AV 5th July 2025

Airlines and travel businesses need to prioritise on rebuilding trust P08 -----------------

Wimbledon kicks off with glamour, heat and high hopes P09 -----------------

Zohran Mamdani’s NYC mayoral primary win triggers tremors P21

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

Air India crash: Black box data accessed; victim identification complete P23 ----------------PM Modi begins fivenation tour, including Brics summit P25 -----------------

Prada puts sole in mouth over Kolhapuri clone P26

A lifetime of healing, a system in pain

This July marks 77 years since the c r e a t i o n o f t h e N a t i o n a l H e a l t h

S e r v i c e ( N H S ) , a c o r n e r s t o n e o f British life and one of the country’s most ambitious post-war reforms

L a u n c h e d o n 5 J u l y 1 9 4 8 b y Health Minister Aneurin Bevan, the NHS was built on three founding principles: that it should meet the needs of everyone, be free at the point of d e l i v e r y , a n d b e b a s e d o n c l i n i c a l need, not ability to pay These ideals made Britain one of the first countries to offer universal healthcare funded by taxation

Decades later, the NHS remains a source of national pride and a vital service for millions Every day, it provides care to over a million people, h a n d l i n g e v e r y t h i n g f r o m r o u t i n e check-ups to life-saving operations. Its role during the Covid-19 pandemic f u r t h e r c e m e n t e d i t s i m p o r t a n c e , with NHS staff hailed as heroes for their tireless efforts

One year into Labour’s term, Sir Keir Starmer’s government presents a mixed picture: marked by notable policy wins in health, trade and green energy, but overshadowed by internal rebellions, U-turns, falling polls and communication failures

Anusha Singh

One year ago, Keir Starmer stood triumphant, riding the wave of a political landslide that ended 14 years of Conservative rule and delivered Labour a towering 172-seat majority

On the steps of Downing Street, with history at his back and hope in his voice, he declared, “The work of change begins immediately ” He promised to rebuild Britain, reviving the NHS, rescuing the economy, and igniting a new era of housebuilding. And he asked the nation to judge him not by his words, but by his actions

Capt Shubhanshu makes history; first Indian to enter international space station

Now, twelve months later, the glow of victory has dimmed The burdens of power weigh heavy, and the realities of governing have brought both milestones and missteps And who could have imagined that Labour, on the anniversary of its greatest electoral triumph in a generation, would be facing the fiercest rebellion yet against its own leadership? Continued on page 14-15

Shubhanshu Shukla

Shefali Jariwala

Keir Starmer's ‘island of strangers’ apology backfires

P r i m e M i ni s ter S i r Kei r Starmer is facing backlash from some of his own minist ers af ter w alk in g b ack a c ontro versial co mm ent on

expressing

u s ly d efend ed

The row centres on a

s p e e c h d e l i v e r e d i n M a y, d u r i n g w h i c h St a r m e r warned that Britain risked b e c o m i n g a n “ i s l a n d o f strangers” without stricter

m i g r a t i o n c o n t r o l s T h e phrase drew sharp compar-

i s o n s t o E n o c h Po w e l l ’ s notorious “rivers of blood”

s p e e c h i n 19 6 8 , i n w h i c h Powell warned that white

B r i t o n s w o u l d b e c o m e “ s t r a n g e r s i n t h e i r o w n countr y ”

D e s p i t e t h e u p r o a r, Starmer’s off icial spokesperson initially said the prime minister “absolutely stands b y ” h i s r e m a r k s , w h i c h included claims that mass i m m i g r a t i o n h a d i n f l i c t e d

“ i n c a l c u l a b l e d a m a g e ” o n the economy Multiple ministers echoed that defence in the days that followed

Ho w e v e r, i n a r e c e n t inter view with his biographer Tom Baldwin for The Obser ver, Starmer appeared

“I

w o u l d n’t h av e u s e d t h o s e words if I had known they w e r e , o r e v e n w o u l d b e , interpreted as an echo of Powell,” he said “That part i c u l a r p h r a s e n o , i t wasn’t right I’ll give you the honest truth: I deeply regret using it ” The unexpected admission has angered some colleagues “I don’t understand why h e ’ s a p olo g i s i n g n o w after we all went out of our way to defend him at the time,” one minister told The Times “It doesn’t make any sense Why is he doing it?”

T h e s a m e m i n i s t e r a l s o questioned the original language used, particularly the assertion that record levels of immigration under the p r e v i o u s g o v e r n m e n t c a u s e d “i n c a l c u l a b l e d a mage ”

I n h i s M a y s p e e c h ,

Starmer had said, “Let me p u t i t t h i s w a y : n a t i o n s depend on rules, fair rules In a diverse nation like ours, we risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks for ward together ” The language provoked c r i t ic i s m f ro m w i t h i n t h e

L a b o u r

Asian communities at the time Sarah Owen, Labour MP and chair of the women

a n d e q u a l i t i e s c o m m i t t e e , said, “Chasing the tail of the right risks taking our countr y down a dark path The best way to avoid becoming a n ‘i s l a n d o f s t r a n g e r s ’ i s investing in communities to t h r i v e , n o t p i t t i

e against each other ”

Nadia Whittome, anoth-

e r L a

u r M P, c a

e rhetoric “shameful and dangerous, ” adding, “To suggest Britain risks becoming ‘ an island of strangers’ because of immigration mimics the scaremongering of the far right ”

m his earlier stance has now added another layer of tension, prompting fresh questions about his leadership on one of the countr y ’ s most divisive issues

Police ‘wasting time on petty disputes’, think tank says

Po l ic e a r e sp e n di n g t o o

m uc h t i me l og g in g t r i v ia l

o n l i n e a r gu me n t s a s ha t e incidents in st ead of tackl in g r e a l c r im e , a n e w r e p or t war ns

According to Civitas, a social policy think tank, the

s y s t e m o f r e c o r d i n g n o nc r i m e h a t e i n c i d e n t s (NCHIs) has drifted from its original purpose and is now being misused to document “absurd spats” and “ideological disputes” that fall well below the criminal threshold NCHIs were introduced i n 2 0 1 4 fo l l o w i n g t h e Stephen Lawrence inquir y,

w i t h t h e a i m o f h e l p i n g police gather intelligence on p o t e n t i a l l y h a r m f u l s i t u ations But Civitas argues that the policy has not only been overused , but also applied u n e v e n l y a c r o s s r e l i g i o u s communities

T h e r e p o r t c r i t i c i s e s what it calls a “hierarchical” policing approach, highlighting the lack of formal hate c r i m e d e f i n i t i o n s fo r C h r i s t i a n s , H i n d u s , Si k h s , and Buddhists while policing and security resources are d i s p r o p o r t i o n a t e l y fo c u s e d on Muslim and Jewish communities

“It’s time non-crime hate i n c i d e n t s a r e a b a n d o n e d , ” said Hardeep Singh, author of the report The Many Tiers o f Br i t i s h Ju s t i c e “ We’ v e seen the most absurd incidents being recorded by the police over the years ”

D a m e D i a n a Jo h n s o n , t h e p o l i c i n g m i n i s t e r, acknowledged the concerns “A common-sense approach m u s t b e t a ke n w i t h n o nc r i m e h a t e i n c i d e nt s , ” s h e s a i d , a d d i n g t h a t t h e Na t i o n a l Po l i c e C h i e f s ’ Council, with support from the College of Policing, will review how they are used

Doctors ready for fresh strike action, say union leaders

L ead e rs o f th e Br i ti sh Medical A ssociation (BMA) say doctors are “energised ” and read y to take further strike action as the union p repares for another w av e of NHS walkouts

Speaking at the BMA’s

a n n u

Nieuwoudt, co-chair of the B M A’s

were over whelmingly supportive of renewed action

The union is currently balloting around 50,000 junior doctors now referred to as

Priti Patel calls Black Lives Matter protests ‘dreadful’

Ho me Secretary

P ri t i P ate l h as d e sc ri b ed th e Bl

Speaking to LBC Radio, Patel said she did n o t s u p p

m demonstrations that followed the killing of G

Minneapolis on May 25, 2020 Floyd's death, which occurred after a white off icer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, sparked global protests

Patel said she would not have taken the knee, a gesture of solidarity against racism that has since been adopted by sports f igures and public personalities “Last summer was quite a moment with all the protest that we saw taking place,” she said, adding that policing came under “ a great deal of pressure ”

Clarifying her comments, Patel emphasised that she was not opposing the right to protest itself but was critical of how the demonstrations were carried out “Protesting in the way people did last summer was not the right way at all,” she said When asked directly i f s h e a g r e e d w i t h t a k i n g t h e k n e e , s h e responded: “No ”

EU nations criticise UK-France migration swap deal

Five E U co untries have raised objections to a proposed mig ration deal betw een Britain and France, warning it co uld sh ift the bu rden of asylum seekers onto their shores

action in their ongoing pay dispute Senior consultants

support for joining the walkouts

Doctors are demanding a 29% pay rise to restore earnings to 2008 levels in

received

22% uplift last year and

Streeting has ruled out more negotiations during the cur-

I N B R I E F BRITAIN

TO ACQUIRE NUCLEAR- CAPABLE JETS

The UK is set to make a landmark expansion of its nuclear deterrent with the acquisition of 12 US-made F-35A fighter jets capable of delivering tactical nuclear weapons This marks the first time since the Cold War that Britain will possess a dualdelivery nuclear capability moving beyond its submarine -based Trident system

Announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the NATO summit in The Hague, the £80 million aircraft will be equipped with American B61 nuclear gravity bombs

The jets and a new stockpile of US nuclear weapons will be based in the UK ending a 17-year absence of American nuclear arms on British soil The move comes as a sweeping national security review warns the UK must now prepare for the possibility of a direct attack at home The review highlights the country s vulnerabilities from critical underwater cables to biological and cyber threats calling it the most serious threat scenario in decades

SCIENTISTS LAUNCH PROJECT TO SYNTHETICALLY CREATE HUMAN DNA

British scientists have embarked on a bold new effort to build human DNA from scratch using raw chemicals The five -year initiative called the SynHG project is backed by £10 million in funding from the Wellcome Trust Its goal is to develop advanced tools for synthetic genomic s Supporters of synthetic genomic s believe that learning to assemble DNA from first principles could revolutionise our understanding of biology and pave the way for treatments for conditions that are currently untreatable The research will be led by Professor Jason Chin at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge and will involve collaboration between teams at the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester and Kent, as well as Imperial College London Scientists involved in the project say their focus is not on creating entire genomes or humans but rather on building and testing the fundamental processes that drive life

Streeting’s forthcoming

year reform plan Dr Shanu Datta,

The agreement, currently being negotiated by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, would r e p o r t e d l y s e e B r i t a i n r e t u r n s m a l l b o a t migrants to France in exchange for accepting asylum seekers with family ties in the UK

While the full terms are yet to be f inalised, Italy, Spain, Greece, Malta and Cyprus have written to the European Commission expressi n g c o n c e r n A c c o r d i n g t o t h e F i n a n c i a l Times, the f ive nations said in a joint letter that they were “surprised” by France’s willingness to sign a bilateral agreement with the UK, warning that such a move could have “serious implications” for other EU member states

These countries, often the f irst point of entr y for migrants travelling irregular routes, fear France could use EU rules to shift responsibility for migrants it accepts from the UK back onto them “We believe it is essential to clarify whether the agreement may produce any direct or indirect consequences for other member states,” the letter added

The deal is expected to be unveiled during President Macron’s upcoming visit to London in early July and is likely to begin as a pilot scheme

Meanwhile, small boat crossings to the UK h a v e s u r g e d i n 2 0 2 5 , w i t h n e a r l y 1 4 , 8 0 0 arrivals from Januar y to May a 42% rise on the same period last year

MILLIONS DENIED BOARDING EACH YEAR DUE

TO OVERBOOKED FLIGHTS

Millions of airline passengers are being turned away at the gate each year despite having valid boarding passes and passports new data reveals According to figures from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), an estimated 6 6 million travellers annually are denied boarding due to overbooked flights

A GoCompare study, analysing CAA data and survey responses, estimates that 20 9 million passengers have been affected by overbooking over the past decade Onethird of those directly impacted, around 6 6 million each year, were unable to board their scheduled flight Although airlines are legally required to offer alternative flights and compensation to affected passengers, the study found that 16%, roughly a million people a year are not rebooked Many are left out of pocket, with nearly two -thirds reporting financial losses Despite this, fewer than half pursued a claim through travel insurance GoCompare is now urging travellers to be aware of their rights before flying this year especially during peak travel seasons

Keir Starmer

Priti Patel

Keir Starmer with Emmanuel Macron

Starmer’s first-year report card

One year ago, Sir Keir Starmer swept into Downing Street with a commanding majority of 172 seats The mood then was one of renewal, with promises of stability, competence and fresh energy after years of Conservative rule However, twelve months later, Starmer's government appears cautious, reactive and struggling to define its vision

Domestically, the Labour government has already rolled back several key policy decisions and has announced multiple u-turns As The Financial Times observed, “Such reversals send a message of indecision, not compassion ”

These backtracks are beginning to dent public confidence According to a Sun survey, Reform UK has overtaken Labour in voter support, gaining 26 per cent compared to Labour's 23 per cent Even Labour’s traditional base is showing signs of discontent

Economically, Chancellor Rachel Reeves admitted there is a £20 to £22 billion shortfall in public finances due to underinvestment by previous Conservative governments The Labour budget has focused on “securonomics”, a strategy to prioritise investment and infrastructure, but has been criticised for lacking a clear narrative or vision The approach remains fiscally cautious, with new taxes and restrained public spending, leaving both businesses and households uncertain about the path ahead Overall, the administration has ambitious plans, but existing backlogs and the sheer scale of current initiatives have resulted in limited progress

Compared to his predecessor Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer’s leadership comes across as more methodical but also less dynamic: cautious, consensus-driven, and at times verging on paralysis However, many within the British Asian community continue to back the Prime Minister

However the community wants a stronger stance on illegal

immigration, an area where Starmer has yet to make meaningful progress Despite firm rhetoric, illegal Channel crossings remain high While the Prime Minister has rightly condemned far-right rhetoric, a position that has been welcomed by many, he has not yet introduced substantive reforms to reassure the public or address underlying concerns

Starmer has maintained strong ties with traditional allies in the G7 and NATO, while reinforcing Britain’s support for Ukraine His handling of relations with India has been notably consistent Despite criticism that Labour had previously alienated Indian voters in the UK, Starmer has extended diplomatic warmth toward New Delhi, emphasising trade, technology, defence and climate cooperation As the Financial Times reported, “Labour under Starmer has worked hard to rebuild the UK’s relationship with India ”

On wider international issues, Starmer has walked a careful line between Western solidarity and sensitivity toward the Global South He has condemned Russian aggression, supported sanctions and offered aid to Ukraine At the same time, he has kept a cautious stance on the Gaza conflict, choosing neutrality where previous leaders might have taken firmer positions This approach, though diplomatically safe, risks portraying Britain as passive rather than principled The real challenge for this administration in foreign policy lies not in a lack of progress, but in striking the right balance between long-term strategic goals and short-term global shocks

Keir Starmer entered office as a symbol of renewal, and after a year in power, while tangible progress remains limited, the community trusts his vision and believe things will improve with time If Starmer is to retain the trust of the British public and steer Britain forward, he must move beyond caution

Has India abandoned SAARC and lost the region to China?

Over the past decade, South Asia has seen a major shift in power and influence China has been steadily expanding its role in the region by strengthening ties with India’s neighbours Pakistan is already a close ally of China, and now countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan are also leaning towards Beijing

India once led this regional space through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, or SAARC It was a useful platform that helped India stay connected with its neighbours through trade, education, and joint projects But that influence started to slip after the terror attack on the Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in 2016 India blamed Pakistan for the attack and pulled out of the SAARC summit that was to be held in Islamabad that year Since then, no SAARC summit has taken place The last one was in Kathmandu in 2014

In this silence, China is stepping in On 19 June 2025, diplomats from China, Pakistan and Bangladesh met in K u n m i n g t o d i s c u s s a n e w r e g i o n a l g r o u p i n g W h i l e Bangladesh later stated that this was only an “official” meeting and not political, reports suggest that there is growing interest in creating an alternative to SAARC This new group could include Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and even Afghanistan India may also be invited to join, but the question is whether it would have any real influence India’s experience at other regional forums shows why t h a t c o n c e r n i s r e a l A t t h e S h a n g h a i C o o p e r a t i o n Organisation meeting held in Qingdao this year, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the joint

statement The reason was that the statement did not mention the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 Indian tourists were killed Instead, it included a reference to Balochistan, which matches Pakistan’s talking points

According to AP News, Singh said the omission “undermined India’s position on terrorism” and warned that it “set a dangerous precedent ” Surprisingly, Russia, a long-standing friend of India, did not support India on this issue

Meanwhile, China continues to build strong economic and political ties with South Asian nations According to The Economic Times, China is now holding regular meetings with neighbours like Bangladesh and Pakistan to promote “goodneighbourly and mutually trusted ties ” This strategy also includes Belt and Road projects like the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, which India strongly opposes India once used SAARC to shape the regional agenda Programmes like the SAARC Development Fund and the South Asian University were examples of India’s leadership Now, that space is shrinking As a Carnegie Endowment study put it, “India’s disengagement has created an institutional void that China is eager to fill ”

After nine years without a summit, many are asking if India made a serious mistake by letting SAARC fade away With China pushing ahead and pulling the region closer, India may soon find that its position as a leader in South Asia is no longer guaranteed

If India wants to regain lost ground, it may need to revive SAARC or come up with a bold new plan for regional cooperation The time to act is now

IVF: Born of hope, raised in science

It may surprise many, but in the United Kingdom today, nearly one child in every classroom, around one in 32 births, has been conceived using in vitro fertilisation (IVF) That figure reflects sweeping social change worldwide: delayed parenthood, shrinking households, rising infertility and shifting expectations These children are not symbols of wealth or vanity They are the result of deeply personal journeys marked by hope, cost and emotional labour IVF is not easy The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reported almost 77500 IVF cycles in 2023, producing about 20700 babies At the same time, NHS funding for one cycle has fallen to just 27 per cent from 40 per cent in 2012, leaving many couples to self-fund at average costs of £3500 to over £6000 per cycle, depending on region In London, the total can reach £6150 once add-ons and tests are included For many, record-low fertility rates, 1 44 children per woman, combined with financial and time pressures, have led to a decision to pursue IVF

Families often speak of debt, emotional strain and relentless scheduling of scans, medications and injections around busy lives One woman described a “£15000 hole in family finances” after eighteen months on IVF Another joked about toting needles between work meetings and hotel stays Many couples take out loans or remortgage their homes to fund cycles One UK couple shared how the financial stress was so intense, they considered cutting all non-essential spending just to afford a baby

Beyond money lies the emotional toll Patients report

sleepless nights, anxiety, isolation and even suicidal thoughts brought on by failed cycles or financial exhaustion One fertility doctor noted that many patients stop treatment not because of cost, but because the emotional burden becomes too great

Cost and emotional strain are made worse by the NHS postcode lottery, with funding disparities across regions

Some couples are forced to travel abroad seeking cheaper treatment in countries like Greece or Turkey, but that brings its own stresses, from language barriers to logistical challenges Racial disparities are also clear, with poorer IVF outcomes reported among Black and Asian patients, often due to delayed referrals, limited awareness and systemic biases

Yet for many, the emotional investment outweighs every challenge IVF is a profoundly personal decision Parenthood is a private matter and no longer about status or social milestones In difficult times, with spiralling housing costs, insecure work and rising bills, deciding to have a child must rest on mental health, support and available resources, not outdated societal expectations

In today’s world, every child conceived through IVF is a quiet triumph over circumstance and a reflection of strength, love and hope Couples should have the full right to choose whether or not to have children, without social pressure or stigma IVF is both a scientific gift and a deeply human story It deserves our empathy, our respect and fair access for all Above all, it reminds us that the decision to become a parent or not should always remain a matter of choice, not judgment

Thought for the week

"It always seems

impossible until it's done."- Nelson Mandela

T he plan with Muni r, the leade r of Pak ista n, was to firs t of fer the Nobe l Pea ce Priz e to Trump (lik e the Qatar fre e j et strate gy but without the mon ey) Second, offer milita ry b ase s to USA (Aga in Qatar strate gy) Third off er min eral rig hts in Baluchis tan to USA (lik e the Uk rain e s trategy ) In dia of cours e has self -res pect and the PM of I ndi a s howin g cha racte r did n’t chan ge pla ns to kis s the T rump rin g i n Was hington on his wa y from the G7 – in a ny even t an atte mpt by the US Pre si dent to en gin eer a s tatement about K asmir

In February 2019, after India conducted airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan's Balakot, Pakistan promptly responded with highly publicized but dubious claims, stating it had shot down multiple Indian fighter jets India acknowledged the loss of one MiG-21 aircraft and the capture and subsequent release of a pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman Pakistani military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor portrayed the incident as a decisive military victory, despite failing to produce credible evidence of additional downed aircraft or damage inflicted

This echoes strikingly similar dynamics in January 2020, when Iran retaliated against the US killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani Iran launched missile attacks on US bases in Iraq, notably Ain al-Asad airbase, and claimed heavy casualties among American personnel Iranian state media triumphantly projected massive destruction, despite US evidence indicating minimal damage and no fatalities from the immediate strikes

In both scenarios, the overstated claims of damage serve internal propaganda needs, bolstering regime legitimacy and public morale by projecting strength While initially provocative, these narratives typically unravel upon closer international scrutiny Most recently Bhutto-Zardari has been mincing around London and US persuading the world he’s a victim of (Pakistani) terrorism I think it is a strategy to have his foppish, feminine energy to present a different face of Pakistan The delicate, dainty, prissy and campness he brings to meetings will disarm many in the West

Iran and Pakistan share another compelling similarity: both states maintain semi-theocratic structures, officially blending religion with governance, where religious imperatives can often dictate foreign policy Pakistan, officially named the "Islamic Republic," and Iran, officially the "Islamic Republic of Iran," frequently legitimize confrontational foreign policies under religious and nationalistic pretenses

Additionally, both states harbour proxies accused by their adversaries of terrorism Iran supports Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, and militias in Iraq and Syria Pakistan has been repeatedly accused by India, the US, and Western allies of supporting terror proxies such as Lashkar-e-Taiba,

Afghanistan

These proxies allow both countries plausible deniability, complicating direct accountability For both Iran and Pakistan, asymmetric proxy warfare becomes an essential tool in their geopolitical arsenals, offsetting conventional military disadvantages against stronger adversaries like the US, Israel, or India

Alpesh Patel

Sajid Javid leads new unity commission

A new cross-party com missio n h as been launched to add ress the d eep div isio ns that led to last su mmer s riots acro ss England

L e d b y f o r m e r T o r y

minister Sir Sajid Javid and

e x - L a b o u r M P J o n Cruddas, the Independent

C o m m i s s i o n o n Community and Cohesion has the backing of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

a n d T o r y l e a d e r K e m i

B a d e n o c h I t i n c l u d e s 1 9 experts from diverse political and professional backgrounds

T h e c o m m i s s i o n w a s formed after violent unrest erupted in 27 towns and

c i t i e s l a s t J u l y , f o l l o w i n g the tragic deaths of three young girls in Southport

F a l s e r u m o u r s a b o u t t h e attacker's identity quickly

s p r e a d o n s o c i a l m e d i a , fuelling the chaos

Sir Sajid Javid warned that Britain has become a "tinderbox of division" due

to years of neglect, with governments reacting only w h e n t e n s i o n s e r u p t

“We’re more disconnected than ever, ” he said, pointing to a “pandemic of loneliness” across the country

Sir Sajid Javid, former c o m m u n i t i e s s e c r e t a r y , warned that social cohe-

s i o n i n B r i t a i n h a s b e e n treated as a “second-tier” issue for too long Speaking to The Telegraph, he said c o m m u n a l l i f e i s “ u n d e r threat like never before,”

citing decades of neglect, rising inequality, weakened families, and the decline of local spaces He also highlighted unmanaged immigration, the cost-of-living crisis, and online extremism as key drivers of division

J o n C r u d d a s , f o r m e r

MP for Dagenham, said the commission will focus on l i s

rather than imposing topdown solutions Backed by t h e T o g e t h

C

a l i t i o n founded by Brendan Cox

h i s wife, MP Jo Cox the 19member panel will spend a year investigating the roots

tions

Despite the challenges, Javid remains hopeful, saying Britain has “phenomenal attributes” and the goal i s t o b u i l d “ a v i s i o n f o r communities that all citizens can buy into ”

Leicester Gurdwara seeks approval to resume disputed development

A Leicester charity is seek in g

p e r m is si on t o con t i n u e a de velopment project despite c on ce r n s f r om n e i g hb o ur s

a b ou t t h e sa f e t y of t h e ir

h o me G u r u A m a r D a s

G u r d wa r a wa s g r a n t e d

a p p r ov a l in 20 1 2 t o b u il d

n ext to its Cl arendon Park b ase, provided work b egan within three ye ars

E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r , t h e neighbouring family raised alarm after a trench was dug beside their Adderley Road home, reaching foundation level and raising fears about

s t r u c t u r a l s t a b i l i t y W o r k

w a s p a u s e d , b u t L e i c e s t e r City Council said any damage would be a civil matter

T h e G u r u A m a r D a s Gurdwara is applying for a lawful development certificate, claiming work on its Clarendon Park site began in 2013 within the approved timeframe and has continued in stages for over a

d e c a d e T h i s w o u l d a l l o w the project to proceed without a new planning application

T h e p l a n n e d t h r e estorey building, including a b

s e m e n t , w i l l s

v e a s a youth centre with two halls, a kitchen, and bathrooms

Migrant hotel bosses ‘flee UK’ after £2bn contract axed

T wo m igrant h otel

b o ss es h av e v anished after their £2 billion Hom e Office contract was axed

S a f w a n A d a m

a n d B a s s a m G i l i n i , both 38, made millions through their firm Stay Belvedere Hotels Ltd (SBHL), which runs 51 sites T h e g o v e r n m e n t a n n o u n c e d i n M a r c h t h a t S B H L would be dropped as a c o n t r a c t o r w h e n i t s d e a l e n d s i n September 2025

The pair took at least £47 4 million in d i v i d e n d s f r o m SBHL between April 2021 and September 2022, according to the only available public accounts

While it's believed the SBHL directors may have left the UK, a source close to the company claims they are still based in the country and actively working

The Home Office has refused to disclose why the £2 billion contract was scrapped, denying a Freedom of Information request

H o w e v e r , B o r d e r S e c u r i t y a n d A s y l u m

Minister Angela Eagle recently told a select committee the decision was due to “ non-performance-related issues ”

The TaxPayers’ Alliance criticised the lack of transparency, calling it “unacceptable” given the concerns raised in Parliament

Wrong surgeries expose NHS failings

A wo man who had part of h er spine wrong ly rem oved is amo ng ov er 400 patients affected by serious NHS surg ical errors this year

M i s t a k e s i n c l u d e d w r o n g o r g a n s removed, surgery on the wrong body parts, instruments left inside patients, and even operations on the wrong person

The Royal College of Surgeons has urged the NHS to investigate the rise in such incidents to prevent further errors

I N B R I E F DISABILITY COSTS TO SOAR 12% BY 2029, WARNS SCOPE

The extra cost of being disabled is projected to rise nearly 12% to £14 688 over five years according to new estimates Ahead of a key vote on restricting welfare payments a rebellion by over 120 Labour MPs led to a government U-turn exempting current claimants from planned cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) However around 50 MPs remain concerned the move could create a two-tier system, treating new and existing claimants unequally Disability charity Scope warns the extra cost of being disabled will rise nearly 12% to £1,224 a month or £15,000 a year, by 2029-30 Benefits currently cover less than half, leaving a monthly shortfall of £630, expected to grow to £704 Scope’s James Taylor said government PIP concessions fall short and risk creating a two-tier system, calling for urgent welfare reform co-designed with disabled people

MOUSE INFESTATIONS LEAD TO HEAVY FINES FOR FOOD OWNERS

Two food business owners have been fined thousands after Ealing Council found mouse infestations including dead rodents at their premises Mukhtar Hussain owner of Lahori Savour on The Green in Southall pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates Court on 27 May to multiple food safety breaches, including poor pest control and unclean conditions Hussain and Lahori Savour were fined £20,479 after a serious mice infestation forced the restaurant s temporary closure in September 2023 It reopened in October and now holds a food hygiene rating of 2 In a separate case, Qing Tian, owner of Green Forest Plus Ltd in Acton, was fined £8,432 on 9 May after a severe infestation led to the business being shut down in March It no longer operates in the borough Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal said food businesses must uphold high safety standards, and those who risk public health will be held accountable She urged residents to report any hygiene concerns

The Leicester Sikh Centre is seeking formal recognition of the project’s lawful status and has pledged to comply with any reasonable council conditions

Previously, the Gurdwara drew criticism for demolishing a wall on council-owned playground land, delaying its r e o p e n i n g R e s i d e n t s c a n submit feedback on the plans until Monday, July 7, with a d e c i s i o n e x p e c t e d b y Tuesday, August 19

Violence against carers soars in recent years

C ar e wo r ke rs h av e f a ce d nearly 6,500 vio lent attacks o ver th e past fi ve years that f o r c ed t h em o ff wo r k, sh ocking new figu res reveal

A GMB union survey of

o v e r 1 , 7 0 0 c a r e w o r k e r s found that 52% had been physically assaulted some

b i t t e n , h e a d b u t t e d , o r choked while 66% reported verbal abuse on the job

C a r e w o r k e r s h a v e reported shocking levels of

v i o l e n c e , w i t h i n c i d e n t s i n c l u d i n g b e i n g p u n c h e d , b i t t e n , a n d e v e n h a v i n g teeth knocked out One said they were threatened with a boiling kettle, while another

had eight teeth knocked out by a patient

Over the past five years, 6,469 injuries forced care workers off the job for at least a week, according to data from the Health and Safety Executive More than 1,200 were serious, including broken bones and brain i n j u r i e s I n 2 0 2 3 / 2 4 , v i olence made up 39% of all reported injuries in residential care compared to just 9% across the wider workforce

A care worker with 25 years of experience says violence in the sector is worse n i n g T h e 6 0 - y e a r - o l d ,

b a s e d i n B i r m i n g h a m , shared that she has been bitten, scratched, and hit, and was once trapped in a client’s home and threatened One patient left scars

nails

She said abuse isn’t limi t e d t o p

s f a m i l y members can also be aggressive, especially when carers

d o n ’ t p e r f

s e h o l d t a s

s “ W e ’ r e f a c i n g a n angry society now, ” she said, c i t i n g a g r o w i n g l a c k o f respect “Why would anyo n e w o r k f o r m i n i m u m wage to be spoken to like this or put at risk?”

Gill was meant to have surgery on her right cervical rib but instead had parts of her vertebrae wrongly removed, leaving her with permanent spinal damage Once an active dancer and part-time cook, she now struggles with limited mobility and reduced use of her right hand “Being told you’ll never walk again is devastating,” she said Gill later secured a settlement through lawyers Bond Turner for her losses and future care

NHS data shows there were 403 serious surgical errors known as “ never events” between April 2024 and March 2025, with over 1,900 recorded in the past five years The most common mistake, making up 45% of cases, was surgery on the wrong site Other incidents included instruments left inside patients, incorrect implants, and medication or transfusion errors Some hospitals reported more than 10 such events in a year

BRITAIN’S COUNCIL TAX DEBT REACHES £8 3BN Council tax arrears across Britain have nearly hit £8 3bn, according to

aren t avoiding payment they simply can t afford it, with many living in poverty He urged councils to stop using bailiffs and adopt reforms to protect vulnerable residents The Government has launched a consultation to reform council tax debt collection Responding to it, Cllr Pete Marland of the Local Government Association said councils already

Farage pushes US-style cabinet for UK

Nigel Farag e has claimed he is th e only person standing between Britain and “dang e ro u s ant i- d e m o c rat ic forces” as he ou tlined his v i s i o n to res to r e tr u st i n go vernment

Speaking to ‘The Sunday Times’, the Reform UK leader proposed an Americanstyle system where unelected business leaders would join his cabinet, with parliamentary committees acting

as “courts of law” to hold them accountable “ T

“

understands why Tate

eight attempts, hopes to be

a s

me may be in for a shock once I’m gone, ” he said, calli n g R e

chance” to rebuild faith in democracy N

Robinson but praised

young men, warning, “If

a t comes after me ” He’s proposed a US-style c

unelected business leaders would hold top roles, overseen by parliamentary committees acting like courts

Sir Sajid Javid

Bassam Gilini

Safwan Adam

Leaders pledge to end widow injustice

On the 15th official United

N at i o ns I n te rn at i o na l Widows Day, global leaders, advocates, and gras sroo ts organisers gathered

a t th e C o m mo n we al th Secretariat in London yeste rd ay ( 2 3 J u n e) fo r a n

I n ter n at io na l W i do w s Co nferenc e, co nvened by T he Loo mba Fou ndation, to call for a renewed global commitment to ending th e widespread discri minati on faced by widows and integrating their rights into th e

h e ar t o f t h e S u s ta i na bl e

D e ve lo p m e nt Go al s (S DGs)

U n d e r t h e t h e m e

“ D o n ’ t L e a v e W i d o w s

B e h i n d ” , t h e c o n f e r e n c e

b r o u g h t t o g e t h e r d i s t i nguished speakers including

C h e r i e B l a i r C B E K C , President of The Loomba Foundation; Lakshmi Puri, f o r m e r U N A s s i s t a n t

S e c r e t a r y - G e n e r a l a n d

Deputy Executive Director of UN Women; Lord Khan of Burnley, UK Minister for F a i t h , C o m m u n i t i e s a n d

R e s e t t l e m e n t ; t h e H i g h Commissioner of Rwanda to the UK, H E Johnston Busingye, and representatives of grassroots organi-

s a t i o n s f r o m A f r i c a a n d South Asia

O p e n i n g t h e c o n f e rence, Cherie Blair reflected on the 28-year journey of t h e F o u n d a t i o n a n d t h e fight to have International Widows Day recognised by t h e U n i t e d N a t i o n s i n 2010 She said: “This is not a day for self-congratulation It is a day to focus the w o r l d ’ s a t t e n t i o n o n t h e 258 million widows around the globe and the tens of millions among them who are trapped in poverty, stig-

Global Child Prodigy Awards 2025 honours top 100 at Parliament

President

Director of UN Women

ma, isolation and abuse

W h e n w i d o w s a r e g i v e n even half a chance, they f e e d t h e i r f a m i l i e s , s e n d t h e i r c h i l d r e n t o s c h o o l , and lead Yet, the promise

o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l W i d o w s Day remains unfulfilled for far too many ”

The conference served as a powerful platform for reflection and recommitment, underscored by the f i n d i n g s o f t h e L o o m b a F o u n d a t i o n ’ s l a n d m a r k 2 0 2 4 s t u d y , N o t L e a v i n g

Widows Behind Cited by multiple speakers including Puri and Lord Loomba, the study highlighted that w h i l e a w a r e n e s s h a s grown, the everyday realities for most widows disp o s s e s s i o n , m a r g i n a l i s ation, and lack of protect i o n r e m a i n l a r g e l y unchanged

Puri called for “trans-

f o r m a t i o n a l i n v e s t m e n t ” and laid out five “vital energies” for widow empower-

m e n t : l e g a l r e f o r m , e c onomic upliftment, data and a c c o u n t a b i l i t y , l e a d e r s h i p i n c l u s i o n , a n d c u l t u r a l c h a n g e “ W i d o w h o o d remains one of the most

o v e r l o o k e d g l o b a l i n j u stices,” she said “A UN day

c a n n o t a l o n e r e s o l v e entrenched injustice That duty falls to all of us ” R e p r e s e n t i n g t h e U K Government, Lord Khan of B u r n l e y r e a f f i r m e d B r i t a i n ’ s c o n t i n u e d c o mmitment: “Widowhood is not a marginal concern It is a global human rights

i s s u e a f f e c t i n g o v e r 2 8 0 m i l

t h t h

w

L o o m b a Foundation in calling for policies that uphold wid-

ows ’ rights and challenge harmful norms rooted in faith or tradition ” Grassroots leaders such as Dr Lily Thapa of Nepal, Roseline Orwa of Kenya, and Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi of Nigeria shared firsthand experiences of supporting w i d o w s i n s o m e o f t h e most challenging environm e n t s , r e m i n

change begins in communities

Kumar Dilip, President

invoked the legacy of his late father, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, and the transform

widows in India “Let us be clear: the pain of widowhood is often compounded not by fate, but by society Widows do not need pity they need power ”

Executive Director of UN Women UK, echoed this

:

“This is not a peripheral issue It is central to achiev-

treating widowhood as a

inequality and start treating it as a structural injustice that demands urgent action ”

In closing the confer-

Chairman Trustee of The Loomba Foundation, reaf-

That is why we are here That is why we fight And that is why, together, we will make sure that widows are never left behind ”

For the first tim e, the House of C ommo ns hosted the Global C h i ld P ro d ig y A w ard s 20 2 5, celebrating 100 extrao rdinary children und er 15 from ov er 13 0 countries

H o n o u r e d f o r a c h i e v ements in science, arts, sports, entrepreneurship, and social impact, these young changemakers were recognised as a new generation shaping a better world The event united global leaders, educators, and philanthropists in tribute to their talent and vision

A t t h e G l o b a l C h i l d Prodigy Awards 2025, held at the British Parliament, Chief Guest Gareth Bacon MP praised the honourees as “ a powerful reflection of what is possible when young talent is recognised ” Presented by Charles Group and powered by the Hindustan Group of Institutions, the event celebrated 100 outs t a n d i n g c h i l d r e n a n d h i g h l i g h t e d t h e importance of nurturing young leaders

A key moment was the launch of the ‘Global Child Prodigy Book 2025 ’ , which showcases the stories and achievements of the awardees and will be distributed globally to inspire future generations

Dr Anand Jacob Verghese, Chairman of Hindustan Group of Institutions, congratul

GCPA for hosting such a meaningful event

Laureate Prof George F Smoot and MP Gareth Bacon

“With over six decades of educational legacy, Hindustan Group has always fostered global opportunities We are proud to support GCPA in celebrating tomorrow’s leaders, ” he said

The Global Child Prodigy Awards 2025 celebrated 100 extraordinary children from over 130 countries at the UK Parliament, honouring their achievements in fields from science and music to social impact Standout prodigies included Ravi Adelekan (UK), Zayn Ali Salman (UAE), Orion Jean (US), and John Christian Weibull (Spain)

The event also launched ‘The Water Project’ by Miss Threlakshaa, an environmental campaign on water conservation

Nobel Laureate Professor George Smoot praised the honourees as "a beacon of hope for a brighter future "

Founded by Prashant Pandey in 2020, the Global Child Prodigy Awards is the only platform dedicated to recognising exceptional talent under 15, with past editions held in New Delhi and Dubai

R e f l e c t i n g o n t h e L

n d o n e d i t

o n , Pandey said, “These children prove that age is no barrier to greatness Our mission is to give them the support and visibility they deserve ” The evening ended with a powerful call to continue nurturing young talent, as 100 prodigies gathered for a group photo symbolising a hopeful, promising future

long-term vision to enhance market presence, boost efficiency, and expand its reach

Lakshmi Puri, former UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive

Cherie Blair CBE KC,

of The Loomba Foundation

Lord Raj Loomba CBE, Founder and Chairman Trustee of The Loomba Foundation

Young awardees present at the event

Zara Aleena vigil renews call for women’s safety

s

W om e n a r e “ s t

on

st ree ts, warn ed the aunt

o f Za r a A le

3 5y ea r-old tr aine e lawy er who wa s murd ere d just

m in utes from he r home in Ilford, e ast Lon don, on Jun e 26, 2022

Jordan McSweeney, a known violent offend-

e r , h a d b e e n r e l e a s e d from prison just nine days before murdering Zara Aleena

On the anniversary of h e r d e a t h , d o z e n s o f

mourners dressed in white joined a silent walk along t h e r o u t e s h e t o o k t h a t night Her aunt, Farah Naz, led the vigil, remembering

Z a r a a s s o m e o n e w h o “embodied fairness and jus-

t i c e ” a n d h o p e d t o “ p u t things right in the world ” Naz said progress had been made, but women “ are still not safe,” adding, “We

walk Zara home, and we say: ‘ no more ’”

Sabina Nessa, also attended Alex Davies-Jones, the minister for victims, reaff

Bradford man found guilty of murdering wife in street stabbing

gender-based violence, stating: “We’ve set an ambitious target: to halve violence against women and g

decade We owe it to every woman and girl to make this a reality and to say with one voice enough is enough ” Jordan McSweeney, who admitted to Zara

A

sexual assault, was initially sentenced to life

years in December 2022

However, his sentence was later reduced to a minimum of 33 years

A

ncluded last year that failures “ across multiple agencies” had contributed to Aleena’s tragic death In response, HM Prison and Probation Service issued an apology and said it had since taken “ s i g n i f i c a n t s t e p s ” t o address the systemic failings that were exposed by the case

Blunkett flags rising Islamist risk to Jews

Britain faces a “serious and

o n g o i ng th re at” f ro m Islam ist extrem ists, form er L abour h ome secretary L ord

David Blunkett has w arned

He said the October 7 Hamas attack and the Gaza war have fuelled a “disturb-

i n g ” r i s e i n a n t i - J e w i s h hatred in the UK

Lord Blunkett made the remarks in a foreword to a Counter Extremism Group

r e p o r t w a r n i n g o f r

i v e n b y Islamist extremism The 94page study accuses officials

o f f a i l i n g t o a c k n o w l e d g e the scale of such incidents in

t h e U K a n d h i g h l i g h t s m o s q u e s e r m o n s p r a i s i n g jihad and glorifying violence against Jews

D a n i e l A l l i n g t o n , a

Extremism Group’s report, which warns that Islamists in Britain are exploiting the Gaza conflict to fuel radicali

attacks, says extremists are forming alliances with farleft groups and using the I

to advance their goals of a theocratic empire based on religious supremacy

Allington urged greater recognition of Islamist antis

’ s often overlooked in favour of focusing solely on rightwing extremism He warned that this narrow view under-

Lord David Blunkett

estimates the threat faced by British Jews

Home Secretary Yvette

C o o p e r s a i d I s l a m i s t extremism remains the UK’s top terrorism threat, according to security agencies She added that the government is addressing the “evolving nature” of extremism and terrorism

Groundbreaking treatment gives hope to 3-year-old girl

A th re e- ye ar- o ld g i rl

f ro m Ha ye s, w es t

L o nd o n, h as b ec o m e the yo ung est patient in t h e U K t o rec e iv e a g ro u nd b re aki n g g e ne therapy for a rare and li fe-th reateni ng cond ition

G u n r e e t K a u r w a s treated for AADC deficiency, a disorder that s e v e r e l y a f f e c t s c h i

U p s t a z a g e n e t h e r a p y i n February 2024, she has made remarkable progress G u n r e e t ' s m o t h e r s a i d s h e w a s a m a z e d b y h e r daughter's progress, includi

Gunreet was diagnosed at

family Since receiving the

G u n r e e

grows The treatment was d

Ormond Street Hospital, the only UK centre offering this gene therapy for children S

progress ” since receiving gene therapy “At seven months, I noticed she wasn’t hit-

A "vi olent and controlling" husb and has been found gui lty of murdering his wife after tracking her to a women ’ s refuge

Habibur Masum, 26, fatally stabbed Kulsuma Akter, 27, in broad daylight as she pushed their baby in a pram in Bradford Akter had fled their Greater Manchester home after he held a knife to her throat

Masum used her phone location to find her and was seen on CCTV “loitering, watching and waiting” near the refuge

He threatened to kill her family and sent fake messages posing as a GP to lure her out

Believing he was abroad, Akter felt safe to leave on 6 April But as she walked through Bradford city centre, Masum confronted her and stabbed her when she refused to go with him

CCTV footage played in court showed Habibur Masum stabbing his wife Kulsuma Akter at least 25 times in broad daylight, kicking her and then cutting her throat He was later seen smiling as he boarded a bus through Bradford city centre

Masum fled nearly 200 miles to Aylesbury, where he was arrested on 9 April in a hospital car park He initially asked to view the footage during police questioning but later claimed in court he couldn’t remember the attack and intended to harm himself, not her Prosecutors dismissed his tears as fake, saying he showed no remorse

The court heard their relationship was abusive and controlling Masum had followed Akter from Bangladesh to the UK on a student visa in 2022 He was found guilty of murder, assault, threats to kill, stalking, and possessing a knife

Peer warns Islamophobia definition may stifle free speech

T h e g o v e rn m en t’ s p ro p o s ed d e fi n it io n o f

I s lam op h o bi a c o ul d h i nd e r exp e rts fr o m warning about Islamist influence in Britain, former anti-extremism tsar L ord Walney h as warned

He urged Angela Rayner’s department to avoid using the term altogether, arguing it risks “protecting a religion from criticism” instead of safeguarding individuals

A w o r k i n g g r o u p w a s l a u n c h e d i n F e b r u a r y t o d e f i n e I s l a m o p h o b i a o r a n t iMuslim hatred, following record-high hate crime incidents against Muslims in England a n d W a l e s , a c c o r d i n g t o t h e M i n i s t r y o f

H o u s i n g , C o m m u n i t i e s a n d L o c a l

Government Angela Rayner has been warned that using the term ‘Islamophobia’ instead of ‘ a n t i - M u s l i m h a t e ’ c o u l d s t i f l e e f f o r t s t o expose foreign influence, such as from Iran, by branding criticism as discriminatory

I N B R I E F PHONE USE OVERTAKES TV WATCHING

For the first time people in the UK are spending more time on their mobile phones than watching TV according to new research The shift is driven by 15 to 24-year-olds, who spend nearly five hours daily on their phones The IPA survey found mobile use is "always on" throughout the day, while TV viewing is mostly in the evening Though TV is seen as more relaxing, handheld video content is more likely to leave viewers feeling sad For the first time in 20 years, UK adults are spending more time on their phones (3h 21m) than watching TV (3h 16m), an IPA survey shows Young people (15–24) average nearly five hours on phones and less than two on TV, while older adults show the reverse Experts link the shift to rising distraction and changing media habits The 2025 Reuters Digital News Report also highlights growing reliance on social media for news declining trust in traditional outlets and a rise in unverified content from influencers

EMERGENCY ALERT TO SOUND ON ALL UK PHONES SOON

Millions of phones will sound a 10second siren this year as part of a UK emergency alert test The drill follows a government warning that the country must "actively prepare" for potential direct threats amid rising global tensions including in the Middle East The Emergency Alert System is designed to warn the public of nearby dangers and is already in use in several other countries The US has wireless emergency alerts with distinct sounds and vibrations Japan s advanced J-ALERT system uses satellite and cell broadcasts for threats like earthquakes and missiles South Korea frequently uses nationwide alerts for weather emergencies, and missing persons Australia sends SMS and voice messages for bushfires, floods, and cyclones From June 2022, all EU nations are required to implement mobile alert systems under EU law

BUS SERVICES IN ENGLAND STILL DECLINING DESPITE INVESTMENT

objects, can hold her head up, and is even trying to sit up She recently rolled from her stomach to her back, which is fantastic to see ” Gunreet Kaur

older brother she couldn’t hold her head up, reach for things, and cried constantly,” she said “ N o w , s h

L o r d W a l n e y s a i d p r e j u d i c e a g a i n s t Muslims must be tackled, but dropping the term ‘Islamophobia’ would help protect free speech and avoid shielding religion from criticism He warned that Labour’s previous definition risked stifling debate on issues like I s l a m i s t g r o u p s a n d g r o o m i n g g a n g s a n approach now rejected by the government

While ministers promise to defend free speech, Walney said legal ambiguity is chilling open discussion He also cautioned it could be “toxically damaging for Labour” if the review appears to extend the culture of past grooming gang cover-ups

The Tories claim the review, led by Angela Rayner’s department, lacks transparency as it excludes public input The Free Speech Union is considering a legal challenge

Bus services in England have continued to decline despite government efforts and funding a National Audit Office report has found Bus mileage outside London has dropped 15% since 2019 with passenger numbers still 9% below preCovid levels Nearly half of local authorities rated their ability to deliver services as poor, with congestion reducing satisfaction While £3bn was pledged to improve bus services, much was diverted to Covid support The NAO said subsidies now make up half of bus operator income, raising concerns about route viability It warned of a “cycle of decline” in rural and suburban areas as cuts push more people to drive Labour’s upcoming bus bill will let local authorities run services, but franchising remains costly and complex

Zara Aleena

Habibur Masum

Professor Mahendra G Patel OBE awarded Honorary Fellowship by the RCGP

T h e Ro y al C o ll eg e o f G en era l P ra ct i ti o ner s ( R C G P ) h

H o no r ary F ell o w s h ip to P rofesso r Mahend ra G Patel OBE, recog nising h is except i on al c o nt ri bu t io n s to h ealthcare, research equ ity and cross-professional leadersh ip

M a h e n d r a i s a n R P S Fellow, former member of the RPS English Pharmacy Board and previously held the post of RPS Treasurer This accolade is the RCGP’s highest award for non-GPs

H e i s t h e

u n d i n g director of the Centre for R e s e a r c h E q u i t y

N

D e p a r t m e n t o f P r i m a r y

Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford, shaping national research policy,

c o l l a b o r a t i n g w i t h t h e RCGP and forming strategic partnerships across the UK

As co-lead of the NIHR-sup-

p

t

d R

, h e i s d

f f o r t s t

Leadership Advisory Board, Mahendra is a strong supporter of RPS becoming the Royal College of Pharmacy

Pharmaceutical Officer HSJ named him as one of the 50 most influential BAME figures in UK healthcare today P rof esso r M ah end ra G P atel OBE said: “This stands

n g

s t r e n g t h e n research capacity and capability while fostering equitable career progression for Black and minority ethnic healthcare professionals

A m e m b e r o f t h e U K

moments of my career, and for the pharmacy profession I represent, as RPS progresse s t o b e c o m

R o y a l College of Pharmacy I hope this recognition becomes a catalyst: for closer collabo-

ship, and for inspiring mem-

bers of both our professions to think beyond traditional boundaries - at every stage of their careers

“At a time of extraordinary pressures on general p

, joined-up thinking and integrated leadership across our professions has never been

sought to break silos, widen

improving health outcomes by tackling the deep-rooted

across our communities

This Fellowship, for me, is not the culmination of that long journey, but the beginning of a renewed and fresh commitment ”

RPS President Pro fessor C laire An ders on s aid : “I’d

marks his huge contribution

healthcare His work continues to inspire a new generation of pharmacists and r

equity, innovation, and collaborative leadership Long may it continue ”

Teen takes charge after council boss quits

T he newly elected leader of

W ar w ic k sh i re C o u n ty

C o unci l has res ig ned after ju st 41 days in office Reform

U K councillor Ro b Howard cited health reasons for stepp ing d own, calling it a deci-

s i o n m ad e w i th “ m u ch reg ret ” Howard led Reform to historic gains in May’s local elections, forming a minority administration His 18-yearo l d d e p u t y , G e o r g e F i n c h , will serve as interim leader and has not ruled out stand-

ing for the permanent role

Announcing his resignation, Rob Howard said the role of council leader was “extremely demanding” and h i s h e a l t h c h a l l e n g e s n o longer allowed him to serve to the standard he wanted I n t e r i m l e a d

G e o r g e Finch confirmed a leadership e l e c t i o n w o u l d t a k e p l a c e within a week, adding: “We want a fair process Let’s see where we are in a week’s time ” The 18-year-old said the c o u n c i l w a s i n “ s t e a d y hands” and the party’s mission “remained unchanged ” Asked if he would stand for the top job, Finch said it was too soon to decide, adding, “It’s business as usual until a new leader is elected ” George Finch

IVF births hit record high in UK

O ne in ev e ry U K sc h o o l

c l as sr o o m i s n o w b o rn

th ro u g h IV F , acc o rd ing t o new figu res fro m the Hum an F ertilisation and Embryology A uth ority (HFEA ) I n 2 0 2 3 , n e a r l y 2 1 , 0 0 0 babies were born via IVF, up from just 8,700 in 2000 IVF now accounts for 3 1% of all UK births, compared to 1 3% in 2000 and 2 3% in 2013,

h i g h l i g h t i n g t h e g

n g role of fertility treatment in family planning

The HFEA said the latest figures reflect a “changing landscape” in fertility care IVF births for women aged 40–44 rose to 11% in 2023, up from 4% in 2000

E

down from 35% in 2019, with Scotland offering the most support (54%) compared to just 24% in England

rates in recent years compared to White and mixed-

P A R K I N S O N ’ S A N D T H E P O W E R O F C O N N E C T I O N

Parkinso n s is a comp lex condition with mo re than 40 sym ptom s and it affects people from all walks of life M any p eop le with the condition can feel iso lated and stru ggle to meet others who u nd erstand

That’s where Parkinson’s UK groups can really help, providing vital advice and connection to the Asian community, both in person or online Hem a ’ s L eicester cafe

Hema Reilly was diagnosed with Parkinson’s aged 51 It started with a tremor in her right arm and all of a sudden, her life changed “I went from having two jobs to taking early retirementand with this came the horror and panic ”

Her nephew visited a Parkinson’s group in Loughborough, and persuaded Hema to go along “It was great meeting others living with the condition But I also realised just how much stigma existed in the Asian community,” she explains “I kept hearing things like ‘God will make you better’, or that the condition was a curse I thought: ‘I need to change this - I need to help people This is my new vocation ’”

Seeing these gaps in local support, Hema decided to set up a Parkinson’s café in Leicester It is a place where people can feel comfortable and talk openly about their problems “If someone has

an issue, then we’ll try to help them,” she says “People are able to sit and chat informally It gives everyone a chance to discuss things without feeling embarrassed or ashamed ”

“There might not be a cure, but people know that there’s a place they can go to for support, to ask questions And it’s given me a new lease of life We want to reach as many people in the community as we can, to say you ’ re not alone We’re here to help ” Shamsa and th e online support g roup Shamsa Hussain was diagnosed with Parkinson’s aged just 28 Her baby was six months old

“I was diagnosed but given no support or information at all My GP simply told me, “You have Parkinson’s,” handed me a neurologist’s letter and sent me home no signposting, no guidance The shock was overwhelming ”

“But then I found this online group, designed for people from Black, Asian, Arab, and Mixed Heritage backgrounds living with Parkinson’s I thought, ’Finally a group that might understand me ’ ”

“Since its inception, the Parkinson’s UK team has done an outstanding job creating a safe, welcoming space There’s no pressure or expectation; you can participate at your own pace The monthly meetings are always informative and wellorganised, focusing on relevant and educational topics I’ve learned about diet, exercise, medical research, and more

“The world can be scary when you feel vulnerable and depressed In everyday life, Parkinson’s can make you feel like an anomaly, dealing with tremors, rigidity and pain But in this group, I don’t have to feel ashamed or embarrassed We share a common language and treat each other with genuine empathy and compassion

“I would urge anyone living with Parkinson’s to find the courage to step outside their comfort zone and seek support We are not meant to struggle through life alone We are stronger, more empowered, and more resilient when we ’ re connected to a caring community ”

Pitru Vandana honours forefathers through

n 2 0 2 3 ,

About 820 babies were born via donor insemination last year NHS-funded IVF cycles d r o p p e d

n said, “IVF is helping more people have babies, including patients of different ages and family types ”

and The Prince’s Trust Sir Anwar Pervez

paid artistic

ute to Indian legends like Veda Vyasa, Kalidasa, Arjuna, and Shivaji through classical and folk dance forms including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, O d i s

Founder of Sanskruti Centre

formances

Mahendra G Patel OBE

Airlines and travel businesses need to prioritise on rebuilding trust

Swathi Anil

T he recent A ir India crash incident on J une 12, 2025, h as sent ripples of ap preh ension thro ugh the g lobal tr av el c om m u ni ty, si g nif icantly im pacting consumer c on fid enc e and th e trav el business

While air travel remains statistically one of the safest

m o d e s o f t r a n s p o r t , t h e emotional aftermath of such a tragedy, amplified by subs e q u e n t s c a r e s , h i g h l i g h t s the delicate balance of trust in the industry

Beyo nd the wreckag e For travel professionals, this period serves as a stark

r e m i n d e r o f t h e i r c r i t i c a l role As Vas Jesan i, travel consultant of Crystal Blue travels, the UK stated, "The travel industry has weathered storms before 9/11, volcanic ash clouds, and pandemics What I've learned is that trust returns, but only w h e n i t ' s d e m o n s t r a t e d through consistent, transparent actions

Air India seems to grasp this " She further elaborated

t h a t A i r I n d i a ' s i n v e s t i g a -

t i o n , t r a n s p a r e n

m i l y support, and visible safety

measures are precisely the steps required to regain confidence, adding that bookings will come back to Air I n d i a n o t b e c a u s e p e o p l e forget, but because they see a genuine commitment to

trust operates in travel: it's

built on actions, not promises," Adding to this the NHS has advised Brits to apply for the free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) at

European travel This essential card provides access to s t

s not replace comprehensive travel insurance

However, the immediate impact on sales is undeniable Jaym in Borkh atria of S o u t h

T r a v e l s , L o n d o n , noted that "After Easter is off-season for India as it is

Grand celebratation of Ratha Yatra

T he s a c r e d Ra t ha Y a t r a ( Chariot Fe s tiva l) was c el eb r a t e d wi t h de v ot i on a n d s piritual joy a t Upton Cour t Park, Sl ough, on 28 June 2025

O r g a n i s e d b y S h r e e

rainy climate there So, we

c

decline in sales is affected by

s h Customers are confused as

clarity underscore the psychological effect of the incident

In India, the repercussions have been more pro-

G la ds to n

n

Joseph, Travel advisor of K T

p decline in consumer confidence, with bookings on Air I

about 20%, while cancellations surged by 30 to 40%

“The anxiety has led to a significant shift in passenger

filtering flights by aircraft

t y p e ( s o m e t h i n g n o t v e r y c o m m o n a m o n g I n d i a n s )

Dreamliners and even willing to pay more for emer-

ceived safety ” The fear is palpable, leading to a tenfold increase in inquiries at a Bengaluru-based therapy centre specialising in flightr e l a t e d f e a r s T h e i m p

tifully decorated chariot was lovingly prepared by devoted volunteers

The ceremonial chariot cleansing, ‘Chhera Pahanra’, w a s p e r f o r

J a g a n n a t h a S o c i e t y U K (SJSUK), the event drew over 1,000 devotees from across the UK Participants pulled t h e b e a u t i f u l l y d e c o r a t e d chariot of Lord Jagannatha and took part in devotional singing, kirtans, and the serving of Mahaprasad (sanctified food) to all This year in the UK, the deities travelled from Shri Ram Mandir Southall to Upton Court Park, then to Slough Hindu Mandir for an eight-day stay At the park, they were carried in a grand ‘Pahandi Yatra’ to the chariot, amid joyous chants and traditional instruments The beau-

great enthusiasm Community

Thakur of Shri Ram Mandir

S

pulled the chariot through Upton Court Park, accompan

Jack Rankin, Deputy Mayor Neel Rana, and several comm u n

d t h e procession, along with spec i a l g u e s t s S h r i P r a k a s h

C h h a b r i a , R i t a H i n d u j aChhabria, and Shri Loknath Mishra Children and local

with international trips, like one for 40 high school stud

h e h a s b o o

, i

b e i n g p o s t p o n e d o r c a ncelled due to parental conc e r n s S ri n j o y S en o f 3 S

T r a v e l N e t w o r k P v t L t d , Kolkata, corroborated this hesitancy, noting that "people are getting a bit of hesitant to travel but it has not a f f e c t e d m u c h " H e a l s o highlighted the new trend of seeking emergency exit

s e a t s , w h i c h h a s e v e n b e c o m e s o m e w h a t o f a ‘joke’, with some "giving up legroom and asking for a seat near emergency exit "

T h e s e t r e n d s a r e s y m ptomatic of the ‘flight phobia’ gripping travellers When reu nions stir trepid ation

Beyond the leisure and b u s i n e s s t r a v e l s e g m e n t s , t h e c r a s h h a s p r o f o u n d l y

i c u l

y grandparents visiting their children and grandchildren The chilling visuals and subsequent scares have stoked anxieties, making long-distance travel, once a source of joyful reunion, a cause for significant worry Families are now grappling with the emotional burden of loved ones travelling by air, adding a l a y e r o f t r e p i d a t i o n t o what should be a comforting j o u r n e y T h e i n c i d e n t underscores the urgent need for airlines and travel businesses to prioritise rebuilding trust through enhanced safety communication and support services to address this pervasive anxiety

Devotees unite for Aylesbury’s Rath Yatra

Ov er 3 50 d ev otees gath ered at t h e A y le sb u ry Multicultural Centre for the 7th Annual Rath Yatra Utsav, hosted by Aylesbury Hind u Tem ple (A HT )

Prof Hasmukh Shah honoured for lifelong service

A renow ned Gujarati orig in doctor in the U K , P ro f H as m u kh S h ah B E

W receiv ed

certificate o

his contribution and selfless services to the United Kingd om The appreciation award was issued by Dr Seema Malhotra MP, UK Minister for M

Citizenship

of the Windrush Cymru

Cymru's Windrush work in Wales

The certificate was

Citibond Travel walks in memory of beloved colleague Alpa Shah

The Citibond Travel team , tog ether with the family of Alpa S hah , completed a 10 K charity w alk i n hono ur of their much-loved colleague and friend on Sunday, 6 J uly 2025 The w alk w as held in su p p o r t o f M ac m i ll an Cancer Su pport, a cau se that meant a great deal to Alpa

evening began with Puja and Aarti, followed by

vibrant

tional kirtans, and the serv-

Held on a vibrant Friday

drew devotees from

Greater London reflecting

cultural reach of AHT’s signature event

cherished tradition rooted in Puri, Odisha, and described in the Skanda Purana as Lord Jagannath’s most auspicious procession This year ’ s

Devotees of all ages joined in honouring Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Mata Subhadra, and Sudarshan in a joyful, soul-stirring celebration

devotion and active participation from the entire community Men, women, and children came together to pull the chariot and chant the Lord’s name in unison, creating a powerful atmosphere of unity, energy, and s

uplifted everyone present

A l p a S h a h , w h o s a d l y passed away on 15 December 2024, was not only a highly r e s p e c t e d D e s t i n a t i o n Expert but also the heart of t h e C i t i b o n d o f f i c e Affectionately known as the " M u m " o f t h e t e a m , s h e brought warmth, kindness, a n d p o s i t i v i t y i n t o e v e r y aspect of her work and relationships

A p a s s i o n a t e t r a v e l l e r , Alpa found immense joy in

discovering the world and h e l p i n g h e r c l i e n t s c r e a t e unforgettable journeys Her loss was deeply felt across the team, but her legacy continues to inspire Taking part in the charit y w a l k a l l o w e d h e r c o lleagues and loved ones to come together, celebrate her life, and continue the work she cared about, supporting those affected by cancer

Upcoming events

1 The Roxeth Show – Summer 2025 will be held on Saturday, 12 July, from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm at Roxeth Recreation Ground, Kingsley Road, South Harrow (HA2 8LF) Organised by the Roxeth Friends Group and led by Chairperson Dr Manek Patel, the event has celebrated community and culture since 1979 Expect a fun-filled family day with children’s crafts, live music, charity stalls, and advisory services. Entry is free. For details, contact Dr Manek Patel at 07762 354 651.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO REGISTER:

2 Three leading organisations Navnat Vanik Association, JITO UK, and Vanik Council UK, are hosting “Summer Dhamaka” on Sunday, 27 July at the Navnat Centre, Hayes (UB3 1AR) The family-friendly event will feature a kids’ play area, fire walk, charity walk, and free health check-ups and including lunch, while raising funds for three charitable causes Registration options include: A General Entry, B Fire Walk, C Charity Walk

Alpa Shah

Hasmukh Shah BEM, FLSW (left) with Anita Bailey from the Home Office who presented on behalf of Minister at Welsh Parliament

Deities enshrined on the sacred chariot

Vas Jesani Jaymin Borkhatria

Srinjoy Sen

Jo Gladston Joseph

Wimbledon kicks off with glamour, heat and high hopes

T h e 2 0 2 5 W im bl ed o n C hampionships kicked off on

Ju ne 3 0 at the A ll England Club in London, drawing excitement and star pow er from around the w orld A ll eyes are o n Carlos

A lc araz, J annik Si nner fresh

o ff th eir thrilling French Op en

f i na l a nd No v a k Dj o k o v i c,

w ho is chasing a reco rd 25th Grand Slam title

The tournament’s opening day wasn’t just about tennis; it also turned heads with a strong celebrity presence From actors and musicians to sports personalities, many stars filled the stands to witness the action unfold on the iconic grass courts, adding extra glamour to one of the most anticipated events in the sporting calendar

Bollipalli teams up with Romania’s Nicolás Barrientos, while Balaji partners Mexico’s M

both pairs also playing their openers on July 2

With no Indians in the singles draw Sumit Nagal fail in qualifiers all hopes rest on the doubles teams to continue the legacy of Paes, Bhupathi, and Mirza

Stars shine brigh t at match

Vibrant gathering of strength and sisterhood at Triveni Sangam

A round 400 w omen from North, East, South L ondon and Leicester gathered in So uth Lo nd on for a v ibrant celebration of unity and emp owerm ent on Saturd ay, 28 June A rriv ing in four co aches, each group w ore distinct colou rs g reen for Nav nat Bhagini Samaj, saffron for South London, bro wn for East London, and purple for Leicester, transforming the hall into a j oyful, Holi-like spectacle T he ev ent beautifu lly cap tured the spirit of Triveni Sang am , celebrating culture, sisterh ood, and strength

Wimbledon’s opening day saw record heat and huge crowds, with 10,000 fans

q

Officials issued a warning an hour earlier,

Temperatures hit 29 7°C at Kew Gardens, breaking the previous opening day record of 2 9 3

Wimbledon history remains July 1, 2015, at 35 7°C

India will be represented by four players in the men ’ s doubles at Wimbledon 2025:

Bollipalli, and N Sriram Balaji V

Sander Gillé to face third seeds Tim Pütz and Kevin Krawietz on July 2 Bhambri, India’s only seeded player, pairs with American Robert Galloway against Manuel Guinard and Romain Arneodo

about thrilling tennis it was a star-studded affair On Day 2, Actress Cate Blanchett was seen enjoying the match between defending champion Barbora Krejčíková and Alex Eala alongside her mother, June Russell Crowe and girlfriend Britney Theriot shared reactions from Centre Court, while Rebel Wilson and wife Ramona Agruma made a stylish appearance around the grounds Justin Rose, Alexander Armstrong, and Judy Murray was also present Simu Liu and fiancée Allison Hsu enjoyed a date at the No 1 Court suite

On Day 1, David Beckham arrived suited up with his arm in a sling accompanied

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova was spotted in a chic denim midi skirt While

watched Carlos Alcaraz’s opener from the Royal Box

Jessica Alba coordinated in blue with daughter Honor at the Evian VIP suite, where actor Jamie Campbell Bower was also

joined the commentary team, and actress Lara Bhupathi was spotted in the crowd during day one of the Wimbledon

Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji inspires thousands across UK tour

In a landm ark spiritual journey, Shrimad Rajch andra M ission Dharam pur U K (SRMD U K) h osted revered spiritu al leader Pujya

G u ru d e v s h ri Ra kes h j i fo r an e i g h t- d ay Dh armayatra across Lo nd on, M anchester, and L eicester from 19– 26 Ju ne 2025 Th e tour brou ght together div erse commu nities in a shared p ursuit of inner peace, purpose, and spiritual g rowth

The tour began in London, where over 2,500 spiritual seekers gathered at Byron Hall, Harrow Leisure Centre for two transformative evenings Drawing from the etern

teachings of 19th-century visionary Shrimad

R

d practical, relatable insights in His signature, impactful style In His discourse “Add Salt to Your Devotion,” He explained how faith can

foundly relevant,” noted one dignitary In Manchester, hundreds attended his discourse on inner evolution and detachment, learning that while the outer world is uncontrollable, our thoughts and responses are within our power “Even

be deepened through daily conversations with the Divine, using the acronym SALT: Sacred space, Acceptance, Listening, and Timeless connection In “Add Sugar to Your Relationships,” He offered guidance on nurt u r i n g

through Service, Understanding, Goal alignment, Artful communication, and Respect for differences

Each evening blended devotional music, meditative sound baths, and heartfelt performances by SRMD UK youth and volunteers, creating a deeply reverent and inspiring atmosphere “Pujya Gurudevshri makes t

language, I felt deeply connected,” shared a first-time attendee

seekers were guided to turn

obstacles, and embrace personal transformation Many left with a renewed sense of peace and purpose

Gurudevshri also held intimate sessions with SRMD UK volunteers and youth, offering personalised guidance that deeply moved those who serve the Mission’s values of com-

including Leader of Harrow Council, Paul Osborn, The worshipful the mayor of the London Borough of Harrow, Cllr Anjana

Hertsmere, Cllr Alpha Bird Collins and the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Carmine Grimshaw attended and received his blessings

and East London

up the stage with energetic dances celebrating the Bachchan family Together, they revived the golden era of Bollywood

In addition to the entertainment, two Ayurvedic experts from Kerala shared natural health tips and led a relaxing yoga session, highlighting women ’

well-being

Women from Navnat Bhagini Samaj, South London Nari Vrund, the Ladies’ Wing of the Jain Sangh (East London & Essex), and Leicester Bhagini Kendra came together for an evening of Bollywood-style music, dance, and celebration Although the Manchester group couldn’t attend this time, the event remained vibrant and festive Guests were warmly welcomed with dhol beats, traditional songs, and garlands for group presidents

Led by Daksha Virani, President of Nari Vrund, the gathering felt as joyful as a family wedding Young women participated with enthusiasm, and the event was seamlessly h o s te d b y S h ee na, T ar ik a

Janaki

After a warm welcome by Daksha Virani

President Raksha Shah, the event opened with a graceful Bharatanatyam performance by Janaki Mehta The South London group paid vibrant tribute to five generations of the K

Kendra brought back memories of Rajesh

Bhagini Samaj) gave thoughtful speeches reflecting on the origins of Triveni Sangam and the importance of women ’ s empowerment All were warmly welcomed and honoured by host President Daksha Virani and her team

Sangam is also a platform for social change She suggested shorter condolence gatherings and limiting post-cremation meals to close family to reduce food waste, stress, and cost; proposing those funds be directed to charity instead “Let’s revisit this in two years and see the changes we ’ ve made,” she added

announced that the next Triveni Sangam will be hosted in East London in 2027, met with enthusiastic applause The day’s success was made possible by the efforts of committee members and volunteers, who thoughtfully managed everything from breakfast to dinner Guests left with joyful memories and hopes to reunite soon

Bhagini Kendra), Dina Doshi (Jain Sangh

L-R: Harshida Mehta Hina Vora Dina Doshi Saroj Varia Daksha Virani Jyoti Shah, Jayshree Vora, Kirtida Shah, Ila Shah and Asha Kothari

Cllr Anjana Patel (left) with Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji

Community members attending the event at Jain Community Centre at Manchester

Sandra and David Beckham

From gutter jibes to global deals

From the moment Donald Trump entered political life, his language has often sounded more like that of a street fighter than a statesman During his first term, he mocked rivals with nicknames such as Crooked Hillary and Little Marco He also labelled the press “the enemy of the people”, a phrase that might belong more in a political drama than at the White House podium When he referred to Haiti and African nations as “shithole countries,” the global reaction was swift and severe It was the kind of language rarely, if ever, used in diplomatic settings, and it signalled Trump’s intention to rewrite the script of presidential speech

That tone has not softened in his second term Last week at the NATO summit in The Hague, Trump declared, “Putin really has to end that war, ” referring to the conflict in Ukraine There was no careful phrasing, no room for interpretation, just a blunt order directed at a global adversary He then remarked that Britain did not “need much help” because it could “take care of itself,” an ambiguous comment that sounded half praise and half dismissal For many, this style reflects strength and authenticity For others, it signals recklessness

What sets Trump apart is the way he mixes this provocative language with high stakes diplomacy Earlier this year, he accused President Zelenskyy of Ukraine of ruling without elections and hinted at withholding further support Yet in the same breath, he offered American missile systems to Kyiv and s a i d

Following airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, he proclaimed, “The bully must now make peace ” These statements often seem designed to provoke headlines, but they also suggest a deliberate strategy of pressure through language

To his supporters, Trump’s raw and sometimes crude way of speaking is a refreshing break from what they see as polished deception in politics To his critics, particularly across Europe, it is unsettling and unbecoming of a world leader Yet over two terms, he has used this communication style to dominate headlines and shape international debates His words may sound coarse, but they often come attached to bold proposals and unexpected deals Whether praised or condemned, Trump’s language remains a central part of his political weaponry In the end, his journey from gutter jibes to global deals continues to challenge the conventions of modern leadership

Dr Narsi nhbhai Patel

Happy Canada Day

In 2025, Canada turns 158 years old It officially became a country on July 1, 1867

July 1 is Canada Day, a federal statutory holiday that celebrates the anniversary of Canadian Confederation, which took place on July 1, 1867, with the passing of the British North America Act At that time, the United Canadas, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick came together to form a single dominion within the British Empire named Canada The name “Canada” most likely originates from the Iroquoian word kanata, meaning “village” or “settlement ” In 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier was directed to the village of Stadacona by Indigenous people who used the word kanata Over time, the name “Canada” came to refer to a larger region along the St Lawrence River and eventually became the name of the country In this context, I’d like to share a personal memory of how I expressed my appreciation and best wishes on Canada Day On June 30, 1996, during the wedding reception of our eldest daughter, Alpa Patel, and Naval Gandhi, I gave a speech as the father of the bride I not only wished the couple a long and happy union but also wished for the long-lasting union of Canada since the following day was Canada Day Believe me, that line received the loudest applause from all the guests, including Canadians and those of various other origins

H a p p y C a n a d a D a y t o a l l C a n a d a , o u r b e a u t i f u l adopted country, in spite of its imperfections

Suresh and Bh av na Patel

"Nectar on the Seven Hills"

This refers to Mr Prabhu Ram's interview regarding his book "Nectar on the Seven Hills" (Asian Voice 31 May - 6 June 2025 Page 15) He says that there are more than 8 million different species of life that we share the planet with They are actually divided as 3 million plants and trees, 2 7 million insects and animals, 1 4 million birds and other winged fliers, 9 hundred thousand water-animals and 4 hundred thousand human beings (8 4 million in total) This has been revealed to us by our sages for us to know his unlimited greatness From time to time supernatural beings have been taking birth in India and other parts of the world in order to help us to go back to our source One of them, Saint Kabirji says that there are 72 thousand veins in our body and he enlightens us much more Such godly souls are with the creator forever In return for our good actions and pure devotion to him we can be freed from the cycle of birth and death

Desirous of his glimpse should follow the path shown to us by our saints The message of our ancient scriptures should be properly understood and conveyed to others interested in spiritualism Remember that the teachings of our eternal Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahibji, are universal Jog ind er Singh

mostly negative

During the run up to the last general election he gave us clues about how he deals with facts, truths and lies He has perfected the art of changing his mind on a continuous basis and getting away with it Normally such behaviour would result in the electorate rejecting him and his party However, for Starmer his stars were aligned for success and the Tories did everything possible to lose the last election To be honest you could have had a donkey leading the Labour Party and they would still have won the last election

We therefore had ample evidence to showcase what our new Prime Minister might be like in action A man

information, and ignores his own statements on policy positions from the past In power, one would have thought that he might have taken due care not toshowcase this total disregard for truth However, there has not been a week that goes by when he, or one of his minion front bencher, says one thing and then they do something entirely different

His reputation has excelled as the man, nay the Prime Minister, whose USP is the art of the U-turn There are many to choose from, but let’s just consider the following few

He caught his own MPs off guard when he announced the scraping of the winter fuel allowance Frankly a totally mad idea given that the amount saved was pittance in the s

electoratebeing massive Day after day the haemorrhaging continued Party insiders advised Number 10 to make a Uturn, but he was stubborn and was relentless in his pursuit to enforce his now found power This man was not for Uturns, yet! What we witnessed was the painfuldestruction of a policybeing played out in the public sphere In the end, the pressure became relentless and he had to make one of his first major U-turns on the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners An error of judgement that could have been avoided, if brain had been engaged before ideological madness and a power grab

However, this frankly was just the starter The main

understanding, the Labour government decided that it would never allow a statutory inquiry into the grooming gang ’ s scandal It became clear that not only was this reluctance to avoid the truth about the perpetrators coming out, but even more sinister, it was to also protect

personnel, police officers and others in the justice system He nearly got away with it, had it not been for Elon Musk Elon from across the pond made it an international issue He raised the question that Labour wanted to avoid, and the result was the UK finally woke up and started their own campaign for a statutory inquiry There was now an emerging consensus from the left to the right of the political spectrum that nothing short of a formal statutory inquiry would be acceptable Starmer refused, his front bench refused, and during this time of their deliberate

vulnerable girls, the electorate showed their discontent in the national polls A government with such a massive majority of only a year ago was facing decimation if the polls were to be believed Starmer could see the writing on

the wall, another U-turn was coming but how does he do that without it looking as bad as it was? Well the Casey review came out in time and it exploded the truth about grooming gangs and the connection with professionals from various sectors Starmer saw his opportunity and hastily Labour announced a full statutory inquiry into grooming gangs One of the biggest U-turns took place and the whole Labour front bench in the House of Parliament could be seen to be visibly defeated Labour politicians were left ‘red’ faced knowing that the truth was about to come out, assuming the inquiry is conducted properly (rumours have already started that MP’s, Peers and some others might be exempt from it!) and in a timely fashion

The polls currently show:

Labour is sinking faster than the titanic on an iceberg of lies and broken promises The Prime Minister seems to have decided that he is better off travelling to various nations abroad and getting those all-important photo opportunities and be seen as a statesman Unfortunately, even most of these efforts have resulted in little returns He attempted to create the European gang of nations that would replace the USA and support Ukraine Only to find that Ukraine only had eyes for the USA and Trump And Russia basically laughed off this European chest thumping buffoonery

His next strategy was to align himself with Trump and shower his support for Israel The cost, his own MPs showed their contempt for him publicly As I write this article, his flagship piece of legislation on welfare is now in trouble More than 100 of his MPs have written to him demanding that unless he changes it substantially, they will vote against No three-line whip was going to work After weeks of internal fighting, and the backlash from his own MPs, and of course the electorate, it seems in the final days before the big vote is due, the Prime Minster has relented and will do yet another major U-turn He is nothing but consistent when it comes to making U-turns

Only this week Starmer made yet another U-turn on a comment he has made justsix weeks ago He told The Observer he “deeply regrets” his “island of strangers” migration speech adding, “I wouldn’t have used those words if I had known they were, or even would be interpreted as an echo of Powell” One wonders, does he even read his speeches before he delivers them with the charisma of lawn clippings!

U-turn Starmer does reignsupreme The only question remaining, how many more U-turns will it take before the party replaces him with another leader? As it stands, L a b o u r h a s l o s t c o n t r o

e r i l l e g a

m i g r a t i o n , t h e economy, the welfare system, the national debt andthe justice system Can Labour stop the poll disasters? Can t h e y r e v e r s e t h e d a m a g e c a u s e d b y

o g i c a l madness? Can they get back the voters they have lost? Looking at the future, even though it is some four years away, I have to say I can’t see any bright light for Labour at the end of the tunnel of shame that they have created

Will the legacy of this Labour government be that of it being the worst ever in its history Time will tell, I guess

Bluster of Claims – the Propaganda Playbook

Cont in ua tion from page 3

Contrasting with Iran and Pakistan, democratic countries such as India, Israel, and the United States typically engage in restrained a

responses Although as with Britain in Northern Ireland (and in India for that matter) w h e n e v

involved in civilian areas the

follow

For instance, after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, I

Balakot aimed specifically at t

rather than broader military

underlines the principles of p

r e s p o n s i b l e i n t e r n a t i o n a l conduct

S i m i l a r l y , f o l l o w i n g Iran’s missile strikes in 2020, the US response was deliberately cautious, focused on c o n t a i n m e n t r a t h e r t h a n escalation Israel, too, consistently employs precision s t r i k e s t a r g e t i n g m i l i t a n t groups in Gaza or Iranian p r o x i e s i n S y r i a a n d Lebanon, typically avoiding large-scale civilian damage Iran and Pakistan frequently employ aggressive r h e t o r i c I r a n i a n o f f i c i a l s regularly threaten existent i a l d e s t r u c t i o n a g a i n s t I s r a e l a n d s e v e r e h a r m against US interests, publicly flaunting their missile c a p a b i l i t i e s a n d n u c l e a r a

n

Conversely, democratic states, despite robust deterrence capabilities, generally maintain diplomatic comp o s u r e a n d c a l c u l a t e d restraint Their statements t y p i c a l l y r e a f f i r m s e l fdefense while emphasizing international legality, focusing more on strategic cont

i n m e n t t h a n r h e t o r i c a l threats

Repeatedly exaggerated

p e r i o d i c a l l y e s c a l a t e s i t s r h e t o r i c a g a i n s t I n d i a , including threats of nuclear retaliation in scenarios of conventional warfare escalation

c l a i m s a n d p e r s i s t e n t reliance on terror proxies s i g n i f i c a n t l y u n d e r m i n e international credibility for P a k i s t a n a n d I r a n W h i l e temporary domestic advantages are secured by painti n g t h e m s e l v e s a s v a l i a n t victors over superior foes, l o

actions In short, when nations rely on bluster rather than fact, and proxies rather than diplomacy, they often pay dearly for their short-term

Kapil Dudakia

Sunetra Senior

We caught Rubina as she was p erso nally d elivering a few orders as part of the ru nn in g o f h er b u si nes s :

“what defines a successful ent rep re neu r is h av in g a strong h eart, ” sh e shared with us: “ and hav ing a lot of tim e for your custom ers It is also impo rtant to be true to yourself, authentic and h ar d y ” R u bi na i s th e fo u n d er o f m u lti - aw a rd w i nn in g J ac k H arv ey London: an up scale décor bra nd s p eci ali s in g in th e sector of h ospitality within th e area of sensory comfort: w hether it be designer d iffusers, natural candles, lu s c io u s r o o m s p ra ys o r s tu nn in g je w el ler y Inspired by th e loss o f h er sister and fath er to cancer, Ru b i na h a s c rea te d an incred ibly successful business based around a moving cause Her pro ducts are a celebratio n of life: rad iating a dev oted nurture and lig ht that can be p hysically felt ***

“I couldn’t save loved

o n e s a t t h e t i m e a s t h e cures were not available –this is my way of helping them in a way I could not before Cancer is a particu-

l a r l y r o u g h c o n d i t i o n t o undergo, and I wanted to be able to contribute to that

j o u r n e y s o m e h o w M y desire is to uplift people and smell and sight are very

e v o c a t i v e ” R u b i n a f i r s t started off by selling dif-

f u s e r s a t h e r c h i l d r e n ’ s school fair as her “sister, Salima, loved the smell of flowers ” Rubina supports

B r e a s t C a n c e r a s w e l l a s

o t h e r c h a r i t i e s s u c h a s

C h i l d B e r e a v e m e n t a n d helped provide PPE during the breakout of Covid-19 to many nurses and doctors

T h e h a r d - w o r k i n g b u s inesswoman has then pre-

d o m i n a n t l y g r o w n J a c k

H a r v e y L o n d o n t h r o u g h

her effervescent luminous c h a r a c t e r C u r r e n t l y b a ttling a non-cancerous liver condition, she commented: “I am on a cocktail of treatment, including chemo and steroids, which I will be on for a lifetime just to keep my liver from failing The d i s e a s e i s c a l l e d a u t o i mmune hepatitis However, I am just rolling with it and embracing who I am completely ” Rubina’s ornamental enterprise provides the signature scent for London Hilton on Park Lane, a few M i c h e l i n - s t a r r e d r e s t a urants such as Le Gavroche and Atul Kochhar and the Hare Krishna Mandir

S h e a l s o b o a s t s h i g hp r o f i l e p r i v a t e c u s t o m e r s a n d w a s o n c e t o l d t h a t George Clooney loved one of the smells! “My favourite scent in the collection is Angel though all the fragrances are my babies - it w a s d e s

g n e d s p e c i f

c

l l y after my sister The grief when she passed away was deep It was relatively early in life My father was older a n d h i s d e a t h w a s m o r e expected in a way – part of the natural cycle of life ” R u b i n

"My desire is to uplift people and smell and sight are very evocative”

platforming body positivity: one of the survivors of t h e 1 9 9 0 I n d

p l a n e crash, who suffered thirddegree burns, is currently h

Rubina ultimately demonstrates that what defines a

ringly resonates

How have you fou nd balancing w ork w ith mo therhood ?

Extremely challenging: having babies during the t i m e w h e n m y b r a

exploded was really something I went into labour w

event! But you have the drive as you want to be a role model for your kids and show them that they can really have it all

Recently, I have been feeling a little unwell due to the liver condition and it has meant I haven’t been able to give myself as much as love – now I do a lot of

n

g o i n g for a walk for an hour every day and emotionally practising self-compassion

What is a v aluable p iece o f ad v ic e fo r ac h i ev i ng a strong brand?

Tell a sincere story e g I have turned real hardship into positive motivation In t e r m s o f g o i n g i n

b

s i n

n t s e t c specifically, this organically keeps people coming back because they feel good I: @myjackharvey W: ww myjackharvey com

South London man slams Royal Mail as critical NHS letters vanish

A S ou th L on d on res i d ent h as called for Royal M ail to face consequences after he and his unwell m oth er went nearly tw o mo nths without r ec ei v i ng c ri ti c al N HS appo intment letters

A m i t M a r w a h a , w h o lives in Hackbridge with his m o t h e r , s a i d t h e d e l i v e r y failures have caused severe stress and put their health at r i s k S i n c e A p r i l , t h e y ’ v e received no correspondence about hospital visits, despite b o t h r e q u i r i n g r e g u l a r c h e c k - u p s f o r d i a b e t e s “ S h e ’ s m i s s i n g a p p o i n tments and it’s really stressing me out,” said Amit “I’ve had infections, high blood pressure, and my mum ’ s also

d i a b e t i c S h e n e e d s t h o s e appointments ”

Worry has grown over the safety of personal infor-

m a t i o n , a s t h e y ’ v e a l s o received mail intended for strangers, from neighbours to people on entirely different streets “My mum ’ s pani c k i n g a b o u t w h e r e h e r medical details are going It’s serious,” he said T h e y a r e a l s o m i s s i n g e s s e n t i a l f i n a n c i a l d o c um e n t s “ S h e ’ s n o w r e a l l y behind on her bills,” Amit explained “No water, electricity or bank statements have arrived ” Despite raising the issue with postmen and filing complaints, Amit says Royal Mail’s response has been dismissive “They said I’d get everything in 72 h o u r s N o t h i n g c a m e N o apology,” he said In a test of

Starmer in U-turn to pass welfare reform bill

Keir St ar mer wa s forced to dr op key pla ns for disa bility bene fit cut s t o avoid a major L a bo u r r e be ll io n , sh e lv i n g pr opose d cha nge s t o persona l in de p en d en ce pa y me n t s (PIP) in a dr ama tic U -t urn

The welfare reform bill passed its second reading by 335 to 260, but the fallout exposed rifts between No 10 a n d L

authority Chancellor Rachel Reeves now faces a £2 5bn

autumn budget

Despite concessions, 49 Labour MPs rebelled three times the size of the party’s p

t amid warnings that 150,000 vulnerable people could fall into poverty The government claimed the analysis didn’t factor in upcoming N H S

k reforms

Following pressure from A

whips, ministers agreed to delay the proposed PIP cuts

Originally, changes were due that November

Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall, who had earlier confirmed the original timeline, was left redfaced by the U-turn While defending Labour’s reform p

party had lessons to learn

clause means no immediate changes to PIP, the most contentious part of the bill

were expected The Timms

with disabled people, leaves future changes uncertain However, plans to raise the standard rate of universal credit, add protections for the most severely ill, and

work schemes will still go ahead

Watchdog casts doubt on 2029 deadline to end asylum hotels

Th e UK ’ s borders watchd og has cast serious d oubt o n th e g o v ernm ent’ s p ro m is e to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers befo re th e next g eneral electio n, calling it unrealistic amid ongoing pressures

David Bolt, the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration, told the House of Lords that the a v a i l a b l e h o u s i n g s t o c k i s simply insufficient to meet t h e g r o w i n g d e m a n d “ I don’t think [the pledge] will b e a c h i e v e d , f r a n k l y , ” h e

said Bolt also raised concerns about Labour’s approach to tackling Channel crossings While Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to “smash the gangs ” b e h i n d p e o p l e s m u g g l i n g , B o l t a r g u e d t h a t t h e r e a l i s s u e l i e s i n a l t e r i n g t h e profit-risk balance for criminal networks “At best, you might deflect the activity, but eradication is unlikely,” he warned O v e r 1 8 , 0 0 0 m i g r a n t s have crossed the Channel so far this year, a 45% rise from

last year, despite a significant fall in legal migration Net migration has dropped from 860,000 in 2023 to an estimated 431,000 in 2024 Bolt also pointed to a rise in asylum refusals, trigg e r i n g m o r e a p p e a l s a n d adding strain to an already o v e r l o a d e d s y s t e m Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice plans to introduce legislation to deport foreign prisoners earlier, as foreign nationals currently account f o r 1 2 % o f E n g l a n d a n d Wales prison population

No 10 accused of gagging public officials

Senior pub lic official s have be en b arred from speaking freel y at publ ic even ts under ne w D owning Str eet guidan ce that critics wa rn underm in e s t r a n sp a r e n cy a n d thre aten s free speech wit hin gover nme nt

T h e d i r

the system, he posted a letter to himself four weeks ago, it never arrived Royal Mail claims deliveries to the address occurred five times between June 12 and June 23 and says two r e g u l a r p o

s A spokesperson acknowledged f e w e r h o u s e h o l d s r e c e i v e d a i l y p

falling letter volumes

Still, Amit believes more must be done, “They should

people like this ” The issue reflects wider d i

, where just 71% of first-class p o s t a r r i v

i m e between January and March 2024, far below the legal target of 93%

u d i n g senior health leaders, diplomats, military officers, and heads of independent bodies such as Ofsted and Ofcom, to seek approval from No 10 before appearing at public events They are also banned f r o m p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n l i v e Q &

i a l adviser is present

The clampdown extends even to non-political topics, such as public health, and has already caused cancellat i o n s T h e I n s t i t u t e f o r Government had to cancel a panel on Labour’s spending plans after Treasury official Nick Donlevy was pulled At a

were barred from reporting

Knighton, the UK's top air force official

A senior official said the move stemmed from fears that civil servants were publ

describing

unnecessary and heavy-handed ” Critics,

the Institute for Government a

Institute for Fiscal Studies, warned of a “chilling effect” on public debate F o

h

f Baroness Spielman called the

c e “ a s t o n i s h i n g , ” while Sir John Kingman said the public deserves openness from the government

Hindu students beaten in racially charged attack

T h r e e Br it i s h Hi nd u m e n were bru tally attacked in a Londo n park af ter revealing th eir I ndian and Sri Lankan h eritage The unprovoked assault, allegedly by three older men believed to be Muslim, left two victims unconscious and all three with injuries, includi n g f a c i a l f r a c t

Park Hospital Tory MP Bob Blackman raised the incident in the House of Commons, condemning it as an act of “religious hatred ”

The three had gone to play cricket and walked past a café where a group, believed to be a Muslim family, was s e a t e d A c o n f r o n t a t i o n began after one man accused them of staring at his family

A l t h o u g h t h e

u

their ethnicity before assaulting them O n

Indian student said

struggles to leave home due to trauma and had to delay his clinical placement She c r i t i c i s

footage had still not been reviewed two weeks later

The Met Police said they were called to a "fight" and one man was taken to hospit a l w i

“There is no evidence at this t

Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made,” a spokesperson said

Rubina Hussain

Rubina Hussain: Benign Branding

Keir Starmer addressing the Parliament

Trump’s funding cuts force UK universities to halt research projects

M ore than 20 research projects at

B ri tis h univers ities have been canc elled or s uspended due to sweepi ng US funding cuts triggered by

e x e c ut i ve or de

gn e d b y

President Donald Trump

Just days after returning to office in January, Trump froze or w

American research grants, including a proposal to slash the $47 billion annual budget of the National Institutes of Health, the world’s

research, by 40%

T

has condemned the measures as an “ideologically driven assault on

“Orwellian restrictions” on diversity, equity and inclusion policies T h e U S N a t i o n a l A c a d e m i e s warned that the country’s scientific enterprise is being “decimated ”

A c c o r d i n g t o r e s p o n s e s obtained under freedom of infor-

m a t i o n r e q u e s t s b y R e s e a r c h

nelled through US collaborators

contested in US courts A separate N

d child begging in Niger was also halted but has since resumed T

Southampton suspended a major initiative under its WorldPop programme, which generates global population data used in health and development Leeds acknowledged receiving a stop notice but did not provide details

PPE loses ground as

Maths and Physics rise in popularity

P h i lo s o p h y, p o l it i cs an d ec onom ics, th e Oxford d eg ree long regard ed as a training ground fo r Britain’ s po litical elite, is slipping in popularity as students increasing ly turn to STEM and vocational degrees

still compete for each PPE place, but that’s no longer enough to keep it in the top tier

Five universities Durham, Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham and Southampton confirmed their projects had been directly affected At the University of Liverpool, a p r o j e c t a i m e d a t s u p p o r t i n g E t h i o p i a n

improve child nutrition by raising chickens was cancelled despite a successful pilot, after USAID was dismantled under Trump’s orders A t N o t t i n g h a

u d y backed by the now-defunct US Institute of Peace was stopped following the institute’s closure in February, a decision still being

Professional News, nine UK-based teams have been issued formal “ s t o p n o t i c e s ” b y U S a g e n c i e s , i n s t r u c t i n g t h e m t o h a l t w o r k immediately Another 14 teams l o s t f u n d i n g p r e v i o u s l y c h a n -

jects being withdrawn or suspended One of them, a grant from the US embassy intended to support

when the association refused to

processes The money would have

introducing Durham schoolchildren to the history of the global Black diaspora

Other institutions, including C

University of London, reported that US partners had terminated

defunding on the American side

UK tops global education rankings in 2024

A s stu dents around the w orld navig ate rising tuition co sts, stricter im mig ration rules, and an increasingly co mpetitive job m arket, th e qu estion of wh ere to s tu dy h as never been m ore impo rtant

For many, especially those in d e v e l o p i n g c o u n t r i e s , s t u d y i n g abroad isn’t just a goal; it’s a gateway to opportunity, independence, and long-term growth The 2024 CEOWorld global education rank-

ings highlight the top 10 countries e x c e l l i n g i n b o t h q u a l i t y

opportunity The United Kingdom leads the list with a quality index of 78 2 and a

9

With institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, and globally ranked

l Group, the UK remains a beacon of academic excellence According to the Department for Education, the

UK ranks second globally for academic citations

Education accounts for over 5% of GDP, and a 99% literacy rate u n d e r s c o r e s i t s c o m m i t m e n t t o inclusive access Generous scholarships and a thriving research culture make it a top choice for international students Other top countries include the United States, A u

Germany and Canada

‘Broken’ school complaints system set for overhaul

T he g overnment is preparing to reform the school comp laints system after growing fru stration from p arents and staff, with Educatio n S e c ret ary Bri d g et P h i l li p s o n a d m i tt in g t h e c u rr ent p ro c e ss “ works for no one ”

U n d e r p r o p o s a l s b e i n g e x p l o r e d , p a r e n t a l c o m p l a i n t s could be streamlined or handled by a central body, amid rising numbers of grievances, some of which are vexatious or repeated At present, parents can escalate complaints across multiple channels , to schools, governors, local authorities, academy trusts, Ofsted, the Department for Education and the Teaching Regulation Agency, often without resolution

Phillipson told The Times, “I’ve h e a r d f r o m p a r e n t s a n d s c h o o l

leaders alike that our complaints system is broken Parents struggle t o n a v i g

i t , a n d s c h o o l s a r e bombarded from all sides We’re looking at how the government can make the process simpler and clearer ensuring that legitimate c o n c e r n s a r e d e a l t w i t h , w h i l e avoiding unnecessary duplication or abuse of the system ” T h e D e p a r

n t f o r Education’s policy lab is now inviting headteachers to take part in an online consultation aimed at collecting views from both educators and parents Officials acknowledge a g r o w

s t between families and schools

A p o l l b y t h e c h a r i t y Parentkind found 38% of parents made a formal complaint last year Almost 30% felt dismissed by their

Bridget Phillipson

school, 25% said trust had broken down, and 23% admitted to airing grievances on social media Among those in school WhatsApp groups, 40% said there were weekly complaints about staff or the school

Record number of pupils now on support plans

T h e n u m be r o f c h il d re n i n England receiv ing formal su pport for special educational needs h as

r eac h e d a n al l- ti m e h i g h , w i th m ore than 638, 000 pup ils no w o n Ed ucation, Health and Care Plans ( EHC Ps), according to new gov ernm ent d ata

F i g u r e s r e l e a s e d b y t h e Department for Education show

t h a t 9 7 , 7 0 0 n e w E H C P s w e r e issued last year, a 15 8% rise on the previous year and the largest annual increase since the plans were introduced in 2014 The jump outpaces the 11 5% rise recorded in

2023, signalling a steep upward trend in demand for specialist support E H C

child with special needs is entitled to, including one-to-one sessions

a n d p l

schools Local authorities are legally required to fund the support once a plan is issued The surge has added to the strain on a system that Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has d

across the country are struggling to

meet growing demand, with many f a m i l i e s f a c i n g l o n g w

assessments and support

“These figures reflect families fighting for help that should be readily available,” Phillipson said “We’ve already invested £740 million to create more SEND places in mainstream schools, and our full reform plan will be published this autumn ”

The figures also show a decline in how quickly children are receiving help, adding to concerns about

rooms due to unmet needs

Once among the university’s top 10 most sought-after courses, PPE has now fallen out of the ranking, according to Oxford’s latest admissions report In 2018, it stood sixth, ahead of law, maths, physics and biochemistry Today, those subjects have overtaken it, with economics and management topping the list, followed by computer science and maths

While PPE retains its prestige, counting Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, R a

Cameron among its alumni, students now appear to be favouring courses that lead to high-paying jobs or clearly defined professions Oxford’s data shows nine students

future leaders but also for journalists and commentators like David Dimbleby and Robert Peston Yet its association with politics may now be a liability Some students also found the course

lenging

economics

The British Academy defended t

that its interdisciplinary nature is more vital than ever “PPE gives students tools to understand complex societies, crucial in today’s volatile geopolitical climate,” said Ruairí Cullen, from the academy’s higher education policy team

Despite its drop in popularity, PPE’s legacy, and its ability to open doors, appears far from over

University of Bradford staff to strike over £16m cuts

Staff at th e U niv ersity of Bradford are launching ten days o f strike action in resp ons e to p ro p o s ed £ 1 6 m i lli o n bud get cuts, w hich th ey say threaten hundred s of jobs and the future o f m u lt ip l e ac ad e m i c pro gramm es The University and College Union (UCU) said nearly two-thirds of its members voted in favour of industrial action, with strikes scheduled for 30 June, 7–8 July, 10–11 July, and 21–25 July The union claims the university’s costcutting plan puts over 450 jobs at risk, roughly split between acad e m i c a n d p r o f e s s i o n a

roles

istry, film and television (despite B

UNESCO City of Film), archaeolog y , f

sciences, dementia studies, engin

Management has indicated it wants staffing levels to return to 2019 numbers, which could mean the loss of around 300 full-time equivalent posts Academic departments under threat include chem-

, psychology, and public health Picket lines will form outside campus from 8am during strike days, with a rally planned for the first day of action UCU general secretary Jo Grady said staff had “ no choice but to down tools” in the face of cuts that would harm both employees and students

Kolkata London Club hosts education delegation at the City Hall

Th e K olkata Lo nd on Clu b w elcomed an ed ucation d eleg ation led by T h e Be ng a l C h am b er

at the City Hall on M ond ay GLA member fro m City and East L ondon, Unmesh Desai A M warm ly welcomed them at th e City Hall The d el eg a ti o n w

Kolkata London club and also the Deputy chair of London Borough of Newham, facilitated the delegation meeting with the University

s g re ete d by th e Chair of the L ond on Borough of Newham Dr Roh it Dasgu pta and Councillor Lakmini Shah Councillor Imam Haque who is the founder and director of The

The Kolkata London Club aims to bridge the gap between Kolkata and London, fostering collaboration in education and beyond Councillors University representatives education industry experts and delegation members

The visit included a tour of City Hall and a networking event, providing opportunities for meaningful interactions

Donald Trump

Inclusive growth through community action

Subhasini Naicker

Ri tu Jh in go n, P res id ent o f the

A n i l A g arw a l F o u n d ati o n an d

G ro u p Di r ec to r o f

C ommu nication at Ved anta, has been w ith the o rg anisation for nearly tw o d ecades A co mmunications expert, she has played a k ey ro le i n V e d an ta’ s s h i ft toward s social im pact and sustainability Closely working with C h ai rman Ani l A garw al, sh e is currently collabo rating on a new project with h im and Riverside Studios, continuing her commitm ent to inclu siv e, com m unityfocused change

Speaking to Asian Voice, Ritu Jhingon, President of the Vedanta

F o u n d a t i o n , h i g h l i g h t e d t h e impact of Nand Ghar, the group ’ s flagship CSR initiative envisioned by Chairman Anil Agarwal The p r o j e c t t r a n s f o r m s r u r a l Anganwadi centres into modern, s o l a r - p o w e r e d p r e s c h o o l s e q u i p p e d w i t h d i g i t a l l e a r n i n g tools, clean water, sanitation, and nutrition support

“Nand Ghars serve as hubs for e a r l y c h i l d h o o d e d u c a t i o n a n d m a t e r n a l c a r e A K P M G s t u d y found that 96% of children in Nand Ghars were healthy well

a b o v e t h e n a t i o n a l a v e r a g e

Dropout rates have also plummeted, with nearly 100% of chil-

d r e n p r o g r e s s i n g t o p r i m a r y school With strong support from Mr Agarwal and now his daughter P r i y a , w e ’ v e e s t a b l i s h e d o v e r 8,000 such centres across India ”

“At Vedanta, our core narrative is simple: inclusive growth

a n d n a t i o n - f i r s t B e y o n d G D P

c o n t r i b u t i o n s , o u r f o c u s i s o n

uplifting communities We quietly drive impact running one of India’s largest oncology hospitals in Raipur for affordable cancer care, and launching TACO (The A n i m a l C a r e O r g a n i s a t i o n ) , w h i c h i n c l u d e s I n d i a ’ s l a r g e s t c a m e l p a r k P o

Call

Ritu Jhingon

marathons and sports, supporting hockey, para-athletes, indigenous games like archery, and residential football schools for girls We empower communities through e

women ’ s programmes, and support three universities, including o

helped preserve national heritage sites choosing action over attention,” she added

India’s corporate and social sectors, Ritu said, “I don’t believe systematic gaps are unique to India it’s a global phenomenon Just look at the number of women on corporate boards worldwide still very low That said, India has been progressive in some areas For example, it is mandatory to h a v e

directors on boards At Hindustan Zinc, one of our group companies, women make up 50% of the board a significant achievement, especially in a traditionally male-dominated sector like metal and mining ”

“This progress has been possible because we ’ ve had a progressive chairman who actively champions inclusion However, broader data from planning bodies still shows that women have a long way to go, and more needs to be done to shift mindsets and drive participation Patriarchal norms still dominate, not just in rural but also in urban settings That

for ‘meno-nups’ as

said, change is happening I’ve s

from smaller towns it often c o m e s d o w n t o

early support And in a country where the President is a woman,

path The pace of change was slow before, but now we are truly moving forward,” she added

Speaking about the ‘We The Women’ at the Riverside Studios, Ritu said, “I believe this is the first time Barkha is hosting her show i n L o n d

approached us, we saw real value in it When credible voices speak about change, it creates impact There may be just 500 people in the room, but the message will reach millions online If even a few are inspired or moved to act, we ’ ve done our job Platforms like this bring together grit, gravitas, and a touch of glamour, making i

engaging It’s about real issues, “mudde ki baat” (talking about what truly matters), with real people We’re proud to support this by offering our space and helping bring together a diverse audience ready to listen and engage ”

women aspiring to lead in busin

, Ritu said, “The one thing I always emphasise is: live your dreams If you're disciplined and committed, everything falls into place I come from a male-dominated environment, and what helped me was continuous learning, it doesn’t have to be Harvard or Oxford Even now, I’m learning how to work with AI Discipline in daily life how you wake up, eat, manage yourself and others is key Combine that with big dreams Aim for the stars, because that’s how things begin to align Live without regrets You should be able to say: ‘I tried, again and again, and I got there ’ Failure is inevitable, but it should strengthen, not demoralise you ”

divorce settlements overlook menopause impact

Menopausal women are being left f inanci all y di sad vantaged i n di vo rce s ettlements, prompti ng legal exp erts t o p ro p o s e ne w p r o te c ti o n s t h at acco unt for the co nd itio n ’ s impact o n earning power

While overall divorce rates in the UK are falling, separations among older couples, so-called “silver splitters”, are rising Office for National

S t a t i s t i c s d a t a s h o w s a s p i k e i n divorces between the ages of 45 and 55, with the number of over-60s separating having doubled since 1993

Farhana Shahzady, a solicitor at Beck Fitzgerald and founder of the

F

“menopause-blind ” She warns that current rules often fail to consider the financial challenges women face when perimenopause or menopause reduces their ability to work One in ten women stop working due to symptoms, according to the Fawcett

S o c i e t y ,

their hours, affecting income and pensions

S h

nup ” a menopause-focused agreement similar to a prenuptial or postnuptial deal These could include clauses outlining financial support in the event that menopause symp-

capacity, backed by medical evidence and potentially covering private hor-

Munira Mirza to chair Fix Britain think tank

Munira M irza, former director of the Nu mber 10 Po licy Unit, h as been appo inted chair of th e ad visory board for Fix Britain, a newly lau nched cross- party th ink tank fo cu sed on reform ing UK go vernance

The initiative brings together senior figures from the civil service, business, law, media, military, and NHS to develop a blueprint for m

Britain warns that ministers are often underprepared, policy plans are underdeveloped, and bureaucracy hampers delivery Among its early priorities are civil service HR

ministerial training to help politicians better navigate government structures

The think tank is led by chief executive Matthew Patten, a former Brexit Party MEP and think tank director, and director of programmes Stephen Webb, a longtime civil servant and policy specialist It plans to produce costed

implementation plans, complete

staffing blueprints, all tested for real-world deliverability

Fix Britain’s non-partisan mission includes addressing long-term challenges such as migration policy, public service reform, infrastructure delivery, energy costs, and UK productivity Mirza said the UK has long relied on “amateurs” in politics and that the group aims t

models of governance, drawing on global best practices

Prof Geeta Nargund steps down from Create Fertility and ABC IVF

Pro fessor Geeta Nargund, a pioneer of natural and mild IV F in the UK, has step ped d own from her ro le as F o u nd e r an d M ed ic al Director of Create Fertility and ABC IVF, 25 years after establishing the groundbreaking clinics She remains the only woman to have founded a chain of licensed fertility clinics in the UK Prof N a r g u n d r e v o l u t i o n i s e d f e r t i l i t y treatment by introducing accessible, less invasive IVF focused on w o m e n ’ s s a f e t y a n d w e l l b e i n g Create Fertility became the world’s first chain of Natural and Mild IVF c l i n i c s , w h i l e A B C I V F m a d e affordable fertility care a reality for many T o d a y , C r e a t e F e r t i l i t y p e rf o r m s o v e r 4 , 0 0 0 t r e a t m e n t s annually and is part of IVIRMA Global, which acquired the group in 2021 A globally recognised leade r i n r e p r o d u c t i v e m e d i c i n e , Professor Nargund has authored o v e r 1 0 0 p u b l i c a t i o n s a n d p i oneered the UK’s first ‘One-Stop’ fertility clinic in the NHS She will

continue her NHS work and focus o

awarding maintenance

Disputes over financial settlements are on the rise, however Ministry of Justice data reveals that

dropped to 76,000 in 2023, the lowest since 1971, contested financial remedy cases surged by 66% to 10,300, the highest figure since 2008

New test offers hope for women at risk of miscarriage

B ritish researchers hav e dev el op ed a pi oneerin g test th at could help i denti fy women at hig her ri sk of mi scarriage by detectin g abnormalities i n the womb lin in g, offeri ng new hope for those who suffer repeated pregn an cy loss

Miscarriage affects around one in s i x p r e g n a n c i e s , m o s t c o m m o n l y within the first 12 weeks For many women, especially those who experience multiple losses, answers remain

e

University of Warwick have discovered that, in some cases, the womb

lining fails to undergo the critical changes needed to support a successful pregnancy The new test assesses whether the womb lining is biologically prepared to receive and sustain an embryo, even before conception Unlike traditional approaches that focus on embryos, this research highlights how the womb’s inability to respond properly may be a root cause of recurrent miscarriage C

Miscarriage Research in Coventry, the test involves over 1,000 patients

1,500 biopsies from 1,300 women

Dr Jyotsna Vohra, Director of Research at Tommy’s, said the test could offer vital clarity for women

repeated miscarriage “Care for pregnancy loss is inconsistent across the UK,” she noted, urging the NHS to adopt the findings The team also b

sitagliptin, could be repurposed to treat underlying womb conditions helping close the research gap in pregnancy-related care

UK falls again in global women’s health rankings

The UK has slipped for the fourth cons ecutive year in a major global ranki ng on women ’ s healthcare, now placing 41s t out of 142 countr i e s , fa l li n g b e hi n d L

Ka

i Arabia

T h e d e c l i n e , d e s c r i b e d b y experts as “alarming” and “ unacceptable,” comes amid growing evidence that women in the UK are increasingly affected by chronic pain and poor emotional health

C o m p a r e d t o t h e i r E u r o p e a n counterparts, UK women are less likely to be screened for common conditions like diabetes, hypertension and cancer, and their rati

e declined year on year

The Hologic Global Women’s Health Index, based on interviews with more than 78,000 women w o r l d w i d e , s h o w s t h e U K h a s

dropped from 30th place in 2023 and 37th in 2024 Notably, it now ranks below the US, despite that country’s mounting restrictions on abortion access

The report found that 39% of U

worry, up from pandemic levels, and nearly 30% report daily physical pain Over a quarter say ongoing health issues limit their daily lives

Researchers partly attributed the UK’s slide to inaction followi

although a women

s health strategy was launched nearly three years ago, its impact remains limited T h e D e

and Social Care acknowledged the issue, with a spokesperson stating, “Women have been let down by

focused on their needs

Munira Mirza

Prof Geeta Nargund

5 - 11 July 2025

Continued from page 01

A whopping 120 of his MPs

h a v e s i g n e d a w r e c k i n g

a m e n d m e n t t o L a b o u r ’ s welfare bill, which aims to

bulging spending on disabil-

chaos

B a t t e r e d b y p o l i t i c a l

missteps, weighed down by

a s l u g g i s h e c o n o m y , a n d sidetracked by foreign crises that have stretched public finances thin, Keir Starmer’s government has struggled to find its footing Labour now trails Reform UK, a rising, anti-immigration insurgent

p a r t y , i n t h e p o l l s W h i l e Starmer faces no immediate threat to his leadership and t h e n e x t g e n e r a l e l e c t i o n isn’t due until 2029, his personal approval ratings have

p l u m m e t e d , e v e n a m o n g

L a b o u r ’ s o w n b a s e a d i t shows

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

o f f e r i n g s o l u t i o n s , f r o m tightening his messaging to better managing his restive MPs, but the path to recov-

e r y r e m a i n s u n c e r t a i n

H o w e v e r , m a n y a l s o f e e l that a year is too soon for j u d g e m e n t a n d t h a t t h e

P r i m e M i n i s t e r n e e d s t h e time and space to work at his own pace

Today, the government finds itself besieged by internal dissent, policy U-turns and a dramatic drop in public support Once hailed as a

s t e a d y h a n d p r o m i s i n g a return to integrity and delivery in politics, Starmer’s premiership is now marked by mounting rebellion on the

b a c k b e n c h e s , a w a v e r i n g

n a r r a t i v e , a n d q u e s t i o n s about who is truly in charge

S t i l l , t h e s e e f f o r t s a t delivering change have been frequently undermined by poor messaging and escalating internal tensions As a result, Labour’s list of early a c h i e v e m e n t s r e m a i n s marred by a growing perception of a government strug-

g l i n g t o c o m m u n i c a t e i t s p u r p o s e a n d i n c r e a s i n g l y vulnerable to internal dissent P olicy wins and early mov es

L a b o u r ' s f i r s t y e a r i n power has seen the government introduce several significant policy measures

On the economic front, C h a n c e l l o r R a c h e l R e e v e s introduced a major tax over-

h a u l d e s i g n e d t o a d d r e s s what Labour described as a £22 billion fiscal hole left by

t h e C o n s e r v a t i v e s T h e package included a rise in employers’ national insurance contributions and a cap on inheritance tax relief for f a r m e r s , m o v e s t h a t w e r e seen as both pragmatic and politically risky

L a b o u r h a s a l s o m a d e visible strides on the global stage Starmer’s handling of international diplomacy has been widely praised, particu l a r l y f o r s e c u r i n g a k e y t r a d e a g r e e m e n t w i t h t h e United States and reinforcing the UK's commitment to

U k r a i n e T h e s e a c h i e v ements, while overshadowed

ONE YEAR ON

at home, bolstered Britain’s standing abroad and provided reassurance to businesses and international partners alike

D o m e s t i c a l l y , t h e g o vernment delivered a signific a n t p a y b o o s t f o r l o wincome workers by raising the national minimum wage to £12 21 per hour This 6 7 p e r c e n t i n c r e a s e r e f l e c t e d

Labour’s promise to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and strengthen protections for working people

In the health sector, a substantial £29 billion funding increase for the NHS is beginning to show results NHS waiting lists, while still l o n g , h a v e d e c l i n e d b y a r o u n d f i v e p e r c e n t K e y performance indicators such a s a m b u l a n c e r e s p o n s e times and cancer treatment

t a r g e t s h a v e i m p r o v e d marginally small but symbolic signs of progress

L a b o u r ’ s l o n g -

economy also began to take shape The passage of the Great British Energy Act in May marked a major step forward, establishing a publ i c l y o w n e d c l

r g y company tasked with accelerating the transition to net z e r o A l o n g s i d e t h i s , t h e l a u n c h o f t h e N a t i o n a l Wealth Fund and planning

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

T h e t r a n s p o r t s e c t o r , another critical area of public dissatisfaction, saw early action Passenger rail ser-

v

back into public ownership

t h r o u g h n e w l e g i s l a t i o n passed in November, and a £ 1 b i l l i o n f u n d h a s b e e n established to revitalise local bus networks These mea-

s u r e s r e f l e c t L a b o u r ’ s promise to restore reliable and affordable public transport

On national security, the g o v e r n m e n t l a u n c h e d a S t r a t e g i c D e f e n c e R e v i e w shortly after taking office It

l a i d t h e g r o u n d w o r k f o r increasing defence spending to 2 5 percent of GDP by 2027 an important signal of intent in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape

T h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s also put forward reforms in education, particularly within the area of special needs provision These proposals a i m

tives

A look at foreign policy

sought to reposition Britain on the global stage with a distinctly pragmatic foreign

bold declarations, Labour’s

competence, diplomacy, and

critics argue that this cau-

conviction

One of the earliest priori

ment was mending ties with the European Union A reset

post-Brexit relations, focusing on enhanced cooperation in defence, carbon-bor-

s , f i s h i n g , a n d youth mobility Starmer also signed a bilateral security

E

tives, signalling a subtle but significant shift back toward Brussels

R e l a t i o n s w i t h I n d i a w e r e a l s o b r o u g h t t o t h e fore After years of coolness, Starmer declared a “reset” and followed through with h i g h - l e v e l d i p l o m a t i c o u treach and economic engagement This culminated in a landmark trade agreement

i n M a y , w h i c h p r o m i s e d major tariff reductions and was part of a broader trio of trade deals with India, the EU, and the US The agreement is expected to add billions to the UK economy, t h o

remain to be seen

In Washington, Starmer has walked a tightrope in

d administration Despite ideological differences, Labour succeeded in preserving key trade dialogues and securing tariff relief on UK exports like steel and cars

D e f e n c e a n d n a t i o n a l security have been key pill a r s o f L a b o u r ’ s f o r e i g n agenda The UK reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine, hosting a major summit and i n c r e a s i n g i n v e s t m e n t i n defence sectors like cyberwarfare and armoured vehicles But Labour’s migration

strategy has faced setbacks Despite launching a Border S

with France, illegal Channel crossings hit record levels, p

the opposition for failing to deliver O n t h e M i d

Starmer condemned aspects of Israel’s actions in Gaza and froze trade negotiations with Tel Aviv The government backed EU-led diplomatic pressure while managing internal dissent, with s e v e r a l L a b o u r M P s a n d

c o u n c i l l o r s o p e n l y c a l l i n g for a ceasefire against party orders

O v e r a l l , L a b o u r ’ s f o reign policy in its first year reflects a turn toward realism and relationship-buildi n g Y e t a s i n t e r n a t i o n a l challenges intensify, questions remain about whether a strategy built on caution can stand the test of crisis and expectation Poli tic al drifts ad multiple U-turns

In its first year in government, Labour set out to p r o v e i t c o u l d d e l i v e r change with discipline and responsibility But several key policies have not only f a i l e d t o l a n d b u t h a v e actively harmed the party’s i m a g e , t r i g g e r e d i n t e r n a l r e v o l t s , a n d r a i s e d q u e stions about the direction of Keir Starmer’s leadership

P u b l i c a w a r e n e s s remains low, and the gove r n m e n t ’ s m e s s a g i n g h a s often failed to cut through the political noise Three major reversals in just two months dealt a heavy blow to Labour’s credibility: the c o n t r o v e r s i a l p l a n t o c u t w i n t e r f u e l p a y m e n t s f o r p e n s i o n e r s , a p r o l o n g e d

r e f u s a l f o l l o w e d b y a n abrupt announcement of a g r o o m i n g g a n g s i n q u i r y , and welfare reform proposals that sparked one of the m o s t b i t t e r r e b e l l i o n s i n recent Labour history

L a b o u r a l s o s t u m b l e d badly on immigration messaging In a speech early this year, Starmer warned that Britain risked becoming an “ i s l a n d o f s t r a n g e r s , ” a phrase that drew immediate c o m p a r i s o n s t o E n o c h

P o w e l l ’ s i n f a m o u s a n t ii m m i g r a t i o n r h e t o r i c Starmer later admitted he hadn’t realised the phrase’s historical weight, nor had

for instance, came to symb

approach to economic pain Falling polls and fraying authority L a

January to just 23%, a staggering 14-point drop in six months Starmer, once seen as unflappable, is now critic i s

indecisive, and disconnected from his MPs H

come under fire for fostering a “bunker mentality” in

h e r e v i e w e d t h e s p e e c h properly before delivering i t T h e i n c i d e n t u n d e rm i n e d c o n f i d e n c e i n h i s judgment and raised concerns about the control he has over his own political narrative

Other controversies fed the perception of a government adrift Labour donor Lord Alli was revealed to have given gifts to Starmer and other ministers, raising questions about access and p r o p r i e t y T h e p a r t y w a s forced to declare it would n o l o n g e r a c c e p t s i m i l a r donations

Even successful policies, s u c h a s t h e r e d u c t i o n i n N H S w a i t i n g l i s t s a n d r e f o r m s t o e

a s e prison schemes, have been overshadowed by mismanagement and a failure to c o m m u n i c a t e e f f e c t i v e l y with the public or parliament The winter fuel cut,

allegedly proposing to suspend dozens of rebellious MPs Though not yet a full-

Rayner, and Labour chair Shabana Mahmood are all seen as potential successors

inside and outside the party say Labour’s

remains in

but no longer firmly in control of its destiny The biggest chal-

mandate for change into a government that can hold itself together long enough to deliver it

Education policy

Focusing on ed ucation p olicy, Natalie P erera, the E d u c at io n P o li c y Institute s Ch ief E xecutiv e, said: "The Labour government has made some positive strides in education, n o t a b l y e n d i n g s i n g l eword Ofsted judgements, a p p o i n t i n g P r o f e s s o r Becky Francis to lead the c u r r i c u l u m

w , a n d

oducing new measures in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, including a single unique identifier for all children and a compulsory register for child r e n n o t i n s c h o o l H o w e v e r , t h e c h a l l e n g e s facing our education system and children's wellbei n g r e q u i r e t h i s g o v e r nm e n t t o g o f u r t h e r a n d faster

"The impacts of austerity, the cost-of-living crisis, a n d r i s i n g c h i l d p o v e r t y h a v e s i g n i f i c a n t l y h a mp e r e d e d u c a t i o n a l progress We have lost a decade of progress in closing the gap between the most disadvantaged pupils and their peers, and we are seeing increasing numbers o f y o u n g p e o p l e l e a v i n g education entirely at 16 " T h e g o v e r n m e n t ' s r e c e n t s p e n d

i n c r e a s e , s t i l l f a l l s s h o r t when accounting for inflation and existing commit-

ments, leaving little flexibility for schools to meet rising needs "Tackling child poverty must be front and centre on the government's agenda The government has a l r e a d y d e l a y e d p l a n s t o publish its

and

remaining before the next election, Labour still has

and impactful change for children and young people However, it

n g issues such as welfare and the distribution of funding if we are going to see better outcomes for all children and young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds "

Labour MPs with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the first day of the new Parliament

Natalie Perera

ONE YEAR ON Community voices

According to Trup ti Patel, P resident of Hindu Foru m o f

B r it a in (H F B) , t h e P r i m e

Minister is still finding his feet, dealing with issues that have either newly arisen or been sitting on the back burner for years and are now coming to the forefront

o

As the leader of an apolitical

working across party lines, she

Minister’s first year in office, saying, “One of

promise to stop illegal immigration via small boats, which hasn’t progressed much That’s proving to be a serious challenge On the other hand, there are some areas where the government has made steady progress For instance, the development of Martyn’s Law under the T

i s p a r t i c u l a r l y important for our community

“There’s also been movement on other fronts: the assisted dying bill, bail reforms, and committee discussions on protecting women, girls, and vulnerable adults Just a few days ago, we witnessed serious discussions and decisive actions being taken on the issue of grooming gangs, which shows the machinery of government is still at work It’s heartening that these issues haven’t been abandoned ”

The HFB president feels that it’s now vital the Prime Minister shows strong leadership

D r W a jid A kh t a r , t h e

S ec r e t ar y G en er a l , M u s l i m

C ou nc il of Britain shares what the community expected for the new government when it came i n t o p o w e r l a s t y e a r s a y i n g , “When the Labour government came into power, we hoped they w o u l d g e n u i n e l y l i s t e n t o t h e concerns of our community, as w e l l a s o t h e r s , p a r t i c u l a r l y regarding the war in Gaza

and ensures both justice for the victims and a deeper cultural shift “It’s still early, just the first y e a r , s o i t ’ s h a r d t o j u d g e Promises are easy to make, but delivery is a different matter”, she said

Outlining the expectations of the British-Hindu community, she said, We are very clear on three things: we will not tolerate Hindu hate; we want equal treatment in schemes like the Places of Worship Protection Fund; and we expect consistent application of hate crime protections across all communities

About the immigration debate, she feels that the country needs migrants across all sectors “The key is that those who come here should integrate into the fabric of British society What people are rightfully concerned about are those who enter under the guise of asylum but exploit the system, draining public resources and tax contributions meant for genuine needs ” F i n a l l y , d i s c u s s i n g w

Minister’s priority should be when it comes to minority communities, she said, The Prime Minister must focus on treating every community fairly, including South Asians, and ensuring protections and opportunities are applied consistently At the end of the day, governments must deliver policies that serve all people, not just some ”

We expected the new government to make an effort to build bridges, engage with our concerns, and work collaboratively to push for a ceasefire and an end to the violence and we still expect the same ”

Asked about the afar-right sentiment that targeted the community last year and if he found the government’s reaction appropriate, he said, “I think the Prime Minister handled the riots well The response was swift; law e n f o r c e m e n t a c t e d q u i c k l y , p u s h e d b a c k against the rioters, and helped restore order From a policing and law-and-order perspective, they did a good job

“ H o w e v e r , t h e d e e p e r i s s u e o f Islamophobia was not adequately addressed Simply calling out the violence isn't enough Unless the root causes are acknowledged and tackled, the problem will persist ”

He further added, “Islamophobia is not limited to Muslims and it's important to highlight that Hindus, Sikhs, and even Filipinos

between communities They target people simply based on appearance or ethnicity

we ’ re seeing some elements in t

meat, and other cultural issues to perpetuate a narrative that paints entire communities as problematic

“Yes, where there is criminality, it must be addressed with the full force of the law But when the majority is vilified because of a small criminal minority, it creates a toxic environment That’s what fuels real-world hate and violence, and that’s what must be stopped ”

Muslim community wants Keir Starmer to give the same kind of attention to Gaza as he prioritises Ukraine ad Zelensky He said,

“We know our government doesn’t have the power to stop the war directly But when countries like Spain and Norway have stood u p t o s a y , “ W e r e c

demand an end to the violence, why can’t the UK do the same?

“Aside from Gaza, the impact of some of labours policies including changes to PIP, assisted dying and more will have a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable of society "

Foreign policy

Dr Chie tigj B ajpa ee, Senior Resear ch Fel low for South Asia, A si a -P a ci fi c Pr o g

a mm e a t Chatham House, commented:

“Continuity and change have characterised the Labour govern-

d s India Continuity has been evident in the government’s effort to build on progress made by p r e v i o u s C

Dr Chietigj Bajpaee

s Noted by the conclusion of the free trade agreement with India, Conservative governm e n t S i m

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership builds on the previous 2030 roadmap

“Change has been evident in the government’s efforts to shed allegations of an antiIndia bias within the Labour Party The conclusion of the FTA; launch of the Technology Security Initiative with India; other symbolic

actions demonstrate the priority towards deepening relations with India

On Labour’s foreign policy vision, he said, “The recent S t r a t e g i c D e f e n c e R e v i e w , China audit and other initiatives show efforts to adopt a more strategic approach But b a l a

s with short-term shocks and political pressures is difficult Fiscal constraints, pressure from the Trump administration to boost NATO spending, and threats from Russia and Middle East instability have forced cuts in areas like overseas aid These pressures also limit the UK’s ability to focus on regions like the Indo-Pacific This raises questions about the sustainability of the UK’s ‘tilt’ towards the region, including deeper engagement with India ”

Domestic policy and impact

Jo hn Cu rtice, a Bri ti sh political scientist and profess o r o f p o l i ti cs at t

first year hasn’t been partic-

fered the sharpest drop in public support of any newly elected British government, despite starting with just 35% of the vote, the lowest ever for a majority government Voters still aren’t sure what t

Starmer was never fully embraced by the public Governing, as we ’ re seeing, is far more exposing than opposition

The government inherited a difficult economic and health landscape, and while they’ve set out credible long-term goals, progress has been slow Growth remains

Lon don focusing on domestic politics, said, "There are

Labour point of view, notably progress on boosting workers' rights, public sector wage rises, and rail renationalisation The government also managed to boost long-term investments in renewables,

weak, and NHS productivity is still below pre-pandemic levels

W h e t h e r t h e y p r e p a r e d t h e public adequately for the scale of the challenge is unclear

Looking ahead, the political landscape is volatile The rise of Reform reflects a broader fragmentation of British politics

You don’t need to perform brilliantly to be electorally competitive, but small shifts could have big consequences Long-term infrastructure investment may help in the 2030s, but it won’t deliver quick wins by 2029 And much lies beyond their control Trump, tariffs, wars, global economic shocks

So, good luck to them The road ahead is uncertain, not just for Labour, but for anyone seeking to lead Britain through this complex period ”

housing But the government has found the going tough, and not just in foreign policy, where it has struggled to adjust quickly enough to catastrophic developments in the Middle East Domestically, it is now grappling with rebellions over welfare cuts, and it also struggles with discontent on the right over immigration and from business over tax rises

“Partly, this is as expected given the ugly legacies of austerity, the pandemic, and Brexit: low growth, a rising tax burden, a spike in net immigration, underperforming public services, and decaying public infrastructure Any government would find this

Dr P a tri c k D i am o n d , P ro fesso r o f Pu blic Po licy, S c h o o l o f P o li ti c s a nd I nt ern ati o na l R el ati o ns ( S P I R) , Qu e en M ar y, U niv ersity o f Lo ndo n comm e n t e d o n t h e e x t e n t t o which the government delivered on its promises He said, “So far, Labour hasn t been able to deliver on its commitments There is some evid e n c e o f i m p r o v e m e n t i n NHS waiting times in the 12 months since Labour came to power, but no dramatic transformation The government's options are limited because without additional economic growth, it will be hard to get more money into public services and improving growth is hard because there are significant global headwinds and volatility in the world

situation challenging It is also not that surprising that the public have soured on the government so quickly - UK voters are now generally less attached to parties than they used to be, and t h e m e d i a l a n d s c a p e i s f r a gmented and angry

“What is surprising is that the government clearly undere s t i m a t e d t h e s e c

s They did not appear to have a backup tax and spend plan in the event that economic growth did not increase, leading them into hasty cuts that backfired politically Also surprising is No 10's combination of unclear messaging and a disciplinarian approach to its parliamentary party, which was an accident waiting to happen

“The best thing the government can do for re-election at this stage is to stop thinking in terms of short-term electoral benefit: the election is still four years away Instead, it needs to resolve the tensions within its strategy (notably on tax versus public investment), increasing the chance of policy success, and then persistently push their re-founded strategy in as many outlets as possible "

Patrick Diamond

e c o n o m y w h i c h i m p a c t s o n t h e U K M o r e o v e r , t h e U K i s s t i l l s u f f e r i n g t h e effects of Brexit ”

Dr Ramesh Mehta OB E, Foun der of BAPIO said, “As the NHS turns 77, we must acknowledge that while its f o u n d i n g p r i n c i p l e o f f r e e care at the point of need still holds immense value, growi n g b u r e a u c r a c y a n d p o o r management have eroded its effectiveness Long waits and delays in emergency care are unacceptable and must be addressed urgently

E v a l u

t i n g L a b o u r ’ s approach to reforming institutions like the NHS, civil service, and local government, he said, “Labour came to power but in lots of areas it did not have well developed reform proposals, so its approach to the reform of institutions has been limited so f a r I t i s d o i n g s i g n i f i c a n t reform in the NHS by scrapping NHS England, although it isn't clear what model will replace the old organisation

“In local government, there are plans to d e v

authorities The changes will be important but not ground-breaking It has been similarly cautious so far in its approach to the civil service This is not a government that feels a strong commitment to institutional reform but rather seems content to try to achieve modest improvements that make life better for citizens ”

and

time

We must break down the ‘white peaks’ at the

ter outcomes for both staff and patients

Trupti Patel

Dr Wajid Akhtar

John Curtice

Dr Colm Murphy

Dr

Dr Ramesh Mehta OBE

“I’m looking forward to another year of delivering for Leicester residents”

Shivani Raja MP reflects on her first year as Leicester East’s MP, highlighting grassroots initiatives and community engagement while reaffirming her commitment to delivering real change for local residents

Anusha Singh

L eicester, h ome to one o f the U K’s largest South Asian p opulations, made head lines

l as t y ear w h en i t e le ct ed

S h i v ani Ra j a as i ts f i rs t C onservative M P in decades

B o r n a n d r a i s e d i n Leicester, Raja is of Gujarati

h e r i t a g e a n d b r i n g s b o t h professional experience in marketing and deep community roots to her role

Her victory in 2024 was seen as part of a broader political shift and marked a significant moment for representation in a city often regarded as a Labour stronghold

Now, one year into her t e r m , R

w h i r l w

n d

a r i n Westminster From tackling local concerns to adjusting to the rigours of Parliament, Raja speaks candidly about

t h e c h a l l e n g e s , a c h i e v ements, and lessons learned in her inaugural year In a

c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h A s i a n Voice, she shares how her background shapes her politics, what she's learned from her constituents, and how she hopes to bridge divides i n o n e o f t h e U K ’ s m o s t diverse cities

Looking back on your first year as MP, what accomplishments are you most proud of? How has your background as a British Gujarati woman influenced your approach to serving a diverse constituency?

R e f l e c t i n g o n m y f i r s t y e a r a s M e m b e r o f

P a r l i a m e n t f o r L e i c e s t e r East, I am deeply proud of

t h e p r o g r e s s w e ' v e m a d e together as a constituency We’ve achieved a lot together in a short amount of time, and I’m really looking forw a r d t o a n o t h e r y e a r o f delivering for Leicester residents

With regard to specific accomplishments, there are some that I’m particularly proud of – with one of those being “Shivani’s Spotlight”, my monthly newsletter that

k e e p s r e s i d e n t s i n f o r m e d and engaged While it may not seem to all like a huge

a c h i e v e m e n t , m y m o n t h l y newsletter is a really impor-

t a n t a s p e c t o f m y w o r k

W h i l e I ’ m w o r k i n g h a r d

b e h i n d c l o s e d d o o r s , i t ’ s vital for residents to be fully i n f o r m e d a s t o w h a t I ’ v e been up to, how I’ve been

w o r k i n g f o r t h e m , a n d opportunities for them to be involved in It also gives me an opportunity to get feedback from residents on what they think I should be focusing on – as well as what’s working and what’s not

T h a t s a i d , “ S h i v a n i ’ s Spotlight” really is just the beginning of what I’ve been

w o r k i n g o n – s u p p o r t i n g l o c a l b u s i n e s s e s h a s a l s o remained a key priority I’ve

worked closely with independent traders, small busin e s s o w n e r s , a n d l o c a l enterprise networks to high-

y face and connect them with a

local businesses and hosting

entrepreneurs have the tools and visibility they need to thrive Leicester is one of the UK’s most entrepreneurial cities in the UK - our economy depends on them, and they deserve a strong voice i

proud of the progress I’ve made on this front, and it’s o

m y o w n convictions to keep working at it

With regard to my background as a British Gujarati woman – I would argue that it has profoundly shaped my approach to public service

Raised in Leicester by pare

t s w h o e m i g r

f

o m I n d i

a n d K e n y a i n t h e 1970s, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of immigrant communities This upbringing instilled in me a strong sense of duty to represent all voices, particularly those who have often felt overlooked

It's also reinforced those core values of hard work, c o m m u n i t y a n d r e s p e c t

Since my election, I’ve put real emphasis on community support, and a community-based approach, as these v a l u e s a l i g n r e a l l y n i c e l y between both my personal and professional priorities, and have been a big influence in my ability to represent my constituents

These experiences have reinforced my commitment to ensuring that every comm u n i t y i n L e i c e s t e r E a s t feels heard, respected, and valued As we move forward, I remain dedicated to buildi n g a m o r e i n c l u s i v e a n d prosperous future for all our residents

Can you share more about the initiatives you took up in the past year and the progress these projects have made, and what impact have they had on the community?

Since I was elected, I’ve been focused on delivering tangible benefits to my cons t i t u e n t s w h e r e v e r I c a n S o m e o f t h e s e a r e m o r e l o n g - t e r m p r o j e c t s , w h e r e we’ll begin to see stronger results closer to the end of this Parliament – my disu s e d b u i l d i n g s i n i t i a t i v e being a strong example of that

With that in mind, I’ve been proud to lead a number of initiatives that reflect the v o i c e s a n d v a l u e s o f

Leicester East over the past year One project particular-

ly close to my heart is the C o n n e c t e d i n C r e a t i v i t y Card Competitions These b r o u g h t t o g e t h e r y o u n g people from across our constituency to design cards for key cultural moments like Diwali, Eid, and Christmas It’s been an incredible way to celebrate our community’s rich diversity, nurture c r e a t i v i t y i n s c h o o l s , a n d b r i n g p e o p l e t o g e t h e r through shared traditions

The response from students, teachers, and families has been inspiring and I look forward to growing this init i a t

years ahead

smaller things that affect the day-to-day lives of residents

They really do make a difference As soon as you walk out your front door, you ’ re a

dents to notice those positive changes that I’m making when they leave their home Additionally, I’ve made

i

ties, especially the alarming disparities facing Black and

S

raised this in Parliament and pushed the Government for

d

l maternity care regardless of her background and this is an issue that demands urgent, sustained attention

f r o m g o v e r n m e n t a n d health authorities alike

T o g e t h e r , t h e s e i n i t i atives are about more than policy they’re about people – as that’s who bears the brunt of these decisions

What are your top priorities for Leicester East in the coming year, and how do you plan to address them? Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects you’re excited to introduce to the constituency?

My top priority in the coming year will be the same priority I’ve had this year, and will be my top priority

e v e r y y e a r t h a t I ’ m t h e Member of Parliament for

Small businesses losing faith in the Labour government

As the La bour gove rnment compl e te s it s fi rst ye a r in of fic e , di ss a t is fa ct io n i s mounting among the UK’s smal l busine ss community

A new survey of 1,000 i

revealed that 82% believe the government has broken its p

l l businesses, amid mounting f i n a n c i a l p r e s s u r e a n d sweeping new regulations

C o m m i s s i o n e d b y J T I , t h e s u r v e y i d e n t i

challenges facing these busi-

Leicester East – delivering for local people

Obviously, I have a new and exciting priority in my personal life, as my husband and I are having our first c h i l d – b u t p r o f e s s i o n a l l y

t h e p r i o r i t i e s a r e e x a c t l y where they always were My c a m p a i g n a n d e v e r y t h i n g I’ve done since my election has been done with the purpose of ensuring that local r e s i d

d heard, but it’s not just a listening exercise The issues that are being raised with m

y s o n e s t h a t d i r e c t l y i m p a c t t h e c a mpaigns and initiatives I work on, and I’m looking forward t o p u t t i n g m o r e o f t h e s e into action

T h i s p a s t y e a r h a s allowed me to lay the foundations, and really understand the priorities for people here in Leicester East, and now I’m looking forward to building on those existing foundations in the years to come

One of these initiatives is expanding my efforts to a d d r e s s M a t e r n a l H e a l t h Inequalities, which has only j u s t s t a r t e d A d d i t i o n a l l y , I’m hoping to do some more work in the community on my existing plans, particularly with regard to getting our young people engaged in our community – working with students, teachers and parents to do so, and helping make Leicester an appealing place for investment, and subsequent job opportunities

There’s still a lot of work to be done, but I’m committ e d t o s e e i n g i t t h r o u g h e v e r y s t e p o f t h e w a y –s h o w i n g m y c o n s t i t u e n t s why they voted for a candidate that’s from Leicester, for Leicester

Aldi and Lidl has affected margins, especially for small retailers Brexit-related supply chain issues still linger,

dent businesses Combined with higher wage and tax obligations, these pressures

change in government has done little to address these

National Insurance contrib u t i o n s , h i g h e r m i n i m u m wage requirements, and the p r o p o s e d g e n e r a t i o n a l smoking ban Retailers argue that these policies are compounding an already difficult trading environment, with many struggling to remain financially viable

The findings are stark: 70% of retailers said they feel “disillusioned” by the Labour government’s actions since taking office in July 2024, while 85% believe that curr e n t l a w s a n d p r o p o s e d changes will make it more difficult for them to succeed in 2025

Speaking to Asian Voice, FC C A- C ha r t e r e d

Ac co un t a n t & a n

Amb assador a nd Committee

Me m b e r of Lo n d on Ch a m b e r of C o mm e r ce , Harshad Kothari said, “The

L a b o u r g o v e r n m e n t ’ s f i r s t year has not brought notable i m p r o v e

i n minimum wage and employer National Insurance contributions have added pressure Our clients across sect o r s , e s p e c i a l l y i n B u y - t oLet, are struggling to sustain operations amid rising costs a n d t h e l o o m

n

R

n

e r s ’ Rights Bill With mortgage rates high and rental regulations tightening, landlords a r e s e e i n g d i m i n i s h e d returns Overall, there's been more financial strain than support, and we ’ ve yet to see targeted policies that ease these challenges ” C h a l l e n g e s t h a t s m a l l businesses have despite the c h a n g e i n g o v e r n m e n t , Harshad said, “South Asian business owners continue to face steep challenges, including rising business rates and rent hikes on leased properties Increased competition

said,

schemes The

tried-and-tested frameworks that knew how to reach and empower underrepresented communities ” Ammar emphasised that to truly unlock the potential of the UK’s small businesses, the next year must focus on

fairer, and more inclusive He said, “It means reforming

especially

and

family-run enterprises For Asian entrepreneurs, many of whom sit at the heart of the foundational economy, support must go beyond the generic and speak directly to their realities But I’m hopeful We’ve already demon-

We’ve helped

With the right partnership,

Shivani Raja with Akshata Murty (left) and former prime minister Rishi Sunak (right)

Shivani Raja MP

Ammar Mirza CBE

Harshad Kothari

A lifetime of healing, a system in pain

Reflecting on this mile-

s t o n e , D r Bh a s h a Mukherjee, NHS doctor and Miss England 20 19–21, said, “The 77th anniversary of the NHS is a powerful reminder of how deeply embedded it is in the fabric of British history The NHS is, at its core, a resilient organisation, shaped by history and carried forward by equally resilient people ” However, today’s NHS

f a c e s i m m e n s e s t r a i n

Waiting lists are at record h i g h s , g e n e r a l p

c e i s u n d e

p

e s s u r e , a n d s t a f f shortages continue to deepen Funding gaps, an ageing

p o p u l a t i o n , a n d g r o w i n g demand for mental health services add to the burden

According to Dr Rahu l M uk he rjee, C o ns ult ant i n Re sp i r ato ry a nd In ter na l Medicine, “The fact that the N H S h a s e n d u r e d f o r 7 7 years is remarkable The focus now is on making the NHS more sustainable so we can continue delivering universal healthcare, something we should all be proud of ”

Ch allenges and Scandals

Seventy-seven years on, the NHS remains central to British life, still admired at home and abroad But today it faces perhaps the most serious crisis in its history

W i t h c h r o n i c s t a f f s h o r tages, soaring demand, and record waiting lists, the service is straining under the weight of decades of under-

i n v e s t m e n t a n d p o l i t i c a l short-termism

Public satisfaction has d r o p p e d s i g n i f i c a n t l y i n recent years Patients now wait weeks or even months for treatment, with emergency departments and GP

s u r g e r i e s o v e r w h e l m e d

health inequalities persist,

the NHS’s promise of fairness Meanwhile, the workforce, exhausted from the pandemic, is grappling with burnout, pay disputes, and low morale

S c a n d a l s h a v e c o mp o u n d e d t h e s e p r o b l e m s

Failings in maternity services, especially in cases like

O t h e

p o r t s h a v e h i g hlighted systemic issues such as bullying, racism, and failures in patient safety These incidents have exposed the cultural and structural challenges that undermine the NHS from within Dr Ramesh M eh ta OBE, F o u nd e r o f th e B ri ti s h Association of Ph ysicians of Ind ian Origin (BAPIO), didn ’ t h o l d b a c k , “ W h i l e i t s founding principle of free care at the point of need still holds immense value, growing bureaucracy and poor m a n a g e m e n

h

v e e r o d e d its effectiveness Long waits a n d d e l a y s i n e m e r g e n c y

care are unacceptable and must be addressed urgently My message is clear: we are proud of our NHS, but we need politicians to take responsibility and act now ”

M o r a l e w i t h i n t h e w o r k f o r c e r e m a i n s l o w Strikes by junior doctors, c

over pay and working conditions have drawn public

s fragility

British A sian contribution

From its earliest days, the NHS has depended on international doctors, especially from South Asia

T h o u s a n d s o f d o c t o r s f r o m I n d i a , P a k i s t a n ,

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka formed the backbone of the

racism and limited recognition, many rose to senior

sionals continue to play a crucial role, comprising a significant part of the NHS workforce and contributing to its resilience

Reflecting on these contributions and the legacy of

Mehta said, “Doctors from India and the wider subcontinent have been the backbone of the NHS since its

sincere and honest service, the NHS would not have

ments have failed to give these international medical

they truly deserve

“There are several ongoing issues The most press-

and the basic principle of d

lacking These are not isol

e persistent and systemic ”

He further added, “It’s important to recognise the immense contributions our community has made to the NHS over the decades Our d o c t o r s a n d m a n a g e r s deserve greater representation at senior levels, and it's time to address the lack of d i v e r s i t y a t t h e t o p T h e NHS leadership must reflect the workforce and the com-

m u n i t i e s i t s e r v e s T h i s means breaking down the ‘white peaks’ that continue

to dominate senior management ”

In a statement to Asian V o i c e , P ro f es so r H abi b

Naqv i, chief executive of the NH S Rac e and He alt h

Ob se rv a to ry, s a i d , “ T h e NHS is a well-regarded and much-loved institution; it’s p e r h a p s t h e m o s t v i s i b l e expression of a shared social contract between people –and has been for 77 years However, to be proud of the NHS is not to be blind to its i m p e r f e c t i o n s , a n d t h e inequalities that often exist for patients and for the staff w o r k i n g i n t h e N H S a r e s o m e o f t h o s e i m p e r f e ctions

“The good news is that t h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s o u tlined a clear commitment to t a c k l i n g i n e q u a l i t i e s a n d placing a duty on healthcare p r o v i d e r s t o i d e n t i f y a n d address disparities in access, e x p e r i e n c e a n d o u t c o m e s f o r p a t i e n t s , a n d i n t h e experiences and opportunit i e s f o r s t a f f H o w e v e r , much work needs to be carried out to build and rebuild levels of trust and confidence in our diverse communities and amongst the workforce The Observatory remains committed to supp o r t i n g t h e g o v e r n m e n t , and the NHS, on the pursuit of equity – the very principle upon which the NHS was founded 77 years ago ” The NHS's relevance in a changing wo rld

Despite its many challenges, the NHS continues to be viewed as one of the world’s most effective models of healthcare especially when compared to expens i v e , i n s u r a n c e - b a s e d s y stems

“Healthcare is built on trust, not transactions,” said

Dr Rahul Mukherjee “In the NHS, patients know doctors are working in their best interest That trust is priceless Countries like the US and India spend more on h e a l t h c a r e b u t o f

poorer outcomes In cont

y w h i l e maintaining public trust ” D r M u k h e r

s

n

l

y involved in green and costs a v i n g p r o j e c t s , s u c h a s refurbishing ventilators and CPAP machines “It’s part of our ‘three Ps’ approach: bett e r f o r t h e P a t i e n t , t h e Planet, and the Pocket ” F o r D r B h a s h a M u k h e r j e e , t h e N H S ’ s strength lies in its ability to adapt “There have always been challenges, from historic pressures to Covid But what stands out about the NHS is its remarkable ability to evolve That’s what has kept it alive for 77 years ”

S t i l l , s h e c a u t i o n s a g a i n s t b u r d e n s o m e bureaucracy that frustrates f r o n t l i n e w o r k e r s “ W e waste so much energy on red tape, training for the sake of training, forms for t h e s a k e o f f o r m s T h a t breeds cynicism We must bring back empathy, compassion and human connection to the centre of NHS care ” Ho pes on th e horizon

A m i d t h e c r i s i s , t h e r e are signs of hope and with one year of a Labour gove r n m e n t i n p l a c e , m a n y healthcare professionals are cautiously optimistic

T h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s launched a ten-year NHS reform plan focused on prev e n t i o n r a t h e r t h a n j u s t t r e a t m e n t T h e s t r a t e g y aims to tackle issues like

South Asian generations who chose to care

obesity, improve access to

s Technological innovation is also being embraced, with

patient safety in real time a

scandals

National Specialty Advisor

S continues to be one of the biggest political and public issues Labour’s upcoming 10-year plan will show their direction, but the key issue i

been the biggest bugbear in recent decades ”

echoed this hope, “Labour has spoken about cutting red tape and I hope they

mean it We need to move away from a tick-box culture and put patients, not paperwork, at the heart of the system again ” As the NHS enters its 7 8 t h y e

a crossroads Its founding ideals remain relevant but real reform is needed to ensure its survival Better management, meaningful diversity in leadership, investment in sustainability, and reducing bureaucratic drag could all help the NHS thrive once again

In Dr Rahul Mukherjee’s

- N H S doesn’t mean ignoring productivity ” If we care about

s o make it work smarter

The NHS is still one of

tions in the UK, but it cannot run on legacy and goodwill alone If its next chapter is to be one of revival, not decline, then action and not j u s t a d m i r a t i o n , m u s t define the years ahead

F or many So uth Asian families i n the UK, wo rking in the NHS has become a p roud tradi tio n p assed down th rough generatio ns

Grandparents, parents, and now their children have all served in various roles doctors, nurses, pharmacists, porters, administrators, each playing a part in keeping the health service going

This multigenerational commitment reflects not just a career path, but a

deep-rooted sense of duty, identity, and community

For some families, it’s more than just a job it’s a shared passion and legacy of care

Many genuinely love what they do, finding purpose in helping others and pride in continuing a family tradition of service in one of the UK’s most cherished institutions

Speaking to Asian Voice, Co nsultant Physician in Resp iratory and Internal

Medicine, Dr Rahul Mukherjee, reflecting on his and his daughter Dr Deyashini’s journey with the NHS, said, “The NHS is one of the most efficient and cost-effective healthcare systems in the world, providing universal care that is free at the point of delivery It’s a place for doctors whose primary motivation is to serve and care for others If your goal is purely financial, the NHS may not be the right fit

but for those driven by compassion and a commitment to human welfare, there’s no better place I’m especially proud that my daughter chose this path entirely on her own I never encouraged or directed her toward medicine, yet she’s now a critical care registrar in a leading university hospital, while I work as a respiratory physician Her decision was spontaneous and self-driven, which

makes it all the more meaningful It’s a true privilege to be in a profession where we can make a difference and be genuinely valued ”

Natio nal Sp ecialty Adviso r, Diabetes wi th NHS England and coautho r of th e national Di abetes GIRF T rep ort, P ro fess or Parth a K ar whose both parents worked in the NHS said, “Both of my parents worked in the NHS, and while their careers

didn’t directly influence my decision, they did shape it in part What impacted me more was witnessing some of the injustices they faced, barriers to career progression and a lack of recognition despite their hard work and dedication That stayed with me I wanted to be part of the system not just to follow in their footsteps, but to challenge those limitations and prove that change is possible ”

Dr Ramesh Mehta OBE

Dr Bhasha Mukherjee with Keir Starmer

Dr Rahul Mukherjee

Prof Habib Naqvi Professor Partha Kar

Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel

"You r p ension is und er threat!" Such alarm ing head lines sho uld prom pt retirees to take im med iate action In recent m onths, British p ensioners have been inundated with d istressing news, including potential pension tax hi kes in u pc om ing bud g ets and alarm ing revelatio ns about underperforming fund managers

Let’s get straight to the point: the average UK pension fund has returned only about 5% annually over the past decade While this might seem acceptable, when you cons i d e r i n f l a t i o n w h i c h s u r g e d t o 1 0 % l a s t y e a r i t becomes clear that many pensions are effectively losing value, putting your retirement goals at risk

Relying blindly on fund managers is no longer an option They may manage your pension, but their primary objective is to run profitable businesses Traditional financial advisors and wealth managers continue to profit regardless of whether your retirement savings thrive or merely survive

A recent Which? Report found that pension funds managed by prominent firms have underperformed their benchmarks by up to 60% over five years Imagine losing more than half of your potential retirement earnings simply due to a poor advisor choice!

Now, here’s the good news: the tools and resources for managing your pension independently are more accessible than ever DIY investing is no longer just an option; it’s essential for anyone serious about securing their financial future

Consider the Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) SIPPs provide the flexibility, control, and potential for superior returns through strategic investments in options like Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) or individual stocks The difference can be staggering; conservative ETFs that track major indices like the S&P 500 have delivered average annual returns exceeding 10% over the past decade

It’s time to overcome any hesitation rooted in fear or perceived complexity The financial industry has exploited this fear for years, but the solution is knowledge Whether you're in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or nearing retirement in your 60s, seizing control of your pension investments can transform your retirement outlook

Another critical reason to actively manage your pension is to enhance your tax efficiency With government scrutiny and potential policy shifts on the horizon, structuring your pension smartly is vital Recent discussions surrounding pension taxation underscore this urgency

The bottom line is clear: don’t let complacency or fear dictate your retirement Dedicating time to understand basic financial strategies and actively managing your pension could be the decisive factor between enjoying a comf

desired lifestyle

B e g i n t o d a y b y r e v i e w i n g y o u r c u r r e n t

arrangements, educating yourself on investment fundamentals, and exploring alternatives like SIPPs The time to take control is now don’t wait

Fortunately, there is a silver lining Never before have the tools and resources for managing your pension independently been so accessible DIY investing, once considered risky or overly complex, is now practical and essential for anyone genuinely committed to securing their financial future

A growingly popular solution is the Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) SIPPs offer flexibility, control, and potentially superior returns through the careful selection of investments such as Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) or individual stocks The performance gap can be significant; even conservative ETFs tracking major indices like the S&P 500 have delivered average annual returns exceeding 10% over the past decade

Yet, many individuals hesitate due to a lack of confidence or perceived complexity The financial industry has c a p i t a l i z e d o n t h i s f e a r f o r d e c a d e s , b u t k n o w l e d g e remains the best antidote to anxiety Whether you're in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or even approaching retirement in your 60s, taking charge of your pension investments directly can dramatically transform your retirement outcomes

Another compelling reason to actively manage your pension is tax efficiency With increasing government scrutiny and potential policy changes on the horizon, structuring your pension efficiently is crucial Recent debates surrounding pension taxation underline this urgency

The critical takeaway is clear: don t allow complacency or fear to dictate your retirement Investing time to understand basic financial strategies and actively managing your pension can be the difference between retiring comfortably and struggling to maintain your desired lifestyle

S t a r t t o d

arrangements, educating yourself on investment fundamentals, and seriously exploring alternatives like SIPPs

The time to take control isn't tomorrow it's now

Your future self will thank you or at least won’t panic with every alarming budget headline

Vedanta secures refinancing boost amid debt pressure

announced that it had successfully

Capital Management

repayment obligations and

ments and investor con-

meet its financial commitments V

which holds the majority

In a statement, Vedanta

flexibility” and

plans to improve its capital

continues to explore additional refinancing opportunities, including asset sales and strategic partnerships While the new funding provides temporary relief, analysts say Vedanta will need to demonstrate consistent operational performance and improved cash

confidence and sustain its

months ahead

Britons cut back on savings as living costs bite

of

the first fall in the savi ngs rate i n two years , as ris ing li vi ng expens es and falling re tu rn s fr om s av i n gs ac counts forced people to di p into their reserves

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show the household saving ratio f e l l t o 1 0 9 % b e t w e e n January and March, down from 12% in the final quarter of 2024 The drop was

mainly due to a decline in n o n - p e n s i o n s a v i n g s , which contributed 6 2 percentage points to the saving r a t i o , c o m p a r e d w i t h 7 3 points previously Pension c o n t r i b u t i o n s r e m a i n e d stable at 4 7%

Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the ONS, said the fall was driven by higher spending on essentials like rent, fuel and e a t i n g o u t “ T h e s a v i n g ratio fell for the first time in t w o y e a r s , a l t h o u g h i t

remains relatively strong,” she noted

The increase in spending saw household consumption revised upwards f r o m 0 2 % t o 0 4 % , a s m a n y c o n s u m e r s t u r n e d to their savings to maintain their standard of living

Trump

Meanwhile, household costs remain high Average rents reached record levels , £ 1 , 3 49 o u t s i d e L o n d o n and £2,698 in the capital, while mortgage and insurance costs remain elevated In April, GDP contracted by 0 3% following the introduction of tariffs and higher employer national insurance contributions

D e s p i t e t h e s e p r e ss u r e s , t h e U K e c o n o m y grew by 0 7% in the first quarter, driven by growth in services, manufacturing a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n , p a r t l y due to a surge in exports ahead of new US tariffs a n

Asda in loss amid IT woes and soaring debts

As da’s p arent c om p any h as rep orted a £599 million p retax lo ss fo r 2 024, as the sup ermarket chain stru ggles with mounting debt, fal ling sales, and co stly delays in overhau ling its IT sys tem s The loss, disclosed in new a c c o u n t s f o r B e l l i s F i n c o , marks a sharp reversal from the £180 million profit the g r o u p p o s t e d

largely driven by two one-off charges: a £378 million non-

revised asset valuations, and

£310 million in costs tied to

ongoing effort to separate its IT infrastructure from former owner Walmart

Asda was acquired in 2021 by TDR Capital and the Issa brothers in a £6 8 billion deal, with Walmart retaining a 10% stake The IT project has been delayed and is now expected to cost £89 million more than initially forecast, pushing its completion to later this year

D e s p i t e t h e l o s s , A s d a p o i n t e d t o a n i n c r e a s e i n adjusted EBITDA after rent, up to £1 14 billion from £1 08 billion, as a more accurate reflection of its performance

The grocer, the UK’s thirdlargest, has also seen a 3 4% d

driven by stock issues and c u s t o m e r c o m p l a i n t s However, total revenue rose from £25 6 billion to £26

by

year, is leading a turnaround effort, including price reductions and improved stock lev-

“Price Rollback” scheme,

Kebab King’s SME group under fire for ties to big tobacco

SME4La bour,

s grassr oots image

Founded by restaurateur Ibrahim Dogus, dubbed the “Kebab King” and known for creating the British Kebab A w a r d s , S M E 4 L a b o u r h a s grown into a powerful networking platform Its events,

attended by senior Labour figures like Sir Keir Starmer, R

q Khan, have offered business attendees access to top political leaders, sometimes for t

r ticket While the group promotes itself as giving small and medium-sized enterprises a voice in policy developm

Airbnb Critics point to outdated policy material on its website and question its true focus on SMEs

Concerns have also been raised about its events, such as one where tobacco legislation was debated, and Philip Morris even sponsored the British Kebab Awards The group ’ s accounts, however, suggest modest activity, with only £4,234 in cash reported last year, despite the high cost of its corporate tables and magazine ads Dogus,

from

to business owner and political activist, has denied any impropriety He maintains the group sup-

and Labour and insists sponsors receive no special treatment Labour has clarified SME4Labour is not officially affiliated with the party and all donations comply with legal requirements Tax freeze drags 420,000 more pensioners into income tax net

Anil Agarwal

Mohsin Issa

Indian diaspora sends home record $135bn last year

India has been th e big gest

r ec i p ie nt o f i nw ar d

r em i tt anc e s s i nc e 20 0 1

A cc o rd in g to th e Wo rl d Bank, Ind ia was at the top of the list with $1 18 billion in 20 23-24, fo llowed by Mexico w ith inflows of $68 billion; C hina was third wi th $48 billion

“ I n d i a ’

India’s gross inward foreign d i r e c t i n

t m e n t ( F D I ) f l o w s , t h u s

s

their importance as

stable

n a l financing,” noted a report by the RBI In fiscal year 20232 4

remittances was from the U

cent, followed by the UAE (19 2 per cent), UK (10 8 per cent), Saudi Arabia (6 7 per cent) and Singapore (6 6 per c

remittances almost doubled in the last decade, from $69 billion in 2014-15 to $135 46 billion in 2024-25, a jump of 94 21 per cent I n f i s c

remittances at 20 5 per cent,

Adani group unveils

£10bn annual capex plan

T he Ad ani Group is set to i ncrease its annual cap ital expenditure, w ith C hairman Gautam A dani announcing

p l an s to i nv e s t $1 5 - 20 bn each year for the next five years

Addressing shareholders

a t t h e a n n u a l g e n e r a l

m e e t i n g , A d a n i d e s c r i b e d

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

e m p h a s i s i n g i t s r o l e i n b u i l d i n g I n d i a ’ s i n f r a s t r u c t u r e T h e p o r t s -

to-power group reported a

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

£27 16bn for FY25, a 7% yearo n - y e a r i n c r e a s e , w i t h

adjusted EBITDA rising by

8 2% to £8 98bn, reflecting robust financial health amid

g l o b a l e c o n o m i c

uncertainty

T h e g r o u p ’ s o p e r a t i n g businesses achieved record performances Adani Power surpassed 100 billion units of generation, a first for a private player Adani Green progressed significantly on its mega renewable energy park in Khavda, targeting 50 GW by 2030, and aiming for 100 GW capacity within five y e a r s , i n c l u d i n g h y d r o a s s e t s A d a n i E n e r g y Solutions secured £4 40bn in transmission orders and is executing smart metering projects

F u r t h e r b o l s t e r i n g i t s p o r t f o l

followed closely with its share increasing to 19 7 per cent from about 10

period, followed by Tamil

Telangana (8

per cent) and Karnataka (7 7 per cent)

cent of remittances were in

transactions Saudi Arabia is the country from which 92 7

followed by Australia (89 5 per cent), while Italy’s share in remittances was higher in cash (65 per cent), followed by Canada (60 per cent)

consortium led by Apollo

This unit, which operates e i g h t I n d i a n a i r p

a n d oversees the upcoming Navi M u m b a i I n t e r n a t i o n a l Airport, is expected to be spun off and listed by March 2 0 2 7 A d a n i a s s e r t e d , “ A n a t i o n ’ s f u t u r e i s n o t written in policy documents – it is written in the risks its entrepreneurs dare to take ” H e a d d e d , " W e a r e n o t l a y i n g c o n c r e t e W e a r e laying conviction "

Pritesh Patel appointed as CEO of Gemological Institute of America

T he Gemo log ical Institute of Am erica (GIA )

h a s ap p oi n ted P ri t es h P a tel a s i ts n ext p resident and CEO Cu rrently serv ing as the I nstitute’s C hi ef Op erating Officer, Patel w ill assum e his new role on Aug ust 4 Patel brings nearly a decade of leadership

e x p e r i e n c e w i t h i n G I A a n d a s t r o n g b a c k g r o u n d i n o p e r a t

d technology His appointment follows an international search led by GIA’s Board of G o v e r n o r s a n d a d e d i c

h committee

Patel called the new role “the honor of a lifetime,” reflecting on the trust the gem and jewelry industry places in GIA Patel joined GIA in 2015 as Chief Information Officer and

was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2017 In his role as COO, he led operational strategy and o

solutions to advance the Institute’s mission Patel holds an MBA from the Marshall S c h o o l o f B

Southern California

Founded in 1931, GIA is an independent n

developed the internationally recognized 4Cs (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight) a

Grading System™ in 1953, which remains a global standard in the industry

Sitharaman rejects 'tariff king' label, highlights duty reductions

labelling India a ‘tariff king’, asserting th at th e natio n ’ s applied duties are considerably lo wer th an rates approved by Parliament

S he underscored th e government’s ongo ing

r ef o r ms ai m ed

mp

h

ar

ff regime and bolstering trade

A d d r e s s i n g a n E x i m B a

Sitharaman challenged the US narrative, stating, "For those who still believe India may be the tariff king effectively you are at a far lower level ” This directly countered criticisms, including those from President D o n

below World Trade Organisation (WTO) bound rates

progress in trade deal negotiations with the EU and the US, expecting their imminent conclusion She particularly highlighted a significant reform in the recent budget: reducing the number of tariff rates to just eight, including the zero rate Consequently, the average customs duty rate decreased from 11 7% to 10 7%, indicating substantial burden reduction on trade

India Inc achieves 7.2% sales growth in 2024-25

Co rp orate Indi a exh ibited a renew ed vigo ur in 2 02 4 -2 5, w i t h l i s t ed p ri va te no nfi nancial compani es repo rti ng a robust 7 2% sales growth, a s i g ni f i c a nt i m p r o ve me nt f r o m th e s u bd ue d 4 7 % recorded d uring the p revio us year Data f ro m the Reserve Bank o f Ind ia, based o n 3,9 02 f i r m s , i nd i c at es a br o adb as e d , t h o u gh u ne ve n, r ec o ve r y, s o me w h at tempered by escalating input cos ts and ti ghtening margins

T h e m a n u f a c t u r i n g sector saw sales climb by 6 0%, up from 3 5%, largely due to strong performances

i n a u t o m o b i l e s , e l e c t r i c a l

m a c h i n e r y , f o o d a n d

b e v e r a g e s , a n d

pharmaceuticals However, t h i s m o m e n t u m w a s p a r t i a l l y o f f s e t b y contractions in petroleum and metals, particularly iron and steel, reflecting the drag f r o m c o m m o d i t y p r i c e v o l a t i l i t y a n d s o f t g l o b a l demand The services sector

f a r e d e v e n b e t t e r I n f o r m a t i o n t e c h n o l o g y f i r m s , n

uncertainties, achieved 7 1% growth, an increase from 5 5% More notably, non-IT s e r v i c e s e x p e r i e n c e d a d o u b l e

and expansion

Despite the positive topline growth, cost pressures l

with

pushing the ratio of

hinting at tighter operating conditions Staff expenses also increased universally: by 10% for manufacturers, 4 4% for IT firms, and 12%

sales figures

of companies

Torrent Pharma to acquire JB Chem for

Torrent P harma wi ll acquire a c o nt r ol l i ng s ta ke i n JB

Ch emi cal s & Pharmac euti cals (JB Chem) for arou nd £ 1 8 bn, i nclud ing an o pen off er Thi s i s the second largest deal in p h a rm a s p a c e a f te r S u n P h a rm a ’ s $ 4 bi l l i o n acquisi tion of Ranbaxy over a d ecad e back

T h e d e a l w i l l c r e a t e India's second most valued pharma company (after Sun Pharma), with a revenue of o v e r £ 1 5 b n , a n d w i l l b e ranked among the top five pharma players

T h e t r a n s a c t i o n i n t h e first phase includes Torrent Pharma’s acquisition of 46 4% stake in JB Chem from US PE

£1.8bn

major KKR for nearly £1 19bn, which will be followed by an open offer of up to 26% from public shareholders

The equity valuation of JB Chem is £2 56bn, while its market cap is £2 8bn As per t h e a g r e e m e n t s i g n e d b e t w e e n t h e t w o , T o r r e n t P h a r m a i s a c q u i r i n g K K R ’ s stake in JB Chem at Rs 1,600 p e r s h a r e , w h i l e t h e o p e n offer is at Rs 1,639 per share

The deal price is at nearly 9% discount to JB Chem’s closing price of Rs 1,800 on June 27 KKR’s stake in the company is held through its subsidiary Tau Investment Holdings I n t h e s e c o n d p h a s e , Torrent and JB Pharma will

be merged through a scheme of arrangement under which every shareholder holding 100 s h

l l receive 51 shares of Torrent I n M a r c h t h i

, K K R d i v e s

through block deals The PE major has been seeking to exit its investment in JB Chem for some time and had initiated t h e p r o c e s s l a

However, negotiations with t

Infosys founder Murthy visits Gift City, hails growth

In fosy s foun de r Na ra y an a Mur th y v isit e d Gujara t Int erna tion al Finance Tec-City (Gift C it y ) , w he r e he m et se n i or of fici a l s a n d praised its infrastructure and inte rnational positioning

Murthy held discussions with Hasmukh Adhia, Chairman of Gift City; Tapan Ray, Managing Director and Group CEO; and K Rajaraman, Chairman of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), according to a statement

He was briefed on Gift City’s ongoing initiatives and the increasing presence of global companies Murthy commended the project’s progress and said its development was vital to establishing India as a financial and technology services hub

During the meeting, Murthy suggested e n h a n c i n g i n n o v a t i

stronger collaboration between academia and industry to support the city’s long-term fintech ambitions He also interacted with

Deakin University, and the University of Wollongong, encouraging them to pursue excellence and innovation Infosys opened a development centre at Gift City, which will

and

Rosneft in talks with RIL to sell its stake in Nayara

Mukesh Ambani 's R eli an ce Ind ustries i s likely to buy Russi an energy major Ros neft’s stake in Nayara Energ y The two gi an ts have started exploratory talks but it is too early to expect a d ef in i ti ve ou tcome d ue to R osn eft’s aski ng pri ce o f $2 0 bi lli o n, w hi ch h ad tu rned of f bus inesses ap proached earlier P e o p l e i n t h e k n o w s a i d R o s n e f t h a s softened its demand to $17 billion, which is still daunting for India’s largest private player in the oil sector But if and when these initial contacts translates into a deal, it will make RIL India’s largest refiner, displacing state-run IndianOil RIL currently operates the world’s largest refining complex in a single location at Jamnagar in Gujarat, with a total capacity of 68 million tonnes per year Acquisition of Nayara will add another 20 million tonne per year to

Gautam Adani

India slams Yunus govt over demolition of Durga temple

D ha k a: I nd i a s tr on g ly c o n de m n ed t he

demoliti on of the D urga temple in Dhaka, c ri t i c i s i n g t he r ol e of th e Mu ha m m ad

Y un us-led interim government i n allowing the destruc tion and projecting it as a case of i llegal land use

At a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) s p o k e s p e r s o n R

extremists were clamouring for demolishing the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka

The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as a case of illegal land use and

a

Randhir Jaiswal

13 Pak security men killed in suicide attack

in brief LA CELEBRATES SWAMI PURNATMANANDA’S

100TH BIRTHDAY

p

today This has resulted in damage to the deity before it was shifted It is a matter of grave concern that such incidents continue to recur in Bangladesh It is the responsib i l i t y o f t h e i n t e r i m g o v e r n m e n t o f Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their properties, and their religious institutions, he stated

Earlier this week, the Human Rights C o n g r e s s f o r B a n g l a d e s h M i n o r i t i e s (HRCBM) had highlighted another such incident, terming the vandalization of a Mahastri Manasa and Durga Temple in Dinajpur district by miscreants as a horrifying act of terrorising the Hindu minority community in the country

Rape of Bangladesh Hindu woman sparks outrage, BNP ‘supporter’ held

DH AK A: T he alleged rape o f a 26 - y ea r- o

Cumilla district by a “ sup -

p o rt er ” o f f o rm er P M

K h al e da Z ia ’ s B NP h a s s p ar ke d w i de sp re ad o u trage, with the High Court direc ting that th e video o f h er assault, wh ich went viral o n so cial media, be remo ved i m me di a te ly a nd s h e b e given p olice protection

F a z a r A l i h a s b e e n arrested on the charge of rape while four others are accused of making and circ u l a t i n g t h e v i d e o , s a i d authorities, who have also

b e e n d i r e c t e d t o e n s u r e

m e d i c a l s u p p o r t t o t h e woman HC asked them to file a report within 15 days on the progress of investigations into the incident

C o n d e m n i n g t h e i n c ident and demanding exemplary punishment, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul

Islam Alamgir said there is a “dangerous conspiracy afoot

t o d a m a g e B N P ’ s r e p u t ation” The party is yet to clarify whether Fazar was linked to it Fakhrul claimed t h e w o m a n w a s a H i n d u expatriate’s wife Fazar, after the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League govt’s fall last year, started i n t r o d u c i n g h i m s e l f a s a BNP member and attending its programmes, according to sources in political par-

Pak seeks talks

ties He’s seen in photos of B N P ’ s R a m c h a n d r a p u r

South Union office’s inauguration on Dec 14 last year University students held marches in solidarity with the victim, calling for justice While Naripokkho, a women ’ s rights body, called on citizens to break silence and resist violence against w o m e n , h u m a n r i g h t s o r g a n i s a t i o n s c a l l e d f o r “swift trial and exemplary punishment ”

amid heightened tensions; India remains firm

I S L A M A B A D : P ak is ta n' s P r i m e M in i st er S h eh ba z S h ari f h as re it era te d h i s nation's readiness for a comp r eh e ns iv e d i al o g u e w i th India, aiming to resolve all o uts tand ing i ssu es inclu di n g J a m m u a nd K as h m i r, w ater d isp utes, trad e, and terro ri sm S harif conv eyed these v iews d uring a telep h on i c co n v er sa ti o n w i th S a u d i C ro w n P ri nc e M ohamm ed bin Salman

T h i s d i p l o m a t i c o v e rt u r e c o m e s t w o m o n t h s after a significant escalation in India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, which prompted India to launch 'Operation Sindoor' and kept the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance

This is not Sharif's first appeal for engagement; he had previously expressed a similar willingness for peace

t a l k s w i t

clear that any dialogue with Pakistan would strictly concern the return of Pakistanoccupied Kashmir (PoK) and the irreversible cessation of c

Indus Waters Treaty would

I

n a n d Azerbaijan However, New Delhi has consistently main-

Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism Jaiswal notably quoted P

Modi’s unwavering declaration: “Terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together ” The divergence in prec o n d i t

deep chasm in the relationship While Pakistan seeks a broad agenda for discussion, I

concrete action against terror as the fundamental prerequisite for any meaningful engagement

The recent military and diplomatic measures undertaken by India underscore its determination to link any normalisation of ties directly to Pakistan dismantling

D e s p i t e S h a r i f ’

e d overtures, the path to dialogue remains fraught, with India’s emphasis on national security and counter-terrorism dominating its foreign policy posture towards its neighbour

P E SH A WA R: A t least 1 3 security personnel were killed and 24 others injured in a suicide at tac k i n P ak i st an ’ s no rt h w es t K h yb er

P akh t un kh w a p ro v i nc e, s ecu ri ty so u rc es said

A suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle belonging to the Bomb Disposal Unit in Khaddi village in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, sources said Fourteen civilians were among the 24 injured

A curfew was imposed in the area at the time of the incident due to ongoing military movement, sources said

S

operation following the explosion

The militant group Usud al-Harb, a subfaction of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, has claimed responsibility for the attack, they added

Chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, A l i A m i n G a n d a p u r , h a s s t r o n g l y c o n -

demned the suicide attack The incident is being described as one of the deadliest in North Waziristan in recent months and has raised serious concerns about the security situation in the region PTI Pakistan ranked second on the Global Terrorism Index 2025, with terror-related deaths rising by 45% over the past year to 1,081

Pak major who ‘nabbed’ India's Abhinandan killed

N E W DEL HI: In a big set ba ck for the ISI an d Pa kistan a rmy , a n office r of a Major ra nk an d ove r a dozen ot her securit y per son nel were k i ll e d i n se p a r a t e a m bu sh a t t a c k s by Te hree k-e-Ta liba n Pakista n (TTP) fight er s in Wa zir ist an, Khy be r Pak htun khwa

The slain Major, Moiz Abbas, from the 6 CDO battalion (SSG), had claimed he had captured IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman in 2019 Abbas was honorarily promoted to the rank of Major for his act While Pakistan a r m y c h i e f F i e l d M a r s h a l A s i m M u n i r attended his funeral prayers, President Asif Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif offered condolences and praised him for fighting against the operatives of ‘Fitna-Al-Khwarij,’ a term used by Pakistan for referring to TTP fighters

On Feb 27, 2019, Varthaman, then a Wing Commander, had downed an enemy j e t ( F - 1 6 ) d u r i n g a n a e r i a l c o m b a t w i t h Pakistan in the aftermath of the Balakot airstrikes a day before His own jet was subsequently hit, prompting an ejection and landing on enemy soil He was held captive for three days and released by Pakistan on March 1 He was later conferred with the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest war-time gallantry medal, and promoted to the rank of Group Captain Confirming Abbas’s death, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that Abbas led his troops from the front “He fought gallantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice along with another brave son of the soil, Lance Naik Jibran Ullah, during the intense fire exchange,” it said The ISPR also claimed that 11 TTP fighters were killed and called them “India-sponsored terrorists”, their usual ploy to avoid naming Afghanistan or Taliban

The 100th birth anniversary of Swami Purnatmananda, lovingly known as “Boro Swamiji,” was marked by both reflection and renewal as the Los Angeles chapter of Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) hosted a grand celebration on June 8 At a packed Bristol Civic Auditorium Boro Swamiji the current global President of BSS formally named Swami Amarnathananda the head of the New Jersey branch as his successor to oversee the Sangha s expanding work outside India

NATASHA POONAWALLA ATTENDS JEFF BEZOS WEDDING

Glamour, wealth, and exclusivity defined the wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sanchez this weekend in Venice - and among the starstudded guest list one name stood out for India: Natasha Poonawalla The 43-year-old socialite and fashionista was reportedly the only Indian invited to the ultra-exclusive affair, which drew global attention not only for its opulent setting on the canals of Venice but also for its dazzling celebrity lineup Ivanka Trump Kim Kardashian Leonardo DiCaprio Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates were among the high-profile names on the list

INDIAN STUDENT DIES SUDDENLY IN CANADA

An Indian student at the University of Calgary in Canada has died, the Consulate General of India in Vancouver said The Consulate said it was "saddened by the sudden demise" of the Indian student identified as Tanya Tyagi It was immediately not clear how the Indian student died and under what circumstances We are saddened by the sudden demise of Tanya Tyagi, an Indian student at University of Calgary, it posted on X The Consulate is in touch with the authorities and will provide all required assistance to the bereaved family Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with his family and friends of the deceased," it added

CHEF VIJAY KUMAR HONORED AT JAMES BEARD AWARDS

Chef Vijay Kumar, originally from Tamil Nadu and currently helming the kitchen at Semma, has won the James Beard Award for Best Chef in New York State In his acceptance speech, Kumar reflected on his personal and professional journey “When I started cooking I never thought a darkskinned boy from Tamil Nadu would make it to a room like this ” he said “But the food I grew up on -food made with care with fire with soul - is now taking the main stage ” He further highlighted the cultural power of cuisine, adding, There s no such thing as a poor person s food or rich person s food It s food It s powerful And the real luxury is to be able to connect with each other around the dinner table

GURU NANAK DEV UNIVERSITY TO OPEN CAMPUS IN US

Guru Nanak Dev university has approved a proposal to establish its first offshore campus in California, US This was decided during the university syndicate's meeting led by Vice Chancellor Dr Karamjeet Singh The proposal aligns with principles of the National Education Policy 2020 According to the VC, the new campus will strengthen India's economic cultural and academic presence globally It is expected to address the educational and cultural needs of the Punjabi diaspora and foster academic exchange with international students

Shehbaz Sharif

in brief

INDIAN ARRESTED FOR DUPING WOMAN

An Indian origin man residing in Australia has been apprehended by Pune Police for orchestrating an elaborate matrimonial fraud allegedly defrauding a woman of £360,000 The accused, who used a fake identity on a matrimonial website was arrested at Mumbai airport Police identified the accused as Abhishek Shukla, originally from Lucknow but holding an Australian passport Shukla allegedly created a fictitious profile as Dr Rohit Oberoi' on a matrimonial portal, contacting the Pune-based victim in 2023 He befriended her, promised marriage, and gained her trust

MALAYSIA ARRESTS 36 BANGLADESHIS

The Royal Malaysian Police announced the arrest of 36 Bangladeshi nationals for their involvement in a radical movement and bringing extremist beliefs based on the Islamic State (IS) ideology into the country Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, announcing the arrest of the Bangladeshis stated that the police’s operation started on April 24 with three phases of arrests in Selangor and Johor Out of the 36 arrested five have been identified as being involved with the Penal Code’s Chapter VIA 15 have been issued orders for deportation while 16 others are still under investigation over their role in promoting Islamic state ideology

OVER 30 KILLED IN PAKISTAN RAIN

At least 34 people including 16 children died and 46 injured in separate rain-related incidents over the past three days as heavy rains of pre-monsoon showers lashed across many regions of Pakistan officials said At least 19 people were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province while 15, including children, were killed in Punjab province As many as 17 members of a family from Sialkot that had gone for a picnic were swept along the Swat River due to a sudden surge in water level, officials said, adding, despite rescue efforts, several of them were carried off by the strong current, local media reports said

BANGLADESH TO MARK AUG 5 AS ‘MASS UPRISING DAY’

Bangladesh will observe Aug 5 as Mass Uprising Day’ to mark the movement that led to the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina govt last year The interim govt, however, withdrew its decision to dedicate Aug 8 to celebrate the formation the Muhammad Yunus-headed caretaker administration following criticism from various quarters Yunus took charge as chief adviser on Aug 8, three days after the fall of the Awami League govt Following a meeting of the council of advisers chaired by Yunus chief adviser s press secretary Shafiqul Alam said, There will be no special celebration for Aug 8 as there will be no ‘Notun Bangladesh Dibosh (New Bangladesh Day)’ ”

NEPAL REPORTS FIRST COVID DEATH IN TWO YEARS

Nepal has recorded its first Covid death in over two years a development that underscores the virus s lingering presence in communities across the world According to health officials in Biratnagar, the patient, a 39-year-old woman died earlier this week after contracting the virus It s the country s first reported fatality since 2023 This news arrives five years after the UK s first national lockdown and serves as a reminder that while Covid might feel like a thing of the past for many it hasn’t vanished Although no longer dominating headlines, Covid remains active across much of the world

In countries like Thailand, India, Brazil and several parts of Europe new variants are causing small but steady surges

Zohran Mamdani’s NYC mayoral primary win triggers tremours

Assembl yman

mayoral nomination on June

from Uganda as a child and is the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, could become New York’s

American mayor Mamdani, who became a US citizen in 2018 and married a Syrian artist earlier this year, brings a background in film and activism, shaping his u

political approach

innovative social media strategy,

resonated strongly with young, first-time, and immigrant voters,

disillusioned by the Biden

on the Gaza conflict

President Donald Trump

d

Mamdani, labelling him a ‘ 1 0 0 % C o m m u n i s t L u n a t i c ’ a n d i m

suggesting "coloured immigrants are taking over America " Vice President JD Vance sarcastically dubbed him the "new leader of the Democratic Party," and the GOP campaign arm branded him

NYC electorate, citing that onethird of NYC is foreign-born

grappling with the nomination's implications and how to bridge

Tanden, President of the Center

Asian and Muslim voters, many

BAPS organises leadership camp for technology leaders in San Jose

S A N JO SE : The BAPS executive forum has organised a lead ership cam p for senior technolo gy lead ers from the San Francisco Bay A rea The ev ent hosted at the Shri Sw am inarayan M andir in Milp itas, provid ed an o pportunity for executives to connect with like-minded peers, reflect on p urp o se- d ri v en lea de rsh ip , and d raw inspiration for personal and p rofessional growth

P u j y a B r a h m a v i h

Swami delivered the evening’s keynote, centering his address on the theme “Value Added Life – Leading with Values, Thriving w

insights that deeply resonated w

whom hold high roles in Silicon Valley’s most influential companies

H e a r t i c u l a t e d f o u r c o r e principles for values-based leadership: Make Time, Don’t Just

Indian origin appointed to lead University of Pittsburgh’s CEE

P I T T S B U R GH : V ikas K hanna, a natio nally reco gnised exp ert in sustainable systems and environmental eng ineering , has been ap pointed as Interim Chair of the Dep artment

o f C i v i l and E nv i ro n m en tal E ng i n eer in g ( C E E ) at th e U n iv ers i ty o f P i t ts bu rg h T h e ap pointment, effectiv e Ju ly 1, w as announced by M ich ele V Manu el, US S teel Dean of Engineering, and follows the 23-year lead ership of Radisav Vid ic, who returns to th e faculty on J une 30

Khanna, a professor within the department since 2010, has forged a distinguished career focusing on s u s t a i n a b i l i t y , a d v a n c e d s y s t e m s modelling, and the environmental impacts associated with emerging technologies His research is explicitly geared towards developing scalable solutions for critical environ-

m

actively involved with two of Pitt’s prominent initiatives: the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation

a n d t h e P i t t s

h W

t e r Collaboratory, both dedicated to advancing ecological resilience and water equity

Khanna has served

Find It – Be intentional with your time, especially for your loved ones and teams during moments that matter

Forgive and Let Go – Release the weight of others’ mistakes to

addressing sustainable engineering and circular economy practices His scholarly work and public engagement have garnered attention from esteemed organisations such as the National Science Foundation, NPR, and Inside Climate News, cementing his reputation as a formidable thought leader in environmental systems analysis

track record of academic leadership

committees, and contributed significantly to various initiatives across the Swanson School of Engineering Academically, he earned his Ph D in chemical engineering from The Ohio State University, where he was notably a National Academy of Sciences Graduate Fellow, underscoring his foundational expertise His appointment as interim chair paves the way for a comprehensive

move forward with peace and clarity

B e l i e v e i n P e o p l e – W i n hearts, not just minds Trust is t h e f o u n d a t i o n o f a u t h e n t i c leadership Honor Your Word –Integrity begins with keeping p r o m i s e s

your legacy

P u j y a B

h a r i d a s Swami enriched these teachings with stories from his close experiences with visionary leaders such as His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, His Holiness M

former President of India Dr

how timeless values shaped their enduring impact

BAPS Swamis visit Mormon Church in Utah

U T A H: P ujya Brahmavih aridas S wami, accompanied by oth er BAPS swamis and volunteers v isited the global headquarters of T he C hurch of Jesus Ch rist of Latter-d ay Saints (L DS Ch urch) in Salt Lake C ity, U tah Th e LDS C hurch, often referred to as the M orm on Chu rch, is a global Christian faith with ov er 17 million members and 30 ,00 0 congreg ations across more than 160 countries

During the visit, Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami toured several key Church sites, including Deseret Industries on Welfare Square and the Conference Center on historic Temple Square

At the Conference Center, he also attended a live organ recital

A central moment of the visit was a meeting with the First Presidency - the highest governing body of the LDS Church Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami also met other top church leaders

The leaders also discussed the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi The LDS Church leaders acknowledged the Mandir as a shining example of the values of tolerance and unity The leaders also exchanged insights about BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ as well as the humanitarian initiatives undertaken by BAPS in North America and around the world

Zohran Mamdani

Capt Shubhanshu makes history; first Indian to enter international space station

G ro u p C ap t ai n S h u bh a ns h u

S hukla quietly etch ed his name in

Indian to enter the International S pace S tation (ISS ) His Drag on

d ocked precisely with the orbiting lab at 4 :0 2 pm after a 28 -h

above Earth An Ind ian Air Force

o

p resence m arks

natio

turning p oint, sig nifying India s arriv al at the frontiers of comm ercial hum

sp acefligh t, 41 years after Rakesh S harma's v oyag e The 39-year-old old Subhanshu Shukla, the mission pilot for the

A x i o m - 4 c r e w , c o m p r i s i n g Commander Peggy Whitson (US),

S ł a w o s z U z n a s k i ( P o l

Tibor Kapu (Hungary) expressed his initial acclimatisation: "Grace has been very kind I wasn’t feeling

‘darkest ch apters ’ of I ndia's d e mo c ra t ic h is t o r y , c ondemning the emergenc y imp osed by I ndira Gandhi in

M

di as serted th at no Indian wou ld f orget h ow the spirit of th

c ourts co ntrolled, vo wing to s tr e ng t h en c o n s t it u t io n al p rincipl es

"

n I n d i a ’ s d e m o c r a t i c h i s t o r y , t h e i m p o s i t i o n o f e m e r g e n c y The people of India mark this d a y a s S a m v i d h a n H a t y a Diwas," Modi posted on X

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

BAPS joins

extinguished, and numerous citizens, including political leaders and social workers, were jailed In a series of four posts, Modi spotlighted the C o n g r e s s p a r t y ' s r o l e i n s u s p e n d i n g c i t i z e n s ' r i g h t s after Indira Gandhi's election was voided by the Allahabad H i g h C o u r t H e r e c a l l e d h o w C o n g r e s s h a d ‘ p u t d e m o c r a c y u n d e r a r r e s t , ’ citing the 42nd Amendment a s a p r i m e e x a m p l e o f t h

particularly targeted, their dignity insulted, implicitly

r e f e r e n c i n g f o r c e d sterilisations

T h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r lauded those who stood firm i n t h e f i g h t a g a i n s t t h e

great when we got shot into the vacuum But since yesterday, I have apparently been sleeping a lotwhich is a good sign! I am learning

across diverse ideologies that ultimately forced the then C o n g r e s s g o v e r n m e n t t o restore democracy and call

f o r f r e s h e l e c t i o n s , w h i c h

t h e y l o s t d e c i s i v e l y M o d i

vowed to ensure India scales new heights of progress and fulfils the dreams of the poor

He also mentioned the

, ' chronicling his experiences as a young RSS pracharak

urged those affected to share their stories on social media

d e s c r i b

e a n t iemergency movement as a p r o f o u n d l e a r n i n g experience, reaffirming the vitality of preserving India’s democratic framework

historic Hindu spiritual summit in Bengaluru

Over a thous and spiritual leaders , ac hary as, a nd ma hatm as fr om India and around the world c onverged in Bengaluru on June 16, for t he ina ugurat ion of t he Bhar at eey a San ta M a ha a Paris hhad (BSM P) This s ignif ica nt c onvent ion aimed to f os ter and consolidate c oor d in a t io n a m on g t he d iv e r s e denominations of Sanatan Dhar ma

The historic gathering saw the esteemed presence of numerous prominent figures, including Jagadguru Shri Shankar Vijayendra

S a r a s w a t i S w a m i g a l , H e a d o f J a g a d g u r u Kanchi Kamakoti Peeth, and Acharya Shri Govinddev Giri Maharaj, Treasurer of the S h r i R a m J

K

a Trust, among other revered spiritual heads and Jain Acharyas Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami

r e p r e s e n t e d t h e B A P S S w a m i n a r a y a n S a n s t h a a t t h e M a h a P a

the Bharateeya Sant Mahaa Parishhad great long-term success Prior to the main event, Bhadreshdas Swami met Pujya Jayendrapuri M

Bengaluru, who praised BAPS’s worldwide e

During the main inauguration on June 16, he also met Jagadguru Shri Shankaracharya, who fondly recalled the divine lives and contributions of the BAPS spiritual leaders and commended the organisation's work

everything anew - how to walk, how to eat, how

provided ground control support, elated at the successful docking, which advanced by nearly half an hour due to a clean approach The mission also features 'Joy', a baby swan toy chosen with Shukla's six-

gravity indicator

From the ISS, Shukla radioed

Minister Modi via video link that

President Murmu noting

proved

3 killed in stampede at Puri Rath Yatra; elephants run amok in Ahmedabad

Festivi ties surro unding th e a nn u a l J a ga nn at h R at h Y at ra wer e o ver sh a do we d by safety lap ses th is week, leading to a fatal stampede in Puri, Odis ha, and p anic c a u s ed b y s ta mp e di n g e le p h a nt s i n Ah m ed ab a d, Gujarat In Odisha’s Puri, a pred a w n s t a m p e d e c l a i m e d three lives and left dozens i n j u r e d D e v o t e e s h a d

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

L o r d J a g a n n a t h , Balabhadra, and Subhadra as their chariots arrived at Gundicha Temple around 4

a m O v e r 2 0 , 0 0 0 p e o p l e reportedly crammed into a space designed for a fifth of that number, overwhelming barriers and leading to the deadly crush Eyewitnesses

s q u a r e l y b l a m e d p o o r planning, insufficient police presence, and the entry of two trucks carrying ladders

i n t o t h e a l r e a d y d e n s e congregation site Survivors

a l l e g e d t h a t p o l i c e personnel fled rather than a s s i s t i n g v i c t i m s C h i e f M i n i s t e r M o h a n C h a r a n Majhi ordered an inquiry, a n n o u n c e d R s 2 5 , 0 0 0 c o m p e n s a t i o n f o r e a c h d e c e a s e d f a m i l y , a n d immediately transferred the Puri district collector and s u p e r i n t e n d e n t o f p o l i c e , s

officers for negligence M e a n

Ahmedabad, panic erupted during the 148th Jagannath R

Khadia The animals were reportedly spooked by

Following the incident,

animals

Gujarati man arrested in NY for duping elderly resident in phone scam

A 25- year-o ld man f rom G ujarat, Abh is hek P at el , w as ar res t ed i n G e neva, N ew Y or k, accused of d uping an elderly res id ent in a so phis ticated telephone scam Patel, originally f r o m N o rt h G u jar a t bu t n o w r es i d i ng i n K i ng s to n , P e nns y l va ni a , a l l ege d l y i mpers onated a Fed eral T rade Com mis si on off icer to d ef raud the victim of around £ 63,000 i n two separate transactions earlier thi s June

According to the City of Geneva police

d e p a r t m e n t , P a t e l c o n t a c

t h e e l d e r l y woman by phone, convincing her that she owed money to federal authorities He then reportedly persuaded her to hand over cash in person During the second transaction, p o l i c e o r c h e s t r a t e d a t r a f f i c s t o p , apprehending Patel shortly after he visited t h e v i c

conducted similar scams across other parts of New York state He was charged with grand larceny in the second degree, a Class C felony, and initially remanded to Ontario County jail Patel has since been released on his own recognisance and is slated to appear in court at a later date

His arrest underscores a rising trend of Indian nationals being held in the US for defrauding senior citizens through similar deceptive tactics In March 2025, a Vadodara man was detained in New Jersey for his a

extracted over $1 2 million using comparable methods Furthermore, in April, two young men from Mehsana were caught in Texas acting as 'cash mules', following incidents where elderly victims were manipulated by fraudulent Internal Revenue Service calls

Gujarat becomes second-highest CSR spender in India

Gujara

H

highlighted the invaluable contributions of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the current spiritual leader of BAPS, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, to both s

underscored the three core pillars of Indian culture, as expounded by Pramukh Swami M

Bhadreshdas Swami also conveyed Mahant Swami Maharaj’s heartfelt prayers for the preservation, nourishment, and flourishing of Vedic Sanatan Dharma, alongside wishing

historically prominent industrial hubs such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Delhi, all of which recorded more modest increments in their respective CSR contributions While Maharashtra maintained its top position with

Air India crash

Black box data accessed; victim identification complete; party video sparks outrage

Dat a from t he b lack boxes of t he A i r I n d ia D r e a m l in e r that crashe d in Ahmedaba d has been successfull y downloaded, the govern me nt confirmed Pr eliminary information r egarding the accident 's ca uses is ex pect ed wit hin t he next se ven t o ten da ys, wit h a final re port ant icipa ted within a mont h a significant ly swift er time fra me t ha n initiall y project ed

T h i s a c c e l e r a t i o n f o llows Prime Minister Modi’s suggestion to examine the black boxes locally at the

A

l

Investigation Bureau (AAIB)

C

Recorder (CVR), recovered on June 13, and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), found three days later, were trans-

p o r t e d t o D e l h i b y

h e Indian Air Force Over 20

e x p e r t s f r o m t h e U S N a t i o n a l T r a

o n Safety Board (NTSB) are col-

laborating with Indian specialists to reconstruct the sequence of events

returned to their next of kin, comprising 241 passengers and crew, and 19 individuals

and one Canadian national

All samples provided by relatives have now been successfully matched, though analysis continues for any remaining charred samples from the crash site For many grieving families, closure arrived in frag-

refined into a bar; she had delayed her

and his four-yearold daughter, who also perished Other relatives recounted receiving a child’s lone shoe, charred clothing, or a single necklace, providing the only tan-

ones The Halani family in Anand, who lost three members travelling to the UK, received only a trouser piece

some, highlighting the pro-

nature of their closure Also the families of the victims are reportedly considering legal action against Air India and Boeing in US and UK courts This move aims to

tion for the crash, which tragically killed 241 passengers and 19 people on the

Legal proceedings are being

liability on airlines for such incidents

Meanwhile, Tata Group has taken disciplinary action

over a video showing Air India SATS executives par-

warned, after the video, garn

views, was widely criticised a s d e e p l y i n a p p r o p r i a t e given the ongoing mourning for the crash victims Air I n

s e r v i c e s , publicly expressed its ‘deep regret’ for the lapse in judgment

India, US push for last-minute trade deal

Ind ian trade o fficials have ext end ed t h ei r s ta y i n Washing ton in a last-ditch eff o rt t o b ri d g e g ap s i n ongo ing nego ti atio ns w ith the U nited S tates, as a July 9 deadline loo ms for hi gh er US tariffs

T h e f a c e - t o - f a c e t a l k s , initially scheduled to con-

c l u d e o n J u n e 2 7 , w e r e extended by at least a day,

f u e l i n g s p e c u l a t i o n t h a t both sides could be nearing an interim trade agreement, according to sources

P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d Trump added to the anticip a t i o n l a s t w e e k , t e l l i n g reporters that a “ very big” trade deal with India was likely in the near future

H o w e v e r , s e v e r a l k e y sticking points remain The

US has reportedly pushed for greater access to India’s agricultural market, specifically requesting approval for genetically modified cropssomething New Delhi has resisted over concerns about p o t e n t i a l h a r m t o s m a l lscale farmers and environmental risks

I n d i a , f o r i t s p a r t , i s pressing for a more balanced

a g r e e m e n t t h a t i n c

c o n c e s s i o n s o n s e c t o r a l market access and a rollback o f r e t a l i a t o r y t a r i f f s o n Indian exports

The negotiations come at a critical moment, with b o t h g o v e r n m

s u n d e r p r e s s u r e t o a v o i d a t a r i f f escalation that could hurt trade ties and impact key sectors in both economies

PM Modi highlights social security gains, emergency in 'Mann Ki Baat'

Pr i me M i ni s te r N a re n dr a Modi ann ounc ed that over 95 0 m n I n d i a n s a r e n o w

c o ve r e d b y a t le a s t o n e soci al security s cheme, ci ting a recen t In ternational Labour O rganisati on ( ILO) report Speakin g during hi s 123rd 'Man n Ki B aat' radio address, Modi stated that 64% of Indi a ’ s population

r e c e i ve s s om e f or m o f soci al prote ction benefi t, a s i g n i f i c a n t i n c r e as e f r o m under 2 50mn benefi ciarie s in 2015 He highlighted this as a t r a n s f o r m a t i o n i n c i t i z e n support, noting India now

r a n k s s e c o n d g l o b a l l y i n

s o c i a l s e c u r i t y c o v e r a g e

The ILO data stems from Phase 1 of a national data consolidation exercise covering central schemes and programmes in eight states, with Phase 2 underway

S h i f t i n g f o c u s , t h e Prime Minister also used

h i s a d d r e s s t o r e c a l l t h e dark chapter of emergency imposed 50 years ago, urging citizens to remain vigil a n t t o s a f e g u a r d t h e Constitution He highlighted how the period saw the violation of constitutional s p i r i t , t h e m u z z l i n g o f

Parliament, and attempts

t o c o n t r o l t h e j u d i c i a r y Modi played archival audio f r o m f o r m e r P r i m e M i n i s t e r s M o r a r j i D e s a i and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a l o n g s i d e f o r m e r H o m e Minister Jagjivan Ram, to underscore the atrocities, including the jailing of over 100,000 people and severe

t o r t u r e u n d e r M I S A H e called the post-emergency election a peaceful revolut

democracy

Briefly touching upon

Minister lauded the global

Russia pledges supply of remaining S-400 by 2027

Russi a assured Indi a tha t it would de live r the two outstandi ng squa drons of S-40 0 Tr iumf surfa ce -to -a ir missi le sy ste ms by 2026-27 Th ese adv ance d def ence systems pla ye d a cr uci al role duri ng last month's 'Ope rati on Si nd oor' a gai nst P akistan

The delayed delivery of the fourth and fifth S-400 squadrons, primarily due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, was a key agenda item during bilateral discussions Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Russian counterpart, Andrey Belousov, o n t h e s i d e - l i n e s o f t h e S h a n g h a i Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’ meet in Qingdao, China Singh later posted on X that they held "

India-Russia defence ties " Under the original £4 3 billion contract signed in 2018, I n d i a w a s s l a t e d t o r e c e

v

l l f i v e squadrons by the end of 2023 Each S-400 squadron comprises missile batteries with varied interception ranges (120 km to 380 km), accompanied by long-range acquisition radars and all-terrain transportererector vehicles

T h e I n d i a n A i r F o r c e h a s a l r e a d y strategically deployed the initial three S400 squadrons in north-west and east India to counter potential threats from both China and Pakistan According to Russian assurances, the fourth squadron is now expected next year, with the fifth following in 2027

Over 300 stuck in Himachal tunnels after landslide blocks Mandi-Manali highway

Around 70 to 80 v eh icles are currently stranded inside a tu nnel on the M andi-M anali highw ay, with an estimated 250 to 30 0 peo ple trapped due to a land slid e trigg ered by relentless rainfall The affected tunnel, blocked from both th e Hanogi and P andoh ends since aro und midnigh t, has cut off mov ement tow ards both Ku llu and Mandi Fortu nately, everyone near the tunnel is rep orted to be safe at the m om ent

Au thorities have arrang ed food sup plies for the stranded individ uals at th e nearby Hano gi Mata Temple

So far, one person has been confirmed dead, and 12 to 13 others remain missing Rescue operations are underway at several locations, with efforts currently focused on locating and extracting 11 people trapped in tunnels numbered 11 and 13, located near Hanogi Both ends of these tunnels are still obstructed by debris Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan noted that the exact number of people still inside remains unclear 5 dead, 16 missing in Himachal Himachal and Uttarakhand continue to reel under relent-

Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for multiple districts in the states In Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district, a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall remained in effect on Tuesday as the region battles severe flooding triggered by the swollen Beas River

So far, the Mandi has reported four rain-related deaths and at least nine people have been washed away in floodwaters According to officials, 16 people are missing while 99 have been rescued so far The State Emergency Operation Centre has reported that more than 250 roads, many of them in Mandi and Sirmaur districts, have been shut due to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides In addition, 614 power transformers and 130 water supply schemes have been affected, causing widespread disruption

J&K

HC asks Centre to bring back woman deported to Pak after Pahalgam attack

The Jammu & Kashmir and L ad akh High Court h as ordered th e Ministry of Ho me Affairs (M HA ) to facilitate the return of 63-year-old Raksh anda Rashid , a Pakistani national w ho w as deported from India in Ap ril, o bserv ing that hu man righ ts mu st be protected “at all costs ”

International Day of Yoga

India, including ITBP sold i

nected with Group Captain S

International Space Station, promising a detailed discussion on this historic mission in the next 'Mann Ki Baat' address Modi addi-

Ahmedabad’s 'Sindoor Van' tree-planting campaign

Justice Rahul Bharti, delivering the order, directed the central government to bring her back within 10 days and submit a compliance report The directive came in response to a p e t i t i o n l e d b y R a s h i d ’ s d a u g h t e r , F a l a k Z a h o o r , w h o informed the court that her mother was critically ill and had no family or support system in Pakistan Rashid, who had been living in India for nearly four decades on a valid long term visa, was deported on April 30, the same day her legal challenge against deportation was scheduled to be heard in court The court took exception to this sequence of events, noting that no detailed hearing or formal order preceded the deportation, which it said should have been assessed on merit before such an “extreme step” was taken

“Human rights are the most sacrosanct component of a human life and, therefore, there are occasions when a constitutional court is supposed to come up with SOS like indulgence, notwithstanding the merits and demerits of a case which can be adjudicated only upon in due course of time,” Justice Bharti wrote in the judgment On April 30, the High Court also granted interim relief to Ifthkar Ali, a Poonch based police constable, and his eight siblings, halting their deportation and allowing them to reunite with family in Jammu and Kashmir

Cong to fight J&K elections independently

The Congres s party in Jam mu and K ashmir, a form er all y of t he National Conferenc e (NC), has decided to c ontes t upcom ing elec tions in the region independently, signall ing a significant s trategic shift ahe ad of potential as sembly or l oc al body poll s This move m arks a depa rture from their previous colla borat ive approach

"This time, we won’t rely on crutches," asserted Tariq Hamid Karra, president of J&K Congress, at a recent function in Srinagar During the October 2024 assembly elections, C o n g r e s s h a d s u p p o r t e d t h e N C , w h i c h emerged as the single largest party in the 90member House, while Congress secured six seats itself Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Congress General Secretary, revealed that many within

alliance, despite it being pursued for national interest Mir confirmed, "If elections are held again, whether due to dissolution of the assembly or restoration of statehood, we will contest on our own " This statement comes amid speculation that the Centre may restore statehood in the coming months, contingent upon the holding of fresh elections Congress has been a vocal critic of the delay in restoring statehood, despite repeated assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah Syed Naseer Hussain, the newly appointed All India Congress Committee (AICC) incharge for J&K, underscored the party’s longstanding position

ments Yasin Vora

32 killed in Telangana chemical factory blast

HYDE R ABA D: The n umbe r of d eat hs in the ex plosion in a pha rma ce utical un it at Pashamy la ram nea r Hyde rabad r ose shar ply to 32 on Tuesday , with a bo ut 1 5 in j u r e d su cc u mb in g a t hospita ls ove rnight

The number of deaths in the worst industrial disaster in Telangana may go up further as the rescue workers continued searching for the bodies in the debris of a three-storey building, which collapsed under the impact of the blast

A massive explosion had rocked

Sangareddy district, about 50 km from Hyderabad, on Monday morning

drying unit also left 35 workers injured

The condition of 11 of them is stated to be critical According to officials, 27 workers were still missing They were feared trapped under the debris P

Response Force (SDRF), Hyderabad

Revenue and police continued clearing debris

The majority of the victims were migrant workers from states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha

As many as 108 workers were at the factory at the time of the blast, which could be heard about five km away The explosion triggered a huge fire, and 15 fire engines were used to douse the flames

According to eye-witnesses, such was the impact of the explosion that workers were tossed in the air and fell several meters away As the bodies of some victims were blown to pieces or charred beyond

their identity

Akal Takht officiating Jathedar supports Diljit Dosanjh

A M R I T S A R : Ak a l T a k h t o f f ic ia t in g

Jath edar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj e xtende d his s up po rt t o singer-ac to r Diljit Dos anjh, wh o is f acing bac klash o ver his m ovie Sardaar Ji 3, featuring P akis tani actor Hania Aam ir Dil jit has f aced criticis m for app earing in a f ilm f eat uring an ac to r f ro m an “ enem y ” c ountry, espec ially in th e wake of th e P ahalgam terro r attack

T h e i n c i d e n t h a d l e d t o t h e suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty a n d I n d i a ’ s r e t a l i a t o r y O p e r a t i o n

S i n d o o r t a r g e t i n g t e r r o r c a m p s i n Pakistan The beleaguered actor had got t h e b a c k i n g o f t h e B J P , w h i c h h a d described him a “national asset” and “ g l o b a l a m b a s s a d o r ” o f t h e I n d i a n c u l t u r e C o m m e n t i n g o v e r t h e controversy, Gargaj advised people not to spread hatred while saying he did not endorse any restriction on the movie

Without taking the name of any country, he cited the Gurbani and said the nature too did not favour divisions “The sky remains undivided, air flows

without restrictions,” he said to make the point Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, also backed Diljit amid calls by the F

casting of Hania Amir in the movie “I find FWICE’s demand not only unreasonable but also unjustified,” said Bajwa “Diljit Dosanjh is a celebrated Indian artiste who has made all of us proud on the global stage He has taken Indian and Punjabi culture to Coachella and represented our heritage at the Met

G

platforms followed worldwide ”

B a j w a s t r e s s e d t h a t s u c h international representation should be applauded, not questioned “It is Indian investors who finance these creative ventures and it is the people of Punjab and India who earn livelihoods and recognition through them,” he added

SIT formed to probe Kolkata law college student gang rape case

KO LK AT A: In a swift re sponse to the a lle ged gangra pe incident r epor te d fr om

S ou th C a lc utta La w C ol le g e o n the e vening of June 25, Kolkata Police have c on st i tute d a fi v e - m e mb e r S pe c i a l Inve stigation Te am ( SIT ) As per details, the probe will b e conducted under the supe rvision of ACP Pr adip Kuma r Ghosa l of the Special Sur veillance Division (SSD)

Earlier, the police identified and arrested three accused in the caseM a n o j i t M i s h r a , Z a i b A h m e d , a n d Pramit Mukhopadhyay All three have been remanded to police custody as i n v e s t i g a t i o n s a r e u n d e r w a y Meanwhile, the police also arrested a s e c u r i t y g u a r d o f t h e K o l k a t a l a w college where the incident took place With this, the total number of arrests reached four in the crime that took place inside the guard's room on the college premises The guard, who was detained by the police for questioning, was arrested later, the officer said

Cong rules out leadership change in Karnataka

B E N GA L UR U : A mid b uzz over a p os s ib le l e ade rs hip change in K arnataka, Congres s General Sec retary Randeep Surjewal a s aid there is no such exer cise underway

This comes amid statements from several Congress leaders and open calls from DK Shivakumar’s supporters demanding that he be made Chief Minister Earlier today, Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain claimed that nearly 100 MLAs are in favour of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar taking over as Chief Minister

“It’s not just about change Most of the MLAs want effective administration,” Hussain said He argued that Shivakumar deserves the opportunity, citing his efforts

agitations

Surjewala put these speculations to rest, stating that if any MLA has concerns, real or perceived, they should be addressed within the party and the government

confirmed that the state has more than enough funds for development Taking a swipe at the BJP, Surjewala said the opposition party is pushing this narrative because it wants the Congress government’s guarantees to collapse “From R Ashok to Vijayendra, all of them have said they want our guarantees to be stopped,” he said, challenging the BJP to openly admit that it does not want people to

guarantees promised to the people

Akali leader Majithia arrested in money laundering case

C HA ND IGA RH : Shiromani A kali Dal (SAD) v eteran and former P unjab m inis ter Bikram Si ng h Maj ithia w as arrested in a pre-d awn Vig ilance Bureau raid on his resid ence in Am ritsar’s Green Avenue and charged with laund ering over £ 54 mn in “d rug money ” Majithia, brother-in-law of SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, confronted the vigilance team led by SSP Lakhbir Singh and posted videos on social media of what he alleged was “forced entry” into his home at 4 40am He said the raid was an extension of political vendetta against him and his family Majithia’s MLA wife Ganieve Kaur, who represents Majitha assembly constituency, accused the vigilance team from Mohali of behaving roughly Majithia’s arrest was based on the findings of a SIT formed after a disproportionate assets case linked to drug money was filed against the SAD functionary in 2021 “Preliminary investigations reveal that more than £54mn in drug money was laundered through various means, including depositing £16 1mn in unaccounted cash in bank accounts of companies controlled by Majithia,” a vigilance official said The SIT report alleges that £14 1mn was channelled through suspected foreign entities while

companies linked to Majithia Acquisition of movable and immovable assets by Majithia “without any legitimate source of income” is another red flag, the report states

Mom throws hungry kid in swollen Teesta river

NORTH-EAST

4 killed as Kuki outfits clash

T

militant Kuki National Army and a village woman walking to her field were among four

fragility of the suspension of operations (SoO)

Union and state govts Thangboi Haokip alias

bodyguards when gunmen attacked them in the Songpi area of Churachandpur, police said All three passengers were killed in the gunfire The civilian victim, who was struck by a stray bullet while passing by, died in the district hospital United Kuki National Army claimed responsibility for Thangboi’s killing, saying it was to avenge the fatal attack last Oct on the outfit’s town commander and PRO The group also accused Thangboi of being a “govt informant” and being involved in over 30 deaths Sources said Thangboi’s death could “destabilise the fragile peace

organisations have long been pressuring the govt to call off the SoO agreement with Kuki

instances of violence involving them

MASSIVE EVICTION DRIVE IN ASSAM'S NALBARI

A large-scale eviction drive was carried out in Bakrikuchi village, under Barkhetri in Assam's Nalbari district, as the district administration cleared encroachments from over 450 bighas of government land The eviction, which took place in Dag No 106 of Uttar Barkhetri Mouza targeted approximately 452 bighas of government land that had been under illegal occupation for several years As many as 93 houses - built by encroachers over 82 bighas of land -were demolished during the operation The administration undertook the drive under tight security arrangements deploying a significant police force to prevent any law and order issues during the process Heavy machinery including bulldozers were used to raze the illegal structures to the ground According to officials many of the affected families had already begun relocating voluntarily dismantling their homes in anticipation of the eviction By Monday, a significant number had shifted to nearby areas The eviction site at Bakrikuchi includes vital community institutions such as a government primary school and a mosque, raising concerns among residents about the social impact of the displacement The eviction forms part of the Assam government’s ongoing campaign to reclaim government land from encroachers, a policy that has seen similar drives across districts in recent months

ARUNACHAL TO SET UP BHUPEN HAZARIKA MUSEUM IN ROING

Commission for Women has written to

l directing urgent action in the matter and the state police's cooperation for a m

rights panel and the survivor and her f a m i l y N C W C h a i r p e r s

Rahatkar termed the incident "grave"

conscience" The women's rights panel took suo motu cognizance of the case

It has expressed deep concern for the safety, dignity, and well-being of the survivor and stressed the need for a swift institutional response The results of the medical examination conducted on the victim corroborated her rape

a l l e g a t i o n , a s e n i o r K o l k a

P

i c e officer said The victim, in her written complaint to the police, alleged that the security guard did not help her The 24year-old woman had gone to the college to fill out a form for a test and was forced to stay back in the union room even after it was completed

J AL PAI GUR I: A home ma ker in Ma inag uri of Jalpa iguri threw her toddler i nto the sw olle n Tee sta on Monday , a lle gedly a s she could not arra nge food for hi m Three re sidents rescue d the boy Police also re ached the spot an d spoke to the woma n and her husb and, a sking the m not to do such a thi ng a gai n

Sources said the woman, Sima Bawali, resides in Marichbari near the Teesta river in Mainaguri block with her husband Bipul, a carpenter by occupation

The couple has a three-year-old daughter and the oneand-a-half-year-old son On Monday morning, as they didn’t have a single grain at the house, Sima could not prepare food for the children As her son started whining, Sima fought with Bipul Soon, Bipul left the house in search of some work

A frustrated Sima took her crying son to the Teesta river bank and threw him into the river At that moment, two girls, Pallabi Kirtania and Mallika Pal, and a woman, Bishuka Pattadar, were nearby They noticed the act, jumped into the river and rescued the boy

As they brought the child to the riverbank, the mother tried to snatch him from them to throw him into the river again, they claimed

They raised an alert, which made some villagers assemble at the spot As the trio told the assembly of people what happened, some villagers got agitated and started beating up Sima

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has announced the establishment of a dedicated museum in memory of the legendary musician and cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika The announcement was made during a high-level coordination meeting held at the Civil Secretariat in Itanagar to plan the upcoming birth centenary celebrations of the Bard of the Brahmaputra The museum, to be set up at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley, will serve as a tribute to Hazarika s profound artistic legacy and his deep historical ties with Arunachal Pradesh The initiative aims to celebrate his timeless contribution to music, literature, and the spirit of unity among diverse communities in the Northeast A bilingual commemorative book chronicling Hazarika s life, music, and vision will also be published as part of the centenary tribute The celebration, officials said, will not only honour his musical genius but also spotlight the inclusive values, cultural pride and harmony that he stood for The coordination meeting was chaired by Chowna Mein and attended by Minister of Education and Tourism P D Sona MLAs Mutchu

PUNJAB

WEST BENGAL

PM Modi begins five-nation tour, including Brics summit

Is Modi’s UK visit imminent?

Pr ime M iniste r Na re ndr a Modi is all set to e mbark on a fi ve-nation tour commencing on J u ly 2 ( W e dn e s da y ) , w i th v i si ts to Gh a na , T rinida d a nd T oba go, and Ar genti na, culmina ti ng i n his attendance at the Br ics summi t in Br azil He will also make a stop in Na mibia on h is r e tur n j o ur ne y N ota b ly , thi s wi l l ma r k Modi’s ina ugural visit to Ghana, Tr inidad and T ob ago, and Namib ia, expanding India ’ s diploma tic outrea ch

Announcing Modi’s participation in the Brics summit, the government stated that Modi will engage in crucial discussions on key global issues These include the reform of global governance structures, matters of peace and security, strengthening multi-lateralism, and the responsible application of artificial intelligence Discussions will also cover climate action, global health challenges, and various economic and financial matters, reflecting a comprehensive agenda for international cooperation

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with leaders from participating nations These interactions aim to further strengthen India’s diplomatic and economic ties with key global partners According to government sources, Modi’s visit to Argentina is particularly aimed to enhance the India-Argentina partnership across several vital sectors These include defence cooperation, agricultural collabora-

tion, mining, oil and gas exploration, and the promotion of renewable energy The visit is also expected to boost bilateral trade and investment, fostering stronger economic linkages between the two countries

Following his ongoing tour, rumours are strife that Modi is considering a visit to the United Kingdom This potential trip arises amid uncertainty surrounding a previously planned visit by the UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer to India, which had been scheduled for around the third week of July Starmer’s prospective visit follows a recent preparatory trip to India by

Lammy (see AV 14-20 June Page 1)

Sources indicate that Starmer's own travel plans, or a previously mooted visit to India, may have been impacted by ongoing international conflicts and pressing domestic political considerations

Spymaster Parag Jain is the new RAW chief

Seas on ed IPS offic er Parag

J ain, a n oted s pec ialis t on

P a k i s t a n a n d C hi n a , ha s b een appoi nted to lead the R es ea r c h a n d A n a l y s i s Win g (R AW) , Indi a's extern al i ntelligence agenc y His

e l e v a ti o n , ef f e c t i v e f r om

J ul y 1, f or a tw o - y e a r ten ure, follows his pivotal r o le i n g at h e ri n g c r u c i a l i ntelligence that faci litated

t h e p re c i s e e x e c ut i o n of ' O p e r a ti o n S i n d oo r ' J a i n

s uc ceeds Ravi Sinha, who reti res on J une 30, usherin g

i n a n e w , t e c h n ol o gy -

f oc us ed era for the agenc y A 1 9 8 9 - b a t c h P u n j a b cadre officer, Jain is known within RAW as a man who listens and who gets things done, praised for his sharp thinking and silent operation He previously headed

t h e A v i a t i o n R e s e a r c h

C e n t r e ( A R C ) w i t h i n t h e agency, where he is credit-

ed with introducing new d r o n e t e c h n o l o g y f o r unmanned surveillance and aerial monitoring in support of special operations

J a i n s e x t e n s i v e f i e l d experience includes stints in Nepal, Canada, where his

t e a m t r a c k e d K h a l i s t a n i outfits and Sri Lanka during its economic crisis He also served as field commissioner in Jammu during the Balakot air strikes and the abrogation of Article 370 With over 14 years at RAW,

leading numerous technical and human intelligence operations, he was also pres e n t a t a C a b i n e t

C o m m i t t e e o n S e c u r i t y meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi on April 23

In his new capacity, Jain is set to prioritise leveragi n g t e c h n o l o g y f o r advanced intelligence collection, monitoring diaspora communities, and developing strategies to counter hybrid warfare tactics, particularly from China and

P a k i s t a n T h e s e n a t i o n s , especially post-'Operation Sindoor', are considered his

k e y f o c u s a r e a s H i s appointment is also seen as a s t r o n g m e s s a g e t o C a n a d a , g i v e n h i s p r i o r tracking of Khalistani ele-

m e n t s B e f o r e j o i n i n g R A W , J a i n h a d a d i s t i nguished policing career in Punjab

Krishna temple in US attacked thrice with guns in June

A Hind u tem ple in U tah , U S, h as been repeatedly shot at over several nigh ts in Ju ne A total of around 20– 30 gunshots were fired at the S hri Shri Radha Krish na Tem ple in U tah's city o f Spanish Fork Th e attack o ver the last weekend of June was the third o n the tem ple that mo nth, which its management claims to be a hate crim e

The Utah County Sheriff's office has termed these attacks "acts of vandalism"

The ISKCON temple authorities have called the attacks a "hate crime"

"Over the weekend, our office was made aware of several acts of vandalism directed towards the Krishna Temple that is located in Utah County UCSO Deputies responded to the Temple and recovered various items

o f e v i d e n c e , i n c l u d i n g c a s i n g s f r o m t h e rounds fired at the Temple," it said in a statement released along with pictures of the shooting on Instagram

"We believe this was based on hate," Vai

Warden, the president of the temple said The two-decade-old temple is located on top of a hill in Spanish Fork

The co-founder of the temple, Vaibhavi Devi, said that over the past several days, 20–30 bullets were fired at the temple building and the surrounding property

The incidents occurred during nighttime hours while devotees and guests were present inside, and have caused thousands of dollars in structural damage, including to the temple's hand-carved arches, Vaibhavi Devi Dasi said in a statement

Xi likely to skip Brics summit in

C h i n e s e P re s i de n t X i Jinping is reportedly planning to skip the upcomin g B rics summit in Brazil , a move that, if con firmed, w

u l d m a rk hi s f i rs t absence from the gatheri

ta k in g office 1 2 years ago This development, as reported S ou th C h in a M or n in g Post, has spark ed con siderable speculation regarding its implications Instead of President Xi, Chinese Premier and close c o n f i d a n t L i Q i a n g i s e x p e c

B e i j i n g a t t h e s u m m i t , scheduled for July 6-7 in Rio de Janeiro Indian PM N a r e n d r a M o d i i s a l s o anticipated to attend the event One theory circulating in Rio is that Brazil’s invitation to PM Modi for a s t a t e d i n n e r f o l l o w i n g the Brics summit may have influenced Beijing’s decision The speculation sug-

g e s t s t h a t P r e s i d e n t X i might have been perceived as a supporting actor at the gathering if he attended

H

Brazil that Xi's absence is due to scheduling issues

D i p l o m a t i c s o u r c

s o indicate that Beijing's current focus is primarily on t h e S C O ( S h a n g h a i Cooperation Organisation) summit, which it plans to host in late August or early

Brazil

September

The Brics bloc curr e n t l y

Africa The grouping has recently expanded to include five addi-

Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the

growing influence on the global stage

Should President X

potential opportunity for

meeting between Xi and P

SCO summit later in the year, assuming PM Modi

international forum he has

underscores a potentially shifting diplomatic landscape and raises questions about China s immediate strategic priorities

Ravindra Chavan appointed as Maharashtra BJP president

Union M inis ter K ir en Rijiju o n T ue s d ay o f f i c ia l l y announc ed the appointment of s enior BJP l eader and f ourtime MLA Ravindra Chavan as the new Pres ident of the

M ahara shtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the BJP s tate of fice in M um bai K i r e n R i j i j u h a d b

o

s

v e r a n d e l e c t i o n i ncharge by the BJP for the selection of the new state unit chief Chavan's election comes at a strategic time, with local body elections in t h e M u m b a i M e t r o p o l i t a n R e g i o n ( M M R ) , i n c l u d i n g key civic bodies like Thane a n d K a l y a n - D o m b i v l i

M u n i c i p a l C o r p o r a t i o n s , due later this year Known for his organisational skills and grassroots connection, Chavan is expected to spearhead the BJP’s campaign in t h e s e S e n a - d o m i n a t e d regions A close aide of Devendra Fadnavis and a prominent Maratha face in Thane dis-

trict, Chavan is credited w i t h e x p a n d

BJP’s base in the region He secured his fourth term from Dombivli in the 2024 assembly elect i o n s w

m a s s i v e margin of over 77,000 votes C h a v a n

R S S a n d

o s e through the BJP ranks, serving as President of t

B h a r a t i y a Y

v a Morcha in 2002 He became a c o

p

a t o r i n 2 0 0 5 , a standing committee chairman in 2007, and an MLA in 2009 His close rapport with Fadnavis saw him become Minister of State in 2016 and l a t

Public Works Department in the Shinde-led government

India bolsters army's operational readiness with

T h e Mi n is t ry o f D e f en c e (MoD ) h as signed 13 contracts valued at £198 2mn to s i gn i fi c a nt ly e n h an c e th e In dian Army ’ s o perati on al readiness Th is swift acquisition, fo llowing Operatio n S i n do o r , f o c u s es o n f as ttr ac ki ng ai r de fen c e m i ss i le s , k am ik a ze dr o n es , cou nter-drone systems and oth er vi tal equ ipment

T h e s e c o n t r a c t s w e r e s p e c i f i c a l l y i n k e d t o a u gment the Army’s counterterrorism capabilities under the fifth phase of the emerg e n c y p r o c u r e m e n t ( E P ) mechanism A much larger EP-6 phase is also underway, aiming to further boost and replenish arms stockpiles for t h e A r m y , I A F , a n d N a v y after cross-border hostilities with Pakistan from 7th to 10th May, with an overall estimated value of around £4bn The MoD stated that

£198.2mn

the induction of these ‘mode r n a n d m i s s i o n - c r i t i c a l ’ weapon systems and equipment will enhance situationa l a w a r e n e s s , l e t h a l i t y , mobility, and protection for troops in counter-terrorism environments The EP route c o n t i n u e s t o b e a " k e y enabler in bridging urgent capability gaps and ensuring t i m e l y i n d u c t i o n o f v i t a l o p e r a t i o n a l e q u i p m e n t , " officials affirmed Among the key systems contracted is an additional batch of Russian-origin Igla1 S v e r y s h o r t - r a n g e a i r d e f e n c e s y s t e m s (VSHORADS) with launchers and missiles, capable of interceptions up to 6km Another s i g n i f i c a n t c o n t r a c t i s f o r approximately a dozen integrated drone detection and interdiction systems (IDDIS) with much-improved capab i l i t i e s B o t h I g l a - 1 S a n d

contracts

IDDIS were notably deployed during Operation Sindoor to t h w a r t m u l t i

drone swarms launched by Pakistan

Additional deals encomp a s

radars, night sights for rifles, bulletproof jackets, ballistic helmets, and quick-reaction

types of drones, including large remotely-piloted aerial vehicles and smaller loiter-

Ravindra Chavan

Parag Jain

Keir Starmer & Narendra Modi

Prada puts sole in mouth over Kolhapuri clone

Italian luxury fashion house Prada has acknowledged the Indian origins of its new footwear line following criticism that it appropriated traditional Kolhapuri sandals without giving credit

T h e o p e n

d

d leather sandals, unveiled at Milan Fashion Week, closely

handcrafted style rooted in Maharashtra and Karnataka, and dating back to the 12th

described the sandals simply

M a h a r a s h t r a C h a m b e r o f

C o m m e r c e , I

y & Agriculture, a major trade body in the state

criticism from artisans and

India

controversy, Prada told the

s a n d a l s a r e i n s p i r e d b y traditional Indian designs A

s p o k e s p e r s o n a d d e d t h e

c o m p a n y h a s “ a l w a y s

c e l e b r a t e d c r a f t s m a n s h i p , h e r i t a g e , a n d d e s i g n t r a d i t i o n s , ” a n d i s n o w

e n g a g i n g w i t h t h e

T h e C h a m b e r ’ s president had earlier written t o P r a d a , c r i t i c i s i n g t h e b r a n d f o r p r o f i t i n g f r o m indigenous design without crediting the communities

t h a t p r e s e r v e d i t P r a d a ' s h e a d o f C o r p o r a t e S o c

B

r t e l l i , r e p l i e d t h a t t h e sandals were still in the early design phase, and expressed w i

“meaningful dialogue” with local artisans

Kolhapuri sandals were

B O O K R E V I E W

India in 2019, recognising their cultural and regional

traditional pairs sell for

retail at between £600 and £1,000 in the UK, sparking further outrage

other recent controversies

Asian heritage At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Gucci d

actress Alia Bhatt as a gown, while a viral TikTok trend referred to the South Asian dupatta as a "Scandinavian scarf "

‘Nectar on the seven hills: The pure seed’ by Prabhu

Ram

r on the Seven Hills: The Pure Seed by bhu Ram is an ancient historical-spiritual that intricately weaves together ancient

e amid a looming pandemic, three children mily pilgrimage find themselves entangled cient prophecy What begins as a simple visit to Tirupati soon transforms into a attle between divine forces and demonic ce novel opens in China, where a covert operation is launched to retrieve a ieved to grant immortality Parallelly,

gly ordinary Indian family begins a that will awaken destinies written s ago As children Magadh, Yukti, and ncounter mystical guardians and enter ed realms, they are revealed to be nated Protectors of the divine Pure spiritual force that maintains balance iverse

Prabhu Ram s writing is both poetic and propulsive His language is accessible yet layered with spiritual symbolism Descriptions of sacred spaces like Naimisharanya and Ashvanthika are vividly cinematic, transporting the reader into a world where bees whisper secrets and fig trees hold cosmic truths The integration of Sanskrit terms and Puranic references is seamless, and a glossary helps decode the deeper layers of ancient history Characters are thoughtfully developed Magadh’s evolution from a restless child to a prophetic leader is moving Yukti’s journey from doubt to spiritual strength, and her symbolic sacrifice on the back of a wasp, are among the novel’s most powerful moments Supporting characters like the Queen Bee, Adhaya, Eka, and even the conflicted antagonist General Xilian, are rich in backstory and symbolism

What truly sets this novel apart is how it places ancient history into modern global crisis, be it a pandemic, border tensions, ecological collapse, or spiritual erosion Without ever being didactic, the novel makes the reader reflect on humanity’s disconnect from nature, the consequences of blind ambition, and the need to remember ancient wisdom in times of chaos The pacing, particularly after the halfway mark, is brisk and engaging, with several scenes worthy of screen adaptation Thematically, the novel explores dharma, destiny, sacrifice, and the eternal dance between light and darkness It resonates deeply in today’s world by blending ecological warnings, spiritual wisdom, and political intrigue The early chapters lay heavy groundwork with espionage and setup, but the payoff in later chapters is imaginative and emotionally rewarding

A rich tapestry of ancient history and modernity, Prabhu Ram’s novel delivers a philosophical thriller that’s equal parts adventure, allegory, and awakening It revives India’s sacred landscapes with cosmic relevance, reminding us that ancient truths still beat in the heart of this land

British cricket ground closed indefinitely

A cricket ground in England has been closed indefinitely after a person was hit by a ball on the back of a leg in the car park Dawson Memorial Field in Danbury, a venue used by Danbury Cricket Club, Oaklands Cricket Club and Tuskers Cricket Club, will see no cricket for the rest of the season as no agreement was reached in two recent meetings The Danbury Parish Council said it took the decision owing to public safety issues “The parish council has taken professional advice which will minimise the risks –the fact that there were at least two car windows smashed by cricket balls in the adjacent car park, indicates that there is a risk to people who are accessing the facilities and as such would be potentially invalidate its insurance cover and risk litigation if it were to totally ignore the advice that has been received," the council said The venue has hosted Danbury CC for 50 years, with cricket having been played in the village since the 18th century All three clubs which use the venue have now had to move to a pitch 20 miles away from Danbury

US woman uses horoscope numbers for lottery, wins Rs 43,00,000

A woman from Maryland, US, won a $50,000 (Rs 42,78,125) lottery prize after using numbers from her horoscope The woman, who chose to remain anonymous, told Maryland Lottery officials that she felt a strong intuition to play the numbers 25569 revealed to her through her daily horoscope Acting on her hunch, she purchased a Pick 5 ticket from the Sandy Spring Exxon To her amazement, the numbers aligned perfectly, earning her a $50,000 windfall, according to a report I had a hunch and followed it, she said This is not the only incident when somebody has won a huge amount in the lottery

A few days back a man from Washington County, Maryland, won $100,000 (about Rs 86,00,000) by sticking to his usual lottery strategy - buying scratch-off tickets in pairs

Dubai Crown Prince's act of generosity

An act of generosity by the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has gone viral on social media Affectionately known as 'Fazza', a pseudonym used for his poetry, meaning "the one who helps" in Arabic, the crown prince surprised diners at a Dubai mall restaurant by paying for everyone's meal during an impromptu visit In a video shared by local media outlet Lovin Dubai, a woman claimed that she was visiting the La Maison Ani restaurant in the mall when she spotted the crown prince, who had also come for lunch "Sheikh Hamdan came to this restaurant for lunch, and he covered the bill for everyone in the restaurant," the woman said He paid the entire bill," she added, estimating that the total bill amount might of nearly Rs 690,000 Indian woman shows 'reality of Canada'

Dozens of Indians and other foreign students in Canada have been seen queuing up to seek jobs at a modest employment fair Taking to Instagram, an Indian woman living in Canada shared a video of the long queue of applicants outside the job fair, highlighting the intense competition for employment among international students In the clip, she addresses a common perception among many Indians that foreign countries guarantee abundant job opportunities and a better lifestyle, and contrasts it with the challenging reality faced by many international students "Guys, hamare jo Indian friends ya relatives hain jinko lagta hai ki Canada mein bahut jobs aur paisa hai, unko ye video dikha dena," the Indian woman says in the video She then shows the long queue of job seekers outside the employment fair She reveals that the job opening is for a basic internship and that only 5 to 6 people will be hired "This is the reality of Canada If you're prepared for this, then come to Canada, otherwise India is better," the woman says "Life abroad isn't always a dream Sometimes it's just a long queue," the caption of the post reads

Why a German woman speaks English with Indian accent

A video of a German woman explaining why she speaks English with a distinctly Indian accent has grabbed the internet's attention The clip, shared on Instagram, features Klara, a German teacher currently living in India It shows her addressing a common question she receives: "Why does this white girl have an Indian accent when she speaks in English? She's not Indian " Responding to this, Klara clarified, "No, I'm not Indian I'm actually German and I should have a German accent while speaking in English But, I'll tell you why I have an Indian accent One reason is that I only talk to Indians in English So, obviously, you adapt to what you hear If I only talk to Indians, I will hear the Indian accent So, I'm going to adapt to it and I will also talk like that," she continued The second reason is that I speak Malayalam And while speaking Malayalam, you don t say everything in pure Malayalam You use English words in between And how do you pronounce those English words? In an Indian accent Imagine I want to say, I want a fridge in Malayalam I pronounce 'fridge' like Indian English Now imagine I would use British English I think that's the main reason " Since being shared, Klara's post has gone viral, garnering more than 638,000 views and over 24,000 likes

‘Adulterated’ fuel grounds 19 SUVs of MP CM’s convoy

Nineteen SUVs that were supposed to be part of Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav’s cavalcade came to a screeching halt after refilling ‘adulterated fuel’ from a petrol pump at Dosigaon in Ratlam district The district administration sealed the petrol pump and filed an FIR against its owner as soon as it learnt about the incident, and is carrying out a probe The vehicles were requisitioned from an Indore-based private travel agency to ferry CM and other VIPs from the airstrip to the venue of an industrial conclave in Ratlam The agency sent the vehicles 15 hours before CM’s arrival and got it refuelled at Shakti Fuels Point “Apparently, diesel mixed with water was filled in the vehicles at the petrol pump All the vehicles broke down soon after refuelling,” naib tehsildar Ashish Upadhyay said Mechanics were immediately pressed into action and alternative arrangements were made to ensure the smooth movement of CM’s convoy Live-ins against middle class norms: Allahabad HC

Live-in relationships are against Indian middle class values, Allahabad high court has observed while granting bail to a suspect accused of sexually exploiting a woman on false promise of marriage Passing the order, a single-judge bench of Justice Siddharth expressed concern at the growing number of such cases “Since live-in-relationship has been legalised by the apex court, such cases are coming because the concept of live-in relationship is against settled law in Indian middle-class society,” Justice Siddharth said

Lack of therapy access fuels overuse of addictive sleeping pills

Millions of addictive sleeping pills are being prescribed across England because patients cannot access effective therapy for insomnia, a new report has revealed

In 2023–24, nearly five million prescriptions for zdrugs such as zopiclone and zolpidem were issued to around 770,000 patients, costing the NHS £65 million These medications, intended for short-term use, carry risks of addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and side effects like daytime drowsiness, which can contribute to car accidents NHS guidelines recommend cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the first-line treatment, available through in-person sessions or the Sleepio app, which was approved by NICE three years ago Yet many patients are unable to access either option due to underfunding and limited service availability

“There are 800,000 people in England who could benefit from CBT-I, which is more effective than pills,” NICE h a s s t a t e d T h e r e p o r t , E n d i n g O v e r p r e s c r i b i n g f o r

Insomnia, urges ministers and the NHS to act by expanding digital access and improving GP training

Dr Ellie Cannon, an NHS GP and contributor to the report, described the situation as “deeply unfair ” She said, “Patients come to me desperate, and I have to tell them the safest treatment isn’t available; only to then offer a drug with significant risks ”

D r S i m o n O p h e r , L a b o u r M P a n d G P , a d d e d ,

“Overprescribing is inevitable when medicine is the only option We need urgent action to make already-approved digital therapies widely available ”

One in five Britons living with mental health issues

A reco rd one in fiv e p eop le in Britain are living with commo n mental health co nditions, according to a new NHS survey, h ighlighting th e growing strain on th e nation’ s mental health services

Health leaders say the rise is linked to the lasting impact of the pandemic, the ongoing cost of living crisis, and systemic inequalities Women and young people are the most affected, with one in four in both groups reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression, or related disorders in 2023

Self-harm rates have also surged, with the number of people reporting self-injury four times higher than in 2000

In response, the government has unveiled plans under the NHS’s ten-year strategy to expand mental health support through digital platforms A new NHS app will offer free mental health tools, mirroring popular private apps like Headspace, with potential future integration of AIpowered virtual support

Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, warned, “The system is overwhelmed, underfunded and unfit for purpose Care is patchy, and too many are left to struggle alone ”

The most prevalent condition was anxiety, affecting 7 5% of those surveyed, followed by depression at 3 8% The 16–24 age group reported the highest rates of mental health conditions (25 8%), compared to just 10 2% among over-75s

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the goal is to create a “digital front door” to mental health care nationwide, with expanded access, new emergency mental health departments, and support available round the clock

Water first, always

Dehydration often begins long before you feel thirsty Thirst is actually a delayed signal and by the time it kicks in, your body may already be mildly dehydrated, with up to 1–2% fluid loss. This can subtly affect your concentration, energy levels, and even mood In hot weather or during physical activity, it’s important to drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty, to maintain optimal hydration and help your body regulate temperature, circulation, and organ function efficiently

Iron deficiency: The global health crisis

Dr Kishor Raja, Consultant Scientist

Iron is a vital micronutrient required for numerous bodily functions, including the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body.

The primary source of iron is the diet, and the intestines regulate how much iron is absorbed Dietary iron exists in two forms: haem iron (found in animal meat, poultry, and fish) and n

based foods) Haem iron is more readily absorbed and is therefore considered the superior source

Although the body recycles iron from the breakdown of old red blood cells, meaning daily dietary requirements are relatively low, iron deficiency remains highly prevalent It occurs when the body uses iron faster than it can be replenished, and prolonged deficiency can lead to a drop in red blood cell count and haemoglobin

anaemia

People with this condition typically experience tiredness, weakness, pale skin, rapid heart rate, irritability, poor concentration, shortness of breath, and reduced performance in education or work; symptoms largely due to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues

l d

p

c

i v e ) , women of childbearing age, and pregnant women are particularly at risk due to increased iron requirements In pregnancy, iron-deficiency anaemia raises the risk of premature birth or maternal and infant mortality

most common type of anaemia globally, affecting approximately two billion people (according to WHO estim

s ) M a n y c o u n t r i e s h a v e a l s o reported rising rates in women of reproductive age, partly due to the socalled “size zero ” culture, in which restrictive or unbalanced diets are followed to stay slim

Fortunately, iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anaemia can be easily recognised through a patient’s histor y , p h y

haemoglobin, iron levels, saturation, and ferritin)

Once diagnosed, treatment is usua l l y s t r

haemoglobin:

• Increase consumption of ironr i c h f o o d s ( e g , s p i n a c h , b r o c c o l i , leafy greens, tofu, or animal-based proteins) and iron-fortified products such as cereals and breads

• Take iron supplements (e g , ferrous sulphate) if needed, under medical supervision In severe cases, intravenous i r

required

It is important to consider not only nutritional deficiencies but also u n

deficiency, such as:

• Malabsorption (e g , Crohn’s disease, short bowel syndrome, weightloss surgery)

• Blood loss (e g , peptic ulcers, haemorrhoids, heavy menstruation, or multiple pregnancies)

• Infections (e g , hookworm)

• Chronic conditions (e g , kidney disease or heart failure)

• C

cancers, leukaemia)

• Inherited blood disorders (e

anaemia

Excess iron can also be harmful Because the body cannot excrete iron

due to over-supplementation, repeat-

tions, can damage cells, tissues, and

untreated In such cases, iron levels can be reduced using iron-chelating agents to safely remove excess from the body

• Improve iron absorption by consuming vitamin C-rich beverages like orange juice during meals and reducing intake of foods rich in phytates (such as tea, nuts, and legumes), which inhibit non-haem iron uptake

Forgotten cooling hack to navigate the heatwave

As Britain bakes u nd er soaring temperatures, a sim ple yet powerful tip from generations past is making a timely co m e ba ck , j u st a s h e al th w ar ni ng s sw eep across the country

With temperatures exceeding 30°C in some parts of the UK this week, the M

NHS is preparing for increased pressure as heat-related illnesses, particularly among older adults, become a

Halton Stairlifts, a low-tech, natural

relief

“One of the most effective ways to cool down, especially for older adults, is to apply chilled water or a damp flannel to pulse points like the wrists, ankles,

McKenzie “Our grandparents swore by this method long before air conditioning and high-tech fans were around and science backs it up Cooling these areas helps regulate body temperature quickly and naturally ” S

Fo od m an u f a c t ur e r s a n d re tai lers are s et to cut hundreds of c alories from the average daily diet in what is being hailed as a world- first collab orati on between gover nm e n t an d i n d us tr y to fight the UK’s obesi ty cris is and relieve pres sure on the NHS H e a l t h S e c r e t a r y W e s Streeting, unveiling a new

t e n - y e a r h e a l t h p l a n , described the initiative as “ more nudge than nanny ” W r i t i n g i n T h e S u n d a y Times, he said the goal is to

include dizziness, headaches, cramps, pale skin, nausea, and excessive sweating If untreated, it can lead to heats

marked by confusion, rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness Immediate cooling and emergency care are crucial

Top natural cooling tips for older adults

1 Target pulse points with cold compresses or a damp flannel

2 Shut curtains or blinds in sunny rooms to block out heat

3 Eat light, cold meals to avoid raising internal body temperature

4 Keep a foot soak or spray bottle in the fridge for quick relief

5 Swap hot drinks for decaf iced tea or fruit-infused water

encourage healthier habits

t h r o u g h s u b t l e s h i f t s i n p r o m o t i o n s , l o y a l t y rewards, and product placement rather than imposing s t r i c t e r r e g u l a t i o n s l i k e expanding the sugar tax

T h e g o v e r n m e n t w i l l consult with supermarkets to set official calorie reduct i o n t a r g e t s , f o l l o w i n g m a n d a t o r y r e p o r t i n g o n the calorie content of typical shopping baskets

Experts say even modest reductions could have major impacts Cutting just

6 Wear loose, breathable clothing made of cotton or linen

7 To support communities during

library and

and made NHS

and online services readily available for heat-related concerns

To support communities during

library and shopping

hours, and made NHS 111 and online services readily available for heat-related concerns

Do not forget these basic precautions:

• D

before feeling thirsty

• A

which can dehydrate the body

• Staying indoors during the hottest part of the day (11AM–3PM)

exercising early or late in the day

50 calories a day, the equivalent of a single oatcake, could lift 340,000 children and 2 million adults out of obesity A daily reduction of 216 calories, about the amount in a bottle of fizzy drink, could halve national o b e s i t y l e v e l s , S t r e e t i n g said

The scheme, designed b y i n n o v a t i o n a g e n c y Nesta, will impose mandat o r y h e a l t h t a r g e t s o n r e t a i l e r s , w h o w i l l h a v e flexibility in how to meet t h e m , w h e t h e r t h r o u g h r e c i p e r e f o r m u l a t i o n , healthier discounts, or instore layout changes Those f a i l i n g t o m e e t t a r g e t s could face financial penalties

The initiative is part of a wider Labour strategy to r e v i t a l i s e t h e N H S K e i r S t a r m e r h a s p l e d g e d £ 2 9 billion annually to healthcare and laid out ambitions to shift care from hospitals t o c o m m u n i t i e s , d i g i t i s e services, focus on prevention, and boost childhood immunisation

Vidya Balan praises SRK’s emotional gaze

Vidya Balan, known for speaking her mind, recently shared her views on modern filmmaking She expressed concern that many young directors, influenced by global content, are losing touch with the essence of Indian storytelling “I may sound like a senior when I say this,” she admitted, “but they don’t know our kind of storytelling it feels alienating and doesn’t engross me ”

Vidya Balan believes that the emotional connection between a film and its audience often gets lost when directors avoid using close-up shots “A lot of these directors don’t even use close-ups I find that shocking,” she said For her, close-ups are powerful they allow characters to speak without words, letting the audience connect through the eyes She feels this emotional simplicity is what makes 'masala' films so enjoyable: they’re direct, heartfelt, and free of pretension, allowing viewers to feel the moment rather than overthink it

Continuing the conversation, Vidya Balan cited Shah Rukh Khan as the perfect example of emotional storytelling While his iconic arms-stretched pose is widely recognised, she emphasised that it’s not just the gesture that made him the King of Hearts “Imagine if he was only doing this (imitates the pose) he wouldn’t be as loved,” she said, adding that it’s the vulnerability in his closeups and the emotion in his eyes that truly won over the nation

Bollywood actor Anupam Kher recently shared a deeply personal story that shaped his journey in cinema He revisited a turning point in his early career after being abruptly dropped from the 1984 film 'Saaransh'

In an interview, Anupam noted that t a k i n g c h a n c e s i n b o t h c a r e e r a n d relationships helps an individual to reinvent and rediscover themselves He emphasised the importance of forgiveness and moving on

H e d e s c r i b e d t h e c r u s h i n g disappointment of being removed from the film just days before filming began The blow left him so distraught that he contemplated l

H

a moment of clarity led him to confront the situation head on “I was on my way to VT station, planning to return to Delhi, Shimla, or Bombay

But I told myself – how can I leave without telling Mahesh Bhatt what I feel? So

Anupam Kher opens up on losing ‘Saaransh’

everything I had to If I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you today

That moment changed me, ” he stated

movie, but later the studio decided that a newcomer could not play the role of a man in his 60s They wanted an established actor

However, after Anupam’s visit to Mahesh Bhatt and his emotional outburst, Mahesh told the makers that he needed Anupam in the movie

Kher admits that he did the right thing by opening up to Mahesh during that time

The actor emphasised that his upcoming film Metro In Dino also revolves around

communication and speaking up Metro In Dino is set to hit cinemas on July 7 Directed by Anurag Basu, the film also features Aditya Roy Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Pankaj Tripathi, Neena Gupta, and Ali Fazal in key roles

Veteranactor Paresh Rawal has confirmed his return to the third installment of the hit comedy franchise ‘Hera Pheri’, saying all issues have been resolved

Earlier in May, Rawal had announced his exit from the project, sparking disappointment among fans eager to see him reunite with costars Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and director Priyadarshan

Following Akshay Kumar’s 25 crore lawsuit filed as producer through Cape of Good Films Paresh Rawal has officially rejoined *Hera Pheri 3* He confirmed the news during a recent appearance on Himanshu Mehta’s podcast

Rawal explained, “It was always on the cards We just needed to finetune things There’s no controversy Akshay, Suniel, and Priyadarshan have been friends for years ”

He added that the team felt a strong responsibility to meet audience expectations: “When people love something so much, you can’t take it for granted We wanted to come together and give it our best Everything is resolved now ”

Directed by Priyadarshan, ‘Hera Pheri’ released in 2000 and followed the hilarious misadventures of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, a bumbling yet kind-hearted garage owner, alongside the street-smart Raju and the earnest Shyam The iconic trio returned in the 2006 sequel ‘Phir Hera Pheri’, helmed by Neeraj Vora, which continued their chaotic and comedic journey

Aamir Khan opens up on not returning to direction

Aamir Khan, known as Bollywood’s ‘Perfectionist,’ has long championed fresh perspectives in cinema. In a recent interview, the 60year-old explained why he hasn’t directed a film since ‘Taare Zameen Par’, saying, “I love acting too much.” He added that if he began directing again, he’d likely quit acting altogether, as filmmaking is so engaging it might make acting feel dull by comparison

Aamir Khan shared that he’s someone who can’t work if he’s bored, saying, “Main uss type ka aadmi hoon ki agar main bore ho raha hoon toh kaam nahi kar paata ” He revealed that directing ‘Taare Zameen Par’ in 2007 wasn’t planned it became necessary due to a crisis during production Khan added that if he ever directs again, he would fully commit to it and step away from acting, as he finds the process too immersive to juggle both roles

Aamir Khan clarified that RS Prasanna was solely responsible for directing ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ The film follows a basketball coach sentenced to community service after a drunk driving charge He trains players with intellectual disabilities for a national tournament, leading to a journey of personal growth and redemption

Paresh Rawal returns to ‘Hera Pheri 3’ after brief exit

Vicky Kaushal says Katrina Kaif is ‘sensitive’ to blunt feedback on her work

Vicky Kaushal revealed that his wife, Katrina Kaif, gives him unfiltered feedback on his performances

However, he admitted she’s not as comfortable when he critiques her work in return.

In a recent conversation with Kareena Kapoor Khan during a oneon-one hosted by ‘The Hollywood Reporter India’, Vicky Kaushal opened up about receiving honest feedback from his wife, Katrina Kaif “She’s very honest and says it like it is,” Vicky shared “Sometimes, she’s a bit careful because she knows how much hard work goes into it you have to be sensitive But mostly, she’s straightforward, which I really appreciate After a film screening, it’s rare to get that kind of detailed feedback what worked, what didn’t, and what could’ve been better ” Kareena admitted she wouldn’t be as comfortable receiving such blunt feedback from her husband, Saif Ali Khan Vicky agreed, adding that Katrina also doesn’t always welcome unfiltered criticism from him “It’s the same with her She wouldn’t want that either The first step has to be encouragement,” he said

In an earlier interview, Vicky Kaushal praised Katrina Kaif’s honesty, saying she offers him a valuable third-person perspective on his creative work “She tells me where I could do better or think differently it really helps,” he said, adding with a smile, “Sometimes, she’s too honest I keep telling her to sugarcoat it a little!”

Vicky and Katrina, who tied the knot in 2021, continue to balance personal and professional lives Vicky will next appear in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s *Love and War*, while Katrina is currently focused on her beauty brand

Jackie Shroff on Shah Rukh Khan: ‘Always had an akelapan, it’s lonely at the top’

Shah

Rukh Khan and Jackie Shroff have shared the screen several times over the decades, beginning with ‘King Uncle’ early in SRK’s career They later appeared together in films like ‘Trimurti’, ‘One 2 Ka Four’, and ‘Devdas’

In a recent interview with journalist Vickey Lalwani, Jackie Shroff reflected on working with Shah Rukh during those early days Speaking about ‘King Uncle’, he said, “He was respectful, focused, charismatic but aloof, like I was Someone once told me every actor should experience a sense of loneliness I saw that in him, and I liked those vibes ”

Jackie Shroff also reminisced about their time together on the sets of ‘Devdas’, by which point Shah Rukh Khan had already become one of the biggest superstars in the country Despite the fame, Jackie said little h a d

personality

“ W

‘Devdas’ ’One 2 Ka Four’ and a couple of others But on the sets of ‘Devdas’, he was just the same, ” Jackie shared “For me, he was still my younger brother The same boy I had once seen sitting quietly in a corner He hadn’t changed Even the role of Devdas suited that quiet, introspective vibe And I was exactly the same with him as I had always been ”

London buzzes with Bollywood glam

Several Bollywood celebrities have recently been spotted in the UK, visiting for a variety of reasons ranging from high-profile events to leisurely vacations.

S

Mandanna, Smriti Irani, and Karan Johar were in London to attend the We The Women event at

R

influential voices from film, politics, and media

Meanwhile, other celebrities chose the UK as a summer getaway Actor Bobby Deol was seen casually interacting with fans outside a London

encounter quickly going viral on social media

Whether for work or relaxation, the UK continues to be a popular destination for Bollywood’s biggest names

Ovacome, the UK’s ovarian cancer support

Koirala’ at London’s Shaw Theatre on July 13 The event offers a rare chance to see the Bollywood icon in person as she reflects on her journey from global stardom to battling stage 4 ovarian cancer

She will be interviewed by Dr Amir Khan

“Surviving cancer was not just a physical fight but a transformation of the soul,” Koirala shared

“Partnering with Ovacome is personal Together, we ’ re not just fighting cancer we ’ re empowering lives I look forward to sharing my story and hearing yours ”

TV Listing

MON 07 JUL - FRI 11 JUL 2025

09:00 Deshi Beats

17:30 Rasoi Show

18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma

19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re

19:30 Baa Vahu ane Baby

20:00 Rashi Rikshawali

20:30 Moti Baa Ni Nani Vahu

21:00 United States Of Gujarat

21:30 KAHI DE NE PREM CHHE ! –PREM NU PRATIK

22:00 Lakshya

SATURDAY 12 JULY 2025

09:00 Deshi Beats

MON 07 JUL - FRI 11 JUL 2025

17:00 Shani-Karmfal Daata

17:30 Shrukra Mangal

18:00 Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka Season-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 Choti Sardarni

23:00 Udaariyan

SATURDAY 12 JULY 2025

17:00 Shani-Karmfal Daata

17:30 Shrukra Mangal

17:30 Rasoi Show

18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma

19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re

19:30 Baa Vahu ane Baby

20:00 Rashi Rikshawali

20:30 Moti Baa Ni Nani Vahu

21:00 United States Of Gujarat

21:30 KAHI DE NE PREM CHHE ! –PREM NU PRATIK

22:00 Lakshya

SUNDAY 13 JULY 2025

09:00 Deshi Beats

11:00 Rashi Rikshawali

11:30 MARI HAMBHAL LENARI JATI RAHI

14:30 Moti Baa Ni Nani Vahu

16:30 Lakshya

17:30 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re

19:30 Baa Vahu ane Baby

21:30 United States Of Gujarat

23:30 Moti Baa Ni Nani Vahu

18:00 Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka Season-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 Choti Sardarni

23:00 Udaariyan

SUNDAY 13 JULY 2025

17:00 Shani-Karmfal Daata

17:30 Shrukra Mangal

18:00 Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka Season-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 Choti Sardarni

23:00 Udaariyan

Ravi Mohan says he’s living in rented home post-split; internet reacts

Tamilactor Ravi Mohan has been in the spotlight since his split with wife Aarti Ravi, with his outings alongside singer and spiritual healer Kenishaa Francis sparking speculation At a pre-release event for the film ‘3 BHK’, he revealed he’s currently living in a rented house for the first time

‘ 3 BHK’ is a coming-of-age family drama based on a short story by Aravindh Sachidanandam At the film’s pre-release event, Ravi Mohan shared that he’s living in a rented house for the first time, saying, “I’ve never lived in a rented home before. This film resonates with me I now want to live the rest of my life happily ”

His comment quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), drawing backlash for sounding out of touch

One user wrote, “You’re an actor earning crores don’t act like a struggling labourer ” Others accused him of playing the sympathy card and questioned how much his rent actually costs, with one pointing out, “Living in a rented house but still producing films ”

Ravi’s statement follows his split from wife Aarti in 2024, after 15 years of marriage In a nowdeleted Instagram post from May, he revealed that Kenishaa stood by him when he left home “barefoot, in a night suit, stripped of wallet and dignity ” Calling her “ a beautiful companion,” he added, “She carries light ”

Kamal Haasan invited to Oscars voting panel

Actor Krishna arrested in drug case, remanded till July 10

Actor

The Oscars, considered the highest honour in cinema, have officially invited Indian actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan to join the voting committee This marks a major milestone in his career and reflects his global stature in the film industry

Previously, only a few Indians like A R Rahman, Resool Pookutty, MM

K

Krishna has been arrested in a drug case and remanded to judicial custody till July 10 The case began after a riot at a luxury bar in Nungambakkam on June 22, leading to the arrest of former AIADMK IT wing executive Prasad. The investigation revealed a drug supply network involving Pradeep and a Ghanaian national, John. Actor Srikanth’s arrest for allegedly purchasing drugs shocked Kollywood, and soon Krishna-known for Kazhugu and brother of director Vishnu Vardhan-was also linked to the case Following confessions from other detainees, four special teams were formed to track him down Krishna returned to Chennai after a shoot in Kerala and appeared at the police station with his lawyers He was interrogated intensively for over 24 hours

During interrogation, actor Krishna claimed he had stomach issues and was in shock However, police said his WhatsApp chats and phone data confirmed drug use Based on information from Krishna, drug distributor Kevin was also arrested Police seized multiple drugs, electronic devices, and cash from Kevin They alleged Krishna shared drug details in WhatsApp groups, including time and location Despite his lawyer stating medical tests were negative, both Krishna and Kevin have been remanded in custody till July 10 The ongoing drug cases have sent shockwaves through Kollywood

direct connection to the Oscars Kamal Haasan’s invitation is a testament to his decades of dedication and global recognition Though he has submitted seven films in the past, none made the final cut making this moment all the more significant His inclusion now further elevates Indian cinema on the global stage

K

received a similar Oscar panel invitation in 2022, and his inclusion once again brings pride to Indian cinema Known for treating cinema as a reflection of life, his six-decade career and global acclaim make him a fitting choice The Academy v

understanding of film making this a significant recognition of his lifelong contribution to the art

A total of 534 new members from around the world have been invited to join the Oscars selection committee If they accept, they will help nominate and vote for the winners at the upcoming

inclusion is not just a personal honour, but a proud moment for Indian cinema highlighting its growing recognition and quality on the global stage A p a r t f

Khurrana and Payal Kapadia will also be joining the voting committee

Ram Gopal Varma on Mani Ratnam: “He doesn’t like my films, I don’t like his”

Filmmakers

Mani Ratnam and Ram Gopal Varma, once collaborators, haven’t worked together in 27 years On the ‘MPower’ podcast, Varma revealed the reason: “We don’t like each other’s films We’re both too strong-headed to collaborate again ”

Varma admitted he isn’t a fan of Ratnam’s cult classic ‘Nayakan’ (1987), despite appreciating Kamal Haasan’s performance and certain moments He added, “Maybe I know the character too well Varadarajan Mudaliar ” The Mumbai don inspired ‘Nayakan’’s lead, and Varma himself has explored similar themes in films like ‘Satya’, ‘Company’, and ‘Sarkar’ Mani Ratnam and Ram Gopal Varma, who last collaborated 27 years ago, co-wrote ‘Gaayam’ and ‘Thiruda Thiruda’ in 1993 and co-produced ‘Dil Se ’ in 1998 On the ‘MPower’ podcast, Varma explained why they haven’t worked together since: “We like each other as people, but we ’ re both too strong-headed He didn’t take my ideas, I didn’t take his we just made our own films ” Varma also admitted he’s not a fan of Ratnam’s ‘Nayakan’, despite appreciating Kamal Haasan’s performance He credited K Balachander as his true influence, citing similarities in editing and dialogue Ratnam recently reunited with Haasan for ‘Thug Life’, a Tamil crime thriller backed by Madras Talkies and Raaj Kamal Films However, the film has underperformed at the domestic box office

Actor-model Shefali Jariwala dies at 42, suffered cardiac arrest

Actor-model

Shefali Jariwala, best known as the "Kaanta Laga" girl, has died at the age of 42, Mumbai Police confirmed She was brought dead to Bellevue Hospital in Andheri after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, and three others rushed her to the hospital, but she could not be saved

Journalist Vickey Lalwani first shared the news on social media, stating that hospital staff confirmed she was already deceased upon arrival

Her husband, Parag Tyagi, has not spoken to the media, and the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed, though sources suggest a possible cardiac arrest Mumbai Police confirmed she was found unresponsive at her Andheri residence and declared dead on arrival at the hospital

Actor and close friend Pooja Ghai revealed that Shefali had taken a vitamin C IV drip on the day she passed away “It’s a very common thing many of us take vitamin C regularly, especially post-Covid,” she said, adding that she has also had such drips herself

administered the drip to verify the medication “That’s when it became clear she had taken an IV drip,” she noted

Defending the treatment, Ghai added, “It’s routine now In places like Dubai, you’ll find vitamin C drips offered in clinics and salons Shefali was in a profession where looking and feeling her best mattered and she truly did ”

According to reports, Shefali had been using anti-ageing infusions, including glutathione, for nearly a decade On the day of her death, she had been fasting for a religious puja but still received her regular anti-ageing injection in the afternoon

While the official cause of death is yet to be confirmed, initial findings suggest a possible cardiac arrest linked to unsupervised medication Police are now investigating the contents of the IV drip and her long-term treatments The postmortem is complete, and a final report is awaited

Shefali, once an aspiring computer engineer, shot to fame at 20 with the hit music video

‘Kaanta Laga’, a remix of the 1972 song from ‘Samadhi’ She appeared in several music videos and films and was a contestant on ‘Bigg Boss 13 ’ in 2020

Abhishek Bachchan on Hrithik Roshan comparison: “Artists can’t be compared”

Bollywood

actors Abhishek Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan began their film careers in 2000 While Hrithik's ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’ was a massive hit, Abhishek's debut ‘Refugee’ with Kareena Kapoor didn’t fare as well at the box office

In a recent interview, Abhishek Bachchan addressed being compared to Hrithik Roshan early in their careers, saying he never felt insecure because he believes every artist is unique “You can’t compare two actors what I do is different from what someone else does,” he said

He explained that comparisons in creative fields are often unfair, using his favourite painters Subhash Awchat and Paresh Maity as an example While one may prefer one artist over the o t h e r , h e s a i d , d e c l a r i n g o n e a s b e t t e

individuality a principle he believes also applies to actors

While shooting ‘Sarkar’, Abhishek recalled wanting to attend an award show for his ‘Yuva’ nomination, but director Ram Gopal Varma reminded him that awards can’t fairly compare such diverse performances

Abhishek also praised Hrithik Roshan, calling him “ a great actor and a friend,” and said he’s always been happy for his success “There’s never been animosity I want my colleagues to do well it inspires me to work harder,” he shared

Both star kids have carved their space in Bollywood Abhishek will next be seen in ‘Kaalidhar Laapata’, releasing on ZEE5 on July 4, while Hrithik stars in ‘War 2 ’ , hitting h

Ashish Chanchlani beams at ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ premiere, poses with Scarlett Johansson

Badshah debuts at Paris Fashion Week, joins global stars

Rapper

Badshah made a striking debut at the Amiri Spring-Summer 2026 show during Paris Men’s Fashion Week at Le Carreau Du Temple

The world premiere of ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ took place in Los Angeles this week, with stars Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali in attendance Indian content creator Ashish Chanchlani was the only Indian present at the event

He met the lead cast and shared a photo on Instagram, captioned with a playful nod to the original film: “In classic voice of John Hammond: ‘WELCOME TO JURASSIC PARK ’ John Hammond, famously played by Richard Attenborough in ‘Jurassic Park’, was the visionary behind the iconic dinosaur park Ashish Chanchlani’s Instagram post referencing the character received an outpouring of love from fans and fellow creators One commented, “I’m so proud of you But jealous too,” while another wrote, “Congratulations! You deserve it Don’t forget us little people on your way up ”

‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards, is the

standalone sequel to ‘Jurassic World Dominion’ (2022) The film, also starring Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Ed Skrein, releases worldwide on July 2

The premiere comes at an exciting time for Ashish, who is gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated project ‘Ekaki’ Marking his directorial debut, ‘Ekaki’ blends horror and comedy and represents a bold departure from his usual comedic content It will premiere on the ACV Studios YouTube channel

Embracing the theme of relaxed luxury with global flair, the 39-yearold wore a black beaded double-breasted blazer with matching flared trousers an ensemble that combined elegance with edge He completed the look with crystalstudded tassel loafers, an Amiri Hollywood tote adorned with fresh flowers, a custom diamond and gold 'Om' pendant, and an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch

At his Paris Fashion Week debut for Amiri Spring/Summer 2026, Badshah made waves on the global style scene, mingling with icons like French Montana, J Balvin, and Steve Harvey His presence alongside such stars highlighted his growing influence beyond music, into fashion and global pop culture

A powerhouse in Indian hip-hop, Badshah has amassed over 10 billion streams and built a two-decade-long career marked by hit songs, screen appearances, and a bold fashion persona With over 15 million Instagram followers, he remains a major pop culture force

He’s now gearing up for his much-anticipated ‘Unfinished Tour’ in the US, kicking off in September 2025 across six cities

and played in

Lane FC, the local Harrow ClubTithe Farm Sports and Social Club

Fields The tournament will be played on Sunday 13 July, 2025

Smriti’s maiden T20I ton sparks India’s 97-run win over England

Ind ia’ s smo oth 97-run w in over England in the opening match at Nottingham last w eek The v isitors

n o w le ad t h

series 1-0

Mandhana (112, 62 balls) and Harleen Deol (43, 23 balls) added 94 runs for the second wicket as I n d i a p o s t e d 2

being invited to bat Skipper Nat Sciver Brunt (66, 42 balls) waged a lone battle for England, who were limited to 113 all out in 14 5 overs by the Indian bowlers

For India, debutante left arm spinner Shree Charani (4/12) was t

, a s there was nothing much left in England’s innings after they lost half of the lineup inside the first 10 overs for a sub-100 score Mandhana, who led the team in the absence of injured regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur, stole the day with an innings that was a full-fledged display of her style,

aggression and ability to play shots around the field Her knock is the

, surpassing Harmanpreet’s 103 She gave the Indian innings some early impetus, making 77

Varma (20, 22 balls), whose return to topflight cricket after a gap of

satisfactory Mandhana was the dominant figure in that alliance off just 8 3 overs

Brief scores: India Women 2105 in 20 overs (S Mandhana 112, H Deol 43, S Verma 20; L Bell 3-27) beat England Women 113 all out in 14 5 overs (N SciverBrunt 66; S C

,

Sharma 2-32) by 97 runs

Gujarat to host 2029 world police and fire games

I n d i a h as s ec u re d th e h o s ti ng righ ts for the 2029 World Police and Fire Gam es (WPFG) , w hich w ill be held acro ss A hm edabad, Gand hinagar and Ekta Nagar in K ev ad ia, the Gujarat gov ernm ent announced

The biennial event will bring together over 10,000 athletes from m o r e t h a n 7 0 c o u n t r i e s , representing police, fire, customs, a n d c o r r e c t i o n a l s e r v i c e s W i t h this, India becomes the first South Asian country to host the WPFG

s i n c e i t s l a u n c h i n 1 9 8 5 T h e hosting rights were granted after India’s final pitch to the California

Police Athletic Federation (CPAF)the governing body of the games

Alabama

India now joins the ranks of previous host nations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, C h i n a , a n d t h e N e t h

n d smarking its growing stature in the global multi-sport arena

T h e b i d p r o c e s s s p a n n e d 1 5 months and included a detailed t e c h n

review Gujarat’s delegation at the f

n

Thennarasan, Principal Secretary ( U

Housing), showcasing the state’s

delivering a world-class event

“After the successful hosting of the 36th National Games in 2022, t

Gujarat’s vision to become India’s hub for high-performance, multisport events With over 15 venues already functional, the state will build on its existing infrastructure while incorporating internationalstandard operational systems and overlays,” the government added

Bhushan and ably supported by Aritra Nandi, who scouts junior players for the Indian Clubs, will be scouting the diaspora kids

Ramakrishnan and Dr Debojyoti

awards, was also felicitated He is the only singer who has sung a song on Queen Elizabeth II in Bangla, which was presented to K

Palace It is now being translated in to English

Awardee who now practices as an a c c l a i m e d c o a c h t h r o u g h h i s academy, producing national level shooters on a regular basis

J o y d e e p ’ s s o n A d r i y e n

accompanied his father, a product of JKSA, recently won two medals

Championship One of the rising stars in Indian shooting was also felicitated

India’s chances to host CWG brighten as Canada’s bid hits a snag

T h e C a nad ia n p ro v i nc e o f

Ontario, which was in th e race to h o s t th e 20 3 0 C o m m on w ea lth Gam es, has chosen not to pu rsue th e bid furth er due to cost-related i ss u e s I t d e al t a bl o w to th e ‘ Uni ted C anada’ bi d as Ontari o was o ne of th e four provinces th at had expressed interest in jointly hosting the 203 0 ed ition

The decision seemingly boosts t h e c h a n c e s o f t h e G a m e s returning to India after 2010, as C a n a d a w a s s e e n a s a k e y competitor for the event that has struggled to find any takers

Apart from India and Canada, Nigeria was the third country that had submitted an Expression of Interest to host the 2030 edition, the Commonwealth Sport had said i n a s t a t e m e n t b a c k i n A p r i l However, as per reports in the Nigerian media, the country’s bidcentred around the capital city of Abuja - is yet to ‘take off’ Two o t h e r u n n a m e d c o u n t r i e s w e r e interested, too, the governing body added without revealing details

While Canada and Nigeria are s t i l l s t i t c h i n g t o g e t h e r a competitive bid, India has raced ahead with the preparations for the 2030 CWG, which the country sees as a ‘test event’ for the 2036 Olympic Games Ahmedabad is the frontrunner to host both Games, with some events likely to take

place in other cities as well A

Ministry, and the Indian Olympic A s s o c i a t i o n m e

o p Commonwealth Sport leaders in London on June 7 Following their discussions, it is learnt that the Commonwealth S

Ahmedabad in August, days before the August 31 deadline to submit the bid officially If it happens, it will be the Commonwealth Sport o

Ahmedabad after their first trip in late January

Canada was seen as a strong contender not just because of its proven track record of hosting big-

Ontario had hosted the first British Empire Games, as they were called

return to the port city in 2030 would have marked the 100th anniversary The Ontario government’s decision not to bid for the CWG came days after the Indian visit According to the Canadian media, the decision was taken following a ‘cost-benefit’ analysis The Hamilton Spectator reported that there was a ‘pushback against spending big money on the Games

Gujarat swimmer Aryan Nehra wins 2nd gold

swimm

etre Freestyle event earlier A ryan record ed the victory with a timing of 8:10 40

The swimmer had earlier won the gold medal in the tournament's 400 metre Freestyle event The National Aquatic Championships are being held at Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium

Aryan's individual tally in the tournament now stands at two gold medals and one silver, with one more event set to be played

The Gujarat swimmer pulled off a comeback in the 400 metre Freestyle event, emerging victorious after being placed fifth at the 300 metre mark The win also helped Aryan qualify for the upcoming World Swimming Championships which will be held in Singapore Delhi's Kushagra Rawat finished second in the 400 metre Freestyle event, winning the silver medal with a time of 3:56 84 Karnataka's Anees Gowda bagged the bronze, clocking 3:57 17

Smriti Mandhana