AV 3rd November 2018

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FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

3 - 9 NOVEMBER 2018 - VOL 47 ISSUE 27

REMEMBER TOGETHER

Happy Diwali Dear Readers,

All faiths and ethnicities come together to celebrate the contributions of ‘Asian’ soldiers in WW1

We wish you a very Happy Diwali and prosperous New Year.

Please note Asian Voice will have November 10th edition closed.

Rupanjana Dutta

inside:

Temples, mosques, gurdwaras, synagogues, churches and other places of worship around the country are coming forward to 'Remember Together' and promote integration by uniting people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds to mark Remembrance of shared history and the centenary of the First World War. Most in Britain are unaware of the contributions of more than 4 million men (over 1.5mn in WW1) from undivided India that participated in the two world wars. The British memory of those who died in the world wars is very Eurocentric. Many have forgotten how soldiers from colonial India, gave up their lives for a country, they were not born in, or had never visited.

India, Japan sign $75bn currency swap pact SEE PAGE 26

India plans railway line to the foothills of Himalayas SEE PAGE 26

Continued on page 16

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3 - 9 November 2018

onetoone WITH KEITH VAZ, MP

6

Ala Uddin Ala Uddin was born and bred in Camden, England with Bangladeshi heritage. His greatest ambition and passion was always to serve his country and help people. After formal education, he pursued his ambitions and served as a Police Officer for the Metropolitan Police. Ala is proud to have had a career serving his country, community and people that spanned over 14 years.

The experiences and training he has gained, has made him the man he is today.

Soon after leaving the Police force, Ala was proud to serve his country as a British Army Reservist. This experience further expanded his training and development, working with the world’s elite forces.

Ala then took a career change to face fresh new challenges by putting his skills to test in his family restaurant as a General Manager in charge of the day to day running of Olive Limes in Tring, Hertfordshire.

1

Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?

Home is most definitely England for me, I was born and brought up in Camden, London and am now living in Luton.

England gave me my identity, friends, family, education & career. From a young age, I had a strong urge to serve my community and my country.

2

What are your proudest achievements?

I am very proud to have realised my ambition and serve my country, both as a Police Officer and Army Reservist. It was always my ambition to serve as a Police Officer. I feel honoured and privileged to have been able to serve in the Metropolitan Police for 14 years.

3

I am inspired and motivated by seeing the

And the worst? There is not an aspect that I do not enjoy. I enjoy challenges and like to tackle challenges head-on. The sense of achievement you get in overcoming difficult challenges is a thrill for me. I don't believe in looking at anything negatively and anything worth doing should be challenging.

If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?

If I was Prime Minister, I would ensure that everyone had access to the best education and opportunities, no matter what your background is, and tailored to individual passions and skills. Education is what will empower our children to lead the world and solve future challenges.

10

If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.

The first person that comes to my mind is Mahatma Gandhi. He has so much wisdom, experience & patience. I think it will be an enriching & fascinating experience to listen to such an inspirational figure. He left a huge mark on the world and is so well respected.

4

Home to the largest Sikh community in London, Southall is known as the UK’s premier British Asian town, often labeled as Britain’s very own ‘Little Punjab.’

Walk out of the railway station and a signboard just above main entrance would greet you with ‘Welcome to Southall’ written in English and Punjabi. One can easily tell from this that the town would offer you the best of Punjabi culture that there is outside of India.

But how did this west London suburb become home to a large Punjabi population, and what was the price that it had to pay for it? These are some of the questions that a new project aims to answer.

Punjabis of Southall The Punjabis of Southall project was started by Balraj Purewal, 64, with the aim to preserve the community’s history.

“The current generation has taken everything for granted. We want them to understand the struggle of their parents and grand parents, which is easily forgotten.”

Early Punjabi immigrants started arriving in Southall in the late 1940s as part of the immigration the Commonwealth to fill labour shortages following the Second World War. Many were victims of racial attacks when they arrived in the UK and were also discriminated against at workplaces and by landlords. Mr. Purewal, who was nine-years-old when he arrived here, had to cut his hair, like many other Sikhs at

What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

In my current role as a General Manager, my biggest obstacle is the lack of training and professionalism from some staff. It's always a challenge to provide inspiring leadership, training & motivation. It's a challenge that I relish and allows me to implement all of my transferable skills and experiences.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?

I have to say that my biggest influence is myself. I have a very strong mind-set and set

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What is the best aspect about your current role?

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happy, healthy and secure after achieving all my goals and feeling content with my work and achievements. I want to be able to spend quality time with my family & friends, especially my children and enjoy playing a lot of golf.

successful development of people. I am passionate about changing lives and empowering people with the skills to realise their potential and overcome their own limiting beliefs. My experiences in the Police, Army and life have given me a sense of purpose to help others.

5

What inspires you?

high goals and standards for me and those I am responsible for. I am my own worst critic.

I strongly believe in following my own instincts and taking responsibility for my own decisions.

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the time, to integrate into British society and find jobs.

“I had never seen in my life, and in my village, anybody without a turban. When I came here, my father and another guy had bought a house. [My father’s friend] had cut his hair, and his children also had their hair cut. We were thinking ‘My god, what’s this?’ It wasn’t normal. So when they cut my hair, it was a traumatic experience. I think what you feel is like you’re naked. You’re not whole, because it is a part of you.

Now everybody has got a turban. That is a privilege that other people have made possible.”

The turban dispute came to a head in Wolverhampton in 1969. An elderly Sikh man had threatened to burn himself to death to protest the ban on turbans for Sikh busmen in the city.

First Gurdwara There are several Sikh temples in Southall at present, but the very first one was started, according to reports, in a house on 11 Beaconsfield Road. Mr Purewal said: “The first gurdwara was in a ordinary house. Everybody knew 11 Beaconsfield Road. You go there and the door would always be open.

“The guy next door was a newsagent and he started complaining that too many people were coming in. He was also pissed off with the religious music. It was never enough from the day it opened. It couldn’t accommodate more than 40 people.”

As the population grew, so did the need for a larger space for prayers. The community got together and over time

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Balraj Purewal

several gurdwaras have been built in Southall.

Fight against racism Mr Purewal was a founding member of the Southall Youth Movement (SYM), which was formed in 1976 to challenge racial discrimination. The group was created following the inaction of community leaders over the alleged racist murder of an 18-year-old Sikh boy.

With SYM, Mr Purewal campaigned to end racial inequality and also protested against the far right National Front’s election meeting in Southall in April 1979. During the protest outside the local town hall, activist Blair Peach was attacked and killed. An investigation by the Metropolitan Police later found that one of its own officers had killed him. Mr Purewal said there were several race riots in Southall around the time but not many people were aware of them now or the campaigning that SYM did against racism.

“We made it safe systematically over five to 10 years. It was the only place in the whole country where women could walk late at night from one place to another. You couldn’t do that in half the country. So that kind of history will get lost. Nobody has been racially attacked in recent times. You don’t know what it means. You can’t relate to the fact that your mother and father couldn’t walk down the street because people would spit at you or knock your turban off.”

The Punjabis of Southall aims to detail the community’s history in a series of exhibitions, a documentary and a book scheduled for release next year.

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3 - 9 November 2018

Reflections on Durga Puja 2018 Durga Puja in Bengal has withstood the challenges of time and circumstance. It remains the high point in the Bengali social and cultural calendar, an occasion to celebrate life with all its vicissitudes in fellowship and worship when the most loved deity of the Hindu pantheon descends to earth for five magical days, then departs through her immersion in the waters of the Hooghly river for her heavenly abode. Bengal’s rural and urban communities are united in their identity like no other festival.

Its metropolis Kolkata is thus the focal point of the Durga Puja celebrations. It is one of the world’s largest street festivals, with puja pandals, large and small, in almost every locality, monies collected through voluntary contributions varying with the depth of the contributors’ pockets. The craftsmen constructing the idols of the Goddess have traditionally come from the rural environs of the city; they still do. What has changed is that their efforts have been complemented by urban sophisticates, products of art schools and colleges, who bring to the table their special skills. Pandal-hopping is an extension of visits to formal art galleries; in this case a giant gallery to which heaving crowds throng, beginning in the late afternoon and reaching their climax at nightfall when the glittering pandal lights glitter and entice visitors in their heaving thousands.

If artistic endeavour has expanded, so, too, have its commercial aspects. The cost of pandals has risen, often spectacularly. The goal therefore for organizer today is to attract sponsorships from the city’s business houses. This has become a regular feature of Kolkata’s Durga Puja in recent years, as the city’s decline reversed: parks and popular watering holes have come into their own, often

with critical financial help from business enterprises entrusted with their management and supervision.

The Trinamool Congress regime of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee must be credited for much of this revival following decades of mismanagement by the previous Communist-led Left Front government. The paradox is that her capricious governance is turning out to be a considerable hindrance to the evolution of the next cycle of socio-economic progress. The State, it would appear, is trapped in permanent transition. The risen Kolkata is therefore work in progress, of which the Metro is a prime example. Its tentacles are spreading to distant corners of the urban conurbation bringing a measure of social coherence to an uncontrolled urban sprawl. The sobriquet of the ‘dying city’ is no longer fit for purpose Capital that had fled Bengal’s urban unrest has returned in large measure, as Kolkata’s billboards, show-rooms and shopping malls demonstrate only too well. This, of course, is no reason for complacency. Large-scale manufacturing is an imperative for ameliorating the high unemployment; of this there is as yet no visible sign: the massive investment flows from domestic and foreign sources have to materialize on the scale evident in other parts of India.

With the road and rail networks expanding in all directions, Bengal’s future development is cause for hope, particularly as the agricultural sector is remarkably buoyant and food shortages a receding memory.

Durga Puja this year invites a tour d’horizon of the Bengali landscape. Its message is that, while much has been accomplished, more needs to be done to reach the next level of economic growth and prosperity. Measured optimism is in order.

Saudi Arabia: A criminal syndicate Saudi Arabia, a desert kingdom founded by a Bedouin tribe achieved formal recognition in 1932 - the mewling bastard of the British Colonial Office headed by Winston Churchill. Suspicious of an enlightened a pan-Arab state dominating the region, and hence holding the route to Britain’s Indian Empire and possessions farther east, patronage of the chieftain Ibn Saud with carrot and stick, became British policy in the Middle East. Trans-Jordan and Iraq were two further constructs of British imperial enterprise. The romance of the ‘noble savage’ in the corridors of power in Whitehall, and subsequently on Capitol Hill and in the White House in Washington, when American companies struck oil in the Wahabi kingdom, took hold. Savage, Ibn Saudi assuredly was, noble he most certainly was not, as the work of Said K. Aburish, on The Rise, Corruption and Coming Fall of the House of Saud, reveals in copious detail.

Saudi royalty has been, continues to be, a cast of thousands, all living off the bounty of oil revenues.

Immigrant labourers are the kingdom’s hewers of wood and drawers of water. Oil melded with the Wahhabi doctrinal and social imperatives, have made Saudi Arabia the hub of confessional dispensations throughout the House of Islam, a messianic corporate kleptocracy without peer. Saudi-funded zealots promoting a Wahhabist culture expanded across the Muslim world, incubating, in turn, jihadi operatives committed to the extirpation of nonSunni apostasy, together with the obliteration of unbelieving kaffirs or infidels, their institutions and ways of life, where and when encountered.

The present crisis in the Saudi monarchy’s relations with the West and the international community in general, stems from the abduction and brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi, nephew of the late, sinister international arms dealer Adnan Kashoggi. Jamal Khashoggi was a Saudi exile and journalist resident in the United State; a Washington Post columnist. His gruesome assassination was carried out in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, enraging the Turkish government, and inviting the

censure, if only temporarily, of global investors and multilateral financial institutions. Saudi Arabia’s lacquered image as a pillar of regional order and stability, has been besmirched, perhaps beyond repair..

However, geopolitical considerations are also in play.

Donald Trump’s priority is the $110 billion arms contract with the Saudi regime. American, British and French weaponryhave kept the Saudi monarchy in business as aggressor state. The ties between the Anglo-America power brokerage and Islamist radicalism has been explored with telling insights and sweep by the British writer Mark Curtis in his well researched book, Secret Affairs: Britain’s [and America’s] Collusion with Radical Islam. Scholar and philosopher Noam Chomsky commented: ‘Unearthing this largely hidden history is a contribution of the highest significance. The criminal Saudi intervention in Yemen, with the prospect of the most devastating famine in recorded history, is being carried out with the aid of Riyadh’s Western benefactors.’

The horrific execution of Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the sheer effrontery of the planning and execution was met with initially brazen Saudi denial, followed by panicstricken admission of limited guilt, apology of a ‘grave’ error, minus the premeditation.

President Erdogan poured scorn on Saudi talk of a rogue operation gone awry. He said the murder of Kashoggi was carefully planned and brutally executed.

The Turkish President demanded the arrest and surrender of the 18-member Saudi hit squad and their trial in Turkey. He wanted to know the whereabouts of Khashoggi’s body. President Erdogan avoided explosive denunciation or new revelations - since much of these had been aired previously in the Turkish media, - opting instead for a restrained but robust rebuttal, calibrating his trust in King Salman’s word, without reference to his heir apparent the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely believed to be the orchestrator of the repugnant crime. The door was kept open. The ball is in the Saudis’ court.

Anil Kumble: Great cricketer, brilliant techie India’s Anil Kumble has an honored place in cricket’s hall of fame as one of the game’s greatest spin bowlers. His brain matches the once physical skills. A graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Madras, Kumble is also a noted techie, his startup Spektacom Technologies in alliance with Microsoft Corp and Star India has invented the Power Bat. The Power Bat is driven by the Microsoft Azure cloud platform using Artificial Intelligence Internet of Things services. As soon as the batsman hits the ball, data on

different parameters such as speed, twist, and quality of shot are measured in a unit of measurement titled Power Spoeaks. In sum, it provides real-time statistics and insights straight off the ground.

At its release in Mumbai, Anil Kumble said: ‘Our vision is to bring sports closer to fans through interesting ways of engagement using real-time analytics At the same time, it is important that the technologies used are seamless and do not disrupt the game or obstruct the players.’ This opens up a new dimension to all sports right into industry.

The world can only be grasped by action, not by contemplation. The hand is the cutting edge of the mind -Jacob Bronowski (1908-1974)

Alpesh Patel

The British, India, Women, Temples and Adultery The Indian Supreme Court has struck down yet another colonial era British law as being contrary to the Constitution of India. Adultery is no longer a criminal offence. But the reasoning is important.

Judge Rohinton Nariman said that "ancient notions of man being perpetrator and woman being victim no longer hold good". Justice DY Chandrachud said the law "perpetuates subordinate status of women, denies dignity, sexual autonomy, is based on gender stereotypes".

The Supreme Court therefore went against the practice of criminalising adultery in countries following Sharia Law, such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan. A list you don’t want to be associated with usually. Adultery is also illegal in 21 US States, including New York. But no longer in India.

This case precedes another centering around women. The case of Sabarimala temple. And I am sure an issue dividing many British Indians too. The Supreme Court ruled 4-1 that the religious practices of the temple were unconstitutional.

There is some solace for the temple. Practice and law are two different things. The law is measuring Constitutionality, not religious rectitude. So the traditionalists can hold tight that they remain right in their beliefs, just that those beliefs are contrary to the Constitution of India. They may well say the Constitution should be changed, that its interpretation is wrong. But that is how the law works. It is quite dispassionate, and a mere interpretation of documents often written long ago to try to understand the intentions of the founding fathers who wrote it.

Chief Justice Misra noted that “repression of women under the garb of biological or physiological factors cannot be given the seal of legitimacy”. He also held that the right to religion is an inherently “non-discriminatory right which is equally available to both men and women of all age groups professing the same religion.”

Justice Chandrachud said “practices which are destructive of liberty and those which make some citizens less equal than others can simply not be countenanced. To treat women as children of a lesser god is to blink at the Constitution itself.”

“Freedom of religion and, likewise, the freedom to manage the affairs of a religious denomination is subject to and must yield to these fundamental notions of constitutional morality.”

For the temple, the dissent of the only woman Supreme Court Justice to sit on the hearing and who favoured the status quo, Justice Malhotra, made for weak reasoning; “it is irrelevant whether the practice is rational or logical. Notions of rationality cannot be invoked in matters of religion by courts”. She also noted that “It is not for the courts to determine which of these practices of a faith are to be struck down, except if they are pernicious, oppressive, or a social evil, like Sati.”

When I was a young barrister, we were told, hard cases make bad laws. The losing side in this case will agree. Again, some solace for them, in the US Constitution where it stated ‘all men are created equal’ the Supreme Court was able to find that meant it was legal to keep slaves. This business by Supreme Court Justices of interpreting constitutions is not clear cut.

Editor: CB Patel Asian Voice is published by Asian Business Publications Ltd Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080 • Fax: 020 7749 4081 Email: aveditorial@abplgroup.com Website: www.abplgroup.com INDIA OFFICE Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad-380 015.

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Gang of seven men guilty of child sex abuse in Rotherham

Pair guilty of girl's takeaway allergy death

A gang of seven men has been convicted of sexually exploiting vulnerable teenage girls in Rotherham.

One of the complainants told a trial at Sheffield Crown Court how she had sex with ‘at least 100 Asian men’ by the time she was 16 and another described how she was gang-raped in a forest and threatened with being abandoned there. The case is the first major prosecution arising out of Operation Stovewood, the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) inquiry into historical child sexual exploitation in the South Yorkshire town which has identified more than 1,500 victims.

Six of the seven men were named as Mohammed Imran Ali Akhtar, Nabeel Kurshid, Iqbal Yousaf, Tanweer Ali, Salah Ahmed El-Hakam, Asif Ali. The investigation was set up in the wake of the 2014 Jay Report which laid bare the shocking scale of exploitation in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013 and failure of police and social services to intervene.

The jury in the trial which finished on Monday heard how girls, who are now in their 30s, were ‘lured by the excitement of friendship with older Asian youths’ but then sexually assaulted and passed between men. Prosecutors said the five complainants in the trial were easy to target because they needed to be loved. Michelle Colborne QC, prosecuting, said: ‘When they were in their teens, they were targeted, sexualised and, in some instances, subjected to acts of a degrading and violent nature at the hands of these men who sit in the dock.’

She said: ‘None of them had the maturity to understand that they were being groomed and exploited.’

The prosecutor said they ‘believed sex of some kind or other was a necessary price for friendship’. The jury of nine men and three women was told how girls were

Two men have been found guilty of the manslaughter of a 15-year-old girl who suffered an allergic reaction to a takeaway meal.

Megan Lee died after eating food containing peanuts from the Royal Spice takeaway in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire.

Owner Mohammed Abdul Kuddus, 40, and Harun Rashid, 38, denied manslaughter by gross negligence.

After the verdicts, Megan's father Adam warned takeaway owners: "Do not play Russian roulette with precious lives."

Manchester Crown Court previously heard the teenager suffered an acute asthma attack after eating food from the takeaway on 30 December 2016, which her friend had ordered with a note reading "prawns, nuts" to show her allergies.

She died two days later having suffered irreversible brain damage.

Judge Mrs Justice Yip released Kuddus and Rashid on bail to return for sentencing on 7 November.

The judge said: "The fact that I am granting bail should not be taken as an indication that there will be a non-custodial sentence.

"You need to prepare yourselves for a custodial sentence but I am allowing you to go home for now."

During the trial Peter Wright QC, prosecuting, described Megan's death as a "disaster waiting to happen"

TOP: Iqlak Yousaf , Asif Ali, Tanweer Ali BOTTOM: Salah El-Hakam, Nabeel Kurshid, Mohammed Imran Akhtar

given alcohol and drugs before they were passed between men in the town.

‘They each suffer the emotional effects of that abuse to this day,’ Ms Colborne said. The prosecutor said: ‘The girls were enthralled by older, Asian men, men who had cars and seemed exciting to them. They thought they were living the high life.’

The seven men who were convicted on Monday were told by Judge Sarah Wright they will be sentenced on November 16.

They were all remanded in custody. The girl who had to have an abortion fell pregnant at the age of 14 and told the court that she felt her childhood had been ‘snatched away’ from her.

She told detectives during an interview that was recorded on video that she suffered abuse between 1998 and 2001.

She said: ‘I can honestly say that by the age of 16 I had slept with 100 Asian men – some I didn’t see again. ‘The ones who come and use you for one time are the ones who are hard to remember. ‘As soon as you get to know them your number gets passed around.

Asian lads demanding to meet you – then you meet a new group and it went on like that. ‘I didn’t know at

the time I was being passed around when I was 13 but I know now I’m older.’ She victim described how she initially disliked one of the gang.

However she eventually ‘fell’ for him when he made her feel special by visiting her ‘every day’ after he finished his shift in the early hours of the morning, the jury heard. She said she fell pregnant with his son at the age of 14 and gave birth to him when she was 15. The victim claimed sexual activity with Ali Akhtar continued throughout pregnancy. The court heard she told how after their son was born, she ‘tricked’ him into meeting him when he visited her hoping for sex. She said: ‘I never saw him again after that.’ The girl told how her sister was also allegedly abused by Ali Akhtar and said the abuse they suffered made it feel as though their childhoods were ‘snatched away.’

She said: ‘Before, we would just enjoy going on holiday with our granddad but we had advantage taken of us – we were children one minute and adults the next.

‘We were snatched away.’

An eighth defendant, Ajmal Rafiq was acquitted of two counts of false imprisonment and indecent assault.

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Harun Rashid (left) and Mohammed Kuddus

Megan Lee

because of a "litany of failings" in the kitchen, including poor hygiene and no records of ingredients kept.

The meal, which included an onion bhaji, a seekh kebab and a Peshwari naan, was later found to have the "widespread presence" of peanut protein.

Following her death a police inquiry was launched and on 6 January the restaurant was immediately closed down by Trading Standards and environmental hygiene officers.

It later reopened under new management.

The eight men and four women on the jury took about six hours of delibera-

Taxi licences issued to convicted criminals in private Taxi licences are being issued behind closed doors to drivers convicted of offences including child sex crimes and reckless driving, the Local Democracy Reporting Service has revealed. The findings follow a government report that claims current taxi and private hire laws are "not fit for the modern world".

According to the report, rules need tightening on everything from CCTV use in taxis to criminal record

checks. Some existing laws date back to 1847.

In most areas licences for taxis and private hire vehicles - or minicabs - are issued by unitary, borough or district councils. In London the system is managed by Transport for London. In recent weeks, Local Democracy Reporters have reported that: - A taxi driver in Sandwell was allowed to keep working, despite a criminal conviction for sexually assault-

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tions to reach their verdicts.

Rashid, of Rudd Street, Haslingden, who had claimed he was merely a delivery driver at the restaurant at the time, was also found guilty of failing to discharge a general duty of employers, contrary to the Health and Safety at Work Act, and another count of failing to put in place, implement and maintain a permanent procedure or procedures in contravention of European Union food safety regulations.

Kuddus, of Belper Street, Blackburn, had already pleaded guilty to those two charges on behalf of himself and Royal Spice Takeaway Ltd. The men made no comment as they were approached by media while leaving court.

Det Ch Insp Mark Vaughton of Lancashire Police, said there had been a "casual disregard for customer safety" that was "blatant and widespread" at the takeaway.

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ing a child. The case was heard in private - A Cornwall driver was granted a licence behind closed doors even though he had been convicted of causing death by reckless driving in 1986 and common assault in 2011 - Birmingham City Council revoked a private hire licence in February, more than two years after the unnamed driver had been convicted of human trafficking offences in Belgium.

Licensing staff found out through a criminal records check when his licence was up for renewal - but it had gone unnoticed when the licence was renewed in 2016 - In Scotland, burglars, arsonists, domestic abusers, thieves and reckless drivers were all successful in acquiring taxi and private hire licences from Borders Council The Bolton News also reported that licensing chiefs let a taxi driver off with a warning - also in private - after he was convicted of driving without due care and attention and failing to stop after an accident.

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Northwick Park Hospital Asian mum and grandmother sued as feeding tube from Hayes saved four lives inserted into her Lung through organ donation 85 year-old Puspa Monji died at Northwick Park Hospital after the feeding tube was incorrectly inserted into her lung instead of her stomach. The family have sued the hospital because of their negligence.

In February, Puspa Monji, was admitted at the hospital for a routine operation to repair an abdominal hernia. She was initially correctly fitted with a feeding tube as she had difficulty in swallowing. But after an xray of the first tube's position, a worker removed the tube and incorrectly placed a new one into her chest.

Senior coroner Andrew Walker at the inquest into her death said that Puspa had died due to “consequences of medical treatment contributed to by neglect”.

Puspa's grandson, Kishan Parshotam lived with her and said that her death was a real shock to the system. He said“The trust hasn’t really reached out to us or apologised. They breached all deadlines for the coroner, because they can – there are no repercussions.”

Dame Jacqueline Docherty of the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust’s chief said: “It is clear from our own internal investigation and subsequent inquest that we let Puspa Monji and her family down. We failed to follow our agreed processes and for that I am truly sorry.”

He also added that “there were many opportunities to prevent Mrs Monji’s death” saying the lack of labelling on the tube, the failure of the hospital staff to follow its own policies regarding the insertion of the tubes and the assessment of tube positioning had killed her.

Kishan confirmed that any money received from the Trust or the hospital will be donated to the charity.

People who became organ donors at London hospitals were posthumously honoured at a moving award ceremony. They received the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant, which was given to their families and loved ones on their behalf. The private award ceremony was held at the Priory Church of the Order of St John in Clerkenwell in October 2018.

Hundreds of families are receiving the award at regional ceremonies held across the UK between September and December. The awards recognise the 1,574 people who donated their organs after death last year, leading to thousands of patients' lives being saved or transformed.

Bimlar Parmar from Hayes became a lifesaving organ donor when she died of a brain haemorrhage aged 68. She collapsed in the bathroom and brains scans at Hillingdon Hospital confirmed she would not recover. Her family were approached about donation by a specialist nurse from NHS Blood and Transplant. Her daughter Gurpreet Parmar, 39, who lived with her in Hayes, said: “My mum was not on the NHS Organ Donor Register but my siblings and I were

Bimlar and grandson Arjun

fine with it as we believed someone else should be helped by our loss. “I personally had registered to be a donor a long time ago as I want to help someone else once I am gone.

“Mum was able to donate her lungs, kidneys and liver to four people aged in their 50s and 60s.”

Gurpreet added: “She was retired and had worked at Alpha Catering for over 40 years with an amazing

track record. She had awards for long service and no sick days!

“She was religious and loved by everyone.

Happy and with a beautiful soul. So many people came to her funeral which showed how loved she was by her friends.”

The family are Sikhs with an Indian background and they are aware of the need for more Asian donors.

Organs are matched by blood group and tissue type and people from the same ethnic background are more likely to be a match. However there is a shortage of Asian donors.

Last year, 42% of Black and Asian families agreed to donate their relative’s organs, compared to 66% of families from the overall population. In London, 47% of Black and Asian families donated. Gurpreet said the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation was a really lovely gesture.

NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for people in London to be inspired by the actions of the donors honoured at this ceremony.

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Project Dignity

A Pioneer Pan India Project in the Field of Skill Development Empowering 30,000 Widows The Loomba Foundation working together with the Rotary India Literacy Mission is providing vocational skills training this year to:

5000 widows, un-married daughters of widows and single mothers

in the states of Delhi, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. in the fields of Beauty & Wellness, Tailoring and IT.

If you wish to know more about the Dignity Project or support a widow on the auspicious occasion of Diwali this year Please contact: Mr. Risto Harma at risto@theloombafoundation.org, Loomba House, 622 Western Avenue, London. W3 0TF www.theloombafoundation.org Charity No. 1064988

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8 UK

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3 - 9 November 2018

Do franchises really work There are many franchises out there at the moment some people have found the franchise model fantastic and is enabled them to grow business quickly and effectively with the support of the franchise.

Other franchisees have not been so lucky that franchises be more interested in making sure that they are receiving their franchise fee amount monthly amounts rather than helpJames Backhouse ing them concentrate on the busines s recently we had a client that was in a franchise he had purchased it from an outgoing franchisee had taken on the premises at that time. We had advised him not to put his name on the lease but allowed to stay within the franchise.

Unfortunately our client did not receive the necessary support that he needed to make the franchise grow and the franchisees became dissatisfied and started making demands on him. They then invoked the ability to counsel the franchise was keeping the franchise fee and removing him from the area. The one thing that has caused him the biggest problem was the lease. The franchisee had insisted that he personally underwrite the lease much to our disagreements. This has meant that the client has now lost the franchise was left with a shop which you can do nothing with stop To make matters worse the franchise demanded the next 3 to take back the stock and other items which were currently in his possession. As part of this exit fee it was agreed that they would take back police.

Once the money had been handed over in the stock had been returned my client close the doors for the final time. However a month later he received an invoice from the landlord demanding payment.

When he fo rwarded on the literature from the franchise the landlord term and said while the leases with you and not them and they have not narrated the lease. We had insisted to our client that this was a fundamental thing that he should not hand over any paperwork until such time as Lisa been debated over. Unfortunately again the client did not listen and now he’s stuck with a shop in an area that he doesn’t want to be in with a bit with no idea what is going to do with it stop franchises sometimes are more interested in looking after themselves than they are to help the franchisee stop so franchises are fantastic and will support you hold your hand and take you from the start to the individual journey.

Whenever you think about a fewer franchise the one thing you must do is speak to your accountant the councilwo man look through all the relevant paperwork making sure that this franchises going to support you. Many franchises charge a percentage the marketing a percentage for managements even a percentage freak out and see even though they don’t do anything. If you are thinking going into franchise while getting contact with one of us and will be more than happy to discuss with you the options that you have. Franchises can be cured but then they can also be catastrophic for a free consultation please give us a call

Offices in Harrow, Birmingham & Cambridge For more information please call 020 3763 8500.

262 High Road, Harrow Weald, HA3 7BB

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Preservation of Pashmina: Third year of Jammu and Kashmir festival Priyanka Mehta The third year of Jammu and Kashmir Festival at London calls for the preservation of Pashmina in the eminent presence of Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East and in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Mr. Babar Afzal, founder of the Pashmina Goat Project, led the panel discussion by charting his personal journey into the mountains of Ladakh and sharing his experiences of a “Shepherd's life”. Babar who is a pashmina Artist, Activist and a pashmina goat shepherd himself has been referred many a time as “the most credible voice on Pashmina in the world”. But like many other Kashmiris, Babar said“While I was growing up the only thing that I wanted was to do was leave and never come back.” But one headline in the Telegraph about 25,000 Pashmina goats starving to death and Babar gave up his corporate

(Right to left) MP Bob Blackman, Lakshmi Kaul (head of CII, UK), Babar Afzal (Head of Pashmina Goat Project) and Sonal Sher (Director, Jammu and Kashmir Festival)

life to explore the Kashmiri terrains he didn't even know existed before.

A short film “Call of Pashmina” was also screened that provided an insight into the “making of the Pashmina.” The film has already won a number of international awards is being screened at the British Documentary Film Festival on 3rd November in London. What followed was Babar's innovative plans of creating a global Pashmina world through various projects, the pioneer being “Pashmina Goat Project.”

This project also aims to create awareness about authentic Pashminas among the consumers so that they cannot be fleeced by retailers with duplicate products. But at the same time, Mr. Afzal hopes that this would help put Jammu and Kashmir in a positive light when terrorist related negative news stories are increasingly being covered.

Sajid Javid apologises to immigration applicants forced to give DNA samples The Home Secretary Sajid Javid has apologised to immigrants – including to Afghan nationals who worked for the British armed forces and Gurkha soldiers – who were forced to provide DNA samples under the government’s hostile environment agenda.

People seeking to live and work in the UK on the basis of a family relationship can choose to provide DNA to prove a relationship to support an application.

But Sajid Javid told the House of Commons that in June it became apparent that the provision of DNA evidence had been made a requirement and was “not simply a request” in a number of family visa applications. A review into the scandal found that at least 449 demands for DNA were issued, including 51 to Gurkha soldiers. Ministers have previously revealed that 1,150 Afghan nationals, including 700 family members and parents of those employed by UK government, have been relocated to UK under a scheme targeted by the mandatory DNA testing. Yvette Cooper, Labour chair of the home affairs select committee, said: “The revelation that the Home Office has been unlawfully requiring DNA tests in hundreds of immi-

Sajid Javid

gration applications is deeply troubling and, coming after the Windrush crisis, suggests that something has gone very wrong in the Home Office again.”

“Today I want to take this opportunity to apologise to those who have been affected by this process,” Javid said. Javid said he had set up a new taskforce for anyone who felt they had been wrongly required to provide DNA evidence for an immigration application and added he would order a broader review into Home Office processes to ensure the department was “fit for the modern world.” “I know that the immigration system is operated by many highly committed people but we must make sure that the structures and processes they use are fit for the modern world and fit for a new

immigration system which we will be bringing in after we leave the European Union. “I will be reviewing the structures and processes more broadly to ensure that they are fair and humane. I will now consider what form that review will take.”

Javid said he had issued instructions that officials must not mandatorily seek DNA evidence and would be looking to reimburse any individual who experienced financial loss as a result of the problem. He said they would also be examining whether DNA had been illegally demanded in any other area of the immigration system. The home secretary said the issue came to light and an internal review was immediately ordered. The review had finished but there was further work to be done to establish the scale of

the problem, Javid said.

The majority of cases identified were part of a Home Office operation called Operation Fugal, which started in April 2016, to clamp down on alleged fraud in some family and human rights immigration applications. Javid said 83 applications were refused, including seven solely for the failure to provide DNA evidence. A further six appear to have been refused for failure to provide DNA evidence where this was not the sole reason. In addition, the home secretary said the illegal requirement to provide DNA had been applied to Gurkha soldiers and Afghan nationals who had worked for the UK government. “This published guidance was wrong and has now been updated,” Javid said, adding that there were 51 cases identified where DNA evidence was requested from applicants at their own cost.

Investigations suggest that no one making an application under this scheme has been refused because they did not take a DNA test, he said.

“Nonetheless mandatory testing should not have been part of this scheme and this requirement has now been removed,” the home secretary said.

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Childcare facilities: caring about our working parents Priyanka Mehta Ajit* like most people in London leaves his house at the crack of dawn to endure a forty-five minute drudged tube ride to work. His wife, Anita* stays home to take care of their 5-year-old child.

Ajit* has no alternative but to slave off at his 9-6 job because of the heavy mortgage that is due for his 2bedroom flat in North London. Anita unfortunately cannot go out and work owing to the high cost of putting their child into Childcare and travelling expenses that will override her daily minimum wages.

But Ajit and Anita are not the only couple struggling through childcare facilities in the UK.

Career-break and job-relocation

Rumia Mukherjee and her husband are software analysts. Mother of two children aged 4 and 9-year-old, Rumia's previously worked in London. However, following the birth of her younger child, she had to take a break. And now, she has re-located to a job that is closer to home in Milton Keyes.

Depending upon the kind of private nursery, the prices vary from anywhere between £750-£1000 per month excluding the cost of

holidays wherein the nurseries charge somewhere between £40-£50 a day.

While women have the relief of receiving maternity pay, childcare is a financial luxury for most.

“After the maternity pay cover, if you have to send your two kids to a nursery and a school, along with the travel expenses in London and your other daily needs, you can't really afford [childcare] unless you are doing a standard job.” said Rumia.

The rising trend of working women leaving their jobs resulted in the Government launching two new childcare schemes in 2017- “30hours free childcare” and “Tax-Free Childcare”.

30-hours free childcare

According to this scheme, the government has set the following conditions for the parent and their partner (if they have one) to meet: - In work or getting parental leave, sick leave or annual leave - Each earning at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week - Not earning more than £100,000 per year.

However, this '30-hours free childcare” is applicable only to children between 2-4 years-old. According to the “Childcare” report released

by the House of Commons for 2017-2019 session. The IFS updated this research in 2016 in its report “Does free childcare help parents work?”, and it found “no evidence that the work patterns of mothers with younger children, or those of fathers, were affected [...] as their children moved from being entitled to a free part-time nursery place to a full-time place at primary school”. But Rumia adds to that theory.

“30 hours free childcare is there, but you are spending thousands and that is applicable only to my little one and definitely it is helpful but in the big picture, childcare is still very expensive. At the moment nursery itself costs me around 1000£ per month.”

Currently based in Milton Keynes, Rumia had to sacrifice her career as her m a t e r n a l responsibilities over-shadowed her work commitments and she Rumia said: “Of course I had to compromise at my new job both in terms of the salary because the pay in Central London is higher and also work-wise as it was a better opportunity. I am not sure if I am happy with

my decision to quit the previous job but it was the only that I can manage my children and my career. I don't really have an alternative.”

Long queues and admissions

Chandni Priya, has a 5-yearold child and works as an HR for an internat i o n a l FMCG comp a n y .

Previously, a resident in Chandni Priya the Isle of Dogs, commuting to her office in Bank was not her only hassle. The biggest problem was getting her child into the only good nursery in her locality.

“Most of the times the common problem is getting your child in the nursery. There is usually a long waiting list because there are more kids than they can accommodate.”

But the problem extends beyond nurseries and to admitting children in private schools where they have more number of holidays than state schools. This makes sending children for after-school vocational classes or even term-break camps an expensive affair.

“It all works depending child but unlike other workon the school's convenience ing moms, Deepa did not and the availability of young give up her career to look after her child. volunteers. For example “We have sometimes these camps our own busiare organised for two ness so it weeks in a row during helped me in the term breaks and having flexible sometimes it is only for a working hours. week. So what about the Also, me and remaining holidays, we my husband have to think of somesplit up our thing else at last Deepa schedules and moment!” made sure that one of us is But like Rumia, even always around to look after Chandni had to quit her previous job despite her husthe child.” band's assistance. It only But while Deepa may highlights the role that a have the luxury of her own company has to play in business, Vidya Ram a ensuring flexibility to workLondonbased jouring mothers and Chandani said: “The work atmosphere nalist doesthere was very target driven n't enjoy the with a sales related outlook same priviso it used to be very difficult lege.

But to manage my work hours that hasn't and at the same time pickdeteriorated up and drop-my child off to or hindered Vidya nursery so it was one of the Vidya's career and she saidfactors why I quit my previ“The life of a journalist ous jobs!” doesn't really offer flexible These case studies only hours and it is mostly an compel the government to erratic work schedule. But in come up with better and the #MeToo era, I want my more affordable childcare children to learn how schemes. important it is to earn your Work division and own and be independent in life. I want them to learn flexible hours from me how to manage Deepa Sugathan and her both professional and perhusband are both solicitors sonal lives so I haven't really and parents to a 5-year-old. ever considered giving up And they face similar probon my job.” lems of bringing up their

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Deepavali - a public holiday

The murder most foul

Keep on drinking

I read the article in the Asian Voice dated 27 Oct to 3 Nov 2018 – Vol 47 Issue 26 on British PMs to debate on making Deepavali a public holiday. Me being a Hindu and living in the UK do not agree that Deepavali should take place as a public holiday or even Eid as stated in the article reason being that we as Hindus and Muslims and other minorities that are living in Britain should live by the British law and as living in the UK they have their festive days such as Christmas and Easter breaks which are considered as UK public holidays throughout the year.

We as Hindus, Muslims and other minorities living in the UK should be happy as individuals that the British government are allowing us to celebrate these festivities in the UK throughout the year such as Navratri (9 day festival) as well as celebrating Deepavali in Trafalgar Square every year like it took place on 18th October 2018. I would suggest that if the individual is a working citizen and want days off for their Deepavali and Eid breaks then they should take it off their annual holidays, which is considered as a paid holiday.

Sejal Vibhakar Finchley, London

The Saudi dissent journalist, Khashoggi’s brutal murder has shook the civilized nations the world over and sent a shiver down the spine of those criticizing and opposing the regime.

There seems to be cover ups, lies and deceits by the Saudi authority that put the integrity of the country in question.

The crime has been committed in Turkish's jurisdiction.

The Turkish President Claims the culprits should be tried in his own land and be punished if found guilty.

Unarguably this is justifiable. If Saudis are sincere and sure that this despicable crime has been committed by rogue element, they do not have to fear. They must cooperate to clear their name.

The Turkish President has promised that the trial will be conducted in the presence of international media. All those nations that value freedom of speech and human rights must back Turkey to establish truth in this horrible crime.

Niranjan Vasant By email

As winter sets in, the last thing we feel like doing is drinking cold tap water. But medical experts say we must drink water intermittently throughout the day to stay healthy.

If cold water gives you a headache, add a dash of boiling water to make it less cold and easier to drink. And to keep warm, instead of tea or coffee, try drinking a cup of medium hot water which is also said to promote better health by clearing one's body of impurities.

Rudy Otter By email

Food Allergy warning Thank you for your article on Food Allergy Warning. So sorry to learn about the deaths in your article. I am also a sufferer of food intolerance. My first experience was in June 1962 at College Hostel, with swelling around the eye and frequent problems. All checks with foods, stool exams etc did not reveal the cause of allergy, in my first year in Mumbai.

Now I think it must have been related to aubergine seeds, common vegetable in hostel meals as the culprit. In 1963 I went back to Tanga (Tanzania) and the GP gave me blood injections, 1ml 2ml and 3mls for three days, taking blood from my veins and injecting into muscle mass. This procedure reduced the frequency since 1963 onwards but is not advocated by dermatologists here in the UK. Luckily mine was only serious only, after evening meals at my Salaajis house in North London. I had that night swelling of the throat and tongue. An ambulance attended and took me to the A&E department at Kingston Hospital. I have idiopathic allergy and keep and epipen (2) with me at all times. I am ok with all nuts, sesame seeds, but intolerance to vinegar, strong citrus juices/drinks, tamarind, aubergines and get on occasions reactions to alcohol (some types only), sulphide content high can trigger reactions.

Even strawberries/sweets can trigger off reactions/asthma in children. I know of one girl who had this problem.

Oral reactions are quite common afecting the mouth mucosa, lips, tongue and throat (more serious/urgent). I was surprised Natasha had sesame seeds reaction, as one can see seeds on baguette and taste with first bite. Intolerance foods/drinks should be avoided with extra care, when eating outside home. All at home/school should know how to use an Epipen (adult and paediatric) and all the ambulance once the Epipen has been used in an emergency.

JG Thekerar Kingston

Decoding Gita for the next generation I was a somewhat surprised to read on page 14 of this week’s AV the Bhagwad Gita being described as based on “Indian mythological text..”. Is that true? This is akin to describing the Bible or the Koran as being based on “Abrahamic mythological text..”.By referring to the scriptures as “mythological”, I feel that the authors and the panellists seem to have missed a great opportunity to put the Gita on an equal standing with the holy books of the Bible and the Koran, for the next generation.

Dinesh Rai By email

Renaming Allahabad There are so many cities in India that are named after the brutal conquerors, from Moghul rulers to British, French and Portuguese invaders that have left a bitter taste among vast number of residents. While State governments are eager and willing to rename cities that bear Western influence, such as Bombay to Mumbai, Madras to Chennai, Baroda to Vadodara and Calcutta to Kolkata, not meaningful in the eyes of many, as it is just playing with alphabets rather than giving them new names or restoring old, traditional names they were known as hundreds of years ago, decorous Hindus politicians are reluctant to rename cities that bear traditional Islamic names.

While it is understandable to retain names given by conquerors if these cities were newly built by them with no historic background, it is also understandable if some of these names are changed to its original names, like Ahmedabad to Karnavati, the name which was in use for a long time before Gujarat was conquered by Ahmed Shah. Both names are historically appropriate and as Shakespeare wrote, “Rose by any name would smell sweet!” But Shakespeare was an academic, not a politician!

These long standing demands will be fulfilled, at least in one state led by CM “Yogi Adityanath” of BJP who won a

Congress Members jibes against PM of India What is going on with the Congress Party members? Today, Shashi Tharoor compared one of the worlds most respected PMs, Narendra Modi, with a "scorpion sitting on a Shivling, and one that can't be removed by hand or chappal"! Even Rahul Gandhi has been calling him, a "thief, ckowkidaar and liar!". Is this how they speak about the leader of the country on a world stage? This kind of dis-respect should not go unpunished, and in my opinion, those guilty of such misdemenours should be taken to task for discrediting the Parliament of India and its leaders.

One never hears such heinous nonsense from other world parliaments, so why from India? We often see televised debates of the UK parliament here, and the members are shown as having respect for each other. In India however, all you see is personal mud-slinging against opposing parties, and no work or schedule is ever carried out. It seems that disruption or personal jibes is usually 'the order for the day'. For a stable and respectable democracy, this must stop. This explains why very little gets done in India, and why even basic tasks take for ever to do. If this wasn't the case, then India would be far more advanced, and things would get done in a timely member. Speak up India, and stop your MPs from such cringe-worthy behaviour.

Kishorsinh D Jadeja By email

Where the old crocs go There used to be a saying that Bournemouth was a place where only the old crocs - worn out and disabled people – went for holidays. Well, I must say that I may have become a little old in the tooth but have not that worn out yet.

The family decided to spend a weekend at no other place than Bournemouth, a seaside resort in the south west of England. We booked a couple of rooms in a sea-facing hotel and spent a lovely two days swimming in the hotel’s pool and just relaxing. People go away to sunny climes like Ibiza or Corfu just to relax but if relaxation is all you want then there are places in the UK too to spend a few days with family.

The seafront, like any other seafront in the UK, is jam packed with hotels, restaurants and amusement arcades.

Besides the usual funfair with its merry go round and bumper cars, a toy train takes you along the beach to visit the many restaurants or ice cream stalls.

There were many people enjoying themselves but not all of them old crocs! When I used to work at the Department of Education and Science, I used to spend many a lunch hour on a bench at Waterloo station. There used to be a huge hoarding inviting people to go to Bournemouth and I used to long to go there. Well, that dream has now been fulfilled!

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford stunning victory at the last Assembly elections, with a promise to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj, the ancient name of the city which was changed to its present name after 16th Century Emperor Akbar built a fort near the confluence of three most revered rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati, known as Sangam.

According to ancient belief with religious significance, Prayag, on the banks of Sangam, is the site where Lord Brahma performed first Yagna, thus a holy place of great importance to Hindus, explained the CM Adityanath.

Another significant reason is that it is the site of the greatest gathering of humans anywhere in the world, known as “Kumbh Mela” which will be held there in 2019, after the name change.

There are so many places bearing such names honouring brutal conquerors that need name change but I hope new names may reflect, honour comparatively recent saints, freedom fighters and noble sons of India, like Sardar, Bose, Gandhi, Tagore, Abdul Kalam Azad, Zakir Hussain, Shivaji, Maha Rana Pratap, Sikh Gurus and few more who are responsible for the liberation of Bharat from the clutches of British Raj. Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Could obesity bring NHS to its knees?

Not so long ago, NHS used to be under tremendous pressure during winter months. But now pressure is on throughout the year, even during warm, pleasant summer months when NHS staffs should have time to relax and catch-up on the rest and sleep they missed out during long, dark, wet and depressing winter months when they were obliged to work long hours!

While summer months bring relief from cold and flu symptoms, pressure comes from hay-fever sufferers, as more people are succumbing to this menace, losing their inbuilt immunity that we, the older generation have acquired through out-door living in tropical countries. There are also more incidents of binge drinking when lager, cider and other such intoxicating drinks taste like nectar from heaven; in a warm, long evenings when barbeque is a God send gift to enjoy and appreciate summer months.

Although obesity is world-wide problem, especially in well to do Western world, dominated by fast food culture where pizza, burger, chicken, kebabs, fish and chips dominate our dining table, we have acquired unenviable reputation as the most obese nation in Europe. At one time obesity was the curse of the young who live a life in fast lane. But now it starts from childhood, especially in primary and secondary schools where school meals are frowned-upon, in favour of junk food. No wonder fast food shops mushroom near schools, some even providing take away delivery if children are not allowed to leave school premises.

Obesity leads to other, more serious health problems later on in life, such as high cholesterol, blood pressure, type two diabetics, blocked arteries and related heart problems and many more that may need lifelong medication, putting enormous pressure on our under-funded, over-used NHS, especially on GPs and A & E service.

Obesity is slightly less menacing among Asian community, especially among those who are vegetarians, as vegetarian diet contains more water, fibres and less fat compared to non-veggie diet, although consumption of eggs and fish may be advantageous on the health front. What we need is sensible, balanced diet of protein and carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and and less consumption of alcohol and take-away fried foods like chips, sweets, samosas, bhaji and their likes.

Diwali is the prime-time for over-indulgence, the consumption of sweets and fried unhealthy foods. Do enjoy Diwali, especially as it comes so soon after Navratri when so many of us may observe fast. But moderation is the by-word to keep fit and healthy, especially in old age, take to heart the saying, “Apple a day, keeps doctor away!”

Kumudini Valambia By email

Hatred and prejudices went unchecked I write with reference to the poignant speech made by Lord Popat which you reported in GS-AV recently. He says that it is Jews today and it could be us (Hindus?) tomorrow.

Noting the comments made by the Labour Party Leader and also the release of that Imam of Hate from prison recently, I suspect we as Sanatan Dharmics will equally not be spared by them. It is imperative that we stand up to these bullies.

"Yada yada hey dharmatsya...."

I have recently attended lectures by Dharmic Ideas and Policy Foundation and feel that through these organisations we need to lobby the powers that be. To use our democratic rights to protect ourselves from onslaughts. We need to help 'our own' who are blighted by the authorities of other lands, as shown by their recent documentary 'Who am I, the plight of Pakistani Hindus'.

It is however equally sad to read that the people of Gujarat are shedding blood of their own countrymen.

Lord Sacks in the GS-AV article said it succinctly "forced conversions, expulsion, holocaust...and... it happened because no one said stop". It goes on in Pakistan and Jammu&Kashmir.

Surely it is time for Arjuna to take his bow out of his quiver.

Yogi Pandya Wembley

We are grateful to all letter writers for more and more versatile letters well within word limit. Please keep contributing as always. If you are new, then write to Rupanjana at rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com - AV

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Bargain hunters looking for cheap car insurance warned of falling prey to 'ghost broking' Rupanjana Dutta People with fake or false car insurance could be fined £300 and six points on licence, with car seized or potentially crushed, a possible court appearance, as well as being liable for the associated costs, if you get involved in an accident said the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) in a campaign, trying to raise awareness about dangers of buying a fake car insurance, just seeing an advert on social media promising a cheap insurance.

YouGov conducted a survey on behalf of IFB and said one in three 18-24 year olds have seen a suspicious looking advert for car insurance on social media. While young people are more susceptible, all age groups are affected with one in five people overall having seen a suspicious advert. Despite this, a worrying two thirds of people surveyed admitted they wouldn’t even check if their seller had a website before buying car insurance. In fact, the survey also revealed that one in three people didn’t know how serious the consequences of having fake or falsified car insurance could be.

The IFB said that Ghost broking is on the rise, with a

icy looks lucrative, and no one realises the dangers and credibility associated with it.

However the older generation, who suffer from insurance cost hikes depending on area they live in, told Asian Voice, they would not just go by a social media advert.

significant increase in investigations since 2015. In only a few hours, an IFB Intelligence Researcher also found more than 50 suspicious looking social media adverts worthy of further investigation and the IFB is now working with them to get these removed.

With 95% of people surveyed having never heard the term ‘ghost broking’, concern is that a lack awareness about this type of scam could mean that people prioritise saving money without considering the dangers of buying car insurance that isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.

Asians on a bargain hunt, need to be wary as ghost broking scammers use fake adverts to pose as seemingly legitimate sellers on social media, offering cheap car insurance before disappearing without a trace, leaving

their victims out of pocket and often uninsured. Young people in particular should be cautious as they could be targeted due to their typically higher insurance premiums and may be more likely to buy these policies due to them often having lower disposable incomes.

Students and bargain hunters fall prey Often after students have passed their driving test, and buy cars with less than £1000, when they try for insurance, the lowest quote given to them is often no less than £20,000, the highest going up to £34,000.

Most companies refuse to insure first time 18 year old drivers. A desperate measure leads to a desperate action of falling prey to fake policies.

The assurance of a cheap pol-

Madan Raj, a professional in West London in his mid 30s, told Asian Voice, “I would not just go by an advert, without checking the credibility of the source.”

40 year old Ravi Ramanujam, an IT entrepreneur, who lives in East London told the newsweekly, “I haven't seen any suspicious adverts selling car insurance on social media.

I would not buy a car insurance without checking the company details, may how attractive the policy cost be.”

But many Asians buying a policy, work on recommendations, go with an insurance

company, just by word of mouth, sometimes even getting some extra benefits.

However restauranteur

Prabir Chattopadhyay said, he has never encountered any ghost broker on social media, though he has suffered after buying a cheap insurance. He also admitted not checking websites for credibility before buying an insurance. He told Asian Voice, "Even the comparison websites sell insurance list companies with no real offices, they only have call centres. It is hard to know initially who has proper offices until you have an issue, that's when you realise they are not for real."

Discussing these concerning results, Ben Fletcher, Director of the IFB said, “Although legitimate insurers and brokers advertise on social media, it’s essential

that people stay savvy to the differences between what’s genuine and what’s fake.

“Enticing offers may seem like an easy way to save money on your car insurance, but the reality is that by cutting corners and not checking if the source is genuine, people are risking their hard earned cash.

“While people have a responsibility to buy from a trusted source, they also have a role to play in the fight against fraud and can help by reporting suspicious adverts to the social media site or reporting ghost broking activity to the IFB’s Cheatline.”

Some quick way to check before taking out a policy: l Checking the seller has a legitimate website, a UK phone number and address l If buying through a broker, check they’re registered with British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) l If buying directly through an insurer, check they’re a member of Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) l Check the insurance advisor is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) l Be on the lookout for suspicious adverts

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12 MEDIA WATCH

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SCRUTATOR’S When the genie is out of the bottle it is difficult, if not impossible, to put it back in again. M.J. Akbar, the eye of the storm as Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs resigned on October 17, belatedly aware that his position was tenable. The #Metoo movement initiated by Indian women in the entertainment industry and in the country’s mainstream English-language media had felled its first major target. movement is (and will continue to be) an indispensable element (Hindu, Business Line, Mint, Times of India, Telegraph, October 15,16; also TV channels).

Time of Troubles at CBI The-no-holds-barred strife between one of India’s top security agencies, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) between its Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh

India’s bane, was responsible for an avoidable disaster. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 3 crore for the bereaved families and those injured.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was swiftly off the mark with a message of condolence to Prime Minister Narendra Modi (TV channels October 19, Times of India, Hindu October 21).

IT salaries shoot up Information Technology services engineers are experiencing a bonanza in rising salaries, by some 40 per cent, fuelled by rising global demand for solutions in cloud computing, data analytics and digital technologies in what experts believe could trigger an Indian summer for the IT sector.

‘It is surely the best of times …as demand for digital increases,’ said a company executive (Mint October 11).

Smartphones sales

M.J. Akbar

M. J. Akbar, once editor of a Kolkata-based broadsheet, before moving to Delhi as editor of another newspaper, was accused by ten reputed women journalists of sexual harassment and molestation, which he has hotly denied.

Sri Lakan crisis Sri Lankan President Maithripala’s Sirisena’s abrupt decision to dismiss Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replace him with former president Mahinda Rajapaksa has set cat among the pigeons in Colombo. The controversial move ends the fragile unity of the ruling coalition which came to power in 2015, following the split in the then governing party, with the faction led by Mr Sirisena joining hands with the United National Party headed by Mr Wickremesinghe, who has described the change as ‘ illegal and unconstitutional. I am still the Prime Minister. This is an unconstitutional swearing-in,’ he said.

India factor

Charge, counter-charge On the principle that attack is the best form of defence, Mr Akbar first filed a criminal defamation against Priya Ramani, a prominent journalist, who had once been a colleague. Mr Akbar made the following statement: ‘The scandalous allegations levelled by the accused, by the very tone and tenor are ex-facie defamatory.’

Priya Ramani’s response was unequivocal: ‘Rather than engage with serious allegations that many women have made…he seeks to silence them through intimidation.’ She had a point.

After all, nine other women have made similar accusations against Mr Akbar, among them Ghazala Wahab, now Executive Editor of FORCE magazine.

Mr Akbar has hired the entire 97 staff of a reputed law firm to fight his case, relying clearly on the big battalions in his struggle for redemption. His resignation as minister was simply a matter of time. He can, he said, now concentrate on his defence in close consultation with his legal team. His accusers, on their part, are attracting legions of supporters – some with large pockets – to see that justice is done and seen to be done. The court hearings are likely to rivet the nation. When judgment is passed and passions cool, these proceedings may translate into a stage performance or on the cinematic screen. Playwrights, script writers, actors, directors and producers will come into their own as celebrities in the fullness of time. The deeply embedded culture of patriarchy can only be shaken and destroyed by social awakening of which the #Metoo

India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said ‘India and China were charting a new course’ through the Afghan project.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: ‘The launch of this programme marks an important step forward. It reflects the closer coordination and cooperation between our two countries on regional affairs and represents a positive development in ChinaIndia relations.’ (Mint October 16).

Alok Verma (L), Nageshwar Rao (C), and Rakesh Asthana (R)

Asthana bubbled and boiled over, with the latter investigated for alleged extortion and corruption, and hence relieved of his responsibilities by the Cabinet.

Director Alok Verma, against whom similar charges were made, was also relieved of his duties by the government.

CVC role These decisions were apparently taken on the recommendations of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on the ground of their lack of cooperation in probing these charges. Nageswar Rao, senior officer of the Odisha Police has been interim director of the CBI. He reshuffled 13 top CB I officers.

Meanwhile, Alok Verma has appealed to the Supreme Court contesting the government’s decision in his case as a violation of his human rights (Times of India, Himdu, Mint (October 25).

Amritsar rail tragedy A Dusserah celebration on October 19 turned into a grim tragedy when revellers burning a giant effigy – with its huge load of fire crackers - of the demon Ravana went off, the volume of sound drowning that of an oncoming train, which ploughed into the crowd killing 62people, and injuring another 100. The rail authorities can scarcely be blamed as the incident occurred some distance from the nearest station.

Public indiscipline, long long

set to cross $1bn Smartphone sales in India will cross $1 billion during the festive season through aggressive marketing discounts and exclusive product launches, according to research firm Counterpoint.

Online sales will comprise as much 42 per cent of of total phone sales during this intense sales period (M int OOOctober 11).

Indian online sales top global sales Swedish home furnishings firm IKEA expects its online sales in India to significantly exceed its sales volumes worldwide. The Swedish giant has three facilities in India, the first built in Navi Mumbai, the second in Hyderabad, with the third under construction in Bangaluru. (Times of India October 11).

Mr Wickremesinghe was in New only a few days ago, where his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared to hit a roadblock, with Premier complaining of delays in implementing Indian development projects on the island. India clearly was among the many differences between President Sirisena and Mr Wickremesinghe. With the national Budget due in a week or so, Parliament in Colombo is likely to witness some turbulence (Hindu, Times of India October 27).

Water flow eases in Arunachal Pradesh The feared water flow from the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh eased much to the relief of its people. Beijing had informed New Delhi that the Yauzang had

increased to danger levels on account of a landslip in the Milin county of Tibet. The river is known as the Siang as it flows downstream into Arunachal Pradesh. There, it meets two other rivers to form the mighty Brahmaputra, which flows through the plains of Assam and Bangladesh (Hindu October 21).

Moscow’s Indian Gala evening Time was when the Russian Centre of Science and Culture abuzz with India cinema aficionados. They feasted on such classics as Battleship Potemkin, Moscow Doesn’t Believe in Tears. The past came alive recently as leading Russian actors turned up for the opening ceremony of Russian Film Days in India.

Fourth year Now, into its fourth year, the festival brings contemporary Russian films to an Indian audience. The festival opened with the world premiere of The last Trial. The Alexey Patrukhin thriller is based on the Moscow theatre hostage crisis of 2002, with armed Chechen insurgent jihadis holding around 850 people hostage in the Dubrovka theatre. Ana Churina, one of the actors in the ensemble, said: ‘This film is about the terror attack that happened 16 years ago… I play one of the spectators whose husband, a policeman is outside the theatre. They were supposed to go together, but he got late.

He tries to save his wife as well as perform his duty.’

Anna is attracted to India.

‘This my second visit and I see cheerful people everywhere. We love yoga, Indian food and Goa for vacation.’ (Hindu October 16) Leap in HDFC Bank profit The second quarter net profit of private sector HDFC Bank leapt 20.6 per cent to scale Rs 5000 crore in the second quarter fiscal ending September 30. The bank’s total income grew 21.2 per cent.

There was a significant decrease in bad loans.(Business Line October 22).

INS Vikramaditya in Kochi refit

India, China train Afghan diplomats India and China have launched a joint training programme in New Delhi for Afghan diplomats, signalling a cooperative endeavour which hopefully will lead to sounder, suspicion-free SinoIndian relations going forward.

The project was discussed at the Wuhan summit in April between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, which reset bilateral ties in a new mode.

New course

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya

India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya has undergone an extensive Rs 705 crore five-month refit at Kerala’s Kochi shipyard and is set to commence basin trials before returning to its permanent Karwar naval base on the Karnataka coast (Hindu October 21).

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CRN Greenshoots researcher wins £2.3m funding IVF consultant accused of 'scaremongering'

A King’s Liver Unit Consultant Hepatologist who was selected for the NIHR CRN South London Greenshoots programme has been awarded £2.3 million for a multi-centre clinical trial assessing drug therapy in portal hypertension and cirrhosis.

Dr Vishal Patel, a Honorary Consultant Hepatologist at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust who is taking part in the Greenshoots programme this year, has been awarded funding for the BOPPP Trial (Beta Blockers Or Placebo for Primary Prophylaxis of oesophageal varices), which aims to recruit 1,200 patients at 25 different hospitals across the UK and evaluate whether carvedilol, a nonselective beta-blocker, is an effective way to prevent variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients, a well known and potentially devastating complication in these patients affected by chronic liver disease.

Liver disease is the fifth most common cause of death in the developed world and the incidence is rising. In England and Wales, it is estimated that 60,000 people have cirrhosis (‘scarring of the liver’) with approximately 11,000 attributable deaths each year. In some cirrhotic patients, the bleeding can occur from varicose veins

that develop in the gullet which requires emergency treatment and can be fatal.

Carvedilol may be a way of reducing the risk of this kind of bleeding.

Dr Patel said: “The question we are aiming to answer is whether this particular medication can prevent bleeding in patients with cirrhosis who have small oesophageal varices. With the idea being that if this treatment is started at an earlier stage of disease, it may prevent this sort of serious complication.”

Funding of £2.3 million has been confirmed from The National Institute of Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme for the study to be carried out over six years. Dr Patel said: “I am very pleased both for King’s Hepatology and for our ‘BOPPP Team’, which includes clinical colleague Dr Mark McPhail, with whom I work very closely and am co-Chief Investigator with, as well as our clinical colleagues within the Institute of Liver Studies and the wider team at the

King’s Clinical Trials Unit that have all worked incredibly hard and supported us to secure the funding; notably Dr Ben Carter, Lead Statistician at King’s College London.

“This is a huge opportunity for a potentially landmark study, and if effective could benefit the lives for thousands of patients with cirrhosis in the UK. We are looking forward to working with our colleagues across the UK to successfully deliver this trial.”

Dr McPhail is also excited about the funding and the improved care it could bring to patients at King’s College Hospital, and potentially to the wider patient population afterwards. He said: “We predict a reduction in liver bleeding by almost 50% after three years of follow up with fewer hospital admissions.”

This is the first multicentre trial Dr Patel has lead as Chief Investigator, having begun by setting up noncommercial investigator-initiated observational studies and interventional trials, including CTIMPs. He is also CI on the ongoing 'GutLiver Axis study in Chronic Liver Failure Syndromes’, which to date has recruited over 400 patient participants and 70 healthy volunteers.

He says the Greenshoots funding has helped him: “I am one of the Greenshoots

scheme recipients and this has facilitated my ability to recruit patients into recognised NIHR portfolio studies and, through supporting this activity in my job plan, has enabled me to free up other time to lead on this successful application - I am therefore grateful for the support from the CRN South London, as well as the wider BOPPP team who have all contributed to securing this substantial grant. I would recommend the Greenshoots scheme given the potential resource and encouragement it enables with time to focus on research related workstreams.”

Clinical Director of the CRN South London Professor Andrew Shennan created the Greenshoots programme and is delighted with this outcome. He said: “I want to congratulate Vishal on being funded for this important UK-wide study that has the potential to really improve the lives of those who suffer from chronic liver disease. It is encouraging that Vishal has leveraged the Greenshoots funding to put together this winning bid working closely with his colleagues at King’s College Hospital and the King’s Clinical Trials Unit. I wish the team on the BOPPP trial every success with this important research.”

An IVF consultant has been accused of "scaremongering" about the safety of conventional fertility treatment. Create Fertility in Bristol specialises in a form of IVF that it says involves significantly lower doses of drugs than the traditional method.

A consultant at the clinic falsely claimed women were dying in the UK each year because of a syndrome that can be caused by high doses of IVF drugs.

However, data seen by the BBC shows no such deaths in the past three years.

Private company Create Fertility says "mild" IVF is "kinder and safer" for the body and "reduces the risks and side effects" associated with high stimulation IVF. A small number of women undergoing traditional IVF treatment will develop a severe form of a medical condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Instead of producing a few eggs as desired, the ovaries go into overdrive and over-produce in response to the potent fertility drugs.

While most women with OHSS will have mild symptoms and recover, severe cases can be life-threatening.

During an information

evening, Dr Gurpreet Kalra, a senior consultant at Create, told an audience that "about three women die in this country every year potentially because of IVF".

The consultant later told an undercover reporter from BBC Inside Out West that more than one in every 100,000 pregnant women will die from OHSS in the country.

In a statement, Dr Kalra said he could not recall making the claim about the number of OHSS deaths. He said: "If I did in any way make any mis-statements, that would have been wholly inadvertent.I have never intended to misrepresent the facts and nor do I say anything with the intention of scaremongering. I have a duty to inform women about potential serious risks of stimulation in IVF."

14 COMMUNITY

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Farewell Dinner in honour of His Excellency Y. K. Sinha High Commissioner for India On Thursday 18 October 2018 a farewell dinner reception took place at the House of Lords for His Excellency Y. K. Sinha, the High Commissioner for India to United Kingdom, who is retiring after a distinguished foreign service career.

The dinner, which was arranged and hosted by Lord Loomba CBE and Mr Joginder Sanger, the Chairman of Mastcraft Group, was held at the Cholmondeley Room at the House of Lords and was attended by a number of high profile and influential figures, including Rt Hon, Baroness Scotland, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Rt. Hon. Tariq Ahmad, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, General Sir Nicholas Carter KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen, Chief of the Defence Staff, Emily Thornberry, Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign and

Lord and Lady Loomba with Joginder Sanger presenting a farewell gift to HE Y K Sinha and wife Girija Sinha

Commonwealth Affairs, as well as Baroness Flather and Mr. G. P. Hinduja, CoChairman of Hinduja Group, among key guests.

In Lord Loomba’s opening welcome address, he touched on how effective

the Indian High Commissioner and his wife, Mrs. Girija Sinha, had been in developing relationships with British and international policy and decision makers and how their people skills have so successfully

advanced India-UK relations.

Lord Loomba also said, “I have attended a couple of farewell parties for them, where I have heard nothing but praise for them”, noting the High Commissioner’s

and his wife’s natural ability to connect with people in diverse settings means they will also, at a personal level, be sincerely missed by many in the UK. After such an effective time in office in London, Lord Loomba remarked that for the High Commissioner to leave after less than two years in post was premature.

Lord Ahmad, in his address, echoed the same sentiments, noting the High Commissioner contribution to India-UK relations has been tangible.

Baroness Scotland, in her address, highlighted how the High Commissioner had the ability, in negotiations and official meetings, to bring up difficult topics while at the same time bringing everyone with him.

Baroness Scotland also emphasised the significance of India for the Commonwealth because of its sheer size and potential

leverage this can bring the Commonwealth internationally.

When it came time for the High Commissioner himself to speak, he said how India, in relation to United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, “stands ready to be a friend and ally to the United Kingdom” in the new world it is entering. He expressed the view that Brexit be a starting point for the UK and India to reach the full potential of their relationship.

The occasion was rounded out with a vote of thanks by Mr Joginder Sanger to His Excellency High Commissioner Mr. Sinha and to Mrs. Sinha for their good work and to the assembled guests’ who came together to honour them at this dinner. He also acknowledged the work done by the staff of the House of Lords to make the night a success.

BAPS presents £20,000 Little angels turn to Little Princess Trust cheque to Carers UK BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha presented a cheque for £20,000 to Carers UK during a special evening assembly on Saturday 8 September 2018 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.

The funds were raised during the BAPS Annual 10K Challenge, which brought together more than 3,000 enthusiastic participants from towns and cities across the UK in April 2018 for a fun and healthy way to raise money.

This year’s national charity partner was Carers UK, the country’s only national membership charity for carers. It aims to make life better for the 6.5 million people in the UK who are supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill.

The cheque was presented to Jeremy Gould, Head of Fundraising at Carers UK. Following the presentation, Emily Holzhausen OBE, Director of Policy & Public Affairs at Carers UK, said, “We have enjoyed a fantastic year working in partnership with BAPS across the UK, collaborating on a range of different activities to help identify unpaid carers in local communities and connect them with information, support and advice. We are delighted that so many members of the BAPS community were able to take part in the Annual 10K Challenge and raise much-needed funds to support our work.

Priyanka Mehta

A P Patel, Trustee, BAPS presenting cheque to Jeremy Gould, Head of Fundraising at Carers UK

“As part of the partnership, we are developing a new Gujarati language version of our flagship ‘Looking After Someone’ guide. We look forward to further activities with BAPS this year. Thank you for your outstanding support.”

Dr Mayank Shah, a lead volunteer for BAPS, added, “His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj encourages us all to help others and care for the elderly. We are delighted that our annual charity Challenge has provided an opportunity to help carers further their noble service and has provided a tool for the local community to learn more about looking after a carer. We are looking forward to continuing our

work with Carers UK throughout the year.”

Professor David Grayson CBE, Chair of Carers UK, also thanked BAPS for their support in a letter that was sent after the presentation.

He wrote: “We [Carers UK] are looking forward to continuing our partnership together and believe that this resource [‘Looking After Someone’ guide in Gujarati] will leave a lasting legacy of our partnership. We are grateful to have an opportunity to work with you in support of our vision of a society that respects, values and supports our carers.”

To learn more about the work of Carers UK, please visit their website at www.carersuk.org.

Two girls nine-year-old Nidhi and Tulsi Jogia have donated their hair to the Little Princess Trust to help fundraise nearly £250 for those all those suffering any hair-loss related to cancer or others.

Tulsi, who knew that her grandfather had suffered from cancer, said that she was- “very happy because I am helping someone who does not have hair and because my grandad had cancer.”

Both of them decided to donate their hair after having learned of the girl in Tulsi's class who has alopecia. It is a general term for hair-loss and Alopecia areata is a common cause of non-scarring (does not cause scarring to the scalp) hair loss that can occur at any age.

It usually causes small, round patches of baldness

on the scalp, although hair elsewhere such as the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, body and limbs can be affected. According to the NHS approximately 8 million women loose their hair every year.

The Little Princess Trust

The Little Princess Trust supplies real hair wigs free of charge to children and young people who have lost their hair through cancer treatment and other illnesses. Based in Hereford, this charity was started in 2006 in memory of 5-year-old Hannah Tarplee, who died of cancer.

Since its foundation, the Trust has given away over 6,000 wigs; and according to Helen Creese they donate approximately 100-wigs every month on an average.

However, the trust does not

have any physical centres and neither is it in association with any of the hospitals.

“We do not run any physical centres as such.

Families may self-refer to the charity to obtain wig or be referred by a member of their clinical team. The Little Princess Trust Cases Department puts the family in contact with an independent, specialist wig-supplier, as close as possible geographically, so a wig can be arranged.” said Helen.

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UK

Dipika Sawheny: Amazon, Equality, and the Modern Phenomenon of Scaled Engagement

By Sunetra Senior ipika is a programme manager for Amazon advertising services. As an Asian woman working at the forefront of the technology industry, her success represents great social progress. “I lead a team at Amazon where we help tens of thousands of small and mediumsized businesses succeed with their advertising and marketing,” she commented. “Over half of everything sold on Amazon comes from third party businesses, so helping them grow and sell to customers around the world is key.”

Earlier this year, Dipika was awardbusiness to showcase their products ed the #SheInspires award at the and obtain customer insights, so they Inspiring Indian Women Awards at the can grow exponentially by reaching a Palace of Westminster, celebrating her global audience. Reviews and customer contribution to the digital world alongfeedback are vital. It’s paramount to lisside her volunteering work for social ten carefully to what your customers causes. In particular, she’s passionate are saying and to always ask them for about pushing for equality of women in feedback.” the workplace. Indeed, whilst studying Working closely with the multifor her MBA at Cambridge University, tude of businesses attached to Amazon, Dipika was elected President of the as well as her own team, Dipika transinstitution’s Women’s Leadership inifers that enthusiasm and personal tiative, “with a vision to build a collabenergy to a diverse customer base, and orative and liberating society”. She also vice versa. Dipika talked about the garnered the ‘Best and Brightest MBA most rewarding part of her job as being, award’ for her degree. “how Amazon has changed people’s On what could be done to lives. I’ve heard some amazing advance women’s career stories: from a busy mother prospects within the at the school gate, who Today, the technology industry, uses Amazon Prime to Dipika explained: digital age has given get milk and last“There are three minute birthday gifts any business, of any important delivered within two actions. First, we size, many different hours, to the taxi need to do a betdriver who sells choices for how to reach ter job of watch straps on any customer anywhere, encouraging Amazon to pay for young girls to access to global cloud his son’s education. I visit manufaccomputing that enables love how we are able turing hubs, to touch so many experiment in sciflexibility like never lives, offering them ence labs and to convenience and a shopbefore. learn about balance ping experience they sheets and finance. enjoy!” Thriving on this emoScience, technology and tional reward was also why Dipika manufacturing are all very cool did so well in her first online business and rewarding for young girls to try. as founder of tech start-up Flat Club, Secondly, I believe that every company now known as Benivo. The business – big or small – should have clear and yielded an impressive £1.2m turnover in easily accessible policies on parental its first year and had 30,000 members leave and flexible work options that within two years: “I am passionate can help to retain women who want to about customer experience,” she comhave children mid-career.” Dipika hermented. “Making customers happy by self is the mother of two young chilexceeding their expectations when I dren, also mentoring “young female ran my own start-up was definitely my leaders of the future” alongside her favourite part of that work.” successful corporate career. She added: Thus, Dipika is a committed driver “Finally, I would like to see more supof the fast-changing e-commerce landport and encouragement for women scape, one where customers are who are keen to return to work after increasingly responding to new forms taking long career breaks.” of interaction between businesses and Dipika’s attention is on helping consumers. Dipika has successfully others through her professional and scaled up two internal departments personal work. Most recently, she has since joining Amazon in 2016 and has created - and runs - a Europe-wide delivered lectures on the nuances of team that is responsible for helping how e-commerce has evolved and how thousands of small and new advertisers it will continue to adapt to consumer across Europe to succeed. Her team needs. Having been able to make an explores new ways to make Amazon an impact through meaningful work, she effective and exciting platform for has also set out to be an influential SMEs to flourish – and her team works female leader – and her success to date with the same entrepreneurial spirit as is testament to the cohesive approach those they support, to bring success for to professional and personal developeverybody involved. ment at Amazon.

Dipika explained: “My team at Amazon is working to provide opportuTell us how you feel e-commerce nities for small and medium-sized is principally changing? enterprises to excel in the online space.

Today, the digital age has given any Amazon’s digital tools and services aim business, of any size, many different to open up new opportunities for each choices for how to reach any customer

D

anywhere, access to global cloud computing that enables flexibility like never before, and a number of global logistics operations that have democratised the ability to start and run your own business. As long as you have a laptop, internet connection and a great product or idea, you can be a local business but reach customers around the world, without the need for heavy capital investment.

What vital skills did you develop during your MBA at Cambridge?

I was able to hone my negotiation skills. The degree taught me to be ruthless when prioritising objectives and helped me to dive deeper and more efficiently into data. By learning new skills and how to use specific tools, I was able to make business decisions with greater speed and agility, while also evaluating risk-return scenarios quicker.

Amazon accepts ‘failure’ as a way of reaching success. Do you feel this is because those who are brighter tend to think bolder?

In my experience, bright people tend to take considered and calculated risks and they understand the consequences of their decisions.

Emboldening employees to do this helps them to become owners and leaders of their business, so they learn from their mistakes as well as their successes. As Jeff Bezos says: “If you don’t listen to your customers you will fail.

BUT if you only listen to your customers you will also fail. It’s not customers’ job to invent for themselves.

It’s our job to invent on their behalf.”

Jeff Wilke, CEO of Amazon’s WW Consumer division, has said: “A oneway door is a place with a decision if you walk through, and if you don’t like what you see on the other side, you can’t get back. A two-way door, you can walk through and can see what you find, and if you don’t like it, you can walk right back through the door and return to the state that you had before.

Why would we need anything more than the lightest weight approval process for those two-way doors?”

What's a recurring mistake people make in starting a business?

Not having a detailed business plan.

I would recommend detailed marketing, finance and market research plans, and a measurable plan of what success or failure looks like each week. A business mentor is also key – you will need support sometimes. I would also say that it’s essential to understand technology and the depth of insight it can generate.

Finally, what are two further tips for good business strategy?

Showcase your product effectively.

That means using great pictures, easy to understand features and handy instructions that are informed by a deep understanding of the customer’s needs.

Make sure you understand e-commerce. The most successful brand owners are those who listen to customers, learn about important terms such as keywords and search rankings early on, and take advantage of tools and channels to reach out to their customers.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT POPULATION TO BE DISCLOSED IN DECEMBER The office for National Statistics will disclose the total number of illegal immigrants presently in the UK. Most of these immigrants are today employed in the shadow economy which is estimated at an annual valuation of £50bn.

Statisticians have planned to use the census to measure illegal citizens and will create a database of legal citizens in the UK using tax files and hospitals and school records obtained from the HMRC. Some estimates have suggested that as of today there are 1.1 million illegal immigrants in the UK which include people who have over-stayed their visa, asylum seekers who were not granted the rights to stay in the country among others.

This is likely to happen in late december this year and ONS officials believe that for the first time they will have an accurate figure of the illegal migrants in the UK.

16 UK

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REMEMBER TOGETHER

Virat Kohli and Joe Root wearing Khadi Poppy Continued from page 1

The financial contributions from Indian revenues towards the cost of the war amounted to £146.2mn by 1919-20, in today's terms this would be £14bn. While in India the official remembrance of World Wars remain a sensitive subject, current UK commemorations do not capture the complexities either.

The Memorial Gate at Hyde Park, set up by Baroness Shreela Flather is the only monument to particularly remember the role of Commonwealth soldiers in different wars of the colonial era. As the country feels anxious and fragmented with Brexit and with hate crimes on the rise, the need of the hour is indeed to remind everyone that Remembrance Day should belong to everyone and not a particular faith or ethnicity.

diers from all backgrounds fought side-by-side. In Birmingham, a Remember Together event is bringing Imams from across the UK together to learn more about the Muslim contribution to WW1.

Many will join the gathering at the Cenotaph in Whitehall to lay wreath on 11th November, celebrating the community contributions. Dr Mahesh Varsani, Trustee of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir

itage. The band will have 35 people, most second and third generation British Indians, under 25 years, some between 45-50 years of age. The front of the Mandir has been decorated with poppies by the young students of our Swamibapa Gujarati Classes.

The Annakut on the 8th November 2018 will also feature poppies as part of the decorations.”

Imam Qari Asim, Chair of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board, said, “Most people, Muslims included, don’t know that thousands of Muslim soldiers, from present-day Pakistan, fought for Britain in the First World War. It’s important that they do – this shared history of contribution is something that we can all commemorate in Britain, whatever our ethnicity or faith.”

Rabbi Laura JannerKlausner, Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism, said, “The bullets on the battlefields of

Poppy on display outside Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury to mark Remembrance Day

Remember Together Remember Together is a partnership between integration thinktank British Future and the Royal British Legion as part of its Thank You campaign, with support from ISD and Google.org.

Politicians from all parties have also joined these faith leaders, former military heads and charities to support this initiative. London Mayor Sadiq Khan observed a minute silence at the Diwali on the Square, to remember the contributions of the soldiers from WW1.

Kingsbury is one of them.

He told Asian Voice, “I will be laying a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj and Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury. Not only we will be doing a prayer, our band Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa

Dr Mahesh Varsani with Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band

This remembrance initiative also includes events around the country, in schools and with the general public, where children and adults from different ethnic and faith backgrounds come together to learn that sol-

Pipe Band London will be one of the 6 bands performing at the main Armistice Day Commemoration Parade in Central London.

They will be playing patriotic melodies of English, Scottish and Indian her-

World War One did not discriminate between Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews and others.

One hundred years later, we honour those who fought together by remembering them together.”

Golden Tours Foundation and BAPS Swaminarayan Temple initiative Nitin Palan MBE, the Chairman of Golden Tours Foundation and an Interfaith leader for the BAPS Swaminarayan temple have organised quite a few events to remember and celebrate role of India and Commonwealth countries.

They have organised an interfaith week and on 16th November, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is honouring the contribution of all Commonwealth countries on the centenary of the end of the war by holding a special commemorative event at the iconic Neasden Temple.

The Golden Tours Foundation have also joined hands with The British Legion to create the Khadi poppy. Khadi is a handwoven fabric made famous by

Nitin Palan MBE, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Lord Jitesh Gadhia observing a minute silence remembering the WW1 soldiers

Mahatma Gandhi, who promoted the use of a spinning wheel to make India more self-sufficient and promote rural employment.

The cricketers during the English and Indian cricket teams made history at the Oval during the fifth test match in September, united to recognise the role of Indian soldiers during the First World War. The two squad captains- Virt Kohli and Joe Root wore a unique poppy made out of Khadi, the handwoven cotton closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, which was unveiled on 9th September at a special match day hosted by Surrey County Cricket Club.

Lord Jitesh Gadhia said, “The Khadi poppy is hugely symbolic. It not only recognises the outsized contribution of Indian soldiers during World War One; it also sends an important signal to young Asians growing up in Britain, who should know that their fathers and grandfathers didn’t just come here as immigrants. Our ancestors fought for this country and for freedom and democracy –even though they lived in a colony at the time. We therefore have as much stake here as anyone else.

British Asians should be proud of the role which their forbears played in shaping the destiny of the world.”

The Golden Tours Foundation also created “Inspiring Young Minds”, a bus that houses an interactive, audio visual travelling educational exhibition on history and heritage. An interactive exhibition on the Role of Indian soldiers during The Great War (World War 1) the bus (owned by Golden Tours but loaned to the project) has brought to the participating community centres, a shared remembrance of their communities’ contribution in shaping the Great Britain of today. It was also present at the Diwali in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 28th October.

With an objective of increasing Britain’s community cohesion and cultural common ground,

Golden Tours Foundation has also designed and implemented the “Remembering Indian Soldiers in WW1: India 1914”, a project funded by Heritage Lottery Fund. The work of the Golden Tours Foundation in facilitating the project has enjoyed exemplary success and has been very well received.

In 2016 the Foundation got academics from across UK to speak about their WW1 researches, and do a 30 minutes presentation that created the 1914 e-museum (www.India1914.com). In 2018 the bus commemorating WW1 toured schools, national museums, Diwali on the Square and several other occasions such as Leicester. The Foundation has also created the Education Tool Kit, that they have taken to every place they have visited to help in ‘educating’ the students or community about India’s (undivided) role during the WW1 11th November, Nitin Palan MBE and Kesh Morjaria will be laying a wreath at the Cenotaph, to commemorate the Rembrance Day. Cross party letter A cross party group has written a letter to The Sunday Telegraph, 'Remembrance for all', highlighting about the Muslim contributions to the wars. “November 11th

Commonwealth, including over a million Indian soldiers, 400,000 of them Muslims from present-day Pakistan. Yet few know that thousands of Muslim soldiers fought for Britainincluding soldiers like Khudadad Khan, awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in 1914.” 10 other men received Victoria Cross including Mir Dast, Naik Darwin Singh Negi, Gabar Singh Negi, Chatta Singh, Kulbir Thapa, Dafadar Gobind Singh, Naik Lala, Ressaidar Badlu Singh, Karanbahadur Rana and Naik Shahamad Khan.

The letter that urges people 'to put aside differences and remember together' is signed by Baroness Warsi, Lord Richards, Former Chief of the Defence Staff, Lord Ashdown (Lib Dem), Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, James Cleverly MP (Conservative), Nusrat Ghani MP (Conservative), Dan Jarvis MP (Labour) and Rt Rev Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham along with 18 other people.

Sunder Katwala, director of the British Future think tank, which is running the campaign with the Royal British Legion, said, “We have seen extremists both Anjem Choudary and Britain First, try to turn our cherished symbols of Rembrance into ammunition in their culture war.

Both rely on an ignorance of our shared history when

The WW1 Bus remembering India war heroes by Gandhi statue at Parliament square

marks not only Remembrance Sunday but also 100 years since the end of the First World War...The armies of 1914-18 looked more like the Britain of 2018, than rest of the country did at that time. British troops fought alongside soldiers of different colours and creeds from across the

they tell Muslims and other minorities that they have no place in Britain. So it really matters that we commemorate the soldiers from all backgrounds who served a century ago, as more mosques, gurdwaras and other places of worship mark Remembrance this year.”

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3 - 9 November 2018

Priyanka Mehta They say make hay while the sun shines.

But Indians in the UK celebrate Diwali come rain, hail or the snow.

Mid-afternoon and the trafalgar square is bathed in soft hues of golden sunshine with arrays formed of traditional pinks, purples, blues and greens. The colours, the maddening crowd cordoned off from the dance floor and the euphoric music indicative of the Diwali celebration if not the hoarding that read Diwali Festival 2018.

Hundreds of girls dressed in Rajasthani Ghaghra-cholis formed a postcard worthy picture as they swirled in circles, performing Rajasthani folk dance “Ghoomar” to the bollywood music “Ghoomar”.

And while the girls captured the rich heritage of Rajasthan, this festival celebrated the multiculturalism of the UK like no other. Be it the Sikhs or the Spanish, Bengalis, Brahmakumaris or the Bulgarians, Gujaratis or the English all assembled into one, holding up phones as they filmed their daughters and friends performing to the scores of Bollywood

songs.

It's always sunny at Ashiana Charitable Trust

Dancing, singing, jumping in joy is something that most of us take for granted on a usual day not realising that for some, it is a privilege enjoyed with great difficulty. And performing there on the stage in front of thousands of people was no easy task either for the 15-20 kids of Ashiana Charitable Trust.

But they conquered all their

nervousness and focussed on enjoying themselves, Gurleen Kaur, a student from Harrow, beamed, stuttering as she said that she had the most amount of fun dancing to Honey Singh's song Sunny Sunny“I enjoyed it a lot.

This was my first time dancing and I was nervous. But I had fun.”

Bhavini Sheth, the choreographer of Ashiana Charitable Trust is a volunteer who devotes her time to these children every week by taking dance classes and helping them with co-ordinated movements.

“They have been practising for this event for 23 months now! And we were all very nervous but exicited about it. At the end of the day we just wanted the kids to have some fun and enjoy themselves.” said Bhavini.

Ashiana Charitable Trust was formed in 2000 with the singular aim of encouraging and training service users to partake in activities centred around arts and culture.

Other groups who performed at the celebration included the London School of Dhol who are the UK'S biggest Dhol School that showed their passion for

Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, Prmediapix

Trafalgar to Thar: Diwali 2018 in London

Punjabi folk lore by playing the Indian version of drums called the “dhol”. And among all of them was a unique group called Rajunika

Raj of the Rajunika

Kapka Kumar, is born and brought up in Bulgaria but if you look at her dressed in a Persian Blue and pink Ghaghra Choli with traditional Indian jewellery you will barely be able to tell her origin. And it can became even more difficult when she and her two daughters took to the stage performing

classical dance forms of Kathak and a fusion of Mujra.

Dancing since she was 16-years-old, Kapka has embraced so much of the Indian tradition in her that she is even able to speak in fluent Hindi. Talking about her love for Indian culture, she said“I never had a “Guru” (teacher) and my only dance guru was the mirror in my room. I love Kathak so much that I even used to have weekly dance classes in Bulgaria. But actually my love for classical Indian dance started since I was a

kid when I watched the Bollywood movies and since then I have taught myself these dance forms.”

As the dance and the music continued, people kept strolling about the circle meeting their near and dear ones and picking up hot samosas and bhajias to ward off the biting cold. Mr. Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, came to wish the crowd a very happy diwali around 04:30 p.m. And as part of the ceremony he held a one-minute silence to honour all the Indian soldiers who had died in the First World War.

18 UK

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3 - 10 November 2018

Consultant Editor Financial Voice

Taking the stress out of borrowing

Alpesh Patel Dear Financial Voice Reader, What did the budget do for entrepreneurs. Here are some of my highlights especially for British Indian Entrepreneurs.

Jobs, R&D/technology and innovation • To build on the UK’s position as a world leader in innovation and new technologies, the Budget also announces £1.6 billion in science and innovation including investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, future manufacturing, and nuclear fusion.

• If you’re an entrepreneur, I recommend on focussing on AI. • Up to £50m in new Turing AI Fellowships to bring the best global researchers in AI to the UK, and £100m in an international fellowship scheme £115m to extend funding for the Digital Catapult, which has centres in the North East, South East and Northern Ireland. Check out these centres if you’re a startup.

Entrepreneurs/digital • The government is backing business and entrepreneurship by increasing access to finance for private sector investment and helping people who want to start and grow businesses. This includes action to unlock pension fund investment in growing firms and policies to raise business productivity. The Budget is also boosting exports by extending UK Export Finance’s direct lending scheme by £2 billion in 2020-21 and 202122. The export finance scheme is worth checking out.

• Tweaked rules on tax relief for entrepreneurs by extending qualifying period of tax breaks for 12 months to 2 years • Entrepreneurs pay a lesser rate of tax at 10pc on capital gains when they sell all or part of their business above the annual exempt amount of £11,700 Other headline stats • Wages are growing at fastest rate for 10 years • Inflation 2% next year – meaning real-wage growth in each of the next 5 years • Growth 1.6% next year Fiscal forecast • Deficit less than 1.4% next year – falling to 0.8% by 2023-24 Departmental spending • Extra £20bn funding for NHS to 2022-23. If your company works on innovative solutions for the NHS – get hold of NHS Innovations team.

• Additional £1bn for MoD – including boosting cyber capability. Again, as with AI, if you’re an entrepreneuer – check out Cyber and see if you can be in that field.

Enterprise • Extend the funding of the British Business Bank’s Start-Up Loans Programme to 2021, to continue to provide loans and mentoring to entrepreneurs • To provide enhanced support to UK businesses, DIT will expand its network of advisers in Europe Retail (as so many British Indians in this area) • Announcement of a £675m Future High Streets Fund to councils to help invest in improvements to high streets. Get on your Council!

• For 2 years from April 2019, the government will cut business rate bills for smaller English retailers to be cut by one third.

For a free online trading course visit www.alpeshpatel.com

As with so many financial products and services, personal loans often get wrapped up in jargon, complex fee structures and a lack of transparency. Usually, there are extra fees for exiting the loan and paying it off early, which to a lot of people just feels like being unjustly punished for good behaviour.

Starling Bank, the leading UK mobile-only bank, is changing that. A Starling loan is completely free of unnecessary fees. Interest is the only thing you’re charged for - no exit or setup fees or fees for paying your loan off early.

Other than sneaky fees, something that bothers people about loans is the applica-

tion process. It often involves a lengthy bank visit, miles of paperwork and watching a stranger comb through every detail of your private credit history, in person. All that, plus the threat of a rejection in a situation that’s probably already charged with anxiety, makes it a bit of a nightmare.

Starling wants to lead the charge towards something fairer. You can apply for a Starling mobile-only current account in minutes. The team will then do a few checks and let you know if you’re eligible for an overdraft and therefore a loan.

The whole application is inapp and doesn’t make unnecessary demands on already

busy lives.

As a responsible lender, Starling takes into account what you can afford. If you have a £1,500 overdraft and you’re overdrawn by £500, the maximum loan you can apply for is £1000. In reality, you may get slightly less than that as the team try to ensure you don't overstretch yourself.

While some people apply for a loan in advance of a new car or kitchen renovation, others may want to take out a loan after they’ve bought something. If the purchase was between £500 and £5000 and you’re eligible for a loan, you can apply for one retrospectively and ‘Spread the

8 steps for better pension for women The state pension age for women will rise to 65 years, the same as that of the man from 6th November. Telegraph money with Kay Ingram of LEBC has recommended these 8 steps that women can follow for a better retirement: 1. Gender pay-gap in Pension: Women's finances are hit twice as a result of the gender pay gap employers and employers' contributions are on an average £47,000 less for women. Be it a temporary position at workplace or a low salary always enrol in the workplace pension it is yours to take away.

2. Avoid taking a break: Saving has dropped among pregnant women in the age group of 35-44 years. These women feel pressurized to stop their pension contributions in preparation for the end of maternity pay. Once the baby is born, statutory maternity pay is received while the employer pension

payments continue.

3. Fair divorce: Divorce is common among couples over 60s. Generally court rulings order for pension sharing between the couple. However, three quarters of divorcing couples fail to take pensions into account.

4. Life-expectancy: Studies show that on an average women live 3.7 years longer than men up to 83 years and so, need about £13,400 a year for expenses.

5. Consult Financial advisers: Knowing the current valuation of your pension helps understand the amount of your savings. Consult a regulated financial adviser to review your pension and if you're above 50 years old then you can be eligible for free guidance as well.

6. State Pension Drawbacks: 35 years of National Insurance credits is required to receive the full state pension. Career breaks and vacations can obstruct your entitlement. But if

you're not working and claiming carers' allowance or parent's child benefits, NI credits are covered.

7. Get married: Unmarried couples are not entitled to state bereavement payments or private pension even if they are financially dependent on their partner. And in the absence of a will, when one dies, the other will not have any inheritance. And if they leave you assets greater than £325,000, a 40pc charge will be due on the excess wherein the spouse exemption from the inheritance tax won't apply either.

8. Risk it: A man's average pension savings is £212,000 greater than the women's at £132,000. The man's savings are invested at 3pc return which yields them an annual income of £6,360. This means that the women needs to risk investing her savings at 5pc return to be at par with the annual income of her male counterpart. Holding too much cash is a dead investment.

Higher pension for women under High Court ruling The High Court in a landmark judgment ruled that Llyods Banking Group must change its pension rules to ensure equal pension payments between men and women.

This was a consequence of the case filed by three women in the pension scheme who are claiming sex discrimination on the grounds that their

pensions increase at a lower rate than those of their male counterparts.

Guarantee Minimum Pensions (GMP) forms the focal point of the case for employees whose employers contracted them out of the state earnings related pension scheme between 1990 and 1997. Under this contracting scheme, employers were

Bank of England boss in spotlight over claiming high travel costs Latest figures reveal Bank of England governor Mark Carney and two of his closest advisers claimed over £100,000 on travel costs in just three months. The revelation came just four months after the Bank was criticised by MPs over its “staggering” expenses for senior staff. Sums revealed by the bank show Carney claimed £50,664 in expenses between March and May this year, spent £49,876 on foreign business travel and a further £781 on car hire and taxis.

Chairwoman of the influential Treasury Select Committee, Nicky Morgan said the bank's expenses remain “staggeringly high”.

It was revealed in June that Carney had expenses totalling £312,000 over the past two years. During a Treasury Select Committee hearing, it also emerged that external FPC members Donald Kohn and Anil Kashyap

Cost’ over a few months.

The best way to compare loans between banks is to look at the APR offered. APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate and indicates the amount of interest paid for a loan in one year. Starling charge 11% APR meaning that if a customer took out a loan of £1000 for 12 months, they would pay £88 in monthly installments and £58 in interest. Find out more about Starling at www.starlingbank.com.

had spent £390,000 in travel expenses in a two-and-a-half year period. The expenses included over £11,000 on one flight for Kashyap from Chicago to London. The cost was described as “staggering” by Simon Clarke MP. The newly-released figures show that between March and May, Kashyap spent £22,266 on travel costs, including three return flights from Chicago to London. His car hire and taxi costs added £337 on top.

US-based FPC member, Kohn has spent almost £31,000 on his own travel, including three return flights from Washington to London. He also spent an additional £595 on car hire and taxis. Bank’s chair of court, Bradley Fried told the Treasury Select Committee following the June hearing that the Bank would continue to “review and refresh” its travel and expenses policy and

allowed to pay a lower rate of national insurance such that business promised a GMP to employees, which was to be “broadly equivalent” to the state pension.

Llyods has estimated that its bills from the ruling will mean increased pensions for affected members at £100mn-£150mn.

UK lending growth hits three-year low

Mark Carney

report back. Morgan said, “The Committee will keep a watchful eye on the review, and its impact on the Bank's expenses.”

Meanwhile, Carney has already sought to defend the Bank's spending, claiming in June the foreign travel expenses were justified. He said at the time the Bank is the “world's leading international financial centre and the most complex in the world.” Carney added that the Bank was at the “top table” of key global meetings and “we can't have all of them meet in London”.

British consumer borrowing has risen at the slowest rate in more than three years last month after new car sales fell by a fifth, according to the Bank of England. It said consumer spending has been a major factor in the British economy's somewhat fasterthan-expected growth since June 2016's Brexit vote, despite a jump in inflation that has eroded household incomes. The data revealed by BoE showed that year-on-year growth in unsecured consumer lending slowed to 7.7 per cent in September from 8.2 per cent in August, the weakest pace since June 2015.

Comparing the three months to September with the previous three months, credit growth was the weakest since January 2014, up just 5.5 per cent on an annualised basis.

REAL ESTATE VOICE

EXIT BEFORE YOU ENTER

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Sow & Reap London Property Investment

This is a very up market location, full of wealthy middle class families.

The agents whom I spoke to said categorically this price point is not sticky; not in this location.

They cited examples of deals they had done recently.

We are looking at purchasing a house in this location. The price is just over £1M. The resale is expected to be about £1.3M. Developed houses in this location go for around £1.8M. This means there is plenty of margin in this deal.

Agents are agents at the end of the day, their business is to build confidence in the market and ensure the sales keep rolling in.

However, a sale is set in stone.

You have a price which will appear in the Land Registry very shortly.

Therefore, the wriggle room is very limited.

However, there are two points which are of initial concern. One is the price point, and the second is the resellability.

The idea of the deal is not simply to enter it, that’s easy. The aim is to exit the deal prior to completion.

In this market, this is something that needs to be looked at very carefully. The numbers, prima facie, look good.

My research gave me confidence.

This is a deal we are likely to exit, even in current market conditions.

Transport is always a big consideration. The train station is only a 6 minute walk away, and then only 22 mins to Waterloo Station. In my experience recently, trains offer a far better journey than tubes.

Ideally, we wish to exit this deal after exchange, which means only £120K will be in the deal and the return will be £170K. This is the best case scenario. The alternate is the whole amount will need to be put in cash, and the return will be

THE GOOD LIFE I am reading a book called "Man's search for meaning" by Victor Frankl. He recounts his experiences as a Jew surviving the traumas of a concentration camp. The fundamental truism his experience taught him is how we cannot control what happens in our lives, but we can control our reactions.

While, thank goodness, most of us do not experience such extremes of life as Mr Frankl, one's mind does not seem to

calibrate suffering in a rational way. The mind can click into a negative mindset and then rechoose a positive mindset independent of events outside of it.

Our mind can be our greatest enemy, or our best friend. It depends upon how we manage it and use it.

My experience of my mind is that it tends to be like a crystal in the way they take on the

BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY Swiss Cottage, London Purchase Price: £415,000 Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

AGONY AGENT IS HERE TO HELP!

The fact it is so close to a station is a strong factor, properties near the station will always sell and rent well.

Currently, we are trying to close a deal in an area called Barnes. This is not a location I am familiar with, so in order to get a feel of the area it’s best I enlist the help of local agents. After all, they are local, and a few have been in the area for decades.

Suresh Vagjiani

19

Q: My tenant is complaining that the neighbour is making too much noise at night. I’m not sure what I can do about this.

the same £170K; not as attractive.

But still a healthy profit, subject to the time period taken, obviously.

The longer the time, the less the return.

Ordinarily, in the event of completion this deal would attract a stamp duty of £90,650, enough to kill the deal. However, we are able to engineer this deal so there is zero stamp duty. This is a key point as the last round of stamp duty changes has crippled developers buying deals such as this. Profits now go to the government and not the developer.

Do get in touch if you are interested in this, or other property deals.

The best first step would be for you to ask your tenant to speak to the person making the noise.

People often do not realize how loud they are, or even that they can be heard by other people outside of their home.

Remember, you are not there to shout or create tension, but to settle the issue in the best possible way.

If the problem still carries on after this conversation it might be worth a visit from you as the owner. You may be in luck if they are renting, as then you could try contacting the lettings agent or the landlord as they will often be more responsive.

If nothing changes then you will need to speak to the council and report the noise complaint e.g. if they are making excessive noise after 10 pm or before a certain time of the morning.

If you are experiencing issues regarding your Buy to Let property, please contact the office for some initial free advice.

colour of their environment.

In the same way my mind is calmer, sharper and more perceptive when I pay attention and regulate what I eat, speak about, read, listen to and exercise.

For example, my mind is far happier when I spend time and discuss matters with people who have a positive and generous outlook than others who are always criticising and

A: This is very different to the usual noise related question I get, i.e. what to do about a noisy tenant. However, in this case of a noisy neighbour, you are somewhat limited in the steps you can take.

seeing faults.

We are very much creatures of the environment we help shape.

Richard Bond

Abraham Goldberg

l Large two bedroom flat, with private balcony l Very good condition l Long lease

l Only a short walk to Swiss Cottage station

l Close to the amenities of Swiss Cottage and Finchley Road

l Rental income expected is approx £400 per week, generating an excellent yield of 5% per annum, 40% higher than the yield for this location

l Excellent long term buy and hold opportunity Call us now for more information!!!

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Turning land into cash Get in touch about our land opportunities

20 FINANCE - UK-INDIA

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VISA BYTES

Hammond's budget does a desultory work of covering up the disaster that is Brexit

Maria Fernandes

Maintaining your Sponsor Licence : Steps to consider Maintaining a sponsor licence has become a technical affair and understanding and applying the regulations correctly is the key to ensuring the ability to employ essential overseas staff. There are a number of areas where problems frequently occur. There is no substitute for the employer to read and apply the guidance. However the main flash points are as follows: 1. When selecting a Code to assign, it is important to ensure that it is a position at RQF level 6 i.e. the job must be managerial in its nature. This means carefully considering the example job tasks rather than the job title.

2. It is important to retain evidence of the work of the employee to produce when a Compliance Officer visit the premises. With smaller companies, one of the reasons for refusal is that there is no proof that the document was prepared or can be attributable to the employee in question.

3. Where positions need to be advertised, it is important to ensure that all the requirements for placing an advert are met. This includes stating the job title,the main duties and responsibilities, the location of the job, the salary package or range, the skills, qualifications and experience needed and the closing date. All the details of all applicants who are shortlisted are kept and it is vitally important to remember that the regulation states as follows: “You cannot refuse to employ a settled worker if they lack qualifications, experience or skills including language skills that were not asked for in the job advertisement.”

4. A particular problem that is often missed is what happens when there is a change in direct ownership or where a company sells all or part or the controlling number of shares in the business organisation. A change of ownership, merger, takeover or de-merger must be reported. If the controlling number of shares is transferred to a new owner the new owners must apply for a new licence. This issue, whilst it appears very straightforward can be an extremely complicated process for example where there is a holding company which changes ownership. It would require knowing what company structures there are and ensuring that the Level 1 users are aware of these changes and either report them or make fresh applications as appropriate.

In line with government policy that net migration needs to be reduced, sponsor licences are currently under the microscope. It takes much less now to have licences suspended and then revoked.

The only remedy at present is judicial review. This is a very expensive remedy which does not look at the merits of the application but rather at the reasonableness of the decision. The threshold is high and furthermore it does not protect the employee during the process. It is high time we saw a more independent and cheaper process of review.

Chancellor Philip Hammond's third Budget speech has offered a peak into a brighter future with the prospect of lower taxes and more public spending.

Claiming that austerity was “finally coming to an end”, Hammond's 70minute speech agreed to a series of new spending increases, also implying that if Brexit goes wrong the pain felt across the public sector will continue.

Autumn Budget 2018 seems more or less like a gimmick, a give-away gamble with all the talks of money that makes it seem like the Theresay May-led government just wants to bribe people and claim hostility is over.

As negotiations with the EU27 enters its final weeks, Hammond chose to spend all of a £68 billion windfall handed to him over the next five years by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). He said, “Austerity is coming to an end, but discipline will remain. That is the clear dividing line in British politics today.”

He also made a desperate attempt to repeatedly stress that Britain is at “a turning point in our nation's recovery.”

He announced a string of short-term giveaways on everything within an arm's distance, from defence spending to potholes. Refraining from tax measures, such as a raid on pensions, that risked falling foul of the government's lack of a secure majority.

Upgraded forecasts for government borrowing and growth gave enough space to the chancellor to lift public spending, including extra funds for the NHS. Hammond also brought forward increases to income tax thresholds, while announcing a reduction in public debt as a proportion of national income.

It is a supposedly good budget for taxpayers as he announced to push on with raising the basic tax rate threshold, despite calls for him to abandon the Tory manifesto commitment. The basic rate was raised to £11,850 in April, which will be booked in £12,500. Parallely, the higher rate will go up from £46,350 to £50,000. There is however, bad news for pension savers as this will result in previously higher-rate taxpayers slipping into the basic rate tax bracket.

Consequentially, the tax relief they receive when putting money into a pension will be halved from 40 per cent to 20 per cent. While Hammond has strainfully highlighted that this is solely done for people on the bottom layer of the financial pyramid, a hidden secret is that high-income earners will earn more money with tax cuts.

He announced the largest-ever roads investment package, confirming just under £30 billion would be used to upgrade the UK's roads. Alongside building new roads, the money will be used to fix and upgrade existing routes.

The government will also set aside £million for the creation of “future

mobility zones”, within which new transport modes, services, and digital payments and ticketing will be trialed.

The irony is that it is this severe austerity since 2010 that has not only created potholes but also damaged family budget.

Meanwhile, the chancellor hopes to boost productivity by rolling out a full fibre broadband nationwide. In a speech that made little reference to the potential economic risks of a no-deal Brexit, he said that with a full departmental spending review due next year, Whitehall departments could expect their budgets to increase on average by 1.2 per cent a year in real terms over the five years of the spending review period. “That is not the limit of my ambition. When our EU negotiations deliver a deal, as I am confident they will, I expect that the 'deal dividend' will allow us to provide further funding for the spending review. The hard work of the British people is paying off,” Hammond said.

Hit in the face by Hammond's budget are major US tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Netflix. They face a new digital services tax by 2020 in a move the chancellor calls necessary to address concerns about the “fairness of the tax system”.

The new measure is expected to raise over £400 million annually for the exchequer, and makes Britain the first major economy to implement a “tech tax”. This move will clearly backfire as considering the current state of talks between the EU and Britain, the country needs employment and foreign investment the most. Also, online grocery shops started by British Asians that home deliver Asian ethnic foods like spices and vegetables will most likely suffer heavy taxation, eventually resulting in inflationary prices for consumers.

In a bid to reverse the growing trend of e-commerce, the chancellor announced that just under half a million small retailers will be subject to business rates relief. If implemented diligently, this could be one of the best decisions made by the May government. The Tory party has for long ignored the roles played by independent shops. These retailers pay great services to people, especially those from the lower strata.

Independent shops are a useful element of the society. However, the plans have not gone down well as

experts have called plans to reform business rates for small retailers as “nonsense” and “wildly misleading”.

The measure, which will also apply to pubs, cafés and restaurants, will operate on top of an existing small business relief scheme and cost £940 million over the two years it will operate.

Hammond tight-lipped on NHS funds The chancellor has not confirmed whether community pharmacy will receive a share of the £20 billion yearly boost to NHS England's funding. Back in June, May had announced that the budget for NHS England will increase by £20.5 billion a year for the next five years. When asked by C+D whether community pharmacy will be allocated some of this money, the Department of Health and Social Care had said at the time, “We will need to await the autumn statement for further details.”

However, in the Autumn Budget, Hammond did not divulge full details of how the money would be spent across the NHS, promising this would be set out in an NHS 10-year plan to be published “shortly”.

The “number one priority” of the British people is the NHS, so money for the health service should be spent on the “frontline and for the improvement of services”, the chancellor said. A “sneak preview” of the plan was revealed as part of his budget announcement and Hammond said the government will invest £2 billion into mental health services, including a new mental health crisis centre, providing support in every A&E unit in the country and a 24 hour mental health crisis hotline.

Sadiq Khan's reaction to the budget On October 3, Khan wrote to Hammond setting out priorities and policies he believed Londoners needed to hear from him in the Budget. He mentioned London's latest devolution deal that was signed last year. He wrote about the housing crisis, youth services, business rates, air quality, and most importantly policing. However, to say he was underwhelmed by the budget produced, would be an understatement. “This budget was billed by Theresa May as the “end of austerity” but that couldn't be further from the truth.” Khan also said the budget was “another missed opportunity to give London the powers and funding we desperately need to tackle the challenges ahead and properly prepare for the damaging reality of the Government’s bad Brexit.”

Meanwhile, Gareth Bacon AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee, lashed out at Khan, saying, “It was a surprise to see how muted the Mayor’s requests were and we believe they could have been more robust for Londoners.”

ArcelorMittal wins Essar Steel auction with £4.20 bn bid ArcelorMittal has stated that Essar Steel creditors voted in favour of its £4.20 billion bid and have issued a letter of intent to sell the asset to the company. The development indicates that the lenders haven't entertained the Ruia family's £5.44 billion last minute settlement offer and the former owner is set to move the court on this. While the creditors have approved ArcelorMittal's proposal, the Essar Steel transaction also requires the consent of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) before the

world's largest steel producer becomes the owner of India's No. 3 maker of the metal, which has an annual capacity of 10 million tonnes.

The $69 billion ArcelorMittal, which is controlled by India-born Lakshmi Mittal, the London billionaire, said it expects the approval from the NCLT to come before the end of the year. The Ruias plan to challenge the decision by early next week. They also await formal response from the creditors on their £5.44 billion settlement offer, which

was made under section 12A of the bankruptcy code in a bid to take the company out of the insolvency net. While questions were raised on Ruias making an offer in the final stages of the bankruptcy proceedings, sources close to the family said they had a small window to make such an offer as the Numetal case was pending before the Supreme Court till about three weeks ago.

The family had a stake in Numetal, which was led by Russian bank VTB, and had

put in a bid for Essar steel through it.

However, they had to divest their stake in Numetal as the bankruptcy code disallowed promoters of insolvent companies from participating in the auction process of their own assets. The SC has directed Numetal to clear the pending dues of Essar Steel before putting in a bid for the troubled steel maker.

Sources said, “Since Rewant Ruia (son of Essar Steel co-founder Ravi Ruia) was a part of Numetal, the family couldn't make an alternate offer.”

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in brief INDIAN AMERICAN JOURNALIST JOINS NEW YORK TIMES Indian American journalist Meeta Agrawal has joined The New York Times as arts & leisure editor. Agrawal will work with Michel and Cruz on The Times Sunday Arts & Leisure section, which provides long-form features, essays and conceptual packages.

Agrawal previously worked at Entertainment Weekly for 11 years, beginning as a correspondent, and then moving up to executive editor and then deputy editor. Agrawal was in charge of print and digital coverage of TV, film, books, podcasts and pop music. She also led the magazine’s live event strategy, and curated the Entertainers of the Year edition, among other responsibilities. Prior to joining EW, Agrawal was a staff editor at Life magazine.

TELUGU IS FASTEST GROWING LANGUAGE IN US Telugu is the fastest growing language in the US, says an American think tank. The number of US residents speaking Telugu rose by 86 per cent between 2010 and 2017, according to World Economic Forum. But Telugu, the fourth most spoken language in India, is still outside the top 20 of the most widely-spoken languages other than English in the US. Last year there were more than 400,000 Telugu speakers in the US. Out of the top 10 fastest-growing languages in America, seven are from South Asia. The rise of Telugu was connected to the links forged between Hyderabad and the US engineering and technology industries, Prasad Kunisetty, founder of the Telugu People Foundation, a non-profit organization, was quoted as saying.

SRI LANKA-BANGLADESH

Rajapaksa takes charge as Lanka PM amid ‘bloodbath’ warnings COLOMBO: Former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday assumed charge as Sri Lanka’s new prime minister even as the sacked PM Ranil Wickremesinghe asserted that he still commands the majority in parliament amid warning by the speaker that there could be “bloodbath” on the streets if the political crisis is not resolved immediately.

President Maithripala Sirisena’s new cabinet was also sworn in and Rajapaksa was Sri Lankas newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa (L) is named the new minister of sworn in as the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs parliament. finance and economic affairs. The new Ranatunga arrested Cabinet was limited to just 12 ministers.

Two people died and one was wounded Among the new ministers, three belonged to in a shooting Sunday at the petroleum the ousted Wickremesinghe’s United ministry, the first violence related to the National Party who have defected. The rest political turmoil. Arjuna Ranatunga, who of the ministers are from Sirisena’s previous was petroleum minister under cabinet with Wickremesinghe.

Wickremesinghe, said one of his security President Sirisena on Friday sacked guards opened fire when Rajapaksa Wickremesinghe and appointed Rajapaksa supporters mobbed him and protested his as the new prime minister in a surprise move entry to the ministry. On Monday, police that is being debated as a constitutional arrested Ranatunga in connection with the coup. Sirisena also suspended parliament till shooting. His security guard was arrested on November 16 after Wickremesinghe sought Sunday. Ranatunga was the captain of the an emergency session to prove his majority.

Sri Lankan team which won the 1996 World Sri Lankan parliament speaker Karu Cup. Jayasuriya has warned that there could be a Wickremesinghe, who continues to “bloodbath”. “Some are trying to settle this occupy his Temple Trees office-cumoutside on the streets. If that is allowed there residence of the PM, said that he commands can be bloodshed, two people have died the majority and could prove it when the already and the country will suffer damage,” House reconvenes. “No one can interfere Jayasuriya told reporters in Kandy, adding, with parliament.” the issue should be resolved inside

‘Happy Diwali’

Another 7-year jail term for Khaleda Zia D H A K A : Khaleda Zia Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia was sentenced to another seven years in jail by a court in a corruption case.

Khaleda, 73, who is already serving a jail term since February after being convicted in another case related embezzlement of funds of an orphanage named after her late husband president Ziaur Rahman in February, was sentenced along with three others. The latest sentence is related the Zia Charitable Trust.

According to the case, Khaleda and three others abused their power and raised funds for the trust from unknown sources. Earlier, Bangladesh’s Supreme Court cleared the way for a lower court to deliver its verdict in the case by rejecting Khaleda’s plea to halt the proceedings.

The apex court rejected a leave-toappeal petition filed by khaleda challenging the high court judgment that allowed a lower court to continue trial in the graft case in her absence. The court on 20 September decided to continue the trial inside the old Dhaka central jail in Khaleda's absence. The former premier on 27 September filed a revision petition in the high court challenging the court's 20 September order.

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189 killed as Indonesian plane plunges into Sea JAKARTA: An Indonesian Lion Air aircraft with 189 people on board crashed into the Java Sea on Monday soon after take-off from Jakarta, killing all on board. Things went horribly wrong as soon the Boeing 737 Max got airborne for its destination, Pangkal Pinang. The plane, which was flown by Indian captain Bhavye Suneja, made a request to return to the airport two to three minutes after take-off and the air traffic controller cleared it. But the plane plunged into the sea about 10 minutes later.

The B737 had joined Lion Air fleet on August 15, 2018 and had flown for about 800 hours. Once the debris was located, a search and rescue operation was launched. President Joko Widodo ordered an investigation and urged Indonesians to "keep on praying." Distraught family members gathered at crisis centres set up by the authorities at airports, hoping desperately for a miracle. But no survivors were found, said Bambang Suryo Aji, director of operations at the Search and Rescue Agency. He said, “My projection is there is no survivor. The bodies of the victims already found were not intact any more. It is very likely that all 189 people are dead.”

‘Bhavye wanted to return to India’ The VP of a leading airline in India that operates the Boeing 737 said Suneja was considering returning to India. “We spoke this in July.

He was a very sweet person.

Being an experienced pilot of Bhavye the B737 with an incident-free Suneja record, we were keen to have him with us because of his impeccable credentials. His only request was that he wanted a Delhi posting as he is from the city,” said the senior

official. “Since most of the pilots are from north India and they want Delhi posting, I told him that once he flies with us for a year we will consider his posting in Delhi. He wanted our assistance in getting an Indian ATPL (commander’s licence).

Some other pilots from Lion Air have also joined us recently,” said the official. Captain Suneja had over 6,000 flight hours of experience. The couple’s family and friends were waiting for them to come home for Diwali this weekend.

Indonesian airlines were barred in 2007 from flying to Europe because of safety concerns, though several were allowed to resume services in the following decade. The ban was completely lifted in June this year. The US lifted a decade-long ban in 2016.

The flight took off from Jakarta around 6.20 a.m was due to land in Pangkal Pinang, capital of the Bangka-Belitung tin mining region, at 7.20 a.m. Data from FlightRadar24 shows the first sign of something amiss was around two minutes into the flight, when the plane had reached 2,000 feet (610 m).

7 Indian American kids named finalists in Broadcom Masters competition CALIFORNIA: Broadcom Masters, which stands for math, applied science, technology and engineering for rising stars, is a program founded and produced by the Society for Science & the Public that seeks to inspire young scientists, engineers and innovators who will solve the grand challenges of the future.

The finalists, of which at least seven are Indian American, will travel to Washington, DC, where they will participate in a rigorous competition that leverages project-based learning to test and demonstrate their mastery of 21st century skills of critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration in each of the STEM areas.

Winners will be named during an awards ceremony at the Carnegie Institution for Science.

Among the finalists are Mihir Joshi, Shreyas Kar, Asmi Kumar, Janani Kumaran, Varun Madan, Pratik Vangal and Akshaya Venkatesh. Joshi is a seventh grader at Howard Street Charter School in Salem, Ore. He was chosen for his project, “terrella aurora model: a demonstration of charged particle shielding for space exploration.”

Kar is an eighth grade student from Meyzeek Middle School in Louisville,

Kentucky. He was selected for the project, “right charity - a software-based web application to bring donors, charities and receivers on the same platform and facilitate to donate and distribute most needed items to right people at right time.” Kumar, an eighth grader at Northwestern Middle School in Milton, Georgia, was chosen for her project, “developing a device to predict autistic meltdowns using arduino and MS azure.”

Kumaran, an eighth grader at Abraham Lincoln Middle School in Gainesville, Fla., was chosen for “integrated control of the invasive aquatic plant hydrilla using snails and a plant growth regulator (continuation project: year 2).” An eighth grader from Orlando, Fla.-based Lake Highland Preparatory School, Madan was chosen for the project, “field testing of feeding bacterium bifidobacterium infantis (found in a human gut probiotic) in order to improve honey bee health.”

Vangal, an eighth grader at Stoller Middle School in Portland, Ore., was chosen for the project, “ameliorating acute respiratory infections from solid biomass fuel combustion and empowering rural kitchens with a sustainable, cost-effective

ventilation solution.” Venkatesh is an eighth grade student at BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was selected for the project, “a novel mobile app to minimize food waste and maximize harvest.”

The finalists – 14 girls and 16 boys – come from 28 schools across 14 states. They were selected by a panel of distinguished scientists and engineers from a record number of 2,537 applicants in 35 states.

Their projects cover multiple disciplines of science, including environmental and earth science, medicine and health science, electrical and mechanical engineering, microbiology, biochemistry, bioengineering, computer science, software engineering, behavioral and social sciences, energy and sustainability, animal science, chemistry and plant science, according to the joint news release.

All finalists receive a $500 cash award and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC for the competition, where they will compete for the several awards, including, the $25,000 Samueli Foundation Prize; the $20,000 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for Health Advancement; the $10,000 Marconi/Samueli Award for Innovation; and a $7,500 Lemelson Award for Invention.

Haley pokes fun at Trump, herself at charity dinner NEW YORK: Nikki Haley joked about President Donald Trump’s UN speech last month. Once, she said, he asked if she belonged to the same Native American tribe as Senator Elizabeth Warren. And as a member of Trump’s cabinet, she added, “It is a thrill to be out to dinner without being harassed.”

For about 17 minutes in the New York Hilton ballroom, Haley, Trump’s soon-tobe-leaving ambassador to the UN, tried her hand at one-liners before a crowd of 700 guests at the annual Al Smith charity dinner.

It was a sort of let-loose opportunity for Haley, 46, a Republican star who is widely thought to have presidential ambitions -

although she has dismissed the idea of running against Trump, with whom she appears to have a good relationship.

Still, it remains unclear precisely why Haley is leaving her UN post after less than two years, and her monologue did nothing to provide answers.

But she joked about it.

Having breakfast with host Cardinal Timothy Dolan a few weeks ago to prepare for her speech, she told the

Nikki Haley

crowd, “I asked, ‘Was there anything I could do to really boost attendance?’ And he said, ‘Why don’t you resign as UN ambassador?'” Haley said the president also called her with some advice. “Just brag about my accomplishments,” she quoted him as recommending. “It really killed at the UN, I’ve got to tell you.”

Haley is the daughter of immigrants from India, who became South Carolina’s

in brief WORLD'S LONGEST SEA BRIDGE OPENED IN CHINA

The world's longest cross-sea bridge, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, in Zhuhai city, that connects the east and west sides of the Pearl River Delta in South China has finally opened. The 55-km bridge will slash through the Pearl River Estuary, lessening the travel time between Hong Kong and Zhuhai from 4 hours to 45 minutes. The main section of the project is a 22.9 km bridge and a 6.7 km underwater tunnel. The bridge is part of Beijing's "Greater Bay Area" Scheme, aiming to provide better passenger and freight land transport between Hong Kong and Mainland China, integrating the Guangdong province into a better business hub.

INDIAN COUPLE DIES AFTER FALLING IN NATIONAL PARK In a tragic incident, an Indian couple died after falling 800 feet in an area with steep terrain in California's Yosemite National Park this week, according to a media report.

Vishnu Viswanath, 29, and Meenakshi Moorthy, 30, fell to their deaths from Taft Point in Yosemite National Park. They were identified as a married couple from India living in the United States, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The report said that the couple had recently moved from New York after Viswanath took a job as a systems engineer at Cisco, based in San Jose. Together, they chronicled their adventures of travelling around the world in a blog called 'Holidays and HappilyEverAfters'.

UN HUMAN RIGHTS PRIZE FOR PAK ACTIVIST ASMA Late Pakistani human rights activist and lawyer Asma Jahangir has been has been named as one of the four winners of of 2018 UN Human Rights Prize. The announcement was made by the President of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces.

The other three winners are Tanzanian activist Rebeca Gyumi, Brazil's first indigenous lawyer Joenia Wapichana and Ireland's human rights organisation Front Line Defenders.

Asma became the fourth Pakistani woman to be awarded the UN Human Rights Prize.

Before her, Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan (1978), Benazir Bhutto (2008) and Malala Yousufzai (2013) had been accorded the honour. Asma, who passed away on February 11, was known for her outspoken nature and unrelenting pursuit of human rights as well as for remaining undaunted in the face of extreme pressure and opposition. She fought her battles on the streets and in the courts, opposed military strongmen and steadfastly championed the rights of women, minorities and LGBTs. first female governor and first minority governor. She had a little fun with that, too.

When the president first learned of her Indian heritage, she said, “He asked me if I was from the same tribe as Elizabeth Warren,” the Democratic senator from Massachusetts who may challenge Trump in 2020. He has ridiculed Warren’s claims of Native American ancestry.

Haley was introduced as guest speaker by the dinner’s master of ceremonies, comedian Jim Gaffigan, who said, “It’s amazing how Nikki Haley has exited this administration with such dignity.” The keynote address by Haley was the first high-profile New York appearance she has made outside the United Nations since she announced little more than a week ago that she was resigning the ambassador’s post at year’s end.

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in brief

PAKISTAN-BANGLADESH

6 NEW CORRUPTION CASES AGAINST FORMER MALAYSIA PM

Najib Razak

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been charged with six new corruption charges in relation to alleged embezzlement of funds involving the state-owned 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund. Razak, 65, who is out on bail for previous charges, was accused of abuse of power and money laundering of government funds, during his appearance in court. Along with Razak, former Treasury Secretary General Irwan Serigar was also was charged for the same accounts of corruption.

Each of the charges is punishable between two and 20 years in prison, to which a fine could also be added. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The new charges were added to the already existing 32 cases of corruption against Razak with all of them being related to the 1MDB investigations.

POK ACTIVISTS HOLD ANTI-PAK PROTEST Exiled political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) gathered outside the European Parliament in Brussels to protest against Pakistan sponsored atrocities and plundering of resources in the region. Disgruntled PoK activists shouted slogans against Islamabad blaming it for construction of the NeelumJhelum hydro power project and Diamer Bhasha dam that has not only severely affected the flora and fauna of the region but has left the common people reeling under abject poverty.

Imran wants to extend hand of friendship to India again RIYADH: Pakistan and Kashmir, Prime Minister Imran prompting New Delhi Khan said that he would to cancel the foreign once again extend a ministers’ meeting on hand of friendship to the sidelines of the India after the 2019 Lok UNGA. Pakistan gets $6 billion Sabha elections as he from Saudis believed New Delhi rebuffed his offer of Pakistan has talks because Pakistan negotiated a $6 billion is an issue in the assistance package of elections in the loans and deferred neighbouring country. payments from Saudi Speaking at the highArabia in hopes of Imran Khan profile Future resuscitating its Investment Initiative forum in Riyadh, flagging economy, struggling under the Imran said Pakistan wants “peace with all weight of a whopping $18 billion deficit. our neighbours particularly India and Analysts say the Saudi infusion will allow Afghanistan for regional peace and stability.”

Islamabad to breathe a little easier as it seeks “Peace with India would help the two a critical loan from the International countries to divert their resources towards Monetary Fund. The deal was signed by human development instead of indulging in Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar and arms race,” Imran was quoted as saying by his Saudi counterpart, Muhammad Abdullah state-run Radio Pakistan.

Al-Jadaan, on the sidelines of an Similarly, peace in Afghanistan would international investment forum in Riyadh. It help Pakistan to have an easy access to the came as Imran attended the high-profile Central Asian states for bilateral economic conference, despite calls from Pakistani and trade activities, he said. Imran said he human rights activists to boycott the venue had extended a hand of friendship to India, in protest against the killing of journalist which was rebuffed. After assuming power Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in in August, Imran wrote to Indian Prime Istanbul.

Minister Narendra Modi suggesting a Many business executives, officials and meeting between the two countries’ foreign others have pulled out of the gathering, ministers on the margins of the UN General known as the Future Investment Initiative Assembly in September. India accepted the Conference, which was the brainchild of proposal but, within hours of its acceptance, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin terrorists killed three policemen in Jammu Salman.

23 - 25 Nov

Darrbar Fes stival A celebration of classical Indian dance curated by Akram Khan

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Hafiz Saeed-led JuD no more on banned list

Hafiz Saeed

ISLAMABAD: Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF) are no longer on the list of banned outfits in Pakistan as the presidential ordinance that proscribed them under a UN resolution has lapsed, a media report said. In February this year, former president Mamnoon Hussain promulgated an ordinance amending the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 to declare JuD and FIF as proscribed groups. During the hearing on a petition filed by Saeed, his counsel informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the presidential ordinance had lapsed and it had never been extended.

The petitioner had challenged the ordinance under which his organisations had been banned for being on the watch list of the United Nations Security Council.

Saeed contended in the petition that he established JuD in 2002 and cut off all ties with the banned Lashkar-i-Taiba, but India continued to malign the JuD for its past association with the banned outfit, the report said.

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SOUTH INDIA

Madras HC upholds disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs CHENNAI: In a good news to E Palanisamy government, the Madras High Court has upheld the decision of the Speaker to disqualify the 18 rebel AIADMK MLAs. The verdict means the by-elections will be held to the 18 seats represented by the MLAs and the Palanisamy government will survive as it crossed the halfway mark of 116. Justice M Sathyanarayanan delivered the verdict after the legislators had challenged their disqualification last year.

While the disqualification order against the AIADMK MLAs being upheld means the Palanisamy government will be 'safe' in the short term, it will only be perceived as temporary relief as by-polls will need to be held for all 18 seats as well as two others within six months. If the DMK or T.T.V. Dhinakaran's candidates win most of the 20 seats going to bypolls, the AIADMK government would be reduced to a minority.

On September 18, 2017, Speaker P. Dhanapal had disqualified the 18 MLAs by exercising his powers under the Tenth

T.T.V. Dhinakaran

Schedule of the Constitution (popularly known as anti-defection law) and the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on ground of defection) Rules of 1986. On June 14, a division bench of the Madras High Court had given a split verdict on petitions challenging the disqualification of these MLAs, a ruling that maintained status quo in the corridors of power in Tamil Nadu.

The court had then said that the senior-

most judge after the high court's Chief Justice would hand-pick a third judge, who will hear the matter afresh. Following this, Justice S Vimala of the high court was appointed as the third judge to hear the matter. The petitioners had then approached the apex court seeking transfer of their pleas from the high court claiming that there was apprehension of "bias". The Supreme Court then assigned the case to Justice Sathyanarayanan. He had reserved the verdict in August after hearing the matter.

MLAs to move SC According to a report, the disqualified MLAs have decided to move the Supreme Court against the Madras HC order.

AIADMK MLA Thanga Tamilselvan was quoted as saying: “It has been decided that we will go in for an appeal to show to the world that what the Speaker has done is a mistake. We are going to appeal in the Supreme Court.” He said the decision was taken after a discussion between the disqualified legislators and Dhinakaran.

PUNJAB-HARYANA

20 summoned for questioning in Amritsar train tragedy AMRITSAR: At least 20 people, including the Dussehra celebration organisers and railway officials, were summoned in connection with the Amritsar train accident, Jalandhar divisional commissioner B Purushartha said. Around 61 people were killed and several injured when a train ploughed through a crowd watching a Ravana effigy being burnt in Amritsar on October 19.

Purushartha recorded statements of 51 people, including relatives of the dead and injured, and eyewitnesses.

He said he has also questioned Amritsar DC Kamaldeep Singh Sangha, Commissioner of Police SS Srivastava and Deputy Commissioner of Police Amrik Singh Pawar.

Also questioned is the main organiser of the event, Saurabh Madaan aka Mithu. He has, however, not summoned Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who was present at the celebrations.

Purushartha said, “If need arises everyone

involved will be called for questioning.” A victim, along with SAD-BJP leaders, lodged a complaint against Kaur and Mithu at the Mohkampura police station holding them “responsible” for the tragedy. Led by former minister Bikram Singh Majithia, SAD-BJP workers held a protest at the Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) office during a public hearing on the train tragedy. They raised slogans and demanded probe by a high

court judge. Protesters asked, “Why the inquiry is being conducted at the AIT office which is under Navjot Singh Sidhu?”

Majithia said the magisterial inquiry has been ordered to give a clean chit to Sidhu's wife. “People and media were not allowed in the trust office. If this was to be done, the inquiry could have been held at Sidhu's residence.” Eyewitnesses blame Mithu and Kaur for delay in starting the ceremony. Councillor Moti Bhatia said the organisers had made several announcements asking spectators to move away from the tracks. Bhatia said, “The organiser had taken permission from the MC but now the commissioner is lying.” He said, “Victim Lakhbir Singh has lodged the complaint under the influence of SAD-BJP leaders. Initially, he had held train's driver responsible for the incident when Kaur had gone to inquire about his health.”

WEST BENGAL

Bengal woman raped, rod inserted in her private parts KOLKATA: A tribal woman was raped and assaulted in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal last week.

Two accused, identified as Ratnu Munda and Parimal Roy, allegedly invited her husband for a liquor party in Lebu Bagan area.

While her husband was reluctant, they forcibly took him on the pretext of resolving an old personal dispute. When he did not return till late, the woman went out looking for him, only to find him nearby in an inebriated state. Taking advantage of the situation, the accused men dragged her to a nearby bush and raped her.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, vice-chairman of Jalpaiguri Municipality said, “They also inserted a small iron rod in her private parts.

I arranged for an ambulance for her and at present she is under treatment at Jalpaiguri Sadar Hospital. She is now stable and recovering.” People from the local tribal

community ransacked the houses of the accused and demanded a stern action against them. The situation was soon brought under control by the local police. Dendup Sherpa, Additional SP (Rural), Jalpaiguri, said, “The woman's family members lodged a complaint at Dhupguri Police station and both the accused Ratnu Munda and Parimal

Roy were arrested. Both are residents of Magurmari area. Our investigation is on.”

100 year old assaulted Meanwhile, a 100 year old woman was brutally raped allegedly by a 20 year old in the middle of the night in Nadia district, West Bengal. An officer of the Chakdah police station said, “The incident took place on Monday night. Argha Biswas alias Abhijit was caught by the family members of the old woman. A complaint was filed.” The culprit was arrested and has reportedly confessed, saying he was under the influence of alcohol when he committed the crime.

A relative said the family found the victim covered in blood and caught the accused who hid under the bed when the woman raised an alarm. Proceedings are on and the centenarian has been released from the hospital after the required medical tests.

OVER 2,000 SABARIMALA PROTESTERS ARRESTED In two days the Kerala police have arrested over 2,000 people for blocking the entry of women in the age group of 10-50 to the Sabarimala temple. In the last 12 hours, over 700 people from Pathanamthitta district - where the temple is located - as well as Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Ernakulam and other places have been arrested, Director General of Police Loknath Behra said. A total of 2,061 people across the state have been arrested since Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting with police officials and ordered the action against the protesters.

A total of 452 cases have been registered against 2,300 people for defying the September 28 order of the Supreme Court allowing women of all ages to visit the temple. The police chief said the crackdown would continue.

YSR CONGRESS CHIEF ATTACKED AT AIRPORT YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy was injured when he was attacked with a knife, allegedly by a restaurant waiter, at the Visakhapatnam airport. Reddy, who is on a ''Praja Sankalpa Yatra'' in the neighbouring Vizianagaram district, came to the Vizag Airport as he had to attend court. He was seated in the airport lounge and security personnel were near the entrance gate. The alleged waiter brought a cup of tea and went near him.

Reddy and others were taken aback when he put the cup on the table and sought Reddy’s permission for a selfie and attacked him by taking out a knife from his pocket. Reddy sustained bleeding injuries on his shoulder. Reddy's supporters overpowered the attacker and handed him over to the police.

HARYANA BJP LEADER RECEIVES EXTORTION CALLS FROM CMO LANDLINE In a major breach of security, a BJP leader in Haryana's Karnal reportedly received extortion calls from a landline number of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in Chandigarh. The police, taking cognisance of the matter, has launched a probe into the matter. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar himself is monitoring the investigation. His media adviser Rajiv Jain said, “It's a serious matter. The landline number is of the CM's office. The Chief Minister is monitoring the investigation's progress. It seems the landline number may have been hacked. But if that is the case, it is an even more serious issue that needs to be investigated.” The caller, who posed as Khattar's cousin, and his media advisor, threatened the leader with “dire consequences”.

2 KILLED IN STAMPEDE AT BENGAL OVERBRIDGE Two people were killed and 17 injured in a stampede on a foot overbridge at the Santragachi railway station in West Bengal's Howrah, after announcements were made about simultaneous arrival of trains on platforms connected by the overbridge. The incident occurred between platform numbers two and three at Santragachi station in Howrah when Nagercoil-Shalimar Express and two EMU locals arrived around the same time and passengers rushed to the platforms to board the train. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a compensation of Rs 5,00,000 to the families of the deceased and Rs 1,00,000 each to the injured people.

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3 - 10 November 2018

PM Modi awarded 2018 Seoul Peace Prize

SC sets 2-week deadline for CVC probe against CBI chief In a decisive and stern intervention, the Supreme Court has appointed retired apex court judge AK Patnaik to supervise and ensure completion of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) inquiry into bribery charges against CBI director Alok Verma within two weeks. It has also asked interim chief M Nageswar Rao not to take any policy decisions. A bench consisting of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph made short work of proceedings in what was seen as a complex case involving a bitter feud between Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana.

The proceedings were wound up in 15 minutes by preventing counsel for the parties from making elaborate submissions and seeking their views to crystallise an interim action plan. Verma had challenged the government decision of sending him on leave and sought a stay on the order, however, the court did not take note of the prayer. At the end of the hearing, the only change in the original action plan was to give 14 days to the CVC to conclude the probe hearing against Verma instead of 10 days which the court had proposed at the start of proceedings. The court said it wanted the inquiry report on November 12.

When asked clarification on the decision to ask Justice Patnaik to supervise the CVC's probe, CJI Gogoi said that this “is a one-time exception which has been felt necessary by this court in the peculiar facts of this case and should not be understood to be casting any reflection on any

Alok Varma and Rakesh Asthana

authority of the government of India.” The SC bench said, “The inquiry in respect of allegations made in the note/letter of the cabinet secretary dated August 24 as regards the present CBI director Alok Verma shall be completed by the CVC within a period of two weeks.”

The Cabinet Secretary's communication dated August 24 to the CVC contained charges by Asthana against Verma. Asthana had alleged that during the interrogation of Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana, an accused in a criminal case registered against meat exporter Moin Qureshi, Sana gave a statement alleging that he met TDP MP CM Ramesh who allegedly introduced him to Verma and that a bribe was paid to him.

The SC has also put all decisions taken after Rao assumed charge under the scanner and asked him

to submit in sealed cover “a list of all decisions taken between October 23 and up to this hour.”

Meanwhile, the HC has directed the CBI to maintain status quo on proceedings against Rakesh Asthana till November 1. The Delhi High Court has ordered the CBI to maintain status quo on proceedings against its Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who was sent on leave by the government, till November 1. A Bench of Justice Najmi Waziri questioned the CBI for not filing replies to please of Asthana and another official for quashing the FIR in the matter.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah joined several union ministers and chief ministers in congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi for winning the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize. "The world is taking note of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership on key issues that face humanity and are appreciating his leadership skills.

Through 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,' Modi is at the forefront of building a better tomorrow for the world," Shah said.

Modi was awarded the Seoul Peace Prize in recognition of his dedication to improving international cooperation, raising global economic growth, accelerating the human development of the people of India by fostering economic growth in the world's fastest-growing large economy and furthering the development of democracy through anti-corruption and social integration efforts, the award committee noted.

Shah said that he was glad that the award committee took note of 'Modinomics,' which aims to further a spirit of equality and

Narendra Modi

empowerment for all sections of society.

Several ministers including Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar, Textile Minister Smriti Irani and Minister of Information and Broadcasting Rajyarvardhan Rathore took to Twitter to congratulate Modi.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the award was a recognition of Modi's all-inclusive growth model, visionary approach and tireless efforts towards regional and global peace. Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb also joined in congratulating Modi.

Trump turns down India’s R-Day invite US President Donald Trump has turned down the Indian government’s invite to visit the country on the occasion of Republic Day. This was conveyed in the form of a letter to the Indian authorities recently. The letter is said to have comprised a regret message from Trump.

The US president’s domestic commitments, notably his State of the Union address, around that time are apparently the reason for Trump not accepting India’s invite.

Trump’s response is in sharp contrast to the one from his predecessor Barack Obama who, despite being faced with the same domestic presidential obligations in 2015,

agreed to visit India as Republic Day chief guest.

India had officially invited Trump for RDay on July 13. While the US had confirmed the invite, it had said that the final decision would be taken after the inaugural 2+2 dialogue in September. Indo-US ties have been under a lot of strain lately because of differences over India’s defence purchases from Russia and also its oil imports from Iran.

Despite the United States dangling the threat of CAATSA, India went ahead and signed a deal to purchase S-400 air missile defence system with Russia during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India.

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3 - 10 November 2018

India, Japan sign $75bn currency swap pact India and Japan signed a $75 billion bilateral currency swap agreement, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his fifth summit with his counterpart, Shinzo Abe. The agreement is expected to bring greater stability to the rupee and capital markets in India. With greater strategic convergence coming into sharp relief, the two countries also agreed to start a 2+2 dialogue at the foreign and defence ministers’ level as well as work together on infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, giving substance to Indo-Pacific policies. The swap agreement, a finance ministry release said, “will enable the agreed amount of foreign capital being available to India for use as and when need arises.” In 2013, India and Japan worked out another swap agreement, increasing it from $15 billion to $50 billion, when the rupee had been under stress.

An India-Japan vision statement issued after the summit-level meeting between the two leaders welcomed the swap agreement.

Officials said the currency swap agreement will have a positive impact on financing the current account deficit. “A strong signal to our financial and currency markets,” Shaktikanta Das, a member of the 15th finance commission, tweeted.

The summit, marked by a full day of informal meetings and deep conversations on Sunday, as well as delegation-level talks and industry outreach, saw the vision statement announce a “new era in IndiaJapan relations,” which will enable them to “cooperate for peace, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.” Based on their shared vision, the two Prime Ministers reiterated

Narendra Modi being received by Shinzo Abe during the welcome ceremony in Tokyo.

their unwavering commitment to working together towards a free and open IndoPacific. The two leaders also affirmed that Asean unity and centrality are at the heart of the Indo-Pacific concept, which is inclusive and open to all. They shared willingness to expand concrete cooperation with the US and other partners.”

In comments to the media, Modi said, “Without the cooperation of India and Japan, 21st century cannot be a century of Asia. Shinzo Abe and I have agreed to the 2+2 dialogue between our foreign and defence ministers. Its purpose is to promote peace

and stability in the world. We both agree that from digital partnership to cyber space, from health to protection, and from sea to space, in every field we will strengthen our partnership,” he added.

India and Japan also exchanged a Notes and Loan Agreement for the second tranche of Japanese official development assistance loan for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highspeed railway project.

Modi appreciated Japan’s role in promoting connectivity through quality infrastructure projects such as the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor and the Delhi-

Mumbai Industrial Corridor. Japan is funding 80% of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project through a soft loan of £7.90 billion at an interest rate of 0.1%, with a tenure stretching over 50 years and a moratorium period of 15 years.

“The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to the total elimination of nuclear weapons and remained resolute in the task of strengthening international cooperation to address the challenges of nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism,” the vision statement said.

The two sides also signed an agreement on the implementing arrangement for deeper cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.

Modi invites Japanese businessmen Modi invited Japanese businessmen to engage more with India to speed up the investment process in New Delhi. "I always talk about 'strong India strong Japan'. On this occasion, I express my gratitude to Japanese businessmen for showing their faith in India. I invite you all to engage with India to speed up the investment process there," Modi said while interacting at the Business Forum Summit.

The Prime Minister highlighted "low cost manufacturing" in India as a major benefit for businesses. Talking about his government's efforts in the "ease of doing business" front, he said: "India has started ranking its 36 states and Union Territories on the ease of doing business. This has resulted in a healthy competition among them for investment and led to better results."

India plans railway line to the foothills of Himalayas India plans to construct a railway line up to the foothills of Himalayas, with pressurised cabins and even oxygen masks to fight altitude sickness. The line will be 17,600 feet above the sea level on its way to the Himalayan hill station of Leh, making it the world's highest, and is expected to cost Indian Railways £8 billion. More than 80 tunnels will be dug and 520 bridges built to cover the 480 km journey from BilaspurManali to Leh in Kashmir, close to Chinese border.

“The line is strategically important and will provide all-weather surface connectivity to far-flung areas of Ladakh region. Travel time from Delhi to Leh will reduce by half and will boost tourist inflow. So it will also be beneficial for the local population. The project will be executed in a way that it need not close during extreme weather,” said the project’s chief engineer, Desh Ratan Gupta.

The route will include India’s first underground railway station in Keylong.

The Keylong railway station will be built inside a tunnel at a height of 3,000 metres.

So far, only a few Metro stations in Delhi and other cities are located inside tunnels in India. Keylong happens to be the administrative centre of Lahaul and Spiti district, situated 26 km north of Manali and 120 km from the Indo-Tibetan border. “The Keylong station will be inside the tunnel, according to the first phase of the location survey. This will be the first such railway station in the country. As and when the final surveys are completed, there could be many such stations on the route,” he added.

The line will connect Sundernagar, Mandi, Manali, Keylong, Koksar, Darcha, Upshi, Karu and other important towns of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir en route. The route would pass through three major ranges - Shivalik, Himalaya and Zanskar, as well as four mountain passes Rohtang La, Barlacha La, Lachung La and Tangla La. While the railway line’s elevation will begin from Bilaspur at a height of 500 metres, it will culminate in Leh at 3,215 metres. Tanglangla Pass, the highest point on the route, will be the highest railway in the world. Around 52% of the line will be underground, with a 27-km long tunnel near Manali and some 30 railway stations would come up along the entire route. Trains can run at a speed of 75 km per hour at the most at some stretches on this route.

This railway line would be at a much higher level than China’s Qinghai-Tibet line, which is at a height of about 2,000 metres above sea-level. Railways is contemplating to take the help of the United States for satellite imagery to survey the route and also planning to use the “Lidar” method to understand the geology of the entire route.

The project is scheduled to be completed by 2022. The first phase of the survey of the rail line is over and the final location survey is currently going on.

Considering the difficult terrain, it is expected to take at least 30 months to complete, after which the project will be sent for final approval.

Once finished, the line will halve the

duration taken to cover the distance between Delhi and Leh - from 40 hours to 20 hours, according to Northern Railway general manager Vishwesh Chaube. “We have suggested that the project be declared a national project as once completed it will help our armed forces, as well as boost tourism and lead to the development of the region,” he added.

The advantage of a project being declared a national project is that a major chunk of the funding for the project will then be borne by the Central government.

Railways has also suggested the construction of the 51-km stretch between Upshi in Himachal Pradesh and Phe in Leh to begin immediately and sought Central funding for it.

“It would be of national interest to sanction this Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line as a national project and undertake execution of its first part from Upshi to Leh may be started immediately on priority by the government after sanctioning its part estimate,” Ladakh MP Chhewang has said in his letter to the Railway Minister.

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3 - 9 November 2018

We called NHS 111 and got the help we needed Namrata Prakash, Yatri Shah and Bharti Chadha followed NHS advice and called 111 when they needed urgent non-life-threatening medical help. They discovered that NHS 111 is much more than a helpline. They were able to speak to fully trained advisors who are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and put straight through to relevant health-

call-back with an out of hours GP. The GP called me 10 mins later and arranged an appointment. All this happened without me needing to leave my home.”

Yatri used NHS 111 for the first time earlier this year and has now used the service a few times since.

She said “The first time I called 111 I didn’t really know what to expect but I

Bharti Chadha care professionals, depending on their situation.

Namrata said “I’ve used NHS 111 numerous times and have always had a positive experience.

Most recently I called when my son was feeling unwell with a stomach ache. I spoke to a call handler who asked a few questions about my son’s symptoms and gave me some advice on how to treat it. I was also advised to call

was surprised at how quickly the call handler was able to arrange an appointment at Northwick Park Hospital at around 2am, after my daughter who was only 4 months at the time had been vomiting – 6 times within 4 hours. She was successfully treated which was a huge relief.

“The second time I called was when my daughter had really bad nappy

Namrata Prakash back if my son’s condition didn’t improve which was very reassuring as the symptoms persisted. When I called back they arranged a

rash. This time the call handler arranged for a midwife to call me back. She called within 10 mins and gave me advice which helped ease

the rash.

“Because the service is so good, I now call 111 for all urgent medical concerns not just for my daughter but other family members too.

It’s such an efficient service that can really help save NHS resources if people called 111 for urgent nonlife threatening medical help instead of rushing to A&E.”

Bharti arrived in the UK a year ago and has used the NHS 111 service for both her daughters aged 7 weeks and 4 years old at least three times. She said “The first time we called 111 was for my 4-year-old daughter who was having urinary problems. We explained the symptoms to the call handler who then arranged an appointment at an out of

hours clinic at a local hospital with because it was late and our GP surgery was closed. She was seen by a doctor who ran some tests and successfully treated her for a urinary infection.

“I’m really thankful for NHS 111, it’s a brilliant service. The call handlers are very calm and patient even when I’ve been panicking, especially when my new born baby was unwell.”

If you think you need urgent non-life-threatening medical help, call NHS 111.

‘Help Us Help You’ know what to do.

Visit nhs.uk/111 for more information.

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3 - 10 November 2018

‘Baazaar’: It's all about the money, honey!

Priyanka Mehta “Aap Maths par chalte hain aur main emotions par! (You follow maths and I follow emotions).

This dialogue is perhaps, the crux of the movie that is neatly balanced on the Gujarati calculative wheels of Shakun Kothari (Saif Ali Khan) and street-smart tactics of the new kid on the block Rizwan Ahmed (Rohan Mehra).

The plot follows the generic rags-to-riches journey of a small-town boy Rizwan from Allahabad to Mumbai.

His ambition drives him to break into Stock Market Exchange with the only intention of sneaking his way into Shakun Kothari's business circle. And as the stock prices hike up so does his career. But even if you know zilch about stocks and options like me, you still would be aware about the fluctuating ups and downs and the same goes for Rizwan's life both professional and personal.

The movie transgresses from the Wolf of the Dalal Street's (Shakun's) fraudulent tactics of acquiring companies to Rizwan's converting stocks into profit ventures courtesy insider trading information and love interest Priya Rai (Radhika Apte). And it does so, artfully with the concept of smashing the fourth wall wherein, both Saif and Rohan directly talk to their audience at regular intervals. The dramatic zoom-ins and exaggerated slow motions is intended to add “larger-than-life” effect to the characters and the conservative Bollywood flavour to pace the movie. However, the glamourous stress of the Dalal street is perhaps missed because of the surface-level insight it provides in the business of buying-andselling.

The actors cover up the loop holes of director Gaurav Chawla however as they deliver a stellar performance dwindling in shades of grey and black. Saif, as the Gujarati “dhandhavado” (businesssman) unsurprisingly adapts to the quintessential language so much that he impersonates even the Gujarati accent to a hundred. For someone new to the industry, and starring opposite ace actors, Rohan Mehra leaves quite a first impression with his “smalltown-mentality” and punchy sense of humor! Radhika Apte, pulls-off the

Diverse Boxing drama 'Tiger' set to inspire BAME audience Mickey Rourke's inspirational boxing drama 'Tiger' is all set to hit the screen hit the screens on November 2. Based on the story of Sikh boxer Pardeep Nagra, who refused to shave off his beard, the movie deals with the discrimination and racism not only he, but also other persons of colour have to endure in upholding their religious and personal sovereignty. Nagra was barred from competing in a Canadian boxing championship because of his beard, which is a mandatory article of his faith. He is played by both, Prem Singh and Michael Pugliese.

Co-written with Saurav Dutt, the movie was pitched to Academy Award nominee Rourke directly while he was boxing at a gym. He plays head coach and mentor Frank Donovan, while Janel Parrish plays Nagra's attorney.

The makers hope the movie will uplift BAME audiences in the inspirational true story. Pugliese said, “Hollywood has to wake up to this. We live in a multicultural world. 'Tiger' and 'Crazy Rich Asians' are testament to what's happening in the world.” Singh said, “We hope 'Tiger' can do that for another religion and culture.”

Aamir’s Chinese fans coming to watch 'Thugs of Hindostan' contemporary image of the professional Indian female in workspace. However, she is over-shadowed by her male protagonists.

But it is Chitrangada Sen, playing Saif Ali Khan's perfect trophy-wife of who delivers the trump card and leaves the audience stunned.

While the actors in their dilemma of following their moral compass and being consumed by their greed for success breathe momentum to the sometimes dragging plot.

It is actually the witty screenplay that invites frequent chuckles from the audience and hearty laughs. The “Jai Shri Krishnas” are dropped at perfect timings and the intensity of “Main yaha struggle karne nahi settle hone aaya hoon” (I have not come to Mumbai to struggle but to settle) grips the audience in anticipation to the last scene.

The songs have managed to wrap the whirlwind of developing relationships between the characters in a series of montage shots and the Gujarati Kem Cho background only heightens the culture and lingo of West India. Overall, Baazaar is a two and a half hours of meaningful entertainment that helps one to unwind from the day's stress and busy work schedule.

Aamir Khan’s fans from China will be flying down to India to watch the actor’s upcoming film 'Thugs of Hindostan,' which also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh.

Considering that the Bollywood movies release in China much later than their India release, Aamir’s Chinese fans are excited to come and watch the film on the same day it opens here. Aamir is highly popular overseas, particularly in China, which is the second largest movie market.

His past three outings went on to do record-shattering business in China too.

His films 'PK' (2014), 'Dangal' (2016) and 'Secret Superstar' (2017) are in the list of top 5 all-time worldwide grossing Indian films.

‘DDLJ’ crosses 1,200-week run at Maratha Mandir It has been 23 years but Maratha Mandir is still in love with “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” which completed an uninterrupted run of 1,200 weeks at Mumbai’s iconic theatre. The 1995 film saw Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol emerge as a romantic heartthrobs in Bollywood, with stellar performances by Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal, Anupam Kher, Satish Shah and Himani Shivpuri, among others.Shah Rukh took to Twitter to express his gratitude for the love and adulation. “A special journey that began 23 years ago, goes on even today. Your love has kept Raj & Simran’s story alive on the big screen for 1,200

weeks non-stop. Thank you for falling in love with us so unconditionally for so many years! #23YearsOfDDLJ (sic),” he tweeted.

Kajol added, “1,200 weeks and still running!

Thank you all for all the love that you have been showering on #DDLJ for so many years! It was, is and will always be an incredibly special film for all of us.” Fondly called “DDLJ”, the film is remembered for its picturesque European locales and Punjab’s mustard fields, which went to become one of many signatures of the film.

Songs like “Na jaane mere”, “Tujhe dekha” and “Ruk ja” by Lata Mangeshkar, Udit Narayan and Kumar Sanu on memorable tunes by JatinLalit still rule the hearts of diehard romantics.

Directed by Aditya Chopra, the film completed 20 years in 2015.

While 'Dangal' earned a whopping £190.8 million in China, 'Secret Superstar' raked in £87.4 million at the Chinese box office. His first release in the neighbouring country, 'PK' opened to a thunderous response of £83.1 million. Aamir had previously said that his popularity in China did not start from 'Dangal.' “My popularity in China happened by accident.

Not many people know that it all started with '3 Idiots' (2009), which reached Chinese homes through piracy. I guess they really related to the subject of the education system. Then they followed my work, including 'PK', and even the TV show Satyamev Jayate,” Aamir said.

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3 - 10 November 2018

MeToo: Amala Paul comes Shruti Haasan turns anchor out in support of Leena with 'Hello Sago' show Kollywood actress Amala Paul has come out in support of filmmaker and poet Leena Manimekalai who has accused director Susi Ganesan of sexual misconduct, as part of the MeToo movement. However, the 'Thiruttu Payale' director denied her allegations and said that he would file a defamation case against Leena. Now, Amala has issued a statement, extending her support to Leena.

Amala adds that she too faced similar situations with director Susi Ganesan, while shooting for 'Thiruttu Payale 2.' She said that she was subjected to double meaning talks and unchivalrous bodily contacts, thereby making her shooting experience a mentally fatiguing one.

Her official statement reads, "I support Leena Manimekalai's allegations and can imagine this episode happening with her, from a man who has a twisted set of moral values and utterly low respect for women.

She being an

aspiring director could have made her an easy target for such an incidence to take place. Me too despite being the leading actress for 'Thirutu Payale 2' was subjected to double meaning talks, misrepresented offers and unchivalrous bodily contacts. This pretty much made my experience of shooting TP2, a mentally fatiguing one. I can totally understand what she could have been subjected through. I applaud her for the courage she showed by narrating her ordeal on a public platform.

“In our emerging economy and ever expanding female work force, this behaviour is rampantly occurring everywhere, in all trades and industries. These men treat their wives and daughters different, but when it comes to their colleagues they don't miss a chance to show an upper hand and take advantage. This is one of the main reasons, we Indians are unable to unlock our true potential either in creative, service or spiritual industries. But true change will come when service and unorganized sectors are also heard for their #metoo ordeals.”

Following the footsteps of her father Kamal Haasan, his daughter Shruti Haasan, is also going to host a show. This show will be aired on Sun TV, titled 'Hello Sago.' She also joins the bandwagon of celebrities, who have started hosting television shows. Actor Vishal, and Varalaxmi are among the latest ones to do it. The first promo of this show has been released, and it was shared by Shruti on Twitter. The show will be directed

Alia has a special message for her ‘stunning mommy’ Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt has a special wish for her mother Soni Razdan turned a year older last week. The 'Raazi' actor sharing a throwback photo of her parents Soni Razdan and Mahesh Bhatt has written a heartfelt message for her mommy dearest. In the post, Alia wrote, “Happy Birthday my stunning stunning mommy thank you for being a classic example of beauty INSIDE OUT! No amount of words can express how fortunate I am to have a mother/friend/partner-intrying-different-diets like you!!

Even if I say it a million times a day it won’t be enough.. But.. I love you.” This is not the first time that the veteran actor’s beautiful photos have surfaced on Alia’s Instagram account.

Earlier too, the 62-year-old actor has featured in many candid clicks with her daughter.

Soni Razdan is a British born Indian actor and has starred in movies like 'Saaransh,' 'Sadak,' 'Page 3' and 'Raazi' among others.

She has also been a part of TV shows 'Buniyaad' and 'Love Ka Hai Intezaar.'

The first time the audience got to see the mother-daughter duo together on the silver screen was in Meghna Gulzar’s 'Raazi' where

by Badri Venkatesh of 'Baana Kaathadi' and 'Semma Botha Aagathey.' Remya Nambeesan has sung the title track of the film.

Actor Kamal Haasan was last seen in 'Vishwaroopam 2', which is a sequel to 'Vishwaroopam' which was released in 2013.

In the last 2 years, he has hosted both the seasons of Bigg Boss in Tamil. The way he handled the show won lot of praise among public.

Akshay Kumar and Ranveer Singh’s 'Bromance' on Koffee with Karan

Razdan played Alia’s mother.

Now, the veteran actor will be seen in the film 'Yours Truly,' which premiered at the 23rd Busan International Film Festival.

The self-proclaimed ‘Desi boys’ of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar and Ranveer Singh, appeared on Koffee with Karan Season 6’s second episode which was telecast on Sunday, 28th October.

The episode was full of laughter, entertainment and dramatic scenes.

The episode highlighted the fondness that the ‘Gold’ star shares with the very own Bajirao while they reminisced about their first

meeting. They started the episode on a high note as they entered the set dancing and the host Karan Johar had to plead them to curb their enthusiasm. Ranveer was sure to sing praises of his idol, Akshay Kumar as he spoke of his warm nature and kindness.

The episode also featured their witty personalities as they indulged in some fun teasing and the episode was indeed the ‘whirlwind’ the fans were waiting for. Star World India tweeted about the duo’s infamous dance performance, quoting, “@akshaykumar and @ranveerofficial channel their 90s dance moves on #KoffeeWithKaran! #KoffeeWithAkshay #KoffeeWithRanveer”

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3 - 9 November 2018

Mahant Swami graces Gondal with his presence

Bochasanwasi Sri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha's head Param Pujya Mahant Swami is currently on his vicharan in Gondal. He had arrived here on October 23, from Gadhada. He visited the Jasdan Temple as soon as he arrived and gave his devotees an opportunity of his darshan.

In Gondal, he did nitya puja early in the morning. Sharad Poonam was Pujya Gunitanand Swami's Pragatya Diwas. On October 24, Wednesay, in Mahant Swami's presence, the 234th Shardotsav was celebrated. Three kings of Gondal's royal family were present on the occasion, namely Jyotindrasinhji, Girirajsinhji , and Jyotirmaysinhji. They were honoured with garlands by Pujya Mahant Swami. A special jal yatra was organised inside the temple premises on that day, when several saints and devotees were present. In Rajkot, Pujya Pramukh Swami's 98th Birth Anniversary was celebrated. Swamis from Rajkot had invited Mahant Swamiji on the occasion. On October 29, a speech by Shri Gajendra Pandaji was organised. On October 28, Vidya Mandir Din was also celebrated in the presence of Mahant Swami. l

Jain Centre in Colindale invites its neighbours, friends, and fellow community members who are struggling, homeless, or on a low income, to share delicious food, on November 11, 11.30 am to 2.00 pm, at The Jain Centre, 64-68 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5DR. UK's largest Hindu New Year celebrations at the BAPS Shri l Swaminarayan Mandir. Diwali to be celebrated on November 7: Chopda Pujan to be held from 5.45 pm to 7.15 pm at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Fireworks display to be held from 7.50 pm to 8.15 pm, at The Swaminarayan School. Hindu New Year Annakut to be celebrated on November 8: Annakut Darshan from 12.00 pm to 9.00 pm, and half-hourly aarti to be held until 9.00 pm.

Celebrations to be held at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 105-119 Brentfield Road, Neasden, London NW10 8LD. l Vadtal Dham Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple celebrates Diwali and New Year.

Hanumanji Pooja celebration, 8.00 pm onwards on November 6, Kali Chaudash. Laxmi Poojan, 8.00 pm onwards, on November 7, Diwali, and celebration of Annkut Utsav, 11.00 am to 8.00 pm, on November 9. All celebrations to take place at Bridle Road, Pinner London, HA5 2SH UK.

The Former Prime Minister of India Shri H.D Devegowda paid tribute to Basaveshwara statue in London on 26th October 2018. He was accompanied

by Member of Parliament Shri Kupendra Reddy.

The event was organized by The Basaveshwara Foundation, a non-profit organization based in UK that has erected the statue of Basaveshwara on the bank of river Thames.

Former Mayor of London borough of Lambeth and Chairman of the Basaveshwara foundation Dr Neeraj Patil welcomed the Prime Minister & Member of Parliament Shri Kupendra Reddy on behalf of the British Indian/Kannada community.

Members of the two important Kannada Diaspora organizations, Kannadigaru UK & Sandalwood UK, joined the

l

Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Willesden to celebrate Diwali. Rama Ekadashi and Vaagh Baaras to be celebrated on November 4.

Dhanteras on November 5. Kali Chaudas and Hanuman Poojan from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm, on November 6. Celebration of Diwali to be held with Laxmi Poojan and Chopda Poojan on November 7, 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm. New Year Vikram Samvat 2075, Annakut to be celebrated on November 8, 8.00 am to 7.00 pm. Tulsi Vivah to be celebrated on November 23, wedding to start at 7.00 pm. Celebrations will be held at 220-220 Willesden Lane, London, NW2 5RG. l Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Kingsbury, to hold Diwali and New Year celebrations. New Year will be celebrated on November 8, with Annakut Darshan, Live Music, and rangoli.

Fireworks display and dance and music programs to be held on November 10, from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Celebrations to be held at 211 Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury, NW9 8AQ. l Diwali Party at the Langley Suites, to be held on November 3. Doors open from 6.30 pm and dinner buffet to be served from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. Celebrations to be held at The Langley Banqueting Suites, Watford, Herts WD17 1AZ. Radha Krishna Mandir Shyama Aashram celebrates Diwali and New Year. Diwali

Sneh Joshi

Hon Prime Minister on this important occasion.

Basaveshwara fought for eradication of caste discrimination and social justice in the Indian society and unfortunately India still remains divided along caste and religious lines and this must end, there is no place for discrimination in the modern world, said the Former Prime Minister.

The Hon Former Prime Minister expressed tribute to Basaveshwara for his contribution towards democracy and social justice in India.

He said, I am extremely delighted to see the statue of an Indian philosopher in the backdrop of British Parliament overlooking the river Thames. This makes every Indian & Kannadiga proud.

The project was approved by the planning department of The London borough of Lambeth and subsequently by the British

Former Prime Minister of India Shri H.D Devegowda (in white) laying a garland on the statue

Cabinet minister for culture media and sports as per the Public Statues Act, 1854. The Basaveshwara statue and its vicinity is the intellectual property of the Basaveshwara Foundation.

The Basaveshwara statue erected at the Albert Embankment is not only the first statue to be unveiled by an Indian Prime Minister in the UK, but is also the first conceptual statue approved by the British Cabinet in the vicinity of the Parliament.

Coming Events

celebration on November 7, aarti at 8.00 am, 12.00 pm, and 7.00 pm. Shreeji Diwadandi Darshan to be held in the evening. Annakut Darshan on November 8, 2.00 pm to 7.30 pm, Gowardhan Puja on the same day, from 11.00 am to 12.00 pm, Mahaprasad from 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm, and Aarti at 8.00 am, 12.00 pm, and 7.30 pm. l Shri Vallabh Nidhi UK and Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir to celebrate Diwali and New Year. Dhanteras celebration on November 5.

Kaali Chaudas on November 6- Hanuman Chalisa to be held from 5.00 pm to 6.45 pm.

Diwali to be celebrated on November 7.

Chopda Pujan will be held on the 7th from 11.00 am to 12.00 pm. Nutan Varsh and Annakut Darshan to be held on November 8, with a Nutan Varsh Maha Arti 8.00 am onwards. Jalaram Jayanti will be held on November 15, and Tulsi Vivah will be conducted on November 19, 12.30 pm onwards.

Celebrations will be held at Shri Sanatan Hindu Temple, Ealing Road, Wembley, HA0 4TA. l Shri Vallabh Nidhi UK and Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir to celebrate Diwali and New Year. Rama Ekadashi to be celebrated on November 4, Dhanteras on November 5, Kali Chaturdashi on November 6, Diwali to be celebrated on November 7, Nutan Varsh on November 8, Bhai Beej to be celebrated on

been going through a phase of inner doubts and uncertainties, and perhaps the main source of tension has simply been the need for breathing space in your relationship and a need to look at things more objectively. Wait before going full steam ahead with grand actions and gestures.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 The next few weeks may bring

confusion and misunderstandings at work and troubles with your health as Venus remains retrograde in your sixth house. You'll need to pay more attention to detail and double check everything before finalising important matters. Close relationships need to be re-assessed.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Developments during this week

are likely to make you feel rather restless, perhaps because you have allowed yourself to fall into a routine that is now becoming jaded. If so, then the hint of change will be extremely welcome, even if it might entail an element of disruption. Adaptable and versatile, as you are, it is unlikely that even a major change will faze you.

It's a time of slow and steady progress. Of course, there are still challenging issues on both a personal and practical level. To get here you may have overcome obstacles by making important decision and choices.

You will achieve a lot more, especially when you're motivated by your own desires.

You can expect everything to run smoothly and luck to attend your efforts. However, underneath this positive surface you may be plagued by a feeling of restlessness, an uneasy feeling that something is not quite right. Try to strike a balance between material and emotional affairs !

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

Brilliant ideas come easily into your awareness, as you trust your higher self and allow thoughts to flow freely. You are able to embrace new opportunities and make positive changes in your life. Your efforts bring you into a more stable way of working than ever before, an important development, with all the changes occurring around you.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

Your communication sector is allabuzz with planetary energies firing you up preventing you from sleeping properly. Give yourself plenty of physical outlets to drain off some of the excess mental stimulation. You should try to settle into a more grounded and steady routine instead of letting your schedule run you.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

At home, be at your diplomatic best and try not to tread on anyone's toes. Passions will run from hot to cold, and relationships may suffer. Even the most strong-willed Scorpions will be more open to compromise to keep the peace. Plan your spending and set sensible budgets to reach your financial goals.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

This is located at Albert E m b a n k m e n t in London opposite the British Parliament.

The approval was given as a mark of respect to 12th century Indian Philosopher and social reformer Basaveshwara for promoting democratic ideals, social justice and gender equality during the 12th century.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Basaveshwara statue 14th November 2015 in London.

November 9. All celebrations will be held on Shrinathji Sanatan Hindu Mandir, 159-161 Whipps Cross Road, Leytonstone, London E11 1NP. l Gujarat Hindu Society Preston to celebrate Diwali and New Year from November 3 to 11.

Children's Diwali Party to be held on November 3, 7.00 pm onwards. Rangoli competition for children on November 4, 3.30 pm onwards. On November 7, fireworks display from 7.30 pm, chopda pujan from 8.15 pm. On November 8, Annakut Darshan from 12.30 pm, and Annakut prasadi from 2.00 pm, evening aarti to start from 7.00 pm. Jalaram Utsav to be held on November 11 and Tulsi Vivaah to be held on November 18. Celebrations will be held at South Meadow Lane, Preston PR1 8JN. l Jasper Centre celebrates Diwali on November 7, 11.00 am to 4.00 pm, and New Year on November 8, with Annakut Darshan to be held from 1.00 pm to 7.00 pm, with aarti to be held from 1.00 pm, every hour. Renowned singer Maya Dipak and other singers to entertain on November 16. Celebrations will be held at Rosslyn Cres, Harrow HA1 2SU. l Balham Temple to celebrate Bhai Beej on November 10. Yamunashtkana Paath, Loti Utsav, Dhod, Kirtan, and Aarti to be conducted, at 33, Balham Highroad, London SW12 9AL.

The UK’s leading Vedic writer and TV personality

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 Either you or your partner have

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

Tribute to Basaveshwara statue in London by Former Indian Prime Minister Shri H.D. Devegowda

020 8518 5500

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

Organise your time so that it is not taken up entirely by the demands of other people. It is an excellent time for exercising your mental energies and clarifying your ideas to others.

Home and family duties and responsibilities may weigh heavy on you. Try and work out where you want to make changes in your busy life.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

It seems that you will be in gregarious mood, intent on cultivating a wider circle of acquaintances. Mentally you will be in good form to make on-the-spot decisions and also get your ideas across to the right people. Ideas that you have been juggling with for quite some time will now be easily pulled into shape, allowing you to push ahead.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 You will feel energetic and confident as the week begins. New beginnings are favoured around now, as long as you do not bite off more than you can chew. Pay attention to the details as you bring your inner and outer life into harmony. And be sure to enjoy the changes occurring within you!

You will find your friends are willing to help you in any way.

The fiery planet Mars is the moving force in regard to amorous experience, giving more than just a hint that links between lovers will be rather intense and passionate. Your attitude to material interests is likely to undergo some deep change. On a material level the trend greatly favours anything geared towards establishing greater financial stability.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

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3 - 10 November 2018

India, Pakistan share Asian Champions hockey honours

The Asian Champions Trophy hockey final between India and Pakistan on Sunday was abandoned following heavy rain and both the teams were declared as joint winners.

The turf was completely waterlogged diminishing the chances of play and after consulting with both coaches the tournament director called the match abandoned and declared them both winners.

It had started raining in Muscat, ten minutes before the start of the final and the match was initially delayed by an hour. But following the hour, the incessant rain continued and ruled out any play on the day. Hence the 2018 edition of the Asian Champions Trophy, witnessed joint winners as both India and Pakistan lay their hands on the trophy.

Defending champions India had had a dominant run throughout the tournament, after the Men in Blue entered the finals unbeaten. The Manpreet Singh-led side had gotten off to a rollicking start with an 11-0 win over Oman, following it up with a 3-1 win over finalists Pakistan and then hammering Japan 9-0. The champs were held by Malaysia in the next round robin encounter, before topping the group stage with a 4-1 win over South Korea and a total of 13 points.

In the semifinals, India played out a thrilling match against Asian Games gold medallist Japan (3-2) to set up a mouthwatering final. Pakistan ended the round robin stages on the second spot with 10 points. Malaysia claimed the bronze medal. But the fans were denied the joy of witnessing an India-Pak title clash as the clouds opened up washing out the final match. Indian drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh finished the 2018 edition as the second-highest scorer with six goals to his name. Prior to this edition both India and Pakistan had won the tournament twice each. India had entered the tournament as defending champions having won the 2016 edition.

Indian hockey player Akashdeep Singh was adjudged "Player of the Tournament" while PR Sreejesh was declared the best goalkeeper.

MITHALI TON HELPS INDIA A TAKE 2-0 LEAD

Riding on Mithali Raj’s record-setting, unbeaten hundred, India A defeated their Australian counterparts by 28 runs to take a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 series last week.

The Aussies were never in the hunt in the chase as they lost wickets at regular intervals.

Brief scores: India A 184/5 (Mithali Raj 105 n.o., Harmanpreet 57, Tahila McGrath 2/36) bt Australia A 156/9 (Tahila McGrath 47; Poonam Yadav 2/29)

India crush Windies by 224 runs to take 2-1 series lead Terrific performances in all the three departments helped India crush the West Indies by 224 runs in the fourth One Day International (ODI) at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Monday. With the clinical win against the visitors, India now lead the five-match series 2-1 with one match to go. Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed (3-13) and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav (342) starred with the ball as India wrapped up the Windies batting line-up for 153 in 36.2 overs.

Chasing a mammoth target of 378, the visitors got off to a poor start with Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissing Chandrapaul Hemraj (14) in the fifth over.

Shai Hope (0) and opener Kieran Powell (4) followed Hemraj soon thanks to some brilliant display on the field from the Indian fielders. With the Windies team reeling at 20 for three, Khaleel showed no respite as he tore apart the visitors' middle order. The youngster dismissed Shimron Hetmyer (13), Marlon Samuels (18) and Rovman Powell (1) in quick succession helping India tighten their grip on the match.

Spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja then wrapped up the lower middleorder helping India register a comprehensive victory. Khaleel and Kuldeep clinched three wickets each while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja bagged a wicket apiece. Earlier, riding on centuries from Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu, India scored a formidable total of 377 for five after electing to bat. Rohit and Rayudu set up a terrific 211-run partnership for the third wicket as both the batsmen clobbered the bowlers all around the park.

Sharma played a 162-run knock that included 20 boundaries and four sixes while Rayudu slammed eight boundaries and four sixes in his 100-run knock. Towards the end, MS Dhoni (23 off 15 balls) and Kedar Jadhav (16 off 7 balls) cameos propelled India past the 350-run mark. Kemar Roach was the highest wicket taker for the Windies, finishing with figures of 2-74.

Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu

Windies beat India Despite the Indian captain’s third successive ODI ton, West Indies managed to pull off a 43-run win in the third ODI in Pune and level the series 1-1. West Indies made 283-9 with comeback pacer Jasprit Bumrah taking 4-35 and India replied 240 all out in 47.4 overs with offie Ashely Nurse (243) and Marlon Samuels (3-12 in 3.4 overs) – who bowled Kohli - hurting them the most.

Skipper Jason Holder got the pivotal scalp of MS Dhoni (7) caught behind.

Kohli scored 107 off 119 balls with 10 fours and a six. The rest of Indian batsmen scored 127 off 167. It was Kohli’s 23rd ODI ton while chasing a target and only the third in a losing cause after Napier (123 vs NZ, 201314) and Canberra (106 vs Aus, 201516).

Match ended in tie Riding on terrific century from middle-order batsman Shai Hope (123 not out), the West Indies team salvaged a draw against India in the second ODI in Visakhapatnam. The 24-year-old played brilliantly under pressure but failed to take his team across the line in a final-over thriller.

With five runs required on the final delivery, Hope could only manage a boundary as both the teams ended on identical scores of 321. Earlier, in the first innings Virat Kohli produced another masterclass as India scored 321 runs for the loss of six wickets. Continuing his terrific run with the bat, Kohli notched up his 37th century in ODI cricket, scoring an unbeaten 157 of just 129 deliveries.

Kohli becomes the fastest to score 10,000 ODI runs Virat Kohli broke the world record of the fastest 10,000 one-day international runs, needing only 205 innings to get to the mark. He surpassed the record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who achieved the feat in 259 innings. Kohli reached the milestone while batting on 81 during the second ODI against West Indies in Visakhapatnam. He took a single to long-on off the bowling of off-spinner

Ashley Nurse. Tendulkar, who was the first in history to breach the 10,000 mark in ODIs, got there in 2001 against Australia in Indore. Twelve other batsmen have scored over 10,000 runs in the format. Tendulkar leads the list with 18,426 runs while Kumar Sangakkara is second with 14,234 runs. The only other active player on the list is MS Dhoni, who passed the milestone against England at Lord's earlier this year.

Birmingham County FA celebrates Dhoni dropped diversity through football initiative from T20I series The final match of the the diverse communities that are inaugural Birmingham based in Birmingham including County Football Algeria, Andorra, Brazil, Kurdistan, Association Community Bangladesh, Egypt, Pakistan and World Cup was held at St Syria. The tournament was organised George’s Park National

by Obayed Hussain, Co-Director of Football Centre. The final the West Midlands Active Citizens was won by team and Equalities Officer at the ‘Birmingham Algeria’ who Birmingham Football Association, beat team ‘Positive Youth with the aim to celebrate diversity and Foundation Syria’ by four increase participation in sports goals to nil. amongst the local community.

The final was an He said: “The Birmingham enthralling game as both County FA Community World Cup teams created a lot of was a great success as it enabled the chances and showcased different communities within the great energy and West Midlands to share their passion athleticism. Both teams and enjoyment but also helped to were on equal footing until promote fair play, tolerance, the first goal came just Obayed Hussain, Co-Director of the West inclusion and respect. “The final before half-time with team Midlands Active Citizens and Equalities match was fantastic, just like the Birmingham Algeria taking Officer at the Birmingham Football whole tournament. There are a a one goal lead into the Association, at the Birmingham County number of different diverse diasporas Fa Community World Cup. break. PYF Syria came out (Photo by Sian Dixon) living together in Birmingham, who strongly in the second half, all have strong connections to their but unfortunately missed a series of chances that heritage. I believed it was important for them to would have brought them back into the game. showcase and celebrate this heritage through Team Birmingham Algeria then started to take sport. control and capitalised by scoring three goals in “I would like to thank Ken Campbell, the less than five minutes. This was enough to see teams and all the staff members involved for them emerge victorious as the winners of the first helping to create such a fantastic occasion. A big ever Birmingham County FA Community World thanks to Lincoln Moses MBE, who presented Cup. the trophies to the teams during the medal Eight teams entered the pilot competition ceremony. And of course congratulations to team during the summer of 2018, representing some of Birmingham Algeria on their formidable win.”

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was dropped from India's 16-member teams for both the T20 International series against the West Indies and Australia later this year. Captain Virat Kohli was also rested from the three-match T20I series against the West Indies beginning on November 4. Rohit Sharma will lead the team in Kohli's absence.

Kohli, however, returns for the four-match Test series against Australia later this year with the BCCI's selection committee naming a 18-member team for the important assignment. He will also lead the side in the three T20 matches against Australia. The selection panel also named a 15member India A team for first four-day game against New Zealand A.

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COMMUNITY MOURNS DEATH OF LEICESTER CITY SOCCER CLUB OWNER 4 others killed in helicopter crash

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabh

Leicester City soccer club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, a Thai tycoon, was killed along with four others when his helicopter crashed and then exploded after a Premier League match on Saturday, the soccer club and police said. Vichai bought the unheralded central England side in 2010 and went on to stun the soccer world by beating odds to win the Premier League title in 2016 in what amounted to a sporting fairy tale. The father of four and founder of dutyfree King Power International was a huge favourite with the club’s fans. “It is with the deepest regret and a collective broken heart that we confirm our chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside King Power Stadium,” a club statement said.

The aircraft came down in a car park near the King Power Stadium, about an hour after the end of Leicester City’s game against West Ham United, police said.

OTHER VICTIMS The other victims were two members of his staff, Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, pilot Eric Swaffer and passenger Izabela Roza Lechowicz, Leicestershire Police said. No one on the ground was injured, they said. According to witnesses, the helicopter had barely cleared the top of the stadium before it started to spin. It then plummeted to the ground and burst into flames.

TITLE WIN After pumping millions of pounds into the club, Vichai helped steer Leicester back into the top flight in 2014 before they stunned the lovers of football by beating the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea to become champions of England.

Hundreds of fans laid flowers, football shirts and scarves outside the stadium in tribute to Vichai on Sunday. According to Forbes magazine, Vichai was the fifth-richest person in Thailand with an estimated net worth of $4.9 billion. The self-made businessman’s duty-free company, founded in 1989, was granted an airport monopoly in 2006 under the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. It continued to prosper even after Thaksin’s ouster in a coup that year.

The family’s empire also includes Belgian football club, Oud-Heverlee Leuven.

KEITH VAZ CONDOLES DEATH Keith Vaz, Member of Parliament from Leicester East, in a condolence message said,

A British Asian places the photograph of Lord Ganesh as a tribute outside King Power Stadium in memory of Khun Vichai and others

but he wanted to qualify for the Champions League again. His ambition for the Club was boundless. He enjoyed the total support of the fans who adored him and he loved them back, showering them all with special surprises. When we won the Championship I took him onto the roof of Parliament to celebrate.

tribute at the King Power Stadium on Monday. Elsewhere at the Jalaram Temple on Narborough Road, local devotees gathered – some donning their official LCFC supporter scarves – to pay respect to the departed souls.

Pramodbhai Thakkar, Chairman of Jalaram Charitable Trust said: “We all need

Keith Vaz, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha

“The tragedy that took place at the King Power Stadium will be seared on our minds forever. Khun Vichai was a kind and generous man and a devoted father, grandfather and a good friend. He took this city to the top of the world. From that great triumph we now have this unbearable tragedy. No match at the King Power Stadium will ever be the same again. It is truly the saddest day in the Club’s history.

I travelled with him by train two weeks ago and he was greatly enjoying the season

Supporters pay tribute outside Leicester City Football Club on Sunday.

Members of Jalaram Charitable Trust walk with the wreath to the football statdium

“The Premier League win was the stuff of legend. An impossible dream come true. His energy, his drive, his belief and his vision made it all possible. He has a wonderful family who were inseparable from him.

Their loss is unimaginable. But his legacy is all around us. We will never forget him.

Leicester will always love him. Our thoughts are also with the family and friends of Nursara Suknamai, Kaveporn Punpare, Eric Swaffer Izabela Roza Lechowicz who also perished in the accident.’’

The Jalaram temple and the Baps Mandir both held Aartis and offered condolences to all those who perished in the crash. Later a walk to the King Power Stadium was organised and wreaths were placed in memory of the departed souls.

LEICESTER COMMUNITY PAYS TRIBUTE TO VICHAI The Leicester city has been in mourning following the tragic death of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. The tragic accident has shocked the football world and even today, almost three days later, fans are still flocking to the club to pay tributes to the 60-year-old Thai billionaire. In a poignant scene, Leicester vice chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, Vichai’s son laid a floral

to grieve together and as we believe when we all get together in grief, it lessens the pain to a family, hence we’ve decided to get together today to walk with the wreath to the football stadium to grieve the tragic accident. That’s what humanity is all about.”

Meanwhile, Suleman Nagdi, spokesman for the Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO), spoke on behalf of the local Muslim community saying: “I would like to express my heartfelt condolences for Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, his family and all of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.

I would also like to commend the First Responders and medical teams at the scene who serve us all, we are very fortunate to have them.” He then went on to say: “Vichai felt he could change the community for the better and wanted to be a part of it. He was a role model for many and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”

BBC Radio Leicester is organising a multi-faith and no-faith moment for sports fans to gather to remember the tragic loss and wear their sports colours.

Representatives from other sports clubs have also been invited to attend the event at the Jalaram Temple on Narborough Road.