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31 JAN 2016

Issue 15

FREE N AT I O N A L

Britain’s FIRST FREE Sunday Newspaper

BRITAIN’S First FEMALE

by Prime Minister’s words

Britain’s first ever Muslim woman head teacher, says that Prime Minister David Cameron has ‘shocked and saddened’ her with his controversial claims. Award winning Bushra Nasir, CBE, who came to England from Pakistan when she was eight in 1960, has spoken out following the announcement of the Government’s latest scheme to invest £20 million funding into English classes, targeted at ethnic minority women. Mrs Nasir, named Head Teacher of the Year in 2012, said: “I have no problem with what David Cameron says about the need for people to learn English, but am angry at three things he has linked his claims with. “The links he made to radicalisation, deportation and the fact he has highlighted only one small group of people – Muslim women.”

Yes we should learn English but so should everyone Read more on pages 6 & 7

‘It’s a case of too many cooks can spoil the broth for elderly people with dementia’

Women in History: Rani Lakshmi Bai

MEXICO: The Riviera Maya

MUSLIM head teacher is ‘shocked and saddened’

Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

NEWS Britain’s FIRST FREE Sunday Newspaper

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Editor

Earth is actually two planets, scientists conclude Our home planet is actually two planets, scientists have said. Or at least, it’s made up of two planets. Edward Young and his team at the University of California said the orthodox belief on the origins of Earth and the Moon – that a smaller planet, Theia, grazed the Earth and send a chunk into Earth’s orbit – was false. Instead, Professor Young says, Theia slammed into Earth so hard that the planets effectively melded together, and a small chunk that broke off in that collision formed the Moon. The team’s reasoning is that if the

first hypothesis were true, the Moon should have a chemical composition made up of Theia, but upon examination of the oxygen isotopes of Moon rock, they found this not to be the case. ‘We don’t see any difference between the Earth’s and the Moon’s oxygen isotopes; they’re indistinguishable,’ said Professor Young. ‘Theia was thoroughly mixed into both the Earth and the Moon, and evenly dispersed between them.’ The collision would have taken place approximately 100million years after the initial formation of Earth, which was over 4.5billion years ago.

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Mobile network Three causes outrage by doubling cost of phone contracts from £15 to £30 The phone network angered a lot of people after it doubled their monthly price plan from £15 to £30. Many customers on the network’s ‘legacy’ tariffs – plans that are no longer offered – were automatically switched to the closest existing plan, which was double the amount. The price hike affects customers whose contracts were already up, and had been moved to a rolling one-month agreement. A spokesman for Three

said that the process of moving those on legacy tariffs over to the current price plans has been ongoing for the last 18 months. ‘In March 2014, we introduced new price plans giving customers more options in the size of their data and voice bundles, as well as limits and alerts to prevent bill shock,’ he added. ‘We have a lot of tariffs that we no longer sell and moving customers to one of the new plans will ensure they can enjoy the benefits of these plans.’

In 2014, a team of German scientists said that the Moon had its own unique ratio of oxygen isotopes that there different from Earth’s. Professor Young’s research, which employed state-of-the-art technology and techniques, disproved that.

Aldi has become the first major retailer in Europe to ban beeharming pesticides from its groceries. Supermarket Aldi Süd – the chain’s German branch – has just made it a requirement for its suppliers to phase out the toxins that are most harmful to bees, including neonicotinoids. ‘Aldi Süd shows that the toxic dependency on pesticides can be broken and in this sense becomes a pioneer in the retail sector,’ Christiane Huxdorff, ecological farming campaigner at Greenpeace Germany,

said. ‘Other European supermarkets are now called upon to follow this first step.’ The EU has some of the most stringent rules on bee toxins in the world, but they only have a partial ban in place – limiting the use of three types of neonicotinoids and fipronil. Many other pesticides that are poisonous to bees are still used in food production.

Guide LIFESTYLE Issue 15

TOP TIP FOR SKIN It’s not just women

men can also banish spots, signs of ageing and dry tight skin. The products we all shouldn’t go without

ASIAN SUNDAY | ISSUE 46

Your guide to the best eateries in Bradford & District

ASIAN SUNDAY by ZARA HASSAN

THREE FOODS TO TRY AN AVOID NEWS DURING FASTING

Through the decades, every era has had its own particular fashion trend focusing on prints and styles. We can now

If you’re planning on buying vintage I think you should always start small, shop with something in mind.

Spanish princess to stand trial as s cleanser, a good face final appeal fails juice – Most concentrated juices can cause problems around the waistline, which include, cranberry, apple and other fruit juices. w•asConcentrated h and an exto foliorange ator. ‘electrical due shock risk’ Cristina’s husband, Inaki or the treasury. Spanish Princess Cristiana, ious elements outif of the fruit during the concentration You should also invest Buying vintage doesn’t mean designer labels but you’re into designer labels look process. for Dior, from office the 50’s or Gucci and Three foods you’ve been item, told are ‘healthy’ that actually and can cause seriouspiece health in my opinion would be aincrease coat. It’sweight something small yet amore statement toproblems. introduce to your other clothes.

water. SoApple contrary to what it isyoungest believed starting your day with a big glass of concentrated juice is aUrdangarin and his partner, sister of King in anaffected eye creamadapters just to The were sold with does not affect other wall plugadverts saythe Cristiana’s defence lawyers really bad decision. Diego Torres. Felipe VI of Spain, will have brighten that area that Mac computers, iPhones, iPads and adapters used in Canada, China, argued the charges . against to return to the dock with the will bebetween gentle to skin. iPods 2003 and 2015, and Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the • Margarine, is another fat storing but has more serious health It canon cause you tostreet gain weight, wipe out yourpiece good is cholesterol increase your badfrom cholesterol theprint. princess came the by Noos is accused of A greatfood, modern fashion piece that werisks. still see our high and is17 adefendants timeless leopard other of thecan usebuilding a two-prong plugininto power US. USB power adapters arefatalso up blockages yourthe arteries. Butter is a better alternative. Butter has in it not too, but it’s a saturated fat that your body burntrade for fuel instead of building up blockages embezzling 6.2 million euros union Manos Limpios Images as earlyaffected. as those from ancient Egypt show women rocking leopard “Caso Noos”spots. corruption trial socket. in your arteries, like trans fats can do. PRODUCT ($6.7 million) for organising (Clean Hands). on February 9. Apple To identify whether power adapters sporting and social events OF THEsaid in a statement yesterday • At number three it’s wholewere wheatused bread. Areare you faulty, as shocked as we were? Bread is High in Carbs and Can Spike Blood Sugar Levels However, the three judges at that the adapters, which Apple users can look with some of the money Cristiana had tried to WEEK the Court in Palma decided Even Europe, whole grain bread usually isn’t made outunderneath of actual “whole” across Argentina, Australia, thegrains. part inserted into siphoned off through a avoid standing trial for Friday that Leopard prints always represent power andaffected femininity, like Marilyn Monroe celebratedonglamour and Manos sexualBrazil, New Zealand and South the power socket. Those willpin up girls company called Aizoon of tax avoidance by evoking The starches in bread get broken down quickly in the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream as glucose. This causes a rapid spike in Limpias blood sugar insulin levels. didand have the right Korea, and were also included in way have either four of five characters or ity inblood this which Cristiana and her what is known as the “Botin Even whole wheat bread spikes sugartoo. faster than many chocolate bars. tofemininity press charges against the Apple’s Worldare Travel sold no characters printed In hiskit Little Dictionary Fashion Christian Diorit. said “But wearand leopard have kindtoof is a little Most breads madeAdapter of pulverized wheat. They areofeasily digested andinside rapidly spike bloodtosugar insulin you levels, which canalead the notorious which blood sugar “roller husband were the directors. doctrine”, butmust her final princess. in the UK and US, carried a ‘risk of you’re probably coaster” and stimulate overeating. Well, all thinking the main for Suhoor Pre-Dawn bit sophisticated. If you are fair and those sweet, wearfoods it...” you eatappeal was (The rejected by theMeal). Resigned adapters haveare adon’t threeelectrical shock.’ She becomes first into letter regional code, such as EUR. Beasure to choose yourself something leopard print from the railsprovincial next timecourt you’reinon the high street, add a bitthe of glam Palma Here are some tips for healthy Suhoor ‘Apple two-prong wall plug member of the Spanish Mallorca Friday,(if you’re daring your wardrobe with a leopard print dress, a shirt, a cardigan anddeeven someon trousers enough). Have fun adapters mayPre-Dawn break and royal family to face Suhoor (The Meal) according to Xinhua. with it and remember always try it on before you buy. create a riskitofis electrical For suhoor, imperative to drink plenty of water, eat a good blend of protein, carbohydrates, and essential fat. That’s right, “good fats”charges have many fat-burning which could and muscle-building properties, and their imporIn 2007, Emilio Botin, the shock theduring Ramadan. Some good suhoor foods include: tanceifistouched,’ even greater theoretically lead to Simple Kindread. to Eyes former president of Spanish statement an eight-year prison Soothing Cream, • Egg whites (1 yolk)

‘Because £3.99 fromcustomer Boots. • Chicken breast safety is the• Oatmeal company’s top priority, Apple asking customers Use allisthese products • Cream of wheat or using as advised todaily stop affected plug and you’ll be amazed adapters.’

• Protein shake • Cinnamon • Bananas • Raw, dark Honey

to how great your skin

Apple added that the problem looks and feels. Also,

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Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

NEWS

British mum Tareena Shakil is first British woman to be found guilty of taking son to Syria to join Islamic State

Tareen Shakil during police interview

Tareena Shakil British mum Tareena Shakil has been found guilty of taking her toddler son to Syria to join Islamic State (IS). She is the first British woman convicted of the offence after returning from the war-torn

country. Shakil took pictures of her son wearing an IS-branded balaclava after secretly running away to Syria in October 2014. She was also convicted of encouraging acts of terror in

Twitter posts made before leaving the UK.

that translated to ‘the father of jihad from Britain.’

During a two-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court, 26-year-old Shakil denied the charges, claiming she only travelled to Syria because of a wish to live under the rule of sharia law.

Shakil told the trial that after two and a half months living in a house for unmarried women under a strict regime in Raqqa, she decided to escape and took a bus and a taxi to the Turkish border with her son.

However, the jury rejected her claims after analysing over 2,000 messages and social media updates during the court case.

After crossing the border she was picked up by Turkish soliders, where she was detained for six weeks and then flown back to Heathrow the following month.

In one passage, she called on people to ‘take up arms’ and stated her wish to become a ‘martyr’. In an image sent from her Whatsapp account, her son was sat next to a weapon with a slogan

Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale of West Midlands Police said: ‘He [the child] was put in substantial danger in a chaotic war zone, that is no place for a young British citizen to be. ‘He is now back in the UK, he

Tareena took pictures of her toddler son posing with guns and wearing clothing branded with the terror group’s logo is safe and we wish him a long, successful life.’

Drug dealer jailed following row over misunderstanding soft drink coke for cocaine A man who slashed a bus passenger’s face after he refused to buy his cocaine has been jailed for 17 years Shahadat Hussain, 21, of Malmesbury Terrace, Canning Town was found guilty of grievous bodily harm and possession with intention to supply crack cocaine and heroin. According to Newham Recorder Snaresbrook Crown Court heard how in March 2015 he approached a group of 18-year-olds on the top deck of 25 bus at around 1.40am to offer them drugs.

A friend of the victim then intervened, at which point Hussain also attacked him by repeatedly punching and slashing him in the face. The group managed to get off the bus and escape along the Romford Road before one of the victims was taken to Whipps Cross hospital to receive 12 stitches on the nose. Detective Chief Inspector Dave Hindmarsh, Roads and Transport Policing Command, said:

The friends had been discussing the soft drink Coke, which Hussain had misunderstood to mean cocaine.

“This was a vicious, unprovoked attack on a man who refused to buy drugs from Hussain, leaving the victim with nasty injuries as a result.

When he was told they did not wish to buy drugs, however, he grabbed one of the men by the neck.

“This sentence sends a strong message that crime on London’s transport network will not be

tolerated.” Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, in partnership with Transport for London, then launched an investigation that led to Hussain being identified and arrested on 1 April on suspicion of GBH. He was found in possession of a large amount of crack cocaine and heroin and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Hussain was given 17 years imprisonment for GBH with intent, 46 months for possession with intention to supply crack cocaine, 46 months for possession with intent to supply heroin and seven days for possession of cannabis (the latter three to run concurrently).

Shahadat Hussain

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Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

COVER STORY

Britain’s First Female Muslim head teacher is ‘shocked and saddened’ by Prime Minister’s words

Yes we should learn English but so should everyone by Alison Bellamy

Bushra Nasir, first ever Muslim woman head teacher of a state school in the UK

He singled out their way of life, and then suggested that anyone who did not take their English lessons could be subject to deportation. He also warned that not speaking English adequately could make people “more susceptible” to the

recruitment messages of groups like Daesh. Role model Mrs Nasir, now 63, who is on the Muslim Women Power List, turned around a failing school of Plashet in East Ham, London and impressed Ofsted so much that it was listed as one of the 12 most outstanding schools in Britain, in a national report ‘Excelling Against the Odds.’ She was one of Tony Blair’s special Muslim advisors following the 7/7 London bombings, and was approached by the Government for her expertise in education and cohesion. Now retired, but still active in education, the busy grandmother has told Asian Sunday that she wants to send out a message to women everywhere: to embrace your home language and learn all you can. Mrs Nasir says she was shocked and saddened to hear the Prime Minster’s claims and the fact that he singled out Muslim women in particular. She said: “I think there is certainly a need for women from all backgrounds to learn English. When I was on maternity leave in the 1980s, I helped with home teaching for women, and yes there is a need. It can improve life for the better.

“People do need to learn English but I am angry at the links David Cameron made to radicalisation, deportation and how he targeted Muslim women. “What about all the others who cannot speak English? There are Hindus, Sikhs, Eastern Europeans, plus many more. He should not have singled out one group – that is wrong. “The sadness I feel is because he has picked on the one group which seems to be under particular attack in the media at the moment, for all kinds of reasons. “I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and the impact of that has been quite negative.” She said after hearing the Prime Minister’s announcement about funding for English lessons, she had welcomed publicity surrounding a simple letter sent by an eight-year-old girl Sadiya Rahman, who was terrified that she and her younger brother would lose their mum, after hearing her parents discuss the new enforced law on immigrants. David Cameron had also hinted at the ‘learn or leave’ clause which suggests that a foreign spouse who fails to learn a certain level of English after a specified time limit may face deportation. This test could be in addition to the existing

“People do need to learn English but I am angry at the links David Cameron made to radicalisation, deportation and how he targeted Muslim women. What about all the others who cannot speak English? There are Hindus, Sikhs, Eastern Europeans, plus many more. He should not have singled out one group – that is wrong.” Mrs Nasir

Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

COVER STORY English language requirements and Life in the UK test for non-EU nationals, who come to the UK to join their British partners Mrs Nasir added: “I came from a village near Lahore in Pakistan when I was eight, only speaking Urdu. Soon I learned English, then went on to learn French and Latin, which helped me with other languages. I would say to young Muslim or Asian women, and all women who speak English as a second language to embrace your first language and learn every language you can along the way.” “When I was head I was active in promoting language, and a home language is a great asset. There were 20 languages on the National Curriculum when I taught and when children are fluent in more than one language, it presents opportunities,” she said. It is claimed that the new English language classes and tests are aimed at helping women like the 38,000 Muslim females who said in the last census that they don’t speak English at all, and the 190,000 who said they speak it badly.

4.5 per cent of the total. In reality, more than 95 per cent of British Muslim women do speak English. Mrs Nasir recalled that after 37 years in education, since she started as a teacher in 1975 before retiring in 2012, that times had changed, particularly for Muslim women. Mrs Nasir, who is former President of the Muslim Teachers Association, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working in education; in fact I still am, even in retirement, through support work in five schools.” She shrugs off any praise when I mention that she is on the inaugural Muslim Women Power List of 2009 and ask what advice she would give to women: “I am very blessed,” she says. “It is important to be busy and active and embrace having more than one language.

In the 2011 census, 846,000 UK women identified as Muslim, meaning the 38,000 who said they spoke no English represent just

“My success can be attributed to the many positive role models who developed my self-confidence, self-belief and discipline. I hope that I have been a positive role model, helped to change young peoples’ lives, change expectations and counter stereotypes, thus enriching our profession.” In 1993, Bushra Nasir became headteacher of Plashet School, in East Ham, London. In 2003, she was awarded a CBE for her services to education and in 2005 won the ‘Asian Professional Woman of the Year’ award. In 2006, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of East London for her services to education and in 2007 she received a Fellowship from Queen Mary College London. She was awarded The Times Educational Supplement’s Headteacher of the Year in 2012.

Rizwana Mahmood, is head teacher at Carlton Junior and Infant School in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, and echoed Bushra Nasir’s words. Originally from Bradford, she was a finalist in the recent Head Teacher of the Year by the National Centre for Diversity and noted by OFSTED 2015 as ‘inspirational’ after just two years in the job, transforming her school. Equality and inclusion are absolutely central to the school’s ethos. She said: “Firstly, there isn’t a link between religion and language although I welcome his funding proposal to improve language, as it is much needed certainly for the type of communities most inner city schools serve - I feel for any individual migrating to any part of the world away from their native land, it is imperative that they make the effort to learn the language of the country they migrate into. “It is more about broadening horizons as well as being able to access important information. Furthermore, learning the English language will enable them to actively participate in British life. She said that Mr Cameron should think about widening his proposal to other communities. “Those who have gone to Syria from our localities are generally English speaking, educated people. I believe that some of these individuals have gaps in their lives and have slipped through the net. These people and the organisations are providing them with a sense of belonging. More work needs to be done in partnership with parents and supplementary agencies and we need to look closely at character traits associated with radicalisation,” she said.

Rizwana Mahmood, head of Carlton J&I School, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

NEWS

Lawyer found of conspiracy to traffic persons into the UK for the purpose of exploitation unlawful immigration and doing acts tending to pervert the course of justice and was jailed on Friday for a total of five and a half years. The forty year old failed previously failed to attend Leeds Crown Court for sentence and a warrant is already out for her arrest.

Ringleader Nisa Ul Haq sentenced in her absence after she fled bail Legal executive Nisa Ul Haq, was convicted by a jury last year of conspiracy to traffic people into the UK for exploitation, assisting

Two other people have also been given jail sentences, for their part in a trafficking operation which brought Pakistani clothing workers to Huddersfield only to exploit them. Sentencing her sister Hajrah Safraz and her sister’s husband Mohmmed Safraz, Judge Guy Kearl QC said he was satisfied Ul Haq

was at the centre of the operation and they played a lesser role but all were motivated by greed. Workers who wanted to come to the UK were persuaded with the promise of well paid jobs at a tailors, many selling everything they had to pay arrangement fees to Ul Haq only to find they got a fraction of what they were promised when they got to Yorkshire. Hajrah Safraz, 38, a mother of five, of Victoria Road, Lockwood, was jailed for three and a half years and her husband Mohammed, 36, for three years. Both were convicted by the jury of conspiracy to traffic people into the UK.

The jury heard applications were made for a total of 26 tailors with salaries between £15,000 and £19,000, not all were granted but a number of workers who did arrive “were paid only a fraction of that promised or were forced to repay the wages paid.” Judge Kearl said he was satisfied Hajrah was her sister’s “eyes and ears” at Ezaah Tailorz in Lockwood, ensuring the directions of Ul Haq were followed. She attended meetings when the exploitation took place and the workers were informed about increased taxes they were to pay. He accepted her husband was further still down the “supervisory

chain.” He had taken into account the effect on the children of both parents being jailed but said neither had shown remorse. Mohammed Javed Iqbal, 58, of George Avenue, Birkby, was found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice after he approached a witness about to give evidence at a previous trial leading to its collapse. He was given six months in prison suspended for two years. He appeared in court in a wheelchair and Judge Kearl said he was taking an exceptional course because of his unique medical circumstances.

The boss of a bed-making firm has been found guilty of human trafficking. The firm supplied companies including Next Plc, the John Lewis Partnership and Dunelm Mill.

Kozee Sleeps boss Mohammed Rafiq Mohammed Rafiq was found guilty of conspiracy to commission a breach of UK immigration law. He employed large numbers of Hungarian men as a “slave workforce” at the now defunct Kozee Sleep in Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. Sentencing is due to take place on 12 February. Leeds Crown Court heard how staff at Kozee Sleep were paid as little as £10 a day. Rafiq, 60 of Thorncliffe Road in Staincliffe, used to run Kozee Sleep from an industrial estate in Ravensthorpe.

Prosecutor Christopher Tehrani QC told the court that ethical audits by leading high street retailers had failed to spot what was going on. Rafiq’s conviction follows that of Hungarian men Ferenc Illes and Janos Orsos, who were jailed last year after being found guilty of supplying Kozee Sleep with slave labour. The traffickers’ victims survived on scraps of food, with up to 42 men living in a two-bedroom house, Rafiq’s trial heard. An investigation was launched into Kozee Sleep and its Batley-based subsidiary Layzee Sleep after Orsos and Illes were arrested. At the beginning of the trial in October, Mr Tehrani told the court Rafiq knew Orsos’s organisation would source him “cheap slave labour to work at Kozee Sleep and Layzee Sleep factories”.

Two of Rafiq’s employees, Mohammed Patel and Mohammed Dadhiwala, also stood trial accused of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate travel within the UK for exploitation. However, on 15 December the case against the pair collapsed and the trial continued with the same jury, with only Rafiq as a defendant. The court heard how the trafficked men were promised good wages, housing and food in the UK, but once in West Yorkshire found themselves living in shared, cramped and squalid accommodation with many others. They were made to work for long hours, from 10 to 16 hours per day, five to seven days per week. The jury was told how one man, Robert Bodo, travelled to Batley from Hungary in January 2010 and was taken to live in a town property called Gothic House, where 40 to 50 people were living and he shared a room with three others. Mr Tehrani said inspectors found the house was in “a horrendous state”.

Mr Bodo was at Kozee Sleep for threeand-a-half years, where he worked a minimum of 60 hours a week or had to do extra work somewhere else. Det Ch Insp Warren Stevenson, of West Yorkshire Police’s human trafficking unit, said: “Clearly we welcome the conviction of Mohammed Rafiq. “A great deal of time and effort has been invested by police and partners in mounting this prosecution and in securing today’s outcome in court. “I hope this conviction demonstrates to victims of human trafficking that the police and authorities will act on their behalf and are prepared to support victims throughout the legal process to secure justice for them.” The Independent AntiSlavery Commissioner (IASC) said it would

KozeeSleeps

become “more and more difficult for traffickers to operate” and there will be “many more” of this type of conviction to come, since new antislavery legislation was introduced in July. Under the new laws, businesses with a turnover of £36 million, such as Next Plc and John Lewis Partnership, must publically state what measures they are taking to eradicate slavery from their supply chains.

Wan ted: Goo d co o A k p s p cook . l y s@a n ow sian su nda

y.co .u

The Desi Kitchenâ€Ś coming to a screen soon.

Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

NEWS

Two brothers accused of murdering their mother appear in Court

Businessman sentenced to life in prison after he killed a security guard by ramming his SUV into him A court in India has sentenced a businessman to life in prison after he rammed his SUV into a security guard because he felt he was too slow opening a gate. Muhammad Nisham, 39, was convicted of murder over the incident in which the guard was pinned against a wall by the Hummer at an apartment complex in the southern state of Kerala.

Two brothers accused of murdering their mother appeared at Leicester Crown Court last week.

No pleas were entered by any of the defendants, who are all from Holmfield Avenue.

Mumtaz Member, 56, was found in a house in Holmfield Avenue, Stoneygate, on the morning of Saturday December 12.

Alan Murphy, prosecuting, said that further lines of inquiry were still underway.

Her two sons, Mohammed Member, 25, and Shafiq Member, 29, are charged with her murder. Shafiq Member’s partner, Fatima Patel, 27, is also jointly charged with murder. The family, is well known within the Leicester business community due to their bathroom and kitchen equipment business.

Nisham was given life sentence for the murder, 24 years in jail for other offences and also fined 8million rupees (£83,000), half of which he must donate to the victim’s family.

in hospital. Prosecutors told the court that Nisham pursued the guard into the complex in his Hummer and squeezed him against a wall before getting out and beating him with an iron rod. Nisham faces a separate criminal case for allowing his nine-year-old son to drive a Ferrari in 2013, footage of which the businessman uploaded to YouTube.

Judge Nicholas Dean QC adjourned the case for a plea and trial management hearing in April. A three week trial date is yet to be fixed. “The sooner this case is tried the better,” said Judge Dean. He remanded both brothers back into custody and released Patel on bail.

The guard, named as Chandarabose, 50, was left with multiple injuries in the assault in January last year and died after suffering a cardiac arrest

Nisham jailed for murder

Nisham made his fortune from beedis, the hugely popular hand-rolled Indian cigarettes. He also owns hotel and jewellery businesses in the Middle East.

Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

NEWS

Men jailed for smuggling fruit flavoured tobacco from Dubai Two Manchester men have been jailed for smuggling over 2.5 tons of tobacco into the UK in a £450,000 tax fraud.

He was sentenced alongside his accomplice, Ahmed Al-Salaima, aged 33, who owned Snipz hairdressers in Withington.

Mohammed Kattany, aged 37, who was the director of Unique Hairdressers in Bramhall, Manchester hid smuggled fruitflavoured tobacco in freight imports from Dubai, postal parcels, and his own luggage.

The pair were arrested in July 2013, after they were linked by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigators to several seizures of illegal tobacco at the Port of Felixstowe, Heathrow airport and Manchester airport by UK Border Force (BF).

The smuggling attempts were all traced back to companies or addresses associated with the men. Sandra Smith, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said, “These determined smugglers used flimsy excuses to blame others for the hidden tobacco but all the evidence led directly to them. “Nearly three tons of illegal

tobacco were intercepted before making it to the streets of Manchester thanks to the joint work of HMRC and BF. This was a serious attempt to steal hundreds of thousands of pounds from the public purse and undermine local businesses. “We urge anyone with information about the trade in smuggled goods to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.

“If you’re ever offered cheap or dodgy-looking cigarettes or tobacco, call us – don’t let the crooks get away with this type of fraud.” Kattany and Al-Salaima were each jailed for two years at Manchester Crown Court for tax evasion on the tobacco products.

East London restaurant, owners that poisoned 32 people receive indefinite ban A catering couple found guilty of giving 32 people food poisoning at a community event have been banned from running a food business indefinitely. Kamran Memon, 44, and his wife Farhana, 49, owners of East London restaurant in Plaistow, Karachi Karahi, were also ordered to carry out 150 hours

of community service following a recent trial according to the Newham Recorder The pair, of Windermere Gardens, Ilford, were found guilty of supplying unsafe food – thought to be the popular Indian dish chicken biryani – when catering for a Sindhi Association of Europe (SAE) event in Chigwell, Essex, in August

2013.

have been all but eliminated.”

Four days later the SAE reported the poisonings to Newham Council who carried out an inspection and banned the restaurant’s owners from providing outside catering.

Judge Hammerton also ruled the death of a 39-year-old woman who had eaten at the event was not caused by the couple’s food.

But it wasn’t the first time they had been on the council’s radar. After an inspection in November 2012 the restaurant closed voluntarily for a deep clean. Again in July 2013 it was served with hygiene improvement notices. A fire in April of last year saw the restaurant close down. At Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, Judge Alastair Hammerton said: “You deliberately closed your eyes to the risks by poor food management and went on regardless. “Your failure to comply with the hygiene improvement notices amounted to recklessness. Had you complied I’m satisfied that the risks posed by serving inadequately warmed food would

After considering the analysis of experts, he said there was not sufficient evidence to prove her death came as a result of food poisoning.

“At the end of the day the lack of microbiological evidence means that I can’t be certain,” he said. “That the experts can’t produce an alternative explanation is not enough. I’m therefore not convinced that the necessary causal link is made out.” The couple was also ordered to pay £25,000 in court costs.

Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

NEWS

‘Prevent strategy is racist against Muslims’ claim campaigners by Alison Bellamy

year, and a couple of months later, died in an explosion.

this responsibility and how it should be carried out.

The Government’s Prevent strategy to detect terrorism in schools, has been labelled as ‘racist’.

His devastated family later spoke out against those who seemingly encouraged him to leave his family home, probably by social media on the internet, and travel to Syria.

“We continue to build on the good work taking place in schools and community groups which is strengthening the ties between communities and showing great results with schools working closely together and developing partnerships.”

Campaigners say the initiative has singled out the Muslim way of life, putting it under scrutiny.

He had given no sign of being groomed, brainwashed or any symptoms in the classroom or within his community. His town is now working hard to deter other youngsters from becoming caught up in extremism.

The chairman of the Birmingham Central Mosque has called for a boycott of the counter-terrorism programme, after claims it is unfairly targeting Muslims, including young schoolchildren. Councillor Muhammad Afzal has claimed the ‘disgraceful’ legislation was discriminatory against Muslims and called on Birmingham MPs to fight against it. He hit out during a recent meeting jointly organised with Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) in Highgate, Birmingham, attended by almost 100 people. Coun Afzal said: “It is ridiculous that the government is saying Muslims are becoming radicalised. David Cameron says 500 people have gone to Syria to become radicalised, but where is the evidence? And out of a population of three million Muslims in the UK, what kind of percentage is that? “The government wants to inspect madrassas, which is racist. Ofsted are losing their neutrality and what we’ll find is that madrassas will be closing down under this legislation,

which is totally ridiculous. “We should oppose this legislation. Everyone should sign the petition and make individual efforts to resist it and tell your local MP to support us.” Recent figures show that more than 400 children in the West Midlands have been referred through Prevent to the Channel de-radicalisation programme within the last four years, the highest number of referrals in the country. Of those referred, 126 were under the age of ten. Teacher and SUTR member Danny Rees claimed Prevent was adding to Islamophobia in schools and creating tension between teachers and students. Prevent has now been extended to include Ofsted inspections of out-ofschool education settings, including madrassas.

Mr Rees said: “It is not about farright extremism, it is about Muslims. The Prevent strategy stirs up the teachers by making them more fearful, making them view their students through a lens and as people who should be monitored. “Teachers are going about with crazy, ill-founded ideas of Islam in their heads and they instantly link a student’s discontent with religion. Students are already picking up animosity from their teachers.” He added: “Prevent is radicalising children. School is meant to be a place where you can say anything but students are reluctant to speak to teachers and teachers are reluctant to speak to each other for fear of being reported. “We need to allow open debate, we need to give people the courage to step up and talk about it and allow children their right to practice their religion.” The NUT guidelines state that the Prevent Strategy document defines extremism as ‘vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.’ Meanwhile, in West Yorkshire, lots of anti-radicalisation work is going on, following a Dewsbury teenager becoming the youngest ever suicide bomber.

Cllr Muhammed Afzal

Talha Asmal, 17, from Savile Town, went off to Syria with his pal last

He was ‘one of the lads’ and seemed to be a happy, hard working ‘normal’ teen. It has been claimed that the Prevent strategy would not have spotted any signs in him. A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “Prevent in Kirklees is part of our safeguarding responsibilities and we obviously urge schools to take these seriously. “The training we carry out with schools and the messages we give are all around safeguarding, and while we receive some government funding for part of this work, it is a key part of our responsibilities and those of staff in schools. “By law schools have a duty to report anything that they think is of concern, and part of our training deals with

The new world of social media, including Facebook, Twitter and other websites, means that a simple message can reach vulnerable youngsters within seconds and intense on-line relationships develop, easier than ever before. It is almost impossible to filter or check a young person’s computer usage. If you stop their internet connection, they cannot do their homework properly, and if you take their phone away, they cannot be contacted or call you if needed, so what is the answer? I think this is what the politicians are trying to work out. We will have to wait and see if the ‘Prevent’ initiative is working, or just increasing the workload for teachers. Maybe the ‘groomed’ youngsters are being groomed not to give any signs at all, which is what I suspect is happening.

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Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

HEALTH

‘It’s a case of too many cooks can spoil the broth for elderly people with dementia’ by Alison Bellamy It is commonly referred to as ‘losing your marbles’ but when dementia strikes, it can have a devastating impact, not just on the older person affected, but on the family as a whole.

Dementia is a set of symptoms which affect a person’s thinking and short term memory. There are two main types: Alzheimer’s disease, for which medication can be given and vascular, for which there is no medication to aid it. Vascular can be sometimes caused by an impaired supply of blood to

the brain, or due to a series of small strokes. Overall, dementia generally affects people over 65, but some as young as 50, have been diagnosed. Support is available to help people live well and comfortably and to adjust to their way of life, which

usually has to be altered. Ripaljeet Kaur, is a specialist in dementia for black and minority ethnic (BME) older people, at the Touchstone Centre, in Harehills, Leeds, West Yorkshire. Touchstone offers many different kinds of support and works to

provide mental health and wellbeing services to more than 2,000 people a year. It encourages people to grow confidence and capacity to demand the services and positive experiences they are entitled to. Ripaljeet said: “Having a traditional extended Asian family with lots of relatives is often a blessing, but can

Typical symptoms of Alzheimer’s include: • Regularly forgetting recent events, names and faces. • Becoming increasingly repetitive. • Regularly misplacing items or putting them in odd places. • Confusion about the time of day. • Disorientation, especially away from your normal surroundings. • Getting lost. • Problems finding the right words. • Mood or behaviour problems such as apathy, irritability, or losing confidence. The Touchstone Centre arts session for people with dementia

Symptoms of vascular dementia • Becoming slower in thinking. • Personality changes including depression and apathy (becoming disinterested in things). • Becoming more emotional. • Difficulty walking or changes in the way a person walks. • Frequent urge to urinate or other bladder symptoms. This can be common in older age, but can be a feature of vascular dementia when seen with other symptoms.

Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia can get worse over time, but the speed of change varies from person to person.

Do you know a loved one that suffers from Dementia or Alzheimers?

Perhaps we can help.

Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

HEALTH Dementia case study The Khatoun family have agreed for Asian Sunday to feature their experience as a case study. Zubeida Khatoun, in her 70’s, was diagnosed with vascular dementia two years ago. She is now in the mid stages of dementia. She lives with her husband, Mohammed, who is her main carer. After diagnosis, the couple struggled to cope with the illness, as the condition progressed quite quickly. Mr Khatoun had no understanding about the condition and how to deal with behavioural symptoms. He felt that there was stigma attached, as they had stopped going to their regular groups. He was quite reluctant to seek help from outsiders due to worrying that might not find culturally appropriate services. He also thought that a person with dementia was someone possessed. This fear was increased when wife would often talk to herself and mention blood. The family were given extra support and provided one to one chats in their mother tongue about dementia and given written information. They were told that dementia is common within ethnic communities, and given a few anonymous examples from their local community. This helped as they realised that it was not just them. It was also explained to them the benefits for both of them to attend the activities and groups available to offer support. They were matched with activities which would suit them and make them feel comfortable.

sometimes ironically make life difficult for both the person with dementia and the health care team involved. “It can be a case of ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’ as everyone wants a say in what is happening or the best course of treatment. “It can cause unease and rows within the family, which is not good for anyone. “Quite often, difficult decisions have to be made, sometimes quickly or immediately and the primary carer won’t agree with secondary carer or others, so it can become tense. “There may not be time to consult all family members who often like to debate and maybe argue over things, especially if they live some distance away.” There is often a stigma of being too ashamed to ask for help and not wanting to embarrass the family by having a relative with such a debilitating illness.

“It can certainly be a stigma having an elderly relative with dementia,” says Ripaljeet. “I have known of some cases where people believe dementia is a sort of black magic curse and can be treated as if it is a mental illness by some, especially if people start to get hallucinations or begin acting in an unusual manner. It can be frightening for carers. But help is available.” Touchstone is running a monthly dementia cafe called ‘Hamari Yaadian’ cafe which means ‘Our Memories’ in Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi. It welcomes those with dementia and carers to attend and share experiences. Ripaljeet added: “It is a time for those with dementia and their carers to get together and share what they are going through. It can offer support at a difficult time.” The West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds, is running dementia friendly performances on stage, which are proving popular.

The Khatoun were told about effects dementia would have on other people’s behaviour towards them, as quite often people do not know anything about it. While talking about her past, it came out that Mrs Khatoun had witnessed her father’s fatal accident when she was eight-years-old. She was very close to her dad and would mention him a lot. It was explained that it could be that her early memories coming back. After support was put in place, the couple had a much better understanding of dementia and how to cope with her change of behaviour. They now attend the ‘Hamari Yaadain’ café regularly. Mr Khatoun has started attending another group while a suitable female sitter, from their cultural background and speaks their language, spends time with his wife. There is now a much better relationship between the pair. Overall, they have more confidence and have reduced their social isolation. *Names have been changed.

• Sova Healthcare specialise in offering Dementia and To find out more contact us now and discover the difference we Alzheimer’s Care can make to your life. • Our healthcare programmes are designed with the client Sova Healthcare Sova Healthcare Sova Healthcare in mind. Leicester Bradford Birmingham • We are able to accommodate special requirements and Tel: 0116 2709807 Tel: 01274 309543 Tel: 0121 537 4645 personal needs that other care providers perhaps cannot. Email: enquiries@sovahealthcare.co.uk

Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

AWARDS

Role of British Muslims celebrated as winners announced for 4th Annual British Muslim Awards Birmingham rolled out the red carpet on Thursday 28 January, for the fourth annual British Muslim Awards. The evening, which was presented by Al Rayan Bank and held at Birmingham’s Holiday Inn, located in the city centre was one of celebration, recognising a wide range of achievements which cover various aspects of society including business, charity, sport, arts and culture and much more.

Commenting on the event, Sultan Choudhury Chief Executive Officer, Al Rayan Bank, said, “Al Rayan Bank is proud to once again support the British Muslim Awards. The awards are a highlight of the year and provide a great opportunity to showcase the impressive contribution that Muslims make throughout the United Kingdom. As the country’s only wholly Sharia compliant retail bank, we congratulate the winners and nominees; they epitomise the

vibrant, creative, progressive and dynamic group that is the British Muslim community.” The evening was hosted by presenter Inayat Kanji and was a celebration of success, with around 400 guests who enjoyed reflecting upon the significant role of Britain’s Muslims in society. Yasmin Mahmood, Director of event organisers Oceanic Consulting commented “It was truly an inspirational evening and

we are humbled and honoured to be able to recognise and reward the achievements of the many inspirational individuals and business that participated. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners.” As well as recognising the achievements of British Muslims at the forefront of their industries the event raised around £3000 for the charity partner, National Zakat Foundation.

There were twenty-two awards presented on the evening and the winners are: The winner of Muslim in the Community is Haseena Lockhat (Mosaic Network, Birmingham). The winner Arts & Culture Awareness is Raanaz Shahid (Artist, Derby). The winner of the Charity of the Year is Islamic Help (Birmingham). The winner of Politician of the Year is Sadiq Khan MP (London). The winner of Services to Creativity & Technology is Tahir Mirza (Muslim Lifestyle Expo, Birmingham). The winner of Services to Finance and Accounts is Ashraf Piranie (Nottingham Building Society, Leicester). The winner of Services to Media is Noreen Khan (BBC Asian Network, Birmingham). The winner of Services of Science & Engineering is Professor Nazneen Rahman (Institute of Cancer

Research, London). The winner of Services to Law is Naila Akhter (Platt Halpern Solicitors, Manchester). The winner of Services to Education is Farhat Choudry (The Olive Tree Primary School, Bolton). The winner of Noor Inayat Khan Memorial Award for Muslim Woman of the Year is Dilara Khan (British Bangladeshi Chamber of Woman Entrepreneurs, London). The winner of Dr. Abbas Khan Memorial Award for Services to Medicine is Zafar Iqbal (Crsytal Palace Football Club, London). The winner of Best at Sports is Shayan Siraj (Table Tennis England, Leeds). The winner of Religious Advocate of the Year is Dr AliReza Bhojani (Al-Mahdi Institute, Birmingham).

The winner of the Spirit of Britain is Javed Khan (Barnardo’s, London). The winner of Services to Civil/Third Sector is Shahida Khan (Middlesbrough Council, Middlesbrough). The winner of the Young Achiever of the Year is Shamim Miah (UK Youth Parliament, Leeds). The winner of the Businesswoman of the Year is Farzana Baduel (Curzon PR). The winner of the Businessman of the Year is Tariq Sheikh (Tariq Halal Meats, London). The winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year is Yasmin Choudhury (Lovedesh, London). The winner of the Business of the Year is Kashmir Crown Bakeries (Bradford). The winner of the Outstanding Business of the Year is Seamark (Manchester).

Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

AWARDS

Charity of the Year

Muslim in the Commun ity

Arts and Culture Awareness

Services to Creativity and Technology

Dr Abbas Khan Memoria Award for Services to Meldic ine

Young Achiever of the Year

Politician of the Year

Services to Education

Best at Sport

Businessman of the Year

Services to Media

Religious Advocate of the Year

Entrepreneur of the Year

Services to Law

Spirit of Britain

Business of the Year

Noor Inayat Khan Memorial Award for Muslim Woman of the Year

Services to Civil-Third Secto

Outstanding Business of the Year

Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

DR Fa Raaz

LET’S TALK with

OPINION

I am fairly excited to be presenting my second article in a health series for the Asian Sunday. The idea is to explore topics, start a conversation and touch on real life issues that affect us all. This article is not designed to take the place of medical advice and if you do have any medical concerns then you should, as always seek advice from your doctor.

Let’s talk about water. It covers a sizeable proportion of the Earth’s surface, comes down in the form of rain and snow, and makes up a large part of our cells – but do we drink it properly? A fascinating 70 per cent plus of our body is made up of water. Good hydration allows us at a cellular level to function maximally. Without getting bogged down in specifics, simple things like nutrient absorption are increased with better hydration. Whether this applies to yourself, your family or your kids – what are you drinking at meal times and in between? A key part of a balanced diet includes healthy drinking. This means that soft drinks, full of sugar and high in calories may not be the best thing for your health, right? We are fortunate that we have access to water – which is cheap, freely available to everybody and has no calories or sugar. It’s healthy! I am not going to prescribe you a water-drinking regime, but what I will say is that the amount you do drink may vary and it depends on your own individual health and lifestyle. So we may be drinking too little, too much or just incorrectly. A family member and fitness professional, Sahir Hussain, was recently talking to me on the importance of drinking water. We explored drinking habits, and how sometimes just to say we have drunk enough we may cram all of our water intake into one time of the day. Is this the right thing to do? And have you ever found yourself doing this? I will be the first to put my hand up and say that I need to do a lot more to ensure I myself drink plenty of water throughout the day. It is easy to become busy with work and reduce fluid intake to only when you have your lunch. Not good! Whatever literature you read, and whatever the “recommendation” may be – it is a guideline for you to live healthier and happier. Whether you read that you should consume 8 glasses of water a day, or 2.5 litres a day – the exact amount isn’t set in stone and either way this should be used in conjunction with your

lifestyle. What I mean is that if you are running cross country, playing a football match or exerting your energy in any other way, does this same recommendation apply? Clearly not.

Breakfast – breaking your fast: so when you wake up in the morning how much water do you drink, if any? Sahir, pointed out something that made me think. A healthy sleep may be eight hours long, so that is eight hours of no hydration, where we fast and deprive ourselves of any nutrients or water. We may then wake up and dig into our fridge looking for something healthy to eat – and take for granted the importance that water will have as part of our healthy and balanced diet. Perhaps we should reach for that glass of water first thing, along with whatever else we are going to consume.

I touched on soft drinks earlier, and I think that it’s important to re-emphasise this message. Soft drinks are not an appropriate alternative to water. They may be fizzy, sugary and have a high number of calories – all of which are not good for your teeth, or your internal health. This is not to say that soft drinks should be banned altogether, but they should be drunk with caution and not as a replacement for the clear correct option, water. So I’ve spoken about the importance of water and generated some talking points. I hope that I have given you some questions to ask yourselves – and explore the issue of waterdrinking as part of your daily routine. I must add that too much water is also bad for you, so don’t go away and drink 10 litres of water with the thinking that it will be good for your health. As I mentioned in my first article in this series, one person’s medicine may be another’s poison – the same holds true for water. Drinking too little, or too much is person-specific and should be tailored to your needs, medical history and lifestyle. So, any thoughts on how we can improve our habits? Our future generations depend on what we do and what we teach today – so how can we change thinking on this topic? We have so much water available, perhaps we should start by introducing it more readily to where we spend the most time. For example, which room do you spend most of your day in? Perhaps have a jug of water available in your living room if you need a drink is the way to go. You

will be amazed that if it is there, you will probably drink more than you would have if you had to walk down two flights of stairs to get it! If you have any health concerns or queries, then you should discuss these with your doctor. Remember, the above is not a prescription, but food (or water) for thought! There are some health conditions where water intake has to be restricted and this should be discussed with your GP. You can follow my Twitter feed on @Faraaz_Bhatti and let’s talk about important health issues. If you would like me to discuss any specific issue or get a conversation going, then feel free to let me know. However, for any medical queries or concerns, see your doctor.

Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

PROPERTY

Top tips for avoiding property refurbishment pitfalls Renovating a home can be a tricky business. Whether you’re looking to modernise a whole property or you simply want to update a single room, there are a number of potential pitfalls to be aware of when embarking upon a property refurbishment. Jon Over, Owner and Managing Director at Goldstone Homes, provides his top tips for successfully planning your home makeover. Don’t end up on the listed blacklist: before starting any work, check to make sure your property isn’t listed as a building of special architectural or historic interest. You can find out if your building

falls into this category by consulting the National Heritage database. If your home is a listed building, you will need to get listed-building consent before undertaking any work involving demolition or partial demolition, internal and external alterations or extensions. It is an offence to carry out any work on a listed building without the relevant consent so make sure you are certain about your property’s classification before you begin. Get the relevant planning permissions/check permitted development: The same goes for any relevant planning permissions or notifications required to refurbish or update a property. If

in doubt always check with the local authority. A good builder will be able to advise you accordingly and provide an outline of which permissions you will need to apply for if applicable. Hire a reputable company to carry out the work: make sure you do your research on the company undertaking any renovation and refurbishment work on your behalf before you instruct them. Be sure to get recommendations and references from their previous clients. If possible try to view examples of similar projects they have completed previously and do not be afraid to ask questions. Any legitimate tradesperson will

be happy to demonstrate they are reliable, trustworthy and can complete your project on time, within budget and to a high standard. Factor in a contingency budget: it’s always difficult to know precisely how much a project is going to cost you by the time it is completed so a contingency budget is essential for any refurbishment or renovation project. Use the estimate of potential costs from your builder as a benchmark allowing for a contingency of between 10% and 15% on top of the total amount. It’s a good idea to prepare your own budget for any other items and materials you may require.

Keep in close contact with your builder: make sure you are on hand throughout the project to answer any questions or queries the builders may have. Remember, your choices may not always be immediately apparent to those working on site. Make sure your requirements are clear from the outset and always update them with any changes you may make along the way as it may have a cost implication for you. Schedule regular meetings with the project manager and ensure you get daily updates on progress. Good builders will want to communicate with you so that you are delighted with the end result.

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ASIAN SUNDAY

OPINION

Lessons in life and how to prevent strife by Alison Bellamy Being a mum is the best but also the hardest job I have ever done. It’s a full time, 24 hours a day, position of responsibility that you simply cannot imagine or fully explain … until it happens to you. Yes, there is the running around after everyone, making sure the little people in the family are washed, dressed and fed before they leave the house. May I add to that list, that their long hair has to be brushed and plaited, but I am hoping it can soon be done by themselves. Once they are safely handed over to the relevant school or nursery staff, only then can I breathe a sigh of relief as peace beckons and I can go to work and reach my deadlines.

So the thought of my daughters being investigated for a spelling mistake and then extremism, the subsequent questioning and officialdom, fills me with terror, never mind the idea of her being a potential mini terrorist.

In our primary schools we expect the teachers to work hard to encourage the children they teach, to expand their young minds and prepare them for the tough exams to come, which will undoubtedly help determine their chosen career. I know of one five-year-old girl, whose ambitious parents have already earmarked her to become an optician. It seems an early age for someone to decide that they actually want to study the intricacies of the retina, but I suppose it is never too early for a competitive streak to emerge, be it 15 years ahead of schedule. On a daily basis our educators use phonics and sound to teach our youngsters to read and write. And for me experiencing it first hand as a parent, it all seems like a different world from when I was at school in the 1970s and 80s. Even now, my seven-year-old comes home explaining what an adjective, noun and superlative are. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with the homework and the standards they are aspiring to. But I am

also grateful for what is an excellent overall education, despite the never ending treadmill of hard work for the staff. So, on hearing the news that a 10-year-old boy from Lancashire was investigated under the Government’s ‘Prevent’ measures, brought in to spot signs of terrorism or extremism, I was interested to find out what had happened. It seems that during a classroom task they had to write about an imaginary boy called ‘Cheeky Charlie’ and answer questions about him, covering his character, what he was like, and where he lived. So when the youngster said that he lived in a ‘terrorist’ house, meaning a terraced house, it was a case of ‘red alert’ for the class teacher and other staff. I think they already have enough to do without policing their pupils. A few of my close friends are teachers and I know the daily pressures they are under to reach targets and deadlines and there is always an Ofsted inspection looming. And then there is the never ending marking pile and weekends are mostly taken up with planning and at certain times, writing reports. I know they certainly earn their 13 weeks a year holidays, although the public generally seems to seize on this fact, as if they have an easy life. Holidays are almost always used to catch up on work.

word that he is convinced it is fact? Could it be ignored? If left unmentioned, the consequences further down the line could certainly mean discipline for the teacher or worse if there was found to be any crime committed. I don’t suppose the words ‘terraced house’, are used much by school children during an average day. I know I always listen carefully to everything the teacher has to say at parents’ evenings and will later dissect every comment, generally feeling happy and proud but there was that time when I heard, that one of my children sometimes stares into space and must pay more attention. I’m left wondering what I might have done to cause this. So the thought of my daughters being investigated for a spelling mistake and then extremism, the subsequent questioning and officialdom, fills me with terror, never mind the idea of her being a potential mini terrorist.

On top of everything else, there are the additional duties to look out for signs of extremism.

Our communities are being blighted by crime and the fear of crime. The Government has to be seen to be doing something, but I am not sure what the answer is or if the current approach is the right one.

Admittedly, the spelling mistake must have posed a dilemma in school. Was it a genuine error? Did he really live in such a house? Or has he overheard and seen so much reference on the daily news to this

It turns out that the young boy who lives in a ‘terrorist’ house was not a prime suspect for our counterterrorism police. But the stigma now attached to him and his family will be remembered for years to come.

ASIAN SUNDAY

Issue 15

Women in History – Who was she?

Remembering

Rani Lakshmi Bai Rani Lakshmi Bai often known as the India’s version of Joan of Arc was the queen of the princely state of Jhansi, which is located on the northern side of India. She was one of the most leading personalities of the first war of India’s independence that started in 1857. Rani Lakshmibai, was the epitome of bravery and courage, sounds like you’re reading about a female super hero right? Well for many she certainly was. She was born to a Maharashtrian family at Kashi (now Varanasi) in the year 1828. During her childhood, she was called by the name Manikarnika. Affectionately, her family members called her Manu. At a tender age of four, she lost her mother. As a result, the responsibility of raising her fell upon her father the King of Jhansi. As a member of India’s elite warrior caste, her father broke the usual convention of teaching his daughter her ‘homely’ duties and instead chose to teach his daughter to ride elephants, jump over fire-pits on horseback,

swordfight, shoot a crossbow, load a musket, read, and write. In the year 1842, she got married to the much older Maharaja of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao Niwalkar. On getting married, she was given the name Lakshmi Bai. Her wedding ceremony was held at the Ganesh temple, located in the old city of Jhansi. In the year 1851, she gave birth to a son. Unfortunately, the child did not survive more than four months. In the year 1853, Gangadhar Rao fell sick and became very weak, so just before he died the couple decided to adopt a child. To ensure that the British didn’t raise an issue over the adoption, Lakshmibai got the adoption witnessed by the local British representatives. During that period, Lord Dalhousie was the Governor General of British India. The adopted child was named Damodar Rao. As per the Hindu tradition, he was their legal heir. However, the British rulers refused to

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Women in History – Who was she?

accept him as the legal heir. As per the Doctrine of Lapse, Lord Dalhousie decided to seize the state of Jhansi. Rani Lakshmibai went to a

British lawyer and consulted him. Thereafter, she filed an appeal for the hearing of her case in London. But, her plea was rejected. The British authorities confiscated the state jewels and in addition to this an order was passed asking the Rani to leave Jhansi fort and move to the Rani Mahal in Jhansi. Laxmibai was firm about protecting the state of Jhansi and this became the focal point of Laxmibai’s uprising and hence became the brave Jhansi Ki Rani Rani Lakshmibai began to

strengthen her position. By seeking the support of others, she formed a volunteer army. The army not just consisted of the men folk, but the women were also actively involved. Women were also given military training to fight a battle. In the revolt, Rani Lakshmibai was accompanied by her generals. Although the exact details of the battle aren’t clear, but around the period between Sep-Oct 1857, Rani defended Jhansi from being invaded by the armies of the neighbouring rajas of Orchha and Datia. In January 1858, the British army headed towards Jhansi. The conflict went on for two weeks. Finally, the Britishers succeeded in the annexation of the city. However, Rani

Laksmi Bai managed to escape along with her son, in the guise of a man.

story became a beacon for the upcoming generations of freedom fighters.

She took refuge in Kalpi, where she met Tatya Tope, a great warrior. She died on 17 June, during the battle for Gwalior. It is believed that, when she was lying unconscious in the battle field, a Brahmin found her and brought her to an ashram, where she died. For her immense effort, she is referred to as the ‘Icon of the Indian Nationalist Movement’. Throughout the uprising, the aim of Rani was to secure the throne for her adopted son Damodar. Her

Lot’s of literature has been written on the life history of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. Heroic poems have been composed in her honour and so she has made it to this edition in celebration of our women in history.

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politics watch

Court of Appeal rules the bedroom tax unlawful and discriminatory. The bedroom tax has been declared unlawful by the court of appeal after two legal challenges: one by the family of a severely disabled teenager and the other by a rape victim whose police-installed panic room was subject to the charge. This has been a significant blow to The Department for Work and Pensions secretary, Iain Duncan Smith. The DWP said it would appeal the decision in the Supreme Court – the UK’s highest and final appellate court.

Family of a severely disabled teenager challenge Bedroom Tax

A DWP spokesman said the people found to have been discriminated

against were in receipt of discretionary housing payment – payment provided by councils to cancel out the effects of the “bedroom tax”. “We are pleased that the court found – once again – that we have complied with the Public Sector Equality Duty,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “We fundamentally disagree with the court’s ruling on the ECHR, which directly contradicts the High Court. We have already been granted permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.

“We know there will be people who need extra support. That is why we are giving local authorities over £870m in extra funding over the next five years to help ensure people in difficult situations like these don’t lose out.” However, campaigners welcomed the ruling and called on the government to change the rules to protect women who need special sanctuary schemes, and to give disabled children the same rights as disabled adults.

Tom London @TomLondon6 Appealing against #bedroomtax ruling this week is cruel and stupid MSM failing to hold IDS to account Sad and disgraceful

Maeve Sherlock @MaeveSherlock Lords wins on child poverty & ESA + concessions for carers, kinship carers; adopters & hostels. And govt loses #bedroomtax case. A good week

Gillian Anderson @WellyTopping As a UK taxpayer I’d prefer to know that families like the Rutherfords are cared for than for my tax to be spent fighting them! #bedroomtax

Paul Bernal @PaulbernalUK Losing in the courts over the #BedroomTax, losing in the Lords over the #WelfareBill. Bad day for the government. Good day for humanity.

‘Bunch of Migrants’ row Prime Minister David Cameron has been under fire again. This time for apparently trying to deflect attention from Google tax row with ‘bunch of migrants’ remark.

of migrants in Calais; they said they could all come to Britain. The only people they never stand up for are the British people and hardworking taxpayers.”

It all started when Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn pressed David Cameron over the tax settlement with Google, asking him to dispute the figure of a 3 per cent tax rate for the company in the UK.

His words provoked an instant reaction, with some MPs shouting “bunch of migrants?” in apparent shock.

Following attack over the government’s record, Mr Cameron turned on Mr Corbyn and the shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and said: “Look at their record over the last week,” he told MPs. “They met the unions and they gave them flying pickets. They met the Argentinians; they gave them the Falkland Islands. They met a bunch

After the exchange, the Labour MP Yvette Cooper protested to the Speaker, John Bercow, about the Prime Minister’s choice of words. She called for Mr Cameron to “withdraw that language and use much more statesmanlike language about the need to build a cross-party consensus on such a complex and sensitive issue.” Whilst many argue that this

was scripted in order to deflect attention from the Google tax row,

some say it was said in error. What do you think?

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BUSINESS

Lycamobile faces Britain is possible £9.5m bill in ranked as one unpaid tax scandal of the world’s least corrupt countries lycamobile advertising campaign According to reports Lycamobile has become embroiled in £9.5m unpaid tax scandal. An investigation by the Guardian newspaper looked at filings from Companies House which showed that the MVNO failed to publish its accounts for the last year, missing the deadline by two months.

MVNO, which is believed to be in talks with HM Revenue & Customs over a tax bill of £9.5m.

Companies House followed this with two warning letters to the

The news marks the second time that the mobile brand has fallen under media scrutiny. A BuzzFeed

The next stage of the process would see the company listed for late filing, this could eventually lead to Lycamobile being struck off the register of UK businesses.

investigation last year alleged the telecoms group deployed three men to drive around in unmarked people carriers depositing bags of money which could be as much as £1m each week. Claims that prompted the MVNO to consider legal action against the website. Asian Sunday was unable to get a response from Lycamobile at the time of going to print.

Tesco announces end to 24 hour trading in more than a dozen stores. Tesco bosses announced the end to 24 hour trading in 76 stores across the country. The decision comes as more customers choose online over visiting the shops. However, the giant said that impact on employees will be ‘minimal’ as stores will resume night-time roles like re-stocking. Tesco retail director

Tony Hoggett said: ‘It makes much more sense for colleagues at those stores to focus on replenishing the shelves instead and making sure they’re fully stocked when they open their doors at 6am.’ Among the casualties will be stores in Leicester, Coventry Walsgrave and Halifax Aachen Way Superstore For a full list of stores visit www. tesco.co.uk

Britain is one of the least corrupt countries in the world, with UK public officials seen as some of the most honest anywhere, according to a comprehensive new report.

The 10 least corrupt: 1.

Denmark

Finland

Sweden

The UK ranks in the top 10 nations for officials seen as least likely to take a backhander, watchdog Transparency International has said, in its annual global review of corruption.

New Zealand

Netherlands

Norway

Switzerland

This is four places above Britain’s position last year, and marks the first time the country has entered the top 10 in eight years, having been as low as 20th in 2010.

Singapore

Canada

Britain’s higher ranking was attributed by the watchdog’s director Robert Barrington to “good rhetoric” from the government on fighting corruption, though he added that stopping the UK from being used to launder money, cleaning up politics and improving government openness were all areas which needed work.

The 10 most corrupt:

Transparency International, a global charity with over 100 national chapters, ranked 168 countries’ corruption in the public sector on a scale of 0 to 100, with lower scores reflecting levels of corruption and higher scores being seen as very clean. It canvasses experts views’ of graft among state employees.

10. Germany, Luxembourg and UK (tied)

North Korea and Somalia (tied)

Afghanistan

Sudan

Angola and South Sudan (tied)

Iraq and Libya (tied)

Haiti, Guinea-Bissau and Venezuela (tied)

Eritrea, Syria, Turkmenistan and Yemen (tied)

Uzbekistan

Burundi, Cambodia and Zimbabwe (tied)

10. Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar (tied)

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Feature

Are You Stressed at Work? by Ayesha Babar Let’s face it, sometimes hearing your manager day in, day out can get extremely tiring and it can drive you off the edge. That’s completely normal. Some days you’re just not feeling your best, or don’t feel like taking orders. These are days that every person, employed in an organisation, goes through. However, it is the normalcy of these events that stops us from reading telling signs of the fact that the accumulation of these negative emotions might lead to something more serious. These signs vary in individuals of different ages, genders, position in the company, and, quite simply, from one person to the other. Identifying your own signs can be a blessing for your future self, one that will enjoy more peace of mind.

Workplace stress

Biologically, our brains cannot differentiate between an angry mother-in-law and an approaching lion (but then again they’re quite similar in some cases), and our bodies will react the same in both situations: elevated heartbeat, shortness of breath and the fight-or-flight phenomena kicks in (it’s safer to fight the lion off, just saying). So how can we mere mortals, a) identify our stress triggers, and b) deal with them before they escalate?

Snacking on nuts

It’s not as hard as we make

every other thing in our life. De-stressing yourself is a lot easier than stressing yourself out and worrying. Firstly, step away from the screen, the desk, and the paperwork, for at least ten minutes. Uninterrupted use of screens has been linked to depression, loss of sleep, and stress. Whether it is to go and grab a cup of coffee for yourself, or just walk out of the building and walk back in, make sure you take time to step away from the flat-screen menace. If you are pressed for time, then you can close your eyes and

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Feature visualise a perfect holiday, time with people you love, or doing something you love to do. These can bring you back to your core and get you started, again. Secondly, eat outside, whenever you can. Rule of thumb: nature is your friend. Fresh air, bright colours, and moving stimuli, freshen your brain and allow your eyes to relax. Go by the 20-20 rule. Look at an object 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. The fresh air will revitalise you and get you get you going for the rest of the day. If there are days that you cannot go out for the whole of your lunch break, eat at your desk, and go out for a stroll. It could even be 3 minutes long. Third, every hour, take five minutes out, close your eyes, and breathe in. Hold your breath in. Breathe out. It keeps your circulation going. A snack wouldn’t be so bad. Not all stress eating has to be bad. A handful of nuts, kaala channa, or a fruit would not only take your mind off things for a while, it would also be an energy boost. Plus, it keeps those untimely hunger pangs away! (not saying a block of your favourite chocolate wouldn’t help, as long as it remains just that: a block). Green tea also helps keep you vitalised throughout the day. A flask of green tea at your desk could also lower your caffeine intake, if you’re looking to cut down.

Work office stress

Work stress burnout

Buying yourself a plant and keeping it at your desk is also a way to distract yourself from your workplace worries. Ideally, choose a plant that can survive with little sunlight. Yogis claim that plants are active and responsive listeners, and have healing powers. So go on, if nothing else, your desk might just look nice.

yourself, smile more often, stretch, loosen up, walk, hug yourself every now and then, appreciate others for their work so you can learn how to appreciate yourself, and love yourself. There’s only one you out

there, and the person who you are, should not lose out on life, just because things got a bit much at work. You’re above that, believe it, and believe in yourself. You wouldn’t be sitting at a desk if you didn’t deserve it. Hold that in your stride. Because

you are the best you, you can be at any given point. Who you are is because of what all you’ve had to go through. And you’ve had your fair share of stress. Deal with it before it gets too late. Nobody deserves it more than you.

Lastly, just try taking more care of yourself. Look nice, going into work, admit you’re looking nice, compliment

Minimal clutter around work desk and fresh plants can help de-stress

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BUSINESS

Up to £1, 000 tax free savings interest!!

I am one of those people that believes rarely does the government do something, which is good for the tax payer. Many people out there believe it’s take take and take, yet the government last year proposed that individuals can get up to £1, 000 tax free interest. So does this mean ISA’s are now redundant? It’s interesting this is the first year the government has not increased the ISA limit, and my view is that the ISA rate might not increase by much in years to come. From April 2016, or more precisely the new tax year individuals each will have £1, 000 tax free interest allowance if they are nil or basic rate tax payers, and £500 if they are higher rate tax payers. Those fortunate to earn over £150, 000, will not be as fortunate, and have a nil savings interest allowance.

Gone are the days when we need to worry about R85 forms. These will be made redundant and rightfully so, they were a pain for the person filling them in, and a pain for banks to administer, and many a time they are known to get lost. Now interest will be paid gross, so unless you earn more than £500/£1, 000 of interest you will now probably have to fill out a self assessment form. Coming from someone who has to fill one of these annually, these forms are a

Our columnist Mr Money Bags, who has decades of experience in finance, an MBA, an advanced diploma in financial planning and not to mention his super business skills each edition will give you, our lovely readers some valuable tips and advice on money and business matters. He is forthright and can sometimes be stern when it comes to your cash, but when it comes to finance he really is the expert. Read on for your business and finance advice.

pain. I always forget my login details, and have to get them reset on an annual basis. One point to remember is that this allowance is in addition to your personal tax allowance, which has increased dramatically since the Conservatives came into power. This is something we owe thanks to the coalition government, as it has meant more people on low incomes are no longer paying tax anymore. In terms of ISA’s what I would say is that the point of having an ISA is still important. This is because usually ISA accounts tend to have better interest rates. ISA money also grows year on year, and the government have said from April if you take money out of an ISA, then it does not matter. You can add funds at a later time, so I guess ISA’s are going to be like a piggy bank. The government has also introduced ISA’s where spouses can inherit the other persons ISA allowance on death.

Mr Money Bags

I guess my view is that now 95 per cent of people will no longer pay tax on modest savings. This is good news for those of us that have put money away for a rainy day, and due to the pittance we get in the form of interest rates (compared to a few years ago) now at least we can say we have 20 per cent more interest on our monies.

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TRAVEL

Mexico The Riviera Maya Playa del-carmen sheltered beaches for families

by Raheema Khan You know you love your job when you get the chance to review the beautiful Riviera Maya situated on a beautiful stretch of the Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula. Often when you are reviewing places, the description on the tourism website either doesn’t do the place justice or it if you get a great writer it can over exaggerate exactly how great the place is. With Riviera Maya, the description is just perfect. The place is described as a cluster of wonders, where some places can easily be enjoyed with the whole family and others allow

you to test your adventurous version. The beaches can be scenarios relaxing day of reading, as well as the more vibrant fishing expedition. To make matters worse, when visiting this region of the Mexican Caribbean we become guests of the culture, which will be felt in every bite and the exciting exploration of its archeology. Under the sea, equipped with tank and mask, over the waves on a boat, among the large leaves of the forest, or letting go with the gentle current of some underground river, the Riviera Maya will surprise you and surprised me it did. This place is really what you make of it. I would say the only down fall for me was I should have booked a two week break

Playa-del-carmen

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TRAVEL instead of a one week, as there really is so much to see. First stop was Playa Del Carmen. We stayed in a hotel called LabNah, which is located right off the famous Fifth Avenue. It’s a four star rated hotel and had great beeches and spa facilities. For those who enjoy lounging around on the beach and having massage treatments, then this is perfect relaxation for two days. I definitely recommend it.

Authentic Mexcian food at Taqueria El Fogon

Cancun’s Underwater Museum by British artist Jason Decaires Taylor

Underwater Museum

Whilst at Playa Del Carmen, we ate at the Taqueria El Fogon, which was around 15 minutes into the city. The restaurant is not just popular with the locals, but also with tourist who want to sample authentic Mexican cuisine. The Tacos are supposed to be the best in the region and the service and price was of excellent value. After a relaxing few days our next stop to central Cancun. We chose to travel by the local ADO bus conveniently located a few blocks from our hotel. The bus ride was cheap, comfortable and very efficient as it went from point to point but no stopping. We took a cab from the bus terminal to the Gran Puerto ferry dock for our next ferry ride to Isla

Mujeres. I loved this ride as it remained me of some parts of South Asia, where you get joined by musicians and local entertainers on the top deck Following our lovely stay in a beach hotel this time we decided to stay at Playa Norte, which doesn’t have a beachfront lodging, but was comparatively cheaper than ones that did as hotels are fairly pricey in Isla as it is, so we thought these few days we will spend more on eating out and shopping. Being a foodie the local Mercado (Market) is a fabulous place to enjoy breakfast. It’s by far the best value and everything is made fresh, including the freshly squeezed juices. For later snacking, street vendors in front of the main square by the basketball courts provide lots of delicious options and the prices are great value too. If you want sun and relaxation beaches are a walking distance from the hotel, but prices to hire chairs and drinks are much more expensive than in Playa de Carmen but hey you’re on holiday and if that’s what you like, then enjoy. There is definitely plenty to see in Mexico, from adventure, to beaches, to food and culture.

Ariel view Sian Ka’an Bay, Maya Riviera, Mexico

The highlight of the trip for me was going snorkelling in the Underwater Museum. It was an amazing experience especially as it was my first time underwater, with the added bonus of an underwater exhibition. It really is something else. There are over 400 life-size sculptures to discover, this aquatic exhibition left me spellbound. The snorkel tour begins with a boat ride to the “Silent Evolution” site off Isla Mujeres. You then have 40 minutes of snorkel time to enjoy the museum’s sculptures and the marine life that will swim your way. Then, another boat ride will take you back to the Cancun marina. A perfect way to start your day! The monumental underwater sculptural museum was actually established by a British artist called Jason DeCaires Taylor, even more reason to see it. For you shopaholics, if you’re looking for designer this is not your place, but it’s great for little arty pieces of jewelry and local items. On the whole I would definitely recommend Riviera Maya and would love to revisit someday.

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MOTORING

Mazda Rx-Vision Named Most Beautiful Concept The Mazda RX-VISION has been awarded “Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year” at the 31st Festival Automobile International. First revealed at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda’s striking rotary-powered sports car concept wowed crowds at its global debut with its exquisitely proportioned dimensions and stunning lines. Representing a ‘vision’ of the future that could only come from Mazda, RX-VISION expresses Mazda’s determination to continue delivering convention-defying technology, that exemplifies Mazda’s challenger spirit. A truly striking rendition of its

Mazda RX-VISION: Selected specifications Seating capacity

Overall length x width x height (mm)

4,389 x 1,925 x 1,160

Wheelbase (mm)

2,700

Engine

SKYACTIV-R

Powertrain layout

Front engine, rear-wheel drive

Tyre size (front / rear)

245/40 R20 / 285/35 R20

Wheel size (front / rear)

20 x 9.5J / 20 x 11J

KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy, the smoothflowing proportions scream performance while paying tribute to Mazda’s rich heritage of

front engine, rear-wheel drive sports cars. Indeed, the rotary powertrain’s compactness makes characteristics like the low bonnet possible.

Vauxhall Reveals Gt Concept As Template For Future Sports Cars Vauxhall and Opel will reveal their vision of the future sports car with the GT Concept at this year’s Geneva International Motorshow (March 3-13).

handles and door mirrors, its breathtaking form clothing a classic front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive chassis that will appeal to driving enthusiasts.

Purebred, pared down, yet unashamedly avant-garde, the GT Concept is even shorn of door

While the GT Concept is forwardthinking, encapsulating Brit designer Mark Adams’ philosophy of

‘Sculptural Artistry meets Technical Precision’, its name mirrors that of the 1964 GT Concept, the first styling model to be produced by the nascent Vauxhall Design & Engineering Centre in Luton which opened the same year. But importantly, it pays homage to

two significant motor show cars: the 1966 Vauxhall XVR and the 1965 Opel Experimental GT, the first true concept vehicles to appear from the design houses of a European manufacturer. The 2016 GT Concept is also a logical step on from the innovative and beautiful Monza concept from 2013.

A key innovation of the GT Concept is its large doors with integrated side windows that show a seamless transition from glass to painted surfaces. Both driver and front passenger gain access to the spacious interior after pressing a touchpad for the electric doors that is integrated in the red signature line of the roof. The doors cleverly open into the front arches, using a spacesaving and patented mounting that allows a large opening angle for tight parking spaces in urban areas. Two cameras mounted behind the wheel arches offer enhanced visibility, especially in city driving. They transmit their images to two monitors on the left- and right-hand side of the cabin, rendering external mirrors obsolete. The windscreen flows into a glass panorama roof, affording occupants a similar experience to that of a targa-topped car. Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director, Rory Harvey, summarised what the GT Concept meant to both brands: ‘It shows what Vauxhall and Opel stand for now – ambitious and confident brands that are not frightened to innovate.’ The GT has a red signature line that splits the vehicle body horizontally and proportions it. The distinctive red tyres – mounted on rims with a ‘roller-skate’ design – are a reference to an iconic Opel motorbike from the 1920s – the Motoclub 500 – which sported red-coloured rubber.

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MOTORING The New 200Mph Jaguar F-Type Svr To Make Global Debut At Geneva The new Jaguar F-TYPE SVR will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show and will go on sale in summer 2016.

day-to-day usability. Lighter, faster and more powerful, the new F-TYPE SVR takes performance, dynamics and driver

involvement to a new level yet retains the comfort and duality of character inherent to all Jaguar cars. “The new F-TYPE SVR is the first series production Jaguar to be developed by Special Vehicle Operations and benefits from everything we know about precision

Capable of 200mph, the new F-TYPE SVR is the first Jaguar SVR and is developed to exploit the twoseat aluminium sports car’s full potential while retaining its

engineering, performance and design. “The result is a 200mph, allweather supercar that you can drive every day – we even made a Convertible version so that enthusiasts can revel in the sound from the new titanium exhaust system.”

John Edwards, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations Full technical specifications, pricing, images and films will be available on 17 February at www. uk.media.jaguar.com

The New Porsche 718 Boxster: The Definitive Mid-Engined Roadster

1966 Vauxhall XVR concept

1965 Opel Experimental And while the long bonnet, central dual exhausts and lack of a boot-lid are all shared with both the Vauxhall XVR and Opel Experimental GT, today’s GT Concept is unashamedly forward-thinking, with no retro references. The GT Concept’s front-mid engine configuration keeps the car’s centre of gravity low and central for excellent dynamics. Beneath its stretched bonnet is a powerful 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine, based on the all-aluminium unit used in the ADAM, Corsa and Astra. Developing 145PS and maximum torque of 205Nm, the engine delivers drive to the rear wheels, via a six-speed sequential transmission operated

by steering-wheel mounted paddle shift. Weighing under 1000kgs, the GT Concept accelerates from 0-62mph in less than eight seconds and on to a maximum speed of 134mph. Another unique feature of the GT Concept is its integrated headlamp/ indicator units. Using ultra-modern projection technology, the lights have a three-dimensional beam which allows glare-free high-beam driving. Based on Vauxhall/Opel’s award-winning IntelliLux LED matrix lighting, first seen in the recently launched Astra, the GT Concept sees the intelligent lighting system’s next stage of development. The design of the lights is completed by the threedimensional design of the tail lamps.

In the twenty years since its debut, the Porsche Boxster has established itself as the benchmark roadster. Today, a new generation of the mid-engined two-seater is unveiled, powered by a newly-developed range of flat four cylinder ‘boxer’ engines with turbocharging. At the same time, a new designation is introduced; 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S. These new models continue the tradition of the Porsche 718 midengined sports cars that won numerous races in the 1950s and 1960s, powered by four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engines. It also sits neatly beside the established sports car icons with numbered identities – 718 Boxster, 911 Carrera, 918 Spyder, 919 Hybrid. More powerful yet more fuel efficient, the centrepiece of the new model series is the 718 Boxster which develops 300 hp (220 kW) from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. The 718 Boxster S has a 2.5-litre engine,

which develops 350 hp (257 kW), its greater power literally boosted by its use of a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. In fact, Porsche is now the only manufacturer to offer this technology in production cars with petrol engines, both in the 911 Turbo and 718 Boxster S. The considerable power gain of 35 hp (26 kW) compared to the previous Boxster models is matched by the impressive efficiency of the new turbo engines. The new 718 Boxster models have fuel economy improvements of up to 13 per cent. Complementing the more powerful engines is new suspension tuning and uprated brakes, ensuring the characteristically dynamic and emotive Boxster driving experience remains distinctive. The exterior design of the new model line has also advanced comprehensively. The vehicle has been completely revised, except for the luggage compartment

lids, the windscreen and the powered convertible roof. Inside, a newly-designed dash panel frames the cockpit. In addition, the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with state-of-the-art touchscreen and mobile phone preparation included as standard. The navigation module is available as an option. Besides the advanced design, the enhanced standard equipment of the new 718 Boxster makes the new generation models even more attractive. The new Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S are now available to order from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland. First deliveries will be in the Spring. The 718 Boxster is priced from £41,739.00 RRP and the 718 Boxster S from £50,695.00 RRP. (Irish prices are €67,963.00 and €86,057.00 respectively)

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puzzles & CROSSWORD

Sudoku

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ 1. Which country only switched to the modern Gregorian Calendar on January 1, 1927? 2. What occupational task is carried out by a sawyer? 3. In the popular children's nursery rhyme what is Wednesday's child full of? 4. Who said: 'If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman'? 5. What letter is represented by a single dot in Morse code?

Answers: 1. Turkey 2. Saws Wood 3. Woe 4. Margaret Thatcher 5. E

Answers

Please note postal charges apply for postal subscriptions

ASIAN SUNDAY

Issue 15

JOBS

Reporters/Journalists wanted

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Hours of Work: Flexible Salary: £40k OTE (basic, plus car and expenses) Are you a self starter, ambitious, self motivator, have the hunger to achieve and increase earning potential? Then

our Managers at Asian Sunday want to hear from you

communication skills and be educated to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s at grade C or above and have a can do attitude. You will be required to travel nationally and with positions in London and Yorkshire. For the right candidate full training will be given

To apply or for more information email Two positions has become available for a covering letter with your CV to jobs@ Business development Manager to help asiansunday.co.uk with Sales Executive sell our services to Business clients. in the subject field or post to: Asian Sunday Newspaper 18 East You must have a minimum of one Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE year’s experience selling to B2B customers. You must possess excellent T. 0333 577 0046

Asian Sunday is expanding nationally and therefore is looking for journalists or reporters. We have a cracking news patch here and we want enthusiastic reporters who will get out and about bringing in exclusive stories and getting into the heart of our communities. You will have all your preliminary qualifications, including 100 wpm shorthand. The ideal candidates will have knowledge of Asian Communities living in the UK along with business and lifestyle. We are an equal opportunities employer and therefore accept

applications from all backgrounds. Flexible working hours. Pay scale according to NUJ guidelines and based on experience. To apply send your CV with a covering letter to editor@ asiansunday.co.uk or post to: Asian Sunday Newspaper 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE T. 0333 577 0046

DISTRIBUTORS wanted Asian Sunday is expanding and therefore are looking for more distributors. Asian Sunday is now approaching its fourth year and has now launched nationally. Therefore, we are looking for distributors in London, Leicester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Lancashire and Manchester. If you want to earn some extra cash and have a few spare hours over the weekend to deliver the Asian Sunday newspaper to businesses, then we want to hear from you.

You must have your own van or car. Pay: Full car allowance and salary will be paid to the ideal candidates. Hours: Flexible In the first instance please apply with a letter of interest to jobs@asiansunday. co.uk with Distribution as your subject or post letter of interest to: Asian Sunday Newspaper 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE T. 0333 577 0046

(Please note we do not require applicants from Yorkshire)

Non-Executive Member wanted

– Inspirational Women Foundation

Inspirational Women Foundation is a not for profit organisation established to support, empower and inspire women of any age, any back-ground, whether in the home, at work, in the community or in business.

join the organisation and help make decisions which lead to equality for women locally, nationally and internationally.

Inspirational Women Foundation is looking for like minded individuals who have a passion for community and want to assist in building networks to help support and inspire women locally, nationally and internationally.

4 year appointment, approximately 12 days per year.

Inspirational Women Foundation is currently funded by the proceeds of the Bradford’s Inspirational Women Awards, (now in its fifth successful year) and various funding activities across the country. The foundation is now looking for Non-Executive Board members to

Non-Executive Member

Pay: Voluntary first year. Thereafter £150 per day plus expenses Number of positions: 6 The appointed candidate(s) will be expected to contribute to the strategic development and direction of the IWF, oversee the development and review of key performance targets, ensure the foundation complies with its statutory requirements and ensure that a high standard of corporate governance

Hiring?

are observed at all times. Candidates who are able to offer advice to senior management on a range of general management issues, such as HR matters and management best practice would be advantageous. We are looking for candidates with a background in business, HR, finance, law, training above all with the ability to perform at Board level. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate: integrity and a commitment to transparency of decision-making; effective communication, influencing and inter-personal skills; high level of analytical ability; and the capacity and temperament to work in an open, inclusive and collaborative environment. Previous experience as a Non-

Executive Director is not essential but an aptitude for strategic thinking, the ability to work as part of a team and a commitment to IWF’s objectives are. Applications are welcome from individuals of any background, gender and disabled people who are able to make a real contribution to this organisation. Members are expected to attend quarterly board meetings and to participate in additional meetings, conference calls and sit on ad hoc committees from time to time. Most meetings take place in the evening. Interested candidates should submit a CV to founder@ inspirationalwomenawards.org.uk with a covering letter explaining why you believe you are suitable for the role.

Advertise your jobs for FREE. Help us get Britain working. Send your job adverts to jobs@asiansunday.co.uk Please make sure you include details of who to contact for any queries

ASIAN SUNDAY 37

Issue 15

MATRIMONIALs

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Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY

Sports

Mir of The Same Please Sania by Ayyaz Malik

every title on offer in the women’s double circuit.

In life, one learns many skills. Some are born to be tradesman, while others are born to be doctors, dentists or even a journalist for Asian Sunday in my case. In the case of Sania Mirza though however, she seemed born to be a world beating tennis player.

To rubber stamp their dominance, the Hingis/Mirza combination are in yet another final, this time at the Australian Open. The number one seeds easily disposed of Julia Goerges/Karolina Pliskova in straight sets 6-1 6-0 to book their place in yet another final.

Mirza who is from India, has been in sensational form over the past year with doubles partner Martina Hingis. Together the duo has won

If one final isn’t enough for Martina Hingis, the Swiss player is well on her way to be in yet another final, but this time with

Indian men’s star Leander Paes. The Paes/Hingis duo are through to the quarter finals Sloane Stephens /Jean Jules Rojer in straight sets 6-1 6-2.

Not to be outdone the Hingis/Paes combination have won titles in their own right. Can it be a double at this Australian Open for the legendary Swiss stars with these two Indian icons? I wouldn’t bet against it.

Tennis US Open Martina hingis & Sania-mirza

The Asian Persuasion Boosts BBL 05 I think it’s also worth mentioning that with the much publicised Chris Gayle incident where the West Indian flirted with a female pitch-side reporter, the Australian authorities acted quickly and fairly. The former West Indian captain was fined in the region of £5,000 which was aimed to act as a deterrent.

The Big Bash League (BBL) was a tournament that was brilliantly organised

by Ayyaz Malik For years, cricket has been in the ‘doldrums’. For so long the sport has had the stereotype of it being a sport for ‘old men’ and maybe one which isn’t very accepting of women, maybe unintentionally. In recent times though however the cricket community is opening up to a wider audience and there is no example better than the recent T20 tournament in Australia. The recent T20 tournament which is the Australian domestic T20 event and is also known as The Big Bash League (BBL) was a

tournament that was brilliantly organised. As a sports lover myself, I have always associated cricket with near empty stadiums, but with the recent tournament that changed. Stadiums that were 40,000 and maybe even 40,000 were full or if not full nearly full. Another stigma attached to the game of cricket was the lack of female participants, but again to the organisers of the BBL women were actively encouraged to come to matches and there was a women’s tournament running parallel to the men’s tournament.

On the field, though, however, there was a women’s tournament which was parallel to the men’s tournament. As good as those achievements are though however as someone who is proud of his Asian heritage is to see players of Asian heritage play on the big stage (BBL 05).

and Usman Khawaja, on the biggest stage. The Pakistani duo were a part of the victorious Sydney Sixers team who beat the hot favourites, Melbourne Stars in the final. The Sixers achievement was all the more impressive considering the Sydney-based outfit finished at the bottom of the league table only two years ago. One of the key players in the Sydney Sixers’ win in the final was the performance of opener Usman Khawaja. The Stars who set a potentially tricky 177 to win for the Sydney Sixers were always in control of the chase thanks to a fluent 70 from Khawaja. The Pakistani-born

player was also just as influential in the semi-final by scoring a century which knocked out Adil Rashid’s Adelaide Strikers. In the UK and, in particular, England, it takes more than six weeks to complete the process of buying a house, but in a shorter space of time Cricket Australia has not only united Australian cricket, they have also helped cricket all over the world. That my friends is a win-win. As good as Sydney Thunders final win was over Melbourne Stars, the true winner here was cricket because this tournament has brought so many people together.

Players like Adil Rashid of Yorkshire was playing in this year’s tournament. Rashid was in ‘familiar conditions’ as the leg-spinner was playing for his county coach Jason Gillespie. The 26-year-old was playing for Adelaide Strikers in this year’s tournament and the Bradford-born player had an impressive showing with the ball, Rashid was the second highest wicket-taker in the tournament. A few other players of Pakistani descent were also able to shine and in the case of Fawad Ahmed

Maxwell and wright during BBL, brilliantly organised

Issue 15

ASIAN SUNDAY 39

Sports

Adil Nabi Has Gone All Posh West Bromwich Albion forward Adil Nabi joins League One

Pakistani born former West Bromwich Albion forward Adil Nabi has agreed a deal to join League One play off chasers Peterborough United. Nabi who’s whole footballing career has been spent at West Brom, comes into the United squad to fill their void left by Connor Washington’s departure to Championship side Queens Park Rangers. The 21-year old Nabi was actually

the first player from the Premier League to join an Indian Super League side, Delhi Dynamos on loan and got to the semi-finals of the Indian Super League. There are also other members of the Nabi family also play for West Brom’s Academy, Adil’s brothers Samir and Rahis are currently in the Baggies’ academy.

Peterborough to their credit over the years have given players a chance to players who other clubs might not have. Adil Nabi has signed a deal with The Posh until 2019. The team here at Asian Sunday would like to congratulate on your move and we wish you all the best in the new chapter of your career.

For big brother Adil, this move to London Road is a big one.

If It Ain’t Brook Don’t Fix It Says Khan by Ayyaz Malik After several setbacks in the last year where potential fights with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao failed to materialise, Amir Khan has his sights set on a familiar opponent in the British boxing circuit. Bolton boxer Khan who is a two-time world champion is looking to have a match with Kell Brook. Brook who is a champion in his own right has been accused by British boxer Khan of ‘ducking him’. The main stumbling block in terms of

getting a potential fight to go ahead is the money aspect, which is not unheard of in the boxing world. Khan has reportedly said that he wants an 80/20 split in his favour, but Kell Brook has said he would only be willing to do a 60/40 split. Khan’s reported demands have left promoter Eddie Hearn to say that Khan ‘doesn’t want the fight’ and that he is ‘pricing himself out of the fight’. If this fight doesn’t go ahead it would be a shame because in the case of Kell Brook and Amir Khan, you have two very talented

fighters and for this to not happen due to money would no doubt be disappointing for fans who have been waiting for a fight like this for a while. British boxer Khan has talked about having a rematch with Danny Garcia who beat the Boltonian earlier in his career, but I am sure the British boxing audience want to see Amir Khan and Kell Brook fight. Let’s hope both sides can go back go to the negotiating table and come to an agreement, time is the best healer they say, the boxing world will hope that’s the case.

Bolton Boxer Amir Khan looking to fight Kell Brook

Revenge Is a Dish Best Served in The Final for Pakistan as India Win Blind Asia Cricket Cup

India defeat Pakistan in first Blind Asia Cup

Arch rivals India and Pakistan renewed hostilities on the cricket field, but in a slightly different way.

it could be argued, so far in the event, with six points. India came in standing second with four points.

India defeated Pakistan in the first ever Blind T20 cricket Asia Cup. India batting first, scored 208/5 wickets in their 20 overs. Pakistan’s chase although valiant ultimately saw them came up short as they were only able to score 164. The match which was played at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, can hopefully be a spring board for more matches between the two nations in other forms of cricket.

Pakistan had defeated India by 19 runs in the groups stages so revenge would have been on India’s mind no doubt. Pakistan’s players had come in wearing black armbands to show support to the victims of the Bacha Khan University (Charsadda) victims were reportedly 20 innocent people were killed by terrorists.

Pakistan came into the match unbeaten with a slight advantage

Pakistan came in to this match with momentum

on their side, which potentially gave them the slight edge as they beat Sri Lanka by a massive 90 runs earlier in the tournament. That particularly was largely in part to Mohammad Akram’s 44 runs off 30 balls.

40 ASIAN SUNDAY

Issue 15

Sports

FA Cup Fourth Round Draw, Manchester United won their Pride at Pride Park by Ayyaz Malik After an intriguing third round of games in the FA Cup third round, the FA Cup fourth round draw served up some games which will be just as interesting. In the third round, there were some notable upsets such as Premier League side Swansea getting dumped out by League Two Oxford United and Exeter’s spirited draw with five-time European champions Liverpool in their home game. Liverpool’s fierce rivals Manchester United were almost another Premier League side to be on the end of a cup upset, but an injury time penalty by Wayne Rooney meant the Red Devils only just edged past brave Sheffield United.

There was no such trouble for holders Arsenal who came from behind to convincingly beat Sunderland. The Gunners’ London rivals Chelsea comfortably beat Scunthorpe with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge. Almost all the so-called big Premier League sides safely made it round four except for Tottenham Hotspur who played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Leicester, which meant their game went to a replay along with the West Brom and Bristol City game which also finished 2-2. West Brom ended up sneaking a 1-0 win in the return game. Spurs will face Colchester after they overcome Leicester at the King Power Stadium in a thirdround replay.

FA Cup Manchester United

Moving onto the rest of the fourth round draw itself then, the fourth round saw Manchester United travel to Championship promotion hopefuls Derby County. United outclassed the Championship side and crowned a good performance with three excellent goals. There were some notable individual performances - from Martial, Rooney, Varela, Borthwick-Jackson and Blind - and the collective worked pretty well, all in all a good performance and a great night for Van Gaal United’s arch rivals Liverpool will face West Ham at Anfield in what would be the tie of the round after overcoming League two side Exeter. The Anfield side were comprehensively beaten by the East London side, so they will be

hoping they can exact revenge in this game, should they get there. Other games see holders Arsenal face championship promotion hopefuls, Burnley. The Clarets who lost talismanic front man Danny Ings have since signed Andre Gray. The former Brentford man has formed a good partnership with Sam Vokes, so The Gunners will need to be wary of that threat. I still think Arsenal will progress, but not without the odd scare. Defending Premier League Champions Chelsea again will face lower league opposition. The Blues will face the winner of the game between Northampton and MK Dons, dear I say it - but that should see a safe passage to round five for the West Londoners.

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Last year’s runners up in the Premier League Manchester City who beat Norwich in the last round, will face the winners of the game between Wycombe Wanderers and Aston Villa who drew 1-1 in the first game at Wycombe’s Adam’s Park ground. Last year’s giant killers Bradford were sadly knocked out on penalties by Bury after the first game ended in a 0-0 draw. The League One side sadly will not enjoy another magical cup run like they did last year where the West Yorkshire side beat Premier League sides Chelsea and Sunderland on the way to their first FA Cup quarter-final since 1976. The fourth round FA Cup ties will be played on the last weekend of January (29th - 31st January).