AV 26th October 2024

Diwali Special P15

From tiles to triumph: Dinesh’s journey P18

Poonawalla acquires 50% stake in Karan Johar s Dharma Productions P19

Trudeau's charges raise tensions between India and Canada P21

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

India and Pakistan should live like good neighbours: Nawaz Sharif P22

Omar picks ex-BJP man from Jammu as deputy, Cong opts out P25

PM Modi along with Spanish PM to inaugurate aircraft plant in Vadodara P26

Workplace well-being efforts barely scratching the surface P27

Anupamaa stars set for UK Diwali festivities P30

Labour Indians host a gala Diwali reception

India ready to help end Russia-Ukraine war: PM Modi to Putin

a significant majority of UK SMEs, 74%, anticipate that the upcoming budget will influence their future growth plans, with 31% deeming this impact as significant In light of the current economic climate many SMEs have responded by raising prices, transitioning to remote working, and outsourcing various services

Continued on page 12 A S I A N S M E s S E E K S T A B I L I T Y

India poised to be 3rd largest economy by 2030: S&P

Russian President Vladimir Putin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Secretaries of State Wes Streeting MP and Liz Kendall MP lighting diyas

Mahmood stands firm against terminal illness Euthanasia bill

Brita in's on ly Muslim cabin et minister has ex pre ssed he r int ent ion to oppose proposa ls tha t would gr

sure s are incompa tible wit h Islamic t eaching s

Shabana Mahmood has chosen to publicly oppose the proposals despite guidance u

engaging in the debate All M

will have a free vote on the matter, as it is considered a question of conscience

advised ministers that while

choose, they should exercise discretion and refrain

public debate "

her intention to vote against

reading, stating, “I opposed this legislation when it was introduced in 2015, and I will do so again As a Muslim, I hold an unwavering belief in

informs my views on this matter

“As a legislator, I reflect on the sacredness and signif-

state This bill fundamentally alters the state's position by making it an active participant in ending human life ”

Three Indian-origin finalists named for Oxford Chancellor position

The Univer sity of Oxford has r eveal ed the f in al can dida tes for its Chancel lor el ect ion, fea turing thre e individuals of Indian or igin a mong t he 38 f i n a l i st s No t a b l y, fo

me r P a k is t a n

Imran Khan did not make t he l ist

The f inalists represent a diverse array of backgrounds, including academia, politics, and business Among them are Ankur Shiv Bhandari, the f irst Indian-origin Mayor of Br a c

professional, all vying for the prestigious position A m o n g t h e s e

e c t e d senior politicians are former C

Lord William Hague and former Labour politician Lord Peter Mandelson However, Imran Khan has been disqualif ied from the running following the selection process

A university statement

Committee based exclusively on the four exclusion criteria outlined in the university's regulations All applicants have been informed of the outcome of their submissions " In the f irst round of voting, starting on October 28, voters can rank as many candidates as they like The top f i v e c a n d i d a t e s w i l l b e announced on November 4 and will move on to the seco n d r o u n d o

v o t i n g o n November 18 The University of Oxford will reveal its new Chancellor on November 25

Shabir Hussain, the ‘King of Curry,’ passes away at 56

A cc la i m ed c ele br it y ch e f, S habir Hussain also known as the “king of curry ” and cred ited with inv enting the " hang ing naan," h as passed away at th e age of 56

Hu s s a i n e s t a

i s h e d a successful chain of Indian restaurants in the UK and o w n e d n u m e r o u s fo o d v

England, the Midlands, and

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Vimlanshu Shekhar and my wife, Sadhna Kumari, both being the parents of the Vaishnavi, born on 17-05-2019, and residents of Flat-1, Tawny House, 4 Birdhurst Avenue, South Croydon, CR2 7DX, United Kingdom declare that we have changed our daughter's Name from Vaishnavi to Vaishnavi Shekhar for all future Purposes.

Place: Village: Rajpur, Post: Barharwa, Suppi, Dist: Sitamarhi, Bihar

Fake qualifications land neonatal nurse in prison for five years

Tanya Nasir, 4 5, has been sentenced to prison for fraud after pro viding false inform ation and misrepresenting her qualif ications w hile ap plying for a senior nursing position in a neonatal unit

She was convicted of nine charges, including fraud, using a false instrument, and unauthorised access to computer material

Described as "an accomplished liar" who "misrepresents," "fakes," and "forges," Tanya Nasir from Hertfordshire has been sentenced to f ive years in prison

Nasir's deception began in 2010 when she failed to disclose a conviction while pursuing a diploma in Higher Nursing Education at Buckinghamshire New University She submitted a fabricated letter, claiming it was from Hertfordshire Probation Ser vice, stating she had no obligation to disclose her convictions

This led the university to allow her to continue her studies From Februar y 2013 to October 2015, she worked as a staff nurse assistant at Hillingdon Hospital and later ser ved briefly as a band f ive registered general nurse at Spire Bushey Hospital in Watford, before returning to Hillingdon until June 2019

In September 2019, Nasir took on the role of band seven ward manager at the neonatal ward of the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend However, her application for this position and two prior roles at Hillingdon Hospital contained false information

Concerns arose in Januar y 2020 during a routine revalidation of her Nursing and Midwifer y Council registration when her line manager discovered inconsistencies in her references She was suspended in Februar y 2020, resulting in an investigation that revealed discrepancies in her qualif ications

Scotland

A

Group announced Hussain's p

would remain closed in his memor y "It is with great sadness that we announce

Hussain, founder of Akbar’s Restaurant Group, the post

May Allah (SWT) grant him the highest rank in Jannah

strength to his family during this diff icult time

venue in Bradford, in 1995, before expanding to cities

Glasgow, and Birmingham

opened his latest restaurant in Blackburn Described as a “pioneer in the Indian food world,”

BAME and foreign doctors experience ongoing discrimination

British docto rs from BA ME background s and ov erseas-trained medics face "p ersistent and p e rni c

General Medical Council (GM C)

The regulator highlighted that these doctors are reported for alleged misconduct at disproportionately higher rates than their white British-trained counterparts

Doctors face "discrimination and disadvantage" in advancing their medical careers due to a hostile culture within many areas of the NHS, according to the General Medical Council (GMC) The report, authored by GMC Chief Executive Charlie Massey, aims to address and eliminate this discrimination

In his foreword, GMC Chief Executive C

landscape of the UK's medical workforce, noting that over half of new doctors on the GMC register last year were international medical graduates, with UK graduates also becoming more diverse

However, he stated that many doctors continue to face discrimination and disadv

h undermines morale and performance

Massey emphasised that fair treatment should be a universal right for all doctors, regardless of their background

The report updates on the targets the GMC established in 2021 to address ongoing inequality, following criticism regarding the d

I N B R I E F

MINISTER VOWS TO END CARERS' DEBT CRISIS

The government has announced plans to overhaul harsh penalties that left unpaid carers with significant debt after inadvertently violating benefit rules This decision follows a Guardian investigation that revealed thousands of vulnerable carers were being forced to repay large overpayments and even faced the threat of criminal prosecution due to minor breaches of carer's allowance earnings limits Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has commissioned an independent review to examine how overpayments on such a large scale were allowed to accumulate The investigation, dubbed the "carer's allowance scandal," sparked widespread outrage, with many comparing it to the Post Office scandal due to the severe and humiliating punishments inflicted on carers The review will be led by Liz Sayce, former CEO of Disability Rights UK, who aims to uncover the root causes of overpayments and prevent future occurrences The announcement comes ahead of a Westminster debate on carer's allowance, driven by the Liberal Democrats, whose leader, Ed Davey has made reforming the system a priority

HMRC CRACKING DOWN ON INHERITANCE

Sir Keir Starmer ’s Labour government is considering potential changes to inheritance tax, which may reduce HMRC relief for parents who gift money to their children Currently, inheritance tax is levied on the estates of individuals who have passed away However, families could face significant financial impacts if they have gifted cash or assets to children within the last seven years The tax which applies at a rate of 40% is charged on estates valued above £325 000 While there are reliefs available to UK households to help lower this liability gifts made between three and seven years before death are subject to taxation on a sliding scale known as taper relief

NON-DOM EXODUS MAY RESULT IN JOB LOSSES

A report by the Adam Smith Institute (ASI) claims that scrapping the non- dom tax regime could cost the UK £6 5 billion and result in the loss of 23 000 jobs over the next decade The think tank argues that eliminating this special tax status for wealthy foreigners could lead to more than a quarter of non- doms leaving the UK, significantly reducing tax revenue, investment, and wealth creation The ASI, whose patrons include former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and ex- Conservative Party chair Brandon Lewis, recommends introducing a flat tax of £150,000 akin to the system in Italy, to retain foreign residents in Britain The authors of the study suggest this approach could generate £12 5 billion annually for the Treasury, assuming all non- doms opt into it However, this figure has been contested by leading academic s specialising in high net worth taxation

On Sunday 2 7 October, the clocks will turn back by one hour at 2am So UK will switch from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) Don’t forget to change the time on your clock. Remember ‘Spring Forward, Fall Back’.

Shabana Mahmood

Shabir Hussain

Tanya Nasir

Will ‘assisted dying’

be a slippery slope for the vulnerable?

A bill to legalise assisted dying, previously referred to as euthanasia, has been introduced in the UK Parliament, sparking concerns among senior religious leaders and other opponents of the practice Under the current version of the bill, a patient's request to end their life would require approval from a judge and two medical professionals The law would only apply to individuals with a life expectancy of six to twelve months

Assisted dying is a controversial issue worldwide, with strong arguments both for and against it Critics in the UK worry about the potential for vulnerable people to feel pressured into ending their lives, a concern that many believe is valid Patients feel deeply vulnerable when first diagnosed with a terminal condition For patients personally, many worry they will become a burden to their families and that their remaining time has no real value and it would be very difficult for doctors or judges to know if a patient’s request for euthanasia wasn’t influenced, either subtly or directly, by someone else

Many faith leaders are against assisted dying because they worry about a slippery slope They fear that vulnerable people might be pressured by their families, or that, like in other countries, the law could expand to include people with other conditions, not just the terminally ill If the bill is passed, there's no guarantee it won’t be expanded in the same way, moving towards legalised murder

While public and medical opinions on assisted dying for terminally ill patients have shifted significantly in recent years, many religious people, especially Hindus and Catholics, believe that life is a precious gift and that taking it away is something only God has a right to Supporters of assisted dying argue that allowing patients to end their suffering is

However, others believe that legalising euthanasia could give too much power to doctors, or families who might abuse their positions

Under Keir Starmer, it looks likely that this significant change will occur, but it will need to be carefully regulated if it does Additionally, the government needs to equally focus on supporting hospices, where, as many professionals say, “real assisted dying” happens every day through proper end-of-life care Last year, more money was spent in hospice charity shops than the government gave to hospices In fact, the government covers just over a third of hospice costs, even though it may soon provide euthanasia for free through the NHS

There will definitely be many people who, under the proposed new law, would choose euthanasia freely and without any pressure, feeling thankful for the option For them, such a change in the law would be safe and welcomed However, like all laws, there needs to be a balance between personal freedom and public safety If we didn’t consider that balance, the consequences can be ugly

India and Canada in diplomatic showdown

After a year of strained relations, India and Canada have expelled their top diplomats amid rising tensions over the assassination of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil The diplomatic rift echoes back to 1974, when India’s nuclear test drew

Canadian reactor meant for peaceful purposes This incident cooled relations significantly, leading Canada to suspend support for India’s atomic energy programme Now, both the countries have issued a diplomatic war against each other

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist wanted under India's Terrorist Act, was not investigated by Canada After his death, the RCMP suspected Indian diplomats were linked to a criminal network involved in his killing and targeting members of the Indian diaspora It appears that Justin Trudeau is following a similar path as his father, Pierre Trudeau, who viewed India as a soft target for political gains within Canada What is particularly galling about the US position is that it has not once urged Canada to collaborate with India on concerns regarding Canadian Sikh extremists These individuals threaten India's security and sovereignty by promoting terrorism, seeking to establish an independent Sikh state in Punjab, organising referendums for this purpose and what not

The Trudeau government fails to grasp the broader implications of its actions, effectively severing functional diplomatic ties by expelling senior diplomats This fallout will disrupt the movement of people, including students, tourists, and business professionals, leading to longer-term consequences

that may be difficult to reverse Experts have noted that current relations between India and Canada resemble those between India and Pakistan

The US has also made allegations, charging former Indian intelligence officer Vikas Yadav with orchestrating a failed plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun India responded that the individual named by the US Justice Department is no longer affiliated with the government This indictment, coinciding with Canada’s expulsion of Indian diplomats, has heightened diplomatic tensions, prompting the "Five Eyes" alliance to call for India's cooperation While these statements reflect a double standard, given the allies' own records on transnational killings, they should not deter India from upholding the law However, this raises serious questions about the reliability of these nations as India s closest strategic partners India needs to make it clear to Canada that Trudeau has repeatedly crossed diplomatic boundaries The Ministry of External Affairs should actively highlight Canada’s significant Khalistani ties, and seek the extradition of terrorists operating there Additionally, India should reach out to Trudeau's political opponents to emphasise that its opposition is not toward Canada as a whole, but specifically against Trudeau’s policies related to terrorism, which pose dangers for both countries Above all, India should initiate an international campaign to hold Canada accountable, demanding that it either furnish verifiable evidence or stop undermining India's reputation and its diplomats

The ‘new world order’

India's aspiration for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is a legitimate claim grounded in its substantial global contributions, demographic significance, and commitment to multilateralism

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron emphasised this perspective by calling for India's inclusion, stating it is India’s rightful place in today’s global landscape He noted that the world has changed significantly since the UN's establishment post-World War II, necessitating a re-evaluation of existing power structures within the UNSC to reflect new global realities

Despite facing several challenges, India's bid for permanent membership remains compelling The first significant hurdle is China's opposition As the sole Asian country with a permanent seat, China views India’s inclusion as a direct threat, particularly in light of ongoing regional rivalries and border disputes This rivalry is further complicated by Japan's aspirations for a permanent seat, as China also opposes its inclusion Such geopolitical tensions illustrate the complexities India must navigate to achieve its goal

Another challenge lies in the debate surrounding veto power Proposals from groups like Uniting for Consensus (UfC) suggest expanding the UNSC with additional non-permanent members without granting veto rights India, however, insists that any new permanent member must have the same veto privileges as the existing members This disagreement creates a stalemate, hindering progress toward reform

Concerns regarding India’s alignment with Western priorities add another layer of complexity While there is broad support for India's candidacy, its independent stance on critical issues, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, raises doubts about its reliability as a strategic ally This cautious approach highlights the challenges India faces in demonstrating that it can align with Western interests while maintaining its diplomatic autonomy

Regional challenges also complicate India's claim for

China’s growing influence in South Asia raise questions about India’s ability to lead effectively in a region marked by instability These challenges underscore the need for India to address its domestic and international human rights obligations A credible engagement with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is crucial for reinforcing India’s commitment to human rights, an essential criterion for any UNSC candidate

Despite these obstacles, the potential for progress is evident The US has reaffirmed its support for India’s permanent seat and endorsed text-based negotiations for UNSC reform, signalling renewed hope for overcoming opposition and advancing reforms

India's rich history as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions further bolsters its case for permanent membership With over 250,000 troops deployed since 1950, India has demonstrated a commitment to global peace and security Its proactive approach to addressing global challenges, such as climate change and health crises, showcases India's capability to contribute meaningfully to international governance

India deserves a permanent seat at the UNSC due to its growing global influence, commitment to peacekeeping, and representation of the global south While challenges persist, India’s potential to engage responsibly with UN human rights entities and uphold the highest standards of human rights protection will be critical in garnering support for its bid

A reformed UNSC that includes India will not only enhance the council s legitimacy but also reflect the diverse realities of the contemporary world Cameron s call for India's inclusion is a testament to the need for a Security Council that mirrors today's geopolitical landscape

Political Sketchbook

India’s Muscular Foreign Policy

When I was appointed by the UK Pri me M ini ster to the UK India R oundtable 25 y ears ago to advi se both UK and Indi an PM’ s on buildin g closer ties, one thing that struck me was how I ndian forei gn poli cy lacke d ‘boldnes s ’ on the world stage

How things ha ve changed

India’s “muscular foreign policy” is, at its essence, a bold, confident stride onto the world stage, cloaked in the conviction that geopolitical influence is not just a matter of diplomacy, but also of strength, resilience, and strategic autonomy If you squint just right, it’s almost as if India has traded in its decades-old image of a nonaligned idealist for a more pragmatic, swaggering version of itself ready to spar with the global heavyweights and even the neighbourhood irritants

Under Narendra Modi, India’s foreign policy has evolved into something strikingly different from the hesitant neutrality of the past Today, New Delhi flexes its muscles, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where China’s assertiveness threatens to upend the balance of power By fostering military alliances with the U S , Japan, and Australia through platforms like the Quad, India signals it’s not afraid to roll up its sleeves in the geopolitical wrestling ring In fact, its naval capabilities now play a starring role in safeguarding key maritime routes and maintaining regional stability

But muscle isn’t just about hard power it’s also about the delicate art of diplomacy with a pinch of assertiveness Modi’s vision of India as a vishwaguru (world leader) is a stark departure from the meek internationalism of yesteryears This shift can be seen in India's growing assertiveness with traditional powers, as well as its ability to stand its ground against those poking at its internal affairs Canada comes to mind, with the recent diplomatic fallout over the Khalistan separatist movement

On the military front, India’s emphasis on strategic autonomy and modernization is crucial By diversifying its military suppliers and building up its indigenous defence industry through the "Make in India" initiative, it is less beholden to global arms powers With recent investments in cyber warfare and anti-terrorism capabilities, India is gearing up to tackle threats that go well beyond its contested borders

Yet, India’s muscular foreign policy isn’t without nuance Like a master juggler, Modi has managed to balance relationships with rivals such as the U S and Russia, securing arms deals and defence technologies from both, while maintaining diplomatic ties in a global environment that increasingly demands choosing sides This "no-nonsense" approach, rooted in the protection of sovereignty and national interests, ensures that India can remain a pole in a multipolar world

India’s foreign policy is no longer content with the quiet diplomacy of old Instead, it embraces a more unapologetic, assertive posture one that’s ready to push back when necessary, but also to lead when the moment calls As India expands its global role, it may well be flexing its muscles for a more prominent place in the annals of world leadership And perhaps, just perhaps, we ’ re all better off for it After all, the world could use a bit more muscle behind reason The world is still catching up

Alpesh Patel

Globalising Indian thought can offer valuable lessons for global business

Dr Debashis Chatterjee

Since the global financial crisis in 2008, Britain’s GDP per capita has remained more or less flat

In the same period, India’s has grown by 2 5 times

Everywhere we see in the Western world, the CEOs of the most successful companies around the world are of Indian origin An Indian-origin candidate may well be the next President of the United States. An Indian-origin candidate was already Prime Minister of Britain.

This very much points to the next few decades being part of India’s century At the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK), one of India’s premier business schools, we are making a significant international foray to explore why and how this global change is happening As Director of the school, I’m proud to be coming to London for our first ever international conclave on ‘Globalizing Indian Thought,’ on 24-25 October, 2024

The aim of the conclave revolves around India’s soft power outreach, with discussions exploring ancient Indian wisdom and its relevance in today’s globalised world

We aim to highlight how India’s management principles, deeply rooted in philosophy, leadership, and governance, can offer valuable lessons for global business and policymaking

India’s rise as a global economic powerhouse is increasingly complemented by its cultural, intellectual, and philosophical contributions on the world stage The conclave serves as a platform for intellectuals, industry leaders, academics, and policymakers to engage in conversations on how Indian values such as mindfulness, inclusivity, and sustainability are becoming essential tools in shaping leadership styles and business practices globally These discussions also tie into the broader theme of reverse colonisation, where ideas from India are now finding acceptance and influence in the West

And IIMK is one of the most credible voices to be talking about these important topics In the Financial Times Masters in Management ranking in 2024, we leapt nine spots to be recognised as the 68th best in the world As one of the fastest growing

IIMs in India we ’ re ranked third in the National Institutional Ranking Framework, Despite being

forums Committing to nityam puts our shared values ahead of our personal needs

Purnam is wholeness It doesn’t mean the assembly of several constituent parts to form a whole Instead, India’s philosophers talked about a conscious and realisable

a comparatively new institution, we are able to bring new management and innovation thinking from India to the world

We were the first institute in Asia to offer an intense and rigorous learning programme in management for working executives Thanks to this, today we have more than nearly a hundred alumni across the top positions in London, with this number growing

For this, I thank the innovative spirit of our programmes, relentless dedication of our faculty but also the genius of India, which has always been rooted in the perennial wisdom of its greatest leaders: the whole continuum from Gandhi to Buddha Their thoughts have had a global impact without the help of the internet The three elements of Indian thought that have the potential to hold sway over the world in the coming decades are Satyam (Truth), Nityam (Sustainability) and Purnam (Wholeness) These three have been intrinsically adopted by the Institute as its guiding principles

The Indian Rupee has the words satyameva jayate (the triumph of truth) printed on it Gandhi experimented with and conveyed to the larger world that truth was indeed more powerful than an Empire

Nityam is the principle that sustains us perennially It is about sustainability, the ability to nurture, support and endure It is about India’s leadership of the Global South in COP negotiations, the G20 and on other international

Muslim Labour councillors urge arms sales halt

A co alition of 114 Muslim

as penned an o pen letter to the Prime Minister, urging for an immediate arm s embargo against Israel

calling on their party leader, Sir Keir Starmer, to imple-

Coordinated by the Labour Muslim Network, the letter

they describe as "clear viola-

The councillors state, "It is our moral obligation to act now," highlighting their collective responsibility as L

Muslims to call for the suspension of arms sales until international humanitarian

the suspension of approxi-

intelligence that kept planets in their orbit and everything in order and harmony with each other, a rta, which is an ecological principle sustaining the balance and interrelationship of all life

India has held these elements of thought dear through the ages India is so vast and so heterogeneous that everything you say of it, as well as the polar opposite, can be true in unison That very complexity and associated intellectual heritage makes us ideally placed to provide leadership in an increasingly dynamic, multipolar world

For long, the world’s traditional centres of learning, management theories and conversations around globalisation have been curated, cultivated and dominated by Western analytical thought

We hope that the conference this week is the start of a conversation in London Our initiative is based on the hallmark of IIM Kozhikode’s intellectual contributions, which are grounded in a belief that Indian management philosophies – derived from the teachings of ancient texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and Arthashastra – have much to offer in terms of leadership, ethics, and innovation As global challenges become more complex, these timetested Indian ideas provide unique perspectives on balancing material progress with human and ecological well-being

Dr Debashis Chatterjee is Director of IIM K ozhiko de

and

No 10 rules out full ban on phones in schools

No 10 has r uled out a legal b a n on s m a r t ph on e s in s chools , despit e new f igures s howing that some c hildren s pe nd m or e

room

Campaigners had pushed f o r a c o

a n i n response to concerns about the impact of smartphones on children s health and edu-

c a t i o n H o w e v e r , D o w n i n g

S t r e e t s t a t e d t h e r e a r e n o plans for such a ban, as headt e a c h e r s

authority to restrict phone use in schools Additionally,

the Department for Science and Technology noted that banning the sale of smartp h o n e s t o u n d e

1 6 s i s impractical, with no intention to pursue it

C o n c e r n s a b o u t c h i ldren's smartphone use have grown in recent years Since its launch in February, the g r a s s r o o t s c a m p a i g n S m a r t p h o n e F r e e

C h i l d h o o d " h a s g a i n e d 150,000 members According t o t h e a n n u a l N a t i o n a l Parent Survey, 14% of parents reported their child spends over seven hours a day on

their phone, tablet, or gaming more than they spend a t s c h o o l A m o n g p r i m a r y school parents, 11% said their child spent over seven hours a day on devices, while 38% said their children averaged three hours a day

R e c e n t r e s e a r c h f r o m Oxford University confirmed a link between social media use and anxiety In response to these growing concerns, Labour MP Josh MacAlister h a s i n t r o d u c e d a p r i v a t e members’ bill to raise the digital age of consent to 16 and ban smartphones in schools

Dr Debashis Chatterjee

AUM Crematorium – UK’s first dedicated Sanatan Hindu crematorium

SInternational President of Anoopam Mission,

project from its inception, provided a clear and succinct update on the cremat

and the two major hurdles f

a

years

These included availing

capacity for the crematoriu

received was in the millions

g h t e e n m o n t h s o f effort from Jatinbhai Patel, a m e m b e r o f A n o o p a m

M i s s i o n , a q u o t e o f £ 6 0 0 , 0 0 0 w a s o b t a i n e d , making the project feasible once again

The second hurdle was obtaining the required permissions for access, as the entry crosses over a neighbour’s green belt land The issue went into litigation,

f o l l o w e d b y m e d i a t i o n i n

F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 4 M e d i a t i o n was successful, but unfortu-

n a t e l y , t h e i n v o l v e d p a r t y

d i d n o t f o l l o w t h r o u g h

After months of negotiation, an agreement was signed in early August, and groundworks for AUM were finally begun on 12 August 2024 by Fentons The actual building works are proposed to start

b y J a n u a r y 2 0 2 5 , a n d a l l efforts will be made to have

t h e e n v e l o p e r e a d y b y August 2025

H e c l a r i f i e d t h a t t h i s

p r o j e c t o f A n o o p a m

M i s s i o n , w h i c h h a s b e e n i n s p i r e d a n d g u i d e d b y

Guruhari Sahebji from the start, can only come to completion with the help of the community He also clarified funding requirements and how the current funds are held within Anoopam Mission but under the categ o r y o f R e s t r i c t e d F u n d s , ensuring they stay segregated from Anoopam Mission’s

w An update was provided on the first-ever purpose-built crematorium for Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in the UK, followed by a discussion on Hindu unity

w The hurdles faced over the last two years since planning permission was communicated, and the overcoming of those hurdles in August 2024 led to proposed timescales for building works

w A campaign for landscaping was launched

w The call for Hindu unity was raised by Param Pujya Sahebji, the spiritual head of Anoopam Mission, and four eminent speakers from the community addressed the audience on this topic The event concluded with Param Pujya Sahebji s blessings

w Attendees included heads and representatives of various Hindu temples and organizations businessmen, and wellwishers representing a cross-section of the Hindu community

g with two Anoopam Mission r

Bhavisha Tailor Satishbhai also read out a written message by Lord Gadhia, which described the project as path-breaking and heeded the call for openness and transparency A video message by Lord Popat was p l a y

y

a donation of £2,501 for each t

e e a n d £ 2 5 1 f o

e a c h sapling was communicated The tree donors will have a plaque placed by the tree with their chosen words of

donors will have their names added to a donor wall The launch of the campaign was

audience members pledging a total of 25 trees and 35 saplings

During the event, mem-

Lions Club Kingsbury, who held an event this year to

Mission for the AUM crematorium They were thanked for their tremendous efforts T he call for Hindu unity w as addressed by four sp eakers, namely:

w Subhashbhai Thakrar (CA, Former Managing Partner Blackstone Franks, Founder of Asian Business Association and WHEF member)

w Krsna Sanjay Das (Trustee for ISKCON’s Bhaktivedanta Manor from 1995-2020 and presently Bhaktivedanta Manor’s representative in Hindu communities and external relations)

w Nitinbhai Palan (Founder of Palan Foundation, Former Trustee BAPS)

w Shaunaka Rishi Das (Founder and Director of the Oxford Centre of Hindu Studies)

S

spoke of the valuable work being done by temples but focused on the need for a

o w n f u n d s H e i n f o r m e d everyone about the Advisory C o m m i t t e e t h a t h a s b e e n formed, comprising highly i n f l u e n t i a l a n d r e s p e c t e d members of the community who will monitor and advise

o n t h e p r o c e s s T h e y a r e n a m e d a s

s : Tusharbhai Morzaria (former Group Finance Director

o f B a r c l a y s a n d c u

e n t l y independent non-executive

d i r e c t o r o f B

executive director of Legal & G

Partner at Fladgate

commended the project, as the idea was borne by him Bhavisha Tailor, a fulltime volunteer at Anoopam M i s s i o n , c o m p e r e d t h e event and delivered the presentation on the landscaping portion of the planning decision gained for the AUM crematorium In doing so, t h e T r e e C a m p a i g n w a s l a u n c h e d a n i n i t i a t i v e t o s u p p o r t l o c a l e c o l o g y , reduce the carbon footprint, and create a peaceful sanctuary To support this campaign, 250 trees and 2,500 saplings will be planted, and

i n d e b t e d t o A n o o p a m Mission They have made g r e a t m o n e t a r y s a c r i f i c e s and sacrifices of their own facilities for the benefit of the community This contribution itself is a magnificent act of unity ” He spoke of rediscovering and knowing one ’ s own dharma and the importance of dharmic education in this process to cultivate understanding, which h e c o n s i d e r s p i v o t a l t o unity

months ago, through which events have been organized and will continue annually to educate and raise awaren e s s o f H i n d u i s m H e emphasized the need to act and propagate in line with our scriptures and spiritual masters

S h r i S h a u n a k a R i s h i

G u r u h a r i P a

first step in this regard: the

Centre for Hindu Studies

The former is a platform for H

aiming to share that wealth for the community's benefit He stated that the OCHS adds value for all Hindus and thus must be supported Krsna Sanjay Dasji began by expressing gratitude to Pujya Sahebji and Anoopam Mission, stating, “We are all

N i t i n b h a i P a l a n expressed gratitude to Pujya Sahebji and spoke of his own G u r u , B r a h m a s w a r o o p

Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj’s emphasis on the u r g e n t n e e d f o r S a n a t a n i

d h a r m a p r a c t i t i o n e r s t o come together This clear need resulted in the creation o f a n i n d e p e n d e n t g r o u p , A c t i o n f o r H

a m P u j y a Sahebji then gave his blessings and spoke of the need f o r s o l i d a r i t

Hindu community, remind-

before we are affiliated with any sect, we are Hindus first

thropists and spoke of the significance of every single contribution, no matter how big or small He also dis-

Hindus may work together,

sionals to help younger generations Commending the great work of those present, he urged them to take the call further and work for a

which the AUM crematorium marks the first united purpose

D a s j i d e l i v e r e d p o i g n a n t messages He said, “To have an identity as a Hindu comm u n i t y , w e m u s t i d e n t i f y with something we can all agree on ” He suggested six simply stated broad principles: Sam-darshanah (equal vision), Ahimsa (non-harmi n g ) , A c h a r y a s ( p r a c t i c i n g what is preached), Amanitva (humility), and Preeti (doing things out of love for God) Through this, he beautifully p o r t r a y e d h o w w e m i g h t come to live these principles in practical terms, resulting in coordination at a national level

Contact: Bhavisha Tailor Anoopam Mission amuk@anoopam.org www aumcrematorium org

Anoopam Mission is a registered charity with the objective of advancing the Hindu faith and, in particular, the Shri Akshar Purushottam philosophy within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya

Pujya Sahebji addressing the attendees, bestowing his blessings upon everyone present at the event

Subhashbhai Thakrar OBE, CB Patel, Pradipbhai Dhamecha, Rupinbhai Vadera, Krsna Sanjay Das, Nitinbhai Palan and Shaunaka Rishi Das

L-R: Pujya Sahebji, Satishbhai Chatwani, Himmat Swamiji, Peter Das

“Empowering Women as Entrepreneurs” initiative

C E O & Founder, Totalee Halal said, We are delighted to partner

Through

will receive a grant to help build their

tion, and a platform to help s

Together, we aim to empower women from underprivileged backgrounds, we are keen to fund this project and provide them with the neces-

home chefs and run their own business By empowering a woman, we empower her family, and in doing so, we uplift an entire commu-

nity "

ment, renowned actor and model Imran Abbas will offi-

Halal app Fans will have the opportunity to win one of

greet experiences with Imran Abbas by downloading the app and registering Totalee Halal is also giving 500 free

customers, inviting them to join the festival and celebrate the launch

Totalee Halal has partnered with renowned restau-

exclusive offer to consumers As part of this collaboration, anyone who downloads the

receive a free cheeseburger and cheese balls as a special treat This offer is available for pick-up at participating locations

Totalee Halal is an innovative food delivery app that caters to customers with discerning tastes From restaurants and supermarkets to bakeries, and ice cream par-

dishes available at the click

London, Totalee Halal traverses beyond food delivery to marry purity, satisfaction, and culture for valued customers

The initiative will start in West London, with the first pick-up point in Hayes It w

delivery services across the area

IOJ celebrates 21st Ahimsa Day at House of Commons

The I ns titute of Jai nology ( I O J ) c

an nual Ahi msa Day at the House of Comm on s, honouring the prin ciple of n on-

J ai ni sm The ev ent re cogn ised in di viduals exemplifyi

m Parliam ent, f aith communiti es, and academ ia to re flect

o n A h i m s a ' s r e l ev a n c e i n today’ s world

ability and Jain education

M r J a y s u k h M e h t a , Director of the IOJ, highl i g h t e d M r P a t a w a r i ' s impactful message: "Waste i s n o t W a s t e u n t i l i t i s W a s t e d " H i s s o n , K u n a l

P a t w a r i , a c c e p t e d t h e award, expressing gratitude The award was presented by H a r r o w M P s M r G a r e t h Thomas and Padmashri Mr Bob Blackman

Rohit Vadhwana

Al l l iving beings experience hunger , sleep, and fear , invariably, to var ying degrees These are alm ost universal traits, present in all fo rm s of l ife on the planet E ar th Therefore, if som eo ne claim s that fear doesn’t affect them, it 's wo rth r eco nsidering Fear exist s in everyone ’ s life in so me for m whether it’s fear for one ’ s own life, t he well -being of lo ved ones, l oss o f po ssessions, or har m t o personal repu tation E ven t ho se who seem fearl ess in the face of deat h m ay st il l be caut io us when it comes t o their social standing, avo iding anything that cou ld adversely affect t heir prestige Som e may fear ghost s, wil d animals, or o ther peo pl e Others m ay avoid the dar k, fire, or water du e to similar anxiet ies

Fears can also manifest as phobias, a term derived from the Greek word "Phobos " These include common fears like hydrophobia (fear of water), acrophobia (fear of heights), and bacteriophobia (fear of germs). The good news is that such phobias can be managed and even overcome with a systematic approach The first step is to acknowledge and accept the existence of fear denial only strengthens and perpetuates its hold over us Once you recognize your fear, you can begin to explore its roots It might stem from past experiences, family conditioning, or unconscious triggers you aren’t fully aware of Analyzing the underlying cause is crucial for finding a way to resolve it

Once the reasons for your fear are understood, you can begin to tackle it in a logical, step-by-step manner For example, if you had experienced a burn as a child and still fear fire, educating yourself on fire safety and slowly confronting your fear can help reduce pyrophobia Breaking down the irrational aspects of your fear is essential in preparing your mind to face it

and

The evening began with the recitation of the Navkar Mantra, a sacred Jain prayer, setting a reflective tone Dr M e h o o l H S a n g h r a j k a ,

L to R: Prof Mary Haley Goris (Teaching Jainism in Birmingham), Mr Hasubhai Vora, Trustee of Jain Vishwa Bharati in London, CB Patel, Mrs Rashmi Bengani (Secretary of JVC London), Samaniji Dr Pratibhaprajnaji, Samaniji Punyaprajnaji, Samaniji Nitiprajnaji, Samaniji Malayaprajnaji, Consulting Editor of Gujarat Samachar Jyotsna Shah and behind Dr Vinod Kapashi OBE

accepting the Ahimsa Award

M a n a g i n g T r u s t e e o f t h e IOJ, welcomed guests and highlighted Ahimsa's global importance for sustainability and social justice

Lord Khan of Burnley, Minister of Faith, delivered a keynote address reaffirming his commitment to fos-

t e r i n g p e a c e a n d e q u a l i t y among all faith communi-

t i e s H e c o m m e n d e d t h e Jain community for its dedication to non-violence and environmental sustainability, encouraging continued interfaith dialogue

T h e A n n u a l A h i m s a Award was presented to Mr Surendra Patawari for his c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o s u s t a i n -

Many dignitaries such as P r o f e s s o r J a i d e e p P

J a n s a r i , P r o f e s s o r M a r i e -

Helene Gorisse and Samir

J u t h a n i p r e s e n t e d t h e i r thoughts on Jainism The e v e n i n g c o n c l u d e d w i t h

p l a n s f o r t h e 2 , 5 5 0 t h

N i r

Mahavir at Trafalgar Square on 27th October 2024, during Diwali on the Square, emphasising its importance i

peaceful message Ajay Punater, a director of IOJ, expressed gratitude to attendees for their support of Ahimsa Day and the Jain community's commitment to non-violence

So, if you have a known fear, why not start working on it? By gradually confronting and overcoming it, you can free yourself from its grip This conscious effort to rid yourself of phobias will remove a significant barrier in your life and prevent unresolved fears from troubling you in the future So are you ready?

(Expressed opinions are personal)

PYDA showcases the magic of Kuchipudi dance at Autumn Festival

announce that Nav Ras, our com munity’s first-ever cookbook, has been presented to His Excellency

classes "This project is more than just a cookbook it’s a tribute to our heritage and a gift for future generations " Now, it’s your turn to experience the flavours of Navnat! NavRas is available in two stunning formats: Softback

£10, Hardback – £12 With limited stock and demand already buzzing, don’t wait! This is your chance to own a timeless collection of recipes that will

Pyramid Yoga and Dance Academy (PYDA), in partnership with Sampradaayam and PMC UK, hosted Kuchipudi workshops and cultural programmes across the UK to celebrate Indian classical arts. Featuring various dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Odissi, these events brought together esteemed dance teachers from around the world Programmes took place in Priston, Oldham, Manchester, the Indian Consulate in Birmingham, Coventry, Crawley, London, and Alisberry, highlighting a vibrant cultural celebration

Totalee Halal

The team of Totalee Halal and Shahid Afridi Foundation with renowned actor and model Imran Abbas the brand ambassador for Totalee Halal

Samaniji

IOJ leaders, along with Krunal Patwari, son of Surendra Patwari,

Environment friendly

This is to highlight the issue of air pollution caused by fireworks during Diwali and New Year celebrations While the festivities bring joy and excitement, the environmental consequences are severe and demand immediate attention The air quality deteriorates significantly due to the release of harmful pollutants from fireworks, posing a serious threat to public health Individuals with respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable, and the overall wellbeing of the community is compromised

Fireworks leave behind debris and chemical residues, contributing to soil and water pollution This not only harms the ecosystem but also endangers the diverse flora and fauna in our surroundings Considering these concerns, I urge the authorities to consider implementing stricter regulations on the use of fireworks during Diwali, New Year and other celebrations Encouraging alternative, eco-friendly celebrations will not only reduce environmental impact but will also promote a healthier and safer community for everyone

Jub

el D'Cruz

Modi's call for accountability

The news item in AV dated 19 to 25 October 2024 about removing tainted and non-performers government officials as told by the PM Mr Narendra Modi to union secretaires is a significant step towards good and responsible governance

There is a perceived image that the government job is to relax and make money The time has changed The talented youth of the present generation wants accountability and they want value for money They are paying a lot of taxes so they want the best possible services from the government and other departments Due to the rise in the internet and social media, people get information from across the world about the quality of life etc so they expect more from the government machinery

PM Modi has taken the right step by instructing the secretaries that the officers should either perform or make place for others One cannot be allowed to waste taxpayers money and remain non-performers Some people are not willing to change or learn new skills to upgrade their knowledge in spite of giving them opportunities to grow We have got very talented youth waiting to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the country There are some honest and hard working officers also, they should be promoted and should be appreciated as well If PM Modi can work for 16 hours a day with dedication, officers should provide minimum 8 to 9 hours of sincere work to improve lives of people and to minimise bureaucratic approach Hitesh H in gu

Breaking the silence

The heartfelt news story shared by Asian Voice about Baby Loss Awareness Week sheds much-needed light on a topic that often remains unspoken This observance clearly plays a vital role in breaking the silence surrounding pregnancy and i n f a n t l o

encouraging society to better understand these experiences The insights from individuals mentioned in the article, demonstrate the powerful impact of open conversations in normalising discussions about baby loss, dismantling taboos, and fostering a sense of community In today’s world, miscarriages have become more common due to factors such as lifestyle, dietary habits, pollution, and more

For the South Asian community, where grief is often stigmatised, Baby Loss Awareness Week represents a crucial step toward change Recognising cultural barriers and encouraging open dialogue can help alleviate feelings of isolation and shame, especially for those who struggle to express their loss

Having personally experienced the pain of losing a child when my sister suffered a miscarriage just a month before her due date, I understand how long it can take to heal after such a tragedy Small acts of kindness, like listening without judgment or acknowledging a lost child’s name, can make a significant difference in the healing process

Ananya Iye r

A wake-up call for the Indian Team

The recent defeat against New Zealand on 20 October, marked by India's dismal first-innings total of 46, feels like a heavy blow, especially after the excitement of recent victories, including the T20 World Cup It’s frustrating to witness a team that has shown such skill and resilience collapse so dramatically

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, our top batsmen, made poor choices that seemed driven by overconfidence rather than caution Their early exits set a negative tone for the team, making it disappointing to see the collapse was due to bad judgement rather than exceptional bowling Rohit's comparison to the Titanic's encounter with an iceberg highlights just how serious the situation was While this disappointing defeat will remain in the minds of Indian cricket fans, it could also serve as an important wake-up call A string of victories can sometimes lead to overconfidence, which may have contributed to this stumble As fans, we hope our players learn from this experience and come back with renewed determination Such shocks can be vital for growth

Maya K aur

The Khalistan controversy explained I read an article in The Globe and Mail, Canada, which consistently publishes balanced articles on various topics of interest for its esteemed readers to learn and understand both sides of the coin I am narrating some excerpts from the article here Canada expelled half a dozen Indian diplomats and accused New Delhi of operating a criminal racket from its mission in Ottawa, claiming it was linked to assassination and extortion on Canadian soil To Indian eyes, Canada appears to be the sanctuary of choice for Sikh terrorists Most Indians are sceptical of Ottawa’s extraordinary allegations that New Delhi recently withdrew High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma an exceedingly career diplomat who is, in reality, the kingpin of an international crime syndicate It’s not just nationalists who are dubious; Indians of almost every political hue now regard Canada, if not as an adversary, then as a state that gives succour to India’s avowed enemies

The gravamen of New Delhi’s grievances against Canada is the treatment extended to Sikh separatists who champion the idea of Khalistan: a Sikh theocracy carved out of the Indian state of Punjab Canadians, long exposed to Quebec separatists, may regard Khalistan as just another runof-the-mill secessionist demand Khalistan is a dead and discredited cause in India, but its memory remains profoundly harrowing Its campaign of terror, peaking in the 1980s, claimed thousands of lives The Khalistan agitation was fated to fail for a simple reason: most Indian Sikhs rejected it It was a cause pursued, financed, and overseen by a zealous minority in the Sikh diaspora Most Indians, including S i k h s , v i e w C a n a d i a n S i k h s w h o s u p p o r t Khalistan as shameless beneficiaries of Canadian multiculturalism and tolerance

To New Delhi, the abiding charge is that Canada, home to the largest Sikh population outside India, has emerged as the global headquarters for the diasporic proponents of Khalistan In 1985, its members detonated a bomb on an Air India flight departing Toronto, killing 329 passengers, mostly Canadians of Indian origin the worst terrorist atrocity in Canada’s history

Suresh and Bhav na Patel

Day at Anoopam Mission

On October 20th, I ha d t he privilege of a ccompany ing Mr Sure sh and Mrs Cha ndr ika Khakha r t o a momen tous ev ent ce le br atin g the progr ess of t he Aum Cr ema torium pr oject The ev ent br ought toge the r pr om in en t figure s from the Hind u community , in cluding repr esen ta tives from ISKC ON an d the O xford Ce ntr e for Hin du Studies

T h e A u m C r e

K A P I L’S K H I C H A D I

BBC on Trial

Readers will be inter ested to know that a new documentary exposing the BBC wil l be releas ed on 25 th Oc tober 2 024 Its prem ier will ta ke pl ace a t none ot her than the infamous ‘Jaipur D ial ogues ’ eve nt taking pl ace in D elhi fr om 2 5th to 2 8th October For thos e who m ight not know ‘Jaipur Dial ogues ’ , it is the only pl atform f or gra ssr oots voices of resurgent Bharat a ndat tracts keynote s tars like Rahul Shivshankar, Dr Sud ha ns hu Triv edi,An and Ra ngan atha n, M aadha vi Latha , Pr ade ep Bhandari, DGP SP Vaid a nd ma ny m ore

The documentary is the brainchild of none other than our very own Pt Satish K Sharma working in collaboration with Vinodh Kumar, Head of ‘String Reveals’, a Hindu organization Satishji heads the ‘Global Hindu Federation’,an entity that aspires to engage with legislators andpolicy makers to advance the views of the Hindu diaspora You c an watc h the doc um entary via these web channels from 2 5th Oc tober:

https://www globalhindufederation org

https://event thejaipurdialogues com

https://www republicworld com

The trailer released has already had more than 3 millionhits on social media

The documentary comes at a time when only last month we saw the publication of the ‘Asserson Report’ into how it found the BBC was biased against Israel and the Jewish community It seems the BBC is carving out a special place for Israel, Jews, India and Hindus by its biased reporting and the spread of misinformation

The trailer gives glimpses of what the full documentary is going to expose We see Tina Bhardwaj who said, ‘I am sick and tired of the continuous, inaccurate, bigoted reporting that the BBC does ’There are video clips of Hindus protesting outside the BBC office for its antiHindu bias Our own Jayubhai Shah of FISI stating that the ‘morality of BBC has failed India’ In one clip BBC newscastersspeak with contempt onPrime Minister Narendra Modi, on India and denigrate Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

Sanjay Dixit, Chairman of Jaipur Dialogues said, ‘Three centuries of imperialist arrogance and four centuries of colonial impudence has been dismantled by this documentary on BBC’

The trailer showsexamples of leading personalities denounce or expose the bias and bigotry of the BBC These include the then Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi, the owner of ‘X’ Elon Musk, Pt Satish K Sharma, Ruchir Sharma, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudevan and others Vinodh Kumar, the head of ‘String Reveals’ says ‘if bias has another name, if deceit has another name, it’s BBC British Broadcasting Corporation is a bunch of colonialists ’

Anil Bhanot, Managing Trustee of Hindu Council UK, says: ‘The Hindu community has long complained about the anti-Hindu bias that the BBC so often promotes The list of its failings is long and includes its recent coverage of the opening of Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Appeasing to one community at the detriment of other communities is unacceptable As a state broadcaster the BBC has a huge responsibility in ensuring that it does not intentionally, or unknowingly, become the source of misinformation that can create divisions within our diverse communities ’

This was echoed by David Vance a British journalist who said, ‘Many years ago, I set up a blog called ‘Biased BBC’ to highlight the inherent bias of the UK National Broadcaster This bias is visceral in many areas not least how the BBC covers issues relating to India, PM Modi and Hindus The BBC has been hostile to PM Modi ever since he came to power, and it consistently runs attack stories downplaying his many great achievements for India Furthermore, the BBC likes to run negative stories about Hindus whilst simultaneously celebrating Muslim achievements This is why I argue to defund the BBC as has proven itself to be a source of deceit ’

Aman Bhogal, Founding Chairman of @GlobalBritainUK who also stood for Parliament in GE2015 was very clear when he simply said, ‘defund the BBC’

n

n August 2025, will be a groundbreaking facility, marking the first Hindu crematorium in the UK and Europe This project is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the Anoopam Mission team, whose tireless efforts have finally borne fruit

One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of a new sustainable fundraising initiative involving tree plantation and sapling planting This innovative approach demonstrates the Aum Crematorium's commitment to environmental responsibility and community well-being

Another significant announcement was the proposed formation of a United Committee of major Hindu charities and societies This ini-

strengthen the collective impact of the Hindu community globally

The Aum Crematorium is a sparkle of hope for the Hindu community, offering a peaceful and dignified resting place for loved ones It is a testament to the power of community and the unwavering spirit of the Hindu diaspora in the UK - Om kar Ran

Momentum is gathering worldwide More nations are coming to the same conclusion that the BBC is the architect of chaos and misinformation I should not be too surprised if there are legal proceedings commencing in India because of this exposé The BBC tends to get away with its madness primarily because it has been granted special privileges by the government OFCOM is meant to regulate, but this toothless tiger hides behind rhetoric, platitudes and its own ineptitude

I have written about the BBC and its anti-Hindu and anti-India bias before The makers of ‘BBC on Trial’approached me for my take, and of course I gave them chapter and verse

Not everyone will agree with everything covered in the documentary However, the central contention that the BBC is biased and a source of misinformation surely most of us can agree on I hope Indian, Hindu, Jain, Sikh and other concerned organisations take on board the message of the documentary and give it their support by bringing their livedexperiences to bear on the issued raised

Whilst we have millionaires and billionaires,it’s interesting to note that none of them have done anything with that money, power and position to help take on these anti-India and anti-Hindu forces It is therefore left to a few dedicated individual dharmic warriors to take on the might of the establishment, and at their cost I hope they read this article, watch the documentary, and might even decide that it’s time to put their resources to better use

This documentary is but the tip of an enormous iceberg that affects people of all races, all faiths and nations across the globe If after watching it you still don’t get it, then know that you are the problem

Kapil Dudakia

CM Sharma visits UK to usher investments into ‘Rising Rajasthan’

cal advancements and inclusive prosperity

"The state has committed itself to realisation of the

ments especially in the areas

banking, automobiles, handicrafts, tourism etc to name

a few This was a part of the 9 r o a d

investor meets the CM has e m b a r k e d

finale viz ‘Rising Rajasthan’

December

T h e y a l s o s

plan towards becoming

350 billion dollar economy in the next 5 years I see our youth,

biggest beneficiaries of this

transformation of the state in the coming years

"We recognise the role that the private sector can play in assisting the state to move on this growth trajec-

ease of doing business

"I invite you all to be part of this historic growth story of Rising Rajasthan "

Human Appeal launches initial phase of Lebanon Aid to reach 15,000

Human Appea l, a UK-b ased h um a n

ha

l aun ched the first pha se of its emer gency re lief effort in re sponse to the on going crisis in Leban on This initial phase aims to support 15 ,000 displ aced individuals, focusing on families and providing a wide ra nge of critica l aid Further phases ar e plann ed to re ach additional ben eficia ries in the coming weeks

The crisis has displaced nearly 1 million people, cre-

food, medical aid, hygiene

parcels, 15,000 hygiene kits, 15,000 hot meals, 6,000 mattresses and 6,000 blankets

items to displaced families t

operations in Sidon

The charity has already

High Commission greets new Indian students withgrand reception

e d a n d e x c h a n

e d M o U s a n d

h

CM and Deputy CM met the Rajasthani diaspora in the UK

CM Sharma said, “Hon

P r i m e M i n i s t e r , S h r i Narendra Modi has give the nation his vision of Vikshit

B h a r a t @ 2 0 4 7 T h i s blueprint for the country’s prosperity encompasses sustainable growth, technologi-

The High C ommission of Ind ia ho sted a w elcome recep tion at Ind ia House in London for new ly arriv ed Ind ian stud ents studying at UK u niv ersities

The event attracted a diverse crowd, providing a valuable platform for students to connect and network as they embark on their new academic journeys High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami led the event,

warmly engaging with students and emphasising the importance of

maximising their educational opportunities while adapting to life in the UK He highlighted the role of Indian students as ambassadors of their culture, encouraging them to stay connected to their roots

The reception also familiarised students with the High Commission's

services, assuring them of available support for any challenges they might encounter This gathering fostered a sense of community, providing students a welcoming space to share experiences, ask questions, and gain insights as they begin their academic journeys in the UK

CM Bhajanlal Sharma, Deputy CM Diya Kumari, Indian High Commissioner HE Vikram Doraiswami and other delegates

High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami addressing the audience

A S I A N S M E s S E E K S T A B I L I T Y

To support their growth, SMEs are urging the government to address several key issues They are particularly concerned about high energy costs, with 33% highlighting this as a priority Additionally, 28% seek a reduction in red tape, while 27% call for increased tax incentives for innovation These measures are seen as essential for fostering growth and enhancing the resilience of SMEs in the current economic landscape

Despite facing challenges like inflation, rising interest rates, and a stagnant economy, a significant number of SMEs remain optimistic about their growth prospects However, this optimism is likely to be influenced by Rachel Reeves’ upcoming Autumn Budget, as it is anticipated that businesses may bear the brunt of the Chancellor’s efforts to stabilise the economy In this context, Asian Voice has outlined the key challenges facing SMEs and what they need from the budget to thrive

Ke y challen ges for bus ines ses

A new independent research commissioned by Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management has revealed a significant yearon-year rise in the number of entrepreneurs planning to sell their businesses

The study found that nearly a third (30%) of SME owners intend to sell part or all of their business within the next two years, up from just one in five (20%) last year

Only 21% of respondents reported that their plans have remained unchanged, a sharp decline from 52% last year, suggesting the current economic climate is prompting many to reassess their business strategies

Chri stine Ross , Head of Pri vate Of fic e (North) and C lient Dire ctor at Han delsban ken Wea lth & A sset Mana ge ment, commented on the findings, stating, "Given the level of speculation ahead of potential tax changes in the upcoming Autumn Budget, it's understandable that more business owners are reviewing their options

While it's encouraging that over a third are focused on growing their business, the current sentiment indicates an acceleration in part and full business exits ” Kiran Patel, Di rector at A lbury Ass ociates, also highlighted that several factors drive this current business environment of SMEs selling away "We've

seen a shift in government, and businesses previously benefited from stable forecasts and favourable tax rates for investment

However, this is likely to change, creating uncertainty for investors and business owners "

He added, "In response, some are choosing to sell their businesses, while others are exiting the market entirely I anticipate this trend slowing by November, with many transactions pausing Some business owners are looking to sell now and potentially repurchase later at a lower tax cost The rationale is to take advantage of the current lower capital gains tax rates 20% for businesses and 28% for properties minimising their tax liability before potential rate hikes under a future Labour government

"Unfortunately, the fear of potential tax increases has created widespread uncertainty, a common occurrence in political discussions "

According to Ra hi l Vora, the CEO of Revital Ltd, one of the key

challenges is the business rates He said, “As a retailer with 18 shops in the UK, we are particularly affected by the upcoming changes Currently, there is relief for business rates, which is set to be eliminated in April Additionally, all business rates have been revised and linked to inflation, leading to costs that are becoming completely unmanageable

“For us, there's a cap of £110,000, which means only very small SMEs benefit from the relief Any larger SME does not qualify for this relief, as anything above the £110,000 threshold receives no support This situation represents our biggest challenge

“Every government and budget over the years has promised to revise the

business rates system, yet nothing has been done

Typically, in the lead-up to a budget announcement, we can anticipate changes regarding business rates, but this time, I haven't seen any indication of what might happen This uncertainty is our greatest concern ”

What busi ness es n eed

Rachel Reeves is preparing plans for up to £40 billion in tax increases and spending cuts to avoid a return to austerity

However, concerns are mounting that her budget could place significant strain on businesses and charities This has led to a sharp decline in business confidence across the UK, marking the first drop in a year, as anticipation grows around the Chancellor’s upcoming Autumn Budget

Amid these concerns, the question is: what do businesses really need?

According to Kiran Patel, “It’s not so much about what businesses need, but what they don’t need and that’s tax increases If there are no tax hikes, businesses will stay on the right track, benefiting the economy Tax increases will only slow them down While the government’s revenue may grow, excessive red tape and higher taxes could disillusion small businesses, pushing some self-employed individuals to abandon their ventures for regular jobs "

Patel also emphasised that businesses need "a reduction in red tape and greater efficiency in government departments The focus should not just be on attracting investment but also on improving administrative efficiency This is particularly critical for small businesses, and really for all businesses "

When Keir Starmer first took office and Labour came to power, some British Asian business leaders shared their hopes with Asian Voice Dr B harat Shah CBE, founder of Sigma,

had expressed optimism that the new government would create a businessfriendly environment, steering clear of tax hikes that could deter investment He stressed that "lower inflation and interest rates would greatly support SMEs, and strengthening ties with

the EU would especially benefit sectors like pharmaceutical distribution, manufacturing, community pharmacies, and public health " Amit Patel , a Mort gage Consu ltant at Trinity Finance, had also called

for reform of the outdated business rates system to help revitalise high streets "We need a level playing field between high street businesses and online retailers, ensuring that big multinationals and tech companies pay their fair share of taxes This will rejuvenate high street shopping areas and support local economies " Patel underscored the importance of local businesses in the UK economy and urged the government to help them grow Rahil Vora also shared his insight on what businesses need, “Research and development (R&D) tax reliefs have been very beneficial over the past few years A continuation of these incentives, along with encouragement to invest in R&D, would be extremely valuable However, HMRC has been tightening regulations in recent years regarding what businesses can claim and how I believe that more open policies surrounding R&D would definitely foster increased investment ” He further added, “Retail businesses pay approximately 30% of total rates bills, despite generating only around 7% of the revenue This imbalance is quite significant Every government has promised to tackle this issue, and I hope that the Chancellor will follow through this time, especially since it was part of their manifesto I am optimistic that we won’t have to wait until the next budget for action ”

In short, businesses are primarily hoping for a budget that avoids tax hikes, though current projections indicate otherwise It remains uncertain how these plans will ultimately play out The pressing question now is: Will the Chancellor fulfil the promises made during the elections?

Air India flight declares bomb threat emergency near Heathrow

An Air India flight d eclared an e m erg enc y w h i le ap

Heath

to

suspected bomb threat RA F

Typho on fighter jets were deployed to intercep t Flight

A IC1 29, w hich was travelling from M umbai

The flight took off from Mumbai at 7:05 AM (IST)

a

London Heathrow at 12:05

PM While circling over East England, the aircraft activated the emergency code “squawking 7700, ” but it has since turned off the emergency signal This month, Indian airlines have faced numerous threats to both

domestic and international flights via social media, all of which have been proven to be hoaxes

diverted to Delhi due to

bomb threat This incident follows a similar occurrence

India Express plane in response to a bomb threat The UK-bound flight has since landed safely at H

RAF escort Heathrow confirmed in

Fraudster sentenced after 12 years evading justice

A

drink scam and ev ad ed captu re for 12 years has been jailed Yasar Hussain, 43, fled the UK during his trial at H

Dubai under

false identity F r o m B r a

d , m a d e over £312,000 by creating an energy drink mimicking a well-known battery brand without permission, accordi n g t o W e s t Y o r k s h i r e Police

H e w a s s e n t e n c e d t o two consecutive six-month t e r m s a t G r i m s b y C r o w n Court for skipping his trial and an unrelated dangerous driving offence These will be added to the seven-and-

C

a - h a l f - y e a r s e n t e n c e h e received in January 2013 for 13 counts of money laundering Hussain, previously of A s h b u r n a m G r o v e , M a n n i n g h a m , c o n v i n c e d four international companies to pay advance fees for exclusive distribution rights to the energy drink in their countries, police reported

Grosvenor Square residence of Princess Diana's stepmother sold to Indian tycoon

An I ndian b us ine s s ty co o n h a s a c qu ir ed th e f o rm e r Lo n do n re s i de nc e o f

C ountess Raine Sp enc er f or £10 m ill io n

The Countess, who was the stepmother of Princess Diana, famously had a tumultuous relationship with her The unnamed buyer now owns a 2,145 sq ft apartment o n t h e f i f

4 7

Grosvenor Square Sold as a " s h e l l

n d c o r e " u n

,

h

property will require significant refurbishment and mod-

ernisation to unlock its full potential, offering views of L o n d o n ' s m o s t p r e s t i g i o u s garden square, according to sole agent Wetherell Once refurbished, at an estimated cost of £1 5 million, the apartment will feat u r e t w o b e d r o o m s u i t e s with dressing areas and en suite bathrooms, along with a triple reception room spanning the entire width of the unit, complete with four tall s a s h

g Grosvenor Square

NHS staff survey exposes

A he al th l ead e r ha s c o ndemn ed sexual miscond

e" and "wi ll n ot be tolerated," followin g reports that tens of thousan ds of staff have exper i en c ed u n wa n te d s e xu

According to the 2023-24 NHS Staff Survey, approximately 58,000 NHS workers in England reported experi-

jokes, touching, and assault Most incidents of unwanted

patients, their relatives, or the public However, nearly 4 percent of NHS workers reported being targeted by colleagues or other staff members

Kiran Patel

Continued from page 01

Dr Bharat Shah CBE

Amit Patel

Yasar Hussain

Rahil Vora

U

evolved into a global powerhouse, achieving $165 billion in revenue for 2023-24

R a t a n T a t

w a s renowned for his business acumen and dedication to s o c i a l r e s p o n

, redefining corporate leadership in India He championed initiatives that uplifted

c o m m

subcontinent and served as a beacon for the Parsi community, one of India s smallest yet impactful religious minorities Throughout his lifetime, he received numerous prestigious awards

I n 2 0 0 9 , Q u e e n Elizabeth II awarded Ratan

T a t a a n h o n o r a r y

K n i g h t h o o d a s a K n i g h t Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE), f o l l o w e d b y t h e K n i g h t

Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) in 2014 The GBE, one of the UK's highest civilian honours, recognized his significant contributions to UK-

thropy Tata is notably the

India became a republic in 1950

expanding its presence in India and discusses trends from the Global Innovation Index 2024

The India Report aims to present the evolving economic landscape of India at a macroeconomic level in an unbiased, concise, and clear manner

Recitation of Vedic Gayatri Mantra and Shanti Path at Exeter's Historic Guildhall

Rav indra Nat hwan i, co-or dinat or at Om De vone shwar

Ma

to reflect the town's diverse population On October 15, 2024, he had the honour of reciting the Vedic Gayatri M

(Universal peace prayers) at

to R: CEO of Exeter City Council, Bindu N Arjoon, Ravindra

bee n a ppointe

one of the Ma

Lord May or

This year marks the first time a multifaith team of chaplains has been selected

Exeter's historic Guildhall,

including the Lord Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and CEO of Exeter City Council, Bindu N Arjoon

British Airways commemorates 100 years of UK-India flights

B ritish Air wa ys is ce leb rating a century of fly in g be tween t he UK a nd India, highl ight

cultura l, and diplomatic ties

British Airways' journey to India began in 1924 with

flights from London to New Delhi took 14 days Now, the airline connects five Indian

weekly flights, making it the largest European carrier in India, employing over 2,500 staff and maintaining crew bases in all five cities

To mark the centenary, Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive of British Airways, co-hosted a special e

Lindy Cameron Held at the High Commissioner’s

tomers, employees, and key partners,

Doyle highlighted

of the

Indian student wins V&A Illustration Award for ‘Marigolds’

A 25-year-old Indian student from Karnal, Haryana, Ad iti

A nand who g raduated fro m A ng l ia Ru

sum mer, has

the p restig ious 2024 V&A Illustration A w ard i

i n g Illu strator category

H

work, ‘Marigolds’, inspired by India's flower markets, tells the story of a mother teaching her child to create

marigold garlands for sale Among 2,000 entries, the judges praised her use of

allure with the harsh realities of child labour in the flower-selling industry

Currently showcased at the V&A Design Museum in L

next year, Anand aims for

Master’s in Children’s Book Illustration at ARU, this talented young artist is poised to embark on the next exciting chapter of her career A n a n d e x p r e s s e d h

e x c i t e m e n t u p o n w i n n i n g the V&A Illustration Award for ‘Marigolds’, stating, “I a m d e e p l y h o n o u r e d t h a t the V&A has provided a platform for this theme I hope it offers readers a glimpse into a different world ”

Nathwani and Lord Mayor Cllr Kevin Mitchell

Ratan Tata

Aditi Anand

Pioneering wildlife storytelling through the lens

Subhasini Naicker

Aishwarya Sri dhar is a wildlife photographer, presenter, and documentary filmmaker

She is the younges t rec ipi en t of the Sanctuary Asia Young N aturalist Award and the International Camera Fai r and won the Princess Diana Award i n 2019

In 2020, she became the first Indian woman to win the Wildlife Photographer of the Year award from the Natural History Museum in London In 2021, she produced the National Geographic documentary ‘Tiger Queen of Taru,’ which focuses on Maya, a surviving Bengal tigress in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

Speaking to Asian Voice, Aishwarya spoke about challenges being a female photographer, her journey and much more

Can you tell us about your journey into wildlife photography and filmmaking?

My wildlife journey began in childhood, growing up in the lush surroundings of Panvel near Mumbai Wildlife was literally in my backyard fireflies, wild boars, and peafowls surrounded me My father, a member of the Bombay Natural History Society, often took me on wildlife adventures, fueling my passion for nature

In middle school, I learned about climate change while witnessing the devastation of my beloved landscape The wetland of Uran, once a paradise for flamingos and migratory birds, was transformed into a concrete zone

Meanwhile, Panvel's forests were replaced by highways, and mangroves were cleared for industries This alarming change ignited my desire to take action; I didn’t want to live in a world that undervalued wildlife and neglected nature

My parents introduced me to wildlife documentaries featuring Sir David Attenborough, whose stories about Komodo dragons inspired me Watching him captivate audiences made me realise I could do the same, even as a child in India For my 11th birthday, I persuaded my dad to buy me a pointand-shoot camera, marking the start of my photography journey Unlike many, I didn’t start with a love for photography; my passion for wildlife drove me to

pick up the camera to tell stories of the wild and inspire conservation

Wildlife photography is often maledominated Have you faced any challenges as a female photographer in this field, and how have you overcome them?

I believe there’s no inherent difference in physicality between men and women regarding picking up a camera and shooting outdoors The only real challenge I face is during my menstrual cycle, which can make certain shoots more difficult I’ve learned to navigate this by planning my travel to avoid conflicts with my period

Being a woman in this industry presents challenges I've encountered condescension, with some believing they need to explain everything to me, and faced resistance from those who struggle to accept direction from a female filmmaker For example, a drone operator was upset when I questioned his work and rates, feeling entitled to voice my opinions Ultimately, I decided to cancel the shoot and work with someone else I've definitely faced sexism and discrimination, with some men believing that women should only manage household duties I've also noticed discrepancies in access granted to male photographers compared to female ones Yet, I firmly believe that if my work is of high quality, it will speak for itself, regardless of gender In photography, there should be no boundaries gender, caste, or religion should not create barriers Ultimately, talent and passion should be what matter most

Whatare some of your most memorable or significant wildlife encounters, either in front of the camera or during filmmaking?

I feel safest in nature, where danger often lies

more among humans in cities than in the wilderness Two unforgettable experiences illustrate this

The first was in the summer of 2016, when I followed Tigress Maya at a waterhole After hours of waiting, I watched in awe as Maya chased a barking deer, leading to her cubs emerging from the bushes to take it down Witnessing a mother tigress training her cubs to hunt was a breathtaking moment

Another memorable experience was while filming a documentary on Asiatic lions, where we followed a lioness named Noor After giving birth in solitude, she was ready to introduce her cub to the pride One morning, I saw her coming down a hill with something in her mouth At first, I thought it was prey, but then I realised it was her cub! The tenderness with which she carried it moved me to tears, showcasing the deep emotional bonds within these majestic animals

Howdo you hope your work will inspire future generations of nature lovers and conservationists?

I see my filmmaking as two main streams The first is traditional bluechip natural history storytelling, showcasing the stunning beauty of wildlife and their behaviours to inspire love and appreciation for our environment The second stream focuses on impactful documentaries addressing urgent environmental issues like wildlife trafficking and human-animal conflict These films aim to mobilise support from all sectors corporates, government leaders, and the general public to tackle these crises Ultimately, my work seeks to reveal the secrets of wildlife, evoke emotions that inspire action, and highlight that while challenges exist, there’s still hope and much to preserve Here’s how we can make a difference together

Indian dance - not just for Indian people

The Sujat a Baner jee Dance Compa ny (SBDC) has an nounced the ret ur n of it s an nua l Hemant ik a Fe st iva l, a cele brat ion of classical Indian dance wit h a special focus on Ka thak Running from 22nd October t o 30th Novembe r acr oss four London boroughs, the fest ival will offer an imme rsive cultural ex pe rience und er this yea r ’ s theme, “Re fle ct ions ” Now in its ninth year, Hemantika aims to preserve South Asian heritage while introducing innovative performances and fresh talent

One of the festival’s highlights is a unique reinterpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, performed with Kathak’s storytelling style and live music by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

This special event will be held on 10th November at the Arts Depot, featuring original music composed by Howard Moody and conducted by Orlando Joplin

In addition to grand performances, the festival will bring intimate and

immersive presentations to community spaces, such as Shishukunj in Edgware, where audiences will experience Kathak’s evolution from temple storytelling to modern concert stages

Festival founder Sujata Banerjee MBE sees this edition as a reflection on the past and a springboard for the future, noting that SBDC dancers will tour India in early 2025 to prepare for the festival’s 10th anniversary Workshops, outreach activities, and collaborations

with international artists are also planned, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to both cultural preservation and innovation

"We believe in the importance of upholding the integrity of classical Indian dance while finding innovative ways to engage new audiences," says Sujata Banerjee "Through collaborations with artists like Aakash Odedra and ClimArts, we aim to present Kathak in new contexts, ensuring that Indian dance is not just for Indians but for everyone "

Female business leaders in Britain decline in 2024

The number of women in executi ve roles within corporate Britain has dec li ned for the first time in eight y ea rs , m ar ki n g a n "un acceptab le" setbac k that c ould h

gender parity for up to f ive more generati ons, ac cording to a c onsultanc y report

e

a v e r a g e p r o p o r t i o n o f women on executive com-

m i t t e e s a t t h e U K ’ s 3 5 0 largest listed companies fell to 32% in 2024, down from a revised 33% last year While t h i s d e c r e a s e m a y s e e m

m i n o r , G e e t a N a r g u n d , c h a i r o f T h e P i p e l i n e , emphasised to Reuters that it underscores a significant gap when compared to the representation of men

S h e u r g e d b u s i n e s s leaders and recruiters to tap into the extensive pool of female talent to fill deci-

s i o n - m a k i n g p o s i t i o n s , e n h a n c e w o r k p l a c e c u ltures, and ensure women can succeed professionally "It is unacceptable that gender representation in business leadership is moving b a c k w a r d s i n 2 0 2 4 , " s h e stated "Organisations that excel in gender parity are 2 2 % m o r e l i k e l y t o s e e

i m p r o v e d p r o f i t s , m a k i n g fair representation not just a 'nice to have' but a business imperative " Women currently occupy only 9% of CEO roles and 18% of CFO positions i n F T S E 3 5 0 c o m p a n i e s , d e s p i t e c o n s t i t u t i n g o v e r 44% of chartered account a n t s , a c c o r d i n g t o T h e P i p e l i n e s 2 0 2 4 W o m

Count report Furthermore, only 19% of women hold c o m

r c i a l b o a r d

o o m positions-key roles responsible for a company's profit and loss that can lead to CEO and CFO opportunit i e s

2023

Pay gap between disabled and non-disabled increases

Th e pay gap betw een disab le d an d no n - d i sa bl ed em p l o yees s to o d a t 1 2 7% last year, w ith no n-d isabled wo rkers earning an av erag e hou rly wage o f £1 5 69 compared to £ 13 69 for their disabled counterparts An expert criticised this d i s p a r i t y

i

Prof Geeta Nargund

“systemic inequality ” This data is part of a new report titled ‘Disability Pay Gaps in the UK: 2014 to 2023 ’ , which revealed that the disability p a y g a p w a s m o r e p r onounced among men (15 5%) than women (9 6%) and was g r e a t e r f o r f u l l - t i m e employees (11 2%) compared t o p a r t - t i m e e m p l o y e e s (4 1%) Those severely affected by their disability in daily activities faced the largest pay gap at 17 1%, while those with minor limitations had a gap of 11 2%

D i s a b l e d e m p l o y e e s with autism reported one of the largest pay gaps at 27 9%, f o l l o w e d b y t h o s e w i t h epilepsy at 26 9% and severe or specific learning difficulties at 20 3% While the disability pay gap did narrow for most impairment types after adjusting for personal and work characteristics, it did not completely disappear; the gaps for employees with autism, vision impairments, and severe or specific learning difficulties showed the most significant reductions

Aishwarya Sridhar

Grant Thornton LLP kickstarts Diwali season in London

C h a n d e O B E , H

South Asia Business Group at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said, “I'm very fortunate that o v e

T h o r n

n r e a l l y expand its India presence Diwali is all about the celebration of overcoming good

o v e r e v i l , l i g h t p r e v a i l i n g o v e r d a r k n

T

w

d today is in very precarious

p o s i t i o n , b u t w e r e m a i n optimistic in our hope that when we meet in a year s time, there has been some resolution to the conflicts that exist in both Ukraine and the Middle East We pray that light overcomes darkness ”

London-based Partner and Head of India Global and

G

Bhalla, who in his very interesting speech described the historic importance of the Long Room, and a new era o f c r i c k

Indians Speaking about the b

Global Practice, as an industry first, which focuses on

India, outbound and Global I

, Singapore, Cyprus, Gift City

India

“As we celebrate Diwali in the iconic Long Room, let's carry forward the spirit of both cricket and the festival – the spirit of fair play, mutual respect and illuminating the world with our collective efforts May this Diwali bring you and your loved ones, joy, prosperity a

may our partnership continue to flourish, much like the timeless legacy of this great

ground that's behind us ”

Gursheen Kaur Sahani, Head of UK-India Business

C

Business told Asian Voice, "Diwali holds special significance for the UK-India cor-

beginnings and growth Our Diwali reception celebrates the strength of these connections, as we continue to

nesses in both countries

first budget looms over us on 30 October, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is believed to announce further changes to UK tax regulations for non-domiciled individuals To help one understand the

Thursday 7 November

Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, PrMediapix

State Bank of India hosts Diwali reception

Wolves Diwali Mela becomes a huge success

Score s of pe ople descended o n P hoe nix P ark in W olv erha mp ton f or th e Diwali Mela las t Sa turda y Fabulous opening to this free festival with a hymn dedicated to Lord Ganesh by local artist Jagdish Kumar Hats off also to the multi-talented dancer and choreographer Roshni Pink and to the MC, Raj Sharma for their excellent coordination

The event this year was hosted by Tomato Energy, and featured starred headlines, Pargan Bhandal, Prem Chamkila, Jodie Dancers, Arun Verma and Mr Tejinder

In addition to Wolverhampton City Council, the event was supported by Indian Multicultural Society, Shri Krishan Mandir, Gurudwara Sikh Council & Gujrati Association Wolverhampton

Anuj Chande OBE welcoming guests

Akshay Bhalla addressing the audience

Gursheen Kaur Sahani (left) and Rupanjana Dutta, Managing Editor, Asian Voice

University student Taaranjot Panesar and her teenage dance teammates from Birmingham-based Sitaare Dance

Our roving reporter Dhiren Katwa with the Tomatopians

Cousins Tanisha and Anvi Jeer both 13 with Snelly from Gujrati Association Wolverhampton who performed the ‘Dhol Baaje” dance

26 Oct - 1 Nov 2024

Rupanjana Dutta

T h e go r ge o u s s t ai r s t o

E d w ar di an I in T a j 5 1

Buc kingh am Gate at St James’

w e r e b e au t i f u l l y de c o r at e d

w it h y e l l o w a n d o r an ge m arigol d f lo wers , twinkl ing fairy lights, rangoli and diyas as the disp lay bo ard brightly

a dv er t is e d a b o u t L ab o u r I ndians ’ first ever Diwali celebratio n, after the p arty wo n t h e 2 0 2 4 ge ne r al e l ec t io n with a th ump ing majority

P e o p l e w a l k e d u p t h e stairs, admiring the decoration, soaking in the atmosphere, with women in beautiful sarees, lehengas and kurtas, as some men also flaunted their traditional attires

The stage with a glittering backdrop in Edwardian I was decorated with candles and stunning red and pink flowers and leaves A tradi-

t i o n a l p a n c h m u k h i ( f i v efaced) diya was kept on the s t a g e , f o r l i g h t i n

o f S t a t e a n d Ministers, who were meant to address the guests

The room was full of people from various walks of life, including Secretaries of State, new and current MPs, former MPs, Councillors, Assembly

M e m b e r s , m e m b e r s o f t h e Labour Indians and various faith groups, 1928 Institute, b u s i n e s s m e n a n d b u s i n e s s o

o n s , think tanks and members of the diaspora Sweet non-alcoholic drinks and vegetarian canapes were making rounds, as people mingled

A b o o k l e t , c a l l e d ’ T h e

U K - I n d i a R e l a t i o n s h i p : P e r s p e

Partnership’ was left on tables

i n c l u d i n g L o r d M e g h n a d

D e s a i a n d I n d i a n H i g h

C o m m i s s i o n e r H E V i k r a m Doraiswami

T he pow er of Britis h Indians

T h e g u e s t s w e r e w e l -

c o m e d f r o m t h e s t a g e b y K r is h R a va l O BE , C h a i r , Labour Indians, who talked about defeating the impossible Speaking at the event, he said, “Diwali is, of course, a time for family and Labour Indians is very much a family And we are part of the largest diaspora community in the world, and the British Indian community s role in that diaspora is crucial for the prosperity and the well-being of everyone in the UK and not just people from our community Jobs across the board, depend on this vital link, the umbilical link, between the UK and India and our relationship with India is central to this success And it's in

e v e r y o n e ' s i n t e r e s t , t o strengthen and protect the ' l i v i n g b r i d g e ' b e t w e e n o u r

countries So, my priority as t h e C h a i r o f t h e L a b o u r Indians group is to ensure that we play our part well, and to do this, we must not c o n t i n u e o n l y a s ( j

s t ) a group of volunteers

Lastly and vitally, this is a time of deep spiritual meaning for those of us in the

Dharmic traditions Diwali, as we know, represents the t r i u

darkness Friends in India, or from India in particular, will know that in the days precedi

p l e observe Navratri here, and we perform Durga Puja I was always taught that the diya

that we light on Diwali, like L o r d R a m ' s v i c t o r y o v e r R a v a n a , s h

impossible can happen And isn't that the story of our and other communities through hard work, sacrifice, wisdom, c o u r a g

e m e d

c h a b l e ? And this may I also flag up t h a t P r i m e M i n i s t e r K e i r

S t a r m e r ' s u n p r e c e d e n t e d

e l e c t i o n v i c t o r y w a s o n c e regarded as impossible, and h e , t o g e t h e r w i t h f r i e n d s you're about to hear from, have proven otherwise So, let the diyas we light tonight, p r o m p t u s t o c o n t i n u e t o achieve the impossible, and in the midst of the darkest curr e n t r e a l i t i e s , e v e n i n t h e NHS, may they inspire us to create a better country that lights up the world for everyone ” R e d b r i d g e c o u n c i l l o r

Su nny Brar talked about the power of the community and said, “For me, Diwali represents a time of renewal in our personal lives We go through all shapes of obstacles and challenges So, for me, it's a time of new beginnings It's a time of letting go of all the darkness in your life and letting life prevail Diwali, for m e a l s o t r a n s c e n d s c a s t e , creed and religion, even so, ask everyone here, hold on to the positive in your life and celebrate that and all the negatives that you have in your life with this festival using as a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o l e t t h a t darkness go ” A ligh t o f gu idanc e th rough f aith

Secretary of Health Wes St r ee t in g M P, w h o s e c o nstituency in Redbridge is a home to many from the diasp o r a , p a i d h o m a g e t o t

and spoke at length about r

c s and politicians He said, "If I think about my borough, and what makes it a special place

a n d a g r e a t p l a c e t o b e a

Member of Parliament is the fact that you've got Christians like me living alongside Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Jain, Z

and all living mostly in good

s

bours There have been some tensions, and let's not pretend that there are none, but by and large, it's a place where people come together, celebrate what makes us unique and what makes us different, but also celebrates so much of what we have in common

"I'm also here with my hat on as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care The contribution the successive

g e n e r a t i o n s o f I n d i a n s , British Indians, have made to our National Health Service, and not just British Indians by the way, Indians too, who are coming over to contribute to our health and our care services at every level of clinic

ences and medical technology s e c t o

tionise how we deliver health and care in this century We should be so proud of the contribution, and in his party conference speech just a few

Minister not only celebrated the contribution that people make to our country whose family roots and origins lie elsewhere in the world, but also called out for what it was the racist, thuggish bigotry that we saw over the summer

“It is a reminder that for all of the hatred and all the prejudice that exists in dark corners of our country, light is more powerful; that the

and this country has always been in my lifetime, and will always be a place that is inclusive, not only tolerant of peo-

i n g o f and actively celebrating difference as well as what we

Number 10

"Now, as we think about Diwali, this is a moment to think about, as Cllr Sunny

Downing Street, that wasn't just Keir's achievement, my

Party's achievement, that was your achievement too And it m e a n s t h a t a s w e r e b u i l d trust in politics and politicians, and rebuild the sense of politics as a force for good in society, you will have helped t o n o t j u s t

burned brightly in the proudest moments of our historythat politics can be a force for good, that light can indeed triumph over darkness ” Minister for Faith Lord Wajid Kh an talking about the importance of faith in times o f n e e d , a d d e d , “ A s t h e Minister for Faith, I want to r e s e t t h a t r e l a t i o n s h i p between the government and f a i t h c o m m u n i t i e s , a s t o o often that is seen as transactional The government only comes to us as faith communities when it needs something We want to make sure that we can champion the important role of faith in our missions, in our country and the development of our country

“The great work that faith plays has been evidenced in the pandemic and it's also b e e n s e e n c l e a r l y i n t h e recent disorder that we saw a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y I t w a s faith leaders and faith communities that came together t o t r i u m p h o v e r d a r k n e s s , and light will always triumph over darkness!"

Celebrating U K-I ndia p artnersh ip like never befo re S e c r e t a r y o f S t a t e f o r

W o r k a n d P e n s

p w i t h

India She said, "I really want to say something about this L a b o u r g o v e r n m e n t ' s c o mmitment to build a new relationship with India It was a very clear part of our manifesto that we want to build a

n e w s t r a t e g i c r e l a t i o n s h i p with India because we understand the right relationship b e t w e e n o u r t w o g r e a t nations, not only the great e c o n o m i c t i e s , I n d i a b e i n g the second largest investor in the UK and all of the Indian b u s i n e s s e s i n t h i s c o u n t r y a n d B r i t i s h b u s i n e s s e s employing Indians in India,

but because of all the other w i d e r c u l t u r a l l i n k s w i t h sport, art, food and so many o t h e r a r e a s T h e l i n k s between our two countries are so important, and that is why our Prime Minister has s a i d , w e w i l l s e e k a n e w s t r a t e g i c r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h India based on our shared values of democracy and of aspiration, including a free trade a g r e e m e n t b u t a l s o a n e w s t r a t e g i c p a r t n e r s h i p f o r global security, for climate and economic security And it is because we see that relationship as so important that, David Lammy, our Foreign Secretary, visited India within the first three weeks of the government's election That is a very clear signal of our determination to build that relationship in future There is so much we can learn from what India is doing, particularly in the sphere of AI, Tech, Space, Science and Research, b u i l d i n g t h e j o b s o f t h e future, building the knowle d g e o f t h e f u t u r e , a n d spreading that opportunity to all

"I have spoken personally with the High Commissioner a b o u t t h i s o n m a n y o c c asions, and it's something I am determined to champion, not just within government, but within my own city Let me just finish by saying somet h i n g a b o u t w h y I t h i n k Labour Indians is so important You said right from the start that we can never take the support of British Indians f o r g r a n t e d , a n d y o u w e r e absolutely right You helped us achieve a great election victory But I know from my o w n c i t y , I a m t h e o n l y r e m a i n i n g L a b o u r M P i n Leicester, so I know the work of building trust and support is not done In fact, it is never d o n e E a r n i n

and trust of voters isn't a one off It is a continual process, day in and day out, week in and week out, year in and year out So, our campaign to build those links to strengthen and deepen our relationship with British Indians and with India itself as a strategic

continue building from now into the future

why we should celebrate the UK-India partnership like no other She said, "When the

entwined as

is, it is

define our shared future And events like this are vital in helping further develop the networks that are driving forward - how business, politics, communities meet, how partnerships are formed, and how

unite in common purpose for our shared prosperity

leading that drive for a better and more prosperous world, in our communities, in our e c o n o m y , i

n

t i o n a l conversation And when it comes to celebrating Diwali, we do so in that tremendous spirit of celebration that Wes has talked about, that Liz has t a

have spoken of this evening, but we do that with a sense of a driving light for us all, that is, if we are to build that better future for all, where light indeed to shine over darkness, where we have growing security in a world that is becoming defined by insecurity, where we have a sense of opportunity that people feel in their hearts, rather than feeling a sense of being left behind That is a world to fight for That is a world to b u i l d t o

e t h e r T h a t i s a world to take the lights that w e h a v e i n t o t h e p l a c e s w h e r e t h e r e i s n ' t e n o u g h light, and to show what we c a n d o t o g e t h e r , t o b r i n g hope, to bring joy, to bring connection, to make sure of that

“And as you all know that the British Indian community is pivotal to all of that, at the heart of our economy, our British and Indian businesses working together; at t

N H S ,

o many of our Indian diaspora community, our doctors, our nurses, and we have so much more to do And that's why the partnership that we have between Britain and India, that we celebrate alongside our important festivals, is for me, at the core of how we define our place in the world

Starmer is now an outward looking nation, with Keir and David Lammy abroad being Britain's voice in the world,

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall MP

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Home Office, Seema Malhotra MP

Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP

Minister for Faith Lord Wajid Khan

Krish Raval OBE

Dr Nikita Ved MBE FRSA Vice Chair, Labour Indians Hajira Piranie Vice Chair, Labour Indians Cllr Sunny Brar

T

Tilda and Madhu’s partner to celebrate Diwali

ild a, the UK’s No 1 rice brand, and Madhu ’ s, th e top-ranking S outh A sian catering com pany, joined forces on Wednesd ay, 9th Octo ber, to host a sp ectacular ev ent celebrating Diwali in the h eart of Central Lo nd on S et ag ainst th e backdrop of M ad hu’s at M ayfair, the event exud ed luxury and eleg ance

The event brought together an exclusive guest list featuring prominent food and lifestyle content

creators, longstanding customers, as well as toptier media houses With a specially curated menu and vibrant atmosphere, the celebration was a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and culture

Guests were immersed in an evening of cultural richness, starting with a heartfelt speech from JeanPhilippe Laborde, Managing Director of Tilda He remarked, “Tonight, we ’ re not just celebrating a festival; we ’ re honouring relationships with key

partners and customers we ’ ve known not just for weeks or months, but for decades At Tilda, we take pride in bringing people together through food and tradition, especially during special occasions like Diwali ”

The event also welcomed Sanjay Anand MBE, Founder and Chairman of Madhu’s, who captivated the audience with the story of his family’s culinary journey and the brand’s impressive growth Sanjay shared,

“Partnership is at the heart of Madhu’s, and we have ambitious plans for the future of catering Rice holds such significance in our culture It has been a staple part of our South Asian communities' diet and has both religious and cultural relevance A special thanks to my team and the team at Tilda for making tonight possible ”

After the speeches, Chef Amardeep Anand, Group Executive Chef at Madhu’s and a MasterChef semifinalist, took the stage to share the inspiration behind the menu He highlighted the versatility of Tilda rice in South Asian cuisine, combining traditional Diwali dishes with modern flavours The menu was primarily created by Poonam Ball, Creative Chef & Marketing Director Together with Chef Amar, they brought the menu to life on the day The highlights of the evening included two showstopping biryanis made with Tilda Grand Extra Long Basmati and a decadent mango kheer featuring Tilda’s Fragrant Jasmine rice

The special menu was a hit among the food and lifestyle content creators and media attendees, who were treated to an exclusive tasting experience

The evening culminated in a dazzling performance by world-renowned magician Oliver B, who left the audience in awe with his unique blend of mentalism, illusion, and showmanship

Asian Voice is always here for you…

Diwal i is a fes tival that ushers in light, moving us from the dark ness of the new moon to b righter days ahead While it is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, this joyous occ asion is al so cel ebrated with enthus iasm by Jain s, Buddhists, Sikhs and many other In dian commun ities It’s a time to rec on nect with family and friends, whether through vibrant fireworks displays or fes tive gatherin gs fil led with del ic ious food

To mark this special season, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are excited to announce the release of this year ’ s muchanticipated Diwali Magazine, themed “Embrace Your Inner Light ” This edition promises to

We are also delighted to announce that your favourite newsweekly, ‘Asian Voice,’ will continue its regular publication throughout the Diwali holidays without missing a single issue While some publications pause for special editions, our commitment to serving our readers remains our top priority We are dedicated to providing you with the latest news, events, and reports from around the world every week Enjoy the festivities with us, knowing you won’t miss out on any important updates!

be a vibrant celebration of the festival's spirit, exploring a diverse array of topics such as the spirit of giving, cultural expressions through art, health and wellness tips, tackling climate change, sustainable practices and more You will also find insightful interviews with industry leaders who are shaping the future

If you haven 't al ready subscribed to Asian Voice, n ow is the perfect time!

Sign up for an annual subscription today to enjoy your regular issues, the Diwali special, and a vibrant calendar all at no extra cost! Plus, share the gift of ‘Asian Voice’ with your loved ones by gifting them an annual subscription It’s a wonderful way to stay connected year-round, with each weekly issue serving as a thoughtful reminder Call us today at 020 7749 4080 to subscribe!

London gears up for its first corporate Diwali celebration to support disabled and disadvantaged children

In a fi rst for the UK

c orporate sc ene, In oc hi, Chari ta ble In corporated Organis ation ( CIO) i s hostin g the London Diwali B all, a un ique c ultural an d fundrai sin g event sc heduled for the 8th of N ovem ber at Hi lton London Syon Pa rk

The event aims to bring together corporate leaders, local communities, and entertainment figures to celebrate Diwali and raise crucial funds for disabled and disadvantaged children in collaboration with Variety, the Children's Charity and Kartik Prabhu Foundation, furthering Inochi’s vision to Celeb rate Life, G ive Hope

The evening promises an impressive lineup of entertainment, including a vibrant Bollywood dance performance by the Bollywood Dance School, a stand-up routine by celebrated comedian Anuvab Pal, and live music from Navin Kundra and DJ Krash from Divine Musiq Guests will also enjoy a

keynote address from celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, with the event expertly hosted by popular media personality Anushka Arora

Anjanish Shekhar, Chairman, Inochi, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event: "The London Diwali Ball is not just a celebration of the Festival of Lights, but a powerful platform for corporates to demonstrate their commitment to cultural integration and social responsibility We are excited to bring together diverse groups to celebrate life, give hope, and support the crucial work of Variety and The Kartik Prabhu Foundation " Laurence Guinness, CEO, Variety, the Children's Charity, shared his anticipation for the event: "Partnering with Inochi for the London Diwali Ball is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the themes of light, hope, and kindness that are central to Diwali We look

forward to a successful event that will significantly aid our efforts to improve the lives of children across the UK "

Tushar Prabhu, Chairman of the Kartik Prabhu Foundation, also commented on the significance of the event:

"We are thrilled to be part of this inaugural celebration that promises not only to entertain but also to enlighten and inspire This collaboration with Inochi represents a shared vision of empowering young minds and creating opportunities for those in need Together, we can make a substantial impact and change lives for the better " Tickets for the event are available on Evenbrite https://www eventbrite co uk/e/london-diwali-balltickets-936347278917, all proceeds will go to Variety and The Kartik Prabhu Foundation, which include providing essential equipment and opportunities for disadvantaged youth

Sanjay Anand MBE, Founder and Chairman of Madhu’s (L), and Jean-Philippe Laborde, Managing Director of Tilda (R)

Tilda and Madhu s Diwali event

Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel

Y est erday, I rec eived an inquiry fr om a r eader of t his paper and a retired individual who f ound thems elves confused by the c om plexitie s of managing their investm ents in today's envir onm ent They s ought guidanc e on their inves tment portfolio, whic h incl udes funds held wit h M &G, Abrdn, and Quilter, s ome in ISAs , and ot hers that are underperforming Like many r etir ees, they have als o invest ed in buil ding s oc iety fixed-rate deposits and are now lef t to m anage these as sets without the s upport of a financial advis er who is no longer t rading

This situation reflects a challenge many investors face: reliance on fund managers and advisers, only to be left uncertain when their performance falters or their adviser steps away The key takeaway from my book Investing Unplugged is this: most fund managers underperform, and individual investors can do better themselves This is not an opinion, but a fact backed by data, as I discuss in the book Fund Manager Underperf or manc e

The performance of professional fund managers is often not as stellar as many believe As I outline in Investing Unplugged, the majority of fund managers fail to outperform their benchmarks consistently For example, a study I reference found that over a long-term period, 99% of fund managers demonstrated no evidence of skill beyond what could be expected from random chance Despite all the resources and expertise they have, very few consistently deliver superior results

This underperformance highlights an important point for investors like yourself: putting blind faith in fund managers is often a losing game The case brought by Unilever’s pension fund against its underperforming fund manager is a perfect example of institutional investors also recognizing that the professional route isn’t always the safe bet Taking Control of Your Investm ents

So, where does this leave you? First and foremost, you do not need to be a financial professional to manage your own investments The primary challenge is in overcoming the myth that fund managers are better equipped to navigate markets than the individual investor

As I often emphasize in my columns and in Investing Unplugged, it is not about the stocks you pick but about how you manage risk and allocation Diversification and proper risk management are paramount You can consider index funds as an alternative to actively managed funds These provide lower fees and tend to outperform active funds over the long term

But the problem is getting the data and knowing what to look for Whilst I simplify that for clients, I appreciate it is difficult for non-clients

What You Can Do

1 Review Your Portfolio: Start by reviewing the performance of your current funds Are they consistently underperforming their benchmark? If so, consider moving towards passive investments such as index funds, which offer lower fees and more stable performance ETFs (exchange traded funds eg S&P500 are my choice for me)

2 Look into ISAs : Since some of your investments are in ISAs, this is beneficial for tax efficiency, but remember, it's not the wrapper (ISA) but the content (fund) that matters If the funds within the ISAs are not performing, consider switching to better-performing options, or even explore self-investing platforms where you can select individual stocks or ETFs that align with your risk tolerance

3 Divers ify Bey ond Funds : You mentioned fixed-rate deposits, which are safe but low-yielding While these should be part of a diversified strategy, particularly in retirement, you might also want to explore other low-risk options that provide better returns, such as bonds or bond funds But again, I appreciate getting the data is difficult As a start I like free tools like www tradingview com to look at historic drops (it’s not a guarantee of future performance)

4 Do It Y ours elf: You are not alone in feeling hesitant a b o u t m a n a g i n g y o u r i n v e s t m

Unplugged explains, the tools for private investors are more accessible today than ever before Websites such as www campaignforamillion com provide resources and education for individuals like you to take control of your financial future But I know some people want to be hand held

Final Thoughts

At an age over 70, it's essential to strike a balance between preserving your capital and ensuring your money works effectively for you Fund managers are not the only route, nor are they necessarily the best You have the power to control your investments with the right guidance and tools As I often say, the best way to secure your financial future is to take control of it yourself But remember any stock or even an index like S&P500 or FTSE could drop 20% in a year So you want to hold a lot of cash and have it in a high interest account, paying say 4 5% pa

People ask me for an IFA to switch to No That repeats your problems, as I’ve written in my Financial Times columns It just leads to money in funds which underperform The best are say Goldman Sachs Wealth Management, if you have $50m or so to meet their minimums It’s why I use, as a hedge fund manager following meetings with them, their CROCI formula which their research showed produces as a basket of stocks meeting it, 30%pa, longer term But nothing in the markets is ever guaranteed on the upside

From tiles to triumph: Dinesh’s journey

Dinesh Mathur is a dynamic entrepreneur who founded Design Di Lusso, a thriving tile and bathroom suite business From working at an independent tile retailer to launching his company at 24, he has built a reputation for combining passion, precision, and innovative design His journey reflects his deep commitment to craftsmanship, family, and growth Asian Voice spoke exclusively to him about his work, family and more

What motivated you to leave your secure job and start your own business in the tile industry at such a young age?

My decision to leave my secure job stemmed from a blend of passion and timing Working at an independent tile retailer, under the guidance of my father, PJ Mathur, I discovered a deep interest in architecture and interior design I realised the tile industry was about enhancing spaces and prioritis-

inspired me By 2011, I felt confident in

products, and key manufacturers At just 24, I decided it was time to take the leap and create something that

design If not now then when?

How did your early experiences in the tile industry shape your approach to running Design Di Lusso, and what were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the startup phase?

My early experiences in the tile industry taught me the significance of understanding both the product and the people I worked with The industry is highly technical, so attention to detail is essential Collaborating closely with architects and interior designers allowed me to see their projects required not just beautiful tiles but tailored solutions that fit specific visions and budgets Financial challenges were significant during the startup phase; without capital for a showroom, I had

to manage costs creatively I worked from home, met clients on-site, and took a part-time job to support myself while building the business

Can you share how your attention to detail and passion for architecture and design have influenced the growth and success of your business?

My attention to detail is crucial to Design Di Lusso’s success I focus on the texture, finish, and specifications of every tile, allowing us to act as con-

reflected in our 5-star Google reviews, showcases our commitment to quality and service My passion for architecture drives me to curate unique collections that stand out, attracting both design professionals and discerning

craftsmanship and practical aesthetics

How has the expansion of Design Di Lusso in recent years changed how you approach the business, and what’s your vision for its future growth?

The recent expansion of Design Di Lusso has allowed us to showcase our tiles more effectively through a twofloor showroom This has enhanced our visibility and enabled a more personal connection with our customers It has shifted my role from being a solo

entrepreneur to managing a small, passionate team We’ve also expanded into bathroom fixtures, offering complete solutions, which was a logical next step Looking ahead, I envision

curated, customisable bathroom packages, allowing the magic of DDL Tiles to reach people's home nationwide

How has your family, particularly your father, influenced your entrepreneurial journey, and what role has their support played in the growth of Design Di Lusso?

My father has profoundly influenced my entrepreneurial journey He introduced me to the tile industry and provided invaluable guidance along the way When he joined me as the first official hire at Design Di Lusso in 2019, it was a full-circle moment for us His unwavering support, both personally and professionally, has been essential, and I don’t believe I could have built the business without him My family has always been there to cheer me on during tough times and celebrate our successes, providing a strong foundation that has supported Design Di Lusso’s growth from the beginning A gift that was given to me when I first opened my showroom, f r o m m y s i s t e r , h e r h u s b a n d , m y nephew and my niece is what reminds me of how far I have come and it keeps me going, it reminds me that with enough effort, hard work and a little bit of luck - anything is possibleplease see the photo attached

Goldman forecasts Bank of England's rate cut

Go ld m an S ac h s p re d i ct s th at the Bank of Eng land w il l red u ce i nt ere st ra te s more sharply than financial markets currently exp ect T h e i n v e s t m e n t b a n k believes the Bank Rate could drop to as low as 2 75% by November next year, down from their earlier estimate of a terminal rate of 3% In

tions suggest the terminal rate might reach as high as 3 5% This updated forecast follows Goldman’s revision of R*, the ideal interest rate that maintains full employm e n t a n d 2 % i n f l a t i o n , which they now estimate at

0 7%, up from 0 4% during the pandemic, excluding the e f f e c

o f i n f l a t i o n Therefore, the new R* estimate implies an interest rate around 2 75%, factoring in the target inflation rate

Goldman noted that R* typically rises with product

growth, and public debt but decreases with rising capital costs and income inequality Despite the rise in R*, anal y s t s h i g h l i g h t e d

Bank Rate is still “notably restrictive,” indicating that current rates are hindering e

believe that, combined with

and dovish comments from

y P o l i c y Committee (MPC), the Bank of England is likely to lower rates more than what the markets are pricing in The Bank of England cut interest rates for the first time since the pandemic in August Although there was a pause in cuts last month, another reduction is anticip a t e d i n N o v e m b e r T h e likelihood of a rate cut in December has also risen following data revealing that inflation dropped to

below expectations

Average rent outside London hits £1,344 monthly

Rents across Britain have surged to record levels as the number of prospective tenants continues to vastly outstrip the availability of rental properties

Dinesh Mathur

Dinesh Mathur with his family

India's direct tax receipts touch 196bn in 2023-24

(AY) or in whose case tax has been deducted at source in the relevant financial year but the taxpayer has not filed the return of income

L e d b y g

n personal income tax, total direct tax receipts in 2023-24 were at £196 bn, up 182% from nearly £70 bn in 2014-

soared 293% to £104 51 bn in 2023-24 from £26 57 bn in 2014-15 For the second year in a row, personal income tax collections were higher

collections, which rose 112% to over £91 10 bn in 2023-24 from £42 89 bn in 2014-15, the data showed

revenue in 2023-24 reached

quarter, receipts rose 291% to £127 78 bn in 2023-24 from £32 65 bn in 2014-15,while tax

rose nearly 152% during the 10-year period to £65 19 bn in

Advance tax is a tool meant to improve compliance

Modi seeks global rules for digital tech use, ethical AI

of digital technol ogy and

Union

t o safeguard citizens

“There is a need for a g l o b a l f r a m e w o r k g u i d e l i n e s f o r d i g i t a l

technology,” he said “Now t h e t i m e h a s c o m e t h a t global institutions will have to accept its importance for global governance Do’s and don’ts will have to be made a t t h e g l o b a l l e v e l f o r technology ” PM said: “All digital tools a n d a p p l i c a t i o n s t h a t a r e available today are beyond r e s t r i c t i o n s , b e y o n d boundaries of any country Therefore, no country can p r o t e c t i t s c i t i z e n s f r o m cyber threats alone For this, w e w i l l h a v e t o w o r k together, global institutions will have to come forward and take responsibility ”

He cited the example of the aviation sector and said a similar framework is needed

Noel to join Tata Sons board, will be Trusts’ 3rd nominee

Noel Tata, ch airman of T ata Trusts that holds abo ut 66% stake in Tata Sons, is set to be appo inted to the board o f the latter He will be the sole member of the Tata Group’s f o u nd i ng fa m i ly to h ol d positions on boards of bo th Tata Sons and Tata Tru sts Noel’s ind uction will take th e n u m b er o f T ru s ts ’ nominees o n th e Tata S

bo ard to three

the

Venu Sriniv asan and Vijay Singh T

n anticipated by Tata Group

potential candidate for the chairman’s role Speculation about him succeeding Ratan Tata and his induction to the Tata Sons board arose

for the digital world “And for this, WTSA will have to work more actively I would like to ask every member of WTSA to think about how to m a k e t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s safe for everyone ”

Modi said: “India’s Data Protection Act and National C

a s a f e digital ecosystem I would like to ask the members of t h i s

standards that are inclusive, s

standards for ethical AI and data privacy that also respect

countries ”

K aran Johar has s ol d a 50%

s t a k e in hi s D ha r m a Productions and Dhar matic

E n t e r t a in m e n t t o A da r P oon a

r an d P oon a wa l l a Des pite the s ale, Johar will

r e t a in h is pos it i on a s e x e c ut i ve c ha ir m an , o ve r s e e in g t he c o m pa n y ’ s

c r e a t iv e di r e c t ion , wh il e Apoorva Mehta wil l continue

a s CE O , ha n d l in g t he s trategy and ope rations

The strategic investment

w i l l d r i v e D h a r m a ’ s a m b i t i o n s t o e x p a n d i n t o l a r g e - s c a l e , m u l t i - l i n g u a l p r o d u c t i o n s , b u i l d f r a n c h i s e s , a n d s t r e n g t h e n t r a d i t i o n a l e n t e r t a i n m e n t f o r m a t s B y c o m b i n i n g

Adar Poonawalla & Karan Johar

J o h a r ’ s s t o r y t e l l i n g l e g a c y with Poonawalla’s vision and resources, the partnership is p o i s e d t o b o o s t D h a r m a ’ s r e a c h i n b o t h c o n t e n t creation and distribution for a global audience

“ F r o m i t s i n c e p t i o n , D h a r m a P r o d u c t i o n s h a s b e e n s y n o n y m o u s w i t h h e a r t f e l t s t o r y t e l l i n g t h a t c a p t

s t h e

that would leave

poised to elevate Dharma’s legacy to new heights This

when he became a trustee of Sir Ratan Tata Trust in 2019 and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust in 2022 But the chairman’s p o s i t i o n w

C y r u s Mistry, his brother-in-law, a n d l a

veteran D

appointment

director

Chandrasekaran will remain

amended its articles of association (AoA) to prevent the

from holding the chairmanship of both

and

Ready for internet services in India: Musk

U S b il li o n a i r e E lo n M us k t hank ed govt for cla rify ing t hat sa tcom spect rum will be a l lo t t e d on ly a dministra tive ly , con tra ry to d ema nd mad e by R elia nce Jio a nd Airte l for auctions, a nd sa id he look s for war d to sta rt in ter ne t serv ice s in the coun try wit h his compan y

St arlink

Musk’s entry faces stiff

o p p o s i t i o n f r o m d o m e s t i c telecom behemoths, who are seeking auctions in line with how they buy their airwaves

B u t , h e a p p e a r e d unfazed with the lobbying and latched on to comments f r o m c o m m u n i c a t i o n s minister Jyotiraditya Scindia a b o u t a d m i n i s t r a t i v e

a l l o c a t i o n “ M u c h appreciated! We will do our best to serve the people of India with Starlink,” he said

in a post from his handle on X, while responding to a user c o m m e n t o n g o v t ’ s clarification

T h e i s s u e o f h o w t h e spectrum needs to be given to satcom players - through auction or administrativelyhas virtually pitted Jio and Airtel not only against Musk but even against the new telecom law that mandates administrative allocation for

done in case of terrestrial

It i s “ prem ature and v ery ri sky” to c on si d er cu tti ng interest rates at this stage, es p e ci al ly w i th l o o m i ng inflationary risks, according to RBI g overnor S haktikanta

pressure to cut rates despite a sharp rise in inflation Das

then how can you price it individually?”

It is premature and risky to cut rates now: RBI governor

focus, he stressed,

d e f e n d e d t h e d e c i s i o n saying, “We are not behind t h e c u r v e T h e I n d i a n growth story remains intact, a n d g r o w t h i s r e s i l i e n t ”

, particularly the Fed, it does not let that dictate its course of action Poonawalla

f I n d i a n c u l t u r e M y f a t h e r d r e a m e d o f c r e a t i n g f i l m

thinking business strategies,”

chairman, Dharma, said

Das He also said that RBI is in no rush to cut rates in the Dec p olicy meet “When your inflation is at 5 5%, and the next print is also expected to be high, you can’t be cutting rates,” Das said in an interview, before adding, “More so if growth is doing well ” I n i t s l a s t m o n e t a r y policy committee meeting in Oct, RBI shifted its stance t o n e u t r a l b u t r e s i s t e d

India is poised for a 7 2% GDP growth in the current f i s c a l b a s e d o n R B I ’ s projections, he reiterated Das acknowledged that i n f l a t i o n i s e x p e c t e d t o m o d e r a t e i n t h e c o m i n g m o n t h s b u t e m p h a s i s e d caution “We have to wait f o r i n c o m i n g d a t a a n d monitor the overall inflation outlook before making any d

“Our decisions are primarily d e p e n d e n t o n d o m e s t i c inflation, growth, and the macroeconomic situation,” D a

India eyes critical minerals pact with US to counter China

I n thei r bi d to c ounter China’ s domi nanc e, In dia and the US are s ee k i n g to b ol s t e

t he

partners hi p on c ri tical mi nerals

b y j ointly tappin g third countries to secure their s upply chain s, with N ew Delhi keen to ram p up the en gagement through a pac t in the c ruc ial sphere as

future

M o U , which will be operationalised by the mines ministry The idea is to secure our supply chains I have suggested that the

Noel Tata

Bangladesh tribunal issues arrest warrants against Hasina

D H A K A : Ba ng

ad

s I nternati onal C rim es Tribu nal i ssu ed arrest warrants ag ai nst d ep osed PM S heikh Hasina and 4 5 others, including pro minent p oliticians and intellectuals

The warrants are in connection with alleged “crimes against h

g this year ’ s student-led July-Aug mass uprising, which left 700

implicated are Awami League g

Quader, writer and educationist

Zafar Iqbal, and former judge

AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury

Manik The tribunal has directed that the accused, including

Hasina, be produced in court by Nov 18 The ICT, a domestic judicial mechanism set up under national legislation, is designed to try internationally recognised crimes such as genocide and war

crimes

The Tribunal, which issued arrest warrants against Hasina and others, had previously tried top Jamaat-e-Islami leaders for similar crimes Foreign affairs

Hossain said that Dhaka would

Hasina back to Bangladesh as the ICT has issued arrest warrants T

passed by a three-member ICT bench led by chairman Justice M

Majumdar after two petitions were filed by the prosecution seeking the arrest of Hasina and

Muhammad Tajul Islam, who has a Jamaat background, told reporters that the accused hold significant power, which necessitated a cautious approach in revealing all the names involved He suggested that Hasina’s former cabinet members were also among those named in the petitions

received over 60 complaints of

humanity against Hasina and other Awami members

At a meeting with ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan, Yunus asked him about the procedure to file a case of crimes against humanity at the ICC Khan said Bangladesh can definitely file a complaint at the Hague-based court but added that there are rules to be followed for this

Bangladesh cancels all national days tied to Liberation War and Mujibur

D HA KA : In a contr ov ersia l move

see n as an atte mpt to impl ement

Pa kista ni ideol ogy in the count ry , B an gl ade sh’s int er im gov t, l ed by chie f adviser Muhammad

Y un u s, h a s d e cid e d t o ca n c e l

e ight Na tiona l D ays, in cl uding

t he March 7 a nd Aug 15 cel ebrat ions which are a ssociate d with

t h e co un t r y ’ s L ib e r a t io n W a r spear he aded by Sheikh Mujibur R ahma n This decision, viewed as an attack on the spirit of the 1971 W a r o f I n d e p e n d

from various quarters

The decision was taken by the council of advisers in a recent meeting but there was no briefing on this However, it was stated on Yunus’s verified Facebook page that the cabinet would soon issue a gazette notification in this regard

A w a m i L e a g u e s a i d o n i t s verified Facebook page: “The illegal Yunus govt wants to erase everything related to the history of the birth of Bangladesh by p

Dollar-starved Maldives notifies new foreign currency rules

M A LE : Dollar-starved M aldiv es h as floated a new foreign cu rrency regulation, limiting typ es o f transactions allow ed in fo re i g n c u rre nc y an d im p o si n g m and ato r y fo re i g n cu r ren cy exchange controls on tourism

e s tab li s h m en ts a nd b ank s M aldiv ian economy appears to h av e taken a hit after calls to Indian tou rists to av oid the pic-

t u res q ue i sl an d na ti o n a s a r es p o ns e t o P re z M o h am e d M uizzu’s ‘Ind ia Out’ campaign last year Mald ives last m onth averted a potential d efau lt o n an

I s la m i c bo n d p a ym e nt af ter

I nd ia extend ed a $5 0 m illi on interest-free lo an

With its forex reserves not

m a t c h i n g i t s i m p o r t b i l l , t h e nation’s central bank Maldives Monetary Authority on Oct 1 i n t r o d u c e d a n e w r e g u l a t i o n , requiring all foreign currency

i n c o m e g e n e r a t e d b y t h e tourism industry to be deposited in local banks The MMA, which had in Aug imposed a

strict dollar limit, published the new rules in the local Dhivehi language T

must be conducted in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), except for those explicitly allowed in foreign currency It also provides for payment for goods and services, value for works, fees, charges, rent and wages be made in local currency Transactions exempt include payments for exports, i

and those that are legally mandated to settle in US dollars Any transaction made in foreign currency outside of these categories w

MVR 10,000 to MVR 1 million

Maldives’ debt is estimated at 110% of its GDP Fitch Ratings estimates its total external debt obligations growing to $557 million in 2025 and $1 billion by 2026

decision as “audacity”, suggesting it was part of a broader effort to promote Pakistani ideology in Bangladesh It accused the interim govt of systematically dismantling historical symbols, citing the removal of murals and sculptures of Bangabandhu on Aug 5 According to the party, the decision to cancel the March 7 n

speech that galvanised the people to fight for independence, was m o t i

i c a l rejection of Mujib’s role in the

nation’s founding Similarly, the cancellation of Aug 15 as National M o u r

attempt to downplay the assassination of Bangabandhu and his family

The interim govt also targeted other national days connected to Bangladesh’s history of independence These include the canc e l l a t i o n o f M a r c h 1 7 a s t h e Father of the Nation’s birthday and National Children’s Day, and N o v 4 a s C o n s t i t u t i o n D a y , which celebrates the aspirations of the Liberation War

Pak parliament clips powers of judiciary

IS L A M A BA D: P akistan’ s parliament clipp ed the powers o f the Suprem e C ourt by empow ering th e e xec u ti v e th ro u g h an am endment to the constitution passed with a tw o-th irds majority in both the Senate and the National Assembly (NA) With full backing from the powerful military, PM Shehbaz Sharif’s govt had been attempting since last month to introd u c e a s e t o f c o n s t i t u t i o n a l changes in parliament apparently aimed at granting more powers to the executive in making judicial appointments

Passed during a late-night session of parliament, the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2024 is aimed at taking away the SC’s suo motu powers It sets the chief justice’s term at three years and states that a 12-member parliamentary committeecomprising eight NA members and four from the Senate - will nominate the chief justice from a panel of the three most senior judges of the top court for a period of three years The House

name to the PM who will then

appointment

The bill was approved by the NA with 225 votes, one more than required for a two-thirds majority, after a handful of turncoats from jailed ex PM Imran Khan’s PTI voted against the party’s policy In the Senate, the required number for two-thirds was 64 and 65 members voted in favour Hours later, Prez Asif Ali Zardari gave formal assent to the new law Imran’s party, however, abstained from voting

An earlier attempt, in Sept, by the governing PML-N to bulldoze the amendments did not succeed as it failed to win the support of some opposition lawmakers Sharif’s govt said the constitutional amendment has ensured that parliament will not remain a rubber stamp in future T

judiciary have been on the rise since controversial nationwide elections were held in Feb this year

Indian jailed in Singapore for not returning money mistakenly sent to him

in brief

NAIK NAMED INDIA’S ACTING CANADA HIGH COMMISSIONER

Chinmoy Naik has been appointed acting High Commissioner in Ottawa, the Indian High Commission in Canada said Naik has assumed charge after the previous High Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar Verma and five other officials were withdrawn by India earlier this week amid the ongoing diplomatic row with Canada Naik has been the Deputy High Commissioner of India from February 2023 onwards A 2004-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, Naik has served in the Indian Embassy in Beijing and Paris He has also handled matters pertaining to Eurasia, disarmament, new technologies and cultural diplomacy while being posted in New Delhi

INDIAN ORIGIN MP IN SINGAPORE GOES ON TRIAL

The trial of Singapore s Indian-origin Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh began on two charges for lying in Parliament when being questioned over a former colleague Singh's former Workers' Party (WP) colleague Raeesah Khan had lied in Parliament twice in 2021 about accompanying a rape victim to a police station where a police officer allegedly made comments about the woman's attire and consumption of alcohol Singh is accused of lying twice before the Committee of Privileges (COP) which was convened to investigate Khan s conduct on December 10 and December 15, 2021

NO ANTI-CHINA ACTIVITIES WILL BE ALLOWED: NEPAL PM

Nepal’s PM KP Sharma Oli said that no antiChina activities will be allowed in the country and reaffirmed the Himalayan nation s commitment to the One China policy that states Taiwan is an inseparable part of China Oli made the remarks in a meeting with a high-level Chinese delegation led by Chen Jining, a member of the Communist Party of China s Central Committee Oli expressed hopes for continued support from China for Nepal’s economic development Talks were also held about strengthening ties and enhancing collaboration between the CPC and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), according to the PM’s secretariat

PRO-LIBERATION WRITERS’ GROUP ATTACKED IN DHAKA

A mob attacked members of Creative Writers Association - seen as a platform of pro-Liberation War writers - when they tried to hold a rally in Dhaka to protest the cancellation of March 7 and Aug 15 as “national days” The mob of around 100 reportedly assaulted several protesters with sticks and chased them from the spot A video of the incident went viral in which the attackers can be heard saying Get them! Catch the Awami League members all of them are running away The reference was to ousted PM Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League In a meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus Liberal Democratic Party demanded a ban on Awami League, saying it had no rights to carry out politics in Bangladesh

BANGLADESH RIGHTS ACTIVIST SUED

Bangladesh s top human rights activist and a voice for people during every govt, Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna, has been sued in an attempted murder case, drawing criticism from the people Aino Salish Kendra (ASK), a leading human rights organisation, condemned what they claimed was a “false case” against Panna, who is also its chairperson Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust also expressed deep concern Md Baker, 52, had filed the case with Khilgaon police station, accusing 180 people, including Panna of shooting his son on July 19 Panna was one of the lawyers who moved a petition before a HC bench on July 29 seeking its orders to stop the use of bullets against protesters He was seen criticising the current interim govt led by Muhammad Yunus on various occasions

Sheikh Hasina

in brief

SIRISH SUBASH,14, NAMED ‘AMERICA’S TOP YOUNG SCIENTIST’

3M and Discovery Education has named Sirish Subash, a 9th grader at Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology in Georgia, the winner of the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation s premier middle school science competition As the grand prize winner, he received a $25,000 cash prize and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist ” His project Pestiscand is a handheld device designed to detect pesticide residues on produce using a non-destructive method It employs spectrophotometry which involves measuring how light of various wavelengths is reflected off the surface of fruits and vegetables

INDONESIA LAUNCHES E-VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR INDIANS

Travellers to Indonesia will soon be able to enjoy a quicker and smoother visa application journey through VFS Global by completing the entire process online before departure and receiving a pre-approved e-VoA This facility will commence in December and can be enjoyed by travellers from 97 countries, including India The e-VoA can be easily obtained by visiting VFS Global website, submitting all the required documents and paying the necessary fees online prior to travel Once the application is submitted, travellers can receive their visas on their email before departure With the payment having been made online travellers can enjoy a smoother and faster entry experience through E-gates or immigration counters

GRENADE ATTACK ON CHINA CONSULATE IN MYANMAR

China s consulate in Myanmar s city of Mandalay was attacked with an explosive device local media said adding that no deaths or injuries were reported The blast occurred at the consulate office in central Mandalay south of the sprawling Royal Palace Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military deposed the govt of Aung San Suu Kyi and seized power in 2021 A statement from the junta blamed terrorists for the incident which it said it was investigating in cooperation with consulate officials The Irrawaddy outlet reported a grenade had been thrown at the compound, which is usually guarded by members of Myanmar s security forces

JAPAN’S RULING PARTY HQ ATTACKED

A man threw several firebombs into the headquarters of Japan s ruling party in Tokyo, then crashed his car into the fencing of the PM s residence There were no reports of injuries The man, identified by police as Atsunobu Usuda, 49, was arrested on the spot on charges of obstructing the performance of official duties, although additional charges can be added later Although his motive was not immediately clear Japanese media reports said social media posts believed to be Usuda’s showed him complaining about the sums of money required to run for office under Japanese law implying Usuda had political ambitions

OVER 140 KILLED NIGERIA GAS TANKER EXPLOSION

More than 140 people, including children were killed in Nigeria when an overturned gasoline tanker truck exploded in flames while they tried to scoop up fuel, emergency services said Dozens more were injured Deadly tanker accidents are common in Nigeria Africa s most populous country, which lacks an efficient railway system to transport cargo People often salvage fuel with cups and buckets - especially because of soaring fuel prices, which have tripled since the govt ended costly gas subsidies last year The latest accident occurred in northern Jigawa state s Majiya town when the tanker driver lost control on a highway, police spokesperson Lawan Adam said

Trudeau's charges raise tensions between India and Canada

Minister Justin Trudeau made a st

in

September 2023 all eging possible involvemen t of

In dia n governmen t in t he a ssassina tion of H

Canadian cit izen and prominent Sik h separa tist Tr ude au said that Canadian author it ie s were probin

dib

necting Indian officials

height ening dipl

con

Nijja

ten sions bet we en Canada an d India

absurd and strongly denying any involvement in the matter The f

both countries expelling diplomats and India suspending visa services for Canadian citizens for a month

The situation has escalated further, with Canadian police levelling more serious accusa-

were involved in a criminal network operated by a notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang (Indian g

i c inquiry, Prime Minister Trudeau declared that Canada could not “accept this fundamental viola-

Recently, Canada’s foreign min-

g , putting India’s remaining diplomats "on notice" and threatening expulsion if it was confirmed t

Canadian lives

India's external affairs min-

ister S Jaishankar criticised C

n a d a ' s h y p o c r i s y , h i g hlighting the double standards in how it grants its diplomats f r e e d o m a b r o a d w h i l e restricting foreign diplomats on its own soil

H i s r e m a r k s f o l l o w e d

Ottawa's demand for India to s t r i p d i p l o m a t i c i m m u n i t y f r o m H i g h C o m m i s s i o n e r

Sanjay Kumar Verma, named a 'person of interest' in the murder investigation of Nijjar This move escalated tensions, l e a d i n g t o t h e e x p u l s i o n o f diplomats by both sides In an interview with foreign media, H i g h C o m m i s s i o n e r S a n j a y Kumar Verma dismissed allegat i o n s o f i n v o l v e m e n t i n t h e killing, calling them “politically motivated” and stating, “No evid e n c e h a

n

d

nothing at all ” Canada’s partners in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance – the US, the UK, and Australia – have also backed the investigation

Additionally, US authorities have charged Vikash Yadav with

laundering” for his alleged role i

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun A US citizen and legal adviser for t

Pannun is a prominent advoc

Wray stated that Vikash Yadav, “ an Indian government employee, allegedly conspired with a criminal associate to assassinate a US citizen on American soil

Amendment rights

Sikhs for

Celebrities back Kamala as US presidential race nears finish line

native, told the crowd

nominee's events were headlined by prominent musicians from the American music industry A t H a r r i s ' s f i r s t s t o p

and rapper Lizzo warmed up the c r o w d w i t h

Harris," the musician, a Detroit

M i c h i g a n i s o n e o f a b o u t seven key swing states in the presidential race, which could tilt either towards the Democrat or her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump Later in the day, Harris visite d s t a t e o f G e o r g i a , a n o t h e r prominent state for the US elect i o n s I n G e o r g i a , m u s i c i a n U s h e r , s a n g w i t h t h e c r o w d before starting his speech "I feel that this is a momentous opportunity for each and every one of us It's just 17 days away from a very important election, as we all know, and we have the opportunity to choose a new generation of leadership for our country "

H a r r i s s v i s i t t o M i c h i g a n coincided with the first day of i n - p e r s o n e a r l y v o t i n g i n Detroit Michigan's online "voting dashboard" indicated that more than 1 million mail-in ballots had been received The chief operating officer

for Georgia's secretary of state, G a b r i e l S t e r l i n g , p o s t e d o n social media that turnout continues to be high Georgia's first day of early voting was October 1 5 ' C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o t h e c o u n t i e s a n d e s p e c i a l

great Georgia voters Y'all have broken another record Biggest t

i g n i n Michigan, Harris also took the opportunity to repeat her call for a ceasefire in Gaza She told media, "This creates an opening that I believe we must take full advantage of - to dedicate ourselves to ending this war and bringing the hostages home,"

Indians in New York mark festival of lights ahead of US election

N E W YO R K: Th e Indian co mmunity and several US citizens gathered at the Times Square in N ew York City to observe Diwali - th

festival o

ligh

groups Among the notable atten-

d

, New York State Assembly woman

General of India in New York, Binaya Pradhan

Mayor Adams took to social media platform X to address the

r Hindu brothers and sisters today for the annual Diwali at Times Square celebration as we push away the darkness and welcome in light all across our city," he wrote The official Twitter account of the Consulate General of India, New York also shared pictures of the glamourous celebrations on social media

played an instrumental role during the celebration The festivities

culminated in a ceremonial lighting of diyas (lamps), symbolizing hope and renewal

Diwali has been celebrated in the heart of New York City since 2013 As attendees gathered to witness this moment, they were reminded of the festival's core values and its ability to unite diverse communities

Diwali has also been officially recognized as a school holiday in New York City last year About 4 4 million Indian origin people reside in the US with persons of

the USA which have the

population of the Indian commu-

Consulate in Pennsylvania

Sikh separatist Pannun issues new terror threat, warns

O

S in g

Pa

issued a not her wa rning, cautioning passenge rs a gainst fl ying on A ir I n

November 1 and 1 9, citing pot ential threa ts in connection with the “40th an niversary of the Sikh genocide ” He sug gest ed t ha t a n atta ck coul d t ake place during this period on an Air India fl ight Pannun, the founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), holds dual citi-

similar threats around the same time last year The latest threat comes amid a series of bomb

threat hoaxes affecting multiple airlines in India It also coincides with heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, f

l l o w i n g

l l e g a

i o n s f r o m Canada accusing India of targeting Khalistani elements within its borders, including the murder o

Singh Nijjar

In November 2023, Pannun released a video warning that D

International Airport would be c

Agency has charged Pannun with criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity between religious groups,

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)

Last December, Pannun also

Air India flyers

Justin Trudeau & Narendra Modi

Kamala Harris

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

India and Pakistan should live like good neighbours: Nawaz Sharif

Fo r me r Pa k ist a n P r ime M in ist er

Na waz Sha rif said t hat India an d Pa kistan should "bury" t heir pa st a nd focus on building a positive

f

commen ts followed Ind ia n Foreign Ministe r S Jaishan ka r's r ecent visit

t o Is la m a b a d , w h i ch S h a r if de scr ibed a s a “good openin g ” I n d i s c u s s i o n s w i t h I n d i a n journalists, the three-time prime minister and president of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) urged both nations to engage and move forward collaboratively

" W e c a n

P

counterpart Ishaq Dar during the visit, even though there was no formal bilateral meeting between t h e f o r e i g n m i n i

margins of the SCO heads of govt summit in Islamabad The fact that the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in almost nine years went off without a hitch was seen as a positive development by the Indian govt As he departed after a 24-hour stay in Islamabad from the Nur

K h a n

said there was

brief pull aside, which lasted for 5 to 7 minutes, between Jaishankar and Dar on the sidelines of the dinner hosted by Sharif Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chief of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is learned to have joined Jaishankar and Dar

neighbours, neither can Pakistan nor can India We should live like good neighbours," the 74 year-old leader said When asked whether a bridge builder between the two c o u n t

“that is the role I am trying to play ” J a i s h

n k a r t r a v e

d t o Islamabad recently for a nearly 24hour trip to attend a conclave of t h e S h a n g h a i C o o p e r a t

d

o n Organisation (SCO), becoming the

first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in the last nine years that came amid continuing strain in ties

J a i s h a n k a r h a d “ c a s u a l conversations” with both Pakistan

5 killed as commandos storm Maoist fortress of Abujmarh

on G uerri lla Army (PLG A), ahead of elections in Mah arashtra next month

At least 2,500 rounds were fired

o p a r s h i , t h e l a s t v i l l a g e o n t h e Maharashtra side of the border with Chhattisgarh

The guns fell silent by sunset, enabling the 22 commando squads from Gadchiroli Police and the two CRPF quick-action teams to mop up and make a safe exit with the bodies of the slain Maoists, three of them

women O n e o f t h e m o r e d r a m a t i c

m o m e n t s o f t h e o p e r a t i o n i n A b u j m a r h , w h i c

i s g a r h , came when a woman pilot in the c o c k p i t o f a h i r e d P a w

Maoist fighters to hover a few feet above the encounter site and airlift a w o u n d e d c o m m a n d

treatment

The slain Maoists were part of P

Jaishankar, who had said recently t h a t I n d i

developments accordingly, thanked Sharif and Dar for the hospitality and courtesies

suggested resumption of bilateral cricketing ties as a way of “breaking the ice” Naqvi was later quoted as saying that Jaishankar’s visit was an ice-breaker even though neither side proposed a bilateral meeting P

Champions Trophy next year and would like India to participate

After Naidu, TN CM Stalin bats for more children

with guarding the dense forest a n

n g t e r r a i n o f

Abujmarh, the nerve centre of Maoists in Central India

The encounter spanned two s i t e s 7 k m a p a r t o n t h e

Chhattisgarh side of the socalled Red corridor C-60 and CRPF commandos moved inside the forest three days ago and were

c o m b i n g t h e a r e a f o r l a n d m i n e s before engaging with the guerrillas guarding the Maoist bastion and the outfit's top commanders

S o

Gadchiroli division of PLGA, dodged past the commando cordon as his bodyguards provided cover Home minister Amit Shah had set March

2 0 2 6 a s t h e d e a d l i n e f o r

Chhattisgarh and December 2025 for Maharashtra to wipe out Maoists from their states

Agencies probing terror link in blast near Delhi school

A p o w er fu l ex p lo s i v e w ent o f f o u t si d e C R P F P u b li c S c h o o l a t s ec tor 1 4 , Ro h ini , i n no rth w es t D el h i o n S u nd a y m o rn in g , d am agi ng the s cho ol’ s w all and s h at teri ng g las s p an es o f a c ar p arked near the spot and sho ps in the vicinity No one was injured

a lt h o ug h th e re w e re a ro u nd a d ozen men close to th e site

T h e l o u d b a n g a n d a t h i c k cloud of white smoke that could be seen from far, caused panic in the n e i g h b o u r h o o d T h e N S G , N I A and special cell were rushed to the spot They lifted a ‘white residue’ f r o m t h e s p o t b u t n o c i r c u i t , s h r a p n e l o r t i m e r d e v i c e w a s found, leaving the bomb disposal squads baffled

O n S u n d a y e v e n i n g , a T e l e g r a m g r o u p a l l e g e d l y

b e l o n g i n g t o b a n n e d o u t f i t , Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), c l a i m e d r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r t h e explosion It posted a message with a v e i l e d r e f e r e n c e t o L a w r e n c e

B i s h n o i a l o n g w i t h t h e C C T V footage of the blast The outfit is headed by Ranjeet Singh Neeta, originally from Jammu but now believed to be in Pakistan However, cops said they were treating the message as just a claim and were yet to establish KZF’s

hand in the blast The probe, though, was mainly focussed on the terror angle, an investigator said “This could be a way of

sleuths It could also be a dry run for a bigger blast during the o

hydrogen peroxide with a chlorate based chemical, given the white residue, sources said “But we will know the exact composition only

investigator said Strangely, the spot was in the direct view of a CCTV camera The footage shows that seconds before the blast, a biker passed the spot However, as of now, the biker’s role is unclear

Navya Haridas to face

A ft e r An d h ra Pr a d e s h CM Chandrab abu Na idu urged fam ilies to ha v e more chi ld re n, hi s Ta m il Nadu counte rpa rt, M K Stalin , toe d a simi lar line , though not so striden tly

Speaking at an event organised by Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments dept in Chennai, Stalin questioned the need to restrict families to fewer kids s i n c e s t a t e s , w h i c h e f f e c t i v e l y i m p l e m e n t p o p u l a t i o n c o n t r o l measures are penalised with lesser LS constituencies

“People in olden days used to wish thus: ‘Pathinarum petru peru vazhvu vazhga (Beget sixteen gifts to live a full life) ’ Today people wish to h a v e f e w e r c h i l d r e n a n d l i v e happily,” said Stalin

“In the scenario of a reduction in LS seats, however, a question arises on the need to restrict ourselves to few children A situation has risen

where we have to say let us also have 16 children,” Stalin said S t a l i n ’ s r e m a r k s c o m e s d a y s after Naidu announced that Andhra P r a d

south Indian states to have more children

However, unlike Naidu’s remarks, Stalin’s was not a direct appeal to people to have more kids But is likely

s population policy of having a single child Total fertility rate, or number of children born to women between 15 and 49 years of age in Tamil Nadu, is 1 4, one of the lowest in the country CMs of two southern states calling for families to have more children come in the wake of reports that Centre is p l a n n i n g t o r e a l i g n c o n s t i t u e n c i e s based on population

Ch ina said it lo dged a d iplomatic protest with Ind ia over the newly establi sh ed off ice of the T aip ei

E c o no m i c a nd C u l tu ra l C en tre (TEC C) o f Taiwan in Mum bai

There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, China's F o r e i g n M i n i s t r y s p o k e s p e r s o n Mao Ning told a media briefing replying to a question

commitment made by the Indian side and serves as the political

relations

China urges the Indian side to strictly abide by the commitments i t

corporation, wil

Wayan

profession, Haridas serves as the parliamentary party leader for BJP in the corporation She is also the state general secretary of Mahila Morcha, according to party sources

necessitated after Rahul Gandhi, who won the Lok Sabha elections from there and Rae Bareli, decided to vacate the seat

Meanwhile, BJP state general

candidate Bypolls are being held in Palakkad and Chelakkara after the MLAs from there were elected to the Lok Sabha earlier this year

C h i n a s t r o n g l y o p p o s e s a l l f o r m s o f o f f i c i a l c o n t a c t a n d interaction between Taiwan and c o u n t r i e s h a v i n g d i p l o m a

properly settle the Taiwan-related issues, not to conduct any form of official interaction with Taiwan and avoid disturbing the process t o i m p r o v e t h e C h i n a

I n d i a relationship, she said

The TECC in India opened a branch in Mumbai, bringing the number of its offices in India to three

The TECC previously had its offices in Delhi and Chennai

Jaishankar & Shehbaz Sharif

M K Stalin

India, China reach agreement on disengagement along LAC in Ladakh

In what coul d be ca ll ed a

h u ge b r e a k t h r ou g h, In d ia a nd China ha ve r eached an a g r e e m e n t o n r e sum i n g pat roll in g along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in east-

e rn Lada kh, fore ign se cre tary Vikra m Misri ann ounced

T h e p a t r o l l i n g h a d

s t o p p e d s i n c e t h e 2 0 2 0 Galwan clash While Misri

d i d n o t e l a b o r a t e , f o r e i g n m i n i s t e r S J a i s h a n k a r s a i d both sides with this “posi-

t i v e ” a g r e e m e n t h a v e r e t u r n e d t o t h e s i t u a t i o n that existed in 2020 and the disengagement process has been completed The minister also said Indian troops

w i l l a g a i n b e a b l e t o d o patrolling like it did before t h e s t a n d - o f f e r u p t e d i n 2020

The development, which followed a flurry of meetings

b e t w e e n I n d i a a n d C h i n a since July this year to complete disengagement in the remaining areas, has opened the door for a formal bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping

on the margins of the Brics summit in Kazan While the Indian side stopped short of officially confirming it, It has l e a r n t t h a t b o t h s i d e s a r e working to have the meeting on Oct 23 It’s likely to coinc i d e w i t h a f o r m a l announcement by both sides about the agreement

There was no comment by China on the issue, but Misri said India will be taking the next steps on the a

M o d i and Xi last had a formal bilate

9

Bilateral visits have been rare since the Galwan clash in

0 Indian soldiers were killed, with India maintaining the

India launches 4th nuclear-missile submarine

In the mid st of a diplomatic spat with C anada, India quiet ly lau n ch ed i ts f o ur th nu c l ear p o w ere d

all

st ic missile (SSBN) subm arine at Sh ip Build ing C enter (SBC) in V isakhap atnam th is w eek to strength its nu clear deterrence ag ainst its adversaries W

ties won’t become normal till disengagement is completed

restored in border areas

“We have gone back to where the situation was in 2020 You can say the disen-

China has been completed I’m sure more details will emerge in due course, ” said Jaishankar

Underscoring the import

,

Modi had said in an interview earlier this year both

l y address “the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us ”

Hooch tragedy death toll in Bihar rises to 65

The dea th toll due to the con sumpt ion of illicit liquor con tinues t o rise in Bihar At lea st 65 pe ople ha ve died in t he lat est hooch t rag edy so far including 48 in Siwan, 15 i n S a r a n , a n d t wo in G opalgan j H o w e v e r , t h e g o v e r nm e n t c o n f i r m e d t h a t t h e d e a t h c o u n t s t a n d s a t 3 7 with affected areas spanning over 16 villages in Chhapra

and Siwan districts Officials said over 100 more persons w

hospitals for treatment

P o l i c e s a i d t h a t t h e

Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed to investigate the hooch tragedy in the state, has arrested a liquor b u s i n e s s m a n , R a j n i k a n t , and 10 others in Siwan The team also conducted raids a n d u n e a r t h e d i l l e g a l

liquor distilleries in Patna, S a r a n , a n d M u z a f f a r p u r , seizing thousands of litres o f “ d e s i ” ( c o u n t r y - m a d e )

liquor

Meanwhile, the ongoing action by the SIT and the arrests put the spotlight on the failure of the administration in the sale and smuggling of illegal liquor This also underscores the need for tough enforcement

Secularism is basic, unamendable part of Constitution, says SC

E xpress ing its reservation o n al lowing a plea s eeking removal o f “ sec ular” and “ so cial is t” f rom the P reambl e of the C onstitution wh ic h w a s i nt ro d u c ed b y th e 4 2 nd am e nd me nt , S up re me C o u r t s ai d th a t s ec u l ar is m h a s bec ome p art and parcel of the Cons titution and is o ne o f its bas ic and “unamendable” featu res “Y ou do not want India to be sec ular?” it as ked the p etitioners

The court, however, agreed to examine Subramanian Swamy’s plea that the date the words “secular” and “socialist” were added to the Preamble should be mentioned

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar said that the concepts of “ secularism” and “socialism” that have evolved over the years in the country are unique, very much Indian and different from western models It said there are numerous verdicts of the apex court which declared the two concepts a basic part of the Constitution

It said socialism remains relevant even after liberalisation of the economy in the 1990s as it also stands for equality of opportu-

wealth among people and that philosophy is

The bench said that secularism practised in India is different from the French model and also that socialism followed in the country is different from the western concept

“There are a number of judgments of this court which hold that secularism was always part of the basic structure of the Constitution If one looks at the right to equality and the word fraternity used in the Constitution as well as the rights under Part III (Fundamental Rights), there is a clear indication that secularism has been held as the core feature of the Constitution I can cite cases for you When

Assembly, there was only the French model But it has evolved over the years in the country Supreme Court has struck down statutes which go against secularism You may look at Article 25, ” Justice Khanna told advocates Vishnu Shankar Jain and Ashwini Upadhyay

PM Modi launches BJP’s 'active member' drive

A fter the recent membersh ip campaign which w it nes sed o ver 90 mn regi strat io ns, P ri me

Mi ni ster Narend ra Mod i became the first to be enrolled as an “ ac ti ve member” of the BJP as he l a u nc h ed t h e p a rt y ' s “ S a kr i y a S ad as y at a

A bh iyan” , a campaign to enl ist acti ve members

He took his “Sakriya Sadasyata” (active membership) in the presence of BJP president J P Nadda and general secretary Vinod Tawde, who is convener of the nationwide membership drive An “active member” of the BJP has to enrol at least 50 persons as party members

in a booth or in an assembly seat Only active members take part in the party’s organisational elections, which will begin after the membership drive ends The party announced a four-member team headed by OBC Morcha chief K Laxman for the organisational polls

“As BJP Karyakarta, proud to become the first Sakriya Sadasya and launch the Sakriya Sadasyata Abhiyan today This is a movement which will further strengthen our Party at the grassroots,” the Prime Minister stated on X

commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 29, 2024, the third SSBN INS Aridhaman will be commissioned next year On October 9, the Cabinet

C

Navy’s plans for construction of two nuclear powered attack submarines to deter any adversaries in the IndoPacific

Although the Modi gov-

ernment is tight-lipped on

fourth SSBN, code named S

Singh inaugurated Very Low Frequency Naval Station in Damagundam forest area of

tions with strategic assets of the Indian Navy

The newly launched S4* SSBN has nearly 75% indigen

Maharashtra withdraws over 100 GRs after poll announcement

M a h ara sh tra g o v t w as forced to drop a tend er p ublished by th e M ah arash tra

T o u ri s m De v el o p m en t

C o r p o rat io n ap ar t f ro m withdrawing at least 1 12 gov t re so l u ti o ns ( GR s) i s s u ed after the m odel code of condu ct (M CC) came into force

T h i s , fo l lo w i ng q u eri es raised by th e Maharash tra C hief Electoral Office

As many as 359 GRs were issued on Oct 15, the same d a y w h e n a s s e m b l y p o l l s w e r e a n n o u n c e d A l s o , around 23 GRs were issued on October 16, the day after the model code came into force Later, the state govt w e b s i t e s h o w e d o n l y 2 4 7

GRs for October 15 and GRs issued on October 16 were reduced to 2 T h e w i t h d r a w a l c a m e after the media asked the chief electoral office about the potential violation of the poll code in issuing tenders and GRs In response, additional chief electoral officer

K i r a n K u l k a r n i s a i d , “ W e w i l l s p e a k t o t h e g o v t regarding tenders and GRs issued after 3 30 pm when the code of conduct came into force ” L a t e r K u l k a r n i s a i d , “The MTDC had decided to remove the tender But they removed it after we spoke to them in the evening ” He

allowed to be floated while the code was in force

Kulkarni also confirmed that all GRs issued after 3 30 pm on and after Oct 15 had been withdrawn after the chief electoral office spoke to the government “The government is only allowed to issue GRs which are not targeted at inducing voters The state has withdrawn all the GRs issued after 3 30 pm on the day the MCC came into force It will examine the GRs and reu p l o a d t h o s e w h i c h a r e w i t h i n t h e

said Kulkarni

Over 120 flights receive bomb threats over past 8 days

At least 30 flights of Indian a i rl in e s re c ei ve d bo mb threats via so cial media late M o nd ay , ta ki n g th e to t al number of su ch th reats to over 1 20 over the past eight da ys T e n f li gh ts e ac h o f I n di G o , A i r I n di a , a nd Vi stara are learnt to h ave rec eived th e threats, leading t o t h re e J ed da h - bo u nd IndiGo flights being diverted to other airports in the region Tata group airlines Air India and Vistara confirmed that some of their flights r e c e i v e d t h r e a t s l a t e Monday, but did not give the details of the affected flights According to sources in the know, they received threats for 10 flights each

I n d i a n a i r l i n e s h a v e been hit by a spate of bomb hoaxes since last Monday Most of the bomb threats h a v e c o m e f r o m a n o n ymous and unverified social media accounts The threats have sent the airlines, airports, and security agencies into a tizzy, and have forced a few flight diversions and strict post-landing security

checks and screenings in a number of cases

In a bulk of the cases, the social media accounts that posted the threats were set up only recently, and were suspended by X after the threats In some cases, the threats were issued for flights that had already been operated for the day or were not scheduled to operate

A l t h o u g h m o s t b o m b threats turn out to be fake, airlines as well as aviation a u t h o r i t i e s g l o b a l l y t a k e them with utmost seriousn

security checks, which often take a few hours, result in disruptions like delays and e v e n

e s c h e d u l i n

f t h e remainder of the flight in some cases, which hit the airlines financially The government plans t

action to deal with

s and make the punishments harsher to d

threats Among the moves in the works are changes to the Aircraft S

c h would allow culprits to be

Naidu

SOUTH INDIA

Amid row over Siddaramaiah land case, key official quits

M Y S U R U : M ysu ru urban d ev elop m ent

bod y chief K Mari Gowda resigned - he said he had been "instructed" to do so by K arnataka Chief M inister Sidd aram aiah -

a m i d a n o n g o in g s ta te and fe d er al investig ation into land scam allegations against him , his wife, and other members o f his family

Gowda, however, stressed no pressure had been brought to bear, and rejected any suggestion that the CM had ever asked him to do anything illegal

"The Chief Minister instructed me to resign and, following his direction, I have done so I also have health concerns There is a judicial inquiry that is on and that will continue," he told reporters

"There was no pressure for me to resign My health is genuinely not good so I am stepping down voluntarily I have known the CM for over 40 years He never asked me to do anything illegal, including anything related to MUDA (the Mysuru Urban Development Authority)," he said

Asked again if he was resigning to ' s a v e ' t h e C h i e f M i n i s t e r , G o w d a s a i d firmly, "No I am resigning on personal grounds I had a stroke twice I felt I could not continue so I have resigned Gowda i s a l o n g - t i m e a s s o c i a t e o

e C h i e f Minister and worked with him since 1983; he was made President of the Mysuru Taluk Panchayat in 1995, Vice President of the Zilla Panchayat in 2000, and promoted

PUNJAB

to the top post eight years later

Siddaramaiah has not responded to the resignation so far The Chief Minister faces cases filed by the Mysuru branch of t h e L o k a y u k t a , o r t h e s t a t e a n t icorruption body, and the Enforcement Directorate, a federal agency, as well as destruction of evidence charges

Specifically, Siddaramaiah faces claims that his wife was allotted 14 plots of landwhich he has said was a gift from her brother - in the upmarket Mysuru area of

elsewhere - holding a far lower valuetaken for infrastructure projects

Anti-corruption activists alleged this caused a loss of £4 5 mn to the state

Earlier this month the Mysuru Urban Development Authority agreed to take b

Minister's wife, BN Parvathi, but said this

investigation

Inquiry found sabotage behind Bagmati Express crash

CHENNA I: An official inquiry into the MysuruDa rb ha nga Bag mati Express a ccide nt has ind icated s ab ota ge , con fi rm i ng th at n uts an d b olts w e re rem ov ed from the track, causing the tra in to v eer off the mai n track on to the loop line a nd ram in to a stationa ry goods train a t Ka va rai petta i ra ilwa y station on Oct 1 1 Twe lv e coaches w ere de ra iled a nd 20 pe ople inj ured in a cci dent F i f t e e n r a i l w a y p e r s o n n e l , i n c l u d i n g t h e

trackman, loco pilot of the train and Kavaraipettai station master appeared before the Commissioner for Rail Safety A M Chowdhary They ruled out technical fault and confirmed that the nuts and bolts on the track were unfastened However, the report was kept confidential GRP assistant commissioner Karnan told that the trackman had confirmed that six bolts and nuts were removed Karnan told the police that it would take at least 30 minutes for an experienced person to do this; with a hand-held power gadget, it would take 15 to 20 minutes “The track man was on duty from 7 am to 5 pm on Oct 11, and he found no suspicious activity on the tracks during that time After that, there was no other person assigned to check tracks,” he added The sabotage is believed to have been carried out just before an EMU train passed through at 8 26 pm With the nuts and bolts removed, the track loosened further with the passage of the EMU train As a result, the Bagmati Express, which arrived 12 minutes later, moved to the loop line - a track that branches out from the main route and merges with it again after a short distance

Saini takes oath as Haryana CM for the second time

C H A N D I G A R H : N a y a b S i n g h

Saini was sworn in as Ha rya na CM for the secon d time, at a

ce r e m on y a t P a n c h k u la , att end ed by PM Modi, d efence min ist er R ajn a th Sin gh , h ome mi n i s t e r A m i t Sh a h , se v e r a l

cen t r al m in ist er s a n d C Ms of many BJP-ruled sta tes Saini inducted two women in his cabinet of 14, both from political dynasties of Haryana, as both their grandfathers served as CMs While Shruti Chaudhary is granddaughter of Bansi Lal, Arti Singh Rao is the granddaughter of Rao Birender Singh

A l a r g e c r o w d w a t c h e d

WEST BENGAL

oath of office to the low-profile OBC neta as chief minister and 13 others

Those sworn in as ministers include Anil Vij, Krishan Lal Panwar,

R

Mahipal Dhanda, Vipul G

Chaudhary, Arti Singh

While 11 of them were inducted as cabinet ministers,

R a j e s h Nagar were made ministers of state (independent charge) Anil

V i j t o o k o a t h o

Bengal doctors withdraw hunger strike after meet with Mamata

KO L KA T A: The protesting junior do ctors of Ben ga l h a ve w i t h d r aw n t h ei r i nd e f i ni te hunger s tri ke after a meeti ng with Ch ief Mi n i s t er Ma m at a B an er je e o n M on d a y Announcing the end to the "fast-unto-d eath" in Kolkata, they also c all ed off thei r prop osed stri ke acro ss h ospi tal s d ue on Tuesd ay Debashish Halder, one of the junior doctors, said, "In today's meeting (with the CM), we did get the assurance of some directives, but the body language of the state government was not positive"

" T h e c o m m o n p e o p l e h a v e wholeheartedly supported us They, as well as the parents of our deceased sister (RG Kar hospital victim), have been requesting us to call off the hunger strike, keeping in mind our deteriorating health We are t h e r e f o r e w i t h d r a w i n g o u r ' f a s t - u n t odeath' and also Tuesday's total shutdown in the health sector," he said

The doctors have been protesting since August following the horrific rape-murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and hospital The protest - which initially involved a 50-day cease workescalated to an indefinite hunger strike on October 5, flagging a 10-point demand that remained unmet even after a meeting with

the Chief Minister Besides justice for the RG Kar Hospital v

immediate removal of Health Secretary N S Nigam, improved workplace security, essential infrastructure like on-call rooms, C C

centralised hospital referral system and bed vacancy monitoring system In the two-hour meet with the Chief Minister at the state secretariat that was l

cropped up over two of the demandsremoval of state Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam and the recent suspension of 47 doctors of RG Kar hospital who were a c c u

culture"

NORTH-EAST

19 BJP MLAs seek Manipur CM Biren

Singh's removal

Nineteen BJP ML As in M anipur soug ht th e rem oval of Ch ief M inister N Biren Singh in a letter ad dressed to Prim e M inister Narendra M odi

According to a report, the signatories i n c l u d e A s s e m b l y S p e a k e r T h o k c h o m Satyavrat Singh and ministers Thongam Vishwajit Singh and Yumnam Khemchand Singh This move follows a key meeting in Delhi that brought together Meitei, Kuki, and Naga MLAs According to sources, five ruling party MLAs hand-delivered the letter to the Prime Minister

The MLAs expressed deep concern over the government's apparent failure to restore peace and normalcy in the conflict-ridden state They warned of increasing pressure from constituents, who are urging their representatives to resign if a swift solution is not found

"We, as fervent supporters of the BJP and having received a mandate from the people, feel a responsibility to save Manipur while also protecting the BJP from downfall in the state," the letter stated It emphasised that ousting the current chief minister is the only viable solution to the ongoing communal conflict

The signatories argue that deploying security forces alone cannot resolve the crisis They caution that prolonged conflict will cause irreparable harm to Manipur and d a m

instead for dialogue to foster reconciliation

, signalling that he was at no 2 position in the new govt Congratulating Saini and his ministers, Modi described the team as a wonderful mix of good g o v e r n a n c e a n d e x p e r i e n c e “ T h i s g o v t w i l l r e a l i s e t h e

d r e a m s o f p e o p l e a n d t a k e state’s development to a new high,” he posted on X in Hindi Saini thanked people of Haryana and the PM for his “inspirational leadership” “With full majority f o r t h i r d t i m e , B J P g o v t w i l l work with full energy for good governance, equality & welfare of poor, ” he wrote on X

Trinamool announces list of 6 candidates for Nov 13 by-polls

KOL KA TA: Tr in amool Congress announced the n ames of 6 ca ndida tes for the N ovemb er 13 Assembly bypoll sea ts, a day after the BJP ca me up with its l ist

A Trinamool news release announced its

Taldangra

Sangita Roy, the wife of Trinamool Cooch Behar MP Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia, will contest from the Sitai The seat fell vacant as Basunia, who had won in 2021, had to resign as MLA after winning the 2024 Lok Sabha polls Sangita heads the Sitai panchayat samiti

For Madarihat, a seat in Alipurduar district held by the BJP, TMC picked Jay Prakash Toppo, a young party worker, as the candidate The party named Falguni Singha Babu for Taldangra, Sujoy Hazra for Medinpur, Sheikh Rabiul Islam for Haroa and Sanat Dey for Naihati

Rabiul is the son of Haji Nurul Islam, the Basirhat MP who recently passed away The other three have been grassroots leaders for years, said sources

“Candidates have been selected from diverse backgrounds as the party intends to strengthen

empowerment,” said the TMC release

VIOLENCE FLARES UP IN MANIPUR’S JIRIBAM DISTRICT

Violence flared in Manipur’s Jiribam district as suspected militants set fire to two vacant farmhouses in a rubber plantation belonging to a village chief “Since Friday we have observed cases of arson and gunfire in Jiribam Beginning with the fire in a school followed by shooting in the vicinity of a police station and now farmhouses have been set on fire The situation in Jiribam is tense a senior police officer said Police sources said security forces responded promptly, rescuing gram panchayat pradhan L Somorendro from the area However, the attackers fled Ethnic hostility could be behind the attack, and miscreants could be involved, trying to pass off the arson as the handiwork of militants, police sources said An officer suggested that militants and miscreants may have collaborated to create chaos possibly exploiting ethnic tensions Violence in Jiribam came after months of calm in the region, following the outbreak of ethnic clashes in Manipur in May last year Tensions began in June this year after the killing of a 59-year-old man sparked retaliatory attacks, including the burning of houses belonging to both Meitei and Kuki communities

ANOTHER SIKKIM DEMOCRATIC FRONT LEADER RESIGNS

Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) leader Pintso Chopel Lepcha tendered his resignation from the party citing personal reasons for his decision The announcement comes as a significant development for the party which has faced challenges in recent months In his resignation letter addressed to the party president Lepcha expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received during his time with the SDF Due to personal reasons, I can no longer continue my involvement with the party, he stated This announcement follows the resignation of another senior party member, former MLA Manita Pradhan, who stepped down from her primary membership just a day earlier, expressing her desire to withdraw from active political activities Manita's resignation on October 17 came in the wake of the SDF's disappointing performance in the general elections held on April 19, 2024, where the party faced a total debacle In her resignation letter addressed to the party president, Pawan Chamling

Nayab Singh Saini & Narendra Modi

Siddaramaiah

Mamata Banerjee

India ready to help end Russia-Ukraine war: PM Modi to Putin

part in the 16th Brics summ i t , w h i c h w i l l c o n

peac eful mann er, ” said PM M odi

H e a r r i v e d i n K a z a n , Russia, on Tuesday to take

in cen tral Ka shmir’s G anderb al district T

Dr Shahnawaz from Budgam in central Kashmir; migrant

Faheem Nazir, Mohd Hanief, and Abdul Kaleem Several others were wounded in the

b i g g e s t a n d f i f t h t a r g e t e d attack in Kashmir this year

Ther attack is the second since the new coalition govt led by CM Omar Abdullah assumed office in J&K on Oct

1 6 O m a r , w h o r e p r e s e n t s

G a n d e r b a l a s s e m b l y c o nstituency, posted on X: “Very sad news of a dastardly and cowardly attack on non-local labourers The casualty figure from the Gagangir attack is not final as there are a number of injured labourers, both local & non-local ” Sources said locals were also wounded in the attack on a temporary camp near the construction site of Apco Infratech, which is building the 6 5 km Z-Morh tunnel for all-weather connectivity between Gagangir and the t o u r i s t h u b o f S o n a m a r g

T h e h i g h w a y c o n n e c t s Kashmir valley with Ladakh The project was nearly com-

Continued from Page 1

Index could provide additional government funding a n

c

s i g

f i c a n t resources in domestic capital markets This is only a f i r s t s t e p - i n v e s t o r s w i l l c o n t i n u e l o o k i n g f o r improved market access and settlement procedures," S&P said

In its report titled 'Look forward Emerging Markets: A decisive decade', S&P said emerging markets will play a crucial role in shaping the

next decade, averaging 4 06

ship The summit is expected to cover a broad range of issues, including economic c

change, and digital inclusion

During the summit, PM M o d i i s h o l d i n g b i l a t e r a l meetings with his counterparts from Brics member nations and other invited leaders I

s commitment to close cooperation within Brics, calling t

H e highlighted the significance o

B

’ e x p

n l a s t year, which welcomed new m

m b e r s , b r o

n i n g i t s inclusivity and adding to its agenda for global progress “I look forward to extensive discussions on wide range of subjects,” Modi said

The key topics on the B r i c s a g e n d a i n c l u d e enhancing economic coope r a t i o n , p r o m o t i n g t r a d e settlement in national currencies, addressing climate change through PM Modi’s LiFE mission, and fostering

plete and was slated to be inaugurated in the first week of Nov U n i o n h o m e m i n i s t e r Amit Shah condemned the killings and promised that t h o s e “ i n v o l v e d i n t h i s h e i n o u s a c t w i l l n o t b e s p a r e d a n d w i l l f

harshest response from our

A

moment of immense grief, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the d

P

injured,” he posted on X

Highways minister Nitin Gadkari also condemned the

underscored the disturbing t

man from Bihar’s Banka district was found riddled with bullets in a maize field in south Kashmir’s Shopian district On April 8, a tourist cab driver from Delhi was critically wounded in Shopian, while a 35-year-old labourer from Bihar was shot dead in Anantnag on April 17

digital and financial inclusion for marginalized communities

There will be a 'Kazan Declaration' at the end of the summit, when five new Brics members will be formally added

The Brics summit visit is PM Modi's second visit to Russia this year He had been to Moscow in July to

where he held a bilateral meeting with Putin He was also conferred with Russia's highest civilian award, the

Apostle at the Kremlin

Besides Putin, Modi will meet Chinese President Xi

Th e United States h as ch arged a fo rm er I nd i a n i nte ll ig enc e o f f ic er fo r a ll eg e d ly directing a foiled plot to murder a Sikh separatist and Ind ian critic in New Yo rk City, with the FBI warning against such a retaliation aimed at a U S resident

A n i n d i c t m e n t o f V i k a s h Y a d a v w a s ordered to be unsealed on October 17 The US Justice Department indictment mentioned Yadav as a former officer in India’s Research and Analysis Wing spy service

W a s h i n g t o n h a s

agents were involved in an attempted assassination plot against Sikh separatist leader

U S -

Canadian citizen

“The FBI will not tolerate acts of violence or other efforts to retaliate against those residing in the US for exercising their constitutionally protected rights,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement

The indictment alleged that beginning in May 2023, Yadav, described as an employee

o f t h e I n d i a n g o v e r n m e n t a t t h e t i m e , worked together with others in India and

bilateral talks with leaders from the other Brics mem-

India's support in seeking

peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war

Addressing a press conference, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “I can confirm that there will be a bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping on the

Summit”

days after India and China

talks regarding the standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh

abroad to direct a plot against Pannun The indictment described Pannun as a political activist, a critic of the Indian government and an advocate for a separate homeland for Sikhs Yadav, 39, was still in India and the United States was expected to seek his extradition, the Washington Post reported, citing American officials

The indictment said Yadav had hired an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta whom the US Justice Department has previously charged with trying to arrange the murder of Pannun at the behest of the Indian intelligence official

Yadav recruited Gupta “to orchestrate the assassination of the victim in the United States,” the indictment, filed in federal court in Manhattan, said

Gupta traveled to Prague from India last June and was arrested by Czech authorities before being extradited to the US where he pleaded not guilty in a court in June The indictment charged Yadav with “murderfor-hire and money laundering ”

Omar picks ex-BJP man from Jammu as deputy, Cong opts

C o n g re ss o p te d o u t o f j o i ni ng

Union territory

J&K’s first elected

g o v t “ ti ll st ateh o o d is r est o red ” , wh ile a recent National Conference

recru it from BJP - Surind er Kumar

Ch oudh ary of Jamm u ’ s Nowshera -

m a d e th e c u t a s C M Om ar

Abd ullah ’ s deputy in the six-m ember INDIA bloc ministry th at took the oath of office in the p resence of alliance bigw igs last w eek

Javed Ahmed Rana (Mendhar) of NC and Independent Satish Sharma (Chhamb) were the other two from

p e r c e n t G D P g r o w t h through 2035, compared to 1 59 per cent for advanced economies By 2035, emerging markets will contribute about 65 per cent of global economic growth This growth will be driven mainly by emerging e c o n o m

Philippines

"Also by 2035, India will be cemented as the world's third-largest economy, with Indonesia and Brazil ranking eighth and ninth, respectively," S&P said Abhishek Tomar, HeadS&P Global India Leadership

Jammu to be sworn in, reflecting Omar’s attempt to balance representation between the two divisions of J&K Sakina Itoo (Noorabad in Kulgam), who lost her father and exspeaker Wali Mohammad Itoo to terrorist bullets in 1994, is the lone woman in the cabinet Javid Ahmad Dar (Rafiabad in Baramulla) completes the line-up That the two Hindu faces in Omar’s cabinet - Choudhary and Congress ‘rebel’ Sharma - are both p

prospects are healthy and filled with opportunities in

trade, agriculture, and AI, likely structural reforms and

J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina in this election, while Sharma relegat-

C

and ex-deputy CM Tara Chand to third in the vote stakes L G clears statehoo d resolution Meanwhile, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha has cleared a resolution of Omar Abdullah’s cabinet urging the Centre to restore the statehood to the Union territory, officials said The resolution was approved by Omar’s govt, a day after

global economic landscape

Markets: India is the fastest-

, with an 8 2% growth rate in FY 2024, surpassing earlier e s t i m a t e s C o n t i n u e d r e f o r m s a r e c r u c i a l t o improving business transactions and logistics, boosting p r i v a t e s e c t o r i n v e s t m e n t , a n d r e d u c i n g r e l i a n c e o n p u b l i c c a p i t a l T h e e q u i t y markets are expected to stay d y n a m i c a n d c o m p e t i t i v e d u e t o s t r o n g g r o w t h prospects and better regulation Foreign inflows into

out

he was sworn in Omar told NC workers that his administration would get back what was “snatched” but did not mention whether that will include J&K’s special status under Article 370 and related provisions abrogated by the Centre in 2019 According to an official spokesperson, restoration of statehood will be the beginning of a “healing” process by newly elected

rights and protecting the identity of J&K people

I n d i a n g o v e r n m e n t b o n d s have surged since the country joined major emerging market indexes, with further growth anticipated Geopolitical Strategy & Trade: To maximize trade benefits, India must develop infrastructure and geopolitic a l s t r a t e g i e s , p a r t i c u l a r l y r e g a r d i n g i t s e x t e n s i v e c o a s t l i n e N e a r l y 9 0 % o f I

r a d

n e , n e c e s s i t a t i n g r o b u s t p o r t i n f r a s t r u c t u r e t

Agriculture:

Narendra Modi & Vladimir Putin

PM Modi along with Spanish PM to inaugurate aircraft plant in Vadodara

V adodara on Oct ober 28

collaboration between Tata

A d v a n c e d S y s t e m

L i m i t e d and Spain's Airbus Defence and Space (Airbus DS), will produce the first 'Made in I n d i a C - 2 9

m e d

m

tactical transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF)

U n d e r t h e a g r e e m e n t ,

T a t a A d v a n c e d S y s t e m s -

s e l e c t e d a s t h e I n d i a n

Production Agency (IPA) by Airbus DS - will produce 40 fly-away C-295 aircraft from i t s f a c i l i t i e s a n d w i l l subsequently provide MRO support and service for the total 56 aircraft that will be procured by IAF

T h e p r o j e c t a i m s t o deliver the first aircraft by

2026

October 27 The two leaders will jointly launch the plant a

industrialists Though plans

confirmation is pending for security reasons

will hold bilateral discussions and have lunch at Vadodara's iconic Laxmi Vilas Palace

address

public rally He is also scheduled to inaugurate

Savji Dholakia, and will lay

projects

PM Modi will return to

, concluding his one-day visit to Gujarat Home Minister

Gujrat on October 22

India signs £2.8bn deal with US for 31 Predator drones

B y 20 29, I n d ia w il l ha v e e n ough sa te l li te cont rol l e d

v e r s a t il e 'b i r ds ’ for l on g -

r a n g e r e co n n a is sa n ce missions ove r la nd and sea,

a n d t h e n de st r o y se l e c t e d

t arget s with pr ecision , in a major boost for the countr y ’ s u n ma nn e d w a r fa r e capab il ities

India inked the £2 8 bn ($3 3 billion) contract with the US govt for the 31 “birds”

o r w e a p o n i s e d M Q - 9 B ₹Predator’ remotely-piloted aircraft, along with another £435 mn ($520 million) deal

w i t h d r o n e - m a n u f a c t u r e r

General Atomics to set up a MRO facility here

“Under the deal, the first MQ-9B high-altitude longe n d u r a n c e ( H A L E ) d r o n e will be inducted by Jan 2029, w i t h a l l t h e 3 1 b e i n g delivered in batches by Oct 2030 The birds’ will provide a quantum jump in the ISR ( i n t e l l i g e n c e , s u r v e i l l a n c e

a n d r e c o n n a i s s a n c e )

c a p a b i l i t i e s o f o u r a r m e d forces,” an official said The two such unarmed drones taken on lease from General Atomics since Sept 2020 –one of them crashed in Septhave certainly helped India k

p y vessels in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as well as the P e o p l e ’ s L i b e ra t i o n A rmy ’ s buildup along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control

“ D R D O , u n f o r t u n a t e l y , has not been able to develop

s u c h l o n g - r a n g e ' h u n t e rkiller’ drones, which are also c a p a b l e o f a n t i - s u b m a r i n e w a r f a r e , t i l l n o w W e especially need them for the IOR,” the official added Consequently, 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardians are earmarked for the Navy, while the Army and IAF will get eight Sky Guardians each, all armed with Hellfire missiles, GBU3 9 B p r e c i s i o n - g u i d e d g l i d e bombs and other weapons

r m e d e f f

l y o n l y i n p l a c e s l i k e Afghanistan where there was n o h o s t i l e a i r f o r c e o r a d

“The MQ-9Bs we will get are the latest variant capable of

distances,” he said The MQ9 B

endurance The fighter-sized

configuration, at altitudes of 40,000-50,000 feet They are

drones like Cai Hong-4 and W

T h e o f f i c i a l b r u s h e d a s i d e c r i t i c i s m a b o u t t h e “ h i g h costs” involved as well as that Predator or Reaper drones h a v e p e

Pakistan

CJI proposes Justice Khanna as his successor

C JI D Y C handrach ud has w ritten to the U nion g ovt p rop osing the appo intment o f Justice S anjiv Khanna as C JI on Nov 11 , a d ay after he retires Justice Khanna will h av e a six month tenure as h ead of the judiciary, and retire on May 13 next year

J u s t i c e C h a n d r a c h u d , the 50th CJI, proposed the a p p o i n t m e n t o f

i c e Khanna as his successor in a c o m m u n i c a t i o n

d d

e

s e d to law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal He handed over a

copy of that letter to J u s t i c e K h a n n a i n presence of judges of SC J u s t i c e K h a n n a , who was appointed as a judge of Delhi high c o u r

,

elevated as a judge of Supreme Court on Jan 18, 2019, during the tenure of CJI Ranjan

Sanjiv Khanna

S C Judge H R Khanna, Justice K h a n n a h

Russian man rescued from sea after 67 days

A Russian man was rescued in the stormy Sea of Okhotsk after surviving for more than two months in a tiny inflatable boat that lost its engine, but his brother and nephew have died, officials said The prosecutor’s office said that the man was rescued by a fishing vessel off the Kamchatka Peninsula It didn’t name the survivor, but Russian news reports identified him as 46-year-old Mikhail Pichugin, who in early August set on a journey to watch whales in the Sea of Okhotsk together with his 49-year-old brother and 15-year-old nephew Their bodies were reportedly found in the boat when the Angel fishing vessel rescued Pichugin Media reports said the three men traveled to the Shantar Islands off the northwestern shore of the Sea of Okhotsk in early August They went missing after setting off for Sakhalin Island from Cape Perovsky in the Khabarovsk region on Aug 9 Russian media reported that the trio had a small food ration and about 20 liters of water when their engine failed and they found themselves adrift

Pumpkin weighing 2,471 pounds wins contest

A Minnesota horticulture teacher remained the reigning champion of an annual pumpkin-weighing contest in Northern California where his massive gourds have won the top prize four years in a row Travis Gienger, of Anoka, Minnesota, beat his closest competitor by 6 pounds (2 7 kg) to clinch the crown at the 51st World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay His winning gourd came in at 2,471 pounds (1,121 kg), falling short of the world record he set last year with a pumpkin weighing 2,749 pounds (1,247 kg) Gienger, 44, said that as he has done in the past, he focused on having healthy soil and well-fed plants but that a cold fall impacted his pumpkin’s growth “We had really tough weather and somehow, some way, I kept on working,” Gienger said “I had to work for this one, and we got it done at the end, but it wasn’t by much ”

Man gets Ratan Tata's face tattooed on chest

Tattoo artist Mahesh Chavan recently shared a heartfelt video of a client who came to get a tattoo of Ratan Tata on his chest In the video, the man recounted a heart-touching story about why he considers the industrialist a real-life God He revealed that a few years ago when his friend was suffering from cancer, they tried to get treatment at a big hospital However, the high cost made it impossible for his friend to continue This is when they learnt about Tata Trusts, which made a significant impact by providing his friend with free medical treatment In the clip, the man expressed his deep admiration for the countless lives saved by the Tata Trusts and how his personal experience inspired him to follow Ratan Tata's principles He also revealed that he views the industrialist as a "real-life God" and sees the tattoo as a small token of appreciation for Tata's invaluable contributions

Damian Lewis herds sheep over a London bridge

Actor Damian Lewis drove a flock of sheep across the River Thames in homage to a centuries-old tradition Lewis is among thousands of people granted the honorary title of Freeman of the City of London, which in medieval times came with the right to bring livestock across the river to market without paying tolls More than 1,000 freemen exercised that right in the annual London Sheep Drive, many wearing black hats and red cloaks Lewis wore his grandfather’s wool coat and carried a crook as he led the throng herding the animals over Southwark Bridge “It was fabulous,” said Lewis, star of “Band of Brothers,” “Homeland” and “Wolf Hall ” Lewis was asked to represent the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, a trade guild dating to the 12th century He said he was pleased to be part of “this eccentric, very British day, honoring an old tradition ” Manny Cohen, Master Woolman at the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, said the ancient sheepdriving tradition was revived about 15 years ago and has become a major charity fundraising event

Man walks into hospital with snake that bit him

A man arrived in a hospital in Bhagalpur district of Bihar, tightly gripping a venomous Russell’s Viper from its neck, after it bit his right hand Villagers and family members said Prakash Mandal, 48, a native of Meerachak village, was returning home when a snake bit him Sources said Mandal promptly caught hold of the reptile’s neck before rushing to the nearby Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital for treatment Witnesses said that on seeing him with a deadly snake, doctors and nurses were terrified, asking him to first release the snake outside the hospital premises before attending to him Mandal, though, refused to let go of the snake and as his treatment got delayed, he began writhing in pain Eventually, he lay on the floor of the hospital still holding on to the snake

Zuckerberg turns nail artist for daughter

Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently shared a video on Instagram showing him taking on the role of a nail artist for his daughter The billionaire shared the video with the caption, "Leveling up dad skills with multiple screens on Quest 3S " The clip shows Zuckerberg painting his daughter's nails with vibrant colours and sparkles In the video, Zuckerberg hunches over a table and carefully paints his daughter's nails in different colours "I crushed it," he says after finishing the task The clip ends with the little one showing off her nail art This father-daughter video has gone viral It has garnered over 20,000 likes and over 625,000 views Reacting to the clip, one user wrote, "Bruh went from CEO to stylists for his daughter upgrade "

When pet dog travels on Mumbai local

Mumbai's iconic local trains have long been the city's lifeline For daily commuters, these trains are more than just a mode of transport - they're a shared experience, fostering a deep connection with fellow travellers Recently, a video of a pet dog taking a ride in the Mumbai local along with its human went viral An Instagram video shared by Srijani Das showed Minnie, a golden retriever, snugly nestled in her owner's backpack, bringing instant joy to fellow commuters While many travellers gently petted her, others enthusiastically waved, smitten by her adorable charm ''Mumbai, where locals are friendly and so are their dogs! Meet Minnie, the golden retriever who stole hearts (and pats) on our train ride,'' the video was captioned on Instagram Since being posted on Instagram, the clip has gone viral, captivating audiences and amassing more than 100,000 likes The comments section is filled with heart and love emojis, as people can't get enough of Minnie's train ride One user wrote, ''Only in Mumbai can you find such moments amid the chaos ''

Narendra Modi & Pedro Sanchez

Diet, lifestyle can help prevent breast cancer

M aint aining a he althy weight, ex ercising r egular ly, followin g a he alt hy, ba la nced d iet, an d limit ing e xposure to e nvir onm ent al t oxins are pr oven wa ys to red uce brea st ca ncer r isk Bre ast ca ncer mort ality ra tes have falle n in re cent y ear s, but e ar ly -on set of bre ast can ce r is on the r ise

Moreover, disparities in mortality rates among women of color persist compared to white women Black women face higher risks of triple-negative breast cancers and have the lowest survival rates for nearly every breast cancer sub type and stage, a report shows

Driving breast cancer rates in all females, aside from any genetic predisposition, are myriad factors, many of which are modifiable byproducts of modern-day living

Recent research has shown that, in 19 out of 30 types of cancer, nearly half of all cases in the United States are linked to modifiable risk factors A significant proportion of these cancer cases affect females, including breast cancer One possible culprit? Alcohol A progress report from the American Association for Cancer Research linked alcohol consumption to a higher risk for six cancer types, including breast cancer

Other factors, such as overweight and obesity, difficulty following a healthy diet, and exposure to environmental toxins, also play a role in breast cancer development

“If you look at modern life, where people are not having babies until later, they’re not breastfeeding, they’re drinking a lot, or they’re overweight and not exercising, they’re not eating well, or they’re using pharmaceutical hormones for an extended time, it’s a combined set of reasons why breast cancer is more common today than it used to be, including in young women ”

Replacing ultra-processed foods can lower type 2 diabetes risk

A new stud y has found that rep lacing ultra-processed foo ds ( UPFs) in your diet can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes The study investigated the relationship between the degree of food pro cessing and type 2 diabetes risk, includ ing w hich kinds of UPFs w ere hig hest risk

The researchers found that every 10% increase in the amount of ultra-processed foods in a person ’ s diet is linked with a 17% increase in type 2 diabetes risk, but this risk can be lowered by consuming less processed foods instead

The highest risk UPF groups were savory snacks, animalbased products such as processed meats, ready meals, and sugar-sweetened and artificially-sweetened beverages

Explaining why eating ultra-processed foods appears to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a specialist dietitian, noted that UPFs are often high in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and unhealthy fats

These foods can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance when overconsumed, which Ludlam-Raine said is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes

“Additionally, UPFs typically have a low fiber content, contributing to poor blood sugar regulation and reduced satiety,” she said “In turn, this can cause overconsumption and weight gain, both of which increase diabetes risk ”

Workplace well-being efforts barely scratching the surface

Despite 71% of UK em pl oyer s currently of

avail able support and the ac tual needs of

oyee

A staggering 83% of professionals

mental health at work within the past year, with over a quarter encountering these issues regularly A recent survey conducted by Robert Walters, which polled 3,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, reveals that while many companies are enhancing their wellbeing offerings such as mental health support (71%), Cycle-to-work schemes (65%), healthcare vouchers (48%), and discounted gym memberships (43%), these initiatives often fail to address the

health effectively

A

, mental health concerns have recently surpassed cancer and obesity as the most pressing health issue for Britons Habiba Khatoon, Director of Robert Walters Midlands, stated, “While it’s e

employers are ramping up their wellbeing benefits, our research shows that the interventions currently on offer are

y supporting professionals’ well-being ”

Ar e well-being be ne fits jus t a boxtick ing exercis e?

professionals reported accessing their

support in the past eight months When asked why, 58% indicated that these benefits often feel like a mere ‘boxticking exercise’ rather than offering any substantial support Additionally, 29% felt the services provided needed improvement

Khatoon emphasised that typical employee well-being programmes often

include mental health apps, physical health checks, and supplements “While these interventions can be useful, they only put a plaster on the real cause of mental ill health, which can stem from increased stress or professionals feeling overworked,” she noted Rising e conom ic inactivity T

inactivity in the UK, which currently s i t s a t 2 1 9 % , e x c

s estimates A significant portion of this is attributed to long-term sick leave, w

accounting for a large percentage The UK economy loses around £138 billion annually due to workplace sickness, underscoring the urgency for effective

interventions

K h a t o o n w

r n e d , “ W i t h p a s t criticisms of the UK fostering a ‘sick note culture,’ it’s crucial that employers not only empathise with their staff but also provide adequate support for their w

absences ”

Dem and f or enhanced wel l-b eing interventions

I n t e r e s t i n g l y , 2 9 % o f U K professionals consider employee wellbeing programmes the most important benefit when evaluating job offers This f i g u r e r i s e s t o 4 3 % a m o n g H R professionals and 31% within General Management Notably, one-third of CSuite professionals prioritise well-being

memberships

K

professionals are voicing the need for their employers to do more to support their well-being at work This isn’t an issue confined to a specific industry or job level However, the effectiveness of the measures employers are taking in response remains to be seen ” A c all for meaningful ch ange

U K professionals believe their employers

Create a regular sleep routine Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including weekends This consistency helps regulate your body's internal clock, making it easier to drift off and wake up naturally. Strive for 7-9 hours of restorative sleep each night to feel refreshed and revitalised.

facilitating consistent check-ins with employees

supporting their staff’s mental health and well-being now will benefit from increased employee loyalty for years to come ”

Standing for more than two hours can increase risk of circulation problems

Researchers have conc luded tha t sp en di ng m ore t han two hours standing a day was linked to an increased li k e li h oo d of c i rc u la t or y problems, s uch as varicos e veins and deep vein thrombosi s, with the risk being rai se d by 11 per c ent f or ev e ry a dd i t i on a l 3 0 mi nutes

T h e s t u d y a l s o f o u n d that sitting for long stretche s w a s l i n k

a n increased likelihood of card i o v

r sitting for 10 hours, the risk increased by 26 per cent for every extra hour In con-

t r a s t , s t a

d chance of heart problems

Overall, the researchers said the findings reinforced the n e e d f o r m o r e p h y s i c a l activity throughout the day Dr Matthew Ahmadi of Sydney University, who was t h e l e a d a u t h o r o f t h e r e s e a r c h , s a i d : “ T h e k e y

takeaway is that standing for too long will not offset a n o t h e r w i s

n t a r y lifestyle and could be risky for some people in terms of circulatory health

A researcher said people who regularly sat for long p e r i o d s s h o u l d i n c l u d e “plenty of incidental movement” throughout the day “Structured exercise may be a better way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, ” he added “ T

walk around, go for a walking meeting, use the stairs a n d

tances Or use that lunch hour to get away from the desk and do some movement ”

“We found that standing more does not improve cardiovascular health over the long term and increases t h e r i s k o f c i r c u l a t o r y issues ”

Heart health could lower your dementia risk later in life

If yo u want a healthy brain later in l if e, take care of you r heart to day - o r, better yet, as earl y in yo ur lif e as p oss ible

That’s th e mess age of a new scientific statement from th e American Heart Ass ociatio n (AHA) address ing the co mp l e x r e l at io ns h ip b e tw

n hear t disea se and co gnitive decl ine

According to the authors, the brain and heart should not be considered unrelated

organ systems, but reciprocal, i n t e r d e p e n d e n t , s y s t e m sespecially as far as disease pathogenesis is concerned

“The fates of the heart a n d b r a i n a r e i n t r i c a t e l y intertwined,” said Fernando D Testai, professor of neurolo g y a n d r e h a b

vascular neurology fellowship director at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and stroke medical director at t

Hospital in Chicago “ T h e i

between the brain and the heart has long been recognized For instance, heart disease can impact the brain by increasing the risk of stroke or reducing cardiac output, as occurs in patients with

The statement expands u

Habiba Khatoon

Akshay, Ananya and Madhavan team up for a film

Actors Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan and Ananya Panday will feature in an upcoming movie on acclaimed lawyer C Sankaran Nair, who fought a legal battle against the British empire in the 1920s. The film is based on the book 'The Case That Shook the Empire' by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat.

Scheduled to be released in theatres on March 14, 2025, the untitled movie is backed by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions in collaboration with Akshay's Cape of Good Films and Leo Media Collective The film will mark the directorial debut of writer Karan Singh Tyagi

According to the studio, the film centres around the "shocking cover-up of a massacre that pushed India's top barrister C Sankaran Nair to fight an unprecedented battle against the British Empire"

'The Case That Shook the Empire' was published in 2019 by Bloomsbury India and explored the 1924 defamation trial in which Michael O'Dwyer, former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab and the architect of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, sued Sankaran Sankaran had criticised British atrocities in Punjab in his book, leading to the widely reported trial that exposed the brutalities of British rule in India

Kajol recalls Shah Rukh's valuable advice

Kajol

recently reflected on her struggles during her initial phase as an actor In an interview, she revealed that she once considered quitting acting after her third film

During this tough time, Shah Rukh Khan's valuable advice inspired her to continue pursuing her passion Kajol, while reflecting on her initial acting phase stated, “So I did a film long back called Udhaar Ki Zindagi' That was, I think, my third film I was very new I must have been about 17 or 18 at that time And I remember, I finished the film And I remember before that, Shah Rukh was like, ‘ you know you just have to learn how to act’ ” She further said, “I was like, what is this? What is he talking about? Of course, I'm doing a fabulous job But I did this film called 'Udhaar Ki Zindagi' And I'm finishing the film And I remember turning around and telling my mother at that time, 'You know, mom, I'm done Wow I'm burnt out At the tender age of 18-and-a-half, I am done I cannot move anymore I cannot cry anymore I cannot put glycerine anymore I can't, I don't want to do these films

anymore I want to do, you know, four scenes, ten songs ' I wanted to do such films And I signed four films like that So that's where 'Gunda Raj', 'Hulchul', all these films came out from I learnt the technique of acting after that ” Kajol made her Bollywood debut with 'Bekhudi' (1992) She later acted in popular Hindi films such as 'Baazigar' (1993), 'Karan Arjun' (1995), 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (1995), 'Gupt' (1997), 'Ishq' (1997), 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' (1998) and 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)

Priyanka steps aside at event to click pictures with little fans

Priyanka Chopra is back in India after a long time. The actor is currently in Mumbai where she attended the launch of her new makeup brand 'Max Factor' In a video shared by paparazzi accounts and later circulated by fan clubs on social media, Priyanka exited the venue after the event and

walked towards her car Here, she pauses briefly and steps aside to pose with some children waiting for her The actor readily poses with her little fans and gives them all a smile before walking back to her car She waves to the paparazzi once again right before getting into her car Her gesture had fans

floored "She is a sweetheart," wrote one Another commented, "Queen of hearts " Many praised the actor for 'staying humble' despite her stardom

According to a source, she was in Mumbai for the launch of her makeup brand Max Factor “Priyanka is coming for a very special reason, and it

is the launch of makeup brand Max Factor in India There is a big event happening in Mumbai that will mark the foray of the beauty brand in India A lot of global media has also come down to India to cover the event,” the source said The launch of Max Factor took place at a glittering event in Mumbai

Salman Khan to import bulletpro car after fresh death threat

Salman Khan is taking his safety and security very seriously amid new death threats to him.

The actor has been on the radar of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang for quite some time now. But days after the murder of political leader and his friend Baba Siddique, the actor received fresh death threats. Following this, his security has been beefed up And now it's reported that the actor is sparing no expense in ensuring his safety

According to a report, Salman has bought a bulletproof Nissan Patrol SUV Since the car is not available in the Indian market, the star is reportedly getting it imported from Dubai The

car's price tag is around £200,000, and it is estimated that a significant amount will be spent to get the car to India quickly

According to the specifications of the car available online, the SUV boasts several advanced safety measures, such as explosive alert indicators, thick glass shields to prevent point-blank bullet shots, and camouflage black shades to prevent the driver or passenger from being identified Salman had purchased and imported another bulletproof car from the UAE last year as well, when he and his father, Salim Khan received death threats from the Bis gang for the first time

The Indian Express relaunched its iconic film magazine, Screen, at a gala event headlined by Shraddha Kapoor. The 'Stree 2' star unveiled the brand new Screen and also became the face of its first-ever digital cover. At the event, Shraddha was joined by two other celebrated Bollywood figures - filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani and actor Vijay Varma. It’s after 11 years that Screen is returning to The Indian Express fold. The event kicked off with the digital cover launch Shraddha then took part in ‘Screen Live,’ engaging in a conversation with Jyoti Sharma Bawa, Indian Express Online Entertainment Editor, discussing her life, career and stardom, especially after the success of 'Stree 2', the horror-comedy that made history at the box office recently The launch event was followed by ‘Creator x Creator’ session The special segment saw Rajkumar Hirani engaging in a chat with Vijay Varma, who was recently seen in Netflix’s IC 814 The duo talked about their art, philosophy, process and career

Shraddha Kapoor unveils brand new Screen

Keerthy Suresh makes a mass entry as 'Revolver Rita'

National Award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh has celebrated her 32nd birthday recently and to mark the occasion, the teaser for her upcoming film "Revolver Rita" has been unveiled Directed by JK Chandru and produced by Passion Studios and The Route, the film promises to be an action-packed comedy entertainer

The 2 5-minute teaser opens with a few thieves stealing a handbag from a young woman in a busy market When they open it in their hideout, they are shocked to find a gun, knife, and bomb inside Just as panic sets in, Keerthy Suresh makes a grand, action-packed entry to retrieve the bag One of the terrified thieves asks who she is, and from there, viewers are treated to an exciting glimpse of the film's thrilling sequences.

"Revolver Rita" is slated for release by the end of the year and features a star-studded cast, including Radikaa Sarathkumar, Sunil, Ajay Ghosh, Redin Kingsley, Super Subbarayan, and John Vijay With music composed by Sean Roldan, cinematography by Dinesh Krishnan, and editing by Praveen KL, the film is generating major buzz The teaser has already gone viral, building anticipation for this high-energy entertainer

Kamal Haasan unveils Shruti Haasan's new song from 'Eleven'!

Ulaga Nayagan Kamal Haasan has unveiled the first single from 'Eleven', a highoctane investigative thriller produced by AR Entertainment in both Tamil and Telugu Directed by Lokkesh

Ajls, the film features Naveen Chandra and Reyaa Hari in the lead roles The energetic track, "T

Shruti Haasan Director Ajls penned the lyrics entirely in English The single has been released under the Saregama music label

Eleven marks AR Entertainment's third production, following the critical-

Kalakalappu 2 and 'Action', is helming the project

elease Ajls said, "The

that highlights the dynamic battle between the protagonist and the antagonist With D Imman's brilliant composition and Shruti Haasan's powerful rendition, we believe the song will create excitement among fans and raise expectations for the film "

Thalapathy Vijay's 'Goat' continues to break records

Thalapathy Vijay's blockbuster 'Goat' hit cinemas on September 5th and has since raked in over £45 5 mn worldwide

After its phenomenal success in cinemas, the action saga made its Netflix debut last week, where it's garnering a huge response not only from Vijay's fans but also from family audiences

'Goat' is poised to become one of the most-watched movies on the platform Available in five languages -Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindithe movie is reaching a diverse audience Director Venkat Prabhu has further excited fans by announcing the upcoming release of deleted scenes, promising more entertainment

Following the success of Vijay's 'Leo' on Netflix, 'Goat' has set a new benchmark in terms of viewership and reception With its innovative AIgenerated scenes featuring Captain Vijayakanth, a fast-paced screenplay, and a tremendous soundtrack, 'Goat' has been celebrated as a perfect commercial entertainer, thrilling audiences across the board

Superstar Rajinikanth's latest release 'Vettaiyan' has taken the box office by storm, with reports of its first-week collection going viral across the internet The film hit cinemas last week to an overwhelmingly positive reception from fans

Despite heavy rains affecting the initial collections, reports indicate that the film's box office performance has gained significant momentum as the rain subsided Unconfirmed reports suggest that 'Vettaiyan' has raked in a whopping £30 mn worldwide in the first week, sparking major excitement among fans and industry insiders

Though Lyca Productions has yet to release an official statement confirming the numbers, these reports are rocking social media With Rajinikanth's previous film "Jailer" having crossed the £60 mn mark, all eyes are now on 'Vettaiyan' to see if it can surpass that impressive benchmark in the coming weeks

A N U P A M A A S T A R S S E T F O R U K D I W A L I F E S T I V I T I E S

Subhasini Naicker

Apopular

Indian television serial

‘Anupamaa’, has gained global recognition for its compelling storytelling and relatable characters, exploring a woman's journey of selfdiscovery and empowerment Nishi

Saxena and Nidhi Shah, who portray Dimpy and Kinjal, will visit the UK on October 26 and 27 as guests at the Diwali Shopping Bazaar 2024, presented by Pankkaj Sodha at Harrow Leisure Centre

In an interview with Asian Voice, the actresses shared insights about their characters and working with co-stars

1)

Dimpy and Kinjal are such unique characters Can you share what initially drew you to your role?

Nishi: Initially, what drew me to the role was the incredible complexity and depth of the character Dimpy wasn’t just onedimensional; she had so many layers and shades, which offered me a chance to explore different emotions and challenges within a single role The opportunity to push my limits as an actor, combined with being part of Anupamaa, India’s top show, made it impossible to say no

Nid hi: Kinjal’s character is positive and well-rounded an educated, ambitious woman who stays grounded She loves her family deeply and believes in today’s generation What excited me most was her modern approach as a daughter-in-law, making her truly unique

2) Can you describe a memorable scene that you found particularly challenging or rewarding to perform as Dimpy/Kinjal?

Nishi: The most memorable and challenging scene for me was my entry as a rape victim, where I had to portray deep pain and trauma It was emotionally draining and

required extensive research to approach it with the right sensitivity While performing, I felt so connected to the character’s experience that it was almost as if it had happened to me That immersion was both powerful and unsettling, but it helped me deliver an authentic performance I hope resonated with the audience

Nid hi: Portraying Kinjal was challenging, as I’m not married and don’t have children Stepping into the shoes of a mother and experiencing her emotions, particularly the profound sense of betrayal from her husband, was demanding Kinjal's journey of living with her in-laws, caring for her family and daughter, and managing her anger over her husband's infidelity added significant complexity to the role

3)

How does it feel to be part of such a beloved TV series like ‘Anupamaa’, which has resonated so deeply with audiences?

Nish i: To be honest, it feels like an absolute blessing to be part of such a beloved show It was truly a dream come true, especially since my family was already huge fans of Anupamaa I didn’t tell them at first when I got the offer I wanted to surprise them, and the excitement I felt was incredible Even now, it amazes me how deeply people connect with the show They don’t see us as actors playing characters; they believe it’s all real, as if it’s their own story unfolding on screen That kind of love is overwhelming and heartwarming

Nid hi: It felt like a blessing in disguise to start shooting ‘Anupamaa’ during the pandemic in July, while the world was in quarantine Despite strict precautions, we continued filming, and the show has consistently topped the charts since then Being part of such a relatable series that resonates deeply with its audience is

a dream come true I feel truly blessed to be known for playing Kinjal

4)

What was it like working alongside talented actors like Rupali Ganguly, Gaurav Khanna, and Sudhanshu Pandey? Did you learn anything special from them on sets?

Nishi: I still remember my first day on set it felt surreal Sharing the screen with such respected names was a huge accomplishment, and I was proud of myself Over time, they made me feel so welcome, and now it truly feels like we ’ re a family Everything I’ve learned as an actor, I owe to them They’re not only talented but also humble, and working alongside them has been an invaluable experience

Nidhi: They all are extremely talented, I have learnt so much from them They all have different qualities in them which I adore They are hardworking, focused and they have so many variations to portray there is immense talent to adapt from them

How does it feel to visit the UK?

5)

Is there anything you're particularly excited about experiencing while you're here?

Nishi: This is my first visit to the UK, and I feel incredibly blessed to be here as a celebrity guest at such a significant event I'm excited to meet everyone, have fun, do some shopping, and enjoy the street food It’s going to be an unforgettable experience, and I can't wait to make the most of it!

Nidhi: London is truly something special, and celebrating Diwali with the community there sounds like an unforgettable experience The city is beautiful, and I can’t wait to visit again I’m especially looking forward to the amazing food and exploring the stunning museums!

Former One Direction star, Liam Payne falls to death at 31

Liam

Payne, a member of the acclaimed boy band One Direction, which rose to fame through ‘The X Factor’, has tragically passed away at the age of 31

According to reports, the singer died after falling three stories from a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, stated that Payne "had jumped from the balcony of his room " Sources stated t h a

cocaine and methamphetamine in his system when he fell to his death from a hotel balcony

Payne was best known in One Direction for his signature falsettos, which were integral to the band’s charttopping bubblegum pop hits, including “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Best Song Ever,” “Story of My Life,” and “Night Changes ” The group also included Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan As one of the highest-selling boy bands in modern history, they sold over 70 million records worldwide during their run from 2010 to 2016

One Direction announced an indefinite hiatus in 2016, just a year after Malik became the first member to leave the band in pursuit of a solo career The One Direction bandmates shared a series of heartfelt tributes to their "brother," remembering him as "the most vital part" of the group

Actress Emily Watson calls Tabu the 'Julia Roberts of India' for her stunning beauty

Tabu is set to make her international debut in the Dune spinoff series The actor recently appeared in the trailer for ‘Dune: Prophecy’, alongside Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Mark Strong, and others At a recent panel discussion, Tabu received high praise from her co-star Emily, highlighting her impressive performance.

While engaging with fans and media at NYCC (New York Comic Con), Emily praised her experience working with Tabu, stating, “Tabu is the most astonishingly beautiful actress She is the Julia Roberts of India ”

Fans have lauded Tabu's appearance in the trailer, despite her limited screen time The promo offers a glimpse of her character set against the backdrop of a time period preceding the events of ‘Dune: Part One’ and ‘Dune: Part Two’ ‘Dune: Prophecy’ is set 10,000 years before Paul Atreides’ rise, exploring the origins of the enigmatic Bene Gesserit sisterhood in the aftermath of the Butlerian Jihad The Dune film and television franchise is based on Frank Herbert s 1965 novel of the same name

Nishi Saxena as Dimpy

Nidhi Shah as Kinjal

a

in

WASHINGTON ADDED TO INDIA SQUAD

Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington Sundar was added to the India squad for the remaining two Tests against New Zealand The 25-year-old s inclusion comes after his 152 for Tamil Nadu in the ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Delhi Washington had played a crucial role in India’s historic win against Australia at the Gabba Squad: Rohit Sharma (C) Jasprit Bumrah (VC) Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill Virat Kohli, KL Rahul Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK) R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd Siraj Akash Deep Washington Sundar

NEETU DAVID 2ND INDIAN WOMAN IN ICC HALL OF FAME

Former India spinner Neetu David, who holds the record for the best figures (8/53) by a woman in an individual Test innings, has become only the second Indian woman cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame David, the current chairman of selectors of the women s team, follows former captain Diana Edulji David was inducted alongside South Africa and England legends AB de Villiers and Alastair Cook

INDIA TO HOST ASIAN WOMEN’S HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

India is set to host the 20th edition of the Asian Women’s Handball Championship for the first time at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi from Dec 1 to 10 The tournament was originally slated to be held in Almaty Kazakhstan before unforeseen circumstances led to it being relocated Apart from India Iran South Korea China Japan Kazakhstan Hong Kong and Singapore are the other heavyweights competing in the tournament

GAVASKAR, POLLOCK, RICHARDS IN COUNCIL

The International Masters League (IML) has announced the formation of its Governing Council which will comprise three icons and MastersSunil Gavaskar, League Commissioner Sir Vivian Richards and Shaun Pollock This trinity will oversee the strategic direction, rules, and operations of the IML, ensuring that the league remains a premier platform where heritage meets entertainment and the sport’s masters deliver unparalleled excitement to fans worldwide The inaugural edition of league will be played from Nov 17 to Dec 8, with the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai hosting the opening leg Lucknow and Raipur will be the other two venues, with the latter also playing host to the summit clash

VARUN KUMAR MAKES INDIA COMEBACK

Defender Varun Kumar who missed the Paris Olympics following allegations of sexual harassment by a junior volleyball player made his return to the Indian men s hockey squad for the two matches against Germany, scheduled for Oct 23 and 24 The team, led by Harmanpreet Singh with Vivek Sagar as his deputy, will be without dynamic midfielder Hardik Singh

New Zealand claim first Test victory in India after 36 years

momen t" afte

his sid

claime

the ir fir st Test victor y in India for 36 y

only the

ev er

Latham had to watch from the dressing room after being removed for a duck by Jasprit

Bumrah as the visitors chased 107 to win But Will Young and

from a precarious 35-2 through to an eight-wicket win on the

Bengaluru

It gives New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series

victories in India came in 1969 at Nagpur and at Mumbai in 1988

Latham's side set up the victory by bowling India out for 46 -

their lowest Test total on home soil - on the first day

"There have been a lot of teams that have come here over t

obviously it's a special feeling," Latham said "The work we did in that first and second innings with the ball and with the bat set up the game for us " It was a resounding first win as full-time captain for the 32-

m Southee earlier this month India skipper Rohit Sharma

took positives from the way his side battled back in the second innings, as they attempted to become the first team to win a T

first-innings lead of more than 350 "We didn't think we'd be 46 all out but due credit to New Zealand - it set us back and games like this will happen," he said Sarfaraz Khan's 150 and 99 from wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant h

second innings to give the home bowlers a small total to defend on a final-day pitch that had to be covered overnight due to rain And Bumrah gave India a g

removed Latham lbw with the second ball of the day He then

trapped Devon Conway lbw after a successful review, but that was India's last breakthrough

player of the match, while Young hit the winning runs with his seventh four as he finished on 48 "We have got to take the

scheduled to begin in Pune on Thursday

things happen We know what it takes and will give it all in the next two Tests " India have history on their side, having won 18 consecutive T

stretching back to 2012

India seeks more spin-friendly pitch in Pune

After Pune was awarded a Test match agains t New Zealand, a recce team from the BCCI came calling to chec k the facilities at the G ahunje stadium “ Keep the grass on the pitch,” was one of the instructions Now, after the d ef e a t i n

of

he message has slightly changedensure that the pitch wi ll help spinners too With no Mohammed Shami

and a struggling Mohammed Siraj in the ranks, India are not in a position to beat NZ with o

B

m

a h comes up with magical spells And if the wicket is too spin friendly, it can backfire too T

o f t h e p i t c h L o c a l curators are loath to share much information on the nature of the track

The stakeholders are aware t h a t t h e n a t u r e o f t h e p i t c h cannot be changed dramatically i

about the instructions coming from the Indian camp and no one was willing to speak on record about it It is learnt that the BCCI curator has taken the c h a

hosting only two Tests so farAustralia winning in three days in 2017 and the hosts beating South Africa in four days in 2019 - there is not much of history S

looks after the infrastructure, said the pitch will be “positive” The Gahunje pitch - used for

Even the belters have had good

and breeze are expected to play a role

Uganda's Cheptegei wins Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon

U ga n da ’ s re i gn i n g O

10

Cheptegei expectedly won the men ’ s elite race with a sub-60m i n ute ti m e bu t b e lo w th e course record, while Ethiopia’ s Alemaddis E yayu pushed pre-

tri umph in the women ’ s section

a t t he V ed a n ta D e l hi H a l f Marathon (VDH M) – a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race – on Sunday T h e 1 9 t h e d i t i o n o f t h e

VDHM threw new champions

Cheptegei (men’s elite), Eyayu (women’s elite), Sawan Barwal (Indian men ’ s elite) and Lili Das ( I n d i a n w

total prize purse for the VDHM

$

women ’ s sections took home

$27,000, $20,000 and $13,000 respectively Cheptegei, who retired from

Pakistan beat England, level series

B ol d se l e ct ion c a l l s a n d a sp infrien dly surface in Mul tan hel ped Pak istan end their winl ess home run with a series-l evel ling victory in the second Test again st En gl and Pakistan’s victory by 152 runs in a little over three days is their first

a t h o m e s i n

Africa in Rawalpindi in February 2021

T h e i r f i r s t w i n u n d e r S h a n Masood’s captaincy also lifted some of the gloom that had descended on

w

Bangladesh It would not have been

England inflicted an innings defeat on them in the series opener, which was also played in Multan F o

n g , Pakistan took the drastic step of dropping batter Babar Azam and pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, who have been off-colour in recent times

Much to their relief, the move has paid off Brief scores: Pakistan 366 & 221 bt England 291 & (o/n 36/2) 144 all out in 33 3 overs (Ben Stokes 37, Brydon Carse 27; Noman Ali 8-46, Sajid Khan 2-93)

track events after his win at the Paris Olympics and has since shifted his focus to marathon, c l o c k e d

seconds to cover the 21 097km

clocked 59:53s, in

close

Kipkorir, was third in 59:59s Matata led a major part of

e Kipkorir, who ran his maiden half marathon internationally Kipkorir was a bronze medallist

n Europe earlier this year, with two sub-60 minutes clocking in two of them That made the race exciting, and everyone was looking for a fast finish from the men ’ s winner Matata kept t h e l e a d u n t i l t h e r u n n e r s turned toward the finish line at t

race commenced less than an hour earlier to decide the 2024 title Cheptegei, running seconds behind the Kenyan, realised the

came from behind to snatch the lead from Matata

Delhi after she led the field

New Zealand women beat SA to win

White Ferns got their hands on the ICC trophy hours after the men rec orded their first Test wi n in India after 36 years South Africa, playing their s

beyond 150 in what has been a low scoring tournament South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt (33 off 27) took her team to 47 for no loss in

South Africa could not keep with the scoring rate and ended with 126 for nine in 20 overs Kerr starred with her leg-spin as well, ending with three wickets for 24 runs in four overs Brief scores: New Zealand 158/5 in 20 overs (Amelia Kerr 4