Immigrants in the UK face rising racial hostility, echoing Southall 1979 Amid attacks, surveillance fears grow with Starmer’s BritCard digital ID, criticised as discriminatory, intrusive, and costly for lawabiding migrants and international students. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposal, extending the wait for ILR from five to ten years doesn’t help the “multicultural Britain” case either
Welcome to the United Kingdom, where history seems to be repeating itself Immigrants are once again facing protests, harassment and attacks Thankfully, unlike the Southall riots of 1979, there have been no murders Yet
Just as in 1979, the far-right recently marched across London under the guise of protesting illegal immigration, though in reality it was a racist rally Communities rallied against it, just as Southall residents confronted the National Front decades ago The government’s response today mirrors the past During the Southall riots, Prime Minister James Callaghan and the Home Secretary refused to intervene to block a controversial far-right meeting, despite calls from the Ealing Labour Party and the Commission for Racial Equality Similarly, Keir Starmer has upheld the right to peaceful protest, even amid mounting tensions
Victims bear the brunt while communities rally
But what about the victims? The Sikh woman raped on the day of the protest, classified by police as a racially aggravated assault did not deserve what happened to her. Sikh men marched through the streets of Birmingham demanding justice for her in a move of showing support and solidarity. But why must communities repeatedly rally to protect victims from within their own ranks? Why should families suffer simply because of the colour of their skin while trying to make an honest living in a country that is, and always has been, part of their history?
‘Racially aggravated’ graffiti on Gandhi statue sparks community outrage
India demands immediate action after the statue at Tavistock square, London, is vandalised, ahead of Gandhi Jayanti The recent anti-India graffiti appears to be a direct attack on the diaspora Could this be a deliberate attempt to defame India or intimidate British Indians?
Subhasini Naicker
Just days ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Tavistock Square in London was vandalised
The plinth of the iconic statue, depicting the Father of the Nation in a meditative seated pose, was defaced with disturbing graffiti, including the words “Terrorists” and “Gandhi, Modi and Hindustani [Indians]” spray-painted in black
Continued on 11
Anusha Singh
The vandalised statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Tavistock Square, London
British Prim e M inister Keir Starmer has dism issed for-
m er U S P resi d ent Donald
Tru mp ’ s recent claim that L ond on is m ov ing to ward I slam ic S haria law, calling t h e as se rti o n “ n o
M ayor Sadiq Khan
Trump, speaking at the United Nations earlier this w
Eu
L o n d o n a n d
b i n g Khan as a “terrible, terrible mayor, ” while claiming the
c i t y w a s h e a d e d t o w a r d Sharia law
St a r m e r t o l d I T V
London, “The idea of the introduction of Sharia law is nonsense and Sadiq Khan is a ver y good man There are few things I disagree with
Tr u m p o n , b u t I’m v e r y clear, this is one of them ”
Responding to the UN
c o m m e n t s , K h a n a c c u s e d
Trump of being “racist, sex-
i s t , m i s o g y n i s t i c , a n d
Islamophobic ” Highlighting
t h e g r o w i n g n u m b e r o f
A m e r i c a n s r e l o c a t i n g t o
Br i t a i n , K h a n t ol d Me t ro ,
“People will be wondering what it is about this Muslim mayor who leads a liberal, m u l t i c u l t u r a l , s u c c e s s f u l , diverse city It seems to me
Starmer’s communications chief steps down
At this point, No 1 0 ap p ea rs to b e executing a o ne-in, one-o ut scheme of i ts o w n , as K ei r Starmer’s head of c
ni ng St ree t, becom ing
I N B R I E F
SADIQ KHAN HITS BACK OVER LONDON CRIME STATISTICS
W h e n p r e s s e d a b o u t
Trump’s apparent f ixation, Khan joked, “I think he’s got a crush on me It’s either that or he believes in giving me squatters’ rights inside his head ” A spokesperson for Khan added that the mayor would “ n o t d i g n i f y h i s a p p a l l i n g and bigoted comments with a response, ” while Khan told Sky News that the remarks demonstrated Trump’s prejudice “He is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynistic, and he is Islamophobic ”
Trump’s remarks came just a week after his second state visit to Britain, which included royal ceremonies, a carriage tour, and a whitetie banquet, during which
t h a t I’m l i v i n g r e n t -f r e e i n s i d e D o n a l d Tr u m p ’ s head ”
he praised the U S -UK relationship
Sadiq Khan became the f
since won two more terms, holding the largest personal m
B r i t i s h politician He has now conf irmed that he intends to r u n fo r a fo u r t h t
m i n 2028, ruling out a return to We s t m i n s t e r p
insisting he has “the best job in politics ”
Speaking to LBC Radio, Khan said, “I have the best job in politics Londoners have lent me their votes on three occasions, and as long as I continue to feel I can deliver for this great city of ours, I’ll carr y on being the Mayor I have no intention of leaving this job ”
L abour restores whip to Apsana Begum after benefit cap rebellion
L abo u r h a s res to r ed th e p a rty w h i p to A p sa na
B eg um as w ell as Jo h n McDonnell , 1 4 months after s u s p en d i ng t h em fo r rebelling ag ainst th e twoch ild benef it cap, accord ing to th e Gu ard ian
The decision followed a
m e e t i n g w i t h Jo n a t h a n R e y n o l d s , L a b o u r ’ s n e w chief whip after this month’s reshuffle
Responding to the news, Begum said she would “ cont i n u e t o e x p o s e t h e t w ochild limit at ever y opportu-
n i t y ” S h e a d d e d , “C h i l d poverty is a matter of con-
s c i e n c e fo r m e : 4 4 6 % o f children in my constituency live in poverty Calls to scrap the policy are growing, from the children’s commissioner to members of the govern-
m e n t ’ s o w n c h i l d - p o v e r t y taskforce ”
Begum and McDonnell were among seven MPs who lost the whip in July 2024 for backing an amendment to the King’s Speech demanding an end to the cap, which has been widely linked to rising child poverty
Fo u r o f t h o s e M Ps : R
Byrne, Imran Hussain and Richard Burgon were reinstated in Februar y The sev-
since cut ties with Labour and is working with Jeremy Corbyn to form a new leftwing party
Jordan, Brian Leishman and C
pended after leading rebellions on welfare policy, winter fuel cuts, and planning reforms The continuing suspen-
rebellions over key welfare
about the depth of conf idence Labour MPs have in
latest in a string of senior aides to quit in recent month s Driver, who had worked alongside Starmer for f ive years as his communications chief in opposition before moving to senior roles in government, was seen as one of the prime minister’s most trusted advisers Her exit follows that of Paul Ovenden, Starmer’s director of political strategy, and James Lyons, director of communications for strategy, both of whom left earlier this month
Tim Allan, a former adviser to Tony Blair and founder of the PR f irm Portland, appointed as executive director of government communications His role placed him above both Driver and Lyons, who previously held equal status
Although Starmer and his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, urged her to stay, Driver chose to step down after discussions about the new team structure and a period of leave following a family bereavement
Record £480m saved in fraud crackdown
Th e g overnment prev ented £ 480 millio n from falling into the h ands of fraudsters in 20 24 –25, a reco rd sum , accord ing to the Cabinet Off ice
The savings, led by the Public Sector Fraud Authority, were around £110 million higher than the previous year and represent the government’s “biggest ever fraud crackdown ”
Announcing the f igure at an anti-fraud Five Eyes summit in London, Cabinet Off ice Minister Josh Simons said, “Working people expect their taxes to go towards schools, hospitals, roads, and the ser vices they and their families rely on That money being stolen by fraudsters is a betrayal of their hard work and of the system of paying your fair share It has to stop
“That’s why this government has delivered the toughest ever crackdown on fraud, protecting almost half a billion pounds in under 12 months ”
More than a third of the money saved ( £ 1 8 6 m i l l io n ) c a m e f ro m i d e nt i f y i n g a n d
recovering fraud linked to the Covid-19 pandemic
The Cabinet Off ice said its efforts have prevented hundreds of thousands of companies with outstanding or potentially fraudulent Bounce Back Loans from dissolving without repayment, and recovered millions from businesses that claimed Covid support they were not entitled to, including those that took multiple loans when only eligible for one
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has defended the capital’s safety record, hitting back at politicians he accused of “spreading misinformation” after data showed violent crimes causing injury have fallen in every borough over the past year Figures from the Mayor ’s Office for Policing and Crime show that, compared with the previous 12 months, there were 8,749 fewer violent crimes resulting in injury; a drop of nearly 12 per cent across London Khan said “ We ve seen politicians here and across the globe spreading misinformation about crime and safety in the capital The evidence is clear our approach to tackling crime and its complex causes works It ’s driving down violence across London According to the mayor s office, overall homicides in London fell 17 per cent in the year to June, and the capital s homicide rate remains lower than Paris Brussels, Berlin and all major US cities Analysis from the Office for National Statistic s also shows Londoners are less likely to be victims of violent crime than elsewhere in England and Wales
JENRICK: TORY HOPEFULS MUST BACK LEAVING ECHR
Robert Jenrick has warned that future Conservative candidates should be forced to back withdrawal from the European convention on human rights (ECHR) or stand down The shadow justice secretary said he would require would-be MPs “to sign a contract to say they actually stand for Conservative values” Leaving the treaty is not currently official Tory policy Jenrick ’s stance goes further than party leader Kemi Badenoch who during her leadership campaign argued that quitting the ECHR would not be a silver bullet for solving immigration challenges His intervention will be seen as part of a wider push to shift the Conservatives further to the right, alarming one -nation Tories who fear being driven out The party is expected to unveil its formal position on the ECHR at its annual conference next month
STUDENT LOAN DEBT CRISIS DEEPENS IN UK
More than 150,000 people in the UK now owe over £100,000 in student loans, with one borrower ’s debt nearing £300,000, new figures reveal Data obtained by Royal London through a freedom of information request to the Student Loans Company (SLC ) shows the number of people with six-figure balances has jumped by a third in just six months, from 113 029 in January to 150,450 by the end of June The findings will alarm many of the students beginning university this autumn, as the scale of borrowing continues to grow In total more than 2 6 million people currently owe at least £50 000 while the average debt for last year s English graduates stands at £53 000 Royal London said the soaring numbers reflect a combination of rising tuition fees higher living costs and longer repayment periods under newer loan systems The firm warned these debt sentences are preventing graduates from saving, investing, or buying a home
DI S C L A I M E R
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Keir Starmer campaigning with Sadiq Khan in London in 2024
Apsana Begum
Stephanie Driver
Why Indian-Americans must break their silence on H-1B and tariffs
The Indian-American community in the United States has long been a silent observer on issues that directly affect both India and the diaspora Recent developments, such as the reintroduction of legislation aimed at reforming the H1B and L-1 visa programmes, have highlighted the need for a more vocal and active stance from this community US Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin have reintroduced legislation seeking to address what they describe as loopholes and abuse by major companies using these visas The bill includes reforms such as increasing wage and hiring standards, requiring public job postings, and limiting visa eligibility This action follows the Trump administration’s recent imposition of a $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications, prompting further scrutiny
Indian politician Shashi Tharoor expressed concern over the Indian-American diaspora's lack of vocal engagement on critical issues such as H-1B visa restrictions and t
n g U S Congressional delegation in New Delhi Tharoor found it surprising that the diaspora, which holds significant influence and presence in the US, has remained largely silent on matters that directly impact both Indians and IndianAmericans He urged the community to be more proactive and outspoken in advocating for policies that support mutual interests between the two nations He remarked, "This is surprising," and added, "If you care about the relationship with your motherland, then you also have to fight for it, speak for it, and press your political representatives to
stand up for India "
While some members of the diaspora argue that profess
Tharoor’s call emphasises the importance of grassroots involvement in shaping legislative decisions Individual and community action can make a difference in bringing attention to critical issues
To make their voices heard, Indian-Americans should engage in various forms of advocacy This can include writing to their elected representatives, participating in forums discussing H-1B visas and trade policies, and using diaspora organisations and media platforms to raise awareness Many US Congress members have welcomed delegations from India but admitted they had received few or no calls from Indian-Americans on these issues, indicating a gap in advocacy efforts Organisations such as political action committees and community advocacy groups provide vital platforms for Indian-Americans to engage with policymak-
ensure dialogue with legislators, and create opportunities for coordinated advocacy
The Indian-American community should not remain passive in the face of policies that affect their livelihoods and the broader US-India relationship By actively participating in advocacy efforts, engaging with policymakers, and supporting organisations that represent their interests, they can ensure that their voices are heard and that their concerns are addressed in the legislative process
Love will overcome tragedy
The royal visit to Southport, where three young girls were cruelly murdered last July, has offered a moment of shared mourning and hope The Prince and Princess of Wales returned to the town to meet the bereaved families, to walk through schools, and to see the new memorial playground constructed in their memory In his address the Prince declared that “love will always overcome tragedy ”
On 29 July 2024, during a Taylor Swift–themed dance class, a teenage assailant attacked children with a knife
Three girls, Bebe King, aged six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven; and Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged nine, lost their lives
Ten others, including a teacher who intervened, were gravely injured In the months since, an official inquiry has sought to unravel how warning signs were missed and how social tensions inflamed public response
The royal couple’s return was both sensitive and symbolic They met privately with parents and caregivers, accepted tokens of memory, a friendship bracelet and posy, and listened to the stories of loss and resilience At a school, Prince William spoke in front of pupils: the new playground was not just a place to play but a “symbol of remembrance and resilience” and a living testament to bond in pain He paid tribute to the community for standing together in grief, saying the girls “will never be forgotten ”
Yet words, no matter how heartfelt, must be backed by
real change and accountability While the inquiry continues, one critical question lingers: how could a youth with a troubling history evade intervention until so much harm had been done?The lesson must be that systems of care, safeguarding, mental health support, social services and c o m
unafraid to act
It is essential to resist turning this tragedy into fuel for division After the attack, disinformation spread rapidly online, falsely tying the crime to religious motivations and stoking communal tensions Violence and hatred do not honour the memory of young lives lost The strongest response is one rooted in unity, empathy, justice, and repair
For the families enduring their heartbreak, the royal visit may not heal wounds, but it showed that their grief is shared by the wider nation For communities and institutions across Britain, it was a reminder that tragedies of this kind cannot be met with rote sympathy alone It demands vigilance, care, reform and conviction
In saying that love overcomes tragedy, the Prince spoke not to dismiss the suffering but to affirm the strength in human connection That message ought to guide more than memorials, it must guide action May the memory of Bebe, Elsie and Alice inspire more than tears; may it inspire change, compassion and renewed resolve
Sea of prosperity
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set out a bold maritime vision from Gujarat’s coastline His message was clear: the seas are not just trade routes, but the foundation of India’s future power and prosperity
Modi’s speech during the ‘Samudra Se Samriddhi’ programme in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, carried weight far beyond the state His words underscored the central role the sea will play in India’s growth story and in its wider place in the world This was not only a regional development announcement but a national and international statement of intent
The scale of investment itself was striking Development projects worth ₹34,200 crore (about £3 2 billion) were launched, of which ₹7,870 crore (about £740 million) was directed specifically to maritime and port sector projects
The remainder, roughly ₹26,354 crore (about £2 5 billion), targeted general infrastructure and development in Gujarat Such numbers send a clear message: India is ready to treat the sea as a driver of prosperity rather than a neglected frontier
PM Modi reminded his audience that India once built 40 per cent of its trading ships domestically Today, that share has dropped to just 5 per cent He highlighted another sobering fact: India pays nearly USD 75 billion (about £61 billion) each year to foreign shipping companies, a figure almost equal to the country’s annual defence budget By pointing to these numbers, he identified dependence on foreign shipping as a strategic weakness His call was unambiguous: for India to be secure, it must revive its shipbuilding industry and not rely solely on foreign fleets T
strength of the West Britain
world’s
oceans through its vast merchant fleet and naval supremacy, while the US today maintains one of the largest shipping networks and the most powerful navy Both nations have long understood that control of the seas is tied to economic might and national security By placing maritime growth at the centre of policy, India is signalling its desire to step into that league, with a model that combines commerce, infrastructure and resilience
The Indian PM emphasised this “multiplier effect” in his address, stressing how one maritime job supports several others down the supply chain
The speech also resonated in today’s global context With many Western nations debating immigration limits and expressing unease over foreign workers, India is making the case that its own growth can be built on the strength of its people at home
Modi framed maritime growth not only as an economic necessity but also as part of India’s civilisational heritage and moral duty He spoke of “ our only enemy being our dependence on other countries” and urged citizens to build confidence in their own capabilities By invoking unity and the ethos of “the world is one family”, he sought to anchor maritime ambition within India’s broader vision of selfreliance and international cooperation
The Bhavnagar address marks a clear shift It signals that India aims to reclaim its maritime heritage, reduce strategic dependence and stand as a stronger force in global trade If followed through, the programme could redefine not just Gujarat’s coastline but India’s wider role on the world stage
As PM Modi declared, “Our seas will not only connect us to the world, they will also give strength to India’s future ”
Thought for the week
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much ” -Helen K eller
In a sharp pivot, the U S just slapped an eye watering $100,000 fee on new H 1B visa applications. No, that’s not a typo. For many Indian engineers, researchers, and tech specialists, the American dream just cost more than their first car
Suddenly, the UK is flashing a signal: “We welcome you ” In recent days, British ministers have floated cutting visa fees, offering fast tracks for top talent, and positioning the country as a stable alternative to the chaos of U S policy swings
The UK’s “Global Talent” route is under review Fee waivers and reductions are being discussed not as a fringe idea, but a deliberate lure for global professionals The idea: make the path easier, more predictable, less expensive
Add a deeper pull: under the new India UK trade deal, Indian workers posted to the UK may get three years of relief from UK social security contributions That’s effectively a boost to take home pay, making relocation more sensible for both employee and employer
Why does this matter? Because Indian professionals have long dominated the U S H 1B pool (about 70 % of approvals) But when the cost escalates tenfold, calculus changes Many early or mid career tech workers won’t want to gamble on opaque policies or sudden shifts Stability becomes a premium The US Silicon Valley was built by the H1B types whilst the UK got manual workers in the 1960s and 1970s The US sucked up all the talent and the rest of the world relied on trade with America to benefit Now that changes Indians who built America’s wealthiest companies can find a new home – UK Why not India? They were planning to leave anyway Why not Germany? Yes, indeed, that’s a big pull The Germans want them
Still, the U S remains a magnet: scale, capital, prestige, networks all still there But the widening gap between policy rhetoric and lived certainty is creating cracks The UK is trying to widen those cracks into an entryway
From India’s perspective, this is bittersweet Yes, you’d rather have talent go to a friendly democracy than be lost altogether But you’d also prefer it enriches Indian industry or returns home eventually Losing talent to the UK weakens your edge, especially in research, startups, and global projects It turns a brain drain into a brain diversion
London knows this is a moment If you can’t match the sheer scale of U S tech, you can match predictability, hospitality, and incentives For many, “Will my visa be fine?” now matters more than “Which company will I join?” That’s where the UK can win
Still, London has risks If visa reforms are half mea-
Anti immigration sentiment or political backlash could curtail incentives overnight And unless you have credible employment opportunities, talent won’t come just for the papers
The U S may have tightened its tap but it hasn’t turned it off Many companies will still pay for premium access But for thousands of Indian tech workers now caught between ambition and uncertainty, the UK has turned from consolation prize into contender
So watch this space Few could predict that a visa fee hike might redraw global talent flows But if London follows through, India’s next generation of coders and scientists may ask less, “How do I get to the U S ?” and more, “Why not start in the UK?”
Family of murdered granddad forgive killer after prison death
T he family of Birmingh am
g ran d f ath e r M o h am m ed
S aleem, wh o was m urd ered
i n a
ia
a ted attack by P av lo Lap shyn in 20 13, have spoken of th eir forgiv eness for h is killer
S a l e e m s u f f e r e d c a t a s -
trophic stab injuries, and it
h a s n o w e m e r g e d t h a t Lapshyn has died in prison
T h e P r i s o n s Ombudsman has launched a n i n
Wakefield Prison
M o h a m m e d S a l e e m ’ s family, led by daughter Maz Saleem, expressed ongoing grief but focused on forgiveness rather than celebration Maz Saleem, daughter of
M o h a m m e d S a l e e m , c o nfirmed to Five Pillars that Pavlo Lapshyn convicted of murdering her father and
committing acts of terror had died in his prison cell,
remain unclear
S h e e x p r e
g
v eness, saying: “This is not to condone what he did his actions were gravely wrong, b
d serves no one My thoughts a r e w i
m
y i n Ukraine ” Maz also criticised delays in official communication and urged the media
to report with compassion and accuracy
peace Surely we belong to God, and to Him we shall return ” The prison service said:
friends and family Lapshyn died on 23 September 2025
gate
Lapshyn, 37 at his death, was a Ukrainian neo-Nazi terrorist A highly educated engineering student with a history of far-right extremism, he was sentenced to life with a minimum of 40 years
explosives
Man jailed for historic child sex abuse
A 56-year-old Leicestersh ire m an has been jailed for a string of child sex o ffences d ating back to th e 198 0s Jayesh Khunti was found
g u i l t y a t L e i c e s t e r C r o w n Court of three rapes of a girl under 13, the sexual penetration of a boy, and 10 indecent assaults on boys and girls
The attacks, committed when Khunti was aged 15–20, took place between 1984 and 1989 in homes across Leicestershire, a shop store-
r o o m , a n d N o t t i n g h a m ’ s Victoria Centre
He denied all charges at his 2023 court appearance but was convicted by a jury earlier this year
F i v e v i c t i m s g a v e h a rrowing statements at Jayesh
K h u n t i ’ s s e n t e n c i n g , describing lifelong trauma from his 1980s abuse
A n o t h e r m
c t i m said the abuse led him to “sabotage” all romantic rela-
handle it ” D e f e n c e l a w y e r R a v i n d e r S a i m b h i s a i d
Khunti continues to deny the crimes but accepts the jury’s verdict She noted he arrived in the UK at 12 without English, has no other c o n v i c t i o n s , a n d s p e n t
d e s v o l u n
g a n d contributing to the community factors she urged the court to consider Judge Steven Evans said Khunti “didn’t take no for a n a n s w e r ” a n d t o l d t h e
court he was legally required t
because Khunti was young when the crimes occurred Addressing victims pres
n
, h e s a i d , “ T
y h a v e suffered all their lives from what you have done You
Second victim dies in Wolverhampton shooting
A second man has d ied fol-
l o w i ng a W o lv e rh a m p to n sh ooting, police confirmed Duaine Mills, 28, was killed and 32-year-old Syed Zain
A li w a s w o u nd ed w h en sh ots w ere fired on Leicester
S t ree t, W h i tm o re Re an s, aro und 0 3:10 BST on Friday
Mr Ali later died in hos-
Police said
W
M
W e s t M i d l a n d s P o l i c e have identified Mohammed Maneer Khan, 38, known as Manny, as a person of interest in the Wolverhampton
s
attempts to locate and arrest him and are now appealing for the public’s help Det Insp Joe Davenport f
said: “Tragically, a second life has been lost We are working around the clock to e s t a b l i s h t h e f u l l c i r c u mstances and trace the person responsible ” Det Insp Joe Davenport
u r g e d t h e p u b l i c t o h e l p w i t h “ o n g o i n g
bring Khan into custody ” He added: “The families of Duaine and Syed are devastated, and we remain fully committed to ensuring they get the justice their loved o n
confirmed that an increased police presence will continue in the area
Ambulance delays persist at hospitals
"improving trend" across the
trust, with 45-minute handover breaches falling from 4,410 in June to 3,583 in July Queen Elizabeth and Good H o p e h o s p i t a l s i m p r o v e d their average handover times, while Heartlands worsened y e a r o n y e a r Q u e e n Elizabeth’s average fell from just over 1 hour 4 minutes in July 2024 to 44 minutes this July Good Hope improved slightly, from 1 hour 5 min-
Tributes paid to PC Faizaan Najeeb after fatal crash
T ri bu te s h av e be en p ai d t o P C Fa i za an Najeeb, 24 , who d ied after being struck by a car w h ile res po nd ing to a road crash
Northamptonshire
P o l i c e s a i
Station Road, Raunds, a
9
September when he was hit by a Volkswagen Polo and later died in hospital on Friday Bedfordshire Police, where PC Najeeb previously worked as a PCSO, said he would be "sorely missed" for his infectious cheerfulness A man in his 20s arrested at the crash s c e n
joined Bedfordshire Police in February 2021 with the Bedford Community Policing Team before moving to Northamptonshire Police in May 2022, serving in Wellingborough’s response team
Former colleagues in Bedford paid tribute, saying: "Those who knew him are devastated by his death and he will be sorely missed Faizaan would do anything for anyone, and though he was with us only a short time, his impact remains
A two-minute silence will be held this week at Wootton Hall headquarters, and his collar number P1967 has been retired in his memory
Northamptonshire Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet said: "Words cannot capture the sadness when an officer dies in the line of duty Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends "
ongoing, with specialist family liaison officers supporting Najeeb’s family, and an internal health and safety review underway
Officer accused of unlawful data access
A Leicestershire Police officer, PC Victo ria Czernek, has been accused of im prop erly accessing p olice systems w hile on d uty She is alleged to have viewed confidential information through force systems without a legitimate policing purpose or lawful authority The officer is also said to have breached professional standards relating to discreditable conduct, confidentiality, and compliance with orders and instructions
PC Victoria Czernek now faces a gross
, which, if proven, would breach the force's professional standards
Free dance lessons aim to tackle antisocial behaviour
I N B R I E F WALSALL MAN CHARGED OVER GUN AND KNIFE ATTACK
A 40-year-old man has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder after an armed disturbance in Walsall Amar Khan was arrested by West Midlands Police in connection with the violent incident on Reedswood Lane Birchills, late on 31 July 2024 Four people were seriously injured when a vehicle was rammed and its occupants suffered gunshot and stab wounds Khan also faces charges of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm possession of a firearm and possession of a knife He is scheduled to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court at 10:00 BST Eight other men linked to the incident were convicted earlier and jailed in June
to 1 hour
n
s ’
i m e increased from 49 minutes to 1 hour 6 minutes Bed availability is a key f a c t o r i n a m b u l a n c e h a ndover delays Delays in movi n g p a t i e n t s f r o m t h e E D r e d u c e c a p a c i t y a n d s t r a i n staff, so hospitals are focusing on avoiding unnecessary admissions and speeding up discharges
A dance sch ool in Hednesford, S taffordshire, will offer free classes for children ag ed three to 14 using fu nd ing th at sup ports crime and anti-social behav iour reductio n Crystal Academy Aerial Arts & Dance will teach acrobatics, aerial hoop, dance, and theatre, a Cannock Chase Council spokesperson said “Engaging young people in activities like dance helps build confidence and skills while promoting positive behaviour and addressing the root causes of anti-social behaviour,” said
C o u n c i l l o r D a v i d W i l l i a m s A c o u n c i l spokesperson added that opening access to the performing arts will tackle social exclusion, support youth development, and create new opportunities for children and families across the district The programme is funded by the Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime
C o m m i
which aims to encourage positive, community-focused activities
Thousands marched in Birmingham to support striking bin workers, protesting over pay and planned job downgrades in an industrial action ongoing for over six months A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said they were disappointed the dispute remains unresolved but will continue regular waste collections Chants of stand up fight back rang out as protesters walked from Unite offices on Jennens Road to the council house in Victoria Square Ronnie Mills, a five-year bin worker from Castle Bromwich, joined the demo after earning her HGV licence and starting truck driving just before the strikes "I expected to earn more, but the strikes have set us back," she said "Many are unhappy with the £8,000 pay cuts it s basic wages, and cutting them like this isn’t fair That's why we're here " She said strikers want to return to work, but not at a "drop-down wage " Industrial action began on 6 January, becoming an all-out strike on 11 March and was extended in September Unite said Grade 4 drivers could lose up to £8 000 a year with 170 of the 400-strong workforce affected by the council s job re-evaluation
COMMISSION TO REVIEW AI TECH HELD BACK BY RULES
Alastair Denniston, Professor of Regulatory Science and Innovation at the University of Birmingham, has been appointed Chair of the new UK National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare The Commission will accelerate the safe use of AI across the NHS shaping a regulatory framework that balances innovation with patient safety Bringing together experts from tech firms clinical research and patient advocacy it will advise the MHRA on rewriting AI healthcare regulations, set to be published next year, helping the UK lead in responsible AI healthcare oversight The Commission will begin reviewing AI technologies held back by regulatory uncertainty, including AI assistants for clinicians that reduce administrative tasks and improve patient care It will also clarify rules for AI tools in radiology pathology, and remote patient monitoring By providing this regulatory clarity, the NHS can access the latest AI tools faster, while attracting tech companies to invest in the UK, supporting the government’s Plan for Change to modernise the NHS
Mohammed Saleem (victim)
Jayesh Kunti
Mohammed Maneer Khan
PC Faizaan Najeeb
Reform edges towards majority as Labour support collapses
R eform UK is now within s triking di stance of formi ng a m ajority governme nt i
s eat poll
The multi-level regression and post-stratification survey (MRP), regarded as one of the most accurate predictors of Westminster
r e s u l t s , p r o j e c t s N i g e l Farage’s party could secure
3 1 1 M P s , a d r a m
c r i s e from its current five That
w o u l d m a k e R e f o r m t h e largest party in a hung parliament and just 15 seats short of the 326 needed for an outright majority
Labour, which swept to
2024, would now win only 144 seats, down from 178 in J u n
total Potential high-profile
casualties include Bridget Phillipson, John Healey, Pat McFadden, Wes Streeting and Yvette Cooper
T h e C o n s e r v a t i v e s , under Kemi Badenoch, are projected to fall to just 45 seats, down 76 The Liberal D
slightly to 78 MPs, the SNP would take 37, the Greens seven, and Plaid Cymru six T h e n u m b
r s s u g g e s t Reform could govern with C
unable to form a majority even through a broad coalition with the Lib Dems,
Cymru
research indicates tactical voting could deny Farage victory in as many as 60 constituencies Most leftleaning voters whose first preference is not Labour s
Farage, while more than a third of Labour supporters i
y would vote Conservative to keep Reform out
Ed Davey warns of ‘Farage’s Britain’ in fiery speech
S ir Ed Dav ey has issued a stark warning th at Britain faces a choice betw een “the real change p eople crav e ” or a Reform UK go vernm ent that w ould turn th e cou ntry into “Trum p ’ s A merica”
T h e L i b e r a l D e m o c r a t
n Bournemouth, sought to tie
N i g e l F a r a g e d i r e c t l y t o
D o n a l d T r u m p , a c c u s i n g him of plotting to dismantle the NHS, roll back gun laws
a n d u n d e r m i n e B r i t a i n ’ s freedoms
“ I m a g i n e l i v i n g i n t h e
T r u m p - i n s p i r e d c o u n t r y Farage wants us to become,”
o
Rights, while giving “tacit
s u p p o r t ” t o r a c i s m a n d misogyny
P a i n t i n g a p i c t u r e o f
chaos under Farage, Davey said mental health problems
w o u l d b e d i s m i s s e d a s “made up ” and children with
s p
told they had been “wrongly diagnosed” “ T h
Scottish Labour MSP suspended for misconduct allegation
A S c o tt is h L a bo u r
M S P , F o ys o l
C houdh ury, has been su sp end ed from th e p a rty f o ll ow in g an alleg ation of inap prop ri a te c o nd u c t
C houdh ury, wh o has re pr es ente d L o th i an since 2021, w ill sit as an ind epend ent while Labour conducts an internal inv estig ation
A Labour spokesperson said the party “takes all complaints seriously,” adding that they are “fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate a c t i o n i s t a k e n ” I t
Choudhury was “administratively suspended” in response to the allegation
Following Choudhury’s suspension, SNP M P
Labour leader Anas Sarwar to “urgently come clean on the reasons why yet another Labour MSP has been suspended ” S
Rachael Hamilton also criticised the party She called for the party to be “ as transparent as possible about what has happened ”
Choudhury is chair of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council and o n e
Edinburgh Mela, the city’s annual multicultural festival, where he serves as vice-chair
Hundreds of schools could close by 2029
England faces a p otential loss of 8 00 primary sch ools by th e end of the decad e as state school enrolm ents d ecline, research by the Ed ucation Po licy Institute (EPI) w arns Nationally, falling birth rates are the main driver, but in London the trend is worsened by families leaving the capital, o p t i n g f o r p r i v a t e s c h o o l s , o r m o v i n g abroad Councils already struggling with shrinking pupil numbers could face more school closures and mergers, as funding is tied to enrolment
I N B R I E F MAHMOOD VOWS TO CHANGE MODERN
SLAVERY LAWS
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has pledged to tighten modern slavery laws to stop migrants using what she described as “last-minute attempts to frustrate a removal”, after her own legal challenge was rejected by the Court of Appeal Mahmood had sought permission to appeal a High Court ruling that temporarily blocked the removal of an Eritrean asylum seeker to France under Labour s “one in one out” scheme The court had ruled the man should be given more time to present evidence for a trafficking claim But three senior judges dismissed her bid to overturn that decision In response Mahmood struck a defiant tone Last minute attempts to frustrate a removal are intolerable and I will fight them at every step she said She confirmed that the government had already amended its policy on 17 September and ordered officials to explore wider reforms “I will robustly defend the British public’s priorities in any court And I will do whatever it takes to secure our borders,” she declared
BURNHAM TO BECOME STARMER’S RIVAL?
D a v e y t o l d d e l e g a t e s “Where there’s no NHS, so patients are hit with crippling insurance bills Where climate change is ignored as fracking scars our countryside Where schools must prepare children for mass
America Don’t let it become F a r a
declared D
s h o o t i n g s W h e r e s o c i a l media barons poison young minds with impunity ” He accused Reform UK of paving the way for government to “trample on our basic rights and freedoms” by pledging to pull Britain
Conservative MP accused of spreading misinformation
C o ns erv ati v e M P , S h iv ani Raja, has faced criticism for “ sp read ing misinfo rmatio n ” after hig hlighting the use o f the term “chest-feeding” on the NHS website
Raja, who won Leicester
E a s t f r o m L a b o u r i n l a s t
y e a r ’ s g e n e r a l e l e c t i o n , s h a r e d a s c r e e n s h o t o n X/Twitter on 22 September from the NHS page titled “ C h e s t - f e e d i n g i f y o u ’ r e trans or non-binary”, part of the “having a baby if you ’ re LGBT” section
“ T o a l l t h e w o m e n breast-feeding at 4am, with
no sleep, no recognition and
NHS Cheers to being biologically correct and politic a l l y i n c
s q u i c
y p o i n t e d o u t t h a t Raja had shared the screens h o t w i t h o u t n o t i n g t h a t s t a n d a r d b r e a s t f e e d i n g a d v i c e f o r c i s w o m e n i s readily available elsewhere on the site
Asia Voice has reached out to Shivani Raja for her
c o m m e n t s r e g
r d i n g t h i s issue
e c
n
r y a n d a t
c k e d R e f o r
l a t e s t d e p o r t a t i o n p o l i c y “ T h a t i s n ’
British That isn’t who we are, ” he said
Jon Andrews, EPI’s head of analysis, said, “Schools with falling pupil numbers face increasing financial pressures, which can ultimately threaten their long-term viability This issue emerged first in London, where enrolment declines began earlier ” Primary school numbers peaked at 4 5 million in 2018-19 but are forecast to fall to 4 24 million by 2029 a drop equivalent to 800 single-form schools closing London has been hardest hit, with nine of the 10 local authorities seeing the biggest declines In some areas, 20% of pupils start-
recorded in the system, likely due to postBrexit migration or Covid disruptions
Starmer sparks questions over inheritance tax loopholes
Keir S tarm er ’ s decision to place a field in a trust has pro mpted scrutiny, as legal experts note it meant the prop erty w as exclud ed from his parents’ estate fo r inheritance tax purposes
Starmer bought the seven-acre field behind his parents’ home in Oxted, Surrey, in 1996 for £20,000 and placed it in a trust, naming his parents as beneficiaries This gave t h e m
, which they reportedly ran as a donkey sanctuary, while legal ownership remained with Starmer When his mother Josephine died in 2015 and his father Rodney in 2018, the trust dissolved, returning full ownership of the land to Starmer He sold the property in 2022, along with a small
adjacent strip, for £320,000, giving
£295,000
Legal experts say the structure effectively shielded the land from inheritance tax Dan Neidle of Tax Policy Associates described it as a “tax-efficient structure,” noting the field belonged to his parents during their lives but would not be subject to inheritance tax on their deaths
Starmer has maintained that the trust was established purely for his parents’ benefit and that he had no i
tages
A Downing Street spokesman said he engaged expert tax advice and confirmed there was “absolutely no underpayment of taxes ”
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has told The Telegraph that some MPs want him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for Labour leadership Starmer’s poll ratings have been weak for weeks prompting speculation within parts of the party over his potential successor Until September Angela Rayner was widely considered the front-runner However her resignation as deputy leader and deputy prime minister over a financial scandal has cast doubt on her prospects, shifting attention toward Burnham Burnham enjoys long standing popularity within Labour A June Survation poll for LabourList placed him slightly ahead of Rayner as members’ preferred next leader He is admired for his plainspeaking, direct style a trait Starmer is often seen to lack Despite this, significant obstacles remain Most notably, only Labour MPs can stand for the party leadership, and Burnham is currently a mayor, not a member of Parliament, making any bid far from straightforward
MPS CALL FOR DEVOLUTION OF 16–19 EDUCATION
Devolving responsibility for 16–19 education to strategic authorities is essential to driving growth and improving young people s life chances, MPs have said In a new report, the Education Committee warns that 15 years of underfunding have left further education colleges struggling with staff recruitment, stagnant pay, and weaker status compared to schools To address this, MPs are calling for a statutory pay review body, fairer funding, and a new “student premium” to better support disadvantaged learners A central recommendation is to hand responsibility for 16–19 education and training to strategic authorities, a change they want written into the upcoming English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill The Committee also urges better coordination across local and regional bodies including the creation of a Skills Co-ordination Board to streamline engagement for employers Committee chair Helen Hayes said FE had been treated like Cinderella for too long and must finally be recognised as a driver of both national and local prosperity
Sir Keir Starmer Kemi Badenoch
Nigel Farage
Ed Davey
Foysol Choudhury
P
Starmer frames Labour’s
fight against Reform UK at conference
Starmer used hi s keynote
s peech at Labour’s confer-
enc e i n Liverpool to rally hi s par ty and outli ne hi s vis ion for the country
A t t h e
Starmer focused on chall
,
, framing the contest as exis-
choice between
renewal or
rebuilding Britain after the war He singled out Nigel Farage, saying he “doesn’t b
Conservatives, joking, “The Tories remember them?”
Acknowledging Labour
M P s ’
Starmer said the party must make “decisions that will not always be comfortable ”
Reflecting on New Labour, he admitted the party over-
,
relied on globalisation and i
g
thirds of young people will aim for university or “gold standard apprenticeships,” supported by investment in technical colleges and skills
Starmer reaffirmed Labour
He praised ordinary citizens
including
Private talks highlight importance of UK-US relationship
R ec ent ly, Ki n g C harles and Queen C amilla hosted fo rm e r P r es i d en t Donald Tru mp and First Lady Melania T ru mp fo r a state b anq u et, u nd e rscoring the endu ring ties between th e U n i ted K i ng d o m an d th e U ni te d
States
played together ” He praised the royal couple, describing the Princess of W
amazing
2015 meeting with a woman in Oldham who felt she had to prove she wasn
people
racist,
speech at the Labour conference blended the personal and political, announcing a policy shift scrapping the
care volunteer in Yorkshire, a 15-year-old girls’ football team founder, and a Telford food delivery volunteer
Addressing the economy, Starmer referenced the
rise, warned of tough decisions ahead, and rejected wealth taxes and excessive borrowing, pledging to
agement
Delhi police probe death of British woman, 85
P olice in India are inv esti-
g ating wh ether an 85-yearo ld British wo man, initially thoug ht to h av e d ied of natu ral causes, w as m urd ered in her Delhi ho me
Pauline Crowther Ann, mother of Bollywood actor
a n d m o d
n Singh, was found dead on July 30 Bloodstains in her bedroom suggested she may
e n t autopsy raises the possibility
s h e w a s s t r a n g l e d D e l h i police are seeking a second
m e d i c a l o p i n i o n , a s t h e report was inconclusive
A police officer told The
but showed head injuries, prompting a request for a second opinion
9:30pm on July 29 CCTV at the property covered only the entrance for the past
d found her unconscious and
from Singh and his sister, who said nothing unusual had occurred and they had no reason to suspect foul play Ann’s mobile, taken to the US by her daughter as a keepsake, is to be retrieved for examination, along with p
m e m b e
S
e h a d b e e n married to Delhi real estate tycoon Mohinderjit Singh Ann frequently visited India, living on the ground floor of the Lutyens home while her s o n a n d f a m
y s t a y e d upstairs A Foreign Office
s p o k e s m a n t o l d T h e
Telegraph: “We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in India and remain in contact with local authorities ”
Knifepoint raid forces elderly British couple to leave France
A Fr e n c h co u r t h a s se n -
t e n ced t wo bu rg la rs t o 1 2 a nd 1 4 ye ars in pr ison for r obbing a Br it ish coup le at k nifepoint and leav ing one un con scious
The attack, which took
p l a c e i n t h e b e d r o o m o f their home in Hautefage-la-
T o u r , a v i l l a g e a b o u t 1 0 0 miles southeast of Bordeaux, left the pensioners traumatised Fearing for their safe-
t y , C e l i a B r i d g e s , 8 3 , a n d
B e r n a r d H a y e s , 7 6 , h a v e returned to Britain
Tarik El Malouani, 34, was sentenced to 14 years for armed robbery and assault, w h i l e F o u a d F a i z e , 3 9 , r e c e i v e d 1 2 y e a r s , d e e m e d “less aggressive ” Yslem Adib, 29, who claimed he stayed out of the bedroom, got 10 y e a r s , a n d A b d e r r a h m a n e Gomri, 30, convicted of aiding the robbery, was sentenced to four years
After meeting the couple while doing plumbing work, G o m r i s u g g
h e b u rglary and helped scout the
Ahead of the formal dinner, Trump stayed overnight at the castle, engaging in p r i v a t e d i s c u s s i
w i t h K i n g C h a r l e s T h e K i n g reflected on the long-standing cooperation between the two nations, recalling how t h e U K a n d U S f o u g h t together during the World Wars and emphasising the n e e d f o r s t r o n g m e a s u r e s regarding Ukraine Sources indicate that Trump left the meeting more inclined to take decisive action, highl i g h t i n g t h e i n f l u
c
o f t h e s e d i s c r e e t c o n v e r s ations
A t t h e b a n q u e t , K i n g C h a r l e s d e s c r i b e d t h e U S and UK as “the closest of kin,” praising their shared
h i s t o r y , i n n o v a t i o n , a n d economic collaboration He r e c a l l e d t h e c o n t r a s t between past and present US presidents, noting that w h i l e G e o r g e W a s h i n g t o n “famously vowed never to s e t f o o t o n B r i t i s h s o i l , ” Trump has visited twice in just two months Lightening t h e a t m o s p h e r e , t h
S c o t t i s h g o l f c o u r s e s a n d
e v
personal anecdote about a White House dinner with Tricia Nixon in the 1970s
T r u m p , i n t u r n , c e l ebrated the “special” AngloAmerican bond, likening the two nations to “two notes in the same chord, each beautiful on their own, but really
British Empire’s historic role in establishing law, liberty, and individual rights globally The event also featured officials involved in sensitive diplomatic discussions,
reinforced the enduring and multifaceted relationship between the UK and US As King Charles emphasised, following the first UK-
can go even further,” sig-
growth of
property The burglars stole c a s h a n d j e w e l l e r y w o r t h s e v e
which Gomri later sold for €
August 29, 2022, began when breaking glass and a neigh-
fronted by two masked men, one striking her and trying t o r
knifepoint and slammed to the floor, losing consciousness
Post Office to offer prescription pickups and mail services
The Post Off ic e will bec om e a “ one-s top shop” where custom ers can c oll ect presc riptions as wel l as s end l etters an d p a rc el s , un d
an s f r om c
e c ut i ve Ne il Broc klehurs t Brocklehurst, who took over last July, also called for
relief” for the 11,500-branch network, arguing its face-toface services should be recognised and rewarded B
which saw hundreds of postmasters wrongly convicted Tomorrow, the network will
consultation on its future, which proposed options like mutualisation or a BBC-style charter moves Brocklehurst opposes The Post Office has also announced a “ new deal for postmasters,” promising £250m in extra income and
office jobs
The King and Queen with President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the State Banquet held in their honour at Windsor Castle
Keir Starmer
Pauline Crowther Ann with her son Daljit Sean Singh (left)
British Parliament hosts international tribute to PM Modi’s leadership
T he International Cou ncil
o f J u ri st s h o s te d th e “ Internatio nal C elebrati on
o f t h e 75 th Bi rt h d ay o f
P r im e M i ni s te r Na ren d ra
M o d i Ho n o u ri ng a Visionary Leader o f Peace, P rosperity & Global Unity”
a t th e T h a tc h er Ro o m , British P arliament, L ond on T he event saw dig nitaries
f ro m aro u n d th e w o rld com e togeth er to honor one
o f the world ’ s most respected leaders, Narend ra Mod i
75
A Retrospective on the
organisational acumen, and bold governance He traced
early years with the RSS to his tenure as Chief Minister
a G a r d i n e r h i g h l i g h t e d h i s achievements in infrastructure, sanitation, economic reforms, renewable energy, a
r
nings to global statesman He praised initiatives like D i g
empowerment, and renew-
remember Modi for peace,
unity The event went beyond
affirming Modi’s
MPs, Lords, retired judges, Bar leaders, social activists, and community representatives Participants held placards reading “A Visionary Statesman for a New India,” “Fearless Voice of Sovereign India,” “Global Leader, Not a Follower,” “Voice of 1 4
B
Minister Modi’s leadership and global vision Barry Gardiner, MP and former British Minister, in his address titled “Modi at
and underscored his pivotal role in global climate initiatives like the International S
G
Initiative He noted, “India under Modi is being drawn together and interconnected as never before,” emphas i s i n g M o d i ’ s
both a national and global statesman Delivering the k e y n o t e , D r A d i s h C Aggarwala, President of the I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o u n c i
Minister Modi as “the most c
n c
I n d i a ’ s Independence,” tracing his
Chovis Gaam Ujamni 2025 draws over 9,000 attendees
Septem
Harrow Girls and Boys Pipe
B
Lazium performers, marking the joyful start and lighting of the diva T h e a n n u a l m a g a z i n e
l a u n c h a n d E x p o f e a t u r e d
o v e r 4 0 c o m m u n i t y s t a l l s a n d w e l c o m e d s e v e r a l
esteemed guests Councillor
A n j a n a P a t e l , M a y o r o f
H a r r o w , p r e s e n t e d
M a v j i b h a i D h a n j i J a d v a
Vekaria, President of SKLPC UK, with the International C o n c l a v e o n G o o d Governance and Excellence i n L e a d e r s h i p a w a r d o n behalf of Mr Bob Blackman
C B E M a v j i b h a i d e d i c a t e d the honour to the community and the SKLPC Managing Committee
S a i n t s f r o m S h r e e Swaminarayan Bhuj Mandir, S w a m i N i l k a n t h C h a r a n
D a s j i a n d S w a m i Krushunswarup Dasji, delivered inspiring speeches supp o r t i n g I n d i a G a r d e n s
A d d i t i o n a l b l e s s i n g s w e r e
r e c e i v e d f r o m M a h a n t Swami of Bhuj Mandir and the Bhuj Samaj Mavjibhai also addressed attendees, urging donations for the India Gardens project and SKLPC UK’s new community home, while updati n g t h e c o m m u n i t y o n progress Prominent guests included Samjibhai Dabasia
( J a y s a m ) , J e e t u b h a i H a l a i
highlighted his principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ “the world is one family”, as a guiding philosophy for
lenges like climate change, terrorism, pandemics, and inequality
Adars h Kumar, an 18- yearold in novator from Bi har, India, who grew up in poverty and left home at 14 to pursue better education, has won the Chegg org Glob al S tud
( P r i m e G l a z e ) , K i s h o r
V e k a r i a ( S t u d i o V
A r c h i t e c t s ) , S u r e s h P a t e l (Mendick Waring), and the
P r e s i d e n t S e v a k o f S a r d a r d h a m A h m e d a b a d , w h o p r a i s e d t h e s a m a j ’ s u n i t y a n d o n g o i n g i n i t i atives
A d d i t i o n a l d i g n i t a r i e s i n c l u d e d C o u n c i l l o r T a r i q
M a h m o o d ( L a b o u r , E a l i n g
C o u n c i l ) , S h a s h t r i
D h r u v k u m a r B h a t t ( O m Sanskardham Temple – Bhuj Kutch), Sanjay Kara (BAPS
S w a m i n a r a y a n T r u s t e e ) ,
G a g j i b h a i S u t a r i y a
( P r e s i d e n t , S a r d a r D h a m ,
G u j a r a t ) , K r u p e s h H i r a n i (London Assembly, Brent & Harrow), Councillors Chetna
H a l a i , H e e n a M a k w a n a , K a n t i R a b a d i a , S u n i t a Hirani, Jayanti Patel, Harish & Dina Bhudia (Sewa UK),
a n d J a s w a n t a r i D o s h i
( N a v n a t V a n i k A s s o c i a t i o n
U K ) , w h o a l l p r a i s e d t h e samaj’s work
T h e S K L P C M a n a g i n g Committee showcased year-
r o u n d a c t i v i t i e s a t t h e i r
s t a n
C l u b , S a
y S c h o o l , A d v e n t u r e s , V o l l e y b a l l ,
B a d m i n t o n , F o o t b a l l
T o u r n a m e n t s , V a d i l Samelan, and Manav Sewa
Cultural highlights featured Saturday School and gaam
p e r f o r m a n c e s , w i t h
Haribhaktos providing food and utensils and Stanmore
Mandir serving breakfast to
over 700 volunteers
S h r e e S w a m i n a r a y a n Mandirs in Woolwich, East London, and Harrow, along with gaam members, served a community lunch to over 8,000 people, including puri, siro, khichri, dhal, and vegan options, highlighting India Gardens’ progress The meal w a s s p o n s o r e d b y S K L P C M a n a g
C
m m i t t e e , Baladia Sarvodal Committee, the Vekaria Niyani family, Kamla and Meena Vekaria, A m a r a t b e n a n d D e v j i b h a i Kanji Kerai, Shreeya, Krystal and Jenisha Vekaria, Kamla Kirit, Meena Arvind Vekaria, a n d N
offered dabeli, bhajia, chips, and chilli paneer, prepared on-site by volunteers
showcased fashion through
wheel demonstrations, and techniques like bhandani, pit looming, and Ajrak Children enjoyed bouncy castles, biscuit decorating, face painting, wipeout, and VR experiences, taking home gardening kits and journals
Kiranbhai Devraj Pindoria, N
Vekaria, and Vaishali Versani thanked all advisors, team leads, and 700 volunteers,
smooth and
Chegg org with the Varkey
exceptional students driving change through innovation, leadership, and service Born
L to R: Councillor and former Mayor of London Borough of Ealing - Ms Mohinder Kaur Midha, Hon Rt Barry Gardiner, MP, President of International Council of Jurists Dr Adish C Aggarwala and Hon Rt Lord Rami Ranger
Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar CB Patel addressing the Parliament
Dignitaries present at the event
Navratri festivities light up the UK
Navratri celebrations are being marked with great grandeur across the UK, as the Indian diaspora comes together to honour the nights of devotion, dance, and music Communities are hosting vibrant Garba and Dandiya events, colourful processions, and cultural performances, keeping traditions alive while celebrating unity and heritage abroad.
UK–India FTA insights take centre stage at HEF forum
The Hindu Economic For um (HEF) UK hos ted a flags hip event, “Pol ic y to Prosperity”, on 25 September 2025 at the Harrow Dis trict Ma sonic Council Focused on opportunities
un d e r t h e ne w U K -I n di a F or
de A gr e e m e n
(F
ug ht together entrepreneurs , prof ess ionals , pol ic ym akers, and change makers to explore str ategies for econom ic growth
The event opened with a welcome from HEF UK President Anil Puri, highlighting the Forum’s growing influence, while Sonia Patel hosted the program with elegance and professionalism
CEO K Shankar opened the proceedings
w
enduring spirit He highlighted HEF’s 2025 initiatives, showcasing the Forum’s commitm e n t t o
dharmic values and community-driven collaboration
Shankar highlighted that under Swami Vigyananand Ji’s leadership, HEF now operates in 13 countries with over 40 chapters, i n c
, Buckinghamshire, Glasgow, South London, and Edinburgh He stressed the Forum’s focus on economic empowerment, avoiding
politics and spirituality to ensure initiatives drive tangible growth, and proudly declared
Accomplishments, A Future of Ambition ”
HEF UK’s 2025 milestones have show-
engagement The year began with the launch of the Glasgow Chapter in January, attended by MPs, councillors, and entrepreneurs, followed by the introduction of HEF Launchpad in May, modeled on Shark Tank and Dragons’ Den where three of five pitched businesses secured investor backing July saw the launch of the South London Chapter, attracting over
120 businesses, while August featured the
drawing global participation Looking ahead, HEF UK will close the year with its final event on 4 December at the Blue Room, led by the
(HWEN) and featuring a business Expo For 2026, plans include celebrating the Scotland C
Edinburgh, marking the anniversary of HEF Launchpad, and announcing further initia-
underway to host the Global HEF Meeting in London in 2028, uniting all international
chapters for a landmark summit Rajesh, President of the London Chapter, highlighted HEF’s philosophy, describing the Forum as “not just an organisation, it is a movement, a bridge connecting knowledge, resources, and opportunities to build a prosperous future for all ” The evening’s highlight was a panel moderated by HEF UK Vice President Subhash Thakrar OBE, featuring A
Ruparelia, Sachin Nandha, and Dr Gautam Sen, who unpacked the UK–India FTA with clarity From reducing tariffs to expanding market access, they offered practical strategies for businesses to capitalise on the landmark agreement Audience feedback praised the session as “enlightening, inspiring, and a c
Feedback from members and attendees w
praising the session as informative, practical, and inspiring, providing clarity on how businesses can navigate the evolving trade landscape and seize opportunities under the UK–India FTA
HEF’s success continues to be driven by connectivity, with thousands of members worldwide forging partnerships, facilitating business, and creating impact The Hindu Women Entrepreneurs Network (HWEN) announced its next anniversary event on 4 December at the Blue Room, featuring a business Expo for showcasing products and services
T
Network (YHEN) also shared their vision of spreading dharmic values to the next generation, reinforcing HEF’s role in nurturing future leaders The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, recognising the dedication of the panellists, core team, and especially CEO K Shankar, whose leadership ensured the event’s resounding success
R to L: Anil Puri, K Shankar, CB Patel (main guest of the evening), Dr Gautam Sen, Mitul Ruparelia, Subhash Thakrar OBE, Ash Verma, Sachin Nandha, Siddharth Mukne and Rajesh Rajan
Dignitaries present at the event
Attendees playing Garba which was hosted by Navnat Vanik Association from 22 September to 1 October, drawing
800–900 participants who enjoyed Garba and Raas in the main hall, while children played in the dining area
Navnat Bhagini Samaj organised a family Garba at their Hayes Hall on Saturday, 25th September, around 500 people attended the event with great enthusiasm
Members of the Indian diaspora perform Garba during the Navratri celebrations organised by the Surrey Gujarati Hindu Society
Community members join in festive celebrations of Navratri at the National Association of Patidar Samaj
Indian community members in Northolt, London, celebrate Navratri with joyful Garba bringing together elders youth and children
Priyesh Shah, who organised the Navratri celebrations in Northolt with his team, performing during the event held on 19th, 20th, 22nd, and 24th September, and 1st October
Spiritual purification and blessings during Navratri
Navratri - The nine-day Hindu festival celebrates the divine feminine (Shakti) and triumph of good over evil, particularly Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura The nine day festival involves worshipping the different forms of Goddess Durga and is observed with religious reflection, fasting, and traditional dances like Garba The festival represents the cosmic battle between positive and negative forces within individuals and the universe The nine nights are dedicated to Goddesses, including Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati The festival is a time for self-reflection, spiritual purification and seeking the Goddess’s blessings for strength, courage, and prosperity It is also a journey to connect with the unseen, divine energy
September 22, 2025 (Monday) is also the first day of fall season in the Northern Hemisphere, marked by the autumnal equinox The astronomical event signals the start of the fall season and occurs when the sun is directly above the equator
May Goddess Durga and Amba’s Divine and spiritual blessing bestows upon all esteemed readers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar all over the world and very dedicated and committed staff members and their families
Suresh and Bhav na Patel
Trump’s hypocrisy meets
India’s resolve
On Russian oil the double standards are impossible to ignore India buys to keep its economy running and its people supplied with affordable fuel For this it is threatened with a 50 per cent tariff Europe bought far larger volumes for decades and faced no penalty Even today Europe continues importing Russian gas through pipelines and LNG cargoes Turkey keeps importing Russian oil and faced only a mild rebuke in the White House last week The difference in tone and action is stark
The pattern is obvious When Europe bought it was an economic necessity When Turkey buys it is tolerated When China buys at record levels it is called geopolitical reality Beijing is the single largest importer of Russian oil yet Trump does not threaten China with tariffs or sanctions No harsh statements No red lines The pressure falls only on India because India is seen as a partner that can be pushed rather than a rival to be challenged
This is why many in India hear the colonial echo Lectures when convenient Demands when useful Silence when inconvenient The message is blunt When Western allies act it is a strategy When rivals act it is unavoidable When India acts it is wrong Such hypocrisy does not go unnoticed It strips away the credibility of the so-called rules based order and exposes the gap between words and practice
India cannot bend to this logic Energy security is not a luxury It is the foundation of growth and stability for over a billion people India has diversified its imports across the United States, the Middle East Africa and Russia It pays transparently and within international law India is a democracy A sovereign nation It will decide how to secure the fuel its people need Trump must accept that truth or risk losing India’s trust and with it the goodwill of a world that already sees through the rhetoric
Dr Narsinh bh ai Patel
Positive approach and ambition define Modi’s vision
“Recognising outstanding public service and leadership” of Mr Narendra Modi in the article written by Mr PK Laheri shows the qualities of Modi and why and how he is different from other world leaders (AV dated 27 Sept – 3 Oct 2025) PK Laheri was a very senior member of the administrative team, so his analysis of Narendra Modi is an important lesson for everyone who truly admires him
His life is dedicated to selfless service to Mother India Modi works seven days a week with one mission to make India a developed country as soon as possible The qualities described by PK Laheri are really noteworthy He has narrated each quality like positive approach, ambition, grounded and realistic, strong determination, relentless energy, sharp memory, innovative, and the most important is communication with everyone, clarity of ideas through both words and actions Every learner, irrespective of his or her subject or age, must try to grasp some of the qualities mentioned above to become a great citizen who, in turn, will make the country great
Mr Modi does not need any gifts or praise He is a selfmotivated person, much above the common man The greatest birthday gift to him will be to follow his principles, support his ideology, and make India one of the greatest nations He knows the potential threats from various countries and communities within the country Follow Modi’s advice, use products made in India, which will make the country prosperous and less dependent on the market-driven Western powers
Hit esh Hing u
Belgrave centre hosts afternoon Navratri festivities
Navratri, the nine-day festi-
nd co lour h ono uring the Hindu godd ess Durga
Older participants welcomed the centre as
friends, and dance during the afternoon rather than in the evenings
For 84-year-old Sushila Tejura, who volunteered at the Rothley Street centre for 40 years, this Navratri was a chance to participate as a guest rather than a volunteer, surrounded by friends, family, and former staff
A g round-breaking ceremony m arked the start of the Rat an T at
ng
and all the people who help
light up among the volunteers brings a smile to her and makes me feel emotional and overwhelmed
76-year-old Jasu Mistry said she dreads the event s ending “I come here every day from 12:30 to six, looking
College in
pal, called the Ratan Tata Building the final piece of the historic campus and “
future,” praising its inclusive and ambitious vision
Development, the university’s largest funder of Indian scholars, will occupy the last available site in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter The Ratan Tata Building is Oxford’s first named after
A n investig ative journalism award is being launch ed in m em ory of Andrew Norfolk, ‘T he Times’ journalist wh o e xp o s ed th
nat io n al g room ing gang scand al
l Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), aims to s
tigative reporters, inspired by Norfolk’s lifelong commitment to uncovering the truth He died in May at 60, after a 24-year career at ‘The Times’
chief investigative reporter
an Indian Somerville principal Catherine Royle said it reflects the college’s creativity, ambition, and commitm
ing Oxford’s ties with India
first exposed the national grooming gang scandal in 2011, highlighting authorities’ failure to protect victims
T h e a w a r d , o p e n t o NCTJ Gold Diploma hold-
Golu dolls of South India
Golu dolls, a vibrant Navratri tradition, embody South India’s rich heritage, fostering creativity, community, and
Upcoming event
Jain Vishwa Bharati London is organising a women’s health talk on Sunday, 12 October, from 2 to 4 pm at 8 Elm Park Road, Pinner, HA5 3LA The session will be led by Dr Mahesh Maheshwari, Consultant Gynaecological Surgeon at Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and will cover general health, preventive care, and the importance of early checks The event is free and open to all women aged 16 and above
ers, offers a one-year p a i d i n v e s t i g a t i v e internship with ‘The T i m e s ’ I t w a s a n n o u n c e d a t Norfolk’s memorial at S t B r i d e ’ s C h u r c h , F l e e t S t r e e
editor Jeremy Griffin, and legal director Pia S a r m a p
l l e
o r f o l k ’ s w o r k o n investigations into boarding school abuse and a Qataric o n t r o l l e d b a n k f u n d i n g extremist-linked groups “ a t e s t a m e n t t o h i s l e g a c y ”
attended by Vice-Chancellor
Irene Tracey, Indian High C
Doraiswami, and UK business adviser Varun Chandra
said the new building honours Ratan Tata’s belief in education and strengthens Oxford-India scholarship
Foundation Fellowship, the college’s highest honour for philanthropy, in recognition of Tata Group’s support
Norfolk won the Paul Foot A w a r d , t h e O r w e l l P r i z e , and was named Journalist of the Year at the 2014 British Journalism Awards W h i l e c o u r
Navratri celebrations at
Members of the Indian diaspora are celebrating Navratri with vibrant Garba and Dandiya evenings, devotional bhajans, and classical dance performances featuring participants of all ages - from children to seniors The festivities also include stalls serving satvik meals (vegetarian
Andrew Norfolk
Thec onf erence s eas on is now in full Ref or m UK
ha d an incr edibl e party conferenc e showcas ing how far they have come in s uc h a short period of time The Libera l Democrat s, m ore of
t he s a m e ol d s l ip pe r y
r het or ic b ut n o v e ri f iab l e content And this week the La b our Pa r ty ga t he r e d in Liverpool to kick of f their conferenc e, albeit under the cl oud of a failing prim e m inis ter and a f ail ing gove rnment
Normally a government that is elected with such a massive majority in parliament would be buzzing with zeal, optimism and unity
H o w e v e r , t h e l a t e s t p o l l shows that Starmer has now got the lowest approval rating of any Prime Minister, that’s ever since such polls
w e r e c o n d u c t e d H e n o w stands at a net approval rat-
i n g o f ( m i n u s ) - 6 6 %
Compare this with the Tory leader Kemi Badenoch who is on -47% Basically, she is 19% better off than Starmer
Of course, the figure that terrifies both is what Nigel Farage gets Farage is on19% In effect he is 47% better off than Starmer, and 2 8 % o f f b e t t e r t h a n Badenoch No matter how you stack it up, Farage and Reform are thrashing both Labour and the Tories
The Labour Par ty has
m a n a g e d t o s h o o t t h e mselves in the foot so many times in their first year in government that one could s u r m i s e t h e y h a v e h a r d
Labour was elected They
votes Within days of getting the keys to Number 10, promises were broken as the new administration found o u t t h a t m a k i n g w i l d
p
s easy, but to put them in practice when in power is quite a different challenge Starmer is now known as the U-turn prime minister, and increasingly, the word
K A P I L’S K H I C H A D I
Comrades Divided
on the streets is that they
c o n s i d e r h i m , a n d t h e Labour Party, as liars The tag of being called a liar is very difficult to shift given v o t e r s o n l y c o m e t o t h a t conclusion when they have lost trust
Approval ratings for the p
tanked in almost every sin-
% now compared with Labour 22% and Tories 14% In my view once we get closer to the next general election, I
believe will go lower and could end up closer to 18% Reform needs to maintain its lead at 34%, but there is a chance that they may lose some supporters, and it may end up closer to 30% At 30% Reform cannot have an overall majority, and with that the ugly head of a coalit
biggest unanswered question being, can Reform stay disciplined till the next gene
i n t o power encourage a scramble to get to the top table at the cost of party disunity?
We also need to put into this mix the newly formed party by Jeremy Corbyn and Zara Sultana Whilst it does not have a name yet, they are nevertheless planning to host their very own party conference The jury is out since there is very little data or information to guide any s e n s i b l e j u d g e m e n t a s t o h o w e f f e c t i v e i t c a n b e
However, what we can say is that they will secure traditional Labour votes, and if they play the game correctly, and stop the power grab a n d i n t e r n a l s q u a b b l i n g that often accompanies the formation of a new party, t h e n t h e y c o u l d g r a b a s much as 15% of the vote
C o m r a d e s w h o s t o o d
s i d e b y s i d e f o r d e c a d e s , holding each other’s hands and singing the ‘The Red
destroying any chance of
Comrades are so divided in
s o c i a l i s m ( f o r s o m e i t ’ s Marxism!) that in their pursuit of power they are litera
apart
The far-left are hell bent
comfortable being on the side of Islamists These are the people who wanted to hide the grooming gang ’ s fiasco They want to introduce a corrupt definition of Islamophobia to ensure that all legitimate criticism of I
upon the Muslim vote and that of far-left union members
For Starmer the visit by President Trump was a wish c
d attention away from him
d the calls for his resignation The party conference gives him yet another opportunity to deflect attention away
want to present a particular face of Starmer, I am not
matter of a few weeks the dark clouds of an uncontrollable storm will gather, and I suspect his end will be
3 % want a change in leadership
T h e l o n g
t a y s i n power, the greater the damage to Labour British politics is broken The grassroots have lost confidence and trust in many of our
p o l i t i c i a n s W h i l s t c o mrades exhibit open hostility to each other, can Reform, the new kid on the block t a k e a d v a n t a g e ? A n d i s t h e r e a n y s c o p e f o r t h e Tories to get back their core vote in time for the next election?
‘Racially aggravated’ graffiti on Gandhi statue sparks community outrage
Continued from page 1
Such an act not only disrespects a global symbol of peace and nonviolence but also undermines the values he stood for
T h e I n d i a n H i g h
Commission in the UK condemned the act as a “violent attack on the idea of nonviolence” and stated that it has raised the matter with l o c a l a u t h o r i t i e s w h i l e working to restore the statue to its “original dignity ” This is not the first such incident in the UK; in 2014, a Gandhi statue in Leicester w a s s i m i l a r l y v a n d a l i s e d , and in recent years there
h a v e b e e n c a m p a i g n s i n s o m e a r e a s c a l l i n g f o r
removed
The latest act of defacement also comes amid rising anti-immigration sentiment i n
saddened and strongly condemns the shameful act of vandalism of the statue of M a h a t m a G a n d h i a t T a v i s t o c k S q u a r e i n London This is not just vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of nonviolence, three days before the international day of nonviolence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma ” “ @ H C I L o n d o n h a s
P
i
i n i s t e r K e i r
Starmer’s expected visit to I n d i a , a d d i n g a p o l i t i c a l l y sensitive dimension to the incident
G a n d h i J a y a n t i , c o m -
m e m o r a t e d a s t h e International Day of Non-
V i o l e n c e b y t h e U n i t e d
N a t i o n s , m a r k s t h e b i r t h anniversary of the father of I n d i a a n d i s c e l e b r a t e d
a n n u a l l y o n O c t o b e r 2
Vandalising his statue just days before the occasion is a stark reminder of the disrespect and intolerance that persist against symbols of peace and unity
C ommu nity outraged as Gandh i statue defaced in Londo n E v e r y y e a r o n 2 n d
O c t o b e r , t h e H i g h
”
won H i s v a l u e s w o n T h e y always will Don’t be angry Keep the faith ” It has been reported that the Metropolitan Police and Camden Council are investigating the incident of vandalism His tory of Mahatma Gandh i statue A b r o n z e s t a t
Mahatma Gandhi by Fredda B
Tavistock Square, London, ahead of Gandhi’s centenary in 1969 Gandhi had studied
College London from 1888 to 1891 before being called
Temple
Gandhi in his later years, seated in a contemplative lotus position, with a shawl over his shoulder and his
, 2 7 , earned up to £412,000 by issuing fake vaccination certificates while working as administrators at a vaccine
c e n t r e i n W e s t f i e l d Shopping Centre, Stratford, east London
T h e y f a b r i c a t e d 1 , 6 4 8
P r o s e c u t o r K a t h r y n D r u m m o
e t
t e d a t t h e p u b l i c ’ s expense during the Covid crisis, abusing their trusted positions within the NHS Their actions allowed 847 people to bypass lockdown restrictions meant for vaccinated individuals
I s l a m , w h o j o i n e d t h e vaccine project in June 2021, s o l d h i s N H S l o g i n t o Ahmed for £1,000, with all records linked to him being false and no genuine vaccinations administered
J u d g e S a l l y - A n n H a l e s
r e c o r d s f o r 8 4 7 p e o p l e , charging £250 per certificate to bypass lockdown rules, S o u t h w a r k C r o w n C o u r t heard
said that between August 17 and December 13, 2021, the trio conspired to hack the N H S s y s t e m f o r f i n a n c i a l g a i n , i n v o l v i n g o t h e r s beyond them She highlighted the serious public health risk and wider harm caused during the pandemic, noting the vital role of the vaccine p r o g r a m m e i n p r o t e c t i n g lives
All three admitted cons p i r a c y t o c o m m i t f r a u d Ahmed (Ilford) and Walters ( H a c k n e y ) w e r e j a i l e d f o r four years and four months, w h i l e I s l a m ( T o w e r Hamlets) received one year and seven months
C o m m i s s i o n o f I n d i a i n
L o n d o n c o m m e m o r a t e s Gandhi Jayanti at Tavistock Square Garden with a solemn p r o g r a m m e T h e e v e n t i n c l u d e s f l o r a l t r i b u t e s t o
M a h a t m a G a n d h i ’ s s t a t u e , b r i e f s p e e c h e s , a n d t h e s i n g i n g o f h i s f a v o u r i t e
Bhajans, attended by community members and leaders This year, however, the celebrations were overshadowed by the recent vandalis a t i o n o f t h e s t a t u e I n response, the Indian High Commission issued a statem e n t o n X , s a y i n g : @ H C I L o n d o n i s d e e p l y
taken this up strongly with local authorities for immediate action, and our team is already on site, coordinati n g w i t h a u t h o r i t i e s t o restore the statue to its original dignity,” it added
Speaking to Asian Voice on behalf of India League, A lp e s h P a te l O B E s a i d , “ G a n d h i ’ s s t a t u e s a r o u n d t h e U K r e p r e s e n t B r i t i s h v a l u e s I t i s w h y t h e y ’ r e here Those who vandalise the statue should leave the country They do not belong in Britain Whoever did this - their mother must weep they produc ed such cowa r d s G a n d h i m a d e t h e m angry because he stood up and did not beg or plead or bend the knee or bow down Anyone who holds the same values of whatever nationality or religion can say “I too
Portland stone plinth atop
square platform with four steps, it bears the inscrip-
1869–1948
Erected by the Mahatma
from the
Kapil Dudakia
am Hindustani
He
Students of The Bharti Vidya Bhawan UK performing Bapu's favourite hymns
Indian High Commissioner to the UK HE Vikram Doraiswami addressing the Indian diaspora during last year’s Gandhi Jayanti at Tavistock Square
Alpesh Patel OBE
Similarly, Bheem Kohli, the elderly man killed after being stamped on by a 15-year-old attacker; and the six-year-old girl shoved and having her hair pulled simply for being Indian made the nation uncomfortable, but there are many such stories in the public domain
I
accusations and what not, almost as if they came with the precon-
c
owner wrote on Instagram, "I’ve never noticed the colour of my skin
Wednesday, I did "
Immigrants under attack again
Despite reporting the incident, she was not met by police, the British Transport Police (BTP) initially closed the investigation, cit-
While she appreciated the support she received from the community following the incident, she
a l s o s a w d i s m i s s i v e c o m m
n t s online: “They were just doing their job,” “Why be upset if you have nothing to hide,” and “How many illegals did they find?”
The answer: none Every member of her team is legally employed, paying taxes, and fully compliant
While immigration checks are
n e c e s s a r y , t h i s v i s i t w e n t f a r
b e y o n d t h a t E l e v e n o f f i c e r s arrived in convoy, separating staff, accusing them of dishonesty, and a s k i n g i n t r u s i v e p e r s o n a l q u e s -
t i o n s , o n e a b o u t a n 1 1 - y e a r - o l d child, another about the last university assignment submitted, all based on a tip-off
T h e l a w r e q u i r e s r e a s o n a b l e grounds and proportionality What the team faced was neither "It was humiliation," she wrote "Guilty u n t i l p r o v e n i n n o c e n t , s i m p l y because some of my team happen to be brown
" I n a n o t h e r i n c i d e n t , S o p h i a
C houd ry was repeatedly called her the P-word on 7 September during
a j o u r n e y f r o m P a d d i n g t o n t o
M a i d e n h e a d b y t e e n a g e r s S h e reported the abuse to police before the children got off at Hayes and Harlington in west London
A v i d e o S o p h i a p o s t e d o n
TikTok showing the incident has been viewed two million times She said she had not heard the racial slur directed at her in 25 years
Realising she was filming, the child r e n t r i e d t o c o v e r t h e i r f a c e s , while some passengers criticised her for recording the abuse One p a s s e n g e r r e p o r t e d l y r e s p o n d e d , “ so what?” after she explained what had happened
Sophia said she activated the passenger alarm to try to prevent the children from fleeing “I was shocked and angry about the chil-
d r e n ’ s r e a c t i o n , b u t t h e a d u l t s ’ reactions are what broke me and
ing a “lack of identifiable suspects ” The case was only reopened after media frenzy, and an officer was assigned
But there has been a silver lining in all this mess, Sophia further shared, “I feel deeply torn by all the hatred that’s swirling lately It’s e a s y t o l e t f e a r d o m i n a t e o u r hearts, especially when racism is on the rise But from firsthand experience, I can say with my hand on my heart: the love and support I’ve received has vastly outweighed the negativity Strangers have messaged me, shown up for me, spoken words of kindness That’s what I keep reminding myself, the world is also full of good people, and because of that, I refuse to live in fear
“We are all witnessing the rise of extreme right-wing sentiment across the country Reform’s policies are fuelling division and fear, f r o m t a r g e t i n g i m m i g r a n t s a n d asylum seekers to threatening our human rights obligations under the EU Politicians, including our own government, are now pandering to this shift out of fear of losing power
“These are scary times But if hatred is rising, so must our compassion, courage, and clarity ” Fears of a surveillance state Amid a surge of racial hostility and attacks on immigrants, the UK
g
BritCard, a mandatory digital ID
S
m
n 2 6 September 2025 All adults will be required to carry it by the end of this Parliament in 2029 Stored on smartphones, it is pitched as a tool to verify the right to work and access public services, with ministers claiming it could recoup £500 million annually from the £8 billion shadow economy
But critics warn it risks turning law-abiding migrants into suspects in their own country Most undocumented workers operate in cashbased, informal jobs, meaning the
prove “good citizenship” through v o l u n t e e r i n g , a s p o t l e s s r e c
r d , English proficiency, and economic contribution Why should one pay s o m u c h m o n e y , m a i n t a i n a
lifestyle good enough to stay and still always keep proving themselves worthy, while the government offers little concrete support to protect those at the heart of the storm?
A cybersecu rity ti me bomb?
A n o t h e r f a c t o r i s s e c u r i t y
BritCard will do little to stop illegal labour while creating new hurdles for legally residing communities
Already anxious, marginalised populations now face an added layer of surveillance and control
Public outrage has been swift A parliamentary petition opposing the cards skyrocketed past 2 5 million signatures in days, forcing a debate, while protesters gathered o
Conference in Liverpool, denounc-
Starmer’s leadership
It is common knowledge that a
£20,000–£25,000 in tuition fees, on top of which they have to show proof of sufficient funds to live here An ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) application cost £2,000, more for partner and family It’s a constant cycle of paying and striving
Yet, unless you have a job, pay taxes, pay NHS surcharges or are a dependent of someone who does, you cannot qualify for ILR So why target paid roles that are filled by m
aren’t qualified?
On top of this, Labour plans to t
Storing vast amounts of personal data in one place is a hacker’s dream We already have passports, driving licences, and other identity checks why create a single point
pot of personal data irresistible to cyber criminals and state-sponsored threat actors
holding biometric data, nationality status, and millions of personal i d
jewels” for attackers, with breache s c
quences
human toll “This system is explici
enforcement, which positions it as targeted surveillance rather than
grants and ethnic minorities will
of failure?
Lisa Ventura MBE F CIIS , Chief Executive and Fou nder of the AI and Cy ber S ecu rity Ass oc iatio n, t o l d A s i a n V o i c e , “ T h e g o v e r nm e n t ' s m a n d a t o r y d i g i t a l I D
scheme is a double-edged sword that needs serious scrutiny from t h e c y b e r s e c u
While I understand the political p r e s s u r e s d r i v i n g t h i s d e c i s i o n , let’s be honest about what we ’ re creating here: a centralised honey-
Windrush scandal already showed
demands can destroy lives”, she said S
storage and strong encryption, but argued these will only work if vulnerable groups are consulted “Trust requires transparency a
surveillance dressed up as modernisation,” she said
Hounslow nursery staff sentenced for baby abuse
, Ro ksana Lecka from Hounslow , west London, has been jailed fo r eig ht years for abusing 21 babies
She admitted seven counts of child cruelty and was convicted of 14 more after a trial, with her actions described as “gratuitous” and “sadistic” at two nurseries
The abuse came to light in June last year when she was sent home for pinching children at Riverside Nursery in Twickenham
P
described heartbreak, guilt, and distrust in impact statements at Kingston Crown Court
kicked, pulled ears and hair, top-
caused bruising
Harrow Crown Court heard Gandhi applied for council-fund-
December 2022 following a hospital stay She claimed her mother had only £7,000 in savings and that her Southend property was o c c u p i e d b
h
b
,
watching while quietly harming the children
B
June 2024, Lecka abused children at two nurseries, including pinching, kicking, pushing babies into cots, and covering their mouths O
Munchkins in Hounslow; the rest t o R i v
Twickenham, now closed P
actions were “sickening” and that she preyed on helpless children They expressed guilt for trusting her, with one noting, “We weren’t there to protect them ” The abuse caused lasting impact, including families relocating and relationship breakdowns
Highways, said, “Thanks to our officers, her lies were uncovered S
received a strong sentence This sends a clear message: fraudsters will be caught, and the public purse will be protected ”
o acted as a live-in carer In reality, the property was empty, and her brother only visited occasionally to collect post Gandhi received £1,493 05 per week in state-funded social care during the 16-month period The fraud was uncovered by Harrow Council’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Team during a routine review Investigators used credit checks, utility records, and information from Southend Council a
Sophia Choudry
Lisa Ventura MBE FCIIS
Gathering against National Front in Southall, 1979
Roksana Lecka
Protest against far-right 'Unite the Kingdom rally, 2025
Safeena Husain’s revolution in girls’ education
The founder of Educate Girls, transforms girls’ education in India through mentorship and community-led programs, recently earning the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for her impactful work
S afeena Husain, the fou nd er o f Educate Girls, is red efining what it means to fight for education in India F rom h er own interrupted schooling in Delh i to lead ing one o f the country’s mo st innov ativ e nonprofit p rog rams, H usai n ’ s jo urney exem plif ies resi lience, v is ion, and the transformativ e po wer of edu catio n
In 2023, she became the f i r s t I n d i a n w o m a n t o receive the WISE Prize for Education, and in 2024 she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the London School of Economics, recognising her work in advancing gender equity through learning
H u s a i n ’ s e a r l y e x p e r iences shaped her mission
Growing up, she faced societal pressures and limited
o p p o r t u n i t i e s , w i t h m a rriage often presented as the
o n l y v i a b l e p a t h f o r g i r l s who faltered academically It was the guidance of her aunt that encouraged her to return to education, a deci-
s i o n t h a t l e d h e r t o t h e
L o n d o n S c h o o l o f Economics and ultimately transformed how she was perceived: from “ a failure”
works Husain emphasises that mindset change is at the heart of her work “The root cause of gender issues
i s m i n d s e t , ” s h e e x p l a i n s
Educating girls is only one part of the equation; it is equally important to educ a t e t h e g a t e k e e p e r s - t h e family, community leaders, and influencers- so that support for the girl’s education comes from within the community “Mera Gaon, Meri Samaj, Meri Samadhan,” she
s a y s : t h e m o d e l m u s t b e community-owned to succeed
E d u c a t e G i r l s a l s o addresses the challenge of secondary education access
formidable challenges, par-
entrenched social mindsets where girls are often seen as liabilities Overcoming such
and long-term engagement; Educate Girls commits to
Using pageantry to amplify women’s voices
Subhasini Naicker Azq a Sohil, 30, i s a B ritish Pakis tani doc tor and advoca te from East London A T op 6 f i n a li s t a t M i s s
Un iverse Pak istan 2025 in t he M a l d i v e s , s h e f i rs t gain ed recogni ti on on the UK pagean t stage, win ning M i s s U n i ve r s e G r e at
Bri tain’s 202 4 ‘N ot i n Vain Award’ f or bravely sharing her experie nce a s a survi vor of domes ti c violenc e Beyond pageantry, Azqa is training as a GP with a focus on aesthetics and derm a t o l o g y S h e f o u n d e d @
amplifying women ’ s voices, s e r v e s o n t h e b o a r d o f
who I am and what I stand for was incredibly emotiona l a n d e m p o w e r i n g , n o t just for me, but for other women too ”
Aqza credits her British
based or honour-based violence and abuse, statistics like one in three are stagg e r i n g W h
’ r
n
n e T h a t ’ s the most beautiful part for m e W h i l e I a d
c a t e around domestic violence, I’ve met incredible women championing causes from sexual assault and workplace harassment to mental health, ADHD, infertility, and loss Every time one woman raises her voice, it gives others permission to do the same ” As a doctor training to become a GP while specialising in aesthetics and dermatology, Aqza navigates t
t o a c a p a b l e , i n t e l l i g e n t young woman
Many girls drop out after grade eight due to distance, marriage pressures, or soci-
This person-
a l j o u r n e y b e c a m e t h e blueprint for Educate Girls,
a n o n p r o f i t d e d i c a t e d t o reaching out-of-school girls in India’s most underserved communities
The organisation’s flagship model, Team Balika, is rooted in mentorship and
v o l u n t e e r i s m V o l u n t e e r s from the local community identify girls not in school, engage families, and create
v i l l a g e - l e v e l s u p p o r t n e t -
e t a l e x p e c t a t i o n s T h e
Pragati Second Chance prog r a m b r i n g s e d u c a t
o n t o their doorstep through village-based learning camps, helping girls who have been out of school for years to catch up and even complete the 10th grade Beyond academics, the program instills
preparing young women for employment, further educat
resilience of the girls themselves ” She recalls an 18year-old who resumed her
long gap due to early marriage; her story was the first that came to Husain’s mind upon hearing the news
For young girls worldwide, Husain’s message is
never give up, even when the odds seem insurmountable
Female students report sexual harassment at universities
O ne in three women studyi ng at uni versities and colleges in E ngland say they have b een subjected to s exual haras sment during their t i m e a s s t ud e nt s , wi t h much of it taking plac e on or around campus, accordi ng to new data from the O ffice for Students (O fS)
T h e s u r v e y o f m o r e t h a n 5 0 , 0 0 0 f i n a l - y e a r undergraduates found that nearly one in five women also reported experiencing sexual assault or violence, most often at the hands of
f e l l o w s t u d e n t s , b u t i n s o m e c a s e s b y s t a f f Y o u n g e r w o m e n , l e s b i a n , g a y o r b i s e x u a l s t u d e n t s , and those with disabilities were found to be at higher risk
Overall, 24% of students said they had faced sexual harassment, ranging from persistent unwanted atten-
t i o n t o r e c e i v i n g e x p l i c i t images But women were disproportionately affected, with 33% reporting harassment compared with 12% of m e n S i m i l a r l y , 1 9 % o f women said they had been s e x u a l l y a s s a u l t e d , m o r e than double the rate among men (7%)
T h e r e s e a r c h a l s o h i g h l i g h t e d major shortcomings i n h o w c a s e s a r e h a n d l e d O n l y 1 3 % o f h a r a s s m e n t v i ctims reported incidents to their university, and among those who did, fewer than half rated the process as satisfactory While students a g e d 3 1 a n d o v e r were less likely to be v i c t i m s o f p e e r assaults, they were more likely to face
abuse from staff, including lecturers and coaches
I n s t i t u t i o n s r e g u l a t e d by the OfS now face new requirements to strengthen m e a s u r e s a g a i n s t h a r a s sment and sexual misconduct
Adanna, fundraises for ASisterhood, and speaks in colleges to raise awareness of gender-based violence Speaking to Asian Voice about becoming a Top 6 finalist for Miss Universe Pakistan 2025, Aqza said, “It was a last-minute decision to apply I had competed in Miss Universe Great Britain in 2024, where I first shared my story as a survivor of d o m e s t i c a b u s e , a n d I thought that would be the start and end of my pageant journey A few months ago, I s a w t h e c a l l f o r M i s s Universe Pakistan I’m originally from Pakistan, and the chance to represent my roots felt too meaningful to pass up, even though I had n o e x p e c t a t i o n s R o u n d after round, the judges narrowed the field, and when they announced me in the top six, I burst into tears People think pageants are only about beauty, but the j u d g e s l o o k b e y o n d t h a t , t h e y v a l u e o u r s t o r i
s , a d v o c a c y , p r e s e n c e , a n d passion Being chosen for
P a k i s t a n i i d e n t i t y w i t h shaping both her medical a n d p a g e a n t j o u r n e y s “Growing up in the UK, I h e a r d c o u n t l e s s s t o r i e s from my mother about life in her Pakistani village and t h e l e s s o n s h e r f a t h e r taught her Those stories kept me close to my heritage even though I didn’t live there What inspired me most was the strength of Pakistani women When I faced domestic violence, I d r e w o n t h a t l i n e a g e o f resilience and knew I had to speak out In the UK, I have the safety and family support to share my story, s u p p o r t m a n y P a k i s t a n i a n d S o u t h A s i a n w o m e n don’t have I feel a responsibility to use my voice for those who cannot, hoping o n e o f t h e m m i g h t f e e l inspired ” O n t h e r o l e o f pageantry in advocacy, she a d d e d , “ P a g e a n t r y g i v e s y
your story, and that alone can be powerful So many women experience gender-
ence, health, and beauty
from genuine passion and intention,” she said “I’ve loved science and biology
always about helping people That purpose has carried me through even my darkest moments, knowing my work serves others ” Her interest in aesthetics and dermatology developed later “Four years ago, I had chickenpox, which severely affected my skin Doctors told me it might never recover, but through
supplements, and skincare, my skin not only healed
isn’t superficial, it’s about being the best version of yourself Caring for your body inside and out is what makes you truly beautiful, and that’s what fuels my work in aesthetics today ”
Thousands fewer women own or lead UK businesses
The n umb e r of b usine sse s led by women has fall en further, despite govern me nt initiatives aime d a t encoura gin g femal e en trepre neurship
A
people found that taxation has overtaken energy prices and market competition as the biggest barrier to growth A c c
and Trade, just 14% of SMEs a r e n o w l e d
e n , down from 15% last year and 19% in 2021 This decline equates to tens of thousands
the UK The survey was conducted in several waves up to May 2025
New laws clamp down on cyberflashing
genitals On Monday 29 September, T
g
tions on tech companies to prevent, not just respond to, the sharing of unsolicited nude
images The move will classify ‘cyberflashing’ as one of the most serious offences under the Online Safety Act Under the new rules, companies could use automated systems to detect and block images before they reach users, strengthen moderation tools, o r e n
s t r i c t e
c o n t e n t policies Failure to act proactively could result in fines of up to 10% of global revenue and even the possibility of having their services blocked in the UK Disturbing statistics
Debbie Wosskow, a serial entrepreneur and investor who co-chairs the governm e n t ’ s I n v e s t i n W o m e n Taskforce, said the investm e n t s y s t e m r e m a i n s i l lequipped to support femalef o u
u n d e r s c o r e t h e n e e d f o r action: 32% of girls aged 12–18 and 5% of boys report receiving unsolicited sexual images
T h i s c l a m p d o w n f o r m s part of the government’s Plan f o r C h
t o halve Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) within ten years By targeting cyberflashing and other online abuse, the government hopes to create a s a f e
e n t where women and girls can participate fully online without fear
added, “Some of the sectors most likely to have womenled businesses – like health, education and food – do not
or buzz The reality is that female-led busi-
and are central to
individuals being
by 2035 The survey also found that concerns over taxation as
barrier to growth rose sharply, with 61%
Aqza Sohil
Safeena Husain with the girls she is trying to empower through Educate Girls
About dreams, identity and belonging
Humour meets hardship as Mohit Mathur’s ‘Dial 1 for UK’ sheds light on the migrant experience with heart and honesty.
Anusha Singh
For many in India, the U K
rep r es en ts o p p o rt u ni ty, afflu ence, and a glamorous
new li f e Bu t fo r In d i an
w ri te r a nd a ct o r M o h it
Mathur, arriv ing in London
was just the beg inning of a ch a ll eng in g j o u rne y o f id ent i ty, r es i li enc e , and self-d iscovery
His debut play, ‘Dial 1 for UK’, draws on his own experiences to explore the hopes and harsh realities
f a c e
UK this autumn, the play
t e l l s t h e s t o r y o f U d a y Kumar, a call centre worker
a n d Y o u T u b e i n f
humour, heart, and insight
R o o t e d i n M a t h u r ’ s own experiences of moving from Mumbai to London, the play explores the gap
b e t w e e n a s p i r a t i o n a n d
reality “I first came to the UK in 2015, ” Mathur recalls “I was performing at the L o n d o n P a l l a d i u m i n Beyond Bollywood, a turning point for me I loved it
a n d t h o u g h t , ‘ I w a n t t o train properly as an actor ’” His journey to theatre was u n c o n v e n t i o n a l ; h e h a d studied engineering, even had employment offers at Infosys and with the Indian Air Force, before pursuing his passion for dance and eventually acting
T h e i n s p i r a t i o n f o r ‘Dial 1 for UK’ came from real-life observations “My sister worked in a call centre in India, training in a B r i t i s h a c c e n t f o r a b o u t 1 5 , 0 0 0 r u p e e s a m o n t h Later, while working with a Shakespeare company that specialises in working with individuals with autism, I n o t i c e d t h a t t h e c a r e r s accompanying the autistic
i n d i v i d u a l s w e r e o f t e n f r o m S o u t h A s i a n , Caribbean, or African backgrounds I realised there’s a
s t o r y h e r e ; a b o u t m i g r a -
t i o n , a s p i r a t i o n , a n d t h e realities of life abroad ” The character of Uday Kumar reflects the dreams of many young Indians who imagine life in the UK as a gate-
to a new culture “Growing up in India, we ’ re pushed to be as English as possible When I came to London, I t h o u g
w o r l d r e m i n d e d m e I
would always be Rakesh Over time, I began embracing my identity ” Dial 1 for UK is about owning that identity while navigating the compromises and reali-
way to success and affluence
T h e p l a y ’ s t i t l e i s a clever nod to both the character’s initials and his new country Mathur explains, “The first line I wrote was: ‘Hello! This is Pushkar this side, how can I help you?’
B u t i t f e l t t o o l o n g a n d clunky ”
So he played with the i n i t i a l s o f t h e c h a r a c t e r Uday Kumar, ‘UK’, offering the perfect playful link to the United Kingdom and c a p t u r e d t h e c h a r a c t e r ’ s pride and connection to his n e w h o m e T h e o p e n i n g line became: “Good morni n g , m y n a m e i s U d a y Kumar or you can call me UK, like your country ” Mathur draws heavily
o n h i s p e r s o n a l e x p e r ie n c e s , b l e n d i n g h u m o u r and heart with social comm e n t a r y O n e m e m o r y from 2015 stands out when s o m e o n e c a l l e d h i m a r a c i a l s l u r , t h e P - w o r d “ B a c k t h e n , I c a s u a l l y t h o u g h t , ‘ Y o u ’ v e g o t t h e country wrong, I’m from I n d i a , ’ ” h e r e c a l l s “ O v e r the years, my perspective changed What once felt like a minor insult became deeply personal ” This evolution informs the play’s e x p l o r a t i o n o f i d e n t i t y , belonging, and the complexities of immigration
The play also examines the challenges of adjusting
ties of life as a first-generation immigrant
T a l k i n g a b o u t S o u t h
Asian representation in the arts, he said, “In India the opportunities were limited and London is better, but there are still "not enough" producers taking risks or
Asian artists ”
His advice for young
charge of your career and n
n answer If no one is writing for you, make your own show Your voice matters ”
being told his play would take two years to produce, he contacted i80 venues, secured 15 agreements, and launched his UK tour
'Dial 1 for the UK' is more than a comedy about migration; it’s a story of resilience, identity, and the
Mathur aims to illuminate
chance to understand the
the UK with empathy and insight
British Museum to rival New York’s Met Gala
The British Mu seum is set t o h ost its f irst h ig h-pr ofile
g al a next month , aim ing to
r iv al New Y ork’s legendary M et Gala, where extravag ant fashion meets recordbr eaking fundraising
The inaugural British
seeking high-level patronage to support its £1 billion r e d e v e l o p m e n t , w h i c h includes modernised visitor facilities and a “ complete reimagining” of its Western Range galleries
W i t h s t a t e f u n d i n g c u t s over the past 15 years, the m u s e u m i s i n c r e a s i n g l y relying on creative initiatives to finance its pro-
Kiran Desai returns to Booker Prize shortlist with ambitious new novel
B o o ker p ri z
w i nn i ng au t h o r K i ra n D es ai h as returned to the prestigious literary aw ard shortlist w ith h e r la te st no v e l, ‘ T h e
L o n eli n es s o f S o ni a an d Sunny’, d escribed by judg es as a “vast and im mersiv e ” exp lo ratio n o f two yo u ng I nd i a ns na v i g at i ng l i fe i n A merica
The 53-year-old Delhiborn author, who won the
B o o k e r i n 2 0 0 6 f o r ‘ T h e Inheritance of Loss’, is one of six writers from around the world shortlisted for the 2 0 2 5 p r i z e A t 6 6 7 p a g e s , Desai’s newest work is the longest on this year ’ s list
Judges praised it as “ an intim a t e a n d e x p a n s i v e e p i c about two people finding a pathway to love and each other Rich in meditations on class, race, and nationhood, this book has it all ” The novel took nearly 20 years to complete If Desai wins, she will b e c o m e o n l y t h e f i f t h author to claim the Booker twice, and it would mark an unprecedented clean sweep for India in 2025, following Banu Mushtaq and translat o r D e e p a B h a s t h i ’ s International Booker Prize w i n e a r l i e r t h i s y e a r f o r ‘Heart Lamp’ Desai said of her work, “I w a n t e d t o w r i t e a s t o r y about love and loneliness in the modern world, a pre-
sent-day romance with an old-fashioned beauty As I w r o t
and generations, I realised I could explore loneliness in
romantic, but the divides of class and race, the distrust b
vanishing of
past world, all
forms of loneliness
Born and raised in New D
, D
o England at 15 and later set-
acclaim runs in her family:
Kitamura’s ‘Audition’,
Ambika Mod explores ambition and addiction in new play
The Royal Court Th eatre has u nv eiled the com plete cast for its highly anticipated w o r ld p re m i ere , P o r n Play
J o i n i n g p r e v i o u s l y announced Ambika Mod is O l i v i e r A w a r d - w i n n i n g actor Will Close, fresh from his acclaimed performance in Dear England The prod u c t i o n , a c o - p r o d u c t i o n w i t h S I S T E R , p r o m i s e s a darkly humorous yet unsettling exploration of the double life of a high-achieving academic The creative team has also been strengthened b y t h e i n v o l v e m e n t o f a w a r d - w i n n i n g c h o r e o g r apher Wayne McGregor
Despite its provocative title, Porn Play is far more than a shock-fest The story follows Ani, a brilliant acad e m i c w h o s e c a r e e r i s marked by awards, lectures, and accolades Beneath her polished public image, however, Ani struggles with a secret addiction to violent p o r n o g r a p h y a c o m p u lsion that threatens to unrav-
el her professional success and personal relationships
The play has been described as a deeply honest character study, tackling complex psyc h o l o g i c a l t e r r a i n w i t h nuance and intensity
W r i t e r S o p h i a C h
R o y a l Court debut with this prod u c t i o n K n o w n f o r h e r fearless exploration of intricate psychological themes, C h e t i
L e u n e r d e
s a story that is both unsettling and thought-provoking T h e e n s e m
c a s t i s formidable Lizzy Connolly, whose stage credits include the Donmar Warehouse and
the Old Vic, joins Asif Khan, a Royal Court regular and familiar from ITV’s Mr Bates v s T h e P o s t O f f i c e T h i s tight four-hander promises a focused and intense theatrical experience Ambika Mod, riding a wave of success following One Day and T h i s I
n
t o H u r t , returns to the stage, while Will Close brings the weight of his Olivier-winning performance in Dear England to the production With its combination of sharp writing, expert direction, and a stellar cast, Porn Play is shaping up to be a daring addition to the Royal Court’s repertoire, offering audiences a challenging yet c o m p e l l i n g l o o k a t a m b ition, addiction, and the hidden struggles behind a perfect facade
Esh Alladi leads new Royal Court play
Mohit Mathur
Mohit Mathur in Dial 1 for UK
Kiran Desai
Ambika Mod
Esh Alladi
Sunetra Senior
Lo v i na w as b o rn a nd raised in M umbai and is th e heart behind two o f the UK’ s fastest g rowing S outh
Professionals in London
Wo men in Londo n & UK (IWLUK) Wh at began
when
r m e n & w o m en) , th e se c om m u ni ti es h a v e quickly becom e a v ibrant
commitment to emotional support is what makes it worthwhile,” said Lovina “You also need to be very o r g a n i s e d a n d t h i n k o n your feet It can be stressful, but seeing the impact on p e o p l e m a k e s i t t r u l y rewarding I try to create a variety of events so there’s something for everyone it’s about fostering closeness and getting to know
h u b f o r co n ne ct io n a nd growth From coffee mo rning s and brunches to g rand
fe s ti v e ce le bra ti o ns l i ke Diwali, Ho li, and C hristmas and ev en boat parties on th e H M S We lli n g to n th ey celebrate life’ s meaning ful m oments tog ether ***
I n j u s t a f e w y e a r s , IWLUK has become a trusted space where women can “share their queries, find support, and build lasting friendships”, while IPLUK has evolved into a powerful vocational network, “creating opportunities for career growth, collaboration, and a deeper sense of commu-
n i t y ” L o v i n a ’ s j o u r n e y
b e g a n a t B o x p a r k i n Wembley on March 2022, w h e n j u s t 3 0 w o m e n
a t t e n d e d t h e v e r y f i r s t m e e t u p F r o m t h e r e , t h e network rapidly expanded, establishing a strong presence through 30+ location-
b a s e d W h a t s A p p g r o u p s ,
I n s t a g r a m a n d F a c e b o o k
c o m m u n i t i e s , a l
local meetups across East, W
t o l &
M a n c h e s t e r T o d a y , t h e community thrives across
t h e n a t i o n , w i t h v i b r a n t sub-groups including a fitness club, book club, mum ’ s club, travel club, business
a n d c a r e e r n e t w o r k i n g
f o r u m s w h i c h p r o v i d e members the opportunity to care for one another as well as connect and grow
Lovina’s work has been recognised by the BBC, and her leadership is as much about logistics as it is about creating strong community: “It takes long hours and a lot of hard work, but the
p e o p l e ” C o m m u n i c a t i o n and the soft power of bonding then is highlighted as v a l u a b l e : “ c o m i n g t o t h e UK as a newcomer, I never imagined I’d find not just a c o m m u n i t y b u t s u c h a strong network of friends a n d e n t r e p r e n e u r i a l c o nnection the country is now my home,” she added Indeed, every member has been added with due diligence, with profiles verified across social media handles, ensuring a safe and trusted space
“Coming to the UK as a newcomer, I never imagined I’d find not just community but such a strong network of friends"
“ W h e n I t h i n k o f L o n d o n , c e r t a i n c o r n e r s hold a very special place in my heart,” Lovina reflected “Wembley Park will always be close to me it’s where m y j o u r n e y b e g a n I n Notting Hill, I unexpectedly wandered into a bookstore straight out of one of my favourite films which w a s m a g i c a l C o v e n t Garden was unforgettable, w i t h m y f i r s t C h a r l i e C h a p l i n s t r e e t p e r f o rmance, and St James’ Park is memorable as the first park I explored with my family Each place tells a story of discovery and joy ” The platform serves as a closely helpful space where members can openly share
Divorce and South Asian realities
Lo nd on has earned a g lobal re
d
o r ce c ap i
ct i ng c om p l ex, h i g h -v al ue ca ses fro m across the globe One of the key reasons for this is the city’s generous appro ach to divid ing marital assets
Since 2000, English law h a s g e n e r a l l y a s s u m e d a 50:50 split of wealth upon d
earner This starting point, combined with the courts’
London particularly appealing to couples with significant assets or international connections
Da v i d L i s ter , se ni o r partner at Vard ag s, and an
their challenges and receive answers drawn from personal experiences Lovina
r e c o u n t e d : “ t h e r e h a v e been times when someone posted that their loved ones were in hospital, alone, and local members stepped in with food and assistance
O u r Q & A s e c t i o n h a s become a vital resource people turn to it for tax and m
efforts reflect how empathy
c
l support can foster confidence as a whole:
deep sense of purpose and
comes from what no one can take from you: your
and the essence of who you are ” Looking ahead, Lovina h
depth stories of her members’ successes, with a focus on their life journeys and e
ments: “I envision it as a
leader credited her family and incredible team: “ none o
possible without Prableen Rupra, Disha Rawat, and Nishi Gill” Lovina's journey proves that community is more than numbers it emerges as a crucial lifeline
I’ve seen countless members find accommodation, business partners, job references and lifelong friendships But more than any-
into friends, ideas into pos-
challenges into celebration: #TogetherWeGrow ” W: https://indiansinlondonuk com/ I:https://www instagram c om/indianprofessionalslondonuk/ https://www instagram co m/indianwomenlondonuk/
Dowries and dowry jewellery, often significant, add another layer of complexity, as they may be difficult or impossible to reclaim during legal proceedings “To help courts, arbitrators, or mediators understand the cultural and financial significance, it may be necessary to bring in experts For instance, I have sometimes consulted specialists who explain the concept of dowry, its value, purpose, and how it should be treated legally, so that the tribunal appreciates the cultural values ”
L i s t e r p o i n t s o u
both in the UK and overseas, for example in India, pre-
Ov er seas C i tiz en o f Ind i a himself , explains that this r e g i m e p r o v i d e s g e n u i n e opportunities for fair settlement While it is not possible to simply appear in the U K a n d c l a i m a d i v o r c e , i n d
u a l s w i t h a s t r o n g connection to the country can access the courts and have their cases heard F o r s o p h i s t i c a t e d c l i e n t s , p a r t i c u l a r l y t h o s e with substantial or inherited w e a l t h , p r e n u p t i a l a g r e ements are often used These a g r e e m e n t s a c t a s a n “instruction manual,” allowing the parties to outline a s s e t d i v i s i o n i n a d v a n c e , often more favourably for t h e f i n a n c i a l l y w e a k e r spouse than the strict 50:50 default would require “It’s a classic case of ‘ prevention is better than cure ’” , David said Family ties and cultural expectations
For South Asian families, divorce is rarely just a financial matter Extended f a m i l i e s o f t e n b e c o m e i n v o l v e d e v e n b e f o r e t h e
m a r r i a g e b e g i n s P a r e n t s a n d r e l a t i v e s p l a y c e n t r a l roles in arranging matches, supporting the union emotionally, and investing considerable resources, whether through hosting elaborate w e d d i n g s , c o n t r i b u t i n g f i n a n c i a l l y , o r p r o v i d i n g guidance When a marriage ends, these relationships can b
tions M u l t i
g
e r a t i o n a l households are common in South Asian families, meaning that childcare, day-tod a y s u p p o r t , a n d l i v i n g arrangements can be deeply a f f e c t e d w h e n a m a r r i a g e breaks down
jurisdictions can be slow or reluctant to enforce foreign orders
Constructiv e v s contentious div orces
L i s t e r e m p h a s i s e s t h a t outcomes vary widely Some couples, particularly highly educated or internationally m
entrenched in conflict, often when one party refuses to cooperate “Often, the challenge lies with strong-willed
bands, who are unwilling to cooperate If the assets are in the UK, they can generally
tions pose greater difficulties Resolving these matters b
suming, complex, and costly d u
David said “There is greater scope for aggressive tactics, particularly if one party believes they can obscure or intimidate the financially weaker spouse I
negotiation, mediation, or arbitration can help resolve disputes, with litigation
When marriages break, families fracture too
m
l y involvement where possible can help ease the psyc h o l
invested decades in nurturing not only their children but the marriage itself, can experience feelings of loss, guilt, and isolation
y suddenly find themselves disconnected from grandchildren or family rituals, w
must navigate the fracturing of networks once taken for granted Social stigma,
can intensify the emotional burden
Community awareness that divorce is not a failure, culturally sensitive couns e l l i n g , a n d m a i n t a i n
tion, and cultural awareness
help preserve both fairness and family connections
Royal Mail faces backlash over misdelivered parcel
A w o m an h a s c ri t ic i s ed
Royal Mail after a parcel she sent fro m Birm ing ham to Lo nd on w as du mped in a
re cy c li ng b in and t ake n b ef o re c o ll ec ti o n E s ly n Daley, 67, had sent the package for her brother to take to their family in Jamaica, but P o s t O ff i ce st af f l ate r show ed him a p hoto of it in the bin Royal Mail apologised, s a y i n g p l a c i n g p a r c e l s i n bins is “ never ” company policy and the worker involved had been spoken to, though Ms Daley has not received a direct apology She called t h e i n c i d e n t “ s h o c k i n g , upsetting, and stressful ” T h e £ 1 0 0 p a r c e l , c o nt a i n i n g p e r i o d u n d e r w e a r for her granddaughter and s u p p l e m e n t s f o r h e r 9 9year-old uncle, was sent sec-
ond class, limiting compensation to £20 MP Al Carns said Royal Mail had “failed” a n d s h o u l d o f f e r p r o p e r compensation C o n s u m e r e x p e r t J a n e Hawkes called misdelivery complaints “unacceptable,” while ex-Royal Mail employe e M a r k R e d m o n d s a i d online tracking and leaving parcels in bins or porches confuses older customers
Lovina Shenoy
Lovina Shenoy: Building Community and Connection
David Lister
Climate changes, but this time it’s us
Aryaman Shukla
“ Hasn’ t the
h
C
ate scientists
M arvel’s reply is equal parts
under
meters of it Global tempera t u
x degrees colder than today
The cause wasn’t mysterious Earth doesn’t orbit the Sun in a fixed way Other planets tug at us, shifting the path from circular to e l l i p t i c a l , t i l t i n g t h e a x i s m o r e s t e e p l y o r l e s s , a n d
wobbling the spin so our “North Star” changes every few thousand years These Milankovitch cycles redistribute sunlight across the planet Less summer sun at n o r t h e r n l a t i t u d e s m e a n s g l a c i e r s g r o w ; m o r e s u n , they retreat The cycles can explain the ice ages
But here’s the clincher If you plug in today’s orbital c h a n g e s i n t o a c l i m a t e model, you don’t get warming You get flat lines The steep climb in temperatures
w e ’ v e s e e n s i n c e t h e Industrial Revolution can’t be chalked up to planetary mechanics
Volcanoes tell an exactly
o p p o s i t e s t o r y f r o m w h a t
o n e b e l i e v e s T h e i r e r u ptions can reshape societies, s o m e t i m e s e v e n r e w r i t e
myth In 536 CE, a colossal eruption dimmed the Sun and plunged global tempera t u r e s b y t w o t o t h r e e degrees Crops failed across S c a n d i n a v i a I n t h e d a r kness, the Vikings spun the m y t h o f R a g n a r ö k t h e world ending when the Sun goes out and endless winter sets in In 43 BCE, a huge Alaskan eruption disrupted the Nile floods two years in a row Famine and unrest followed, fuelling the political fire that ultimately topp l e d C l e o p a t r a a n d t h e Ptolemaic dynasty In 1815, T a m b o r a e r u p t e d i n I n
s o much ash and gas into the atmosphere that the following year was remembered as t h e “ Y e a r W i t h o u t a Summer ” Skies stayed grey, crops failed in the northern hemisphere, and in a lakes i d
a i n G e n
t e e n a g e M a r y S h e l l e y , trapped indoors with Lord Byron, wrote Frankenstein Another guest drafted the prototype for a bloodsucking aristocrat the ancestor of Dracula
Single, powerful, shortterm climate events can dim the Sun, trigger social coll a p s e s , a n d i n s p i r
that echo through time The cooling fades in a year or
warming trends
factor that
heat or cool
Two nudge it down
The warming forces are
gases from burning coal, oil, and gas are the biggest driver by far Carbon dioxide is p
decay, die, or are cut down
Industrial processes such as
dioxide, in addition to the carbon dioxide generated by the energy used in the manufacturing process Finally, agriculture is a culprit with methane from cows and rice paddies, and nitrous oxide from fertilizer
T w o f o r c
t h e other way Aerosols are tiny
ship exhaust, and fires They block sunlight directly and also seed clouds that reflect it The albedo effect occurs when the darker surface is replaced by a shinier ground that reflects more sunlight, c
i n g , such as deforestation
Combine the two factors The warming trend is u s , m a s k e
aerosols, but it's undeniable
f human influence
It’s a sobering picture NASA’s models show that
cause warming they can stop it
Net zero means tackling emissions from every primary source Fossil fuels have to shrink fast Agriculture
methane and nitrous oxide
i o n because they absorb carbon
n
direct air capture, enhanced r o c k w e a t h e r i n g , o c e a n uptake will likely play a role, but only as clean-up for t h e “ h a r d - t o - a b a t e ” l e f t -
overs They aren’t silver bullets They’re silver dustpans We’ve run this experiment before, unintentionally, when the pandemic shut
t h e w o r l d d o w n i n 2 0 2 0 , emissions fell about seven percent That’s roughly the p a c e w e n e e d t o s u s t a i n e v e r y y e a r t h i s d e c a d e t o keep warming close to 1 5°C It won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible The benefits show up immediately Fossil f u e l s d o n ’ t j u s t r e l e a s e
g r e e n h o u s e g a s e s T h e y r e l e a s e a e r o s o l s t h a t k i l l
More than one in ten global deaths is linked to air pollut i o n C u t t i n g f o s s i l f u e l s could save three to four million lives every year Earth has always shifted between cold ages and warm o n e s Y e s , v o l c a n o e s h a v e dimmed the Sun and shaken societies The steady warming of the past century is mainly due to us And as per NASA, the ending is still up to us
Miliband dismisses ‘doomsters’ as he defends net zero at Climate Week
B ri tai n ’ s en erg y s ecr etar y, E d M i lib and , h as r ejec ted c lai m s o f a g lo bal re treat from climate action, insisting the eco nom ic case for net zero is stro ng enoug h to w it h st and s c ep t ic i sm a t h ome and abroad
S p e a k i n g t o R e u t e r s f r o m N e w Y o r k C l i m a t e
Week, Miliband countered fears of waning momentum
a s U S P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d Trump advances an agenda
o f e x p a n d i n g f o s s i l f u e l s , rolling back pollution rules and cutting climate funding
“ T h e r e ’ s l o t s o f t a l k a b o u t c o u n t r i e s s t e p p i n g
b a c k f r o m c l i m a t e a c t i o n and clean energy, but my
message is, don’t believe the doomsters,” he said “When y o u l o o k a t
l y a very, very different story ”
He pointed to fresh data
s h o w i n g c l e a n e n
g y investment hit more than $2 trillion in 2024, double that of fossil fuels, and noted the upbeat mood among delegates Trump, who last week
b r a n d e d w i n d p o w e r a n “ e x p e n s i v
d u
i n g a visit to the UK, urged Britain to exploit its remaining oil and gas reserves Miliband
r e s p o n d e d t h a t w h i l e nations were free to act in their own interests, many
outside the US see climate goals as the route to cheaper, more secure energy A n I n t e r n a t i o n a l
Renewable Energy Agency report in July found most
Ketan Dattani
Whenw e talk abou t clim ate chang e and p rotecting o ur env ironment, the v oices of minority comm unities are too often m issing The peo ple shaping policies, leading organisations, o r sitting on influential panels don’t always reflect the comm unities mo st affected by th ese issues
As a South Asian professional in environmental health, I see this first-hand Our voices are too often absent from the room and that needs to change
Th e environm ental and sustainability sector is one of th e least d iverse ind ustries in the UK (rig ht up there with farming) Too many young South Asians either d on ’ t know these careers exist or feel shut out of them Why?
- There aren’t enough role models in senior positions to show that these careers are possible
- Opportunities often come through networks that aren’t accessible to everyone
- U n c o
career progression
The result? Talented individuals are being overlooked, and the sector misses out on fresh ideas and perspectives
It’s not just about careers Conversations around climate and sustainability often fail to reflect everyone ’ s experiences, leaving out voices that need to be heard This disconnect distracts from the real work we need to do and makes minority communities feel alienated from sustainability discussions
But here’s the good news: recognising the problem is the first step toward change And there are concrete ways South Asians can play a stronger role in shaping a greener future
1 Speak Up
Minority communities are often on the front lines of environmental health issues from pollution in busy urban areas to poor housing conditions By engaging in public discussions, writing to MPs, or joining community forums, we can ensure our experiences influence decisions
2 S upport the Next Generatio n
Educating young people about current environmental issues and showing them career pathways in this field creates a more diverse and inclusive sector Mentorship, school programs, and outreach can make a real difference
3 Lead Local Green Projects
From community gardens to energy-saving initiatives at temples, mosques, and gurdwaras, small projects can inspire entire neighborhoods When South Asian professionals lead these efforts, it sends a clear message: sustainability belongs to all of us
A t Bucking ham Futures, d iversity is at the heart of what w e d o in env ironmental health recruitment
- Our hiring processes are fair and inclusive, giving candidates from all backgrounds a real shot
- We mentor young people, particularly from South Asian and minority backgrounds, to explore careers in environmental health
- Our leadership team is diverse, showing there isn’t just one type of person who “fits” in this industry
ciate professor of economics at Cambridge, said the estimates were
new renewable projects now g e n e r a t e e l e c t r i c i t y m o r e cheaply than fossil fuels At home, Miliband faces opposition from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which leads in o p i n i o n p o l l s a n d h a s pledged to scrap net zero targets, axe subsidies, and expand drilling Miliband, however, said Reform was out of step with p u b l i c o p i n i o n “ P e o p l e want action on the environment They want it in a way that helps tackle the cost of living crisis We’re happy to have that fight about what Britain’s future looks like, and I believe it’s a fight we can win
If we want the environmental sector to truly serve society, it has to reflect society And that starts with amplifying voices that have been too quiet for too long
Pressure mounts on Starmer to attend COP30
Prim e Minister Keir S tarmer is facing m ounting calls to attend the United Nations COP30 climate summ it in Bra zi l t h is No v e m b er, despite reports that his aides are ad vising against it for fe ar o f p o li ti c al ba ck la sh from the Reform p arty Leading climate figures a n d L a b o u r M P s i n s i s t Starmer’s presence is essential at the leaders’ summit in B e l é m , w h e r e B r a z i l ’ s President Lula da Silva will host world leaders at the mouth of the Amazon rainforest
e t w e e n economies, tipping points, or mass migration “If the US is tanking, the UK will tank,” he warned T h e s t u d y c o n c l u d e s t h a t t h e c o s t o f
emissions now would be far less than the long-term price of inaction
F o r m e r U N s e c r e t a r y general Ban Ki-moon said, “Attendance is not a courtesy, it is a test of leadership This is the moment to lock in stronger national commitments and the finance to deliver them The world is watching and history will remember who showed up ” Sir David King, the government’s former chief sci-
Sir Keir Starmer
entific adviser, stressed that leaders must set the tone on day one “Starmer’s commitment to cutting UK emissions by 81% by 2035, made at the last Cop, should be r e i t e r a t e d i n B r a z i l t o encourage other countries to follow suit,” he said
A final decision has yet to be taken, but with polls showing around two-thirds of the British public back s t r o n g e r c l i m a t e a c t i o n , c a m p a i g n e r s a r g u e t h e political risk of attending is far outweighed by the diplom a t i c a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l costs of staying away
Why South Asians Must Have a Louder Voice in the Fight for a Greener Future
Aryaman Shukla
We are fa m i
ar w it h Ramkatha, S hivkatha, and Hanumankatha, but last w eek
L o n
S ardar Vallabhbhai Patel
e National Council of Gujarati Organisations (NCGO–UK) and Gujarat’s Sardardham, the event highlighted inspiring, lesser-known episodes from Patel’s life
Aiming to inspire today’s
members
The event was honoured by dignitaries from various fields, including the Mayor o f H a r r o w , C l l r A n j a n a Patel, who joined the audie
katha
S
On the first day, speaker
childhood, student life, and
recounted how Patel’s elder
sented with such detail and passion that they left a profound impact on the audience W
i o n shifted to the Partition of India and the integration of 562 princely states, listeners
d Shaileshbhai also shared stories of the dedication of the rulers and the sacrifices of
many to tears On this occa-
hood, student life, and time in London to life and highl i g h t i n g l e s s o n s f r o m h i s inspiring journey
Among the audience, a y o u n g c o u p l e s t o o d o u t , they travelled three hours each way for two days, with the wife pregnant, wishing even their unborn child to hear Patel’s stories
T h e o r g a n i s e r s w e r e deeply moved by the audience ’ s enthusiasm and devot i o n , p r o m i s i n g t o h o l d S a r d a r k a t h a a g a i n i n t h e future
Commitment to a united and greater India
O n t h i s o c c a s i o n ,
S a r d a r d h a m P r e s i d e n t
S e v a k G a g j i b h a i S u t a r i y a
stated that Sardarkatha was o r g a n i s e d i n L o n d o n b y
S a r d a r d h a m a n d N C G O –
U K t o c o m m e m o r a t e t h e
150th birth anniversary of S a r d a r V a l l a b h b h a i P a t e l and it was heartening to see the enthusiastic participat i o n o f t h e a u d i e n c e Drawing inspiration from Sardar Saheb’s life, every-
London to study law and how Patel himself later followed, highlighting powerful lessons from his life that continue to inspire O
charm that Sardar Saheb’s legacy left a lasting impress i o n o n t h e h
r t s a n d minds of all in attendance
T
Centre in Hayes drew an
, exceeding all expectations
A
near and far, staying fully engaged for four continuous hours of Sardarkatha narration The turnout was so large that the hall struggled
absorbing the essence of the katha in its entirety
A living experience of inspiring incid ents
D u r i n g t h e k a t h a , S h a i l e s h S a g p
and bolstered their morale through tireless efforts The inspiring episodes were pre-
sion, it was announced that a department at Sardardham University would be named in her honour
The katha left a strong impact on the younger gen-
one collectively resolved to w o r k t o w a r d s b u i l d i n g
“ O n e I n d i a , a G r e a t e r India ” T h e m e s s a g e o f
Sardardham is clear: devel-
o p m e n t a n d p r o g r e s s o f
India should not be pursued
t h r o u g h i n d i v i d u a l e f f o r t alone, but through collect i v e d e d i c a t i o n , s o t h a t
India can grow and emerge as a global leader
I t i s n o t e w o r t h y t h a t f r o m t h i
numerous eminent personalities received their education and later contributed significantly to India’s indep e n d e n c e A m
were leading freedom fight-
Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar,
Naidu
cious food, graciously supported by Rangolee Sweet Centre, graciously provided by Rangolee Sweet Centre,
through its exclusive print media partners, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar
Gujarat’s Shaileshbhai connects communities through ‘Sardarkatha’
It is noteworthy that the speaker of Sardarkatha, Shailesh Sagpariya, has created a unique identity among Gujaratis in India and abroad by sharing short, engaging, and insightful stories under the title “Aajni Varta (Today’s News)” via WhatsApp
Having served as a Senior Class One Officer in the Government of Gujarat, Shaileshbhai now plays the role of a mentor for the younger generation He selflessly guides and inspires students preparing for competitive exams, helping them secure government jobs without any bias or distinction
Born into a modest family in a small village like Moviya in Saurashtra, Shaileshbhai worked hard alongside his studies to support his family, labouring in the fields, working as an office boy, polishing diamonds and simultaneously honing his own skills and knowledge Through this dedication, he earned the blessings of the late President Swami Maharaj and the current Mahant Swami Maharaj
Despite challenging financial circumstances, he excelled academically and after completing his M Com, secured the third rank in the Class One examination conducted by GPSC across the entire state of Gujarat.
Shaileshbhai s storytelling style is simple, engaging and highly effective, so much so that listeners often refer to him as a “living story ” He has published 33 books on various topics, many of which have been recognised and awarded by the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi Most of his books have become bestsellers, with combined sales reaching hundreds of thousands of copies
In addition to being an accomplished author, Shaileshbhai is a skilled orator His lectures and seminars are regularly held across Gujarat and throughout India
Dignitaries of Sardardham presenting appreciation momentos to the key members of NCGO-UK along with Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel
L to R: CB Patel, Himat Swami, Shailesh Sagpariya, Surendra Patel and Guru Hari Santshree Jashbhai Saheb Dada
L to R: Kanti Nagda MBE, Shailesh Sagpariya and Vimalji Odedra
NCGO UK Committee Members
Shailesh Sagpariya
Shailesh Sagpariya with Jethaji Odedra of Rangolee Sweet Centre
Jaguar Land Rover secures £2bn lifeline
J aguar Land Ro ver (JLR), th e
i c o n i c B ri ti s h ca rm a ke r
o wned by Tata Mo to rs, h as resumed production after a
d ev as t at i ng cy b er at ta c k fo rced a mo nth -lo ng shu tdown, th anks to a new £2bn fu nding facility from co mmerc ial banks
T h e e m e r g e n c y c r e d i t line, provided by Standard
C h a r t e r e d , C i t i g r o u p , a n d
M i t s u b i
Group, comes on top of a £1 5bn government-backed loan guarantee, designed to protect the sprawling sup-
p l y c h a i n t h a t s u p p o r t s roughly 200,000 jobs
The cyberattack, which hit JLR’s systems on August
3
v e h i c l e s m a n u a l l y I n response, the partial restart of IT systems has allowed JLR to begin clearing suppli-
e r p a y m e n t s
investment-grade levels, is intended primarily as a liquidity backstop amid lingering operational uncertainty
through UK Export Finance, covers up to 80 per
of
support has welcomed the intervention as vital to protect suppliers, critics warn it may create a “moral hazard”, the risk that companies take
expect the state to
absence of cyber insurance and reliance on government backing has sparked debate
now underinvest in security,
future cyber crises
Moral hazard refers to the risk that companies or individuals may engage in riskier behaviour when they believe they are protected from the consequences
Some experts also questioned why JLR needed government backing to secure a loan from commercial banks and whether Tata Motors,
its Indian owner, could have i
questions, cross-party support emphasised the importance of protecting the automotive sector, with Labour MP Liam Byrne describing the guarantee as “the right thing for the government to do” to prevent industry collapse
JLR has yet to sign a formal agreement with a bank
received £500mn in export
against a £625mn loan in 2022, with a remaining balance of £219mn
JLR accounts for more than 70 per cent of Tata
enues, and its recovery is critical for the automotive
appointed JLR CEO and for-
that the company is “in a good position” to meet commitments to retailers and suppliers
Gold delivers record returns, surges 85% in 21 months
Gold has reached an unprecedented milestone by crossing USD 3,800 per ounce, marking an all-time record in the global markets
This development is particularly significant because it validates the confidence that investors, institutions, and households alike have consistently placed in gold as a hedge against uncertainty The 36% hike in the last 9 months demonstrates gold’s resilience and its ability to d
where traditional assets are under pressure
F o r I n d i a n c o n s u m
ening of the U S dollar, and the persistent need for safehaven assets in volatile markets Given these dynamics, I
n g towards the USD 5,000 per ounce mark in the coming y e a r s T
s o u t l o
nforces what our customers h a v e a l w a y s b e l i e v e d , t h a t gold is not merely ornamen-
t a l , b u t a s t r a t e g i c a n d enduring investment
Key Points
For the first time in history, gold has crossed USD 3,800 per ounce today (22K p e r g r a m A E D : 4 2 4 2 5 , INR:10,670) This milestone
record institutions (Central banks), Investors and households continue to trust gold
volatility
F o r I n d i a n c o n s u m e r s , gold is both cultural pride
Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh
Patel
One of the readers asked me a difficult question – how do I work out how much I can withdraw at retirement from my pension? Now it sounds simple But communications is key and I want people to have the simple tools to work it out So I got my programmers on the case to create a simple online tool which you can use for free and play around with the numbers Obviously you would seek advice but it’s a good
www camp ai gnforamilli on com/tools
Retirement
Your safe withdrawal rate is the percentage you can draw from your pension each year without likely running out of money Recent studies put it around 3 7% a year for a 30 year retirement because high stock valuations, low bond yields and fees reduce expected returns A 1% fee can cut your safe rate by about 0 4%
Use a Calculator
The Safe Withdrawal Rate Calculator I created tests many market scenarios to estimate how much you can withdraw You enter:
• starting pot,
• expected return and volatility (shares often return 7–10% a year but can swing a lot),
• monthly contributions and years until retirement,
• and your planned retirement age and expected life span
The tool calculates a sustainable withdrawal rate and the chance your money will last It shows the value of starting early: investing £200 monthly from age 25 could grow to about half a million pounds and support around £20 000–£28 000 a year Starting at 35 with £400 monthly might yield £16 000–£22 000
What Studies Show
Morningstar’s 2024 review, used by Fidelity, finds a safe starting rate of about 3 7% for a 30 year retirement, about 4 2% for 25 years and near 5% for 20 years Schwab’s research suggests 4 2%–4 8% for 30 years Your own rate depends on:
• how long you need your money to last,
• your mix of shares and bonds,
• total fees,
• and how you adjust withdrawals for inflation
Balanced portfolios mix growth and stability Too much equity can lower your safe rate because of volatility, though it may leave more money at the end Inflation adjustments matter too: linking income to inflation minus 1% can raise the starting rate a little These rates are guidelines; your health, spending needs and other assets can move the number up or down
Practical Steps
banks have emerged as the largest buyers of gold Their
transcends borders, currencies, and economic cycles
Looking ahead, I am confident that the momentum will continue, driven by a c
c r o e c onomic factors including the imposition of tariffs, weak-
this is especially heartening news, as gold continues to occupy a dual role, an adornment that carries immense cultural significance, and a safe, long-term investment that secures financial stability across generations While consumer demand remains steady, what is noteworthy in this cycle is that institu-
Over 100 London pubs could close next year
T he Br iti sh Be er and Pub Associa tion (BBP A) ha s war ne d t hat more than 2,00 0 pu bs i n Eng land, re pre se nti ng a round 12,00 0 jobs, could close ne xt yea r unle ss th e Gov ernment acts to redu ce one of the sector’s lar gest costs In L ond on alo ne , appr oxi matel y 115 pu bs, equat ing t o 223 jobs, ar e a t ri sk
The association described the sector as heading into a “perfect storm” in 2026, driven by the planned withdrawal of business rates relief and the upcoming revaluation of business properties, both of which would push costs even higher
These figures are based on a report by the Centre for Economic and Business Research, commissioned by the BBPA, which predicts that England could lose roughly six pubs per day if no action is taken Business rates bills for pubs are expected to rise by more than 50%, compounding already unsustainable pressures
The BBPA warned that without reform in the upcoming Autumn Budget, the UK could lose 2,000 pubs- a “wrecking ball” for the economy, livelihoods, and the communities that rely on them
The association says there is still time to act, calling on the Chancellor to apply a 20p-in-the-pound reduction in business rates for pubs
This move could save nearly 40% of at-risk pubs, protect 5,400 jobs, and generate almost £100 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy
G o l d h a s d e l i v e r e d record returns to consumers, rising by an impressive 85% in the last 21 months This makes it one of the strongest performing assets globally
In 2024 alone, gold prices have increased by 37% This demonstrates its ability to g r o w e v e n w h e n o t h e r investments face challenges
Over the past 9 months, gold has risen by 36% This s t e a d y c l
w s i t s resilience and reliability as an asset
while protecting wealth for generations
Large purchases by central banks, sovereign wealth funds, and institutions have driven demand Their participation reinforces gold’s universal appeal Global factors point to continued momentum for gold in the future
Experts see the potential for it to reach USD 5,000 per ounce by next year
BoE’s Dhingra urges quicker interest rate cuts
B an k of E
Bri tain’ s high inflation i s likely to eas e, and that the central bank should move more qui ckly to reduce borrowing cos ts
Writing in a column for The Times, Dhingra argued that the shocks driving the UK’s current inflation relative to Europe are temporary and should not m
about cutting interest rates Dhingra was one of two members of the nine-strong Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) who this month voted to lower the BoE’s benchmark Bank Rate by 0 25 percentage points, while the remaining seven opted to keep it on hold at 4%
She pointed out that the gap in inflation between the UK and its continental neighbours is largely due to administered prices and global commodity shocks, which are expected to pass “We can afford to cut rates further and not put additional strain on economic growth without threatening the inflation target,” she wrote Britain currently has the highest inflation among Group of Seven economies, at 3 8% in August The BoE expects it to peak at 4% in September before gradually returning to its 2% target in spring 2027 However, there are early signs of a weakening labour market as employers reduce hiring
• Start saving early Small monthly contributions compound over decades
• Raise contributions as income rises
• Keep costs low with low-fee funds and transparent adviser charges
• Diversify across shares and bonds that match your risk level
• Review your plan each year and adjust as markets or your situation changes
• Factor in other income sources such as state pensions, annuities or part time work
Key Questions
• When discussing your plan, ask:
• What is my return after fees and inflation?
• What am I paying in total charges?
• How does my asset mix match my goals and timeline?
• How will my withdrawal plan change if markets fall? Final Thought
There is no single right rate for everyone A starting point of 3 7% a year is sensible for a 30 year retirement, but your rate depends on your timeline, investments, costs and goals A good calculator and regular reviews can help you make confident decisions about your retirement income
Science Minister warns UK must raise drug prices
The UK may need to pay more f or medicines to pr event a wave of pharm aceutical inves tment l eaving the c ountry, s cience minister Lord Pat ric k V all ance has warned His comments follow a series of recent decisions by global drug companies to pause or scrap UK projects, prompting concerns about the nation’s competitiveness Critics blame low prices for new drugs, limited government investment, and p r e
discouraging firms from the UK “Price increases are going to be a necessary part” of the solution, Vallance told the BBC, adding that how additional funding would be provided is a matter for the Department of Health and the Treasury
Speaking at the opening of Moderna’s new Oxfordshire facility, where millions of flu and Covid vaccines will be produced, Vallance stressed that a deal must be reached “because it’s in the interest of the economy, it’s in the interest o
conversation between government departments and the pharma industry on pricing
Shamlal Ahamed Managing Director International Operations Malabar Gold & Diamonds
Swati Dhingra
India targets a 'Maruti moment' in shipbuilding
India is aiming for a “M aruti moment” in sh ipbuild ing , seeking to replicate th e
t ran s fo rm ati v e s u c ce
ti S uzuki in the 1980 s
The government has announced a £
maritime ecosystem, and reduce the
vessels, which currently handle around 95% of India’s import-export trade
The initiative includes a maritime d
shipbuilding assistance scheme, and incentives to attract South Korean and
independently or in collaboration with local yards The move is designed to
domestic capacity, and enhance longterm maritime security
“With this new package, it’s like the Maruti moment for shipbuilding,” said TK Ramachandran, Secretary at the M
significant domestic demand for ships to make these incentives effective ”
India currently spends $75 billion a year on foreign vessels, a figure set to
domestic expansion With just 1,500 ships and a dozen shipyards producing under 1% of global supply, India aims to attract Korean and Japanese builders seeking alternative locations What was India’s 'Maruti moment'?
transformative shift in its industrial landscape with the launch of Maruti
automaker Suzuki At a time when India’s automobile sector was nascent, fragmented, and largely inaccessible to
fuel-efficient car, the Maruti 800, that would revolutionise personal mobility across the country
manufacturing, creating a model for rapid industrial modernisation Maruti didn’t just manufacture cars; it created an entire ecosystem, from component
maintenance networks, paving the way for the expansion of India’s middle class into car ownership
The “Maruti moment” was more
symbolised India’s capacity to embrace technology, attract foreign investment,
public-private collaboration, industrial
India and Australia sign organic products pact to boost bilateral trade
crops), processed food, and wine
C o m m e r c e S e c r e t a r y Sunil Barthwal highlighted t h e t a n g i b l e e c o n o m i c b e n e f i t s ,
c g o od s , be n e fi t i n g
f a r m e r s a n d e x po r t e r s i n both count ries
T h e p a c t s p e c i f i c a l l y f a c i l i t a t e s t h e e x p o r t o f
t h r e e m a i n c a t e g o r i e s : unprocessed plant products (excluding seaweed, aquatic p l a n t s , a n d g r e e n h o u s e
u c e c o m m a n d s 3 0 - 4 0 % h i g h e r prices, the agreement will d i r e c t l y c o n t r i b u t e t o i m p r o v e d l i v e l i h o o d s f o r farmers Barthwal stressed the need for integrity in the s u p p l y c h a i n , s t a t i n g , “Organic products must not b e s o - c a l l e d o r g a n i c b u t certified organic, with every s t a k e h o l d e r i n t h e c h a i n taking pride in maintaining that integrity ”
The agreement aims to unlock substantial market potential Last year, India's organic exports to Australia w
f f i c
a l s i d e n t i f y i n g significant opportunities for growth in sectors such as c e r e a l s , t e a , s p i c e s ,
beverages, and wine This m u t u a l r e c o g n i t i o n
s i m p l i f i e s c u s t o m s procedures and reduces the b u r e a u c r a t i c h u r d l e s p r e v i o u s l y f a c e d b
OECD and S&P project India's robust economic expansion
Glob al economic or ganisations have issued posi tive forecasts for India ’ s economy , w ith the
O r ga n i s a ti on fo r E c on om i c Coopera tion and Deve lopment ( O E CD) a n d S &P G lo ba l
R a ti n g s pr o j e cti n g s tr o ng gr ow th figur es
The Paris-based OECD has raised India’s economic growth forecast by 40 basis points for the 2025–26 fiscal y e a r C i t i n g a f a v o u r a b l e
India's smartphone exports to US soar by 190% amid Trump tariff concerns
India’ s ex ports of sma rtphon es t o the Un ited Sta te s have witne sse d a spe ct acula r surge , gr owing by a stag ger ing 190% in the A pril– August per iod of the curr en t fin ancial ye ar Driven primarily by shipments of Apple’s iPhone, exports rocketed to $8 4 billion, a sharp increase from the $2 9 billion r
unprecedented rush means the five-month figures have already reached nearly 80% of the entire FY25 smartphone exports to the US This acceleration is largely attributed to manufacturers attempting to pre-empt the risk of looming Trump tariffs As a result, companies like Apple have provided a major push to production and exports from the nation
According to figures compiled by the Indian Cellular and E
American markets is overwhelmingly being met by Indian manufacturing bases Factories belonging to Taiwan’s Foxconn and the Tata Group have been aggressively expanding their
confirmed this shift, announcing after his latest quarterly results that the vast majority of iPhones sold in the US now have a country of origin of India
Led by this American demand, India’s overall smartphone exports in the first five months of FY26 hit a record $11 7 billion (approximately £10bn) The category has emerged as one of the best performers in India's export kitty since the launch of the
validating the success of the initiative
HDFC Bank banned from accepting new clients in Dubai
Mumbai-based HDFC, India's bigges t privat e lender by as set s and m arket capita lisation, wa s restrict ed from s olic iting or acc epting new c lients who were unable t o com pl ete the onboarding proces s as of Sept ember 2 5, 2 02 5, the bank s aid in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exc hange, c iting an email f rom the Dubai Fina ncial Service s Authority
The services included in the ban are advising on financial products, arranging investment deals and credit, advising on credit and arranging custody, and soliciting, onboarding or engaging in any financial promotions with any new client, it said However, the ruling does not include HDFC's continued s e r v i c e s t o e x i s t i n g c l i e n t s a t i t s D I F C b r a n c h a n d t h e onboarding of and servicing of customers who may have been previously offered or provided financial services and who had not, at such time, been onboarded as clients of the branch
"The business undertaken at the DIFC branch is not material to the bank’s operations or its financial position and accordingly no implications are expected with respect to the overall operations or financial position of the bank," it added
The UAE has strict rules for its industries as it seeks to maintain its status as the commercial and financial hub of the Middle East, and promote a business environment conducive for investors
It has rolled out several initiatives specific to the financial sector in order to protect the industry's clients and investors
( G S T ) , t h e O E C D n o w projects that India’s growth will reach 6 7% in 2025 and an estimated 6 2% in 2026 W h i l e a c k n o w l e d g i n g t h a t higher tariff rates may weigh o n t h e e x p o r t s e c t o r , t h e overall forecast anticipates activity will remain strongly
s u p p o r t e d b y d o m e s t i c policy
In a separate report, S&P
G l o b a l R a t i n g s h a s
c o m b i n a t i o n o f m o n e t a r y a n d f i s c a l p o l i c y e a s i n g , alongside reforms linked to the Goods and Services Tax
maintained its projection for I n d
G D P g
robust 6 5% for the current f i s c a l y e
GDP growth of 7 8% in the June quarter The report also noted a contrasting outlook for China, whose economy S & P
approximately 4% year-onyear in the second half of
investment This confidence follows better-than-expected
India to remain fastest growing G20 economy: Moody's
M oo d y ’ s Ratings said that India will remain the fastest g r
Ratings said
(currently at 50%) will have limited negative impact on India’s economic growth in the near term However, it c
y constrain potential growth over the medium to long t e r m b y h
agency RI, which upgraded India from BBB to BBB+
companies
The agency also said that
t negotiations between India and the US to result in less punitive rates and domestic
i n robust
The agency said that the stable outlook incorporates India’s gradually improving fiscal metrics and resilient growth prospects compared with peers
HDFC's international footprint includes the DIFC branch and a representative office in Abu Dhabi It also has branches in Bahrain and Hong Kong, with other representative offices in Kenya, London and Singapore
Tata Capital plans India's biggest IPO at £1.55bn
Tata C apital’s £1 55bn IPO will be o pen between Oct 6-8, with anchor bid s on Oct 3 P riced at Rs 310 –3 26 a share, th e offer v alues the firm at £ 13 2 to 1 3 8 bn Investors must bid fo r at least 46 sh ares
At the floor, pricing matches Tata Sons’ rights issue earlier this year - well below the grey-market frenzy that once saw trades over Rs 1,000 before Trump’s tariff tantrums roiled equities
The 476 million share issue comprises 210 million fresh shares and a 266 million offer for sale (OFS), leading to 11% dilution Tata Sons will sell 230 million shares, IFC 36 million Proceeds from the fresh issue will bolster Tata C a p i t a l ’ s t i e r - 1 c a p i t a l ; O F S m o n e y g
shareholders
“For 18 years, we funded the business with our own capital and were happy with the returns The IPO is driven by regulatory timelines, though we were glad to support its growth,” said Saurabh Agarwal, group CFO Tata Sons and chairman Tata Capital On a bank licence, he said: “That question comes up only as and when the corporate houses are allowed to own a bank ”
“If India grows at 6 5–7%, credit will expand 11–12% Retail and SME credit has been growing faster, at 17–18% We are in the segment witnessing the strongest growth in the industry,” said Rajiv Sabharwal, MD & CEO, Tata Capital
Maruti Suzuki Plant in Manesar Haryana
TK Ramachandran
Trump hosts Pak PM and Army chief in White House embrace
WA S HING TO N: US Presid ent
ch
Field Marshal Asim M unir T
arks
The White House was conspicuously silent following the
statements, readouts, or details
, Islamabad was voluble, releasing a series of social media posts and p h o t o s t h a t d o c u m e n t e d t h e closed-door meeting
According to the Pakistani government’s posts, Trump and
S
regional security and counter-
counter-terrorism and stressed the need to increase security and intelligence cooperation further Sharif also used the opportunity to invite US companies to invest in Pakistan’s energy, IT, agriculture, mines, and resources sectors, and extended an invitation to Trump to visit Pakistan at his
convenience
The visit followed Sharif’s highly flattering address to the UN General Assembly, where he described Trump as a champion
President for the Nobel Peace Prize for his outstanding contribution to promoting peace in South Asia following the conflict with India Sharif backed
Trump's repeated claims that he mediated the ceasefire between between India and Pakistan, a
Pakistani leadership had flashed glimpses of its purported rare earth mineral wealth during a meeting with Trump, so that they can worm its way back into
Pakistan has long spoken of its vast untapped oil, gas and mineral ores, mostly in insurgency-
none of the mineral deposits is commercially proven or quantified, Pakistan’s leadership showc
U S President to highlight collabora-
signed with a private US firm earlier this month
25 killed, dozens injured in 3 bomb blasts in Pakistan
IS L A M A BA D: A t least 25 peo ple were killed in th ree attacks in P akistan on Tuesday, officials said, includ ing 14 w ho died after a suicid e bomber targeted a p olitical rally in the sou thw estern province of Balochistan
Dozens of people were wounded in that explosion, which took place in the parking lot of a stadium in the provincial capital, Quetta, where hundreds of members of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) had gathered, two provincial officials said At least seven of the wounded were in critical condition, the officials said
Another attack in Balochistan, near the border with Iran, claimed five lives, while six
soldiers were killed after a suicide attack on their base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
B
most resource-rich province, but also its poorest, and regularly ranks among the lowest on human development indicator scorecards The BNP campaigns on a platform
investment in the wellbeing of members of
Akhtar Mengal, had just finished speaking at the Quetta rally and was leaving the venue when the attack occurred He said he was "safe" in a post on social media
Since 2014, China has invested signifi-
cantly in building a road-and-infrastructure project in Balochistan linked to its One Belt One Road initiative Pakistani forces have been battling an insurgency in the province for more than a decade, and in 2024 the region saw a sharp rise in violence, with 782 people killed Elsewhere in Balochistan, five paramilitary personnel were killed and four wounded when a homemade bomb exploded as their convoy passed through a district near the Iranian border, a senior local official said On Tuesday, six soldiers were killed in an attack on a paramilitary headquarters in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa city of Bannu, the military said
India and Asean revive trade talks with new landing zone package
K UA L A LU M PU R : India and the A ssociation of S out h ea st A sia n Na t ion s ( As ea n ) h a ve re ignite d crucia l t rad e discussions, with the re giona l bloc offe ring a sig nifica nt n ew pa ckag e a ime d a t cre atin g a ‘la ndin g zone ’ for India ’ s long-sta nding concer ns r ega rdin g a wide ning tra de d eficit The t alks, coming amid a n un sett ling globa l economic scen ar io, ar e focuse d on r esolv in g dispute s un der the A se an -I nd ia Tr a d e i n G o od s Ag r ee m en t (AITIGA)
Following a less than satisfactory AITIGA review in Delhi last month, the Asean bloc took swift action Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, D e p u t y S e c r e t a r y G e n e r a l ( T r a d e ) f r o m
Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, confirmed the development She
Ministers (AEM) meetings were convened to reach key decisions and offered the new proposal, which will provide a constructive basis to progress the discussions The goal is to
review process before the end of this year
India’s trade deficit with Asean currently stands at a considerable $43 57 billion in the fiscal year 2022–23, a figure New Delhi is keen to address The Indian delegation, led b y M
& Industry Jitin Prasada, has arrived in Kuala
New Jersey and Karnataka ink sister state agreement
T RE NT O N: New Jersey Governor P hil Murph y has formalised a landmark Sister S tate Memo randu m o f Understanding (MOU) with K arnataka, India’s primary technology and inno vation hub T his s t ra te gi c mo v e i s de si g ne d to f o r ge s
technological links between th e US state and th e Asian
owerho use
T h e a g r e
Secretary of State Tahesha Way and Dr Ekroop Caur, Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, and was facilitated by the state s business attraction organisation, Choose New Jersey The MoU establishes a definitive framework for mutual collaboration in highgrowth sectors These include life sciences, cutting-edge technology, a
semiconductors
Governor Murphy hailed the decision, underscoring the natural a
i g n m e n t b
n t h e r
’ i n n o v
n
c o s y s t
n d affirming, “New Jersey and Karnataka are both powerhouses of innovation ” The agreement is effective for two years, with an option to renew, and is specifically structured to offer ‘soft-landing’ support for startups in both locations, facilitating their market expansion
Way confirmed that the document builds upon a Letter of Intent that was signed during her visit to India in December Dr Caur, in turn, expressed that the partnership will significantly expand opportunities for Karnataka's startups and emerging technologies
Lumpur, where Malaysia is hosting the 57th AEM & related meetings
While the exact details of the ‘package’ remain confidential, officials pointed out that the proposals are specifically designed not just to tackle current trade frictions but to unlock the vast, untapped potential of the e c o n o m i c
Sources indicate that the final framework is likely to include proposals for joint ventures in high-potential sectors such as electronics and pharmaceuticals, underscoring a joint commitment to building shared prosperity and harnessing India’s economic heft in the region
Yunus blames India’s support for Hasina for strained ties
NEW Y ORK : Mu ham mad Yunus, th e chief adv iser o f Bangladesh 's interim go vernment, has stated that h is co untry's relationship w ith New Delhi is currently strained He attributes th is tension to Ind ia’s unw av ering suppo rt for the o usted former prim e minister S heikh Hasina and New Delh i's rep orted disapproval o f the massive stud entled protests that ultimately led to her d ownfall last year
Speaking in New York during his visit for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Yunus was critical of India's decision to host Hasina, saying, “They (India) are hosting Hasina who created all this problem and killed young people ” In the same breath, he alleged that a significant amount of “fake news is coming from the other side (India) ” The interim government in Dhaka has accused Hasina of committing crimes against humanity for her government’s heavyhanded efforts to quell the widespread uprising between July and August last year The government has formally requested India to extradite Hasina, though there has been no official response from New Delhi In a separate meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA, Yunus met with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and stated that the trials of “Hasina and her cronies are a top priority of his govt ” Whilst pushing for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Yunus underscored the importance of regional economic cooperation However, he reiterated the immediate political obstacle, stating there are “problems with India right now because they did not like what the students have done in Bangladesh ”
in
brief
RAJ GOYLE IN RACE FOR NY COMPTROLLER
Raj Goyle a CEO attorney and former state legislator has formally launched his campaign for New York State Comptroller promising a radical overhaul of an office he claims has become complacent under the long-time incumbent Tom DiNapoli Goyle who previously served in the Kansas House of Representatives and later built a successful New York City tech company is positioning himself as the sole candidate with both public and private sector credentials The State Comptroller serves as the sole trustee of the nation s third-largest public pension fund, overseeing more than $280 billion Goyle has argued that DiNapoli has mismanaged these resources
INDIAN ARRESTED FOR FALSIFYING IDENTITY
Gurdev Singh Sohal, also known as Dev Singh and Boota Singh Sundu, has been caught by the Department of Justice for using a false identity to gain US citizenship in 2005 after being ordered deported in 1994 The DOJ filed a civil complaint on September 24 alleging that Sohal concealed his prior deportation order by providing a new name, birth date, and entry date to re-enter the country and naturalize A 2020 expert analysis confirmed that fingerprints submitted under both identities belonged to the same person thanks to the digitization of older fingerprint records by the Department of Homeland Security
DR TINA SHAH CHALLENGES OPPONENT'S VACCINE STANCE
Dr Tina Shah, a pulmonary and critical care physician and Democratic candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th District, has publicly warned voters that her Republican incumbent opponent, Rep Tom Kean Jr is posing a serious risk to public health by aligning with Robert F Kennedy Jr 's antivaccine positions Dr Shah sharply criticised Kean for enabling chaos by backing political stances that she argues actively undermine patient care and scientific consensus Shah was particularly forceful in her condemnation of Kennedy Jr , who has questioned childhood immunisation schedules and promoted unsubstantiated links between Tylenol and autism
INDIAN AMONG 7 MONKS KILLED IN LANKA MISHAP
Seven Buddhist monks, including an Indian national, were killed and six others injured after a cable-operated rail cart overturned at a forest monastery in northwestern Sri Lanka, police said The incident occurred at the Na Uyana Aranya Senasanaya, a renowned Buddhist monastery located in Nikaweratiya about 125 km from Colombo The monastery is known for its meditation retreats and draws practitioners from around the world Among the seven deceased monks were an Indian a Russian and a Romanian national police said
TRAVEL BAN ON FORMER NEPAL PM OLI
The commission investigating the death of 75 people during the youth-led protest in Nepal has banned former prime minister K P Sharma Oli and four former officials from travelling abroad The inquiry commission wrote to the government to ensure that Oli and the four others don t leave the country As they are under the purview of the investigation, they should not be leaving the capital without its prior consent, the panel wrote
Shehbaz Sharif, Donald Trump and Asim Munir
Kash Patel: Indian-American making history in US national security
I n d ia n - A me r i ca n K a sh P a t
D ir e c t or o f t he Fe d e r a l B
Inve st iga tion (FBI), has re cen tly be en in the s po t l i g ht
which he was accuse d of shie lding the rich a nd famous a nd dodgin g quest ion s a bout J ef fre y Epst e in an d U S Pr e sid en t Do na l d
Trump
Patel cited legal constraints for not releasing additional documents and avoided questions about whether he informed former Attorney General Pam Bondi or would meet Epstein’s victims
D e m o c r a t s
while Republicans dismissed their questions as political posturing, noting Epstein was largely ignored under previous administrations Epstein, arrested during Trump’s first term, died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial, and the Trump administration faced criticism for not releasing all governmentheld evidence related to his activities
The controversy intensified after a photo of Patel shaking hands with Pakistani Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir went viral, drawing strong reactions from Indians and the diaspora online Patel’s rise reflects the growing influence of Indian-Americans in US national security and politics A lawyer and former federal prosecutor, he first came to Trump’s attention in 2017 as senior counsel on the House Intelligence Committee He later served as a key national security aide and c
Defense A staunch Trump ally, Patel has authored a memoir, two pro-Trump children’s books, and sits on the board of Trump Media & Technology Group, which runs the Truth Social platform
FBI Chief’s path guided by Hindu values
Kash Patel has consistently embraced his Hindu heritage When he was sworn in as FBI Director, he took the oath on the Bhagavad Gita rather than the Bible, administered by Attorney General Pam Bondi in the Indian
Treaty Room at the Eisenhower Executive
looked on
Reflecting on the moment, Patel called it a symbol of the American dream, saying, “A first-generation Indian is about to lead the
nation on earth That can’t happen anywhere else ” During his Senate confirmation hearing, he greeted his parents with “Jai Shri K
expressing gratitude for their journey from India to attend
Patel also shared experiences of racism,
received He acknowledged the incident to the Senate Judiciary Committee, noting that while painful, it was nothing compared to the challenges faced daily by law enforcement officers
A few months ago, Patel shared a viral article on social media highlighting how his Hindu upbringing shaped his leadership style Published by India Tribune under the title “FBI Director Kash Patel: A Hindu Warrior in Washington’s Political Battlefield,” the piece resonated strongly with Indian-American and pro-MAGA audiences
The article traces Patel’s family history: his father, Pramod Patel, fled Uganda in 1972
Trump imposes 100% tariff on patented drugs, Indian firms largely spared
WA S H IN G T ON : In a d eci si ve move targeting t h e g l o ba l p h a r ma ce u t i c al i nd u s tr y, U S P resi dent Donald Trump announced a 100 % tarif f on brand ed or p atented d rugs, eff ecti ve O ctober 1s t, 2025 Thi s mass ive tax will appl y to f o r ei gn c om p ani es u nl es s t h ey c om mi t t o manufacturing the prod ucts wi thin the United S tates Trump, wh o champi oned th e use of tarif fs to make Ameri ca rich agai n, jus ti fi ed the move as a means to protect and ramp up d omestic p roducti on, c iting national security c oncerns
Crucially, the new tariff is not expected to substantially affect India This is primarily b e c a u s e n e a r l y h a l f o f I n d i a ’ s a n n u a l pharmaceutical exports, which totalled $12 billion to the US last year, are comprised of offp a t e n t g e n e r i c d r u g s w h i c h T r u m p h a s e x p l i
patented products to the US, such as Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s, Glenmark, Cipla, and Lupin, already possess manufacturing plants o
requirement The new rule defines this as
u c t i o n s t a r t e d o r " b r e a k i n g ground "
While India’s $66 billion pharmaceutical industry, which depends on America for over a t h i r d o f i t s e x p o r t r e
Maga boss has hinted at potential future, pharma-wide measures of up to 250% over 18
generics, to further pressure local production
In addition to the pharmaceutical tariff, Trump announced new taxes on other goods, including a 25% tax on heavy trucks and a 50%
These new targeted tariffs are expected to hit the European Union, China, and Vietnam the hardest, with India's exposure being modest due to relatively low export volumes in those sectors
100% tariff on films
Claiming in a social media post that “ our movie making business has been stolen from the USA, by other countries, just like stealing ‘candy from a baby,’” Trump announced a 1 0 0 % t a
country The move by Trump is certain to hurt India’s film industry, which derives significant revenues from the US, including via streaming services
during Idi Amin’s rule, spent time in India, and eventually settled in the US, while his m o t h e r , A n j a n a P a t e l , o r i g i n
Tanzania, also moved to New York Raised in a traditional Hindu household, Patel grew up immersed in its customs, festivals, and ethical teachings He credits these values, dharma (righteous duty), karma (accountable action), and seva (selfless service), with shaping both
approach
His India connection Patel shared that his father fled Uganda
claimed the lives of 300,000 people targeted for their ethnicity His mother, originally from Tanzania, studied in India, as did his father, and the couple married there before immigrating to New York, where Patel was born He recalled growing up in a large household with his father’s seven siblings, their spouses, and several cousins “That’s the only way we knew how to do things at the time, in the ‘ 70s and ‘80s, the Indian way, but we would soon learn the American way, ” he said According to his Department of Defense profile, Patel completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond before returning to New York for a law degree He also earned a certificate in International Law from University College London’s Faculty of
Laws Patel’s family roots trace back to Bhadran, a village in Gujarat’s Anand district, from which his ancestors migrated to Uganda some 70–80 years ago
Home to around 13,000 people, Bhadran has consistently nurtured talent across politics, business, media, spirituality, and philanthropy Among its notable figures is Pankaj Patel of Zydus, one of India’s wealthiest Patels, while abroad, CB Patel, also from Bhadran, runs leading Gujarati/English news weeklies in the UK The village is also known as the birthplace of Dada Bhagwan and several other revered spiritual leaders
Rising Indian-American political presence Indian- Americans, long celebrated for shaping the US tech landscape, are now making a significant impact in politics as well From holding key elected offices to influencing policy and civic engagement, this growing community is expanding its presence beyond Silicon Valley, bringing expertise, networks, and diverse perspectives to the national political stage
During the 2024 presidential cycle, Indian American candidates Nikki Haley and Vivek
Ramaswamy, born in Cincinnati to Indian
and endorsing Donald Trump He later launched his campaign for Ohio governor in 2026, securing endorsements from both Trump and the Ohio Republican Party Haley, former governor of South Carolina and US ambassador to the United Nations, announced her presidential bid in February 2023 She became the first female Republican candidate to win a presidential primary and the second woman of colour to claim a major party nominating contest, before suspending her campaign in March 2024 and later joining the Hudson Institute as the Walter P Stern Chair
Guyana’s rise from a forgotten colony to petro-state power
Elections in small coun trie s r are ly mak e globa l hea dlin es Bu t
, 0 00 v o t e r s he ld the re ins of on e of the W e
count and recount, incum-
a a n A l i e m e r g e d v i c t o r i o u s o n September 6, securing a seco n d t e r m H i s P e o p l e ’ s P r o g r e s s i v e P a r t y ( P P P ) e x p a n d e d i t s l e g i s l a t i v e majority to 36 of 65 seats In his re-inauguration speech, Ali called his second term the “most consequential” in Guyana’s history, and with the nation’s transformation underway, few would argue
The engine behind this rapid rise is oil Massive offs h o r e d i s c o v e r i e s , l e d b y ExxonMobil some 190km off t h e A t l a n t i c c o a s t , h a v e
Indian origin charged with murder for fatal stabbing of sex offender
F REM ONT: A shocking incident of v igi lante v iolence has ro cked F rem ont, C ali forni a, wh ere 29 -year-o ld Varu n S uresh has been charg ed with murder following th e fatal stabbing of 71-yearo ld Davi d Brim m er, a sex o ffender
P olice confirmed th at Suresh specifically targeted Brimmer because h e was a reg istered sex offender
Investigators revealed that Suresh meticulously planned the attack, utiliz-
ing the California Megan’s Law website to locate the victim, even taking screenshots of Brimmer’s profile just 45 minutes before the violent confrontation
Suresh executed the attack using a
Accountant (CPA) conducting door-tod
home Upon confirming the elderly man's identity, Suresh began a terrifying pursuit across several properties
The attack culminated on a neighbour’s lawn, after Suresh chased Brimmer into a garage The victim was stabbed in the neck and throat and died at the scene despite immediate efforts by police Suresh, who is currently in custody, reportedly told investigators that he had long planned to kill sex offenders, asserting that they deserve to die He cited a quote he believed justified his actions, claiming
r e s h a p e d t h e c o u n t r y
S i n c e t h e f i r s t b a r r e l s arrived in 2019, Guyana, home to just 830,000 people, has gone from one of the poorest nations in the region to a state poised to produce more oil per capit a t h a n a n y w h e r e e l s e
G D P h a s q u i n t u p l e d i n just five years, according to the IMF
Yet the real boom is o n l y b e g i n n i n g A s upfront costs are repaid, oil revenues are expected to soar, with government income projected at $2 5bn this year and $10bn by 2030around $20,000 per voter
T o a v o i d t h e “ r e s o u r c e c u r s e ” t h a t h a s h a m p e r e d other petro-states, Guyana has looked to Norway for guidance and established a $ 3 6 b n s o v e r e i g n w e a l t h f u n d t o s t a b i l i z e p u b l i c s p e n d i n g a n d p r o t e c t i t s growing economy
Politics, too, is shifting
The PNCR, historically the main opposition, was overtaken by the new WIN party, led by 36-year-old Azruddin Mohamed, heir to a goldtrading dynasty and sanctioned by the US for alleged corruption WIN secured 16 p a r l i
introducing new dynamics in a political landscape historically divided along racial lines R
portions of Guyana, escalating propaganda and even staging elections in dis-
inauguration to signal support
“forgotten country,” Guyana is now firmly on the global
and
young, ambi-
political class, the tiny nation
Kash Patel with US President Donald Trump
Kash Patel sworn into office as the ninth Director of the FBI by Attorney General Pamela Bondi in Washington on February 15, 2025
Canada lists Lawrence Bishnoi gang as ‘terrorist entity’
India successfully tests nuclear-capable Agni-Prime from rail launcher
by the gang, like property, vehicles and m o ney , ca n b e fr o ze n o r seized
Significantly, this comes at a time when the gang is f a c i n g a c r a c k d o w n b y I n d i a n a u t h o r i t i e s , w i t h several of its self-proclaimed members killed or injured in encounters
The development comes
o n a d a y w h e n e x t e r n a l affairs minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand in New York In 2023, former Canadian PM Jutin Trudeau
h a d c l a i m e d C a n a d a h a d "credible evidence" of Indian
a g e n t s r o l e i n N i j j a r ’ s murder in British Columbia that June ” It would now be a n o f f e n c e f o r a n y o n
group
“It is also an offence to directly or indirectly provide p
will be used by or benefit a
decisions on admissibility to C
Protection Act,” a statement by the govt said It added that "the Bishnoi gang is a t
primarily out of India They have a presence in Canada and are active in areas with s
Ibrahim
the mastermind of
blasts, enlisted by Pakistan
designated a terrorist by the UN as well as the US - that an Indian criminal gang has been designated a terrorist entity by a foreign govt
Suman
ntr ai Gula b bh
Sumantr bhai
Date of birth - 31/8/1936
hai Desai
Date of death - 28/09/2025
Place of birth - Kampala (Uganda) Place of death - London
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shri Sumantrai Desai on 28 September 2025. A dedicated member of the Lions Club and ariwar Samanvaya P , , he devoted his time and energy to community service and fellowship. A passionate sportsman with a deep love for cricket, Sumantrai also had a lifelong appreciation for classical Indian music, reading,
deeply felt and he will be sorely missed.
Om shanti Shanti Shanti
Son of Gulabbhai Chhimabhai Desai and Shantaben Gulabbhai Desai
Husband to: Indira Sumantrai Desai
Father to : Prashant Desai and Bindle Desai
Father in law to: Apexa Desai
Grandfather to - Khushil Desai & Anjali Desai
Brother to Amrat Desai , Niranjana Gunwantrai Naik, Indiraben amila Shamshuddin V Surendrakumar Desai, R Velani, Bhanu K elani, Kanti Nagda, Saroj Subodhrai Naik and Nila Kiritkumar Desai
Brother in law to Akkama Desai,
Prathana Sabha on
Friday 03 October 7 7.30pm to 9 .30pm 9.30pm
I nd ia h as su c c es sf u ll y conducted a critical test of its new-generation, nuclearcapable Agni-Prime ballistic m issile, launching it fo r the first time from a
ecially
00km, is the smallest and lightest in the A gni series
demonstration of the railmobile capability marks a significant enhancement in the operational flexibility,
Agni-Prime With the roadmobile version of the Agni-
r a t e g i c F o r c e s
C o m m a n d ( S F C ) , t h e addition of the rail launcher
p r o v i d e s c r u c i a l s t r a t e g i c a d v a n t a g e s A c c o r d i n g t
achieve a launch-on-the-go
reducing visibility to enemy forces A key benefit of railb a s e d l a u n c h e r s i s t h e i r ability to evade detection by a d v e r
The Agni-Prime utilises
Defence ministry to buy 97 more Tejas jets worth £6.65bn from HAL
India's d efence ministry has signed a contract to buy 97 mo re Tejas Mark-1 A fig hter aircraft worth £ 6 65bn from H i nd u s tan A e ro na u ti cs (HA L ) Th e aircraft w ill be d e li v e red o v er a s ix - yea r perio d beginning 20 27-28
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is yet to get even the first of the 83 ‘improved’ Tejas Mark-1A jets ordered by the ministry in 2021 Under the agreement, the first jet was to be d e l i v e r e d b y F e b l a s t y e a r , w i t h t h e remaining by Feb 2028 The new contract entails delivery of 68 fighters and 29 twins e a t t r a i n e
, a l o n g w
c i a t e d equipment, at a cost of over £6 23bn, which g o e s u p t o a r o u n d £ 6 6 5 b n i f t a x e s
included
e a
significant boost to India’s indigenous and aerospace manufacturing capabilities These
aircraft have more indigenous content compared to previous jets,” HAL chief Dr D K Sunil s a i d A s k e d a b o u t t h e continuing delay in delivery of the earlier 83 Tejas jets, the HAL chief said, “The primary bottleneck was the delay in s u p p l y o f F
4 e n g i n e s f r o m U S f i r m General Electric which HAL had ordered in Aug 2021 Other issues related to software and radar have also faced hurdles but are expected to be resolved shortly ” Sunil said that HAL has expanded its production capacity by setting up another production line in Nashik “As of today, we have 10 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft ready So far, we have received three GE engines We expect that we shall be able to deliver at least 2 a i r c
n
“ G E h a s assured us that they will ramp up engine deliveries and give us 12 engines this year and 20 engines in the next fiscal,” he added
T R I B U T E
Shri Nemubhai Chandaria
C
OBE o n Saturd ay, 27 Septem ber 2025 His lo ss is profo und ly felt across the Jain com munity and by all whose liv es he enriched th roug h his wisdom , compassion, and stead fast d ed ication
Nemubhai was more than a leader; he was a unifying force His vision and tireless efforts at the Institute of Jainology helped preserve and promote Jain heritage on a global scale He played a pivotal role in initiatives such as cataloguing Jain manuscripts in the British Library, creating the Jain Declaration on Nature and establishing the Jain Art Exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum His work brought international recognition to Jainism and strengthened its presence in cultural and interfaith dialogues worldwide
Through the OneJAIN platform, Nemubhai united over 30 Jain organisations across the UK, giving the community a collective voice and representation on national and international stages His dedication earned him numerous honours, including the OBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the OneJAIN Lifetime Achievement Award and the JAINA Global Award for Jain Heritage and Literature
Beyond his achievements, Nemubhai will be remembered for his warmth, humility and ability to bring people together across generations, continents and faiths His advocacy for the timeless Jain values of Ahimsa, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge has inspired countless individuals around the world
CB Patel and the entire ABPL Group extend their heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones As we mourn his departure, we also celebrate a life of purpose, service, and enduring legacy May his soul attain Moksha and may his vision and work continue to inspire generations to come
It is with deep sorrow that we anno unce the passing o f Sh ri
Nemubhai
hand aria
communities The Bishnoi
PM Modi asks bureaucrats to fix infrastructure delays
P r i m e M i ni s te r Nar en d ra M o d i h a s i s su e d a d i rec t instruction to the nation’ s to p bu reauc rats an d state ch ief secretaries to p ro ac-
t iv e ly r eso l v e h o ld - u p s i n i n fr as tru c tu re p ro j e ct s, rather than simp ly w aiting for him to step in and assign
a cc o u nt ab il i ty fo r th e d elays
O n t h e w e b - b a s e d Pragati meeting, the Prime Minister reportedly queried
w h e t h e r a n y d i s c i p l i n a r y proceedings had been initiated against erring officials
A n o f f i c i a l n o t e d t h a
n nearly every Pragati meeting, the PM has consistently
u r g e d c i v i l s e
v
n t s t o ensure projects are completed in a timely manner and to f i x r e s p o n s i b i l i t y w h e n delays occur Furthermore, he has repeatedly suggested that states adopt a monitoring and review mechanism similar to 'Pragati' to resolve local issues
expedite two major projects that have been delayed for
included the 83km Nangal D
new railway line in Punjab
Reservoir project in Bihar
and Jharkhand
instructed officials to put these projects on the agenda, having reviewed them in the previous Pragati meet-
Minister urged officials to work out strategies for better coordination to resolve issues, ensuring project execution is not delayed The P
called for a result-oriented approach at all levels of government, focusing on translating opportunities into an improved quality of life for c
n g the goals of ease of living and ease of doing business Modi reiterated that execution delays impose a double c
expenditure and depriving citizens of timely access to essential services and infrastructure
Many detained as death toll at Vijay's rally rises to 41
The dea th toll from t he sta mpede at a r ally led by actor -politician Vijay in Ka rur, Ta mil Nad u, ha s climbed to 4 1, with ove r 60 in jured r ema ining h ospita lised Am ong the de cea sed we re 10 children , 1 7 women an d 13 m en
The disaster occurred on last Saturday night on a packed Karur–Erode highway Thousands of supporters of Vijay’s new political outfit, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), had gathered since morning to witness the star’s arrival
Chaos erupted when floodlights connecte d t o a g e n e r a t o r s u d d e n l y t u r n e d o f f
According to a report, panic swept through the crowd after a woman cried out about her missing child, causing a crowd crush Victims were tragically trampled and trapped under vehicles as thousands desperately tried to escape the area, leading Vijay to cut short his address and appeal for calm Following the tragedy, the TVK moved the Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench, seeking a CBI or independent probe into the incident
Meanwhile, police arrested TVK Karur West district secretary V P Mathiyazhagan and central town secretary M C Pounraj in connection with a stampede and they were remanded in judicial custody for 15 days
Tamil Nadu Police moved swiftly against those it accuses of fuelling panic online On Monday, police arrested three people for allegedly circulating false claims on social media On Tuesday, the Cyber Crime Wing arrested YouTuber accusing him of spreading misinformation in a video that blamed the state government for the disaster Several influencers, party functionaries and social media users now facing criminal charges
Police said 25 accounts had been booked for sharing “ rumours and malicious theories” about the tragedy “Strict action will be taken against anyone posting or forwarding content that causes fear or disrupts public order,” the statement said
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K
grieving families, demanded a CBI inquiry, arguing that people had “ no faith” in the DMK-appointed one-member judicial commission
He accused the government of attempting to “ cover up its failures” through video messaging and “ambulance politics ” The BJP, PMK and AMMK have raised a similar demand, questioning the venue allocation,
Varanasi’s eternal flames face transformation
b ei ng c rem ate
o n t h e banks of the h oly Gang es in V ara nas i, beli ev i ng it w il l free them from the endless cycle of rebirth But the reality at the city’s crem ation g h a ts , M an ik arn i ka an d Harishchand ra, is far from peaceful
At Manikarnika, a dozen funeral pyres burn brightly against soot-stained buildings The air is thick with s m o k e a n d h e a t , s t i n g i n g the eyes, while mourners, a l w a y s m e n , a s t r a d i t i o n demands, move through the tight spaces with little room for quiet reflection Around them, tourists watch, and stray dogs, goats, and rats rummage through ash, mud, wilted garlands, and bamboo from funeral biers
This mix of devotion and chaos has played out for centuries in Varanasi, and today, the pressure on the old city is g r e a t e r t h a n e v e r a s m o r e than half a million people live in its narrow lanes To ease t h e s t r a i n , t h e m u n i c i p a l council has hired two companies to upgrade the crema-
tion grounds, adding up to 40 new open and covered platforms, with more space between pyres to give families privacy The revamp will also streamline the flow of mourners, priests, and wood s
requiring 600 kg of wood Architect Ravi Sarangan aims to cut this to 100 kg per pyre, w i t h e m i s s i o n s t r e a t e d before release
The project is part of
Rising water stress threatens agriculture and cities worldwide
T h e W o r l d M et e o r o l o gi c al O r g an iz a t io n
(WMO ) reported a sixth co nsecutive year of global water imbalance, with rivers running drier or wetter th an the 19 91–2020 average
evenly spread across June to September, but today heavy rains often fall in intense bursts o
crowd control and allegations of police lathi charge on the day of the rally
Sitharaman meets victims’ kin U n i o n
Sitharaman who met injured persons at the govt hospital in Karur on Monday, favoured the framing of a standard operating procedure for public gatherings, especially those that involve a large number of women and children, and said such an SOP should be applicable for the entire country
Sitharaman, who along with junior minister for I&B, L Murugan, also met the families of people who were killed in the stampede on Saturday said that the two of them had been deputed by PM Narendra Modi to meet the injured and kin of those who died She will submit a report to the PM and Union home minister Amit Shah Separately, BJP president J P Nadda has constituted a team of NDA lawmakers who will visit Tamil Nadu and look into the circumstances that led to the stampede
Last year was the hottest on record, with s e v e r e d r o u g h
u t h
America, and southern Africa, while parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe saw above-average rainfall Extreme weather displaced millions and killed thousands, and Europe faced its worst flooding since 2013, with claims up to €3bn Glaciers lost 450 gig tonnes of ice, and only 38% of monitored wells have normal groundwater levels Around 3 6 billion people lack reliable water for at least a month each year, a figure expected to rise to five billion within 25 years, highlighting growing pressure on water resources
At present, India and several other count
Between 28 August and 3 September, rainfall in northwest India was 180% above average, and in the south, it was 73% above normal Scientists attribute these shifts to changes in the monsoon, noting that warmer temperatures have increased moisture in the air from both the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea Historically, monsoon rains were steady and
Ladakh representatives to boycott talks; seek probe into Leh firing
y spells Climate change is expected to worsen these extremes, leading to multi-year droughts and severe global water scarcity A recent study in Nature Communications warns that rising water demand will increasingly go unmet, affecting cities and agriculture in many countries, including India
Although parts of India are currently experiencing heavy rainfall, future water shortfalls could pose serious challenges due to uneven rainfall distribution, seasonal variability, poor water management, inadequate infrastructure, pollution, and unsustainable groundwater extraction Without effective storage and distribution systems, heavy rains can cause both floods and droughts, threatening agriculture and adding to farmers’ distress Last year saw severe droughts, while this year ’ s excessive
posed by climate imbalance India and Pakistan continue to face disputes over shared rivers, with both countries heavily dependent on cross-border water for agriculture and drinking needs The disagreement goes beyond resources, carrying significant political implications
which escalated tensions related to
Ladak h repre sen tatives withdrew from sche duled tal ks wit h officials of union home minist ry, de ma nding a judicial inquiry by a r etired Supr eme Court judge in to t he Sept 24 firing by se c ur i t y f or c e s i n L e h t h a t k i l l e
protester s and wound ed more tha n 80
fou
In response, govt said it has always been “ open for dialogues on Ladakh matters with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) at any time” and “would continue to welcome the discussion”
ABL also sought withdrawal of the “antinational” label against Ladakhis and release of all those arrested, including activist Sonam Wangchuk They alleged Wangchuk was targeted after he joined ABL, which represents political and religious groups, and has been pressing for Sixth Schedule safeguards and
statehood for Ladakh
“Branding us anti-national is a slur on our patriotism We can’t hold talks at gunpoint,”
“We’ve been loyal nationalists These accusations are a black stain on us ” Talks between the Centre-appointed committee and Ladakhi groups ABL and KDA were set for Oct 6 An ABL delegation was to travel to New Delhi on Sept 30 after cremation of the victims, while the KDA team is already in the national capital
“Whole of Ladakh wants justice The manner in which funerals were conducted under tight security, barring people from attending, has further saddened us, ” Lakruk said, while a
Wangchuk’s hunger strike in Leh
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the unilateral suspension as a violation of international law and a potential act of war, while India maintains that the move is a response to Pakistan’s support for terrorism The dispute also involves disagreements over hydropower projects and lacks provisions for climate change adaptation and groundwater management, creating long-term risks for both nations’ water security Recent flooding in Pakistan has further heightened the urgency of the situation
Rising climate variability underscores the
ment In India, initiatives such as the Narmada Dam have improved water security in regions like Saurashtra and Kutch, while river-linking proposals remain vital for ensuring better water distribution across the country
Manikarnika ghat, Varanasi
Karnataka HC refuses to stay caste survey, but with a caveat
B E NG ALU RU: T he K arnataka
h i g h c o u rt de c li n ed p l ea s t o i n te rf
th e cou rt ordered the autho rities not to disclose any data obtained from particip ants in the process and to no tify particip ants th at th ei r parti cipatio n was voluntary
“In view of the above, we do not find to interdict the ongoing survey However, we s t a t e t h a t d a t a c o l l e c t e d s h a l l n o t b e disclosed to any person The Commission shall ensure that data is fully protected and kept confidential We further direct the Commission to issue a public notification that clarifying in this survey is voluntary and n o p
voluntary, Livelaw quoted a division bench of chief justice Vibhu Bakhru and justice CM Joshi as saying T
government was “speaking in two voices” as it defended the ongoing caste survey that has drawn criticism from the BJP The state told the high court
Amendment Act, 2021 ” to restore the power of state governments to identify and list backward classes, it was now opposing the survey solely because Karnataka was under a different political dispensation
amendment, the Centre now conveniently supports the petitioners simply because a different political party is in power in the
Singhvi, who appeared for the Karnataka
reiterated before a bench of chief justice Vibhu Bakhru and justice CM Joshi that the exercise was not a “caste census ” but a socio-
within the state’s legislative competence
Punjab CM unveils 100 feet
Tricolour at Bhagat Singh memorial
JA L A ND HA R: Punjab ch ief m inister Bhagw ant S ingh Mann dedicated a T ricolour on a 10 0-foot tall flagpole
a t S h ah e ed - A z am B h ag at S i ng h
a nn iv ers a ry o f th e m ar tyr T h e
T ri colour m easures 3 0 feet by 20 feet
The CM paid floral tributes to
h
S h a h e e d B h a g a t S i n g h H e r i t a g e complex at the native village of the legendary martyr would be dedicated to the state in the coming months
The CM's event at the village was sans frills and without the any political
r a l l y o r r h e t o r i c U p o n e n t r y , h e washed his hands, took off his shoes, laid flowers and offered salute at the martyr’s memorial and laid a floral
w r e a t h a t B h a g a t S i n g h ’ s s t a t u e before proceeding to the flag hoisting through a switch
The CM said the 30 x 20 feet
T r i c o l o u r w o u l d a d d z i n g t o t h e complex He also said that the work on the heritage project was on in full swing and would be completed soon H e s
feature a grand thematic gate, a 350m-long heritage street connecting Shaheed Bhagat Singh Museum to his ancestral house narrating the life j o u r n e
mannequins, capturing the essence of colonial-era India Mann added that Bhagat Singh’s ancestral home a
K
Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s courtroom trial was being developed and the
modernised and digitised to offer an immersive experience
Man gets death sentence for rape-murder of minor
BE L A GA V I : A s pe ci a l f a st tr a ck P ocs o court awa rded de ath se nten ce to a conv ict, Bhara tesh Mirji , over the rape and murder of a min or girl Mirji, hailing from Paramanandwadi in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, enticed the victim to his house on Oct 15, 2019 on the p
sexually assaulted her He strangled her to death when she screamed and resisted He then weighed down the girl with a stone in a well next to his house The victim’s father filed a complaint at Kudachi police station regarding the girl’s disappearance Police found the girl’s body in the well with the help of a sniffer dog In the ensuing investigation, they identified Mirji as a suspect and filed a chargesheet C M Pushpalata, the judge who conducted the trial, announced the verdict recently In the verdict, she also ordered the District L
R s 10,00,000 in compensation to the parents of the victim
Punjab to launch mass campaign to curb stubble burning
C H A NDI GA R H: Punjab go vt w ill launch an extensive cam paig n to highligh t th e ill effects of stubble burning and th e b ene fi ts o f c ro p res i d u e m a nag em en t ( C RM )
machinery Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is often blamed for the rise in air pollu tion in Delhi after harv esting of the pad dy crop in October and November Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said the Khudian said the extensive campaign aims at engaging communities, students and farmers to drive a behavioural shift towards eco-friendly practices, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture The multi-faceted IEC strategy e n c o m p a s s e s a w i d e r a n
maximum reach and impact To effectively disseminate information, the department will deploy 50 dedicated publicity vans to broadcast informative messages in rural areas Additionally, 444 ‘nukkad nataks’ (street plays) will be organised to communicate the message in a culturally resonant manner, he said Furthermore, 12,500 informative wall paintings will be created across the state to highlight the benefits of CRM and the ill effects of paddy straw burning Khudian said as many as 3,333 village-level camps and 296 block-level camps will be organised to provide farmers with direct access to information, expert advice and government schemes on crop residue management (CRM), empowering them to adopt sustainable practices In addition, 148 ASHA workers will be mobilised to conduct d o o r - t o - d o o r a w a r e n e s s c a m p a i g n s i n v i l l a g e s , personalising the message for families
NORTH-EAST
The family of Assam's cultural icon Zubeen Garg has filed a complaint with the state C
Singapore, seeking a thorough probe into the incident Garg's uncle Manoj Kumar B
complaint to the CID through email We w
circumstances leading to Zubeen's death," he said Garg's wife Garima and his sister Palme Borthakur are the other signatories to
investigation into those present on the yacht
occurred, organiser of North East India Festival Shyamkanu Mahanta and others who may be associated with the incident," another family member of Garg said Garg
participate in the festival and had drowned while swimming without a life jacket in the sea on September 19 during the yacht trip, organised by members of the Singapore Assam Association
The singer's family also urged the police to take steps to secure the copyrights of the
officer said, We have received a complaint from Garg s family and are examining it He said the Special Investigation Team of CID is already probing the incidents surrounding the death of the singer-composer
GREEN NOD FOR ARUNACHAL HYDEL PROJECT NEAR LAC
Calcutta HC asks Centre to bring back 6 deported to Bangladesh Zubeen’s family seeks probe into his death
K O LK AT A : The Ca lcutt a Hi g h C ou r t g a v e t h e Ce ntr e four wee ks to br in g ba ck Su n a li K ha t u n a n d five ot her s, thre e of t hem minor s, who were bra nde d i lle g a l im m i g r a n t s a n d d e p o r t e d t o Ba n g la d e s h ex actly thre e mon ths a go
The HC also scr appe d t he J un e 2 6 or de r of De lh i F o r e ig n e r s
Re giona l Re gistra tion O ffice (FRR O) based on which the six fr om Ben gal’s Bir bhum, who were held in Delhi on char ges of being illega l se ttler s, wer e flown t o G uwaha ti and pushed in to the neig hbourin g coun try
The bench of justices Tapabrata Chakraborty and Reetobroto Kumar Mitra, acting on a petition by Sunali’s father Bhodu Sheikh, slammed Delhi police for their “ over enthusiasm” in deporting the group and asked the Centre to approach the Bangladesh
g o v t t h r o u g h t h e I n d i a n h i g h commission in Dhaka to ensure their return The bench also rejected the C
order be kept in abeyance Sunali, expecting a child a
the couple’s eight-year-old son Sabir are in Chapai
are Sweety Biwi and her two minor sons, Kurban and Imam They were arrested in Bangladesh on A
country A Bangladesh court is likely to hear their bail plea on Oct 6 Sunali, Danish and Sweety earned
Centre’s submission that under the Foreigners Act, 1946, the burden of proof falls on detainees to prove that they are Indians, the division bench
empower the executive to pick up a person at random, knock at his or her d o o
aforeigner
U N E S C O tag for Durga Puja sparks fresh BJP-TMC clash
K O L K A T A : T h e tu g - o f - wa r be tw e en th e T
Co ngress and the BJP found
las hpoi nt when Pri me Minis ter Narendra Modi , i n h is Mann Ki Baat broad cas t, clai med th at the U NE S C O heritage status for Bengal’s Durga Puja was secured through hi s government’s i ni ti ative The statement came in sharp contrast to chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool’s repeated assertions that the recognition was solely due to the state government In his address, Modi linked his government’s current e f f o r t s t o h
e d i n U N E S C O ’ s Intangible Cultural Heritage list with what he described as a similar initiative that brought Durga Puja of Calcutta into the same global fold three years ago The Mamata government has dismissed any role of the Centre in the process, crediting the achievement entirely to state-level efforts Party spokesperson Tanmay Ghosh called the Prime Minister’s claim a “blatant lie” He added: “Earlier it was his party that alleged Bengal’s government did not allow Durga Puja, then they accused the misuse of funds f
government’s aid to Puja clubs Now he has resorted to another lie to mislead people This is most unfortunate ” Ghosh questioned the Prime Minister’s knowledge of the process, saying: “I would like to know from him whether he even knows the name of the person who actually researched the issue Such a blatant lie from the country’s Prime Minister is not just unexpected but shameful ”
An expert appraisal committee of the Union environment ministry has granted environmental clearance to the 2,220MW Oju hydroelectric project located in a strategically important region in Arunachal Pradesh s Upper Subansiri district bordering China One of the largest run-of river hydro projects in India, it will cost around £2 5bn and is likely to take at least five years to be completed It will be India’s third largest hydroelectric project to get environmental clearance after the 3,087MW Etalin project and 2,880MW Dibang project All three are in Arunachal Oju is the largest in a series of dams proposed on Subansiri river and has been in the pipeline for nearly 20 years It involves a 100 metre-high concrete gravity dam, over 14 km long head race tunnel and an underground powerhouse complex It has stirred concerns over its social and environmental consequences The entire 750 hectares required for the project is forest land and though only nine families are listed for displacement, the impact on local tribal communities, who constitute nearly 98 per cent of the population in the area, is expected to be significant
BPF SWEEPS BODOLAND TERRITORIAL COUNCIL POLLS
The Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) stormed back to power by winning 28 of 40 seats in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) polls and ousting the ruling UPPL-BJP alliancethe BJP s first major electoral setback in Assam since 2016 The BJP and its ally, United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), contested separately The UPPL bagged seven seats, the BJP five, while Congress and Independents drew a blank In 2020, the BPF had won 17 seats the BJP nine and the UPPL 12 Despite being the largest party then the BPF was kept out as the BJP and UPPL joined hands This time Hagrama Mohilary s party secured seven more than the majority mark Hagrama Mohilary is the BPF president and a former militant leader-turned-politician Four Muslim and two Adivasi winners on BPF tickets underlined its wider social base something BJP and UPPL failed to achieve The result is a wake-up call ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls
WEST
H-1B hurdles fuel India’s brain gain
Recently, the American dream got A $100,000 visa price tag
In a stunning move, Donald Trump’s administration slapped the jawdropping fee on every new H-1B visa application, up from a modest $2,000–$5,000 For millions of young Indians who make up the backbone of the US tech talent pool, it landed like a thunderbolt, shattering career plans and family futures overnight.
T
India’s $250-billion IT sector, long reliant on the H-1B pipeline to serv
staring at an expensive dead-end
F
icked, and professionals recalibrated their lives
The decision lays bare a familiar pattern in US–India relations under Trump: talk of friendship a n d t r a d
y s
n Washington’s protectionist terms His erratic shifts toward India, warm one day and hostile the next, h a v
nience
A s T r u m p k e e p s s w i n g i n g between favour and friction, New Delhi now appears ready to push back, taking a firmer stand for its
c i t i z e n s a t h o m e a n d a b r o a d Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal dismissed the decision as evidence
that “America is a little afraid of o u r t
, h e warned, is not just protectionism but a humanitarian blow to Indian families
From brain drain to brain gain
I n s t e a d
script Prime Minister Narendra M
crisis as a turning point, a catalyst for ‘brain gain’ under the ambitious Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap
m India into a fully developed, inclusive, and self-reliant nation by its 100th year of independence
T
bold: stop exporting talent, and start building irresistible opportunities at home That means slashing red tape, modernising taxes
with investments in digital infrastructure: UPI, Aadhaar, and the upcoming India AI Mission
At its heart, the plan is peoplefirst The PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar
ment, while universities are being
affordable education The goal? To
success doesn’t require a one-way ticket to Silicon Valley Germany, Canada, and the UK are rushing to roll out red carpets for displaced Indian talent But Modi’s bet is long-term: channel
India’s booming startup ecosystem, R&D labs, and AI hubs The
The new era of drone warfare
India’s drone industry is experiencing a decisive transformation, as the government shifts its defence focus from marquee fighter jets like Rafales and BrahMos missiles to next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) This shift comes as the global nature of war has been transformed by drones, demonstrated by recent events, including Russian drones invading Polish airspace With a burgeoning industry valued at £300mn and ambitious plans to make India a global drone hub, policymakers are accelerating both military and commercial drone adoption European leaders, reacting to regional instability, are now planning to create a ‘drone wall’ on Europe’s eastern flank with Ukraine’s help
fundamentally changing the power dynamics and economics of combat
Recent months have seen the announcement of the nation’s largest drone exercise yet, aiming to integrate new UAV technologies and counter-drone systems into national security planning These efforts underscore an urgent commitment to strengthening air defences and achieving technological self-sufficiency by 2035 with the indigenous 'Sudarshan Chakra' air defence network, envisioned as an Indian answer to Israel’s Iron Dome
Operation Sindoor marked a turning p o i n t a f t e r I n d i a ’ s c o n f r o n t a t i o n w i t h Pakistan, vividly displaying the effectiveness of homegrown and imported UAVs such as Israeli Herons equipped with Spike antitank missiles Ukraine’s defence has seen an unexpected shift, moving from Soviet-style kit to an army of software engineers innovating with hobby drones for surveillance, attacks, and defence These innovations dram a t i c a l l y e x t e n d f l i g h t r a n g e , i n c r e a s e attack capabilities, and allow for swarming, often avoiding electronic jamming through the use of AI
Ukraine’s recent Spiderweb operation, a meticulously planned, year-long covert mission saw Kyiv’s security service stage an audacious attack using dozens of explosiveladen drones against Russian airfields, hitting over 40 aircraft in Siberia, Murmansk, Moscow, and Ivanovo This historic raid highlighted the formidable reach and strategic depth drones now offer in modern conflict, demonstrating how cheap drones can destroy ultra-expensive ships and planes,
Alongside hardware advances, India has enacted sweeping regulations to manage this technological leap All drones over 250 grams must be registered on the Digital Sky Platform under a mandatory digital tracking protocol New rules define no-fly zones, emphasise airspace safety, and impose strict
censed operation, or breaches of controlled airspace While these moves enable growth and innovation, they also highlight mount-
compliance, as the government balances national security interests with opportunities for industrial expansion Under the
boosting indigenous R&D for drones, testing AI-driven swarming technology, and investing in electronic jamming, radars, and directed energy weapons as countermeasures Notably, Ukraine produced over 2 million drones last year, and over half are now domestically sourced, showing a global race to innovate India must remain alert as drones have become the new-age weapon of warfare, while Turkey has emerged as a
Recognising regional threats, particularly
India is redoubling its own anti-UAV efforts to secure critical infrastructure and border regions
As India advances its drone arsenal and mastery of unmanned warfare, the defence e
resilience lies in integration Surface-to-air missiles, manned patrols, electronic warfare units, and satellite surveillance complement UAV capabilities, ensuring a layered, adaptive approach to emerging threat
American Dream, build the Indian Dream
Standing tall against pressure This confident pivot is part of a
sovereignty on the global stage Washington's attempts at 'coercive diplomacy' are not new but, from Trump’s tariff wars to pressure over Russian crude, New Delhi has refused to bend I n d i a ’ s F o r e i g n M i n i s t e r , S J a i s h a n k a r
unequivocally that India’s energy
y b y national interest and market realities, not political mandates "What w e b u y f r o m o t h e r c o u n t r i e s that's our own business, and that has nothing to do with the IndianUS agenda,” he stated
B y c h
l e n g i n g I n d i a , Washington seems blind to the consequences of its own actions If the US wants to shut doors on Indian talent, it must remember this: America’s tech empire has been built, in no small part, by Indian hands From Sundar Pichai a t G o o g l e t o S a t y a N a d e l l a a t Microsoft, Indians have been the backbone of Silicon Valley’s rise Moves like Trump’s risk backfiring, shaking the very foundations of the industries the US prides itself on
Back in New Delhi, the message is different: what looks like a setback is being turned into strateg y T h
Affairs has confirmed that 2,417 Indian nationals have been deport-
since January 2025 and the rising economy, projected to grow 9% this year, is ready to absorb this skilled pool
The timing couldn’t be better S
returnees’ expertise are booming; IT software and services are forecast to jump 15%, driven by surging demand in AI, machine learning,
quickly to integrate this talent,
their expertise and ambition
India and UAE’s strategic axis of growth and trust
India and the UAE share a deeply strategic and multi-dimensional partnership, anchored in strong bilateral trade, defence cooperation, and people-to-people connections. The United Arab Emirates is one of India’s largest trading partners and a key energy supplier, while India ranks as the UAE’s second largest trading partner and the leading source of skilled professionals
Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting marked a significant step forward, expanding military ties, joint training, and
grown from commercial ties into a comprehensive strategic partnership covering security, commerce, education, and culture
Bilateral non-oil trade between the two countries reached approximately $38 billion in the first half of 2025, a 34% rise over 2024, with an ambitious goal to double this figure to $100 billion within three to four years UAE investments in India exceeded $23 billion in 2024, making the UAE the seventh largest investor in India The countries collaborate actively on infrastructure projects, stock market investments, and joint initiatives in third countries India’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, signed in 2022, has further bolstered trade facilitation and market access
Cultural and religious ties underpin this economic strength In February 2024, Prime
BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the first Hindu temple in the Middle East symbolising deep mutual respect and religious acceptance Educational links are growing, with plans to establish an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in Abu Dhabi and expansions of Indian management institutes in the UAE Financial integration advances through the
System and cross-linking of India’s Unified
domestic card schemes RuPay and JAYWAN Defence cooperation is robust with joint naval drills and exploration of artificial intelli-
Strategically, India and the UAE engage closely within platforms such as Brics, I2U2, and trilateral groups with France, while pushing forward regional infrastructure projects like
Corridor (IMEEC) What is also interesting about the friendship between the two countries is that, contrary to misconceptions that view India’s relations with Islamic countries skeptically, the UAE stands as India’s most trusted ally in the Gulf This partnership
Islamic state can foster a thriving, long-term strategic and economic alliance with India, grounded in mutual respect, shared prosperity, and forward-looking cooperation
PM Narendra Modi meets the President of USA, Donald Trump at White House 2025
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Minister Modi at the BAPS Hindu Mandir
Redefining success: Stories of Indians who did it their own way B O O K R E V I E W
Performative
leadership is all too easy,
and in the digital age, success stories are half-truth or pure fiction. In this hollow chaos, the real stories often get drowned Maneesh Media, a boutique publishing house, cuts through this noise to present its first fully in-house production, “The Rise of The Icons: A Collection of Indian Excellence”.
This compelling compendium promises to be a refreshing perspective on what it takes to achieve true success It profiles ten extraordinary individuals of Indian origin, each navigating vastly different geographies and industries, yet united by a shared legacy of perseverance, purpose, and their love for India
The book opens with a foreword by Dr Binod Chaudhary, the Nepalese business magnate and parliamentarian, who hails the publication as a "symphony of diverse voices" and a "repository of wisdom" The l a n g u a g e
charming," a style that compels the reader to stay on the page, and he is right
The book takes storytelling that is not your conventional linear narrative It treats success, not just as a statistical notch, but more as a journey – painstaking, riddled with setbacks, often demotivating These backstories may not make for a good movie script, nor do their protagonists become celebrities Their influence is far-reaching It is transformative In their quiet struggle and the steady rise, readers can find their own stories, ready to be told
For every popular Elon Musk, there is B h u p e s h c h a n d r a N a r o t t a m b h a i P a t e l A H o u s
p h i l a n t h r o p i s t , a n d o c t o g e n a r i a n entrepreneur, his story spans continents
B o r n i n c o l o
h o o l e d barefoot in rural Gujarat, and launched a mortgage firm at 65 “It’s a cocktail of the
g h
B u t t a r , o n c e a s e c u r i t y g u a r d , b u i l t a thriving business to honour his father’s d r e a m s a n d M a m t a M a h a j a n , w i d o w e d young, turned loss into service through the Art of Living in Kenya
T h e r e a r e n o t r u m p e t s a n d f a n f a r e celebrating personal triumph There are no
sanitised narratives, scrubbed free of flaws The book takes a 360 degree approach to give the readers a glimpse into how success is also about public and community service
T a k e f o r i n s t a n c e , C B P a t e l , a m e d i a pioneer in London, who is both a cultural a n c h o r a n
b r i d g e s between communities while challenging systems of inequality His longstanding r a p p o r t w i t h P r i m
Modi underscores a legacy shaped not just by success, but by influence and integrity
Each of the ten profiles featured in the book is a deeply intimate telling of lives that have seen missed exams, failed ventures,
introspect on his definition and journey of success Is it like Dipak Dasgupta, who is
negotiations? Or perhaps it mirrors that of Navneet Singh Chugh, a lawyer-accountant championing the Indian-American cause? A
intimidate, The Rise of the Icons uses the minimalist school of design to ensure that the stories remain the focus It keeps the tone elegant without making it elitist It is a book for the dreamers, the doers, and for everyone who wants to redefine success and reimagine life Read the book to realise your path in life
Dr Arun and Anjana Patel CT scan centre opened at Charusat Hospital
A n ad vanced CT scan centre
h a s bee n o p e ned at C harusat Hospital follow ing a d onation of £3 15,0 00 from U S -b as ed p h i la nt h ro p i st s and natives o f Changa, Dr A run Dahyabhai Patel and Dr A njana Arun Patel T his facility bring s to India, for t h e v ery fi r st ti m e, an a d v a nc ed ca rd i ac C T scanner system designed for the tim ely d iag nosis of h eart
d is e as es D r A ru n a nd
A njana were h onou red with the Daan Bhaskar aw ard for their contributions
T h e i n a u g u r a t i o n ceremony was presided over
b y S u r e n d r a b h a i P a t e l , P r e s i d e n t o f K e l a v a n i Mandal, Charusat Among
t h o s e p r e s e n t w e r e Kiranbhai Patel (president, Matru Sanstha), Vipulbhai Patel (president, CHRF), Dr
M C P a t e l ( s e c r e t a r y , Kelavani Mandal & CHRF), C A P a t e l ( v i c e
K e l a v a n i M a n d a l ) , Virendrabhai Patel (trustee), M a d h u b e n P a t e l ( j o i n t s e c
Dr
M
Saraswati Samman for Bhadreshdas Swami of BAPS
Sa raswat i Samma n 2024 by t he K K Birla Foun dat ion
S
cipie nt of t his awa rd in Sa nskr it in 22 y ear
Swaminarayan Sanstha and the K K Birla Foundation was graced by distinguished guests, including governor
u n k u m a r S i k r i , r e t i r e d judge of the Supreme Court and chairman of the award
s e l e c t i o n c o m m i t t e e ; D r
Suresh Rituparna, director of Birla Foundation; Pujya
A n a n d s w a r u p S w a m i j i , a senior swami of BAPS, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami; head of BAPS Mandir Abu Dhabi
a n d m a n y o t h e r s
A h m e d a b a d M a y o r
P r a t i b h a b e n J a i n w a s a l s o p r e s e n t a t t h e e v e n t Arjunkumar Sikri presented the award to Bhadreshdas Swami
B h a d r e s h d a s S w a m i j i humbly accepted the honour, attributing it to the blessings of his gurus and the timeless wisdom of Indian scriptures and said, “A restless young
b o y o n c e c a m e i n t o t h e company of a saint The saint inspired him to learn Sanskrit
a n d b e g a n t e a c h i n g h i m personally - even as the boy’s r e s t l e s s n e s s c o n t i n u e d
C o m p l a i n t s a b o u t t h e b o y
were frequent, and the saint, t o o , h a d t o o c c a s i o n a l l y discipline him Yet the saint n u r t u r e d h i m p a t i e n t l y , guiding him in Sanskrit and l a t e r e n c o u r a g i n g h i m t o w r i t e a b h ā s h y a (commentary)
Today, that very boy is b e i n g h o n o u r e d i n t h e presence of India’s Governor and a retired Supreme Court Justice
T h a t s a i n t w a s n o n e other than Pramukh Swami Maharaj And this honour is truly a tribute to the tireless efforts and blessings of both Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj
This recognition belongs to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, t o t h e v i s i o n o f P r a m u k h S w a m i M a h a r a j , t o t h e guidance of Mahant Swami M a h a r a j , a n d t o t h e r i c h p h i l o s
responsibility ” P u j y a
From L to R :
Dr
Patel, Dr Atul Patel (Provost, C h a
s
n t s f r o m A n u p a m Mission, community leaders and well-wishers T h e D a a n B h a s k
Dr
i h a
i Swami, the head swami of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, stated, “Over the past 3 3 y e a r s , t h i s p
e s t i g i o u s Saraswati Samman has been a w a r d e d t o m a n y distinguished individuals, but for the very first time, it has been conferred upon a sadhu
Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav at Jodhpur Swaminarayan Mandir
T he g r an d i n a ug ur at i on
c e r em on y of BA P S Sh ri
S wa m i n ar a ya n M a n di r , Jodhpur, was held recently
The ceremony marked the culmination of the threed a y M ur t i - Pr at i s ht ha M a ho ts a v, d ra w i n g i m m e ns e c r ow ds of devotees from Jodhpur and surrounding regions
During the event, Pujya
A d a r s h j i v a n d a s S w a m i
s h a r e d t h e h i s t o r i c a l
n a r r a t i v e o f t h e m a n d i r ’ s
c o n s t r u c t i o n , w h i l e P u j y a M u n i v a t s a l d a s S w a m i
d e l i v e r e d a n i n s p i r i n g address on how the mandir w i l l s e r v e a s a c e n t e r o f
k n o w l e d g e S a d g u r u Viveksagardas Swami spoke about the sacred flow of devotion emanating from t h e m a n d i r , a n d P u j y a
B r a h m a v i h a r i d a s S w a m i
e m p h a s i z e d t h e
t r a n s f o r m a t i v e s e r v i c e projects being undertaken through such mandirs
T h e c e r e m o n y w a s graced by the presence by r a i l w a y m i n i s t e r A s h w i n i Vaishnaw and union minister
o f c u l t u r e G a j e
heart
HH Mahant Swami Maharaj performs pujan of Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj
Swamis devotees and well-wishers doing darshan of the murti-pratishtha rituals
Gujarat and Maharashtra governor Acharya Devvrat presents Saraswati Samman 2024 to Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad
Being organised, hardworking, and helpful to others doesn’t just make life smoother, it could also help you live longer.
Researchers have examined which personality traits are linked to longevity, identifying key characteristics associated with a lower risk of early death The strongest link was found among people classified as “active” in personality questionnaires, reflecting the well-known benefits of regular exercise
Close behind were those considered “lively,” suggesting that extroverted, socially engaged individuals enjoy health advantages Other traits positively associated with longevity included being organised, responsible, hardworking, thorough, conscientious, and helpful or agreeable
Edinburgh and supported by research institutes in France, the US, and Ireland, followed over 22,000 middle-aged participants for six to 28 years, tracking their health outcomes
Conversely, participants who scored high for “neuroticism” were found to have a greater risk of premature death,
lifestyle and personality are intertwined and that cultivating positive traits may not only improve your day-to-day life but also your long-term health
UKHSA urges early vaccinations
urging people to book their vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, and RSV as cases rise ahead of the winter months.
Recent surveillance data shows COVID-19 positivity has climbed from 7 6% to 8 4% in a week, while hospitalisations have increased from 2 00 to 2 73 per 100,000 Flu and COVID-19 cases have also been steadily rising over several weeks
UKHSA stresses the importance of taking up the free NHS vaccination offer as soon as eligible Pregnant women and millions of children have already received their doses, with appointments open to most eligible groups since 1 October Vaccination remains the best protection against respiratory viruses, and the NHS online booking system makes scheduling easy For the first time this year, toddlers can receive the flu vaccine as a nasal spray at community p h a r m a c i e s T
launched the “Stay Strong Get Vaccinated” campaign, developed by the Department of Health and Social Care, UKHSA, and NHS England UKHSA also reports a sharp rise in rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, likely linked to schools reopening Positivity rates jumped to 14 8% from 10 9% the previous week
NHS launches online hospital
The NHS is launching a revolutionary “online hospital”, NHS Online, in a major reform of healthcare delivery in England Unlike traditional hospitals, NHS Online will have no physical site, connecting patients digitally to specialist clinicians across the country The service is set to roll out from 2027 Patients will be triaged quickly through the NHS App, allowing faster access to specialists and the ability to book scans, tests, or procedures at Community Diagnostic C
include referrals to NHS Online, enabling patients to
Prescriptions and condition management guidance can also be tracked digitally
NHS Online aims to reduce waiting times significantly, delivering up to 8 5 million appointments in its first three years, four times more than an average NHS trust, while giving patients more control over their care Initially focused on treatment areas with the longest waits, the service will expand as it proves clinically safe
Gut instincts matter
Your gut bacteria follow a circadian rhythm, meaning their activity rises and falls in a predictable 24-hour cycle, much like our own sleep-wake patterns These microbial fluctuations influence digestion, nutrient absorption, and even hormone production Disruptions to this rhythm, caused by late-night eating, irregular meal times, shift work, or poor sleep, can upset the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to digestive issues, weight gain, or metabolic problems. Maintaining regular sleep and meal schedules helps keep your gut microbiome in sync
New action plan to increase inclusion in research and address health inequalities
18Sept
2025 - Health and Care
Research Wales launched a new three-year action plan to increase diversity and inclusion in health and social care research in Wales.
The plan was launched by the C
,
Professor Isabel Oliver, at a special event at the Senedd, where a new part-
Equity (CfRE) will also be announced
Healthcare inequalities are a continuing challenge in Wales Factors such as ethnicity, disability, age and deprivation can all influence health, even before people become unwell
When sections of society are overlooked, healthcare inequalities worsen Lack of inclusivity can also seriously diminish trust in health and care systems, making future recruitment and
challenging
The importance of trust is something that public involvement member Praveena Pemmasani, 23, from Cardiff, also emphasises Praveena is in her final
University and has for the last six years helped advise researchers on the most e
interpret their studies as part of a public involvement group for young people aged 14 to 25 P
“Research is essential to help guide our e
health of the people of Wales That research needs to reflect the populations most affected by the issues being researched to help us tackle the large gaps between those with the best and worst health and wellbeing which still persist and are in some cases are widening ” Professor Mahendr a Pa tel , foun di n g d ir e c t or a n d I n cl u si on a n d D i v e r si t y l e a d, Cf R E, s a i d , “ O v e r l o o k i n g c e r t a i n g r o u p s whether due to ethnicity, disability, age, rurality, or any other factor risks deepening inequalities and producing biased guidance Treatments may be less effective, or carry unexpected side
effects, for underrepresented populations “ I n c l u s i v
research it leads to evidence that applies to all It builds fairer systems and gives us the knowledge to understand and meet the health and care needs of the communities we serve ” Carys Thomas, Hea d of Pol icy at t he Scie nce , R ese ar ch an d Evi den ce Division, Wel sh Government, said, “It is vital that everyone in Wales has a voice and opportunity to contribute to research We’re grateful to our coll e a g u e s a t t h
C f R E , a n d a l s o o u r vibrant research infrastructure across Wales for their commitment to helping make Wales a leader in research inclusivity, and healthier nation overall ”
Long Covid linked to heavier periods
Women with long Covid face heavier periods and higher risk of iron deficiency, study finds Women suffering from long Covid are more likely to
and more irregular periods, leaving them at greater risk
researchers have warned
than 12,000 women revealed that those with long Covid
longer cycles and more fre-
had recovered from the virus or never tested positive The
long Covid symptoms often worsened in the days leading up to menstruation and dur-
strong hormonal link
Blood tests from a smaller group of participants indicated high levels of inflam-
mation in the womb lining and raised concentrations of the hormone dihydrotestosterone, both of which may d r i v e
g
Crucially, researchers found n o e v i d e n c e t h a t o v a r i a n function was impaired Heavier menstrual bleeding increases the likelihood of iron deficiency, a condit i o n a l r e a d y w i d e s p r e a d among women of child-beari n g a g e I t s s y m p t o m s including fatigue, breathlessness and dizziness overlap with common complaints of l o n g C o v i d , c o m p o u n d i n g the health burden for affected women
Dr Jacqueline Maybin of the University of Edinburgh, who led the research, said: “Our hope is that this will allow us to develop really s p e c i f i c t r e a t m e n t s f o r women with long Covid who are suffering with menstrual disturbance It may also lead
t o f e m a l
ments for long Covid itself
G l o b a l l y , a n e s t i m a t e d 400 million people are living with or recovering from long
C o v i d
more than four weeks after infection Dr Viki Male,
specialist at Imperial College L
point to a clear biological explanation: “Inflammation in the uterus is associated with heavy menstrual bleeding, so this could be the link between long Covid and pro-
She added that existing anti-
the symptom as part of long Covid
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is
L to R: Prof Mahendra Patel; Carys Thomas Prof Isabel Oliver; Andrew Dickenson , Chief Dental Officer, Wales
Anupam Kher says Shah Rukh Khan went ‘unrecognised’ for years
Actor Anupam Kher expressed his delight at Shah Rukh Khan winning his first National Film Award for Best Actor for Jawan He noted that Shah Rukh “went unrecognised” for many iconic performances, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and said he should have won for Swades in 2004.
“ I ’ m v e r y h a p p y f o r h i m , a n d personally glad he finally received it after 40 years You can imagine his disappointment over the years, so it’s w o n d e r f u l t h a t h e ’ s f i n a l l y b e e n recognised,” Anupam added
A n u p a m K h e r s a i d S h a h R u k h Khan’s win also reflects recognition of mainstream cinema at the National Awards “It’s great to see that you don’t need to do a niche film to be honoured I was thrilled to see Karan Johar, Rani
M u k e r j i , a n d S h a h R u k h K h a n t o g e t h e r i t w a s a s t a r - s t u d d e d National Award this year, ” he added
A n u p a m h a s c o l l a b o r a t e d w i t h Shah Rukh on several films, including ‘Zamaana Deewana’, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘ M o h a b b a t e i n ’ , ‘ V e e r - Z a a r a ’ , a n d
‘Paheli’
At the 71st National Film Awards, President Droupadi Murmu honoured
S h a h R u k h f o r h i s p e r f o r m a n c e i n Jawan He shared the Best Actor award with Vikrant Massey, recognised for 12th Fail
Bobby Deol opens up on missing out on ‘Jab We Met’
project he had helped set up
In a recent interview with Raj Shamani, he revealed that after watching a rough cut of Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Socha Na Tha’, he was determined to work with the director Originally titled ‘Geet’, ‘Jab We Met’ was written by Imtiaz, but the role eventually went to Shahid Kapoor
Bobby said, “I was heartbroken I wasn’t getting work and was doing typical Bollywood films I have nothing against Imtiaz he’s incredibly talented At that time, he was probably insecure and had to make choices But seeing the rough cut of ‘Socha Na Tha’ bowled me over, and I told him I wanted to work with him no matter what ”
Bobby had spoken about the fallout in a 2017 HuffPost interview, recalling how devastated he felt “I was heartbroken, but I have no hard feelings He’s a great director, and we ’ re still friends I always tell him: ‘Imtiaz, I won’t watch any of your films until you make one with me, that’ll be your best film,’” he said
In a 2020 interview, Kareena said she hadn’t expected much from ‘Jab We Met’, focusing instead on the glamorous ‘Tashan’ “I was just mouthing lines It was fun, but I didn’t think it would change my life,” she said
Imtiaz Ali blamed delays on Bobby in The Lallantop interview, saying he waited years for him while ‘Socha Na Tha’ released, but the financial strain forced him to part ways: “Let’s shake hands and not make this film together,” he said
Amrita Rao
shares
heartwarming
anecdotes from ‘Main Hoon Na’
Farah
Khan’s ‘Main Hoon
Na’ remains a beloved classic. In a recent chat,
Amrita Rao, who played a key role, reminisced about working with Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen, sharing anecdotes about Shah Rukh’s advice and Sushmita’s thoughtful compliments
On Ranveer Allahbad YouTube channel, Amrita how Shah Rukh, juggling Hoon Na’ and ‘Kal Ho Na an hour from his lunch b meet her and her mother her, “I have met many ne but you have the quality o being a superstar 200 films will come, but we have to do only two films and that has been my criteria for choosing work ”
Amrita added that Shah Rukh’s first take was often his best, rarely giving a second
“He was funny, focused, and very much into character He drew energy from newcomers, and every first take was perfect That’s what we learned from him,” she said
Amrita recalled meeting Sushmita Sen at a party before shooting, where she was struck by h ss ’ s “art of complimenting”
“After the party, Sushmita ed to drop me home, and when eached, she said, ‘I will come me ’ It was 2 a m , and I had Miss verse sitting on my couch She my mom, ‘At the party, there re all these girls, and there was mrita When my daughter Renee rows up, I want her to be like you ’ What a compliment from someone I looked up to,”
Amrita said She added, “Sushmita is rare secure, positive, and encouraging She sn’t insecure about another coctress and constantly shares nd words I don’t meet women ke her often ”
Saif Ali Khan reflects on near-death experience during home attack
Earlier this year, Saif Ali Khan faced a terrifying home invasion when an intruder entered his apartment at night
During the scuffle, Saif jumped in to protect his children, Taimur (8) and Jeh (4), but was stabbed in the back, narrowly avoiding paralysis In a recent interview, he reflected on the ordeal and the thoughts that ran through his mind during the near-death experience
In an Esquire India interview, Saif Ali Khan called surviving a recent home invasion “nothing short of miraculous ” He recalled, “There’s this crazy sense of how lucky one is To walk away relatively unscathed is incredible ” Kareena Kapoor was at home while he confronted the intruder who entered through his younger son Jeh’s bedroom
Reflecting on the ordeal, Saif said, “Life has been colourful and privileged not just in money, but experiences: Winchester, travels with loved ones, the wine, my wife, my children ” On the qualities he hopes for his children, he added, “Calmness, patience, discipline, balance You have to work hard for everything to be in its right place ”
In January, an intruder broke into Saif Ali Khan’s home after midnight The nanny spotted him near Jeh’s bed and screamed for help Saif confronted the intruder and was attacked, sustaining a stab wound in his back, while the nanny was also injured After the attacker fled, Saif rushed to the hospital in an auto rickshaw and underwent emergency surgery He has since recovered
Bobby Deol faced a low point in his career when he was replaced in ‘Jab We Met’, a
Vivek Oberoi shares how perspective helped him through tough times
Vivek
Oberoi rose to fame overnight with his debut ‘Company’ and cemented his stardom with ‘Saathiya’, films still considered cult classics
However, his career faced turbulence after a 2003 press conference in which he alleged threats from Salman Khan following his relationship with Aishwariya Rai, creating shockwaves in the industry. He struggled for years but has since established himself as a successful entrepreneur alongside acting.
Reflecting on the controversy in a chat with Prakhar Gupta, Vivek, who embraces spirituality, said, “When I see the problems of my kids, I laugh because their problems aren’t even problems ” V i v e k O b e r o i r e f l e c t e d o n perspective and faith, saying that just as a parent laughs at a child’s small problems, God views our troubles as chances to make us stronger “What once felt big: fear, bitterness, scarslater seems funny and immature,” he said
O n o v e r c o m i n g n e g a t i v i t y , h e added, “I’ve forgotten what I felt, but moving on from my mother’s tears or m y f a t h e r ’ s w o r r y w a s h a r d Eventually, you have to let go, or your vibration turns negative ”
Recalling his career boycott and personal chaos, Vivek said, “It was obvious to feel depressed I even cried in my mother’s lap like a mama ’ s boy
I a s k e d , ‘ W h y m e ? ’ o f t e n S h e reminded me, ‘Did you ever ask that w h e n y o u w e r e w i n n i n g a w a r d s , making films, and being followed by fans?’
Kajol and Rani Mukerji
reunite at family’s
D U R G A P U J A
Cousins
Kajol and Rani Mukerji came together to inaugurate their family’s annual Durga Puja celebrations at the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja
The 2025 festivities commenced on Panchami with the unveiling of Maa Durga’s idol and a special tribute to the Pashupatinath Temple, marking an auspicious start to the much-celebrated occasion
Held in Mumbai, the event marked the start of one of the city’s oldest and most popular Durga Puja celebrations This year carried added emotional weight for filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, as it was his first Puja without his father, Deb Mukherjee, a key organiser of the festivities, who passed away earlier this year
The ceremony saw several members of the Mukerji family in attendance, including Tanishaa, Sharbani, and Samrat Mukherji In a touching moment, sisters Kajol, Rani, and Tanishaa were seen embracing each other, visibly moved by the occasion Kajol also shared a heartfelt hug with Ayan before joining him for photographs The family celebrated in traditional style, dressed in vibrant ethnic wear Kajol wore a silk saree paired with a red blouse, while Rani looked elegant in a white saree with a black and red floral border Ayan chose a classic white kurta-pyjama for the occasion
Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who recently turned 43, joined the Mukerji family’s Durga Puja celebrations to support his close friend, filmmaker Ayan Mukerji He was seen wearing a deep blue kurta with white pyjamas Television actress Sumona Chakravarti, known for her popular Hindi TV roles, and veteran actress Jaya Bachchan were also present at the festivities
Rani Mukerji reflects on
‘Black’
after winning first national award
Bollywood
TV Listing
18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma
19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re
actor Rani Mukerji said her National Award feels even more special as she won it alongside longtime friend and former co-star Shah Rukh Khan
Speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2025 session, ‘Queen of Reinvention: National
Award to Motherhood, Winning it All’, she said, “The award brings happiness to my fans, well-wishers, friends, and family My focus has always been to work hard and not disappoint my audience Winning in the same year as Shah Rukh made it even more special ”
Rani also thanked filmmaker Karan Johar, saying, “I’m eternally grateful for being chosen as Tina a character that has stayed with me for three decades People calling it a ‘Rahul and Tina’ moment after Shah Rukh and I won the award shows how much they love the characters It’s very sweet ”
Rani Mukerji, who played Tina opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Karan Johar’s 1998 romantic comedy, reflected on her 2005 film Black: “I gave my all to ‘Black’ There was talk I’d win the National Award, and when I didn’t, I realised even your best work may not always be recognised My father and Sanjay Leela Bhansali were heartbroken too ”
She dedicated her first National Award to her late father, Ram Mukherjee “I’m truly overwhelmed This honour means the world, and I dedicate it to my father, whose blessing and my mother’s strength guided me through Mrs Chatterjee,” Rani said She won Best Actress for her role in the 2023 legal drama ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’
MON 05 OCT - FRI 10 OCT 2025
09:00 Deshi Beats
18:00 Rasoi Show
19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re
19:30 Radha Krishna
20:00 Kanku
20:30 COLORS GUJARATI RANGRATRI
SATURDAY 11 OCT 2025
09:00 Deshi Beats
17:30 Rasoi Show
MON 05 OCT - FRI 10 OCT 2025
17:00 Shani-Karmfal Daata
17:30 Sau Dahda Sasuna
18:00 Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka S-1
18:30 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1
19:30 RAMACHARI
20:00 Anmol Bandhan
20:30 Madhubala
21:00 Comedy Nights with Kapil
22:30 BIGG BOSS 19
SATURDAY 11 OCT 2025
17:00 Shani-Karmfal Daata
19:30 Radha Krishna
20:00 Kanku
20:30 Moti Baa Ni Nani Vahu
21:00 Dil Dangal
21:30 KAHI DE NE PREM CHHE! – PREM NU PRATIK
22:30 Radha Krishna
SUNDAY 12 OCT 2025
09:00 Deshi Beats
11:00 Radha Krishna
13:00 Rangai Jaane Rangma
14:30 Kanku
17:30 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re
19:30 Radha Krishna
22:00 Moti Baa Ni Nani Vahu
17:30 Sau Dahda Sasuna
18:00 Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka S-1
18:30 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1
19:30 RAMACHARI
20:00 Dance Deewane Superhits
20:30 Madhubala
21:00 Comedy Nights with Kapil
22:30 BIGG BOSS 19
SUNDAY 12 OCT 2025
17:00 Shani-Karmfal Daata
17:30 Sau Dahda Sasuna
18:00 Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka S-1
18:30 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1
19:30 RAMACHARI
20:00 Dance Deewane Superhits
20:30 Madhubala
21:00 Comedy Nights with Kapil
22:30 BIGG BOSS 19
Rishab Shetty on Mohanlal:
“Feels like meeting someone from home”
During the Kochi promotions of ‘Kantara Chapter 1’, Rishab Shetty was asked about Malayalam superstar Mohanlal
He said, “When I see Lalettan, it feels like meeting someone from my own hometown, like seeing my uncle That’s the emotional connection I have with him ” Rishab added that he watches all of Mohanlal’s films and holds the Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner close to his heart
Rishab Shetty fondly recalled the moment Mohanlal received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, saying, “I was so happy when he won I immediately asked my social media team to share a congratulatory post, using a photo from when I met him at Kollur Mookambika ” He added that while Dr Rajkumar remains his alltime favourite in Kannada cinema, in Malayalam it’s Lalettan who feels “like one of our own ” Rishab is now gearing up for the release of ‘Kantara Chapter 1 ’ , set to hit theatres on October 2 Promising a grand mix of myth, action, and thrill, the film also has Malayali fans excited with the addition of actor Jayaram in a key role, as revealed in the recently released trailer
Nagarjuna daughter-i law Sobhit
“It’s like having a daughter
I December last year, actor Naga
Chaitanya married Sobhita Dhulipala in a private ceremony in Hyderabad.
Nagarjuna, who had previously revealed how he indirectly played cupid, spoke warmly about his bond with his daughter-inlaw in an interview with Times of India
“She’s just fantastic We about books and music, and she wants to grow a garden in Naga’s house I love gardening too, so we talk a lot about it It’s like having a daughter at home
film industry
Now we have two daughters Zainab (Akhil’s wife) and Sobhita,” he said
N a g a r j
t a ’ s work even before she joined the family, impressed by her performance in the 2018 film Goodachari and calling her to share his appreciation During a meeting at his home, Chaitanya happened to walk in, m
Nagarjuna described Sobhita as a “brilliant actress” and praised her journey from Vizag to establishing herself in the
Young composer Sai Abhyankkar is set to make his Malayalam cinema debut with the sports action drama ‘Balti’, directed by Unni Sivalingam and starring Shane Nigam
After dating since 2022, haitanya and Sobhita married in December 2024 at A n n a p u r n a S t u d i o s , Hyderabad, a venue of deep significance for the Akkineni family, founded by Chaitanya’s grandf a t h
Akkineni Nageswara Rao
The wedding was an intiaffair with close friends and family, including Ram Charan, C h i r
Nagarjuna shared photos on X, writing, “Watching Sobhita and Chay begin this beautiful chapter together has been very special Congratulations to my beloved C h
, Sobhita you ’ ve already brought so much happiness into our lives ” On the work front, Nagarjuna was
despite mixed reviews He will next star in director Ra Karthik’s upcoming actionfamily drama, tentatively titled KING100
Actor Sivakarthikeyan credits father’s struggles for his educational drive
Sivakarthikeyan attended a Tamil Nadu government event on educational development, calling it a refreshing change from his usual filmrelated gatherings He thanked Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for the invitation and noted that every word and idea shared at the forum carried significant meaning
The 20-year-old has made headlines for reportedly receiving over 2 crore (£1 67 mn) for the film, the highest fee ever paid to a music director in Malayalam cinema, according to producer Santosh T Kuruvilla in an interview with Club FM
The producer explained why they were confident investing heavily in a newcomer Santosh T Kuruvilla said Sai has proven popularity and a strong connection with audiences “It’s about instinct you can sense if someone can deliver Seeing two to three crore views on his music albums convinced me, ” he said, noting that the first single from ‘Balti’ already demonstrates this reach “‘Jaalakkari’ has gone viral in Tamil Nadu, especially on reels ” Sai Abhyankkar first rose to fame with his hit track ‘Katchi Sera’, which became one of the most sought-after compositions in South India
‘Balti’ also marks a milestone for Shane Nigam, as it is his 25th film Scheduled for release on September 26, the film will feature a unique bilingual format: 60% Malayalam and 40% Tamil for Kerala audiences, and fully in Tamil for viewers in Tamil Nadu Dubbed versions in Telugu and Kannada will release on October 9, with a Hindi version also in the works
highlighted education as life’s greatest wealth, quoting Thiruvalluvar’s words that true riches come from learning He recalled how his father’s struggles
inspired both him and his sister to pursue higher studies, noting that an educated generation paves the way for a stronger next one
With a smile, he admitted that although he holds an MBA, his career in cinema took a very different turn Yet, he said his education remains his biggest source of confidence: “Even if I step away from films someday, I know I can build a living through the power of my studies ” He urged young people to learn not just for grades, but to gain knowledge and resilience for life
Sivakarthikeyan concluded with an
future and help them achieve more than they imagine “I could do it, you can do even more, ” he said, sparking
expressed confidence that the government’s ongoing projects will uplift not just one generation but many to come 20-year-old Sai Abhyankkar
Diljit Dosanjh earns first international Emmy nomination
Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has expressed excitement after receiving his first-ever nomination for the 2025 International Emmy Awards The nominations were announced by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Diljit Dosanjh has been nominated for Best Performance by an Actor at the 2025 International Emmy Awards for his role in Netflix’s biographical drama Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali
Sharing the news on Instagram, Diljit credited Imtiaz Ali and tagged Netflix India
He will compete against David Mitchell (Ludwig), Oriol Pla (Yo, Adicto/I, Addict), and Diego Vasquez (One Hundred Years of Solitude) Amar Singh Chamkila is also nominated for Best TV Movie/MiniSeries, giving the team double reason to celebrate
Diljit’s Amar Singh Chamkila co-star Parineeti Chopra praised him and director Imtiaz Ali for the Emmy nomination On Instagram, she wrote, “Proud of my team Chamkila,” tagging both Diljit and Imtiaz
Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film chronicles the life of Punjab’s iconic folk singer Amar Singh Chamkila, known as the Elvis of Punjab Chamkila gained fame in the 1980s for his bold songs and energetic performances but was tragically killed with his wife Amarjot Kaur in 1988 at age 27 Released on Netflix in April 2024, the film was written by Imtiaz and Sajid Ali
Indian content has been steadily gaining recognition at the Emmys in recent years Netflix’s Delhi Crime won Best Drama Series in 2020, and comedian Vir Das earned an Emmy in 2021 for his Netflix special Vir Das: For India
I N D I E A R T I S T T A B A C H A K E
B L E N D S C U L T U R E A N D S O U N D
Subhasini Naicker
An Indian indie musician, Nyishi finger-style guitarist, and multilingual singersongwriter, Taba Chake is celebrated for tracks like ‘A Chalein’, ‘Shaayad’, and ‘W With Me’ from his album Bombay Dreams W
N
, Hindi, Assamese, and English, he is the first artist from Arunachal P
Nyishi-language songs o n
blends folk, indie, and contemporary influences
In 2024, he composed fiv songs for Shoojit Sircar’s
and creativity I’m really looking forward to meeting aspiring musicians in London If my stories or experiences can inspire someone to create their own music, there’s no better feeling than
Honorary Brand Ambassador for the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and is currently touring the UK
Speaking to Asian Voice about his UK tour and performing for an international audience, Taba said, “Performing abroad has been a dream of mine since I first picked up my instrument Touring internationally is something I’ve always worked toward, and I’m honestly overwhelmed and excited Knowing that shows in Manchester, London, and W
messages asking for more seats, is truly incredible
workshop in London, Taba said, “I haven’t done many songwriting workshops before, but thi will be relaxed more like a casual chat abou
On connecting with local South i
matter your field, it’s always valuable to connect with your community wherever you go That support and sense of b
g i v e s y o u c o n f i d e n c e a n d reminds you that you ’ re not a l o n e I t
meaningful relationships and collaborations ”
Reflecting on his Arunachali oots, Taba explained, “I come m a tribal background, where I up listening to priests chanting for days during major ceremonies The rhythms and melodies stayed with me At the same time, Bollywood music was always playing in the background on cassette tapes, thanks to my uncle Later, I explored metal and rock before m
challenges of managing metal bands Now, when I write songs, being near mountains and rivers is incredibly inspiring, the natural beauty always finds its way into my music ” On upcoming projects, he said, “I’m eager to collaborate more, especially with artists whose m
something completely different When two unique s
couldn’t do alone, that’s when real magic happens ”
DIYA SURIYA, 17, debuts as director with ‘Leading Light’
Suriya and Jyotika’s 17-year-old daughter
Diya is making her directorial debut with ‘Leading Light’, produced by their banner 2D Entertainment. The docu-drama, exploring the experiences of women gaffers in Bollywood, is currently screening for an Oscar-qualifying run at the Regency Theatre in California from September 26 to October 2.
2D Entertainment shared the poster with the caption: “#LeadingLight The untold stories of women behind the scenes A docudrama on the experiences of Bollywood’s women gaffers, screening for an Oscarqualifying run at the Regency Theatre, LA Congratulations to our dearest #DiyaSuriya for highlighting these hidden gems Catch it from Sept 26 to Oct 2 at 12 PM Written and directed by #DiyaSuriya, produced by #Jyotika and #Suriya ”
Fans flooded the post with love, praising Diya’s achievement at such a young age and wishing her success
According to regencymovies com, the 13minute documentary “ uncovers the rarely told stories of women gaffers in Mumbai’s Bollywood industry,” featuring intimate interviews with three trailblazers who often find themselves the only women on set
Diya’s debut comes just months after graduating from the University of Southern California In May, Suriya and Jyotika shared a proud Instagram post, writing, “May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears All the very best, Diya Amma and Appa’s blessings forever ”
Much will feature Aamir Khan and Salman Khan as its first guests, discussing their careers and personal lives Aamir reflected on his divorce from Reena Dutta, while Salman spoke about fatherhood
Aamir also revealed that he was once quite judgmental of Salman, but they grew closer during his divorce The two, who starred together in Andaz Apna Apna (1994), bonded over
, recalling fond memories from their time on the film
According to a press note, A a m i r s a
during my divorce with Reena You came over for dinner, and that’s when Salman and I first really connected ” He added
recalling, “I used to feel he didn’t come on time, and we faced problems during Andaz Apna Apna I was very hard as a person in the beginning ”
the other,
I believe that
When Aamir asked about his past relationships, Salman replied, “If it didn’t work, it didn’t work If anyone is to blame, it’s me ” He also shared
saying, “I will have kids
Twinkle Khanna and Kajol’s Prime Video talk show Two
'Operation Sindoor' on the pitch
The dust settled in Dubai, but the thunder of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup final victory echoed far beyond the boundary ropes, not just for the cricket but for the chaos that followed
I n d i a s e c u r e d t h e
ninth Asia Cup title with a thrilling five-wicket victory over arch-rivals
P a k i s t a n
, concluding a tournament where t
cricketing spectacle on it The win extends India’s dominance in the c
delivered a decisive victory in what has become the most politically c
world
A triumph of nerve
The final, played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, saw
t i a l
n
a p p e a r e d s e t f o r a commanding total, powered by an a g g r e s s i v e o p e n i n g p a r t n e r s h i p between Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38 balls) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35 balls), reaching a formidable 84 for no loss
H o w e v e r , a s u d d e n a n d dramatic collapse saw Pakistan lose their last nine wickets for a mere 33
r u n s , a s t u n n i n g i m p l o s i o n masterminded by India's spinners Pakistan was eventually bowled out f o r 1 4 6 i n 1 9 1 o v e r s T h e turnaround was spearheaded by India's spinners, most notably the l e f t - a r m w r i s t - s p i n n e r K u l d e e p Yadav, who claimed a magnificent 4 for 30 in his four overs, tearing through the middle order He was a b l y s u p p o r t e d b y V a r u n
C h a k a r a v a r t h y ( 2 / 3 0 ) a n d A x a r Patel (2/26), while Jasprit Bumrah secured two crucial strikes at the death (2/25)
Chasing 147, India experienced a troubled start, stumbling to 20
f o
losing openers Abhishek Sharma a n d S h u b m a n G i l l , a n d s k i p p e r
Suryakumar Yadav cheaply The chase was rescued by a composed and mature performance from the young left-hander, Tilak Varma, who anchored the innings with a match-winning, unbeaten knock of 69 runs off 53 balls
C r u c i a l p a r t n e
significantly, Shivam Dube (33 off 22 balls) stabilised the chase, with Rinku Singh hitting the winning boundary with two balls to spare to seal the victory for India at 150 for five Varma was rightly named Man
pressure
The drama, the standoff, and the politicisation of victory
The thrilling cricket soon gave
awards ceremony, resulting in the
victorious Indian team celebrating
Indian team refused to accept the actual trophy because it was to be presented by Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and
How
and
Salve, then President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (
Cricket Board (PCB), as well as Pakistan's federal Interior Minister C
decided not to accept the trophy from him Following a protracted stand-off, which lasted nearly an hour, the presentation ceremony was cut short, and the trophy was
organisers, denying the players the chance to hold the silverware they had earned Captain Suryakumar
disappointment, stating, "I have never seen a champion (team) not getting a trophy We deserved it,"
decision would haunt the Indian players later on The tension was
c exchange on social media platform
X Following India's victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted: “OperationSindoor on the games field Outcome is the same – India wins! Congrats to our cricketers”, a clear reference to a recent military conflict between the two nations N a q v i , t h e A C C c h i e f , s w i f t l y responded, dragging the dispute
f u r t h e r i n t o t h e r e a l m o f international politics, “If war was
y o u r m e
s u r e o f p r i d e , h i s t o r y already records your humiliating d e f e a t s a t P a k i s t a n ' s h a n d s N o c r i c k e t m a t c h c
marred by the complex political
t h a
truth Dragging war into sport only exposes desperation and disgraces the very spirit of the game, ” he wrote He is very obviously being trolled for this comment
A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h i s e x c h a n g e , coming after India's players had a l r e a d y r e f u s e d t h e c u s t o m a r y h a n d s h a k e w i t h t h e i r P a k i s t a n i o p p o n e n t s t h r o u g h o u t t h e tournament, a gesture viewed by Pakistan's captain as a disrespect to the spirit of cricket cemented the n o t i o n t h a t t h i s r i v a l r y i s n o w b e i n g f o u g h t o n p o l i t i c a l battlegrounds just as much as on the cricket pitch
A storied past
The Asia Cup, established in 1984 following the founding of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in 1983, was originally conceived to p r o m o t e g o o d w i l l a m o n g t h e continent's cricketing nations and holds the distinction of being the only continental championship in c r i c k e t T h e i n a u g u r a l tournament, held in Sharjah, UAE, in 1984, was a round-robin contest featuring India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, with India emerging as the first champions H o w e v e r , t h e c o m p e t i t
an arrogant refusal shifted cricket's power base
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) not only refused but did so with
i t amounted to a public humiliation for Indian cricket For Salve, a s e a s o
administrator, the insult was more
English cricketing establishment That moment ignited a plan t
Karun axed; Reddy, Padikkal recalled for series against West Indies
Nitish K um ar Reddy and Devdutt
P
India n Test s quad f or the upcoming t wo-m atch s eries agains t
dropped des pite sc oring a 50 in the f inal Tes t agains t E ngland
T h e s e l e c t o
, l e d b y A j i t Agarkar, also named Ravindra Jadeja a s S
fitness Pant is expected to return for the South Africa Tests later this year
Nair’s omission came after
where the 33-year-old managed just 2 0 5 r u n s i n
followed nearly eight years of toil in domestic cricket, but the selectors were left wanting more
b i t more from Karun on the England trip,” Agarkar said When asked why Sai Sudharsan was preferred despite h a v i n g a s i m i l a r r u n t o N a i r
England, Agarkar pointed to the importance of continuity
century in the Dharamshala Test
against England and was part of the Australia tour, has been rewarded for his red-hot form, including a commanding 150 against Australia A in Lucknow Reddy’s selection as a batting all-rounder at No 6 underlines his g r o w i n g v a l u e H i s i m p r e s s i v e performances with both bat and ball i
under pressure earned him the nod Abhimanyu Easwaran has been left out, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal locking down the opening slots
control of cricket from the MCC’s hands In the ensuing years, he f o
subcontinent, paving the way for the formation of the Asian Cricket Council and the eventual hosting of the 1987 World Cup jointly by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka For t h
moved outside England, signalling the rise of the subcontinent as the
Pakistan In the early years, India boycotted the second edition in 1986 due to strained relations with S
tournament when
was hosted in India The 1993 tournament was the most significant casualty, as
relations between the two rivals,
tournament has evolved from its round-robin format, expanding to include more teams like the UAE
adapting its format to alternate between ODI and T20I formats W
solidified its position as the most successful team in the history of the tournament, now boasting a total of nine titles, followed by Sri Lanka with six titles, and Pakistan with two T h e r e c e n t f i n a l , h o w e v e r , serves as a stark reminder that for all its sporting prestige, the Asia Cup remains intrinsically linked to t h e d e l i c
geopolitics of the subcontinent
new epicentre of world cricket What began as the denial of a handful of tickets evolved into a seismic shift in cricket’s power d
T
e p i s o d e demonstrated that arrogance and disdain can spark change, and that a single act of defiance can redraw the map of a global sport From a m
cricket, 1983 remains a turning point in history
Indian cricketer Ashwin joins Sydney Thunder in landmark deal
India's spin legend Ravich andr an Ash win h as joined S ydney Thunder for the Big Bash L eague 15 , bec oming the biggest overseas signing sinc e the league’s inceptio n The 39-year-old off-spinner became the first Indian national men ’ s cricketer to feature in the BBL While Indian women ’ s players have long played in domestic leagues around the world, including the WBBL, the BCCI has restricted India’s international and domestic contracted male cricketers from playing in T20 competitions abroad Only retired Indian men ’ s players are allowed to play in overseas T20 leagues “Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we ’ re fully aligned on my role I love how David Warner plays the game, and it’s always better when your leader shares your mindset I can’t wait to perform for the Thunder Nation,” Ashwin said in a statement The 39-year-old will join the Thunder in early January His available matches include the team’s trip to the Gabba to face Brisbane Heat on January 10, their clash with Melbourne Renegades at Engie Stadium (January 12), and the Sydney Smash at the SCG (January 16)
