AV 29th August 2020

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

29 AUG - 4 SEP 2020 - VOL 49 ISSUE 18

HELP US

RE-BUILD BRITAIN

inside: Neasden Temple celebrates 25 years of serving the community SEE PAGE - 8

We need a visa regime which is agile, dynamic & responsive : Lord Ahmad SEE PAGE - 16

Clockwise from left to right: Adil el-Tayar, Alfa Saadu, Mohamed Sami Shousha, Amged el-Hawrani, Anton Sebastianpillai, Jitendra Rathod, Habib Zaidi, Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, and (in the middle) Fayaz Ayache

Mayor of London expresses concern about statutory sick pay for BAME workers, dismisses claims about his mayoralty in crisis SEE PAGE - 17

Priyanka Mehta The UK’s Home Secretary is under mounting pressure for her handling of the migrant crossings following the death of Abdulfatah Hamdallah, a 28year-old Sudanese who drowned in the Channel in his attempt to come to the UK. Analysis by PA Media notes that the number of migrants who have crossed the Channel in small boats this year has passed 5,000, as opposed to 1,900 last year. Priti Patel described the death of Hamdallah as an "upsetting and tragic loss of a young life. This horrendous incident serves as a brutal reminder of the abhorrent criminal gangs and people smugglers who exploit vulnerable people.”

Yet, campaigners and human rights activists have criticised the Home Secretary for her “militarised approach” of handling the border crossings as she appointed Clandestine Channel

Threat Commander, Dan O’Mahoney to tackle illegal attempts at reaching the UK. Campaigning against Home Secretary’s hardline approach, Nazek Ramadan, Director of Migrant Voice said, “The Home Secretary's approach is the wrong one. The current situation needs a humanitarian approach and not a militarised one. It is a totally preventable situation. The UK can put traffickers and smugglers out of business by providing legal routes and processes to claim asylum safely. The UK has a border in France and could easily set up a processing centre there. The UK wasted millions of Pounds in Calais trying to push desperate people back unsuccessfully. It is time the UK changed its strategy and treated people who are fleeing persecution and seeking our protection with dignity and respect.

Continued on page 6

Loyalists rally behind Sonia, Rahul; slams letter writers SEE PAGE - 26

Supreme Court reserves order on Prashant Bhushan's sentence SEE PAGE - 26

2 UK

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29 Aug - 4 Sep 2020

with Keith Vaz

Concerns over increasing Covid-19 cases in Asian dominated boroughs

Dr Jiva Odedra Dr Jiva Odedra was born in Uganda. He grew up in India before settling in the United Kingdom during 1980. After arriving in the UK, he learnt English language and went on to university to study Electrical Engineering and subsequently specialised as telecommunications professional and travelled to many countries of the world. Since leaving Marconi, he has held a number of positions including CEO of Leicestershire Asian Business Association (LABA).

Jiva draws inspiration from the timeless poem representing conversation between two cousins on a battlefield over 5000 years ago in the form of the ‘Bhagavad Gita’. He encourages the members of the Asian communities to stop being passive participant and become active participant in the local, regional and national agendas and contribute selflessly.

As chair of trustees at Shree Hindu Temple in Leicester he is keen to create a platform which allows younger members of community to become more active – since Dr Odedra believes that the younger generations have a number of advantages – technically savvy, more energetic, ability to learn and apply new knowledge and better at communications skills. He lives in Scraptoft, Leicestershire with his wife and two grown up children.

What is your current position? management committee, temple staff, volunteers and community members. This Chair of trustees at Shree Hindu Temple team takes support to people and deliver in Leicester; and CEO of a start-up compasupport on demand. ny, Jalaram’s Farsans Limited which manAnd the worst? ufactures snack products.

What are your proudest achievements?

There is no worst aspect. Being given an opportunity to serve the communities of There are so many achievements covering Leicester from Shree Hindu Temple is a different fields; as Electrical Engineer spegreat honour and privilege. cialising in fibre optics as well as Every breath changes us and therefore Telecommunications technology; award every moment is once in a lifetime opporof PhD for examining nature of supply tunity to create or contribute. chain innovation in the UK was another; What are your long term goals? the recent start-up company manufacturing snack products is also another source To see Shree Hindu Temple of Leicester of pride. being recognised for its selfless service to What inspires you? communities of Leicester as well as the United Kingdom - we have created the The Teachings of Bhagavad Gita inspires base and moving in the right direction – its me; it allows me to view other human crucial to recognise at all times that it is beings without filters such as faith, genimportant what we do as temple post der, geographical and ethnic boundaries. holders but even more important is who What has been the biggest obstacle in we leave behind to continue to serve long your career? after we have departed.

I have been fortunate enough to hold If you were Prime Minister, what one responsible positions in private, public, aspect would you change? and volunteer sector organisations and As per teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the there were challenges – such as different current Prime Minister is driven by the management cultures, inequalities etc same divine and therefore he is me. He is but not any particular obstacles having doing a great job in serving beautiful peoimpact on my career ple of these islands in the North Sea we Who has been the biggest influence on call the United Kingdom; therefore, there your career to date? is no need to change anything since I haven’t had a single influence or gurus as ‘change’ is already a constant for us all. such, but my parents support is permaIf you were marooned on a desert nent and was crucial in supporting me to island, which historical figure would gain university education; you like to spend your time with and why?

Over the years I have continued to draw Lord Krishna because he would not proinspiration from the Bhagavad Gita and its pose any remedies or solutions but guide timeless message of selfless Action me to reflect and recognise my real form; (Karma), Knowledge (Gyan and Devotion he will also give me key of recognising the (Bhakti). soul within myself; where I would learn to What is the best aspect about your use my body as part of the physical world current role? to serve the divine. Equipped with his Being able to create an environment at message of selfless action and with him Shree Hindu Temple, this focuses on the being around I would not be marooned for future as well as it is community driven. too long on that island.

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Last week a police chief warned about people not following social distancing norms in light of coronavirus after illegal gatherings in the West Midlands.

Coronavirus cases are rising in the city, with 30.2 cases per 100,000 and the percentage of people testing positive up to 4.3%. More than half of cases in the last week have been within the 18-34 age demographic. This has resulted in local authorities considering a second local lockdown in Birmingham.

Police have already broken up 70 such gatherings over the weekend, just hours after new voluntary restrictions were introduced to prevent a local lockdown in the UK’s second biggest city.

Birmingham was already placed on the government’s “watch list” as cases rose, prompting the council to suggest a series of voluntary measures that include limiting public gatherings to 30 people except for communal prayer and asking drivers and passengers in taxis to

Crown Court, he was sentenced for six counts of rape of four women, grievous bodily harm, and the 2009 murder of Ms Samaraweera.

The judge, Mr Justice Bryan, told him, "In the spring of 2009, there was a stranger rapist prowling the streets of Walthamstow looking for his prey. You were that rapist."

According to reports, Vyas carried out his attacks over nine weeks across a

small neighbourhood in Walthamstow in 2009. A month later, after an E-FIT image was broadcast with appeal on the TV programme Crimewatch, and he was on the run after buying a one-way plane ticket to India. His DNA samples did not match with anyone on the national database. A year later after a former employer recognised him, and the police were informed that he had left

essential travel. Restaurants are advised to only cater for pre-booked customers, with a maximum of six people per table. Residents can also attend the weddings, civil partnerships and funerals of members of their household and close family, with ceremonies limited to 20 people.

Extra restrictions will remain in Greater Manchester and East Lancashire plus Preston where gatherings of separate households are banned in most circumstances.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, public health director at Lancashire County Council, said: "The vast majority more than 80% - of coronavirus transmission (in the affected parts of Pendle and Blackburn) is as a result of households mixing.

"That's why we are putting out a very clear message - do not socialise with people you don't live with."

In the meantime, other areas like Southall and Slough have also been placed on the government’s list.

Stop and search increased by 40% in London Figures have highlighted that stop and search in London rose by 40% during lockdown and a lower proportion of them led to arrests. The tactic was used 104,914 times between April and June, equating to more than 1,100 times a day.

Scotland Yard said the drop in the crime rates during the pandemic meant more officers had been able to go on the frontline and target drug dealers and violent gangs. But they also note that only one in five stops led to an arrest, fine or caution. The statistics have prompted renewed concerns that police are using the power indiscriminately.

Speaking to The Guardian Maurice Mcleod,

Aman Vyas sentenced for 37 years on six counts of rape, GBH and murder On Thursday 20th August, Sky News reported that a serial rapist who had murdered his last victim and fled abroad was jailed for life with a minimum serving term of 37 years.

According to the report, Aman Vyas was only 24 when he started preying on women, punching and raping them. Vyas carried out his attacks near his home in Walthamstow, east London.

Following a trial at Croydon

wear face coverings. The police already allowed to fine upto £10,000 for organisers of unlawful raves from Friday. Across the UK there has been a rise in the unlicensed music events and the fine comes into force ahead of the August bank holiday weekend, when senior officers expect many illegal gatherings to take place.

Stricter new measures designed to stop the spread of coronavirus in the North West have been branded "confusing". Residents in Oldham and parts of Blackburn and Pendle have been told not to socialise with other households.

Local council leaders said it was "unclear" how the rule would be implemented and policed and urged the government to issue detailed guidance.

Workplaces, childcare facilities and businesses, including pubs and restaurants, will remain open.

Under the new rules, introduced on Saturday, residents are advised to only use public transport for

the UK. Scotland Yard detectives tracked him from India to Singapore and New Zealand before he was arrested back in India in 2011. The extradition process was long and complicated and held over 27 hearings with long delays between court dates. Several times detectives were asked to fly to Delhi to give evidence. Vyas was finally extradited in October last year.

the chief executive of Race On the Agenda (Rota), said, “These latest statistics are worrying. They show that as reported crime fell during lockdown, police officers have had more time to work proactively and that this proactive work seems to have resulted in a huge spike in stops.

“The increased proportion of stops that result in no action suggests that stops are being carried out based on officers’ pre-existing biases rather than on genuine suspicion of criminality. As lockdown regulations ease, there is a real risk that the increasingly disproportionate use of these powers will further damage relations between the police and

some of London’s communities.

The figures show that 21% of stops led to arrests, fines, drugs warnings or cautions, down from 33% two years ago. Only 9% of people stopped in May were arrested.

The report says drugrelated stops accounted for 69% of the total, and those for weapons, points and blades made up 15%.

The number of offences reported to the Met between April and June dropped by 27% on the previous quarter, including falls of 40% in knife crime and 25% in gun crime, leaving officers more time to stop the few people who were out during lockdown.

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29 Aug - 4 Sep 2020

Sunak vs Johnson? Economy vs Votes The UK's economy appears to be a sinking ship with a $2tn debt.

It’s captain, chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled myriad schemes in the biggest spending spree in his attempt at not letting people feel the economic weight of Covid-19.

In the meantime, the country’s government also appears to be on a shaky foot after several U-turns from reversing the Alevels to school meal vouchers and need for a regional Covid-19 contact tracing app. Captain Boris Johnson doesn’t appear to be people’s “favourite” considering he has consistently supported Gavin Williamson, the education secretary responsible in part for the A-levels shambles or Dominic Cummings, his press secretary who broke down lockdown rules and drove to Durham.

Perhaps, Johnson’s declining popularity is best reflected by the recent YouGov polls which noted that thirty-four per cent of those polled said Sir Keir would be the best prime minister, compared to 32 per cent backing the incumbent, Mr Johnson. This marks the first time since June 2017 that a Labour leader has been the preferred choice for prime minister over the Conservative leader.

Being aware of the rocky waters, Johnson is intent not to “displease” his older above 65-year-old pensioners. But his desire appears to have created a difference of opinion with his protégé Rishi Sunak on the subject of the triple lock policy on the pension scheme. The Chancellor has previously expressed his concerns over an “anomaly” in the pension system wherein estimates suggest that state pensioners could see an 18% annual bump in the following year in their pension pay when wages are expected to fall. Even before the coronavirus outbreak had ruptured the British economy, the Treasury has been campaigning to ditch the triple lock on the grounds that an ageing population would make it increasingly unaffordable. Thus, Sunak is report-

edly considering plans to temporarily suspend the scheme.

At present, the state pension increases every year in line with the rising cost of living seen in the CPI measure of inflation, increasing average wages, or 2.5%, whichever of those three is highest. This is known as the triple lock on the pension policy, currently supported by the Tory government.

But Johnson fears that the temporary suspension can present “bad optics” especially for the older voters who have traditionally always backed the Conservatives in overwhelming majority as opposed to young people who favour Labour party.

In the meantime, pension related charities have also argued that the pension amount is relatively less and nominal for the old in the UK as compared to other international countries. But the government will need to save money, or borrow especially as the furlough scheme winds to an end in October. Some economists expect at least a suspension in the guarantee and are arguing for the reassessment of the policy.

In the meantime, Transport of London had also previously announced that the government will be temporary suspending the freedom pass of old people during the peak hours to help maintain social distancing on reduced services trains. TfL is also considered to be temporarily withdrawing free bus and tube travel from under 18-year-olds for an unknown period. The latter was a government condition that the TfL had to agree with in order to secure a 1.6bn package from the Tory Government.

However, an ongoing stand-off between the Mayor of London and Transport Secretary means no concrete decision has been taken.

In the meantime, the Hardy-Ramanujan team of BorisSunak are tasked to sail the rough economic waters while keep their older people on deck with them.

To go to school or not is the dilemma Prime Minister Boris Johnson feels that it is a “moral duty” to open schools in Britain. Tory MP Robert Halfon felt that keeping children away from schools for so long will result in the “epidemic of educational poverty”. Supporting this thought, the Department of Education said, “Returning to school is vital for children’s education and for their wellbeing. Time out of school is detrimental for children’s cognitive and academic development, particularly for disadvantaged children. This impact can affect both current levels of learning and children’s future ability to learn, and therefore we need to ensure all pupils can return to school sooner rather than later.”

In the second week of August, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson had cited a “latest research which is expected to be published later this year” that “there is little evidence that the virus is transmitted at school". It is believed that he was referring to an upcoming report by Public Health England.

Written by Mark Landler and Stephen Castle, New York Times published a column titled “The Secretive Group Guiding the U.K. on Coronavirus” in April 2020 that openly criticised the UK government. It said, “The British government frequently says it’s “guided by the science,” but the members of its scientific advisory group, SAGE, are a secret. The trouble is, nobody knows what science is. The government’s influential Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) operates as a virtual black box. Its list of members is secret, its meetings are closed, its recommendations are private and the minutes of its deliberations are published much later, if at all. Yet officials invoke SAGE’s name endlessly without ever explaining how it comes up with its advice — or even who these scientists are.”

A review by University College London (UCL) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that

children were about half as likely to catch coronavirus as adults, meaning they would be less likely to pass it on.

Meanwhile, the National Education Union (NEU) accused the government of letting down pupils, teachers and parents by failing to have a "plan B" if infections rise.

According to a PHE study, of the more than one million children who attended pre-school and primary schools in England in June, 70 children and 128 staff were infected in outbreaks of the virus. While the government aims to open schools with a staggered start and one week on - one week off agenda, pubs will remain open. Opening schools will also require the systematic closing or controlling of movement of other networks that connect households. While adhering to all basic protocols of Covid-19 at school, one cannot overlook the fact that it’ll involve inevitable health risk because children would use public transports, share food or even head out in clubs post school for a quick burger at Kebab shops. Who will take responsibility for children once they step outside school, is still debatable.

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal published a report in August that concluded, “Our model predicts that reopening schools either full time or in a part-time rota system from Sept 1, 2020, alongside relaxation of other social distancing measures will induce a second COVID-19 wave in the absence of a scaled-up testing programme. This second wave would peak in December, 2020, if schools open full time in September, and in February, 2021, if a part-time rota system were adopted. In either case, the second wave would be 2·0–2·3 times larger than the first COVID-19 wave in the UK.” Will taking a high moral ground and focusing on tackling educational poverty survive a potential second peak this Christmas?

September will tell.

Congress refuses to change Rediscovering democracy could have helped Congress regroup, but it has refused to change. It has fallen back on Sonia to lead it.

The Congress Working Committee meeting to discuss reforms in the party and to bring democracy has turned out to be a fight between the Gandhi loyalists and the dissenters. There was intense speculation that the party will finally select a non-Gandhi to lead the party after 23 senior leaders, including former chief ministers, sitting MPs, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, former union ministers and CWC members sent a letter to Sonia ahead of the CWC meeting. In recent times, the disquiet within the party over its rout in successive elections at the Centre and failure to form or maintain governments in states, or to prevent young and ambitious leaders from leaving the party, has been an undercurrent. Anyone asking the leadership to reflect on the party’s disarray and decline has been painted as disgruntled. The simmering unease within the party has been attributed to a predictable generational divide. But the signatories to the letter include representatives of different generations in the Congress, as well as those who have been in the party for long and held important posts in the organisation apart from ministerial office.

This time, the voices are far too diverse and too many to be ignored. However, putting all speculations to rest for the moment, AICC spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that Sonia will continue as interim president till a proper procedure is implemented to elect the new party chief. “It will be implemented in the not too distant future,” he added.

The logic of earlier years that the Gandhi family stabilises the fissiparous Congress has unravelled. The election results in 2014

and 2019 are grim reminders that Congress has ceased to be a viable national political alternative. The Gandhis holding a rump outfit together may suit the last remaining influential regional chieftains like Ashok Gehlot, Amarinder Singh and Bhupesh Baghel whose voices will carry more weight. But it won’t help the party return to national reckoning, single-handedly or at the head of a coalition of like-minded, moribund regional outfits. Nothing in the past six years shows the Gandhis are capable of dogged grassroots struggle or organisational genius that can revitalise Congress.

Having outlived their utility, the Gandhis should have stepped aside and let the party elect a new president. The president shouldn’t be reduced to a puppet or proxy, as this creates the convenient feedback for a Gandhi return. For fear of inviting dissidence against themselves, Gehlot, Amarinder and Baghel can never speak against the “high command”. The charge that anyone criticising the Gandhis colludes with BJP is laughable. The status quo cements BJP’s dominance even as India needs a strong national opposition party, an absence tellingly felt in Parliament and in the polarising themes of this tumultuous period. If Congress is serious about 2024, rebuilding cannot await another Rahul failure.

Public perception believes the party works for the Gandhis, not vice versa. The orchestrated chorus of coteries reaffirming loyalties without broaching the party’s decline is juicy fodder for BJP’s powerful campaign machinery, that focuses on dynasty overtaking nationalism as Congress’ primary credo. But the 23 who finally stood up indicates that those with stymied ambitions won’t stay quiet. Their display of spine will serve Congress well.

Experience the bliss of Self-Respect and give respect to others at all times. When I am prejudiced against another, my narrow vision and small heart lower my self-dignity and self-worth.

KHICHADI Kapil’s

Follow me on Twitter: @kk_OEG

Faith and the Nation Kapil Dudakia In 2008 I wrote a piece titled, ‘The Challenge for Faith Communities’. Much has happened in the 12 years since, mostly negative and destructive. Faith communities are further apart now than they have ever been. Many will tell you otherwise, especially the custodians of the ‘interfaith’ narrative. They have no choice but to peddle that, after all, it would be hard for them to accept their collective failures.

The challenge for the Christian community is to give up its privilege to sit in the House of the Lords.

Whilst historically one can appreciate this, it is increasingly becoming clear that the state cannot allow for such blatant discrimination based on faith. Alongside this, the Church also needs to declare openly that proselytising is unacceptable and unchristian. To continue with the malpractice of proselytisation confirms the total disregard for the human rights others.

The challenge for the Hindu community is that it is disjointed, lacking in unity, and dependent on a cultural expression of faith rather than scriptural.

Hindus (like the Jewish Community) are the most successful group contributing to the national GDP that is way above their numbers. Yet, they lack the unity to come together for Sanatan Dharma. And this at a time when anti-Hindu forces are increasing in the west at an alarming rate.

The challenge for Muslims is the greatest. The diversity within the Islamic world is huge, and with that comes the challenges of reforming a religion that needs to be relevant for the 21st Century. The moderate majority have lost their mandate to the increasing minority of extremists. Muslims must change from within to affect real change in how they are perceived. The very notion of Kaffir and conversion by any means is affront to the human rights of the majority. Islam desperately needs to come together and undergo a transformational reformation. Can the Muslim world make Islam relevant for the 21st Century is a monumental challenge?

The Sikh community is universally admired.

This well-earned reputation has been because of hundreds of years of sacrifice by the Gurus and the devotees. However, a small extremist element has taken hold of the narrative to such an extent that it is now misrepresenting the Sikh faith globally.

Sikhs are Indians, full stop. No true Sikh can ever accept the notion of Khalistan. The very idea of Khalistan and what it stands for would be rejected by all the Gurus. Sikhs have allowed a small group of extremists to get traction abusing their faith, if they don’t counter this correctly and quickly, the dishonour of our Gurus will increase. Tough words I know, and my many Sikh friends who are the very custodians of Dharma will be alarmed and angry in equal measure. Only they can resolve the dilemma now. It’s time for the grace of the Gurus to be honoured and to save the integrity of the faith.

The challenge for all faith communities is not to show or accept tolerance as a virtue - for tolerance is a negative force which says that you will be tolerated, but not necessarily accepted or respected.

Faith communities need to declare with one voice, that they respect the right of each faith and its followers to worship freely. We are now in the 21st Century, on what basis can any faith promote conversion of others by calling them kaffir or heathens, and how can humanity accept this any longer? Is it now not time to take the next evolutionary step?

And for mankind to move from man to kind?

Asian Voice is published by Asian Business Publications Ltd Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080 • Fax: 020 7749 4081 Email: aveditorial@abplgroup.com Website: www.abplgroup.com

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Kensington mansion of Maharaja Duleep Singh’s son for sale On Tuesday 18th August, it emerged that a mansion in Kensington which was the former family home of Maharaja Duleep Singh’s son, Prince Victor Albert Jay Duleep Singh, has gone on sale at £15.5mn.

Duleep Singh, youngest son of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, was the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire including Lahore in the Victorian era.

He was exiled to England when his empire came under the British Raj. His son, Prince Victor, was born in London in 1866 and was taken under the wing of Queen Victoria as his godmother. His mixedrace marriage to Lady Anne Coventry, the daughter of

the 9th Earl of Coventry, had raised several eyebrows in the English society. This was the first time an Indian royal had married an English noblewoman. While the marriage was resisted by both families, the union was made possible by Prince Victor's friends in high places - most notably Edward, Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII. The married couple were later gifted their new marital home in Kensington by the British authorities who leased a “grace-and-favour" mansion in The Little Boltons area.

The mansion was purchased by the quasi-government owned East India

Company (EIC) and registered as an investment property to be leased for rental income. The EIC governed India at the time and leased the property for a token peppercorn rent to the displaced Duleep Singh family.

The displaced Indian royal

family had other properties in Wimbledon and Roehampton, also leased at peppercorn rents, as well as the use of a 17,000-acre country house, Elveden Hall, in Suffolk, eastern England.

Maharaja Duleep Singh

was removed from Punjab along with his title and power at the end of the Second Anglo-Sikh War in 1849 and later sent into exile in London. Prince Victor Albert Jay Duleep Singh was his eldest son with Maharani Bamba Müller, with whom he also had a daughter – Sophia Duleep Singh – a prominent suffragette and women’s rights activist in British history.

Victor Jay Duleep Singh was educated at Eton College and Cambridge University. Prince Victor is known to have loved the high-life, including gambling, horse racing and partying at Claridges Hotel in London’s Mayfair as a

Victor Duleep Singh

favourite haunt.

Jeremy Gee, managing director of Beauchamp Estates, said, “This substantial former 'grace-andfavour' home of the exiled Crown Prince of Lahore has been designed to provide excellent proportions and benefits from high ceilings, large living spaces and a 52 ft rear garden. It is located in one of south-west Kensington's most sought after residential addresses.”

Asians requested to donate plasma for Covid-19 treatment ahead of anticipated second wave The NHS is urgently requesting Asian people who have had coronavirus to offer to donate convalescent plasma. Asian people are far more likely to have the antibody rich plasma which could save the lives of people with coronavirus.

Rekha Anand, Consultant Haematologist for NHSBT, said, “Covid-19

is attacking the Asian community more than the wider community and donating plasma could save a life.”

People from South Asian backgrounds have been badly affected by coronavirus and plasma could be a lifesaving treatment.

Donations are urgently needed now, ahead of any second wave

during the autumn.

Around 7% of all plasma donors so far have been from the Asian community.

Asian donors are around twice as likely to have high enough antibodies for their donations to be used in the trial, compared to white people.

Dr Suhail Asghar, from NHSBT’s Clinical Support Team, said, “Some people

may feel nervous about donating, particularly if they’ve had a tough time with coronavirus. Our donation team will look after you and people usually feel fantastic after donating, knowing they are doing something to help the community.”

Dr Shruthi Narayan, a Consultant Donor Medicine for NHSBT said,

“Plasma donation is safe, clean and easy. It takes about 45 minutes and your body quickly replaces the plasma and the antibodies.

Because your red blood cells are returned to you, you can carry on with your day as normal.”

There are plasma donor centres in cities and towns around the country with significant Asian commu-

nities, including Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cambridge, Edgware, Gloucester, Lancaster, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Stratford, Bexleyheath, Twickenham, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Plymouth, Poole, Sheffield, Southampton, Stoke, Tooting, and London’s West End.

All board members of Britain’s Muslim Furore over Meghan’s appeal for charity resign Americans to vote On Saturday 22nd August, it emerged that all board members of the UK’s biggest Muslim charity will resign en masse. The resignations appear after The Times discovered and reported that the Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) had replaced a disgraced trustee with a man who had labelled terrorists as “heroes”. He had also described Israel as the Zionist enemy.

Based in Birmingham, the charity acknowledged that their Facebook posts were “inappropriate and unacceptable”. Its board of trustees will stand down and an “entirely new board” will be elected they announced.

It is the second time in a month that the IRW, an aid organisation has faced

scrutiny over incendiary comments by a trustee. The posts, in Arabic, were exposed by Lorenzo Vidino, a leading academic on Islamism in the West.

Social media posts by a director of IRW had also glorified terrorist attacks on Israel and showed the former American president Barack Obama in clothing branded with the Star of David.

Heshmat Khalifa had previously resigned his IRW directorship last month after his antisemitic posts in which he called Israelis the “grandchildren of monkeys and pigs” and Egypt’s president a “pimp son of the Jews” was revealed. He was also forced to step down as the director of an international endowment fund with a £7 million portfolio

that is wholly controlled by the charity. His place on its board was taken by another IRW trustee and director, Almoutaz Tayara.

But personal posts on Facebook account of Dr Tayara, also described the leaders of the militant Palestinian organisation, Hamas, as “great men” who responded to the “divine and holy call of the Muslim Brotherhood”.

Hamas’s military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassem Brigades, has been designated by the UK and the EU as a proscribed terrorist organisation since 2001.

Dr Tayara had written, “The al-Qassem heroes did not graduate from the mili-

tary academies of the UK and the US, unlike the rulers and royals of the Arab world who, there, were nurtured on cowardice and allegiance to the foreigners — the UK and the US.” The Charity Commission, which began investigating IRW last month after Mr Khalifa’s posts were revealed, said last night that it had “requested an urgent meeting with the incoming board” to discuss the latest allegations.

A TV broadcaster has called for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to be stripped of their royal titles after Meghan attended “When All Women Vote” event as a special guest.

In her video message, she compelled Americans to vote in the upcoming elections as the suits actress said that those who don't cast their votes in the election are "complicit" and, while she did not endorse a specific candidate, she said, “We all know what’s at stake this year”.

“We vote to honour those who came before us and to protect those that come after us … that's what community is all about and that's specifically what this

election is all about,” Meghan explained.

Piers Morgan however saw Meghan’s comments regarding the US election as a breach in royal protocol, and called for the duke and duchess to be stripped of their royal titles.

“The Queen must strip the Sussexes of their titles,” he wrote on Twitter on Friday evening.

MP Virendra Sharma urges for everyone to do their part in fighting Covid-19 An MP for Southall and Ealing has called for "each and every one of you to think seriously about what you do.”

Expressing his concern about the new rise in Covid19 cases across the borough, Sharma in his open letter wrote, “Public health is the responsibility of us all – it is there in the name. When someone is sick, we have a

responsibility to help them, that way we can all rely on the help we need when we fall ill, it makes a country or society a community and a home. So, the other side of that responsibility is to look after ourselves, to look after each other and take actions to avoid sickness where we can.

“Today the problem is Covid-19, millions have had it, thousands have died, but

still some people aren’t taking it seriously. We each have a responsibility to behave responsibly, to act in everyone’s interests and to take the right precautions. You need to wear a mask if you can, keep washing your hands, avoid large groups, and if you encounter someone who has it, to isolate and not spread it to anyone else.

“Spreading the virus will

take us back to the Spring when everything had to close and lock down.

Spreading the virus will cost jobs and lives, spreading it will risk your life and those around you. We have seen too many photographs and videos of groups of people on beaches, at street parties and in shops, not taking Covid-19 seriously, but more than 40,000 people in UK have already died and when

the virus spreads it will take thousands more.

“Remember what this virus can do, remember it kills the weak, the elderly, and those of us with brown or black skin more easily than any other groups. For a while, for six months, a year or two we cannot go back to normal, we cannot behave like Covid-19 isn’t here, we have to be scared of it. The rules against meeting in big

groups are there to save lives not to stop fun, but for now, for this time, we have to fight the virus and change how we behave. Stop the virus by behaving responsibly and following public health guidelines, not meeting in big groups, and staying at a safe one metre distance, and remember it’s your parents, grandparents and sick friends that will die first, so don’t be selfish."

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Help Us Re-build Britain Continued from page - 1 “People seeking asylum have the right under international laws and the 1951 UN convention on refugees which the UK is a signatory of to claim asylum in the country they arrive at regardless of the way they travel. According to the UK requirements, an asylum seeker needs to be on UK soil to apply. Therefore, it is not possible for asylum seekers to apply from abroad and that is why they take great risk to come to the UK.” According to the UNHCR, only a minority of refugees attempt to crossover from Europe. Official statistics record that as of last year France had received 123,900 applications, Germany 142,500 and the UK 35,566. In 2009 the UK was home to 238,000 refugees. In 2019 the number was 133,000 refugees, the UNHCR notes. The organisation has further stated that the UK it now stands as the 26th largest refugee host, down from tenth a decade ago. A decade which included the Arab Spring, Syrian war and European refugee crisis, and yet the UK hosts fewer refugees.

Most of these asylum seekers are Iraqi, Iranian, Sudanese, Yemeni, Syrian, Eritrean, Kuwaiti,

Tajikistani, Vietnamese, Guinean, Malian, Ethiopian, Turkish, Afghan, Palestinian, Sri Lankan, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Pakistani, Chadian, Somali, Togolese, Nigerian, Libyan, South Sudanese, Albanian and Chinese. They see Britain as a safe sanctuary and have fled persecution, violence and conflict, and have to risk treacherous journeys just to survive or protect their families. For many who risk their lives to get here, it is the only place where they have surviving family members who can help them.

Ugandan Asians and Hong Kongers receiving British citizenship The situation in some ways is quite similar yet completely different from when the Ugandan Asians were forced out of Africa and eventually resided in the UK in the ’70s. In 1972, almost 60,000 Ugandan Asians were expelled from the country by President Idi Amin. The British government ultimately permitted 27,000 to move to the UK through the Uganda Resettlement Board. Home Secretary’s parents themselves migrated to the UK from Uganda under those gruelling conditions.

Conservative Peer Lord Dolar Popat has penned the

Lord Dolar Popat

success stories of Ugandan Asians like him in his book ‘A British Subject: How to Make It as an Immigrant in the Best Country in the World’.

Speaking about the current Channel crossings he said, “I am not against immigration. As a former refugee I was welcomed to this great country after being expelled by the brutal dictator Idi Amin in 1972. I, therefore, have a tremendous amount of sympathy for those escaping persecution.

“However, recent events of migrants crossing the channel have caused a lot of distress, because at times it seems like an apparent abuse of the goodwill and hospitality of Britain. There is a formal procedure in place for both migrants escaping persecution and those wishing to settle in the UK for a better life. Both are

valid – but people must follow the protocol. What has been witnessed is a complete disregard of this system, with some migrants almost mocking the UK’s immigration process which is designed to be fair and equal to all.

“As I mentioned in my book published last year – “A British Subject: How to Make It as an Immigrant in the Best Country in the World”, immigration isn’t just about coming to the country – it is about adding value to it and making a positive contribution to the Treasury, rather than asking for anything in return.

Migrants must learn English, integrate and work hard. Too many immigrant communities live together and keep themselves to themselves. This creates distrust and uncertainty. You need to find ways of becoming part of the wider society.

Upon settling here, migrants must undertake civic duties and uphold democracy. This is a really good way of integrating and showing you care about more than your community. It is the contribution of these migrants which is causing unrest.

This is in stark contrast to the 3 million Hong Kongers who have been granted British Citizenship legally and who will be warmly welcomed to the UK if they

decide to do so, because of their commitment to be part and parcel of the British way of life.

“It is, therefore, no surprise, that the migrants crossing the channel have upset many East African Asians – who came to this country as immigrants too, but came through the legal route, worked hard, integrated and contributed to this great country.”

The UK should avoid arms supplies to counties with human rights issues But it is not just the human rights activists and campaigners who are urging the government to establish a more streamlined system of dealing with border crossings. The Labour party has also accused the government of lacking “compassion and competence” in its approach and attempting to “militarise” the response to a humanitarian crisis.

In the meantime, an analysis of figures for arms sales, released by the government in April, revealed that in 2019 the UK sold £1.3bn worth of weapons to 26 of the 48 countries that are classed as “not free” by Freedom House, the US government-funded prodemocracy institution. This was compared with just £310m in 2018. In 2018, the

Nazek Ramadan

UK sold £173m worth of arms to states on the Foreign Office list of “human rights priority countries” – nations identified as having human rights issues countries from where most of these asylum seekers have fled. Speaking about how the UK can arrive at better ways of handling the situation, Nazek said, “The best solution to prevent similar situations to the one in Calais and the Mediterranean is to address the root causes which force people to flee as people should choose to travel not be forced to do so. Those long-term solutions will have to include looking at the countries that the UK sells arms to and their records on human rights.

There is not enough investment in peace.”

Ofqual Chief quits after algorithm fails to justify A-level results Following the after exams controversy on awarding of A-level results in the UK, Ofqual chief regulator Sally Collier resigned from the position on Tuesday. She decided that the "next stage of the awarding process would be better overseen by new leadership".

Ms Collier will be temporarily replaced in her role

by Dame Glenys Stacey, who will be Ofqual's acting chief regulator until December. Her resignation comes after Ofqual’s heavily criticised “moderation” algorithm shook around 280,000 students who appeared for their A-level exams and their grades fell drastically, much more

than their predicted results.

In an official statement Ofqual said, “The Ofqual Board has agreed temporary support arrangements with Ofsted to support the ongoing work on this summer’s GCSE, A level and vocational qualifications, including appeals and autumn exams, and preparations for next year’s exam season.

The Chief Regulator, Sally Collier, has decided that the next stage of the awarding process would be better overseen by new leadership. The Ofqual Board supports Sally in this decision, and thanks her for her leadership and service over the

past 4 years, which has included overseeing the successful introduction of an entirely new set of GCSEs and A levels, and a new grading system. As a result, the Ofqual Board has asked Dame Glenys Stacey to assume a temporary leadership role as acting Chief Regulator until December 2020, having previously served as Chief Regulator between 2011 and 2016. She will be supported by a new committee of the Ofqual Board, which will include one or more of the current Ofsted Board members. This new committee will be chaired by Amanda Spielman and will oversee the work of Ofqual

to the end of the year.

Roger Taylor remains Ofqual Chair. If required, Ofsted will also provide additional staff to support Ofqual during the autumn, as they have been supporting other government departments through the summer. Taken together these arrangements will ensure that Ofqual has the extra capacity, support and oversight it needs both to tackle the remaining issues from this year’s awarding process and to ensure that next year’s arrangements command public confidence.”

The regulator's algorithm is said to have unfairly penalised students from

schools in disadvantaged communities after the cancellation of this year's exams due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ofqual faced fierce bashing when it wasn’t able to handle appeals from students who wished to improve their grades. Netizens and the community demanded the resignation of Education Secretary Gavin Williamson who thanked Ms Collier “for the commitment she has shown to the role over the last four years and wish her well for the future." "I welcome Ofqual's announcement that Dame Glenys Stacey is to assume a temporary leadership role as acting chief

regulator and also the new internal governance arrangements put in place with Ofsted support," he added.

After the chaos following the declaration of Alevel results, Ofqual and the government announced that they’d do away with the algorithm and that A-level and GCSE students would instead be handed exam grades as predicted by their teachers.

Meanwhile, amid the stepping down of Ofqual chief, Amanda Spielman Ofsted's chief inspector of schools - has also been drafted in to help oversee Ofqual's work until the end of the year.

Breast milk could help fight the Covid-19 pandemic Tata takes on Amazon with super app

Dutch researchers have made a major breakthrough by finding that the breast milk of women who have tested positive for Coronavirus contains antibodies that could help in fighting infections.

In an article published in The Times, it was stated that “Amsterdam University’s medical centre (UMC) has discovered that the antibodies are not destroyed by pasteurisa-

tion, meaning that breast milk could be administered as “flavoured ice cubes” to fight the pandemic.” The results of this study could potentially be used as a treatment for Covid.

According to science, human breast milk supplies all the necessary nutrients in the proper proportions.

It protects against allergies, sickness, and obesity. It protects against diseases, like diabetes and cancer. It

protects against infections, like ear infections.

According to UNICEF Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies and protects them against illness. Disruption of breastfeeding can lead to a drop in milk supply, refusal by the infant to take the breast, and a decrease in protective immune factors contained in breastmilk.

But mothers will be understandably worried and ask

themselves whether coronavirus can be passed on through breast milk and what they can do to protect themselves and their babies. The organisation suggests that mothers can continue to breastfeed while taking care with hygiene, take additional hygiene measures and continue to breastfeed if they fall sick and use a cup and spoon to feed babies with expressed breastmilk when

The Tata Group in India is all set to conquer the flourishing tech sector with its new “super app” which is designed to provide services to desperate consumers.

According to Financial Express, the new platform, which should be ready to launch in India from December or January, is set to put Tatah ead-to-head with rivals including

Amazon and conglomerate Reliance Industries in a highly competitive market.

The Tata Group which already has a $113bn-revenue empire of selling jewellery and groceries, to financial services and satellite television, also owns steel plants and carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, has so far lagged behind in its consumerinternet offerings.

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Neasden Temple celebrates 25 years of serving the community On 20 August the ‘Neasden Temple’ commemorated the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Mandir, the first traditional Hindu mandir of its kind in Europe.

Eminent personalities from Prince Charles to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Mayor of London sent their tributes to the Mandir for its community service for last 25 years and especially at the frontlines of Covid-19 pandemic.

In August 1995, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – bringing to fruition years of sacrifice and devotion for thousands of worshippers and well-wishers. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of this momentous occasion, a

series of inspiring, devotional events were held for everyone to enjoy and share.

These included special programmes for women, children as well as a tribute to the life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

A key feature of these celebrations was a global online Vishwa Shanti Mahapuja – a unique online Vedic ceremony for family harmony and world peace. It was held in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj on Saturday 22

Prince Charles lauds BAPS for its remarkable spirit of volunteerism Prince Charles began his video message to the BAPS Mandir with a “namaste� and “Jai Swaminarayan�.

The Prince of Wales said he was impressed with BAPS’s “remarkable spirit of volunteerism and community service and the sheer sense of peace and tranquility one experiences at the Neasden Temple. I have also been struck by the very special beauty and craftsmanship of the building, File Photo: Prince Charles at the “It has given me immense Neasden Temple pride to learn of the way in which the Hindu community, including such a large number of BAPS volunteers, have been so active in their support for those in need – providing thousands of hot meals and assistance for the elderly and most vulnerable. The Temple had reached beyond the Hindu community and welcomed millions of visitors from all faiths and none, in order to share perspectives and learn from one another. According to him, Neasden Mandir embodies Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s message, “In the joy of others lies our own.

August. The mahapuja was conducted from the shrines at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, by the resident swamis. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj joined in the opening rituals from Nenpur, India, via a live video link.

The explanations of the various components and rituals were narrated in English and Gujarati, and accompanied with written guidance throughout the ceremony which helped families perform the mahapuja correctly. More than 30,000 individuals from 33 countries participated in this special event from their own homes.

The mahapuja provided an opportunity for everyone to pray for those affected by the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Swamis of the Mandir

performed a musical tribute on 23 August with a medley of kirtans during Mahant Swami Maharaj’s puja. The live performance in London, relayed to Nenpur via video conference facilities, journeyed through the inspiring history of the Mandir.

Swamis eloquently sang a selection of kirtans composed especially for this occasion. The patotsav ceremony, to commemorate the anniversary of when the murtis were infused with the divine presence of God, was performed later in the morning of 23 August. Swamis conducted the rituals, including the abhishek of the murtis. Mahant Swami Maharaj also performed the abhishek in London from India via a remote facility and also performed the cere-

Prime Minister Johnson congratulates BAPS, a proud British landmark

File Photo: Boris Johnson outside the BAPS Mandir

monial arti at noon which was broadcast live on the webcast.

The celebrations concluded with a documentarystyle production that explored the rich history and challenging creation of London Mandir and its profound, enduring impact on worshippers and visitors around the world. It also revealed how everyone can become a part of the divine legacy of Pramukh Swami Maharaj that continues to flourish today through the guidance and blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

Offering his pranams, and congratulating the Mandir for their services, CB Patel Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice said, "BAPS is the Leading Sanatan Hindu

Organisation all over the world. It’s much much more than a religious or spiritual entity. BAPS serves all aspects of life. Your excellent narration of United Hindu activism and human services during Covid-19 is highly touching."

Mayor of London says BAPS a shining example of embracing multi-culturalism

File Photo: Sadiq Khan at BAPS Mandir

In the meantime, prime minister Boris Johnson also took to Twitter to wish the temple a “very happy 25th anniversary�, adding that it was “a proud British landmark and one of the greatest gifts that the Hindu community has given to the UK�. Johnson had visited the temple ahead of 2019 General Elections alongside Home Secretary Priti Patel.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan also congratulated the Mandir for rendering its services to Londoners. He tweeted, “Today we celebrate Neasden Temple’s 25th anniversary. The Mandir and local Hindu community are a shining example of how here in London we don’t just tolerate our differences but embrace and celebrate them. Thank you for your huge contribution to our city.�

Indian PM Modi recalls visit to the Mandir Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also recalled his visit to the Neasden Temple in his Twitter message. He tweeted, “Neasden Temple marks its silver jubilee. The Temple has been at the forefront of many community service initiatives. It has brought people together and inspired them to work for humanity. When I was Gujarat CM, I had the honour of visiting the Temple.�

IIW Celebrates 74th Indian Independence Day with ladies cricket Supported by The High Commission of India in UK IIW All Ladies Ambika Trophy Cricket Championship Inspiring Indian women had a double whammy this year for the celebration of 74th Indian Independence Day for the Indian diaspora with two back to back events, ‘Aisa Desh hain mera’ and IIW All Ladies Ambika Trophy Cricket Championship Ye Desh Hain Mera - A tribute to the Armed Forces, was hosted by none other Brij Kumar, one of the best Hosts in UK and a very strong Entertainer.

Raj Rawat joined and assisted who is not only an IT specialist but entertainer as well.

They provided a huge amount of support to the Team Fankaar to bring the whole programme together.

Chief Guests Honourable Mr Virendra Sharma MP (Southall Ealing and Minister) and Mr Manmeet Singh Narang (Minister of Coordination from the High Commission of India in UK), graced the occasion and made this celebration even more joyous!

The programme started with

Ananya Sarkaar from ‘Harmoniverse’ fame playing the Guitar with the prayer ‘Raghupati Raghav ‘. Team of Funkaars included Bittu Banger from Paris who sang ‘ Yeh Desh Hain Veer Jawaano ka’, Nabanita Nandy Ghosh from Denmark who sang ‘Bharat humko Jaan se ptaara hain’, the classical duo, just made the whole place rock on their tunes.

Our very own, Nilanjana Paul kept the motivational spirit high with her joyful singing, ‘Insaaf kid agar pe’, Couple Shweta Ghube and Sachin Ghube sang Bollywood Classics, ‘Aye mere vatan ke logon’ and ‘Mere Desh ki dharti’ made us hum to the tunes of Bollywood music. Also, Gaurav Chaturvedi, ‘Sandese aate hain’ and Sudhir Kumra’s ‘Mera Karma hain’ melodious voice made the atmosphere exuberant.Vini Kalia and Manisha Dwivedi Pathak’s (US) added icing on the cake with their sweet voice. Shweta Dhall with her song ‘Teri Mitti’ and Shraddha Khare’s, ‘Mera Des Rangeela’ mesmerised the audi-

ence further. Brij Kumar sang the emotional ‘Kar Chale hum fida’, while Mr Gyan Sharma sang the beautiful song, ‘Hai Preet Jahan Ki Reet Sada’. It was a brilliant

coordination and amazing performances by the entire team!

The inaugural address was by Dr Melissa Kapoor – of English Bahen in Twitter fame. The Guests of Honour were Ex-Army personnel Mr Pravin Yadav, Ex Major Manish Bhatnagar, Ex Col Ajay Kotwal and Former Wing Commander Satyam Kushwaha.The event was graciously attended by represen-

tatives of most of the Indian Community organisations based in UK. IIW acknowledged and honoured each one of these organisations for their fantastic work towards Indian community, those who sacrifice their time and energy at the service of the nation 'INDIA’. Those who strive to keep their Motherland alive and empowered with their community work thus stifling the voices of the dissidents in this land. It was a symbolic effort that these people MATTER!

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Bengaluru violence

Our Muddled Politics

It was interesting to read that the Karnataka Government is planning to recover the costs from culprits for Bengaluru violence (AV dated 22-28 August 2020).

Generally in any protest, in addition to people, public property is being targeted by any unruly mobs. It should be clearly understood that public property is made from hard earned money of citizens of India including poor people. Public properties are made from the taxes people pay whether it is sales tax, income tax or any other form of direct / indirect taxes. Because of sophisticated instruments like CCTV cameras, drones, artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology, it is easy to identify the culprits. Speedy trials of the cases is equally important, if not more. As time goes, it is difficult to get the required proof or evidence and it may vanish over a period of time.

Separate fast track courts are important to ensure that the guilty are punished promptly so others deter from committing the same crime of looting public property or damaging them. If other states have not done similar kinds of law, I think, they must do as soon as possible to prevent any such reckless activities by a handful of people.

Protests and having differences of opinion is an integral part of a true democracy but how to express the anger / demonstrate different points of views require broad understating and matured outlook.

Our faint-hearted politicians lead the country from one crisis to another. When Mrs May took over the reign, I thought the nation had discovered another Lady Thatcher.

Alias, it was false hope, a mirage, wishful thinking! Although Mrs May was kind, caring and decent politician with goodwill of the nation at heart, she was out of her depth when dealing with cunning, shrewd, bullying, unelected EU officials who behaved like Shylock, out for every drop of blood they could squeeze out of Britain, France taking a leading role in trying to humiliate Britain, ungrateful nation Britain liberated from the clutches of Hitler! So when Boris Johnson took over the reign, we grudgingly thought at last we may have the right person as PM, although his tenure as Foreign Secretary was an unmitigated disaster, spoiling relations with Russia and giving Iran ammunition to justify the detention of Nazarene Zaghari- Ratcliffe, an innocent bystander and victim of murky politics. Politicians know that she will not be freed until Britain unfreezes Iranian assets in British banks! Although PM’s tough talking with EU politicians has gone down well with British public, as well as putting arrogant EU officials in their place, his performance on home front lacks determination, his handling of Covid-19 crisis and now awarding A level grades, down-grading teachers’ assessment by as much as 40% by arm-chair pundits has created uproar that will consume lot of government time and dignity. No one can ignore student power who heaped a Uturn on the government, accepting teachers’ assessment as fair.In sharp contrast Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is performing well, with her daily press conference and her U-turn on Scottish A level markings, admitting mistake without hesitation; has indeed raised her public profile among Scottish voters who would now vote for independence if the referendum is held now! I wonder would we ever get politicians of Clement Atlee, Aneurin Bevan, Winston Churchill and Lady Thatcher’s calibre! Let's hope so!

Hitesh Hingu London

Are Hindus punching bags for rest?

Despite being the third largest religion, an answer in short would be yes. We read quite frequently where some companies have used symbols of Hindu idol on items which would cause offence to Hindu sentiment. In protest a letter would be written to seek apology until another offence is reported.

One main reason is that there is no country in world that can be called a Hindu state where as there are several Christian as well as Islam states. Christians have world power as well as media domination to protect them.

Islam have fanatical ground force who provide immediate punishment to any one who tries to offend their religion.

The weakness of Hindu religion is derived from centuries of oppression from other religions. Moreover the religion appears highly fragmented with so many factions that there is very little unity other than in name Hindu.

One immediate solution could be for at least one country specially Bharat to be declared as Hindu state as the majority of population associate themselves with Hindu religion. The power of state then would ensure offenders of Hindu religion to take heed before causing offence.

Suresh P Shah Devonshire Road London NW71DX

Misconception about Ms Kamala Harris!

Whenever American Indian’s name becomes headline news in politics, our people rejoice in the mistaken belief that like us, they have love and admiration for our motherland Bharat. Alas, it is a false hope, a mirage in reality.

There are more distractors, hostile anti India, antiHindus from our own culture and community than from outside. Stunning naivety of Hindus is difficult to explain.

Perhaps hundreds of years of gulami, first under Moghul and then under British; have turned once mighty nation with proud people, into having inferior complexion, lack of self-belief, disowning our rich cultural heritage, chasing rainbows in the hope of stealing success!

I have received numerous emails from American Indian organizations warning their fellow Americans that if Bidden and Kamala Harris move into the Whitehouse, it will have a negative effect in close relations India has at present under President Donald Trump.

Kamala Harris portrays herself as Afro, Black American Christian, without ever mentioning her family’s Indian roots. She took an oath on the holy bible, not Gita, the most revered holy book in Hinduism. She allegedly supports Pakistan and the right of Kashmiri people to have free vote to decide their future, only Indian Kashmiris, not Pakistan occupied Kashmiri people.

Kamla’s attack on Joe Bidden in the primary showdown, on televised debate, was ceaseless, called his record on race issue in question, unfit to hold high office. Politics is a dirty profession and people, voters have short memories. Despite American Indians’ hostility towards Kamla, many will vote for the pair, out of ignorance, putting them in the Whitehouse. Only time will tell if this was a mistake or blessing in disguise!

Bhupendra M. Gandhi

Bhupendra M. Gandhi

Hindu Idol's Mockery We now and again hear that Hindu idols and religious symbols are derogatorily featured for marketing purposes and on products from the foreign companies that hurt the sentiments of Hindus and rightly so.

To give some examples, Lord Ganesh image displayed on door mats, various other Hindu Gods featuring on the toilet seat and alcoholic drinks named after Hindu Gods.

Regrettably, liberty is taken on purpose as the companies concerned are aware that Hindu themselves use the names of their Gods freely for commercial purposes. There exists a Shankar Chaap bidi, Shiva Chhaap tamaku to name a couple here.

Then there is a trading name such as Krishna Bar and Restaurant. Also, the company knows that Hindus are tolerant and nonviolent people and the consequences will not be that grave if objected. At its worst, the products will be withdrawn. Hindus need to understand their religion well and practice it in the right perspective to give it a better image and respectability.

Niranjan Vasant

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SPIRITUAL VOICE

Finding the power to change Neville Hodgkinson Happiness and health both increase when we realise that we live with two “selves”, both of which need care and attention, according to author and journalist Neville Hodgkinson.

This was his central claim in a talk on “Finding the Power to Change” broadcast last Sunday (23 Aug) as a free online event by the Upton Park Brahma Kumaris centre.

Hodgkinson, a former national newspaper medical and science correspondent, said that nearly 40 years of practice of spiritual study had enabled him to understand that as well as having an “ego self”, which takes shape through the memories and experiences imprinted in the brain, we also have a higher self, the soul, which holds an intrinsic power separate from the brain.

Whereas the ego self is nourished by worldly achievements, awareness of the soul is facilitated by taking time out in meditation, and a lifestyle aimed at becoming free of physical addictions and negative habits of mind.

Describing how he had lived in a highly ego-driven, materialistic way for many years, Hodgkinson, now aged 76, said it was partly the discomfort and impending illhealth caused by that which led him to take up the practice of Raj Yoga - a yoga for the mind.

It brought into his life a whole new outlook and set of experiences, including a love affair with India.

“The immediate benefits I saw were very practical,” he said. “It was like recharging the battery of my wellbeing. I had been feeling increasingly drained by the ups and downs of newspaper life, and with my wife also pursuing a journalistic career, I felt there was not enough love in the home. Meditation started to help me become less needy and irritable, and all my relationships, both domestic and in the office, began to improve.”

But real, lasting change happened after a big shift in his understanding about the reality of life: that as souls, we are beings of consciousness first, and that our bodies, including the brain, are secondary. Whereas the body perishes, the soul is eternal. What’s more, we all come from a pure source of love, peace, joy and wisdom with whom we can learn to connect our minds. When we do that, we overcome our negative tendencies, such as being critical or giving sorrow – either to ourselves or others - and refill with the power of truth.

After 40 years, he said, he loves this spiritual endeavour more than ever. He feels that we are in an age of transformation, as when Arjuna is taught by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita how to win the battle that renews the world. “I just have to keep remembering that truth is beckoning me, but I have to look inside for it – I won’t find it in this tired old world.”

To be informed of any free online events or learn meditation email uptonpark@uk.brahmakumaris.org or call 07440 415635.

British Museum removes slave owner’s statue On 25th August it was reported that British Museum has removed a bust of its founding father, who was a slave owner in its attempts at confronting and combatting its links to colonialism. Sir Hans Sloane has

been placed in a secure cabinet alongside artefacts explaining his work in the context of the British empire.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Hartwig Fischer, director of the institute

BAME women less likely to attend cervical cancer screenings Recent reports have indicated that minority ethnic women are less likely than white women to attend cervical cancer screenings, with four in 10 saying they would feel unsafe attending a doctor’s surgery as a result of the pandemic.

In a study for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, it is reported that black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) women are twice as likely (20%) to be strongly worried about contracting the virus at a cervical cancer screening than white women (9.4%). It also found that BAME women are a third more likely (39.6%) to feel unsafe visiting a doctor’s surgery at the moment than white women (27.2%). The report comes as 2.5m appointments for cancer screening, tests and treatments – including cervical cancer screening appointments – have been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.Dr Raj Patel, deputy director of primary care for NHS England, said in a statement to The Guardian said, “NHS services are safe and people need to come forward for essential care, checks and treatment…I would strongly advise anyone invited for a cervical smear test to attend because screening saves lives.”

said, “We have pushed him off the pedestal. We must not hide anything. Healing is knowledge. The decision had been taken partly as a result of the Black Lives Matter, the museum’s curators said. Protests against racial inequality broke out around the world following the death of George Floyd in the US in May.” Sloane – a physician born in Ireland in 1660 – partly funded his collection from enslaved labour on Jamaican sugar plantations.

His artefacts provided the starting point for what became the British Museum. Sloane, married a wealthy sugar plantation heiress, and is honoured by numerous place names, including London’s Sloane Square.

Fischer said, “Dedication to truthfulness when it comes to history is absolutely crucial, with the aim to rewrite our shared, complicated and, at times, very painful history.“The case dedicated to Hans Sloane and his relationship to slavery is a very important step in this. We have pushed him off the pedestal where nobody looked at him, and placed him in the limelight.“The British Museum has done a lot of work – accelerated and enlarged its work on its own history, the history of empire, the history of colonialism, and also of slavery.

These are subjects which need to be addressed, and to be addressed properly. We need to understand our own history.”

We are grateful to all letter writers for more and more versatile letters well within word limit. Please keep contributing as always.

If you are new, then write to Rupanjana at rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com - AV

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NHS encourages South Asians to know their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes The NHS is encouraging South Asian people to find out if they are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes through using the ‘Know Your Risk’ tool hosted by Diabetes UK. The push comes as data reveals that diabetes has been found in nearly one third of people who have passed away as a result of coronavirus..

Anyone at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes may be eligible to join their local Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, a joint initiative from NHS England and NHS Improvement, Public Health England and Diabetes UK. The programme supports people to make positive changes to their diet, weight and the amount of physical activity they do – to significantly reduce the risk of developing this disease.

The call out comes as we are reminded that South Asian populations are up to six times more likely to develop diabetes than white populations and that if diagnosed, it can lead to blindness, kidney failure, loss of a limb and it also increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Tariq Khan, a 35-year-old chef from Birmingham, enrolled in his local Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme in November and has lost almost a stone while taking part in sessions online.

Talking about his experience, Tariq said, “The programme has enabled me to take control of my health by making small changes to my lifestyle. I’ve learnt so much

about how my body works and how the choices I make can affect it. I’ve cut down a lot of fried food and sweets common in the South Asian diet, I now have smaller portions and more vegetables.”

“What’s fantastic is that the programme has continued through the pandemic via video calls, keeping me motivated when it could have been tempting to go back to old ways.

We have been advised not to sit for a long time and that small things really do make a difference to staying healthy. I’ve been staying active using an exercise bike as well as taking daily brisk walks. The important point is that I feel so much better – more confident and fuller of energy.”

Type 2 diabetes risk factors: - Your age. The older you are, the more at risk you are - Your family history. You’re two to six times more likely to get Type 2 diabetes if you have a parent, brother, sister or child with diabetes - Your ethnic background. You’re more likely to get Type 2 diabetes if you are from a Chinese, South Asian, Black Caribbean or Black African ethnic background - Your weight. You’re more at risk if

Vistara operates special flights from Delhi to Heathrow as part of UK-India "transport bubble" India’s finest full-service carrier is slated to operate special, non-stop flights between Delhi and London Heathrow from 28 August to 30 September 2020.

Vistara which is a joint venture of Tata group and Singapore Airlines have introduced these flights as part of the bilateral ‘transport bubble’ formed between India and the UK. During this period, the airlines will fly thrice a week between the two cities - on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The one-way fares from Delhi to London start from INR 29,912 (approximately £300) in Economy Class, INR 44,449 (£460) in Premuim Economy, and INR 77,373 (£800) in Business Class.

Vistara is also seeking necessary regulatory approvals to soon operate similar special flights to Paris, France and Frankfurt, Germany. Commenting on the new operations, Mr. Leslie Thng, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, said, “As the world starts opening up in a phased manner following an extended global lockdown, these special flights give us the privilege of facilitating travel between the two

countries. We are confident that travellers will appreciate having the choice of flying India’s only five-star airline to and from London, which also upholds the highest standards of safety and hygiene.

“The arrival of our second Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner further strengthens our fleet and underlines our commitment to expanding globally. There is an inherent need for an Indian carrier with modern fleet, world-class cabin products and onboard service to fly non-stop on longhaul routes. Our Dreamliner aircraft help us distinguish our offering and give us a competitive edge in the market.”

Bearing in mind the health and safety guidelines around Covid-19, Vistara’s cabin crew will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and avoid all non-

essential interaction with passengers. Aircraft interiors will be deep-cleaned after every flight using approved cleaning agents - a procedure that includes thorough sanitization of all surfaces such as seats, touchscreens, overhead bins, seatbelts, tray tables, galleys, etc.

Vistara’s Dreamliner aircraft are equipped with highly efficient airflow and filtration systems that continuously refresh cabin air with air from outside.

Powerful HEPA filters trap 99.9% of particulates such as viruses (including coronaviruses), bacteria and fungi and purify the air inside the cabin every two to three minutes.

Bookings for these flights are being progressively opened on all channels, including Vistara’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents.

you’re overweight - Your blood pressure. You’re more at risk if you’ve ever had high blood pressure Dr Chirag Bakhai, a GP from Luton and Primary Care Advisor to the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Programme said, “In my role as a GP, I see many people and families who have been severely affected

by Type 2 diabetes. Although the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is higher in people from a South Asian ethnic background, it is important to recognise that the condition can be prevented. Making some simple changes can significantly reduce your risk and help you avoid developing Type 2 diabetes. The first step is to find out more about your risk and the changes you can make.”

To find out your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, visit www.diabetes.org.uk / knowyourrisk.

Tata Steel continues to remain in talks with the government On 20th August, Tata Steel announced that it continues to remain in talks with the government on possible financial aid for the company's operations in the UK. Responding to increasing media speculation and concern regarding the company’s operations in Port Talbot and Coventry, Chairman N Chandrasekaran said "talks are not over”. According to him the UK operations are not profitable and that it "continues to be a drag”.

The Financial Times had previously reported, "The government concluded the Indian multinational was sufficiently financed and didn’t qualify for taxpayer support.”

The talks are critical for the future of the company's operations in the country. Its other major facility in Europe, located in the Netherlands has also faced problems in the form of protest from employees.

The Tata Steel Chairman signalled that the auditor's note was more a regulatory requirement, and said, "Tata Sons and Tata Steel continue to do what is right."

Talking about the European operations, Executive Director and CFO Koushik Chatterjee, said, "Tata Steel Europe's performance was affected by lower deliveries and a sharp decline in European spreads to an unsustainably low level. “ At the AGM, Chandrasekaran said that the company is striving to find a solution in this fiscal year. "It could be matter of months before we have a decision. If it's not a successful outcome, we will be thinking about alternate options. We are looking for a solution that is lasting," he said.

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SCRUTATOR’S Ram temple to be build with stones only Only stones will be used for building the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and it will stand for over 1,000 years, said Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Rai, who is also a senior functionary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), said the country's best minds from IIT-Chennai and the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) are involved in the construction process of the temple. While Larsen & Toubro is broadly looking after the construction of temple, IIT-Chennai has been consulted for testing soil strength and CBRI services are being used to make sure the building is earthquake-resistant, he said. Around 10,000 copper rods are required for building the temple. Since people want to be a part of the construction process, they can do so by donating copper, Rai said. Using only stones, it will be built in such a manner that decay due to air, sun and water will not happen and temple will last for at least 1,000 years, he added. (Agency) Vali Shala, where parents learn how to teach kids

Students of Dharampur Primary School, about 40 km away from Rajkot, are not attending any online classes, but they don't have to worry about missing classes.

This is because parents have become teachers and have been taking turns at educating the kids for the past one and half months.

The students are getting educated at ‘Vali Shala,’ a concept introduced by Pooja Paija, a teacher at Dharampur Primary School. Now the students go from one parent’s home to another each fortnight to complete a designated chapter. They will also be taught about the essential life skills. “Earlier teaching kids was the responsibility of individual parents. But we thought that why not identify interested parents who could be roped in to educating kids after the school is over?” says Paija. After a few months, the parents of class I to VI students warmed up to the idea and started volunteering for a fortnight where they had to devote one and a half to two hours daily. The parents were empowered to impart education to kids in close coordination with the school. This not only eliminated the need for tuitions but also ensured that the kids remained engaged. It was not just about science and mathematics; the parents also took them to the fields for identification of crops or teach them how to roll those perfect chapatis. What was started as an evening classes has now come in handy during the current lockdown. (The Times of India) Popular Goa governor shunted out in 10 months Satya Pal Malik, who became

people’s voice and popular among the Goans in his short tenure of 10

months, was transferred to Meghalaya. According to a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement, Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari will hold additional charge of Goa. Malik, who saw the reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh into Union territories as its governor before moving to Goa, was proactive and outspoken about several issues relevant to the state, including the state government’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Malik had ticked off the state government for mismanaging the Covid-19 crisis by taking incorrect decisions and had warned CM Pramod Sawant to “pull up his socks”. Malik had also called out a lie by Sawant for saying the governor had said though the government was managing Covid situation very well, the media was portraying a negative image. “It was irresponsible… he (Sawant) has done mischief,” the governor had said. (Agency) Covid care centre at Godhra mosque The ground floor of Masjid-e-

Adam in Godhra is now a 50-bed Covid care centre, under the care of Godhra Civil Hospital. The facility was set up following the signing of an MoU between the district collector of Panchmahals and the trust of Masjid-e Adam.

Fifty per cent of the medical staff at the facility is from Godhra civil hospital, while local medical professionals from the community also pitch in. The facility has patients from various villages of Godhra, Dahod and Jhalod taluka of the district. Part of the mosque is open for devotees with strict enforcement of Covid-19 guidelines. Panchmahals district collector Amit Arora said that there was need for a dedicated Covid care centre in Godhra.

When the proposal came in, we sanctioned it. We are getting an average of 20 patients daily.” The two-storey Masjid was constructed by residents of Mujawar road in Godhra five years ago with donations from trust members for daily namaz and to run an Islamic Study Centre (madrasa). At present, there are 50 patients at the centre, with authorities saying that patients are taken in irrespective of their caste or religion. (The Indian Express) Lockdown leaves musicians in misery The lockdown has left the musicians and those connected with the music industry in misery.

There are hundreds of musicians whose harmony and rhythms have ornamented songs on the grand stage not just in India, but in abroad also. The fact that they remained unsung throughout their music career doesn’t hurt them any more as the lockdown and pandemic pushed them into such penury which has made

meeting ends a drudgery. The same hands which played tabla, drums, octapad and violins are now taking up odd jobs to meet the expenses of parents’ medicines, bank EMIs, children’s education, electricity bills, house rent and even daily essentials like vegetables, milk and groceries. If someone like Prakash Raja, an Ahmedabad-based singer, has learnt stitching handkerchiefs, there are others like drummer Jayesh Bagde who has been forced to start a tea stall. Sunil Nimavat, a percussionist, works at a construction site in Rajkot. (The Times of India) Health ministry for raising girls’ marriage age The union health ministry has

asked the task force to examine the legal requirements for raising the marriage age of women. The recommendation indicates that Prime minister Narendra Modi’s hint in his Independence Day speech that the government is considering revising upward the legal age of marriage for girls, which is currently 18 years, may be acted on soon. The health ministry said delaying age of marriage would enable girls to complete their education and empower them to take informed decisions on marriage and motherhood. In his speech, PM Modi said a decision on “what should be the right age of marriage for girls” would be taken as soon as a committee set up to study the issue gives its report.

The union health secretary is one of the members of the task force, led by social activist Jaya Jaitly, that is looking into the issue of age of motherhood and related issues. (Agency) AG refuses to allow filing of contempt plea

After pleading for no punishment to convicted

contemnor Prashant Bhushan, Attorney General for India K K Venugopal refused to permit filing of a contempt petition against actor Swara Bhasker for her allegedly derogatory comments against the Supreme Court on the Ayodhya land dispute verdict.

Under the Contempt of Court Act, 1971, consent of the AG or the solicitor general is needed to initiate contempt proceedings against anyone. Venugopal said that he declined consent as there is no attack on the Supreme Court.

It is mere innuendo. Initiating contempt proceedings would mean giving more credence to her statement, which is not needed.

On the petition against Bhasker, the AG said, "The Supreme Court need not be extra sensitive. If we

start contempt proceedings, it unnecessarily gives publicity to the wrong remarks. In this case, her ire was more against the government and the comments against the SC were mere innuendos. I do not want the Supreme Court to be embroiled in another controversy when one (against Bhushan) is already attracting a lot of adverse public reaction.”(The Times of India) Labourer cycles son 106 km to take exam Shobharam, a daily-wage worker, cycled 106 km from a small village in Manawar tehsil to Dhar town in Madhya Pradesh, with his son Asheesh riding pillion on the carrier, so that he could appear in his maths and social science papers. They packed rotis for three days – that’s how long they were prepared to stay in the open. “I am a daily wage worker, but my son will have a better life. If he is getting a second chance, I will do anything to ensure nothing stops him,” said Shobharam. Asheesh, his eldest son, failed in three subjects in his Class-X board exams and registered under the MP government’s ‘Ruk Jana Nahin’ scheme to take a second shot at it.

What mattered, Shobharam said, was that Asheesh was determined to pass. “He wants to complete his education and achieve something big in his life,” said Shobharam. The problem was that his exam centre was in Dhar town, 106 km away. Buses are grounded due Covid lockdown and the family cannot afford to hire a vehicle. The cycle was all they had. (Agency)

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14 UK

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Bedford celebrates Indian Independence Day, unfurl Indian Flag at the Town Hall Diverse communities in Bedford celebrated the 74th anniversary of Indian Independence. The event was organised by Bandhan Bedford, a group of diverse women of Indian-origin supported by an AngloIndian charity SEVA Trust UK along with many other local charitable, voluntary, community and multi-faith organisations.

The outdoor ceremony was conducted in accordance with Government’s social distancing guidelines.

It was attended by the Mayor of Bedford Dave Hodgson, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada, Chairperson of Bandhan Bedford Dr Vinita Manjure, SEVA Trust Chairman Cllr Charan Sekhon, Dr Balbir Singh Gabri along with Bandhan Team members.

SEVA Trust Youth Group Leader Arpan Sekhon shared details of Covid19 support project for the Indian students and their instrumental role in initiating India day celebrations in Bedford. She said, “Over 700 people attended the first ever Indian republic day cel-

ebrations held at Bedford Corn Exchange in 2016. We are proud to work with Bandhan and other groups.

We all need to play our part in supporting communities, strengthening integration, community cohesion and diversity of our great town.”

Welcoming the guests at the Old Town Dr Vinita Manjure said, “With Independence, freedom and liberty, comes an inevitable responsibility. Those of us whose ethnicity is described as “British Indian” have a huge responsibility to our country of origin and the adopted land in which we live. Each and every one of

us should consider ourselves as ambassadors to promote our rich heritage, culture and achievements” In an online address by the Indian High Commissioner Gaitri Issar Kumar congratulated all on this special day. She outlined the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora towards the British economy and their vital role during the Covid19 crisis. It was a unique event, a combination of virtual and an outdoor ceremony involving unfurling of the Indian flag broadcasted live from the old Town Hall.

200 people.

In her address, the High Sherriff of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada paid tribute to the Indian community for their huge contribution and support during the Covid19 pandemic and showing great care and compassion towards all communities.

Extending his best wishes, Bedford Mayor Dave Hodgson emphasised the need to follow public safely guidelines and said ‘Due to the ongoing pandemic we are not able to celebrate this day at the same level we did last year. There is clear evidence of disproportionate and high impact of Covid19 on the Asian communities and we all need to be vigi-

All guests at the old Town Hall after flag ceremony

The online Zoom celebration was attended by around

lant and follow guidelines to keep everyone safe.’’

Paryushana a time for reflection for the Jains Dr Mehool H Sanghrajka, Managing Trustee, Institute of Jainology The holiest of Jain festivals, the 8-day Paryushana and the 10-day Das Lakshana festivals of forgiveness, falls in August or September in Indian lunar month of Bhadra, and during the four-month monsoon season. This is the time when Jain sadhus (monks/nuns) are in one place due to the rains, and the laity in the traditional agricultural economies, are also freer.

The word 'Paryushana' means 'to come together', which signifies a time of reflection and repentance for the Jain devotee through fasting, meditation, prayers of repentance, bhakti and lis-

tening to monks giving teachings (sermons) from the Jain scriptures. Originally this was primarily a time for the laity to engage in monastic like practice, seeking deeper experiences of his/her soul.

This year for the 65,000 strong UK Jain community, COVID has changed the practice of Paryushana and Das Lakshana. Social distancing has limited visits and activities at temples and community halls. Most have celebrated the festival at home.

The 32 UK Jain organisations are united under the ‘OneJAIN’, which is managed by the Institute of Jainology.

During the annual OneJAIN conference, which this year was held online on Zoom for

the first time, it was agreed that in order to ensure the Jain community had a full day of spiritual activities, OneJAIN organisations would publish details of their online programs on the www.jainology.org site. This has been hugely successful, and many devotees have benefitted from participating in activities from several organisations.

In addition, this initiative would be launched through a global OneJAIN Paryushana and Das Lakshana event featuring prominent Acharyas from all 4 sects of Jainsim, the UK and Indian Prime Ministers, heads of other faiths such as BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and the Vatican.

This event was unprece-

dented, and showed how in times of crises, the global Jain community can come together. So far, there have been approx. 25,000 views of this event globally(available on www.Jainology.org).

To end Paryushana, Jains wish each other, and everyone else with a ‘Micchāmi Dukkadam’, an ancient Indian Prakrit language phrase, found in historic Jain texts literally meaning "may all the evil that has been done be in vain".

Mahatma Gandhi’s glasses auctioned for £260,000 On Friday 22nd August, a pair of gold-plated glasses worn by Mahatma Gandhi were auctioned for £260,000 after being found hanging in the letterbox of a Bristol auction house.

“We found them just four weeks ago in our letterbox, left there by a gentleman whose uncle had been given them by Gandhi himself. Incredible result for an incredible item! Thanks to all those who bid,” East Bristol Auctions wrote in their Instagram post on Friday.

The spectacles were bought through a phone bid from an American collector after six minutes of bidding

on Friday, the BBC reported.

Auctioneer Andrew Stowe said it was a new record for East Bristol Auctions and described it as "the star lot of the century". Mr Stowe said the owner of the glasses was an elderly man from Mangotsfield who said he would split the money with his daughter. The glasses had been expected to sell for about £15,000.

The auctioneer had previously told Sky News that the vendor had said, “If they’re no good, just throw them away.”

When Stowe had suggested the glasses might be worth £15,000 the man “nearly fell off his chair”.

First impressions Rohit Vadhwana What happens when we meet someone for the first time?

No, not always love at first sight! But there is something called - the first impression of a person that remains in our mind. Someone so dashing, or sober and silent, or someone very vocal, chirpy and happy.

Or any other kind of the first impression that gets imprinted on our mind about that person plays a big role in how we perceive that individual in future. But a big question is - how much is this first impression relevant? And, whether we should judge anyone based on such first impression?

Ruhi met Chris first time in a tube when her college friend Celina introduced him as her cousin. Chris was in black shorts, polo t-shirt and Nike sneakers, with Bose headphones resting around his neck. A perfect impression of an easy-going, cool dude but hardly giving any indication that Chris was a senior auditor in a prominent consulting firm. She easily marked him as a pub-going, party type guy who would travel a lot and hang out with friends. But as was the case, Chris was generally a serious type of person, mostly busy with his laptop and hardly catching up with friends. It was only on the insistence of Celina and other cousins that Chris had joined them for a group tour to a beach. As the occasion demanded, he bought a pair of shorts and a tshirt, particularly for that trip. Isn't it a completely wrong first impression of Chris?

There might be many occasions when we give a totally different impression to people, contrary to what we actually are. It may happen because of the context in which we are meeting someone for the first time, or because of the situation when they have had a glimpse of our appearance or behaviour. When one sees someone in anger, a different assessment is made about that person. Similarly, if we happen to see someone in the best of the time, a likeable impression sticks in our mind. Such first impressions are sometimes misleading, but they play a big role in future interaction between us.

The first impression lasts longer, rather forever on our mind. Therefore, people are always conscious of their first impression. While appearing in a job interview, one tries to create the best possible impression.

Going on the first date with a person, one is conscious of his/her first impression. It hardly matters what opinion one will carry about us if we are not interested in developing any further relationship. But if we want some future interaction to happen with a person, our first impression has to be managed well.

So, the question is what kind of the first impression should we strive to create? The simple answer is: whatever we really are, should be reflected in our first impression. That means behaving naturally, wearing a kind of clothes we would normally wear on any particular occasion, speaking the same language that we habitually use, behaving in the way that we can maintain throughout - is the best way. Such honest, true to our personality type of the first impression is easy to maintain and it seems natural and fitting to our personality. It may not impress anyone immediately but it also doesn't create a sharp change in their opinion about us.

Therefore, the real impression as the first impression is always a desirable and honest thing to expect.

(Expressed opinions are personal)

Competition for young to highlight how Covid-19 has connected communities He said, “It’s a phenomenal result. These glasses represent not only an auction record for us, but a find of international historical importance.”

Gandhi was known for giving old or unwanted pairs of spectacles to those in need or to those who had helped him. He gave the

glasses to the vendor’s uncle while he was working for British Petroleum in South Africa during the 1920s or 30s, said the auction house. The glasses had been lying in a drawer for nearly fifteen years and were left in a plain white envelope in a letter box at East Bristol Auctions.

Friday 28th August is the last day for school children on summer holidays to send their creative and imaginative responses on how Covid-19 has connected their communities.

The competition has been launched by Faiths United and a coalition of partners and is open to children/young adults aged 7-18. It is divided into three age categories (7-11;

12-15; 16-18). Entrants can respond to the question through either a written piece, a photo, or a video.

Winners will be announced in early September with various prizes. Faiths United is working with a number of organisations, including partners from the Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Sikh communities.

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TLIGHT

Samuel Javid: Life of the Community Sunetra Senior Speaking to us from the local lockdown in Leicester, Festival Producer and Creative, Sam Javid, still managed to stay true to his energetic brand. Having just returned from a stag do, outside the city, he commented: “there are a few stories...” Clearly, he knows the value of true comradery! Indeed, Sam is the newly appointed creative producer for the South Asian Arts festival, An Indian Summer, and produced the country’s biggest Comedy Festival, Leicester Comedy Festival, prior to this: the trajectory has demanded nuanced social sensitivity alongside the book smarts. Sam emphasised: “people want quality experiences now. They don’t just want to spend on another new throw pillow or a plant in their living room. They want to be immersed; engaged in an exciting atmosphere. You’ve got to be ready to evolve and respond to this.” It’s an idea Sam has applied successfully during the time of Covid-19 for the Indian Summer Festival: “of course, the usual quirky option would have been to have an outdoors cinema, but we adapted to the world of online. I created a concept called Sofa Cinema where we screened the film Bend It Like Beckham. People could further explore the themes of the film in an interactive way e.g. we had an Aloo Gobi-making tutorial available, and a famous sports star who spoke to the audience about diversity in sport.”

The Festival also featured a Zoom session with popular comedian, Nish Kumar, who addressed festival attendees from the exclusive luxury of his bedroom!

“It was great to be able to introduce the innovation and humour I love so much,” Sam commented: “for me, reaching people through art is positive disruption.”

Indeed, Sam’s work has a running theme of social freedom through it, explored through the vibrant vector of multicultural celebration. One of his first roles after graduating from De Montfort University with a Degree in Arts & Festivals Management was Producer of Liberty UK: formerly named Night of Festivals. This event was initially created to commemorate Latin American Independence before evolving into the general homage to democracy and freedom that it is today. Sam elaborated: “based in the Midlands, the festival was meant to bring Latin American communities together. It was centred on the cultural theme of Carnival which subverts the norm while also being bold and colourful. That became an entry point to welcome other cultures and local communities and people who might not otherwise have cared. When you have a giant skeleton and 32 drummers walking through the city, you’re going to ask yourself: what is this about? We started in Nottingham, but then

through the intersectional world of today’s politics: “I call it crafting a ‘Rabbit Hole’ Programme. As well as lively activities, I make sure there is a series of interconnected relevant topics that allow people to investigate their interest if they want to.” In addition to staging events specific to Brexit and free speech, for example, Liberty UK also commissioned artist, Hugo Farmer, to create a display that coincided with International Women’s Day. “He collects newspapers and spray paints on top of them. There were a variety of articles on different female identities collected, from Page Three Models to women in business. We then invited him to look at these different images and give an evocative response that would, in turn, create a dialogue.” The women’s movement has become gradually more polarised with the ideological rift of the time. Similarly, as well as celebrating South Asian heritage, Indian Summer Festival also consisted of a female Asian panel, comprised of the two cultural Feminist networks, South Asian Sisters Speak &Two Brown Girls, which acknowledged dual subjectivity.

“Nowadays you just mention the concept of politics and it stresses people out: the Festivals might not have the gravitas of The Extinction Rebellion, but they invite a lot of people in.” Sam’s active art then not only connects people to current issues, but also inspiringly allows them to invest in them.

This ethos extends to Sam’s imaginative use of geographic space which also characterises his productions: “For Liberty UK, we took over shops units in Leicester to stage the shows. For Leicester Comedy Festival, we’ve had secret performances where people are taken around on a bus, shows in ice-cream parlours, and comedy staged in the dark. I love the raw style where comedians might be trying out their material for the first time. Curated shows are great, but with immersive, grass-roots performance you know are always getting an experience that’s unique. It’s always different and honest, and so paradoxically very personal.” Indeed, traditional theatre often preserves a onesided distance between performer and viewer, which can be strangely disenfranchising. “My overarching aim is to make people fall in love with where they live: whether it is a big bustling city or a quiet town. I want the crowd to feel good.” And so, as well as showcasing a novel range of bright ideas, Sam’s gleeful portfolio perfectly highlights the wider meaning of sense of belonging. Deeper than simply being able to comfort-

"People want quality experiences now.

They don’t just want to spend on another throw pillow or a new plant in their living room!"

started moving around the country to different areas including Hounslow, Lincolnshire and even Southbank.

Each time I found myself working with newer and different people to find out what liberation meant to them.

There was a massive South Asian celebration at some point too. Recently, the Festival had been renamed to address our immediate political landscape of increasing division and xenophobia. I’ve found the open, creative approach to be a wonderful way of empowering people through the realm of every day.”

Rather than preach to the audience, Sam promotes an intuitive, associative method to help navigate people

ably negotiate a physical place, it is the state of fundamentally feeling emotionally and further influential at home: having healthy social agency is key. “I’ve just launched my new company, No Fixed Abode,” the producer aptly concluded: “it’s a networking platform that brings together different creative talent across the country to be able to contribute to a single local event.

From content management to graphic design, NFO facilities the integration of otherwise disparate skillsets so that people can work on the projects they really want to do.” Finally, Sam pertinently harnesses the constructive power of national community.

Dear men, let’s talk about mental health Rupanjana Dutta “At a time when we are all a little fragile... it’s OK to be just OKAY,” says Tinesh Chhaya, a forty something Asian man who lives in the London suburbs with his wife and two daughters. It is an unsaid truth and a deep rooted stigma in the Asian community that men cannot have mental health issues. The community views it as a “notion of shame” if men are diagnosed or show symptoms of deteriorating mental health.

Fortunately, Tinesh thinks otherwise. He posted two videos on dealing with mental health issues, especially among men who refrain from accepting that they need therapy or some time aside for self-reflection. Tinesh recognises the fact that the pandemic brought Tinesh Chhaya an array of issues with it, one of them being -- locked down with your family. He calls it a holiday at home where you’re stuck with your own family for an “undisclosed amount of time”. Friction is bound to happen, he accepts. His wife works for one of the biggest consulting firms in the UK and Tinesh is a new digital entrepreneur. “It’s like a pressure cooker. Every now and then someone explodes. You have to give time out to people,” he says. Tinesh has been listening to heartbreaking stories about people whose mental health wasn’t too good during these times and he affirms that it’s okay if the children aren’t up by 9 am or they’re in their pyjamas at 5 pm. “Don't become a Pendu or Laddoo, but give each other some space,” he adds.

The Asian Stigma Speaking of the stigma among Asian and Indian men on mental health, he says, “That’s something we have to change. It comes from cultures. If you’re having a bad day, talk about it. You got to be comfortable sharing and it comes from the ego.” Tinesh accepts that it is about pride in many cases. He explains that when you’re self employed you may have dark days or panic attacks. He attributes it to the fact that most Asian-Indian people are conditioned to work all the time. There’s no other option. Born and raised in Coventry, Tinesh Chhaya was raised by parents who left Kenya in 1971 around the time Idi Amin Oumee, a cruel military officer also known as the "Butcher of Uganda" was expelling all Asians from Uganda. “My parents came to the UK with very little like so many other Asians at that time.

They worked very hard everyday to ensure that me, my older brother and younger sister had a great life. From a very young age I was working with my father in his shop, then at 16, alongside my mother in the women's clothes shop, followed by a string of part time restaurant jobs. At 18, I moved to London and worked all the way through University working in the University canteen serving my friends in the evening as they socialised,” he quotes on his website bio.

The Thursday club Unlike many Asian men who still live with the stigma of coping with mental health issues, Tinesh has had a solid support group in his nine friends whom he’s known for more than seventeen years now. He says, “All of these guys have a very similar mindset. All of them are business people. Hanging out with them over the years, every Thursday we’ve talked, we’ve asked questions of how is it going and how are you. We gave time and respect to each other. I’m recognising that I’m fortunate to know these guys.” Tinesh adds that he knows people who do not have that mechanism to release or let it out and they can’t go anywhere. “Then it compounds,” he says, as he explains how these bottled up feelings manifest into sleeping and breathing problems.

Start journaling “You’re gonna have self doubt but you’ve got to self reflect and put it into perspective,” he says as he emphasises over writing journals. Furthering his advice to men about journaling, he says, “Guys find journalling to be flaky. But it’s a quite powerful thing. When I have a negative thought, I put it on paper. You’ll know where you are mentally if you write them down. Don’t make any decision when you're in a bad place. Be honest with your self reflection. I don’t punish myself If I don’t do a certain thing because nothing is foolproof.”

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We need a visa regime which is agile, dynamic & responsive : Lord Ahmad Shefali Saxena To discuss the importance and relevance of the Commonwealth and what it can do now that the UK has left the EU, a Conservative Policy Forum was recently hosted by Conservative Friends of India with the Conservative Friends of the Commonwealth. Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon (UK Minister of State Foreign Office at Department for International Development - South Asia, Commonwealth, United Nations PM's Envoy Preventing Sexual ViolenceMinister for Human Rights) spoke extensively about burning issues and the mission of the Commonwealth in strengthening the UK-India ties.

Lord Ahmad spoke about the current pandemic and his work with India during these times. He said, “In the context of the Commonwealth, we were one of the few organisations that very quickly and rapidly put out a statement of joint action in collaboration to actually meet the challenge of Covid-19. We worked on the issues of repatriation of 17-18 thousand people within six weeks with the government of India and in a massive effort. We received incredible cooperation by the Indian authorities.” He further stated that India is on a mission to make more than one billion vaccines, which underlines the strength of the country within the Commonwealth. “India is often referred to as the pharmacy of the world and that’s really come to light in the pandemic that we’re facing currently,” he said.

Immigration: Come to Britain, word hard and move the country forward Lord Ahmad was asked if he’s seen a change of mood in the country because there have allegedly been a lot of antagonism towards immigration and that many people haven’t understood the socio-economic and cultural benefits of welcoming immigrants. According to Lord Ahmad, there’s been an upward trend in Indians students coming to the UK and he reiterated that they can come and work in the UK after finishing their studies. “The ability to stay on and not worry about the immediate issues of the pandemic or visa running out,” is what he aims to offer when it comes to immigration policies. “In very practical terms, there are tools available to us. We need a visa regime which is agile, dynamic and responsive. I’m certainly pushing the case of how we can liberalise certain categories of visas, especially business visas, to allow free flow of trade with other parts of the Commonwealth,” he said.

Ahmad said, “Who’d have thought that here in 2020, 20 years ago or 25 years ago, even 15 years ago, that a conservative government would have Patel, Sharma, Sunak and Javid and no one would blink an eye? I’m very proud of what immigration has brought to our country.”

He added, “As a migrant who is willing to come to our country, they can roll up their sleeves, get a job in Britain and move the country forward. Britain’s always been a place which welcomes people who are working and willing to work harder and remains so. I’m proud that we are in 2020 and without boasting about it we have achieved levels of integration where we celebrate diverse cultures and communities and people are free to practice their faith in whatever way they choose to. I think sometimes we underestimate the strength of what we’ve achieved. That doesn’t mean we’ve done so without problems and challenges. Those remain. But when you reflect and travel around the world and return back home, I actually say, Thank God I’m British. Thank God I live in Britain.”

The Living Bridge In reference to climate change, he sees a real potential of collaborating on this aspect and working closely for the larger benefit of the global community. Talking about India’s PM, he said, “Prime Minister Modi coined the term, ‘The Living Bridge’ and I think the living bridge is very alive in between the UK and India. That living bridge is extended over the strengths we find in the Commonwealth family. The educational links, community links, business links, cultural links are not being emphasised enough. So I think in the post Brexit world, the opportunities are huge. I’ve already seen the benefits of how countries are working and leveraging the opportunities. There’s much more to be done in terms of how we look at visas, especially business visas of how we allow trade to take place but the Commonwealth community allows for huge changes to take place in India is a living working example of potential that lies ahead.” He also stated that let’s not forget, we are a permanent member of the UN Security Council, NATO and other international organisations like the G7, G20 and more. He said that he is looking forward to working with India in the context of them joining the UN Security Council for two years at the start of next year. He also said that the Commonwealth office has sought through this merger to empower High Commissioners and ambassadors.

Sharing his point of view on the abolition of Article 370 in

Taking the opportunity to further affirm his beliefs, Lord

Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon

India and its economic impact, he said, “India’s act of abolishing Article 370 has raised interests in different quarters for different reasons.” Calling it a “very much an internal matter for the Indian government” he said that it now allows for greater levels of investment and for raising the bar in terms of education, investment into Ladakh and Kashmir. He accepted that while the situation in Kashmir is still challenging in terms of human rights, the CW office will “raise its concerns privately, bilaterally and constructively”.

“India is a democracy and it fulfils its obligations in communities. India represents a sort of a micro version of what the commonwealth is all about and brings different people, communities and faiths together for a single purpose. I believe very strongly, that our relationship with India is not just with the federal government but also with state governments to look at what the different opportunities are within different states and to ensure that we understand them fully and that we address them appropriately. I believe that it’ll provide good returns for the UK,” said Lord Ahmad.

India-China border issues “I think we have to stand very firm. China is a strategic partner but at the same time we’re upholding all the rules laid by the international system (the UN security council). It is important to recognise that China is an important partner to the UK, but as recent events have shown in Hong Kong and internally in China and the tension on borders with India, we need to be very firm in strengthening alliances and also the UK voice for standing up for the rules based international system.”

Combating fake news in a ‘sharing’ nation A joint session was organised by Bridge India and Logically (the world’s largest dedicated fact-checking team) to discuss “Combating fake news in a ‘sharing’ nation”. The session was moderated by Sanjay Suri, Europe correspondent, Network18 group.

Saurabh Shukla (Founder and Editor-inChief, News Mobile) said, “Essentially when we select the fact check, what we have in mind is the public interest. We have recently launched a bot with WhatsApp to report misinformation. People need to understand in this era of social media that there’s so much misinformation going around, sharing is so easy.

Even a lot of times people who are very well read and celebrities hold powerful positions, end up sharing fake news. That’s the reason why the role of fact checkers becomes even more important.”

Kritika Goel, Assistant Editor at The Quint shared

that she has fact checked over 2000 stories over four years. She shared that there’s an overwhelming skew against the Muslim community when it comes to targetted hate speech and misinformation. She said that during her investigations she found that the “trust level of receiving something on WhatsApp is really high” among people.

Goel emphasised the constructive use of reverse image search on Google and taking a step back to question the source of the information before sharing any information on social

media.

In context of the lynching incident that took place in Karnataka, Maya Mirchandani, (Asst.

Professor, Ashoka University; Senior Fellow, Observer Research Foundation) said, “The government had summoned WhatsApp and asked them what they were doing about it. WhatsApp decided at that point in time that they were going to limit the number of times you were going to forward a message to someone and had a marker on the message that said it was a forward, and I do think that

that step made people a little more alert about what they were sharing. I’m not saying it’s foolproof but there’s enough evidence to indicate that for some people the fact that the message they received was forwarded, gave them the information that ok that the person who is sending it to me is not the source of the message. Now you get forwarded as received as a new caveat of messages and now in the course of the pandemic they’ve restricted that forward to one.”

“Overall there needs to be a fair amount of intro-

spection across the media and technologies of the blurring of lines between news and opinion When you have a senior member of a party writing an op-ed in papers, should that be just a press release from the political party? The second is the nature of prime time TV debates and pitting one person against the other, and the so-called moderator anchor trying to maintain a balance between giving equal time to all panelists,” said Mirchandani.

India has undergone something of a digital revolution in recent years, with consumer technology growing at a remarkable rate.

Unsurprisingly, social media companies have benefited from the nation’s growing connectivity, with the nation’s active social media users growing by 24 percent between 2018 and 2019. Such growth in misinformation-friendly platforms has had inevitable consequences on the information ecosystem in India.

With Covid-19, actor Sushant Singh’s suicide, the pandemic ruling out in-person rallies ahead of Bihar state elections in November, there are plenty of opportunities for groups, often with hundreds of members, to become echo chambers congenial to the spread of misinformation. In such environments, a network of potential propagators are ready to embrace content supporting their common worldview.

This trend is expected to continue and exacerbate in the coming years. The role of social media in spreading misinformation is well established; the engagement-oriented content discovery algorithms and gossip rather than detailed and balanced journalism.

WhatsApp is the most likely significant avenue by which misinformation is circulated in India. Significant not just because of the frequency in which it is used, but also because of its encrypted nature.

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in brief PATEL WANTS AN END TO MODERN SLAVERY The home secretary, has reportedly told fast fashion giant Boohoo to “step up and take responsibility” for its suppliers, which have been accused of exploiting workers paid as little as £3.50 an hour, The Times reported.

In a letter to Boohoo chief executive John Lyttle, Patel criticised the company’s response to an on-going investigation where the Company’s workers are allegedly being treated like modern-day slaves.

In her letter Priti Patel wrote, “I am concerned that your response to recent reports of labour exploitation in your supply chains appears to be focused on terminating contracts with suppliers found to have breached your code of conduct, rather than on protecting vulnerable workers. I would expect Boohoo to work with its suppliers to ensure that workers are protected and remediated.“Many fashion brands have published the names, addresses and ‘supply chain role’ of their direct suppliers to enable effective public scrutiny of their supply chains.” She has also demanded that the company “increase public transparency” in its supply chains to “regain public trust”.

Boohoo has denied allegations that some of its suppliers were paying staff less than the minimum wage, but ended contracts with two suppliers that had not followed its code of conduct.

LABOUR PARTY ACCUSES HOME OFFICE OF “STEALTH TAX” On Tuesday 25th August, the Labour party has accused the government of “stealth tax” on the NHS. According to data released to the Labour party following a freedom of information request, NHS trusts in England have spent at least £15m since 2017 on visa charges. Labour accused the government of punishing hospital trusts for its own failure to train enough sufficiently qualified nurses and doctors. Before the coronavirus pandemic, NHS trusts in England were facing around 100,000 vacancies, according to NHS providers that represent trusts.

The charge is known as the immigration skills charge and is levied by the Home Office on any employer wanting to apply for a visa for someone to work in the UK for six months or more under either a tier 2 (general) visa or a tier 2 (intra-company transfer) visa. As part of the UK’s departure from the EU, employers bringing in workers from there may also have to pay the £1,000 charge for the first 12 months of a worker’s employment and £500 for each subsequent six months.

Mayor of London expresses concern about statutory sick pay for BAME workers dismisses claims about his mayoralty in crisis Priyanka Mehta On Thursday 20th August, the Mayor of London, wrote a letter to the Chancellor and the Health Secretary urging the Government to implement comprehensive financial support for employees who are required to self-isolate In his letter to Rishi Sunak and Matt Hancock, Sadiq Khan expressed his concern that “many Londoners are in insecure work, on zero hours contracts, in the gig economy, or rely on informal economies”.

Thus, the absence of proper support can leave both the employees and their communities at a greater risk of health complications from the virus.

BAME Londoners who are pre-dominantly employed as key-workers at the Covid-19 have been frontlines disproportionately impacted by the first wave of coronavirus.

Deeply concerned about those workers not receiving adequate Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and thus, going back to work, the

Mayor of London wrote, “Whilst I recognise that statutory sick pay (SSP) is available to some who are selfisolating, far too many Londoners are falling through the gaps or are unable to make ends meet. We cannot be in a situation where Londoners are forced into financial hardship for following public health advice and keeping their community safe. Once again, the UK is falling behind the rest of the world. In Germany, for example, workers are supported to isolate with payments for the first six-weeks equivalent to their net-wage.”

Therefore, he is calling on the Government to: • Ensure entitlement to SSP if it is necessary to self-isolate, as an absolute minimum.

• Investigate a further ‘COVID Protection Pay’ scheme which would provide a higher level of compensation, without penalising employers. This could take the form of a short-term flexible furlough under which Government would meet a higher

percentage of a worker's regular pay.

• Prioritise investment in NHS Test and Trace and more support for hospitality businesses to implement systems. It is now clear that we need to learn to live with the virus, and NHS Test and Trace plays a large role in giving the public confidence.

His letter arrives at a time when a survey by the CBI warned that retailers cut jobs during the year to August at the fastest rate since 2009, with an even sharper decline anticipated for the figures to September. There was immense speculation earlier with the Mayoralty of London with the constant back and forth between Sadiq Khan and Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary with some believing that the Mayoralty of London was in crisis. Former chancellor of exchequer Sajid Javid had to resign owing to differences with Boris Johnsons’ press secretary Dominic Cummings.

Dismissing those Sadiq, he said,

Sadiq Khan

“I rely on my job and not on the patronage of the Government or on Dominic Cummings. And I would like to remind both the government and prime minister Boris Johnson that Londoners have elected me with the highest number of votes that any Mayor has ever received. I received more votes than Boris Johnson did as Mayor in 2008 or 2012.

BMA says the ban on evicting those in rent arrears must be extended to avoid Covid-19 surge The Government must extend the eviction ban if England is to avoid a potential surge in Covid19 cases, the British Medical Association has warned.

The Association says that people who are homeless are three times more likely to be chronically ill with lung and breathing problems - a serious risk factor in the development of the virus. Rates of homelessness are expected to increase as the temporary halt on being able to evict those in rent arrears has ended on 23rd August. The homeless charity Shelter is estimating 227,000

private renters have fallen into arrears since the pandemic and could lose their homes when the ban is lifted.

In a paper published today, the BMA is calling for legislation to place a 12-month duty on local authorities to enable everyone who sleeping rough, who is homeless and cannot self-isolate, or at risk of these eventualities, to have access to safe accommodation.

The BMA also believes it is vital that the Government pays more attention to the ‘hidden homeless’ – those who ‘sofa surf’ in shared accommodation

and urgently need more support.

Professor Dame Parveen Kumar, BMA board of science chair, said, “The Government could be putting thousands of people’s lives at risk by not extending the eviction ban and having future provisions in place. Considering that we are still far from out of the woods with this virus, this is both incredibly short-sighted and potentially dangerous.

“We recognise that the Government has already taken decisive action to keep homeless people safe during this time. However, we

desperately need this support to continue. We also need preventative measures to be put in place to help reduce the number of people at risk of losing their homes. This is particularly important as we head deeper into a recession and near the end of the eviction ban.

“Without this, we could see large outbreaks of Covid-19 among the homeless population, not only putting this community at risk, but also the wider population – potentially undoing months of national effort to get a grip of this horrific virus.”

Students excel in GCSEs despite Covid-19 pandemic The proportion of the highest GCSE grades awarded in England this year has jumped by 26% according to figures released by the regulator Ofqual.

This appears following the government’s decision to scrap calculated grades and replace them with school-assessed grades in most cases in the A-levels results.

Now, the proportion awarded of grades 7, 8 and 9 – equivalent to the old A and A* grades – awarded to Year 11 pupils rose from 21.9% last year to 27.6% this year.

Academics and schools have warned that this was the ‘most difficult year’ for all students taking public exams. But it has ended on a positive note for quite a few students.

Despite not having the fortune to sit their summer exams, strong results across

the cohort of 120 pupils from John Lyons School has led to a record 15% of the year group attaining a coveted academic scholarship to the John Lyon Sixth Form.

Harsh Hingorani achieved a clean-sweep excelling in all ten subjects to achieve 9s. A true allrounder who spends much of his time in Music and Drama, and with numerous extra-curricular interests.

On his results he said, “Two extensive, painstaking years of diligent and scrupulous work has finally paid off for me in the best way I could possibly imagine. My results have stunned me and left me speechless; it was not what I imagined getting in a million years. his nine subjects, Vinay Kapoor also hit straight 9s and will also take up an Academic Scholarship.

“I am very grateful to have had such amazing and understanding teachers, including my form tutor, who were there for me whenever I needed help. It helped a lot to have various distractions from the curriculum, namely my involvement in numerous music-related activities. I can confidently say that this has helped with my ability to think differently and work more conscientiously; it has indirectly helped with my studies in many ways.”

Those gaining straight 9/8 grades are Fares Shehata, Mihir Malde, Vinaykarthik Rachakonda, Anay Gudka, Dhruv Shah, Yusuf Shaikh and Patrick Colson.

Garv Mittal also achieved a 9 in Chemistry and 8s in each of Mathematics, History and Physics. He said, “I will now

go to the Sixth Form to studying Physics, Chemistry and Maths. I am thinking of making a career around engineering due to my deep interest in Chemistry. I have been pleased with my results!”

John Lyon Head, Miss Katherine Haynes, said, “Having said it for last week’s A-Level students I must say it again; that this has been the most difficult year for our pupils.

However, despite great uncertainty and not having the opportunity to sit their exams, each and every one of them has shown a great resolve to get to where we are today.

“This year’s GCSE results are remarkable.

Some of the individual success stories portray the hard work that has been applied over a number of years by our pupils and it is

Harsh Hingorani

extremely satisfying to see them achieve at such a high level. “And once again it is satisfying to see that pupils who achieve high marks in the classroom also enjoy their lives outside the academic curriculum. We hope our musicians, artists, sportsmen and actors will

Vinay Kapoor

continue with these pursuits and passions while studying for their A-Levels."

In the meantime, hundreds of thousands of students who were to get their results for BTec vocational qualifications – at both level two and level three – did not receive them.

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CBI predicts sharp Sunak warns of 'difficult decisions' rise in unemployment as UK debt hits 2 trillion pounds

British retailers have cut the most jobs since the depths of the financial crisis and expect the pace of losses to accelerate, the Confederation of British Industry said, adding to warning signs of an expected sharp rise in unemployment. Tuesday’s data also showed an unexpected drop in sales this month, which contrasted with a recent pick-up in demand by consumers after the coronavirus lockdown was lifted.

“Trading conditions for the retail sector remain tough,” CBI economist Alpesh Paleja said. “...Firms will be wary of deteriorating household incomes and the risk of further local lockdowns potentially hitting them in the pocket for a second time.” Well-known British retailers Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and WH Smith have announced job losses in recent weeks, reflecting a shift in demand to online sales during the pandemic.

Tesco, Britain’s biggest supermarket, said on Monday it would create 16,000 permanent roles to meet a surge in home deliveries. Quarterly CBI figures showed the employment balance - which measures job changes over the past 12 months - sank to -45 in August from -20 in May, reaching its lowest since February 2009. A deeper fall

is expected later this year.

The drop in the monthly retail sales balance was unexpected, falling to -6 in August from July’s 15month high of +4 and below all forecasts of economists. Figures last week showed the volume of retail sales rose above prepandemic levels in July.

Howard Archer, an economist with forecasters EY Item Club, said he still thought consumer spending was headed for a substantial rebound in the third quarter.

“However, the weakerthan-expected August CBI survey is a reminder that there is considerable uncertainty as to just how willing and able consumers will be to spend beyond the third quarter,” he said. “Indeed, persistent consumer caution is seen as a significant risk that could limit the UK recovery.” Retailers in the CBI survey said spending in August was 27% below normal compared with a 79% shortfall in June - a disparity not shown in other figures, which may reflect how social distancing requirements have had a much bigger impact on some sectors - such as high street clothing retailers than others. The CBI survey was based on responses from 63 retail chains collected between July 28 and Aug. 14.

Rail watchdog seeks lower fares and 'flexible season tickets' A day ahead of the announcement of rail fare rises for 2021, the independent transport watchdog has demanded cheaper tickets along with fares reform in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. On Wednesday, the July figure for retail price inflation (RPI) will be used to set many rail fares from January next year. But instead, Transport Focus is calling for fares to be cut to encourage passengers back on trains – on the same principle as the Chancellor’s “eat out to help out” scheme for restaurants.

It has also backed The Independent’s call for a radical shake-up of rail fares to remove the many anomalies in the system, and is urging wider availability of flexible season tickets. Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said: “To get Britain moving again in the coming months, tickets that fit the way we live and travel now are needed, not just season tickets designed for city gents in the last century.

The rail fare system needs reforming – but don't expect quick changes. “People’s feelings about travel, and the way they use public transport, have changed. “While rail leisure travel may bounce back, our research tells us almost two in three former rail commuters expect to work from home more so we will probably now travel less for work, both commuting and on business.

“The government need to get train companies to offer a combination of cut-price deals, carnet style ‘bundles’, flexible season tickets for commuters and better value for money fares across the board.

Many employers have offered wider opportunities to work from home, and some companies have asked their employees not to use public transport. Smith said: “Like the government’s restaurant deal, we need a ‘Head Out to Help Out’ campaign to help get the country on the move again, boost the economy and reduce traffic on our roads.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “Passengers deserve punctual and reliable journeys at a fair price. That is why we are investing billions into modernising the network and working with industry to try to provide commuters with more flexibility and better value.”

In 2019, fares totalled around £10bn – with taxpayers contributing about the same to the cost of the railways, when new investment is included.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak warned of some 'difficult decisions' ahead as official statistics revealed that Britain's public debt had risen above 2 trillion pounds for the first time, largely because of the extra burden on the economy as a result of the coronavirus lockdown. Sunak, who has been leading the country's economic response to the crisis with a series of measures such as job retention and loan schemes, said the figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) are a “stark reminder” that public finances need to be reined in.

'Today's figures are a stark reminder that we must return our public finances to a sustainable footing over time, which will require taking difficult decisions,' said the finance minister. “It is also why we are taking action now to support the growth and jobs which pay for our public services, by

Rishi Sunak

businesses to helping reopen safely and, through our plan for jobs – protecting, supporting and creating jobs – to ensure that nobody is left without hope,” he said. The government borrowing figure at the end of July stood at 227.6 billion pounds higher than the same month last year, according to the ONS data.

It also showed borrowing had rocketed to a record 150.5 billion pounds in the current financial year as Britain sought to combat the impact of the coronavirus emergency – 128.4 billion pounds more than between April and July last year. Around 26.7 billion pounds was borrowed in

July alone, the fourth highest amount of any month since records began in 1993.

This has pushed public sector debt beyond the nation's entire gross domestic product (GDP) – the value of everything produced in the UK in a year – hitting 100.5 per cent of GDP at the end of July, the first time it had risen above 100 per cent since 1961, the ONS said. Sunak admitted that the figures show that the pandemic has put the country’s public finances under “significant strain” and stressed that action has been taken by his Treasury department to offer support.

“Without that support things would have been far worse,' added Sunak.

Experts are warning that there is worse to come, but that things will get better after that. However, the sheer size of the public debt will be a cause for considerable concern for some time as some of the coronavirus schemes, including Sunak’s

Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme, are rolled back from this month.

According to separate figures on the dine-out scheme released this week, more than 85,000 outlets are now signed up to offer as much as 50 per cent off the bill on food or non-alcoholic drinks between Monday to Wednesday, with the state picking up the balance.

Britain is breathing life back into hospitality by eating out to help out – with at least 35 million meals served up in the first two weeks alone, that is equivalent to more than half of the UK taking part,” said Sunak.

“I encourage everyone to continue to safely enjoy this scheme – it is vital people continue to support the 1.8 million people who work in the sector,” he said in reference to the scheme he had launched for the month of August to boost the hospitality sector after a long period of coronavirus shutdown.

British economy coping from initial shock of the Covid-19 Recent data shared by the government reveals Britain's economic recovery from the ongoing pandemic is getting back on track, however, it comes with an increased borrowing which has gone past the 2 trillion pound mark.

Retail sales rose above prepandemic levels in July, the first full month of many shops reopening after lockdown, and August's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data shows the fastest growth in almost seven years.

The Office for National Statistics said retail sales in

July were 1.4 per cent above year-ago levels and 3 per cent above their level before the pandemic.

August's preliminary composite PMI, which covers most businesses outside retail, hit its highest level

since October 2013.

However, people are increasingly losing jobs, with employers making staff redundant rather than bringing them back from a government-subsidised furlough scheme that

expires in October.

The Bank of England forecasts unemployment will reach 7.5 per cent by year-end, almost double its most recent reading.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of British Industry said manufacturing orders were “severely depressed” with little improvement in August.

Within retail, grocery sales are up 3 per cent on the year and online sales are 50 per cent higher than before the pandemic.

However, sales volumes at clothing and footwear stores are 25 per cent lower than last year.

UK firm to build bio- Britain denies reports of secure bubble for IPL dropping tax on tech giants UK-based safety and security operating company Restrata has secured the deal to build the bio-security bubble for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE this year.

Restrata, which operates out of the United Kingdom and the UAE, pipped the Tata group to secure the deal.

The company, which specialises in “covering last-mile safety, security and mobility operations”, had worked with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the London Games in 2014 and most recently was hired by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to build the biosecure bubble for the series against the West Indies and Pakistan, when cricket returned after a five-month break.Those tracking devel-

opments said: “What worked in favour of Restrata was that it was more cost-effective than the Tatas, had past expertise in handling global sports events, and has had a recent first-hand experience with cricket too”. Restrata has offered to introduce track and trace technology to keep tabs on the number of people who will be working in specified zones to ensure all Covid-related health compliances and the mandatory social distancing.“A ring in the finger or a bracelet or a chip in the accreditation card will carry a GPS device to provide the IPL authorities and franchises an accurate, real-time capability to track and trace individuals or any suspected outbreaks of Covid-19.

The UK government denies all reports citing a drop of a recently introduced tax on technology companies such as Facebook, Google and Amazon. The Treasury released a statement saying it would drop the digital services tax when there was a global agreement on how to tax big multinational tech firms that pay very little tax in the UK. A Treasury spokesperson was quoted as saying, “We've been clear it's a temporary tax that will be removed once an appropriate global solution is in place – and we continue to work with our international partners to reach that goal.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak had recently written to the US Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin to demand that big tech firms pay more tax to help fund the recovery from the Covid19 crisis.

Much pressure has gathered on these tech giants. Sunak, in his joint letter with the finance ministers of France, Italy, and Spain, said companies like Google, Amazon and Facebook had benefited from the pandemic and had become “more powerful and more profitable” and needed to “pay their fair share of tax.”

These big companies pay relatively little UK tax, as the digital services they offer, such as advertising and fees for connecting buyers to sellers, technically take place offshore.

This helps them keep their tax burden at a minimum in major economies.

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REAL ESTATE VOICE & INDIA FINANCE

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29 Aug - 4 Sep 2020

Bankruptcy fear helps settle over 9,650 cases The fear of the bankruptcy action has helped settle over 9,650 cases involving claims of around £37 billion, with companies and their promoters settling the dues before the case was admitted in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). Up to December 2019, this debt had been settled as operational creditors, such as suppliers, or financial creditors, like banks, threatened to initiate action, data with the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) showed.

With the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC) barring promoters from rebidding for their companies once the case is admitted in NCLT,

proprietors have been more than eager to resolve cases to retain their grip over the company. One of the reasons for IBC enactment was to ensure quicker resolution and faster recovery as banks have been grappling with a record pile of bad debt.

In May 2018 the number of cases settled before admission was 2,100 with the amount involved at £8.3 billion. For financial creditors, which also include home buyers in

case of residential real estate projects, NCLT had admitted claims of over £38 billion from financial creditors and the realisation was to the tune of £18 billion or around 46% of the claimed amount. This means that financial creditors took a haircut of around 54% of the claimed amount, indicating value erosion.

But it was a little less than twice the liquidation value, which was estimated at £9.6 billion, IBBI data showed. Insolvency experts have maintained that value realisation will improve as several of the 221 cases, that have been cleared under the insolvency resolution process so far, were admitted after a delay of years. With the new law

settling down, the process is also expected to gather momentum as the market matures. The pandemic, by all accounts, has however, dealt a blow, supressing the demand and valuation for stressed assets facing insolvency action.

The other advantage for creditors is quicker disposal of cases. The average time taken for resolution of 221 companies was 415 days, including the “excluded time” due to litigation in courts. Excluding the “excluded time” it worked out to 375 days, or a little over a year as against over four years in the pre-IBC era. In case of liquidation, where 914 cases were studied, the entire process is estimated to have taken 309 days.

RBI asks lenders to raise funds for possible pile up of bad debt The Reserve Bank of India is pushing banks and non-bank finance companies to raise capital to brace for a possible pile up in bad debt in the coming months. Private sector lenders such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank have responded by raising over £5 billion among them, but their public sector rivals are seen to be slow to enter the market, despite abundant liquidity in the system due to stimulus packages announced by governments across the world.

There is recognition in the government that state run banks will also need to raise equity and bolster their capital base before they start recognising loans as nonperforming assets and also set

aside funds for debt restructuring announced by RBI, but the finance ministry hasn’t got banks to work out the details just yet.

“RBI does not want a repeat of the situation after the financial crisis when some banks were slow to raise money. If that happens for public sector banks then the government will have to pump in additional capital,” a source said. State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank and Punjab National Bank are among lenders that

Lockdown affects 18.9 mn salaried jobs The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) has said salaried jobs suffered the biggest hit during the lockdown, with total loss estimated to be at 18.9 million during April-July. The plight of salaried employees has worsened since the lockdown, with a loss of 17.7 million salaried jobs in April and additional 1.2 million in May, followed by gain of 3.9 million jobs in June and then again loss of 5 million jobs in July, it said.

“While salaried jobs are not lost easily, once lost they are also far more difficult to retrieve. Therefore, their ballooning numbers are a source of worry. Salaried jobs were nearly 19 million short of their average in 2019-20. They were 22 per cent lower than their level in the last fiscal year,” it said. Informal and non-salaried jobs, however, have shown improvement during the same period increasing to 325.6 million in July from 317.6 million last year, an increase of 2.5 per cent, it said. Small traders, hawkers and daily wage labourers were the worst hit by the lockdown in April, comprising 91.2 million of the jobs lost from the total loss of 121.5 million in that month.

have started the process to raise money.

Most public sector banks are reluctant to hit the equity markets because their valuations have taken a beating. This substantially reduces the headroom for them to raise capital as they need to retain government stake at over 51%. For instance, Canara Bank’s share price of Rs 103 is almost a third of its 52-week high. The bank's current market cap, after merger with Syndicate Bank, is £1.5 billion, with government shareholding at 78%. If the bank raised £500 million the government holding would fall to 58%.

PSU bank chiefs say that the government has assured capital to the extent required.

However, there is uncertainty on the date when the

infusion will take place, which makes planning difficult. With the loan moratorium due to Covid-19 scheduled to end in a week, several companies will have to start repaying loans or queue up before banks to get them restructured. Given that strict norms are expected to be put in place, several entities may find it tough to get debt relief, which will force banks to classify them as NPAs and set aside capital to cover for losses in the coming quarters. RBI itself has warned that NPAs could hit a two-decade high of 14.7% by March. “Raising capital will be crucial not only to ensure credit flow but also to build resilience in the financial system,” RBI governor Shaktikanta Das had said recently.

China’s central bank buys small stake in ICICI bank The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) has made a quiet entry into ICICI Bank as a shareholder. Earlier, its disclosure about having an over 1% stake in housing finance major HDFC had led to some hectic activity at the Centre, including a change of rules for FDI from neighbouring countries.

The Chinese central bank has picked up a minuscule stake through a £1.5 million investment in the bank’s recently concluded qualified institutional placement (QIP), through which the Indian private sector lender had raised £1.5 billion,sources said. The stake was bought through an arm of PBoC, a source said without elaborating about the exact structure.

PBoC’s stake is very insignificant when compared to ICICI Bank’s market capitalisation of almost £ 24 billion, a source said. Current rules require that all listed companies should disclose the names of

shareholders who hold 1% or more of the listed entity’s equity capital.

Additionally, rules require that the names of all those investors who pick up at least 5% in a QIP offer should be disclosed. Hence, PBoC’s name does not show up in any of ICICI Bank’s recent disclosures, the source said.

The share purchase comes at a time when the government is looking to clamp down on stake acquisitions

by Chinese portfolio investors. The finance ministry and Sebi are seen to be dragging their feet on the issue.

Currently, among Indian companies, PBoC has stakes in HDFC, Ambuja Cement and Piramal Enterprises. In all the companies, the holding is below the 1% level, which necessitates compulsory disclosure.

By March-end, PBoC’s stake in HDFC was slightly above the 1% level as it bought some shares just before the Indian and Chinese military forces’ skirmish in the Galwan valley in Ladakh region.

Bouncing Back Suresh Vagjiani, Sow & Reap Properties Ltd

A client who invested in a deal which went a little wobbly, was keen to make his funds up again.

Rather than wallow, he asked me to help him how to make the funds back up.

I pointed him in the direction of a location which we feel will have continuous growth in years to come. This is backed by an in house report which drills down into the reasons why.

The price of the property is expected to increase very well, and this is where one makes the most money in property.

However, what’s interesting is the following, the borrowing rates are extremely cheap at the moment; when we did the numbers, it transpired there would be a passive income of over £12K. The client is looking to borrow the full amount of the purchase price of £226,000. £75,000 will come by way of a remortgage on his main house. This will cost 1.13% fixed, which equates to £847 considering it on an interest only basis.

The other £169,000 will be on the BTL property, the interest rate on this will be 2.13%. This will cost £3,600 pa.

Both mortgages are on fixed rate products which gives certainty with regards to the outgoing.

The property which has been agreed is a three bedder, spread over two floors, known as a duplex flat, and consists of 960 sq. ft. This is large for a 3 bedroom, and therefore there is potential to convert it to a 4 bedroom property.

This will increase the rental, however, by no means will the conversion be done aesthetically. Therefore, the rental may not be so much on the open market. However, the council have become favourite renters again. They are paying £1,600 for a 4 bedroom property in this location, and one bathroom is sufficient. Their rates are calculated based on only two factors, location and bedrooms, and can be checked online.

Allowing for a 10% management fee this means there will be an income of over £12K per annum for the client.

Even if we assume the location doesn’t appreciate, and 18 pages of hard research says it will, the client has a stable income of £12K, which should increase gradually with time.

A council let, was often scorned by landlords, however it has a lot going for it at the moment. A council tenant is not likely to require a payment holiday, as in effect the government is paying.

The problem landlords perceive is the fluctuation of benefit income, which is down to policy at the time, and also when it comes to eviction, it tends to be a more longer drawn out process.

However, a recent case has made rejecting DSS tenants illegal. It is unknown how this will fit into current mortgages, many of which do not allow DSS tenants in any property they have lent on.

With this kind of cash flow, and arguably currently the strongest location in London, if not the UK, this investment is expected to perform well in years to come.

IN A FIRST, INDIAN SPACE TECH CO PIXXEL GETS $5M In a first, the 18-month-old startup Pixxel has raised what is perhaps the largest seed funding of $5 million to send satellites into space from India. This also marks the first investment in the sector by established institutional venture capital firms Lightspeed India and Blume Ventures. Started by 22-year-old Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, the startup plans to send its first earth-imaging satellite into space in November. GrowX Venture, Inventus Capital India, Stanford Angels and Ryan Johnson, who co-founded satellite imaging firm BlackBridge, have also participated in the fund-raise. Pixxel has signed MoUs and letters of intent with leading agriculture and oil & gas firms in India and the US, who would use the image data.

NCLT WILL CHECK SBI’S PLEAS AGAINST ANIL AMBANI The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) appointed a resolution professional (RP) Jitender Kothari to recommend whether to admit State Bank of India’s twin insolvency petitions against Anil Ambani to recover £120 million of loans guaranteed by him. The NCLT’s common order appointing an RP was sought to be stayed by Ambani’s senior counsel J J Bhatt. The application was rejected by the tribunal, following an objection by senior counsel Venkatesh Dhond. State Bank of India’s twin petitions for appointment of an RP under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code was heard by the NCLT bench which passed the order. In 2016, Reliance Communications (RCom) and Reliance Infratel borrowed £56.5 million and £63.5 million respectively from SBI to refinance debt on the back of a personal guarantee from Ambani, chairperson of Reliance Group, along with other securities.

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PAKISTAN & BANGLADESH

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Dawood Ibrahim among 88 named in Pak terrorist list ISLAMABAD: In an apparent attempt to avoid blacklisting by Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Pakistan has issued a fresh notification proscribing 88 chiefs and members of terrorist groups, including 1993 Mumbai blasts mastermind Dawood Ibrahim and LeT commander and key 26/11 accused Zaki-urRehman Lakhvi, in compliance with the new list issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) recently.

Significantly, the 2020 statutory notification, issued on August 18, mentioned Dawood’s White House address in Karachi in what Indian officials see as the first acknowledgment by Islamabad that the 1993 Mumbai blasts mastermind is in Pakistan.

While copies of similar notifications in 2015 and 2019 also mentioned the same address, Indian government sources said these statutory resolutions “appeared to be back-dated”.

“If these were true, then it would have been reflected in FATF records,” said a source, adding Lakhvi and Dawood had never been mentioned by Pakistan in any official document till the 2020 statutory resolution.

Dawood Ibrahim

Lakhvi, the “operational commander” of the 26/11 attacks, has been held previously only to be released due to indifferent court processes in Pakistan where judges and prosecutors have changed frequently.

Pak terms it a routine matter In an official statement, Pakistan's ministry of foreign affairs said the statutory regulatory orders (SROs) reflect the current status of the UN Taliban and ISIL (Da’esh) and AQ Sanctions list and are a “routine matter”.

Looking to downplay the impression that Dawood’s addresses are acceptance of his presence in Pakistan, the statement said

Pak PM Imran under fire for ineffective Kashmir policies PESHAWAR: Right-wing Pakistani politician and president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman criticized Imran Khan-led government for its ineffective policies regarding Kashmir. While addressing his supporters in Peshawar recently, Maulana lambasted Prime Minister Imran Khan as his government failed to counter India on Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 last year.

"India revoked Kashmir's special status and tactically announced the region as its integral part and we were pushed downwards. What were we thinking yesterday and what are we thinking today? Yesterday, we were thinking how to take Srinagar, today we are thinking as to how to save Muzaffarabad", said Maulana while adding that Pakistan can no longer function under the incumbent government.

India on August 5, 2019, revoked the special status of Kashmir in a bid to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. The state was bifurcated into Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Maulana also vowed to continue the fight against what he termed a "dictatorial" regime, saying that the party is determined to establish the supremacy of the law and Constitution in the country.

The JUI-F leader said that national interests should be put before party interests. It is not for the first time that Maulana wants to get rid of the ruling PTI government. Back in 2018, after losing the election, Maulana Fazlur Rehman threatened to disrupt the political process in the country if the results of General Elections 2018 were not declared "null and void".

Then again in 2019, the JUI-F's chief announced to topple the government if the premier and his cabinet do not step down.

He also said that it was the last protest in Quetta and there was going to be a freedom march in the months to come.

reports about Pakistan imposing new sanctions measures are incorrect and “as to Pakistan admitting to the presence of certain listed individuals on its territory, based on the information contained in the SRO, is baseless and misleading”.

In the Pakistan notification, Dawood’s details are provided under serial no. QDi.135 - as in the UNSC list of sanctions - and gives out all his details including his passport numbers, and address in Clifton, Karachi. The entry is the same as the UNSC list, which has his aliases, residential address in Karachi (Pakistan) and his passport details (he has 9 Indian passports and 5 Pakistan

passports). In all 5 Pakistani passports, the entry says “misuse” indicating that Pakistan has not provided them through official means.

“As of August 18, 2020, the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee has approved the entries specified below to its List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 2368 (2018) adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,” stated the SRO numbered 741(I)/2020, issued by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sources in New Delhi, however, pointed out that this will not mean much since he has not been put on Pakistan’s national terror list - the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTASchedule IV, Proscribed Persons) List. Sources said Islamabad has reproduced the UNSC list, hoping to get past the FATF in September. Pakistan has been under scrutiny of the FATF, the global terrorist financing watchdog, for the last two years, and has so far fulfilled only half of the 27-point action plan of the FATF.

Pak in tight spot over strained ties with Riyadh, UAE-Israel peace deal ISLAMABAD: Even as Pakistan was reeling under the impact of strained ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAEIsrael peace deal has thrown up more foreign policy challenges. Recently in an interview, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had rejected any possibility of the country establishing relations with Israel, according to a report in The Express Tribune.

"Our stance is very clear from day one and Quaid-iAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had said Pakistan can never accept state of Israel until the people of Palestine get rights and state," he said in an interview with a new channel, as per the report.

As Imran Khan completes two years in power, Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi's recent adverse remarks about its traditional ally Saudi Arabia along with the UAE-Israel deal, which could have wider ramifications for Pakistan, have put the country in a tough spot.

On the first anniversary of the revocation of Article 370 by India, Qureshi criticised Saudi Arabia in a TV interview for not obliging Pakistan over the issue of 'organising' a meeting of the Council of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers (CFM) on Kashmir in early February 2020.

Qureshi's outburst led to Riyadh's anger, which

Imran Khan

forced Pakistan to pay back USD 1bn prematurely and is demanding another USD 1bn of the loan. General Qamar Jawed Bajwa, Pakistani Army Chief rushed to Saudi Arabia to contain the fallout from Qureshi's remarks.

However, as per Pakistani media reports, he failed to secure a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Qureshi later went China. The visit assumes significance in the wake of recent downturn in ties with Saudi Arabia.

Even though the Pakistani Prime Minister has sought to improve ties with Turkey, whose President's grand-ambitions to emerge as leader of Muslim world is well known, risking ties with Saudi Arabia could prove to be costly for Islamabad. As per media reports, Qureshi's comments have not gone down well with the all powerful military. And the military, which is known to formulate Pakistan's Foreign policy, has shown desperation to improve ties with Saudi Arabia.

The signing of UAEIsrael peace deal has further complicated the situation for Pakistan. Pakistan has traditionally relied on Saudi Arabia and UAE for economic bailout. While Iran has criticised the deal, Pakistan ambiguously said it is a development with far reaching implications.

Riyadh has helped Islamabad many times, including helping in paying for Pakistan's first batch of F-16 fighter aircraft in the 1980s and providing USD 6 billion loans that helped Pakistan tide over its balance of payments crisis just two years ago.

Saudi Arabia had come to Pakistan's rescue in 2018 when it had agreed to provide $3.2 billion worth of oil on deferred payments per annum as part of its $ 6.2 billion package to help Pakistan tide over its balance of payment crisis. The balance $3 billion was delivered as a cash-loan. Saudis had activated the deferred payment facility for three years from 1 July 2019, and the agreement signed in May had come up for renewal this year.

However, the Saudis, visibly upset at Pakistan's behaviour, have possibly discontinued the arrangement.

Among other things, Pakistan's tilt towards Turkey, Malaysia, and Iran, as also its growing economic and strategic dependence on China might have annoyed the Saudis.

in brief PAK PM RULES OUT RECOGNISING ISRAEL AS A STATE Pakistan PM Imran Khan has categorically rejected any possibility of establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, according to a media report. “Our position on Israel is very clear. Pakistan can never recognise Israel. If we surrender to Israel, then we must leave Kashmir,” Khan said in an interview to a private news channel to mark the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ’s two years in power last week. “The Quaid-i-Azam (Muhammad Ali Jinnah) had said in 1948 that Pakistan could not recognise Israel unless it gave freedom to Palestinians,” he said. About UAE’s deal to establish ties with Israel, Khan said every state has its own foreign policy. Answering a question on reports of strained ties with Saudi Arabia over Kashmir, Khan said Islamabad did not wish to divide the Muslim world. “Saudi Arabia has its own foreign policy and news of breakdown in ties with Riyadh is baseless,” he said.

ISRAEL TO OPPOSE US F-35 JET SALE TO UAE Israel and the United Arab Emirates may be reaching a historic normalisation of their diplomatic ties, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said it remains opposed to future arms sales to Gulf country.

And that includes reports in Israeli media that the Trump administration is planning a "giant" sale of F-35 fighter jets to the UAE as part of the deal. Last week the two countries agreed to normalize their relationship, but there has been an understanding going back decades that Washington would refrain from Middle East arms sales that could blunt Israel's military edge against regional rivals. However, the White House did signal that UAE could be free to clinch unspecified new US arms sales moving forward. Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz underlined the need for Israel's safety. "I'm telling you that we must take no security risks. At the same time I repeatedly tell you that we should promote this agreement.” The US Embassy in Jerusalem and representatives of the UAE government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Netanyahu's office says they oppose deals that would "tip the balance."

CPC EXPELS XI CRITIC China’s Communist Party has expelled a staunch critic of President Xi Jinping who has accused him among others of “provoking” conflict with other countries, including with India, to divert the attention of the Chinese public from domestic economic and social tensions. The Communist Party of China (CPC) expelled Cai Xia, a former professor at the Central Party School, as punishment for speeches “that damaged the reputation of the country”, South China Morning Post has reported. Cai told the Post that she was safe in the US but declined to elaborate. In an interview, Cai said Xi was provoking conflict between China and India besides encouraging anti-US sentiment to consolidate his own authority. She also criticised Xi on multiple issues, including the constitutional amendment removing the twoterm limit. Cai said she is “happy to be expelled”.

“I believe I am not the only one who wants to leave this party,” she added.

MALI’S PRESIDENT QUITS AFTER BEING ARRESTED IN COUP Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigned after being detained by a military junta that pledged to shepherd a democratic transition. Keita has faced criticism for corruption and nepotism within his administration, and the mishandling of an escalating extremism in the nation. He appeared on national TV to say that he was dissolving his cabinet and parliament, and complying with soldiers’ demands that he quit. “I don’t want a single drop of blood to be shed to keep me in office,” he said.

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AFRICA & SRI LANKA 21

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in brief CHINESE CITIZENS TOLD TO CONTROL FOOD HABITS Chinese President Xi Jinping called its citizens to control food habits and "maintain a sense of crisis about food security" as the country is heading for a severe food crisis. Last week, Xi announced a food waste minimisation campaign as China continues to grapple with a slowing economy and the coronavirus pandemic disrupting the food supply chain. He highlighted that the Civid -19 pandemic had "sounded the alarm" on overeating food habits. Xi labelled attitudes toward excess food consumption "shocking and distressing". The country has faced several food crises over the past year. The food crisis made worse after record flooding across southern China, which left farms wrecked and ruined tonnes of produce and a swine fever epidemic leading to the mass culling of pigs. According to the Chinese government curbing food waste will help improve food security and strengthen the country's ability to cope with food imports.

MOSQUE CONVERTED INTO PUBLIC TOILET IN CHINA A public washroom has been constructed on the site of a demolished mosque in Atush of Xinjiang province in northwestern China.

According to the reports, the authorities had demolished two of three mosques there in a drive launched in 2016 to demolish Muslim places of worship, known as "Mosque Rectification" which is a small part of policies against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in China. In an interview conducted by Radio Free Asia (RFA), Uyghur neighbourhood committee chief from Suntagh village in Atush said the mosque was torn down in 2018. "It's a public toilet, they haven't opened it yet, but it's built," he added. It is being said in the past few years, China has been hellbent on breaking the spirit of Uyghur Muslims. The campaign is part of a series of hardline policies which included carrying out the mass incarceration of 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in its internment camps across Xinjiang since April 2017.

ERDOGAN TURNS CHORA CHURCH INTO A MOSQUE Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan reconverted the historic Chora church, one of Istanbul’s most celebrated Byzantine buildings, into a mosque, a month after opening the famed Hagia Sophia to Muslim worship. The mediaeval Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, built near the ancient city walls of Constantinople, contains 14th century Byzantine mosaics and frescoes showing scenes from biblical stories.

They were plastered over after the city was conquered by the Ottomans in 1453, but brought to light again when - like Hagia Sophia - the building was converted to a museum by Turkey’s secular republic more than 70 years ago. Last year a Turkish court annulled a 1945 government decision converting Chora - known as Kariye in Turkish - into a museum. Last week, an edict signed by Erdogan declared the Kariye Mosque opened to worship.

US TO DEMAND RESTORATION OF UN CURBS AGAINST IRAN The Trump administration is set to demand the restoration of all international sanctions on Iran in a move that will further isolate the US at the UN, test the credibility of the UN security council and possibly deal a fatal blow to one of former President Obama’s signature foreign policy achievements. At President Trump’s direction, secretary of state Mike Pompeo will travel to New York to notify the world body that the US is invoking the “snapback” mechanism in the UNSC resolution that endorsed the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. “The US intends to restore virtually all of the previously suspended UN sanctions on Iran,” Trump said. “It’s a snapback.” But the US move faces steep opposition and could prompt a revolt from the council’s other members.

India donates buses, trucks and motorcycles to Ugandan forces KAMPALA: The government of India has donated an assortment of vehicles and motorcycles to the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) to supplement their professionalization efforts. The donation is a fulfilment of the earlier pledge

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visited Uganda in July 2018.

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Adolf Mwesige, who received the donation at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on behalf of the government expressed his gratitude for the historic bilateral friendship existing between both countries.

India donated 10 Tata buses to the UPDF

He noted that the gesture will help UPDF register successes in delivering national security, regional and international peace. Mwesige said that the various cooperation offers and support in technical and professional fields have enhanced the professional disposition of UPDF.

"We view them as a sign of brotherly friendship and we shall always remain grateful for this immense cooperation," Mwesige said. The defence minister promised that the vehicles will be put to good use since they will enhance troop mobility in the execution of national defence as guided by the

Commander in Chief of the UPDF Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda Ajay Kumar commended Uganda for maintaining the deep-rooted historic relationship between both countries, saying this is hinged on the struggle for both freedom and independence.

India pledged to continue supporting the UPDF in terms of capacity building and training.

Others in attendance included; the Chief of Logistics and Engineering Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura, representatives from the Indian community in Uganda, and other UPDF senior officers.

Ruto's new political strategy against Uhuru, Raila NAIROBI: Kenya's deputy president William Ruto has adopted a new political strategy to project himself as an outsider in government while heaping blame on President Uhuru Kenyatta for every failure in the executive.

Ruto has also trained his guns on Uhuru’s handshake partner Raila Odinga, claiming the ODM leader agreed to a ceasefire with the government in order to loot.

William Ruto, Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga

For the first time since he and Uhuru formed the government in 2013, Ruto has publicly admitted to corruption in government, saying Covid-19 funds have been squandered. The DP has termed the Covid-19 graft allegations as “grand larceny”.

Ruto denied that money was lost in the NYS scandal and even

in the Arror and Kimwarer dams scandals where his close allies were charged. Just last week, he termed the arrest of three senators abuse of the police and the criminal justice system meant to arm-twist elected leaders into surrender.

Insiders say Ruto is running

away from any Jubilee baggage that may haunt his 2022 presidential bid, especially after it became clearer that Uhuru will not endorse him for the top job.

He would instead claim Raila should take the flak as he was the man who was working with Uhuru. Ruto has been elbowed

Lankan President vows to abolish 19th Amendment COLOMBO: Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa vowed to abolish the 19th Amendment that curtailed the powers of the President and strengthened the role of Parliament. 'Our first task will be to remove the 19th amendment to the Constitution,” he said while making the ceremonial address outlining his policies at the inaugural session of the new Parliament last week. This stands in contrast to the comments made by his ministers that 19A would only be subject to amendments while retaining its healthy provisions.

The 19A adopted in 2015 by the then reformist government was subject to much criticism by the Rajapaksa clan as it prevented dual citizens from contesting elections. At the time, two of the Rajapaksa family members, including the current president were dual citizens of the US and Sri Lanka. During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the

Gotabaya Rajapaksa

225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A. The SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a twothird majority to effect the constitutional change they desire. Rajapaksa stressed that while introducing a new Constitution, “it is essential to make changes to the current electoral system”. While Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as the Sri Lankan President in November last year, his eldest brother Mahida Rajapaksa won the general election and assumed charge as Prime Minister on August 9.

Rajapaksa was delighted that the public had given him two thirds majority - 'for the first time in the history in an election held under the proportional representation

system”. The 19A was the main election plank of the previous government.

The 19A depoliticised the government administration by ensuring the independence of key pillars such as the judiciary, public service and elections. The reformists in 2015 argued that the 19A was needed to correct the power imbalance created by the 18A which the government of Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2010 had introduced. The 18A lifted the two term bar for a president to run for office. The 19A brought in the reversal bringing back the two terms bar and reducing the presidential term from 6 to 5 years. It pruned the powers of the presidency and empowered parliament.

During his speech, President Rajapaksa also stressed that his governance will be based while giving foremost place to Buddhism - the religion of the 77 per cent of Sri Lankans. 'While ensuring priority for Buddhism it is now clear to the people that freedom of any citizen to practice the religion of his or her choice is better secured”, he said.

from the heart of power and remains at the periphery in the running of government. On Monday, Soy MP Caleb Kositany, the DP's de facto spokesperson on political issues, told the Star that Ruto was happy that finally Kenyans will not blame him for graft. “In the past the DP has been labelled a thief. It was almost becoming believable that the DP had everything to do with any corruption that happened in government. Now that they kicked him out, they should be ready to take responsibility,” Kositany said. According to Kositany, the DP will continue being bold in the coming days to expose graft in government without fear or favour, saying the handshake was masterminded to abet corruption.

NEC gives Magufuli nod to contest Oct polls DAR ES SALAAM: The National E l e c t o r a l Commission (NEC) has given John Magufuli and his running mate Samia Suluhu Hassan the nod to contest as presidential and vice John Magufuli presidential candidates on the CCM ticket.

Magufuli, who is seeking re-election after serving as President of Tanzania since 2015, returned nomination forms in Dodoma in company of his running mate Samia and other party leaders including the party's Secretary General Bashiru Ally. NEC chairman Judge Semistocles Kaijage declared that the forms had been duly filled and had met all the requirements set by the electoral body.

The two were provided with a set of forms for further official processes. Similar forms were also provided to the CCM Secretary General Ally. President Magufuli and his running mate Samia collected NEC nomination forms on August 6 in Dodoma. Magufuli was accompanied by Ally, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, National Assembly Speaker Job Ndugai, party's women wing chairperson Gaudensia Kabaka and several other party cadres. Like all other presidential aspirants, Magufuli was required to fill in four sets of Form No. 8A that consist of 10 pages each that was to be used for collecting guarantors in 10 regions, at least two of them from Zanzibar.

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Fresh unrest erupts after another Black man shot in US Washington: Kenosha, a county in Wisconsin, became the latest flash point in US after the police shot and wounded a Black man as he leaned into his SUV while his three children sat in the vehicle. Protesters set cars on fire, smashed windows and clashed with officers in riot gear on Sunday night, while Democratic Governor Tony Evers and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden condemned the shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake, who was hospitalised in serious condition.

Police said Blake was shot while they were responding to a call about a domestic dispute.

They did not immediately disclose the race of the three officers at the scene or say whether Blake was armed or why police opened fire, and they released no details on the domestic dispute. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Blake's family, said Blake was simply trying to do the right thing by intervening in

a domestic incident.

The officers were placed on administrative leave while the state Justice Department investigates. Kenosha County imposed an 8 pm curfew to try to head off another round of violence on Monday night. The shooting happened around 5 pm on Sunday and was captured from across the street on cellphone video that was posted online. In the footage, Blake walks from the sidewalk around the front of his SUV to his driver-side door as officers follow him with their guns pointed and shout at him. As Blake opens the door and leans

into the SUV, an officer grabs his shirt from behind and opens fire while Blake has his back turned.

Seven shots can be heard, though it isn't clear how many struck Blake or how many officers fired. During the shooting, a Black woman can be seen screaming in the street and jumping up and down. While we do not have all of the details yet, the governor said in a statement, "what we know for certain is that he is not the first Black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands individuals in law of

enforcement in our state or our country.”

Biden called for an immediate, full and transparent investigation and said the must be held officers accountable. This morning, the nation wakes up yet again with grief and outrage that yet another Black American is a victim of excessive force," he said, just over two months before Election Day in a country already roiled by the recent deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky.

"Those shots pierce the soul of our nation."

Republicans and the police union accused the politicians of rushing to judgment, reflecting the deep partisan divide in Wisconsin, a key presidential battleground state. Wisconsin GOP members also decried the violent protests, echoing the law-and-order theme that President Donald Trump has been using in his reelection campaign.

Trump and Biden trying to woo Hindus in US WASHINGTON: In a sign of the growing political prominence of Hindus in America, the Trump and Biden campaigns are wooing this small religious minority community like never before.

Hinduism is the fourth largest faith in the US, representing approximately one per cent of the US population in 2016.

While the Trump campaign promises that re-electing President Donald Trump will “reduce obstacles to religious freedoms” for Hindus in America, the rival Biden campaign said former vice president Joe Biden has made outreach to the Hindu faith community a priority.

For the first time in an American presidential election, the Trump Campaign on August 14 announced the formation of the “Hindu Voices

for Trump.” Two days later, prominent Hindu leader Neelima Gonuguntla participated in an interfaith service to kick off the Democratic National Convention, which the Biden campaign said was another sign of the growing political prominence of Hindus in America.

“Hindus for Trump honours contributions by millions of Americans of Hindu faith,” said the campaign which has taken a lead ahead of the Biden campaign. “The inclusive economy, commitment to building up US-Indian relations, and fierce support for religious liberties for all is unmatched.

Re-electing President Trump will reduce obstacles to religious freedoms for Hindus in America,” asserted the Trump campaign.

Biden “has made outreach

to the Hindu faith community a priority,” South Asians for Biden, a political platform, said.

Over the weekend, the Biden campaign released the platform for Indian-Americans, which addresses several key concerns of the Hindu community.

Notably, Biden proposes stiffening penalties for hate crimes committed at houses of worship, such as temples, and increasing the security grants available to such houses of worship. He has also pledged to make the prosecution of hate crimes a priority for his Department of Justice, the campaign said.

“Increased access to the security grants and prioritising the prosecution of hate crimes is critical for our Hindu community,” said Niki Shah, a Hindu community organiser who worked closely on Hindu initiatives for former president

Barack Obama’s faith-based council.

“It was important to have a representative from the Hindu community because we wanted this interfaith service to reflect our nation’s religious diversity,” said Josh Dickson, National Faith Engagement Director at Biden for President, explaining inviting Gonuguntla to participate in the interfaith service. Gonuguntla, who serves as a board member of the Chinmaya Mission Dallas Fort Worth, shared verses from sacred Hindu texts, including the Vedas and the Mahabharata.

“The participation of a HinduAmerican took on added significance, given that Senator Kamala Harris, who is Vice President Biden’s running mate, grew up in a household that was both Hindu and Christian,” South Asians for Biden said.

Biden praises tough Harris in nomination acceptance speech WASHINGTON: As Joe Biden accepted the Democratic Party nomination for the White House last week, he praised his running mate Kamala Harris during his acceptance speech, describing the senator from California as a “powerful voice” in the US as he pointed out to her “American story.”

Harris is the first IndianAmerican and Black woman to get a major party’s vice presidential nomination. The 55-year-old former California attorney general got the nomination on the third day of the virtual Democratic National Convention.

“It will be the work of the next president to restore the promise of America to everyone. And I am not going to have to do it alone. I will have a great vice president at my side,” Biden said in his acceptance speech.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

The 77-year-old Biden talked about Harris’ diverse family, her parents are Jamaican and Indian, heritage and her perseverance to “overcome every obstacle she has ever faced.” “Her story is the American story. She knows about all of the obstacles thrown in the way of so many in our country.

Women, Black women, Black Americans, South Asian

Americans, immigrants. The left out and the left behind. She has overcome every obstacle she has ever faced,” he said on the last day of the four-day Democratic National Convention.

“No one has been tougher on big banks and the gun lobby. No one has been tougher on calling out the current administration for its extremism, its failure to follow

the law, it’s failure to simply tell the truth. Kamala and I both draw from our families. That is where we get our strength. For Kamala, it is Doug, and their families. For me, it is Jill, and ours,” Biden said.

Introducing herself as the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants at the virtual convention, Harris fondly remembered her Chennai-born mother who she said taught her two daughters to “be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people” and to believe that “the fight for justice is a shared responsibility.” “One of the most powerful voices we hear in the country today is from our young people. They’re speaking to the inequity and injustice that has grown up in America. Economic injustice.

Racial injustice. Environmental injustice,” Biden said.

in brief US SUSPENDS EXTRADITION TREATY WITH HK The Hong Kong government condemned the US’s decision to suspend bilateral extradition and tax exemption treaties with the semiautonomous Chinese city, saying it was being used as a pawn in geopolitics. Last week, the US suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong. The US also suspended a bilateral agreement with Hong Kong on the reciprocal tax exemptions on income derived from the international operation of ships. “The US’ unilateral decision reflects its disrespect for bilateralism and multilateralism under the current administration and should be condemned by the international community,” the government statement said. “The HKSAR Government strongly objects to US’ action, which is widely seen as a move to create troubles in China-US relationship, using Hong Kong as a pawn.” The government said that the agreements were not preferential treatment, but were negotiated in good faith to benefit both parties.

WHEN A SWISS TOWN GOT COVERED IN CHOCOLATE DUST Residents of a Swiss town got a bit of a shock when it started snowing particles of a fine cocoa powder after the ventilation system at a chocolate factory malfunctioned.

The Lindt & Spruengli company confirmed local reports that there was a minor defect in the cooling ventilation for a line for roasted “cocoa nibs” in its factory in Olten, between Zurich and Basel. The nibs, fragments of crushed cocoa beans, are the basis of chocolate. Combined with strong winds, the powder spread around the immediate vicinity of the factory, leaving a fine cocoa dusting. The company says one car was lightly coated, and that it has offered to pay for any cleaning needed. Factory production was able to continue as normal and the company says the particles were completely harmless to people or the environment. The ventilation system has now been repaired.

PANDEMIC NOW DRIVEN

BY YOUNG ADULTS The WHO said it was concerned that the coronavirus spread was being driven by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. “The epidemic is changing,” WHO Western Pacific regional director, Takeshi Kasai, told a virtual briefing. “People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are increasingly driving the spread. Many are unaware they are infected. This increases the risk of spillovers to the more vulnerable.” A surge in new cases has prompted some nations to re-impose curbs as companies race to find a vaccine for a virus that has killed over 7,70,000 people. Countries putting their interests ahead of others in trying to ensure supplies of a possible vaccine are making the pandemic worse, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva. “No one is safe until everyone is safe,” he said, calling for an end to “vaccine nationalism”.

AIR FORCE ONE WAS NEARLY HIT BY A SMALL DRONE President Trump’s jet was nearly hit by what appeared to be a small drone as it approached an air base near Washington last week, according to several people aboard Air Force One. The device, which was yellow and black and shaped like a cross, was off the right side of the plane. It was seen by several passengers on the jet, shortly before it touched down at the base in Maryland. A reporter tweeted he saw the jet flew “right over a small object, remarkably close to the president's plane”. The White House military office and the Air Force’s 89th Airlift Wing said that they were “aware of the report” and “the matter is under review”.

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Military options open if talks with China fail, says CDS India's chief of defence staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat said if the ongoing diplomatic and military talks with China do not lead to a breakthrough in the stalled troop disengagement and de-escalation in eastern Ladakh, the country is keeping its “military options” open.

In a clear signal of intent to China, Gen Rawat said the Indian armed forces “remain prepared for military actions” if “peaceful efforts” through talks did not succeed in restoring the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as it existed in April. The statement appears aimed at conveying that a prolonged stand-off with Chinese troops camping in certain areas like Pangong and Depsang will not be acceptable.

“Military options to deal with transgressions by the Chinese army in Ladakh are there, but they will be exercised only if talks at the military and the diplomatic level fail,” Gen Rawat said.

The military confrontation

General Bipin Rawat

in Ladakh is in its fourth month now, with China refusing to complete the proposed troop disengagement in Pangong Tso and Gogra as well as de-escalate the military build-up in the strategically-located Depsang Plains-Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) sector.

The Indian defence establishment had presented a range of options for ‘limited’ military action in the aftermath of the bloody clashes in Galwan Valley, which left 20 Indian soldiers and an unspecified number of Chinese troops dead. The options range from forcible eviction of Chinese soldiers from Indian territory to a

calibrated and localised conflict in conjunction with political, diplomatic and economic measures. But the political leadership will have to take the final decision. A ‘counter-incursion’ by Indian forces into Chinese territory in some other sector in order to gain some leverage in negotiations remains a more feasible option. “Our forces can also go across the LAC and sit on China’s territory somewhere else as a bargaining chip,” a senior official said.

China shows no intent of budging China is showing no intent of disengaging from

the troop confrontation in eastern Ladakh, while further digging in its heels by continuing to build roads, bridges, helipads and other military infrastructure along the line of actual control (LAC) to back its troops at the actual face-off sites.

“China is indulging in pingpong tactics by shuttling the ball between diplomatic and military talks, without any serious attempt at conflict resolution. There is no change in the ground situation,” said a senior military official.

India, of course, has counter-deployed to match the build-up of troops, artillery, tanks and other heavy weaponry by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in all the three sectors of the 3,488-km long stretching from LAC Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.The strategy being finalised for any contingency as well as the long haul in the already well over 100-day military confrontation in eastern Ladakh was discussed in a flurry of top-level meetings over last wee.

States told to ensure smooth movement of people, goods In an important direction aimed at ensuring smooth functioning of supply chains vital for the economy, the home ministry asked states to ensure unhindered movement of inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods in accordance with ‘Unlock 3’ guidelines issued by it on July 29 and applicable countrywide till August 31. The Centre has said such curbs are a violation of ministry of home affairs guidelines.

Drawing attention to the norms, home secretary Ajay Bhalla in a communication to all state chief secretaries said they clearly stipulate that no separate “permission/approval/e-permit” will be required for such movements, including the movement of persons and goods for cross land border trade under treaties with neighboring countries. The latter reference is relevant in the context of West Bengal government imposing curbs on movement of goods into Bangladesh.

Several states continue to impose restrictions on movement of goods and even state and private transport like buses in view of Covid situations in some parts of their jurisdictions. This has been seen as a problem for supply chains and has affected availability at the retail end. It is seen as disruptive of efforts to get the economy moving after having ground to a halt during the three phases of the lockdown.

“It has, however, been reported that local level restrictions on movement are being imposed by various districts/states. Such restrictions are creating problems in inter-state movement of goods and services and are impacting the supply chain resulting in disruption of economic activities and employment, besides affecting supply of goods and services,” Bhalla stated.

Centre withdraws nearly 10,000 Rahul launches fresh attack on govt over Rafale deal security personnel from J&K The Centre has decided to withdraw 100 companies (around 10,000 personnel) of central paramilitary forces from Jammu and Kashmir after a security review, officials familiar with the development said.

They said the decision was taken as a large number of troops were deployed in the valley for more than one and a half years now who needed to be rested. Significantly, the security situation in the valley has improved and terrorists are on the back foot, the officers said.

On Wednesday last, 40 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and 20 each of the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) were withdrawn by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) and were asked to report back to their respective locations.

The security grid in J-K was strengthened with an additional 600 odd companies (around 60,000 troops) rushed there just ahead of the government’s decision to withdraw the special status of J-K and bifurcate it into two union territories on August 5, 2019.

These troops were stationed at various locations from where terrorist incidents, stone pelting incidents were reported.

According to the latest gov-

Rahul Gandhi launched a fresh attack on the government over the Rafale deal, provoking a sharp response from Union minister Piyush Goyal who said the opposition party is welcome to contest the 2024 elections on the issue and claimed that many Congressmen had confided that the former Congress chief ’s obsession with the deal is damaging the party. ernment data, stone pelting incidents have drastically reduced this year as compared to 2019 or 2018. In 2018, there were 532 incidents of stone pelting in Kashmir, 389 in 2019 but only 102 such incidents were reported this year so far.

Senior officers deployed in the valley have claimed that the locals don’t disrupt

the counter-terror operations anymore and there is more support from the public in general. With the latest decision, around 400 additional companies of paramilitary forces are still deployed in J-K in additional to CRPF’s regular 67 battalions (around 67,000 personnel) and army and the J-K police.

The fresh controversy cropped up after Rahul cited media reports which claimed that the CAG had submitted its performance audit on defence offset contracts to the Centre with no mention of any offset deals related to the purchase of Rafale fighters.

“Money was stolen from the Indian exchequer in

Rafale,” Rahul tweeted while quoting Mahatma Gandhi: “Truth is one, paths are many.” In a sharp reaction to the Congress member’s comments, railway minister Piyush Goyal claimed that people within Congress feel that Gandhi was obsessed with the Rafale deal to wash off his father’s “sins”. “Many of @RahulGandhi’s Congress colleagues confide in private that Rahul’s obsession with Rafale to wash off his father’s sins is damaging

Sonia, Mamata convene meeting of CMs A day after fireworks at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, with the party still trying to recover, an attempt is being made to recover lost ground and do some damage control. Sources said party interim president Sonia Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have got together to take on the BJP over an issue they feel can endear themselves to many, especially students. The two leaders have convened a meeting of like-minded opposition chief ministers at 2.30 pm on Wednesday.

Apart from Banerjee and chief ministers of Congress-ruled states,

Jharkhand's Hemant Soren and Maharashtra's Uddhav Thackeray attend the meeting to be held through video-conference. Top of the agenda is postponement of the NEET and JEE Main examinations scheduled for the first week of September. Also on the agenda is protecting the federal structure of the country.

Mamata wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the second time, asking for postponement of the exams to be held amid the coronavirus pandemic. Sources said the issue of compensation to states would also be discussed in a bid to evolve a collective

stand ahead of the the August 27 GST Council meeting.

The meeting assumes significance as it will be held in the backdrop of an almost non-existent opposition unity, especially over key issues. Opposition unity has taken a huge setback, particularly during parliament sessions due to which the government was able to pass key bills, such as the one on triple talaaq.At the initiative of Mamata and Sonia, a renewed attempt is being made to rally together the opposition to take on the BJP government over an issue likely to resonate with many, especially students and middle class.

the party. But if someone is wanting to self-destruct, who are we to complain? We invite him to fight 2024 elections on Rafale,” Goyal tweeted. Meanwhile, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the CAG report on defence offset performance will be tabled in the next session of Parliament.

“The C&AG Report No 20 of 2019... Defence Offset Performance was scheduled to be tabled in Parliament during the budget session (2020). The session ended, before date, due to Covid.

Now the report will be placed in the next session.

The contents will be known only after that,” Sitharaman said in a series of tweets.

Rahul continues to take up the Rafale deal even after the Supreme Court gave a clean chit to the government in the purchase of the fighter jets. The deal was part of Congress’ campaign in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. India has already received the first set of five Rafales from France in July this year.

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in brief

Twitter war between AIADMK, BJP over 'potent govt' CHENNAI: Ties between Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK and its ally, the BJP, have touched a new low after a sharp exchange of words on Twitter over the state government's ban on public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi amid a spike in Covid-19 cases.

Earlier last week BJP national secretary H Raja tweeted that the government in neighbouring BJP-led Karnataka was "potent" because it had allowed the festival to be celebrated in public spaces.

Many interpreted the comment as Raja saying that the Tamil Nadu government was impotent. This led to a furious back-and-forth online war between leaders from the two parties that fought the 2019 Lok Sabha polls together. "The AIADMK is a potent party and the AIADMK government is a potent government. Don't rub

us the wrong way," D Jayakumar, a senior minister, tweeted in response.

Jayakumar also took a swipe at Tamil Nadu BJP's social media convenor, CTR Nirmal Kumar, who said the AIADMK "hid behind a woman for 30 years" - a reference to the late J Jayalalithaa, the former party chief and four-term chief minister. Jayakumar also took a dig at Raja over controversial social media comments on the judiciary; Raja had initially blamed the comments on his Twitter "administrator" and later apologised to the Madras High Court.

With just nine months to go before Assembly elections in the southern state, many say there is a marked shift in the AIADMK's approach towards the BJP, even though it has, for the most part, followed the party line for the last four years. Many feel there

are signs the AIADMK wants to fight the 2021 polls on its own.

Earlier Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami declared that the tying of a saffroncoloured cloth to a statue of MGR, a former chief minister and iconic political leader of the state, was "dishonouring" him. A case was also registered against actor and BJP leader, S Ve

Shekar, over comments that attributed religion to the national tricolour.

Palaniswami had also bluntly rejected changes proposed by the Centre under the new National Education Policy, particularly those that were seen by many as an attempt to impose the Hindi language in schools in the state.

PUNJAB

Punjab announces new lockdown rules CHANDIGARH: Punjab has ordered a daily night curfew from 7 pm to 5 am and a weekend lockdown in all 167 cities and towns in the state, as part of a strict response to the worrying surge in Covid cases.

The emergency measures, which will be in place till August 31, include restrictions on public and private transport, a ban on public gatherings (except for weddings and funerals) and closing of 50 per cent of shops, in the five worstaffected districts, selling nonessential goods.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, making the announcement, called for "warlike preparedness" to deal with the spike in coronavirus cases.

"Enough is enough. We need to be tough without affecting the state's economy," the Chief Minister said, adding that each

Amarinder Singh

of the more than 900 Covidlinked deaths in the state "pains me".

The measures were announced after a serological survey of the five worst-hit districts - Amritsar, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar, Patiala and Jalandhar. Conducted between August 1 and 17, the survey revealed that 27.7 per cent of all people in containment zones in these districts had been exposed to the virus. "The projections for the coming

weeks are grim," the Chief Minister said, asserting the state was in an "emergency health situation that necessitated harsh measures".

As part of these m e a s u r e s government and private offices will function at 50 per cent strength; government offices have also been encouraged to reduce the number of visitors. Public transport will run at 50 per cent capacity and private cars must have no more than three passengers per vehicle.

The Chief Minister also directed the police to ensure the ban on political protests and gathering is followed, and asked his own party - the Congress to self-enforce the ban strictly.

Punjab has over 36,000 confirmed Covid cases so far, of which more than 900 are deaths linked to the virus and over 12,000 are active cases.

With one eye on the rising number of cases, Amarinder also ordered Covid testing to be scaled up to a minimum of 30,000 per day. In addition, contact tracing of each infected person must extend to at least 10 people. According to the results of the sero-survey, Amritsar was the district with highest prevalence of Covid -19 antibodies, with 40 per cent of population in containment zones testing positive.

Ludhiana had 35.6 per cent and SAS Nagar 33.2 per cent, while Patiala and Jalandhar had 19.2 per cent and 10.8 per cent, respectively. Together these five districts have contributed nearly 80 per cent of the state's total caseload.

WEST BENGAL

9 KILLED IN TELANGANA HYDEL POWER PLANT FIRE Nine people, including a woman engineer, died and eight others injured when a fire broke out in the 900 mw Srisailam Left Bank Hydel Power Station (SLBHP) in Telangana.

Though the fire began on Thursday last, the bodies trapped inside were retrieved from the underground power plant of the Telangana State Power Generation Corporation (TSGenco) - located about 220km from Hyderabad - only on Friday afternoon.

Engulfed in thick smoke, some of the trapped engineers inside the power station bid their final goodbyes to their families. While some called their family members, some others made videos showing how they were trying to put out the fire. Seven of the nine dead are TSGenco employees.

5 INFILTRATORS SHOT DEAD The Border Security Force shot dead five infiltrators along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab last week. The infiltrators were trying to enter the Indian side through the Khemkaran border area in Tarn Taran district when they were spotted by the BSF patrol team, officials said. "Upon being challenged to stop, the intruders fired upon the troops who retaliated in self defence.

Five intruders were killed in the gunfight," they added. BSF troops had first noticed suspicious activity at the border around midnight, following which they launched a "focussed" surveillance on the intruders and set up multiple ambushes along the front.

The "contact was established" just behind the IB fence, the report said, quoting a BSF official. The intruders were carrying rifles and were taking advantage of tall grass to sneak into India, they said.

VISVA-BHARATI SEEKS CBI PROBE INTO CAMPUS MAYHEM The Visva-Bharati administration stepped up the pressure on the state government, demanding a CBI probe into campus mayhem and declaring that the university would remain closed till those responsible for it were arrested. The university’s strong response to incidents put a question mark on its participation in a meeting convened by the Birbhum district magistrate to find a way out of the impasse. The university would “remain closed for so long we feel that we are not safe on the campus and at our residence,” a press release said, mentioning the admission process and examinations as the only exceptions to the “closure”. “We will have a 12-hour fast of protest against the vandalism,” the release added. The university has also condemned Dubrajpur Trinamool MLA Naresh Bauri and two other municipal administrators’ role in the violence.

Bengal governor, TMC lock horns over purchase of medical equipment KOLKATA: West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) got into a war of words again after he said a three-member inquiry panel set up to probe corruption allegations in the purchase of medical equipment to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic was an attempt to cover up the truth. He alleged a multimillion scam in purchase.

Dhankhar said the panel includes top bureaucrats, who lack credibility and that only an independent probe could track the “money trail and ill-gotten gain”. Home secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay heads the panel. “Multi Crore ScamPandemic Purchase

Mamata Banerjee and Jagdeep Dhankhar @MamataOfficial. Cover Up Probe-Lacks credibility.

Decision Makers (-one) probing to shield culpability #MAP. Post facto saviour mechanism! Independent Probe can alone fasten culpability. Need Probe to track money trail and ill gotten gain,” tweeted Dhankhar.

TMC leadership reacted sharply to Dhankhar’s allegation saying if he has proof of the corruption, then he should give it to the government instead of making statements. “Nobody knows how to deal with the governor’s propensity to go public every day. Can he prove what he is alleging? If

he has proof, he should give it to the government instead of making public statements.

His statements degrade the dignity of the office he holds,” said TMC spokesman Saugata Roy. The West Bengal Medical Services Corporation Limited usually purchases medicines and

equipment in bulk. But the government formed a committee for procuring these items during the pandemic to avoid delays.

Some of the items were allegedly purchased from particular agencies bypassing rules. The quality of the products has also been questioned. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee ordered the probe.

Police and administration politically committed In a fresh salvo, Dhankhar alleged that the police and administration in the state are "politically committed," sounding the "death knell" of democracy.

Dhankhar also described the law and order situation in the state as alarming, with

reports of "free run to illegal bomb making." "Urge CM to unshackle political caging/chaining of police and administration…. This menacing stance of police and administration would generate consequences," the governor said.

"Politically committed police and administration death knell of democracy," he said, adding, it is unfortunate that they are always at the door of the ruling party, or are in readiness to knock the door of the opposition. "Never thought IAS/IPS could so capitulate and be in 'crawl' unlawful mode – blatantly unmindful of conduct rules… Time to respond to call of duty," Dhankhar said.

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The writer is a Socio-political Historian - E-mail: haridesai@gmail.com Dr. Hari Desai

India had an Interim Government in 1946 • The arch-rivals Congress and Muslim League shared power at the Centre • Pandit Nehru was the Vice President of EC and de-facto Prime Minister fter the end Second World War, the British government decided to quit India. Even most of the old political leaders involved in the freedom movement were also tired and were looking for some sort of face-saving formula itching to be in power. The government released most of the freedom fighters and the political prisoners from Indian National Congress (INC) and the All-India Muslim League. In 1946, the Cabinet Mission of Britain came to India to assist formulate manifestos and form the government. The interim government of India was formed from the newly elected Constituent Assembly with the Congress having 208 seats and the party had a majority in 8 out of 11 Indian provinces and the Muslim League had 73 seats.

The members of the interim government also included the Viceroy and Commander-in-Chief of Britain and members from the Congress and the Muslim League. The government was formed to assist the switch of British India to India and Pakistan. The government also drafted the Constitution of India and led India post-Independence.

A

Auchinleck (Britain),Vice President of the In August 1946, elections to the Executive Council, External Affairs and Constituent Assembly were held following Commonwealth Relations: Jawaharlal the proposals of the British Cabinet Nehru, Home Affairs, Information and Mission dispatched by the British Prime Broadcasting: Vallabhbhai Patel, Minister Clement Attlee. In this election, Agriculture and Food: Rajendra Prasad, the Congress obtained a majority in the Education and Arts: C. Rajagopalachari, Assembly, and the Muslim League Defence: Baldev Singh, Industries and consolidated its support among the Supplies: C. Rajagopalachari, Labour: Muslim electorate. The Viceroy Wavell Jagjivan Ram, Railways and subsequently called upon Indian Communications: Asaf Ali, Work, Mines representatives to join the interim and Power: C. H. Bhabha (All from government. A federal scheme had been Congress), Commerce: Ibrahim Ismail visualized under the Government of India Chundrigar, Finance: Liaquat Ali Khan, Act of 1935, but this component was never Health: Ghazanfar Ali Khan, Law: implemented due to the opposition from Jogendra Nath Mandal, Posts and Air: India’s princely states. As a result, the Abdur Rab Nishtar (All from the Muslim interim government functioned according League). The Life-time President of the to the older Government of India Act of Muslim League Mohamad Ali Jinnah 1919. preferred not to join the interim On 2 September 1946, the newlygovernment and opted to be the remote elected Constituent Assembly formed control of his party’s Hon’ble Members interim government of India. It was the (Ministers) as was Mahatma Gandhi for the only such cabinet in India’s history in Congress Members. Lord Mountbatten which arch-rivals Congress and the took over as the Viceroy in March 1947.

Muslim League shared power at the On 26, September 1946, Nehru, the deCentre. The interim government facto Prime Minister, declared the functioned with a great degree of government’s plan to engage in direct autonomy, and remained in power until diplomatic relations with all countries and the end of British rule, after which it was goodwill missions. He also expressed succeeded by the Dominions of India and support for the independence of colonized Pakistan on 15 August 1947. The executive nations. In November 1946, India ratified branch of the interim government was the Convention on International Civil served by the viceroy's executive council Aviation. In the same month, a committee that was headed by the Viceroy of India. It was appointed to advise the government was composed of 12 members, including 3 on nationalizing the armed forces. In Muslims nominated by the Congress. It December, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was was for the first time since the coming of inducted into the cabinet. The year 1947 British that the Government of India was saw the opening of diplomatic channels in Indian's hand. On 26, October, five between India and many countries. In nominees of the League joined the April 1947, the US announced the Government.

Congress appointees appointment of Dr. Henry F. Grady as its redesigned to make room for the League ambassador to India. Embassy level nominees. Two seats were already vacant diplomatic relations with the USSR and while Sarat Bose, Syed Ali Zahir and Sir the Netherlands also started in April. In Shafat Ahmed Khan resigned.

May, the first Chinese ambassador Dr. Lo Though the Congress party formed the Chia Luen arrived, and the Belgian Consulgovernment on 2 September, the Congress General in Kolkata was appointed party, the All-India Congress Committee Belgium’s ambassador to India.

(AICC) ratified the Congress Working On 1, June 1947, the Indian Committee’s decision on 23 September.

Commonwealth Relations Department The Muslim League initially decided to sit and the External Affairs Department were out of the government, and three of the merged to form the single Department of five ministries reserved for Muslims were External Affairs and occupied by Asaf Ali, Sir Next Column Commonwealth Relations.

Shafaat Ahmad Khan, and Syed Ali Zaheer, all nonBikaner threatened to After Partition was announced on 3, June 1947, League Muslim join Pakistan a dedicated cabinet subrepresentatives. Two posts committee was formed to deal with the remained vacant. However, after Lord situation on 5, June, and consisted of Wavell agreed to allot all five reserved Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, portfolios to the Muslim League if it Liaquat Ali Khan, Abdur Rab Nishtar and agreed to cooperate, the latter finally Baldev Singh. Later, on 16 June, a special joined. Baldev Singh (Sikh), C.H. Bhabha cabinet committee aimed at tackling the (Parsi), and John Matthai (Christian) administrative consequences of Partition continued to represent the minority was created. It included the Viceroy, Sardar communities.

Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, The cabinet after October 1946 was as Liaquat Ali Khan, and Abdur Rab Nishtar. follows: Viceroy and Governor-General of This committee was later replaced by a India: The Viscount Wavell (Britain), Partition Council.

Commander-in-Chief: Sir Claude

SC orders CBI probe into Sushant's death The Supreme Court last week ordered a CBI probe into the mysterious death by suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput to “ensure that search for truth is undertaken by an independent investigation agency” not controlled by either Bihar or Maharashtra.

Justice Hrishikesh Roy invoked the SC’s inherent power under Article 142 of the Constitution to do complete justice in the case that has seen a bitter tug-ofwar between police forces of the two states and said, “Dissemination of the real facts through unbiased investigation would certainly result in justice for the innocents, who might be the target of vilification campaign.

Equally importantly, when integrity and credibility of the investigation is discernible, the trust, faith and confidence of the common man in the judicial process will resonate. When truth meets sunshine, justice will not prevail on the living alone but after life’s fitful fever, now the departed will also sleep well. Satyameva Jayate.”

In his 35-page judgment, Justice Roy rejected actor Rhea Chakraborty’s plea for transfer of the FIR lodged with Patna police by Sushant's father to Mumbai.

The SC said Patna police did no wrong in lodging an FIR on the basis of Sushant's father K K Singh’s complaint as it disclosed a cognisable offence and also ruled that Bihar government was competent to refer the

probe to the CBI. With the CBI registering a case on the basis of Sushant's father’s complaint, Rhea too will be under the scanner as Singh had accused her and her family of cultivating proximity to Sushant for the purpose of misappropriating his wealth. Rhea, Sushant's live-in partner, has vehemently denied the charge.

Fair, competent investigation is needed: SC The SC recorded a finding that Mumbai police had not even registered an FIR and was “stretching” its inquiry on the basis of an accidental death report. As the FIR lodged by Patna police is the only FIR in the domain of investigation, which has already been taken over by the CBI, any FIR lodged by Mumbai police in future would also be taken up by the central investigating agency, Justice Roy ordered. while “Therefore, according approval for the ongoing CBI investigation, if any other case is registered on the death of the actor Sushant and the surrounding circumstances of his unnatural death, the CBI is directed to investigate the new case as well. It is ordered accordingly," he said.

The SC said there was a chance that the investigation into Sushant's unnatural death could get blemished because of trading of charges between Bihar and Maharashtra, causing the real culprits to go scot-free during the trial.

Sushant Singh Rajput

“Actor Sushant was a talented actor in the Mumbai film world and died well before his full potential could be realised. His family, friends and admirers are keenly waiting for the outcome of the investigation so that all the speculation floating around can be put to rest.

Therefore, a fair, competent and impartial investigation is the need of the hour. The expected outcome then would be a measure of justice for the complainant, who lost his only son. For the petitioner (Rhea) too, it will be the desired justice as she herself called for a CBI investigation,” Justice Roy said.

He justified the CBI probe into Sushant's death on June 14 and said, “As both states are making acrimonious allegations of political interference against each other, the legitimacy of the investigation has come under a cloud. Accusing fingers are being pointed and people have taken the liberty to put out their own conjectures and theories.

Such comments, responsible or otherwise, have led to speculative public discourse which have hogged media limelight.”

India had 26% of global Covid cases One out of every four people in the world who caught the Covid-19 infection last week was from India. The country’s share in the week’s fresh global cases rose to 26.2%, having crossed the quarter mark for the first time. In deaths, India’s share rose marginally to 16.9%.

Meanwhile, new infections recorded on Monday dipped to a sevenday low of 59,041 following a sharp decrease of nearly 40% in the number of tests since Friday’s record high of 10,30,000 tests. There were 848 deaths reported on Monday, the lowest daily toll since August 4, when the number was 842, as per data collated from state governments.

With the number of cases reported in the country last week rising to over 4,50,000, India accounted for over 26% of global cases. The country’s share in global cases in the previous week (August 10-

16) was 23.9%. In the week before that (August 3-9), it was 22.7%, as per data from worldometers.info.

Overall, India has a 13% share in Covid-19 cases in the world so far.

In deaths, India’s share last week was 16.9%, as compared with 16.8% and 15.2% in the previous two weeks, respectively.

Dip in Covid deaths in Maharashtra In keeping with the trend of a dip in cases seen every Monday, fresh infections detected in most states were lower than the previous day’s numbers.

Some of the exceptions were Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Chhattisgarh, where the count rose slightly from Sunday’s tallies.

Madhya Pradesh was the only state that reported its highest single-day spike in cases on Monday, recording 1,292 fresh infections. Maharashtra and Mumbai recorded a

significant dip in Covid fatalities on Monday. The state reported 212 fatalities, which was the lowest in 34 days, while Mumbai reported 20 deaths, lowest in 105 days since May 11.

A civic official said that the plunge in deaths though was mainly because of less reporting during the weekend. “It was also a festival. The deaths will reflect in the next few days once hospitals update their reports,” a civic official said, adding that Mumbai was still clocking an average of 40-50 deaths daily.

Maharashtra also added 11,015 new cases on Monday taking the total Covid cases to 6,93,398.

Mumbai added 743 cases, lowest in 19 days, taking the total number of cases to 1,37,096.

Tamil Nadu added 5,967 fresh cases and 97 deaths on Monday, which pushed the case tally to 3,85,352 and the cumulative toll to 6,614.

26 INDIA

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29 Aug - 4 Sep 2020

Loyalists rally behind Sonia, Rahul; slams letter writers After the seven-hour-long stormy meeting of its Working Committee on Monday, the Congress acknowledged the letter sent to president Sonia Gandhi by 23 senior leaders calling for sweeping changes in the party but neither discussed its contents nor gave any specific commitments on the way forward. Instead, most of those present at the meeting slammed the 23, questioned and criticised the intent and the timing of their letter even as they pledged loyalty to the SoniaRahul family and “resolved to strengthen their hands.”

Significantly, the resolution after the meeting said that the “two voices that have been at the forefront of exposing the government” are of Sonia and Rahul. It is learnt that the party has decided to set up a committee to assist Sonia to look into “all issues,” including those raised by the 23 leaders. While Sonia will continue as interim party president for now, an AICC session is likely to be convened in the next four to six months to elect a new president.

The CWC meeting, held via video conference, came after Sonia’s signal on Sunday that she was not keen to continue as the interim president. The meeting turned into a vote of confidence in Sonia’s leadership, and a reiteration of the party’s faith in the Nehru-Gandhi family.

The unprecedented letter, signed by 23 party leaders, sought a “full time and effective leadership” which is both “visible” and “active”

in the field; elections to the CWC; and the urgent establishment of an “institutional leadership mechanism” to “collectively” guide the party’s revival.

At the meeting, the letter remained on paper. After Sonia conveyed at the outset that she was unwilling to continue, many asked Rahul Gandhi to take over. Sonia’s letter asking the CWC to “begin deliberation” to start the process to find a full-time president was read out by AICC general secretary incharge of organisation, K C Venugopal. Sources said former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and senior leader A K Antony were the first to ask Sonia to continue in the top post till a full-time president is elected. Antony, considered close to Sonia Gandhi, attacked the dissenters saying the letter was “cruel” in nature.

Among those present at the meeting were four of the 23 who signed the letter – Ghulam Nabi

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi

Azad, Anand Sharma, Mukul Wasnik and Jitin Prasada. The meeting saw a well-choreographed attack against the signatories, said sources. Rahul is learnt to have taken the lead, as he questioned the timing of the letter, arguing that it was sent at a time when the party was fighting to save its government in Rajasthan and when his mother was in hospital.

He also suggested that a structure needs to be put in place to assist the party president in handling the party’s affairs and functioning till a new president is elected.

Importantly, Rahul is learnt to have said that Sonia’s continuation as interim president can’t be open-ended and a new president should be elected as early as possible. Both Rahul and Priyanka are learnt to have said that the process to elect a new president should be carried out within six months.

Taking the cue from Rahul,

leaders like Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Ambika Soni lashed out at the 23 signatories.

Soni is learnt to have demanded disciplinary action against them and told Azad that he became Jammu and Kashmir chief minister because Sonia had campaigned in Srinagar, ignoring security concerns.

Sources said Chowdhury interjected when Azad defended the letter, saying “you should not try to defend the indefensible”.

Speaking later, he asked the leaders who wrote the letter “what is the panacea you have at your disposal which may revive the party… you enjoyed proximity and accessibility to Sonia Gandhi and you thought it prudent to write the letter…”

Party veteran and AICC treasurer Ahmed Patel is learnt to have targeted Sharma, saying he had misinterpreted the concept of collective leadership and asked

Supreme Court reserves order on Prashant Bhushan's sentence The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its order on the sentence of senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan in connection with a contempt of court case over his tweets accusing former Chief Justices of India of corruption. A bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Arun Mishra, reserved the order after hearing the arguments on the sentencing of Bhushan in the suo motu criminal contempt case.

Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for Bhushan, sought permission to read out the supplementary statement by Bhushan during the hearing. To this, Justice Mishra pointed out what was the point of reading it when the court has already read it.

Attorney General K K Venugopal said that several sitting and retired judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts (former) have commented upon corruption in the higher judiciary.

Venugopal further said that these statements were perhaps only to tell the court about the facts and ask for reforms. "It may be a fit case to forgive him.

The apex court may consider and may give him a warning and let him (Bhushan) go,"

Venugopal suggested.

Bhushan was earlier this month held guilty of contempt of court by the Supreme Court for two of his tweets, the first one posted on June 29, related to his comment/post on a picture of CJI Bobde on a highend bike. In his second tweet, Bhushan expressed his opinion on the role of last four CJIs amid the state of affairs in the country. Earlier, the Supreme court also deferred the hearing on another contempt of court case against Bhushan and asked the CJI to place before an "appropriate" bench questions arising out of the matter.

No apology, says Bhushan Ahead of the Supreme Court’s hearing on Tuesday, Bhushan again refused to apologise and told the apex court that his “contemptuous” remarks were meant to arrest the court’s drift from its role as protector of people’s rights.

Refusing to apologise, Bhushan said the tweets were expressions of his belief as well as bona fide opinions, which at best could amount to constructive criticism meant to convey to the court not to deviate from its sterling record.

“If I retract a statement

Prashant Bhushan

before this court that I otherwise believe to be true or offer an insincere apology, that in my eyes would amount to contempt of my conscience and of an institution that I hold in highest esteem,” he said, living up to his August 20 promise to the SC that there would be no substantial change in the tone, tenor and content of his unapologetic statement made that day.

In a 435-word statement filed through advocate Kamini Jaiswal, Bhushan said, “Today, in these troubling times, the hopes of the people of India vest in this court to ensure the rule of law and the Constitution and not an untrammelled rule of the

executive. This casts a duty, especially for an officer of this court like myself, to speak up when I believe there is a deviation from its sterling record.

“Therefore, I expressed myself in good faith, not to malign the Supreme Court or any particular chief justice but to offer constructive criticism so that the court can arrest any drift away from its longstanding role as a guardian of the Constitution and custodian of peoples’ rights.”

In his earlier remarks, Bhushan had said that in the last six years, democracy was put on the path of destruction and the CJIs would be remembered by historians for their role in it.

whether he meant that Sonia should sit at home. Patel told Sharma that he was considered to be an expert in drafting letters and asked him whether he had read the letter before signing it. He also asked Rahul to take over as Congress president.

Senior leader P Chidambaram neither referred to the letter nor said anything against those who had written it. He said there are certain issues which need to be addressed but did not elaborate.

Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Satav lashed out at Azad on the issue of collective leadership, asking whether he, as general secretary in-charge of Haryana, was not taking decisions without holding discussions with the state unit.

Sonia, in her closing remarks, is learnt to have said that she doesn’t hold any “ill-will” against those who wrote the letter. “Let’s move ahead… what has happened has happened,” a leader quoted her as saying. “We are a large family.

We have differences and different views on many occasions, but in the end we come together as one.

The need of the hour is to fight for the cause of the people and the forces that are failing this country… Organisational issues are always addressed and the process of constitution and reconstitution is a continuous one,” party communication department head Randeep Surjewala quoted her as saying.

Oxford vaccine may be available by end of 2020 India is eyeing the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine candidate as the likely first shot against Covid-19 to be available for Indians by end of 2020, while locally developed candidates are also being watched closely as it is felt that they may also enter the market with a gap of few weeks if cleared in trials, officials said.

However, the Oxford candidate - for which Pune-based Serum Institute is a manufacturing partner of British pharma giant AstraZeneca - is ahead of the other two local vaccine candidates that have also entered the human trials stage. “If the vaccine gets the nod, and given that it is being produced in India, it makes sense to use it,” said a source.

While Serum has started advanced phases of human trial (Phase 2 and 3) in India with around 1,600 people aged above 18 years in across 17 selected sites across the country, the other two - Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, jointly developed with ICMR, and Zydus Cadila’s Zycov D are both in early phases 1 and 2. The Serum’s trial is so far the largest for Covid-19 vaccine in the country, the other two companies have around 1,000-1,100 participants enrolled in five to eight sites.

The Oxford candidate has already completed early phases of human trials in UK and showed positive results. For instance, the preliminary results showed the vaccine induces an antibody response within 28 days in the similar range to that in individuals who have recovered from Covid19. A second “booster” dose of the vaccine increased antibody response to even higher levels, and 100% of blood samples given the second dose showed neutralising activity.

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HEALTH VOICE

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29 Aug - 4 Sep 2020

WHO urges children aged 12 and over to wear masks The World Health Organization has urged children aged 12 and above must wear masks to help tackle the spread of Covid19. In a statement, both, WHO and UNICEF said that children aged 12 and above should particularly wear a mask when a onemetre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area.

The potential impact on learning and psychosocial development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role.

Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, according to both

WHO and UNICEF. WHO highly recommends fabric masks. A statement on their site, they said, “If there is widespread community

transmission, and especially in settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained, governments should encourage the general public to wear a fabric mask. WHO also provides details on the composition of a fabric mask and how to safely wear one.”

Fabric masks have three layers – an outer, inner, and middle layer. The inner layer which comes in direct contact with your face should be a hydrophilic layer, one that will absorb droplets with ease, while the outer layer must be a hydrophobic material, a fabric that can repel droplets.

Contact-tracing apps unlikely to be effective A recent report reveals contact tracing apps are unlikely to contain the spread of Covid-19 without proper public health control measures such as physical distancing and closure of indoor spaces.

Lancet Digital Health reveals systematic review shows that evidence around the effectiveness of automated contact tracing systems is currently very limited. The researchers suggest that large-scale manual contact tracing alongside other public health control measures is likely to be required in conjunction with automated approaches.

Researchers from

University College London (UCL) in the UK found 15 relevant studies by reviewing more than 4,000 papers on automated and partiallyautomated contact tracing.

Lead author Isobel Braithwaite from UCL was quoted as saying, “Across a number of modelling studies, we found a consistent picture that although automated contact tracing could support manual contact tracing, the systems will require large-scale uptake by the population and strict adherence to quarantine advice by contacts notified to have a significant impact on reducing transmission.”

Braithwaite said, “Although automated con-

tact-tracing shows some promise in helping reduce transmission of Covid-19 within communities, our research highlighted the urgent need for further evaluation of these apps within public health practice.” They

added, “None of the studies we found provided realworld evidence of their effectiveness, and to improve our understanding of how they could support manual contact tracing systems.”

Covid vaccine must go to frontline workers first: Report

A new report reveals frontline healthcare workers, emergency services personnel and the most vulnerable should be the first to get any eventual coronavirus vaccine. The report released by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security says, “The primary reason for including these candidate groups within Tier 1 is that their prioritization would likely avert the greatest overall harm.”

There are 29 vaccines in human trials around the world, four of which are in the US. Federal government health officials say they expect to know whether one or more of them works safely by the end of the year and hope to start distribution sometime. “It may take many months before most US residents have access to vaccination; bottlenecks at various stages of the vaccine manufacturing process could cause further delays in vaccine availability,” the report said.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the National Academy of Medicine are currently debating who should get one first. They said, “It is important to emphasise that we are not providing a set of definitive recommendations about who should be prioritised for vaccination.”

Meanwhile, the report said, “Vaccination will not eradicate SARS-CoV-2 from the planet, and Covid-19 is likely to become an endemic disease, even after widespread vaccination, due to the occurrence of sporadic cases and occasional outbreaks.” There are also cost considerations. “Although there may be no out-of-pocket cost for the vaccine itself for most people, related costs – such as travel to a vaccination location or the need to take off from work – could create a financial hurdle for some.”

Genes and cardiovascular health Air pollution may directly cause can raise or lower dementia risk diabetes, finds Indian-origin researcher A new Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and School of Medicine (BUSM) study finds that genes and cardiovascular health can both raise or lower risk of dementia.

Published in the journal Neurology, the study finds that dementia-associated common gene variants or the APOE-4 genotype can more than double dementia risk, but that good cardiovascular health can halve dementia risk. These effects are additive, meaning genes and cardiovascular health can independently add to or subtract from a person's risk of developing dementia.

Just because you have a high genetic risk of dementia doesn't mean that you can't lower your risk by adopting a healthier lifestyle." Dr. Gina Peloso, study lead author, assistant professor of biostatistics at BUSPH and colleagues used data from 1,211 participants in the offspring cohort of the BU-based Framingham Heart Study, the longest-running cardiovascular disease study in the US. (The study began in 1948, and the offspring cohort are

the original participants' children and their spouses.)

The analysis included genetic information, cardiovascular health data from 1991-1995, and data from the Framingham Heart Study's regular dementia screenings beginning in 1998-2001.

The researchers found that participants with a high genetic risk score based on several common gene variants were 2.6 times more likely to develop dementia than participants with a low genetic risk score. The researchers also looked separately at the dementia-associated APOE-4 genotype, found in 10-15% of the general population, and found that participants with at least one APOE-4 allele were 2.3 times more likely to develop dementia than participants without one.

Previous research has suggested that cardiovascular health affects a person's risk of dementia and Alzheimer's.

For this study, the researchers scored participants on the American Heart Association's seven components of cardiovascular health: physical activity,

cholesterol, healthy diet, blood pressure, weight, blood glucose, and smoking status.

They found that participants with a favorable cardiovascular health score were 55% less likely to develop dementia than participants with an unfavorable score.

The researchers did not find any interaction between genetic risk score or APOE-4 and cardiovascular health, indicating that these risk factors independently affect dementia risk.

"We have long maintained that genetics is not destiny, that the impact of your family history and genetic risk can be lowered by healthy lifestyle choices.

This is true for persons with low genetic risk and also for persons with high genetic risk of dementia, so it is never too soon and never too late to adopt a 'heart-healthy lifestyle," says study senior author Dr. Sudha Seshadri, founding director of the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Indian-origin researcher Sanjay Rajagopalan from the University Hospitals Harrington in the US has found that air pollution can play a role in the development of cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes. A study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, discovered that air pollution was a risk factor that contributed to the common soil of other fatal problems like heart attack and stroke.

"In this study, we created an environment that mimicked a polluted day in New Delhi or Beijing," Rajagopalan said. "We concentrated fine particles of air pollution called PM2.5.

Concentrated particles like this develop from human impact on the environment, such as automobile exhaust, power generation and other fossil fuels," he added.

The research team has shown exposure to air pollution can increase the likelihood of the same risk factors that lead to heart diseases, such as insulin

resistance and type 2 diabetes. In the mouse model study, three groups were observed: a control group receiving clean filtered air, a group exposed to polluted air for 24 weeks, and a group fed a high-fat diet.

Interestingly, the researchers found that being exposed to air pollution was comparable to eating a high-fat diet. Both the air pollution and highfat diet groups showed insulin resistance and abnormal metabolism just like one would see in a pre-diabetic state. These changes were associated with changes in the epigenome, a layer of control that can masterfully turn on and turn off thousands of genes, representing a critical buffer in response to environmental factors.

This study is the firstof-its-kind to compare genome-wide epigenetic

changes in response to air pollution, compare and contrast these changes with that of eating an unhealthy diet, and examine the impact of air pollution cessation on these changes. "The good news is that these effects were reversible, at least in our experiments. Once the air pollution was removed from the environment, the mice appeared healthier and the pre-diabetic state seemed to reverse," the author wrote.

The results could have a significant contribution in responding to severe heart attack and other such cardio-related risks.

As a next step, the researchers are planning to involve more experts and the National Institute of Health, to explore the possibility of clinical trials to compare heart health and the level of air pollution.

To Our Readers

We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement any advice. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

28 ART & CULTURE

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29 Aug - 4 Sep 2020

‘Avatar meets Contagion’ A book from 1995 that eerily predicted Covid-19 is all set to become a movie Shefali Saxena Renowned as one of the first few BBC Asian female presenters, Sahera Chohan has relaunched her late husband's book, Twenty Twenty. The book was first published in 1995 by the big publishing house Hodder, which at the time received rave reviews from The Times, Sunday Times and more.

It is a book which eerily and accurately predicts a global pandemic that occurs in the year 2020 causing the world to communicate largely through virtual technology, with people wearing masks, a drastic reduction of air travel leading to ‘virtual tourism’, and nature fighting back for its survival due to mankind’s destruction of our planet!

Tragically, Watts took his own life in 1999.

Here are some excerpts from an exclusive interview with Sahera.

What was your first reaction when the pandemic broke and you realised that it could potentially have been a Deja Vu moment for you?

SC: Just before Christmas, I’d gone for a walk with a friend and told her I would reread Twenty Twenty in 2020, over 20 years after I’d first read it. So, when Lockdown happened, I pulled the book from the bookcase. I was amazed to be reminded of the references to a global pandemic causing the world to communicate largely through virtual technology, people wearing masks, a drastic reduction of air travel leading to ‘virtual tourism’, and nature fighting back for its survival due to mankind’s destruction of the planet.

I posted about it on social media and received many responses from people saying they wanted to order and read the book, or reread it. Suddenly this book, that had been dormant for twenty odd years, came alive in the interest it was attracting. I have also heard the book was trending in March on TikTok, catching the attention of teenagers.

How did your husband come up with the idea of those details that coincide with today’s pandemic protocol?

SC: Good question and not one that I can answer with absolute certainty. What I can say is that Nigel was a very intuitive and sensitive person; ahead of his time. He was a deeply spiritual human being, a seeker and aware of so much.

I believe that being a writer, a creative, brings a necessary level of raw emotion and heightened sensitivity, which is required to bring characters to life, and to create strong storylines that exist deep within the imagination. Nigel had that in spades!

Perhaps when we go deeply within, we find wisdoms that would otherwise be undiscovered.

If you were to document the current

pandemic as a sequel to this book, what would majorly change?

SC: Twenty Twenty is a bit more dystopian than what we are going through currently, but it’s not far off and there’s nothing I would change. There are lots of references in the novel describing what we are going through, including cities being in Lockdown. In the Foreword Nigel very tellingly and Sahera Chohan beautifully wrote: “I believe the consequences are clear enough: consider yourself a bag of bones separate from your environment, and you will have the moral immunity to treat the world and its contents as things.”

I think people should read the book and decide for themselves!

You’re one of the few women in the Asian community who is active in the media and literary circuit. What do you think keeps women from our community from participating more? Lack of opportunities or lack of inspiration?

SC: I am a former broadcaster, saying that, I think there are a few answers to your question - the system we live in - the fact that

‘diversity and inclusion’ is now under the spotlight is testament to the fact that people from BAME backgrounds do not have the same opportunities as their white counterparts. In 1995, I was the first Asian female presenter on BBC1’s flagship rural affairs programme, Countyfile; a show running seven years before I joined.

Look at board members within the private and public sector, people from ethnic backgrounds are still a minority. I believe this also contributes to the lack of confidence to apply for positions for fear of not getting them. That said, things have changed since my broadcasting days, and it’s positive to see more BAME people on TV, in the arts, in film.

Is it enough? No! We still have a long way to go.

Do you wish to make this book into a documentary or a feature film?

SC: Yes! Nigel says he wrote it as a movie.

When I re-read it, I saw it as a film and am on a mission to make it into a movie. It has all the elements – it is ‘Avatar meets Contagion!’

Book Recommendation

Twenty Twenty by Nigel Watts Twenty Twenty foretells the events of the year 2020, where an ageing writer infected with a deadly virus and despairing of mankind’s continuing damage to the planet retreats to a derelict factory in the icy wastes of northern Canada. Twenty Twenty is a blueprint for 2020 that was originally published in 1995 by Hodder and Stoughton, which eerily and accurately predicts a global pandemic that occurs in the year 2020 causing the world to communicate largely through virtual technology, with people wearing masks, a drastic reduction of air travel leading to ‘virtual tourism’, and nature fighting back for its survival due to mankind’s destruction of our planet. The book received rave reviews when it launched from The Times, Time Out, Sunday Times and more.

The Times said: “Twenty Twenty is about the end of the world, viral apocalypse, virtual reality…[it] asks the big questions at a time of global destruction and spiritual uncertainty… an intriguing synthesis between ancient mysticism and the brave new world of virtuality.

It is a book to make the pulse race, the mind dance and the heart sink.”

What's On JASHN-E-REKHTA PRESENTS 32 DIGITAL SESSIONS FOR THE UK

Jashn-e-Rekhta will present 32 digital sessions across three stages over the weekend for the UK. Some highlights, as well as those made especially for the UK, include: Tanuja Chandra, Indian film director, Nasreen Munni Kabir, filmmaker and author, Sania Saeed, renowned Pakistani actor discuss the contribution of Urdu to the world of cinema and television, Shilpa Rao along with some present ‘Reviving Ghazals for Millennials’ and the play ‘Miya, Biwi aur Wagah’ – an Indo-Pak story told through letters will be screened, marking its first ever screening in the UK region.The full schedule can be found on their website www.jashnerekhta.org.uk.

FATHERS IN COVENTRY PUBLISH A NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK ON SIKHISM

To educate children about Sikhism, a group of fathers in Coventry have designed a new children’s book to help young people in learning about the religion and its customs.

The idea originated from the dearth of Sikh characters in children’s books. The book also hopes to combat racism and educate people about the culture of the faith. Coauthor Pritpal Rai told the BBC in a video interview that post 9/11, the turban and beard have taken a real back stick. He felt that across the globe the community had a really bad image. “We thought there was a massive lack of quality Sikh related educational content,” he said.

The voices of South Asian women shouldn’t be lost in the Covid-19 World The pragmatic consequences of Covid-19 have not left any sector untouched. Asian Voice has been trying to bring you stories from artists and organisations in the art sector for a few weeks now. In this edition, we spoke to Helena Bell, Artistic Director, Kali Theatre Company who spoke about the immediate challenges of this pandemic for the arts community and more talking points.

Bell said, “For Kali it’s down to the complete closure of the theatre ecology in that all the while our partnering touring venues are closed we are unable to share our work so although we’ve actually continued to commission and develop and showcase our writers (and actors) through Lockdown (largely via our popular SOLOS distributed online) all our live theatre work has had to be postponed. This is the case for us all. And rehearsing a play with social distancing puts big limitations on the kind of work any of us can make. So the immediate impact is economic, especially Impactful and

challenging for freelance creatives and production teams who are the majority workforce of the theatre industry.”

Homing Birds by Rukhsana Ahmad featuring Jay Varsani and Suzanne Ahmet - Kali Theatre (2019)

Talking about how the calendar looks like for Kali Theatre Company in the next six

months and how the daily functioning will change with the new normal, she said, “We’re working on a new book launching next year to celebrate Kali’s 30th Birthday alongside completing the development of scripts for our HOME Plays London Festival next May and our touring show (Love and Lineage) for next Autumn. We also have another set of SOLOS commissioned to go out this Autumn by four hugely exciting and established playwrights. The entire team is still working from home and we expect this to continue until we can safely get back to rehearsal rooms.”

Asked about how hopeful she was about reaping the benefits of the £1.57bn arts grant announced by the government, she said, “We will reap some benefits if and when our partners do.” The Belgrade Theatre decided to drop the BAME, BAMER, and Person of Colour titles. We also asked if she agreed that attaching titles to the artists strips them of their individuality. She agreed.

Sharing her opinion over any latent issues that she felt must be addressed by the government or need to be written about in the press to help the arts community in the Covid-19 world, she said, “We must not lose ground in developing and presenting our richly diverse stories for UK theatre audiences. Helena Bell, Artistic Director We need to keep - Kali Theatre Company moving forwards on this. It’s vital for the sector and for society at large that the voices of South Asian women don’t now get lost in this new Covid-19 World.”

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Priyanka pays tribute to frontline workers, calls them 'real-life heroes' Ace actor Priyanka Chopra took to her Instagram post on World Humanitarian Day, to celebrate the 'real-life heroes'. Sharing a video made by the United Nations, the actor wrote, “Kindness is a universal language that knows no borders. This #WorldHumanitarianDay, let's honour #RealLifeHeroes – humanitarians & frontline workers, who've been selflessly working to help those in need around the world.”

Priyanka is actively involved in philanthropic work and is a UNICEF goodwill ambassador as well. In a video shared by UNICEF USA, she said she was drawn to children’s issues early on in her career. “I had

just become an actor and I was figuring out that I had this platform. I had started associating with causes that I believed were important. I was working with thalassemic children, children’s wards and suddenly I realised that there was a theme – that I was working with a lot of kids.”

On the work front, Pri has finished writing her memoir 'Unfinished'. She shared a page of a draft she received from the publisher and wrote in an Instagram post, “Finished. What an amazing feeling seeing these pages printed on paper for the first time! #Unfinishes... coming soon! @penguinrandomhouse.”

Humanly impossible to deliver daily requests: Sonu Sood Bollywood actor Sonu Sood who rose as a messiah for the scores of displaced migrant workers in India, continues to receive requests daily and his work for the aam janta moves on. In a recent tweet, the actor apologised to people whose messages he may have missed and the sheer number of requests he receives on an average during a day boggles our minds.

Sood tweeted, “1137. mails 19000. fb messages 4812. Insta messages, 6741. twitter messages, Today's HELP messages. On an average these are the number of requests I get for HELP. It is humanly impossible to reach out to everyone. I still try my best. Apologies if I missed your message.”

I am the first IAF female pilot, not Gunjan Saxena: Sreevidya Rajan Janhvi Kapoor starrer 'Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl' has stirred up a storm following its release. Concerns have been raised about its historical accuracy, particularly about Gunjan's stature as the first female IAF pilot to fly in combat zone.

Retired Flight Lieutenant Sreevidya Rajan has now claimed that she was the first female pilot, and not Gunjan.

Sreevidya says it was an oversight on the filmmakers' part to not include any mention of her at all. “I cannot question a filmmaker why they chose her and not me. When I saw her being portrayed as the first woman pilot, my friends and colleagues suggested I respond to it. But I thought as long as the story inspires women to join the forces, I am happy,” she said.

Sreevidya added, “I told her it was an oversight on her and the filmmakers' part to not reflect me at all.” She added, “When

The actor had recently said in an interview that he is no hero. “I don't think I am a national hero. It started very simply with me being worried about the plight of all the migrants, who were unable to reach their homes. I get almost 100 emails every single day of people asking for help and thousands of messages, but I also know that I can't help all of them. I try to solve at least 30 to 40 problems every day, may be more.”

Sonu recently extended support to a tribal girl in Chhatisgarh, who had lost her house and books to incessant rains. Acknowledging the video, he tweeted, “Ansu poch le bahan, kitaben bhi nai hongi ghar bhi naya hoga (wide off tears sister, books as well as the house will be new)”.

Swara Bhasker reveals lost projects because of her opinions

the first batch went to war, only designated senior officers from Delhi were allowed to speak to the media; we were

interacting with them. I remember speaking only to Barkha Dutt, who had specifically asked for an interview with a woman pilot. By the time the second crew came, the media was allowed and Gunjan was interviewed. Naturally, people assumed she was the first woman.”

Actor Swara Bhasker is an opinionated actor, and does not shy away from sharing her views. In a recent interview, she said she has lost out on projects because of the stands she takes. She said, “Yes, of course, there is no denying that, and I have to admit that I have lost a lot of work because of the positions I have taken. But it is fine. It is a collateral that I have come to accept.”

She added, “I don't seek and I don't say things from a position of an influence. I am not a paid influencer, I am not paid to say these things. I say these things because I genuinely believe in it. I am willing to bear

that brunt.” Swara said that despite taking the stands she does, she sees herself “primarily as an actor” and not as an activist.

She admitted that the trolling and social backlash does bother her. “I have had to learn to develop a thick skin for it, which is actually sad because it just shows that you have to desensitise yourself, which is not necessarily a nice thing. But I don't have a choice because you have to survive. But sometimes, I feel sad that people have forgotten that there is a real human being behind that Twitter or Instagram handle.”

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Kangana joins Twitter, inspired by 'power of social media' Actor Kangana Ranaut has finally joined micro-blogging website Twitter. Explaining why she has taken to the trend now, she released a video saying the Sushant Singh Rajput case changed her mind. She says, “It has been 15 years since I have been working in films. In these years, there have been many occasions when there have been moments of pressure to join social media. Agencies and several brands know that I have let go deals worth millions where there was just one clause that I should be on social media.”

She went on to say, “I have been called a witch (chudail) and people have taken advantage of the fact that I am not on social media. I chose to stay away from social media as I never felt any distance from my audience. I have always felt that if I had to say anything, why should I do so in a rudimentary way; through films I have talked about women empowerment and nationalism.”

“This year, however, I noticed the power of social media. I have seen how the entire world came together to fight for Sushant and have got success, that has truly made me feel positive about things. I am hopeful that if we all get together, we can raise our voice and initiate reforms,” Kangana said. The actor has been very vocal on a range of subjects lately, especially since the tragic death of Sushant.

She has targeted Bollywood hotshots like Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt, Taapsee Pannu, Swara Bhasker, Aamir Khan and Deepika Padukone.

Nawazuddin on nepotism: formula films don't require talented actors Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui dipped his toes in the ongoing debate on nepotism last week, saying he doesn't feel bothered. The 'Raat Akeli Hai' actor said films most affected by it don't appeal to him. “There are thousands of filmmakers who work outside the formula. If you dream of one day becoming a hero or a heroine, in films with five dance numbers, then that is what you deserve. There's a long queue of actors wanting to do those films,” he said in an interview.

He added, “You should also know where your talent will be used.” Nawaz shared a piece of advice given to him by director Anurag Kashyap. He said the filmmaker told him he should focus on working with directors who could give him good roles as with his appearance he would most certainly be wasted in mainstream films. Nawaz said, “I'm sorry to say, these Bollywood formula films do not require talented actors.”

The actor added that he is more concerned about how many people watch his films than the box office numbers they post. He added that he can assess a streaming film's reception based on the feedback he receives.

Genre: Action Thriller Film Duration: 133 minutes

How far would you go to save your other half?

A husband goes in search for his missing wife in a foreign country. However, his search leads him into some dangerous and life threatening situations.

Sameer and Nargis are a happily married couple living their lives as they please. Sameer is a software engineer and unfortunately the couple are affected by the 2008 financial crisis. They both find themselves jobless and struggling.

Thanks to an overseas recruitment agency, they manage to land themselves jobs in the fictional country Noman, based in the middle east. Nargis leaves immediately and Sameer is due to follow.

Whilst getting ready to follow Nargis and sorting out all the necessary paperwork, Sameer then receives a phone call that will change his life, it is Nargis on the other end of the phone and she is pleading with him to help her.

Set with all he is given from the recruitment agency, Sameer leaves for Noman in search of his wife. Here he meets a taxi driver named Usman. Usman immediately takes Sameer to buy a sim card and Sameer frantically starts dialling every number he was given, they are all dead and so is the address he was provided. Usman decides the best thing to do is to go the police station but it is here that Sameer discovers the man he was dealing with at the recruitment agency has gone missing.

In a search for Nargis, Usman and Sameer find out Nargis may be held captive by a man called Shirazi who deals in flesh trade. In a plight to rescue his wife, Usman and Sameer go to the ends of the earth and find Nargis in a brothel but just as he sees her he is attacked. Both Usmna and Sameer are severely injured and Sameer is captured by the police.

He must now convince them to help him find his wife.

Will Sameer be able to save his beloved Nargis or will they be separated forever?

'Khuda Hafiz' is a great mix of romance, thriller and action as we watch Sameer’s screen struggle to find his

Ayushmann happy to be back on the sets Ayushmann Khurrana has had enough of staying home and is elated about getting back to work. In a recent interview, the actor spoke about his work and how happy he was to be back. He was quoted as saying, “I have shot multiple things while being in my hometown and it has been super smooth for me shooting with the crew who are also based out of Chandigarh. It's really refreshing to be on the sets and working after so many

months.”

He believes if the film industry came together and ensured all security measures were in place, it would reduce risk to a large extent. “If the entire production takes all the necessary and possible precautions, it minimises the risk to a really great extent. We have to all work towards restarting our industry and I'm glad that I have taken a step in that direction to contribute towards this.”

wife. Although Nargis is the one that is kidnapped, 'Khuda Hafiz' really focuses more on her husband, the hero, rather than the victim and he plight to rescue her. It may not be the fun loving romance you are looking for but 'Khuda Hafiz' does provide a great change in script and synopsis you need every now and then.

You can get in touch with Vallisa: djvallisa@gmail.com

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Pooja Hegde, Prabhas set to resume shoot the shoot from 2nd week of September, the longest and the loveliest schedule with our darling #prabhas and @hegdepooja”.

Prabhas shot for the movie in Europe earlier this year. However, the crew had to wrap midway due to the coronavirus outbreak, and

Actors Pooja Hegde and Prabhas are all set to shoot for the next schedule of their upcoming film 'Radhe Shyam'. The actors will start shooting from the second week of September as announced by director Radha Krishna Kumar.

He tweeted, “All excited to resume

return to India. They quarantined themselves as soon as they landed back home to check for symptoms of Covid-19. Bankrolled by TSeries and UV Creations, 'Radhe Shyam' is a romance drama which features the actor in the role of a fortune teller.

Ajith, Boney Kapoor join hands for another Tamil movie!

Producer Boney Kapoor made a successful foray into Tamil cinema in 2019 with the courtroom drama 'Nerkonda Paarvai' which was helmed by H Vinoth. Produced by Kapoor under the banner Bayview Projects LLP, the film featured Ajith Kumar, Shraddha Srinath, Venkatachalam, Abhirami Andrea Tariang and others in

important roles.

Boney Kapoor has now announced that he would be teaming up again with the 'Nerkonda Paarvai' team for his next which has been titled as 'Valimai.' The film will again feature Thala Ajith in the lead and will have H.Vinoth as the director and Yuvan Shankar Raja as the music director for this too!

Meanwhile, it was earlier reported that Boney Kapoor will be producing the Tamil remake of Anubhav Sinha's acclaimed crime drama 'Article 15' with a leading director and actor roped in for the project. Now, the official cast and crew details are out in which the producer will be seen joining hands with a new combination.

Fahadh Faasil's 'CU Soon' set to release on Prime Amazon Prime Video has announced the direct-to-service world premiere of Malayalam film 'CU Soon'. Featuring Fahadh Faasil, Roshan Mathew, and Darshan Rajendran in the lead roles, the movie was completely shot on an iPhone during the lockdown. It is touted to be a gripping drama about a software engineer from Kerala who has been assigned by his family to help his Dubai-based cousin to find his missing fiancee, after she leaves behind a video-based suicide note.

Talking about film director Mahesh Narayanan, Fahadh said in a statement, “Working with Mahesh has always been an inspiring experience. We had an incredible stint with our erstwhile blockbuster 'Take-Off'.

Making 'CU Soon' was an interesting and exciting experience. Having shot the film entirely during the lockdown, we're immensely glad to be able to continue to entertain and bring exciting content for our audience even at a time like this and hope that fans across the world enjoy and share their love towards the film.”

Mahesh said the movie is a computer screenbased drama thriller. “A new concept that has barely been explored in Indian cinema. People are attempting to stay virtually connected during these unprecedented times, and we wanted to take this concept a step further by exploring a unique format of storytelling through multiple screen devices,” he said in the statement.

TV Listing

Vijay, Murugadoss collaborate for the fourth time

21:00 NAATI PINKY KI LAMBI LOVE STORY

21:30 PAVITRA BHAGYAA

22:00 PINJARA KHUBSOORTI KA

SATURDAY 29 AUG

18:30 NAMASTE BREAKFAST

19:00 ISHQ MEIN MARJAWAN 2

* Schedule is subject to change

Actor Vijay and filmmaker AR Murugadoss are reportedly all set to team up for the fourth time for a yet-untitled Tamil project. A formal agreement has been signed, and an official announcement will soon be made. A media report revealed the project will be bankrolled by Sun Pictures.

Dubbed 'Thalapathy 65', the movie will mark the reunion of Vijay and Murugadoss after 'Thuppakki', 'Kaththi', and 'Sarkar'. On the work front, Murugadoss' last release was Rajinikanthstarrer 'Darbar' which failed to make a mark at the box-office. Vijay, meanwhile, awaits the release of his forthcoming Tamil film 'Master', which was supposed to release in April but stands postponed due to the ongoing pandemic.

MON 31 AUG FRI 4 SEP 2020 14:30 KASAM

15:30 INTERNETWALA LOVE

16:00 THE GREAT INDIAN GLOBAL KITCHEN 19:00 ISHQ MEIN MARJAWAN 2 19:30 CHOTI SARDAARNI

20:00 SHAKTI

20:30:00 SHUBHARAMBH

* Schedule is subject to change

MON 31 AUG FRI 4 SEP 2020 8:00 TERE NAAL ISHQ 8:30 BHARADWAJ BAHUEIN 15:30 JAI SHRI KRISHNA 16:00 DHARAM THI GUJARATI 16:30 RASOI SHOW 17:30 CHHUTA CHHEDA 18:00 TUM KAUN PIYA 18:30 DIL KA RISHTA

19:30 CHOTI SARDAARNI

20:00 NAAGIN (SEASON 5) 21:00 DESI BEAT RESET

SUNDAY 30 AUG

14:30 AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL 18:30 DESI BEAT RESET

19:00 CHOTI SARDAARNI

20:00 NAAGIN (SEASON 5) 21:00 DESI BEAT RESET

19:00 MERE HUMRAHI 19:30 OM NAMAH SHIVAY 20:30 BARRISTER BABU 21:00 BALIKA VADHU - LAMHE PYAAR KE SATURDAY 29 AUG 11:00 DESI BEAT SEASON 2 17:00 DHARAM THI GUJARATI 18:00 BFFS WITH VOGUE (SEASON 2) 19:00 FEET UP WITH THE STARS (SEASON 1) 19:30 OM NAMAH SHIVAY 20:30 DESI BEAT SEASON 2 21:00 BALIKA VADHUSUNDAY 30 AUG 11:00 DESI BEAT SEASON 2 17:00 DHARAM THI GUJARATI 18:00 DESI BEAT SEASON 3 19:30 OM NAMAH SHIVAY 20:30 DESI BEAT SEASON 2 21:00 BALIKA VADHU

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IPL in UAE faces many challenges It's finally show time with the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League, a frenetic last-gasp effort from BCCI, set to take off in the United Arab Emirates.

Only once before has a whole tournament of such gigantic proportions been shifted at the last minute to an entirely different country - IPL 2009 to South Africa by BCCI themselves.

Let's face it. Pulling the IPL off this time around with no drama would be a heist by BCCI. But are they prepared for it? Are the franchises and players ready for the massive challenges that the pandemic has thrown? Forgetting all this, are they prepared to counter the playing conditions in UAE with the team resources they built for India?

Following are some of the challenges awaiting BCCI and franchises in UAE: Testing and Bio-Bubble The bigger challenge is in UAE once they have everyone in one space. Every individual boarding a flight to UAE will take two Covid-19 tests in 72 hours. They will be in quarantine for a week post that with tests on days 1, 3 and 6. Setting up a bio-bubble was a challenge for England when they hosted West Indies and, now, Pakistan. Even with less than 50 players in the bubble, Jofra Archer and Mohammad Hafeez breached the biosecurity protocols. The County Championship in England also threw up an incident inside the first week of its return with Kent's 19-year old opener, Jordan Cox, breaking social distancing norms after a double century.

Throw in more people into the bubble and the possibility of a breach multiplies. The franchises are asked to stay in different hotels according to the draft SOP handed over by BCCI to the IPL franchises. Food will only be by room service with no access to common areas.

With tons of protocols in place, it's fairly easy to assume that some of the personnel in the bubble at least could miss a few pointers, resulting in a breach.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), said:

PAK CRICKETERS SALUTE DHONI FOR AN IMPACTFUL CAREER

“This is undoubtedly the highest-profile cricketing event to be held in the UAE." All said and done, this one sentence speaks volumes about the challenge for the ECB as well. While the Sharjah 10 and Emirates D10, 10-over tournaments, were played in UAE during the lockdown observing protocols laid down by ICC, the IPL and its vastness present a different challenge altogether, one which ECB hasn't quite often encountered.

How Ready Are The Venues?

The three venues in UAE are in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. That two of the venues, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are in city outskirts will help BCCI and the franchises. The Covid-readiness of the venues will be a bit of a relief for the officials. While Dubai and Sharjah hosted 10-over tournaments - although small, it adds to the experience - Abu Dhabi hosted the UFC Fight Island successfully, with over 12,500 tests conducted. The UFC president was lavish in praise of the arrangements at Abu Dhabi.

The stadium in Abu Dhabi is itself in the midst of vast empty spaces surrounding it and it helps in diverting traffic for the procedures during matches or practice sessions. The changing rooms also have multiple access points making the need for contact minimal. Dubai and Sharjah had temperature checks at entrance, multiple sanitiser stations at various check points and steel fences to redirect traffic.

There are also practice nets in plenty with Abu Dhabi having as many as 24 turf lanes in the nets. The practice sessions will throw up a few challenges in Dubai and Sharjah as the former has no facilities on site and will have to rely on the ICC Academy which is about a 5 km drive and the latter having limited space and less practice lanes. Yet, they are not limitations that will hold back IPL teams or pose major hurdles.

The magnitude of the IPL will still throw a few challenges in the way of the administrators but the venues themselves seem better equipped than most around the world.

The Conditions in UAE There's so much talk about setting up the bio bubble and safety of players that the on-field challenges have taken a backseat. The conditions in UAE are vastly different to that in India and it will be a tough task for the teams to align the squad they built keeping in mind conditions in India to perform in UAE. Most franchises build their team for home conditions based on the city they are in. Chennai Super Kings, for instance, have a plethora of spinners for the slow and low Chepauk pitch. The logic behind this is to try and maximise their points with the seven home games each season and squeeze in 2-3 wins in away games to make it to the play-offs.

Here, franchises have a set squad that will play 14 away games effectively. The weather in UAE is pretty hot, leading to soil crumbling and slow and low pitches.

The big 200-plus scores will be a challenge here. Abu Dhabi, for instance, has seen only one 200-plus total in the 45 T20 Internationals played there.

The grounds at Abu Dhabi and Dubai also have longer boundaries making sixhitting an arduous task. The Dubai pitch is generally slow in nature. Abu Dhabi has a bit of something for pacers too aside from assisting spin while Sharjah is flat.

The different nature of the three wickets will pose a challenge. Also with limited pitches in just three grounds, the bounce on the wicket could get lower and the pace slower as the tournament progresses. In the World T20 Qualifiers held last year here, the pitches took turn initially and then became flatter as the tournament progressed, befuddling the plans of a lot of teams.

Five to get Khel Fantasy game co wins Ratna award IPL rights for £22.2 mn Cricketer Rohit Sharma, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, table tennis player Manika Batra, para-high jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu and women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal will be conferred with the country’s highest sporting honour – Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna – this year, the government announced. This will be the first time that five sportspersons will be receiving the Khel Ratna on the occasion of the National Sports Day on August 29, the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.

Also, for the first time, a total of 27 athletes will be bestowed with the Arjuna award, including cricketers Ishant Sharma and Deepti Sharma, sprinter Dutee Chand, recurve archer Atanu Das, woman boxer Lovlina Borgohain, footballer Sandesh Jhingan, golfer Aditi Ashok, hockey player Akashdeep Singh, shooters Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary, badminton doubles pair Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, rower Dattu Bhokanal, tennis player Divij Sharan and wrestlers Divya Kakran and Rahul Aware. Apart from Khel Ratna and Arjuna, 13 names were confirmed for Dronacharya (eight in lifetime category and five in regular category), 15 for Dhyanchand and eight for Tenzing Norgay national adventure awards 2019.

Fantasy sports platform Dream 11, a tech start-up founded in 2008 by two young Mumbai-based entrepreneurs, Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth, took the cricket fraternity by surprise when they made a successful bid for the title rights of the Indian Premier League (IPL) It pipped e-learning start-ups Byju’s and Unacademy to walk away with the rights while Tata Sons, who had also ‘expressed interest’ in the property, did not come to the bidding table. In effect, all three participants turned out to be Indian tech start-ups.

BCCI had floated an ‘expression of interest (EOI)’ for potential bidders to walk in after their existing title rights partner Vivo India and IPL separated ways two weeks ago owing to the recent controversies surrounding the India-China relationship. Vivo were contracted to pay the IPL £44 million per year as part of a £219 million deal for five years. Dream 11 have made a £22.2 million bid for the 2020 edition, along with negotiations and tacit understanding that they will continue to own the title rights for the next two years – 2021 & 2022 – should Vivo not return. If Vivo does not return, Dream

in brief

11 will pay the BCCI £24 million each in the second and the third year, under the new arrangement. Should Dream 11 continue until 2022, the BCCI will earn an average of £23.4 million from Dream 11 each year for three years, which is technically around 50% of what Vivo was paying for the rights.

However, where BCCI will further make up for Vivo’s exit is by bringing in two additional official partners at £4 million each. E-learning start-up Unacademy and fintech company Cred had already closed verbal negotiations with the BCCI, which were subject to title rights. “Unless Byju’s decide to up the game and bid a higher amount, Unacademy and Cred will commit £8 million between them to the IPL kitty,” sources in the know said.

At an additional £8 million per year, added to the average of £23.4 million that Dream 11 will pay the BCCI for the title, the IPL will be assured of sponsorships close to £31 million per year for the next three editions – making up for almost 65% of what Vivo was paying.“And that is actually the correct value. Vivo was over-paying,” industry executives said.

The Pakistan cricket fraternity hailed Mahendra Singh Dhoni in one voice, calling him one of greatest captains that India produced and the one, who impacted the game in his own way.

Dhoni, who announced his retirement from international MS Dhoni cricket on August 15, won the ICC World Cup, World T20 and Champions Trophy titles besides taking India to the number one spot in Test cricket. Pakistani stalwarts such as Inzamam-ul-Haq, Basit Ali, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Mudassar Nazar, Shahid Afridi and many others showed immense respect for Dhoni. Inzamam, who won the most caps for Pakistan, said, "He is in my mind one of the greatest cricket captains India has produced. A true matchwinner against whom I enjoyed playing against a lot."

Rashid Latif felt that Dhoni's legacy will be remembered forever in Indian cricket but at the same time his retirement means Virat Kohli now can create his own legacy. "Fantastic player and captain. He had this knack for reading the game so accurately and using his players accordingly for every situation and he was the perfect match finisher. "He used to read the situation so well and finish accordingly. The criticism against him after last year''s World Cup's semi-final was unjustified as he tried his best in difficult circumstances."

Former Test opener, Mudassar Nazar said there was no doubt that Dhoni was one of the great finishers the game has produced."I first saw him when I was coaching in Kenya. There was a triangular tournament in Nairobi and Dhoni scored back-to-back centuries. But even then I never knew he would go on to leave such a big impact on Indian and world cricket," Mudassar said.

Muhammad Yousuf himself a top batsman said that Dhoni's ability to get runs as captain and wicketkeeper was astonishing. "He batted at different positions and he always delivered. I remember his innings in the 2011 World Cup final. It was a master stroke the way he promoted himself in the batting order and hit the winning six."Basit Ali said that in his entire career he had never seen a more versatile player than Dhoni.

"Just look at his record for India and for Chennai Super Kings it is amazing. When he played for Pune in 2016 and 2017 his team played in the IPL final. Such was his impact on any team."Former Test opener and chief selector, Mohsin Khan said that Dhoni's greatest contribution was to captain teams that included top senior players and also groom and encourage young upcoming players. "His balancing act was so impressive.

The way he led the senior players, gave them respect and kept the calm in the dressing room. The way he picked and then backed so many young players who have eventually become world class performers for India including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma." Former captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, Moin Khan also had special words for Dhoni. Personally, I find him to be a very exciting and class player who fits the description of an impact-player perfectly. He really came through for India and he deserves all credit for the way he set the example with his bowling, batting and fielding," said Moin.

ISHANT IS 'STILL A BROTHER' FOR DARREN SAMMY Ishant Sharma is “still a brother" for former West Indies captain Darren Sammy, who holds "no grudges" against the India pacer for using a racially offensive word to address him in jest during their stint as teammates in the IPL. Sammy had alleged that during his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014 and 2015, he was often referred to as 'Kaalu' (Black), a racial slur the meaning of which he understood only recently. A picture posted by Ishant Sharma's official instagram page had addressed the West Indian by this word in the caption, lending credence to his charge. An angry Sammy had initially sought an apology but softened his stand and asked for a dialogue instead. "I don't hold grudges. I have spoken to Ishant Sharma. I consider him a brother like I did back in 2014 and '15 when playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad," Sammy said. The two-time T20 World Cup-winning former captain made it clear that while he has moved on like Ishant, he wouldn't stop calling out anyone who uses racist slurs.