AV 3rd May 2025

Mayoral races and council seats at stake in local elections P05

Runners and resilience take centre stage at the London Marathon 2025 P07

100 days of President Trump P21

South Asians adapt as gold prices hit new heights

Subhasini Naicker

Gold remains a key asset for preserving wealth and cultural heritage, particularly in uncertain economic times.

Recent global market volatility, largely driven by tariff sanctions and unpredictable trade policies introduced under US President Donald Trump has pushed gold prices to record highs in India and worldwide.

Despite the surge in gold prices, it continues to hold significant traditional value in South Asian communities, playing a central role in weddings and major celebrations. Families still invest in new jewellery or pass down cherished heirlooms, maintaining gold's cultural importance. Continued

10 Downing Street celebrates Jain heritage and values

ALL EYES ON PAHALGAM

Anusha Singh

Indian community members across the world staged large-scale protests, demanding justice for the 26 victims of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack.

Demonstrations took place in the UK, Canada, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Spain, the US, and other countries. Protesters displayed placards, chanted anti-Pakistan slogans, and waved Indian flags, condemning the brutal killings of Hindu tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rallies were held in cities such as London, Melbourne, Copenhagen, and Kathmandu, with voices of anger and solidarity echoing globally. The diaspora came together to honour the victims and call for justice.

In France, Switzerland, and Finland, community members gathered to pay tribute to the innocent lives lost and send a clear message against terrorism. In Frankfurt, over 300 people participated in a march from the Central Railway Station to Dom Romer, expressing solidarity with the victims' families and standing firm against terror.

The massacre has sparked global outcry as the diaspora come together in solidarity

Zydus Lifesciences Chairman Pankaj Patel awarded by President of India, Droupadi Murmu

Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal

L-R: Lord Wajid Khan, Gareth Thomas MP and Dr Mehool Sanghrajka

Protests in London outside Pakistan High Commission

Protester detained by Met Police

Major Tory donor switches to Reform

Farage “bring this country back to its glo ry ” Bassim Haidar,

techn

during Rishi Sunak’s leadership, resigned his party

future, we must stop funding the past”, Haider told The Telegraph

minister, has already given Reform UK over £200,000 ahead of next week’s local e l e c t i o n s l i ke l y t h e largest single donation of the campaign

He hopes his f inancial backing will not only boost Reform’s prospects but also inspire other wealthy indiv i d u a l s t o s u p p o r t t h e party, making him by far its biggest donor “I’ve always been pro-business and supp o r t e d p a r t i e s t h a t b a c k

e n t e r p r i s e T h e

Conser vatives stopped listening I had to support the p a r t y t h a t c a n a c t u a l l y reset and change the status quo Nigel and Reform are the only ones who can do this If we want a better

H a i d a r ’ s d i s i l l u s i o nm e n t

d

e p e n e d after the party pledged to abolish non-dom tax stat u s , a m o v e h e s a i d betrayed core Tor y principles by aligning too closely with Labour’s tax policies

B o r n i n Ni g e r i a t o Lebanese parents, Haidar, 54, moved to the UK in 2010 He now has three children in school and two a d u lt c h i l d re

Ho w e v e r, he is preparing to leave the

L a b o u r ’ s p r o p o s e d n o n

d o m c h a n g e s a n d t h e heavy inheritance taxes his f a m i l y w o u l d f a c e He

w a r n e d t h a t L a b o u r ’ s crackdown on non-doms

w o u l d b a c k f i

ators and ultimately costing the Treasur y I n c o n t r a s t , H a i d a r

praised Farage for “listening to the people,” especially on immigration, and for s h o w i n g t h e p o l i t i c a l courage other leaders lack “I believe he would reform tax, encourage investment, and introduce a new non-

d o m r e g i m e O n c e h e becomes prime minister, I

b e l ie v e w e ’ l l s e e t h e U K

b e c o m e g r e a t a g a i n , ” h e said

Asked whether he genu i n e l y b e l i e v e d Fa r a g e could reach No 10, Haidar re pl ie d , “ Ve r y c o nv i n c e d

He has all the cards today, he is leading in the polls, and people believe in him If funding is an issue, I don’t think it will be for long ”

After several meetings with Farage, Haidar said he w

and ability to “speak from

f irmed he had committed £1 million so far, with “at l

ferred depending on the party’s needs

University funding ineffective, needs urgent reform

T he V ic e-C ha n c e l l or of C a nt e r b ur y C hr is t Ch ur c h Univers it y has urged the gove rnment to raise tuition fees in line with infla tion, warning that the c urrent f unding m odel for higher educ ation is unsust ainabl e

Sp e a k i n g t o t h e B B C ,

P r o fe s s o r R a m a

T h i r u n a m a c h a n d r a n c i t e d rising costs and changes to student visa rules as key pressures forcing the university

t o c u t c o s t s C a n t e r b u r y Christ Church is planning to e l i m i n a t e u p t o 4 0 0 j o b s , having already shed 148 posi-

t i o n s t h r o u g h a v o l u n t a r y redundancy scheme

"The tuition fees, set in 2013, have barely increased and are now worth only twothirds of their original value,"

P r o f T h i r u n a m a c h a n d r a n said

A spokesperson for the D e p a r t m e n t fo r E d u c a t i o n responded, saying, "This government inherited a higher education sector facing signif icant f inancial risks and has taken tough decisions to secure its future "

As part of its cost-saving measures, Canterbur y Christ Church University will phase o u t i t s E n g l i s h L i t e r a t u r e degree once current students complete their studies Prof

Extra protection for local election candidates amid abuse

In respo nse to rising abuse during the last g e ner al el ec ti o n, local electio n candidates are now receiving enhanced security protections

Operation Ford , a new security initiative, provides addit i o n a l s u p p o r t fo r c a n d i d a t e s , i n c l u d -

ing dedicated police off icers in each police force responsible for ensuring their safety This marks the f irst time that ever y police force will have a full-time off icer assigned to offer safety brief ings to local candidates

This new security scheme is an expansion of Operation Bridger, which was introduced ahead of last year ’ s general election to protect MPs and parliamentar y candidates

The decision to implement increased protections was made by Security Minister

D

e" harassment and intimidation that occurred during the last general election During that campaign, Nigel Farage was subjected to physical abuse, and some candidates opted not to attend public meetings due to safety concerns Additionally, constituency off ices were vandalised amid rising tensions related to the war in Gaza

Jar vis said, Let me be cr ystal clear, this government will not stand for it Candidates should feel safe, and we are determined to crack down on the abuse faced by those who step for ward to ser ve in public off ice "

He has instructed police to “ use the powers available to them” to ensure the safety of candidates during the local elections

Jar vis also called on candidates to reflect on their actions, stating, "Those who consistently demonise their opponents, make false accusations, and incite mobs to target them, cannot be surprised when they face online abuse, death threats, or worse I urge all candidates to consider whether they are part of the solution or part of the problem "

Thirunamachandran explai-

No

continue offering ever y subject when student demand h

, the University of Kent is targeting nearly £20 million in

through a voluntar y redundancy scheme and by leaving vacant positions unf illed It

and Social Care, Art Histor y, and Philosophy

"University f inances across the sector are under severe strain, and like many others, we are implementing wideranging changes to align with

Crackdown on fake immigration advisers

Fraudulent individuals pos ing as imm igration a dvis ers on pl at for m s l ike Fa ce book coul d s oon f ace f ines of up to £15 ,000 under new government meas ures

Ministers are set to close a loophole that currently allows banned individuals to offer so-called “ super vision” advice a tactic often used to help people remain in the countr y illegally These changes form part of a series of amendments to the government's border secur

returns to the Commons this week At present, providing immigration advice without registration with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) or a recognised legal body is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment Under the new rules, regulators will also be empowered to issue f ines of up to £15,000 to individuals and f irms found posing as legitimate advisers

The Home Off ice warns that fake immigration lawyers are becoming increasingly common, acting as middlemen for those seeking to abuse the system, blocking pathways for genuine asylum seekers, and prof iting from people's desperation

The new legislation will also allow the IAA to suspend advisers suspected of misconduct or exploitation In addition, the government plans to introduce tougher, counter-terrorstyle powers aimed at dismantling peoplesmuggling networks responsible for sending hundreds across the Channel in small boats So far this year, more than 8,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats a higher f igure than for the same period in 2024

I N B R I E F FOREIGN CRIMINALS' NATIONALITIES TO BE REVEALED

For the first time, the nationalities of foreign criminals in the UK will be published, as part of new plans set to be revealed soon Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is believed to have instructed officials to release the data, which will include details on the crimes committed by the end of the year A source from the Home Office explained that the government aims to provide the public with better information about foreign criminals including their countries of origin Additionally Home Office sources attribute the rise in foreign criminals awaiting deportation to factors such as early releases due to prison overcrowding, instability in certain countries hindering deportations, and numerous human rights appeals against removal Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick welcomed the move, stating, "We will finally see the hard reality that mass migration is fuelling crime across our country Frankly, the public deserved to know this long ago "

UK FRAUD OFFICE URGES FIRMS TO SELF -REPORT

Firms that self-report suspected wrongdoing to Britain’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and cooperate with investigations could avoid prosecution according to new guidance published by the SFO on Thursday The SFO responsible for tackling complex financial crimes, fraud, and corruption announced that companies reporting potential breaches may negotiate a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA), barring exceptional circumstances DPAs allow firms to avoid prosecution if they comply with conditions like paying fines, providing compensation, and implementing corporate compliance programs, provided they do not reoffend or breach other terms SFO Director Nick Ephgrave warned, "If you have knowledge of wrongdoing the risk of keeping it to yourself has never been greater " The guidance outlines what constitutes genuine cooperation including preserving digital and physical records and engaging with authorities early Reactions from law firms were mixed with some expressing concerns that company boards will still face the dilemma of whether to self-report or wait for the SFO to uncover the issue

UK AIR DEFENCES BREACHED IN WAR GAME SIMULATION

Britain s air defences failed to intercept all incoming Russian missiles during a 2022 war game, it has been revealed The simulation part of the RAF ’s £36 million Gladiator programme, tested how the UK would respond on the first day of a major conflict Hundreds of missiles attacked from multiple directions, with some successfully breaching defences Air Commodore Blythe Crawford, former head of the RAF ’s Air and Space Warfare Centre said the exercise shattered assumptions that Britain’s homeland was safe “ We must now assume we are under threat at home too ” he warned Since the simulation the military has reinforced aircraft shelters practised extremecondition landings, and deepened cooperation with Germany on air and missile defence The Ministry of Defence said Britain now has a layered defence strategy and remains fully prepared to defend itself alongside NATO allies, citing the success of the Sea Viper missile system

Bassim Haidar

Prof Rama Thirunamachandran

Dan Jarvis

The world can no longer look away

Amir Khusrau famously wrote, “Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, hameen ast o hameen ast o hameen ast”

“If there is a paradise on Earth, it is this, it is this, it is this” to capture the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir

This paradise, however, has long been marred by decades of communal unrest, cross-border hostilities, and violent extremism The latest tragedy in Pahalgam serves as a stark reminder of this reality A brutal terrorist attack targeting tourists claimed 26 innocent lives; individuals with hopes, dreams, and futures cruelly cut short in mere minutes As much as we would like to believe that terrorism is indiscriminate, its targets are often chosen based on religion

Eyewitness accounts from Pahalgam revealed that the attackers confirmed their victims were not Muslim before executing them Similarly, on June 9, 2024, militants ambushed a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khori cave shrine in Reasi district, killing nine and injuring 41 These attacks are not just acts of terror, they are deeply sectarian in n a t u r e W h a

involvement of radicalised local youth, brainwashed into supporting or joining militant groups backed by Pakistan

Since gaining independence in 1947, India has c

relations with its neighbours Despite the trauma of partition, India remained committed to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of truth and non-violence Yet, these very values have often been exploited Pakistan, carved out as a separate homeland for Muslims, has

beginning with the 1948 conflict over Kashmir But there comes a time when a nation must say, enough is enough India is a resilient country, but resilience should not be mistaken for passivity The

terrorism is not merely a national issue, it is a global one

Pakistan has long denied supporting terrorism, but its own Deputy Prime Minister recently admitted to it in a televised interview with Sky News very

international outrage and action Unfortunately, responses from global powers have remained vague and insufficient While leaders like Donald Trump speak of cordial ties with both India and Pakistan and express hope that “things will be resolved,” such statements lack the moral clarity and urgency the situation demands Conversely, while Vladimir Putin remains a controversial figure, his firm support for India’s right to defend itself from terrorism is the kind of decisive stance the global community needs

provoked, what options remain? How long can any nation absorb such calculated attacks without taking decisive action?

This is not about Islamophobia India continues

Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar The issue at hand is not religion it is terrorism And terrorism, in any

excused or ignored

Global uncertainty drives gold to new highs

Gold is widely regarded as a reliable store of value, especially during periods of political instability and financial uncertainty Amid the ongoing turbulence caused by US President Donald Trump's unpredictable trade and economic policies, gold prices have soared to all-time highs in India and around the world The imposition of tariffs on imports from various countries has intensified global trade tensions, resulting in heightened market volatility In response, investors are increasingly turning to safehaven assets like gold, driving its value to recordbreaking levels

In India, gold prices crossed the Rs 1 lakh mark (875 GBP) for the first time on April 21, driven by growing concerns over global economic growth amid the escalating US-China trade war A weakening dollar has further added momentum to the surge in gold prices Fundamentally, markets are reacting to heightened geopolitical risks, fuelled by ongoing trade tensions and rising fears of stagflation, while continued central bank buying is putting additional upward pressure on prices Global sentiment was further shaken when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) downgraded its global growth forecast for 2025 to 2 8%, alongside an upward revision in inflation expectations Adding to the uncertainty, Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at possible peace efforts regarding Ukraine, while reports suggested the White House was considering tariff cuts on Chinese imports, introducing further complexity to the global economic outlook

While gold prices have seen a minor dip recently,

investor focus remains firmly on central bank inde-

mixed US economic data, including uneven PMI readings and durable goods orders Markets are now looking to comments from Federal Reserve officials for policy direction, while absent any major updates from President Trump or Chinese officials on the trade war, profit booking in gold may continue Analysts caution that although gold has enjoyed a sustained rally, short-term price corrections are possible They advise that maintaining some investment in gold could offer stability amid ongoing financial market volatility

In South Asian culture, gold holds deep symbolic value; it represents wealth, prosperity, and blessings for a new beginning, making it an essential part of wedding ceremonies and gifts It also stands as a mark of status within families

Even with the financial burden of higher prices, South Asian families globally are willing to invest significant sums to uphold these cherished customs However, the surge in gold prices has also led to an alarming increase in burglaries

People are now being strongly urged to take extra precautions, such as investing in high-security

advanced home security systems, and ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage for their valuables As gold continues to be a prized possession both culturally and economically, safeguarding it against theft has become an equally critical concern and added cost for many South Asian households

India-Canada ties to find new footing?

India and Canada used to enjoy a strong relationship built on trade, education, and close ties with the I n d i a n c o m m u n i

700,000 Sikhs living in Canada, most of whom make positive contributions to both countries

However, problems have grown in recent years due to a small but loud group in Canada that supports creating a separate Sikh nation, known as Khalistan This has hurt the relationship between the two governments, especially when it seems like these views are being allowed or even used for political gain in Canada

In September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a known Khalistani supporter, in Canada India strongly denied the

diplomats and stopped visa services for a while, showing how badly ties had broken down

I n d i a ’ s F

regularly spoken out about the issue, saying that allowing these separatist views in Canada damages the relationship and encourages extremism India has asked Canada to take firmer action against those who promote violence and separation

Now, with a new Prime Minister in Canada, Mark Carney, there is a chance to reset the relationship The UK Prime Minister congratulated Carney and highlighted the strong UK-Canada friendship He also said he looks forward to working closely on global issues, including at the G7 meeting in June Although the UK message was mainly about their own ties with Canada, India might also see Carney’s leadership as an opening to rebuild trust Carney’s international experience and links to the UK may help him better understand and respond to India’s concerns, including those about Khalistan supporters in Canada P

continue his strong approach to national security and his firm stand against extremism abroad This could help start more meaningful talks with the new

leadership and Carney’s global perspective might help bring stability and respect back to India-Canada relations

In short, the Khalistan issue is still a serious challenge, but with new leadership in Canada and possible continuity in India, both countries have a chance to fix long-standing problems and rebuild a stronger and safer partnership

"Violence

Political Sketchbook

Alpesh Patel

What Next India?

Intelligenc e works on the likely s cenari os of war between India and Pakistan If you plug that analysis from their best b rains into the current si tuati on in Kashmir then you might conc lude the next steps are thes e:

Recent Context and Potential Indian Reactions

Given recent terrorist attacks, supported by elements within Pakistan, the current situation echoes historical patterns India s likely response today will inevitably draw from previous patterns, though tempered by contemporary geopolitical considerations:

Military Preparedness and Mobi lis ation: India's response to any attack traced back to groups operating out of Pakistani territory historically involves immediate and visible military preparedness This was seen clearly after attacks such as those in Uri (2016) and Pulwama (2019), where India significantly increased military alertness along the Line of Control (LoC) Similar actions are likely to recur, involving heightened patrols, alert status, and possibly troop mobilizations to signal readiness

Surgical Strikes and Limited Mi li tary Action: Following the 2016 Uri attack and 2019 Pulwama bombing, India undertook precise cross-border strikes, specifically targeting militant bases inside Pakistani-administered Kashmir Such actions were justified domestically as counter-terrorism operations, calculated to avoid a full-scale war but powerful enough to convey India’s resolve to act against militancy directly Given this precedent, limited, targeted military action in the near future is highly plausible Pakistan is not permitted to use its US fighter jets against India except inside its own borders So Chinese planes will be used instead for any cross-border attacks against Indian targets The danger is their radar signature apparently looks like the American planes, which can carry a nuclear payload This is what is mean by ‘miscalculation’ by academics

Di plomatic and International Pressure: India will leverage diplomatic channels to isolate Pakistan internationally This strategy has intensified in recent years, with India using global forums (the United Nations, FATF, G20) to highlight Pakistan’s support for terrorism India is likely to continue using diplomatic isolation as a key response tool, potentially coupled with new dossiers of evidence against Pakistan provided to international audiences, seeking stronger global condemnation and possible sanctions Pakistan, like Russia, North Korea and China will deny it supports terrorism and play the victim card, but violence it sees as a legitimate tool to attack and provoke India We know this from its support of Bin Laden and the 9/11 attacks, we know this from ISIS, Al Qaeda, and Hamas rule book Pakistan learnt nothing from Gandhi – the father of Pakistan, without whom there would probably be no Pakistan (Jinnah’s own sister stayed in India and her family are today billionaires )

Internal Security and Counter-i nsurgency Measures: Within Kashmir itself, India will almost certainly ramp up its security measures both as a preventive response and to reassure domestic audiences This could involve intensified anti-militant operations, stricter surveillance, and possibly tighter civil liberties restrictions, potentially increasing internal tensions Like London, Northern Ireland, Manchester, this is a responsible standard response The terrorist remember wants you to be behave in the animalistic way they do That is the trap

Nuclear Stability Considerati ons: Crucially, India s actions will be influenced significantly by nuclear deterrence considerations The intelligence estimate highlights the nuclear shadow effectively preventing large-scale escalation Today, India is likely to continue carefully balancing responses to avoid triggering nuclear escalation, even as it maintains pressure on Pakistan India, unlike Israel in Gaza, cannot level and raze it to the ground, in response to what happened on October 7th But it will be the Israeli response the terrorists want to provoke because as they saw with Israel’s actions there was in the West a flood of support for those backing and supporting Hamas

India will be more strategic But as with Israel, it will have the support of the White House And it will also have intel from Tulsi Gabbard – the Director of National Intelligence of the US who was in India last month One thing people may have missed is PM Modi’s statement the terrorists will be hunted “to the ends of the earth” This is as clear cut that extrajudicial kill squads will be hunting down India’s enemies in foreign countries Ironically, those terrorists will not find home in the Middle East –the rich Arabs are too shrewd to let the Pakistanis, let alone the poor Gazans bring them into their gutter No they will find home in the place where per capita there are more Islamist terrorists than anywhere else –the West And that is where India will hunt them – the way the Israeli’s have always made clear they will too for their enemies

What does it mean for you and me? In Britain, we must not make the mistake of being seen as sectarian and tribal Our brand is what the enemy seeks to destroy because their brand is associated with the lowest values of humanity Our values in this nation are British and Indian values of liberal democracy and non-violence in the Gandhian Indian tradition The stupidity of the Pakistani High Command should not be spewed as vitriol on anyone other than the Pakistani High Command

Remember, when someone is making an ass of themselves, it’s best to let them have the rope to hang themselves with The silent majority of people will see their hate and justification for terrorism for what it is – their belief and value system That ours is self-defence does not need explanation or justification It’s understood

MIDLANDS/NORTH

Police officers failing background checks to be fired

P olice chiefs w ill now have the autho rity to auto matic ally d ism i ss o ffi cers w h o fail background checks, as p a rt o f new g o v e rnm ent m easures aim ed at restoring p ublic confidence in po licing The reforms, set to take

m

w i l l make it mandatory for all serving officers to pass background checks This follows a growing call for changes to p

Sarah Everard by police officer Wayne Couzens

C

Home Secretary Yvette

reforms as "essential" to the g

o "restore confidence in policing " Currently, officers who fail vetting, used to identify unsuitable individuals, can remain in their forces on full p

public-facing roles Earlier this year, the Metropolitan Police revealed that 29 officers and staff members were

o n s p e c i a l

n g l e a v e , receiving full pay and pension benefits

"It is simply not acceptable that officers who are clearly unfit to serve or pose

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

cannot be removed," Cooper s t a t e

only "officers of the highest standards" would be allowed to wear the uniform M

reforms, calling them a solution to a "glaring gap in the law " He added, "This will allow us to move swiftly to remove those who have no place in policing This matters not just for the public, but for the vast majority of

deserve to feel safe, trust their colleagues, and have the public’s confidence " Sir Mark had previously criticised the system after t h e H i g h C o u r t r u l e d i n

February that Sergeant Lino Di Maria, an officer accused of rape, could not be dism i s s e d b e c a u s e t h e d i smissal process was deemed

unfair Additionally, a 2024 review of police officers and staff found more than 400

fraud, and drug offences

The Metropolitan Police began reviewing the records

January 2023 conviction of PC David Carrick, who was found guilty of 49 offences

The Met's current vetting process includes checks on criminal records, behaviour assessments, financial status, and close associates

new powers would allow the Met leadership to “automatically sack officers who fail the checks,” ensuring that anyone who does not meet

longer be able to serve in the force

MP criticised for backing Pakistan airport amid bin strike

T ah ir A li, L abou r M P for Hall Green and Moseley, is f ac i ng c ri t ic i s m fr o m C o ns erv ati v e s f o r ca m -

p aig ning for a new airport in M irp ur, K ashm ir, w hile his B i rm i ng h am co n s ti tu en cy g rap p les w ith an ong o in g bin strike

Ali, along with 19 other MPs, is supporting the project, arguing that the lack of an airport in Mirpur forces many of his constituents to drive over three hours to reach the nearest airport in P a k i s t a n H o w e v e r , h i s i n t e r v e n t i o n c o m e s a s

B i r m i n g h a m c i t y l e a d e r s prepare for fresh talks today

w i t h t h e U n i t e u n i o n t o

r e s o l v e t h e m o n t h - l o n g strike, which has left rubb i s h p i l i n g u p a c r o s s t h e

A woman has been accused o f st eal i ng “ Ru s si a d o c um ents” from Nig el GouldD av i es , B ri ta in ’ s f o rm er ambassado r to Belarus, and o f lau nching a camp aig n of “ threats, harassment, abuse, and blackm ail” ag ainst him

F a r a h D a m j i , 5 8 , w h o

m e t G o u l d - D a v i e s , 5 9 , through an internet dating

s i t e i n 2 0 2 3 , d e n i e s a l l charges, including stalking, t h e f t , a n d f

R u s s i a e x p

t a t t h e International Institute for Strategic Studies and served a s a m b a s s a d o r t o B e l a r u s from 2006 to 2009

city

Earlier this month, Ali attended a press conference in Birmingham to promote the airport campaign, speaking in the Mirpuri Punjabi dialect During the event, he accused "Indian media agencies of working against the project, claiming they were i n f l u e n c i n g C o n s e r v a t i v e MPs Bob Blackman, Kemi

I n h e r d e f e n c e , D a m j i claimed that Gould-Davies had assisted with her projects, including hosting podcasts for her magazine ‘The V i e w ’ , w h i c h f o c u s e s o n female prisoners and justice

S h e s a i d G o u l d - D a v i e s e x p r e s s e d b i t t e r n e

not being awarded a knighthood after his ambassadorship and sought inclusion in ‘Who’s Who’, but was told he had not submitted a profile

Damji also revealed that she initially used the name Noor Higham, with “Noor” being a nickname from her grandfather and “Higham”

Coal shipment secures Scunthorpe Steel Plant’s operations for months

Steelmaking at Scunthorp e will continu e fo r mo nths, the g overnment confirmed, following the arriv al of over 55, 000 tonnes of coking coal in the UK

The shipment, more than four times the weight of the Shard, landed at Immingham bulk terminal on Sunday It will be transported by rail to the British Steel site, 20 miles away, to power its blast furnaces This follows emergency legislation passed just two weeks ago, allowing ministers to take control of the site after concerns that British Steel's Chinese owner, Jingye, might shut down production

The takeover sparked urgent government efforts to secure raw materials for British Steel’s two furnaces, Queen Anne and Queen Bess The coking coal delivered on Sunday came from Bluescope Steel s plant in Australia, with another shipment of 66,000 tonnes of iron ore pellets and 27,000 tonnes of iron ore fines from Sweden expected next week

Scunthorpe's future and protects thousands of vital steel jobs British Steel workers can now rest easy knowing we ’ re on their side ” The government confirmed the shipments were funded from the Department for Business and Trade’s existing budgets

Earlier this week, British Steel abandoned a plan to make up to 2,700 workers redundant, a proposal from its Chinese owner, Jingye, following fears that closing Scunthorpe’s blast furnaces would halt the UK’s steel production

Allan Bell, interim CEO, stated, “We’ve secured the materials needed to keep the furnaces running, ensuring steel production continues Our focus now is on stabilising operations long-term and establishing British Steel as a global leader in steel manufacturing ”

Civil servant denies fraud after holding 'three jobs'

I N B R I E F OVER 100 LANDFILLS IN ENGLAND MAY LEAK HAZARDOUS WASTE

Since 2000 over 100 old landfills in England potentially contaminated with toxic substances have flooded posing a serious safety risk Some of these sites which may contain hazardous materials are located next to public parks and housing estates An investigation by Unearthed, funded by Greenpeace and the Guardian revealed that while councils are responsible for monitoring these sites, funding has dwindled, and some local authorities were unaware of their duties David Megson, an environmental chemist at Manchester Metropolitan University, explained that while most old landfill sites are likely safe, some could be hazardous due to poor historic reporting An investigation analysed 20,000 former landfill sites in England, focusing on those used for industrial or "special" waste before the mid-1990s Cross-referencing this with flooding data 105 high-risk sites were identified many potentially containing hazardous substances like pharmaceuticals heavy metals or "forever chemicals These sites are mainly in poorer areas especially in the north of England

OFCOM CLOSES CRIMINAL LOOPHOLE

Jenrick

R e s p o n d i n g t o t h e remarks, Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said, "Tahir Ali is peddling conspiracy theories His sectarian politics have clouded his judgment He should focus

o n p r o m o t i n g B r i t a i n ’ s interests, not Pakistan’s " Ali has strongly denied accusations that he wants British taxpayers to fund the airport, calling such claims completely unfounded and frankly ridiculous

The controversy comes a t a s e n s i t i v e t i m e f o r B i r m i n g h a m , w i t h p u b l i c frustration growing over the unresolved bin strike and the city's broader financial challenges

from a close family figure

The jury was informed that Damji had a previous conviction for stalking two men in 2016, leading to alarm or distress

She faces accusations of sending harassing, defamat o r y e

, including senior diplomats

and the trial is ongoing

A civ il serv ant accused of holding mu ltiple fu ll- ti me j obs ac ro ss d ifferent g ov ernm ent departments has d enied nine counts of fraud Kashim Chowdhury, 54, is alleged to have w

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and Tower Hamlets council simultaneously

He is accused of providing false information to six government bodies from 2 0 2 0

the Department for B u s i n

s s a n d Trade Chowdhury, from Whitechapel, East London, also faces allegations of defrauding the UK H

A ) , the Food Standards Agency (FSA), and Venn Group, a recruitment firm working for East London NHS Trust

In court at Southwark Crown Court, it was revealed that between June 2020 and June 2022, Chowdhury allegedly misrepresented his employment status to Defra, claiming he had stopped working at Tower Hamlets council in June 2020 H

l between April 2021 and June 2022 that he had no other jobs, and informed Venn Group that he was not working for any other third party during his contracted hours Further charges include allegations that he misled Defra about being able to fulfil his contracted hours and told other departments, including DHSC, the H

Business and Trade, that he was not already employed elsewhere

Chowdhury has denied all charges If convicted, he faces up to ten years in prison

The UK communications regulator Ofcom is banning mobile operators from leasing phone numbers that criminals could exploit to intercept and divert calls and messages, including security codes sent by banks to customers Ofcom announced it would halt the leasing of "global titles," special phone numbers used by mobile networks to route calls and messages These global titles, which are involved in billions of communications worldwide, had previously been available for lease to third parties, creating a loophole that criminals could use to access and intercept sensitive information The National Cyber Security Centre has acknowledged the risks associated with leasing global titles Ofcom stated that, despite industry efforts to address the issue, the problem persisted, prompting the ban The regulator has also issued new guidance for mobile operators outlining their responsibilities to prevent the misuse of these numbers The ban on new leasing agreements takes effect immediately However existing leases will be allowed to continue until 22 April 2026 giving businesses time to find alternative arrangements

UK PENSION AGE TO RISE TO 67 IN 2026

The state pension age in the UK will rise from 66 to 67 starting next year This increase will be phased in gradually, beginning on May 6 2026, and will apply to both men and women Under a 2014 law change, the full implementation of this change is expected to be completed by 2028 Additionally, a further rise is planned between 2044 and 2046, when the state pension age will increase from 67 to 68

The state pension is a regular payment made by the government to individuals who have reached the eligible age and have paid, or been credited with, sufficient National Insurance contributions throughout their working life The 2014 Pensions Act accelerated a previously planned increase in the state pension age by eight years and altered how the increase is phased in As a result people born between March 6 1961 and April 5 1977 will become eligible for the state pension at age 67 rather than on a specific date

Sir Mark Rowley

Sadiq Khan

Tahir Ali

Woman accused of harassment, theft from ambassador

Farah Damji

Kashim Chowdhury

UK-India FTA talks 'constructive

and productive'

Mayoral races and council seats at stake in local elections

Vo t e rs ac ro ss E ng la n d a r e he ading to the polls for the 2 0 25 l oc a l e l e ct io n s , wi t h 1, 641 coun cil se ats con te st ed a cr oss 23 auth or ities

d ee pen ing e conomic coope ra tion

Earlier, on arrival in London on Monday 28 April,

he met with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, to advance negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations

Taking the X, Goyal wrote that “Arrived in London for two days of engaging discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations In my first engagement, held a productive meeting with the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade @JReynoldsMP to advance Free Trade Agreement negotiations, reinforcing our commitment to deepening India-UK economic ties ”

On the first day of his visit, Piyush Goyal met industry leaders, including Martin Gilbert, Chairperson of Revolut, to discuss growth opportunities in India’s fintech sector They highlighted the role of global partnerships in driving innovation and expansion Goyal later posted: “Exchanged views on the immense opportunities in India’s fintech ecosystem and the importance of

Dr

partnerships with global players to drive innovation and growth ”

Goyal met Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, to discuss global trends in gems and jewellery, India’s role in the sector, sustainable practices, and diamond industry growth He later joined Indian business delegates for dinner, focusing on India’s industrial growth and opportunities for deeper UK-India collaboration

During the India-UK Business Roundtable, Minister Piyush Goyal said that 25 of 26 issues in the UK-India trade deal talks have been agreed, according to sources On his second day of talks with Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Goyal flagged key outstanding matters, including India’s request for an exemption from the UK’s planned carbon tax on highemission imports

Other unresolved issues involve the deal’s wording on Indian territory and the sunset clause in the investment treaty UK officials,

Nandakumara

MBE

Polling stations close at 10pm on Thursday, May 1, with key results expected overnight and most counts taking place the next day Elections also include four regional mayors, two local mayors, and a new MP for Runcorn & Helsby

including trade negotiator Amanda Brooks, said a deal is close Talks resumed in February when UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds visited Delhi A breakthrough came as India accepted only limited UK visa concessions, with the mobility chapter now closed The UK is expected to grant just 100 additional work visas annually to Indian nationals

A Downing Street spokesperson described the negotiations as “constructive and productive,” adding the UK will only sign a deal that serves its national interest

Goyal also met with Mark Tucker, Group Chairman of HSBC and exchanged views on sustainable finance, innovation-led investments, strengthening India’s integration with global financial systems and HSBC’s plans to expand their presence in India

Goyal’s visit follows Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s recent London trip, where she expressed optimism about concluding the FTA soon Talks are progressing quickly, with key issues likely to be resolved at the ministerial level After the UK, Goyal heads to Oslo to review the TEPA deal with EFTA nations, and will conclude his Europe tour in Brussels for trade talks with the EU

awarded honorary degree by University of London

The honour, presented by Vice-Chancellor Prof Wendy Thomson CBE, recognizes Dr Nandakumara s exceptional contribution to promoting Indian arts, literature, and culture in the UK

In his acceptance speech, Dr Nandakumara expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, faculty, students, and guests, reflecting on his journey from

Mattur, the Sanskrit Village, to the UK Initially planning a teaching career in Karnataka, his path was shaped by three key influences: his father-in-law, Mathoor Krishnamurti, Dr John Marr, a respected

Indologist, and Dr Jeanine "Shanti" Miller, his PhD advisor

Dr Nandakumara also acknowledged the support of his mentors and colleagues at The Bhavan, including chairpersons Mr Maneck Dalal, Mr Joginder Sanger, and Mr Subhanu Saxena He expressed special thanks to his wife, Janaki, for her unwavering support

He concluded with a verse from the Vedic tradition: "Aa no bhadraah kratavo yantu vishwatah" "Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions," and "Vasudhaiva kutumbhakam" "The world is one family," which he said perfectly captured his experience in London

Polling stations for the 2025 local elections close at 10pm on Thursday, May 1 Counting begins immediately for the Runcorn & Helsby

by-election and four mayoral contests: Doncaster, Greater Lincolnshire, North Tyneside, and the West of England Northumberland will count and declare results overnight By around 2am on Friday, May 2, early mayoral results are expected, with Labour’s Karen Clark leading in North Tyneside and a close race in the West of England The Runcorn & Helsby result should come by 3am, with Reform UK aiming for an upset in a tightly contested race At 3 30am, Greater

Lincolnshire's new mayoral race will be decided, with Conservative Rob Waltham and Reform’s Dame Andrea Jenkyns in a close battle By 5am, Doncaster’s mayoral result will be declared, with Labour’s Ros Jones seeking a fourth term By 7am, Northumberland's council results will be in, with Labour aiming for gains Full results for Durham are expected by 1pm, where Labour hopes to regain control Counting will resume around 9am for the final mayoral races and 22 remaining councils

UKHSA urges Meningitis protection for pilgrims

T he UK H e a l t h S e c ur it y

Ag en cy (UK HSA ) is ur gin g trave llers to Saudi Ar abia f or Umra h and Hajj to get vac cina ted with the M enACWY vac cine due to ongoing outbrea ks of meningoc oc cal W (Me nW) dis ease

Between February and March 2025, five cases were confirmed in England and Wales among recent travellers or their close contacts While rare, MenW can cause life-threatening meningitis and septicaemia Travellers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, including seasonal workers, must show proof of MenACWY vaccination, given 10 days to 3–5 years before arrival, depending on the vaccine type WHO and NaTHNaC also recommend

all travellers get the MenACWY vaccine, especially amid the current MenW outbreak

Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:“The MenACWY vaccine is essential for those travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, especially given recent UK cases linked to travel Meningococcal disease can be life-threatening, with risks of serious complications like hearing loss or brain damage Pilgrims should get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and watch for symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, or rash ” Pol ic e warn of rising Hajj s cam s targeting pil grim s

The City of London

Police and Action Fraud are warning UK pilgrims heading to Hajj this summer to stay alert to Hajj-related scams In 2024, fraud linked to Hajj bookings led to losses of over £150,000, with many victims losing their life savings Commander Umer Khan of City of London Police warned that Hajj fraud can be devastating, especially as many use life savings for the pilgrimage He urged British pilgrims to stay alert, use only the official Nusuk website, avoid cash payments, and pay by credit card when possible “If in doubt, check FCDO Travel Advice or the Nusuk website,” he said, adding that victims should report fraud to Action Fraud to help build intelligence and protect others

Goyal addressing the India-UK Business Roundtable

Goyal with Mr Mark Tucker, Group Chairman of HSBC

Dr Nandakumara MBE

Exploring ancient Sanatan values and wisdom in the stars and scriptures

Exci ti ng new s i n th e field of sp ace research h as recently m ade headlines across the world A space telesco pe has detected specific org anic molecules in th e atmosphere of K2-18b, a w ater-covered planet orbiting a red dwarf star

On Earth, these molecules are known to be produced exclusively by living organisms While this groundbreaking astronomical study has been carried out in the Western world, it's noteworthy that the head of the research team is of Indian origin Before we explore the details of the discovery, let’s take a moment to learn about the distinguished scholar leading this initiative, Dr Nikku Madhusudhan A g r a d u a t e o f t h e I n d i a n I n s t i t u t e o f T e c h n o l o g y ( I I T ) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Dr Madhusudhan went on to complete his postgraduate studies and PhD in Planetary Science at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA Following years of valuable research and experience at MIT, he now holds the position of Professor at the University of Cambridge, UK Let’s now look at Dr Madhusud han’s exciting d iscovery!

The telescope has detected high levels of dimethyl sulphide and dimethyl disulphide, molecules that, on Earth, are produced solely by living organisms, particularly marine phytoplankton He has found signs from a planet that is 124 light years away from Earth, suggesting that life might exist there too These signals and elements have amazed scientists around the world Now, what is one light year? It’s the distance light travels in a year, about 5 88 trillion miles or 9 46 trillion kilometres So, 124 light years means an almost unimaginable distance Even though the planet is so far a w a y , t h i s

d brought new hope to the search for life beyond Earth The Cambridge team is conducting further research to determine whether anything other than living organisms could be responsible for the presence of these gases

T o b e h o nes t, I t oo am q u it e th ri ll ed by D r M ad h u s u d h a n ’ s r es ea rc h Wh y, y o u m a y as k?

Dr Madhusudhan’s research is even more special because it connects with ideas found in our ancient Sanatan scriptures and tradition His findings suggest there could be a planet far away that is very similar to Earth, with an atmosphere and conditions like ours As we know, about 200 miles above the Earth, we have a layer filled with life-supporting gases like nitrogen and oxygen Beyond that begins outer space, vast and full of mysteries And friends, if you are still curious and want to learn more, why not ask our very own ‘sister’ in America? She’s just come back to Earth after spending nine months on a space mission!

We often say, “the Earth is round,” without thinking much about it Sometimes we even say it jokingly when we go in circles and end up where we started! But long before modern science proved it, India’s ancient sages and scholars had already said it in the Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads that the Earth is round and moves around the Sun

What we see as a basic scientific fact today, that the earth is round, was actually known in India centuries ago While the Western world only recognised this about 500 years ago, our ancient scriptures had already described it much earlier It was Galileo who observed the skies through a telescope and shared this truth with the world But his discovery wasn’t accepted right away In fact, the Pope of the time sentenced Galileo to death because his findings went against what was written in the Bible

The same goes for the law of gravity While Sir Isaac Newton is known for discovering it in Europe, our ancient Puranas and scriptures had already mentioned the concept of gravitational force centuries earlier

Today, there’s global concern about the environment, talks of global warming and slogans like "Save Trees, Save Earth " But these values have been part of our Sanatan culture for thousands of years Isn’t that something we can all be proud of?

For instance, let's talk about our peace mantra The sentiment expressed is truly heart-touching In one of our most cherished texts, the Yajurveda, there is a verse that encapsulates this thought beautifully

Th e v erse reads:

verse is a beautiful prayer asking for peace everywhere, on earth, in water, in the sky, in fire, wind, plants and all of nature It asks for peace in the universe and in our minds and bodies In short, it’s a heartfelt wish for peace to fill every corner of the world

C e n t u r i e s a g

prayed for peace in nature, in the sky, mountains, sun, moon, water, air and plants The deep knowledge they had is now being recognised by the Western world For example, our ancestors knew that plants have life Modern science confirmed this only in 1932 when Dr Jagadish Chandra Bose proved it in Kolkata His work earned him great honour, including the Nobel Prize

atmosphere of a planet located millions, billions or even trillions of miles away from Earth Well, don't ask me further whether there is gas on that planet or if it has a smell These are news reports that have been published in newspapers worldwide

As we are discussing our ancient knowledge heritage, I am reminded of a conversation I had with a knowledgeseeker on a similar topic In this prayer, Adi Shankaracharya described the locations of the twelve Jyotirlingas across India

at the idea of flying machines, dismissing it as fantasy But when the Wright brothers invented the airplane in the last century, those sceptics were proven wrong Centuries ago, we didn’t just imagine aircraft; we even described their designs and gave them names Our scriptures talk about people from heavenly realms arriving from distant places It’s possible that the planet discovered by Dr Nikku Madhusudhan, thought to support life, could be such a place

The scriptures of Sanatan Dharma are not just stories of imagination They hold facts and truths that have been gradually proven over time While our religious texts do outline actions that humans should or should not perform, the consequences of virtuous deeds, and the punishment for sinful actions, they never promise any temptation or bribe to the reader or devotee They do not claim that by following certain practices, one will gain joy or pleasure, nor do they suggest that surrendering to the Supreme will bring physical or material rewards after death

I encourage you to read this article and share it with your family members, particularly those who were born and raised here The knowledge imparted by our sages and scholars dates back to a time long before advanced technologies like telescopes or machines existed They didn’t have computers or similar tools Yet, through their intellectual brilliance and mathematical expertise, they gained knowledge that embodies the true essence of our Sanatan culture

The wise elder was in a questioning mood As soon as I mentioned the prayer, he asked, "CB, do you really believe Shankaracharya visited all those places 1000–1100 years ago? How could he travel so far back then?" His questions kept coming How could I explain that when someone has true knowledge, deep spiritual practice, and strong faith in the Divine, what they see with their inner vision can become a reality? A yogi’s physical body may be in one place, but their awareness can reach far distances, understanding things beyond time and space Instead of explaining all this, I simply told the wise elder that when you have some time, you should turn to an encyclopaedia and check the latitudes and longitudes of places like the Somnath temple, Ujjain temple and Kedarnath

As we explore the beliefs and traditions of our Sanatan Hindu religion, it’s clear they are based on the deep knowledge of our Rishis and Munis While I am not a scholar, I can say from my readings and conversations with experts in various fields that many aspects of our scriptures, whether in astronomy or worship of the Supreme, have been scientifically validated What once seemed unbelievable is now recognised as truth by the world over time

Take the example of the Ramayana, which mentions that Lord Shri Ram travelled to Ayodhya in a Pushpak aircraft Many, especially in the Western world, once laughed

One more amazing example is their understanding of medicine Thousands of years ago, texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita introduced Ayurveda, a system that focused on natural healing, balanced living and even surgical techniques Sushruta was one of the first to perform surgeries like cataract removal and skin grafts This shows how their ancient wisdom still supports modern well-being in powerful ways

I don't want to discuss labels of any religion or sect here, but before concluding, I would like to mention three messages that are central to our Sanatan Dharma culture:

v

Kutumbakam’, which means "the entire world is my family " The unrest we see in the world today often stems from the idea of "mine", my property, my share, which leads to the desire to dominate others and causes conflict In contrast, our spiritual tradition teaches us to view the world as one family This noble sentiment encourages unity, cooperation and helps us move away from greed, conflict and strife

v Another valuable verse that reflects the unique identity of our Sanatan Hindu tradition is:

The essence of the first verse from the Isha Upanishad can be summarised as follows: The supreme controller of the universe has determined the creation of this cosmos Therefore, live life with detachment and do not covet others' wealth God has not only created the universe but also pervades it entirely

v This is another valuable verse from our Sanatan culture

This popular Shanti Mantra is from the Taittiriya Upanishad The central message is noble: O Lord, protect and nourish us together, grant us the strength to work in harmony, let our knowledge make us both brilliant and may we never have animosity towards each other Only then will peace prevail in our lives

Dear friends, this is our culture, our spiritual and religious heritage The timeless message of Sanatan values has been deeply embedded in every aspect of every Indian for centuries It is this knowledge and strength that, despite enduring centuries of oppression, has allowed India to rise once again, emerging as stronger, healthier and more radiant than ever

Dr Nikku Madhusudhan

CB Patel

Runners and resilience take centre stage at the London Marathon 2025

Shefali Saxena

T ens of th ousands o f runners took to th e streets for the annual TC S L o nd o n M ara th o n o n S u nd ay, transforming the cap ital into a sea o f determ ination, celebration and com munity sp irit From elite athletes to first-tim e p articipants, this y ea r's ev ent o n ce ag a in u nd e rscored the power of perseverance and unity

A

crossed the finish line on The Mall at 7:30 PM hours after the elite

extended window that allows finishers until midnight to earn a medal Running in support of the N S P C C , G

stretcher for the final stretch, but refused, determined to walk across the finish line on his own His

reminder of the personal battles

a

marathon

C

Dose of Society, an official partner this year, documented the voices of Londoners and runners across the course One of the runners they interviewed, Sam Valiant, reflected

o

event: “The Marathon is a chance for people to come see all their favourite athletes and Olympians up close at the same time you ’ ve got people from all different walks of life celebrating together ”

26 2-mile route was electric, with

cheer on participants

Prasun Sonwalkar, a journalist and marathon veteran, ran his 12th marathon since 2018 Speaking to Asian Voice, he shared how running has changed his life after a health scare: “My running journey began with a health warning about diabetes in 2016 Beginning with daily brisk walks, from a neverrunner, I slowly became an everrunner, and eventually began running full marathons It also took

inevitable, but suffering is optional The iconic London Marathon is like a festival in which the entire capital seems to come onto the streets to cheer tens of thousands of inspiring individuals of all ages ”

Another returning participant, Aishwarya De, echoed the same sentiments, highlighting both the physical challenge and the emot i o n a l s

course Aishwarya told us, “To me, the London Marathon reflects the

"To me, the London Marathon reflects the best example of human spirit, compassion and mental resilience "

compassion and mental resilience

From not being able to run 6 years back to completing my 6th London Marathon this year, this has been nothing less than an amazing journey It was extremely hot, but the cheer from thousands of unknown supporters kept me going ”

Finding strength through the Parkinson’s struggle

Parkinson’ s i s the fastest growing neurologic al c ondition in the world, affecting 153,000 people in the UK It is a complex and incurable c ondition that gets worse over time and affects everyone di fferently

There are more than 40 s ymptoms rang-

i n g fro m phy s ic a l sy mp tom s li k e tremor and muscle stiffne

n on - m ot or on e s s u c h fatigue and apathy

Parkinson's can be a l o n e l y a n d m i s u n d e rstood condition, which is why Parkinson’s UK is shining a light on all the

s u p p o r t a v a i l a b l e t o those diagnosed and their loved ones According to the charity, ten early sym toms of Parkinson’s includ

cramps in my toes I wore a support bandage and took painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs The side effects were just as bad, but I had no choice but to continue to take my medication I felt helpless ”Daxa was finally diagnosed in 2019 But she is determined to stay positive

Tremor, pain, anxiety, issues with balance, stiffness, losing your sense

o f s m e l l , t r o u b l e s l e e p i n g , d e p r e s s i o n , smaller and harder to read handwriting, and reduced facial expressions

“My beautiful world jus t c ollapsed around me but I take my life one day at a time"

Daxa Kalayci is a 59-year-old Britishborn Indian woman who lives in Leicester She worked for many years in nursing and Health and Social Care Daxa was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in September 2019, but had started to experience symptoms three years before when she was 51

“My Parkinson’s journey began in 2016 when I had tremors in my right hand,” Daxa says “At the time, I had a stressful job I had also had some falls and needed surgery to my left shoulder I saw a NHS neurologist in May 2017, who diagnosed me with anxiety which, they said, was causing my tremors “Soon I was having excruciating muscle pain and discomfort in my right calf and particularly in my right arm I also had chronic fatigue and

My beautiful world just colpsed around me, ” she says “But I take my life one day at a time I tend to go with my f l o w a n d I h a v e p y j a m a days, if I have to, without feeling guilty I hope to be a positive role model for people going through what I have been through “I hope to make people are of Parkinson’s, especially e Indian community where people are still very reluctant to talk about their health I am blessed with a very supportive, loving and caring family and a great circle of friends I am thankful to be

Leicester Parkinson’s Café I am also grateful to Parkinson’s UK, who offer all kinds of support when I need it and have a great Facebook group ” G etting the support you need

Nobody should face Parkinson’s alone Parkinson’s UK has advice and support services to help everyone live better with t h e c o n d i t

Parkinson’s journey Their free, confidential helpline is 0808 800 0303 or you can find lots of helpful information on their website, parkinsons org uk

Parkinson’s UK is proud to be partnering with the Asian Achievers Awards 2025

O

accessing advice and information, and to ultimately be there with the relevant support when people need it most

She also applauded the organisers for improvements in female runner support this year, including the availability of sanitary products and women ’ s urinals

“We do need to see more South Asian women runners in future, though I am for sure going back again for more, ” she added

The 2025 London Marathon once again lived up to its reputation not just as a race, but as a citywide celebration of courage, charity and community offering hope, m o t i v a t i o

humanity on every mile

Nupur Dutta told A sian Voice, " H a v

marathons, I can easily say London is the best amongst all majors The great weather for the spectators and the amazing crowd made it even better

Dharmesh Patel to serve as District Judge on Midlands Circuit

On the reco mmendation of th e Lord Ch ancello r, th e Right Honourable S habana Mahmoo d MP , and the Lady Ch ief J usti ce o f England and Wales, the Righ t H onourable th e Barones s Carr o f Walto non-th e-Hill, th e K ing h as ap poi nted Dh armesh Patel as a District Judge (Magistrates' Co urts)

The Lady Chief Justice has assigned him to the Midlands Circuit, where he will serve at Coventry Magistrates' Court, effective 28 April 2025 Dharmesh Patel will serve as District Judge (Magistrates' Courts) Patel He was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 2006 and appointed Chairman of the Valuation Tribunal for England in 2017 In 2019, he became a Fee-paid Judge of the First-tier Tribunal, assigned to Health, Education, and Social Care, as well as a Recorder He was appointed Deputy District Judge (Magistrates Courts) in 2022

Daxa Kalayci

Prasun Sonwalkar

Aishwarya De

Nupur Dutta

BIJA takes global audience on a virtual tour of Jewish Mumbai

Kness et Eliyaho

Aaron, a valued BIJA member with Jewish Indian heritage, the event featured a live virtual tour led by heritage expert Ralphy Jhirad of

stunning Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue Mumbai’s sec-

ond-oldest Sephardic synagogue, built in 1884 with support from the Sassoon family H e l d o n Z o

from the UK and beyond, celebrating the deep-rooted

cultural ties and shared values between the Indian and Jewish communities

Dr Peter Chadha, CoChair of BIJA, remarked, “It was truly fascinating to witness the rich history of Jews in India their remarkable

they earned, and how seamlessly they were embraced as an integral part of Indian society ” Zaki Cooper, Co-Chair of BIJA, added, “Jews have lived in India for centuries,

explore this remarkable history For many Jews in the

India remains a proud and cherished part of their identity ”

Mactcha, and all attendees for their contributions in making the event a great success

Bedford School selects Mohali for first British girls' campus in India

Bedford Schoo l has selected

M ohali, northern Ind ia, for

i ts first internati onal c am -

p us Th e new Bed fo rd School

M ohali, set to open in Ap ril 20 26, will be th e first British international g irls' schoo l in I nd ia and th e firs t Britis h brand in north India

J a m e s H o d g s o n , H e a d

M a s t e r o f B e d f o r d S c h o o l , said: “We are excited to bring the Bedford ethos to Mohali Bedford School Mohali will be

a b e a c o n o f

, empowering young women to become leaders and innova-

Doon International Education

education and

marks the end of two years of planning, but the beginning of a growing network of schools that will support one another globally We are dedicated to providing world-class education in Bedford while preparing our students for the wider world The opportunities this network creates will benefit us all ”

national and British curricula The 14-acre campus will

demic excellence, character development, and personal growth

The growing demand for high-quality, holistic education in India made Mohali an

strong educational heritage

and commitment to learning

i s designed to support academic and co-curricular excell

s p o r t s f a c i l i t i e s i n c l u d i n g fields and a multi-sport complex It also includes dedicated science labs, art and music studios, and a well-resourced library to inspire creativity, innovation, and a love for learning

Fighting addiction through sports and mindfulness to transform Punjab’s youth

I n th e bo r d er d i s tri c ts o f

G ur d asp u r an d P ath ank ot, w here nearly 3 0% of househ o ld s face d rug ad d i cti on, the Kav ita & Vino d Khanna

F o u n d at io n ( K V K F ) i s r es h ap i ng P u n j ab’ s f ut u re L ed by p hilanthropist Kav ita

K hanna, KVKF blends daily sp orts coaching with mental h ealth and dead diction prog rams to fight add iction and transform lives

KVKF’s sports initiative covers 150 villages, offering free daily football and volleyb a l l c o a c h i n g b y t

a i n e d coaches and volunteers The

impact is clear 104 of 323 teams in a recent inter-district tournament were from G

2 2 girls' teams Kavita Khanna s

Decoding the cosmos through Vedic eyes

O ff i c er - Ri c h ard J C o le ( Rad h a Mo han d as) exami n es a h os t o f s c h o la rly a tte m p ts to co r rel ate d escriptions of the universe f ound i n trad itio nal Ved ic ( Indian) scriptures w ith contem porary understanding of the cosmos, m any of w hich rev eal ad vanced astronomical knowledge embed ded in these ancient texts

E x p l

of the

map celestial bodies and calculate astronomical events

long before the advent of modern science

In clear, accessible language, Richard distills complex presentations by scholars of both modern cosmolog

insight into how these seemingly divergent perspectives might align His concise and engaging account provides an excellent introduction to

debated field of study

health, discipline, and ambition ” The foundation aims to expand its reach to all 1,200 villages in the region

In partnership with The Art of Living, the foundation has also reached over 600 e

through the Government of India’s Har Ghar DhyanM e n t a l H e a l t h a n d Meditation program and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

These initiatives help children build mental resilience and prevent substance abuse

vocational skills and financial literacy With its holistic

s o f addiction, KVKF is now seeking international partners to scale its successful model

“As the drug crisis cont i n u

s , w e c h o o s e h o p e , action, and empowerment,” s a y s K a v i t a “ O u r y o u t h deserve to be champions, not casualties, of their circumstances ”

Upcoming event

Jain Vishwa Bharati London will celebrate Akshaya Tritiya on Saturday, May 3, starting at 10 am, under the spiritual guidance of Samani Malay Pragyaji and Samani Neeti Pragyaji. The event features a special motivational talk titled “Beyond Self, Beyond Our Time: Lessons for a Flourishing Future” by Mr Nirmal Sethia, Chairman of N. Sethia Group Limited The day will also include Pravachan (spiritual discourse), an interactive youth dialogue, vibrant cultural performances, and a community lunch Tickets are required for attendance

Dental Conference in Brum

T h e U K ’ s la rg e st d e nt al ev ent will take place at NEC Birmingham 1 6-17 M ay 2025

T h e t w o - d a y e v e n t i s expected to bring together over 10,000 dental professionals to shape the industry’s future The event will f e a t u r e o v e

2 0 0 w o r l drenowned speakers, over 400 exhibitors across 11 theatres a n d p r o v i d e n e t w o r k i n g opportunities

S p e c i a l i s t P e r i o d o

Reena Wadia, pictured, said: “I think meeting people in

person is the most important thing and the perfect place to do so, networking with people, meet friends and of course attend talks to get the latest on your speciality ”

Dr Hasmukh Shah receives fellowship from Wales

Prof Hasmu kh Sh ah BEM, FLS W, a renowned Gujaratiorigin d octo r in the UK , has been awarded a p restigiou s fello ws hi p by the Learned Society of Wales, the national academy

This honour is given to i n d i v i d u a

p

v

record of professional excellence and significant impact on people, institutions, and society both nationally and internationally H e s e r v e s a s t h e Secretary of BAPIO (British Association of Physicians of I n d i a n O r i g i n ) i n W a l e s ,

advocating for doctors In 2018, Dr Shah received the L i f e t i m e A c h i e v e m e n t Award from the Asian Voice at the 18th Asian Achievers Award ceremony in London

Local community centre returns after extended shutdown

centre is also located

reopening a year after clo

ing d ue to the charity that ran it folding in 20 24 It is being rev ived by th e team behind a local co mm unity g

mined to restore it for public use

The team is aiming to raise £5,000 to prepare the centre for reopening, with plans to offer activities like sports and arts classes The

Garden charity described the area as "lovely" but a "forgotten ward" within Bristol The garden is based in Hillfields Park, where the community

r Sarah Rogers said her team knew they had to "do whatever we could" to bring the centre back into use The centre had been run by the same organisation for over 22 years "We couldn’t let the b

s h , " s h e added Rogers, who founded the community garden charity five years ago, has grown her

employees in the past year

three Jero, shared how the garden made them feel connected to the community, with Jero saying it gave her a chance to "help others "

Have you recently welcomed a newborn into your family? Is there a wedding, engagement, birthday, anniversary, or any other special celebration in your life? Or perhaps you have got some positive news, achievements or a local event connected to our vibrant community?We at Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar would be delighted to feature your moments in our newspapers. These are your community papers, a reflection of our collective joy, milestones and unity

Let's celebrate together! Send us your stories, announcements or updates on: support@abplgroup.com

Participants at the online event

Kavita Khanna Founder of KVKF

Reena Wadia

Prof Hasmukh Shah BEM, FLSW

10 Downing Street celebrates Jain heritage and values

In a notable tribute to

red h uman v alues, 1 0 Downing

S treet welcom ed m embers

o f th e Jain co mmu nity to c

Jayanti

H o s t e d b y t

Minister’s Office in collaboration with the Institute of Jainology (IOJ), the recept i o n b

esteemed gathering of Jain leaders, community members, and supporters from across the United Kingdom

Representing the Prime

attended by Lord Khan of

(Lords Minister for Faith, C

Resettlement), and Gareth Thomas MP, Parliamentary

a r y o f S t a t e (Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports)

T

e p

T r u s t e e o f t h e I O J , w h o invited the ministers to join him in lighting a ceremonial lamp symbolising spiritual light and enlightenment

I n h i s r e m a r k s , D r Sanghrajka paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, who had passed away earlier in

the week He recalled the p r i v i l e g e o f m e e t i n

Pope at an interfaith conference at the Vatican, where Jain leaders were invited to share their perspectives on g

s D r Sanghrajka spoke with conv i c t i o n a b o u t L o r d Mahavir’s message as a guiding force in addressing cont

social, and ethical concerns H e e x p r

M i n i s t e r ’ s O f f i c e a n d I O J colleagues for bringing the event to life

Centre, describing it as “ a p l a c e o f b

and welcome ” He applauded the IOJ’s advocacy for

Jainism, including efforts to secure a Jain tick-box in the national census Expressing his support, he voiced hope for the day a Jain Member of Parliament would take their seat in Westminster G a r e t h T h o m a s M P spoke of Mahavir’s teachi n g s a s a t i m

the Jain community’s signif-

British society in business,

stewardship He commended the IOJ’s role in establish-

shared his involvement in

tion He also welcomed the strengthening of UK–India ties, including ongoing trade negotiations

The spirit of enterprise

share about the community and its leaders are full of valuable lessons I warmly congratulate you for your e f f o r t s i n h i g h l i g h t i n g them

My grandfather lived in K i s u m u , K e n y a , a n d h e knew Pradipbhai’s family I was truly delighted to see their photograph featured in last week’s report Our family, especially my father,

had a shop in Hendon, and he always preferred to buy stock from Dhamecha Cash a n d C a r r y T h i s w a s because of the Dhamecha family’s strong reputation a n d t h e g o o d q u a l i t y o f their products

Across London, includi n g S o u t h a n d W e s t L o n d o n , a s w e l l a s i n B i r m i n g h

m , L e i c e s t e r , C r a w l e y a n d o t h e r l o c ations, the Dhamecha family has generously contributed towards the construction of temples and community halls The wellbeing of the L

noble efforts

I am a member of the Sattavis Gam community

Even here, the community hall stands as a testament to the generous contribut

m e c h a family

Pradipbhai Dhamecha, along with his father, the e

S h r i

distinguished pillars of our community CB has already had the privilege of honouring them, and it is only right that the wider community also acknowledges and celebrates their outstanding contributions -C hetan Patel, London

Lord Khan also offered condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, whom he h a d m

The formal programme

l l y H

praised the principles of Jain philosophy and recalled his recent visit to the Oshwal

Mantra and Manglik, filling the historic halls of Number 10 with an atmosphere of spiritual resonance

Bradford gears up for soapbox showdown

L-R: Ketan Kotecha, Vijay Karia, Pradip Dhamecha OBE and Satish Vithlani

Chairman Satish Vithlani and President Vijay Karia felicitated Pradip Dhamecha OBE in recognition of his King’s honour, joined by Ketan Kotecha

Attendees pose outside No 10

Gareth Thomas, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Services, Small Business and Exports, addressing the community members at the reception

Nehru’s secular mirage: The original betrayal

In 1947, India had a historic chance to rise as a civilisational superpower resurgent, rooted, and unapologetic Instead, what we got was a pale imitation of the West Under the iron grip of Jawaharlal Nehru, a man more in tune with Bloomsbury salons than Bharat’s soil, India was shackled to a hollow brand of secularism that mocked its majority and mollycoddled its minorities Hinduism, the very soul of the land, was pushed into the attic like an embarrassing relic, while temples were seized, priests regulated, and sacred traditions labelled backward This wasn’t secularism It was erased It wasn’t equality It was appeasement What Nehru offered wasn't unity it was a slow, simmering surrender

But the betrayal didn’t stop at philosophical and cultural levels It turned bloody The terrorist carnage of 22nd April at Pahalgam in Kashmir, where 26 innocent tourists were gunned down by Pakistan-backed gunmen, is not a stray incident It is the malignant fruit of seeds sown by Nehru It all began on 1st January 1948, when Nehru, in a staggering act of naivety and arrogance, dragged the Kashmir issue to the UN, against the sound counsel of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel That single decision handed Pakistan a dagger to hold at India's throat at any time

And as if emboldening one enemy wasn’t enough, Nehru rolled over for China too allowing Mao’s communists to swallow Tibet and bring the dragon’s claws to our doorstep What should have been a dharmic buffer became a Communist outpost, courtesy of India’s first Prime Minister’s strategic myopia These were not innocent blunders They were civilisational crimes A betrayal not just of statecraft, but also of the secret soul of Bharat and its future

Today, the fog of Nehruvian delusion is lifting Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, despite the relentless vitriol hurled his way, has dared to reconnect India with its roots

Temples are being rebuilt, infra-structure is expanding at breakneck speed, modernisation is fast tracked, pride is rekindled and Bharat is speaking its name on the world stage with strength again This isn’t chauvinism it is reclamation After decades of being told to be ashamed of its identity, India is finally standing tall Not as a confused republic in borrowed robes, but as Bharat: ancient, fierce, and unafraid D r Narsibhai Maga nlal Pa tel

India’s rising clout in global trade

Kapil Dudakia’s article “Vance – Testing Waters in India” in AV dated 26 April – 2 May clearly shows Vance's agenda and highlights the respect India commands in the eyes of the US Visits of different high-profile personalities in a short period show the eagerness to have a good relationship with India

Trump & team know that it is difficult to fight in the tariff war with all the countries at the same time, so they want to have a reliable trade partner like India for longterm sustainability

This is the right time for India to strike a deal with the rightful share on equal ground Even the UK and other countries are trying to have a trade deal with India Keeping in mind the current geopolitical situations in the world, India has got the upper hand That should be leveraged in getting a better deal It should be on a level playing field

All these countries know that India has a very powerful domestic market as well as intelligent and dynamic youth to support advanced technology And India is not going to compromise or surrender to get a trade deal Hitesh Hingu

Salute to the armed forces

Thank you and salute to the armed forces, you work hard to protect us so that we can sleep peacefully at night Salute to armed forces for guarding our borders , patrolling our coastlines and protecting Indian airspace to keep India safe and secure They too have dreams, hopes, joys and sorrows but their olive green camouflages their emotions and they protect and keep our tricolour flying high Jai Hind T S Karth ik

London knife crime makes up a third of national total

K nife-related crim e in Londo n acco unted for nearly a third o f all such o ffences in England and Wales in 2024 , with the M etro politan P olice recording 16,78 9 incid ents, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS)

This equates to one offence every 30 minutes and represents 31% of the 54,587 knife-enabled crimes reported nationwide, a two per cent increase from 53,413 in 2023

The ONS highlighted that most knife-related crimes occurred in major urban areas, with West Midlands Police accounting for 9% and Greater Manchester Police 6% of the national total These crimes involve blades or sharp instruments used to injure or threaten, even when the weapon is not visible The Met's 2024 figure is 14% higher than the prepandemic total of 14,680 in March 2020 Additionally, 28,150 offences involving possession of a bladed article were recorded in England and Wales in 2024, marking a 1% increase from 27,892 in 2023 and a rise from 23,264 in 2019/20

K A P I L’S K H I C H A D I

Beginning of the End – Pakistan

The terrorist state of Pakistan has got away with its madness for decades India should have finished it off in 1947 when it attacked Indian Kashmir This was the first huge error of judgement made by Nehru, and as history has shown us, not his last error when it came to any issue related to Pakistan Since then, successive Indian governments have relented and appeased to the terrorism exported by Pakistan Every now and then we have seen some sign of a fight back, for example in 1971 when India freed East Pakistan which became Bangladesh However, even then instead of finishing the job off and taking back Pakistan occupied India (aka POJK), they once again relented and allowed the rogue Pakistani state to get away with it

The west pandered to Pakistan since they could not control India or cope with its friendship with Russia Pakistan found itself in a unique position where the western powers were gifting billions to them, and at the same time, successive Indian governments appeared not to have the spine to take the fight to them They adopted the behaviour of a rogue terrorist state knowing that no one was really going to make them pay for their errors In 1990 when cross-border Pakistan sponsored terrorists (with aid of home-grown Indian Muslims) attacked Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government for all intents and purposes were sleeping on the job At that time the Pakistani terrorists used the terms, “Ralib Galib Chalib" – meaning, convert, die or leave Their target was all non-Muslims They went house to house demanding to know if you were a Muslim or a Hindu Give the wrong answer and your fate was sealed The butchers of humanity murdered hundreds of innocent people and they used rape as a tool of their terror The modus operandi of thisevil was very simple, it was age old, and tested over thousands of years

On 22nd April 2025 once again India suffered at the hands of Pakistani sponsored terrorists The attack left 26 dead with multiple others injured The perpetrators asked if you were a Muslim or not This is anti-Hindu hate crime

The outcry in India is understandable After all, this resembled the Hamas attack of Oct 7th on Israel There is now emerging evidence that Hamas operatives have recently been in Pakistan

The most striking outcome so far has been that most political parties have all united against Pakistan Even parties who in the past had championed the madness of Pakistan have finally learned that backing such an evil entity was no longer possible Bollywood stars who had appeased to Pakistan and Islamists also came out uniting behind PM Modi and India The support for India has been global Every major nation and political leader is now in favour of India

President Trump expressed his, “full support and deepest sympathies” to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India in the wake of the terrorist attack in Kashmir Adding, “the US stands strong with India against Terrorism We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies Our hearts are with you all” And a further statement that will send shockwaves throughout Pakistan when he said,“India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror”

Government to ban trans staff from using toilets matching their gender

The gove rnme nt wil l ba n tra ns empl oye es f rom using ba throoms mat ch ing th eir ge nd er, a cabinet minister has sug gested

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden said it was the “logical consequence ” of last week’s Supreme Court ruling, following interim guidance issued by the equalities watchdog

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance states that trans women should not use women ’ s facilities, nor trans men use men ’ s, in workplaces or public services Asked if the government would enforce this, Pat McFadden told the BBC: “Yes, that’s the logical consequence of the court ruling and the guidance ” He added there would be no "toilet police," but organisations must follow the new rules McFadden also stressed the need for kindness and clarity, while the EHRC said trans people should still have access to appropriate facilities

The Supreme Court recently ruled that “ woman ” and “ sex ” in the Equality Act refer to biological sex, allowing trans women to be excluded from women-only spaces like toilets and changing rooms In response, the EHRC issued guidance to clarify the ruling, stating that schools must provide single-sex facilities for boys and girls over eight, with alternative provisions for trans pupils It also confirmed that trans girls should not use girls’ toilets or changing rooms, and trans boys should not use boys’ facilities Sports clubs with 25 or more members can also be restricted to biological men or women

Tulsi Gabbard(United States Director of National Intelligence) made an even more powerful statement when she said, ‘ we stand in solidarity with India in the wake of the horrific Islamist terrorist attack, targeting and killing 26 Hindus in Pahalgam My prayers and deepest sympathies are with those who lost a loved one, PM Modi, and with all the people of India We are with you and support you as you hunt down those responsible for this heinous attack” She identified that these Pakistani terrorists singled out Hindus The same Modus Operandi that Hamas used to identify Jews when attacking Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu took to X and said he was “deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack” that killed and injured dozens of innocents Adding, “ our thoughts and prayers are with the victims & their families Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism”

PM Modi made an explosive statement when he said that the fate that will befall Pakistan will be on an unimageable scale We may read this in many ways, but I prefer to read it as its written On this occasion India has no choice but to inflict pain on such a massive scale to Pakistan, that its own people revolt against the terrorist dictatorship that has been in place since 1947 Let’s be very clear there is no difference between Imran Khan, Zia ul Haq, the Bhutto’s, or the Sharif’s, or the long list of butchers in charge of Pakistan

What options are available for India? There are some that I am unable to share with you, for obvious reasons However, before the real action starts, we will see Pakistan hit on the diplomatic front Getting rid of the Indus water treaty, something that should never have been agreed, is a powerful tool Making it difficult for goods and services to enter Pakistan via road, rail, sea or air will shake the fragile economy of Pakistan Targeted hits on key entities, terror camps and infrastructure Working with Iran, Baloch, Afghanistan and Sindh who have a direct gripe with Pakistani terror

Pakistan by reneging on the Simla Agreement has fallen for the trap laid by India Now it’s open season, since no longer is Pakistan protected by a false LoC Helping to split Pakistan into four pieces would be a good idea To take back Pakistan occupied India, BUT not its content, andto do so with very high controls in place To create a dead zone between Pakistan and India and re-establish the 1947 border To dismantle the terror infrastructure and exterminate those who thrive on such networks

The elephant in the room is of course nuclear weapons Can we be sure thatPakistan will not use them? The only observation I have is that can the USA, or the EU allow Pakistan to go down thatroute The use of nukes is not just a danger for the Indian sub-continent, it’s a danger to the whole world order

One final point, everyone must be patient What India does next will take time It will be done systematically and over a period of its own choosing This is a time when all Indians need to take a step back from the rhetoric and allow the government full freedom to plan and execute its strategy We have waited since 1947;it will take time to sort this mess out for good And for that to happen, Modi 4 0 and Modi 5 0 will be needed Indians in India need to step up Jai Hind

Outrage as abusers eligible for UK’s biggest health

scandal payouts

Abusive ex-partners of v ictims o f th e U K ' s bi g g es t h eal th scandal could be hand ed thousands of pounds in comp ensation ev en if th ey hav e a conviction – and th e g overnm ent has ad mitted it has no p ower to stop it

Under new legislation rolled out in March, partners, siblings, children and parents of the 30,000 people infected with HIV or hepatitis C during the 1970s and 80s can apply for Infected Blood Scandal compensation in their own right as an “affected person ”

Campaigner Jackie Britton flagged her concerns to the government that there was nothing to stop domestic abusers applying to claim, which in some cases could see people handed up to £86,000

She was shocked to be told that while they shared her concerns, there was “ no provision” to exclude them due to a loophole in the law It added it had looked to prevent those with relevant convictions, but could find no practical way of doing so

Domestic abuse campaigners said they were “alarmed” by the issue, which they said allowed perpetrators the opportunity to further exploit their victims

Kapil Dudakia

Where tradition meets innovation on a plate

Subhasini Naicker

From the vibrant streets of Kolkata to the cutti ng- edge culinary sc ene of London, Subhajit Mitra’s journey is a testament to cultural authenticity, relentless passion, and global hos pitality excellence

As a seasoned hotelier, restaurateur, and innovator, he is the visionary behind two of London’s most distinctive dining experiences BKC (Biryani Kebab Chai) and Coupette

Launched in 2022 after a year of meticulous planning, BKC was built on a solid foundation shaped by a team with over two decades of hospitality experience Subhajit carefully assembled skilled chefs from India to ensure uncompromising quality and authenticity, believing that a restaurant’s success begins with its people Despite the challenges of the post-Covid landscape, BKC has continued to thrive, driven by a clear vision and unwavering dedication to making its mark as a standout name in the market

During Poila Boishakh, BKC hosted a sold-out Bengali tribute evening that left a lasting impression on guests Reflecting on the event, Subhajit shared, “The atmosphere was incredible we received overwhelmingly positive feedback, both in person

"Unlike many other regional cuisines, Bengali food requires a high level of specialised skill."

and on social media We captured guests’ reactions throughout the night, and the response was fantastic While every dish held meaning, the Kosha Mangsho paired with Basanti Pulao was undoubtedly the star of the evening ”

The event also highlighted the deeprooted culinary connection between Bengal and Awadh “Awadh has long influenced Bengal’s food culture,” Subhajit explained “BKC began with a focus on Awadhi cuisine, especially drawing from Lucknow As a Bengali, I’ve always seen how Awadhi flavours have shaped our own traditions Our biryani reflects that Bengali essence, and dishes like Galouti Kebab naturally fit into this shared heritage ”

restaurant setting ”

Discussing why Bengali cuisine, despite its richness and complexity, hasn’t fully taken off in London, Subhajit explained, “Unlike many other regional cuisines, Bengali food requires a high level of specialised skill Dishes like ‘Bhapa Ilish’ or ‘Chingri Maach’ are delicate and demand experience to execute properly One of the biggest challenges here is finding chefs who can consistently deliver that authenticity This lack of expertise is often why some restaurants, like Little Kolkata or Calcutta Street, have struggled to maintain consistent quality; it all comes down to skill and kitchen discipline ”

He added, “Talent is one of the biggest challenges in the restaurant industry At BKC, we've addressed this by ensuring our executive chef is directly involved in the business Our core

Highlighting upcoming additions to BKC’s regular menu, Subhajit shared, “One of the new dishes we ’ re excited to introduce is the classic Bengali Fish Fry, which will officially launch with our May menu While the Poila Boishakh menu was curated as a special celebration, it also serves as a source of inspiration for our evolving offerings We’re committed to bringing more Bengali dishes especially those influenced by Awadhi flavours into our regular menu ”

He also spoke about BKC’s growth plans: “Our central kitchen currently supports our two outlets, and we ’ re set to expand with two more locations in the next six to eight months We’re also enhancing our catering services, which gives us the flexibility to offer regional specialties and bespoke menus for private events, allowing guests to enjoy authentic Bengali flavours beyond the

Labour scales back prison plans to cover staff costs

The Ministry of Justice

budget to fund extra staff and meet pay demands

Mahmood’s pledge to invest over £2bn to tackle prison overcrowding is being scaled back amid rising financial pressures

An MoJ document seen by The i Paper reveals that £300m originally set aside f

£395m for prison repairs has been diverted to cover staff costs and other operational

£2 3bn, ten-year plan to ease

four new prisons and adding 14,000 places

D r N e

team is not just staff, they're stakeholders in our journey This sense of ownership has helped us create a culture of commitment and longterm vision We've built our operations around strong foundations, bringing in the right people and making them integral to our success ”

Subhajit also pointed to the growing interest in regional Indian cuisines, particularly among nonSouth Asian diners “From the start, our concept was designed with a diverse audience in mind Given our location, we focused on appealing to non-Asian customers, and Bengali cuisine worked perfectly it’s not overly spicy but full of nuanced aromas and balanced flavours We’ve had no complaints about heat levels, which shows we struck the right chord The first six months were critical for fine-tuning our flavour profile, and we ’ re confident we ’ ve created something accessible yet authentic ”

Conservative MP and Justice Select Committee member, criticised the diversion of

calling it “deeply concerning” amid growing pressure on the justice system He said the move reflects shortterm budgeting and a lack of strategic vision, warning

and raises doubts about the Government’s commitment to tackling crime and reof-

adding to the MoJ’s financial pressures, including higher

ance costs

Sadiq Khan increases investment to tackle hate and extremism

Israel-Gaza conflict, which

S a d i q K h a n s a i d i s b e i n g e x p l o i t e d t o f u e l a n t isemitism and Islamophobia

o n , warning of rising radicalisation

T h e f u n d i n g f o l l o w s concerns over the spread of m i s i n f o r m a t i o n o n s o c i a l media, especially after last year ’ s Southport riots

T h e £ 8 7 5 , 0 0 0 i n v e s tm e n t w i l l s u p p o r t t h e mayor ’ s Shared Endeavour Fund, aimed at empowering L o n d o n e r s t o c h a l l e n g e hateful views, protect vuln e r a b l e i n d i v i d u a l s , a n d counter growing ideologies like far-right extremism

The programme has also addressed tensions from the

T h e f u n d i n g w i l l b a c k around 20 projects, reaching a b o u t 5 0 , 0 0 0 L o n d o n e r s , with past partners including the Anne Frank Trust UK and Protection Approaches

Sir Sadiq Khan said the Southport riots showed how false information can spread rapidly on social media with d e v a s t a t i n g i m p a c t “ I n L o n d o n , w e s t a n d u n i t e d against all forms of hate

Our diversity is our greatest strength, and those seeking to divide us will never win,” he said Khan highlighted that the new funding is part of his record £15 9m investment to tackle hate crime, b u i l d r e

World premiere of ‘Jai Mata Ji’ to headline Leicester film festival

Th e world prem iere of the Gujarati film ‘Jai Mata JiLet's Rock’ will take p lace next month in Leicester as p a rt o f t h e I nd i a n F il m Festiv al The festival, held at the Phoenix Cinema, will feature six films exploring the t h e m e s o f l o n g i n g a n d belonging Jai Mata Ji is a comedy about an 80-yearold grandmother who hits the jackpot and must choose between revenge, romance, r i c h e s , o r e m b r a c i n g h e r "thug life "

The Leicester premiere

of the LGBTQ+ film ‘We Are Faheem & Karun’, previousl y b a n n

e , w i l l also take place at the festival on May 8 The film follows the story of a male couple Festival-goers will have the opportunity to meet directors Onir and Rajesh James, who directed two of the feat u r e d f i l m s T h e e v e n t organisers invite viewers to experience stories of love, loss, and belonging on the big screen T h e f e

films that are both personal and unmissable Highlights include Slaves of the Empire (May 9), a documentary on I n d i a n l a u n d r y w o r k e r s enslaved by the Dutch, will be followed by a Q&A with director Rajesh James Also featured are Pushtaini (May 1 0 ) , a b o u t a s t r u g g

n g actor’s Himalayan reckoning; Hari Ka Om (May 9), a moving family drama set in

,

Ghibli-style animated tale of a father-son duo and their glassblowing craft

Nine-year sentence for driver in fatal Leeds crash

A w o m an h as b een s ente nc ed to n in e y ea rs i n prison for causing the death of a woman w ho cam e to the U K seeking a better life

Rumeesa Ahmed, 27, of Princeville Street, Bradford, a p p e a

C r o w n Court on Friday, where she p l e a d e d

death by dangerous driving and serious injury by dangerous driving

T

Rumeesa Ahmed was driving at 60mph in a 40mph zone on Stanningley Road, a major route between Leeds a n d B

struck 28-year-old pedestri-

an Athira Anilkumar Laly Kumari near the Cockshott Lane junction Athira, who had moved to the UK to study at Leeds

B

crossing when she was hit and thrown over the car

The vehicle then continued and struck a man in his 40s waiting at a bus stop Athira, a w i f e a n d m o t h e r , w a s described by her family as “the heart of our lives” and “ a source of light and inspiration ” P r o s

c u t o r J

s s i c a Strange told the court that the man had been at the bus stop for five to ten minutes when he heard a loud crash and saw Ahmed’s car heading toward him He stood up but had no time to move b e f o r

u s shelter by the force of the impact

Mr Subhajit Mitra

Poila Boishak - Mr Subhajit with Team

Shabana Mahmood

Sadiq Khan

Rumeesa Ahmed

South Asians adapt as gold prices hit new heights

Additionally, many in the community view gold as both a symbol of w e a l t h a n d a s m a r t i n v e s t m e n t , purchasing it with the intention of selling it later to gain value over time

However, rising prices have also led to a surge in thefts In Bradford

a l o n e , W e s t Y o r k s h i r e P o l i c e

r e c o r d e d 5 8 b u r g l a r i e s i n v o l v i n g Asian gold since July 1, 2024 a steep increase from just 18 in the same period last year reflecting growing concerns

To protect against theft, experts recommend storing such belongings in a high-quality home safe or, for added security, using a safety deposit vault

Asian Voice spoke to several

j e w e l l e r y a n d v a u l t b u s i n e s s e s about the ongoing price hike and its impact on the South Asian community

Soar ing ra tes d rive shift t o sma rt inv est me nts

Prav in Pa ttni, D ir ect or of Minar Jewel le rs said, “The current geopo-

litical and economic uncertainties have propelled the price of gold to record highs, with an astonishing 1130% increase from January 2000 to January 2025 no other single

a s s e t h a s s e e n s u c h r e m a r k a b l e growth The South Asian community, with its deep cultural appreciation for gold, continues to invest in jewellery for weddings and celebrations Meanwhile, older genera-

t i o n s a r e s e l l i n g o f f o u t d a t e d designs to fund holidays or pass wealth to their families, often reinvesting in more practical forms like

2 4 - c a r a t c o i n s a n d b a r s G i v e n gold’s surge in value, it’s wise to store unused jewellery in a safe deposit facility and ensure regularly worn pieces are properly insured A professional valuation by an IRVregistered jeweller can help avoid

b e i n g u n d e r i n s u r e d w h a t w a s worth £10,000 in 2000 could now b e w o r t h o v e r £ 1 1 3 , 0 0 0 Additionally, with gold prices in India consistently higher than in

t h e U K , t r a v e l l e r s m u s t a l s o b e a w a r e o f c u s t o m s r e g u l a

n s bringing jewellery over £500 into the UK requires declaration and VAT payment ” J a y a n t R a n i g a , D i r e ct o r o f

PureJewel s said, “Within the British

Asian community, gold is far more than a precious metal it is the embodiment of love, tradition, and blessings passed through generations Even as gold prices remain

s , remains an unwavering tradition

We are seeing customers embrace a more mindful approach, selecting jewellery that carries deep meaning creations that will not only shine on a wedding day but will be cherished daily and as heirlooms for generations to come Gold is still a s

, and continuity values that feel more important now than ever and f i t w e l l w

f 'Celebrating Journeys '”

Invest in safety for y our va luabl es Se an H oe y, Man aging D ir ect or of IB V Inter national Vaults Lon don said, “We are witnessing, as a result of rising global inflation in recent years and growing concerns about currency devaluation, more individuals being prompted to store tangible safe-haven assets in secure s

y market volatility caused by recent US tariff policies, we are seeing unprecedented demand for secure gold bullion storage as investors seek to protect their wealth in physical form As part of this shift in investment habits, driven also by factors like geopolitical tensions and sanctions, we ’ ve observed more c

clients from South Asia, particularly India, choosing London as the location to securely store their physical assets Despite growing concerns about rising crime rates and burglary in the capital, clients are turning to trusted sanctuaries that offer the highest levels of security and discretion to protect their wealth ”

We st Midl ands Police recommend that one of the best ways to protect valuables, such as gold, jewellery, and important documents, is by investing in a home safe A firerated safe is strongly advised to protect items in the event of a fire

For enhanced security, individuals may consider using a safety deposit box, storing their valuables outside the home to reduce the risks of theft However, it’s import a n t t o c o n s u l t w i t h i n s u r a n c e providers to ensure sufficient coverage for items kept in a vault

When choosing a home safe, it is crucial to select one accredited by S e c u r e d b y D e s i g n ( S B D ) , t h e police-backed initiative that promotes safer buildings and environments The safe should be placed in a discreet, hard-to-reach location, away from common areas

A d d i t i o n a l l y , h o m e o w n e r s should ensure all doors, windows, and porches are securely locked Navigating rising je we lle ry costs Gold has long held a central p l a c e i n S o u t h A s i a n w e d d i n g s , symbolising wealth, tradition, and blessings for the future Many families in the UK continue to invest in gold, whether purchasing locally or travelling to countries like India for better value and traditional designs

D e s p i t e r e c o r d - h i g h g o l d p r i c e s , many brides are still choosing to include gold in their celebrationse i t h e r b y b u y i n g n e w p i e c e s o r wearing heirloom jewellery Asian Voice spoke to TV healt h expert and bride-to-be Thorrun G ovind,

who shared her personal take on incorporating meaningful gold and pearl pieces into her wedding

S p e a k i n g a b o u t r e c o r d - h i g h gold prices and how they’ve influenced her wedding jewellery choice

W i t h g o l d prices at an all-time high, buying new gold pieces hasn’t really been a consideration for my wedding,” she said

Instead, Thorrun is opting for a m

d look “I love pearls and plan to incorporate delicate pearl pieces into my look - I prefer a minimalist j

m y favourite brands include Claudia Bradby and Monica Vinader, which I’ll be mixing with other meaningful pieces ”

While gold will still feature in the celebrations, Thorrun is holding off on major purchases for now “Gold will still be part of the celebrations, but I’ll likely revisit buying more after the wedding ” She also expressed that she doesn’t feel culturally pressured when it comes to wedding jewellery “Wearing something my grandmother wore, for example, holds far more meaning for me ”

On the topic of where to source

g o l d , w h e t h e r f r o m t h e U K o r countries like India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh she remains open b u t m i n d f u l “ I ’ m o p

n

l l options, but it’s important to start m a r r i e d l i f e o n t h e r i g h t f o o t T h e r e ’

financial difficulty over tradition ”

When asked what advice she’d give to other brides navigating gold purchases, Thorrun offered a practical tip: “Have open conversations and make sure you ’ re working with up-to-date pricing before making any decisions ”

‘Chatelaine’, writer Sadiya Ansari highlighted the deep connection

South Asian cultures and religions, where gold serves both as a dowry and a form of financial security for

Nilika Mehrotra explained that in

inherit gold, as it was traditionally assumed that women would marry and not be given immovable prop-

being easily transportable and as liquid as cash, was considered an ideal asset and in addition to being passed down as inheritance or gifted during weddings, gold is also regarded as a solid investment The interview further explained that from women like Ansari’s mother, who returns to Pakistan every few years, to women in fishing villages i n

d income, many save to invest in gold as a means of building financial security

Celebrating the UK-India cultural bonds

In a celebration of the UK and India’s enduring cultural ti es , the Department for Culture, M edia and Sport (DCMS) and the High Co

hotel, a hea d of the upcomi ng inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit ( WAVE S) in Mumbai (1-4 May) The event hig

nations

The reception on Wednesday 23 April marked a symbolic prelude to the summit a global platform bringing together leading media CEOs, entertainment

Slated to take place in Mumbai, the summit aims to position India as a global creative powerhouse, akin to how Davos serves as a

course

“Together, we are formidable”

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, the only woman with Indian roots in this government’s Cabinet and to

lead the UK s Culture Ministry opened her remarks with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the tragic t e r r o r a t t a c k s i n J a m m u a n d Kashmir “The brutal and senseless loss of innocent lives is a tragedy that transcends borders,” she said, offering condolences and affirming the UK’s solidarity with India in grief and resolve (More on page 15 to 17)

Nandy, whose father, academi c D i p a k N a n d y , w a s b o r n i n Kolkata, spoke personally about the deep roots of UK-India ties “I am deeply, deeply proud of my I n d i a n h e r i t a g e , ” s h e s a i d Q u o t i n g h i s t o r i a n E r i c Hobsbawm, she reflected on the unique perspective of living “at a tangent to the world,” a sentiment that resonates with many in the British Indian diaspora She also celebrated the vibrant B r i t i s h I n d i a n c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o the UK’s cultural life, highlighting figures like Dev Patel, designer Kaushik Velendra, and filmmaker Gurinder Chadha “You are the living, breathing bridge between our two nations,” she told the a u d i e n c e “ T o g e t h e r , w e a r e formidable ” Among guests present were celebrities such as comedian and actor Meera Syal CBE and Sanjeev Bhaskar OBE, musician Mohan Brothers, author and journalist

Sathnam Sanghera and Shrabani

B a s u , f o r m e r s i n g e r a n d

B o l l y w o o d a c

Loomba to name a few

Nandy confirmed that the UK Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is committed to strengthening the bilateral relationship across sectors, with recent investments and cultural initiatives reinforcing that vision The c reative connec ti on As he addressed the gathering,

the Indian High Commissioner H E Vikram Doraiswami underscored the role of creativity in countering global discord, noting that the creative arts are “the best antidote we have to the hatred t h a

hearts

He celebrated the broad range of UK-India cultural connections, f

music flourishing in British cities “These fields are not just what we do; they represent who we are, ” he said, highlighting the popularity of British authors in India, the shared love for cricket, and even parallels in political satire through

d ‘Blackadder ’

“Now is the time for India and the UK to imagine what the next

, pointing to the convergence of technology and creative arts as a new frontier for collaboration Looking ahead to Mumbai

In her closing remarks, Lisa N

Rabindranath Tagore: “We will shoot joy through the dust of the earth old love in shapes that renew and renew forever ” It was a fitting tribute to a relationship not just built on history, but constantly evolving, one that promises to shape the future of global culture and creativity

As India prepares to welcome the world to Mumbai, the message from London was clear: the UKIndia creative partnership is not

timeless, and full of promise

spotlight advancements in animation, gaming, entertainment tech, and regional and mainstream cine

expected, the event aims to foster

unlock investment opportunities, further cementing India’s role as a global creative leader

Pravin Pattni

Jayant Raniga

Thorrun Govind

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy during her speech at the event

HE Vikram Doraiswami addressing the attendees at the reception

Pregnant women at risk as sentencing reform faces backlash, say charities

Shefali Saxena

The UK govern me nt is fa cing criticism from l egal a nd human rights groups ove r emergen cy l egisl ation in troduced by Justice Secret ary Shaban a Ma hmood, which ha lts the impl ementat ion of ne w Sent encin g Council guideline s aimed at improving pre sente ncing assessment s

The guidelines, suspended just hours before taking effect, advised courts to consider personal characteristics such as age, sex and ethnicity when ordering pre-sentence reports Mahmood argued the advice risked creating a “two-tier” justice system, saying she would not support “differential treatment before the law ”

However, as The Guardian reports, 20 organisations including Amnesty International, the Centre for Women’s Justice and the End Violence Against Women Coalition have warned that abandoning the guidance could lead to more pregnant women being jailed without proper risk assessments

“Under the current sentencing guidelines, hundreds of pregnant women every year are sent to prison,” Heidi Stewart, Chief Executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, told The Guardian “These women face increased risk of miscarriage, pregnancy complications, and in some of the worst cases, the stillbirth or death of their newborn baby ”

The letter to Mahmood, also seen by The Guardian, argues that without such guidelines, courts may fail to account for the severe health and well-being risks to mothers and babies It also raises concerns over sentencing disparities among ethnic minority groups, as outlined in David Lammy’s 2017 review Stephanie Needleman, Legal Director at Justice, told The Guardian: “Pre-sentence reports help judges understand more about those whose backgrounds are unfamiliar to them, or who have particular health concerns –yet this bill would deny judges adequate guidance ”

The Ministry of Justice maintains that the bill does not prevent courts from requesting pre-sentence reports and affirmed its commitment to reducing the number of women in prison

Speaking to Asian Voice, Immigra tion Lawy er Shoaib Khan said, “It is deeply concerning to see the Justice Secretary intervene to halt the Sentencing Council’s new guidelines on presentencing reports These guidelines were designed to promote fairer and more individualised justice by ensuring that reports before sentencing considered personal characteristics such as pregnancy, age, sex, and ethnicity Their suspension risks undermining both judicial fairness and human

rights protections, particularly for the most vulnerable

“Pre-sentencing reports are not procedural formalities; they are vital tools that enable judges to fully understand an individual’s circumstances before passing sentence For pregnant women, for instance, these reports can highlight significant risks to maternal and infant health, and assess whether alternatives to custody are available and appropriate Without this information, courts may be unaware of the full implications of imprisonment for the woman and her unborn child, potentially leading to avoidable and disproportionate harm

“This move also has broader implications for minority and marginalised groups, who already face systemic inequalities in the criminal justice system

The halted guidelines aimed to mitigate some of these disparities by ensuring that issues such as racial bias, trauma, social disadvantage, and gendered experiences were considered at sentencing Suspending these reforms risks entrenching injustice rather than addressing it

“While the government insists that judges still may ” request pre-sentencing reports, removing clear national guidance creates uncertainty and

“This move also has broader implications for minority and marginalised groups, who alreadyface systemic inequalities in the criminal justice system."

inconsistency in sentencing practice Vulnerable defendants should not have to rely on discretionary decisions in the hope that their background will be properly taken into account

“Sentencing decisions directly impact liberty, family life, and physical and mental well-being, rights protected under both domestic and international human rights law To ensure justice is truly just, the system must be equipped and required to take into account each person ’ s circumstances Halting these guidelines takes us in the opposite direction ”

Lancashire officer to receive national award

Lancash ire P olice’s PC Nikki Nabi will be honoured for her mentorin

Wom en Police (IA WP) A ward s

The ceremony will take place

Training Conference in Glasgow the event’s first return to the UK in 10 years

PC Nikki Nabi is being honoured for her work in promoting inclusion and breaking barriers in p

Bleep in the Community, helped raise female fitness test pass rates from 75% to 92%, inspiring adoption across other forces

She also worked with Muslim

women, manufacturers, and retailers to develop a duty-appropriate hijab, encouraging more Muslim

General Secretary of Lancashire

Black Police Association, she continues to advocate for women ’ s rights

exceptional mentoring and coaching, calling her work “impactful and rare ” and a legacy of empowerment for women in policing “She’s advancing diversity and representation, helping build trust between police and communities PC Nabi embodies Sir Robert Peel’s vision that ‘the police are the public, and

and show the world the high standards of British policing ”

Starmer declines to confirm reappointment of equality watchdog chair

Sir Keir Starmer has refused to co mmit to reap pointing the head of the Equality and Human Rig hts C o m m i s si o n ( E HR C ) , Ba ro ne ss Ki sh w er F alkne r of M arg rav i ne, who has been a v ocal ad vocate for leg al p ro te ct io n

o g i ca l women in sp aces like restrooms and NHS wards

Baroness Falkner, the chairwoman of the EHRC, has played a p i v o t a l r o l e i n t h e d e b a t e s u rrounding trans rights She previously survived an attempt to have her removed from office Recently, she faced backlash from Labour ministers after the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling that trans women are not legally considered women

F a l k n e r s u p p o r t e d t h e j u d g -

ment, which she claimed brought much-needed clarity, stating that it meant trans women could no l o n g e r p a r t i c i p a t e i n w o m e n ’ s sports and that single-sex spaces like wards and changing rooms must be based on biological sex

A l t h o u g h S t a r m e r h a s expressed support for the Supreme Court’s decision, Downing Street h a s c l a r i f i e d t h a t h e n o l

Falkner

n g e r b e l i e v e s a t r a n s w o m a n i s a woman Despite this, Starmer has refused to commit to extending F a l k n e r ’ s t e r m , w h i c h e n d s i n December When pressed by Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, d u r i n g P r i m e M i n i s t e r ’ s Questions, Starmer did not give a direct response, stating only that the debate should be “conducted properly, on principle ” Upon taking office, Labour had considered replacing Falkner with B a r o n e s s H a r m a n , a f o r m e r Labour minister who helped introduce the Equality Act However, the party opted to grant Falkner a one-year extension

NHS fails to record ethnicity of maternity care lawsuits

The NHS is facing criticism for failing to record the ethnicity of ind iv iduals suing over po or maternity c are, d esp ite ev i den ce th at black, Asian, and mino rity ethnic w o m en ar e d is p ro p

r ti o na tel y affected

Health experts, patient safety advocates, and lawyers argue that c o l l

m those taking legal action is essential to addressing these disparities

The issue was uncovered after Lime Solicitors filed freedom of

N H S England, health trusts, and NHS R

data on stillbirth-related lawsuits

including ethnicity and nationality

revealed they do not track this data, creating a significant blind spot Neil Clayton, a medical negligence partner, called the failure to collect ethnicity data “deeply concerning,” as it hampers efforts to identify care failures and improve services for BAME families, ultim

tackle inequality in healthcare Black women in the UK are nearly four times more likely to die

babies are twice as likely to die before 24 weeks Paul Whiteing, CEO of Action against Medical Accidents, criticised the NHS for n o t c o l l e c t i n g e t h n i c i t y a n d nationality data, especially given the poorer care ethnic minorities often receive He also noted the NHS doesn't track these details for complaints

Prof Habib Naqvi, CEO of the N H S R a c e a n d H e a l t h Observatory, warned that without accurate data, marginalised communities will remain underserved The government is pushing for better data collection to address these inequalities

Women navigate high stakes in Capital Markets

A new report from The Inclus ion I ni t i a ti v e ( TI I ) a t t he Lo nd on School of E conomics , sponsored by TMX Group and supported by KP MG a n d oth e rs , fi n d s th a t while some women i n Canada’s Capital Markets thri ve in inclus ive workplaces, many are merely survi vi ng or leaving the s ec tor

Based on interviews with 26

i n g roles across 11 firms, the study finds that while inclusive cultures d o e x i s t i n C a n a d a ’ s C a p i t a l Markets, they remain rare It highlights both the supports that help women advance and the persistent barriers that hold them back P o s i

more sponsorship, efforts to break male-dominated norms, and better maternity support Yet chall

t a i d p

r e s s i o n , gender bias affects perceptions of competence, and many leadership r o l

Motherhood and caregiving continue to hinder career growth T

women in Capital Markets often face higher standards and greater s

men While many adapt by managing visibility, leveraging spons

change, the report outlines a fourpart action plan: redefining comp

leadership, shifting from "fixing" women to including them, and reimagining the ideal worker Dr Grace Lordan, Director of TII, said: “We can’t keep expecting w

change the systems and definitions of success that hold women back ” Dr Anne Theunissen added: “Though some women see career progress, many still face barriers Our framework empowers everyo

sion

Lancs Police

Baroness Kishwer

Celebrating culture through children’s stories

by: Subhasini Naicker

Patel

Serena Patel is an award -

w i nn i ng Bri ti s h I n d i an

c h i ld r en ’ s au th o

A c c id ent al D ete

s

B o o k A w ar d C el eb rat ed for its hum our and authenti c p o rtr ay al o f Br it i sh

A s i an fam il ie s, h er w o rk resonates with yo ung readers Co mm itted to inclusion, Serena creates sto ries wh ere all ch ild ren feel seen

In a conversation with Asian Voice, she talks about her upcoming release ‘Pia’s Pet Club: Puppy Problem’ (out 8 May), South Asian

r e p r e s e n t a t i o n i n b o o k s and more

What inspired y ou

t o creat e ‘Pia’s Pet C lub: Puppy Proble m’ ?

With my books, I always aim to reflect the reality of our lives

a n d c o m m u n i t i e s

While there are many

f i c t i o n b o o k s a b o u t

p e t s , I h a d n ' t s e e n ones featuring South Asian characters and families in those sto-

r i e s G r o w i n g u p ,

h a v i n g p e t s w a s n ' t really part of South Asian household life, certainly not in mine or among my friends

B u t t h a t ' s c h a n g i n g n o w , a n d p e t s a r e

b e c o m i n g a m o r e common part of fam-

m u c h t h e y l o v e h e a r i n g words like Nani or beta in t h e s t o r i e s b e c a u s e i t r e f l e c t s t h e i r r e a l i t y

Growing up, I didn’t see books with those cultural details, and that absence can make you feel like you don’t belong Including our culture in stories isn’t just a b o u t r e p r e s e n t a t i o n ; i t ’ s a b o u t v a l i d a t i o n I t

small, familiar things that help children feel seen and empowered

How do you hope young South Asian readers connect with Pia’s experiences?

Books are like windows and mirrors For children

backgrounds who connect with my books in different ways Some relate to the c h a r a c t e r s , o t h e r s t o t h e friendships or the love for pets That’s the beauty of stories they can resonate with anyone, anywhere, for all kinds of reasons

You’ve been a strong voice for diversity in children’s literature. How do you think the landscape has changed in recent years, and what more would you like to see?

I definitely think it has changed I've been publishing for 5 years now, and in that time, definitely, you know, I've seen so many new authors come up with new books with so many different types of r

i l y l i f e W h e n t h i s idea was taking shape, my own son was campaigning hard for us to get pets, he even made PowerPoint pre-

s e n t a t i o n s a n d r e s e a r c h lists, suggesting everything

f r o m g u i n e a p i g s a n d s n a k e s t o h o n e y b a d g e r s and spiders! Eventually, we welcomed two cats All of that fed into the creation of

P i a ( p r o t a g o n i s t o f t h e

b o o k ) , a c h a r a c t e r w h o ’ s desperate for a pet She’s

d o n e a l l t h e r e s e a r c h , knows everything there is t o k n o w , b u t s t i l l i s n ’ t allowed one Through new

f r i e n d s h i p s a n d h e l p i n g others with their pet prob-

l e m s , s h e d i s c o v e r s t h a t pets can be wonderful but a l s o a l o t o f w o r k , a n d things don’t always go as planned

The story beautifully weaves in South Asian heritage and cultural touches Why was it important for you to include these elements in a children’s book?

I think it’s so important

b e c a u s e t h i s i s o u r c h i ldren’s world When I do events, South Asian chil-

d r e n o f t e n t e l l m e h o w

"For children from South Asian backgrounds, I hope my stories serve as mirrors, something familiar they can see themselves in."

f r o m S o u t h A s i a n b a c kgrounds, I hope my stories serve as mirrors, something familiar they can see themselves in

Of course, no book can r e f l e c t e v e r y o n e ’ s e x p e r ience, but if it feels relatable, joyful, and hopeful, t h e n I ’ v e d o n e m y j o b B o o k s a r e a l s o w i n d o w s , o f f e r i n g a g l i m p s e i n t o someone else’s life, culture, or background and that’s just as powerful I often h e a r f r o m r e a d e r s o f a l l

UK Asian Film Festival explores identity and belonging

Sout h Asian film festival , is underway wit h it s 27th edition, r unn in g from 1st

Covent ry

Presented by Tongues on Fire and supported by the BFI Audience Projects Fund, this year ’ s festival

“Longing and Belonging,” e

nection, and the human d

UKAFF continues its legac

c h a m p

o n i n g S o u t h

Asian women and LGBTQ voices in cinema, spotlighting films that challenge societal norms and foster inclusivity

The festival opened with t h e E u r o p e a n p r e m i e r e o f

enrich the festival ‘Mystic

c h is always really exciting to see I definitely think we can still be doing more, you know, and I think, I suppose what I'd like to see is that some of these books get

keting, that some of the

n a m e s g

I t h i n k I would like to see more balance And I think it's definitely important as well to have representation at every level of

p d o w n w a r d s , r e a l l y , I think, would really help to create that More inclusion, more more balance across the board

Whatadvice would you give to young aspiring authors who dream of telling their own stories? The best thing you can do as a writer is to write as m u c h a s p o s s i b l e a n d experiment Try different forms; poetry, short stories, e v e n s c r i p t s P l a y w i t h styles until you find your own voice Entering writing competitions is also a f a n t a s t i c w a y t o g r o w I used to be terrified of shari n g m

good enough, but

way to put my writing out there without overthinking the reader It helped build

course, read as widely

tion, comics, graphic novels, magazines, newspapers, everything counts Reading

‘ M y M e l b o u r n e ’ , a b o l d a n t h o l o g y c e l e b r a t i n g r e s i l i e n c e a n d d i v e r s i t y , while the closing night will feature the London premiere o f ‘ T h e G l a s s w o r k e r ’ , Pakistan’s Oscar-nominated animated feature, followed b y a s e c o n d s c r e e n i n g i n Leicester

T h i s e d i t i o n i s p a c k e d with thought-provoking prem i e r e s , i n c l u d i n g ‘ W e A r e Faheem and Karun’, the first K a s h m i r i - l a n g u a g e L G B T Q f i l m ; ‘ T h e C o l l a b o r a t o r ’ , b a s e d o n M i r z a W a h e e d ’ s novel; and ‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’, a documentary exploring a tribe’s transformation through music ‘The Umesh Chronicles’, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Babil K h a n , a n d ‘ P a r i k r a m a ’ , a spiritual journey along the N a r m a d a , a l s o m a k e t h e i r

UK debuts

S p e c i a l e v e n t s f u r t h e r

(3rd May) nurtures young talent with industry workshops and screenings of student short films A trib-

‘Mandi’ (9th May) and

tion of ‘Sholay’ at Nehru Centre highlight cinematic heritage

Memories: Celebrating Raj Kapoor’ (9th May), marking the icon’s centenary with a live concert of his classic film songs Meanwhile, the festival’s Short Film Competition (10th May) will present

exploring themes of diaspo-

growth The Awards Gala on 11th May at Riverside Studios will honour pioneers like Biddu,

Onir

‘Marriage Material’ set for 2025 stage premiere

L y ri c H am m e rs m i th T h e atr e an d B i rm i ng h am Rep have revealed the cast an d c rea ti v es fo r t h ei r upcom ing co-p rod uction o f ‘M arriage Material ’ The show runs at the Lyric from 22 May to 21 June 2 0 2 5 , f o l l o w e d b y p e r f o rmances at Birmingham Rep from 25 June to 5 July Based o n S a t h n a m S a n g h e r a ’ s acclaimed novel, Marriage Material has been adapted for the stage by award-winn i n g p l a y w r i g h t G u r p r e e t

K a u r B h a t t i a n d w i l l b e directed by Iqbal Khan

T h e c a s t i n c l u d e s Tommy Belshaw, Jaz Singh Deol, Anoushka Deshmukh, Celeste Dodwell, Avita Jay, Kiran Landa, Omar Malik, and Irfan Shamji Casting is by Jatinder Chera The cre-

a t i v e t e a m f e a t u r e s G o o d

T e e t h ( S e t a n d C o s t u m e

D e s i g n ) , S i m e o n M i l l e r ( L i g h t i n g ) , H o l l y K h a n (Composer/Sound Design),

A n j a l i M e h r a ( M o v e m e n t Direction), and more

The story follows three g e n e r a t i o n s o f t h e B a i n s f a m i l y a n d t h e i r

W o l v e r h a m p t o n c o r n e r s h o p , e x p l o r i n g s h i f t i n g c u l t u r a l i d e n t i t i e s , f a m i l y loyalty, and personal ambit i o n W h e n A r j a n B a i n s r e t u r n s h o m e a f t e r a tragedy, he’s forced to confront what he tried to leave behind

Sanghera said, “Even if I hadn’t written the book, I’d rush to see this dream cast in action ” Bhatti called it “ a n i m p o r t a n t s t o r y ”

today, while Khan praised

Lyric, said the production “explores the complexities o

New podcast showcases

British Indian talent

A new podcas t is s hining a s potlight on the trailbla zing s tories of Britis h Indian c reatives at a time when global c ur ios ity ab out Indian c ulture and artistr y is at an alltime high ‘ T h e G l o b a l I n d i a n Creatives Podcast’ celebrates t h e l i v e s , c h a l l e n g e s , a n d a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s o f a r t i s t s who have shaped the cultural landscape across Britain and I n d i a L a u n c h e d d u r i n g a period of expanding conversations around diversity and inclusion, the podcast offers listeners intimate conversa-

tions with iconic figures such a s M

, actress and recipient of the B A F T A F e l l o w s h i p , w h o reflects on the journey that led to her remarkable career; Jay Sean, the Southall-born artist who became the first Indian singer to top the US charts; and Bollywood legend Kabir Bedi, who shares how he went from interviewing the Beatles to becoming the first Indian actor to appear in a James Bond film The podcast is co-hosted by award-winning journalist and presenter Anila Dhami,

ing

Serena

ALL EYES ON PAHALGAM

In London, members of the Indian community and diaspora groups gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission for a protest titled “All Eyes on Pahalgam,” condemning the horrific terrorist attack.

Waving Indian flags, banners, and placards with counter-terrorism messages, the protesters expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and demanded justice for the victims. They chanted slogans against terrorism and criticised Pakistan for allegedly harbouring and supporting terrorist groups responsible for such attacks.

A disturbing incident occurred when an official from the Pakistan High Commission was seen mak-

protesters gathering, hundreds of Indian supporters rallied in front of the building, waving the Indian Tricolour and chanting slogans like "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," "Vande Mataram," and

ing a threatening throat-slitting gesture towards the protesters. The individual, believed to be Colonel Taimur Rahat, Pakistan's Army and Air Advisor, was caught on video holding a sketch of Captain Abhinandan, the Indian Air Force pilot captured by Pakistan six years ago.

The peaceful demonstration, which drew participants from diverse age groups and backgrounds, aimed to express solidarity with the victims and their families. The Friends of India Society International (FISI) UK organised the protest, calling for international action against terrorism. They urged the UK government to reassess its stance on Pakistan and to stand firmly with India in this moment of grief.

Organisers condemned the Pakistan High Commission for playing loud celebratory music during the protest, calling it a tone-deaf and disgraceful act that added insult to the already painful situation.

“While the world mourns the victims, the embassy’s actions displayed a shocking lack of empathy,” the organisers stated.

Meanwhile, a counterprotest organised by Pakistani supporters outside the High Commission of India in London was overshadowed by the massive turnout of Indian community members. Despite only around 50 Pakistani

"Jai Shri Ram."

The Pakistani protesters, who raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and shouted “Pakistan Zindabad,” were vastly outnumbered. The protests, however, failed to gain much momentum, with one Pakistani journalist calling the event a "disaster."

In a show of unity, British Indian groups later held a candlelight vigil at Piccadilly Circus in remembrance of the victims.

Similar “All Eyes on Pahalgam” protests and vigils were also organised by Indian diaspora groups across the UK, including in cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, Leicestershire and Belfast, to condemn Pakistan’s alleged role in supporting terrorism.

T h e K as h m i ri P a nd i t A sso ciation of E urop e, on behalf of Kashmiri Pandits across the UK and Europe, also strongly condemned the horrific terror attack stating, “This brutal assault—where over 28 innocent tourists were killed and many others injured—is yet another grim reminder of the continued targeted violence against Hindus in Kashmir.”

“While we acknowledge the widespread condemnation of this atrocity, for many in our community, it reopens old wounds. The events echo the coordinated attacks of January 1990, when cross-border Islamic militants and their sympa-

Meanwhile, the incident was also raised in the UK Parliament. Conservative MP Bob Blackman, Chair of the Backbench Business Committee, called attention to the attack and urged UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to issue a formal statement.

thisers launched a campaign of targeted terror against the Hindu minority in the Kashmir Valley—culminating in the ethnic cleansing and forced exodus of the Kashmiri Pandit community”, they added.

U K, India vow closer cooperatio n

Bri tis h Pri m e M i nis ter

K ei r S ta rm er spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, four days after the attack, to express his strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people. Describing it as a "heinous attack on Indian soil," Starmer extended his heartfelt condolences and affirmed the UK’s solidarity with India during this difficult time.

“PM Keir Starmer of UK called PM Narendra Modi and conveyed his sincere condolences on the innocent lives lost in the heinous terror attack on Indian soil.

"On Tuesday, we saw the systematic murder of Hindu pilgrims in Pahalgam in India. The sad reality is that the terrorist group thought to be responsible for this, Lashkar-e-Taiba, is a Pakistani organisation that deliberately targets innocent people in Jammu and Kashmir," Blackman told the House of Commons.

He stressed the importance of standing with India, adding, "We must give our reassurance and support to the Government of India in ensuring that they apprehend these terrorists and those responsible for supporting them are also brought to justice."

Tan Dhesi, Member of Parliament for Slough, addressed the parliament condemning the “callous cowardly terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.”

“Hope perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice and heartfelt condolences to all affected, particularly victims’ families who are in my prayers”, he said.

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir,

He strongly condemned the barbaric terror attack and expressed that UK stands with the people of India in this hour of tragedy,” posted Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X.

A statement from 10 Downing Street echoed the sentiment, saying, “The Prime Minister was horrified by the devastating terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, which saw the tragic loss of 26 innocent lives. He expressed his deep condolences on behalf of the British people to all those affected, their loved ones, and the people of India.” Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

by Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami, echoed with chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" as members of the Indian diaspora and British parliamentarians gathered in solidarity.

The event followed a parliamentary discussion earlier that day and featured remarks from cross-party UK MPs and diaspora leaders. Speakers included Labour Indians chair Lord Krish Raval, vice-chair and Welsh Indian MP Kanishka Narayan, and Baroness Sandy Verma. Lord Raval said, “Every right-thinking person must condemn this attack and all others like it,” appreciating the inclusive message of unity delivered by the High Commissioner.

Also in attendance were Lord Rami Ranger, Indian Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan, and Maharashtra’s Minister of Social Justice Sanjay Shirsat. Expressing grief, Shirsat said, “Our sorrow is beyond words. But our strength lies in our unity, and today we stand here as one global Indian family.”

L i sa Na nd y , th e U K ’ s S ec re tar y o f S tat e f o r Cu lture, Media and Sp ort, addressing a gathering during a reception ahead of her visit to Mumbai for the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), observed a moment of silence in honour of the victims.

Addressing those in audience, Nandy said, “The loss of innocent lives in such a brutal and senseless manner is a tragedy that tran-

scends borders. On behalf of the UK government, I extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families, and offer our full support in their pursuit of justice and peace.”

She reaffirmed the strength of UK-India ties, stating, “The relationship between India and the UK has always been strong and deep. At times like this, friends matter. As the Prime Minister has already said, we stand united with you in grief.”

U K F o re i g n S ec ret ary Dav id Lammy spoke separately with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. In his conversation with Jaishankar, Lammy was briefed about India's "zero tolerance" stance on terrorism and the cross-border links to the attack.

On the other hand, Dar, spoke to Lammy about Pakistan's commitment to promoting peace and stability while safeguarding its national interests.

According to the Pakistan Foreign Office, Dar also raised concerns over India's "unilateral" actions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which Pakistan considers a "clear violation" of international obligations.

The UK Foreign Secretary emphasised the need for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the issues discussed, with both countries urged to work toward a diplomatic solution.

Continued to page 16

Victims of the attack

1.Sushil Nathyal from Indore

2.Syed Adil Hussain Shah from Hapatnard Tehsil, Pahalgam

3.Hemant Suhas Joshi from Mumbai

4.Vinay Narwal from Karnal, Haryana

5.Atul Shrikant Moni from Dombli, West Maharashtra

6.Neeraj Udhawani from Uttarakhand

7.Bitan Adhikari from Kolkata

describing it as a “barbaric” act that claimed the lives of innocent civilians. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Sunak expressed his sorrow and solidarity with India, stating, “The barbaric attack in Pahalgam has stolen the lives of newlyweds, children, and families simply seeking joy. Our hearts break for them. To those mourning – know that the UK stands with you in sorrow and solidarity. Terror will never win. We grieve with India.”

A solemn prayer meet was held at Gandhi Hall in the High Commission of India in London on Thursday (24) to honour the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The event, led

8.Sudeep Neupane from Batwali Ropandi, Nepal

9.Shubham Dwivedi from Kanpur, UP

10.Prashant Kumar Satpathi from Malashwar, Odesa

11.Manish Ranjan from Bihar

12.N Ramachandra from Kochi, Kerala

13.Sanjay Lakshman Lali from Thane, Mumbai

14.Dinesh Agarwal from Chandigarh

15.Sameer Guhar from Kolkata

16.Dileep Dasali from Panvel, Mumbai

17.J Sachandra Moli from Pandoranguram, Vishakhapatnam

18.Madhusudan Somisetty from Bangalore

19.Santosh Jaghda from Pune, Maharashtra

20.Manju Nath Rao from Karnataka

21.Kastuba Ganvotay from Pune, Maharashtra

22.Bharat Bhushan from Sunder Nagar, Bengaluru

23.Sumit Parmar from Bhavnagar, Gujarat

24.Yatesh Parmar from Bhavnagar, Gujarat

25.Tagehalying from Zero, Arunachal Pradesh

26.Shaileshbhai Kalathia from Surat. Gujarat

Indian Diaspora protesting at Melbourne's Federation Square

Protest at Fremont, USA

Protest in front of Pak High Commission

ALL EYES ON PAHALGAM

World leaders sho w s olidarity with India

G l o b a l l e a d e r s r e a c h e d

o u t t o P r i m e M i n i s t e r

Narendra Modi to offer condolences and reaffirm sup-

p o r t f o r I n d i a i n i t s f i g h t against terrorism following a recent attack Among those

e x p r e s s i n g s o l i d a r i t y w e r e

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

Benjamin Netanyahu, French

P r e s i d e n t E m m a n u e l

M a c r o n , I t a l i a n P r i m e

M i n i s t e r G i o r g i a M e l o n i , King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba

I t a l i a n P M G i o r g i a

Meloni strongly condemned the attack, offering condo-

l e n c e s t o t h e v i c t i m s a n d expressing Italy’s full support in the fight against terrorism

P M M o d i t h a n k e d h e r f o r

Italy’s clear stance, and both agreed to strengthen collaboration on international platforms to enhance counterterrorism efforts

China called for restraint f r o m b o t h I n

their peaceful coexistence is essential for regional peace, stability, and development

What’s next as tensio ns escalate?

India has strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, drawing attention to a controversial open confession" by Pakistani Defence

M

2008 Mumbai attacks Patel expressed gratitude for the

strong support in the wake of the attack, which claimed 26 lives “India deeply appreciates the unequivocal support and solidarity extended by global

This solidarity reflects the

s zero tolerance for terrorism,"

F r e n c h P r e s i d e n t

E m m a n u e l M a c r o n c o n -

d e m n e d t h e a t t a c k a s “heinous” and conveyed his solidarity with India He stated that such acts of barbarism

w e r e u n a c c e p t a b l e a n d expressed support for India’s determination to bring those responsible to justice

On the other hand, US

P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d T r u m p ,

r a t h e r t h a n t a k i n g a f i r m stance, downplayed the global concern over the escalating conflict between India and

P a k i s t a n S p e a k i n g t o

r e p o r t e r s a b o a r d A i r F o r c e

One on his way to Rome, Trump remarked, “I am very close to India and very close

t o P a k i s t a n , a s y o u k n o w

And they’ve had that fight in K a s h m i r f o r 1 , 0 0 0 y e a r s , probably longer And it was a bad one yesterday, a very bad one Over 30 people ” When asked if he intended to mediate or intervene in the crisis, Trump responded, “There have been tensions on that border for 1,500 years

So, you know, it's the same as it’s always been But they’ll figure it out one way or the other I’m sure I know both leaders There’s great tension between Pakistan and India, but there always has been ”

regarding his country's role in supporting and training terrorists

During her address at the U N , I

Pakistan for exploiting the

spread propaganda and make baseless accusations against India Patel specifically referenced Asif's televised admission of Pakistan's history of

tions She stated, "It is unfor-

misuse and undermine this forum The world has heard Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, openly confess to Pakistan’s support of terrorism in a recent television interview " P

open confession comes as no s

P

fuelling global terrorism and destabilising the region The world can no longer turn a blind eye " She also emphasised India's position as a victim of cross-border terrorism, particularly pointing out the recent Pahalgam attack,

civilian casualties since the

against cross-border terrorism, stating that the perpe-

, financiers, and sponsors of

accountable

This statement followed comments by Khawaja Asif o n S k y N

admitted that Pakistan har-

country had been "doing the W

decades " Asif described the t e r r o r g r o u p s a s a " s i n g l e organisation" with different faces, asserting that they had been used as proxies by the USA in the past

A s i f a l s o w a r n e d t h a t Pakistan would respond "in kind" to any attack by India and called on US President Donald Trump to "bring sanity to the situation "

M e a n w h i l e , t e n s i o n s along the Line of Control (LoC) continue to escalate, with Pakistan once again violating the ceasefire Pakistani f o r c e s f i r e d u n p r o v o k e d a c r o s s a r e a s i n K u p w a r a , Baramulla, and Akhnoor on the night of April 28-29, to w h i c h t h e I n d i a n A r m y

and effective" manner

ist propaganda

The Indian government has lodged a strong protest with the BBC over its coverage of the recent Pahalgam

t e r r o r a t t a c k , o b j e c t i n g t o the broadcaster s use of the term “militant attack” in a n e w s a r t i c l e T h e a r

Jammu an

WhenIndia

aw oke to freed om in Aug ust

194 7, th e princely state of Jammu and Kash mir stood at a critical crossroads

In India, Prime Minister

N a r e n d r a M o d i c h a i r e d a crucial meeting with Defence

M i n i s t e r R a j n a t h S i n g h , N a t i o n a l S e c u r i t y A d v i s o r Ajit Doval, and military leade r s , r e a f f i r m i n g I n d i a ' s resolve to decisively confront terrorism Modi emphasised that the Armed Forces have "complete operational freed o m t o d e t e r m i n e t h e nature and timing of India’s response

In the week following the b r u t a l a t t a c k , I n d i a h a s launched a series of decisive a c t i o n s a i m e d a t i s o l a t i n g

P a k i s t a n d i p l o m a t i c a l l y , tightening internal security, and asserting its resolve on the global stage India wasted no time in taking diplomatic

m e a s u r e s I t e x p e l l e d

P a k i s t a n i d i p l o m a t s a n d

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

Islamabad, signalling a clear b r e a k d o w n i n b i l a t e r a l engagement Visa services for Pakistani nationals were also suspended, and all existing visas were revoked In a landm a r k m o v e , I n d i a h a l t e d

c o o p e r a t i o n o n t h e I n d u s Waters Treaty a key watersharing agreement that had remained intact since 1960, e v e n d u r i n g p r e v i o u s c o nflicts

India’s military posture

a l s o s h i f t e d r a p i d l y T h e Indian Navy conducted missile tests, and the Air Force stepped up its surveillance and patrols in border areas

The main land borders with P a k i s t a n w e r e t e m p o r a r i l y closed, underscoring India’s readiness to escalate defensive measures if required

Simultaneously, a massive internal security operation was launched in Jammu and Kashmir

Nearly 2,000

i n d i v i d u a l s w e r e d e t a i n e d , and properties belonging to s u s p e c t e d m i l i t a n t s w e r e

d e m o l i s h e d , s e n d i n g a strong signal of zero toler-

a n c e t o w a r d h o m e g r o w n radicalisation and terrorism

Recognising the role of information warfare, India

t o o k a c t i o n i n t h e d i g i t a l domain as well It blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels and banned the social media

a c c o u n t o f P a k i s t a n ’ s Defence Minister, citing the dissemination of misleading and inflammatory content These measures form part of a broader effort to combat misinformation and extrem-

, t i t l e d “ P

s t a n s u s p e n d s visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack”, was published following the deadly assault that claimed 26 lives

In a formal communication to Jackie Martin, Head of BBC India, the Ministry of E x t e r n a l A f f a i r s ( M E A ) expressed its displeasure at the terminology used, which t h e g o v e r n m e n t b e l i e v e s downplays the severity and

MEA’s External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division conveyed “India’s strong sen-

C a n d

c o n f i r m e d t h a t i t w o u l d closely monitor the broadcaster’s reporting going forward

The BBC’s article stated: “ P a k i s t a n h a s r e s p o n d e d w i t h t i t - f o r - t a t m e a s u r e s a g a i n s t I n d i a a s t e n s i o n s soared following a militant a t t a c k i n I n d i a n - a d m i n i stered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists ” India’s response follows

s i m i l a r b a c k l a s h i n t h e

U n i t e d S t a t e s , w h e r e a Senate panel sharply criticised The New York Times f o r u s i n g t h e t e r m “ m i l itants” to describe the perpetrators of the attack The US H o u s e F o r e i g n A f f a i r s Committee also took issue with the terminology, warning that such language risks trivialising acts of terrorism by referring to the attackers as “militants” and “ gunmen ” A n i l B ha n o t , H C U K ’ s m a n a gi n g t r us te e , o p i n e s that the attack came soon after Pakistan’s military chief

G e n e r a l A s i m M u n i r declared openly in a speech

t h a t H i n d u s a r e d i f f e r e n t from them, and he went in to labour the point on freeing the Kashmiri Muslims from India; surely, there seems to be connection here “A ter-

r o r i s t o u t f i t i n K a s h m i r l i n k e d t o P a k i s t a n h a s already claimed responsibilit y f o r t h e a t t a c k Y e t t h e G u a r

w

n anti-India stand and now the Daily Mail refers to these terrorists as militants only, the B B C p e r h a p s w i t h a n improvement now has elevated to the term ‘Gunmen’ – well, their reporters should talk to the victims’ widows and orphans ”

Bhanot goes on to say that ironically, the Muslims in Kashmir are living nicely with Hindus and even in this massacre “A Muslim Syed A d

Hindu victims The difference in Islamism and Islam can be seen from this example alone ”

Ruled by M ah araja Hari Singh, a Hindu monarch in a M uslim -majority reg ion, the state initially ch ose to remain independ ent, hop ing to nav igate the vo latile afterm ath of Partition without aligning with either India o r

Pakistan

But the neutrality didn’t last In October 1947, tribal militias backed by Pakistan invaded Kashmir, prompting the Maharaja to turn to India for military assistance In exchange, he signed the Instrument of Accession, formally joining the Indian Union Indian troops were quickly airlifted to repel the invaders, and the first war between India and Pakistan over Kashmir had begun By 1949, a United Nations-brokered ceasefire drew a line across the region, the Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir into two parts: one administered by India, the other by Pakistan

Although the UN proposed a plebiscite to determine the region’s final status, it never took place

What followed was a complex and often contentious chapter in India’s constitutional history Jammu and Kashmir was granted special autonomy under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, a provision designed to reflect the unique circumstances of its accession This article restricted the Indian Parliament's legislative powers over the state to matters of defence, foreign affairs, and communications unless approved by the state government Moreover, the state retained its own constitution and flag, and non-residents were barred from purchasing land, thanks to Article 35A, introduced in 1954

For decades, Jammu and Kashmir's special status was a symbol of its distinct identity within the Indian

Maharaja Hari Singh

HE Vikram Doraiswami addressing the gathering at the High Commission of India

Bob Blackman MP addressing the commemorative ceremony at the High Commission of India

nd Kashmir: A journey rough history

Union But it also became a point of deep political contention Many viewed Article 370 as a temporary arrangement that hindered national integration, while others saw it as a vital safeguard for the region’s autonomy and cultural heritage

The situation took a darker turn in the late 1980s, when the rise of militancy and cross-border terrorism, encouraged and supported by Pakistan, plunged the region into violence Armed insurgency, political instability, and frequent bouts of unrest defined life in the Valley Thousands lost their lives, while the once-thriving Kashmiri Pandit community was forced to flee

In the backdrop of this decades-long turbulence, a historic shift occurred on 5 August 2019 The Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made the unprecedented decision to revoke Article 370 through a Presidential Order In parallel, Parliament passed the Jammu and Kashmir

For decades, Jammu and Kashmir's special status was a symbol of its distinct identity within the Indian Union. But it also became a point of deep political contention.

Reorganisation Act, which bifurcated the state into two Union Territories:

Jammu and Kashmir, with a legislative assembly, and Ladakh, without one

The abrogation marked the end of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status With Article 370 rendered inoperative, Article 35A too ceased to exist, opening the region to the full spectrum of Indian laws and citizenship rights The move was accompanied by a sweeping security lockdown, communication lines were snapped, curfews were imposed, and political leaders placed under house arrest

The decision sparked mixed reactions

Domestically, it was hailed by supporters as a longoverdue correction that would bring development, transparency, and equality to a conflict-ridden region

Internationally, however, the move drew sharp criticism from Pakistan and various human rights organisations In India, opponents questioned the constitutionality and timing of the decision, arguing that it bypassed democratic processes Since 2019, the government has focused on promoting stability and development in the region There has been a push for investment, infrastructure growth, tourism revival, and greater integration with the rest of India The security situation has seen relative improvement, and the government claims a sharp decline in terror-related incidents

In 2024, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a pivotal moment in its political history with the first Legislative Assembly elections held since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019 The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), led by Omar Abdullah, emerged as the largest party, securing 42 seats This election marked the restoration of a democratic process after years of central governance and was seen as a significant step towards political normalisation in the region

No words of mine can assuage the grief of those stunned by the loss of loved ones, nor the sorrow of a nation united in shock and outrage. All people of conscience will deplore this heinous attack on innocent lives, which will not impede India’s continuing rise I fully echo the sentiments expressed by our Foreign Secretary: Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with India at this time

Lord Krish Raval

OBE,

Director of Faith in Leadership

I was deeply saddened to hear of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, claiming the lives of innocent civilians, and leaving many injured We must stand united in the face of violence and terror, instead fostering unity, peace and strength. My thoughts and prayers remain with the victims, their families, and all those affected

Raja, Member of Parliament for Leicester East

Conservative Friends of India (CFI) strongly condemns the recent attacks in Kashmir Violence has no place in a just and peaceful society Our thoughts are with the victims and their families We stand in solidarity with all those affected CFI was honoured to participate in a commemoration service at the High Commission of India remembering victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Kashmir CFI stands in solidarity with the people of India and PM Narendra Modi We strongly condemn these brutal acts of terror and support all efforts to uphold peace and justice.

Reena Ranger and Ameet Jogia, Co-Chairs, Conservative Friends of India

India’s Tragedy, Britain’s Test: Why Pahalgam Matters Here Too

Nitish Rai Parwani

In what can only be described as a brutal d ec l ar at i on of f a na t i ci s m ’ s en d uri n g menace, the pic tures que Baisaran Valley of Pa ha l ga m o f te n c a l le d t he Swi tzerland of India was transformed into a site of horror that shocked even a regi on all too fami li ar with breaches of security and the price of disorder

Twenty-eight innocent tourists from at least three countries were killed by Islamist terrorists in a massacre marked not only by its savagery but by its sinister precision Survivors recount how the assailants forced their captives to recite the Islamic kalma, produce identification cards, and, in some instances, submit to the humiliation of having their trousers removed to reveal their religion Those who failed these grotesque tests were shot dead at point-blank range

Such calculated religious targeting harks back to some of the darkest moments in modern history The international community has responded to this with outrage The United States, whose Vice President happened to be in India during the attack, joined other nations in condemning this barbaric act

‘The Resistance Front’, an outfit with known links to Lashkar-e-Taiba a Pakistan based ‘Proscribed Terrorist Organization’ under the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000 claimed responsibility for the massacre Predictably, Islamabad shrugged its shoulders, maintaining a deafening silence about its territories being used as launchpads for terror In response, New Delhi has implemented a five-point action plan, even as the Prime Minister Modi cut short his state visit to Saudi Arabia to oversee the nation’s response

In a retaliatory diplomatic move, Pakistan has suspended bilateral trade agreements and treaties, including the historic Shimla Pact that was signed after the 1971 war a conflict that birthed Bangladesh Islamabad has further closed its airspace to Indian flights, escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours

Disturbingly, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) from where the assailants crossed into Indian territory has reportedly hosted members of international terror and extremist organisations, including the Hamas and Lashkare-Taiba earlier this year The presence of such groups within Pakistani borders poses not only a regional threat but an international one

Given these facts, an exercise of right to defence by countries including India, and neutralisation of terror hubs present in Pakistan, may not be ruled out If carried out, a military action in this regard may find both legal and moral legitimacy under the principles of individual and collective self-defence, as recognised in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter Such measures would echo precedents set by nations like the United Kingdom, which conducted targeted military operations in Syria in 2016

The reverberations of the Pahalgam massacre extend far beyond the subcontinent, and it would be naïve to consider this horror a remote tragedy Britain is home to significant Indian and Pakistani diaspora communities, whose relations have occasionally frayed under the pressure of events abroad The events in Leicester in 2022 serve as a grim reminder, when Islamist extremists vandalised Hindu temples, desecrated sacred symbols, and targeted homes disp l a y i n g H i

occurred in Birmingham, Nottingham, and, most recently in London, where a Hindu temple was allegedly attacked over its criticism of Hamas’ actions

That the victims of Pahalgam massacre were selected on the basis of faith gives this tragedy a visceral resonance for many in Britain It reopens wounds still raw for communities whose places of worship have come under attack in recent years The British government, therefore, ought to not merely to condemn such acts abroad and support proportionate counter measures, but to also ensure that the repercussions are not felt on its own streets

The British authorities must be vigilant Temples, community centres, and public gatherings require active safeguarding Moreover, political leaders and public institutions must make it unequivocally clear that Britain is safe for all its residents Finally, London must not falter in reaffirming its commitment to opposing cross-border terrorism As it did during its military intervention in Syria, the UK should support international efforts to dismantle terror infrastructure that threatens not just South Asia but the entire world

The brutalities of Pahalgam serve as a tragic reminder of the persistent threat posed by religious extremism and t r a n

Ameet Jogia MBE

Muhammad Ali Jinnah with Mahatma Gandhi

Reena Ranger OBE

Shivani

Lord Krish Raval OBE

Shivani Raja

Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel

The Pe ns ion Cr isis N o O ne Ta l ks A b out : Wh y Yo ur Employe r Pe nsion Might Be Failing You And What You Should Do About It

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Except it isn’t

The Shocking Returns Behind the Smokescreen

Data from the Financial Conduct Authority and independent studies routinely show that the average annual return for UK workplace pensions is hovering around 3–4% before inflation Factor in inflation, and you ’ re barely treading water Worse still, high fees can silently erode your pot In fact, according to analysis from PensionBee and the Pensions Policy Institute, excessive fees over 40 years could reduce your final pot by over 30% That’s your retirement lifestyle shaved down to the bone by fee-fat bankers with a nice brochure

You don’t need to be Warren Buffett to understand that a £250,000 pension pot growing at 3% annually over 30 years will do far worse than one growing at 7% the kind of return more active, informed investors often achieve by being smarter with their capital

So Why Are Employer Pensions So Poor?

D efa ul t Funds: Most workplace schemes park you in a “default” fund bland, conservative, and designed for the lowest common denominator Not you

Lack of O versig ht : How often do you check your pension? Once a year? Less? Most people spend more time picking a Netflix show

No St rate gy: Employer pensions don’t optimise based on your age, financial goals, or risk appetite They’re onesize-fits-none

What Should You Do?

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2 Know Your Charges

If you're paying more than 0 75% in annual fees, you could be overpaying High charges are silent killers of longterm growth

3 Take Control If your pension is underperforming, consider transferring it to a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) This gives you access to a far wider range of investments ETFs, individual stocks where you can build a strategy that suits you, not your fund manager ’ s bonus I prefer the world equity exchange traded fund for relatives who want to buy and forget for 5 to 10 years Of course for those who want 5 years and can withstand ups and downs then my 3As and 2Ms are fine for those relatives – Apple, Amazon, Alphabet and Microsoft and Meta – stick in Nvidia – BUT these are volatile and so you need a long time frame If you want to look weekly and don’t want to see a 25% drop in your pension then do not buy these Since I am holding for the long term commissions from brokers and exchange fees and rates do not bother me so much Individual stocks for more risk and ETFs for lower volatility Check their historic price moves on a chart on Yahoo or Google Finance (free)

4 Educate Yourself

Start learning If you're managing a £200k pension, you're running a six-figure fund Don’t outsource that blindly

5 Ask the Right Questions

Does your fund beat inflation? Is it tailored to your risk profile? Does it align with your retirement goals? If not, it’s time to act

Capital gains tax receipts fall

Capital gain s tax (CG T) receipts fell by more than £ 1 billi on ov er the past year, fuelli ng concerns of a wealth exod us from Britai n HM Revenue & Customs reported CGT revenues of £13 billion in the 12 months to March 2025, down 10% from £14 5 billion the previous year Analysts said the drop could reflect high-net-worth individuals leaving the UK following the abolition of the non-dom regime, or delaying asset sales to avoid higher taxes From April, most non-doms have been subject to UK tax on their worldwide income for the first time Meanwhile, CGT rates rose to 18% and 24% under c h a n g e s i n t r o d u c e d b y C h a n c e l l o r R a c h e l R e e v e s l a s t October The Office for Budget Responsibility has warned the overall tax burden is heading for its highest level since the Second World War

However, some experts downplayed the link to tax changes They pointed instead to the sharp rise in interest rates, which has dampened financial asset values and slowed mergers and acquisitions

10 months in: Is Labour’s economic strategy delivering?

Anusha Singh

"Where is the economy heading?" it's a question Britons have been asking for quite some time, and with Labour’s return to power, many were hopeful for a clear and positive shift Yet, ten months into the new government, doubts have begun to surface about whether Labour’s economic plan is truly delivering

According to Professor Abhinay Muthoo Research Lead and Fellow at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), Visiting

Academy of Economics (MDAE), and Lead Academic of the UK Cross-Party

progress may take time, but the direction is promising

Here’s what he had to say as he spoke to Asian Voice

How would you describe the key economic traits of Labour’s first 10 months? Has their strategy matched election promises, or was Rishi Sunak right to call PM Starmer’s goals unrealistic?

The first 10 months of the Labour government under Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have been defined by a clear pivot towards economic stabili-

structural reform Their strategywhat Reeves calls “securonomics”focuses on boosting infrastructure, skills, and clean energy while maintaining fiscal responsibility

Key steps, like establishing Great British Energy, reforming planning laws, and enhancing workers' rights, s h o w L

growth-focused manifesto However, persistent global pressures and high-

slowed short-term progress, and public confidence remains fragile

That said, many of these challenges are inherited, not created Far from being farfetched, Labour’s ambitions are grounded in a pragmatic, long-term rebuilding of the economy - but patience will be essential before the full effects are seen Labour’s budget brought major tax hikes on businesses, inheritance, non-doms, and National Insurance. How have these changes impacted business investment and economic confidence?

The October 2024 Budget marked

since 1993, with £40 billion in new levies primarily targeting businesses

and high-net-worth individuals Key measures included raising employer N

from 13 8% to 15% and lowering the threshold to £5,000, alongside higher capital gains and inheritance taxes, and the abolition of the non-domiciled tax regime

These tax changes have notably i

Business confidence has declined to a two-year low, with 56% of firms citing the tax burden as a growing challenge Additionally, capital gains tax receipts fell by over £1 billion, attributed to the departure of wealthy individuals following the abolition of the non-dom regime

While these fiscal measures aim to fund critical investments in public

i c

d

n f r

, t h

i r immediate effect has been a dampening of business investment and econ o m i c c o n f i d e n c e T h e l o n g - t e r m success of this strategy will depend on the government's ability to balance fiscal responsibility with policies that foster a conducive environment for business growth

With all the reforms planned for the NHS, social care, housing, etc , do you think that the government has enough money to make it all happen, especially the complete overhaul of the NHS?

T h e L a b o u r g o v e r n m e n t h a s c o m m i t t e d t o s i g n i f i c a n t r e f o r m s a c r o s s t h e N H S , s o c i a l c a r e , a n d housing sectors, backed by substantial funding allocations Notably, the October 2024 budget introduced a £22 6 billion increase in NHS funding over two years, alongside a £3 1 billion boost in capital investment, including £ 1 b i l l i o n e a r m a r k e d f o r h o s p i t a l repairs and rebuilding projects

H o w e v e r , e x p e r t s c a u t i o n t h a t these investments may still fall short of what's needed for a comprehensive overhaul For instance, NHS leaders have indicated that an additional £6 4 b i l l i o n a n n u a l l y i s r e q u i r e d t o e n h a n c e p r o d u c t i v i t y a n d a d d r e s s long-standing infrastructure deficits

In social care, the government announced up to £3 7 billion of additional funding for local authorities in 2025-26 Yet, the sector faces a financial crisis, with nearly one in five supported housing units at risk of closure due to funding cuts and rising c o s t s , p o t e n t i a l l y l e a v i n g t e n s o f thousands homeless

While the government's funding

c o m m i t m e n t s a r e s u b s t a n t i a l , t h e scale of the challenges suggests that f u r t h e r i n v e s t m e n t a n d s t r a t e g i c

planning will be essential to fully realise the envisioned reforms

What long-term strategies should Labour adopt to ensure sustainable growth and better living standards?

Labour has laid strong foundations with its emphasis on investment in infrastructure, skills, and clean energy But to deliver sustaina

standards, a few key strategies are essential:

First, productivity must be the core focus That means accelerating planning reform, sustaining major infrastructure investment, and creating stronger incentives for private s

remains the most powerful route to higher wages and living standards

Second, Labour should build a full-scale green industrial strategy Great British Energy is an important start, but the UK must lead in areas l

storage, and carbon capture - creating skilled jobs across all regions

Third, human capital investment m

England initiative is important, but success depends on a major, longterm transformation of vocational

crucially, renewed investment in our universities, which are world-class assets for innovation, skills development, and economic dynamism

Fourth, regional inequality must be addressed with real devolution of fiscal powers to cities and regions, empowering local leaders to drive place-based economic growth

Finally, financial stability remains important - but the current fiscal rules need to be adjusted to better support the growth agenda While maintaining credibility with markets, Labour should allow more flexibility

d boosting the economy " The first event in Blyth brought together around 100 small businesses, trade b o d i e s ,

Commercial Officers from British embassies and 97 international buyers spanning 19 markets from India to Mexico Virtual one-onone meetings helped busi-

and

from the

for

Growth Hubs, and partners like UKEF and Chambers of Commerce

The roadshow follows the recent relaunch of the Board of Trade and will be

Prof Abhinay Muthoo

Apple plans to shift assembly of all US-sold iPhones to India

A p p le p lan s to s h i ft th e

a s se m bl y o f al l U S - s o ld

iP hones to India as soon as

n

p

m atter, as President Donald

T r um p ’ s tr ad e w ar f o rce s the A merican tech group to p ivot away from C hina

T h e p u s h b u i l d s o n Apple’s strategy to diversify

i t s s u p

investors expected, with

goal to source from India more than 60mn iPhones sold annually in the US by the end of 2026

T

, after almost two decades in w h i c h A p p

e n t heavily in China to create a

w o r l d - b e a t i n g p

o d u c t i o n line that powered its rise into a $3tn tech giant

C h i n a , w h e r e A p p l e

manufactures the majority

parties such as Fox conn, has been subject to the US president’s most aggressive levies, though he has since s i g n a l l e d a

negotiate with Beijing A

market value, Apple rushed

made iPhones to the US to avoid the then higher tariffs

placed on China Apple has in recent years

183 new drug manufacturing plants registered in Gujarat

T he F ood and Drug Contro l Admi nis trati on ( FD CA) i

manu facturing

ki n g th e h i g h es t n u mb e r o f app ro vals since the Covid1 9 p an de mi c , s a i d H G K o sh i a, co mm i ss i o n er , Gujarat FDCA “ Gu jarat is

o p er at io

u rt h e r boo sting our dominance

smartphones in China

iPhone assembly is the

bringing together hundreds

Apple is still heavily reliant on Chinese suppliers

Amid trade tension, IMF cuts India's growth forecast

The IM F cautioned agains t a d v e r s e i m p a

projec ti on to 2 8% from 3% ea rli er

The global uncertainty is also expected to weigh on I n d i a ’ s g r o w t h , w i t h t h e expansion estimate cut to 6 2 % f r o m 6 5 % , d e

consumption, especially in rural areas

“Intensifying downside risks dominate the outlook Ratcheting up a trade war, a

Since March 2019, we have cleared at least 800 new allopathic drug plants, f i r m l y s e t t i n g G u j a r a t o n the path to becoming the w o r l d ’ s p h a r m a c y T h e a v e r a g e i n v e s t m e n t p e r

plant in FY 2024-25 is an estimated £5mn, but some c o m p a n i e s a r e i n v e s t i n g more So we estimate total new investments to touch about £1 2bn, ” he added I n d u

that Gujarat’s mature and w

record setting growth Also, many units from northern India are shifting to Gujarat Shrenik Shah, national joint secretary of the Indian D r u

manufacturing plants in tax havens around two decades a

implementation, they have

Gujarat Also, in the last two years, risk-based inspections have increased, resulting in many companies deciding to set up new plants in Gujarat,

pharma exports Most of the

Adani drops out of telecom plans, to sell spectrum to Airtel

Putt ting an end to his ‘big p l a ns ’ in t h e t el ec om

b us in e s s , Ad a n i Gr ou p c h a ir m a n G a ut a m A da n i decided to move out of the c o m pe t i t iv e a n d c a p it a lh ea v y s e c t or A n d, he ha s decided to sell the a irwaves, ac quired in 2 02 2 auctions , to Bharti Airtel

A d a n i D a t a N e t w o r k s (ADNL) acquired 400 MHz s p e c t r u m i n 2 6 g i g a h e r t z ( G H z ) b a n d f o r a b o u t £21 2mn, which will now be t a k e n o v e r b y A i r t e l T h e

Adani group, which initially s a i d t h a t a i r w a v e s w i l l b e

companies buying spectrum

“ B h a r t i A i r t e l a n d i t s subsidiary Bharti Hexacom, have entered into definitive agreements with Adani Data

MHz), and Tamil Nadu (50 M H z ) , ” A i r t e l s a i d T h e closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of t h e s t a n d a r d c o n

(including conditions stated i n

added

The entry of Adani group into telecom space in 2022 led to speculations around the group ’ s ‘future plans’ for

M

v e n speculated that the group, known for inorganic growth strategies, “had its eyes on

announcement of sweeping US tariffs on April 2 and

foreign exchange rates and capital flows, especially for e c o n o m i e

uncertainty, could further reduce near and long-term growth, while eroded policy buffers weaken resilience to future shocks Divergent and rapidly shifting policy

ensue, including damage to the international monetary system,” the agency said in its latest World Economic Outlook The forecasts for

Canada, Japan, the UK, and t h e U S a n d a n u p w a r d revision for Spain

India's gross direct tax kitty rises 16%, tops £270bn in FY25

G ross dire ct ta x colle ct ions in India rose 15 6% to t op £ 270bn dur ing the la st fiscal y ea r, while refunds wen t up 26 % to an all time high of a l it t le un d e r £ 4 8 bn , p rovisional dat a relea se d by t he f in a n ce m in is t r y showe d T h e p r o v i s i o n a l n e t direct tax collection, which was up 13 6% to just under £223bn, was in line with the target set for the 2024-25 f i n a n c i

collections are 100 8% of the budget target and 99 5% of

presented in Feb

The tax numbers, both direct and indirect, as well as the savings expected on the expenditure front during the last financial year, indicate that govt may end up closing the year with a better-thanbudgeted fiscal deficit The

revised estimates presented by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman pegged the fiscal deficit at 4 8% of GDP, as against the budget estimate of 4 9%

On a gross basis, income tax collections rose 17 6% to £

u s e d f o r c a p t i v e u s e , w a s running the risk of penalties

b y d e p a r t m e n t o f t e l e c o m (DoT) for its non-compliance

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

Re liance Industries reporte d a 6% i ncrea se in q ua rterly profi t to £2 26 b n Thi s wa s dri ven by the strong performa nce of its di gita l a nd retai l busin esse s, w hi ch offset the w eak ness in its traditiona l oil-to-che micals ( O2C) uni t R e v e n u e t o t a l l e d o v e r £ 2 6 4 b n , u p a b o u t 1 0 %

Operating profit, a yardstick f o r u n d e r l y i n g b u s i n e s s performance, increased 3% to £4 64bn Expenses climbed by a b o u t 1 1 % t o £ 2 4 b n Operating profit of O2C fell by 10% to £1 50bn due to a sharp decline in transportation fuel c r a c k s a n d l o w e r p o l y e s t e r

N e t w o r k s , a s u b s i d i a r y o f Adani Enterprises, to acquire rights to use 400 MHz of spectrum in the 26 GHz band i n G u j a r a t ( 1 0 0 M H z ) , Mumbai (100 MHz), Andhra Pradesh (50 MHz), Rajasthan ( 5 0 M H z ) , K a r n a t a k a ( 5 0

digital services business (Jio) surged 18% to £1 72bn due to h

T h

residual impact of the

through by June this year, RIL said Jio’s average revenue per user (ARPU) - a key metric that influences income - was Rs 206 in Q4FY25, up by about 14% Launched in 2016, Jio had 488 million customers as of March 31, 2025, and saw data

confirmations on any such move

n g constipation, psyllium husk is also believed to possess other medicinal properties

P & G

manufacturing footprint in

destination for multinational

facility in Sanand is expected

strengthen Gujarat's position in the pharmaceutical and

sector

professionals are jumping in e a r l y t h a n k s t o i n c r e a s e d f i n a n c i a l a w a r e n e s s , a n d female participation is rising too Technology has made opening a demat account a breeze, and the boom in IPO listings during the first half of FY25 further fuelled the investor rush Although the

Gautam Adan

Blast at Iran port kills 40, over 1,200 hurt

DU BA I : The death toll from a p o w erf u l e xp l o si o n at I r an

s bigg est port of Band ar Abbas has risen to at least 40, with more than 1, 200 people injured, state m ed ia rep orted , as firefig hters w orked to fully exting uish th e fire

Saturday’s blast took place in the Shahid Rajaee section of the port, Iran’s biggest container hub, shattering windows for several kms around, tearing metal strips off shipping containers and badly damaging goods inside, state media said The incident occurred as Iran held a third round of nuclear talks with the United States in Oman

Fires kept breaking out in different parts of the affected area, according to state media, with helicopters and fire fighters continuing efforts to extinguish

Iran, US wrap nuclear talks in Oman, plan more

M U S C A T : I ra n and th e U ni te d S tat es h el d i nd ep th neg o ti ati o n s in Oman over T ehran’s rap idly advancing nu clear prog ram, end ing th e d iscu ssio ns with a promi se for m o re ta lk s an d p er h ap s another h igh-lev el meeting n ext w eeken d Th e talks ran for several h ours in Muscat

A person close to Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy to the Middle East, acknowledged that the meeting had started and later ended The source spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door talks Iranian state television also reported their conclusion

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told state television after the talks that the parties exchanged written points throughout the day in discussions that he described as “ very serious and work

focused ” “This time, the negotiations were much more serious than in the past, and we gradually entered into deeper and more detailed discussions,”

he said “We have moved somewhat away from broader, general discussions - though it is not the case that all disagreements have been resolved Differences still exist both on major issues and on the details ” Omani foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi posted on X: “Iran and US identified a shared aspiration to reach agreement based on mutual respect and enduring commitments ”

them Chemicals at the port were suspected to have fuelled the explosion, but the exact cause was not clear and Iran’s defence ministry denied inter-

national media reports that the blast may be linked to the mishandling of solid fuel used for missiles A spokesperson for the ministry told state TV the reports were “ aligned with enemy sysops ” , saying that the blast-hit area did not contain any military cargo

Plumes of black smoke rose above the site and pieces of twisted metal and debris lay scattered across the blast site

The head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society said the fire was 90% extinguished and officials said port activities had resumed in unaffected parts of Shahid Rajaee

Islamists warn Yunus, threaten Hasina-like treatment

DHA K A : Radical Islam ist g roup

Hefazat-e-Islam Bang ladesh has w a rne d c h i ef a d v i s er M uhammad Yunus that he will be treated like d epo sed Prime M inister Sheikh Hasina if the interim go vt pushes ahead with i m p l

e nti n g “ an ti

Is

am i c ” propo sals mad e by th e Women’s A ffairs Reform Co mmission

Hefazat leaders also condemned the proposals as being in direct conflict with the Quran and Sunnah Meanwhile, Khelafat Majlis also called for the abolition of the Commission “This is against the Quran and Sunnah and threatens the religious identity of Muslims,” said secretary general Ahmad Abdul Quader Hefazat’s warning came during nationwide protests triggered by the Commission’s recent report, which Hefazat claims goes against Islamic law Speaking at a protest site in

Narayanganj, Hefazat joint secretary general Mamunul Haque said, “We welcomed five of the six reform commissions, but the proposals from the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission are shocking They blame religious and social norms for gender discrimination, which is a clear rejection of Islamic law ” Referring to Yunus, Haque said, “We have shown him respect, but if he insists on pushing this agenda, we will be compelled to treat him no differently than Sheikh Hasina ” Muhammad Yunus

Over 170 university presidents unite to denounce Trump policies

WASHINGTON: In a display of unity, more than 170 presidents of u ni v er s it ie s , c ol l e g e s , a n d scholarly s oc ieties ac ros s America releas ed a joint s tatem ent condem ning the Trump adm inist ration’s treatm ent of higher educ ation

The statement, signed by leaders from institutions ranging from Harvard, Princeton, Brown, the University of Hawaii, and Connecticut State Community College, warned of “ unprecedented government overreach and political interfer-

ence now endangering American higher education ” While acknowledging the importance of oversight, the leaders expressed firm opposition to what they called “undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses ” They emphasized their willingness to engage in constructive reform but rejected attempts to politicize academic governance

This collective response follows escalating tensions between Harvard University

and the federal government On April 14, Harvard publicly refused to comply with numerous demands from the Trump administration, which sought oversight of the university’s curriculum, faculty, and student body The administration, citing concerns over liberal bias, subsequently froze $2 3 billion in federal funding to the institution

Harvard responded by filing a lawsuit on April 21, accusing the administration of violating constitutional protections for

free speech and academic freedom The university said the government was attempting to “ coerce and control” its internal affairs and had failed to adhere to procedures outlined under federal civil rights laws

According to a White House spokesperson, the administration’s actions are intended to ensure that federal funds do not support racial discrimination or violence But critics argue the moves are ideologically driven, targeting institutions seen as liberal strongholds

Malabar Group to provide 10,000 meals daily to students in Zambia

In a m ajor s tep towards c om bating global hunge r and f ood ins ec ur i t y, M a l a b ar Gr o up ha s launched it s Hunge r-Free Worl d initiative in Zamb ia The initiat iv e wa s un v ei l e d b y D ou gl a s Syakalima, Zam bia ’ s Minis ter of Education at an event held at John Lain g Pr im ary School in Lus aka Abdul Salam K P, ViceChairman of Malabar Group; Gerry Muuka, Zambia Consul General for Dubai; Duncan Mulima, Ambassador of Zambia to KSA; Arif Saeed, Deputy High Commissioner, Indian High Commission in Zambia, other government & school officials, students & well-wishers were in attendance

This extension is part of

Malabar Group’s commitment to contribute USD 1 million in the next 3 years towards providing nutritious mid-day meals to school students in Zambia With the launch of the program, Malabar Group will now provide 10,000 meals daily across John Laing Primary School, Chingwele Primary School, and Mambilima Primary School in Zambia

“Malabar Group has always been at the forefront of social welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting society Through our Hunger-Free World initiative, we provide meals to thousands of underprivileged individuals in India Over the past year, our ESG wing has been working relentlessly on ground in Zambia to bring this project to

fruition and I am confident that our efforts will yield a positive outcome to the students and the future of Zambia”, commented M P Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group

The Hunger Free World initiative was launched by the Malabar Group in 2022, envisioning a world free of hunger Presently, the program operates numerous kitchens across India, providing around 55,00 nutritious meals daily across 81 locations in the country

in brief PAK TROOPS KILL 54 MILITANTS

Pakistani security forces killed 54 militants who attempted to cross into the country from Afghanistan the military said, marking one of the deadliest such killings in recent years The military said intelligence reports indicated the killed militants were “Khwarij” - a phrase govt uses for Pakistani Taliban Without directly blaming anyone, the military said the slain insurgents had been sent by their “foreign masters” to carry out high-profile attacks inside Pakistan The insurgents were killed near the former stronghold of Pakistan Taliban near North Waziristan, a district in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province along the Afghan border

TWO SHOT DEAD FOR ‘HONOUR’ IN PAKISTAN

Two people were shot dead in Pakistan s Swat hill station, allegedly due to an “illicit relationship, highlighting the country’s struggle with honor -based violence Police said a young man from Maniyar village was shot dead after entering a home The homeowner s brother was also wounded in the firing and succumbed to injuries in hospital The deaths reflect a persistent issue in rural Pakistan particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa s tribal areas Human Rights Commission of Pakistan reported 531 honour killings from Jan to Nov 2024 Tuesday s incident is a stark reminder of how deeply entrenched patriarchal norms fuel violence, said a rights spokesperson

PAK FOREIGN MINISTER POSTPONES DHAKA VISIT

Pakistan s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has postponed his planned Dhaka visit next week amid an escalation of tensions between his country and India following the terrorist attack in Kashmir Pakistan s foreign ministry said that a new date for the visit would be finalised through mutual consultations The Dhaka-Islamabad relations were at its lowest ebb during deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's regime, particularly since 2010 when Dhaka initiated the trial of hardened collaborators of Pakistani troops during Bangladesh s 1971 Liberation War But the ties visibly took a positive course since Muhammad Yunus s interim government assumed power

PROTESTS AGAINST TORTURE OF BALOCH LEADERS

Protests erupted across Balochistan and parts of Karachi following allegations of torture and mistreatment of detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders by Pakistani authorities, The Balochistan Post reported The demonstrations were organised by the BYC in response to reports that three prominent leaders - Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, and Gulzadi Baloch - were subjected to violent treatment while in custody According to The Balochistan Post, family members and activists claim that Beebow Baloch was forcibly removed from Hudda Jail and held incommunicado for several hours

ARREST WARRANT AGAINST HASINA’S DAUGHTER

A Dhaka court has ordered the issuance of an arrest warrant through the Interpol against Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in connection with a plot allocation corruption case Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Zakir Hossain issued the order, following an application by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Hasina’s daughter Saima Wazed is currently serving as the regional director of the World Health Organization (South-East Asia Region) According to a media report quoting court and ACC sources the commission had requested the issuance of the Interpol warrant and the court granted the request after a hearing

Mr Abdul Salam K P Vice-Chairman of Malabar Group meets H E Mutale Nalumango, the Vice President of Zambia

FIRST BATCH OF INDIAN HAJ PILGRIMS REACHES SAUDI

The first batch of Indian Haj pilgrims were accorded a warm welcome at the Madina Airport in Saudi Arabia by Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom, Suhel Khan and Consul General Fahad Suri on Tuesday They were joined by the Saudi Deputy Minister for Haj and Umrah, Abdulaziz A Wazzan, and several other senior Saudi officials As many as 1,22,518 pilgrims from India will be undertaking the sacred journey during Haj 2025 with the first two flights carrying 288 pilgrims from Lucknow and 262 pilgrims from Hyderabad landing on Tuesday, Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju posted on X

BOMBING IN SOUTH WAZIRISTAN KILLS 7

A powerful bomb ripped through a pro-govt peace committee office in South Waziristan, bordering Afghanistan, killing at least seven people and wounding 16 others, exposing the challenging situation on Pakistan s western border as the eastern border boils with India over a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir The bombing, likely the work of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), follows fierce military clashes and underscores govt’s struggle to contain threat to national stability The explosion targeted an office known for its opposition to TTP in Wana a former stronghold of Pakistani Taliban

BANGLADESH FACES CURRENCY CRISIS

The central bank of Bangladesh has apparently incurred a huge financial loss due to the interim govt’s decision not to issue previously printed notes with approximately Taka 15 000 crore worth of paper notes featuring the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman remaining unused The decision aligns with govt s efforts to diminish Bangabandhu s presence in public memory Although bank officials are unwilling to discuss the matter publicly, many said the longstanding tradition of obtaining new notes from Bangladesh Bank has been abruptly halted, creating a crisis in the market On the one hand, the printed money is being wasted without use; on the other hand, customers are suffering as a result, they added

US FIGHTER JET WORTH $60MN ROLLS OFF SHIP INTO SEA

A US Navy fighter jet valued at more than $60million rolled off a ship and sank in the Red Sea The F/A-18 Super Hornet was on the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier and was being towed out of the hanger bay when ship crew members lost control Both the aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard’ according to the US Navy Two enlisted crew members – one in the jet and the other in the tractor – managed to jump out before the large objects dropped into the water A sailor suffered a minor injury

EARTHQUAKE HITS ISTANBUL

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6 2 shook Istanbul and other areas, Turkiye’s disaster and emergency management agency said There were no immediate reports of serious damage in the metropolis of 16 million

A total of 151 people were hurt and received hospital treatment after leaping from buildings in panic during the tremor but none were in a critical condition, the Istanbul governor’s office said It said one abandoned building collapsed in central Istanbul but nobody was hurt The quake had a shallow depth of 10km according to the USGS with its epicenter about 40km southwest of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara There were several aftershocks including one measuring 5 3

V

ro

250,000 people gather to bid farewell to Pope Francis

e mo

mp

bade farewell to Po pe F rancis o n Satu rday at a so lemn fu neral

c er em o ny , w h e re a ca rd i na l appealed for the po ntiff’s legacy

sitive to today’s challenges, Pope Francis truly shared the anxieties, sufferings and hopes of this time,” said Italian Cardinal G

presided over the funeral Mass

than 250,000 people attended

p t a li v e US

o f c a ri n g fo r mi gr an ts , t h e do wntro dden and the enviro nme nt to b

President Donald Trump, who had clash ed wi th th e p op

n th ose i ssues, sat with th e rows of fo reign digni taries on o ne side o f Franci s ’ co ffin i n th e vast

St P eter’ s Square On the other side sat cardinals who will pick Francis’ successor at a conclave next month

T h e A r g e n t i n e p o p e , w h o reigned for 12 years, died at the age of 88 on April 21 Monday after suffering a stroke “Rich in human warmth and deeply sen-

square and the roads around

great bells of St Peter’s pealed

placed on an open-topped popemobile and driven through the heart of Rome to St Mary Major Basilica

Francis, who shunned much of the pomp and privilege of the papacy during his 12year reign, had asked to be buried there rather than in the crypt of St Peter’s, which is the traditional

burial itself was being conducted in strict privacy

opportunity for Trump to have a brief meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy

Among the other heads of state who attended the funeral were

France, Gabon, Germany, the Philippines, India and Poland, together with the prime ministers of Britain and New Zealand, and many royals, including the king and queen of Spain

Trump issues 140 executive orders in 100 days

Was h ing t on : D o nald

return to the Wh ite

for

broug ht a w hirlwind of ad ministrative chang es in his first 100 d ays , w it h h is ad m i ni strat io n tou ting sw eeping refo rms which included 14 0 executiv e orders, 13 9, 0 00 d eportations, 28 0, 0 00 federal job cuts, and imposition of tariffs as high as 14 5 p er cent

Supporters highlight a surge in executive actions, aggressive i m m i g r a

workforce reductions and a bold t r a d e

warn that the president s use of p o w e r t e s t s c o n s t i t u t i o n a l

boundaries and threatens economic stability

S i n c e J a n u a r y , T r u m p h a s signed approximately 140 executive orders, nearly eclipsing the 162 total issued by Joe Biden over four years The scale and s p e e d r e c a l l F r a n k l i n D Rooseveltʼ s Depression-era governance

T h e s e a c t i o n s i n c l u d e a sweeping crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, a re-organisation o f f e d e r a l e m p l o y m e n t , a n d steep import tariffs - all executed without congressional input “These are very aggressive

a s s e r t i o n s o f p r e s i d e n t i a l authority in all kinds of ways, ” said Professor John Woolley of t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a , Santa Barbara “None of those [from previous administrations] had the kind of arbitrary, forceful quality of Trump s actions ” Trumpʼ s trade policies have made headlines with a 145 per cent tariff slapped on Chinese imports, triggering immediate r e t a l i a t o r y m e a s u r e s f r o m Beijing In North America, 25 per c e n t t a r i f f s w e r e i m p o s e d o n Mexico and Canada The mark e t s w e r e s h a k e n a s T r u m p dubbed April 2 as “Liberation

Mark Carney leads Liberal's into victory in Canada election

OTTA WA: Canadian Prim

Libera l Party won Ca nada’s federal election on Monday,

pp in

Donal

Trum

annex ation threats and trade war

Ottawa, Carney stressed the

threats coming from Washington He also reiterated a belief he shared while campaigning: that the mutually benefi-

shared since World War II had ended “We are over the shock of the American betrayal, but we should never forget the lessons,” he said

After polls closed, the Liberals were projected to win more of Parliament’s 343 s

, though it wasn’t immediately clear if they would win an outright majority or would need to rely on one or more smaller parties to form a government and pass legislation

Record 22 Punjabis elected

A record 22 Punjabis have been elected to the House of Commons in the federal polls in Canada In 2021, 18 Punjabis won, while in 2019, 20 Punjabis were elected

defeated Conservative Amandeep Judge from Brampton North Liberal candidate Maninder Sidhu defeated Conservative candidate Bob Dosanjh from Brampton East Liberal candidate Amandeep Sohi

Brampton Centre

Waterloo, Anju Dhillon

Iqwinder Singh Gaheer

from Surrey Centre, Gurbax Saini from Fleetwood Port Kells, Param Bains from R

include: Jasraj Hallan from Calgary East, Dalwinder Gill from Calgary McKnight, Amanpreet Gill from Calgary Skyview, Arpan Khanna from Oxford, Tim Uppal

from Milton East, Sukhman Gill from

Singh Mahal from Edmonton Southeast, Harb Gill from Windsor West Sikh leader Jagmeet Singh defeated NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has been defeated in Burnaby Central The Sikh leader has decided to resign from NDP leadership after losing Canada elections and has conceded defeat "Will step down once an interim leader is named," said Singh The National Democratic Party has secured only 12 seats so far, thus losing the party’s national status The NDP contested on 343 seats The party had secured 24 seats during the previous election The development is being seen as a blow to the

Jagmeet Singh, a leader of the NDP, is recognised as a Khalistani sympathiser

Day,” but stabilised following clarification of a 10 per cent baseline import tax

Trump s immigration crackdown has resulted in 139,000 deportations of undocumented residents since January Border encounters dropped to just 7,181 in March, a dramatic fall from 137,473 in the same month last year "We're getting them out," Trump said And a judge can say, “No, you have to have a trial ' The trial is going to take two years, and now we ʼ re going to have a very dangerous country if we ʼ re not allowed to do what we ʼ re entitled to do "

Student visas restored after US court order; Indians were half of affected cases

AT LANTA: Student vis as have been reinstated f ollo wing an Ap ril 18 cou rt order temp orarily h alting th e Tru mp adminis tration’s mo ve to strip legal status fro m 133 internatio nal s tudents , many o f who m w ere Indian nationals T he ruling by Judge Victo ria M Calvert o f the US District Co urt fo r th e North ern Distric t of Georgia bloc ked I mmigration and C usto ms Enf orcement (I CE) from continu ing dep ortatio n proc eedings agains t these students

According to data from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Indian students were the o n e m o s t l y a f f e c t e d O f 3 2 7 v i s a r e v o c a t

o n c a s e s reviewed by AILA, nearly 50% involved Indian nationals

Most of these students were on F-1 visas, with many participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program - a temporary employment authorization pathway often used by graduates in STEM fields as a stepping stone to H-1B work visas Loss of OPT status would mean they can’t pursue employment in the US

In total, ICE has terminated 4,736 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System records since January 20, according to AILA While the majority of revocations were attributed to minor legal infractionssuch as traffic citations, university policy violations, or even being listed as victims in domestic violence casesonly two of the 327 reviewed cases were explicitly tied to political activism The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU of Georgia described the revocations as an attempt to “ coerce students, including each plaintiff, into abandoning their studies and ‘self-deporting’,” despite having committed no visa violations Among the plaintiffs are students on the verge of graduation or participating in legal, authorized employment In some cases, such as one involving “Jane Doe #12,” students had no criminal or disciplinary records whatsoever

The lawsuit challenged what it called a politically motivated crackdown on international students “The Constitution protects everyone on American soil,” said Akiva Freidlin, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Georgia “The Trump administration cannot ignore due process to unjustifiably threaten students with the loss of immigration status, and arrest and deportation ”

Mark Carney

India inks

£6.4bn deal with France, to get 26 Rafale-Marines by 2030

I n di a wi l l ge t i t s f i rs t Ra f al e-

Marine jet by mid-2028 and all 2 6

b y 2 03 0 u n d er th e £ 6 38 b ne ( almost Euro 7 billio n) deal inked

w i th F ra nc e o n M o n da y T h e

o mni-role figh ters will primarily o perate from indigenous aircraft carri er INS V ikrant’s deck

The delivery of nine Rafale-M jets with their decidedly deadly weapons package in 2028, 12 in 2029 and five in 2030 will bolster Indian aircraft carrier operations in the Indian Ocean and beyond at

a t i m e w h e n C

expanding naval forays and hunt for logistical bases in the region have become a clear and present threat

“ T h

borne combat-ready aircraft with proven operational capabilities It will be a potent force multiplier, substantially boosting India’s air

reconnaissance jets will add to the 36 Rafales, which are also capable

already inducted by the IAF under the £5 9bn contract inked in Sept 2016 They are deployed at the Ambala and Hasimara airbases to cater for the Pakistan and China fronts

The two major Rafale deals

frontrunner in the long-pending project to manufacture 114 multirole fighter aircraft (MRFA) with

‘Al-Qaida men’

which was initially estimated to cost £12 5bn and is now being fasttracked

governmental agreement (IGA) on the Rafale-M jets, inked remotely by defence minister Rajnath Singh

signed The exchange of documents t

among illegal Bangladeshis held in Gujarat

Ban gla deshi r esiden ts In a

st ate wide oper ation car ried

o u t i n o n e n ig h t ,

A hmeda ba d Police a rr ested 890 ille gal Ba nglad eshis, and

S u r a t P o li ce a r r e st e d 1 3 4

St at e aut horities confirmed

t hat a mong those a rre st ed, four in dividua ls ha d lin ks t o cr imin al act ivit ies Two of t h e m ar e s usp e ct e d t o be

o p e r a t iv e s of A l -Q a id a slee per cells

G u j a r a t D G P V i k a s Sahay said these individuals are under interrogation at

t h e j o i n t i n t e r r o g a t i o n

c e n t r e T h e o p e r a t i o n focused on identifying and stopping illegal infiltration

t h a t c o u l d p o s e s e c u r i t y threats Minister of state for

h o m e a f f a i r s H a r s h

S a n g h a v i h e l d a v i d e o

defence secretary Rajesh Kumar S

and French ambassador Thierry Mathou, among others The direct acquisition of 22

four twin-seater trainers includes

and five-year performance-based l

existing 36 Rafales of the IAF

T h e R a f a l e - M j e t s w i l l b e armed with long-range precision s t r i k e

fighters In addition to the 70km r

p missiles, they will have the over 300km range ‘Scalp’ air-to-ground cruise missiles and the top-notch Meteor air-to-air missiles, which have a strike range of 120 to 150km to take on enemy jets

transfer of technology in the deal, the IGA includes the integration of indigenous weapons like the Astra air-to-air missiles and the naval short and medium-range anti-ship missiles (NASMs) being developed

fighters in the future

It also includes setting up of

and weapons in India

Belgian court rejects Mehul Choksi’s bail plea

A Bel gia n court rejected the ba il pl ea of Mehul Choksi, the dia mond me rchan t who is a pri me a ccused in t he £1 3 bn PNB fr aud case, his l awyer said T h e d i a m a n t a i r e w a s arrested in Antwerp by the Belgian police on April 12 b a s e d o n a n e x t r a d i t i o n

r e q u e s t m o v e d b y t h e

C e n t r a l B u r e a u o f Investigation (CBI) and the E n f o r c e m e n t D i r e c t o r a t e ( E D ) H i s l a w y e r V i j a y

N

grounds of getting medical treatment

He had been staying in Antigua after leaving India in 2 0 1 8 a n d h a d t a k e n citizenship of the Caribbean

and others were booked by the CBI and the ED in 2018 for perpetrating the alleged

House branch of the Punjab

r e s i d e n t s H e w a r n e d a l l illegal Bangladeshi residents to surrender voluntarily at police stations or face strict

a c t i o n I n s t r u c t i o n s h a v e a l s o b e

t h o s e p

v i d i n g shelter to illegal immigrants, he added

Sanghavi told reporters in Surat that the detainees

u s e d f a k e d o c u m e n t s obtained from West Bengal to stay in different parts of

c o n f e r e n c e w i t h p o l i c e o f f i c i a l s a c r o s s d i s t r i c t s , i n s t r u c t i n g t h e m t o i n t e n s i f y o p e r a t i o n s a n d check the activities of illegal

I n d i a b e f o r e c o m i n g t o

Gujarat The minister said, “Many of these people are i n v o l v e d i n d r u g c a r t e l s , human trafficking, and as we saw how two out of the four

B a n g l a d e s h i s a r r e s t e d recently worked in sleeper cells of AlQaida A probe will

b e c o n d u c t e d

B a n g l a d e s h i s a n d t h e i r activities in Gujarat ” He said arrangements were made “to complete all the procedures for their deportation as soon as possible”

Fire at its office in Mumbai won't affect ongoing cases: ED

A d ay after a fire broke out at ED’ s zone-1 office in a p riv ate heritag e building in s o u th M u m b ai ’ s Ba ll ard Estate, both th e ag ency and C M D ev e nd r a F a d na v i s asserted th at there wo uld be no impact on ong oing cases, inclu ding high -profile ones, and that d igital d ocuments c an be r etr ie v ed Bu t o pposition p arties and so cial a ct i v i st s ex p res s ed s c ep t ic i s m o v er th es e claim s T h e f i r e , s u s p e c t e d t o have been caused by a short circuit, raged on for nearly 10 hours in ED’s fourth floor office, raising concerns that p r o b e f i l e s o f k e y c a s e s , including those of fugitive businessmen Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi, politicians Chhagan Bhujbal and Anil

operative Bank scam, could have been destroyed Fadnavis said ED keeps a backup of all its documents “I spoke to officers Every paper from the ED office is s a f e T h e y d o m i r r o r i m a g i n g o f d o c u m e n t s ( a data backup procedure) No case will be affected due to the fire ” I n a r e l e a s e ,

r y e v a l u a t i o n s h o w e d t h a t c e r t a i n d o c u m e n t s a n d furniture had been burnt “ E v i d e n t i a r y d o c u m e n t s pertaining to investigations and relied upon documents are stored in the form of d i g i t a l r e c o r d s a s w e l l a s s t o r e d i n a n i n t e r n a l c e n t r a l i s e d r e c o r d - k e e p i n g system,” it added “[In cases] w h e r e p r o s e c u t i o n complaints have been filed,

t h e o r i g i n a l r e c o r d s a r e a v a i l a b l e w i t h t h e c o u r t s Therefore, no impediment in conducting investigation or trial is expected ” R e b u f f i n g t h e a s s u r a n c e s , a c t i v i s t A n j a l i Damania said both the CM a n d t h e E D o f f i c i a l s concerned should be held

a c c o u n t a b l e f o r t h e i r s t a t e m e n t s i f t h e a g e n c y l a t e r c i t e s d o c u m e n t l o s s d u r i n g c o u r t p r o c e e d i n g s “The CM should have issued a statement after assessing

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

d e t a i l s , w h i c h m a y t a k e time, instead of doing so at a premature stage ” N C P ( S P ) M P S u p r i y a Sule sought details of the b u i l d i n g ’ s l a s t f i r e a u d i t , while state Congress chief

H a r s h w a r d h a n S a p k a l raised questions about the cause of the fire

Aggarwal said the bail plea of his client has been rejected during a court hearing

Choksi will contest his extradition from jail custody now, a senior official said Choksi, 65, was located in Belgium last year after he reached there sometime in

c o u n t r y e v e n t h o u g h h i s Indian citizenship is stated t o b e v a l i d A t l e a s t t w o open-ended arrest warrants, issued by a special court in Mumbai in 2018 and 2021, h a v e b e e n s h a r e d b y t h e Indian agencies with their Belgian counterparts as part of the extradition request, o f f i c i a l s o u r c e s h a d s a i d earlier

A g g a r w a l h a d e a r l i e r s t a t e d t h a t C h o k s i w a s “ e x t r e m e l y s i c k a n d u n d e r g o i n g t r e a t m e n t f o r cancer ”

bank officials by fraudulently getting the LOUs (letters of undertaking) issued and got the FLCs (foreign letter of

Gujarati man held for threat to cricket coach Gambhir

T h e De l h i P ol i c e h a s a r re s te d a 2 1- y e a r - o ld e ng i ne e ri n g s tud e nt wi th a l le g e d m e n t a l he a l th i s s ue s f o r s en d i ng th re at mai ls to the head coac h of m e n ' s c r i c k e t t e a m a n d

f o rm er B J P M P G a ut a m

G ambhir, an offi cial s aid

The accused, identified as Jigneshsinh Parmar from Gujarat, was arrested last week Police said Parmar

s e n t t h r e a t m a i l s t o Gambhir on April 22 - the day terrorists gunned down

2 6 p e o p l e i n K a s h m i r ' s P a h a l g a m - f r o m a suspicious Gmail account

In a statement, Deputy C o m m i s s i o n e r o f P o l i c e ( C e n t r a l ) M H a r s h a Vardhan said, "Parmar is an

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

h e a l t h i s s u e s F u r t h e r i n v e s t i g a t i o n i s i n progress "

The police had earlier stated that they have been informed about an alleged threat mail received on an email ID associated with Gautam Gambhir Gambhir

g o t t w o t h r e a t m a i l s reading "I Kill You" from a sender identifying as "ISIS Kashmir," police said

Court refuses to issue notice to Sonia, Rahul in Herald case

A De l hi co u r t r e fu s e d t o i ss u e n o t i ce t o f o r m e r

C on g r e ss pr e si de n t s So n ia

G an dhi an d R ahul Ga ndhi a nd othe rs in the Na tiona l

He r a ld m o n e y l a u n d e r i n g case for now The cour t of special judge (PC Act) Visha l

G o g n e o f R o us e A v e n u e Cour ts was hear ing a n ED p le a t h a t c la i m e d t h a t c og n is a n c e o f t h e c ha r g e s he e t c o ul d n o t be t ak en without he ar ing t he a ccu se d a cco rd i ng t o ne w pr ov ision s in t he la w “Giving a chance to them ( a c c u s e d ) t o c o m e ( b e f o r e t h e c o u r t ) a n d g i v e t h e i r point before cognisance is t a k e n ( s i c ) , ” S V R a j u , additional solicitor-general a p p e a r i n g f o r t h e E D , submitted before the court The judge, however, said the he could not pass such an o r d e r b e f o r e t h e c o u r t i s s a t i s f i e d t h a t a n o t i c e i s required Before the court passes any order, it has to see if there is any deficiency, the judge said After that, the court will decide on issue of notice, the court said “Let the documents in question or the serialisation

be provided/rectified prior to the next date of hearing (May 2),” the judge said in the order The court pointed out t h a t c e r t a i n d o c u m e n t s w e r e m i s s i n g i n t h e c h a r g e s h e e t a n d d i r e c t e d t h e E D t o f i l e t h o s e documents After checking the file it came to light that certain documents had not b e e n f i l e d o r s e r i a l i s e d a p p r o p r i a t e l y , t h e j u d g e said The ASG then told the court that ED investigating officers would rectify any such deficiency

India’s space programme most cost-effective, successful: PM Modi

N o ti n g t ha t I n d i a ha s

b e c om e a gl ob a l s p ac e

p ow e r, P ri m e Mi n i s t e r

N a r en d r a M od i s a i d t he

c ountry is leading the mos t c ost-effective but suc cessful

s p a c e pr og ra m m e i n t he entire world and i s set to

s c a le n ew hei g hts i n the f u tu re M an y y ou th s a re attaining new milestones in the field of s pace start- ups, he said while pointing out

t ha t mor e th an 3 2 5 s uc h

fi rms are operating in the c ountry as against just one a decade ago

In his monthly radio broadcast 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi also paid tributes to former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan, who passed away on April 25

"Two days ago, we lost a great scientist of the country, Dr K Kasturirangan ji

Whenever I met Kasturirangan ji, we discussed topics like the talent of Indian youth, modern education and space science "His contribution in scaling newer heights to science, education and

India's space programme shall always be remembered ISRO attained a new identity under his leadership," the prime minister said

The space programmes that moved forward under his guidance brought global recognition to India's efforts, Modi said He also said that many of the satellites that India uses today were launched under the supervision of Kasturirangan

"There was one more special facet to his personality, which the younger generation can learn from

He always accorded importance to innovation The vision of learning, knowing and doing something new is very inspiring," Modi said

The prime minister said Kasturirangan also played a major role in formulating the new National Education Policy He came up with the idea of "forward-looking" education catering to the modern needs of the 21st century, Modi said

"His selfless service to the country and contribution to nation-building will always be remembered Very humbly, I pay my tribute to Kasturirangan," Modi said Noting that April marks 50 years of the launch of the Aryabhata Satellite, Modi said, "Today, when we look back and remember this journey of 50 years, we realise how far we have come "

"This flight of India's dreams in space com-

menced with just conviction Some young scientists had the passion to do something for the nation; they neither had the modern resources like today, nor the access to world technology as such If at all they had anything, it was talent, dedication, hard work and the passion to do something for the country

"You must have seen pictures of our scientists carrying critical equipment themselves on bullock carts and bicycles It is the result of that very dedication and spirit of service to the nation that so much has changed today," he said Modi pointed out that India has become a global space power "We have created a record by launching 104 satellites simultaneously We have become the first country to reach the South Pole of the Moon India has launched the Mars Orbiter Mission and we have reached pretty close to the Sun with the Aditya-L1 Mission

RSS chief support strong action against Pakistan

A mid g rowing cla mour for

a ct i on a ga i ns t Pa k ist a n in t he wake of Pa halgam te rror k i llin g s, R S S ch ie f Mo ha n Bhag wat said t hat non -violen ce is ingr aine d in In dian c ult u r e , but t a k i n g a ct i on a gain st a host ile ne ighbour is also “d harma ”

“We have by nature been non-violent We never trouble our neighbours But some people are spoiled, who do not follow their religion In such a situation, the king must protect the people For this, killing the oppressors is also his dharma People remember the steps taken by the king to protect the people,” Bhagwat

Mohan Bhagwat

said, in what was seen as full-throttle support for strong action against Pakistan being anticipated in the wake of the Pakistansponsored terror attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam The RSS chief suggested that terrorists did

not deserve even the dignity given to Ravana, who since he was a believer, was vanquished by God and not by mortals “I mentioned Ravana in Mumbai because despite everything, his mind was against non-violence That is why it was the God who killed But our dharma don't not allow the delinquents (terrorists) to get the same respect ” His reference was seen as a direct endorsement of proactive action against Pakistan, which, a few sources have hinted, could

be targeted against conspirators sitting in Pakistan, who have been consistently encouraging terror activities in India

He said the principles of non-violence are based on making people embrace this thought “Many people embrace these principles wholeheartedly, while others do not do so and continue to foment trouble In such a situation, the dharma states that that not letting ourselves be vanquished by aggressors is also a part of dharma (duty) Teaching deliquents a lesson is an obligation," the RSS chief said

Kasturirangan, eminent space scientist, passes away aged 84

D r K r i s hn a s w a m y

K asturi ranga n, a n emine nt s pace scien tist, educationi st and the gui din g force

b e hi n d In d ia

pa ss ed aw ay in Ben galuru

a t the age of 84 A former chai rman of In dia n Space

R

(Is ro) an d chi ef architect of Nati onal Education Policy

2 0 20 , Ka

a

y ear He bre athed his last at

h is r es i de nce He is s ur -

v ived by two s ons

From 1994 to 2003, Kasturirangan-led Isro marked several major milestones, including the operationalisation of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and the successful flighttest of the Geosynchronous

Satellite Launch Vehicle Under his stewardship, Isro pursued technological selfreliance and began planning ambitious missions such as Chandrayaan, despite facing international sanctions following India’s 1998 nuclear tests Calling Kasturirangan a

“towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey”, PM Modi said, “His visionary leadership and selfless contribution to the nation will always be remembered ” He praised Kasturirangan’s pivotal role in elevating Isro and said India would always be grateful for his contributions to education President Droupadi Murmu acknowledged his integral role in shaping both India’s space programme and NEP Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said he made significant contributions in India’s space exploration and contributed in various positions in key policy mak-

Cong restrains its leaders from commenting on Pahalgam attack

Amid BJ P stepp ing up its attack on some senior Congress members fo r allegedly qu estioning th e need fo r war with Pakistan and ch allenging th e acco unts of the Pah algam terro r victims th at terrorists targeted non-Mu slims, the o pp ositi on p arty distanced itself from the contro versial utterances wh ich h ave given the go verning party a h andle to beat i t with

“Some Congress leaders have been speaking to the media They speak for themselves and do not reflect Congress’s views,” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a statement The statement came amid mounting attacks from BJP over remarks by Congress members, including Mani Shankar Aiyar, Shashi Tharoor, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his cabinet colleague R B Timmapur, Maharashtra leader Vijay Wadettiwar, J&K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra and former Union minister Saifuddin Soz

“There should be absolutely no doubt whatsoever at this most sensitive of times that the CWC (Congress Working Committee) resolution, the views expressed by party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi and the views of authorised AICC office-bearers alone represent the position of Congress,” Ramesh said, sending out a clear message to party members to refrain from commenting on the sensitive terror attack issue He said after the CWC passed the resolution, both Kharge and Rahul on the same day attended the all-party meeting and put forward the party's views

The CWC resolution said, “Cowardly and calculated act of terror, masterminded by Pakistan, is a direct assault on the values of our Republic ”

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to resume in June after 5-year halt

India anno unced that the K ailash Mansarovar Yatra will resume in J une this year with 750 p ilgrims expected to visit th e religio us site

The resumption of the pilgrimage in the summer of 2025, along with trans-border river cooperation, topped the Indian wish list in the people centric steps India and China announced in Jan this year for rebuilding ties, following the resolution of the border standoff in eastern Ladakh last year in Oct The yatra organised by ministry of external affairs, which had been suspended by the Chinese govt in 2020 because of Covid-19, is set to take place during June to Aug 2025, said the Indian govt The development is expected to pave the way for resumption of more people centric services like direct flights to which India and China had agreed in principle in Jan, and also interactions between media and think-tanks This year, five batches, each consisting of 50 yatris, and 10 batches, each consisting of 50 yatris, are scheduled to travel through Uttarakhand crossing over at Lipulekh Pass, and through Sikkim crossing over at Nathu La Pass, respectively The website at kmy gov in has been opened for acceptance of applications The yatris will be selected from among applicants through a fair, computergenerated, random and gender-balanced selection process, ” said the MEA in its announcement

ing Before heading Isro, he directed the Isro Satellite Centre and was responsible for overseeing development of next-generation satellites including INSAT-2 and IRS1A & 1B As project director for BHASKARA-I and II, India’s first experimental Earth observation satellites, he laid the groundwork for the nation’s remote sensing capabilities An accomplished astrophysicist, Kasturirangan’s research spanned high-energy X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy He played a key role in conceptualising India’s first space-based high-energy astronomy observatory and authored more than 200 research papers in leading national and international journals He also edited six books

Narendra Modi

Dr Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan

Senthil Balaji, Ponmudy step down as TN ministers

C H E N N A I : T am il Nad u

M inisters V Senthil Balaji and K P onm udy h av e resigned fro m the M K Stalin-led state cabinet and the Gov ernor has accepted the same, th e Raj Bhav an statement said Balaji, facing ED probe, had

b e

Court to make a choice "between post and freedom" as it warned him of cancelling bail if he did not step down as minister Ponmudy had courted a major

c o n t r o v e r s y o v e r h i s S h a

V Senthil Balaji and K Ponmudy

Minister S S Sivasankar will handle Electricity portfolio, held by Balaji

Kannada actress Ranya

Rao booked under COFEPOSA

Act

BE NGA L U RU : Kannada film actress Ranya Rao has been ch

(COFEPOSA) A ct, 1974 , in co nnection with a gold smug gling case With th e invocation of this Act, she will no t be elig ible for bail fo r at least a year

Authorities stated that the move was necessary to prevent h

stepdaughter of senior police officer K Ramchandra Rao, was arrested on March 3 for allegedly smuggling 14 2 kg of gold valued at over £1 25mn She is currently lodged at the Bengaluru central prison along with two others - Tarun Raju and Sahil Sakaria Jain - who have also been booked under the COFEPOSA Act

NORTH-EAST

Minister opens prayer centre to boost indigenous culture

A runachal Pradesh

Namlo' prayer centre on April 29 in Palov e v illage, Pakke Kessang district, highligh ting t

indig enous traditio ns

Donyi Poloism an indigenous faith that worships the Sun (Donyi) and Moon (Polo) as symbols of female and male energies

t eVaishnavite remarks made in the context of a sex worker, drawing widespread criticism, even as the Madras High Court later initiated p r

matter

Though he had been removed from a key party post, there were demands from opposition parties and other quarters, for his ouster f r o

Muthusamy has been allotted Excise and Prohibition, also held by Balaji R S Rajakannappan has been

Khadi, in addition to his existing M

portfolio, the release said

accepted the CM's recommendation to include Padmanabhapuram MLA

T Mano Thangaraj in the cabinet, it said He was dropped in an earlier rejig of the cabinet

Keep out Punjab govt from talks, farmer unions urge union minister

C hand igar h: The Sa nyuk t Kisa n M or cha (SKM) (Non-Polit ica l) a nd

K isa n Ma zd oor M or cha ( KM M)

h a v e u r g e d U n i o n A g r i c ul t u r e

M in ist er Shivra j Sin gh Chouha n

n ot t o inv ite repr esen tat ives of t he

P u n j a b g o v e r n m e n t t o t h e pr oposed me et in g betwe en fa rme r u n i o n s a n d t h e U n i o n g over nme nt scheduled for Ma y 4 in Chan digar h

T h e f a r m e r g r o u p s h a v e warned that if Punjab government o f f i c i a l s a r e i n c l u d e d , t h e i r representatives will be compelled to boycott the talks, despite their willingness to engage in dialogue

F o l l o w i n g t h i s l e t t e r , speculation is rife whether the Union government will shift the venue to Delhi or continue with

t h e m e e t i n g i n C h a n d i g a r h

D u r i n g t h e M a r c h 1 9 , P u n j a b F i n a n c e M i n i s t

Agriculture Minister were present

In all previous rounds of talks, the Punjab government had acted as a m e d i a t o r C h

participated in three rounds of discussions in February last year, presenting himself as an advocate of farmers’ interests I n t h e i r l

bodies emphasised that key issues related to agriculture and farmers

d i a l o g u e T h e y r e i t e r a t e d t h a t they have always been open to negotiations and highlighted that their last meeting with the Centre, h e l d o n M a r c h 1 9 , 2 0 2 5 , w a s c o n d u c t e d i n a c o r d i a l atmosphere, with an agreement to reconvene on May 4

Mamata offers financial aid for aggrieved non-teaching staff

K O L K A T A : W es t B en ga l C h i e f Mi n i st er M am at a B a ne rj e e an n o u nc e d financial assistance fo r th e p ro testing Gro up C and D n o n- t eac h i n g s ta ff , wh o s e ap pointments were canceled by the S upreme Cou rt, and

a s s u re d th a t h e r g o ve rn m en t w o u ld f i le a r ev i ew p e ti t io n fo r t h e m, a l o ng w i th o n e f o r th e affected teachers

The CM also said if the Supreme Court rejects the review plea, her government would e x p l o r e a l t e r n a t i v e m e a s u r e s t o support the affected people

"We will go for a review petition for the teachers as well as for the Group C and D staff in the top court We are seeking legal advice in this case," she said

Banerjee added that she was not i n a p o s i t i o n t o c o m m e n t o n 'tainted' and 'untainted' teachers, as she was yet to receive any official list

S h e a d d e d t h a t G r o u p C

employees would receive Rs 25,000 and Group D employees Rs 20,000, pending the outcome of the review petition

"Till there is a decision on the review petition, we will provide this support See if they agree to it," she s a i d , a d d r e s s i n g t h e w o r k e r s concerns "If the court rejects our plea, then we will think about an alternative For now, since you are not receiving any salary, we can s u p p o r t y o u t h r o u

s o c i a l security schemes," she added

The case is being investigated jointly by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the CBI According to officials, the stringent charges were applied after multiple attempts were made by the accused to secure bail The Karnataka government has formed a special team, led by a senior IAS officer, to probe the potential involvement of DGP Ramchandra Rao in the smuggling racket A comprehensive report has already been submitted to the authorities, sources said As per the findings of the DRI, Ranya Rao, with assistance from Sahil Sakaria Jain, was allegedly involved in hawala operations Investigators revealed that Jain helped Ranya dispose of 49 6 kg of smuggled gold, worth around £4 mn

Punjab to deploy anti-drone systems to prevent drug trafficking

C HA N D I G AR H: Amid es ca la ting tens io ns b etw een I ndia and P akistan, Punjab DGP Gau rav Yadav anno unced th at testing o f th e anti- dro ne s ystem has been co mpleted, and ins tal latio ns will begin sh ortly along th e s econd line o f defence ac ross th e bo rder state

Addressing a press conference, DGP Yadav stated that the deployment will be carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Border Security Force (BSF)

“We have begun preparations, and within the next few months, we will intercept drones bringing drugs and weapons from Pakistan Several meetings with MHA and BSF have already taken place,” he said The DGP also revealed that 31 major hawala operators involved in laundering drug money have been arrested - a first in recent months The police recovered more than £800,000 during the crackdown He said the Punjab Government has also approved the

operators to other states to break their network

Meanwhile, clarifying the Punjab Government’s May 31 deadline to make the state ‘drug-free,’ DGP emphasised that the focus is on dismantling drug supply chains rather than achieving numerical targets for arrests or seizures

“By ‘drug-free,’ we mean that drugs will no longer be available on the streets No specific targets - whether in terms of arrests or drug recoveries - have been assigned to Police Commissioners or district SSPs to achieve a drug-free state,” he said

Delhi HC orders attachment of TMC MP's salary

N E W D E L H I : T h e

D el h i h i g h co u r t

o rdered attach m ent

o f TM C Rajya Sabha

M P Saket Gokh ale's m o nth l y s al ary in

c o nn ec ti o n w i th a d efamation case filed by form er d iplo mat

L akshmi Pu ri

Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora took a grim view of Gokhale’s failure to heed the court’s directive last year to apologise to Puri - a former assistant secretary-general of UN - and pay her Rs 50,00,000 in damages

The judge noted that the MP had neither deposited the amount nor offered an explanation “Accordingly, issue a warrant of attachment as per section 60(i) with respect to the salary of the respondent, which is stated to be Rs 190,000 The salary shall remain attached until Rs 50,00,000 is deposited with the court,” HC said The latest order was passed on Puri’s petition seeking execution of the decree passed last year in her favour

Gokhale’s counsel informed the court that he was not willing to apologise as he had already sought a “recall” of the judgment against him and the matter was pending before another bench Puri had first moved the HC in 2021, alleging Gokhale tarnished her reputation by making false allegations about her financial affairs in the context of an apartment that she owned in Geneva

Namlo prayer centres as crucial spaces for preserving the ancestral beliefs and rituals of indigenous communities He noted that the state government has allocated substantial funding under the Donyi Polo Khumko

centres According to the 2001 Census, around 337,000 people in Arunachal Pradesh follow the Donyi Polo faith Nyedar Namlo centres serve as spiritual and cultural hubs, fostering

indigenous identity

TRIPURA YOUTHS PROTEST AT INDOBANGLA BORDER

Over 1,000 youths of the Youth Tipra Federation, the youth wing of the Tipra Motha Party, staged a protest along the border of Tripura-Bangladesh at Bolla Mukha, opposed the illegal construction of an embankment allegedly in Indian territory by the neighbouring country They said that if Bangladesh does not rectify their mistake, then they will occupy the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT), Cox s Bazar and will form a Greater Tipra land there Massive security, including BSF and Tripura Police, was deployed in the protest area Suraj Debbarma, President of the Youth Tipra Federation said that that more than 1 000 people were present at Bolla Mukha where the Bangladesh government is constructing and building an illegal embankment "The Bangladeshis are breaking the laws As a resident of Tripura and also as an indigenous tribe of this state it is our right to protect our land, boundary, and borders, as we are Indians The Government of India should look into this matter, and if they failed to take steps, then we, the indigenous people and the warriors of Maharaja Pradyot Kishore Manikya, will raise the issue," he said

ASSAM MLA AKHIL GOGOI APOLOGISES FOR REMARKS

Assam MLA and Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi apologised to the people of the state for his remarks that Muslims who vote for the BJP are “kaafirs and will be punished by God ” “I apologise to the people of Assam for what I said I shouldn’t have said so ” Gogoi said in a video message with folded hands He also tendered an unconditional apology to his party colleagues who were offended by his remarks I had deviated from progressive and rational thinking I made a mistake I will not make such a comment in the future, the RTI activistturned-Sivasagar MLA said Citing stress due to hectic panchayat poll campaigning, he said his remarks were sudden and not well thought out He had made the remarks during campaigning in the Lakhimpur district For the past few days, Gogoi has been vitriolic in his attack on not only the ruling BJP but also opposition parties He had called the minority-based party All India United Democratic Front the “B team” of the BJP, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and Congress leader Debabrata Saikia the “agents” of the BJP and slammed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his alleged “divisive” politics

WEST

Saket Gokhale

Mamata Banerjee

Saudi Arabia, India to deepen energy ties, to set up two oil refineries

S a u d i A r abi a an d I nd i a

agreed to deep en energ y ties and pursue closer cooperation i n areas li ke tourism and technolo gy as the countries seek to streng th en relations at a time of turbulence for the global econom y An accord was reached to establish two oil refineries in India through a joint venture between the countries, India’s Ambassador to

without giving more details T

c

Salman and Indian Prime

staying in the kingdom until Wednesday, following one of the worst attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir

region in years

India and Saudi Arabia’s leaders met as both countries look to support their

wide-ranging US tariff policies that threaten to stunt growth India is already fac-

c expansion in four years and Saudi Arabia is forecast to come under renewed press

l prices

Deeper ties would stand to bolster stability and energy security for both and fol-

low on years of flirtation between the G-

thing from oil to agriculture and technology

2019 pledged $100 billion of investments in India, but only about $10 billion of that has materialised State-owned oil behemoth Saudi Aramco has also long

success

A plan to jointly build a mega complex in western India, for example, hasn’t c

challenges over land and a

failed to fructify on valuation issues

Gujarati man sentenced to 4 years in US prison for £2.73mn fraud

A man from Gu jarat has been

years in

amounts of money in packages - which Hardik’s team

t

and laundered

elderly Americ ans into s endin

Ha r dik

Jayantilal Patel, 37, originally fro m N orth Gujarat, ran the sc am f ro m K entu cky in co ord ina t io n w i th c al l c en t re s based in India T he c ourt al so o rdered h im to return o ver $3 2 mil lio n (£2 7 3m n ap pro x) to 85 identified victims

Hardik was leader of the gang that scammed dozens of victims, said an officer of the U S D e p

N o v

2019, Hardik and his team targeted elderly US citizens by making fake phone calls posing as govt agents The callers would claim the victims were under investigation and demand that they m a i l c a s h t o c l e a r t h e i r

names Believing the lies, victims across the US sent large

“Hardik pleaded guilty in Dec 2023 On sentencing, the US district judge gave him 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of super-

ordered to return over $3 2 million to 85 identified victims Since Hardik is not a US citizen, he will face deportation after his prison term,” said a statement from the US Department of Justice

According to the US officials, Hardik was not working alone At least three runners worked under him to collect money packages He a l

Usmangani Vhora, a 40-yearold from Gujarat living in I

picked up hundreds of cashladen parcels across the US between 2019 and 2020

Though several individuals were involved in the wider fraud network, only Hardik Patel was sentenced in this p

Southern District of Texas He was the last among seven people prosecuted in related cases Vhora received more than 15 years in prison and was ordered to repay over

spirator, Zaheen Malvi, 30,

ordered to return $1 6 million Dhiren Patel, 33, originally from Ahmedabad and staying illegally in the US,

Hardik He was sentenced to 18 months in jail and fined $225,221 Three other runners

SC pulls up Rahul Gandhi for controversial remarks against Savarkar President presents Padma awards to 71 eminent personalities

Taking s erious obje ction to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's c on

Supr eme Court pul led him up and virtually gagged him f rom deriding the f ree dom f ighter s aying that it will ta ke

s uo m ot u a c t i on if i t is r epeat ed It said that t his was not the way to treat f reedom f ighters of the country

A b e n c h o f J u s t i c e s

D i p a n k a r D a t t a a n d Manmohan granted relief to Gandhi by staying summon

i s s u e d t o h i m b y a l o w e r court, but only after giving h i m a h i s t o r y l e s s o n

r e m i n d i n g h

m

h a t h i s grandmother Indira Gandhi had praised Savarkar who is a l s o w o r s h i p p e d i n Maharashtra

T h e c o m p l a i n t w a s lodged against the Congress leader after he had on Nov 17,

2 0 2 2 a l l e g e d l y d e s c r i b e d Savarkar as “receiver of pension from Britishers”, and “ a s e r v a n t o f B r i t i s h e r s ” i n a press conference

"Does your client know Mahatma Gandhi also used "your faithful servant" while addressing the Viceroy? Does y o u r c l i e n t k n o w t h a t h i s grandmother, when she was the Prime Minister, also sent a letter praising the gentlem a n , " ' J u s t i c e D a t t a a s k e d Singhvi "Therefore, let him not make irresponsible state-

m e n t s a b o u t t h e f r e e d o m fighters You have laid down a good point of law and you are entitled to stay We know that But this is not the way you treat our freedom fighters When you don't know anything about the history or geography of India " Justice Datta added

T h e b e n c h s a i d t h a t

Rahul Gandhi should resist f r o m m a k i n g l o o s e c o mments as it hurts people and w o u l d c r e

u foment trouble like this? You go to Akola and make this s

n t , i n M a h

r a where he (Savarkar) is worshipped? Don't do this Why do you make this statement? Someone does not become a servant like this Next time, somebody will say Mahatma Gandhi was the servant of the British You are encouraging these kinds of statements," Justice Datta said Even as Singhvi contended said that there was no intention on part of Rahul Gandhi to hurt anyone, the bench made it clear that the Congress leader would be in trouble if he repeats the mistake and has to face consequences

Pull out ‘sharbat jihad’ ads, Delhi HC orders Ramdev

T he Delhi hig h court came d own heav ily on yog a g uru Ramdev for h is rem arks targ eting popular drink Rooh A fza, calling his references to ‘sharbat jihad’ “indefensible” and “shocking ” T h e c o u r t o

i m m e d i a t e

e m o v a l o f a l l advertisements and videos

c o n t a i n i n g s u c h r e m a r k s and directed Ramdev to submit an affidavit within five days, undertaking that no such statements would be made in future The matter will next be heard on May 1 Ramdev had promoted Patanjali’s Gulab Sharbat by claiming that proceeds from

o t h e r b r a n d s , i n c l u d i n g Rooh Afza, funded madrasas a n d m o s q u e s , w h i l e h i s d r i n k s u p p o r t e d g u r u k u l s and Indian education The comments led Rooh Afzam a k e r H a m d a r d N a t i o n a l Foundation to approach the h i g h c o u r t , t e r m

a l l e g i n g t h a t t h e y i n c i t e d communal discord

In one of the promotional videos, Ramdev said, “If you drink that sharbat, madrassas and mosques will be built But if you drink this (Patanjali’s Gulab Sharbat), gurukuls will be constructed, Acharya Kulam will be d e v e l o p e d , P a t a n j a l i University will expand ” He f u r t h e r a d d e d , “ J u s t l i k e there is love jihad, this is also a kind of sharbat jihad T o p r o t e c t y o u r s e l f f r o m this sharbat jihad, this message must reach everyone ” H e a l s o l i k e n e d r i v a l drinks to “toilet cleaners” a n d s t a t e d , “ P r o t e c t y o u r f a m i l y a n d i n n o c e n t c h i ldren from the poison of toilet cleaners being sold as s o f t d r i n k s a n d s h a r b a t jihad Choose only Patanjali sharbat and juices ” Justice Amit Bansal, presiding over the matter, said, “I couldn’t believe my eyes

and ears when I saw the video ” Addressing Ramdev’s counsel, he added, “These kinds of statements are not needed he can hold these opinions in his head, need not express it ” He warned of a strong order if compliance was not ensured Senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Sandeep Sethi, a p

submitted that the matter

i argued that Ramdev’s com-

pointed out that Ramdev’s

the religion of the company's founders Rohatgi also said, “The issue goes beyond disparagement This is akin to hate speech It must be r e m o v e d ” H e a d d e d , “ H e says it is a sharbat jihad He should carry on his business Why is he troubling us?”

Pr esiden t Dr oupadi Murmu confer red Pa dma a ward s to 71 emin ent persona lit ie s for t h e y e a r 20 25 a t t he f ir st Civ il In vest it ure Ce rem ony he ld a t Ra shtra pat i Bhav an in N ew Delhi Of them four we re con fe rr ed wit h Pa dma Vibhusha n, 10 wit h Pa dma Bhusha n and 57 per son alit i e s w e r e c o n fe r r e d wi t h Pa dma Shri D N

S u b r a m a n i a m w e r e c o nf e r r e d w i t h P a d m a Vibhushan for their contribution in medicine and art field, respectively, while M T Vasudevan Nair and Osamu Suzuki were honoured with P a d m a V i b h u s h a n p o s t h umously Among those honoured with Padma Bhushan are Nandamuri Balakrishna, S h e k h a r K a p u r , f o r m e r Indian hockey team captain Sreejesh P R, while former d e p u t y c h i e f m i n i s t e r o f

B i h a r S u s h i l K u m a r M o d i was conferred posthumously

Those honoured with Padma

S h r i i n c l u d e C r i c k e t e r

R a v i c h a n d r a n A s h w i n , f o rmer SBI Chairman Arundhati

B h a t t a c h a r y a , S t e p h e n Knapp, Ronu Majumdar, and c l a s s i c v o c a l i s t D r K

O m a n k u t t y A m m a V i c e President Jagdeep Dhankhar, P r i m e M i n i

other dignitaries were present on the occasion

The awards are given in various disciplines and fields of activities including art, social work, public affairs, s c

education, sports, and civil service

Carnatic vocalist Dr K Omankutty Amma got the Padma Shri award for her

contribution in the field of art She recalled her days, working with All India Radio

Knapp, was among the 71 people who received Padma awards this year

Pankaj Patel, chairman of Zydus Lifesciences, was one of the Padma Bhushan awardees Patel is chairperson of the board of governors at IIM Ahmedabad and

I M Udaipur He serves on the board RBI and heads Gujarat

and Zydus Foundation

Karnataka man shouts 'Pakistan zindabad,' beaten to death

A ma n was all egedl y beat en to dea th b y a group of people ove r a dispute during a cricket match in the outskirts of Ma ngaluru foll owing which 15 people have b een arre ste d, police said Terming the in cident a s "mob l y n c hi n g " , Ka r n a t a k a H om e M

G Para me shwara sa id he has not y et r ece iv ed the report but assure d that the case will b e ta ken ver y ser iously He said the individual reportedly shouted 'Pakistan Zindabad' when there was a local c r i c k e t m a t c h g o i n g o n T h e i n c i d

occurred near the Bhatra Kallurti temple in K u d u p u v i l l a g e o n t h e o u t

Mangaluru, police said The victim whose identity is yet to be a

sticks, resulting in multiple injuries that

declared dead at the hospital, police said M

Anupam Agarwal said, "Initially, the police registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation after the body was

mortem conducted on April 28 confirmed that the death was due to multiple blunt force injuries and lack of medical attention " So far, 15 accused have been arrested, and the police are on the lookout for at least 10 more individuals, he added "The main accused, identified as Sachin is already in our custody The section invoked in this case is very stringentif proved, the accused, either individually or as a group, can face life imprisonment or even the death penalty," Agarwal said

President Droupadi Murmu presenting the Padma Shri Award to Shri Ravi Chandran Ashwin

President Droupadi Murmu presenting the Padma Bhushan Award to Shr S Ajith Kumar

UK scientists set to experiment with sun-dimming techniques

Britis h s cientists cou ld soo n

e x p e ri m en t w it h b l o c k in g s unligh t u nder a £5 0 mil lio n g ov ern men t- ba ck ed sc h em e to c ombat glo bal w arming

The geo-engineering project, expected to be approved within weeks, would explore methods like releasing reflective particles into the atmosphere, using seawater sprays to brighten clouds, or thinning heattrapping cirrus clouds

If successful, the project would reduce the amount of sunlight reaching Earth’s surface, temporarily cooling the planet While seen as a relatively cheap solution, critics warn it could disrupt weather patterns and affect vital food-producing regions

Some scientists also fear it could weaken efforts to cut fossil fuel use Funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), the project will use part of £50 million set aside from ARIA’s

£800 million budget over four years

Professor Mark Symes, ARIA’s programme director leading the geo-engineering project, said:

“Decarbonisation is vital, but our slow progress risks triggering climate tipping points ” He said the programme will explore whether Earth can be cooled safely and responsibly to avoid catastrophe

In a document last year, Symes highlighted tipping points such as Arctic ice melt, Amazon rainforest loss, and

UK woman slammed for calling her newborn son 'ugly'

the collapse of major ice sheets causing sea level rises

Professor Symes said that while stopping fossil fuel use is essential, it may not happen quickly enough to avoid climate tipping points He hopes the project will "buy time to decarbonise He also assured that no toxic substances will be used, environmental impact assessments will be published, and local communities will be consulted before any outdoor experiments

Bigbury-on-Sea tops list as UK’s most relaxing staycation spot

W ith summe r a ppr oaching a nd ove rseas trips costin g a fort une, a UK sta ycat ion is

a n ide al alte rna tive G oogle

se a rche s for loca l ho lid ay s ha ve surge d by 3,500% in the pa st yea r, showing a growing

d e si r e f or st r e ss -f r e e

g eta way s close r to home

To help you choose the perfect spot, Parkdean Resorts analysed factors like cleanliness, green space, safety, and noise levels

Topping the list is the peaceful Devon town of Bigbury-on-Sea, with just 484 people per 10km² and top-rated green spaces making it a perfect relaxing retreat

Bigbury-on-Sea is nestled among three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and lies close to both Dartmoor and Exmoor

National Parks Its crown jewel is the stunning whitesand beach, complete with its own tidal island, which can be reached on foot when the tide is low offering a truly unique and picturesque coastal experience Bigbury-on-Sea beach is the jewel of the region a beautiful stretch of white sand with calm, clear waters ideal for

swimming and watersports

Its gently sloping shoreline makes it especially safe for families with young children At low tide, visitors can walk to Burgh Island, home to an iconic Art Deco hotel and famously linked to Agatha Christie, who set two of her novels ‘Evil Under the Sun’ and ‘And Then There Were None’ on the island

Thousands of Brits left stranded as major holiday firm shuts down

T hou sand s of British trav ellers hav e had t h ei r h o li d a ys ca nc el le d af ter B al kan Holidays abrup tly ceased U K operations on 24 April, ending nearly 60 years of trad ing

The company, which launched in 1966, offered summer breaks to destinations like Bulgaria, Croatia, and Malta, as well as winter ski trips At its peak, it served over 130,000 travellers a year, departing from 17 UK airports

Before closing, Balkan Holidays held an Atol licence covering 27,817 passenger trips until March 2026 Travellers currently abroad are unaffected, but all future bookings have been cancelled

Balkan Holidays announced in an online statement that, as of April 24, 2025, the company has ceased operations in the UK

Clients currently on holiday will not be impacted While the company remains solvent, all future bookings have been cancelled, and full refunds will be issued

Customers will be notified, and Balkan Holidays has requested patience as they process refunds

The company expressed sincere apologies for any disappointment or inconvenience caused, thanking clients for their past business Holidaymakers with existing bookings have been advised to contact Balkan directly or seek a refund through their travel agent

Balkan Holidays also stated that refunds will be prioritised based on departure dates and that they are working as quickly as possible to process them Many travellers expressed their shock on social media following the news

One X/Twitter user wrote: “Absolutely devastated we were going in 36 days! How are we meant to book anywhere now?”

Another added: “This is a disgrace unless you refund in the next week, we can't afford to book elsewhere Terrible way to treat people ” Balkan Holidays UK managing director, Alexander Stoyanov, stated that it has become "increasingly challenging to remain competitive and profitable" in the UK He also assured that "no one will be left out of pocket" following the closure

A British woman recently faced intense online backlash after describing her newborn son as "ugly" moments after birth According to the New York Post, Jess, a 20-year-old UK mother, sparked controversy after posting a video where she candidly described her newborn son as ugly while holding him, sparking widespread criticism online He s got the f- -king ugliest nose He's so ugly,” she said in a video after giving birth "I literally stared at him and cried [because] I thought he was so ugly while I was in shock after labour,” she wrote in the caption of the TikTok video that has garnered more than 1 2 million views However, she later shared that her feelings changed after a few hours, and she started to find her baby cute She attributed her initial reaction to postpartum hormones and asked the internet for understanding The internet reacted strongly, with many criticising her harsh comments, saying how such negative remarks can impact the boy's confidence and self-esteem

English phrases Dutch man learned from Indian wife

English in India has evolved far beyond its colonial beginnings, taking on a dynamic life of its own Over time, it has grown into a rich and expressive form of communication which incorporates unique words and phrases, many of which may not be found in traditional English dictionaries but resonate deeply with us and feel entirely natural in everyday conversation Now, a Dutch man's post about English phrases he learned from his Indian wife has gone viral and left social media users chuckling In an X post, Sacha Arbonel, who lives in Amsterdam, shared a list of "new English phrases" he learned from his Indian wife The list comprises offbeat English words and phrases used in India like "It's normal only", "I'm not mad okay", "Salt is less", "Do one thing" and "He is my real brother" Arbonel also shared his "most favourite" phrase: "I can get this in India for 100 rupees " Since being shared, Arbonel's post has accumulated more than 277,000 views, over 3,000 likes and several comments

Airline offered passenger Rs 256,000 to deboard flight

A plane passenger recently revealed that a popular airline offered him $3,000 (approximately Rs 256,000) to change flights Taking to Reddit, the user, who goes by bag o on the social media platform, shared what exactly happened He said that the incident took place on a Delta flight from Chicago O'Hare to Seattle The user explained that he had already completed Zone 2 boarding when a gate agent popped in quietly and asked for two volunteers to deplane with a $3,000 voucher "No mic, no big announcement - and casually drops what sounded like a travel myth: 'We're looking for two volunteers to deplane due to fuel rebalancing issues Compensation is $3,000," he wrote Seconds after the announcement, two passengers quickly accepted the offer "I barely even processed it before my hand was in the air No hesitation I wasn't letting anyone else beat me to it Another passenger raised theirs right after, the flier added He revealed that the two passengers were handing two vouchers - one $2,000 and one $1,000 "Apparently Delta can't issue more than $2K in one go, so they split it," the Redditor explained While the man thought they were the only ones of two lucky people on that flight, it turned out that an equipment change had happened earlier that day, in which Delta offered $1,700 to 22 passengers who voluntarily got off that same flight I lied on CV, got promoted: Reddit user's confession

A Reddit user's confession about lying on his CV has gone viral, sparking a heated discussion online about work ethics In his post, the user, who goes by zaenova on the platform, revealed that he had no real experience but claimed to be a “coding wizard” on his CV He said that this single lie landed him a job and even earned him a promotion However, he admitted he regrets lying as now he's stuck in what he described as a “ neverending cycle of Google starches and caffeine-fuelled coding sessions ” In his post, titled ‘I once lied on my CV I got the job and got promoted', the Redditor detailed the pressure he now lives with “My browser history is a treasure trove of "how to fix syntax errors" and "what does this error message mean?" he wrote He revealed that he learned to code on the job, his colleagues think he's a genius “but really, I'm just good at hiding my panic,” he said When his colleagues ask him to explain his code, the user said that he launches into a “confident-sonding jargon-filled monologue, hoping they'll get lost in the technical mambo-jumbo” “The best part? I got a promotion and a raise, which basically translates to ‘we're paying you more to keep pretending you're good at this,” the user concluded

Wives are smarter: Harsh Goenka shares anecdotes

RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka, who regularly shares intriguing posts and videos on his social media handle, has once again captured the attention of his followers by sharing a funny yet insightful take on investing Taking to X, Goneka shared a few personal stories with his wife that underline gold's impressive long-term value He compared buying gold to spending on things like a car, vacation or a smartphone First, Goenka shared that 10 years ago he bought a car for Rs 800 000 while his wife bought gold for the same value "Today - car's worth Rs 150,000 Her gold? Rs 32,00,000," he wrote in the post The businessman then shared another conversation with his wife This time, while he suggested skipping gold for a short vacation instead But his wife firmly said no "I said, 'Let's skip gold, go on a vacation?' She said, 'Vacation lasts 5 days Gold lasts 5 generations, he recalled Goenka shared another example I bought a phone for Rs 100,000 She bought gold Now? Phone's worth Rs 8,000 Her gold? Rs 200,000," he wrote

Man beaten to death for refusing to give matchbox

A 35-year-old man was beaten to death and his friend was severely beaten by a group of unidentified men for refusing to give them a matchbox to light a cigarette Anuj Kumar, a resident of Chaman Vihar in Khurja of Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh, ran a dairy Last week he was returning home with his friends Shobit Kumar (32) and Shivam Singh (30) after attending a jagran (devotional gathering) when they were attacked near the Kalindi Kunj roundabout in Khurja area Police said a dispute ensued when the accused asked Anuj for a matchbox “When he refused, he was brutally assaulted Shobhit was also beaten with sticks and bricks when he tried to intervene The postmortem report revealed that Anuj died from a severe head injury and excessive blood loss,” said SP (rural) Tejveer Singh

Fruits linked to better mental wellbeing

A n ew st udy fr om A st on Unive rsity ’ s Colle ge of He alth and Life Scie nces sug gests tha t pe op le who e at fruit r egular ly are more like ly t o enjoy bet te r men tal wellbein g and e xperien ce fe wer sympt oms of dep ression

Published in the British Journal of Nutrition, the study found that how often individuals consume fruit may be more important for their psychological health than the total quantity eaten over a week

Researchers also found that those who frequently eat savoury snacks low in nutrients, such as crisps, were more likely to report increased symptoms of anxiety

The study analysed data from 428 adults across the UK, exploring the relationship between the intake of fruit, vegetables, sweet and savoury snacks, and mental wellbeing

Even after accounting for variables like age, general health, and physical activity, the results showed a clear link: frequent fruit consumption was associated with better psychological health, while savoury snacks were linked to poorer mental wellbeing Interestingly, no significant connection was found between vegetable consumption and mental health outcomes

The quick effect of highfat diet on memory

A new stud y su gges ts that even a f ew days of consuming a di et hi gh in saturated f at co uld be enough to i mpair memory and trigger brain i nfl ammation i n old er ad ults

Researchers from Ohio State University tested the effects of a high-fat diet on both young and older rats over short- and long-term periods While three months of fatty foods led to expected problems such as metabolic issues, gut inflammation, and significant changes in gut bacteria just three days of the same diet didn’t cause major physical changes

However, the brain told a different story Older rats, regardless of whether they were fed the high-fat diet for three days or three months, performed worse on memory tests and showed signs of inflammation in the brain Young rats, by contrast, were unaffected in the short term

The study, led by Ruth Barrientos at the Institute for Behavioural Medicine Research, challenges the assumption that diet-related brain inflammation is driven solely by obesity Instead, it suggests that even short-term unhealthy eating can negatively affect brain health in older individuals independent of weight gain or metabolic changes “Most of the research has focused on obesity,” said Barrientos, “but these findings reveal that the aging brain may be especially vulnerable to dietary choices, even before obesity sets in ”

Dehydration can mimic dementia

Dehydration can have surprisingly serious effects on the brain, especially in older adults Even mild dehydration can lead to symptoms that closely mimic dementia, including confusion, disorientation, memory lapses, and difficulty concentrating As we age, our sense of thirst diminishes, making seniors more prone to dehydration without realizing it Additionally, certain medications and health conditions common in the elderly can worsen fluid loss These cognitive symptoms can often be mistaken for early signs of Alzheimer’s or other dementias, but they may be reversible with proper hydration

Spring into better health

As winter fades and th e UK welco mes the fresh bloom

o f spring, many feel a natural sense of renewal

With longer days, blossoming flowers, and milder

be

powerful motivator for

season also brings its own

those affected by allergies, unpredictable weather, and

slump

Here’s how to embrace spring while keeping your

check

Combat seasonal allergies

One of the most common springtime struggles in the UK is hay fever Tree and grass pollen levels start to rise in March and peak

summer, affecting millions across the country Simple

can help minimise exposure

Get active outdoors

With lighter evenings and slightly warmer days, spring is an ideal time to

physical activity Whether it’s a gentle walk in a local park, a weekend gardening session, or cycling to work, moving more during this season can improve both physical and mental health I

natural sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D something often depleted during the darker months

However, even in spring, it’s essential to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect against UV rays

Refresh your diet with seasonal produce Spring is also a good time to refresh your diet

arrival of

spinach, and rhubarb offers the chance to eat lighter, more nutrient-rich foods

Incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into daily meals can help boost energy levels and support i m m u

hydrated is equally import

weather warms up

Reset your sleep routine T

hours can also play havoc with sleep patterns Earlier

and later

may throw off the

natural rhythm Sticking to a regular bedtime, limiting screen time before sleep,

Spring offers a powerful opportunity to reset not just our routines, but

changes,

Foods to help lower blood pressure

A new study suggests that increasi ng dietary p o tas siu m, by e at in g mo r e bananas, fo r examp le, co uld be mo re effective in lowerin g bl o o d p r es s u r e t h a n si m p l y r edu ci n g s o d i u m intake

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

adults globally and significantly increases the risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, chroni c k i d n e y d i s e a s e , a n d dementia

T r a d i t i o n a l l y , m e d i c a l advice for managing high blood pressure focuses on reducing salt intake to cont r o l s o d i u m l e v e l s i n t h e b o d y H o w e v e r , t h e n e w

r e s e a r c h , p u b l i s h e d i n t h e A m e r i c a n J o u r n a l o f P h y s i o l o g y – R e n a l

P h y s i o l o g y , r e c o m m e n d s c o m b i n i n g t h i s a p p r o a c h

w i t h i n c r e a s e d c o n s u m p -

t i o n

foods, such as bananas and broccoli, to regulate blood

pressure more efficiently

“Usually, when we have high blood pressure, we are advised to eat less salt,” said

A n i t a L a y t

“Our research suggests that a d d i n g m o r e p o t a s s i u m -

can be the per-

rich foods to your diet such a s b a n a n a s o r b r o c c o l i might have a greater positive impact on your blood pressure than just cutting sodium ” Sodium and potassium are both vital electrolytes that help the body perform essential functions, including sending electrical signals for muscle contraction and managing water retention The study found that t h e b a l a n c e o r r a t i o o f potassium to sodium in the diet plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure

may be more beneficial than focusing solely on reducing sodium

Common cooking oils may be linked to cancer risk

A leading cancer expert has warned that a widely used cooking ingredient could increase the risk of cancer

L

mmon fat found in seed oils like safflower oil, may pro-

according to

new study by

Cornell Medicine Millions use seed oils daily in cooking, but scientists say mod-

Professor

“ L i n o l e i c a c i d f e e d s cancer cell growth in a very specific way, ” said Dr John Blenis, the study’s senior a u t h o r “ T h i s d

y helps us understand which patients may benefit from

l i n o

e i c a c i d ( L A ) a s t h e most common unsaturated fat in Western diets, typically found in animal prod-

ucts and processed foods containing vegetable oils

While previous studies on the link between LA and b r e a s t c a n c e r h a v e b e e n inconsistent, growing evid e n c e s u g g e s t s d i e t m a y play a significant role in cancer outcomes

This isn’t the first time seed oils have come under s c r u t i n y A U S g o v e r nm e n

- f u n d e d s t u d

Researchers found that 80 colon cancer patients had elevated levels of bioactive lipids compounds formed when seed oils are broken down in the body

As researchers continue

between diet and cancer, experts suggest approach-

like seed oils with greater caution

a s t year found a possible connection between seed oils and rising rates of colon c a n c e r i n y o u n g

10-hour eating window boosts mood and energy

The findings, present-

King's College London at

offer real-world evidence supporting time-restricted

i n g T h e s t u d y , c o nducted via the ZOE Health

app, involved over 37,000 p a r t i c i p a n t s V o l u n t e e r s ate as usual for one week, t h e n f o l l o w e d a 1 0 - h o u r e a t i n g w i n d o w f o r t w o weeks for instance, eating from 9 am to 7 pm and fasting for the remaining 14 hours

More than 36,000 people continued beyond the initial phase, with 27,000 classified as highly engaged Participants who stuck to a consistent 10-hour window daily saw the most benefit

In contrast, those who were inconsistent didn’t experie n c e t h e s a m e i m p r o v

ments

researcher at King’s College London, said, “This is the largest study outside of a clinic showing intermittent fasting’s health benefits in a real-world setting What’s exciting is that even a moderate approach like a 10hour eating window

improvements ” Notably, those who previously had longer eating windows before the study e x p

gains, and the majority of highly engaged users were women around the age of 60 with an average BMI of 25 6 While more restrictive v

Nushrratt Bharuccha recalls being asked to quit acting in arranged marriage meetings

Nushrratt Bharuccha has established herself with roles in ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’, ‘Dream Girl’, and more. As an independent lead actor and sole breadwinner, she faces societal pressures, including the expectation to marry In a recent interview, Nushrratt revealed that some potential suitors even asked her to quit acting Nushrratt Bharuccha shared her experience with marriage pressure, revealing that her grandmother and father often urge her to settle down She humorously responded, saying she’ll marry when she meets the right person Nushrratt also mentioned being open to arranged marriage, having met several potential suitors suggested by her parents She joked that her only condition for the meetings was choosing the cuisine, so at least she’d enjoy the food if not the match

The Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety star also revealed that many suitors have asked her to quit acting after marriage She appreciated the clarity arranged marriages offer but firmly rejected such demands, saying, “I’ve been asked many times to quit acting, but I smile and refuse, ‘Yeh toh nahi hoga ’

Vikrant Massey to play Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in thriller ‘White’

After earning critical acclaim for his powerful performance in Sabarmati Express, Vikrant Massey had announced a break from work However, sources confirm he is now preparing for his next big role in the thriller White, where he will portray spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Known for standout performances in films like 12th Pass, Massey has been growing his hair for the part

According to a source, “Vikrant has been growing his hair and undergoing a physical transformation to resemble Sri Sri Ravi Shankar He’s also been closely studying his videos and body language to prepare for the role ”

‘White’ will explore Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s pivotal role in helping end Colombia’s 52-year-long civil war, highlighting India’s untold contribution to international diplomacy The film, featuring an international crew with members flown in from Los Angeles, will release in multiple languages, including English and Spanish

Pre-production is underway in Colombia, with filming expected to begin this July The team is aiming for a 2026 release

White is being produced by Siddharth Anand (of War, Pathaan, and Fighter fame) along with Anand and Mahaveer Jain (Uunchai, Nagzilla), and will be directed by Monto Bassi

With a gripping backdrop and a talented team, White promises a fresh take on peacebuilding and conflict resolution through spiritual diplomacy and India’s soft power Followers of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar are already looking forward to the release

Emraan Hashmi says making ‘Adolescence’ in India would be a nightmare

Emraan Hashmi has praised the 'audacious' storytelling of Netflix’s Adolescence, while admitting that creating something similar in India would be ‘risky’ and a major challenge.

Created by Jack Thorne Graham, Adolescence follow accused of murdering a clas has earned widespread accla March release Emraan said works largely because of its pitfalls of growing up today media But it’s a risky projec episodes, each shot in a sing

Another standout featur Adolescence is that all four episodes were shot in single takes, requiring months of rehearsals and meticulous planning Emraan added, “I you pitch that to a

producer here, nine out of ten would say, ‘Are you out of your mind?’ It would be a logistical nightmare if someone goofs up 13 minutes in, you have to start Y ’d d di ector bold and mad enough to

ars Stephen Graham, Ashley Marsay, and marks 15-year-old ut as Jamie Miller, the teenager The show is currently x aan ’ s latest film, Ground Zero, true story of BSF officer a Nath Dhar Dubey, has been ed in theatres Directed by as Prabha Vijay Deoskar, the m follows the daring 2003 peration that led to the death of errorist Ghazi Baba, and also tars Sai Tamhankar, Zoya Hussain, and Mukesh Tiwari

Akshay Kumar admits criticism hurts but helps him evolve

Akshay Kumar is enjoying the positive feedback for his recent releases, ‘Kesari Chapter 2’ and ‘Sky Force’ While neither film was a box office hit, both received critical acclaim, with Akshay’s performance also praised In a recent interaction, he reflected on both the positive and negative audience feedback following ‘Kesari Chapter 2’

In a recent interaction, Akshay Kumar spoke about h

motivates me, and their criticism helps me learn and evolve I always consider genuine feedback, whether it’s about script choices or roles Though criticism can sting, if it’s sincere, it only makes me better ”

Akshay Kumar also opened up about his future in films and his biggest fear: “Besides falling from a helicopter, my biggest fear is waking up one day with no messages That’s when I’ll feel my turn is over I don’t want to stop working; I want to keep growing Life is short, and I want to make it bigger I’ll rest when I’m no longer here In simple terms, I’ll work until they have to shoot me down ”

‘Kesari Chapter 2 ’ , Akshay’s latest release, is a period drama centered on the investigation into the Jallianwala Bagh massacre The courtroom drama also

Fawad Khan’s film ‘Abir Gulaal’ won’t be released in India

The Hindi film ‘Abir Gulaal’, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, will not be released in India following the Pahalgam terror attack, government sources confirmed Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, the film was set to debut on May 9.

The move follows calls for a ban on ‘Abir Gulaal’ after 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its ban on Pakistani artists, urging a complete non-cooperation with Pakistani actors, singers, and technicians in the Indian entertainment industry, citing Fawad Khan’s involvement in the film

In response to the Pahalgam attack, FWICE has issued a renewed boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians in Indian films and entertainment projects worldwide The un which previously imposed a similar ban after the 2019 Pulwama attack, warned of disciplinary action against anyone working with Pakistani talent Fawad Khan, who faced controversy after the 2016 Uri attack condemned the Pahalgam incident on Instagram, expressing sorrow and offering condolences to the victims and their families

Vaani Kapoor also condemned the Pahalgam attack, expressing her devastation on Instagram: "Numb, at a loss for words Gutted Devas

My prayers are with the families " Earlier, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led Raj Thackeray, had also opposed the release of ‘Abir Gulaal’ The film is produced by Indian Stories Production, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures, with Vivek B Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy as producers

Kriti Sanon

set to join Farhan Akhtar's ‘Don 3’

Kriti Sanon is set to join Ranveer Singh in ‘Don 3’, with reports confirming she has given her nod to the project

The 34-year-old National Award-winning actress is expected to officially sign on in the coming weeks

A

Rohit Shetty confirms ‘Simmba’ sequel andplans for ‘Sooryavanshi’ continuation

Fans of Rohit Shetty’s cop universe are in for a treat as the filmmaker expands his hit franchise Following Singham, Simmba, and Sooryavanshi, Rohit confirmed plans for a sequel to Simmba, starring Ranveer Singh, and a second part of Sooryavanshi, featuring Akshay Kumar

Rohit said, “Simmba 2 is on the way, and Sooryavanshi will move forward More actors will join, and more films will be made in the cop universe That’s why we created this universe ”

In the interview, Rohit Shetty revealed that the cop universe was never part of the original plan When he made Singham in 2011, he didn’t anticipate the film would become such a massive brand The idea of connecting all his cop films emerged while scripting Simmba, which eventually led to the introduction of Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi and the expansion of the cop universe

Rohit also shared insights on Singham Again (2024), which brings together a starstudded ensemble cast, including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Deepika Padukone He explained that the concept for this ensemble started in 2019 during the making of Sooryavanshi Rohit also revealed that his team had carefully crafted the character arcs for newcomers Deepika and Tiger, with plans for their roles to expand in future films

Entertainment team sought an experienced actress with a strong screen presence, and Kriti fits the role of Roma perfectly She’s excited to finalize her involvement soon ” In 2023, it was confirmed that Ranveer Singh would take on the iconic role of Don, following in the footsteps of Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, with Farhan Akhtar returning to direct after over ten years Kiara Advani, originally cast as the female lead, had to opt out due to her pregnancy

With Kriti Sanon now stepping in, the cast is nearly complete Reports say Farhan has

Europe, where much of Don 3 will be shot The script is locked, and pre-production is underway

The team aims to begin filming by October/November 2025 Before starting Don 3, Kriti Sanon will wrap up her current

Rai’s Tere Ishk Mein and Dinesh Vijan’s Cocktail 2 She is also in talks for a horror thriller, Nai Naveli, with Aanand L Rai, set for a 2026 release

TV Listing

MON 05 MAY - FRI 09 MAY 2025

09:00 Deshi Beats

14:30 Laxmi Sadaiv Mangalam

17:30 Rasoi Show

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21:00 United States Of Gujarat

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SATURDAY 10 MAY 2025

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MON 05 MAY - FRI 09 MAY 2025

17:00 Anmol Bandhan

17:30 Shrukra Mangal

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19:30 RAMACHARI

20:00 Anmol Bandhan

20:30 Udaariyan

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SATURDAY 10 MAY 2025

17:00 Anmol Bandhan

14:30 Laxmi Sadaiv Mangalam

17:30 Rasoi Show

18:30 Rashi Rikshawali

19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re

19:30 Loveyatri

20:30 Moti Baa Ni Nani Vahu

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SUNDAY 11 MAY 2025

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18:00 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1

19:30 RAMACHARI

20:00 Anmol Bandhan

20:30 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull

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22:00 Anmol Bandhan

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23:00 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull

SUNDAY 11 MAY 2025

17:00 Anmol Bandhan

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18:00 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1

19:30 RAMACHARI

20:00 Anmol Bandhan

20:30 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull

21:30 RAMACHARI

22:00 Anmol Bandhan

22:30 Shrukra Mangal

23:00 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull

Srinidhi Shetty says some films make female leads

‘accessories to the hero’

Actor

Srinidhi Shetty, known for her debut in the KGF films, was asked during a promotion for her Telugu film ‘HIT: The Third Case’ that female actors in South Indian cinema often miss out on 'powerful roles'.

She acknowledged that while some films give women a central focus, many others still relegate female leads to mere 'accessories' to the hero or the plot.

Srinidhi Shetty shared, “There are films where women have strong roles and others where they don't When a film centres around the hero, everyone else, including the female lead, can feel like accessories to the plot or the hero's character However, there are also films where the woman takes the centre stage, so it really depends ” Before acting, Srinidhi participated in various pageants, becoming a finalist in Fresh Face 2012 In 2015, she won Miss Karnataka and Miss Beautiful Smile at Miss South India, and in 2016, she was a finalist in Miss Diva and won Miss Supranational India.

Srinidhi Shetty made her debut in 2018 with ‘KGF: Chapter 1 ’ , starring alongside Yash, and reprised her role in the 2022 sequel, ‘KGF: Chapter 2 ’ She ventured into Tamil cinema in 2022 with ‘Cobra’ alongside Vikram, though it did not perform well Currently, she is working on the Telugu film ‘HIT 3 ’ , led by Nani, and will also star in ‘Telusu Kada’ with Siddhu Jonnalagadda Additionally, she is set to appear in a yet-to-be-titled Kannada film alongside Kiccha Sudeep

Shruti Haasan called ‘unlucky’ after two Telugu flops

Shruti

Haasan started her acting career in 2009 with the Hindi film ‘Luck’, which flopped In 2011, she made her Tamil and Telugu debuts with ‘7aum Arivu’ and ‘Anaganaga O Dheerudu’ While her Tamil film earned some praise, her Telugu films, including ‘Oh My Friend’, were failures

In a recent interview, Shruti revealed that she was quickly labeled "unlucky" in the Telugu industry due to these flops, despite both films starring the same hero Reflecting on those times, she shared, "If filmmakers believe in you, it translates creatively " Shruti credits director Harish Shankar and actor-politician Pawan Kalyan for changing the course of her career

Shruti Haasan credits director Harish Shankar and Pawan Kalyan for turning her career around after they fought to cast her in ‘Gabbar Singh’ Though she doesn’t do many films, she emphasised her passion for cinema

Reflecting on her debut, she called it a "smashing disaster" and initially considered leaving acting to focus on music A friend's blunt feedback, "It was terrible either do it properly or not at all" served as a wake-up call Feeling ashamed for wasting an opportunity, she decided to commit fully to acting Shruti, last seen in ‘Salaar’, has upcoming films like ‘Coolie’ with Rajinikanth and ‘Train’ with Vijay Sethupathi

Malavika Mohanan slams male co-stars

for pretending to be feminists

Actor

Malavika Mohanan has once again called out the misogyny in the film industry, criticising male coactors for pretending to be feminists while displaying opposite behaviours behind the scenes. She said, “Men have gotten smart in recent years; they know how to put on the mask of being woke.”

Malavika Mohanan doubled down on her criticism, calling out male actors for being two-faced She said, “They know the right lines to appear feminist and forward-thinking, but behind the scenes, they turn into the most misogynistic people It’s pure hypocrisy ”

Malavika Mohanan also discussed the South film industry's fixation on the 'navel,' revealing how she's often been critiqued for her weight fluctuations “I was confused at first, growing up in Mumbai, but the obsession with navels in the South is real Social media zooms in on actresses' bodies, amplifying it,” she explained On the work front, Malavika has ‘The Raja Saab’ with Prabhas and ‘Sardar 2 ’ with Karthi lined up

Karthik Subbaraj reveals Retro was written for Rajinikanth, almost directed Vijay’s final film

Director

Karthik Subbaraj, known for his work with top stars like Rajinikanth, Vikram, and Vijay Sethupathi, is now collaborating with Suriya in ‘Retro’. In an interview with Galatta Plus, Karthik revealed that the film was initially written for Rajinikanth “The original script was cked with action and mass elements, but as I worked on alised it also had a strong love story,” he shared, ddressing rumors about the film being intended for Vijay A f t e r

Subbaraj approached Suriya for *Retro* Upon reading the first draft, Suriya asked if it was originally written for Rajinikanth, leading to further adjustments in the protagonist's characterization, making him more vulnerable However, Karthik assured that the character would still have mass moments and action sequences

Karthik also revealed he was considered to direct Vijay’s final film before his political shift “I did narrate a script to Vijay sir for his last film, and we've discussed collaborations before After ‘Jigarthanda’, we talked about potential projects, but things never materialised,” he shared Karthik Subbaraj humorously admitted that his narration skills aren't the best, saying, “As many know, I’m not a great narrator, so things never materialized By the time I put together a script for Vijay sir s last film, he decided to collaborate with H Vinoth ” Meanwhile, ‘Jananayagan’ is scheduled to release for Pongal 2026 ‘Retro’, which stars Suriya, will hit the screens on May 1, competing at the Tamil Nadu box office with ‘Tourist Family’ (starring Sasikumar and Simran) and Nani’s highly i i d ‘HIT Th Thi d C ’

Zeenat Aman back on Instagram after medical break

actor Zeenat

Veteran

Aman, who had been absent from Instagram for some time, recently explained her hiatus. She attributed her silence to the "drudgery of paperwork and anxiety over a pending medical procedure."

Sharing a few pictures from her hospital bed, Zeenat wrote, "I won’t blame you for thinking I’ve abandoned social media My profile has been silent and halfhearted lately. As the saying goes – what to do?"

Zeenat Aman shared that the "drudgery of paperwork and anxiety over a pending medical procedure" had kept her occupied recently However, now feeling inspired, she promised to return with more storytelling on Instagram, including "cinematic crumbs, personal history, fashion, dogs and cats, and opinions " She also asked her fans if there was a topic they'd like her to write about

In the same post, Zeenat Aman celebrated completing two years on Instagram and gaining over 8 lakh organic followers She reflected on the changing nature of social media, noting, “Instagram is NOT reality,” and highlighted how endorsements today can often be insidious, with followers bought, images heavily edited, and likes manufactured Zeenat said she took pride in building her community without resorting to such "borderline unethical gimmicks " She also joked that her followers take her more seriously than her own sons and offered advice: “Mute those handles that make you feel bad about yourself, heighten your neuroses, or push you to buy buy buy! And don’t spend six hours a day scrolling mindlessly!”

For over a year, speculation has swirled about Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli moving to London, with multiple sightings and acquaintances confirming their shift Recently, Madhuri Dixit’s husband, Dr Sriram Nene, also weighed in

D

Ranveer Allahbadia, Dr Nene praised

V

with Anushka, hinting at the couple’s growing distance from India D

Kohli, calling him “ a decent human being,” and revealed a conversation w

couple’s move to London to escape constant public attention He shared

during private moments like meals,

Privacy concerns led Anushka, Virat to shift to London, says Madhuri Dixit’s husband, Dr Nene

and expressed empathy for Anushka and Virat’s desire to raise their children normally Dr Nene also admitted that while Madhuri Dixit is the real

with being seen in his own right,

underestimate their own power to make a difference

childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, also seemed to confirm the cricketer’s decision to move abroad He said, “Yes, Virat plans to shift to London with his wife Anushka Sharma and their children He will be relocating soon For now, apart from cricket, he is spending most of his time with his family ”

Shantanu Maheshwari on Alia Bhatt and Bhansali giving him space to perform

Aditya Chopra to launch Ahaan Panday in Mohit Suri's ‘Saiyaara’

After years of grooming under Yash Raj Films, Ahaan Panday, cousin of Ananya Panday, is set to make his Bollywood debut in ‘Saiyaara’, a romantic drama produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Mohit

ActorShantanu Maheshwari, currently seen in Campus Beats Season 5, recently reflected on his experience working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Alia Bhatt in Gangubai Kathiawadi.

Praising Bhansali’s support and Bhatt’s humility, he said, “Something in me changed after Gangubai Kathiawadi the way I perform and approach work. Even on bad days, I give my 100 percent It’s not just Gangubai, but all my experiences that taught me the importance of being prepared and absorbing everything when working with a genius ”

Shantanu shared, “I was scared because people kept saying, ‘Don’t get nervous ’ But when he spoke to me, he was never harsh or demanding just passionate ” He added that Bhansali guided actors without making them imitate him,

understand his character

Shantanu Maheshwari recalled an early moment on set when Bhansali called him over to the monitor after a scene with Alia’s character in the bathroom “I was scared, thinking I had done something wrong But he told me exactly what I was feeling to remove that seed of awkwardness I was mind blown He says very little, but the right things, and you have to be ready to absorb it,” Shantanu shared He also praised Alia Bhatt for making him feel at ease despite her star status “Alia is amazing She enhanced my performance just by reacting naturally She could’ve been distant, but she made sure I was comfortable, thinking about the bigger picture That made a huge difference ”

Aneet Padda, marks the first

Chopra and Suri, known for hits like ‘Aashiqui 2 ’ and ‘Ek V

"intense love story," ‘Saiyaara’ brings YRF and Suri together

n o f Chikki Panday and nephew of a c t o r C h

P a n d a y , h a s long been seen as a rising Gen-Z star

Trained and mentored by Aditya Chopra, he’s now set

Before acting, Ahaan worked as an assistant director on Y

Railway Men’ His industry entry follows a familiar starkid trajectory, reminiscent of Karan Johar’s approach with Dharma Productions, which often launches the children of celebrities

A d i t y a C h o p r a a l s o introduced Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid Khan, in ‘Maharaj’, a Netflix original based on the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case The film faced controversy before

issuing a stay over concerns

Court lifted the stay, allowing the film to be released on Netflix

Suri.

n s h i became the youngest centurion in men’s Twenty20 cricket as he guided Rajasthan Royals to an eight-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans in an IPL match in Jaipur Suryavanshi doled out severe punishment to Gujarat’s bowling attack, hitting 11 sixes and seven fours in his 101 off 38 balls, as the hosts chased down a 209-run target in 15 5 overs

The left-hander reached his 100 in 35 balls to register the second-fastest century i n I P L h i s t o r y , w h

partnership

“It is a very good feeling It’s my first hundred in the IPL and it’s my third innings The result has shown here after the practice before the tournament,” the player of the

tch, Suryavanshi, said “I just see the all and play It has been a dream to get

materialised There is no fear I don’t hink much, I just focus on playing ” Suryavanshi’s century was also the quickest by an Indian in the IPL,

ai Indians in 2010 He played in the domestic Ranji Trophy red-ball competition aged 12 last year and has represented India’s Under-19 side against Australia, scoring a 58-ball century

Krunal, Virat take RCB to victory Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their sensational away run, winning their sixth consecutive match on the road RCB comfortably outclassed Delhi Capitals by six wickets, successfully chasing down 163 on a two-paced pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday Krunal Pandya was the star of the evening for RCB, smashing an unbeaten 73 off just 47 balls after delivering

Krunal's first fifty-plus score in the IPL since his debut season in 2016 Virat Kohli also

scoring 51 off 47 balls - his fourth fifty-plus score in IPL 2025 while chasing SKY, Bumrah help MI seal fifth win M

Celebrating the strength of the East African Asian community

Jayveer Shah

From Idi Ami

s expuls

of Asians from Uganda in

to the

of

work permi

under Kenya’ s Afric ani sati on poli c ies , E as t Afri ca n Asi ans have fa ced many hardships over the years But one thing has always held us together: resilience - not just the abi lity to survive, but the s trength to thrive in the face of adversity

To bring this community together, on

African Asians organisation held its first-

dinner at Mill Green Golf Club More than just a social gathering, the event was a powerful reminder of what can happen when we come together Walking through

the clubhouse, selling raffle tickets and chatting to guests, I genuinely felt like I was

part of something bigger

During the dinner, speakers reflected

identity, and the strength of the diaspora Their words highlighted how our shared

community that’s adapted without losing its roots They spoke about the East African Asian journey, as one of resilience and strength across borders, while still holding on to our own identity,

As a British East African Asian, I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of this event It gave me the chance to connect with my heritage and reflect on the journey of those who came before me Their quiet strength lives on, not just in our stories, but in everything we continue to build

How to curb match-fixing? SC asks govt

r

n d implications of the nature of the issue, the Union govt will file its response in four weeks,” the bench said, and appointed advocate Sivam Singh as amicus curiae to

a

matter The HC had said that match-fixing does not amount to cheating

Super Giants by 54 runs to record their fifth consecutive win on Sunday Rising like a phoenix, MI raised hopes of a playoffs berth, thus putting to rest the bad memories of a forgettable campaign last year It was proper teamwork that helped MI call the shots in this crucial game While the fiery pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah (4/22) and Trent Boult (3/20) were their chief heroes with the ball, the architects of the five-time champions’

Suryakumar Yadav (54) and South African opener Ryan Rickelton (58) Chipping in with vital allround contributions were Will Jacks (29) and South African allrounder Corbin Bosch (20) Sunrisers beat Chennai Chennai Super Kings were beaten by five

Stadium in Chennai on Friday The match coincided with MS Dhoni’s milestone 400th T20 match Put in to bat first, Chennai were bundled out for 154 in 19 5 overs Earlier, both teams have had contrasting make-ups for the 2025 season, with SRH primed to dominate the batting charts this season Pitted at the far end of that spectrum with a

struggled to put on the big runs consistently through the league And yet, both times are riding the same boat, with another defeat fatal to their respective Playoffs hopes

Delhi thrash Lucknow Opener Abishek Porel and KL Rahul struck half centuries and shared a 69-run

Lucknow Super Giants by eight wickets in their IPL match in Lucknow Chasing 160 for victory, Porel scored 51 off 36 balls, while inform Rahul struck an unbeaten 57 to make it a one-sided contest, as DC completed the task in 17 5 overs Skipper Axar Patel made 34 not out off 20 balls Rahul also completed 5,000 runs in IPL on way to his half-century

Aswath, 16, bags successive titles and 1st GM norm

S Aswa th, 16, ha s ta ken a gia nt ste p t owar ds becoming a GM Play ing as t he 38th s e e d , h e wo n t h e G r e n k e

Op en chess tourn amen t in Kar lsruhe , G erm any , wit h a score of 8/9 He ma de his ma id en GM n orm a nd also t ouche d a live ra ting of Elo 250 0 It’s the same festival in w h i c h C a r l s e n r e i g n e d s u p r e m e i n t h e F r e e s t y l e Open with 9/9 Aswath (Elo 2466), another prodigy from t h e T a m i l N a d u s t a b l e , scored seven wins - the most impressive of them coming

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

M u r a d i l M o h a m m e d o f Azerbaijan with black pieces i n 6 9 m o v e s o f r o o k a n d

p a w n s e n d g a m e H e a l s o beat Brandon Jacobson of USA, who also tallied 8/9, along the way Aswath won the top prize of 20,000 euros - more than Rs 17,00,000

a f t e r t a x e s T h e t e e n a g e r defeated three GMs (above Elo 2500) in the meet and d r e w w i t h t h i r d s e e d Croatian Ivan Saric (2659) There were about 10 players a b o v e E l o 2 6 0 0 i n t h e tournament

A s w a t h p l a y e d n i n e different openings at Grenke and castled in each game He won another tournament in France a few days ago as the fourth seed with 7 5/9 His coach for two years, Shyam S u n d

event in 2019 Back then, there were 20 players above Elo 2600 in the field In both e d i t i o n s , t h e r

plus players making it a total of nine rounds far less than

standings in such a big field Sundar said Aswath had made tremendous progress i n

progress could be seen in the results too, as he has added about 250 Elo points in the last 24 months “It’s a huge achievement and I am super happy for him,” said Sundar “He is a hard-working kid and a confident person He

Liverpool make history with second Premier League title

Live rpool ha ve bee n crowne d ch ampions for t he secon d time in the Pre mier Lea

a re cor d-equalling 20th t ime in t he t op flight - with A rne Slot le adin g the club to glory in his fir st se ason in char ge Sunday’s 5-1 victory against Tottenham H o t s p

reach of their nearest rivals in the table, Arsenal, with four matches still to play, becoming the seventh team to seal the title so early Liverpool's only other Premier League title win came in 2019/20 under Jurgen Klopp during the Covid-19 pandemic, when fans weren’t allowed to attend matches So not only was confirming the title in front of their fans special, but when they lift the Premier League Trophy later this season, it will be the

first time in front of their supporters as well

provided the team with a hero's welcome to the stadium Head coach Arne Slot said such a presence helped to motivate his men, even a

temporarily punctured the party atmosphere with the opening goal in the 12th minute

“The way we arrived on the bus, everyone was thinking there is no way we were going to lose this game Conceding first made it difficult, but they always find a way to win,” Slot said

For Mohamed Salah, who took a selfie with the fans, after scoring to make it 4-1, securing the title on Sunday was twice as good as five years previously

L-R : Nilesh Shah, Jaiveer Shah and CB Patel

L-R : Jaiveer Shah H E Nimisha Madhvani and Bindal Shah