The Asian Today Issue 233 - April 2018

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by maestro Javed Akhtar, Kumaar, Ginny plight, Ronnie (Tiger Shroff).

Diwan, Arko Pravo Mukherjee Ronnie goes and deep into the underbelly of Sayeed Quadri. The songs Goa, facing featured in the off against drug lords, menacing film are sung by Atif Aslam, Russian Ankit Tiwari, henchmen, and blood thirsty Shruti Pathak, Jubin Nautiyal animals. and Navraj Daring stunts, chase sequences, Hans. air strikes, bomb blasts and other large-scale Soaring the heat quotient and action sequences create music tempo in the film will a bona-fide, larger than be a killer life approach, truly making soundtrack, ranging from romantic it a spectacle.

With the film’s high-octane ballads that will stir emotions, action to upbeat sequences, Baaghi 2 promises revivals of much loved classic to raise tracks. The the bar for action thrillers in first song to be released is the Bollywood.

Bhangra Audiences will also be treated phenomenon Mundiya to Bach to a much Ke more muscular Tiger Shroff Rahi, which will enthral listeners in a deadly with a role compared to the prequel. strong Punjabi vibe. Baaghi He will be 2 will also up against a new set of challenges feature a special rendition of unlike the chartany he’s faced before. buster song Ek Do Teen from the 1980s Catch the skilled martial artist, blockbuster Tezaab. A tribute Tiger to Madhuri Shroff, fight, shoot and battle Dixit, the song has Bollywood his way starlet through a host of new foes Jacqueline Fernandez recreating with a fiery the passion and determination magic of this iconic track on alongside screen with a Disha Patani, showing that contemporary twist. he is still the rebel for love we remember.

Baaghi 2 is the story of an army offi Baaghi 2 released worldwide who goes in search of his ex-lover’s cer on child 30th March 2018, and is Produced who has been mysteriously by kidnapped.

Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment Neha (Disha Patani) reaches and out to the Presented by Fox Star Studios. only person who can help her with her Join the conversation! #Baaghi2

HAPPY VAISAKHI FROM THE ASIAN TODAY TEAM

DYNAMISM, DIVERSITY AND THE COMMONWEALTH

ANUSHKA SHARMA IN FORBES 30 TURN TO PAGE 24

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS ROUND UP

Arabian Nites Brawl & Gun Shots

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ALEXANDER STADIUM TO RECEIVE £70M FOR 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Birmingham's Alexander Stadium will have a £70m plan to expand in time for 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The 40-year-old structure's capacity from 12,700 will increase to 40,000 and retain 20,000 seats after the event.

The handover from Australia will take place on Sunday 15 April after hosting the 12-day event on the Gold Coast.

Prime Minister Theresa May visited the stadium - which will host the 2022 opening and closing ceremonies.

She said the investment would be transformational and benefit the local community and the West Midlands region.

"Birmingham's dynamism, diversity and ambition capture exactly what it is to be part of the Commonwealth and I'm sure

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RETURNS IN BAAGHI

Fire, fury, action and love: Tiger Shroff, the undisputed rebel for love, is back with more action and more adventure in Baaghi 2. The much-awaited sequel to the 2016 hit film Baaghi, is heading to cinemas worldwide through Fox Star Studios on 30th March 2018, with a daring and action packed new mission in Goa. Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Presented

by Fox Star Studios, Baaghi 2 is directed

by Ahmed Khan (Fool & Final), and sees the return of new age Bollywood heartthrob and action-hero Tiger Shroff (Heropanti, Baaghi). The talented Disha Patani (M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Kung-Fu Yoga) joins Tiger Shroff in the film as the female lead, alongside a stellar star-cast comprising Randeep Hooda (Sultan), Manoj Bajpayee (Aligargh) and Prateik Babbar (Umrika) in pivotal roles.

The music of the film is composed by an eclectic array of musicians including Mithoon, Arko Pravo Mukherjee, GourovRoshin, Sandeep Shirodkar and Pranaay Rijay while the lyrics have been penned

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THE TEAM EDITORS Ifraz Ahmed Anita Chumber

JOURNALISTS Kesser Hussain Siddharth Kumar Jag Sahota

SALES Anita Chumber Simon Keatle

CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Ley

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that in four years' time, the people of this city will host an incredible event which showcases the very best of Britain to the world," she said.

The revamped stadium will have new community sports facilities, a permanent warm-up track and a new conference meeting space.

The expansion will see it become the UK's largest permanent athletics stadium outside London.

The excitement of the 2022 Games has highlighted the importance of diversity of the commonwealth.

Birmingham saw the launch the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce at Aston University on the 12

March in front of business people, academia and dignitaries.

The president of the new Commonwealth Chamber and Chairman of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association Kevin Stokes-Smith said “The Commonwealth always has been and always will be an important club. It has to be relevant and should be about the future rather than the past.

“Brexit clearly puts the Commonwealth back on the map. When Commonwealth countries trade with each, costs are reduced by 90 per cent, mainly because of common law structures.”

The games are expected to take place between 27 July and 7 August 2022.

Prime Minister Theresa May visit to the Black Country and Birmingham on Wednesday 11 April saw her helping out with food preparations for Vaisakhi at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in West Bromwich.

General secretary of the Gurdwara, Kundan Singh Khera, said: “She cooked some chapatti after having a look around the kitchen.

"She enjoyed a cup of tea in the hall with the Sikh community.

“She was very appreciative of the Sikh community.”

On her visit the PM also visited young athletes at Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham, which is to benefit from a £70 million investment to turn it into a world-class athletics venue ahead of the city hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The PM ditched her coat and joined children at the stadium, where she showed off her shot put winning a

round of applause from the children.

The revamped stadium is set to include community sports facilities within the new stand, a permanent warm-up track and a new conference meeting space created to host business and cultural events.

Mrs May said: “Birmingham’s dynamism, diversity and ambition capture exactly what it is to be part of the Commonwealth and I’m sure that in four years’ time, the people of this city will host an incredible event, which showcases the very best of Britain to the world.

“The investment I am announcing today will transform the stadium into a state-of-the-art facility benefitting the local community and the region well beyond 2022.”

Birmingham was awarded the right to host the Commonwealth Games at the end of last year.

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UK’s first Islamic Guidance Document on Adoption and Fostering March 21st saw the launch at the House of Commons of the first ever Islamic Guidance Document on Adoption and Fostering which has been commissioned by the UK charity Penny Appeal, who are actively involved in recruiting Muslim carers and adopters.

The Islamic Guidance document research which included the involvement of leading UK scholars, Community leaders and sector professional underlined the communal obligation to care for vulnerable children in the care system. This clear position is then expanded via six main themes which will help answer and explain some of the cultural barriers that Muslim adopters and carers may face with this new emphasis on the obligation of the community to engage positively in this area.

The six themes stated in the document include: The emphasis in Islam on caring for orphans (definition and status) Definition of fostering and adoption in Islam (In the UK and terminology).

Preservation of a child’s identity (preservation of lineage).

Managing familial relationships with a child who is not biologically related (including marriage and inheritance issues).

Formation of parent-child relationships (non-biological breastfeeding).

Cross-religious placement (Looking after non-Muslim children).

Ten recommendations have also been made for Muslim Communities and their leaders in the UK, some include: If you’re are able too, become adopters or foster carer (in the tradition of the Prophet) to act as a role model to the communities.

Invite sector professionals or Islamic scholars who are involved in this work to mosques and local community centres Ensure children in care, their adoptive or foster parents, and professionals who work with them, feel welcome and supported in mosques and community centres, regardless of their gender, race, culture or any other demographics.

The six main themes and full document published

by Penny Appeal has come about through bespoke symposia and extensive consultation, expert witness statements and research.

Imam Dr Abdullah Hasan who has been involved in the development and conclusions of the guidance documents is part of a list of 100 UK leading Imams, community leaders and social care professionals who have put their names

to endorse the findings and recommendations of the guidance document, Imam Hasan says: Caring for vulnerable children is of course encouraged by all faiths and societies and bringing together a cross section of Muslim scholars and leaders to hear the witness testimonies of those in care and those working with those in care was a humbling experience. Our faith and humanity requires us to act and this is what the guidance document is intended to promote.

Penny Appeal CEO Aamer Naeem who will launch the guidance document on the 21st says: The clarity on the communal obligation upon the community to address the disparity of carers to children in care is a major shift in understanding of the problem. It takes it from voluntary to compulsory.

Penny Appeal has a referral service where potential adopters and foster carers can get advice and we assess suitability in order to ensure those passed on to appropriate authorities and agencies are more likely to be successfully matched with a child. As important as this clarity is, the process of getting the opinion was equally as exciting and we will now be adopting it again to look at other areas of development and humanitarian work.

2018 Birmingham International Marathon Cancelled The Birmingham International Marathon for this year has been cancelled due to organisers blaming the city’s extensive roadworks preventing them from designing an ‘iconic course’.

The Great Run Company, David Hart said “We just couldn’t put together a course to show off the best of the city,” he said. “We had very robust feedback from last year’s runners that it simply hadn’t been an iconic course that reflected the very best of the city.”

After talks with Birmingham City Council, the company took the decision to suspend entries to the 2018 marathon.

In a statement, the company said: “Ongoing redevelopment and roadworks at key areas in the city centre have restricted options for a new and improved route to make it the brilliant running experience the Great Run Company and Birmingham City Council are striving to deliver.

Coun Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We could carry on with the route established

PA has also commissioned additional research through the Centre for Trust Peace and social relations at Coventry University which was led by Dr Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor, research fellow in faith

and peaceful relations at Coventry University.

In conclusion, The Guidance document aims to comprehensively clarify commonly misunderstood topics regarding faith teachings and will make it

clear that caring for orphans and vulnerable children in the Islamic tradition is a praiseworthy endeavour and, in some situations a necessity. The document will provide solutions for prospective carers, Muslim communities and care providers.

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More strokes are now occurring at an earlier age 6

APRIL 2018

Public Health England’s statistics show that over a third (38%) of first time strokes happen in middle aged adults (between the ages of 40 – 69). More first time strokes are now occurring at an earlier age compared to a decade ago and South Asian people are at a greater risk of experiencing a stroke at a significantly younger age.

Stroke survivors, Amit Amin and Ranj Parmar both had a stroke in their late thirties.

Amit said “Although I had seen the Stroke Act F.A.S.T adverts I never thought it would happen to me. I was a young man, I led a healthy life – I didn’t drink or smoke and was not overweight. It was a huge shock to my family and I.” Amit experienced weakness on his left side and he couldn't raise his arms. His speech was slurred too, he said “I sounded as though I was drunk but I hadn’t been drinking.”

Amit’s fiancé noticed these signs and acted FAST, “When I got to the hospital I was quickly seen to by a nurse and neurologist. I had a brain scan which revealed a blood clot on the right side of my brain. It was then I knew I had a stroke.”

He goes on to praise the NHS team that treated him “They were brilliant. I was helped by stroke specialists, nurses and psychologists. I

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also had speech therapy and physiotherapy. I made a good recovery, regaining my motor skills and ability to speak which is amazing. I had issues with my memory but that is getting better. The only residual issue I have is impaired vision which means I can’t drive.”

At the time Amit wasn’t aware that South Asians were at a higher risk of stroke and were more likely to have a stroke at a younger age than the white population.

Neither did he know how important it was to act FAST when you notice any one the signs of stroke.

Now he strongly advocates the importance of South Asians being aware of the signs of stroke and acting FAST “Because of the heightened risk within our community we need to be more aware of the signs of stroke – facial weakness, arm weakness and slurred speech.

Calling 999 as soon as you see even one of the stroke signs in yourself or others is essential. Speedy treatment will help prevent deaths and disability.”

Ranj Parmar said “At the time I didn’t know how serious stroke was until it happened to me and I certainly didn’t think I could have a stroke in my thirties.”

“The day I had a stroke I was walking around the shops and suddenly it felt like someone hit me at the back of my head with a club.

STROKE SURVIVOR: Amit Amin

I felt an intense pain and started to lose mobility in both arms and neck. It was a terrifying experience.”

“I was rushed to hospital where I had a brain scan that revealed that I had a stroke.”

Like Amit his experience of the NHS team was positive “They were great, the way they quickly got me the medical attention I needed.”

Nine years on, he said “To look at me now, I look normal. I socialize, play light sports and can do most things I want to but the road to rehabilitation was challenging and took a lot of time and effort.”

Following his stroke Ranj co-setup a support group for other stroke survivors and their families – Different Strokes Southampton, affiliated to the national charity Different Strokes.

He is committed to raising awareness of the disease “Stroke is still one of the leading causes of death in England. It’s often associated with older people, however the latest research from Public Health England and my story shows that people are having strokes at a younger age. Everyone needs to be aware of the signs.”

“Every minute counts when you have a stroke and calling 999 straightaway can make a significant difference to someone’s recovery and rehabilitation.”

For more information on stroke visit nhs.uk/actfast

Public Health England’s statistics show that over a third (38%) of first time strokes happen in middle aged adults (between the ages of 40 – 69). More first time strokes are now occurring at an earlier age compared to a decade ago and South Asian people are at a greater risk of experiencing a stroke at a significantly younger age.

Stroke survivors, Amit Amin and Ranj Parmar both had a stroke in their late thirties.

Amit said “Although I had seen the Stroke Act F.A.S.T adverts I never thought it would happen to me. I was a young man, I led a healthy life – I didn’t drink or smoke and was not overweight.

It was a huge shock to my family and I.” Amit experienced weakness on his left side and he couldn't raise his arms.

His speech was slurred too, he said “I sounded as though I was drunk but I hadn’t been drinking.”

Amit’s fiancé noticed these signs and acted FAST, “When I got to the hospital I was quickly seen to by a nurse and neurologist. I had a brain scan which revealed a blood clot on the right side of my brain. It was then I knew I had a stroke.”

He goes on to praise the NHS team that treated him “They were brilliant. I was helped by stroke specialists, nurses and psychologists. I

also had speech therapy and physiotherapy. I made a good recovery, regaining my motor skills and ability to speak which is amazing. I had issues with my memory but that is getting better. The only residual issue I have is impaired vision which means I can’t drive.”

At the time Amit wasn’t aware that South Asians were at a higher risk of stroke and were more likely to have a stroke at a younger age than the white population.

Neither did he know how important it was to act FAST when you notice any one the signs of stroke.

Now he strongly advocates the importance of South Asians being aware of the signs of stroke and acting FAST “Because of the heightened risk within our community we need to be more aware of the signs of stroke – facial weakness, arm weakness and slurred speech.

Calling 999 as soon as you see even one of the stroke signs in yourself or others is essential. Speedy treatment will help prevent deaths and disability.”

Ranj Parmar said “At the time I didn’t know how serious stroke was until it happened to me and I certainly didn’t think I could have a stroke in my thirties.”

“The day I had a stroke I was walking around the shops and suddenly it felt like someone hit me at the back of my head with a club.

STROKE SURVIVOR: Ranj Parmar

I felt an intense pain and started to lose mobility in both arms and neck. It was a terrifying experience.”

“I was rushed to hospital where I had a brain scan that revealed that I had a stroke.”

Like Amit his experience of the NHS team was positive “They were great, the way they quickly got me the medical attention I needed.”

Nine years on, he said “To look at me now, I look normal. I socialize, play light sports and can do most things I want to but the road to rehabilitation was challenging and took a lot of time and effort.”

Following his stroke Ranj co-setup a support group for other stroke survivors and their families – Different Strokes Southampton, affiliated to the national charity Different Strokes.

He is committed to raising awareness of the disease “Stroke is still one of the leading causes of death in England. It’s often associated with older people, however the latest research from Public Health England and my story shows that people are having strokes at a younger age. Everyone needs to be aware of the signs.”

“Every minute counts when you have a stroke and calling 999 straightaway can make a significant difference to someone’s recovery and rehabilitation.”

For more information on stroke visit nhs.uk/actfast

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WHEN STROKE STRIKES, ACT F.A.S.T.

FACE HAS THEIR FACE FALLEN ON ONE SIDE? CAN THEY SMILE?

ARMS CAN THEY RAISE BOTH ARMS AND KEEP THEM THERE?

SPEECH IS THEIR SPEECH SLURRED?

TIME IF YOU NOTICE ANYÂ OF THESE SIGNS MAKE THE CALL

Jaswant Naker STROKE SURVIVOR

DIAL 999

APRIL 2018

7

8

APRIL 2018

Wedding Hall in Small Heath to Re-open

A wedding venue in Small Heath is due to reopen in the summer after its ceiling collapsed on 200 guests including schoolchildren in 2017.

Around 40 firefighters, including specialist teams worked to stabilise the Al-Miraj Banqueting suite when the ceiling collapsed, three youngsters were among six people hurt.

The venue has remained closed since the incident but a spokesman for Al Miraj said there were plans to reopen the venue by the summer.

He said: “We are carrying out renovation work at the venue at the moment and we are aiming to be open by the summer.

The legal case against the builder responsible for work to the ceiling is ongoing.”

At the time of the incident venue director Gaus Uddin said he thanked God that none of the injuries were serious.

“I admit it could have been much more serious.”

Mr Uddin said he bought the venue in 2016 and paid a building firm to carry out improvements in the hall, including a suspended ceiling.

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Aston Villa Team Raise £20,000 for Moin Younis The fanatical Aston Villa fan who stole the nation’s heart and won Pride of Birmingham and Pride of Britain has been presented a cheque for £20,000 after players at Aston Villa rallied round and donated money.

Moin Younis has a rare skin condition which causes his skin to tear and blister at the slightest touch.was told by medic he would be lucky to see his first birthday by turning 18.

A campaign has been launched in a bid to raise £250,000 so he can take part in a clinical trial in Austria involving treatment with geneticallymodified skin grafts.

Aston Villa’s first-team members was inspired by the club’s longest-serving

player and close friend, Gabby Agbonlahor.

The club will match the squad’s £20,000 donation if fans raise the same amount through a text donation fund.

The money would cover day-to-day medical treatment costs if Moin was accepted, as well as supporting his family and carers.

Moin won the Teenager of Courage Award at the 2017 Pride of Britain Awards and he is also an ambassador for the Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Text MOFUND 70507 to donate £5.

Just over £46,000 has been raised on Moin’s fundraising page. Donate at www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ moin-fund .

Toddler Killed in a Fatal Crash A mother and her twoyear-old son had been visiting family when they were hit by a Volkswagen Bora on Stoney Stanton Road at around 9pm on Sunday.

The boy has today been named as Umar Akhalwaya died of his injuries in hospital, while his mother, 32, suffered multiple fractures and remains in a critical condition, West Midlands Police said.

Police said the driver of the vehicle, a 39-year-old man, stopped at the scene and is assisting officers with their inquiries.

Detective sergeant Paul Hughes said: "Some witnesses have come forward and I am grateful to everyone who has spoken to us. There was many people at the scene and if anyone witnessed the collision and hasn't yet spoken to us I would urge them to make

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"I would ask people at this stage not to speculate on what happened and to consider the further distress this may cause the family. They need our combined support to help them through this dreadful time.

"Specialist family liaison officers are with the family who are understandably distraught; they are being kept fully updated."

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APRIL 2018

Britain First Facebook Page Banned

Facebook page belonging to the anti-Islamic group Britain First and its leaders have been banned.

The social media company said the group had repeatedly violated its community standards.

Britain First's leader and deputy leader, Paul Golding and Jayda Fransen, were jailed earlier this month after being found guilty of serious hate crimes.

The page had over two million likes and their own pages had a large following.

Facebook made the decision to remove the page after Britain First ignored a final warning about the posting of material that broke its community standards.

Facebook said in their statement “We are an open platform for all ideas and political speech goes to the heart of free expression, but political views can and should be expressed without hate.

People can express robust and controversial opinions without needing to denigrate others on the basis of who they are.”

“We have community standards that clearly state this sort of speech is not acceptable on Facebook and, when we become aware of

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it, we remove it as quickly as we can,” the company added. “Political parties, like individuals and all other organisations on Facebook, must abide by these standards and where a page or person repeatedly breaks our community standards we remove them.” The group will also not be allowed to set up any further pages in future.

Facebook judged the videos and photos to be designed to incite hatred against Muslims.

Prime Minister Theresa May told the House of Commons that she welcomed the

hate-fuelled group whose sole purpose is to sow division.

Their sick intentions to incite hatred within our society via social media are reprehensible, and Facebook’s decision to remove their content is welcome.”

It is understood the offending posts included: * a photo of the group's leaders with the caption "Islamophobic and Proud" * a caption comparing Muslim immigrants with animals * multiple videos posted deliberately to incite hateful

move and hoped other tech companies would follow.

London's mayor, Sadiq Khan has also issued a statement.

“Britain First is a vile and

comments against Muslims Twitter suspended the accounts of Paul Golding and Jayda Fransen, after its new anti-abuse rules came into force last December.

Arabian Nites Breaks Silence over Claims of Violence

The troubled hit Shisha club in Birmingham has broken its silence over claims of horrifying spate of violence in and around its premises.

A commenter, claiming to be part of Arabian Nites, denied a drive-by shooting at the venue as a 'problem' and blamed the police for the area's regular gang incidents.

Arabian Nites' left two comments on a news article on the violence at the Bissell Street shisha lounge.

The comment boasted that brawl videos, driveby shooting reports and campaigns to shut the club down were keeping the club busy and helping business grow.

Arabian Nitess wrote: "No news article is a bad article!!

Let the news carry on our free advertising as week after

week our revenue grows, and business goes up."

The commenter also stated that Arabian Nites "we have not had a problem for over 4-5 weeks now as we have new security team in !!"

Reports that gunshots were fired at the club less than three weeks ago in a terrifying drive-by shooting and nearby CCTV captured a huge gang viciously fighting with each other and security directly outside the Digbeth shisha lounge.

In the comments police were blamed for 'not dealing with the gang problems' in the area.

"The problem was with the old firm & we can't sort out the areas gang problems again police should deal with that not us as a business," the comment added.

Police confirmed they

were called to three-punch ups over three consecutive weekends in February and March.

Officers at West Midlands Police are in discussions with the owner to review license conditions.

Birmingham Police Inspector Ifty Ahmed, said: “We’re aware of a series of disorders and anti-social behaviour connected to the Arabian Nights shisha lounge.

"These are a concern for the police and the venue management. My officers have met with the owner to discuss the situation and review the license conditions.

"As a result, we have increased our police presence in the locality and have a better understanding of the incidents which have occurred recently.”

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Councils Mix -Up with Secondary School Places left Families in Fury Birmingham City Council have apologised for offering more than 20 ten and 11-year-olds places at their first choice secondary school have had their offers withdrawn after a council mix-up.

A total of 25 Year Six pupils were told they had secured place at Ark St Alban's Academy in Highgate, a co-ed secondary school rated ‘outstanding’

by Ofsted, but were parents were then contacted 24 hours later to be told there had been a mix-up.

The children were instead offered places at schools including Ark Boulton Academy, Swanshurst School and City Academy.

Parent Najla al Dhaheri whose son Abdullah was initially offered a place at Ark St Alban’s said “I was really chuffed when I got the offer letter and then the next day that’s when we got the bad news”.

“We all received letters saying they weren’t actually accepted. We’ve got kids crying.

“Our next door neighbour got into the school but not my child.

“My son’s cousin was accepted – but she lives further away than we do from the school.

“Instead we’ve been offered Ark Boulton.

“It’s too far away.

“I have to take my son there, and I have two daughters in primary school who have to be taken at the same time.

“My husband is ill and I have to look after him as well – how am I meant to be in three places at once?”

Jaweria Siddiqi, whose daughter Imaan was wrongly offered a place, hosted a meeting of parents of 14 of the 25 children to discuss the error.

“I really liked it when we got the offer for Ark St Alban’s and we wrote back accepting it”, said Ms Siddiqi.

“But then they said they would withdraw the offer and give me a place at somewhere I didn’t even list as one of my choices – City Academy.

“I had a phone call from a man at the council trying to convince me to accept the place.

“I said no. I said my daughter was happy with Ark St Alban’s and she was going to go there – she was offered a place.

“My second choice was University of Birmingham School.

“If they wanted to refuse my application, they should have given me a place there.

“My daughter really doesn’t want to go to City Academy, we didn’t even attend the open evening.”

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at Ark St Alban’s Academy due to an error while assessing whether they met its admission criteria.

“As soon as we became aware, we contacted all parents affected to apologise for the mistake and have ensured that their children were offered a new school place and added to Ark St Alban’s waiting list.

“If any parent is unhappy with an offer then they are entitled to appeal.”

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Immigration Officers Arrest Five at Blue Water Restaurant

Five suspected illegal immigrants were arrested at a popular curry restaurant in Tamworth facing a £100,000 fine with officials also finding food hygiene issues.

Blue Water Restaurant could be facing a heavy fine after the five men were arrested by Immigration Enforcement officers on Thursday, 5 April around 6pm.

The Immigration officers carried out checks to ensure that staff had the right to live and work in the UK. Five Bangladeshi men aged between 18 and 36 were found to have overstayed their visas.

The restaurant was served a civil penalty referral notice warning that a penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal worker found will be forced unless the employer can show that appropriate right-to-work document checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work.

Theresa Gregory, head of the East Midlands Immigration Enforcement team, said: “My officers carry out regular intelligence-led operations such as this to tackle abuse of the immigration rules. Where illegal workers are discovered, employers who have not carried out the correct ‘right to work’ checks face a heavy fine.

Andrew Barratt, Chief Operating Officer for Tamworth Borough Council added: “Tamworth Borough Council is always happy to carry out joint visits with other organisations such as Immigration Enforcement to ensure all aspects of legislation are looked at during these types of visits.”

Information to help employers carry out checks to prevent illegal working can be found at https://www.gov.uk/ government/collections/employers-illegal-working-penalties.

People with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact https://www.gov.uk/report-immigrationcrime or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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The council blamed the fault on “an error while assessing whether children met its admission criteria”.

It wrote to the affected families apologising for the mistake “at what we know is an anxious time for parents”.

A council spokesman said: “Our school admissions team has processed more than 16,000 secondary applications this year, but unfortunately a very small number of children were wrongly offered a place

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Young Dad killed after a Freak Cinema Accident NEWS

A young dad has died after a freak cinema accident where his head became wedged in an electric chair.

The incident took place at Vue Cinema at Star City on Friday 9 March, Ateeq Rafiq, 24, dropped his phone in between the Gold Class seats at the end of the movie.

When he bent down to retrieve it, the electric seat’s footrest is said to have clamped down on his head.

A spokesman for Vue said: “Following an incident which took place on Friday 9 March at our Birmingham cinema, we can confirm that a customer was taken to hospital that evening.

“We are saddened to learn that he passed away on Friday 16 March.

“A full investigation into the nature of the incident is ongoing.

“Our thoughts and

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condolences are with the family who have our full support and assistance.”

A family member told The Sun Online that they have been “devastated” by the 24-year-old’s tragic death.

She said: “It is so sad what has happened.

“He was with his wife at the time who is just in absolute shock.

“We are all devastated.”

Another friend added: “said: “He was so young and had his whole life ahead of him.

“His family have lost a son, a father, a brother and a husband.

“He left behind a lovely daughter who is only two years old.

“He was a lovely, humble, down to earth guy who was always smiling, he literally had everything to live for.

“We are all devastated to have lost him so early and are

in shock.

“We cannot believe it.”

Mark Croxford, Head of Environmental Health at Birmingham City Council said: “The City Council’s Environmental Health team were notified of this incident and a Health and Safety investigation has begun.

“We are unable to comment further at this stage, as the investigation is ongoing.”

The young victim was said to be stuck as his frantic partner and staff battled to release him in the incident.

The chair’s foot-rest was eventually broken free and he was released.

A source had said: “The Gold Class seats are electric reclining seats. He bent down to look for his phone. At this point the leg-rest was in an upright position.

“But as he stuck his head underneath to have a look, the footrest clamped down onto his head.

“The ambulance had already been called and was at the scene at this time, and took him to hospital.”

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Schoolgirl attacked at School whilst Praying

A schoolgirl was attacked at a Birmingham school as she was praying, police are investigating the incident.

The teenager was allegedly left bloodied and bruised after being set upon by another pupil at Bordesley Green Girls School.

The alleged incident is understood not to have been racially motivated.

West Midlands Police is looking at the incident and has stepped up patrols at home time.

A force spokesman said last week: “Police were alerted by staff at Bordesley Green Girls School on Monday (19 March) to a fight that had taken place between pupils; the school has taken action and we understand pupils involved were suspended.

“Neighbourhood officers will be patrolling near the school at home time this week in order to provide some reassurance and to deter any trouble.

“Our officers are liaising with the school in order to understand exactly what happened, what injuries were sustained and if police intervention is required.”

Bordesley Green Girls School Headteacher Judith Woodfield said in a statement last week: “ An incident between a number of pupils occurred at the school last week.

“A pupil was excluded as a result and the police were immediately contacted and made aware of the situation.

Sikh Temple Features in JAS SANSI The Thinking Man's Mouthpiece

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Photographer and LoveBrum trustee, Jas Sansi brings a dose of all things Birmingham.

With an unprecedented love of the city and its unique diverseness, he brings his 6-foot passion to The Asian Today.

THE IVY EXTENDS TO BIRMINGHAM

Unless you frequently walk across the city centre, you may not have noticed just how hilly Birmingham is. Boris Bikes zipping around the flat streets of the capital may struggle to take off here in Brum. Little surprise the city bikes in London have three gears, whilst we are to have seven.

The highest point in the city is home to Birmingham Cathedral. It’s befitting for this magnificent Anglican gem to stand in the heart of the city at the greatest elevation. The Cathedral celebrated it’s 300th anniversary in 2015 with a stunning refurbishment.

To enjoy the exterior, stroll across the Cathedral grounds, affectionately known as Pigeon Park. Sit on one of many benches provided and enjoy the Burne-Jones stained glass windows.

Alternatively you can request a window table at The Ivy. To The Ivy, I would like to convey a very warm welcome to Birmingham. We’re the youngest city in Europe with 40% of our citizens under the age of 25. There’s never been a better time to be in Brum.

HSBC return to their historic home in May 2018 moving their UK headquarters from London to Birmingham Westside.

The four years after Birmingham host the 2022 Commonwealth Games see unprecedented development around an enhanced transport system; an expanded airport, more Metro, cycle lanes and quite possibly driverless cars. The forest of cranes across the city’s skyline will give way to a new version of Birmingham. And then we have 2026 when London is pulled closer to Birmingham with the arrival of HS2.

The Ivy Birmingham is an orgy of colour. The fabrics, materials and paints tested my Nikon’s colour handling ability. Its a challenge the restaurant has posed and the camera company accepted for over a century. Both The Ivy and Nikon were unveiled in 1917.

JAS SANSI TWITTER: @jassansi FACEBOOK: fb.com/jassansi

England’s Most Important Faith Buildings A new listing of England’s most important faith building features Europe’s largest Gurdwara features alongside iconic locations such as Stonehenge and Canterbury Cathedral.

Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Smethwick, has been chosen alongside nine other places of faith to feature in A History of England in 100 Places which is being run by campaign body Historic England.

A citation by Historic England said the Gurdwara, which was built in the 1990s, housed one of the largest congregations in the UK and was the biggest in Europe.

“It continues to expand with Smethwick’s growing Sikh population,” it added.

“Community is at the heart of the Sikh faith and Gurdwaras are a focal point for communities to come together and get closer to God.” The faith and belief category was judged by Reverend David Ison, dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in London, and narrowed down dozens of nominations from members of the public into a final ten.

Edgbaston MP Preet Gill

put forward Guru Nanak Gurdwara has a potential finalist.

Rev Ison said: “Sikh communities are an important and valued part of our social fabric.

“This particular Gurdwara shows the geographical spread of different faiths in our country and represents

how different communities and cultures come together to enrich British society.”

Historic England’s chief executive Duncan Wilson said: “The history of faith and belief in England is rich and complex.

“These ten places can teach us so much about our collective identity.

A ‘Dangerous’ Faith Healer Ripped Family Apart A ‘dangerous’ faith healer is destroying families in Birmingham by telling relatives to cut ties with each other, it has been claimed.

A woman who alerted the issue said she had been financially exploited by the man.

A letter to Leicester newspaper she said he flew into the UK regularly from India and presented himself as a spiritual healer in both Birmingham and Leicester.

The newspaper said his details had been passed to the authorities.

In her letter, the woman said: “He is a very dangerous man, taking money and telling families they must cut ties with each other.

“He has caused destruction in families in Leicester and Birmingham.

“Many will not come forward because they are embarrassed that he has

given them false hope.

“He comes across very sweet “Anything that is happening in my life is because of ‘black magic’.

“It’s lucky I have come out of his trap.

“My family has cut ties with me. He has a stronghold on them.”

The woman has not disclosed how much money she or her family had given to the crook The man’s methods are

“They tell us about dissent, conflict, tolerance and kinship between believers, as well as how the practice of faith has influenced and been influenced by the landscape.

“They show how England has a long history of people from different faiths leaving their mark in a legacy of special buildings and places which still make a strong spiritual connection today.” similar to those of con artists highlighted by Leicestershire Police and trading standards officials at Leicester City Council on several occasions in the past few years.

The so-called ‘healers’ claim to be able to lift curses, ensure success in business and cure illnesses from cancer to depression.

The woman’s letter and a photograph of the suspect has been passed on to trading standards.

They have investigated her report, but are not aware of any complaints relating to his conduct.

A city council spokeswoman said: “That doesn’t mean he hasn’t been active in Leicester.

“It’s just that the people who tend to fall victim to these individuals are often ashamed to admit they’ve been duped or they’re reluctant to come forward with hard evidence.

“We suspect that these ‘healers’ are prevalent in certain communities, preying on people’s beliefs and superstitions and targeting those who may be ill or vulnerable.

“Our advice would be to never give money to them.”

Leicester City Council’s trading standards monitors leaflets and business cards that are circulated n the city, as well as adverts in some foreign language papers.

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Parents urged to think pharmacist first for minor illness in their children 18

A major new public health campaign urges parents to consult a pharmacist first for minor illness, instead of GP or A&E 18 million GP appointments and 2.1 million visits to A&E for selftreatable conditions cost the NHS £850 million per year Using a pharmacy for minor health concerns eases pressures on GPs Millions of parents could get more convenient and timely expert advice if their child has a minor illness by opting to go to their local pharmacist first instead of the GP. Research for the NHS shows just 6% of mums and dads with children under the age of five would consider seeking help about a minor health concern from a high street pharmacist in the first instance. More than a third (35%) would opt for an appointment with their GP while 5% of those questioned

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would choose emergency care as their first point of call.

This is despite an overwhelming majority of adults (79%) saying they are aware that pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can give advice on most common illnesses which includes when and where to seek advice for more serious conditions.

The NHS is urging more parents to use their pharmacy first in a move which could help free up GP time for sicker patients and help save the NHS around £850 million each year as well as save time for busy families.

Around 95% of people live within a 20 minute walk of a local community pharmacy, making pharmacists extremely accessible and a valuable first port of call for minor health concerns such as coughs, colds, tummy troubles or teething.

Around 18 million GP

the best course of treatment or simply provide reassurance, for instance when a minor illness will get better on its own with a few days’ rest. However, if symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, they have the right clinical training to ensure people get the help they need. We want to help the public get the most effective use of these skilled clinicians who are available every day of the week.”

The call for people, in

found that among adults who have received advice from a pharmacist in the past six months for themselves or their child, two thirds (66%) found it useful and less than a fifth (19%) needed to go to the GP afterwards.

Ruksana Rohim, a mum of one, said: “I regularly use my local pharmacy when my child has a minor illness like a cold or tooth ache and to help other family members manage their long term health conditions.

I have developed a really

particular the five million parents of children under five, to use their local pharmacist first for advice is part of the Stay Well Pharmacy campaign. It is backed by pharmacists and Netmums, the UK’s biggest parenting website.

A survey carried out as part of the campaign reveals that the proportion of adults questioned who would get advice from the pharmacist for minor health concerns is only 16%. This went down to just 6% for parents of young children.

While 77% of people agree they trust advice from their pharmacist, there are misconceptions about the level of service this highly trained group of healthcare professionals can offer in terms of advice and expertise.

A quarter of people (26%) feel it is difficult to discuss health concerns in private with a pharmacist, with many not being aware that more than nine out of 10 pharmacies have a private consultation room. Nearly a quarter (24%) feel they would need to visit the GP anyway, so go direct to the doctor in the first instance.

However, NHS England

good relationship with my local pharmacy. It’s close to home and the team there are always so helpful. They are healthcare experts so the advice they give puts my mind at rest. The fact that I don’t need to book an appointment helps a great deal when I need quick, immediate advice for a minor health issue.”

Meera Thakrar, Community Pharmacist who features in the ‘Stay Well Pharmacy’ TV advert, adds: “We understand that it’s worrying when a young child is poorly, and for parents it can be particularly distressing. We urge the public to choose to visit their local pharmacy first for minor health concerns when they want to see a highly trained specialist who is qualified to assess symptoms and who is always available without an appointment to offer clinical advice and support. And if symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, we have the right clinical training to ensure people get any further help they need.”

For more information search NHS.uk where you can also locate your local pharmacy services.

appointments and 2.1 million visits to A&E are for self-treatable conditions – such as coughs and tummy troubles – at a cost of more than £850 million each year to the NHS. This is the equivalent of more than 220,000 hip replacements or 880,000 cataract operations.

The NHS nationally is working with community pharmacies to increase the range of patient services they provide including asthma audits and flu vaccinations and to promote the clinical expertise available from the pharmacy team.

Dr Bruce Warner, Deputy Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England said: “Pharmacists are highly trained NHS health professionals who are able to offer clinical advice and effective treatments for a wide range of minor health concerns right there and then. They can assess symptoms and recommend

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TIGER SHROFF, THE REBEL FOR LOVE

RETURNS IN BAAGHI Fire, fury, action and love: Tiger Shroff, the undisputed rebel for love, is back with more action and more adventure in Baaghi 2. The much-awaited sequel to the 2016 hit film Baaghi, is heading to cinemas worldwide through Fox Star Studios on 30th March 2018, with a daring and action packed new mission in Goa. Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Presented by Fox Star Studios, Baaghi 2 is directed by Ahmed Khan (Fool & Final), and sees the return of new age Bollywood heartthrob and action-hero Tiger Shroff (Heropanti, Baaghi). The talented Disha Patani (M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Kung-Fu Yoga) joins Tiger Shroff in the film as the female lead, alongside a stellar star-cast comprising Randeep Hooda (Sultan), Manoj Bajpayee (Aligargh) and Prateik Babbar (Umrika) in pivotal roles.

The music of the film is composed by an eclectic array of musicians including Mithoon, Arko Pravo Mukherjee, GourovRoshin, Sandeep Shirodkar and Pranaay Rijay while the lyrics have been penned

by maestro Javed Akhtar, Kumaar, Ginny Diwan, Arko Pravo Mukherjee and Sayeed Quadri. The songs featured in the film are sung by Atif Aslam, Ankit Tiwari, Shruti Pathak, Jubin Nautiyal and Navraj Hans.

Soaring the heat quotient and music tempo in the film will be a killer soundtrack, ranging from romantic ballads that will stir emotions, to upbeat revivals of much loved classic tracks. The first song to be released is the Bhangra phenomenon Mundiya to Bach Ke Rahi, which will enthral listeners with a strong Punjabi vibe. Baaghi 2 will also feature a special rendition of the chartbuster song Ek Do Teen from the 1980s blockbuster Tezaab. A tribute to Madhuri Dixit, the song has Bollywood starlet Jacqueline Fernandez recreating the magic of this iconic track on screen with a contemporary twist.

Baaghi 2 is the story of an army officer who goes in search of his ex-lover’s child who has been mysteriously kidnapped.

Neha (Disha Patani) reaches out to the only person who can help her with her

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plight, Ronnie (Tiger Shroff). Ronnie goes deep into the underbelly of Goa, facing off against drug lords, menacing Russian henchmen, and blood thirsty animals.

Daring stunts, chase sequences, air strikes, bomb blasts and other large-scale action sequences create a bona-fide, larger than life approach, truly making it a spectacle.

With the film’s high-octane action sequences, Baaghi 2 promises to raise the bar for action thrillers in Bollywood.

Audiences will also be treated to a much more muscular Tiger Shroff in a deadly role compared to the prequel. He will be up against a new set of challenges unlike any he’s faced before.

Catch the skilled martial artist, Tiger Shroff, fight, shoot and battle his way through a host of new foes with a fiery passion and determination alongside Disha Patani, showing that he is still the rebel for love we remember.

Baaghi 2 releases worldwide on 30th March 2018, and is Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Presented by Fox Star Studios.

Join the conversation! #Baaghi2

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CELEBRATING

VAISAKHI Millions of Sikhs around the world will celebrate the centuries-old festival of Vaisakhi, one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. The festival marks several important dates including; the time Sikhi was created as a collective Dharam (faith) in 1699, the spring harvest festival and the Punjabi New Year.

The Birmingham Vaisakhi open air celebrations, considered by many as the largest in Europe, will be taking place on 29th April 2018 culminating in Handsworth Park. The event is planned and organised

by Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham (CSGB) and the Gurdwaras from Sandwell and the Black Country.

CSGB is an umbrella organisation of 15 Gurudwaras in Birmingham, with its primary object to cater for the welfare of the Sikh Community. It was established some 30 years ago. One of its main activities has been to bring together partners to stage the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan and a Mela in the Handsworth Park. The CSGB has been doing this for the last 27 years at a cost in the region of one hundred thousand pounds which is raised by the support of Gurdwaras, sponsors, partners and sangat (congregation).

The Vaisakhi Celebrations, the most important day in the Sikh calendar, have become a landmark event in Birmingham. To mark the 27th year of the event, the Sikh community is determined to making the occasion even more grand and memorable and invite all to join them.

Chairman of CSGB, Amrick Singh, said, “With Maharaj Ji’s blessings and the support of Gurdwaras, our partners, all the volunteers, stall holders and advertisers this event is made possible to the grandeur level it is staged. We have a huge debt of gratitude to all for organising this landmark event in the City and contributing their time, resources and finances to bring the event to fruition.”

“As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, Birmingham’s Vaisakhi celebrations have always been a demonstration of community cohesion in practice.

CSGB continue to engage with people of all faiths and background of our great city to ensure peace, harmony and unity for all. The whole ethos of the event is about

promoting community and family spirit, a sense of unity, sharing, interfaith and cohesiveness; something very much needed at this time. To this end, we are proud to share and invite all attendees to experience Guru Ka Langar (free food selflessly prepared and served by volunteers), visit the Gurdwara in the Park, see the trading and information stalls, the children’s funfair and many more exciting events on the day.”

Vaisakhi commemorates the Amrit Ceremony of Baptism which took place in the year of 1699 on the first day of the month of Vaisaakh. It was on this day that the Tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, created the order of the Khalsa, requesting his disciples to come forward to give their heads for the causes of justice and righteousness. The Amrit Ceremony of Baptism marked the ‘birth’ of the Sikh Nation, graced with a strong sense of self-discipline and a moral code of conduct, the Khalsa was tasked with the responsibility of defending all those who were suffering at the hands of tyrants and dictators, to serve the downtrodden, to uplift the oppressed and to see humanity as one common people of equals regardless of caste, religion, gender or colour.

With the seasonal timing of Vaisakhi, many South-Asian cultures celebrate it as the harvest festival. However, in 1699 for Sikhs the reason for celebration changed to mark the birth of the Khalsa, the collective of initiated Sikhs. It was during an annual harvest gathering that the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, created the order of the Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh Ji requested five people to come forward to sacrifice themselves to Him. The men who came forward came to be known as the Panj Pyare, most commonly translated as the five beloved ones. Each of the men who stepped forward to be initiated into the Khalsa were from different castes. They were individually

reborn through the Amrit Sanchar initiation ceremony and given names representing the qualities a Khalsa should have; Daya (compassion), Dharam (righteousness), Himmat (courage), Mokham (determination) and Sahib (sovereignty). With this initiation the Panj Pyare also adopted a distinct based on the wearing of the five kakars (Ks); kesh (unshorn hair), kanga (wooden comb), kirpan (small sword), kashera (underwear) and kara (iron bangle). They also took on a moral code of conduct which included a pledge to defend the weak and protect the innocent.

Once Guru Gobind Singh Ji initiated the Panj Pyare, he in turn asked them to initiate him, in a rare case of someone of regal leadership giving powers to their followers. Sikhs have been celebrating Vaisakhi annually in the City in the traditional form of street processions known as Nagar Kirtans, making them an established part of British culture.

Nagar Kirtans are used to showcase aspects of Sikhi to wider communities. Nagar translates as town and Kirtan refers to the singing of spiritual hymns. Nagar Kirtans are led by the holy Sikh scriptures, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Eternal Living Guru, along with five Khalsa, representing the Panj Pyare. As well as singing hymns, Nagar Kirtans may also see displays of the Sikh martialart (Gatka) on display, as well as having free offerings of food throughout, representing the concept of langar. Sikhi is the fifth largest religion in the world with approximately 26 million followers worldwide and over 400,000 in the UK. Much of the British population will be familiar with the site of Nagar Kirtans but there is still a huge lack of understanding about what the celebrations are for.

The two processions will start at 09.30am from Baba Sang Gurdwara, Smethwick and the other from Ramgarhia Sikh Temple, Hockley

Two processions will start at 09.30am 29th April 2018 from Baba Sang Gurdwara, Smethwick and the other from Ramgarhia Sikh Temple, Hockley, Birmingham

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Grace Academy Coventry win the Mosaic Enterprise Challenge West Midlands Regional Finals 2018!

A young team of young aspiring entrepreneurs from Coventry have won the West Midlands Regional Final of our 2018 Mosaic Enterprise Challenge competition.

Having beaten others within their region and teams from Eden Boys School, Harborne Academy, Jewellery Quarter Academy and Kings Heath Boys, The ‘New Age Coventry Curling Club’ beat off the competition with their idea for an accessible new Curling Club for their school and local community.

All finalists taking part had worked had to beat off 126 student teams from other schools across their region to reach the finals.

Generously hosted at Shoosmiths, Birmingham, all the finalist teams pitched their social enterprise ideas to a panel of highly acclaimed judges from a variety of sectors, including, Kathy Murphy – Chair of Judges

and Partner at Shoosmiths, Sarah Khan-Bashir MBE – Mosaic Yorkshire RLG, Ifraz Ahmed – Editor-in-Chief at The Asian Today and Shakil Butt – Entrepreneur and Rob Bhol – Managing Director of Nicholls Brimble Solicitors.

The ‘New Age Coventry Curling Club’ will now enter the final stage of the competition and progress to the Enterprise Challenge Grand Finals, taking place in London on the 16th May. Here they will compete against all other winning schools from respective regions including the North West, West Midlands, Yorkshire, Glasgow and London for the chance to become the national champions of 2018!

The overall winning team will win a prize of £2,500 for their school plus a further £500 to invest in developing their business idea and making it a commercial

reality. Previous winners have also enjoyed tea at 10 Downing Street and a unique tour of Clarence House.

When asked about how they felt about winning and going on to represent the West Midlands at the national finals, the students from Grace Academy, Coventry were confident: “If we can win here we can do it again at the Grand Finals!

It’s been a great experience today and one which we’d all definitely do all over again if we had to.”

Keynote speaker on the day and Mosaic Chairman was Shabir Randeree CBE. He was proud of the students, saying: “Not only is the competition getting stronger every year, the ideas the students pitch are getting more innovative.”

Chairing the judging panel for the first time, Kathy Murphy, a Partner at Shoosmiths said: “Congratulations to all the

New Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies launched at the University of Wolverhampton

teams. It’s been a great competition and a great day for everybody involved!”

Run annually, Mosaic’s Enterprise Challenge is a national competition that aims to inspire knowledge,

raise aspirations, confidence, self-efficacy and longterm employability among secondary school pupils from some of the most deprived communities across the UK. Supported by

specialist, volunteer mentors from across the business community, students compete for six-weeks in an online business game where they must develop, market and sell a new product.

The University of Wolverhampton has launched a new Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies which will be the first of its kind in the UK. The new Centre was officially launched by Dr Satinder Sartaaj, renowned Punjabi singer and poet, in the Chancellor’s Hall at the University’s City Campus at a celebratory ceremony attended by members of the local community, University staff and students as well as local dignitaries.

Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, Course Leader in Religious Studies in the School of Humanities and an internationally-recognised researcher in Sikhism who has published extensively on the Sikh and Panjabi community, has been appointed Director of the Centre.

The Centre will offer PhDs and Master’s level courses in Sikh studies, as well as continuing professional development (CPD) courses for teachers and managers of diverse workforces such as national and local government, the NHS and the emergency services.

It will also offer training for Granthis and Gianis, individuals taking the religious lead in Gurdwaras, short courses in religious literacy and language to address the loss of the Panjabi language in younger generations, as well as teaching in English to

promote bilingualism and skills for life.

The Centre will be involved with the exchange of knowledge on an international platform using the links it has already established with Sikh Studies scholars across the globe.

Opinderjit said: “The Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies will be based around a nationally-leading research hub, with large-scale research projects into Sikh history, art and literature, diaspora, identity, inter-religious dialogue, culture, community and place, all within the context of a 21st century global society.

“To highlight our research we will create an open access peer-reviewed scholarly journal, an annual Sikh Studies research conference, a public lecture series and research-informed exhibitions.

“We aim to be a centre of academic excellence by becoming the national voice for academics active within Sikh and Panjabi Studies and through links with overseas institutions, particularly with universities in Panjab, we will provide opportunities for student exchanges and other collaborative projects to encourage understanding around the world. The focus will be on lifelong learning from both interfaith and inter-disciplinary perspectives with an aim to increase knowledge and

promote dialogue.

“Our aspiration is to create a space for current and future generations in which they can feel comfortable in enquiring about their faith, its principles and ethos.

The Centre will be a ‘go-to place’ for any individuals or organisations wanting to know more about the Sikhs and their faith, and it will be the first of its kind in the UK.” Ninder Johal, Chief Executive Officer of Nachural Group and Independent Governor at the University, said: “The Sikhs are an important part of the United Kingdom and play a substantial role in the global economy. But too often this young religion has not had a voice that represents its views politically, economically and theologically.

“The Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies will correct this with both academic and real-world rigour. It will offer everyone an opportunity to work with a leading university so that we all have a better understanding of this fantastic and globally sympathetic religion.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with the new Centre should contact Dr Takhar by emailing: 0.takhar@wlv.ac.uk or calling 07855 378611, and if you would like to make a charitable donation to the Centre contact Terry Gibson, Development Manager, by emailing t.gibson@wlv.ac.uk.

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TIGER SHROFF, THE REBEL FOR LOVE

RETURNS IN BAAGHI Fire, fury, action and love: Tiger Shroff, the undisputed rebel for love, is back with more action and more adventure in Baaghi 2. The much-awaited sequel to the 2016 hit film Baaghi, is heading to cinemas worldwide through Fox Star Studios on 30th March 2018, with a daring and action packed new mission in Goa. Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Presented by Fox Star Studios, Baaghi 2 is directed by Ahmed Khan (Fool & Final), and sees the return of new age Bollywood heartthrob and action-hero Tiger Shroff (Heropanti, Baaghi). The talented Disha Patani (M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Kung-Fu Yoga) joins Tiger Shroff in the film as the female lead, alongside a stellar star-cast comprising Randeep Hooda (Sultan), Manoj Bajpayee (Aligargh) and Prateik Babbar (Umrika) in pivotal roles.

The music of the film is composed by an eclectic array of musicians including Mithoon, Arko Pravo Mukherjee, GourovRoshin, Sandeep Shirodkar and Pranaay Rijay while the lyrics have been penned

by maestro Javed Akhtar, Kumaar, Ginny Diwan, Arko Pravo Mukherjee and Sayeed Quadri. The songs featured in the film are sung by Atif Aslam, Ankit Tiwari, Shruti Pathak, Jubin Nautiyal and Navraj Hans.

Soaring the heat quotient and music tempo in the film will be a killer soundtrack, ranging from romantic ballads that will stir emotions, to upbeat revivals of much loved classic tracks. The first song to be released is the Bhangra phenomenon Mundiya to Bach Ke Rahi, which will enthral listeners with a strong Punjabi vibe. Baaghi 2 will also feature a special rendition of the chartbuster song Ek Do Teen from the 1980s blockbuster Tezaab. A tribute to Madhuri Dixit, the song has Bollywood starlet Jacqueline Fernandez recreating the magic of this iconic track on screen with a contemporary twist.

Baaghi 2 is the story of an army officer who goes in search of his ex-lover’s child who has been mysteriously kidnapped.

Neha (Disha Patani) reaches out to the only person who can help her with her

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plight, Ronnie (Tiger Shroff). Ronnie goes deep into the underbelly of Goa, facing off against drug lords, menacing Russian henchmen, and blood thirsty animals.

Daring stunts, chase sequences, air strikes, bomb blasts and other large-scale action sequences create a bona-fide, larger than life approach, truly making it a spectacle.

With the film’s high-octane action sequences, Baaghi 2 promises to raise the bar for action thrillers in Bollywood.

Audiences will also be treated to a much more muscular Tiger Shroff in a deadly role compared to the prequel. He will be up against a new set of challenges unlike any he’s faced before.

Catch the skilled martial artist, Tiger Shroff, fight, shoot and battle his way through a host of new foes with a fiery passion and determination alongside Disha Patani, showing that he is still the rebel for love we remember.

Baaghi 2 released worldwide on 30th March 2018, and is Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Presented by Fox Star Studios.

Join the conversation! #Baaghi2

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‘102 Not Out’ Brings the Father and Son Story

The new Bollywood movie' 102 Not Out' starring veteran actors Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor. The movie is packed with witty dialogues, '102 Not Out' sees Mr. Bachchan's sprightly character bursting with optimism, while his on-screen son Rishi's character whining about old age '102 Not Out' brings the legends Bachchan and Kapoor, as father and son for the very first time, 27 years after their last film together.

Film will be released 4 May 2018

Singer Daler Mehndi Jailed for Human Trafficking

Bollywood actressproducer Anushka Sharma, 29, has been featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2018 list, which includes innovators and disruptors who are reshaping their industries and changing Asia for the better. Anushka, is one of the film industry's highest paid actresses.

Her career started out as a model in 2007, making her acting debut in 2008 in the hugely successful 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', She has since acted in movies like 'Band Baaja Baaraat', 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', 'PK', 'Bombay Velvet', 'Dil Dhadakne Do', 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and 'Jab Harry Met Sejal'.

Jacque remak

Anushka Sharma in Forbes 30

Breakup: Zayn Malik & Gigi Hadid Pop star Zayn Malik and supermodel Gigi Hadid have ended their relationship after more than two years together.

They both took to twitter and posted a statement The singer wrote they'd both had an "incredibly meaningful, loving and fun relationship"and I have a huge amount of

respect and adoration for Gigi as a woman and a friend,” Gigi later tweeted her own statement, saying: "I want nothing but the best for him and will continue to support him as a friend that I have immense love and respect for.”

The couple started dating 2015 after meeting at a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after party.

Avengers: infinity War over 70 Marvel Characters

Singer Daler Mehndi has been convicted on the charges of human trafficking by a local court in Punjab and sentenced for 2 years of imprisonment.

The case was filed back in 2003 and it was alleged that the singer, and his brother Shamsher Singh, had

taken two troupes in 1998 and 1999 to the US. In 1998, Daler had allegedly “dropped off” three girls at San Francisco AND Then in October 1999, both the brothers took another troupe to the US during which three boys were “dropped off” at New Jersey.

The marvel extravaganza is almost hereAvengers: Infinity War is the culmination of 18 movies over the course of 10 years. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo been juggling the multiple storylines that have led to this film, not to mention the plethora of characters that will populate the story.

So just how many comic book characters will appear in Infinity War? No exact number has been confirmed yet, but previous reports confirm that it will be more than 70.

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eline Fernandez ke of Ek, Do Teen The remake of the iconic song Ek, Do Teen for the film Baaghi 2 has left fans disappointed.

Jacqueline Fernandez has stepped into the shoes of Madhuri Dixit Nene with the remake of the song from the film Tezaab. Actor Salman Khan supported Jacqueline and said that she has done full justice to Madhuri Dixit’s iconic song.

The 25-year-old actor said it is unfair for people to draw comparisons between the two songs.

Madhuri is an icon, the song is iconic and this is just a tribute. It’s nothing close to what she did, it’s a modern remix for the new generation, those who were not born in that era to just enjoy the new song.”

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BOLLYWOOD BOLLYWOOD

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Kala Chashma Swag Se Swagat KalaBaar Chashma Baar Dekho Tiger Zinda Hai Baar Baar Dekho

Ghoomar Tere Sang Yaare Tere Sang Yaare Rustom Padmavati Rustom

Dil Diyan Gallan Gani Gani Mani Zinda Tiger Sandhu Hai & Akhil Mani Sandhu & Akhil

BanGhoomeya Jag Ja Rani Jag Ghoomeya Sultan Tumhari Sulu Sultan

AajRendhe Tu Se Teri Tu Rendhe Tindy Padman & Rixx and Sudesh Kumari Tindy & Rixx and Sudesh Kumari

Pallo Latke Woman Woman Shaadi mein Aana Shide Boss ft Zaroor Zack Knight Shide Boss ft Zack Knight

Chalte Peat Pehai Booty kya 9 se 12 Peat Pe Booty A Judwaa Flying 2Jatt A Flying Jatt

Ek Dil Ke Jaan Suit Suit Randhawa Guru Padmavati Guru Randhawa

Mehbooba Tu Hai Tu Hai Returns Mohenjo Fukrey Daro Mohenjo Daro

Hawa Hawai 2.0 Dishoom Dishoom Tumhari Sau TarahSulu Ke Sau Tarah Ke

BHANGRA/POP BHANGRA BHANGRA

Sunny Leone to launch Make Up App

Actress Sunny Leone has launched her cosmetic brand Starstruck, and is already the talk of the town.

After huge demand, Sunny is now also planning to launch her Digital Makeup app, where she will not only give makeup tutorials but it will also have real face time for the users to interact with her. "I had this plan in my mind since a long time. While buying make up we are always confused, what colour will look nice on us, what lipstick shade should we buy, eye liner or no eyeliner and so on.

This app will solve all such queries for girls. It will help you see yourself in real time, with makeup. "

No Ant and Dec in BGT Advert The Geordie duo Ant and Dec have been ¬side-lined for the launch of Britain’s Got Talent – as Ant fights his problems in rehab after being charged with drink driving.

A promotional clip that’s has been released shows the judges

dressed as monarchs through the ages.

The pair, who have been presenting the series since it began, are not in the advert.

A source for the ITV show said: “This promo was filmed in

February, they weren’t supposed to be in it. They don’t always feature in them every year.

BGT returns next month and insiders say Declan Donnelly, 42, will host the live stages solo.

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Bad (OAMC tagged no 1) Gabbroo Gabbroo Jassie Steel Banglez Gill ft. Preet Hundal Jassie Gill ft. Preet Hundal

Galtiyan Akhil Akhil Teri Kami Zack Knight Teri Kami

Raat DiPrince, Ashok Gedi Tru-Skool Ashok Time Dosanjh Diljit 4 YaPrince, Mind Tru-Skool Time 4 Ya Mind

Bom &Diggy PBN Raj Bains PBNAkh & Raj&Bains Billi Zack Knight Jasmin Walia Billi Akh

Dil Diyan Manni Sandhu Gallan Manni Sandhu Welcome Atif Aslam To The Future Welcome To The Future

Woofer Tere Bina Tere Monty Dr ZeusBina &feat Waris, Snoop Ginni Dogg Kapoor & Nargis Monty & Waris, Ginni Kapoor

Lahore Skoda Skoda Ranjit Guru Randhawa Bawa ft. Bhinda Aujla Ranjit Bawa ft. Bhinda Aujla

Illegal Ikk Vaari Weapon Hor Soch Lae Ikk Vaari Hor Soch Lae Harish Garry Sandhu Verma & Jasmine Sandlas Harish Verma

Jaani Tera Naa Kulwinder Billa Kulwinder Billa Kulwinder Sunanda Sharma Billa Kulwinder Billa

El Sueno Selfi e Boliyan SelfiDosanjh eSingh Boliyan Malkit Diljit ft. Dj Vix Malkit Singh ft. Dj Vix

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Mi Gente One Dance One JDrake BalvinDance feat feat Wizkid Beyonceand & willy Kylawilliams Drake feat Wizkid and Kyla

Havana Cold Water Camila Cabello Cold Water Major Lazer and Justin Beiber Major Lazer and Justin Beiber

HowGood Too Long Too Good Drake Charlie feat Puth Rihanna Drake feat Rihanna

Anywhere This is what you came for ThisOra isHarris what you came for Calvin Rita feat Rihanna Calvin Harris feat Rihanna

Sexy Dirty Love Heathens Heathens Twenty Demi Lovato One Pilots Twenty One Pilots

Closer Smoother Closer Chainsmokers Craig Lucas feat Halsey Chainsmokers feat Halsey

Too Good at Goodbyes Perfect Strangers Sam Smith Perfect Jonas BlueStrangers feat JP Cooper Jonas Blue feat JP Cooper

Tears About Us What Tears Clean Bandit feat Louisa Johnson Pink Clean Bandit feat Louisa Johnson

This Girl Unforgettable This Kungs Vs Cookingfeat on 3Swae Burners FrenchGirl Montana Lee Kungs Vs Cooking on 3 Burners

We Don't Talk Anymore Demonstrate We Don't Anymore Charlie PuthTalk feat Selena Gomez Paxton Charlie Puth feat Selena Gomez

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SUNNY & SHAY O ne Born E v e r y Minu t e

In Co n v er s ati o n w it h

1. As first time parents describe your feelings?

It's been an overwhelming felling of happiness and we genuinely feel blessed to have Tyra in our lives. She has the most beautiful smile which is a joy to wake up to everyday! We are so happy to have her in our lives and both of us love spending every moment with her.

2. Shay, from the moment you found out you was pregnant how was your pregnancy?

I was diagnosed with hyperaemisis (chronic vomiting) from 4 weeks pregnant so it was not the best of experiences. At my worst I was vomiting 19 times a day

and nearly lost the baby due to severe dehydration. It was a steep learning curve and I want to raise more awareness about this condition because like myself it can be confused with morning sickness.

This condition is debilitating and like all pregnancies it can be really hard. I have so much admiration for mums everywhere!

You are Superwomen!!

3. Sunny what was the 9 months like for you?

It was trying not to feel useless when your wife is going through all these changes and all you can do is rub her back when she is vomiting or get her medication when she is ill. That said, it was fun feeling the bump and Shay was glowing throughout her pregnancy. I just wanted to

be supportive to Shay throughout as she did an amazing job over the 9 months!

4. You had your baby at Birmingham Womens Hospital and being on OBEM show how was the whole experience for you both?

We were on the Family 8 years ago and as a result there have been so many questions about what we are up to and also when we would have a baby. So when OBEM team asked us to film the birth we thought it would not only be a special memory for us but be a great update on what we've been up to since The Family aired. The experience was amazing and the team were so sensitive to Shay during the birth. As a couple we

opted with non-intrusive filming which means the show is safe to watch foe everyone! It's more about our relationship and what happens in the labour room.

5. Sunny you very entertaining on the show kept the nurses humoured, how was the whole delivery for you and seeing your daughter being born?

It was like a miracle and it was mixed emotions of excitement, fear and happiness. You don't know what to deal with first and so I went with humour as I always do! I was trying my best to keep Shay's mind off the pain and as you'll see in the episode at times I failed but it really was really the most special experience to welcome my first born, our daughter into

the world.

6. Shay you talk about your parents in the show and your relationship with your mother, what bond would you like to see have with your ow daughter?

Sadly, my father died when I was 16 years old and I truly value the relationship between children and their parents. I would love for both Sunny and I to have a loving relationship with Tyra and we both love her unconditionally.

7. Shay your mother in law has been a great support and role model for you and was at your side during your delivery what

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We speak with Sunny & Shay and the Birth of their first child, Tyra. We also discuss their experience of letting the world into the birth of their baby on Channel 4's 'One Born Every Minute' and their emotional journey.

message would you like to give to her?

8. As parents now how has this changed you both?

I want to really thank Sunny's Mum for always being there for us both. As soon as Mum found out that Sunny and I were starting a family she was over the moon and as soon as I went into labour Sunny's Mum was in the car and drove two hours to get to the delivery room. I hope that I will be as much of a loving, selfless and giving Mum as Sunny's Mum has been to both of us. She really sets a great example of how mother-in-laws should be - welcoming, caring and always there!

We both love you Mum and thank you for always standing by both of us. Tyra is lucky to have you as her DadiJi as you shower her with so much love.

Becoming parents has enhanced our lives!!! We have been together for 14 years and so as a couple couldn't wait to become parents. Shay was eager to become a mum as soon as we got married however I knew its as important for us both to wait and we've been so blessed to establish our radio and tv careers that becoming parents has enhanced every aspect of our life. Tyra is a blessing and a new addition to our family, home and lives and we cannot wait to see what our future holds with her. She's our little Angel but we can see a Diva in her as well!! She has us all wrapped around her little finger but we wouldn't have it any other way.

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ANNUAL ASIAN RICH LIST UNVEILED

ANNUAL ASIAN RICH LIST UNVEILED AT GALA EVENT SHOWCASING ENTERPRISING SPIRIT AND SUCCESS OF THE BRITISH ASIAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY [London 26th March] Asian entrepreneurship and business success were honoured on Friday 23rd March at the Asian Business Awards, the annual gathering of the UK’s wealthiest and most successful Asian businessmen and women.

The gala event, attended

by Dinesh K Patnaik, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India, saw him honour the outstanding business achievements across industries. Mr Patnaik paid tribute to the dedication and hard work of the business community and also unveiled the Asian Rich List 2018.

The Asian Rich List which is published by Asian Media Group (AMG) shows the combined overall net worth of the featured 101 UK based millionaires has topped the £80.2 billion mark, (an increase of just under £11bn since last year), with the top 10 being valued at a total of £54.25 billion and representing 68% of the total figure.

For some, it may come as

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no surprise that the Hinduja family have secured their position once again at the top of the list, completing an amazing five-year run at the top, ahead of steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal.

While economic growth in the western worldwide has been sluggish, the Hindujas have had a robust 2017, adding a further £3 billion to their total net worth, taking them to an astounding total net worth of £22 billion.

The Hindujas trading empire is spread over five continents and run by four brothers and their children – a testament to their incredibly strong family values. The group has what GP Hinduja likes to call 10 ‘verticals’, spanning a variety of sectors and allowing true diversification.

This year’s list sees a new entry in the Top 10, with a jump of an astonishing 25 places to number 9 and an increase in total net worth of £1bn to a valuation of £1.3bn, for brothers Zuber and Mohsin Issa. Their Lancashire-based company Euro Garages has grown from incredibly modest beginnings, with one slightly worn petrol station in Blackburn in 2001, a loan of £150,000 and then almost on a whim, a decision to put a

decent shop inside it. Since then, they have never looked back and have become not only one of the foremost UK companies, through their Euro Garages outfit, but one of Europe’s leading concerns in this sector – as EG Group.

EG Group looks set to increase to more than 3,000 petrol stations across Europe – a new deal announced in January sees EG tying up with the Esso brand to increase their presence across the Benelux nations. The Group works with an incredible array of household brand names – from Greggs, Starbucks, and KFC to Carrefour (French supermarket giants), Louis Delhaize (a Belgian supermarket brand) through to oil majors, Shell, BP and Esso. It has brokered major deals with these retail concerns and global energy powerhouses, and is probably the no1 UK company doing this at home and abroad.

This year’s list sees Rajesh Ram Satiija of Sun & Sand Group, Zuber and Mohsin Issa and Tony, Raj & Harpal Matharu of Global Grange Ltd all making it to billionaire status, taking the total number of Asian billionaires to 12.

Rajesh Ram Satiija is the fifth highest riser in terms of

net worth this year, with an increase of £390m. His mining to agriculture business spans three continents and comes in at £1.3bn. Satiija worked for an export business before starting out on his own, setting up an auto-parts business in Nigeria. He has a home in Mayfair and is now looking at a public floatation for his fast expanding group, where revenues have tripled over the last few years.

With the entry point for this year’s list being set at £90 million, it’s hard to expect any ‘young guns’ to earn their way on to the list. However, never to be outdone, this year’s youngest entry and a newcomer to the list is 36-year-old Nitin Passi, owner of one of hippest online fashion retailer ‘Missguided’. Valued at £100million and entering the list at number 90, Passi has broken into a hugely competitive, price sensitive and cluttered market, to create a household name amongst the 16-35-yearold demographic. Founded less than a decade ago, in March 2009, Missguided quickly grew from literally a one-man operation into an international online fashion giant. Keen to start his own company, Passi had the foresight to recognise that

his future fortune would most likely be found online.

That choice has since paid off immensely for Passi, with his company reporting sales in excess of £205m in 2017.

This year’s list also sees eight new entries with a combined value of nearly £1 billion, with the highest new entry, being at number halfway up the list at number 50! With a valuation of £200 million, Raj Manak of Akaal Ltd is surprisingly the only representative from the growing construction industry. Also entering the list for the first time is Leena Malde of Lotus Flower Holdings, one of three selfmade women featured on the list, at number 97 and a valuation of £90 million.

One underlying theme of the list is the power of family.

From the Hindujas in poll position and throughout the list, we see second generation children taking up the mantle from their parents, as well as strong sibling ties with successful familial businesses proving that the tradition of joint families within the south Asian community is a force to be reckoned with.

Shailesh Solanki, executive editor of AMG and one of a panel of four experts who has examined British Asian wealth over the last year for the Asian Rich List, said: “The list shows the remarkable strength and diversity of Asian businesses in the UK. Despite the challenges of the general economy many business leaders in the community have seen opportunity and potential and moved quickly to capitalise. It is an inspiring picture and one that should energise entrepreneurs everywhere.

“What is doubly encouraging and reassuring to see is the high levels of philanthropy from the millionaires. Giving back to help the less fortunate is a cultural value and we are seeing foundations being launched and high levels of charitable donations to organisations both in their home countries and more importantly in the UK.” There can be no doubt that this is a community which has had a huge impact on the UK economy over the past fifty years, and attendance at the gala to honour these Asian entrepreneurs by country leaders, members of the cabinet and other top politicians is indicative of the both their financial and political impact. The Asian Business Awards have been recognising outstanding business talent for the past 21 years and this year’s winners were no exception – all outstanding within their respective industries.

Kalpesh Solanki, Group Managing Editor of AMG added: “The enterprising

spirit and the crucial role of entrepreneurs is vital not only to the economy but to society as a whole as it serves to inspire the next generation of businessmen and women.

It is this attitude that will drive the economy forward, fundamentally creating jobs and giving families value and sense of purpose. The winners of the Asian Business Awards 2018 are just a handful of these amazingly dedicated, innovative and committed individuals.”

The gala awards ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries and peers including: Lord Tariq Ahmad, Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations, Dawn Butler MP, Lord & Lady Dholakia, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Lord Patel of Bradford; actors Sheena Bhattessa, Jaz Deol, Rebecca Grant, Preeya Kalidas, Shobu Kapoor, Amrit Maghera, Parle Patel, Paul Sharma, Deepak Verma and Gordon Warnecke amongst a host of others.

Winners of the Asian Business Awards this year were: Restaurant of the Year Award 2018 in association with Zee TV WINNER: Shamil Thakrar, Dishoom Food & Drink Business Award 2018 supported by Sun Mark Limited WINNER: Prakash Thakrar, HT Drinks & Co Care Home Business of the Year 2018 in association with Citibond & Qatar Airways WINNER: Avnish Goyal, Hallmark Care Homes Asian Business Bank of the Year 2018 in association with Eastern Eye WINNER: ICICI Bank Businesswoman of the Year Award 2018 in association with Premier by Brightsun WINNER: Zeenat Noon Harnal, Bombay Halwa Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 in association with SBI WINNER: Shane Thakrar, HKS Holdings Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 supported by Edwardian Group London WINNER: Sanjay Vadera, The Frangrance Shop Philanthropy Award 2018 in association with SME WINNER: Dawood Pervez, Bestway Foundation Business Personality of the Year 2018 supported by Bristol Laboratories WINNER: Joginder Sangar, Mastcraft Group of Companies Asian Business of the Year 2018 in association with Eastern Eye WINNER: Zuber & Mohsin Issa, Euro Garages Ltd The Asian Rich List was released on 23rd March 2018 and is the definitive guide to ultra-high net worth individuals and Asian business success.

APRIL 2018

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INTERNATIONAL

THE ASIAN TODAY

INTERNATIONAL

Malala Yousafzai First Visit To Pakistan Since She Was Shot The Nobel peace laureate and campaigner Malala Yousafzai has returned to Pakistan in her first visit to her native country since she was shot in the head by a Taliban miltants in 2012 for advocating education for girls.

It is claimed that she will meet with the prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, in the capital, Islamabad, before giving a brief speech on national television.

Malala has travelled with her father and younger brother.

“It’s the happiest day of my life. I still can’t believe it’s happening,” she said, wiping away tears. I don’t normally cry … I’m still 20 years old but I’ve seen so many things in life,” she added.

This is Malala’s first visit to her homeland since she was airlifted to Britain six years ago for medical treatment.

“It’s been long-held desire of Malala Yousafzai and her parents to visit Swat and see her relatives and friends. But she was not given permission due to security concerns,” said one relative, who declined to be identified.

Once Malala arrived in Pakistan capital, she was escorted through Benazir Bhutto airport under tight security.

In 2014 she became the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and her campaign for children’s rights to education across the world has seen her address the United Nations on the issue.

A newly-married couple received what they thought was a wedding gift five day after their lavish big day which happened to a be bomb that killed software engineer after opening the box.

Soumya Sekhar Sahu, a 26-year-old software engineer, and his 22-year-old wife Reema, were pottering around in the kitchen at their newly-built family home in Patnagarh, India.

Soumya heard the clanging of the latch of their metal gate and a delivery man stood outside, holding a parcel addressed to him.

A sticker on the box said it had been sent by SK Sharma from Raipur, some 230km (142 miles) away.

Reema remembers her husband opening the box in the kitchen, and finding a parcel covered in green paper with a white thread sticking out of it, while his 85-year-old grand-aunt Jemamani Sahu came up from behind to see

what the parcel contained.

"This looks like a wedding gift," Soumya Sekhar told his wife. "The only thing that I don't know is the sender. I don't know anyone in Raipur."

As he pulled the thread, there was a flash of light and a huge explosion rocked the kitchen. The three were knocked off their feet, and collapsed on the floor, bleeding profusely.

Soumya Sekhar and Jemamani Sahu, both suffered from 90% burns and died on their way to the hospital. Reema is recovering slowly in the burns ward in a government hospital.

The horrific attack that took place on February 23 and no one appears to have the faintest idea who killed Soumya Sekhar who was described as a "genial and god fearing young man who worshipped a guru" by relatives and friends.

Two dozen investigators have questioned more than 100 people - friends and

29

Newlywed Software Engineer died after being sent a wedding gift bomb relatives of the couple mainly - in four cities in connection with the killing. They have scoured mobile phone records, and scanned laptops and phones belonging to the couple.

Forensic experts are still trying to ascertain how sophisticated the bomb was. On the face of it, investigators say, it appeared

to be a fairly crude device wrapped in jute thread which spewed white smoke after the blast. of the last pictures of the couple at the reception "This is a fiendishly complex case," Balangir's senior police official Sashi Bhusan Satpathy said. "This was the work of a fairly knowledgeable person wellversed in the arts of bomb making."

A Butler Well Served

Doctors Use Amputated Leg As A Pillow

An investigation has been launched after doctors amputated a patient’s leg and was used as a pillow to prop up his head.

Two doctors have been suspended pending investigation in Uttar Pradesh.

Sadhna Kauhik, principal of the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College and Hospital in Jhansi said “We have set up a four-member committee to find out who put the severed leg under the patient’s head,” “Strict action will be taken if our staff is found at fault.”

The man, is identified as 28-year-old Ghanshyam, was seriously injured in a bus accident.

One of his relatives said “When we reached the hospital, we saw his leg being used as a headrest.

"I repeatedly asked the doctors to intervene but they refused. Finally, after about two hours, I managed to get a pillow for him from the market and that's when the leg was removed."

Kaushik said the patient was given “immediate” medical attention and one of his relatives placed the leg under his head.

India’s state-run hospitals are often ill-equipped, severely underfunded and stretched to breaking point.

Uttar Pradesh government is investigating the hospital.

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APRIL 2018

THE ASIAN TODAY

FOOD & TRAVEL

PR supremo and food blogger Anita Champaneri brings her blog Ms Delicious PR and all things food to The Asian Today, bringing all the news from hot restaurants to cool bars and everything in between. www.msdeliciouspr.blogspot.com

5 of the best Thai restaurants in Birmingham With Thai New Year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to tell you all about the exciting Thai festivities of Songkran and the top 5 Thai restaurants you can go to in Birmingham to celebrate the new year. Songkran is one of Thailand’s biggest celebrations and more than half a million tourists join in on the water fights. Songkran is known as the ultimate water fight in Thailand and all kicks off on Friday 13th. As one of the country’s largest celebrations, it has become Thailand’s busiest time, attracting thousands of tourists, all wanting to join in on the fun. Here are the top 5 places to enjoy Thai cuisine in Birmingham

Siamais Famous for the name Siam being the former name of Thailand, this Thai restaurant is appropriately named for focus on the dual night out. The dual aspect also focuses on two different night out experiences in one night, all under the aegis of great Thai food.

Where the bar and restaurant are totally separate. Drinkers just wanting to enjoy a drink have no pressure to eat. Siamais have really encapsulated Thai culture by having hanging lanterns, Siamese warriors, and caged skulls!

Zen Metro Very popular for its stunning Bar area, Zen Metro has a lot to offer as one of the go-to Thai Restaurants in the region. Customers are often pointing out the breadth of knowledge from the Zen staff on Thai cuisine. If you would like to book a corporate function, you could even use the party room, with prices depending on your budget with hireable DJ’s, and audio-visual equipment. As well as wine tasting sessions available.

Sabai Sabai Run by husband and wife, Torquill and Juree Chidwick, Sabai Sabai started as a small venture in Moseley in 2003. 15 years later, after popular demand Sabai Sabai now have 4 in total restaurants, in Harborne, Stratford Upon Avon and Birmingham too.

Meaning relax and chill, Sabai Sabai offers an ambient atmosphere, with notable food being noodles, seafood and Rice.

If Thai new year isn’t enough, and you want to come back for more, Sabai Sabai have a loyalty app, where you can collect points and get 5% off each order, with additional gift vouchers too.

Chaophraya One of 8 venues across the country, Chaophraya specialises in corporate events and celebrations. So, what better way to celebrate Thai New Year than at one of the leading Thai cuisine hubs in the country. Chaophraya offers an experience like no other, where you can even learn to cook Thai cuisine!

Learn how to cook and source Thai ingredients, perhaps even a tasting session for those Eastern taste buds. Upon feasting on the cuisine, charter your experience via online feedback, for your chance to win a £100 voucher.

Pad Thai Within walking distance of The Cube and The Mailbox, Pad Thai has its own Karaoke bar. That’s right, you may not know Thai but you can still sing along to ring in the new Thai year. Hard to miss with the spiritual sculpture outside, Pad Thai caters for groups of up to 4-30 people, and with the Thai New year just around the corner, if you’re worried about catering for big events fear not, as they are specialists in hen nights, work functions and birthday parties, so they certainly know how to put on a party.

There you have it, all the best Thai restaurants in Birmingham.

A diverse bunch, but with Thailand being the land of the free, you definitely have the freedom of choice when it comes to Thai Happy (Thai) new year! restaurants in Brum.

Get more food news on twitter @deliciouspr and on the web : www.msdeliciouspr.blogspot.com

FOOD & TRAVEL

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Itihaas Restaurant latest partnership with Moor Hall Hotel Itihaas Restaurant adds another partnership to its impressive portfolio with a new deal with Moor Hall Hotel in Sutton Coldfield

Award-winning connoisseur of fine Indian dining, Itihaas Restaurant, is celebrating a perfect match with a new deal with the stunning Moor Hall Hotel.

A beautiful country house is always a good choice for a romantic wedding setting, so its with great delight that the award-winning fine Indian restaurant has added Moor Hall Hotel and Spa in Sutton Coldfield to its portfolio of venues.

Itihaas already has an array of incredible venues under its belt, delivering traditional Indian cuisine to events and weddings at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, The New Hall Hotel and more recently, Stanbrook Abbey.

Moor Hall Hotel is a unique choice for Indian weddings with its a stunning treelined avenue and extensive grounds, which lends itself to gardens parties and drinks receptions. The Charter Suite is an elegant spacious room with a capacity of 200 guests, overlooking the sunken garden and with its own direct entrance, with the suite and adjourning areas recently refurbished to a very high standard.

This latest partnership with Moor Hall in the north of the city sees Itihaas’ award-winning chefs design menus to complement the stunning surroundings of the venue.

Speaking about the partnership, Itihaas Managing Director, Raj Rana, comments: “We’re honoured to have secured such a wonderful partnership with Moor Hall We recognise the venue’s dedication to provide an unforgettable Big Day to the happy couple, as this is something we also uphold.

“Despite years of experience catering for Asian events, we never take for granted our inclusion in a couple’s big day, and we recognise how lucky we are to be able to provide our innovative dishes to the wedding guests. Our menus continuously prove to be a huge success for contemporary weddings, allowing choice for guests and giving the happy couple a real edge on their big day.”

Itihaas has recently drawn on its strengths to expand its portfolio, now

offering décor to suit every budget. From mandaps and walima & nikkah stages, to designer evening wedding reception décor, resulting in the ultimate exotic yet sophisticated Asian experience. Itihaas will be providing the same delectable food at Moor Hall Hotel as it does at its Birmingham-based restaurant, allowing a choice of three separate threecourse menus; the Saffron Menu, Cardamom menu and Tamarind Menu, which vary in price from £9.95 to £20.95 per head.

Hugh Boyd, Operations Manager of Moor Hall, said this of the partnership: “We are a traditional wedding venue with a contemporary new feel, and are always looking to broaden our horizons and cater for a multitude of different weddings. Itihaas’ professionalism and expertise in both Indian cuisine and the Asian wedding experience makes for a great partnership with Moor Hall Hotel. We’re so excited to see what’s in store for us!”

The partnership is set to be a real success, with years of experience under the belts, this is really a case of two giants in the events and catering industries joining forces to create something really special for happy couples and their nearest and dearest.

For more information on how Itihaas can bring a touch of magic to your Big Day, visit www.weddings. itihaas.co.uk

MIDLANDS

AWARDS Third year running the prestigious awards ceremony celebrating the best in the food, drink and hospitality industry – MIDLANDS FOOD DRINK & HOSPITALITY AWARDS 2018, is back and gearing up to be the biggest celebration ever.

The event will take place this year again at the magnificent Edgbaston

Specialists in

LOW COST FLIGHTS TO PAKISTAN!

NOMINATE NOW! Nominate your favourite Eating, Drinking & Sleeping Establishment

cricket stadium on 25th June 2018.

The MFDH Awards aims to recognise and reward all the amazing attractions from bars to restaurants to cafes and more which are pushing the envelope through first rate menus, creative settings and stellar service.

To Nominate visit the website www.mfdhawards. co.uk. Closing date for nominations is Monday 23rd April 2018, but don’t leave until the last minute!

• We aim to bring you great flight prices, whatever your destination.

• We use a variety of airlines to find you the best deal.

• We can provide tailor made packages and visa facilities.

• We also specialise in Hajj & Umrah Tour packages.

Hotel Bookings & Umrah Visa Services also available LOW COST FARES TO: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ethiopia, Lagos, Dar-Es-Salaam, Dubai and many more destinations.

Easyway Travel: 151 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B12 8LH Tel: 0121 440 2121 Mobile: 07931 794 645 E-mail: easywayjawad@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.easywaytravel.biz

TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719

FASHION & BEAUTY

APRIL 2018

FASHION & BEAUTY The New Shade of Spring: Gen Z Yellow Welcome to the new spring colour Gen Z yellow - the muted lemon-gone-honey hue that’s set to steal millennial pink’s rose-tinted thunder.

What is Gen Z yellow? All the shades of yellow from muted lemon, mustard, marigold to melted butter, everything falls under the colour palette of Gen Z yellow.

What is Gen Z yellow?

All the shades of yellow from muted lemon, mustard, marigold to melted butter, everything falls under the colour palette of Gen Z yellow.

Celebrities are rocking the kooky shade of yellow.

The question is: how can you embrace the sprightly trend catalysed by today’s youth without looking like a sorry old egg yolk?

For a floaty feminine

Tammy Takkar is the director and founder of Cryotherapy Midlands.

Tammy has introduced a ground breaking Hollywood style treatment to the Midlands.

aesthetic, take your style cues from Selena Gomez, whose "Fetish" music video was practically dripping in daffodil dresses.

Recently, Priyanka Chopra gave some serious summer fashion goals in eye-popping lemon-yellow blouse and skirt set from Rochas Paris for an event in Dubai.

Soon to make her debut in the movie Dhadak, Jhanavi Kapoor was spotted in a casual look with yellow wrap top. The plunging neckline, bell sleeves and sunflower print top makes for an ideal choice to beat the summer heat. She teamed the top with blue distressed denims and kept her make-up minimal.

You can wear the shade in many ways like yellow-tinted sunglasses, yellow bags and you can even add a pop of yellow in your foot gear.

Tammy has vast experience in beauty and wellbeing with 9 years as a beauty therapist, 7 years fitness trainer and weight management advisor, 5 years skin specialist trained with Dr Schrammek and specialist in Asian skin problems.

Tammy will bring you regular advice and guidance on general beauty and wellbeing.

273 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9NB, West Midlands Tel: 0121 455 6529/07590 111974

Cryotherapy (Cold Therapy) for Pain Management What should you do when you suffer a musculoskeletal injury such as a sprained wrist or a strained back? Most people are advised to rest, apply ice and compression, and temporarily, elevate the injury site if possible (not so easy with a back strain). This technique, known as RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), is widely used in sports medicine today.

There are lots of methods for applying cold and compression to the injury.

“Low-tech” cryotherapy treatments include ice packs, ice towels, ice massage, gel packs or ice-filled buckets. While these may work OK, they are much less effective at reducing the pain and swelling of a sports injury as compared to cryotherapy systems that simultaneously deliver both cold and compression therapy through wraps specially designed for a specific injury area, such as the back, wrist, knee or ankle.

There is lots of scientific evidence available to explain how cryotherapy systems help to reduce pain and swelling. Here are a few key medical facts: · Cold therapy reduces pain. This is because cold has an analgesic (numbing) effect on soft tissues, due to a combination of decreased production of pain mediators and slower spread of nerve pain signals.

Nerve cells in the chilled area cause nearby blood vessels to constrict (scientifically known as vasoconstriction), leading to a reduction of blood flow to the injury site; this acts to moderate pain. While passive cryotherapy systems will help with pain relief, using a system that deploys active cold treatment will draw more heat away from the injury site, leading to more efficient temperature reduction and better pain reduction. · Cryotherapy controls swelling. Following an injury, your body immediately triggers an inflammatory response – this means increased blood flow, edema build-up, and movement of leukocytes (white blood cells) to the soft tissue injury site. Our white blood cells are important defenders of our body, resisting attacks by viruses or bacteria. However, they also can cause cellular injury and necrosis and promote swelling. · Cryotherapy systems are safe and non-invasive. Many studies have concluded that cold therapy is effective and harmless and has minimal complications. The main concern is keeping the temperature within a specific range, so that very low temperature treatments are avoided. Toocold therapy can cause serious tissue side-effects, such as frostbite and nerve damage. That’s why a system that lets you preset the temperature of your cold therapytreatment is a good choice. · Less pain means less time on pain meds. For sure, there are situations when a musculoskeletal injury is painful enough that you really need to take pain medication. But sometimes, pain pills can cause drowsiness, fuzzy thinking and slow down your recovery. It’s been discovered that active cold and compression therapy can help people to reduce or even eliminate the use of pain meds, which helps them get their life back faster.

Scalp Massaging at Home Having a good scalp massage helps the blood circulation to hair follicles, increases relaxation and decreases stress.

Scalp massages can be performed by trained therapists who know exactly how much pressure to apply but you can do this at home with a few tips Massage Daily You don’t need to use oils and massaging your scalp every day for a good

5 minutes helps to be beneficial when it comes to hair growth. Use your fingers and apply pressure in circular motions.

Massage while shampooing Before applying shampoo, massage your hair for a few minutes after wetting.

Massage the top and back of the head. Whilst shampooing rotate in circular motion Keeping tension in fingers for firm pressure or, relax them for lighter sensations.

Oil Massage Choose oils that stimulate hair growth and also the ones that suit your hair type. You

· Active cold and compression therapy delivers more benefits. Professional athletes and ‘weekend warriors’ alike have found a system that delivers both cold and compression treatment directly to the injury site, without using messy ice packs or inefficient ace wraps. The combination of cold and compression is the best way to reduce pain, control swelling, and minimize or eliminate the use of pain medications so therapy proceeds faster.

The next time you need to recover faster from a musculoskeletal injury, turn to the solution that more and more athletes and amateur sports lovers use. What kind of cryotherapy systems have you tried?

For more information please contact us: 273 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9NB can also mix two oils of your choice or add a few drops of essential oils. You can warm up the oil a bit so that it absorbs into your scalp

better. Starting from the middle of your scalp, work the oil into it in slow, circular motions and slowly move backwards.

T: 0121 455 6529 M: 07590 111974 info@activeclinics.co.uk www.activeclinics.co.uk

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APRIL 2018

HEALTH

WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM

THE ASIAN TODAY

HEALTH

Written by: Neelam Heera @cystersbham

Cysters Birmingham

NO NEED TO OVARY-ACT, YOU HAVE THE WHOLE COSMIC IN YOU No seriously. We mean this.

With the rise of the 'Designer Vagina' - and more women becoming self-conscious and following celebrity trends, we felt like had to address this.

Vaginas and vulvas come in different shapes and sizes.

Every vulva is different but shares a sisterhood with all others. It's one of the biggest reasons we created Cysters.

We wanted a sisterhood of likeminded ladies.

Ladies don't feel strange or abnormal about your vulva, everyone is different.

Many people think when the labia minora (the inner lips) being fully tucked inside the Majora (the outer

lips) is the most common shape. This is fuelled by shameless promotion by celebrities who are followed by impressionable women.

So what is vaginoplasty and labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty reduces the size of the labia minora – the flaps of skin either side of the vaginal opening.

Vaginoplasty is designed to reduce the size of the actual vagina (as in the vaginal hole) usually to make it tighter.

The procedures can be carried out with either a local or general anaesthetic and can take around two hours, with some patients being able to go home on the same day.

Sugar Tax in Action

What we think!

Women please embrace whatever shape that you are, you are beautiful.The way it looks isn't so much of importance but more about how it feels.

Know that you carry the whole YONIverse in you (you like what we did there?!).

There is nothing wrong with ANYONES vulva. Those of you who have been watching and getting your ideas from porn. Please remember those women do it for a living, and they aren't representative of women generally.. most of these women have to stand at unpleasant angles to look how they do in porn. Its glorified

and not real!

Putting all punanis on an assembly line, each looking just like the last. We ain't no Barbie dollls. Why are women so eager to get excited over a curved penis, how many inches, or girth and other unique features of the phallus...but vulvas are not awarded this same enthusiasm?

Time to put the punani on a pedestal ! .

Want to talk more? Join your sisterhood today and be part of the reproductive revolution.

"Cysters because the journey is easier with your sisters"

The introduction of sugar tax has come into force as an important step in the fight against obesity but will not be a "silver bullet" to solve the crisis, campaigners have said.

Manufacturers of soft drinks containing more than 5g of sugar per 100ml will pay a levy of 18p a litre to the Treasury, or 24p a litre if the sugar content is over 8g per 100ml, with the cost passed on to retailers and customers.

Government and health campaigners hope increase in price will put consumers off buying the sugariness drinks and lead to a significant decline in obesity.

Ben Reynolds, deputy chief executive at the food and farming charity Sustain, said: "We championed a sugary drinks tax primarily to benefit children's health, and already we have seen a rapid reaction from the soft drinks industry in reformulating products.

"Whilst this is only one way to tackle the problem, we hope that the higher price of sugary drinks and increased awareness leads to less consumption of sweet and sugary products.".

Other countries have introduced similar measures and have seen some success in reducing the drinking of fizzy drinks.

Prescriptions Banned for Over the Counter Medicine

Prescriptions for over-the-counter drugs will no longer be given to patients by their GP this is to save the NHS millions of pounds each year.

NHS England has confirmed it is telling doctors to stop giving out medication that patients can buy cheaply at pharmacies.

Some of the products such as Cough mixture, eye drops, laxatives and sun creams are among that will no longer be routinely prescribed, following an NHS England board meeting.

The move comes in a bid to free up £100million a year for frontline care.

The proposals to rein in prescriptions for medicines for minor conditions received "broad support" in a public consultation, members heard.

Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said the move would help the NHS invest more into important areas like new cancer treatments.

He added: "Across the NHS our aim is to: 'Think like a patient, act like a taxpayer'.

"The NHS is probably the most efficient health service in the world, but we're determined to keep pushing further.

"Every pound we save from cutting waste is another pound we can then invest in better A&E care, new cancer treatments and much better mental health services."

The prescription changes could free up almost £100 million for the health service, the body added.

BUSINESS

APRIL 2018

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THE ASIAN TODAY

33

BUSINESS

Deadline looms for final New Policy on Late Night submissions for leading Flights At awards event Birmingham The regional business community continues to thrive and contribute by creating wealth and employing thousands in the region, according to a leading businessman.

Ninder Johal’s comments came as preparations are in place to celebrate the best in business and the community in a glitzy black tie dinner event due to take place on the 29th June at the Wolverhampton racecourse.

Mr Johal, past president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, current Board member of the Black Country LEP, West Midlands Growth Company and CEO of production company, Nachural, said: ‘This event will reflect on the positive news around the region, with Birmingham winning the Commonwealth Games, Coventry winning the City of Culture Bid and the Black Country confirming its position as one of the leading areas of inward investment and economic growth. Whilst the outlook for global trade is positive and the EU continues to emerge from the doldrums, in the UK the future is uncertain because as yet we do not understand the full implications of the ongoing Brexit negotiations’.

The UK and region continues to show strong export performance against a backdrop of

falling unemployment but increasing higher levels of inflation. The region and the country is entering an interesting period.’

The Black Country in particular is beginning to pick up and we are pleased that it is now regarded as the one of the five highest performing LEP area in the country. With successful automotive and aerospace sectors experiencing continual growth and start up’s continuing to accelerate, there is a definite lift in confidence in the region.

But there is much to be done with regards to skills and infrastructure and we must continue to press our businesses to widen their scope to overseas markets.’

The awards seek to celebrate and highlight the ever increasing importance of the business community and its great contribution to the local, regional and national economy. The profile of the awards is increasing year on year.”

We feel it is important that the Black Country and the wider region continues to celebrate its achievements and in the current climate it is easy to forget the contributions of businesses in the area. From start up’s to established employers in the area, the Black Country and the wider region has much to boast about. What has also been very interesting

Airport

development is recent years, is the number of submissions from national players who are seeking to promote their business in the region.’

Despite the fall in apprenticeships nationally, we have continued to promote an award category that recognizes the importance of apprenticeships. In order to cope with a changing global marketplace, we need an increasing emphasis on technical skills both on the demand and supply side and therefore the award recognizes the importance of such a route to a fruitful career.

The awards dinner is the ideal platform to show the region and the country the best that there is in the Black Country and increasingly the wider region.

We would encourage businesses to enter before the deadline of the 4th May 2018 and to use the opportunity of showcasing the great work they do in supporting the area.

There is considerable publicity surrounding the

awards dinner which will boast a leading business/ entrepreneur speaker and is expected to attract the who’s who of the region. ‘ward categories include Business Start up, Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the year, Community Excellence, Regeneration, International Trade/Enterprise, Business Woman of the year, Customer Service business of the year, Hospitality Business of the year, Business Person of the Year and an award for promoting apprenticeship.

Sponsors for the event include , Vision Print, Wolverhampton University, Cobra Beer, East End foods, Pathway Group, FBC Manby Bowdler Solicitors, Akaal. com, Guest Motors, Rational FX, Hollywood Monster and Mercedes Benz.

The glitzy awards dinner is due to take place on the 29th June 2018 at the Wolverhampton Racecourse – for further information please contact : nachural on 0121 526 3141 or ninder.johal@ nachural.co.uk.

The nomination form can be downloaded from www. nachural.co.uk

Australian website and at one point last month the home page had a winter waterproof jacket on it when it was 26 degrees in Melbourne.

“We have to think global but at a local level.

Gymshark’s success has made it attractive to potential investors, but its shares remain tightly controlled by founder Ben Francis, Hewitt

and chief strategy officer Paul Richardson.

The company gets around five approaches a month from VCs and private equity, said Hewitt.

At the moment there is little to tempt them into bringing investment on board, while there is a genuinely-held concern that it would lead to a change in culture.

Clothing Retailer Gymshark in Globalisation Phase Leading sports fitness clothing Gymshark is growing from a genuine start-up to £100m annual sales in six years which probably makes it the fastest Midlands’ company in history to a ninefigure turnover.

The company is already international and has sold to 1.2m customers in 177 countries from 11 online stores and plans to increase that to at least 25 within three years.

“We are going into the globalisation phase of the brand,” said chief executive Steve Hewitt, who joined the business three years ago when sales were below £9m.

But the clothing retailer, which has operated from Droitwich, Redditch, Bromsgrove and now Solihull, is not going to forget its West Midlands roots.

“Birmingham is where it started, we are not going to move from here”, said Hewitt.

It is also bringing its global pop-up shop tour to the city in May, to The Warehouse in Digbeth on 12 and 13, having been in Los Angeles in January and Melbourne in March.

Hewitt identifies his biggest challenge as getting everyone “to be more local, globally”.

He said: “We have got an

Birmingham Airport are being introduced new restrictions on late night flights to keep noise levels down to prevent disturbance for local residents.

The planning committee in Solihull council has rubberstamped the proposals, which include a ban on extra latenight flights and stopping older aeroplanes with louder engines at late hours.

Councillors were told that the policy, which is set to take effect in October and run until 2021, will allow the authorities to more effectively control and monitor the impact of night noise on those neighbourhoods near the airport, which include the likes of Marston Green and Hampton-in-Arden.

The new policy requests there is no increase in the number of aircraft taking off between 11.30pm and 5am, prohibits the scheduling of louder planes at certain times and reduces the night noise limit from 85 decibels (dBA) to 83.

Planning officer Lawrence Osborne said there had been "a significant amount of community engagement" in devising the new policy.

Coun Jim Ryan (Con) represents Bickenhill, the ward in which the airport is based.

He told fellow members of the planning committee he was very pleased with what had been brought forward, describing it as "a major improvement", and paid tribute to the airport and wider community.

An airport spokesman said: "We welcome Solihull Council's support for the new night flying policy which is in place for the next three years.

"We also thank them for their positive comments about the airport's approach to community engagement and the way in which it has worked in collaboration with key community representatives throughout this process."

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Carillion HQ Up For Sale for £3 Million The Carillion headquarters in Wolverhampton has have gone up for sale for £3m.

Another 97 of the firm's employees had also been made redundant, taking the total number of job losses to more than 1,800.

Carillion went into liquidation in January after running up debts of about £1.5bn.

There are about 5,400 employees still working to deliver Carillion's services to public and private sector customers until decisions are made on whether to transfer or end these contracts.

The liquidation has caused delays in the construction of the Midland Metropolitan Hospital and there was still no interim contractor secured for the project.

The building is offered for freehold sale and is due to be available with vacant possession, although Carillion

and its liquidators PwC are currently in occupation, continuing to pay rent of £437,405 pa for both the main and additional site.

Toby Lewis, chief executive of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Hospitals Trust, said it was still seeking a resolution to funding and building arrangements. The

PROPERTY

hospital was due to open in October 2018.

"It is disappointing and collectively frustrating that we are not yet able to confirm those arrangements, given that everyone involved knows that it is important to move to a single acute hospital site as rapidly as we safely can," he said.

The collapse also caused delays in work on the new £335m Royal Liverpool Hospital.

Midlands property agent Bulleys and JLL is marketing the building, currently occupied by Carillion and its liquidators PwC. The building is being sold by an unnamed private investor.

New Banning Order on Rouge Landlords Landlords who let sub-standard properties to desperate tenants will be put on a new database.

A crackdown has begun on rogue landlords convicted of a range of housing, immigration and other criminal offences such as leasing overcrowded properties, fire and gas safety offences and unlawful eviction.

Councils can share information between themselves and keep a closer eye on those with a poor track record.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Heather Wheeler said: "I am committed to making sure people who are renting are living in safe and good quality properties. That’s why we’re cracking down on the small minority of landlords that are renting out unsafe and substandard accommodation.

"Landlords should be in no doubt that they must provide decent homes or face the consequences."

The database will be available to use by councils to crackdown on poor and unfair practice in the private rented sector such as overcrowded, squalid or dangerous accommodation, and to help target their enforcement action.

Landlords convicted of offences under the government’s new law may also be given banning orders preventing them from leasing accommodation for a period of time, ranging from 12 months to life.

Councils must record details of any landlord or property agent who has received a banning order on the database.

Landlords that ignore a banning order will face criminal sanctions including up to 6 months imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

The department use the database to publish regular updates on the number of landlords and agents who have been banned, convicted of a banning order offence or received two or more civil penalties, broken down by local authority area.

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Virtual Car Turned Reality – Audi e-tron Gran Turismo

This is the Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo, originally created as a virtual car for ‘Vision Gran Turismo’, the 15th anniversary edition of Sony’s Playstation's cult-status street racing video game.

In just 11 months the Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo has made the leap from screen to street, thanks to enthusiasts at Audi’s pre-production centre in Ingolstadt.

From 14 April in Rome the virtual car will be used as a ‘race taxi’ at Formula E electric-car races on street circuits around the world, giving VIP guests the chance to see what the circuits look and feel like from the seat of a real-

Drivers Parking on Pavements Will Face £70 Fine The Department for Transport are considering new laws to prevent cars parking on pavements.

This will allow local councils to make it illegal to park on the kerb without explicit permission.

Currently there no law outside London against parking on a pavement.

In London, councils have been fining pavement parking drivers for 40 years.

Motorists are banned from leaving their cars on kerbs

unless a London borough has given them permission to.

Rule 22 of the Highway Code says: "You must not park partially or wholly on the pavement in London and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it.

The LGA is calling for the rest of England and Wales to follow suit.

In busy terraced streets there a lot of motorists who are tempted to park their cars on kerbs to leave enough room for traffic to pass on

life electric GT racing car.

A number of carmakers have been approached to create futuristic concepts for ‘Vision Gran Turismo’ and quite a few were later built as full-scale models for display at motor shows - but this, says Audi, is the first one from the series to go into service on real-world race circuits.

“This is what we are particularly proud of,” said Audi chief designer Marc Lichte. “The design of a virtual car allows you much greater freedom to create concepts for which the technology doesn’t yet exist, but we didn’t want to put a purely fictitious concept on wheels - it had to be a

the road, but this can cause problems for pedestrians.

Pushing a pram round a parked car and into the road has obvious dangers, while blind people will not always be able to tell if their pathway is blocked by a vehicle.

A Local Government Association spokesman also said councils could benefit from extra revenue to repair roads, kerbs and verges.

He said: “Pavement parking and damaged pavements is one of the biggest complaints from pedestrians. In addition, repairing kerbs, verges and pavements damaged by pavement parking is expensive at a time when councils continue to face huge funding pressures as a result of further cuts to funding from government.

"The money spent on this would be better used to plug the £12 billion roads repair bill we currently face as a nation.

“Councils would carefully consult with communities before banning pavement parking and this is done sparingly in response to concerns which they have raised. This will enable them to better protect vulnerable pedestrians and provide a more consistent approach for all road users.”

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused. com says: “The introduction of yet more parking fines will undoubtedly see some resentment from drivers as they could face a £70 charge for pavement parking. Our own research shows that the average driver already racks up almost £10,000 worth of

fully functional car.”

The new race taxi also has all-wheel drive, with three electric motors of 200kW each, two on the rear axle and one on the front, with variable quattro drive. With a total of 600kW and a kerb weight of 1450kg, the e-tron Vision Gran Turismo has a power to weight ratio of 414kW per ton and will launch off the line to 100km/h in less than 2.5 seconds.

It’ll be in use at all the European round of Formula E and a number of other events in 2018.

parking charges and fines over a 25-year period.

“It’s incredibly important that the street-sides are clear to prevent any obstacles for pedestrians, but councils must recognise that parking is already a struggle for most drivers due to the lack of

available spaces and existing restrictions.

“To avoid additional unnecessary charges, drivers should ensure they leave enough time to find an adequate parking space where they can be sure they won’t return to a ticket.”

36

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SPORTS

A Triumphant Night At The 2018 BEDSAs Ellie Downie and Kadeena Cox celebrate triumphant night at the 2018 BEDSAs Ellie Downie and Kadeena Cox celebrate triumphant night at the 2018 BEDSAs Maro Itoje and Marcus Smith secure Best Sportsman of the Year and Young Sportsman of the Year in a rewarding night for rugby union Ellie Downie, the reigning European gymnastics Champion and Kadeena Cox, the UK's leading female Paralympian were the big winners at a glittering awards show hosted by Sir Lenny Henry, at the Grosvenor House hotel, London on Saturday 24th March.

Ellie Downie was named Royal Navy Sports Woman of the Year after becoming the all-around European gymnastics champion and the first gymnast to win a major all-around title for Great Britain in 2017.

Commenting on her first win at the BEDSAs and

Jaguar Lifetime Achievement Award.

Permi Jhooti became the first British Asian professional footballer in England playing for the women’s teams of London clubs Fulham, Millwall and Chelsea. She has become a FIFA Ambassador and was the inspiration for the smash hit film "Bend it Like Beckham".

The night was also a memorable one for rugby union seeing Saracens,England and British Lions second row Maro Itoje winning the Sporting Equals Sportsman of the Year Award.The promising Harlequins Fly half Marcus Smith was named Youth Sport Trust Sports Person of the Year, whilst the Rugby Football Union Special Recognition award went to Harborne Rugby Football Club and Joseph

the Year award went to the Singh Sabha Slough Sports, with The Tennis Foundation Serves Community Tennis Project going to the Sikh Welfare Awareness Youth team.

The England and Wales Cricket Board Special Recognition award was presented to “Essex Cricket in the Community” for the first time.

The British Army Unsung Hero was awarded to Tarsem Singh Cheema who has dedicated 52 years to grass roots football.

Arun Kang CEO Sporting Equals and Founder of The BEDSAs commenting on a wonderful evening said: “The BEDSA awards never disappoint celebrating the outstanding work of volunteers and communities to the achievements of World class performers like Maro Itoje, Ellie Downie and

Performance of the Year Kadeena Cox Sport England Community Sports Project of the Year Singh Sabha Slough Spirit of 2012 Connecting Communities Award -

following in sister Becky's footsteps Ellie Downie said: "A big thankyou to Sporting Equals for hosting the 4th BEDSAs and a very special thanks to everyone who’s voted for me. It really means a lot to be named as your Sportswoman of the Year!

And congratulations to my fellow nominees as well.”

Kadeena Cox picked up her second BEDSA award, winning the UK Sport Inspirational Performance of the Year award.In a big night for women in sport, the Manchester Womens Sport Programme won the Spirit of 2012 Connecting Communities award, with Permi Jhooti receiving the

Chamberlain College.

A special Football Association Recognition tribute was made to the late Cyrille Regis by former West Bromwich Albion teammate and former Deputy Chief Executive of the Professional Footballers Association Brendan Batson OBE, and overseen by the awards host Sir Lenny Henry.

Christian Malcolm , the coach of the successful 4 x 100 metre relay team, who defeated the USA and Usain's Bolt's Jamaican team at the World Athletics Championships in 2017 was aptly named England Athletics Coach of the Year.

The Sport England Community Sports Project of

Kadeena Cox. They are now a key date in the sporting calendar and important in terms of not only showcasing the excellent work and talent among diverse communities but also highlighting that there is much work still to do to tackle inequalities and under-representation in some areas of sport” The complete list of winners at the 2018 BEDSAs were as follows: Youth Sport Trust Young Sportsperson of the Year Marcus Smith The British Army Unsung Hero Award - Tarsem Singh Cheema England Athletics Coach of the Year - Christian Malcolm UK Sport Inspirational

Manchester Womens Sports Programmes Tennis Foundation Serves Community Tennis Project - Sikh Welfare Awareness Team England Wales Cricket Board Special Recognition Award - Essex Cricket in the Community The Royal Navy Sports Woman of the Year Award Ellie Downie Sporting Equals Sportsman of the Year Award - Maro Itoje RFU Special Recognition Award - Harborne RFC and Joseph Chamberlain College Jaguar Lifetime Achievement Award - Permi Jhooti FA Special Recognition

Award - Cyrille Regis The BEDSAs are supported by Sport England , UK Sport, The Football Association, The Rugby Football Union, The Tennis

Foundation, Youth Sport Trust, England Athletics, The England and Wales Cricket Board, The Royal Navy, The British Army, Jaguar and Spirit of 2012.

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Khan hires trainer Joe Goosen Boxer Amir khan has had a number of trainers since turning professional in 2005. He started with Oliver Harrison in Bolton, then moved on to Miami-based Cuban Jorge Rubio, before relocating to Los Angeles to work with Freddie Roach at the Wild Card gym.

After splitting with Roach, Khan was based in Hayward, California, training alongside Virgil Hunter.

Earlier this month Hunter was hospitalised and Khan, has had to look elsewhere ahead of his first fight in two years.

On March 17, a statement issued by Team Hunter explained: “Virgil Hunter experienced a health scare this week and was hospitalised. We are happy to report that he is recovering and getting stronger every

day. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers and request that his privacy be respected while he recovers.

There will not be any further statements made at this time as we allow him to heal.”

Khan is to return to ring on April 21 and has officially made the move to trainer Joe Goossen. He is best known as the trainer for Diego Corrales in that thrilling 2005 fight against Jose Luis Castillo, but has also worked with the likes of Michael Nunn, Joel Casamayor, and others.

“Due to Virgil Hunter’s health issues I had to make a decision to bring someone else in before my fight with Phil Lo Greco, which is only a few weeks away,” Khan told Boxing News. “Virgil is a great trainer and I’m hoping he makes a swift recovery. Tony Brady will still

be doing my strength and conditioning, and the rest of the team will be the same.

“I had to make a quick decision and I’m happy to be working with Joe for this

fight. Joe is a top trainer and I’ve enjoyed the time we have spent together so far. He’ll be in the UK with me for the next month and will be head trainer on fight night.”

David Warner and Steve Smith Banned

In ball tampering controversy, David Warner, has resigned as captain of IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the 2018 Indian Premier League Warner Australia vice-captain captain, Steve Smith and opening batsman Cameron Bancroft have all been sent home from the tour of South Africa.

Steve Smith and David Warner have been banned by Cricket Australia for a year for their involvement in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, where it has been confirmed sandpaper was used to attempt to rough up the ball.

Cameron Bancroft, who had claimed he used sticky yellow tape, has been banned for nine months.

The body's chief executive James Sutherland said that the three players were the only members of the touring party involved in plans to cheat.

"In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad," a team statement read.

"The new captain of the team will be announced shortly."

Walsall FC and British Muslim Youth Group India’s Fast bowler partner up for a fun football experience Saturday 31st March 2018 – British Muslim Youth Group (BMYG) hosts a day of football in collaboration with Walsall FC. Young people will take part in a training session led by professional coaches at Walsall FC before attending the club’s home game against Portsmouth FC The day is part of BMYG and Walsall FC’s ‘Pass It On’ project Football will be used to bring young people from around Walsall together On Saturday 31st March, local youth group BMYG will team up with Walsall FC to bring youngsters to Banks’s Stadium for a day of football and fun.

The attendees, aged between 10 and 17, will take part in a training session led by Walsall’s professional coaches, before receiving a free ticket to watch the Saddlers’ home match against Portsmouth FC. The initiative is part of BMYG and Walsall FC’s joint ‘Pass It On’ project.

The two organisations are working together to pass on opportunities, skills and rewards to the local

to join Leicestershire County Cricket

community, especially those living in close proximity to Walsall FC and the Banks’s Stadium.

Volunteers at BMYG will also be welcomed by the club on Saturday, rewarding all of the hard work they do for the community of Walsall.

Riz Ahmed, Director at

BMYG, said before the event: “Football is a great way to get the young people of Walsall together, no matter their background, religion or age. Here at BMYG, we are very excited for this Saturday’s activities with Walsall FC and our ongoing partnership with them.

“The day will allow our young people to spend the afternoon improving their own football skills and then get to watch Walsall FC in action. Saturday is just the beginning of many exciting events to come, showing young people that Walsall is a great place to live.”

Varun Aaro, India’s fast bowler is to join Leicestershire for part of the 2018 county season.

The 28-year-old will replace injured Sohail Khan.

Aaron will be available for County Championship and OneDay Cup games between 20 April and 20 June.

"Varun is a high-quality performer and his skills will be ideally suited to early season conditions in England," said Leicestershire head coach Paul Nixon.

"We are getting a genuinely quick bowler, who has played a number of games for India and also enjoyed a fine domestic career.

"Varun is very keen to do well for us and get back in the India team again and we're really looking forward to him linking up with us."

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