AV 06th January 2024

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE Sardar Patel's enduring legacy continues to inspire and guide us

Ayodhya gets mega facelift as PM Modi unveils new railway station, airport

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City of London Freedom honours for Indian bankers

The city of diamonds now boasts an architectural diamond

R

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6 - 12 JANUARY 2024

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

GUIDE TO GOOD LIFE Asian Voice presents a health feature, curated for readers, offering 2024 insights from experts on women’s health, mental well-being, fitness, and nutrition.

VOL 52 - ISSUE 34

30 British Indians recognised by King Charles III

Dr Chandra Mohan Kanneganti and Usha Ladwa

FULL STORY ON PAGE 06

London rings in 2024 with Mayor’s biggest ever fireworks

A family doing yoga together to practice healthy living

Shefali Saxena

In 2005, George Marshall opted for immediate heart surgery in India due to a sixmonth NHS wait. Now, India attracts 2 million patients yearly, contributing $6 billion, expected to reach $13 billion by 2026. Medical tourism involves travelling for healthcare, with India ranking 10th in the Global Medical Tourism Index, valued at £6.57 billion in mid-2020.

Continued on page 12

Fireworks around London Eye to ring in the New Year

FULL STORY ON PAGE 09

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6 - 12 January 2024

UK Interior Minister issues apology over jest about drugging wife's drink British Interior Minister James Cleverly issued an apology following reports suggesting he made a jest about spiking his wife's drink with a sedative known for its association with daterape incidents.

According to media sources, Cleverly, a prominent figure in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government, reportedly quipped to female guests at an event, suggesting that adding "a little bit" of the drug into his wife's drink nightly was "not really illegal."

Allegedly, he humorously remarked that the secret to a lasting marriage was ensuring one's spouse remained "mildly sedated" to prevent them from realising there might be better partners elsewhere.

Interestingly, the reports surfaced on the same day Cleverly, overseeing law

James Cleverly

enforcement, unveiled new measures to address drinkspiking, including legislative changes.

A spokesperson for Cleverly expressed that the remarks, meant as an ironic joke in what was understood to be a private conversation, warranted an apology. The Fawcett Society, advocating for women's rights, called for Cleverly's resignation, while the opposition Labour Party found his comments beyond belief.

Police initiate criminal probe into UK boy found in France after disappearance British police have initiated a criminal investigation into the reported abduction of Alex Batty, a British teenager who reappeared in France recently, six years after his disappearance.

Batty vanished in 2017 at the age of 11 while vacationing with his mother and grandfather in Malaga, Spain. Authorities, who had suggested the involvement of his mother in any inquiry, launched an official investigation after interviewing Batty, now 17, upon his return to Britain from France.

In an interview with Britain's Sun newspaper, Batty shared details of his whereabouts over the past six years. He mentioned that his mother led a nomadic lifestyle, and his decision to flee was driven by a desire for change.

He was discovered by a

Alex Batty when he disappeared

delivery driver near Toulouse, wandering along a road in the southern city, after which he revealed that he had departed from a secluded mountain community in the Pyrenees.

Batty described how his mother relocated him to various homes across Europe during the six-year period, and his departure was sparked by a final disagreement. He expressed that his mother did not want him to be constrained by societal norms.

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UK economy contracts in Q3, signalling potential recession Data reveals potential recession for Britain's economy as it contracted by 0.1% in the third quarter, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt suggested a rare interest rate cut by the Bank of England to stimulate growth, following the GDP decline.

Previously estimated to be stagnant, the third-quarter GDP showed a contraction.

Additionally, the secondquarter GDP, initially expected to grow by 0.2%, is now reported as flat.

However, separate data released on the same day painted a more optimistic picture. November's retail

sales surged by 1.3% from October, largely attributed to substantial discounts during the Black Friday sales.

Despite this boost, sales remained below pre-pandemic levels over the three leading to months November.

While the statistics caused a rise in the pound against the dollar and euro, Finance Minister Hunt, in an atypical move, commented on the Bank of England's potential interest rate decisions. The Conservative Party, to which Hunt belongs, trails significantly behind the Labour Party in opinion polls, with an election anticipated in the coming year.

Labour reportedly exploring the option of processing asylum seekers' claims offshore Labour is reportedly contemplating an asylum seeker processing scheme to be conducted in another location, as stated by the Times.

Keir Starmer is said to be examining detailed plans for an offshoring scheme in an effort to counter Conservative criticisms regarding Labour's alternative to the Rwanda plan.

Previously labelling the proposal to deport individuals to Rwanda as a "gimmick," the Labour leader has expressed opposition to the plan. However, reports suggest that Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Shadow Immigration Minister Stephen Kinnock have engaged with asylum experts, former Home Secretary David Blunkett, and European nations to formulate an alternative strategy to address small boat crossings in the English Channel.

The envisaged plan entails processing asylum claims overseas, permitting successful applicants to

Stephen Kinnock

enter the UK. Although explicit support for such an offshoring initiative would represent a significant shift for Labour, Starmer hinted earlier this month that he was open to considering such an approach.

In response to the report, Labour has been contacted for comment.

The party, according to the report, has established "three tests" for the scheme: it must be cost-effective, credible in deterring migrants, and should circumvent legal challenges that have caused delays in the Rwanda plan.

Experts note rising increased reliance food black market in Britain A rising number of individuals are resorting to an expanding black market for food, pilfering items such as meat, cheese, and confectionery to cope with soaring prices, according to experts.

As the cost of living crisis intensifies, there is a growing demand for stolen food, prompting people to turn to illicit sources.

Retailers are experiencing a record year for shoplifting, estimated to cost the industry £1 billion this year, and Home Office data indicates the highest

recorded level of shoplifting incidents. The proportion of shoplifting incidents resulting in charges has declined.

Andrew Goodacre, Chief Executive of the British Independent Retailers Association, noted that the cost of living crisis has driven individuals to explore alternative means of obtaining essential items, leading to increased incidents of shoplifting. Some stores, previously unaffected by shoplifting, are now witnessing thieves swiftly clearing entire shelves.

Post Office Horizon inquiry warrants police investigation: Report A public inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal at the Post Office has provided sufficient evidence for police to investigate senior staff, according to lawyers representing postmasters wrongly convicted due to faults in the Horizon computer system.

Hundreds of postmasters were erroneously prosecuted and convicted between 1999 and 2015. In the ongoing public inquiry, postmasters have asserted that senior Post Office staff were aware of the system's flaws or chose to ignore them.

Barrister Paul Marshall, representing post office operators seeking compensation, believes there is enough evidence for police to consider prosecuting former Post Office executives for potentially perverting the course of justice or conspiring to do so.

Marshall stated, "On the face of it, the material is sufficient for the police to investigate whether, over a substantial period of time, the Post Office was engaged in perverting the course of justice or a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

In my view, the Post Office was engaged in a sustained attack on the rule of law itself."

Lawyers for post office owner-managers are reportedly urging Sir Wyn Williams, the chairman of the public inquiry, to forward files to the director of public prosecutions once the inquiry concludes next year. Janet Skinner, a wrongly jailed branch operator, emphasised that com-

Barrister Paul Marshall

piling evidence for a potential investigation into former senior Post Office staff is a priority for her legal team.

Evidence presented during the statutory inquiry has indicated that Post Office investigators looking into allegations against branch operators did not believe these individuals had stolen anything. Last week, Post Office accounts revealed a nearly 50% reduction in the amount set aside for compensating branch managers wrongly convicted in the scandal, from £487 million to £244 million, as fewer than expected have won or pursued appeals.

The Post Office said: “We fully share the aims of the current public inquiry, set up to independently establish what went wrong in the past and accountability.

“We’re acutely aware of the human cost of the scandal and we’re doing all we can to right the wrongs of the past as far as that is possible. Both the Post Office and government are committed to providing full, fair and final compensation for victims.”

Mother and son from Southampton jailed over wedding money scheme A mother and son have been sentenced to jail for conspiring to steal £8,000 intended for a wedding within the Sikh community. The incident occurred Kalwant Kaur and her son Jung Singh Lankanpal in September an imitation firearm. when, during the counting The police successfully of the wedding funds, an traced a getaway car used in armed intruder entered the the raid to Kaur, leading to Southampton residence and the arrests of both individuseized the cash. als. Detective Constable Jess Kalwant Kaur, 41, of Swift emphasised the calcuUnion Road, pleaded guilty lated decision by Kaur and to conspiracy to burgle and Lankanpal to steal a subreceived a 15-month jail stantial amount from people term at Southampton within their community, Crown Court. Jung Singh meant to support others.

Lankanpal, 22, also residing Despite Kaur attempting to at the same address as his portray herself as a witness, mother, was sentenced to 30 it became evident that she months for the same offense had played a role in orchesand admitted possession of trating the burglary.

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6 - 12 January 2024

It’s show time!

Millions watched across the world as London welcomed 2024 with spectacular fireworks, lights and a drone show presented by the Mayor of London. For the first time, ticketholders lining the River Thames were able to enjoy fireworks and drones alongside each other, with a light show too, in a display delivering a message of unity to the world and showing that London is for everyone London’s sky was lit up in celebration as the capital also marked key moments from 2023, including the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, 75 years of the NHS, 75 years since the arrival of Empire Windrush and 10 years since same-sex marriage became legalised.

While 2023 was a historic year for the UK, 2024 will pave the way for a new history. This is the year when Rishi Sunak will most likely serve as the last Indian-origin PM of Britain for years to come unless more miracles are awaiting the representatives of ethnic minorities. Britain will elect its new Prime Minister - who may interestingly also end the 13-year regime of Conservatives, should Labour come to power.

While the UK has been taking a humble stance and helping countries, giving aid and locking treaties with the world, this year will be pivotal for any government and all leaders to bring the UK back up on its feet. If either of the parties and bureaucrats genuinely have concrete solutions to tackle poverty, the cost of living crisis, NHS backlogs, and staffing issues in the country, they need to go back to kindergarten ways of show and tell and execute.

The UK-India partnership stands on a very crucial ground,

hoping that the Free Trade Agreement will conquer its loopholes and debates, to finally come to fruition. Whether it’ll be Cameron or Starmer, whoever’s stars align this year, the UKIndia relationship will either take a giant leap forward, or that’ll become a situation of stagnant affairs.

But, the key to running a healthy country is by healing each department and team that keeps the engine running at the hospitals and overall health care system. Even if that means privatisation of the NHS, so be it! The country desperately needs skilled doctors, nurses and healthcare workers, who are right now being heavily outsourced and the yoke of running an efficient healthcare system is still resting heavily on ethnic minority doctors.

In our first issue of the year, the newsweekly brings you a guide to healthy living, informative practices around healthcare, from doctors without borders to women’s health, the prominence of cancers in BAME and the rise in metabolic disorders in the community. We’re sharing insights from experts in skincare, nutrition, fitness, ayurveda, and dental hygiene along with observing the occupational hazards that impact mental health. We’re aiming to show the mirror of healthcare challenges while trying to provide our readers with the right suggestions and resources to seek help.

The socio-economic, political as well as cultural health of this country is being put to the test in every possible way this year. For each department, and every promise made by the concerned sectors and their proprietors, this is showtime!

Japan's resilience in the face of disaster As the new year dawns, predictions have emerged from the late Bulgarian mystic and healer, Baba Vanga, often hailed as the "Nostradamus of the Balkans." According to her prophecies, 2024 is anticipated to be a year marked by warnings and potential upheaval. One of her foretellings revolves around a predicted assassination attempt on Russian President Vladimir Putin, who instigated the military operation leading to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Recent events, such as Moscow's missile attacks on Ukraine following Putin's vow for retaliation against strikes on Russia, seem to align with Vanga's predictions. She also forecast a worsening climate, with several terrifying weather events wreaking havoc throughout the year.

At the stroke of midnight, various other nations were joyously welcoming the new year. Japan was facing a series of earthquakes that left dozens of people dead, damaged buildings, and knocked out power to tens of thousands of homes.

Aftershocks kept jolting Ishikawa prefecture and nearby areas a day after a magnitude 7.6 quake hit western Japan. The strong temblor toppled buildings, damaged roads, and led to landslides.

The Japan Meteorological Agency lifted all significant tsunami alerts along the nation's western coast the day after the formidable earthquake. However, the agency remains cautious, indicating the potential for additional tremors to strike the region in the days ahead. Positioned in the seismically active zone known as the "Ring of Fire," Japan confronts recurring natural calamities such as earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions.

After 24 hours, a Japan Airlines plane carrying hundreds of passengers collided with an earthquake relief aircraft and burst into flames on landing at Tokyo’s Haneda airport. All 379 individ-

uals aboard JAL Flight 516, including eight infants under two years old, were successfully evacuated from the passenger plane, as confirmed by the airline. Unfortunately, fatalities were reported on the second aircraft, which the Japan Coast Guard operated.

Japan, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and commitment to peace, exemplifies an extraordinary balance between tranquilly and robust disaster management systems. The country has developed an impressive disaster preparedness system that combines technological advancements, public education, and robust infrastructure to mitigate the impact of these catastrophes. Japan's approach to handling such situations involves a comprehensive strategy focused on readiness, response, and recovery. The country’s disaster response is characterised by well-trained emergency services, effective communication systems, and a highly disciplined and coordinated approach among government agencies.

As the impact of climate change amplifies the occurrence of disasters, South Asian nations—familiar with recurrent seismic activity and tropical storms—cannot afford complacency. The haunting aftermath of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, which claimed 20,000 lives, remains etched in our collective memory. Notably, Bangladesh recently spearheaded a nationwide campaign to eradicate the use of lead-chromate pigment in turmeric, achieving remarkable success. This underscores that even smaller nations can pave the way in disaster response and mitigation.

Drawing inspiration, other countries can emulate Japan's exemplary disaster management approach, renowned for saving countless lives. Despite facing the repercussions of both natural and man-made catastrophes, Japan has exhibited resilience, swiftly recovering from adversity and standing tall once again.

Ayodhya all set for the dawn of Ram Rajya Ayodhya, revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama, holds immense spiritual, historical, and cultural significance for the people of India and while over a thousand temples dedicated to Lord Ram are believed to exist in Ayodhya, the global spotlight is currently focused on the consecration of the Ram Mandir.

The anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding this magnanimous event is palpable throughout the country.

The temple's construction fulfils a longstanding religious aspiration among Hindus, reviving the revered Ram Janmabhoomi. Despite the temple site being a historical point of contention between Hindu and Muslim communities, the Supreme Court decision was respected and the celebration persists with unwavering support from all diverse sects in this united nation. Recent stories highlighting support from the Muslim community include that of Md Jamaluddin (53) and his son Md Alauddin (24), two renowned Muslim artisans involved in the crafting of the idol of Lord Ram, alongside 25 other artisans. Shabnam Shaikh, a young Muslim woman, has embarked on a padayatra from Mumbai to Ayodhya for the inauguration.

National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah also congratulated those involved in building the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as he expressed concern over diminishing brotherhood in India. He stressed the importance of reviving it and highlighted that Lord Ram is not exclusive to Hindus but belongs to everyone worldwide.

Nepal, the birthplace of Sita, boasts a sizable Hindu population eager to visit Ayodhya for the inauguration. The country plans to send special souvenirs, including jewellery, utensils, clothes, and sweets, for the ceremony. A JanakpurdhamAyodhyadham journey, beginning on January 18, will deliver these souvenirs to Ayodhya on January 20, where they will be presented to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Ram Mandir Trust.

Previously, Shaligram stones from Nepal's Kaligandaki river

were sent to Ayodhya for crafting the statue of Lord Ram. From a political standpoint, the Ram Temple has emerged as a central theme in political discussions, significantly influencing India's political landscape. The temple issue has served as a rallying point for diverse political movements and the completion of the temple represents a substantial political milestone, finally fulfilling promises made by various political leaders.

Additionally, the construction of the Ram Temple resonates beyond India's borders and stands as a source of pride and identity for Hindus worldwide. In the US, members of the Hindu American community organised a car rally in Washington DC last month. Apart from that, temples across the US are also preparing week-long celebrations in North America to commemorate the inauguration. The diaspora in the UK is also looking forward to this highly anticipated event and many look forward to being a part of the celebration back home.

The best part is that the temple inauguration will have an exceptional impact on the city of Ayodhya. The construction of the Ram Temple has ignited economic activities, generating commercial opportunities in Ayodhya. The enhancement of infrastructure, such as the airport and railway station, will ease pilgrimage and enhance tourism. The anticipated surge in devotees and tourists is poised to invigorate local businesses, hospitality, and the broader economy of the region. The commercial influence extends to the production of religious artefacts, services related to tourism, and the promotion of Ayodhya as a cultural and religious tourism destination.

Put together, the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya holds profound religious and cultural importance and can shape India's socio-religious landscape politically and globally. Commercial opportunities arising will contribute to regional economic development, highlighting the interplay of faith, culture, politics, global perceptions, and economics in contemporary India.

Thought for the week "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."

— Milton Berle

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel

The Biggest Event of 2024 – Ayodhya The inauguration of the Ayodhya Mandir in India marks a pivotal moment in Hindu religious and cultural history.

Historical Context Ayodhya, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, a central figure in Hinduism and the protagonist of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. The Ramayana, written by the sage Valmiki, narrates the life of Lord Rama, depicting ideals of duty, righteousness, and dharma. For centuries, Ayodhya has been a place of pilgrimage, symbolizing the geographical heart of Rama’s story and ethos.

The site of the Ayodhya Mandir has a contentious history, marked by religious and political disputes. The recent resolution of this dispute and the subsequent inauguration of the temple symbolize a reconciliation of past conflicts, heralding a new era of religious harmony and cultural integration in India. Patiently Hindus litigated the matter putting rule of law above rule of majority and rule of might. The Mongol Babar (beautified to ‘Mughal’ – the Hamas of his time) from Uzbekistan tore down the Mandir and built a Mosque as per the playbook of the barbarians who could not convince by the force of their argument only the slice of their sword.

Spiritual Significance In Hinduism, temples are not just architectural structures but are considered sacred spaces where the divine is believed to manifest. The Ayodhya Mandir, dedicated to Lord Rama, holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus. It is seen as a physical embodiment of their faith and a place where they can connect with the divine.

The inauguration of this temple is a moment of spiritual fulfillment for many Hindus. It is perceived as the restoration of dharma (cosmic order and righteousness), resonating with the teachings of Lord Rama, who is revered as the embodiment of virtue and the ideal king.

Cultural and Social Impact Culturally, the Ayodhya Mandir is a symbol of Hindu identity and heritage. It serves as a reminder of India’s rich past and the enduring legacy of its epics and scriptures. The temple is expected to become a significant landmark, attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the world, thereby boosting the local economy and promoting cultural tourism.

The inauguration event itself is a confluence of tradition, art, and spirituality, showcasing various aspects of Hindu culture, including rituals, music, and dance. This celebration of heritage serves to strengthen the cultural fabric of India and fosters a sense of unity among Hindus worldwide.

Political and Social Ramifications Politically, the inauguration represents a significant milestone in India's contemporary history. It reflects the aspirations of many Indians who view this event as a triumph of cultural nationalism. However, it is imperative to approach this development with a balanced perspective, recognizing the diversity of India and the need to foster an inclusive society where all faiths are respected.

So it is that peacefully this place of worship will be inaugurated. The Middle East, the only other place of comparison, could take note.

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Review reveals over a fifth of NHS suppliers pose 'high risk' of modern slavery practice A government review has revealed that more than a fifth of suppliers providing surgical instruments, gloves, gowns, and face masks to the NHS are at a "high risk" of utilising modern slavery practices. This investigation, conducted by the Department of Health and Social Care, scrutinised 1,361 NHS suppliers in response to a government commitment to eradicate modern slavery from the healthcare system.

The review highlighted concerning areas, notably citing conditions in China's Xinjiang Uyghur

Autonomous Region. It pointed out that around 100,000 Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities who were former detainees might be engaged in forced labour.

Using risk assessments from the government's Modern Slavery Assessment Tool (MSAT) and other criteria, it concluded that 21% of NHS suppliers fell into the highrisk category. The highestrisk products identified were surgical instruments, gloves, gowns, uniforms, and face masks.

It was noted that nearly half of all NHS suppliers for

gowns and uniforms are based in China, which is also the primary source for masks. Recommendations from the review emphasise the need to integrate due diligence on modern slavery risks into government procurement procedures.

Sian Lea, the business and human rights manager at Anti-Slavery International, highlighted that the NHS's significant reliance on highrisk suppliers poses potential exposure to state-induced forced labour, especially in regions like the Uyghur area and Turkmenistan.

Rural England witnesses 40% surge in homelessness amid soaring living expenses A British rural charity highlighted a concerning surge of 40 percent in homelessness across rural England within a five-year span, emphasising the prevalence of individuals resorting to open-air sleeping, tents, or makeshift shelters.

The ongoing cost-ofliving crisis in the G7 nation, compounded by steep inflation rates, has left numerous Britons grappling to manage escalating expenses for necessities like food, energy, rent, and

mortgages.

Although inflation has slightly declined from a peak of 11.1 percent in October 2022 to 3.9 percent in November, charities argue that several factors, including cuts to welfare over the past decade and a shortage of housing, have exacerbated food poverty and homelessness.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), dedicated to advocating for affordable housing in rural areas, reported a

notable increase in rural homelessness from 17,212 individuals in 2018 to 24,143 in 2023. This surge is attributed to stagnant wages and escalating housing costs in various regions.

According to CPRE, 12 predominantly rural local authorities in England have reported rough sleeping rates surpassing the national average of 15 people per 100,000, further highlighting the critical situation of homelessness in rural communities.

King Charles encourages kindness and environmental care During his Christmas Day address, King Charles urged people to extend kindness and compassion to those facing economic hardships and global conflicts. In his second Christmas message as Britain's king, Charles underscored the significance of aiding the less fortunate, emphasising the need to bolster support networks, particularly during challenging times.

The 75-year-old monarch paid tribute to volunteers, charity workers, and individuals working tirelessly over the holidays to care for others. Departing from the traditional royal Christmas message, Charles delivered his speech along-

King Charles III

side a living Christmas tree, notably chosen for its replanting prospects, echoing his commitment to sustainability.

The tree, adorned with natural and eco-friendly decorations like pine cones and paper, aligned with Charles' lifelong dedication

to environmental causes.

Speaking from Buckingham Palace's Centre Room, he stressed the importance of safeguarding the Earth for future generations, highlighting the growing global awareness of environmental preservation.

Expressing delight at the evolving consciousness regarding Earth's protection, Charles acknowledged the necessity of preserving our natural world, the shared home for all. Having ascended to the throne after Queen Elizabeth's passing in September 2022, Charles signalled his continued commitment to advocating for environmental conservation.

Census reveals Slough as home to one of the largest Sikh communities The census report confirmed that approximately 11.3 per cent of individuals in the borough identified Sikhism as their religion, marking the largest Sikh population outside of Greater London or the West Midlands.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) report, England accounted for the majority of Sikh residents, with 521,805 individu-

als identifying as Sikh in England, amounting to 0.9 per cent of the population. In Wales, the Sikh population was significantly lower, with 4,065 individuals accounting for 0.1 per cent of the population.

More than a quarter of Sikhs in England and Wales resided in the West Midlands, with Sandwell housing the highest concen-

tration at 7.5 per cent.

In Slough, Sikhs represented the fourth largest religious group at the 2021 census, following Christians at 32 percent, Muslims at 29.4 per cent, and individuals reporting no religion at 13.1 per cent. The Sikh population in Slough increased from 10.6 per cent in 2011 to 11.3 per cent in the latest census.

Research aims to uncover the truth about racism in rural England The University of Leicester is conducting a study aimed at assessing the prevalence of racism in rural England to foster a more inclusive countryside environment and alleviate the intimidation experienced by nonwhite individuals during visits.

Led by Neil Chakraborti, director of the Centre for Hate Studies and a criminology professor, the project, titled "The Rural Racism Project: Towards an Inclusive Countryside," is a two-year research endeavour. Chakraborti emphasised that Leicester's diverse population makes it an ideal location for such research initiatives.

Commissioned by the Leverhulme Trust, an esteemed national grantmaking organisation established in 1925, the project aligns with the Trust's mission to support "scholarships for the purposes of research and education."

The research involves a collaborative effort among interdisciplinary teams from the University's schools of criminology and museum studies.

Chakraborti's extensive expertise in hate crime, targeted hostility, and minority violence, showcased through seven authored books and over 50 peer-reviewed publications, underscores the depth of the project.

Neil Chakraborti

The University of Leicester highlighted the global surge in hate incidents post-covid-19 outbreak, indicating an increase in hostility directed towards specific communities perceived to be responsible or posing threats to safety, especially visible minorities.

London's Camden Council names housing complex 'Noor Inayat Khan House' A new social housing complex in north London, part of Camden Council's Maitland Park Estate in Haverstock, has been named after Noor Inayat Khan, a Second World War spy of Indian descent and a descendant of the Indian warrior Tipu Sultan.

Local residents selected her name from a shortlist that also included Mary Prince, the first black woman with a published autobiography in Britain, and LGBTQ+ activist

Antony Grey, whose work contributed to the decriminalisation of homosexuality for men.

At a recent ceremony, the Noor Inayat Khan House was unveiled, honouring the memory of the courageous SOE officer, who was the first British woman to be airdropped behind enemy lines.

Author Shrabani Basu, known for 'Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan,' expressed delight at the choice, stating that the

people of Camden have embraced Noor and hold her dear in their hearts.

Noor Inayat Khan's beliefs in religious tolerance, non-violence, and peace among nations as a Sufi resonate strongly, and her legacy carries a message of harmony and peace. The housing block dedicated to her memory is a part of a broader initiative by the local authorities to provide more affordable homes in London.

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6 - 12 January 2024

Junior doctors strike disrupts nearly 88,000 NHS appointments In the aftermath of last week's junior doctor strike, approximately 88,000 NHS appointments had to be cancelled. The bulk of these cancellations, accounting for over 86,300, comprised hospital check-ups and operations. Community and mental health appointments were also affected, totaling around 1,500, as reported by the BBC. This strike adds to the ongoing disruptions within the NHS, with more than 1.2 appointments million affected over the past year due to similar strikes. The upcoming six-day walkout by junior doctors, starting on January 3, is poised to become the longest strike in NHS history.

The decision for this extended walkout follows the breakdown of negotia-

tions between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the government earlier this month. Prof Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's medical director, voiced concerns about the impending strike, highlighting its challenging timing coinciding with one of the health service's busiest periods.

The disruptive nature of this industrial action significantly impacts planned care and puts strain on broader healthcare services. During strikes, the focus on emergency care diverts staff from other critical healthcare areas, exacerbating pressure on the system.

Junior doctors, representing nearly half of NHS physicians, range from recent graduates to those with more than a decade of experience.

Sunak targets free trade deal with India by April Prime Minister Rishi Sunak aims to finalise a free trade agreement (FTA) with India

by Easter, scheduled for the end of March 2024, according to a UK media report.

The negotiations for the India-UK FTA commenced in January last year, aiming to substantially elevate the current £36-billion bilateral trading partnership. The forthcoming round of talks, anticipated as the final one, is set to kick off early in the new year following the conclusion of the thirteenth round on December 15.

The 'Daily Express' newspaper updated on Saturday stated, "Prime Minister Mr. Sunak and India’s Premier Narendra Modi are keen on concluding the deal by April." The report further mentioned an aspiration for the agreement to be signed before India's general elections begin on April 1.

A source involved in the UK's trade discussions revealed to the newspaper that while significant

Rishi Sunak

progress has been achieved, the most challenging aspects are yet to be resolved.

"We've made substantial progress, but the remaining tasks are the toughest.

Negotiators are engaged weekly, focusing on the details, and we're working towards the deadline of their elections," shared the source with the newspaper.

The UK is aiming for the FTA to bolster its trade in Scotch whisky, cars, services, and investment opportunities with India.

Conversely, India seeks improved access for its manufactured goods and services, along with an agreement on professional visas.

UK's new border plan eliminates need for passport Passengers arriving in the UK will soon be exempt from presenting their passports as part of plans for seamless travel. The proposal involves the installation of new electronic gates at airports, employing facial recognition technology to streamline the arrival process.

Phil Douglas, the Director-General of the Border Force, explained to The Times that the objective is to establish an "intelligent border" utilizing more advanced and frictionless facial recognition methods than currently in use. These plans are aligned

with international standards, citing Dubai's successful implementation of facial recognition for 50 nationalities.

Douglas expressed admiration for next-generation e-gates observed during a recent visit to Australia.

Trials for the facial recognition technology are anticipated to commence at airports later this year, paving the way for a subsequent procurement process for the gates. Concurrently, the UK is in the process of introducing electronic travel authorization (ETA) for foreign arrivals not requiring a visa.

Coventry dentist fined £53,000 for tax evasion Jasbinder Singh, a dentist based in Coventry, has been named by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for owing thousands of pounds in tax. The dentist reportedly avoided paying £53,528.56 in taxes spanning two periods: April 6, 2012, to April 5, 2015, and April 6, 2015, to April 5, 2018.

In response, he has been fined £22,654.43.

HMRC publishes a list of individuals and companies publicly if they intentionally default on more than £25,000 in tax, aiming to

encourage engagement with HMRC. In the West Midlands, the largest amount of tax avoided by a company was reported to be £243,647, owed by Daily Drinks 007 Ltd in Smethwick, Birmingham. Several other companies in the region, including Golden City Limited in Selly Oak, Matthew Electronics Limited in Birmingham, and Solihull Financial Services Limited, were also identified for failing to pay taxes.

Post office breaks cash withdrawal record amidst cost of living crisis Post Office witnesses recordbreaking £62 million cash withdrawal before Christmas, amidst rising cost of living.

Media reported a recordbreaking cash withdrawal of over £62 million from Post Office branches across the UK just before Christmas.

This figure surpassed last year's record of £51 million on the same day. The surge in cash transactions underscores the significant increase in the cost of living over the past couple of years, with inflation reaching a 41year high of 11.1% last year but declining to 3.9% in November.

Ross Borkett, Head of

Banking at the Post Office, highlighted that free cash withdrawals were crucial for many people for last-minute shopping or as last-minute gifts. Cash transactions have seen a resurgence during the cost-of-living crisis, offering practicality for budget management. In 2022, cash payments rose by 7% to 6.4 billion payments, according to UK Finance.

On Christmas Day, around 1,500 Post Office branches remained open, facilitating personal withdrawals totaling £800,000, alongside substantial deposits amounting to £1.1 million.

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6 - 12 January 2024

30 British Indians recognised by King Charles III B

ritish Indians are prominently featured in King Charles III's 2024 New Year Honours List, where nearly 30 healthcare professionals, philanthropists, and community activists of Indian origin are acknowledged for their remarkable contributions.

The New Year Honours List 2024 specifically recognises individuals across the UK for their selfless service to others. Over 1,200 recipients have been awarded for exceptional achievements, with a focus on those who have generously contributed to the welfare of others. Among the awardees, 66% have demonstrated outstanding work in their communities, whether in a voluntary or paid capacity, and 48% are women.

The recipients are diverse, including dedicated community champions, sports role models, arts pioneers, healthcare workers, and advocates for young people. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, emphasised the importance of honouring individuals from all parts of the UK, ensuring the recognition of their fantastic contributions to the country.

The honours system, inclusive of all of UK society, recognises 1,227 people in various categories: - 1,073 at BEM, MBE, and OBE levels, with 377 at BEM, 460 at MBE, and 236 at OBE. - 66% of the recipients have excelled in their communities.

Knighthoods Professor Amritpal Singh HUNGIN OBE DL Emeritus Professor of General Practice, Newcastle University. For services to Medicine (Stockton on Tees, County Durham) The Rt. Hon Sajid JAVID MP Member of Parliament for Bromsgrove. For Political and Public Service (London, Greater London)

Dr Chandra Mohan Kanneganti

Boris Johnson’s government triggered a wave of resignations that ultimately led to the then prime minister stepping down, has received a Knighthood in the New Year honours. The MP for Bromsgrove, who served Johnson as chancellor and later as health minister before quitting in July 2022, became a Knight Bachelor.

In a notable inclusion, a senior British Sikh medical professional, Dr Amritpal Singh Hungin, with over 30 years of general practice

Dr Shriti Pattani

Dr Mala Rao

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63.4% of the recipients reside outside London and the South East.

588 women, representing 48% of the total, are recognised.

Vinaichandra Guduguntla Venkatesham

The honours list features other distinguished individuals, including recipients of the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) like Dr Chandra Mohan Kanneganti and Dr Mala Rao, and Order of the British Empire (OBE) recipients such as Baldev Parkash Bhardwaj, Dr. Dipankar Datta, Munir Patel, Dr Shriti Pattani, Rajwinder Singh, and Vinaichandra Guduguntla Venkatesham.

Notable British Indian awardees at the MBE level include Dr Sanjay Bhandari and Jayshree Rajkotia. Additional MBE recipients of Indian origin include Tajinder Kaur Banwait, Dr Manav Bhavsar, Nilesh Bhasker Dosa, Dr Dinendra Singh Gill, and Dr Gian Parkash Gopal.

The list further acknowledges individuals like Jasdeep Hari Bhajan Singh Khalsa, Dr Meenakshi Nagpaul, and Satish Manilal Parmar, demonstrating the diverse contributions of the Indian-origin community across various fields.

Tajinder Kaur BANWAIT Founder, Urban Apothecary London. For services to Business and to the Beauty Industry (Huddersfield, West Yorkshire)

Zahid HAMID Lately Member, Peak District National Park Authority. For services to National Parks (Sheffield, South Yorkshire)

Dr Sanjay BHANDARI Chair, Kick It Out. For services to Sport (Potters Bar, Hertfordshire)

Anoushé HUSAIN Ambassador, Ehlers Danlos Support UK, LimbPower and Disability Champion. For services to People with Disabilities (London, Greater London)

Dr Manav Bhavsar

Ethnic diversity is also acknowledged, with 13.8% of successful candidates coming from minority backgrounds: - 7.4% from an Asian ethnic group.

- 4.8% from a black ethnic group.

- 0.8% from a mixed ethnic background.

- 0.6% from another ethnic background.

Sir Sajid Javid, the former cabinet minister whose decision to quit Baldev Parkash BHARDWAJ For services to the community in Oldbury, West Midlands (Oldbury, West Midlands) Dr Dipankar DATTA Chair, South Asia Voluntary Enterprise.

For services to Charity (Newton Mearns, Renfrewshire)

experience, has been knighted for his services to medicine. He joins the ranks of nearly 30 Indian-origin healthcare professionals, philanthropists, and community activists recognised for their selfless service to society.

Dr.Hungin, also known as Professor Pali Hungin, has a distinguished career, including serving as the founding dean of medicine at Durham University and as a former president of the British Medical Association (BMA).

For services to Sport (Hertford, Hertfordshire) Zehra ZAIDI For services to International Development, to Humanitarian Action and to Community Cohesion (Longhope, Gloucestershire)

Usha Ladwa

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Dr Shriti PATTANI Lately President, The Society of Occupational Medicine. For services to Occupational Health (London, Greater London)

Dr Manav BHAVSAR Lately Clinical Lead, Critical Care. For services to Healthcare, particularly during Covid-19 (Londonderry, County Borough of Londonderry)

Dr Chandra Mohan KANNEGANTI General Practitioner, Goldenhill Medical Centre, Stokeon-Trent. For services to General Practice (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire)

Rajwinder SINGH Principal Project Sponsor, Prison Infrastructure Team, Ministry of Justice. For Public Service (Leicester, Leicestershire)

Nilesh Bhasker DOSA Founder, icanyoucantoo.

For services to Social Equality (London, Greater London)

Dr Mala RAO OBE Senior Clinical Fellow, Imperial College London. For services to Public Health, the NHS, and to Equality and Diversity (Colchester, Essex)

Dr Sabesan SITHAMPARANATHAN FREng Founder and President, PervasID and Enterprise Fellow, Girton College, University of Cambridge. For services to Innovation Technology (Cambridge, Cambridgeshire)

Bidesh SARKAR Chief Financial Officer, Department for Business and Trade. For Public Service (London, Greater London) Order of the British Empire Naguib KHERAJ Chair, Rothesay Limited. For services to Business and to the Economy (London, Greater London)

Ushaben Ladwa THOMAS Race Adviser, Welsh Government. For services to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities (Cardiff, South Glamorgan) Vinaichandra Guduguntla VENKATESHAM Chief Executive Officer, Arsenal Football Club.

Dr Dinendra Singh GILL For services to Pre-Hospital and Trauma Care in Wales (Cardiff, South Glamorgan)

Taslima Parveen AHMAD Founder, Creative Design and Manufacture UK. For services to Disadvantaged People and to the Minority Ethnic Community (London, Greater London) Shabnam AHMED BUTT Lead for Adult Safeguarding, Camden London Borough Council. For services to Social Care (London, Greater London)

Azara ISSIFU Independent Family Group Conference Coordinator, London Borough of Camden. For services to Children and Families, and to the community in the London Borough of Camden (London, Greater London) Dr Muhayman JAMIL Founder, Wheels and Wheelchairs. For services to People with Disabilities (London, Greater London)

Dr Gian Parkash GOPAL Founder, Oxford Hindu Temple and Community Centre Project.

For services to the Hindu Community and to Multi-Faith Cohesion in Oxfordshire (Abingdon, Oxfordshire)

Rizwan JAVED Station Assistant, MTR Elizabeth Line. For services to Vulnerable People (London, Greater London) Jasdeep Hari Bhajan Singh KHALSA Founder, The Sikher Project.

For charitable services to the Sikh Community (London, Greater London)

Permjit GOSAL (PAM GOSAL) MSP Member of the Scottish Parliament for West Scotland. For services to Business, to Racial Equality and to Charity in Milton Keynes (Dunbartonshire)

Huda Yassin MOHAMED Female Genital Mutilation Specialist Lead Midwife, Whittington Health NHS Trust. For services to Midwifery (London, Greater London)

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Dr Meenakshi NAGPAUL (Meena Thakur) General Practitioner, Honeypot Medical Centre and Clinical Director, Harrow East Primary Care Network. For services to the NHS (London, Greater London) Satish Manilal PARMAR Senior Policy Adviser, Department for Work and Pensions. For Public Service (London, Greater London) Jayshree RAJKOTIA Trustee and Vice Chair, Bharatiya Vidhya Bhavan, Institute of Indian Art and Culture. For services to Indian Culture (London, Greater London) Sadia SADIQ Manager, Community Care and Wellbeing Services. For services to Minority Ethnic Communities in Wales (Cardiff, South Glamorgan) Majida Aly SAYAM Founder and Director, Jannaty Women's Social Society. For charitable services to Ethnic Minority Women (London, Greater London) Yassamin SHEEL National Lead, United Teaching, Greater Manchester. For services to Children (Rochdale, Greater Manchester) Dr Hamsaraj Gundal Mahabala

SHETTY Consultant Physician, University Hospital of Wales.

For services to Stroke Services in Wales (Cardiff, South Glamorgan) Nirmal SINGH Chaplain, North West Prisons HM Prison and Probation Service. For services to Community Development and Interfaith Integration (Preston, Lancashire)

(London, Greater London) Waqas ARSHAD Chair, Bradley Big Local. For services to Families with Mental Health Issues in Lancashire (Nelson, Lancashire)

Sundeep KAUR Director, United Sikhs. For services to the community in the West Midlands during Covid19 (Kingswinford, West Midlands)

Suman VOHRA Vice Chair, Edinburgh Hindu Mandir and Cultural Centre. For services to the community in Edinburgh (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh)

Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) Dr Jahangir ALOM Doctor and Campaigner, NHS. For services to Tackling Health Inequalities, particularly during Covid-19

Dr Shara COHEN Chief Executive Officer, Honnao Ltd. For voluntary services to Women in STEM and to Cancer Patients and their Families (London, Greater London) Harbaksh Singh GREWAL Vice Chair, UK Punjab Heritage Association. For services to Punjabi and Sikh Heritage, and to Charity (Hastings, East Sussex)

Dr Muhammad Saleem Khan TAREEN Psychiatrist, Northern Health and Social Care Trust. For services to Mental Ill Health and to Community Development in Northern Ireland (Belfast, City of Belfast)

Rasheed ALAWIYE Detective Inspector, Metropolitan Police Service. For services to Policing, and to Diversity and Inclusion (London, Greater London)

the community in the London Borough of Croydon (London, Greater London)

Saeqa ASHRAF For services to Law Enforcement (London, Greater London) Chandra Shekhar BIYANI Consultant Urological Surgeon, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. For services to Medical Education (Wakefield, West Yorkshire) Asad Mehmood BUTT Volunteer, Chance to Shine. For services to Young People and to

Specsavers stores are owned and run by opticians, audiologists and local partners. So, you’ll be in expert hands every time you visit.

Azam Ahmed KHAN Executive Officer, Department for Work and Pensions and Founder, The Akhirah Team. For Charitable Services (Leeds, West Yorkshire) Mahbubur RAHMAN For services to Charity and to the community in Oldham, Greater Manchester (Oldham, Greater Manchester) Rehana Khanam RAHMAN For

Local partner and owner

services to the Bangladeshi Community (London, Greater London) Sanjay SHAMBHU Councillor, South Gloucestershire Council and Chair, BAME Conservatives. For Political Service (Patchway, Gloucestershire) Versha SOOD-MAHINDRA Lately Dementia Lead, BUPA. For services to Community Cohesion and to People with Dementia in Cardiff (Cardiff, South Glamorgan)

Army: Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) Major Kamal Gurung Diplomatic Service: Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) Dipak Parbhubhai Karadia.

Team Leader, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. For services to National Security.

Scottish Office: King's Police Medal (KPM) Faroque Hussain.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable, Police Service of Scotland.

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6 - 12 January 2024

in brief Sanjay Bhandari: Members of the Order of the British Empire

Amritpal Singh Hungin OBE DL Knighthood

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is career spans over 30 years in general practice, much of it in clinical research, working across primary and secondary care. A graduate of Newcastle Medical School he is Emeritus Professor of Primary Care and General Practice there, having formerly been the founding Dean of Medicine at Durham University in 2003. He developed research practices and networks to enhance the evidence and research base of clinical care in general practice and worked to initiate the RCGP Clinical Innovation and Research Centre.

As a founding member of the UK and European Societies for Primary Care Gastroenterology, his internationally recognised research and leadership have enabled shifts in patient care. Following his Presidency of the British Medical Association in 2017 and his role as trustee and Treasurer of the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, he led a commission (The Changing Face of Medicine) to visualise and prepare clinicians for their roles in a challenging and fast-moving scientific and social environment

Dr Jahangir Alom: Medallists of the Order of the British Empire

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anjay was appointed as Kick It Out chair in 2019 and has given the organisation a new drive and vision as it moves into its fourth decade of existence. Sanjay’s leadership has provided Kick It Out with a new structure, new investment, including its partnership with Sky, and a new strategy as it continues to deliver on being a solutions-focused organisation.

Nowhere has this been more apparent than when Sanjay led football governing bodies to help construct legislation for the new Online Safety Act, which was passed earlier this year.

His recommendations were adopted by football and should make football a safer and more welcoming place.

Similarly, Sanjay has been a driving force in lobbying football and government for greater representation in many areas of the game and will continue to press the case via the Independent Football Regulator.

For many years, people have questioned how systemic change can happen about discrimination and inclusion in football. But Sanjay has proven how this can be done by bringing people together.

Sanjay Bhandari told Asian Voice, “I am deeply humbled to have received this honour. All personal awards are a recognition of the teams that we have the privilege to lead and I am lucky to lead an amazing team at Kick It Out. This award is also a recognition of their fantastic efforts over many years tackling discrimination and seeking to make football a game where everyone belongs.”

The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP: Knighthood

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r Jahangir Alom is an emergency medicine doctor working in the anaesthetics department at UCLH. He is the former National Clinical Lead for the Staff Vaccination Programme at NHS England where he led the engagement strategy that saw 147,000 of the most hesitant healthcare workers take up the Covid-19 vaccine at a time when the government had announced a vaccine mandate. Jahangir graduated from the University of Southampton Medical School with the Dean's Prize for Outstanding Contribution to the Faculty of Medicine and holds an MSc in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jahangir worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the ethnic disparities, particularly amongst the British Bangladesh community. He worked with several health authorises and government organisations to come up with solutions to reduce transmission and mortality in his community. Jahangir is an expert in tackling health inequalities and has provided commentary on BBC Newsnight, BBC News, SkyNews, Channel 4 and CNN. Jahangir is an avid campaigner for social mobility, having set up an initiative that raises aspirations in underachieving schools and he mentors young people from state schools in London who are applying to medical school.

Jahangir is the Programme Director at Selfless UK, an NGO that delivers global health innovations in rural Bangladesh. He is a school governor at his alma mater, Stepney All Saints School in Tower Hamlets, London.

Jahangir is also a Board Member at the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR), a Westminster think tank that aims to alleviate poverty through meaningful public policy.

Jahangir has previously been recognised as the top 100 healthcare leaders of 2022 by the Health Service Journal and is a recipient of an NHS Parliamentary Award 2022.

“I am hugely privileged to be recognised for the passionate work of many who strive to tackle health inequalities. As an emergency medicine doctor, I have the honour of serving a large population of South Asian patients in North East London.

It is not only my mission but also my duty to ensure my patients thrive outside of the four walls of my hospital. I thank those who have listened and collaborated with me.

Sadly there is a lot of work to do to reach health equity, particularly in the South Asian communities, and we must stay focused on advocating for those who are marginalised within our communities,” Jahangir told Asian Voice.

B

orn in Rochdale to a British Pakistani family as the son of a bus driver, he was elected MP for Bromsgrove in 2010 and went on to become the first MP of ethnic minority origin to become a Secretary of State and the first to hold a Great Office of State.

He has served as Culture Secretary, Business Secretary, Communities Secretary, Home Secretary, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Health Secretary. As Communities Secretary and Home Secretary, he played a key role in campaigning against anti-Semitism. As Chancellor, he spent most of his time in office laying the foundations preparing for the UK to leave the EU. He served as Health Secretary during the second half of the Covid-19 pandemic and led the team at one of the most challenging times in the Department's history. He oversaw the rollout of booster vaccines across the UK. He played a key role in mobilising teams to finally curb the pandemic.

Zehra Zaidi: Order of the British Empire

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ehra Zaidi has been awarded an OBE for services to International Development, to Humanitarian Action and Community Cohesion (Longhope, Gloucestershire). Zehra Zaidi told us, "I'm still a little in shock.

It's a huge honour to be recognised in this way and I want to thank everyone who has supported my work or campaigns over the years. We live in difficult times and I hope this award amplifies some of the campaigns that I work on.”

WHS REBRAND LIKENED TO NHS LOGO WH Smith's trial rebrand, featuring a "WHS" sign in place of the full name, has sparked backlash. Ten English shops, including those in Preston and York, are part of the trial. The move, which bears a resemblance to the NHS logo, has drawn criticism from customers. It remains uncertain if the trial will extend to the other 1,100 UK stores. The online reaction highlights dissatisfaction with the revamped appearance, with some users comparing it to the NHS design on platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter. The updated signage follows WH Smith's announcement in April about plans to open 120 more shops after doubling profits within a year. The increase in profits is attributed to the recovery in air and rail travel, international expansion, and strong sales in electronics and premium food ranges.

HOSPITAL CAR PARK FEES IN ENGLAND SURGE 50% The cost of hospital parking in England has surged by 50% in a year, reaching £146 million in 2022/23, equivalent to £400,000 daily, according to data revealed by the Liberal Democrats.

This marks a significant increase from £96.7 million the previous year and is triple the figures from two years ago.

Additionally, hospital staff saw their parking fees rise over eightfold, soaring from £5.6 million in 2021/22 to £46.7 million in 2022/23. The Liberal Democrats criticised the government, labelling the substantial sum a "tax on caring" and accusing it of failing to fulfil its 2019 manifesto pledge to eliminate unfair charges. The rise is attributed in part to the reintroduction of parking charges post-COVID-19 pandemic.

LORD MORSE ATTRIBUTES COUNCIL BANKRUPTCIES TO MISMANAGEMENT The chairman of the Office for Local Government (Oflog), Lord Morse, has asserted that councils in England are going bankrupt due to poor financial management rather than a lack of funds. Lord Morse stated unequivocally that all councils in special measures had governance failures primarily responsible for their budget shortfalls. While acknowledging the sector's concerns about money, he emphasised the need for substantial improvements in how councils handle their finances.

Nottingham recently became the sixth council in three years to effectively declare bankruptcy, prompting calls from the sector for increased government support in the face of inflation and growing service demands. He added that councils must be "realistic" about the level of financial support they can expect from the government.

BIG BEN MARKS 100 YEARS OF NEW YEAR BONGS On Sunday (31), London's Big Ben celebrated the 100th anniversary of its New Year's "bongs" being broadcast worldwide. Since New Year's Eve 1923, when BBC engineer A.G. Dryland climbed onto a roof opposite the British Parliament to record the strikes, live transmission became an annual tradition.

The unmistakable sound of the "nation's timepiece" had long occupied a special place in national life.

The bongs were heard twice daily at 6 pm and midnight, and three times on Sunday on BBC radio, and at the start of the nightly News at Ten on the commercial channel ITV. Such was their importance that even during the recently-ended five-year restoration program when they were largely silenced, important exceptions were made. As well as New Year, Big Ben marks Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday when the nation remembers its war dead. Big Ben also rang out to mark Britain's departure from the European Union in 2021 and the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

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Blair Institute connected to nations with human rights concerns The advisory services provided rated with the Bahraini leaderby Sir Tony Blair's institute are ship on a modernisation procurrently funded by the authorgram for the state. itarian governments of Bahrain This development follows and the United Arab Emirates, the previous disclosure that the marking an expansion of its TBI continued to provide paid role in offering strategic guidservices to Saudi Arabia even ance to foreign leaders. after the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Blair's Among the growing list of team played a role in formulatcountries seeking counsel from ing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a the former prime minister's primodernisation initiative led by vate organisation are the Gulf Crown Prince Mohammed bin states. Notably, the Tony Blair Salman. Additionally, the TBI Institute for Global Change has co-hosted events with (TBI) has experienced a nearly Sir Tony Blair Bahraini authorities in recent 50 per cent increase in income months, featuring high-profile speakers, from foreign governments over the past including Members of Parliament. year, indicating a rapid international expanThe spotlight on Blair's longstanding sion. connections with the UAE intensified during Revelations indicate that Blair's Institute his prominent appearance at Cop28, where is engaged in advising the UAE while actively he engaged with numerous world leaders. shaping policy for the Cop28 UN climate This underscores the Institute's increasingly conference, which the country hosted. influential role in shaping policies and Despite concerns about human rights abuses strategies for governments, even amid conand the suppression of political dissent in cerns about the human rights records of the Bahrain, the TBI, led by Blair, who serves as countries it advises. an unpaid executive chairman, has collabo-

Michelle Mone's husband claims scapegoating for PPE failures Doug Barrowman, the husband the claim. Acknowledging that of Baroness Michelle Mone, has they lied about their associaasserted that he and his wife are tion with PPE Medpro after being unfairly targeted to divert more than three years of attention from the government's denial, Barrowman stated that mishandling of personal protechis family is being treated as a tive equipment (PPE) procure"punchbag" for the government during the pandemic. ment's procurement failures.

He revealed they have faced Writing on social media platdeath threats and online form X, Barrowman claimed that abuse. Barrowman placed ministers are deliberately making blame on the DHSC, urging them "scapegoats" to deflect from the resignation of its top civil governmental "incompetence" in servant, Sir Chris Wormald, securing PPE. Barrowman's comand criticised the lack of pany secured contracts exceeding Baroness Michelle Mone accountability for purchasing £200 million to supply PPE to the five years of PPE when the government was NHS through a designated VIP lane. PPE mandated to maintain only four months of Medpro, his company, is now under investistock. gation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Expressing dissatisfaction with the The Department for Health and Social Care delayed UK Covid inquiry, scheduled to (DHSC) is also suing PPE Medpro for £122 review pandemic PPE procurement in 2025, million plus costs, citing "breach of contract Barrowman accused ministers of using the and unjust enrichment," as millions of gowns NCA to pressure them into settling the civil supplied were unused. case. He asserted that the DHSC's claim The couple, however, insists that the supcoincided with heightened scrutiny on the ply was in line with the contract, and PPE government's PPE spending.

Medpro intends to vigorously defend against

New reimbursement rules mandate banks to compensate customers from October New rules regarding bank transfer scams, specifically "authorised push payment (APP)" fraud, will require banks to automatically refund most victims starting from October 7, 2024. Presently, banks are not obligated to refund victims of APP scams, though some choose to do so voluntarily based on a code of practice. Under the new rules, once a customer reports the scam to their bank, the bank will generally have to provide a refund within five working days.

In more complex cases, where additional evidence is required from the customer or inquiries with the recipient bank need to be made, the bank may have up to 35 working

days to process the refund. Banks will have the option to impose an excess charge of up to £100 on each claim. Additionally, banks can decide not to refund an amount up to the initial £100 lost. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) stated that this excess charge aims to encourage customers to remain vigilant during payments, mitigating the risk of moral hazard. The maximum refund amount per claim is set at £415,000.

Importantly, customers will not be eligible for a refund if their bank determines that they were "grossly negligent." These rule changes were confirmed ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.

Arrest made in police raid on suspected bomb factory A man has been arrested after the discovery of a "quantity of chemicals" at a suspected bomb factory in Catford. The Metropolitan Police responded to concerns about potentially explosive chemicals at an address in Daneby Road.

The incident prompted a police cordon and searches, leading to the recovery of the chemicals. While two fire engines and two fire and rescue units were dispatched to the scene, the police have clarified that the incident is not

being treated as terror-related. A 26-year-old man was arrested outside the address and taken into police custody. Investigations are ongoing. A spokesperson from the London Fire Brigade provided additional information, stating, "We were called at 1441 to assist the Metropolitan Police at an incident on Daneby Road in Catford this afternoon. Two fire engines and two fire and rescue units were sent to the scene.”

London rings in 2024 with Mayor’s biggest ever fireworks, lights and drone show over the River Thames London's famous skyline was illuminated to welcome 2024, showcasing the capital's renowned fireworks, lights, and drone show as a spectacular celebration and message of unity to the world.

Organized by Mayor Sadiq Khan, the event marked the capital's largestever display, allowing ticket holders to experience fireworks, lights, and drones together around the lastminute.com London Eye. Over 12,000 fireworks, 600 drones, 430 lights, and a diverse soundtrack entertained millions via BBC One and BBC iPlayer, reaffirming London's status as a global capital of tourism and culture.

The illuminations conveyed a message of unity, celebrating London's diversity and promoting mutual respect. The display commemorated key milestones from 2023, including the Coronation of the new monarch, the NHS's 75th anniversary, 75 years since the arrival of Empire Windrush, and a decade since the legalization of samesex marriage.

A captivating drone display interacted with the fireworks for the first time, featuring a countdown, a dandelion illustration, and a child blowing bubbles, symbolizing hope and joy, visually popping as fireworks exploded.

The diverse soundtrack included hits from various genres and eras, showcasing global and British pop classics. Messages from figures like Sadiq Khan, Dame Helen Mirren, Bella Ramsey, Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley, George the Poet, and Baroness Floella Benjamin added further significance to the celebration.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to welcome in 2024 with our best and biggest ever celebration. Our unique combination of fireworks, drones, lighting and music have put on a fabulous show for the millions watching around the globe, sending a message of unity and showing why London is the greatest city in the world. 2023 was filled with so many special moments and as we move into 2024 I feel more inspired than ever to continue our work towards building a better, greener and more prosperous city for everyone.”

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Gujarat, the hub of India’s unique wild-life

Continued ignorance of the Gurkha plight

Reading in last week’s AV/GS about Kutch’s wildlife, especially about the introduction of Cheetahs in the desert, I fondly remember my article on the same subject published some time back.

Those of us, who come from East Africa, are familiar with wildlife, as the continent of Africa is unmatched when it comes to vast and varied wild life seen roaming freely in the vast, open grassland and not-so-dense forests.

Most African governments have reserved vast areas, turned into National Parks where these animals are protected from illegal poaching, mainly of elephants and rhinos whose tusks are highly prised, and used in the medicine and jewellery trade. But poverty also drives some to kill animals like deer for their meat, a good supplement to their otherwise poor diet.

These illegally obtained valuable animal parts are mainly exported to Hong Kong and China where illegal trade in ever-depleting precious goods are turned into art-effects and sold mainly to rich Japanese tourists.

India is more or less unique in preserving its wildlife found nowhere else in Asia, if not the world! I am thinking of the Asiatic lions of Gir and wild asses found in the Little Rann of Kutch, (Desert) the only places in Asia, where these beautiful animals enjoy freedom and safety provided by the BJP-led provincial government of Gujarat and Gir is the only place in Asia where lions could be seen roaming freely, protected by Forest Rangers from illegal hunting.

There are some 3000 wild asses, along with 32 other species of wild life, excluding birds that attract hordes of tourists to Gujarat, armed with long lenses cameras rather than riffles, as it was the case during British Raj! At one time lions were on the verge of extinction during British Raj, as tin-pot rulers, Indian maharajas used to entertain their white privileged guests with safaris to hunt these beautiful lions for cheap entertainment and photographic opportunities. So often these lions were drugged for easy killings, yet they call it sport!

It all changed when India became independent especially when BJP came to power in Gujarat. Since then population has exploded by leaps and bounds, with some six hundred lions crowded in the tiny forest of Gir, so often leaving the reserve to hunt for food in the surrounding villages, often killing cows, pigs and goats but rarely human beings. It is time to introduce these lions to other game reserves, as forest fire and disease could wipe out the entire population.

People of Gujarat who are mostly vegetarians and nature-friendly can and do live side by side without any friction. In any case, Gir has become the hottest place for tourism, providing thousands of jobs directly and indirectly to take care of our mainly Western visitors.

Cheetah is the missing link, the only wild cats not readily found in Indian forests. So let us hope that these cheetahs imported from African Game Reserves do well and become a part of rich and diverse Indian wild life!

Here’s hoping this Christmas and Happy New Year 2024 will bring peace in the holy land and a cease-fire in Gaza.

I remember the Christmas message from the late Queen Elizabeth ll during the Gulf War: “Nobody can change the way of our British life". As a first Gulf War veteran, I still have the cartoon published in a British tabloid of George Bush junior sowing the seed of martyrs and his greatest poodle Tony Blair, then PM of the UK, sowing the seed of bombers. Underneath the cartoon was written- AS YE SOW YE SHALL REAP! It is very unfortunate to say that the UK and the US, the greatest aggressor on the planet have never learnt the lesson from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan and continue to aid genocide.Protests in London and across the globe are being held againstwar-mongering, especially the US and its cronies. As indiscriminate bombing continues to kill hundreds and thousands of innocent unarmed civilians in Palestine, the UN and the world are watching like a lame duck.

The 70-year-long reign of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll has seen 15 Prime Ministers and the UK government have yet to stop the illegalmining of the cheap raw materials, the" GURKHAS", from the foothills of Nepal.Christmas is supposed to be enjoyed with families and friends.But the "GURKHAS" hasbeen facing family separation during and after our service in the British army and now more strict immigration rules introduced by the UK government. UK government can find millionsof pounds for the Afghan refugees and hand them British passports as they board on plane to the UK and yet they have been penny-pinching on the plight of the Gurkhas issues, barring them from basic voting and human rights.

Now Gurkhas are on the verge of becoming limbo and illusion in the 21st century.We are not begging the ALM with the British government.We are demanding our rights and the money looted from the respected Malaysian, Singapore, Hong Kong and now from the oil-rich state of Brunei, in the name of Gurkha garrison in the far east.Nepal is also a sovereign country like Ukraine and Palestine and we do not want our"beautiful Sovereign Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal" to become another battleground for the vested interest of America and its greatest poodle UK and others! The British government have indeed treated the Gurkhas as illegitimate children Neither Nepal nor the UK government have authentic records of the killed or displaced Gurkha soldiers during the above-mentioned bloody two major and other conflicts died for the vested interest and the expansion of the" British Empire'?Gurkhas displaced during the wars were forced to settle in Burma, Malaysia, Iraq and other parts of the world.

Gurkhas have been facing a superior vs inferior attitude during and after our service in the British army.When I returned from my first Gulf War operation my White British commander Colonel Shuffle Woodsent me packing home,back to Nepal.Without any warning, he also wrote a very bad report on my AF 108; Army certificate. Gurkhas have indeed handed the ultimatum letter on 26 October 2023 to Rishi Sunak to stage a third hunger strike with fast unto death to find a permanent solution to end one of the longest "racial discrimination and human rights abuses against the Gurkhas especially the martial race from Nepal by the UK government.”

The UK government have never shied away from preaching the rule of law and human rights to others.

No justice no peace!

No justice no vote!

Power to the people!

Yam Gurung

Bhupendra M. Gandhi

Internal party politics maligning Britain’s image Dominic Cummings’s latest revelation about different things from COVID-19 inquiry to the secret deal to work with the PM Rishi Sunak to defeat the Labour Party are all damaging the country’s reputation as a nation called Great Britain. The outside world is more interested in reading and discussing these kinds of “entertaining” masala news.

Internal party politics should be discussed within the party and nobody should try to tarnish the image of the country for personal or party gains. Most of the public inquiries will be a waste of time and money unless it can be proved that the benefits have gone to the real beneficiaries.

In COVID or partygate inquiries, the public is not going to get any compensation who have lost their dear ones. Instead of wasting so much time and money, I think they can be used to improve the existing facilities or create some new ones.

Hitesh Hingu

Unemployment, a major issue Unemployment is a major issue in India today which has been affecting the country’s economic and social development. The government has failed to create enough jobs to absorb the growing population. There are several ways to reduce unemployment. The government can create jobs through public works, projects and businesses.

Jubel D'Cruz

Rajesh Agrawal's candidacy reflects his dedication Rajesh Agrawal's selection as the Labour Party candidate is a strategic move that reflects his extensive experience and dedication to public service. Serving as Deputy Mayor alongside Sadiq Khan, he has demonstrated a commitment to fostering collaboration and understanding among diverse communities.

His collaborative approach has not only strengthened community ties but has also contributed to the overall development of the region. Along with that, he has been marked by a proactive stance in attracting investment opportunities. His expertise in economic development has played a pivotal role in creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, thereby boosting the local economy.

His commitment to social equity and justice has resonated with a broad spectrum of constituents, making him a representative who truly understands the pulse of the community.

Overall, the Labour Party's decision to choose Rajesh Agrawal as the candidate is not only a testament to his proven leadership but also an acknowledgement of his ability to contribute significantly to the betterment of the community.

Rajesh Sachdev, Leicester

Experts dispute accuracy of NHS England cancer checks data NHS figures indicating a significant increase in the number of people being tested for cancer have been criticised as "misleading" by cancer experts. The data revealed that nearly 3 million people in England underwent cancer testing in 2022, marking a 133% increase over the past decade. However, leading cancer experts have expressed concerns, stating that the NHS is consistently falling short of meeting cancer targets by substantial margins.

According to the latest figures, October 2023 witnessed the highest monthly record for cancer checks, with 269,492 urgent referrals. Despite the increased testing, experts argue that the NHS is not meeting key targets related to cancer treatment timelines. In October, only 58.2% of cancer patients received their first treatment within two months of an urgent referral, falling below the 85%

target. Similarly, 65.8% of patients with potential breast cancer symptoms were treated within two months after referral, missing the target.

The proportion of patients urgently referred for suspected cancer who received a diagnosis or had cancer ruled out within 28 days declined from 74.1% in July to 71% in October, below the 75% target.

Although there was a slight increase in the proportion of cancers diagnosed at stage one or two in the year to August 2023 (58%), it remains far from the NHS's goal to diagnose 75% of cancers at these early stages.

Dame Cally Palmer, the national cancer director for NHS England, acknowledged the challenging circumstances faced by NHS staff and emphasised the dedication and hard work put in despite an "extremely challenging year and unprecedented industrial action."

James Cleverly ends foreign students' family sponsorships Home Secretary James Cleverly has declared an end to what he deems the "unreasonable practice" of allowing foreign students to bring their family members to the UK, citing the implementation of new visa restrictions. The ban, affecting all international students except those enrolled in postgraduate courses and specific scholarships, is anticipated to significantly reduce migration, with Mr. Cleverly asserting a decrease in the tens of thousands.

The decision, originally announced in May by Cleverly's predecessor Suella Braverman, who has since been dismissed, coincided with official statistics reveal-

ing a net migration figure of 672,000. Subsequent data indicated a record high of 745,000, prompting dissatisfaction among right-wing Conservative MPs who demanded decisive action from Rishi Sunak's government.

Concerns have been raised by experts, warning that these restrictions on family members joining overseas students in the UK may have repercussions for universities. These institutions heavily depend on the income generated from foreign students' fees and caution that such measures could adversely impact the UK's standing as an international destination.

Tax abolished, period pants to become more affordable Following the government's decision to eliminate taxes on period pants, women can now purchase these products for £2 less than current prices. Retailers, including major brands like Marks & Spencer, Tesco, and Primark, have pledged to pass on the savings of 16% to customers starting this Monday.

The move comes as a result of a joint effort by retailers, women's groups, and environmentalists, aligning with the previous exemption of taxes on other period products like sanitary pads and tampons in

2021.

The chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, announced the commitment to remove the tax on period pants in the autumn statement, leading to an average saving of up to £2 for women. In August, approximately 50 signatories, including Marks & Spencer and Wuka, wrote a letter to the Treasury urging the government to exempt period pants from VAT. In their pledge, these retailers promised to promptly pass on any tax reduction to customers, ensuring they immediately benefit from the cost-saving.

We are grateful to all letter writers for more and more versatile letters well within word limit.

Please keep contributing as always.

If you are new, then write to Shefali at shefali.saxena@abplgroup.com

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Sardar Patel's enduring legacy continues to inspire and guide us: Tribute to the maker of modern & united India On the 73rd death anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice newspapers organised a Prarthna Sabha Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice newspapers organised a Prarthna Sabha‘Remembering the Maker of Modern, United India’ on 15 December 2023 at Sangat Centre Harrow.

Representatives from various organisations and dignitaries in the UK paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Well-known singer Mahesh Gadhvi, Chief Guest of the event said, “Hey Ram, Hey Ram Jag Mein Sacho Tero Naam Hey Ram, Hey Ram. Tu Hi Mata, Tu Hi Pita.” Then he presented the bhajan which Sardar used to sing in his last days- “Mari Nad Tamare Hath Hari Sambhaljo Re…” CB Patel, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Gujarat Samachar and Aian Voice said, “Sardar must be remembered.

His life reflects on what one man can do. We all can make India and UK better. India is my Janmabhumi and Britain

leaders of India. He recalled an incident, “Director General of the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Shri S Ramakrishnan also served as a personal secretary to Sardar Patel. Before independence and after independence. Once Pandit Nehru Ji visited Sardar’s office for some reason. Ramakrishnan was Sardar’s secretary. He was the first rank in stenos in those days. Pandit Ji wanted an urgent letter to

Harshad Patel

Nirupa Patel

Paying tribute to Sardar Patel by offering flowers: Subhas Patel, Kalpana Patel, Bhumika Patel, Dharm Patel, CB Patel

over 500 princely states into the Indian Union after independence. He is credited with the creation of the AllIndia Services, such as the IAS and the IPS, to ensure a unified and efficient administration of the country.”

Former Mayor of Brent Harshad Bhai Patel said, “When Sardar was completing his degree as a Barrister in the UK, he thought what is the thing by which Britishers could rule for 7000 miles. He realised that

Mahesh Gadhvi singing a patriotic song during the event

L to R : Mayor of Harrow Cllr Ramji Chauhan, Mayor of Ealing Cllr Hitesh Tailor, Mahesh Gadhvi, Kuldeep Shekhawat Tarun Ghulati, Primesh Patel, Krishna Pujara, Subhas Patel, Abbas Merali

Pravin Amin

extraordinary political acumen, fervent patriotism, practical wisdom, and exceptional administrative capabilities. His talent for organization was vividly displayed during the non-violent non-cooperation movement under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership, where he played a crucial role.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent policy changes in Jammu and Kashmir represent a successful fulfilment of Sardar Patel's original vision, which was notably diverged due to Jawaharlal Nehru's reluctance to integrate Kashmir into India.”

Nirupa Patel, General Secretory Bhadran Bandhu Samaj said, “Sardar Patel came from a humble farmer's family, but he had a strong determination and a sharp intellect. He is best remembered for his monumental contribution towards the integration of

be typed. Sardar said to hand is my Karmabhumi. We all over this job to must contribute over level Ramakrishnan, you will not best to both. The best is yet find a single mistake to corto come.” rect. When Ramakrishnan He said, “Famous brought the letter, Nehru Ji Gujarati writer, thinker, was so happy and asked poet and researcher Sardar to give Gunvant Shah wrote about Ramakrishnan to his office.

Sardar that, in 1950 when Sardar politely said I will Sardar’s health deteriorated, suggest a better person.

Sardar preferred the Bhajan“With the permission of Mari Nad tamare hath…

Sardar Patel, he joined K.M. When Sardar Patel moved to Munshi at the Bharatiya Mumbai, he didn't have any Vidya Bhavan. At that time property, house or bank balMunshi Ji had in his mind ance. He was offered a that we must start an instihouse in INR 500 but he was tution, which should have not able to buy it. VP the involvement and repreMemon and Shankaran sentation of every Indian were with him. Gunvant state. Munshi Ji started Shah writes that Sardar was Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and murmuring this Bhajan under Ramakrishnan‘s able only. That’s why I requested stewardship, the Bhavan Maheshbhai Gadhvi to sing bloomed into a worldwide this Bhajan in prarthna cultural organisation.” sabha”. CB said.

Pravin Amin, President Mayor of Harrow Cllr National Association of Ramji Chauhan said, “Sardar Patidar Samaj UK said, played a significant role in “Sardar Patel's journey as a consolidating India. His statesman is marked by his vision, conviction and life inspire us to work for the unity of the country above and beyond all considerations.”

Dr MN Nanda Kumara MBE, Executive Director of The Bhavan offered the prayer for World peace and stated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel MN Nandakumara MBE offered world peace prayer and recalled the is one of the tallest association of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and Sardar Patel

L to R: Kuldeep Shekhawat, Mayank Patel and Deepak Patel

they have the art of saying NO with reasonable politeness.”

Mayor of Ealing Cllr Hitesh Tailor said, “Sardar Patel is remembered as a very strong and dynamic freedom fighter of India. He was one of the most eminent and prominent leaders of the Indian Freedom struggle.”

Primesh Patel, Labour’s next Parliamentary candidate for Harrow East said, “Whatever cast, creed or colour are we, we learned from Sardar Patel is to be united. Uniting all of us together and keeping our culture and spirit alive. I am in Harrow Stanmore and proud to be a candidate for representing the Labour Party from Harrow East. My family come from Kenya originally from Navsari South Gujarat.”

Abbas Merali, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Harrow West said, “Sardar Patel was an iconic person. His selfless devotion, commitment and public service are matchless.

In today's times when there are so many tensions around the world, what unites us, is much greater than what divides us.”

Krishna Pujara, Secretary General Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK said, “Sardar Patel devoted his entire life to the unity

and integrity of the nation.

His selfless patriotism and determination are inspiring for all of us.”

Vimalji Odedara, President National Council of Gujarati Organisations UK said, “Sardar Patel performed a miracle both in winning the freedom for India and also, in the cause of unification and consolidation of the country.”

Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of Overseas Friends of BJP UK said, “Our unity is the best tribute we can pay to Sardar Patel. Iron-willed leadership, devotion and patriotism of Sardar Patel will continue to guide us.”

Tarun Ghulati, Independent Candidate for Mayor of London said, “Sardar Patel’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the nation's unity laid the foundations of modern India. The country can never forget his great contribution, decisive leadership and unparalleled commitment towards the motherland.”

In his welcome speech, Kanti Nagda MBE, CEO of Sangat Centre said, “CB Patel told me that nobody is organising a tribute on Nirvana Day of Sardar Patel and we can let it go. So, we planned to have a Prarthna Sabha at Sangat Centre. We all must have to remember the great man who united India. Uniting the newly independent India was a very difficult task and Sardar Patel did it.”

The entire event was Mahesh compered by Liloriya, Group Editor of Asian Business Publications Ltd. While giving a vote of thanks, CB Patel especially honoured Bhanubhai Pandya and recalled his selfless service in nurturing many community and social organisations in the UK. Mahavir Foundation President Niraj Sutaria, Dr Vinod Kapashi and committee members honoured CB Patel and Kanti Bhai Nagda for their community service.

Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, PrMediapix

Bhadran resident, Mayankbhai Patel, spearheads BJP ideology with tireless efforts Mayankbhai Patel, hailing from Bhadran (Gujarat), was honoured as a special guest at the Sardar Patel prayer meeting.

His resounding efforts in championing the Bharatiya Janata Party's ideology, both locally and globally, and expanding the party's influence stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication.

During the BJP's challenging phase in 1988, Mayankbhai played a pivotal role in bolstering the party's foothold. He actively contributed to strengthening the party's roots, culminating in significant milestones. His journey within the party includes significant moments such as accompanying Narendrabhai Modi to the

Bhadran Assembly 139 in 1995. Having held pivotal positions from districtlevel treasurer to talukalevel secretary and subsequently serving in the regional executive, Mayankbhai's commitment and service to the party have been consistently remarkable.

His involvement in the personal security unit of Sahib Singh Verma exemplifies his diverse contributions within the party.

Notably, his exceptional achievement securing the top position across Gujarat in the ‘One Booth Ten Youth’ initiative during Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel's tenure significantly contributed to the eventual formation of the BJP government.

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Guide to Good Life Continued from page 1

Statistical data supports robust growth, with a 20% annual increase over the past decade.

India is the top destination for UK patients seeking affordable healthcare, with a 90% satisfaction rate. Patients save 60-70% on treatment costs compared to the UK. However, the UK's NHS, while facing challenges, excels in expertise, multidisciplinary care, and free treatment.

Dental procedures in India offer significant cost savings compared to the UK, with all-on-4/6/8 priced at £1,235 to £1,970, dental bone grafts starting at £21, and full mouth dental implants providing over 70% savings. In the UK, a crisis in dental care accessibility has led to a surge in Britons seeking affordable treatment abroad, with a 450% increase in inquiries reported by Medical Travel Market and record bookings for dental tourism companies like Dental Implants Abroad and Dent Royal.

On average, one IVF treatment cycle ranges from £95 to £2,375.

This can be a significant expense for many couples, especially if they have to go through multiple cycles to have a successful pregnancy. One of the reasons why IVF treatment in India is relatively affordable is that the cost of living and medical services in India are lower than in many other countries. In the UK, the cost of one IVF treatment cycle ranges from £5,000 to £8,000 or around Rs. 49,000 to 78,000 rupees. The high cost of IVF treatment in other countries is due to a number of factors, including the cost of medical services and living costs.

As per a cost comparison study by the American Medical Association, a knee replacement surgery will cost $8500 in India and in the UK, at a private hospital is between £12,000 and £16,000, with the average private knee replacement surgery cost being about £14,000.

Consultant Orthopaedics / Sarcoma Surgeon LUHFT, Liverpool,UK, Dr CR Chandrasekar told Asian Voice that NHS has commendable cancer care but highlighted challenges, including timely access and increasing waiting lists. In India, comprehensive care options are available, but challenges arise in ensuring consistent care across specialists. Both countries face complexities, and India's growth as a cancer treatment destination necessitates addressing comprehensive care challenges. “Clinical

research accessibility, specifically clinical trials crucial for cancer treatment innovations, is an area where India lags,” he said.

But, speaking to the Dr Saravana newsweekly, Rajamanickam who specialises in Lung Cancer, Esophageal Cancer and Mediastinal Tumors, emphasised that India's efficient cancer diagnostic system provides swift access to evaluations, biopsies, and scans. India's streamlined approach ensures quick diagnostic procedures compared to the UK or the US, contributing to reduced wait times and increased expertise. The marketdriven model fosters accessibility to cancer medicines, and the patient experience is notably improved, with consultations, diagnostic workups, and surgeries efficiently completed within days.

Better health in the UK In the first issue of Asian Voice in 2024, we bring you a specially curated feature on healthcare, where experts speak to us about a spectrum of healthcare challenges, their causes and the possible solutions to tackle them in the UK, once again reaffirming, that the UK is indeed fully equipped to promote better health and wellbeing. Our insights cover a wide range of health-related topics, from self-care practices and occupational health to cancer awareness, PCOS, mindfulness, detoxing, personalised skincare, dietary approaches, and global medical aid initiatives by MSF. In the pursuit of aging healthily, Dr Rupa Joshi, a General Practitioner, offered insights on winter self-care.

Prioritising sleep, nutrition, and warmth, especially for vulnerable populations, Dr. Joshi recommended outdoor exposure, a diet rich in vitamin C and D, stress reduction practices like yoga and mindfulness, and achievable health goals. Dr Shriti Pattani, an accredited specialist in Occupational Health, advocated for individual and team-focused protection, prevention, and risk analysis in the workplace.

Recognised for her work, Dr Pattani emphasised the importance of mental well-being initiatives and collaborative programs with GPs to identify health conditions affecting work.

Addressing the stigma associated with cancer diagnosis, Dr CR Chandrasekar highlighted the significance of early detection.

He urged awareness, professional education, and dispels myths about cancer, emphasising its

treatability with modern advances.

Dr Santanu Acharya, a gynecologist, shed light on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), impacting 1 in 8 women globally. Dr Acharya outlined PCOS as a hormone-related disorder, dispelling myths and emphasising early identification, lifestyle changes, and symptom alleviation. Jenny Haynes, a movement and meditation facilitator, underscored the enduring relevance of yoga and meditation. She encouraged a joy-driven perspective, mindful choices in exercise and eating, and explores the therapeutic benefits of sound bathing for physical and mental well-being.

Geeta Sidhu-Robb, CEO and founder of Nosh Detox, provided insights on effective detoxing.

She emphasises the body's natural cleaning mechanisms, the importance of balancing meals and exercise, and recommends occasional fasting for sustainable detoxing. Dr Natasha Verma, Medical Director of Skin NV, explained the importance of personalised skincare and haircare.

Considering unique characteristics and genetic factors, Dr. Verma advocated for clinically proven products and a nuanced approach to traditional practices.

Specialist dietitian Pooja Dhir stressed the need for personalised and culturally attuned dietary approaches in South Asian communities. She promoted adapting traditional dietary habits to align with individual health goals without losing cultural essence. Chloe Marshall-Denton, Humanitarian Advisor on force migration, highlighted the work of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in offering medical aid globally. Comprising health professionals, MSF operates with principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality, addressing escalating needs worldwide.

Over the years the newsweekly has time and again highlighted the dauntless contribution of healthcare professionals, especially from ethnic minorities, including members of the community who have begun start-ups in the world of fitness, healthfood and well-being, that speaks volumes of the greatness that Britain is capable of in promoting better health. This issue is an extension to help our readers to have a healthier and happier new year 2024 with the right insights on managing healthcare challenges specific to our community.

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The traditional practice of Ayurveda and its age-old benefits Anusha Singh

A

yurveda stands as one of the most celebrated traditional systems of medicine, enduring and thriving through the ages. Rooted in profound insights into nature-based healing, Ayurveda delves into the intricate connections between the constitution and functions of the human body, aligning with the elements of the universe. This harmonious interplay influences all living beings.

Asian Voice reached out to Dr Anil Joshi, a prominent ayurveda practitioner in Ahmedabad, to bring about an understanding of the concept, the basics and benefits of it and infusing it’s practice in daily life.

Understanding and adapting Ayurveda Ayurveda's core principle is to address the root cause of a disease as the primary treatment approach. The act of eliminating the disease's origin is considered inherent to the treatment process.

Dr Joshi highlights the use of body-friendly metals such as mercury, gold, diamond, silver, iron, copper, and zinc to formulate medicines for disease treatment in the practice and further explains, “What sets Ayurveda apart is the remarkable assertion that when these medicines are taken according to prescribed guidelines, the ailment not only subsides during treatment but, also does not recur once the medication is discontinued. This distinctive feature distinguishes Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical science, from other medical practices.

“Adhering to the fundamental principles of Ayurveda involves simple yet impactful lifestyle practices. These include sleeping and eating at designated times, ensuring peaceful and mindful chewing during meals, focusing solely on eating without distractions, responding promptly to urges such as urination, defecation, and yawning, eating in moderation rather than excess, waking up at a consistent time, and incorporating regular daily walks into the routine. By incorporating these practices, individuals can align their lifestyle with Ayurvedic principles for overall well-being.”

Benefits beyond belief Embracing an Ayurvedic lifestyle ensures contentment for the soul, senses, and mind, enhancing mental efficiency and facilitating unexpected progress in

Dr Anil Joshi

both spiritual and social dimensions, surpassing personal expectations. According to Dr Joshi, “This holistic approach facilitates progress in spiritual and social realms beyond personal beliefs.

A healthy mind ensures a healthy body, paving the "Highway to Health" and enabling individuals to achieve optimal well-being.”

Ayurveda offers precise formulations to strengthen the body's innate ability to combat viruses, knowledge of which the world may not yet be fully aware.

This lack of awareness has unfortunately led to the loss of thousands and millions of lives.

Dr Joshi prescribes ayurvedic herbs and formulations like Rasayana (a combination of Giloy, Gokhru and Amla), Triphala (a combination of Haritaki, Baheda and Amla), Trikatu (a combination of dry ginger, black pepper and long pepper), Chyawanprash, Ganthoda powder, plain Harde powder, plain dry ginger powder, plain cumin powder and plain fennel powder for daily consumption.

After eating daily, consume sesame, fennel, one leaf of betel, and chew carom seeds.

The three doshas in Ayurveda Ayurveda offers a wealth of treatments and therapies to maintain lifelong wellness, even in the absence of illness. Balancing the three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, is crucial for health in Ayurveda. Imbalances in these doshas can lead to diseases.

Understanding one's dominant dosha helps tailor lifestyle choices.

A person with a Vata constitution may experience aches and mental unrest. Pitta individuals may feel a burning sensation and exhibit quick-tempered traits, akin to an army commander. Kapha types may be slower in activities with an increased inclination for sleep.

Balancing these doshas is key to maintaining health.

Maintaining health in Ayurveda involves understanding our common behaviour and ensuring that the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—are in a balanced state. This equilibrium is crucial for overall well-being.

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6 - 12 January 2024

NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES OF AGING:

WELCARE VATSALYA’S COMPREHENSIVE CARE SOLUTION WELCARE VATSALYA - WHERE CARE MEETS COMPASSION. elcome to Welcare Vatsalya, a unique project by Welcare Hospital that is driven by the passion to serve rather than profit. The project has been founded by Dr Bharat Mody, who is also the founder of Welcare Hospital. In a rapidly changing Indian society where joint families have given way to nuclear families and the elderly often find themselves living alone, Welcare Vatsalya aims to bridge the gap by offering a world-class facility with dependable and highly trained caregivers to those in need.

W

As the average lifespan of Indians continues to increase, a significant portion of our society comprises individuals aged 80 years and above. This demographic shift, coupled with the lack of accessible and affordable caregivers, has created a challenging and stressful situation for numerous households. Families are faced

with the responsibility of caring for mentally and/or physically ill senior members, often requiring intensive assistance and medical care, all while striving to maintain their dignity.

Moreover, transitional care from hospitals to homes is especially daunting for non-medical family members of discharged patients.

Despite their unwavering love, the practical difficulties faced by families in providing the necessary care and attention can be overwhelming, leaving them in desperate need of support.

Our top-rated Respite Care facility for the elderly and ill is designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. We offer compre-

Mr Manudev Kansara, a guest from United Kingdom, who had found the love and care of a family at Welcare Vatsalya during the last years of his life

Turning dental hygiene into your winning new year's resolution As the new year unfolds, it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate our commitment to personal health, and what better way to start than with dental hygiene? Often overlooked in the shadow of fitness and diet resolutions, dental health is an essential aspect of our overall wellbeing. Here's a comprehensive guide on making dental hygiene a priority in the upcoming year.

1

The fundamentals of brushing and flossing The bedrock of dental hygiene lies in the simple yet effective routine of brushing and flossing.

Pledge to brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes and floss at least once a day.

This routine is not only pivotal in keeping your teeth gleaming but also in warding off plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Remember, technique matters: use gentle circular motions, and don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

2

Embracing technological aids In an age of technological advancement, why not upgrade your dental tools?

Electric toothbrushes can be more effective in removing plaque compared to traditional manual brushing,

especially for those with arthritis or similar conditions that make manual brushing difficult.

Additionally, consider water flossers or interdental brushes as alternatives to traditional floss, especially if you find flossing challenging.

3

Make changes in your eating habits Your eating habits play a crucial role in oral health.

Frequent consumption of sugary snacks and acidic beverages can erode tooth enamel and promote decay.

Make a conscious effort to reduce sugar intake and acidic drinks like soda.

Instead, opt for a toothfriendly diet that includes calcium-rich foods such as cheese, leafy greens, and almonds, all known for reinforcing tooth enamel and promoting overall oral health.

4

Regular dental check-ups

One of the most effective ways to ensure dental health is to keep up with regular dental appointments. These visits are more than just about cleaning; they're crucial in identifying and addressing potential oral health issues early. Aim for at least two check-ups a year. If you have a history of dental

issues, you might need more frequent visits.

5

Discarding detrimental lifestyle choices Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can have severe repercussions for oral health.

Smoking, in particular, is a major risk factor for gum disease and oral cancer.

The New Year is a great opportunity to quit such habits. Similarly, limit alcohol consumption, which can lead to a dry mouth and exacerbate oral health problems.

6

Hydration: Your oral health ally Drinking ample water is beneficial for overall health, including oral hygiene.

Water aids in washing away residual food particles and keeps the mouth adequately moist, preventing bad breath and reducing the risk of decay.

7

Focusing on gum health

While teeth often get all the attention, gum health is equally important.

Symptoms like bleeding or swollen gums can indicate gum disease. Maintain gum health through gentle brushing, regular flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash.

hensive support at extremely affordable rates, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to the care your family deserves. At Welcare Vatsalya, we believe that love and affection are as essential as the physical assistance we provide.

Our most distinctive feature lies in its unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of its residents. Recognising the importance of roundthe-clock access to healthcare services, Welcare Vatsalya offers a state-ofthe-art healthcare facility that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This exceptional feature provides peace of mind to families,

knowing that their loved ones have immediate access to medical attention and assistance whenever the need arises. Whether it's managing chronic conditions, responding to emergencies, or addressing the evolving healthcare needs of residents, Welcare Vatsalya's dedicated healthcare facility stands ready to provide prompt and efficient care, reaffirming its position as a trusted and comprehensive care provider in the realm of senior living.

Choose us, and you can rest assured that your elderly or ill family member will receive the utmost care, attention, and respect. Our dedicated team of caregivers, trained in professional care techniques, will seamlessly integrate into your loved one's life, offering companionship, medical assistance, and emotional support.

13 Welcare Vatsalya understands these complex challenges and is dedicated to providing a solution. With over 30+ years of experience in caring for the ill and elderly, our compassionate team stands ready to assume the role of an extended family member, ensuring the well-being and comfort of your loved ones. Additionally, having hospital-grade manpower and facilities readily available at the same location is another plus.

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Address : Welcare hospital, Atladra-Vadsar Ring Road, Atladra, Vadodara, Gujarat, India 390012

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Mindfully embracing selfcare in the new year M

aintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for individuals seeking to optimise their well-being and ensure better health as they age. However, with many messages circulating about well-being, navigating through the information overload can be daunting.

Bringing a solution to this overload as we enter the new year and are set to face a difficult winter ahead, Asian Voice spoke to a General Practitioner, Dr Rupa Joshi, Managing Partner at Woodley Centre Surgery and the Co-Clinical Director of the Wokingham North Primary Care Network in Berkshire, about taking better strides in the new year and taking better care of oneself in the winters.

Proactive steps to foster well-being during the winter season Maintaining your health and practising self-care can be challenging, especially in cold weather and ensuring warmth is a proactive step to foster well-being during the winter season.

There is also an increased likelihood of experiencing the winter blues due to shorter days and the weather conditions .

Dr Joshi suggests prioritising self-care during these times, “Prioritise a good night's sleep, essential for supporting the immune system and focus on consuming plenty of healthy, fresh, and home-cooked foods without preservatives.”

She also highlights the challenges; the winter months can pose for the vulnerable population. “This is especially for the elderly or those with chronic conditions. High fuel costs may limit some individuals to heating only one room and having an abundance of blankets and layers to protect against colds and flu is imperative,” she said.

“Recognising the impact of seasonal affective disorder, outdoor exposure and sunlight is important.

Creating opportunities for fresh air, such as having breakfast in the garden during daylight, can be particularly helpful, especially for those struggling with sleep issues, as it aids in resetting the balance”, she added.

Talking about the remedies for cough and cold, she says, “Hydration is vital, and incorporating vitamin C and vitamin D into your diet can be beneficial for addressing coughs and colds. In the event of a cold, two teaspoons of honey in the morning and evening can be particularly helpful.

Turmeric can also contribute to overall health during the winter months.”

A comprehensive approach for holistic wellbeing Dr Joshi underscores numerous studies dis-

Dr Rupa Joshi

cussing the impact of stress, emphasising the importance of cultivating effective stress-reduction practices in one's life. This involves avoiding situations and individuals that trigger distress. Engaging in activities such as yoga, mindfulness, and meditation can prove highly beneficial, fostering overall health and wellbeing year-round.

Yoga, coupled with a natural diet, helps foster a state of harmony and balance.

Healthy dietary choices

of Vitamin C include citrus fruits and tomatoes, underscoring the importance of incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet.

However, it's worth noting that certain individuals may experience nightshade allergies, characterised by an immune response to alkaloids found in specific foods.

Common nightshades include potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and occasionally paprika.

Consumption of these foods by individuals with nightshade allergies can lead to symptoms such as congestion, skin rash, itching, redness, and digestive issues.

Therefore, for those affected, it's advisable to be mindful of their diet and seek alternatives to mitigate these allergic reactions.

Attaining greater goals sustainably During this time of the year, many individuals conhealth-related template New Year's resolutions. Dr

Flu increases again as winter pressures bite he number of people in hospital with flu has increased by almost two-thirds in a week, new NHS figures show.

Despite intensified efforts from hardworking staff to prepare for winter pressures, thousands of hospital beds are taken up by patients with flu and other viruses.

At the end of 2023, the number of patients in hospital with flu jumped to an average of 648 patients per day, up from 402 and is four times the figure at the end of November (160 w/e 26 November). The number of patients in hospital with norovirus continued to increase with an average of 566 patients in hospital per day - around 55% higher than the same week last year (364).

The flu shots are available for: Everyone aged 65 years and over, everyone under 65 years of age who has a medical condition listed by NHS, including children and babies over 6 months of age, all pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy, all children aged 2 and 3 years , all children in primary school, some secondary school-aged children (Years 7 to 11) everyone living in a residential or nursing home, everyone who receives a carer's allowance, or is the main carer for an older or disabled person, all those living with someone who has lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, all frontline health and social care workers It is best to have your flu vaccination in the autumn or early winter before flu rates increase. Remember that you need it every year, so don't assume you are safe.

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include the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. Dr Joshi suggests that, “It's crucial to steer clear of fried, processed, and sugary foods, as well as opting for wholemeal products and whole grains that provide fibre and essential nutrients, promoting a healthy gut. Physical activity is a must with a target of 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly.

Incorporating a daily 20 to 30-minute walk is encouraged for both physical and mental well-being.”

The very many benefits of Vitamin C Vitamin C plays a pivotal role in promoting overall health and vitality, contributing to skin health and energy levels. Rich sources

Joshi suggests that if you've attempted to make changes in the past without success, consider setting a SMART goal—SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Rather than aiming for monumental shifts, focus on achievable steps and small goals.

Celebrate your accomplishments and, if successful, consider adjusting your goals accordingly.

Engage a friend or your spouse in your journey, as having a companion increases the likelihood of success. Other achievable steps might include incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet, adjusting your bedtime, increasing water intake, or reducing sugary snacks.

Make self-care a priority Psychologist Mamta Saha

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i Readers, nice to meet you, my name is Mamta and I’m very happy to be here today. For those of you who don’t know me, by way of introduction I’m a Business Psychologist, mother of three girls and wife to Rishi. I look forward to sharing more about myself with you soon.

It’s a perfect time of year to think about how you can upgrade the way you take care of your mental health. Just because you can’t see your feelings and thoughts it doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. Quite the opposite, they can and do make themselves known through your body which is a portal, if you listen close enough you can hear it communicating clues and messages that are coming through nearly all the time.

Clients often tell me they’re too busy to exercise, meditate, tend to their thoughts and feelings. I do understand, life can feel very full on with our never-ending daily jobs and goals to achieve.

However, we should also contemplate what is being missed if we don’t create some time in our day to truly understand our emotional and mental state.

From what I have seen with the organisations, clients and friends I have come across is that your body keeps score and often ‘dis-ease’ in the mind

shows up at ‘disease’ in the body.

Today, I’m going to share three things that you can do to help you feel lighter, fresher and clearer as you head into 2024. My tips will be practical, through provoking and proven to be successful and I encourage you to cut this article out and keep it so you can always look back at it to remind yourself of how you can get closer to your best self.

1. Journal: Write out your thoughts, feelings and musings in a safe place.

There is scientific evidence that has shown journaling to be a powerful way to heal, feel lighter and let go. Ask yourself what you are holding onto that really needs to be let go of.

Wrongs and battles, grief, family, friends’ politics and judgments of yourself and others.

These are just some of the things that can way heavy on our hearts.

When you use a blank piece of paper to release you give your thoughts and feelings the space to be validated and let go of.

2. Meditate: Spend some time alone to stop and breathe. Just sit in silence of walk mindfully in nature and allow yourself to be.

Your ‘to-do ‘list may pop into your brain, and you may also feel as though you have better things to be

doing and on top of that, just breathe and be. Nature never rushes and still managed to achieve all that it must.

Meditating has been scientifically proven to help you become more resilient to manage fear and anxiety.

Meditating teaches you to learn the difference between reacting and responding. This form of self-care helps you to be at your best – you deserve nothing less.

3. Share: Find a trusted space and share your feelings. Speak to someone who will listen without judging you and will give you the space to speak from your heart. If you look around and feel that you don’t have access to this kind of community, call the Samaritans helpline, its free and a brilliant resource for you to lighten your load and let go in a safe space.

I’d love to know how you get on, email me your thoughts and questions: mamta@mamtasaha.com.

Follow on IG: Saha_Mamta and download my free ebook: www.mamtasaha.com.

Good luck and happy 2024!

Médecins Sans Frontières Doctors without Borders Shefali Saxena Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) translates to Doctors without Borders. They provide medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare.

Their teams are made up of tens of thousands of health professionals, and logistic and administrative staff bound together by our charter.

Their actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality. We are a non-profit, selfgoverned, member-based organisation. MSF was founded in 1971 in Paris by a group of journalists and doctors. Today, MSF are a worldwide movement of nearly 68,000 people. War, violence, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, rising inflation and spiralling prices; factors all contributed to an overall increase in people’s needs, to which nearly 68,000 Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) staff responded in more than 75

countries around the world in 2022.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Chloe MarshallDenton, Humanitarian Advisor on force migration said, “MSF has a long history of assisting people displaced by conflict, persecution, natural disasters, and destitution. With the number of internally and internationally displaced people on the rise in the last years, MSF continues to respond to increasing needs in settings of internal displacement, in countries neighbouring conflict areas, as well as along migration routes. We see first-hand how people’s health and

well-being are often undermined by inadequate access to healthcare, safe accommodation and food in displacement settings, and further put at risk by violence during flight and a lack of protection and exclusionary policies on arrival. MSF responds to the needs to which displacement, and the responses to it, have given rise through the provision of medical-humanitarian assistance, including healthcare, psychological support, sanitation, food, relief items and shelter to people in need at varying stages of their displacement.”

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Adapting the transformative power of yoga and meditation H Y I W

Anusha Singh

oga and meditation, practices with roots dating back thousands of years, continue to hold significance in the contemporary world. In many ways, these exercises have become even more relevant in today's fast-paced lifestyle, offering profound physical and mental well-being in the modern context.

In a conversation with Asian Voice, Jenny Haynes, a movement, meditation and breathwork facilitator based in London, UK, stresses the importance of sustainably practising yoga, its benefits and importance. ow would you describe the significance of yoga?

Yoga holds significant value for me as a practice that offers profound benefits to the mind, body, and spiritual connection. It provides an opportunity for me to actively engage with my body—working on opening, strengthening, and fostering a deep connection with it. On a mental level, yoga allows me to be fully present with myself, embracing the principles of this practice. Taking time for this dedicated practice brings a multitude of benefits, promoting grounding and selfconnection. Moreover, adhering to yoga principles

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Jenny Haynes

facilitates a sense of connection with others and influences how one engages with the broader world. hat advice do you have for beginners in terms of establishing a positive and sustainable yoga practice?

For newcomers, my foremost advice is to explore various practices and find teachers who resonate with you. Each teacher brings a unique style and it is important to discover a practitioner who aligns with your preferences.

Experiment with different types of yoga, such as Vinyasa, Hatha, or Yin, to determine what suits you best and enhances your enjoyment of the practice.

Additionally, avoid undue pressure to achieve too much too soon. People often make the mistake of thinking they must practice every day, leading to frustration when this isn't feasible. Habits form more

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effectively with a patient, pressure-free approach. ndividuals often approach yoga with the intention of weight loss. What is your opinion on this motivation and in what ways can the practice help achieve overall well-being?

When individuals approach me intending to use yoga for weight loss, I advise a shift in perspective.

I encourage them to step back from the sole focus on weight loss and instead discover the joy in their practice because weight loss as the primary motivation might not sustain a strong commitment, as it can stem from a place of self-disapproval, making it easier to give in when faced with challenges. I suggest approaching it with a focus on deriving motivation from feeling good in one's body, fostering a more enduring commitment. Moreover, yoga plays a crucial role in establishing mental grounding. I believe that many challenges, including poor dietary choices and stress, arise when individuals feel disconnected from themselves. Taking the time to engage in yoga becomes an opportunity to pause and reconnect with the body, cultivating a habit of self-check-ins.

ow can we strike a balance between exercising and healthy eating habits?

Yogic principles strongly emphasise the importance of nourishing the body and it's essential to view exercise not as a standalone solution but as a supportive element to a well-balanced diet. This perspective shift involves making small, consistent steps. I encourage individuals to pause and ask, "If I genuinely love myself in this moment, what choices would I make?" This approach often leads to decisions that prioritise self-care. Dehydration, fatigue, and excessive sugar consumption often con-

a diet resembling the principles of a sattvic diet and integral to yogic practices. hat is your take on the westernisation of yoga?

Personally, yoga holds a profound significance for me beyond mere physical movement. Pilates is a practice dedicated to control and strength. In contrast, yoga emphasises the application of disciplines like the yamas and niyamas to everyday life. In the midst of our fast-paced, technology-driven, and bustling world, yoga serves as a beautiful practice that invites people to pause, turn inward, and connect with their emotional selves. This, I believe, resonates deeply with many individuals.

Despite the West's tendency to sometimes cherry-pick aspects of yoga, there's a positive shift towards rediscovering and embracing its spiritual roots. an we speak about sound bathing and how it can help our physical and mental health?

Sound baths involve a passive experience where you simply lie down, receiving the therapeutic effects of specific sounds with distinct frequencies and vibrations. In the mind, certain tones and frequen-

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tribute to a sense of feeling unwell, prompting a desire to abandon healthy habits.

The goal is to minimise the consumption of heavily processed foods, striving for

cies employed during sound baths can stimulate your brain, inducing a deeper state of neural processing.

This state, akin to the space between wakefulness and sleep, plays a crucial role in processing emotions and thoughts. These sounds can profoundly impact both your body and mind, providing an opportunity for your body to ground and relax. This experience tends to differ from person to person. ow can one make sustainable New Year's resolutions that encompass overall well-being and selfcare, in the new year?

The first piece of advice I always offer is not to be burdened with achieving specific milestones by a predetermined date. Rather than setting rigid deadlines, the focus should be on initiating the process when the desire emerges, beginning at a manageable pace. I emphasise three fundamental principles when embarking on personal growth: approaching change from a standpoint of self-love rather than self-criticism, setting realistic and achievable timeframes, and considering aspects that extend beyond personal well-being to impact the broader world.

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70 % of cases of PCOS remain undiagnosed PCOS is a chronic condition that affects 1 in 8 women globally but disproportionately more from South Asian descent.

Shefali Saxena Dr Santanu Acharya is a consultant gynaecologist & obstetrician, Person Responsible, for Ayrshire Fertility Unit, University Hospital Crosshouse, Scotland. He is a member of the National Fertility group, the Scottish government’s policy-making body and current Chair for the Primary – Secondary care interface of Fertility Scotland National Network.

He is the Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, the University of Glasgow.

He holds key positions at the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists and the General Medical Council.

He has co-authored several papers in international peerreviewed journals and is the Research Champion for the Scottish NRS Reproductive Health. He is passionate about global health and was bestowed with the Paul Harris Fellowship, by Rotary International for his contribution towards the improvement of women’s health in the developing world. He is the ambassador of the Scottish cha-rity PCOS Relief (https://pcosrelief.org/) and was recently invited to speak at the Scottish parliament on PCOS. He exclusively spoke to the newsweekly about rising cases of PCOS in the community.

How would you describe PCOS in simple terms for our readers, especially those who may not know that it is not particularly a menstrual disorder?

PCOS is the most common hormone-related disorder in women of reproductive age where the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, a male sex hormone usually present in women in small amounts. High levels of androgens can cause irregular periods, excessive growth of male-pattern body hair or thinning, weight gain, acne and fertility concerns. It is not restricted to only the reproductive years of the woman but can manifest in later life in the form of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and psychological issues. Presentation can also vary across the life cycle.

Hyperandrogenic features are most often common in adolescents, whereas fertility issues are more prominent among women in their 20-30s and metabolic challenges mostly have their effects in later years.

What is the root cause of PCOS? We do not know yet

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years after the first period for any girl's cycle to become regular. Moreover, obesity can mimic many of the symptoms of PCOS. Also, ultrasound scans can falsely overdiagnose PCOS before the age of 20 years.

What can be done at a primary level to help a girl/woman manage PCOS? Although PCOS doesn’t have a cure, the single most important intervention in symptomatic women is to lose weight, if they are overweight. A healthy lifestyle with an appropriate diet and exercise can keep the symptoms at bay.

Is PCOS curable?

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Dr Santanu Acharya

what is the root cause of PCOS. Since PCOS tends to run in families, the syndrome is probably caused, at least in part, by a change in one or more genes. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This means the body can't use insulin well. Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms worse.

It is a common notion that food habits govern the intensity of PCOS. Are they the prime cause of triggering it?

No known cause could trigger PCOS, however, the symptoms tend to worsen with weight gain. Even 5% weight loss can regulate the periods. Many women with PCOS state that they exercise more and eat less than everyone else they know, and still the weight sticks on. That’s not to say they can’t shed weight; often, patients have been on a successful program in the past.

What’s clear, though, is that the idea that weight loss is simply calories in versus calories out is oversimplified. For example, the gut flora may be different in women with PCOS, which can play a role in metabolism. Also, more severe the insulin resistance, the more difficult it may be to achieve weight loss.

There is no evidence to support any one type of diet over another. The right diet for an individual is one that is practical, sustainable and compatible with her lifestyle. It is sensible to keep carbohydrate content down and to avoid fatty foods. It is often helpful to sit down with a dietician to work out the best diet.

How can Asian households identify early signs of PCOS in their child?

Although 70 % of cases of PCOS remain undiagnosed and it can take a long time to establish the diagnosis, a key sign of PCOS is irregular periods or missed periods. The effects of PCOS on the ovaries can make a girl stop ovulating.

PCOS cannot be diagnosed until 2–3 years after a girl's first menstrual cycle because it can take up to 2

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There's no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms can be treated. However, if a woman with PCOS is overweight, losing weight and eating a healthy, balanced diet can make some symptoms better. Medicines are also available to treat symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods and fertility problems. ) What are the myths you would like to bust?

There are several myths surrounding this common condition.

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I have ‘cysts’ in my ovaries – PCOS is a misnomer. There are usually no cysts in the ovaries. Follicles are fluid-filled sacs in the ovary that contain eggs. The number of these follicles (cysts) in women with PCOS is more than other women of her age.

2. Ultrasound scan is required to diagnose PCOS – A scan is not required if symptoms of irregular cycles and evidence of androgen excess are proven. Indeed women with PCOS can have normal ovaries and all women with polycystic ovaries do not necessarily have PCOS. 3. My chronic pain in the tummy is due to PCOS – usually abdominal pain is not associated with PCOS unless the periods are heavy.

4. I can’t get pregnant since I have PCOS – Many women with PCOS especially if they have periods albeit irregular, can conceive without needing any help.

5. I have normal weight so PCOS is ruled out – 60% of women with PCOS can be obese ie many women can be of normal weight and indeed can have quite severe PCOS. What is the current data indicating when it comes to PCOS in South Asians?

PCOS is a chronic condition that affects 1 in 8 women globally but disproportionately more from South Asian descent. South Asians with PCOS have a higher degree of male-pat-

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Kickstart your wellness journey with a detox done right Detoxification is the process of eliminating toxins from your body, providing numerous health benefits such as strengthening the immune system, revitalising the skin, and enhancing mental wellbeing. This process restores balance in your life and promotes proper system functioning, contributing not only to physical rejuvenation but also to mental health maintenance.

Embracing detox helps kickstart your body for a more active and healthier lifestyle.

Geeta Sidhu-Robb is an author, speaker, coach, CEO and founder of Nosh Detox. Speaking to Asian Voice, she details the basics of detoxing and the right way to adapt the practice. hat is detoxing all about?

The concept of detoxing is rooted in the cleansing of the accumulation of harmful substances within the body over time that affect various organs and impede their natural functions. As we age, the effects of these substances become more pronounced, slowing down the body's inherent efficiency.

In essence, detoxing is akin to cleaning a rusty, old car, removing the accumulated gunk that hampers its performance.

The body possesses its cleaning mechanisms, such as sweating and crying, addressing mental, emotional, and physical states. When we detox, we facilitate these mechanisms, aiding the body in shedding accumulated impurities.

The body, left to its own devices with proper nourishment and hydration, functions optimally. However, our dietary and lifestyle choices often hinder this natural balance. Detoxing becomes a way of saying, "Let's get rid of all this accumulated stuff," prompting the body to fine-tune its functions and shed excess weight. It's essential to understand that weight loss is a consequence, not the primary goal, of the detoxing process. nderstanding that detoxing alone isn't sufficient, how do you recommend balancing meals and exercise in conjunction with detoxing, especially when some individuals might adopt unhealthy eating habits in anticipation of a weekly detox session?

For better understanding, it is important to understand the two essential systems in the body: the circulatory system and the lymphatic system. The circulatory system serves as the motorway, transporting nutrients throughout the

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Geeta Sidhu-Robb

body via the blood, with the heart acting as its pump.

Conversely, the lymphatic system functions as a garbage collector, responsible for gathering and eliminating unnecessary waste from the body.

The lymphatic system lacks a pump or engine and relies on a series of valves to propel lymph fluid. Regular exercise is crucial to facilitate the movement of lymphatic fluid and remove accumulated waste.

Whether through walking, running, jumping, or lymphatic massage, the primary goal is to induce movement, as the lymphatic system depends on external motion.

Hydration also plays a key role, as ample water intake helps thin the lymph fluid, promoting efficient flow. When pursuing detoxification through methods like fasting or consuming specific foods, the objective is to enhance lymphatic function and expedite the elimination of accumulated waste.

In terms of dietary habits, a daily routine should prioritise the consumption of fruits, salads, vegetables, and fermented foods. Fruits contribute hydration, fibre, and digestive enzymes, while salads act as source for nutrients and waste removal. Vegetables provide essential nutrients, complementing the benefits of salads, and fermented foods maintain a healthy gut. ow can one determine the ideal combination of fruits and vegetables amid the variety of options available? Should the selection be personalised based on individual needs?

Consume whole foods and appreciate that nature incorporates vitamins and minerals into the diverse colours of fruits and vegetables. The variety in colour signifies distinct nutritional benefits, with each hue often corresponding to specific vitamins and minerals.

Embrace the concept of "eating the rainbow," which suggests incorporating a spectrum of colours into your diet.

Avoid monotony in your food choices, as

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consuming the same items daily may lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Instead, diversify your diet by including a wide range of colourful fruits and vegetables. By doing so, you ensure a more comprehensive intake of essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health.

In essence, the mantra is not to be overly fixated on specific colours or items but to embrace variety. The goal is to enjoy a diverse array of whole foods, allowing your body to benefit from the spectrum of nutrients offered by nature. This approach aligns with the principle that each colour contributes unique nutritional elements to support your well-being. ow often should one opt for detoxification in order to continue the practice sustainably?

Consider incorporating occasional fasting into your routine, such as dedicating one day a week or three mornings a week to consuming only fruit juices in the morning. The challenge arises when abstaining from solid food generates a heightened sense of well-being.

Individuals engaging in juice fasts may initially struggle on day two, feeling significantly fatigued, but by day three, they often experience a euphoric state.

It's crucial to exercise caution, as prolonged reliance on juice fasting can negatively impact metabolism, slowing it down.

The recovery process to restore normal metabolic function may span several years. While occasional juice fasting can be beneficial, it's important not to overindulge and risk adverse effects on metabolism. For a balanced approach, consider incorporating a weekly juice fast while maintaining intelligent eating practices.

Avoiding unhealthy options such as chips, and sweets.

Excessive indulgence in rich foods remains paramount. While a single day of juice fasting may not counteract the effects of unhealthy eating habits entirely, it represents a positive step toward better nutrition.

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Personalisation in skincare and haircare is crucial because every individual is unique, says Dr Verma Subhasini Naicker

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he realm of overall wellness extends far beyond just physical health, encompassing the vital aspects of skin and hair care, particularly in the South Asian community. This community, rich in diversity and culture, exhibits unique characteristics in its skin and hair that set it apart. South Asian skin, often characterised by its melanin richness, offers distinct advantages, such as natural UV protection.

Similarly, the hair, typically known for its volume and texture, demands specialised care to maintain its health and vibrancy.

These unique features highlight the importance of personalised and culturally attuned approaches to skin and hair care within the South Asian context. It's a journey that interweaves traditional practices with dermatological modern insights, reflecting the community's holistic view of wellness. During her interview with Asian Voice, Dr Natasha Verma, BDS, MJDF RCS (Eng), MFDS, MSc AesthMed (Hons), and Medical Director of Skin NV, addressed various aspects, including the importance of a balanced

diet for their health, the role of genetic factors, and personalisation in skin and haircare.

Nourishing diet and proper lifestyle is key for good skin and hair health Talking about the diet plan for skin, she said, “A prevalent issue in South Asian communities is the rich diet, often high in sugar and fat. This diet, featuring treats like Pakode, Samosa, and Parathe, has been linked to various health issues, including skin conditions like acne.

Additionally, the use of ghee or clarified butter, which is high in saturated fats, can also trigger acne. There are a few clinical studies that have shown that South Asians have a lower level of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose in milk, with a notable difference between North and South Indians.”

“Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for overall health, especially for the skin and hair. Incorporating a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds into your diet is crucial. It's not just about what you eat but also how you prepare it.

Proper cooking methods are vital; for instance, overcook-

ing or frying vegetables can deplete their nutritional value. Instead, including steamed vegetables or fresh salads can be beneficial.

These foods are rich in fibre, vitamin C, and vitamin E, all vital nutrients for maintaining healthy skin,” she added.

Dr Natasha Verma

About the importance of hair care and lifestyle, she said, “Treating your hair also means caring for the scalp and skin. The skin on the scalp is the same as the skin on the face, with the primary difference being the type of hair follicles present. This similarity means that the scalp requires the same level of care with vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids, and oils, just like facial skin.”

“Additionally, lifestyle

factors such as sleep, stress, and exercise profoundly impact skin health. Lack of sleep, however, leads to issues like dark circles and dull, tired-looking skin, as the skin doesn’t get the chance to rejuvenate properly, while stress can lead to dull, tired-looking skin and hair loss. Practices like meditation and exercise, when moderate, support good blood flow and overall skin health. However, extreme exercise coupled with specific diets can lead to thinner facial skin and reduced skin vitality due to nutritional imbalances, “she said.

Understanding genetic influence and misconceptions Speaking about genetics influencing various dermatological conditions,she said, “Inherited hair loss patterns are often seen through the maternal lineage.

Identifying this predisposition enables early intervention strategies, like specific hair care routines post-18, which can maintain better hair health than relatives might have had.

“Similarly, a family history of dark circles indicates potential skin health concerns. Early preventive mea-

sures, including eye creams, adequate sleep, hydration, and a healthy diet, can help manage their severity, even if genetics still play a role.

Observing familial patterns provides insights, allowing early intervention through tailored treatments to align better with genetic potential. While some conditions, like balding, might lean towards the maternal side, others, such as acne, reactions, and ageing, can stem from either side. Seeking specialist advice upon noticing familial trends is crucial in managing and potentially preventing these dermatological conditions,” she added.

Speaking about misconceptions in Asian skin and hair care, she said, “Acne isn't solely due to poor face washing; it's an inflammatory condition needing gentle care, not aggressive cleansing. Homemade face and hair masks, while popular, offer temporary benefits and might not suit individual needs. Opting for clinically proven products with active ingredients is more advantageous in the long term.

Concerning hair care, the traditional practice of oiling needs a more nuanced approach. Excessive oil and aggressive massaging can be

harmful. A small amount of warmed oil gently massaged into the scalp promotes nourishment without clogging pores or causing hair issues.

Embracing personalisation for skin and hair care Devising a personalised skincare and haircare plan, she said, “Several factors are considered such as genetic makeup, lifestyle, diet etc.

Tailoring each plan acknowledges that even within a family, individual needs differ significantly.”

“Treating multiple family members illustrates the necessity for distinct plans despite a shared environment. Personalisation is key because everyone's body issues communicates uniquely, requiring a tailored approach to manage symptoms effectively.

She added, “During consultations, I delve into detailed questions to thoroughly understand the patient's skin or hair issues, including their onset, progression, past treatments, current products, and habits affecting the problem. This information forms the foundation for a personalised solution that targets specific concerns using tailored active ingredients and products.”

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EXPERT VIEW

Understanding the importance of occupational health

Aiding physical, emotional, and psychological health with music therapy

Anusha Singh

Music Therapy is a psychological clinical intervention that fosters therapeutic connections by utilising elements like rhythm, melody, and tonality. Various accessible instruments are employed, encouraging clients to create a musical language reflecting their emotional and physical state, fostering self-connection and interpersonal bonds. This therapy can help people whose lives have been affected by injury, illness or disability through supporting their psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social needs.

Everyone can respond to music, and Music Therapy uses this connection to facilitate positive changes in emotional wellbeing and communication through the engagement in live musical interaction between client and therapist. For instance, it can help develop and facilitate communication skills, improve self-confidence and independence, enhance self-awareness and awareness of others, and improve concentration and attention skills Music Therapists tailor sessions, employing improvised or pre-composed music and voice, sung or spoken. Offered in diverse settings across the UK, therapists draw on theoretical frameworks aligned with their training and the specific health needs of their clients.

Sreeraj Kollarukandy, a Music Therapist working with the NHS, was recognised for his work, integrating my music therapy at the various acute psychiatric wards across the mental health hospital in Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust at the Allied Health Professionals Awards 2023 in the integration. He is a pioneer in using the instrument, handpan, in his practice.

He spoke to Asian Voice detailing what the practice is about and how it can help with holistic care and healing. n what ways does music therapy contribute to overall health and wellbeing?

Music therapy provides a holistic approach to addressing emotional, physical, and cognitive aspects of an individual's well-being in several ways, helping reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, enhance emotional expression, and promote relaxation.

Additionally, music therapy has been shown to aid in physical rehabilitation, boost cognitive function, and foster social connections. Studies have proved that the rhythmic and melodic elements of music

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r Shriti Pattani is an accredited specialist in Occupational Health working for London North West University Hospitals NHS Trust as their Clinical Director, overseeing the health and well-being of staff across various roles, from experienced consultants to cleaning and portering staff. Recently, she was felicitated with OBE in the King’s New Year Honours.

Her approach involves individual-centric as well as team-focused protection, emphasising prevention and risk analysis. The responsibilities encompass evaluating potential occupational health risks, especially in high-risk areas such as infectious disease units.

Beyond individual consultations and clinics, her role extends to strategic advisories to the NHS board, CEO, and medical director.

This involves addressing trends in employee wellbeing, legislative compliance, and preventive measures to ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

Asian Voice reached out to the Doctor to gain a better understanding of what occupational health is, the importance of keeping track of physical and mental health in the workplace and her pilot project that will help more and more people get back into the workforce.

Here’s her explanation of things.

Understanding occupational health Given the increasing upper limit of the workingage population, more people are working for longer durations, spending a significant portion of their waking hours in the workplace.

Consequently, understanding a patient's occupation becomes a pivotal inquiry for all doctors, whether they are general practitioners or specialists in other domains.

Occupational health is a distinct branch of clinical medicine, often overlooked or unfamiliar to many.

Comparable to specialities like dermatology or respiratory medicine, occupational health focuses on the interplay between an individual's health and their ability to work and the reciprocal impact of work on one's health. This dual relationship underscores the complexity of the field.

The broader implications of occupational health extend beyond individual well-being, reaching into the biopsychosocial and economic spheres. Work significantly influences personal mental and physical health, as well as the health outcomes of families. While acknowledging that not all work environments are safe — exemplified by recent incidents like coal miners in

Dr Shriti Pattani OBE

India — the majority of work is considered beneficial. In essence, occupational health encompasses a multifaceted examination of how work and health intertwine, encompassing safety and broader biopsychosocial-economic determinants.

Addressing the easily concealed mental health concerns in the workplace Mental well-being and mental health are two very different aspects, the latter being more complex and needing clinical management. To support mental well-being in our workplace, our health and well-being representatives engage with staff through activities like tea rounds, providing information on well-being practices such as meditation and yoga. We offer free sessions like singing seminars and gong yoga, as well as online meditation. Health and well-being lounges provide a quiet space for informal discussions.

Now, regarding mental health, we conduct regular seminars to raise awareness, addressing how to recognise and support colleagues with mental health concerns. Our team actively reaches out to areas where increased stress is common; for example Accident and Emergency departments and Intensive Care Units, offering guidance on early signs and self-help strategies. We place importance on confidentiality and emphasise this to encourage staff to approach us if they need support. A powerful approach involves staff who have overcome mental health challenges sharing their experiences through seminars, and acting as role models to inspire others to seek support without fear.

Mental health has always existed, but it often remained concealed and for those in our workforce who are not familiar with mental health, we provide education at all management levels. Some managers express uncertainty about dealing with mental health issues, prompting us to offer more tailored education sessions.

In certain cases, I, as a doctor and trained mediator, might engage with managers, explaining the symptoms rather than focusing on the label.

Dr Pattani on her pilot to help individuals back into workforce Many in SMEs lack access to specialised occupational health services due to their organisation’s size.

Leveraging my experience as a GP, I initiated a pilot program where individuals are referred directly from primary care to occupational health services.

This approach aims to assist those who do not have access to occupational health services, particularly in SMEs, by providing a service similar to what is offered to NHS staff. We collaborate with GPs to identify individuals with health conditions that may be influenced by work or affect their ability to work.

By intervening early, we support both the individuals and their employers to understand how the health condition affects their dayto-day functioning and therefore the implications for them in functioning in their workplace. A discussion then takes place on implementing necessary adjustments to facilitate job retention or return to work.

This departure from the traditional model of on-site occupational health services is essential as only a limited percentage of employers in the country have direct access to occupational health. We are achieving positive results in getting people back to work through this pilot. Our approach is especially beneficial for vulnerable groups, such as those on zero-hour contracts, who often lack adequate support.

Moreover, our focus on mental health in the workplace reaches individuals who may not have had sufficient support before.

Our success in primary care has prompted us to extend this model to secondary care, targeting individuals recovering from hospital stays and aiding their return to work. For such individuals, a common challenge is the erosion of their confidence to re-enter the workforce. For those without recent work experience, we collaborate with various services to help rebuild their confidence through activities such as voluntary work, interview practice, CV writing, and mentorship.

Motivational interviewing is a key strategy we employ to understand and address individuals' barriers about returning to work.

This technique aids in formulating a personalised plan, and our case managers play a crucial role in ensuring the execution of this plan. While clinical professionals provide their expertise, case managers oversee the holistic support needed for successful reintegration into the workforce.

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can engage various brain regions, stimulating cognitive processes and memory. hat role does music selection play in the therapeutic process?

Music selection is crucial in the therapeutic process as different types of music can evoke specific emotions and responses.

Therapists carefully choose music based on individual client needs, goals, and the therapeutic context. For example, calming music may be selected to reduce anxiety, while upbeat music can enhance mood and motivation. The client's preferences, cultural background, and personal associations with music are the primary guide to the selection. Therapists use different music techniques such as listening to familiar songs, music improvisation and songwriting depending on the goals of therapy. ow can music therapy be integrated into traditional healthcare practices for a holistic approach to treatment?

Music Therapy, an established psychological intervention in the UK, is delivered by HCPC-registered music therapists.

They aid individuals with physical and mental health conditions, collaborating with various professionals in diverse settings such as hospitals, schools, pupil referral units, day centres, hospices, care homes, etc.

However, Music therapy can be integrated more into traditional healthcare practices for a holistic approach to treatment by providing music therapy awareness and collaborating with more healthcare professionals. This collaboration allows for a comprehensive care plan that addresses physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. For example, in hospitals, music therapy might be incorporated into pain management, rehabilitation, or palliative care.

Communication between music therapists and other healthcare providers ensures alignment with treatment goals and enhances the overall patient experience. re there specific populations or conditions that particularly benefit from music therapy, and why?

Music Therapists use the inherent qualities of music to support people of almost all ages and abilities and at all stages of life; from helping newborn

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Sreeraj Kollarukandy

babies develop healthy bonds with their parents, to offering vital, sensitive and compassionate palliative care at the end of life. My experience extends to working with diverse populations including autistic children, children diagnosed with eating disorders and learning disability, young people with personality disorders, adults facing various mental health challenges and older adults with dementia at the acute psychiatric hospital in England.

Additionally, I have had the opportunity to work with adults in a Forensic mental health unit and children in a Special Education needs school.

Different people will benefit from music therapy in different ways depending on their needs. For example, children with developmental disorders often respond well to music therapy due to its non-verbal nature, while individuals with neurological conditions, such as stroke survivors, may benefit from music therapy by improving their motor skills and coordination. hat advice would you give to someone considering exploring music therapy for their health and wellness?

If considering music therapy for your health and well-being, start by finding a certified music therapist who can tailor the sessions to your needs. Make sure to communicate your goals, preferences and the need for therapy, additionally, be open to exploring different musical approaches. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the therapeutic process and how it aligns with your objectives. Remember that it's not necessary to be musically skilled to attend music therapy. Music therapy is designed for individuals of all musical abilities.

The focus is on the therapeutic process, self-expression, and achieving personal goals rather than musical proficiency. Whether you're a seasoned musician or have no musical background, you can still benefit from and participate in music therapy.

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Balancing your diet isn’t about strict restrictions, it's about mindful choices - Pooja Dhir Subhasini Naicker The realm of nutrition and wellness is marked by a clear truth: dieting is not a one-size-fits-all matter.

This is especially true for South Asian diets, which are rich in flavours and diversity and influenced by a blend of cultural, genetic, and lifestyle factors. These diets offer various options for weight management while staying true to cultural heritage.

It's vital to understand that everyone's body responds differently to food. For South Asians, this means respecting traditional dietary habits and adapting them to align with individual health goals without losing their cultural essence. Pooja Dhir, a PhD student and specialist dietitian with City Dietitians, sheds light on this in her discussion with Asian Voice. She explores the intricacies of South Asian dietary practices, offering insights on creating balanced diets and correcting

Pooja Dhir

misconceptions about these rich culinary traditions.

Balancing nutrition and lifestyle Discussing the South Asian diet in a western setting, Pooja said, “The migration of South Asians to Western environments often leads to a dietary shift towards processed and convenience foods.

This change is largely influenced by busier work schedules and reduced opportunities for social activities like evening walks. Coupled with genetic predispositions, this lifestyle shift contributes to a heightened risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesi-

ty. Central adiposity, a trait common among South Asians characterised by weight gain around the stomach, further exacerbates these health risks.”

“Despite these challenges, the intrinsic nutritional value of traditional South Asian diets presents a viable pathway to healthier eating. These diets, emphasising vegetables like okra and bitter gourd, are rich in essential nutrients, flavours, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Including various dals and spices, such as turmeric and cumin, not only enhances the taste of meals but also adds to their nutritional profile. By adapting these traditional dietary practices to suit the demands of modern, fast-paced Western lifestyles, South Asians can effectively balance health needs with maintaining their cultural culinary heritage,” she added.

To support this dietary adaptation, she said, “By setting SMART (Specific,

Cancer diagnosis is not a stigma Individuals especially from the Asian diaspora need to seek early treatment and utilise available resources.

Cancer continues to be a term associated with intense fear and impending death.

The irrational fear and stigma continue to dominate over rational thinking, available diagnosis and treatment choices. Often a sense of nihilism tends to take over the mindset, in addition to hearsay remedies and miracle cures suggested by anecdotal evidence.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Dr CR Chandrasekar, Consultant Orthopaedics / Sarcoma Surgeon LUHFT, Liverpool, UK said, “Asian diaspora have more inclination to trust ‘conventional’ choices and advice from their network, often ignoring symptoms and signs of cancer till they become very obvious. There’s also a sense of commitment and service to family, to prevent disruption of normal family life, often sacrificing self-care over family care.

It is important to understand the barriers, preventing awareness of early diagnosis, screening and available treatment options. It’s equally important to emphasise that all cancers are treatable, especially when diagnosed early.

“Two important barriers that can delay cancer diagnosis are lack of sufficient public awareness about cancer symptoms and early diagnosis options, along with lack of professional awareness especially of rare cancers. Addressing both facets will improve early diagnosis and potential cure

Dr CR Chandrasekar

of cancers. With advances in diagnosis, minimally invasive interventions, genomics, and immunotherapy, cancer is becoming less of a challenge compared to the 20th-century stigma and fear of cancer diagnosis.

“Let us spread the positive New Year message “Cancer diagnosis is not a stigma. Cancer is eminently treatable with modern advances in diagnosis and treatment” “Individuals especially from the Asian diaspora need to seek early treatment and utilise available resources. It’s also important for friends and family networks of the diaspora to help overcome the reluctance to seek early treatment either due to lack of awareness or ‘self-sacrifice’ in the interest of family.”

Manveet Basra, associate director of public health, inclusion, and awareness at Breast Cancer Now said: “We encourage women to be breast aware and regularly check their breasts, including between their NHS breast screening appoint-

ments, so that they are able to spot any new or unusual changes sooner. Signs and symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit, a change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling, change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed, nipple change, for example it has become pulled in (inverted), a rash or crusting around the nipple, unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple and changes in size or shape of the breast.

On its own, pain in your breasts is not usually a sign of breast cancer. But look out for pain in your breast or armpit that’s there all or almost all the time. Most breast changes, including breast lumps, are not cancer.

But the sooner breast cancer is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be. Any new or unusual changes should be checked by a GP. To find out more about how breast cancer affects south Asian women please visit our Ethnic communities hub | Breast Cancer Now.” “Anyone finding it hard to cope can call our free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 6000 for information and support. We understand that it can be difficult to talk to someone in person about breast cancer or breast health concerns, so if you prefer to receive information in writing email your question and ask our nurses https://breastcancernow.org/ submission/ask-our-nurses.”

Measurable, Accurate, Realistic, and Timely) goals, it can be an effective strategy. For instance, incorporating regular physical activities like walking into one’s routine, ideally with a specific schedule and involving friends or family for support, can make these goals more achievable and enjoyable."

Misconceptions about South Asian foods Debunking the misconceptions about South Asian foods, Pooja said, “One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that South Asian foods are inherently unhealthy and don't contribute to a balanced diet.

In reality, traditional South Asian cuisine can be a healthy and integral part of a balanced diet. Of course, like any culinary tradition, if one predominantly consumes fried foods, the diet can become unbalanced.”

“Our traditional foods, like dal, roti, sabzi, and even yoghurt, are nutritious. In my clinic, I emphasise this and work with patients to understand portion control, which is a common challenge. To help them visualise a balanced meal, I

often ask them to send me photos of their plates. This way, I can provide tailored feedback on their meal's composition. My aim is to educate my patients on portion sizes, balanced eating, and eliminating guilt associated with enjoying cultural foods,” she added.

Highlighting another misconception about patients with clinical conditions, she said, “Patients dealing with clinical conditions often face misconceptions about dietary restrictions. A common belief, especially among those with diabetes, is that they must eliminate sugar entirely from their diet.

For example, I advise patients with diabetes to distribute their fruit intake throughout the day instead of consuming large amounts in one sitting.”

Art of perfectly well-balanced plate Talking about a wellbalanced plate, Pooja said, “For a simpler approach, use a standard plate and aim to fill half of it with vegetables, which can include a mix of cooked varieties or a side salad.”

“Next, a quarter of the plate should be dedicated

to protein sources. This could be dals, lentils, rajma (kidney beans), chicken curry, fish dishes, or other similar items. The remaining quarter of the plate is for carbohydrates, including rice, chapati, roti, or even naan. However, portion control is key here. For instance, two chapatis, a small bowl of rice (approximately five spoons of cooked rice), or half a piece of naan would constitute an appropriate portion size.

It's important to ensure that the plate is not overflowing; the servings should be level and not spill over the sides to maintain a balanced diet,” she added.

She emphasised, “This plate composition ensures a variety of vitamins and minerals are consumed.

Additionally, incorporating healthy snacks throughout the day is beneficial. On the plate, you might also include a small serving of yoghurt, a popular addition in South Asian meals, as an extra source of protein. If weight management or specific health conditions are a concern, opting for low-fat yoghurt and limiting the quantity to a couple of spoons next to the salad or vegetables is advisable."

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Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel OBE

Happy New Year. I have been amazed at how many people are fed up with the poor pension performance. The Nasdaq was up 55% last year.

I went through my book.

Unveiling the Secrets of Investment: Insights from "Investing Unplugged" reviewed by AI! "Investing Unplugged: Secrets from the Inside" by Alpesh B. Patel offers a unique perspective on investment, blending theory with practical insights. Patel, a seasoned trader and financial journalist, provides a rare glimpse into the financial world, challenging conventional wisdom and revealing lesser-known truths. The book is an indispensable guide for investors at all levels, from novices to professionals.

Key Themes 1. The Illusion of Expertise in Fund Management: One of the central themes of the book is the pervasive myth of fund managers' expertise. Patel critically examines the performance of fund managers, revealing a startling lack of consistent success. He argues that most fund managers fail to demonstrate skill, often leading investors to suboptimal returns.

2. The Role of Financial Media: Patel, with his experience in financial journalism, sheds light on the financial media's influence on investment decisions. He discusses how financial news, often sensationalized, impacts investor behavior and market trends.

3. Investment Myths and Media Influence: The book uncovers various investment myths perpetuated by the media. Patel emphasizes the need for critical thinking and a deeper understanding of financial news to make informed investment decisions.

4. Practical Investment Strategies: Patel offers practical strategies for investors, focusing on aspects often ignored by mainstream financial advice. He covers topics like asset allocation, risk management, and the utility of exchange-traded funds.

5. Understanding Risk: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to understanding and managing investment risks. Patel provides insights into risk management strategies used by professionals, aiming to help individual investors mitigate risks effectively.

6. Empowering Individual Investors: Throughout the book, Patel encourages individual investors to take control of their finances. He provides tools and techniques to navigate the complex investment landscape, advocating for a more informed and proactive approach to investing.

4,500 retailers face closure as consumers cut spending

A recent report by Begbies Traynor has highlighted that close to 4,500 retailers are facing a critical situation, with the anticipated boost from the Christmas season failing to materialise as expected.

The Manchester-based company, specialising in insolvency services, noted that challenging trading conditions have led to over 500 additional retailers entering "critical financial distress" since the third quarter of the year. The impact has been notably significant in the food and drug retail sector, with a

roughly 10% increase, and the general retail sector, experiencing a surge of around 14%.

The report indicates that nearly 46,000 retailers fall into the less severe category of "significant financial distress" in the fourth quarter, marking a slight uptick of almost 8% from the preceding threemonth period. Onlineonly businesses, in particular, have been severely affected, with 910 of them classified in critical distress, reflecting an 11.7% increase from the previous quarter.

City of London Freedom honours for Indian bankers On December 13, 2023, the City of London Corporation bestowed honours upon eight distinguished leaders from Indian banks located in the City. This recognition, granted as part of celebrations commemorating 75 years of India's independence, acknowledges the significant trade relationship between the financial services sectors of the UK and India.: • The esteemed recipients of the Freedom of the City award are: • Madhur Kumar, Bank of Baroda - +44 (0) 20 7457 1515 • Manish Gupta, Bank of India - +44 (0) 20 7965 2500 • Ashok Kumar Vartia, Export-Import Bank of India - +44 (0) 20 7796 9050 • Sharukh T Wadia,

L to R: Rehana Ameer, Ashok Kumar Vartia, Sudhir Kumar Sharma, Rakesh Kumar, Loknath Mishra, Sharukh T Wadia, Madhur Kumar, Arbind Kumar Choudhary, Manish Gupta and Munsur Ali.

IndusInd Bank: +44 (0) 2074845586 • Rakesh Kumar, India Infrastructure Finance Company: +44 (0) 20 7776 8950 • Loknath Mishra, ICICI Bank: +44 (0)344 412 4444) • Sudhir Kumar Sharma, State Bank of India: +44 (0) 20 7454 4338 • Arbind Kumar Choudhary, Union Bank of India: +44 (0) 2073324250

Michael Mainelli, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, expressed his honour in nominating this group of Indian bankers, emphasising the crucial role that British and Indian investments play in supporting over a million jobs in both countries. He expressed gratitude for the invaluable contribution of Indian bankers to the Square Mile.

Chris Hayward, the Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, expressed his enthusiasm for seeing leading Indian bankers honoured with the Freedom of the City at Guildhall. He highlighted India as a key market for the City Corporation and anticipated more exciting partnerships between the two nations.

Rehana Ameer, Chair of the Freedom Applications Policy & Resources Subexpressed Committee, delight in nominating the Indian bankers for the prestigious Freedom of the City award. She acknowledged their outstanding leadership and contributions to the Financial Services industry in both the UK and India.

UK property sales and demand surge A recent survey indicates that property sales and demand in the UK witnessed a nearly one-fifth increase in the final weeks of 2023 compared to the previous year, driven by improved sentiment. Zoopla, the property website, reported a 17% rise in new sales agreements in December compared to the same period the previous year, which had seen reduced market activity due to higher mortgage rates.

Demand also surged by 19%, measured by prospective buyers contacting agents

to inquire about and arrange viewings for specific properties listed on Zoopla. The increasing inventory of

UK economy poised to surpass France, closing on Germany The UK economy is projected to outpace France in the coming years, becoming nearly 20% larger by 2038 and closing the gap with Germany, according to the latest World Economic League table from the Centre for Economics and Business Research. The UK is expected to maintain its position as the sixth-largest global economy.

Forecasts indicate that by 2033, the UK economy will be 10.2% larger than France, with this gap expanding to 19.9% by 2038.

During the same period, the difference between the UK and Germany, which is currently almost a third larger than the UK, is anticipated to narrow slightly to 28.8%.

The reduction in the

economic disparity between the UK and Germany is attributed to a deceleration in the latter's growth due to its reliance on Russia for energy to drive its manufacturing sector.

While Germany is projected to resume economic growth in 2024, this growth is expected to gradually slow by 2038.

Consequently, Germany is anticipated to cede its position as the third-largest economy to Japan in 2026 and fall to the fourth spot behind India in 2027.

India is forecasted to emerge as the world's third $10 trillion economy by 2035, leading to a shift in global geopolitics as three superpowers contend for influence, rather than the traditional two.

homes for sale is expanding choices and bolstering sales.

Zoopla's data reveals an annual 1.1% decline in house prices across the country this month, with a more pronounced drop of 1.5% in London, bringing the average price to £536,800.

Within the capital, prices in the City increased by 0.3%, while Croydon, Bromley, and

Woking experienced the most significant price declines at 3.5%, 3.4%, and 2.8%, respectively.

Cash buyers constituted a third of all property sales, while transactions involving mortgages declined by a third due to higher mortgage rates. The Bank of England had raised its base rate in successive steps, reaching 5.25% by August to address persistent inflation.

However, the rate has remained unchanged since then.

Hunt pledges tax cuts next year if possible Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has hinted at the possibility of implementing additional tax cuts next spring following an unexpected decline in inflation. Hunt expressed his intention to "reduce the tax burden if circumstances permit" in the upcoming Spring Budget scheduled for the first half of March. He suggested that the decrease in debt interest payments, coupled with the lower inflation rate, could create the fiscal space for such tax cuts.

The recent drop in inflation to 3.9 per cent has led to a potential improvement in market interest rates, impacting the cost of borrowing to cover the national debt. Some experts speculate that Hunt's financial "headroom" might increase to £25 billion due to declin-

ing borrowing costs. This expanded space could offer more flexibility for tax cuts compared to the previous Autumn Statement, where a 2p reduction in national insurance contributions was announced.

While there is speculation about the revival of considerations for cuts to inheritance and income tax, which were purportedly deliberated but excluded from the Autumn Statement, Hunt may be constrained by previous policy decisions made in recent months. In an interview, he emphasised the need to ensure that any tax cuts do not inadvertently stimulate spending, leading to an increase in inflation, despite the positive developments in pricing observed this week.

Asda owners grappling with £4 bn debt: MPs told Asda owners are anticipating a significant rise in the cost of managing its £4 billion debt load early this year, according to statements made by its executives during questioning by Members of Parliament regarding the retailer's financial situation.

The company is set to encounter a £30 million increase in debt costs in February when the fixed

interest rate on a portion of its £4.2 billion debt is set to expire.

Members of the business and trade committee raised questions about the financial state of the supermarket, more than two years after it underwent a debtheavy acquisition by billionaire brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa, along with private equity group TDR

Capital. The MPs highlighted that the acquisition of Asda, the third-largest grocer in the UK, resulted in a debt burden exceeding £4 billion being added to the company's balance sheet.

Subsequently, deteriorating borrowing conditions led to two credit rating downgrades.

Facing the committee, Asda co-owner Mohsin Issa

defended the company's management decisions, emphasising their choice to invest in customers, including £140 million in price cuts to alleviate the impact of the cost of living crisis, even at the expense of profits. Issa noted that Asda's 151,000 employees in the UK had received two pay raises of 8% and 10% since the takeover.

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Defence exports will touch £2.4 bn in FY24: Sitharaman By the end of FY24, India's defence exports will total more than £2.4 billion, according to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's remarks in Chennai.

She stated during an interactive session at a Chennai college that defence exports have reached £2 billion for the current fiscal year. "Our defence forces are also signing MoUs with the MSMEs engaged in defence production for procurement for a period of 10 years, if the products meet the prescribed standards," she said.

On bilateral trade, FM said, India will continue to purchase oil from Russia. "We are in talks with Russia and Sri Lanka for Rupee trade,” she said.

Allaying the fears around Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is perceived to be posing a significant threat for jobs, she said, "In turn, AI will generate domain spe-

Nirmala Sitharaman

cific jobs. Expertise in AI with different skill sets is required for various sectors. For instance, Artificial Intelligence on optimal usage of fuel and Artificial Intelligence for solid waste management for smart cities need different skill sets. There was a similar perception in the 1980s when computers were introduced in the banking sector with trade Unions opposing the move, saying it may lead to job cuts. Have computers resulted in job loss or employment generation?" the finance minister asked.

Disney to sell controlling stake in Star India to Reliance In a mega-merger that will establish India's largest media and entertainment company, Disney has inked a nonbinding term sheet to sell billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries the majority of its India operations.

The Ambani-led consortium is expected to receive 51% of Disney's Star India business, compared to Disney's 49%, as a result of the stock-and-cash combination.

The value the two parties agreed to put on the company is still unknown. Earlier reports had Disney valuing the asset at about $10 billion, while Reliance had targeted it to be worth between $7

and $8 billion.

The report said the handshake deal was reached by Kevin Mayer, a former Disney executive tapped

by Disney CEO Bob Iger in July to consult on strategy, and Manoj Modi, a trusted aide to Ambani.

Not long after the Hollywood strikes ended, the House of Mouse revealed the second round of significant budget cuts for the year, which included the studio looking into options for the property in July and putting $3 billion in content costs at risk. It was the next step after a previous round of budget cuts that saved Disney $5.5 billion and resulted in 7,000 job losses.

Ambani wants RIL to be among world's top 10 business groups Chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, Mukesh Ambani, aspires his energy-to-telecom conglomerate to rank in the top 10 corporate groupings globally. He did not, however, give his vision a timeframe. According to Fortune's worldwide 500 ranking, the corporation, which his father created in 1957, is rated 88th.

According to Ambani, the goal will be achieved by taking bold and courageous steps, focusing on learning instead of dwelling on past errors and by not remaining complacent. “We are known for disrupting the market through constant innovation and reinvention. We have shown the courage to set the bar high, and the ability to jump even higher to create new records. This is how Reliance has achieved perennial growth. And that is how we have remained true to our motto - growth is life,” Ambani told employees on the 91st

India likely to grow above 6% over next 5 years: IMF India is predicted to develop by more than 6% over the next five years, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This growth will be fueled by robust investment, rising private consumption, and productivity increases brought about by digitalisation, even in the face of significant uncertainties throughout the world.

In its article IV consultation report, the IMF stated that a strong public capital expenditure (capex) plan that will support India's extensive infrastructure needs is anticipated to stimulate development while stifling private investment. Development is projected to

reach 6.3% in both FY24 and FY25.

The IMF has commended the Indian authorities for their macroeconomic policies and reforms that resulted in the econostrong performance, my’s resilience, and financial stability. It said India is on track to be one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world this year.

Nonetheless, the economy is facing global headwinds, including a global growth slowdown in an increasingly fragmented world, said the multilateral agency.

“Noting that India is one of the fastest-growing economies globally, directors called for continued appropriate policies to sustain economic stability and for further progress in key structural reforms to unleash India’s significant potential,” according to the report.

Under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year, which serves as a health check for the respective economies.

Vodafone Idea refutes association with Musk's Starlink, shares plummet 5% Vodafone Idea dismissed recent media reports alleging discussions with Elon Musk's Starlink through a stock exchange notification.

On December 29, a news outlet claimed that Musk was engaging in talks to partner with Starlink at the Vibrant Gujarat summit on January 10, potentially including Vodafone Idea as a suitor for Starlink's entry into the Indian market. Responding to queries from the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Vodafone Idea clarified, "The Company is not

engaged in any such discussions with the named party. We are unaware of the basis of the mentioned news item."

Following this clarification, Vodafone Idea's shares plummeted, trading with a 5 percent loss as of 13:30. Earlier in July 2023, ET reported that Starlink had applied to the Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Centre (INSPACe) for clearances to establish earth stations.

Starlink had faced regulatory issues in 2022, returning pre-

booking funds to Indian consumers after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) instructed the need for regulatory approvals before accepting preorders for its services.

Subsequently, Starlink withdrew its communication for pre-orders and initiated steps to obtain the necessary regulatory clearances.

Recent reports hinted at the possibility of an announcement during Musk's visit to Gujarat in January regarding the company's potential establishment of a factory in India.

Former Niti Aayog VC Panagariya to head 16th Finance Commission Columbia University professor and the first vice chairman of Niti Aayog Arvind Panagariya has been appointed as the chairman of the 16th Finance Commission. The government is, however, yet to name the other members of the panel, which has an open mandate unlike finance commissions in recent years, where the Centre provided a large set of terms of reference.

For many, Panagariya’s appointment came as a surprise since the last four commissions were headed by those who had long stints either in the finance ministry or RBI. Barring the twoand-a half years that he spent at Niti Aayog, the former Asian

on Indian Economic Policies.

The 16th Finance Commission, which has less than two years to finalise its recommendations for five years, starting April 2025, will have the flexibility to decide the areas that it intends to focus on apart from the Constitutionally-mandated task of devising the formula to divide the tax revenue Arvind Panagariya between the Centre and the states along with the grants in aid from the Consolidated Development Bank chief Fund of India. Besides, it has to economist has focused on acarecommend on transfer of demics. He is currently the Jagdish resources to panchayats and Bhagwati professor of Indian politmunicipal bodies and ways to ical economy & professor of ecofinance disaster management. nomics and director of Raj Center

April-October witnesses doubling of fresh NRI deposit inflows Mukesh Ambani

birth anniversary of his father, Dhirubhai Ambani.

Reliance has evolved over the past ten years from a conventional energy and materials company to a major participant in technology with the introduction of its digital and telecom services. With its inexpensive mobile data plans, it had completely disrupted the nation's telecom market. Ambani informed the staff that in a corporate climate that is changing quickly, complacency is not an option.

This year witnessed a remarkable increase in fund inflows into FCNR (B) deposits intended for non-resident Indians, highlighting its appeal as a secure option for the diaspora amid global geopolitical turbulence.

According to the latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) published in its monthly Bulletin, fresh inflows under FCNR(B), eliminating currency risk for NRIs, reached $2 billion during April-October. This figure represents a substantial rise from an outflow of $841 million during the same period a year ago. Overall, total fresh NRI

deposits for the current fiscal doubled to $6 billion from $3 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year.

Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Bank of Baroda, highlighted that the relatively higher interest rates offered by FCNR(B) accounts were a significant driving force behind this surge. The State Bank of India, for instance, provided returns of over 5%, in stark contrast to the less than 3% returns offered by American Banks.

Despite deposits originating predominantly from the Gulf countries, where average

returns on deposits are assumed to be lower, Indian banks continue to offer more lucrative rates. Notably, depositors are shielded from foreign currency risks, as these are borne by the banks.

From a bank's standpoint, the RBI's temporary waivers on cash reserve requirements and statutory liquidity ratio requirements for fresh inflows under the FCNR schemes were instrumental in attracting foreign currency flows. This waiver likely played a role in the substantial surge witnessed in FCNR (B) inflows.

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Hindu woman files nomination for 2024 Pak general election ISLAMABAD: In a first, Dr Saveera Parkash, a member of the Hindu community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Buner district in Pakistan, has filed her nomination papers for a general seat in the upcoming general elections in the country, the Dawn reported.

Parkash is hopeful of contesting the elections on a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) ticket. Her father, Oam Parkash, a retired doctor, had been an active member of the party for

Dr Saveera Parkash

the past 35 years.

Saleem Khan, a local politician associated with the Qaumi Watan Party, said Parkash was the first woman from Buner to file her nomination papers for the forthcoming general seat elections. Parkash, a graduate of Abbottabad International Medical College in 2022, holds the position of general secretary in the PPP women's wing in Buner.

Parkash told the Dawn that she wanted to follow in the

footsteps of her father in working for the area’s poor. She said she had submitted her nomination papers on December 23.

She stressed her commitment to working for the well-being of women in the region, ensuring a secure environment, and advocating for their rights. According to her, women have been consistently "oppressed and overlooked," particularly in the realm of development.

India slams Pak on Hafiz’s son contesting polls

Hasina promises 'smart Bangladesh’ in poll manifesto

NEW DELHI: With our region,” said an UN-designated MEA spokesperson. terrorist Hafiz Saeed’s On the son Talha Saeed extradition request, contesting elections the official recalled in Pakistan, the that Hafiz was Indian government wanted in numerous slammed Islamabad cases in India. “He is for mainstreaming also a UNHafiz Saeed and normalisation of proscribed terrorist. extremist elements, saying it In this regard, we have conveyed would have implications for the a request, along with relevant region’s security.

The supporting documents, to the government also officially government of Pakistan to confirmed that it sought extradite him to India to face Mumbai attacks mastermind trial in a particular case,’’ he Hafiz Saeed’s extradition to said.

India.

Talha, was designated as a terrorist by India last year. Talha “The mainstreaming of has been actively involved in radical terrorist outfits in recruitment, fund collection, Pakistan has been a part of the planning and execution of state policy for a long time. Such attacks by LeT in India and on developments have serious Indian interests in Afghanistan. implications for the security of

DHAKA: The safety and security of minorities was among the focus areas as Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League released its manifesto for the country’s 12th national election.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina unveiled the manifesto in Dhaka with the slogan: “Smart Bangladesh: Visible Development, Increased Employment”.

If voted back to power, the Awami League has promised to set up a national minority commission, and enact a special law to safeguard the interests of minority communities.

The party, the manifesto says, will continue to take steps to ensure the safety and livelihood of religious and ethnic minorities, and underprivileged communities.

The manifesto refers to the “brutal attacks” and “discrimination” faced by religious and ethnic minorities during the tenure of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-Jamaat-e-Islami alliance government, noting that many were killed and raped, while others had their lands and businesses snatched away.

The Awami League has promised to complete the judicial process for these cases and prevent their recurrence.

The Awami League has said it will “continue with its policy of ending terror, discriminatory behaviour, and human rights violations of religious and ethnic minorities”, adding that it will “ensure the protection of their lives, properties, dignity, and equal rights in all spheres of public and private lives”.

Maldives’ president may visit China first before trip to India MALE: China and the Maldives are in talks for a bilateral visit to Beijing by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, a source in Male said. If it works out, Muizzu will become the first democratically elected Maldivian president to visit China before travelling to India.

In a break from the past, defying successive Maldivian presidents who chose India as their first port of call, Muizzu

had first visited Turkiye as president, before landing in Dubai for the COP28 summit.

In fact, every Maldivian president since the dawn of multiparty democracy in 2008 in the strategically located Indian Ocean country, including virulently anti-India leaders like Mohamed Waheed in 2012 and Abdulla Yameen 2 years later, had first visited India, a fact often cited by Indian authorities

Nepal court finds former cricket captain guilty of rape KATHMANDU: A court in Nepal has found the country’s highest profile cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane guilty of raping an 18-year-old woman and has fixed January 10 for his sentencing.

The judgment was announced after a repeatedly delayed trial that had left him free to continue his sporting career.

The 23-year-old has been the face of cricket in Nepal and was the only player from the country to take part in prominent Twenty20 leagues across the world.

He was suspended as Nepal’s captain last year and taken into custody after police issued an arrest warrant for him over the assault in 2022. He was later released on bail.

Lamichhane could face up to 10 years in jail. His lawyers said he would appeal the verdict to a higher court.

“We did not expect this judgment … we are frustrated,” lawyer Sabita Bhandari Baral said about verdict by the Kathmandu District Court. “We’ll definitely appeal,” she said.

as symbolic of India’s “pre eminent” position in the Maldives and the latter’s stated India First policy.

However, China will only be the third country that the newly elected president will travel to.

Muizzu’s visit to Turkiye was seen also by some as signalling to both India and China that the Maldives will not remain dependent on either of them for its development objectives.

Buoyed perhaps by the exit of Muizzu’s pro-India predecessor Ibrahim Solih, China seems to have lost no time in inviting Muizzu, whose aides have denied repeatedly the president’s characterisation in the media as a China-leaning leader. It’s not clear yet if Muizzu has received a similar invite from India, which will follow closely the outcome of Muizzu’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Pak poll body rejects Imran’s nomination for 2024 elections ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s election body has rejected former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s nomination to contest the 2024 parliamentary elections, with Khan’s Pakistan Tahreek-e Insaf (PTI) party accusing authorities of stopping most of its candidates from participating in the elections due in February.

The 71-year-old former cricket star, who is serving a three-year prison sentence for corruption, was barred from politics for five years by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). But he still filed nomination papers last week.

Election officials disallowed Khan’s candidacy because of his conviction and what they said was his disqualification under the Constitution. They also rejected the candidacies of former members of his cabinet.

The ECP released a list of

rejected nominees from Lahore, which also contained Khan’s name.

It said the former prime minister could not become a nominee because he is not a registered voter of the constituency and due to him being “convicted by the court of law”.Imran's bid to contest from his hometown of Mianwali in Punjab province, was also rejected by the ECP. Last week, the Supreme Court granted him bail in a case alleging he leaked state secrets, but he is continuing to fight a barrage of legal cases that have dogged him since being removed from office last year.

Imran allowed to hold poll meetings: The Islamabad high court, meanwhile, allowed politicians from PTI to hold meetings with their incarcerated party chief in jail and strategise for the upcoming general elections.

in brief FIVE DEAD AFTER JAL AIRLINER CRASHES INTO QUAKE AID PLANE AT TOKYO AIRPORT All 379 passengers and crew aboard a Japan Airlines plane fortunately escaped after a collision with a Coast Guard aircraft at Tokyo's Haneda airport. Sadly, five out of the six crew members on the Coast Guard plane lost their lives in the incident. The Coast Guard disclosed that their aircraft was en route to Niigata airport, delivering aid to those affected by a recent powerful earthquake on New Year's Day, resulting in the loss of at least 48 lives. A passenger on the Japan Airlines flight recounted, "I felt a boom like we had hit something and jerked upward the moment we landed," mentioning witnessing sparks outside the window and the cabin filling with gas and smoke. Live footage broadcasted by NHK displayed the Japan Airlines (JAL) Airbus A350 ablaze as it skidded down the tarmac shortly before 6 p.m. (0900 GMT). Despite the intense efforts of rescue teams to contain the fire, the aircraft was eventually engulfed by flames.

Nevertheless, all 367 passengers and 12 crew members were successfully evacuated.

Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito confirmed the tragic deaths of five Coast Guard aircraft crew members. The captain of the plane, a Bombardier-built Dash-8 maritime patrol plane, sustained injuries in the collision.

ONE ARRESTED FOR TEMPLE ROBBERIES IN CANADA Canadian police arrested one person in connection with a series of burglaries at temples in the province of Ontario in recent months. Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) identified the person as 41-year-old Jagdish Pandher, a resident of the town of Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area or GTA. He is facing charges for numerous offences and is being held for a bail hearing.

Pandher was also involved in another series of burglaries targeting places of worship last year. DRPS said a man was seen on security surveillance breaking into the Hindu temple on October 8 and taking a large quantity of cash from the donation boxes.

ITALIAN COURT SENTENCES PAK PARENTS The parents and an uncle of an 18-yearPakistani woman have been convicted of her murder in Italy after she refused her family’s demands to marry a cousin in their homeland.

Saman Abbas’ body was dug up in November 2022 in an abandoned farmhouse near the fields where her father worked in northern Italy, a year and a half after she was last seen alive on surveillance video walking nearby with her parents. Italian prosecutors argued that she was killed by her family on 1 May 2021. A few days later, her parents flew from Milan to Pakistan. The parents were sentenced to life in prison, while her uncle was handed a 14-year prison term by a court in Reggio Emilia.

NEW CHINESE DEFENCE MINISTER China named former navy chief Dong Jun as its new defence minister to replace the last minister who disappeared from public view four months ago. The appointment by Chinese lawmakers comes as President Xi Jinping upgrades the military as part of his push to make China a dominant world power, a goal that has alarmed many neighbours. The role of China’s defence minister is to be the public face of the People’s Liberation Army. A crucial element of his job is to engage with the US military to lower the risk of conflict over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

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in brief 48 KILLED AS STRONG QUAKE HITS JAPAN Hours after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake and subsequent aftershocks and tsunami hit Japan’s western coast, officials said that at least 48 people have been killed as relief and rescue operations continued. Thousands of rescuers are still struggling to reach the worst-hit area in the Noto peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture due to badly damaged and blocked roads. More than 90 tremors have been detected since the quake first hit on Monday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, which has warned more strong shocks could hit in the coming days. It has lifted all tsunami advisories for areas along the Sea of Japan, but Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said, “The search and rescue of those impacted by the quake is a battle against time.” Meanwhile, the Indian embassy in Japan has set up an emergency control room to provide assistance and support to those affected. To aid Indian nationals in distress, the embassy enlisted numbers and email IDs in an update on their X handle.

NOBEL LAUREATE YUNUS JAILED IN BANGLADESH A labour court in Bangladesh’s capital sentenced Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus to six months in jail for violating the country’s labour laws. Yunus, who pioneered using micro credit to help impoverished people, was present in court and was granted bail. The court gave the defence 30 days to appeal. Grameen Telecom, which he founded as a non-profit, is at the centre of the trial. Yunus is also facing an array of other charges involving alleged corruption and fund embezzlement.

WORLD POPULATION UP 75 MN IN 2023, STANDING AT 8 BN ON JAN 1 The world population grew by 75 million people over the past year and on New Year’s Day it will stand at more than 8 billion people, according to figures released by the US Census Bureau.

The worldwide growth rate in the past year was just under 1%. At the start of 2024, 4.3 births and two deaths are expected worldwide every second, according to the Census Bureau figures.

The growth rate for the US in the past year was 0.53%, about half the worldwide figure. The US added 1.7 million people and will have a population on New Year’s Day of 335.8 million people. If the current pace continues through the end of the decade, the 2020s could be the slowest-growing decade in US history, yielding a growth rate of less than 4% over the 10-yearperiod from 2020 to 2030, said William Frey, a demographer at The Brookings Institution. The slowest-growing decade currently was in the aftermath of the Great Depression in the 1930s, when the growth rate was7.3%.

IRAN HIKES PRODUCTION OF ENRICHED URANIUM Iran has increased the rate at which it is producing near weapons grade uranium in recent weeks, the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a report to member states.

Director general Rafael Mariano Grossi said that Iran “in recent weeks had increased its production of highly enriched uranium, reversing a previous output reduction from mid-2023,” according to an IAEA spokesperson.

Iran had previously slowed down the rate at which it was enriching uranium to 60% purity.

SOVIET-ERA RUSSIAN PLANE LANDS ON FROZEN RIVER A Soviet-era Antonov-24 aircraft carrying 30 passengers landed on a frozen river near an airport in Russia’s far east. The Polar Airlines An24 landed safely on the Kolyma river near Zyryanka in the Yakutia region, the prosecutors said. “The cause was an error by the crew in piloting the aircraft,” a spokesperson for the Eastern Siberian transport prosecutor said. There were no casualties.

Haley gaining traction among Republican voters WASHINGTON: Why should Nikki Haley not be the next President of the United States?

The argument that her “Republican politics is problematic, non-inclusive” can be safely disposed of, especially by those not in the US, in the aftermath of President Biden’s policies concerning the Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, and Afghanistan conflicts.

The race which was likely to be a slugfest between impeachment-facing and increasingly unpopular Biden and tainted Donald Trump is turning out to be a case of sour grapes for the latter. One more legal rap and he’ll have to sit this one out. And that’s when Haley’s presidential star will shine.

Surveys show that Haley is gaining traction not only among Republican voters but also

Nikki Haley

among some Democrats who are disillusioned with Biden. A Politico analysis suggests that many young Democrats who voted for Biden in 2020 will turn “Red” if Haley, not Donald Trump, is the Republican candidate. Haley’s campaign is interesting for her Democratic style of leaning on her background -

daughter of Indian immigrants.

Her parents immigrated to South Carolina after the 1965 Immigration Act, which made it easier for Indians to build their lives in the US. Haley is highlighting her hyphenated identity. Contrast that with other Republican politicians of Indian origin, such as Vivek

India-born entrepreneur honoured with Order of Canada OTTAWA: Firdaus Kharas, an India-born entrepreneur and thought leader, has been appointed as an officer of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest honours, for advancing social change through human-centred media.

The annual list of 2023 appointees to the Order of Canada was released by Governor General of Canada Mary Simon last week. The Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest honours. It recognises people across all sectors of society who have made extraordi-

Firdaus Kharas

nary and sustained contributions to Canada. Simon's office announced three new appointments of "companions" - the highest level of the Order of Canada - 15 officers, including one honorary officer, and 59 members.

Kharas, 68, had been

appointed officer of the Order of Canada “for advancing social change through human-centred as a social media entrepreneur, humanitarian and mass communications media producer”.

“I am deeply moved to receive this high honour, which is especially meaningful to me as an immigrant.

Although a high achieving community, Parsis are a minuscule community numbering only 3,600 in Canada, so it is extremely satisfying to be noticed in this way," Kharas said in a statement.

Wealthy Indian-origin couple, teen daughter found dead in US mansion NEW YORK: A wealthy Indian-origin couple and their teenage daughter were found dead in their USD 5 million mansion in the US state of Massachusetts in an apparent domestic violence incident, according to media reports.

The bodies of Rakesh Kamal, 57, his wife, Teena, 54, and their 18-year-old daughter, Ariana, were found in their Dover man-

sion, Norfolk district attorney (DA) Michael Morrissey said.

Teena and her husband, who also went by Rick, had previously run a nowdefunct education systems company called EduNova.

The district attorney, who described the “terrible tragedy” as a “domestic violence situation,” said a gun was found near the husband’s body. He declined to

say whether all three family members were shot dead and by whom, the New York Post reported. Morrissey said he was waiting for the medical examiner’s ruling, which was expected soon, before deciding whether to refer to the incident as a murder-suicide.

Morrissey added that there had been no prior police reports or domestic incidents tied to the home.

Cops warn Indian Americans about being burglary targets BOTHELL (WASHINGTON): Police have warned residents after a recent uptick in daytime burglaries targeting Indian Americans there. The burglaries have been happening in the city located in Snohomish County along 35th Avenue Southeast between 180th Street Southeast and 228th Street Southeast.

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) released photos of three suspects on December 21, seeking public assistance in identifying them, the Seattle-based KOMO TV

channel reported.

“I felt like this neighborhood was very, very safe like when we moved in but right now it doesn’t feel so,” Anu, who moved to the area just a few months ago, told the channel.

Her husband Ram said they’ve spent thousands of dollars on buying pepper sprays and security cameras to protect themselves. “We have a dog, but I’m thinking about getting one more dog, a guard dog to make ourselves safer,” Ram told KOMO TV. The Robbery and Burglary Unit believes the

suspects are part of a larger organized group operating throughout the region and has asked residents in the area to share any surveillance video or pictures they may have of the suspects.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if maybe more than 50 per cent of the residents (in the area of the burglaries) are from the Indian heritage,” Rohit Patil, the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center president, told KING 5 News.

According to Patil, the burglars are after valuables like jewelry and other precious metals.

Ramaswamy and Bobby Jindal, who insist on their Americanness. With the growing influence of the IndianAmerican community, despite being barely 1.5% of the overall population, Haley’s decision to tap into desi support is a good call.

During the GOP debates, Haley has emerged as an oldschool Republican eager to distance herself from the acrid politics of the Trump era. And she’s pitching her plans without appearing over-the-top to those who still abhor the ‘F-word’, feminism. While Haley’s nowcharacteristic line, “If you want something done, ask a woman”, firmly establishes her campaign’s tone, she’s cautious of not using feminism as her only calling card; instead, she’s using the “aspiration” card.

Two Indian-origin men arrested for visa fraud in New York NEW YORK: Two Indian-origin men, who allegedly staged armed robberies across the US so that ‘victims’ could apply for immigration benefits, have been arrested on charges related to visa fraud, authorities said.

If the charges are proven, the duo can be sentenced to up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of USD 2,50,000.

Rambhai Patel, 36, and Balwinder Singh, 39, who have been charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, were arrested from Seattle and Queens in New York, respectively on December 13, a statement from the US Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts said. Official documents suggested that starting in March 2023, Patel and his co-conspirators, including at times Singh, set up and carried out staged armed robberies of at least eight convenience/liquor stores and fast food restaurants across the United States, including at least four in Massachusetts.

“It is alleged that the purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the clerks present to claim that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U non-immigration status (U Visa),” the statement said.

Israel to pull back some troops from Gaza JERUSALEM: The Israeli military announced it will begin withdrawing several thousand troops from the Gaza Strip at least temporarily, in what would be the most significant publicly announced pullback since the war began. The military cited a growing toll on the Israeli economy following nearly three months of wartime mobilisation with little end in sight to the fighting. But the withdrawals also come as the military considers scaling back its operations in a new phase of fighting. The US has been prodding Israel to begin doing so more quickly as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with more than 20,000 killed, according to local health authorities.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesperson, emphasised that the move to demobilise some soldiers did not indicate any compromise on Israel’s intention to continue fighting, and he did not mention the US requests to scale back. He indicated that some will be called back to service in the coming year. And the fighting remains intense across Gaza. The army “must plan ahead, understanding that we will be required for additional tasks and warfare throughout this year,” he said. Reservists from at least two brigades will be sent home this week, the Israeli military said and three brigades will be taken back for training. “

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in brief

SOUTH INDIA

Let’s win 10 LS seats, Shah tells Telangana cadres HYDERABAD: Union home minister Amit Shah said that he would visit Telangana repeatedly until BJP wins the confidence of the voters there. He told a large gathering of party workers that he wanted to win at least 10 of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in 2024. Taking a more long-term view, he added that the party could win 64 seats in the next state polls, just like the Congress did this time.

Speaking at a private function, he gave a short but sharp speech, asking party workers to get ready for Lok Sabha elections and forget the loss in the assembly polls. BJP won eight seats in the assembly polls, the best show by the party in recent years, but this had not gone down well with the top leadership.

“Some people have asked me why I keep visiting Telangana after losing the election. I would say that losers are not those who lost the election. Losers are those who do not work hard the day following the result to win in the future,” he told the workers, adding: “BJP’s future in Telangana and India is bright.” He stated that the BJP would win 64 or

Amit Shah

even 94 seats in Telangana in the future.

The home minister told the cadres, “We won eight assembly seats with about 15% of the votes this time. In the Parliament elections, we should get 35% of the votes and win 10 seats.”

According to him, the people of Telangana voted against dynastic politics of a regional party, but in the process voted for a national party, which was controlled by a family. He referred to the BRS as a boat that sank even before the November 30 voting and the Congress as a boat that would sink soon. “The Congress has no future as the results of the five state elections have shown. The scenario will be the same in Telangana in the future,” he added.

Act as per Constitution, Stalin tells TN governor CHENNAI: In an exercise meant to break ice and heed to the Supreme Court direction to sort out their issue over a cuppa, Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi and chief minister MK Stalin discussed the affairs of the state government, including various MK Stalin contentious matters, during a 40minute interaction at the Raj Bhavan last week.

While the CM indicated to the governor that his “action” was “unnecessary” and “nowhere mentioned in the Constitution”, Ravi reiterated “his total commitment to the good of the people of Tamil Nadu and assured his continuing support to the state government within the bounds of the Constitution of India”.

Stalin urged the governor to exercise his powers and recall the 10 Bills that he had reserved for the consideration of the President and give his quick assent.

The 10 Bills that were readopted by the state legislature, broadly empower the state government to appoint vicechancellors of state-run universities.

“The chief minister urged the governor to act as per the provisions of the Constitution. Only then will the governor's actions be beneficial to the welfare of the people of the state and the administration,” a government release said.

On a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government against the governor’s inaction on Bills, the Supreme Court had recently observed that the governor and the CM should end the impasse over tea. The court has posted the case for next hearing on January 23.

PUNJAB

Gangster Goldy Brar declared designated terrorist by Centre NEW DELHI: Gangster Goldy Brar, the mastermind behind the brutal murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, was declared a designated terrorist by the Centre under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

A key member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Brar had claimed responsibility for the murder of Moosewala, who was killed in a hail of bullets in Punjab’s Mansa district on May 29, 2022. A native of Faridkot in Punjab, Brar, whose real name is Satinderjit Singh, went to Canada on a student visa in 2017.

In a gazetted notification, Praveen Vashista, Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Additional Secretary, said, “And whereas, Satwinder Singh alias Satinderjit Singh alias Goldy

Brar, presently residing in Brampton, Canada is associated with Babbar Khalsa International…And whereas, Babbar Khalsa International is listed as a terrorist organisation.”

The notification said, “Goldy backed by a cross-border Goldy Brar agency, was involved in multiple killings and professes radical ideology, figured in making threatening calls to pro-nationalist leaders, demanding ransom and posting the claims of killings on different social media platforms. He has been involved in smuggling of high-grade arms, ammunition and explosive materials through drones from across the border and supplying thereon for carrying out killings and also providing sharpshooters.”

Punjab refuses to send tableau for Bharat Parv CHANDIGARH: Continuing his tirade against the Centre over the rejection of Punjab’s tableau for the Republic Day parade, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann refused to send the state’s tableau for display at Bharat Parv saying the martyrs who featured in the creation didn’t deserve a place in the “rejected Bhagwant Mann category”. Mann’s reaction came in response to the Centre’s communication dated December 30, which said that the “state/UT not selected for the Republic Day parade will be given an opportunity to display its tableau during Bharat Parv, being organised at Red Fort from January 23-31”.

The CM maintained the martyrs of the stature of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Mai Bhago and Ghadari Babe didn’t need any “no-objection certificate from the BJP to prove their national standing”. “We will not allow Punjab to figure on the list of rejected states, which are being given a chance to display their tableaux separately, thereby getting second-class treatment. Punjab is capable of paying worthy tributes to its heroes and showcasing their legacy independently,” said Mann.

WEST BENGAL

ACTOR-POLITICIAN VIJAYAKANTH LAID TO REST Actor-politician Vijayakanth was laid to rest in Chennai with full state honours on Friday as thousands of his Vijayakanth fans and followers paid their last respects. He died aged 71 on Thursday after a prolonged illness. People walked for more than 10 km as Vijayakanth's coffin moved from the Island Grounds in Chennai to the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) headquarters, where he was laid to rest in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and his cabinet ministers. "After MGR (MG Ramachandran), he was the only actor who took up issues like corruption, and that struck a chord with masses," Karthik, a fan from Vijayakanth's hometown Madurai district, said.

TWO NEW MINISTERS JOIN KERALA CABINET Ramachandran Kadannappally of Congress (S) and K B Ganesh Kumar of Kerala Congress (B) took the oath as ministers in Kerala's CPI(M)-led LDF government.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan administered the oath of office to the new ministers on Raj Bhavan's lawns. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his cabinet colleagues, Left legislators and leaders of Left alliance partners attended the ceremony. The Congress-led UDF boycotted the ceremony in protest against the induction of Kumar, who, according to them, conspired against its late leader and former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in the solar panel case. As per the understanding, Antony Raju of the Democratic Kerala Congress and Ahammad Devarkovil of the Indian National League resigned as transport minister and ports minister, respectively.

UDHAM SINGH’S STATUE IN PUNJAB VANDALISED A statue honoring martyr Udham Singh, unveiled just few days back, was discovered vandalized in Abohar, Punjab. The statue’s pistol was also found missing, indicating an act of targeted desecration. This shocking incident, which transpired between December 29 and 30, has sparked a police investigation against unidentified individuals responsible for the act. The statue was inaugurated on December 26, coinciding with Udham Singh’s birthday.

Even though there are no CCTV cameras directly monitoring the statue, nearby routes are under surveillance. This gives the police a potential lead in their pursuit of the culprits.

Will continue to fight for people's right, Mamata on SHAH SETS TARGET TMC foundation day OF 35 LS SEATS FOR KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated TMC workers on the occasion of the party's foundation day, emphasising a steadfast commitment to resist any evil force and persist in the ongoing struggle to safeguard the democratic rights of the people.

Speaking on the significance of TMC's formation on January 1, 1998, Banerjee highlighted the party's inception as a manifestation of conviction to honour the motherland, uphold state interests, and champion the protection of democratic

Mamata Banerjee

rights for the masses.

"I humbly honour and respect the dedication and self-

sacrifices of each worker and supporter of our party. Today, the TMC family is blessed with

the love and affection of all," she said in a statement on X. "It is on the strength of your unflinching support that we shall continue to fight for everyone in this great democratic country. No surrender to any evil force. In defiance of all terror we will continue our lifelong struggles for the common people of our country," she wrote in a post on X. Emerging from Congress in 1998, TMC rose to power after two unsuccessful attempts in 2001 and 2006 by defeating the Left Front regime in 2011, fueled by widespread public discontent against the communists.

BENGAL BJP Setting a target of 35 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal in 2024, Union home minister Amit Shah and BJP national president J P Nadda formed a 15-member core election management committee to lay the groundwork for the campaign. The committee has four central observers, but leaves out four junior Union ministers from the state. “Give 35 seats to (PM Narendra) Modi-ji from the land of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, I guarantee that Modi-ji will make ‘Sonar Bangla’. If we can achieve 77 seats from zero (in the 2021 assembly polls), then we can form a government with two-thirds majority too,” Shah told BJP karyakartas at a meeting at the National Library.

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Ayodhya gets mega facelift as PM Modi unveils new railway station, airport

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Railway Station and the newly built Maharishi Valmiki International Airport during a visit to the temple town. His visit also saw slew of new projects that included eight new trains plying to and from the Ayodhya station.

These projects are expected to cost £1.57 billion, with the Centre aiming at easing devotees' path to the Ram Mandir, set to be opened in January 2024. Included in these is a new category of superfast trains the Amrit Bharat - that will ply between Darbhanga and Delhi's Anand Vihar Terminal, and between Malda and Bengaluru's Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminus. The prime minister also flagged off six Vande Bharat trains, which would transport pilgrims from all over the nation to Ayodhya.

The three-story train station building has contemporary amenities like escalators, elevators, food courts, stores for puja supplies, changing facilities for small children, and waiting areas.

The Prime Minister also dedicated three railway projects worth £230 million, which include the Rooma Chakeri-Chanderi third line project, Jaunpur-Tulsi Nagar, Akbarpur-Ayodhya, Sohawal-Patranga, and Safdarganj-Rasauli sections of the Jaunpur-Ayodhya-Barabanki doubling project, as well as the doubling and electrification project of the Malhaur-Daliganj railway section.

Projects worth about £1.11 billion were kicked off for the development of Ayodhya and its surrounding areas, while projects worth about £460 million were inaugurated related to other regions across Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister also unveiled the first phase of the new airport, which is reported to have cost £145 million. The airport's 6,500 square metre terminal building can accommodate roughly 10,00,000 people a year. An official government statement states that the airport can accommodate A321-type aircraft operations due to its 2200-meter runway.

PM Modi inaugurates redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station

The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport

PM visits house of an Ujjwala Yojna beneficiary during his arrival at Ayodhya

Gujaratis among suspected human French president Macron to be chief guest at India's R-Day fete trafficking ring detained in France The French authorities, in their ongoing probe into an illegal visa racket, have brought to light a significant case of human trafficking originating from India. A private company's flight, en route to Nicaragua from Dubai, made a fuel stop at Vatry airport in France.

Following suspicions of human trafficking, the plane was detained for investigation by French authorities. Among the 303 passengers aboard, more than 250 were Indian nationals, with 96 hailing from Gujarat.

The CID, while interrogating the passengers, revealed that those questioned held Nicaraguan tourist visas. Despite the questioning, the individuals remained silent about any fraudulent activity and claimed their intent was for tourism.

Most of the Gujarati passengers, predominantly from Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Banaskantha, and Anand districts, had assembled in Dubai from December 14 onwards. Their collective intent was to board a flight to Nicaragua, eventually seeking illegal entry into America from there.

The aircraft, destined for Nicaragua, aimed to facilitate illegal entry into America with the assistance of an agent upon arrival.

However, suspicions arose when the plane, requiring fuel, made an unexpected stop in France. The investigation revealed plans to

OBITUARY

Sad demise of Dr Vinod Bhai Doshi Dr Vinod Bhai Doshi, a prominent member of the Jain Samaj in the UK, passed away on January 2 at 5 PM. He was the husband of Hasmitaben, Secretary at Navnath Hall and the father of Mamta Tolia, Manjari and Viral.

transport the illegal passengers from Nicaragua to the Mexico border.

The incident has sparked concern among officials in France and Gujarat. The CID Crime suspects that these individuals were aiming to enter America for employment. Investigations are ongoing to unveil the modus operandi behind their intended illegal entry and identify those aiding such illicit activities. Passengers, anxious about revealing any information, fear losing the amount paid to the agent if details emerge.

Following the French probe's findings, state and national agencies have initiated investigations. In Gujarat, CID Crime has filed a case against Ankit Patel and Vishal Shah of Gandhinagar, accusing them of producing duplicate marksheets for obtaining foreign visas. Authorities have begun verifying the credentials of the suspected agents involved in the trafficking.

The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that French president Emmanuel Macron has been invited as the chief guest for the 75th Republic Day celebration of India. This is the sixth time that a French president will be the event's primary guest.

“As strategic partners, India and France share a high degree of convergence on a range of regional and global issues,” the statement said. “This year, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership.”

Macron also took to Twitter to confirm that he will visit New Delhi for the

ED names Priyanka in a chargesheet

Active Covid cases in India rise to 4,394

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has figured in a chargesheet for the first time with the Enforcement Directorate naming her, along with husband Robert Vadra and others, in a supplementary chargesheet filed recently in a money laundering case against defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari and his associates.

However, Priyanka and Vadra have not been identified as defendants in the lawsuit. The chargesheet against C. C. Thampi, who is co-accused with the fugitive Bhandari, was submitted before a special PMLA court on November 21. It concerns land that Thampi, Vadra, and Priyanka purchased in Faridabad.

India logged 636 new cases of Covid-19, while the number of active cases of the infection has increased to 4,394, the health ministry said. Three deaths due to Covid - two from Kerala and one from Tamil Nadu have also been reported in a span of 24 hours, according to the ministry’s data.

The number of daily cases had dropped to double-digits till December 5 last year, but cases have again gone up after the emergence of a new variant and cold weather conditions.

January, according to the media.

The French president had visited India for the G20 Summit on September 8 and September 9.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Bastille Day parade in July as the special guest of honour as part of the fesEmmanuel Macron tivities commemorating celebrations. the French National Day. India had earlier invited According to media reports, United States President Joe India and France signed a Biden to be the chief guest number of new agreements at the Republic Day celebraand projects in the fields of tions, media reported. But nuclear energy, research, Biden expressed inability to and defence after Modi's travel to New Delhi in visit.

The daily numbers were in millions at the peak of the pandemic, which began in early 2020 and has seen more than 45 million people getting infected and over 53,00,000 deaths in about four years since then across India. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease stands at over 44 million with a national recovery rate of 98.81 per cent, according to the ministry's website.

According to the website, 2,206 million doses of Covid vaccines have so far been administered in the

country.

Experts say the actual number of Covid-19 cases is likely to be much higher.

“Not many people are getting the tests done as symptoms are mild and self-limiting,” a senior doctor said, adding that mandatory tests for symptomatic individuals aren't necessary at present. However, he added, surveillance should be continued to detect any sign of clustering of cases or increase in hospitalisation due to the disease at an early stage for timely warning and action.

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Musk's Tesla may set up manufacturing plant in Gujarat Tesla is gearing up for its entry into the Indian market by planning its inaugural manufacturing plant in Gujarat soon. Media reports suggest that the ongoing negotiations to set up the first manufacturing unit of the EV maker in India are in their final stages and nearing a conclusion.

According to these reports, the announcement unveiling the establishment of a Tesla manufacturing unit in the state is expected to occur during the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit scheduled for January 2024.

For years, Gujarat has served as

a strategic business hub.

28 countries confirm their participation So far, 28 countries and 14 organisations have confirmed their

as participation partner countries and organizations respectively for the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) in January 2024.

These partner include countries Australia, Bangladesh, Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea,

India 2nd country to send dedicated satellite to study black holes Isro ushered in the New Year with the successful launch of XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite), India’s first satellite to conduct research on black holes and other celestial objects. With the successful launch, India has become the second country in the world after the US to send a specialised astronomy observatory to study black holes and neutron stars in our galaxy.

PSLV placed the satellite on its 60th flight in a 650km orbit. The final stage of PSLV-C58 then turned into an orbital experimental module (POEM) to test the 10 payloads over the next month.

Around 22 minutes after the lift-off from Sriharikota, the rocket injected XPoSat. The rocket went through at least two coasting phases -when the engines were not fired -to

place the satellite with a 6degree inclination.

XPoSat will carry out studies of X-rays emitted by celestial objects like black holes, neutron stars and galactic nuclei.

It carries two payloads Polix (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) by Raman Research Institute and Xspect (Xray spectroscopy and timing) by Space Astronomy Group of URSC.

India, Russia to boost energy ties, production of defence items External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar defended India's relationship with Moscow, calling it a valuable and seasoned partner that enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship based on strategic convergence and geopolitical interests and realities, amidst ongoing efforts by the West to contain Russia in Ukraine.

During their bilateral meeting in Moscow, Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov talked about measures to strengthen defence cooperation and expand energy connections by producing military hardware together.

While talking on regional and international issues, they also emphasised the situation in

Gaza and Ukraine.

In what was their 7th meeting this year, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s support to India’s candidature for permanent membership of the Security Council, while lauding India’s G20 presidency for not allowing the joint communique to be biased or one-sided.

Lavrov emphasised the strategic importance of energy ties, pointing out that India has become one of the biggest importers of Russian fuels. He also mentioned that he and Jaishankar had reached an agreement on increasing hydrocarbon exports to the Indian market and collaborating on peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

India and China remain the only two major powers

Annual General Meeting of CHARUSAT Alumni Association

The Charotar University of Science and technology (CHARUSAT) Alumni Association held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 16th of December 2023, at the university premises. Alumni from various batches and disciplines were in attendance.

to have never explicitly condemned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Jaishankar said after his meeting with Lavrov that PM Modi will have his annual summit with Putin next year. The summit couldn’t take place in 2022 and 2023, as Putin remained focused on the war in Ukraine and India was engaged in hosting the G20 summit.

“We discussed the prospects of military and technical cooperation, including the joint production of modern weaponry. Our cooperation is of strategic nature and strengthening it corresponds to the national interests of states, and to the interest of security in the Eurasian continent,” said Lavrov.

Rwanda, Singapore, Tanzania, Thailand, UAE, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Ghana, and Vietnam.

The partner organizations include the American Chamber of Commerce in India; EPIC IndiaUniversity of Chicago; IndoAmerican Chamber of Commerce; Indo-African Chamber of and Industry; Commerce International Solar Alliance; Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); Korea Trade and Investment Agency; Netherlands Business Support Office; Council of EU Chambers of Commerce in India; UAE India Business Council;

US-India Business Council; and the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum.

47 fresh MoUs signed With 47 fresh memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed by industry with the state government, investments worth £15.7 billion are set to come to Gujarat. Pharmacies, apparel and textiles, green energy, healthcare, science and technology, agro, and food processing industries have all committed investments ahead of the state's mega investor summit.

VGGS is expected to generate 759,000 new jobs in Gujarat.

India, Pak exchange lists of prisoners, fishermen The customary exchange of lists of prisoners and fishermen between India and Pakistan on the first day of the new year took place on Monday with India calling for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel, and fishermen along with their boats, from Pakistan’s custody.

In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of

184 Indian fishermen, the government said.

“In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the remaining 12 civilian prisoners in Pakistan’s custody, who are believed to be Indian. Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-tobe Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and

repatriation to India,” it said.

Under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, such lists are exchanged every year on January 1 and July 1.

India shared lists of 337 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or are believed to be Pakistani.

Similarly, Pakistan has shared lists of 47 civilian prisoners and 184 fishermen in its custody.

Indian cabinet okays migration, mobility pact with Italy The "Migration and Mobility Agreement" between Italy and India, which intends to improve interpersonal relationships and enable the mobility of students, skilled workers, business professionals, and young specialists, was post facto approved by the Union cabinet. It will facilitate collaboration on problems pertaining to irregular migration.

“The agreement locks in the current Italian visa regime, including mechanisms for post-study opportunities, internships and professional training, assuring an advantage for India under the existing labour mobility pathways under the Flows Decree,” the government said.

Cooperation between

the two nations in the fight against irregular migration has also been formalised through agreement. Some of the key provisions of the MoU include allowing temporary residence of up to one year in Italy to Indian students wishing to gather initial professional experience after completing academic and vocational training there.

The Italian side has detailed provisions related to professional training, extracurricular and curricular internships which allow Indian students to gain experience in Italian skill and training standards.

For workers, the Italian side has reserved a quota of 5,000, 6,000 and 7,000 non-seasonal Indian

workers for 2023, 2024 and 2025 under current Flows Decree (total reserved quota stands at 12,000 for nonseasonal workers).

Additionally, the Italian side has reserved a quota of 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 seasonal Indian workers for 2023, 2024 and 2025 (total reserved quota stands at 8,000 for seasonal workers).

The agreement also formalises efforts to advance youth mobility and the recruitment of qualified Indian professionals in the healthcare and medical services sectors. These topics will be further explored within the joint working group.

The agreement also formalises the work on advancing mobility pathways between India and Italy.

Gujarat govt eases liquor policy in Gift City The GIFT City liquor policy has been notified by the state administration.

Authorised permanent employees are eligible to apply for a two-year liquor access permit.

“The liquor access permit shall be issued for two years and renewed for two years at expiry. The fees for the permit shall be Rs 1,000 per annum.

Meanwhile, if the permit holder ceases to be an employee of a company or organisation or unit situated at GIFT City, the permit shall stand canceled,” the notification states.

On the other hand, the

recommending officer may only grant temporary permits for a single day to guests. The rules further specify that "the recommending officer may issue a fresh temporary permit to visitors as and

when required." Hotels, restaurants, and clubs seeking to offer wine and dine facilities will need to obtain FL-III licence from the superintendent of prohibition and excise in Gandhinagar.

The licence would cost Rs 100,000 annually and need a Rs 200,000 security deposit. It will be valid for five years. Following the necessary verification, the application will be forwarded to the GIFT Facilitation Committee director for a suitable conclusion.

Under provisions of Section 54 and 56 of the Gujarat Prohibition Act, 1949, the FL-III licence, liquor access permit or temporary permit may be suspended, which is typically in case of a breach, lack of purpose, nonpayment of fees, among other non-compliances.

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Qatar commutes death sentence The city of diamonds now boasts of 8 Indian navy veterans an architectural diamond Doha has not yet approved a bilateral agreement with Qatar for the transfer of condemned individuals, which would have permitted the Indian government to repatriate the eight Indian Navy veterans who are currently in prison. The pact, however, was ratified

by India during the visit of Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to India in 2015.

Following the commutation of the death sentence awarded to the former Indian Navy personnel

to imprisonment, the government reiterated that it’s discussing the next course of action with the legal team and family members.

Regarding the former Indian Navy soldiers, a family who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that while one of them faced 25 years in prison, others had their death sentences commuted to jail terms between 3 and 15 years. Neither India nor Qatar have acknowledged the details of the jail term awarded to the former

Indian Navy members.

Additionally, the government has once more requested access to the men's consulates, who were found guilty of allegedly spying for Israel.

The fact that Doha has not yet approved the treaty transferring inmates is a setback for India because the deal may have made it easier for the accused to be repatriated to India and complete their prison sentence here if they were found not guilty or pardoned.

Centre signs peace deal with Ulfa faction The United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) protalks faction, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, signed a memorandum of settlement with the Assam government and the Centre in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah. Shah disclosed that representatives of the outfit have committed to renounce violence, hand up all weapons, dissolve the armed organisation, leave camps that house armed cadres, and integrate into society.

Stating that it was a “golden day for the future of Assam”, Shah said his ministry, as part of PM Modi’s vision to free the northeast from “extremism, violence and conflict”, has been making sustained efforts to talk to all armed groups in the region with an open mind.

“In the last five years, we have signed nine pacts to make peace with insurgent outfits across various northeastern states and to end inter-state border disputes.

This has established peace in

a large part of the northeast,” he said, pointing to the 87% decline in violent incidents, 90% dip in fatalities and removal of AFSPA from 85% of Assam since 2014.

“With the signing of the tripartite memorandum of settlement with Ulfa, peace talks with all armed groups of Assam have reached a logical conclusion,” said Shah. He shared that around 750 cadres of Ulfa surrendered, taking the total surrenders in Assam so far to 8,200.

Rahul to begin ‘Bharat Nyay Yatra’ from Manipur on Jan 14 From January 14, Rahul Gandhi will embark on the "Bharat Nyay Yatra," an east-to-west reenactment of the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai. The Congress hoped that this event would inspire the state units en route to the Lok Sabha elections. The yatra, which will end in Mumbai on March 20, will span 6,200 km, passing through 14 states and 85 districts.

The Bharat Jodo Yatra changed its name to the Bharat Nyay Yatra, signalling the election context.

The party is trying to convince voters of its plan to address the concerns they brought up during the initial walkathon from Kanyakumari to Srinagar.

ICC general secretaries K C Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh said, “During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi raised the issues of economic disparities, social polarisation and dictatorship. The Nyay Yatra will promise economic, social and political justice to the people.” The choice of Manipur for the launch, Venugopal said, is to “heal the wounds” of the state riven by the prolonged ethnic conflict.

Given the paucity of time ahead of the polls, the yatra will be by bus, with foot marches around designated towns, cities and villages, and will follow the now-known format of public meetings, street corner gatherings and group inter-

Gujarat govt invests Rs. 5 cr in 'Shivsrishti' park honouring Shivaji Maharaj's legacy

Tourism department of Gujarat government invests Rs. 5 crore in 'Shivsrishti' historical theme park commemorating Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's legacy of Swadharma-Swabhasha and Swaraj.

actions.

The yatra will cover more distance in less time, with Bharat Jodo Yatra having traversed around 4,000 km from September 7, 2022 to January 30, 2023.

Surat alone is responsible for the cutting and polishing of 90 per cent of the world's rough diamonds Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), the world’s largest and modern centre for international diamond and jewellery business on December 17, 2023. This comes at a time when the diamond industry is going through its worst crisis due to global economic slowdown and G7 countries’ tough stand on Russian diamonds.

The SBD building is the world’s largest office complex with over 67,00,000 square feet of floor area spread in nine 15-storey interconnected towers with offices ranging from 300 sq ft to 7,5000 sq ft. This business parkaims to shift the diamond trading business from Mumbai to Surat, which is the hub of diamond cutting and polishing with thousands of factories across the city.

While inaugurating the new project, Modi dubbed the building as another diamond in the city. “One more diamond has been added to Surat’s magnificence. The tall buildings around the world have lost their sheen in front of such a huge diamond that is now being opened today.”

“Surat diamond industry provides employment to around 800,000 people, and with the coming up of new diamond bourse, 150,000 more jobs will be added,” he said.

PM inaugurates Surat Diamond Bourse

The Surat Diamond Bourse, established as a notfor-profit organisation, is backed by SDB Diamond Bourse, a company regis-

Govindbhai Dholakia

tered under section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. Its primary aim is to spearhead the establishment and advancement of a Diamond Bourse situated in Surat, Gujarat. It boasts 4,500 offices meticulously designed for both national and international traders, consolidating its position as a pivotal center for diamond trade in the region.

Hailing Govindbhai Dholakia, a prominent name in the diamond industry When discussing those who have envisioned the

Surat Diamond Bourse, the prominent name of Govindbhai Dholakia inevitably emerges at the forefront. Hailing from Dudhala, a small village in the Amreli district of Saurashtra, Govindbhai settled in Surat, and he stands as the visionary leader behind Sri Ramakrishna Export Pvt Ltd, a top-tier diamond company. Notably, Govindbhai shares a close association with the ABPL family, showcasing his remarkable journey of unprecedented success within the diamond industry. He has published an autobiography named “Diamonds are forever, so are morals”.

Govindbhai foresees the Surat Diamond Bourse as a game-changer, expecting a surge in economic growth.

He believes its arrival will directly benefit the airport, hotels, restaurants, and create 10-20 thousand new local jobs. Additionally, he predicts a boost in Surat's business with an influx of international visitors.

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Sharmila Tagore reveals cancer diagnosis on Koffee with Karan

Filmfare awards to be held in Gandhinagar on Jan 28 T

he 69th edition of the Filmfare Awards, one of the most prestigious and long-running cinematic accolades in the Hindi film industry, is about to take place in Gandhinagar (Gujarat) on January 28, 2024.

To hold the 69th Filmfare Awards, Gujarat Tourism Corporation Limited (TCGL) and Worldwide Media Pvt Ltd (A Times Group Company) signed an MoU in July 2023.

O

Vicky, Katrina host Christmas bash at their home V

icky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif hosted a Christmas bash at their home and had their close ones join them for the celebrations.

Vicky has finally released photos and videos from his romantic and enjoyable Christmas celebration at home with his wife Katrina and a few close friends, including Sunny Kaushal and Angad Bedi. He uploaded his dancing video with Sunny and Angad as well as a photo of himself carrying Katrina in his arms and planting a kiss on her head.

Sharing a romantic picture with Katrina on Instagram, Vicky Kaushal wrote, “Christmas is when you are here,” along with a heart and X-mas emoji.

Both Katrina and Vicky are seen twinning in white T-shirts in the picture and posing in front of their decorated Christmas tree. Vicky is also seen wearing a Santa cap while a tiny Santa cap can be spotted on

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Times Group Managing Director Vineet Jain were present at the MoU signing ceremony. At the event, actor Tiger Shroff represented the Hindi film industry by sharing his unique connection to Gujarat.

"I have a special relation with Gujarat as my grandfather was Gujarati. And speaking of Filmfare, I have had a beautiful relationship with this award show. I attended the Filmfare Awards for the first time in 1990. That year my father (Jackie Shroff) won the Best Actor Award and I have been attending the award show since then. I also got opportunities to perform at several editions," Tiger said.

Filmfare Awards was first introduced in 1954. Reportedly, 'Black' (2005) has won the maximum number of Filmfare awards in a single year. It won 11 Awards under the Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Critics Award Best Movie, Best Actor (Critics' Choice), Best Actress (Critics' Choice), Best Supporting Actress, Best Editing, Best Cinematography and Best Background Score categories.

Katrina's head in the picture.

Fans didn't mind the late Christmas pictures of the couple. A fan wrote, “Vicky got the best Santa.”

Vicky also shared a video of Sunny, Angad and him dancing in front of the Christmas tree and captioned it, “Meri Teri Saadi Saareyaan Di Christmas.” They are seen showing their Bhangra moves. While Vicky and Sunny are seen in white T-shirts, Angad is in a pyjama set.

Ranbir faces complaint for ‘hurting religious sentiments’ in viral video O

n Christmas, after spilling alcohol over a cake and lighting it ablaze, Ranbir Kapoor was accused of "insulting the Sanatan Dharma" by screaming "Jai Mata Di." A resident of Mumbai lodged a complaint at a local police station against Ranbir and his family members after seeing his widely shared Christmas video.

A copy of the complaint is available online and states that the complainant has accused Ranbir and his family of “deliberately invoking Hindu Gods and Goddesses by sprinkling intoxicating liquor on the cake and offering it to fire while celebrating any other religious festival with the intention of insulting the Sanatan Dharma there”.

The complainant requested that the actor be booked under sections 295(A), 298, 500, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. However, no FIR has been filed in the case as yet.

According to reports, Sanjay Tiwari, who filed the

n the most recent episode of Koffee with Karan, Sharmila Tagore seemed to disclose that she has been diagnosed with cancer. In response to a question regarding why she was unable to participate in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani', directed by Karan Johar, Sharmila stated that at the time she was worried about her health. Karan expressed his sadness at not being able to collaborate with her on the movie, which went on to become a huge box office and critical hit.

complaint claimed that in the video, the actor is seen pouring liquor on cake and setting it on fire while saying "Jai Mata Di". In Hinduism, fire god is invoked before invoking other deities, but Ranbir and his family members deliberately used intoxicants while celebrating the festival of another religion and chanted "Jai Mata Di", the complaint said. This hurt the complainant's religious sentiments, it alleged.

The role in question eventually went to Shabana Azmi. In the movie, Shabana has a parallel romance track with Dharmendra's character, and also plays Alia Bhatt's grandma. “I’d offered Sharmila ji the part played by Shabana ji, she was my very first choice. But because of health reasons at that time, she couldn’t say yes. It is a regret I have,” Karan said.

Sharmila explained, “It was at the height of Covid. They hadn’t really grappled with Covid at that time, we were not vaccinated. After my cancer… They didn’t want me to take that risk.” Karan repeated, “It will be a regret, and it is something I hope that we can make up for and work together.” Sharmila returned to acting earlier this year, with a supporting role in the Disney+ Hotstar film 'Gulmohar,' also starring Manoj Bajpayee. Inspired by 'Monsoon Wedding', the drama focused on a wealthy family in New Delhi, and saw Sharmila playing a queer character. She said that she was apprehensive about being ‘accepted’ in the role, especially because it had been so long since her last on-screen appearance. But she was encouraged to see how progressive audiences had become, especially after the streaming age.

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Karan Johar confirms project with Salman Khan Kareena chills with Natasha in Switzerland

K

aran Johar confirms project with Salman Khan on superstar's 58th birthday. Karan revealed the tale of how Salman joined the cast of his directorial debut, "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," which also starred Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, on Instagram.

K

Janhvi, Khushi attend Anshula's birthday celebration A

rjun Kapoor's sister Anshula Kapoor celebrated her birthday. After ringing her birthday at midnight, her half sisters Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor were seen leaving her home with father Boney Kapoor. When Janhvi and Khushi went to Arjun and Anshula's house to celebrate the latter's birthday, they were both dressed casually and without makeup.

Janhvi was in a white crop top and matching pyjamas and had her hair untied.

Khushi was in a yellow T-shirt and grey pyjamas paired with slippers. She had her hair tied in a rough bun. Boney too was in a tee and pants. They looked sleepy post midnight and didn't greet the paparazzi.

Anshula is Boney's eldest daughter from his first wife, Mona Shourie Kapoor, who passed away from cancer around ten years ago. She is younger than Arjun. Anshula is a social media influencer who discusses a variety of topics, including body positivity.

Anshula is currently dating screenwriter Rohan Thakkar. On his birthday last month, she had expressed how happy he made her. She had written in her birthday message for him, "Happy birthday to the reason I smile my biggest smiles. Thank you for making me feel loved every single day.

For making my okay days turn into amaze days. Promise I'll always laugh at even your lamest jokes forever. Easy breezy @rohanthakkar1511.

Ronit Roy remarries wife Neelam on their 20th wedding anniversary

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"Twenty-five years ago, I was at a party lost and confused... A massive movie star came up to me and asked me why I was standing by a corner... I told him I had been to several actors for a part but was politely rejected... the superstars sister is close to me so he graciously said she had spoken highly of my script and that I should meet him the next day to narrate the film to him," Karan recalled.

"I went with a prayer in my heart and a deep desire for a miracle and narrated the first of the film like my life depended on it. He looked at me at the interval point (by then I was looking like I was at the Sahara desert and water could keep me alive) kindly offered me water and said ‘I’’m on!!!’

"I was perplexed and said, ‘you are in the second half, you haven’t heard it?'

He said ‘I love your father and my sister will kill me if I don’t do this movie’ and that’s how Salman Khan was in KKHH'," Karan said.

In the 1998 romantic drama, Salman had an extended cameo as Aman, the fiance of Kajol's 'Anjali' who graciously lets go of her in the end. Karan expressed his gratitude to Salman's agent Alvira Khan Agnihotri and acknowledged his father Yash Johar's connections in the business, which enabled him to cast Salman in the film.

enowned Bollywood actor Ronit Roy and his wife Neelam Bose Roy reaffirmed their marriage vows on their 20th wedding anniversary by getting remarried at a Goan temple. The actor posted photos and videos from the event. Ronit is seen in the photos sporting a crimson dupatta and white sherwani, while his wife looked stunning in a red saree. Ronit captioned the post as, "Doosri baar toh kya, hazaaron baar byaah tujhi Se karoonga! Happiest 20th anniversary my love."

In a different video, both are seen holding hands during the pheras and seeking blessings from their family elders. The two sealed it with a kiss in the end. Reacting to Ronit's posts, Bhagyashree wrote in the comment section, “Awwwww God bless you both.”

“Wow,” added Aahana Kumra.

For the unversed, Ronit Roy, who is a celebrated actor, had earlier this year uploaded a cryptic post on his wall, inviting speculations from his friends and co-stars in the industry. In his post, the actor hinted at being betrayed by someone who he

areena Kapoor is back in Switzerland, her preferred vacation spot. Just like last year, she will be ringing the New Year in the Swiss Alps with husband Saif Ali Khan and kids Taimur and Jehangir. This time, her close friend Natasha Poonawalla is also accompanying her, and their most recent photo from the snow-covered mountains is proof positive that they are having a great time.

Kareena took to her Instagram Stories to share a picture with Natasha as they posed in the snow.

“This is how we keep warm in the snow”, she wrote along with the stunning picture.

While Kareena is seen in a white winter jacket and black pants, Natasha is seen in a beige woolen co-ord set and boots.

Hours before, Kareena had shared a picture from her hotel room's balcony to give her fans a glimpse of the view. She was seen in a colourful night suit, clicking a picture from her room. “Chasing the light…

4 days to 2024,” she captioned the post.

Sharing another picture of the scenic location, Kareena wrote, “Find your light.”

Kareena has been visiting Gstaad in the Swiss Alps with Saif almost every year since they got married in 2012. They spent Christmas time in London before leaving for Switzerland. Additionally, Kareena posted photos of Taimur and Saif cheering each other on during a football game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

SRK's epic reply when fan asks if he remembers Salman's birthday

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called his "bhai" or "bro".

Without taking any names, the actor vented his frustration and concluded the post by saying that though it stings him, it is "their falling, not mine." The 'Student Of The Year' star captioned the post, "Money, status, all materials lost can be regained. Time, love, respect, relationships once lost can never be. At least not to its fullest glory.

Why be #fake when you #needtobereal."

hah Rukh Khan is basking in the success of his latest release 'Dunki.' The actor answered questions from fans regarding 'Dunki' during an Ask SRK session on his X (formerly Twitter) account. One fan even forced him to select between his last three movies, Pathaan and Jawan. When it came to his answers, Shah Rukh was, as usual, hilariously amusing. He also received an epic response when a fan informed him that it was Salman Khan's birthday.

Shah Rukh wrote, "Just lost at a VR game to the lil one.

Need to recharge and go back and win. Need some happy 20 questions for happy answers to recoup, regroup and do a rematch. #AskSRK quick one for 15 mins. ASK!!" A fan asked how he deals with the nonsense that is written about him, and Shah Rukh said, "Ha ha u have heard the saying ‘opinions are like ______s, everyone has one!’ I work on belief not on opinions my

friend."

When a fan asked him if he remembers Salman Khan's birthday today, he replied, “I know and I have wished him. I don’t do it on social media because it’s personal na??

In response to a fan's question about his favourite parts from 'Dunki', Shah Rukh mentioned every scene including the visa application interview. When someone inquired about Shah Rukh's favourite song from the Rajkumar Hirani film, he replied, "O Maahi," which is sung by Arijit Singh. When a fan asked him to choose between his three 2023 releases Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki, Shah Rukh went with Dunki, saying: "When u have to deal with varied emotions it’s always more of a work for an actor. So Dunki it is."

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Nayanthara's 75th movie 'Annapoorani' hits screens '

Annapoorani', Nayanthara's 75th film and the directorial debut of Nilesh Krishnaa, has hit Netflix on December 29.

Actor Suriya becomes owner of a new cricket team!

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uriya, a national award-winning PanIndian actor, is going to be the owner of a new cricket team. He broke the internet by announcing his Chennai-based cricket team in the Indian Street Premier League - T10, a brand-new tournament to scout local talents.

Shruti Haasan dismisses marriage rumours A

ctress Shruti Haasan took to her Instagram Stories to dismiss speculations about her marital status with boyfriend Santanu Hazarika, sparked by remarks from Orhan Awatramani, known as Bollywood's best friend Orry.

Orry referred to Santanu as Shruti's 'husband,' leading to misunderstandings. Shruti clarified in her Stories, "So, Iâm not married.

For someone who has been open about every single thing, why would I hide this? LOL. So people who donât know me at all, please calm down."

This controversy unfolded during Orry's 'Ask Me Anything' session on Reddit, where he recounted an incident claiming Shruti

Haasan was rude to him at an event.

Mentioning, "Shruti Hasan. Not for posing because I never asked her, but she was very very rude to me at an event that I had actually gotten her into and I donât even know her!" He added that it was likely a misunderstanding and expressed admiration for Santanu, saying, "I am good with her husband and I adore him."

Shruti recently mentioned her apprehension about marriage, sharing, "The word marriage scares me a lot. There is so much to it that I really donât want to think about it."

She emphasized contentment in her relationship with Santanu, focusing on collaborative work.

The film features a notable supporting cast including Jai, Sathyaraj, KS Ravikumar, Achyuth Kumar, Redin Kingsley, Kumari Sachu, Karthik Kumar, Renuka, Suresh Chakravarthy, and Poornima Ravi alongside Nayanthara.

'Annapoorani' portrays Nayanthara as an aspiring chef belonging to a traditional and religious family.

Handling the film's cinematography is Sathyan Sooryan, while Praveen Antony manages the editing and Thaman S. oversees the musical score. Produced by Zee Studios, Naad S Studios, and Trident Arts, 'Annapoorani' has generated anticipation for its digital release on Netflix.

Prabhas' 'Salaar' surpasses Thalapathy's 'Leo' in opening day collection The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) - T10 is a pioneering tennis-ball cricket league to unite the finest local cricket talent in India. This tournament's inaugural season is set to begin on March 2, 2024. Top actors across the country are owning state capital-based teams in this upcoming cricket league.

Amitabh Bachchan is the owner of the Mumbai, Maharashtra-based team, Ram Charan is the owner of the Telangana-based team, Akshay Kumar is the owner of the Jammu & Kashmir-based team and Hrithik Roshan is the owner of the Bengaluru, Karnataka-based team. Suriya is the latest to join this list and he is the owner of the Chennai, Tamil Nadu-based team.

Two popular D Malayalam stars join the cast of Dhanush's 'DD3'?

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Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire' starring Rebel star Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran stormed the silver screens worldwide.

This film marks the dawn of a new action franchise from director Prashanth Neel who astonished the film industry with the 'KGF' saga earlier.

Now, the producers have officially revealed the firstday collection of 'Salaar'. According to Hombale Films, 'Salaar' made a massive collection of £17.87 million on Day 1 worldwide to become India's biggest opening film in 2023. It dethroned Thalapathy Vijay's 'Leo' first-day gross of £14.8 million and became this year's record holder.

Also, Salaar is now the third-highest opening-day grosser of all time in India only behind SS Rajamouli's 'Baahubali 2' and 'RRR'. With the Christmas and New Year holidays, 'Salaar' is going to be an unstoppable force at the box office in the upcoming days. The movie earned a good response from the audience and critics.

hanush is a renowned actor, director, singer, lyricist and producer in the film industry. He recently completed his second film as a director which is also his 50th film as an actor, 'D50'. In no time, Dhanush embarked on his third directorial and he updated that 'DD3' will be officially announced soon.

Dhanush is directing this project with his nephew Shravan Kumar aka Varun and young actress Anikha Surendran in the

lead roles. Now, the latest reports suggest that young Malayalam stars Mathew Thomas and Priya Varrier are joining the film's cast. Also, veteran actor Sarathkumar is also acting in this movie.

'DD3' is said to be a full-fledged romantic feel-good movie and Dhanush will be appearing in an extended cameo role. The venture is bankrolled by Dhanush's Wunderbar Films and has music by GV Prakash. This film marks his comeback as a producer too. The actor will move to 'D51' directed by Sekhar Kammula after wrapping up the works for this movie.

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Neel Nanda, Dua Lipa visits Rajasthan, Delhi with family and friends comedian of Indian D ua Lipa, the British music sensation, is making the most of her holiday season with a picturesque vacation in India. The pop star took to Instagram to share pictures from her trip to Rajasthan. She was soon spotted with her family and friends in Delhi.

“Happy holidays from me to you… sending love, light health and happiness for the year ahead x,” she wrote in the caption. In the first photo, the ‘New Rules’ singer is seen waking up in a beautiful room with a stunning backdrop, showcasing a wall painted with the deities Radha and Krishna in vivid colours. Another picture showed Dua dressed in an exquisite one-shoulder red and gold dress.

Desi Instagram users were thrilled to see their favourite singer visiting

the country. “Girl, you didn’t tell us you were in India,” wrote a user, while another commented, “She was in Jodhpur … WHAT??”

Following her rendezvous in Rajasthan, Dua travelled to New Delhi, where she visited the famed Bangla Sahib Gurudwara to obtain blessings and saw the tomb of Humayun. It appears that Dua's family also relished a ride in our recognisable green and yellow autorickshaws that line the streets of the city.

Dua’s father, Dukagjin Lipa, documented their outing in the national capital on Instagram, captioning it, “The Indian journey starts at New Delhi #humayunstomb.”

The post prompted a flood of red heart emoticons and warm wishes from Dua’s adoring fans and friends.

descent, dies at 32

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ays after turning 32, Indianborn stand-up comedian Neel Nanda, who was popular on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Adam Devine's House Party, passed away. Variety, an entertainment website, received confirmation of the news from Nanda's longtime manager Greg Weiss, who described him as a "great comic and human being". No cause of death was cited.

'Animal' OTT version will have more scenes, says director Vanga A

Indian film out of Oscars 2024 race T

he Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, announced its shortlist of films in the running for the Oscars 2024.

Ten categories - best original song, documentary feature, foreign feature, original score, and visual effects and sound were represented among the competitors on the list. Sadly for India, it was not among the 15 international features advancing to the next round.

others.

A compelling documentary, "To Kill A Tiger," which explores the horrific Jharkhand gangrape case, has emerged as a strong contender in the Best Documentary category, even though India has been eliminated from the Oscar sweepstakes.

'To Kill A Tiger', directed by Toronto based documentary filmmaker Nisha Pahuja, sheds

fter the theatrical release of 'Animal', get ready for the OTT version of Ranbir Kapoor's movie.

One of the year's biggest hits, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, is currently being edited once more in preparation for a fall Netflix release.

The duration of the film - 3 hours and 21 minutes - was a hot topic of conversation prior to its premiere. According to the director, there will be additional scenes added to the OTT version that he had to cut from the theatrical release due to pressure, making it even longer.

In an interview, Vanga said that the last few days before the release were so hectic that they had to sleep in the mixing room.

“When I saw the film for the first time, I spotted a lot of problems.

Content wise, I felt there were problems with sound. What happened was, since we were releasing in five languages, I lost track of which language sound I was checking. Last 20 days were horrible. We slept in the mixing room for almost three to four days. That should not have happened, there should have been one more week. But I am

correcting all those problems for the Netflix version” he said.

Talking about the movie's OTT version, the director said that he's working on the OTT version, which will be 5-6 minutes longer. “I was editing the version because there were some problems in 1-2 shots. I’m using different and a few more shots from the same take. One thing I felt was I should have left the 3 hours 30 minutes instead of 3 hours 21 minutes. I don’t know why I edited those 8-9 minutes.

Now, I will be using those 5-6 minutes extra,” the filmmaker said.

The comedian had just celebrated his birthday, headlining a comedy gig at Jokers Theatre and Comedy Club in Toronto, Canada.

He had promoted his "birthday" weekend show during December 15 and 16 on Instagram. Nanda was best known for his five-minute set on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live', a late night talk show, in 2017. He also appeared on shows such as 'Adam Devine's House Party', 'Flophouse' and 'Coming to the Stage'. Nanda also hosted 'Unnecessary Evil', a weekly show at the Westside Comedy Theater in Los Angeles.

Nanda, who was raised by Indian immigrants in Atlanta, Georgia, was drawn to comedy as a youngster after seeing TV channel, Comedy Central and would retell his favourite jokes at his middle school.

Several comedy clubs, including Jokers Theatre and Comedy Club, and fellow comedians shared condolence messages on social media.

Sara's Christmas album features mom Amrita and dad Saif I

The Malayalam survival drama '2018: Everyone is a Hero' was chosen as India's official entry in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 96th Academy Awards. It lost out a post on the list to films like Jonathan Glazer’s 'The Zone of Interest' (United Kingdom), Tran Anh Hung’s 'The Taste of Things' (France), Lila Aviles’ 'Totem' (Mexico) and Aki Kaurismaki’s 'Fallen Leaves' (Finland), among many

light on the disturbing events surrounding the gangrape of a 13-year-old girl in Jharkhand, bringing attention to the heinous crime and the aftermath that saw her parents facing an uphill battle to find justice.

Filmmaker Nisha, expressed gratitude for the recognition in her Instagram stories. Sharing the happy news, she wrote, "Unbelievable! Pinching myself!'

t was indeed a merry Christmas for Sara Ali Khan, who celebrated with her mom Amrita Singh and dad Saif Ali Khan in London (separately).

Amrita Singh is in London, accompanying daughter Sara, while Saif is holidaying there with wife Kareena and sons Taimur and Jeh. Sara posted pictures from her festivities in London and she wrote, "Missed my baby brother (or not so baby). Thank you Santa for this Merry merry Christmas.

Ibrahim Ali Khan, I wish you was here. To have pecan pie and celebrate and spread Christmas joy and cheer...And then eat black cod

individually with the OG two who to us are extremely dear but for now these pics I shear (share)."

Sara, who was missing brother Ibrahim big time, shared a picture collage comprising photos of Saif and Amrita. No caption needed. In another Instagram story, the

actress wrote, "That's a wrap," adding, "Missing brother Jaan."

Sara has a super busy schedule ahead. She will next be seen in 'Ae Watan Mere Watan'. Her line-up of films also includes 'Metro... In Dino' and 'Murder Mubarak'.

Her last project was 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke'. Sara also had a cameo appearance in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' song Heart Throb. She has featured in films such as 'Kedarnath' (her debut movie), 'Simmba', 'Love Aaj Kal'. She also featured in the 'Coolie No 1' remake. Sara was also seen in 'Atrangi Re.'

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After Bajrang Punia, IOA forms panel to run affairs Vinesh Phogat leaves top of wrestling federation Acting upon the sports ministry’s request, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formed a threemember ad-hoc committee to manage the day-to-day affairs of the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), which was found guilty of ‘blatantly disregarding the procedural norms’ and ‘appearing to be in complete control of former officebearers’ following its controversial elections.

IOA president P T Usha named a three-member panel, which will be headed by Wushu Association of India chief Bhupinder Singh Bajwa as its chairman with hockey Olympian M M Somaya and former international badminton player Manjusha Kanwar as its other two members.

This is the second time that the wrestling body has been placed under an ad-hoc body’s rule.

Earlier, when it was suspended by the ministry eight months ago after declaring as ‘null and void’ the WFI’s call to hold elections to

awards on Kartavya Path

Vinesh Phogat

its new executive committee (EC) on May 7, the IOA had formed a panel with Bajwa and national coach for rifle shooting, Suma Shirur, as its members.

The panel had handed over the work to the newly elected WFI’s EC, with former federation head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s loyalist Sanjay Singh as its president on December 21. But, after the ministry suspended the federation three days later for not

following the provisions of the national sports code and its own constitution, the IOA was asked to step in and form another an adhoc committee “to oversee and supervise WFI’s operations, which include athlete selection, submitting entries for athletes to participate in international events, organising sports activities, handling bank accounts, managing the website and other responsibilities”.

India women lose 2nd ODI by 3 runs India fought hard but went down by three runs in a thrilling second women’s ODI against Australia at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday night. Keeping their nerves at the crunch, the Aussies, who now have an unassailable 2-0 lead, have maintained their record of not having lost an ODI series in India.

India were propelled by Richa Ghosh’s career-best 96 off 117 balls and off-spinning allrounder Deepti Sharma’s 5/38, but were left to rue their shoddy fielding, which saw them drop as many as seven catches. There was also some really slow batting towards the end by Deepti, who consumed 36 balls for her 24 not out while managing only one four.

Hurt badly by cramps but perhaps finding her energy from the 3,000-odd enthusiastic spectators, Ghosh valiantly kept producing the boundaries, but all Deepti contributed was eight runs in a 47-run partnership for the fifth wicket as the asking rate kept creeping up as India chased 259.

Eventually, Ghosh, much to her frustration, was caught by Phoebe Litchfield at cover off pacer Annabel Sutherland, who then took the wickets of Pooja Vastrakar (8) and Amanjot Kaur (4) to finish with 3-47 in 9 overs and the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

India needed 16 in the final two overs but a superb penultimate over by off-spinner Ashleigh Gardner, which went for just three runs, pegged the hosts back. While they took Sutherland for two fours in the final over, India eventually missed out by a whisker.

Even as they too dropped four catches, Australia did pull off a brilliant one which made a huge

difference in the close game, as Litchfield pulled of a blinder at cover to end the wellset Jemimah Rodrigues’ (44) stay at the wicket in the 34th over.

Joining forces at 71/2 in the 16th over, Ghosh, who was dropped on 0 (by Litchfield at first slip) and 36 (at long-off by Sutherland ) and Rodrigues had added 88 in 108 balls for the third wicket to put India on course to chase down 259. Promoted to the No. 3 spot, Ghosh justified the team management’s faith in her batting abilities, though she will be disappointed not to have taken India over the line.

Earlier, Deepti returned the best-ever figures ever by an Indian women’s team bowler against Australia, but India’s unbelievably mediocre fielding let them down badly, allowing the Aussies to make 258/8 after they elected to bat.

Satwik-Chirag to pick & choose competitions ahead of Olympics It has been a defining year for the Indian men’s doubles badminton pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. Besides being ranked as world number one for a while, they won three BWF titles and gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games. The Khel Ratna award – India’s highest sporting honour – came as a icing on the cake.

But the hungry duo, who represented IOCL in the PSPB Inter-Unit Team Championship, has set higher goals. While the Paris Olympics remains their primary goal, the pair has set its sights on the All England Open in March. A

good display in the Super 1000 event could set the tone for the quadrennial event in July-August.

“2023 has been a great year for us, but it is important to keep ourselves fresh and fit. Going into 2024, the Olympics is the biggest target for us. That said, there are other competitions which we have not won yet, like the All England.

Hopefully 2024 will be another great year,” said the 26-year-old Chirag.

The Andhra-Mumbai duo, however, are in a commanding position in the Race to Paris rankings. Currently, placed second,

they are almost guaranteed a slot, which gives them the opportunity of picking and choosing tournaments they would like to play before the Olympic qualification cycle ends on April 28.

This in turn can help them remain fresh in the run-up to the Olympics.

“Our main aim is to give our best in the competitions that we decide to compete in and ensure that we do not play a lot of tournaments. We want to decide on the events accordingly. We do not want to play 3-4 back-to-back tournaments,” pointed out Chirag.

Bajrang Punia

Four days after announcing her decision to return her Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards, Asian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist wrestler Vinesh Phogat left her honours on a pavement at Kartavya Path last week.

Vinesh was heading towards the PMO in South Block to return her accolades when Delhi Police stopped her and requested her to leave.

Vinesh’s decision follows Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia’s move to leave his Padma Shri medallion on Kartavya Path earlier.

Bajrang posted a video on X of Vinesh walking on Kartavya Path holding her Arjuna award trophy and a letter addressed to PM Modi. The two have been protesting Sanjay Singh’s election as the new president of Wrestling Federa- tion of India (WFI) after his panel won 13 out of the 15 posts.

Singh is considered close to former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexually harassing six female wrestlers.

Ministry sources said that they are baffled at Vinesh’s decision “despite the ministry having suspended the WFI keeping in mind the best interests of the wrestlers”. They are surprised at the “timing” of her letter.

SA win Centurion test by an innings & 32 runs The South African batsmen applied themselves better against the below-par Indian bowling attack. And then Rohit Sharma and Co. collapsed to 131 all out in their second innings inside 35 overs when they needed 163 runs to force the hosts to bat again.

South Africa won the first Test by an innings and 32 runs that lasted about 210 overs at SuperSport Park, Centurion, last week.

India’s batsmen showed they were not good enough to take this match into the fourth day. Eyeing their first-ever Test series win in the Rainbow Nation, now they can at best draw this two-Test series.

South Africa got 152-4 in 42.4 overs on the day. Virat Kohli got 76 off 86 balls and other nine Indian wickets contributed a mere 47 in 20-odd overs.

Two dismissals via two superb balls and their implications underlined the importance of timing.

When Bumrah cartwheeled Rabada’s off-stump

with a ball that angled in and zipped away, it was too late to have any significant impact on the tone of the match. SA had already crossed 390 runs by then. On the other hand, Rabada clipping Rohit Sharma’s offstump set the tone. It was the seventh time Rabada had removed Rohit in Tests.

South Africa had taken a decisive step to winning the Test by clinching the 150-minute first session, getting 135-2 in 34 overs and setting up a platform to bat India out of the game. Led by Dean Elgar’s big hundred (185), South Africa accumulated 408.

With the pitch offering something for the pacemen, Indian bowlers were expected to fare better. The absence of Shami, the inexperience of debutant Prasidh Krishna and the part-time quality of medium pacer Shardul Thakur was apparent. India could not put together even decent patches of energy, effort and imagination.

NZ beat Bangladesh in rainhit final T20 to level series New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner took four wickets before a rearguard batting effort helped the hosts beat Bangladesh by 17 runs via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method in the rain-hit third Twenty20 international on Sunday to level the series 1-1.

Santner elected to bowl after winning the toss and took 4-16 to help dismiss Bangladesh for a modest 110 at Mount Maunganui, leaving the tourists with a daunting task to seal their maiden series victory of any kind in New Zealand.

New Zealand collapsed to 49-5 in response after Mahedi Hasan

and Shoriful Islam struck timely blows, but Santner (18 not out) and Jimmy Neesham (28 not out) held their nerve to take them to within 16 runs of victory when heavy rain halted play.

New Zealand were ahead of the DLS par score of 78 at that stage before the game was eventually called off.

Bangladesh sealed a fivewicket win in the series opener in Napier earlier for their first T20 win on New Zealand soil, four days after beating the hosts in the last game of the three-match oneday international series which they lost 2-1.