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ASIAN STANDARD / NORTH EAST

NEWS IN BRIEF Appeal Following Serious Assault in Keighley Town Centre

Officers are appealing for information following a serious assault in Keighley town centre. A 29-year-old man was outside Keighley bus station in Bow Street, when two men approached him just after 3.08am this morning (25 June 2021). The man was reportedly assaulted, resulting in serious head injuries. The victim was taken to hospital, where his condition is described as serious, but not lifethreatening. Anyone who witnessed the incident or the circumstances leading up to it is asked to contact 101 quoting log 159 of 25 June or online via www.westyorkshire.police. uk/101livechat Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Old £50 note no longer legal tender from next year, so spend it quickly

Cash users are being urged to dig deep into their pockets in search of old £50 notes as the currency will no longer be legal tender next year. The Bank of England launched a new plastic £50 banknote last week featuring an image of Second World War codebreaker Alan Turing. It is replacing cotton-paper notes containing images of scientist James Watt and entrepreneur Matthew Boulton. The older £50 notes are being phased out and will not be accepted in shops from the beginning of October next year.

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HEALTH SECRETARY QUITS AFTER ADMITTING BREAKING COVID RULES Health Secretary Matt Hancock has resigned after admitting that he broke COVID19 social distancing guidelines when he was pictured kissing his adviser, which reportedly caused an outrage in the country. Later video footage also emerged showing the Health Secretary kissing aide Gina Coladangelo in his ministerial office. University friend Ms Coladangelo was initially taken on by Mr Hancock as an unpaid adviser on a six-month contract in early 2020, before being appointed as a non-executive director at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) later in the year. Mr Hancock had previously apologised for breaching social distancing guidance and Downing Street had said the matter was “closed” on Friday.

Matt Hancock

COMPETITION REGULATOR PROBES AMAZON, GOOGLE FOR FAKE REVIEWS OF GOODS After opening cases against Facebook and Google, competition regulator Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a fresh probe into Amazon and Google to assess if they are protecting shoppers from fake reviews. The move follows the CMA's initiation of an inquiry last May that raised concerns over the companies' handling of fake or misleading reviews on their respective sites, Engadget

reported. At the time, the regulator did not specify which websites it was investigating. Instead, it said that it was looking into issues including suspicious behaviour, such as a single user posting multiple reviews for an unlikely range of products or services. The CMA also examined if businesses were combining reviews for products to manipulate their ranking and how sites were dealing with the shady practice of remuneration for reviews.

This type of behaviour is illegal under UK consumer protection law, with the CMA responsible for enforcing the rules, the report said. Amazon and Google respectively wield enormous power over e-commerce and online search. Last year, Amazon's annual net sales grew 38 per cent to $386 billion as people took to shopping online during the pandemic. While Google majorly revamped its Shopping feature in 2019 with new additions including price tracking and visual search, it followed that by recently making its Shopping search listings mostly free for merchants. But, the two Big Tech rivals have also

faced regulatory blowback over their alleged abuses of power. As part of an antitrust ruling, the EU handed Google a $2.7 billion fine in 2017 for giving prominence to its own shopping comparison service in results while downgrading rivals. EU regulators are also currently probing Amazon's use of third-party seller data to boost its own products. As part of a landmark case in 2019, the US Federal Trade Commission successfully secured a settlement from Cure Encapsulations, Inc over its payments to a third-party website to write fivestar Amazon reviews for a weightloss supplement.

ASIAN STANDARD / NORTH EAST

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However, his resignation comes amid pressure from several Tory MPs calling for the Cabinet minister to step down. Conservative MP Duncan Baker was the first on Saturday to confirm he was calling for Mr Hancock to go, while former Cabinet minister Esther McVey said she would resign if in the same position. In a letter to Boris Johnson, Mr Hancock said the Government “owe it to people who have sacrificed so much in this pandemic to be honest when we have let them down”. He said: “The last thing I would want is for my private life to distract attention from the single-minded focus that is leading us out of this crisis. “I want to reiterate my apology for breaking the guidance, and apologise to

Sajid Javid my family and loved ones for putting them through this. “I also need to be with my children at this time.” Meanwhile, Downing Street has confirmed that former chancellor Sajid Javid will replace Matt Hancock as the UK’s health and social care secretary. Javid resigned as chancellor early last year after he refused to fire his political advisers as demanded by

Johnson. The British Asian MP from Bromsgrove joins chancellor Rishi Sunak, home secretary Priti Patel and COP26 president Alok Sharma as Asians holding powerful portfolios in the UK government. A former banker who became an MP in 2010, Javid was quickly promoted from economic and financial secretary to the Treasury to secretary for business, then culture and later, communities and local government. Javid is one of five brothers (one of whom has passed away), whose parents originally migrated from Pakistan. His father was a bus driver, and his mum was a seamstress. Javid and his wife Laura have four children.

OVER 2MILLION PEOPLE IN ENGLAND MAY HAVE HAD LONG COVID More than 2 million people in England may have had long Covid-19 lasting for at least 12 weeks, a new research has revealed. The Imperial College London's REACT-2 (REaltime Assessment of Community Transmission) study issued on Thursday, 24 June showed that more than one third of people who had Covid-19 reported prolonged symptoms, such as tiredness and muscle aches or shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and chest pain. The findings were based on

data from 508,707 adults who took part in the study between September 2020 and February this year. It was noted, however, that the study was based on people reporting their own symptoms and it might overestimate the prevalence of long Covid because many of the symptoms are common and not unique

to coronavirus. Professor Paul Elliott, director of the REACT program, said in a statement "Our findings do paint a concerning picture of the longer-term health consequences of Covid-19, which need to be accounted for in policy and planning. "Long Covid-19 is still poorly understood but we hope through our research that we can contribute to better identification and management of this condition, which our data and others' suggest may ultimately affect millions of people in the UK alone."

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PRINCE HARRY BACK IN UK FOR PRINCESS DIANA'S STATUE UNVEILING AT KENSINGTON PALACE The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has returned to England five days ahead of Princess Diana's statue unveiling event at Kensington Palace. Harry will attend the unveiling of a statue honouring his late mother, Princess Diana, at Kensington Palace on July 1, on what would have been her 60th birthday. According to People Magazine, his wife Meghan Markle stayed in California with the couple's two children their 2-year-old son Archie Harrison and newborn daughter Lilibet Diana. This marks Harry's second visit to the UK after he relocated to the US with his family, following the royal family tension. The last time he had returned to his homeland was in April for paying his tribute during the last rights of his grandfather, Prince Philip. Harry was also spotted chatting with his older brother; Prince William at the funeral service that took place at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. The plans for honouring Princess Diana with a statue were first announced in February 2017, the year that marked 20 years since she died in a car crash

in Paris at the age of 36. According to People Magazine, the statue was "commissioned to mark the twentieth anniversary of her death and recognise her positive impact in the UK and around the world," the palace said in a statement last year. "The statue will be installed in the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace on 1 July 2021, marking The Princess' 60th birthday. The Princes’ hope that the statue will help all those who visit Kensington Palace to reflect on their mother's life and her legacy," the statement continued. On a related note, Prince Harry and Meghan, who lived at Kensington Palace before moving to Frogmore Cottage then to the US, had their engagement photo call in 2017 in the Sunken Garden.

ASIAN STANDARD / NORTH EAST

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RISING COVID RATE SHOWS JABS URGENCY, MAYOR SAYS Middlesbrough's increasing Covid-19 rate is a reminder to everyone of the importance of being vaccinated, Mayor Andy Preston has said. The town's infection rate reached 94 per 100,000 on Friday 25 June, up from 64 a week ago. Analysis shows cases are currently most common in those aged 20-39. Of 133 positive cases in the seven days to June 23, 77% were aged under 40. Mayor Preston said: "Our rate is fast approaching 100 for the first time in months. "We're seeing more disruption to families through isolation with crucial school time missed and adults required to stay off work. "We've got to keep the numbers as low as we can in the hope our local NHS services don't come under strain again. "Please follow the rules. The end is very much in sight,

but we need people to get both their jabs when invited. Two doses are vital - the vaccination programme protects lives and livelihoods."

Cases in the 0-19 age bracket have levelled off, data shows, while cases in the 40-59s have started increasing.

are offering walk-in vaccination slots for over40s at North Ormesby Health Village on Saturday.

Middlesbrough GP practices

Anyone over 40 who hasn't had their first jab or those who had their first AstraZeneca dose at least eight weeks ago can attend between 9am and 1pm. More drop-in sessions take place on Monday and Tuesday (June 28 and 29). You can find out more via www. borovaccines.co.uk. Those aged under 40 can now book their slots using the

Andy Preston

national booking system via www.nhs.uk/coronavirus. Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 - a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a change or loss to the senses of taste or smell - should isolate along with those they live with and book a test. Tests can be booked online via www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. All adults can access free rapid tests for those without symptoms. Details can be found via www.middlesbrough. gov.uk/lfd-test.

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ASIAN STANDARD / NORTH EAST

TROUBLED MENTAL HEALTH TRUST TAKING NEW DIRECTION AFTER 'PROCESS WAS SOMETIMES PUT BEFORE PEOPLE' BY STUART ARNOLD Process was sometimes put before people at a troubled mental health trust, councillors have been told. Bosses at the Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust have set out how they are attempting to turn around its fortunes amid continued concern over staffing levels and use of physical restraints. The trust has been engaged in what it has described as a 'journey to change' following a difficult few years in which criticisms have been repeatedly made over patient care and safety. It has now published a so called quality account covering the period 2020/21 and also looking further ahead - this is a document required of NHS healthcare providers which

covers performance and the quality of services. Dr Chris Lanigan, head of planning and business development at the trust, told members of the Tees Valley joint health scrutiny committee - which draws its members from all five Tees Valley councils - it was "recognised that as an organisation we needed to find a new and different direction". He said the trust had new strategic goals, including improving the experience of both patients and staff, while a "big conversation" had been taking place involving patients, carers and other partners. The quality report, which has gone out to consultation, said progress had been made towards reducing the number of preventable deaths and increasing the proportion of patients who felt safe on wards, even though only 67% of patients reported they "always" did. Scrutiny members heard that there also remained a "sizeable" group of patients who continued to be unhappy with the care they received.

Cllr David Coupe

In March Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald asked then Health Secretary Matt Hancock to "urgently intervene" at the trust, claiming he had lost confidence in it. This followed an unannounced

visit by the Care Quality Care Commission (COC), which carried out inspections of several adult psychiatric wards, including three at Roseberry Park Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and subsequently issued the trust with a warning notice as "risks were not assessed effectively or managed well enough to keep people safe from harm" with an improvement plan being required. In 2019 the COC said it was deeply concerned about the safety and quality of care of young people at the town's former West Lane Hospital and observed a burnt out, inexperienced and depleted workforce. The hospital was barred from taking on new patients for a period and investigations were launched into the tragic deaths of teenagers Christine Anne Brayley and Nadia Sharif, whose families both criticised their care. In-patient services no longer operate from the hospital - now renamed Acklam Road Hospital - which hosts an eating disorder outpatient clinic for children. The quality report said all serious incidents - those resulting in severe harm or death - were subject to a serious incident review, which was a "robust and rigorous" approach to understand how and why an incident had happened and identify and share lessons for the

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seberry Park Ho

I Roseberry Park, Middlesbrough Image: Google. future. An extensive programme of work to reduce potential ligature points within in-patient areas belonging to the trust is also being undertaken. Meanwhile, a 'digital care assistant' is being piloted in some wards, a system which measures patients' vital signs while they are in bedrooms and other secluded rooms and can send alerts to staff should risks arise. It had been an aim to reduce the number of serious incidents where it was identified that the trust's actions had been a contributing factor to less than 30 in 2020/1, but this target was missed and 55 were in fact recorded. One patient death was considered to have been potentially preventable over the period, while another was still in the process of being reviewed.

to be further rolled out to more wards over the next 12 months with 60 more cameras in use. Middlesbrough councillor David Coupe asked about staffing levels and said he had been told of previous nursing shortages at the former West Lane hospital. He said: "If you have a problem with a patient who may be new, do you have enough staff to take care of that and the rest of the people in there?" Mrs Salvin said: "We constantly look at staffing levels on a day to day basis across all inpatient and community services. "With in-patients we have a planned level of staffing which we increase because of increased admissions or perhaps because

'Person centred approach' Avril Lowery, the trust's director of quality governance, said there was a focus on suicide prevention and reduction of self harm, training in these areas having been reviewed, while there was also a drive to promote the best physical health for mental health patients. She said: "Sometimes process prevailed before people and we really want to address that and be very clear about a person centred approach underpinned by compassion and empathy and aligned with the values and behaviours that we would expect to see our staff exhibit." Sharon Salvin, head of nursing on Teesside, said the trust was "making sure there was the right amount of staff working in its acute services" and also referred to "mutual help" meetings that were now being arranged with patients on wards in order to help them feel safer. The report said the trust was also working more closely with police to address issues with violence affecting staff and patients. Body cameras have begun being worn by some staff in a pilot due

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald said earlier this year he had lost confidence in the Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust. Image: Teesside

of someone who needs a level of observation which requires additional staff. "We have escalation processes should somebody be sick or an incident happens and we look to make sure we have safe cover should anything go wrong." Dominic Gardner, director of operations on Teesside, said the number of permanent staff employed by the trust was relatively low in comparison to other similar organisations and there had been a large element of agency staffing. He said: "One of the things we are absolutely doing is reversing that so we are increasing permanently

ASIAN STANDARD / NORTH EAST

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ALL TEES VALLEY: DELTA VARIANT COVID CASES STILL RISING, FIGURES SHOW North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust was treating just two patients with covid on Monday.

BY STUART ARNOLD Cases of the Delta coronavirus variant have gone up again across the Tees Valley.

Mr Adams said public health officials were doing what they could to get rising covid rates in the community to plateau.

Public Health England collates weekly combined figures for confirmed and probable cases, which up to June 23 show 161 cases in Middlesbrough (up from 92 a week previous) and 218 in Stockton (up from 121). In Redcar and Cleveland there were 121 confirmed and probable cases of the variant, having more than doubled from 52 seven days earlier.

In Middlesbrough the fastest rise in coronavirus cases recently has been among those aged 20 to 39, while little increase has been seen in the age 50 and older category – the vast majority of whom have now been double jabbed with a vaccine.

Elsewhere in the region Hartlepool recorded 96 cases (up from 53) and Darlington 190 – by far the biggest rise of any of the five Tees Valley component areas – up from 50 cases previously.

When it comes to people aged 18 and over receiving both vaccine doses, of the 12 local authority areas in the NorthEast only Newcastle (42.1%) has a worse uptake rate than Middlesbrough (53.1%), with

At a meeting of the Middlesbrough health scrutiny panel earlier this week, South Tees public health chief Mark Adams said rates in some parts of Teesside were growing

Meanwhile, Public Health England said numbers of the Delta variant in the UK had risen by 35,204 in seven days to a total of 111,157 cases, representing a 46% increase. It said the Delta variant now accounted for approximately 95% of covid-19 cases sequenced across the UK.

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency said: “Through the success of our vaccination programme, data suggests we have begun to break the link between cases and hospitalisations.

June. Of these, 304 were unvaccinated.

“This is hugely encouraging news, but we cannot become complacent. “Two doses of vaccine are far more effective against covid-19 than a single dose, so please make sure that you come forward to get your second dose as soon as you are invited. “Whilst vaccines provide excellent protection, they do not provide total protection, so it is still as important as ever that we continue to exercise caution.

Staff from The Garth in Guisborough who are playing their part in the vaccine roll-out in a similar way to previous increases seen west of the Pennines.

But, crucially, covid-19 vaccines are said to be continuing to have an effect in limiting hospitalisations from the virus.

“Protect yourself and the people around you by working from home where possible and by practising ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ at all times.” An additional 514 people were admitted to hospital in England with a diagnosis of covid-19 in the week up to 21

Mark Adams, South Tees joint public health chief for Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland and the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough Virus patients being treated at South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust’s James Cook University Hospital have remained low for the past month. On Monday (June 21), 12 patients were being treated with covid-19 – three of whom were receiving critical care – compared to nine two weeks ago.

both well behind the likes of Redcar and Cleveland (64.4%) and County Durham (60.3%). A walk-in covid-19 vaccination site for those without an appointment is operating at Cockerton Pharmacy, in West Auckland Road, Darlington.

Article by Local Democracy Reporting Service

The foremost Northern Asian Celebration and Recognition Event returns on Thursday 14th October at the Gosforth Grand Hotel. Bigger and better than ever before!

ABC AWARDS DINNER CEREMONY 2021 Recognising the significant contribution of the Asian community from across the public, private and third sectors.

This year we have more of a reason to come together and demonstrate we are one community, celebrating inclusion and diversity. For all Nominations, Sponsorship Opportunities and Table Reservations visit www.abconnexions.org or contact Amit on awards@abconnexions.org or 01661 82 32 34 Email: info@abconnexions.org | Web: www.abconnexions.org 17 Main Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE20 9NH Tel: 0191 242 4892 | Twitter: @abconnexions

#InclusionByDefault

Tune in to ABC Show Business every Friday morning between 10-11am. www.spicefm.co.uk

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ASIAN STANDARD / NORTH EAST

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FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF NEWCASTLE BASED MALHOTRA GROUP APPOINTED DEPUTY LORD LIEUTENANT OF NORTHUMBERLAND Meenu Malhotra, founder and Chairman of Newcastle based Malhotra Group Plc, has been appointed as a new Deputy Lord-Lieutenant (DL) of Northumberland, by the Duchess of Northumberland who serves as LordLieutenant. Mr Malhotra took up the position on 23 June. The role of the DL is to assist the Lord Lieutenant in their duties as the Queen’s official representative for the country. The Duchess has been the Queen’s ceremonial representative for Northumberland since 2009 and is the first woman to have held the position.

Mr Malhotra is delighted to have been bestowed this opportunity to serve the residents of Northumberland which has been his home for the past forty years. In a statement he said: “The North East of England welcomed me with open arms when I moved here from India, and I am very proud to call it my home. I have been very fortunate to contribute to the region as an entrepreneur, a mentor to local small and medium enterprises, and as a legal representative for the ethnic community. Whilst I remain chairman of the Malhotra

Group, a substantial portion of my time will be devoted to a variety of current and new charitable endeavours in the region, and as a result of this appointment, the honour of supporting the Duchess, I am proud to be the first Asian in the North East to be appointed this position.” Mr Malhotra also retains a position as the founding board member of the West Midlands India Partnership Advisory Board, which aims to enhance UK-India relations and boost trade and investment. His other interests include a significant development in his home-town of Ludhiana

Meenu Malhotra India, which is to include a substantial number of affordable housing units. He was named Asian Businessman of the year in 2009, and in 2020 was named in both the North East’s list of most influential South Asians and in the Northern Asian Power List as a business leader. In spite of his outstanding business success he has not forgotten his roots, nor how difficult it can be to grow a thriving business. As such he spends a considerable amount of time mentoring a significant number of SME’s, investing in and guiding Little Angels and Start-Ups both in the UK and internationally, sharing with them his wisdom and experiences.

Ludhian Punjab investment Meenu Malhotra

In addition to this Mr

Malhotra both personally and via Malhotra Group plc is extremely supportive of many local and international charities. These charities endeavours include the funding of pioneering orthopaedic research at Newcastle University’s Medical School in collaboration with Newcastle Hospital Foundation Trust. Substantial funding contributions to the building of The Institute of Neurosciences of West Bengal ‘Kolkata Hospital Charity Appeal’ The Kolkata Hospital opened in 2014 offering half of its beds free of charge to the people of West Bengal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Going forward Mr Malhotra hopes to turn his charitable endeavours on building a multi-faith temple for the people of his birthplace in Ludhiana

ASIAN STANDARD / NORTH EAST

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OPINION

Turd Immunity Our brain receives over 11

we are living in a world of

million bits of information per

“Chinese Whispers”. Oh, how

second, which is an incredible

I wish for comics for our kids,

amount of data. Luckily for us

which were probably more

it only processes around 50

factual than the rubbish they

bits. However, how true and

are exposed to now. that initially I was vaccine

important the bits of data are, is a different question.

Over the past 18 months, I have seen a steady rise in the amount of dis and mis information being shared with people. Whether it is fake news stories that have been sensationalised, conspiracy theories on COVID, to just outright lies by people in powerful and influential positions. Knowing what is true or accurate; what and who to trust; has become one of the major challenges for us. Especially given the overwhelming amount of information overload. Ammar Mirza

hesitant, but once again, So, developing and

this was due to me not fully

maintaining a ‘bullshit’ radar

understanding the facts and

Over the past 18 months, I

seems to be one of the

having all of the information I

have seen a steady rise in

most important skills we can

needed to comfort me. Even

the amount of dis and mis

develop. Interpreting the

now, I still don’t know why I

information being shared with

conspiracy theories - that

am 3 times more likely to die

people. Whether it is fake

COVID was derived by mind

than a White person, and no-

news stories that have been

controlling aliens, to Bill

one has been able to explain

sensationalised, conspiracy

Gates being responsible

this to me. But I do know

theories on COVID, to just

for developing a nano-tech

one thing for certain, that if I

outright lies by people in

vaccine through Microsoft so

had a choice between living

powerful and influential

that he can eventually “CTRL-

and dying, and the vaccine

positions. Knowing what is

ALT-DLT” us all - some of the

enabled me to live and

true or accurate; what and

stories are so far-fetched

protect those close to me,

who to trust; has become

they would make incredible

then I am getting vaccinated

one of the major challenges

science fiction. Yet there

and long live those aliens.

for us. Especially given the

are people out there that

overwhelming amount of

genuinely believe them. Plus, when the wife says that

information overload.

if we have to have a vaccine As we appear to come out

passport to travel and I don’t

Growing up I used to be

of the lockdown potentially

have one, then she is going

glued to a comic or fictional

allowing us to party in July,

on holiday without me, is a

book, and I remember being

the only reason this has

significant driver. And my

told off for reading “such

been made possible is down

great lady only speaks the

rubbish”. Funny how times

to the vaccine roll-out. The

truth.

have changed, and we are

decline in deaths from over

all glued to our screens.

a 1,000 a day, to now in their

This magical device that

tens is clearly a factual

So, protect yourself,

provides an infinite amount of

demonstration that the

don’t listen to everyone’s

information. As it is all coming

vaccine appears to work.

rubbish, and get vaccinated. Develop Turd Immunity and

through the same channel, it makes it even harder to decipher. It is almost as if

I guarantee a happy and Although, I must admit

maybe even a long life……

So, developing and maintaining a ‘bullshit’ radar seems to be one of the most important skills we can develop. Interpreting the conspiracy theories - that COVID was derived by mind controlling aliens, to Bill Gates being responsible for developing a nanotech vaccine through Microsoft so that he can eventually “CTRL-ALT-DLT” us all - some of the stories are so farfetched they would make incredible science fiction. Yet there are people out there that genuinely believe them. Ammar Mirza

28 june - 4 JULY 2021

IRRFAN KHAN'S SON BABIL COLLABORATES WITH DIRECTOR SHOOJIT SIRCAR DILJIT DOSANJH ANNOUNCES HIS NEW MUSIC ALBUM 'MOON CHILD ERA' RACE 4 IN SCRIPTING STAGE; EXPECTED TO ROLL BY END OF 2021

SHAH RUKH KHAN CELEBRATING INDIA’S BIGGEST SUPERSTAR

TWO

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

IRRFAN KHAN'S SON BABIL COLLABORATES WITH DIRECTOR SHOOJIT SIRCAR

Late actor Irrfan Khan's son Babil has got an on his opportunity to work with director Shoojit Sircar new project. jit's For the unversed, Irrfan had featured in Shoo ram Instag his on hit film 'Piku'. Sharing the news posing account, Babil posted a few pictures of him ured to "Hono . Lahiri ie Ronn cer produ and jit with Shoo Lahiri post. work with you legends," he captioned the ram Instag on Babil and also shared pictures of Sircar y legac your rd forwa take to and wrote "Honoured now Irrfan sir. Worked with a legend like you, And yet-toBabil. If this is not Providence, what is?" The Apart Khan. Zayn actor be-titled project also features , co'Qala' x's Netfli in seen be also from this, Babil will erjee. Mukh tika Swas and Dimri Tripti starring

JIMMY SHEIRGILL -ASHA NEGI STARRER 'COLLAR BOMB' TO DROP ON JULY 9

The Jimmy Sheirgill-Asha Negi starrer web film "Collar Bomb" is all set to release on July 9. "The clock is ticking. Collar Bomb releases 9th July! Buckle up, it's going to be an action-packed race against time and terror!" wrote Jimmy on Instagram, with a poster of the thriller that he shared on Friday. In the poster, Jimmy is dressed in a suit, sports a moustache and holds a pistol. Asha strikes an intense pose. Asha, too, shared the poster and wrote "Asha Negi The clock is ticking Collar Bomb releases 9th July! Can't wait for you all to watch this thrilling race against time and terror.." The film is directed by Dnyanesh Zoting.

AJAY DEVGAN TO PRODUCE 'NAANDHI' REMAKE IN HINDI WITH DIL RAJU Actor-producer Ajay Devgan made an official announcement of producing the Hindi remake of the Telugu hit "Naandhi" with leading South producer Dil Raju. The original, a courtroom crime drama, released in February this year. Ajay took to social media to make the news official. "Time to share an important story with all! #DilRajuProductions and @adffilms are all set to produce the Hindi remake of the Telugu hit, Naandhi! @srivenkateswaracreations @

meenaiyerofficial @kuldeep_rathore18 @paragdesai9 #MumbaiTalkeez #NaandhiInHindi," he wrote. "Naandhi is an important film, exposing certain loopholes in the administration. The original Telugu version was effective and touched a raw nerve. Dil Raju &; I have decided to join hands in remaking this film in Hindi to reach out to a larger audience," he added. Ajay informed the director and cast of the film haven't been finalised yet.

RACHEL ZEGLER TO PLAY LEAD IN DISNEY'S 'SNOW WHITE' REMAKE

West Side Story' star Rachel Zegler has lande d the lead role in Disney's upcoming 'Snow White' remak e. The Hollywood Reporter reports that Zegler will play the titular role in Disney's live-action adaption of the studio's first animated feature film, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarves', first released in 1937. The sequel will be helmed by Marc Webb, and this move has been described as a new take on the classic, which follows a princess that is fed a poisoned apple by her stepmother, the queen and then falls into a deep sleep that can be broken only by a kiss from the prince . The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul will write new songs for the movie. The original's soundtrack included songs 'Heigh -Ho', 'Someday My Prince Will Come' and 'Whistle While You Work'. The film is slated to go on floors next year.

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

ROBERT DOWNEY JR., GREG BERLANTI TEAM UP FOR HBO'S 'FOR YOUR OWN GOOD'

The prolific actor and producers, Robert Downey Jr. and Greg Berlanti, through their respective Warner Media-based companies, are teaming up for an HBO Max drama which will be based on an upcoming novel 'For Your Own Good' by author Samantha Downing. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the forthcoming novel which is slated to release in July is set within the halls of New England's prestigious Belmont Academy. Set amid Ivy League admissions rolling in, stiff competition for this year's coveted Teacher of the Year Award and planning for the memorial statue for the recently deceased headmaster, the book and potential series also explore the run of poisonings and dead bodies that have started to pile up at the university. Evan Moore from Downey's team brought the

project to the company. He will oversee the project for Downey's team. Berlanti Productions partners Berlanti and Sarah Schechter and head of television David Madden will executively produce the project for the Warner Bros. TV-based production company. Robert Downey Jr., Susan Downey and Amanda Burrell (all from Downey's team) will also serve as executive producers for the project. Author Downing will serve as a consulting producer on the forthcoming drama. 'For Your Own Good' is the second of her novels to be adapted for the screen after Amazon and Nicole Kidman's Blossom Films were reported to be in talks for adapting her 'My Lovely Wife' as a feature for the retail streamer. The search for a writer to develop the novel is underway, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

THREE

DILJIT DOSANJH ANNOUNCES HIS NEW MUSIC ALBUM 'MOON CHILD ERA'

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh is all set to come up with his new music album, titled 'Moon Child Era'. Diljit took to Instagram and wrote, "It's a New Era...it's a Moon Child Era. Brand new album. Hey Alexa-- are you ready for Moon Child Era." Along with it, he shared a picture of the moon with the text 'Moon Child Era' displayed on it. However, no further details

have been shared about the particular project. Fans are super excited about Diljit's upcoming music album. "Can't wait," a user commented. "This sounds interesting," another one wrote. Last year, he wowed everyone with his music album 'G.O.A.T'. On the acting front, Diljit will be seen sharing screen space with Sonam Bajwa and Shehnaaz Gill in the Punjabi film 'Honsla Rakh'.

VIDYUT JAMWAL GEARS UP FOR HOLLYWOOD Action hero Vidyut Jamwal has been riding high and now he is about to take it a notch higher, with his latest signing – in Hollywood. Yes, the actor has signed up with the reputed Hollywood talent management agency Wonder Street, where he will be represented by Christine and Mark Holder. Vidyut Jamwal has made a niche for himself in the industry with his great martial arts and acting skills. Now, to add another feather to his

cap, the actor has signed up with the reputed Hollywood talent management agency Wonder Street, where he will

be represented by Christine and Mark Holder. Wonder Street is known to represent international action heroes

such as Tony Jaa, Michael Jaa White and Dolph Lundgren. “I’m excited to be associated with some of the hardest working people of Hollywood,” Vidyut said, of his new association. Ever since the announcement was made, Vidyut has been garnering wishes from his near ones and fellow actors in the industry. Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who was recently seen in the second season of action series ‘The Family Man’, took to Twitter and wished Jammwal, “Fly

high, my friend! Best wishes!” To which Jamwal replied, “Blessings received, thank you.” Vidyut, who has recently made a move into production with the establishment of his own banner, Action Hero Films, has been interacting with several global action heroes over the past year through his chat segment ‘X-Rayed By Vidyut’. The actor was seen in films like ‘Commando’ series, ‘Khuda Haafiz’, ‘Junglee’ and ‘Force’. His upcoming films are ‘Sanak’ and ‘Khuda Haafiz Chapter II’.

FOUR

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

ALIA BHATT REFLECTS ON ‘LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE’ AFTER WRAPPING UP GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI

KARTIK AARYAN TO STAR IN 'SATYANARAYAN KI KATHA', SAYS 'I'M THE ONLY MEMBER IN THIS TEAM WITHOUT NATIONAL AWARD' Kartik Aaryan announced his forthcoming film on his social media pages. The film to be directed by National award-winning director Sameer Vidwans. Kartik Aaryan announces his forthcoming film titled 'Satyanarayan Ki Katha'. The film is being directed by National award-winning director Sameer Vidwans under Namah Pictures and Sajid Nadiadwala's banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. Kartik announced his social media pages with a short and soulful video. The actor wrote, "A story close to my heart #SatyanarayanKiKatha. A special film with special people. #SajidNadiadwala @sameervidwans @shareenmantri @arora. kishor @wardakhannadiadwala @karandontsharma @ nadiadwalagrandson @ namahpictures #SNKK." In a statement, Kartik said, "I have been wanting to work with Sajid sir for some time now, I couldn’t have asked for better collaboration. I’m extremely happy that I am a part of Sajid Sir, Shareen and Kishor’s vision. 'Satyanarayan Ki Katha' is a musical love saga that brings together a powerhouse of people who are National award-winning names. It’s also a first for me with Sameer Vidwans sir who has an astute sense of making sensitive topics highly

entertaining." Kartik added, "Honestly, I feel immense pressure and responsibility since I am the only member in this team without a National award." While Sajid shared, "Satyanarayan Ki Katha' has been a visionary project for me. We, at Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment are excited to collaborate with Namah Pictures, national award-winning Director Sameer Vidwans and very talented Kartik Aaryan for this one. This will be our first time working with Kartik and he brings new energy to the project, all together. 'Satyanarayan Ki Katha' makes for a script that calls for this perfect union and we are looking forward to bringing this ultimate love story to the audience."

Alia Bhatt announced the film's wrap up on her social media and even penned a heartfelt note as she reflected on the twoyear long journey. Alia Bhatt has officially wrapped up Gangubai Kathiawadi! The actr ess took to Instagram to announce the big news and even penned a heartfelt note as she refle cted on the two-year long journey. She than ked her team and the film's crew and called it a "gigantic life changing experience" with direc tor Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Sharing photos from the film's sets, Alia wrote, "We started shooting Gangubai on the 8th of Dec ember 2019 .. and we wrapped the film now 2 years later! This film and set has been through two lockdowns.. two cyclones.. direc tor and actor getting covid durin g the making!!! the troubles the set has faced is anot her film all together!" She further added, "But through all that and more.. what I take awa y is the gigantic life changing experience! Being direc ted by sir has been a dream all my life, but I don’t think anything would have prepared me for the journey I was on for thes e two years.. I walk out of this set a diff person toda y! I love you sir! Thank you for bein g you .. there is truly NO ONE like you (sic)." An emotional Alia concluded by saying, "When a film ends a part of you ends with it! Today I’ve lost a part of me.. Gan gu I love you! You will be missed. P.S - special mention to my crew - my family and friends for these two years! without you nothing would have been possible! Love you guys!!!"

RACE 4 IN SCRIPTING STAGE; EXPECTED TO ROLL BY END OF 2021 Race is one of the most popular film franchises in India. The last installment of this actionthriller series had featured Salman Khan in the lead. According to Pinkvilla Race 4 is in the works. The film is currently in the scripting stage, which is being penned by writer Shiraz Ahmed. “Shiraz, who has worked on the earlier three instalments of the film, is presently working on the fourth part. Producer Ramesh Taurani will zero in on a director soon and will get onto casting only after the final script is locked. The film is expected to roll by this year-end, however things also depend on the Covid 19 situation then,”

informs a source close to the development. It is yet to be known whether Salman Khan (Race 3) or Saif Ali Khan (Race 1 and 2) will return for the fourth film in the series. The first Race was headlined by Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Katrina Kaif, Bipasha Basu and Anil Kapoor. Race 2 also had Saif and Anil alongside John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernadez and Ameesha Patel. Part 3 had featured Salman, Anil, Jacqueline, Bobby Deol and Daisy Shah. Meanwhile, Taurani’s Saif, Jacqueline, Arjun Kapoor and Yami Gautam starrer Bhoot Police will reportedly release

on Disney+Hotstar. His next production featuring Katrina Kaif and South superstar

Vijay Sethupathi will go on the floors soon. Titled Merry Christmas, the film will be

directed by Sriram Raghavan and is expected to kickstart in Mumbai.

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

'SUNFLOWER' REVIEW:

FIVE

This Sunil Grover-starrer Gets Mixed Reactions From Netizens Sunil Grover's much-awaited web series 'Sunflower' has released on ZEE5. Check out netizens' review to find out if the show is worth your time. Ever since the makers of Sunflower dropped the muchawaited trailer of the web series on ZEE5's YouTube channel last month, there has been a lot of buzz around this Sunil Groverstarrer. Although ardent fans of the comedian-actor have been curiously awaiting its release for a while now, all eight episodes of the Reliance Entertainmentproduced show premiered on the platform last week. The story of this newly-released series focuses on the middleclass Sunflower housing society, which is full of quirky characters.

However, after the mysterious death of a resident of the society, the lives of other residents turn topsy-turvy as they, especially Sonu Singh, come under the police's scanner.

comedy thriller but has also written its screenplay. While Sunil plays the main suspect of Mr Kapoor's murder in this web series, Ranvir essays the role of the cop who is in charge of investigating the case.

All you need to know about Sunflower

Along with the Queen director, Sunflower has also been co-helmed by the Gumnaami director, Rahul Sengupta. The synopsis of the series according to ZEE5's official website reads: "When Mr. Kapoor of Sunflower society is found dead, the cops arrive and interrogate the neighbours. In a society full of quirky characters, who must have killed Kapoor and why?".

Alongside Sunil Grover as the main lead, the Sunflower cast also includes Ranvir Shorey, Sonal Jha, Girish Kulkarni, Shonali Nagrani and Ashish Vidyarthi in key roles. The acclaimed Bollywood filmmaker Vikas Bahl has not only directed this

Following Sunflower's release, netizens have been flocking to Twitter to share their review of this eight-episode web series. While one user wrote, "Whoa, you just can't miss this #Sunflower #Sunflowerreview entertaining, the hilarious dramedy" another tweeted, "Sunflower Review: This thriller film could not create a thrill, the story ended without answering the important questions".

Another user wrote: #Sunflower Review : A complete mess of a murder investigative quirk comedy Overall, a one-time watch. Another Twitterati said Sunil Grover shines. They tweeted: #SunFlower Review: @WhoSunilGrovershines

What an outstanding performer he is Good Dark Comedy Thriller with well built suspenseful environment & okay-ish narrative. Have you watched the series? Share your review with us at reviews@asianstylemagazine

SIX

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

SHAH RUKH KHAN:

29 Glorious years of the King of Romance.

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

Proclaimed as 'King of romance', superstar Shah Rukh Khan clocked 29 years in the Hindi Film Industry on Friday 25 June. The actor whose debut film 'Deewana' was released in 1992, thanked his fans for all the love they have been showering on him for almost three decades. Taking to his Twitter handle, SRK wrote, "Been working. Just saw the 'overwhelmed ness' of the lov of nearly 30 yrs u r showering on me here. Realised it's more than half my life in the service of hoping to entertain u all. Will take out time tomorrow and share some love back personally. Thx needed to feel loved...." True to his word, King Khan made time for his fans and interacted with them on Twitter using his trademark humour, sarcasm and charming

personality. The ‘Badshah’ responded to curious questions and promised to gift fans a lot of movies! "Movie release might not be a good option right now, how about a Dance Number .. which might hold us for some time?" asked a fan. SRK replied "Nahi yaar ab toh bahut saari movies hi aayengi. (No, my friend, a lot of movies are in the pipeline)." Asked, when would his next film release, the actor tweeted "Right now with the situation I think it's prudent to make film release schedules with a bit of patience." Shah Rukh also hinted that his production house Red Chillies Entertainment is backing "very masaaledaar movies"! On being asked "@iamsrk what's cooking in @RedChilliesEnt

Khan in Zero

Image: Yash Raj Films

Shah Rukh Khan in Dilwale Dulhania

le Jayenge

kitchen these days?", the actor, producer replied "Some very masaaledaar movies". Quizzed if he is doing a film with filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, SRK replied "Just going to call him and request him, he sleeps late!!" Asked if he plans to make any announcements in the near future, Shah Rukh sarcastically replied "Loudspeakers make announcement. I will gently allow my films to enter your hearts soon." "What phase of life do you think you are right now sir?" asked a fan, to which Shah Rukh replied "Rebuilding". A user asked whether SRK is currently "berozgaar" or jobless. Mr Khan’s witty reply is perhaps why he is known as the King. The actor responded "Jo kuch nahi karte.woh (people who don't do anything...they)" When a fan asked how his health was, the actor replied "Not as amazing as John Abraham but holding my own, ha ha." "Which is the most inspiring thing that you learnt on the journey of 29 years?" enquired a fan. "Not inspiring but the truth, everybody who doesn't do the work you are best at, knows how to do it better!!!" replied the actor. How does it feel to complete 30 years in Bollywood? SRK replied "It's the best 30 years of my life and still counting..." To commemorate his impeccable journey in the Bollywood industry, several fans also took to social media to celebrate the day with a trending hashtag, #29GoldenYearsOfSRK. One fan wrote, "#shahrukhkhan Nothing to the world's biggest Superstar, a journey which inspire millions of middle-class people that "kuch banne ke liye taqat ki nahi... niyaat ki zarurat hoti hai #29GoldenYearsOfSRK.” "Dear @iamsrk, seeing you act even after 29 years, seeing the same level of passion in you, it's so inspiring. For me, u r not just an actor, but a superstar who is still ruling our hearts... Thank you for ur wisdom. Thank you for existing. #29GoldenYearsOfSRK," wrote another fan. One of the longest running and largest fan clubs in the UK dedicated to Shah Rukh Khan is the

Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan club, who have more than 4 million followers across their social media platforms. Sunil Ravat one of the admins of the platform told Asian Style: “Shah Rukh Khan is the last of the superstars in Bollywood. We are his biggest fans, because of Shahrukh sir’s love for his fans, his motivational thoughts and his work ethic. He is the hardest working actor we know.” Shah Rukh Khan was already a popular TV star, but he entered into the hearts of millions on debuting the film scene with the blockbuster 'Deewana'. The romantic action drama was directed by debutante Raj Kanwar and starred the late Divya Bharti and late Rishi Kapoor in leading roles. 'Deewana' released to widespread critical acclaim, becoming the second highestgrossing film of 1992, and was given the verdict of 'super hit' by Box office India. The soundtrack album was the best seller of the year. At the 38th Filmfare Awards, 'Deewana' won five leading accolades including Best Male Debut for Khan and Most Popular Face of the Year for Bharti. It is considered to be one of the best love triangles from the 90s.

SEVEN

Khan solidified his foothold in the industry with 'Deewana' and since then he has been winning hearts all over the world with a fan following going into billions. He has a string of hits under his belt which include some of Bollywood's biggest hits like 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayengye', 'Baazigar', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...', 'Devdas', 'Swades We, the People', 'Chak De! India', 'Veer Zara', 'Om Shanti Om', 'My Name Is Khan', 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' and the highest-grossing 'Chennai Express' thus making him the irreplaceable megastar of India with a record number of Best Actor trophies and numerous power awards. King Khan will reportedly be seen sharing screen space with Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in 'Pathan'. However, there is no official announcement of the film yet. Also, 'Pathan', which is being backed by Yash Raj Films (YRF), will mark Shah Rukh's return to the silver screen after 2018's 'Zero'. Shah Rukh Khan is undoubtedly one of the biggest superstars that India has ever produced and as he once said, “The best is yet to come.”

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ASTON MARTIN VALKYRIE AMR PRO: THE ULTIMATE NO RULES HYPERCAR First came the revolutionary Aston Martin Valkyrie road car. Now comes the radical evolution, in the sensational form of the new Valkyrie AMR Pro: a machine which takes a car designed to win the Le Mans 24 Hours as its starting point, then pushes further to explore extremes of performance unconstrained by racing regulations or registration for road use. The new Valkyrie AMR Pro takes the ultimate hypercar genre to new extremes. Its radical design is an extreme evolution of the Valkyrie Le Mans racer concept This hypercar is designed to be capable of lapping 24H Le Mans circuit in 3mins 20seconds It features new longer wheelbase/wide track chassis and unique aerodynamic package and has a V12

powertrain power output of 1000bhp More details of the Valkyrie AMR Pro’s specification and performance will be released later this year, but with a target lap time around the 8.5-mile 24H Le Mans circuit of 3 minutes 20 seconds – blistering performance that

would see the Valkyrie AMR Pro battling with the front running LMP1 cars for the outright win in the world’s greatest endurance race. Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Tobias Moers said: “The entire Aston Martin Valkyrie programme has been an extraordinary adventure in

engineering. As an expression of the passion and expertise that can be found within Aston Martin and its closest technical partners, Valkyrie AMR Pro is a project beyond compare, a true ‘no rules’ track-only version. The Valkyrie AMR Pro is testament to Aston Martin’s commitment to pure performance and

this performance DNA will be evident in our future product portfolio. Nothing else looks like it, nothing else sounds like it, and I am absolutely certain nothing else will drive like it!” All cars will be left-hand drive, with a production run of 40 cars plus two prototypes. First deliveries are scheduled to commence in Q4 2021.

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GOVERNMENT ACCUSED OF STOKING A ‘CULTURE WAR’ New report into education accused of ‘cherry-picking the data’ BY DAVID WIBBERLEY A Conservative-dominated education committee has said schools could be breaking the law by promoting terms such as ‘white privilege’. According to a controversial MPs’ report, White working-class pupils have been let down by decades of neglect in the English education system and says schools could be breaking the law by promoting “divisive” terminology such as “white privilege”. MPs on the Conservativedominated Commons committee examined why poor white children underperform compared with other disadvantaged groups and rejected the government’s view that poverty is solely to blame. The report, called “The Forgotten: How White Working-class Pupils Have Been Let Down, and How to Change It” also urged schools to consider whether the promotion of politically controversial terminology, including white privilege, is consistent with their duties under the Equality Act 2010. This is not the first government report on race that has attracted widespread criticism. It was published in the wake of the widely criticised Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. The report claims that “an industry” has emerged to support disadvantaged non-white pupils but the same is not available to white pupils on free school meals, who underperform at every level of the education system from early years through to higher education. While certain ethnic minority of pupils (such as Indian, Bangladeshi, and Chinese), on free school meals perform better on attainment than the national average at GCSE others (such as black Caribbean and Irish) still struggle. Travellers of Irish heritage and Gypsy/ Roma communities perform the lowest on all main attainment measures. Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside and a member of the committee, Kim Johnson said: “The inquiry cherry-picked data. I think they were trying to create a bit of a culture war.” On the surface it would appear that ethnicity plays a big part in academic success and that the support by government with the provision free school meals is a big part of this success. Since 2006, Bangladeshi, black African and Chinese free school meals pupils have improved substantially more than the

Image: Stock

national average. During this period these three groups have improved by more than 20 percentage points on the benchmark five GCSE measure, while the national average has improved by about 13.5 percentage points. An important point to note about the statistics they are not as useful as the government would like to suggest; it is not helpful to lump together ‘Black’ and ‘Asian’ students because there are significant differences in the achievement rates within these groups. Across the country, for the academic year 2019-20, the percentage of pupils on free school meals getting a grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSE was 28% compared with 58% of pupils who do not receive free school meals. The figure for all pupils is slightly lower at 23% for those on free school meals and 54% for those that do not receive them. For the same time Asians perform well above the average, with 42% on free school meals and 61% not on free school meals

attaining grade 5 or above for GCSE maths and English. But even within the Asian grouping that receive free school meals there are discrepancies; for Indian origin children 52%, Bangladeshi 49%, Pakistani 38% and all other Asian backgrounds 42%. The use of free school meals as a shorthand for working class is often adopted for practical reasons, but this could hide other factors. There is likely to be considerable variation in the circumstances of pupils within this group and this may vary systematically across different ethnic groups. Looking at GCSE results by free school meal eligibility (roughly the poorest sixth of children) it can be seen that ethnicity still has an independent effect on achievement. Karl Thompson believes that the government figure misrepresents what is actually going on. He said: “I think the DFE here is doing a cunning job of disguising the fact that ‘income’ has a larger effect on results than ethnicity – we are seeing here the poorest 1/6th (free school meals) compared to

Image: Stock

Asians perform well above the average, with 42% on free school meals and 61% not on free school meals attaining grade 5 or above for GCSE maths and English

the richest 5/6ths (No free school meals).” He added: “If we were to stretch this out and compare just the poorest 1/6th (which we’ve got) to the richest 1/6th my guess would be that you’d find very similar

suggesting that poor white and mixed-race children do comparatively worse than poor children from all other ethnic groups. In supporting the findings of the report, chair of the committee, Conservative MP, Robert Halfon said: “Never again should we lazily put the gap down to poverty alone, given that we know free school meal eligible pupils from other ethnic groups consistently outperform their white British peers.” The figures used by government to illustrate their arguments are for the country as a whole and do not take into account regional variations. London schools have had massive investment compared to provincial towns as well as a higher proportion of ethnic minority pupils. For anyone interested enough to read to the end of the government report they will know that “the data only includes figures based

Education report accused of cherry-picking data levels of achievement across what would be the upper middle classes for all ethnic groups.” However, questions remain, such as why do pupils in some ethnic groups appear to be more resilient to the pressures of poverty on educational attainment and have seen a greater improvement in attainment compared with White working-class pupils? Maurice McLeod, chief executive of the thinktank Race on the Agenda, rejected the report’s conclusions. He said: “The education committee report is just the latest government salvo in the culture war it seems hellbent on stoking.” Mr McLeod added: “Instead of honestly accepting that children from all backgrounds have been badly let down by decades of neglect, this report attempts to create unhelpful divides between children based on their race.” For the free school meals groups, white and mixed-race children are now the lowest achievers,

on high enough pupil numbers to make reliable generalisations.” However, the government data does show that there were significant regional variations, Trafford had the highest percentage of pupils getting a grade 5 or above in GCSE English and maths (68.4%), Knowsley had the lowest percentage of pupils getting a grade 5 or above (26.5%) and Hammersmith and Fulham had the highest percentage of White pupils getting a grade 5 or above (70.8%) with Knowsley showing the lowest percentage (26.0%). Finally, it is important to remember that in every ethnic group, pupils who receive free school meals were less likely to get a grade 5 or above than non-eligible pupils. Perhaps the wrong comparison is being made. Maybe we should be asking why working-class children in society in general are not doing as well as middle class children and putting in the remedies & funding to ensure they do.

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MIDDLESBROUGH: “INCENTIVES” AND WOMEN ONLY JAB CLINICS MULLED OVER TO BOOST UPTAKE IN MIDDLESBROUGH to use “trusted voices” in communities to encourage people to get jabbed.

BY ALEX METCALFE “INCENTIVES” for taking up the covid vaccine are being examined by health leaders amid some worry over those who’ve had no jab.

Mr Adams said he’d held talks with health bosses about potentially reducing capacity at the Riverside Stadium vaccination centre – and moving resources onto a bus to have jabs closer to town.

Figures from Middlesbrough show 4,758 over 50s in the town were unvaccinated as of the start of this week.

And he added gender was something they wanted to examine when it came to uptake.

And councillors at the latest health scrutiny panel were told this number was only coming down “very slowly”. With the rise of the delta variant, South Tees public health chief Mark Adams revealed teams were examining a raft of measures to boost uptake – including women only jab centres, another bus offering vaccines, and what he called “incentives”. He added: “It’s going to be a programme of trying things, testing things, seeing if they work and tweaking them to get them

The health chief said: “Do we need to think about doing women only clinics for cultural reasons? I don’t know, as we don’t have the data. “But I think we’re going to look at having women only clinics anyway to see if that makes a difference. Image: Stock

to work.” The vaccine roll out is being coordinated by the NHS. The “Melissa bus” has been used to offer jabs in Centre Square,

Cannon Park, and other parts of the town. Mr Adams explained how teams were working to shift to a “drop-in model”, rather than a booking model to reduce barriers to the jab. “What seem to be quite small barriers can make quite a difference,” he added.

whatever reason,” he said.

“All of that is going to play into what we do.”

“I don’t really anticipate it will have a massive effect but it’s something we need to try.”

After the meeting, Mr Adams confirmed teams were considering whether incentives for either communities or individuals could make a difference.

He later added: “At the moment, it’s more about directing people to

He added: “At the same time, we’re considering offering women-

“Where we know where those areas are, we’ll do door knocking.

“The easier and closer you can make it, the more likely you are to pick up the vaccination rates.” Statistics for Middlesbrough show more than 91% of over 50s in the town have now been vaccinated – and more than half of adults have received two doses (53%). However, the borough ranks the second lowest in the North-east for uptake so far.

Image: Middlesbrough Council

Mark Adams, South Tees joint director of public health covering Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland

Tuesday’s panel heard how the town’s younger demographic, higher population of ethnic minorities, and higher deprivation were likely to be behind this.

where jabs exist.

Cllr David Coupe, chairman of the health scrutiny panel, asked if teams were considering going door-to-door to boost the figures.

“We haven’t really looked at any specific proposal, but we’re looking at whether incentives might make a difference.

Mr Adams confirmed teams were thinking about it.

“I’m not a big fan of incentives but they might have an impact.”

“Some of the people we’re calling don’t answer the phone for

Meanwhile, the panel was also told how health teams were continuing

Image: Stock

only sessions where cultural sensitivities make mixed sessions less accessible.” The rolling covid rate in Middlesbrough now stands at 83.6 cases per 100,000 in the week to June 24. Article by Local Democracy Reporting Service

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&Crosswords

PUZZLES Spot the

differences

CODEWORD

Image: Pallav Paliwal

A peacock stands on a Dish Antenna in New Delhi at Residence of NCP President Sharad Pawar

CODEWORD ANSWERS

ANSWERS 1. The colour of the crest freathers.

3. Тhe antenna cable.

2. The leg of peacock.

4. The color of the antenna screws.

5. The small receiver of the antenna.

CROSSWORD Across 1. Go by (4) 3. Baker's dozen (8) 9. Pharmacist (7) 10. Anesthetic (5) 11. Become void (5) 12. Effortlessly (6) 14. Beast (6) 16. Male goose (6) 19. Nearer k6) 21. Combine (5) 24. Should (5) 25. Uncertain (2,5) 26. Gifted (8) 27. Meat from a calf (4)

Down 1. Odd (8) 2. Precipitous (5) 4. Abhorrence (6) 5. Staggers (6) 6. Breathed out (7) 7. Roman emperor (4) 8. Movie theatre (6) 13. Eastern (8) 15. Against the law (7) 17. Fleet of ships (6) 18. Come to the destination (6) 20. The Devil (5) 22. Itinerary (5) 23. Sailing vessel (4)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

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RECIPE

SOY GLAZED BARBECUE CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Barbecue season is upon us and it’s looking to be a warm summer. So why not enjoy the season with these delicious sticky chicken drumsticks? Our recipe this week is sure to help you get your outdoor party, with these sticky, soy glazed chicken pieces. Cooked to perfection on the barbecue. Serve with chilli or mint sauce

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

1 x 750g chicken drumsticks or

Combine all the marinade ingredients in a large

8 drumstick pieces

bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and

For the marinade 2 tbsp honey

chill for at least 30 minutes, or overnight. Cook the chicken on a preheated barbecue for 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred

3 tbsp dark brown sugar

and sticky but cooked through with no pink meat

3 tbsp tomato ketchup

remaining. Alternatively, spread out on a baking tray

4 tbsp soy sauce

and cook in a preheated oven at gas 6, 200°C, fan

2 garlic cloves, crushed 1-2 tsp sundried tomato paste pinch dried chilli flakes

180°C for 45 minutes, turning halfway, or until cooked through with no pink remaining. Serve with chilli or mint sauce.

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From mentoring, to networking, to lobbying, along with a whole host of events, we want women to be included equally in all parts of society.

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Our resident chef Shaeem shows us how to cook

Inside

BRINGING OUT THE TIGER

ADARS H GOURAV

This week our Editor gives her favourite recipe for Ramadan - Meethi Sewai

In order to help our cause we are therefore looking for volunteers, who may have a couple of hours spare to assist us in delivering on our projects and services for women

JANHVI KAPOOR:

BOLLYWOOD’S YOUNG STARLET THE INDUSTRY IS MAKING BIG WAVES IN

Dahi Phulki CHECK RECIPE ON PAGE 28

CHECK RECIPE ON PAGE 21 BY THE PUBLISHERS OF ASIAN

SUNDAY

SUNDAY BY THE PUBLISHERS OF ASIAN @ASIANSTANDARD / WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

@ASIANSTANDARD / WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

WAR WHO’S STANDING IN YOUR S? IN MAY’S LOCAL ELECTION

2021 / FREE BRADFORD / 12 - 18 APRIL

Who will you vote for?

Full ward list inside on pages

Ramadan Mubarak to all our readers

Happy Vaisakhi

TO ALL OUR READER

2021 / FREE BRADFORD / 8 - 14 MARCH

IMRAN HUSSAIN MP

PROPOSES FIRST OF ITS KIND ‘TAXI DRIVERS CHARTER’

TO IMPROVE THE TREATMENT AND WELFARE OF TAXI DRIVERS ACROSS BRADFORD DISTRICT

6&7