Asian Standard London 26 Jan

Try Supereme’s warm and comforting recipe

Musakhan a symbol of Palestine’s rich culinary heritage

YOUR 12 PAGE PULL OUT LIFESTYLE SUPPLEMENT >>>

Raveena Tandon:

Full interview on pages 6 & 7

From '90s Stardom to Digital Delight in Karmma Calling – A Journey Through Versatility and Resilience

Full recipe in your Asian Sunday & Style guide inside

AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPER

@ASIANSTANDARD / WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

LONDON / 26 JANUARY - 1 FEBRUARY 2024 / FREE

BREAKING STEREOTYPES:

“I DETEST THE WORDS WHEN PEOPLE SAY, 'BROKEN HOME, SINGLE-PARENT FAMILY. IT'S ALMOST USED LIKE A GALI”

Ridah Khan

Meet and hear her inspiring journey from single-parent home to dual profession success

By FATIMA PATEL Ridah Khan with her mother

“NEVER AGAIN SHOULD WE ALLOW TO NORMALISE MASS MURDER OF FAMILIES” Full story on page 8 DR HUSAM ZOMLOT

Read the full story on pages 6 & 7

2

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

LONDON

TRENDING NEWS STORIES

Revolutionary Discovery: James Webb Space Telescope reveals universe's oldest and most distant black hole

A heartfelt thank you to you -our readers Dear Asian Standard Community, As we pen down another edition of the Asian Standard, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the continuous support you have showered upon us. Your unwavering readership has played a pivotal role in making our newspaper a household name, and for that, we extend our sincere thanks.

We value the feedback you provide, as it not only helps us improve but also guides us in shaping the newspaper to better suit your preferences.

Our commitment to being a community-focused newspaper remains steadfast, and we want to hear more from you. Your stories, your concerns, and your perspectives matter to us, and we invite you to be an integral part of the narrative we weave.

Acknowledging the surge in demand, we are actively working on expanding our reach by getting the paper into more stores. However, to sustain the quality journalism you've come to expect and increase our distribution, we need your continued support. One way you can help is by supporting our advertisers, who play a crucial role in keeping this paper freely accessible to all.

Additionally, we encourage you to connect with us on social media and visit our website. Your engagement not only strengthens our online presence but also translates into more resources to fund the journalism you rely on. It's a symbiotic relationship, and we are immensely grateful for your part in it.

In this issue, we bring you a plethora of news stories spanning across the 13 boroughs we focus on, along with the latest updates in politics, lifestyle, and sports. As we stay committed to keeping you wellinformed, let's also take a moment to reflect on the somber anniversaries this month—the lives lost during the Holocaust and the tragic civilian casualties in Gaza. These moments remind us of the power of storytelling and the responsibility we bear in bringing important narratives to light.

Once again, thank you for being an integral part of the Asian Standard family. Together, let's continue the journey of community-driven journalism.

l e at P a m i Fat

Oldest black hole ever observed

In a groundbreaking revelation, astronomers utilising the James Webb Space Telescope have unveiled the existence of GN-z11, a black hole positioned a staggering 13.4 billion light years away—the farthest and oldest ever observed in the galaxy.

This cosmic behemoth, dwarfing the sun at a mass 6 million times greater, defies established theories surrounding the rapid expansion of supermassive black holes during the universe's early stages.

The discovery suggests the intriguing concept of 'heavy black hole seeds' forming swiftly, as the colossal

black hole voraciously devours its host galaxy at an accelerated pace.

However, this insatiable feeding frenzy also introduces a paradox: while fuelling the black hole's rapid growth, it may concurrently impede the development of the host galaxy. This revelation challenges prevailing notions about the cosmic forces at play during the universe's infancy, opening new avenues for understanding the intricate dance between supermassive black holes and their celestial surroundings.

Image: Swiss archa ological school

Archaeologists discover 7th century temple in Greece littered with gold and silver Archaeologists have uncovered a 2000-year-old temple filled with gold and jewels on the Greek island of Evia.

The Greek Ministry of Culture revealed in a social media post that this "monumental building in the heart of the sanctuary" was initially found in 2017, with a second temple discovered in 2023.

The excavation of the latter unearthed "rich relics" and jewels, including Corinthian alabaster, attic vases, ritual prochos, and precious jewellery made of gold, silver, and coral. Inside the 100-foot-long temple, structures believed to have served as altars for worshippers in the seventh century were also discovered.

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

3

LONDON

Exciting Innovations Unveiled: iPhone 16 Series to introduce dedicated capture button and X platform adds audio and video conversations for android users" Anticipation is building for the upcoming iPhone 16 series set to launch later this year, promising a revolutionary feature: a dedicated capture button. Positioned to enhance user experience, this button facilitates effortless horizontal photo and video capture through touch gestures and pressure sensitivity, mimicking the functionality of a digital camera. Following the successful introduction of the Action button in the iPhone 15 Pro models last year, Apple continues to redefine smartphone photography.

The iPhone 16's capture button extends its capabilities with rumoured support for swipe gestures, enabling users to seamlessly zoom in and out during their photography endeavours.

Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo

Saudi Arabia breaks records with highest hanging prayer room, a marvel of faith and architecture" In a groundbreaking achievement, Saudi Arabia has officially entered the Guinness World Records with the inauguration of the world's highest hanging prayer room.

Soaring an awe-inspiring 483 meters above sea level, this architectural masterpiece, nestled within the bridge connecting the twin towers of the Address Jabal Omar Mecca Hotel, offers unparalleled panoramic views of the sacred Kaaba and Mecca's Highest hanging prayer room religious landmarks.

Beyond its recordWith a spacious 550 square meters, setting elevation, the 650-tonne steel the prayer hall accommodates up to bridge, meticulously assembled at 520 worshippers, providing a unique 312 meters above ground, stands as a spiritual experience marked by peace testament to engineering prowess and and tranquillity. Worshippers are treated architectural innovation. Spanning across to extraordinary moments during Fajr floors 36 to 38, the prayer hall within this prayers, witnessing the sunrise over sky-high sanctuary seamlessly melds Mecca, while the chapel bathes in warm traditional Arabic designs with modern hues during the enchanting sunset—a luxury, featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy true embodiment of divine connection that enhances its sanctity and pays and architectural brilliance. homage to Islamic heritage.

anticipates camera upgrades for the iPhone 16 Pro, particularly in the ultra-wide-angle and telephoto departments, promising enhanced imaging capabilities.

Meanwhile, in the realm of social media, Elon Musk's platform, X, announces a noteworthy update for Android users—introducing audio and video conversations. Exclusive to premium users, this feature can be enabled or disabled in the app settings, offering customizable privacy options in the Privacy and Safety section under Direct Messages. X's recent introduction of a paid tier for verified organisations adds another dimension, priced at $200 per month (around £150) or $2,000 (around £1500) per year, providing premium features such as a distinctive gold check-mark badge and valuable ad credits.

4

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

LONDON

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 38 years for gang members in double revenge murders in Ilford Four members of a gang have been jailed for murdering two rappers who were stabbed and shot in a midnight raid.

Armed with guns and knives, the four men stormed a house on Henley Road, Ilford, and killed gang rivals Saydi Abu Sheikh, 23, and Zakariya Jeilani Mohamed, 31.

The court heard around 45 shots were fired and Mr Sheikh was described as having been “butchered”.

A third man, Khalid Khalid, was shot through the head but survived, along with two more men who ran or hid.

Chibuike Ohanweh 21, of Heath Park Road, Romford; Ayaanle Adan, 20, from East Street, Barking; Mahad Gouled, 22, from Charles Street, Enfield; and Zain Mirza, 21, of Third Avenue, Manor Park, had denied double murder, two charges of attempted murder and perverting the course of justice.

A jury deliberated for more than 40 hours to find the four men guilty of all the charges.

The attack is said to have been procured by Mirza in revenge for the killing of his brother in 2019.

He was in prison for a drugs offence but set about putting a plan into action after being released while being careful to remain at “arm’s length”, jurors were told.

Image: Unsplash

In a chilling midnight assault, four members of a ruthless gang have been sentenced to prison for the brutal murder of two talented rappers, Saydi Abu Sheikh, 23, and Zakariya Jeilani Mohamed, 31.

Armed with a deadly combination of guns and knives, the perpetrators orchestrated a horrifying raid on a

residence along Henley Road, Ilford.

It was revealed that approximately 45 shots were fired, and Mr. Sheikh was described as having been "butchered" in the merciless attack. Khalid Khalid, another victim, miraculously survived a gunshot to the head, while two others managed to escape or hide from the violent onslaught.

The accused individuals, Chibuike Ohanweh 21, of Heath Park Road, Romford; Ayaanle Adan, 20, from

Image: Met Police

Image: Met Police

Ayaanle Adan

Chibuike Ohanweh

East Street, Barking; Mahad Gouled, 22, from Charles Street, Enfield; and Zain Mirza, 21, of Third Avenue, Manor Park had vehemently denied charges of double murder, two counts of attempted murder, and perverting the course of justice. After more than 40 hours of deliberation, a determined jury rendered a unanimous guilty verdict on all counts.

The motive behind this heinous act was unveiled during the trial, exposing Mirza's vengeful quest for retribution following the killing of his brother in 2019. Despite serving time in prison for a drugs offense, Mirza meticulously planned the assault, maintaining a calculated distance to avoid direct involvement while ensuring the vicious plan was set into motion upon his release.

Prosecutor John Price KC had said: “He was the one who most wanted it done. His motive was revenge.”

Saydi Abu Sheikh had been stabbed 28 times and shot four times while Zakariya Jeilani Mohamed was stabbed five times and shot at least seven times.

Survivor Khalid Khalid was shot six times. One bullet entered the side of his face, passed through

his head and exited beside his mouth, causing damage to parts of the skull, his brain and his teeth.

On Tuesday 23 January Judge Mark Lucraft KC sentenced them to life with a minimum term of 38 years.

He told them: “I’m entirely satisfied that the events were the culmination of a carefully planned retaliation attack for the killing of Mohammed Usman Mirza.

“You were each involved in planning and carrying out this

horrific attack.”

Ohanweh, from Romford, Adan, from Barking, Gouled, from Enfield, and Mirza, of Newham, were also handed life sentences for the attempted murders and six years for perverting the course of justice to run concurrently.

A fifth defendant, Zakarie Mohamad, 19, of Kensington, was sentenced to four years in a young offenders institute after he pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Image: Met Police

Image: Met Police

Mahad Gouled

Zain Mirza

6

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

LONDON

BREAKING STEREOTYPES:

“I detest the words when people say, 'broken home, single-parent family. It's almost used like a gali” Meet Ridah Khan and hear her inspiring journey from single-parent home to dual profession success

in medicine. Despite societal expectations, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor while continuing her career in entertainment. "I always feel like you can do whatever you like. I never put myself in a lane," Ridah says, reflecting on her multifaceted journey.

By FATIMA PATEL

Ridah Khan, an Americanborn woman raised in Surrey, of Pakistani heritage, defies societal expectations and challenges stereotypes as she seamlessly balances two high-profile careers – that of a full-time doctor and a TV host/ entertainment journalist. She's a trailblazer breaking through societal expectations and challenging stereotypes. Raised by her single-parent mother, who is also a doctor, Ridah emphasises the need to move beyond the stigma attached to being raised in a single-parent household. In this exclusive interview, Ridah shares her inspiring journey, highlighting her early passion for performance, breaking into the entertainment industry as a teenager, and eventually pursuing a career in medicine.

The young doctor’s early love for performing emerged during a school production of a Grease adaptation. Despite excelling academically and attending a prestigious grammar school, Ridah found her true calling in entertainment. She recalls her realisation during a school production, "I used to jump out of bed for rehearsal time and stuff.

And I never would jump out of bed for school. So that's when I realised, I really love performing."

Ridah with her younger doctor brother

Ridah Khan studied medicine and belongs to a family of doctors.

Balancing the demands of being a junior doctor and a TV host requires dedication and a strong sense of purpose.

Ridah shares the challenges and rewards of navigating two demanding professions. "If my

Ridah's destiny took a turn when the owner of a television network recognised her talent during a live show. This opportunity led her to become

Striking success in the entertainment industry Ridah is popular behind and in front of the camera.

Ridah with her heroic mother

the UK's youngest British Asian television presenter, of that time, at just 13.

Reflecting on this turning point, Ridah notes, "I really believe in destiny. I really feel like things are written for you." She emphasises the importance of destiny and the unexpected opportunities that unfolded in her life.

While achieving success as a TV host, Ridah never confined herself to a single path. She excelled academically, winning commendations for poetry writing and displaying a creative side. Inspired by her family GP, Ridah developed an interest

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

7

LONDON

community," Ridah passionately declares. She aims to inspire others, especially girls from similar backgrounds, to dream big and achieve their goals.

Ridha’s future plans are to return to an orphanage she visited while travelling with her mum in Pakistan. “The children I met at the orphanage in Pakistan were really bright.” Ridah shared with Asian Standard. “I never had family in Pakistan, so didn’t really have a connection, but when I visited, I got a real insight into how things are there.

“With those children they are so bright they just need to be given the right resources and they can flourish. I want to help them reach their full potential by arming them with the right support and resources.

The children I met at the orphanage in Pakistan were really bright.

They just need to be given the right resources and they can flourish.

I want to help them reach their full potential by arming them with the right support and resources. I dream to go back to Pakistan, give back to the orphanage and help where I can.

Young Ridah at the orphanage in Pakistan

heart is into something, I will give a hundred percent. I will really do it for the love of it, the passion of it," she passionately expresses, emphasising the importance of

families, particularly in the South Asian community. She shares her experiences of encountering stereotypes and emphasises the

Ridah has interviewed many A-list stars.

Here with Bollywood's biggest star Shahrukh Khan

genuine passion in one's pursuits.

Ridah attributes her success to her single-parent mother, a doctor and a figure with political and presidential connections. Ridah's mother played a crucial role in shaping her perspective, instilling the values of kindness, ambition, and gender equality.

"My mom showed me that you can do it all because I saw my mom do it all," Ridah says, acknowledging the impact of her mother's exemplary life.

In doing so, the goal driven host challenges the stigma attached to single-parent

Ridah with famous cricketer late Shane Warne

importance of dismantling preconceived notions. "I detest the words when people say, 'broken home, single-parent family.' It's almost used like a gali (swear) word in the South Asian

Former Girls Aloud member Nicola Roberts is one of many top stars interviewed by Ridah

Aside from growing in both my professional careers and exploring more opportunities to grow, I also dream to go back to Pakistan and give back to the orphanage and help where I can.

Those young children are just in the wrong place. I would love to give back and have an impact on someone’s future – give them the best tools in life to succeed the way I have been given.”

Ridah Khan's journey being raised in a single-parent home to dual professional success is a testament to her resilience, passion, and commitment. By breaking stereotypes and defying societal expectations, Ridah encourages others to pursue their dreams regardless of their family background. Her story serves as an inspiration to those striving to overcome challenges and achieve success on their terms. As Ridah continues to make her mark in both the medical and entertainment fields, she leaves a powerful legacy of empowerment and possibility for generations to come.

8

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

LONDON

“Never again should we allow to normalise mass murder of families” Dr Husam Zomlot Two West Yorkshire MPs launch investigation into Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

On Tuesday, 16 January, West Yorkshire MPs Imran Hussain and Richard Burgon took a significant step in addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza by organising the first in a series of parliamentary meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to gather data and evidence concerning the alleged war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. The event drew attention from leading experts, including representatives from Amnesty International, the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, and the Palestinian Ambassador to the UK. During the packed meeting, attended by around 40 parliamentarians’ powerful testimony was provided, shedding light on the mounting evidence of war crimes. As of 15 January, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 25,000 Palestinians and left over 63,000 wounded since its initiation on 7 October.

The genesis of the conflict is believed to be an attack by Hamas on Israel during the Supernova festival, which has resulted in more than 1,300 Israelis killed, and more than 240 taken as hostages.

Subsequently, Israel launched a prolonged attack on Gaza, with over 70% of reported casualties being women and children.

The international community has responded with widespread protests, condemning Israel's actions and labelling them as genocidal. South Africa has even filed an application with the International Court of Justice to put Israel on trial for war crimes.

MP Richard Burgon, representing East Leeds, expressed his concern during the parliamentary meeting, stating,

“The Israeli Prime Minister is not only conducting a war of vengeance but a war for his own political soul.

He continued: “Before we establish the political track, we must establish the legal track, because the way forward has to include accountability, which has been lacking for a long time. It is to bring justice to the victims of the last 100 days and the last 75 years. But to deter future crime.

“Enough! I as a human being will spend the rest of my life never again.

“Never again shall we allow this to happen to children.

“Never again should we allow to normalise mass murder of families, to normalise the

MP Imran and Richard Panel

"We believe that as politicians, we cannot stand by while potential war crimes are carried out." He criticised the UK government for its failure to demand an immediate ceasefire, giving what he called a "green light" to Israel's actions in violation of international law.

MP Imran Hussain, representing Bradford East, emphasised the responsibility of the UK government, as a founding member of the United Nations and a signatory of the ICC, to hold those who committed war crimes accountable. He outlined plans for further meetings with legal and human rights experts to inform MPs and exert pressure on the government to demand a ceasefire and justice.

He said: "What prompted the meeting was the powerful testimony of Professor Ghassan Abu Sittah, who detailed horrific scenes he witnessed during his time working in hospitals in Gaza in parliament”.

MP Imran Israel Gaza meeting

The Yorkshire MPs said that one of the key aims of the informal series of meetings is to "make our own submissions to the international Criminal Courts and to other bodies who are looking for evidence of war crimes."

The MP for Bradford East went on to explain that legal experts and human rights groups will inform MPs about potential Israeli war crimes in Gaza adding some grim facts. He said: “Over 60000 of Gaza's population, three of every hundred people in Gaza have been injured and 1.9 million people have been forcibly displaced.”

Guest speaker Dr Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian Ambassador, described the situation in Gaza as a "war of choice" and accused the Israeli government of a deliberate campaign of genocide and ethnic cleansing. He highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza, where the population is being starved, facing a severe hunger crisis and malnutrition.

Professor Zomlot told the room: “South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ is the first serious international effort, as a result of the international community’s failure in its duty to protect civilians.

mass destruction of homes, of churches and mosques.

“Believing in the international judicial system using every legal venue possible in the Hague or elsewhere is the best way to actually resolve the issue.”

The meetings organised by MPs Richard Burgon and Imran Hussain aim to make submissions to the International Criminal Court and other relevant bodies, presenting evidence of potential war crimes. The next sessions will involve discussions on attacks on the media and the healthcare system.

In conclusion, this series of parliamentary meetings seeks to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, bring attention to alleged war crimes, and pressure the UK government to take a stand against these actions.

The international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the conflict, with the hope that legal avenues will bring justice to the victims and deter future atrocities.

10

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

LONDON

From the first ever turban wearing candidate to a pharmaceutical professional, meet the South Asians competing to be Lord Sugar’s Apprentice

By IQRA AZAM

18 candidates will be going head-to-head to become Lord Sugar’s apprentice and win a £250,000 investment and the business tycoon’s expert advice Among them is Amina Khan a business owner and pharmacist, with more than ten years of experience in pharmaceuticals under her belt and a Masters degree in pharmacy.

She set up her own business, The Pharmacist Beauty, in 2020 after spotting a gap in the market when she decided she did not want to treat her adult acne with medicine.

Her business offers customers a range of skincare, supplements and hormone balancers to help with their skin and health woes.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, her business overcame the odds with turnover of £1 million in the first two years of trading.

She told the BBC of her promise to herself at the age of 13 to do "whatever it takes to become a millionaire".

The Apprentice candidate shared the news with her 83,000 Instagram followers: "I am a massive risk taker, but I also pride myself in making calculated decisions when it comes to my brand.

"On my own, I’ve built the foundations for a very successful business and joining forces with Lord Sugar means we would dominate the market overnight.

"I am also one of the hardest working women I know. There is no one else like me."

Joining her is Dr Asif Munaf, who describes himself as ‘beauty, brains, body and business’.

Asif’s business plan is focused on healthy vitamins and supplements, Asif may need more than the four 'Bs' to win Lord Sugar’s investment.

Speaking to BBC Asif claims he has “an extremely high IQ. I’ve got an extremely high bench press. And to top it off, I’m quite

Amina Khan

DJ Virdi

Dr Paul Midha

good on the eyes.”

The entrepreneur had already tried his luck on Dragons Den with his D.A.T.E Smoothie concept but was unsuccessful.

Will he be successful with Lord Sugar is yet to be seen.

Next meet dentist Dr Paul Midha. Paul started his practice using every resource he had.

After graduating as a dentist, Paul diligently saved a 20% deposit upon the acquisition of his first dental practice and invested every resource, leaving just £100 in his account.

He went on to committing himself fully to the practice and managed to turn the practice's valuation in a space

Raj Chohan

Noor Bouziane

of 15 months to an astounding £900,000.

Paul says he is “enthusiastic about learning from one of the UK's most successful businessmen.”

Also competing is Raj Chohan, who wants to be “the UK’s leading lady within the bridging world of finance”.

An award-winning mortgage broker by profession, the professional from Leamington Spa aspires to be a millionaire by age 50.

For the first time, The Apprentice will see the first ever turban wearing candidate Virdi Singh Mazaria. DJ Virdi has an unusual proposition for Lord Sugar. He believes he can make Lord Sugar a lot of money from the ‘lucrative’ music industry.

His background as both an auditor and a producer has Virdi hoping for some hits in the boardroom.

He has already challenged the other contestants claiming the “other candidates are just extras on my journey to the top.”

Finally, we introduce you to Noor Bouziane an ambitious owner of a premium jewellery company, Noor believes Lord Sugar would be missing out on plenty of cash if he were not to invest in her accessory business. The Liverpudlian started her business venture at just 20 years and says she has “competitiveness in my blood. I will go to any length to win this process.”

The show begins next week with the candidates heading straight to the Scottish Highlands.

They are tasked with a corporate hospitality challenge to put on high end away days for corporate clients in the hope of impressing Lord Sugar and advisers Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell.

Well, the CV’s certainly look impressive, but how will this pan out in Lord Sugar’s boardroom?

The Apprentice series 18 premieres on Thursday 1 February on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

If you can read this

PRINT

AIN’T

DEAD Contact sales@asianstandard.co.uk

0203 538 2066

12

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

LONDON

OPINION

CHARITY & FAITH

Bribes or Incentives?

Sarah Saleem is a feature writer for Asian Standard and Asian Sunday newspaper. She is based in Pakistan and has a keen interest on human interest, culture and lifestyle from the sub-continent.

BY SARAH SALEEM

Putting aside the moral perspective, does religion bribe worshippers to donate? Promising many rewards for the generous.

Islam has sectioned charity into Sadqa (voluntary charity) and Zakat (obligatory charity).

Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam and there are high virtues associated with it.

The coterie of clerics from a reputable eleemosynary institution approach you, your philanthropic alter ego intervenes and you sift through your wallet to donate a hefty sum to a good cause. That simple act seals your reputation as a saint to the clerics however what was in the marrow of your heart that persuaded you to donate to charity?

To aid those in crisis and support the cause? Or for your own hidden agenda of attaining a tabula rasa with God to absolve you of your sins? Does your faith shadow your philanthropy? Are atheists not charitable?

Charity is one of the essential components to being an empathic, morally righteous human being without the interjection of faith. It is sectioning off a part of your wealth regularly to donate to those who require it. A simple act done without expecting anything in return. The entire foundation of charity is built upon altruism, to embrace that “helper’s high” or the release of endorphins and be content with the act of giving.

However, is charity actually driven by something entirely different? Perhaps desiring a plaque in one’s name or expecting favours from the eleemosynary institution or even the easing of one’s conscience by ascending the social hierarchy.

Putting aside the moral perspective, does religion bribe worshippers to donate? Promising many rewards for the generous.

Islam has sectioned charity into

Sadqa (voluntary charity) and Zakat (obligatory charity). Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam and there are high virtues associated with it.

Zakat averts death, eases maladies, removes calamities and purifies the self while also being an excellent investment for the afterlife. Muslims are promised the expiation of sins, the earning of rewards after death and the fact that it is one of the doors through which we might enter heaven. All of this is enough persuasion to generously donate while knowing you are profiting off of your philanthropy too.

Is this the motive behind donors? They are securing their own benefits instead of sincerely being concerned about a good cause.

Image: Freepik

The catechism of Christianity too revolves around the concept of charity, a noble method of purifying one’s wealth while avoiding the ire of God. Does the faith of devotees actually manipulate them?

If that was the case, then atheists should be considered immoral and wouldn’t be funding and supporting some of the most reputable charities such as American Red Cross, Amnesty International and UNICEF. Their lack of belief in an omnipotent being doesn’t overshadow their morality and they continue their altruistic acts without any regards to the rewards it might proffer.

It is rational to wonder introspect whether we really are selfless human beings or greedy

ones who give only to expect something in return. However, faith is not some cesspool bribing followers to invest their good deeds and receive rewards with interest. It is merely an impetus that catalyses the good in us and allows us to be righteous and generous human beings.

Charity will always be a noble act regardless of the incentives attached with it, it doesn’t matter whether you do it for personal gain or not as long as your money is funding a good cause and aiding individuals. It is important to instil generosity within oneself and practice it to such an extent that your charity becomes purely selfless and with time you learn to give without expecting a reward for yourself.

Image: Freepik

12-Page pull out supplement

26 january - 1 february 2024

RAVEENA TANDON FROM '90S STARDOM TO DIGITAL DELIGHT IN KARMMA CALLING – A JOURNEY THROUGH VERSATILITY AND RESILIENCE

TWO 'Chandu Champion': Kartik Aaryan to fight boxing champ Sena Agbeko in Kabir Khan's next Actor Kartik Aaryan is currently busy shooting for director Kabir Khan's next film 'Chandu Champion'.

In the film, the 'Freddy' actor will be seen fighting with the boxing World Champion Sena Agbeko.

Taking to Instagram, Kartik shared the update. He posted a picture with Agbeko in which the duo could be seen sharing a laugh.

The 'Shehzada' actor captioned the post, "Gonna fight this Happy Beast tomorrow @assassi_nation i hope he doesn't remove his anger of The World Championship fight on me #ChanduChampion."

Sena Agbeko replied to Kartik's post and wrote, "Happy beast is a nice way to put it. I know you can hold your own."

Helmed by Kabir Khan, 'Chandu Champion' is based on the extraordinary real-life story of a sportsman and his spirit of never giving up. Kartik will portray the character of Chandu.

'Chandu Champion' marks Kartik's first collaboration with director Kabir Khan.

The film is all set to hit the theatres on 14 June.

Recently, on his birthday, Kartik also announced his new project with

Karan Johar.

The untitled film will feature Kartik Aaryan in the lead, directed

by Sandeep Modi and it is slated to release on 15 August 2025. The film is being backed by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and Ektaa Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms Ltd. Taking to Instagram, Kartik wrote, "An unforgettable chapter of our glorious Indian history full of valour and sacrifice is now going to be part of my life a subject close to my heart... super proud and excited to embark on a new journey with the extremely talented @sandeep_modi and the powerhouse #karanjohar and @ EktaaRKapoor."

Apart from that, Kartik will also be seen in director Hansal Mehta's upcoming film 'Captain India', director Anurag Basu's next 'Aashiqui 3' and the horror comedy film 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'.

Devi Sri Prasad roped in for Dhanush-starrer 'D51' National Award-winning music composer Devi Sri Prasad, professionally known as Rockstar DSP, is set to compose the music for Tamil superstar Dhanush's upcoming film.

The film is tentatively titled 'D51' and is helmed by Shekhar Kammula.

This marks the third collaboration between the composer and the actor after ‘Venghai’ and ‘Kutty’.

The film is said to be an emotional drama and also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Nagarjuna Akkineni.

The shooting of the film has already commenced.

This will be the first time Rockstar DSP will be collaborating with national awardwinning director Sekar Kammula.

The music composer, who delivered chartbusters like ‘Srivalli’, ‘Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava’ and others from the Allu Arjun-starrer ‘Pushpa: The Rise’, recently performed in London, where he had the fans in the US and Malaysia grooving to his beats.

He performed in two back-to-back shows at the OVO Arena in Wembley on January 13 and 14 from his repertoire of over 100 films.

Meanwhile, the music director has a variety of intriguing projects lined up for 2024 like ‘Shaitaan’, ‘Thandel’, ‘Pushpa: The Rule’, ‘Kanguva’ and ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ in development.

He is also in talks for a film collaboration with Balakrishna and Bobby.

Reese Witherspoon defends eating snow in TikTok video

Oscar-winning actress recently filmed a TikTok video of herself making a "Chococinno", which involved mixing snow, cold brew coffee, chocola te and salted caramel syrups.

Following online criticism of her design, Reese explained in anothe r video: "There's so many people on here saying snow is dirty so we went and took snow from the backyard and we microwaved it and it's clear. Is this bad? Am I not supposed to eat snow?" reports Female First UK. In a follow-up video, Reese laughed off criticism of her frosty snack.

The 47-year-old star, who lives in Nashville, Tennessee, said: "OK so we're kind of in a category of 'You only live once' and it snows maybe once a year here. I don't know!

Also, I want to say something. It was delicious. It was so good.”

As per Female First UK, Reese subsequently suggested that the controversy was a generational issue, with the actress admitting that she "didn't grow up drinking filtered water".

The Hollywood star said on TikTok: "OK, talking about the snow not being filtered. I didn't grow up drinking filtered water.

"We drank out of the tap water. We actually put our mouths on the tap and then sometimes like in the summer, when it was hot, we drank out of the hose, like, we put our mouth on the hose, growing up."

Reese, who is one of the best-paid actresses in the movie busines s, jokingly added: "Maybe that's why I'm like this. So, what you're saying to me is I have to filter the snow before I eat it? I just can't. Filtered snow. I don't know how to do that.”

Sunny Leone turns restaurateur, next wish is 'to conquer the world'

From an actress, to an entrepreneur and now a restaurateur, Sunny Leone has added many feathers to her cap.

It was a glittery affair, when Sunny launched her very first restaurant in Noida, called ChicaLoca, the two floored restaurant gives a glimpse of the actress’s fabulous life.

The 42-year-old star, who was accompanied by her husband Daniel Weber at the launch, already has a beauty line.

What other ideas are in her mind?

Sunny told a news portal: “To conquer the world.”

The actress then went on to say that she wants to create more ideas.

“On a serious note, I think is to find appropriate businesses to invest in or create and really create ideas.”

The actress feels that entertainers should not limit themselves and instead branch out to expand their brand value.

“I think entertainers should not just stop at films and TV shows. We should definitely venture out and try new things so that we can expand our brand in many different ways,” said Sunny.

Sunny is joined by Sahil Baweja, director of Singing Bowls Hospitality, who shared: “We aim to create an environment that mirrors Sunny's infectious energy and joyous persona."

THREE Writing biography is a weird process: Anthony Hopkins Legendary actor Anthony Hopkins said that he is writing a biography and claimed that writing a biography is a weird process.

“I'm writing a biography. It's a weird process. I realised how blessed I'm blessed with one thing.

Maybe it's my actor’s brain. I do have quite a memory. I remember days of months in the years,” ‘People’ reported while quoting the actor.

While he spends time looking back on his own life, his wife of 20 years, Stella, 67, is doing the same.

As per ‘People’, she’s currently at work on a documentary about the two-time Oscar winner. Hopkins says Stella has “carte blanche to (cover) everything”, though he doesn’t know how far along her project is.

Hopkins has quite a story to tell.

Born to Richard and Muriel, who ran a bakery together, Hopkins says he was the “school dummy” and so directionless his father was in “despair”.

His dad’s sadness spurred him to action as a teen. “I said, ‘One day I will show you, both of you’”, he recalls. Within ten years, after studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Hopkins was serving as an understudy for Sir Laurence Olivier at London’s Royal National Theatre.

But Hopkins’s own distinguished career as a stage actor was nearly derailed by

alcoholism. “I was drinking myself to death,” he says matter-of-factly. “One day I had a moment of sheer fright. I got some help. That was 48 years ago.”

At the time, he remembers a voice in his head telling him, “You can start living”, and he has taken that to heart since. He has appeared in dozens of acclaimed films, including ‘The Remains of the Day’, ‘Nixon’ and ‘Amistad’. In 2021, at age 83, he became the oldest person to win a Best Actor Oscar when he took home the trophy for his performance in ‘The Father’.

AI is going to be very scary not just for films but on national level: Rohit Shetty Stating that "strict laws" should be made regarding misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI), filmmaker Rohit Shetty said that otherwise it is going to be "very scary, not just for films but on a national level."

Rohit Shetty is well known for his actionpacked films, and he is often associated with high-octane stunts and over-the-top action sequences.

In an interview with ANI, Shetty said, "No one can stop anyone using AI, it will definitely come but it will also be risky. I was watching the interview with Elon Musk where he said it is going to be scary."

Rohit also advised everyone to use AI very carefully. "We need to be very careful. I work so much with cops. Strict laws should be made regarding AI, otherwise, it is going to be very scary, not just for films but on a national level. For a country, it can be very dangerous," he cautioned.

When asked if he uses AI in stunt scenes in his movies, Rohit Shetty replied, "I have started using it now like in face replacements which is a very different thing. Like the stunt guy whose physique is almost like your hero or heroine and for the risky shots you do the face replacement with your actor. Then we scan the actor's face and do it and everybody is doing it now."

Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to generate realistic and often highly deceptive content and recently it has also affected several celebrities, leading to their serious privacy violations.

Recently, the batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar took to X and cautioned everyone against a deep fake video of himself that has been used to promote an app. In the video, Sachin's voice was manipulated to make it sound like the iconic batter was promoting the app.

The video also falsely portrayed that Sachin's daughter Sara Tendulkar engages with the app frequently.

Earlier, a deepfake video of actor Rashmika Mandanna went viral on social media.

Notably, Rohit Shetty has directed and produced several action-packed films like Singham Series, Golmaal Series, Chennai Express and Dilwale among others. He recently released his OTT directorial debut web series 'Indian Police Force' which stars Sidharth Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty and Vivek Oberoi.

Alia Bhatt jokes when she was born she came out on 'lights, camera, action' Actress-producer Alia Bhatt recently became the first Indian woman to be awarded at the Joy Awards 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

She was conferred with the ‘Honorary Award’ at the ceremony. During her speech, the ‘Udta Punjab’ actress said that she is obsessed with movies as she jokingly added that when she was born, she came out on ‘lights, camera, action’.

Showcasing India’s culture and heritage, Alia donned an Ajrakh print saree from designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla for the ceremony.

The actress said: “It’s a privilege to be here in this nation, the nation that is currently doing so much to unite us all and bring us all under one roof in the name of cinema. It doesn’t happen very often when countless talents from the West, and East come together under one roof and celebrate each other. So, thank you for making this happen.”

“It’s truly an extraordinary night. I’m obsessed with movies, it’s all I know. I’ve said this before, I think when I was born, I came out on ‘lights, camera, action’.

That’s how much cinema means to me. One of the things, if we are talking about joy, one of the greatest things in our lives is love. So tonight, when I go back home, I take back with me the love of the movies and the love that I felt here in Riyadh. So, thank you so much, and here’s to the magic of movies.”

In the past, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan have been awarded at the Joy Awards for their work and contribution to the business of entertainment.

The award ceremony was attended by several internationally acclaimed names like Sir Anthony Hopkins, Kevin Costner, Martin Lawrence, Eva Longoria, John Cena, Georgina Rodriguez and Zack Snyder.

FOUR SHRUTI HAASAN TO STAR IN INDO-UK CO-PRODUCTION 'CHENNAI STORY'

Actress Shruti Haasan will headline India-UK film co-production 'Chennai Story'.

She said that she is all ready to take forward a culturally rooted story to an international audience.

Shruti said: "Hailing from Chennai, a story showing the diversity and uniqueness of Chennai is so special to me - collaborating with Phil is something I'm so excited to experience, telling global and rooted stories through international collaboration is what making cinema is all about. I’m all up for Sunitha Tati’s vision of taking a culturally rooted story to an international audience through 'Chennai Story'."

Shruti, who is also a renowned musician, has acting credits

across India's various language film industries.

In 2023, she was one of the leads in “Salaar,” one of India's biggest hits of the year, and led British thriller 'The Eye'. In 2019, she had a key role in US series 'Treadstone', reports Variety.

Adapted from Timeri N. Murari's bestselling 2004 novel 'The Arrangements of Love', 'Chennai Story' is a comingof-age romantic comedy set against the backdrop of Wales and India where Haasan takes on the pivotal role of Anu, a spunky private detective.

The role was previously supposed to be played by Samantha Ruth Prabhu who is now taking a year's sabbatical due to health reasons.

The cast also includes Viveik Kalra, who was the lead in 'Blinded by the Light' and is currently in Netflix heist thriller 'Lift'.

The film is written and directed

by BAFTA winner Philip John 'Downton Abbey' and co-written

by British Sri Lankan actor Nimmi Harasgama, who played the female lead in 'Funny Boy'.

'Chennai Story' is an Englishlanguage film interspersed with Tamil and Welsh.

India's Guru Films 'Oh! Baby',

the UK's Ripple World Pictures 'The Last Rifleman' and Wales' Ie Ie Productions 'Queerama' are co-producing the film that aims to be made under the bilateral UK-India co-production treaty. The film is backed by the British Film Institute‘s (BFI) UK Global Screen Fund.

"Shruti's ability to effortlessly traverse between her Tamil origins to global appeal, positions her as a versatile actress and a global musician. She represents every aspect of 'Chennai Story' - a true reflection of the current young Indian generation," said Sunitha Tati, founder and CEO of Guru Films, reports Variety.

John said: "I'm thrilled to be teaming up with the incredibly talented Shruti, on an emotional roller coaster of a story set in Chennai and Cardiff - two vibrant and multicultural cities.

"With the support of BFI, this film brings a whole new collaboration to international film production, while also bringing a fresh, under-explored Wales and India to the big screen."

Dominic Wright, producer and founder of Ripple World Pictures, added: "We are thrilled that the multi-talented Shruti Haasan has joined the cast of this prestigious BFI-backed UK-India co-production film.

"Shruti brings an exciting, authentic, contemporary edge to the role, and playing opposite rising British star Viveik Kalra will be electric in this genuinely original cross-cultural rom com that we believe audiences worldwide will delight in."

Bhumi Pednekar: Hope February is lucky for me again because of 'Bhakshak' Actress Bhumi Pednekar is set to play an underdog journalist who takes on a giant villain exploiting young girls at a women's shelter in 'Bhakshak', says the upcoming film is one of the most important films that she has done in her career.

Bhumi said: "For me, the month of February has been most special ever since my debut as an actor. My first film 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha' released in February, and it got me so much love, acclaim and respect that it cemented my position as an envelope pushing actor in the industry."

"It was a true disruptor of a project. I couldn't believe the outpouring of appreciation coming my way for my first film and I will be forever indebted to this film for giving me a dream start to my film career."

She added: "My film Badhaai Do also released in Feb. It was a game-changing film of my career and for the film industry as we openly celebrated the LGBTQIA+ community and their rights.

"It was also special for me because I stood up for something I truly believed in and was proudly vocal about it. Again, like 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha', I was flooded with love. The praise, the countless Best Actress awards, the opportunities that were

unlocked because of 'Badhaai Do' is stuff that dreams are made of!”

With 'Bhakshak' all set to release on 9 February, she said: "It is one of the most important films that I have done in my career, and I hope that the project, my director Pulkit and I get the same amount of love that I had received for 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha' and 'Badhaai Do!' I hope February is again lucky for me and I manage to deliver a performance that people will remember forever."

Margot Robbie collaborates on 'BARBIE' FASHION BOOK In a project with her stylist, Hollywood star Margot Robbie has collaborated on an upcoming 'Barbie' fashion book.

The 33-year-old, who played the blonde doll in Greta Gerwig’s smash ‘Barbie’ film, worked with her stylist Andrew Mukamal on the project, which has been announced on Instagram.

Mukamal said he had collaborated with the star actress on a fashion book chronicling the ‘Barbie’ movie’s press tour and its style moments, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

'Barbie: The World Tour' is set to hit bookshelves on March 8.

It is two days before the Oscars, which snubbed Robbie by not giving her a best actress nod in the 2024 Oscars nominees, which were announced Tuesday 23 January, for her titular role in 'Barbie' .

The book's cover shows the actress dressed in a pink tweed Chanel skirt suit and a sequined top and lying flat in a doll-like pose while she’s surrounded by pink Chanel bags and other accessories.

Mukamal, who was behind all of Margot's looks as she promoted director Greta's doll blockbuster, said the book was "an idea I had in my living room when I started dreaming about Margot’s wardrobe for the ‘Barbie’ press tour in March 2023".

He added he "never could have imagined" the book would take flight "just a few months later" and hailed it as a "once in a lifetime project."

Mukamal and Robbie worked together to chronicle her living doll outfits, with the book's publisher noting that since the ‘Barbie’ press tour was cut short due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, the duo made sure to include looks fans never got to see.

The images in 'Barbie: World Tour' were shot by legendary fashion photographer Craig McDean.

It will also feature handwritten contributions from the designers behind the looks as well as looks at what is being billed as a “treasure trove” of “rare” materials from Mattel's Barbie fashion archives.

He also said the book is a "labour of love" and said it was "dedicated to all the Barbie lovers and fashion fans around the world".

Despite Robbie missing out on a best actress Oscar nomination for playing Barbie, Greta's movie did land nods for best picture and eight other awards, including best costumes.

The nominations include one for Margot’s role as a producer on the film.

FIVE

RECIPE

MUSAKHAN The term "Musakhan" translates to 'heated' in Arabic, a name that captures the essence of this warm, comforting dish. The significance of Musakhan stretches beyond its delectable taste; it's often considered the national dish of Palestine, a symbol of its rich cultural and culinary heritage.

INGREDIENTS For chicken: 1.5 kg Chicken legs with skin ½ cup oil 1 tbsp sumac 1 tbsp Supreme Cumin Powder 1 tbsp Supreme Coriander Powder ½ tsp Supreme Coarse Black Pepper ½ tsp Supreme Green Cardamom Powder ½ tsp Supreme Cinnamon Powder ½ tsp Supreme Nutmeg Powder 1 tsp Supreme Chilli Powder ¼ tsp Supreme clove Powder ½ tsp all spice powder Salt to taste For onions: 1 kg red onions 1 cup Supreme Olive Oil ¼ cup sumac 1 tbsp Supreme Cumin Powder Salt to taste Other ingredients: 50g pine nuts Taboon bread or any other flatbread Parsley, chopped

METHOD For the chicken: Preheat the oven at 180°c. In a bowl mix together oil and all the spices. Lay the chicken legs in a roasting tray and brush both sides generously with the marinade. Bake in the oven for about 35 minutes or until tender and cooked through.

For the onions: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add pine nuts and fry until golden. Remove using a slotted spoon, drain on kitchen paper and set aside. In the same oil add the onions and saute until soft. Now add sumac, cumin powder and salt. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assembly: Heat the bread then dip into the onions so it soaks up the oil. Lay the bread onto a platter then spread the onions on top. Now add the cooked chicken legs and lastly garnish with pine nuts and chopped parsley.

Serve immediately.

Recipe in partnership with Supreme ingredients.

For more recipes visit www.supreme-ingredients.com

SIX

RAVEENA TANDON: From '90s Stardom to Digital Delight in Karmma Calling A Journey Through Versatility and Resilience Raveena Tandon's longawaited digital debut in the Disney Hotstar crime saga, Karmma Calling, has finally come to fruition after nearly a decade, and it's causing quite a buzz in the entertainment world.

In numerous interviews leading up to the release, Raveena expressed her desire for this digital debut to present her in a light never seen before by her audience.

A seasoned actor who has seamlessly transitioned between romantic roles in films like Mohra (1994), comedic characters in Dulhe Raja (1998), and National Award-winning performances in Daman (2001), taking on a role entirely unfamiliar is no small feat for Raveena.

In Karmma Calling, Raveena portrays the character of Indrani Kothari, a '90s actor who, much like Raveena herself, decided to step away from Bollywood But that’s where the similarities end for Raveena. While her character relocates to Alibaug with her family, Raveena is enjoying life in Mumbai during her second innings in the entertainment industry .

Raveena emphasises that Indrani is a character she bears no resemblance to.

This claim is put to the test in the very first episode, where Raveena spontaneously breaks into the iconic hook step of "Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast" from Mohra during an impromptu dance with her on-screen kids.

As Karmma Calling takes the digital streaming platform Disney Hotstar by storm, it's an opportune moment to look back at Raveena Tandon's illustrious career as the original '90s star and reminisce about some of her phenomenal performances.

Raveena made a dazzling entry into Bollywood with her debut film Patthar Ke

Raveena Tandon in

shay Kumar in Mohra

Ak Raveena Tandon with

her debut film Pa

thar Ke Phool

SEVEN

da in the 90's

ular pairing with Govin

pop Raveena made a very

Phool, which not only marked the beginning of her cinematic journey but also earned her the prestigious Filmfare Best Debut Award. From there, she went on to make a significant impact across languages, working in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and more. Her versatility and talent have solidified her position as a powerhouse in the Indian entertainment industry.

In the '90s, Raveena established herself as the leading lady in commercially successful action films like Dilwale (1994), Mohra (1994), Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996), and Ziddi (1997). Her performance in the 1994 drama Laadla earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Transitioning effortlessly between genres, she teamed up with Govinda in a series of hit comedies such as Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), Dulhe Raja (1998), and Anari No.1 (1999). Raveena also showcased her versatility by taking on unconventional roles

Image: Ro hn Pin

Raveena Tandon

galay

in crime dramas like Ghulam-E-Mustafa (1997) and Shool (1999).

The turn of the millennium saw Raveena venture into arthouse cinema, taking on challenging roles in films like Daman and Aks (both 2001). These performances garnered critical acclaim, with Daman earning her the National Film Award for Best Actress and Aks fetching her a Filmfare Special Performance Award. Post her marriage to film distributor Anil Thadani, Raveena continued to make sporadic yet impactful appearances on the silver screen.

Karmma Calling now marks a new chapter in Raveena Tandon's illustrious career, showcasing her ability to evolve with the changing landscape of the entertainment industry. As audiences eagerly embrace her digital debut, it serves as a testament to Raveena's enduring appeal and her commitment to exploring uncharted territories in her craft. The journey from the '90s star to the digital realm is a reflection of Raveena Tandon's resilience, versatility, and her unyielding passion for the art of storytelling.

Top of Form

EIGHT

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

REVIEW

4

FIGHTER A ‘CINEMATIC MASTERPEICE’ Star Rating: 3.5 Starring:Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor Director: Siddharth Anand Release: In cinemas from 25 January

"Fighter," the inaugural bigbudget theatrical release of the year, has stormed onto the screen, leaving an indelible mark. Renowned trade expert Taran Adarsh, the harbinger of cinematic critiques, shared his thoughts on the film on X (formerly Twitter). Awarding it a formidable 4 and a half stars, Adarsh hailed "Fighter" as a 'brilliant' cinematic masterpiece. In his review, he

lavishly commended the stellar performances of Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor.

"Fighter" intricately weaves a narrative that skillfully avoids blatant jingoism yet makes a resounding statement as the

certification from the Central Board of Film Certification, further attesting to its appeal. Anticipation is high for a staggering box office opening, as "Fighter" promises to set new benchmarks in the world of cinematic brilliance

gripping drama unfolds. This cinematic marvel is impeccably crafted, boasting awe-inspiring visuals, exhilarating aerial combat sequences, thunderous applauseworthy dialogues, and a second half that leaves an indelible mark. #Fighter not only fulfills its

promises but also provides an unparalleled larger-thanlife big-screen experience.

Adarsh emphasized that, above all, it pays a fitting homage to the courageous guardians of our nation.

Addressing the performances, Adarsh declared, "Hrithik is undeniably the showstopper, portraying valour, restraint, and rage with unparalleled honesty. Every sequence he graces comes alive with a stellar act. Deepika shines, handling her demanding role with flourish. The on-screen chemistry between Hrithik and Deepika adds an extra sheen to the film."

The supporting cast, according to Adarsh, is nothing short of flawless. "Anil Kapoor, as always, is impeccable, excelling in numerous sequences.

The supporting ensemble is perfect: Karan

Singh Grover delivers a first-rate performance, and Akshay Oberoi is wonderful. The antagonist, Rishabh Sawhney, is menacing to the hilt," he concluded in his glowing review.

Clocking in at 2 hours and 46 minutes, "Fighter" has earned a U/A

TEN

Looking like a Wow KEEPING WITH TRADITION. It’s been the much talked about opening for one of the most sacred and religious sites in India, where politicians to A-list Bollywood stars flocked to participate and witness the celebrations and inauguration of the Ram Mandir. During the ceremony in Ayodhya on 22 January several Bollywood stars were clicked at Mumbai's Kalina airport as they left for the auspicious occasion. Here’s who we spotted ‘looking like a wow’.

Katrina and Vicky Kaushal

Madhuri Dixit

Hema Malini

Alia Bhatt

Kangana Ranaut

ELEVEN WHAT’S ON

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR JAY SEAN’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED UK & IRELAND TOUR ”ORIGINS” _Tickets On Sale Friday, December 8 at 10 AM Local at livenation.co.uk_ Jay Sean, the South Asian/ British trailblazing artist behind the historic Billboard Hot 100 #1 single "Down," is set to embark on a triumphant UK & Ireland tour “Origins” in March and April 2024.

The tour will showcase Jay Sean's remarkable career, featuring hits spanning 2 decades, that have left an undeniable mark on the global music scene but started right here, in the UK. Born and raised in London, England, Jay Sean made his musical debut at the age of 22 with the Rishi Rich Project's "Dance With You" in 2003.

Breaking barriers and defying conventions, he became the first South Asian artist to perform on Top of The Pops and quickly became a solo sensation with his critically acclaimed 2004 debut album, "Me Against Myself," which will have its 20-year anniversary in 2024.

In 2008, Jay Sean elevated his international status with the game-changing global hit "Ride It,” leading to a groundbreaking deal with Lil Wayne’s Cash Money Records. His collaboration with Lil Wayne on "Down" not only secured him the top spot on

the Billboard Hot 100 but also made him the first Asian artist in history to achieve this feat in the United States. The success continued with 5 consecutive top 40 singles like “2012 ft Nicki Minaj” and “Do You Remember ft Sean Paul” off of his third studio album, the Platinum-selling "All or Nothing," solidifying Jay Sean as a true, "1 of 1" type star.

In 2013, Jay Sean continued his epic run, collaborating with renowned artists like J Balvin, Sean Paul and Maluma. Unafraid to explore diverse genres, he consistently delivered hits such as "Make My Love Go" and "Thinking About You," captivating audiences across the globe, making him the first Asian artist in History to have a Spanish Language Billboard #1.

In 2019, Jay Sean's timeless hit "Ride It" experienced a resurgence when DJ Regard's remix went viral on TikTok, garnering almost 3 billion global streams. The prolific artist continued to make waves in 2022 with DJ Phenom's Imanbek and Martin Jenson, earning top positions on charts and accumulating millions of streams.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Jay Sean announced in 2023 a groundbreaking Album project that celebrates his South Asian roots.

Collaborating with some of the biggest names in the Indian music industry, Jay Sean's upcoming album promises to be a cultural masterpiece, set for release in early 2024.

As Jay Sean prepares for his highly anticipated UK & Ireland tour, fans can catch him live at the following dates and venues: MARCH 2024 Fri 29 March: O2 Institute, Birmingham Sat 30 March: O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London APRIL 2024 Mon 1 April: SWG3, Glasgow Tue 2 April: O2 Ritz, Manchester Wed 3 April: The Academy, Dublin TICKETS: Tickets are now on sale at atlivenation.co.uk

BASSEM YOUSSEF RETURNS TO THE UK IN 2024 FOR THE ‘MIDDLE BEAST’ TOUR AT THE EVENTIM APOLLO LONDON. Following the immense success of his recent UK tour, Bassem Youssef, the globally acclaimed comedian and satirist, is set to make a return to the stage at the Eventim Apollo on Saturday, 6 April 2024. Tickets for this highly anticipated ‘The Middle Beast’ UK headline tour are now on sale.

Known as the 'Jon Stewart of the Arab World,' Bassem Youssef gained fame during the 2011 Egyptian revolution as the host of Al Bernameg, the first political satire news program in the Middle East. What started as 5-minute YouTube episodes evolved into the most-watched show in the region, boasting over 40 million weekly viewers.

Bassem’s live stand-up show seamlessly blends his political opinions, stories and experiences from his time in Egypt and America. His extraordinary ability to balance comedy and commentary, tackling serious issues with humour and wit and addressing topics from immigration to censorship to the current state of global politics. His comedy always promises to prompt the audience to engage in thoughtprovoking reflections. This is a repeat show from last year for those who attended.

In a recent viral moment, Bassem engaged in an exchange

with Piers Morgan, with the interviews becoming the mostwatched segment on the Piers Morgan Uncensored show.

Surpassing 21 million views on YouTube within days of its upload, The conversation not only broke the internet but also sparked a global dialogue about the current dynamics in the Middle East which this tour will address.

Don't miss the chance to experience Bassem Youssef's unparalleled comedy live at the Eventim Apollo in London on 6 April 2024. For tickets visit livenation.co.uk.

UK TOUR DATE: Saturday 6 April | Eventim Apollo, London

PLANNING AN EVENT? HAVE IT FEATURED ON OUR WHAT’S ON! PAGE. SIMPLY EMAIL NEWSDESK@ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK WITH ALL THE DETAILS

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

13

LONDON

Dunki: what this Bollywood film tells us about the imperial history of the UK’s immigration system

By Professor DEANA HEATH

The UK government’s efforts to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, which undermine the independence of Britain’s judiciary, highlight ongoing tensions within the British Conservative party.

They also mark a return to colonial-era forced mobility, particularly of non-white migrants.

The British used a similar practice to establish and maintain colonies and control imperial and colonial borders – for example, through the forced relocation of people in the transatlantic slave trade and the dispossession and eviction of Indigenous peoples in white settler colonies.

They also transported British convicts to overseas colonies and, during the second world war, dispersed refugees to colonised territories.

There are echoes of empire in today’s anti-immigration legislation in the UK, but what is less discussed is how these practices shaped former British colonies such as India.

Dunki, a Bollywood film currently playing in cinemas, explores these issues. The film, directed

by Rajkumar Hirani and featuring global superstar Shah Rukh Khan, details the travails, from the mid1990s, of a group of Sikh friends from Punjab who migrate to the UK. Unable to do so legally thanks to the barriers on legal migration for Commonwealth citizens, they

Dunki

decide to take the “donkey”, or illegal, route. This means travelling to a foreign land through a range of other countries.

While donkey routes are traditionally via train, boat or other means, the recent, real-life grounding of a chartered “US donkey flight” in France reveals that this method is changing with the times. The Romania-based Legend Airlines plane was on its way from Dubai to Nicaragua, from where the migrants would have travelled to the US border.

These journeys are not only difficult and dangerous, but

expensive. To get to the US, the largely Punjabi migrants detained in France had reportedly promised to pay between £55,000 and £75,000 to corrupt immigration agents.

In Dunki, the donkey route takes the friends overland via Afghanistan and Iran, before they are smuggled by container ship to the UK. Along the way, three members of the group are murdered, one is threatened with rape, and they endure innumerable other hardships. And for those who make it, their situation improves little upon arrival in the UK. Underpinning such adversities is

colonialism and its legacies. In one moving scene, Khan’s character speaks at the funeral of a man who committed suicide after failing the English language test that would have enabled him to go to the UK. When the British came to India, he says, “We never asked: ‘Do you know Hindi?‘ How dare they stop us, he asks, from going to their country because we don’t know their language?

Later in the film, a character suggests that Indians like her were only forced to go to the UK because of what the British had done to India.

Preserving the spoils of empire Dunki also demonstrates the ironies of modern border restrictions in the UK. Although these, by design, largely bar the entry of the global poor, the labour such people provide is essential for maintaining the standards of living that Britons enjoy.

UK trade policies continue to generate a steady supply of both low-cost goods and labour from lower-income countries. Since Brexit, for example, the British government has pressured countries such as Ghana and Cameroon to sign trade deals that perpetuate impoverishment and industrialisation, and feed an exodus of migrant labour to the UK. It is India, however, that remains the largest migrant-origin country in the world. India became the go-to destination for a new form of bonded labour known as indentured servitude following the

formal abolition of slavery in Britain in 1833. But the displacement of up to 20 million people, particularly in Punjab, in the 1947 partition of India into two separate nationstates, fuelled a new exodus – including to the UK. The ethnoreligious nationalism that fuelled partition continued to spawn further migration. This includes the genocidal violence, in 1984, that led to the death and dislocation of thousands of Sikhs. The cast of Dunki appears to leave India in the aftermath of such horrors. Yet instead of openly acknowledging this, the film displaces the genesis of its story to a decade later.

This is likely due to political concerns within India today. The governing Hindu ethnonationalist party, the BJP, has proposed sweeping new powers to censor films. The government already uses the threat of legal action to shape the content produced by streaming platforms, and employed emergency powers to ban a BBC documentary on the prime minister, Narendra Modi.

Since right-wing Hindu groups can also force a film to be withdrawn, it has become risky for filmmakers to explicitly address issues to do with ethnoreligious violence. Both India and Britain have a long way to go in acknowledging the ongoing relationship between colonialism, migration, and their legacies.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation contributed by Deana Heath Professor of Indian and Colonial History for the University of Liverpool

14

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

LONDON

NEWHAM

Council awarded £9.3m in government funding so it can continue transforming former housing block into homeless accommodation

By RUBY GREGORY Local Democracy Reporter

An East London council has been awarded £9.3million in government funding so it can continue with plans to transform a former housing block into a hub for the homeless complete with 42 beds for rough sleepers. In April 2021, cabinet members at Newham Council unanimously agreed to buy and renovate Lady Helen Seymour House in Florence Road, Plaistow from the housing association, L&Q so it could turn it into a rough sleeping assessment centre.

The council originally expected to receive £3.5m in capital funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA) but according to council documents the funding source ‘did

Image: Google Street View

Lady Helen Seymour House is in Plaistow, Newham and was formally owned by L&Q until the council bought it from them a few years ago

not open as envisaged’. Since then the cost of transforming the site has gone up ‘significantly’ due to a ‘high inflationary environment’ and the budget that was initially set

aside by cabinet in April 2021 can no longer meet the much higher costs of refurbishment works, which has gone up by £2.4m in less than three years.

The council has now secured £9.3m from the Single Homeless Accommodation Programme (SHAP) which is funded by the GLA and the Department for Levelling Up, and Housing and Communities (DLUHC). Of the £9.3m, the council was awarded £6.5m in capital funding and £2.8m in revenue funding which will go towards providing support services at the centre for three years once the refurbishment work has taken place.

As of November 2023, the council recorded around 18 rough sleepers on the street while 68 were in accommodation. None of the existing rough sleeping accommodation in Newham is owned by the council, which is a worry as the buildings could eventually be withdrawn from

council use.

Labour councillor, Neil Wilson who is cabinet member for health and adult and social care, said in a cabinet report: “The proposal to purchase and renovate Lady Helen Seymour House remains a key strategic priority within the council’s homelessness and rough sleeping strategy.

“The case for purchase remains compelling given the continuing homelessness and rough sleeping challenges faced by the borough.”

Cabinet members have been asked to approve the £9.3m in funding as well as agreeing to take up to £2.6m out of the council’s capital programme so it can carry on with the plans. The plans will be discussed at a cabinet meeting next week (Tuesday, 30 January).

EAST LONDON

GP Practices Sale

By JOSH MELLOR Local Democracy Reporter

A venture capital firm has been revealed as the buyer of seven East London GP surgeries which were put up for sale last year.

In August 2023, US medical insurance giant Centene announced it planned to sell Operose Health, a company that has owned nearly 60 NHS GP practices since 2021.

The chain of practices includes The Loxford Surgery in Ilford, five others in Newham, Hackney and Tower Hamlets, as well as a surgery in Barking run under a short-term “caretaking” contract.

NHS North East London, which oversees GP services in East London, has now named the potential buyer as HCRG Care Group, a company that provides a wide range of health and care services to the NHS and councils.

HCRG Care Group – which turned over £269million in 2022/23 – is ultimately owned by venture capital firm Twenty20 Capital, run by Tristan Ramus and Ian Munro.

Centene bought Operose Health in 2021 but announced

the sale last year after reportedly struggling to make the level profit it hoped.

Health campaigner Carol Saunders, of North East London Save Our NHS said her group is “gobsmacked” that NHS GP surgeries are being exchanged “like pawns in a game of chess”.

She added: “First they were snatched by a US health corporation. Now they’ve been taken over by HCRG, which is 75% owned by a private equity company that apparently specialises in ‘temporary employment agency activities’.”

Carol suggested that HCRG

Care Group would attempt to “drive business” towards its temporary employment agencies.

She urged NHS North East London to act in the best interests of patients and avoid “rubberstamping” the practices’ change of control.

HCRG Care Group has been approached for comment but has not responded at the time of publication.

A director at NHS North East London, William CunninghamDavis, later said that although Operose had “issues” with one or two members of staff, the

Image: Google Maps

The Loxford Practice in Ilford

Image: Google Maps

NHS North East London's office in the Unex Tower, Station Street, Stratford

company had “robust systems in place”.

NHS North East London, which took over commissioning of GP health services for the whole of East London in July 2022, has said it must “consent” to the change of ownership.

It says it will now carry out a “due diligence process” to check that HCRG Care Group and Twenty20 Capital are of “good standing”.

The announcement adds: “We will also seek assurance that the change of control would not affect service provision and that patients would not see any difference in their GP practice, so that patients will still access care in the same way and continue to see the same practice teams.”

A final decision on whether NHS North East London consents to the practices being sold to HCRG Care Group will be made by its North East London Primary Care Contracts Sub Group.

Chief executive of NHS North East London Zina Etheridge has said the commissioning group – which makes key decisions about commissioning GP services in East London –

will meet in public due to the “significant degree of interest” in the sale.

Until 2023, all of the commissioning group’s meetings were held in public, but NHS North East London now refuses all requests for information about its decision-making, claiming it is commercial confidentiality.

However, other London NHS bodies, such as NHS North Central London, continue to publish reports on their GP commissioning decisions.

Centene’s purchase of a large number of NHS surgeries sparked concerns about “privatisation” of UK health services and resulted in an unsuccessful High Court challenge of NHS decisionmaking in February 2022.

Later that year, a BBC Panorama programme alleged that Operose was putting profits before proper care by hiring less qualified staff, such as physicians associates, to do the work of GPs. NHS North East London has been contacted for comment.

At the time of print a public webinar about the change in ownership was set to take place.

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

15

LONDON

Sadiq Khan has urged the Government to press ahead

with a new ban on ‘zombie knives’ and machetes, as he criticised ministers for “unacceptable delays”

By NOAH VICKERS Local Democracy Reporter

Sadiq Khan has urged the Government to press ahead with a stricter ban on zombie knives and machetes, as he criticised ministers for “unacceptable delays”.

The mayor renewed his call for action just weeks after actor Idris Elba accused politicians of not giving the issue “the focus it deserves”.

A zombie knife is defined as having “a cutting edge, a serrated edge and images or words suggesting it is used for violence”.

They were first added to the Government’s list of prohibited offensive weapons in 2016, but campaigners argue that a “legal loophole” still needs to be closed before the knives can effectively be considered banned.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticises minister for ‘unacceptable delays” with stricter ban on dangerous weapons

Police have been particularly unable to deal with zombie knives designed to get around the 2016 definition by not having intimidating images or words on them.

In August 2023, the Home Office announced plans to

create a stronger definition for the weapons and give police extra powers to seize them, but it is unclear when the new law will come in.

Mr Khan said: “It is simply unacceptable that zombie-style knives and machetes are still on the streets of London and the UK eight years after ministers first proposed banning the sale of the blades.

“We’ve repeatedly been promised action, but instead it’s harder for a teenager to buy a lottery ticket than a zombie knife, while we’ve seen a merrygo-round of Home Secretaries failing to deliver.

“These unacceptable delays must end, and I urge the Home Secretary to urgently bring forward and toughen up this legislation to finally end the scourge of these weapons on our streets.”

In a meeting with Home

Home Secretary James Cleverly urged to toughen up legislation in banning bladed weapons

Secretary James Cleverly, the mayor will share concerns about remaining loopholes, such as manufacturers changing designs to get around the new definition.

The Government’s proposed measures cover knives that

have either a serrated edge, more than one hole in the blade, or multiple sharp spikes.

The latest proposals also allow for machete-style knives that have a “legitimate use”, including for work or leisure.

Mr Khan argues there is not enough evidence to support knives like these being used in London for such purposes, and that they are purchased solely to inflict violence and to intimidate.

The Home Office was approached for comment. A spokesperson said in response to similar concerns in October: “It is already an offence to carry a bladed item over three inches in public without good reason and it is also an offence to threaten them with such a weapon.

“We are also giving the police more powers to seize these dangerous weapons.”

CITY HALL

Sadiq Khan has warned that fare dodging on the capital's public transport is “still too high”, as he urged Londoners to report it to station staff when they see it

By NOAH VICKERS Local Democracy Reporter

Sadiq Khan has warned that fare dodging on the capital’s public transport is “still too high”, as he urged Londoners to report it to station staff when they see it.

Transport for London (TfL) estimates that it lost about £130m in income due to fare dodging in the 2022-23 financial year. Some 3.9 per cent of journeys were unpaid in that period – about one in 25.

TfL’s target is to bring fare evasion down to 1.5 per cent of journeys.

The mayor told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Since 2016, fare evasion has gone down, but it’s still too high. That’s one of the reasons why we now employ around 500 enforcement officers who go about to make sure people have paid the right fares…

“I’d encourage anybody who sees somebody evading fares to report that to a member of staff.”

The issue was raised earlier this month by Mr Khan’s Tory mayoral opponent Susan Hall, who said in a piece for LBC that she would “ask TfL to deliver smart, innovative solutions that make fare-dodging a nightmare for perpetrators, without affecting staff safety”.

She added: “We need to bring

Image: Noah Vickers/Local Democracy Reporting Service

London mayor Sadiq Khan

back a culture where playing by the rules is expected of all of us, and where getting caught has serious consequences.

“When I talk to Londoners, so many have told me of their fury when they see fare dodgers thumbing their noses at fellow passengers. It’s a slap in the face of every honest commuter.”

Asked whether the costof-living crisis may be making

Londoners less willing to pay their fares, the mayor said: “We know generally across the society, the cost of living crisis has led to an increase in other forms of acquisitive crime – shoplifting and so forth.

“One of the reasons why I was keen to freeze fares next year – I’ve frozen fares five of the last eight years – is to ensure that public transport in London

continues to be as affordable as it can be.

“Bus fares in London are the cheapest in the country, for those that don’t know, it’s £1.75.”

The mayor’s last comment appeared to be a tongue-in-cheek reference to Ms Hall telling LBC on Monday that she did not know the price of a London bus fare.

It was revealed in December that TfL plans to expand a

trial which has used artificial intelligence (AI) on the Tube to try to reduce fare evasion.

Computer technology that can identify passengers likely to jump ticket barriers has been tested at Willesden Green station, on the Jubilee line.

The mayor recently announced that he will be increasing the penalty charge for fare dodging from £80 to £100.

Asked whether this would be enough to improve the situation, Mr Khan said: “The reason why we did that is to be consistent with the Department for Transport (DfT) increase – so the DfT increased fines on National Rail and we’ve made sure ours are in line with that.”

Figures presented to TfL’s customer service panel in December showed that there was a 26 per cent increase in penalty fares being served on fare dodgers between April and September 2023, compared with the same period in 2022.

However, TfL was said to have a shortage of almost 200 enforcement officers. Only 452 of the 551 posts were said to be filled – and of those at work, 81 were seconded onto other duties, leaving only 371 available to catch fare-dodgers.

16

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

LONDON

London's historic mayoral showdown in less than 100 days: Sadiq Khan aims for third term as Susan Hall vies to make history as first female Mayor in crucial election

By NOAH VICKERS Local Democracy Reporter

In less than 100 days the public will be going to the polls to decide on who they want as their London Mayor on Thursday 2 May. The election will see Labour mayor Sadiq Khan attempt to win an historic third term at City Hall – a feat no previous mayor has ever achieved. His main opponent, the Conservative candidate Susan Hall, has vowed to stop him, and would also make history as London’s first female mayor.

Thirteen candidates have so far been declared as standing, which includes former Labour MP George Galloway. Though we won’t know the final number until nominations close in a couple of months’ time.

The full list of names is expected on Thursday, 28 March.

Each of those candidates will have paid a £10,000 deposit to be on the ballot paper. They only get that money back if they receive at least five per cent of the vote. At the last mayoral election in 2021, there were a

record 20 candidates.

Over the next few weeks, Mr Khan will finalise his budget proposals for the coming year. This is a process which happens every

year, but ahead of an election, it’s effectively saying ‘These are the areas I will be allocating money towards if I am re-elected’.

Ms Hall has meanwhile been holding back on making detailed commitments as to what she would spend money on, until the mayor has published that final budget – so once he’s done that at the end of February, she will start to set out her stall on a much wider range of policies.

In 2021, Mr Khan published his manifesto about a month before the election. The Tory candidate in that contest, Shaun Bailey, published his just two and a half weeks before the vote.

This election will be London’s first mayoral contest to use the first past the post voting system, meaning that the winning candidate simply has to receive more votes than any other. Mayors were previously elected using the supplementary vote system, which meant Londoners were able to give a first and second preference.

Finally, it’s worth remembering that elections to the London Assembly will be happening on the same day as the mayoral contest.

The Assembly has 25 members and exists to hold the mayor to account, by scrutinising their policies and actions. It currently has 11 Labour members, nine Conservatives, three Greens and

two Liberal Democrats.

Labour will be hoping to keep control of at least a third of the seats, which effectively gives them the balance of power, while smaller parties like Reform UK – previously known as the Brexit Party – will be hoping to win representation on the Assembly for the very first time.

Susan Hall

Sadiq Khan

NEWHAM

Families risking lives to get to and from school because of lack of crossings, says school governor

By RUBY GREGORY Local Democracy Reporter

Young families are risking their lives every day because they have to run across a busy dual carriageway to get to two local primary schools in East London.

Terrifying footage captured last month (December 2023) shows three school kids and a parent with a younger child in a pushchair hastily running cross Royal Docks Road in Beckton, Newham while another family can be seen in the distance waiting to cross the same road.

Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for Royal Docks Road, which has a dual carriageway and leads to Gallions Roundabout.

Rob Dean, chair of governors at Gallions Primary School, says a lack of pedestrian crossings in the area is forcing parents and children at the school and at Winsor Primary School to use more dangerous routes to get to the two schools.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “When

Image: Rob Dean /LDRS

Still of video footage: Young families are risking their lives every day because they have to run across a busy dual carriageway to get to two local primary schools in East London

you look at the road crossing, the biggest surprise is why is there not a safe crossing anyway?

No-one should think they might have to run in order to safely cross a road.” He added: “If you’re familiar with that roundabout, it’s enormous. Technically you can walk all the way around it, but it will probably add 10 minutes to your

journey as you have to cross five roads which all have crossings.

“It’s a huge roundabout and with young children you don’t want to give them an extra 10 minutes to walk so this is the only [direct] way.” Mr Dean along with a group of school governors and staff at Gallions Primary School, are urging TfL to implement one ‘before

somebody gets hit’.

He said: “[Cars] shouldn’t be going super-fast, but we all know there are crazy drivers around.

If a picture tells 1,000 words, that video tells a lot more.” James Image: Google Asser, deputy mayor and cabinet member The area outlined in red is where families are having for environment and to cross to get to school sustainable transport route, and we are supporting them at Newham Council, said there in getting this in place. Although needs to be more safe crossings this isn’t a Newham Council Road, in the area as existing ones are ‘no we will be working with the local longer up to the job’. schools campaigners and TfL to Cllr Asser said: “The area around get new, safer crossings in place Gallions Reach has changed a lot as quickly as possible.” in the last few years, and there are A TfL spokesperson told the far more people who need to use LDRS: “We’re determined to this route. The existing safe route reduce road danger across is no longer up to the job, and we London and have been in contact need more safe crossing points in with the Chair of Governors of this area, especially for all those Gallions Primary School and now using this route to get to the the local ward councillor. We local primary schools.” will be organising surveys and He added: “I, and my councillor carrying out investigations on colleagues for Beckton, have the problems at this location to spoken to those leading the determine the next steps.” campaign for a safer crossing

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

17 PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH UK GOVERNMENT

It all adds up

How to save energy and lower your bills this winter • Reduce your boiler flow temperature to 60°C to save up to £70 per year: If you have a combi boiler, its efficiency can be improved by adjusting its ‘flow temperature’ dial setting to 60°C. Turning down the thermostat entirely is not the same as reducing the boiler flow temperature. Reducing your boiler flow temperature means it will not reduce the temperature of your home per se, but it just takes longer to heat up.

However, if you are over 65, or may have a pre-existing health condition, you may want your home to heat up more quickly. So, set the temperature flow to 65°C instead.

• Bleed your radiators for a warmer home and lower bills: Bleeding radiators helps remove air pockets and reduces pressure in your radiators, so that you don’t need to turn the heating up much. This can make your home warmer and keep the cost of energy bills under control.

Winter is fast approaching, resulting in increases in our energy usage and bills as we go back to heating our homes and using hot water more frequently.

But if you are looking to save money this winter while staying warm and safe, some small changes to your daily habits can help. You can prepare your heating system by taking some efficient no and low-cost actions that can help save on your energy bills this winter.

The Government launched the ‘It all adds up’ campaign featuring some simple suggestions (as outlined below) that households can take to get ready for this winter.

• Get your boiler serviced to keep it running efficiently and avoid repairs: Boilers, if faulty, can be quite dangerous.

So, an annual service is important to keep it running safely. A Gas Safe registered engineer can also check for leaks, to save you money on sudden breakdowns and avoidable costs on emergency repairs.

• Heat the rooms you’re in and turn down the radiators in unused rooms to save up to £50 per year: When you are not using a room, you can turn the radiator valves down to a lower setting, but do not turn them off completely. If you do so, your

boiler will need to work harder to maintain the temperature of a room that you are trying to heat, as the surrounding cold rooms will inadvertently lower its temperature.

Moreover, it can also cause mould and damp issues.

If you have elderly people (over 65) or children under 5 living with you or anyone with pre-existing health conditions, then make sure you have a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C (setting 2 or 3 on your radiator valves), as they are more vulnerable in cold temperatures.

• Install an energy efficient showerhead and save up to £40 per year: Available at any home improvement shop and fixed independently, these shower heads reduce water quantity either by regulating the flow or aerating the water. They are sometimes available free through your water supplier.

However, they are not suitable for electric showers, as you can turn them to eco mode to save money.

• Reduce your washing machine temperature to save up to £20 per year: Modern technology allows washing machines to wash clothes effectively at lower temperatures without the use of hot water. For example, changing wash from 40°C to 30°C means you could get 3 cycles using the same energy spent otherwise for 2 cycles, depending on your machine.

For more energy saving tips, visit

GOV.UK/SaveEnergy

Ensuring safety, warmth and a family’s well-being Ketan Dattani is an entrepreneur and environmental health expert with 25 years of environmental health recruitment experience.

A father of young children who is preparing for winter, ensuring safety and staying warm during the colder months is crucial for him and his family’s well-being. But as a climate change expert, he is also particular about saving energy, not just for the cost factor but environmental reasons as well.

Ketan told us, “The UK Government's tips on saving energy and lowering winter bills can

be valuable and practical, and they align with broader energy efficiency and environmental goals. Implementing these recommendations can lead to cost savings, improved comfort, and a reduced environmental impact.

“The effectiveness of the tips mentioned on the Government website may vary depending on an individual's specific circumstances and the extent to which they can implement them. But it's essential to consider factors like the type of heating system used, the condition of the property, and the budget for home improvements. Some tips may require an initial investment but can lead to long-term savings, while others may involve simple behavioural changes.

“Saving energy is a crucial step in mitigating the negative environmental impact associated with energy production and consumption, and it plays a significant role in addressing climate change and promoting the overall health and sustainability of our planet.”

Sharing some tips that he follows to keep his home energy efficient and bills low as winter approaches, Ketan said: •“Check your heating system: Replace filters and clean ducts if needed and consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient heating system if your current one is outdated.

You can reduce your boiler flow temperature to 60 degrees Celsius

to save up to £70 per year. Lowering the temperature of your boiler means that it doesn't have to work as hard to heat your home. This reduces energy consumption and can result in lower energy bills.

• “Insulate your home and bleed your radiators: Proper insulation can make a significant difference in keeping your home energy efficient.

Over time, air can accumulate in your radiator system, creating pockets of trapped air. This trapped air prevents hot water from fully circulating and heating the radiator, which leads to cold spots or uneven heating in your home.

• “Install draught stoppers or use draught excluders at the bottom of doors and install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home more efficiently.”

He further added: •“Get your boiler serviced: Regular servicing can help maintain your boiler's efficiency. When a boiler is not working efficiently, it may require more energy to produce the same amount of heat, leading to higher energy bills. An efficient boiler uses fuel more effectively, reducing operating costs.

•“Lower the radiators in unused rooms: Heating the rooms you're in and turning down the radiators in unused rooms is generally good practice and can lead to energy savings. This approach is often referred to as "zone heating" and has several benefits including reduced environmental Impact.

Using less energy for heating helps reduce your carbon footprint, which is beneficial for the environment, especially if your heating source is based on fossil fuels.

• “Use less water by using energy efficient showerheads: Energy-efficient showerheads are designed to reduce water flow while maintaining adequate water pressure. By using less water, you contribute to water conservation efforts and help preserve this precious resource.

• “Lower your washing machine temperature: Lowering washing machine

temperatures not only saves money, but it also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with water heating, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.”

“In addition to the above, preparing for winter for older relatives is particularly important to ensure their safety, health, and well-being during the colder months,” said Ketan. “For my parents who are in their late 70's, I have a daily routine for check-ins or visits to ensure their well-being.”

18

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

LONDON

Why your period symptoms might be worse in the winter And even though many clinical guidelines for managing heavy menstrual bleeding recognise the importance of treating iron deficiency and anaemia caused by excessive blood loss, these conditions are still often missed – despite how treatable they are.

By JAHNAVI DARU, EWELINA ROGOZINSKA AND VARSHA JAIN

Period symptoms are frustrating no matter the time of year. But those who menstruate might feel like certain symptoms are worse during the winter months, when the weather is gloomy, the days are short and cold and flu seem to always be lurking. This phenomenon has even been dubbed “winter period fatigue syndrome”.

Unfortunately, there’s no evidence that such a thing as winter period fatigue syndrome exists. There’s also no good evidence to suggest changes in the seasons can worsen period symptoms. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a scientific explanation for why you might feel some of your period symptoms are worse during the colder months.

Symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, poor concentration and a weaker immune system, may in fact be pointing to the more obvious cause of iron deficiency.

The body needs iron in order to function. Iron helps produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.

Winter symptoms

Image: Photoroyalty/ Shutterstock

Symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, poor concentration and a weaker immune system may be pointing to iron deficiency

But many people don’t get enough iron in their diet. In fact, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world.

Alongside the symptoms

that iron deficiency can cause, low iron can also lead to anaemia – a fall in red blood cell count. While the symptoms of anaemia can be very similar to those caused by iron

Image: Prostock-studio/ Shutterstock

Heavy or prolonged periods put you at greater risk of iron deficiency and anaemia

deficiency (including fatigue, tiredness, and cold hands and feet), symptoms can be more severe, too – leading to heart palpitations, shortness of breath and even loss of consciousness.

Menstruation is a leading cause of both iron deficiency and anaemia. People with heavy or prolonged periods are particularly at risk as they regularly lose more blood each month than their body can replace. Some studies even estimate that in women who experience heavy periods, 90% are iron deficient and 60% are anaemic.

Those who normally have heavy periods might not realise that this could actually be the cause of their fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating. This is because so many who have heavy periods just assume their blood loss is normal. But left unchecked, heavy periods can leave women and people who menstruate trapped in a vicious cycle of progressive blood loss and iron loss, leading to anaemia, which can be difficult to break.

Many of the symptoms of iron deficiency and anaemia overlap with other health conditions. This is why it’s important to talk to your doctor as soon as symptoms start to make sure you’re getting the right treatment.

For example, fatigue, lethargy and changes in mood can also be symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. This is a type of depression that affects some people only in the autumn and winter.

So if you find your symptoms began when the shorter days and colder weather arrived, then exercise, self care (such as resting if you need to and getting plenty of sleep each night) and eating a balanced diet that contains plenty of fibre, complex carbs and protein may help somewhat. Your GP may also recommend talking therapy.

But if you find you have such symptoms all year round – and suffer from heavy or prolonged periods – this may be a sign you have iron deficiency. Certain symptoms of iron deficiency may also seem worse during the winter months.

Since iron deficiency affects how well your immune system functions, this could explain why you may feel you suffer from more seasonal illnesses during the colder weather. This will require a trip to the GP to be diagnosed, as well as taking an iron replacement if your doctor recommends it. This should significantly improve your quality of life and symptoms.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation contributed by Jahnavi Daru A senior lecturer in Women's Health at the Queen Mary University of London, Ewelina Rogozinska a research Fellow at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL and Varsha Jain A Clinical Research Fellow, at the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health at The University of Edinburgh

20

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

LONDON

Holocaust Memorial Day shouldn’t be about ‘heroes’ and ‘villains’ – unsung, ordinary people made the biggest difference was Denis Avey who was a British prisoner of war in Auschwitz, but who borrowed his account of helping Jews there from Charles Coward whose account of doing so was equally fictitious.

By Professor TONY KUSHNER

The theme for the 2024 Holocaust Memorial Day, which takes place on 27 January, is the “fragility of freedom”. This year is an especially poignant one, marking 80 years since the deportation and murder of Hungarian Jews, when the gas chambers of Auschwitz were working at full capacity, and also the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide.

In a vision document, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust highlights many types of freedom that were taken from people during the Holocaust – at its most basic, the freedom to live. It also highlights the people who risked their own freedom to help those in danger of persecution, at the most extreme level, facing genocide.

One of the challenges of Holocaust and genocide commemoration, as well as education in the UK, is to relate events “over there” to everyday life “here”. In 1938, the then UK prime minister Neville Chamberlain, justifying his policy of appeasement, referenced Nazi Germany’s attack on Czechoslovakia as a “quarrel in a far away country, between people of whom we know nothing”.

Everyday kindness

Eleanor Rathbone was known as'the MP for refugees’. London School of Economics Library

There were ordinary people in the UK, however, who made it their business to “know” and to help the hundreds of thousands of people at risk – Jews and political opponents of Nazism, especially on the left

Image: Kevelyn21 - Shutterstock.com

Holocaust Memorial in USA

– through the British Committee for Refugees from Czechoslovakia (BCRC).

Heroes known and unknown BCRC was part of an international network of activists involving hundreds if not thousands of people. Until recently, none of these were remembered beyond small circles of family, friends and fellow activists.

The one major exception since the late 1980s was Nicholas Winton, even more so since the release of the biopic, One Life (2023).

The film at least allowed some consideration of two other activists – Trevor Chadwick and Doreen Warriner – but told nothing of their background, motivations and future lives.

W. R. Chadwick, the son of Trevor, said of the wider BCRC group that: “Some have not been given sufficient credit for what they achieved; some have been credited with slightly more than the facts might warrant. One has been given huge credit for the deeds of others.”

Chadwick’s son especially objected to the title given to Nicholas Winton as “the British Schindler”. Winton himself was always quick to correct any attempt to overstate his role, which was running some of the bureaucracy from London to enable the

Kindertransport to be expanded to Czechoslovakia. The Nazis weren’t the main challenge in doing this – it was the British Home Office which was the barrier to Jews and others leaving before the war.

Pity the country that needs heroes There is a wider issue here: we want “history” to be made up of saints and sinners – and the Holocaust has become the major morality story of modern times.

The Nazis and their collaborators easily fill a role of evil wrongdoers.

But the risk here is that perpetrators can easily be dismissed as criminal or deviant, rather than ordinary people carrying out terrible deeds.

In such narratives, the victims have to be presented as passive people without agency who are, if they are lucky, the recipients of the generosity of others. The rescuers become uncomplicated and two dimensional.

As W. R. Chadwick notes: “We crave heroes (and prefer to ignore Brecht’s counter comment, ‘Pity the country that needs heroes’)”.

It is telling that the British Heroes of the Holocaust scheme has been abandoned because some of those who were given this status – both dead and alive – were shown not to have done what they claimed.

The most notorious of these

When dealing with questions of freedom and attempts to take it from others this Holocaust Memorial Day, there are several dilemmas. On the one hand, we distance ourselves from the possibility of being perpetrators (we are not like them). On the other, we can be alienated from the concept of being a rescuer or helper if we see them as utterly exceptional.

One way this can be avoided in relation to the particular relationship between Britain and the Holocaust is to recognise that there were many people, often as part of networks, who tried to bring Jewish and other refugees to the UK. Some did this sort of work throughout their lives – others, perhaps the majority, like Chadwick, and others associated with BCRC – did it once.

It is revealing that those in Britain who did the most during the Nazi era to make the world “safe to be a Jew” (to borrow the words of one such man, James Parkes) are the least known now.

Eleanor Rathbone is one of these people, often referred to as “the MP for refugees”. Along with other activists, Rathbone publicised news of the extermination of the Jews during the war and demanded action to save them, which the British government ignored.

There were more obscure figures, all ordinary people, who helped. One was Beryl McIntyre in the village of Ditchling who was economical with the truth in placing Jewish women in non-existent posts for domestic service and thereby enabled increasingly desperate people to get visas and escape before the war.

Preserving freedom for those at risk can sometimes mean literally putting one’s life on the line. More common is for ordinary people doing the right thing at the right time through small acts of kindness and commonality.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation and was contributed by Tony Kushner James Parkes Professor of Jewish/ non-Jewish Relations at the University of Southampton

4

BRADFORD

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

22

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

LONDON

“I’ll risk threats to my life to stand as MP” vows barrister who ‘died’

By ANDREW VAUX

Barrister Sham Uddin set to challenge Rushanara Ali as an Independent candidate in the General Elections A high-profile lawyer has vowed to overcome threats and challenges to fight a shadow cabinet member in the next general election.

Sham Uddin – who has previously campaigned for election as a Liberal Democrat councillor – will stand as an Independent Parliamentary candidate in the Bethnal Green and Bow constituency in the latest blow to the Labour party over its Palestine stance.

He wrote on professional networking site LinkedIn: “Many of you will know that I’ve said I’ll consider standing against Rushanara Ali, the MP for this constituency.

“I said I’d make my decision by December 31, 2023.

“I know that if I should stand, I’ll get substantial blowback from the Labour party as well as the Israeli lobby. I also know I’ll be getting threats to my life from various areas, and there’ll be substantial hostility from fascists as well as the Israeli lobby.

“After taking all that into consideration and knowing the risks to my life and to my career, I’ve decided to stand as an MP in this area.

“I look forward to your support and I’ll keep you updated.”

When asked on LinkedIn if he’d vote for a ceasefire in Palestine, Sham replied: “Not only would I vote for ceasefire, but I’d also vote for a total ban on arms supplies to Israel, and the prosecution of Benjamin Netanyahu and his supporters in the United Kingdom.”

Sham, who’s married with two grown-up children, outlined his reasons for standing as an MP in an interview with Asian Standard.

He said: “I feel I have a close affinity with the constituency and things have been pulling me towards the area. In June 2023, I had a Ventricular Fibrillation arrest and actually ‘died’ for a few seconds before being resuscitated by doctors at the Royal London Hospital in the constituency. Whilst I was in hospital, I heard about a flat which was for sale by auction and thought it would be great to live in the area but I wouldn’t be able to afford it. I submitted a bid and much to my surprise it was accepted.

Sham Uddin

“Last summer, a friend invited me to an event at the Houses of Parliament and as I stared at both chambers all I could do was dream of what it would be like to be an MP. Having led several unsuccessful election campaigns to become a Liberal Democrat councillor I knew the time and effort involved and with the health problems I’d experienced I thought I’d never be able to do it.

“But over time, my ambition increased, and all the signs seemed to come together – my life being saved, and me buying the flat.”

Sham continued: “Whilst in the past I’d voted for the Labour party, over the years I became extremely disillusioned with the party’s arrogance and opposition to what the voters want.

“This has become more and more apparent with the ongoing situation in Palestine and the fact that Rushanara Ali refused to vote for a ceasefire is extremely symbolic of this.

“Voters want change from the two main parties, and I believe there’s a gradual swing towards independent candidates.”

His LinkedIn followers have welcomed his announcement. In less than 24 hours after publishing a video in which he confirms his intention, the LinkedIn post had

received 21,000 views.

Saq-Lain Raja, co-founder of Sentinel Capital, said: “This is the only respectable position and it’s time we started having candidates with some balls – who aren’t pro-genocide or too economically fragile, so they cow tow some party line.”

Another, Julie Martin, commented: “I’d absolutely vote for you if you were to stand in my constituency. I’ve been a lifelong loyal labour supporter, but since Keir Starmer became leader my faith in the Labour party has been destroyed and I wholeheartedly believe that politics needs a huge shakeup to rid itself of corruption.

All power to you Sham.”

And Waqas Ali added: “This is a turning point in western politics.

Those who aren’t part of the elite system using their voice for the benefit of society and not for their own power-hungry motives. I’m excited for you.”

MP Rushanara Ali has been under fire in recent times for refusing to back an amendment to the king’s speech brought by the SNP calling for a ceasefire.

Rushanara Ali, who serves as shadow minister for investment and small business, has recently faced a hostile backlash for refusing to back an amendment to

the king’s speech brought by the SNP calling for a ceasefire.

About 200 people protested at her office with many stating she’d missed an opportunity to use her voice to condemn the violence from Israel – and saying they felt resentment that she had chosen to remain on the Labour frontbench rather than signal what she believed.

Ali said on social media she had “long supported a ceasefire,” but explained she was abstaining from the vote because “the reality is that this motion does not secure a ceasefire and would not lead towards one.”

She added: “Leaving the shadow government is something I am always willing to do, which is why I completely respect the decision taken by fellow MPs today. The moment I think my presence is less positively impactful than my absence, I will do so.”

Having been a solicitor-advocate in all proceedings (civil, criminal and family) for over 16 years, Sham – who describes himself on LinkedIn as “The Bengal Tiger – barrister-atlaw, accredited mediator, writer, and philosopher – wanted to develop his expertise and was called to the bar as of 2015. His practices vary between family, civil, and criminal law.

Rushanara Ali – a former shadow minister for international development and shadow minister for education and young people was elected in 2010.

Prior to her election in May 2010, she was associate director of the Young Foundation, where she co-founded UpRising, a national leadership development and employability charity which has helped thousands of young people develop their campaigning and leadership skills.

Uddin’s announcement is the latest blow to the Labour party.

Commentators believe the party’s stance on Israel could impact on its vote at the next general election.

In a recent New Stateman podcast, political journalist Andrew Marr said: “The Muslim community is more united in its anger about Gaza and Palestine now than it has ever been.

“The Muslim community is turning its back on the Labour party at the moment. Labour, for a lot of Muslims, was the soft way into politics as was described to me. But it is no longer, and people are looking again very, very aggressively at what Keir Starmer

Rushanara Ali

has been saying and they’re being encouraged to do so by Imams and community leaders all across the country.

“And the danger for the Labour party is that the other side of this argument is really well organised and moving quite fast. So I’ve been told that there are spreadsheets passing around of every single Labour MP with a reasonable Muslim vote in each constituency, a reasonable Muslim majority, looking at exactly what he or she has said on this subject and how what they’re saying is changing week, by week, by week and this will be used in the context of an election I’m told, to put up independents against Labour MPs they regard as not being sound on Gaza in order to split the Labour vote and let someone else in.

“You can say ‘yeah but this is all being a bit hyped up. People who say that Labour could lose control of around 30 constituencies up and down the country are overdoing it.’ And maybe they are. But remember that in a tight race, 30 constituencies is the difference between winning and losing.”

Since speaking to Sham, acclaimed Human Rights Lawyer Tasnime Akunji has also declared his interest to stand as a prospective parliamentary candidate in the Bethnal Green and Bow constituency as an Independent.

Keep reading Asian Standard for more updates.

ASIAN MIX

SU D O BSC O * W RIBE &H !

Y L E L E O N B R IND I ENT OW TO WATCH THE BEST OF H FOR F T ERTAINM ENT AND GET 1 MON

Take the Asian Mix add-on with any of BT TV’s flexible packages for only £5 a month on a monthly rolling contract *Offer ends 23 November 2023. Asian Mix add-on available to customers with BT Broadband and BT TV. Renews automatically each month until cancelled. Content may vary.

24

CROSSWORDS AND PUZZLES

CROSSWORD Across 1. Biblical giant (7) 5. Centre (5) 8. Possessed (5) 9. Courageous (7) 10. Woodwind instrument (7) 11. Cede (5) 12. Intemperance (6) 14. Famous public school (6) 18. Arena for debate (5) 20. Plentiful (7) 22. Betrayer (7) 23. Elevate (5) 24. Reside (5) 25. Refuse collector (7)

Spot the

5 differences

Down 1. Farewell (7) 2. Countries (5) 3. Laborious, grueling (7) 4. Capital of Cuba (6) 5. Evergreen shrub (5) 6. Non-professional (7) 7. Carried (5) 13. Slaughter (7) 15. Has ambition (7) 16. Cowboy story (7) 17. Frightened (6) 18. Honoured with festivities (5) 19. Accommodation for motorists (5) 21. Narcotic derived from poppies (5)

CODEWORD

ANSWERS CODEWORD ANSWERS

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

MEDIA

SALES EXECUTIVE If you are looking for a job, then this isn't the position you should apply for, but if you are looking for a fulfilling career, with a media company that has high growth plans, then this might be the perfect job for you.

We are seeking ambitious people, who have a can do attitude. Who don't wait for things to happen but make them happen. If you are one of those and want a rewarding career, with potential to earn big, then apply now.

•

The ideal candidate must have experience of working in a B2B environment, must be self-motivated, have excellent communication and sales skills.

•

Marketing and media knowledge would be advantageous but not necessary as full training will be given.

•

The role involves selling our print and digital advertising services to business both existing and new companies. If you are ambitious and target driven, then this is the perfect role for you.

•

There are significant perks working in the industry, from free meals, to free beauty treatments, along side an excellent pay packet if proven to be successful.

So, if you think you have the skills and talent, then we have an excellent role and pay packet for you.

Hours of work: Mon - Fri 930am - 6pm Competitive basic salary plus uncapped commission. OTE in excess of £50k Car allowance

Company mobile

To apply send a covering letter, along with your CV to jobs@asianstandard.co.uk

DELIVERY DRIVERS NEEDED

SPARE TIME

FANCY WRITING FOR US?

Have you got an opinion?

Do you think you can write a compelling opinion piece?

If the answer is yes, then we want to hear from you.

Send in your column or topic to editor@asianstandard.co.uk for consideration.

WANT TO EARN EXTRA CASH DELIVERING OUR NEWSPAPERS? CALL NOW ON

0203 538 2066

SPORTS

@ASIANSTANDARD

Dan Lawrence roped in as Harry Brook's replacement for England's tour to India England batter Dan Lawrence has been roped in as a replacement for young batter Harry Brook, who has pull out of the five Test India series starting from January 25.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that Lawrence will be joining the team within the next 24 hours.

"Surrey's Dan Lawrence to join the England Men's Test squad in the next 24 hours. #INDvENG," said ECB in a tweet.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have confirmed that star batter Harry Brook will miss the India Test tour due to personal reasons.

ECB released a statement to announce Brook's absence which read, "Harry Brook is set to return home with immediate effect for personal reasons from the England Men's Test tour of India. He will not be returning to India. The England selectors will confirm a replacement player for the tour in due course."

Brook has been a crucial figure for the Three Lions as, since his Test debut in September 2022, nobody has played as many matches for England as Brook, with a total of 45. He has played a vital role as one of the faces of England's

'Bazball' approach to Test cricket, which has yielded them fine results so far with its attacking, resultoriented and positive nature.

In 12 Tests, Brook has scored 1,181 runs at an average of 62.15, with four centuries and seven fifties. His best score is 186.

The 26-year-old Lawrence last played a Test for England in March 2022. In 11 Tests, he has scored 551 runs at an average of 29.00, with four half-centuries in 21 innings. His best score is 91.

This time Ben Stokes will lead a new-look England Test team for the series. The first Test of the series will be played in Hyderabad from January 25 while the fifth and final Test will be held in Dharamshala and the series will conclude on March 11.

Debutants Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir were both part of the England Lions squad that trained in the United Arab Emirates last month. They were joined in the UAE by vice-captain Ollie Pope and Jack Leach to step up their preparations as they returned to Test duty following injury.

Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed returns to the Test squad after claiming a five-wicket haul on his Test debut in Pakistan last December.

The absence of Chris Woakes, Liam Dawson, and Will Jacks

is significant. In India, James Anderson will lead the pace assault, with uncapped Gus Atkinson promoted from the limited-overs squad. The other pacers in the squad are Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Ben Foakes was called up after being left out of the Ashes squad earlier this year.

Jonny Bairstow is the team's other wicketkeeper. Ollie Pope and Leach are also back from injury.

England Test squad: Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root and Mark Wood.

Harry Brook

Dan Lawrence

The comeback king, you reinvented the wheel: Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli Hailing Virat Kohli as the "comeback king," former Indian opener Aakash Chopra said with his 'Player of the Tournament' performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup last year, Kohli "reinvented the wheel".

Virat will be in action during the India's home series against England, consisting of five Test matches from January 25 onwards.

The star batter faced a brief slump in form from 2020-end which lasted till late 2022, a period during which he could not score even a single century. But since the Asia Cup 2022, Virat has delivered power-packed and consistent performances that earned him the moniker of 'King' early in his career.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash said that a player goes up, falls and it is important how many times he climbs back again. The former opener also pointed out that at one point, fans and experts had started to write off Virat.

"The comeback king. You go up but then fall. Everyone has to fall but the important thing is how

many times someone can climb back again. He fell once in 2011-12 but then he stood up. After that, he reigned for eight to ten years.

There was not a blip at all," said Aakash.

"That was one blip after which he probably decided - 'Never again'. He (Virat) played with the commitment continuously but then it came again during COVID, when he was not scoring runs.

He had not scored a century for a long time. He missed quite a few matches and many people had written him off," he added.

Aakash even pointed out how even he himself said that Virat had lost his spot in the modern-day Fab Four, a batting quartet of England's Joe Root, Australia's Steve Smith, New Zealand's Kane Williamson and Virat, who are considered the best batters of the modern era.

But now, Kohli has earned back his place.

The former opener also said that the way Virat made his comeback is beautiful and the World Cup 'Player of the Tournament' performance is an "icing on the

there then also and has returned now," said Aakash.

"The way he has made a

cake".

"Yours truly also said that he (Kohli) is no longer part of the Fab 4. He is now, by the way.

It was about the runs at that time, in that period of two years, but he is back again.

Steve Smith has fallen away. Kane Williamson is also going 50-50 but this guy is still there. He was

comeback has made the story even more beautiful. It seemed like things were done and dusted and you came and played a World Cup, and became the Player of the Tournament. You reinvented the wheel once again and reignited that passion," concluded Aakash.

Since the Asia Cup 2022, Virat has gone from struggling for runs to topping the run charts.

Since August 27, 2022, which was the starting date of the tournament, Virat has scored 3,007 runs in 59 matches and 63 innings at an average of 58.96, with 10 centuries and 17 halfcenturies. His best score is 186.

During this run, he also broke two monumental records. He toppled his childhood idol Sachin Tendulkar to become the first-ever player with 50 ODI tons. With 765 runs in 11 ICC CWC matches last year at an average of above 95 with three centuries and six fifties, Virat became the player with most runs in a single World Cup edition.

SPORTS

Usman Khawaja on track to return for training ahead of Brisbane Test against WI Australia's left-handed opener Usman Khawaja is on track to play in the second Test against West Indies at The Gabba in the coming week after passing his concussion protocols on Sunday.

At the Adelaide Oval, where Australia beat West Indies by ten wickets, Khawaja was struck on the helmet by a short ball from debutant fastbowler Shamar Joseph and had to retire hurt with one run needed for the win.

"Usman Khawaja continues to progress through protocols following a head impact in the first test match against the West Indies. He completed normal concussion assessments today (on Sunday).”

“Khawaja will continue to be monitored for any delayed

symptoms. He will be reviewed again tomorrow prior to returning to training ahead of the second test match in Brisbane," said a Cricket

Australia (CA) spokesperson.

Khawaja was shown spitting blood but a scan has cleared the left-handed batter of any jaw damage. After the game

Image: Shutterstock

ended, Khawaja had posted on Instagram, "Thanks for all the well wishes. I'm fine, just wanted Marnus to have a hit!"

Australia’s main practice session will happen at The Gabba on Tuesday, ahead of the day-night Test match starting on January 25. If Khawaja misses out, then Matthew Renshaw, the reserve batter in the squad, can take his place and open the batting alongside Steve Smith.

'It shows desire to carry on playing', says Darren Gough on Anderson's new run-up After James Anderson revealed that he will be using a new run-up in England’s upcoming five-game Test series against India, former pacer Darren Gough believes that it just shows about the veteran fastbowler’s desire to carry on playing the longer format of the game.

Earlier this week, Anderson revealed to The Telegraph that he has used a public running track next to James Anderson

Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and gone through speed drills to perfect his new bowling run-up.

Anderson had a torrid time in the Ashes at home last year, picking up just five wickets from four matches at an average of 85.40.

"It just goes to show the desire to carry on playing. The only thing is when you’ve been doing something so long as Jimmy has, when you start quickening up you bring more injuries into play, more hamstring, calf, groin-type injuries.

"When you start having injuries they tend to follow you. He’s such an athlete. But changing your run up? It could be absolutely brilliant but like anything when you change your dynamics it could set off injuries.

“Let’s hope not because I think even at his age he can perform.

Everybody talks about his age but with Jimmy you have to take age out of it. If he keeps taking wickets he keeps playing. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t, it’s that simple," said Gough to inews.co.uk.

Anderson has a good record in Tests in India, picking 34 wickets at an average of 29.32 in 13 games since 2006. But with him at the twilight of his career, Gough,

who took 229 Test wickets at an average of 28.39, thinks he might have a tough time playing the Test series in India.

"He surprises everyone every year he keeps going, especially now his partner Broady has gone.

I think everybody expected them to go together. It’s not happened.

He’s put himself up for a very difficult tour, it tends to be for a fast bowler when you go to India.

But if he has a good series he can do one more (summer).

"If he doesn’t what’s he going to do? Keep going because he wants to go out on a high? England might have to make a decision. But you always think with Jimmy he can make that decision because he’s been such an amazing performer for many, many years. When you consider he didn’t average 30 until he got 300 Test wickets it’s crackers."

Gough, who is now managing director at Yorkshire, was playing when Anderson was taking early steps in Test cricket and is astonished at seeing his longevity. “I don’t think anybody thinks somebody will get 700 Test wickets, which he’s going to get. I think we all thought he’s an

Darren Gough immensely skilful bowler.”

"Some of the games he played as a real youngster he swung the ball really late. When you have that kind of skill you’re going to take wickets. You always develop as a bowler and 26 or 27 is when you’re at your peak. But he’s done the opposite – he’s peaked after getting past 30. He’s just so accurate.”

"Look at the best bowlers of the last 20 years – Glenn McGrath, Shaun Pollock, Anderson, Broad – they’re all bowlers that just bowl wicket to wicket and have control of the ball. They’ve been the best. McGrath and Pollock were ridiculous and Anderson and Broad have followed that up.

23 - 28 JANUARY 2024

SPORTS USMAN KHAWAJA ON TRACK TO RETURN FOR TRAINING AHEAD OF BRISBANE TEST AGAINST WI Page 27

DAN LAWRENCE ROPED IN AS HARRY BROOK'S REPLACEMENT FOR ENGLAND'S TOUR TO INDIA Page 26

Ben Stokes on Shoaib Bashir’s Visa Woes: England spinner forced to fly home after visa to enter India not granted “I find it particularly frustrating” Ben Stokes Ahead of England's five-match Test series against India, skipper Ben Stokes on Tuesday opened up on Shoaib Bashir's visa delay and said that it is "frustrating".

While speaking ahead of the first Test match in Hyderabad, Stokes pointed out that the England Cricket Board (ECB) announced the squad in midDecember but still Bashir was not given a visa to travel to India.

He added that this type of situation should not happen to the 20-year-old since he is yet to play his first international match.

"Especially as captain, I find it particularly frustrating.

We announced that squad in mid-December, and now Bash finds himself without a visa to get here. I am more frustrated for him. I didn't want this type of situation to be his first experience of what it's like to be in the England Test team. I feel for him," Stokes said as quoted

by ESPNcricinfo.

Stokes added that he was not the first cricketer to go through such a situation and said that he feels "devastated" for the English bowler.

"But he's not the first cricketer to go through this, I have played with a lot of people who have had the same issues. I find it frustrating that we have picked a player and he's not with us because of visa issues. Especially for a young lad, I'm devastated for him. It's a frustrating situation to be in, but a lot of people have been trying to get it through. It's

Ben Stokes

unfortunate and I'm very frustrated for him," he added.

The 20-year-old was born in England's Surrey and holds a British passport, but due to his Pakistani heritage, the bowler facing trouble entering India for the five-match Test series.

The five-match Test series between India and England begins on January 25 in Hyderabad with the next four matches to be played in Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamsala.

England Test squad for India series: Ben Stokes (C), James Anderson, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Shoib Bashir, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes (Wk), Dan Lawrence, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood.

Reacting to Bashir’s visa issues, a spokesperson from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office stated the UK government

Shoaib Bashir

expected their citizens to be treated fairly by India’s visa processes. “I can’t speak to the specifics of this case. But more broadly we have previously raised issues of this kind with the High Commission. We have been clear that we expect India to treat British citizens fairly at all times in its visa processes,” a spokesperson from Sunak’s office was quoted as saying to the BBC. “We have previously raised the issues British citizens with Pakistani heritage have experienced. We’ve raised the issues about their experience of applying for visas with the Indian High Commissioner in London,” it added.

Dwayne Johnson confirms return to WWE, to take 'full ownership' of 'The Rock' moniker Hollywood star and wrestling icon Dwayne Johnson has officially joined the board of directors for TKO, which was formed by parent company Endeavor as part of the UFC and WWE merger in September, 2023.

Johnson will now bring "decades of experience in live entertainment and sports to the board."

"My grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, and my dad, Rocky 'Soulman' Johnson, would've never thought this day would come. Which is why I'm very humbled to have a seat at the table that has decades of history and family legacy for me. A table that my family helped to build," he said in a statement.

The deal also sees the star take "full ownership" of The Rock moniker, reports aceshowbiz.com.

He continued: "Being on the TKO Board of Directors, and taking full ownership of my name, 'The Rock', is not only unprecedented, but incredibly inspiring as my crazy life is coming full circle.

"At my core, I'm a builder who builds for and serves the people, and Ari is building something truly game changing."

"I'm very motivated to help continue to globally expand our TKO, WWE, and UFC businesses as the worldwide leaders in sports and entertainment - while proudly representing so many phenomenal athletes and performers who show up every day putting in the hard work with their own two hands to make their dreams come true and deliver for our audiences. I've been there, I'm still there and this is for them."

Vince McMahon, who serves as executive chairman of the board at TKO, is "proud" to have 'The Rock' involved.

He added, "Very few people on the planet understand the convergence of sports, entertainment, media, and business like Rock.

We are proud to have him join the TKO board to help take our company to new heights."

The move comes amid rumours that 'The Rock' is preparing to return to the ring in the coming months to face his cousin and current world champion, Roman Reigns, in a dream match.