AV 02nd August 2025 by Asian Business Publications Ltd

Renowned economist and peer Lord Meghnad Desai passes away

Indian diaspora rallies in Ireland against racism P4

Rishi Sunak honoured by Jewish community at Lord’s Cricket Ground P5

“Diversity of background always leads to better policymaking” P19

Preparations underway for Morari Bapu’s Ram Katha in Mombasa P21

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK followed by Maldives has propelled India to a newer height on the global stage The historic Free Trade Agreement between the UK and India and six MoUs signed with Maldives have further strengthened India’s economic, strategic and cultural influence Subhasini Naicker

I n d i a n P r i m e M i n i s t e r

undertook a four-day official visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives, aimed a t s t r e n g t h e n i n g I n d i a ’ s t i e s w i t h b o

nations

In the first leg of his visit, from 23-24 July, he held talks with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, signed a historic free trade agreement between the two coun-

n g Charles III at the Sandringham Estate, in England Modi also engaged with leading b

cooperation The visit marked the evolution of a more mature, multi-dimensional relationship that goes beyond shared history, language, and the ‘living bridge’ of the Indian diaspora

Continued on 12

Anant and Mukesh Ambani, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London

Government on edge as far-right stokes anti-migrant unrest across UK

housed at the Bell Hotel since 2020, have triggered alarm at the highest

intensif ied after an asylum

s e e ke r w a s c h a r g e d w i t h attempting to kiss a school-

g i r l , s p a r k i n g t h e l a

g e s t outbreak of street violence

s i n c e l a s t s u m m e r ’ s r i o t s

Far-right group Homeland, formed in 2023 after splin-

t e r i n g f r o m Pa t r i o t i c

Alternative, is believed to be

o r c h e s t r a t i n g t h e p r o t e s t s via local Facebook groups, including "Epping Says No "

T h e g r o u p h a s i s s u e d a

n a t i o n w i d e c a l l t o a c t i o n urging anti-migrant demon-

s t r a t i o n s o u t s i d e h o t e l s housing asylum seekers

Police have issued dispersal orders and bolstered

p r e s e n c e i n p r o t e s t -p r o n e

areas Yet tensions continue to flare, fuelled by online misinformation and inflamm a t o r y c o m m e nt a r y f ro m political f igures Reform UK l e a d e r Ni g e l Fa r a g e h a s claimed Britain is “close to civil disobedience on a vast scale,” urging the government not to underestimate public anger over immigration

Inside Downing Street, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is demanding urgent cabin e t

n s t o prevent further disorder At a recent cabinet away day, off icials warned that Britain

pressures, and social alien-

acknowledged that immigration is hav-

must address public concerns to prevent further escalation

Edinburgh University apologised for past racism links

E di nburgh Univers ity i ssued a formal apology after an ac ademic i nvestigati on revealed its historic role in promoting racist theories and benef iting from slavery

I N B R I E F

J e r e m y Co r b y n i s p r o v in g m or e popular a mong young v oter s t han Sir Ke ir St arme r, posing a gr owing challe nge

t o La bour as 1 6- a nd 17-y earolds pre pare to v ote for the f ir st time

The former Labour leader, 76, has launched a new

l e f t - w i n g p a r t y w i t h e xLabour MP Zarah Sultana, 31, in a move that has unsettled No 10 While the name of the party remains unclear, C o r b y n c l a i m s t o h a v e already signed up 300,000 supporters

A YouGov poll for The Times found Corbyn has a n e t f a v o u r a b i l i t y o f + 1 8 a m o n g 1 8 -2 4 ye a r- ol

i n stark contrast to Starmer’s

l ly,

h m e n p ol

poorly overall, Starmer at40, Corbyn at -39, but the enthusiasm of younger voters for Corbyn could splinter

L a b o u r ’ s b a s e E a r l ie r t h i s month, Labour announced

areas worst hit by last year

riots are

deprived in the UK S

rebuild trust, restore community pride, and address

intensif ied by rapid demo-

absenteeism, online radicalisation, and stretched public ser vices

Farage, while distancing

warning” and claimed the government is out of touch with ordinar y Britons

As the anniversar y of the Southport riots approaches, the government now faces mounting pressure to manage not only migration but also the deeper grievances threatening national cohesion

Young voters back Corbyn over Starmer

the next election, drawing c r i t i c

d t h e party of tr ying to game the system However, the latest data suggests this group may i n s t e a d f u e l s u p p o r t fo r C

Labour’s positions on Gaza, taxation, and migration Yo

especially drawn to left-wing alternatives Last year, proG

The review found that the university, once central to the 18th-centur y Scottish Enlightenment, had been a hub for white supremacist thinking, with long-term f inancial gains from colonial and slaverelated sources The Race Review, commissioned in the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter movement, exposed how moral philosopher Dugald Stewart taught racial superiority to students A university building still bears his name

The inquir y also uncovered that the university received the equivalent of £34 million today from donors tied to slaver y, with many bequests still funding fellowships and events The report, chaired by the late Sir Geoff Palmer, Scotland’s f irst Black professor, called for renaming buildings, repurposing events and prizes, and divesting from companies linked to the Israeli government It also recommended that the university stop using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) def inition of antisemitism, arguing it limits criticism of Israel

In response, Principal Sir Peter Mathieson offered the university’s “deepest apologies” for both prof iting from and helping shape racialised ideologies He also conf irmed the university was actively reviewing its stance on the IHRA def inition amid protests over its links to the IsraelGaza conflict

Starmer

cracks down on rebels amid growing backbench unrest

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned Labour M Ps who voted against the party o n welfare chang es, ju st days after suspend ing four MPs for repeated ly criticising the go vernment

Earlier this month, 47 Labour MPs rebelled and voted against the government’s welfare plans even after the most controversial parts were removed to avoid a defeat

Chief Whip Sir Alan Campbell has now written to the MPs who voted against the party, reminding them they had broken party rules “It’s against the rules to vote against the frontbench position,” he said

Labour MP Jon Trickett, one of the rebels, said he received an email saying he had voted against the party six times in one day “I don’t regret it,” he said “I promised to stand up for working-class people and the poorest ”

Another MP said the letter felt like a warning from No 10 and showed the leadership still wasn’t listening to concerns from the left They added that many soft-left MPs were loyal but wanted their views respected

Before Starmer made changes worth £3 billion, 120 MPs had supported a move to block the legislation entirely That proposal was dropped, but a new one by MP Rachael Maskell still drew support from 44 rebels

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC ) is under growing pressure to reform what critic s call an “unfair ” and “secretive” system that disadvantages solicitors and Black lawyers A recent Court of Appeal ruling found the JAC had acted wrongly in withholding negative feedback from an applicant, Kate Thomas, a barrister and part-time judge, who was denied promotion in 2021 The court said it was “neither appropriate nor fair ” for candidates to be unaware of who might provide such feedback Critic s argue the process preserves remnants of the old boys’ network ” and perpetuates institutional bias While barristers dominate senior appointments, solicitors, though far more numerous, remain underrepresented Black judges still account for just 1% of the judiciary The Law Society Black Solicitors Network , and UK Association of Black Judges have all called for greater transparency Campaigners say scrapping the statutory consultation process is key to improving diversity and restoring confidence in judicial recruitment

UK EV CHARGEPOINTS

SURGE BY 27% IN A YEAR

The UK s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network has expanded by 27% in the past year, with over 17,000 new chargepoints added since July 2024, bringing the total to more than 82 ,000 The growth, particularly strong in the North East, East of England and West Midlands, means EV drivers now have easier access to charging across the country Announcing the figures, Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said the expansion is part of the government ’s £4 5 billion investment to support EV adoption and British carmakers The aim is to make EV ownership more accessible and to boost jobs and investment under the government ’s Plan for Change This follows the recent announcement of discounts of up to £3 750 on new electric cars and a £25 million fund to help households install home chargers The UK retained its position as Europe s largest EV market in 2024, with sales up 20% year- on-year

DIPLOMATIC DEBT NEARS £161M

Unpaid congestion charges owed by foreign diplomats to Transport for London (TfL) have climbed to nearly £161 million, new figures reveal By the end of June 2025, embassies from 145 countries owed TfL a combined £160,918,455, an increase of around £18 million from the previous year The United States topped the list with a debt of £15 6m, followed by Japan (£10 8m), China (£10 7m), India (£9 7m),

Keir Starmer

Jeremy Corbyn

Sir Alan Campbell

India signs, the world shifts

The recently concluded UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marks not just an economic triumph but a strategic realignment that places India firmly on the world stage For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is the culmination of a long arc of foreign policy efforts designed to elevate India from a regional power to a global player This marks India’s first such deal with a G7 country, signalling a shift from a defensive trade policy to a more strategic, selfassured approach, aiming to become a key player in global supply chains on its own terms

For the UK, it is a post-Brexit necessity securing access to one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world India’s success in securing favourable terms could now set the stage for future trade negotiations with the EU and the US

Under the terms of the deal, India gains zero-duty access for 99% of its exports to the UK This includes critical sectors such as textiles, leather, engineering goods, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, and processed foods Indian farmers stand to gain significantly, with tariffs reduced on products like mangoes, marine exports, spices, and grains Reports by India Briefing and NDTV confirm that industrial hubs like Tirupur, Surat, and Ludhiana expect export volumes to surge in the coming quarters O n t h e U K ’ s

reductions on goods like Scotch whisky, automobiles, and medical equipment According to the UK Government, the agreement is projected to add £4 8 billion to the British economy annually and create new jobs, with accompanying wage growth of £2 2 billion

This deal is also politically symbolic Negotiations began under the Conservative government, but the final signing was carried out by Labour Prime Minister Keir

determination, skill and patience of UK’s Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal should be noted It highlights how vital India has become to the UK's longterm economic strategy in the post-Brexit era

diplomatic maturity securing favourable terms without

contentious topic throughout the negotiations, both nations struck a compromise, signalling mutual political will Modi's diplomatic footprint has extended beyond economic pacts The Indian government s recent outreach

funding and emergency loans, came despite vocal antiIndia rhetoric from the new Maldivian administration

This gesture illustrates a shrewd geopolitical calculation: to maintain India’s sphere of influence in the Indian Ocean and resist Beijing’s expanding maritime presence By offering financial support at a time of economic crisis in the Maldives, New Delhi reaffirmed its position as a first responder in the region a responsible neighbour capable of both soft diplomacy and strategic deterrence

positioning Whether in Africa, Southeast Asia or the Gulf, India has emerged under Modi as a development partner, a reliable trade negotiator, and a growing military and tech power Its ability to close the FTA with the UK while still engaging in complex partnerships with the US, EU, and Indo-Pacific allies reflects a government that is not just

Thought for the week "Believe you can, and you’re halfway there " Theodore Roosevelt

participating in global geopolitics but shaping it

The deal highlights India’s evolving trade approach, offering more flexibility in less sensitive areas, while holding a firm line on protecting domestic priorities It reflects India’s determination to integrate with the global economy on its own terms, without compromising key sectors

However, the true success of this agreement will go b

effectively it boosts exports, safeguards vital industries and manages domestic concerns and political sensitivities

In the years ahead, we will see whether India’s new trade strategy can strike the right balance, delivering both strategic advantage and long-term economic strength

In an era where global leadership often feels erratic particularly with the US undergoing unpredictable shifts in foreign policy and trade under figures like Donald Trump, India's steady hand has not gone unnoticed It's a

neighbourhood outreach, and its capacity to negotiate on

country increasingly perceived as a pillar of stability

The FTA with the UK is not an isolated achievement It is part of a larger narrative It reflects the emergence of India not merely as a beneficiary of global capital but as a co-author of trade norms and geopolitical equations If the UK sees India as a cornerstone of its post-Brexit world vision, it is because India has positioned itself as a friend of choice, capable of building economic bridges, offering geopolitical ballast, and holding its own at the global table

Empty mansions, full hospitals

Labour’s Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds recently dismissed a proposed wealth tax on assets over £10 million as “daft” Such pushback reflects growing concern that warning about taxing wealth too heavily is already undermining trust According to the Financial Times, wealthy individuals and global investors are placing their plans on hold, with some preparing to move assets or even relocate themselves abroad out of fear of future tax hikes

The implications are significant International investors, e n t r e p r e n e u r s a n d w e a l t h y

n d i v i d u a l s c

r i b u t e disproportionately to tax revenues, economic activity and jobs If they withdraw their capital, the UK loses more than just money It loses entrepreneurial skills, networks, drive, determination, job creations, innovations etc It also loses e c o n o m i c m

public services such as health care, social support and regional development face funding shortfalls

T h a t p r o b l e m w o r s e n s w h e n c o m b i n e d w i t h t h e government’s recent decision, effective 22 July, to ban all new foreign care workers entering the social care sector This policy comes at a time when the industry is already in c r i s i s , w i t h a r o u n d 1 3 0 , 0 0 0

suggesting the UK will need 540,000 new care workers by 2040 to meet growing demand

The proposed ban appears politically motivated, likely a response to pressure from Reform UK and Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration stance In doing so, Labour seems to prioritise electoral optics over practical need Critics argue p e n a l i s

employers is unfair Rather than enforce the system more tightly, the government imposed a blanket ban, a move with the potential to destabilise care services at precisely the wrong moment

Low pay continues to dissuade UK nationals from taking care roles Providers say they cannot raise wages significantly without substantial public funding, which

materialised

Together, these tax and immigration policies threaten systemic stability On the one hand, talk of a wealth tax erodes confidence among the UK’s wealthiest and most economically mobile citizens, people whose capital feeds industries and public services On the other hand, an

immigration ban restricts essential labour in a critical sector facing serious shortages Neither move seems driven by evidence, and both risks cutting off the legs that British economic growth and social care rest upon

If high-net-worth individuals see the UK as unstable or anti-business, they may take their money elsewhere This would reduce tax receipts just when the NHS, Universal C

Simultaneously, a shrinking care workforce means higher costs, increased hospital admissions and accelerated strain on the NHS from avoidable crises at home

Instead, Labour could pivot Reaffirm certainty over tax p

necessary, rather than introducing an annual

government ought to address visa abuses precisely without penalising the entire sector It should increase support for care providers, especially funding that allows better pay, and safeguard the future of the nation’s social care backbone

If the UK wants to forge a stable, confident future, it must offer clarity and fairness Otherwise, the UK risks losing not just investment, but reputation, public services and long-term resilience

Bat speaks louder than words

India’s magnificent resilience and performance at the crease during the current Test series in England have transformed cricket from a mere sport into a vivid display of national pride and cultural diplomacy Rishabh Pant has emerged as the beating heart of Indian cricket’s soft power, while confrontations with Ben Stokes and his England side have underscored how the game now shapes perceptions and foreign relations in unexpected ways

Despite suffering a fractured foot in an early collapse, Pant returned to bat at Old Trafford less than 24 hours later, limping out to the crease and delivering a defiant knock that helped India cling to a draw That innings became one of the defining moments of the series: Pant had already scored 459 runs by the fourth Test, including two centuries, cementing his status as India’s third-highest run-scorer in the World Test Championship Despite enduring injury and pain, he b r o k e R o h i t S h

English run tally, and became the only wicketkeeper in Test history to amass over 1,000 Test runs in a single away series Such feats are not only rare, but they are also heroic

His grit has drawn comparisons to Anil Kumble’s iconic 2002 spell in Antigua, when the legendary leg-spinner bowled with a fractured jaw and dismissed Brian Lara These parallels are telling, not just about physical courage, but about the deeper ethos that defines Indian cricket: a refusal to bow out, a determination to fight on Pant’s innings, like Kumble’s spell, became more than an athletic feat; it became a moment of national expression

Expectations for England’s captain, Ben Stokes, were equally immense, but controversy has marred his on-field

centuries late in the Old Trafford Test, the England camp grew visibly irritated When Stokes offered what he saw as a customary handshake to settle on a draw, India declined Their decision was principled: Jadeja and Sundar had worked

criticism, with former players like Sanjay Manjrekar accusing him of behaving “like a spoiled kid,” and Mohammad Kaif arguing he had lost respect in that moment S

offered a more nuanced view, citing the emotional toll and physical exhaustion endured by England in a tightly fought series

Fans across Manchester and London clamoured for tickets to the decisive final match at The Oval, showcasing the diaspora’s thirst to celebrate Indian cricket on home soil Local businesses in host cities, hotels, restaurants, and travel hubs benefit enormously from Indian match-goers, whose enthusiasm and expenditure bring economic life to entire communities

Symbolism has followed suit In July, the Marylebone Cricket Club honoured Sachin Tendulkar with a portrait unveiled at Lord’s, to be housed in the Pavilion It isn't just ceremonial; it reflects cricket’s shift from a colonial sport to a shared heritage, where Indian legends are honoured at the sport’s epicentre of diaspora

Behind stories of grit and controversy lies a softer yet profound narrative: India’s emergence as a cultural and

sporting powerhouse From Dhoni-led transformations to the structural revolution ignited by the IPL, Indian cricket has reshaped traditions Now, iconic players like Pant and Shubman Gill embody modern India, resilient, fearless, and unafraid to challenge cricket’s historic equilibrium

As the series heads into its final Test, the stakes extend beyond runs This is not just a game, but a contest of n

shadows and confident assertion Each boundary struck by an Indian batsman is more than a statistic; it’s a statement When cricket becomes a stage for diplomacy and identity, its impact resonates far beyond the scoreboard

Indian diaspora rallies in Ireland against racism

A brutal racist attack on an Indian national in Tallag ht, D u b li n, h a s s h o c ke d th e Indian d iaspo ra in Ireland, p r o m

n Dublin

On July 19, the victim was stabbed multiple times in the face by a group of youths, stripped naked, and left bleeding on the road for over an hour before emergency services arrived

"The attack in Tallaght was not just a crime against one Indian migrant but an

a s s a u

o n

every Indian living abroad We came to Ireland to work, study, and contribute We deserve safety, respect, and justice like any citizen," said protester Prince Singh over the phone from Ireland

On Saturday, 700–800 people from India, Pakistan, B a n g l a d e s h , I r e l a n d , a n

trade unions marched from

City Hall in Dublin to the

demonstration united trade

racism and better protection for minorities," said Dayakar

secretary of VHCCI (Vedic

Ireland)

On Friday, around 200 people staged a peaceful 40-

Justice, organised by Friends of India, Ireland, a collective

backgrounds

"We protested in a non-

Ramasamy, an Indian-born p

leading to an online petition with over 15,000 signatures being submitted to Justice

and better protections for minorities

were Indian migrants, other immigrant groups and Irish citizens also joined, holding placards reading "Say No to Racism, All Lives Matter, and "Ireland is Home " "We have to stand for our rights,"

Somanath Nanda

Waterford, noting a rise in racist crimes in Ireland over the past 6–7 years T

Garda Síochána for classify-

motivated and thanked the Indian Embassy in Dublin

must act The world, including India, is watching," said Prince Singh

Tories reportedly lose 8,000 members under Badenoch

T he C onserv atives have lost

a ro u nd 8 , 0 0 0 m em ber s

s i nc e K e m i Ba d en o ch

b ec am e l ead e r, d ro p p i ng

f ro m 1 3 1 , 0 0 0 d u r in g th e

2 0 2 4 l ea d ers h i p r ac e to

1 23,0 00, accord ing to ‘ The S pectator’

The decline fuels concerns about the party’s post-

e l e c t i o n r e c o v e r y a n d

Badenoch’s leadership, espe-

c i a l l y a s R e f o r m c l a i m s

309,000 members and calls itself the UK’s “fastest growing political movement ”

A ‘ N e w S t a t e s m a n ’

r e p o r t c l a i m s K e m i

Badenoch is struggling as Tory leader and Leader of

t h e O p p o s i t i o n T h e

C o n s e r v a t i v e s h a v e remained in third place in polls since early 2025, now

t r a i l i n g a t 1 7 % , b e h i n d Reform at 28% and Labour

at 22%

Adding to the blow, ‘The Spectator’'s findings come

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

N i g e l F a r a g e ’ s c l a i m t h a t

Reform had overtaken the Tories in membership, calling his tracker “not real” but evidence suggests it was accurate

S e v e r a l f o r m e r T o r y M P s , i n c l u d i n g e x - p a r t y chair Sir Jake Berry, have

defected to Reform, adding to the Conservatives' woes after losing over 650 seats in May’s local elections

B a d e n o c h h a s t a k e n a m i x e d a p p r o a c h , a c c u s i n g

Reform of “stealing everyone ’ s oxygen ” while focusing heavily on them in interviews She claimed Reform’s policies, like nationalisation and scrapping the two-child cap, made them more leftwing than the Tories, and s a i d v o t e r s w o u l d t i r e o f Farage’s “bullshitting ” S h e a l s o c r i t i c i s e d h i s TikTok presence, saying: “If you ’ re not doing anything

e l s e , y o u c a n d o T i k T o k morning, noon and night ” Meanwhile, Reform says it aims to overtake Labour and

b e c o m e t h e U K ’ s l a r g e s t party with its 309,000 members

FOS faces leadership gap as chair search fails

chair on October 10, following Manzoor’s departure on August

crisis at the FOS, which is also without a chief executive and faces government

p l a n s

after heavy criticism from the City

Financial Conduct

appointed Liam Coleman as

scrutiny of the FOS over the car loan mis-selling scandal and fears it is deterring UK investment

The FOS, which

Surgeon charged with faking sepsis to pocket £460k

I N B R I E F SHOPLIFTING SOARS TO RECORD HIGH, UP 20%

under

quicker resolutions

The recruitment setback follows political criticism of

Zahida Manzoor, accused by

explain why chief executive Abby Thomas was abruptly sacked in February C

operative Bank chief, will

board

A n NHS surg eon has been accused of amputating his own leg s to fraudu lently claim over £4 60 ,00 0 in insurance payo uts Neil Hopper, 49, a vascular surgeon and d o u b l e a m p u t e e , allegedly lied that his injuries were caused by sepsis Bodmin magistrates’ court heard he sought £235,622 from one insurer and £231,031 from another after the 2019 amputations

Hopper, who worked at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust from 2013 to 2023, was once shortlisted to become the world’s first disabled astronaut

Neil Hopper is also accused of buying three videos from the “eunuch-maker” website run by Marius Gustavson, a Norwegian jailed for life in 2023 for mutilating customers and streaming it online

The father of two appeared via video link from custody and was remanded to appear at Truro crown court on August 26 Arrested in March 2023, he was suspended from the medical register that December after the GMC launched an investigation The alleged insurance frauds date back to June 2019 Royal C

charges do not relate to his professional conduct or pose any risk to patients In 2021, H

Space Agency to become the world’s first disabled astronaut

Reform secures first London by-election, shaking Conservatives

Reform UK scored i ts f i rs t Lo n do n by-election victo ry in Bromley, dealing a major blo

Conservatives N

party, which previ-

votes (34%) Tory candidate Ian Payne, a former councillor and Salvation Army minister, came second with 1,161 votes (29 4%), as the party’s v

Despite an intensive campaign effort, including a visit from leader Kemi Badenoch on polling day, the Conservatives failed to hold the seat Party sources admitted fears of wider losses in next May’s London local elections, with concerns Reform could take control of Bromley and Bexley councils Farage’s party has already made big gains this year, seizing seven councils including Kent, Durham and Lancashire

Reform hopes to build on its London success next year and has recently welcomed several high-profile Tory defections Last month, Barnet councillor Dan Thomas, who led the c o u n

Conservatives after 19 years Barnet, which includes Finchley – Margaret Thatcher’s former seat – was taken by Labour in 2022 In J u n e , W

l l o

i l a Cunningham, once seen as a rising Tory star, also defected, saying she was “tired of defending failure” and predicting a “massive surge ” for Reform in next year ’ s local elections Welcoming the criminal lawyer and motherof-seven, Nigel Farage said she would help “professionalise” Reform’s London team as it prepares to contest all 32 boroughs in May

Shop thefts rose 20% to 530 643 in the year to March the highest level recorded by the ONS since current methods began in 2003

The surge, which began after the pandemic as inflation hit household budgets, has also been accompanied by rising violence against retail staff James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, said the figures showed retail crime “must be taken seriously,” though he warned there remains a “huge gap” between recorded thefts and the true scale of the problem Shop theft cost retailers £2 2bn last year up from £1 8bn, according to industry data Tom Ironside of the British Retail Consortium said the figures show theft is “spiralling out of control ” The government has proposed scrapping a rule that treats thefts under £200 as a minor offence a measure retailers say has fuelled low-level crime alongside weak police enforcement

SEWING MACHINE SKILLS BECOMING A LOST ART

Sewing and knitting are now among the most endangered domestic skills, a Good Housekeeping survey has found Only 27% of respondents could confidently use a sewing machine, 16% could knit, and just 9% darn regularly, while 10% could crochet Few were keen to pass these skills on to future generations Kitchen skills remain more common than needlework, with 75% able to poach an egg, 65% make a roux and 60% prepare pastry from scratch, the survey found However, 89% could still sew on buttons and 71% fix a hem Of the 2,138 respondents, 96% said homemaking skills should be taught to both boys and girls Katie Mortram of Good Housekeeping UK noted that such skills have “gradually become hobbies rather than necessities ”

UK GREEN BIN ERROR COULD MEAN £5,000 FINE UNDER NEW RULES

UK households have been warned they could face fines of up to £5,000 or even a criminal record for putting the wrong waste in green or brown garden bins Japanese Knotweed Ltd’s Jennifer Holmes said: “It can be easy to think binning noxious plant material won’t be noticed but councils do check Failing to dispose of knotweed correctly harms the environment and spreads infestations ” She urged homeowners not to dig up or dispose of Japanese knotweed themselves warning it is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to cause the plant to grow in the wild Allowing Japanese knotweed to spread can lead to fines of up to £5,000 or two years in prison, with reckless disposal of contaminated soil also an offence The warning comes as Labour s new bin rules will require English households to use four separate containers for general waste, food and garden waste, paper and card, and dry recyclables like plastic, metal, and glass

Kemi Badenoch

Baroness Zahida Manzoor

Neil Hopper

Nigel Farage

Rishi Sunak honoured by Jewish Community at Lord’s Cricket Ground

Fo r m er P r i m e M i ni s ter

Rishi Sunak has been hon-

o ur ed by th e Bo ar d o f

Deputies of British Jew s for

Families devastated after Air India crash victims misidentified

Th e m oth er of a British victim of the Air Ind ia crash has said her fam ily is “heartb ro ke n ” a fte r d is c o v er i ng th a t th e w ro n g re m ai ns were returned to the UK in her son ’ s coffin

and friendship , particularly during a period o f intense anx i ety fo

October 7 attacks

e n

held at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, members of the Jewish community gathered to express their a p p

minority communities In h

on shared experiences of

g i n g , saying, “I am so proud and h o n o u r e d t o s t a n d w i t h

y o u t o n i g h t I d o k n o w

s o m e t h i n g o f w h a t i t means to be different from others and even to experi-

e n c e h a t r e d d i r e c t e d towards you and your community because of who you are “I know something of what it is to be part of a community which is proud of its heritage but proud of its Britishness too I know what it is like to be a part of a c o m m u n i t y t h a t i n t egrates with others from all backgrounds in society and makes such an extraordinary contribution to our

p r o u d m u l t i - f a i t h m u l t iethnic democracy ”

Sunak concluded with a m e s s a g e o f g r a t i t u d e

“ T h a n k s f o r h a v i n g m e here this evening, showing me your kindness and your warmth Thanks for all that you do for your communities and your society but above thank you for everything you do for our country ” P h i l R o s e n b e r g ,

President of the Board of Deputies, praised Sunak’s efforts to bolster the Jewish community’s security, calling him “ a steadfast ally ” “ T h e w a r m t h , t h e friendship, the holding of our community at a time when we were really anxi o u s , a n d t h e f r i e n d s h i p you showed to the State of Israel was deeply appreciated by the community You bolstered the community’s security to a level that had never been seen previously,” he said, before presenti n g S u n a k w i t h a Chanukiah as a token of appreciation

The evening also spotlighted the Jews in Cricket e x h i b i t i o n a t L o r d ’

with a poignant address “We are here on this special

thank our former PM, Rishi Sunak, for his friendship with the Jewish community,” he said

Cooper highlighted the exhibition as a labour of

Jewish community’s multi-

cricket, from international players to MCC presidents and even cake-bakers for Test Match Special “The topic of Jews and cricket may seem a niche one but it has been a gateway to bigger issues of identity, preju-

belonging ”

He also took the oppor-

B r i t i s h I n d i a n J e w i s h Association (BIJA), which

n g the shared values between the Jewish and Indian communities He said, “Faith, education, family, commu-

ship, respect for the elderly,

s and even Brent Cross!”

I n a p o w e r f u l c l o s e ,

Cooper reiterated the significance of Sunak’s support, “A friendship is really tested at times of stress and distress, and you have been t h e r e f o r u s a t t h i s e x t r e m e l y c h a l l e n g i n g time ”

Council loses second appeal in racial discrimination case

L eicester City Council has

lo st a second app eal in a

r ac i al d is c ri m i na ti o n c as e brought by Bindu Parm ar, a B ritis h natio nal o f I nd ian

o r ig in an d f o rm er s eni o r social w orker

Ms Parmar had accused

t h e c o u n c i l o f r a c i a l b i a s after being subjected to a d i s c i p l i n

while working in its adult social care department An

e m p l o y m e n t t r

n a l i n April 2023 upheld her claim, finding there was “ no other credible explanation” for her treatment than racial discrimination

The only other head of

e p a n e l n o t e d O t h e r s t a f f accused of similarly serious incidents were treated more l e n i e n t l y T h e c o u n c i l a p p e a l e d o n 1 1 g r

claiming the tribunal erred

c e s f r o m

each point, criticising the c o u n c

pernickety ” She ruled the tribunal was entitled to infer

discrimination and said its r e j e c t i o n o f t h e c o u n c i l ’ s explanations was justified Despite multiple rulings against it, the council said it i s c

appeal

M s P a r m a r , s u p p o r t e d by Unison, said she could not stay silent while injustice festered within an institution responsible for the vulnerable “If the council can behave in a racist and discriminatory way towards its own senior staff how can we trust that the same isn’t happening to service users behind closed doors?”

Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, 39, and his husband Jamie, 45, were among 52 British n a t i o n a l s k i l l e d w h e n A i r I n

crashed in Ahmedabad on 12 June, shortly after take-off The crash killed all 241 people on board

Greenlaw-Meek’s mother, Amanda Donaghey, travelled to India to assist with i

After receiving confirmation on 20 June, she returned to t h e U K w i t h w h a t s h e b e l i e v e d t o b e h e r s o n ’ s remains But on 5 July, UK

p o l i c e i n f o r m e d h e r t h a t DNA tests had shown the

remains were not his “We don’t know what poor person is in that cask e t , ” D o n a g h e y t o l d T h e Sunday Times “To be told t h a t w a s h e a r t b r e a k i n g This is an appalling thing to h a v e h a p p e n e d ” S h e h a s called on the UK governm e n t t o i n v e s t i g a t e a n d h e l p r e c o v e r h e r s o n ’ s remains

L a w y e r s r e p r e s e n t i n g victims’ families say at least two of the 12 caskets sent to the UK contained misidentified remains James HealyPratt of Keystone Law said, “ I f y o u e x t r a p o l a t e t h a t sample, you ’ re looking at 40 mishandled remains out of 2 4 0 T h a t ’ s a v e r y l a r g e number ” Another family, that of S h o b h a n a P a t e l , 7 1 , w h o died alongside her husband Ashok, 74, say her coffin c o n t a i n e d t h e r e m a i n s o f multiple people Their son, Miten, stressed the importance of religious rites and proper identification F a m i l i e s h a v e u r g e d P r i m e M i n i s t e r K e i r S t a r m e r a n d t h e F o r e i g n O f f i c e t o p r e s s I n d i a n authorities for transparency

L-R Zaki Cooper Phil Rosenberg, Rishi Sunak and Daniel Lightman KC

CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar in conversation with Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, former Prime Minister of the UK

Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek

Shobhana and Ashok Patel

Doctors’ strike goes ahead after talks with government collapsed

A fiv e-d ay strike by resident d octors in England, o rg anised by the British M ed ical

A ss o c i ati o n ( BM A ) , w e nt ahead as p lanned last F riday ( 25) after neg otiations with t h e g o v ern m en t f ai le d to reach a breakthrough

The strike followed discussions aimed at improving working conditions for resid e n

Although Health Secretary Wes Streeting had written to the BMA earlier in the week, urging the union to postpone the strike to allow talks to continue, the BMA

i n s i s t e d

t t h e g o v

nment's proposals fell short, particularly on the issue of pay

S t r e e t i n g

action “recklessly and needlessly ” Dr Melissa Ryan and D r R o s s N i e u w o u d t , c o -

chairs of the BMA’s resident

d o c t o r s c o m m i t t e e , s a i d they had entered the talks in

g o o d f a i t h , l o o k i n g f o r workable solutions to the

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

“We were willing to discuss n o n - p a y i s s u e s a f f e c t i n g d o c t o

were clear this was fundamentally a pay dispute,” they said M e a n w

College of Nursing (RCN)

w h e l m i n g rejection of this year ’ s 3 6 per cent pay offer, which fell short of the increase given to doctors for the second consecutive year with union leaders preparing to warn m

table over the summer or face a formal strike ballot in the autumn

Amid the escalating tensions, NHS England chief

y called on hospitals to con-

and warned doctors would face financial consequences f

NHS would adopt a “much more resistant” approach to industrial action than in the past Labour leader Sir Keir

junior doctors not to strike,

patients and risk undermining public support for the NHS

Ministers told to prioritise British jobs

C abinet m inisters have been

i n st ru c ted to en su r e t h at g overnment contracts help boost British jobs and skills as part of a renew ed push to u se public spend ing to drive economic growth

C h a n c e l l o r R

c h e l Reeves and Cabinet Office

have written to their colleagues, urging them to pri-

e n h a n c i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s , and skills” in all major pro-

c u r e m e n t d e c i s i o n s W i t h hundreds of billions set to be spent on infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, hospitals, and schools

over the next decade, the m i n i s t e r s s a i d t h i s r e p r esents a key opportunity to deliver tangible benefits for the UK workforce

T h e y a l s o c a l l e d o n d e p a r t m e n t s t o i n c r e a s e spending with smaller businesses and social enterprises, and to break down barriers that prevent them from fairly competing with larger contractors

I n t h e i r l e t t e r , R e e v e s and McFadden wrote, “We want people around the UK to feel the full impact of g o v e r n m e n t s p e n d i n g through investment in skills and high-quality jobs That’s why we ’ re going further to

ensure public procurement boosts British industry, jobs, skills, productivity, and the supply side ”

lever to support economic growth and strengthen our economic security It is possible to do this within our trade agreements, as other countries do ”

month to reform procure-

promising more UK job cre-

sions

Cambridge’s new chancellor vows to defend free speech

L o rd C h ri s S m i th o f F insbury, the former cultu re secretary, has made acad emic freedo m and free speech h is top prio rity after being elected the 10 9th chancellor o f th e U n i v ers i ty o f C am bridg e The Labour peer, who has longstanding ties with the university, said defending open debate and intellectual exploration was cent

thought and expression, the

debating them, are what

about,” he told The Times Smith emerged victori-

son at the Senate House

Erian came in second, followed by broadcaster Sandi Toksvig and former BP chief Lord Browne of Madingley

called Smith’s victory

pleasing”, expressing confidence that he would uphold free

One in eight women victims of abuse or stalking

Mo re th an 3 2 m illion wom en in Eng land and Wales, roug hly one in eigh t, were victims of do mestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking in the year to March 2025, according to new figures from the Office fo r National Statistics (ONS )

This marks the first time these forms of violence have been combined in national crime data to give a clearer picture of the scale of gender-based harm The findings, based on the Crime Survey for England and Wales, reveal that about 10 6% of people aged 16 and over experienced at least one of these offences over the past year The rate for women stood at 12 8%, compared to 8 4% for men, with two million male victims recorded

The updated figures will serve as a benchmark for Labour’s flagship pledge to halve violence against women and girls within a decade Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the government had already begun placing domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms and launched new perpetrator intervention programmes The strategy to meet the 2034 goal will be published in September

The ONS also recorded a surge in theftrelated crimes, with shoplifting reaching a record 530,643 offences, up 20%, and “theft from the person ” crimes hitting an all-time high of 151,220 While knife crime fell nationally by 1%, it rose in London, which now accounts for nearly a third of such offences

Overall crime rose 7% to 9 4 million incidents, driven largely by a 31% increase in fraud Despite the rise, crime remains 16% lower than a decade ago

Newspaper apologises for Zarah Sultana cartoon

T he Observ er h as iss ued an ap olog y and rem oved a cartoon featuring form e r L ab ou r M P Zarah S ultana after s h e ac cu s ed th e paper of racism

T h e c a r t o o n , published as part of a satirical take on J e r e m y C o r b y n allegedly launching a n e w p o l i t i c a l p a r t y , s h o w e d

Sultana caricatured on the front of a raisin box styled after the Sun-Maid brand Corbyn was drawn in a red jumpsuit adorned with hammer and sickle motifs, proclaiming, “Let’s paint the town red!” The illustration also included a reference to Karl Marx’s Das Kapital, alongside the slogan: “with goodie bags for the many (not the few) ”

I N B R I E F OFCOM URGED TO GET TOUGH OVER CHILD SAFETY

Ofcom must show its teeth” and take strong action against tech giants that fail to comply with new child safety rules the head of the NSPCC has said From this week the Online Safety Act requires platforms to shield under-18s from harmful content including pornography, self-harm, hate speech, and bullying Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the NSPCC, criticised Ofcom for acting too softly, saying it had targeted smaller companies while ignoring major platforms like Meta He urged the regulator to use its full powers, which include fines of up to 10% of global turnover, service bans, and even criminal prosecution Sherwood said this was “decision time” for social media firms, calling on them to implement strong age checks or block harmful content altogether Ofcom has also faced pressure from MPs and Sport England for not reacting quickly enough to online racist abuse and disinformation during recent incidents

LIVING IN LONDON MAY RAISE DEMENTIA RISK

People living in polluted cities like London face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia, a new Cambridge University study has revealed Analysing data from 29 million people across 51 studies, researchers found that for every 10 micrograms per cubic metre increase in fine particulate matter (PM2 5), dementia risk rose by 17% London’s roadside pollution levels already average that amount, meaning residents are at increased risk Nitrogen dioxide and soot also contributed to heightened dementia risk although these effects are not simply cumulative The researchers stressed the need for continued and stricter air pollution control particularly in urban areas While air quality in Britain has improved over the past decade, thanks to electric vehicles and clean air zones, experts argue this progress must continue Reducing pollution they say, not only improves public health but can also ease the strain on the UK s overstretched healthcare system

GLOBAL AIRLINES GROUNDS FLIGHTS AFTER TWO JOURNEYS

between free expression and

protesters concerned about Gaza, he said some demonstrations, such as encampments during exam season, were disruptive and “misguided”

1970s, has served as master o f t h e c o l l e g e s i n c e 2 0 1 5 During his tenure, he led an £ 8 2 m

campaign and spearheaded divestment from fossil fuels

Sultana condemned the cartoon, accusing the artist, Saffron Swire, daughter of former Tory minister Sir Hugo Swire, of "brownfacing a box of raisins and mocking my surname " She called the image “racist trash” and c r i t i c i s e d t h e c a r t o o n i s t ' s b a c k g r o u n d , describing her as “ a right-wing hack ” Responding to the backlash, an Observer spokesperson said, “We are genuinely sorry for any offence caused and we are in the process of removing the cartoon ”

However, Sultana dismissed the paper ’ s apology as “mealy-mouthed,” adding that it failed to acknowledge the racism she believes was evident “It doesn’t even have the decency to name me, let alone offer a direct apology,” she said

“Supine journalism from The Observer, but sadly that’s what we ’ ve come to expect from the mainstream media ”

Global Airlines launched by 36-year-old British multimillionaire James Asquith has been grounded after just two return transatlantic flights The airline, which aimed to revive the Golden Age of flying with luxurious service on an Airbus A380, completed only two round trips in May, from Glasgow and Manchester to New York, before operations halted The ambitious venture struggled with ticket sales from the start slashing its original return economy fare of £778 by more than half Competing routes remain significantly cheaper with British Airways offering return flights from London to New York for £368 and Norse for just £293 Now the airline’s sole aircraft, 9H-GLOBL is parked at Tarbes Airport in France a known storage and recycling facility for aging aircraft Global insists the plane will soon fly again saying it’s parked for maintenance However industry experts have long questioned the viability of the airline’s A380-based model citing high costs and limited demand

BMA Junior Doctors strike rally opposite Downing Street in June 2024

Lord Chris Smith

Zarah Sultana

US President slams London Mayor Sadiq Khan during Scotland trip

US Pr esi dent Donald T rump attacke d L ondon

Ma yor Si r Sad iq Khan

d uring a press conference

i n Scotla nd, calli ng him “ a nasty pe rson ” who has “done a terr ible job,” th ough he sa id he w ould “certai nly ” visit L ondon

The remarks follow a previous spat in which Trump labelled Khan a “stone cold loser ” Prime Minister Keir Starmer, seated beside Trump, interjected: “He’s a friend of mine, actually ”

A mayoral spokesperson responded that Khan was “delighted” Trump wanted to visit “the greatest city in the world,” adding he would see how London’s diversity makes it stronger “Perhaps that’s why a record number of Americans have applied for British citizenship under his presidency,” they said At a press conference at his Turnberry golf resort in South Ayrshire, President Donald Trump was asked if he planned to visit London during his UK state visit later this year He replied: “I’m not a fan of your mayor I think he’s done a terrible job a

nasty person ” Trump formally accepted King Charles III’s invitation in July for a second state visit, which will take place from 17–19 September at Windsor Castle, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump

The president has frequently commented on British politics, recently praising Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage Farage has long supported Trump, appearing at his rallies in both the 2020 and 2024 elections Just before his own election win in November 2024, Trump called Farage “ a very spectacular man the big winner of the last election in the UK ” Since returning to office in January, President Trump has praised Prime Minister Keir Starmer, thanking him for his “great support” at Monday’s press conference and even calling his wife Victoria “perfect ” Trump predicted challenges from Reform UK, saying he “liked both men, ” Starmer and Nigel Farage, describing one as “slightly liberal” and the

other “slightly conservative ” He praised Starmer’s economic record but warned immigration was “bigger than ever ”

The White House described Trump’s trip to Scotland as private, focused on visits to his golf courses This isn’t his first clash with London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan; in 2019, he called Khan a “stone cold loser” and criticised his response to the 2017 London Bridge attack

T rump, Swinne y hold ‘ ve ry conv iv ia l’ mee ting

Donald Trump met First Minister John Swinney as his four-day visit to Scotland came to an end The two leaders held a 15-20 minute meeting at the president's Balmedie Estate, where they discussed whisky tariffs, the situation in Gaza, and oil and gas taxation

A senior Scottish government source described the meeting as “ very convivial” and “ a very good conversation ” Swinney was said to have stressed the need for greater action on Gaza

Earlier, Trump opened a new golf course at his Aberdeenshire resort, calling Swinney a “terrific guy ” during the ceremony He said he would play a round “ very quickly” before returning to Washington to “put out fires all over the world,” adding, “We’ve stopped about five wars That’s much more important than playing golf ”

The two also spoke about “how Scotland was doing,” the government source said

George Finch becomes UK’s youngest council leader

W ar w ic k sh i re C o u n ty C ouncil has app ointed 19year-old Reform councillor Georg e F inch as its leader, m aking h im the yo ung est p ermanent council leader in the U K The v ote took place at th e council's Shire Hall h eadquarters in Warwick

The election was closely c o n t e s t e d a s R

e largest party, lacks an overall majority and had previously relied on Conservative support Conservative councillors abstained in the final round, resulting in a tie with Liberal Democrat nominee Jerry Roodhouse The deadlock was broken by council

win The vote followed former leader Rob Howard’s resignation after just 41 days due to health reasons, with

until now

n Edward Harris, who cast the deciding vote, said he was “disappointed and excited at the same time,” adding the

take lightly

oversee

£500m budget and

Speaking outside Shire Hall,

Royal Mail announces major delivery rule change for UK homes

R o y a l M a il h a s be e n appr oved by O fcom t o make major chan ges to its se con dclass postal se rvice

longer deliver second-class post on Saturdays and will instead deliver on alternate w

x days a week Royal Mail said the changes, first announced in January, are already being piloted in some areas

R o y a l M a i l m u s t s t i l l deliver second-class letters within three working days despite the reduced service Ofcom said the change

and reflects the drop in letter volumes from 20 billion twenty years ago to 6 6 billion today First-class post w

week, as Royal Mail fined over £16m for missed targets in the past two years seeks to improve performance Natalie Black, Ofcom’s

Communications, said the changes were in “the best interests of consumers and b

he said he was “delighted” to be elected and vowed “fresh,

e Conservatives are finished, Reform are in ” Finch warned the council faced an £87m deficit this year, rising to £187m next

pledging to find “deep-rooted solutions ” He added his personal connection to the issue, as his sister has SEND Liberal Democrat Jerry

Labour and Green councillors, called it

“sad day” for

Jonathan Chilvers said such a coalition would have better reflected voters’ wishes with no party in majority

that

marke tplac

e s like Amazon, eBay, TikTok Shop and Vinted were susp

brands including Charlotte

Seidenberg called the move “good news ” for customers, saying it would help deliver a reliable and financially

after extensive consultation It follows Royal Mail’s

Royal Mail must implement them effectively and clearly

Two-thirds of online beauty products found to be fake R

- P o s a y , Maybelline, The Ordinary and Mac, then carried out visual checks on packaging and contents

products were likely fakes, i n c l u d i n g a l l s i x f r o m Vinted, five from TikTok Shop, eight of 11 from eBay, a n

f 1 1 f

c h a called the findings “alarming” and urged the government to reform consumer p r o t e c t i o n s , s a y i n g s h o ppers should feel as confident buying online as they do on the high street

Amazon Which? warned counterfeit cosmetics can contain toxic chemicals, even animal waste, posing serio

Donald Trump

Sadiq Khan

George Finch

2 - 8 August 2025

Entrepreneur and

Philanthropist Koolesh Shah receives Honorary Doctorate

T he University of East Anglia ( UEA ) has awarded an ho n-

o r ary d o c to ra te to

e nt rep r ene u r an d p h i la n-

t h ro p i s t K o o le sh S h a h in reco gnition of his exceptio nal contributions to business, social imp act, and commu nity d ev elopm ent

journey from a pioneering student in the early 1970s to the founder of the London Town Group, an award-winning enterprise with major holdings in residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors, including the landmark

H o t e l I n d

n d o n Paddington, IHG’s first bou-

tique hotel outside the US

Koolesh Shah is deeply committed to philanthropy and public service He chairs the Sri Aurobindo Trust, which

SOAS, University of London, a

Through the Koolesh Shah

community projects in the UK and abroad

Shah also serves as Co-

with Sir Oliver Dowden MP

strengthen UK-India ties

Speaking at the ceremo-

spectrum The most impor-

about what you help others become ”

Indian cricket team strengthens diaspora bond in London

T h e I ndi an Men ’ s C ric ket

T ea m v i

H i g h C

s si o n i n London ah ead of th e fifth and final Test at T he Oval

F re sh f ro m t h ei r s p i r i te d fight to secure a draw in the fo urth T est at Manc hester, the team marked th eir p resence with p ri de

At the event, head coach

G a u t a m G a m b h i r s p o k e about the rich history and s i g n

r e c e i v

series Their presence not o n l y r

e d t h

’ s determination ahead of the decisive Test but also reinforced the deep bond shared with the Indian diaspora in the UK

Ambani family seeks blessings at Neasden mandir

A nant Am bani and his wife

Rad hika, son and daughterin-law o f Mukesh Am bani, v i s i ted BA P S S h r i

S w a m i nar aya n M a nd i r i n

Ne as d e n, L o nd o n , o n

Sunday, 1 3 July 20 25, to seek blessing s on the w eekend of their first wedding anniv ersary

D u r i n g t h e i r v i s i t , t h e family took a deep interest in the Mandir’s sacred architecture and intricate carvings,

m a r v e l l i n g a t t h e a r t i s t r y , devotion, peace and values

r e f l e c t e d t h r o u g h o u t t h e iconic place of worship

Business tycoon Mukesh Ambani also affectionately

d a r s h a n o f t h e s a c r e d images

with the serene and spiritual atmosphere of the Mandir The family also took the opportunity to learn about the global humanitarian, cultural, and spiritual initiatives o f B A P S S w

Sanstha (BAPS), including its

o v a l u e s - l e d living and community service They were particularly impressed by the upcoming BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris, the first trad i t i o n a l H i n d u t e m p l e i n F

model, noting how it beautifully blends ancient Indian architectural traditions with modern French engineering B

E n g l a n d , h i g h l i g h t i n

deep-rooted cricketing rivalry between the two nations

“Touring this part of the world has always been both

e x c i t i n g a n d c h a l l e n g i n g

b e c a u s e o f t h e h i s t o r y between the two countries, which can never be forgott e n W e t r u l y c he r i s h t h e

i n c r e d i b l e s u p p o r t w e receive every time we tour the UK,” said Gambhir

During the visit, Team India’s players and support staff engaged with officials and dignitaries at the High

C o m m i s s i o n , e x p r e s s i n g gratitude for the unwavering e n c o u r a g e m e n t t h e y h a v e

G a m b h i r p r a i s e d t h e high-quality cricket in the series, with England leading 2-1 going into the final Test “The last five weeks have been exciting for both count r i e s B o t h t e a m s f o u g h t hard for every inch,” he said W i t h t h e d e c i d e r approaching, he urged his t e a m f o r o n e l a s t u n i t e d effort to level the series: “We have one more week, one final opportunity to make o u r c o u n t r y p r o u d J a i Hind ”

r e c a l l e d h i s m e m o r a b l e meeting with His Holiness

P r a m u k h S w a m i M a h a r a j , sharing his deep appreciation for the spiritual legacy he had witnessed Anant and R a d h i k a j o i n e d i n p r a y e r s together and participated in

T h e y a l s o p e r f o r m e d a b h i s h e k , a s p e c i a l w a t e roffering ceremony, to Shri Nilkanth Varni (the teenage f o r m o f B h a g w a n Swaminarayan), which symb o l i s e s i n n e r p u r i f i c a t i o n and the offering of reverence The ceremony allowed t h e m a

n e c t i o n with the divine, in keeping

, Mukesh Ambani expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the

h e visit so memorable for his family and deeply appreciated the spirit of selfless serv i c e a n d

define BAPS and the Mandir

Public urged to join two-minute silence on VJ Day, 15 August

A S erv ice of Re me mbr an ce w i ll h o n ou r t h o se w h o fought an d died in the Far E a s t d ur i n g t h e S e c on d Wor ld War at the Nat ional M e m o r i a l A r b o r e t u m in St affor dshir e, br oadcast live on BBC1 from mid day

The tribute will feature 400 Armed Forces personnel, the Red Arrows and historic aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight It follows May’s four days of e v e n t s m a r k i n g t h e 8 0 t h anniversary of VE Day, which ended the war in Europe

Eighty years ago, thous a n d s o f B r i t i s h a n d Commonwealth troops continued fighting in Asia and

the Pacific until Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August

1945 Hundreds of thousands f r o m p r e - p a r t i t i o n I n d i a , A u s t r a l i a , N e w Z e a l a n d , Canada, Nepal and African nations also served in the Far East

T h e S e r

f Remembrance, held with the R

veterans who served in the Far East, Pacific and Indian

Association members, senior politicians and military personnel

silence and watch the service on large screens in a public area

months of the Second World War must never be forgotten

moment for the nation to come together, hear veterans’ stories first-hand, and ensure their legacy and sacrifice live on for future generations "

The event will feature a guard of honour from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF, military bands and a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast Arboretum visitors can o

Young chess star shines at UK Gigafinals

An 8-ye ar-old ha s mad e h is city p roud by winning a pr estig ious che ss compe tition Ov er the wee ke nd , 700 of the UK ’ s best y oung play ers compe ted at Sa nd own Pa rk Racecour se in the De lancey UK Ch ess Cha llenge Gigaf inals Founded in 1996, the event draws thousands of players annually and is the penultimate stage of the competition, with winners earning a place in the Terafinals at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, this October Eight-year-old

Amandeep Singh claimed the under-8 boys' title, continuing his impressive winning streak Introduced to chess by his father at

age five, he began competing in tournaments in 2022 and is now a member of Leeds Junior Chess Club, also representing the Yorkshire Chess Association His achievements include third place at the 2024 European Schools Championship, a top-three finish in the British U8 Blitz, and qualification for last year ’ s Terafinal This year, Amandeep has swept the Scottish, northern, and southern Gigafinals and will next compete in the U8 Terafinal and British Championships

Koolesh Shah

Ambani family performing

Amandeep Singh

Indian men's cricket team with the H E Vikram Doraiswami at the the Indian High Commission in London

Head coach Gautam Gambhir addressing the audience at the event

L to R: Kamlesh Patel Mukesh, Radhika and Anant Ambani with Pooja Patel at the Neasden Temple

Kargil Vijay Diwas

On 26th July w e take ti me ea ch yea r to re me mb er ou r h e roe s w h o g av e th ei r today, so othe rs could h ave a tomorrow

On the 26th of July it was the 26th anniversary of remembering India’s victory over Pakistan In May of 1999 Pakistan initiated a unilateral declaration of war

a nation that is built on lies, it was not surprising that at the outset itsaid it had nothing to do with the attack In fact, they went as far as attributing this madness on independent Kashmiri insurgents (evidence shows that all such insurgents have always come from Pakistan)

Of course, one thing we know is that Pakistani lies always get exposed, as they did in this case as well As it turned out, Pakistani troops left behind documents that proved their hand in this act of war If this was not enough, to their own utter

y Pakistan's Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff,both confirmingthe involvement of Pakistani paramilitary forcesled by General Ashraf Rashid

Over some 60 days of fighting that ensued, lives were lost on both sides

26th July 1999 when Indian forces overwhelmed the Pakistani forces and ejected them out of Kargil Operation Vijay was an outstanding success Pakistan’s humiliating international climbdown became a national day of shame for them One that lives to this day in their psyche Mention Kargil to anyone in Pakistan, and everyone goes mad

I also recall that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee informed the world about theterrorist nature of the Pakistani state The USA, EU and the UN all attempted to brush this to one side They all knew Pakistan was rapidly emerging as the epicentre for terrorism but chose ignorance to save their faces September 11, 2001, the west woke up to Islamist terrorism with the suicide attacks by al-Qaeda against the United

States Al Qaeda terrorists hijacked four

United States Two planes were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York City, causing both towers to collapse A third plane was crashed into the Pentagon, just outside W

crashed in rural Pennsylvania after the crew and passengers attacked the terrorists on board, preventing it from hitting another target thought to be the White House

With thousands dead, and even more injured, with devastation to the iconic image of the Twin Towers and New York, the USA finally learnt what it’s like to be at the end of a terrorist attack Of course being America, the west rallied behind it and in no time,and with fake intelligence on weapons of mass destruction, they attacked Iraqleaving in their trail 10 ’ s of thousands dead and injured Iraq and many parts of the middle east have never recovered from this western response to Islamists Regime change became the key objective If America didn’t like you, your days were numbered Two decades of warfare by the west and with 100 ’ s of billions of dollars expended, we still don’t

equallysad, there is no western nation that is free from more terrorist attacks by Islamists

With such a backdrop you would have

might have understood India better given

Jammu and Kashmir It seems lessons have still not been learnt by the west

For India, let Kargil Vijay Divas always be a reminder that if it ever lowers its guard, then those who wish it harm will attack As far as I am concerned, one more transgression by Pakistan should result in it being split into four pieces And if the US, the UN or others don’t like, I think at that time India needs to show the proverbial two fingers to all of them Jai Hind

James Cleverly named Shadow Housing Secretary in Tory reshuffle

Badenoch

Badenoch said

r T h i s r e s h u f f l e i s a b o u t b r i n g i n g b a c k h e a v y - h i tters ” A mong o ther key appo intm ents: - R i c

Transport Secretary

- Julia Lopez takes over as

S h a d o w S c i e n c e S e c r e t a r y f r o m A l

Mak - Kevin Hollinrake is the new Conservative Party

Huddleston, who moves to the culture brief - Neil O’Brien has been

course ” Badenoch publicly

declined an alternative role, choosing to focus on constituency matters

While the reshuffle was initially expected to be modest, Badenoch made broader

from the 2024 intake were

cabinet

Treasury minister, becomes

Southport marks one year since tragic knife attack

H u nd r ed s g ath e red

three-m inute silence m arking o ne year since the knife at tac k th a t ki ll ed th re e young gi rls Bebe K ing , six, Alice Ag uiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven at a Taylo r Swift-themed dance wo rkshop on 29 July 2024

Ahead of the 15:00 BST tribute, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the nation would unite to "show sorrow and solidarity" Sefton Council confirmed no larges c a l e v i

e p l a n n e d , instead inviting people to pay their respects quietly at c

Liverpool City Region flew at half-mast, with emergenc

n g the silence

T h e v i c t i m s ’ f a m i l i e s requested that no flowers be left

Eight more children and t w o a d u l t s w e r e s e r i o u s l y injured in the Hart Street

a t t a c k i n S o u t h p o r t l a s t year

In a post on X, Prime M i n i s t e r S i r K e i r S t a r m e r said the nation would "come together today to show our sorrow and solidarity" and uphold the legacy of Bebe, Alice and Elsie as one of "joy, kindness and love"

Father John Heneghan

o f S t M a r i e ' s R o m a n

Catholic Church called it "a day of togetherness, silent r e f l e c t i o n a n d p r o f o u n d love," remembering not only the three girls but also the injured children, adults and first responders

S e f t o n C o u n c i l l e a d e r Marion Atkinson said it was "a very difficult day" for the f a m i l i e s , p r a i s i n g t h e i r strength and selflessness in g i v i n g b a c k t o t h e t o w n through projects such as the revamp of Southport Town Hall’s gardens

Andrew Brown, founder of Stand Up for Southport, commended the community a

Region for rallying around the victims’ families, saying their support had been "vital over the past year"

year She encouraged anyone feeling anxious or

Edward Argar’s decision to step down for health

reasons

In his resignation letter, Argar said: “I’ve listened to the doctors and concluded

unpaid adviser and will sit on the party’s policy oversight committee and occasionally attend the shadow cabinet

Senior figures such as Sir M

( S

w Chancellor), Robert Jenrick (Shadow Justice Secretary), Chris Philp (Shadow Home Secretary), and Dame Priti

( S

Secretary) remain in place

James Cleverly

Kapil Dudakia

Two-state solution or cultural conflict

For decades, the international community has clung to the idea of a two-state solution as the key to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict But that idea is no longer merely elusive, it is obsolete The supposed path to peace collapsed nearly two decades ago In 2006, Palestinians held democratic elections

Hamas, an Islamist group openly committed to Israel’s destruction, won the majority of seats in Gaza Fatah, the secular nationalist faction, retained control in the West Bank Rather than sharing power, Hamas turned its guns on Fatah and violently seized full control of Gaza in 2007 From that point on, there were not two states in the making but two rival Palestinian regimes, one authoritarian and theocratic in Gaza and one corrupt and stagnant in the West Bank No elections have followed There is no unified Palestinian leadership, only division, dysfunction and despair

Yet despite this fractured reality, international recognition continues blindly France has last week announced that it will officially recognise Palestine as a state, joining over 130 other countries But what exactly are they recognising? A Gaza Strip run by Hamas whose charter calls for

Ramallah whose rule has long outlived its electoral mandate and whose rhetoric swings between moderation abroad and incitement at home? The fantasy persists that recognition equals progress

In truth, it rewards failure It overlooks that Israel, for its part, has made concrete efforts for peace, signing the Oslo Accords in 1993, withdrawing unilaterally and demolishing Jewish settlements from Gaza in 2005 and offering support for a demilitarised Palestinian state as recently as 2009 These were not symbolic gestures, they were real concessions But while Israel was stepping back, Hamas was stepping in by turning Gaza into a Launchpad for rockets and terror tunnels The October 7th massacre in which more than 1,200 Israeli civilians were slaughtered and over 200 kidnapped It was not a cry for freedom It was a declaration of hatred

This is not a territorial dispute It is a cultural conflict One side seeks coexistence and the other preaches eradication Hamas openly demands that Israel be wiped off the map The Palestinian Authority speaks of peace in English but tolerates incitement in Arabic In schools, martyrdom is glorified and on television resistance is sanctified Generations of children are raised not for nation building but for eternal struggle And the world looks away Nearly 30 countries still refuse to recognise Israel at all while others rush to recognise a fragmented Palestine that does not exist in coherent form No political agreement, no matter how well intentioned, can take root in soil poisoned by rejectionists and fanatics

International media outlets such as the BBC cast blame on Israel without asking the hard questions Where did the billions in foreign aid go? Why does Gaza have no economy, no infrastructure and no future? UN agencies like UNRWA have poured in resources for decades, yet the result is stagnation, not development Hamas invests not in schools or hospitals but in tunnels, weapons, and propaganda And the world, instead of demanding accountability, rewards this failure with more recognition and more aid

If peace is truly the goal then the time has come to stop romanticising the two-state solution and start confronting the real problem that is the political culture built not on compromise but on hate Until that changes, peace will remain not just out of reach but out of reality

D r Nars inhbhai Patel

World Wide Web Day

World Wide Web Day is a global celebration dedicated to web browsing, the online activity that brings the whole world to your fingertips, and places a wealth of knowledge at your feet It is celebrated on August 1 every year

Many people rely on the World Wide Web in order to find out information and carry out tasks online every day It is integral to a lot of jobs as well Therefore, it is only right that we have a day to honour the Worldwide Web, and that is what World Wide Web Day is all about

The history of the Internet goes back a lot further than that of the Worldwide Web which we can follow back to the year 1989 The first working prototype of the Internet appeared in the late 1960s with the creation of A R P A N E T ( A d v a n c e d R e s e a r c h P r o j e c t s A g e n c y Network)

Today, the Worldwide Web has changed our world and made it possible to do many things that were simply not possible before Think about how it was like catching up with friends and family members that live on the other side of the world before Now we can simply do that and other things Information about virtually any topic is instantly available by pressing a few buttons

Jube l D Cruz

Honouring Our Roots, Celebrating Our Legacy

Relive the grand launch of Soneri Smruti Granth - A Timeless Treasure hel dat the prestigious House of Lords, Friday, 18 July 2025

Scan the QR Code Or visit our YouTube channel: @abplgroup8772 to watch this iconic eventthat united generations in honour of community, culture, and contribution

Don’t forget to Like, Share & Subscribe, your support keeps our legacy thriving.

Powerful story of courage, resilience, a compassion, and faith

With reference to the letter of Yashodaben Bhupendrabhai Patel to CB Patel in Asian Voice published 0n 19-25 July,2025 This was a very touching inspiring letter of humility, courage, resilience, faith, compassion and fearlessness that sets a role model for mankind

Yashodaben went through many adversities in her life, still at the age of 93, she remained so humbled and kind, is a testament of her humanity as she admired with love, the selfless service of CB Patel who is giving to the community Yashodaben is a woman and mother of substance and a pure soul possessing so many divine qualities Such a soul deserves to attain Moksha She already has In our Hindu culture, the status and role of a mother is considered to be the most exalted, worthy of respect and reverence, and worshiped just as Divine Mother or Shakti The saying 'Martu Devo Bhavah' (mother is divine) is, therefore, a maxim that speaks to the seemingly boundless, endless, and all-encompassing power of the earthly or biological mother This power equates to that of divinity Divine mother possesses all attributes of Satyam, Shivam, Sundram

A mother is an embodiment of love, caring, compassion, forgiveness, and sacrifice In Indian society, a mother plays a significant role in looking after the family She also plays a pivotal role in shaping the character and personality of a child She is the only one who brings joy to a child She is the one who holds the pearls of wisdom of love and security

Mano j Patel

Celebrate marriages the Republic Day way

Let’s celebrate Indian weddings using the Indian Republic Day idea by infusing our weddings with the rich tapestry of different cultures Showcasing diverse dances, art, and GItagged products from all states and union territories can unite us, honouring our heritage and fostering national pride

TS Karthik

Covid pandemic aged brains even without infection

brains fas ter,

according to a new study by

y of Notti ngham

Researchers found that social isolation, uncertainty and stress during the crisis were likely contributors to poorer brain health, particularly in men, older people, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds

Using data from the UK Biobank, the team analysed brain scans of 1,000 participants, half taken before the pandemic, and half before and after They discovered a 5 5-month increase in the “

through the pandemic

Majority in UK say Islam not compatible with values

A n ew YouGov poll commissi o n e d by t h e A h m

rev ea led t hat most Briton s be liev e Islam is not compa tible wit h British va lue s The fin dings come as t he 59t h Jalsa Salan a, t he U K’ s lar gest ann ual Muslim con ven tion, be g

om more t han 200 countr ies

The poll also highlighted a sharp disparity in attitudes t o w a r d

s , w i t h 41% viewing Muslim immigrants negatively, compared to just 7% for Christians, 13% for Jews, 14% for Sikhs and 15% for Hindus It further showed that 53% of Britons believe Islam is incompatible with British values, and 31% think it encourages violence a g a i n s t n o n - M u s l i m s H o w e v e r , a t t i t u d e s d i f f e r sharply by age: 46% of 18–24-year-olds view Islam as compatible with British values (versus 14% of over-65s), a n d o n l y 1 4 % b e l i e v e i t encourages violence (versus 40% of over-65s)

T h e C a l i p h , H a z r a t Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who w i l l d e l i v e r t h e k e y n o t e address at Jalsa Salana, said: “ M a n y p e o p l e f e a r t h e i r s o c i e t i e s a r e c h a n g i n g b e y o n d r e c o g n i t i o n a n d b e l i e v e n a t i o n a l r e s o u r c e s are being disproportionately u s e d f o r i m m i g r a n t s T h o u g h t h e t e r m ‘ i m m igrant’ is used, the real issue

for most is actually ‘Islam’ ” H e a d d e d : “ T h e H o l y Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘Love for o n e ’ s n a t i o n i s a p a r t o f one ’ s faith’ How, then, can true Muslims be accused of d i s l o y a l t y o r d i v i s i o n ? Integration means working for the betterment of one ’ s adopted nation, making sacrifices for it, and serving its people sincerely ” A related national survey commissioned by Better C o m m u n i t i e s B r a d f o r d (BCB) underscores the issue of Islamophobia in daily life I t f o u n d t h a t 3 8 % o f U K adults have witnessed antiM u s l i m c o m m e n t s o r behaviour at work or in education, with 10% saying they see it regularly In addition, 22% of respondents believe M u s l i m s a r e d e m o n i s e d more than any other religious group in the UK, highlighting the public’s growing awareness of the problem A b b a s N a

C B , s a i d :

“When over one in three people are witnessing antiMuslim behaviour at work or study, we ’ re dealing with m o r e t h

temic problem And when nearly a quarter of the population believes Muslims are demonised more than any other group, that tells us people see what’s happening and are ready for change ”

Starmer sets Gaza ceasefire deadline

Prim e M inister Keir Starmer said th e U K will recog nise th e state of P alestine at th e UN General A ssem bly in September unless Israel m oves toward a Gaza ceasefire

Speaking from 10 Downing Street, Starmer urged Hamas to release all hostages taken on October 7, agree to an immediate ceasefire, disarm, and accept it will not govern Gaza

“I’ve always said we will recognise a Palestinian state at the moment of maximum impact for a two-state solution,” Starmer said “With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act Unless Israel takes substantive steps towards ending the crisis, agreeing a ceasefire and committing to lasting peace, the UK will formally recognise Palestine in September ”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Israel to allow UN aid into Gaza and rule out West Bank annexations, while demanding Hamas release hostages, agree to a ceasefire, disarm, and accept no role in governing Gaza He said progress would be reviewed in September, stressing “ no one will have a veto” over the UK’s decision

measurable

, said the findings show the p a n d e m i c i t s e l f , n o t j u s t the virus, had

revealed that those infected with the virus performed w

cessing speed

Auer, senior author of the study, said the results highlight how environment and life stressors can influence b

n a g e i n g M e a n w h i l e , Professor Masud Husain of Oxford urged caution, noting the actual time difference in tests was small and recovery over time is still possible

P r e v i o u s s t u d i e s h a v e

s h o w n C o v i d c a n a f f e c t executive function and IQ

s c o r e s , e s p e c i a l l y i n patients with long Covid or those who were critically ill

Starmer, who discussed the issue with US President Donald Trump in Scotland, called for urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza and reaffirmed the UK’s goal of a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state His address came ahead of Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s statement at the UN Security Council

Married prison pharmacist suspended for stalking junior colleague

A m arried prison ph armacist has avoid ed being stru ck o ff after having an affair with a junior co lleague and later stalking her by placing a tracking dev ice on her car Baljinder Gill had given the w oman g ifts and £50, 000 toward s her mortgage during their m onths-long relationship , a hearing h eard

The relationship between Gill and the woman, referred to as Colleague A, began in 2021, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC) fitness to practise committee heard The pair were caught on CCTV having sex that May, and Gill was given “guidance” on professional relationships but continued the affair After their breakup in October, Gill, then superintendent of Focus Healthcare in York, began harassing her to recover the money he had given This escalated to planting a tracking device on her car In September 2022, Hull magistrates’ court sentenced Gill to an 18-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work, and a ten-year restraining order after he admitted stalking

Echhoes of Ap Appreciation n

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Sonneri Smruti Granth

anti Nagda Ka community. Kanti MBE, CEO Sangat Centre a MBE CEO Sangat Centre a MBE,

D Bh t Sh wishes in the fut

Dr Bharat h h CBE ture. hah

Leah Brunskill skill

HISTORIC TRADE DEAL BRIDGES ECONOMIES

year, acknowledged this growing partnership, describing India as a “genuine strategic partner ” Using a cricketing metaphor, Modi said both countries were committed to b

partnership ”

In the second leg, PM Modi visited the Maldives from 25–26 July

Guest of Honour at the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Maldivian Independence on 26

infrastructure projects

During both visits, PM Modi received a warm and spirited welcome from the Indian diaspora, who turned out in large numbers waving the tricolour, singing patriotic songs, and expressing pride in India’s achievements, creating an

a t m o s p h e r e o f e x c i t e m e n t a n d unity

Diaspora greets M odi with enthusiasm and pride

I n d i a n P r i m e M i n i s t e r Narendra Modi was received at the

security and a limited guest list due to the event being held outside L

arranged by the High Commission and the Indian diaspora to bring people from London and across the UK The atmosphere was elec-

mances including dhol, dance, and drama, all by local artists ”

“The diaspora responded with great enthusiasm, chanting slogans

i Modi,’ and ‘Jai Hind,’ creating

ment,” he said

One of the organising volunteers, Sushil Dokw al, who was part

a i r p o r t b y C a t h e r i n e W e s t , t h e Foreign Office Minister responsible for the Indo-Pacific region She was accompanied by Indian High C o m m i s s i o n e r t o t h e U K H E

V i k r a m D o r a i s w a m i a n d B r i t i s h High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron

T h i s m a r k s P r i m e M i n i s t e r Modi’s fourth visit to the UK since taking office, following trips in 2015, 2018, and the 2021 COP26 summit in Glasgow

U p o n h i s a r r i v a l , M o d i w a s greeted by an enthusiastic Indian community, many of whom had travelled from across the UK to welcome him

I n a s h o w o f t r a d i t i o n a n d pride, around 15 buses arranged by the High Commission of India and Indian diaspora brought diaspora members to the venue The vibrant welcome featured dhol, and cul-

t u r a l p e r f o r m a n c

i n c l u d i n g Bharatanatyam, Garba, and more

Expressing his gratitude, PM Modi shared a message on social media: “Touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in the UK Their affection and passion for India’s progress is truly heartening ”

S p e a k i n g t o A s i a n V o i c e , K uld eep Shekhaw at, Presid ent of the Overseas Friend s of BJP U K, said, “Prime Minister Modi’s visit marks a historic moment as India and the UK move closer to signing a

products more affordable in India and vice versa ” He added that despite tight

Attendees underwent identity checks and were warned that entry wasn’t guaranteed due to security

knew the exact venue location,” he explained After thorough security s

enclosure for a vibrant cultural programme “There were groups from Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra; it was amazing to see such diversity ” As PM Modi walked past the crowd, the atmosphere was electric “He was just two metres away, it was an unforgettable moment,” Sushil said Despite multiple layers of security, Modi warmly acknowledged the crowd “Phones weren’t allowed, but official photographers captured everything People were dancing, celebrating, it felt like a true festival ” Return travel was

, wrapping up what Sushil described as “ a day to remember for the UK’s Indian community ” Bilateral cooperation in focus at Chequers

Chequers brewing stronger IndiaUK ties!”

Later, Modi engaged with top business leaders, emphasising that t h e l a n d m a r k t r a d e d e a l w o u l d

unlock new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries “A h istoric d ay in India-UK relations”

Addressing people present at t h e C h e q u e r s , I n d i a n P r i m e

Minister Narendra Modi thanked UK PM Keir Starmer for the warm welcome and hailed the signing of the long-awaited Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

Citizenship Seema Malhotra and Indian National Security Advisor

Ajit Doval were also in attendance India, UK tackle illegal mig ration, extremism tog ether

During the detailed press briefi n g ,

y Vikram Misri outlined the key outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the UK He highlighted the warm welcome PM Modi received from both Prime M

Prime Minister Modi’s UK visit, shared insights into the planning behind the event

“The event was coordinated by t h e H i g h C o m m i s s i o n o f I n d i a along with community organisations such as the Overseas Friends of BJP UK, Insight UK, and other diaspora groups, ” he said “A dedicated committee, led by Kuldeep

S h e k h a w a t , m a n a g e d l o g i s t i c s , timings, and crowd control I han-

Minister Keir Starmer at the historic Chequers Estate, the official country residence of the British Prime Minister located northwest of London The meeting followed the signing of the long-awaited

Trade Agreement (CETA), finalised in May after nearly three and a half years of negotiations Calling India a

warm welcome, saying their discussions reflected

across multiple sectors

shared com-

Both Prime Ministers interact-

d l e d a r r a n g e m e n t s f o r t h e Wembley area ”

Around 1,200 people registered within two days, with 900- 1,000 r

security protocols set by the Prime

Group (SPG) To manage transport, 15 buses were arranged from

from Wembley “We had 160 peop

Sushil

Hubs and Indian PM Modi also gave young girls a bat signed by the Indian cricket team which won the T20 World Cup At Chequers, PM

Starmer saw an exhibition which gave a glimpse of economic linkages between India and the UK They shared a cup of tea together a n d w

tweeted, “‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with P M K

(CETA) as “ a historic day in IndiaUK relations ” He said the deal would boost access for Indian goods like tex-

l products in the UK, while giving I n d i a n c o n s u m e r s a

r d a b l e access to high-quality UK goods Modi also highlighted the Double Contribution Convention, which will energise the services sector and boost investor confidence

The leaders launched Vision 2 0 3 5 , a r o a d m a p t o s t r e n g t h e n c o o p e r a t i o n i n t e c h n o l o g y , defence, education, climate action, and people-to-people ties Modi announced that six UK universities, including the University of Southampton, will open campuses in India and that a new industrial roadmap will deepen defence and technology security ties “From AI to cyber security and critical minerals, we are committed to shaping the future together,” Modi said PM Modi thanked the UK government for strongly condemning the recent Pahalgam terror attack, stressing that “there can be no d o u b l e s t a n d a r d s i n t h e f i g h t against terrorism ” He reaffirmed cooperation on security and extradition while calling for accounta b i l i t y a g a i n s t t h o s e m i s u s i n g democratic freedoms

T h e l e a d e r s a l s o d i s c u s s e d global issues, including the IndoPacific, Ukraine, and West Asia, u r g i n g p e a c e a n d r e s p e c t f o r s o v e r e i g n t y “ T h i s i s a n e r a o f development, not expansionism,” Modi said He extended condolences to the families of British victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash and praised the Indian diaspora in the UK as a “living bridge” that b r i n g s “ c r e a t i v i t y , c o m m i t m e n t , and character ”

C o n c l u d i n g w i t h a c r i c k e t metaphor, he added: “Like in cricket, we may have swings and misses, but we always play with a straight bat The agreements signed today and Vision 2035 are milestones in our high-scoring partnership ” PM Modi ended by inviting PM Starmer to visit India soon: “I look forward to welcoming you in India very, very soon ” Parliamentary Under-Secretary

Indian diaspora The two leaders spent over three hours together at Chequers, engaging in restricted and delegation-level talks, which also included a working lunch A major highlight of the visit was the

Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK S

Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, and overseen by both PMs, the agreement is expected to boost trade, lower tariffs across key sectors, and promote investment; especially in labour-intensive industries

Misri confirmed that PM Modi will meet King Charles III, and symbolically gift a tree plantation, reinforcing India's commitment to environmental sustainability The

extremist threats targeting Indian diplomatic missions, reaffirming

ment to

tions for swift

and stability He

processes in

offenders like Lalit Modi, Nirav Modi, and Vijay Mallya, and wel-

National Crime Agency to combat corruption, fraud, and organised crime

Touching upon illegal migration, Misri reiterated India's clear stance against it and said cooperation would continue, especially for the repatriation of undocumented immigrants In a notable cultural and symbolic gesture, he also ment

m Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, a region known for its natural beaut y a

planted as part of the tree plantation gifted to King Charles III, connecting India’s heritage with global environmental values

Throughout the briefing, Misri emphasised that the visit not only marked a major step forward in India-UK bilateral ties, but also s

encompassing economic diplomacy, cultural engagement, environmental cooperation, and a strong people-to-people connect

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers

L to R: Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

Both Prime Ministers interacted with players from Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs PM Modi and PM Starmer at a business exhibition

HISTORIC TRADE DEAL BRIDGES ECONOMIES

P M Mod i meets King Charles at Sand ringh am Estate

Narendra Modi met King Charles I

sapling as part of his “Ek Ped Maa

Vision 2035 They also spoke about education, health, Yoga, Ayurveda,

ty areas close to the King’s heart Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the sapling would be planted on the estate during the autumn

Ke Naam” environmental initiative

In a post on X, Modi said he had a “ very good meeting” with the

With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK,

m a n y p e o p l e f r o m t h e I n d i a n diaspora and local communities have shared amazing experiences and heartfelt stories of meeting him For many people, the chance to hear Modi speak in person or catch a glimpse of him up close was inspiring, reinforcing their p

bond between India and its global community

PM Modi posted a picture fea-

tweet about his meeting with PM Keir Starmer He tweeted, “‘Chai pe Charcha’ with PM Keir Starmer

a t C h e q

r o n

I n d i a - U K t i e s ! ” w h i c h c a u g h t many eyeballs

Speaking to Asian Voice, Akhil P ate l, fo u nd er of ‘ A m ala C h ai’ said, “It was pretty surreal The Friday before the event, I received an email that looked almost like spam asking if I was free to do a pop-up for 60 people the followi n g w e e k I a g r e e d , a n d o n Monday, the organiser mentioned the venue was Chequers She said it was to celebrate the trade deal, s o I a s s u m e d s o m e m i n i s t e r s might be present but didn’t expect Prime Minister Starmer or Prime Minister Modi to be there

“When I arrived, we were set up outside a tent with six other brands A media lady mentioned it would be great to get a picture of the Prime Minister having a cup of chai, but I still wasn’t sure if they’d visit my stall For the next two hours, I served guests, including Indian business leaders and ministers from both sides Then, s u d d e n l y , M o d i a n d S t a r m e r

planting season “ T

received the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Narendra Modi,

Buckingham Palace said in a social media statement along with an image of Modi with King Charles

“During their time together, His Majesty was given a tree to be planted this Autumn, inspired by

launched by the Prime Minister,

Unforgettable welcome for India’s PM

arrived, and before I knew it, they were walking straight towards me I hadn’t expected to be the first they’d approach, and everything happened so fast I didn’t have time to think about how I was going to serve them, but having served so many cups of chai at events, I went into autopilot I greeted them and served our flagship cardamom masala chai Mr Modi even commented on how in Indian chai we usually boil the m i l k f i r s t A f t e r I s e r v e d M r Starmer, there was a short silence, so I blurted out, ‘From one Chai Wala to another,’ and it seems to have struck a chord because it’s gone viral!,” he added On brand visibility after the m o m e n t , A k h i l s a i d , “ T h e response has been incredible The v i d e o h a s g o n e v i r a l , a n d i t ’ s amazing to think how many people have seen it We posted it, and then realised others had downloaded and shared it widely I’ve received so many warm messages from people who love our story

a n d a r e r o o t i n g f o r u s A s a founder, you often wonder if people notice the values behind your business, so this has been really special I’m excited to see what opportunities will come from it ” P h o to g rap h e r V in eet J o h r i, who was capturing the moments as PM Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora, shared his experience, “This was truly overwhelming," Johri said "It felt like the culmination of months of anticipation, starting with visits from leaders like S Jaishankar in March, Piyush Goyal Ji, and Nirmala Sitharaman Ji We had been covering all these events leading up to this moment, but when the helicopters landed on July 23 and I saw familiar faces step out, followed by the Prime Minister himself, it was an incredibly emotional moment for me as an Indian living in the UK for over three decades " Johri vividly remembered the energy and excitement among the diaspora "Even from the other

side of the building where the helicopters landed, we could hear chants of 'Modi, Modi!' The crowd was emotional, excited and yet so r

three or four layers behind the barricades When Modi ji began

greeting the community, it was about 10 minutes of continuous interaction He shook hands with as many people as possible, young children, elderly members, and entire families Unlike concerts where fans hold on, here people would respectfully hold his hand and then let go It was incredibly orderly " He described one moment in

" A young girl stepped forward and tried to touch Modi ji’s feet In a remarkable display of humility, he immediately bent down as if to

deeply moving, and I was lucky to capture it on camera " Johri added, "The cultural performances, the chants, and the way the diaspora came together created an electric atmosphere For me as a photographer, those 10 minutes were intense, I was literally on rapid fire, taking around 2,000 photos while walking backwards to keep Modi ji in frame It was challenging, but also the most rewarding assignment of my life These images are something I will treasure forever " Founder and Chairm an of the A rora Gro up, Surind er Arora, who hosted Prime Minister Modi and his delegation at Luton Hoo said, “We were honoured as a company to host the Prime Minister and his entire team at Luton Hoo last week It was a great privilege Of

encourages people to plant a tree in tribute to their mothers,” the statement said King Charles and PM Modi, who share a strong environmental vision, were also expected to discuss Yoga and Ayurveda The tree gifted to the King, a Davidia involucrata ‘Sonoma’ or handkerchief tree, is known for its early, abundant flowering Unlike the species, which can take 10–20 years to bloom, ‘Sonoma’ flowers within 2–3 years, displaying large white bracts resembling fluttering handkerchiefs or doves

Continued on page 14

course, we had to ensure everything remained confidential due t

Foreign Office, worked tirelessly together to make sure the visit went smoothly I’m pleased to say

their stay It was truly an honour

acquired about three years ago, is a property rich in history Our late Queen spent ten days of her hon-

Churchill stood in front of the house and addressed a crowd of 110,000 people It’s a very special and historic place I know the P

touched by the experience as a fellow Indian, it even more meaningful to host him and his delegation ”

“Now, looking at the bigger picture, I think it’s fantastic The UK and India have always shared a close relationship and the signing

(FTA) is a major step forward It

exporting goods to the UK and vice versa For instance, Britishmade cars used to face over 100% customs duty in India With the F

removed, and taxes significantly reduced This is good news on both sides India is currently the fastest-growing economy in the world, and I believe within the next one to two years, it will be

y That’s truly remarkable So yes, it was a great experience and an immense honour to have everyone with us, ” he added

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with King Charles III at Sandringham House

PM Modi and PM Starmer with Indian and UK business leaders

Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds signing the FTA deal

Both Prime Ministers interacting with the Founder of Amala Chai, Akhil Patel

HISTORIC TRADE DEAL BRIDGES ECONOMIES

A la ndma rk d eal, but ca n it deliver ?

India and the United Kingdom

( U K ) s i g n e d t h e C o m p

Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on July 24, 2025, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to England

The landmark deal, concluded after three years of hard work and

1 4 r o u n d

signed by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and

Jonathan Reynolds

Prime Ministers Modi and Keir Starmer, External Affairs Minister

S Jaishankar, and UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves were present at the historic signing Launched in 2022, when the UK sought new trade

aimed to boost its ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ missions, the agreement addresses tariff reductions, visa rules, intellectual property rights, and protection of sensitive sectors

Approved by the Indian Union Cabinet on July 22, the deal goes beyond trade to cover goods, serv i c e s , i n v e s t m e n t , i n t e l l e c t u a l property, and professional mobili-

t y W h i l e C E T A i s e x p e c t e d t o

b o o s t I n d i a ’ s e c

create jobs, and strengthen its global trade position, the agreement, which promises significant tariff cuts and increased investment for both nations, still faces questions around its implementation and the actual scale of job creation

A dea l with far-r eaching g ains

For India, the gains from the UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are significant: 99% of its exports to the UK will now face zero tariffs, while its politically sensitive agricultural sector has been excluded from competition India

a l s o s e c u r e d

Indian workers in the UK to avoid national insurance contributions

f o r t h r e e y e a r s , a r e c i p r o c a l arrangement for British workers in India

The UK benefits substantially as well, with India’s average tariffs on British goods dropping from 15% to 3% Tariffs will be cut across 90% of British product lines, including automobiles (from 100% to 10%) and whiskey and gin (from 150% to 7 5 % , e v e n

o 4 0 % ) British firms will also gain access to India’s vast procurement market, with tariff cuts estimated to be worth £400 million initially, rising to £900 million in a decade

H i g h l i g h t i n g t h e e c o n o m i c i m p a c t , A n u j J C h a n d e O BE , C orpora te Fin ance Pa rtn er & He ad of the Sout h Asia Busine ss Gr oup a t G r a nt T hor n t on UK Ad vi sor y & Ta x L LP, said, “The most significant advantage for both countries is the reduction of tariffs, boosting bilateral trade For India, nearly 99% of current exports to the UK will either see a reduction in duties or become duty-free This will particularly benefit labour-intensive industries such as leather, textiles, g e m s a n d j e w e l l e r y , e n g i n e e r i n g products, as well as sectors like s p o r t s g o o d s a n d t o y s , m a k i n g Indian products more competitive against countries like China, which does not have an FTA with the UK For the UK, around 90% of exports to India will either be duty-free or subject to reduced duties, allowing

UK businesses greater access to one of the world’s largest a n d f

price-competitive in a pricesensitive market, benefiting sectors such as food and bev-

goods, technology, and energy Beyond trade, these tariff

Hurdles ahe ad for India-UK FTA D

ments of the FTA, certain ambiguities remain India is still seeking e x

posed carbon tax, set to take effect in 2027, and a separate bilateral i n v

finalised The successful agreement of the trade deal could still face h u

tions, and ensuring tangible job creation in both countries Experts have also warned of potential challenges in the deal’s implementation

Anuj Chande OBE noted, “The

2025 India Meets Britain tracker,

owned companies operating in the UK, and the FTA could significant-

medium to long term

He further added, “Another key milestone achieved alongside the FTA is the Double Contribution Convention, which allows temporary workers in both countries a three-year exemption from social security contributions Overall, I believe the FTA is a well-balanced deal and a win-win for both parties ”

Man agin g Dire ct or of EPG, noted that challenges remain: “The deal s t i l l n e e d s t o b e r a t i f i e d b y Parliament and a few of the finer points need to be worked out For example, over what period do the w h i s k y a n d a u t o t a r i f f b a r r

s reduce? So no one in the UK or India is likely to see practical benefit from this for the next year The trade deal is comprehensive in that it doesn’t just cover the trade in goods, but services, government procurement and wider as well In doing so, it sets a framework for broader and deeper collaboration between the two countries ” U K’s biggest post -Bre xit tr ade dea l Nearly 1,000 Indian companies

The India–UK FTA is expected to create 2,200 British jobs and boost wages by £2 2 billion annually UK

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it the “biggest and most economically significant trade deal since leaving the EU,” as it provides the U K m

economy

On the deal’s geopolitical sig-

Chande said, “The deal marks a seminal moment in the trading history of the two nations It is the largest trade deal done by the UK post-Brexit and it is India’s first deal done with a western nation Amid the tariff turbulence caused by the Trump administration this agreement is a beacon of light ” Dattani further emphasised the

manufacturing

s twofold – delays in ratification by both parliaments and differi n g i n t e r p r e t a t i o n s o f t h e detailed rules ” P r a t i k D a t t a n i a d d e d ,

“While governments are focusi n g o n p o t e n t i a l b i l l i o n s i n trade and investment, those figures are projections for ten years down the line The real value lies in creating more lowand semi-skilled jobs for both

President Trump might be making the best of a bad situation, but objectively it still leaves the UK worse off than a few months ago across a whole range of industries

The previous close economic ties with Europe will take a long time to restore The UK doesn’t have the political appetite to become closer

Cameron So in terms of large, fastgrowing economies, India is one of the only options available to the UK But the trade deal is important in a world which has passed ‘peak globalisation’ thanks to the narr

Trump The deal sends a powerful message to the world that when two partners come together to disc u s s m

w they can both win ”

Projections show UK exports to India will rise by 60% and imports from India by 25%, leading to a 39% increase in bilateral trade worth £25 5 billion by 2040 The UK is likely to benefit more due to India’s protectionist stance, with the FTA expected to raise UK GDP by 0 13% compared to 0 06% for India

The agreement eliminates tari f f s o n 9 9 % o f I n d i a ’ s e x p o r t s , boosting labour-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, marine products, gems and jewellery, auto components, and engineering goods

A g r i c u l t u r a l a n d p r o c e s s e d f o o d exports, including cereals, spices, fruits, and ready-to-eat products, will now enjoy zero duties, while sensitive sectors like dairy, apples, and cooking oils remain protected

The UK’s $5 4 billion marine export market will now be dutyfree for Indian exporters Indian professionals will benefit from bett e

c o n o m i c needs test” in 36 service sectors, w h i l e 1 , 8 0 0 I n d i a n c h e f s , y o g a instructors, and classical musicians will be allowed to work in the UK temporarily

Additionally, £6 billion of UK investment will flow into Indian m a n u f a c t u r i n g , p h

, and startups, enhancing access to UK investors and innovation hubs The new “UK–India Vision 2035 ” and Defence Industrial Roadmap will further deepen collaboration in defence, security, technology, education, and people-to-people ties

Investment Treaty would

The leaders also exchanged Terms of Reference for the proposed FTA They jointly inaugurated sever-

populations, and I would have liked to see more clarity on how and where those jobs will be created ” Maldive s calls India part ner ship ‘ un bre ak able’

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

Modi’s two-day state visit to the Maldives marked a major step in strengthening bilateral relations H e w a s w e l c o m e d b y P r e s i d e n t

M o h a m e d M u i z z u a t R e p u b l i c

Square in Male, where he attended the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations the first Indian Prime Minister to do so and the first foreign head of government h o s t e d b y M u i z z u M o d i w a s accompanied by a high-level delegation including External Affairs

M i n i s t e r S J a i s h a n k a r , N a t i o n a l Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Modi and President Muizzu of M a l d i v e s r e a f f i r m e d t h e d e e p b o n d s o f f r i e n d s h i p a n d t r u s t

b e t w e e n I n d i a a n d M a l d i v e s , strengthened by centuries-old ties and strong people-to-people connections They reviewed progress on the India-Maldives Joint Vision f o r a C o m p r e h e n s i v e E c o n o m i c and Maritime Security Partnership, adopted during President Muizzu’s

S t a t e V i s i t t o I n d i a i n O c t o b e r 2024 P r i m e M i n i s t e r r e i t e r a t e d India’s commitment to supporting Maldives under its Neighbourhood F i r s t a n d V i s i o n M A H A S A G A R policies, while President Muizzu appreciated India’s role as the “First Responder” in times of crisis Both leaders discussed cooperation in d e v e l o p m e n t , i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , capacity building, climate action, h e a l t h , a n d m a r i t i m e s e c u r i

the Colombo Security Conclave They also reviewed the economic partnership, underscoring t h a t t h e p r o p o

al development projects, including roads and drainage works in Addu City, six High-Impact Community Development Projects, 3,300 social housing units, and the handover of 72 vehicles to Maldivian authorities India also gifted two Aarogya Maitri Health Cube (BHISHM) sets to strengthen Maldives’s emergency medical response

saplings as part of India’s Ek Pedh M

Maldives’s Pledge of 5 Million Tree P

their shared commitment to envi-

Prime Minister reiterated India’s

peace, progress, and prosperity and for stability in the Indian Ocean region

At a state banquet attended by top Maldivian political and military

described India-Maldives relations

rooted in centuries of cultural and historical ties The visit marks a turnaround in relations after early

and reaffirmed the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership agreed upon last year as a guiding framework for the future

Prime Minister Modi also met

Latheef, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s

Mohamed Nasheed, with

Maldives ties He interacted with

and also engaged with the Indian community in the

Prime Minister Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu released a stamp to mark 60 years of India-Maldives friendship

Prime Minister Modi meets Indian diaspora in Maldives

HISTORIC TRADE DEAL BRIDGES ECONOMIES

Continued from page 14

PROCESSED FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

ThTrade Agreement holds immense promise for the processed foods industry

As two countries with deep culinary legacies and growing cross-cultural affinity, this FTA can unlock significant trade and innovation synergies

From our perspective at S u h a n a – P

a v i n Masalewale, such an agreement would enable greater access to the UK market, foster smoother regulatory alignment, and encourage bilateral investment in food processing infrastructure and technology

(FTA) presents a long-overdue opportunity for small

the alcoholic beverages sector, particularly those from India

from lower tariffs and easier access to the Indian mark e t , t h e r e a l o p p o r t u n i t y lies in giving Indian producers a fair shot abroad

D e s p i t e p r o d u c i n g s o m e o f t h

w h i s k i e s g l o b a l l y , I n d i a n

b r a n d s c o n t i n u e t o f a c e deep-seated biases in the UK trade ecosystem These aren’t just commercial hurdles they’re rooted in per-

Al l I n d i a F o o d Processors’ Association (AIFPA) extends its heartiest congratulations on concluding the signing of the I n d i a – U K C o m p r e h e n s i v e

E c o n o m i c a n d T r a d e Agreement (CETA)

T h e a g r e e m e n t w a s signed by Commerce and

I n d u s t r y M i n i s t e r S h r i

P i y u s h G o y a l a n d U K

S e c r e t a r y o f S t a t e f o r

B u s i n e s s a n d T r a d e M r Jonathan Reynolds in the august presence of Prime Ministers of both the countries, Shri Narendra Modi and Sir Keir Starmer to witness this momentous occa-

s i o n T h i s h i s t o r i c f e a t o p e n s u p e n o r m o u s prospects for India's agri-

c u l t u r e , f o o d p r o c e s s i n g , s p i c e , a n d m a r i n e i n d u stries, placing Indian prod-

exports it’s about creating robust platforms for valuea d d

enhancing shelf-life technologies, and catering to evolving consumer preferences for authentic, high-

ception British trade buye r s o f t e n d i s m i s s I n d i a n w h i s k y a s i n f e r i o r , n o t b e c a u s e o f q u a l i t y , b u t because it doesn’t fit the t r a d i t i o n a l S c o t c h n a r r ative It’s a quiet form of gatekeeping that undervalu e s “ M a d e i n I n d i a , ” regardless of innovation or global demand

The FTA might remove

ucts more competitively in global markets

A I F P A r e m a i n e d i n c o n s t a n t c o m m u n i c a t i o n w i t h t h e U K H i g h C o m m i s s i

tions A dedicated team was invited to contribute ideas and actively shared views of India's agro and food processing sectors

T h i s a g r e e m e n t p r ovides zero-duty access to n e a r l y 9 9 % o f I n d i a n

AUTOMOBILE

Indian food offerings

The processed food sector in India is rapidly modernising, and this FTA has

integrate Indian manufacturers with global stan-

consumers greater choice

It’s a win-win opportunity that can build resilient supply chains, boost farmer

nations

Anand Chordia, Director –T echnology & Inno vation, S uhana (Prav in M asalewale)

tariff walls, but the real test w i l l b e w h e

h a llenges these ingrained prejudices For Indian alco-bev

S M E s , t h e p a t h f o r w a r d requires more than market access it demands brandb u i l d i n g , p r e m i u m p o s itioning, and consumer education I

and finally give Indian alcohol brands the global recogn i t i o n t h e y ’ v e l o n g deserved Done poorly, it r i

powerful while sidelining the emerging Sidd harth Shankar, Global Chief Operatio ns Officer at Kom erz Group

exports, creating immense potential for food process o r s , s p i c e e x p o r t e r s , marine product suppliers, agricultural producers, and value-added food brands It e n a b l e s b

k e t access, encourages innovat i o n i n p r o c e s s i n g a n d packaging, packaging innovation and encouragement of sustainable food processing practices

Exporters will now have

spices, processed foods, and marine products, ready-toeat meals, snacks, sauces, jams, beverages which will widen the availability and

products

Iwasabsolutely over the moon in May when the U K

Agreement was agreed by both countries last week

The negotiations began

early 2022, and after more

tained effort, the FTA was agreed as I now serve as Chair of the International C

(ICC) UK & Europe

This is, without doubt, the biggest and most significant free trade agreement that the United Kingdom h

India is the fastest-growing

world and now the fourth

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents a landmark opportunity to deepen economic ties and unlock inclusive growth

For small and mediums i z e d e n t e r p r i s e s ( S M E s ) , the FTA is a game-changer By reducing tariffs, streamlining regulatory barriers, and enhancing digital trade p r o v i s i o n s , i t l e v e l s t h e playing field SMEs will be able to scale cross-border operations without the disproportionate compliance

i n improved access to India’s dynamic consumer market, while Indian SMEs can tap into the UK’s innovationdriven economy and global

BUSINESS AND SMES

Lord Karan Bilimoria

And yet, it remains only the U K

trade in goods and services currently standing at £42 billion

I believe this historic agreement will act as a catalyst, turbocharging trade,

partnerships between our t

confident that we will see

supply chains I

i m p a c t , w

n t i c i p a t e immediate growth in textiles and apparel, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, a n d I T -

The Indian textile sector, in particular, stands to benefit immensely With UK tariffs of up to 12% expected to be e l i m i n a t e d , I n d i a n exporters will gain a significant cost advantage, boost-

£80 billion within the next five years

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK this week u

h and strategic importance of this partnership His presence for the signing of this deal is a powerful symbol of the deep trust and mutual respect between our countries

The UK and India are the best of friends, and we have the best of potential This agreement is not just a milestone it is a launchp a d O

r d s a n d upwards! - Lo rd K aran Bilimoria, C o-Ch air APPG India, Hou se of Lords, C hair of the IC C U K

ing their competitiveness against regional players like Bangladesh and Vietnam

This could catalyse a surge in exports, attract FDI into India’s textile clusters, and support job creation across the value chain

For the UK, this translates into access to highq u

y priced Indian textiles, supporting British retailers and consumers alike The FTA is not just a trade deal; it’s a strategic enabler of SMEl e d g r o w t h a n d b i l a t e r a l prosperity ” -Gursheen Kaur S ahani, Head o f U K Ind ia C orridor - Business DevelopmentSo uth A sia Business Gro up, Grant Thornton U K Ad visory & Tax LL P

While the highly

vehicles and parts in the

maximum and timely benefit, we now need rapid rati-

workable solutions on tariff-rate-quotas administration M ike Hawes, C hief Executive at T he S ociety of Mo tor Manufacturers & Trad ers (SMM T)

The upcoming India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) presents a transformative opportunity for GI Heritage, a global platform t

and B2B segments, especially a

buyers and institutions

For India’s artisans, the FTA unlocks new pathways

s a n products from India W i t h e x p e c t e d r e d u ctions in import duties, simplified trade procedures, and m u t u a l r e c o g n i t i o n o f G I tags, GI Heritage will be able to offer more competitively priced, legally protected, and easily accessible products to the UK market This positions the brand to expand its

The I n d i a – U K F r e e Trade Agreement is a landmark moment, particularly for small and mediu m - s i z e d e n t e r p r i s e s (SMEs) on both sides B y e l i m i n a t i n g o r reducing tariffs, simplifying c

t o m s

ensuring regulatory transparency, the FTA will help level the playing field for SMEs that often lack the resources to navigate com-

d e r e g i m e s T h i s d e a l g i v e s t h e m d i r e c t access to each other’s mark e t s w i t h g r e a t e r e a s e , reduced costs, and faster turnaround Sectors such as textiles

The removal of

a rments is especially

through GI Heritage, they benefit from fair trade, sustainable demand, and inclusion in formal commerce, all while preserving India’s cultural legacy The FTA reinforces GI Heritage’s mission

Vin eet Kumar , Co-Founder, GI Herita ge

Gursheen Kaur Sahani

Anand Chordia

Siddharth Shankar

Mike Hawes

Vineet Kumar

Kulin Lalbhai

Celebrating India-UK Education collaboration

Rupanjana Dutta

As th e UK- India signed FT A last week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Mini ster Keir S tarmer di scussed the deep ening of partnersh ip between India and the UK in th e edu cation sector, perhaps one of the mo st exciting secto rs fo r co operation in the coming years

They welcomed the opening of the campus of the Southampton University in Gurugram, India recently India’s Educati on Minister Dharmendra Pradh an, celebrated the opportunities that the new University of Southampton Delhi promises to bring to Indian students at a ceremony held to open the new campus It s the first such foreign university campus to be opened in India under the New Education Policy of India and at least five more UK universities have pledged to opening similar

student exchanges, to new campuses, based on both demand and capacities of extraordinary quality

H E Vikram Doraiswami, addressing the dignitaries that included vice chancellors and pro-vice chancellors of several universities, spoke about the renewed relationship between UK and India in the field of education

In an illustrious opening speech, he said, “ We have known each other as cultures and as civilisations for the better

build not just new university campuses, but also partnerships across the board Department based partnerships, it could be specialty based partnerships, research based partnerships, joint degree partnerships It could be opportunities to have exchanges of faculty It could be all or even few of the above ” University of Southampton Vice Chancellor, Professor

other important partner

campuses in India

Reception to mark op ening of India camp uses o f UK universities

On 9 July, the High Commission of India, London organised an event at India House to celebrate the India-UK Education collaboration The event highlighted the milestone of opening of India campuses of UK universities in India under the New Education Policy of India Besides University of Southampton in attendance were representatives from University of Liverpool, University of York, University of Aberdeen, Coventry University and Queen’s University Belfast who have received the Letters of Intent to establish campuses in India

The High Commissioner of India to the UK, H E Vikram Doraiswami congratulated all six partner universities, and welcomed others present to structure new ties with India, ranging from joint research, joint degrees, innovation campuses, faculty and

part of 400 years But as in any long-standing relationship, it always needs to be refreshed and renewed And the process of refreshing and renewable relationship comes from getting to know more about each other and from working with each other towards challenges of the present and what we believe will be the challenges of the future Beyond this, there is also the critical piece, which is, how do we invest in the next generation, and how do we ensure that the next generation has a better sense of the opportunity and the space that we offer each other for our mutual benefit

There is, in other words, no substitute for what universities and the larger world of academia offer in terms of future of our nation ”

Speaking about studying abroad and the scale of demands v/s interests in India, he said, “Today, part of our common story where there are large numbers of Indian students coming to the UK and to several

countries, Canada, US, Australia, to study

“There is, of course, a long history of Indians being almost obsessed about the idea of getting the best possible education for their children It's part of the sort of cultural makeup of India, in which greatest investment you can make for your next generation is to give them the best possible opportunities to study has long been part of the India UK story

“But the scale and state of aspiration, the state of demand in India, is such that it is never going to be enough to have only those who can afford to come abroad be the beneficiaries of quality education

“In other words, we need major investment coming in, into the university sector And we are after the quality of your universities and your academia, and the opportunity to put fresh life down into our university system

The High Commissioner further added, “We think UK is the obvious partner to help

AsMark E S mith, on opening of the campus in a statement said, “The University of Southampton Delhi offers students the chance to earn a world-class degree at a university that is renowned for its excellence in teaching, global research, and connections to business and industry partners

“Our Delhi campus builds on our longstanding relationship with India and fulfils our ambition to become a truly global institution, connecting students from around the world through Southampton’s ability to deliver outstanding education and worldleading research which has the power to transform lives ”

The event at India

House also witnessed a speech by the inaugural ICCR Chair of Indian Studies Professor Prakash Chand Kandpal, originally from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India The ICCR Chair of India Studies has been established after a MoU was signed between Indian Council for Cultural Relations and University of Southampton

There were also presentations on topics such as ‘The unrealised translational potential of Aryuryog: Understanding and deciphering potential of established Ayurvedic remedies’ in the field of dementia by Prof Amritpal Mudher from University of Southampton and another by post-doctoral research fellow Asmita Maitra, also from Southampton University on the topic of ‘Carbon capture through enhanced weathering of Indian industrial and mine waste materials’

A new era for UK–India ties –and how you can be part of it

Conservative Friends of India

som eone wh o has sp ent decad es building businesses, supporting charities, and working with comm unities in both the UK and India, I kno w the power o f our shared heritag e – and th e potential of o ur shared future T hat’s why I am d elighted by the signing of th e U K–Ind ia Free Trad e A greement: a landmark deal th at bring s our two nations closer th an ev er before

This historic agreement did not happen overnight It builds on the strong foundations laid by the previous Conservative Government, which launched formal negotiations in January 2022 following the Enhanced Trade Partnership in 2021 By the time last year ’ s General Election was announced, discussions were well advanced – and I am pleased to see that hard work result in a deal that will benefit both nations for decades to come

The FTA is not just about trade figures; it’s about opportunity It will boost the UK economy by £4 8 billion annually, increase wages by £2 2 billion, and double trade to £120 billion by 2030 It cuts tariffs on Scotch whisky, opens the door for Indian exports, and – perhaps most significantly – allows UK-made electric and luxury vehicles to enter India at just 10% duty instead of over 100% This is a win for businesses, consumers, and communities on both sides

At Conservative Friends of India, we ’ re not stopping here We will be hosting a series of events in the coming months to explain what this deal means for different sectors and what comes next in UK–India relations These sessions will provide practical advice for businesses and a forum for dialogue on future cooperation in technology, education, and green energy

If you want to learn more, or to help strengthen the ties between our two great nations, I invite you to join Conservative Friends of India Together, we can make sure this agreement delivers real benefits – not just on paper, but in people’s lives, businesses, and communities across the UK and India

Goyal hails Modi’s leadership in securing landmark FTA

In d i an C om m er ce a nd

In d u s try M i n is te r P i y u sh Go ya l s ai d th e I nd i a- U K

F ree T r ad e A g re em e nt (FTA ) reflects the country’ s growing global stature

Calling it India’s most

c o m p r e h e n s i v e t r a d e d e a l yet, Goyal said the FTA was

the European Union, while the Modi government continues to open new opportunities for farmers, fishermen, and industries, driving a sharp rise in exports The government aims to double exports in the next five years, he added, noting

made possible by the trust

P r i m e M i n i s t e r N a r e n d r a Modi has built worldwide, a l l o w i n g I n d i a t o e n g a g e with developed nations as “ c o m p l e m e n t a r y p a r t n e r s , not competitors ”

He added that the agreem e n t w o u l d o p e n n e w opportunities and highlight India’s rising influence on the world stage

M i n i s t e r P i y u s h G o y a l

n o t e d t h a t u n d e r P r i m e

Minister Modi’s leadership over the past 11 years, India

h a s r i s e n f r o m a f r a g i l e e c o n o m y t o o n e o f t h e world’s top five

“ B y 2 0 2 7 , I n d i a w i l l

b e c o m e t h e t h i r

he said,

advanced economies

Goyal said negotiations a r e u n

w i t h N e w Zealand, Oman, the US, and

that millions of youth are gaining jobs in the services sector and that PM Modi is now regarded as one of the world’s most respected leaders In a post on X, Minister Piyush Goyal said, “Today, India is not just being seen it is dominating global markets ” He highlighted how the

multiple sectors, including agriculture, MSMEs, gems and jewellery, fisheries, tex-

services

“Under Prime Minister Modi’s decisive leadership, India has built a strong and influential global identity,” Goyal said, calling the FTA a “historic agreement” that is

across all sections of society He added that the pact

High Commissioner of India to the UK, H E Vikram Doraiswami during his opening remarks

University of Southampton Vice Chancellor Prof Mark E Smith addressing the audience

L-R: Professor Prakash Chand Kandpal, Professor Mark E Smith, H E Vikram Doraiswami, Lord Kamlesh Patel Amarjit Singh Founder and CEO at India Business Group and other guests

Koolesh Shah, Co-Chair,

Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal addressing the audience

Renowned economist and peer Lord Meghnad Desai passes away

L o rd M eg h nad D esa i, th e

e s tee m ed ec o no m is t, author, and member of the U K’s Ho use of Lords, passed

a w ay a t th e ag e o f 8 5 K now n for his intellectual

c o nt ri bu t io n s an d st ro ng Indian heritage, Lord Desai left a lasting im pact on both economic thoug ht and public life in the U K and India

P r i m e M i n i s t e r Narendra Modi paid tribute to Lord Desai on X, sharing a photo and writing:

“Anguished by the passing away of Shri Meghnad

India and Indian culture He also played a role in deepening India-UK ties Will fond-

l y r e c a l l o u r d i s c u s s i o n s , where he shared his valuable insights Condolences to his f a m i l y a n d f r i e n d s O m Shanti ” S a n j e e v S a n y a l , economist and member of

t h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r ’ s Economic Advisory Council,

a l s o e x p r e s s e d h i s s o r r o w saying, “Very sorry to hear

t h a t e m i n e n t e c o n o m i s t Meghnad Desai has passed away I had known him for over two decades He was always cheerful and open to new ideas I will cherish the many long discussions and debates that we had over the years

Just three months before ago his death, Lord Desai made headlines for urging the Indian government to

t a k e c o n t r o l o f P a k i s t a noccupied Kashmir (PoK) fol-

l o w i n g t h e d e a d l y t e r r o r attack in Pahalgam, which

c l a i m e d 2 6 c i v i l i a n l i v e s Calling the attack “incredi-

b l y c r u e l , ” h e s a i d I n d i a m u s t r e s p o n d “ a b s o l u t e l y forcefully” and asserted that PoK rightfully belonged to India due to the instrument

of accession signed by the former king of Jammu and Kashmir

A former Labour peer in the UK’s House of Lords, he resigned from the party in 2020 citing issues of racism His legacy spans economics, p o l i t i c s , a n d a l i f e l o n g e n g a g e m e n t w i t h I n d i a ’ s place in global affairs

A s t h e C h a i r o f t h e

G a n d h i S t a t u e M e m o r i a l

Trust Lord Desai was instrumental to the installation of t

S q u a r e i n L o n d o n w h i c h was unveiled in 2015 For the

Lord and Lady Desai were joined by UK’s then Prime M

i a ’ s t h e n F i n a n c e

Minister (late) Arun Jaitley, along with Gandhi’s grandson, the former Governor of West Bengal, Gopalkrishna

G a n d h i , a n d I n d i a n a c t o r

Amitabh Bachchan Rem em bering a long tim e friend

C B P a t e l ,

P u b l i s h e r / E d i t o r o f A s i a n

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

Samachar, also reflected on his decades-long friendship with Lord Meghnad Desai,

r e c a l l i n g m e m o r i e s f r o m their early days in Vadodara: “ I ’ v

Vadodara days He and his

Khanderao Market A brilliant student, he later moved abroad for higher education

young and exceptional

renowned Professor of Econometrics ”

Islington, north London In 1982 or 1983, he was unex-

Labour Leader Mr Smith to

spokesperson in the House

appointed as a peer Before Indian independence, Lord Sinha held such a title In the 1970s, Pratap Chitnis,

Party, became the first person of Indian origin to be appointed to the Lords, followed by Shreela Flather of the Conservative Party, and then Meghnad Desai ” “Meghnad was a close

o t h e r , Ashutosh, was my college friend and also a professor in the USA sadly, he too has passed away I have lost a dear friend ”

Moni Mannings appointed chair of Honours Diversity Committee

M o n i M a n

t erm will run from July 2025

t o July 2030

M a n n i n g s b r i n g s a wealth of experience to the role She currently serves as Senior Independent Director of FTSE 100 company Land

S e c u

e s G r o u p

T h e Co-operative Group She is a l s o a m e m b e r o f t h e Takeover Panel and founder

o f E P O C , a n o t - f o r - p r o f i t network aimed at increasing representation of people of colour on boards In addition, she is a trustee of the St Mark’s Hospital Foundation

Speaking on her appointment, Mannings said, “I am

d e l i g h t e d t o

e Independent Chair of this

new Committee The honours system is one of our nation’s most visible mechanisms not only for celebrating individual contribution but also of promoting our society’s values

“Recognising excellence from all walks of life isn’t just a symbolic act, it is how we t e l l o u r n a t i o n a l s t o r y I would be privileged to play a r o l e

honours system reflects and celebrates the full richness of our society ” T h e n e w

Police chief defends female officers

Britain’s top policing chief has pushed back agai nst comments from Reform UK suggesting that frontline officers should be “ big strappi ng ” men, calling the remarks damagi ng and out of touch Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said there were “ no roles in policing which women cannot do,” stressing that all officers, regardless of gender, must meet the same rigorous entry standards He noted that women now make up a third of all officers and 40 per cent of chief constables across the UK His comments came in response to Reform’s justice spokeswoman, Sarah Pochin, who told the BBC she felt “uncomfortable” seeing two female officers on patrol and would prefer to

see “ a great big strapping male officer with a female ” Party leader Nigel Farage added that Reform would insist on “ a physically tougher standard” for officers if it entered government, though later clarified that both men and women could be “strapping ”

Dame Diana Johnson, the policing minister, called the remarks “insulting” and criticised

Farage for refusing to attend this year ’ s Police Bravery Awards “If he had, he would see how many brilliant female officers risk their lives daily to protect the public,” she said Stephens added, “We must not jeopardise our progress by diminishing the value and role women play in our workforce

Women have an essential and irreplaceable role in every aspect of policing ”

GPs use app to improve

menopause care, cut NHS waits

Hu ndreds of GP s are no w usi ng a new ap p, MENO P ause, to offer faster, p ersonalised meno pause care and reduce the strain on NHS sp ecialist clinics

Developed by doctors at University College London Hospitals, the tool combines medical guidelines into one algorithm, enabling GPs to tailor hormone replacement therapy (HRT) based on a patient’s symptoms, history, and risk factors

Dr Shibani Nicum, an oncology expert at UCL, led the project after witnessing cancer survivors struggle to access menopause support

The app advises doctors on safe HRT options for women recovering from cancer, helping avoid risks of recurrence With just a few simple questions, GPs can offer accurate, highquality treatment even during a standard tenminute consultation

“It’s like having a menopause specialist in your pocket,” said Dr Nicum “It helps GPs deliver care in the community and reduces the burden on overbooked clinics ”

The app is free for all GPs and recommended by the NHS for managing menopause-related bleeding It’s also being

used by pharmacists who often assist in prescribing HRT

Dr Karin Schachinger, a GP in Islington, called it “revolutionary,” noting that it replaces outdated charts and speeds up decisionmaking Meanwhile, patient Claire McKay, who experienced early menopause, said the app would have helped her feel “ seen ” and eased the stress of navigating menopause at a young age With over 13 million women in the UK going through menopause or perimenopause, this innovation aims to make care more accessible, safe, and efficient

Kiran Desai returns to Booker longlist

ensure that the honours system is truly representative of the UK population It will

targeted outreach and publicity across regions and sectors, and providing advice to

ments

Minister’s strategic priorities

for their expertise, commit-

The committee

Memorialisation Secretariats in the Cabinet Office

Booker Prize-winning auth or Kiran Desai has made a m uch-anticip ated return to the Boo ker Prize long list with her new novel, Th e Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny Described by jud ges as “vast and imm ersive,” the book explores the lives of two young Ind ians in A merica, grappling w ith id entity, class, race, and interg enerational bonds

The 53-year-old, born in Delhi, first won the prize in 2006 for The Inheritance of Loss Her latest work, published by Hamish Hamilton, is the longest among this year ’ s "Booker Dozen , a longlist of 13 titles, at 667 pages At the other end of the spectrum is Universality by Natasha Brown, the shortest at 156 pages

Desai reportedly spent nearly 20 years crafting The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny If she wins, she will become only the fifth author to win the Booker Prize twice in its 56-year history The Booker Foundation also highlighted her literary lineage, her mother, Anita Desai, was shortlisted three times

The novel follows Sonia and Sunny as they navigate

the many forces that shape their lives, from personal histories to cultural and national identities

This year ’ s longlist was selected from 153 eligible novels by writers of any nationality, provided they were written in English and published in the UK or Ireland between October 2024 and September 30, 2025

British authors dominated the longlist, with Natasha Brown, Jonathan Buckley, Andrew Miller, Benjamin Wood, and Hungarian-British writer David Szalay among those nominated for the prestigious annual award, which recognises fulllength novels written in English

The shortlist will be revealed in September

L-R: GP Hinduja, Lord Meghnad Desai, Lady Kishwari Desai, CB Patel

Lord Meghnad Desai

Gavin Stephens

Kiran Desai

Moni Mannings OBE

A sharp, self-aware take on love, life and feeling alive

Anusha Singh

Follow ing a successful debut hour, com edian

Rajiv Karia is back at the Edinbu rgh Fringe with ‘Man A liv e!’ , a sho w th at explores what it means to truly feel aliv e w hether it’s the big life mom ents like getting m arried or th e quiet absurd ities o f mod ern life

With his trademark laid-back delivery and whip-smart observations, Rajiv weaves together themes of love, existential anxiety, family, and selfimprovement into an hour that’s equal parts funny and reflective

Asian Voice spoke to Rajiv about the new show, what’s changed since his first outing, and why stand-up remains his creative home

What was the inspiration behind ‘Man Alive!’?

There’s a lot of inspiration behind the show At its core, it’s a stand-up comedy show, so it’s full of little stories: things that have happened to me, observations I’ve made, and reflections on my experiences But it also goes deeper It’s about identity, race, masculinity, and my life as a comedian One of the threads running through it is this comparison between my own life and the lives of my dad and uncles I explore the idea that maybe I would have been more content if I’d followed the path they took So, in the show, I create a kind of “formula” for how to become a classic brown uncle and I break down whether or not I’ve managed to live up to that

How are you feeling right now, especially with this being the second set? What has changed since the first?

A major shift in my life since my last show is that I got married and a lot of the material in this new show reflects that, stories about being married and how life has evolved since then Aside from that, not much else has changed This show is also about telling stories I didn’t get to share the first time around During your first show, you're still figuring things out how to structure things, how to land the punchlines Now I’m trying to revisit some of those stories and tell them better The goal is to create a show that’s stronger than the last one

How does your identity as a South Asian person influence the work you do the projects you create, how your mind

works, and the way you approach creativity?

There’s a lot in the show about my identity It’s an interesting one, because I do think it’s important to talk about your ethnic background but I’m also always trying to second-guess the audience I like to stay one step ahead of what they might expect I want to speak honestly about my

your race!” And I’m like, “I just wake up like this It’s not that special to me ”

But that’s the art of standup: sharing your experience with people who have a different one

So you do have to think about what sets you apart and for me, race is one of those things

Assomeone who’s worked in television and also performed on

experience as a South Asian person, but sometimes I also enjoy subverting expectations; saying the unexpected just to catch the audience off guard That said, it's not just about ethnicity My identity is shaped by my family as well, and I talk a lot about them on stage and what it’s like being South Asian in the UK and growing up as a secondgeneration immigrant Honestly, I think identity fuels every stand-up show in some way, and it definitely fuels mine

Doyou ever feel like, 'I wish there comes a day when people would stop asking me about my South Asian heritage'?

I never judge anyone for asking about it because honestly, it’s part of the deal If you ’ re a comic and you ’ re not white, there’s this unspoken expectation that you’ll say something about it It doesn’t have to be your whole act, and you can choose how much or how little you want to talk about your race, but you do have to acknowledge it

It’s just one of those weird rules in comedy I don’t mind talking about it It is a big part of my identity

But at the same time, it’s also kind of mundane

That’s the funny thing about race; when you do a stand-up show, people are like, “Wow, tell us about

Indian arts to take centre stage in Roehampton parade

v ibrant celebration of mov ement, music and comm unity on Saturday 1 3 Septem ber as Urban F low bring s a 1 00person parade to the streets, c

painted silk flags

The large-scale event is part of Wandsworth’s year as Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2025 and marks a unique international collab-

Dance

Local groups including Pointe Black, Hummingbird B

University, Roots & More, UK Latin Group and Ibstock School will join performers from India in a colourful procession weaving through H

Danebury Avenue, Tangley

Gardens, ending in a grand finale at Bull Green

and

along the route, accompanied by an original six-part s

Arsenal FC and Red Bull

The music and choreography trace the emotional arc of human experience; from childhood and chaos to triumph C

Akinola called

stage, what’s your preferred format? How do you most enjoy presenting yourself and your work?

For me, performing live stand-up is still at the heart of it all With standup, though, you have complete creative control

My new show starts next week, and I alone decide what goes into that hour

No one ’ s going to stop me or edit it down; I make all the decisions That’s incredibly satisfying It’s also a lot of fun I still love watching live comedy too, going to the Fringe and seeing my friends' shows or discovering new ones It’s such a rewarding environment

Television is also amazing and I’ve really enjoyed being part of TV projects whether acting, writing, or working within a writers’ team TV reaches a much wider audience and involves a lot more people in the production process, which however means you often have to make compromises You’re working as part of an extended team, and everything has to go through compliance checks

So yes, I’ll keep doing TV, I enjoy it and want to keep being part of it But stand-up comedy is where it all begins and where my heart really is

and connection

Rifco Theatre announces cast for desi pantomime Surinderella

Rifco Th eatre Co mpany has rev ealed th e vibrant cast for i ts u p co m i n g p ro d u c ti o n S u ri n d ere ll a, a bo l d De si retelling of the classic fairy ta le P rem ie ri ng a t W ol v e rh am p to n G ran d Th eatre this Sep tember, the show will tour to Watford P a lac e, Q u een ’ s T h e atr e H o rnc h u rc h , a nd T h e atr e Royal Windsor D u e t o o v e r w h e l m i n g demand, the tour has now b e e n e x t e n d e d t o i n c l u d e additional dates at Riverside S t u d i o s i n H a m m e r s m i t h , London Leading the cast is S o n y a V e n u g o p a l a s

S u r i n d e r , f r e s h f r o m h e r roles as Rani and alternate Pi in Life of Pi on Broadway and its international tours

S h e s t a r s o p p o s i t e R o r y Dulku as Prince Kavi, with Bhavini Manoj Sheth as the m y s t i c a l D e v i G o d m o t h e r and Dhruv Ravi as Babloo, Kavi’s loyal companion Neil Varu and Raheem

Payne play Surinder’s hilarious, selfie-obsessed stepsist e r s , L o v e l y a n d B u b b l y , w h i l e L e e l a K a p i l a n d Natasha Bacarese-Hamilton will alternate as Basanti the cow Surinder’s best friend Ensemble roles will be perf o r m e d b y K u l d e e p Goswami and Kiran Kaanan Artistic Director Pravesh K u m a r , w h o a l s o w r o t e S u r i n d e r e l l a , s a i d , “ T h i s s t o r y c e

identity With record-breaking pre-sales, it's clear audiences are eager for stories that reflect them ” Director Ameet Chana added, “Casting this show has been a joy We’ve found a n i n c r e d i b

n d dynamic group of performers I can’t wait to bring this magical, hilarious and heartwarming production to life S

T h e B o l l yWoods!”

Odedra named

acclaimed

kathak and Sufi poetry, will premiere at Sadler’s Wells East from 17–19 July 2025 P

Wandsworth Borough Council

“Diversity

of background always leads to better policymaking”

Asian Voice spoke to Nesta CEO Ravi Gurumurthy who has been welcomed as the Non-Executive Board Members of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Subhasini Naicker

What does it mean to you personally and professionally to be named Lead Non-Executive Director at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero?

I t ’ s i n c r e d i b l y

contribute at this stage Nearly 20 years ago, I helped create the Climate Change Act and spent several years in t h e d e p a r t m e n t ,

w feels especially meaningful The net zero transition is at a pivotal moment, not just tackling climate change but also reducing bills and creating jobs

It’s one of the most fascinating areas of policy, and I’m eager to bring my experience to add real value

What do you see as the key priorities in this new role especially given the current global and national challenges around energy security, climate change, and sustainability?

One of the biggest challenges is h o w t o a c

opportunity Emerging technologies are advancing rapidly, and costs are coming down across several areas The key challenge is how we can speed up the transition while building strong

f s h o r e wind

In your experience, how important is diversity at the top levels of policymaking?

D i v e r s i t y o f e x p e r i e n c e , p e r s p e c t i v e , a n d v i e w

t i s a b s o l u

y c r i t i c a l i n e v e r y organisation, including those working o n n e t z e r o W h e n I t h i n k a b o u t

d i v e r s i t y , I f o c u s p a r t i c u l a r l y o n diversity of background You need p e o p l e w i t h e n g i n e e r i n g e x p e r t i s e , commercial experience, and a deep understanding of how the industry will react One of the challenges in the net zero space is that it’s often led by generalist policymakers, and it can be

difficult for them to fully anticipate i n d u s t r y r e s p

g those varied skill sets represented at all levels, whether on boards or within the Civil Service A key role of a NED is to provide constructive challenge, s t r e s s - t e s t i d

ideas well beyond the organisation’s w

better policymaking

Your work at Nesta has centred on innovation and public problemsolving. How do you see your experience there shaping your approach to this new role?

N e s t a a c t s q u i t e u n i q u e l y a s a bridge between practice and policy, a n d b e t w e e n a c a d e m i a a n d investment We run numerous on-

t h e - g r o u n d p r o j e c t s w i t h supermarkets, energy companies, and local authorities, using these trials to

g a t h e r p r a c t i c a l

n s i g h t s a n

f e e d them back into shaping policy I would like to see more of this kind of crossf e r t i l i s a t i o n b e t w e e n a c a d e m i a , practice, and policy, as these worlds often don’t talk to each other or fully u n d e r s t a n d o n e a n o t h e r ’ s p e r s

g e n u

n e l y h

n a l

s e camps: we act as a venture investor, a policy influencer, a grant-maker, and a research organisation That breadth enables us to connect insights from different sectors and drive real impact

upward pressure on rents

Although wage growth h

renters and those reliant

steepest rent hikes: Oldham

monthly rent to £876, while Wigan saw a 32% jump to £800

Recently, rent inflation f o r n

y unchanged

Affordability constraints, particularly among first-time

tenants renting for longer, further fuelling demand A s

Arethere specific lessons from your work in social impact science and technology? Or you know public innovation that you hope to apply in this context.

My background at Nesta can add real value to the net zero agenda because m

ultimately about innovation, designing new ideas, testing them rigorously, and scaling what works I bring three key

science, as achieving net zero requires major shifts in consumer behaviour and

Insights Team can help shape more

rigorous trials and real-world data to ensure interventions genuinely work before scaling them; and third, a focus o

applying a ‘moonshot’ mind-set to big, ambitious outcomes with continuous l

these approaches can help accelerate the net zero transition and deliver lasting impact "

What opportunities does the UK have to lead in energy transformation, and how can DESNZ drive innovation and equity in the green transition?

There are several ways in which the UK has led and can continue to lead on net zero First, the Climate Change Act h a s b e e n a m o d e l f o r m a n y o t h e r countries, with our institutional and p o l i c y f r a m e w o r k s o f t e n e m u l a t e d internationally Second, the UK is well placed to lead in specific technologies We are investing in four major CCS c

significant investment in nuclear, from Sizewell to small modular reactors and even fusion, as well as major advances in o f f s h

r i v i n g c o s t s d o w n a n d pioneering floating offshore wind Each of these technologies requires extensive supply chains, and by delivering at scale and pace, we can make it economically viable to build those supply chains here in the UK rather than relying on other countries

Record farm closures after inheritance tax changes

A record nu mber of farm ing businesses hav e closed over th e p a s t ye ar f o ll o w i ng changes to inh eritance tax rules, new data reveals According to the Office for National Statistics, 6,365

a g r i c u l t u r e , f o r e s t r y , a n d f i s h i n g b u s i n e s s e s s h u t d o w n i n t h e l a s t 1 2 m o n t h s t h e

records began in 2017 In c o n t r a s t , j u s t 3 , 1 9 0 n e w b u s i n e s s e

of 3,175 firms

occurred in the first half of 2025, following Chancellor R a c h e l R e e

r budget, which reduced the level of inheritance tax relief a

farms will from April next year face a 20% inheritance tax on assets exceeding £1 m i l l i

farmers have warned they are land-rich but cash-poor, and may be forced to sell off farmland to cover the tax bill V

Shares rose

Business Secretary dismisses wealth tax idea

Busine ss Secre tar y Jonat han Re ynolds has fir mly re jected t he i d e a of i n t r od u cin g a wea lth t ax, ca llin g it a “da ft ” p r o po s a l t ha t w o ul d be unwork able in practice

His remarks come as the I n t e r n a t i o n a l M o n e t a r y Fund (IMF) warned that the UK must either raise taxes or c u t s p e n d i n g t o m e e t i t s f i s c a l t a r g e t s , T h e T i m e s reported The IMF suggested m e a s u r e s s u c h a s t a x i n g m i d d l e e a r n e r s , s c r a p p i n g the pensions triple lock, or introducing NHS charges

L a b o u r p e e r L o r d Kinnock recently proposed a 2 % a n n u a l l e v y o n a s s e t s over £10 million, a policy

b a c k e d b y s e v e r a l L a b o u r M P s B u t R e y n o l d s dismissed the idea, urging h i s c o l l e a g u e s t o “ g e t serious”

Speaking to GB News, he said, “The idea you can just l e v y e v e r y o n e W h a t i f your wealth was not in your bank account, what if it was in fine wine or art? How would we tax that? This is why this doesn’t exist ” He a r g u e d t h a t n o e f f e c t i v e w e a l t h t a x o p e r a t e s anywhere in the world and

branded the proposal as a populist gesture rather than a

following the announcement These are NatWest’s first results since the government sold its remaining stake, ending a

Sainsbury’s banking operations and a £2

billion mortgage book from Metro Bank However, the bank opted out of bidding for TSB, which was recently acquired by Santander for £2 65 billion Thwaite said future deals must offer

The results follow strong figures from Lloyds, sparking speculation that the government may raise taxes on banks to

Ravi Gurumurthy

Jonathan Reynolds

TCS to axe 12,000 jobs in IT giant’s biggest layoff ever

strategic shifts: embracing AI, and letting go of employ-

worldwide as of June The company has been periodically restructuring its workforce in response to changing business dynamics and o t h e r f a c t o r s I n F Y 1 5 , i t eliminated more than 3,000 jobs, representing about 1% of its total employee count

The latest job cuts will p r i m a r i l y a f f e c t m i d - l e v e l and senior executives This move marks one of the comp

ployed within the firm The workforce reduction under-

environment, especially in the absence of large deals l i k e B S N L I n d u s t r y

observers see this as an early

pressures are driving companies to reduce employee costs TCS said the restruc-

turing initiative is aimed at transforming the company into a future-ready organisation “This includes strategic initiatives on multiple

our growth and evolution, we understand the impact on our colleagues We thank them for their service and are committed to supporting them through this trans i t i o n , ” T C S C E O K Krithivasan said in an email to employees

ED files complaint against Myntra over alleged FDI violations

Th e Enforcement Directorate (ED) announc ed that i t has l odged a compl ai nt u nd er the

F lipkart u ni t, along wi th its a s s o c i at e d c o m p an i es an d d i re c to r s T h e c o mp l a i nt alleges that Myntra received o v er £ 165 4 m n i n o ver s ea s i nve s t me nt s i n b r ea ch o f f o r ei gn d i r ec t i nv es t me nt (F DI ) regulati ons pertai ni ng to retai l T h e a g e n c y a c c u s e s Myntra and its connected

e n t i t i e s o f e n g a g i n g i n

m u l t i - b r a n d r e t a i l t r a d e while ostensibly operating as a wholesale cash & carry

b u s i n e s s W h i l e t h e government permits 100% FDI in wholesale cash and c a r r y a n d b u s i n e s s - t obusiness (B2B) e-commerce, m u l t i - b r a n d r e t a i l t r a d i n g faces stringent restrictions

E l a b o r a t i n g o n t h e a l l e g e d v i o l a t i o n s , w h i c h r e p o r t e d l

a l and Ashutosh Lawania were r e s p o n s i b l e f o r d a i l y operations, the ED claims Myntra sold all its goods to V e c t o r E - C o m m e r c e P v t L t

them The agency further

Myntra are related parties within the same corporate group Existing FDI rules for

group entities to just 25%, a regulation Myntra allegedly contravened by selling 100% of its goods to Vector, in

from April 1st and October

reiterated its commitment

operates with the highest

significantly contributed to digitising India's textile and apparel ecosystem

Swedish firm acquires Ahmedabad IT company Social Pilot

S ocial Pilot, an IT firm based i n A h m ed a ba d , h as be en

a cq u i red by S w ed e n' s g rou p one for a sum o f mo re t h an £ 4 0 m n M ark et sou rces ind icate this significant transaction represents o ne of the largest IT deals in Gujarat and stands as one of t h e b i g g es t a c qu i si t io n s

w ithin India's bootstrapp ed start up sector F o u n d e d i n 2 0 1 4 b y e n t r e p r e n e

Bagadiya and Tejas Mehta, Social Pilot has established itself as a key provider of s

serves

substantial global

interest in India's burgeon-

and the potential within its self-funded start up ecosystem

Costco to establish first Indian tech centre in Hyderabad

Re t a il g i an t C os t c o Whol esal e Corp is set ting up it s i na u gur a l t e c h no l og y centre in India, s trategical ly loc ated in Hyderabad This ne w G l ob a l C a pa

it y Centre (GCC) wil l prim arily f oc u s on a d v

c e d te c h n ol og y a n d re s ea r c h operations , working in c los e coll aboration with Cos

s ex i s t in g g l

am s , according to s ourc es f amiliar with the pla ns The centre is anticipated

opportunities, with further expansion envisioned for the future This move by Costco underscores India's growing stature as a crucial hub for G l o b a l C a p a b i l i t y C

multinational corporations H y d e r a b a d , i n p a r t i c u l a r , a l r e a d y h o s t s s i

McDonald’s, Heineken, and V

n g u a r d G r o u p , w h i l e Bengaluru boasts centres for J

ED probing Ambani’s alleged diversion £1.2bn RHFL loans

) to related entiti es ED is being assisted in its task by National Financial

Security and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and National H

involves misappropriation of huge public funds At least a dozen related entities of the

massive haircuts for banks

RHFL, which had written off around £700mn out of the £1

management personnel and associates of Ambani, have come under the radar of the a

investigated, besides the 60

covered during the searches A Sebi investigation report

India unveils new telecom policy draft eyeing 6G dominance and job growth

T h e g o v ern m en t h as u nv ei le d a d ra ft t ele c om policy, designed to harness the o pportunities and nav igate th e challenges posed by ne xt- g e nera ti o n te ch n o logies, including 5G/6G, artific i al i nte lli g e nc e ( A I ) , I nt ern et o f T h i n g s ( I o T ) , quantum co mm unicatio ns , s ate ll it e ne tw o r ks , and blo ckchain R e l e a s e d b y t h e Department of Telecom, the a m b i t i o u s p o l i c y a i m s t o

n i n a n n u

t t r a c

i n v e s t m e n t s a n d g e n e r a t e 10,00,000 new jobs within the sector by 2030 The draft envisions creating an agile, f u t u r e - r e a d y r e g u l a t o r y e n v i r o n m e n t t h a t f o s t e r s c o l l a b o r a t i o n a m o n g g o ve r n m e n t , i n d u s t r y , a c a d e m i a , s t a r t - u p s , a n d i n t

r n a t i o n a l s t a n d a r d f o r u m s U l t i m a t e l y , I n d i a seeks to emerge not only as a leading consumer of digital technologies but also as a trusted global provider of telecom products, services, and solutions T h e p o l i c y o u t l i n e s a comprehensive roadmap for b o o s t i n g i n v e s t m e n t i n r e s e a r c h , u p s k i l l i n g t h e w o r k f o r c e , m o d e r n i s i n g infrastructure, and optimising spectrum management f o r d i v e r s e a p p l i c a t i o n s across smart cities, industry,

rural broadband, emergency response, and digital governance Dubbed ‘NTP-25’, it sets a bold trajectory for the n e x t d e c a d e , a

i n g t o achieve universal and meaningful connectivity for all, while doubling the sector's contribution to India's GDP Furthermore, it targets doubling the export of telecom p r o d u c

ups, and significantly boosti

s p e c i f i c t

e t i n c l u d e s attaining a 10% global share i n 6 G -

by 2030

Tata Sons chief among highest-paid as new ventures drive group growth

N C h a nd r as e k ar a n, C hairm an of Tata Sons , the p r im a r y e nt it y o f t h e v as t $180- bill io n Tata Gro up, saw h is annu al c omp ens ation rise to £15 6mn in the financ ial year 2 025

This figure positions him among India Inc’s most highly remunerated professional leaders, with annual earnings now exceeding £15mn His r e m u n e r a t i o n i n c r e a s e d b y 15% from £13 5mn received in F Y 2 4 , m a r k i n g s i g n i f i c a n t growth since his initial com-

pensation of £5 5mn in FY18, following his appointment in February 2017

Beyond executive compensation, the Tata Group is w i t n e s s i n g r o b u s

mance from its newer vent

This growth has been bolstered by strategic acquisi-

Wistron India and a £165mn investment for a 60% stake in

over

individuals, with approximately 70% being women

emerged as a substantial revenue generator within just five years of its inception Starting operations in 2020, Tata Electronics recorded an impressive £6 66bn in revenue for FY25, with a modest deficit of just £7mn, hinting

in brief

INDIAN NATIONAL DETAINED BY US IMMIGRATION

Manjot Singh a 25-year-old Indian citizen with an extensive criminal history in the United States has been taken into custody by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Singh s record includes at least six prior arrests on charges such as robbery theft, driving under the influence of liquor and criminal impersonation The apprehension was the result of a coordinated operation involving ICE, Homeland Security Investigations and the US Border Patrol Singh is currently being held in ICE detention while awaiting deportation proceedings, a move that aligns with the agency s ongoing efforts to remove individuals with repeated criminal offences from the country

PUNJAB YOUTH FOUND DEAD IN CANADA

A young man from (Kapurthala, Punjab, has died under suspicious circumstances in Winnipeg, Canada The deceased, identified as Davinder Singh, was found dead in a lake there Davinder moved to Canada around eight years ago on a student visa While pursuing his education he also worked part-time to support his family in India According to family sources, Gurmeet Kaur, his mother, last spoke to her son on July 16 He told her that he was preparing to go to work However the family received a phone call on July 22 informing them about his death The Canadian authorities later confirmed that Davinder’s body was found in a lake in Winnipeg

INDIAN, OTHERS RESCUE WOMAN DRIVER FROM SINKHOLE

A 46-year-old Indian foreman was among several workers who rescued a woman from her car after it fell into a sinkhole in Singapore The sinkhole developed along the city-state's Tanjong Katong Road South thoroughfare Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah, a foreman, was working at a nearby site when the car fell into a sinkhole He, along with other workers, used a rope to pull the driver of the car to safety According to the report, the sinkhole was initially dry but water began to flow in later The woman was later taken to a hospital by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

BANK REVOKES ‘MODEST’ DRESSING CODE

Bangladesh’s central bank revoked a new dress code directive, three days after its human resources department created a controversy by asking employees - especially women - to dress in “modest and professional” attire The HR department had also warned that failing to comply with the order could lead to disciplinary action “This instruction has been completely revoked,” Bangladesh Bank spokesman Arief Hossain Khan said Khan said Bangladesh Bank governor Ahsan H Mansur, currently on a tour abroad had ordered the directive to be withdrawn immediately as the issue came to his knowledge through media reports Under the now-revoked order, women staff were asked to wear saree, salwar-kameez, or any other modest outfit along with simple headscarves or hijab

FORMER BANAGLA CJ DETAINED FOR SEDITION, FORGERY

Bangladesh s former chief justice ABM Khairul Haque was detained in connection with three criminal cases including a sedition charge officials said Haque who served as the country’s 19th chief justice from 2010 to 2011 was known for presiding over landmark verdicts, including the 2011 ruling that declared Bangladesh’s nonpartisan caretaker govt system unconstitutional Detective branch officers picked up the 81-year-old former judge from his residence The cases against him were filed in Aug 2024 shortly after the then PM Sheikh Hasina s Awami League govt was ousted in a mass student-led movement

M O M B

Preparations underway for Morari Bapu’s Ram Katha in Mombasa

c oas tal c ity and gateway to Eas t

Afr ic a, will hos t Morari Bapu's Ram K atha f rom 9 Augus t 9 to 17

This will be Bapu’s fourt h Katha in Momb asa, c ontinuing a t radit io n t ha

ong c on n ec

E ast Af rican Indians with their s piritua l a nd cultural roots

The Katha is being hosted by Aroon Gokaldas Samani and his

known as Mama, Samani was born in Ranavav, Gujarat in 1934 and moved to Africa as a teenager After qualifying as a civil engineer in the UK, he worked with t

tributing to vital infrastructure development across the region A steadfast advocate of education

and community welfare, Mama has led prominent institutions such as the Lohana Mahajan in Nairobi, remaining deeply rooted in his cultural and spiritual identity This Katha will take place in

: T hai land and Cambodia have agreed to an “unconditio nal” ceasefire, M alaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim said M o nd ay, a s i g n if i ca nt br eak th ro u g h to resolv e fiv e days of d eadly bord er clashes that have killed d ozens and displaced tens o f tho usands of people

Mombasa Of special note is the Shiv Mandir, the city’s main and only Shiv Mandir, believed to be over 100 years old This temple continues to be a cornerstone of

serving as a sacred space for

across generations

Morari Bapu, who has delivered over 950 Kathas across India and around the globe is admired not just for his oratory, but for

Though rooted in Hindu philosophy, Bapu’s timeless message of Satya (Truth), Prem (Love), and Karuna (Compassion) transcends boundaries and speaks to people of all faiths He frequently draws

Buddhism in his discourses

Organisers in Mombasa are finalising arrangements to welcome attendees from across the region and abroad

Thailand and Cambodia agree for immediate truce Sikh organisation delivers crucial aid and hope to flood-stricken Texans

Cambodian PM Hun Manet and Thai acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai hailed the outcome of the meeting and shook hands along with Anwar at the conclusion of the brief press conference in Malaysia The fighting began on Thursday last after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers Both sides blamed each other for starting the clashes, that have killed at least 35 people and displaced more than 260,000 people on both sides

Hun Manet and Phumtham have agreed to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” with immediate effect, Anwar said, who h

regional bloc

“This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” Anwar said As part of the ceasefire deal, military commanders from both sides will hold talks to defuse tensions while Cambodia will host a border committee meeting on Aug 4, he said

The Malaysian meeting followed direct pressure from US President Trump, who had warned the US may not proceed with trade deals with either country if hostilities continue The joint statement said the US is a co-organiser of the talks, with participation from China

Bangladesh students demand accountability after deadly air force jet crash

D H A K A : H und r ed s of s tud en ts h ave r al l i e d a c ro s s Banglad es h's capital, Dhaka, d em a nd i n g a c c o un ta bi l i t y after an ai r force fi gh ter jet cras hed into a schoo l, kil ling 31 people, includi ng 25 chi ldren Many o f th e young vi cti ms , age d u nd e r 1 2, we r e abou t to leave class when th e Ai r Force jet plummeted i nto th e i r s c h o o l , e ru p t i n g i n flames The mi litary attributed the crash to mech anical f ai l u r e, s ta ti ng t h e p i l o t, F l i gh t L i eu t en ant Mo h a mm e d To

r I s l a m, w h o w a s o n h i s f i r s t s o l o trai ni ng fli gh t, attempted to di vert th e aircraft f ro m po pulated areas

Students from the affecte d M i l e s t o n e S c h o o l a n d

College, joined by peers from nearby institutions, protested at the crash site, demanding an accurate death toll and c h a n t i n g , " W h y d i d o u r b r o t h e r s d i e ? W e d e m a n d a n s w e r s ! " E l s e w h e r e i n Dhaka, hundreds of students, s

r t h e education adviser s resignation, compensation for families, the decommissioning of what they termed "old and risky jets", and a reform of air

f o r c e t r a i n i n g p r o c e

Police responded with tear

80 students

T h e m i l i t a r y h a s c o nfirmed 31 fatalities, with 165 a d m i t t e d t o h o s p i t a l s , 6 8 remaining, and 10 in critical c o n d i t i o n M u h a m m a d Yunus, the country’s interim

a d m i n i

r a t o r , s

d t h a t authorities are collaborating to publish a list of named vict i m s F u r t h e r m o r e , t h e a i r force will be instructed to cease operating training aircraft over populated areas The nation mourns deeply, w i t h h e a r t b r o k e n p a r e n t s l i k e A b u l H o s s a i n , w h o s e nine-year-old daughter was k i l l e d , s h a r i n g t h e i r g r i e f

This incident follows closely after a major aviation disaster in neighbouring India last month, underscoring regional aviation safety concerns

DA LL A S: In the flood-ra vage d la ndscape of K e r r C ou n t y , Te x a s , wh e r e ho m e s li e d a m a g e d a n d c o un t le s s

n e ff or t s of U nite d Sikhs ha ve e mer ged as a vit al life line Th e disaste r re sp on se te am from t he globa l S ik h org anisat ion is prov id ing far more tha n m e r e s up p li e s ; t h e y a r e b r in g in g t im e l y comfort , wa rmth,

nse of h

humanitarian group have fanned out across the affected areas, meticulously distributing h

o c e r i e s , c

h i n g , h y g

k i t s , v i t a l medical supplies, cleaning products, and even indispensable baby formula As the f l o o d w a t e r s g

a d u a l l y r e c e d e , t h e unwavering presence of United Sikhs has become a powerful symbol of compassion in active service

A poignant moment at the Hunt United Methodist Church, now functioning as a central relief hub, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of their mission Susie, a volunteer coordinator at the church, recounted the challenging situation when a young mother approached her, desperately seeking baby milk "I looked around and we had none," Susie recalled "Then, just two minutes later, the United Sikhs team walked in - carrying exactly what we need ” F

d S

k h

’ International Humanitarian Aid Director, such stories are not uncommon "We don’t always know what people will need until we arrive," he explained "But somehow, the right things find their way into our hands That’s the spirit of seva " Since their arrival in t h

shelters, veteran

churches throughout Kerr County and its neighbouring communities

Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies launched in New York

(M J IA S) in N ew Yo

T he n ew ins ti tute is poised to become a vital hub for research, public policy, educa ti o n , i n n o v at i o n , a n d cu l tu

between the two democraci es Asha Jadeja Motwani, a prominent Silicon Valley-based venture

capitalist and philanthropist leading the Foundation, underscored her vision for MJIAS as a lighthouse o

e t h i c a l a n d i n t

c i p l i n a r y leadership in an era of rapid technological transformation She also announced forthcoming initiatives, including India-US student fellowships, start-up accelerator partnerships, and visiting professorships designed to facilitate robust academic exchange I

Founding Vice Chancellor, hailed

the institute s launch as ‘ a powerful symbol of academic diplomacy’ and a profound affirmation of universities' role as ‘instruments of global t r a n s

MJIAS’s commitment to promoting values of democracy, freedom, and critical inquiry, aiming to cultivate s

Professor Mohan Kumar, former Indian Ambassador to France and M J I A S

General, presented its vision as a strategic platform for deepening Indo-US intellectual cooperation

Morari Bapu

Indian origin detainee's dehumanising treatment in US custody

WA S HING TO N: A new report by Hum an Rig hts Watch (HRW)

in the United States since 2016 on an investor visa, operating

s e v e r a l s m

p olicies The report spotligh

Harp ind er S ing h Chauhan, a 56year-old British entrepreneur of

Enforcement (ICE) cu stody Chauhan, who had resided

linked to a failed franchise The report details a litany of abuses: Chauhan was allegedly d

including insulin for diabetes

shackled for seven hours in

confined for nearly four days in

Gita Gopinath to depart IMF, returns to Harvard Academia

W A S H I N G T O N : G i t a

G op i n a t h , t h e d is t i n g u is h e d

Fir st Deput y Man agin g Dire ctor

o f t he Int er na tion al Mon et ar y Fun d (IMF), is set to st ep down

f r o m h e r i n f lu

S ep t em be r 1, 2025, ma r ki ng a r et ur n to he r acad emic r oots I M F M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r

K r i s t a l i n a G e o r g i e v a h a s confirmed Gopinath’s departure, indicating that a successor would

b e n a m e d i n d u e c o u r s e

G o p i n a t h , a t r a i l b l a z e r i n international economics, initially joined the IMF in 2019 as its Chief E c o n o m i s t , b e c o m i n g t h e f i r s t woman to hold that prestigious position Her leadership proved i n v a l u a b l e d u r i n g a p e r i o d o f unprecedented global economic upheaval, including the profound m a c r o e c o n o m i c d i s r u p t i o n s caused by the Covid-19 pandemic Her exceptional contributions led to her promotion in January 2022

t o F i r s t D e p u t y M a n a g i n g

D i r e c t o r , t h e F u n d ’ s s e c o n dhighest position

In a social media post, she s h a r e d h e r e x c i t e m e n t f o r returning to academia, stating her eagerness to "continue to push the research frontier in i n t e r n a t i o n a l f i n a n c e a n d

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

training the next generation of e c o n o m i s t s ” S h e h i g h l i g h t e d t h e p r i v i l e

with the IMF’s dedicated staff,

predecessor Christine Lagarde, for the unique opportunity to s

o d o f unparalleled global challenges

P r i o r t o h e r i m p a c t f u l t e n u r e a t t h e I M F , G o p i n a t h h e l d t h e e s t e e m

I n t e r n a t i o n a l S t u d i e s a n d

Economics at Harvard Under her leadership, the IMF played a pivotal role in shaping the global economic response to various crises, encompassing Covid-19, s u p p l y c h a i n s h o c k s , d e b t distress in developing nations, a n d c r i t i c a l c l i m a t e f i n a n c e challenges

freezing, overcrowded holding

Centre, lacking beds or showers Over the subsequent month,

health consistently worsened

him and denied him a cell with

Aaron was unable to locate him for days due to ICE’s refusal to release information, even as the

weeks after a judge ordered his removal, a delay attributed to I C E

documents

HRW warns that Chauhan’s e x p e r i e n c e i s e m b l e m a t i c o f broader patterns of abuse and n e g l i g e n c e , e x a c e r b a t e d b y o v e r c r o w d i n g a n d p u n i t i v e detention policies implemented under Executive Order 14159

Global adventurer Arvi Bahal set for Blue Origin space flight

A m e

of the six-m ember

m arking his ascent to a realm few have explored Bahal's life has been defined by an insatiable pursuit of the extraordinary He has journeyed t o e v e r y c o

y o n E a r t h , undertaken daring skydives over iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza and Mount Everest, and is a licensed pilot proficient in flying both planes and helicopters Born in Agra, India, and now a naturalised US citizen, his diverse background includes an early ambition for I n d i a

electrical manufacturing, hotel m

success in real estate

T h e N S - 3 4 m

which a launch date

human flight for Blue Origin's New Shepard programme and its 34th overall Blue Origin has already propelled 70 individuals p a s t t h e K á r m á n l i n e , t h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y r e c o g n i s e d b o u n d a r y o f s p a c e B a h a l ' s i n c l u s i o n c o n t i n u e s a t r e n d , f o l l o w i n g i n t h e f o o t s t e p s o f

G o p i c h a n d T h o t a k u r a , w h o became the first Indian space tourist on Blue Origin's NS-25 mission

Joining Bahal on this unique j o u r n e y a r e f i v e o t h e r individuals from various corners of the globe: Gökhan Erdem, a Turkish businessman; Deborah M a r t o r e l l , a n E m m y - w i n n i n g meteorologist from Puerto Rico; L i o n e l P i t c h f o r d , a B r i t i s h t e a c h e r a n d h u m a n i t a r i a n residing in Spain; JD Russell, an

A m e r i c a n e n t r e p r e n e u r u n d e r t a k i n g h i s s e c o n d B l u e Origin flight; and Justin Sun, a c r y p t o e n t r e p r e n e u r a n d diplomat from Grenada, noted f o r h i s s i g n i f i c a n t c h a r i t a b l e contribution linked to his 2021 flight bid

Racists vandalise Hindu temple and restaurants in Melbourne Indian origins suffer brutal attacks in Australia

community Makrand Bhagwat, President of the Hindu Council

in brief

INDIAN DROWNS AT HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Saumen Kundu, a 49-year-old father from Georgia, tragically lost his life after drowning at a beach in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island Authorities report that Kundu and his son were caught in a powerful current while swimming Nearby beachgoers, hearing their calls for help, immediately arrived to offer assistance Emergency personnel from Hilton Head Island and Shore Beach Services arrived swiftly and helped bring all individuals back to shore Despite rapid lifesaving efforts Kundu was pronounced dead Kundu leaves behind his wife and young son, who are seeking support from the community to cover urgent expenses

48 KILLED IN RUSSIA PLANE CRASH

All 48 passengers and crew onboard a passenger plane that crashed in Russia's Far East have died, the head of the country's Amur region said in a statement Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry said earlier that it had found the burning fuselage of the Soviet-designed twin turbo prop plane on a hillside south of its planned destination in the town of Tynda more than 7 000 km east of Moscow The plane which was operated by the Siberia-based Angara Airlines, had initially departed from Khabarovsk before making its way to Blagoveshchensk on the Russian-Chinese border and onwards to Tynda

ARTESIA BOLSTERS PUBLIC SAFETY AGAINST JEWELLERY HEISTS

In direct response to a recent surge in audacious smash-and-grab jewellery heists, particularly plaguing its vibrant Little India district, the City of Artesia has announced a significant enhancement of its public safety efforts The City Council has formally approved a professional services agreement with Southwest Patrol a move that will see unarmed security personnel deployed to patrol Artesia's neighbourhoods parks and commercial areas seven nights a week throughout the 2025-26 fiscal year

SPANISH AIRLINE DENIES REPORTS IT DEBOARDED JEWS

M E L B O U R N E : T wo s e p a ra t e a n d s e ve r e a s s a ul t s o n In di an

o r ig in m e n in A us t r a l ia h av e s parked de ep c onc ern, with one vict im s uf fering life-thre atening injuries f rom a m achete a ttack

a n d a no t he r a n a l l eg e d ra c i s t a ssa ult Both incidents re portedly occ urr ed on the sam e day Saurabh Anand, a 33-year-old Indian-origin man, was brutally attacked with a machete by a group of teenagers in Melbourne on July 19 As he walked home after collecting medicines from a p h a r m a c y a t C e n t r a l S q u a

e Shopping Centre, the teenagers a p p r o a c h e d h i m f r o m b e h i n d , shoved him to the ground, and commenced the assault Anand s u s t a i n e d m u l t i p l e i n

injuries, broken bones in his left

would need to amputate his left h

successfully reattached it The teenagers fled the scene with his phone, while passing strangers

u n d a b l o

i e d A n a n d a n d called for emergency assistance

Several arrests have since been made in connection with this brutal attack

O n t h e v e r y s a m e d a y , Charanpreet Singh, a 23-year-old Indian student, was hospitalised in Adelaide after an alleged racist

a t t a c k S i n g h r e p o r t e d b e i n g assaulted by a group of men in a K i n t o r e A v e n u e c a r p a r k following a parking dispute He stated the group hurled racist a b u s e b e f o

A p

e spokesperson stated, "There is absolutely no place at all in our society for hate-based and racist

e b e a t i n g h i m

u n c o n s c i o u s S i n g h s u s t a i n e d head trauma, torn tissue around his left eye, and jaw swelling

b e h a v i o u r , " u n d e r s c o r i n g t h e severity with which authorities view such acts

o f A u s t r a l i a , V i c t o r i a c h a p t e r , voiced the community s anguish, remarking that the incident feels like an attack on our identity, our right to worship and freedom of religion In a private message to t h e t e m p l e m a n a g e m e n t , Victoria's Premier Jacinta Allan similarly denounced the attack as hateful and racist In the wake of the incident, t h e H i n d u C o m m u n i t y h a s i s s u e d a h e a r t f e l t a p p e a l f o r s u p p o r t a n d s o l i d a r i t y f r o m various interfaith groups This act of hate is perceived by many a s i n d i c a t i v e o f a w o r r y i n g e s c a l a t i o n i n t a r g e t e d h a t e i n c i d e n t s a c r o s s M e l b o u r n e , p r o m p t i n g c a l l s f o r i n c r e a s e d v i g i l a n c e a n d c o m m u n i t y cohesion to counter such divisive b e h a v i o u r T h e a u t h o r i t i e s continue their investigation into t h e p e r p e t r a t o r s b e h i n d t h e s e distressing acts of prejudice

Several dozen French passengers were removed from a flight leaving the Spanish city of Valencia for Paris for what Spanish police and the airline described as unruly behaviour The carrier Vueling, denied reports that the incident, which involved removal of 44 minors and eight adults from the flight, was related to their religion Some Israeli news outlets reported the students are Jewish and their removal was religiously motivated Spain s Civil Guard said the minors and four adults are French nationals, adding that agents involved weren t aware of their religious affiliation A Vueling spokesperson said they were removed after the minors repeatedly tampered with emergency equipment and interrupted crew’s safety demonstration

34 KILLED AS REBELS ATTACK EAST CONGO CHURCH

The death toll from an attack on a Catholic church in eastern Congo by Islamic Statebacked rebels has risen to 34 according to a civil society leader “The bodies of the victims are still at the scene of the tragedy, and volunteers are preparing how to bury them in a mass grave that we are preparing in a compound of the Catholic church ” said Dieudonne Duranthabo a civil society coordinator in Komanda, in the Ituri province At least five other people were killed in an earlier attack on a nearby village

Gita Gopinath

Air India

faces pressure over safety after ministry directives and DGCA notices

India's union aviation

m in i st ry h a s i s su e d

stern d irectives to A ir India, urging an immed iate end to ‘ backseat

d ri v i ng ’ w i th in key

d ep ar tm e nts th a t

d irectly influence fligh t safety

was conveyed to Tata Sons and Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran, following

dichotomy where nominal p

training, and maintenance l

making authority The min-

u t i n y after the June 12th Air India

1 7 1 c r a s h a n d s u b s e q u e n t minor incidents

C o n c u r r e n t l y , t h e Directorate General of Civil

A v i a t i o n ( D G C A ) h a s slapped Air India with four

alleged violations of crew

weekly rest norms These notices, reflecting increas-

explicitly cite serious deficiencies in crew scheduling,

highlights a recurrence of

warnings, suggesting a failure to implement effective

disclosures, and has pledged to respond within the stipulated 15 days, reaffirming its commitment to safety This

order, nine days post-AI 171 crash, demanding the removal of three officials responsible for crew ros-

failures

Adding another layer to the ongoing investigations, the new head of the U

Administration (FAA), Bryan Bedford, has stated that the AI 171 crash was unlikely

issue or inadvertent manipulation of the aircraft's fuel control switches, implying a

authorities are continuing their probe into the incident, which saw the plane's fuel supply cut off, and have urged patience for the final report before drawing conclusions These converging

government's resolute focus

standards within the airline

Conman posing as ‘ambassador of Westarctica’ arrested

Police have a pprehe nde d a

c on ma n , i d e n t if ie d a s 4 7y e a r - o ld Ha r s h Va r d ha n

J a i n , w ho m e t i cu lo u sl y pose d a s the a mba ssad or of a count ry called ‘W estar ct ica ’

a n d a n Ita lia n p rin cipa lit y for nin e yea rs Jain oper ate d out of an imposing embassy

i n G h a zi a ba d , n e a r De l hi , complet e with it s ow n fla g, m a in t a in in g a n e l a bo r a t e fa ca de of diploma tic le gitim acy The audacious hoax saw a brass nameplate outside

h i s t w o - s t o r e y b u i l d i n g

d e c l a r i n g , " H i s E x c e l l e n c y

Harsh Vardhan Jain, Royale

C o n s i g l i e r e , P r i n c i p a t o d i

S e b o r g a " O u t s i d e , l u x u r y vehicles, including an Audi a n d a M e r c e d e s , t y p i c a l l y

bore fake diplomatic num-

b e r p l a t e s A s u b s e q u e n t p o l i c e r a i d u n c o v e r e d a cache of incriminating evid e n c e , i n c l u d i n g 1 8 f a k e diplomatic number plates, 12 forged diplomatic passports, c o u n t e r f e i t I n d i a n f o r e i g n ministry documents, 34 fake rubber stamps from various countries, and five million rupees in cash

P o l i c e s u s p e c t J a i n e x p l o i t e d h i s f a b r i c a t e d a m b a s s a d o r i a l s t a t u s t o convince unsuspecting individuals that he could secure them overseas jobs or univ e r s i t y p l a c e m e n t s i n e x c h a n g e f o r s u b s t a n t i a l sums of money The choice of Westarctica is believed to have been inspired by an

American NGO dedicated to Antarctic conservation, while Seborga is a self-proclaimed micronation near the French border, unrecognised by the Italian state

S u s h i l G h u l e , S p e c i a l

S u p e r i n t e n d e n t o f P o l i c e , noted that Jain had even d o c t o r e d p h o t o g r a p h s t o show himself alongside the P r i m e M i n i s t e r a n d President, further bolstering his fraudulent image

J a i n , w h o r e p o r t e d l y claimed to have been born into a wealthy family and

s t u d i e d f o

M B A i n L o n d o n , w a s p r e v i o u s l y arrested in 2011 for illegal p o s s e s s i o n o f a s

e phone, indicating a history of illicit activities

India resumes tourist visas for Chinese nationals, signaling thaw in ties

After a five-year hiatus, India h as announced the re su m p ti o n o f to u r is t visas for Chinese nationals, eff ectiv e fro m Ju ly

2 4 th T h i s s i g ni f i ca nt mo ve com es ahead o f a p oss ible v is it by P rim e Minister Narendra Mod i to China next month fo r the S h an g h ai C o o p era ti o n

Or g an i sa ti o n ( S C O) su m -

m i t, u n d ers c o ri ng b o th nations’ d esire to norm alise strained bilateral relatio ns th rou gh facilitated peopleto -peo ple exch anges C hina, keen to see direct air services resume, has welcomed the deci sio n as a p os itiv e step

The Indian embassy in Beijing publicly announced the policy shift on Weibo, China’s microblogging site,

c o i n c i d i n g w i t h a n o t h e r round of diplomatic talks on border affairs between the two countries These discus-

sions reportedly expressed satisfaction with the "general prevalence of peace and t r a n q u i l i t

relations " This marks the

towards normalisation, following the earlier resump-

These interactions have followed an agreement to complete the disengagement of troops at remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh, indicating a concerted effort to de-escalate tensions Looking ahead, Chinese

Bihar’s up coming d raft electoral rolls are poised to exclu de a stagg ering

its extensive

Rev ision (SIR) exercise Th is sig nificant culling

0,0 00 ind iv iduals were f o u nd to be d e

3 6 , 0 0 ,

h if te d o r w e

u n

ce ab le, and 7 0 0 , 0 0 0 w ere enro ll ed at m ultiple places, w ith others f ai li n g t o s u bm i t enum eration form s by the d eadline

The EC has lauded the overwhelming participation of over 72mn electors who s u b m i t t e d f o r m s , representing 99 8% of the state's electorate The draft r o l l s a r e s c h e d u l e d f o r publication on August 1st, followed by a month-long period until September 1st for genuine electors to be i n c l u d e d t h r o u g h c l a i m s a n d o b j e c t i o n s T h e

C o m m i s s i o n h a s a s s u r e d that no name will be deleted without proper notice and a s p e a

Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who serves as Special Representative (SR) for

expected to visit India soon for the next round of SR discussions with N

h a w continue, PM Modi himself is anticipated to visit China for the SCO summit from August 31 to September 1, which would mark his first visit to the country in seven y

engagements at diplomatic and military levels, includ-

( W M C C ) talks, aim to maintain regul

issues, fostering further sta-

giants

s commitment to the purity of the electoral list

However, this revision has ignited a fierce political c o

Opposition Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD has vehemently c

e e x e r c i s e , a l l e g i n g i t i s a ‘ B J Pc o m m i s s i o n e d ’ e f f o r t designed to undermine the d e m o c r a t i c p r o c e s s a n d m a n i p u l a t e v o t e r d a t a Yadav, backed by his INDIA b l o c p a r t n e r s , e v e n s u g g e s t e d t h

Joymalya Bagchi, however, turned down the plea for

exercise Instead, the court

expeditious ruling on the issue

To EC’s argument that

proof of identity,

proof and told the commission to accept Aadhaar along with EPIC

credentials

The court in its earlier order had said, “It would be in the interests of justice if the EC also considers the following three documents such as 1) Aadhaar card; 2) EPIC issued by EC, and 3) R

R J D m i g h t contemplate boycotting the a s s e m b l y e l e c t i o n s T h i s p r o m p t e d a h e a t e d exchange in the legislative a s s e m b l y w i t h C h i e f Minister Nitish Kumar, who defended his government's track record and dismissed Yadav’s accusations as mere ‘ P o l i t i c a l n o i s e ’ , a s s e r t i n g that the EC’s actions are c o n s t i t u t i o n a l a n d n e c e s s a r y t o p r e v e n t ineligible individuals from voting Accept Aadhaar along with voter ID: SC to EC The Supreme Court t o

Heartfelt C Congratulations t to

Mr M Mahendrab hai C P Patel ( (Vaso) o on H His 9 0th B Birth A Anniv ersa ry !

“A life lived with dignity, devotion, and a heart full of kindness.”

most of the voters ”

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr Mahendrabhai C Patel a respected resident of Hayes, Middlesex, as he celebrates his 90th birthday, a remarkable milestone

Having made the UK his home for over five decades, his life has been rich with experiences, from challenges to achievements, all faced with grace, resilience and a steady spirit His warm smile reflects not just joy, but the contentment of a life well lived and still full of positivity

A devoted reader of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar he remains actively engaged with community and current affairs

From Canada.

Suresh and Bhavna Patel, Alpa, Naval, Marisa and Sonia Gandhi.

Bhavik Shah.

Aarti, Mehul, Jaiden and Shiv Adhvaryu.

From England.

Mrs. Sarlaben Mahendrabhai Patel.

Mr. Hemantbhai and Mrs. Diptiben Patel.

Mr. Kavish and Mrs. Ria Patel and Master Rayan Patel.

Ms. Amisa Patel

Mr. Roshan Hansla

Mr. Gopalbhai and Mrs. Mayuraben Patel and family.

Mr. Lalitbhai J Patel.

Mr. Keyur and Mrs. Sarabjit Patel, Roma Patel.

Smitaben Patel and Alkesh Patel.

Mr. Rakeshkumar, Mrs Yogini Patel and Yogesh Patel.

From USA.

Mr. Parag and Mrs. Roopal Patel.

On this special occasion, we honour not just the years, but the richness of a life that continues to inspire Happy 90th Birthday, Mr Mahendrabhai!

From India Mr. Harsnishbhai and Mrs. Jyotiben Patel. Mr. Dinker and Mrs Kirti Patel, Ms. Heena (Tinu) Patel and Dhyani Patel. Virmatiben Patel.

Mr. Manish and Mrs. Alpa Patel.

Stalin urges PM Modi to release £214.9mn pending under Samagra Shiksha funds

C H E N N A I : Ta m i l N ad u

C h i ef M i ni st e r M K S ta l i n

s u b mi tt ed a p e t i ti o n to P r i m e Mi n i s t er N a re nd r a Mod i, urging the i mmed iate release of over £20 0mn i n

p end i ng ed uc ati o nal f und s and the impl ementatio n of

l o n g- p e nd i n g r ai lw a y p rojects acros s the state T he

a p p e al wa s m a d e t h ro u gh

S ta te F i n anc e M i ni s te r

T h a nga m T h en nar a su d u ri ng th e P ri me Minister’s two- day visi t to Tami l N ad u, wh ere he i naugurated vari ous d evelop ment projects and unveil ed a

c o m m em o ra ti ve c oi n h o no u r i n g R ajendra Cho zhan

In his letter, Stalin said that the

T a m i l N a d u g o v e r n m e n t h a s b e e n effectively implementing the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme since

2 0 1 8 , w h i c h h a s l e d t o c o n

n t i m p r o

n t s i n e d u c a t i o n a l outcomes However, he noted that the Union Government had made the full adoption of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 a precondition for

the release of central

that the state has legal

provisions of the NEP,

imposition of the three language policy and the restructuring of school

5+3+3+4 format

“The Tamil Nadu School Education

S y

43,90,000 students, 220,000 teachers and more than 32,000 supporting staff Withholding funds for such a critical and large-scale scheme severely affects the future of millilons of students,”

Minister to immediately release the f u n

a t

n d e r t h e scheme for the financial year 2024–25, expedite the first instalment for 2025–26, and ensure that funding is not linked to signing the PM SHRI (Prime M i n i s t e r S c h o o l s

Memorandum of Understanding

Karnataka revokes suspension of top cops after stampede case probe

BE N GA L U RU : The Ka rna ta ka gov ern men t has re voke d the susp ension of forme r Ben galuru Police Commission er B Day an an da, Add ition al Comm ission er of Police Vika sh K um a r V ik a sh a n d De p u t y C o

(Ce ntr al) Shek ar H Tek ka nna va r The thr ee sen ior officer s wer e suspen ded following the Jun e 4 st ampe de in cide nt outside M Chinn aswam y Stad ium , which claime d 11 live s an d le ft se ver al ot her s injur ed Alongside Dayananda, Vikash Kumar and Shekar, the suspension of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) C B

Commissioner of Police (Cubbon Park), and Inspector Girish, the then Station House Officer of Cubbon Park Police Station, has also been revoked with immediate

Magisterial Committee District Magistrate Jagadish G have completed their inquiry into the stampede incident and submitted their reports to the government on July 10 and

revoked In view of the above, the order of suspension of the officers has been reconsidered by the government ”

The Karnataka cabinet also approved the findings of the Justice D’Cunha judicial commission that probed the

)

Punjab AAP MP speaks up against govt's land pooling policy

C HA ND IGA RH : A s farmers and the Oppo sition in Pu njab are preparing fo r a fig ht ag ai nst th e state's land p ooling policy, ruling AA P's Anand pur

S a h i b M P M alv i nd e r S i n g h K a ng became th e first party leader to sp eak u p ag ainst the po licy Kang, who till recently was also the chief spokesperson of the Punjab unit of the AAP, took to social media and urged party leaders to “ earn the trust of farmers” on this policy

The objections raised by farmer unions on the land pooling policy

m u s t , i n m y v i e w , b e h e a r d w i t h e m p a t h y a n d a d d r e s s e d t h r o u g h a meaningful dialogue In the last three years, our government has ensured u n i n t e r r u p t e d a g r i - p o w e r , p u s h e d canal water to every field, fast-tracked mandi reforms and promoted crop

d i v e r s i f i c a t i o n O n t h i s , t o o , t r u s t must be earned - not assumed - before any policy takes root," he wrote on X, while tagging his party

simmering in the state over the rollout o f t h e p o l i c y , u n d e r w h i c h t h e government proposes to acquire 65,533 acres of farmland for urbanisation T h o u g h p r i v a t e l y m a n y

reservations about the policy, no one has spoken openly against it or even asked the party top brass to reconsider the policy According to leaders of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, as many as 107 village panchayats have already passed resolutions against giving away their land for acquisition through land pooling While the Opposition parties have held protests across the state

, Shiromani Akali Dal and Left - have all promised to back the Samyukt Kisan

M o r c h a ' s t r a c t o r r a l l y i n v i l l a g e s where land is proposed to be acquired through land pooling

TMC protesters burn effigy of Assam CM Himanta

K O L K A T A : T r i na mo ol p r ot e s t e r s mar ched t o the Be ngal -Assa m border a t Boxirhat a nd burnt the effigy of Assam chief min iste r Himanta Biswa Sa rma as a nger mounte d over at lea st t h r e e n o t ic e s is su e d b y h i s st a t e ' s f or e i g n e r s ’ t r i b u n a l t o r e si d e n t s o f Cooch B ehar district, asking t he m t o pr ove t he ir Indian citizenship

The protest, led by Udayan Guha, B e n g a l ’ s m i n i s t e r f o r n o r t h B e n g a l development and a senior Trinamool leader in Cooch Behar, was staged just adjacent to the Bengal-Assam Gate at Boxirhat, around 55km from Cooch Behar town

Guha seized on the opportunity to give a call to uproot the BJP from Cooch Behar, a district where it enjoys

c o n s i d e r a b l e s u p p o r t T r i n a m o o l s u p p o r t e r s a c c u s e d t h e B J P - r u l e d

A s s a m g o v e r n m e n t o f h a r a s s i n g Bengali Indian citizens

“If any attempt is made to harass t h e r e s i d e n t s o f o u r v i l l a g e

branding them as infiltrators, we must resist it I urge everyone to take an oath not to allow the BJP into villages across the district Let us make Cooch Behar a zero-BJP district,” Guha said during the rally

Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia, the Trinamool MP of Cooch Behar, said: “We ask the police not to accept such notice from the state government

organised in the presence of three local

tribunal notices from Assam - farmer

Nishikanta Das and homemaker Arati Ghosh Senior Trinamool leaders such as MP Barma Basunia, Cooch Behar

Pratim Roy and district party chief Avijit Dey Bhowmik joined the rally

Stadium, paving the way for action against multiple parties

Punjab govt to fine farmers for stubble fires

PA T IA LA : Punja b gov t ha s r olled out e nha nced SO Ps, lev er aging sat ellite sur veilla nce, str icte r pen alties an d field le vel a ccoun tability t o pr eve nt stubble burn ing this harv est sea son Fine s r ang e from Rs 5,000 t o Rs 30,0 00 pe r i n c id e n

deputy comm issione rs D i s t r

categorise villages based on past stubble burning cases: high risk for more than 30 cases, moderate for 10-30 cases, and low risk for fewer than 10 cases

Dismissal of satellite alerts now requires geotagged evidence, GPS data within 350m, and signed verification reports Repeat offenders may face FIRs under Section 223 of BNS (disobedience of govt official’s order), which carries a six month jail term Police will keep separate

officials to intensify efforts ahead of the upcoming paddy h

collaboration with Isro, uses satellite imagery to detect active fire locations Field functionaries are then notified via SMS with GPS coordinates and Google Maps links

Farmers found burning stubble will face penalties: Rs 5,000 per incident on land of less than two acres, Rs 10,000 for 2-5 acres, and Rs 30,000 for over five acres

Governor sends back Bengal bill seeking death for rapists

KO LK ATA : West Beng al gover nor C V An anda Bose has

reconsider ation, citing serious objections r aise d by t he Centr e r egarding proposed change s to Bhar atiya Nyay a Sanhita (BNS), according to a Raj Bhavan sour ce The Centre found that the Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, passed in Sept 2024, contains changes in penal provisions f

“excessively harsh and disproportionate” punishments, s

amendment to BNS section 64 The state bill increases the punishment for rape from the current minimum of 10 years to either imprisonment for the remainder of the convict’s natural life or capital punishment The ministry of home affairs (MHA) reportedly deemed this as unduly harsh and inconsistent with principles of proportionality

Another change that MHA has objected to involves the removal of BNS section 65, which prescribes stricter penalties for sexual assault of minors According to sources, Union govt believe scrapping this clause weakens protections for the vulnerable groups and risks diluting the intent behind age-based classifications in rape laws

However, the clause that the Centre found most problematic is the one under section 66, making the death penalty mandatory in rape cases where the victim either dies or is left in a vegetative state

NORTH-EAST

Assam to evict over 2,000 families from Rengma reserve forest

The Assam government is set to launch a large-scale eviction drive in the Rengma Reserve Forest at Uriamghat in Golaghat d

(approx 3,300 acres) and affecting nearly 2,000 families The operation, taking place along the sensitive Assam-Nagaland border, follows extensive land surveys across 30 villages in the reserve forest area under

that large tracts of forest had been illegally converted into agricultural land “The entire area has been divided into nine operational

eviction notices to the encroachers through the Forest Department,” a senior district official said A seven-day deadline was given,

Kherbari, and Dayalpur to begin vacating voluntarily Authorities estimate that most

Morigaon, Sonitpur, and even districts like Cachar, Dhubri, Barpeta, Hojai, as well as

minority community To ensure smooth execution and maintain

and order,

deployed to Golaghat, and CRPF forces have

personnel

MAJOR ARMS HAUL IN MANIPUR HILLS OPERATION

Security forces in Manipur including the Manipur Police Assam Rifles Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have recovered a large cache of illegal arms and ammunition from the hill districts of the state The coordinated operation was intelligence-led and executed over the past few days across multiple districts, including Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Tengnoupal According to reports, the security forces recovered 155 weapons, including AKseries rifles, M4 rifles, SLRs INSAS rifles, sniper rifles, pistols, and various locally made and country-made firearms The recovery also included 1,652 rounds of ammunition, comprising 1,600 assorted bullets, 39 IEDs, and 13 hand grenades Additional warlike materials such as binoculars (4 units), 15 communication sets, and 1 telescope were also seized “These operations represent a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in Manipur ” the DGP's office stated It emphasised that the operations are aimed at safeguarding civilian lives and property amid ongoing unrest and violence in the region

RATAN THIYAM, MASTER OF MODERN INDIAN THEATRE, DIES

Ratan Thiyam, the maestro who turned Manipuri traditions into global theatre vocabulary died at Imphal s Regional Institute of Medical Sciences He was 77 Samuel Beckett admired his work So did audiences from Tokyo to Tashkent But his heart remained in Manipur He was affectionately known as Oja - “teacher” in Meiteilon, the language of his native Meitei - to generations of artists across India and beyond His work, including Chakravyuha, Urubhangam, Uttar Priyadarshi, and Lengshonnei, became landmarks - using ancient texts and epic narratives to reflect contemporary sociopolitical anxieties “Kalidasa met Brecht on the Manipuri stage ” wrote one critic after a Thiyam play Born on Jan 20 1948 in Bengal’s Nabadwip and raised in Imphal amid a rich artistic lineage Thiyam was shaped by the classical Manipuri dance traditions of his parents - guru Thiyam Tarunkumar and danseuse Bilasini Devi His creative inheritance led him to National School of Drama in New Delhi and far beyond, into a career that reshaped modern Indian stagecraft

WEST BENGAL

Indian passport climbs global rankings, offers visa-free access to 59 nations

India's passp ort has notably im pro ved its standing on the Henley P assport Index 2025,

c l im bi ng th r ee p o s i ti o ns from last year to secu re the

7 7 th s p o t g lo b all y T h e repo rt, evaluates passpo rts

b as ed o n th e nu m ber o f cou ntries their h old ers can enter without a prior visa India now shares this ranking with Bu rkina Faso, C ôte

d 'I v o i re , an d S en eg a l, all o ffering v isa-free trav el to 59 d estinatio ns world wid e

This marks the second

improvement for the Indian passport on the influential

different passports against

While the absolute number of countries offering visafree access to Indians was

year, the overall improvement in ranking reflects a relative strengthening of the Indian passport compared t

citizens can now travel visa-free to 19 nations in Africa, 18 in Asia, 10 in North America, 10

in South America

Globally, Singapore

travel to an impressive 194 countries It stands alone at

shared the lead with Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain, and

Korea are tied for the second

entry to 190 nations, while

Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain jointly hold the third position, offering access to 189 countries In a comparative note, India's neighbour Pakistan has also seen an

96th from its 101st rank last year T h e H e n l e y P a s s p o r t

Index, widely regarded as an authoritative ranking, com-

International Air Transport Association (IATA) This lat-

positive trajectory for India’s travel mobility on the international stage

Indian Army receives first batch of Apache attack helicopters

T he Ind ian Army has finally taken delivery of the first t h ree o f s ix l o

attack

formid able gunships arrived in Ind ia, forming part of a s u b st ant ia l £ 569 1 m n d eal inked with the United States in February 20 20

The trio of Apache AH64 helicopters were transp o r t e d a b o a r d a c o l o s s

l Antonov-124 aircraft, touching down at the Hindon airbase on the outskirts of New D

d e p l o y m e n t t o J o d h p u r , where the Army established

a n A p a c h e s q u a d r o n i n March last year, specifically

along the western front with P

including Stinger air-to-air missiles, Hellfire Longbow air-to-ground missiles, guns, and rockets, are anticipated for delivery by November

D e f e n c e M i n i s t e r R a j n a t h S i n g h l a u d e d t h e acquisition, stating, “These

a d v a n c e d h e l i c o

l enhance the Army Aviation Corps’ operational effectiveness, especially in challenging terrains ” An official furt h

Apaches are primarily designated to provide integrated combat aviation cover for the Army’s 'strike corps', sign i f i c a n t l y e n h a n c i n g t h e i r offensive capabilities

This latest induction for

the Army will complement t h e 2 2 s u c h h e l i c o p t e r s already in service with the I n d i a n A i r F o r c e ( I A F ) , acquired under a separate £1 39bn deal with the US in September 2015 While one IAF Apache sustained damage in a hard landing near Khardung La last April, the overall programme continues Furthermore, both the Army and the IAF are set to i n d u c t 1 5 6 i n d i g e n o u s Prachand light combat helicopters, stemming from a mega £6 27bn contract with H i n d u s t a n A e r o n a u t i c s Limited in March, with the Army receiving 90 and the IAF 66, marking a concerted d r i v e t o w a r d s e n h a n c i n g India's rotary-wing combat prowess

Study reveals high rates of undiagnosed illnesses among India’s elderly

A significant proportion of India’s elderly population is suffering from chronic ill-

n e s s e s , i n c l u d i n g d i a b e t e s and anaemia, without being a w a r e o f t h e i r c o n d i t i o n , according to the latest find-

i n g s f r o m t h e o n g o i n g Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) Conducted by the International Institute f o r P o p u l a t i o n S c i e n c e s (IIPS), the study highlights a c o n s i d e r a b l e d i s p a r i t y b e t w e e n i n d i v i d u a l s s e l fdeclarations of chronic diseases and their actual incid e n c e , a s d e t e r m i n e d

t h r o u g h c o m p r e h e n s i v e

blood tests

E a r l y f i n d i n g s f r o m 2020-21 indicated that 9 2% of the 45-59 age group and 14 2% of those aged 60 and o v e r r e p o r t e d h a v i n g d i abetes However, recent analysis of blood samples (HbA1c biomarker test) from 64,399 p a r t i c i p a n t s , p r o c e s s e d a t ICMR's National Institute of Translational Virology and AIDS Research laboratory in Pune, revealed a higher true prevalence: 13 3% for the 4559 age group and 16 2% for those aged 60-plus had high HbA1c levels, indicating diabetes Overall, a substantial

8% of adults over 45 have undiagnosed diabetes, with p r o p o r t i o n s r a n g i n g f r o m 3% in Himachal Pradesh to 1 5 % i n A

More than one-tenth of the

(14%), and Chandigarh (12%), are unknowingly diabetic R e g a r d i n

haemoglobin levels suggested a lower overall prevalence compared to other surveys, it found that 34% of elderly I

the prevalence was 35% in the 45-59 age bracket, rising to 40% in elderly women Dr T V Sekher, principal a u t h o r o f t h e r e p o r t a n d IIPS professor, stressed that L A S I u n i q u e l y p r o v i d e s empirical evidence for the d i f f e r e n c e b e t w e e n s e l f -

r e p o r t e d a n d o b j e c t i v e l y m e a s u r e d d i s e a s e p r e v al e n c e I t s f i n d i n g s a r e deemed crucial for devising more effective public health

s t r a t e g i e s , e s p e c i a l l y a s India s 60-plus population, currently around 10% of the total, is projected to reach 20% within 20-25 years

UK fighter jet departs Kerala after month-long emergency stay

A B ritish Royal Navy F-3 5B fight er jet, w h ic h h a d b e e n g r o un d e d a t Thiruvanan thapuram airport in Ker ala for a mon th fol lowin g an emergen cy l anding on June 14, ha s fina lly depar ted Th e ad va nce d air cra ft too k, n ow en r oute to Da rwin in Northern Austr alia, a fte r unde rgoin g two we eks of inte nsive

r epairs

The jet, operating from the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, executed the emergency landing on June 14th while conducting a routine sortie beyond India's air defence identification zone Thiruvananthapuram had

been pre-designated as an emergency

enabling its swift diversion when the inflight emergency occurred The Indian Air Force’s integrated air command and control system played a crucial role,

promptly authorising its landing Repair efforts commenced after a 14-member engineering team from the United Kingdom arrived on July 6, following their government’s acceptance of the airport’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility Airport sources confirmed that the UK engi-

Over 10,000 Indians jailed abroad; one on death row in US

Among the 10,57 4 Indian nationals currently imprisoned acros s the world, there is one case in the US: Raghunandan Y andamuri is the only Indian on death row in the country Y andamuri was sentenc ed to death i n Pennsylvani a in 2014 f or th e 2 01 2 m ur de r s of a wo m

a n d h e r

nt gra ndda ug hter in a f ail ed ki dnappi ng- for -ra nsom pl ot While his execution was scheduled for 2018, a state- wide moratori um on the death penalty in Pe nnsylvani a has indefinitely delayed it

The data, presented by Kirti Vardhan Singh, India's minister of state for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, underscores the global scale of incarceration involving Indian citizens Although the highest number of Indian prisoners is in the United Arab Emirates – 2,773 – followed by Saudi Arabia and Nepal, the US is among several countries where Indian nationals are facing the harshest penalties

India’s Ministry of External Affairs noted that 43 Indian citizens face death sentences globally, with the majority in the UAE (21), followed by Saudi Arabia (7), China (4), and others Besides Yandamuri in the US, one Indian national each is on death row in Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, and Yemen

Due to strict privacy laws in many countries, host governments often withhold detailed information about foreign inmates unless the individual authorizes disclosure S t i l

monitoring such cases and providing legal and consular s

Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), financial aid is also offered for legal representation, bail, and repatriation, particularly for underprivileged prisoners

Supreme Court stays Mumbai blasts acquittal, accused to remain free

T he S up r e m e C ou rt o f Indi a i ssued a s tay on the Bomb ay Hi gh Court's order t ha t a c q u i t te d a l l 12 a c c u s e d , i n c l ud i n g f i v e death row c onvi cts, in the d e v as ta t i n g 1 1/ 7 M um b ai train b lasts ca se of 2006

n Thiruvananthapuram and is expected to fly back

The airport has levied charges of approximately ₹500,000 towards parking and landing fees for the fighter jet Officials noted that the fee for utilising the MRO facility will be determined by Air India in accordance with standard n o r m s T h

Thiruvananthapuram as repair works concluded, extended special gratitude to the airport staff for their comprehensive assistance and facilities provided during the unexpected layover

C ru c ia l ly , th e a pe x c our t direc te d that those acc us ed who had been released follow in g the B om ba y Hi gh Court verdic t w ould not b e r e q ui r e d to r et u rn t o prison, remaini ng at li berty un t il th e S upr em e C our t delivers its fi nal j udgm ent on the cas e T h e S u p r e m e C o u r t ’ s d e c i s i o n , d e l i v e r e d b y a b e n c h o f J u s t i c e s M M Sundresh and N K Singh, was primarily influenced by c o n c e r n s t h a t t h e H i g h C o u r t ' s r u l i n g t o u c h e d upon various provisions of the Maharashtra Control of O r g a n i s e d C r i m e A c t ( M C O C A ) C o n s e q u e n t l y , the bench declared that the i m p u g n e d H i g h C o u r t judgment shall not be treated as a precedent for now S o l i c i t o r G e n e r a l Tushar Mehta, representing the Maharashtra government, had pressed for a

stay on the High Court's v e r d i c t d u

i t s w i d e r l e g

l i m p l i c a t i o n s , w h i l e explicitly clarifying that the government did not seek the immediate re-imprisonment of the accused A c c e d i

h e Solicitor General’s plea, the bench stayed the Bombay High Court’s July 21st order

Maharashtra government’s appeal This appeal aims to quash the High Court verdict, which would effective-

judgment that convicted all 12 accused The MCOCA court had sentenced five to

e imprisonment for conspiring and executing the bomb blasts on Mumbai's western railway local line on July 11, 2006, an attack that tragically claimed 189 lives and severely injured nearly 820 people The Bombay High Court had previously overturned this, citing the prosecution s failure to establish guilt and severely criticising its shoddy probe

Intense political drama in parliament over Operation Sindoor

Continued from page 1

Responding to the attack,

reaffirming the government’s

defence “Operation Sindoor is a decisive message to those w

Modi declared He criticised the Opposition for attempting to politicise national security, adding, “This is not a time for blame games but for unity

Modi also appreciated foreign m

Singh’s eminent part during the whole process

Gandhi echoed her brother’s concerns, stating, “Operation

deflect from real issues There

ensured

Defence Minister Rajnath

Operation Sindoor in the Lok S

mission successfully targeted

infrastructure and was paused

objectives, not halted due to US pressure He clarified that P

requested a ceasefire on May 10, leading to a formal end to operations by May 12

PM Modi becomes India's 2nd-longest serving PM, felicitated in Maldives

4,078 consecutive days in office as emblematic of his "unwavering commitment

t o p u b l i c s e r v i c e a n d dedication to the progress

a n d p r o s p e r i t y o f t h e I n d i a n p e o p l e " T h e ceremony reflected a warm

r e c i p r o c a t i o n o f b i l a t e r a l goodwill

" T o n i g h t w e a r e delighted to reciprocate that friendship and goodwill in the spirit of the closed ties

b e t w e e n t h e t w o n a t i o n s First of all let me convey my

heartiest congratulation to your excellency on becoming second longest serving prime minister of India today This remarkable milestone 4,078 consecutive days in the office

i s a t e s t a m e

r unwavering commitment of public service and dedication

arrived earlier in the day at

by senior members of his Cabinet including

Finance Minister and Minister of Homeland Security

PM Modi's visit is at the

context of Maldives' 60th

participating as the Guest of Honour

The occasion is not only

nations, but also a reminder of India's early recognition of Maldivian independence in 1965

Supreme Court questions Justice Varma’s plea against removal proceedings

T h e S u pr e m e C ou r t d e l i v e re d a s te r n r e b u k e to J us t i c e Y a s h w an t V a r m a , c urrently facin g a removal m oti on in the L o k S a b ha , s ug g es ti n g h i s p e t i ti on c h a l l en g i n g th e i n - ho us e c o m m i t te e ' s procedure should n ever have been fi led J us tice Varma is un der sc ruti ny f ollowing the dis covery of sacks of curre ncy notes at his of fici al res idenc e prem ises on March 14 A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and A G Masih critically questioned w h y J u s t i c e V a r m a p u r s u e d a p e t i t i o n against a process in which he had fully participated Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Justice Varma, argued that the judge had been unfairly vilified and subjected to a media trial, particularly after a v i d e o o f b u r n i n g c u r r e n c y notes and confidential communications were uploaded online Sibal also alleged political interference, asserting that the inquiry report was improperly sent to the P r e s i d e n t a n d P

recommendation for a removal motion

T h e S u p r e m e C o u r t , h o w e v e r , c

for Home Minister Amit Shah to be held accountable for the Pahalgam attack

criticised the government for allegedly yielding to external influence and questioned the

clarity on whether any Indian jets were downed and called

External Affairs Minister S

Lok Sabha, described India's

Mastermind of Pahalgam terror attack neutralised in J&K gunfight

S uleiman, believed to be th e m as te rm i nd be h i n d th e h orrific P ah algam terrorist attack, has been killed in a gunfigh t in th e Dachigam forest area on the ou tskirts of S rinagar

The operation, dubbed ‘Operation Mahadev’, also s a w t w o o t h e r P a k i s t a n i terrorists neutralised in a joint effort by the Army’s p a r a c o m m a n d o s , C R P F , a n d J & K p o l i c e W h i l e o f f i c i a l s a r e c o n d u c t i n g f u r t h e r c h e c k s , t h e o t h e r two killed are suspected to be Abu Hamza and Yasir, o p e r a t i v e s o f L a s h k e r - e -

T a i b a ’ s o f f s h o o t , T h e Resistance Front (TRF)

T h i s s i g n i f i c a n t breakthrough comes more than three months after the brutal attack in Pahalgam,

w h e r e 2 6 c i v i l i a n s , p r e d o m i n a n t l y t o u r i s t s , w e r e g u n n e d d o w n a f t e r

b e i n g t a r g e t e d b a s e d o n their faith A manhunt for

S u l e i m a n , a s u s p e c t e d f o r m e r P a k i s t a n i s p e c i a l forces commando trained at the LeT Muridke hub, had b e e n o n g o i n g s i n c e t h e m a s s a c r e I n t e l l i g e n c e , including tracking activity o n a n e n c r y p t e d C h i n e s e app, led security forces to t h e t e r r o r i s t s h i d e o u t i n Mahadev hill Suleiman was r e p o

8 killed, 28 hurt in stampede at Haridwar’s Mansa Devi shrine

clarified that the in-house inquiry report would not serve as evidence for any formal inquiry panel established under the Judges Inquiry Act

Sibal's arguments further contended that the in-house committee's finding of misbehaviour was flawed, given the cash w a s f o u n d i n

ownership was not conclusively attributed to the judge

Interestingly, Sibal himself has publicly engaged in debates and signed a motion for the removal of another judge, Justice Shekhar Yadav, highlighting a perceived i n c o n s i s t e n c y i n h i s s t a n c e o n p u b l i c scrutiny of judicial misconduct

A st am p e d e o n t h e pedestrian route to M ansa Dev i tem p le near Har Ki P a ur i c la i m ed ei g h t li v es and inju red 2 8 o thers, at least four critically Officials at A IIM S Rish ikesh said that 15 people were brough t to the hosp ital, ou t of w hich, five were d ischarged, four admitted in ICU and six in oth er wards

More than 5,000 devotees - mainly from UP and Bihar - were present on the route at the time of the incident, which was possibly triggered by “ rumours of electrical wires causing electrocution ” Videos from the spot showed a huge rush of people, including children and women, at the narrow entrance of the temple Eyewitnesses claimed there were hardly any efforts made to control the crowd

The area ’ s SHO Ritesh Shah said the crowd flow was “nothing unusual” in the

India blocks 25 OTT platforms

ordering

This decisive action follows a series of repeated warnings issued to these platforms a

consultations with key ministries, including Home Affairs, Electronics and IT, and the Department of Legal Affairs Industry bodies like FICCI and CII, alongside experts on w o m e n a n d c h i l d

i g h t s , w e

a l s o consulted Several platforms, including Ullu and ALTT, had been previously flagged by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in 2024 for content featuring sexual innuendo and nudity with minimal narrative context

stampede may have been caused due to

devotees began to panic and fell on each

present on the temple premises and two stationed at the entrance of the pedestrian route ” CM Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the

and

closed after the incident to avoid additional pressure at the site Injured persons were initially shifted to district hospital People died of chest injuries and no one died of electrocution,” said DM Mayur Dixit The DM added that a detailed magisterial probe has been ordered

President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi were among those who expressed grief over the loss of lives in the stampede

Narendra modi Rahul Gandhi

Priyanka Gandhi Amit Shah Rajnath Singh

PM meets with the President of Maldives, Dr Mohamed Muizzu at Malé, in Maldives

Alleviating eczema flare-ups

E c ze m

d ermatitis, is a chro nic

s ki n c o nd i ti o n th a t causes dryness, itching , an d i nf lam m ati o n

While it affects peo ple

o f al l ba c kg ro u n d s , British Asians may be p a rti c u lar ly p ro n e to flare-ups due to g enetic factors and environm ental trigg ers such as hard water o r cold weather

Managing eczema starts with keeping the skin well-

especially after bathing, to lock in moisture Avoid hot showers and opt for lukewarm water instead Harsh soaps and detergents can irritate sensitive skin, so choose mild, hypoallergenic products

Identify and avoid common triggers, which can include stress, allergens (like dust mites or pet dander), and certain fabrics such as wool A dermatologist may recommend medicated creams, such as topical corticosteroids, to calm inflammation during severe flare-ups

Diet can also play a role Some people find relief by reducing intake of dairy, gluten, or spicy foods, though

immunosuppressants may be prescribed

Early intervention, consistent care, and awareness of p

improving quality of life

Pharmacists warn of risks from surge in weight-loss jab demand

T he surging interest in w ei ght-loss i njections m ay be unsustainable and po tentially dangerous, p harmacists have cautioned, amid concerns that d emand is far ou tpacing clinical suitability

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which represents more than 6,000 independent pharmacies across the UK, has raised the alarm following new polling data It found that 21% of adults had tried to access weight-loss medication over the past year, either online or through a pharmacy That figure rose sharply to 35% among 16 to 34year-olds

Despite strict eligibility criteria, 41% of respondents said they would seek treatment via the NHS if available, rising to 64% among 25 to 34-year-olds, though many are unlikely to qualify based on clinical guidelines

“It’s clear from this polling that many more people are interested in getting weight-loss jabs than would actually be suitable for treatment,” said Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA “We want to ensure supplies are managed responsibly so that those with the greatest clinical need can access the medication ”

The NPA also warned that unmet demand could drive patients to unsafe, unregulated online sources These serv i c e s o

behavioural support programmes that are essential for safe and effective long-term weight management

To address this, the NPA is calling for tighter regulation of online weight-loss medication providers It wants to see mandatory two-way consultations and thorough reviews of patients’ medical histories before prescriptions are issued

The warning comes amid growing public interest in new injectable drugs for weight loss, such as semaglutide, which have been praised for their effectiveness but are in limited supply

Giggles that heal

Laughter isn't just good for the soul, it’s also good for your immune system When you laugh, your body releases endorphins and reduces stress hormones like cortisol, which can weaken the immune response At the same time, laughter increases the production of immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, helping your body defend itself against illness It also improves blood circulation and oxygen intake, contributing to overall well-being. In short, a hearty laugh is a natural and enjoyable immune booster

No more too young for a heart attack!

Heart disease has long been considered a condition that affects older adults But in recent years, a worrying trend has emerged: more and more young people are suffering, and dying, from heart attacks This shift is prompting urgent calls from health experts to place heart health at the forefront of personal and public health agendas

Across the globe, cardi-

sharp rise in cases of heart

such as chronic stress, poor diet, sedentary habits, lack of sleep, smoking, and rising rates of obesity and diabetes are believed to be con-

this trend

Social media and techdriven lifestyles have also

strain, both of which have been linked to cardiovascular issues Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath, marked by isolat

and long-Covid complications, have further impacted heart health across age groups

The good news? Many h

your heart doesn’t require

dramatic lifestyle overhauls By weaving a few mindful habits into your daily routine, you can make a big difference to your long-term health

Eat w ith your heart in m i nd : W h a t y o u p u t o n your plate directly affects your heart A diet rich in f r u i t s , v e g e t a b l e s , w h o l e grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins helps lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and i n f l a m m a t i o n A v o i d i n g processed foods, trans fats, and excessive salt is equally i m p o r t a n t C o o k i n g a t home more often gives you greater control over ingredients, while limiting sugarsweetened drinks and processed snacks helps maintain a healthy weight and blood sugar levels

M o v e ev e ry d ay: Exercise is a natural way to s t r e n g t h e n t h e h e a r t a n d improve circulation Just 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking,

dancing, or cycling, most days of the week is enough to make a difference Don’t u

instead of the lift, walk during phone calls, or stretch during screen breaks

K eep a n e ye o n ke y numbers: Monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, especially if you have a family history of heart disease, is crucial

T h e s e “ s i l e n t ” i n d i c a t o r s often show no symptoms

u n

Regular check-ups help you stay on top of your health and act early if needed

Manage stress thoug htfully: Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but how we r e s p o n d t o i t m a t t e r s

C h r o n i c s t r e s s c a n r a i s e blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease

Mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help, as can taking time out for hobbies,

nature, or quiet reflection

Prio ritise sleep: Lack of sleep doesn’t just make you groggy, it puts your heart at risk Adults should aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night Poor sleep can a f f e c t b l o o d p r e s

r e , weight, and hormone levels, all of which play a role in heart health

Limit smoking and alcohol: If you smoke, quitting is the single most powerful s

Meanwhile, keeping alcohol within recommended limits, no more than 14 units a week, can help prevent high b l o

rhythm issues

Stay hydrated and con-

water throughout the day

Equally important is staying

increased

of heart disease Make time for friends,

matters, too

Prioritising heart health doesn’t mean perfection, it means showing up for your

works hard for you so make sure you ’ re working for it, too

Global liver cancer crisis largely preventable, says landmark study

liver

uptak

vaccinat ions, according

Can ce r

The commission found that most liver cancer cases stem from preventable risk factors, including viral hepatitis B and C, fatty liver disease, and alcohol use It recommended a series of policy interventions that could cut global liver cancer incidence by 2% to 5% annually by 2050; potentially preventing 9 to 17 million cases and saving 8 to 15 million lives “Liver cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with

five-year survival rates rangi n g b e t w e e n j u s t 5 % a n d 30%,” said Prof Jian Zhou of Fudan University, who led the commission “Without immediate and coordinated

a c t i o n , c a s e s a n d d e a t h s could nearly double over the next 25 years ” Liver cancer is currently t h e s i x t h m o s t c o m m o n

many of these self-administered kits, widely available in high street stores, could overstate their accuracy and risk misinforming users Of the 30 tests analysed, only eight gave clear guidance on who should use them, and just four mentioned

Fatty liver disease, now m

liver cancer, driven by obesity and affecting one-third of

rising, while liver cancers from hepatitis B and C are expected to decline by 2050

To combat this trend, the commission urged governments to scale up hepatitis B vaccination and adult screening, introduce alcohol pricing and sugar taxes,

unhealthy products, expand early liver disease detection, and invest in palliative care

cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death globally Annual deaths are projected to rise from 760,000 in 2022 to 1 37 million by 2050, with Africa expected to see the largest increase due to population growth a n d a g e i n g C h i n a a l o n e accounts for over 40% of g l o b a l l i v e r c a n c e r c a s e s , largely due to its high hepatitis B rates

Supermarket health tests may be misleading

levels of accuracy, yet supporting evidence was often missing or unclear

who led the study, said selftests are not subject to the same rigorous regulation as medicines, despite growing popularity He warned that false positives could lead to

Nushrratt Bharuccha on being replaced: “I felt cheated, but moved on”

Nushrratt Bharuccha opened up about one of the toughest moments in her career She revealed she was signed for a film for three years, without a director, hero, or producer attached Despite being the only one locked in, she stayed committed. But just as the project finally took shape, she was dropped from it.

When asked if she was replaced due to favoritism toward star kids, Nushrratt Bharuccha clarified, “Mera thoda alag tha ” She wasn’t replaced b y a n i n d u s t r y i n s i d e r b u t b y someone who was the “flavour of the s e a s o n

a n d s

e commercially viable choice Though shocked and hurt, she chose not to name the film or actress, saying, “I h a v e n o i n t e r e s t i n d i s c r e d i t i n g anyone or picking a fight ”

What stung most, she said, was the betrayal of her loyalty She had been the only one signed when the project had no cast, crew, or backing, and after three years of commitment, s h e w a s s u d d e n l y d r o p p e d “ O f course I felt cheated,” she admitted Though the experience was painful, she noted that the film ultimately didn’t perform well

an industry shaped by cliques and family legacies, Vaani Kapoor spoke ndidly about her journey as an outsider in Bollywood. The ‘War’ actor, debuted in 2013 with ‘Shuddh Desi Romance’, said, “You have to be r biggest cheerleader when you don’t have uncles or a support system also bad at networking ” She credited Yash Raj Films, the studio that launched her, for ing a key role in her career “YRF believed in me and felt like family actor signed with them feels protected and in the right hands,” she Vaani Kapoor shared that she never faced the casting couch in ywood, crediting the safe and professional environment Yash Raj Films She also praised casting director noo Sharma for reassuring her family when she ved to a new city to pursue acting Vaani now stars in ‘Mandala Murders’, a crime ller series premiering on Netflix on July 25 plays Rea Thomas, a sharp investigative cer uncovering ritualistic killings tied to a et society Directed by Gopi Puthran and nan Rawat, the show also features Surveen w l a , V

aonkar, and Jameel Khan

Karan Johar calls

‘OK Jaanu’ film a regret

Filmmaker

Karan Johar admitted he looks back at ‘OK Jaanu’ the Hindi remake of Mani Ratnam’s ‘OK Kanmani’, with some regret, saying he sensed it wasn’t the right move

S p e a k i n g o n t h

t y p o d c a s t , K a r a n r e f l e c t e d o n t h e power of intuition and noted that w h i l e

journey, he hasn’t always followed it He also spoke about Aditya Chopra’s faith in him during that time

Reflecting on ‘OK Jaanu’, Karan

instincts “Aditya and Shraddha had just delivered a hit with ‘Aashiqui 2 ’ , and the remake came to me as a ready project, with a great director

‘Should this film be remade? Can that moment be recaptured?’” he said Karan added, “Everyone did their job well, but deep down I knew it wasn’t the right move, and I didn’t act on it Even today, when I ignore my instincts, I often go wrong It’s a mistake I keep making ” R e l e a s e d i n 2 0

’

starred Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya

Roy Kapur and was directed by Shaad

Ali The film was a remake of Mani Ratnam’s 2015 Tamil romantic drama ‘O Kadhal Kanmani’, which explored modern-day relationships through the story of a couple in a live-in arrangement

Vaani Kapoor on surviving Bollywood: “No chachas or chachis to back you”

Siddhant Chaturvedi

lost ‘Laila Majnu’ role for looking 'too young'

Siddhant Chaturvedi, who made a strong debut with ‘Gully Boy’ in 2019 after gaining recognition in ‘Inside Edge’, recently revealed he was once shortlisted for ‘Laila Majnu’ (2018) but didn’t make the final cut

While promoting his upcoming film ‘Dhadak 2 ’ opposite Triptii Dimri, Siddhant shared in an interview with ‘Just Too Filmy’ that ‘Laila Majnu’, Triptii’s debut, is one of his favourite films of hers

Siddhant Chaturvedi revealed he was almost cast opposite Triptii Dimri in ‘Laila Majnu’ (2018) “I was 22 at the time and had made it to the final round But they felt I looked too young for the role, which required the male lead to be older than the girl,” he said in an interview Siddhant even tried to appear older by growing a beard and creating a new profile video, shot by his brother, but ultimately didn’t make the cut

Avinash Tiwary was eventually cast as Qais Despite being a commercial failure upon release, ‘Laila Majnu’ later gained a cult following, especially after its digital release Siddhant admitted attending the film’s screening “just to see what I was missing out on ” and praised Triptii’s performance In August 2024, the film was re-released and finally turned a profit, earning four times more than its original box office run

Fahadh Faasil on retirement:

“I want to drive an Uber in Barcelona, it’s a beautiful idea”

Back in 2020, Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil made headlines while promoting ‘C U Soon’ when he revealed his unusual retirement dream becoming an Uber driver in Spain Five years later, nothing seems to have changed

In a recent chat with ‘The Hollywood Reporter India’, when asked if he still stands by that dream, Fahadh said: “Yeah, of course We were in Barcelona a few months back, and I still think about it Maybe it’ll happen once people are done with me But honestly, the idea of driving someone from one place to another feels beautiful, you witness their destination I still love driving, wherever I get the chance It’s my time for myself and great for thinking ” Fahadh, known for his low-key presence and absence from social media, was asked if staying offline makes it harder to connect with Gen Z audiences He dismissed the idea, saying, “I’ll get alienated the day I start making bad movies, not because I’m offline As long as my work is honest, people will stay interested, or at least think, ‘This guy is up to something ’”

He is currently promoting his upcoming comedy-thriller

‘Maareesan’, co-starring veteran Tamil actor Vadivelu The film has already generated buzz after Kamal Haasan praised it on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a movie that made him both laugh and think

Nithya Menen mbraces olitude head of halaivan halaivi’ elease

Nithya Menen’s film ‘Thalaivan Thalaivi’ released in theatres, and an interview she gave about her personal life has caught fans’ attention In a chat with ‘The Ramya Show’, the actress, known for her work in Kannada films like Psvaabhikai’, spoke candidly about her upbringing

She shared that her grandmother raised her while her mother worked, which made her comfortable with solitude even in school and friendships

Saying “I am different from others,” Nithya reflected on how her experiences shaped her, also opening up emotionally about the struggles and dreams she has faced in love

Nithya Menen admitted that her romantic experiences have mostly brought pain and that her search for a soulmate has so far been unfulfilled Now, she says she has moved past it, finding true freedom in solo travel and moments of stillness that help her connect with herself

She added that spirituality is now a key part of her life and that she has no interest in chasing fame or financial success, nor in becoming a “slave to cinema ” On marriage, she said, “If I find my soulmate, I’ll marry tomorrow, but for now, my solitude makes me very happy ”

Prithviraj on Rajamouli: “A master storyteller with grand vision”

After the success of ‘L2: Empuraan’, Prithviraj Sukumaran is gearing up for the highly anticipated Mahesh Babu–SS Rajamouli film. In a recent interview, he shared insights on orking with the ‘RRR’ director and what makes Rajamouli’s grandscale filmmaking stand out

Speaking about the mucha n t i c i p a t e

M B 2 9 ’ , Prithviraj said, “Rajamouli sir

rokes ” The Malayalam star, part of the film’s ensemble cast, praised the d

n g

style

Starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, ‘SSMB29’ is one of the year ’ s most awaited films Though the makers remain tight-lipped about the plot, the film’s massive scale and Rajamouli’s direction have only heightened anticipation

The cast and crew of ‘SSMB29’ are currently on a break Mahesh Babu, who recently celebrated his daughter’s birthday in Sri Lanka, will return to sets soon, with an extensive shooting schedule starting in August Priyanka Chopra has also locked major

received praise for its grand flashback sequences, with many comparing its scale and execution

Abbas returns to Tamil cinema after 10 years, joins G.V. Prakash’s new film

Actor Abbas, a popular ‘chocolate hero’ of Tamil cinema in the 1990s, made his debut with Kathir’s ‘Kadhal Desam’ (1996) and went on to star in hits like ‘V I P ’ , ‘Poochudava’, ‘Padaiyaappa’, and ‘Suyamvaram’ His last Tamil film was ‘Ramanujan’ (2014) With limited opportunities thereafter, he moved to New Zealand and began working outside the film industry After nearly a decade, actor Abbas

Vikatan,

film

Ilancheliyan, starring G V Prakash and ‘Lover’ fame Gouri Priya in the

banner, the film’s music is by Justin Prabhakaran

Currently being shot at full swing, the project is said to be a family entertainer with a touch of comedy bb ’ h d b

Ed Sheeran hails Arijit Singh: “Love

his voice, tone, and rhythm”

Aamir Khan to unfurl tiranga in Melbourne

Aamir Khan will hoist the Indian national flag at the 16th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 in August, as part of its annual Independence Day celebrations The ceremony holds deep emotional significance for the Indian diaspora and celebrates India’s global cultural impact

Backed by the Government of Victoria, the festival runs from August 14–24, with Aamir attending as Chief Guest A retrospective of his films, including ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’, will be showcased, along with a special conversation featuring Aamir, director RS Prasanna, and Aparna Purohit from Aamir Khan Films

IFFM director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said that the flag hoisting is more than a tradition, it's an emotional and unifying moment “Seeing the Tiranga unfurl on foreign soil fills our hearts with pride,” she said “Having Aamir Khan, whose cinema has impacted generations globally, is an honour His presence reflects the strength of Indian storytelling ”

IFFM 2025 will feature over 75 films in 31 languages

British pop star Ed Sheeran shared a heartfelt social media post praising Bollywood sensation Arijit Singh, revealing he learned to sing in Punjabi and play the sitar from him

The duo recently collaborated on the track ‘Sapphire’, released in June, and Sheeran posted a special version of the song featuring Singh on Instagram The video was filmed during Sheeran’s visit to India for his Mathematics tour, where he called his trip to Singh’s hometown in Jiaganj Azimganj, West Bengal, his “favourite experience ”

Ed Sheeran described his visit to Jiaganj Azimganj with his father to meet Arijit Singh as “ one of the most amazing days” of his musical career Calling it a “pilgrimage of music,” Sheeran said the 24-hour trip was to record the final piece of their collaborative track ‘Sapphire’

After a long drive, Arijit Singh welcomed Ed Sheeran and his father with a boat ride and coffee before heading to the studio, where he taught Sheeran to sing in Punjabi and play the sitar

They ended the day with a late-night scooty ride, listening to river prayers and discussing music “It was one of the most amazing days in my musical career, ” Sheeran wrote, adding that he now listens to ‘Sapphire’ with his daughters every morning

“I love Arijit’s voice, tone, and rhythm Thank you for your time, grace, and talent,” he said ‘Sapphire’ featuring Arijit Singh is now out on all platforms

Sheeran’s Mathematics tour in India ran from January 30 in Pune to February 15 in Delhi During his visit, he also met AR Rahman and performed with him in Chennai

‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’ UK screening halted after fans throw confetti

of Pawan

Ascreening

Kalyan’s ‘Hari Hara

Veera Mallu’ in a UK

Cineworld turned chaotic when fans threw confetti inside the theatre, forcing the screening to be stopped. A video of the incident has since gone viral, drawing widespread criticism online.

The video shows theatre staff halting the movie and struggling to manage the situation as the floor was covered in confetti, making it impossible to continue the screening Some fans appeared unapologetic, even arguing that there were no signs prohibiting the use of confetti

On social media, users backed the theatre staff and criticised the fans’ behaviour, with comments like “Make them clean it” and “Good on the staff, absolutely outrageous” gaining traction Many also suggested cinemas should clearly display rules at the entrance to prevent such incidents

‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 ’ stars Pawan Kalyan as an outlaw, alongside Niddhi Agerwal and Bobby Deol The story follows his quest from Golconda to Delhi to reclaim the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond

The film has received mixed reviews while praised for its ambitious ideas and star power, critics feel it falls

AR Rahman, Sam Altman team up for AI-powered ‘Secret Mountain’

project

Oscar-winning

composer AR Rahman has announced a collaboration with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for his ambitious AI-powered project, ‘Secret Mountain’. Sharing an image from their meeting, Rahman said the project aims to use AI to uplift Indian creators facing generational challenges.

A fusion of AI, immersive storytelling, and global music culture, ‘Secret Mountain’ was first introduced by Rahman in February 2024 through a YouTube video

The animated clip follows Luna, a young woman who escapes digital distractions and enters a mystical world of musical characters from diverse cultures

The video teased a virtual, metaverse-driven musical space connecting diverse voices worldwide, built on Hedera’s secure digital framework Hedera described *Secret Mountain* as a “metahuman” project, featuring lifelike digital characters

Francisco office to discuss using AI to break creative and cultural barriers in India “We discussed *Secret M

empower Indian minds with AI tools,” Rahman shared OpenAI VP Srinivas Narayanan said Rahman also held a Q&A at the company, outlining his artistic vision and past immersive projects like VR film ‘Le Musk’ Rahman aims to unite musicians and mentors from across the globe India, Ireland, China, Africa, and beyond on one interactive platform, reinforcing his belief that music transcends borders and AI can amplify its reach By blending Indian classical sounds with AI, Rahman aims to create opportunities for emerging talent and make technology more accessible for Indian creators While AI can spark ideas, he stressed, “the human element the emotional depth and creativity remains irreplaceable ”

FICCI leads India-UK Sports collaboration drive in Manchester visit

In a move sh owcas ing its Olympic ambitio ns, India sent a h igh -level

S po rts Leaders Delegation to Manchester fro m J uly 22 to 2 5, aiming to fo rge deeper

co llaboratio ns with one of the world’ s mo st ico nic sporting h ubs

Organised by FICCI

(Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) in partnership with the Consulate General of India in Manchester, the visit culminated in the IndiaManchester Sports Business Forum and the launch of a new knowledge report on India’s growing sports economy At the heart of the visit was a clear message: India is serious about its Olympic Vision 2036 and it is looking to global partners like the UK to help bring that dream to life

The four-day programme

Director of Somaiya Sports Academy, Aazaz Khan,

Leaders Delegation to Manchester

learning from the best to serve our best We studied world-class sports

Metropolitan and Loughborough Universities, observing how sport, science, and academics intersect seamlessly What stood out was the holistic athlete journey, from

under one roof The delegation also allowed us to engage with

partnerships My biggest takeaway was seeing how seriously the UK prioritises athlete welfare FICCI’s

e f

positioned Indian university sports

t a k e h o l d e r internationally "

On India’s broader role in the global sports community and how

i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o l l a b o r a t i o n s s u p p o r t t h a t v i s i o n , K h a n s a i d , "India must evolve from being a p a r t i c i p a n t t o b e c o m i n g a k e y p l a y e r i n t h e g l

included exposure visits to key institutions such as Etihad Stadium, Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport, BBC Media City, and Loughborough University, offering Indian delegates firsthand insight into how a mature sports ecosystem operates

movement We have the numbers a

Preeti Jhangiani, co-founder Pro Panja League, India’s first professional arm-wrestling league

a l s o t a l k e d a b o u t t h e collaboration and how it can help arm-wrestling grow in the UK She said, “The agenda is to see how we can progress and join along with M a n c h e s t

r different sports For me, since we are affiliated with the World Arm Wrestling Federation as well, it’s v e r y i m p o r t a n t t o f i n d g o o d partners for them in the UK who can promote arm wrestling to the extent that we have in India

“There is also a lot of interest in arm wrestling from Punjab in the UAE We've already done our first event in Dubai It would be fantastic

t o d o a n e v e n t

speaking to so many people during this delegation that arm wrestling is s o m e t h i n g t h a t e

here, has played in their childhood Every person knows it “The sport has a low financial entry point and I

partnerships to turn potential into podiums Collaborations like this FICCI-led delegation build vital bridges of learning, investment, a n d c u l t u r

Indian universities become global t r a i n

administrators Our mission

Olympics This will require policy

corporations to channel at least 50% of their sports CSR towards u

Olympians With FICCI’s backing, t

scalable if we work together "

feel that the potential for growing it here in the UK is amazing ” Further talking about hosting tournaments in the UK, she said, “For sure, there is a plan to host international tournaments here and also collaborate with the diaspora c o m m

sports, especially indigenous sports like kho-kho and kabaddi, are doing

athletes, it’s a huge opportunity to come and participate in the league And the kind of production that we have done in arm wrestling has not been done anywhere in the world ”

The Business Forum brought together stakeholders from both countries across sports technology, infrastructure, esports, athlete development, club management, and sports medicine One key highlight was the face-to-face networking session connecting Indian sports entrepreneurs with British clubs

PKSV Sagar, the president of GMR Sports and co-chair of the delegation, shared about the collaboration with the Indian Consulate in Manchester He said, “This collaboration is a significant step in broadening the scope of India–UK bilateral relations Beyond trade and education, sports offers a unique platform to engage communities, promote cultural exchange, and drive innovation This visit not only promotes dialogue but lays the groundwork for strategic cooperation in sports tech, infrastructure, education, and athlete development between our two nations ” Being a strong advocate for grassroots and youth development in India, Mr Sagar also spoke out supporting grassroots efforts in gaining exposure “Grassroots development has always been at the heart of India’s sports story and to make meaningful progress, we need exposure to global best practices During this visit, the delegation is engaging with universities, football academies, innovation hubs, and community

Indian Extreme Rally Driver and TEDx Speaker Garima Avtar

said, "It was an honour to represent India on a global platform The UK’s integration of sport with education, media, and grassroots development was truly inspiring My biggest takeaway is that with the right systems and infrastructure, India has everything it needs to rise as a global sporting powerhouse UK motorsport thrives because of its structured pathways, inclusive programs, and strong institutional backing India has no shortage of talent; what we need now is consistent support and wider access The encouraging part is that the ecosystem is shifting, and the momentum is finally building "

Avtar added, "Motorsport in the UK has been nurtured for decades Kids start karting as early as five or six, with a clear, structured pathway from grassroots to Formula 1 It’s accessible, well-supported by schools, sponsorships, and strong academic backing In India, we

Olympic readiness by 2036

India, one of the fastestgrowing sports markets globally, is making a concerted push to position itself as a future Olympic host, backed by massive publicprivate investments and a growing middle-class fan base Initiatives such as the Khelo India programme and strategic bids for major international events signal India’s long-term intent

and companies, paving the way for potential MoUs, joint ventures, and investment discussions

Also launched at the event was the FICCI–Grant Thornton Knowledge Report, which lays out India’s current sports landscape, emerging opportunities, and the critical steps needed to reach

sports initiatives across Manchester The idea is to understand how the UK has built sustainable grassroots structures and how we can adapt those models to India’s context”, he said “We’re especially keen on bringing back insights on inclusive sports education, talent identification, and how to integrate technology into youth development We want to ensure our young athletes not just from metros but from Tier 2 and 3 cities have access to world-class opportunities and pathways”, he further added

have the talent, but motorsport is still seen as niche and elite Tracks are few, costs are high, and there’s very little grassroots development Many young racers either come from motorsport families or must fight for every opportunity The UK has a deep-rooted motorsport culture, while in India it’s still gaining visibility Encouragingly, we are seeing positive shifts, more women entering the sport, more media coverage, but we still need far greater support in terms of infrastructure and mind-set "

The delegation served as a stepping stone towards that ambition, with conversations focused on knowledge-sharing, policy alignment, and building sustainable partnerships in sports innovation, management, and community development

Many members from the delegation shared their experience and hopes, in conversation with Asia Voice-

Dr Kanishka Pandey, co-chair of the FICCI Sports Committee and Head of the Centre for Sports Research at IMT Ghaziabad,

incredible learning experience for me and my colleagues The way things operate here is far more advanced and structured than in I

partnerships with communities, governments, and sports bodies, something we aspire to achieve in India in the coming years " He added, "There is a clear pathway for talent development here, beginning at the grassroots A strong sporting culture drives participation, which in turn fuels

This is something we can learn from and adapt in an ‘Indianised’ way back home " On future collaborations and

ecosystem, Pandey said, "I would

institutions to better understand how they create strong linkages with industry and work so closely

Ghaziabad, along with the FICCI Sports Committee, we are trying

academia and industry, and there’s much we can learn from the UK’s structured approach I would also like to see our UK counterparts

Jadeja, Washington pull off epic rescue act for India

Gill, Rahul lay foundation before left-handers battle through two sessions

R avindra Jadeja ba tted out

more t ha n two sessions to b ring back India from t he

b r ink of a d ecisiv e d efe at

Having conceded a 311-

displayed

steely resolve

largely due to the efforts of captain Shubman Gill (103 off 238), K L Rahul (90 off 230), Jadeja (107 not out off 185) and Washington (101 not out off 206)

W i t h i n s p i r a t i o n a l

England skipper Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer removing a well set Gill and Rahul in t h e m o r n i n g , E n g l a n d

s e n s e d a s e r i e s s e a l i n g

v i c t o r y b u t J a d e j a a n d Washington hung in there before milking the bowlers towards the end of the day

Just before the start of last hour of play, Ben Stokes expressed his desire to end

the game but India decided

t o c a r r y o n w i t h W a s h i n g t o n a n d J a d e j a c l o s i

clearly not amused

Harry Brook started to offer freebies to Jadeja and W a s h i n g t o n a s a s i g

decision to carry on playing Players finally shook hands a f t e r t h e m i l e s t o n e s o f Jadeja and Washington were a c h

hundred

The day five track did not have many demons with prominent movement and a

bit of variable bounce was

session when Gill and Rahul

stand

Considering the match

second and final session was

and Hamuna Vihari’s match saving stand in the Sydney

broken foot, Rishabh Pant was available to bat in the second innings but he did not need to come to the middle and risk aggravation of his injury

Lionesses make history, celebrate Euro 2025 triumph with royal parade

E ngland's Liones ses cemented their p l ac e i n h i s to ry , s uc c e s s f ul l y defending thei r Women's European Championship title with a thrilling p e na l ty - s h oot ou

S pa i n T hi s mo n um e nt a l ac hievement marks the first ti me any senior E ngland team, male or f e m a le , h as d e fe n d ed an i nternational title, and also the first occasi on a maj or trophy has been won by an E nglis h side on foreign s oil

Having fallen behind in the first half,

E n g l a n d o r c h

previous knockout-round victories against Italy and their penalty shootout win over Sweden England successfully defended their Euro 2025 title, defeating Spain in a penalty

s h o o t o u t f

T o commemorate this extraordinary success, the Lionesses are celebrated with an opentop bus parade

T h e c e l e b r a t o r y

squad along The Mall, culminating in a ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial

Before their public celebration, the team is scheduled to fly home from Switzerland and will be received at 10 Downing Street by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner

Thousands of jubilant fans are expected to line the parade route, eager to witness their heroes The iconic ‘it's coming home’ chants are sure to echo through the capital as supporters embrace the national pride sparked by the Lionesses' triumph This historic win and the ensuing celebration not o n l y u n d

talent and resilience but also further elevate the profile of women s football, inspiring a new generation across the United Kingdom

Pant battles injury to steady India at Manchester

India's wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant

scoring 37 runs before retiring hurt The 27year-old was hit on the right foot while attempting a reverse sweep off pacer Chris

continued batting for a few more overs despite visible discomfort, before eventually w

medical scans

Pant’s 37 came off 54 deliveries and i

batting line-up, which had lost three quick wickets in the first session Batting at 5th position,

resistance against the disciplined E

rotate strike prevented England f

r e w s further The injury came at a point when he looked set for a bigger score, having just started to find fluency

2002 performance against the West Indies in Antigua is one of the most referenced examples, Kumble bowled 14 consecutive overs with a broken jaw, even dismissing B

P a n t ' s d e c i s i o n t o c o n t i n u e b a t t i n g

p o s t - i n j u r y d r e w c o m p a r i s o n

instances in Indian cricket where players chose to play through pain Anil Kumble’s

though drawn, became iconic due to Kumble’s endurance Y u v r a j S i n g h ’ s contributions during the 2011 ICC World Cup also serve as a point of reference Battling an u

time, Yuvraj scored 362 runs

Player of the Tournament title and helping India clinch the trophy Pant's situation may not be as iconic, but his determination to stay on the field

Divya Deshmukh becomes first Indian to win women’s chess World Cup

e i g n i n g w o me n ’ s w o r l d ra pi d ch a mpi o n, 38 -ye a rold Ko ne ru Humpy , 2 5-1 5 Div ya took the r api d rout e to glo ry a fte r dra wi ng both

h e r cl as si ca l g a me s wi t h

Hump y on Sa turd a y a nd

Sunday

D i v y a , w h o w a s t h e

world’s youngest Woman

Fide Master in 2013, also

b e c a m e o n l y t h e f o u r t h Indian woman to earn the GM title after Humpy, R

V a i s h a l i a n d H a r i k a

Dronavalli With this win,

D i v y a t o o k h e r t a l l y o f international gold medals

t o 2 4 w h i l e r e p r e s e n t i n g India on 41 occasions In her 14-year journey, she has

c o n q u e r e d t h e w o r l d o n four occasions: In 2014, she w o n t h e u n d e r - 1 0 w o r l d title before becoming U-12 world champion in ’ 17 Last y e a r , s h e w a s c r o w

champ

the

erside

in the third and final ODI

in C hester-le-Street, sealing th e series 2-1 Th e v ictory was set up b y a co m m and i ng ce ntu ry fr

ski p pe r Harm anp reet Kaur and a match-w inning six-wicket h aul by 19-year-old pacer Kranti Goud

Batting first after winning the toss, India posted a formidable 318 for 5 Harmanpreet led from the front with a fluent 102 off 84 balls, her seventh ODI hundred and third against England Her innings featured 14

boundaries and formed the backbone of India’s second-highest ODI total against England The highest remains 333 for 5, scored in Canterbury in 2022

partnerships throughout the innings After openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana added 64 for the first wicket, Kaur joined H

Mandhana’s dismissal for 45 The pair added 81 for the third wicket before Deol was dismissed for a well-compiled 45 off 65 balls Jemimah Rodrigues gave India crucial

B u t t h e

won the toss the previous night, Divya once again got the luck of the draw, opting to start the tiebreaks with the white pieces in t h e f i r s t R a p i d game

Harmanpreet, Kranti shine as India win ODI series against England

deliveries, including seven fours Her 110run partnership with Kaur in just 77 balls pushed India past the 300-run mark Richa Ghosh provided the finishing flourish with a blistering 38 from just 18 balls, striking three fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 211 11

disastrous start Goud struck twice in her

cheaply, leaving England at

for

launched a strong counterattack, putting

162 for the third wicket Lamb scored 68 off 8

e e Charani in the 31st over Sciver-Brunt continued to anchor the innings but fell just short of a century, dismissed for 98 by Deepti Sharma in the 35th over Her knock, which included 11 fours, kept England in the hunt until the final phase of the match

Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar

Divya Deshmukh

Anil Kumble bowled with a severely injured jaw against West Indies