she advocates for greater awareness regarding the constant vigilance women maintain against societal indecency and the importance of mental well-being in the high-pressure film industry

Vijay Sethupathiquits negative roles

Vijay Sethupathi, the Tamil superstar, impressed audiences with his negative role in Atlee’s Bollywood film Jawan, but his fans didn’t appreciate him playing a villain He revealed that he has decided not to take on negative roles in the future

“I was happy to share screen space with Shah Rukh Khan, but I won’t do villain roles just to prop up a hero,” Vijay said “My fans don’t like it, and neither do I ” Turning 48, Vijay Sethupathi shared an honest n aging, saying, “It feels like I have one o do all the things I want in life It’s not t being an actor; there’s so much more to cinema ” added that when it comes to films, the is his priority “I’d love to work in all lans; Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, i I get many offers, but it’s always the y that matters,” he said On turning 48, Vijay Sethupathi reflect, “I have one less year to do all I want in ife It’s not just about acting; there’s more o life than cinema ” He added that the script is his priority, saying, “I’d love to work in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, or Hindi, but it’s always the story that matters ”

The Raja Saab faces backlash despite Prabhas’ star power

The Raja Saab, starring Baahubali star Prabhas in his first horror venture, was one of the most anticipated Pongal releases However, the film left many fans disappointed, with criticisms ranging from excessive use of body doubles to a poorly written, unintentionally comic script. Director Maruthi, responding to the lukewarm reception, suggested audiences misunderstood the film’s deeper intent.

Speaking at a press conference on the film’s second day, Maruthi said viewers, watching in a festive mood, may have missed the layered narrative He added that three years of creative effort can be hurtful when dismissed easily and addressed online trolling, noting that life often brings challenges to those who mock others, “this is neither a curse nor a threat, but simply the way life works ” Maruthi reiterated t

entertainment may have prevented a full appreciation of the film’s nuances

M

Raja Saab" been released at a different time, its climax might have been better appreciated, adding that “honest work eventually finds its place ” His comments sparked backlash online, with many blaming him rather than the

choice of collaborators Fans also felt the film misused Prabhas’ star power and mixed genres poorly, especially after Maruthi’s success with Prema Katha Chitram

The film earned Rs 120 crore in its first five days, including Rs 63 crore on

sharply Made on a reported Rs 400 crore budget, it quickly lost screens to other releases, which have also struggled at the box office

Anjula Acharia on Priyanka’s humble Hollywood start

Priyanka Chopra’s transition from Bollywood to Hollywood was far from glamorous. While the world saw the rise of a global star, her longtime manager Anjula Acharia witnessed the quiet struggles behind the scenes, as Priyanka, already a major star in India, had to reintroduce herself and start from scratch in a new industry

Speaking on The Ok Sweetie Show, Anjula recalled feeling heartbroke watching Priyanka, whom she called the “Beyoncé of India,” introduce herse in meetings and interact with junior staff She praised Priyanka’s humility saying her willingness to do the groundwork without ego offered her lastin lessons in humility

Priyanka Chopra began her Hollywood journey in 2015 with the ABC serie Quantico, becoming the first South Asian woman to lead an American networ drama After moving to the US post her marriage to Nick Jonas, she starred i films like Baywatch, The Matrix Resurrections, The White Tiger, and Heads o State, and earned acclaim for the spy series ‘Citadel’

She will next appear in the action-thriller ‘The Bluff’ with Karl Urban, premiering on Prime Video on February 25, 2026 In 2027, she returns to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’, starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, in an action-packed role slated for Sankranti

‘Bridgerton’

star Luke Thompson reveals he’s quarter Indian

Tom Hiddleston on Bollywood, Rajamouli and Shah Rukh Khan

Actor Tom Hiddleston recently spoke about his first experience with Indian cinema and shared his thoughts on working with filmmaker SS Rajamouli In an interview with Hollywood Reporter India, he revealed that the first Indian film he watched was the 2002 period drama ‘Devdas’, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit, among others.

When asked about dream

‘RRR’, which featured NTR Jr, Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt, and Ajay Devgn

Tom Hiddleston has often expressed his admiration for Shah Rukh Khan In 2023, he told Bollywood Hungama that Shah Rukh would be perfect

repeatedly associated India

starring his daughter Suhana K h a n , D

Pictures

Luke Thompson, best known as Benedict Bridgerton from the hit series Bridgerton, recently surprised fans by revealing he’s a quarter Indian through his grandmother Born in Southampton in 1988, he moved to France at age two and grew up bilingual in French and English A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Thompson has built a versatile acting career, earning a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for ‘A Little Life’, appearing in BBC dramas, and featuring in films like ‘Dunkirk’

During a recent promo interview for Bridgerton Season 4, Luke Thompson casually revealed he’s “quarter Indian,” as his grandmother is Indian-English Speaking with Sakshma Srivastav, he said, “Well, I am quarter Indian Yeah, yeah, my

grandmother is Indian, well, Indian English So it would be lovely to come and meet my Indian fans one day " The revelation quickly went viral, earning him even more admiration from fans

This season, Benedict takes the lead in a Cinderellastyle romance, featuring a classic masked ball He meets Sophie Baek, played by Korean-Australian Yerin Ha, sparking romance amid lush Regency costumes and emotional twists Season 4 is split into two parts: the first half drops on January 29, and the rest on February 26, 2026, offering a deeper look at Benedict’s story Beyond ‘Bridgerton’, Luke stays busy on stage In 2025, he starred in Tim Crouch’s play ‘An Oak Tree’ at London’s Young Vic, showing his dedication to theater as well as screen acting

The spy thriller Dhurandhar has made cinematic history by becoming the highestgrossing Indian film ever in the United States and Canada, as confirmed

Starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, the blockbuster has amassed a record-breaking $21 million in the region, finally eclipsing the nineyear record of $20 7 million held by Baahubali 2 since 2017 This milestone was achieved just six weeks after its global release, propelled by immense popularity across North American theatres despite facing shadow bans in other international markets like the Middle East

Globally, the film has grossed over 1,296 crore, outperforming massive hits such as RRR, Pathaan, and Animal Trade analysts attribute this success to its high-octane action and an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna By surpassing major industry benchmarks, Dhurandhar has cemented its status as the fourth highest-grossing Indian film of all time

Kohli breaks record with ODI century versus New Zealand

Virat Kohli scored a brilliant century in the third ODI against New Zealand in Indore, reaching the milestone in 91 balls with eight fours and two sixes

I t w a s h i s s e v e n t h O D I hundred against the Kiwis, the most by any batter, breaking the joint record he previously shared with Ricky Ponting and Virender Sehwag Sachin Tendulkar and

S

centuries each

Despite Virat Kohli’s 124 off 108 balls, New Zealand clinched a

2 – 1 s e r i e

n w i t h a 4 1 - r u n victory in the third ODI Chasing 338, India slipped to 71 for four and failed to recover, even with Kohli’s record 54th ODI century,

a

K

Rana (52)

NZ script historic ODI series win in India

N e w Z e a l a n d s e a l e d t h e i r first-ever ODI series win in India

w i t h a 4 1 - r u n v i c t o r y i n t h e decider at Indore

Centuries from Daryl Mitchell ( 1 3 7 ) a n d G l e n n P h i l l i p s ( 1 0 6 ) powered the visitors to 337 for eight, which proved too much for India despite Virat Kohli’s 124, his record 54th ODI hundred After being reduced to 58 for three, M

a n d , while Zak Foulkes struck twice in successive balls to dismiss Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj late in the innings The fourth-wicket

stand ended when Glenn Phillips was caught behind off Arshdeep S i n g h ,

soon after to Mohammed Siraj H

Bracewell’s unbeaten 28 ensured

commanding 337 The two sides will next face off in a five-match

T20I series starting January 21,

beginning February 7 in India and Sri Lanka

Dilpreet Bajwa to lead Canada in India-Sri Lanka T20 World Cup

Dilpreet Bajwa w ill captain C anada at next month ’ s T20 W orld Cu p , th e co u ntry’ s

squad

The 22-year-old, born in India, has featured in nine ODIs and 17 T20Is and will captain Canada for the first time at the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8

C a n a d a , m a k

h e i r s e c o n d W o r l d C u p appearance, are in Group D

w i t h S o u t h A

N e w Zealand, Afghanistan, and the UAE They open their c a m p a

A f r i c a o n F

Ahmedabad, with all group matches scheduled in India

B

Dhaliwal

Canada qualified for the tournament by winning all six matches in the Americas

fourth in their group with one win over Ireland

includes Dilpreet Bajwa (C),

Patel, Dilon Heyliger, Harsh

has also played for S

Kerala in India

Alianza Lima’s women ’ s team announced the signing

Aaryan Varshney

secures

Grandmaster title in Armenia

Aaryan Varshney became the 92nd

winning th

Andranik Marg aryan Memorial in Armenia w

und to

round Hailing from Delhi, Aaryan is the eighth Grandmaster from the capital, joining Parimarjan Negi, A

Vaibhav Suri, Sahaj Grover, Aryan Chopra, and Prithu Gupta A

unconventional Trained entirely a

teacher Gaurav Varshney, he never had a professional coach After his mother left when he was five, his father raised him while supporting his own parents Chess training began seriously at age seven, with his father serving as coach, analyst, and motivator, f

formal theory Aaryan played his f

December 2014 with a 1261 rating and surpassed 2300 within four

Remarkably, Aaryan never read a chess book, relying on ChessBase and post-game analysis He became an International Master in 2024

Mia Blichfeldt slams India Open venue as "unacceptable"

T h e on g o i ng I n d i a Op e n bad mi nton to urnament i n New Delhi has been p lagued by poor co nd itions, drawing c ri ti c is m fr o m s ev era l ov erseas players

D e n m a r k ' s M i a

B l i c h f e l d t d

"unacceptable" and "highly u

droppings on the court and m

B

c h f

squad

T20I fifties and a strike rate of 133 22, will lead

Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Ravinderpal Singh,

Sharma, Shreyas Movva and Yuvraj Samra

n champions highlighted her experience in India, Cyprus, and Greece, and praised her creativity and dynamism at

levels

Manisha expressed her

committed to giving her best, helping the team

w h o exited in the second round, expressed frustration over the difficulties in focusing on performance amid these conditions

She questioned how a W

C

W

l d Federation (BWF) to ensure better conditions for future events

T h e B W F acknowledged the concerns r a i s e d a b o u t t h e I n d i a

Open, citing challenges like haze, cold weather, and air q u a l i t y i s s u e s T h e y highlighted that the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex is an upgrade from KD Jadhav S t a d i u m , o f f e r i n g b

they acknowledged issues with cleanliness and animal c

, w h i c h t h e Badminton Association of India (BAI) has addressed The BWF emphasised that t h e v e n u

international standards and

athletes They assured that

including the BWF World Championships in August

Sisy Quiroz, Head of

T est setup for the p ast two years

The 22-year-old was an u n u s e d s q u a d m e m b e r during the recent Ashes in

A u s t r a l i a , w i t h E n g l a n d p r e f e r r i n g b a t t i n g a l lrounder Will Jacks in four of t h e f i v e T e s t s S i n c e h i s debut in India in February 2024, Bashir has taken 68 w i c k e t s i n 1 9 T e s t s , i n c l u d i n g f o u r f i v e - w i c k e t hauls and a best of 6 for 81 against Zimbabwe He also took the decisive wicket in England’s 22-run win over

I n d i a a t L o r d ’ s i n J u l y ,

b o w l i n g M o h a m m a d S i r a j despite having broken his hand earlier

B a s h i r i s t r a i n i n g i n Zimbabwe with the England Under-19 World Cup squad

u n d e r s p i n c o n s u l t a n t M u s h t a q A h m e d

D o m e s t i c a l l y , h e w a s r e l e a s e d b y S u r r e y b e f o r e j o i n i n g S o m e r s e t i n 2 0 2 3 , t a k i n g 1 0 w i c k e t

Virat Kohli

Aaryan Varshney

Dilpreet Bajwa

Manisha Kalyan

Mia Blichfeldt