AV 31st May 2025

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN

Net migration halves in a year P11 --------------A nation facing mental health crisis P12 --------------Ambanis, Premji and Kamath among Time's philanthropy list P22

International students under siege

Top study destinations are turning away foreign students, redrawing the map of global education

Once seen as gateways to opportunity and prosperity, the world’s top study destinations are rapidly shutting their doors on international students

In a dramatic shift, countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US are introducing harsher visa rules, stricter f

have sparked alarm among students and universities alike

T h e U K s b a n o n d e p e n d e n t s , C a n a d a ’ s s w e e p i n g v i s a c a p , a n d

A u s t r a l i a s t i g h t e r s c r u t i n y o n a d m i ssions are not isolated moves but part of a global wave that’s turning the tide against foreign learners For many students, the dream of studying abroad is now clouded by uncertainty and rising hostility, as n a t i o n s o n c e h u n g r y f o r g l o b a l t a l e n t begin pulling up the drawbridge

A s a r e s u l t , t h e U K i s s u e d 3 9 3 , 1 2 5 sponsored study visas to main applicants in 2024, marking a 14% decrease from the previous year. This downturn was most p r o n o u n c e d a m o n g s t u d e n t s f r o m Nigeria and India, with visa issuances dropping by 55% and 26%, respectively

A p p l i c a t i o n s f o r s t u d e n t d e p e n d e n t s e x p e r i e n c e d a n e v e n s h a r p e r d e c l i n e , plummeting by 84% to just 21,978 in 2024 The decline has not only affected students but also placed financial strain on UK universities

I N D I A S H I N E S U N D E R

M O D I ’ S G O V E R N A N C E

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks 11 years in office, India celebrates a major milestone-becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, reflecting a decade of bold leadership and global rise

Subhasini Naicker

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently marked eleven years in office, having taken the oath on 26 May 2014

His election marked a turning point in India’s modern political history, ending three decades of coalition governments with a clear and decisive mandate for the BJP. Since “Ab Ki Baar Modi Sarkar,” India has seen rapid development under Narendra Modi’s leadership, now serving a third consecutive term with the slogans Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas

Under his leadership, India has seen significant economic progress Most notably, the country has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy According to NITI Aayog CEO B V R Subrahmanyam, India is now a $4 trillion economy, as per IMF data, and is expected to overtake Germany to claim the third spot within the next 2 5 to 3 years Only the United States, China, and Germany currently have larger economies Modi’s ascent was warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora, who saw in him a leader committed to national pride, progress, and reform

‘One Mission, One Message, One Bharat’

While leading the global delegation, PM Modi was greeted by thousands in Gujarat for his ‘Sindoor Samman Yatra’ roadshows, held as a tribute to Indian forces.

To counter misinformation globally and highlight India’s zero tolerance position on terrorism, the government has dispatched seven all party delegations of

Mission, One Message, One Bharat’ their aim is to present India’s response to terrorism after Operation Sindoor

The seven delegation groups will visit Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Algeria,

Congo, Sierra Leone, the USA, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, Greece,

Ethiopia, and South Africa

A

nations, one of the seven delegations is due to reach the UK soon and will be meeting the diaspora on 1 and 3 June at India House in London The delegation consists of BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dr

Bhattacharya and Ghulam Ali Khatana,

Congress' Dr Amar Singh, AIADMK’s M Thambidurai and former Indian Foreign Minister MJ Akbar who will be joined by His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK and former diplomat and Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran Continued on page 23

Delegation in France to visit the UK

PM Modi attends roadshow in Gandhinagar with Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel (right) and Gujarat BJP Chief CR Patil on 26 May 2025

t

Tories plot to oust Badenoch, back Boris

S enior Tory insiders have launched a secret mission to bring back Boris Johnson as party leader, aiming to replace Kemi Bad enoch

A g r o u p o

C o n s

v a t i v e M Ps i s reportedly in talks to per-

s u a d e t h e e x-P

m e Minister to make a dramatic return to frontline politics

Details of the explosive

p l a n e m e r g e d j u s t d a y s after a YouGov poll showed

To

Lib Dems Grim-faced MPs called it a “line in the sand,”

w

a f fo rd t o l i m p o n u n d e r

Kemi Badenoch

A s e n i o r To r y s a i d : “Boris’s old allies are back

i n t o u c h , u r g i n g h i m t o

return They believe he’s

the only one who can take on Nigel Farage and win ” A n o t h e r s e n i o r To r y said, “Team Boris are talking again some in party HQ are even quietly working on ‘Project Boris ’”

One MP admitted, “We keep sharpening our knives fo r Ke m i , t h e n p u t t i n g t h

Many Tories see Boris Johnson as their last hope,

believing he’s the only one Reform UK truly fears A recent poll put the Tories at 26% under Boris ahead of Reform and Labour With the party projected to slip t

Ke m i Badenoch, talk of her exit just six months in is growing, despite Michael Gove’s

challenge is “inevitable ”

A Tor y source, however, dismissed the speculation: “Anyone who thinks changing leader again will help needs to get real Kemi is doing the hard work to rebuild the party, develop policy, and hold Labour to account She’s listening to

working to regain public trust ”

Men behind extensive fake ID operation sentenced

Tw o fo rgers from East London, Bilal

I qb al , 25 , a nd

U m m a d A h m e d , 3 2, h ave each been jailed for six years after creating over 4 0,0 00 fake id entities w orth at least

£ 1 millio n

T h e y w e r e caught when Eddie Burton, 23, from Liverpool, used one of their fake IDs to expand his criminal activities across Europe

B u r t o n , w i t h h i s

f r i e n d Si a n B a n k s , 2 5 , imported £20 million worth of cocaine, ketamine, and heroin He was arrested by Spanish police in Ibiza in August 2023

Snaresbrook Crown Court, including making false IDs

n g They charged £70 for fake UK driving licences, offering e

Royal Mail faces fresh fines for missing delivery targets

Royal Mail is und er inv estig ation and facing new f ines for m issing postal d elivery targets by a wid e marg in

Air India tops UK delay rankings with ‘unacceptable’ record

A ir Ind ia was ranked th e worst airline for U K flig ht delays in 2024 , with departures averaging 4 5 minutes and 4 8 second s late, according to Civil Av iation Au thority data analysed by PA new s agency

The longest delay was on the GatwickBangalore route, averaging 1 hour and 23 minutes across 50 flights

Ror y Boland , editor of Which? Travel, called Air India’s performance “completely unacceptable ” The airline blamed the delays

Aurigny Air Ser vices had the second-worst UK departure punctuality, averaging 31 minutes and 12 seconds late, followed by Turkish budget airline SunExpress (29 minutes 36 seconds) and Air Portugal (25 minutes 12 seconds)

Irish carrier Emerald Airlines had the best UK punctuality last year, with an average delay of just 10 minutes 30 seconds The analysis covered all scheduled and chartered UK departures by airlines with over 2,500 flights in

average delay was 18 minutes 18 seconds, down from 20 minutes 42 seconds in 2023

Januar y 2022 after years of losses, operates from Birmingham, Gatwick, and Heathrow, flying to several Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru

L abour MP says Priti Patel shows no sympathy for Palestinians in Gaza

Labour M P

Melanie Ward accu sed S had ow Foreig n Secretary P riti Patel of showing no sym pathy for Palestinians in Gaza d uring a Com mons debate Ward , MP for Cow denbeath and Kirkcaldy, is a form er CEO of Med ical A id for Palestinians and has worked in Hebron, West Bank

I N B R I E F BRITAIN COULD FACE TAP WATER SHORTAGES BY 2026

It s late summer 2026, and Britain is gripped by a severe heatwave You turn on the tap nothing Instead, you're queuing at a standpipe, bucket in hand This worst- case scenario could become reality if the current dry spell continues The UK has faced such crises before, most notably in 1976 when a prolonged drought left taps dry Spring 2025 is already the driest in over a century, with areas like London, Hampshire, Manchester, and Yorkshire seeing no rain for over three weeks Experts warn that without urgent upgrades to the UK’s ageing leaky infrastructure, worsening droughts could lead to severe water shortages While the UK isn’t officially in drought the Environment Agency says there’s a medium” risk this summer without sustained rainfall A dry start to 2025 means drought is a possibility, said deputy water director Richard Thompson Though not yet at crisis point, concerns about the country s water resilience are mounting

VAPE SHOPS IN ENGLAND SOAR

1, 200%

IN 10 YEARS

A s a p r i v a t i s e d monopoly, it must deliver at least 93% of f irst-class mail the next day and 98 5% of s e c o n d - c l a s s m a i l w i t h i n three days However, data shows that in the year to March, only 76 5% of f irstclass and 92 2% of secondclass mail met these targets

O fc o m w a r n e d t h a t i f Royal Mail fails to meet its o b l i g a t i o n s , i t m a y f a c e f i n a n c i a l p e n a l t i e s T h e company has already been f ined £16 million over the past two years for missed targets

R o y a l M a i l ’ s C O O, Alistair Cochrane, acknowledged ser vice quality is still below expectations but said e f fo r t s t o m o d e r n i s e a r e u n d e r w ay a n d s t a r t i n g t o show results

R

Ser vices, is set to be taken private in a £3 57 billion deal led by Czech billionaire and West Ham co-owner Daniel Kretinsky

T

f ighting Ofcom and ministers to relax its universal service obligation to deliver letters six days a week at a unifo r m p

l argues this is necessar y to stop losses, focus on parcels a m

issues like recruitment and high sickness absence

To m M

Royal Mail for raising stamp prices despite failing to meet deliver y targets

In a letter to the senior Tor y, Ward criticised Patel for taking a softer stance on Israel’s militar y offensive than US President Donald Trump and many Israelis She noted Patel has spoken on Israel-Palestine in Parliament but found no record of her expressing sympathy for Palestinians in Gaza despite their suffering and the Israeli government's blockade Ward accused Patel of failing to criticise the Israeli government’s actions and urged her to condemn inflammator y statements by Israeli ministers calling for Gaza’s destruction

The Gaza war began on October 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and abducting 251 Since then, over 50,000 have died, according to the Hamas-run health ministr y, which does not distinguish civilians from combatants

The UK government has taken a tougher stance on Israel’s offensive, limiting aid to Gaza amid Netanyahu’s plans to control the strip The UK, Canada, and France condemned the humanitarian crisis, warning that blocking aid risks breaching international law and promising further action if Israel doesn’t change course

Foreign Secretar y David Lammy paused trade talks with Israel, accusing Netanyahu’s government of isolating the countr y and harming its global image Ward praised Patel’s calls for Israeli hostages’ release but urged equal concern for Palestinian civilians in Gaza

The number of vape shops in England has surged by nearly 1,200% in a decade, with almost all local authorities now hosting at least one, according to Health Equity North In 2014, just 34% of councils had vape shops by 2024, that figure hit 97% The study, using Ordnance Survey data also found deprived areas had up to 25 times more bookmakers and pawnbrokers than affluent ones Researchers categorised outlets as health promoting” (e g pharmacies libraries) or health reducing (e g vape shops takeaways bookmakers) The study found healthier high street amenities declining sharply, replaced by more unhealthy options Takeaways rose 24%, while banks dropped 40% and supermarkets 10% The north had twice as many vape shops and a 31% rise in takeaways, compared to 18% in the south Deprived areas faced the biggest impact with three times more vape shops, bookmakers, and 25 times more pawnbrokers than affluent areas

UNIVERSITY FINED £115K OVER COURSE OVERSIGHT

Leeds Trinity University has been fined £115 000 by England’s higher education regulator for failing to properly manage risks linked to its franchised courses An Office for Students (OfS) investigation found serious failures in the university s oversight of its subcontracted partners The OfS had previously warned it would act if franchised arrangements put students or taxpayers at risk Leeds Trinity University has been fined £115,000 by the Office for Students (OfS) for failing to properly manage risks linked to its franchised courses An OfS investigation from October 2022 to February 2024 found “serious failures” in the university’s oversight of its subcontracted partners, including poor admissions practices and academic misconduct The regulator warned that LTU faced a broader risk of failing to maintain quality or address concerns at its partner institutions

Kemi Badenoch

Bilal Iqbal and Ummad Ahmed

Priti Patel

11 years of Modi: A journey of transformation and global rise

On 26 May 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 11 years in office, marking over a decade of bold leadership, transformative reforms, and visionary goals His dedicated goal is to make India an all-round developed country by 2047 Prior to 2014, India was grappling with poor governance and corruption under a decade of rule by the UPA coalition government Rising to the challenge, Modi led the BJP to a resounding victory in the parliamentary elections

Under his leadership, and third term as the Prime Minister, India continues to move confidently on the path of rapid overall development and progress India is poised to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by the end of the 2025–26 fiscal year, surpassing Japan, according to the IMF’s April 2025 World Economic Outlook Having already overtaken the UK to claim fifth place, India’s nominal GDP has more than doubled since 2014, a 105% increase, on track to cross the $4 trillion mark this year

Modi’s tenure represents a rare and impactful combination of far-sighted economic and social reforms combined with decisive international diplomacy and national security measures Following Pakistan-led terrorist attacks in India, the Modi government demonstrated India's firm resolve through the 2016 Surgical Strikes, the 2019 Balakot Airstrike and most recently, Operation Sindoor in 2025 These bold actions have showcased India as a capable, confident and self-sufficient nation, capable of protecting and avenging its own India is witnessing tangible outcomes of his infrastructural developments, digital transformation and ease of doing business too Major initiatives such as the Bharatmala highway network, Smart Cities Mission, the rapid expansion and modernisation of Indian Railways and efforts to connect smaller cities via air routes have significantly accelerated India's socio-economic growth Strong support for MSMEs and the promotion of the ‘Make in India’ initiatives have also played a crucial role in driving growth

A major reason for India’s growth is its rise as a global manufacturing hub Big international companies, especially in tech, are now choosing India for their production Apple is a clear example Even though Donald Trump continues to

push for companies to bring jobs back to the US, Apple has increased its manufacturing in India

Today, nearly 15% of all iPhones are made in India, with a large portion exported to international markets, including the United States In an effort to diversify its supply chain

expanded its manufacturing operations in India Working with partners like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics, the company produced iPhones worth around $22 billion between April 2024 and March 2025, a remarkable 60% jump from the previous year

India offers a powerful combination, low labour costs coupled with young, expanding workforce workforce, strong government support and a strategically stable economy Meanwhile, the US grapples with an aging labour pool and rising wage demands, making it less attractive for large scale production despite its high-skilled workforce Even, several global medical device manufacturers are strengthening their presence in India by expanding local production and investing in research, positioning the country as a rising hub for the medical technology industry

Companies like Siemens Healthineers and Philips are leading this shift, transforming India from merely a sales market into a key centre for global manufacturing and innovation Global carmakers like Hyundai, Kia, Suzuki, Toyota Mercedes-Benz etc are now seeing India as an important place to build their vehicles

While global uncertainties grow, with protectionism rising in the West, India has remained resilient Its 2025 GDP growth rate is projected at 6 2%, making it the fastest-growing major economy in the world

NaMo s leadership has also significantly altered how the world views India Today, India can compete with the world’s leading countries in multiple sectors and, in several areas, is even taking the lead globally His tenure as Prime Minister stands not only as a political milestone but as a pivotal chapter in India’s journey of a mega transformation The bold and reform driven decisions made under his leadership have left a lasting mark, earning a prominent place in the country’s modern history

Community needs must come first

The fight for justice in the Post Office scandal that was launched into the national consciousness by an ITV drama, followed from Sir Alan Bates’ legal case leading 555 sub postmasters against the Post Office Between 1999 and 2015, more than 900 sub postmasters, including many South Asians were wrongly prosecuted after the faulty Horizon IT system indicated fund shortfalls in Post Office branch accounts Some landed up in jail, while their families wrongly suffered social embarrassments and alienation for years

The government soon after went to set up a specific compensation fund so that the sub postmasters received extra money given the gravity of the situation, but Sir Bates has reportedly pointed out recently, that the government has been slow and is allegedly now putting forward a “take it or leave it” offer of compensation which actually amounts to half of what he demanded He has even called for an independent body to be created to deliver compensation schemes for this and similar public sector scandals

For general people, across the UK, including long-established communities from different backgrounds, post office is more than just a mail delivery service It is part of their livelihood and often synonymous to Royal Mail, though both have been separate organisations doing pretty much similar jobs, since 2012 Post Office Limited and Royal Mail also have a 10year contract, which ensures that post offices can handle letters and parcels for Royal Mail and issue their stamps

According to the BBC, the number of postal letters sent has

dropped a lot in the last twenty years, from 20 billion in 2004 to 2005 to 6 6 billion in 2024 While parcel deliveries went up during the pandemic, they have now gone back down to lower levels Moreover Reuters said, only 76 5 per cent of first-class letters were delivered on time in the year ending March 2025, which is much lower than the required 93 per cent SMEs need deliveries to be on time to keep their customers happy and businesses going They can’t afford expensive alternative couriers or postal services Older people, many of whom do not use digital services much, still depend on the post for medical appointment and bank letters, subscribed newspapers and magazines like Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, pensions, and post cards from family abroad For them, worse service is not just annoying; it causes real problems

Labour issues is an additional problem Many union members believe Royal Mail is losing its public service values and focusing too much on making money The recent takeover of Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distribution Services, by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský adds to the uncertainty

For communities who have helped to build and depend on strong public services, this scandal and simultaneous decline in the UK’s postal services is worrying What was once seen as a symbol of British reliability and fairness now feels unreliable and risky Governments may change, but the focus urgently requires to shift to putting community needs first

Are foreign students the most undervalued tool to a country’s growth?

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students, forcing current foreign students to transfer or lose their legal status Since taki n g o f f i c e

Harvard with funding cuts and strict rules, citing concerns over alleged antisemitism on campus

This follows Harvard’s refusal to provide records on foreign student visa holders, including protest footage from the past five years, as demanded by Noem, who gave the university 72 hours to comply Harvard called the move “unlawful” and “retaliatory,” warning it affects thousands of students and threatens its academic mission The university remains committed to supporting international students from over 140 countries Meanwhile, the Trump administration will direct federal agencies to review and potentially cancel or redirect Harvard’s grants, estimated at around 30 contracts worth $100m

Harvard’s ability to enrol international students could have far-reaching consequences for thousands of young people who dream of studying in the US International students bring more than just tuition fees they contribute diverse perspectives, share knowledge, and strengthen the academic environment Their presence also plays a vital role in boosting the host country’s economy through spending, innovation, and long-term collaboration

Recent revocations of student visas across Western nations (see p1 for more) reflect a shifting global mood, where destinations once seen as gateways to opportunity now seem uncertain For Indian students in particular, the stakes are high: studying abroad not only provides lifechanging skills and global exposure, but also enhances the institutions and economies of the countries they choose It is

Thought for the week

"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things " – Stephen King

In an era w here cyber threats transcend bord ers and dig ital w arfare becom es the new battleground , the conv ergence o f the U nited King dom , Ind ia, and Israel in cybersecurity collaboration is not just strategic it's im perative

As a UK Government Dealmaker, the vision to integrate Indian and Israeli cyber companies into the British ecosystem, fostering their global expansion under the UK banner, aligns seamlessly with the national security interests of all three nations Ever since I worked in Congress for a Congressman, of Jewish heritage, who lobbied the US Government to have Pakistan declared a terrorist State, the triangulation of UK – Israel – India made imperative sense

This past week I was at the Israeli Embassy in London for a meeting to bring more Israeli companies to HQ in the UK to benefit the UK I was in Geneva and Zurich too to launch an India fund too It’s been a busy week

Israel: The Cybersecurity Vanguard Israel's reputation as a cybersecurity powerhouse is well-earned With over 450 cybersecurity startups as of 2024, the nation has cultivated an environment where innovation thrives, often stemming from elite military units like Unit 8200 This robust ecosystem has attracted significant global investments, exemplified by Google's acquisition of Israeli cloud security firm Wiz for $23 billion Israel's proactive stance in cybersecurity not only fortifies its national defence but also positions it as a key player in global cyber resilience

India: The Emerging Cyber Titan

India, while still developing its cybersecurity infrastructure, has shown remarkable progress The establishment of research centers dedicated to cyber forensics and the significant increase in cybersecurity investments by Indian corporations underscore the nation's commitment to strengthening its digital defences India's strategic partnerships, including those with Israel, aim to bolster its capabilities, ensuring the protection of its vast digital landscape

United Kingdom: The Strategic Nexus

The UK, with its advanced cybersecurity framework and institutions like the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), serves as an ideal nexus for this trilateral collaboration The UK's initiatives, such as the Technology Security Initiative with India, focus on enhancing cooperation in critical technologies, including cybersecurity Furthermore, the UK's 2030 Roadmap with Israel emphasizes mutual development in cybersecurity, highlighting the nation s role in fostering international cyber alliances

Synergizing Strengths for Global Impact

Integrating Indian and Israeli cyber firms into the UK market offers multifaceted benefits:

1 Enhanced Innov ation: Combining Israel's cuttingedge technologies with India's vast talent pool and the UK's strategic infrastructure can lead to groundbreaking cybersecurity solutions

2 Econom ic Growth: Establishing these companies in the UK can stimulate job creation, attract investments, and position the UK as a global cybersecurity hub

3 S tr eng th en ed N at io n al S ec u ri ty: C o l l a b o r a t i v e efforts can lead to the development of advanced defence mechanisms, safeguarding critical infrastructure across all three nations

4 Global Influence: A united front in cybersecurity can set international standards, influencing global policies and promoting a secure digital environment

Conclusion

In the face of escalating cyber threats, the alliance between the UK, India, and Israel in cybersecurity is not just beneficial it's essential By fostering collaboration among cyber companies from these nations, we can build a resilient digital future, ensuring security, innovation, and prosperity on a global scale

I

Youngest Indian-origin Deputy Mayor appointed in the UK

In a land mark for local

g o v er nm e nt, 22 - ye ar-

o ld Tushar Kumar has been appointed Deputy

M ayo r o f E ls tre e &

B o re h am w o o d , t h e youngest in the town’s

h is to r y a nd t h e youngest Ind ian-orig in D epu ty Mayo r in th e U K

m

H i s a p p o i n t m e n t

t o w a r d g r e a t e r y o u t h representation and signals the town’s commitment to inclusive leadership

In his inaugural speech, Tushar Kumar said:

“I’m deeply honoured to take on this role and represent a community that champions youth, diversi-

t y , a n d a m b i t i o n M y appointment sends a clear

m e s s a g e : y o u n g p e o p l e don’t just belong in public life we are ready to lead it ”

community inclusion, and accessible public services He currently

Council on the Youth Council, where he has led initiatives focused

action, wellbeing, and sustainable travel

Tushar is set to play a prominent role in civic events and community engagement through-

Lawyers set to profit from Starmer’s migration reforms

Lawyers are expected to benefit mo st from p

cussed plans for a “selectiv e ” and “fair” legal mig ratio n system in the U K

E

vaguely in last week’s white paper, are unlikely to reduce net migration over the next four years Instead, they may create more legal complexity, confusion, and human rights appeals

C

investors and harm the economy, with some seeing Starmer’s push to “take back control of our borders” as a response to Reform UK’s local election gains

Starmer, a human rights KC, has been

I N B R I E F THOUSANDS WAIT OVER A MONTH FOR CANCELLED NHS OPS

London and has experience in national policy, educa-

including a role as Policy Advisor at the Department for Work and Pensions He h

& Borehamwood

Tushar added:

& Borehamwood is a vibrant and compassionate town

As Deputy Mayor, I’m dedicated to listening, taking

Blood” speech

charities such as Opening D o o r s

Reading Charity

n d B o o k m a r k

As a councillor, Tushar has been a strong advocate

Tushar Kumar holds a degree in Political Science

appointment

Bates slams 'kangaroo court' over Post Office payout

S ir Alan Bates has accused the gov ernm ent of running

a “ q u as i ka ng a ro o c o u rt ”

o v er P o s t O ff i ce s c and al com pensation, after receiving a “take it or leav e it” o ffer worth less than half his o riginal claim

He said the Department for Business and Trade has

g o n e b a c k o n p r o m i s e s made when the compensation schemes were created

Writing in ‘The Sunday Times’, Sir Alan Bates, 70, said the promise that Post O f f i c e c o m p e n s a t i o n

s c h e m e s w o u l d b e “ n o n -

l e g a l i s t i c ” h a s p r o v e d “worthless ” Bates, who was sacked in 2003 after raising concerns about the Horizon

been given a final “take it or leave it” offer, worth just 49 2% of his original claim, d

reviewer Sir Ross Cranston

He had earlier called his first offer “derisory,” at just onesixth of his claim, with the second rising to a third

Sir Alan Bates is calling for an independent body to

involving judges, claimants, lawyers, and experts would ensure fairer, more consistent outcomes

While the government would fund and refer cases

to this body, Bates fears civil servants will block it with bureaucracy, warning: “I can already hear the sharpening

Dozens injured as vehicle rams Liverpool fans at parade

A 53 -year-old m an su spected

o f d riv ing a car into a crowd

d uring the Liv erpool FC tro-

p h y p ara d e w a s a lle g ed ly h igh on drug s at the tim e, i nju ring d oz ens, inc lud ing ch ild ren

What began as a joyous celebration turned to terror when the driver of a people

c a r r i e r s p e d t h r o u g h t h e

c r o w d W i t n e s s e s s a i d pedestrians confronted the driver before he accelerated into the throng

Fans surrounded the car,

b a n g i n g o n t h e w i n d o w s , b e f o

Water Street, where around

a t e Liverpool’s

e n ; two, one of them a child, are seriously injured

M e r s e y s i d e P o l i c e s a i d the driver, a white British m a n f r o m L i v e r p o o l , w a s not linked to terrorism and no one else is being sought

Sir Keir Starmer called the incident “appalling” and praised emergency services

Video circulating online

s h o w e d t h e c a r s w e r v i n g into fans before reversing and then accelerating again into the crowd Witnesses said the driver left a nearby bar appearing drunk, drove erratically, and ignored people shouting at him before hitting pedestrians

E m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s , including ambulances and firefighters, quickly arrived at the scene, with several

a m e d i c warned police that the Royal L i v e r p o o l h o s p i t a l m i g h

become overwhelmed

who were smashing the car Video showed officers using

angry fans to step back as a man was arrested Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihull, was at the parade w

daughters when he saw the collision “ A

right and crashed into the crowd beside us, ” he said “It

f a s t W e heard the sound of people hitting the car ’ s bonnet It was terrifying ”

The plans include banning overseas care worker recruitment, raising skilled worker visa requirements to degree level, and cutting foreign students’ post-study stay from two years to 18 months Most concerning is doubling the residency requirement for settled status from five to ten years, possibly applied retrospectively

Sophie Barrett-Brown calls this “deeply problematic” due to higher sponsorship, visa, and health surcharge costs pricing out many employers Sonia Lenegan warns the 32% fee hike and extra applications will heavily burden employers, including the public sector

While some “high-contributing” workers like doctors may still qualify after five years, lawyers predict a surge in legal challenges Barrett-Brown calls the reforms “ an enormous mess waiting to explode,” expecting more litigation and human rights claims

Council leader retains position after no-confidence vote

Labour’ s A ro oj Shah has surviv ed a seco nd attem pt to oust her as lead er of Oldh am C ouncil, thanks to support from an ind ependent g roup that ou tnumbered her op ponents

Shah called for an end to the “childish games ” and “identity politics,” urging the council to move forward

Kamran Ghafoor, leader of the Oldham

Despite uniting opposition groups, he failed as 31 of 58 voted against him The Failsworth Independents then backed Shah, helping her survive

Shah told BBC Radio Manchester the council was focused on regeneration and serving residents, urging an end to “childish games ” and hoping the vote would “draw a line in the sand ” She called for opponents to recognize those committed to getting the job done

In response, Ghafoor called it “regrettable” that Shah dismissed legitimate scrutiny as childish, saying it undermined serious concerns from councillors representing diverse parts of Oldham He stressed the issues raised reflected widespread frustration, including among Labour voters, and vowed to continue holding power to account and ensuring all communities have a voice

Nearly a quarter of elective operations cancelled last minute in NHS England hospitals were not rescheduled within the required 28 days, new figures show In 2024–25, 19 400 operations missed the deadline more than double the 9,000 recorded in 2015–16 The proportion of last-minute cancelled NHS operations not rescheduled within 28 days rose from 7% in 2015–16 to 23% of 85,400 planned procedures last year an 8% increase on the previous year Data from the House of Commons Library, obtained by the Liberal Democrats, shows University Hospitals of Leicester had the most delays (942) followed by Surrey and Sussex Healthcare (710) Of 108 NHS trusts with consistent records since 2015–16 73 saw a rise in breaches Lib Dem health spokesperson Helen Morgan said patients are being left in the lurch, blaming the Labour government for failing to reverse years of Conservative NHS underfunding and for stalling key reforms

UK BIODIESEL PLANT FACES CLOSURE

One of Britain’s last remaining biodiesel plants is at risk of closure due to pressure from subsidised American imports Greenergy, owned by Trafigura, has paused operations at its Immingham plant in Lincolnshire while it reviews the site’s future The facility employs 60 people and supplies a quarter of the UK’s biodiesel made from waste such as used cooking oil Unlike the EU which maintains tariffs on US hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) the UK scrapped similar protections in 2022 This has left domestic producers exposed prompting an investigation by the Trade Remedies Authority into whether American HVO is being dumped at unfairly low prices The inquiry began in March following complaints from Greenergy and others A similar plant in Scotland shut last year, also citing HVO imports A government spokesperson said they are aware of the challenges and are engaging with the sector to understand and address the issues

SEND CHILDREN MAY LOSE LEGAL SCHOOL SUPPORT

Hundreds of thousands of children with special needs in England could lose their legal right to extra support in schools under government plans sparking concern among campaigners The proposed reforms target Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) vital statutory documents that have since 2014, guaranteed support for conditions like autism and mental health issues Critics warn proposed SEND reforms could force many children out of mainstream education and spark backlash from parents, charities, and legal experts A 2024 National Audit Office report found the system financially unsustainable, with EHCPs up 140% since 2015 and many councils facing £100m+ deficits Minister Catherine McKinnell said the model is “not delivering” and a new system is in the works, possibly replacing EHCPs These plans are often the only legal route to support in mainstream schools without which schools aren’t required to meet children’s specific needs

Tushar Kumar

Whitehall

Sir Alan Bates

Arooj Shah

MPs warn of limbo on equality guidance

F orm al guid ance on imple-

m enting the S upreme Co urt ruling on g ender may not be fi nalised for mo nths , o fficials and MP s hav e w arned,

r ai si ng c o nc erns o v e r th e

c ap ac it y o f t h e g o v ernm ent’ s equalities watchd og

While the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) aims to complete the work by July, insiders say it may be delayed until after

i t s c o n

K i s h w e r F a

down in November

Some MPs fear the delay

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

l e a v e p u b l i c

d i e s a n d transgender people in prolonged “limbo ”

C o n c e r n s a

ing that

woman

tiality

The EHRC’s guidance is expected to address sensitive issues around single-sex

rights, but its interim advice,

broader staff input, has been criticised as oversimplified One MP called it “utterly

“bungled

WWII veteran Rajinder Singh Dhatt dies at 103

H av i ld ar -M a jo r Raj i nd er S in g h Dh a tt, a

WWII veteran, died in the UK at the age of 1 0 3 He w as aw a rd ed an M BE b y K i ng

C harles in December 2024 for his serv ice to the U K’s South Asian com munity

I N B R I E F AFGHAN RESETTLEMENT DENIED BY UK SPECIAL FORCES

in the Equality Act refers only to b

stem from doubts over its c

Critics question her impar-

o u t t h e Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) ability to deliver fair guidance on

consultation was extended to six weeks under pressure

ment sign-off still needed, many believe the final guid-

before Falkner’s term ends

Harman is seen as a possible successor

Winter fuel payment cuts reversed after political pressure

Pr im e Min ist er Ke ir St ar mer ha s ann ounced a U-turn on

c ut s t o w in t e r fu e l p a y -

m e n t s, p le d g i n g t o e a s e r estriction s following polit ical pressure

M o r e t h a n 1 0 m i l l i o n

p e n s i o n e r s l o s t t h e p a yment worth up to £300 after it became means-tested last year At PMQs, Starmer said the threshold would be adjusted to allow “ more pensioners” to qualify again

D e t a i l s o n h o w m a n y

w i l l b e n e f i t o r w h e n t h e

c h a n g e w i l l t a k e e f f e c t remain unclear The policy shift will be addressed in the a u t u m n B u d g e t , w i t h Starmer stressing decisions

w i l l b e m a d e b a s e d o n affordability

T h e w i n t e r f u e l p a yment, previously given to all pensioners in November or

December, now only goes to t h o s e r e c e i v i n g p e n s i o n credit or similar benefits cutting off 10 3 million pens i o n e r s l a s t y e a r t o s a v e £1 4bn

The policy, introduced s h o

k office last July, drew strong criticism from unions and pensioner groups Pressure to reverse it has grown, with some Labour MPs blaming it for local election losses and citing it as the most frequent public complaint

F o r m e r P M G

d

n Brown, who introduced the benefit, backed the U-turn, saying no pensioner should face poverty

Though many expected a n a n n o

confirmed the change dur-

P

Questions

release details soon, warning the autumn Budget may be too late for this winter Keir Starmer

NCA blocks £90m in London assets from ex Bangladesh regime

T h e U K’ s Natio nal Cri m e A g enc y ( NC A ) h as f ro ze n nearly £ 90m w orth of luxury L ond on p rop erties linked to two men connected to Bangladesh ’ s former regime

o help trace assets tied to the d e p

Rahman

The orders block the sale

Grosvenor Square, named in a G

Hasina

All properties are owned through companies in the British Virgin Islands, Isle of Man, or Jersey, with values

Companies House records

Singh Dhatt MBE, a WWII veteran, passed away on 21 May 2025 at the age of 103 Born in 1921 in Ambala Jattan, Punjab, Dhatt joined the Indian Army in 1941 and served in the Far East, including Kohima and Burma, during the Allied campaign He retired as h a v i l d

Hounslow in 1963

Dhatt co-founded the Undivided Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Association and was honoured with an MBE in 2024 Reflecting on his service, he once said, “We didn’t serve as Hindus, Muslims, or Sikhs – we served as Indians We all remember together ” Dhatt’s wife, Gurbachan Kaur, passed away in 1990 He is survived by two sons

P a r m i n d e r S i n g h D h a t t i n t h e U K a n d

Jasvinder Singh Dhatt in the US along with seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren

T e j P a l S i n g h R a l m i l l o f t h e S i k h

P i o n e e r s a n d S i k h L i g h t I n f a n t r y

Association paid tribute on X, calling Dhatt’s passing “the end of a life of service and duty” and honouring his “immeasurable contribution to humanity ”

Bradford project sparks record rise in children’s activity

most influential figure

Last year, a joint investigation by the Guardian and Transparency International exposed £400m in property

Rahmans

properties

sister and mother of former UK minister Tulip Siddiq

Times first reported freezing orders on two properties valued at £7

Transparency International UK’s policy director, urged

Hasina last year Salman F Rahman,

assets

have been secured as part of an ongoing civil investigation

A U K pro ject involving children in designing their ow n p lay sp aces has led to the hig hest recorded increase in physical activ ity from an interv ention of its kind , research ers say The JU:MP (Join Us: Move Play) programme in Bradford, West Yorkshire, saw young people transform neglected land near their homes with features like plants, balance beams, and nature-based play areas to encourage active, imaginative play

Children in the Bradford project wore accelerometers to track movement, allowing researchers from the Born in Bradford study to measure impact Moderate to vigorous activity rose by six minutes on weekdays, while weekend inactivity dropped by 22 minutes a significant boost compared to the typical four-minute increase seen in similar interventions

Funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research and backed by Sport England, the Bradford project targeted 30,000 children across eight neighbourh o o d s I t l e d t

s i x - m i n u

e w e e k d a y increase in moderate to vigorous activity and a 22-minute drop in weekend inactivity well above the four-minute average seen i n s i m i l a r i n t e r v e n t i o n s S p o r t E n g l a n d , investing £250m in 90 of the UK’s most deprived areas, called the results “outstanding,” especially in Bradford, where 40 4% of 10–11-year-olds were overweight in 2022–23

A UK Special Forces officer personally rejected 1,585 resettlement applications from Afghans with credible links to special forces newly released Ministry of Defence documents reveal The officer turned down every application referred to him during a sprint” in summer 2023 The MoD told the court the officer may be linked to an ongoing inquiry into alleged SAS war crimes Many rejected applicants were Afghan commandos, known as the Triples, who supported UK forces and faced Taliban reprisals after 2021 Despite credible evidence, thousands of their resettlement claims were denied The rejections came as a UK inquiry investigated alleged war crimes involving British special forces and the Triples The inquiry can’t compel testimony from overseas witnesses In October 2022, MoD officials raised concerns about UKSF’s role in rejecting Triples-linked applications Natalie Moore head of UK Afghan resettlement warned of "automatic rejections" suggesting a "mass rejection policy "

NEW TRUCK RULES ON SEVERN CROSSING

Weight limits have been introduced for heavy goods vehicles on the M48 Severn Bridge between England and Wales Vehicles over 7 5 tonnes must use alternative routes, affecting around 10% of the 32,000 daily crossings at Chepstow, which will be diverted via the M4 bridge National Highways said the restrictions protect the 60-year-old bridge and reduce cable strain The limits are expected to last 12 to 18 months while a medium-term solution is developed Emergency vehicles, buses, coaches, gritters, and recovery vehicles are exempt During unplanned closures of the Prince of Wales Bridge vehicles over the weight limit will be diverted via the M5 and M50 with National Highways considering ANPR cameras to enforce the restrictions Some hauliers warn the diversion could harm their businesses citing unreliable routes and long detours around Gloucester National Highways say the weight limits are necessary for public safety and are working on a longterm plan to allow HGVs to return safely and gradually

AI ROBOT TO SELL CARS IN SHOWROOMS

AI-powered robots may soon sell cars in the UK as global manufacturer Chery unveiled its robotic sales assistant ‘Mornine’ at the Shanghai Motor Show on 23 April Mornine can greet customers, showcase cars, and even make tea or coffee Using machine learning, it improves with each interaction After trials in Malaysia Chery plans to roll it out globally a spokesperson said Chery said Mornine has advanced abilities in perception cognition decision-making and task execution making her ideal for dealer admin and service roles Using speech and vision, she accurately interprets commands, including gestures Ian Wallace, spokesperson for Chery s UK brands said if showroom trials succeed, Mornine could even be used in homes, learning user preferences over time Built with automotive-grade hardware, she walks upright, has dexterous hands, and can distinguish between different voices

Kishwer Falkner

Sheikh Hasina

Rajinder Singh Dhatt

Brexit reset: What the UK gains from the EU deal

A fter years of strained ties and p olitical frostiness, the United K ing dom and th e European Union appear to be stepping into a new era less marked by Brexit h ostilities and mo re defined by p ragmatic coop eration

This evolving partnership, punctuated by a landmark agreement, offers a glimpse of a recalibrated Britain, reengaging with its European allies not through rhetoric, but through action

The deal, reached after extensive negotiations, brings tangible economic and strategic benefits to the UK As Anand M enon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe, succinctly put it, “We can ease trade in a few areas agricultural trade and trade in energy and we get a security deal with the EU that gives us access to the new funds that the EU has for defence procurement ” In essence, the UK reclaims a seat at certain European tables, particularly where energy and defence are concerned

But this re-entry wasn’t without its costs “We compromised because we were the demanders,” Menon admits “So we gave in a long-term deal on fish, which is politically difficult in this country, in order to get the EU to negotiate with us at all ” The deal on fisheries long a thorny issue was the UK’s olive branch, offered to unlock broader negotiations And in the shadow of escalating geopolitical threats, especially the war in Ukraine, both

sides have evidently found common ground in the interest of continental stability

This renewed alignment also carries broader geopolitical resonance The ability to reengage with Europe without sacrificing strategic relationships elsewhere is no small feat “Interestingly enough,” Menon notes, “the government seems to have managed to do this deal whilst doing a trade deal with India and some sort of arrangement with the United States We’ve managed to do this without having to choose between allies, which was quite important ” That flexibility realigning with Europe while still forging ahead globally signals a more confident, globally networked Britain

However, questions linger about how this affects Britain’s non-European partnerships When asked whether the UK-EU

deal could strain the UK-India relationship, Menon was unequivocal, “It’s totally separate Our relationship with India is autonomous a totally different sort of relationship to that with the European Union ” But he acknowledged the underlying cultural sensitivities shaping immigration policy: “There is a cultural argument about immigration raging here, about whether we should have nonEuropeans rather than Europeans Politically, having Indians on a youth mobility deal will be far, far more difficult than having Europeans Unfortunately ”

While Menon’s insights frame the UK’s geopolitical navigation, Mike Buckley of th e Independent Com mission on UK -EU Relations discussed the broader strategic stakes According to Buckley, the gains from the summit are substantial and multidimensional The veterinary

agreement promises to slash red tape for British food exports a long-overdue lifeline to UK producers struggling with bureaucratic hurdles The energy deal, which reintegrates the UK into the EU’s electricity market, is projected to cut costs, accelerate green investment, and fortify energy security

Perhaps the most symbolically potent development is the UK's inclusion in the EU’s €150 billion SAFE fund for defence procurement “This strengthens British manufacturing, reinforces UK–EU security cooperation, and signals to global partners that Britain is serious about collective defence in a more dangerous world,” Buckley noted It’s the kind of gesture that rebuilds lost trust and lost influence

Add to this renewed cooperation in youth mobility, policing, and education, and a broader pattern emerges The UK isn’t reversing Brexit but it is, finally, rebuilding its bridges “While key sectors like services were left out,” Buckley cautions, “the reset puts the UK on firmer ground in Europe making it easier to attract investment, deepen trade ties, and shape wider global policy ” What is unfolding now may only be the beginning But it is, without question, a beginning that matters one that signals a Britain ready to shed the solitude of its post-Brexit hangover and step back onto the world stage with a steadier, more open hand

UK aims to cap EU youth travel scheme

Britain is pu sh ing to cap a pro posed you th m obility scheme with the EU at fewer than 100 ,00 0 participants, setting th e stage for tense nego tiations with Brussels

EU officials are expected to push for far higher numbers, which could clash with Labour’s pledge to reduce overall immigration Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the plan, calling it “good for young people both here and in Europe,” and stressed that it won’t reintroduce free movement He assured MPs the scheme would be capped, timelimited, and visa-based

The plan is part of a wider Brexit reset deal, under which Britain agreed to explore a youth mobility arrangement UK officials reportedly want to limit EU participants to 70,000–80,000 In contrast, some in Brussels argue for a much higher cap based on the EU’s population Labour MPs have warned the scheme must benefit workingclass youth, not just those taking gap years, amid pressure from Reform UK

Prof Anand Menon

Mike Buckley

Lord Bilimoria receives Royal College Fellowship for education and business

Lo rd K aran Bi lim o ri a h as been award ed an Hono rary

Fe ll o w sh i p b y t h e Ro y al Co llege o f P hysi cians and Surg eo ns o f Glasgow at a recent dip lom a ceremony

H e i s t h e F o u n d i n g Chairman of the UK India Business Council and serves as a Deputy Lieutenant for both the City of London and Greater London

Reflecting on the hon-

o u r , L o r d B i l i m o r i a s a i d ,

“It’s a dream come true to be recognised by such a prestigious institution Growing up in India, I admired doc-

t o r s w i t h F R C S G

a

g o w after their names now I’m

at the very place they came from ”

neering British Indian business leader, was among the first visiting entrepreneurs

Zoroastrian Parsi to join the House of Lords in 2006 A

(Birmingham), he co-chairs the B20 South Africa Digital

International Students, and

Student Affairs

In 2022, Lord Bilimoria became a trustee of Policy

board of the International Chamber of Commerce UK,

Hany Eteiba in recognition of his contributions to education and business Professor Eteiba praised Bilimoria’s commitment to

expressed hope for future collaboration The honour was presented during a cere-

across the medical profession

Jain representatives attend historic Vatican event

T h e rep resentati v es of the Institu te of J ainolog y were h ono ured to attend th e inaug ural mass of His Holiness

P ope L eo X IV at St P eter’s

B as i li c a, V at ic an C i ty o n S und ay, 18 May 2025

Representing the global Jain community, Dr Mehool Sanghrajka MBE (Managing

T

world leaders at the historic event

On Monday, 19 May, the Jain delegation had a private audience with His Holiness,

sented

century Jain text by Acharya Umāsvāti symbolising nonviolence, truth, and spiritual wisdom

strong relationship with the

ment to interfaith dialogue and mutual respect

2013 by the late Dr Harshad Sanghrajka MBE, continuing a legacy of Jain presence at major religious events

This occasion reaffirms the Institute’s dedication to p r o m o t i n g u n d e r s t a n d i n g , peace, and cooperation, core values of Jain philosophy

Kamya and Kunjal Buch return to London for vedic talks

K a m ya ( S ana tan Dh a rm a

a ct i v i st and V ed i c so c i al

e nt rep r ene u r) a nd K u nj al

B uch ( ori gi nal Ved ic artist and holistic healer) will be v isiting London for a series o f public eng ag em ents Th ey w ill be in the city fro m the evening of Monday, 2 June to t h e ear ly m o r ni ng o f T uesd ay, 10 June, and w ill r etu r n fo r a d ay v i si t o n Wednesday, 1 8 June from 9

A M to 2 PM

K a m y a , a B r i t i s h - b o r n d i s t i n c t i o n - h o l d i n g

W a r w i c k U n i v e

s

t y a n d Adam Smith Award recipi-

ent, chose to leave behind a life of luxury and a high-prof

banking to follow

simple

healer, she shares practical knowledge of Indic healing systems and leads immersive workshops on pooja, rituals, Vedic astrology, and more Kamya is also known for pers o n a l l y s o u r c i n g a u t h e n t i c Himalayan Shilajeet

Eng ag em ent schedule:

1) Wednesday, 4 June at Gujarati Samaj, Ilford IG1 2JZ (12–1 PM): Kamya will speak on the importance of Yagya, protecting Sanatan civilisa-

tion, reclaiming Hindu identity, and promoting Dharmic capitalism This will be followed by a presentation from K u n j a l o n V e d i c a r t ( t i m e permitting) After lunch, Dr Keyur Buch will conduct a session titled “How to Save Your Natural Knees ” 2 ) F r i d a y , 6 J u n e a t Enfield Saheli (10:30 AM–1 PM): A joint talk and healing session will be led by Kamya and Kunjal Buch

3 ) S a t u r d a y , 7 J u n e i n N o r t h L o n d o n ( 1 2 – 4 P M ) : Attendees will participate in a special session with J Sai Deepak, including lunch

Global cultures shine at Sauharda 2025

‘ Sau harda – Build ing Bonds

f o r S u s ta i nab le Develo pment’, organised by S a ns kr u ti C e nt re fo r C ultural Excellence, held at the Ho use of Lords

H

Women and Chancellor of Roehampton University, the e v

W

Diversity for Dialogue and D e v e l o p m e n t , c

n g intercultural understanding and collaboration

M a r k i n g t h e o c

i o n , diplomats and ambassadors from Chile, Belize, and Japan attended the event, which highlighted the role of cult u r e a n d a r t i n f o s t e

i n g m u t u a l u n d

n g Sanskruti Centre, which has

vance since 2018, continues

people connections T h e e v

f e a t u r e d vibrant performances showcasing Indian and international art forms, from invocatory dances by young tale n t s t o M o h i

Goan Dekhni Chile’s tradit i o n a

Munster and Aghata Perez Astorga, added a global flair

by diplomat-poet Abhay K

In her opening remarks, Baroness Verma highlighted

diversity in promoting

meaningful work in fostering global connections and d

l understanding Her Excellency Therese Rath, High Commissioner of Belize, highlighted her country’s multicultural heritage shaped by indentured labour, noting its 25th rank in the

Sigma showcases key insights on pharmacy growth

Sigm a ’ s annual overseas confe ren ce , h e ld th i s ye ar i n Baku, Azerbaijan, exceeded expectations The event was o p ene d b y th e Bri t is h A mb assad o r to A zerbaij an, Fergus Au ld OBE, ad ding a d i st in g u i sh ed s ta rt to t h e pro ceeding s W a t f o r d M P M a t t Turmaine shared a virtual message and a letter from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who emphasised empowering pharmacists in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, highlighting pharmacies’ key role in shifting care to the community and prevention

T h e P h a r m a c y F i r s t scheme, launched in January 2 0 2 4 , l e t s p a t i e n t s i n England get treatment for s e v e n c o m m o n c o n d i t i o n s d i r e c t l y f r o m p h a r m a c i s t s without a GP appointment, m a r k i n g a m o v e t o w a r d community-led care

Over the three-day conference, key speakers provide d v a l u a b l e i n s i g h t s i n t o recent sector developments, with interactive panel sessions engaging delegates Alastair Buxton, Director o f N H S S e r v i c e s a t C o m m u n i t y P h a r m a c y England, stood in for CEO Janet Morrison to announce a £3 073 billion government f u n d i n g b o o s t a 1 9 7 % increase from 2023/24 He described the recent CPCF settlement as the first step toward long-term stability, h i g h l i g h t i n g C o m m u n i t y Pharmacy England’s role in shaping funding allocation, easing operational pressures, and securing vital government commitments

Despite ongoing funding c o n c e r n s f r o m s e c

y Pharmacy England remains committed to holding the government accountable as NHS reforms continue New NPA Chair Olivier Picard stressed pharmacy’s v i t

launched his book and urged pharmacies to diversify

drug shortages, while Shilpa Shah advised on adapting to NHS changes I Q

noted fewer pharmacy contractors but more innovation in generics Mahendra Patel chaired a panel with Chief

from all four nations on sector challenges

Dipesh Vaja updated on service improvements post-ERP

Azerbaijani cultural events Sigma CEO Hatul Shah said the conference showcased innovation, resilience,

future

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

þ The Bengal Heritage Foundation warmly invites all to Fagun Fest 2025, an immersive celebration of India’s rich cultural tapestry, taking place at the Bhavan Centre, London, on Saturday, 31st May 2025 The event will feature vibrant folk performances, authent i c

sweets and snacks and much more

þ The first edition of Khushwant Singh Literary Festival at Oxford 2025 begins on June 3, offering a unique

vibrant cosmopolitan identi-

about her country, celebrating its diverse culture from the oldest mummies in the Atacama Desert to its unique g

communities

Fellow at the Indian School of Business, stressed the role of refined language and cult

anchored by Radhika Joshi,

y Across Borders ” The festival opens with Neeraj Shetye and Rahul Singh, setting a tone of candor and empathy Sessions include Matt Ridley and Sunetra Gupta discussing ‘Birds, Sex and Beauty’ and ‘Viral: The Search for the Origin of COVID-19’, exploring nature’s wonders and pandemic origins Keshava Guha and Francesca Kay further enrich the festival with novels that address politics, ecology, and family, reflecting on identity, collapse, and compassion in modern India and beyond

þ A 7-day fast track Raja Yoga Meditation Course in Gujarati will be held on Zoom from Saturday, 7th June to Friday, 13th June 2025 The sessions will take place daily from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

þ The Bhavan is launching a summer school offering a unique three-week intensive workshop to train under leading Indian art gurus The Odissi dance workshop, l e d b y D r S w

Padmavibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and former Head of Dance at NCPA Mumbai runs from July 6 to 18 Dr Dasgupta, who founded The Bhavan’s Odissi department in London and holds a PhD in Dance, she will perform a recital on July 17

Lord Karan Bilimoria

Dr Mehool Sanghrajka MBE (Managing Trustee - IOJ) with Pope Leo XIV

Kunjal and Kamya

Dr Bharat Shah CBE (centre) with other dignitaries

Their Excellencies with the Sanskruti team members

LCBS opens Ilford campus, dedicates IT suite to Lord Patel

T h e L o n d o n C o ll eg e o f

B u s in es s S t u d i es ( L C BS )

p r o u d ly o p en ed it s new

Ilford cam pus, unv eiling a

s ta te- o f - th e- ar t I T s u i te

d ed icated to Lord Kamlesh

P atel of Brad ford OBE

T h e s u i t e e m b o d i e s LCBS’s commitment to acad e m i c e x c e l l e n c e , d i g i t a l innovation, and social equi-

t y , o f f e r i n g s t u d e n t s advanced tools to support careers in business, IT, management, and beyond

T h e i n a u g u r a t i o n w a s attended by students, faculty, civic leaders, and Lord

P a t e l , w h o o f f i c i a l l y unveiled the suite

In his speech, Lord Patel

e x p r e s s e d g r a t i t u d e a n d

e m p h a s i s e d t h e p o w e r o f inclusive education “To be part of a space dedicated to l e a r n i n g , t e c h n o l o g y , a n d e m p o w e r m e n t i s d e e p l y humbling,” he said “I hope this suite inspires students

t o d r e a m b o l d l y a n d u s e

t h e i r e d u c a t i o n t o d r i v e

m e a n i n g f u l c h a n g e

Education is not just a path to personal success but a right that can uplift whole communities ”

To mark the opening, LCBS launched three schola

equality: two annual diploma scholarships for underr e p r e s e n t e d U K s t u d e n t s and a fully funded global u n d e r g r a d u a t e s c h o l a r s h i p for one outstanding internat i o n a l s t u d e n t , a i m e d a t removing financial barriers to quality education L

new LCBS campus blends inclusive design with modern architecture, fostering a c a d

sional growth, and commun

strategic advisor and key figure in LCBS’s development, said, “

New faith project launched at Vaisakhi procession

Dhiren Katwa

I felt energised to witness the profound power of unity at t h e a nn ua l V ai sa kh i Nag ar Kirtan procession in Birm ing ham last Su nd ay A vibrant sea of people, mainly Sikhs of all ages and a b i l i t i e s , t o o

along the route to capturing moments on mobile phones a

s i n g i n

t i o n a l hymns, the spirit of collective celebration was undeniable

N

o c e s

p

i t embodies the Sikh tradition of taking spiritual teachings into the wider world It rep-

and reducing fear and division

T h e r o u t e b e g a n a t

G u r d w a r a B a b a K e i n

Handsworth and made its way through to Smethwick, w i t h s t o p s a t l a n d m a r k s along the way

backgrounds can thrive and lead with purpose ” Kam Rai, Leader of the

Regeneration, added “It’s wonderful to have Lord Patel with us today We look forward to working together to champion our diverse, multicultural communities ”

Uganda Airlines starts UK route, expands Airbus fleet

A irli nes ’ Airbus A330-8 00 at L o nd o n G at wi c k ma rke d a p r o u d m i l es t o ne f o r t h e nation and fulf illed a longh el d ambitio n since the airl i ne ’ s 2 0 19 l a u nc h , s a i d G ene ra l Ka t um b a W am al a , U gand a ’ s Mini ster of Works and Transport

“ T h i s i s m o r e t h a n a flight it’s a bridge for business, investment, and people-

t o - p e o p l e c o n n e c t i o n s , ” Wamala said at the Gatwick launch

U g a n d a A i r l i n e s ’ n e w G a t w i c k s e r v i c e , i t s 1 7 t h route, operates four times a week with onward connections to Abuja, Lusaka, and H a r a r e C E O J e n i f e r Bamuturaki confirmed plans to order two A320neos and two A321neos for delivery in 2031–33, with dry leases of

o n e A 3 2 0 n e o a n d A 3 2 1 n e o e x p e c t e d b y l a t e 2 0 2 4 A s h o r t - t e r m A 3 2 0

f r o m DAT is already in use

The airline aims to bala n c e i t s f l e e t b e t w e e n i t s A330-800s and CRJ900s, with A330s shifting to key long-

h a u l r o u t e s l i k

L o n d o n Talks are underway to acquire

B o e i n g 7 8 7 - 9 s G a t w i c k ’ s CCO Jonathan Pollard welc o m e d t

levels Speaking at the launch of Uganda Airlines’ new London G

E Lisa Chesney, on board our national carrier

adding, “This milestone is the result of six years of tireless effort ”

delays in securing regulatory

Crane has now crossed the precipice – brilliant!”

She praised UK Minister

Highbury, for launching the airline during his recent visit

tourism, investment, and our diaspora

“Uganda can grow year-

described as from the ‘Pearl of Africa ’ Now more Britons can explore that,” she added Madhvani also celebrated the return of Ugandan Asians on the inaugural return flight:

dence in Uganda

for opportunity and heritage

the F

Airlines

to Gatwick,” she s

going against the grain forging stronger, enduring ties What

beginning

The event also marked t h e l a u n c h o f t h e F a i t h Alliance Roadshow, a new initiative aimed at reducing youth violence This project, c h a m p i o n e d b y W e s t

M i d l a n d s P o l i c e & C r i m e

C o m m i s s i o n e r S i m o n

Foster, will provide leadership training for young people within places of worship, empowering them to lead p o s i t i v e c h a n g e i n t h e i r communities

Wearing chinos, trainers and a smart jacket, Simon mingled with the crowd, listening intently and engagi n g w a r m l y H i s p r e s e

j u s t symbolically but practically as many attendees noted h i s c o n s i s t e n t w o r k t o improve community safety

V o l u n t

i g h b o u r h o o d W a t c h groups in Sandwell, shared: “He listens to people and g e t s t h i n g s d o n e ” P C S O Amandeep echoed this sentiment, saying, “Simon has managed to get more police officers on our streets and he’s still trying ” When the topic of West M i d l a n d

d Parker came up, responses were more mixed Gurpal

from shadowing Simon to better understand effective community engagement Simon Foster said: “We have not done something this big in the faith space before and I am confident

involved will result in our

s

tened to, valued and positive about their future ” The event was a celebration of faith and fraternity a n d a

that our greatest strength lies in our unity

Hayre

From left: PCSO Amandeep Singh PCC Simon Foster Dhiren Katwa

Volunteers lead the way at Nagar Kirtan

H E Nimisha Madhvani

L to R: Lord Patel Ian Harris Principal Lakbir Singh and Kam Rai Leader of Redbridge Borough Council on the stage

Lord Kamlesh Patel cutting the ribbon

The Arctic is in trouble

First up, according to a recent CNN report, the Arctic region is in trouble due to its decreasing sea ice levels

This CNN report has also warned of huge impacts on Mother Earth's ecosystems around the world

Besides this, the green and climate activist Greta Thunberg has taken a strong swipe at the world leaders

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

Handling the climate crisis is out and out about the collective responsibility of everyone out there Hardly has there ever been action on this serious issue Even such serious talks have been taking place on and off But this Swede has been pitching for green cause on and on Still, we all have been speeding in the wrong direction," says Greta Thunberg of the climate conundrum

Besides this, the UN has strongly reacted to the issue of climate change, deeply discussing the actual challenges posed by the climate crisis This news piece has caught the attention of the world community, having been highlighted by the media houses like CNN It is time to create such serious climate change talks on the world stage

The factors like carbon dioxide-greenhouse gases contributing to the climate crisis have to be dealt with in a proper way as chalked out at climate change summits so far

V o l a t

a n g e impacts have started eating into the growth of the world

Intense tropical storms have become the order of the day Just as on the American continent, Asian nations have been encountering plenty of storm systems There have been several cyclonic systems off my native areas l i k e K o

Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu It is time to make the most of monsoon rainfall tapping only the good benefits, negative sides apart

This aside, there have been reports of rigorous deforestation activities going on in the Amazon rainforest

The fact that the Amazon has been home to rich biodiversity and green cover in the world should dawn on everyone out there to protect this rich green area forever even as it is time to make certain "ranching activities" though necessary will not come in the way of green activities

In short, the globe and geographical areas out there have long been the natural gifts to human society Therefore, the international community should furthermore get ready to handle the climate challenges through mutual cooperation and strong green strategies

I often see the news of the young climate change activist Greta Thunberg The fact that she has been raising the voice for green causes and climate change awareness has just started inspiring many countries and people worldwide

I remember her talking and being interviewed on TV recently As a little student, her speech and responsibility for the climate issues have been just overwhelming and more interesting Kudos to her and my best wishes on her climate change mission Such interesting things and responsible persons should be encouraged to the greatest extent possible on the international stage

I, as a person, had been encouraged by such inspiring stories and great people in my native areas like Korkai, T i r u c h e n d u r , M a r t h a n d a m , T i r u n e l v e l i , T u t i c o r i n , Nagercoil and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu Just sincerely enough, I have been pitching for good and beautiful changes on the social front, starting from my places like Korkai, Kanyakumari besides having been a big supporter of agricultural activities that, in fact, have been involving my friends and family

P Se nthil Saravan a Durai

India’s

strategic diplomatic offensive

“India launches diplomatic offensive against Pak” in AV dated 24-30 May 2025 shows that India, under the dynamic and capable leadership of Mr Modi, supported by his dedicated team of ministers, is acting strategically to put Pakistan under pressure from different directions

India decided to send 7 all-party delegations having 8 members in each, which will have some impact, and different countries of the world will get a better understanding of state-sponsored terrorism Most of the countries already know the facts

While negotiating trade agreements or any bilateral issues, any country that is directly or indirectly supporting terrorist activities should be dealt with accordingly

Having said that, India must defend itself without much reliance on the Western powers or any external help The Western powers will act decisively only if their interests are directly affected, otherwise, they will give words full of advice, which will indirectly support the countries which are exporting terrorism to the neighbouring countries India is capable of defending itself because of its size and diversity, with enthusiastic youth

Hitesh Hingu

Israel, Gaza, and the West’s changing tone

In recent days, France, Canada, and the United Kingdom have issued unusually sharp condemnations of Israel's continued restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza The UK's language, once cautious, now reflects mounting public pressure and moral urgency Even Donald Trump, once Israel’s fiercest advocate, has moderated his tone following visits to Arab capitals A shift is underway: Israel’s closest allies are drawing a line between self-defence and collective punishment

This change is driven not just by diplomacy, but by the unbearable visibility of civilian suffering Images of bombed shelters, starving children, and blocked aid convoys flood global screens Meanwhile, dozens of Israeli hostages remain in Gaza men, women, and children held in unimaginable conditions Their plight, like that of Gaza’s civilians, is a humanitarian emergency Many now argue that easing the siege could help create conditions for a negotiated release, rather than further entrenching Hamas’s grip

Israel’s leadership insists its survival is at stake, and that concern is real Hamas remains a lethal and embedded threat But long-term security cannot rest solely on siege and firepower Democracies are judged not only by the enemies they defeat, but by the values they uphold in doing so Cutting off aid to over two million civilians does not weaken Hamas it isolates Israel diplomatically and undermines its legitimacy among its allies and even within its own citizenry This is not betrayal by the West it is a reckoning Allies are calling on Israel to act not just with strength, but with wisdom and restraint The war on Hamas must be separated from the suffering of innocents, including the hostages Humanitarian access must be restored not as charity, but as moral necessity The world is watching, and the question is no longer whether Israel has the right to defend itself, but whether it can do so without sacrificing what it claims to protect: its values, its allies, and its soul

Nar sibhai Patel

Dr

Nalanda Vishva Vidyalay

We woke up on the morning of Saturday, May 24, 2025, to very windy, cold, and cloudy weather more like winter than spring here in Markham, Ontario, Canada As usual, we first watched local and international news on TV for a few minutes, then switched to religious channels to watch discourses and Kathas by different Kathakars

On Aastha TV, we saw the first day of Shri Moraribapu Ram Katha (the story of Lord Rama) from Nalanda Vishva Vidyalay (International University), Bihar, India During the opening ceremony, we listened to speeches from welllearned university staff and learned about the ancient history of Nalanda

Growing up in Karamsad (the native place of Sardar Patel the Iron Man of India) and studying in the Vallabh Vidyanagar rural university township in Gujarat, India, we were rarely taught about the ancient universities of Nalanda and Taxila This prompted me to research and learn more about these prestigious ancient centres of education in Asia

Nalanda University is considered the world’s first residential university, established in the 5th century CE in Bihar, India Founded by Emperor Kumaragupta I of the Gupta Empire, it flourished for over 700 years as a centre of learning and Buddhist studies The university attracted thousands of students and scholars from across Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, and South Asia It offered a wide range of subjects, including Buddhist philosophy, logic, grammar, medicine, mathematics, and astronomy

The university suffered destruction due to invasions, first by the Huns under Mihirakula and later by Muslim

destroyed by Muhammad Khilji’s army The site was rediscovered in the early 19th century by Scottish surveyor Francis Buchanan Hamilton and later identified as ancient Nalanda University by Sir Alexander Cunningham The

Heritage Site in 2016

A well-known proverb says: "Always remember what you have learned Your education is your life guard it well "

Suresh an d B ha vna Patel

K A P I L’S K H I C H A D I Pakistan End Game is Nigh

Delegatio ns fro m India are currently traversing the global highways visiti ng nations large and small T heir mission ismulti- fo ld Most peop le may conclude th at its p urpo se is to give th e Indian narrative on Operation S indo or And yes, that is of c ourse part of th e game plan Ho wever, there is a more serio us message being sh ared with internatio nal partners T hat being th at the end game fo r Pakistan is now near T hat enough is enough, and that as of now India will not wait fo r, no r seek, any validation fro m any nation before it acts in defence of its sovereignty I

Pakistan It is allowing Pakistan to beat its chest and go over the top with its rhetoric You see when you bring your enemy to its knees when it is attempting to fly high in the sky, it makes a point in history that stays with them forever

It is now emerging that India hit Pakistan very hard It destroyed 9 terror camps with some 140 terrorists killed, it hit 11 Pakistani air bases, destroyed 4 radar units and hit nuclear weapons storage sites in the Kirana hills And to top that off:8 units F- 16 Block 58 (ground & air)

1 Saab2000 (AEW&C)

2 units Mirage-3/5

1 unit IL- 78 refueller

1 unit C-130 transport

1 unit HQ-9 SAM battery

4 units radars

2 units AD Command posts

At least 13 aircraft destroyed and some 50 PAF personnel killed And India did this in 3 days

The Americans begged India for a ceasefire because they realised that the next stage would mean utter destruction of most of Pakistani infrastructure, the stuff that America has been funding and has been reliant on for decades This would have been a huge defeat for America They only reason India accepted to cease temporarily was to give Pakistani even more rope to hang itself It's now only a matter of time before Pakistan breaches the temporary truce, and at that time, India will have the whole world on its side to go in hard and finish the job off

In the game of chess, invented by India, each move is measured Only India knows when it will declare checkmate against Pakistan

As I intimated in my last article, please don’t take the things Trump says too seriously He is a man who can huff and puff, change his position ten times in a day, and create more smoke than the wildfires of California In one week alone he alienated Ukraine, Russia, France, Canada, the EU, and India with his customary off the cuff remarks This is where a bit of ingenuity by the Indian leadership can help it kill multiple birds with one stone It can used the madness of Trump to their advantage

India needs to end its benevolence with nations like Turkey, China and Bangladesh by ensuring that they are taught an economic lesson of a lifetime For example, in fiscal year 2024, India's imports from China were valued at approximately $102 billion Whereas India exportedapproximately $17 billion Sometimes as a nation you must make that big statement, and that my friends might be overdue when it comes to China How about putting in place barriers such that India does not breach World Trade Organisation rules, but in effect bans all imports from China The people of India need to understand and learn, there is a price to pay if you want to stand tall on the global stage Shouting and screaming, talking big, and energetic celebrations don’t mean squat in the real world

Cllr Nidhi Mehta has been elected as the Mayor of Aylesbury for the 2025–26 municipal year, following the elections held on Thursday, 15 May She previously served as the Deputy Mayor of the town

As we see the delegations doing their job, the subtle message being left with the leadership of all these nations is a simple one, if Pakistan breaches again then it will be the endgame scenario India knows the psyche of Pakistan It’s a nation filled with over inflated egos, a dictatorship that is crumbling from within, a nation where Baloch and Sindh at the very least want, nay demanding their independence

America knows that now it’s a waiting game The west knows that it has lost the narrative and control over India Putin and Russia are teaching the west a lesson they won’t forget Israel has shown the Islamists that enough is enough, and this time it will eradicate Islamist terrorists

The time to pander to the evil of Islamists is now over What Israel has started in the middle east, India will finish with Pakistan And those who choose the side of evil will fall as the new global world order reset takes place

Kapil Dudakia

Retail’s digital growth fuels cyber risks

Cybersecurity is no longer optional, it’s a fundamental requirement for business continuity, reputation management, and customer trust. A single breach can result in financial losses, legal complications, and longterm damage to a company’s credibility.

Following recent cyberattacks on major high-street retailers, the Robert Walters Market Intelligence team shared insights into the cybersecurity hiring landscape

Cybersecurity continues to rank among the top five most indemand skills across professional services In the UK alone, there are around 17,000 active vacancies at any time, with demand projected to grow by 10–12% annually

While large firms often lead in cybersecurity investment, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly vulnerable and require stronger digital defences As SMEs become more digitally reliant, building cybersecurity capabilities across businesses of all sizes is critical to protecting the broader economy

Speaking about the cyberattacks targeting the high-street retailers, Reader of School of Computer Science & Informatics, Cardiff University, Dr Charith Perera said, “I see three big reasons First, global tension has moved online Hackers backed by governments, crime rings and even rival companies all want retail data It isn’t just card numbers anymore; shopping habits, delivery routes and stock levels can each be sold to different buyers Think of poaching: the hide, horn and meat all go to separate markets, so every byte a retailer stores is now worth money to someone Second, the retail “attack surface” has exploded

During and after the pandemic most brands bolted on click-andcollect, mobile apps and home-delivery links in a hurry Those cloud tills and supplier APIs were great for customers but widened the doorway for attackers, while security budgets often stayed flat Ransomware crews need only one leaked password to steal the data, lock the tills and demand

payment because every lost trading hour hurts Third, AI has lowered the barrier to entry Easy-touse tools now write phishing emails, scan exposed servers and hide malware code, jobs that once needed whole teams High rewards, low effort and a crowd of willing buyers explain why shops are suddenly such tempting targets ” Charith highlighted the visibility of South Asian talent in UK security operations centres but noted its scarcity in “boardrooms, research labs, and policy circles ” A key reason, he said, is “late exposure ” many students from South Asia only encounter cybersecurity after moving West for university, often feeling behind peers who “played Capture-the-Flag in school ”

tables where security decisions are made ”

SMEs overlook ed but not sa fe from hacke rs

With AI-driven attacks on the rise, cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity for SMEs simple, costeffective steps can greatly reduce their vulnerability

Emphasising how SMEs can better protect themselves from cyber threats, Dr Ne eshé Kh an, Research Fellow in Cyber Security at the University of Nottingham, said,

“Many SMEs mistakenly believe they have nothing of value to hackers In reality, they often serve as lucrative entry points to sensitive data or as back doors to larger organisations ”

She added that with AI-powered attacks becoming more

"Many SMEs mistakenly believe they have nothing of value to hackers. In reality, they often serve as lucrative entry points to sensitive data or as back doors to larger organisations.”

To drive change, Charith advocates for “early, hands-on experience,” urging UK industry and academia to build cyber ranges, boot camps, and scholarships with South Asian universities He also called on diaspora professionals to “mentor virtually and guestlecture,” giving students real-world insight

At home, he urged firms to widen graduate intakes, set diversity goals, and back networks like the British Asian Security Network

“Consistent outreach and visible success stories,” he said, “will bring more South Asian voices to the

Net migration halves in a year, but migrants are staying

longer

New data reveals th at net

K dropp ed by half last year, falling to 43 1,0 00 the largest sing le-year decline

permanent settlement and British citizenship

Home Office statistics s

claimed asylum in the year to March, a figure largely driven by migrants crossing the Channel in small boats

asylum seekers housed in hotels dropped slightly to 32,345, it remains above the 2

Labour pledged last year to end the use of hotels for migrant accommodation

On May 21 alone, 825 people arrived in 13 small boats, a new daily high for 2025, bringing the year-todate total to 13,573 crossings

T h e s h a r p f a l l i n n e t m i g r a t i o n , t h e b a l a n c e between those arriving to live in the UK and those l e a v i n g , r e f l e c t s a s t e e p decline in non-EU work and study visa holders This was i n f l u e n c e d b y n e w C o n s e

last year, including restrict i o n s p r e v e n t i n g f o r e i g n students and care workers from bringing dependants

L a s t w e e k , S i r K e i r

Starmer announced further immigration reforms aimed a t r e d u c i n g m i g r a t i o n b y another 100,000 annually, though these changes are not expected to take effect until later this year

M a d e l e i n e S u m p t i o n , d i r e c t o r o f t h e M i g r a t i o n O b s e r v a t o r y a t O x f o r d University, noted that the 50 p e r c e n t r e d u c t i o n w a s “enabled by unusually high migration following Brexit,” when net migration hit an all-time peak of 906,000 in

2 0 2 3 S h e a d d e d t h a t t h e e c o n o m i c i m p a c t o f t h i s decline is likely to be “relatively small ” Despite the overall drop, net migration remains higher than any year before 2021 M

increasingly extending their stay or settling permanently I n t h e

and

sophisticated and harder to detect, SMEs are increasingly vulnerable especially if they lack basic defences

“Improving cybersecurity doesn’t require expensive tools or expert teams,”

Dr Khan explained

“Simple measures can go a long way such as understanding your risks, encouraging open conversations about security with staff, learning from past mistakes, enabling free two-step verification tools like Google’s, using strong passwords, setting automatic app updates, and activating firewalls

These small steps can make a big difference ”

A nation facing mental health crisis

The United Kingdom is confronting a deepening mental health crisis, characterised by escalating demand for services, prolonged waiting times, and significant disparities in care access and outcomes.

Anusha Singh

T he U nited King dom is h urtling toward a m ental h ealth catastrophe Beneath th e statistics lie stories of anguish, of liv es u nrav elling in slow motion as a broken system strug gles and o ften fails to respond With o ver 5 million referrals made in 2023 alone, the surge in d em and has p ushed services to th eir lim its T he p rom ise of help often comes w ith a devastating cav eat: you m ay have to wait m onths, even years, before yo u ’ re seen

These are not just numbers They are real people children, parents, workers left to spiral in silence Mental health patients are now eight times more likely to wait over 18 months for care than those needing physical treatment Some, heartbreakingly, are forced to endure waits exceeding two years In those lost months, conditions worsen, jobs vanish, families fracture

A ccording to Pro f Dinesh Bhug ra, Em eritus Professor of M ental Health and C ultural Div ersity at the Institute of P sychiatry, Psycho log y and Neuroscience at King ’ s College L ond on, reports from the WHO have shown in most countries around the world there are gaps in mental health needs of the population and services available and UK is no exception

He also noted that for certain conditions such as addictions, alcohol dependence and some common mental disorders the gap can be quite high Discussing the reasons behind this gap, he said, “Not paying enough attention to people’s mental health in policy making is one factor Not giving enough training in mental health to healthcare professionals is another reason Not funding in research and in clinical services reflects the inequity between physical and mental health services ”

The human cost is only part of the crisis Economically, the toll is staggering According to a study by Lancaster University, cutting mental health treatment waits could save the government £1 billion annually Why? Because a single month’s delay can mean unemployment for thousands And when children are affected, the cost isn't just today’s it stretches across lifetimes Britain faces the grim prospect of losing over £1 trillion in future earnings because of its failure to address mental ill-health in young people

The inequality within the crisis

This is not a crisis experienced equally Deep inequalities carve through the system Black and minority ethnic individuals are disproportionately detained under the Mental Health Act and face longer hospital stays, higher readmission rates and no cultural sensitivity Children from the poorest homes are four times more likely to struggle with their mental health

Offering a solution, Prof Bhugra said, "Initial assessments and triage should be based in community hubs, local organisations, and places of worship to help reduce stigma and

encourage access Mental health must be integrated with education, employment, housing, and the justice system This requires joined-up thinking, where every policy is assessed for its mental health impact

“In training healthcare professionals, it is vital to highlight both the similarities and differences across ethnic groups

Emphasising cultural competency, alongside a deeper understanding of how mental ill-health and mental illness affect daily functioning, can support better outcomes When combined with robust school and workplace mental health initiatives, these

Black and minority ethnic individuals are disproportionately detained under the Mental Health Act and face longer hospital stays, higher readmission rates and no cultural sensitivity

Children from the poorest homes are four times more likely to struggle with their mental health.

efforts can lead to healthier populations and significant longterm cost savings "

In addition to ethnic minorities, the Children’s Commissioner’s latest annual report lays bare the stark inequalities young people in England face when trying to access mental health support

Some children are waiting up to 17 times longer than others depending on where they live In 2023–24 alone, nearly 60,000 children were referred to mental health services for being in crisis accounting for over 6% of all referrals By the end of March 2024, 50,000 children with active referrals were still waiting for treatment to begin

Dame Rachel d e Sou za, the Children’s C omm issioner for Eng land, warns that children with additional unmet needs are at greater risk of falling through the cracks disappearing from education and missing out on opportunities available to their peers “Children tell me they want to be in school,” she said “We

must meet their ambition with preventative action so fewer are forced out of education for mental health reasons ”

While there have been some signs of progress such as increased investment, shorter waiting times for crisis care, and better local access in some areas

Dame Rachel insists the system must do more “Even five days is too long for a child in crisis,” she noted, calling for a health system that supports every child early, fairly, and close to home

She also stressed the need to reframe how professionals communicate with children Rather than focusing on what a child with a condition can’t do, the emphasis should be on their abilities and potential Labels without proper support, especially from non-clinicians, only hinder young lives

“The future of our NHS must begin with children,” Dame Rachel said “If we get this right, we don’t just ease pressure on services we give every child the best possible start in life ”

M ounting pressure on emerg ency serv ices

The knock-on effects are everywhere Accident and Emergency departments are overwhelmed Last year alone saw over 275,000 mental healthrelated visits to A&E and nearly 700,000 emergency calls

Yes, the government has announced reforms specialised mental health A&E units, a £680 million funding pledge, a push to tackle waiting lists But for many, these changes feel too slow, too distant According to Prof Bhugra, “The policymakers need to ensure that resources match the needs Following rapid and thorough assessments, patients must not be left waiting for days to access beds The government should fund short-term accommodation options for crisis admissions

“Previously, there were houses available for short stays of 3 to 5 days District Rehabilitation Officers also used to attend ward rounds to support patients with serious mental illnesses in gaining sheltered employment experience These essential services need to be reinstated "

Mental health has long been the underfunded cousin of physical health But the UK can no longer afford to ignore it This is no longer a silent crisis It’s screaming And unless Britain listens truly listens the cost will be counted not just in pounds, but in futures lost

For Gen

Z couples, it’s house before spouse

For tod ay ’ s young couples, owning a h o m e tak es p re ce d en ce o v e r tying th e knot A new analysis by pro perty site Zoopla shows that 59 % o f renti ng G en Z

u p les , tho se born betw een 1997 and 20 12, are prio ritising sav ing for a hou se over any other financial goal, w hile just 6% are focused on w ed ding expenses

Among renters of all ages, 48% placed home ownership first, com-

marriage Experts say the findings reflect both the waning appeal of marriage and the soaring costs of weddings and property

Foundation shows that only 57% of Gen Z are on course to marry, compared with 72% of Generation X (born 1965–1980) and 87% of b

average wedding cost has risen to £23,250 a 12% increase in just

Hitched Property prices have also skyrocketed In 2000, the average UK home cost 3 6 times the average household income Today, it’s 5 9 times and up to 16 times in parts of London, according to research by Savills

Despite the emphasis on saving, many young buyers underestim

Zoopla found the average aspiring buyer thinks they need to save £ 2 7 ,

deposit is £56,700

Regionally, Londoners feel the pressure most, with 82% saying house prices are a major obstacle, c

Northern Ireland

Still, marriage isn’t entirely off

February found only 20% of 18–27year-olds saw marriage as “irrelevant,” while a third believed couples should marry before having children

First railway operator nationalised

Th e o perator of o ne o f Britain’s busiest commu ter rail services will beco me th e first train company to be natio nalised under the Labour go v er nm en t, t h e T r an s p

Secretary has anno unced South Western Railway, which runs services to and from London Waterloo, will enter public ownership starting Sunday Two more London commuter o p e

nationalisation C2C will transfer to public control on July 20, foll o w e d b y G

e a t e r A n g

o n October 12 Labour has committed t o n

train operators as part of its efforts to improve passenger services I

Department for Transport subsidiary, DfT Operator Ltd, before m

G

h Railways, the new national body responsible for both infrastructure and passenger services

Alexander said, “Sunday marks a landmark moment in returning the railways to public service, ending 30 years of fragmentation This fulfils our manifesto pledge to put passengers at the heart of the railways ” South Western Railway opera t e s a r

u n d 1 , 6 0 0 t

n

d a i l y , serving over 200 stations across L o n d o n ’ s

, Berkshire, and Hampshire to the capital

G r e a t B r i t i s h R

w i l l oversee the network moving forward However, trains will only carry the Great British Railways branding once they meet stricter performance standards a condition South Western Railway has yet to fulfil, with recent reports showing 28% of its trains delayed and 4% cancelled

U

h e move The RMT union described it as a “step forward” but criticised o n g o i n g p

n o f cleaning and security

Small firms urge sick pay rebate amid costly reforms

Sm a ll bu s ines ses are cal ling on Angela Rayner to introduce a sick pay rebate as part of her p lanned workers’ rights reforms, arg uing it would help them hire mo re u nemplo yed people The Employment Rights Bill, currently progressing through the House of Lords, includes a key change requiring employers to pay statutory sick pay (SSP) from the first day of absence, removing the existing three-day waiting period

could cost them millions and discourage recruitment According to t

Businesses, 35% of small business owners believe a rebate on sick pay would encourage them to employ more people currently out of work Among those concerned about the sick pay changes, 74% say they plan to recruit fewer staff W

Britons claiming sickness bene-

Angela Reyner

fits a figure that has risen sharply in recent years Starmer’s govern-

dependency Still, the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates the bill’s cost could reach £63 billion by 2029

The government’s own assessment predicts that the new sick pay rules will increase costs for small and medium enterprises by approximately £260 million

Prof Dinesh Bhugra

Dame Rachel de Souza

Camilla’s quiet reign

Q u ee n C a m i lla , bo r n C a m i ll a

Rosemary Shand on July 17, 194 7, h as emerg ed as a central figure in the British m onarch y, known fo r h er unwavering support of King C harles III and her d ed icatio n to p ublic service

Often vilified as the woman who came between Charles and the beloved Princess Diana, her place in the royal narrative has been complicated, to say the least

B u t b e h i n d t h e h e a d l i n e s a n d harsh public opinion lies the story of a woman who never set out to steal a crown or anyone ’ s place

Instead, she has become one of the monarchy’s most loyal, resilient figures

Born into a privileged but private British family, she grew up far from the glare of royal life Her early romance with Prince Charles was interrupted by circumstance and duty, and she married army

o f f i c e r A

with whom she had two children

c

What began as a quiet love affair e v e n t u a l l y b e c a m e t h e m o s t talked-about relationship in modern royal history In 2005, Camilla and Charles married in a civil ceremony, followed by a blessing at St

G e o r g e s C h a p e l i n W i n d s o r Castle

For years, Camilla remained the reluctant outsider She bore the scorn of tabloids and public

o

, never once speaking out against Diana, never once trying to take her place She didn't assume the

title Princess of Wales, a role forever associated with Diana, nor did she attempt to present herself as a s u b s t i t u t e m o t h e r t o P r i n c e s

William or Harry She simply stood by Charles T h a t q u i e

u p p o r t b e c a m e even more vital as Charles ascended the throne and later faced a cancer diagnosis In the face of per-

Camilla emerged not just as a consort, but as a rock discreet, con-

time, she has worked diligently to redefine her public image, taken

focusing on issues such as literacy, domestic violence, and animal welfare Her commitment to these

over segments of the public

While her path to public accept

, Camilla’s strength lies in her lack of pretence She has never pretended to be anything other than herself: a woman in love with the King, serving the role asked of her, not for glory, but out of duty

In an era of changing monarchies and shifting loyalties, Queen Camilla’s greatest triumph may be her steady presence never dramatic, never dominant, but quietly indispensable

Barristers urged to refuse prosecuting ‘illegal abortion’ cases

L ead i n g ba rri s ter C h ar lo tt e

P roud man has called on lawyers to c o ns i d e r re fu s i ng to p r o se cu t e w om en u nd er i nv e st ig ati o n f o r illeg al abortions

Speaking at the Hay Festival, Proudman highlighted disturbing cases where women and teenage girls have faced legal scrutiny for suspected illegal abortions following miscarriages

“I feel deeply frustrated when these cases reach the courtroom,” Proudman said “Why are we, as lawyers, not striking and refusing to prosecute women in these situations? I don’t believe this law has any legitimacy whatsoever ”

She warned that under new p

investigating unexplained miscarriages could access women ’ s personal calendars and period-tracking apps This surveillance aims to determine if a missed period was due to miscarriage or if an illegal abortion may have taken place

“It’s alarming to see the crimin a

women in this way, ” Proudman added “At a time when the justice s

underfunded, with less than 3% of reported rapes leading to charges, police resources appear focused instead on prosecuting women and teenagers ” This summer, MPs are expect-

ed to vote on amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill proposed by Labour MPs Tonia Antoniazzi and Stella Creasy These amendments seek to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales

Proudman also criticised the current law for forcing women to “pathologise” themselves to qualify for an abortion Under the 1967 A b o r t i o n A c t , a w o m a n m u s t obtain approval from two doctors, who must agree the abortion is necessary for her physical or mental health

She explained that simply stating a desire not to have another child does not meet this requirement

UK faces domestic abuse epidemic

T he UK is facing w hat exp erts are calling a d omestic abu se “epidemic, ” with new d ata revealing that

o ne in fou r adults h av e been vic-

t i m s A c c o rd i n g t o th e l at es t r es ea rc h f ro m t h e O ff i ce f o r National Statistics (ONS), ap pro xim ately 25% of adults in England

a nd W al es h av e exp e ri en ce d d omestic abuse since the ag e of 16

T h e f i g u r e s a r e e v e n m o r e stark for women, with nearly one in three affected, while for men the rate is closer to one in five This latest data is the first to use an enhanced method of measuring domestic abuse, incorporating new q u e s t i o n s i n t h e O N S C

i m e Survey for England and Wales that address previously underreported f o r m s o

e health abuse such as depriving

victims of food or sleep and forcing p r e g n a n c y t e r m i n a t i o n a n d forced marriage, as well as updated definitions reflecting recent legal changes around coercive and controlling behaviour

The ONS estimates that in the year ending March 2024, 26 1% of a d u l t s a b o

abuse since turning 16, a significant increase from previous estimates of one in five Breaking it down by gender, 30 3% of women (around 7 4 million) and 21 7% of men (around 5 1 million) reported having faced abuse

Meghan Elkin, head of crime statistics at the ONS, explained, “ D o m e s t i c a b

A mother-daughter legacy of power, grace, and purpose

In an age th at celebrates power and presence, few stories are as quietly com pelling and as d eeply inspiring as that o f Sudh a M urty and A kshata Murty O n e i s a c e l e b r a t e d

, engineer, philanthropist, and the matriarch of one of India’s most respected families The other, her daughter, is the former First Lady of the United Kingdom, a fashion entrepreneur, and a woman navigating international scrutiny with

words, but through example

Sudha Murty has long been an icon in her own right Breaking barriers as the first female engineer at TELCO, she chose a path that married intellect with empathy She co-founded Infosys alongs

Murthy, but never faded into the background With a keen sense of social justice and a gift for storytelling, she poured her energy into education, healthcare, and literature, becoming a household name in India and an emblem of purpose-driven leadership

Akshata, born into this world of quiet determination, inherited more than just the Murthy name

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, she forged her own identity in business and style Her marriage to

Minister of the UK, catapulted her into the global spotlight Yet, in the glare of that attention, she

Often scrutinised for her wealth and fashion choices, Akshata chose a

Whether speaking to school children, representing the UK at public events, or supporting her husband through turbulent political waters, she showed that strength need not be loud

What binds them is not just blood, but belief, a shared conviction in the power of education, humility, and service Together, they are more than just a mother and daughter They are a symbol of

intellect, empathy, and grace are passed down like heirlooms, not to preserve, but to share with the world

Hospital to close dedicated home birth team

Be df o rd Ho s p it al h as c o n f ir m e d that wom en' s cho ic e to h ave a hom e bir th r em ains un ch a nged des p it e the clo sure o f its dedicated Blos som ho me birth ing team Ho me births will no w be m anaged by the ho spital ’ s c o mm u nity midw if ery te am, du e to " s ignif ic an t st af f ing c h allenges " K e m p s t o n r e s i d e n t A l e x McCarthy, who recently had a home birth with the Blossom team, called the experience “amazing” and said s h e w a s “ r e a l l y s a d ” a b o u t t h e change, praising the continuity of care from her midwife throughout her pregnancy Alex McCarthy said the relationship with her home birth midwife was key to feeling safe and relaxed during labour, and she’s concerned other parents may miss out on that

new questions, we engaged extensively with victims, survivors, charities, academics, and government b o d i e

h a s uncovered higher rates of abuse by including types not previously covered, such as health abuse and forced marriage ” D a m e N

,

h e domestic abuse commissioner for England and Wales, welcomed the enhanced focus on gathering more c

“Understanding the full scale and n a t u r e o

t h i s t e r r i b l e c r i m e i s essential if we are to develop effect i v e m e a s u r e s t o t a c k l e i t a n d ensure survivors get the support they need,” she said “Only with a complete picture can we hope to e

society ”

vital bond “It’s a real shame and disappointing,” she said, noting that while community midwives offer medical care, the personal connect i o n m a y b e l o s t B e d f o r d s h i r e Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it aims to retain some key elements of the Blossom team

The trust said, "While it may not always be possible for a woman or birthing person to have the same m i d w i f e , w e p l a n t o p r o v i d e a named midwife throughout pregnancy and birth to ensure continuity of care Those choosing home birth will continue to receive personalized, high-quality care from our community midwives We want t o r e a s s u r e e v e r y o n e t h a t t h i s change will not affect the standard of care or support throughout the pregnancy and birth journey "

Miss Voluptuous England to compete in international final

M i ss V o lu p tu o u s E ng l and , Philipp a M ackinder fro m Goole, East Yo rkshire, is set to co mpete in the international final of the Miss Volu ptuo us pageant in Do ncaster later this year

C r o w n e d e a r l i e r t h i s y e a r , Mackinder will represent England alongside national winners from around the world She said she init i a l l y l a c k e d t h e c o n f i d e n c e t o enter but now hopes to inspire other young girls P h i l i p p a M a c k i n d e r f i r s t applied to Miss Voluptuous three years ago but lacked confidence to continue After seeing the contest advertised again, she tried again a

named Miss Voluptuous England, s a y i n g , “ I c r i e d

“Everything will be OK, and your body isn’t defined by the scale ” B

struggled with confidence but now embraces herself and ignores others ’ opinions Her turning point came when she chose to buy a dress with a leg slit despite fearing j u d g m e n t ,

i d i n

, “ I t ’ s m y favourite dress ” She is now preparing for the final in October

Official portrait following the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla

Queen consort Camilla

Sudha and Akshata Murty

Creating beauty from discarded pieces

Subhasini Naicker

Daksha Caroline Jariwala has long been immersed in the arts, creating vividly coloured works that merge Italian Renaissance influences with Hindu iconography Her crafts mosaics by using the ‘picassiette’ method of repurposing broken crockery, celebrates joy and beauty through reuse. Since qualifying as a teacher in 1990, she has led projects across schools, galleries, and community spaces, working in various media including illustration, batik, murals, and mosaics Her recent commission, ‘A Game of Chance’, was part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund project for West Smethwick Park

In an interview with Asian Voice, Daksha discussed her mosaic approach, cultural inspirations, and creative journey

Your works transform waste into beauty Do you see this as a metaphor for something largersocially, culturally, or personally?

For me, it's about creativity with a conscience transforming waste into art that holds both emotional and environmental significance For example, a chipped cup or bowl from childhood may be broken, but it holds powerful memories and emotional ties to your parents There’s also a social and cultural layer I often use crockery or patterned tiles that carry meaning, like the tiles of Hindu gods I brought from my family home in Surat, which I’ve incorporated into my mosaics

Your approach to mosaics is deeply rooted in ethical making How important is sustainability to your artistic identity?

I believe using waste materials in art is essential We throw away so much, yet there’s real joy in giving old, unwanted crockery a new life These items are often chipped or cracked, discarded in second-hand shops or flea markets But for me, their imperfections carry emotional weight and nostalgia images, patterns, and memories that resonate deeply with people

Working with such materials also brings creative limitations that

can be freeing Mosaic allows for abstraction and symbolism, turning fragments into meaningful, symbolic forms Unlike painting, which I loved but eventually moved on from, mosaic continues to engage me It's like assembling a jigsaw puzzle There's something calming, almost primal, about placing one piece next to another, like collecting shells on a beach

Mosaic also reflects our inner world We all experience brokenness, low self-esteem, mental health struggles and through mosaic, we can transform what’s been rejected into something beautiful It's not about what's good or bad; it's about the value and meaning in the process itself

Asa British South Asian artist, how do you navigate or blend both cultural influences in your work?

One of my mosaics, ‘Desi Dancers’, created two years ago and installed last April, carries multiple layers of meaning At first glance, it’s just a row of people dancing but once you understand the cultural context, it becomes a powerful statement

A Pakistani Muslim woman dancing alongside a Hindu Gujarati woman, for example, speaks to unity across religious and regional divides Through my social media, I explain how each dancer’s attire reflects specific cultural identities: someone from Andhra Pradesh, someone from Odisha helping to educate and celebrate diversity

My earlier paintings also explored spiritual themes, drawing parallels between Hindu and Christian symbolism like the chakra colours and the rainbow, which in Christian art represents God’s promise They’re

New book claims Freddie Mercury had a hidden daughter

Mercu ry h ad a secret daughter from a 1 976 affair with a close friend ’ s wife

close relationship with the child until his death in 1991,

gifting her 17 volumes of

only as B, the now 48-yearold medical professional has

daughter reveals their close bond “Freddie Mercury was a

adored me and was devoted to me, ” she writes Despite her unusual birth, she says it

never affected his love or care Her identity remains private and was known only to Mercury’s inner circle Freddie Mercury began writing diaries on 20 June 1976, after learning of the pregnancy, just days after Queen released ‘You’re My Best Friend’ The journals

Zanzibar, schooling in India, the family’s escape during

different expressions of the same idea, really

What I love about mosaics is their flexibility I can work figuratively or abstractly, exploring themes from nature and sustainability to cultural identity I recently applied for a project in Liverpool that links crockery to the history of the slave trade sugar bowls and blue-andwhite ware unearthed in the area tell powerful stories of colonial trade and exploitation The history carried by ceramics from Roman to modern times is incredibly rich and layered, and I love being able to tap into that through my art

Whatadvice would you give to emerging artists, especially those from South Asian backgrounds?

First and foremost, getting past the hurdle of parental acceptance is key, especially in South Asian communities where career paths like medicine, law, or finance are the norm I remember visiting family friends in Bombay who’d ask, “What degree are you studying?” and when I said “Fine Art,” they’d hear “Finance”, because it simply didn’t register as a viable career

But here I am, nearly 60, living in my own home, mortgage paid, and I’ve worked as a professional artist for 35 years I’ve been selfemployed since I was 25, and I’m lucky to have had unwavering support from my parents that made all the difference

The second important thing is to be true to yourself If being an artist is what energises you, pursue it wholeheartedly We only get one life Even if you take a more traditional career path, never abandon your creativity and nurture it in your own time, because that’s what keeps you going Get others on your side, yes but most importantly, be on your own side

Banu Mushtaq makes history with Booker win for India

Ind ian w riter, lawyer, and activist Banu M ushtaq has

Booker Prize w

H ear t Lamp ’

Spanning stories written between 1990 and 2023, the a n t h o l o g y o f f e r s p

f u

p o r t r a i t s o f M u s l i m women ’ s lives in southern India Praised by judges for its “astonishing portraits of s u r v i v a l a n d r e s i l i e n c e , ” ‘Heart Lamp’ is also the first short story collection to win the award Translator Deepa Bhasthi, who rendered the s t o r i e s f r o m K a n n a d a t o

E n g l i s h , w i l l s h a r e t h e

£50,000 prize

I n h e r a c c e p t a n c e

s p e e c h , B a n u M u s h t a q thanked readers “for letting her words wander into their

h e a r t s , ” s a y i n g * H e a r t Lamp* was born from the belief that “ no story is ever s m a l l ” S h e a d d e d , “ I n a w o r l d t h a t o f t e n t r i e s t o divide us, literature remains one of the last sacred spaces w h e r e w e c a n l i v e i n s i d e each other’s minds, if only for a few pages ” T r a n s l a t o r D e e p a Bhasthi, the first Indian to w i n t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l

B o o k e r f o r t r a n s l a t i o n , e x p r e s s e d h o p e t h e w i n w o u l d b o o s t t r a n s l a t i o n s from and into Kannada and o t h e r S o u t h A s i a n l a nguages

M a n a s i S u b r a m a n i a m , Editor-in-Chief at Penguin I n d i a , c a l l e d t h e a w a r d a major moment for regional l i t e r a t u r e , f o l l o w i n g t h e 2022 win of ‘Tomb of Sand “Heart Lamp’s triumph is a powerful reminder that lit-

C r e d t K a t e G r e e n / G e t

erature in India’s many lang u a g e s d e m a n d s o u r f u l l attention,” she said A l r e a d y c e l e b r a t e d a m o n g l i t e r a r y c i r c

s , Mushtaq’s work now gains wider recognition Her stor i e s , s h a p e d b y p e r s o n a l experience, reflect the struggles of women facing relig i o u s c o n s e r v a t i s m a n d p a t r i a r c h y l e n d i n g h e r characters rare depth and authenticity

UK Asian Film Festival reveals flame award winners at closing gala

The UK Asian Film Fe stiva l –t he wor ld’s longe st-runn ing

S o ut h A s i a n f il m f e s t i v a l outside the subcon tine nt –con clud ed its 27t h e dit ion with a sta r-studde d C losing

G a la o n 1 1 t h M a y a t R ive rsid e St udio s, Lon don

K n o w n f o r c h a m p io n i n g fema le -ce ntr ic South Asian

c in e m a , t h e fe s t i v a l h ono u r e d ou t s t a n d i n g t a l e n t t h r o u g h it s p r e s t ig i o u s

T o n g u e s o n F i r e F la m e Awa rds

M u s i c l e g e n d B i d d u

r e c e i v e d t h e L i f e t i m e

A c h i e v e m e n t A w a r d f o r

M u s i c , w h i l e d i r e c t o r Sandhya Suri was honoured with the Flame Award for M a k i n g W a v e s Internationally for ‘Santosh’ Onir won Best Director for ‘We Are Faheem and Karun’ Shobhaa De received the Golden Flame for Excellence i n C i n e

u r a l Journalism, and Yavar Abbas w a s h o n o u r e d f o

s i o n Filmmaker Bobby Bedi was r e c o g n i s e d f o r P r o d u c i n g Powerful Narratives, with a screening of his Raj Kapoor d o c u m e n t a r

tured a Q&A with music duo Vishal & Sheykhar, who dis-

teased their upcoming stage production, ‘Come Fall in Love: The DDLJ Musical’

Li fe -sized animal puppe ts th at have bee n stampe ding th rough Afri can ci tie s will a r r i v e i n L o n d o n n e xt month T h e p u b l i c a r t w o r k , p r e s e n t e d b y T h e W a l k P r o d u c t i o n s , h i g h l i g h t s animals fleeing the climate c r i s i s T H E H E R D S w i l l visit The Scoop from 27 to 29 June and travel from Soho to Somerset House, C o r a m ' s F i e l d s , C a m d e n High Street, and Stratford Starting in Kinshasa on 9

biodegradable and organic elements As they travel, t

giraffes, antelope, and lions

Madrid,

A p r i l , t h e p u p p e t s h a v e p a s s e d t h r o u g h L a g o s , D a k a r , M a r r a k e s h , C a s a b l a n c a , a n d R a b a t , engaging with local musicians, artists, dancers, and climate activists T h e p u p p e t s , m a d e f r o m u p s c a l e d r e c y c l a b l e m a t e r i a l s l i k e c a r d b o a r d a n d p l y w o

planned hunt on Camden High Street Artistic director Amir N

T H E HERDS is a powerful artistic response to the climate c r i s i

action crossing continents

z

creatures, we aim to spark dialogue, provoke thought, and inspire change "

Daksha Caroline Jariwala

Freddie Mercury

Banu Mushtaq

Blending ancient

history, fantasy, and hope

Subhasini Naicker

“ Nectar on the Seven Hills

– The Pure Seed ” marks the p owerful debut of author P rabh u Ram, launching the first instalment of an ep ic fantasy trilo gy

Blending elements of ancient Indian history with contemporary global themes, the novel unfolds as a sweeping adventure filled with cinematic storytelling, gripping suspense, and deep philosophical reflections Already drawing comparisons to genredefining works like Harry Potter and a reimagined Mahabharata, the book is capturing the imagination of readers worldwide

In a conversation with Asian Voice, Prabhu Ram shared insights into the inspiration behind the story, the mythology woven into its characters, and what lies ahead

What inspired you to write ‘Nectar on the Seven Hills – The Pure Seed’ was there a particular moment or story that sparked the idea?

I began writing at a young age in my mother tongue, Tamil, continuing through school and college However, for about 10–15 years, family and professional life took over, and writing took a back seat In 2019, during a visit to Tirupati the sacred Seven Hills the idea for Nectar on the Seven Hills sparked At first, I imagined a story rooted solely in Tirupati, weaving in spiritual themes But as I reflected more, especially during the pandemic, I realised this story had the potential for a much broader scope

characters in the story who hold deep meaning for me and, I believe, will for many readers as well Magad, Yukti, and Rudra are inspired by divine archetypes but reimagined for our times Magad, the protagonist, descends from the Yadava lineage of King Yayati and Lord Krishna Yukti, his sister, draws from the powerful energy of Goddess Durga, and their friend Rudra is inspired by Lord Shiva

These characters aren’t direct representations of the deities but are shaped by their qualities what if Krishna, Durga, and Shiva existed today and joined forces to fight a growing

China, these are deeply rooted narratives passed down through generations They may differ in form, but at their heart, they all connect us to a shared human experience Through this book, I aim to highlight that interconnectedness and bring together the spiritual and historical richness of different cultures If we can treat every living being including the 8 million species we share the planet with with the same respect and compassion we expect for ourselves, we can truly build a kinder world In the end, that’s what this story is about rediscovering our shared humanity

evil in the world? Their journey together is a bit like an Indian mythological version of the Avengers, something readers have picked up on Since its launch at the World Book Fair in Delhi earlier this year, the book has received comparisons to both the Avengers and Harry Potter which is incredibly humbling

Doyou see your work as part of a broader effort to introduce South Asian storytelling to a wider audience?

UK Border Force now effectively under military command

T h e U K B o rd e r F o rc e is effectiv ely o perating under military comm and, reflect-

policing , according to a new repo rt by the I nstitute o f Race Relatio ns (IRR)

paramilitary and “political” policing across Europe, particularly at borders, during civil unrest, and in response to protests

The report points to the Home Office’s 2020 request f o r M i n

D e f

n

(MoD) support and the crea

Channel threat commander within the Border Force as signs of the Channel becoming heavily militarised IRR

director Liz Fekete warned t h a t t h i s m i l i t a r i s a t i o n extends beyond the border, citing the government’s portrayal of asylum seekers in small boats as national security threats, and the controversial plan to allow French police to push back boats, r i s k i n g m o r e i n j u r i e s a n d deaths

The report also details t h e g r o w i

lethal” weapons like Tasers a

have been authorised for use

demonstrations It notes the v i o l

u p p r e s s i o n

f protests and student occupations, and references past

force, including the deaths o

Kaba, and Jean Charles de

Menezes Further evidence of

transfer of counter-terrorism powers to the Border Security Command and the use of military-grade drones

developments as incompatible with policing by consent

of

ing the

of

lence against Black communities

The Metropolitan Police denied that ethnicity influ-

A Home Office spokesperson reiterated that police operate independently and decisions on use of force are operational

Suspect detained after Brent fire kills four

Four people who d ied in a h

woma n in

What emerged was a fantasy-adventure narrative inspired by the Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita, exploring the idea of one supreme force "one for all, all for one " The book addresses the spiritual and moral challenges of our current age, Kali Yuga, where compassion has been overshadowed by selfinterest It calls for a reset a reconnection with kindness, empathy, and respect for all living beings we share the Earth with Are there any particular characters or scenes in the novel that hold a special meaning to you personally?

There are three main

How does your novel reflect or challenge common narratives about Indian heritage and mythology in global literature?

The core belief behind the book is captured in its tagline: All for one, and one for all Regardless of faith, religion, race, or ethnicity, we all ultimately seek the same things peace, harmony, kindness, and love Every religion teaches these universal values, and every deity we worship, in any culture, points us toward the same goal While the term "mythology" is commonly used in literary circles, I see these stories not as myths but as ancient histories Whether it’s Krishna in India, Buddha, Jesus in Palestine, or the legends of Rome and

While the story is rooted in South Asia, particularly around the sacred city of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, home to the Tirumala Temple and the seven hills, it quickly expands into a global narrative The first book is largely set in Tirupati and Srirangam in Tamil Nadu, drawing inspiration from the Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita The protagonists travel from the US to India, while simultaneous events unfold in China, all converging around a shared mission, just days before the Covid19 pandemic begins Though the core events of the first book take place over just two intense nights, the themes and characters are international from the start The second book will explore even more global settings, including Europe, and bring in unexpected elements So while the concept has strong South Asian roots, the story itself evolves into a global phenomenon that blends cultures, mythologies, and ideas from across the world

enter the burning house to try to rescue those inside The man reached the second floor but was forced back by intense heat, suffering burns to his arm Another resident, M

on

S a t u r d a y , d e p l o y i n g e i g h t fire engines and about 70 firefighters

A n e i g h b o u r , D a v e , described being woken by the sound of fire engines and w i t n e s s i n

r 70s was hospit alized but ha s sin ce be en r ele ased , while a 13-y ear -old gir l rema ins crit ica lly ill in hospita l A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene but has since been released on bail and then detained under the Mental Health Act Flowers have been left at the site of the fire on Tillett

a m a n b r a v e l y

d L a b i d i , p r a i s e d the family as “ very humble, v e r y g o o d p e o p l e ” H e recounted how his household and neighbours made multiple 999 calls as the fire broke out and described the c o m m u n i t y a s s t r o n g a n d supportive

Harrow and Dulwich among top tax-free profit makers

Elite British p rivate scho ols are using charitable status to avoid tax on m illions earned f ro m o v e rs eas c am p u s es Du lw i ch C o lleg e, Harr ow , an d W ell i ng t o n C o l le g e transfer m illions in annual profits as Gift A id d onations to their U K schools T h i s a r r a n g e m e n t

over

Council (ISC) reported that p

the introduction of VAT as a major factor behind the rise

Prisoners eligible for release after one-third sentence

Pris oners in En gland and Wales, i ncluding some s erious offenders , wi ll become e l i g i b l e f or r e l e a s e a f t er servi ng one-third of their s e n t e n c e u n de r p la n n e d reforms

J u s t i c e S e c r e t a r y

Shabana Mahmood told the C o m m o n s s h e a c c e p t e d m o s t r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s from an independent sentencing review but rejected proposals allowing the earl i e s t r e l e a s e o f t h e m o s t s e r i o u s o f f e n d e r s T h e r e v i e

C h a n c e l l o r D a v i d G a u k e , had suggested some violent and sexual offenders could q u a l i f y f o r e a r l y r e l e a s e , which ministers opposed

M a h m o o d c o n f i r m e d

t h a t t h o s e c o n v i c t e d o f s e r i o u s c r i m e s , i n c l u d i n g t e r r o r o f f e n c e s , w i l l s t i l l

serve at least two-thirds of t h e i r s e n t e n c e s b e f o r e r e l e a s e “ J u d g e s g i v e

e x t e n d e d s e n t e n c e s t o those they consider dangerous, with no Parole Board hearing until two-thirds of time served, and I will not change that,” she said

T h e r e f o r m s a l s o include expanding a pilot scheme offering voluntary c h e m i c a l c a s t r a t i o n t o some sex offenders from a handful of prisons to 20 across England The gove r n m e n t i s e x p l o r i n g whether this could become mandatory nationwide

S h a d o w J u s t i c e S e c r e t a r y R o b e r t J e n r i c k c o n d e m n e d t h e e a r l y release plans as a “get out of jail free card for dangerous c r i m i n a l s , ” a c c u s i n g t h e government of risking public safety Mahmood coun-

tered, highlighting the failure of the previous administration to build enough prison places and warning that rising prisoner numbers are pushing the system to near capacity T h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s committed £4 7 billion for p r i s o n c o n s t r u c t i o n between 2026 and 2031 and aims to start building three new prisons by the end of 2025 The review was commissioned after emergency early releases eased overcrowding, with some prisoners released after serving o n l y 4 0 % o f t h e i r s e nt e n c e s T h e n e w m o d e l , i n s p i r e d b y r e f o r m s i n T e x a s , r e w a r d s g o o d b e h a v i o u r w i t h e a r l y release after a third of the sentence is served; otherwise, prisoners serve half

PRABHU RAM

E X P L O R I N G H I N D U I S M

Buddhism and Jainism through sacred art

Subhasini Naicker

Two Kolkata-origin Bengalis elected together in top Council roles

n ew ex h i b i ti o n , ‘

Th e B ri ti s h M u s eu m ’ s

A nc i e nt

I n di a : L i vi n g

Tradi tio ns ’ , is th e first ever

a British Asian exh ibition, e xp l o r in g th e o ri gi n s o f Hinduism, Buddhism, and

J a in i s m th r o u g h e ar ly

Indi an sacred art, tracing the sh ift from symbolic to hu man fo rms It also sho wcases the evolution of th ese three religions in the lives of p eo ple and significance of the day to day practices associated, as the diaspo ra made Britain th eir h ome

F e a t u r i n g t h e

Museum’s South Asian col-

l e c t i o n a l o n g s i d e l o a n s from global and community partners, it’s the first to present early Indian sacred art from a pluralistic, global perspective

Asian Voice spoke with

S u s h m a J a n s a r i , T a b o r

F o u n d a t i o n C u r a t o r o f

South Asia and Roald Dahl Museum Trustee, and Kajal Meghani, Project Curator

o f A n c i e n t I n d i a : L i v i n g

Traditions

W h a t i n s p i r e d t h e development of this exhib i t i o n a t t h i s p a r t i c u l a r time?

Sushma: All our exhibitions take years to develop due to extensive research and relationship-building

T h i s p r o j e c t , f o c u s e d o n early India, has been in the works for a couple of years I aimed to bring together devotional sculptures from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain

t r a d i t i o n s , h i g h l i g h t i n g their shared roots and the diversity we see in the UK today Many, even within the South Asian diaspora, are unaware of the deep links between these faiths

a n d t h e i r o r i g i n s i n t h e

s u b c o n t i n e n t ’ s N a t u r e Spirits Community collaboration has been key, help-

i n g u s e n g a g e p r a c t i c i n g H i n d u s , J a i n s , a n d Buddhists alike

Kajal: I’d just add that

s i n c e S u s h m a a n d I a r e both from the South Asian diaspora, we wanted the exhibition to reflect some of our own experiences how we connect with faith, h o w r e l i g i o u s i m a g e r y

e v o l v e s a c r o s s d i f f e r e n t spaces and times, and the t r a d i t i o n s p a s s e d d o w n through older generations

It was important to us that t h e e x h i b i t i o n c a p t u r e d that personal and diasporic dimension as well How does the exhibition challenge or reframe conventional narratives about Indian sacred art and religious imagery?

Sush ma: We’ve avoided p i g e o n h o l i n g t r a d i t i o n s , focusing instead on their shared roots while respecting their differences This h i g h l i g h t s c o m m o n a l i t i e s a n d h e l p s d i s p e l s t e r e otypes, like misconceptions about Hindu gods’ multi-

p l e a r m s o r s y m b o l i c

B u d d h a d e p i c t i o n s B y t r a c i

ancient nature spirits, we show continuity of belief

The exhibition bridges past and present with films of c o n t e m p o r a r y H i n d u , Buddhist, and Jain worship i n t h e U K , e n d i n g w i t h three devotional sculptures loaned by community partners It’s about living faiths as much as ancient art The s e c t i o n o n p o w e r f u l w o m e n a n d g o d d e s s e s ’ challenges stereotypes, like t h e A s h m o l e a n p l a q u e s h o w i n g a j e w e l - d r a p e d but fierce warrior spirit, or the snake goddess who is both nurturing and deadly

T h e s e f i g u r e s e m b o d y strength and duality

K aj a l: T h e e x h i b i t i o n explores how the ancient lives on in our daily experiences Through sculptures, labels, and interpretation, w e ’ r e h e l p i n g a u d i e n c e s peel back layers of meaning, some images are truly unexpected, like the Yakshi with weapons in her hair, s y m b o l i s i n g p o w e r a n d complexity It’s a thread of female strength that runs through history, and we ’ ve aimed to reflect that These figures speak to the multifaceted nature of women, showing how divine repres e n t a t i o n s c a n e m b o d y that richness too For many years, ancient Indian art has been seen through a Western academic lens. How does ancient India, living tradition shift that narrative and perhaps reclaim it?

Sushm a: This exhibi-

t i o n s h i f t s p e r s p e c t i v e b e c a u s e w e a r e S o u t h

A s i a n s a n d p r a c t i c i n g Hindus, approaching these objects not just as art historians but as historians and community members While these pieces can be seen as art, for nearly two billion people, they repres e n t l i v i n g g o d s a n d e n l i g h t e n e d t e a c h e r s , d

respect We’ve collaborated closely with community partners and museum staff t o h o n o u

t h i s u s i n g vegan conservation mater i a l s , r e m o v i n g s h o e s w h

n h a n d l i n g s a c r e d objects, and choosing ethic a l , n o n - a n i m a l - d e r i v e d paints and display materi-

a l s E v e n t h e g i f t s h o p reflects this care, offering o n l y a f e w r e s p e c t f u l p r i n t s a n d p

Tw o Beng ali C ouncillors in L o n d o n, o ri g i nal ly f ro m Kolkata, India for th e first ti m e h a v e b een e le ct ed together in top civ ic roles as C hair and V ice Ch air of a C ouncil in L ond on Dr Rohit Dasgupta and Imam Haque were officially elected in their positions as Civic Leads at the Newham C o u n c i l o n T h

Council Meeting

, a s

agreed with our community panel This is more than an exhibition; it’s an inclusive, collaborative practice

r e d e f i n i n g c u r a t i o n a n d conservation

Kaj al: The way we ’ ve approached this exhibition has been guided by core principles that shaped how we display and interpret the material A key part of t h a t w a s v i s i t i n g S o u t h Asian places of worship like the Ashwal Centre in Potinha and the Neasden

T

designers with us Seeing how these sacred images are presented and engaged w

p

y influenced the exhibition design It helped build cult u r a

y shifted everyone ’ s perspective on how to approach the material with greater sensitivity and authenticity

In what ways do you hope ‘Ancient India: Living Traditions’ will change public perceptions of South Asian religions and culture? S

i t h l o c a l temples in the UK reflecting this shared heritage While different gods and

t e a c h e r s a r e v e n e r a t e d , universal values like inner peace and kindness connect them all Our community partners are eager t o b r i n g f a m i l i e s t o t h e exhibition because, while many know their faith and r i t u a l s , t h e y o f t e n d o n ’ t understand the origins of the devotional art, symbolism, or gestures The exhibition is designed for all g e n e r a t i o n s t o e x p l o r e together, with accessible labels and engaging displays We encourage visitors to talk, share experiences, and learn from one

a n o t h e r r a t h e r t h a n remain silent

K a j a l : I h o p e p e o p l e connect with the images and understand their sign i f i c a n c e , t a k i n g s o m et h i n g m e a n i n g f u l a w a y from the exhibition In UK culture, these images and p l a c e s o f w o r s h i p a r e deeply embedded, and fost e r i n g a m o r e c o h e s i v e society through such exhib i t i o n s i s a w o n d e r f u l

o f faith or belief, I hope visitors can relate to the art

Dr Rohit Dasgupta is an A s s o c i a t e P r o f e s s o r o f

Gender and Sexuality at the L

Science and a British Labour party politician

In 2018 he was elected as a Councillor in Newham He was re-elected for the same w

stood in the Parliamentary e

Hampshire for the Labour

Party in 2017, coming second with an increase of 7% vote share Dasgupta is also

National Policy Forum and i

Policy Commission Imam Haque, who came to Britain to study in 2005, is the Founder of the Kolkata

Miss England exits pageant amid alleged harassment row

T h e M i s s Wo rl d Or g ani sa tio n h as rel eas ed u ne d i ted fo o ta g e o f M i ss E ng lan d , M i ll a M ag e e, i n response to UK m ed ia alleg ati o ns ab ou t h e r exp e rien c e i n I nd i a d u ri ng t h e o ngo ing M i ss World 20 2 5 pageant in Telang ana M a g e e , w h o r e c e n t l y withdrew from the competition, cited personal and ethi c a l c o n c e r n s , s a y i n g t h e event did not align with her values of “beauty with a purp o s e ” S p e a k i n g t o * T h e Sun*, she said the tipping

p o i n t c a m e w h e n c o n t e stants were allegedly asked to socialise with middle-aged m e n i n r e t u r n f o r t h e i r f i n a n c i a l s u p p o r t o f t h e event

Julia Morley, chair and C E O o f t h e M i s s W o r l d Organisation, dismissed the a l l e g a t i o n s a s “ c o m p l e t e l y unfounded ” The organisat i o n c l a r i f i e d t h a t M i l l a

M a g e e i n i t i a l l y l e f t t h e p a g e a n t d u e t o a f a m i l y e m e r g e n c y i n v o l v i n g h e r mother’s health

“Julia Morley responded

with compassion and immed i a t e l y a r r a n g e d M i l l a ’ s return to England, prioritisi n g h e r w e l l - b e i n g , ” t h e statement said

Rice tycoon fights £1.3m rent claim

A rice tyco on h as to ld th e High Cou rt he canno t p ay £1 3 m i ll i o n i n re nt an d interest to Angelika Khan, wife o f Russian bi llionaire

G er ma n K h a n , a s s h e i s u nder UK sancti ons , ‘T h e Daily Mail’ rep orted

K a r a n C h a n a n a b e g a n renting a Belgravia property from Mrs Khan in January 2022 for £37,700 a month

P

Savills But after she was s

Mr Chanana made one p a y m e

tions, but Savills declined further funds He has since paid his solicitors, who are holding the money pending

approval from UK authorities Mrs Khan said the paym e n t s c o u

d

i n t o a frozen account without special permission A court ruli n g i

u n e 3 Sanctioned in April 2022, a month after her husband, she argued she has no politi c a l t i

n f l u e n c e i n Russia

Man jailed for enslaving and abusing women

Muhammad A rshad , 47, of Hig h Wycombe, wa s ja iled for 27 yea rs at A yles bury C rown Court f or se xually a b us in g tw o w ome n an d en slav ing one

H e w a s c o n v i c t e d o f modern slavery and sexual assault after an eight-day trial last year

Det Con Emily Sendall

o f T h a m e s V a l l e y P o l i c e described Arshad’s crimes a s t r u l y h o r r e n d o u s

Between January 2018 and July 2024, he subjected two women to sexual abuse and held one in servitude, rapi n g a n d a

“Muhammad Arshad was a well-respected community member until his offending was revealed,” she added Arshad was convicted of one count of modern s

assault, and one of threat-

H

two rape charges, two

Sendall praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward “I want to thank the victims for their incredible courage and for providing vital evidence,” she said “If you are a victim of a

information, please contact the police We have specially trained officers ready to listen and support you ” Muhammad Arshad

Sushma Jansari Kajal Meghani

Rohit Dasgupta and Imam Haque

Milla Magee

International students typically pay substantially higher fees than domestic students, often two to three times more For instance, while domestic tuition fees have been capped at £9,250

s t u d e n t s m a y p

£30,000 annually, depending on the course and institution This disparity has led to international fees constituting a significant portion o f u n i v e

Approximately 72% of institutions anticipate running a financial deficit, with nearly one in four already implementing job cuts or program cancellations

The Trump administra-

revoke Harvard University’s certification to enrol intern

sparked outrage across the

-

f o u n d c o n s e q u e n c e s f o r American higher education,

g l o b a l r e s e a r c h c o l l a b o r at i o n , a n d t h e c o u n t r y ’ s international reputation

The move, widely seen as part of a broader political campaign against elite institutions, has prompted laws u i t s , i n t e r n a t i o n a l b a c klash, and concern from fac-

u l t y , s t u d e n t s , a n d g l o b a l education leaders Harv ard

S o u t h A s i an A s s o ci at i o n condemned the Department

o f H o m e l a n d S e c u r i t y ’ s

d e c i s i o n a n d e x p r e s s e d unwavering support for the international community in

a s t a t e m e n t s h a r e d w i t h Asian Voice

“International students bring integral and immeasurable value to both SAA and the entire Harvard community”, the statement read

“ O u r m e m b e r s c o m e

f r o m n a t i o n s a c r o s s t h e entire South Asian diaspora, and we strive to affirm their belonging and importance on campus If this decision

b y t h e c u r r e n t f e d e r a l administration is actualised, Harvard will lose some of its greatest minds and kindest

International students under siege

souls, and SAA will irrevocably lose its community

“ W e c a l l o n H a r v a r d ’ s administration, faculty, and students to maintain steadfast support for its international student body in these turbulent times To all intern a t i o n a l s t u d e n t s : y o u belong at Harvard, and we will stand for you ” , it further stated

H a r v a r d h a s a l r e a d y filed a legal challenge, and a federal judge has temporarily halted the enforcement of the ban while the case proceeds but the whole situation has foreshadowed the sign of a grim future

Factors d riv ing the worrying trend

For different countries, the reason behind introducing foreign intake cap is different Factors like exploitation of visa schemes, housi n g p r e s s u r e s , w o r k f o r c e demands, etc

Prof P arv ati Rag hu ram from The Open University’ s Ge o g rap h y D ep ar tm e nt highlights that it is a global s u r g e i n a n t i - i m m i g r a t i o n sentiment that is contributing to restrictive visa policies “Students are counted as part of migration streams even though 97% of them return to their home country This has led to a series of v i s a r e s t r i c t i o n s i n m a n y countries,” she explained

She notes that the growi n g i n f l u e n c e o f p o p u l i s t parties is also shifting government stances on migrat i o n F o r e x a m p l e , t h e Reform Party’s strong performance in the 2025 local elections was followed by a s e r i e s o f p r o p o s e d p o l i c y c h a n g e s t a r g e t i n g m i g r ation

She also highlighted that

the motivations and forms of restrictions vary widely b e t w e e n c o u n t r i e s S h e explains this stating, “For instance, in Canada the reas o n f o r d r o p i n s t u d e n t migration is because of the crackdown on universities

a n d c

b e h a v i o u r w a s u n c o v e r e d there In the US, the current government aims to break down elitism in the HE sector It has also targeted institutions that are outspoken on the Palestine-Israel issue, and universities are often sites of anti-war sentiment “Australia has instituted a set of policies to reduce the number of international students it takes into vocational courses and this has d

Finally, the US, for instance, h

countries such as Nigeria ” What becomes o f the UK as a d estination for h igher ed ucation?

D i s c u s s i n g w

e foresees for higher education, Prof Raghuram said, “Higher education institutions thrive on mobility of i

tions through their international reach, i e , by becoming desirable study places This reputation is at risk M

l y , u n iversities are funded through a mixture of student fees

a n d g o v e r n m e n t s u b s i d y Student fees in the UK have remained static since 2017 and have not kept pace with i n f l a t i o n T

deficit in university funding

r s i t i e s have covered through international student fees, which

are typically three times the v a l u e o f d o m e s t i c f e e s Universities are therefore at the risk of collapse; the UCU has just declared that they will strike over this ” An and Menon, Dire ctor at UK in a Changing Eur ope mirrors the same sentiment e x p r e s s i n g t h a t t h e p o i n t isn’t so much about the UK's position and reputation on the global stage “The aspect t o c o n s i d e r i s t h a t i t w i l l absolutely shake the finances of UK universities, because they are heavily dependent o n i n t e r n a t i o n a l s t u d e n t s paying higher fees to study here If we have fewer foreign students, it becomes far, far harder to fund our universities of course

“ W h a t ’ s i n t e r e s t i n g i s that even in other countries, there’s now pushback In the N e t h e r l a n d s , f o r i n s t a n c e , some supporters of populist right-wing parties are arguing against having so many f o r e i g n s t u d e n t s p a r t i c ul a r l y b e c a u s e , t h e y c l a i m , these students show up not s p e a k i n g D u t c h a n d o n l y speak English

“That’s a major point of c o n t e n t i o n T h e a r g u m e n t from the populists is that these foreign students don t c u l t u r a l l y i n t e g r a t e T h a t ’ s their concern

“But the reality is that these students do pay, they contribute to the economy, and they often stay and get jobs Their economic contribution is positive It’s just that there's a kind of cultural a r g u m e n t b e i n g m a d e against them ”

L ight at the end o f th e tunnel?

W h i l e 6 , 8 0 0 i n t e r n ational students at Harvard

U n i v e r s i t y a r e d i r e c t l y

a f f e c t e d b y t h e T r u m p

a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ' s r e c e n t move, in a remarkable show of global solidarity, international universities are stepp i n g f o r w a r d t o s u p p o r t displaced students

Germany has offered to host an “exile campus ” for H a r v a r d s t u d e n t s b a r r e d from studying in the US, u n d e r l i n i n g i t s c o m m i tment to academic freedom a n d g l o b a l c o o p e r a t i o n Meanwhile, universities in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong University of S c i e n c e a n d T e c h n o l o g y a n d C i t y U n i v e r s i t y o f

H o n g K o n g , a r e o f f e r i n g fast-track admissions and a c a d e m i c s u p p o r t f o r affected students, particularly those from Asia

In the UK as well, Prof Raghuram feels that all is not lost She recommends removing students from the international immigration figures to governments and institutions seeking to balance immigration control with sustaining their international education sectors “Most of them are temporary and will move on and should therefore be considered such”, she said S h e f u r t h e r a d d e d , “Secondly, if students are p a y i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l s t udent fees, they should be given good support If we use the analogy of the aviat i o n i n d u s t r y , a b u s i n e s s

class passenger who pays three times that of an econo m y c l a s s o n e , i s g i v e n rights and privileges Why is this not applied to international students? This will help universities to recover from the bad press that they are receiving in the countries from which migrants arrive ” T h e N a t i o n a l I n d i a n S t

Union UK, along with Lord Karan Bilimoria, hosted a d

h e Parliament and were joined by institutions from across the UK to share insights, c h a

across the education sector

The event convened leaders from across the higher education sector, government, Parliament, and some of the greatest minds in education to have a real, honest, and forward-looking conversa-

higher education, and the deepening ties between the UK and India

Educator John Hattie in his book ‘Visible Learning for Teachers’ famously said, “It is incumbent therefore upon schools to attend to

ensure that the class makes newcomers welcomed, and, at minimum, to ensure that all students have a sense of belonging ” C l e a r l y , t h e w o r l d i s currently failing the education sector and the sense of belonging must return, it’s i m p e r a t i v e a n d m o r e importantly, not too late

Indian students face declining opportunities abroad

In 2024, the number of Indian students studying overseas declined by approximately 15% compared to the previous year, dropping from 892,989 in 2023 to 759,064 in 2024

Canada, a traditionally popular destination for Indian students, saw a notable decrease in study permits issued to Indian nationals In the first quarter of 2025, only 30,650 permits were granted, marking a 31% drop from 44,295 in the same period the previous year

Similarly, the United Kingdom experienced a decline in international student numbers In 2024, net migration fell sharply to 431,000, nearly half of the previous year's total, with a significant decrease in student arrivals

Conversely, countries like Germany and New Zealand have become increasingly attractive to Indian students German student numbers rose by 68% from 2022 to 2024, while New Zealand saw a remarkable 354% increase in the same period

The US embassy has issued warnings stating that students who skip classes or drop out without proper notification risk having their visas revoked, reflecting a sentiment of tension Additionally, approximately 788 Indian students at Harvard University were impacted by the revocation of the institution's authorisation to enrol international students

Streeting urges doctors to vote no to strike

H ea lth Secre tar y We s S tre eting ha s calle d on r esid ent d octors in E ng land to reject str ike a ctio n as vo ting be gins t his we ek on a f resh industrial dispute

Speaking to the BBC, Streeting urged the group to “work with the government” and warned that further strikes would derail ongoing progress in the NHS “It’s in no one ’ s interests for strikes to happen,” he said “Not for doctors, not for patients, and certainly not for the NHS ” Resident doctors were awarded a 5 4% average pay rise this year, the highest among NHS staff,

following last year ’ s deal that saw pay increase by 22% over two years

According to the government, starting salaries for new doctors have risen by £9,500 since

2021 to around £38,800

Despite this, the British Medical Association (BMA) insists pay remains nearly 20% below 2008 levels in real terms The union is urging members to vote yes to industrial action, with strikes likely if no resolution is reached The ballot will run until 7 July

BMA resident doctors’ committee co-chairs Dr Melissa Ryan and Dr Ross Nieuwoudt said: “This can’t wait for better fiscal conditions or a healthier NHS It has to be fixed now ” Streeting, who ended the previous round of strikes upon taking office, said he remains

open to dialogue but stressed there is no more money available beyond the latest award

Meanwhile, consultants are reportedly preparing to enter a formal dispute process over their 4% rise, the first step toward their own industrial action Other NHS staff including nurses, midwives and physiotherapists have received a 3 6% increase, prompting the Royal College of Nursing to label the disparity “grotesque ” In contrast, Scotland has avoided strike action after agreeing an 8% twoyear deal with most health unions

Over 1,500 NHS executives earn six-figure salaries

above £100,00 0 in 2023–24, in

Alliance Across 224 NHS trusts,

When total remuneration, including bonuses, pensions, and benefits, is considered, the number rises to

Despite a 24 5% rise in

2023, 45% of A&E patients w a i t e d m o r e t h a n f o u r h o u r s , c o m p a r e d t o 8 % when the four-hour target was introduced in 2010 H e a l t h S e c r e t a r y W

rules,

Prof Anand Menon Prof Parvati Raghuram

Wes Streeting

UK court denies Nirav Modi bail over access to "untraceable" money

T he U K court refused to grant bail to Nirav M odi, saying that if h e were released, he mig ht get access to Rs 5,0 00 crore that is still missing

This missing money is part of the total Rs 6,500 crore fraud, after accounting for the money that has already been frozen, recovered, or seized worldwide The judge also mentioned a company called Diamond Holdings Ltd, based in the UK It was started by Raj Patel, a semi-retired accountant, who made Nirav Modi the CEO and gave him a monthly salary of £20,000 (about Rs 23 lakh) while Nirav was being investigated in India

Nirav Modi fled to London in February 2018, and his Indian passport was canceled on February 16 that year Patel was the only director and owner of the company and said he knew about the criminal investigation The court noted that Patel offered large amounts of money as security when asking for bail on behalf of the company The judge said Patel claimed these amounts could keep the company financially safe

The judge also mentioned that the diamond business is very profitable Because of these reasons and others, the court denied Nirav Modi’s bail on May 15, even though he has been in jail for over six years

So far, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has found or seized assets worth Rs 2,596 crore (about 40% of the total fraud) in India and abroad They are investigating Nirav Modi for cheating Punjab National Bank (PNB) through money laundering The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also looking into how Nirav Modi and some bank officials used fake documents to cheat the bank Nirav Modi has been in custody in the UK since his arrest in London on March 19, 2019 India is asking for his extradition to face trial for the PNB fraud and money laundering cases

The court said Nirav Modi was the main person behind the PNB fraud, where he got fake bank documents that allowed him to withdraw over 1 billion US dollars from foreign banks illegally

UK retail sales surge past expectations

British shop pers were deliv ered a m uch-needed boost to the h ig h street last month, with retail sales rising 1 2% in A pril, far exceed ing economists’ forecasts of a 0 2% increase

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) mark the strongest monthly growth in retail sales since July 2022 April’s performance also outpaced the modest 0 1% gain recorded in March, which was revised down from an initial 0 4% estimate

Retail sales volumes have now grown for four consecutive months, rising 1 8% over the three months to April the strongest quarterly growth in nearly four years and climbing 5% year-on-year, the biggest annual increase since 2019

The data suggest the UK’s economic momentum from the first quarter is carrying into the second, despite concerns over rising US tariffs and inflation Between January and March, the UK economy grew at its fastest pace in two years, though some economists still expect a slowdown or contraction in Q2

Despite inflation ticking up from 2 6% to 3 5% in April driven by regulated price hikes in energy, water, and vehicle taxes consumers showed resilience Inflation is expected to fall back to the Bank of England’s 2% target by early 2027

Sales were particularly strong in food shops, department

s t o r e s , a n d h o u s e h o l d g o o d s r e t a i l e r s E x c l u d i n g f u e l , monthly retail sales were up 1 3% Warmer-than-average weather and a late Easter also contributed to the spending surge, with notable increases at butchers, bakeries, and alcohol and tobacco stores

In contrast, online sales dipped by 0 3% after two months of growth Looking ahead, economists anticipate retail strength to continue into May, supported by improving consumer confidence

Expert panel begins work on UK-India FTA

The U K’s newly convened Board of Trade comprising business leaders and trade experts h eld i ts i naug u ral meeting aiming to d rive targeted suppo rt for small businesses and help them cap italise o n export op portunities created by recent Free Trad e A gree me nts ( F TA s ), p

pact with India

Reynolds, who chaired the first meeting, described the UK-India deal as “the best

signed” one that will sig-

reduce trade barriers, and enhance two-way trade

“This Board isn’t just a talking shop,” said Reynolds “ I

’

force that will help businesses of all sizes unlock the full potential of our global trade agreements The UK-India

FTA sets a new benchmark, and our US agreement is

guarding jobs in our steel and automotive industries

D

Business and Trade (DBT) said the India deal will be a major boost for UK exports of whisky, gin, cosmetics, medical devices, advanced machinery, and lamb, with t h

e bilateral trade by £25 5 bil-

lion annually in the long term

Streamlined customs processes and a push for digital trade will make it e

small and medium-sized e

access the Indian market The FTA is projected to add £4 8 billion annually to the UK economy by 2040

“The UK-India FTA i

opens up one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets,” said Bill Winters C B E , C

Chartered and Co-Chair of t

U K

Partnership “It’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and stronger economic ties ” K

Executive of the Food and D r i n k F

that the UK exported nearly £300 million in food and

drink to India in 2024 “This deal offers fresh opportunit

and improves supply chain access to key Indian ingredients,” she said The Board of Trade w h

entrepreneur Mike Soutar, B

Kirkby, and Small Business B

Ovens CBE will also support

broader push to grow

SMEs The group is tasked with helping businesses navigate new trade opportunities, including recent break-

and the US

in the UK

small business, ” said Ovens “They are vital to our economy and communities, and it's energising to see trade policy

Ashwin Prasad appointed Tesco UK CEO

Prasa d as its

w UK CEO, succeed ing M att hew Bar nes, wh

ex plor e n ew opport unit ies The appoint ment will ta ke effe ct on Jun e 30, t he company ann ounced

Currently Tesco Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, Prasad has played a pivotal role in shaping the retailer’s product and customer strategy A member of Tesco’s executive team since 2020, h e b r i n g s d e e p r e t a i l a n d commercial expertise to the role, having led the business through major supply chain disruptions and spearheaded its transition to digital marketing

“I take on this role at a time when Tesco has strong momentum, a clear strategy, and a talented team,” said

Prasad “It’s an honour to be a p p o i n t e d U K C E O M y focus will be on continuing t o d e l i v e r a n u n b e a t a b l e shopping experience for our customers I also want to thank Matthew for his support and wish him all the best for the future ” Born in Suva, Fiji, and r a i s e d i n N e w Z e a l a n d , Prasad brings a global outlook to the role He studied at Auckland University and H a r v a r d B u s i n e s s S c h o o l , and began his career with The BOC Group and Mars Inc before joining Tesco in 2010 His rise through the r e t a i l r a n k s h a s c o i n c i d e d with some of the industry’s most turbulent years, from Brexit and the pandemic to i n f l a t i o n a r y p r e s s u r e s challenges he has helped the c o m p a n y n a v i g a t e w i t h

r e s i l i e n c e a n d s t r a t e g i c focus Prasad’s impact at Tesco extends well beyond store operations Under his leade r s h i p , t h e c o m p a n y h a s l a u n c h e d p i o n e e r i n g s u stainability initiatives, includi n g p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h Branston and ABP to develo p l o w - c a r b o n c o n c e p t farms a testament to his forward-thinking approach

O n P r a s a d ’ s a p p o i n tm e n t , T e s c o G r o u p C E O Ken Murphy said, “Ashwin is an outstanding leader with a p r o v e n t r a c k

e c o r d H i s experience in product and c u s t o m e

& Transformation Officer, to

a n Natasha Adams will take up the position, described by Murphy as “ one of our

t e g y m a k e s him the ideal person to lead our UK business Our strategy is about excelling in the b a s i c s w h i l e p u s h i n g f o rward on key growth priorities from digitisation and personalised engagement to platforms like Marketplace and retail media ” Murphy also announced the creation of a new role, C h i e f S t r a t

Steel firm insolvency paused amid buyer interest

Gupta’s Liberty Steel Group, employs 1,450 people across

lawyers for the company said “urgent meetings” had been taking place with a “thirdparty purchaser

Sebastian Prentis granted an eight-week adjournment of

poning the hearing until 16 July to allow time for a possible sale to proceed

decision, Liberty Steel’s chief

transformation officer Jeffrey Kabel described the adjournment as a “positive development,” saying the company w o u l d u s e t h e t

“finalise options, including a sale of the business,” alongside its ongoing debt restructuring efforts

He added that the company would enter “intensive discussions” to pursue an outcome aligned with the “strategic interests” of the business Liberty has been navigating a complex financial restructuring since the 2021 collapse of Greensill Capital, the main

lender to its parent company, GFG Alliance H o w e v e r , p r e s s u r e i s

i p changes Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the steelworkers ’ union Community, said w o r k e

“ r u n o u t

f patience” and called on Mr Gupta to either invest or step aside A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said the government would “closely monitor” the situation but emphasised that commercial decisions remain the responsibility of the company

Bank of England cut rates too soon

The Bank of Eng land may hav e acted p rematurely in red

inflationary pressures, par-

prices, remain persistent P i

voted against a rate cut at the Bank’s latest Monetary

P o l i c y C o m m i t t e e ( M P C ) meeting, diverging from the

majority in an effort to slow the pace of monetary easing He warned that inflation is l i k e l y t o s t a y “ h i g h e r f o r longer,” making it necessary to proceed more cautiously S p e a k i n g a t a n e v e n t hosted by Barclays, Pill said, “My sense is that Bank Rate plateaued at slightly too low a level in 2023, and the MPC started cutting rates slightly too early in 2024 To compensate, my starting point is

that the pace of rate reductions should be slower than t h e 0 2 5 p e r c e n t a g e p o i n t cuts we ’ ve been making each quarter since last August ” He added that the May meeting was the right time to break the established pattern and “skip” a rate cut At its latest meeting on May 8, the majority of the

Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds and Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal

Ashwin Prasad

Sanjeev Gupta

Nirav Modi

RBI to transfer record £27bn as dividend to govt

T h e R BI w i ll tr ans f er a

reco rd £27bn to the go vt as a

Gross FDI increases 14% to $ 81bn in FY25

’ s £ 21bn Th e div idend

d iv id end f o r th e c u rre nt financial year, exceed ing last year

o utflow su rpasses the £26bn the g ovt p rojected to receive

f ro m th e RB I, s tat e- ru n

b an ks , an d fi na nc i al institutio ns p ut tog ether for F Y26 The increase in the contingency buffer reflects a m ore cau tious approach by the central bank amid global

u n ce rta i nty a nd d o m es ti c financial stability concerns

T h e h i g

expected payout will help

b

h analysts expecting the yield

actual profit may have been higher, as the RBI raised its contingency risk buffer to 7 5% from 6 5% a year ago, requiring it to retain

larger s

returns on overseas assets,

operations underpinned the

contributed to the transfer, despite the RBI choosing to hold back a portion of its earnings A

Nayar, chief economist at I

exceeds budget assumptions by around £4 to 5bn, or 11–14 basis points of GDP This offers a cushion for the govt

disinvestment receipts, or to

l spending

Trump threatens 25% tariffs on iPhones made outside US

U S Presid ent Donald Trump threatened a 25% tariff on A p p le p ro d u ct s u nl es s i P h o n es are m ad e i n

A merica, a m ove that will likely im pact th e com pany ’ s p rod uction plans in Ind ia

T rum p also said he wou ld

i m p o s e a 50 % ta x o n a ll im ports from th e European U nio n T h e t h r e a t s , d e l i v e r e d o v e r s o c i a l m e d i a , r e f l e c t

Trump's ability to disrupt the global economy with a burst of typing, as well as the reality that his tariffs

h a v e y e t t o p r o d u c e t h e trade deals he is seeking or t h e r e t u r n o f d o m e s t i c

manufacturing

A p p

Amazon, Walmart and other major US companies in the White House's crosshairs as they try to respond to the uncertainty and inflationary pressures unleashed by his t a r i f f

iPhone’s that will be sold in the US will be manufactured a n d b u i l t i n

Trump wrote

“If that is not the case, a tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the US ”

The statement suggests

Apple itself would bear the p

the cost of the import taxes

Trump’s warning took shape after Apple signaled earlier this month that new tariffs would bring as much as $900 million in higher costs in the current quarter

T o l i m i t t h e i m p a c t o f import levies on goods made in China, Apple had already planned to transfer the bulk o f i t s U S - b o u n d i P h o n e production to facilities in I n d i a - a m o v e t h a t h a d drawn increasing Trump ire

Honda Motorcycle to invest £92mn in Gujarat plant to hike production

H o nd a M ot o rc yc le &

S c o o te r I nd ia P ri v a te

L imited ( HM SI) announced that it w ill invest £ 92mn to e xp an d i ts m an uf ac tu ri ng c ap acity at th e Vi th alap ur p lant in Gujarat by ad ding a fourth p rod uction line T his w il l i nc re as e t h e t w ow heeler plant’s capacity by 6 50 , 0 0 0 u ni ts , tak in g th e total capacity to 26, 10, 000

u n i ts by 2 0 2 7 T h e

e xp a ns i on w i ll m ak e i t Honda’s larg est m oto rcycle assem bly plant globally

The new line will focus

o n m a n u f a c t u r i n g 1 2 5 c c

c l a s s m o t o r c y c l e s a n d i s expected to generate 1,800 new jobs in the region Once

o p e r a t i o n a l , t h e n e w l i n e will help boost HMSI’s total

customers around the world who have higher expectations and trust

business

The Vithalapur facility

capacity of 600,000 units W

u n e 2016, capacity doubled with a second line A third line, commissioned in Jan 2024, p

investment (FDI)

expansion since

The increase in the year

India at $51 5 billion in 2024-

previous year As a result, FDI into India was estimated at $29 5 billion

into the US On net basis, however, FDI declined 97% to $353 million due to large scale repatriation out of the country, driven to an extent by overseas investors such as H y u n d a i c a s h i n g o u t through initial public offers

Latest data released by RBI pegged repatriation and d

After you factor in FDI by India net inflows barely

zone During the last fiscal

invested $17 billion in equity capital overseas, which was 87% higher than the previous year

“FDI inflows into India have shown a healthy trend,

policymaker said Govt has been trying to push FDI

capacity in India to bring joy to its customers With the additional investment in our

19,60,000 units This April, H

n e , crossing 70 mn units since starting operations in 2001

Virginia Tech launches new research center in India V ir gi n ia Te

computation, and materials science Virginia Tech’s Roop Mahajan, a key figure in the project and director of strategic research and innovation for Virginia Tech India, framed the center’s mission as a direct r

18 per cent rise in NRI deposits in Gujarat

G uj a rat w it nes s ed a n increase of 1 8 per cent in NRI d epo sits in 20 24-25, the hig hest g row th registered in five years

According to the latest S t a t e - L e v e l B a n k e r s ’ Committee (SLBC) report, the value of NRI deposits in banks across the state was

£ 1 0 9 1 b n i n M a r c h 2 0 2 5 , c o m p a r e d t o £ 9 2 3 b n i n March 2024

T h e i n c r e a s e w a s a t t r i b u t e d t o t h e a p p r e c i a t i o n o f t h e U S

d o l l a r a g a i n s t t h e I n d i a n rupee, which made foreign c u r r e n c y d e p o s i t s m o r e attractive for NRIs seeking t o m a x i m i s e r e t u r n s o n

r e m i t t a n c e s T h e p r e v i o u s f i n a n c i a l y e a r s a w o n l y a marginal increase of 0 45%

In March 2023, the deposit figure was £9 19bn, which was a 14% increase over the M a r c h 2 0 2 1 f i g u r e o f £8 01bn

Deposits in March 2020 w e r e £ 8 0 1 b n , i n d i c a t i n g almost no change between 2020 and 2021 Data for the f i s c a l y e a r e n d i n g M a r c h 2022 was not made available in the report Bankers say that apart from favourable c u r r e n c y t r e n d s , s e v e r a l other factors contributed to this upward trajectory

Co-operative banks are also seeing an increase in

NRI deposits

Ajay Patel, chairman of t h e G u j a r a t S t a t e C o - o p Bank, said, “Gujarat has a strong diaspora for decades a n d t h e y h a v e k e p t t h e i r connection with the state i n t a c t T h e y h a v e b e e n i n v e s t i n g i n t h e I n d i a n growth story Coop banks, which have permission for NRI deposits, have seen an increase in deposits in the last few years ” “A notable increase in remittances from Gujaratorigin NRIs in the United States, Canada, the United K i n g d o m a n d t h e G u l f countries has led to a rise in NRI deposits

India, US eye interim trade pact before July 8

Ind ia an d the Unite d Sta te s a r e li k e ly t o fi n a li z e a n i n t e r im t r a d e a g r e e m e n t before July 8, as New Delh i pushes for a full e xe mption f r o m t h e a d d i t i o n a l 2 6 % r eciprocal tar iff imposed by Wa shin gton e arlier this yea r, a ccord in g to med ia re ports India is negotiating to shield its sensitive sectorssuch as agriculture and dairy - from the impact of greater market access The official suggested this could involve i n t r o d u c i n g q u o t a s o r s e t t i n g m i n i m u m i m p o r t prices to protect domestic

producers

While the rollback of the baseline tariffs requires US Congressional approval, the a d m

additional reciprocal tariffs f o r s e v e r a l c o u n t r i e s , including India

The US had announced t h e 2 6 %

implementation for 90 days Meanwhile, the original 10%

exports remains in effect

Both nations have also

agreed to wrap up the first

agreement by September or October this year The longterm goal is to

than

volumes to $500 billion by 2030

Despite ongoing hurdles - particularly India’s strict

the

discussions, it is reported

Zydus Lifesciences net rises 17% in FY25

India to make strong case to put Pak on FATF ‘grey list’

NE W DE LH I: India will make a strong case to pu t Pakistan back

o n th e Fi nanc ial Action Task

F orce ‘ grey list’ at its next meet-

i n g i n J u ne an d h i gh li gh t I slama bad’s f ailu re to co mpl y w i th a nt

g and terro r financing rules Indi a will also opp ose a World Bank f u n di n g p

whi ch i s also sch edu led for discu ssion in J une, a sou rce said, a dd i ng I s l am ab ad h ad u s e d fu nds from multilateral agenci es to buy arms

The source said India will present a dossier to the watchdog detailing how Pakistan had failed to comply with the rules Against the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and P a k i s t a n p o s t t h e P a h a l g

N

e against Pakistan, which it has

accused of backing terrorists

After Pakistan was placed in the FATF ‘ grey list’ in 2018, it h a d p r o m i s e d t

action plan to curb money laundering and terror financing It had also talked about enacting a law, which it has failed to do so

I n O c t 2 0 2 2 , F A T F

d announced that Pakistan had been removed from its ‘ grey list’ as it had largely completed its action plans Removal from the ‘ grey list’

greater access to foreign

FATF places a jurisdic-

monitoring, it means the country has committed

h e identified strategic defi-

timeframes and is sub-

and this is referred to as the ‘ grey list’

The World Bank is expected to review a $20 billion funding for Pakistan under the 10-year country partnership framework that was announced in Jan this year

had strongly objected to IMF, which approved a $2 3 billion l

extended fund facility lending programme ($1 billion) and a

fresh resilience and sustainability facility lending plan of $1 3 billion IMF defends bailout package T

defended the bailout package to Pakistan, saying the debt-ridden country "met all the required targets" to receive the latest loan instalment The IMF released the funding when Pakistan was busy with arbitrary firing on India after the Indian military launched Operation Sindoor

comes days after India asked it

bailout to Pakistan as

attacks against Indian citizens Defence Minister Rajnath Singh last week said that the aid to Pakistan is a "form of indirect funding to terror "

Unease grips Bangladesh amid protests over Yunus govt policies

D H A K A : A s e n s e of un e as e i n t e ns i f i e d i n B a ng l ad e s h overni ght amid protests i n the c i vi l ad m i n i s tr a ti o n

n d t he b usiness sector over the policies of the interim government led b y Muhammad Y unus

T h e m a s s c i r c u l a t i o n

Prothom Alo newspaper carried a report headlined "protests in t h e s e c r e t a r i a t , N B R t u r n e d d y s f u n c t i o n a l , N a g a r B h a n under lock and key", referring to an ongoing demonstration of government employees against a proposed law involving gov-

e r n m e n t e m p l o y e e s s e r v i c e , p r o t

f t h e national revenue board and the employees of Dhaka South City Corporation

A prominent business comm u n i t y l e a d e r , S h o w k a t A z i

Russell, meanwhile, said businessmen in the country were being killed just like the intellectuals in the 1971 Liberation War He warned of famine-like

become jobless " W e d o n ' t k n o w h

w w

will pay bonuses and salaries to workers ahead of Eid-ul-Adha," said Russell, who is the presid e n t o f B a n

Mills Association (BTMA), at

4 kids among 6 killed in Balochistan school bus attack

ISL AMA B AD : At le ast six peopl e, i n cl ud in g fo ur c hi l d r e n , w e r e k il le d and dozens injured when a suicide car bomb t or e through a school bus in Khuzdar distr ict of Pa kist an ’ s re st iv e southweste rn B alochistan province

T h e e x p l o s i o n o c c u r r e d when the bus carrying nearly 40 s t u d e n t s t o a n A r m y P u b l i c School was rammed by an explos i v e s - l a d e n v e h i c l e F o u r c h i ldren, the bus driver’s assistant and another person died, while 3 8 o t h e r s w e r e i n j u r e d , s o m e c r i t i c a l l y T h e w o u n d e d w e r e rushed to different hospitals for treatment

P a k i s t a n i m i l i t a r y ’ s I n t e rServices Public Relations (ISPR), attributed the attack to “Indian proxies”, claiming it was a desperate attempt to “spread terror

a n d u n r e s t ” a f t e r P a k i s t a n ’ s alleged battlefield successes

P a k i s t a n i n t e r i o r m i n i s t e r

Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack as “sheer barbarism,” vowing that perpetrators, whom he called “beasts targetting innocent children”, would face just i c e N o g r o u p h a s c l a i m e d

r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r t h e a t t a c k , though suspicion has fallen on t h e s e p a r a t i s t B a l o c h i s t a n

Liberation Army India slams Pak Hitting back at Islamabad, N e w D e l h i s a i d , “ I n o r d e r t o divert attention from its reputation as the global epicenter of terrorism and to hide its own gross failings, it has become second nature for Pakistan to blame India for all its internal issues This attempt to hoodwink the world is doomed to fail

joint press conference of business chambers

(Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 The protesters have been demanding its withdrawal, calling it a black law that makes it easy for authorities to take punitive actions and terminate government employees National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials also abstained from work for the second cons e c

ordinance and announced

Monday

There have been reports of

over the possible timeline for holding the parliamentary elections and other policy issues related to Bangladesh’s security affairs, particularly involving a proposed humanitarian corrid

Myanmar's rebel-held Rakhine state Army chief General WakerUz-Zaman, along with the Navy and Air Force chiefs, met Yunus last week and reportedly reiterated their call for election by December this year to allow an

corridor issue

Indian origin police officer charged for forging statements

S

S i n g ap o re p ol i c e o f f i c er was charged wi th forgi ng police statements an d documen ts related to cases he had inv esti gated between 20 21 and 2023

Nepal PM asks his supporters to foil monarchists campaign

S Vikneshvaran Subramaniam, 35, was handed nine charges of forgery, reported Channel News Asia The charges relate to five criminal cases which were ongoi n g a n d t w o c o n c l u d e d c a s e s which did not result in prosecution, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a media release “ I t w a s d i s c o v e r e d t h a t Vikneshvaran had allegedly forged nine documents comprising seven p o l i c e s t a t e m e n t s a n d t w o a c k n o w l e d g e m e n t s l i p s a c r o s s seven cases, ” SPF said According to the chargesheets, in the five ongoing criminal cases at the time, Vikneshvaran allegedly forged the signatures of individuals he interviewed to give the impression that he recorded their s t a t e m

KA T HMA N DU : Ne pal Prime Minister K P Sha rma Oli ha s said t hat t he rulin g CPN-UML would re main at t he front to foil all k inds of r egr essive activitie s a nd pr ot ect citizen’ s r ig hts and sove re ig nty of the coun try Oli, who is also the chairman of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), made the remarks while inaugurating the 10th national general convention of the National Youth Association, the youth wing of the party He urged people not to dream of reinstatement of monarchy, the system that the Nepali people have already abolished Referring to former chancellor of Nepal Academy Jagman Gurung that he spread a "baseless rumour" that former king Gyanendra Shah’s birth chart showed he would return to power, Oli said, “It is useless to dwell on former king’s horoscope, but the fate of citizens The astrologers can observe my birth chart The royal crown cannot be imagined any more in Nepal ” He called on the pro-monarchists “not to dream when we, the people fighting against monarchy, are still alive ” Oli made the remarks in the wake of fresh call of series of agitations by pro-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party starting from May 29 with the twin aims of reinstating monarchy and to establish a Hindu nation in the country

in brief

INDIAN MAN STABS FELLOW INDIAN TO DEATH

A 31-year-old Deepak Kandel stabbed to death fellow Indian Akshay Gupta at a metro bus in Texas as he resembled his uncle Surveillance footage shows Gupta sitting calmly before Kandel suddenly pulled out a “butcher-style knife” and stabbed him in the neck without warning After the bus came to a stop, Kandel walked off Austin police officers located and apprehended him shortly afterward During questioning, Kandel reportedly confessed to the attack and cited his disturbing motive once again Kandel has an extensive arrest history, including serious charges that were previously dismissed

INDIAN PLEADS GUILTY TO VISA SCAM ACROSS US

An Indian national living in New York has pleaded guilty in federal court for his role in a conspiracy that involved staging armed robberies to help individuals fraudulently obtain US visas Rambhai Patel 37 originally from India admitted to conspiracy to commit visa fraud during a hearing before US District Court Judge Myong J Joun Sentencing is scheduled for August 20 2025 Patel was indicted in December 2023 along with a coconspirator, who is scheduled to plead guilty Federal prosecutors allege that Patel orchestrated at least nine staged armed robberies across the United States

ERDOGAN, SHARIF DISCUSS BOOSTING COOPERATION

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul and said the two countries would strive to boost cooperation, particularly in defence energy and transportation, Erdogan s office said Turkiye has strong ties with Pakistan, both being largely Muslim countries and sharing historical links, and expressed solidarity with it during its recent clashes with India Erdogan’s office said he told Sharif it was in the interest of Turkiye and Pakistan to increase solidarity in education intelligence sharing and technological support in the fight against terrorism

‘CRITICALLY HURT’ COFOUNDER OF LET LANDS IN HOSPITAL

Mystery shrouds the sudden hospitalization of Lashkar-e-Taiba co-founder Amir Hamza

According to reports, the 66-year-old editor of Lashkar s magazines was critically injured at his house and had to be admitted at a military hospital in Lahore under ISI s security cover The incident comes three days after Abu Saifullah, a high-ranking Lashkar operative and key recruiter, was gunned down by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan Hamza, who belongs to Gujranwala city in Pakistan’s Punjab province, was declared a global terrorist by the US in Aug 2012 The top LeT ideologue was referred to as Afghan Mujahideen’ and was close to Hafiz Saeed and Abdul Rehman Makki both UN-designated terrorists belonging to Lashkar, who had appointed him on the jihadi outfit’s central committee

r

n p

h a d them signed The police said the alleged forgery came to light after V i k n

n w

p

“ e n h a n c e d s u p e r v i s i o n ” i n October 2022 due to his work performance A supervisory check of his work was conducted in January 2023, and irregularities relating to case exhibits and document mana g e m e n t w e

than the seven cases, no other wrongdoings were uncovered, said the police Vikneshvaran has been suspended from duty He has indicated that he will plead guilty, and the case was adjourned for the parties to make representations He will return to court on June 18, according to the Channel report

BANGLADESH FOREIGN SECY QUITS OVER RIFT WITH YUNUS

Bangladesh foreign secretary Jashim Uddin has stepped down, less than eight months after his appointment owing to alleged “differences” and “not being in sync” with chief adviser Muhammad Yunus and foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain Ambassador to the US, Asad Alam Siam, is likely to be the next foreign secretary Md Ruhul Alam Siddique, for now, will carry out routine work of the foreign secretary Jashim Uddin had reportedly opposed the initiative of a ‘humanitarian corridor’ for Rohingya refugees, being pushed by Yunus and NSA Khalilur Rahman and endorsed by UN

INDIAN ORIGIN PROF TO LEAD TOP TEXAS SCIENCE ACADEMY

Indian origin professor Ganesh Thakur has been named president of the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (TAMEST), becoming the first University of Houston (UH) faculty member to hold the position Thakur, a professor of petroleum engineering at UH's Cullen College of Engineering, began his term in February, the university said in a release He aims to raise the visibility of UH s research and promote collaboration across top institutions in Texas TAMEST brings together top minds from UH UT Austin Texas A&M and others to tackle real-world challenges Thakur said TAMEST includes 350 members of the US National Academies and eight Nobel laureates Its next annual conference focused on climate change, will be held in San Antonio in February 2026 Thakur's term runs through 2027, during which he plans to position Houston as a national hub for science and innovation

STARLINK LAUNCHES SERVICE IN BANGLADESH

Elon Musk s satellite internet service Starlink launched in Bangladesh last week Interim ruler Muhammad Yunus said the deal provided a service that could not be disrupted by any future political upheaval Monthly packages start at 4,200 taka ($35) for the service now available nationwide said Yunus aide Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, with a onetime payment of 47 000 taka required for setup equipment

“This has created a sustainable alternative for premium customers to get high-quality and high-speed internet services ” Taiyeb added

2 ISRAELI EMBASSY STAFFERS SHOT DEAD IN WASHINGTON

Two Israeli embassy staffers were shot dead by a gunman in Washington DC outside the Capital Jewish Museum The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, chanted “Free Palestine” after he was taken into custody The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, a young couple about to get engaged, were committed to building bridges between Arabs and Jews in hopes of ending bloodshed in West Asia, according to advocacy groups they belonged to Israeli embassies around the world immediately stepped up security

QATAR ON AIRCRAFT OFFER TO TRUMP

Qatar dismissed concerns about its offer to give US President Trump a Boeing plane saying it was not trying to buy influence, a day after a bill was introduced in senate to prevent a foreign aircraft operating as Air Force One Qatar’s PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the offer was a normal thing that happens between allies He said he did not know why people considered the gift as bribery, or a way for Qatar to buy influence with the Trump administration

PAK STUDENT LEARNS TO MAKE BOMBS, JAILED

An anti-terrorism court has handed down a two-and-a-half year jail term to a university student for learning to make bombs on social media networking sites, an officer said Lahore’s ATC judge Manzer Ali Gill also imposed a fine of PKR 50,000 on Hannan Abdullah a human resource studies student of University of Narowal in Punjab, who was arrested by federal investigation agency in 2022 on the charge of seeking information about making bombs at a social media networking site in Iraq Abdullah, who was on bail since 2023, told the court, he used to seek bomb making information out of curiosity

Indian American arrested for plotting to kill his wife

IN DIA N A: Darshan R Soni, an In d i an A m e ri ca n, h as be en arr es te d an d c h arg ed w i th attempted m urd er and consp iracy to co m

af ter allegedly p lotting to kill his wife in a p lan that spanned months and includ ed a failed poisoning att em p t ,

-f

r- h i re schem e, and efforts to cov er his tracks

A

cause affidavit filed in Hamilton C

,

, asked one of his employees, Ken Cox, to help carry out the murder The plan allegedly involved poisoning his wife and, when that failed, staging a break-in at

their home on May 16, 2025, during which the murder was to occur The case unfolded after a tipster alerted authorities about

a i n a silencer and spoke about committing additional crimes They also reported seeing Soni pick up a wig from Cox, presumably for use as a disguise Cox eventually cooperated with police after seeking legal counsel and admitted Soni had offered him money and a used car to assist with the murder and help create an alibi by carrying

Soni’s phone elsewhere

C

claimed to have ordered poison, p

u m , from India, though Soni said

surveillance, Cox wore a wire during a meeting with Soni on M

conversation, Soni appeared

Cox for talking

detailed murder plots he had read about, and hinted that he still considered extreme actions before deciding on divorce Soni’s arrest follows

coor-

Indian origin couple defrauds New Zealand govt of over USD 2mn

C H RI S T C H U R C H : A n Ind ian origi n coup le h as been found guilty of defrauding a go vernment com pany for ov er USD 2 million in Ch ristch urch in New Zealand

O n M a y 1 6 , A m a n d e e p Sharma pleaded guilty and will now be sentenced in June, the N

Earlier in the month, his wife N e h

three years after pleading guilty to a series of charges including obtaining by deception, money laundering and using a forged document, the newspaper said T h e g

Oranga Tamariki made 103 pay-

ments to Amandeep’s company,

2 against 326 invoices, newsportal thepress co nz said, adding, the total of these payments was just shy of USD 2 15 million T

N

w Z e a l a n d H e r a l d described in detail how the couple carried out the fraud and quoted Oranga Tamariki chief executive Andrew Bridgman as saying that as soon as concerns were raised by his company in N

n and then the case was referred to S e r i o u s F r a u d O f f i c e ( S F O ) resulting in the prosecution

Shyam Maharaj appointed as Hindu Chaplain in US army

WAS HINGTON: Th e US ar my h as ap pointed Pandit

S h y am M a h ar aj o f

C h in m ay a M is s io n a s a fu ll-time Hindu chaplain Commissioned on May 13, Maharaj beco mes only th e second Hindu chaplain in US mil itary h isto ry The announcement was made by Chinmaya Mission

W e s t ( C M W ) , w h i c h h a s served as the Department of D e f e n s e ’ s s o l e r e c o g n i z e d endorser of Hindu chaplains since 1997 Born in California to a f a m i l y o f F i j i a n h e r i t a g e , Chaplain Maharaj’s path to the US army has been deeply rooted in spiritual training and aca-

University’s Candler School of Theology - bringing both a traditional and scholarly approach to his role

d e m i c r i g o r H a v i n g s t u d i e d Sanskrit, pujas, and devotional music under the guidance of his g u r u s f r o m a y o u n g a g e , Maharaj later earned a Master of D i v i n i t y f r o m E m o r y

With prior experience as a hospital and hospice chaplain, Maharaj brings a well-rounded pastoral approach to the Armyo f f e r i n g s u p p o r t n o t o n l y t o Hindu soldiers but also to personnel of all faith backgrounds

Neha started a job as property manager at Oranga Tamariki in 2021 after forging written references from her previous job at t h e M i n i s t r y o f E d u c a t i o n i n New Zealand As part of her a g r e e m e n t , s h e h a d s i g n e d a code of conduct that included c l a u s e s t o a v o i d c o n f l i c t s o f interest

Yet, in her official capacity, s h e e n l i s t e d h e r h u s b a n d Amandeep’s construction company Divine Connection in the system to do jobs such as maintenance and upkeep of properties etc “Of the 203 jobs recorded as b e i n g a s s i g n e d t o D i v i n e

Connection in LogIT, 91 were created by Neha Sharma herself, 64 were created by the helpdesk a n d 2 0 w e r e c r e a t e d b y t h e friend The remainder appeared to have been created by other Facilities Management Officer ( F M O ) , ” t h e N e w Z e a l a n d Herald said

“No one knew about their m a r r i a g e u n t i l a f t e r t h e y ’ d conned the government agency out of more than USD 2 million,” the newspaper added Neha is now in prison with her baby while the couple’s older c h i l d i s b a c k i n I n d i a w i t h Amandeep’s sister

Meditation mandate backfires:

Chicago schools to pay $2.6mn

C HI C A GO: Chicago Pu blic S ch ools (C PS) and the David L ynch Foundation fo r C onsciousness-Based Ed ucation and World P eace hav e agreed to a $2 6 m illion settlement in a class-action lawsuit This suit alleg ed that h igh school stud ents were forced to participate in transcendental m ed itation (T M), which have Hind u roots, without their parents' consent o r full transparency

The lawsuit originated from the "Quiet Time" program, implemented in several CPS high schools from 2015 to 2019 While intended for stress reduction through twice-daily meditation, plaintiffs argued it violated constitutional principles by promoting religious practices under the guise of mental wellness

Lead plaintiff Kaya Hudgins, 22, from a Muslim background, testified that her requests to perform Islamic prayers instead of TM during "Quiet Time" were denied, leading to reprimand The Federalist reported Hudgins also stated she received a secret mantra, which she later discovered referenced a Hindu deity The lawsuit argued these initiation ceremonies and mantras constituted religious indoctrination, violating students' First Amendment rights under the Establishment Clause Attorney John Mauck, representing the plaintiffs, stated the settlement "vindicates the concerns of former students and parents that the initiation ceremony and daily meditation regime were effectively demonic invocation "

The University of Chicago, initially a defendant due to Urban Labs' program evaluation, was later dismissed from the case by Judge Kennelly The David Lynch Foundation, established by filmmaker and TM advocate David Lynch, first brought TM into schools

Ludhiana alumnus leads world’s first human bladder transplant in US

C A L IF ORNI A : In a historic feat, the wo rld’s first hum an bladd er tra ns p la nt w as p er fo r m ed b y surg eons fro m K eck Medicine of USC and U CL A Health , bring ing p ri d e to Da yan an d M ed i c al Colleg e and Hosp ital, Ludh iana, as Dr Inderbir Gill, one o f the doctors beh ind this transplant, is an alumnus of the college Inderbir Singh Gill of the U

California, Los Angeles (UCLA), completed the surgery at Ronald

Reagan UCLA Medical Center

“This surgery is a historic moment in medicine and is

treatment option for many conditions affecting major organs,

added to the list,” said Dr G

T

transplant had been on dialysis for 7 years after having both kidneys removed due

also lost most of his bladder during a tumor removal, leaving

Nassiri and Gill collaborated for several years at Keck School t

technique, design a clinical trial, and secure the necessary regulatory approvals To address these deficits, Gill and Nassiri performed a combined kidney and bladder transplant, allowing the patient to immediately stop dialysis and produce urine for the first time in seven years First, the kidney, then the bladder, were transplanted The new kidney was then connected to the new bladder The entire procedure took approximately eight hours

Darshan R Soni

Pandit Shyam Maharaj

Change laws to increase women in workforce: PM Modi urges states

P M N ar en dra Mo di said t hat ef for ts m ust be made

f or inclusion of wo men in t he wor kf orce and assert ed

t hat l aws and policies need

t o be made according ly

C h a i r i n g t h e 1 0 t h governing council meeting of the Niti Aayog, Modi

e m p h a s i s e d t h e s t r e n g t h

a n d u r g e d c h a n g i n g o f laws to empower women

t

t

there should be reforms in public and private sectors

w i t h f o c u s o n e a s e o f working for women The PM also urged states to develop at least one tourist

g l o b a

s t a n d a r d s b y providing all facilities and infrastructure, saying 25-

30 such destinations could

h e country He said the G20 summit helped India to be

states should leverage the opportunity M o d i e m p h

availability and be ready for

challenges He said global

encouraged states to utilise

agreements with the UAE, UK and Australia, he said states should utilise them to the optimum T

attended by chief ministers and lieutenant governors o

Union Territories and the theme was ‘Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047’

Ambanis, Premji and Kamath among Time's philanthropy list

Mu kesh and Nita A mbani, A

rem j i and N

Kamath earned spots among

along with

global

Op

Winfrey, Dolly Parton and David Beckham M

Ambani recognized through

have done excellent work In 2024, they donated

Premji, India’s first Giving

committed over $29 billion in Wipro shares to his Azim Premji Foundation since its

infrastructure Nita Ambani a

Indians cricket team

Coexisting with Tigers: India's conservation challenge

bioeth anol and embarks on a new path fo

d

y cooperative plans to invest

£ 7 m i l l i o n i n a n e w bioethanol plant capable of p r o d u c i n g 5 0 , 0 0 0 l i t e r s daily The cooperative is also looking into collaborations with established bioethanol

p l a n t s w i t h i n G u j a r a t ’ s sugar cooperatives GCMMF

m a n a g i n g d i r e c t o r J a y e n

M e h t a s a i d t

y initially conducted a larges c a l e p r o d u c t i o n o f bioethanol which was aimed to provide a new source of income for the 3 6 million farmers

The bioethanol trial took place at the Shree Narmada K

Sugar) unit in Dharikheda, B h a r u c h G h a n s h y a m P

Bharuch Dairy (a GCMMF member), heads Narmada

processes 3 million liters of whey daily In Gujarat, Amul operates three cheese plants: one at Khatraj (Amul Dairy), another at Palanpur (Banas

Dingucha native store clerk shot dead in US

Pares h Pate l, 30, a native of D i n guc ha vi l l a g e i n G a n dh in a ga r di s t r ic t a n d

w or k in g a s a c l e r k i n a c onvenienc e store in US was s ho t a t t h e M ar a t h on ga s s tation in Tenness ee Within h ou rs o f t he in c id e n t , Lewis burg police arres ted a s us pect in the case

According to local police, the suspect entered the store posing as a customer, asked f o r a n i t e m , a n d t h e n suddenly pulled out a firearm and demanded cash CCTV

f o o t a g e s h o w s P a t e l complying with the demand,

handing over cash from the r e g i s t e r w i t h h i s h a n d s raised Despite cooperating, t h e a s s a i l

times The footage shows the attacker firing another shot at Patel even after he had slumped on the floor behind the counter The suspect fled the scene with cash, briefly returned to check if Patel was still alive, and fired another round before leaving again

c

announced a $10,000 reward

shooter Within hours, police

shooting

Prince Patel, had been living in the US for the past 10 years with his wife and five-yearo l d d a u

A

breadwinner for his family in the US and for relatives living in Gujarat This is the fourth fatal shooting of a Gujarati origin in robbery bids in the US this year

Graft case against former J&K governor Malik

T he CBI file d a charge shee t

a ga i n s t f o r m e r J& K

g ov ernor Satypa l Mali k and s even othe rs in con nection w ith alleg ed corrupti on in

a w ar d of a £220mn ci vi l w orks contract f or the Ki ru hy del project in Ki shtwa r d istri ct

CBI has also named as a c c u s e d M a l i k ’ s t h e n

p r i v a t e s e c r e t a r i e s

Virendra Rana and Kanwar

Rana; M S Babu, MD of

C

Mittal and Arun Mishra; MD of Patel Engineering Limited Rupen Patel; and Kanwaljit Duggal, a private person

Sources in the agency

s a i d b o t h d i g i t a l a n d documentary evidence has b e e n g a t h e r e d i n connection with the case t h a t a r o s e a f t e r M a l i k claimed he was offered a £20mn bribe for clearing t w o f i l e s r e l a t e d t o t h e project

In a post on X Malik s t a t e d t h a t h e w a s

admitted to a hospital and was not in a condition to talk “I’m receiving many calls from well-wishers but I’m unable to answer them M y c o n d i t i o n i s v e r y poor right now, and I’m not in a state to talk to anyone I’ve been admitted at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital since May 11 due t o a n i n f e c t i o n T h e s i t u a t i o n i s n o w v e r y s e r i o u s , a n d I v e b e e n undergoing kidney dialysis for the past three days,” the post read

C hil dr en in r u ral n o rth e rn I nd ia a r e b ei ng t a u gh t a lesso n o n h ow to c oexis t with ti ge r s As t h e n u m be r o f tigers exc eeded 3,600 f ro m 1,7 00, this has s ome po sitive an d ne ga t iv e im p a c t s

M ay u k h C h a tt e r je e, a co ns e rva tio n bio l o gis t, s aid that an adult tiger requires pl enty o f p rey and a l arge territory to roam Mo re tigers mean more territorial sp ats, more ro am ing su b- adu lts in s ea r c h o f s p a c e a nd m o r e enco un ters w it h p eop le I n area s like th e Te rai Ar c, a re g io n s p a nn in g n o r th er n I nd ia an d N e p a l w h er e

C h at t er je e h a s f o c u s ed h i s work, tigers are inc reas ingly moving out of their p rotected habitats and into f armlands

He said that people have f o r g o t t e n b a s i c s a f e t y p r e c a u t i o n s " C h i l d r e n a r e l e f t u n g u a r d e d , a l t h o u g h t h e y ' r e j u s t m e t e r s a w a y from the forest fringe You have people going around drunk in the night There's n o s t r e e t i l l u m i n a t i o n , w h i c h i s a r e c i p e f o r trouble ” Most "man-eaters" are either injured, or infirm a s t h e y c a n n o t h u n t anymore In my 15 years of attending hundreds of cases, I can say that there were only three cases where an animal has become a maneater ”

The emphasis now is on teaching children what to do if they encounter a tiger - or, even better, how to avoid meeting one There are a few

basic rules to follow to make t h i s p o s s i b l e O t h e r initiatives are also low-tech

T h e W i l d S c o u t s programme ’ s rules are basic: do not wander into the fields a l o n e ; y o u n g c h i l d r e n should stay close to home; avoid going out after dark but if you must, take a torch, travel in a group and make l o t s o f n o i s e ; a v o i d crouching, which may make the cat mistake you for a wild pig or monkey And if a tiger is seen nearby, resist the urge to rush out for a look If children do meet a t i g e r , t h e r e i s o n l y o n e i n s t r u c t i o n : d o n o t r u n

“Being predators, they will chase,” Chatterjee said O t h e r i n i t i a t i v e s h a v e been endearingly low tech

In one project, farmers left t r a n s i s t o r r a d i o s t u n e d t o crackly pop stations blaring in the fields during harvest

As expected, tigers preferred to steer clear Gujar at n ow home to 891

h a t 5 0 7 l

n o w r o a m outside Gir National Park a n d W i l d l i f e S a n c t u a r y , h

marked the presence of the king of the jungle

Asiatic lion s In a shot in the arm for G u j a r a t ’ s c o n s e r v a t i o n e f f o r t s , t h e s t a t e i s n o w officially home to 891 Asiatic l i o n s , m a r k i n g a 3 2 % increase from 674 in 2020 T h e l a t e

Another Pak official linked to spy ring expelled

said the P a k i s t a n c h a r

d ’ a f f a i

s was issued a demarche and was asked to strictly ensure that none of the Pakistani d i p l o m a t s o r o f f i c i a l s i n India misuse their privileges and status in any manner Earlier, another Pakistan staffer was expelled for his i n v o l v e m e n t i n s i m i l a r a c t i v i t i e s i n P u n j a b According to the police in Amritsar, they busted a spy ring with the arrest of two people who were involved in o b t a i n i n g s e n s i t i v e information and passing it o n t o t h e i r P a k i s t a n i handlers

India reports over 1,000 active Covid cases

In dia repor te d a s man y as

752 n ew C ovid-19 cases in t he last one week , with t he spik e in infect ion s tak ing t he count ry ’ s ov era ll ca se loa d to

o v e r 1 , 0 0 0 K e r a l a ,

M ahar ashtr a a nd Delhi wer e

t he stat es that sa w t he most n umbe r of n ew infect ion s in t he last one we ek Kerala reported 335 fresh infections, taking its total

a c t i v e c a s e s t o 4 3 0 w h i l e Maharashtra and Delhi saw 153 and 99 new cases respectively Active Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra and Delhi now stand at 209 and 104,

released by the government G

(Insacog), a central government agency

As of now, the World Health Organisation (WHO)

Monitoring, and

Variants of Interest

IAF helped IndiGo plane land safely in Srinagar after Pak snub

under

d 8 3 cases, Karnataka 47, Uttar Pradesh 15 and West Bengal 2 cases Amid an apparent rise in new Covid infections across

have mainly been reported

has detected cases of two new variants - NB 1 8 1 and LF 7- according to fresh data from the Indian SARS-CoV-

Karnataka Most cases are mild and under home care," the ministry said

Gujarati man pleads guilty in multi-million-dollar fraud in US

R ake sh P ate l, a 36 - ye ar- o ld i l l eg a l i mmi g

Gujarat an d li vin g in Flushin g, New York, pleaded gui lty i n a mu l ti - mi l l i o n - d ol l ar f ra ud case i n the US Patel admitted to participatin g in a con spiracy that defrauded s eni or citizens of at least $2,154,889 by posi ng as a member of a fake f ed e ral i n v es t i g at i o n t eam

The plea was accepted by US d i s t ri c t jud g e R i c h ard G

An drews, stated court record s

B e t w e e n M a y 2 0 2 3 a n d

May 2024, Patel and his associates contacted elderly peo-

ple on the phone, pretending to be federal agents They told the victims that their identities were compromised and sought their assistance in a

withdrawing their savings and c

cash or gold bars Patel, who hails from the north Gujarat region, acted as a courier, collecting the cash or gold from the victims at t h e i r h o m e s o r i n p u b l i c s

firmed that Patel was in the US illegally during this period

As part of the scheme, Patel helped the group collect large

Delaware and other parts of the country

prison His sentencing will be

said the department of justice was committed to protecting

scams The FBI also urged the

Loco pilots foil derailment bids on Rajdhani, Kathgodam Expresses

Aler t loco pi lots have foiled der ailment bids of Raj dhani E xpress a nd Ka thgodam Ex pr ess r unni ng fr om Delhi by placing woode n logs on the tra ck i n UP’s Har doi district, poli ce sa id

“Unknown men had tied wooden blocks to the railway track between Dalelnagar and Umartali stations using earthing wire,” said GRP SHO, Hardoi, Jaiprakash Singh Police said the first attempt was made around 5 45 pm, when the New Delhi-Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express was heading towards Lucknow A likely disaster was averted as the loco pilot

applied the emergency brake after spotting the obstruction He removed the wooden logs and informed the railway officials Another attempt was made soon after, around 6 30 p m , t o d e r a i l t h e K a t

Express on the same route This time, too, the loco pilot stopped the train in time, and removed the obstruction before proceeding towards Lucknow After the two incidents, GRP and RPF teams, along with maintenance staff, inspected the track The section was declared safe for train operations by 7 30pm

‘One

Continuation from page 1

Progr ess so fa r

Patel’s arrest follows another recent case involving a 25-

from north Gujarat who was living illegally in Ohio He was arrested in April 2025 for p o s i n g

U S T r e a s u r y agent He allegedly convinced an elderly couple in Michigan t o w i t h d r a w $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 a n d hand it over in a box He was t r a c k e d u s i n g s u r v e i l l a n c e footage and digital records, a r r e s t e d o n A p r i l 3 0 , a n d

arraigned in court on May 5

Wh e n I nd i G o ’ s D el h iSrinagar flig ht of May 21 f lew i nto se v er e t u rb ulence and a h ailstorm near Pathankot, they first tried to steer clear of the bad w ea th e r b u t w er e no t allowed to do so by Lahore AT C They then consid ered retu rn ing to Del hi b efo re d e ci d i ng t o co n ti nu e t o S ri n ag ar , s af el y m ano e uv ri ng th ro u g h c ha lleng i ng o p er ati n g c i rc u m s tan ce s be fo r e sa fe ly l an d i ng th e plane w ith 220 p eop le

“ O n c e L a h o r e r e f u s e d overflight clearance, and the aircraft proceeded towards Srinagar, the flight was subs e q u e n t l y p r o f e s s i o n a l l y assisted,” IAF sources said D u r i n g t h i s t i m e , t h e pilots of IndiGo flight got m u l t i p l e w a r n i n g s - l i k e maximum operating speed and angle of attack faultfor the Airbus A321neo (VTIMD) They flew the aircraft manually (without autopilot) till they exited the hails t o r m a n d d e c l a r e d a n urgency situation The airc r a f t t o u c h e d d o w n a t Srinagar with everyone safe

hailstorm

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which is probing the incident, said in a statement that the aircraft f l e w

m while cruising at 36,000 feet “As per crew statement, they

border due to weather on the route However, it was

contacted Lahore (air traffic

airspace to avoid the weath-

but the

Delhi) but as they were close to the thunderstorm cloud, they decided to penetrate

said

Monsoon hits Kerala; its earliest onset since 2009

T h e s o u t h we s t ( s u m me r) mo n s o o n h i t

Kerala o n S aturday, eigh t days ahead of its normal onset date of June 1, marki ng th e beginning o f th e four month-long rainy season in India

This is the earliest date of monsoon onset over Kerala after 2009 when it set in over the state on May 23, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Besides showers in Kerala and other parts of south peninsula, including Tamil Nadu and parts of Karnataka, the monsoon simultaneously arrived in Mizoram (northeast) - 12 days before the normal onset date of June 5

Though the monsoon ’ s arrival simultaneously over Kerala and northeast is quite an uncommon phenomenon, this time it has happened second year in a row Before 2024, the simultaneous onset happened on May 30, 2017 Normally southwest monsoon sets in over Kerala on June 1 and it advances over most part of northeast India by June 5 Advance of the monsoon to most parts of Tamil Nadu and some parts of Karnataka on the very first day of the onset is significant but not unusual It, however, signals the possibility of its fast progress in the next few days

Mission, One Message, One Bharat’

Delegation taking India’s 'new normal' message across Europe reaches the UK

The delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Srikant Shinde met with the Foreign Minister and Senate President in the Democratic Republic of Congo DMK lawmaker K Kanimozhi headed a deleg a t i o n t h a t m e t w i t h S l o v e n i a ' s Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha led a group that m e t w i t h S o u t h K o r e a ' s F o r e i g n Minister, Vice Foreign Minister, and the s t a n d i n g c o m m i t t e e C h a i r m a n o f Defence Finally, an NCP(SP) delegation led by Supriya Sule met with Qatar's Junior Minister for Foreign Affairs in Doha The delegation led by Congress

M P S h a s h i T h a r o o r v i s i t e d G u y a n a where he had an "excellent meeting" with the current vice-president Bharat Jagdeo

The delegation also visited countries like Denmark, Japan, Germany, Panama, the United States, Bahrain, Singapore, Kuwait, Russia, France and UAE Diplomacy ag ainst t err or India has taken up the responsibility to spread the message of anti-terrorism as the Pahalgam attack affected not just the population of Jammu and Kashmir, but India as a whole

The delegates are working to clarify all queries from global nations During the visit to South Korea,

Sanjay Jha asked South Korea, a nonpermanent member of the UN council, to blacklist Pakistan as all the monetary assistance will go to funding terrorism

W h e n S o u t h K o r e a a s k e d a b o u t t h e usage of nuclear weapons, Jha ensured that India would not be initiating nuclear weapons But in case of attack, India will strike back

MP Supriya Sule led a delegate group during their visit to Qatar and talked a

world economy A harmonious neighbouring country supporting such a massacre leads to many assumptions regarding the Pakistan government itself

Shashi Tharoor during the delegate visit to US said “perpetrators of terror should be brought to justice, and we are not going to stop our hunt for those who did this latest atrocity” while talking

Prasad leading delegation group visited

think tanks, discussing India s strong message against terrorism

P

attack was a calculated move to interrupt peace for which India's move was in a precise, non-escalated manner He also mentioned there would be zero tolerance against terrorism and would not differentiate terrorists and their supporters

Prime Min ister hails Operation S ind oor

While the delegation represents a united India globally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also received a massive welcome in his home state of Gujarat on Monday 26 May, with thousands lining the streets of Ahmedabad and Vadodara for his roadshows

Crowds waved national flags and displayed posters celebrating India's decisive military action against Pakistan, marking Modi's first visit to Gujarat since the successful Operation Sindoor The roadshow named 'Sindoor Samman Yathra' was also a tribute to Indian forces, mentioned by Modi during his radio talk Mann Ki Baat Modi extended greetings to the family of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, recognising her as one of the key public faces of the government's Operation Sindoor briefings Later that evening, thousands in Ahmedabad welcomed the Prime Minister with an enthusiastic display They waved national flags and held posters celebrating India's decisive military action against Pakistan and showered him with flowers as his roadshow proceeded from the city airport to Indira Bridge

Addressing the people, Modi said, “I say this can no longer be called a proxy war You are already at war, and you will receive the response accordingly ”

“We do not seek enmity with anyone We want to live peacefully We also want to progress so that we can contribute to the welfare of the world”, he further added

Detailed coverage on page 25

Delegation visits BAP S mandir in Abu Dhabi

The high-level all-party Indian delegation which visited the UAE as part of Operation Sindoor’s global outreach initiative also visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi The delegates led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde and other six members, were welcomed by the Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sanjay Sudhir and Mandir Chairman Ashok Kotecha The delegation lauded the temple’s stunning architecture and serene spiritual atmosphere, emphasizing its powerful message of global harmony They commended BAPS, the UAE leadership, and the Indian government for their collaborative efforts in establishing a space that embodies peace, unity, and universal values

NORTH-EAST

ED likely to summon Karnataka home minister in Ranya

question in g for his a llege d fina ncial t ra nsactions with the accuse d

Sources said the agency got a major breakthrough after searches across 16 locations, which revealed the names of several high-profile businessmen and

and entry operators (those managing shell companies)

T h e p l a c e s

Parameshwara The trusts, which are tax-exempt, were found to have footed credit card bills of the actress and her

case

expenses of the trustees or their friends

cooperate with the probe

payment of Rs 40,00,000, and disclose the purpose of such expenditure

several hawala dealers found engaged in laundering unaccounted cash of several high-profile people from the state These dealers were involved in

approval Some other gold smuggling rackets have also been clubbed with the ongoing investigation

Ranya gets bail

granted bail Ranya She is the daughter

Rao However, she cannot walk out of jail as she has been booked under Conservation of Foreign Exchange and P

(Cofeposa) Act

HC stays TN law allowing CM to appoint vice-chancellors

on the opera tion of amendmen ts to 10 st ate university laws e mpowering the CM to appoint vi

gove rnor ’ s pr erogative as chan cel lor

The contentious provision, which was deemed to have received Supreme Court’s assent based on its ruling d

presidential reference recently and a renewed Centrestate power tussle The bench of Justice G R Swaminathan and Justice V Lakshminarayanan passed the interim orders on a PIL filed by advocate K Venkatachalapathy of Tirunelveli, challenging the amendments on the ground

regulations and functions

“Through Regulation 7 3 of the UGC Regulations for teaching staff, the commission granted power to the chancellor (Governor) to appoint VCs However, the state, through the amendments, replaced the power of the chancellor with the govt, which is contrary to the process stipulated for appointing VCs,” the PIL states “State universities are recognised as universities within Section 2 (f) of the UGC Act and also recognised by the commission u

amendments made by the state affecting such universities, especially in areas already covered by the regulation concerning the appointment of VCs, constitute a violation of the constitutional distribution of powers, ” it argues

Ludhiana by-poll: a litmus test for all parties

LU DH I AN A: The Ludhi an a (West) Assembly by-poll is set to be a li tmus test for all political p arties i n P un jab as i ts outcome wil l serv e as an i ndi cator to their electoral prospects in the 2027 state Assembly elections

The bypoll has been necessitated by the d e m i s e o f A a m A a d m i P a r t y ( A A P ) M L A Gurpreet Singh Gogi in January this year

Stakes are high for ruling AAP as the bypoll is likely to be considered as a referendum on its performance The by-poll for the Hindudominated urban constituency is being held in the wake of the government crackdown on farmers, who were evicted from protest sites on the border with neighbouring Haryana earlier this year

T h e m o v e w a s i n t e r p r e t e d a s a n attempt to win the trust of traders, who had to suffer losses due to the closure of roads during the year-long farmer protests, h e l d t o d e m a n d a l e g a l g u a r a n t e e f o r Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops

The party also kickstarted it campaign

i n F e b r u a r y , m o n t h s a h e a d o f t h e announcement of the by-poll schedule, by

fielding Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora For the past three months, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and all top leaders of the party, including national convenor Arvind K e j r i w a l , h a v e i n c r e a s e d t h e i r p u b l i c presence in the industrial city, meeting all s e c t i o n

government initiatives

M e a n w h i l e , p r e s s u r e w i l l b e o n t h e

Congress too, which is currently grappling with differences among its leaders The C

Opposition party, has placed its bet on former minister and aggressive campaigner Bharat Bhushan Ashu The stakes are also

h

Singh Raja Warring, who is the sitting Lok Sabha MP from Ludhiana Pressure will be i

n S h i r o m a n i A k a l i D a l ( S A D ) president Sukhbir Singh Badal to deliver a win, even though this is not a traditional

A k a l i s e a t S u b s e q u e n t e l e c t i o n d e f e a t s following the party’s ouster from power in Punjab in the 2017 Assembly elections have pushed the SAD to the margins

West Bengal to recruit 44000 teachers as per SC order; 25000 cases under review

K O L K A T A : We s t Ben g al C M M am a ta Banerjee announced fresh recruitm ent for o v er 4 4 , 0 0 0 p o s ts , a s d ir ec ted by th e S upreme Court, and a rev iew of 25, 000 cancelled appointm ents linked to tainted selectio ns

Earlier, a two-hour meeting between p

D e p

resolution, prompting teachers to plan taking their protest to Delhi With Education Minister Bratya Basu absent, a six-member delegation of sacked teachers met Principal Secretary Vinod Kumar and Secretary Subhra Chakraborty at Bikash Bhavan, where protests have c o n t i

urged teachers to trust the government, assuring that all legal avenues were being explored and that “untainted” teachers

w o u l d c o n t i n u

n d remain in service until fresh recruitment is completed by December 31

Officials also reminded them that a reexam notification must be issued by May 31, as ordered Protesters, however, said they were unwilling to take the exams again due to mental and physical strain

The government has offered relief to the terminated teachers, allowing them to

exam with age relaxation, taking their prior experience into account The official

Centre okays deployment of CISF at Bakra dam project

e

sha ring dispute be twee n Punja b an d Ha rya na , C ent re has appr oved the deployme nt of Ce nt ral In dustria l Security Force (CISF) at t he Bha kra d am project The move follows a rece nt move by Pun jab police to ta ke contr ol of cert ain critical poin ts of the dam

Sources said MHA sanctioned the creation of 296 posts in CISF’s security wing for induction at the Bhakra project in Nangal, Punjab and a letter to this effect was sent to the central paramilitary force on May 19 Subsequently, CISF issued d i r e c t i o n s t o f a c i l i t a t e a c c o m m o d a t i o n , transport, communication equipment, security gadgets and other basic amenities for deploying its personnel at Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Nangal A few weeks ago, Punjab govt had deployed massive police force at the dam following BBMB’s decision to release additional 4,500 cusecs of water for Haryana As per a reply filed by BBMB chairman in a related matter

b e f o r e P & H H C , t h e o f f i c i a l s h a v e b e e n restrained from operating at the dam by Punjab

Calcuta HC raps trial court judge in matrimonial case

KO LKAT A: The Calcutta hi gh court has in a recent order sharply criticised a Sealdah trial c o ur t j ud ge f o r hi s c hoi c e of w or ds i n m a t ri m on i a l di s p ut es , de s c r i b i n g t he s e a s “ patriarchal and condes cendi ng to women ” It also repri manded the judge for “copypasting” from hi s previous j udgments and warned that if s uch instances were repeated, it would impact his servic e record

Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya and Uday Kumar on May 22 granted divorce to a man on grounds of c r u e l t y

additional district judge, first court, at Sealdah

The husband had filed a divorce plea in the trial court in 2015 alleging that his wife had not visited her matrimonial home since 2012, was r e f u

initiate criminal complaints against him While the wife refuted the claims, the HC noted that no evidence was attached While allowing the divorce suit, the HC noted that the wife had even skipped mediation as suggested by the HC in 2023 What irked the HC bench was the trial c

R

the next five years

of

5bn over the next

years Gautam Adani proposed an investment of

5bn in the region over the next 10 years “Three months ago in Assam, we pledged an investment of £ 5bn Today, once again inspired by PM Narendra Modi's leadership, I announce that Adani Group will invest additional £ 5bn across the Northeast for the next 10 years, ” Adani said While sharing details of the proposed investment, Ambani mentioned that Reliance Retail will increase procurement from the region The company will also focus on generating solar

opportunities, we aspire to touch the lives of most of our 45 million sisters and brothers in the northeast," Ambani said "Jio has already covered 90% of the population with over 5 million 5G subscribers We will double this number this year Jio's priority will be to bring the revolutionary power of Artificial

enterprises, and homes,” he added With the investment of £ 7 5bn, the company aims to

neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia The company is collaborating with Mizoram University on the care of breast cancer using genomic data Ambani further shared that Reliance Industries has built an advanced molecular diagnostic and research lab in Guwahati, which will have the

India

PROTESTERS CLASH WITH POLICE NEAR MANIPUR RAJ BHAVAN

Five protesters were hospitalised after scuffling with security forces near Manipur Raj Bhavan in Imphal as the public agitation demanding an apology from governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla over Manipur being scraped off the windshield of a state transport corporation bus on May 20 lapsed into violent unrest Police fired tear gas to disperse protesters converging on the historic Kangla Gate, around 150 metres from the Raj Bhavan gates, when they refused to retreat The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which spearheaded the protest had given the governor 48 hours to publicly apologise for what it said was an insult to the state and its people “The governor continues to disregard the sentiments of the people by his silence He and his administration have tarnished the state s historical and cultural legacy The inquiry commission set up by the govt to probe what happened (at Gwaltabi) is not enough as it does not mention anything about penalising those who were involved,” a protester said

GOGOI NAMED CHIEF OF ASSAM CONG UNIT

Ahead of the Assam elections next year, Congress appointed Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi as the new president of the state unit replacing Bhupen Kumar Borah The appointment of Gogoi, currently deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, comes at a time when Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP have been attacking him over his British wife s alleged connection with Pakistan s spy agency ISI The announcement has given rise to speculation about whether Congress would stick to the one-man-one-post norm and appoint a new LS deputy leader Congress also appointed three new working presidents for its Assam unit - Jakir Hussain Sikdar, Roselina Tirkey and Pradip Sarkar AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said that former party MLA Ripun Borah has been appointed chairman of the state’s Election Management Committee

Ranya Rao

Mamata Banerjee

PM Modi addresses celebrations marking 20 years of Gujarat urban growth

P r i me M in i st e r N a r e n d r a Mo di a ddr essed the ce le br at ions of 20 y ears of Gujar at urb an growth story in Gandhinag ar During the occasion, he l aunched the urba n d evelopment yea r 2025 , mark ing 20 year s o f t h e u r b a n d e v e l o p me n t y e a r

2005 Addressin g the gather in g, he sa id that over the pa st 2 day s dur ing his v isit to Va doda ra, Da hod, Bhuj, A hmeda ba d a nd Ga ndhin aga r, he ha s bee n expe rien cin g the ferv or of pa tr iot ism with the roar of succe ss of O pera tion Sindoor an d fly ing t ricolor s He added that it was a sight to behold and this feeling was not just in Gujarat, but across every nook and corner of India and in the heart of every Indian “India had made up its mind to weed out terrorism and did it with utmost conviction”, stated Modi

R e c a l l i n g t h e f i r

attack on India in 1947, right after the partition of India into three p a r t s , M o d i s a i d

p

r t w a s usurped by Pakistan harboring the t e r r o r

Patel’s vision, emphasizing that the Indian army should not have halte d u n t i l P a k i

stressed that this legacy of terrorism has continued for the last 75 y

form of it He asserted that despite playing diplomatic games, Pakistan

repeatedly faced India’s military strength in war He noted that on t h r e e o c

d forces decisively defeated Pakistan, making it clear that Pakistan could not triumph in direct military conf

realization of its limitations, Modi stated that the neighboring country resorted to proxy warfare He explained that trained militants were infiltrated into India through systematic military training, aim-

n d unarmed civilians, including those undertaking peaceful pilgrimages Development projects worth £5 34bn opened in Bhuj

Earlier, Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over £5 34bn in Bhuj Addressing the gathering, he greeted the people of Kutch and also paid respects to revolutionaries and martyrs, particularly the great f

Krishna Varma The Prime Minister conveyed his regards to the sons and

Rajya Sabha polls for eight seats slated for June 19

T he opp osition alliance may

h ave an advantage of two

a dd i ti o n al s ea ts i n R aj y a

S ab h a af t er th e b i en ni a l electio ns wh ich are schedu led to be h eld on June 19

E l e c t i o n C o m m i s s i o n

a n n o u n c e d c o n d u c t i n g polls for eight Rajya Sabha seats - two from Assam and six from Tamil Nadu These seats are going to be vacant

d u e t o t h e r e t i r e m e n t o f

m e m b e r s S i x m e m b e r s from Tamil Nadu are going

to retire in July whereas the remaining two from Assam will complete their tenures next month

Three members out of six from Tamil Nadu belong to the DMK whereas one each belongs to AIADMK, P a t t a l i M a k k a l K a t c h i (PMK) and MDMK Parties’ current strength in the state a s s e m b l y i n d i c a t e s t h a t either DMK may improve its tally from three to four o r i t s a l l i a n c e p a r t n e r

Congress may get one seat from Tamil Nadu, improvi n g U P A ’ s t a l l y i n U p p e r House

Similarly, the opposition alliance may gain one seat from Assam The two members who are going to retire from the state belong to BJP a n d i

s a l l y A s o m G

n a P a

i s h a d

a c h ) B u t current strength of assembly indicates possibility that the one of it may either go to Congress or its ally

Two caught trespassing into Salman Khan’s residence

A n inquiry has been ord ered into two incidents security breach in tw o d ays at the Band ra resi dence of ac tor S alman Khan, desp ite h aving been given him Y+ security In th e first case, Isha C hhabria (32) and an aspiri n g m o d el - ac to r, en te red Galaxy Apartment at 3 am c l ai m i ng s h e w a s b ei ng invited by Khan

She reached the actor's first-floor flat and rang the d o o r b e l l W h e n o n e o f Khan’s staffers opened the

SC

door she told him that she had been invited by Khan When the staffer checked with Khan, he denied having inviting anyone at that hour Chhabria managed to walk out of the building, but was a

after Jitendra Kumar Singh (23) from Chhattisgarh, who claimed to be Khan's fan, was nabbed after he jumped inside the compound from the front gate and tried to run into the building

and sent to

resides in Khar Meanwhile, Singh who too was caught for trespassing was served a notice and asked to remain

these incidents, security was

actor’s residence

dismisses plea for FIR against Justice Varma

s e e k in g r e gistr at ion of FIR a ga inst Justice Ya shwant Var ma in con nection with re cov er y of c

Minister

e judiciary had done its task by holding an in-house inquiry against the judge and the matter now rested with the Centre, a bench of Justices Abhay Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan

daughters of Kutch, acknowledging their resilience and contributions

Ashapura Mata, acknowledging her divine presence on the sacred land of Kutch He expressed gratitude for her continuous blessings upon

respects to the people

Reflecting on his deep connec-

tion with Kutch, Modi recalled his frequent visits across the district and emphasized how the land had

remarked that while living conditions have improved significantly,

challenges He also recalled how fortunate he was when the waters

Kutch region Even before assuming the role of chief minister, he often visited Kutch, engaging in various programmes at the district office Modi also highlighted the unwavering determination of the farmers in Kutch, noting that their spirit has always been remarkable He stated that his years of experience in the region greatly contributed to his efforts toward its development

Topmost Maoist, 26 others killed in Chhattisgarh encounter

CPI (Maoist) chie f Nam bala K e s ha v a R a o , a l ia s Basava ra ju - ma ster mind of some of t he dea dlie st Maoist a tta ck s in the count ry, wa s k i ll e d i n C h h a t t i sg a r h ’ s N a r a y a n p u r in a n i n t e l lig e n ce - ba s e d o p e r a t i o n by t h e s t a t e p o li ce ’ s Di st r ic t R eserv e Gua rd (DRG) Twenty-six Maoist cadre were also eliminated A mass i v e h a u l o f m o d e r n weapons and explosives was

r e c o v e r e d O n e D R G p e rs o n n e l w a s k i l l e d i n t h e encounter that broke out in Boter village and the jungles of Lekawada Basavaraju was part of i t s t o p d e c i s i o nmaking/strategising bodies like the politburo, central committee and central military commission He operate d w i t h e x t r e m e s t e a l t h , having been spotted only a f e w t i m e

A

a s k e d t h e p e t i t i o n e r s t o approach the President and the PM Advocate Mathews Nedumpara, who had filed the plea along with other lawyers, said all were equal before the law and judges s h o u l d a l s o f a c e consequences for violating the law

and act as

engineer, he would often be part of ambushes Not surprisingly, his body was found with an AK-47 next to it

j h m a r h region and on a handful of o c c a s i o n s , o u t s i d e Basavaraju, who carried a cumulative bounty of over £1mn declared by NIA and various state govts, would

No US role in India- Pakistan ceasefire: Jaishankar

R efut in g P re side n t D on al d Trump’ s claim ab out a USm e d ia t e d ce a s e fi r e in t h e

r e c e n t co n fl i ct w it h

P a k is t a n , fo r e ig n mi n i st e r S Jaishan kar said that while Am er ican officia ls we r e in touch with both the Indian an d Pakistani l eader ship, the cessat ion of milita ry act ion w a s n e go t i a t e d d ir e c t l y b e t w e e n N e w D e l h i a n d

Islama bad In an int ervie w d ur i n g hi s v is it t o t h e Net he rla nds, Jaishanka r sa id t he fi ght in g wit h Pa k ist an was hal ted a fte r its ar my sent a me ssage sa ying it’s re ady t o s t op fir in g , a n d I n d ia re sponded accordingl y T h e r e j e c t i o n o f

T r u m p ’ s m e d i a t i o n c l a i m for the first time at the political level followed repeated doubling down by Trump a n d h i s t e a m t h a t h e brought the conflict to an

end by forcing a ceasefire

A s k e d w h e r e t h e U S w a s during the negotiations, the minister said “in the United

S t a t e s ” , d r i v i n g h o m e h i s p o i n t t h a t i t w a s n ’ t

American intervention that led to a pause in the firing

“They (vice-president J D Vance and secretary of s t a t e M a r c o R u b i o ) w e r e t a l k i n g t o u s a n d t o t h e Pakistanis as indeed were other countries The US was not alone When there is a c o n f l

situation, but the cessation o

negotiated directly between India and Pakistan We told

e Pakistanis want to stop the firing, their general has to call

Jaishankar said He added that India is ready to discuss the issue of terrorism with Pakistan and reiterated New D

Kashmir issue that it will only negotiate the return of PoK to India J

Operation Sindoor continues because of its clear message that if there are more terror acts like the one on April 22 (Pahalgam), India will hit terrorists

S Jaishankar

31 May - 6 june 2025

Continued from page 1

H i s s t r o n g p e r s o n a l i t y , developmental vision, and focus

o n e n h a n c i n g I n d

l influence have earned him respect not only among Indians abroad but also from world leaders

O

international image and deepened

i t s d i p l o m a t i c

relationships across the globe

A decade of transformation

S i n c

Minister in 2014, Narendra Modi has led the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to three landmark electoral

v

majorities not seen since 1984

Guided by the vision of "Sabka

S a a t h , S a b k

governance model has focused on

and efficient last-mile delivery

Under Modi s leadership, India

h a s w

s s

d a

e

b

e t r a n s f o r m a t i o n e m e r g i n g n o t just as an economic force, but also as a global leader in technology, innovation, and soft power From h o s t i n g t h e G 2 0 s u m m i t t o s p e a r h e a d i n g d i g i t a l infrastructure and championing

y o g a a n d A y u r v e d a w o r l d w i d e , Modi has helped reposition India on the world stage as a confident and influential nation

H i s t e n u r e h a s c o m b i n e d visionary economic reforms with

s t r o n g n a t i o n a l s e c u r i t y r e s p o n s e s F o l l o w i n g P a k i s t a nbacked terror attacks, his decisive

a c t i o n s i n c l u d i n g t h e 2 0 1 6

s u r g i c a l s t r i k e s , 2 0 1 9 B a l a k o t airstrikes, and 2025 ’ s Operation

S i n d o o r r e i n f o r c e d I n d i a ’ s assertiveness and global standing Union Home Minister Amit

S h a h s a i d P r i m e M i n i s t e r Narendra Modi’s 11-year tenure w i l l b e r e m e m b e r e d i n g o l d e n letters in history Speaking at the

1 5 0 t h a n n i v e r s a r y o f M u m b a i ’ s

M a d h a v b a g h L a x m i n a r a y a n T e m p l e , S h a h p r a i s e d M o d i ’ s leadership in ensuring national

s e c u r i t y , d r i v i n g e c o n o m i c g r o w t h , a n d b o o s t i n g I n d i a ’ s global stature He said Modi has made Indians proud and elevated the value of the Indian passport

B J P n a t i o n a l s p o k e s p e r s o n Sambit Patra congratulated Prime

India shines under Modi’s governance

S p e a k i n g t o A s i a n V o i c e about India’s milestone in the economy, Pre si dent of Th e PHD C h a m be r o f C o mm e r c e a n d Industry (PHDCCI), He mant Jai n said, “In 2025-26 India’s economy is expected to remain one of the st r ong er g lo b a l p er f o rm e r an d the good thing is it will be driven by internal consumption and a f a v o u r a b l e d e m o g r a p h i c structure rather than just being exports driven With real GDP growth of 6 2% in 2025, according t

Professor of Economics from

income, India was ranked 138th in 1991 and is now

M

journey, which began on May 26, 2014, has been transformative and guided by the vision of ‘Sabka

S a a t h , S a b k a V i k a s , S a b k a Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ Modi ’ s di plomacy b ridge s I ndi aUK re lation shi p P r i m e M i n i s t e r N a r e n d r a Modi has maintained strong and r e s p e c t f u l r e l a t i o n s h i p s w i t h successive UK leaders, including f o r m e r p

s J o h n s o n a n d Rishi Sunak as well as current prime ministers Keir Starmer

Once viewed by Britain as a t h i r d - w o r l d c o u n t

y , I n d i a h a s now overtaken the UK to become t h e w o r l d ’ s f o u r t h - l a r g e s t economy, a testament to its rapid

under Modi's leadership

This evolving dynamic is also reflected in the progress of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which promises significant mutual benefits For India, the F T A

t h e U K , opening up vital sectors such as textiles, leather, and engineering goods In return, the UK will gain

b e t t e r a c c

s s t o t h e I n d i a n market, with reduced tariffs on products like whisky, gin, and automobiles making them more affordable for Indian consumers

The agreement underscores the growing partnership between the

M i n i s t e r N a r e n d r a M o d i o n c o m p l e t i n g 1 1 y e a r s i n o f f i c e , c a l l i n g i t a p e r i o d m a r k e d b y i m p a c t f u l i n i t i a t i v e s , s t r o n g policies, and strategic actions that have strengthened the nation He p r a i s e d M o d i ’ s v i s i o n a r y leadership and tireless efforts in e l e v a t i n g I n d i a ’ s g l o b a l s t a t u r e E c h o i

Russian woman's praise for Indian army Amid India-Pakistan tensions, a video of a Russian woman praising the Indian Army and calling India her h o m

o Instagram, Polina Agrawal, a Russian national living in Gurugram, shared a message thanking the Indian Army for keeping the country safe She praised the Indian soldiers for their bravery and unwavering dedication to protecting the nation In the video, Polina, who calls herself "Russian Bania", recalled that her grandmother in Russia saw the conflict news and told her to return home "I answered, what home? I am home right now here in Gurgaon, India," she said She then went on to laud the Indian military and their strong defence systems, even those provided by R u s s i a " T h e I n d i a n m i l i t a r y h a s g o t s u c h a d v a n c e d weapons and air defence systems - which Russia itself has provided It stays so strong against all the drones or jets or planes or anything that tries to fly in," Polina said The Russian woman further praised the selfless spirit of the soldiers Indian soldiers have such immense dedication and such big hearts so we can sleep peacefully at night," she said

two nations, grounded in mutual

cooperation

I ndi a s urpass es Japa n i n glob al GDP ra nki ngs I n d i a ’ s c o n s i s t e n t G

growth of over 6% annually has propelled it from the 10th to the 4th largest global economy since Prime Minister Modi took office in 2014 This steady rise comes as

stagnation or decline

With a vision to make India a developed nation by 2047, Prime M i n

M

N

e n

d i ’ s government has added over two trillion US dollars to the Indian e c o n o m y i n t h e p a s t d

marking a period of significant

and major global disruptions are avoided, India is on track to claim the third spot by 2029, powered by strong fundamentals and food security

youthful population, over 65% of its 1 4 billion citizens are under 35

expected to last another 15 years, giving India a growth advantage over ageing economies like China

Now a $4 3 trillion economy, I

Germany by 2028 to become the w o r l d

m y , according to IMF data Despite its reliance on imported petroleum, India is investing heavily in green energy to ensure a sustainable future Its continued rise will have

n g , and global trade

Chinese firm lists 'free toilets, free lifts' as job perks

i t i o n e d t o b e a m o n g t h e f a s t e s t - g r o w i n g e c o n o m i e s globally The growth momentum p r i m a r i l y d r i v e n

FY26, cuts in income taxes taking effect, and lowering of interest

r a t e s W i t h b e n e f i t s o f a favourable demographic profile and a stable government at the centre, India is well placed

Germany

although the size of that group as

market is not insignificant as the

Ac hievements under Modi’s leaders hip

1) Nearly 25 crore people lifted out of multidimensional poverty, according to NITI Aayog Flagship schemes like Ayushman Bharat, the world's largest health programme, and PM Jan Dhan Yojana, which opened over 51 crore bank accounts, have empowered the poor and improved access to healthcare and financial services

2) Social security was expanded through Jan Suraksha and the JAM

efficiency Women benefited significantly from the Ujjwala Yojana, which distributed over 10 crore free LPG connections, while over 4 2 crore homes were sanctioned under the PM Awas Yojana to promote dignity and housing for all

3) Farmers gained support through PM-KISAN, soil health cards, ENAM markets, and irrigation initiatives The creation of the Jal Shakti Ministry underscored a renewed national focus on water resources

4) The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014, transformed sanitation, achieving 100% coverage and earning praise from the World Health Organization for saving lives Infrastructure too saw major upgrades through highways, railways, and the UDAN scheme, enhancing connectivity

5) Economically, India improved its ‘Ease of Doing Business’ rank significantly and implemented GST, realising the dream of ‘One Nation, One Tax ’ The Make in India and Startup India programmes gave a strong boost to manufacturing and entrepreneurship

6) Internationally, PM Modi has strengthened India’s global standing, undertaking landmark visits, deepening diplomatic ties, and playing a key role in initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Paris Climate Agreement His call for the International Day of Yoga was endorsed by a record 177 UN member states

7) Recognised globally, Modi has received numerous prestigious awards, including the UN Champions of the Earth, the Seoul Peace Prize, and top civilian honours from over a dozen countries

A job ad in China has gone viral for its bizarre perks , sparking both controversy and amusement The ad lists 'free toilet use,' 'free elevator access,' and 'no overtime electricity charges' as employee benefits, raising eyebrows and sparking laughter The job ad gained attention when Workplace Slackers, a social media account with 4 4 million followers, shared a post highlighting its unusual benefits Although the company and job title weren't disclosed, the post mentioned that the role involved order processing, requiring detailoriented candidates with Excel skills and experience, South China Morning Post reported The job offered a standard eight-hour workday with two shift options: an early shift from 9 am to 6 pm or a late shift from 1 pm to 10 pm, both including a one-hour break The monthly salary during the probationary

highlighted occasional team-building activities, afternoon tea, and late-night snacks as part of the benefits package Bull beaks loose amid family function

A family function took a wild turn after an unexpected guest caused quite a scene The surprise guest? A bull that caught everyone at the celebration completely off guard The incident was caught on video, and the footage is now going viral online The clip opens with people dancing at what appears to be a lively celebration At first glance, everything seems normal - guests are dancing, music is playing, and cash

is flying through the air However, right in the middle of the crowd stands a bull, restrained by a rope Initially, the bull seems calm But within seconds, it becomes agitated, breaks loose, and begins charging at the guests As it gets out of control, chaos erupts The crowd scatters in fear, trying to get out of its way The animal, meanwhile, climbs onto the stage, knocking several people over before calming down While some users joked about the incident, others were quick to find the culprit Several users pointed out that a woman in a yellow-and-black saree triggered the bull when she tried to pick up money from under the animal

Zero pass in 18 Haryana govt schools

After the Class 12 board exam results were declared last week, 18 govt schools in Haryana have come under close scrutiny No student passed from any of these schools The unenviable zero pass record isn’t, however, the only concern T h e s e s c h o o l s a r e a m o n g

performed poorly in the boards, overshadowing the overall pass percentage of 85 7 In 82 schools spread across the state’s 22 districts, the pass percentage was below 35, prompting officials to refer them to the education directorate and the ministry of education for corrective measures Of the 18 schools with a zero pass rate this year, six are in Nuh, four in Faridabad, and one each in Gurgaon, Hisar, Jhajjar, Karnal, Palwal, Rohtak, Sonipat and Yamunanagar Nuh has the h i

, accounting for 62 of the 100 lowest-performing institutions Faridabad followed with 12 schools in the bottom 100

Maitreesh Ghatak Hemant Jain

Blood test for early detection of bowel cancer

A simple blood test that could detect bowel cancer in its earliest stages is set to be trialled on NHS patients, as part of a government-backed push to improve cancer survival rates through quicker, less invasive screening

D e v e l o p e d b y r e s e a r c h

Southampton, the test uses artificial intelligence to identify

microRNA in blood samples It will be tested on 8,000 NHS patients, screening for 12 of the most common cancers, including bowel and breast

If successful, the test could be integrated into routine care to detect cancer before it spreads, reducing the need for more invasive procedures like colonoscopies or biopsies This would not only improve patient experience but also cut costs and ease pressure on NHS services

The test, named miONCO-Dx and developed by British biotech firm Xgenena, requires just 10 to 15 drops of blood and is estimated to cost between £120 and £300 Early studies involving 20,000 patients reported an accuracy rate of 99 per cent

Backed by £2 4 million in government funding, the trial aims to confirm whether the test can reliably detect earlystage cancers in a real-world clinical setting

If proven effective, the blood test could mark a major step forward in catching cancer earlier, more efficiently, and with less discomfort for patients

Early childhood key to tackling obesity, study finds

A child’s weight by the age of six plays a decisive role in shaping their future health, according to new research highlighting the importance of early intervention in preventing obesity.

The study, presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, tracked over 3,500 children in the Netherlands and found that every one-unit increase in a child’s body mass index (BMI) at age six more than doubled their chances of being overweight or obese by 18 This stage in early childhood emerged as a stronger predictor of future weight issues than any other point during development

Researchers said these findings underline the need to prioritise healthy habits in the first five years of life particularly in settings like nurseries and preschools Creating nutritious food environments and encouraging physical activity during this time could set the foundation for longterm wellbeing

In England, around 21 per cent of five-year-olds are already classed as obese, according to the latest figures

Separate findings from the University of Bristol, also presented at the conference, show a steep rise in adolescent weight issues The number of teenagers aged 12 to 17 classed as overweight or obese has jumped from 22 per cent in 2008–2010 to 33 per cent in 2021–2023 an increase of 50 per cent

With obesity increasingly linked to poorer life outcomes, including a higher likelihood of long-term illness a n d e c o n o m i c i n a c t i v i t y , c a m p a i g n e r s a r e c a l l i n g f o r stronger policy action Proposals include banning junk food outlets near schools and tighter controls on advertising unhealthy food to children

Cortisol: The stress hormone you can control

In today’s fast-moving world, stress has become an almost constant companion and cortisol, often dubbed the “stress hormone,” plays a central role in how we respond to it.

Cortisol is released in response to stress and low blood sugar levels It helps regulate metabolism, blood press u

p -

wake cycle In short bursts, it helps people stay alert and focused But when cortisol levels stay elevated over long periods, it can throw the body off balance

This hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, is part of the body’s natural alarm system While it’s essential for survival, persistently high levels can lead to significant health concerns

The impact of too much cortisol

Chronically high cortisol levels can contribute to a wide range of problems, including:

• A n x i

d swings

• Insomnia or poor sleep quality

• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen

• Weakened immune response

• High blood pressure and blood sugar

• Difficulty concentrating or remembering

increase the risk of more serious conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes

Everyday ways to regulate cortisol

Fortunately, cortisol levels can be

making conscious changes to daily

body’s stress response back into balance

1 Improve sleep hygiene

Lack of quality sleep is a major driver of elevated cortisol Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, reducing screen time before bed, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can all support healthy hor-

mone levels

2. Get moving mindfully

Regular physical activity helps reg-

exercise, such as walking, cycling, or yoga, is particularly effective While intense workouts have benefits, overtraining can lead to spikes in cortisol

3 Practice stress management

even simple pauses during the day can help the body reset These practices signal that the perceived threat has passed, reducing cortisol output

4 Eat to stabilise blood sugar

S k i p p i n g m e a l s o r e

n g h i g hsugar foods can trigger cortisol fluctuations A balanced diet rich in whole grains, healthy fats, lean proteins, and fibre helps keep blood sugar steady and cortisol in check

5. Cut back on stimulants

Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt cortisol rhythms, particularly when consumed in excess or close to bedtime Moderating intake can make a n o t i c e a b l e d i f f e r e n c e i n s t r e s s a n d sleep quality

6. Prioritise joy and connection

Spending time with friends and f a m i l y , e n j o y i n g h o b b i e s , l a u g h i n g , and engaging in creative activities are p o w e r f u l n

These moments counteract the body’s f i g h t - o r - f l i g h t r e s p o n s e a n d h e l p restore calm

Tuning into how your body feels under stress is a powerful first step in

managing cortisol Persistent fatigue, digestive issues, or mood changes may be signs that stress levels and cortisol are out of balance While some stress is unavoidable, how we respond to it is within our control

Cortisol at a glance

• What it is: A steroid hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress

• Primary role: Helps regulate metabolism, blood pressure, immune response, and the sleepwake cycle

• Natural rhythm : Peaks in the early morning to help wake you up, then gradually declines throughout the day

• When it's a p roblem: Chronically high cortisol levels can cause fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, and more

• Healthy rang e: Varies throughout the day, but consistently high levels may indicate stress overload

Here’s where you can start

1 Walk outdoors for 20 mins

2 Cut caffeine after 2pm

3 Try deep breathing before bed

C o r t i s o l m a y b e k n o w n a s t h e stress hormone, but with the right habits and awareness, it doesn’t have to rule your life Managing it is not about eliminating stress entirely, but about building resilience and reclaiming a sense of balance in daily life

Daily vitamin D may slow signs of ageing

Bananas for better mood

Bananas are a natural source of vitamin B6, a nutrient essential for synthesising serotonin a neurotransmitterthat plays a pivotal role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite Vitamin B6acts as a coenzyme in the conversion of the amino acid tryptophan intoserotonin, thereby supporting emotional well-being and cognitive function Additionally, bananas contain tryptophan itself, further aiding serotoninproduction The presence of other nutrients like magnesium and potassium inbananas also contributes to overall brain health. Incorporating bananas intoone s diet can thus be a simple and effective way to support mental health andemotional balance

ges

In a large clinical trial,

took vitamin D supplements showed reduced damage to their DNA a change associ-

process and potentially lower

Alzheimer’s and cancer

Over a four-year period, those taking the supplement were found to have effectively “gained” nearly three extra years of cellular protection compared to those given a placebo

The findings, published in the American Journal of

Clinical Nutrition, are based

P a r t i c i p a n t s w e r e m o n itored through regular blood tests measuring telomeres

p r

ends of DNA strands that

gradually shorten as people age Shorter telomeres are linked to a greater risk of c

a n d reduced cell renewal T

those taking vitamin D3 experienced less telomere short-

ening than those who did not, suggesting that supplementation may help preserve the integrity of DNA over time

An estimated one in five people in the UK has low vitamin D levels Public health guidelines advise a daily supplement of 10 micrograms to maintain healthy bones and support the immune system

y e a

n d , e s p e c

l y f o r those at higher risk of deficiency As interest grows in h o w l i f e s t y l e c h o i c e s c a n influence ageing, the research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that vitamin D may be one of the simpler, low-cost tools to support long-term health

Moments of awe may be a natural boost for mental health

The feeling of awe t hat brie f, spin e-tin glin g sen se of wonde r spa rk ed by t he va stness of the nig ht sk y or the d e li ca t e s y m m e t r y of a sn owflak e m ay offe r more than poe tic inspirat ion New rese arch sugg ests it can also be g ood for me nt al he alth A study has found that experiencing daily moments of awe can ease symptoms of depression and help reduce stress, even without dramatic settings like mountaintops or solar eclipses

Small encounters were often enough: admiring the intricate patterns of a leaf, being struck by a piece of music, or reflecting on the scale of the universe after listening to a science podcast

T h e s e s i m p l e , q u i e t m o m e n t s o f r e f l e c t i o n appeared to carry measurable emotional benefits

T h e f i n d i n g s s u g g e s

t h a t cultivating a sense of wond

c a n h e l p p

p l e s h i f t their perception of everyday life making it feel more meaningful and less stressful

P u b l i s h e d i n

Reports, the study adds

R e s e a r c h e r s o b s e r v e d that people who intentionally sought out awe in their daily routines reported an improved sense of wellbeing and a more positive outlook

improved heart health, and greater empathy and generosity This latest work suggests awe may also be a valu-

Paresh Rawal quits

‘Hera Pheri 3’, returns signing fee with interest

Amid controversy over Paresh Rawal's exit from ‘Hera Pheri 3’, it's now reported that the actor returned his 11 lakh signing amount with 15% annual interest, along with an additional sum for stepping away from the project

According to ‘Bollywood Hungama’, Rawal had reservations about a clause in the contract, despite his total fee being set at 15 crore

As per the report, Paresh Rawal was uneasy with a clause stating he would receive the remaining 14 89 crore of his fee only a month after the film’s release, which is likely in late 2026 or 2027

With the shoot scheduled for next year, this meant waiting almost two years for full payment His unexpected exit stunned fans and the film industry, especially with ‘Hera Pheri 3 ’ being nearly two decades in the making Akshay Kumar, who also co-produces the film, has reportedly taken legal action against him

Adarsh Gourav says ‘Tu Yaa Main’ teaser was just an announcement

Adarsh

Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor are set to star in Bejoy Nambiar’s ‘Tu Yaa Main’. The teaser, released in March, received positive feedback, but Adarsh revealed on the ‘Untriggered’ podcast that filming hasn’t started yet The announcement video was made to create buzz

Describing the film as a "creature feature," Adarsh said it begins as a romance but takes a turn with the arrival of a creature He clarified, “We just shot the announcement video, not the actual film, which will start shooting in June Sometimes announcement videos are released to test the waters it’s not about uncertainty, and the film isn’t getting shelved ”

Reflecting announcemen point, we onl understandin off brief sides it had change months earlie own interpret directing and rescue most choices I mad cut out ”

‘Tu Yaa M stars Adarsh a Shanaya as so media influen trying to esca a man-eating crocodile Directed by Bejoy Nambiar and produced by Anand L Rai, the film is set to release on Valentine’s Day next year

Suniel Shetty reveals Athiya's exit from films

Suniel

Shetty has revealed that his daughter, Athiya Shetty, has chosen to step away from acting In a recent interview, he shared that Athiya, who has appeared in just three films, has openly expressed her lack of interest in pursuing a career in cinema and has decided to move on from the industry ‘Border’ actor Suniel Shetty opened up about daughter Athiya Shetty’s decision to quit acting “She said, ‘Baba, I don’t want to,’ and just walked away That’s what I salute her for-saying clearly, ‘I’m not interested I don’t want to do films,’” he shared Suniel added that although Athiya received several offers after *Motichoor Chaknachoor*, she chose not to pursue them, saying she was content he was went on to praise his 32-year-old daughter, saying now focused on the most meaningful role of her motherhood “Today, she’s working in the best m-life-and playing the role of a mother She’s oving it,” Suniel said Athiya Shetty made her debut in 2015 with Hero’, followed by ‘Mubarakan’ in 2017 and Motichoor Chaknachoor’ in 2019 Since then, she’s tayed away from films and has been in the potlight for her personal life She married cricketer L Rahul in 2023, and the couple welcomed their ghter, Evaarah, on March 24 this year Recently, l shared a heartwarming photo with Athiya and by, revealing the meaning behind her name

Tusshar Kapoor opens up on early career struggles

Whilenepotism has become a hot topic in recent years, actor Tusshar Kapoor recalls facing similar scrutiny when he began his career in 2001 with ‘Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai’

The son of 70s star Jeetendra said the negativity from some in the media existed even then “It started in my time too,” he said “If you came from a film family, the glass was always seen as half empty There was a lot of effort to pull you down you had to be thick-skinned ” Tusshar Kapoor recalls how early in his career, a section of the media constantly criticised star kids whether they showed up casually or fully groomed “You were

Everyone was trying to pull you down,” he says Now 24 years into the industry, he credits his resilience and work ethic for helping him stay focused “I was lucky to have the willpower to ignore the noise and

ultimately, judges you by what they see on screen ” While many believe star kids have it easy, Tusshar Kapoor disagrees “Being a star son doesn’t mean you have a red carpet,” he says “Yes, getting your first film might be

uncertain There’s constant scrutiny and a sense that the glass is always half empty you just have to rise above it ”

Mukul Dev passes away at 54, Bollywood mourns

Actor Mukul Dev, 54, passed away after a period of illness and a hospital stay in Delhi Actress Deepshikha Nagpal, who was close to him, expressed her shock, saying, “He was such an amazing human being We used to meet whenever he was in Mumbai It’s hard to believe he’s gone so soon ” Mukul was known for his work in Hindi and Punjabi films and TV

His elder brother, actor Rahul Dev, shared the news and details of the cremation, writing, “Our brother Mukul Dev passed away peacefully last night in New Delhi He is survived by his daughter Sia and will be deeply missed by us all ” The cremation took place at 5 PM the same day Mukul Dev’s co-star from ‘Son of Sardaar’ took to X, writing, “Still trying to process it Mukul, it’s all too sudden You had a way of lightening even the heaviest days Om Shanti ” Manoj Bajpayee paid tribute, calling Mukul “ a brother in spirit” and praying for strength for his family Rahul Bhat fondly remembered their joyful moments together, saying, “That laughter will never fade ” Vindu Dara Singh expressed heartbreak, recalling their time on ‘Son of Sardaar 2 ’ and Mukul’s struggles with depression after his mother’s death Despite this, Vindu praised Mukul’s performance and said he will be deeply missed

Sushmita Sen on early acting: ‘Terrible’ but bollywood only cared about heroes”

It marks 31 years since Sushmita Sen made history as India’s first Miss Universe at just 18 She debuted in films at 21 with ‘Ratchagan’ and now reflects on her nearly three-decade career

At a recent INWEC event, Sushmita Sen admitted, “I was a terrible actor when I started Watching my early work, I wonder, ‘What were we even doing?’ But I was lucky to learn on the job and get paid for it ”

She shared how 90s cinema focused on the hero, songs, and glam, not the kind of roles she wanted highlighting how OTT has changed the industry

After a film break post-2015, she made a strong comeback with the critically acclaimed OTT debut ‘Aarya’ in 2020

“I’m a big fan of OTT it gave me the second innings I needed,” she said

Opening up on vulnerability, she added, “I feel it often but keep it between me and God, not my family ” Meditation helps her through tough days, and she values peace of mind above all

Recalling ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’, she said, “When asked why I do fewer films, I said, ‘Main zindagi zyada jeeti hoon’ because it’s true ”

Karan Johar recalls Aditya Chopra calling him annoying and everywhere

Filmmakers

Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar share one of Bollywood’s most talkedabout friendships Karan credits Aditya as a key influence in his career, and their bond dates back to their early days as aspiring filmmakers Despite their very different personalities Aditya’s media-shy, private nature versus Karan’s outspoken, highly visible public persona their friendship has endured.

Though Aditya Chopra inspired Karan Johar creatively, he couldn’t convince him to stay low-key Karan once shared that Aditya found his public persona “irritating and a n n

, Karan said, “He gave up on me He told me, ‘You annoy me, you irritate me but it’s working for you, so do what you want ’”

Karan recalled how Aditya Chopra once scolded him for juggling too much work, including a reality show shoot during a film release “He called and said, ‘You have no shame,’ and hung up on me, ” Karan shared Despite this, he expressed deep gratitude, saying, “Aditya Chopra and YRF made me I owe my career to him Forgetting gratitude is the worst thing ”

TV Listing

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MON 02 JUN - FRI 06 JUN 2025

09:00 Deshi Beats

16:30 Laxmi Sadaiv Mangalam

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SATURDAY 31 MAY 2025

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17:00 Anmol Bandhan

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SUNDAY 01 JUNE 2025

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Vijay Sethupathi praises Anurag Kashyap’s dedication on ‘Maharaja’

Tamil star Vijay Sethupathi, known for his versatile talent, is gearing up for his next Tamil release ‘Ace’, directed by

Arumuga Kumar

Speaking about his admiration for Anurag Kashyap, Sethupathi responded to the director’s recent revelation that he helped him land a role in ‘Maharaja’ during a financially tough time “We had approached a few people in Chennai for the role of Selvam, but it didn’t work out Since Anurag sir and I are friends, we asked him and he immediately agreed Despite a serious s h o u l d e r i n j u r y d u r i n g t h e c l i m a x scene, he said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll crawl on one hand ’ That’s his dedication

We are the ones grateful to him,” he said

Tamil star Vijay Sethupathi has made a mark in Hindi cinema with ‘Jawan’ alongside Shah Rukh Khan, ‘Merry Christmas’ with Katrina Kaif, and his OTT debut in ‘Farzi’ When asked about his next Hindi projects, he said, “I’m in talks for a few, including ‘Farzi 2 ’ They’ll be announced soon For me, every role is challenging I d o n ’ t s p e c i f i c a l l y s e e k c h a l l e n g i n g p a r t s E v e n s i m p l e r o l e s a r e t o u g h because being natural on camera is hard No role is easy Some characters, l i k e S h i l p a i n ‘ S u p e r D e l u x e ’ o r Vaathiyar in ‘Viduthalai’, required deep understanding The real challenge is to grasp and portray diverse characters authentically ”

Trisha reflect on working with Kamal an Mani Ratnam

Actor

Trisha Krishnan recently spoke about her experience working with Kama Haasan, Silambarasan TR, and director Mani Ratnam in their upcoming film ‘Thug Life’, call the set a "safe space."

Trisha previously collab

r a t e d w i

h K a m a l ‘Manmadhan Ambu’ (2010) a ‘Thoongaa Vanam’ (2015), a

(2010) and ‘Alai’ (2003)

Trisha Krishnan opened about her experience work w i t h K

a s Silambarasan TR, and director Mani Ratnam in ‘Thug Life’, saying it felt like a "safe space" on set “I’ve known Simbu and Kamal sir for years, so it was easy for me Kamal sir has been a mentor, and Simbu and I have w

e built a comfort level with everyone, including Mani sir,” she said T r i s h a , w h

d with Mani Ratnam in ‘Ponniyin S

h e l p

d m e understand Mani sir better It felt like I grew up with him We’ve developed a bond he now knows how to bring out the best in me There’s a sync between us now ”

Sandra Thomas alleges drug rooms, special budgets on Malayalam film sets

Producer Sandra Thomas has reignited concerns over drug use in the Malayalam film industry, alleging in a recent interview that it's now so rampant that film sets have dedicated rooms and budgets for it

“A special budget is allotted for this, and even separate rooms are arranged,” she told ‘On Manorama’, criticising industry bodies for their inaction

Her remarks come nearly two years after she first raised the issue in 2023, saying the situation has only worsened since Sandra Thomas slammed the film industry’s silence on widespread drug use, saying many insiders know the truth but stay quiet out of fear “Producers won’t speak up because it could stall their projects,” she said, noting that drug scandals can ruin reputations and derail films

She challenged producer Listin Stephen’s claim that the issue is limited, asking if people are truly unaware or just turning a blind eye

Sandra added that drug use spans all genders and ranks on set, and called for more women producers on Internal Complaints Committees to ensure safer, more accountable workplaces

Raveena Tandon back in Tamil films after two decades

Raveena

Tandon is set to return to Tamil cinema after 24 years with Vijay Antony’s courtroom drama, Lawyer This will be her third Tamil film, after ‘Saadhu’ (1994) and ‘Aalavandhan’ (2001) Director Joshua Senthuraman said, “I loved Raveena ma ’ am ’ s performance in ‘Shool’ (1999) and needed her dynamic presence for this film She and Vijay Antony have ly important roles ” e added, “After ‘Gentlewoman’ eleased on OTT, many wood contacts reached out I studied at FTII and have wood friends, I approached her watching ‘Gentlewoman’, she nterested, and I narrated the right away ” oshua shares that ‘Lawyer’ has no angle, focusing instead on the gles of a first-generation lawyer, d by Vijay Antony, and workingissues e adds the film will show how ourtrooms function “Most room dramas focus on criminal , but this deals with a civil r court Indian films often ay courtrooms unrealistically e ‘Visaaranai’ shows police work, epict courts accurately,” he says ijay Antony stars, produces, and oses the music Joshua says, “He cted me after watching lewoman’, liked my perspective, wanted to work together ” cting on his debut two-heroine Joshua notes, “Many doubted it d succeed, but it made a 50% t despite tough competition ”

Cannes '25: India's unforgettable showcase of Cinema, fashion and heritage

Jafar

Panahi’s ‘Un simple accident’ (It Was an Accident) took home the prestigious Palme d’Or as the Cannes Film Festival 2025 drew to a close. This year’s edition was a vibrant mix of bold colours, deeply rooted narratives, and powerful emotions

Alongside cinematic brilliance, fashion remained a constant showstopper, turning the red carpet into a runway of global style and statement-making moments

K a r a n J o h a r ’ s H o m e b o u n d s t a r r i n g

Ishaan Khattar, Jahnvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa getting a 9-minute standing ovation can be considered as this year ’ s one of the greatest achievements

Khanna ensemble featuring a gold embroidered open-back top and a mint green skirt Draped across her back was a statement necklace combining archival Indian jewels with custom jade and jadau elements She completed the look with mint-

British-Indian actress Simone Ashley, best known for her standout role in the hit period drama ‘Bridgerton’, made a stunning entrance at Cannes as a co-ambass a d o r f o r L ’ O r é a l P a r i s J o i n i n g f e l l o w

ambassador Alia Bhatt, the two shared a heartwarming moment on the red carpet, capturing the spotlight with their grace and camaraderie

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan once again cemented her status as a global style icon, d a z z l i n g i n a b r e a t h t a k i n g h a n d w o v e n kadwa Banarasi saree by Manish Malhotra Adding to the Indian spotlight at Cannes, veteran actor-director Anupam Kher made his festival debut with his second directoria l v e n t u r e , ‘ T a n v i t h e G r e a t ’ , w h i c h r e c e i v e d a n e n t h u s i a s t i c a n d h e a r t f e l t response from the audience

Aditi Rao Hydari turned heads on her second day at Cannes in a red Raw Mango silk saree with a bold cobalt blue border, elegantly finished with a deep red bindi and sindoor for a traditional touch

Assamese filmmaker Urmimala Boruah and actress Snigdha Baruah made history as Cannes’ first mother-daughter duo on the red carpet Urmimala wore a banyan

t r e e - i n s p i r e d P h a n H u y g o w n , w h i l e Snigdha dazzled in a bamboo-crafted fan design by the same label

S tellar debut of Alia Bhatt and Janh vi Kapoor

Alia Bhatt lit up this year ’ s Cannes Festival as L’Oréal Paris’s brand ambassador, proving she was made for the red carpet But it was her final look that truly made headlines the National Award-winning actress stunned the fashion world by debuting Gucci’s first-ever saree

This groundbreaking ensemble marked a significant moment for both the luxury fashion house and the global celebration of Indian heritage Designed exclusively for Alia, the saree was more than just a garm e n t i t w a s a f u s i o n m a s t e r p i e c e

Adorned with Gucci’s iconic monogram

a n d s h i m m e r i n g S w a r o v s k i c r y s t a l s , i t reimagined tradition with a sleek, modern drape, seamlessly blending the timeless elegance of Indian attire with Gucci’s bold, avant-garde aesthetic

J a n h v i K a p o o r , w h o a l s o m a d e h e r debut this year with the film Homebound, stood out for her timeless fashion choices from Tarun Tahiliani’s designer saree to vintage Dior, blending tradition with elegance and transformation For the film premiere, she wore a custom Anamika

accented jhumkas and chunky bracelets She was spotted in the Maison wearing an archival YSL gown from the 1975 Rive Gauche collection, reaffirming her flair for vintage style

Kalki lehengas making a statement

K a l k i l

y embodied the tradition along with fashion set the red carpet on fire It came into the scene as a cultural statement as everything resonated a greater statement that India has come, and it’s here with an unparalleled grace

Celebrities like Sarah Sarosh, Masoom Minawala, Parul Gulati all were making a fashion statement with astonishing Kalki l

embroidery’ which is a cultural adaptation from Rajasthan and Gujarat Parul’s clothes which were dipped in resin and lacquered to her body was a masterpiece from Mohit Rai Kalki lehengas are fusion wears blended high fashion with ease, openly paying reverence to Indian craft

Eco-revolution on th e red carp et Indian women are taking the message of the climate crisis through fashion Mrs

Sharma and Mrs India runner up Juhi Vyas entered the carpet with a purpose The

reflecting through their attires The bold gowns highlighted heatwaves, oceans and climate changes amplifying the green peace campaign

Juhi stated that she chose to wear the crisis dress because too many people live it every day And she walks with Greenpeace India to demand justice, holding polluters

becomes people’s silence Mohini on the other hand, with her glacier-blue gown

gown reflects the oceans, serene on the surface, but struggling beneath The duo's fashion statement urges world nations to start working fast regarding these matters

Prit Kamani m akes h istory

With his debut film in Cannes, The

Magic, Prit Kamani breaks new ground as the first Indian film to be part of the top 8 films of the straight eight segment in 25 years history Kamani said he was extremely happy Not because they gained something, but because they did something

achievement as fulfilling

Raja Kumari says SRK’s Met Gala moment marks cultural shift

Shah Rukh Khan’s Met Gala debut marks another high point in the ongoing “brown renaissance,” said Grammy-nominated rapper Raja Kumari “Whether it’s Bollywood’s global rise or stars like Shah Rukh and Diljit at the Met Gala, this moment has been a long time coming,” she said

Grammy-nominated rapper and singer Raja Kumari, aka Svetha Yallapragada Rao, is the only artist of Indian origin nominated at the 2025 American Music Awards for her track “Renegade” from ‘Arcane: League of Legends Season 2 ’

“I’ve always seen myself as a global artist, so this nomination reminds me there’s still more to achieve,” she said

A first-generation American, Kumari said the ongoing “brown renaissance” is the validation she’s long awaited Her music like “N R I , ” where she raps about being “too brown for the label, too privileged for the co-sign” captures that identity struggle

“Growing up, I never saw Indian people in lead roles If shows like ‘Never Have I Ever’ existed then, maybe my life would’ve felt different,” she added

Actor Taha Shah Badussha receives prestigious Cannes award

Makinga strong impression on the global stage, actor Taha Shah Badussha was named ‘Influential Actor of the Year’ at Cannes 2025 He earned the honour for his standout performances in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi’ and Gajendra Ahire’s ‘PARO’.

T a h a S h a h B a d u s s h a s h a r e d h i s excitement on social media after winning the honour, writing, “Grateful for this global honour Thank you, WIBA Awards!”

A s ‘ P A R O ’ w a s s c r e e n e d a t C a n n e s during the Marché du Film, Taha expressed how much the global recognition means to him “Grateful and humbled to be part of a story that truly matters,” he said “It’s an honour to present ‘PARO’ at the Festival de C a n n e s a f i l m t h a t s p a r k s i m p o r t a n t c o n v e r s a t i o n s a n d r e f l e c t s p o w e r f u l realities ”

T a h a s h a r e d , “ T h i s o p p o r t u n i t y t o showcase our work on a global stage means the world to me I’m truly thankful for the love, support, and belief that brought us here ” D i r e c t e d b y G a j e n d r a A h i r e , ‘ P A R O ’ sheds light on the harrowing reality of Paro or Molki brides women trapped in cycles of bride-buying and modern-day slavery Taha plays Rashid, a husband who empathises with their suffering The film, produced by Trupti Bhoir under Trupti Bhoir Filmss and Sandesh Sharada International Pvt Ltd , is a l s o s e t t o b e s h o w c a s e d a t O x f o r d University

Meanwhile, in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘ H

s

h

intense and romantic Nawab Tajdar Balloch

Janhvi Kapoor

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Alia Bhatt Aditi Rao Hydari

Shubman Gill named as India's new test captain

S hubman Gill was officially nam ed Ind ia’s new Test captain, tasked w ith steering the team throu gh a “ m assive transition” phase Wicketkeeper-batter Rish abh Pant has been named v ice-captain for Ind ia’s five-Test tour o f England in June-July Th e tou r promises t o be a tr ia l b y f ir e f o r th e yo u th f u l lead ership duo

At 25, Gill becomes India’s fifth-youngest Test captain after Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (21), Sachin Tendulkar (23), Kapil Dev (24), and Ravi Shastri (25) He is also the first Test captain from Punjab since spin great Bishan Singh Bedi, who led India during the 1978-79 series in Pakistan The five-match series kicks off on June 20 in Leeds

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said, “For the l a s t y e a r o r s o , w e ’ v e b e e n l o o k i n g a t Shubman (for leadership) We are hopeful he is the guy who is going to take the team forward It is a high-pressure job, but he is a terrific player We wish him all the best ” Gill’s only notable drawback has been his m o d e s t p e r f o r m a n c e s i n S E N A ( S o u t h Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries Nevertheless, the selectors are backing the talented batter to guide India t h r o u g h t h i s p h a s e “ I t i s a m

s s i v e transition Both Rohit and Virat were around for a long time,” Agarkar added, alongside

co-selector SS Das

Though out of form in IPL 2025, the 27year-old Pant brings more experience to the table with 43 Tests “Pant is one of our best batters in Test cricket over the last four-five years A wicketkeeper can read the game well, and that’s why he’s Shubman’s deputy,” Agarkar explained A

Mohammed Shami, who has been ruled out due to fitness concerns Seamer Harshit Rana and Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan, both of whom toured Australia in 2024-25, have been dropped Shreyas Iyer, another Mumbai batter, has also been overlooked

Maiden Test call-ups for Sai, Arshdeep

Twenty-three-year-old left-hander B Sai Sudharsan, currently the leading run scorer i n

Arshdeep Singh have earned maiden Test call-ups

Karun Nair, Shardul Thakur recalled

There was also a long-awaited recall for Karun Nair, who last played a Test in March

2

Thakur also returned to the Test squad following an impressive domestic season

Bumrah unavailable for full series

Premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah will not be

available for all five Tests “According to the physios and doctors, he might play three or

available for a few games, he can win us matches,” Agarkar said

Rishabh Pant (vice-capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, K

E a s w a r a n , K

r u n N a i r , N i t i s h R e d d y , Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav

RCB beat LSG, to face PBKS in qualifier 1

St and-in skipper Jitesh Shar ma conjur ed up a s e n sa t i on a l un b e a t e n 85 t o he l p R o y a l Chal le ngers Be ngaluru t rump Rishabh Pant ’ s e xce ption al 118 and seal the t eam ’ s pl ace in t he IPL Qualifie r 1 with a sensational sixwicket win ove r Luck now Super Giants, on Tuesday

T h e R o y a l C h a l l e n g e r s w i l l n o w f a c e Punjab Kings in the Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur on Thursday The RCB finished second on the table with 19 points, same as Punjab but finished behind them on net run rate - +0 30 against PBKS’ +0 37

The RCB started in a hurry chasing an imposing 228, as Virat Kohli (54) and Phil Salt (30) added 61 runs in a mere 5 4 overs before Jitesh (85) and Mayank Agarwal (41) taking t h e m h o m e , m a k i n g 1 0 7 r u n s f o r t h e impressive unbroken fifth wicket stand They eventually made 230/4 in 18 4 overs

But it started with Kohli and Salt playing risk-free cricket even in the Power Play, hammering 12 fours in that phase before Salt getting dismissed by pacer Akash Khan

The senior batter tried to blunt pacer Avesh Khan over long-off but could not clear

Ayush Badoni in that position

The Royal Challengers were 123 for four in 11 4 overs at that stage after losing out-off

Livingstone, who came in for injured Tim

O’Rourke The RCB were still 103 runs away from victory and the asking rate was touching almost 13

But Jitesh, who was saved by Digvesh Rathi’s back-foot no-ball on 49, and Agarwal pulverised LSG bowlers in their own style to take RCB home

Punjab Kings to play 1st qualifier

Josh Inglish and Priyansh Arya starred w i t h t h e b a t a s P u n j a

Mumbai Indians by seven wickets in their IPL league match at Jaipur to ensure a top two finish in the playoffs Asked to bat first, MI scored 184 for seven and PBKS completed the chase of 185 with nine balls to spare Arya and Inglis struck sparkling half-centuries to lead

P

Yadav and Hardik Pandya pushed Mumbai Indians to 184 for seven despite a decent bowling effort from Punjab Kings in the

Mumbai opener Mhatre appointed India Under-19 captain

M umba i’s 1 7-ye a r-ol d op en er Ay ush Mhatr e was a ppointed capta in of the India Un der-19 t eam for the upcoming tour of E n g l a

sensat ion Vaibhav Suryav anshi

M h a t r e a n d S u r y

n s h i h a v e t u r n e d h e a d s w i t h impressive debut IPL seasons, g e n e r a t i n g c o n s i d e r a b l e excitement around their prospects

sixes and 18 fours in IPL 2025

century against Australia in a youth Test last year

Abhigyan Kundu, is also from

in brief

KUSH MAINI BECOMES FIRST INDIAN TO WIN F2 MONACO GP

penultimate league fixture Mumbai enter playoffs

A late blitzkrieg by Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir, plus some splendid spells from Jasprit Bumrah and Kiwi left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner helped MI secure the last p

knockout blow to a thoroughly outplayed Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium Gujarat Titans also qualified for the playoffs

Kush Maini etched his name into racing history with a spectacular victory in the Formula 2 Sprint Race on the iconic streets of Monaco Displaying precision composure and unshakeable focus he claimed his first F2 win of the season-and his maiden podium with DAMS Lucas Oil - at the most prestigious venue in motorsport This historic achievement makes him the first Indian driver to win at Monaco Starting from pole position, the BWT Alpine F1 Team reserve driver showcased masterful control and strategic poise throughout the race He made the most of a strong start and managed the pressure with veteran-like maturity, securing a dominant lights-to-flag victory Kush had qualified P10 for Sunday’s Feature Race, placing him on pole for Saturday’s Sprint Race due to the reverse grid system From the moment the lights went out, the DAMS driver led confidently for all 30 laps “P1 and first Indian to win at Monaco It’s a great honour and a dream come true really I want to thank DAMS and everyone who’s supported me We keep believing ” said an emotional Kush after the podium celebration Business tycoon Anand Mahindra the chairman of Mahindra Group heaped praise on Kush for the incredible achievement Following a challenging start to the 2025 season, the Monaco win arrived at the perfect momentboosting both his confidence and momentum at a critical point in the calendar In what was a truly special moment for Kush and the nation, he proudly sang the Indian national anthem during the podium celebrations Indian business tycoon Gautam Singhania was seen embracing Kush in the pit lane after the win Singhania’s JK Racing, along with TVS Racing, have supported Kush throughout his career With this landmark victory, Kush now looks to carry the momentum into Sunday’s Feature Race and into the upcoming round in Barcelona next weekend

Gujarat’s Hina Khalifa has been selected for the Asian U-23 Senior Wrestling Championships to be held in Vietnam from June 18-21, a press release issued by the Gujarat State Wrestling Association said The wrestler from Sabarkantha, who will compete in the 53kg weight class in freestyle wrestling, was selected from the trials held at IG Stadium in Delhi

Ayush Mhatre Ja

Mhatre, picked up mid season by MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings, has scored 206 runs in six matches at an average of 34 33, including a blazing 94 off 48 balls against RCB, and has hit 28 fours and eight sixes Suryavanshi, the left-handed opener from

T a j p u r i n S a m a s t

h a s b e

q u a l l y electrifying for Rajasthan Royals, smashing 252 runs in seven matches at 36 00, including a 35-ball hundred (101 off 38 balls) against Gujarat Titans and one fifty He has struck 24

India U-19 against

Puducherry last Sept

Squad: Ayush Mhatre (Captain), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra, Maulyarajsinh

(Vice-Captain & WK), Harvansh Singh (WK), R S Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, H

Rana, Anmoljeet Singh St

Alankrith Rapole (WK)

h ro w

N

ra j Ch opra was not at his best but m an age d a s e c o nd - p l a c e fi ni sh behi nd Juli an Weber of G e rm an y at t h e J anu s z Kuso cinski Memorial meet at Ch orzow, Po land The 27-year-old Chopra

Shubman Gill

Neeraj Chopra