AV 26th July 2025 by Asian Business Publications Ltd

Stricter visa and settlement rules begin in UK P15

‘Be The Change’ P16-17 ---------------

Global brands flock to India amid western tariff turbulence P20 ---------------

Aftermath and allegations following AI 171 crash P26

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

S A T 16

Supporters call voting rights at 16 empowering and inclusive; critics say it's premature, politically motivated, and lacking safeguards

Anusha Singh

In a bold and historic shake-up of the democratic landscape, the UK will lower the national voting age to 16 before the next general election giving nearly 1 5 million teenagers the right to help shape the country’s future For the first time, British

S o u t h A

responsibility, will also have a direct say at the ballot box

L a b o u r ’ s l a n d m a r k m o v e i s b e i n g pitched as a vote of confidence in young people, many of whom already pay taxes,

s e r v e i n t h e m i l i t a r y , a n d c a r e d e e p l y about issues from climate justice to educ a t i o n r e f o r m P r i m e M i n i s t e r K e i r

Starmer calls it a matter of fairness and inclusion

“If you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on”, he said

W i t h S c o t l a n d a n d W a l e s a l r e a d y ahead on this front, the change brings all four nations of the UK under one franchise and marks the biggest expansion of

voting rights since 1969 and Britain joins a small but growing list of countries allowing voting at 16, including Austria, Brazil and Ecuador Some EU nations such as Germany, Belgium and Malta also permit 1 6 - y e a r - o l d s t o v o t e i n E u r o p e a n Parliament elections

Along with the announcement came

the backlash as the opposition claiming that the move is politically motivated, accusing Labour of expanding the franc h i s

tioned the inconsistency saying, “Why does this government think a 16-year-old can vote but not buy a lottery ticket, drink

UK, Maldives in focus as PM Modi begins four-day diplomatic push

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the UK and Maldives over four days to strengthen bilateral ties and finalise the landmark India-UK free trade deal, aiming to double trade by 2030 from the current $60 billion

He will spend two days in the UK before attending the Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations as guest of honour, the MEA said

Modi’s July 25–26 visit to the Maldives marks a key r e s e t i n s t r a i n e d t i e s s i n c e p r o

Mohamed Muizzu took office in 2023

Before that, he will be in the UK from July 23–24 for talks with PM Keir Starmer The India-UK free trade deal is expected to be formally signed during the visit, with the UK having completed its approval process

In May, India and the UK finalised a free trade agreement expected to benefit 99% of Indian exports through tariff cuts and ease UK exports of goods like whisky and cars The deal, the UK’s biggest post-Brexit, also includes a social security exemption for Indian workers

Concluded after three years of talks, the FTA ensures near-total tariff elimination across key sectors. Indian tariffs will be reduced on 90% of product categories, with 85% becoming fully tariff-free within 10 years The agreement aims to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030

dence of the British Prime Minister in Buckinghamshire’s Chiltern Hills

alcohol, or stand as a candidate?”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called it an attempt to “rig the system”, while form

James Cleverly claimed the government was “tanking in the polls” and acting out of desperation

While the government rejected the

change, polls do suggest Labour enjoys strong support among younger voters, but how this might play out in an actual election remains uncertain According to YouGov’s latest voting intention figures, Labour leads among 18 to 24-year-olds with 28%, followed closely by the Greens at 26% and the Liberal Democrats at 20% T

Reform UK at 8%

While analysts generally expect 16and 17-year-olds to follow the wider trend of younger people leaning left, polling data on this specific age group is limited, making any firm predictions difficult

Continued on 12

Honouring the past, inspiring the future: 53rd anniversary of Gujarat Samachar celebrated

L-R: Anand Dhamecha, Lord Krish Raval, H E Nimisha Madhvani, Lord Navnit Dholakia, Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Kamlesh Madhvani, CB Patel, Lord Rami Ranger, Omkar Hushing, Dr Bharat Shah CBE and Leah Brunskill

Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, in Rio de Janeiro

Islamophobia definition sparks debate on free speech and inclusion

A new p arliamentary wo rking grou p was launched in Fe br u ar y 2 0 2 5 to d e f i ne

I s la m o p h o bi a and ant iMu slim hatred in the UK , at a ti m e w h en ha te c rim es

a g ai n st M u s li m s h av e reached record lev els

The public consultation that closed on 20 July asked for views on the need for a clear def inition, appropriate

t e r m i n o l o g y, w h e t h e r racism should be part of the d e f i n i t i o n , a n d r e a l - l i fe examples of Islamophobia

The goal, the government says, is to better understand and def ine prejudice, discrimination and hate crime targeted against Muslims in the UK

Led by former Attorney General Dominic Grieve KC, the group includes representatives from Muslim com-

m u n i t i e s , a c a d e m i c s , a n d i n d e p e n d e n t e x p e r t s Ke y members include Professor Javed Khan of the Equi think

t a n k , B a r o n e s s S h a i s t a

G o h i r o f t h e Mu s l i m

Wo m e n ’ s Ne t w o r k U K , Akeela Ahmed of the British Muslim Network, and inde-

p e n d e n t c o n s u l t a n t A s h a Aff i

The working group has

b e e n g i v e n a s i x-m o n t h

m a n d a t e , w i t h f i n d i n g s expected to be delivered to t h e g o v e r n m e n t b y

September 2025

Debate over the d ef initio n

For many in the British Mu s l i m c o m m u n i t y, t h e move is long overdue They hope it will help bring atten-

t i o n t o t h e c h a l l e n g e s Muslims face, improve community relations, and guide public bodies in responding to discrimination

B u t t h e p r o p o s a l h a s

s p a r ke d d e b a t e Cr i t i c s a r g u e a fo r m a l d e f i n i t i o n

c o u l d i n f r i n g e o n f r e e speech or give Muslims "spec i a l p r o t e c t i o n s "

C o n s e r v a t i v e M P Ke v i n Hollinrake warned it could resemble a “blasphemy law ”

O t h e r s , s u c h a s Ni c k Timothy, have encouraged people to oppose the def inition, calling it a threat to free expression

H i n d u C o u n c i l U K

(HCUK) has also voiced concerns that the council “ comp r i s i n g o f s o m e Mu s l i m s only”, may bring in Islamism into the UK as a matter of policy “This will harm not o n l y t h e H i n d u s , b u t w e believe the 99% of likeminded Muslims too”, according to HCUK

“We had advised that the I s l a m o p h o b i a d e f i n i t i o n s h o u l d b e d e b a t e d b y a l l faiths and recommended to bring back Sir Tony Blair’s i n t e g r a t i v e Fa i t h Communities Consultative Council as a way to do that, but Angela Raynor seems to be sidelining us and our sugg e s t i o n s a l t o g e t h e r ” , t h e organisation added

Su p p o r t e r s , h o w e v e r, stress the group ’ s work is not legally binding Majid

Iq b a l , C E O o f t h e I s l a m o p h o b i a R e s p o n s e

Unit, emphasised the import a n c e o f u s i n g t h e t e r m

I s l a m o p h o b i a r a t h e r t h a n anti-Muslim hatred, arguing the former captures deeper structural and institutional d i s c r i m i n a t i o n , n o t j u s t individual hate crimes

“A hate crime is different Anti-Muslim hate covers specif ic acts of violence or abuse Islamophobia also i n c l u d e s i r r a t i o n a l fe a r, stereotyping, and systemic bias,” he said, pointing to recent public comments and media portrayals as examples of this Politics in th e comp lex m ix, Labo ur under scru tiny

A r e c e n t o p i n i o n p o l l suggests that introducing a fo r m a l d e f i n i t i o n o f Islamophobia could signif icantly impact Labour's elec-

toral support Conducted by J L Pa r t n e r s w i t h 2 , 0 0 0 respondents, the sur vey init i a l l y fo u n d R e fo r m U K polling at 29% and Labour at 23%, which would translate to a Reform majority of 20 seats in a general election

However, when participants were asked how they would vote if Labour implemented an off icial def ini-

t i o n o f I s l a m o p h o b i a , R e fo r m ’ s s u p p o r

t o 30% while Labour dropped to 20%; projecting a 106-seat majority for Reform

The backlash, according t o s o m e o b s e r v e r s , s t e m s from a growing belief that mass immigration is eroding national identity and social

through the arrival of individuals perceived to alleged-

over historic failures to confront grooming gangs, often involving men of Pakistani Muslim heritage, who targeted vulnerable white girls A r e

times, hesitated to act decisively due to fears of being labelled racist Critics argue t h

s reluctant to fully acknowledge or address these concerns, deepening public distrust

Exclusion of key Muslim voices?

C o

tions, including the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), c

from the consultation

spokesperson, “Neither the communities ministr y nor the working group reached out to the MCB But we are still encouraging our grassr

tribute ”

The MCB, representing over 500 aff iliated mosques, schools and charities, has long had a strained relationship with successive governments, which have followed a policy of non-engagement with the body since 2009

T h e M C

and urged

Daughter challenges

£2 50 inheritance left by father

A w oman who received just £250 in her fath er ’ s will is c h al len g i ng th e es tat e i n co u rt, clai m ing the d oc ument is invalid and unfairly fav ours h er sister

Brown, 52, has taken legal

family’s £600,000 home in n

eldest daughter, Anju Patel, 58, in his f inal will Stewart-

nominal amounts

In court, Stewart-Brown argued that her father, who passed away four years ago aged 85, did not properly understand or approve the

will, which was written in English, a language she says he struggled to read She is asking the court to uphold an earlier version of the will, drafted in 2019, which divided the estate more equally among all three siblings

A n j u , h o w e v e r, m a i ntains the 2021 will accurately reflected her father's wishes She claims he had become disillusioned with his other children, believing they had failed in their “ sense of duty” toward him

The case heard that the father, a devout worshipper at the Swaminarayan temple i n Ne

temple over his lifetime He

emigrated to the UK from Ug

worked at the Ford plant in

friend of Anju’s from the Hare Krishna temple, who allegedly helped prepare the f inal will shortly after the father was diagnosed with lung cancer despite having no legal training

d that Anju had distanced herself from the family after moving to India at 15 and embracing a different religious path The case continues

UK urges India-Pakistan dialogue amid tensions

Th e British g overnment has reaff irmed its call for Ind ia and Pakistan to engage in m e ani n g fu l d ia lo g u e an d av o id ac ti o ns t h at c o ul d heighten regional tensions, a minister told th e House o f L ord s d uring a debate o n p

Sp e a k i n g a t a G r a n d C o m m i t t e e s e s s i o n t i t l e d ‘India and Pakistan: Peace

R e p r e s e n t a t i o n s ’ , Fo r e i g n

O f f i c e m i n i s t e r B a r o n e s s

Je n n i fe r C h a p m a n s a i d , “ T h e U K ’ s p o s i t i o n o n

K a s h m i r r e m a i n s unchanged We see it as a bilateral issue to be resolved between India and Pakistan, t a k i n g i n t o a c c o u n t t h e wishes of the Kashmiri people ” She added, “We do not prescribe solutions, nor seek t o m e d i a t e Ho w e v e r, w e continue to encourage both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue and avoid any s t e p s t h a t c o u l d f u r t h e r i n f l a m e t e n s i o n s We a r e acutely aware of the sensit i v i t i e s s u r r o u n d i n g t h i s issue, and our goal is to support a peaceful and lasting resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of all communities ” The debate followed the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 p e o p l e a n d h a s e s c a l a t e d

concerns about regional stability While several peers of Pakistani heritage, including d e b a t e i n i t i a t o r L o r d Qurban Hussain, called for third-party mediation, others argued against external involvement Hussain condemned the “cowardly act of terror” and a r g u e d t h a t i n t e r n a t i o n a l mediation was the only path to bring both sides to the table This sentiment was e c h o e d b y L o r d Ta r i q Ahmad

I n c o n t r a s t , B r i t i s h I n d i a n p a r l i a m e n t a

highlighted India’s position on cross-border terrorism Lord Karan Bilimoria, cochair of the India All Party Pa r l i a m e n t a r y G r o u p (APPG), referred to Indian p r i m e m i n i s t e r Na r e n d r a Mo d i’s s t a t e m

O p e r a t io n Si n d o o r, wh ic h

pointed to evidence of statesponsored terrorism originating from Pakistan B i l i m o r i a a l s o r e fe renced a recent UK visit by a m u l t i- p a r t y d e l e g a t i o n o f Indian MPs led by BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad “India wants peace with its neighbours It wants to get on with growing its economy, bettering the livelihood of i t s p

n d m a k i n g a huge, positive contribution to the global community,” he said Baroness Sandip Verma stressed the importance of long-term peace for diaspora communities in the UK “The largest democracy on t h e pl a n e t i s n o w u n d e rstanding its responsibility, and we need to ensure that Pa

said

Clashes after assault charge fuels tensions

Violent clashes erupted outs id e a n o rth -ea st L o nd o n hotel housing asylum seekers, as tensions over migratio n and com munity safety continue to rise

On Sunday night, bottles and smoke bombs were hurled at police off icers during protests that escalated o u t s i d e t h e h o t e l S e v e r a l hundred demonstrators had gathered, shouting slogans such as "save our children" and "send them home", with s o m e c a r r y i n g b a n n e r s demanding the removal of " fo r e i g n c r i m i n a l s " Po l i c e vans were stationed at the site as a precaution

The unrest followed earl i e r c l a s h e s o n T h u r s d a y

e v e n i n g , w h i c h l e f t e i g h t police off icers injured Chief Su p e r i n t e n d e n t Si m o n

Anslow condemned the viol e n c e , s t a t i n g , “D i s a p p o i nt i n g ly, w e h av e s e e n y e t a n o t h e r p r o t e s t , which had begun peacefully, escalate into mindless thugger y with individuals again hurting one of our off icers and damaging a police vehicle ” Tensions have been rising since a 38-year-old asylum seeker was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-yearold girl The man, accused of a t t e m p t i n g t o k i s s t h e teenager, denied the charge in court T h e u n r e s t r e c a l l s a w a v e o f a n t i-i m m i g r a t i o n

violence last summer, when riots broke out following the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport by a teenager Although it was later conf irmed that the suspect was B r i t i s h - b o r n , t h e i n i t i a l panic triggered coordinated attacks on hotels housing a s y l u m s e e ke r s i n s e v e r a l towns across the UK Community leaders and police continue to appeal for calm as fears mount over the p o t e n t i a l fo r f u r t h e r v i olence

Angela Rayner Dominic Grieve KC

Lord Karan Bilimoria Lord Qurban Hussain

Thought for the week

Democracy must be strengthened, not rushed

The Starmer government’s proposal to lower the voting age to 16 has sparked passionate debate, with many welcoming it as a bold democratic reform But for all its appeal, especially among progressive circles, the idea that teenagers are ready to vote must be scrutinised carefully For British Asians and minority communities, the stakes are particularly high, and the picture is far more complicated

Angela Rayner, one of the most vocal supporters of this change, often points to her personal story She married at 16, raised a child while still a teenager, and built a political career against the odds Her story is deeply inspiring, but personal resilience should not be the yardstick for national policy Not every 16-year-old is Angela Rayner

Supporters of votes at 16 argue that early voting builds lifelong civic habits Indeed, Scotland’s 2014 independence referendum saw an impressive 75 per cent turnout among 16and 17-year-olds, higher than the turnout among 18 to 24year-olds, according to data from the Electoral Commission A UK-wide change would enfranchise approximately 1 6 million new voters and align England and Northern Ireland with Scotland and Wales, where younger teens already vote in devolved elections (House of Commons Library, Research Briefing CBP-1747, updated July 2024)

But these statistics, while promising, paint only part of the picture Asian Voice spoke to several political analysts and community leaders Many expressed concern that teenagers, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, may be illequipped or unsupported in making informed decisions

According to a UNICEF UK survey (2023), more than 50 per cent of young people struggle to assess whether information online is true or false In a world flooded with misinformation

and algorithm-driven content, even adults falter Expecting 16-year-olds to cut through the noise is optimistic at best and risky at worst

Moreover, many age-restricted responsibilities in the UK, such as serving on a jury, buying fireworks or getting married without parental consent begin at 18 Why should voting, a foundational pillar of democracy, be treated differently?

In areas with high ethnic minority populations, turnout is already 7 to 10 percentage points lower than the national average (Electoral Commission, 2023) Among British Muslims, the gap is even starker A 2024 British Future and UK in a Changing Europe report found that only 71 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds and 76 per cent of ethnic minority voters were aware of new voter ID laws, compared to 90 per cent of white voters For young people from low-income households, where 49 per cent of Black and Asian children and 65 per cent of

Commission, State of the Nation Report 2023), lack of access to civic education, ID, transport and digital infrastructure remain pressing concerns

If we are serious about including young people, we must first fix these inequalities That means automatic voter registration, expanded ID options and stronger civic education in schools As one education expert told Asian Voice, “combining curriculum with a real vote can turn teenagers from citizens in waiting into recognised stakeholders ” That is a noble goal, but it demands infrastructure and investment

Until then, giving the vote to 16-year-olds is not empowerment It is premature exposure Let us not mistake enthusiasm for readiness Democracy must be strengthened, not rushed

India is not waiting at the global table. It’s leading it

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in the United Kingdom which will be followed by a visit to Maldives, isn't just a matter of protocol It is a strategy in motion At 75, Modi is not only shaping India’s domestic priorities but also redrawing its role in global diplomacy, trade, and defence

This moment isn’t just about India rising It’s about India arriving

After nearly three years and 14 intense rounds of negotiations, India and the UK are closer than ever to sealing a landmark Free Trade Agreement As reported by NDTV and the Financial Times, the pact, potentially signed during or shortly after Modi’s July 23 to 24 visit, will eliminate tariffs on over 90 per cent of goods from the UK and grant 99 per cent of Indian exports duty-free access to British markets

Why does this matter? Trade between India and the UK reached 42 6 billion dollars in 2024, accounting for 2 4 per cent of the UK’s total trade The UK is poised to offer tariff relief worth 400 million pounds on Indian goods, while the agreement could expand bilateral trade by 25 5 billion pounds by 2040 and deliver a 4 8 billion pound boost to the UK economy In a post-Brexit world where Britain is recalibrating its alliances, India is no longer just a trading partner It has become a strategic necessity

For British Indians, nearly 1 8 million strong and one of the most economically dynamic communities, this signals opportunity More Indian professionals will find pathways into the UK economy, particularly in tech, healthcare, and education For businesses on both sides, reduced red tape

and tariffs will translate into faster movement and greater growth

Modi’s recent appearance as chief guest at the Maldivian presidential inauguration marked a thaw in tense relations between the two countries and a visible win for India’s neighbourhood-first policy In the backdrop of China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean, India is asserting itself as a reliable defence and development partner

Indigenous aircraft carriers, expanding submarine fleets, and strategic partnerships under the QUAD alliance are building India’s role in the Indo-Pacific In March 2025, India conducted a joint naval exercise with Japan and Australia off the Andaman coast, showcasing its maritime presence The Economist recently observed that India’s navy is now not only the region’s largest but also the most engaged in multilateral drills

Modi’s UK visit also underscores the growing influence of the British Indian community Labour leader Keir Starmer is reportedly planning a visit to India before Diwali, a move widely viewed as a recognition of both India’s strategic importance and the diaspora’s political influence

These visits are not just about handshakes and headlines They are reminders that India is no longer waiting for a seat at the global table It is showing up with its chair, its vision, and a plan that puts it at the centre of global power conversations

Does Donald Trump mean chaos?

US President Donald Trump has been in the White House for a few months, but the impact of his unpredictable leadership is already being felt around the world

Just last week, while speaking to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, Trump asked, “Why don’t you attack Moscow?” This shocking comment was widely reported, including by The Washington Post It stunned diplomats and alarmed many who fear that Trump’s return might encourage more global conflict Instead of calming tensions, he appears to be adding fuel to the fire

President Trump who is in Scotland from 25 July for five days, will visit his golf courses and meet the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney He has also apparently announced plans to visit Pakistan in August, a move raising eyebrows in New Delhi The timing is especially sensitive, given that the Indian Armed Forces recently conducted a precision operation in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, called Operation Sindoor, to neutralise terrorist launchpads The operation was praised by Indian defence experts for its success and restraint However, Trump’s vague comments after the strike were confusing He said he had been “watching closely” and hoped India and Pakistan would “find a way to be friends ” This sort of vague moral equivalence can inflame rather than ease regional tensions

His foreign policy positions remain scattered and unpredictable In just a month, Trump has threatened new tariffs on China, hinted that the United States might leave NATO, and claimed Europe is “using America for defence ” This lack of consistency creates nervousness among allies and opens the door for powers like Russia and China to take advantage of the vacuum

His trade war with China in his previous term is a warning According to the U S Congressional Budget Office, Trump's tariffs led to a loss of $57 billion in GDP and cost American con-

Institute for International Economics reported that by the end of 2019, the average tariff rate on Chinese imports had jumped from 3 percent to over 21 percent These measures backfired, harming US manufacturers, raising prices for consumers, and sparking retaliatory tariffs from China on American soybeans and automobiles

Historically, Trump has had a troubled relationship with India During his first term, he falsely offered to mediate in Kashmir, saying Prime Minister Modi had requested this, which India firmly denied Now, as he prepares to visit the United Kingdom in September, there are concerns that Trump may once again use global platforms to deliver off-the-cuff remarks that can damage years of diplomacy

To make matters worse, Trump’s decision to pull the United States away from NATO could weaken Western unity In June, he said, “We are not the world’s police NATO has taken advantage of us for too long ” Such statements, while popular with parts of his voter base, damage confidence among long-time allies

Modi’s government has been cautious so far But as Trump continues to act on impulse, India and other democracies must prepare for sudden shifts This is not just about Trump’s tweets or TV soundbites It is about whether global powers can afford four more years of unpredictability

For India, the focus must now be on stability, partnerships, and defending its strategic autonomy And that includes preparing for whichever version of Donald Trump shows up next

"The

most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time "

Thomas Edison

Superheroes don't alw ays wear cap es; sometim es they sport hearing aids or walk w ith sticks I moderated an insp iring RA F event ho sted by A sian Voice at the Hou se o f Lords, in Parliam ent, alongsid e the paper's indefatigable founder, C B P atel, and o ur g racio us host, Lord Loom ba

Campaigners are no strangers to Parliament of course

But if you want to find your purpose in life, find a campaign

Lord Loomba is best known for his relentless advocacy through the Loomba Foundation, tirelessly supporting widows and orphans a charity I proudly co-chair alongside Lord Bilimoria Meanwhile, CB Patel s Asian Voice has, for decades, embodied the power of the press not just to inform but to campaign, to drive change, and to hold power accountable

It was during this special RAF event that the role of unlikely heroes truly resonated The RAF, often synonymous with bravery, agility, and youthful vigour, reminded us through their compelling stories that they too campaign – for clean energy That working for them is a life of purpose

Sitting amongst the distinguished guests, including many whose physical prowess has perhaps gently faded with time, I knew that their impact had only grown more potent with age Wisdom accumulated over lifetimes had r e p l a c e d

relentless advocacy

CB Patel, himself a perenital campaigner for causes not just of interest to the British Asian community, but the British nation and the world at large too, often insists that journalism must do more than simply report it must provoke thought, action, and even outrage when necessary His life's work is proof of the extraordinary change that can be achieved when words find purpose and campaigns find their champions

Political engagement and activism are not solely the preserve of the young and energetic or Parliamentarians They flourish among those who, though perhaps slower in step, remain fierce in spirit Find your campaign to fund your purpose or find your RAF or Asian Voice – those organisations of with purpose

In an age often dominated by viral hashtags and fleeting online outrage, lasting change still needs steady hands, considered wisdom, and stubborn determination

As the RAF continues its critical role addressing global challenges such as climate change and humanitarian crises, we must remember that our personal roles are no less vital Find your campaign, as CB Patel would urge Embrace the legacy you wish to leave behind It might not earn you a cape or a place on a billboard, but you will join the ranks of those heroes who quietly, powerfully, change the world

Labour re-suspends Diane Abbott over racism remarks

D iane Ab bott has been susp e n

Par ty for a se cond time after say ing she does not r egret past comment s on racism

Abbott faces a fresh investigation over remarks suggesting people of colour face lifelong racism, which she said

experienced by Jewish, Irish, and Traveller communities

Keir Starmer is again tightening control over his backbenchers

Speaking to ‘Newsnight’, Abbott said: “It’s obvious this Labour leadership wants me out My comments were fac-

ed Diane Abbott’s latest susp e n s i o n c o m e s a m i d K e i r

Starmer’s renewed push to e n f o r c e p a r t y d i s c i p l i n e , including the suspension of f o u r M P s f o r r e p e a t e d l y

defying the whip Starmer said he remains focused on delivering Labour’s reform agenda

T h e m o v e h a s d r a w n c

identify Jewish or Traveller people by sight It’s silly to claim all racism is the same ”

Diane Abbott has been s u s p e n d e d f r o m L a b o u r again after saying she didn’t r e g r e t p a s t c o m m e n t s o n r a c i s m , s p a r k i n g b a c k l a s h within the party Her 2023

r e m a r k s , w h i c h a r g u e d racism based on skin colour differs from other forms of prejudice, were deemed anti-

s e m i t i c , t h o u g h s h e l a t e r apologised and was reinstat-

McDonnell called the decision “bizarre,” accusing the leadership of double standards Abbott’s ally, Shami Chakrabarti, added: “Those writing ‘island of strangers’ speeches should think twice before judging Diane Abbott, who has spent her life fighting racism ” Four La bour MPs suspende d aft er welfare vote re volt

Starmer has suspended four

Labour MPs; Neil Duncan-

, Chris Hinchliff, and Rachael Maskell, for repeated breaches of party discipline, removing the party whip and forcing them to sit as independents

Three others Rosena

A d d y ,

Yasin, have lost their trade envoy roles after all seven

ment’s welfare reform bill

A total of 47 Labour MPs rebelled against the welfare reform bill, forcing ministers to water down the proposed cuts and dealing a blow to Sir K

already under pressure after

, including on the winter fuel allowance

The rebellion over welfare cuts marked Labour’s biggest internal rift since the

Labour MPs threatened to b

i n g ministers to water it down Despite concessions, dozens still voted against it, highlighting growing backbench

d i s c o n t e n

S t a r m e r p

ously suspended seven MPs over the two-child benefit cap, including Zarah Sultana, who later quit to form a new party with Jeremy Corbyn

Grooming gang leaders face deportation after flight ban lifted

T wo ringlead ers o f

t h e Ro c h d al e

g ro o m i ng g a ng

c o u ld s o o n b e d ep o rt ed u nd e r a n ew U K - P ak is ta n

a g ree m ent, fo ll owing the lifting of a ban on d irect flig hts to Pakistan

Qari Abdul Rauf, 55, and Adil Khan, 54, were jailed in 2012 for abusing girls as young as 12 after plying them with alcohol and drugs Khan, who fathered a child with a 13-year-old victim, was sentenced to eight

y e a r s ; R a u f r e c e i v e d s i x Both still live in Rochdale

D e p o r t a t i o n o f t w o

R o c h d a l e g r o o m i n g g a n g

r i n g l e a d e r s h a s b e e n b l o c k e d b y P a k i s t a n a f t e r they renounced their citizenship and became state-

less

However, the recent lifting of a five-year UK ban on P a k i s t a n i a i r l i n e s f o l l o wing safety improvements could reopen the path for deportation

A Pakistani official prev i o u s l y s a i d t h e b

s r e m o v a l c o u l d p r o m p t a shift in Pakistan’s stance R o c h d a l e M P P a u l Waugh welcomed the lifting of the UK’s ban on Pakistani airlines, saying it reflects the

cooperation needed to deport foreign offenders like grooming gang m e m b e r s Q a r i A b d u l

Rauf and Adil Khan

The ban, imposed in 2021 over a fake pilot

s A U K

government spokesperson said the decision was made independently by the UK Air Safety Committee after months of engagement with Pakistan

Foreign Secretary David Lammy is leading efforts to deport Rauf and Khan, who r e n o u n c e d t h e i r P a k i s t a n i citizenship to avoid deportation nearly a decade ago Pakistan has so far refused to accept them, but ministers say talks are ongoing to secure a deal

Mum jailed over £14mn cocaine plot with children

A Br adford mother who use d

£ 1 4 4 mi l l i o n wo r t h of c oc a in e fr o m M e x i co h a s b een jaile d F

d , Manningham, was sentenced to 13 years and four months at Birmingham Crown Court after admitting to importing 180kg of cocaine in May

Kauser was arrested on 11 November 2024 while collecting her four sons, daught e r , a n d d a u g h t e r - i n

packed with cocaine

Rick Mackenzie of the NCA called her a “high-end c o c a i n e t r a f f i c k e r ” w h o erased evidence and led a double life “To those around her, she seemed like a loving m u m , ” h e s a i d , “ b u t s h e p u s h

youngest son was just 17 at the time Kauser had worked with an unidentified accomp

k i s t a n , k n o w n only as "Uncle "

Kauser claimed she was only at the airport to collect h e r c h i l d r e n , w h o a r r i v e d with 180kg of cocaine worth

Watchdog probes Afghan data breach

P a rli am ent ’ s in te lli g e nc e w atc h d o g w il l launch an inquiry into a major data breach that exp osed th e id entities of th ousands of A fg hans and British military personnel

The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), which was kept in the dark due to a super-injunction, was only briefed last week I S C C h a i r L o r d B e a m i s h h a s d e m a n d e d immediate access to all related intelligence documents The Ministry of Defence said it welcomes the committee’s scrutiny The ISC oversees MI5, MI6, and GCHQ

L o r d B e a m i s h c o n f i r m e d t h e I S C w i l l investigate the intelligence community’s role in the Afghan data breach, after reviewing defence assessments He previously raised concerns over “serious constitutional issues” as the breach went undetected for over a year before a super-injunction was imposed The ISC insists secrecy can’t justify withholding information under the Justice and Security Act 2013 The MoD, under orders from the defence secretary, has pledged full cooperation

In February 2022, a UK Special Forces staffer accidentally sent over 30,000 Afghan resettlement records to the wrong person

The breach went unnoticed until August 2023, when someone in Afghanistan threatened to leak the names, sparking fears of Taliban reprisals A super-injunction followed, now lifted The UK launched a covert scheme to relocate 7,000 Afghans at a cost of £850m The MoD says it will contest legal claims and won’t offer compensation proactively Dhesi co nd emns gov ernment ov er data leak row S

Committee, has slammed the UK government over a data breach that exposed thousands of Afghan nationals to potential danger

Speaking to Times Radio after a court gag order was lifted, Dhesi called the incident “ an absolute mess ” and “wholly unacceptable ” “It’s shameful that Afghans who supported our forces are now at risk,” he said, adding h e i s c o n s i d e r i n g l a u n c h i n g a c o m m i t t e e investigation

Doctor and husband jailed for selling stolen NHS PPE on eBay

A doctor and her husband h av e been jailed for 10 month s each after admitting to selling sto len NHS PP E wo rth nearly £ 8,0 00 during the early pand em ic Attiya and Omer Sheikh pleaded guilty at

£14 4m Some of the drugs were destined for a courier, while the rest were to be taken to her home for distribution

The NCA revealed this was the group ’ s fifth smugg l i n g r u n b e t w e e n A u g u s t and November 2024 They had booked short trips to Amsterdam or Dublin witho

with Cancun arrivals, where an insider placed drug-filled s u i t c a s e s o n t h e c a r o u s e l

The family then picked up the bags and passed through customs unnoticed

I N B R I E F OBESITY FUELS 214% RISE IN SLEEP APNOEA

Rising obesity is a major driver behind the sharp increase in sleep apnoea cases in the UK, experts say NHS data from England and Wales shows diagnoses have more than tripled in the past decade from 114,640 in 2014 to 360 070 in 2024, a 214% rise The figures, obtained by The Odd Company via Freedom of Information requests, reveal an average annual increase of nearly 14%, with over 2 million cases recorded since 2014 Sleep apnoea is a disorder that causes repeated breathing interruptions during sleep leading to chronic tiredness and if untreated increased risk of heart disease diabetes and depression Dr David Garley director of The Better Sleep Clinic, explained it occurs when the upper airway collapses during sleep As muscles relax, the airway narrows, causing snoring In sleep apnoea, it fully closes, stopping airflow The body responds by waking you up repeatedly, resulting in fragmented, poor-quality sleep ” he said

SCHOOL PUPIL NUMBERS TO FALL BY 400,000 IN FIVE YEARS

The number of pupils in England’s state schools is set to fall by nearly 400 000 by 2030 due to declining birth rates according to Government figures The Department for Education says primary and nursery enrolment will drop faster than previously expected, prompting some schools, especially in London, to consider closures amid funding pressures New DfE projections show pupil numbers in state nursery and primary schools will fall by 300,000 by 2030, while secondary schools will see a drop of 97,000 The secondary school population is expected to peak in 2026/27 A former education secretary called for school funding to move away from a per-pupil model due to declining enrolment Conservative MP Damian Hinds said per-pupil funding no longer reflects true funding levels as school numbers decline NAHT’s Paul Whiteman warned that falling rolls especially in small schools worsen financial pressures He urged the DfE to protect affected schools, noting regional and year-group variations, and said school places may need to double by 2026/27 to meet demand

POLICE WARN CHILDREN AT RISK OF STATE RECRUITMENT

Paisley Sheriff Court to dishonestly selling e q u i p m e n t t a k e n f r o m N H S S c o t l a n d between May and October 2020

Jailing the couple, Sheriff Sukhwinder Gill said both knew the PPE was stolen and sold it for "sheer greed" during a time of national crisis She called it a “significant” period marked by fear and shortages, adding: “As a doctor, you knew PPE was vital for colleagues and their families This was a serious breach of trust ” Prosecutors said the couple made £7,827 by selling NHS PPE, such as medical gloves and masks, through multiple eBay accounts

W h e n p o l i c e s e a r c h e d t h e i r h o m e i n Thornliebank, East Renfrewshire, in October 2020, they found 121 boxes of PPE stored in the attic

Counter-terror police have warned that hostile state activity on British soil is a growing threat with teenagers petty criminals and disillusioned individuals increasingly vulnerable to recruitment by nations like Russia Iran and China Such states are using proxies to carry out sabotage and targeted violence in the UK, now accounting for around 20% of counter-terror police investigations Officers urged parents and teachers to stay alert and seek help if they suspect a child is being manipulated Since the 2018 Salisbury poisonings targeting Russian double agent Sergei Skripal, police say hostile state activity in the UK has increased five-fold Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter-Terrorism Command, said the scale and complexity of such operations, particularly from Russia, Iran and China have grown beyond expectations with even teenagers being investigated

Diane Abbott

Omer and Attiya Sheikh

Qari Abdul Rauf (L) and Adil Khan (R)

Honouring the past, inspiring the future

53rd anniversary of Gujarat Samachar celebrated

A tribute to heritage, identity, and resilience, the Gujarati newsweekly Gujarat Samachar, marks 53 remarkable years of serving and shaping the British Indian community.

Celebrating over five decad es of trust, leg acy, and comm unity

co n nec ti o n , A si a n V o i ce a nd

Gujarat S amachar marked a proud milesto ne with the launch o f the co mmemorative souvenir “ Soneri

S m ru ti G ra nth – A T i m el es s Treasure” on 18 July at the House of L ords, in honou r of Gu jarat Sam achar's 53rd anniversary

This special bilingual publication is a heartfelt tribute to the rich legacy and journalistic values that have defined the newspapers since their inception As C B Patel, Pu blish er/Ed ito r of A sian V oi ce and Gujarat Sam achar, has always said, “We are the paper of record”, a sentiment deeply reflected in this souvenir edition

S o n e r i S m

brates the inspiring migration stories of distinguished businessmen, p h i l a n t h r o p i

Chancellor honours father’s lifelong dream with MBA at Aston University

I n a p r oud a n d e m ot io n a l moment at Aston University’s

s um m e r gr a d u a t

Chan cel lor D r Jason Wouhra

OB E conferred an MBA on

h i s f a t he r , J a s b ir W

, who ful fill ed a lifelong dream a fte r two ye ars of study

A co-founder of East End Foods, Jasbir had postponed education to build one of the UK’s largest Asian food busi-

d despite a recent health setback he walked the stage, embodying resilience, ambition, and lifelong learning

“It’s an incredible honour

“His story shows the power of resilience and the value of education at any stage This is a p r o u d a n d h i s t o r i c moment for both our family and the university ”

Dr Jason Wouhra, who

b e c a m e A s t o n U n i v e r s i t y ’ s youngest and first Chancellor o f A

shares a deep bond with the

education and entrepreneurship values at the heart of Aston’s mission

Reflecting on his journey, Jasbir Wouhra said, “Earning this MBA after 50 years in b u s i n e s s i s a m i l e s t o n e I t gave me the chance to for-

malise decades of experience I once chose over formal education ” The ceremony, attended by family, friends, and the university community, celeb

impact on business and education

NCGOUK charts new course with fresh leadership

T he Annual General Meeting ( AGM ) a nd Sp ec ial Gen era l M e e ti ng ( SG M) o f t h e N atio nal Co uncil o f Gujarati O rganisations UK (NC GO UK) w ere h eld on Sunday, 2 0t h Jul y 2025, at th e Sangat Advice C entre in Harro w

T h e p r o g r a m m e b e g a n with the SGM, where Kanti Nagda MBE, CEO of Sangat Advice Centre, presented proposed changes to the constitution of all member organisations After a detailed explan

ratified by the members, taking immediate effect

F o l l o w i n g

t h e AGM commenced with the nomination and announcement of the newly elected committee Vimalji Odedara was appointed as President,

Relations Officer

Secretary, Deepak Patel was

includes Gargi Patel, Jayraj Bhadranwala, Vandana Joshi, Chandrakant Mehta, Ramesh

Kalavati Patel, Jayant Patel,

Odedara

Local mosque supports cancer foundation

A Preston mosque has raised £2,000 for R osemere Cancer Foundation M e m b e r s o f M

Road recently presented the d

cheque alongside Dan Hill,

Hospitals NHS Foundation T r u s t , a n d P r o f e s s o r Mohammed Munavvar, consultant respiratory physician at Royal Preston Hospital Professor Munavvar, who led the hospital’s Covid wards d u r i n g t h e p

advanced equipment to aid early lung cancer detection

This latest £2,000 donation brings Masjid-e-Salaam’s

Vanik speed dating event sees unprecedented demand

For over four d ecades, Vanik C oun ci l, for mer ly kn own as The National Council of Vanik A ss o ci at i on s (U K), has been f ac i l i tat i n g me an i n g f ul c o nn ections throug h i ts matrimon i a l g at he ri n g s S i n c e 198 2 , thes e ev en ts, ori gin ally called ‘ P atr a P ari

h av e of fer ed a

atfo

or y ou n g G u jar at i J ai n s an d Hi ndus to meet p otential partn ers in a fri en dly and structured settin g Held once or twice a year, t h e s e a g e - g r o u p e d e v e n t s allow participants to meet 40 to 60 like-minded individuals

t h r o u g h a s e r i e s o f t h r e em i n u t e c o n v e r s a t i o n s , j u s t enough time to spark a con-

nection

across Lancashire and

2025, at the Navnat Centre, drawing a record 174 participants Due to overwhelming interest, registration for male participants closed four weeks

growing demand and the need for early registration in future The day concluded with a wellreceived lunch, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive We continue to welcome suggestions to improve future

shared, "I attended my first speed dating event on Sunday and just wanted to say thank you It’s such a noble initiative to help those genuinely seeking companionship and love "

Brahmnishth Minal to lead spiritual events in London

B rah m ni sh t h M i na l i s a senior spiritual teacher at Raj Saubhag Ashram , Sayla She is a rare and inspiring female leader who guides seekers with clarity and compassion, while also heading several philanthropic initiat i v e s a c r o s s t h e r e g i o n A grandmother, poet, and lifel o n g p r a c t i t i o n e r , M i n a l brings a unique balance of depth, humility, and gentle strength

Known for her lived wisdom and deep inner steadiness, she has been a source of s p i r

generations Her presence is calm and uplifting, and her sessions are rooted in the timeless teachings of Lord Mahavir, as interpreted by S h r i m a d R a j c h a n d r a , a n d lived daily at Raj Saubhag Ashram

UK visit from 25th to 29th July, Minalben will lead

grammes include

two-day

Kenton Derasar In English, she will guide

gathering for

joyful session

seekers,

with Young Jains UK

Navnat Badminton Club triumphs at seniors 50+ doubles tournament

T h e p la y bad m i nto n c lu b seniors 50 + doubles com petition took place on Sunday, 1 3 th Ju ly 20 25 , at Hay do n S c h o o l, Wi lt sh i re L a ne, Pinner, Mid dlesex Bringing together active players (as of 31st May 2025) from clubs across the Vegan Badminton League, the tournament was a spirited celebration of senior talent, fitness, and friendly competition Navnat Badminton Club was proudly represented by B h u p e n S h e t h , M a n i s h

Senior citizens participating in the

Bakhda, Bhavesh Vora, and Ravi Mistry Their dedication, t

admired A special congratulations goes to Bhupen Sheth a

King Charles hails

Oxford Islamic Centre’s global role

The King prais ed the Oxford Centre f or Isla mic Studies as a “b eac on of Is l am ic s c hola rs hip” during a vis it marking its 40th anniversary From humble beginnings in a hut, the centre has grown into a major part of Oxford U

and Dominic Grieve, Charles c o m m e n d e d t h e c e n t r e ’ s “ u n f a i l i n g w o r k ” D i r e c t o r

i d h e w a s “extremely heartened” by its r o l e i n p r o m o t i n g g l o b a l understanding Amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, he praised the centre’s comm i t m e n t t o b r o a d e n i n g a w a r e n e s s o f t h e I s l a m i c world in the UK Addressing guests including Jack Straw

Farhan Nizami highlighted its role as a safe space for scholars to exchange ideas and promote interfaith dialogue Director Farhan Nizami praised King Charles for his long-standing support since b e c o m i n g p a t r o n i n 1 9 9 3 , when he delivered the centre’s inaugural lecture ‘Islam and the West’ Nizami said t h e s p e e c h s t i l l r e s o n a

During the visit, the King officially opened the

and vital to the centre’s

L-R Dr Jason Wouhra OBE and Jasbir Wouhra

Farouk Assenjee (centre) presents Dan Hill (right) and Professor Mohammed Munavvar

UK, Maldives in focus as PM Modi begins four-day diplomatic push

A photo opportunity is expected to mark the conclusion of the recently finalised India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Modi may also meet select Indian-origin business leaders in a private gathering, though it's unclear if a wider diaspora event is planned The visit is expected to be reciprocated by PM Starmer with a visit to India later this autumn

“India -UK stra teg ic t ies to be el eva ted f urth er ”

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs held a pre-departure briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visits to the United Kingdom and the Maldives, scheduled to begin on July 23 The visit will mark his fourth official trip to the UK Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri details PM Modi’s UK visit agenda, saying, “The Prime Minister will embark on an official visit to the United Kingdom tomorrow, July 23, for discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer He will also call on King Charles III and interact with top business leaders from both India and the UK ”

Highlighting the evolving ties, Misri said, “The India-UK partnership was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021 and has since witnessed regular highlevel exchanges Both sides remain committed to elevating this partnership further ” He added that the relationship spans “multiple institutional mechanisms covering strategic, economic, energy, and scientific domains ”

On the role of the diaspora, Misri noted, “One of the most important foundational aspects of this relationship is the living bridge that connects India and the UK, people of Indian origin in the UK, nearly 1 8 million strong, who have contributed to strengthening bonds of friendship between our two countries and made extremely valuable contributions to the UK economy ”

During the visit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi are expected to hold wideranging discussions covering the full spectrum

of India-UK relations, along with pressing regional and global issues

On the muchanticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “We are working on the legal scrubbing and other last-minute work for the FTA ” He noted the UK is India’s sixthlargest investor with $36 billion in cumulative investment, while India has invested nearly $20 billion in the UK

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Prime Minister Modi’s agenda in the UK will include discussions on the presence of Khalistani extremist groups and the extradition of fugitives wanted in India These include Lalit Modi, Nirav Modi, and Vijay Mallya individuals facing serious financial fraud charges who fled to the UK to evade Indian law

“These have been matters of discussion between both sides, and we continue to make the case for these fugitives to be rendered to India,” Misri said, noting that such cases follow a legal process, which India is pursuing closely with British authorities

Another key concern is the presence of Khalistani groups in the UK Misri said India has regularly raised the issue with its British counterparts and will continue to do so, adding that this is not only a concern for India but should also be for the UK, as such extremist activity threatens social harmony and public order

“This impacts social cohesion and social order in these other countries as well,” Misri said, underlining the broader implications of inaction

M odi’s f irst Mald iv es v isit u nd er Muizzu rule

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Maldives to take part in the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations on July 26

This will be his third

UNISON wins race bias case against Leicester Council

British Asian social worker Bind u Parm ar has won a key leg al victory at the Court o f A ppeal The court ruled that

decision to discipline, transfer, and later dismiss

The Court of Appeal rul-

Council

trip to the island nation, and the first by an Indian head of state or government since President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November 2023

The visit is seen as a crucial move to reset ties that had come under strain after Muizzu, known for his pro-China tilt, came to power Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu are expected to hold talks on key issues of mutual interest and review the progress of the IndiaMaldives joint vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’, adopted during Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2023

“The visit reflects the importance India attaches to its maritime neighbour, Maldives, which continues to hold a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions),” the Ministry of External Affairs said

Bilateral ties between India and the Maldives had sharply deteriorated following President Muizzu’s election in 2023, which was driven by an “India Out” campaign Muizzu had called for the withdrawal of over 80 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives to operate two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, and signalled a pivot towards closer ties with China

However, relations began to stabilise after India extended critical financial support to help the Maldives manage a balance of payments crisis, including postponing loan repayments, at a time when assistance from China was not forthcoming India also replaced its military personnel with civilian technical staff, helping ease diplomatic tensions

Parmar,

senior social care worker with over 30 years of

white colleagues in similar or

detail or evidence, with no clear reason for the investigation

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Donald Trump’s legacy of Blame and global disruption

Donald Trump has built a political brand on blaming others, most often President Joe Biden, for nearly every i s s u e c o n

migration, climate disasters to inflation and public health, T r

history But many of today’s global challenges can be traced to decisions made during his own presidency His approach to international affairs, marked by impulsive diplomacy, weakened alliances, and a retreat from global leadership, created ripple effects that continue to shape the world today Rather than solving problems, Trump often prioritized short-term political gains, leaving behind long-term consequences

Ukraine provides a telling example In 2019, Trump withheld nearly 400 million dollars in military aid to p

investigating Joe Biden’s son, Hunter This act led to Trump’s first impeachment and was deemed unlawful by the Government Accountability Office It also sent a d

k e , suggesting that American support could not be taken for granted Trump further undermined transatlantic unity by r e p

concessions, and threatening to withdraw the United States from the alliance These actions weakened NATO’s

aggression, culminating in the 2022 Russian invasion of U k r a

m Washington

A similar pattern played out in Afghanistan In 2020, Trump signed a deal at Doha with the Taliban that excluded the Afghan government, committed to a rapid U S troop withdrawal, and led to the release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners These moves significantly weakened the Afghan state and empowered insurgent forces By the time Biden assumed office, the Afghan government was already on the verge of collapse Although the final withdrawal in 2021 was chaotic and costly, the stage had been set by Trump’s agreement, which left few viable alternatives Once again, short-term political strategy took precedence over long-term stability and the consequences were both predictable and profound

T r u m p ’ s d i s e n g a g e m e n t f r o m g l o b a l c o

extended beyond conflict zones During the COVID-19 p a n d e m

Agreement, and attempted to slash foreign aid He also imposed sweeping travel bans that strained international relationships and fuelled divisions and global disruption

T h e s e

challenges and signalled that America is stepping back from its traditional leadership role Trump’s rhetoric continues to focus on blame and grievance, with little policy substance or constructive vision The world we face today, more unstable and less unified, reflects that legacy To move forward, world leaders must confront reality h o n e s t l y a n d c o m m i t t o l e a d e r s h i p b a s e d o n responsibility, partnership, and principles

D r Nars inhbhai Patel

Modi’s message to bureaucracy

“Govt must be a catalyst for growth: PM Modi” in Asian Voice dated 19 – 25 July 2025 shows the new and emerging role of government employees to reflect the requirements of the present competitive era They are the facilitators to implement the schemes launched by the government so the people whether they live in urban areas or rural areas, literate or illiterate, should get the full benefits in a timely manner

Previously, government jobs were considered to be for relaxation, unless there was a real threat of losing the jobs It is worth mentioning that there are lots of hardworking and honest officers in the public sector, but the percentage of hard-working and dedicated workers should go up so India can harness its full potential

There should be enough motivation and incentives f o r t h e e m p l o y e e s t o m a i n t a i n a n d i m p r o v e t h e i r performance Full authority should be given to them to act, but they should be transparent in their conduct so the common man can see the benefits

Like in most of the private sector companies, those employees who are good and hardworking should be rewarded suitably, while those who lack the required skills should be trained If they do not want to learn new skills or are not interested they should be placed in appropriate positions Those who are a burden on the government should be removed with a speedy trial in the court to prevent waste of public money

Indian man assaulted and partially stripped in Dublin

An Indian man in his 40 s w as b ru ta lly

y w h at i s

v ed t o be a rac i st g ang i n T al la g h t, Du blin, o n the ev ening o f S atu rd ay, 1 9 J u ly Ga rd aí reported that the v ictim was falsely accused of inap propriate behavio ur near children before being attacked, strip ped to h is underwear, and left bleeding h eavily on Parkh ill Ro ad E y e w i t

Murray described the victim as “covered in blood head to toe,” pleading for help after being rammed into a lamppost and pummeled while passers-by recorded the brutal scene His phone, wallet

wounds to his face, arms a

the same group may have c

a t t a c k s a g a i n s t f o r e i g n nationals in the area previo u s l y P o l i t i c a l f i g u r

s t r o n g l y c o n d e m n e d t h e

incident Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe called the assault vile a n d u t t e r l y u n a c c e p t a b l e and warned that mindless, racist violence was unsett l i n g l o c a l c o m m u n i t i e s P e o p l e B e f o r e P r o f i t T D

P a u l M u r p h y e m p h a s i s e d that “responsibility lies not just with those who perpetrated the violence but also with those who have been spreading racist lies” Indian

A m b a s s a d o r A k h i l e s h Mishra labelled the incident horrible and demanded just i c e , q u e s t i o n i n g m e d i a descriptions of the attack as alleged, given the severity of the injuries The attack has s h a k e n I r e l

crimination and xenophobia in Dublin and beyond

Southampton unveils India Campus

The U n iv e r s it y o f Sou t ha m p t on h a s of f i c ia l l y

first overs eas c ampus in Gurugram , mar king the f irs t ins tance of a full f or eign university es t a b l is hi ng i ts e l f in India under new UGC legislat ion

The launch, officiated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, took place at the International Tech Park in Sector 59 and will welcome its inaugural student cohort in August 2025

Offering four undergraduate BSc courses, alongside two MSc programmes in finance and international management, the campus delivers identical curricula and degrees as those awarded in the UK Students will also have the option to study for up to a year at Southampton’s UK or Malaysian campuses

With degrees designed to match UK standards, much of the teaching staff have international experience, hailing from respected institutions across the UK, US, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and Australia This campus aligns with India’s National Education Policy 2020 and UGC’s 2023 reforms, w

branches, aiming to position India as a global knowledge hub As the first of numerous UK universities seeking expansion into India, this development underscores growing India–UK educational collaboration and addresses rising domestic demand for international higher education

Police nab driver in death of running icon

Pol ice in India have ar rested a man over the de ath of Fauja Singh, the world’s ol dest marathon runner , in a hit-and-run in cident

Amritpal Singh Dhillon allegedly struck the 114-year-old British-Indian athlete with a speeding SUV during Singh’s afternoon walk in Punjab on Monday Singh died shortly after being taken to hospital

A global icon, Fauja Singh began running at 89 and completed nine marathons between 2000 and 2013, setting multiple records in older age categories

Police have recovered the white SUV allegedly involved in the hit-and-run that killed Fauja Singh near his birth village of Beas Pind, close to Jalandhar The 114-year-old was crossing the road when struck, and locals rushed him to hospital, where he later died Indian media reports suggest the 26-yearold driver, Amritpal Singh Dhillon, could have saved Singh’s life by seeking help immediately

Fauja Singh was a global inspiration, reportedly becoming the first person over 100 to complete a full marathon in Toronto in 2011 He also carried the Olympic torch at the 2012 London Olympics Despite his achievements, Guinness World Records could not officially recognise him due to the lack of a birth certificate from 1911 though his British passport listed his birthdate as 1 April 1911

A year after winning the general election with a massive super majority, it seems Keir Starmer and the Labour Party are in meltdown Every single poll over the past six months shows Labour losing the next election clocking the biggest defeat of any party ever ‘U-turn’ Starmer, ‘tax everything’ Reeves, ‘international bungler’ Lammy, ‘I don’t know’Rayner, and ‘opendoors’ Cooper collective failures add to the everyday woes of this nation With taxes going up, pensions being hit, pensioners losing services, bins not being collected, Dr’s on strike, national debt going up, teachers on their knees to wokery, cops exercising two tier policing, courts spineless to lock criminals away, prices going up, unemployment going u p ,

amounts, net zero destroying our industries, energy costs significantly higher than most EU nations, water rates going up, cost of living going up, congestion charges going up, strikes up, illegal immigrants invading UK, asylum seekers up, the list is endless Writing this down is depressing enough, is it any wonder that Labour is currently polling so badly nationally

Talking of polling, Reform UK have now been leading f

Corbyn/Sultana Party on the far-left that is already at around 12% It seems the election war cabinet must have met in Number 10, and came to a conclusion that giving votes to 16/17 year olds might be their last chance to limit the damage This of course will be a unique way to gerrymander the vote I assume Labour are confident that the young are mostly socialist, stupid and easily mislead and would vote for them

Let’s all be very honest, is there anyone with an ounce of common sense who thinks that the majority of 16/17 years have got the political intelligence and understanding to determine their vote correctly? In the depth of your hearts, we know that even 18-year-olds are in a mess when it comes to understandingthe basics of society, of services, of law and order, of cost of living – let alone vote for politicians whose fulltime job is often to lie, to mislead and to over promise and under deliver I am sure there are some young people who are tuned into politics and have a sound grasp of what could be at stake, but I believe this to be a rather small minority

Anyway, it seems Labour see this is their last hope of keeping a resemblance of a party post the next election Looking at the 2021 census, I have estimated that come the next election we will see an increase of around 3% more votes These will be spread across the country, but we can also conclude that many will be concentrated in the top 10 urban centres Even if every new incoming 16/17-year-oldvote for Labour, it will not make any sizeable impact in terms of new seats secured, or keeping hold of the vulnerable ones There is also those who feel that three more years of Labour, and the way they are managing the nation, might well pushmany of these new age voters away from Labour

There is another school of thought that suggests that the new voters might be aligned to protest politics that is championed by Corbyn and Sultana I am in this camp as well Thisincrease in vote share to the Corbyn/Sultana enterprise might be enough to secure seats in the heartland of Labour

Three years plus is however a very long time in politics There is ample time for Labour to eject Starmer and put in a more people friendly leader as the Prime Minister There is enough time for some of the indicators to go from negative to positive (probability quite low I know) There is enough time for both Reform UK, and the Corbyn/Sultana enterprises to crumble leaving us with the time-tested binary choice between Labour and the Tories And there is even enough time for the Tories to get their act together and start getting back their core vote

I am of the view that when the dust settles, at the next general election we’ll have the votes shared by four parties (Tories, Labour, Reform and Corbyn/Sultana) with the likes of the LibDem and Greens getting their usual minor share The government will probably end up being a coalition The only question remaining will be to see whether we end up with a right wing inspired government, or whether it’s a far-left inspired government Either way, this nation is now in a precarious position

For the prime minister, he will be forced into a cabinet shuffle shortly Most of his front bench has been hit hard by negative publicity based on the electorate seeing them as failures, and very often seeing them as liars If the government front bench cannot command the confidence of the people, the erosion of this government will c o n t i n u e , a n d w e w i l l s e e R e f o

Corbyn/Sultana groups gang up and take advantage of the shambles

Kapil Dudakia

Art, identity and routes of belonging

South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) i s back, and this year ’ s theme, ‘ Roots to Routes’ , c elebrates the journeys, both p hy s i c a l an d e m ot i on al , th at s h ap e South Asian identities acros s the globe

It explores how mi gration and movement have influenced the preservation and transformation of heri tage, tradition, and a sense of belonging From tracing ancestral roots to forging new routes of c onnection and communi ty, the theme also speaks to legacy and the impact on future generations

Across the UK and beyond, South Asian historians and artists are reflecting on how these movements have influenced their work, whether through storytelling, archival practice, contemporary art, or performance Asian Voice has spoken to several of them about the exhibitions, research, and creative projects they’ve developed in response to ‘Roots to Routes’

Hi storian and curator at the British

India: living traditions, expresses the message ‘roots to routes’ in so many ways The show looks at the origins of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain sacred art in the ancient and powerful nature spirits of India In this way, we can all see and u

devotional imagery and how it spread globally through trade and pilgrimage r

Importantly, the exhibition also integrates contemporary stories We partnered with UK-based Hindus, Buddhists and Jains to shape the exhibition and share their experiences of practicing their faiths through films Some also

n e r o u s l y

loaned sacred images of the Buddha, Ganesha and Parshvanatha to conclude the exhibition in an uplifting way The message is that while the roots of these faiths and devotional art originate in India, different routes have brought us to the UK where they now form part of our shared cultural heritage

Routes’ reflects an evolving sense of self shaped by migration, adaptation, and interaction with diverse environments

This negotiation is central to South Asian modern and contemporary arts, whether by artists in the region like Munem Wasif and Niamat Nigar, or those in the UK such as Perminder Kaur and Rasheed Araeen At ASAP, we sup-

grants, archiving, research, and international collaborations focused on identity, migration, and community ”

She added, “This August, we launch ‘Assembling Art Archives: Workshops for South Asia’, a ten-month programme with Asia Art Archive in India (AAA-I), fostering exchange between South Asian and UK-based art professionals Our

upcoming talk, ‘From South Asia to

2023 ’ , will explore creative migration and the enduring ties between South Asia and the UK ” Vis ual artist Azraa Motala said, “A painting of Honister Pass draped in South Asian bridal dupattas reflects my time living in the South Lakes after marriage a personal journey of belonging and displacement Set against Cumbria’s natural beauty, the work explores dualities: tradition and transition, rootedness a

becomes a temporal bridge, echoing the Indian villages my grandparents once called home In this space, I find both c

cloth, memory, and terrain to explore how belonging is both inherited and created ” She added, “This dialogue deepens when considering the region’s literary and colonial histories Wordsworth, the poet of the Lakes, came from a family linked to the East India Company Such entanglements complicate the pastoral image of the Lake District, revealing

Global exhibition challenges perceptions of gender and disability

A groundbreaking online art exhibition explo ring the intersection o f g ender and disability launches on 22 July for Disability P ride Month

Presented by This is Gender, ‘Cripping the Lens: Gender, Disability, and the Politics of Visibility’ is a collaboration with feminist rights group CREA and Canada’s National Access Art Centre

Now in its fifth year, ‘This is Gender’ runs the world’s largest visual arts competition on gender justice This edition features 50 works, selected from over 800 global entries by disabled artists and visual culture experts, highlighting how gender and disability shape visibility across cultures

“Disability is not gender neutral Gender is not disability blind,” said Bakelmun “These identities collide in ways rarely acknowledged ”

One featured artist, Indian multimedia designer Hardeep Singh, won in the ‘Bodymind’ category for his defiant digital print ‘Fragmented Faces’, which weaves together his deaf and gender-fluid identity “This exhibition breaks barriers,” he said “It’s a refusal to be silenced or simplified ” L a u n c h e d i n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h C R E A a n d Canada’s NaAC, ‘Cripping the Lens’ arrives amid global rollbacks in disability and gender rights Bakelmun added: “Art reveals what policy often misses These works remind us that care is power,

Bhadr an Bandhu Bhadran Samaj UK amaj UK

Annual Meet & Gr eet Event 2025 Greet

Annual Meet & Greet gathering.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Sunday, 21st September 2025

Time: 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Venue: Oakington Primary School

Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley HA9 6NF

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS & SCHEDULE

Warm Meet & Greet with light starters

We are honoured to extend a warm invitation to all Bhadranwasi community and it’s members, your families, and extended relatives, including married sisters, daughters, and their households to Bhadran Bandhu Samaj UK

Community announcements followed by vibrant Gujarati dance performances and live entertainment

Recognition of academic excellence at our Education Awards

CELEBRATE WITH US

Reconnect with us through cultural performances.

Savour authentic Gujarati cuisine

Honour achievements within our community

Strengthen bonds across generations.

Sushma Jansari

Azraa Motala

Kuhu Kopariha

Community divides on votes at 16

As the politicians worry about the politics of voting and voters, a new generation is about to get its first

r e a l t a s t e o f p o w e r a n d c o u l d define not just the outcome of the next election, but the future of this nation and its political parties

Do youngsters believe they can be effectiv e vo ters?

Beyond the political calculations of who gains from expanding the vote to teenagers, a deeper question looms: Can 16-year-olds truly carry the weight of democracy?

M a n

v e they can be effective voters if given the right tools They argue that p o

ment are key While some admit to gaps in knowledge, most feel capable of making informed choices w

democracy

P a nav B in d al , a 1 7 - y e a r - o l d sixth form student, supports voting rights at 16, but with clear caveats “It’s about our involve-

s i n g t h a t young people deserve a say especially as their concerns, like university costs and housing, often go unheard in favour of older voters’ priorities

However, Panav warned that extending voting rights without sufficient preparation could backfire “Many students treat mock elections as a joke,” he recalled Extreme parties sometimes receive votes not from genuine support, b u t f o r s h o c k v a l u e T h i s , h e believes, reveals a lack of political awareness among young people

He argued that political education must come first; not just for 16-year-olds, but also new 18-yearold voters While topics like equal-

i t y a n d t a x a t i o n a r e t a u g h t i n GCSE, Panav suggested politics be included too, to ensure students understand how democracy works and the real impact of their vote

P a n a v a l s o r a i s e d c o n c e r n s about social media as a primary s o u r c e o f n e w s f o r h i s p e e r s

“There’s very little fact-checking Most party TikToks aren’t about their policies but mocking opponents It’s more about ‘ we ’ re the lesser evil’ than offering real solutions,” he said, warning that such t r e n d s c o u l d d i s t o r t i n f o r m e d political participation

M arek Sthalekar, soon heading to university, welcomed the lowering of the voting age to 16, arguing it would improve representation and drive engagement He believes the move allows younger voices to b

policymaking “When something is directly impacting you, you should be able to speak on it,” he said While acknowledging that some 1 6 - y e a r - o

“being able to express those views is the first step toward influencing change ” M

young people where they already

sports venues If they’re introduced

likely to feel empowered

Voice that early engagement could normalise voting and boost longterm turnout “If young people get used to voting from an early age, it could become second nature ” He stressed that civic education was essential to avoid uninformed voting and rejected the idea that 16year-olds lack maturity “You could say the same about some 18-yearolds ” He added that clearer, more relatable political messaging and a cleaner public image could make politics more appealing to younger voters “Politics needs a better image Many young people see it as corrupt or self-serving If politics

, more about consensus and real change, young people might be more willing to get involved, or at the very least, to vote”, he said For 16-year-old A ashi Yad av it is really important that youngsters should be allowed to vote, because obviously the decisions made now affect them a lot, growing up in t h i s c o u

going on, so that more people feel confident and informed enough to vote”, she said

“I don't think it's that we're not mature enough, we'd be good voters It’s just that we don’t have the knowledge right now But if we were given the time or the information, we’d definitely approach it m a t u r e l y a n d

o n should be more accessible in places where 16-year-olds actually spend t i m e , l i k e s

l m e d i a T h e r e should be more focus on that kind of outreach ”

Shiv Bhatt, 17, an A-level student, believes 16-year-olds should be given the right to vote early, p a r t i c u l a r l y b e c a u s e m a n y a r e already affected by political decisions

“Young people are influenced so much by politics, directly and even indirectly, without them realising,” he said, pointing to issues

like education funding and taxation

He highlighted that although 16-year-olds can work, pay taxes, or even join the army, they currently have no say over decisions that impact them Bhatt also referred to neuroscience debates about brain development, acknowledging that w h i l e t h e p r e f r o n t a l c o r t e x matures around 25, “teens perform c o m

n i t comes to logical decision-making

A lack of youth representation in Parliament was also highlighted The political class, Bhatt noted, is often described as “pale, stale, and male”, a phrase reflecting a lack of

diversity Yet, he said, “not seeing enough representation doesn’t put me off it drives me to do more ”

He stressed the need for better political education in schools and warned against the growing influence of populist figures on social media “Nigel Farage has a large young following on TikTok It can be very influential” he said Bhatt wants to be a voice for young British Asians and believes structured civic education is essential if the voting age is lowered

Neal Hemnani, who turns 15 this year, could soon be eligible to vote and is already thinking critically about the issue He questions whether 16-year-olds are mature enough to vote, especially when they are still legally barred from drinking alcohol, buying lottery

tickets, or smoking “They may not be mature enough to choose the

though he acknowledged that edu-

could justify extending the franchise

On a scale of one to ten, Neal

“about a six ” While politics is not a frequent topic among his peers, discussions tend to arise during

around issues like school fees and p

Scotland’s 2014 independence referendum where 75% of 16–17-year-

olds voted, far higher than the 54% t

d s proving younger teens can be more engaged than older youth when given the chance

Exp erts weigh in Experts agree that lowering the v o t i n g a g e c a n b e b e n e f i c i a l i f implemented thoughtfully Dr Jan Eichhorn, Senior L ectu rer in So cial Policy at U niv ersity of Edinburgh ( S c h o ol o f S o c ia l a nd P o li ti c al Science) highlights that enfranchising 16- and 17-year-olds often leads to greater voter turnout, even into adulthood He cites research showing that young voters tend to become more politically informed, feeling a responsibility to understand issues before casting their vote Studies, including those by Anna Lang, show they are just as capable as adults in aligning party choices with their policy preferences

Prof Sarah Birch , P rofesso r of Political S cience at Department of Political Economy, King's C ollege London supports this view, noting t h a t 1 6 - a n d 1 7 - y e a r - o l d s o f t e n show strong political maturity and early voting can increase long-term turnout and democratic legitimacy Living with parents also boosts their engagement

H o w e v e r , J am e s T i ll ey,

P ro f es s or o f P o li ti c s a nd DP I R

Fello w at Jesu s C olleg e, Oxford U niv ers ity argues voting should align with other adult responsibilities, set at 18 He believes age-related maturity, rather than generational shifts, is more influential in political engagement

“In many ways, the best interv e n t i o n t o i n c r e a s e p o l i t i c a l engagement among young people is to wait for them to get older This is because a lot of the differences in political activity are due to ageing rather than generation ”

T he m atter of the rep resentation o f British Asian young v oices

The push to lower the voting a g e h a s r e i g n i t e d c o n v e r s a t i o n s around the political representation of British Asian youth Many feel t h e i r c o n c e r n s o n e d u c a t i o n , e m p l o y m e n t , a n d i d e n t i t y a r e sidelined in mainstream debates

L o w e r i n g t h e v o t i n g a g e c o u l d

offer a chance to amplify these perspectives, but only if engagement is meaningful and inclusive

However, challenges remain; particularly in representation and t r u s t Nas ar M eer, P ro f ess o r o f Social & Political Sciences at the U n iv ers i ty o f G la sg o w a nd Ho n o ra ry P ro fe ss o r at th e University of Edinburg h points to these structural barriers, especially f o r B l a c k a n d e t h n i c m i n o r i t y

youth “Analysis of the 2024 general election shows turnout 7 perc e n t a g e p o i n t s l o w

stituencies with the largest minority populations and 10 points lower w h

s a r e highest I’d highlight long standing i s s u e s

photo ID rules since data reveals awareness of the requirement for photo ID at only 71 % among 18-24s and 76 % among minority voters, versus 90 % among Whites groups “ S o

bites early: 49 % of Black and Asian

children and 65 % of Bangladeshi youngsters live in poverty, limiting access to the internet, transport and time for civic activity Without automatic registration, expanded I D

gains for Black and ethnic minority teenagers

“Personally, I think that combining that curriculum with a real vote can transform teenagers from “

A step to wards inclusion

Lowering the voting age and introducing automatic registration could mark a turning point in creating a more inclusive democracy, e

have long felt marginalised Prof Birch highlights the importance of ensuring that all eligible young people are registered to vote and properly informed about the process “Automatic registration is a key step, but it must be backed by public information campaigns tailored to youth,” she said, adding that political education should be better integrated into the national curriculum

She further suggested that civic engagement would be strengthened if young people were required to vote the first time they become eligible, though not beyond that, arguing it would boost participation without unduly infringing on personal liberty

Dr Eichhorn agrees that while lowering the voting age is promising, its success hinges on thoughtful implementation This includes

improving citizenship education, involving youth organisations, and

to engage meaningfully with young voices

As the UK prepares to welcome 16- and 17-year-olds into the electorate, the reform signals not just access, but recognition For British A

nationwide, it’s a chance to be heard; and counted

Aashi Yadav

Marek Sthalekar

Neal Hemnani

Shiv Bhatt

Prof Nasar Meer

Dr Jan Eichhorn

Breast cancer isn’t a death sentence

During July, Breast Cancer

No w is m a rki n g E th n ic

M i no r i ty C an ce r

A w a ren es s M o n th

(EM CA M) to high lig ht dis-

awareness

Research by the charity shows nearly half (47%) of

g they never have Common reasons include not being in the habit, forgetting, not knowing how, or lacking

can lead to delayed diag-

comes Early detection is

these barriers is key

n v e e t B a s r a ,

A s s o c i a t e D i r e c t o r o f

P u b l i c H e a l t h , D i v e r s i t y a n d I n c l u s i o n a t B r e a s t

Cancer Now, said, “While breast cancer is less common among ethnic minority women in the UK, out-

c o m e s a r e o f t e n w o r s e , with later diagnoses, lower survival rates, and poorer

p a t i e n t e x p e r i e n c e s

C u l t u r a l s t i g m a , m y t h s , a n d l a c k o f a w a r e n e s s around breast health and

s c r e e n i n g p l a y a m a j o r role ”

A s i a n V o i c e s p o k e t o

A njli K haw ani, a volunteer w i t h t h e c h a r i t y , w h o

shared how cultural atti-

t u d e s s h a p e d h e r b r e a s t

c a n c e r j o u r n e y S h e d i scussed the emotional and p h y s i c a l c h a l l e n g e s s h e faced, and how she now works to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about women ’ s health

What went through your mind when you were first told you had breast cancer at 36?

At the time of my diagnosis, I genuinely thought it was a death sentence Despite some limited family history and regular monitoring at a family history clinic, the risk never felt real to me, I never expected to be diagnosed, especially s o y o u n g I d i d n ’ t k n o w much about breast cancer then; it all felt distant and a b s t r a c t T h e d i a g n o s i s came on the first anniversary of my father's death, a d d i n g t o t h e e m o t i o n a l weight It was a traumatic, overwhelming period I had no real understanding of the different types, stages, or treatment options, just a flood of unfamiliar information I couldn't process for weeks

Did you face any cultural or community-specific challenges while navigating treatment and recovery?

My immediate family, my mom and two sisters, decided not to share my

diagnosis with the wider c

m m u n i t y o r e x t e n d e d family at first We wanted time to understand what w e w e r e f

having to deal with questions, rumours, or unso-

which can feel more harmful than helpful We needed space to process, focus on medical care, and protect our energy We were also mindful of my mum, w h o ’ s v e r y a c t i v e i n t h e c o m m u n i t y W e d i d n ’ t want her to face constant q u e s t i o n s o r e m o t i o n a l strain outside the home

Keeping things private gave her a safe space to enjoy her s o c i a l l i f e w i t h o u t b e i n g overwhelmed In hindsight, it was the best decision

When we did start sharing, w e e n c o u n t e r e d s o m e insensitivity One woman even argued with my mum about my treatment, insisting her own experience was t h e “ c o r r e c t ” o n e T h a t s h o w e d m e h o w l i t t l e awareness there still is many people assume breast cancer is a one-size-fits-all diagnosis, which it’s not E v e n t h o s e w h o ’ v e b e e n t h r o u g h i t o f t e n o n l y understand their own journey, and that lack of broader understanding is frustrating

Do you think cultural attitudes within South Asian communities may prevent some women from getting screened or seeking help early?

It's a 1: 1 aspect, but what I found unhelpful is that the term South Asian is very broad Now, South Asian encompasses a numb e r o f c o m m u n i t i e s a n d cultures Each one has got differences So I think if we t r y f o r a 1 , s i z e f i t s a l l approach, it's not going to

work We need to apprecia t e t h a t

could be many underlying barriers Some of it could

could be language Some of

a l awareness and education I think there s this It s too broad, really, to make that association right But yes, it w

aspect for some communities

Whatmessage would you like to share with others who may be facing a similar journey right now?

your breasts regularly you don’t need a medical setting for that If something feels off, get it checked If you have a family history, advocate to join a family history clinic, as you may be eligible for early screening Please attend screening when invited, diagnosing and being treated for breast cancer as early as possible could make all the difference to the possible outcomes

"If you’re diagnosed, ask questions, be honest about your needs, and don’t feel shame, there’s no shame in having breast cancer "

If you ’ re diagnosed, ask questions, be honest about your needs, and don’t feel shame, there’s no shame in having breast cancer Some of the stigma may come f r o m c u l t u r a

o r beliefs about karma, but it’s vital to put those aside It’s a tough journey, but not a hopeless one I’m nearly 10 years past treatment, my life changed, but I’ve grown from it Let’s prevent what we can through awareness and early action And if it happens, let’s talk openly and support one another

your best life

NHS faces shocking £27bn bill over maternity failures

The NHS faces a s taggering £ 27 4bn bi ll f or materni ty f ai li ngs in Engl and, far exceed ing the £18bn budget for newborn care si nce 2 019

A rise in obstetric negligence cases, nearly 1,400 in 2023, double the number in 2007, follows a series of hospital scandals Hundreds of babies and women have died o

prompting the government to l a u n

inquiry

L a b o u r M P P

Hamilton called the scale of maternity failings “absolutely shocking”, with a “devastat-

ingly high” toll on mothers and babies She said the £27bn cost to the NHS is beyond “eye-watering”

Around half of the 1,400 annual maternity claims may n

legal fees still add up, £24 6m has been spent on failed cases in six years

NHS Resolution’s latest report estimates £37 5bn in total liabilities for maternity cases, making up nearly twothirds of its £60bn clinical negligence bill, figures MPs called “jaw-dropping ” Jeremy Hunt said it's a “national shame” that litiga-

cost of running maternity services, blaming a culture where staff fear admitting mistakes

Jess Brown-Fuller called the crisis “scandalous,” while Wes

Between 2022 and 2024, inspections found two-thirds

unsafe, with widespread staff

M P Paulette Hamilton called conditions “completely unacceptable ”

Women who conceived in abuse lose legal fight over ‘rape clause’ benefits rule

Two women who c onc e iv

e rel ations hips have lost a l

two-child benefit cap A H ig h C our t j ud g e ac knowledged the “chil ling” abuse t hey suff ered as vulnera ble teenagers but r uled tha t the is sue was f or politic ians , not the courts , to decide I d e n t i f i e d a s L M N and EFG, the women chall e n g e d t h e s o - c a l l e d “ r a p e c l a u s e ” i n u n i v e r s a l c r e

third or later children conceived through non-consensual sex Their cases highlight how the current policy excludes women whose first

two children were conceived through abuse Campaigners say they will continue pushing for reform Two women backed by t h e C h i l d P o v e r t y A c t i o n Group (CPAG) lost their legal challenge against the twoc h i l d b e n e f i t c

acknowledged the “chilling” abuse

LMN called the

human rights CPAG’s Claire Hall said they may appeal but urged the government to scrap the

child poverty strategy The DWP said the policy’s legality was upheld and it

taskforce

Phillips says trees valued more than women in courts

H o m e O f f i c e mi ni s t er J es s Ph illi ps has said trees seem to matter more than women i n the jus tice system, after two m en wh o c u t d o w n t h e Sycamore Gap tree were jailed f o r o v er f o u r y ea rs , wh i l e s o m e s e x o f f en d er s av o i d pri son “I’ve spent my life saying women ’ s safety often matters less than bins, in this case, it f e e l s l i k e t r e e s , ” s a i d t h e

S a f e g u a r d i n g a n d V i o l e n c e

A g a i n s t W o m e n a n d G i r l s minister

Jess Phillips, minister for S a f e g u a r d i n g a n d V i o l e n c e

Jess Phillips

safety Jess Phillips called it

tence for sexual activity with a vulnerable 15-year-old girl in

Her comments came after Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were jailed for over four years for cutting d

Gap tree in Northumberland T h

t h a n w o m e n , c a r s m a t t e r more than women that’s often how it feels,” she said, calling for every government d e p a r t m e n t t o p r i o r i t i s e w o m e

A g a i n s t W o m e n a n d G i r l s , said it could take years to c h a l l e n g e t h e w i d e s p r e a d i n s t i t u t i o n a l b e l i e f t h a t w o m e n s h o u l d s u f f e r i n silence “Boats matter more

o m Cumbria in September 2023, carrying tools across moorl

s before felling the 100-yearold tree, which also damaged Hadrian’s Wall

Periods cause some university students to miss six weeks of study

U K university students m iss around six weeks of stud y du ring their d eg rees d ue to the effects of their menstrual cy cl e, a cc o rd i n g to a

H i g h er E d u c ati o n P o li c y Institu te (Hepi) rep ort Seven in 10 said period pain affects their concentrat i o n d u r i n g s t u d i e s o r assessments For those with conditions like endometriosis or PCOS, time lost rises to 11 weeks over a three-year course

H o w e v e r , 1 5 % o f s t udents said they experience a m e n t a l o r p h y s i c a l b o o s t during parts of their cycle that improves focus and performance

The report urged univ e r s i t i e s a n d t h e g o v e r nment to take menstruation m o r e s e r i o u s l y , r e c o mm e n d i n g c l e a r e r l a n g u a g e a n d e x p l i c i t r e f e r e n c e s t o women ’ s health when granting assignment extensions or time off It called for poli-

cies to reduce stigma, offer training, and signpost support for staff and students, s i m i l a r t o a p p r o a c h e s around menopause Of 950 respondents who m e n s t r u a t e d i n t h e p a s t y e a r , m o s t w e r e w o m e n , with 1% identifying as trans men and 1% as non-binary The report used terms like “people who menstruate” to r e f l e c t t h i s d i v e r s i t y , acknowledging the phrasing may seem clumsy

Anjli Khawani

Manveet Basra

Elevating vegetables with tradition and taste

Subhasini Naicker

Born in Mum bai, Camellia Panjabi transformed g lobal perceptio ns of Ind ian food

with ‘ 50 Great Curries o f

I nd i a ’ No w , w i th ‘ V eg eta bl es : T h e I nd ia n Way’, she returns with over 120 v ibrant recip es rooted i n I nd i an tra d it io ns a nd mo dern nutrition

B l e n d i n g A y u r v e d i c wisdom with science, the book highlights gut-friendly techniques like sprouting, fermenting, and tem-

p e r i n g , a n d t h e h e a l i n g power of spices A pioneer of plant-based advocacy in the UK, Panjabi makes a compelling case for vegeta-

b l e s a s k e y t o f l a v o u r , health, and longevity

I n a n i n t e r v i e w w i t h

A s i a n V o i c e , C a m e l l i a spoke about the inspiration behind her book, how heritage shaped her cooking philosophy and much more

Your previous book, 50 Great Curries of India, became an international sensation What inspired you to return with a book focused entirely on vegetables?

When Covid struck, I was stuck in London during a short visit as a i r p o r t s s h u t d o w n

Reflecting on my life as a hotelier and restaurateur, I realised that vegetables had always been treated as side dishes on menus, while at home, t h e y m a d e u p t h r e equarters of our meals I decided it was time to c h a n g e t h a t n a r r a t i v e and make vegetables the hero India has an incredible variety, over 30 types, including unripe fruits like

d e e p l y I r e v i s i t e d t r a d it i o n a l w i s d o m a r o u n d ghee, mustard oil, spices, m

d s l i k e a m l a , c o m p a r i n g i t with modern nutrition For e x a m p l e , I l e a r n e d t h a t ghee made from cultured yogurt has different benef i t s t h a n t o d a y ’ s c r e a mbased version I’ve grouped v e g e t a b l e s b y h o w t h e y g r o w u n d e r g r o u n d , o n vines, in water each with distinct health properties

The book blends cultural i n s i g h t , n u t r i t i o n a l s c ience, and practical recipes to reclaim the true value of Indian vegetarian cuisine

How has your South Asian heritage shaped your approach to cooking and food philosophy?

b a n a n a , j a c k f r u i t , a n d mango used as vegetables I created an encyclopaedic cookbook, with a chapter for each vegetable covering its origin, nutritional prof i l e , A y u r v e d i c i

and whether it's acidic or

u d e s 2

4 r e c i p e s ; snacks, chaat, kids' dishes, p u l a o s , e v e n d e s s e r t s

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

Drawing on my restaurant experience, I focused on e l e v a t i n g t a s t e , s h o w i n g h o w e v e n s i m p l e d i s h e s like dal, saag, or pulao can be truly satisfying

You’ve included nutritional notes with each recipe, what kind of research went into that?

My mother, a doctor, taught us early on to see food as medicine a lesson that shaped my cooking, e s p e c i a l l y d u r i n g C o v i d w h e n I h a d t i m e t o r e s e a r c h i n g r e d i e n t s

is still limited My book isn’t just for vegetarians, it’s for anyone who eats vegetables, which is all of us It’s about understanding why we combine ingredients the way we do, and how to make every vege t a b l e d i s h b o t h h e a l t h y and delicious

Arethere any ingredients or culinary practices you think the world is only beginning to discover from Indian kitchens?

L e n t i l s a r e a h u g e l y underappreciated ingredient in the West and often don’t know how to cook them Yet in Indian restau-

r a n t s , d i n e r s l o v e d i s h e s like yellow dal or black dal, w i t h o u t r e a l i s i n g h o w many types of yellow dals

e x i s t , e a c h w i t h u n i q

a l s o g a i n i n g attention for being glutenfree and nutrient-rich, but even many Indians don’t know how to cook them

making

jowar roti

y popular, but most people rely on tinned vers

l l y capture the complexity of Indian preparations S p i n a c h i s a n o t h e r example; it's loved but often just boiled, stripping away its potential Traditional Indian prac-

t i c e s l i k e u s i n g p a rboiled rice in the South, w h e r e n

during processing, also carry deep health logic that’s largely forgotten,

I believe one of the key differences in Indian food culture is that we rarely eat i n g r e d i e n t s i n i s o l a t i o n Unlike the West, where a meal might consist of just fish and chips or a single steak, Indian meals typicall y i n v o l v e t w o o r t h r e e complementary dishes that balance each other nutritionally

F o r i n s t a n c e , a l e n t i l pulao isn’t just a rice dish, it combines dal and rice to create a complete protein

Even a peas pulao does the same, as peas are legumes

These combinations reflect a deeper nutritional logic that often goes unnoticed I also naturally incorporate spices into everything, not j u s t f o r f l a v o u r , b u t f o r their digestive and medicinal properties Each spice in Indian cooking serves a p u r p o s e , a n d w h i l e Western cuisine is beginning to use ingredients like turmeric or cardamom, the awareness of their benefits

Art's electric current: Bridging art, spirituality, and a fractured world

Swathi Anil Haroon Mirza, the

compelling voice in modern art His installations, sculpt

n i n c o r p o r a t e diverse elements like video, f o u n d o b j e c t s , a n d s o l a r e n e r g y , p r e d o m i n a n t l y focusing on the manipulat i o n a n d c o m p o s i t i o n o f electrical signals

W i t h A s i a n V o i c e , h e t a l k s a b o u t h o w h i s a r t becomes a tool for depolarisation by combining both its spiritual and political characteristics

E m b r a c i n g t h e u n p r edictable: Control, chaos, and the role of failure

U l t i m a t e l y , H a r o o n

Mirza identifies himself simply as an artist, a broad term encompassing his roles as a composer and explorer He v i e w s t i m e a n d s p a c e a s interconnected in his work, w h e r e i n s t a l l a t i o n s c r e a t e

p u r e p e r c e p t i o n , a l l o w i n g t h e a u d i e n c e t o b e c o m e aware of their own awareness within the experience Through his unique blend of art, science, and philosophy, Mirza consistently strives to create works that resonate deeply and contribute to a more depolarised world

Indians This book aims to revive that lost knowledge and serve as a catalyst for more informed, conscious cooking

Whatmessage do you hope this book sends to the younger generations especially those from the South Asian diaspora about their food traditions?

I want readers, especially the younger generation, to feel excited and inspired Today’s youth are

health and nutrition, and

mindset For the diaspora, who may have missed out on generational guidance in the kitchen, this is a chance to rediscover those traditions

With clear plans and beautiful visuals, they can dive in and start cooking for themselves There’s real joy in creating something nourishing and delicious and seeing those vibrant, colourful dishes come to life will make the journey even more rewarding

Mirza readily embraces the inherent unpredictability of electricity, considering it the most intriguing aspect of his work He views elect r i c i t y a s a n a t u r a l p h enomenon He states, “It's the same as looking at the ocean

You see waves and flow of t h e w a t e r g o i n g u p a n d down and that's how electricity is and those waves are c o m p l e t e l y c h a o t i c " H i s artistic process involves sett i n g u p s c e n a r i o s w h e r e these natural phenomenalight, sound, or their combination can unfold organically To manage the potential i s s u e s a r i s i n g f r o m t h i s u n p r e d i c t a b i l i t y , M i r z a

utilises technology, creating a tension between technol o g i c a l i n t e r v e n t i o n a n d nature

Failure, for Mirza, is an essential part of the creative p r o c e s s , a n e c e s s a r y s t e p t o w a r d s t h e n e x t s t a g e P h i l o s o p h i c a l l y , h e l i k e n s failure to death, from which r e b i r t h a n d n e w f o r m s emerge Practically, an artwork that fails might transform into a new sculpture, or lead to innovative solut i o n s , s u c h a s u s i n g g o l d plating to prevent corrosion i n e l e c t r i c a l c i r c u i t s F o r Mirza, giving up is not an o p t i o n ; h i s a r t i s t i c e x p l oration of the world through materials and processes is fundamental to his being Unifying the world: The relevance of art in a fractured society Mirza expresses a profound hope that his art is relevant to the current societal landscape For him, art is vital for understanding the complexities of a politically fractured world, where varying, often colliding, ideologies and historical narratives l e a d t o p o l a r i s a t i o n H i s work aims to depolarise, to offer a form of resistance against the increasing fragmentation

H e c r i t i c a l l y e x a m i n e s the historical trajectory of art criticism, noting how art became intrinsically linked with critique, often leading artists to become political figures or activists However, M i r z a f e e l s t h i s c r i t i c i s m went to an extreme, contributing to the polarisation of communities He advocates for a shift away from this model, suggesting that while art should still highl i g h t s o c i e t a l i s s u e s , i t should do so without antagonism or extreme polarisation His ambition for his work is to foster depolarisa-

tion and serve as an insight into diplomacy Mirza sees spirituality as an antidote to political turmoil He believes that a spiritual experience itself may be disconnected from politics, but the choices made and shared based on that experience are profoundly political He states that his art is both spiritual and political, a s n o a r t w o r k c a n b e divorced from the political context in which it is created He emphasises that indiv i d u a l s , b e t h e y i m a m s , artists, or shamans, have a choice to either ignore or address the dysfunctionality of the world, and he chooses to address it He also adds that “ a spiritual experience has nothing to do with politics But then what you do with that experience in the world is completely political " Mirza's work with spec i f i c f r e q u e n c i e s i n h

like those utilising Tibetan singing bowls, goes beyond superficial engagement He researches and works with frequencies known to have neurological and physiological effects This methodical a

dedication to exploring the profound impact of his chosen mediums Art as techno-shamanism: Bridging the Spiritual and Political M

incorporates living systems, r e f

n t

d s ecological thinking and what h e t e

m s ‘ t e c h n o - s h a m a nism, which is a concept combining ancient shamanism and technology He became f a m i l i a r w i t h t h i s t e r m through Chinese art theorist and writer Q (Qi), who discussed it in relation to the work of Nam June Paik, an artist with whom Mirza feels a s t r o n g

n i t y t o H e believes artists are inherently shamans, engaging with s o m e t h i n g b e y o n d h u m a n thought and language and t h

t dialogue to their communities for their benefit When asked if his art is a ritual offering, Mirza agrees, but clarifies that his rituals are not repeated in the traditional sense; instead, he creates ‘ new rituals’ that build a n a r c h i v e o f p o t e n t i a l future rituals

Camellia Panjabi

Haroon Mirza

An Eggholic

Sunetra Senior

Nim ish a i s th e ow ner o f Egg Ho lic Hatch End in the UK: an eatery that has an ap pealing express focus on the stap le traditional food of eg g in authentic Indian

cuisine T he franchise has been su cc essfu l i n North Am erica w hich im plies the

st ren g th o f th e b u si ne s s mod el and is now h ere in the UK, op ening its doors in Hatch End, P i nne r, w i th ad d i -

ti o na l r es tau r ant s opening in Leicester, Birmingham, central

L o nd o n a nd m a ny

more “T o d o w ell in th e dining business

i s a c h al len g e, l et alone scaling up, but if you stay on top of the d ifferent im portant elements, you can really su cceed: from the ambience to staffing and provid ing topqu ality food We also consider customer satisfaction very h ighly as well as the i np u t o f o u r e m p lo y ees

w e l c o m e a n d r e f r e s h i n g

venture ” She commented o n t h e e m o t i v e d r i v e behind the enterprise and how it has influenced her personal journey: “I have always had a love of business When I was young, I saw my father work very hard and achieve a lot of success which I admired so he was a big inspiration I

s t u d i e d C o m p u t e r / M a n a g e m e n t S c i e n c e which led me to IT as well a s o t h e r d y n a m i c r o l e s , using multiple skills I had inherited from my career ”

Em p ow ering s taf f i s v ery much central, and w e v iew the franchise as a g row ing family ” ****

By no means easy then,

N i m i s h a e m p h a s i s e s t h e focus on the gastronomical fundamentals “Part of my job is to liaise with HQ to modify adapt the business

a c c o r d i n g t o t h e r e g i o n : obviously what is required in the UK will vary from what works in the US, or C a n a d a , ” s h e a d d e d T h e warm entrepreneur has 30

y e a r s ’ e x p e r i e n c e i n t h e education sector and corporate world including IT, B u s i n e s s a n a l y s i s a n d

P r o d u c t a n d M a r k e t i n g , having launched her own brand previously She commented: “having a positive attitude is key – while being truthful with ambition– for me, the attraction has been about being able to satisfy people and their needs It has been a very creative,

The decor of the current restaurant is roundly dedicated to celebrating the uniquely vibrant appeal of I n d i a : “ t h e r e w i l l b e B o l l y w o o d - s t y l e i m a g e s and slogans, and the various languages of the nation on the walls whether it be Gujarati, Hindi, Tamil or Punjabi etc There is genu i n e l o v e b e h i n d i t a l l ” There is certainly a bold salute to nostalgic iconography whether it be classic films of old or the rustic food carts that sell comfort-

“To do well in the dining business is a challenge, let alone scaling up, but if you stay on top of the different important elements, you can succeed"

ing street food Of course, egg itself is very versatile where Nimisha states: “Hum Tum, a c o m b i n a t i o n o f green garlic cooked with tomato, cheese g r a v y a n d e g g , topped with sesame and tadka, is popular and a go-to authentic food - it is layered so it is up to the customer to mix or eat in sect i o n s " E

a n a n d chicken dishes such as the: "Holic chicken kebab, which is a carefully crafted r e c i p e c o m p r i s e d o f flavoursome dried chicken tikka with rice, onions, and tikka, and delicious Lassis and Faloodas Much passion has gone into picking the perfect items for the UK m e n u O u r m a s a l a s

original, having been created from scratch We offer wraps and sandwiches and are always adapting dishes so that they are modern too, ensuring it aligns with t

franchise while being delicious ”Indeed, a craving for the wholesome flavours of culture is coming back into style “Protein is trending in terms of diet ” Here, eggs a r e g

d healthy as well as yummy “I find Eggholics exciting and see it as a gradual move

Nimisha at once demonstrates the age-old wisdom that a simple idea can go a considerable way: especially if one truly, whole-heartedly invests I: eggholicofficial uk

Stricter visa and settlement rules begin in UK

T h e UK go ve rn me n t h as b egun en forcin g the f irs t p ha s e o f i ts i mmig ra ti on re forms a s of July 22, 2025, un der its wi der plan outl in ed in th e w hi te p ape r “ Re s to r i n g C on t ro l O v e r the Immi gration Syste m ” A i me d a t r e d uc i n g n e t m i g r a t i o n , t he ch a n g e s i nclude a na rrower li st of s pons or-eli gib le jobs and a b an on hiri ng ca re w orkers f rom ov ersea s While the white paper, published on May 12, does not itself change the law, many proposals are already

b e i n g i m p l e m e n t e d through updates to immigration rules A key reform

i s t h e t i g h t e n i n g o f t h e skilled worker occupation

list, which now excludes most medium-skilled roles ( R Q F l e v e l s 3 – 5 ) u n l e s s s p e c i f i c a l l y e x e m p t e

Committee This list will remain in effect until the end of 2026

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

soon be subject to a levy on i

tuition fees The Graduate visa will be reduced from two years to 18 months, and tougher English lang u a g e r e q u i r e m e n t s , including for dependents, are expected by the end of the year

Trump set for five-day Scotland trip

A White House official

will visit his Turnberry and

Scotland from July 25–29, e

made during his 2016 campaign

When asked by reporters

Trump confirmed plans to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer, likely in Aberdeen The two leaders previously struck a deal on June 16 at the G7 Summit in Canada, reaffirming quotas and tariff

U K aerospace, but trade issues over steel and aluminium remain unresolved

“We’re going to meet, probably in Aberdeen, and r

f i n e t h e t r a d e d e a l w e made,” Trump said

Trump last visited both his Scottish golf resorts duri n g h i s 2 0 1 6 c a m p a i g n , p r a i s i n g B r i t a i n ’ s B r e x i t

vote At Turnberry, where t h e O p e n C h a m p i o n s h i p was last held in 2009, he was f a m o u s l y a c c o m p a n i e d b y kilted bagpipers

This visit will be his first since 2023, when he broke ground on a new 18-hole course at his Menie estate, d e d i c a t e d t o h i s m o t h e r , who was born on the Isle of Lewis Trump will come back to the UK for a state visit this autumn, accompanied b y F i r s t L a d y M e l a n i a Trump He will be hosted by the King at Windsor Castle from 17 to 19 September, an

honour rarely extended to s e c o n d - t e r m p r e s i d e n t s , who are typically invited for a more informal meeting, such as tea or lunch with the monarch He was previously w e l c o m e d b y Q u e e n Elizabeth II during his first state visit in 2019 According

t o t h e s o u r c e s , U S V i c e President JD Vance is going t o t h e C o t s w o l d s a f t e r Trump’s visit to Scotland

Tho usands of officers deployed for US Presid ent’ s visit

n t T r u m p i s a l s o expected to hold informal t a l k s w i t h S c o t t i s h F i r s t Minister John Swinney

P o l i c e S c o t l a n d b e g a n p r e p a r a t i o n s e a r l i e r t h i s month, with thousands of o f

Scottish Police Federation ( S P F ) , w h i c h r e p r e s e n t s frontline officers, has raised c o n c e r n s o v e r e x c e s s i v e working hours and breaches o f w o r k f o r c e a g r e e m e n t s

SPF General Secretary David Kennedy said some officers are scheduled to work over 12 hours a day for up to 10

consecutive days The feder-

legal action against Police S c o t l a n d A s

a n t C h i e f Constable Emma Bond said the force is working with the SPF to address these concerns Trump’s last president i a l v i s

Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow Protests are once again planned for this week, with demonstrations set to take place in Aberdeen and Edinburgh on July 26 Security challenges have also emerged in the past

paraglider breached

no-fly zone over Trump Turnberry

"Trump:

has been targeted by proPalestinian demonstrators To manage the scale of

request support from other UK forces under mutual aid agreements

EU confirms start date for UK border checks as Etias fee triples

E u ro p e ’ s l o ngd elayed E ntry/Exi t S y st em ( E E S ) w i l l l au nc h o n 1 2

O ct ob er , a p p ly in g to som e U K travellers entering th e EU

T h e s y s t e m links all Schengen borders to a central database to better track non-EU citiz e n s ’ m o v e m e n t s , e n f o r c e the 90-day stay rule, and identify suspected criminals

One key proposal is to extend the Indefinite Leave t o R e m a i n ( I L R ) p e r i o d from five to ten years, with a n “ e a r n e d s e t t l e m e n t ” route under consideration f o r h i g h - c o n t r i b u t i n g m i g r a n t s S o m e g r o u p s , like British citizens' partners and EU nationals, are expected to be exempt

It’s unclear if the rule w i l l a p p l y t o c u r r e n t migrants, but transitional measures are being considered Most changes don’t r e q u i r e a v o t e , t h o u g h measures like the student fee levy will need legislation The reforms reflect a shift toward tighter rules and greater focus on economic value

S o m e B r i t i s h t r a v e l l e r s heading abroad for October half-term may be required to provide fingerprints and facial biometrics

T h e E U ’ s E n t r y / E x i t System (EES) will launch on

12 October 2025, but its rollout will be uneven Initially p l a n n e d a s a f u l l - s c a l e launch, the delay has led to a six-month transition where some border points will collect biometrics while others remain manual creating a “border roulette” experience for travellers

U K h o l i d a ym a k e r s a n d b u s iness travellers face added red tape as passports will still be stamped at EESenabled posts until full rollout ends on 9 April 2026 From 10 April, the system will be fully operat i o n a l , r e q u i r i n g B r i t i s h a n d o t h e r visa-free travellers to provide four fingerprints and a facial image Children under 12 are exempt The EU’s Etias “Eurov i s a ” w

2026, with the fee tripling from €7 to €20 (£17), valid for three years

Brits favour rules for rich foreign investors

A new poll suggests strong pub lic support for att racting wealthy foreigners t o t he U K, if they use

Nimisha Patel

Nimisha Patel: On Being

Prime Minister Keir Starmer with US President Donald Trump

OnMonday, July 14, Asian Voice partnered with the Royal Air Force(RAF) to hold the fourth edition of ‘Be The Change' panel discussion on Climate Change at the iconic Cholmondeley Room, House of Lords

In her welcome address

Rupanjana Dutta, Managing Editor, Asian Voice, underscored the urgency of climate action in light of the UK’s increasingly frequent heatwaves, while commending the nation’s progress in reducing emissions She reaffirmed the publication’s ongoing commitment to climate journalism, particularly within the British Asian community, and acknowledged the Royal Air Force’s continued

“C lim ate risk is no t superficial”: M eaningful opinions from the experts

The panel was moderated by Alpesh Patel OBE, a Visiting Fellow at Oxford University, CEO, and best-selling Financial Times author, who invests in renewable energy and advises on UK-India relations and global climate tech solutions

The panellists included Prof Anusha Shah, a leading civil engineer and climate expert, the first woman of colour to head the Institution of Civil Engineers, with extensive roles in climate strategy at Arcadis and education; Dr Komal Raj Aryal, a disaster management lecturer at Aston University, with

partnership and leadership in advancing sustainability

Host Lord Raj Loomba CBE highlighted the enormity of the climate crisis and the personal responsibility each individual bears in confronting it He drew attention to the unequal impact of climate change, particularly on marginalised communities and widows in developing countries, referencing insights from his foundation’s work Commending Asian Voice and the Royal Air Force for their leadership, he called for both collective and individual action in line with the event’s theme: Be The Change Wing Commander Manjeet Ghataora spoke about the RAF’s

Diverse voices, sha

Asian Voice and RAF’s ‘Be The Change’ panel unites

commitment to tackling climate change through the use of sustainable aviation fuel, investment in greener infrastructure, and innovations aimed at reducing carbon emissions He also emphasised the RAF’s dedication to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, urging communities to inspire young people to consider careers in the force A greener, more inclusive RAF, he noted, is essential not only for operational excellence but also for long-term resilience

over 25 years of experience in local and international risk governance; and Ruby Raut, environmentalist and CEO of WUKA, supporting sustainable menstrual health solutions

Calling climate change the defining national security challenge of our time, Alpesh Patel urged decisive leadership, framing the crisis not just as a burden, but as a catalyst for innovation, opportunity, and generational impact

The panellists shared personal moments that ignited their

commitment to climate action

Anusha, a civil and environmental engineer from Kashmir, described witnessing labourers toiling in extreme Delhi heat during her first job, an experience that spurred her to resign and focus on climate justice Her later encounters with devastating floods in Carlisle and Srinagar further reinforced her resolve

Guests

Ruby, who grew up in rural Nepal, recounted how menstruation became a barrier to education due to a lack of sustainable products Shocked at seeing the plastic waste of products after moving to the UK, she created reusable period underwear, reaching over a million women and influencing UK policy Komal reflected on growing up in flood-

prone Kathmandu, frequently wading through water to get home

His chance encounter with a professor in an airport led him to study disaster management in the UK, shaping his career in climate resilience

In response to what single policy change could meaningfully advance net zero, panellists emphasised the need for integrated

Panel (L to R): Alpesh Patel OBE, Prof Anusha Shah, Ruby R

Wg Cdr Manjeet Ghataora, RAF

Alpesh Patel OBE, Panel Moderator

Sqn Ldr Amir Khan (R) & Sgt Shiv Chand (L), RAF Ethnic Minorities Recruiting Strategy team

ared purpose

communities for climate action

and people-centred approaches

Anusha argued for a "nature-first" policy framework, urging that climate action must go beyond carbon reduction to also include adaptation, biodiversity preservation, and equity “Never speak about climate without nature,” she said, calling for nature to be “put on the asset register” and prioritised in infrastructure planning

Ruby, speaking from the fashion sector, highlighted the urgent need for sustainable consumption and responsible production “Every business should have responsibility around sustainable consumption,” she said, noting that overproduction in the Global North results in toxic waste exported to poorer countries

Komal focused on the importance of localised climate risk communication He stressed that “climate risk is not superficial It is about risk communication, hazard communication,” tailored to every age and community Panellists emphasised that young people, especially from underrepresented communities, must be central to climate action

Anusha called the youth “ our most important stakeholders” and urged reframing climate narratives from doom to opportunity “This is one of

the most fantastic times to get into this field you get to redesign places with dignity and respect for all”, she said Ruby added, “Teens are not the future; they are the present,” and highlighted how today’s youth are globally connected and increasingly investing in sustainable living Komal shared how interactive tools like 3D maps and Lego models have helped engage school and college students in seismic risk awareness in Himachal Pradesh, without overwhelming them with technical jargon All agreed that youth empowerment requires decentralised leadership, cultural exchange, and funding pathways that give visibility and support to diverse voices

Audience voices reshape climate change conversation

During the Q&A, participants and panellists explored key tensions between ambition, equity, and responsibility in climate action

Asked about the UK's financial commitment to net zero, Anusha argued for reframing climate resilience as a “financial and business case, ” citing that climateresilient regions will have a competitive edge in tourism, investment, and growth “Resilience is not just a nice-to-have; it’s urban

regeneration, jobs, and health”, she said Ruby noted the UK is falling behind in electrification, citing China s 80% EV adoption However, Anusha and Komal cautioned against over-reliance on EVs, highlighting fire risks, infrastructure gaps, and the need for public transport and walkable cities “EVs are not a panacea, ” Anusha stressed, calling for holistic planning rooted in equity and urban design

Several audience members stressed lived experience and grassroots solutions A member of the audience urged youth to “touch

nature” in order to understand the stakes In response Anusha said, “That’s exactly what we need Teaching life skills through nature is how we build future leaders ”

Another audience member described a successful toolkit pilot on urban heat in London, highlighting the urgent need for simplified, inclusive public education

Questions also tackled global equity and waste offshoring Anusha and Ruby stressed that the UK must act beyond its borders, adopting full lifecycle carbon accounting and avoiding outsourcing emissions Ruby added, “We must build recycling capacity at home, not burden developing nations with our waste ” Komal called for local solutions like biochar recycling, while Ruby urged individuals, businesses, and governments to act together “As human beings, we have a collective responsibility to leave this world better than we found it ” CB Patel, Chairman and Editor

of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing his gratitude to Lord Raj Loomba, members of the Royal Air Force, and all guests for their presence and for contributing to an evening of powerful reflection on climate change

Marking the 53rd anniversary of Gujarat Samachar, he spoke with pride about the publication’s enduring commitment to social causes, now with climate action at the forefront “We are committed to continuing this mission, using our platforms to amplify awareness and action on this urgent global issue,” he affirmed

CB Patel also commended the evening’s speakers for their clarity and conviction and extended sincere appreciation to the RAF for their valued partnership over the past four years Concluding his remarks, he urged attendees to carry the evening’s insights into their communities and daily lives, and

act for a more sustainable

future

aut, Dr Komal Raj Aryal

Q&A: Luke Martin MIoM MBCI, West Midlands Resilience Forum

Rupanjana Dutta, Managing Editor, Asian Voice

CB Patel, Chairman, Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar

Guests

Q& A: Ajay Yadav, Managing Director, Global Head of Securities Financing for Traded Risk, HSBC (L) & Ramanjeet Arora, Head of Traded & Treasury Risk and Analytics Transformation, Europe and MENAT, HSBC

Host, Lord Raj Loomba CBE

Building sustainable legacies through art

Subhasini Naicker

Pragya Kumar is a self-taught South Asian visual artist and community arts producer based in London. Originally trained in interior design, she transitioned over a decade ago to focus on her true passion: community and participatory arts Her journey began 14 years ago as a volunteer with grassroots organisations and arts charities. Since then, she has delivered projects in collaboration with freelancers, cultural institutions, and funders like Arts Council England and local councils.

Speaking to Asian Voice about her career shift, Pragya said, “What drew me in was the beauty of community arts, the engagement, the fact that it’s by the people, for the people Participatory arts give even those who doubt themselves the chance to get involved and feel empowered I was

a l r e a d y w o r k i n g i n commercial interior design, but when I moved here and

s a w w h a t c o m m

y a r t s could do, I was blown away

meaningful way to make

e r looked back ”

the environment Especially in outdoor

affordable For example, in the lantern parades I lead, we now use biodegradable materials like willow and tissue paper But natural and eco-friendly options can be expensive and hard to source Even at home, I’ve seen this, a wooden dish brush with natural bristles costs five to ten times more than a plastic one So while the intention to be eco-conscious is strong, a

hurdles The more widely available these materials become, the more affordable they’ll be, but we ’ re not there yet ”

On the lack of visibility and funding for

intersection of sustainability, identity, and

On what sustainability in art means to her, Pragya said, “As a participatory artist, I’ve led many community projects, but I began to question their long-term impact W e s e c u r e f u n d i n g , d e l i v e r s o m e t h i n g meaningful, then we leave What happens to the people we engaged with? Often, they’re left with no resources to continue It’s not just about the sustainability of the project itself, but also of the materials we use During a funded project, we might provide beautiful art supplies for free, but once the funding ends, those materials may be unaffordable or inaccessible This made me look back to our creative roots, to t r a d i t i o n a l p r a c t i c e s t h a t u s e d n a t u r a l , sustainable, and easily available materials

Much of that art has lasted centuries So I’ve been exploring ways to bring those practices into modern participatory art, so communities can continue the work long after we ’ ve gone That’s when real, lasting impact happens ” Giving an example of how her artistic p r a c t i c e a d d

n t a l concerns, Pragya said, “There’s been a big shift in the kind of materials we use in participatory arts Many organisations I work with have now stopped using plastic, but we ’ re still grappling with leftover stock from past projects, things like plastic cutouts and polystyrene, which are harmful to

That’s where the gap lies As a South Asian community, we have so much wisdom in

re not tapping into it, nor are we

within our community to drive these ideas forward Creatives have so many solutions, but without backing, even someone simply saying, ‘Tell me your idea, we’ll support you ’ , nothing can happen I’ve been in the UK for over 20 years and haven’t come across a South Asian-led group focused on sustainability in action There are panels a n d d i s c u s s i o n s , y e s ,

’ s t h e follow-through? We need less talk and more action, we need to come together, commit resources, and make it happen ” “ F o r e x a m p l e , w e h a v e b

e existed for thousands of years Reviving them isn't just about using sustainable materials, it’s also about passing on a creative legacy to the next generation It helps them connect to their roots while c o n t r i b

c o m m u n i t y , w e h o l d a w e a l t h o f traditional knowledge, from natural dyes to Ayurveda and skincare practices, but we ’ re not bringing these threads together If we created platforms for action, not just reflection, we could revive this heritage a n d m a k e i t a c c e s s i b l e n o t o n l y f o r ourselves but for wider communities True sustainability comes from collaboration, and that’s what we need more of,” she added

Bradford man jailed for killing his wife

A man ha s b een jai led f or murderi ng his wif e in fron t of their b ab y in a pram on a s treet in Bra dford

H a b i b u r R a h m a n Masum, 26, from Burnley, was sentenced to 21 years at Bradford Crown Court on 22 July 2025 He was convicted of murder, assault, making threats to kill, and stalking

M a s u m h a d a d m i t t e d to manslaughter and possession of a knife at an earlier hearing on 5 June, but t h e p r o s

murder trial

and photos of her location When she refused to reconcile, he stabbed her multiple times She died later that day Marie Walsh of the

Masum is a violent man who subjected his wife to abuse, forcing her to

U n a b l e t o

In a major breakthrough in the ongoing Po st Office IT scandal, the first conviction re la ted t o t h e f law ed "C ap ture" system h as been re

(CCRC) has decided to refer the case of Patricia Owen, a sub-postmistress convicted of theft in 1998, marking a pivotal moment in the campaign for justice for wrong-

ters

was used across 2,500 Post

H o r i z o n

she consistently maintained

First 'Capture' conviction heads to appeal amid major overhaul Pakistani migrants exploit UK visa loopholes

P a k is t a n i n a t i on a l s a r e

r e p or t e d l y p a y in g up t o

£5 0, 000 for fr aud ul ent UK visa applications, using fake document s provided b y cons ul t a n t s w ho o p e n l y p r omote l oopholes in Brita in ’ s immigra tion system, accor din g t o an inv est ig at ion b y The Te legr aph

The probe uncovered falsified paperwork including CVs, bank statements, and e m p l o y m e n t l e t t e r s b e i n g sold to individuals applying f o r U K w o r k a n d s t u d e n t visas, with one consultant claiming a 98% success rate In one case, The Telegraph reviewed a fabricated job reference submitted with a succ e s s f u l s k i l l e d w o r k e r v i s a application The letter, ridd l e d w i t h g r a m m a t i c a l e r r o r s , f a l s e l y c l a i m e d t h e applicant had worked as a nursing assistant

T h e c o n s u l t a n t b e h i n d the operation actively advertises on YouTube, advising on ways to exploit asylum

her innocence, Owen died in 2003, still carrying a criminal record, years before the s c a l e o f t h e P o s t O f f i c e ’ s failures became public

The referral comes after the emergence of a damning 1998 report, uncovered by Sky News earlier this year, which raised serious concerns about Capture’s reliab i l i t y D e s p i t e k n o w i n g about the report at the time, the Post Office continued to p r o s e c u t e p o s t m a s t e r s based on its data

V i c t i m s ’ l a w y e r N e i l

Hudgell described the decision as “hugely pivotal”, saying the expert report had “significantly tipped the bala n c e ” a n d e x p o s e d l o n gstanding institutional failings This landmark development coincides with a major g o v e r n

reform the Post Office itself

launched a £410 million tender to replace the Horizon system, alongside a sweeping structural review that could transfer ownership of the organisation to the subp

11,600 branches

first major review in 15 years,

until 6 October and explores options such as mutualisation or adopting a BBC-style governance model On the other hand, the Horizon replacement ten-

support and

another for a modern cloudbased point-of-sale system Bids close on 21 August, with a final decision expected by July 2026

a n d v i s a s y s t e m s a c r o s s Europe and North America

H i s f i r m c h a r g e s t e n s o f thousands of pounds, with additional fees for creating fake documents For those unable to afford a full work visa, he offers student visa routes as a cheaper alternative, suggesting individuals c o u l d c o n v e r t t h e m i n t o w o r k p e r m i t s o n c e i n t h e

The revelation comes as the UK government, under P r i m e M i n i s t e r S i r K e i r Starmer, faces growing pressure to clamp down on visa abuse and illegal migration

P a k i s t a n r e c o r d e d o v e r 10,500 asylum applications in 2023 an 80% increase on the previous year

Coinciding with this, the UK has launched the world’s f i r s t d e d i c a t e d s a n c t i o n s regime aimed at dismantling people-smuggling networks

The new powers will allow the UK to freeze assets and i s s u e t r a v e l b a n s a g a i n s t

individuals aiding irregular migration

Foreign Secretary David L a m m y s a i d i t w a s “ o u r moral duty” to smash the c r i m i n a l g a n g s e x p l o i t i n g v u l n e r a b l e p e o p l e , a d d i n g that the UK “will not accept this status quo ” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called the sanctions “ a decisive step”, stating they would help dismantle smugg l i n g n e t w o r k s “ p i e c e b y piece” and send a clear message that there is “ no hiding place” for those putting lives at risk for profit

f o r Migration, also condemned people smugglers as “callous criminals”, emphasising that the UK is stepping up international cooperation to fight v i

n T h e n e w regime will work alongside powers set out in the Border, S e

Immigration Bill

Rayner says public trust hit by immigration and hardship

An gel a Ra yn er ha s war ne d t ha t i m m ig r at i on, de pr iv ation, and s oc ial isolation are f u e l l in g p ub l i c a n g e r wi t h pol it ic ia ns , c on t rib ut ing t o unrest and riots

A t T u e s d a y ’ s c a b i n e t meeting, the deputy prime minister, who is leading a project on social cohesion, also cited growing time spent alone and online as a factor

last year ’ s riots fuelled by farright misinformation

shopping in Bradford with her baby in a pram and a friend when she was confronted by her estranged husband, Habibur Masum

c c e p t t h e end of the relationship, he tracked her down and brutally stabbed her We

house, Masum had tracked

Asked whether migration was a key cause of recent riots, including those near asylum hotels, No 10 said it reflected wider public concerns about whether the government is acting in their interests

M i n i s t e r s f e a r f r e s h unrest around the anniversary of the Southport dance class killings, which triggered

A t c a b i n e t , A n g e l a Rayner warned that deprivation, immigration, de-industrialisation, and online isolation are eroding social cohes i o n S e v e n t e e n o f t h e 1 8 w o r s t - a f f e c t e d a r e a

most deprived, she said Rayner’s £1 5bn “plan for neighbourhoods” will target 75 areas over the next decade

Pragya Kumar

Habibur Rahman Masum

Angela Rayner

Dear

Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel

R achel Re ev es, th e Cha ncellor , has boldly procla im ed t hat Brit ain must br ea k fre e from its t imid inve stmen t culture if it wa nts to spa rk gen uine economic g rowth Her re ce nt spe ech pinpoint ed t he hea rt of the issue: our fina ncial a dvisors ha ve play ed it far too safe, deliver in g port folios t hat fe el secure but consisten tly unde rpe rform

As a former barrister turned investment expert, I propose we subject IFAs to a rigorous cross-examination So, let s begin

"Mr Advisor, you claim to be acting in your client's best interests Is cautious underperformance truly in anyone's best interest?"

For decades, IFAs have championed 'caution,' draping risk-aversion in reassuring language Yet, caution itself carries a hidden cost namely, growth Reeves argues rightly that our economy is paying the price for an overly conservative investment strategy Britain's GDP growth has lagged behind peer nations precisely because our financial stewards fear stepping into markets that actually deliver wealth

"But, Mr Advisor," I'd press further, "Isn't it true that your caution often translates into a fear of accountability rather than genuine prudence?"

recommendations often lies a protective shield against scrutiny, litigation, and blame Advisors choose bland, defensive options not because they promise returns but

mediocrity

Tell the court, Advisor, why have you continuously ignored proven, academically backed strategies that show measured risk-taking delivers superior returns over time?"

E v i d e n c e c o n

quality growth stocks, utilising factor-based selection, and embracing dynamic yet balanced approaches yield higher returns long-term Yet, IFAs frequently default to bonds, spray and pray stocks, and unimaginative fund-of-funds selections, hiding behind jargon like 'balanced portfolio' or 'defensive play '

This cautiousness has left the average British investor with subpar retirement pots, insufficient for their future needs, contradicting the fiduciary promise of maximizing client wealth

" I s n ' t i t t r u e , A d v i s o r , t h a t y o u r s o - c a

investments' are actually riskier given inflation, longer lifespans, and insufficient growth?"

portfolios With average UK inflation persistently above 2 % , l o w - y i e l d i n g c a u t i o u s p o r t f o l i o s a r e n o t m e r e l y conservative they're actively destructive Reeves's call is a wake-up to the IFAs that hiding behind safe bets is not just cautious it s costly

Finally, "Mr Advisor, isn’t your fiduciary duty to deliver growth, not merely to avoid blame?"

condemnation but with a challenge: IFAs must embrace their professional courage Clients deserve more than the comfort of cautious underperformance Britain’s economic future depends on advisors willing to step out of their comfort zone, informed by robust strategies, transparent rationale, and a commitment to genuine growth

As Rachel Reeves rightly underscores, it's high time IFAs faced the verdict: caution is not cautious when it costs prosperity

UK greenlights £38 billion Sizewell C Nuclear project

significantly boost the country’s clean energy capacity and create thousands of jobs The government will hold the largest share in the project, with additional stakes taken up by the Canadian fund, Centrica, Amber Infrastructure, and France’s EDF Sizewell C marks a key step in Britain’s nuclear revival, aimed at improving energy security and meeting climate targets

The plant, once built, will supply electricity to millions of

Construction is set to begin soon, with the project expected to be operational in the mid to late 2030s Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the investment reflects the government’s commitment to clean, publicly owned energy and national growth The funding model used will allow companies to be paid during construction, making the project more financially secure

Although it will slightly raise consumer bills during the build, the plant is expected to deliver significant savings over time The project has evolved over the years, with China’s involvement dropped in 2022 due to security concerns

Sunil Bharti Mittal receives honorary doctorate from University of Bath

Sunil Bhar ti Mitta

founder

Un iv ersit y of Bath, UK

Recognised as one of the UK’s top ten universities and ranked within the top 10 per cent globally, the University

business and philanthropy T

honorary doctorate and his third from a UK institution

Causa) from the University

Doctor of Civil Law (Honoris C

University in 2012

“I’m honoured to receive

institution renowned for its intellectual rigour, spirit of enterprise, and engagement with the world beyond the classroom,” Mittal said in a statement

C o n g r a t u l a t i n g t h e B h a r t i G r o u p c h a i r m a n , Professor Phil Taylor, ViceChancellor and President of the University of Bath, said: “ W e

Over one million foreign nationals claim universal credit

More th an a million foreig n nationals are now claiming Universal Cred it in the U K, accord ing to newly released fig ures, triggering renewed p o li ti c al d

o v er immig ration and w elfare

The data reveals that of t h e 7 9

including

06 million with

are in work, 1 6 million are actively looking for work, a n d h a l f a m i l l i o n a r e preparing for employment

Around 16% of all Universal C r e d i t r e c i p i e n t s a r e n o t

British citizens

The largest group, nearly 10% of all claimants, are EU nationals with settled status post-Brexit Others include o v e r 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h i n d e f i n i t e l e a v e t o r e m a i n a

claiming

unemployed These figures go completely against the lie we ’ ve been told for 25 years, ” he told The Times Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the data “staggering” and accused the

losing control of the welfare system The Conservatives have pledged to ban foreign

FCA chief urges honest debate on risk amid regulatory

f Execu tive of th e F inancial Co ndu ct Au th o ri ty ( F CA) , has called for an o pen and trans p are nt dis c us si o n o n th e role of risk in financial re gu l at i o n, am i d th e go v er nm en t’ s p u sh to reduce red tape Addressing th e Lords financial services regu lation c ommittee, Rathi stressed th at regu lators are no t tr yi n g t o c o v er th ei r backs bu t ins tead seeki ng greater co herence acro ss th e system

H i s r e m a r k s f o l l o w e d Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ M a n s i o n H o u s e s p e e c h , where she pledged to ease f i n a n c i a l r e g u l a t i o n s t h a t she believes have become o v e r l y c a u t i o u s R e e v e s criticised existing rules as a b o o t o n t h e n e c k o f businesses and argued that the drive to eliminate all

OBR warns Reeves on tax rises and growth risks

Ch ancello r Rachel Reeves h as been cautioned by the Office fo r Bu dget Responsibility (OBR) that continu ally increasing taxes may hi nder eco no mi c growth As Reeves p rep ares for th e autumn bu dget, OBR chief Ric hard Hughes raised co n ce rn s o ve

e UK 's alr ead y

ig h

ax bu r den a nd mo unting pu blic debt

Hughes emphasised that Britain's economic flexibility is limited, warning that the country is very exposed to shocks such as the pandemic and energy crises He noted that the current tax burden and size of the state are nearing historic highs, leaving little room for further fiscal manoeuvring without negative consequences In light of speculation that Reeves might increase taxes to fill a growing budget gap, e s t i m a t

explained that high taxes could stifle growth, particularly if they are used to fund additional public spending, such as on research and development “There are trade-offs to consider,” he told MPs, stressing that while investment is important, how it's funded matters significantly Hughes also highlighted vulnerabilities in the UK’s debt market With pension fund demand expected to decline, the government may need to attract investors by offering higher returns, which would

r i s k h a s s t i f l e d g r o w t h

R a t h i a c k n o w l e d g e d t h e

g o v e r n m e n t ’ s i n t e n t b u t w a r n e d t h a t l o o s e n i n g r e g u l a t i o n s w i t h o u t c l e a r p o l i t i c a l c o n s e n s u s o n acceptable risk could result in significant social loss He emphasised that different p o l i t i c a l c u l t u r e s h a v e varying tolerances for such losses, and that Parliament i s t h e r i g h t f o r u m t o determine this balance

O n e e x a m p l e o f t h e

F C A r e s p o n d i n g t o deregulatory pressure is its r e l a x a t i o n o f m o r t g a g e l e n d i n g r u l e s , a i m e d a t

helping more people access t h e h o u s i n g m a r k e t However, Rathi questioned t h e c o n s i s t e n c y o f t h i s a p p r

Charter

London - U K retailers are intensifying their calls fo r Finance Minister Rachel Reev es to reinstate tax-free shop ping

advantages

Conservative and Labour administrations, have consistently

Responsibility

Given the current fiscal challenges facing the nation, a reversal of this stance by Rachel Reeves is considered unlikely, despite pleas for her to assist businesses after recent payroll tax increases Retailers continue to express concern that the UK is at a competitive disadvantage, losing out on valuable tourist revenue to European counterparts like France and Spain, which continue to offer tax-free shopping incentives

Sunil Bharti Mittal

Nikhil Rathi

Global brands flock to India amid western tariff turbulence

As escalating tariff d isputes cloud growth p rospects in establish ed markets like the U S , I nd i a i

internatio nal brand s Global p

Ind ian market, drawn by its you

, tech-sav vy populace that is revolutio nising brand

habits

apparel firm Lululemon, for

announced its India foray for late 2026, joining

Retail alone has introduced six foreign beauty brands to India this year, alongside the debut of fashion label Shein Analysts at Cushman & W

around 12 This figure rose to approximately 14 in 2023 and nearly doubled to 27

Nykaa, serves

crucial

bypass real estate challenges

non-metro markets Experts

accounted for 60% of global

growth between 2014-2024, projected to reach 75% in the

distinguishes it, particularly in premium and bridge-toluxury segments

RIL reports record £3bn profit in Q1

Reliance Indu stries reported a 76% increase in quarterly p ro f it to £ 3 0 6bn , l ed by gains from the sale of some of its listed inv estments and strong growth across its key bu s i nes s es O th e r i n co m e surg ed 280

to £1

bn due to profit (£ 892 4 mn) on sale of its stake in Asian Paints

gain, p rofit w as high er by 25%

Profit was also driven by

chemicals (O2C) business, which saw better refining

presents a unique long-term growth opportunity driven by rising disposable incomes

preferences

SBI set for record £4.5bn fundraise

consent in June The floor price for the offer has been

mar ket, and at SBI's cur rent m

n earl y £74bn, it will result in a n e q u it y di l u

n o f a ppr ox imat ely 3 3%

T h e b a n k f

o p e n e d t h e s h a r e s a l e , following board approval in M a y a n d s h a r e h o l d e r

discount of up to 5% from t h i

via this route

In addition to the equity offering, SBI plans to raise

another £2bn through Basel III-compliant bonds These bonds, to be issued in Indian rupees to domestic investors in tranches, will bolster the

supporting Tier 1 and overall capital The comprehensive fundraising strategy aims to facilitate loan growth and

capital, SBI's decision now appears driven by favourable market conditions and an anticipated credit growth of 12-13%

RBI governor hints at rate cut amid inflation drop

Res e rv e B an k o f I nd i a g o v ern o r S anj a y Malho tra h as sig nalled that th e central bank m i g h t co n si d e r cu t ti ng i nte res t ra tes , p ro v i d e d b o th i nf lat i on a nd ec o no m ic growth continue to so ften He indicated that in fl at io n c o u ld f al l be lo w th e fu ll - yea r fo recast o f 3 7%, stating that the M onetary Policy Co mmittee's (M PC) neutral stance o ff ers f le xi bi l it y to ad ap t as ec o no m ic cond itions ev olv e Malhotra’s comments, delivered in a r e c e n t i n t e r v i e w , f o l l o w r e t a i l i n f l a t i o n figures of 2 1% in June, with the April to June average at 2 7% against the RBI’s 2 9% estimate July inflation is now anticipated to drop below 2%, with market forecasts suggesting the full-year figure could settle

n e a r e r 3 % T h e G o v e r n o r s t r e s s e d t h a t policy decisions weigh both price stability,

the RBI's primary mandate, and economic growth He highlighted the bank's focus on

effects of inflation, rather than just the

n g h o w inflation is expected to behave in the future He affirmed the central bank's datadependent approach, noting the neutral stance allows for policy adjustments in

liquidity, Malhotra clarified that the RBI targets the call money rate, which closely tracks the repo rate, and explained recent variable rate reverse repo operations have helped align this He also briefly addressed the recent Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) cut as a m o n

u s e d sparingly

Titan to buy 67% in Dubai’s Damas jeweller

Titan, which owns the Tanis hq brand, will buy 67% in jewel lery retailer Dama s from Qatar-list ed Mannai Corpor ation for AED 69 5 m il lion (£163m n), es tablis hing its elf as one of the prom inent Indian je well ers in West Asia Mannai and Egyptian investment bank EFG Hermes acquired Damas, previously listed on Nasdaq Dubai, for $445 million in 2012 Mannai, owned by Qatar’s AI Thani royal family, acquired EFG’s 19% stake in Damas in 2014

Titan, a joint venture between Tata Group

a n d T a m i l N a d u I n d u s t r i a l D e v e

Corporation, has the option to purchase the remaining 33% stake in Damas from Mannai after Dec 31, 2029, subject to specific conditions The 67% stake valuation is based on Damas’ enterprise value of AED 1,038 million (£244mn), including debt, according to Titan,

Industries and “Tan” from Tamil Nadu

This acquisition ranks as Titan’s secondlargest, following the purchase of Indian jew-

between 2016 and 2024 D

1907, operates 146 stores across six GCC countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain The agreement with Mannai excludes the franchisee business of British jewellery brand Graff, said Titan, ranked second in market value at £30bn within the Tata Group, after TCS at £114bn

Despite the significant Indian diaspora in

investments, Titan plans to utilise Damas to expand its reach to diverse nationalities and ethnic groups

Adani Enterprises sells 30% stake in Wilmar JV for £1.10bn

Adani E nterprises will div est its remaining 30 4% stake in A WL A g

f Sing ap ore and institutional inv estors for an estim ated £ 1 1 0 b n, m a rk in g i ts co mplete exit from one of its earliest bu siness ventures establish ed at the turn of the new millennium Earlier in Jan, it divested about a 14% stake in AWL

A g r i B u s i n e s s ( p r e v i o u s l y Adani Wilmar) for £485 6mn through the offer for sale (OFS) route, signalling its

withdrawal from non-core

disposed of its interests in A

Housing, and the Myanmar port project

A d a n i Enterprises’ 20% stake in the F o r t u n e e d i b l e o i l a n

maker for £714 8mn, raising its ownership to around 64%

India's trade deficit narrows to four-month low amid flat exports

In d ia ' s t r a d e d e fi ci t n a r r o w e d s i g n if i ca n t ly i n June, re aching a four -month lo w o f $ 1 8 8 bi ll io n , accor ding to dat a relea se d Th i s im p r o v e m e n t wa s la rge ly driv en by a not able 3 8% d ip in imports, which fe ll t o $53 9 billi on , wh ile goods ex ports r ema in ed flat at $35 1 billion The decline in imports was primarily attributed to s h a r p r e d u c t i o n s i n s h i p m e n t s o f g o l d ( d o w n 26% to $1 8 billion), crude p e t r o l e u m ( d o w n 8 4 % t o $13 8 billion), diamonds, and coal Despite a 16% decline

i n p e t r o l e u m p r o d u c t e x p o r t s , o v e r a l l g o o d s exports managed to remain stable

Encouragingly, cumulative exports of both goods and s e r v i c e s s a w a 6 6 % r i s e , r e a c h i n g $ 6 8 b i l l i o n T h i s growth was predominantly f u e l l e d b y a r o b u s t 1 4 % increase in services exports, which stood at $32 8 billion C o m b i n e d i m p o r t s , b y c o n t r a s t , r e m a i n e d a l m o s t f l a t a t $ 7 1 5 b i l l i o n

C o n s e q u e n t l y , t h e t o t a l

Torrent Power plans to invest £5bn in clean energy

In one of its most aggressiv e bets yet o n c lean energ y, Ah m edabad h ead qu artered T o rre nt P o w e r p la ns to inv est nearly £5bn ov er the next three to four years, as the company races to scale up its renew able energ y (RE) capacity and strengthen its p o w er ne tw o rk a cr o ss g eo g r ap h i es T h e homegrown po wer m ajo r is tar g eti n g 1 0 G W o f renewable cap acity by 203 0a significant leap from its cu rrent 1 75 GW operatio nal portfolio

C o m p a n y o f f i c i a l s s a i d the £5bn capex war chest will

b e s p l i t a c r o s s t h r e e k e y verticals: approximately £2bn will power the company ’ s RE ambitions, £1 4bn will go into p u m p e d s t o r a g e h y d r o projects with a cumulative 3,000 MW capacity, and the r e m a i n i n g £ 1 6 b n i s earmarked for expanding its t r a n s m i s s i o n a n d distribution (T&D) network, i n c l u d i n g t a p p i n g n e w privatisation opportunities T h e c o m p

n y i s n

leaving its plans for a longterm horizon In FY 2026 a l o n e , T

in brief

ALUMNUS GOSWAMI GIFTS $1.6MN TO IIT VARANASI

The IIT (BHU) Foundation has received $1 6 million contribution from alumnus Dev Goswami and his wife Dr Vardhana Goswami Goswami, a 1974 Mechanical Engineering graduate and currently Executive Chairman of IPS LLC, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has long attributed his successful career to his education His latest act of philanthropy underscores the increasing influence of the institute’s global alumni network and their dedication to nurturing future technology and business leaders The substantial funds will be directed towards the creation of a new Lecture Hall Complex at IIT Varanasi

TWO INDIANS KILLED, ONE ABDUCTED IN NIGER

Two Indian nationals were killed and another abducted in a terrorist attack earlier this month in Niger said the Indian embassy in the West African country The attack on July 15, targeting an Army unit guarding a construction site, was carried out by unidentified gunmen One victim has been identified as 39-year-old Ganesh Karmali from Jharkhand’s Bokaro district while the second victim was identified as Ranjit Singh from Jammu and Kashmir The Indian mission in Niger said it is coordinating with local authorities to repatriate the bodies and ensure safe release of the abducted person

KERALA WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN UAE FLAT

A 29-year-old woman from Kerala's Kollam was found dead in her apartment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with her family alleging that she was harassed by her husband over dowry Athulya Sekhar who got married to Satheesh, also a resident of Kollam, in 2014, was found dead in her flat in Sharjah Her mother has reportedly alleged that Satheesh choked her, kicked her stomach, and hit her head with a plate between July 18 and July 19 leading to her death Earlier this month, a 32year-old Kerala woman was found dead with her toddler in Sharjah, with the police filing a case against her husband and in-laws

GUNMEN FIRE AT BUS IN BALOCHISTAN, KILL 3

Gunmen opened fire on a passenger bus in southwestern Pakistan killing at least three people and wounding seven others, officials said No group claimed responsibility for the attack in the Kalat district of Balochistan province, where a number of separatist militant groups are seeking independence from Pakistan’s govt The bus was travelling from the Balochistan provincial capital of Quetta to Karachi when gunmen opened fire in Kalat and then fled the scene a local police chief said Ambulances were transporting the dead and wounded to a nearby hospital he said

20 killed as Bangladesh air force jet crashes into school campus

D H AKA : A Ban glade sh

ir force

training

ta k eoff on Mond ay

oon, ca tching fire a nd kill ing the pil ot and at lea st 19 other people, most of whom we re st ude nts, officia ls sa id

Another 171 students were

smoldering two-storey building,

with burns who were whisked away in helicopters, motorised rickshaws and the arms of firefighters and parents

The Chinese-made F-7 BGI training aircraft experienced a “

moments after takeoff from an

attempted to divert the plane to a less populated area before crashing into the campus of Milestone School and College, according to a statement from the military

US designates TRF as terrorist organisation, citing LeT links

WAS HING TON: The United States has of ficiall y designated The Res is tance Front (TRF) as a For eign Terroris t Or ganis ation (FTO) and a Speciall y Designated Gl ob al Terr orist (S D GT ) T he US St a t e D ep a r tm e nt announced this dec is ion, directl y linking TRF t o t he Pa

(LeT) and citing the group's res pons ibility f or the April 2 2nd attac k in Pahalgam , whic h tragicall y k il led 2 6 c ivilians

, i n announcing the designation, stated that the m o v e u n d e r s

Administration’s broader counter-terrorism strategy and its commitment to pursuing justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack

This decision follows significant diplomatic engagement from India, including high-level m e e t i n

s b y E x t e r n a l A f f a i r s M i n i s t e r S Jaishankar and a parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, all aimed at highlighting TRF’s role in regional instability

TRF has been identified as a proxy of LeT, itself a US-designated terrorist group responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which claimed the lives of six Americans The State

D e p a r t m e n t n o t e d t h a t T R F h a s c l a i m e d responsibility for multiple assaults on Indian security personnel in recent years, including an October 2024 incident near Sonamarg that resulted in the deaths of six tunnel workers and a medical worker

The new designations are rooted in US national security interests and past American casualties at the hands of LeT The SDGT label enables the US to block financial assets linked to TRF and its members, while the FTO designation imposes travel restrictions and additional legal and financial penalties

Pakistan pushes for Trump stopover amid of Quad summit plans

WA SHI NG TON: A quie t but inten se political a nd di ploma ti c strugg le is unfold ing ov er a potentia l vi si t by US Pre siden t Don ald Trum p to Pa kistan, possibly en route to the Quad summi t i n India thi s Septe mbe r This comes a s reg ional di plom atic ties a re gradually be ing re ca librated Pakistani business leaders and influential figures are working tirelessly to persuade the White House to include a Trump visit, emboldened by a successful luncheon meeting last m o n t h b e t w e e n t h e U S P r e s i d

n d Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir Munir reportedly charmed Trump by endorsing him for a Nobel Peace Prize, playing directly into his known desire for such an honour Pakistan i s n o w p r o m

increased trade access in exchange for a presidential stopover, despite its strong reliance on China for economic survival

While the White House hasn't yet confirmed Trump's attendance at the Quad summit - as New Delhi is still finalising dates with J a p a n

Pakistani media briefly suggested a September 18th visit This report was later retracted as Trump is scheduled for a state visit to the UK from September 17 to 19 However, there are

make a stop in Pakistan whenever he eventually travels for the Quad summit, potentially as late as November, given his strong focus on trade deals over strategic alignments

Pakistan is now attempting to entice a visit by pledging to transform itself into a haven for US businesses, promoted by Trump's associates, even promising to become the "crypto capital of South Asia and a global leader in the digital finance revolution "

buildings trembled violently, followed by a big explosion that sent them running for safety A desperate scene soon unfolded at the crash site, as panicked relatives searched for loved ones

Dhaka’s Uttara neighbourhood, roughly 11 km drive from AK Khandaker air force base The school is in a densely populated area near a metro station and numerous shops and homes

The pilot, flight lieutenant Mohammed Toukir Islam, made “ every effort to divert the aircraft

inhabited location,” the military said, adding it would investigate the cause of the accident It is the deadliest plane crash in Dhaka in recent memory In 2008, another F-7 air force training jet crashed outside Dhaka, killing its pilot, who had ejected after he discovered a technical problem

Over 160 arrested, curfew extended in Bangladesh town after violence

Dhak a: O ver 160 people were ar rested a nd curfe w exte nded in Gopalga nj, the home town of Bangl adesh founder S he i k h M u ji b ur R a h ma n , eve n as the toll in l ast week's violen ce rose to five

P o l i c e s a i d 1 6 4 p e o p l e were arrested and a hunt is on for hundreds of others with even Navy and Coast

G u a r d m e n i n b o a t s patrolling rivers and canals to nab the suspects involved in the violence in Gopalganj, about 160 km southwest of Dhaka

The clashes took place

over a National Citizen Party ( N C P ) r a l l y , w h i c h t u r n e d into a virtual battlefield as hundreds of supporters of S h e i k h M u j i b u r s d a u g

Hasina clashed with police, ahead of the planned march o f t h e s t u d e n t - l e d p a r t y

“The local hospital referred the critically injured bullethit Ramjan Munsi to Dhaka M e d i c a l C o l l e g e H o s p i t a l where he died,” an editor of a local newspaper said Police said the arrested and scores of unnamed others were accused of allegedly

attacking and setting a police vehicle on fire and physically assaulting several officers W i t n e s s e s s a i d t h a t senior members of the NCP had to flee the volatile scene in an army armoured personnel carrier, initially seeki n g r e f

g Gopalganj in the same vehic l e T h e i n c i d e n t u n d e rscores the persistent political tensions and instability in B a n g l a d e s h f o l l o w i n g t h e r e c e n t c h a n g

ment

Pak court orders probe into rising online blasphemy entrapment

I S L A M A B A D : A P ak is tani court has o rd ered a gov ernm e nt i nv es ti g at io n in to al ar m i ng al le g ati o n s th a t young ind ivid uals are being en trap p ed in o nli ne bla sph emy cases Th is directiv e f ro m th e Is lam a bad Hi g h C ourt follow s app eals from hundreds of families, d eeply concerned by a significant surge in such accusations, particularly involving young men in WhatsAp p groups, since 2022

Rights groups have highlighted a disturbing trend

where many of these cases a r e r e p o r t e d l y b r o u g h t t o trial by private law firms, which utilise volunteers to scour the internet for perc e i v e d o f f e n d e r s J u s t i c e Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan of the Islamabad High Court stated that the government must constitute a commission within 30 days, with the mandate to submit its findings within four months

L a w y e r I m a a n M a z a r i , representing the families of t h o s e a

court's order as a huge ray of

hope She noted it was the first time these distressed

c e s were truly heard, emphasising that young people are

nature that the stigma will last forever even if they are

charge in Muslim-majority P

b l e b y death, and even unproven accusations can incite public outrage and lead to vigilante violence

Sikh leader elected to KPK assembly on reserved seat

PE SH AW AR : A Sikh rel igious lea der has be en ele cte d as a membe r of Pakistan’ s Khyb erPakhtunkhwa Assembly on a minority sea t all ocat ed to Jamiat Ul ema-e-Isla m (F), the provincial e lection commission announced Gurpal Singh, the JUI-F nominee, was elected unopposed to the seat reserved for minorities, marking a significant milestone for the minority Sikh community He hails from the Malik Deen Khel tribe in Bara, K h y b

Awami National Party was elected through a draw on a reserved seat for women in the provincial assembly

The process for the draw was conducted on the Election Commission of Pakistan’s directive for the allocation of one reserved minority seat between the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and JUI-F, and one reserved women ’ s seat between ANP and Pakistan

Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers

During the proceedings, the PML-N deleg

Gorsaran Lal, in favour of JUI-F nominee Singh As a result, the reserved minority seat was awarded to JUI-F, giving them an additional seat in the provincial assembly

Similarly, a draw was held between ANP and PTI for the allocation of a reserved seat for women According to the results, Shahida was declared successful

n d minorities are proportionally awarded to the political parties on the basis of their numerical strength in the assemblies

Jailed former premier Imran Khan’s party had formed the provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following last year ’ s elections

Chicago hosts historic Jain convention, largest outside India

5,000

from

Ameri ca, marki ng the larges

Ja in gatheri ng outs ide In dia in recent history

o r g a n i s e d b y t h e Federation of Jain associations in north america (Jaina) and the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC), the event centered on the theme "Unity in

D i v e

s i t y : a P a t h

o P e a c e , " emphasising core Jain principles of ahimsa (non-violence), a n e k a n t v a d ( p l u r a l i s m ) , a n d a p

menced with a spiritual Temple D w

replica of the sacred ashtapad mountain, followed by a vibrant grand Cultural Procession outs i d e t h e

Daily activities included Prek

meditation and yoga sessions, alongside breakout discussions

gence

Youth engagement was particularly strong, with approximately 900 young adults participating in various programmes, including the competitive Jain a c a d e m

d kids Club provided faith-based learning for over 200 children Community impact was also evid e n t ,

drive collecting enough units to potentially save 276 lives

from keynote speakers

shared her experiences of over-

events included an address by Bollywood actor Sonu Sood on compassion and humanitarian-

through music and drama The seamless execution of the fourday event was attributed to over 300 volunteers across 40 committees, highlighting the robust community effort behind this landmark gathering

Indian-origin doctor charged with offering drugs for sexual favours in US

N EW JE R SE Y: An Ind ia n-orig in doctor in New Jerse y h as been charg ed with distr ibutin g d rugs w it ho u t a le g i t i m a t e m e d i ca l p u r p os e t o

s , accordin g to a sta teme nt by the US At torn ey's Office

ritesh kalra, 51, of Secaucus, allegedly operated a “pill mill out of his medical office, where he routinely prescribed high-dose opioids - including oxycodone and promethazine -with codeine to patients,” said the new Jersey District attorney's office

“Physicians hold a position

of profound responsibility and Dr kalra used that position to fuel addiction, exploit vulnerable

new Jersey's public healthcare programme, ” US attorney alina habba said in the statement kalra is accused of issuing more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, including days when he wrote upwards of 50 p r e

2019 and February 2025 k a l r a , a n i

lawn, also allegedly billed for false in-person visits and counselling sessions, the release said

he made his initial appeara

e Judge in newark federal court he was released on home incarceration and an unsecured bond of $ 1,000,00, it added Doctor admits illegally prescribing opioids in a similar case in Beckley, a 57-year-old physician has pleade d g u i l t y t o f e d e r a l c h a r g e s linked to the illegal distribution of powerful opioid medications Dr Sanjay Mehta, formerly associated with the hitech opioid P h a r m a c o v i g i l a n c e E x p e r t i s e (hoPE) Clinic, admitted in fed-

Astrologer arrested in New York for fortune-telling scam

N E W Y OR K: A 33-year-old Indian-origi n a s tr ol og e r w as a r re s te d i n N e w Y or k 's Hi cksville in connection with an alleged fortune- telling scam that authori ties said targeted an old woman and cost her tens of thous ands of dollars Acc ording to the US authorities, the woman beli eved she was being targeted by "evi l spi ri ts" and sought he l p f ro m t he s e l f - pr oc l ai m e d f or t un e teller

hemanth kumar Muneppa, 33, from Queens, was arrested at a bank after staff noticed a possible scam The victim, who had already given him $20,000, was trying to take out another $42,000 to pay for psychic services according to investigators, Muneppa worked out of a psychic and astrology business called anjana Ji on South Broadway, that offers astrology, "evil spirit removal",

"love spell caster" and more, according to its website

Muneppa posed as a fortune teller and offered to "purchase the power to fight evil spirits" on the victim's behalf, according to a report

The 68-year-old woman had got her first expensive reading a few days earlier, then went back to anjana Ji for more services There, Muneppa asked her for another $42,000 and drove her to a nearby bank to take out the money

The bank staff noticed a possible scam and Muneppa has since been charged with third-degree attempted grand larceny, and t w

telling – a rarely used statute in new York that criminalises accepting money for spiritual services unless they are strictly for entertainment, the Daily Mail reported

Plano couple charged over £3.2mn fraud scheme

P LA N O : A pr om in e nt couple wi thi n N or th T e xa s s B olly w ood cul tur a l sce ne , Si dha r tha ‘S a m my ’ Muk

, Sun i ta Mukher jee, are now facing se vere legal char ges re la ted to a large -scale fr aud sche me They stand a ccus e d of f i r st- de g r e e f e lon y t he ft, h av i n g allegedly defr auded over 100 victims out of more than $4 million (approximately £3 2 million) Mukherjees posted $500,000 bond each, t h o u g h S a m m y M u k h e r j e e h a s s i n c e b e e n taken into iCE custody, reportedly held in a detention centre south of Fort Worth Court documents suggest he has active fraud warrants in Mumbai, and while their asylum-seeking background is known, their current immigration status remains undisclosed authorities

e moved offshore or converted into cryptocur-

rency following their bankruptcy filing last year The elaborate scheme was uncovered a

$ 3

, 0 0 0 , prompting an experienced white-collar crime detective in Euless to take charge investigators found the Mukherjees convinced victims to invest using fabricated remodelling contracts and invoices, falsely claiming association with the Dallas housing authority The authority confirmed no such projects existed, and all supporting paperwork, receipts, and emails were confirmed as extensive forgeries The fraud extended to creating a fake company to secure a federal Pay check Protection Program ( P P P ) l o a

additionally, Mukherjee was questioned about money obtained from elderly victims through threatening emails

in brief INDIAN CANADIAN GANGSTER ARRESTED IN US

An Indian Canadian gangster has been arrested in the US for running a transnational drug operation along with a notorious Irish gang, local media reported The gangster, identified as Opinder Singh Sian, worked with the Irish Kinahan gang to smuggle methamphetamine and fentanyl precursors at an international level Global News reported US court documents reveal that Sian was arrested in Nevada last month by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) it said Sian linked with Brothers Keepers in Surrey in British Columbia was arrested in Arizona and the affidavit was filed in California the report said

69 KILLED IN FIRE AT IRAQ MALL

eral court to three counts of aiding and abetting the acquisition o f c o n t r o l l e d s u b s t a n c e s b y fraud Court documents reveal t h

s u e d prescriptions for highly addictive Schedule ii narcotics, including o x y c

u t legitimate medical justification D i s t u r b i n g l y , i t w a s a l s o revealed that two of the patients t o w h o m h e u n l a w f u l l y p r escribed opioids tragically died f r o m o v e r d o

within days of receiving their medications

Indian tourist's US arrest for shoplifting ignites viral debate

C HIC A GO : A police bod ycam video ca pturing the ar rest of an India n tourist at a Targ et sto re in subur ban Sch au mbur g h as g on e v ir a l, sp a r k in g w id e sp r e a d on l in e d e ba t e con ce rn in g shoplifting laws, cultur al d ifference s, a nd the inhe re nt risks for eign visitor s fa ce within the US le gal sy st em The footage, viewed millions of times, shows Jimisha avlani, a 34-year-old marketing professional from Mumbai, visibly dist

allegedly attempting to leave the store with over $1,300 worth of unpaid items "Why can t i just pay for it? she asks, to which an officer calmly but firmly responds, We re past that You committed a felony "

Department, avlani, who had arrived in the US days earlier to visit her sister, was arrested on May 1st after nearly seven hours inside the store Security staff reportedly grew suspicious, observing her selecting high-value electronics, cosmetics, and branded apparel – items avlani allegedly intended as gifts Upon exiting the store with a full trolley, she was stopped, at which point the alleged theft crossed illinois's felony retail theft threshold of over $300 The arrest has deeply divided the South asian community Some viewers express concern that cultural or legal misunderstandings may have played a role, while others firmly push back, warning such incidents unfairly tarnish the broader indian diaspora Posts widely circulated highlight the sentiment that ‘People work hard here to build a reputation You don’t get to steal and then act confused ’

A massive fire in a hypermarket in al-Kut city in southern Iraq has left at least 69 people dead and 11 others missing the city s health authorities and two police sources said Footage of the aftermath of the overnight fire showed the blackened exterior of Corniche Hypermarket building, with rescue teams and security forces still at the site Videos showed firefighters spraying water on the blazing building overnight and people climbing from the roof with the help of rescue teams The five-story shopping centre had opened only a week earlier The cause of the fire was not immediately known

CUBA FIRES MINISTER FOR CALLING BEGGARS FAKES

Cuban govt fired its labour minister after she was publicly rebuked by the president for saying Cuba’s beggars were all phonies in disguise A brief announcement said labour and social security minister Marta Elena Feito had demonstrated alack of “objectivity and sensitivity on topics that are currently central to political and governmental policy ” The minister’s remarks were circulated on social media and became a lightning rod for popular frustration with years of economic crisis “We have seen people who appear to be beggars but when you look at their hands when you look at the clothes they wear they are disguised as beggars In Cuba there are no beggars, she said

WOMAN WHO ‘SEDUCED’,

‘BLACKMAILED’

MONKS HELD

A woman was arrested in Thailand for allegedly enticing a string of Buddhist monks into sexual relationships and then pressured them into making large payments to cover up their intimacy At least nine abbots and senior monks have been disrobed and cast out of the monkhood police said Wilawan Emsawat in her mid-30s, was arrested at her home in Bangkok She deliberately targeted senior monks for financial gain, they said “We will investigate monks across the country,” an officer said The ripple effects will lead to a lot of changes

SENATE OKAY FOR TRUMP'S FOREIGN AID CUT MOVE

The US senate approved a White House request to claw back $9 billion for foreign aid and public broadcasting as Republicans bowed to President Trump in an unusual surrender of congressional spending power The 51-to-48 vote came over the objections of two Republicans, who argued that their party was ceding Congress’s constitutional control over federal funding The bulk of the funds was for foreign assistance programmes The remaining was for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting which funds NPR and PBS

All 12 accused acquitted in 2006 Mumbai train blasts case

T h e B o mb ay H i g h C o u rt

h as o ve rt u rn ed a s p e c i al

c ourt verdict in th e 2006

Mu mbai trai n blas ts cas e,

a c qu i tt i ng al l 1 2 ac c u s ed , i ncluding five who h ad been

s e nt en c ed to d ea th a nd seven to life imp ris onment

A special bench co mp ri sing J u stic es Anil S K ilo r and S h ya m C Ch a n dak di sm i s s ed th e M ah ar as h t ra Go vernment’ s p lea seeking co nfirmatio n of th e death sentences

The High Court cited significant doubts regarding the trustworthiness of certain prosecution witnesses

a n d i s s u e s w i t h t h e T e s t Identification Parade (TIP) of some accused The bench firmly stated that the prosec u t i o n u t t e r l y f a i l e d t o e s t a

beyond a reasonable doubt

against the accused on each count, deeming it unsafe to reach the satisfaction that the appellant accused have c o m m i t t e d t h e o f f e n c e Consequently, the previous convictions and sentences have been quashed, and the accused are to be released if not required in other cases, u p

bonds of ₹25,000 each T h e j u d

over five months after the special bench concluded its hearings on January 31, following six months of inten-

July last year

The origi-

coaches on July 11, 2006, tragically killed 189 commuters and injured 824

year trial, a special court u

Crimes Act (MCOCA) had convicted the individuals in September 2015

The convicts, who have been imprisoned for over 18

had filed appeals challenging the special court s order This landmark acquittal follows protracted legal proceedings, with the defence lawyers successfully arguing that the prosecution's case lacked conclusive evidence

Ahmedabad leads cleanest 'new cities' as Surat enters 'Super Swachh League'

A h m ed a ba d , B h o p al , an d

L u c kno w h av e been nam e d India’s top three cleanest cities in the m illion-plus popu lation c at eg o r y u nd er t h e ne w S wach hta Surv ekshan 2024-25 ra nkin g sys tem M eanw h il e, cities like Indore, Surat, and N av i M u m ba i , c o ns i st en t

h i g h - p e rf o rm er s, h a v e b een elev ated to the newly created 'Sup er Sw achh Leag ue' This elite catego ry, comprising 23 c it ies , i s re serv e d fo r th o se that secured a to p-three rank in their resp ective population categories in the prev ious three years, effectiv ely separating them fro m this year ’ s m ain competition to allow new frontru nners to emerg e

A h m e d a b a d ' s v i c t o r y , a n n o u n c e d b y

President Droupadi Murmu, marks a tidy triumph for the city Officials from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) credited a comprehensive, data-driven, and technology-backed solid waste management strategy Since August 2024, Ahmedabad has achieved daily door-to-door waste collection from 2 5 million properties, utilising 1,850 GPS-enabled vehicles and 9,000 sanitation

w o r k e r s M e c h a n i c a l r o a d s w e e p e r s a n d cleanliness mapping of over 43,000 points of interest have further enhanced the city's cleanliness

ment for Ahmedabad has been the remediation of the Pirana dumpsite, which now houses a 1,000 MTD waste-to-energy plant generating 15 MW of electricity Citizen participation, through initiatives like 'Reduce, Reuse, recycle' and 'My Thaili' drives, alongside strict enforcement against littering, also played a crucial role

Simultaneously, Surat has secured a top rank in the 'Super Swachh League' for cities with over 10,00,000 population Known as the "Diamond City," Surat's consistent high performance (jointly topping in 2023, and securing second in 2021 and 2022) earned it

i Mumbai, and Vijayawada This new league, launched in Swachh Survekshan 2024, honours cities demonstrating sustained excellence in sanitation and urban cleanliness over multiple survey editions

Beijing backs revival of Russia-India-China troika

C hina expr essed it s suppor t for R ussia 's init iativ e to re vive t he lon g-dorma nt R ussiaIn dia-China (RIC) t roika This comes afte r R u ssi a n De pu t y Fo r ei g n Mi n ist e r A n dr e i R uden ko was quote d by the Izve st ia news por ta l stat ing Moscow's expe ct at ion for t he r esumption of the R IC for mat , con fir ming on going neg otiat ions with both Be ijin g a nd N ew Delhi on t he mat te r Rudenko emphasised the importance of the trilateral grouping, noting, "This topic appears in our negotiations with both of them We are interested in making this format work, because these three countries are i m p o r t a n t p a r

n g t h e founders of BRICS " He added that, in his view, the continued absence of this format looks inappropriate, expressing hope that the countries would agree to resume work once their bilateral relations reach a conducive level The spokesperson confirmed that the timing for any future RIC meeting would be mutually determined by the three countries

PM Modi accuses TMC of jeopardising Bengal's identity with infiltrator support

P r im e M in i st er Na ren d ra M odi, in his second West

B eng a l ra lly w it h in se v en weeks, lau nched a scathing a tta ck o n th e T ri n am o o l C o ngres s ( TM C ) , accu sing the party of jeop ardising the state's id entity by alleg edly b ac ki ng i nf i ltr ato r s S peaking in the ind ustrial to w ns h ip o f Du r g ap u r, M odi began w ith a h omage to B eng al’ s p ro m i ne nt Hindu deities, "Jai M a Kali, Jai Ma Du rga," setting a d istinctly local tone

Addressing the upcoming 2026 assembly polls, the Prime Minister vowed that infiltrators will be investigated as per provisions in the legal system, asserting, "We will not allow a cons p i r a c y a g a i n s t B e n g a l ’ s ‘asmita’ (pride) It is Modi’s guarantee " He claimed that the TMC, driven by vote-

bank politics, is encouraging and protecting illegal immigrants, which he branded a threat to national security M o d i ’ s r e m a r k s d i r e c t l y linked criticism of Mamata Banerjee’s appeasement politics with a new emphasis on B

ecosystem created to support infiltrators

Beyond his strong critique of the TMC, Modi's speech also highlighted the BJP commitment to Bengal’s c

advancement While other

BJP politicians often employ the customary "Jai Sri Ram" slogan, the Prime Minister d

Bengal’s indigenous deities and celebrated past political,

luminaries such as Bidhan Chandra Roy, Syama Prasad

Tagore This strategic pivot aims to reinforce the BJP’s connection with Bengal and

aggressive campaign accusing the BJP of "harassment and torture of Bengalis" in BJP-ruled states

Concluding his address,

ing with the BJP's broader

opposition parties

Akash Prime missiles successfully tested

The Indian Army will soon b e g in in

Prime surfa ce-to-air missil es designed for air de fen ce in hig h-al titude a reas al ong the fr on tier wit h China, wit h the fo

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin

, "China-Russia-India cooperation not only serves the respective interests of the three countries but also helps uphold peace, security, stability and progress in the region and the world " He added that China remains

Russia and India to advance trilateral cooperation

The renewed interest from Russia and China in rekindling the RIC format follows a recent visit by India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to China, where he attended the SCO foreign ministers' meeting and held discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, and Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov Joint work within the RIC framework was previously stalled, initially by the Covid-19 pandemic, and subsequently by the protracted India-China military standoff in eastern Ladakh that began in 2020 The current push signals a potential thaw in trilateral engagements despite past geopolitical complexities

B o t h A k a s h a n d Akash Prime have the capability to intercept hostile aircraft, helicopters and drones at a 25-km range, but the latter is an upgraded customised version for areas a b o v e 4 , 5 0 0 m e t r e i n a l t i t

ground systems and radars, a s w

a s n e w r a d i o frequency seekers

unmanned aerial targets at an altitude of around 15,000 feet during the trials, which d e f e n c e m i n i s t e r R a j n a t h S i n g h d e s c r i b e d a s “ a s i g n i f i c a n t m i l e s t o n e a n d boost” for India’s air defence c a p a b i l i t i e s , e s p e c i a l l y f o r h i g h - a l t i t u d e o p e r a t i o n a l requirements The existing Akash air defence systems with the Army and IAF were extensively used against the drones, loitering munitions and the like launched by Pakistan during the cross-border hostilities f r o m u n d e r O p Sindoor

1,563 Indians deported from US since Trump's second term

Ind ia's M inistry of External Affairs (M EA) confirmed th at 1 ,563 Ind ian nationals hav e been d epo rted from th e U nited S tates since Donald Trump com menced his seco nd term as U S President on January 20 , 2025 MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal indicated that most individuals returned via commercial flights, marking a notable development for Indian citizens living or travelling abroad The ministry, following recent

faced by Indians overseas, reiterated its consistent advice: "Our constant request to all our people who go abroad is that they should follow the law and order of that country, and create a good image of the country "

Trump recently hinted that a new trade deal with India is nearing completion Speaking on July 16th, Trump suggested that August 1st would prove a significant date for trade agreements, anticipating substantial revenue

for the US from these pacts He emphasised his administration’s goal of securing greater access to foreign markets for American businesses, stating, "We’re very close to a deal with India where they open it up " Trump drew comparisons to a recent US-Indonesia trade pact, asserting the crucial role of his tariff strategies in gaining previously inaccessible market access This proposed agreement is expected to reduce tariffs and enhance bilateral trade relations between the two nations

On the Indian side, Jaiswal commented on the ongoing trade discussions with a degree of circumspection He maintained that it remains ‘ a matter which is under discussion between the two sides’, promising to share details once something is finalised This juxtaposition of immigration enforcement and burgeoning economic cooperation paints a complex picture of current Indo-US relations

Gujarat MPs criticised for gross underutilisation of development funds

Over a y ear since t he formation of the 18th L ok Sa b h a i n J un e 2 02 4 , Me m b e r s of Parl ia ment (MPs) from Guja rat have ut il ised a mere 4 2% of their a llocate d loca l are a deve lopmen t funds, spa rk ing ser ious quest ions ab out t he pace of gra ssroots devel opment across the st ate

A report by Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), an organisation dedicated to transparency, reveals that no development work has been completed in 14 out of Gujarat's 26 Lok Sabha constituencies since the new parliamentary term began Under the Members o f P

(MPLAD) scheme, each MP is annually allot-

ted £500,000 to support public welfare and i

stituency

For Gujarat’s 26 MPs, this equates to a collective allocation of £25 48mn However, by July 5th, a paltry £1 07mn had actually been

Bharuch constituency recorded the highest utilisation, spending £173,000, followed by Patan with £156,000, and Sabarkantha with £

stituencies - Ahmedabad East, Ahmedabad W

and

from

The President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu presents Swachh Survekshan awards at a function organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in New Delhi

NORTH-EAST

Telangana, Andhra strike key deals on Krishna-Godavari water sharing

N E W D E L H I : I n a si g n if i

b re akt h ro u g h , th e g o v e rn m en ts o f

T elangana and Andhra P radesh have reached a series o f agreements on key i n ter -s ta te w at er i s s u es d u ri n g a m eet in g c o nv e ned b y th e U ni o n

M inistry of Jal S hakti in New Delhi

T h e m e eti ng , at ten d ed b y C h i ef M in i st ers Re v a nth R ed d y o f

T elangana and N Chand rababu Naid u

o f Andhra Prad esh, aimed to add ress

l o ng - s ta nd i ng d i s p u tes c o nc er ni ng river w ater management

O n e o f t h

m e e t i n g w a s A n d h r a ’ s a c c e p t a n c e o f

Telangana CM’s proposal to implement telemetry systems across all major water

usage across both states

management board offices It was agreed that the Godavari River Management Board will be housed in Hyderabad, while the Krishna River Management Board will be

located in Andhra Pradesh

In another key development, Andhra Pradesh consented to Telangana’s request to undertake immediate repair work on the Srisailam project, one of the most critical

unresolved matters, it was decided that

technical experts from both sides will be constituted within a week This committee

including those related to water projects on the Krishna and Godavari river basins

Punjab Cong plans statewide protest against land pooling policy

CHA ND IGAR H: The Punja b Congre ss

wi de a gitation agains t the AAP governm ent’s l and pooling policy, beginning with a dharna in Mohal i Ac cording to party l eaders, the plan incl udes a s eries of r a l l i e s a c r os s P un ja b a n d p ol i t ic a l c ongr egations in every village where t he governm ent is supposed t o acquire l and under t he initiative

The Mohali event is the second major programme being held by the Congress in recent days after a rally in L u d h i a n a , w h e r e a m a s s i v e 2 4 , 0 0 0 acres of agriculture land is set to be acquired under the initiative

“To counter the campaign, AAP is r e a c h i n g o u t t o f a r m e r s a n d t h e villagers concerned to explain benefits of the policy,” said AAP spokesperson Neel Garg

Soon after its launch in May this

y e a r , t h e p o l i c y h a s f a c e d p o l i t i c a l b a c k l a s h F a r m e r o u t f i t s t o o h a v e decided to launch a state-wide stir

against it from July 30 after Opposition parties extended support to them

The cash-strapped government so f a r m a i n t a i n e d t h a t t h e i n i t i a t i v e would spur urban development, with farmers and landowners getting plots of higher value than the cost of actual land contributed by them

U n d e r i t , t h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s planned to acquire over 65,000 acres, w h i c h w i l l b e u t i l i s e d t o d e v e l o p t o w n s h i p s n e a r s e v e r a l c i t i e s , including industrial centre Ludhiana

T h e p o l i c y e n v i s a g e d “ c o m p l e t e

v o l u n t a r y p a r t i c i p a t i o n ” b y landowners

H o w e v e r , t h e s c h e m e f a c e d criticism as the Congress, BJP and the S A D a c c u s e d t h e g o v e r n m e n t o f colluding with developers to deprive f a r m e r s o f t h e i r f e r t i l e l a n d T h e y alleged that it would result in large-

s c a l e c o r r u p t i o n , w i t h r u l i n g A A P

l e a d e r s m a k i n g m o n e y o u t o f t h e acquisition process

Mamata vows new language movement to counter BJP’s charge

KO LK A T A : Th irty two years after a m ovement fo r photo id entity card s for v oters, M am ata Banerjee announced a new language m ovement to protest t h e al le g ed b ran d i ng o f B en g al isp eaking people as Banglad eshis

“If needed, there will be another language movement,” Mamata said d u r

s p e e c h a t t h e a n n u a l J u l y 2 1 r a l l y a d j a c e n t t

Esplanade

The annual rally, which once was the grand stage for leaders from other parties to join the Trinamool, has also been the platform for Mamata to set

election

F o r t h e c r u c i a l 2 0 2 6 A s s e m b l y polls, Mamata and Trinamool will go to the poll battle with Bangla language as the main plank, against the BJP, ruling at the Centre

2 Bengaluru lecturers arrested for 'raping' student

Karnataka's Daksh ina Kannada dis tri ct are among three susp ec ts arrested in Bengal uru on ch arges of raping and bl ackmaili ng a stud ent into silence fo r months unti l sh e could n' t take their harassment anymore and c onfi ded in h er parents

identified as prime accused Narendra, used to tutor the survivor and continued to communicate with her even after she cleared her pre-university course He allegedly called her to his co-accused Anoop's flat in Bengaluru one day and raped her Fellow lecturer Sandeep, who was aware of what happened, later got hold of some private pictures of the woman and started sexually harassing her, the FIR states Anoop, the third suspect, also stands accused of forcing himself on the survivor by claiming to have secretly recorded CCTV footage of her with the other two accused After the woman narrated her months-

approached Karnataka State Commission for Women The commission helped them file a case at Marathahalli police station on July 5, b

arrested the next day The suspects have since been remanded in judicial custody and sent to Bengaluru central prison

22 Punjab de-addiction centres raided for illegal sale of drugs

BA THIN DA : The En for cemen t Director at e conducte d se arche s a t 22 de-a ddiction cen tre s a cr oss Punja b afte r its probe re ve ale d ille gal sale of dr ugs by t hese cen tr es The age ncy a lso sea rched a p remise in Mumbai link ed t o the accused Dr Amit Bansal, who runs these 22 centres, is prime accused in the case, sources said Bansal, against whom Punjab Police have registered multiple FIRs, is alleged to be engaged in illegal sale of drugs from his de-addiction centres

Privately-run drug de-addiction centres in Punjab are allowed to administer BNX (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) medicine to enrolled patients These drugs are strictly meant for rehabilitation of addicts Taken in excess, it is considered drug abuse

"It was found that Bansal, through his de-addiction centres, misused his facility and was allegedly involved in illegal sale of these drugs," sources said

The agency has also been investigating drug inspector

providing incorrect inspection reports related to pilferage of medicine from his hospitals Kaur's premises were also

manufacturing BNX

Bansal was, until some time ago, a major player in the de-addiction and rehabilitation business in Punjab

Suvendu demands electoral roll overhaul in Bengal

U T T A R K A N Y A : L ead er of the Opp os itio n i n West

Dismantle SoO camps, demands Naga body

In a strongly-worded memorandum addressed

dismantling of

representing

representatives and functionaries, was Cooch Behar resident Uttam Kumar, a Rajbanshi, who was served a notice by Assam’s Foreigner’s Tribunal to prove that he was an Indian national “Every weekend after July 27 till the elections, hold rallies to protest against the attack on Bengalis The movement has started today,” Mamata said “This movement will continue till the Assembly election results are announced ” In recent weeks, Trinamool has flagged the issue of deportation of B e n g a l i -

pushed across the international border a c c u s e d o f b e i n g u n d o c

migrants from Bangladesh “ W

people are detained we will protest If even one person is detained we won’t s t o p p r

How many jails, detention centres can they build?” Mamata asked

Beng al A ssembly, S uvendu Ad hikari, d emanded th at sp ecial intensi ve rev is ion ( S IR) o f electo ral ro lls be cond ucted in the state as is being d one in Bihar for remov ing illeg al vo ters from the list He maintained that those Hindus who have come to India from Bangladesh due to religious persecution need not be afraid "They are refugees in the eyes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Adhikari said, addressing a rally after leading a march to Uttarkanya, the north B e n g a l b r a n c h o f t h

atrocities on women in the state "Indian Muslims need not worry," Adhikari said to reassure the minority community, who the ruling TMC is claiming are being targeted by the saffron brigade, if an SIR is held in the state Maintaining that the BJP stands firm with them, he said, "No Rohingya or Bangladeshi Muslim illegal immigrant, however, will be allowed to have their names in the electoral rolls in the state " The SIR of electoral rolls has triggered a major political controversy in Bihar, where elections are due later this year, with the opposition INDIA bloc alleging that it was designed to "benefit the ruling NDA", a charge denied by the EC that is carrying out the massive exercise

Adhikari alleged that there are 21 5mn jobless people in West Bengal, while alleging the flight of industries from the state

Suspension of Operations

(KNO) and United People's Front (UPF- both

repeatedly violating its terms Citing

long list of alleged crimes and violent acts between 2023 and 2025, including extortion, assaults, kidnappings, and the burning of villages, the FNCC warned that the agreement has become a “sanctuary for armed criminals” rather than a tool for peace “The continued presence and reported relocation of SoO camps into Naga areas represent a direct threat to communal harmony, constitutional order, and national security,” the memorandum stated

ONE KILLED AS ASSAM EVICTION DRIVE TURNS VIOLENT

One person was killed and several including police personnel, were injured after police opened fire during violent clashes between protesters and the authorities at the site of a massive eviction drive that took place in Assam s Goalpara district recently In the eviction drive to clear 140 hectares of forest land in the Paikan Reserve Forest in Goalpara district had been conducted on July 12 in which the homes of around 1,080 families had been razed Even after the eviction, many of the affected families continued to live at the site in makeshift arrangements Later, these affected families had a violent confrontation with police and forest forces when the authorities came to remove these structures Around 10 constables were injured and there has also been property damage which we are taking stock of They had to use force to disperse the people which included firing In that three people were hit by bullets One of them has died and two others are under treatment ” said IGP Akhilesh Singh

TRIPURA CULTIVATES 4,000 HECTARES OF OIL PALM

Tripura has achieved a major milestone in its agricultural expansion, bringing nearly 4,000 hectares under oil palm cultivation as part of its push to reach a target of 7,000 hectares by the 2025–26 financial year, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said Speaking at the launch of the Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive at Taltala, Nath highlighted India s heavy dependence on imported edible oil and underscored the importance of achieving selfreliance “While we’re self-sufficient in fish rice, and many other commodities, edible oil is still imported in large quantities Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation for a self-reliant India in this sector ” he said Nath explained that the Northeast particularly Tripura has favourable conditions for oil palm cultivation The government s support includes everything from land clearing to sapling distribution Unlike rubber farmers can grow intercrops with palm oil, enhancing income opportunities Also, the price of palm oil is only expected to rise, he noted

Revanth Reddy and Chandrababu Naidu

PM Modi promises 'New Bihar,' slams

RJD over 'land-for-jobs' allegations

P r i m e M i n i st e r N a r e n d r a

M od i vowe d to build a "N ay a

Bihar " (new Bihar), a sse rt in g

t hat t he st at e's de velopmen t is crucial for the p rogre ss of e aste rn India Add ressing a public ra lly in M ot ihar i, Ea st

C h a m p a r a n , a h e a d of

u p c om i n g a s se m b ly e le ct ions, Modi simulta neously in augur ate d a nd la id foun-

d at ion st on es for d ev elop-

£ 720mn

Introducing a new cam-

n a y a B

NDA sarkar" (We will build a new Bihar, once again an

N D A g o v

M o d i u

role of Bihar's advancement

development narrative

between the central government's financial support to Bihar under previous administrations and his own He

the 10 years of the pre-

Bihar received around

Kumar's state government at the time In stark contrast, Modi asserted that since 2014, his govern-

£90bn for Bihar’s develop-

pling the previous support

Taking direct aim at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Modi accused the party of "seizing land from the poor

jobs," an apparent reference to the ongoing land-for-jobs scam He urged citizens to

lanterns" (a symbolic reference to the RJD's election symbol and perceived backwardness) and today's Bihar, which he described as "illuminated by new hopes "

"Bihar’s progress is essential

would invest £10 bn nationwide in providing jobs and employment opportunities

Bengaluru stampede blamed on organisers, cricket officials and police

A one-man j udicial commis-

s i o n , a p p o i n te d b y t h e

K arn at ak a go ve rn me nt to i nvestigate the fatal stamp ed e o u t s i de B e ng al u ru ’ s Ch innas wamy S tadium on J u ne 4t h th at c la i me d 1 1 l i ve s , h as u n eq u i vo c a ll y attributed resp onsibility to R o y al C h al l en ge rs S p o rt s P vt Ltd (RCSPL/RCB), event o rga n i se rs D N A

E nt er ta in m en t, K a rn at ak a S ta te Cr ic k et As s o c i at i o n ( KSCA) o ffi cials, and senior p olice officers

T h e J u s t i c e J o h n Michael D’Cunha commiss i o n , w h i c h r e c e n t l y s u bmitted its report, has rec-

o m m e n d e d l e g a l a c t i o n

against specific individuals, i n c l u d i n g R a g h u r a m B h a t ( K S C A P r e s i d e n t )

a n d three senior IPS officers: B Dayananda, Vikash Kumar

V i k a s h , a n d S h e k h a r T Tekkannavar

The commission found t h a t o r g a n i s e r s f a i l e d t o obtain mandatory prior perm

seven days before the event Crucially, it highlighted a nexus between senior police officers, who were operating under direct command but seemingly in coordinat i o n w i t h t h e o r g a n i s e r s ,

even before formal security activation

Critical systemic failures w e r e i d e n t i f i e d , i n c l u d i n g the control room's inability to alert on-ground security teams about overcrowding Despite clear danger signs, exit gates were not opened p r o m p t l y , a s e v e r e a c t o f negligence and a breakdown of emergency protocols The report also flagged improper b a r r i c a d i n g , n a r r o w e

y points, and misleading, lastm

s from organisers - specifically citing RCB's official handle's posts inviting fans without clear entry instructions - as k

widespread confusion and triggered the crowd surge

c o ncluded that the organisers' failure to regulate entry and t h

i r

s s a n n o u n c ements directly precipitated the stampede, describing the situation as a result of hasty decisions and lack of preparation, amounting to recklessness bordering on gross negligence In response to these systemic failures, the c o m m i s s i o n h a s r e c o mmended that future highattendance events be reloc a t e d t o v e n u e s b e t t e r equipped for large gatherings and comply with international safety standards

India commissions indigenously built diving support vessel

I n d i a c om m i ss i on e d IN S N ist ar, it s fir st indige nously d e s i g n e d a n d c o n st r uc t e d div ing supp or t ve ssel This sig ni fi ca n t a dd it ion t o t he Ind ian Nav y's flee t w ill bolste r its capa bilities for complex dee p-se a sa tura tion d iv -

in g a n d cri tica l subma r ine

c ia li se d d om a in cu r r e n t ly ma ster ed by only a ha ndful of nav ies globally

The commissioning cer-

e m o n y f o r t h e 1 1 8 - m e t r e -

l o n g s p e c i a l i s e d w a r s h i p , w i t h a d i s p l a c e m e n t o f a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 0 , 0 0 0 t o n n e s a n d b o a s t i n g o v e r 8 0 % i n d i g e n o u s c o n t e n t , t o o k p l a c e i n Visakhapatnam The event

With t he August 1s t deadline s et by US Pres ident Donald Trump rapidly appr oac hing, a team of American negotiat ors is schedul ed t o visit India o n l y in th e l a t

f of A ugus t This tim e l ine s ugges ts that India is aiming for a bila teral trade agreem ent by t he aut um n While the Indian government has not officially commented on last week's talks in Washington, indications

India's Vice-President Dhankhar resigns abruptly citing health issues

In a su dden turn of events, V

Monday, citing h ealth issues, shortly after presiding ov er the op ening d ay o f P arli ament's

Sabh

Just 11 days prior, he had publicly stated he would retire at

righ

time, subject to div ine intervention

Information Bureau, scheduling his travel to Jaipur for Wednesday, suggested the decision was made last-minute D

remaining of his five-year term that began in August 2022, sent ripples through political circles Senior Congress MP Jairam Ramesh described the move as both "shocking and inexplicable Ramesh noted he had been with Dhankhar u

, highlighting the Vice-President's schedule for the following day, including a Business Advisory Committee meeting and major announcements related to the judiciary Ramesh suggested there was "far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye"

In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar stated: "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice-President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution " Dhankhar, 74, recently underwent angioplasty at AIIMS Delhi, though he had remained active until Monday afternoon There has been no official confirmation from

government or the BJP The development necessitates a fresh election for the vice-presidential post, which is elected by an Electoral College of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members D

Minister, council of ministers and all MPs for their "warmth, trust, and affection "

Kerala mourns loss of CPM founder V S Achuthanandan at 101

was attended by Minister of S t a t e f o r D e f e n c e S a n j a y Seth and Navy Chief Admiral

D i n e s h K T r i p a t h i I N S Nistar is the first of two such

v e s s e l s b e i n g b u i l t b y Hindustan Shipyard at a cost of £239 3mn

Minister Seth commended the Indian Navy and the d o m e s t i c s h i p b u i l d i n g i n d u s t r y f o r c o n s i s t e n t l y increasing indigenous cont e n t i n w a r s h i p s t h r o u g h

a India has explicitly designated these as no-go areas for

favourable terms in sectors of its own interest, including t

auto parts, and shrimps, signalling an unwillingness to accept anything less than an optimal solution The US, on the other hand, continues to push for concessions on agric

maize and soybean, much of

homegrown solutions and

He highlighted that all 57 warships currently in the p i p e l i n e a r e b e i n g c

underscoring India's growing self-reliance in naval defence

dual role: "INS Nistar is not

e submarine rescue support to Navy as well as our regional p a r t n e r s T h i s w i l l e n a b l e India to emerge as a ‘ pre-

partner’ in the region " The vessel is equipped

which is genetically modified – a category India currently prohibits

Despite these stalemates, President Trump has recently claimed that a deal with India w i l l b e f i n

e r virtual talks for an agreement before the August 1st deadline w i l l o c c u r , a n d h o w t h e American President will react

g i v e n h i s t r

e c o r d o f imposing tariffs on countries that have not yet signed agreements A further concern for the Indian government is the

with state-of-the-art technology, including remotely operated vehicles, self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboats, a n d d i v i n g c o m p r e s s i o n chambers, enabling deep-sea s a t u r a t i o n d i v i n g u p t o a d e p t h o f 3 0 0 m e t r e s Furthermore, INS Nistar will serve as a 'mother ship' for d e e p s u b m e r g e n c e r e s c u e vessels (DSRVs) – essentially m i n i - s u b m a r i n e s d e s i g n e d to mate with disabled submarines to extract trapped sailors from deep underwater The vessel also features a c o m b i n a t i o n o f r e m o t e l y operated vessels capable of diver monitoring and salvage operations down to a depth of 1,000 metres

lack of transparency in deals signed by Trump, citing examp l e s w i t h V i e t n a m a n d Bangladesh where non-disclos u r e c l a u

President claims victory The stakes are high for India, as the US represents its largest e x p o r t m a r k e t T r u m p h a d previously announced a 26% r e c i p r o c a l t a r i f f o n I n d i a n products on April 2nd, which was then suspended until July 9th, with August 1st set as the n e w d a t e f o

levies to commence

K e r a l a is m o ur n in g th e pa s s in g of V e l i k k ak a t hu

Sankaran Achuthanandan,

a t owe r i ng f i gu r e i n t he s t a t e 's c om m un i s t

hi s t or y Th e f o r m e r

Chief M inis ter, f ire brand

M a r x is t , a n d f oun d in g

m e m b e r o f t h e CP M , a f f e c t i on a te l y k n own as 'V S', died at the age of 101, in a p r iv a t e ho s pi t al in Th ir uv a n a nt h ap ur a m H e had been on l if e s upport f or

2 8 d a y s f o l l owi n g a he a r t attac k on June 2 3rd

Chief Minister Pinarayi

V i j a y a n w a s a m o n g t h e

c o m r a d e s w h o r u s h e d to his side for a final glimpse

P u b l i c h o m a g e b e g a n a t t h e A K G C e n t r e i n T h i r u v a n a n t h a p u r a m , continuing at the Secretariat Durbar Hall, and concluding at Alappuzha Town Hall The f u n e r a l i s s c h e d u l e d i n Alappuzha

Born on October 20, 1923, in Alappuzha, VS endured a challenging childhood, losing his mother at four and father at 11 Facing casteist jeers as an Ezhava boy, his resolve only strengthened By 21, he w a s o r g a n i s i n g K u t t a n a d f a r m w o r k e r s , j o i n i n g t h e C o m m u n i s t P a r t y i n 1 9 4 0

1980 to 1992, was elected to the assembly four times, and made history as India's first

t Chief Minister from

His early life was marked by j a i l t e r m s , u n d e r g r o u n d r e s i s t a n c e , a n d a d e e p immersion in Kerala’s leftwing chronicle Achuthanandan served as C P

Jagdeep Dhankhar

Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan

Aftermath and allegations following AI 171 crash

F ollowing the tragic A ir India (A I)

1 71 crash on June 12th, th e incident continues to be a focal p oint of i nv estig atio n and pu blic d

T he F ederatio n of Ind ian P ilots

(

ongoing investigation by India’s

W e s t e r n m e d i a reports premature and speculative

N T S B C h a i r w o m a n J e n n i f e r

Homendy called for patience in the

Western media, particularly the W S J , p u b l i s h

voice recorder (CVR) details, some b

report was released on July 12 An I t a

timestamps, detailing First Officer C

e n g i n e s ? " w i t h C a p t a i n S u m e e t S a b h a r w a l v a g u e l y r e p l y i n g , "

didn't do it" just seconds after liftoff The AAIB's preliminary report, h

indirect, unattributed CVR quote about one pilot asking the other w

This vagueness has partially fuelled s

Naidu has urged Western media to avoid speculation and affirmed the g

l report

Fleet inspections and sole surv ivo r's account

In response to the crash, Air

inspections on the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) locking mechanism across all its Boeing 787 and Boeing

737 aircraft, including those of Air India Express These inspections, complying with DGCA directives issued on July 14, 2025, found no issues and were completed within the set timeframe after starting on July 12

Meanwhile, the sole survivor of

Kumar Ramesh, in seat 11A, and his brother, Ajay, were aboard the Dreamliner that

Ramesh's nephew,

"seeing

Ramesh

Air India faces safety scrutiny amid expansion and multiple incidents

A ir India is currently nav igating a t u rbu l en t p e ri o d , m ark ed by a s e ri es of re ce nt o p e rat io n al incidents and ongoing reg ulato ry s c ru ti n y, ev en a s i t p ur s ue s sig nificant fleet exp ansion

A d i s c o n c e r t i n g i n c i d e n t occurred when an Air India plane’s

t a i l c a u g h t ﬁ r e s h o r t l y a f t e r landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport from Hong Kong Flight AI 315 experienced an a u x i l i a r y p o w e r u n i t ( A P U ) ﬁ r e after parking at the gate Though t h e a i r c r a f t s u s t a i n e d s o m e damage, all passengers and crew

disembarked safely, with the APU automatically shutting down The a i r c r a f t h a s b e e n g r o u n d e d f o r investigations, and authorities duly notiﬁed T h i s D e l h i i n c i d e n t f o l l o w s two other operational challenges f o r A i r I n d i a A K o l k a t a - b o u n d flight had to abort its take-off from D e l h i d u e t o a t e c

a g Separately, Air India flight AI2744, from Kochi to Mumbai, veered off the runway while landing amid heavy rain at Mumbai airport All passengers and crew disembarked safely, though the Mumbai airport

temporarily suspended one of its r u n w a

s coincide with a broader trend of safety concerns; the civil aviation ministry recently disclosed that Air India received nine show cause n o t i c e

d i s t

t s

f e t y violations over the past six months These safety issues occur as Air I n d i a

actively pursuing a $200 million bank loan to acquire a fleet of B

m o v e , facilitated through its subsidiary AI Fleet Services IFSC Ltd , aims to

PM Modi hails 'Operation Sindoor' success as opposition demands debate

P r im e M i ni s t e r N a re n d r a M od i o n M on d ay s e t a

c e l eb r a t or y t o ne f or t h e

m on s oo n s e s s io n of Parl iam ent, de claring India's " O pe r a t io n Si n do or " – a r et al ia tion a ga ins t t er ror is t

c amps deep inside Pakistan –

a " 1 00 % s uc c e s s " a n d a " v ij a y ot s a v " ( t r ium ph ) H e e mphas is ed that the Indian a rmed f orc es ac hieved their o b je c t i ve s wit h in j us t 2 2 m inutes , neut ralising targets

i n s id e e n e m y te r r i to r y , des pite his publ ic warnings

a mplifying the int ent

M o d i ' s r e m a r k s c a m e amid opposition demands for an immediate discussion on "Operation Sindoor" and the

P a h a l g a m a t t a c k T h e

B u s i n e s s A d v i s o r y Committee has scheduled at

least 16 hours for this debate

n e x t w e e k H o w e v e r , a n y h o p e s t h a t p r a i s e f o r t h e

a r m e d f o r c e s w o u l d l o w e r the opposition's fervour were quickly dashed in the Lok Sabha Congress and its allies immediately demanded that

t h e d i s c u s s i o n c o m m e n c e without delay, insisting that t h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r p e r s o n a l l y r e s p o n d t o U S P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d T r u m p ' s claim of having influenced

I n d i a t o s u s p e n d t h e o p e r a t i o n C o n g r e s s members also insisted that

L e a d e r o f t h e O p p o s i t i o n Rahul Gandhi be permitted

t o s h o u t s l o g a n s w h e n

Speaker Om Birla urged for the continuation of Question

H o u r P l e a s f r o m D e f e n c e

Minister Rajnath Singh and

P a r l i a m e n t a r y A f f a i r s M i n i s t e r K i r e n R i j i j u , w h o

a f f i r m e d t h e g o v e r n m e n t ' s readiness for a full debate, f a i l e d t o p l a c a t e t h e opposition They reiterated that the date and duration w e r e f o r t h e B u s i n e s s A d v i s o r y C o m m i t t e e t o decide For its part, the BJP

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

c o n f r o n t a t i o n U p o n P M

Modi's entry into the Lok

S a b h a a f t e

s m e d i a address, BJP and allied MPs greeted him with chants of O p e r a t i o n S i n d o o r a n d "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" In his initial remarks to the media,

t h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r

h i g h l i g h t e d t h e g l o b a l r e c o g n i t i o n o f I n d i a ’ s i n d i g e n o u s d

f e n c e capabilities

Tilaknagar Industries navigates Andhra liquor scam allegations

T il aknagar I ndus tries , a p ro minent nam e in th e alco ho l secto r, finds its elf embro il ed in a s ignif ic ant controversy su rro unding an all eged £21 8mn liquo r s cam in Andhra Prades h Po lice i nve s t iga tio n s s u gg es t a w id es p

ea d c a rt el involving vario us liqu or manuf acturers and d

referential treatm

rights, th ereby manipu lating the s tate' s l iquo r p ol icy fo r illicit gains

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

e g a t i o

enhance capabilities, particularly for crucial India-US routes, and a d d r

delays for new aircraft Notably, discussions for this fund-raising had slowed after a fatal Air India Boeing 787-8 crash last month, which tragically resulted in 260 fatalities and 81 injuries, though talks have since revived In the i m m e d i a t e a f t e r m a t h o f t h i s disaster, the Directorate General of C i v i l A v i a t i o n ( D G C A ) i n i t i a t e d thorough inspections across Air India's fleet, examining 31 out of 33

similar aircraft These inspections uncovered minor issues in eight of

aircraft were cleared to resume operations

Air India finds itself at a critical

while under intense observation Its ability to effectively manage

confidence will be paramount for its future trajectory

Satellite imagery suggests India struck Pakistan’s Kirana Hills nuclear hub

O ve r t wo m o nt h s af te r t h e I n di a n

g o ve rn me nt de ni e d t ar ge ti n g P a k i st an ' s

K irana Hills , a s ite b elieved to h ou se a significant po rtion of its nuclear arsenal, fresh Google Earth imagery cap tu red in June app ears to i ndicate a missile indeed stru ck the s trategic ally sensitive area in S argo dh a d is t ri c t T h is co nt ra di c ts I n di a 's e a rl ie r statements following 'Operatio n S indo or' on May 1 0, when key P akistani military installatio ns were targeted The satellite images were analysed and s h a r e d b y g e o - i n t e l l i g e n c e r e s e a r c h e r Damien Symon on X His findings pointed to the impact location of India’s strike on K i r a n a H i l l s i n M a y 2 0 2 5 a n d r e p a i r e d runways at Sargodha airbase post-India’s strikes

K i r a n a H i l l s i s a h e a v i l y f o r t i f i e d location intrinsically linked to Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme, suspected of containing underground storage facilities and serving as a site for nuclear research and testing Its strategic importance is further h e i g h t e n e d b y t h e p r e s e n c e o f r a d a r

d i t s c

proximity to the Sargodha (now Mushaf) airbase

Despite the recent imagery, the Indian Air Force had previously denied striking Kirana Hills On May 12th, Director General of Air Operations Air Marshal AK Bharti famously stated, "We have not hit Kirana Hills," though his accompanying peculiar

Symon, however, clarified that the strike did not indicate subterranean impact, hitting an area with "nothing of value in its immediate vicinity," suggesting it was likely a "warning strike" as tunnels appeared undamaged

other precision weapons launched on the night of May 9-10 The operation damaged 11 of Pakistan's 13 major airbases, delivering a substantial blow to the rival nation’s air defence network and military infrastructure Symon was also instrumental in debunking

military targeting India’s Adampur airbase

Supreme Court pulls up Karnataka Govt, ED and NGO for politicising cases

obtained from individuals already arrested in c

probe casts a shadow of negative sentiment over the company, raising concerns about potential legal repercussions and a broader impact on its operations within the state In response to these serious accusations,

In a rar e a nd shar p adm onition, the Supr eme Cour t criticised t he Ka rna ta ka gover nme nt, t he Enforcemen t Dir ector ate (ED), an d an N G O f o

Advocate General Aviskar Singhvi against p

i c

t e d a s a participant within this purported cartel Law e n f o r c

, T i l a k n a g a r I n d u s t r i e s i s i m p

scrutinising financial transactions, analysing c

y stated its commitment to cooperating fully with the investigating authorities Following the company's clarification, its

perceived the company s denial positively

comprising CJI B R Gav ai a nd Just ice V Vinod Cha ndr an firm ly st at ed t hat court s are not platform s for political ba ttles, which should inst ead be fought before th e electora te First, the Karnataka government faced the court's ire for appealing a High Court decision that quashed prosecution against BJP MP Tejasvi Surya Surya was accused of making a false claim about a farmer's suicide linked to land transfer to the state wakf b o a r d E v e n b e f o r e a r g u m

n t s c o u l d commence, the bench warned Additional

promptly accepted the dismissal of the state’s petition Next, the ED was chastised for appealing a Karnataka High Court order that quashed

Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife B M Parvathi

Vegan milks no comparison for the real deal

U n fo r ti fi ed p l an tbased milks are “ no t an accep table alternati ve ” to co w ’ s milk, according to a new g overnm e nt- b ac ke d r ep o rt w a rni ng o f p o ten ti al health risks, especially for young children

T h e r e p o r

Committee on Nutrition and the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, highlights that popular vegan drinks such as oat, almond, and soya milks lack key nutrients found in dairy With around 10% of Britons opting for dairy-free alternatives for ethical or health reasons, experts are urging consumers to choose fortified versions

To be nutritionally comparable to cow ’ s milk, plantbased drinks must be enriched with vitamin A, riboflavin, B12, calcium, and iodine Particular concern was raised about children under five on vegan diets The report warns that excessive intake of soya milk without adequate protein from other sources may pose toxicological risks due to isoflavones, a naturally occurring compound in soya

For this age group, whole or semi-skimmed cow ’ s milk remains the preferred option due to its contribution to energy, protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients For older children and adults, fortified plant-based drinks can be acceptable, especially as they often contain less saturated fat and more fibre However, the experts stress that none of the currently available almond, oat, or soya drinks in the UK are fully nutritionally equivalent to dairy

They concluded that the suitability of plant-based alternatives depends on age, overall diet, and health needs, with fortified options being the safer choice for those avoiding dairy

Strong nails, strong you

Our nails can reveal a su rprising am ount abo ut ou r ov erall health, yet they’re often ov erloo ked in ev eryday wellness routines

More than just a cosmetic concern, the condition of your nails can offer early clues about nutritional deficiencies, infections, and even underlying chronic conditions Healthy nails should be smooth, consistent in colour, and free from pits or grooves Discolouration, brittleness, ridges, or changes in thickness can signal various issues

For example, pale or spoon-shaped nails may indicate iron deficiency, while yellowing could point to fungal infections or even respiratory conditions Beau’s lines, horizontal indentations across the nails, can occur after illness or extreme stress, while clubbing (thickened fingertips with curved nails) may suggest cardiovascular or lung disease

Diet plays a major role in nail health Nutrients such as biotin, zinc, protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids all contribute to strong, resilient nails Dehydration and overuse of harsh nail products can also cause nails to become brittle or split Inadequate hygiene or frequent nail-biting can increase the risk of bacterial infections

Simple steps can go a long way in protecting nail health Keep nails trimmed and clean, moisturise your cuticles, avoid prolonged exposure to water or chemicals, and opt for acetone-free nail polish removers If persistent changes or discomfort occur, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider

Nails are more than just an aesthetic feature, they’re a window into your well-being Taking care of them is one small habit that can have a big impact on your health

Thirsty mouth, funky breath

Dehydration is a surprising yet common cause of bad breath When the body lacks adequate water, saliva production decreases. Saliva plays a crucial role in rinsing the mouth, neutralising acids, and washing away food particles and bacteria Without enough saliva, bacteria begin to accumulate and break down food debris, releasing foul-smelling compounds This dry environment becomes a breeding ground for odour-causing germs Staying well-hydrated not only supports overall health but also helps maintain fresh breath and good oral hygiene

The science of healing

Navigating trauma and stress through energy works

Swathi Anil

Tanushri Pal Chowdhury, a 43-yearold living in Amsterdam, discovered her true purpose beyond the corporate world in helping others achieve inner peace After a period where she felt an

security, she established BalanceWorks,

healing through coaching, breathwork,

conducting classes online and offline, she wishes to do more group sessions and expand it over to corporate world from where she comes from

Her transition was spurred by two

regretful passing of a best friend and later, the revelation of an insensitive workplace culture Despite a highpaying job, these prompted her to seek therapy, overcoming cultural stigma to begin a journey of self-awareness and emotional connection

In an interview with Asian Voice, she talks about energy works and how

clients

How do you explain the science behind spinal energetics to someone who is unfamiliar with the concept?

A: Energy work isn't mystical; it's grounded in the nervous system and the body's electrical signals The body

cues for safety or danger, shifting into a sympathetic ‘survival mode’ when

trauma can dysregulate these signals,

negatively impacts focus, digestion,

work, like breathwork, stimulates the

regulation Spinal energetics helps

Herbs like ashwagandha and turmeric have become staples in the global wellness conversation. But Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine with roots stretching back over 3,000 years, offers a far richer pharmacopeia of therapeutic plants.

The practice has long revered plants as powerful allies in the pursuit of health and balance Ayurvedic botanicals are now gaining global recognition for their ability to support immunity, digestion, mental clarity, and overall vitality

Rooted in the principle of maintaining balance between body, mind, and spirit, Ayurvedic medicine takes a holistic approach to preventing and treating disease through diet, lifestyle, and the use of natural substances

While a few herbs have achieved mainstream recognition, many lesserknown botanicals are now emerging for their promising health benefits

release stored tension, facilitating the body's innate ability to regulate and heal by remembering safety and flow Balance Works uniquely integrates coaching, breathwork, and Spinal Energetics What's the core philosophy behind this fusion?

A : W e a r e b e i n g s , w e c a n transform and we can heal when we look at the mind and the body and the energy collectively, and that's why it's not only coaching, breath work or energy work One of my principles in business is that I want to meet the

client at where they are at and I’ll s u p p o r t t h e m a c c o r d i n g t o t h e i r

needs I see beautiful results, with clients who combine coaching with spinal energetics Coaching is always forward looking The philosophy is t h a t w e a l l h a v e t h e a b i l i t y t o transform and heal A, we have to allow it and B, we have to work We have to honour the entire system Healing is a word related to a human’s physical injuries and the process of cure So why do you think people are coming back to you and how does healing works in your method?

A : H e a l i n g e x t e n d s b e y o n d p h y s i c a l i n j u r i e

wounds, burnout, and feeling lost These non-physical issues profoundly

emotions without guilt, and letting go of conditions like anxiety or selfdoubt It's about responding from p

work doesn't ‘fix’people; it helps their system return to a state of safety, flow, and vitality, which is a profound f o r m

bandages or medication

Trauma is very subjective as it can differ in case of genders as well

How does men’s trauma differ according to you from women’s trauma? And do you have more men or women clients, and why so?

A: Trauma isn't merely the event, but its internal impact: the meaning attached to it, how the body holds it,

experience the

environment,

patterns in how trauma manifests in men and women Men often bear the

vulnerability, often stemming from unprocessed grief or fear of failure

Women are frequently conditioned

anxiety, people-pleasing, or guilt over personal needs and success, often feeling invisible or pushing through burnout Both sexes can experience disconnection from their bodies and

mode, often unknowingly While more women traditionally seek support, men are increasingly finding

shift occurs when individuals feel safe enough to explore underlying issues, leading to deep freedom My diverse clientele demonstrates that energy work is not

woo-woo

but a widely beneficial practice for both

backgrounds

Ayurveda’s unsung heroes

Known as Indian valerian, Tagara is a calming herb often used to support sleep and reduce anxiety Native to the Himalayan regions, it has sedative and nervine properties, making it particularly effective for people dealing with restlessness or insomnia Tagara balances the vata dosha and is often recommended in powder or tablet form before bedtime

Try it for: Improved sleep, reduced anxiety, nervous system support

Punarnava literally means "renewed" in Sanskrit, and true to

Traditionally used to support kidney health and fluid balance, this herb also has diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects It helps balance kapha and vata, making it useful for those with sluggish metabolism or water retention

Try it for: Kidney function, detoxification, reducing bloating and swelling

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)

Best known in Ayurvedic hair oils, Bhringraj is more than just a beauty herb It’s also used to support liver health, boost memory, and promote skin clarity With cooling and cleansing properties, it helps pacify pitta dosha, making it ideal for inflammation-related issues

Try it for: Hair and scalp health, liver detox, clearer skin

Ayurveda teaches us that health is not just about addressing symptoms, but about rebalancing the entire system These three botanicals, though less famous, carry centuries of healing wisdom waiting to be rediscovered and offer safe and effective pathways to balance in an increasingly busy world

Tanushri Pal Chowdhury

Tagara (Valeriana wallichii)

Here are three lesser known Ayurvedic herbs worth discovering

Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)

Shah Rukh Khan injured on ‘King’ set, recovering in UK after US treatment

Shah

Rukh Khan recently suffered a back injury while shooting for his upcoming film ‘King’, directed by Siddharth Anand The incident occurred in Mumbai, prompting SRK to seek treatment in the US He is now recovering in the UK with his family

According to a source, the injury is minor and he’s doing well, but filming has been paused and will resume in September His planned trip to Sri Lanka has also been postponed

This isn’t the first time Shah Rukh Khan has injured his back During the f i l m i n g o f B o n e y K a p o o r ’ s ‘ S h a k t i ’ ( 2 0 0 2 ) , h e w a s

prolapsed disc and underwent surgery in the UK A disc was inserted in his spine, and he later resumed work with ‘Swades’

Recalling that period, co-star Daya Shankar Pandey said, “Shah Rukh was in so much pain, he had a physio on set ” SRK has faced several injuries over the years, including a rib and knee fracture during ‘Darr’, and a worsened knee injury while filming ‘Ra One’, which also required surgery

In 2007, Shah Rukh Khan injured h i s l e f t s h

o n scene in ‘Dulha Mil Gaya’, and reinjured it while filming ‘My Name Is Khan’ in 2008 He later underwent shoulder surgery in London in 2013

His upcoming film ‘King’, directed by Siddharth Anand, will mark the bigscreen debut of his daughter Suhana Khan, following her Netflix debut in ‘The Archies’ The film also features D e

and Abhay Verma in key roles

Sidharth and Kiara req privacy after baby’s bi

After announcing the birth of their daughter, Sidharth Malhotra took to Instagram to thank fans and the media for their wishes and requested privacy He wrote,

“We’re so grateful for all the love As we begin this journey of parenthood, we hope to enjoy it intimately as a family No photos please, only blessings Thank you for your support ”

Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra celebrated their daughter’s arrival by distributing sweets to the paparazzi, along with personal notes that read, “Our baby girl is here! Just a little something sweet to celebrate this special moment No pictures please, only blessings ”

Earlier in April, Sidharth had lost his temper at paparazzi for crowding around their car while they visited a doctor during Kiara’s pregnancy In a viral video, he was seen firmly telling them, “You guys start behaving now Get back! Behave yourself, yaar You want me to get angry now?” Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra now join other celebrity couples like Anushka Sharma–Virat Kohli, Deepika Padukone–Ranveer Singh, and Rani Mukerji–Aditya Chopra in keeping their child away from media glare The couple got married in an intimate ceremony in Jaisalmer on February 7, 2023

Anupam Kher

on not having kids:

“I feel a void”

Anupam Kher opened up about not having a biological child and the void he feels now, nearly 40 years after marrying Kirron Kher

The couple, who tied the knot in 1985 after years of friendship, never had children together Her son from a previous marriage, Sikander, became part of Anupam’s life and took his last name

S p e a k i n g w i t h R a j S h a m a n i o n YouTube, Anupam admitted he didn’t f e e l t h e a b s e n c e e a r l i e r , b u t a f t e r turning 60 and working closely with children through his foundation and past shows, the feeling grew stronger

H e s p o k e c a n d i d l y a b o u t n o t having a child of his own, sharing that Kirron Kher couldn’t conceive, and a later pregnancy had to be terminated due to complications He said he was too focused on his career at the time Though he has a strong bond with Sikander, Kirron’s son from her first marriage, Anupam admitted that after t u r n i n g 6 0 , h e b e g a n t o f e e l t h e absence of experiencing fatherhood f i r s t h a n d S t i l l , h

regret just something he occasionally reflects on

Khushi Kapoor on cosmetic surgery:

“I wasn’t born like this”

The topic of cosmetic procedures often sparks debate, with many celebrities avoiding the conversation

However, newcomer Khushi Kapoor brings a refreshingly honest and mature perspective Speaking about industry pressures and fan expectations, the ‘Nadaaniyan’ actor said that getting work done is a personal choice and people should do what suits them

Khushi openly admitted to undergoing cosmetic procedures herself and stressed the importance of honesty While she acknowledges that such decisions are personal, she believes celebrities have a responsibility to be transparent, especially with young, impressionable fans, to avoid promoting unrealistic beauty standards

Khushi Kapoor acknowledged that being a celebrity comes with constant judgment, whether you undergo cosmetic procedures or not She said people would criticise her either way, so it's better to own your choices for peace of mind. In an earlier interview, the ‘Loveyapa’ actor said, “I don’t think it’s a big deal People fear hate if they admit it But calling someone ‘plastic’ shouldn’t be an insult ” She emphasised the importance of honesty, especially for young fans “Getting work done and lying about it is unfair to girls who look up to you, ” she said The debate around cosmetic procedures has intensified following actor Shefali Jariwala’s death, reportedly linked to anti-ageing treatments, which is still under investigation

Actor Pankaj Tripathi blames costly tickets for low theatre turnout

Lately, declining footfall in theatres has become a concern for filmmakers and exhibitors While many blame the rise of OTT platforms and changing viewer preferences, others point to high ticket prices

Actor Pankaj Tripathi agrees, saying, “Ticket pricing is an issue and plays a role in poor collections For a family, going to the theatre has become an expensive affair, from tickets to food, everything costs a lot ”

Recently seen in ‘Metro In Dino’, 48-year-old Pankaj Tripathi says, “I don’t know much about the business side of cinema, my focus is just on acting But I do feel movie tickets are too expensive, and that puts people off ”

Many in the industry have echoed this concern, including Aamir Khan, who said high prices make it hard for the masses to visit theatres

To boost footfall, the Karnataka government recently reinstated a 200 cap on ticket prices across all films Tripathi adds, “On days like Tuesdays or National Cinema Day, when prices drop, theatres see better occupancy If tickets are fairly priced, more people will come Spending

2,000 and five hours is a big ask for any family ”

Mohit Suri reveals why ‘Saiyaara’ leads skipped pre-release promotions

Mohit

Suri’s film ‘Saiyaara’, starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has been performing well at the box office But many have noticed that the lead pair hasn’t been promoting the film, and now, Suri has explained why

He shared that the decision was a collective one, guided by mentors like Akshaye Widhani and Aditya Chopra “They understood that until the actors have something substantial to show, the conversation would revolve around things like ‘Who was the prankster on set?’ or ‘What was it like working with Mohit Suri?’ questions that don’t really matter Once they have a body of work to speak for them, the narrative will be more meaningful,” Suri said

Mohit Suri recalled a moment from ‘Aashiqui 2 ’ , saying, “When we were shooting in Goa, people recognised me, but not Shraddha or Aditya After the first show was released, we were on a flight from Chandigarh with no network By the time we landed, the film had connected with audiences I still have a photo of them being mobbed by the airline staff not for how they looked or were promoted, but because people had seen and felt their work ” ‘Aashiqui 2 ’ (2013) turned

and

into overnight stars

Sham Kaushal was ready to end life after cancer diagnosis

Action

director Sham Kaushal, now known as the father of actors Vicky and Sunny Kaushal, rose to fame in the ’80s and ’90s. While shooting ‘Lakshya’ in Ladakh, he experienced stomach pain and was taken to an army hospital Ignoring his health, he went on to work on Shyam Benegal’s ‘Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’ But in 2003, he was diagnosed with cancer “The doctor said I wouldn’t live long,” he recalled in a podcast with Aman Aujla

Sham shared that he once considered jumping from the hospital’s third floor after hearing the diagnosis “I kept the story to myself for years, fearing it would affect my work,” he said He eventually underwent a

consciousness three days later

After his surgery, Sham Kaushal sensed something was wrong “People around me looked worried,” he recalled Doctors had r

testing, which confirmed it was cancer “The doctor said I wouldn’t survive,” he shared The news shattered him “That night, I thought of jumping from the third floor of

because I felt, if I have to die, why not now? But I couldn’t move due to the post-surgery pain ” I n t h a t v u l n e r a b l e m o m e n t , S h a m turned to God “I said, ‘I don’t want to live weak If you must take me, do it now But if possible, give me 10 more years, my kids are still young ’” That silent prayer gave him strength

T h e n e x t m o r n i n g , h i s f

f a d e d , replaced by hope Over the next year, he u n d e r w e n t m u l t i p l e s u r g e r i e s , b u t t h e cancer hadn’t spread “I asked for 10 more years, it's been 22, ” he said “That phase changed my life I found strength, good work, and watched my kids thrive ”

MON 28 JUL - FRI 01 AUG 2025

09:00 Deshi Beats

17:30 Rasoi Show

18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma

19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re

19:30 Rashi Rikshawali

20:00 Kanku

20:30 Moti Baa Ni Nani Vahu

21:00 United States Of Gujarat

21:30 KAHI DE NE PREM CHHE ! –PREM NU PRATIK

22:00 Baa Vahu ane Baby

SATURDAY 02 AUG 2025

09:00 Deshi Beats

MON 28 JUL - FRI 01 AUF 2025

17:00 Shani-Karmfal Daata

17:30 Sau Dahda Sasuna

18:00 Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka Season-1

18:30 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1

19:30 RAMACHARI

20:00 Anmol Bandhan

20:30 Madhubala

21:00 Comedy Nights with Kapil

22:30 Choti Sardarni

23:00 Udaariyan

SATURDAY 02 AUG 2025

17:00 Shani-Karmfal Daata

17:30 Sau Dahda Sasuna

17:30 Rasoi Show

18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma

19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re

19:30 Rashi Rikshawali

20:00 Kanku

20:30 Moti Baa Ni Nani Vahu

21:00 United States Of Gujarat

21:30 KAHI DE NE PREM CHHE ! –PREM NU PRATIK

SUNDAY 03 AUG 2025

09:00 Deshi Beats

11:00 Kanku

11:30 Paras Padmani

14:30 Kanku

17:30 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re

19:30 Rashi Rikshawali

20:00 KAHI DE NE PREM CHHE ! –PREM NU PRATIK

22:30 Rashi Rikshawali

23:00 Moti Baa Ni Nani Vahu

18:000 Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka Season-1

18:30 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1

19:30 RAMACHARI

20:00 Dance Deewane Superhits

20:30 Madhubala

21:00 Comedy Nights with Kapil

22:30 Choti Sardarni

23:00 Udaariyan

SUNDAY 03 AUG 2025

17:00 Shani-Karmfal Daata

17:30 Sau Dahda Sasuna

18:00 Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka Season-1

18:30 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1

19:30 RAMACHARI

20:00 Dance Deewane Superhits

20:30 Madhubala

21:00 Comedy Nights with Kapil

22:30 Choti Sardarni

23:00 Udaariyan

Aditya Roy Kapur

Shraddha Kapoor

Rana picks Dulquer as right choice for ‘Kaantha’

Since his 2010 debut in ‘Leader’, actor-producer Rana Daggubati has been selective with his roles He’s now co-producing a Tamil-Telugu bilingual starring Dulquer Salmaan

When asked why he didn’t take the lead himself, Rana said, “Each story finds its actor As a producer, it’s about choosing what’s best for the film The moment I heard the script, I saw only Dulquer in that role If he hadn’t done it, we probably wouldn’t have made the film ” Rana Daggubati praised Dulquer Salmaan for being a “ secure ” actor who doesn’t rely on mainstream formulas to deliver a hit, calling him the ideal collaborator Rana also reflected on his own journey, saying he’s taken up only 10–12 roles in 15 years each one meaningful to him

Their upcoming film ‘Kaantha’, set in 1950s post-Independence Madras, is directed by Selvamani Selvaraj and stars Dulquer in the lead, with Rana, Bhagyashri Borse, and Samuthirakani in key roles It is co-produced by Rana’s Spirit Media and Dulquer’s Wayfarer Films

Filmmaker

SS Rajamouli and Genelia’s sweet reunion goes

viral

SS Rajamouli recently attended the pre-release event of the Telugu film ‘Junior’, starring Sreeleela and Genelia D'Souza At the event, Rajamouli, who had worked with Genelia back in 2004, was all praise for her, especially admiring her timeless beauty. A video of their warm reunion has since gone viral online.

While speaking about Genelia at the prerelease event, SS Rajamouli said, “Genelia, you are frozen in time So many years have passed, yet you look exactly the same same beauty, s a m

Senthil if we’ll see a new Genelia in this, and he assured me we will I’m eagerly waiting for it ”

A visibly delighted Genelia responded, “You are too kind, sir It means so much to me ”

Another video from the event shows Rajamouli warmly greeting Genelia on his arrival The two shared a light-hearted conversation, with Genelia appearing thrilled, suggesting he may have complimented her again Rajamouli and Genelia previously worked together in the 2004 Telugu sports drama ‘Sye’, which also starred Nithin, Shashank, and Pradeep Rawat The film was a commercial hit and went on to win four Nandi Awards

Ajith Kumar crashes at Italy race, helps clear debris

Actor

and racing enthusiast Ajith Kumar was involved in a crash during the GT4 European Series at Italy’s Misano track

The incident occurred in the second round when his car collided with a stationary vehicle on the track Thankfully, Ajith escaped unhurt but had to withdraw from the race A video from the scene shows him assisting track staff in clearing debris, highlighting his calm composure and presence of mind

Ajith Kumar is now gearing up for the third round at Belgium’s SpaFrancorchamps circuit Following the recent crash, the actor was seen helping track staff clear debris an act of humility that earned praise from commentators One remarked, “Ajith Kumar out of the car, out of the race he’s a fine champ Not many drivers would do that ”

The ‘Vidaamuyarchi’ star entered motorsports in 2003 and made headlines

Championship He has since raced across countries like Germany and Malaysia, balancing his film career with his passion for racing

Ajith Kumar was recently honoured with the Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, recognising his remarkable contributions to both cinema and motorsport The award celebrates a career marked by versatility and unwavering dedication After a decade-long break from racing, Ajith returned to the track with renewed passion, continuing a journey he began over 20 years ago

Fans admire him not just for his commanding screen presence but also for his fearless pursuits off-screen His recent film, Good Bad Ugly, directed by Adhik Ravichandran, emerged as the highestgrossing Tamil film of 2025 so far Currently on a break from acting, Ajith is expected to reunite with Ravichandran for his next

of the year’s most anticipated films,

Lokesh said he doesn't focus on box office numbers or reviews “I’ll watch the film on release day, party that night, and then disappear to Bali with my school friends for a few days I’ll return once the dust has settled,” he shared

Despite his habit of disconnect-

deeply responsible for how it performs

“Only three people really need to worry about a film; the hero, the director, and the producer You’re only as good as your last film,” he said, referencing ‘Leo’ as the reason behind his current Rs 50 crore fee While he didn’t disclose the salaries of stars like Rajinikanth or Aamir Khan, he justified his own fee, noting, “It’s a Rs 400 crore film, I’ve spent two years on it, and there’s huge responsibility If it does well, the money will support my family and

journey ”

With its stellar cast and Lokesh K

, ‘Coolie’ is poised for a blockbuster opening The makers and star-studded team are aiming for more than just a splash at the box office they’re hoping to deliver a

‘Coolie’, starring Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Aamir Khan, and Upendra Rao, is set to release on August 14

Kapil Sharma, Yo Yo Honey Singh team

for ‘Bollywood Anthem’ shot in Dubai

Yo Yo Honey Singh and Kapil Sharma turned heads at a high-profile event, where the rapper dropped a major update about ‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2’

In a viral Instagram reel, Singh asked the crowd if he could share a surprise, then revealed he’s created a special

t r a c k f o r K a p i l ’ s u p c o m i n g film He added that they shot the song in Dubai last week and confidently called it “this y e a r ’ s b i g g e s t B o

anthem

comeback with a Punjabi track for ‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2

A few days ago, Kapil Sharma

studded black suit and stylish s h

backdrop Meanwhile, Kapil has also b e

‘ T O U R I S T F A M I

Asmall Tamil film with little promotion has quietly become 2025’s biggest box office success not by gross, but by profit ‘Tourist Family’, a slice-oflife comedy by Abishan Jeevinth, delivered a staggering 1200% return on its modest £665,000 ( 7 crore) budget

Released on 29 April, the film earned £9 3 million ( 98 crore) worldwide, with £6 4 million ( 67 crore) from India

In comparison, the top-grossing film ‘Chhaava’ delivered an 800% return on its £8 5 million ( 89 6 crore) budget

‘Tourist Family’ defied box office norms with a grassroots rise Earning £2 38 million ( 25 crore) in its first week, it surged in week two with £3 million ( 31 6 crore), driven entirely by word-of-mouth

Critics praised ‘Tourist Family’ for its grounded humour, heartfelt storytelling, and strong performances by M Sasikumar, Simran, Mithun Jai Sankar, and Kamalesh Jagan Its feel-good appeal resonated with Tamil-speaking families

While ‘Chhaava’ led in total

earnings (£83 4M), its high budget cut into profits Big releases like ‘Housefull 5 ’ , ‘Sikandar’, and ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ also saw slimmer returns

In contrast, ‘Tourist Family’s’ modest budget and steady collections made it 2025 ’ s most profitable film

India’s F1pioneer gets cinematic tribute

Abiopic titled ‘NK 370’ is in the works, based on Narain Karthikeyan

India’s first Formula One driver. Directed by ‘Take Off’ and ‘Malik’ filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan and written by ‘Soorarai Pottru’ screenwriter

Shalini Usha Devi, the Tamil film will chronicle Karthikeyan’s journey from a young boy in Coimbatore to his historic Formula One debut

Produced by Blue Marble Films, the story goes beyond racing to explore themes of identity, perseverance, and belief “Narain’s journey isn’t just about racing, it’s about chasing a dream no one else can see, ” Narayanan said ‘NK 370 ’ traces Narain

Karthikeyan’s journey from a rally car-obsessed child to India’s first Formula One driver From racing a homemade go-kart at five to entering Formula Maruti at 15, his rise was driven by grit and passion A key turning point was training at France’s Winfield Racing School, where he overcame racial bias to prove himself

The film captures key moments in Narain Karthikeyan’s journey, from a crash at the Macau Grand Prix that led to career setbacks, to his emotional comeback and iconic F1 debut in 2005, where he outqualified Michael Schumacher and scored points It also delves into his personal life, including his bond with his supportive wife Producer Faraz Ahsan called it a universal underdog story, saying, “NK went from surviving Indian traffic to racing faster than a jet ” Years of planning and rights negotiations led to Karthikeyan’s approval, with the film aiming to blend adrenaline-fueled drama with human resilience

Akshay Kumar, currently vacationing in London with his family, was recently spotted strolling the streets in a casual, stylish look. A video of him went viral, showing the actor snapping a selfie with a fan but also appearing annoyed at someone recording him without permission A fan club shared the clip, writing, “Khiladi @akshaykumar sir spotted in London recently ”

Another fan club shared a video, calling Akshay Kumar the “Bollywood Ka Sher” and praised his natural charisma, swag, and fitness, adding that it’s a shame directors don’t use his real look without VFX or CGI

On the work front, Akshay was last seen in ‘Kannappa’ and earlier appeared in ‘Housefull 5 ’ and ‘Kesari 2 ’ He was also in the news for a brief fallout during the making of ‘Hera Pheri’, but Paresh Rawal recently confirmed on a podcast that the team has reconciled and the film is back on track

Anshul Kamboj 'close to making' test debut in Manchester

Ha ryana pace r Anshul Ka mb oj is

“ very cl ose ” to making his deb ut in the Manchester game a gainst Engla nd, and the Indian te am manag ement will tak e a final call

b e t w e

n h im a n d P r a

id h Krishna on the day of the Test

match India capta in Shub ma n Gill confirmed that Akash De ep h a s b e e n

due to a n in jury

Arshdeep Singh has already

h e Manchester Test after he got injured during a training session ahead of the upcoming game

The left-arm pacer sustained an injury to his left thumb while bowling in the nets at a training

progress

Nitish Kumar Reddy has also been ruled out of the remainder

injury

“It's never easy when there are a few injuries in the squad

Nitish Kumar Reddy is going to miss out on the series Akash

Deep is unavailable for the next match, so is Arshdeep, but we have enough good players in the team to pick up twenty wickets

challenging aspect of the series

It is not ideal to have different bowlers, but I was prepared,” Gill told reporters on the eve of the Test

Anshul Kamboj

wicketkeeping gloves for India

The India vice-captain received

collect a Jasprit Bumrah delivery

Pant then didn't wear the gloves for the rest of the Test as

substitute Pant, however, batted and even scored 74 runs in the

bowling yorkers, forcing the 27year-old to jam his bat down England currently lead the

winning the Lord's Test against India by 22 runs Karun Nair is also a big talking point after he failed to set the stage on fire in the first three Tests H

backed the senior batter, who returned to the Test playing XI after eight years Looking at the w

Karun will retain his place in the lineup

Pride-view Cricket Cup collects record £45,000 for

for the coveted Pride-view Cricket Cup, with teams

coaching and support of f o r m e r E n g l a n d p l a y e r s including Owais Shah, Saj M a h m o o d , A l e x T u d o r , P a u l N i x o n , A l i B

r e c o r d f u n d r a i s i n g t o t a l w a s attributed to the success of both l i v e a n d o n l i n e a u c t i o n s ,

b o l s t e r e d b y t h e g e n e r o u s contributions of attendees and s u p p o r t e r s N i l e s h R a j P a t e l , P r i n c i p a l a t T h e P r i d e - v i e w

FIDE allots chess World Cup to India

Reports say that the 29-day event will be staged either in Goa or Ahmedabad An AICF official said, “Having won the bid, we will start the process of approval from the govt Once that is done, we will soon announce the host city Both Goa and Ahmedabad are interested in playing host to the world’s top players Everything will be finalised in our next executive meeting ”

world championship in 2000 but the title clash was staged in Tehran Hyderabad then hosted the eight-player World Cups (both Open and women) in 2002 when it was played in group-cum-knockout format

In a statement, FIDE said: “The World Cup 2025 will feature 206 players competing i

unpredictable system where the losing player in each round is eliminated The event has used several formats over the years, but since 2021, it has followed a single-elimination format ”

and internationally

This year's tournament also served as a special celebration of t

Unpacking

Swathi Anil

standing clients, partners, and s u p p o r t e r s T h e d a y w a s e l e v a t e d b y t h e p r e s e n c e o f cricketing legends Chris Gayle, r e n o w n e d f o r h i s e x p l o s i v e batting, and former England fast b o w l e r D a r r e n G o u g h

REIM Capital lifted the trophy, w i t h p r o p

BBC Asian Network presenter

appearances Six 6-a-side teams battled

Tommy Sandhu expertly hosted the day, maintaining a lively and engaging atmosphere A significant portion of the

Group, reflected on the occasion and conveyed thanks to all who s u p p o r t e d t h e m t h r o u g h o u t their journey

The Pride-view Cricket Cup

r e m a i n s a k e y f i x t u r e i n t h e p r o p e r t y i n d u s t r y ’ s s u m m e r c a l e n d a r , s e a m l e s s l y b l e n d i n g

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

networking The event is set to return in 2026

A handful of Indian players will take part in the eight-round knockout tournament Every round will be played for three daystwo classical games on the initial two days, followed by rapid and blitz tiebreaks The top 50 rated players will take part from the second round while players seeded from 51 to 206 will compete in the opening round

As per the June rating list, as many as 20 Indian players including world champion D Gukesh have already qualified to participate in the World Cup

the journey of Southampton's unbeaten boxing sensations

From the tender age of two, Southampton's twin brothers Vijayraj and Yuvraj Karia were already training, laying the groundwork for an extraordinary journey from childhood passion to professional boxing prowess. Now 17, these unbeaten prodigies are more than rising stars; they're on track to

brothers have dominated internationally

dominant wins The twins are also debuting this year on the UK Television in November They are poised to make a significant impact o n t h e B

d demonstrate that destiny knows no age limit

Speaking to Asia Voice, they share their j o u r n e y s , p a r t n e r s h i p , g r o u n d w o r k a n d future ambitions

The spark of early interest and childhood influences

For Vijayraj, his love for boxing ignited at the tender age of two "A friend of my dad’s, gave all three of us brothers some boxing gloves and pads I remember putting them on and playing with our dad, and s o m e t h i n g a b o u t i t j u s t c l i c k e d , " h e

recounts All the training turned fruitful and a defining moment came during his first fight, "I threw a back hand instinctively and

it landed clean That feeling confirmed to me that this wasn’t just a game ” , he said

explained, "The first time I wore gloves at two years old, I just felt like I belonged in them," A pivotal memory for him was when his father taught him to block and counter on the pads at four or five, a skill that felt like learning a superpower and transformed boxing into a deep-seated passion

Danny Cooper, a former boxer provided their foundational training from ages three

variations

The influence of brotherhood, family and community support

Golden Ring under Stuart Gill,

40-year

have a strong desire to carry both their

e l consistently embraced by their community Yuvraj highlights how the gym, the city, the people, made them feel like they part of something bigger He recalls Gill keeping the gym open late and providing crucial advice and support He also reflects on the m o t i

Indian in a sport where they didn't see many like themselves T

h o t h e r i s a cornerstone of their professional journey

V i j a y r a j d e s c r i b e s Y u v r a j a s h i s b i g g e s t motivator, critic, and supporter and their d y n a m i c f o s t e r s c o n s t a n t i m p r o v e m e n t "We push each other every day, whether it’s in sparring or conditioning There’s no ego, just a shared mission, he says Our family is the reason we ’ re even able to do this," says Vijayraj He credits their father for discipline, coaching, and training a s s i s t a n c e , w h i l e t h e i r m o t h e r p r o v i d e s emotional balance, reminding them to rest and think long-term "We fight in the ring, but it’s a team effort," says Vijayraj

Y u v r a j u n d e r l i n e s t h e i m m e n s e sacrifices made by their parents, to facilitate their careers "They believed in us before anyone else," he states, acknowledging their parents' management of travel, meals, and schedules, which makes a huge difference when you're turning pro at their age Mental preparation and handling highstakes pressure

The Karia brothers' composure in high-

pressure situations is a testament to their individual mental strategies Vijayraj found f i g h t i n g p

e s s i o n a

n D u b a i a n d Thailand ‘intense’, yet he stayed grounded, even dislocating his shoulder early in one bout but continuing to win He embraces pressure, staying "emotionally neutral in the ring, no hate, no fear, just strategy " His r o u t i n e i n v o l v e s c a l m i n g m

p breathing, and light pad work before fights, focusing on the moment, the basics to stay sharp

For Yuvraj, his 'easy' fight experiences stem from rigorous preparation "For me, it’s all about visualisation," he explains During fight week, he mentally rehearses the ring walk, exchanges, and game plan, effectively living the fight 100 times in his head He

opponents, instead trusting in the work put in

For the remainder of this year, Vijayraj is

November, which is a dream come true to fight professionally on home soil for the first time Yuvraj's long-term vision also includes world titles and utilising their platform to

"Representation matters, and if our journey helps more young talent believe in their path, that’s

Karia brothers with Trainers in Dubai