AV 27th September 2025

Over eighty Durgapuja celebrations unite UK’s Bengali diaspora P08

India's 'talent' a threat?

New H-1B fee sparks diplomatic row P28

PM Modi’s development push in Bhavnagar and Arunachal P29

Alliance with the US hailed as ‘priceless

and eternal’

during President Trump’s second State visit to the UK

US President Donald Trump made a State visit to the UK with his wife, the first lady of Melania Trump on September 16 to 18

He was received by King Charles III at Windsor Castle and later met Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Chequers, where they held a joint news conference covering foreign affairs, trade, and immigration

This was Trump’s second State visit to the UK, his first, during his initial presidency, was in June 2019 when he met Queen Elizabeth II.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer met US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on February 27, 2025, marking his first visit to the White House after Trump’s return to office PM Starmer hand-delivered a letter from King Charles III inviting Trump for a second state visit to the UK, which he accepted, making him the first world leader to receive more than one official state visit

On arrival at Stansted Airport, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were received by Warren Stephens, the United States Ambassador to the Court of St James's. They were formally welcomed on behalf of King Charles III by the lord-in-waiting, Henry Hood, 8th Viscount Hood. The President and First Lady flew in Marine One to Winfield House, the official London residence of the US ambassador, located in Regent's Park, where they stayed overnight US Preside nt Trump rece ive s royal w elco me a t Win dsor

After arriving at Windsor Castle aboard Marine One, the Trumps were welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, before receiving a formal greeting from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. To mark the occasion, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London fired a royal salute. Continued on 06

Celebrating service, celebrating Modi

Anusha Singh

“I am committed to fulfilling the dreams of every Indian, especially the poor and the marginalised ” –Narendra Modi

T r u e t o t h i s c o m m i t m e n t , P r i m e M i n i s t e r Narendra Modi marks his birthdays not with cakes or pomp, but through service Each year, the day becomes a reflection of his leadership: purposeful, low-key, and action-driven From releasing cheetahs into the wild to inaugurating housing projects or spending time with differently-abled children, Modi transforms personal milestones into national moments of service In private, he maintained only one personal ritual of visiting his mother, a tradition he observed faithfully throughout her life

Over the past decade, Modi’s birthdays have consistently reflected a life dedicated to public service This year, as he turned 75, Modi visited Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh, engaging directly with locals while launching the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, aimed at strengthening maternal and child healthcare, alongside the 8th National Nutrition Month to combat malnutrition nationwide. Social media carries the formal greetings, but Modi himself immerses in work, using the day to champion welfare initiatives, meet citizens, and drive development programs

His dedication resonates deeply with the people of India Across the country, citizens and communities celebrate his birthday by launching initiatives in his name, from health drives and tree plantations to charity events and education campaigns In schools, offices, and public spaces, tributes pour in and the widespread admiration he commands across regions, communities, and generations is one not every leader is blessed with

Subhasini Naicker

L to R- Queen Camilla, King Charles III, US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump at State banquet in Windsor Castle

Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives warm welcome by enthusiastic crowd during the Grand Road Show on his arrival at Bhavnagar (Gujarat)

Women unite in Southall to demand justice and an end to racist violence

c o m m un it y g a thered at S outh all Town Hall in solidarity with a British S i kh w o m an w h o w a s r ec ent ly s ub j ec te d t o a v icio us racist sexual assau lt in th e West Mid land s T h e S o

y Gathering, brought together a diverse group of women demanding justice, dignity, and an end to racism and violence against women and girls The event was attende d

(C

Member for Tackling Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour), Ay s h a R a z a , Fa d u m a Mohamed, and Dee Martin, alongside Kamal Preet Kaur,

a c o m m u n i t y l e a d e r a n d councillor in Hillingdon, as w e l l a s m e m b e r s o f t h e Voice of Women group, and c o m m u n i t y a d v o c a t e Shivdeep Kaur Dhesi, who stood shoulder to shoulder

a g a i n s t h a t e a n d g e n d e rbased violence

Speaking on the occasion, C llr Jasbir Anand said, "What happened in Oldbur y is truly shocking and heartbreaking A woman of Sikh heritage was attacked in the most horrif ic way, and we all fe e l h e r p a i n W h e n o n e woman suffers, it touches us all as mothers, daughters, and sisters Male violence against women and girls is never acceptable "

“Like so many here, I am in shock and disbelief that such a vicious, racist attack could happen in our countr y i n t h i s d a y a n d a g e No woman should ever have to live in fear because of her identity Our voices today

d e m a n d b o t h j u s t i c e a n d change,” said Cllr Raza

C llr Kam al Preet K aur reflected on the signif icance of the gathering, “We are here not just to condemn one horrif ic incident, but to call out the wider culture of misogyny and racism that women still face This gathe r i n g i s a b o u t s t r e n g t h , unity, and action We owe it to sur vivors to keep f ighting until dignity, equality, and

justice are guaranteed for ever y woman and girl ”

The gathering concluded with a brief reflection and a collective call for solidarity, urging local authorities, the police, and governm e n t t o t a ke m e a n i n g f u l action to tackle both gendered and racist violence

Far-ri g h t A c ti v i s t a nd J o u rna li s t a nd t h e m an b eh i nd th e ‘ U ni te th e K i ng d o m ’ m a rch , To m m y Robinson, spoke to India’s News18 about the incident a n d s a i d , “I s p oke t o t h e f a m i l y o f t h a t g i r l a n d offered them our support I made a video letting ever ybody know the disgusting news of that case That is something new, I’ve never heard anything like that

“There is a growing antiIndian sentiment that we ’ re witnessing, and I want to play my part in educating the public on the great contributions that Hindus and

Si k h s h a v e g i v e n t o t h i s c o u n t r y, a n d t o p r e v e n t

t h e m f ro m b e i n g u n f a i r ly tarnished as a problematic group We are doing ever yt h i n g w e c a n t o d o t h a t , which is why I reached out

t o t h a t f a m i l y t h r o u g h R e l a t e a n d t h r o u g h Si k h

o r g a n i z a t i o n s w i t h w h o m we have relationships

“But I’ve never seen anyt h i n g l i ke t h i s i n n o c e n t groups are being caught in the middle This is something I’ve worked on with

Si k h o r g a n i z a t i o n s fo r 1 5 y e a r s , p a r t i c u l a r l y w h e n there have been problems w i t h r a c i s m f r o m w h i t e organizations or individuals

“We will continue to do ever ything we can to unite

B r i t a i n a n d e d u c a t e t h e

British public ”

He f u r t h e r s a i d , “ We have embraced anyone who has come to this countr y, loved it, and integrated into it We are with you, and not j u s t i n w o r d s We w i l l defend you We will work with you “ We u n d e r s t a n d t h e i r sacrif ices We recognize the good work the Hindu community has done in the UK We know they are not causi n g h a r m ; t h e y a r e h a rdw o r k i n g , f a m i l y - o r i e n t e d , and decent British people

“Unfortunately, as antiimmigrant sentiment grows, some innocent people are being caught in the middle That is the reality I see

Farage pledges mass deportations and welfare overhaul

Nige l Fara ge ha s cla imed

Re form UK’s plans for mas s de porta tions could de liver “ mas s ive cuts” to w elf are s pendi ng b y b arrin g forei gn n a t i o n a l s f r o m cl a i m i n g b enef i ts

Speaking at a press conference, Farage pledged to abolish indef inite leave to remain (ILR), which allows migrants to access benef its,

Some 430,000 non-EU citi-

z e n s c u r re n t l y h av e I L R , a c c o r d i n g t o Ox fo r d

Un

Obser vator y Reform’s head of policy, Zia Yusuf, clarif ied the proposals would not affect EU citizens with settled status, w h i c h g r a n t s t h e s a m e rights as ILR There are 4 12 m i l l io n E U c i t i z e n s w i t h s e t t l e d s t a t u s , o f w h o m

7 7 0 , 0 0 0 c u r r e n t l y c l a i m

Un i v e r s a l Cr e d i t E U migrants make up 9 7% of claimants, compared with 2 7% for non-EU migrants

Fa r a g e c l a i m e d t h e

b i g g e s t s a v i n g s w o u l d

c o m e f r o m b l o c k i n g around 800,000 migrants projected to gain ILR over the next 15 years, largely those who arrived under B o r i s Jo h n s o n ’ s l i b e r a l

i m m i g r a t i o n p o l i c i e s , which saw net migration peak at 903,000 in 2023

He said, “Far too many that have come don’t work, h a v e n e v e r w o r ke d a n d never will work most are ver y low skilled, on ver y l o w w a g e s , a n d c r e a t e a massive benef its bill ” The £230 billion saving was originally estimated by t h e C e n t r e fo r Po l i c y Studies (CPS) but has since b e e n d i s a v o w e d Fa r a g e defended citing it, arguing t h e r e a l f i g u r e c o u l d b e even higher Un d e r R e fo r m

s p r op o s a l s , I L R w o u l d b

r e p l a c e d b y

ive-year visa with higher salar y thresholds, stricter rules on dependants, and r

saying, “The

Z arah Sultana drops legal threat after Corbyn clash

Zarah Sultana h as said she will abandon legal action following a bitter row with Je rem y Co

by

party

dg

C

felt “demoralised” after a dispute over her decision to launch a membership scheme for Your Party, the

founded with the former Labour leader

Sultana, who previousl y

’ club”, said she was “determ

h Corbyn “For the sake of the party, and as an act of good faith, I will not be pursuing legal proceedings

d e s p i t e t h e b a s e l e s s a n d u n s u b s t a n t i a t e d a l l e g at i o n s a g

i n s t m e , ” s h e wrote on X S h e a d d e d , “ We f i n d ourselves in a regrettable situation, but my motivation has always been to put m e m b e r s f i r s t a n d b u i l d t h e d e m o c r a t i c s o c i a l i s t party we urgently need I a m d e t e r m i n e d t o m o v e

fo r w a r d ” T h e d i s p u t e e r u p t e d l a s t w e e k w h e n Su l t a n a u n v e i l e d a p a i d m e m b e r s h i p p o r t a l , £ 5 a month or £55 a year, witho u t a g re e m e n t f ro m h e r colleagues She said 20,000 h a d a l r e a d y s i g n e d u p , potentially raising £1 1 million Corbyn’s team brande d t h e m o v e “ u n a u t h orised” and warned support-

ers to cancel direct debits, saying collective decisions must be respected Sultana countered that she had been “sidelined” and “frozen out” by Corbyn a n d fo u r o t h e r i n d e p e ndent MPs aligned with the project “I have been treated appallingly and excluded completely,” she said , a l l e g i n g t h e g r o u p h a d b l o c ke d w o m e n f r o m securing equal roles in the party’s structures C o r b y n , m e a n

g a l a d v i c e w a s being sought The row, the m o s t s e r i o u s s i n c e t h e party’s launch in July, has fuelled talk of “civil war ” i n s i d e t h e m o v e m e n t , which has yet to f inalise its name or hold a conference

Cllr Kamal Preet Kaur Cllr Jasbir Anand

Zia Yusuf Nigel Farage

Zarah Sultana Jeremy Corbyn

Thought for the week

UK recognises Palestine, but peace remains distant

The Labour government’s decision to recognise Palestine marks a major shift in British foreign policy For decades, ministers argued that recognition should wait until a peace agreement was within reach Now, PM Sir Keir Starmer has acted, saying the move is about principle, not timing

The recognition comes during one of the darkest moments in Gaza’s history After almost a year of war, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and the majority of the territory’s population has been displaced Aid agencies warn that famine and disease are spreading Against this backdrop, Britain has chosen to recognise Palestine as a state alongside Israel

Starmer was careful to stress that recognition is “not a concession to Hamas” but a recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination The government confirmed it will base recognition on the 1967 borders and upgrade the Palestinian mission in London As The Guardian reported, this puts the UK in line with Australia, Canada and Portugal, and with more than 140 nations worldwide that already recognise Palestine

Pressure at home played a role Labour MPs, grassroots members and civil society groups have urged recognition for months Polling shows the British public to be broadly supportive: a recent YouGov survey suggested that 44% favour recognition, with fewer than one in five opposed There is also growing frustration that decades of waiting for peace talks have delivered nothing but further violence

Still, recognition alone does not bring peace Israel has

rejected the decision outright, calling it a reward for “terrorism” and warning that it undermines negotiations Critics say it will not help free hostages still held in Gaza, nor bring Israel to the table And without American support, little will change at the United Nations

Only days before Britain’s announcement, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire Fourteen members voted in favour, but Washington stood alone It was the sixth US veto on Gaza since the war began, proof of how firmly the Biden administration continues to shield Israel Without Security Council backing, full UN membership for Palestine is impossible

This highlights the limits of Britain’s move The UK is now “out of step with Washington but in step with much of the world” Symbolically, this matters It signals impatience with the status quo, reminds Palestinians that their aspirations are recognised, and places pressure on Israel by showing that Western consensus is shifting

But symbolism is not the same as progress Real change requires a ceasefire that holds, leaders on both sides who are prepared to compromise, and international diplomacy that is not paralysed by vetoes Without that, recognition risks becoming another marker of frustration rather than a step towards peace

Britain’s recognition of Palestine is bold, and in moral terms, long overdue Yet whether it proves to be a turning point or just another gesture depends on whether the rest of the world, especially the United States, is willing to act

US and UK policies: Fear of Indian talent?

President Donald Trump’s latest move on visas has shaken India and caused alarm in global business He has signed an executive order that puts a $100,000 fee on every new H 1B application These visas are used by highly skilled foreign workers, many of them in technology Around 71 per cent of all H 1B visas go to Indians The new fee will not apply to those who already hold the visa, but it will hit Indian companies and families hoping to build a future in the United States

change a sign of “fear of Indian talent” New Delhi has warned that it could break up families and disrupt firms that depend on Indian engineers working in America Industry leaders point out that about 57 per cent of India’s IT service revenue comes from the US market A sudden increase in costs will make firms rethink how they hire and how much work they move offshore

This comes on top of other strains between the US and India Washington has already imposed new tariffs on Indian goods and pressed New Delhi to distance itself from Moscow India has refused to cut its links with Russia, especially in defence and energy At the United Nations recently, Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Both sides spoke of “engagement”, but behind the scenes, there is clear mistrust

Britain tells a mixed story Sir Keir Starmer’s government has said it wants to make the UK more open to talent He is exploring cutting visa fees for top-tier scientists, academics and digital experts As Reuters reports, “Starmer’s global talent task force is working on ideas to abolish some visa fees for top global talent ” Officials involved say the discussion includes waiving costs entirely for people “who have attended the world’s top five universities or have won prestigious prizes ”

Yet at home, the pressure from anti immigration voices is also growing Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party want to

abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows foreign nationals to settle permanently He says this group, what he calls the “Boris wave ” of post Brexit migrants, are “going to be a huge burden on the state ” He plans to replace ILR with a five year renewable visa, impose stricter salary and English requirements, limit access to welfare, and require a longer residency (seven years instead of five) for citizenship

Labour has strongly condemned Farage’s proposals Rachel Reeves, the Labour chancellor, said the plan “has no basis in reality ” Nicola Ranger, of the Royal College of Nursing, warned that the proposal could “threaten to sack thousands of migrant nursing staff These are people who have come to the UK to care for patients and become part of our communities They deserve so much better than this ”

Sir Keir Starmer himself said recently: “Equally, Britain must compete for the best talent in the world in science, in technology, in healthcare You cannot simply pull up a drawbridge ” He emphasises the need to tighten parts of the immigration system at the same time, raising English language and skills requirements, increasing the time needed to settle permanently, and improving integration

Westminster is troubling America risks driving away the very talent its technology sector depends on Britain risks undermining the stable workforce it claims to need For Indian workers, the picture is of rising costs, tougher rules and less certainty

There may be a silver lining Some in India believe this could bring talent back home and give a push to the domestic tech economy But opportunity does not remove the harm of broken plans and families under stress

The lesson is simple If the US wants to stay ahead in innovation, and if Britain wants to remain competitive, they cannot afford to treat skilled migrants as bargaining chips Sound policy, not political stunts, is what both countries need

Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact raises strategic concerns for India

On September 17, 2025, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA), marking a significant shift in regional security dynamics The pact stipulates that any act of aggression against one country will be considered an act against both, effectively creating a bilateral security alliance with potential implications for India's strategic interests

This development has raised concerns in India, which shares a complex and often contentious relationship with Pakistan Historically, Saudi Arabia has maintained a neutral stance in the India-Pakistan conflict, but this new agreement could alter that position The potential for Saudi Arabia to be drawn into a conflict involving Pakistan could complicate India's strategic calculations

India's Ministry of External Affairs has expressed its hope that Saudi Arabia will consider the mutual interests and sensitivities shared with India A spokesperson emphasised the importance of the wide-ranging strategic partnership between the two nations, which includes strong energy ties and collaboration in the petrochemical and refinery sectors India imports about 18% of its crude oil from Saudi Arabia, amounting to roughly $16 billion annually, making Riyadh a key energy partner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commented on regional cooperation last week: “India values its partnerships in the Middle East and is committed to peace and stability in the

region We trust that our strategic relations with Saudi Arabia

Minister S Jaishankar added, “While we respect sovereign agreements, it is essential that regional security frameworks consider the sensitivities of all stakeholders, including India ”

The SMDA also signals a shift in Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy, moving closer to Pakistan and potentially distancing itself from traditional allies Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, described the pact as “ a historic step in strengthening strategic ties and regional defence cooperation ” Analysts note that Pakistan has increasingly relied on Saudi financial and military support, including annual joint exercises and arms purchases worth over $1 5 billion in the past three years

For India, the implications are serious If hostilities erupt between India and Pakistan, Saudi Arabia could, under the pact, be drawn into the conflict Past tensions, including cross-border strikes and terrorist attacks, highlight the risks of escalation Security experts warn that India must now enhance its diplomatic engagement and continue developing its defence preparedness, while balancing economic and energy relations with Saudi Arabia

The Saudi-Pakistan defence pact introduces new uncertainties into India’s strategic environment While full implications remain to be seen, India must carefully assess evolving dynamics and adapt its policies to safeguard national interests, maintain regional stability, and ensure energy and economic security

"We

must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools " -Mar tin Luth er Kin g J r

U S m a k i n g i t m u c h m o r e expensive to come under the H-1B program, many Indian professionals will rethink those plans That opens up a window for the UK: via the Skilled Worker visa, Global Talent visa, and bilateral migration or m o

comparative advantage

The UK has already been signalling its intention to attract more Indian professionals under the Global Talent scheme, especially in sectors like technology, science, and innovation

2 UK- In dia Mob ility Deals Look More Valuab le

Recently, the UK and India finalised a trade and mobility deal that eases certain restrictions for Indian professionals coming to the UK temporarily One part of that is the “Double Contributions Convention,” which allows Indian workers seconded here by Indian-based e

contributions for up to three years, continuing their contributions in India instead This reduces the effective cost of working in the UK under certain arrangements

Such agreements become far more appealing when compared with the steep cost of the U S H-1B route

3 Outs ourci ng & Remote Work Become More Attra cti ve

If U S firms decide they can no longer afford bringing in foreign talent due to the new visa costs, they will look for talent in situ, or outsource more of their work India is well-positioned to pick up more of that business

This could strengthen UK-India business ties: British companies contracting with Indian vendors, creating R&D or innovation partnerships, or embedding remote teams, will become more mainstream But Not All Tailwinds

Policy & Regulatory Hurdles at Home

While the UK wants more skilled immigration, its own reforms may dampen some of the gains The “Restoring Control over the Immigration System” White Paper proposes raising salary thresholds, stricter rules, and more selective systems for non-UK nationals These could limit the effectiveness of any pull effect from U S fee hikes

Competition & Settlement Clarity

Other countries will also try to capitalise: Canada, Australia, parts of Europe The UK must maintain visa routes that are not only attractive, but also stable (paths to settlement, dependents, etc ), so talent doesn’t drift elsewhere

Also, Indian professionals may still prefer the U S for its market size or opportunities in certain sectors; UK must offer something competitive in terms of research, funding, quality of life, compensation Strategic Moves for UK to Maximise Benefit

• Strengthen and simplify the Global Talent visa:

endorsement processes more transparent

•

agreements with India: more intra-company transfers, clear provisions around taxation, social contributions, recognition of professional qualifications

• Invest in remote work & innovation infrastructure so companies can easily build cross-border / hybrid teams Legal / data / IP frameworks must be solid if remote work across borders is to expand •

leadership, deep tech, AI, research, biotech Where U S becomes too expensive, the opportunity will be for countries that can host high value work

Alpesh Patel

9-year-old girl shot in racially aggravated attack in Bristol

A nine-year-o ld girl in Bristol h as been sh ot with an airgun

i n a n i nc i de nt p o l i c e a r e treating as a racial ly aggravated as saul t

A v o n a n d S o m e r s e t

Police said the victim, who has been left “traumatised,” was hit three times by pellets The suspect, described as a w h i t e m a l e a g e d 1 7 – 1

abusive language during the attack The force confirmed the incident is being investigated as a hate crime and has increased patrols in the area to ensure community safety

The victim escaped serious injury but has been left too frightened to leave her home, causing distress for her and her family The attacker, described as slim with dark blond hair, around 5ft 11in, wearing a blue padded coat and riding a black electric scooter with white writing, r e m a

believe a second offender was also involved

Keith Smith, neighbourhood policing chief inspector,

absolutely no place for hate

He added that the incident

her, her family, and the wider public Officers are conducting

increasing patrols in Brentry, where the attack occurred on 2 September around 1 30pm Police stressed they are not aware of similar incidents but urged anyone with dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage to contact them on 101 with reference 5225247677 or via their online appeals form

Britain recognises Palestinian state, sparks international backlash

B ri ta i n, al o ng w

A

P o r tu g

l, o ff i ci al ly re co gnised the S tate of Palestine, m arking a h istoric shift in d ecades of Western fo reign

p olicy T he mov e d rew swift

c ond em nati on f rom I srael

a nd a reb u ke f ro m th e

U nited States

P r i m e M i n i s t e r K e i r Starmer stated that Britain’s recognition aims “to revive

t h e h o p e o f p e a c e f o r

P a l e s t i n i a n s a n d I s r a e l i s , and to support a two-state solution ”

P a l e s t i n i a n s i n t h e besieged Gaza Strip hailed

B r i t a i n ’ s r e c o g n i t i o n a s a s i g n i f i c a n t v i c t o r y I n

r e s p o n s e , I s r a e l i P r i m e

M i n i s t e r B e n j a m i n

Netanyahu insisted that a

P a l e s t i n i a n s t a t e w o u l d

n e v e r b e e s t a b l i s h e d Starmer faced backlash from

I s r a e l , t h e f a m i l i e s o f hostages held in Gaza, and

Jewish leaders in the UK I s r a e l i P r i m e M i n i s t e r

Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, calling it a “huge reward to terrorism” a n d i n s i s t i n g t h a t a Palestinian state “will not happen ” The United States has also long opposed such recognition

M o s h e E m i l i o L a v i , b r o t h e r - i n - l a w o f O m r i Miran, still held by Hamas in Gaza, criticised the decis i o n , s a y i n g : “ W h i l e o u r

Community offers reward to catch alleged rapists

Th e Sikh co mmunity has offered a £10 ,00 0 reward for information leading to the conviction of two m en w anted ov er the alleged racially motivated rape of a wom an in her 20s

The Sikh Federation UK is also running a poster campaign urging the public to share dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage with West Midlands Police

The Sikh Federation UK stated: “The Sikh community has launched its own appeal, offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the two men involved Sikh media are also broadcasting the appeal and reward details on community television ” Police continue to investigate the alleged rape in the Tame Road area o

occurred shortly before 8:30am

loved ones are being purposely starved, tortured, and used as human shields, the U K h a s c h o s e n t o h a n d Hamas and its accomplices the greatest prize: an uncond i t i o n a l r e c o g n i t i o n o f statehood ”

Mandy Damari, whose B r i t i s h - I s r a e l i d a u g h t e r Emily was held hostage by Hamas for over 15 months, described Starmer as being u n d e r a “ d e l u s i o n ” S h e added: “While one of the states is still run by a pros c r i b e d t e r r o

g a n i s ation whose very charter is to annihilate Israel from the river to the sea, a two-state solution can never happen But even if he believes he is r i g h t , h e i s r e w a r d i n

Hamas for the October 7

l while the hostages remain captive, the war continues, a n d H a m a s r e m a i n s i n power in Gaza ”

GP clinics face rising patient violence worldwide

V iolence and abu se against

s t af f i n GP c li n i c s i s w i de s p re ad wo rl dwi d e,

o ft en tr i gge re d b y lo n g

w ai t s o r re fu s a ls to p re -

s c r ib e r eq u e s te d me di c ations

A study across 24 countries examined the threats

a n d a g g r e s s i o n f a c e d b y doctors, receptionists, and other practice staff

U p t o n i n e i n 1 0 G P surgery staff have experi-

e n c e d p h y s i c a l o r v e r b a l assault during their careers,

with a similar proportion reporting incidents in the past year Such threatening behaviour can harm mental health, increase stress, and push staff toward leaving their jobs

T h e r e s e a r c h , l e d b y

Shihning Chou, an associate professor of forensic psychology at the University of Nottingham, is the first to examine aggression against GP staff globally Her findi n g s d r a w o n 5 0 s t u d i e s from 24 countries, includ-

i n g t h e U K , C h i n a , Australia, Germany, Ireland, Kuwait, and Barbados

Prof Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of G e n e r a l P r a c t i t i o n e r s , which represents UK family doctors, said: “It is extremel y d i s t r e s s

n g t h a t a

u s e against GPs and their teams is so widespread, not just in the UK No one working in general practice should face abuse while simply trying to do their job It is entirely unacceptable ”

HCOG urges Tesco to remove beef gelatine from Diwali range

community or gan

Te sco PLC e xpr essin g conce rn over t he ret ailer’ s curr e n t D iw a l i p r o m o t io n , w h ic h i n clu d e s c ho co la t e s con tain in g be ef gelatin e

In their letter, dated 19 September 2025, the groups highlighted the significance of Diwali, one of the most sacred festivals for Hindus, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil They emphasised that the cow is considered s a c r e d i n H

strictly prohibited W h i l e a c k n o w l e d g i n g Tesco’s right to sell a diverse

r a n g e o f p r o d u c t s , t h e HCOG described the inclusion of beef gelatine in a Diwali promotion as “highly

i t a demonstration of insensitivity to the Hindu community The groups urged Tesco to immediately withdraw the chocolates containing beef gelatine from its Diwali prom

properly vetted for cultural and religious suitability in

requested that Tesco establish a dialogue with Hindu community representatives

G concluded by noting Tesco’s longstanding reputation as a t

u s t e d

h e UK’s diverse communities, urging swift action in the spirit of respect, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity

Gurdwara and Sikh organisation leaders wrote to Prime Minister Keir Starmer this week, expressing concern over the slow pace of the investigation Specialist detectives have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV, and forensic experts are conducting extensive inquiries A man in his 30s previously arrested on suspicion of rape was released on bail, prompting the Sikh Federation to cite “huge community frustration and anger ” that neither alleged attacker is in custody

Appealing for witnesses, Ch Supt Kim Madill, Sandwell’s policing commander, said: “We urge anyone in the area around 8 30am who may have seen two white men to come forward One had a shaved head, heavy build, dark sweatshirt, and gloves; the other wore a grey top with a silver zip ”

Gatwick gets green light for second runway

T rans p or t S ecr etary Hei d i A lexan d er h as greenlit a second runway at Lo nd on Gatw ick A irport, aim ing to boost econo mic growth

The £2 2bn privately funded project will realign the Northern Runway by 12 metres and expand the airport’s terminals Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the project would bring "thousands of jobs and billions in investment," though it has faced opposition, with the Green Party calling it a "disaster " Gatwick, currently handling 280,000 flights a n n u a l l y , e x p e c t s t h e n u m b e r t o r i s e t o around 389,000 by the late 2030s Reeves added the second runway is part of the government's plan to "get Britain building again "

Speaking at Gatwick, the chancellor said the new runway would offer holidaymakers more destinations and lower costs, while creating well-paid jobs through an economic boost A government source called the project a "no-brainer for growth," suggesting flights could operate from the new runway by 2029 Transport Committee chair Ruth Cadbury urged the government to explain how it would balance increased flights with its carbon reduction commitments

The Gatwick expansion decision, initially expected in February, had been delayed after p l a

traffic, noise, and other local impacts In April, Gatwick agreed to stricter noise controls, improved insulation for residents, and a target of 54% of passengers using public t

I N B R I E F SCHOOLGIRLS’ PHOTOS USED IN META ADS DRAW PARENTAL OUTRAGE

Meta reportedly used back-to-school photos of schoolgirls to promote its Threads platform to a 37-year-old man, prompting parents to call the move “outrageous” and “upsetting ” The man saw posts in his Instagram feed encouraging him to “get Threads,” featuring uniformed girls as young as 13, with faces and often names visible These images were taken from parents’ Instagram posts some private some public without their awareness that Meta could cross-post them to Threads as “suggested” content The recipient told The Guardian’ the posts felt deliberately provocative and ultimately exploitative of the children and families involved The father of a 13-year-old called Meta s use of his daughter s school photo absolutely outrageous, saying it felt sexualised Meta said the images didn t violate policies, as they were publicly shared posts, and that its systems prevent recommending teens’ content

ONE IN FOUR UK UNIVERSITY PHYSICS DEPARTMENTS FACE CLOSURE

UK physics faces a funding crisis with 26% of university department heads warning their departments could close within two years, an IoP survey found Sixty percent expect course cuts, and four in five are already reducing staff, raising fears for the country s scientific future A university physics head warned their institution faces a £30 m deficit, frozen hiring, and sinking morale, saying staff are “close to breaking point ” Prof Daniel Thomas, chair of the IoP heads of physics forum, called the survey results alarming, noting that physics underpins key sectors, from quantum and photonics to space, green tech, and defence and warned that losing skilled physicists risks the UK’s global leadership

LEICESTER CARE HOME NEEDS IMPROVEMENT OVER STAFFING CONCERNS

Concerns over staffing levels led to an inspection of The New Wycliffe Home in Leicester, after which the Care Quality Commission (CQC) warned improvements were needed The first rated inspection found two regulatory breaches in staffing and governance The home, caring for up to 49 older adults and younger people with dementia, sensory impairments, or physical disabilities, was found to have insufficient staff and gaps in risk assessment, raising safety concerns The CQC assesses services using five key questions safety (protection from harm) effectiveness (care achieving good outcomes) caring and responsiveness (compassionate personalised care) and well-led (effective management with a clear vision)

Keir Starmer

Documents cast doubt on Tulip Siddiq’s passport denial

T u l i p S i d d i q ’ s i ns i

t h at s h e n ev e r h e ld

Bang ladeshi id entity pap ers

h a s b een u nd e rm i ne d by d ocu ments that ap pear to sh ow otherwise

Officials in Dhaka have

u n c o v e r e d r e c o r d s o f a Bangladeshi passport issued in London in 2001, when Siddiq was 19, and a national

i d e n t i t y c a r d g

d i n January 2011 Copies, shared

w i t h T h e T

Bangladeshi daily Prothom

Alo, include entries in the passport office and Election Commission databases that also list a voter registration number

B o t h d o c u m e n t s g

v e her permanent address as a property in Dhaka belongi n g t o h e r a u n t , S h e i k h Hasina, the country’s former prime minister who was deposed last year The findings contradict Siddiq’s prev i o u s d e n i a l s O n l y l a s t month her lawyers told the Financial Times, “Tulip has n

h n a t i o n a l i d e n t i t y c a r d o r voter ID and has not held a p

child

papers were “fabricated” as part of a “politically motivated smear campaign” by

Bangladeshi authorities Siddiq, 43, resigned as B

minister in January after a Whitehall inquiry ruled her

Hasina’s regime exposed the government to “reputation-

al risks ” She is now on trial in absentia in Bangladesh, accused of using her influence with Hasina to help relatives obtain land, allegations she strongly denies Under Bangladeshi law, a passport or national identity card is issued only to citizens Siddiq, born in Britain to Bangladeshi parents, is

rejected the label In 2017

Bangladeshi

Magnus, the prime minister’s adviser on ministerial standards, has cleared her of wrongdoing after a separate investigation in the UK

At least 1,147 p eop le in the UK died th is s ummer du e to c lim ate ch angedriven heatwaves, acco rding to leading sc ientis ts and ep idemiolo gists

The UK experienced its hottest s u

human-induced global warming A s

London, released Wednesday, combined modelling, historical mortality data, and peer-reviewed methods to e

Royal Society considers expelling Musk over ‘violence’ speech

The Royal S ociety, Britain’s leading scientific body, is set to d ebate w hether to expel Elo n Mu sk after its president cond em ned the billionaire for using th e “language o

v i

le nc

”

u ri n g a London rally Sir Adrian Smith, president of the Royal Society, w r o t e t o f e l l o w

g that Musk’s “narratives of division” threaten the values

progress in the West The

Robinson, in which he urged

against immigration “ or die” and warned: “Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you ” He a

failing to protect children from abuse and called for a “dissolution of parliament ” Downing Street condemned

and inflammatory ” Smith said in his letter, first reported by The New World magazine, that the growing use of violent lang u a g e b

o w o f t h e Royal Society “must concern us all ” The issue will be for-

UK summer heat linked to 1,147 deaths

found that climate change, mainly from fossil fuel burning and deforestation, raised summer temperatures by an average of 2 2 C, peaking at 3 6°C between June and August

A

caused 68% of 24,400 total summer deaths, adding around 16,500 lives c o m p

mally discussed on October

The Royal Society previ-

plinary action against Musk in March but decided it was not in the society’s interest,

Hinton, calling for expulsion Others, such as

ry could be

and ineffective Smith concluded, “Most of us have lived in contexts where tolerance, courtesy,

human-driven warming Cities most affected included Rome (835), Athens (630), Paris (409), Madrid (387), and in the UK: London (315), Birmingham (52), Glasgow & Sheffield (24 each), Edinburgh (22), with smaller cities reporting between 7–14 deaths T h e s t u d y n o t e d t h a t o l d e r adults were particularly vulnerable: 85% of excess deaths were among those aged 65+, including 41% aged over 85 Researchers stressed that heat-related deaths are often underreported, with official figures taking months to emerge, dubbing extreme h

tributing factors include prepared-

ness, demographics, and air pollution

The team called for policies to build resilience, such as green and blue urban spaces to reduce the heat-

transport emissions

The research involved 11 experts from Imperial College London, the L

University of Copenhagen

Tulip Siddiq

Alliance with the US hailed as ‘priceless and eternal’ during President Trump’s second State visit to the UK

Continued from page 01

The President and First Lady then joined members of the royal family for lunch, followed by a private v

Room of a special exhibition show-

United States

First Lady Melania laid a wreath on the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II at St George’s Chapel, with the president calling the visit a “great honour ” Accompanied by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, they then watched a special Beating Retreat o

British and American musicians and the first of its kind for a state visit

That evening, a formal state banquet was held in St George’s Hall, where both the King and the president delivered speeches celeb r a t i n g t h e e n d u r i n g U S - U K

Special Relationship

T r u m p h a i l e d t h e U S - U K alliance as “priceless and eternal,” calling the visit “ one of the highest honours” of his life On his historic second state visit, he said “special”

s c a r c e l y c a p t u r e s t h e b o n d between the two nations, likening them to “two verses of the same poem ” that together have “done more good for humanity than any t w o c o u n t r i e s i n h i s t o r y ” H e

The banquet hosted 160 distinguished guests, including Tiffany Trump; tech leaders such as Apple

C E O T i m C o o k , O p e n A I ’ s S a m Altman, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang; media

m

special advisor on business and investment Varun Chandra; and B

Rupert Maddock, 95, was the oldest attendee, joining a roster of other prominent dignitaries London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan did not attend the state banquet and said he neither sought nor expected an invitation A source c l o s e t o h i m a c c u s e d D

Trump of spreading “fear and division ”

added, “We had a very sick country one year ago, and today I believe w e ’ r e t h e h o t t e s t c o u n t r y a n ywhere in the world ”

King Charles III reflected on the deep US-UK ties, noting that s u c h a p a r t n e r s h i p w o u l d h a v e b e e n u n i m a g i n a b l e t o G e o r g e Washington and King George 250 years ago “We celebrate a relationship between two countries that surely old George could not possibly have imagined,” he said

The King hailed the enduring US-UK defense alliance, recalling their joint victories in two world wars and their united stand against

R u s s i a n a g g r e s s i o n “ T o d a y , a s t y r a n n y o n c e a g a i n t h r e a t e n s Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine,” he said

D e s p i t e c o n c e r n s t h a t President Trump has not pressed Russia hard enough on peace talks, Charles praised his “personal commitment to resolving some of the world’s most intractable conflicts to secure peace ”

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, the US president claimed he “didn’t want” Khan at the King’s Windsor Castle banquet, calling him “ one of the worst mayors in the world ” The remarks reignite their long-running feud: in 2019 Trump branded Khan “ a stone-cold loser,” while the mayor accused Trump of fueling far-right politics State visit sh owcases ‘unbreakable’ US -UK bond

After the president and first lady formally bid farewell to the King and Queen, Trump then travelled to meet the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and his wife Victoria Starmer, at Chequers, the country house of the prime minister in Buckinghamshire

Before their meeting and joint press conference at the Chequers, the president and prime minister

t

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the Royal Library at Windsor, then

Princess of Wales, co-president of The Scout Association Together they hosted Scouts, sharing miniature books and leaf printing, before the First Lady traveled to Chequers to meet the president for their return to the United States

“Tech Prosperity Deal,”

landmark

Starmer said it would send “bil-

The agreement commits both nations to collaborate on advanced technologies AI, quantum comp u

, launching a joint AI-for-Science program, speeding nuclear reactor

than ever ” Starmer said they also discussed ending the Gaza conflict and his plan to recognise a Palestinian state, a move Trump opposed as “ one of our few disagreements ”

licensing, and ending reliance on Russian nuclear fuel by 2028 It forecasts $350 billion in new comm e r c i a l v e n t u r e s , i n c l u d i n g U K purchases of U S tech and defense, GSK’s $30 billion AI investment in America, and BP’s $5 billion Gulf energy plan

At their joint press conference, Trump called the US–UK bond “unbreakable” and “closer

Protesters mo ck Trump w ith baby blimps and costum es

T h o u s a n d s o f p r o t e s t e r s i n

Parliament Square voiced a starkly different response to Trump’s visit to the UK

Organised by the Stop Trump Coalition a coalition of over 50

u

strators marched from Portland Place to Whitehall, carrying signs reading “No to racism,” “No to Trump,” and “Stop arming Israel,” as well as smaller versions of the 2

2019

The Metropolitan Police estimated up to 5,000 attendees and deployed more than 1,600 officers, including 500 from other forces

P o l l i n g s h o w s w i d e s p r e a d B r i t i s h d i s a

with an Ipsos survey finding

President

While Trump lunched with the Royals in Windsor, demonstrators gathered in London waving signs and flags with slogans like “Dump Trump” and “Stop Trump,” some featuring expletives Protesters dressed as figures such as Vladimir Putin, Benjamin

N e t a n y a h u , a n d A n d r e w T a t

held signs reading “War criminals f o r T

T r u m p , ” a n d “ M i s o g y n i s t s f o r

T r u m p ” M a n y s i g n s a l s o addressed specific political issues, i n c l u d i n g t h e R u s s i a - U k r a i n e conflict and Israel’s war in Gaza

The activist group Donkey, known for viral stunts targeting p o l i

o montage of Trump and Epstein on a Windsor Castle tower where Trump was expected to stay The f o o t a g e s h o w e d T r u m p ’ s m u g s h o t , E p s t e i n ’ s p o r t r a i t s , headlines, and clips of the two dancing AFP reported that four people were arrested on suspicion o f m a l i c i o u s c o m m u n i c a t i o n s

Some Trump supporters in the crowd, however, welcomed his

CEO of OakNorth, who attended t h

reception at Chequers, said, “The US State visit marks a pivotal

with both governments reaffirming their shared commitment to free enterprise, strategic cooperation, and sustainable growth

The scale and ambition of the investments being made reflect the unique strength of the economic partnership between our two nations At OakNorth, we see this relationship in action every day - since July 2023, we have lent nearly $2bn to lower

US, and we are committed to investing billions more in the

these vital businesses, we aim to h

n , c r e a t e jobs, and fuel sustainable growth across both economies "

visit

P rofessor Yu nas Samad of the U n i v e r s i t y o f B r a d f o r d s a i d ,

“Britain’s tradition of rolling out the red carpet for authoritarian leaders makes Trump’s welcome seem unsurprising On the surface, it seems normal, given the UK's ‘special relationship’ with the United States But the UK–US ‘special relationship’ was built on free markets, democracy, rule of law, and NATO Trump has dismantled these foundations

“This is a new era in US politics where Trump isn’t a temporary blip; he signals a lasting shift The US is turning inward, sidelining Europe, and treating allies like the UK as ‘vassal states,’ expected t o d e f e r t o W a s h i n g t o n w h i l e being exploited While being subservient to Trump might seem like the best short-term strategy, it’s a huge mistake He respects strength, not sycophancy, admiring leaders like Modi and Xi over a pliant Britain Inviting Trump isn’t a mistake because of his personal flaws or stances on Ukraine and Gaza; it’s a mistake because h e i s a c t i v e l y d i s m a n t l i n g t h e Western order that the UK relies on Starmer needed to show backbone failing to do so may go down as a historic error, perhaps a Munich moment, “ he added

Professor Yunas Samad

L to R- First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Lady Victoria Starmer participate in an arrival ceremony at Windsor Castle

US President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer signing the Tech Prosperity Deal

President Donald Trump with King Charles III at Windsor Castle

US President Trump and Prime Minsiter Starmer addressing joint press conference at Chequers

Over eighty Durga puja celebrations unite UK’s Bengali diaspora

T he UK has around 8 7 Durga

P ujas acco rding to a list published by the Indian Beng alis in U K ( IBU K) Thoug h there are a few brand -new pujas listed this year (see p art 1, p 16, Asian Voice 20-26 Sep ) there are many pujas in the U K , that hav e s ucc essf ully run for a decade if not more

T he Durga puja by Greater M anch ester Beng ali Hind u C ultural Association (GMBHC A) from 27 Septem ber till 2 October is one of th em

Greater Manch ester Beng ali Hindu C ultural Association

The puja has been running for over three decades

n d w

Even in these times of austerity in the UK, their firm

c o m m

commendable

Speaking to Asian Voice, A bhishek Bhol said, “Durga Puja for us is not just a festival, it is a tradition that binds

o u r c o m m u n i t y t o g e t h e r

E v e n d u r i n g c h a l l e n g i n g times, the motivation comes from the spirit of togetherness, cultural pride, and the desire to give our younger

“We are proud to be Adi Manchester Puja (the first Durga Puja in the city) and one of the longest running in the UK,” said Bhol “What makes us unique is our bal-

generation a sense of belong-

i n g a n d h e r i t a g e W e r e l y heavily on the commitment

o f o u r p a t r o n m e m b e r s , d o n a t i o n s f r o m w e l l - w i s hers, our puja/bhog sponsors

a n d t h e r e s i l i e n c e o f o u r members to keep this celebration alive ”

GMBHCA was founded in 1991 by a small group of families who wanted to keep the tradition of Durga Puja

a l i v e i n t h e N o r t h o f England Over the past 33 years, it has grown into one of the most prominent community associations in the r e g i o n T h e m e m b e r s include families, professiona l s , s t u d e n t s , a n d s e c o n dgeneration British Bengalis –all united by a shared love for culture and community service

Their idol was specially

c r a f t e d i n K o l k a t a ’ s K u m a r t u l i b y t r a d i t i o n a l artisans and then shipped to the UK It reflects the classic style of Bengali Durga, hand-

m a d e w i t h d e v o t i o n a n d artistry, bringing an authent i c c u l t u r a l t o u c h t o Manchester

ance between tradition and innovation – we conduct all r i t u a l s a u t h e n t i c a l l y w h i l e also integrating cultural prog r a m m e s , y o u t h e n g a g ement, and storytelling initiatives like our new “iKaku”, which helps make Puja more

e n g a g i n g f o r c h i l d r e n a n d the wider community

“ A l o n g s i d e t r a d i t i o n a l rituals, we are showcasing cultural programmes, storytelling panels, and interactive experiences to bring the P u j a a l i v e f o r e v e r y o n e , w h e t h e r B e n g a l i o r n o nBengali We also have a comp o s e d s o n g s p e c i a l l y f o r GMBHCA – ‘Echoes of Devi’ a l i g n e d t o p r o m o t i n g o u r theme ” Their theme this year is ‘Adi Manchester Puja’, highlighting unity across generat i o n s a n d c u l t u r e s T h e C o n s u l G e n e r a l o f I n d i a , Manchester, will be joining them as the Chief Guest on 28 September On 2 October (Dashami), the organisation

w i l l b e h o s t i n g a S w a c h h

B h a r a t D a y c e l e b r a t i o n i n c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h C G I Manchester

“Another special performance is ‘Poncha Kobi’, a d a n c e - t h e a t r e p i e c e b y Dakshinayan UK There will be bhog, live music, theatre, a

e r livestreaming, so everyone, near or far, can be part of the celebrations ”

London Sharad U tsav Out of around 21 Durga

r e n t London boroughs, Lo nd on S h ara d U ts av, f a m o u s l y

known as the Ealing Durga Puja that was formerly hosted at the Ealing Town Hall has a new venue It will be

Hub in Ealing

Milton Keynes Anand a C lub

In 1989, eleven families

c a m e t o g e t h e r t o f o r m

A dda Slough “ ‘ C h a y e c h u m u k , a d d a j o m u k ’ ( l e t t h e a d d a

over a sip of tea) – is the theme of Add a Slo ugh’ s Puja

become a popular meeting

Durga puja, much like the famous Maddox Square in K

marks our seventh year and will be held from 25 to 28 S

Cricket Club,” he added One of the main attractions for Adda’s puja year

culture’ Just like at the tea stalls on street corners back in Bengal, visitors will enjoy heated debates and conversations on culture, politics, work, family, and fashion over endless cups of tea For the Bijoya celebrations, this year their special guest will b e r e n o w n e d s i n g e r

Lagnajita Chakraborty

Prayash U K

Prayash U K’s Durga Puja has stepped in its third year It will be held at The Hythe Centre in Egham from 3-5 October Speaking to Asian Voice, Bhaskar Bhattacharjee said, “This is our third year, and it's shaping up to be our b

We're going all out with cultural programmes throughout the event

“One of the highlights is ‘ Y e h S h a a

Kolkata, along with Indrani D

Debashis Golder (former Air India Regional Manager, UK & E u r o p e ) W

Navarasa Fashion Show, in collaboration with 4Queens and Nritya Tales, a unique b

telling, and Indian classical art

Celebrating community and tradition at ‘The Dharmaj Society of London’

The Dh armaj S ociety of London (DHASOL) held its annual members’ event on 14 Septem ber 2025 at the Blue Room , Harrow, with The Worsh ipful M ayor of Harrow , Cllr A njana Patel, as p rincip al guest Th e gath ering op ened with prayers and the Dharmaj Geet “Maru Dh armaj,” wh ich attendees stood to sing with pride

Committee members at the event

Standing (L to R): Ashwinbhai, Brijesjbhai, Vrajeshbhai, Dinubhai, Bhupendrabhai, Mukundbhai, Manharbhai, Mahendrabhai, Pradipbhai, Kamleshbhai and Rashmibhai

Seated (L to R): Sonaliben Cllr Anjana Patel and Rashimiben

Milton Keynes Ananda C lub with the vision of celebrating Durga Puja Since then, the club has continued to grow a n d s p r e a d i t s w

t o diverse areas This year they are celebrating Durga puja f

t o 2 October at the Caldecotte Xperience, Milton Keynes

A g r a n d m a r q u e e h a s been set up at the Simpson Village, amidst lush greenery This year, their puja decor echoes the artistic spirit of Santiniketan, where Tagore’s vision blends with the graceful patterns of Alpona art, inspired by the design movement led by Nandalal Bose, one of India’s most celebrate d a r t i s t s T h e w o r k s o f Jamini Roy, famous for his bold lines, vibrant colours, a n d f o l k - i n s p i r e d s t y l e a l l handcrafted and hand painted will also be included T h e c u l t u r a l s h o w c a s e will include children’s tribute to Walt Disney as well as p e r f o r m a n c e s b y a d u l t s including ‘Dhunuchi’ dance etc

On 2 October, there will be a special performance by Marathi Mand al, followed by a dazzling Bollywood musical extravaganza by Indrani Du tta and J oy Bhow mik

Medw ay Oikotaan C ultural A ssociation M e d w a y Oi ko t aan C u lt ur al A s s oc i at io n (MOCA ) is in their third year of Durga puja celebration - a t r a d i t i o n o r i g i n a l l y s t a r t e d by four families What began as a small gathering has now become a vibrant multicultural celebration, spreading joy and cultural richness in Medway

This year it will be hosted a t T h e C h a r l e s H o t e l , Dickens Hall 15 from 2 till 5 October

Snehangsu Banerjee told Asian Voice, “Our festivities will include Bollywood and G a r b a n i g h t s a l o n g w i t h daily bhog This year ’ s theme i s t h e i c o n i c L o n d o n Telephone Booth, completely hand-crafted by the dedicated members ”

The Mayor, Cllr Anjana Patel, was welcomed by Secretary Rashmiben and introduced to the audience by Dharmaj Society President Mukund Patel as a proud moment for the community Elected as Harrow’s 73rd Mayor in 2025, Cllr Patel first became a Conservative councillor in 2002 for Belmont Ward She has been actively involved with DHASOL for many years, participating in community engagement and events such as Navratri and the annual barbecue in Harrow Cllr Anjana Patel noted her long-standing connection with DHASOL’s community and charitable work in both the UK and India She highlighted her ties to Dharmaj Village, recalling accompanying her mother for physiotherapy, which her mother described as the best treatment received She also shared memories of her late father, Shree Mujibhai, who held his first teaching post at Dharmaj School Cllr Patel added that she continues to visit Dharmaj regularly and commended DHASOL’s significant contributions to health and education in the village Referring to DHASOL’s freehold property, Cllr Anjana Patel noted that Dharmaj is unique in owning property outside its native village She expressed pride in the Dharmaj Geet, encouraging everyone to learn the lyrics and join in future celebrations She also highlighted her chosen Mayoral charity for the year, ‘VIA Harrow’, which provides free, confidential support to adults affected by alcohol, drugs, smoking, or vaping

Bhupendrabhai Ambalabhai and Dinu Raojihai, were garlanded and presented with special shawls by the Mayor and committee members in recognition of their dedicated ser-

Colchester, whose contributions to DHASOL and the CGNM community are deeply missed He also reminded members that DHASOL’s balance sheet continues to reflect its valuable freehold property at 188–190 Kenton Road, Kenton, which trustees prudently lease commercially in the society’s best interest

He announced that DHASOL would pledge £251 to the Mayor’s chosen charity, with funds to be transferred to the designated account The president concluded by thanking the Mayor, guests, donors, and the Blue Room for their hospitality

Upcoming events at The Bhavan

1) The Bhavan will celebrate Durgaashtami on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, at 7:00 pm The evening will include a traditional puja followed by devotional music, dance performances, and a prasad dinner Guests are invited to join in honouring the vibrant energy of the Goddess Admission is £2, and the celebration is generously sponsored by Mr and Mrs Alok Bharadwaj and family

2) An exhibition titled “Mysore Traditional Paintings – A L e g a c y o f G i l d e d D i v i n i t y ” b y D r J D u n d a r a j a , M r s Umanagendra, and Shashank Bharadwaj opens on Tuesday, 30 September at 6:00 pm and runs from 1-7 October, 11:00 am-7:00 pm These Karnataka artists present the centuriesold Mysore style, using natural pigments and fine squirrelhair brushes to create luminous depictions of Hindu deities and epic scenes

3) On 2 October at 7:00 pm, The Bhavan will host the launch of ‘Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia’ by author Sam Dalrymple The event, chaired by Subhanu Saxena, Chairman of The Bhavan, will feature H E Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, as the special guest The evening includes a formal book release, an author talk, and a short Q&A, followed by a booksigning session for copies purchased on site Admission is free, but advance registration is required

Durga puja by Milton Keynes Ananda Club

Durga puja by Greater Manchester Bengali Hindu Cultural Association (GMBHCA)

r ea y 30

g openin f s o

m Opening a s e anc l bu

Opening up fully stocked and ever-changing in size. businesses on-the-go gyms. Opening portable pizz for mobil s. O r doo O i and joints a izz le bookshops, s r doo g nin e p

b g Openin and life-sav and urgent treatment

freshly filled Opening up eliveries and anging

gifts Opening

b ildi

s, Opening airport oads. Opening communities. supplies and , es t si g din l ui ving support. t treatment

ll a big and sm up cities infrastru container ports ferry port O railways. Opening roads. building c building s last-minute g fridges and cupboards. new jobs and and annive birthdays and graduations same-day de opportunities. Opening growth. nents. Opening and countries uctures to open Opening . ports s and shipping gifts.

ouldn’t-haves. d happy tears and ersaries d

Opening up the world. Opening potential. O and contin and you-sho

Mandelson’s meltdown, from trade deal glory to Trump’s trash talk

He was meant to be Starmer’s secret weapon, the comeback king who could charm Washington and tame Trump Instead Peter Mandelson has crashed out in disgrace, dragged down by his own words, exposed by his own past, and turned into Britain’s latest political humiliation

At first there was triumph Mandelson beamed in the Oval Office, shook Trump’s hand, smiled for the cameras, and declared a trade deal For a moment it looked like Starmer’s gamble had paid off The fixer was back, the master operator was delivering, and Britain had a deal in its pocket

Then came the bombshell Emails showing Mandelson calling Epstein his best pal Emails showing sympathy for a convicted offender The gloss was gone, the poison poured in Starmer swore he never knew the full story, but the excuse sounded weak, pathetic even Mandelson’s baggage was no secret Everyone knew he was tainted Starmer rolled the dice anyway, and the country paid the price

T h e f i n a l i n s u l t c a m e f r o m T r u m p A s k e d a b o u t

Mandelson, he smirked, shrugged, and said he did not know him Not a word of thanks, not even a nod As if the trade deal never happened, as if the photos in the WhiteHouse did not exist It was classic Trump, savage and mocking, tossing Mandelson aside like a used prop and leaving Starmer to look like a fool The man sent to tame Trump ended as his punchline, and the prime minister who put him there is left to choke on the wreckage

Dr Nars inhbhai Patel

A flawed take on Indian cricket

It was back to normal for Hannah Petersen Ellis in the Guardian This time about the so called break in cricketing diplomacy between India and Pakistan Hannah repeats the trope:

“

Narendra Modi, who was elected in 2014, cricket has become increasingly utilised as a political tool The country’s largest cricket stadium was named after the prime minister, while the ICC, the sport’s powerful global governing body, is run by Jay Shah, the son of India’s home minister and Modi’s closest ally, Amit Shah ”

The above statement is juvenile and indicative of the fall in journalistic standards

Hannah equates the country’s largest stadium named after PM Modi as cricket being politicised Modi is and has been one of the greatest prime ministers of India To name an iconic place after the PM does not been it is politicised Next she claims ICC is run by the son of India's home minister It is like saying Hannah is working for a newspaper which was founded by people who were involved in Slave trade I think it is called guilt by association It is third class journalism And yes Hannah Modi is a nationalist PM of a Hindu majority country No tantrums will change that Nitin M ehta

America: Aim for moon can't land up in 50 stars

(USA flag)

Trump’s $100,000 H1B visa fee, nearly a crore, makes America a moonshot dream! Now if you aim for the moon, you won't land up among stars The U S flag flaunts 50 stars, 13 stripes; our tricolour’s Dharma Chakra, 24 spokes, shines brighter Indians, undeterred, will keep saffron, white, green flying high!

TS Karthik

The Great U.S. Talent Tax And Who Stands to Gain

Continued from page 03

Conclusion

The U S H-1B fee hike isn’t just about immigration it’s about drawing a boundary around one of the world’s magnet zones for talent For the UK, this is a pivot point If policy, industry and academia align, Britain could become an even more attractive destination for those priced out of the U S

But success depends on whether the UK can stay competitive: in visa cost and clarity, in quality of life, and in offering roles that matter Because when America builds a barrier, someone else gets the rise

Key Data & Facts

• India accounted for over 70 per cent of H-1B visa approvals in recent years

• The new U S policy imposes a US$100,000/year fee on new H-1B applicants (renewals/existing holders are exempt)

• UK-India trade/mobility deals include a Double Contributions Convention: Indian workers seconded here by Indian-based firms may be exempt from UK National

I n s u r a n c e f o r u p t o t h r e e y e a r s , c o n t i n u i n g s o c i a l contribution in India

• UK is already increasing its attraction of Indian professionals via the Global Talent visa, especially in tech, finance, academia

Mahmood orders slavery law review after deportations blocked

Court decision dela yed the depor ta tion of

migr ant, bl amin

vex atious last-minut e cl aims” for the H

Fr ance this week

The 25-year-old Eritrean, who arrived in the UK on a small boat on August 13, was

submit evidence supporting his claim of being a modern s

s journey through Sudan and Libya This claim came just days before he was scheduled t o b e a m o n g t h e f i r s t migrants deported under the UK-France one-in, one-out s c h e m e D e s p i t e f l i g h t s booked for the past three days, no migrants have been removed due to similar lastminute legal challenges

A s o u r c e c l o s e t o Mahmood said she is “furious ” at the delay, describing it as “ridiculously long” and warning that allowing such c l a i m s s e t s a d a n g e r o u s precedent The Home Office will lodge an appeal in the hope it can be heard by the end of the week Mahmood

argued that sudden modern slavery claims by migrants w h o p r e v i o u s l y d e n i e d exploitation “make a mocke r y o f o u r l a w s a n d t h i s c o u n t r y ’ s g e n e r o s i t y ” a n d

v o w e d t o e n d s u c h l a s tminute tactics

T h e i n j u n c t i o n w a s g r a n t e d a f t e r t h e H o m e Office revised its legal position on accepting evidence f r o m F r a n c e , f o l l o w i n g a d v i c e f r o m t h e n a t i o n a l r e f e r r a l m e c h a n i s m

Meanwhile, charity Bail for Immigration Detainees has b e e n p r o v i d i n g m i g r a n t s with guides, including templates and legal advice, to c h a l l e n g e d e p o r t a t i o n s a programme previously supported by government agreem e n t s a n d C o m i c R e l i e f funding

PM hails first migrant sent under deal

Prim e Minister Keir Starmer h as w elcomed the deportatio n of th e first m igrant und er the UK-France “ one in, one ou t” agreement, calling it pro of that the schem e can w ork despite weeks o f leg al challenges

The man, an Indian national who arrived on a small boat last month, was sent to Paris yesterday after choosing not to contest his removal Under France’s voluntary returns policy, he will be offered the option of flying back to India with his airfare and £2,100 covered Government sources stressed the significance of the case, contrasting it with failed deportation attempts earlier this week where migrants lodged lastminute legal appeals

Their position was strengthened after a High Court judge dismissed an injunction request by an Eritrean man, clearing the way for his deportation to France this morning However, the same judge granted a temporary reprieve to another Eritrean seeking to argue he was a victim of modern slavery In response, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has rewritten guidance to limit the use of modern slavery claims in blocking removals, insisting migrants must now pursue such cases through formal legal channels, including from abroad Critics, including the UK’s anti-slavery commissioner Eleanor Lyons, warned the change could silence genuine victims of exploitation

The US President sat in his office with his customary brashness showcasing to the world mediathat he wielded the pen of destiny (or is it destitution?). In one stroke of his now infamouscrayon, he declared t h a t t h e i m p l e m e n t a

d change dramatically He imposed unilaterally a fee of $100,000 for the privilege of an H-1B visa. And in minutes of that declaration the internet went ballistic People of Chinese and Indian heritage seeking the H1B visa were suddenly left in desperation and utter bewilderment.

I on the other hand was not surprised at all As I have said many times before, Trump does not operate in the real world His motivation is personal gain and personal showmanship He loves to perform to his fan base Each time he does something controversial, he secures the Republican vote bank even more He operates in a world where he truly believes that America is the most powerful nation on this planet, and that there is nothing anyone can do to undermine its might However, like most of his so-called crayon ‘masterstrokes’, it will end up in the courts

People have now had the opportunity to reflect, and independent thinkers are concluding that maybe the long-term winner will be India The president might have done India a huge favour In one go he has managed to shock India and Indians intoa space that requires r i s k a

changes and increasing liquidity Trump’s executive order is likely to shoot US innovation in the foot, whereas it can potentially give India’s innovation industry a shot in the arm

America and other western nations gave the bright Indian the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of technology To work in an environment where money was never the issue Billions spent over decades to ensure that America remained at the top of every technological innovation Let’s be very clear, the average American is no match for an Indian Had it not been for the Indian diasporaAmericawould have been relegated to the 2nd division decades ago

Where on this planet can anyone find people with top end skills, knowledge on artificial intelligence, deep science, hard-core engineering, computing and biotechnology? It’s one thing to rid the nation of those who b r i n g l o w - l e v e l s k i l l s b e c a u s e i

Americans to take up those jobs However, when it comes to the top 1% of intelligent people, it would take America decades of systematic investment and training to get the numbers to address their core needs

In the short-term Indians will suffer Very few companies will fork out $100000 for a visa for an Indian, unless they are sure they will get back ten times the amount in high quality work and innovation

The gain for India being that many of the talented might now remain in the country There is also scope for multi-nationals to invest a lot more in India knowing that the raw talent they seek is in India America’s loss can be turned into India’s gain

For those who are high earners in India, let me assure you, their lifestyle is significantly better than anything you’ll find in America or Europe India now offers many more elite schools with an international curriculum It has a digital economy that is in many instances far more advanced than that found in America Innovation like UPI runs into hundreds of millions of users People are routinely flying to India to be treated in the world-class hospitals As we saw during COVID, the pharmaceutical industry isoperating on a global scale And the number of startups has gone up exponentially, as has ambition And if this is not enough, India has a massive young workforceat alower cost to service this growth

For India thisrepresents a massive opportunity to rid itself of outdated practices that hinder growth, investment and innovation It can and must rid itself of the power brokers whose pockets have to be linedbefore projects get off the ground It’s time for a revolution of ideas, of intent, of determination, of reward to risk, and ingiving the nation a shot of much needed adrenaline to energise thesystem

India can learn from China but should also ensure it does it even better India must never bow down to western imperial powers It should maintain and foster relations with Russia, China, the Middle East and other nations, since the bottomline is simple, India must always come first for all Indians

For India, this can be a win-win, if it stands tall, be self-assured and backs itself

Kapil Dudakia

Shabana Mahmood

Celebrating excellence: 23rd Asian Achievers Awards in London

B il li o na ir es , c el ebr it i es , sp or ts stars, and business leaders g ather ed i n L o n d o n o n F ri d a y, 1 9

S ep t em b er , f o r th e 2 3 rd A si an

Ach iev ers Aw ards, th e UK’s premier celebration of British Asian ach iev em ent in business and society

The Awards received over 500 nominations from across the UK, cementing their status as the most prestigious and respected South Asian awards in the country They were founded over 23 years ago by CB Patel, Editor and Publisher of A s i a n V o i c e a n d G u

Samachar W i n n e r s i n c

Neerja Birla (founder and chair-

Rubasing ham MBE (artistic direc-

ee), and Prof Selva Pankaj (cofounder and CEO, Regent Global) Jimal, Nishal, and Devik Solanki were recognised for building the

ed

t

Sunny Gill Singh (the first British South

,

Wh en Anil and Geeta So lanki f ound ed T aj F ood s Ltd in 1 980, th ey could h ardly hav e imagined the scale th eir hum ble fam ily b u s in es s w o u l d o ne d a y rea c h Built on dedication, heritage, and a p assion for auth entic world food s, T aj h as g rown into the UK and E u r o p e ’ s l ead in g e th n ic fro z en f o o d b ran d s , s u p p ly in g m a j or sup ermarkets such as S ainsbury’s, A sda, M orrisons, and wh olesalers including Bestway Group

At the helm today are the second-generation leaders brothers J im al, Devik, and Nish al Solanki who have together been named E ntrepreneur of the Year 2025 The award was presented at the Asian

A ch i ev ers A w ard s 2 0 25 , h e l d i n London, where a room of distinguished leaders with a combined net worth of over £30 billion gathered to celebrate excellence across business, arts, culture, and community Alongside Taj Foods, winn e r s i n c l u d e d D r Nee rj a B i rla , renowned philanthropist and mental health advocate, and Rishi Rich, the acclaimed British-Indian music producer credited with pioneering Asian fusion sounds

This recognition carries a special resonance, as their father, A nil S olanki, won businessman of the year in 2009 Sixteen years on, his sons are proudly following in his footsteps, taking the family name to even greater heights

With over 17 years of experie n c e ,

political and economic challenges, b u t S o u t h A s i a n s c o n t i n u e t o demonstrate resilience and make significant contributions to the nation Our winners showcase the

Muh amm ad Faisal Sami was honoured for humanitarian work S imon Aro ra won following the successful exit of B & M S

Hashm i recognised for her contributions to media and Maulik Darji for leadership in NHS cancer care

M

Rich received a special award f

& B fusion, and radio icon Rav i Sharm a was celebrated for 50 years in broadcasting P r ati k D at tan i , M an ag i ng Director of EPG and organiser of th e ev e nt, s

by the team at EPG, honouring the

have made to public life, community service, arts, culture, business, technology and beyond ” C o ns er v at iv e P art y le ad e r Kemi Badenoch said, “This event c e l e b r a t e s c o n t r i b u t i o n s a c r o s s every sector of society, from business and public service to science and the arts ” Liberal Democrat lead er Sir Ed

best of this impact For the first t i m e , s e v e r a l s h o r t l i s t e d entrepreneurs had built successful businesses in the UK before moving to Dubai, highlighting a risk to Brand Britain that policymakers must address I am grateful to CB Patel and Asian Voice for creating this incredible platform so many years ago ” Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a statement said: “British Asians are a driving force behind much of the social, cultural and economic innovation we see in Britain today This is why it is wonderful to see s o m

makers being recognised tonight

Taj’s commercial strategy, securing k e y p

retailers and driving Taj’s presence into hundreds of stores across the UK His foresight in anticipating consumer trends has firmly positioned Taj as a market leader in frozen world foods

S i n c

Director in 2015, Dev ik So lanki has been the architect of Taj’s infrastructure growth and international expansion His vision reached a milestone in 2025 with the opening

D

enabling next-day frozen delivery across the continent and cementing Taj’s role as a pan-European distribution powerhouse Nish al So lanki brings operational expertise, scaling Taj’s logist

singer Raghav, stand-up

an Eshaan Akbar, and Guinness W

Klodi Dabkiewicz Raghav,

Dav ey added, “Congratulations to all the nominees at the 23rd Asian Achievers Awards Your dedicat i o n a n d

a n inspiration to us all ”

The event was organised by advisory firm EPG, supported by A B P L , S ta te Ban k of I nd ia (U K), luxury interior decorators Hill House Interiors, drinks partn e r K h o k i U ni ted , t h i n k tank Brid ge India and others

The evening was hosted by actor Nitin Ganatra OBE and Sky N e w s p r e s e n t e r A ni la Dh a m i, with Nileeka Bose, choreographer for Marvel’s ‘The Eternals’, hosti n g t h

and

Asian Premier League refer-

Neerja Birla Rishi Rich

Prof Selva Pankaj Sunny Singh Gill

Echoes of Appreciation

Readers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar don’t need me to tell them that the British Gujarati community has made remarkable strides in the last half-century Fifty years ago, in 1975, the inhuman expulsion of ethnic Asians from Uganda by Idi Amin was in the past by only three years Gujarati immigrants from Kenya, Tanzania and other African countries were also building new lives in Britain Direct immigration from India, too, has contributed to the development of the successful and thriving community that we know today

This same period of history is also the lifetime of Gujarat Samachar, which recently celebrated fifty-three years of community service

Soneri Smruti Granth commemorates the publication’s longevity, but its focus is on the community Appropriately, it is bilingual, the English section followed by a Gujarati one Since I am, sadly, unable to read Gujarati, this is a review of the English section

The book brings together many stories of individuals, families, businesses, organisations and temples Each story is unique, but together they build a picture of a greater story, a story of community success built on immensely hard work and mutual support For those of us born into younger generations, the accounts of early immigrants’ determination can hardly fail to inspire Even Bhikhu Parekh, now a member of the House of Lords, who arrived in London with his bride in 1959 to pursue his PhD, struggled to survive in the early days, helped by a landlord who shared food with the young couple

Other chapters feature noble efforts to keep Gujarati heritage alive in the diaspora, such as the Rangeelu Gujarat festival staged by Red Lotus Events The tone isn’t uniformly triumphalist One chapter that stuck in my memory after reading it was written by Kanu R Patel, a longtime Gujarat Samachar subscriber, whose distinguished record of community service has been recognised with a British Empire medal Kanu Patel’s has the right to feel very proud of his accomplishments, but his piece ends on a note of resigned sadness, as he acknowledges a general lack of interest in community events among younger generations

Several chapters celebrate Gujarat Samachar and the remarkable journey of CB Patel ‘CB: A Thinking Patel’ by Sheela Bhatt offers a warm and humanising portrait of CB, while Kokila Patel’s ‘Inspirational Journey of Gujarat Samachar’ reflects on her nearly 40 years of personal involvement with the publication Similarly, Jyotsna Shah’s association with Gujarat Samachar for over four decades, her widely appreciated Ghar Diwda columns featuring individual profile interviews and her continued efforts to strengthen the bond with the community remain truly inspiring for any publication Adding to this narrative, Rupanjana Dutta, Managing Editor of Asian Voice and Pooja Raval, ABPL’s Business Development Manager, also share their unique perspectives The English section concludes with a curated selection of pieces from CB Patel’s popular Asian Voice column, ‘As I See It’, covering diverse themes, from cherished personal memories to striking parallels between Indian and Jewish history

Soneri Smruti Granth is a moving and impressive anthology and I applaud the decision to collect these precious memories while many older community members are available to share their stories In an era of relentless and inevitable change, there is value in knowing where we came from

Dr Anahita Hoose PhD in Indo -Europ ean Studies

Thank you for publishing this inspiring book and giving us the chance to share our stories I read most of it during my recent holiday and truly enjoyed it I was moved by the courage of families who came to the UK with nothing and, through sheer hard work, built successful lives and businesses

The older generation especially touched me those who left India for Uganda in their youth, learned new languages, faced many hardships, and then had to start over again in the UK after being expelled by Idi Amin Their strength and determination is admirable

I also enjoyed reading about CB Patel and how he started Gujarat Samachar, giving readers a chance to connect with their mother tongue His dedication, even facing detention, was inspiring Pooja’s story also stood out her mother’s experience reflects the painful reality many women faced in India, and it was moving to read her journey

Thank you again for preserving these powerful stories Vim la and Harish, C ardiff

Sardar Katha in London draws large UK audience

The two-d ay Sard ar K atha at the Navnat Centre, organised by NCGO U K and Sardard ham , India, drew large audiences from across the U K

Special guest speaker Shailesh Sagpariya, invited from India, spoke on the Bardoli Satyagraha, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s life, and the integration of India’s princely states, leaving many attendees deeply moved Families and visitors of all ages listened with rapt attention throughout both days A detailed report on the event will be published next week

Professor Adeeba Malik named as West Yorkshire’s next Lord-Lieutenant

His M ajesty the King has appointed Professor Ad eeba Malik CBE DL , as the new Lord-Lieutenant of West Yo rkshire, succeed ing Mr Ed Anderson, CBE, who retires on 22 Decem ber 20 25

deputy chief executive at the QED Foundation, brings over 35 years of experience in public and voluntary service She began her career as a teacher and has held a range of

roles at local, regional, and national levels She has also served as High Sheriff of West Yorkshire Outgoing Lord-Lieutenant Ed Anderson, appointed on 31 August

2

ment He said: “I am delighted that Adeeba Malik will succeed me Her exceptional service as High Sheriff

of West Yorkshire has shown she possesses the qualities to excel as Lord-Lieutenant

member of the Community and V

Committee (Cabinet Office),

Advisory Board, and a visiting professor at York St John University She

the first

in the

of

“Adeeba worked very closely with the emergency services during her year as High Sheriff, and I look forward to working with her in this new role ” The Bishop of Bradford, Right Revd Toby Howarth, added, “Adeeba has all the qualities needed to engage with all communities in West Yorkshire and promote social cohesion ”

London leaders unite to tackle gambling harms

Campaigners , health experts, and loc al politici ans gathered at City Hall for a roun dta ble hosted by Kr u pe s h H i ra n i A M w i th Betknowmore UK to tack le gambling harms in London

The event revealed that 5 6% of Londoners are affected by gambling harms, almost double the national average, and that poorer areas face the greatest impact, w

shops than wealthier neighbourhoods

Discussions focused on the effects on individuals, families, a

financial hardship, mental health

i s s u e s , a

l a t i o n s h

p

e a kdowns Participants emphasised a public health approach with prevention, early intervention, and specialist support, while exploring how councils can share best

India House bids farewell to Deputy High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh

India House hosted th e farewell cerem ony for India’s Deputy High Com missioner to the UK , S ujit Gh osh, on Tuesd ay, 16 September 20 25 Deputy High Com missioner S ujit Ghosh w ill soo n d epart London to take up a new role at India’s Ministry of External Affairs

The Indian High Commission organised a farewell ceremony attended by dignitaries from diverse fields and leaders of the Indian community, including CB Patel, Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar During the event, the High Commission also engaged with community leaders on key initiatives,

practices and use the new statutory levy to fund research and treatm

Graham, Matt Smith, Dr Emma Ryan, and London councillors Local authorities will partner with Betknowmore UK to form a London Action Group, sharing best practices to help councils tackle gambling harms locally

Hirani AM said: “London is on

the frontline of the nation’s gambling crisis, and we cannot sit back while communities pay the price Councils need the power to prevent betting shops from taking over high streets, while ensuring treatment and support are available for those who need them

Cardiff Sanatan Mandir celebrates PM Modi’s 75th birthday

Community members present at the event

Cardiff S anatan Mand ir m arked the 75th birth day of Ind ia’ s P rime Minister, Narendra M odi, during the auspicious Shreemand Bh ag wat Katha Ram esh Patel, a trustee of th e Mand ir, brought a birthday cake, wh ich was ceremonially cu t by Sh ree Rajubhai Shastry of M athura and trustee Harish P atel Kokila Patel and Sudhaben Bhatt performed a joyful birthday song in Gujarati, followed by a patriotic rendition by Kashi Ladhani Members joined in chants of “Jay Ho!” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jay!” as heartfelt praise was offered for Narendra Modi, recognising his leadership, dedication, and service to the nation

Shailesh Sagpariya delivering his talk at the Sardar Katha event

Adeeba Malik CBE

M odi and the global Ind ian wav e

Modi’s popularity is not confined to Indian shores; he enjoys considerable support among the Indian diaspora, particularly in the United Kingdom British Indians,

e s p e c i a l l y G u j a r a t i s , h a v e l o n g maintained strong cultural, familial, and business ties with India, and Modi’s outreach has resonated with this community

W h e n t h e I n d i a n P r i m e

Minister visited the UK in 2015, he did more than address a crowd, he created a historic moment for the I n d i a n d i a s p o r a S t a n d i n g a t Wembley Stadium before 60,000 cheering supporters, Modi hailed the “special relationship” between India and the UK

Arriving on stage with then-UK

Prime Minister David Cameron, he told the audience, “I would like to ensure you that the dreams you

h a v e d r e a m t a n d t h e d r e a m s every Indian has dreamt India is capable of fulfilling these dreams

There is no reason for India to remain a poor country ” A decade later, these words resonate as a testament to India’s trajectory under his leadership Cameron, introducing Modi, emphasised that the UK-India relationship was “about our potential,” united by ambition The crowd erupted when he predicted that a British Indian would soon occupy Downing Street a prophecy that also came true when Rishi Sunak was made No 10 his resident

C a m e r o n h a d a l s o a d d e d , “Team India, team UK together we are a winning combination ” Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has collaborated seamlessly with three successive UK prime minis-

t e r s , m a i n t a i n i n g a p r o f e s s i o n

a n d c o n s t r u c t i v e r e l a t i o n s h i p through each transition This sustained engagement bore fruit earlier this year with the signing of the long-awaited UK-India Free Trade Agreement

M o d i ’ s c o n n e c t i o n w i t h t h e diaspora as India’s Prime Minister has been celebrated since his visit to the US in 2014, when nearly 20,000 diaspora gathered at New Y o r k ’ s M a d i s o n S q u a r e G a r d e n These events weren’t mere rallies; they were a deliberate affirmation of identity For decades, the diaspora had endured subtle stereotyping in their host countries and a sense of guilt over leaving India Modi transformed this narrative

B y c a l l i n g t h e m I n d i a ’ s “ b r a n d ambassadors,” he reframed their

a c h i e v e m e n t s a s a s o u r c e o f national pride, not personal compromise

The diaspora, particularly in the UK and America where Indianorigin communities rank among the highest earners and most educated, embraced this message No longer were they seen merely as remittance senders, they became

c r u c i a l c o n t r i b u t o r s t o I n d i a ’ s global influence Modi’s outreach

b o o s t e d t h e i r s e l f - e s t e e m a n d pride, allowing them to celebrate their Indian heritage openly Today, as India rises towards

becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the diaspora takes pride in the nation’s story, and Modi is widely recognised as its architect

W h e n e v e r h e v i s i t s a b r o a d , t h e overwhelming support he receives is a reflection of decades of careful diplomacy and genuine engagem e n t w i t h I n d i

Modi doesn’t just speak to the diasp

active participants in shaping its global image M odi’s India: One transform ative vision

Modi’s 75th birthday is also a moment to reflect on his vision for

remarkable transformation, evolving from a developing nation into a

advanced technology At the heart of this transformation is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, which places self-reliance, innovation, and indigenous development at the core of national policy

Initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India have s

ties, fostered public-private partnerships, and propelled India into a leadership position on the global stage

India’s defence sector has seen unprecedented growth With the backing of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India joined the elite

We were truly blessed to welcome Prime Minister Modi to Luton last month during his visit to the UK It was a great honour to meet him and I have followed his leadership closely since he and his party came to power

One of the major challenges that always seemed to hold India back was the wide gap between classes; people either being very poor or very rich Another significant challenge was infrastructure This is where I truly admire Modi and his government Since coming into power, they have been driving an ambitious agenda of i

Today, India has made remarkable progress in highways, airports, retail, and other sectors

Western world India is now

top

funds, which positions the country strongly on its path to becoming one of the global superpow-

club of nations with advanced m i l i t a r y

, India successfully tested a laserbased directed energy weapon to neutralise drones, joining the US, Russia, and China The country

Scramjet engine for hypersonic missiles and tested its first longrange hypersonic missile, capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads The integration of MIRV technology in the Agni-V missile further enhances India’s strategic flexibility, while developments in autonomous stealth UAVs and naval missile defence signal India’s entry into futuristic warfare capabilities

India’s space ambitions have been equally audacious In 2023, it became the first nation to land on the Moon’s south pole, joining the US, China, and Russia in lunar exploration ISRO’s SpaDEx miss

satellite docking and undocking, while the Integrated Cryogenic E

(ICMF) positions India as a nextgeneration space propulsion leader The 2017 PSLV-C37 launch of 104 satellites marked India’s entry into elite satellite-launch capabilities

B

semiconductors, quantum computing, and AI, aiming to lead rather than follow Initiatives like Semicon India and the National M

ers From my personal perspective, what Modi has achieved, putting India prominently on the world map, is something every Indian, no matter where they live, can be proud of Indians are now recognised globally, not as second-class citizens, but as leaders in business, innovation, and governance This transformation is a testament to him and his government

-Surind er Arora, Founder & Execu tive Ch airman

(NMQTA) showcase India’s ambitions in next-generation technology

Over the past decade, India has also undergone a profound e n t r e p r

t i o n , positioning itself as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, behind only the United States and China Read more about it on page 19

U n d e r M

India has shifted from aspiration t o a c h

that its potential is limitless From

Basaveshwara Foundation, it is a matter of great pride that the first conceptual Hindu statue in the U K

M

B a s a v e

r a s t a t u e ,

c a t e d opposite the British Parliament, marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has inaugurated a statue i n G r e a t B r i t a i n

T h i s h i s t o r i c m o m e n t i s f u r t h e r s i g n i f i c a n t a s i t i s the first conceptual

H i n d u s t a t u e a p p r o v e d b y t h e

C a b i n e t u n d e r t h e Statues Act of 1854

The monument honours a philosopher who, centuries b e f o r e t h e M a g n a

C a r t a , c h a m p i o n e d democracy, equality, human rights, and freedom of speech, earning recognition as a true “father of democracy ” The unveiling by Modi, India’s first H i n d u P r i m e M i n i s t e r , u n d e rscores this historic connection and should be recorded in history books The event also reflects Modi’s personal bond with the U K , w h i c h h e r e f e r e n c e s f r equently in speeches

Modi is admired globally as a statesman who has brought stab i l i t y t o I n d i a ’ s i n t e r n a

y ranked among the world’s top

demonstrated that a leader from

We recently held a celebration for Narendra Modi's 75th birthday in Parliament, bringing the community together for this special occas i o n T h e e v e n t w a s l e d b y a respected priest from one of our local temples in Harrow We were also joined by two distinguished gurus from India as special guests as we also had a pre-Navaratri celebration

The celebration highlighted the strong connection the Indian diaspora in the UK has with their homeland Narendra Modi is an inspirational leader whose journey, from humble beginnings as a “chai walla” in Gujarat to becomi

demonstrates the power of deter-

Celebrating service, celebrating Modi

satellites to quantum computers, India is no longer just catching up; it is setting the pace, emerging as a true global leader

As he turns 75, Modi stands not only as a figure of domestic authority but also as a statesman w

beyond India’s borders For supporters, Modi repre-

polarising force in both domestic and international affairs Either way, his impact on India, and the world, remains undeniable

humble beginnings can rise to global prominence

Modi’s governance emphasises transparency, anti-corruption measures, economic growth, and public welfare Initiatives such as

Atmanirbhar Bharat reflects his

Under his leadership, Kashmir has seen significant development, and India has projected a strong, zero-tolerance stance against terrorism

Through steady and visionary leadership, Modi has positioned I

highlight of his lasting impact both at home and abroad

-D r Neeraj Patil, Chairman of Hindus for Labou r, Th e Labo ur Party Ch airman of Th e Lambeth Basaveshwara Fo undation

Minister of Gujarat, he brought

and as Prime Minister, he has worked to empower the poor and

improve their lives through both personal effort and societal support Modi’s leadership is defined b

demonetisation have curbed corruption and reduced the

grow at a pace admired globally

Having met him several times in India and the UK, I consider him one of my political heroes -Bob Blackm an, M em ber of Parliament for Harrow East

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Wembley Stadium London 2015

Surinder Arora welcoming Narendra Modi as he arrived in Luton

Dr Neeraj Patil introduces Narendra Modi as he unveils the Basaveshwara statue opposite the British Parliament in 2015

A life in photographs

From the tea stalls of Vadnagar to the corridors of power in New Delhi, the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a story of grit, discipline, and vision Born in 1950 into a modest family, Modi’s early years were defined by simplicity and service, qualities that would later shape his political journey His path was anything but ordinary; marked by years of grassroots work with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a rise through the ranks of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and ultimately his election as the 14th Prime Minister of India in 2014

Over the decades, Modi has been at the centre of historic moments that reshaped India’s trajectory; whether rebuilding Gujarat after the devastating Bhuj earthquake, transforming it into an investment hub as Chief Minister, or leading India onto the global stage as Prime Minister with initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and Startup India His leadership has brought India into the global spotlight, from record-breaking space achievements to landmark diplomatic ties

This “life in photos” captures Narendra Modi’s journey across decades: from a boy with humble beginnings to a leader admired by millions, whose story is intertwined with India’s modern transformation

A young stalwart

A special connection with Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice

In August 2003, two years after the Bhuj earthquake, Narendra Modi visited the United Kingdom to address thousands from the Indian diaspora many of whom had mobilised support and resources for Gujarat during the 2001 disaster He lauded their generosity and deep emotional connection to India, calling them “the true friends of Gujarat ”

During the visit, Modi inaugurated Shakti Hall at the offices of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice on 20 August 2003 True to his visionary style, he spoke of the future, delivering a line fondly remembered by Asian Voice Editor-in-Chief CB Patel; “IT is not Information Technology,” he said “IT is India Today BT is not

Information Technology and Indian Talent is India Tomorrow ”

to commemorate the

Then Gujarat BJP's General Secretary, Narendra Modi, the charioteer for the Gujarat leg of the Somnath-Ayodhya

of democracy "

Newly re-elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the party President Amit Shah, arrives at the party headquarters to celebrate victory in Lok Sabha elections in May 2019

Modi seeks Ram Lalla Virajman's blessing prior to laying the foundation for Ram Mandir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showing victory sign to supporters at Bharatiya Janata Party office following Indian General Elections 2024 win

In 2011,

Golden Jubilee of Gujarat’s formation, Narendra Modi addressed a high-profile audience in Mayfair, London, without leaving Gandhinagar “The name Gujarat and development are synonymous Gujarat is creating history,” he told the engaged diaspora The event, hosted by Friends of Gujarat, Gujarat Samachar, and Asian Voice, welcomed 90 distinguished guests, including British MPs, Lords, and community leaders (Pictured on the right)

Narendra Modi addressing the diaspora in the UK Also pictured, seated second from the left, is CB Patel, Editor-in-Chief of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice

Global leaders praise Modi’s leadership on his 75th birthday

On the occasion of Prim e

M inister Narend ra Mod i’s 75th birthday, greetings p oured in from acro ss the g lo be World leaders extended warm wishes and highlighted their hopes of further strengthening diplomatic ties and advancing international cooperation with India At home, the celebrations were

equally significant Senior party colleagues and key allies from the National Democratic Alliance conveyed their congratulations, lauding the Prime Minister’s leadership and vision for the country’s development Leaders from the opposition parties also joined in, setting aside political differences to extend their best wishes

President V lad imir P utin extended warm birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commending his “great personal contribution” to deepening the India–Russia partnership

In a message posted on the Kremlin website, Putin said Modi has earned “high respect at home and enorm

impressive social, economic, scientific, and technological progress under his leadership He highlighted Modi’s role in strengthening the countries’ “special privileged strategic partnership” and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation across key sectors

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi a happy birthday, calling him a “good friend ”

In a video message shared on X, Netanyahu praised

progress in India-Israel relations “We have accomplished a great deal together, and I look forward to seeing you soon so we can take our partnership to even greater heights,” he said

In a video message, Indian-origin former UK Prime Minister Rish i S unak wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi a happy 75th birthday, calling it a “great pleasure ” He described Modi as a “good friend” to both him and Britain and expressed delight at UK–India ties growing stronger

Reflecting on his 2023 G20 visit to India, Sunak said the summit was a “superb event befitting India’s standing on the world stage” and added that, as someone from a British-Indian family, the relationship holds a special place in his heart He concluded by wishing Modi all the best and said he looked forward to seeing him soon

While several leaders called Prime Minister Modi, others shared video or text messages on social media to convey their wishes Leaders including Australian Prime minister Anthony Albanese, Bhutanese prime minister Tshering Tobgay, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Myanmar President Min

Between reverence and controversy in modern Indian politics

Aung Hlaing, Guyana President Irfaan Ali, Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Microsoft co founder Bill Gates, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar also extended their birthday greetings

A day earlier, US President Donald Trum p phoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend birthday greetings, raising hopes of a reset in strained bilateral ties following Washington’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods Trump praised Modi’s “tremendous job” and thanked him for supporting efforts to end the war in Ukraine

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday

In a post on X, she praised Modi’s leadership, highlighting his “strength, determination and ability to lead m

Accompanying the message was a photograph of the two leaders smiling for a selfie, reflecting their rapport In her caption, Meloni wished him health and energy to continue guiding India’s future and to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations

H

Minister Modi

President of the European Commission U rsula v on der Leyen also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend her birthday wishes

In response, Modi said India is ready to elevate its relationship with the EU and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to an early and peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict He also reiterated his invitation to host the next India–EU Summit in India next year

It’s f asc inating to t hink abou t PM Modi; on his birthday, many wrote about him , and around 200 books have b een publ is hed on his life and leaders hip But w hat do other w orl d l eaders think of him ? What would Donal d T rum p or V ladim ir Putin make of him? What is going throu gh the m inds of Pakis tan’s leaders, or Xi Jinping? And what about his true admirers , his critics , or political rivals l ike Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi?

The bigger question is: how can we ever know what people are truly thinking, beyond what they say? Modern science offers one method, a “ narco ” test, conducted while someone is unconscious Yet a recent report revealed a criminal so clever that he completely misled investigators during such a test, showing even this method isn’t fool proof

There’s an argument that writing about someone while they are still alive often leads either to excessive admiration or to prejudice Once, during a conversation with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he remarked: “If you want to write a book about someone ’ s life, don’t do it while they are alive No matter how hard you try to stay neutral, bias or prejudice inevitably creeps in ” I joked that even the books written about Gandhiji after his death show this, and he laughed

PM Modi is a 21st-century leader you can neither fully admire nor entirely criticise Our friend CB Patel of “Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar” urged me to cover him in the supplement, leaving me wondering what to write

Many research writers claim, “We have written about him after thorough research, using material found nowhere else ” Really? Our Marathi writer friend Girish Dabke, in the days following the Godhra riots, had already documented Narendrabhai’s role in his book titled “Narendrayan”

I jokingly remarked that Narendrabhai’s opponents, whose numbers have swelled recently with elections in Bihar and elsewhere, along with certain channels, YouTube creators, and other platforms, dig up incidents, contexts, and details from every corner to craft a narrative so convincing that the average reader begins to believe it These critics fail to realise that, just as social media blurs facts, audiences have become savvy enough to see through it They know some outlets exaggerate or even fabricate stories; for instance, if a stray dog wandered into Modi’s roadshow, it might be portrayed as if he had orchestrated it

Elections themselves aren’t new, and the system has long faced criticism Many in Saurashtra will remember the period between 1952 and 1962, when opposition leaders and workers visiting villages often encountered burly men with moustaches sitting at crossroads, guns slung over their shoulders, while boards hanging from trees warned: “Opposition party members are advised not to enter this village!”I have personally witnessed such incidents, and there were numerous newspaper reports of rigging during voting Today, while t h e

Commission, Rahul Gandhi casually throws around “bomb” remarks and demonstrates his “decency” by calling the Prime Minister a “thief ” During the tenure of one of his ancestors as Prime Minister, an election in Kashmir was manipulated so that all nomination papers of Praja Parishad candidates were rejected, ensuring a guaranteed victory for Sheikh Abdullah’s party Another of Rahul’s ancestors, seeking to assert control over t h

Commissioner R K Trivedi (who briefly also served as Gujarat’s Governor) announced Assembly elections despite widespread unrest The agitators in Assam mostly intellectuals, writers, women, and students, boycotted the polls until the issue of infiltration was resolved Yet the Election Commission and central government pressed ahead, resulting in tragedies like the Nellie massacre With public turnout only five to ten percent in most areas, the elected representat

deposits What kind of government can emerge from such a flawed process?

It’s ironic to overlook these historical events and now label the entire government a “vote thief ” Yet one thing is certain: today’s democracy is resilient enough to withstand such theatrics, provocations, casteism, and endless accusations In this context, efforts to encircle the current Prime Minister and his party from all sides have already begun Don’t be naïve enough to think foreign powers aren’t involved, political upheavals rarely occur suddenly or in isolation In this sense, power and politics have become “globalised,” and in a democracy, the stakes and opportunities are even greater The same dynamics play out in other countries as well

In these circumstances, a Gujarati has emerged as one of the most important, most admired, and most opposed figures i n I n d i

Independence, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel faced intense opposition Critics even coined the phrase, “the politics of the Gujarati gang will not work anymore ” Rather than focusing on the country, they are deliberately targeting Gujarat itself with a calculated agenda

These are days of severe testing The challenge extends to leaders and workers who, having experienced the satisfaction of power, now enjoy authority solely in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name

Russian

Russian President Vladimir Putin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at SCO Summit

Modi meeting US President Donald Trump at White House on February 14, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the press meet with the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem, Israel on March 05, 2021

PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit

Prime

meets

E Ms Ursula Von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission at Hyderabad House in February 2025

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi at G20 meeting

Padma Shri Vishnu Pandya

Nilesh Parmar

In tod ay ’ s w orld, only a few politicians can actually witness their birthd ay being celebrated across th e g l ob e F ro m o rd i nary ci tiz ens to w orld leaders, words of ad miratio n and respect have been extended

S u c h i s t h e c a s e w i t h P r i m e

Minister Narendra Modi, who commands the hearts of Indians worldwide Born on 17 September 1950 in Vadnagar, Modi marked his 75th birthday, not just with personal celebrations, but through acts of ser-

v i c e a n d r e s p e c t a l o n g s i d e w e l lwishers It is no exaggeration to say that his charisma, vision and policies have left a profound impact both in India and internationally

E v e n U S P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d

Trump, who has often taken a confrontational stance against India for personal or political reasons, pers o n a l l y c a l l e d M o d i o n 1 6 September, just before his visit to the UK, to wish him a happy birthday and to acknowledge that he is doing a “great job ” This gesture

u n d e r s c o r e s t h e g l o b a l i n f l u e n c e and reach of PM Modi

A s i a n V o i c e a n d G u j a r a t

Samachar have had the privilege of a l o n g - s t a n d i n g c o n n e c t i o n w i t h

Modi Even before he became widely known in political circles or as a p r o p a g a t o r o f t h e R a s h t r i y a

Swayamsevak Sangh, they, especially Publisher-Editor CB Patel, maintained a relationship with him, initially indirectly and later through direct interactions

In 1976, CB assumed manage-

m e n t o f G u j a r a t S a m a c h a r i n London From its very first issue, the n e w s p a p e r p r o t e s t e d a g a i n s t

lished In 1977 the dark chapter of Indira Gandhi’s Emergency came to an end in India

i n India in 1977, Morarji Desai came to power, as a result of Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement He especially commended Gujarat Samachar and CB Patel Why? Because during the Emergency, it was New Life (now Asian Voice) and Gujarat Samachar that raised voice against the oppressive laws, spreading waves of awareness among the Indian diaspora and s

democratic values in India

At the same time, B K Nehru, a relative of Indira Gandhi, was serv-

Indian government issued a direc-

Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “India Shall Be Free ” However, rather than complying with the oppressive

hosted the bicentennial celebration

Ahmedabad at the heartfelt invitation of the revered HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj to attend the event

While addressing the devotees, CB also spoke about his family connections with BAPS, including Shastri Maharaj and Yogi Maharaj

After the programme concluded, Pramukh Swami Maharaj retired to his chamber Inside, the saints were active, while outside, devotees waited in line to receive his blessings

When CB went to take his leave, he saw a young Parshad

Emergency in India imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, fulfilling the duty of a newspaper at a crucial historical moment

D u r i n g t h a t p e r i o d , a g r a n d gathering was organised at London’s Alexandra Palace under the patronage of Ramesh Desai, through the international organisation, Friends of India Society (FISI) Thousands of p e o p l e a t t e n d e d t h i s l a n d m a r k event, which was successfully spearheaded by Asian Voice and Gujarat

S a m a c h a r A m o n g t h e n o t a b l e attendees was Makarand Desai, a prominent Jan Sangh leader and scholar, who travelled to London for the occasion

During this period, CB frequently travelled to India and Gujarat Padma Shri Vishnu Pandya was then the editor of Sadhana and CB developed a close acquaintance with him

CB would read the issues of Sadhana

a n d b e c a m e f a m i l i a r w i t h

N a r e n d r a b h

poems, reflections on patriotism, social service and thoughts about his mother Through this, a subtle

order of the Indira Gandhi government, CB boldly published the poem on the front page Following this, the then Indian diplomats managing India House barred CB from entering the premises

However, soon after, when the Indira Gandhi government fell and

Morarji Desai visited London He personally invited CB to the official

Palace and gave him an exclusive interview This detailed interview was later extensively published in New Life (now Asian Voice) and Gujarat Samachar D

Narendrabhai continued his nation-

pracharak and his literary contributions through Sadhana and other publications remained uninterrupted Over time, many of his writings and books were also collected and preserved in CB’s library

H

with Narendrabhai took place in the

Celebrating the uni

Swami Maharaj was busy conversing with other saints, so CB enquired about Brahmaviharidasji, who had come from Britain for initiation

Narendra Modi, marking CB’s first direct meeting with him

Meanwhile, in 1985, a KIMLOP and BJP government was formed in Gujarat, with Chimanbhai Patel as Chief Minister and Keshubhai Patel as Deputy Chief Minister To gauge the political climate in Gujarat, CB

also travelled to Ahmedabad Many leaders and journalists were present at the Ahmedabad Circuit House during these political developments

I

Narendrabhai and CB had their

ond meeting, which laid the foundation for a close relationship that has

and

Gujarat Samachar and NCGO-UK, with the entire event organised by CB Patel Subsequently, the political landscape in Gujarat shifted In 1990, the

Brahmavihari

Voice

At the launch event of the book Gujarat na Krantitirtho” held in Ahmedabad in May 2010

Senior Journalist Bhupatrai Parekh, Shri Jaynarayan Vyas, Chief Minister Narendra Modi, author Vishnu Pandya and CB Patel

In August 2003, after inaugurating the ‘Shakti Hall’ at Karmayoga House in London Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is seen with (from left) Lord Toby Harris, CB Pat Labour Friends of India Chair MP Barry Gardiner, Minister for Coordination at the In Air India s Captain A K Sharma, and (standing behind, from left) noted cultural enthu

In London, after the event at Wembley Stadium in 2015, Prime M Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, CB Pa

At the NRG Convention held during the Swarnim Gujarat closing ceremony in Gandhinagar in April 2011 then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi released the coffee-table book “Love Gujarat”, published by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar Present on the occasion were CB Patel, Chief Executive Director Kamlesh Amin, Public Relations Officer Rachna Mandan and Editorial Coordinator Nilesh Parmar

In 1993, Gujarat Samachar was visited by the late Anil Pota, former president of BJP London; Narendra Modi then a BJP worker from Gujarat and now the Prime Minister of India; and Chandrakant Shukla

ique bond between N D C B P A T E L

inister Narendra Modi and

meet CB handing him a packet, saying, “This is from ‘Sir’ ” The “Sir” was

time, when the matter was presented to Narendrabhai, then serving as G

and

Patel became Chief Minister Due to certain disagreements, Shankersinh Vaghela rebelled, creating political upheaval in the state At that time,

K e s h u b h a i P a t e l , a l o n g w i t h h i s senior minister Vipul Chaudhary, were visiting the UK and were at the Gujarat Samachar office in London

This event was unprecedented for the BJP leadership Just as the party was gaining prominence in Gujarat, it faced a significant political upheaval Despite his dedicated

s e r v i c e d

n t times, Narendrabhai was assigned responsibilities outside Gujarat He was entrusted with overseeing work in Himachal Pradesh, carrying out the party’s directives while based in Delhi In Delhi, his workspace was a

Building CB along with his friend and senior journalist from Gujarat

roughly eight by twelve feet, with a simple floor mattress for sleeping The room had only a small table, a chair, a water jug and a lamp, nothing more

Narendrabhai spoke at length with CB, yet his tone carried no hint of complaint Adapting to circumstances seems to be an inherent part of his nature At that time, while m o s t n e w s p a p e r s i n G u j a r a t remained indifferent to him, the bond with Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar and CB stayed steadfast Upholding the integrity of a newspaper is no small feat, and Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have consistently fulfilled this responsibility, continues to do so, and will carry it forward in the future

The wheel of time turned The very state that Narendrabhai had once been compelled to leave due to circumstances was later entrusted to his capable hands And the history t h a t f o l l o w e d i s w e l l k n o

vision, administrative skills and acu-

N

e d Gujarat into the growth engine of the country The Vibrant Gujarat

I n v e s t o r s S u m m i t p r o p e l l e d t h e state firmly onto the path of development

Recalling the Vibrant Gujarat

S u m

stands out During a grand ceremon

Ahmedabad, dignitaries including Chief Minister Narendrabhai Modi were in attendance Honouring a special invitation from the Gujarat government, CB was also present

As Chief Minister Modi entered the hall, he greeted guests warmly, moving ahead in a light-hearted manner while exchanging brief pleasantries

On that chilly day, Narendrabhai wore a woollen cap, prompting CB to jokingly remark, “Sir, this cap suits you really well ” Narendrabhai laughed, shared a few words, and moved on

An endearing event happened

Modi himself When CB opened the packet, he found that Narendrabhai had sent him a similar cap as

gift

with his well-wishers, supporters and close associates When it comes to newspapers

, “ I back your demand, but as this issue falls under the central government (then under the UPA), there’s nothing I can directly do ” Once again, the wheel of time turned The UPA government was replaced, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the NDA took charge of the nation C B a c c e l e r a t e d t h e d

n d f o r direct flights On his first visit to Britain as PM Modi addressed the massive gathering of the BritishI n d i a n c o m

Stadium and announced the launch o

nalist, writer, columnist and historian Padma Shri Vishnu Pandya, had its prestigious launch in the presence of Asian Voice, Gujarat S

travelled to Gujarat for the occasion and the ceremony was held at the elegant Cambay Grand Hotel in Thaltej, Ahmedabad The event was g r

Minister Narendra Modi and the respected Morari Bapu, who formally inaugurated the book W

that played

decisive role in India’s freedom struggle, the coffee-table book “Love Gujarat” celebrated the state’s journey of development At

Narendrabhai Modi has shared

Voice, Gujarat Samachar and CB Take, for instance, the year 1993

London, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar were the only newspapers he met In an interview given to

Editor, Jyotsnaben Shah, he spoke openly and sincerely

Narendrabhai visited the UK, CB would hold meetings with prominent British-Gujarati organisations such as the Sardar Patel Memorial

Narendrabhai always in attendance

Samachar organised a grand event in London titled “Gujarat Model of

addressed on videolink The event

taries from various fields, including Sir Gulam Noon, the India-loving MP Bob Blackman, Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Lord Navnit Dholakia and many others, representing the pride of the British-Indian community When it comes to celebrating t

Indian community or raising voices o

Gujarat Samachar and CB Patel have never held back Narendra Modi himself has publicly acknowledged and praised these efforts The push

Ahmedabad and London was initiate

Samachar CB made a series of presentations on this issue, from the Gujarat government to Delhi At the

Ahmedabad and London Not only that, while publicly lauding CB as an ambassador of Indian community for his relentless efforts to make this flight a reality, the Prime Minister also added that whenever CB went t o G u j a r a t , h e h a d p e r s i s t e n t l y raised the issue with him “At that time, our government was not in power at the Centre, so we were constrained, but now we are honouring your efforts and demand by starting the direct flight,” he added

That moment has now become t o d a y ’ s r e a l i t y T h e A h m e d a b a d –

London–Ahmedabad direct flight is operating continuously Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar take pride and joy in this achievement The essence of all this is simple: whether it is Narendrabhai or Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, whether it concerns public interest or public welfare, they have never taken a step back

Over more than five decades of active publication, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have produced numerous memorable editions and few would deny this legacy What is most remarkable about these publications is that through their books, they have never attempted to distort history or obstruct Gujarat’s d e v e l o p m e n t T h e c o m m e n d a b l e efforts of Asian Voice and Gujarat S a m a c h a r h a v e a l w a y s r e c e i v e d encouragement and support from Narendra Modi, which is a matter of pride for the ABPL Group

S p e a k i n g o f s p e c i a l p u b l i c ations, one recalls the launch of the b o o k “ G u j a r a t

This remarkable book, written after extensive research by senior jour-

Modi specially lauded this effort The book was also presented as a gift to distinguished guests visiting from abroad

S

birth anniversary of Maharaja Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Vadodara, the book “Life and Legacy” was published, chronicling his life and the history of Vadodara The inau-

public ceremony in Vadodara

The strong bond of affection between PM Modi, Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar and CB Patel can be traced to a shared purpose: their

welfare of people At the heart of all three has always been the public interest From his early days as a grassroot RSS pracharak to reaching the highest office of the country as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has always kept the common citizen at the centre of his thoughts and actions His ideas and decisions have consistently reflected a spirit of public welfare

Similarly, Asian Voice, Gujarat S

have always placed the interests of the British-Indian community at the forefront They have never hesitated to raise their voice against challenges facing the community This shared commitment explains why Narendra Modi holds a special place in the hearts of Indians and w

Samachar, under CB’s leadership, occupies a cherished place among the British Indian community

addressing the audience, then el, Lord Navnit Dholakia, MP Keith Vaz, ndian High Commission P C Haldar, usiast Vinubhai Vadgama and others

atel seen sharing a light moment

In March 2012, at a ceremony in Vadodara marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sir Sayajirao III, then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Urban Development Minister Nitinbhai Patel released the coffee-table book Life and Legacy Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad III, published by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, along with CB Patel, Chief Executive Director Kamlesh Amin and Prof Bansidhar Sharma

Narendra Modi: From devotion to leadership, a life of service

Swami Brahmaviharidas, BAPS

Recently, the Amrit Mahotsav of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was celebrated. As a saint of a global religious and social organisation, whenever I reflect on him, one thing stands out clearly: age and challenges have never been obstacles for him

Since Modi Saheb became the Chief Minister of Gujarat and later the Prime Minister, I have had the privilege of meeting him on numerous occasions over the past 11 years My most recent meeting took place last month (August 2025) in Delhi Among

remains particularly vivid

First impressions: A glimpse of service

Back in 1981, a few of us teenagers travelled from England to India to receive initiation from H H Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of BAPS At that time, Ahmedabad was hosting the bicentenary

We were aspirants, dressed in white dhotis and robes, performing whatever service was assigned to us My responsibility was to guide the dignitaries around the sprawling 200-acre festival grounds

One evening, during a bhajan-sandhya by the singer Anup Jalota, I escorted Anupji to Swamishri Swamishri was seated on a sofa, Anupji on a nearby chair and I sat on the floor Right beside me, cross-legged, was a young Narendrabhai, about thirty years old He looked at me and asked, “Are you going to take initiation?” I nodded That moment marked my first glimpse of him

S u d d e n l y , N a r e n d r a b h a i ’ s a t t e n t i o n shifted to Swamishri’s feet Swamishri sat on the sofa in his characteristic posture, one leg folded crosswise and the other resting atop it As they spoke, Narendrabhai subtly bent his right foot, aligning and comparing the lines of his sole with those of Swamishri Noticing this, Swamishri gently covered his foot with his dhoti and smiling warmly, said, “The lines on both our feet are the same, the line of service The line of serving until the very last breath ”

This moment, which occurred nearly 44 years ago, is one Narendrabhai still recalls f r e q u e n t l y , s a y i n g , “ I h a v e p l a c e d Swamishri’s command to serve until the last breath upon my head ” Two weeks after this incident, we received our parshadi diksha

A gesture of thoughtfulness

The next incident took place in 2000, during the groundbreaking ceremony of Delhi Akshardham H H Pramukh Swami Maharaj was seated on the stage, with a m a s s i v e c r o w d g a t h e r e d b e f o r e h i m Suddenly, Swamishri called out to me: “Can y o u s e e N

assembly, I replied, “No, Swami, I can’t spot him ”

Pointing, he said, “Look, he’s sitting far away After the ceremony, everyone will be o

Narendrabhai won’t have anything with him Please make arrangements for him ”

At that time, I believe Narendrabhai was serving as the General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party Making my way through the crowd, I reached him, and requested a devotee to give Narendrabhai some change, and said, “Swami has asked me to do this Perhaps you don’t have money in your pocket, so ”

Holding the change in his palm, he grew emotional: “For the spiritual head of such a large organisation to notice me from the stage and make such an arrangement is truly unimaginable ” O n e y e a r a f t e r t h i s i n c i d e n t , Narendrabhai became the Chief Minister of Gujarat In this way, by the age of seventyfive, he had also completed twenty-five

Burj Khalifa illuminates in Indian tricolour to mark PM Modi’s 75th birthday

Minister

The iconic Dubai skyscraper featured multiple images of Prime Minister Modi

“Service is the Resolve

The vibrant display capti-

d

n

years in active politics

Commitment to education and values

In 2006, he visited Raysan village near Gandhinagar to inaugurate the newly constructed BAPS Swaminarayan Vidyamandir complex In fact, it had been his own suggestion to create a comprehensive educational complex that would ensure the allround development of students

Following the inauguration ceremony, we planned a visit to the nursery building w i t h i n t h e c o m p l e x I n t h e c a r w e r e

Pramukh Swami, Modi Saheb, myself and Ishwarcharandas Swami As the car stopped at the building’s entrance and the driver stepped out, in a quiet, private moment, M o d i S a h e b g e n t l y t o u c h e d P r a m u k h

Swami’s hand and said, “With all these everyday problems, false accusations and reading the news about them, sometimes I feel like leaving everything and taking up renunciation ”

At that time Swamishri gave a very beautiful reply He said: “Never get tired of doing good work Never lose in doing good work Never stop doing good work ”

“Swamiji, I will remember these words till my last breath ” Even after becoming Prime Minister, Narendrabhai recalls this incident and says: “Those words have become a principle for me ” Leadership recognised globally

Akshardham, accompanied by Modiji As we walked, we reached the main temple, where both distinguished leaders had darshan of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s murti On this occasion, I shared the story of the groundbreaking ceremony with Malcolm Turnbull and added: “Right now, we are standing on the very foundation of this magnificent cul-

tural complex When the foundation was laid, Mr Modi did not even have a single rupee to his name, which speaks volumes about his integrity Today, he stands here as the Prime Minister of India ”

Turnbull is an extremely wealthy politician, with assets in the billions What I wanted to highlight was that here stood side by side one of the richest leaders in the world and another who owns no property or wealth Malcolm Turnbull remarked, “Even though M r M o d i h

o n e aspires to be like him, because he has earned the love and trust of millions ”

Yes, Narendrabhai moves among the people; through tireless effort and keen intellect, he has risen to his current position He works 18–20 hours a day, personally following up on every task

Dedication in times of crisis

One incident that illustrates this comes to mind: when the Ukraine–Russia war began, I was in Abu Dhabi Around eleven o ’clock at night, I received a call from him, in India, it was half-past twelve Modi Saheb said, “We are currently holding a meeting with central ministers and officials ” On the phone, he humbly requested me, “For the students trapped in the war, set up a relief camp where both our students and those from other countries can find shelter ”

By six o ’clock in the morning, with the b

Rzeszów village near the Poland border

Indian students but also for Pakistani, Sri Lankan and other international students, ensuring safe accommodation, meals and a secure return Just imagine: at half-past twelve at night, Modi Saheb was awake for the students, leading meetings, never tiring in his dedication to service

If someone were to ask me to introduce the statesman and the person Narendra Modi in a few words, it would be like this: a world leader who inspires the world, whom other leaders aspire to emulate; a leader whose every heartbeat resonates for global harmony; a leader making India great by helping the world become greater; a person whose singular focus is the nation

Narendra Modi is a true friend with shoulders of steel, a head of silver and a heart of gold A man who never loses, never tires and never shies from the truth A visionary who grasps new ideas instantly, analyses them swiftly and puts them into action His cultural roots are profound and so too is his love for the nation and his faith in God

(Source: Chitralekha)

Bollywood stars shower PM Modi with birthday wishes C

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa lit up in the Indian tricolour and displaying photographs of Modi

s , who captured the landmark illuminated in honour of Modi, born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat The celebration also underscored the strengthening ties between India and the UAE, reflecting mutual respect and collaboration

Earlier, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended his birthday wishes to Prime Minister Modi in a post on X, saying: “Sincere congratulations to Narendra

Modi on your birthday I wish you continued good health and happiness, and ongoing success in advancing India’s progress and the prosperity of its people

Prime Minister Modi poured in from world leaders, including

Putin, Israeli Prime Minister

President Donald Trump, and U

Mohamed bin Zayed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were also among those who sent their wishes (refer to page 15)

PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of warm wishes from leaders and citizens worldwide, saying they deeply moved him and inspired him to continue working tirelessly for India’s development and the welfare of its people

Several Bollywoo d actors and notable p ersonalities extend ed birthd ay w ish es to Prime Minister Narendra Mo di on his 75th, laud ing his leadership and dedication

A c t o r A k s h a y K u m a r p o s t e d o n X :

“Heartfelt birthday wishes on your 75th, @narendramodi ji May you be blessed with long life and good health and continue to take India to new heights Happy Birthday, Captain ” Superstar Shah Rukh Khan called PM Modi’s rise from “ a small city to the global stage” deeply inspiring In a video on X, he said: “Your discipline, hard work, and dedication to the country are remarkable At 75, your energy surpasses even the young I pray you remain healthy, strong, and happy ” Actor Aamir Khan also shared a video message, wishing him a long and healthy life: “Your contributions to India’s development will always be rememaaaaaaaabered May God give you strength to continue leading the nation forward ” Veteran actor Anupam Kher hailed PM Modi as a “role model for all ages, ” recalling their first meeting during his Gujarat tenure

On Instagram, he wrote: “You have given us many reasons to feel proud of India We are fortunate to have a Prime Minister like you ” Riteish Deshmukh shared a picture of the PM, saying: “May God bless you with great health and long life, sir ” Paresh Rawal posted: “I pray to God to grant a long and healthy life to our beloved Honourable Prime Minister ” Sonu Sood added: “History remembers those who reshape the future May your journey remain as fearless as your vision ” Suniel Shetty praised the PM’s “tireless service and unwavering commitment,” while Kangana Ranaut called him “the true son of Maa Bharti and the country’s most popular leader ” PM

HH Mahant Swami Maharaj and the Prime Minister performed the arti of the murtis

HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj giving blessings to Modi

Narendra Modi with actor Akshay Kumar

NEW INDIA’S STARTUP REVOLUTION

How India became the world’s third largest startup ecosystem under Narendra Modi’s leadership

India today is no longer seen as just an outsourcing hub or a back-office destination. Over the past decade, it

h

positioning itself as the world’s thirdlargest startup ecosystem, behind only the United States and China

A

transformation are Prime Minister

N

initiatives, Startup India and Make in India, which have reshaped the country’s economic landscape and given young innovators the tools to compete on the global stage

F

startups are now competing with global leaders The spirit behind Startup India and Make in India goes beyond policy, it symbolizes a f

dream big, innovate fearlessly, and turn ideas into impact

Startup India: Empowering risk-takers

L a u n c h e d i n J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6 , Startup India was designed to cut

bureaucracy, simplify compliance, and introduce tax incentives to encourage entrepreneurship The results have been remarkable

• As of January 15, 2024, 1 59 lakh startups have been officially recognised by the Department for P r o m o

Internal Trade (DPIIT)

• India now counts over 120 unicorns (startups valued at over $1 billion), contributing significantly to its $3 7 trillion economy

• Between 2016 and October 2024, recognised startups created 16 6 lakh direct jobs, cementing

their role as one of the largest sources of new employment in the country

pipeline by expanding incubation facilities, launching government-

introducing innovation challenges to encourage students and firsttime entrepreneurs

personally championed the cause,

My Journey with Yoga, Innovation, and Prime Minister Modi’s Vision

By Muralidhar Somisetty, Founder & CEO, YogiFi

Nati ons in 2014 that June 21 be re cogn ize d a s the Inte rnati onal D ay of Yoga, li ke ma ny Yoga

P racti tione rs, I felt an i mmen se s en se of pri de Withi n jus t three months , 177 n ations supported t h e r e s o l u t i o n - on e of t h e

f aste st and mos t w ide ly b ack ed i n UN his tor y I t w as a powerful remin der of how Ind ia s a nci ent w isd om sti ll hold s re levan ce in the modern times

Every year since, I watched with joy as millions of people across continents roll out their mats on June 21 to celebrate yoga a massive mindfulness movement began across the globe - from Times Square in New York to the iconic square on the Strand in London Under PM's leadership, yoga evolved from ancient practice into a universal language of health and harmony

b l u r r i n g c u l t u r a l b o u n d a r i e s a n d positioning India's soft power at its best as "Vishwa Guru"

As someone who recovered from a severe chronic lifestyle disease through y o g a , I t u r n

t r a n s f o r m a t i o

startup and creating YogiFi, world's first A l - p o w e

Y

ancient wisdom with modern technology

With YogiFi, my vision has been to o

anywhere/anytime-correcting postures in r e a l t i m

y consistent with their practice

Our mission has been to amplify the accessibility of yoga while staying true to its authenticity while making the practice inclusive for every-body, whether you are a beginner at home or a busy professional, or a senior focusing on mobility

As I see growing community on our app leaderboard, people showing up on their Yogifi mats, either to improve their own health or inspire others to transform, has been one of the most fulfilling parts of

my entrepreneurial journey

But this path would not have b

h e supportive ecosystem shaped by P r i m e M i n

M

' s initiatives such as Startup India a

Startup India was launched, it

would be encouraged, not burdened by bureaucracy The access to seed funding, tax incentives, mentorship, and simplified processes gave me the confidence to dream bigger

Equally transformative was the Make in India initiative We were determined to build our smart yoga mats in India, not just

mattered to us that something born out of India's cultural heritage should also be manufactured here Thanks to the push for

YogiFi could design and produce advanced hardware domestically, proudly carrying the "Made in India, for the World" identity

Looking back, I realize that YogiFi is not just a product or platform-it represents

innovation can come together to shape the future of evidence backed wellness Prime Minister Modi's global advocacy for yoga

government's startup-friendly policies laid strong foundation for entrepreneurs like me to dream big and take risks to position India as the world leader in health-tech innovation

With global wellness economy worth $4 trillion, India has a great potential to turn yoga and ayurveda into mainstream What excites me personally is the deeper purpose, that we can improve lives, reduce stress, fitter future citizens and create healthier communities worldwide

Inspired by Modiji's vision of "Viksit Bharat", in my role as an entrepreneur, I am committed to contribute to nation's economic growth, not as job seeker, but as a job creator

youngsters become risk-takers I

startups

Make in India: Building strength at home

R

p

India, the Make in India campaign has focused on transforming the c o u n t r y i n

manufacturing hub By targeting s

electronics, defence, automobiles,

strengthened local supply chains, created jobs, and boosted exports

The impact is visible:

• India recorded $71 billion in FDI inflows in FY 2023-24, one of the highest globally

• The country’s manufacturing sector now contributes 17 5% to GDP, with a target to reach 25% in the coming decade

• India has steadily climbed the W o r l d B a n k ’ s E a s e o f D o i n g

Business rankings, moving from 142nd in 2014 to 63rd in 2019, before the index was discontinued Global confidence in Indian innovation

The startup boom is not just

changing mindsets From fintech platforms revolutionising digital

and quantum computing, Indian startups are now attracting global investors and recognition Venture capital inflows crossed $25 billion

funding slowdown

Muralidhar Somisetty, Founder & CEO, YogiFi, said, “Prime Minister Modi’s global advocacy for yoga created the inspiration, and his

policies laid strong foundation for entrepreneurs like me

in

innovation ” Nilay Patel, founder of EasyPay said, “In the

of lending, the

A New Dawn for Fintech: How Easy Pay Thrives on the Back of Modi’s Digital Vision

Nilay Patel, Founder of Easy Pay

The ris e of India's fintech s ector is a rem arkabl e s tory, and c om panies like

f oref ront of this tr ansf orm ation

This growth is not accidental but is a direct result of the visionary

Nilay Patel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government H

building a robust digital public infrastructure and fostering an environment of innovation has created a powerful tailwind for fintech to flourish

The Foundation: The JAM Trinity and UPI Revolution

At the heart of this digital revolution is the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity

This initiative, launched under the Modi g o v e r n m e n t , a i m e d t o b r i n g f i n a n c i a l s e r v i c e s t o e v e r y c o r n e r o f I n d i a B y providing a unique digital identity (Aadhaar), a basic bank account (Jan Dhan Yojana), and u b i q u i t o u s m o b i l e c o n n e c t i v i t y , t h e government created a vast, formal financial ecosystem This was a monumental shift t

unbanked citizens into the formal economy, creating an enormous potential customer base for companies like Easy Pay The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, powered by this trinity, further ingrained the use of digital channels for financial transactions, establishing trust and familiarity Building on this foundation, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) became the gamec h a n g e r L a u n c h e d i n 2 0 1 6 , U P I h a s completely revolutionized payments in India, m a k i n g

payment system by volume Its open and interoperable architecture allows for seamless, instant, and secure transactions For Easy Pay, which provides payments processing services, UPI became a powerful tool It enabled the company to build a scalable and cost-effective platform for digital payments, appealing to both businesses and consumers The sheer scale of UPI s adoption processing over 18 billion transactions a month in late 2024 is a t e

creating a digital-first economy and

operational environment for Easy Pay New Frontiers: ONDC and Digital Lending T

extends beyond payments into new d

a n d lending The Open Network for D i g i t a l C o m m e r

government-backed initiative, aims to democratize the e-commerce sector by creating an open and interoperable network ONDC allows buyers and sellers to transact without being restricted to a single platform For Easy Pay, this represents a significant opportunity The company, as a technology service provider or as both Buyer \ Seller app, can help small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) onboard onto the ONDC network, o

and logistics support This not only expands Easy Pay's business into the burgeoning e-commerce space but also aligns with the government's goal of empowering small businesses and local retailers In the realm of lending, the government's push for Digital Lending and the creation of networks like the ONDC – Financial Services have been equally impactful The focus on a transparent and efficient credit ecosystem has allowed fintechs to innovate and serve a new class of borrowers Easy Pay can leverage this

through Account Aggregator Easy Pay facilitates the lenders to make more informed lending decisions and provide collateral-free loans This initiative not only helps Easy Pay grow its digital lending vertical but also contributes to the broader objective of

inclusion for a segment of

In conclusion, Narendra Modi’s

digitally empowered India For a company like Easy Pay, this has translated into a perfect storm of opportunity, driven by a growing customer base, a robust digital infrastructure,

Muralidhar Somisetty

Celebrating 75 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi: A personal reflection

By Dr Param Shah, CEO – Government Relations & Strategic Communications, Arvind Ltd., India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

celebrated his 75th birthday last week It is a moment to reflect on his extraordinary journey of leadership and the policies that have reshaped both Gujarat and India over the last two decades. Having engaged with his government as a professional, mentored startups in the ecosystem he nurtured, witnessed Gujarat’s rise as a resident, and observed India’s growing global stature, I can say with conviction that his vision has been transformative

My professional engagement w

Minister of Gujarat His ability to combine policy clarity with on-ground execution stood out

The V ibrant G

its

global investment destination,

putting Gujarat firmly on the world map

Key reforms during this time

i l e laying the foundation for longterm growth One of his boldest

i d e a s w a s GIF T C i ty ( G u j a r a t International Finance Tec-City), now India’s first International Financial Services Centre Today it anchors India’s ambition to b

innovation

What began in Gujarat has now scaled to the national stage Industrial corridors, renewable

e n e r g y p a r k s , a n d l a r g e - s c a l e i n f r a s t r u c t u r e p r o j e c t s f i n d e c h o e s i n i n

C o r r i d o r , P L I s c h e m e s , a n d India’s new push to manufacture semiconductors The continuity of vision is unmistakable

A t t h e n a t i o n

l l e v e l , sweeping reforms such as the G S T , t h e I ns o lv e nc y an d Bankru ptcy Co de, and the P M G at iS h a kt i M as te r P l an h a v e strengthened India’s economic foundations Flagship initiatives

like Make in India and Dig ital Ind ia have carried forward the m o m e n t u m h e

demonstrated in Gujarat I n d i a

inseparable from Prime Minister M o d i ’ s v i s i o n T h e l a u n c h o f Startup India in 2016 created

incentives, and provided funding

healthtech, and deeptech

Initiatives like Ind ia Stac k and the global success of UPI have democratised technology

mentor to startups, I have seen

backbone allows entrepreneurs to dream big, even in smaller cities Support structures such as the Fund of Funds for Startups and government-led incubators h

innovation Unsurprisingly, this ecosystem has attracted global

wealth funds, reinforcing India’s position as a vibrant market for innovation

On a personal level, I have witnessed the transformation of Gujarat over three decades of having moved there in the ‘ 90s

projects that provided water to villages and cities, to a network of modern highways and ports spurred economic activity Early investments in renewable energy

nationwide Gujarat’s rise as the “growth engine of India” was not just a slogan; it was something residents like me lived every day

In addition to these domestic

witnessed the changing global

professional engagements have taken me across continents, and since living in the UK from 2017,

I have seen first-hand how the world increasingly views India

academics abroad, I have sensed a new confidence in engaging with India, not just as a large market but as a country shaping the global agenda That shift in perception is directly linked to the Prime Minister’s vision of India as a “Vishwaguru”, a nation

capabilities

Looking back at the last two decades, a common thread runs

Narendra Modi’s leadership, t he be li

wo rld-class stand ards, and the will to make it hap pen From powering rural homes in Gujarat to enabling digital payments for

India’s global stature to inspiring

entrepreneurs, his policies have

empowerment, enterprise, and pride

On his 75th birthday, I feel fortunate to have experienced this journey as a professional engaging with his government,

thrive under his initiatives, as an

Gujarat’s extraordinary rise, and a

India’s enhanced stature in the

touched every aspect of my life, and I remain confident that his vision will continue to inspire future generations

Spiritual discipline at the heart of Modi’s leadership

Beyond his global statesmanship, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s spirituality sets him apart, shaping both his life and leadership Rooted in Indian traditions, his spiritual outlook influences his personal life and public persona, often reflected in his disciplined lifestyle, meditative practices, and emphasis on values such as selfless service, ethics, and national harmony.

On March 16, 2025, in a pod-

c a s t w i t h L e x F r i d m

n , P r i m e Minister Narendra Modi revealed a lesser-known side of himself: his deep spiritual commitment He s h a r e d a p i v o t a l c h i l d h o o d moment when he skipped a family wedding to serve a Swamiji and described how encounters with saints and meditation shaped his leadership, fostering calmness and dedication amid immense responsibilities

W h e n F r i d m a n a s k e d i f h e

could imagine a life of Sannyasa as a monk, Modi responded, “People may see a difference between a saint and a leader, but to me, there is none The attire and lifestyle may change, the words I speak may shift, but the core of my being remains the same, carrying out every duty with focus, calm, and dedication ” The PM also reflected on his t i m e e m b r a c i n g s i l e n c e i n t h e Himalayas and meeting remark-

Pravin K Laheri (IAS)

It is my good fortune to have had the opportunity to work with Narendra Modi over many years As he celebrates his 75th birthday on 17 September 2025, I extend my heartfelt wishes for his health and happiness

I pray that God grants him the strength and energy to continue serving our great motherland with dedication While Narendra Modi does not share the name of Swami Vivekananda, he has shaped his life and leadership in alignment with Swamiji’s ideals As we know, Swami Vivekananda’s vision was to make the nation and its people strong, self-reliant, and compassionate, while bringing happiness and upliftment to the underprivileged

Swami Vivekananda said: “Three things are necessary to make every man great, every nation great: 1 Conviction of the powers of goodness 2 Absence of jealousy and suspicion 3 Helping all who are trying to be and do good ” Narendra Modi has deeply internalised Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and continues to follow the path laid out by him with dedication The qualities admired in Modi today are firmly rooted in the principles and ideals of Swami Vivekananda Swamiji’s call was: “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached ” This maxim continues to resonate in the minds of today’s youth, and it is clearly reflected in Modi’s style of work

Through his leadership, Narendra Modi has honoured India’s ancient heritage while embracing modern scientific approaches, a contribution that will surely be remembered in history He has inspired hope, courage, and direction among the nation’s youth, energising their enthusiasm I firmly believe that by 2047, the centenary of India’s independence, today’s youth will realise Modi’s vision of a developed India

Life is full of challenges, and setbacks are inevitable, but Modi overcomes

achievements are vast, yet I will humbly attempt to highlight the key aspects of his extraordinary personality

Positive approach

Narendra Modi’s attitude has always been constructive He views every situation with optimism and composure In such moments, we are reminded of Swami Vivekananda’s words: “All power is within you; you can do anything and everything Believe in that, do not believe that you are weak; do not believe that you are half-crazy lunatics, as most of us do nowadays You can do anything and everything, without even the guidance of anyone Stand up and express the divinity within you ” Ambition

There is a saying that it is possible to fail in achieving high goals, but aiming low is a crime Swami Vivekananda, rejecting conventional beliefs about religion, salvation, and spirituality, called upon us: “Your country requires heroes; be heroes; your duty is to go on working, and then everything will follow of itself ” Starting from humble beginnings in Vadnagar, Narendra Modi resolved to reach the highest positions and, through perseverance and determination, achieved remarkable success

Grounded and realistic

Narendra Modi approaches every task with confidence and clarity He follows a path of his own choosing, one that many avoid due to its risks, yet, despite his distinctive ideas and bold actions, he remains grounded and humble Swami Vivekananda said: The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature and have self-confidence in yourself”, Modi has followed this advice to the letter

Strong determination

Modi is renowned for his swift, decisive actions and unwavering determination, tackling even the most challenging tasks with confidence and resolve As Swami Vivekananda said: “There is only difference between dream and aim Dream requires effortless sleep and aim requires sleepless efforts Sleep for dreams and wake for aims ”

Energy

Narendra Modi is known for his remarkable and relentless ability to work To keep himself fit and focused, he follows yoga and a disciplined life, while also putting Swami Vivekananda’s words into practice: “Don’t look back – forward, infinite energy, infinite enthusiasm, infinite daring and infinite patience- then alone can great deeds be accomplished”

Memory

able individuals, including ascetics who had renounced everything “I met many extraordinary people, yet my mind remained restless, driven by curiosity and a desire to learn The mountains, ice, and t

shaped me, strengthened me from within, and helped me discover my inner power, ” Modi said He also recounted dedicating himself to helping villagers during a natural calamity in the region I n 2 0 2 4 , f o l l o w i n g

L o k Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a 45hour meditation (‘dyan’) at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in K a n y a

p o t where Swami Vivekananda meditated in 1892 to envision India’s f u t u r e A h e a d o f t h e 2 0 1 9 L o k Sabha elections, Modi had undertaken a similar spiritual retreat in Uttarakhand, meditating in a holy cave near Kedarnath

Modi possesses an extraordinary memory, able to recall people, past events, and conversations with remarkable accuracy As it is said, memory is the eternal treasure of the heart, and Modi has truly made this treasure meaningful While a picture may be worth a thousand words, nothing is as priceless as a keen and vivid memory

Innovative

Narendra Modi’s ability to think in entirely new ways is one of his greatest strengths This remarkable approach has made him a unique leader

distinguishes a leader from a follower ”

Communication

important than ever, and Narendra Modi has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to engage with people Mastering communication requires patience, building meaningful connections, and conveying ideas clearly through both words and actions, an achievement Modi has exemplified

His personality has become a source of inspiration for many, and we pray that God grants him a long and healthy life so he may continue his dedicated service to India and its people

(P K Laheri, former Chief Secretary of Gujarat, served as Principal Secretary to five state chief ministers, including Narendra Modi He also worked with the Government of India as Executive Director of the National Institute of Fashion Technology After retiring, he became Chairman and Managing Director of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited and is a trustee of the Somnath Temple Trust )

Dr Param Shah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari in the year 2024

An era of excellence: Celebrating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday

M i n i s t e r N a r e n d r a

Modi’s 75th birthday, we must reflect not only on his remarkable journey

b u t o n t h e

t r a n s f o r m a t i v e r o l e h e

has played in solidifying India’s place on the global stage Having been a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom for the past 16 years, I have witnessed firsthand the progression of the British-India relationship and its flourishment over the past decade

India today is one of the most dynamic economies and Prime Minister Modi has overseen a period of bold reform, digital innovation and producing a forwardlooking nation For the Indian diaspora within the United Kingdom, the transformation displays a great sense of pride amongst us

Throughout the past decade, everything I have done is dedicated to a life of public service and I have been delighted to play a pivotal role in facilitating BritishIndian relations In November 2013 and later again in November 2015, I joined the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, The Rt Hon Lord Cameron on trips to India These prime ministerial visits were part of a long-term Conservative Party plan to engage with India and I am proud to say they acted as the catalysts for the relationship today

Economically, the last decade has seen extraordinary progress In 2013 The Rt Hon Lord Cameron and I laid down the foundations, facilitating the largest trade delegation Britain has ever sent to another country Bridging India’s focus on higher education and finance with Britain’s expertise meant for the first time, the two were able to combine

With Modi’s merit the UK remains one of the greatest investors in India and now with the Free Trade Agreement established, this will only exacerbate The

increased volume of jobs all are an exceptional landmark

incredible emphasis by Modi on ensuring that our countries not only work together as historical partners but as deep allies, in our exponentially growing world

Beyond trade, collaboration through Modi’s great visions have expanded The exceptional ability for Prime Minister Modi to combine his entrepreneurial spirit with his diplomatic vision Has led to a remarkable shift in history

For those of us in Britain, our shared values of hard work, integration, family life and resilience all reside with the same values leaders such as Modi and citizens in India hold, making the relationship function organically

As we look forward to the future, we see a fusion of bonds between Britain and India A partnership of individuals with equal values and shared history The forthcoming era of global dynamics On Prime Minister

M o d i ’ s D i a m o n d J u b i l e e B i r t h d a y , w e c e

mindset, powerful vision, and success

Celebrating Narendra Modi and the UK–India bond

Councillor Ameet Jogia MBE

Last week we marked the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi a statesman whose leadership has reshaped India’s trajectory and strengthened its bonds with nations across the globe, not least the United Kingdom

Since taking office in 2014, Modi

ambitious economic reforms and digital innovation to global diplomacy, he has worked tirelessly to empower India’s 1 4 billion citizens and ensure the country takes its rightful place on the world stage Representing the world’s largest democracy, Modi has become a respected voice on issues ranging from economic growth to climate action, and a symbol of India’s growing influence in global affairs

The esteem in which Modi is held internationally is reflected in the outpouring of warm birthday wishes from global leaders Former US President Donald Trump personally called to congratulate him, referring to Modi as “ my

“visionary leadership” and spoke of his

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called Modi “ an inspiration” and wished him “health and energy to continue leading India ” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent his personal greetings, saying he looks forward to “ many more years of strong India-Israel partnership ”

For the United Kingdom, the connection with India has never been more significant Bound by shared democratic values and a belief in enterprise, the UK–India partnership has gone from strength to strength under Modi’s leade

, education, security cooperation, or cultural exchange, the relationship has flourished supported by the 1 5 million-strong British Indian community, often described as the “living bridge” between our two nations Modi has also had a direct impact on the Conservative Party itself In 2012, with his support, Smriti Irani t

Conservative Friends of India with the then Prime Minister David Cameron and Lord Dolar Popat CF India has since grown to become the largest affiliated group within the Conservative Party This reflects a deeper ideological alignment between the BJP and the Conservatives: a shared belief in aspira-

empowerment

The partnership between the UK and India is not simply a matter of diplomacy it is personal, people-led, and built on trust Today, there is a renewed sense of ambition for what this special relationship can achieve, from a comprehensive free trade agreement to collaboration in science, technology, and green energy

A

birthday, we look ahead with optimism Modi’s vision of a strong and confident India aligns with Britain’s own global outlook Together, our nations have much more to do not only for our mutual prosperity but for tackling the great challenges of our age

On this 75th birthday, we extend our warmest wishes to Prime Minister Modi May his leadership continue to inspire, may the friendship between our countries deepen, and may this unique partnership thrive for generations to come

King Charles gifts Kadamb tree to PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday was celebrated not only across India but also globally, with leaders and citizens from around the world extending their greetings. In the UK, the Indian diaspora joined in the celebrations, while political leaders and prominent figures also conveyed their wishes, highlighting Modi’s influence and recognition on the international stage

King Charles III gifted a K

Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday, in a gesture reflecting shared envi-

British High Commission in

New Delhi, in a social media

inspired by Modi’s “Ek Ped M

Norfolk and presented him with a ‘Sonoma’ tree sapling under the same “Ek Ped Maa K e N a a m ” i n i t i a t i v e T h e B r i t i s h H i g h C o m m i s s i o n highlighted that collaboration on climate and clean energy forms a key pillar of the Commonwealth and the

outlined in Vision 2035 by M o d i a n

U K P r i m e Minister Rishi Sunak

Narendra Modi on his birthday,” the statement read T

Minister Modi’s visit to the UK in July, when he met K i n g C h a r

tion “His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to send a Kadamb tree to I

Leaders credit Modi for strengthening India’s global stature

As PM Narendra Modi turned 75, government and party leaders lauded his transformative impact on governance since 2014 and celebrated his journey from humble beginnings and early years as an RSS w o r k e r t o t h e c o u n t r y ’ s h i g h e

office, a story reflecting the essence of democracy as government of, by, and for the people

To mark the occasion, the BJP

welfare initiatives

P r e s i d e n t D r o u p a d i M u r m u praised PM Modi for embodying “ P a r i s h

pinnacle of hard work), saying he has fostered a culture of achieving great goals and earned global recog-

Radhakrishnan noted that under his leadership, India is steadily making its mark on the world stage Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted Modi’s visionary leadership, dedication, and focus on public welfare, while Home Minister Amit Shah recalled his five decades of relentless service Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and LS Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also wished him good health Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen P

Akhilesh Yadav, and BSP leader Mayawati conveyed their birthday wishes to PM Modi Leaders from the BJP-led NDA also shared messages on X TDP chief and Andhra

During the visit, Modi noted that discussions with the King covered environmental sustainability, Yoga and Ayurveda, as well as the

d e Agreement (CETA) “We dis-

India-UK relations, includ-

2035, along with education, health and wellness, particu-

which

were also key topics,” Modi said The sapling gifted to the King is set to be planted at Sandringham Estate during the

to

Lord Dolar Popat

Former Prime Minister David Cameron welcomes Indian Prime Minister Modi to Downing Street, 2015 Ameet Jogia

Kadamb tree gifted by King Charles Prime Minister

Nitish

Lord Dolar Popat meeting Narendra Modi

Nationwide women’s health drive begins as Modi Turns 75

P

l

I ndi a ’ s largest health-outreach programme for women and children, urging women to take full advantage of the free diagnostics and treatment it offers on his 75th birthday

Between September 17 and October 2, more than one million health camps will be

Arogya Mandirs to tertiary hospitals, to screen women for anaemia, hypertension,

conditions Several private hospitals have also pledged to host similar camps to widen access to early detection and care

At the launch event in Dhar, Madhya

, P

i m e Minister Modi urged women to attend the

n “Tests and medicines are free The state treasury is not more important than your health,” he said, stressing that women are the foundation of national development “If a mother is healthy, the whole family stays h e a l t h y T h

mothers and sisters for a healthier future,” he added Highlighting the prevalence of sickle cell anaemia in tribal areas, Prime Minister Modi urged tribal women to use the free health camps, assuring that all tests and medicines are free “No mother or daughter

a walkthrough

should be left behind Those needing further

protective cover, ” he said

He also launched the Adi Karmyogi Abhiyan, a programme of service activities

education, nutrition, and skill development

Guiding India towards greater heights

Gunvant Shah

Ga ndhi ji off ere d a n ori ginal de finit ion of the word ‘ a vat ar ’ : a disti ngu ished being who takes hu ma n form T his d efi niti on aptly fit s Na rendra bh ai His contri buti ons a nd the rol e he ha s play ed in uplif ting the nati on wi ll be reme mbe red in h istory Th e p otentia l wi thi n h im i s i mmense For i nd ivi dua ls o f hi s cal iber, hol ding of fi ce for an extended per iod a nd d ignif yi ng i t i s no ordi na ry fe at, it ref lects h is unwave ring de dicat ion a nd co mmi tment to hi s work

Since Narendrabhai became Prime Minister, his steadfastness has been nothing short of remarkable, a testament to his courage and determination Where others might falter or grow weary, he remains unwavering We speak occasionally, sometimes at length over the phone Out of affection, he would call me on Guru Purnima to convey his respect For the past two years, however, he has been unable to do so, which I fully understand given the immense demands on his time Every minute of his life is devoted not to himself, but to the nation, precious and wholly committed to its service

Narendrabhai’s elder brother, Sombhai, once visited Baroda with Kishor Makwana to meet me by appointment As I saw him off, I asked, “Sombhai, have you ever been to your brother’s home in Delhi?” He smiled and replied, “I am Narendra Modi’s brother, not the Prime Minister’s brother If I went to Delhi and stayed at his home, he would feel obliged to spare at least half an hour for me each day I don’t want to take even that much of his time away from the nation, so I choose not to go ”

A Prime Minister like Narendrabhai may come again, but an elder brother of such noble character is rare Sombhai has never sought any personal gain from his younger brother’s position, he owns no businesses, petrol pumps, or other favours Remaining entirely detached, he quietly contributes to the BJP’s work, never attempting to leverage Narendrabhai’s influence for his own benefit

In many families, when a relative holds the office of Prime Minister, they often exploit that position for personal gain The Congress party’s failure to recognise this

especially in rural areas The new initiative, led by the health and women

community level

development

PM Modi birthday celebrations across the country

India celebrated Prim e M inister Narend ra M odi’s 7 5th birthd ay with a series of civ ic, cultural, and public service ev ents across the c o u nt ry, i nc lu d i n g c yc l e ral li es , bl o o d d onatio n drives, holy ritu als, and cleanliness initiativ es

In Delhi, the Kartavya Path Sewa Sankalp Walk was organised with participation from Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, Chief

Manjinder Singh Sirsa, and Kapil Mishra At

Palika Park, Sulabh International unveiled a 75-kg jumbo laddoo in the PM’s honour

I n V a r a n a s i , y o u n g a s c e t i c

Dashashwamedh Ghat blew the conch shell to pray for the PM’s well-being Rajasthan

saw Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla sweep an area in Kota and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal lead a cycle rally in Bikaner

Prayagraj, priests performed rituals at Alopi Devi Temple, offering prayers for the PM

Marathon in Kolkata and Siliguri as part of the Seva Parv campaign, aiming to promote a drug-free India The Kolkata marathon ran from Swami Vivekananda’s house in Simla to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s statue at Shyambazar, with BJP leaders Dr Sukanta M a j u m d a r , S h a m i k B h a t t a c h a r y a , a n d

Indranil Khan in attendance The birthday celebrations, launched on 17th September, will continue until 2nd October

A decade of service over celebration

A s P ri m e M i ni s t e r

N arendra Modi turned 75, I ndi a marked the occ asion with servic e, inaugurations, and outreach programmes,

r e f le c t i ng h i s d i s t i nc t i v e a p pr oa c h to b i r th da y s , f o c us e d on w or k ra t he r than personal c elebration

O ver the years, Modi has c o m b i ne d pr i va t e r i tu al s , l i ke s e ek in g hi s m othe r ’ s b l e s s i n gs , w i t h pu b li c

s e r vi c e i n i ti a t i ve s t ha t b enefit citizens nati onwide

Since becoming Prime Minister, his birthdays have

c o n s i s t e n t l y h i g h l i g h t e d d i s c i p l i n e , p u r p o s e , a n d p u b l i c w e l f a r e H i s 6 4 t h

b i r t h d a y i n v o l v e d f a m i l y time and flood relief efforts

i n J a m m u a n d K a s h m i r , while the 65th emphasised

S w a c h h B h a r a t d r i v e s , interactions with disabled c h i l d r e n , a n d commemorations of India’s a r m e d f o r c e s L a t e r b i r t h d a y s s a w h i m inaugurate major projects such as the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the Statue of Unity, t h e N a t i o n a l T r i b a l F r e e d o m F i g h t e r s ’ M u s e u m , a n d t h e I n d i a I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n v e n t i o n and Expo Centre

Narendrabhai’s late mother, yet he never wasted time responding to such attacks

I firmly believe that India has never had, and may never again have, a Prime Minister like Narendrabhai He has demonstrated exemplary leadership, with no hint of corruption in his name and no need for it His life stands as a model for integrity and dedication Were the nation to follow his path, India could achieve extraordinary progress and indeed, the country has already begun to rise, despite continued criticism

Those who criticise Narendrabhai, in fact, only strengthen him, for such critics command little respect His long-held vision of a Congress-free India is now nearing reality Let us salute this remarkable leader I am confident that the dedication and sacrifice he has shown will shine even more brilliantly with time

(Gunvant Shah is an essayist, educationist, columnist and philosophy writer and critic from Vadodara, Gujarat, India)

Gujarat commemorates PM Modi’s birthday with grand events G

and a cleanliness drive

Ahme dabad

i n M a d h y a P r a d e s h I n 2024, Modi inaugurated 26 l

Yojana in Odisha, launched

slums, while BJP observed Sewa Parv with nationwide

cleanliness drives

the

prioritises action and public welfare above

D u r i n g t h e C o v i d - 1 9 pandemic, Modi’s 70th and 71st birthdays focused on r e l i e f w o r k a n d p u b l i c h e a l t h , i n c l u d i n g r a t i o n d i s t r i b u t i o n , b l o o d donation camps, eye checku p s , a n d r e c o r d v a c c i n e d r i v e s S u b s e q u e n t y e a r s i n c l u d e d e n v i r o n m e n t a l i n i t i a t i v e s , s k i l l development programmes, and the release of cheetahs

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, along w i t h H

Cultural Activities Minister Mulubhai Bera, and State Cooperation Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma, witnessed the mega musical m u l t i m e d

, Bapunagar Renowned artist Sairam Dave and 150 performers brought to life the PM’s j o u r n e y

n t r i b u t i o n s t o n a t i o nbuilding

Organised by Bapunagar Seva Samiti with support from GCCI, the event was attended by MPs, MLAs, the City Mayor, S t a n d i n g C o m m i t t e e C h a i r m a n , councillors, political and social leaders, and a large audience of citizens At a Maninagar event attended by BJP MLA Amul Bhatt and C o u n c i l l o r K a r a n B h a t t , G a r b

performances were held alongside a floral map of India marked with ‘Namotsav

birthday with

Ahmedabad, calling it a “day of service

The CM also visited the Namo Amrut Maha Health Camp in Khokhra, distributing kits to people with disabilities In Surat, a 75-inch cake was cut at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, alongside a massive poster wishing the PM well The BJP launched a fortnight-long cleanliness drive, while women-led self-help groups wrote postcards thanking the government

minister inaugurated the Swachhata

joined by Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary

I

to

of the Saraswati

Modi takes

of Health Kiosks and PM Mitra Park Pavilion at Dhar, in Madhya Pradesh

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel lighting the lamp with dignitaries at the ‘Namotsav’

A group of priests performing rituals on Prime Minister Modi s birthday at Alopi Devi Temple

Dear Financial Voice Reader,

Alpesh Patel

I receiv ed an email from a friend th is past week which worried m e For some reaso n sh e thoug ht she co uld earn £200k in div idend s annually from a £1 m portfolio In fact, I am not sure she knew what she tho ught So I tho ught I would share m y response She h ad seen so me v ideos o n YouTube about Exchange Traded Funds and th ough t these returns are com mon in ‘ divid end’ funds Oh d ear

To put this in perspective, even many “high-dividend” equity funds yield only a small fraction of that figure

Even the highest-yielding ETF on this list (VYMI, around 5%) would generate only about £50k on a £1 million investment – one-quarter of the £200k goal In fact, to reach £200k in annual dividends from £1 million, an investor would need an extraordinary 20% yield Such yields are virtually unheard-of in diversified stock funds and typically exist only in niche, high-risk corners of the market (if at all) This mismatch between the desired income and what mainstream equity investments can deliver is the first indication that the £200k target is highly unrealistic with dividends alone

Even if one could assemble a portfolio yielding 15–20% on paper, sustaining that payout for 5–10 years (let alone longer) is extremely unlikely without eroding capital Equity markets historically produce total returns around 7–10% annually (price plus dividends) in the long run, of which dividend yield is often 2–4%

A 20% annual withdrawal far exceeds what a £1 million portfolio can generate organically in dividends or growth In effect, it would amount to spending down principal at a rapid pace

By comparison, retirement planners often use the “4% rule,” suggesting a 4% withdrawal (inflation-adjusted) as a potentially sustainable rate over 30 years in a balanced portfolio

One might argue that focusing on high-yield stocks or funds could “boost” the sustainable withdrawal rate However, research shows that chasing very high dividends does not magically circumvent market realities

A series of studies on safe withdrawal rates debunk the idea of a so-called “yield shield” – i e loading up on highdividend assets so you never have to sell shares In practice, portfolios built for unusually high yield often suffer lower growth and can be hit just as hard, or worse, in market downturns

As one analysis put it, relying solely on an elevated dividend yield to fund withdrawals “doesn’t work reliably” and would have “backfired badly” in those bear markets[13] The problem is that companies under stress often reduce dividends, and high-yield funds may be forced to trim distributions, exactly when an investor most needs the income

Moreover, if an investor concentrates heavily in the limited set of equities yielding near-double-digits, they take on substantial sector and stock risk (often loading up on utilities, tobacco, mortgage REITs, or other incomeheavy segments)

These sectors can underperform or cut dividends without warning – the classic “dividend trap” scenario where a yield is high because the market anticipates trouble[15] Over a 5–10 year horizon, it’s also important to consider inflation and currency volatility

If living expenses rise (inflation in the UK has been elevated recently), a flat £200k income will lose purchasing power each year And if much of the dividend income is in USD, a strengthening pound could erode the value of those dollar-denominated payouts when converted to GBP

Sustaining a high fixed income target in real terms would likely require the dividends to grow over time – yet high-yield portfolios often have the lowest growth, as they favour mature, static businesses

In short, expecting to cleanly live off 20% yields for a decade is not a sustainable plan Unless markets are extraordinarily favorable (or the portfolio very lucky), such a strategy courts an eventual shortfall

An investor might meet the £200k goal in year 1 (by dipping into principal or taking huge risks), but by year 5 the portfolio could be severely diminished The fundamental challenge is that income at that level is far beyond what a £1 million portfolio can generate with prudent investments

Achieving it would entail taking on outsized risks that jeopardize the capital itself, undermining the goal of sustaining the income stream in the first place

High-Yield Strategies vs Total Return Approaches

The allure of aiming for income “from dividends alone” is understandable – in theory it avoids ever selling assets However, as we ’ ve seen, a laser-focus on yield requires drastic compromises

Chasing high yield, by contrast, often means accepting lower growth and possibly lower total returns A telling data point: the FTSE 100 – laden with dividend payers –has a higher yield (around 3–4%) than the S&P 500 ( 1 5%), but over the past decade the S&P’s total return (growth + reinvested dividends) vastly outpaced the FTSE’s

The key is that total return can be converted to cash flow as needed, whereas a portfolio that simply maxes out current yield might imperil its own future payouts

IBG Awards honour PM Starmer, business leaders and institutions

P

S tarm er, along sid e lead ing en trepre neurs , in stitu ti ons and charities, has been h on-

K–

Award

Group (IBG) in th

House

( 22 S eptem ber)

The awards, now in their

They come shortly after the

expected to deliver a transformative boost to bilateral trade and investment

“The UK and India are connected through a special umbilical cord of shared his-

Bradford, Chairman of IBG and of the judging panel “These awards celebrate the

vision of a unique friendship between our countries ” T

included GMR Group, bil-

lionaire businessman

G P H i n d u j a , K P M G

UK Chair Bina Mehta, e

D r

Vishwajeet Rana, the Science Museum, digi

Southampton

J u d g e N a t a s h a

Kaplinsky OBE, President of the British Board of Film C l a s s i f i c a t i o n , p r a i s e d t h e

“exceptionally high calibre of nominations,” reflecting the strength and innovation

o f t h e U K

corridor

h e U K

more than £44 billion (year to Q1 2025), up 10 1% on the p

Huang backs £500m UK AI bet

Nvid ia has invested £50 0 milli on i n Londo n- based AI start-up Nscale, i n a move its founder Jensen Huang said coul d create a “ natio nal ch ampi on ” fo r Bri tain’s AI sector

The funding, announced during President Trump’s UK state visit, highlights the deepening technology ties between Britain and the US Huang told reporters in London that Nscale could generate up to £50 billion in revenues within six years and help the UK become an “AI superpower ”

Founded only last year by Josh Payne, 33, Nscale raised $155 million in a Series A round in 2024 after an earlier $30 million seed raise The company is building data centres, deploying GPU infrastructure and delivering AI cloud services under the government’s AI action plan Nscale has pledged $2 5 billion over three years to boost UK

d a t a i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , i n c l u d i n g t h e country’s largest sovereign AI data centre in Loughton, Essex, due to open in

2026 The project will create 750 jobs a n d u n d e r p i n M i c r o s o f t ’

d supercomputer at the site, housing 23,000 Nvidia GPUs by 2027

Globally, Nscale aims to roll out 300,000 GPUs, positioning itself as a major force in the AI race Alongside Nvidia and OpenAI, it is also developing Stargate UK, a new infrastructure platform to deploy OpenAI technology across sites including Cobalt Park in the North East

“This is going to be a very large UK t e c h n o l o g y c o m p a n y , ” H u a n g s a i d

“I’m

delighted to invest in them ”

Graduate jobs crisis likened to 1980s recession

Bri tain i s facin g a g raduate jobs cri sis on a scale comparable to the blue-collar recessi on of the 198 0s, the head of one of the country’s largest recruitmen t ag enci es has warned

J a m e s R e e d , c h i e f e x e c u t i v e o f

Reed, said vacancies for graduates on his company ’ s site had collapsed from 180,000 in 2021-22 to just 55,000, a two-thirds fall in three years

Speaking to Times Radio, he urged

encouraging children towards manual or trade work as artificial intelligence continues to erode white-collar jobs

“It’s like a white-collar recession, rather like the blue-collar recession of the 1980s,” he said

Reed highlighted that nearly one million young people are not in education, training or employment, the highest level in decades despite a smaller generational cohort than in the past

“This is a really serious problem with all sorts of social and political consequences, ” he warned The squeeze is being felt across top graduate employers Research by High Fliers found hiring at the UK’s 100 leading graduate recruiters fell 14 6 per cent last year, the sharpest drop since 2009, eliminating more than 6,000 vacancies PwC, a consistent top recruiter, cut its intake from 1,500 to 1,300 this summer

Kang, His Majesty’s Trade

roles than at any time since the aftermath of the financial crisis

Reed said AI was driving the shift, “

1980s Now it’s offices Young people should consider jobs in trades, hospitality and services, roles many families m

because those are where the future opportunities will be

UK set for highest inflation among G7 nations, OECD warns

D eve lopment (OECD) ha

id

The Paris-based body forecasts UK inflation will average 3 5% in 2025, well above the US at 2 7%, despite Donald Trump’s tariffs, the largest since the 1930s, which are expected to push US prices higher Inflation in the UK is projected to ease to 2 7% next year, still above the Bank of England’s 2% target The Bank has cited regulated prices, including energy and water, as well as NICs, as contributing to above-target inflation

T h e O E C D a l s o h i g h l i g h t e d t h a t Britain’s tighter fiscal stance, higher taxes and reduced government spending, will constrain economic growth It raised the UK’s GDP growth forecast for 2025 slightly to 1 4%, up from 1 3%, but left the 2026 projection unchanged at 1%, placing the UK in the middle of the G7 next year: behind the US (1 5%), Germany (1 1%) and Canada (1 2%), but ahead of Italy (0 6%), Japan (0 5%) and France (0 9%) This year, t h e U K i s e x p e c t e d t o b e t h e s e c o n d fastest-growing G7 economy, behind the US

Globally, the OECD raised its forecast for 2025 GDP growth to 3 2%, up from 2 9%, citing resilient emerging markets and front-loaded trade ahead of US tariffs

Energy bills set to rise again as food prices hit 5.1%

Ho useho ld energy bills are set to climb by £ 1 0 0 n ex

A p

il , a d d i ng to th e squeeze on U K families, ev en as wh olesale electricity co sts are forecast to fall Cornwall Insight, an energy consultancy, predicts the average dual-fuel bill will rise from £1,720 to £1,820 when the regulator sets its spring price cap The increase reflects the costs of upgrading Britain’s electricity grid to meet growing demand, funding renewable energy to meet government climate targets, and contributions toward Sizewell C nuclear plant, despite it not producing power until the mid-2030s Extra charges for operating and maintaining the gas network will also add to bills

At the same time, food price inflat i o n i s a c c e

England’s 2% target According to the Office for National Statistics, beef and

veal prices are up almost 25%, butter 19%, and chocolate over 15% in the past year Coffee and whole milk have risen by more than 10%, driving the average food price increase to 5 1%, the fastest pace since early 2024

Rising food costs are partly linked to higher wages and taxes passed on by supermarkets The national living wage rose 6 7% in April to £12 21 for over-21s,

contributions increased to 15% with a lower threshold, adding pressure on household budgets

Analysts warn that energy and food c

growth, leaving families struggling with the rising cost of living Kris Hamer of the British Retail Consortium said some s

but many households are still feeling the squeeze

IBG CEO Amarjit Singh and MP Seema Malhotra

Jensen Huang

Sebi gives clean chit to Adani on Hindenburg claims

I nd ia 's m ark et re g u la to r

Sebi has fo rmally dism issed

a ll all eg a ti o ns o f s to c k

m anipulation and financial m iscondu ct lev elled ag ainst

th e A d an i Gro u p by U S -

b as ed s h o rt se lle r Hindenburg Research

In a major win for the

c o n g l o m e r a t e , S e b i ' s

e x h a u s t i v e i n v e s

i g a t i o n found no evidence that the group used related parties to illicitly route funds into its listed companies The regulator's orders, published on its website, state that the transactions in question did not violate any regulations and couldn't be classified as fraudulent or manipulative

T

surge in the Adani Group's m

soared by over £6 6bn in a single trading session This

jump over 12%, while Adani

T

Enterprises also posted significant gains The rally was further bolstered by Morgan Stanley, which initiated cov-

move seen as a strong signal

investors are returning after a prolonged period of caution

Adani Group chairman

Gautam Adani took to social media to state that Sebi's

long-held position that the

baseless The clean chit is a watershed moment for the

$150 billion in market value wiped out at the peak of the controversy With regulatory clarity now established, investors are looking to the

stocks dominating the top

exchanges

India in advanced talks to finalise FTA with Oman

Indi a is i n advanc ed talks

cant step

ngthen ing its economi c

es with the G

Min ister of Commerc e and Industry Pi yus h Goyal c onfirmed the progress during h

(U AE) , addin g that Indi

also open to si milar trade pa

he r Gulf Cooperation Coun cil (G CC) coun tri es The GCC is a vital trading bloc for India An FTA with Oman is expected to pave the way for accelerated collaboration in key sectors like energy, infrastructure, f i n t e c h , l o g

i s already India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral

trade reaching over $154 bill i o n i n

year

During his visit to the UAE, where he attended the 13th meeting of the UAEIndia High-Level Joint Task F o r c e o n

n

s , Goyal expressed a renewed ambition to increase non-

bilateral trade with the UAE to $100 billion within the next three years He also

noted strong interest from UAE investors in a range of

data centres, startups, logistics, and renewable energy Ind ia - New Zea lan d FTA India and New Zealand have just concluded their third round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement ( F

of the

m onths after he took on the

The Lon don-he adq

imm ediat ely, pos itioning the 5 3-year-old in a s elec t group o f In di a n o r ig in CF Os a t s om e of the worl d’s l argest c orpor ations

Phatak, who was born in

H y d e r a b a d , h a s d e d i c a t e d more than two decades of his

c a r e e r t o U n i l e v e r a n d i t s Indian subsidiary, Hindustan Unilever (HUL) He began his journey as a finance manager at HUL 26 years ago, and in a

heartfelt post on LinkedIn, he reflected on his path from Mumbai to taking charge of Unilever’s finance office in London His appointment is particularly significant as it

c o i n c i d e s w i t h U n i l e v e r ' s renewed focus on the Indian market From 2017 to mid2021, Phatak served as CFO f o r H U L , a p e r i o d d u r

which he played a key role in a

i n e s s ’ s growth and doubling its mark e t c a p i t a l i s a t i o n D u r

this time, the Indian business grew by over 7% and expanded its profit margin by over 300 basis points

reshuffle at Unilever, which

Fernandez In a statement, Fernandez praised Phatak's f i n a n c i a l r i g o u r ,

a t e g i c clarity, and a sharp eye for v a l u e c r e a t i o n , e x p r e s s i n g confidence that he will be instrumental in driving consistent volume growth and margin expansion

The great Indian tech listing: new dawn for start-ups

A f t er a p e ri o d o f m ar ke t i nstabili ty, I nd ia’s IPO s cene i s back i n ful l s wing, with a surge of activi ty on the startup front The stellar debut of Urban Co mpany on the stock exchange has set a p ro mi si ng tone, paving the way f or a new wave of li stings from the c o u nt ry ' s bu r ge o ni ng t e ch sector

This momentum is palpab l e P i n e L a b s h a s j u s t received the green light from Sebi, while other high-profile f i r m s l i k e G r o w w a n d P h y s i c s w a l l a h a r e m o v i n g closer to their public debuts, having filed updated IPO documents There's also a rush to file preliminary papers, with s o u r c e s i n d i c a t i n g t h a t PhonePe is preparing for a

c o n f i d e n t i a l I P O f i l i n g a s soon as next week, aiming for a billion-dollar valuation

I n v e s t m e n t b a n k e r s a r e buzzing with optimism, sugg e s t i n g t h a t i f t h e c u r r e n t market sentiment holds, the D i w a l i s e a s o n c o u l d s e e a flurry of activity, with three to five startups potentially going public between late October

and November The positive t r a j e c t o r y o f t h e U S - I n d i a trade talks is also a factor investor are watching closely, a s i t c o u l d f u

confidence

Collectively, these newage firms are expected to raise a substantial amount of capital It's estimated they could secure between $2 and 3 5 billion through IPOs in 2025, or even more if some of the large r l i s t i n g s a r e s u c c e s s f u l

Initial filings for just ten comp

, Meesho, and Groww, show they are seeking to raise over

issuances alone

This renewed vigour in the primary market is sup-

inflow of £2 82bn in August

t h r o u g h S I P s

p i n g t o counter any risks posed by intermittent FPI outflows

Jindal group eyes Thyssenkrupp steel assets

In a significant move, Jinda l Steel In tern ational, the globa l s t e e l d iv i si on o f t h e N a v e e n J in d a l G r ou p, ha s su b mi t t e d a n o n- b i n di n g of fe r t o a cq u ir e t h e s t e e l asse ts of Thyssen krupp Stee l Eur op e ( TKS E), G er m an y ’ s l ar g est fl at st ee l pr oduce r This b id ma rks a stra teg ic push b y t he Indian congl ome ra t e t o e x pa n d it s g l ob a l footprint and acce ler ate its commitment to gree n stee l production

German firm's primary considerations are the offer's

Europe, and the US An alumnus of Delhi

Management Ahmedabad,

Gopalan began his career in financial services before rising to senior positions

previously held executive

India and Vodafone, where he gained a reputation for c o m

focused strategies Most recently, Gopalan served as CEO of Deutsche T

Urban Company h as made a remarkable entry onto th e s to c k ma rk et , wi t h i ts shares listing at an imp ressive 58% p remium on th e NSE

l l safeguard steel production in Germany and support critic a l d o w

like the automotive sector

W h i l e n o f i n a n c i a l details have been disclosed, Jindal’s proposal is robust It includes a plan to complete a h y d r o g e n - r e a d y D i r e c t Reduced Iron (DRI) plant in Oman by 2027 and invest over 2 billion euros in new electric-arc furnace capacity in Germany The company also intends to leverage its iron ore mines in Cameroon to create a comprehensive 'mine-to-metal' value chain, feeding both the Oman and D u

T h e h o m e s e r v i c e s provider’s IPO, which saw its share price reach a high o f ₹ 1

robust investor appetite for India’s burgeoning new-age digital sector

T

closed the day at ₹166 8, a 6 2 % j u m p f r o m i t s i s s u e p r i c e , p u

m

k

d o u b l e d t h e c o m p a n y ’ s growth rate, before joining T-Mobile as COO At TMobile, he has led efforts to accelerate the carrier’s d i g i t a l t r a n s f o r m a t i o n , spearheading initiatives to m a k e i t t h e m o s t d a t adriven, AI-enabled, digitalf i r s t c o m p a n y i n t h e industry

G o p a l a n s a i d h e w a s “honored and grateful” for the opportunity to lead TMobile’s next chapter

valuation to an impressive $3 billion This blockbuster performance marks the best opening day for any major company to debut on the exchanges this year and represents the biggest first-day rally for an Indian IPO of over $100 million, according to data from Bloomberg

£190mn initial public offer-

making it the most subscribed

and

issue of the year so far and setting the stage for its stellar listing Backed by bluechip investors like Prosus and Accel, the Gurugrambased company has become a leader in the home and salon services space, benefiting significantly from the surge in consumer demand during the Covid-19 pandemic E x i s

s t o r s a r e now seeing immense gains A c c e l , U

C o m p a n y ' s first institutional investor, has seen returns of nearly 45 times its initial investment While it sold some shares in the IPO, it still holds

invested in 2021, will also maintain its 7% stake As Ashutosh Sharma, head of India ecosystem at Prosus,

Piyush Goyal

Srinivas Phatak

in brief

SONALI MEHTA IS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NPR MUSIC

NPR announced that Music industry veteran Sonali Mehta will lead NPR Music as its new Executive Director from Sept 22 Based in New York, Mehta will be responsible for the overall strategy and growth of the platform, including its collaboration with NPR’s network of stations and its globally beloved Tiny Desk franchise Mehta brings extensive experience in artist partnerships content strategy and business development to her new role Her career began at YouTube where she worked with over 800 artists to support their music releases and audience growth forging multimillion-dollar partnerships and launching new programs She later joined Arista Records digital marketing team, executing more than 50 global campaigns to promote artist discovery

SUPNA JAIN JOINS NAPERVILLE CITY COUNCIL

Supna Jain, a second-generation Indian American and veteran educator has been sworn in as the first woman of color to serve on the Naperville City Council Jain, a principal lecturer in communications and media studies and faculty director of the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence at North Central College, has also served on the Indian Prairie School District 204 board of education since 2021 Her appointment became official after council members voted to fill the vacancy left by former councilwoman Allison Longenbaugh who resigned last month Jain will serve the remainder of Longenbaugh s term which runs until April 2027

FAMILY SEEKS PUBLIC'S HELP TO FIND MISSING MAN

The family of Nihar "Mars" Mehta a 22-yearold who has been missing since June 2 2023 is making an urgent appeal to the public for help Following several credible sightings in California, his family is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to his safe return Witnesses report seeing a man matching Nihar's description in the area, and members of the local homeless community refer to him as "Mars " Nihar was last seen leaving his home in Orange, California, on foot, wearing a black NASA hoodie, black jeans, and black Converse shoes His family deeply worried about his mental and physical wellbeing, has now travelled from Chicago to assist in the search

TALIBAN REJECT US BID TO RETAKE BAGRAM

The Taliban govt rejected US President Donald Trump’s bid to retake Bagram base, four years after America’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan left the sprawling military facility in the Taliban’s hands Trump threatened “bad things” would happen to Afghanistan if it does not give back control of the Bagram air base to the US, and declined to rule out sending in troops to retake it The chief Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid rejected Trump’s assertions and urged the US to adopt a policy of realism and rationality ”

UK COUPLE HELD FOR MONTHS IN AF FREED

The Taliban released a British couple held in Afghanistan for more than seven months on undisclosed charges Peter and Barbie Reynolds aged 80 and 76 respectively lived in Afghanistan for 18 years and ran an education organisation Qatar helped in securing their release Taliban spokesperson, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, said the couple violated Afghan law and were released from prison after a court hearing according to a statement

30 killed as Pak air force bombs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa village

Pes hawar: At least 30 people, including women and children, were ki lled as the Pakistan air force reportedly dropped ei ght bombs on a vi llage in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinc e

LS-6 bombs were dropped from

Pashtun-majority Matre Dara village around 2 am As a result of the impact of the blast, a large part of the village was destroyed

Reports said several people w

however, awaited Local media said the air force were targeting

(TTP) hideouts in the area All the victims were civilians

several military actions against

bordering Afghanistan

terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in

Dera Ismail Khan district

Of the seven victims, t

nationals and two suicide b

Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of t

statement

On September 13-14, at least 31 TTP terrorists were

Pakhtunkhwa Of late, Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terrorist activities, mainly in provinces bordering

Pak PM Sharif to meet Trump during UN meet in New York

I S L A M A B A

minister Shehbaz Sharif will mee t with US Pres ident Donald Trump a l on g s id e a s

gr o up of Musl im leaders on the s idelines of t he 80th ses sion of the United Na t i on s Ge n

m bl y (UNGA) in New Y ork, off ic ials announced Sharif is scheduled to visit the United States from September 22 to 26, leading a delegation that includes Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, other ministers, and senior officials The visit’s main purpose is to participate in the UNGA annual session

A c c o

from the Foreign Office (FO), Sharif will engage in a special

meeting with President Trump

o peace and security In his address to the General

Nepal observes day of mourning to honour those killed in Gen Z protests

K A T H M A N D U : I n a s o le m n o bs er v an ce , Ne p al m ar ke d a national d ay of m ourning on September 17 , as all gov ernment o ff i ce s an d ed u c ati o n al institutions were clo sed across the country Th e day was held in h o no u r o f th o s e w h o d i ed during the widespread Gen Z pro tests that recently sw ept the na ti o n T h e H o m e M in i st ry co n fi r m ed th a t al l Ne p al i em bassies and missions abro ad w er e a ls o c lo s ed , w i th th e natio nal flag being flown at h alfmast T h e d e c i s i o n t o m o u r n comes in the wake of violent protests on September 8 and 9, w h i c h w e r e f u e l l e d b y d e e pseated political instability and e c o n o m i c d i f f i c u l t i e s T h e agitation resulted in the deaths of 72 people, including three p o l i c e m e n , a n d l e d t o t h e toppling of the government led by Prime Minister K P Sharma O l i H e h a d r e s i g n

S

s entered his office demanding his resignation

The protests also left a trail of destruction, with houses of p

z e Police are now assessing the full

reports indicating at least 121

wheelers were torched during the violence

Despite the recent turmoil, life has returned to a state of calm in Kathmandu Pedestrians a n d

n moving as normal The sense of stability is further reinforced by t h e f e

i v e

t m o s p h e r e , w i t h p e o p l e b u s y s h o p p i n g i n m a r k e t s f o r t h e u p c o m i n g festivals of Vijaya Dashami and Deepawali The Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, has since declared those killed in the protests as martyrs

Assembly, Sharif is expected to urge the global community to r e s o l v e “ p r o l o n g e d ” c o n f l i c t s , with a particular focus on the g

Gaza He will call for decisive

international action to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people

S h a r i f w

l l a l s o p r e s e n t

Pakistan’s perspective on regional security challenges, alongside key global concerns such as climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development

During the UNGA session, Sharif will attend several highlevel events, including meetings of the UN Security Council, the G l o b a l D e v e l o p m e n t I n i t i a t i v e (GDI), and an event on climate action He will also hold bilateral talks with various world leaders a n d s e n i o r U N o f f i c i a l s t o e x c h a n g e v i e w s o n m a t t e r s o f mutual interest

Yunus' reassurance to Hindu community ahead of Durga Puja

DHA K A : In a p owerful m essage o f re as su r anc e, Ban g l ad es h ' s chief ad viser Muh am mad Yunus h as stated that the State has no r ig h t to d is c ri m i na te a m o ng citizens, whatever their relig io us or id eo log ical d ifferences The rem arks were m ad e ah ead of the Durga Puja festiv al, and come amid lingering fear am ong the H i nd u co m m u ni ty fo l lo w i ng a tta ck s o n th ei r p l ac es o f w orship and members last year

S p e a k i n g f r o m t h e Dhakeshwari National Temple, w h e r e h e w i t n e s s e d p r e p a r a t i o n s f o r t h e f e s t i v a l , Y u n u s s a i d , W e , t h e e n t i r e nation is a broader family The g o v e r n m e n t i s c o m m i t t e d t o e n s u r i n g e q u a l r i g h t s a n d d i g n i t y f o r a l l c i t i z e n s " H e emphasised the importance of n a t i o

forces and asserted that every individual, regardless of their f a i t h o r w

foremost a citizen whose rights

extended his greetings to the Hindu community in advance of the festival, reinforcing his core message "We are citizens of this country, and there will be no discrimination against anyone," he stated His comments aim to provide a sense of security and belonging, countering the fears

community since the previous year's attacks

Indian origin woman jailed in Singapore for offering bribe to cops

Singap orean woman has been sentenced to mo re th an fi ve years in jail after she was found guilty of o ffering a bribe to p olice offic ers Radika Rajavarma, a 42-year-old with a history o f drug abuse, offered the officers S GD 1 ,000 in exchange for being al lo wed t o s mo ke a c i ga re tte w

le i n custody Rajavarma, who has been in and out of jail for drug-related offences since 2018, was on bail and a five-year remission order at the time of the incident in October 2022 She h a d b e e n

consumption and was being transported in a police vehicle According to the prosecution, s

vehicle approached its destination When the officers refused, citing her status in police custody, she offered them the bribe, which was immediately rejected This act of desperation, along with her other offences, has led to a lengthy sentence A local court sentenced her to five years, eight months, and four weeks in prison for

addition, she will

behind bars for breaching her remission order

This case highlights a pattern of reoffending Rajavarma was last convicted of methamphetamine consumption in 2020 and served three and a half years before being released on bail in June 2022 She was re-arrested in July 2023 after her urine tested p

for failing to appear

court and missing subsequent urine tests

days

Shehbaz Sharif & Donald Trump Shehbaz Sharif & Donald Trump

An Indian pioneer’s visionary legacy to reshape US tech workforce

SA N J O SE: When Silicon Valley f aced a glaring s hortage of en gin eers in the early 1990s , one v i s i on a r y s a w t h e s ol

ac ros s an ocean Satjiv S Chahi l, a m arketing pioneer and form er glob al chief at A pple, was i nstrumental in forgi ng a new

p a r tn e r s h i p b et

U nited State s and Indi a, a collab oration he li kened to buildi ng a Golden G ate Bridge to I ndia's vas t en gineering talent pool

Chahil's efforts were foundational in reshaping America’s

meeting between Apple CEO

moment that symbolised a new era of tech collaboration His advocacy later helped persuade the Clinton administration to

gramme, bringing Indian engi-

shores and paving the way for

executives now at the helm of global tech giants Beyond his transformative work at Apple, Chahil’s illustrious career at companies like

Hewlett-Packard was defined

uniquely bridged the worlds of technology and culture, orches-

Trump's letter and stricter tests stress assimilation for new US citizens

WA S HI N GT O N : T he U nited S tates has u sh ered in a new era for its naturalisation p rocess, with a sig nificant shift in bo th o ffic ial m essag ing and po licy Beg inning on C onstitu tion Day, President Donald Trum p w ill send a new letter to every natu ralised citizen that d eparts from previou s p residential m essages, wh ich often focused on d iversity

Instead, the letter stresses the importance of assimilation, stating that America has always welcomed those who embrace our values, assimilate into our society and pledge allegiance to our country The document frames citizenship as an obligation, declaring, "Our history is now your history Our customs are now your customs "

T h e n e w m e s s a g i n g f r o m t h e W h i t e House is being mirrored by major policy changes at US Citizenship and Immigration

Services (USCIS) The agency is implementing a new 2025 naturalization civics test, d e s i g n e d

understanding of US history and government According to a USCIS spokesperson, the changes are aimed at ensuring new citizens are "fully assimilated" into the nation’s values

In addition to the revised test, USCIS is restoring stricter vetting practices, including resuming neighborhood investigations to verify applicants The agency is also shifting its guidance for assessing good moral character, now focusing on an applicant’s positive contributions to society rather than just an absence of bad behaviour The combined initiatives signal a move to a more rigorous

c responsibility and cultural assimilation as core tenets of American citizenship

Family alleges racial bias in fatal police shooting of Indian techie

SA N TA C L A RA : The family of M ohamm ed Nizam udd in, a 30year-old Indian tech pro fessional from Telangana, is d em anding a c o m p r eh en s iv e i nv e st ig ati o n after h e w as fatally shot by po lice in Santa C lara, C alifornia The family alleg es that racial discrimination played a role in th e incid ent, which occurred earlier this m onth

According to a police statement, officers responded to a 911 call about a stabbing and fired their weapons after the situation escal a t e d N i z a m u d d i n , w h o w a s r e p o r t e d l y involved in an altercation with his roommate, was hospitalised but later succumbed to his injuries The family, however, disputes

t h e p o l i c e a c c o u n t , c l a i m i n g t h a t Nizamuddin himself made the initial 911 call and that they were not informed of his death until September 18

T h i s t r a g e d y i s c o m p o u n d e d b y a LinkedIn post Nizamuddin made just two weeks before his death, in which he alleged

racial harassment, wrongful termination, and surveillance by a private detective He wrote, "I

, racial harassment, torture, wage fraud, wrongful termination and obstruction of justice Enough is enough, white supremacy/racist white American mentality having to end " The family believes the roommate involved in the altercation was the same individual mentioned in the post

N

m

m e d Hasnuddin, has appealed directly to India’s

E

, describing his son s death as a murder in cold blood " He has requested assistance in repatriating his son's body and called for a joint probe by both the Indian and US governments On September 19, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed it would provide all possible support to the family, including help with bringing Nizamuddin's body back to India

partnerships with icons from Tom Cruise to Jay-Z Today, he remains dedicated to his roots through philan-

vision for India’s future is clear:

frontline innovator, elevate its education system, build worldclass infrastructure, leverage its cultural richness, and ensure its growth is sustainable and inclusive for all

FBI chief agrees to probe Trump-Epstein

birthday note

by Donald Trum p to Epstein This d ecision came d uring a House Oversig ht C omm ittee hearing, pro mpted by a line of questioning fro m Representative Jared Moskowitz

The document, which was released by Epstein's estate, includes an outline of a female figure and a message suggesting that Trump and Epstein have certain things in common However, the White House has vehemently maintained that the note is a

Trump’s Moskowitz challenged Patel to investigate the matter, framing the alleged forgery of a US president's signature as a serious crime After initially questioning the grounds for an inquiry, Patel acquiesced, stating, “Sure, I’ll do it ” This development brings the controversial note back into the public eye, even as House Oversight Committee Chair James C o m e

argued that the committee's focus should remain on seeking justice for Epstein's victims and determining the extent of any government involvement in his activities

In response to a July report by The Wall S

Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit The W

Leavitt, has continued to deny the note’s authenticity, stating that Trump's legal team will aggressively pursue litigation

The renewed scrutiny on this case comes amid increasing pressure in the US Congress for the full release of all Epstein case files This push for transparency is part of a broader effort to uncover the truth behind Epstein’s network and hold those involved accountable, regardless of their political standing

Sunita Williams calls for teamwork at US-India space event

that the most

S h e highlighted that listeni n g t

c h o t h e r a n d fostering teamwork were among the most important takeaways from the mission’s focus on coll a b o r a t i o n a n d m u t u a l support Expedition 72, which c o m m e n c e d i n September 2024, was the 72nd long-duration mission to the International Space Station While in orbit, the crew conducted extensive research on human health, materials science, and biology The team, which

in brief

LANKA JAILS ELEPHANT KEEPER

Sri Lanka s high court sentenced an elephant keeper to 15 years in prison, in a case involving trafficking of wildlife protected by strict environmental laws The three-judge court in Colombo found Niraj Roshan guilty on two counts of keeping a stolen baby elephant and falsifying records to show he had obtained it legitimately The verdict, which includes a fine equivalent to $68,600 and the elephant’s confiscation, comes six years after the case first went to court “This is the first case of elephant trafficking filed in a Sri Lankan court ” a state prosecutor told the court

PRO-PALESTINIAN ACTIVIST ORDERED TO LEAVE US

A US immigration judge ordered proPalestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil be deported to Algeria or Syria over claims that he omitted information from his green card application, court documents showed Khalil s lawyers said they intend to appeal the deportation order while saying a federal district court’s separate orders remain in effect that prohibit govt from immediately deporting or detaining him as his federal court case proceeds Immigration judge Jamee Comans said Khalil “willfully misrepresented material fact(s) for the sole purpose of circumventing the immigration process and reducing the likelihood his application would be denied ” Khalil’s lawyers submitted a letter to a federal court overseeing his case and said he will challenge Comans’ decision

3 COUNTRIES RECOGNISE PALESTINIAN STATE

In a move borne out of frustration over the Gaza war and intended to promote a twostate solution, Britain, Canada and Australia have recognised Palestinian state which is bound to anger Israel and its main ally the US The seemingly coordinated announcements came on the eve of the annual gathering of the UN General Assembly in New York, at which France and Portugal are also expected to vote for recognition of Palestinian statehood The decision aligned them with about 140 other countries which also back Palestinians’ aspiration to forge an independent homeland from the Israeli-occupied territories

NEW PICASSO PORTRAIT UNVEILED AT PARIS AUCTION

A previously unknown portrait by Pablo Picasso was revealed after being put up for sale at auction in Paris with a reserve price of €8mn Entitled Bust of a woman with a flowery hat,” it depicts Dora Maar, a French photographer, painter and poet who was Picasso’s best-known muse Painted with oil the colourful work is valued at around 8mn euros, a reserve price that could soar,” according to auctioneer Christophe Lucien It was painted by Picasso on July 11 1943 and acquired by a French collector who is the grandfather of the current owners

Ovchinin, and Ivan Vagner, also enhanced in-orbit 3D printing c a p a b i l i t i e s a n d p r e p a r e d t h e first wooden satellite for deployment Williams, Hague, Wilmore, and Gorbunov safely returned to E a r

e b e g a n standard post-mission physical therapy at the Johnson Space Center to help their bodies readjust to Earth’s gravity, bringing a remarkable journey of human collaboration to a close

JUDGE JUNKS AMAZON TRIBE’S LAWSUIT

A California judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by an Indigenous tribe in the Brazilian Amazon against New York Times and TMZ that claimed the newspaper s reporting on the tribe s first exposure to the internet led to its members being widely portrayed as technology-addled and addicted to pornography The suit was filed in May by the Marubo Tribe of the Javari Valley Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Tiana J Murillo sided with NYT, whose lawyers argued that its coverage last year was fair and protected by free speech

Sunita Williams

Mohammed Nizamuddin

European Union unveils new agenda to boost ties with India

T h e E u ro p ean U ni o n h a s

u n v ei l ed a ne w s tr ate g i c agenda aim ed at streng th en-

i n g i ts r ela ti o ns h i p w i th

I nd ia, a mo ve that com es

a m i d p res s u re f ro m th e

U nited S tates for India to

r ed u c e it s o i l p u r ch a se s f ro m Ru ss ia Th e ag end a, w hich seeks to u pgrad e the existing 200 4 strategic partnership, was announced by

E u r o p ean C o m m i s si o n

P

L

P

in

T h e n e w f r a m e w o r k proposes a comprehensive approach to bilateral cooperation, including the establ i s h m e n t o f a n E U - I n d i a

S e c u r i t y a n d D e f e n c e Partnership This initiative is designed to facilitate closer collaboration on defence industrial projects, technology sharing, maritime security, and counter-terrorism efforts

P r i m e M i n i s t e r M o d i welcomed the development

on X, stating that India is prepared to take the relationship to the next level and that both sides share a commitment to an early and peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict Von der Leyen also noted that discussions with Modi included progress on trade talks and potential joint support for Ukraine

D e s p i t e t h e p o s i t i v e m o m e n t u m , c h a l l e n g e s remain EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged that India’s Russian oil imports are still a point o f c o n t e n t i o n W h i l e E U officials have ruled out tar-

their 13th round of talks last

Sefcovic expressed that he h

progress in the recent discussions Both sides, howev-

finalising the FTA by the end of the year The new agenda, therefore, is seen as a way for both India and the E U

o u t f r o m future US tariff policies

Election Commission plans nationwide electoral roll overhaul

I n a s i gn i f i ca n t mov e t o modern is e an d s treamline

v ot er re gi s t ra ti on , I n di a 's

Ele ction Commi ss ion (EC) i s pre parin g for the potenti al rollout of a n ation wide Spe ci al I nten siv e Revi sion (SIR) of ele ctoral rolls

A l l s t a t e s a n d u n i o n territories, with the exception of Bihar, have been

g i v e n a d e a d l i n e o f

S e p t e m b e r 3 0 , 2 0 2 5 , t o complete a crucial pre-revision activity: mapping their current electors against the rolls from the last intensive revision This task signals

t h a t a n a t i o n w i d e S I R

c o u l d b e o f f i c i a l l y announced as early as next

month, with the qualifying date for new voters set for January 1, 2026

A c c o r d i n g t o s o u r c e s , this new process will simp l i f y v o t e r e n u m e r a t i o n

Anyone who appeared on the electoral rolls from the last intensive revision will be presumed a citizen and will not be required to submit additional documents

An EC functionary estimated that this group makes up approximately 50-60% of the current electorate

A s a r e s u l t , b o o t h - l e v e l

o f f i c e r s c a n f o c u s t h e i r h o u s e - t o - h o u

o n the remaining 40% of electors who need to submit

their forms and documents to prove their citizenship T h e c u r r e n t d i r e c t i v e follows a letter sent by the E C t o a

Chief Electoral Officers on

y steps include the digitisation and upload of older electoral rolls, the rationalisation of polling stations t o a m a x i m u m o f 1 , 2 0 0 electors, and the training of personnel involved in the revision This comprehensive effort is expected to bring greater accuracy and efficiency to India's democratic process

Anil Ambani and Rana Kapoor charged in Yes Bank fraud case

T he C en t ra l B u re a u of Inves tigation (CB I)

h a s f i l e d a c ha r g e s he e t ag a i n s t A n i l A m b a n i , c ha i rm an o f t h e A n i l D h i ru b h a i A

and daught e r s T he c h

o an trans actions tha t led to a s ignif icant los s of £2 79 7mn f or Yes Bank

According to the CBI, Yes Bank, under Kapoor's direction, invested approximately £204 5mn in debentures and commercial debt p

(

F L ) a n d a n o t h e r £296 5mn in similar papers

f r o m R e l i a n c e H o m e F i n a n c e L i m i t e d ( R H F L ) T h e s e i

made despite

rating

nies under watch for poor performance The CBI contends that the funds were subsequently siphoned off

family-run firms allegedly received substantial loans from Ambani’s companies

T h e C B I s t

18 more killed in fresh

Uttarakhand, Himachal landslides, floods

T he H i ma l a y a n s t a t e s o f

Utt arakha nd and H imachal

P r a d e sh , a l r e a d y r e e l in g from a series of r ece nt na tura l disaster s, have bee n hit by fresh b out s of t or rential rain, l e ad ing to a ne w wa ve of l andslides a nd fl ash fl oods

Ove rnight downpour s have ca use d sign ifica n t de v ast ation, with a comb in ed deat h tol l of 1 8 and mul tiple people re port ed missing

I n U t t a r a k h a n d , t h e

r e l e n t l e s s h e a v y s h o w e r s and cloudbursts have tragically claimed 15 lives, with 16 people still unaccounted for Additionally, over 900 people were left stranded in vari o u s l o c a t i o n s a c r o s s t h e state The State Emergency Operation Centre reported that rescue efforts are ongoing amid the adverse weather, with personnel from the

N D R F , S D R F , a n d f i r e brigades working to bring the stranded to safety

The neighbouring state o

also severely affected, where three members of a family were killed as the rains triggered massive landslides and flash floods In both states, t h e r a g i n g w a t e r s s w e p t away cars and caused extensive damage to houses and

commercial establishments, painting a grim picture of the ongoing natural calamity T h e f r e s h w a v e o f destruction underscores the vulnerability of these hilly regions to extreme weather conditions, highlighting the urgent need for robust disaster management strategies t

infrastructure

SC seeks independent, impartial probe into Air India crash

T h e Su p r e m e C o u r t ha s s t e p p e d i n t o t h e on g oi n g inv estiga tion of the A ir India flight 1 71 cra sh on Jun e 12 in Ahm eda ba d, killin g all but on e pe rson on boa rd The c ou r t h a s so u g h t d e t a i le d r e sp o n se s fr om t h e Director at e Gen er al of Civil A v i a t i o n ( D G C A ) , t h e

A i r c r a ft A c ci d e n t s

Inv estiga tion Bure au (A AIB), a nd the cent ra l gover nme nt on the ste ps be ing tak en to e n su r e a n i n d e p e n d e n t , impa rtia l, a nd swift pr obe This intervention came while the court was hearing a public interest litigation f i l e d b y t h e N G O , ' S a f e t y Matters Foundation,' which i s c a l l i n g f o r t h e p u b l i c r e l e a s e o f t h e f l i g h t d a t a r e c o r d e r ' s c o n t e n t s However, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and N K Singh

e x p r e s s e d c a u t i o n , s t a t i n g that such a move could have serious consequences for the g r i e v i n g r e l a t i v e s o f t h e

Yes Bank and a corresponding unlawful gain to compa-

also includes details

tions, such as

£116mn in debentures of a Kapoor family-owned entity

a n d p u

unsecured debt instruments of Yes Bank The CBI, which is also investigating Ambani in two other separate cases, s u b m i t t e d a c o m m o n chargesheet against all the accused in a Mumbai court

T h e c h a r g

a

t h e conspiracy between Kapoor and Ambani resulted in a m

s Ambani, Kapoor, his family members, and their associated companies, including RCFL and RHFL

pilots Justice Kant remarked that the media had already caused "immense agony" by selectively quoting from the preliminary report to blame the pilots for the tragedy, c a u t i o n i n g t h a t s e l e c t i v e leaks could lead to numerous parallel theories

T h e N G O ’ s p e t i t i o n ,

h o w e v e r , a r g u e s t h a t t h e preliminary report is incomplete, selective, and lacking in transparency It claims the report deliberately omitted critical information such as the full digital flight data recorder output and cockpit v o i c e r e c o r d e r t r a n s c r i p t s , while prematurely attributing the crash to pilot error

The petition also highlighte d t h a t t h e f i v e - m e m b e r probe team included three DGCA officers, raising questions about the fairness of t h e i n v e s t i g a t i o n , a s t h e DGCA itself could be under scrutiny for failing to carry out regular safety checks

C ase ag ainst Boeing, Hon ey well

The families of four victims of the Air India crash have filed a lawsuit against B o e i n g a n d H o n e y w e l l , c l a i m i n g t h a t f a u l t y f u e l switches were responsible for t h e a c c i d e n t T h e l a w s u i t , f i l e d i n D e l a w a r e S

design of the switches, which w e

Honeywell, effectively guara n

normal cockpit activity The

Ahmedabad, killed 260 people The plaintiffs’ legal action references a 2018 US Federal

(FAA) advisory that recommended, but did not mandate

Assam bids tearful farewell to music legend Zubeen Garg

A ssam bids tearful farew ell to le g en d ar y si n g er an d c o m p o s er Z u b een Gar g , wh ose untim ely d eath has left the state in deep sorro w He has been cremated w ith state honours in Guwahati His mortal remains were t a k e n i n a f l o w e r - d e c k e d ambulance from the Arjun B h o g e s w a r B a r u a h S p o r t s Complex, where millions of fans, celebrities and wellwishers had gathered over the past two days to pay homage The singer’s body, d r a p e d i n t h e t r a d i t i o n a l

A s s a m e s e g a m o s a a n d placed inside a cold glass coffin, was accompanied by his 85-year-old father, wife

G a r i m a S a i k i a , a n d o t h e r family members Thousands of fans walked behind the cortege, raising slogans and

singing his songs one last time before the pyre was lit

In keeping with tradition, Garg was cremated by his sister, Palmee Borthakur, as crowds chanted his name in grief and reverence Garg died on September 19 in Singapore at the age of 52; the cause of death was listed as drowning His body w a s f l o w n t o G u w a h a t i , where millions of fans gathered since Sunday to pay tribute + Prominent personalities joined the sea of m o u r n e r s , m a n y b r e a k i n g down as they bowed before their beloved ‘Zubeen da’

The fans also sang his popular songs outside the venue, refusing to leave even after offering tributes

P r

would be remembered for

when he was just 19 and still in college His first music album, Anamika, released in

chartbuster In 2000, when Garg made his acting and

Assamese movie 'Tumi Mor Matho Mor' and his popu-

heights He was a fashion icon among Assam's youth and built a larger-than-life per-

choices Garg was also the m

during Bihu – a cultural festival celebrated in Assam in mid-April every year

Rana Kapoor and Anil Ambani

PM Modi with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

India cautious as Saudi-Pakistan defence pact formalised

G o v er nm e nt o f In d i a h a s

e xp r es se d t h at i t exp e ct s

S aud i Arabia to be mindful

o f m u tu al i n ter es ts a nd

s en si ti v i ti es f o llo w i ng th e formalisation of a strateg ic

d efence pact with P akistan

T his agreement, wh ich has been in place info rm ally for d ecades, now stipulates th at any agg ression ag ainst one cou ntry will be consid ered an act of aggression against both External affairs ministry s

D

and is currently assessing its

means it does not anticipate a military threat from Saudi A

concerns remain about the

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif revealed

striking

interview, he confirmed that

absolutely available for use

noted that the deal is open to other Arab nations and

countries

This formalisation of the alliance is seen by analysts as a message to Israel, especially in the aftermath of its recent attacks in Qatar Asif framed the pact as a fundamental right for Muslim nations to

Indian origin US woman travels to Punjab to marry NRI, murdered

L UD H IA NA : A 67-year-old

In dian -ori gin woma n, who tr avel led to Punjab from the U S t o ma r r y a U K- b a se d NRI, ha s been found dead T he c a se c a me t o l i g ht r

Police re giste red

FIR over

ident ified as Rupinder Kaur P a n d he r , a n d n a me d s us pe c t s, in c l ud i n g he r f ia n c e , Ch a r a n j it Si n g h Gr ewal

T h e w o m a n ' s b u r n t remains, which were stuffed into sacks, were recovered from a drain in Ghungrana

v i l l a g e n e a r P u n j a b ' s

L u d h i a n a P o l i c e a l s o

r e c o v e r e d h e r b a d l y -

d a m a g e d i P h o n e a n d

arrested a local man named Sukhjeet Singh Sonu Sonu

h a s c o n f e s s e d t o k i l l i n g

geopolitics of the region

India's 'talent' a threat? new H-1B fee sparks diplomatic row

A new US pres idential pr oc lamat ion imposing

a m ass ive $100,000 s upplem ental f ee on H-1B visa holders has triggered a strong backl ash fr om India, with a top minis ter s uggesting the m ove is born out of f ear of Indian t alent The fe e, which took ef fec t on Se ptem ber 2 1, 2025 , appl ies to new visa pet itions and has cr eated wi de s pr e a d un c e r t a in t y f or t h ous a nd s of Indian profe ss ionals

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, reacting to the US decision, asserted that the world is a little afraid of our talent " He used the opportunity to rally Indian talent, urging them to “ come to India, innovate here,

d e s i g n h e r e "

e c o n o m i c g r o w t h a n d c o n t r i

t o t h e "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision Goyal's remarks came as he led a high-level delegation for trade talks in the US, where the H-1B issue was expected to be a key point of discussion W h i l e t

defends the fee as a measure to protect

labour, the policy has been widely criticised India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar has voiced its serious concern, highlighting that the mobility of skilled professionals is a significant contributor to the economic and technological partnership between the two countries The fee, which is roughly 60 times the previous cost, is a severe blow to f

institutions The proclamation has also led to a sharp decline in the share prices of major Indian IT companies like Infosys and T

heavily on the H-1B programme to deploy workers to their US clients The Indian government has warned of humanitarian consequences due to the disruption it will cause for families

Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav of BAPS

Mandir in Jodhpur

A s part of the ong oing M urti Pratishth a M aho tsav of the BA PS Sh ri Swaminarayan M andir in Jodhp ur, T uesd ay, Sep tember 23 , w as o bserv ed in a d ev otional and festiv e atm osphere

T h e d a y b e g a n w i t h V i s h w a s h a n t i Mahayagna, in which hundreds of families offered sacred ritualistic sacrifices (aahutis) into the yagna fire with prayers for world peace, social welfare, and the well-being of a l l A c c o

spiritual joy Shri Rameshwarji Dadhich, the e x - M a y o r o f J

occasion with his family and participated in the yagna

I n h i s d i v i n e b l e s s i n g s , H i s Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj stated “The mahayagna enhances faith and devotion, benefiting all Above all, its supreme reward is the attainment of God: not merely as an image, but in His manifest form This divine presence should be experienced in every moment of life and extended heartfelt prayers for the welfare of all”

discourses Pujya Adarshjivandas Swami of BAPS highlights the divine means of self-

Viveksagardas Swami encouraged devotees to live life with the conviction that God is the all-doer

The assembly also witnessed a cultural

The evening assembly was celebrated as “History Day ” The program commenced

and youth from Rajasthan and Gujarat, showcasing the glorious legacy of satsang in the state and its invaluable contributions The evening concluded with arti and devotional programs, immersing devotees in a spiritual fervour

of Jodhpur on Wednesday

P a n d h e r o n G r e w a l ' s i n s t r u c t i o n s f o r R s

50,00,000, officials said The incident dates back t o J u l y w h e n R u p i n d e r

P a n d h e r , a n A m e r i c a n c i t i z e n b a s e d i n S e a t t l e , arrived in the state at the i n v i t a t i o n o f 7 5 - y

Charanjit Grewal, whom she was to marry in Ludhiana

into contact with each other

and in Ludhiana, Pandher s

Charanjit Grewal for over a decade

According to the police, G

brutally murdered Pandher with a baseball

"After the murder, Sonu

complaint with the police

murder her Sonu, who works as a typist at the court complex i n K

currently in the UK, has been named the main accused in the FIR," police said

India's armed forces to embark on a new transformation

In dia ’ s a rme d for ces a re em ba rk in g on a sign ifica nt t ransfor ma tion, following a thr eeday comb ined commander s ’ confer ence in Ko l k a t a T he c on fe r e n c e , a k e y s t r a t e g ic eve nt, has l aid out a comprehe nsive roadmap

a i me d a t c r e a t in g a m o r e i n t e g r a t e d , technologica lly advanced, an d a gil e military capabl e of addre ssing multi-doma in thre ats and safeguarding national int erests A landmark decision was the release of a new joint military space doctrine Officers present at the conference hailed this as a crucial step towards institutionalising the space domain as a core part of the nation's security strategy Furthering the push for synergy, the military leadership also agreed to merge the education branches of the Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force into a single tri-

stations

M

Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan underscored the

urgency of implementing the transformation

execution while emphasising the importance of continuous, institutionalised reforms to ensure the forces remain agile, self-reliant, and prepared for the future

evolving security dynamics and emerging threats, particularly along the borders with C

stressed the critical need for a technology-led approach to modern warfare, advocating for the seamless integration of innovations into operational doctrine Both Modi and Singh

atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and innovation to enhance military readiness, particularly

defence technology and manufacturing

This pivotal conference, according to an officer, has been instrumental in shaping the military's future direction, fostering greater cooperation, and ensuring that capability development is fully aligned with India's national security priorities

Mumbai's elite and the engine of India's economy

India's econo mic land scape is hom e to

indiv iduals According to recent repo rts, th e cou ntry's billio naire count h as risen to 191 in 20 24, a testament to the nation's burg eo ning p rosperity Wh ile this wealth is distributed a cro s s th e c o u ntry ,

p ro p or tio n atel y large share is concentrated in one bustling m etro polis, Mum bai

"Financial Capital of India," serves as the nerve centre of the nation's business and finance It contributes a significant 6 16% to India's total GDP and accounts for 30% of income tax collections and 40% of foreign trade This economic powerhouse status is no accident The city's robust infrastructure, including the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange, two of the largest in the world and the headquarters of financial giants like the Reserve Bank of

institutions The city's dynamic business ecosystem, which is supported by a large

enterprise, has nurtured some of India's

and technology to

estate

unparalleled opportunities for growth and innovation The presence of Asia's richest person, Mukesh Ambani, who resides in the city and oversees the vast Reliance Industries empire, is a perfect illustration of Mumbai's standing as a hub for the elite Its unique blend of commercial dynamism and a longstanding tradition of entrepreneurship has made it a city of dreams not only for millions

looking to build business empires

Randhir Jaiswal

Shehbaz Sharif & Prince Mohammed bin Salman

HH Mahant Swami Maharaj

PM Modi’s dual push: Coastal ambition to eastern resurgence

P rim e M inister Narendra Mo di is

d o u bli n g d o w n o n h is a atm a n i rbh a rta , o r s el f- re li an c e, campaign, extend ing his national ambitio n from a g rand m aritim e

v is i o n t o g ras s ro o ts ec o no m ic reform His messag e is clear, "from ch ip to ship, everything must be m ad e in India," and the nation's

f u tu re h i ng es o n i ts ab il i ty to o vercome depend ence on others

In Bhavnagar, at the ‘Samudra Se Samriddhi’ programme, Modi

d e d i c a t e d d e v e l o p m e n t p

s worth over £3 36bn, part of a larger portfolio of initiatives exceeding £10bn He framed self-reliance not only as an economic necessity but as a matter of national self-respect

c

T h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r

and propel India towards its Viksit B

capacity and the reduction of ship turnaround time to under a day The number of Indian sailors has

u

administrations, which he blamed for fostering import dependency

a n

capabilities He cited the dramatic collapse of the Indian shipbuilding sector, whose share in the global market plummeted from a robust 40% to a mere 5% This decline has created a massive financial drain, w

hiring foreign ships, an amount nearly equivalent to India's entire defence budget

To reverse this historical trend

sweeping reforms in the maritime sector A key measure is granting large ships infrastructure status, which eases access to bank loans and provides interest relief Modi

commitment, he highlighted new infrastructure projects, such as

transhipment port in Kerala and a £7 5bn port in Maharashtra Modi also visited Lothal, the site of the future National Maritime Heritage

maritime museum

Simultaneously, Modi took his

Bachat Utsav and launch projects worth £500mn He met with local

Rahul Gandhi alleges 'vote chori' in Karnataka's Aland

C ongress M P Rahul Gandh i

h a s lev el led se ri o u s a ll eg a ti o ns o f w i d es p re ad

v oter fraud , o r vo te ch ori

( v ote th eft), clai mi ng that f ra u d u le nt a d d i ti o n s a nd d eletions of v oters are being carried ou t on a mass scale

a cr o ss v a ri o u s s ta tes

S p e ak in g at a p r es s

c o nf er en ce t i tle d " V o te

C h o ri F actory: Th e A land

F iles," Gandhi alleged th at the op eration is being run

t h ro u g h a c e ntr ali s ed

s y st em us i ng a sp ec if i c software

His claims centred on the Aland constituency in

K a r n a t a k a , w h e r e h e s a i d

a t t e m p t s w e r e m a d e t o delete 6,018 votes ahead of the 2023 assembly polls in 10 booths, eight of which were

c o n s i d e r e d C o n g r e s s strongholds The Karnataka

C I D i s c u r r e n t l y

i n v e s t i g a t i n g t h e m a t t e r

G a n d h i a c c u s

G y a n e s h K u m a r o f o b s t r u c t i n g t h e investigation by refusing to provide crucial information requested by the CID, such

a s t h e d e s t i n a t i o n I P addresses and OTP trails of the fraudulent applications He demanded that the CEC provide these details within a week

G a n d h i a l s o c i t e d a similar case in the Rajoura

Maharashtra, where he said 6 ,

applications for fraudulent

had ever filed such requests Gandhi stated that while the Aland expose was not the hydrogen bomb he had p

i would be dropped soon He expressed his belief that by t h e t i m e t h e C o n g r e s s concludes its presentations on this issue, the country will be convinced that votes a r e b e i n g s t o l e n i n s t a t e after state He added that he feels compelled to protect d e m o c r a c y b e c a u s e o t h e r institutions, including the l e g a l s y s t e m , a r e n o t discharging their duty

Record rain brings Kolkata to knees; 9 dead, 91 flights cancelled

K o l k at a w as b r ou g h t t o a s tandsti ll on Tuesday as heavy o verni gh t rai ns lef t large parts

o f t h e c i t y u nd er wa t er ,

c r i p p l i n g t r af f i c a nd d is rup ting dail y li fe At least nine p eo ple d ied in sep arate

i nc i d e nt s , s e ve n d u e to electrocuti on and two from d ro wni ng, und ersc ori ng th e

s evere impact of the deluge just d ays before Durga Puja

c elebrati ons R ail and Metro

s ervices were largely affected , mul ti ple long-d istance trai ns

w ere resch edu led , and over

90 fli ghts were cancelled as

th e airport runway remai ned

i nu nd ated

Heavy rain flooded roads

a n d r e s i d e n t i a l c o m p l e x e s a c r o s s t h e c i t y , l e a v i n g vehicles stranded for hours in knee-to-waist-deep water at major intersections, including Park Circus, Gariahat, Behala, and College Street

The deluge - 251 4 mm in less than 24 hours - was the highest since 1986 and the s i x t h - h i g h

n

y rainfall in the last 137 years, only behind the record 369 6 mm in 1978, 253 mm in 1888, and 259 5 in 1986

Kolkata Mayor and state Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim said that most p a r t

waterlogged and teams of the

working around the clock to drain out the water

C

downpour as "unprecedented"

Corporation (CESC) T

severely affected across most arterial roads, with vehicles stranded for hours in knee-

Circus, Gariahat, Behala, and College Street

importance of quality and Madein-India products, handing them posters declaring, “Garv se kaho yeh swadeshi hai” (Proudly say this is swadeshi) The GST reforms, which the PM described as next-

g e n e r a t i o n , a i m t o b r i n g significant relief to households by m a k i n g k i t c h e n s u p p l i e s , e d u c a t i o n a l m a t e r i a l s , a n d c l o t h i n g m o r e a f f o r d a b l e H e r e a

boosting both income and savings, r e m i n d i n g c i t i z e n s t h a t a n n u a l income up to ₹12,00,000

streamlined into two slabs: 5% and 18%

US revokes visas for Indians linked to fentanyl trade

The Un ited St at es ha s begun r evok ing an d d e n y in g v is a s fo r a n u m be r of In d ia n busin ess ex ecutives a nd cor porat e lea der s, as pa rt of a toughe r sta nce aga inst the global fen tan yl tr ade The U S embassy in New Delhi c on fi r m e d t h a t t h e a c t i on i s a im e d a t in d ivi dua ls a nd or ga n isa ti on s in vo lv e d in t r a ff ic k i n g t h e d r ug ’ s pr e cu r s or s I n a sig n ifica nt e sca lat ion of t he p olicy , close family member s of t hose implicate d may a lso be ba rr ed from en ter ing the US

J o r g a n A n d r e w s , t h e U S C h a r g é d ’ a f f a i r e s , a f f i r m e d t h e e m b a s s y ' s c o m m i t m e n t t o c o m b a t i n g i l l i c i t d r u g trafficking, stating that individuals and their families, involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the United States will face consequences The embassy framed

Robbery bid claims life of Gujarati woman in the US

A t rag i c i n ci d en t ha s un fo l d ed i n Un i o n County, where a 4 9-year-old Gujarati woman, K ir an Pat el, was s ho t an d ki ll ed d ur in g a robbery at her conv enience store, D D’s Food M art, last week The cri me h as sen t shockwaves t hr o ug h t h e l oc al c o mmu n i t y, wh i c h remembers Kiran as a hardworkin g i mmig rant

According to police, they received a call reporting a man firing shots outside the store o n S o u t h P i n c k n e y S t r e e t U p o n a r r i v a l , officers found Patel in the parking lot with gunshot wounds She was pronounced dead by emergency medical services Surveillance video revealed the harrowing sequence of events A masked gunman entered the store, demanding money from Patel, who was working alone During the confrontation, the assailant fired a shot inside the store after Patel resisted by throwing an object at him The robber then climbed onto the cash register counter and f i r e d m u l t i p l e r o u n d s P a t e l a t t e m p t e d t o escape to the parking lot, but the gunman pursued her, continuing to fire She collapsed just 20 feet from the entrance after being hit by b u l l e t s I n v e s t i g a t o r s a l s o f o u n d s h a t t e r e d g l a s s f r o m t h e s t o r e ' s f r o n t w i n d o w a n d recovered shell casings The Union Public Safety Department has launched a manhunt for the suspect, who fled the scene They are actively reviewing CCTV footage and have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest

the action as a key component of a broader campaign to tackle the deadly fentanyl crisis, which causes tens of thousands of deaths annually in the US Officials emphasised that the move is not only a punitive measure but also part of a c o o p e r a t i v e e f f o

w i t h I n d i a n c o u n t e r p a r t s t o a d d r e s s w h a t t h e y h a v e called a shared challenge They noted that the Trump administration had already taken steps through Executive Orders to secure US borders and dismantle trafficking networks, and stressed that only joint efforts between India and the US can effectively confront t h i s t r a n s n a

y concluded by stating that together, the two nations will build a safer, healthier, stronger future for America and India

Dingucha tragedy suspect arrested in Canada

A prime suspect in the tragi c d eath of a Gujarati family at the Canada- US border i n 2022 has been arrested in Canada Sources confirm that Fenil P atel, a native of Surat, was ap prehended by C anadian autho rities fo llo wing his alleged ro le in a hum an smu ggling op eration that l ed to th e f amily of f our freezing to death

h P

,

w

,

f e Vaishali, and their two young children, Vihangi and Dharmik were found dead just 12 metres from the US border in January 2022 They had attempted to cross into Minnesota during a b l

, succumbing to hypothermia The tragedy drew global attention to the dangerous reality of h

authorities had previously charged Fenil Patel in January 2023 with culpable homicide and human smuggling Investigations revealed that he and a co-accused, Bitta Singh alias Bittu Paji, were responsible for the final stage of the family's journey, driving them to the border during the blinding snowstorm Police sources indicate that Patel had been operating a human smuggling racket from an office in Surat since 2010 He is believed to have lured vulnerable families with false promises of safe passage, running his illicit operations across several countries through illegal and perilous routes Following his arrest in Canada, Patel has now been extradited to the United States to face charges

PM Modi inaugurates and

of

during the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi programme at Bhavnagar, in Gujarat

PM Modi inspects an exhibition on ‘Samudra Se Samriddhi’ at National Maritime Heritage Complex (NHMC), in Gujarat

Kamal Haasan, Radikaa Sarathkumar mourn actor Robo Shankar

Actors Kamal Haasan and Radikaa Sarathkumar paid tribute to Tamil actor-comedian Robo Shankar, who passed away at 46 at GEM Hospital in Chennai The hospital stated he was admitted in critical condition

Kamal Haasan paid an emotional tribute, calling Robo Shankar his “ younger brother” and lamenting his untimely departure Radikaa Sarathkumar shared a photo, praising his humour and hard work, and offered prayers for his family

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also condoled his death, noting Robo Shankar’s journey from stage to television and cinema and extending sympathies to his family and the film fraternity

The hospital stated, "Robo Shankar was admitted to GEM Hospital, Chennai, on 16 September 2025 in critical condition with a massive gastrointestinal bleed and multiorgan dysfunction due to a complex abdominal issue Despite intensive care, his condition worsened, and he passed away at 9:05 pm " Robo was known for films like ‘Maari’ and TV shows including ‘Kings of Comedy Juniors’, ‘Kanni Theevu’, ‘Sembaruthi’, and ‘Top Cooku Dupe Cooku Season 2 ’ He worked alongside actors such as Dhanush and Vijay

Lakshmi Manchu acts against journalist for body shaming, calls out misogyny

Actor Lakshmi Manchu has taken a stand against a senior journalist for allegedly making body-shaming and ageist remarks during a recent interview, criticising her clothing choices as “inappropriate” for a woman in her 40s and a mother

In response, Lakshmi filed a complaint with the Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC), stating, “India reveres women as Shakti, yet in professional spaces, we face casual misogyny and disrespect I owe it to myself and young women who look up to me to call this out ”

Referring to the interview, Lakshmi clarified that while she welcomes tough questions, she draws the line at “cruelty masked as journalism ” She has demanded a public apology and urged the TFCC to ensure no other woman faces such treatment, stating, “Respect is not optional Accountability is not negotiable ”

While promoting ‘Daksha: A Deadly Conspiracy’, Lakshmi spoke about bias against divorced women in the industry She cited a superstar’s ex-wife who, despite being open to work, has been unofficially blacklisted: “Even films once offered to her have been taken away She’s waiting to do good work ”

When asked if she meant Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Lakshmi declined to confirm, saying, “There’s not just one; five to six superstars have been divorced If a man divorces, life goes on For women, once we marry and take on family responsibilities, no one gives us freedom, we have to claim it ourselves ”

Vijay

Deverakonda

Rana Daggubati on no film this

year: “Not feeling old, feeling lucky”

As‘Baahubali: The Epic’ prepares to hit theaters again, Rana Daggubati, who played antagonist Bhallaladeva, opened up about how the film changed his life. He also shared why he feels fortunate to have no releases this year.

In an interview with News18 Showsha, Rana Daggubati said ‘Baahubali’ changed not just his life but the lives of filmmakers across India “The audience too, the way they watch and create content, everything changed,” he added He also noted that it’s been 10 years since the first film, and the compiled version is now “coming back ” In the interview, Rana Daggubati said he isn’t feeling old and feels lucky for having no film releases this year He noted that ‘Baahubali’ is still hitting theaters in a remastered form, c

things” and a version audiences have “ never seen before ” He expressed excitement for the rerelease

Helmed by SS Rajamouli, ‘Baahubali: The B

Conclusion’ (2017) were massive box-office successes The new compilation of the two films has been remastered for a big-screen experience and will release in the US on October 31, 2025

opens up on struggling to buy clothes in early career

Actor Vijay Deverakonda

attended an event celebrating the success of ‘Little Hearts’ as the chief guest, congratulating the team and gifting them merchandise from his clothing brand, Rwdy He also reflected on his early days in the industry when he could barely afford clothes

At the event, the host noticed the film’s star, Mouli Tanuj Prasanth, wearing a Rwdy shirt and jokingly asked in Telugu if it was a gift or if they had “stolen” it, noting they’d worn only his brand during promotions

Vijay Deverakonda smiled and said, “I gifted clothes to Mouli [Tanuj Prasanth] and [Sai] Marthand I’ve seen Mouli wearing Rwdy to all events and wondered how many he’d buy, knowing what it’s like starting out When promoting ‘Yevade Subramanyam’, I wore movie costumes because I couldn’t afford new clothes I didn’t realise they’re now happily earning on Instagram ”

He added that he is proud of the team and their film

‘Little Hearts’, a Telugu romantic comedy written and directed by Sai Marthand, stars Mouli Tanuj Prasanth and Shivani Nagaram, with Rajeev Kanakala and Anitha Chowdary in supporting roles The film was a box office success

Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ picked as India’s 2026 Oscar entry

Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ is earning

acclaim even before its India release, chosen as the country’s 2026 Oscar entry for Best International Feature The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor

T h e F i l m F e d e r a t

I n d i a h a s c h o s e n ‘Homebound’ as India’s 2026

O s c a r e n t r y f o r B e s t International Feature, putting i t i n c o m p e t i t i o n w i t h s u b m i s s i o n s

e r 1 0 0 countries Only three Indian films ’Mother India’, ‘Salaam Bombay!’, and ‘Lagaan’, have

e v e r b e e n n o m i n a t e d , a n d none have won India’s only

O s c a r s h a v e c o m e i n o p e n categories, including two for ‘RRR’ in 2023 ‘Homebound’ has already impressed on the f e s t i v a l c i r c u i t , e a r n i n g a standing ovation at Cannes and placing second runner-up for the International People’s Choice Award at TIFF’s 50th edition

‘ H o m e b o u n d ’ m a r k s

Neeraj Ghaywan’s first feature in nearly a decade Inspired by

B a s h a r a t P

Y o r k T i m e s e s s a y A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway, it follows two rural boys, played by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal

J

g

c o n f r o n t i n g c a s t e a n d communal bias, with Janhvi K a p

Dharma Productions, the film also lists Martin Scorsese as executive producer

The 71st National Film Awards

witnessed a historic moment as Shah Rukh Khan secured his first National Award, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career The actor won Best Actor for his performance in ‘Jawan’, a title he shared with Vikrant Massey, who was honoured for his critically acclaimed role in ‘12th Fail'. The rare tie highlighted the jury’s recognition of diverse talent across Indian cinema

Acknowledged for his unparalleled contribution to cinema over four decades,

M

Shah Rukh Khan wins first national award for ‘Jawan’

Rani Mukerji won the award for best actress for ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs

legends whose artistry has transcended language and region His award was the highlight of the evening, celebrated by industry veterans and fans alike

On the directorial front, Karan Johar’s

‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’ was lauded, with Johar himself remarking that Indian cinema is at its strongest when it

storytelling His comments underscored

Ed Sheeran confirms new collaboration with Karan Aujla

After teaming up with Diljit Dosanjh on ‘Lover’ and Arijit Singh on ‘Sapphire’, Ed Sheeran has now collaborated with Punjabi star Karan Aujla on a new English-Punjabi track, filmed in New York and set for an October release

Speaking to BBC Asian Network, Ed Sheeran confirmed his surprise collaboration with Karan Aujla, calling it a thrilling continuation of his Punjabi music journey “I first sang in Punjabi on ‘Lover’ with Diljit, then with Arijit, and now with Karan Aujla,” he said The track and video, filmed in New York, are complete and expected to release in October Ed reflected on learning Punjabi, praising its melodic and poetic quality “Sometimes English just doesn’t feel the same, singing in Punjabi or Hindi always sounds more beautiful,” he said On working with Karan Aujla, Ed added, “He was brutally honest, pushing me to get it right, and we made it work I’m really excited ” For Karan, fresh off ‘P-Pop Culture’, the collaboration highlights Punjabi music’s growing global reach, making their track one of the year ’ s most anticipated crossovers

Paramount Pictures Currently in production, ‘Street Fighter’ promises to capture the b u

updating it for a new generation Set in 1993, estranged fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) are pulled back into combat when the mysterious Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament a brutal clash of fists, fate, and fury But a deadly conspiracy forces them to confront each other and their pasts, or risk losing it all

Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the film brings arcade battles to the b

characters

Vidyut Jammwal, who rose to fame with his villain role in ‘Force’ (2011) and the hit ‘Commando’ series He was last seen in ‘Crack: Jeetegaa Toh Jiyegaa’ (2024) alongside Amy Jackson, Arjun Rampal, and Nora Fatehi, though the film struggled at the box office

India beat Pak by six wickets in Asia Cup Super Four match

A 105 -run o pening stand between Abhish ek Sh arm a and Shu bman Gill help ed defending ch ampions I ndia beat Pakistan by six wickets

i n t h eir As ia C up Su p er

m

th eir arch rival s in the Twenty20 c ricket tournament

Put in to bat first in the match on Sunday, Pakistan set India a target of 172, which they

remaining

T h e r e w a s n o h a n d s h a k e between the teams’ players yet again, with the match played a m i d l i n g e r i n

between the two nations in the

d neighbours in May

T h e r e w a s c l e a r t e n s i o n between both sets of players it threatened to bubble over in India’s innings as Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf appeared to e x c h a n g e h e a t e d w o r d s w i t h

Sharma and Gill Put in to bat first, Pakistan h a d a 7 2 - r u n p a r t n e r s h i p between Sahibzada Farhan and S a i m A y u b f o r t h e s e c o n d wicket that laid the foundation f o r i t s i n n i n g s a f t e r F a k h a r

Zaman (15) fell early Farhan, who was dropped in the first over by Sharma, completed his half-century in 34 balls, steering Pakistan to 91-1 after 10 overs

But Pakistan could not hit a single boundary in the next six o v e r s a s A y u b ( 2 1 ) , H u s s a i n Talat (10) and Farhan (58 off 45) got out in quick succession

captain Salman Ali Agha (17 off 13) and Faheem Ashraf (20 off 8) added 42 runs in the last three overs to help Pakistan reach a competitive 171-5 S h a r m a a n n o u n c e d h i s

intentions by hitting Shaheen Shah Afridi for a six on the first ball, and hit four boundaries and four sixes to complete his half-century in 24 balls

India seemed to be cruising to a quick victory until Gill (47 off 28) was bowled by Faheem Ashraf in the 10th over Captain Suryakumar Yadav fell to Haris Rauf (2-26) for a duck in the very next over, and S h a r m a ( 7 4 o f f 3 9 ) w a s dismissed by Abrar Ahmed soon a

India’s chase But India, who beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the group stage, still got over the line, with Tilak Varma (30 off 19) hitting Afridi for a six and a four in the final two balls of the innings

Brief scores: India 174 for 4 (Abhishek 74, Gill 47, Tilak 30*, Rauf 2-26) beat Pakistan 171 for 5 (Farhan 58, Dube 2-33) by six wickets

Despite Mandhana's ton, India loss ODI series to Oz

Two brea thtaking centuries, 99 four s, 12 sixes, and an aggre gate o f 78 1 r u n s - t he hi g h e st i n women ’ s ODI - culminat ed in a 43 -r un de fea t for India foll owing

a v a l i a n t ch a se a s A u st r a l i a women won t he OD I series 2-1

T

A

r biggest defeat in ODIs in the p r e v i o u s m a t c h i n M u l l a n p u r and they came out to bat all guns blazing Led by a superlative ton

f r o m B e t h M o o n e y , A u s t r a l i a rattled up 412, their joint-highest total in ODIs, before a late-order

c o l l a p s e s a w t h e m g e t t i n g bowled out in 47 5 overs

If the Australians thought the match was already in the bag, then they were proven wrong by Smriti Mandhana The elegant

s o u t h p a w g a v e t h e v i s i t o r s a

m i g h t y s c a r e b y h i t t i n g a blistering century, the secondfastest-ever in WODIs and the fastest-ever by an Indian, either

m

) , breaking Virat Kohli’s record (52 balls)

N o t o v e r a w e d b y t h e imposing target, Mandhana took t h e a t t a

e o p p o s

o n c a m p T h o u g h s h e s a w t h e departure of her opening partner

Pratika Rawal (10) and Harleen Deol (11) quite early, it made little impact on her She lofted and pulled the Aussie bowlers with effortless ease to find the fence w i t h r e g u l a r i t y W

t h s k i p p e r Harmanpreet Kaur also helping

century (52 off 35 balls), India raced past the 200-run mark in

v e r , t h e dismissal of the duo in the next two overs saw the Australians taking the wind out of India’s

c h a s e M a n d h a n a ’ s s u b l i m e knock came to an end when she o n l y

a loopy full toss from Grace Harris t o A s h l e i g h G a

d n e r a t d e e p backward square-leg She made 125 from 53 balls (17 fours, 5 sixes)

Though Deepti Sharma hit a fluent 58-ball 72 (7x4, 2x6) down the order, India were bowled out for 369, their third-highest total in ODIs

Earlier, the lead protagonist in the Australian run rampage

w a s M o o n e y , w h o s m a s h e d a career-best 138 (75 balls, 23x4, 1x6) Georgia Voll (81, 68 balls, 14x4) and Ellyse Perry (68, 72 balls, 7x4, 2x6) played the perfect s u b p l o t i n t h e A u s t r a l i a n

Neeraj Chopra ends up dismal 8th, Sachin springs a surprise

It was a forgett abl e out in g for de fend ing champion Neera j Chopra a t the Worl d Championships men's jav elin throw finals in Toky o as he finished a dismal eighth De butant compa triot Sachin Yadav out perfor me d him by r ecording his personal b est pe rforman ce to se cure a creditab le fourt h spot

On a day when no thrower managed to cross 90m, Chopra exited after the fifth and penultimate round with a best effort of 84 03m The 27-year-old fouled the fifth attempt to bow out of the competition at the same venue where he had won an Olympic gold four years ago

Only the top six athletes compete in the sixth and final round, and it was surprisingly Yadav who ended up in the top bracket With his best throw of 86 27m in the very first attempt, he outperformed not just Chopra but also German star Julian Weber (86 11m) and Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem (82 75m), among others

Keshorn Walcott (88 16m) of Trinidad and Tobago won the gold, while Grenada's Anderson Peters (87 38m) got silver and Curtis Thompson (86 67m) settled for bronze Nadeem, a silver-medallist in the previous edition, was among the first set of throwers to crash out in the fourth round

Chopra, a two-time Olympic medallist, began with 83 65m, which put him at fifth place, and improved upon it with 84 03m before fouling his third throw He dropped to eighth after the second round and remained there at the halfway stage His fourth throw measured 82 86m, which meant that he had to better the 85 54m throw by Kenya's Julius Yego in his fifth throw to remain in contention But Chopra fouled his fifth attempt to end his challenge on a disappointing note After releasing his spear, he fell down sideways and crossed the curved line only to be red-flagged

WRESTLER ANTIM PANGHAL WINS BRONZE MEDAL AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

b l o c k b u s t e r T h e A u s t r a l i a n i n n i n g s r e s e m b l e d a b a t o n exchange in a relay race Skipper

Alyssa Healy set the tone with a brisk 18-ball 30 Voll then took on the onus of being the aggressor i n h e r 1 0 7 - r u n s t a n d f o r t h e second wicket with Perry as the Indian bowlers struggled under the hot conditions They received n o h e l p i n t h e f i e l d a s w i c k e t k e e p e r R i c h a G h o s

dropped Voll when she was on 15, while the ground fielding of the hosts left a lot to be desired

Once Voll got out, Mooney strode out and flayed the Indian bowlers She used the ramp shot to good effect while also using the sweep and lofted shots to race to a century in 57 balls

B

(Mooney 138, Voll 81, Perry 68, R e d d y 3 - 8

Harmanpreet 52, Garth 3-69) by 43 runs

Satwik-Chirag pair finishes runner-up at China Masters

R an kire ddy and Chira g Shet ty fin ishe d run ner -up at a BWF W orld Tour e ven t for the se con d we ek in a row, losin g t o W orld No 1 Kim Won-ho a nd Seo Se ung-ja e in the China M aster s Supe r 750 ’ s fina l in She nzhen on Sun day

Koreans Kim and Seo, the reigning world champions, defeated the eighth-seeded Indian duo 21-19, 21-15 in 45 minutes Satwik and Chirag had also suffered defeat in last week’s Hong Kong Open final The pair, a two-time World Championships bronze medallist, has been searching for its first title since Thailand Open in May last year

In the first game, the Indians seemed to be in control after winning eight straight points to lead 14-7 However, the lefty-right combination of the Koreans bounced back to clinch six points on the trot and close the gap With the momentum on their side, the top seeds bagged the opener The second game was a much closer affair with the Koreans leading by a solitary point at the mid-game interval From 1111, Kim and Seo won four points in a row and kept the Indians at bay to eventually seal the title Korea’s An Se-young, the Olympic champion, secured the women ’ s singles title for the second straight year as the 23-year-old top seed needed just 33 minutes to overpower third seed and home favourite Han Yue 21-11, 21-3 In the men ’ s final, local star Weng Hongyang defeated Lin Chun-yi of Chinese Taipei 21-11, 21-15

Antim Panghal secured her second successive bronze medal in Wrestling World Championships She ensured that Indian wrestlers will not return empty handed from the event in Zagreb Antim prevailed over Sweden s Emma Jonna Denise Malmgren 9-1 in the women’s 53kg division playoff becoming the country’s first and only freestyle medalist in the Croatian capital On a day when all four Indian greco-roman wrestlers exited the competition after losses in their opening rounds, the two-time junior world champion provided a reason to cheer The 21year-old Antim lost a close semifinal match against Ecuador s Lucia Yepez, the Paris Olympics silver medallist Since Yepez reached the final, Antim had the opportunity to compete for bronze through repechage In her bronze medal bout, Antim displayed excellent attacking takedowns, precise footwork, and defensive techniques, preventing Malmgren from countering effectively In the first round, Antim led 3-0 after a successful takedown and a pushout In the second and final period, Antim extended her lead through counter-attacks and takedowns, becoming only the second Indian woman wrestler after Vinesh Phogat to win two Worlds medals Vinesh also won two bronze medals at the Worlds Antim had won bronze at the previous edition in Budapest in 2023 where she defeated the same opponent 16-6 In their most recent encounter at the Hungary Ranking Series in 2024 Malmgren had beaten Antim 4-0 Antim s latest bronze finish maintained India s streak of returning from the Worlds with at least one medal since 2018 Earlier, in two other bronze repechage rounds involving Indian wrestlers, Manish Bhanwala was defeated 0-9 by Bulgaria's Bilyana Dudova in the 62kg division, while Priya Malik was overpowered by Cuba’s Paris Olympics medalist Milaimys Marín in the 76kg category, resulting in a fifth-place finish for Priya

APOLLO TYRES IS NEW JERSEY SPONSOR

Apollo Tyres has emerged as the lead jersey sponsor for India’s cricket team till March 2028 The Indian cricket board (BCCI) will be getting approximately £20mn more than previous sponsor Dream 11 Dream 11’s contract came to an abrupt end after the introduction of a government policy which banned fantasy gaming apps Dream 11’s deal with BCCI was pegged at £35 8mn - around £400,000 per match Apollo Tyres will be paying around £450 000 per match over the next two and a half years The total estimated figure to be paid by Apollo is said to be around £57 5mn The contract comes into effect after the conclusion of the ongoing Asia Cup in the UAE where the team is playing without any lead sponsor on the jersey It is not time bound but is likely to end in March 2028 at the end of home series against England The contract is for 141 matches - 24 Tests, 56 ODIs and 61 T20s - including bilaterals and ICC events

CHAKRAVARTHY TOPS T20 BOWLING CHARTS

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy rose to the top of the ICC T20 bowlers rankings for the first time in his career, becoming only the third Indian to achieve this feat The 34-year-old emulated fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi by moving up three spots following spells of 1-4 against the UAE and 1-24 in against Pakistan Chakravarthy, whose previous best was second place in Feb 2025 displaced New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy who had held the top position since March Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav has made a significant leap, jumping 16 places to 23rd, while all-rounder Axar Patel has moved up one place to 12th Thank you for

Smriti Mandhana