FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE Cleverly unveils plans on immigration clampdown, experts react
Tajinder Banwait’s kitchen table business ideas soar high SEE PAGE - 13
SEE PAGE - 15
Pranita Bora : Exploring the artist and the stories behind the art
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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side
India, China skip renewable power pledge, 118 nations sign SEE PAGE - 21
VOL 52 - ISSUE 31
“Lack of diversity” in No 10 MODI'S LEADERSHIP RESHAPES led to preventable deaths in
POLITICAL HORIZONS WITH STATE WINS women, Covid inquiry hears BJP's hat-trick win in Hindi heartland uplifts morale, Congress finding solace in Telangana
Abhinandan Samaroh after splendid victory in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan & Chhattisgarh at BJP HQ Ext New Delhi
Subhasini Naicker The recent state assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram, and Telangana have reshaped India's political landscape. The BJP secured significant victories in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, while the Congress upended the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government in Telangana. This triumph, coupled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's confidence in the BJP's potential for a hat-trick win in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, underscores a shift in political dynamics. Continued on page 16-17
Anusha Singh The Covid inquiry has heard allegations of a “toxic culture” in Downing Street, resulting in the exclusion and neglect of women’s voice and gender diversity, ultimately impairing decision-making during the pandemic that may have led to more preventable deaths in women. Helen MacNamara, the deputy Cabinet secretary during the early stages of the pandemic, struggled to have her concerns related to women acknowledged within the government. An email presented to the inquiry outlined the consequences of poor gender diversity, particularly in addressing domestic abuse issues during the first lockdown. Ms MacNamara's statement emphasised the detrimental impact on decision-making and suggested that women may have lost their lives due to these shortcomings. Continued on page 12
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Patel, Braverman accused of covert policy on trafficking victims Former home secretaries Priti Patel and Suella Braverman are facing accusations of implementing a secret policy that denies 1,600 victims of trafficking the right to remain in the UK, despite a high court ruling in November 2021 that affirmed their entitlement to stay. The landmark ruling stipulated that confirmed victims of trafficking who had sought asylum and were awaiting a decision should be granted automatic permission to stay in the UK, known as discretionary leave. During a recent hearing, the Home Office was accused of unlawfully neglecting to issue these decisions, leaving victims in a state of uncertainty, unable to access the right to work, study, or claim
Priti Patel
Suella Braverman
mainstream benefits. One of the victims, a 22-year-old known as XY, is represented by the charity Asylum Aid, which brought the case arguing that his human rights had been violated. XY had escaped traffickers in Albania who coerced him into selling drugs at the age of 16, threatening harm to his family if he refused to comply. As a result of the
alleged policy, he was reportedly denied leave to remain for almost 18 months. In response, counsel for the home secretary argued in written submissions to the court that they were waiting for the outcomes of appeals to the court of appeal and supreme court against the landmark November 2021 ruling before taking action.
Labour proposes GP hubs with evening, weekend walk-ins Labour is proposing the establishment of GP hubs, allowing patients to walk in during evenings and weekends, as part of their strategy to address and improve the National Health Service (NHS). Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, outlined the plans, indicating that if Labour were to win the next general election, they would initiate a significant overhaul of GP services.
The proposal involves the introduction of "neighbourhood health centres" across the entire country. These centres would serve as hubs, consolidating various services such as doctors, dentists, and treatment for minor injuries. The aim is to redirect the treatment of millions of patients currently burdening overloaded A&E (Accident & Emergency) units. Streeting unveiled
these plans during a tour of Australia's health system, which has been implementing a similar model on a national scale. As part of Labour's vision, the NHS would be tasked with designing services that operate during evenings and weekends, offering a combination of scheduled appointments and walk-in slots to accommodate the diverse needs of patients.
London council cancels Jewish Hanukkah celebration, citing tension Havering Council in east London has cancelled its annual ceremony marking the traditional Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, citing fears of vandalism and heightened tensions amid the war in Gaza. The council initially planned to erect a symbolic menorah outside its town hall but made the "difficult decision" to cancel the installation to prevent fur-
ther inflaming tensions within communities. Local Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell expressed "grave concern" about the decision, viewing it as a potential insult to the Jewish community in Romford. Town hall officials rejected accusations of antisemitism, stating that such claims are "categorically untrue." They hope to install a longer-lasting menorah
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On Friday, the central banks of India and England inked an agreement for the exchange of information aimed at facilitating the settlement of bond trades, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). In India, the Clearing Corporation of India (CCIL) handles the settlement of bonds. The agreement outlines that the Bank of England (BoE) will evaluate and acknowledge CCIL as a counterparty for clearing and set-
tling bonds, as well as overnight indexed swap trades conducted by banks and investors based in England. Additionally, the central banks have established a framework for the BoE to rely on the regulatory and supervisory activities of the Indian central bank, ensuring the financial stability of the United Kingdom, according to the RBI. The context for this agreement includes the with-
drawal of recognition by the European Securities and Markets Authority in October of the previous year for six Indian clearing counterparties, including CCIL, effective from April. Consequently, European banks were required to settle their trades with India through banks situated in other jurisdictions. CCIL had to undergo a new application process for recognition by the BoE as a result.
Sunak cites high immigration inherited from Johnson Rishi Sunak has attributed high levels of net migration to Boris Johnson, stating that he inherited these large numbers and is committed to reducing them. The prime minister has pledged to take necessary measures to decrease net migration, responding to pressure from within his party's right wing to limit new arrivals in the UK before the next election. Recently revised estimates indicated that net migration reached a record 745,000 in 2022, following post-Brexit changes to the immigration system imple-
Rishi Sunak
under Boris mented Johnson. The estimated net migration for the year to June 2023 is slightly lower at 672,000. Immigration
Minister Robert Jenrick claimed to have proposed a plan to cut net migration a year ago, and Conservative backbenchers are advocating for a more comprehensive overhaul of the visa system. Jenrick's remarks suggest frustration with the government's failure to adopt his suggestions to reduce overall migration in line with a 2019 manifesto pledge, aiming to bring levels below 250,000. It has been reported that Jenrick has presented his own fivepoint plan to No 10.
UK's human-rights watchdog faces UN downgrade risk The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in the UK is facing a "special review" by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (Ganhri) regarding its recommended definition of sex. This review process could lead to the removal of the EHRC's accreditation as an "A status" National Human Rights Institution,
potentially preventing it from sitting on the UN Human Rights Council. The review was initiated after 30 LGBTQ+ and human rights organisations expressed concerns about the EHRC to Ganhri. The EHRC is responsible for providing guidance and enforcing legislation to combat discrimination. Ganhri's accreditation is crucial for watchdogs like
the EHRC to access the UN Human Rights Council and other UN bodies. The EHRC is expected to defend its accreditation status, with its chairwoman Baroness Falkner stating that they take their duty to protect and promote equality and human rights seriously and are confident in their ability to respond robustly to any questions raised during the review.
Labour demands mandatory reporting of ethnicity pay gap
Andrew Rosindell
FINANCIAL A SERVICES
Indian and English central banks resolve trade settlement
next year. Rabbi Lee Sunderland of Romford emphasised the opportunity to stand up against hostility, celebrate diversity, and unite the citizens of Havering. Havering Council warned that statements alleging antisemitism could incite further unrest in communities. The Community Security Trust reported a record 1,747 antisemitic incidents across the UK since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, marking the highestever total reported to the Jewish charity over 54 days.
Labour renews its push for a Race Equality Act following fresh data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealing a persistent pay gap between Black and White individuals in the UK since 2012. The ethnicity pay gap, measuring the percentage difference in median gross hourly earnings among vari-
ous ethnic groups compared to White employees, shows that the pay gap for Black, African, Caribbean, or Black British individuals has remained consistent over a decade. In 2012, the gap was 5.6%, and in 2023, it stands at 5.7%. The ONS reported that in 2022, Black, African, Caribbean, or Black British
employees earned a median gross hourly pay of £13.53, while their White counterparts earned £14.35. Notably, mixed White and Black Caribbean employees exhibited the highest disparity, with an 18.5% pay gap, earning a median of £11.75 per hour in 2022 compared to their White counterparts.
MPs' request for immigration inspection denied The Home Affairs Select Committee has disclosed that the Home Office rejected a request from Members of Parliament to participate in an inspection conducted by the immigration watchdog. In a tense hearing, committee members questioned Home Office Permanent Secretary Sir
Matthew Rycroft and Interim Second Permanent Secretary Simon Ridley regarding the work of the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration, David Neal. Committee members expressed increasing frustration at being denied the opportunity to closely observe Neal's work.
During the hearing, Tim Loughton, a committee member, highlighted that in a previous session, the committee had suggested the idea of attending an inspection, and then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman had not raised objections to the proposal. However, the request was subsequently vetoed by the Home Office.
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Immigrants are our friends Amidst Covid inquiry, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face questioning this week, about the decisions he made during the pandemic. The former prime minister is expected to issue a formal apology on behalf of the government, though he insists on making the big calls right. While Sajid Javid told how Dominic Cummings acted as the prime minister, taking key decisions, without consulting the Cabinet, The Independent reported how even other Cabinet Secretaries agreed with claims that there was a “toxic and feral” culture within No 10! Matt Hancock has also reportedly conceded that the lockdown should have been introduced earlier than 23 March 2020, saying "many lives" would have been saved had the action come three weeks beforehand. The lack of women decision makers or diversity at No 10 has also seen higher deaths in victims of domestic violence, isolation among pregnant women and many such related issues, as revealed by Helen MacNamara, who served as the deputy cabinet secretary and was one of the country’s highest ranking female officials (see p1). During Covid-19 people said goodbyes to loved ones without meeting for months. Struggling with grief and loneliness so many others were driven to the edge, the country’s national health system witnessed unprecedented pressure, breaking staff physically and mentally. People lost jobs and ability to feed their children without government support. It held bare the shortage of staff in critical industries like the care homes and NHS, but still remains ignored. At the same time, the new Home Secretary’s latest 5-
point changes in the visa system acts as a deterrent to fix years of abuse to a rickety health system and economy. Many Indian students have been supported by spouses working in skilled areas in the UK, providing financial help to their family, especially doing jobs that are otherwise not taken by the natives, often at lower costs! The increase of maintenance funds to a minimum of £38,000 plus, from £18,000 plus is gruesome. When the average income of people in this country is £25,000 plus (see p15), how did one arrive at this number? Experts have therefore rightly criticised the government for being totally tone deaf during this cost of living crisis. Most immigrants who come as students, are not looking for financial opportunities while studying. Some do, and they are the often victims in the hands of greedy brokers who go unpunished! These immigrants are found struggling to make ends meet. The community comes forward to help, but often it is not enough. The other section of migrants arrive on boats via channel to find a safer life and better livelihood from war torn countries- many that had been directly affected by the UK’s political and foreign policies. Britain is standing at a very critical juncture, where the government is directly responsible for thousands of lost human lives. What happened in the past cannot be erased, even after thousand apologies, but if the Tories do not wish to lose their dignity, especially in the upcoming general elections, they need to stop this anti-immigrant stance immediately.
US-India at the heels of Khalistani conflict India and the United States share a strong alliance and strategic partnership, marked by deep mutual understanding and open communication. The strength of their relationship reached a new peak in June, as evidenced by President Joe Biden's grand state visit in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Biden, standing beside Modi at a press conference, described the bond between the two countries as one of the world's most significant and more dynamic than ever before in history. However, India and America are staring at a major diplomatic situation after the US Justice Department alleged an Indian government official’s role in the unsuccessful plot to kill Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. It reveals two distinct conspiracies: one involving the indicted Indian, Nikhil Gupta, directed by a senior government intelligence official, and the other orchestrated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration to entrap him by providing an undercover officer to him as the hitman. The fact that the US government did not share all that it knew with India questions the claims made otherwise that the two countries have, between them, reached the pinnacle of security cooperation this year. Despite recent high-level meetings between leaders like President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as various discussions between officials, it seems that the US withheld crucial information from India, raising doubts about the claimed peak of security cooperation between the two nations. The actions hark back to the nature of intelligence sharing in 2008, when the US warned India about the impending 26/11 terror threat (2008 Mumbai attacks), but did not divulge that the
source of the information was Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Coleman Headley, who even re-entered India with another diabolical plan in 2009. After the US arrested Headley, it entered a plea bargain, which meant the man who decided the targets and planned the attacks with precision could never be brought to justice in India, and the government was forced to take his testimony via video camera for the trial. Moreover, this recent indication from the US implicates connections beyond its borders, as seen in the case of the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. This claim led to a diplomatic rift between India and Canada, which began to ease as India resumed visa services in Canada. During the Delhi G20 Summit, discussions between PM Modi and Canada's Justin Trudeau on the Khalistani issue took place, drawing substantial attention from the media and contributing to the complex dynamics between the two countries. Following the unveiling of the US indictment, Prime Minister Trudeau emphasised the importance of India addressing these allegations with seriousness. However, he sees this situation as a chance to redirect attention towards himself. But the fact is, he made these allegations two months ago—he said he had proof— and 60 days later, he hasn’t shared it. Not a shred of evidence is there. But the allegations continue. Due to this ongoing conflict, Trudeau seems to be losing popularity in his own country. A poll by Ipsos found that 40 per cent of Canadians want to see opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, a Conservative, as the Prime Minister, while 30 per cent vote for Justin Trudeau. The latest polls come as a concerning factor for Trudeau, who is accused of being soft and non-committal about acting against Khalistani elements, often brushing it off as "freedom of expression."
Modi’s lead to the general elections 2024 On December 3, election results for Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana were declared, with Mizoram following on the next day. The 3-1 outcome between BJP and Congress revealed BJP's triumph in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, while Congress secured another state in the southern region of the country with Telangana. Mizoram slipped from both parties to go to the Zoram People's Movement(ZPM). While state and national contests often differ, several key indicators of the national mood stand out from the results of these elections. There are definitely some takeaways that both the ruling and the opposition parties take from this. The outcomes highlight Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s star power, evident even in local contests. In Chhattisgarh, the BJP lacked a prominent pan-state leader, and in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the party abstained from projecting a Chief Ministerial face, and yet Modi's influence prevailed. The emphasis on 'Modi ki guarantee' in the campaign, coupled with his extensive rallies, proved impactful and this guarantee obviously did not work in the southern part of the country and the party definitely did not make a mark in Mizoram like it was expecting. Nevertheless, the Congress is undeniably grappling with the formidable appeal of Modi once again in 2024. Despite Rahul Gandhi's efforts to promote a nationwide caste census to counter the BJP's Hindutva narrative, the initiative saw limited success, particularly in constituencies dominated by Other Backward Classes (OBC), where the BJP solidified its position. It is safe to say that the caste play did not work for a revamped Rahul Gandhi and he now needs to revamp his
narrative to actual notions that hold gravity. The loss of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh further undermines confidence in Gandhi's leadership among other constituents of the INDIA coalition. However, amidst these challenges, the Congress finds cause for celebration in the Telangana Assembly elections win, dealing a blow to the tenyear rule of K. Chandrashekar Rao’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). This victory comes with a note of caution though. While the Congress revels in its Telangana triumph, it poses a potential threat to the INDIA coalition. The Telangana verdict indicates a consolidation of Muslim support behind Congress, diverting it from regional parties. The BRS secured only 18 out of 39 significant Muslim seats, and notably, Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM only managed to secure 3 seats. For Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh and Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, the minority vote has been a crucial pillar of their electoral support base. They are closely monitoring this development, as a resurgent Congress could directly challenge this core constituency for both parties. Ultimately, the BJP has solidified its leading position on the path to 2024 and as the party fulfils the long-standing promise of constructing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the public appeal is quite strong. While the Congress has reasons to rejoice in its Telangana resurgence, the aftermath of this electoral contest, positioned as a semi-final before the national challenge, has left the Congress with more uncertainties than triumphs. The same holds true for the INDIA alliance, which now faces a series of questions without clear answers following these results.
Thought for the week "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." — Suzy Kassem
Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel
India Soaring I write to you from India. Having met over 200 entrepreneurial tech companies with a view to bringing the best to the UK to establish their global HQ. India, our beloved Bharat, has always been more than a geographical entity; it is a living, breathing consciousness, a vibrant spiritual energy. It is this energy that flows through each entrepreneur, each creator, each visionary amongst you, as you weave new dreams and craft new realities. You, the children of this venerable land, are not merely entrepreneurs; you are the custodians of a legacy that is as old as the Vedas and as timeless as the truth itself. Your endeavors are not just for material gain; they are offerings at the altar of human progress, a testament to the indomitable spirit that has always defined our nation. The brand of India that you create is not confined to the ledgers of commerce; it resonates in the hearts of millions across the globe. It stands as a beacon of hope, a clarion call to those who dare to dream. Your triumphs narrate a tale of resilience and ambition, echoing through the corridors of time, inspiring souls far beyond India's shores, including those like me, who share your heritage and swell with pride at your achievements. Each innovation you birth, each barrier you dismantle, reverberates like a timeless melody across the oceans, a symphony of ingenuity and perseverance. You are painting the canvas of the future with the vibrant colors of your ideas, each stroke a testament to India's enduring legacy of creativity and intellectual prowess. As I behold this magnificent tapestry of progress, woven with the golden threads of your aspirations and endeavours, my heart swells with an indescribable pride. In your light, we all bask; in your victories, we all share a part. You are not just redefining the contours of a nation; you are reshaping the very essence of what it means to dream, to strive, to achieve. In the resplendent story you are writing, each word soaked in the ink of innovation and determination, I find a reflection of my deepest beliefs – that in the unity of purpose and the fusion of diverse talents, lies the key to transcending the ordinary, to touching the sublime. Let us, therefore, pause in this enchanted moment, at this juncture where past and future converge, and let us pledge to carry forth this legacy. Let us vow to nurture this flame of innovation, so it may light up the path for generations to come, a guiding star in the boundless skies of human possibility. Thank you, for you are not just the pride of India, but a beacon for the world. May your journey continue to inspire and illuminate, leading us toward a future resplendent with hope, unity, and boundless potential. Asian Voice is published by
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Hancock: Early lockdown might've saved 30,000 lives In testimony to the Covid inquiry, former Health Secretary Matt Hancock stated that tens of thousands of lives could have been saved if the UK had implemented a lockdown three weeks earlier. Hancock described the atmosphere in Boris Johnson's Downing Street as tainted by a "culture of fear" and asserted that Dominic Cummings, Johnson's former chief adviser, attempted to exclude ministers and even the prime minister from crucial decisions at the
Matt Hancock
Nottingham City Council declares effective bankruptcy Nottingham City Council has taken the significant step of issuing a Section 114 notice, effectively declaring itself bankrupt. The announcement, made on Wednesday, revealed a substantial budget deficit, leading the council's chief financial officer to conclude that it cannot formulate a balanced budget for the current year. The Labour-led council attributed its financial challenges to nationwide issues affecting councils, such as heightened demands for social care for children and adults, an increase in homelessness cases, and the repercussions of inflation. While acknowledging prior problems in financial governance and overspending in the previous fiscal year, the council
asserted that it still possesses adequate financial resources to meet existing obligations. Robert Jenrick, the Conservative MP for Newark in Nottinghamshire, criticised the council for what he called "breathtaking waste and incompetence," urging the secretary of state to appoint commissioners to restore order. The issuance of a Section 114 notice implies a suspension of all spending, with the exception of funds allocated for protecting vulnerable individuals and delivering statutory services. This development underscores concerns about the financial strain experienced by local councils, with experts warning that more councils are approaching a breaking point.
Remote GP appointments risk patient safety concerns A recent study suggests that remote GP appointments conducted over the phone or online may lead to the oversight of serious illnesses, posing a potential risk to patients. While the researchers note that errors in remote consultations are infrequent, there is a concern about the possibility of under-diagnosis, GPs being influenced by prior information, and less qualified staff not responding to signs of illness. The study, published in BMJ Quality and Safety, analysed data from 95 safety incidents in the UK between 2020 and 2023,
including complaints, settled compensation claims, and reports, with input from practice staff interviews. Some of the identified errors involved serious conditions like congenital heart disease, pulmonary edema, sepsis, cancer, and diabetic foot complications, which the study suggests could have been more readily diagnosed through inperson examinations. Additionally, the study highlighted instances where clinicians wrongly treated a diagnosis from a remote consultation as definitive rather than provisional.
Remembering the maker of modern, united India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 73rd death anniversary Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar invite you to pay tribute to the builder and consolidator of new India. Prarthna Sabha is to be held on 15 December 2023, Friday from 5 pm to 6 pm at Sangat Advice Centre, Sancroft Road, Harrow HA3 7NS. All are welcome. Many prominent people are expected to attend. For details Contact: Mahesh Liloriya, Group Editor, ABPL Group
mahesh.liloriya@abplgroup.com
beginning of the pandemic, hindering the government's response. Hancock claimed that Cummings' behaviour fostered a culture of fear when what was needed was collaboration. He argued that the ideal date for the first lockdown should have been three weeks earlier than the actual date of March 23, 2020, which could have prevented around 90% of the death toll in the initial wave of Covid, saving over 30,000 lives. While critical of
Cummings, Hancock did not solely blame him for the delay, stating that the progress of the virus was unclear at the time, whereas the consequences of a lockdown were well-known. Hancock also described clashes of personalities and labelled Cummings' actions as a "power grab." He revealed that he was not informed about then Chancellor Rishi Sunak's "Eat Out to Help Out" scheme until the day it was announced in the summer of 2020.
Tory leader slams Home Office on asylum figures Senior Conservative Lee Anderson has strongly criticised Home Office leaders for their "astonishing" failure to provide data on the struggling asylum system to a group of Members of Parliament. The deputy Tory chair remarked that "the big boss hasn't got a clue" during an uncomfortable questioning of the department's Permanent Secretary, Sir Matthew Rycroft. This critique follows a surprising admission by Sir Matthew and his Home Office deputy, acknowledging that they lack information about the whereabouts of 17,000 asylum seekers whose claims have been withdrawn. The revelation left senior MPs on the home affairs committee expressing their disbelief. Deputy Permanent Secretary Simon Ridley stated,
Sir Matthew Rycroft
"In most cases, I don't know where those people are." Labour Chair Dame Diana Johnson characterised the officials' lack of precise figures as "amazing" and accused them of being "really disrespectful to this committee."
BBC presenter’s take on overwhelmingly white workplace BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nihal Arthanayake has expressed concerns about the predominantly white working environment adversely affecting his mental well-being. Speaking at a journalism diversity conference, Arthanayake highlighted the impact of an "overwhelmingly white" workplace, stating that it deeply affects him to see predominantly white colleagues when he walks in. Arthanayake noted that when he raised this issue, his colleagues responded defensively, asserting that they were not being racist. However, he emphasised that their response missed the essential point. Addressing the Journalism Diversity Fund conference at BBC Media City in Salford, he pointed out that numerous individuals had left the organisation because they found it challenging to cope with the prevailing culture. He further commented that some felt compelled to conform to a certain persona to advance within the broadcaster, emphasising the importance of allow-
Nihal Arthanayake
ing journalists to be authentic. Arthanayake highlighted a lack of Muslim representation in senior editorial processes at BBC Radio 5 Live, stating, "If you want journalists to progress, they have to be who they are." These remarks were made during an on-stage interview with Jo Adetunji, editor of The Conversation, at the Journalism Diversity Fund's annual equality, diversity, and inclusion conference organised by the NCTJ, which focuses on training new journalists.
in brief JENRICK DISTANCES FROM SUNAK ON IMMIGRATION CUTS Robert Jenrick seems to be distancing himself from Rishi Sunak's immigration policies, as calls from hardline Conservatives for a crackdown on net migration intensify. The immigration minister, once perceived as close to the prime minister, indicated on Tuesday that he would have restricted the influx of people into the UK "before last Christmas" if it had been feasible. Jenrick's comments suggest a level of frustration with the government's failure to adopt his recommendations aimed at reducing overall migration, aligning with a 2019 manifesto pledge. Reports indicate that Jenrick has presented his own five-point plan to No 10. Suella Braverman, who was dismissed as home secretary, has alleged that the prime minister reneged on a deal to implement policies such as caps on work visas or raising minimum salary levels while she was in office.
KHAN ACTIVATES EMERGENCY MEASURES FOR SNOWFALL Mayor Sadiq Khan has invoked the 'severe weather emergency protocol' for London in anticipation of potential snowfall later in the week. This protocol activates emergency shelters across the city to provide accommodation for homeless individuals, to safeguard them from freezing temperatures. The Met Office forecasts indicate the possibility of up to 3cm of snow inland in various parts of the UK, with higher routes in northeast Scotland expecting up to 5cm. The cold weather is attributed to a northern Scandinavian air mass affecting the UK and Ireland. Neil Armstrong, the Met Office chief meteorologist, warns of "sleety wintry showers" in locations such as Dartmoor, Devon. David Oliver, the Met Office’s deputy chief meteorologist, anticipates widespread snowfall in southern and central Britain on Thursday and Friday.
STANLEY JOHNSON: LET FARAGE JOIN, SAVE PARTY Stanley Johnson, the father of Boris Johnson, has urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to embrace Nigel Farage and allow him to join the Conservative Party to improve their chances in the next general election. Stanley Johnson, a member of the Conservative Party and environmentalist, suggested that bringing in Farage, the former leader of the Brexit Party, could be crucial for the Tories in red wall seats in the north of England. Farage is currently participating in the reality TV show "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" Stanley Johnson emphasised the need for the Conservative Party to welcome Farage's talents and contributions to strengthen the party's position in the upcoming election. The red wall refers to traditional Labour Party strongholds in northern England that the Conservatives won in the 2019 general election.
CIVIL SERVANTS WEIGH EXIT AMID BACK-TOOFFICE DEMAND Thousands of civil servants are contemplating resigning in protest after being instructed to return to the office three days a week. Recent guidelines, issued earlier this month due to concerns that excessive remote work is impeding policy delivery in Whitehall, have sparked dissatisfaction among civil servants. The PCS union reported that nearly 40 per cent of its members have expressed concerns about the rule change, with the survey revealing that up to 4,800 individuals within the Civil Service are contemplating leaving their positions.
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in brief
Sunak asserts UK won't revive close ties with China Rishi Sunak has stated that the UK will not revert to the close ties with China pursued during David Cameron's tenure, as the prime minister engages with business leaders to attract foreign investment. The government announced on Monday that £29.5 billion in new investments had been allocated for the UK, including projects by ScottishPower owner Iberdrola and BioNTech, the German company that collaborated with Pfizer on its Covid vaccine. At a summit in Hampton Court Palace, south-west London, Sunak held meetings with leaders of multinational firms such as Goldman Sachs, Blackstone, and JP Morgan. This was followed by a reception at Buckingham Palace with King Charles. Last week's autumn statement saw a reduction in predictions for UK growth, intensify-
Rishi Sunak
ing the pressure on the government to demonstrate actions aimed at revitalising an economy grappling with rampant inflation. David Cameron had actively sought Chinese investment in the UK until 2016, when he resigned following the EU referendum.
London flat owners plead guilty to criminal charges The landlords of a dangerously overcrowded flat in east London, where a fatal fire occurred in March, have pleaded guilty to a total of nine criminal charges. Sofina Begum, 50, and Aminur Rahman, 53, entered their pleas during a brief hearing at Thames Magistrates Court in east London. The fire at 18 Maddocks House in Shadwell claimed the life of 41-year-old Mizanur Rahman. The blaze, ignited by an e-bike battery in the early hours of March 5, occurred in a twobedroom ex-council flat that housed at least 18 men on the night of the incident. The occupants shared beds, slept on the floor, and had to contend with extremely cramped living condi-
tions. The residents, mainly Bangladeshi men employed locally, reported unsanitary conditions in the flat, including bedbugs, mould, and dirt, likening it to a "prison." The case has been forwarded to the crown court for sentencing, providing Tower Hamlets council, which initiated the prosecution, the opportunity to pursue a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Former residents of the flat have disclosed that they paid approximately £90 a week or £25 a night in rent to the married couple, much of it in cash. This payment structure suggests that the landlords could have potentially collected over £100,000 a year in rent from the overcrowded flat.
Abu Dhabi developer acquires London Square for $291 million Aldar Properties, based in Abu Dhabi, has acquired London Square, a London-based developer, for an enterprise value of 1.07 billion dirhams ($291 million). This marks Aldar Properties' first acquisition outside the Middle East. The acquisition aims to leverage Aldar's expertise and financial strength to support London Square's land acquisition strategy, allowing the development of larger and prime central London sites. The deal is expected to have a positive impact on sales through crossselling opportunities across their respective customer bases. London Square, established in 2010, is known for its Nine Elms development near the
Battersea Power Station, featuring luxury homes, affordable housing, and commercial and retail space. Aldar Properties is 25%-owned by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company. Earlier, the UK Culture and Media Secretary intervened to examine the sale of the Daily Telegraph to a company backed by the ruling family of Abu Dhabi, citing concerns about public interest. The newspaper was taken over by Lloyds Bank as part of efforts to recover £1.1 billion owed by the Barclay family, the previous owners. Following the payment of the debt to Lloyds, the Abu Dhabi-backed firm agreed to take control of the newspaper.
Union claims foreign care LONDON SEES A RISE IN workers exploited in UK FOURFOLD DRINK-SPIKING
Foreign care staff brought to the UK to address a severe worker shortage are facing exploitation on a significant scale, according to a trade union. Reports reveal that some workers have been effectively paid as little as £5 an hour and charged substantial unexpected fees. One worker from Botswana shared her experience, stating that despite working long hours in domiciliary care, she was paid less than half the legal minimum. After the Wiltshire company that employed her lost a council care contract, she was laid off, raising concerns about deportation. In instance, a another Cambridgeshire company that recruited foreign workers recent-
ly shut down, leaving employees anxious about potential deportation. The union also highlighted cases where employers demanded hefty fees for training costs or imposed hidden administration fees on migrant care workers. These revelations come amid that Immigration reports Minister Robert Jenrick is considering options to restrict immigration, including potential bans on workers bringing dependents or limiting them to one relative. The UK government had extended skilled worker visas to foreign care workers in February 2022 to address the significant social care vacancies in the country.
New figures reveal that drink-spiking offences in London have surged by approximately four times in the past five years, according to Metropolitan Police data. In 2018, there were 497 reported offences related to drink spiking in the capital, and this number escalated by over 300 per cent to 2,066 offences by 2022. Data for 2023, covering up to October, indicates 1,788 reported offences so far, suggesting that this year's total may surpass the previous year once the November and December figures are included. While 57 of these offences led to criminal charges in 2023, this marks an increase from 33 in the previous year and 15 in 2018. These statistics were obtained at the request of Unmesh Desai, a Labour member of the London Assembly, who expressed concern, stating that the figures likely underestimate the true extent of the problem, given that they reflect reported incidents only.
Son of Midlands mum on death KHAN'S PUSH FOR row wants to watch her hang LONDONERS ON BIKES, The son of a Midlands mother, currently on death row for the murder of her husband, has expressed his desire to witness her hanging. Ramandeep Kaur Mann has been convicted of killing businessman Sukhjeet Singh. The 38-year-old allegedly laced her husband's biryani with sleeping pills, and her secret lover, Gurpreet Singh, struck him on the head with a hammer. Mann then proceeded to slit her husband's throat with a knife. The violent murder of 34-year-old Sukhjeet occurred in 2016 during
a family trip to India. Gurpreet, who was a childhood friend of the victim, was involved in the crime. The couple's eldest son, who was nine at the time of the incident and is now in his late teens, was a crucial witness during his mother's trial. He chillingly recounted how he witnessed his mother smothering his father with a pillow, followed by her lover hitting him with a hammer and then slitting his throat. Despite the traumatic experience, the son has expressed his desire to watch his mother's execution.
BUSES STALLS
Sadiq Khan's initiative to encourage Londoners to opt for walking, cycling, or public transport is facing challenges as it struggles to regain momentum post-reversal during the pandemic. In the 2022/23 period, 61.5% of all trips in the capital involved walking, cycling, or public transport—an improvement from the 57% recorded after the initial lockdown but a marginal decline from the 62.4% observed in the subsequent year. In 2019, approximately 64% of journeys utilised "green" transportation methods. A recent progress report from Transport for London on the mayor's transport strategy indicated that car usage had stabilised at 95% of prepandemic levels. However, congestion levels persist at a high, incompatible range with the mayor's targets. Sadiq Khan aims to achieve 80% of journeys being undertaken by walking, cycling, or public transport by 2041.
Sikh community plea follows hate crime in Slough HOSPITAL KITCHEN
The Sikh community in Slough has expressed its intolerance for attacks following the hospitalisation of an elderly man in a hate crime incident. The attack occurred around 7 pm on Tuesday, November 21, in Langley Memorial Park. A group of teenage boys approached a man in his fifties, attempting to grab his beard. The boys circled the victim, kicking him, pulling him to the ground, and continuing to kick him. After the incident, the victim suffered three broken ribs and swelling and cuts to his hand. The Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha released an impor-
WITH HORRIFIC RAT INFESTATION EXPOSED
tant statement and plea on their social media page, condemning the attack and emphasising that they will not tolerate such incidents in the Sikh community. Thames Valley Police have confirmed that the attack on the Sikh man was a hate crime. Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
NHS issues winter bug warning; hundreds with norovirus
A distressing rat infestation has been uncovered in a hospital kitchen responsible for preparing 1,500 patient meals daily. Food hygiene inspectors identified rats in a disorganised and cluttered kitchen at the William Harvey hospital in Kent, along with several other health and safety issues. The kitchen is managed by 2gether Support Solutions, a company owned by the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT). To address the rat problem, bait and traps have been set up. During a recent visit to the subsidiary company's restaurant and kitchen, food hygiene inspectors discovered the rat infestation and noted cluttered areas, along with some staff training being a year out of date. The inspection took place on October 5 as part of a comprehensive food hygiene assessment.
NEW YEAR TUBE STRIKE LOOMS, PAY The NHS has issued a warning There were also an average of 13 REJECTED about norovirus as data reveals children with the virus in hospithat hundreds of patients are currently in hospitals with the winter bug. Health authorities are concerned that the impact on hospitals from seasonal viruses may worsen due to the current cold weather. According to NHS data, an average of 351 adult hospital beds in England were occupied last week by patients with symptoms resembling norovirus, which is nearly three times the average for the equivalent week in 2022.
tal each day, compared to just three at the same point last year. Notably, admissions for other winter bugs such as flu or Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are down compared to last year. The data indicates that an average of 153 beds were closed each day last week due to flu, compared to an average of 472 in the same week last year. Additionally, an average of 140 beds were closed due to RSV last week, compared to 145 last year.
Tube passengers in London may face an increased risk of strike action in early 2023 as several unions reject a proposed five per cent pay offer. The RMT, representing around 10,000 London Underground staff, is balloting its members on potential walkouts. Unite has requested an increase in the offer to 6.1 per cent, with the possibility of a strike ballot if this request is denied. TSSA, representing Tube managers, is also said to have rejected the five per cent increase for the current financial year. The RMT ballot results are expected on December 19, meaning the earliest a strike could occur is on January 3, as a two-week notice must be given.
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Symptoms of a heart attack can include: • Chest pain – a feeling of pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across your chest • Pain in other parts of the body – it can feel as if the pain is spreading from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and tummy • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy • Sweating • Shortness of breath • Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) • An overwhelming feeling of anxiety (similar to a panic attack) • Coughing or wheezing
KNOW THE SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK Early symptoms may vary - NHS advises it’s never too early to dial 999 Heart attacks account for approximately 80,000 hospital admissions in England each year, and at least 7 out of 10 people survive them. This number rises to nearly 9 out of 10 (94%) for those who get to the hospital and get the right care. Although chest discomfort is one of the most recognised symptoms of a heart attack, other symptoms like shortness of breath, feeling lightheaded or dizzy, a sense of unease, or an overpowering feeling of anxiety may go unnoticed.
Professor Nick Linker, cardiologist and National Clinical Director for Heart Disease at NHS England says: “People who are experiencing a heart attack often describe it as a sensation of squeezing or tightness across the chest along with other symptoms such as sweating, nausea or a sense of unease. “It can be easy to dismiss the early signs of heart attack as they don’t always feel severe, but it is never too early to dial 999 and describe your symptoms – the faster you act, the better the chance of a full recovery.” A recent survey published by NHS England, reveals a lack of confidence in the South Asian community in recognising the symptoms of a heart attack, with nearly half (44%) of South Asians saying they were not confident that they could recognise the signs. nhs.uk/heartattack
Professor Nick Linker
“…wise up on the symptoms – it could just save someone’s life.” Five-years-ago, Rifhat Malik MBE from Leeds was admitted to the hospital with indigestion-like pains, nausea and chronic fatigue. “At the time it was Ramadan, and so I simply put my
symptoms down to fasting,” says Rifhat. “I had a major charity fundraising event to organise, and so pushed myself to crack on with it despite not feeling quite right. However, afterwards, my friends insisted that I to go to hospital to have my symptoms checked out. “After being driven to A&E and seen by doctors, I was told I was having a heart attack. “I was in shock, as was my husband. An angiogram showed a blockage in my right coronary artery, and so I was sent for heart surgery
to have two stents inserted.” Rifhat realises she was exceptionally lucky to have been pushed by friends to go to the hospital: “Heart disease runs in my family, so I should have known better. However, the signs of my heart attack were not severe, and so I dismissed them at the time. “Seeking medical advice at those early stages of my heart attack, most probably saved me from a more dire situation. I strongly advise our South Asian communities to wise up on the symptoms – it could just save yours, or someone else’s life.”
Do you know the difference between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?
A heart attack occurs when the supply of blood to the heart becomes blocked, which can starve it of oxygen, potentially causing serious muscle damage, but the person will be conscious and breathing. A cardiac arrest is different – it usually occurs suddenly and without warning with the person quickly losing consciousness. Their heart stops, they will have no pulse and sadly people experiencing a cardiac arrest will usually die within minutes if they do not receive treatment. A heart attack can lead to a cardiac arrest.
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South Asian heritage festival at the Zoroastrian Centre showcases cultural richness The South Asian heritage festival was organised by the Mayor of Harrow at the Zoroastrian Centre, Rayners Lane, showcasing cultural richness of the country, featuring 12 regional dancers who brought their traditional dances to life.
the senses with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and the colourful spectacle of dance. The Mayor of Harrow presented the prestigious ‘Beyond the Call of Duty’ Award to Jackie Padilla, the dedicated manager of the
The purpose of this celebration was to bring communities together in harmony and peace and families from across the country joined in this delightful, free event, wonderfully orchestrated by Mayor Cllr Ramji Chauhan. The festival was a feast for
local McDonald’s. Reema Mavani, Mcdonald’s Managing Director was also present with her team. The event also had an educational purpose with all major faith groups attending. Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, PrMediapix
FABO UK celebrates 74th Indian Constitution Day The Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations U K (FABO UK) celebrated the 74th Indian Constitution Day on Sunday, 26 November, at Ambedkar Hall in West London. Paying homage to
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the theme for this year's Constitution Day was "Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's legacy continues to shape the constitutional values of modern India." The event, graced by Chief Guest Padmashri Dr Kalpana Saroj as a keynote speaker, saw the presence of office bearers from FABO UK and Ambedkarites and Buddhists from across the UK. The proceedings began with a welcome address by Pankaj Shamkunwar, General Secretary of FABO UK, including an introduction of the attendees. The programme's agenda was outlined at the outset, and Vice President Jagdish Gaware was invited to present the similarities and differences between the Constitution of India and
the UK, shedding light on the intricate details that distinguish and connect these two significant legal frameworks. Following Mr Gaware’s insightful presentation, C Gautam, Joint General Secretary of FABO
UK, shared the Federation's remarkable 39 years of achievements, underscoring its invaluable contributions to disseminating Dr Babasaheb's mission and fostering a deeper understanding of its impact for the benefit of Ambedkarites. Dr Shrikant Borkar also shared his perspective during the occasion, and Dr Onkar Wankhede, Retired Curator of Allahabad Museum, provided insights during the programme. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from C Gautam, expressing gratitude to the guests and providing information about the upcoming event on 6 December, 67th Parinirvana Day, dedicated to paying tribute to the great Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar with reverence and remembrance.
S P Jain Group launches their first-ever School of Management in London S P Jain Group, a world-leading pioneer in business education, officially launched the state-of-the-art, their first-ever London School of Management (SPJ London) in the heart of the city's iconic financial, business, and tech district of Canary Wharf. The launch of S P Jain London School of Management was held on 21 November and was attended by several dignitaries, including Lord Jo Johnson, former Minister of State for
Australia, Dubai, Singapore, India—that is absolutely fantastic. The fact that you can use technology in the way that SPJ London is using it in such an engaging manner is fantastic. This is the future. I can see you are doing something differently. You are doing something better. You are going to offer experiences to students from around the world, around the world.” After the launch, in a discussion, Gaurav Jain, General Manager Business
Gaurav, Nitish and Bapsy Jain with Lord Jo Johnson, Rt Hon Nick Gibb, Lord Karan Bilimoria with other guests
Universities, Science, Research, and Innovation and The Rt Hon Nick Gibb, Former Minister of State at the Department of Education. Speaking at the ceremony, Rt Hon Nick Gibb said, “Congratulations for what you’ve achieved in London and congratulations for being the first Indian institution to get degree awarding powers in this country. What impressed me so much about SPJ London was the institution’s vision to set up a campus in London and offer bursaries to disadvantaged students to go to other campuses around the world. Those bursaries have now sent four British students to study at S P Jain’s wonderful campus in Singapore. It is an exciting model.” Nitish Jain, Founder and President of the S P Jain Group, shared, “London is an epicentre of global business and innovation, and we are thrilled to be a part of this thriving landscape. Our mission is to challenge established, reputable universities with our effective and innovative approaches and technology. We have a rich history and track record of crafting global business leaders, and we are excited to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of talent that London has to offer, shaping the next generation of leaders who will leave a lasting mark on the global stage.” Lord Karan Bilimoria, President of the UK Council on International Student Affairs (UKCISA), added, “The fact that students can come and study at SPJ London; the fact that they can study here in London, in
Development, SP Jain London School of Management said, “With the launch of SPJ London, the SP Jain Group brings its world-class business education to the heart of one of the world's leading financial and cultural capitals. The school is officially registered with the UK's higher education regulator, the Office for Students, and is one of only five new providers to be awarded New Degree Awarding Powers in the past three years. "SPJ London will offer students, both from the UK and abroad, the opportunity to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across bachelors and masters qualifications. Students will also have the unique opportunity to study at one or more of the Group's campuses in Dubai, Singapore, Sydney, and Mumbai.” Bapsy Jain, Director Finance, SP Jain School of Global Management said, “Founded in 2004, the S P Jain Group is named after the late S P Jain, a visionary Indian industrialist, philanthropist, and parliamentarian who played a key role in the Indian independence movement. His grandson, Nitish Jain, established the S P Jain School of Global Management in Dubai in 2004. Since then, it has expanded to Singapore, Sydney, and Mumbai, earning accolades and recognition from prestigious international bodies such as The Economist, Forbes, Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Times Higher Education-Wall Street Journal.”
What happens if one disregards your advice? Rohit Vadhwana
I
n both personal and professional realms, we often find ourselves in the role of an advisor. In moments when others perceive us as wise, they seek our counsel. The perspectives we offer can significantly influence the recipient's future decisions and actions. Advice, therefore, is not just valuable; it is revered. Advising is a full time profession in the fields of counseling, law, or ministership where the person takes immense pride in giving advice, dispensing with vast reservoirs of knowledge and understanding. But what happens when our advice goes unheeded? This disregard can lead to a sense of affront in the advisor. When advice is met with contrary actions, feelings of disrespect may surface. Yet, seasoned professionals, having attained a level of maturity, understand that their obligation ends with the imparting of advice. What follows is beyond their purview. However, this wisdom and detachment often is missing in personal relationships. It's challenging for a father, for instance, to witness his son blatantly ignoring his guidance, potentially leading to strained familial ties. But, as Kevin Kelly wisely stated, advice is a gift, not a command. Like a hat, if it doesn’t fit, try another. The recipient might not find suitable the metaphorical hat offered, opting instead to explore other options. The giver must recognize that the suitability of their advice is subject to the preferences and needs of the individual. A rejected suggestion does not diminish its value; it may simply be more fitting for someone else. Embracing this philosophy can preserve the bridges of relationships. Take, for example, a seasoned entrepreneur advising a young start-up owner. The latter, after careful consideration, might choose a different path than the one recommended. This divergence should not be seen as a rebuff but as a natural expression of individual strategy and perspective. When asked for advice, remember, you're essentially offering someone a hat to try on. They might not find it to their liking or suitable for their situation. Should they opt not to follow your counsel, it's essential to remember: it is their prerogative. Do not take it to heart or feel snubbed. Refrain from vowing never to offer advice again simply because it wasn't heeded. If you possess wisdom and others seek it, continue to share your insights, albeit detached from their outcomes. (Expressed opinions are personal)
Asian Business Association Winter Reception The London Chamber of Commerce Asian Business Association annual Winter Reception was held at Bombay Brasserie, London on 30 November. It was
businesses. Asian Business Association was established in 1995 under the Chairmanship of the late Lord Gulam Noon MBE and
Tony Matharu, Chair, Asian Business Association and LCCI Board Member (3rd from right), Karim Fatehi MBE, Interim Chief Executive, LCCI (4th from right) and Harshad Kothari, ABA Committee Member and LCCI Ambassador (extreme left) and members of the University of Westminster who were the Principal Partners
hosted by Tony Matharu, Founder and Chairman, Integrity International Group and Global Hospitality Services. The event was attended by over 70 businesses from a range of sectors. Reflecting on the success of Asian entrepreneurs in the UK and their significant contribution to London’s economy, Tony Matharu urged the UK Government to do more to recognise and support Asian
Subhash Thakrar - former partner of Blackstone Franks LLP who now sits on the Boards of various companies in executive and non-executive positions. - in recognition of the huge contribution of Asian businesses to the nation’s capital. For further information about Sponsorship, Membership and future events, contact Harshad Kothari: harshad@sasconsultancy.com
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International Tea Day
Diwali Magazine
Every year on December 15, tea-producing countries celebrate International Tea Day. The day seeks to draw attention of governments and citizens around the world to the impact that the tea trade has on workers and growers. The tea-producing countries that celebrate International Tea Day are Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda, Tanzania and India. Apart from water, tea is the most popular beverage in the world and its primary types of tea include white, black, green, oolong, herbal, and pu'erh. It is believed to have originated in China and was used for medicinal reasons. In the 17th century, tea made its way to the UK. Because of the large number of tea drinkers in the world, it demands a massive production scale. Unfortunately, in many tea-producing countries, production comes with many challenges including low wages and lack of medical care for workers in rural areas, and a lack of clean and potable water on plantations. There is also a need for improved sanitation on tea plantations. Additionally, women make up 50 per cent of the workforce on tea plantations and these women usually don't have access to education. The first International Tea Day was held in New Delhi in 2005. However, in 2015, the Indian government proposed to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation to expand International Tea Day across the world. The most popular of all beverages, nowadays, some people can go without food, but they cannot go without a morning cup of tea. Tea is made from the leaves of a tea plant. This plant is an evergreen shrub. It grows up to four or five feet in height. For some people, every time is tea time. Whenever a guest drops in, he/she expects to be entertained with a cup of tea. After a day's hard work, a cup of tea is very refreshing. When taken hot, it gives warmth to the body. It is also sometimes used as a medicine for cold and fever. But drinking too much tea is harmful.
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the Diwali magazine you sent out few weeks ago. It was truly a delight to receive such a well-crafted publication filled with vibrant articles in both English and Gujarati. The fascinating Diwali message of PM Rishi Sunak’s and the diversity of topics covered in the magazine captivated my interest and provided a rich reading experience. From insightful cultural pieces to engaging stories, each article added a unique flavor to the overall content. It felt like a celebration of not only Diwali but also of knowledge, creativity, and diverse perspectives. I especially enjoyed reading the recipes, glam tips, articles on our Indian traditional culture and heritage, stories in the Gujarat section, including my yearly horoscope. The inspiring article of Chitra Banerjee was too good. The depth of research and the clarity of expression made the reading experience both enjoyable and enlightening. Your team's effort in putting together such a wonderful magazine is commendable. It truly contributed to the festive spirit and added a special touch to my and even my family member’s Diwali celebrations. I hope to read and enjoy more of your special editions in the future.
Jubel D'Cruz
Successful Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation The Silkyara tunnel rescue operation in Uttarakhand undoubtedly stands as a testament to the dedication and efficiency of India’s emergency response teams. It took almost 17 days for the evacuation of the workers trapped in the tunnel. It is essential to acknowledge the challenges and risks faced by the rescue personnel as they worked tirelessly to navigate adverse conditions and ensure the security of the individuals trapped in the tunnel. The incident in Uttarakhand serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of disasters and the importance of being well-prepared to handle such situations. Sam Mathew
Vinita Seth
Insightful vision and leadership by Rajesh Agrawal Happy to read the insightful news coverage about the get together programme at your office involving Rajesh Agrawal, the former Deputy Mayor for Business in London, and his decision to run as a Labour MP for Leicester East. The article provided a comprehensive overview of Mr Agrawal's vision, priorities, and achievements, shedding light on his commitment to supporting businesses, fostering diversity, and addressing economic challenges. It was enlightening to read about his passion for entrepreneurship, opportunity, and the belief in a Labour way to grow the economy that benefits both workers and employers. Furthermore, Mr Agrawal's dedication to bringing communities together, along with his emphasis on economic success and addressing poverty, resonates with the pressing issues facing our society today. The diverse perspectives from distinguished guest and political figures like Gareth Thomas, Unmesh Desai, and Cllr Muhammed Butt added depth to the coverage, providing a well-rounded view of Mr. Agrawal's significance of his candidacy for Leicester East. The emphasis on the role of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar in nurturing political talent and raising the voice of the community was particularly noteworthy. In conclusion, the article successfully captured the essence of Mr Agrawal's political journey, his commitment to public service and the potential impact way ahead as the Labour MP for Leicester East. Alok Sen
MPs voice concerns on DWP's £1bn health transformation The UK Parliament's Public Accounts Committee has raised concerns about the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) £1 billion Health Transformation Programme, designed to digitise the application process for disability benefits. MPs have identified "significant risks," including the potential failure to deliver transformative changes for service users. One major concern expressed by the committee is the limited public input in the design of the Health
Transformation Programme. MPs worry that insufficient engagement with the public could lead to a system that does not adequately address the needs and concerns of those applying for disability benefits. Additionally, the committee has raised alarms about the DWP's approach to working with contractors for the program. They fear that this method may expose the taxpayer to contractual disputes, higher costs, and delays, which are common challenges
associated with integrating digital systems. MPs caution that contractors might use difficulties in the development and rollout of the new system as grounds for not meeting expected service levels or adhering to the standards outlined in the contract. The Health Transformation Programme aims to enable online applications, enhance case management, and streamline the process for triaging claims related to disability benefits.
Sunak's smoking ban rollback endangers lives: Experts Health experts are warning that if Rishi Sunak fails to deliver on his promise to ban smoking in the UK, thousands more smokers could face premature deaths.
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), a campaign group, cautions that Big Tobacco is likely to lobby against the proposed ban due to the substantial profits gen-
Out & About Get ready for an exceptional edition of Zee TV's prominent community program, "Out & About"! This week’s spotlight is on the Diwali celebration on the renowned Glamorgan Cricket ground in Cardiff for a spectacular Diwali celebration hosted by the Indian community of Wales. Witness the vibrant festivities of this auspicious occasion unfolding this weekend.
Sunday 10th December 2023 @ 6.00PM SKY 709 VIRGIN 809
erated from cigarette sales. Despite a steady decline in smoking rates over the past two decades, approximately 6.4 million people in the UK still smoke cigarettes, according to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics. ASH's chief executive, Deborah Arnott, emphasises the profitability of selling cigarettes, with major tobacco companies making significant net operating profits. While the immediate impact on sales may be small, the long-term goal is to eventually end cigarette sales. The proposed policy aims to incrementally raise the
legal age for purchasing tobacco products each year, starting from the current age of 18. If voted through Parliament, someone aged 14 today would never legally be able to buy cigarettes. The UK Lung Cancer Coalition expresses concerns that industry lobbying might lead to raising the smoking age to 21 instead of implementing a complete ban. The Prime Minister has emphasised his commitment to passing the smoke-free generation legislation before the next election, and ASH believes that despite tobacco companies' efforts, the ban is inevitable.
KAPIL’S
Kapil Dudakia
KHICHADI
Modi Magic 24 Modi ModiModi, an emotional cry from the masses heard right across Bharat, but as we PIO and NRI community know, it’s the same chorus of support right across the globe as well. Against this backdrop, and after successive humiliating Rahul, Sonia and Congressdefeats, one would have thought that by now they would have learnt a few lessons and had figured out the pulse of the nation. However, the arrogance of the Lutyenwalas and the Khan market gangs has resulted in yet more unfathomable defeats in recent state elections for these entitled bigots. This success is not just due to Modi Magic, but also a refinement in theirorganizational structure at the grassroots, their ability to connect their ideological narrative with the voters, and of course their precision utilisation of the RSS stalwarts. The captivating leadership of Prime Minister Modi remains the foundation stone for all BJP victories. We have witnessed how his popularity transcends regional and national boundaries. Attending COP28 Summit 2023 held in Dubai last week, not only did he stand tall as a world leader, but we alsosaw other world leaders wanting to have selfies with him. The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni approached PM Modi and clicked a selfiewhich she put on ‘X’ (Twitter for those who don’t know the name has changed) and it went viral. The global response was phenomenal, as was the response in India itself. This decisive and dynamic leadership resonates with the electorate and the "Modi wave"continues to deliver results. In all four states, BJP increased their footprint. They won with outstanding results in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and increased seats in Telangana from only 1, to now 8. Today the BJP and their alliance partners now govern 18 states. Compare that with Congress and their so called I.N.D.I.A. (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) partners of some 28 parties who collectively control only 10 states. And of those, Congress controls ONLY 3 states! The BJP are successful for many reasons. Under the stewardship of PM Modi, it has now become synonymous with infrastructure development, investment at the grassroots, attack on corruption, extensive access and use of modern technology, empowerment of women and communities left behind, mantra of ‘make in India’ increasingly becoming the norm, taxation fit for 21st C, access to banking for all, and much more. In effect, there is no one in India who has not been impacted directly as a result of at least one of these initiatives. Even his staunchest critics have reluctantly accepted that PM Modi has got their back, and that of the nation. This vision of the new India, Bharat, resonates with voters at their very core. Whilst the opposition have spent 9 years in attacking the Prime Minister with incredibly lowgrade attacks, he has risen above all of it and presents an image of Bharat on the global stage that ordinary voters feel pride in. In Bharat, the aspiring youth want a leader who can present a 'New India'vision. The significance of these elections becomes even more clearer when you consider that in 2024 India holds its national general election. Today, after more than 9 years in governance, the momentum of 2014 does not seem to have slowed. By this standard let us be clear, the next government in India will be led by PM Modi again. The BJP and it’s NDA partners will secure a people’s mandate of significance yet again. In India the BJP is known as a nationalist party. This is where the vast majority of international political commentators make their huge mistake. The meaning of ‘nationalist’ in India is a party, a group, or a person who works for the welfare of the nation. These patriots come from all strata of society, and from all faith backgrounds. The miscreants of modern-day journalism equate ‘nationalist’ with the western concept of right wing, or far-right ideology. Not only is this totally false, but this western imperial lens also attempts to paint India in bad light using their morally corrupt narrative. Thewestern politics of left, right and centre does not translate into the politics of the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, beware the western professors, the academics and the mediawalas who will purposefully abuse their position to paint a fake narrative to undermine India. In India it used to be,and still is, ‘Modi hai to Mumkinhai’, now people are saying, ‘Modi hai to Guarantee hai’. My guarantee –2024 it’s Modi, Modi, Modi all the way.
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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LCNL Medical Camp raises awareness for healthy living The Lohana Community North London (LCNL) conducted a Medical Camp at the Dhamecha Lohana Centre, Harrow on Sunday 3 December 2023. The prime aim for this event was to raise awareness for healthy living.
index. Female health issues were addressed for the ladies by Dr Chandni Rajani, Dr Dipa Modi, Dr Anjali Lakhani and Dr Dipika Thakrar. Other General Practitioners who assisted in the screening process were Dr Diviash Thakrar
Sitting L to R: Dhiru Savani, Sudhir Jagsi, Bhavisha Thakrar, Rajni Sawjani, Prafula Chotai, Madhu Popat, Amit Chandarana, Sanjay Rughani, Parag Thacker, Malini Vasanjee, Ronak Paw Standing L to R: Daksha Thakrar, Vinod Thakrar LCF CP, Dr. Milan Radia, Dr Jitendra Kakad, Prof. Bhikhu Kotecha (Medical Camp Convenor), LCNL President Meena Jasani, Dr Anant Sachdev, Dr Chandni Rajani, Vanessa Struman, Kirit Modi MBE
This event convened and facilitated by Professor Bhikhu Kotecha, was wellattended and consisted of dedicated lectures on various aspects of health including high blood pressure, menopause, prostate cancer and falls in the elderly. These lectures were given by Dr Milan Radia, Dr Chandni Rajani, Vaness Struman, Dr Anant Sachdev and Dr Jitendra Kakad. Kirit Modi MBE, Chairperson of Jain and Hindu Organ Donation Alliance (JHOD) delivered a lecture on living kidney donation. This was followed by a health screening programme for the audience and included measurement of blood pressure, heart-rate rhythm and body mass
and Dr Nick Datttani. Polypharmacy station to discuss medication was run by Shilpa Radia and Panna Kotecha. A team of optometrists and ophthalmic surgeons was led by Bharat Rughani and Dr Meera Radia included Sanjay Sawjani, Prakash Rughani, Neera Radia and Bharti Raja who assessed for glaucoma, cataract formation and retinopathy. The LCNL President, Meena Jasani had the Medical Camp event as one of her main priorities and saw it to fruition. The LCNL worked in unison with full support in volunteering from the Young Lohana Society, Youth group, Mahila Mandal and Senior Men which made the event a success.
The Punjabi Society of the British Isles (1928) celebrates 95th anniversary The Punjabi Society of the British Isles (1928) celebrated Diwali and their 95th Anniversary at the wonderful Clay Oven Banqueting Suites in Wembley, on Sunday 19 November 2023. The event was also raising funds for NHS Charities Together, the national charity caring for the NHS, supporting the incredible NHS workforce when they need it most and improving the care for patients and communities. Over 200 guests attended the glittering dinner with VIP’s including Seema Malhotra MP, also a Patron of the PSBI and Shri Deepak Chaudhary, Minister of
Photo courtesy by Ravi Bolina
L to R : Nirbhai Rai (President), Deepak Chaudhary (Minister of Coordination – HCI), Bhawana Chaudhary, Madhu Khanna, Seema Malhotra (MP), Trilochan S Sahni (Patron/Special Advisor), Parag Bhargava (General Secretary), Ashaa Bhargava
Coordination for the High Commission of India. Seema Malhotra MP thanked the PSBI for the hard work the Society does to raise the profile of the Punjabi community and to connect the Punjabi com-
Need glasses? Ours start from £15
WDHA receives the King’s Award for Voluntary Service Wellingborough District Hindu Association (WDHA) has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service by HM The King. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work in their communities. WDHA was started by a group of community volunteers in the early 1970s. Subsequently, a building was purchased with funds from
munity with other people in the UK. Shri Deepak Chaudhary commended the Society on its history and work over the years and congratulated the Society on the celebration of its 95th Anniversary. He also
the community and volunteers. The Hindu Centre has continued to serve the community in Wellingborough and across Northamptonshire for over 45 years, hosting numerous religious, and community engagement events, educational and sports programmes for children, families and local schools supporting thousands of individuals in that time.
Cheque presentation to Hindu Society Tooting L to R : Nirbhai Rai (President), Baljit Sood (Social Secretary), Tarlochan S. Chahal (Fundraising Secretary), Parag Bhargava (General Secretary), Brij Goyal (Hindu Society Tooting), Anju Narang (Membership Secretary) Includes standard single-vision lenses only. Ask in store for details.
commented on how well the Indian diaspora in the UK is doing. Guests were treated to a lively bhangra dance performance by Munde Punjab De, after which guests danced the night away with the melodious songs and music. A raffle and auctions were also held to raise funds and over £2500 was raised for the charity on the night combined with the donations and sponsorships also received. A cheque for £501.00 was also presented to Mr. Brij Goyal from the Hindu Society Tooting to contribute towards their Mandir Fundraising Appeal.
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“Lack of diversity” in No 10 led to preventable deaths in women, Covid inquiry hears Continued from page 1
In a written statement presented to the independent public inquiry into the UK government's handling of the pandemic, she underscored that the "exclusion of a female perspective resulted in significant negative consequences." She specifically highlighted a lack of consideration for issues affecting domestic abuse victims, pregnant women, and childcare challenges during school closures. The conclusions drawn from this inquiry are not expected soon, but one doesn’t particularly need it to determine the ignorance of the need of women during the pandemic. Be it prenatal and child care or aiding the victims of domestic violence, the government truly felt short. The enforcement of strict rules for hospital visits, the isolation of women during vulnerable periods, and compelling women to share confined spaces with their abusers while being subjected to motivational speeches by those in power did not help. Boris Johnson is due to appear this week in front of the inquiry, and expected to apologise, though it is reported that he strongly believes the government did its best to protect lives. Domestic violence victims left in suffering During the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) data reveals a concerning surge in domestic abuse. Between April and June 2020, helplines logged a total of 40,397 calls and contacts, marking a significant 65% increase compared to the preceding three months. Police records indicated 259,324 domestic abuse-related offences (excluding fraud) from March to June 2020, representing a 7% rise from the same period in 2019 and an 18% increase from 2018. While the government hasn’t been that effective in combatting the issue of domestic violence ever, the pandemic really saw a downward spiral. During a three-week period of coronavirus lockdown in Britain, nearly three times as many women were killed by men compared to the average for the same period over the last decade. This alarming statistic is based on data compiled by monitoring and advocacy groups.
In commemoration of ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor's 50th anniversary, a special mosaic has been unveiled, signifying a significant milestone for the temple. Led by mosaic artist Wendy Phillips and supported by a core team and around 400 community members, the creation of the
mosaic took over 8 months to complete on the temple grounds. Comprising three expansive panels seamlessly intertwining, the mosaic depicts the core activities of the temple. Crafted with materials like glass tiles, porcelain, and mirrored tiles, the mosaic captures intricate details and plays with light, creating an inspiring effect in sunlight.
Dean Russell MP inaugurated part of the mosaic during the official unveiling. He said, “It was a true pleasure and honour to be the chief guest at the mosaic unveiling. Creativity and the arts are areas I have a personal passion for, so to be part of the event to show the beautiful mosaic for the first time was really inspiring.”
Ex-Met officer avoids jail for unauthorised searches Helen MacNamara
Pregnant and anxious, left alone When it comes to prenatal care and childbirth, the Johnson government had better guidelines in place for football and parties. Expecting mothers could not have their partners tag along for routine tests and have them present during childbirthafter following a plethora of guidelines. Asian Voice spoke to a London-based producer, presenter and chef (now in Mumbai), Shrimoyee Chakraborty in 2020. She was pregnant at that time. She told our team that her NHS experience had been distressing and she couldn’t really blame the organisation for it as it was up to the government to acknowledge the NHS staff shortages and underfunding. When she was 14 weeks pregnant, when Shrimoyee suddenly started bleeding. “I went to the hospital at 10 PM and because of bureaucratic nonsense, they kept pushing me from one ward to the other. They kept saying that we’ll only see you at fourteen weeks and I was 13 weeks 4 days pregnant. They pushed me around for two hours till I had to fight to be seen by a doctor. I said I’m not leaving till you tell me if the baby is alive or not. For me, the whole experience with the NHS has been pretty traumatic, to say the least,” she explained. She had gone alone for almost every scan in her pregnancy. Priti Patel, the then Home Secretary of the UK had launched a helpline and various other measures to aid women facing domestic abuse during the pandemic to help them escape their abusers. She also put guidelines in place to remove abusers from homes rather than having the victims flee. However, these guidelines were clearly not enough and the Borris Johnson government could have done so much better with better planning.
‘Honour-based’ abuse rises post-lockdowns Cases of so-called honour-based abuse (HBA) in England and Wales have shown an upward trend, according to Home Office figures. In 2022-23, there were 2,905 recorded HBA offences, marking a 1% increase from the previous year and a 10% rise since 2020-21. The mandatory requirement for police to document these crimes from 2019 might contribute to the reported increase, which saw a substantial 81% rise between 2016 and 2020. Additionally, pandemic lockdowns potentially offered
Bhaktivedanta Manor reveals mosaic for 50th anniversary
abusers more opportunities to commit such offences. However, it's crucial to note that many instances of HBA may still go unreported. HBA encompasses a range of harmful practices, including forced marriages, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse, female genital mutilation, and honour killings. Perpetrators commit these crimes in the name of defending or restoring the honour of individuals or social groups, like families, clans, castes, or communities.
A former Metropolitan Police officer, Constable Mohammed Rahman, who exploited his access to police computer systems for personal reasons, has avoided imprisonment. Rahman, aged 39, was sentenced on Friday (1) to 12 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, for "abusing" his position of trust.
Despite the suspended sentence, Rahman is required to complete 100 hours of community service and undergo 20 days of rehabilitation activity. Having resigned from the force following his suspension from duty, he now faces a misconduct hearing for breaching standards of professional behaviour. Between October 2018 and
February 2021, Rahman conducted numerous unauthorized searches on Metropolitan Police intelligence and crime reporting databases. These searches were aimed at finding information about individuals, family members, including addresses known to him, and car registration numbers, as revealed by Southwark Crown Court.
MPs highlight dual inequity for BAME transplant patients MPs have released a report concluding that a lack of action by the NHS over more than a decade is leading to avoidable deaths among black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) transplant patients. The inquiry into organ donation in the UK, as reported by The Guardian, highlighted a "double whammy of inequity" faced by individuals of minority ethnic and mixed heritage backgrounds. These individuals are more likely to require donors due to a higher prevalence of conditions like sickle cell and kidney disease. However, they are less likely to
find suitable matches on donor registers for blood, stem cells, or organ matches. Matching tissue types significantly increase the chances of successful treatment, especially when donors with similar ethnic backgrounds are involved. The all-party parliamentary group (APPG) for ethnicity transplantation and transfusion conducted the inquiry, revealing that, despite an increase in donors compared to previous years, only 0.1% of blood donors, 0.5% of stem cell donors, and fewer than 5% of organ donors are from minority
ethnic or mixed backgrounds. As a result, individuals of white ethnicity are nearly twice as likely to secure a stem cell donor and 20% more likely to find a kidney donor. The report indicates that the likelihood of finding a suitably matched stem cell donor is 72% for white patients and only 37% for BAME individuals. Furthermore, within a year of being listed for a kidney transplant, 81% of minority ethnic and mixed-heritage patients are still awaiting a new kidney, compared to 65% for white patients.
Cancer signs on urinal mats in pubs and football grounds Urinal mats in public places across England will now feature blood in pee cancer warnings for men, marking a significant step in a major new NHS initiative aimed at promoting earlier cancer diagnosis. The NHS has collaborated with P-Wave, a leading urinal products brand, to display the message “Blood in your pee? Contact your GP practice” on urinal mats in thousands of men's toilets nationwide. Various public spaces, including pubs, restaurants, shops, hotels, and sports stadiums, will
incorporate these lifesaving mats, with a specific focus on men's workplaces. Passing blood in pee, even if it occurs only once, is a common symptom for bladder, kidney, or prostate cancers—conditions that rank among the ten most prevalent cancers in the country and generally affect men more than women. Common symptoms for these cancers include frequent urination, sudden urges to urinate, a burning sensation during
urination, difficulty urinating, a lump or swelling in the back, under the ribs, or in the neck, and pain in the side between the ribs and the hip. The NHS initiative aligns with a recent survey revealing that nearly half of men (46%) were unaware that blood in pee could be a symptom of cancer. Additionally, two-fifths of men (39%) indicated they would delay seeking medical attention until they observed blood in their pee on multiple occasions.
Government compensates infected blood scandal victims Government yields to pressure and agrees to compensate victims of the infected blood scandal with a proposed scheme. Rishi Sunak faced what would have been the first Commons defeat of his premiership after Tory MPs planned to defy a three line whip and vote for an amendment backing a compensation scheme. Labour MP and Home Affairs Committee chairman Dame Diana Johnson, a prominent advocate for victims and their families, proposed the amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill, triggering the government's
Dame Diana Johnson
decision. Home Office minister Edward Argar acknowledged the strong sentiments in the
Commons on this issue and pledged the government's intention to introduce a compensation scheme aligned with Dame Diana's proposal. Speaking to MPs, Argar expressed remorse, stating, "The infected blood scandal should never have happened. My heart goes out to all those affected by this appalling tragedy." An ongoing public statutory inquiry is examining how thousands of patients, including many with hemophilia, received blood and blood products infected with HIV and hepatitis C during the 1970s and 1980s.
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Tajinder Banwait’s kitchen table business ideas soar high H T W W Anusha Singh
ajinder Banwait, an entrepreneur and mother of two, has accomplished the remarkable feat of launching not just one, but two successful businesses right from her kitchen table. She conceptualised and introduced Urban Apothecary, a high-end fragrance brand for home and body, which has garnered a global presence. In March of this year, she further expanded her entrepreneurial portfolio with the launch of Palette London, an ecoluxe beauty brand. In an interview with Asian Voice, Tajinder discusses business acumen, work-life balance and all about her entrepreneurial journey. hat inspired you to start Urban Apothecary and Palette London? Can you share the philosophy behind your businesses? Urban Apothecary London started from my kitchen table at home in Leicester and the collection combines my passion for perfume and aromas that stir the senses with an appreciation of stylish interior accessories. Every product and all the scents continue to draw deeply from my original ethos. Palette London, on the other hand was launched earlier this year starting with nail paints that are vegan, halal accredited and formulated with up to 70% plant-based bio-sourced ingredients. My struggle with nail health inspired this venture and it was important that my formula while having the
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Tajinder Banwait
glossy, long-lasting gel-effect finish, wasn’t damaging. ow has your South Asian heritage influenced your entrepreneurial journey? Asians, by nature, are very entrepreneurial because of the support systems available. We rely often on family, one of the first places to seek reassurance and funding is family. come from an I entrepreneurial family as well, so I always knew it would be a case of when I would start a business rather than if I would. My dad came from India in 1977, and by 1979, he became one of the largest clothing manufacturers in the 70’s in Leicester. I loved spending time with him while he so naturally, the worked, entrepreneurial spirit was instilled into me from a young age. I built my Leicestershire-based candle factory based on my dad’s
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entrepreneurial advice and a decade later, he still runs the show alongside my mum, thoroughly enjoying the experience. hat unique challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur in the beauty industry? I always knew I would, one day, become my own boss. A career in the beauty industry was certainly not ‘the norm’ for Asian girls, so I knew I would have to work extra hard to achieve my dreams. My biggest challenge came very early in my career and required breaking the stereotype of what a beauty industry entrepreneur should look like. I felt extra pressure to succeed because of this additional point to prove.
During my business journey, I take every opportunity to share my brand story and with it my Asian heritage, so those following in my footsteps, or wishing to, could see it and therefore be it. I was setting myself up as an example of what can be achieved if you set your mind to it.
ow do you stay innovative and competitive in the everevolving beauty market? Over 26 years in the fragrance, beauty, and luxury lifestyle industry, I have built up an intuitive understanding of consumer preference and a natural ability to identify what will work for my customers for both Urban Apothecary and Palette London. I have great commercial awareness and an eye for opportunity! Both my brands have a luxury appeal without the luxury price tag and I will always position them as ‘affordable luxury’. We also always go the extra mile. ow do you maintain a work-life balance, striking a balance between the two? It might seem counterintuitive, but I decided to launch my fragrance brand shortly after the birth of my first child. I would create, plan and even hold supplier meetings with the baby carrier on the table. This way, I had the best of both worlds, spending time with my newborn and growing the business I loved. By the time my son was out of the cot, my products were in 40 John Lewis stores and Bergdorf Goodman in New York. Raising a family and growing two businesses can be challenging. I have an incredible passion and drive for what I do and for my family, so I’ve become an expert in juggling so both can thrive. In addition, my incredibly supportive family takes a great interest in
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what I do and they are extremely hands-on. hat have been the most rewarding moments in your entrepreneurial journey so far? In 2022, Urban Apothecary London was honoured with The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade. We were one of only 226 businesses to have received the award, plus we are the first home fragrance brand in the history of the awards to win for International trade. Having grown a successful business based on export, I was invited by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to become an Export Champion and I am now in my second year. I cherish this role, which enables me to give speeches and presentations that help other British businesses take the first step to trading overseas. hat advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs, especially those from the South Asian community? My top tips for aspiring female entrepreneurs are: relationships are key; people work better with people they like, consider your long-term strategy to put in place now what will safeguard you for the future and consider the benefits of international trade. I would also advise that every market has unique requirements, so understanding what’s expected from a regulatory point of view is essential.
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PRANITA BORA: Exploring the artist and the stories behind the art Anusha Singh
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ranita, a young artist hailing from Ahmednagar, stands out with her extraordinary talent and a trailblasing artistic journey. Equipped with formal training in art and a remarkable creative flair, she has devoted herself to using her canvas as a means to connect with her audience, transcending the
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Pranita Bora
Pranita Bora presenting a painting to President of India, Ram Nath Kovind
‘Ukhalbandhanam’
boundaries of her hometown. Pranita's artistic endeavours have taken her to various metropolitan cities, where she has held numerous exhibitions showcasing her distinctive talent. Notably, she achieved the remarkable feat of having one of her paintings adorn the walls of the prestigious Rashtrapati Bhawan, a testament to her artistic prowess. Among her notable works is a painting titled 'Ukhalbandhanam,' which has earned a coveted place in the Prime Minister's office. As Pranita’s journey as an artist continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark in the world of art and culture, she speaks to Asian Voice about her art and the story she wishes to portray. hat are some themes or concepts that you consistently explore in your work? Historical characters have always had a great influence on my life. Many great characters in Mahabharata such as the likes of Bhishma, who abdicated the throne of Hastinapur for his father and accepted the lifelong vow of celibacy, Acharya Drona, who was forced to trade for knowledge instead of donating it due to poverty, Dhritarashtra who became blind in love for Duryodhana and
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of demotivation, I turn to books, explore the lives of past great artists, study the works of masters, peer into the creations of contemporary painters, and seek inspiration from exhibitions to reignite their creative spirit. re there specific artists or movements that have had a significant impact on your work? As a woman, artists such as Amrita Shergill and B Prabha have profoundly influenced my life, shaping my perception of women's fragility, beauty, and sensitivity. Reading and deeply practising the works of these women painters has been instrumental in embodying these qualities. My artistic practice revolves around portraying the impact of personal joy and sorrow on one's life, capturing the evolving colours that result from these experiences. hat challenges have you faced in your artistic journey, and how have they influenced your creative process? One notable obstacle I face is the absence of art galleries, resulting in a lack of exposure to quality work. Without such opportunities to view exceptional exhibitions, the potential for inspiration diminishes, particularly in the context of masterpieces. Unfortunately, the prevailing indifference towards art in our community worsens the situation, leading to a dearth of buyers. Furthermore, the local art school falls short of delivering a quality education comparable to that of institutions elsewhere. The significance of being surrounded by the right environment and capable individuals cannot be overstated, as a conducive environment sustains an inherent desire to work, keeping one motivated. hat advice would you give to aspiring artists based on your own experiences? I firmly believe that passion, hard work, and producing quality work will inevitably lead to opportunities. Art, in any form, is akin to an ocean, where the more you explore, the less you feel you've done. Regardless of the art form, be it music or painting, experimentation is at its core. It is through experimentation that art evolves, capable of creating something grand and exceptional. Every artist remains a perpetual student throughout their life.
Yagyaseni Draupadi, who burns in the fire of vengeance like flames of fire, have a deep impact on my mind. I believe that to express any topic or emotion on canvas, it is very important for it to be reflected in you. an you share a memorable moment or experience related to your art that has left a lasting impression on you? Receiving the award from His Excellency President Respected Shri Ram Nath Kovind marked the pinnacle of my life, an unforgettable moment etched in my memory. The significance of the event was heightened as I engaged in a conversation with him, explaining the inspiration behind my painting. This artwork not only earned me the honour but also afforded me the privilege of residing in Rashtrapati Bhavan for eight days. Living alongside 15 of the country's most prominent and revered painters, individuals whose works I had studied in my childhood and admired as I grew up, was an extraordinary opportunity. ow do you handle creative blocks, and what strategies do you use to find inspiration? An artist's creations are a mirror reflecting their own life, a manifestation of the person they are, immersing themselves in their art. In my case, the subjects of my paintings— Meera, Radha, Krishna— reflect the religious atmosphere prevalent in my home. Growing up amidst these stories and influenced by the teachings of the Geeta, these characters serve as a perpetual inspiration. During moments
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Indian rapper Badshah’s UK tour breaks records The megastar performs for over 15,000 fans at debut UK tour as he redefines live entertainment through the lens of social impact Music aficionados in the United Kingdom were treated to an unforgettable and enthralling night of unadulterated revelry as one of the biggest household names in the South-Asian music and entertainment industry, Badshah delivered pioneering headlining performances in the region and shut down London and Leeds last week. Notably, the sold-out historic performances marked Badshah’s debut set at the iconic arenas and arrived amidst unprecedented anticipation for his forthcoming album ‘Badworld’. The fourth most followed Indian musician on Spotify infused an invigorating surge of energy and enthusiasm to Wembley's Ovo Arena and First Direct Arena Leeds, as he presented a unique blend of Punjabi hip hop, Bollywood and pop music complemented with some acoustic Shayari. The audience consisted of heterogeneous nationalities as well as guests with special needs and disabilities, who the rapper personally interacted with backstage upon the conclusion of his roaring show. The Billboard-charting South Asian music juggernaut made a larger-than-life splash on the stage along with his famous mammothsized teddy bear and exotic dancers at his highly publicised tour. The 38-year-old global entertainer took the arenas by storm, sporting
Party Shuru Hui Hai’ and ‘Paagal’. Heralding a first for the global South Asian community, Badshah supported wellbeing brand Rain Dance Colour Festival which supports charities such as The British Asian Trust, Manchester Mind and Bipolar UK to lend support to conversations around mental health and well-being, establishing the significance of driving social impact messaging through live entertainment.
ultra-chic luxe gear and delighted his legions of fans across the United Kingdom over a smashing three-hour 27-track setlist. The hip-hop trailblazer, who continues to drop topselling records year after year, performed some of his most influential compositions including the recently released ‘Gone Girl’ and ‘Jawaab’ as well as his memorable hits from his older catalogue such ‘Jugnu’, ‘Paani’, ‘Garmi’, ‘DJ Waale Babu’, ‘Let’s Nacho’, ‘Kala Chashma’, ‘Kar Gayi Chull’, ‘Genda Phool’, ‘Abhi Toh
Badshah who sported custom-made Sidhu Moose Wala earplugs throughout the show as a mark of respect said, “A big shoutout to all my fans in the UK for coming out over the weekend. It has been an incredibly delightful experience for me and I thoroughly enjoyed sharing the music and making memories with each one of you. It takes a lot to pull off shows like these and I thank all the stakeholders involved in making this tour a success. I look forward to performing again real soon!”
Ezu, B Young revive Bollywood classic with 'Anjani X’ International music sensations Ezu and B Young have joined forces to deliver an electrifying new track, 'Anjani X' set to captivate audiences with its dynamic fusion of Punjabi verses and international R&B vibes. The single features a sample from the iconic 'Ladki Badi Anjaani Hai' from the Bollywood classic, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, adding a nostalgic touch to the contemporary sound. 'Anjani X' showcases the best of both worlds as Ezu brings his fresh Punjabi verses to the table, seamlessly interwoven with B Young's distinctive international R&B style. The collaboration effortlessly blends English and Punjabi lyrics, accompanied by a catchy beat, solidifying its position in the current music market. 'Anjani X' is poised to be a chart-topping hit, promising to dominate airwaves and playlists worldwide. Accompanying the release is a visually stunning
music video that perfectly complements the song's vibrant energy. Filmed with a keen artistic eye, the video features Ezu and B Young performing in their signature styles, accompanied by Bollywood-inspired dancers showcasing their mesmerising moves. Ezu and B
Young's collaboration is a testament to their ability to bridge musical genres and cultural influences, creating a universally appealing sound that transcends boundaries. 'Anjani X' is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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Cleverly unveils plans on immigration clampdown, experts react Anusha Singh The government has unveiled a new five-point plan aimed at reducing immigration, with measures such as prohibiting care workers from bringing their families and increasing the minimum salary for skilled worker visas. Mr Cleverly asserts that these measures would have resulted in approximately 300,000 individuals who entered the UK last year ineligible. being Additionally, he reiterated plans to raise the immigration health surcharge from £624 to £1,035. Introduced policies explained Described as "more robust" than previous migration policies, the plan addresses health and care visas, skilled worker visas, family visas, the shortage occupation list, and student visas. These plans are: Skilled worker visa minimum salary change: As part of the plan, the threshold for skilled worker visa applications will see a nearly 50% increase, rising from £26,200 to £38,700. The minimum requirement for family visas will also be elevated to £38,700 to ensure financial support for dependents, compared to the current rate of £18,600 set in 2012. Shortage occupation list: The government aims to reform the system for overseas workers in understaffed sectors by eliminating the 20% discount on the minimum salary for shortage occupation visas. Additionally, there will be a review and reduction of the types of jobs included in the shortage occupation list, aimed at curbing the use of discounted foreign labour. Family visas: The minimum requirement for a family visa will increase to £38,700, aiming to ensure that individuals can financially support their dependents. The current threshold, set at the 2012 rate of £18,600, will be adjusted accordingly. Student visas: In light of recent restrictions on bringing family members on student visas, the government plans to task the Migration Advisory Committee with reviewing the graduate route. The objective is to prevent abuse and safeguard the integrity and quality of higher education in the UK. Health and care visas: To address the perceived misuse of the health and care visa, the government has implemented a policy preventing overseas care workers from bringing family dependents. To sponsor individuals for visa applications, care firms are required to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission. According to
the government's definition, dependents include spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under the age of 18. Changes point to an impending shortage in workforce: Experts As far as expert opinions go, James Cleverly has clearly been facing mounting pressure to demonstrate a strong stance on immigration and now that he has, there’s a good chance that various sectors in the UK will face worker shortages, gravely including the NHS. Dr Rahul Mukherjee, Consultant Physician in Respiratory & Internal Medicine, Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham
Dr Rahul Mukherjee
spoke to Asian Voice about the ban on care workers from bringing over their family dependents and how it will affect patient and elderly care. He said, “With rising elderly populations, the demand for care in patients' domestic and care home settings is rising in all developed countries. “Working conditions – low pay, high pressure, and burnout from heavy workloads is causing many local healthcare workers to quit and this sector is heavily reliant on overseas workers. “Denying visas to dependents of care workers will probably worsen the care crisis as it may result in reduced recruitment overseas. This will inevitably make it even more difficult for acute hospitals to discharge people who do not need a hospital bed to social care settings and this decision on visas will most likely worsen the National Health Service (NHS) crisis by prolonging ambulance waiting times due to the unavailability of hospital beds. “We hope that the UK government has a plan to tackle this impending worsening of the health and care crisis.” Dr JS Bamrah, a consultant psychiatrist at North Manchester general hospi-
Dr JS Bamrah
tal, said, “Care workers are currently allowed to come to the U.K. on a work visa and have the option of developing their career and settling down as British residents, unlike students who arrive in the country. “Many, if not most, will forfeit their careers in their native countries to take up new careers in the UK and why would they not want to bring their nuclear families here? Article 8 of the Human Rights Act gives them the right not to be separated from their families, which this new suggested ruling will do the exact opposite of. “I’m certain that this ruling, if passed, will increase the workforce crisis in both the health and social care sectors. This policy is a knee-jerk reaction to the criticism the government has faced over rising immigration numbers, it is poorly thought through, defies logic and is evident that the government is trying to curb immigration at the cost of the health of the population. Frankly, it spells disaster.” Dr Dinesh Bhugra, Professor of Mental Health and Cultural Diversity at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London, said, “It is worrying that the govern-
Dr Dinesh Bhugra
ment is planning to stop dependents of care workers and others coming over. Not every migrant wants to bring families over. In some cases there may be only children who need to look after their parents. This will deter many people from applying to migrate especially when rates of vacancies in the NHS and social care are unsustainable. “In collectivist cultures, children are expected to look after older adults and cultural expectations need to be managed. There are likely to be young migrants who are going to be contributing more to the economy than taking from it.” According to Shailesh Pathak, the Secretary General of FICCI, “While all nations decide their immigration policies by their national interests, on behalf of Indian industry and commerce, FICCI would express our concern that this change by the UK may have unintended consequences. The world is looking at highly
Shailesh Pathak
skilled Indian professionals, especially in IT, engineering and research. Given the UK’s increased salary threshold for foreign skilled worker visas, such Indian professionals would almost certainly choose other economies. This would discourage Indian companies from doing business in the UK since such companies employ both British and Indian professionals. “Thus far, Indian professionals have contributed their expertise to address critical skill shortages in the UK. This may not continue in future - which would be unfortunate for the British economy’s innovation and economic growth. The availability of skilled Indian talent has been a crucial element in enhancing the competitiveness and productivity of various industries in the UK and needs to be nurtured appropriately. “
Khan urges stricter action against corrupt landlords Sadiq Khan is urging the Government to intensify its efforts in addressing the issue of immoral landlords profiting from properties plagued by damp and mould, generating substantial incomes. The London mayor asserts that existing measures are insufficient, contending that councils lack the authority to penalise questionable landlords adequately. He also notes a shortage of enforcement officers in various boroughs with the requisite skills and legal knowledge to assist tenants. While the Government maintains that councils possess the necessary empowerment to take action as needed, with ongoing legislative efforts to impose stricter penalties on repeat offenders and enhance the overall quality of homes nationwide, Khan, during a Wednesday visit to a mouldinfested property in Lewisham, reiterates his call for comprehensive national action. The tenant of the aforementioned property, a pregnant young mother with two children under five, was compelled to relocate to
Sadiq Khan
temporary housing in September, following the council's determination that the flat was unsafe. Despite the tenant raising the issue a year ago, the private landlord has yet to undertake any remediation efforts. The property has been barred from further rentals by Lewisham Council, which may pursue enforcement action if the landlord fails to address the damp and mould issues. Earlier this year, as part of his Better Renting Programme, Khan introduced a new facet focusing on training council officers to identify and address damp and mould issues. The broader program, initiated in 2020, aims to equip local authorities with the tools needed to elevate housing standards.
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Modi's leadership reshapes political horiz Continued from page 1
As the BJP ousted Congress from power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and retained Madhya Pradesh, the stage seems set for Narendra Modi to potentially become the first Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to secure three terms. Conversely, Congress celebrated a resounding victory in Telangana, unseating the two-term Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) of BRS, marking their second success in the southern region after Karnataka earlier this year. Despite disappointment in the three states, Congress leaders have expressed determination to rebuild the party's presence in these areas. The consecutive victories of the BJP in state elections validate the party's commitment to development and efficient governance, hinting at a promising trajectory for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed massive gatherings of people of Indian origin abroad. His predecessor Manmohan Singh had started the engagement with the diaspora, but under Mr Modi it was elevated to very high levels of visibility and ambition. The attempt was clearly to influence domestic politics in these western societies. Notably, the Indian diaspora holds a keen interest in India's political dynamics, viewing these state elections as crucial indicators of the nation's future governance. They eagerly await these results, recognising them as indicative of the direction in which the country may head. The Indian diaspora plays a multifaceted and compelling role in India's electoral dynamics. Leveraging diverse digital platforms, they exert significant influence by magnifying the voices and agendas of various political factions. Social media serves as a global stage where their messages reverberate, influencing opinions and sparking cross-border discussions. Yet their involvement extends far beyond the digital sphere. During election seasons, non-resident Indians (NRIs) - those who still hold Indian passports but live abroad - travel back to India to cast their votes. Wave of saffron dominance in Hindi heartland elections The impressive electoral victories in the three Hindi heartland states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan might not guarantee a definitive win for the ruling BJP, considering the historical difference in voting patterns between state elections and Lok Sabha elections. However, unlike the setbacks faced in these states in 2018 preceding the 2019 general elections, the current focused and impactful campaigns, particularly in the densely populated Hindi hinterland, suggest a promising trend for the BJP's incremental gains in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In the Rajasthan Assembly election, encompassing 199 out of 200 seats, the BJP surged ahead, securing victories in eight constituencies and leading in 106, as per trends reported by the Election
Commission. In contrast, the Congress emerged victorious in one constituency and led in 69 others. Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP held a commanding lead on 161 seats, while the Congress trailed behind on 66 seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party held two seats, and the Bharat Adivasi Party secured one seat. Chhattisgarh witnessed elections conducted in two phases. Latest Election Commission trends indicate that the BJP has surpassed the halfway mark, securing 54 seats out of the 90-member assembly, while the Congress bags 34 seats. State elections across the Hindi heartland have notably highlighted a significant shift in tribal voting patterns favouring the BJP. In Chhattisgarh, the party secured victories in 18 of 29 reserved tribal seats, while in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, it led in 27 of 47 and 11 of 25 such constituencies, respec-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at BJP headquaters in New Delhi
localised scheme of Ladli Behna in MP, it was the Mahatari Bandhan Yojna in Chhattisgarh that tilted the axis in favour of the BJP. While these schemes bore electoral dividends in states, the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, which reserved 33 per cent of seats for women in national and state legislatures, has strengthened the BJP’s outreach to this demographic ahead of 2024. The BJP has yet to make any announcements regarding the selection of chief ministers. BJP sets promising stage in the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls
Triumphant BJP suppoters celebrate resounding victory
tively. This marked tribal support signifies a reversal in the traditional voting trend, which previously leaned heavily towards the Congress in these reserved seats. The appointment of Draupadi Murmu as the first person from a tribal community as India’s President is only the most visible of the BJP’s political overtures to tribal communities. A significant and underrated aspect of the BJP’s national victories in 2014 and 2019 were its advances in tribal regions. In 2019, for instance, it won 31 of 47 reserved ST seats nationally, up from 26 in 2014. These results show that the BJP has
consolidated its gains in tribal areas. The BJP’s success nationally has been diligently built on the back of the party’s targeted outreach towards women-centric concerns. Since 2014, the BJP has aggressively focused on the delivery of social welfare schemes for women. If it was a
BJP volunteers rejoicing electoral success in MP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's enduring strength continues to resonate even in his 10th year in office, as showcased vividly through the Bharatiya Janata Party's resounding triumphs in the Hindi heartland states. These victories affirm Modi's unwavering control over the world's largest democracy, casting a formidable shadow over the beleaguered opposition. Leading up to the election results, the opposition had aspired to capitalise on its previous gains, notably the Congress party's success in Karnataka earlier in the year. Despite the BJP and its allies governing states that encompassed 45 per cent of the national population, a decline from their peak of 70 per cent six years ago, Modi set out to reverse this trend. The BJP's campaign strategically emphasised Modi as the de facto chief ministerial candidate, relegating the actual candidates to secondary roles on posters and promotional materials. Modi's active
involvement in these state-level battles underscores their immense significance in India. In a country where approximately 60 per cent of government spending is executed at the state level, a stark contrast to the 30 per cent average in developed nations, these regional contests hold tremendous weight and influence. Securing victories in three out of four contested states, the BJP and its allies now govern 16 of the 29 states, representing nearly 60 per cent of the population. While recent state elections haven't consistently predicted national outcomes, it's increasingly challenging to envision the BJP losing in the upcoming national ballot in May. Modi's leadership as the prime ministerial candidate in 2019 notably propelled his party to a victory margin 10 points higher than its average in state elections since then, solidifying his stature and the party's dominance on the national stage. Modi's electoral success silences opposition accusations PM Narendra Modi, despite being taunted as a 'jinx' midway through the campaign by Rahul Gandhi, once again demonstrated his electoral prowess. Instead of backfiring, not only has Rahul’s taunt boomeranged, Modi’s status as the BJP’s talismanic campaigner, charismatic leader, and principal vote getter is further cemented. Modi's immense popularity played a pivotal role in the BJP's victories
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zons with state wins on 39 seats, followed by the BJP on 9, AIMIM on 5, and CPI on 1. Similar to its success in Karnataka, the Congress in Telangana reaped the benefits of strong local leadership and the strategic defections of several leaders who perceived it as a formidable contender in Hyderabad post-Karnataka victory. Employing a campaign strategy akin to Karnataka, voters gravitated towards the Congress upon realising its serious challenge to the existing political landscape. Effectively, while the BJP maintains its dominance in North India, the Congress has successfully reconstructed a substantial portion of its historical support base in South India. This resurgence holds implications for critical national discussions, including forthcoming deliberations on delimitation post the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Congress party has appointed Revanth Reddy, the party's Telangana president, as the new Chief Minister, as announced by Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal. The swearing-in ceremony for the new Telangana CM is scheduled to take place on December 7.
in three states and its enhanced performance in Telangana. Voters perceived him as a credible leader, taking his pre-election commitments seriously. Modi spearheaded an energetic campaign centred on a compelling blend of development, welfare initiatives, robust nationalism, Hindutva ideology, and the vision of an ascendant Bharat poised to become a global force. This compreCelebration at BJP HQ in Rajasthan hensive approach, bolstered by the successful portrayal of the government's actions, solidified the credibiliZPM emerges as new power in Mizoram, MNF's ty of 'Modi ki guarantee.' influence wanes The BJP's strength lies not only in Modi's leadership but also in its substantial In a stunning turn of events in Mizoram, resources, a colossal and tireless 24/7 party the Zoram's People's Movement (ZPM) machinery, governance grounded secured an impressive victory, clinching a in a robust welfare framework, two-thirds majority with 27 out of 40 and significant support from the Assembly seats. The ruling Mizo National media. Given these factors, it is Front (MNF) faced a setback, managing to hardly surprising that Modi and his secure only 10 seats, while the BJP and party seem to be in an advantageous Congress secured two and one seat, respecposition, poised to secure a remarktively. able third term in the upcoming elecLed by former IPS officer Lalduhoma, the tions. ZPM's triumph, akin to the AAP's successes A nationwide survey conducted by in Delhi and Punjab, signifies a challenge to India Today magazine in August the established political order in the state. affirmed Modi's enduring popularity With just eight seats in 2018, this marks a even after a decade in power; more substantial leap for the regional outfit. than half of the respondents Conversely, it's a stark low for the Congress, expressed their preference for him once a dominant force in the state, managto continue leading India. ing to secure only one seat out of the 40 it contested. Since Mizoram attained stateCongress' victory in Telangana hood in 1987, power has oscillated between delineates North-South political divide the Congress and the MNF. Notably, the MNF chief and three-term Chief Minister The Congress party's resurgence in Zoramthanga himself lost his Assembly seat, Telangana marks a significant revival of its adding to the ruling party's dismay. once-crumbled stronghold since the state's While the MNF was previously an NDA formation in 2014. Following its triumph in ally, the ZPM has opted to remain neutral Karnataka earlier this year, the surge in and refrain from forming any alliances. Telangana represents the party's reclamation ZPM's victory underscores the electorate's of a second southern state, bolstering its alignment with a regional identity, especialposition in a region with robust economic ly in the face of criticism directed at the and financial foundations. MNF for aligning with the NDA. However, In a notable turnaround, the Congress the BJP will find cause for celebration in unseated the Chandrasekhar Rao-led Bharat doubling its seat count from one to two, Rashtra Samiti (BRS), which had been in compared to its previous win in 2018. power since Telangana was established as a Former IPS officer Lalduhoma is set to state in 2014. Crossing the halfway mark, the become the new Chief Minister of Mizoram. Congress, according to Election Commission The 73-year-old who won his election from of India (ECI) trends, surged ahead with leads the constituency of Sercchip by 2,982 votes on 65 out of 119 seats in the Telangana will be the state’s first new CM in three Assembly. The BRS trailed behind with leads decades.
Sunak has welcomed the merry season early Rishi Sunak revealed that he kicked off his Christmas music festivities two weeks ago, but due to the overwhelming reaction from friends and family, he has since chosen to savour the tunes in private. Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty interact The prime minister, with small business owners well-known for his penDuring the journey, he chant for Michael Bublé’s mentioned, "I had the Christmas melodies, often Christmas music on about enjoyed during late work two weeks ago, and everyone hours, shared his holiday shouted at me, and since then enthusiasm on his way to the I’ve done it in private. I can do Cop28 summit in Dubai, that in public.” according to The Guardian.
The revelation came in response to a question about the passing of Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan on Thursday (30). Although not appearing as a devoted Pogues fan, Sunak expressed admiration for "Fairytale of New York," the renowned Christmas classic by the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl. Additionally, Sunak mentioned his recent late-night activities, spending time signing Christmas cards and using that time for relaxation.
“Rizz” is the word of the year The Oxford University Press (OUP) declared "Rizz" as the Word of the Year 2023 on Monday, reflecting its alignment with the mood, ethos, and concerns of the past year. "Rizz," denoting romantic appeal, is a colloquial noun defined as "style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner." Etymologically, it is thought to be a condensed form of "charisma," with the term gaining popularity on social media.
Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, OUP, noted that "Rizz" exemplifies how language from specific social communities can permeate mainstream usage. Linguists suggest that when a word expands into other parts of speech, such as "Rizz" evolv-
ing from a noun to a term indicating romantic appeal, it indicates growing prominence in the language. Oxford University Press (OUP) shortlisted eight words this year, assessing their widespread use, and invited the public to vote for their favourites. Following headto-head competitions in a four-day voting period, the British public narrowed down the contenders to four finalists: "Rizz," "Swiftie," "prompt," and "situationship."
England to establish 11th national park Ministers in England have initiated the process of establishing a new national park to enhance access to nature and align with international biodiversity goals. The Environment Secretary, Steve Barclay, has instructed officials at Natural England, the regulator, to identify a suitable location for the country's 11th national park. Potential areas for consideration include the Chilterns, Cotswolds, and the combined Areas of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) of Dorset and East Devon. This move fulfils the Conservatives' 2019 manifesto commitment to create new national parks. While the decision on the site could be made relatively quickly, the full designation process may take years, making it unlikely for a new park to be established before a general election. The most recent national park established was the chalk grasslands of the South
Downs in 2010. The new park aims to not only fulfil biodiversity and conservation objectives but also address the declining time people spend in green spaces, a trend highlighted in recent figures from the Office for National Statistics. The initiative aligns with the government's target, announced nearly a year ago at a UN biodiversity summit in Montreal, to increase protected areas to cover 30% of the country's land.
Indian student found dead in River Thames Mitkumar Patel, a 23-year-old Indian student who embarked on his journey to the UK in September for higher education, was reported missing on November 17. His tragic demise came to light when the Metropolitan Police discovered his lifeless body in the River Thames, near the Canary Wharf area in east London, on November 21. Despite the distressing discovery, authorities have asserted that the circumstances surrounding his death are not deemed suspicious. A spokesperson from Scotland Yard affirmed the identity of the deceased and detailed the joint response of police, paramedics, and the fire brigade to the incident at Caledonian Wharf. In response to this devas-
tating loss, Parth Patel, a relative, took the initiative to set up an online fundraiser on GoFundMe. The appeal has garnered substantial support, amassing over £4,500 since its inception last week. “Mitkumar Patel was a 23year (old) boy who came to the UK for higher studies on 19th September 2023,” reads the fundraising appeal.
“He belonged to a farmer family and used to live in a village as well. He was missing from November 17, 2023. Now on November 21 police found his dead body from Canary Wharf in the water. It was sad for all of us. So, we decided to do fundraising for helping out his family and to send his body to India as well,” it adds.
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Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel OBE
As I continue the world tour with the band (see image) it’s an opportune moment for UK pensioners to reassess their pension strategies. Why? Because it’s that time of year to review the months gone by and make plans for the year ahead. The Nasdaq was up 46% and S&P500 up 18%. So if your pension is not and your IFA or broker makes the excuse that “that’s US, too risky, give it more time, our managers are focussed Band Maldives Hard Rock on other regions, America is overvalued” – then sack them. It’s your old age. As a financial expert with a deep understanding of the economic landscape, I advocate for self-education and self-management in pension planning. Here are ten resolutions to help you take charge of your pension in 2024: 1. Educate Yourself About Pension Management: Knowledge is power. Invest time in understanding the basics of pension funds and investment strategies. My books and videos offer easy-to-understand insights and tools to help you make informed decisions. And they’re free! www.investing-champions.com 2. Review Your Pension Plan Annually: Regularly assess your pension plan to ensure it aligns with your retirement goals. Adjust your contributions and investment choices as necessary. Actually you should look at it fortnightly ideally. To ensure falling stocks are evicted without trading your investments. Falling for me means something that has dropped 25% from the high since I bought it. 3. Diversify Your Investments: To me this can be US stocks, but 15 at least. Don’t over diversify. US companies are global. Take Cognizant – 70% of their team are in India and their sales global. 4. Understand Pension Charges: Be aware of the fees and charges associated with your pension. Sometimes, these can erode your savings significantly over time. Ask your IFA why they underperform so much – they will say “bad 2022 and 2023 brought things back” or some nonsense like this. Test them and then say “Alpesh said you’d say that”. 5. Consider Delaying Your Withdrawls: If you can afford to, delaying your withdrawls. 6. Maximize Tax Efficiencies: Understand how to make the most of tax reliefs and allowances available to pensioners. This can significantly enhance your pension pot. SIPPs and ISAs is what you need to understand. 7. Challenge Your IFA's Strategy: If you have an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA), critically evaluate their advice. Remember, you have the ultimate say in your financial decisions. I don’t like them. Never met one who knew about investing. Never. Ask them who is Eugene Fama. (Nobel Prize winner in investing). 8. Embrace Technology for Better Management: Utilize financial technology, like my investing free Telegram channel, to monitor more effectively; www.alpeshpatel.com/links 9. Stay Informed About Regulatory Changes: Pension regulations can change. Stay updated with the latest changes to ensure your pension strategy remains compliant and efficient. Simply put - £60k you can put in an SIPP now. Before it was £40k a year. 10. Build a Retirement Budget: Plan your spending in retirement. A well-structured budget helps you understand how far your pension needs to stretch. The calculations can be tricky as you are growing money on a reducing pot in retirement as you make capital withdrawals.
Metro Bank shareholders back crucial rescue deal Shareholders of Metro Bank have overwhelmingly approved a rescue deal valued at nearly £1 billion, designed to ensure the bank's stability going forward. The agreement, forged last month amid concerns about Metro's financial health, involves securing additional funds from investors and refinancing £600 million of debt, along with an infusion of £325 million in new funding. Approximately 93% of votes cast by shareholders supported the package, reflecting a strong belief in the bank's future. As part of the deal, Colombian billionaire Jaime Gilinski Bacal, through his firm Spaldy Investments, will assume control of Metro Bank with a 53% stake, injecting £102 million into the institution. Metro Bank's CEO, Daniel Frumkin, hailed the agreement as signalling a "new chapter" for the bank. The shareholder vote marked the final step, following bondholders' approval in October, even though they faced a 40% loss on their investments. Founded in 2010 as the first new bank in the UK in over a century, Metro Bank positioned itself as a "challenger" to traditional High Street banks, boasting branches open seven days a week.
Microsoft to invest £2.5 bn in British tech Microsoft is set to invest £2.5 billion in the UK over the next three years, aiming to double its data centre capacity and contribute to the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). This investment has been praised by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who sees it as a pivotal moment for the future of AI infrastructure and development in the UK. As part of its plans, Microsoft intends to bring over 20,000 advanced graphics processing units to Britain by 2026, with a focus on expanding sites in London and Cardiff and exploring potential expansion into northern England.
The company envisions this investment supporting the training of over one million individuals for the AI economy, along with commitments to AI safety and research initiatives. Brad Smith, Vice-Chairman and President of Microsoft,
expressed the company's dedication to ensuring that the UK has leading AI infrastructure, accessible skills, and robust safety and security measures. This positive stance on the UK as a business destination contrasts with earlier challenges faced
by Microsoft, including the competition watchdog's initial block of its $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard, which was eventually approved after making adjustments. Smith, who had previously raised concerns about Chinese AI threats, responded positively to Britain's commitment to global collaboration on AI after the Safety Summit hosted by the government at Bletchley. He emphasised the need for a global conversation about AI, stating that every country should share an interest in ensuring AI remains under human control with the right safety standards.
Mortgage approvals reach 3-month peak Official data from the Bank of England reveals that mortgage approvals exceeded expectations in October, indicating a potential stabilisation in the property market following an extended period of sluggish house sales. Net mortgage approvals for house purchases rose to 47,400 in October, surpassing economists' projections of 45,000 and marking the highest level since July. However, this figure
remains approximately 28% below the pre-pandemic level in October 2019. Additionally, net approvals for remortgaging increased from 20,600 to 23,700 during the same period. Mortgage approval data serves as a timely indicator of the housing market's health, impacting the broader economy through home-related spending and consumer confidence. The data suggests a
moderation in the housing downturn, possibly influenced by a decrease in the cost of popular mortgage products following the Bank of England's decision to maintain interest rates at 5.25% in September and November. According to the Bank of England, two-year fixed mortgage rates with a 60% loan-to-value ratio eased from 6.2% in July to 5.5% in October. Despite this, all popular mortgage prod-
ucts remained more expensive than in 2021. In October, mortgage providers Halifax and Nationwide reported a month-on-month increase in house prices, although the average property was still less expensive than in the same month in 2022. The data also indicated a slight easing in consumer credit, which decreased from £1.4 billion in September to £1.3 billion in October.
EG Group impacted by Barclays considers falling fuel sales dropping thousands of low-profit clients
The petrol station group, EG Group, predominantly owned by the billionaire Issa brothers and private equity firm TDR Capital, has reported an 18% decline in profits, attributing the drop to decreased fuel volumes and a competitive market environment. For the three months ending in September, EG Group posted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of $345 million. The company highlighted lower fuel volumes as a primary factor influencing profits, and it acknowledged the impact of a challenging competitive landscape. The decline in profits comes as fuel prices have decreased following regulatory measures that compelled UK retailers to provide real-time pricing data. This intervention was prompted by findings that retailers had inflated diesel and petrol prices to unnecessarily high levels. Asda, a part
of the EG Group, was specifically identified for tripling its margins on fuel since before the COVID-19 pandemic. EG Group's total revenue for the period dipped from $8 billion to $7.5 billion compared to the previous year. Notably, Mohsin and Zuber Issa, along with TDR Capital, had earlier sold EG Group's UK and Ireland petrol station forecourts business to Asda for £2.3 billion in the same year. This move was aimed at strengthening EG Group's balance sheet, but it left Asda with additional costs of £770 million in new loans, contributing to Asda's net debts of approximately £4.6 billion. EG Group emphasised that the sale of its UK operations to Asda resulted in total debt repayments of $4 billion in 2023, significantly reducing the group's net leverage. However, as of the end of 2022, EG Group still carried a net debt of $9.6 billion, equivalent to nearly seven times its EBITDA.
Barclays is contemplating a strategic overhaul to enhance profits and reduce costs by approximately £1 billion, a plan that involves potentially parting ways with thousands of clients at its investment bank. Executives have explored various options, including raising capital for acquiring a wealth or asset management business and reducing trading assets at the investment bank by up to 25%. However, resistance from co-heads of trading Adeel Khan and Stephen Dainton has steered Chief Executive CS Venkatakrishnan toward a more moderate approach. The focus of the restructuring is likely to involve cutting ties with the least profitable investment banking clients, potentially affecting over 2,500 out of more than 10,000 customers. The investment bank, responsible for about two-thirds (£219 billion) of the total risk-
weighted assets, is crucial to the review, aiming to optimise shareholder returns by reducing assets or reallocating them to more lucrative areas. If executed aggressively, trimming less profitable investment banking clients could release up to £20 billion of risk-weighted assets, at a cost of less than 10% of division revenues. The board has directed the division, including Barclays' corporate business, to develop a plan targeting a consistent return on tangible equity of 14 to 15%, up from the current 11.5%. This entails a significant reduction in operating costs, estimated to decrease from about 65% to a mid-50s percentage ratio. Barclays is also planning to cut up to 2,000 jobs across the group as part of the cost-saving initiative, with a focus on BX, the central hub providing backoffice and technology services
Ferrovial seals £2.4 bn deal, selling Heathrow stake Ferrovial has announced that it is selling its 25% stake in the parent company of Heathrow Airport for £2.4 billion. As part of the deal, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will acquire 10% of the shares, while Ardian, one of Europe’s largest private equity groups, will purchase 15%. Ferrovial executives had reportedly become frustrated with the regulatory landscape, particularly after Heathrow was compelled to reduce landing charges by almost a fifth following a dis-
pute with airline customers. The airport experienced financial challenges this year, in part due to the increased cost of servicing its debt burden amid rising interest rates. Luke Bugeja, CEO of Ferrovial Airports, highlighted the company's contributions to Heathrow, overseeing a £12 billion investment, expanding capacity with the construction of Terminal 2, and enhancing operational performance.The company’s initial stake in Heathrow was 56%, reduced to
25% by 2013. Despite divesting from Heathrow, Ferrovial expressed its commitment to the UK and its airport business, which constitutes about 30% of its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation. The company retains ownership in Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Southampton airports, with a 50% share, and 60% ownership of Dalaman airport in Turkey. Additionally, Ferrovial holds a 49% stake in Terminal 1 at New York’s JFK.
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Manufacturing pushes India's GDP growth rate to 7.6 per cent in Q2 In the face of a slowing global economy, India's economy increased more quickly than anticipated in the current fiscal year's July–September quarter because of strong development in the manufacturing, construction and mining sectors. This resulted in a strong 7.7% growth in the first half of 2023–24. The National Statistical Office (NSO) issued data indicating that the gross domestic product (GDP)
increased by 7.6% during the July-September period, which is the second quarter of the 2023–24 fiscal year.
This represents a slight decrease from the 7.8% recorded in the April–June period and a rise over the
At 15%, GST kitty expands at fastest pace in 11 months Goods and services tax (GST) collections rose 15.1% to £16.79 billion in November as strong domestic demand during festival season and the focus on compliance resulted in the fastest pace of expansion since last December. Latest data released by the finance ministry showed that in November (for transactions in October), integrated GST (IGST) on imports grew 1.5% to £3.91 billion, indicating that shipment of goods into the country slowed down after the double-digit rise reported in the previous
month. Overall, IGST collections rose 12.8% to £8.7 billion, indicating that inter-state transactions drove the mop-up. Central and state GST collections too pointed to strong domestic demand with the former growing 18.5% to £3.04 billiohn in November. State GST kitty swelled 17.1% to £3.82 billion, official numbers showed. The finance ministry said that revenue from domestic transactions, including services imports, was 20% higher on a yearon-year basis. Some of the tax experts,
however, said that the GST department’s notices may have resulted in assessees depositing money. “Notice issuing time for the year 2017-18 has expired on September 30, 2023 and for FY2018-19 will lapse in December 2023. Due to this, the GST departments have seen heightened activity this fiscal, and this has resulted in burgeoning revenues as demands (notices) are issued by these departments and pre-deposits are collected, even as taxpayers go to appeals,” said Vivek Jalan, partner at Tax Connect Advisory.
RBI inks pact with Bank of England on bond clearing settlement The Reserve Bank of India signed an agreement with the Bank of England (BoE) on exchange of information for settlement of bond trades through Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL). Under the new MoU, the BoE will assess and recognise CCIL as a counter party to clear and settle bonds and overnight indexed swap trades done by England-based banks and investors. The agreement states that “It is the mutual
understanding of the RBI and the BoE that the cooperation arrangements specified under this MoU recognise the primacy of the RBI and its mandate in the supervision of Covered CCPs; they are also based on mutual respect for each jurisdiction’s current regulatory regime and each authority’s supervisory practices." CCP is short for clearing counterparty In October 2022, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) had derecognised six Indian
clearing houses, including the CCIL, after RBI refused to permit the overseas body the rights of inspection and audit over the domestic clearing house. However, in June this year, the UK Treasury accorded equivalence to central counterparties authorised by RBI, the first such decision after Brexit. Subsequently, CCIL had filed a fresh application to BoE for recognition as a third-country central counterparty with effect from 31 January this year.
6.2% reported in the same period last year. The Reserve Bank of India's estimate for the second quarter was exceeded, and the performance exceeded market expectations. India to be world’s largest economy by 2052: CLSA India could overtake the US as the largest economy in the world by 2052, with a nominal GDP of $45 trillion, according to a forecast by international brokerage company CLSA. That would be less than 30
years from now, and five years after the government-proclaimed Amrit Kaal ends in 2047. Additionally, it stated that India's economy will reach $29 trillion by the conclusion of the Amrit Kaal in 2047, surpassing Japan to become the third largest in the world by 2027. “We remain optimistic about India’s long-term growth prospects. Our forecast suggests the economy will reach $29
trillion in 2047 from the current $3.4 trillion and $45 trillion by 2052, and surpass Japan’s GDP by 2027,” the report by Indranil Sengupta, CLSA’s head of India research, noted. “However, we expect a slowdown in growth until September 2024, followed by a cyclical recovery in 2025.” CLSA estimates that the Indian economy will grow by 6.4% in the current fiscal, 6.5% in fiscal 2025 and 7.5% in fiscal 2026.
France’s SMCP strikes deal with Reliance to expand into India The fashion business SMCP, which owns the French fashion labels Maje and Sandro, said that it has reached an agreement with Reliance to grow into India. It will also be joining other luxury European companies that are setting up shop in Mumbai's Jio World Plaza mall. “There aren’t a lot of accessible luxury fashion labels in India so we think it’s time to be pioneering,” said SMCP CEO Isabelle Guichot, citing India’s wealth and growing population of younger generations among reasons for entering the
country. High-end European brands are looking to increase their retail presence in India after years of testing the market with stores in opulent hotels in an attempt to capitalise on the country's robust economic growth and quickly increasing number of millionaires. The financial details of SMCP's collaboration with
Reliance Brands, which will serve as Sandro and Maje only distributor in India, were not disclosed. In the next three to five years, Reliance intends to establish roughly ten stores carrying the SMCP brands, starting with the Mumbai mall built by Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani, according to Guichot. Reliance Brands, a subsidiary of Ambani’s Reliance Retail Ventures, has partnership deals with dozens of high-end European and American labels, including Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Valentino and Tiffany.
With $67 bn, Adani back among top 20 billionaires Thanks to a significant increase in the group's stock price that contributed over £11 billion to its market capitalisation, Gautam Adani is once again included among the world's 20 richest persons. According to the Bloomberg Billionaire ranking, Adani has a net worth of $66.7 billion, placing him 19th among the richest people in the world. The list is topped by Elon Musk, who runs electric vehicle giant Tesla and social media major X (formerly Twitter) with a net worth of
Gautam Adani
$228 billion. He’s followed by Jeff Bezos, founder of ecommerce giant Amazon, with a net worth of $171 billion and Bernard Arnault, the head of luxury-goods maker LVMH with $167 billion. Among the Indian
billionaires, Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of energy-totelecom major Reliance Industries, is at the 13th place with a net worth of $89.5 billion. The Ahmedabadbased billionaire has experienced quite the journey, going from being the second richest person in the world in September 2022 with a net worth of over $150 billion to being outside the top 25 in the list by March 2023 with a net worth of less than $50 billion before gradually making his way back into the top 20.
Zydus gets USFDA nod for Ivabradine tablets
SAT quashes Sebi order Sensex, Nifty touch new high, against Mukesh Ambani Adani shares rise up to 9.4%
Ahmedabad based Zydus Lifesciences in regulatory filing said it has received final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its generic version of Ivabradine tablets indicated for the treatment of heart failure. Ivabradine is indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalisation for worsening heart failure in adult patients with stable, symptomatic chronic heart failure with certain conditions, the company said. It is also used in children aged six months and older for the treatment
The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) set aside the penalty imposed by Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Reliance Industries’s (RIL) chairman Mukesh Ambani and two other entities in a case related to alleged manipulative trading in the shares of erstwhile Reliance Petroleum (RPL) in November 2007. The ruling has come after all the entities appealed before the tribunal against the order passed by Sebi in January 2021. In January 2021, Sebi imposed a £2.5 million fine on RIL, £1.5 million on Ambani, £2 million on Navi Mumbai SEZ and £1 million on Mumbai SEZ in RPL case. Both Navi Mumbai SEZ and Mumbai SEZ are promoted by Anand Jain, who once served in the Reliance Group. In its order, the tribunal quashed Sebi’s order against Ambani, Navi Mumbai SEZ and Mumbai SEZ. The tribunal also directed the Sebi to return the fine amount in case it has been deposited by them with the regulator. The case pertains to sale and purchase of RPL shares in the cash and the futures segments in November 2007. This followed RIL’s decision in March 2007 to sell around 5% stake in RPL, a listed subsidiary that was later merged with RIL in 2009. The tribunal said RIL’s board had specifically authorised two persons to decide the disinvestment.
of stable symptomatic heart failure due to cardiomyopathy, it added. Zydus said it was one of the first abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) applicants to submit a substantially complete ANDA with a paragraph IV certification for Ivabradine Tablets, 5 mg and 7.5 mg, and therefore, may be eligible for 180 days of shared generic exclusivity for the same. Ivabradine tablets, 5 mg and 7.5 mg recorded annual sales of USD 136.5 million in the US, the company said, citing IQVIA MAT October 2023 data.
Expectations of policy continuity by the BJP-led government at the Centre after the strong mandate at state polls changed investor sentiment on Dalal Street on Monday. Aggressive buying led by domestic investors pushed the sensex up by nearly 1,400 points or over 2% to 68,865 points, a new all-time peak. Nifty on NSE, too, closed at a fresh life-high mark, at 20,687 points. As domestic investors net bought stocks worth about £480 million and foreign funds nearly £210 million, investors’ wealth, measured by BSE’s market cap went up by £75 billion to £3,500 billion, also a new high. The strong market rally also added almost £7.3 billion to Adani group’s market value to £120 billion now, as group company shares rose as much as 9.4%. India’s equity markets have given a clear thumbs up to the state election outcome with a 1,000-point-plus rally in the sensex, said A Balasubramanian, MD & CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund. The government’s initiatives such as building strong infrastructure, ‘digital India’ and ‘Make in India’ are some of the pro-growth initiatives which have been well received by the market, he said. “The equity market looks at how money is being spent effectively and the sustainability by way of policy making and the market reaction is a clear endorsement of growth and not driven by freebies,” Balasubramanian said.
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in brief
Gohar Khan elected as new chairman of Imran Khan’s party ISLAMABAD: Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party elected Barrister Gohar Ali Khan as the new chairman, days before the top election body's deadline for the party to hold organisational polls to retain 'bat' as its election symbol. This is the first time since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) was founded in 1996 by the cricketer-turned-politician that someone else has replaced the
71-year-old as its chairman. Soft-spoken Gohar, a lawyer by profession and someone who has been appearing in several cases against Imran Khan and the PTI was elected unopposed as nobody filed a nomination against him in the intra-party elections held in the north-western city of Peshawar, considered a stronghold of the party. Gohar, 45, was handpicked by incarnated Khan after consul-
Malaysia extends visa-free travel for Indians by one yeara KUALA LUMPUR: Starting on December 1, Malaysia has eliminated the need for Indian tourists and business travellers to have a visa. The tourism ministry has confirmed that the visa-free access will remain in effect until December 2024, according to credible sources. As a result, Malaysia anticipates an increase in incoming tourist arrivals from India of between 30% and 45% per year. Indian-origin travel operators in Malaysia are expecting tourist arrivals from India to even surpass the pre- pandemic figure of 7,35,309 Indian tourists in 2019. “One of the main surges will be seen in the MICE (Meeting & Incentive Conference, Exhibition) sector, as Malaysia is seen as both strategic and affordable venue for business forays into the Asean region,” A Aruldass, president of the Malaysian Indian Tour &
Travel Association, said. He continued, "In addition to family travel and series tours, this new system of no visa will enhance incentive and corporate travels, superseding the previous provisions of e-entry and visaon-arrival if visitors entered from Singapore." The 30-day stay per entrance is included in the visa exemption, and one is allowed to travel as often as they like. The only requirements for travel are a six-month passport validity, confirmed return tickets, evidence of funds, and hotel accommodations. Up till June of this year, Malaysia had 2,83,885 Indian tourists.
tation with his loyalist lawyers who frequently meet him in jail where he has been kept since being arrested on August 5 after conviction in the Toshakhana case. Khan himself avoided filing the nomination due to conviction and disqualification. The organisational elections were necessitated on the directives of the Election Commission of Pakistan that had given a 20-day time frame to
3 INDIAN ORIGIN MEN JAILED FOR MURDER BID IN NZ
Gohar Ali Khan
the PTI on November 23 to retain the ‘bat' as its electoral symbol, ahead of general elections scheduled to be held on February 8.
Pakistan court orders Imran’s open trial in jail ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani special court mandated an open trial for jailed former PM Imran Khan inside the Adiala jail premises in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, with the government submitting reports citing threats to his life. The special court, established to try Khan as well as his deputy and ex-foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi under the Official Secrets Act, is addressing the alleged leak of state secrets, known as the cipher case. The decision allows members of Khan’s family and the public to attend the proceedings inside the high-security prison, located about 34 km from Islamabad, where the two top leaders of the opposition PTI party have been incarcerated. The trial was initially conducted in jail, but the Islamabad high court declared the entire process illegal last week. But
Khan was not presented before the special court, despite the high court’s order, with the government citing “grave security concerns”, including a risk to his life. Khan’s attorney Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry argued against the decision, saying: “We have continuously demanded that the hearing be held in an open court with unrestricted public access. While the court has said the public is allowed access, it is never the case within jail premises.” The lawsuit centres on a diplomatic cable that was conveyed to Islamabad by a former Pakistani ambassador to the US. The missing cypher, according to Khan, validates his claim that the US, political opponents, and the military plotted to remove him from office last year. However, both US and Pakistani authorities refute this assertion
Victory for LGBT rights; Nepal registers first same-sex marriage KATHMANDU: Nepal has registered its first same-sex marriage, which activists hailed as a victory for LGBT rights. Authorities in the western Lumjung district formally registered the union of Maya Gurung, 35, and Surendra Pandey, 27, last week. It came five months after the Supreme Court issued an interim order allowing samesex couples to register their marriages. Taiwan is the only other place in Asia that has legalised same-sex marriage. Gurung said that their registration was a "big day" not just
for the couple, but all sexual minorities. "The fight for rights is not easy. We have done it. And it will be easier for future generations," she said. "The registration has opened doors to a lot of things for us." The couple had said that they wanted to open a joint bank account and share ownership of the land they bought. But their biggest dream is to adopt a child, once their finances are more stable. They have been together for almost a decade. The couple wed in a temple ceremony in
2017 and had sought legal recognition of their union this year. Gurung is a transgender woman who has not changed her gender on official documents. Pandey was born and identifies as male. On 13 July, a district court in Nepal's capital Kathmandu, refused to register their marriage despite the Supreme Court's order that directed the government to register such unions until it prepared legislation to change the law. The district court had argued that lower courts were not bound to follow the order as it was only directed at the government. But
last week, Hem Raj Kafle, chief administrative officer of the Dordi rural municipality, said: "We have issued the marriage registration certificate to the couple in consideration of the Supreme Court order and instructions from relevant government authorities." Leading LGBT rights activist Sunil Babu Pant called the "historic" moment a victory for sexual and gender minorities. "Now we can register our marriage as do the regular couples. But we still have to do more to get other rights," he said.
BJP leader honours Fiji PM, dy PM and Indian origins during visit
Myanmar junta, ethnic group clash on key Thai trade route
SUVA: Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni L Rabuka, deputy PM Biman Prasad and other prominent Indian origins were honoured by visiting BJP leader Vijay Jolly at Suva. He was accompanied by his businessman son Kabir Jolly. The PM was presented with a framed “congratulatory letter” along with a saffron BJP scarf for Ayodhya Ram Mandir Jalabhishek programme. Deputy PM was honoured with a Jai Shri Ram scarf. The BJP leader also honoured Umakant Bachu Bhai Patel, chairman Vinod Patel & Co Ltd, Hari Punja, chairman Fiji Flour Mills and Rajendra Prasad, chairman Rajendra Prasad Bros Supermarkets, for supporting the construction of Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Earlier on 23rd April 2023, holy water collected from 156 nations, including Fiji, was poured at the Ram Mandir shrine amid chanting of Sanskrit Mantras. The grand programme was attended by NRIs from 41 nations, including ambassadors, sadhus and saints and social leaders in Ayodhya. Fiji High Commissioner in India Kamlesh Shashi Prakash attended the programme as special guest while Rajendra Prasad along with wife and daughter also attended the function. Earlier, Fiji PM had sent congratulatory message from government for this programme. Earlier, Umakant Bachu Bhai Patel had Fiji ocean water for Ram Mandir Jalabhishek on the Jolly’s request.
YANGON: Residents and local media reported that fighting between ethnic minority rebels and Myanmar's military occurred on a main trade route to Thailand, causing traffic disruptions and forcing people to leave. Local media sources claim that around dawn, in the eastern Karen state town of Kawkareik, fighters from the Karen National Union (KNU) engaged in combat with the military. Situated near the Asia Highway, the town connects Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, with the trading hub of Myawaddy on the Thai border. A column of smoke billowed into the sky and about a dozen trucks pulled up were visible in the Kawkareik video that was shared online as people sought refuge. A resident of Kyondoe, a town about 20km west of Kawkareik along the highway, reported hearing artillery fire from nearby military bases. “I saw jet fighters coming as well,” said the resident, who did not want to be named. There are around a dozen armed ethnic minority groups in Myanmar. In response to the February 2021 coup that overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government, numerous "People's Defence Force" organisations have also emerged to oppose the junta. Alongside KNU soldiers, PDF fighters have participated in actions, including the attack on Kawkareik town last year.
Three Indian-origin men in New Zealand have been sentenced for the attempted murder of an Auckland-based Sikh radio host who was vocal against the ideology of Khalistan. The attack occurred on December 23, 2020, when Harnek Singh was ambushed by a group of religious extremists in his driveway. He suffered over 40 stab wounds and required more than 350 stitches and multiple surgeries to recover. Sarvjeet Sidhu, who pleaded guilty was sentenced to nine-and-a-half years’ imprisonment. Sukhpreet Singh, 44, was found guilty of being an accessory to murder bid and was sentenced to six months of home detention. The 48-year-old lead defendant, who was not present when the attack occurred, was convicted of orchestrating the murder and has been given 13 and a half years of jail term.
RAMASWAMY’S TOP AIDE JOINS TRUMP CAMPAIGN A top political advisor has left Republican presidential aspirant Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign to join party rival and former President Donald Trump. Brian Swensen formally resigned from his role as national political director for the Ramaswamy campaign over the weekend. He is expected to be working on the campaign’s political operation in the early-voting states, specifically in Nevada. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Ramaswamy campaign, thanked Swensen for his work with the campaign and wished him well in the future.
BLAST DURING MASS KILLS 4 IN MANILA Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr condemned a deadly bombing on Sunday, blaming “foreign terrorists”, as police and the military strengthened security in the country’s south and around the capital, Manila. At least four people were killed and 50 injured after a bomb exploded during a morning Catholic Mass in a university gymnasium in Marawi, a city in the south of the nation besieged by Islamist militants for five months in 2017. There were “strong indications of a foreign element” in the bombing, defence secretary Gilberto Teodoro said, refusing to elaborate so as not to compromise probe.
SINGAPORE, ZURICH ARE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES Singapore and Zurich tied for the world's most expensive city this year, followed by Geneva, New York and Hong Kong, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) said as it cautioned that the global cost-of-living crisis was not yet over. On average, prices have risen by 7.4 per cent year-on-year in local currency terms for over 200 commonly used goods and services, a drop from the record 8.1 per cent increase last year but still "significantly higher than the trend in 2017-2021," it said in a report.
FRENCH GOVT BANS SMOKING AT BEACHES, NEAR SCHOOLS The French government said it would ban smoking on all the country’s beaches, in public parks and forests and near schools. “From now on, no-smoking areas will be the norm,” health minister Aurelien Rousseau said. He said there were already 7,200 tobacco-free areas in France but they had been mostly designated by local authorities, not the central government. Taxes on cigarettes will be hiked, Rousseau also said, with a pack of 20, currently at around €11, rising to €12 by 2025 and €13 the following year. The government was also planning to ban so-called “puffs”, single-use disposable e-cigarettes that are particularly popular among young people. The government aims to create “the first tobacco-free generation by 2032”, as President Emmanuel Macron had promised, Rousseau said.
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COP28 and Youth-Led Climate Action: A Path to Prevent Catastrophic Warming Aryaman Shukla
T
he urgency of addressing global warming is more apparent than ever, with climate change-induced extreme weather events wreaking havoc across the world. As COP28 engagements occur in Dubai, the United Nations has chosen youth as a central force in the battle against climate change. The WMO predicts that, for each of the next four years, the global average temperature is likely to swing between 1.1 and 1.8 degrees Celsius above pre industrial levels, largely driven by human-induced climate change.
The consequences of delayed action are already evident in global warming. Globally, June was the hottest in the 174-year records kept by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This year the amount of sea ice measured was the lowest global June sea ice on record, primarily due to record-low sea ice levels in the Antarctic. Over 93 million people in the United States were under excessive heat warnings and heat advisories. Record high fires caused some of the worst air quality around the world. In Southeast Asia the transboundary haze plagued Malaysia and Singapore this year as peatland fires intensified in Indonesia. This toxic haze in turn becomes a serious driver of climate change. The combination of anthropogenic climate change and El Niño has spiked some of these extreme events. At a different level, a record number of people died while attempting to climb Mount Everest this year with the thinning of the glaciers, the topography of the mountains has become less reliable. With Climate science we have begun to reshape our understanding towards the collapse of ancient civilizations. The Roman Empire, for instance, thrived during a period of stable warm weather, enabling prosperity. Triggered by volcanic a, the "Late Antique Little Ice Age" brought crop failures, famine, and poor health. Similarly Angkor, the Khmer Empire's capital in Cambodia, supported 750,000 people over 400 square miles. Two prolonged "megadroughts" followed by heavy monsoons caused devastating floods that destroyed Angkor. Using techniques like carbon dating, isotope analysis of sediments, and tree coring researchers have unveiled the role of climate change in the demise of civilizations.
COP28 Conference: A Pivotal Opportunity COP28, the 28th annual UN Climate Change Conference running in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023, brings together representatives from over 190 countries. The United States has taken a leadership role by setting a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 52 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. With seven years to go, The US government is engaged in multiple sectors, including electricity, transportation, and agriculture to meet this ambitious target. The commitment to reaching the 1.5-degree goal extends beyond the United States. Countries representing 65 percent of global GDP have set targets to keep global warming within a 1.5degree limit. Per International Energy Agency global clean energy spending must rise from USD 1.8 trillion in 2023 to USD 4.5 trillion annually by the early 2030s to meet the target. Encouragingly, the COP28 conference has started on a high note with 124 countries committing $1 billion towards Climate and Health, a financial support for developing countries integral to addressing adaptation and mitigation efforts. Although a significant breakthrough, this is the starting point. While mitigation efforts help, success in achieving the environmental goals can only come by addressing their root causes. The political will of nations will continue to be tested as these efforts call for urgent sacrifices with potential economic impact, in exchange for long-term sustainability. While most nations have lagged in their commitments, credit goes to India in meeting its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The imminent global warming crisis, exacerbated by extreme weather events, requires swift and decisive action. COP28 offers a critical opportunity for nations to recommit to ambitious climate goals. Youth-led climate activism is at the forefront of this movement, demanding stronger climate policies and implementing them with passion and dedication. The transition to clean energy, investment in innovative technologies, and international cooperation are key components of this multifaceted approach. Achieving the 1.5- degree Celsius goal is a monumental task, but it represents a collective responsibility to protect our planet for future generations. As we stand on the precipice of a climate emergency, it is time for humanity to act with unwavering commitment and dedication to secure a sustainable future.
India, China skip renewable power pledge, 118 nations sign DUBAI: India and China, two large economies and among the two top coal consumers, last week stayed away from a pledge taken by 118 nations on the sidelines of COP28 climate summit to work towards trebling the global renewable energy generation capacity to at least 11,000 GW and doubling the average annual rate of energy efficiency by 2030. The abstention was in keeping with the stance of India which, despite having made rapid strides in boosting its non-fossil fuel energy generation capacity including solar, wind and hydel, has been loath to bind itself to commitments on massively cutting its reliance on coalfired power plants - its mainstay for generating electricity - at a time when demand is rapidly rising. Modi offers to host 33rd session in 2028 Continuing with India's proactive approach towards the climate cause, PM Modi proposed to host COP33 in India in 2028 and gave a call to world leaders to join the ‘Green Credit’ initiative, recently launched by India, as part of larger global mitigation action. Making a vigorous pitch for the Green Credit initiative, Modi said, “Going beyond the commercial mindset of 'carbon credit' (system), this (Green Credit) initiative is a movement to create a carbon sink with people's participation." He was addressing global leaders at the inauguration of the highlevel segment of heads of state/government at COP28. Loss and Damage Fund cleared On the first day of COP 28, member countries agreed to make
PM with global leaders at the COP 28 World Climate Action Summit
operational a Loss and Damage (L&D) fund that is meant to compensate countries already dealing with climate change. To be based at the World Bank but managed by an independent secretariat, commitments worth at least $450 million have already been made by countries though billions of dollars are still needed to meet its purpose. The L&D fund was first announced at the conclusion of COP-27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, last year, but it has taken five separate meetings since then, via ‘transitional committees,’ to get to a position where countries could unanimously agree on a text that was then passed by COP-28 President, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. The genesis of the need to have such a fund is nearly three decades old. Financial commitments have been made by the United Arab Emirates $100 million – the host country, Germany $100 million; the United States $17 million, the United Kingdom $50.6 million (approx.), and Japan $10 million as part of the L&D. The European Union also committed to $145 million, over and
above the German contribution. Some 170 world leaders are attending this year’s COP - a record for a climate conference according to the UAE, the host country. King Charles urges leaders to act King Charles kicked off the COP 28 with a rallying cry for world leaders -including his prime minister Rishi Sunak - to meet their promises to the world. “I pray with all my heart that COP28 will be a critical turning point towards genuine transformational action,” said the British head of state as he delivered an opening address. Sunak was among those in the audience. While retaining Britain's headline carbon reduction goals, the Conservative prime minister has stressed that the shift to net zero should not hit voters in the pockets. Speaking to reporters ahead of the King's speech on his flight to Dubai, the prime minister said he would “walk around very proudly" at COP, talking up £1.6 billion in UK backing for international climate finance projects - and downplaying any suggestion of a split with the King.
20-year-old Indian held captive, forced into labour for months in US WASHINGTON: A 20-year-old Indian student was saved by US authorities after his cousin and two other males of Indian descent held him captive for months without access to a lavatory, severely beaten him, and had him work at three homes - an act that was called "absolutely inhumane and unconscionable." The unnamed victim was held captive in three homes in the US state of Missouri for several months. Police descended upon a home on
a rural highway in St Charles County route and later detained Venkatesh R Sattaru, Sravan Varma Penumetcha and Nikhil Verma Penmatsa and accused them of crimes involving assault, kidnapping, and human trafficking. After learning of his predicament and calling 911, a concerned passerby requested that police check the residence. Prosecutor Joe McCulloch stated that the man is safe and receiving treatment at a hospital for numerous
bone fractures, cuts, and injuries throughout his body. The allegations state that the men kept the student imprisoned in a basement for seven months, forcing him to sleep on an unfinished floor without access to a restroom. He scavenged for scraps in nearby restaurant dumpsters and was beaten with electrical wire, PVC pipe, metal rods, wooden boards, sticks and a water supply hose, St Louis Post-Dispatch, a regional newspaper, reported.
Indian student charged for killing Israel asks residents to flee his grandparents, uncle in US as war shifts to south Gaza New York: A 23-year-old Indian student has been arrested and charged for allegedly murdering his grandparents and uncle inside a New Jersey condominium, police and US media reports said. The South Plainfield Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office released a statement in which they accused Om Brahmbhatt of shooting Dilipkumar Brahmbhatt, 72, Bindu Brahmbhatt, 72, and Yashkumar Brahmbhatt, 38. A neighbour had reported hearing gunfire at the Traditions condo complex, prompting the police to respond to the house on Coppola Drive off New Durham Road in South Plainfield. According to authorities, married couple Dilipkumar and Bindu Brahmbhatt were found shot to death in their secondfloor flat. It was discovered that Yashkumar Brahmbhatt, their son, had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He passed away in the hospital after being admitted.Om faced three counts of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm in the second degree. Om, a resident of Gujarat, lived with the victims and was discovered there when the police came. Om had a seemingly calm demeanour during court appearance. Police say he was the one who called 911 that morning and when asked about who did it, officials say Om stated, "It might be me".
GAZA: Israel ordered people out of swathes of the main southern city in the Gaza Strip as it pressed its ground campaign deep into the south, sending desperate residents fleeing even as it dropped bombs on areas where it told them to go. Israel’s military posted a map on X with around a quarter of the city of Khan Younis marked off in yellow as territory that must be evacuated at once. Three arrows pointed south and west, telling people to head towards the Mediterranean coast and towards Rafah, near the Egyptian border. Later in the day, the military warned civilians to avoid the main northsouth highway between
Khan Younis and the central town of Deir al-Balah, saying the road had become a “battlefield”. That indicated Israeli troops were approaching Khan Younis from the northeast, possibly with plans to cut central Gaza off from the south. Israeli forces largely captured the northern half of Gaza in November, and since a week-long truce collapsed on Friday they have swiftly pushed deep into the southern half. Around 2 million people are now crowded into the 230 sqkm that make up Gaza’s south. Already shelters are overwhelmed, and both Israel and neighboring Egypt have refused to accept any refugees.
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DAC nod to buy 97 Tejas 13 militants die in gunfight jets, 156 combat helicopters between two Manipur groups The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) last week cleared the procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk 1 A and 156 Light Combat Helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited among other bigticket acquisitions worth £22.3 billion. According to a Defence Ministry statement, the DAC has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of LCHs for the Indian Air Force and the Army and LCA Mk 1A for IAF. The DAC is among the top bodies for clearing major capital acquisitions for defence. The AoN is only the first step in the long defence procurement process; it does not necessarily lead to a final order. Both the orders were already in the pipeline. While addressing the media in October, IAF Chief Air
Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari had said the contract for the additional 97 Tejas Mk 1A jets is expected to be signed by the end of the year. The fighter jets will be an addition to the 83 jets ordered for the IAF in February 2021. The IAF and the Army had raised a squadron each of the indigenous LCH, which was named Prachand. Of the 156 additional LCH to be procured, 90 are likely to be for the Army and 66 for the IAF. The DAC also cleared
the proposal to upgrade part of its Su-30 MKI fighter jets indigenously from HAL. The Defence Acquisition Council, which is headed by the Defence Minister, is among the top bodies for clearing major capital acquisitions for defence. The Acceptance of Necessity is only the first step in the long defence procurement process. Grant of an AoN does not necessarily lead to a final order. As per the ministry, 98% of the total AoN amount will be sourced from domestic industries.
Thirteen people were killed in a gunfight between two unnamed armed groups in a village in Manipur's Tengnoupal district, 10 km from the border between India and Myanmar. With almost 180 casualties to date, this was the bloodiest slaughter since the sectarian conflict in the state broke out on May 3. Manipur police released a statement confirming the firefight and the death toll at Leithao village near Saibol in Tengnoupal district. Police have found the bodies, but did not find any weapons near the deceased. Security sources said that the deceased are probably ardent supporters of an insurgent group with headquarters in Myanmar, even though official information regarding the identity of the victims and the murderers has not yet been made public. An estimated 24
ASI gets 10 more days for report on Gyanvapi The Varanasi district court granted an additional 10 days to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to finalise and submit the Gyanvapi survey report by December 11. This extension is the sixth since the initiation of ASI’s scientific study, which aims to determine whether the 17th-century mosque in Varanasi was constructed over a preexisting structure of a temple. District judge Ajay Krishna Vishvesha said:
“After taking into consideration the facts mentioned in the application and circumstances of the case, I find it proper to grant 10 days more time to the ASI to file the report in the court. This court expects that within the provided time the ASI shall positively file the report and will not seek further time.” The court had granted five extensions - on August 5, September 8, October 5, November 2, and November
17 - during different stages of the survey. Last week, ASI requested an additional three weeks to finalise the report, prompting the court to ask for an explanation about the need for another extension. ASI initiated the scientific study of the Gyanvapi mosque on July 24. The agency’s fresh plea contained, “ASI experts are working hard to compile, interpret and meticulously analyse data collected through various scientific
studies and field observations. Its field team is working hard to prepare a detailed and illustrated survey report covering every aspect regarding and in relation to the said survey. Required crosschecking, verification, correlation and compilation of findings to finalise the survey report based on systematic studies conducted by various expert teams is under process,” ASI had pleaded in the petition.
Congress defers Dec 6 INDIA meet after Mamata, Nitish say can’t attend The Congress has deferred the meeting of its INDIA bloc allies called by party president Mallikarjun Kharge on December 6 after several leaders said they plan to skip it. The Congress said that it will be re-scheduled to the third week of December at a date convenient to all. Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday had expressed her unavailability to attend the meeting, saying that she will be visiting North Bengal from December 6 to December 11. With Tamil Nadu recovering from the heavy rainfall brought in by Cyclone Michaung, Chief Minister M K Stalin, too, would have been unable to attend the meeting. Meanwhile, JD(U) president and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar is unwell. Sources had said Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, too, would be unable to attend the
Rajasthan had they agreed to share seats. “INDIA parties cut some votes and this is the truth. We had suggested a seat-sharing arrangement. They lost because of division of votes,” the TMC chief said.
members of the gang engaged in a bloody battle early in the morning near the border with suspected cadres of Myanmar's prodemocracy People's Defence Force, according to a security source. The source said, “The group split into two, with one part returning safely to Myanmar, and the other managing to enter India through the village of Namlee on the international border.” It is speculated that this group was ambushed by
rivals from the hills in Leithao, leading to fatalities. “Armed rebels based in Myanmar have been infiltrating into Manipur through the porous border in large numbers for the past several months taking advantage of the conflict in the state,” the source said. The specific group involved in Monday’s shootout reportedly infiltrated through the jungle route, avoiding security forces in Saibol areas of Tengnoupal district.
Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena national president shot dead in Jaipur Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena leader Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, known for his involvement in protests against the film "Padmavat" in 2017–18, was shot dead by three unidentified assailants at his residence. Mr Gogamedi, 50, was the president of the right-wing outfit Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena. He was earlier associated with an organisation of Rajputs, Rashtriya Karni Sena, operating at the national level, but later parted ways. Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph said three people had come to meet Mr Gogamedi at his house in Shyam Nagar and sat with him for some time before firing at him at close range. His security guard tried to stop the assailants, who fired at him as well. Following the shooting, Mr Gogamedi was rushed to a nearby private hospital but succumbed to his injuries. During the attack, one assailant was killed, while two others escaped on a scooter after threatening a rider with pistols, as confirmed by Mr Joseph. Subsequently, Rohit Godara of the Lawrence BishnoiGoldy Brar gang claimed responsibility for the assault in a Facebook post, citing Gogamedi's alleged collaboration with their rivals. Upon news of the attack, Gogamedi's supporters and members of the Rajput community gathered at his residence and the hospital. A relative said that Gogamedi had been receiving threats for a long time and feared an attack on him. He claimed police had been informed about the threats. Supporters staged a protest outside the hospital, demanding immediate arrests of the perpetrators.
SC asks ATS to resume probe against Mehul Choksi, his wife Mamata Banerjee & Nitish Kumar
meeting. The Congress party’s defeat in the Hindi heartland - Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh - has landed it in trouble with its INDIA allies, with both Yadav and Banerjee sending strong message to the party. Yadav, without naming the Congress, said, “Ab parinaam aa gaya hai toh ahankar bhi khatam ho gaya. Aane wale samay mein phir rasta niklega (Now that the results are out, the ego has also ended. In the coming days, a new way forward will be
found).” The alliance had hit a rough patch in the run-up to the polls, after seat-sharing talks between the SP and Congress fell through in Madhya Pradesh. Yadav had then remarked, “Only during the MP polls did I find out that the INDIA alliance is only for the Lok Sabha. The question is about credibility. If the Congress behaves like this, who will stand with them?” Mamata, meanwhile, hit out at the Congress saying it would have won in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and
Mehul Choksi is a wanted man and the Supreme Court ordered the Gujarat police to look into a case against him and his wife, Priti. This could lead to additional problems for the runaway. In connection with a business transaction involving 105 kg of gold bars valued at £3 million in 2015, the complainant accused the couple of cheating and forgery. The Gujarat High Court ruling of May 5, 2017, which had invalidated the FIR lodged by Digvijaysinh Jadeja of Bhavnagar, was set aside by the SC bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti, according to Shubranshu Padhi, the complainant's counsel. The jeweller claimed that by breaking a commercial contract, Choksi, his wife, and other individuals had deceived him and his company. The Gujarat police were ordered by the SC to recommence the probe, although they had
stopped following the HC's ruling to invalidate the Gandhinagar FIR. Complainant Jadeja stated that when the Supreme Court allowed his appeal for police investigation, Choksi’s counsel requested the court to instruct the investigating agency not to insist on the presence of Choksi’s wife in India for interrogation. The case involves a business contract between Choksi’s Geetanjali Jewellery Retail Ltd and Jadeja’s Geetanjali Gems Ltd in 2010. In 2015, Jadeja filed a complaint accusing Choksi’s firm of failing to return 105 kg of gold bars worth £3 million and not paying a minimum guarantee of £1.94 million. Jadeja accused Choksi of committing a criminal breach of trust by misappropriating the property worth £4.94 million. The police registered an FIR and invoked Sections 406, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, 506, and 120B of the IPC.
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Govt extends free grain scheme by five more years The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), a free foodgrain programme, will be extended by the Centre for a further five years, ending in December 2028. The total subsidy amount is estimated to be £118 billion. Eight hundred and three million underprivileged participants in the programme will receive 5 kg of food grains per month. A 35 kg supply of wheat is also provided to each family that is eligible for the Antyodaya programme. PM Narendra Modi had announced the extension of the scheme for five years, which was cleared
well as other costs. Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, stated that the government's top goal is guaranteeing that every low-income resident receives their allotted share, and the central Narendra Modi government will make by the Cabinet. sure there is never a shortage The current calendar of money for buying grains. year (2023) has a subsidy payWheat was priced at Rs 2 per out under the system of kg and rice at Rs 3 per kg approximately £20 billion; until a year ago, when the however, the government has government decided to give budgeted a little extra, allowit away for free and remove ing for an increase in the the extra quota of free grains minimum support price that had been given during (MSP) of 7-8% annually as the Covid-19 period.
Gujarat CM visits Micron plant in Singapore Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel and a Gujarat delegation concluded their visit to Singapore with a tour of Micron’s assembly and testing plant last week. The visit included detailed briefings from Micron’s senior officials about the manufacturing process. Micron is in the process of establishing a semiconductor production plant in Sanand. During the visit, the CM highlighted Gujarat’s unique position as the only state in India with an independent semiconductor policy. The focus on semiconductors aligns with the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit-2024, themed ‘Gateway to the Future’. The summit places a particular emphasis on emerging sectors, including semiconductors, green hydrogen, and e-mobility. The delegation, which included chief secretary Raj Kumar, additional chief
secretary to the CM Pankaj Joshi, additional chief secretary (industries) S J Haider, and other highranking officials, also engaged in the discussions. Earlier, the delegation held meetings with finance and business executives and said that successful operations of Singaporean companies in the GIFT City is a key factor in growing Gujarat-Singapore ties. Patel started his visit to Singapore by holding a meeting with Singapore trade and industry minister Gan Kim Yong. The CM also held meetings with
Sopnendu Mohanty, chief technology officer, Monetary Authority of Singapore, and Prasoon Mukherjee, CEO, Singapore Business Federation (SBF). The CM discussed bilateral trade between Singapore and India during this meeting with Yong. Patel said that Gujarat is emerging as India’s logistics hub due to its globally connected multiple locations and long coastline. The delegation had earlier visited Japan to invite the businessmen to the Vibrant Gujarat summit.
France confers top civilian award on Isro scientist In recognition of her contributions to France-India space collaboration, V R Lalithambika, the former Director of the Directorate of the Human Spaceflight Programme at Isro, was awarded the highest civilian award in France, the Légion d’Honneur. The award was given to
her by Ambassador of France to India, Thierry Mathou, on behalf of the French government. Created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Légion d’Honneur (the Legion of Honour) is the highest civilian award given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France, regardless of the nationality
of the recipients. Lalithambika is a renowned scientist of ISRO who specialises in cutting-edge launch vehicle technology. She has worked extensively on several ISRO rockets, most notably the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, according to a press statement from the French Embassy.
Israel urges India to outlaw Hamas Israel's ambassador, Naor Gilon, expressed optimism that India would outlaw Hamas in response to Israel's ban on the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is located in Pakistan. She said that the Netanyahu administration had already provided Indian authorities with evidence regarding Hamas' terrorist activities. India has not outlawed the organisation that rules the Gaza Strip, despite having called Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7th a terrorist attack. “We did whatever was expected from our side. Now it is for the Indian government to decide - if, where, how, how fast,” said Gilon, when asked if India had indicated to Israel it was considering a ban on Hamas. Speaking at a press conference, Gilon expressed support for the people of Palestine on the same day that Arab ambas-
sadors in the area paid a visit to the Palestine embassy. Gilon outlined India's stance on the Gaza crisis, mentioning PM Narendra Modi's denunciation of the terror assaults carried out by Hamas. He said Israel defence forces had completely destroyed Hamas’s infrastructure in northern Gaza except the underground tunnels and the focus at the end of the current pause in fighting would be on cleaning up the southern part of the strip. Following weeks of hostilities, Israel and Hamas decided to take a four-day break from warfare. Two more days were added to the cease-fire. Gilon said that there were about 30,000 Hamas militants and claimed that many of them had been killed in Israeli operations. He added that the Israeli government is committed to getting rid of Hamas.
Don’t vent anger of defeat in Parliament, learn from it: PM Modi to Opposition Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the opposition parties to take a lesson from the setback rather than venting their frustration out on the ruling party in the winter session of Parliament, citing results from four states as evidence that the people of the nation had rejected negative politics. “If I speak on the basis of the recent election results, this is a golden opportunity for our colleagues sitting in the opposition. Instead of taking out their anger of defeat in this session, if they go ahead with positivity and learn from the defeat and leave behind
the tendency of negativity of the last nine years, if they move forward with positivity this session, the country will change its perspective towards them. A new door could open for them,” the PM told reporters just before Parliament assembled. “Everyone's future is bright, there’s no need for despair. But please, do not vent the frustration of defeat in the House. There might be disappointment. Your colleagues may have to do something to show their strength. But, at least, do not turn this temple of democracy into a platform for expressing frus-
tration. And I say this again, based on my long experience, change your approach a bit, leave the confrontational attitude aside just for the sake of opposition, and contribute positively for the country's benefit,” Modi said, an apparent reference to frequent disruptions in the House leading to adjournments, which take a toll on Parliament’s productivity. He was greeted with chants of “Baar baar Modi sarkar, teesri baar Modi sarkar” by party members in Lok Sabha during the brief proceedings of the House before it was adjourned for an hour.
IAF pilot, cadet killed in trainer aircraft crash In a tragic incident, an IAF flying instructor and a cadet lost their lives as their Pilatus PC-7 Mark-II trainer aircraft crashed in Medak district, Telangana. This marks the first crash involving this Swiss-origin aircraft, typically utilised for training inexperienced military pilots. The fatal crash occurred during a routine training sortie, following the takeoff of the propeller-driven aircraft from the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, near Hyderabad.
The instructor, a Squadron Leader-ranked officer, was guiding the cadet at the time of the accident. “Both the pilots on board sustained fatal injuries in the crash and died. No damage to any civil life or property on the ground was reported. A court of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident,” an IAF officer said. Defence minister Rajnath Singh said, “Anguished by this accident near Hyderabad. It is
deeply saddening that two pilots have lost their lives. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families.” Though military aviation is inherently risky, the Indian armed forces have been dogged by an unusually high crash rate. Apart from civilians on the ground, around 60 military personnel have lost their lives in over 50 different aircraft and helicopter accidents in the IAF, Army and Navy in the last five years alone.
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in brief
SOUTH INDIA
Kerala governor okays one bill, refers 7 for President's nod THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Act to give the state Kerala governor Arif government the Mohammed Khan referred to authority to expand the President Droupadi Murmu search committee for seven of the eight bills pending vice-chancellors. The assent for up to three years, but governor was also cleared the remaining one, a holding on to the Kerala day before the Supreme Court Cooperative Societies takes up the state Amendment Bill. Arif Mohammed Khan government’s writ petition Picks new VC against the prolonged status quo. The governor, meanwhile, appointed Prof S Bijoy Nandan as the vice chancellor At an earlier hearing, the apex court had of Kannur University, following the directed Khan to read its ruling on a similar Supreme Court’s annulment of the petition filed by the Punjab government reappointment of Gopinath Ravindran to against that state’s governor. The court said the key position. that in the event of withholding assent to a Nandan currently serves as a professor bill sent by the state legislature, the in the department of marine biology, governor was required to promptly send it microbiology & biochemistry at Cochin back with relevant observations instead of University of Science and Technology. The sitting on it inordinately. The bench had governor, serving as the chancellor of the also issued notice to the principal secretary university, made the decision to appoint to the governor. Nandan as vice-chancellor, exercising the The seven bills referred by governor for powers conferred by the provisions of the the President to consider include the Kannur University Act, 2018. Kerala Lok Ayukta (Amendment Bill), The order directed Nandan, who is also which purportedly seeks to dilute the the dean of the faculty of marine sciences power of the Lok Ayukta. Then there is the at the School of Marine Sciences, CUSAT, University Laws Amendment Bill 2022, to exercise the powers and perform the meant to vest the government with the duties of the vice-chancellor of Kannur authority to pick candidates of its choice to University with immediate effect. This is replace the governor as the automatic in addition to his regular duties until chancellor of all state universities. Another further orders. bill pertains to amending the University
Bomb hoax sparks panic in 68 schools across Bengaluru BENGALURU: Panic gripped Bengaluru last week after 68 schools received emails warning them of explosive devices planted on their premises. Parents and school authorities spent a tense and nervous few hours, and police teams were on their toes rushing from one campus to the other as complaints kept pouring in from more and more schools, before the email threats were finally declared a hoax. Initial probe suggests the mails originated from either Czech Republic or Slovakia. This is the third such incident in the city since last year. On April 28, 2022, more than 25 schools in and around Bengaluru had received bomb threats over emails sent from Saudi Arabia. Less than two months later, on June 15, two schools had received such mails, sent from a yet-to-be identified country in West Asia. Last week, a school in east Bengaluru was one of the first to notice the bomb threat mail around 6.30 am, following which police were alerted. The email ID identified itself as “Kharijites”. “There are explosive devices on the school grounds. On November 26 martyrs in the way of Allah killed hundreds of idolaters It is truly powerful to hold a knife over tens of millions of thin gulps of kafirs He falls and falls Hundreds of Mujahideen flooded the war area in anticipation of martyrdom in the way of Allah You are the enemies of Allah we will kill you and your children,” the mail read.
PUNJAB
We're going for win in all Punjab LS seats: Kejriwal GURDASPUR: AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal put a question mark over the “alliance” with the Congress in Punjab by claiming that his party will win all 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state apart from the Chandigarh seat. “This makes it 14 seats for AAP. The Bhagwant Mann-led government has done enough work in Punjab and will emerge victorious on all the seats, including Chandigarh,” said Kejriwal while addressing a Vikas Kranti rally in Gurdaspur. Observers said this statement was at complete variance with the proclamations of Delhi-based Congress leaders who always maintained that a “Congress-AAP alliance for the 2024 General
Arvind Kejriwal
Election cannot be ruled out”. Minutes before the Delhi CM made this statement, his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann, too, made a similar prediction. Kejriwal also announced a slew of projects amounting to £185.4 million for the twin border districts of Gurdaspur and
Pathankot. However, the duo immediately came under fire from their detractors. Their rivals claimed that many of the ventures were already operational and were just “rebranded, repackaged and refitted” not only to suit the occasion but also to score brownie points ahead of the Lok Sabha poll. Residents were elated to see that one of the most prestigious projects of their city - a new bus stand-finally came into existence. The venture had been ready but was lying in a limbo for the last several months since local AAP satraps wanted it to be
inaugurated by the CM. The Tibri road railway underpass, too, was formally inaugurated. Chief Minister Mann warned his rivals that his government was using artificial intelligence (AI) to look into the corrupt practices of previous governments. “By using AI, we have found that previous governments purportedly constructed roads which existed in files, but not on the ground. If a 4-km road was built, the files would show that 6 km had been constructed. Then, when repairs took place, money would be withdrawn from treasuries to repair even that extra 2 km which did not even exist,” he said.
WEST BENGAL
Shah vows to stop infiltration, enforce CAA at Kolkata rally KOLKATA: Union home minister Amit Shah virtually flagged off BJP’s campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Kolkata last week, harping on the Centre’s resolve to implement provisions of the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act, saying “Hindu refugees” had a right to this land. Speaking at a rally in the heart of the city, Shah emphasised that CAA would be enforced. “CAA is a law. We will enforce CAA. Hindu refugees have a right to this land, like you and I have,” he said. Shah did not mention any dates, but his comments come three days after junior home minister Ajay Mishra told members of the Matua community in Bengal that the rules would be framed by March next year. The home minister said he was confident of BJP forming the government in Bengal in
Amit Shah
2026 with a two-thirds majority. “But, before that, there is the 2024 Lok Sabha election,” he reminded his listeners. “Last time, you gave 18 seats to BJP. I appeal to you to vote for Modi Ji in such large numbers that the seats given by you become enough to elect him as Prime Minister,” Shah said, before taking aim at TMC and other opposition parties and making a pitch for BJP. Shah accused the Mamata Banerjee government of taking “Bengal backwards”, raising allegations of cut money, syndicates, rising political killings and infiltration. He
exhorted Bengal’s voters to “express their disgust” by voting for BJP. “Has she delivered on her promise of change? Has infiltration ended? Has appeasement ended? Has political violence ended? Has corruption been eradicated? Modi Ji sends millions of funds
for Bengal but the syndicates of Bengal never allow the funds to reach the poor. I have come here to appeal to the people of Bengal - if they want a BJP government in the state in 2026, they have to lay the foundation for it in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls,” he said.
TELANGANA DGP TAKES FLOWERS TO CONG CHIEF, EC SUSPENDS HIM In an unprecedented move, the Election Commission suspended Telangana police chief Anjani Kumar hours after he visited state Congress chief Anumula Revanth Reddy with a flower bouquet at the latter’s residence, while the counting for assembly polls was under way. It directed that the next senior most eligible police officer be given charge as the state DGP. The poll panel also sought explanation from two other officers - Telangana police nodal officer Sanjay Kumar Jain and nodal officer (expenditure) Mahesh M Bhagwat - who had accompanied the DGP to Reddy’s residence. EC sources described the DGP’s visit to Reddy, a contesting candidate and star campaigner for Congress, in full media glare as a violation of the model code of conduct as well as service conduct rules. Sources said Kumar’s suspension, perhaps the first such action to be taken by the EC after conclusion of polling, is a stern warning to officials to maintain nonpartisanship and impartiality till the end of the polling process.
TN SPEAKER CLAIMS TO HAVE BEEN THREATENED Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M Appavu claimed that he was threatened allegedly by a person professing proximity to a central investigating agency for three months. Declining to go into the details on the issue, the Speaker said while reacting to the arrest of an official of the ED in Madurai by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption on a charge of bribery. The arrest only indicated the way “things have been going on” in the central investigative agencies, he said. “I learned about the arrest of the ED official through the media. This shows how the central agencies, especially the CBI, ED, and Income Tax, target the politicians and businessmen in the non-BJP-ruled states through their intermediaries,” Appavu said.
AAP MP CHADHA'S SUSPENSION FROM RAJYA SABHA REVOKED AAP MP Raghav Chadha's suspension was on Monday revoked by Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. BJP member GVL Narsimha Rao, who is a member of the Privilege Committee, moved the motion to revoke Chadha's suspension, which was adopted by the Upper House. Soon after the revocation, Chadha in a video statement said that he had to move the Supreme Court to get his suspension revoked. He thanked the apex court for taking cognizance of his plea. The AAP leader said that for 115 days, he could not raise the voice of the people. However, he thanked everybody for giving him their blessings and best wishes during his suspension. Chadha was suspended indefinitely from the Rajya Sabha on August 11 for alleged "breach of privilege" during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The AAP leader was accused of forging the signatures of five Rajya Sabha MPs in a motion related to the Delhi Services Bill in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill was passed by both houses.
Calcutta HC orders stay on notices to BJP MLAs KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court ordered an interim stay on notices by Kolkata Police to eight BJP MLAs over a complaint alleging that they disrespected the national anthem when it was being sung on the West Bengal assembly premises. BJP MLA Sankar Ghosh and others moved the high court praying for quashing of the FIR lodged against the saffron party legislators. Justice Jay Sengupta ordered an interim stay on the notices to the BJP legislators, including party chief whip Manoj Tigga of Madarihat and
Ghosh of Siliguri constituency, for appearing before the police, till December 7. The court directed the prosecution to produce the case diary before it on the next date of hearing on December 7. The notices were sent by the Kolkata Police over a complaint alleging that the BJP MLAs disrespected the national anthem when it was being sung on the West Bengal assembly premises last week. The TMC has accused the BJP legislators of raising anti-state
government slogans and not standing up while the anthem was sung by MLAs of the ruling party in West Bengal in the vicinity, who were also sitting on a dharna there. Counsel for the petitioner claimed that the purported singing of the national anthem was indecorous, inaudible and done after the petitioners had started protesting and sloganeering. The state's counsel submitted that the probe is in its initial stages and as such it be allowed to continue.
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Cyclone Michaung crosses Andhra coast, dozen killed in Chennai The severe cyclonic storm Michaung crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast close to Bapatla district with gales touching the aching speeds of 90–100 kilometres per hour, an Amaravati Meteorological Centre official said. The weather system brought in heavy bouts of rain in several places across Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu in the past couple of hours. A dozen people have died in various rain-related incidents induced by Cyclone Michaung in and around Chennai. Personnel on fishing boats and farm tractors were engaged in rescuing stranded people on Tuesday. Agromet advisories have been issued for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha in
view of the current situation triggered by the cyclone. A total of 29 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed along the Andhra coast to tackle the impact of the cyclone. In Chennai, heavy rainfall due to the influence of the cyclone turned roads into rivers and swept vehicles away, forcing authorities to declare
educational institutions shut. Private offices asked their employees to work from home till the situation improves. The rainfall, coupled with strong winds, brought down trees, walls, and electric poles. Floodwaters entered government hospitals, resulting in the temporary suspension of healthcare services, while there were cases of waterlogging at metro stations. The cyclone took a hit on transportation services, with several trains and flights cancelled. The Chennai airport runway was flooded as no flights were available till 9 am on Tuesday, causing chaos and inconvenience to passengers.
US ready to send Indian to ISS next year: Nasa chief Possibly as early as next year, an Indian national will likely make space travel history following Rakesh Sharma's groundbreaking trip in 1984. According to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, the United States will assist in the training and deployment of one Indian astronaut to the International Space Station by the end of 2024. “The selection of the astronaut will be done by Isro, Nasa won’t be a part of it. Details of the mission are being worked out by Isro,” said Nelson, who is on a multi-city visit to India to enhance Indo-US space cooperation. “India is a great partner for the
US and also a great future partner for the activities of astronauts in space. The US will launch several private landers on the south pole of the Moon next year. But the fact that India was the first to land there deserves congratulation,” the Nasa chief said. A high-level US space team led by Nelson called Space Minister
Jitendra Singh and congratulated him on the m o m e n t o u s Chandrayaan-3 landing. He asked the minister to move forward with plans to launch India's first astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) on a NASA rocket. NASA is also seeing potential for Indian astronauts on private space missions. Nelson carried further the discussions that US President Joe Biden and PM Narendra Modi had agreed on earlier this year to launch a two-week joint India-US space flight next year.
US, Canada top 2 destinations for Indian students, UK displaces Australia as no 3 The recent year has seen a shift in the preferred flight destinations for Indian students. The US and Canada are still ranked first and second, respectively, but the UK has overtaken Australia to take third place, up from fourth the year before. According to the Indian Students Mobility Report 2023, which shows the total number of Indian students studying in different nations in 2022, the UK had the greatest annual growth rate at 49.6%, closely followed by Canada at 46.8%. The US saw
notable growth as well, up 18.9%. Australia's 0.7% increase was quite small. Canada has had the highest number of Indian students three out of the last four years, with the US claiming the top position in 2021. Australia was number 3 and the UK 4 in 2019, 2020 and 2021, which changed in 2022. Canada had the greatest year-over-year increase rate in 2022, which may indicate that the Covid-19 pandemic had previously caused a decline in the market for student mobility.
“The recent unfolding diplomatic tensions between India and Canada risk disrupting our projections from India. It’s still a developing situation, but our current analysis suggests that student interest will likely remain largely unaffected. Should these tensions impair the Canadian high commission’s visa processing capabilities, a portion of the market may start seeking alternative destinations,” said Maria Mathais, director of the agency that released the report.
President Ruto's India visit seals 5 key MoUs; MEA highlights India-Kenya collaboration During a significant visit by President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya to India, both nations reinforced their enduring ties through the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and strategic collaborations across various sectors. Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER) of the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted the visit's pivotal outcomes. Agriculture and education emerged as focal points, with Kenya expressing its intention to allocate agricultural farmland to Indian companies, aiming to stimulate farming activities in the region. "The Kenyan side is keen on providing agricultural land to
pave the way for diverse exchanges spanning cultural, sports, digital solutions, and technological transformations. "Education remains a crucial area, with IGNOU and Kenyan Open University signing an MoU. Space collaboration is also on the cards. These PM Modi, President Draupadi Murmu and the are the five MoUs signed," President of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto emphasised the MEA Secretary. Indian companies for farming purKenya's interest extends to poses," mentioned Dammu Ravi learning from India's advanceduring a media briefing on ments in fintech, specifically President Ruto's India visit. regarding UPI and Aadhaar. Concurrently, MoUs were Additionally, discussions in the established between the open unihealth sector encompassed versities of both countries, sigexchanges in medical expertise nalling joint efforts in the educaand collaborative endeavours in tion sector. These agreements traditional medicine.
SC asks Manipur govt to dispose of bodies of riot victims in 2 weeks The Supreme Court directed the state government to dispose of the bodies kept in mortuaries for months if the relatives did not claim them in two weeks for final rites at nine designated sites, scotching attempts by some civil society organisations to inflame tensions in Manipur by preventing relatives from claiming the bodies of people killed during the ethnic conflict. “We do not want to keep the pot boiling over dead bodies,” said a bench of CJI D Y Chandrachud, Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, which was disturbed by Justice Gita Mittal-led SC appointed Committee’s report that civil society organisations (CSOs) are preventing relatives from claiming 88 of 94 bodies stored at mortuaries since May when ethnic strife engulfed the state. The Supreme Court further
instructed police superintendents and collectors in the districts where the nine crematorium/burial sites have been designated to enable the last rites to be performed without "hindrance by any group or person." They were also urged to take all necessary actions to uphold law and order. While directing dignified disposal of six unidentified bodies by the state within a week, the bench asked the state to inform relatives of each of the identified bodies and help them in reaching the mortuary for collecting the bodies, taking these to earmarked burial/ cremation sites and facilitate carrying out the last rites as per their religious custom. However, it clarified that if the relatives do not claim the bodies despite intimation, the state would be free to bury/cremate the unclaimed bodies a week after the intimation given to the next of kin.
Morbi bridge repair an engineering disaster: Gujarat HC The Gujarat High Court has asked the state administration not to commit the same mistake as it had done in the case of the Morbi suspension bridge repair while ordering the repair of bridges in Gondal, Rajkot, since the Morbi case was a 'engineering disaster.' During the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the dilapidated state of historic bridges in Gondal, the government informed the division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha P Mayee that it had begun repairing the two bridges in Gondal town, Rajkot district, which were built more than a century ago by the former King Bhagvatsinhji Maharaj. The judges criticized the government after it claimed that it had done everything in its capacity in repairing the bridges. The CJ said the government is saying so after “everything has been upturned”. The court also pulled up the government for its delayed
action and questioned, “Have you made any inquiry where Kumbhkarna was?” The government pleader submitted that £1.7 million was transferred to the municipality for the construction of two new bridges, with the possibility of demolishing one of the existing old bridges. The Gujarat high court said the iconic structures do not need to be demolished but repaired with the help of conservation architects. The CJ said, “Have you ensured the repairs are not done like they were done in the case of Morbi bridge? We will also ask you to make sure and also submit periodical reports with regards to its repairs, because if you are repairing an old or heritage structure, the same material is to be used. You cannot change the material. In the Morbi bridge case, they have replaced wooden planks with aluminum planks, which has resulted in the collapse of the bridge. That was an engineering disaster.”
Afghan embassy in Delhi to resume operations in few days: Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's deputy foreign minister, announced that the Afghan embassy in New Delhi will reopen in the coming days. Afghan broadcaster RTA was informed by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai that representatives from the Afghan consulates in Hyderabad and Mumbai had paid the embassy a visit as per directives from Kabul. The Taliban leader said Afghanistan wants good relations with the neighbouring countries. His comments about resuming operations at the Afghan embassy came days after the mission under the control of Ambassador Farid Mamundzay announced its permanent closure, citing "persistent challenges from the Indian government". Mamundzay, appointed by the previous Ashraf Ghani government in Kabul, has been out of India for the last few months. Last week, the embassy announced its permanent closure. The diplomats at the embassy appointed by the previous government had announced on September 30 too that the mission is ceasing its operations from October 1, alleging a "lack of support from the host government". In April-May, the Afghan embassy was rocked by a power struggle in the wake of reports of the Taliban-appointed charge d'affaires to head the mission replacing Mamundzay. The embassy released a statement after the incident stating that its leadership remained the same. The power struggle began when Qadir Shah, who had been employed by the embassy since 2020 as a trade advisor, wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in late April, stating that the Taliban had selected him as the charge d'affaires.
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The glamorous and starstudded world of casino hotels M
any of us find pleasure in spending an evening at a casino occasionally, revelling in the excitement of a little gamble with friends, laughter, and drinks as the night unfolds. However, how often do we take the extravagance a step further by indulging in a casino suite for an overnight stay or witnessing a celebrity trying their luck at the slot machines? Considering this curiosity, OLBG has analysed the data to unveil the most luxurious casino resorts globally, featuring the most lavish rooms and suites for those seeking an opulent experience. The top-ranking casino resort on the list is Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, securing an impressive score of 64.8/70. This high ranking is attributed to the resort's on-site casino, earning a perfect 10/10 in this category. Additionally, the average room cost contributed positively to its score, with the most expensive room priced at £1,790.17 and the most affordable at £650.37. Known for its vibrant ambiance, top-notch service, and non-stop entertainment, Caesars Palace attracts celebrities like Lizzo, Bradley Cooper, and Barack Obama. Securing the second position is The Venetian Resort, boasting an overall score of 59.4/70. This resort, characterised by clear swimming pools, lavishly decorated rooms, and an on-site casino, maintains its popularity. The affordability factor played in its favour, with the most expensive room
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
priced at £710.12 and the most affordable at £609.27, earning the resort a solid 8.1/10 in this category. In the third spot is The Mirage Hotel & Casino with an overall score of 57.4/70. This score is bolstered by an impressive Instagram following of 161,000, contributing to a 9/10 in this category. The resort features an on-site casino and scored 7.7/10 for room affordability, with the most expensive room priced at a reasonable £1,142.80 and the cheapest at an affordable £349.19. The May Fair in London also secured the tenth position on the list. This establishment stands out as one of the UK's premier celebrity restaurants, co-owned by none other than Robert de Niro himself.
Unsurprisingly, it is a hotspot for A-list regulars, with notable names such as Brad Pitt, Cheryl Cole, Kate Moss, Elton John, and Tom Cruise gracing its premises. While casino experiences often come with substantial price tags, they promise the opportunity to cross paths with lifelong heroes and, perhaps, strike it big in a game of blackjack. Whether your goal is celebrity sightings or a shot at winning, booking a casino resort guarantees an unforgettable experience—especially if you find yourself bumping into someone like Justin Timberlake. Disclaimer: We want to clarify that our intent is not to promote gambling, this is a PR-generated story.
UK city deemed prettier than Venice Book Review
The Big Shot Trader by Mitesh G Desai "The Big Shot Trader" by author Mitesh Desai is a compelling and humorous look into the high-pressure world of financial trading through the eyes of its protagonist, Kerpal. The fast-paced comedy offers real insight into the sacrifices and ethical dilemmas faced by those in the finance industry. Kerpal, the heart of the narrative, is a freshly minted trader at a prestigious investment bank, a role that immediately immerses him in a high-stakes environment where the margin for error is razor-thin. Desai does a remarkable job of capturing the essence of a high-pressure job in finance, where each decision can have monumental consequences, and naivety is a luxury one cannot afford. What sets "The Big Shot Trader" apart is its ability to weave humour into the serious and often cutthroat world of finance. Desai's writing is energetic and engaging, effectively mirroring the chaotic pace of the trading floor. The humour is smart and well-placed, serving as a perfect counterbalance to the more intense moments of the book. The narrative is more than just a journey through the financial sector; it's also a deep dive into Kerpal's personal growth. As he navigates the
challenges of his job, readers also follow his fumbles and feats in his personal life, encompassing family and other relationships. This holistic approach gives the character of Kerpal a multidimensional feel, making him relatable and his journey more impactful. Desai skillfully brings out the theme of moral control in a field often characterised by risk and reward. Kerpal’s internal struggle and his quest to find out what it means to be successful in a competitive and morally ambiguous world add a layer of depth to the narrative. It prompts readers to consider not just the financial cost, but also the personal and moral cost of thriving in such a high-octane profession. In conclusion, "The Big Shot Trader" is a delightful and insightful read. Mitesh Desai has created a vivid portrayal of the financial world, filled with both laughter and thoughtprovoking moments. The book is a perfect blend for those who enjoy a good laugh, a touch of romance, family drama, flavoured with an insider’s look at the world of finance. It's a testament to Desai's talent that he can make such a complex and often intimidating field both accessible and entertaining.
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n a recent study conducted by a team of mathematicians, Chester in England has been crowned the world's most picturesque city, surpassing Venice, Italy, which secured the second position. The research utilised Google Street View to evaluate cities both in the UK and around the globe, ranking them based on the highest percentage of buildings conforming to the "golden ratio." The golden ratio, represented by the proportion 1:1.618, has intrigued mathematicians since ancient times and is frequently observed in the natural world, such as in flowers and shells. Objects exhibiting this ratio are perceived as inherently beautiful by humans, although the exact reasons for this perception remain partially unknown to scientists. Chester, a city with significant historical importance, boasting a 1,000-year-old cathedral, Britain's largest Roman amphitheatre, and the oldest racecourse in the country, emerged as the global leader in beauty. The study found that an impressive 83.7 percent of the buildings analysed in Chester adhered to the golden ratio. Venice closely followed with a score of 83.3 percent, and London secured the third position with a score of 82 percent. Online Mortgage Advisor, the entity that conducted the study, reported that its experts meticulously examined over 2,400 buildings in the UK. In this analysis, London secured the second position among British cities, following Chester, and claimed the third spot overall. The remaining top five in the UK included Belfast, Liverpool, and Durham.
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Transform your sleep quality with these small habits A good night's sleep has become a luxury for many in today's fast-paced society, when screens glow late into the night and stress frequently follows us to bed. But sleep is more than simply a time for relaxation—it's an essential component of our health that impacts our mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical vitality. In an Instagram post, nutritionist Marina Wright wrote, “By incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine, you can realign your circadian rhythm, balance melatonin and cortisol production, and reduce stress, ultimately leading to improved sleep and overall well-being.” She shares tiny habits that will transform your sleep quality in a few days. Get morning sunlight: Exposure to sunlight early in the morning can help synchronise your sleep-wake cycle with the natural day-night cycle, making it easier to fall asleep at night. Adjust your exercise routine: Excessive exercise right before bed might be stimulating and interfere with your ability to unwind and sleep. If you like to work out in the evening, save those for the morning and opt for a softer form of exercise. Wake up at the same time every day: Maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up time each day helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which leads to improved sleep at night and makes it easier to rise in the morning. Save caffeine for the morning: For better sleep, give yourself eight to ten hours between your last cup of coffee and bedtime. By inhibiting adenosine, a neurotransmitter that encourages relaxation and sleep, caffeine interferes with sleep.
Workaholics feel ill even when working: Study Even while they are working, people with a work addiction typically feel worse than their coworkers. A study that was released in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology leads to this conclusion. Professor Cristian Balducci of the University of Bologna's Department for Life Quality Studies carried out the study in cooperation with Prof Paola Spagnoli of the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" and Dr Luca Menghini of the University of Trento. Prof. Balducci explains, “The negative mood observed in workaholics may indicate elevated daily stress levels and that could be the cause of the higher risk for these individuals to develop burnout and cardiovascular problems. Furthermore, considering that workaholics often hold positions of responsibility, their negative mood could readily influence that of col-
leagues and co-workers. This poses a risk that organisations should seriously consider, intervening to discourage behaviors that contribute to workaholism.” In the survey, 139 fulltime employees participated, the majority of whom worked in back office tasks. First, the individuals' degree of work reliance was evaluated using a psychological exam. Prof. Balducci said, “The collected data show that the most workaholic workers have on average a worse mood than the others. So, it does not appear to be true that people who are addicted to work derive more pleasure from their work activity; quite the opposite, the results seem to confirm that, as in other forms of behavioural and substance addiction, the initial euphoria gives way to a negative emotional state that pervades the person even while at work.”
Fenugreek: A spice with medicinal benefits Fenugreek seeds, akin to cloves, are prevalent in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine and possess diverse medicinal properties. When brewed as a tea, fenugreek aids in enhancing breastfeeding by stimulating milk production. It serves as an effective water-soluble fibre for alleviating diarrhoea by firming up stools. However, individuals dealing with constipation should steer clear of these seeds. Additionally, as a supplement, fenugreek demonstrates potential in lowering blood sugar levels, particularly beneficial for individuals managing diabetes. Health Views Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Yoga helps reduce seizures frequency, feelings of stigma in epilepsy patients Yoga has been shown in a recent study by Delhi AIIMS to be beneficial in lowering anxiety, the frequency of seizures, and the stigma associated with having epilepsy. The journal of medical research, Neurology, has published it. According to Dr. Manjari Tripathy, Head of the Neurology Department at AIIMS, says the stigma surrounding epilepsy patients can make them feel different from others, which can negatively affect their quality of life. She was quoted in a report as saying, “This stigma can affect a person’s life in many ways including treatment, emergency department visits, and poor mental health. Our study showed that doing yoga can alleviate the burden of epilepsy and improve the overall quality of life by reducing this perceived stigma.”
160 persons that fit the description of stigmatised individuals were found by the researchers. Individuals had one seizure on average every week and took at least two anti-seizure drugs on average. They were given the option of
receiving sham yoga therapy or yoga instruction at random. It comprised breathing techniques, yoga poses, affirmations, and meditation. Dr Tripathy said, “We also discovered that people who did yoga were more than four times as likely to have more than a 50 per cent reduction in their seizure frequency after six months than the people who did sham yoga. There was also a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms for those who did yoga compared to people who did not. We saw improvements in the quality of life measures and mindfulness.”
Foods to get rid of chronic constipation Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem that affects people all over the world. It is marked by irregular bowel motions, trouble passing stools, and discomfort. Constipation is common and usually goes away on its own, but when it persists for a long time, it can negatively affect a person's quality of life and cause discomfort and irritation. A diet rich in fibre, healthy fats, and probiotics can help. Here are some foods you must include in your diet to relieve chronic constipation symptoms. Almonds- Ayurveda acknowledges almonds for their pharmacological qualities and classifies them as brimhana, a tonic that supports all body tissues, balya, which can help cre-
ate muscle strength, and poshaka, a tonic that supports all body tissues. Organic oils- While most oils are generally supportive, the best oils or fats for include sesame oil, ghee, and
olive oil. They lubricate tissues, ensuring an appropriate amount of oil or fat remains in the stool. Fruits- Consider ripe bananas, peeled apples, plump prunes, or juicy peaches as top choices. To reap the maximum benefit, consume fruits at least one hour before or after meals and ensure you chew them thoroughly. Spices- Great choices include garlic, asafoetida, and even plain salt. Two of the best vata dosha balancers that aid in the downward flow of the stomach contents are asafetida and garlic. Additionally, common salt improves the water level in the stomach and balances Vata, which helps to overcome the dryness that contributes to constipation.
Minimally invasive techniques may help restore sense of smell in patients with long Covid An image-guided minimally invasive procedure may assist people with long-term Covid -19 regain their sense of smell, according to research presented at the Radiological Society of North America's (RSNA) annual meeting. Recent research indicates that the condition still affects as many as 60% of Covid-19 patients. The sensations often persist for months or even years, even when the patients' sense of smell eventually returns. Lead author of the
study, Adam C Zoga, MD, MBA, professor of musculoskeletal radiology at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, said, “Post-Covid parosmia is common and increasingly recognised. Patients can develop a distaste for foods
and drinks they used to enjoy.” The distorted sense of smell can also affect smell perception, and some patients may suffer from phantosmia, a condition that causes people to detect smells that aren’t in their environment. The researchers stimulated the regional autonomic nerve system by directly injecting anaesthetic into the stellate ganglion on one side of the neck, a procedure known as a stellate ganglion block. Numerous ailments,
such as cluster headaches, phantom limb pain, Meniere's and Raynaud's syndromes, angina, and cardiac arrhythmia, have been treated with it, albeit with differing degrees of success. The minimally invasive procedure takes less than 10 minutes, and no sedation or intravenous analgesia is necessary. For the study, 54 patients were referred by an ear, nose and throat specialist after at least six months of post-Covid parosmia resistant to pharmaceutical and topical therapies.
Winter superfoods to include in your child’s diet Making sure your child is getting the proper nutrients as winter approaches is essential to preserving their health and immune system. By adding seasonal superfoods to their diet, they can strengthen their bodies against typical wintertime ailments and get vital nutrients for development and growth.
Here are superfoods to consider adding to your child's meals: Carrots: This vitamin Arich vegetable is well known for boosting everyone's immune system. It is preferable to take it cooked or with any fatty meal for optimal absorption. For your
kids, prepare carrot raita, shredded carrots with seeds, and sautéed carrots.
Ginger, turmeric and pepper: Readily found in any kitchen, these spices must be given special attention during seasonal changes as they are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial and high in antioxidants like curcumin and gingerol. Pumpkins: Melons and pumpkins are full of flavonoids, one of the major phytonutrients that boost immunity. Including it as pumpkin soup, pancakes, or pumpkin pie or adding it to any dips and wraps is the easiest way to include them in a toddler’s diet.
Leafy vegetables: Winter greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K and essential minerals like iron and calcium which aids in strengthening bones, boosting immunity, and supporting overall growth. Fermented foods: Probiotics such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria are found in curd, yoghurt, and other fermented foods. It strengthens the immune system, promotes better nutritional absorption, avoids digestive problems, and inhibits the spread of harmful germs from the gut to the lymphatic system.
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Deepika Padukone takes girls trip to London; see how Ranveer reacted C hristmas is almost here and it looks like Deepika Padukone is in the mood for a winter vacation. The actor took to social media to share pictures from a galcation she took in London. All smiles with her friends, Sneha Ramachander and Divya Narayan, Deepika’s pictures show off her cosy yet chic outfit. Seemingly clicked near a restaurant, it looks like the trio was just done tucking into a delicious meal.
One of the pictures is a fun selfie clicked by Deepika, while another seems to have been clicked by someone else. Deepika looks stunning with her hair pulled back, dressed in monochrome, and a long tan fuzzy coat completing her look. One of the pictures shared by her friend sees them seated inside a restaurant, clicking selfies as they wait for their food. It looks like Ranveer Singh loved Deepika’s look as much as fans did. He dropped heart eye and heart emojis on her post. Ranveer often leaves adorable comments under Deepika’s posts, much to the delight of fans. Numerous fans also dropped heart emojis under the post, declaring their love for the Kalki 2898 AD actor. Last month Deepika and Ranveer celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary in Europe, sharing pictures filled with PDA on social media.
Ranbir film 'Animal' mints £11.6 mn, sets record for non-holiday release R
anbir Kapoor's 'Animal' is off to a massive start globally. The Sandeep Reddy Vanga film, which was released in theatres on December 1, has created history by delivering the biggest opener for a non-holiday release for a Hindi film. 'Animal' has grossed £11.6 million at the worldwide box office on day 1.
Katrina all praise for Vicky Kaushal’s performance as Sam Bahadur
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ctor Katrina Kaif praised her husband and actor Vicky Kaushal for his performance in the biographical drama film ‘Sam Bahadur.’ She watched the movie last week at a special screening where she walked the red carpet hand in hand with Vicky. She later shared a poster of the movie and captioned, “SAM BAHADUR -@meghnagulzar such a poetic beautiful classic film , was transported to another era .. you can see your passion to telling his story and attention to detail in every shot.” ctor Akshay Kumar organised the 15th Akshay Kumar International Kudo She added, “And SAM !!!!….. GRACE, HEROISM , GRIT .What a performance, flawless, I’m just Tournament in Surat, Gujarat, recently. He said he decided to introduce the astounded, you are too inspiring, true to your craft in practice in India after realising its importance for self-defence, and now is the most brilliant integral way , was so proud to dedicated to motivating the youth to take up the form “without worrying about watch you shine your way across the screen . I’ve money.” seen you this last year pour yourself into this film Akshay said, “I trained for Kudo during Rowdy Rathore, and before that I was and transform into Sam. A performance to be training in Muay Thai and Gojukai Karate for many years. It was only realising the remembered @vickykaushal09.” effectiveness of Kudo in self defence situations that I decided to introduce it in The film’s special screening saw Vicky’s India.” brother Sunny Kaushal, father Sham Kaushal He adds, “I wanted to provide an international platform to the children from every and his mother Veena Kaushal in Mumbai. town and village… An international tournament where everyone can participate Sunny took to Instagram Stories to praise his without worrying about money or costs, hence my tournament was started. It is brother’s performance. He wrote, “Just when I absolutely free of cost for the last 15 years, in fact, during the lockdown too, the think you’ve outdone yourself, you surprise me tournament was kept going online”. yet again.” This year, the actor was joined by actress Disha Patani, a martial arts enthusiast ‘Sam Bahadur’ is based on India’s first Field herself, at the tournament. Kumar said he feels it is important for youth icons to use Marshal Sam Manekshaw. He led the victory their star power in mobilising people towards finding the right way to be fit. He himself in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which led to the trained in several martial arts forms over the years. He is trained in Karate, Taekwondo creation of Bangladesh. His career in the army and Muay Thai. spanned over four decades and five wars. The “I always say that martial arts is not just about kicking, punching and fighting. If you movie hit the theatres on December 1. It is take all the three away from martial arts, there are virtues such as discipline, neck-to-neck with Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’, determination, will power, punctuality and so many more will remain (with you). And which was released the same day. this alone has been the cornerstone which has shaped my personal and professional
Akshay Kumar organises Kudo tournament in Gujarat A
life,” he said.
The makers of the film took to X to share that 'Animal' has minted £11.6 million gross on its opening day. This also confirms the early estimates that predicted that Ranbir Kapoor's crime drama will open at a massive £10 million worldwide. The makers had shared a poster of 'Animal' with the text, 'The biggest nonholiday opening in Hindi Cinema ever. Worldwide gross £11.6 million.' Animal was released alongside Meghna Gulzar's period drama 'Sam Bahadur', starring Vicky Kaushal. Animal's bumper opening day haul at the worldwide box office places it right in between the highest opening day figures of two Shah Rukh Khan releases this year, with 'Jawan' minting £12.50 million and 'Pathaan' at £10.6 million. Animal also stars Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles. Ranbir plays the role of vengeful and angry son of Anil Kapoor in the film. An excerpt from the review stated, “Ranbir is in top form, and becomes Sandeep Reddy Vanga Vanga's Animal in its truest sense. He is a fine blend of vulnerability and villainous traits. He instantly makes you fall for him, and even when he is getting shot or being punched in the face, you feel bad for him, and never wish for him to be dead.”
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Actor Randeep Hooda marries Manipuri model Lin Laishram B
ollywood actor Randeep Hooda married his girlfriend Manipuri model and actress Lin Laishram at Chumthang Sanapung in Imphal. Hooda, who has acted in films such as "Rang Rasiya," "Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster," "Highway," and "Sarbjit," wore a kurta, turban, and traditional Manipuri white dhoti (Pheijom).
Laishram too was dressed in the traditional Manipuri costume of Potloi, a highly decorated redcoloured cylindrical skirt made of thick fabric and a traditional dark green blouse embellished with jewellery. After the beautiful wedding ceremony, the couple officially shared photos from the ceremony on their respective Instagram pages. They shared the picture from the wedding with the same caption, “From today, we are One (heart and infinity emoji) #JustMarried.” The wedding was performed in traditional Meitei rituals which featured the bride circling in dignified movement around a seated groom for seven times and the bride and groom garlanding each other with floral garland made of a variety of Jasmine flowers (kundo) amidst cheers from the guests. Earlier, talking about his wedding, Randeep said: “I felt that it’s only respectful to come and marry in the bride’s traditions. I look forward to the ceremony and experiencing my partner’s culture. I just hope I don’t make any mistakes," he said. The actor also added that he has only two wishes while embarking on a whole new phase of life lots of kids and abundance. “We have been talking about Manipuri culture for a long time,” he said, adding, “I am praying for a happy future filled with lots of kids and abundance. I love that we’re taking our friendship forward and becoming family.”
Rani Mukerji blames KJo for not casting older stars as romantic leads
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ctress Rani Mukerji was featured in the latest episode of the chat show, ‘Koffee With Karan,’ alongside Kajol. In a segment on the show, she was asked about her recent statement about “mature love stories.” Filmmaker and host Karan Johar asked her what she meant when she sarcastically said during a recent interview that “only women mature, the men get younger.” When KJo said the film industry can be “ageist,” Rani interrupted, saying, “No, I don't think it is only the industry. Let's not be harsh on the industry. I think, the industry does what they (the makers) expect will be accepted by the audience or not." Karan then said, "How do we know? The audience might just very well accept a love story... it would be lovely to see a Kajol-Shah Rukh romance. I mean why won't we see it?” Rani responded, “Because a filmmaker like you is not making it." After a moment of silence and awkward smiles, Kajol said, “And cut to next question please." Karan then said, “I have been put in my place, thank you very much… I think before anything else... let's just get the hell out of here.” The episode saw Rani and Kajol discuss their relationship. When Karan brought up issues that the duo had during the ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai shoot,’ Kajol called it “organic distance” due to work, adding that they both preferred it that way. Rani said the distance appeared “strange” to her as she had known “Kajol didi” since she was a kid.
'Dunki: Drop 4' unveils Shah Rukh's journey with an ensemble cast
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he highly anticipated 'Dunki: Drop 4' offers audiences a long-awaited glimpse into what promises to be one of the most heartwarming films of the year. Crafted by the renowned storyteller and director Rajkumar Hirani, this film stars Shah Rukh Khan alongside an ensemble cast featuring Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani, Vicky Kaushal, Vikram Kochhar, and Anil Grover. 'Dunki: Drop 4' provides a sneak peek into Rajkumar Hirani's enchanting cinematic world. The video opens with Shah Rukh Khan aboard a train, setting the stage for the exciting adventure ahead. It introduces a delightful array of characters, starting with SRK portraying Hardy, who arrives in a picturesque village in Punjab and encounters a group of spirited friends – Manu, Sukhi, Buggu, and Balli. Each shares a common dream of journeying to London in search of better opportunities for their loved ones back home. This heartwarming tale encapsulates a myriad of emotions within its frames, following the extraordinary journey of these four friends to foreign lands. It promises a narrative filled with challenges, life-changing experiences, and a celebration of enduring friendships amid trials and tribulations.
Sonam Kapoor talks about the importance of sustainable fashion
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Salman Khan dances with Mamata Banerjee at Kolkata International Film Festival
Salman Khan graced the inauguration of the Kolkata International Film Festival alongside Anil Kapoor, Mahesh Bhatt, Shatrughan Sinha, Sonakshi Sinha, Sourav Ganguly, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Led by Mamata Banerjee, the Tiger 3 star and fellow actors took the stage for the festival's formal commencement. Salman, among others, participated in lighting the lamp, signalling the festival's start, and offered a respectful gesture with folded hands. He was warmly greeted with a salaam from the stage. Salman sported a sleek all-black ensemble, exuding a dapper charm. On stage, all the celebrities were honoured with commemorative trophies. Bengali actor Dev Adhikari warmly felicitated Salman, marking a special moment. This was followed by the screening of this year's signature film. Mamata Banerjee made an unexpected appearance on stage, joining Salman Khan and other celebrities in a dance performance set to this year's film conceptualised by her, featuring the voice of Arijit Singh. In a captured video, Mamata was seen dancing alongside Salman, Mahesh Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, Sonakshi, and Shatrughan Sinha, while Sourav Ganguly applauded beside them. At the event, the CM also sang Rabindranath Tagore's Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol. At the event, Sourav Ganguly said, “Welcome to Kolkata, my favourite Mr Salman Khan. It's a coincidence that I have met him for the first time here in person. In all these years, this is the first time I have met him in person, and I said when I saw him down that it's unfortunate that we never met before.”
ctor Sonam Kapoor recently opened up on why people should be conscious of the need to reuse, repeat and rewear their clothes. In an interview, she said, “To me, having a product with longevity is luxury. Back in the day, my mother and grandmother would preserve expensive saris in a mal mal (muslin) cloth, masterji (tailor) would create made-tomeasure outfits, juttis (shoes) would be created to fit our feet. I’m also doing the same.” “So, you see, I grew up appreciating the value of personalisation and the handmade. This to me is true luxury. I consciously buy items that are made by local artisans, are vintage, and even resold. I haven’t bought anything that I haven’t worn multiple times. For me, everything that I buy needs to be wearable for several years. I don’t believe in wearing it once and then returning it unless I’m borrowing an outfit for an event,” she added. Alia Bhatt recently launched the discussion on sustainable fashion when she wore her wedding saree to receive her maiden National Award for Best Actress for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi.’ On the work front, Sonam has two tentpole projects, one being ‘Battle for Bittora.’ The details of other projects have been kept under wraps.
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Kunchacko Boban reveals his strategy for drawing viewers to theatres M
Naga Chaitanya no longer bothered about dating rumours A
ctor Naga Chaitanya is no stranger to scrutiny of his personal life after separation from Samantha Ruth Prabhu. He was recently asked in an interview if it bothers him when people speculate about his life.
alayalam actor Kunchacko Boban has had an extraordinary year with a string of diverse movies, an industry hit, and the prestigious Kerala State Film Award – Special Jury Mention (Acting) for his performance in ‘Nna Thaan Case Kodu.’
Nayanthara gets MercedesBenz Maybach from husband Vignesh Shivan T The 47-year-old actor recently shared insights into how he consistently delivers exciting projects during the Galatta Plus Mega Malayalam Roundtable 2023. He said, “To attract audiences, you should treat them like your girlfriend. Strive to be the best version of yourself, impress them, and provide everything, including the best of you so that they accompany you to your home. Therefore, you need to be on your toes all the time; only then will they come and watch your movies in theatres.” When asked why and how Malayalam actors willingly take on projects even when they only have minor parts to play, Chackochan stressed that their priority is cinema, not their screen space or screen time. “Since my early days, particularly since ‘Traffic,’ followed by ‘Virus’ and now ‘2018,’ I’ve been part of many socalled multi-starrers. What unites actors in these films is the excitement of exploring something new. This drive leads them to experiment with different combinations, characters and stories. For actors, the excitement factor plays a significant role in joining hands with likeminded people because, for them, cinema is the priority and takes precedence over own screen space or screen time. Those aspects become inconsequential when they have a compelling character or the opportunity to be part of a good movie. That, I believe, holds the most significance for all actors,” he added.
wo weeks after her birthday, Nayanthara received an extravagant gift from her husband and director, Vignesh Shivan. He surprised her with a luxury Mercedes-Benz Maybach worth £300,000, a gesture she called “most sweetest birthday gift.” Nayan shared the moment on Instagram, thanking her husband for the present. She wrote, “WELCOME HOME YOU BEAUTY @wikkiofficial My dear husband ,Thank u for the most sweetest Birthday gift Love you.” While the specific model of the car wasn’t mentioned in the post, two models of
Mercedes-Benz Maybach are sold in India, including GLS and S-Class, which cost over £300,000. Nayan and Vignesh tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in June 2022, attended by stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth. They announced the arrival of their twin boys, Uyir and Ulag, through surrogacy in October of the same year. On the work front, Nayanthara’s eagerly anticipated film ‘Annapoorani,’ hit theatres on December 1. Meanwhile, Vignesh has reached the pre-production phase of his upcoming film featuring Pradeep Ranganathan in the lead.
Nithya Menen, Jayam Ravi unveil the first look of ‘Kadhalikka Neramillai’
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he first look of Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi’s romantic thriller titled ‘Kadhalikka Neramillai,’ starring Jayam Ravi and Nithya Menen, was recently made official with the title and poster reveal. Fans quickly noticed that both stars seemed to have been given equal importance in the poster, with Nithya’s name featured first. The film's cast also features Yogi Babu, Vinay Rai, Lal, John Kokken, TJ Bhanu, Lakshmy Ramakrishnan and Vinodhini Vaidynathan. With music
scored by AR Rahman, the film will have cinematography by Gavemic Ary and editing by Lawrence Kishore. On the work front, Jayam Ravi will be seen next in ‘Siren,’ co-starring Keerthy Suresh, ‘Genie,’ co-starring Keith Shetty, Kalyani Priyadarshan and Wamiqa Gabbi, ‘Brother,’ with Priyanka Mohan, and ‘Thani Oruvan 2,’ with Nayanthara. Meanwhile, Nithya was recently seen in the web series ‘Masterpeace,’ and ‘Kumari Srimathi.’
Naga said that it “doesn’t bother him beyond a point” when speculation about his personal life is rife. “People close to me know the truth,” he said, adding, “I want to be known more for my work than my personal life. So, I try to focus on the craft and let movies do the talking. At the end of the day, if my movies leave the audience entertained, that’s what I want to be remembered for.” Chay and Sam met on the ‘Ye Maaya Chesave’ sets in 2010, and after dating on and off for years, they got engaged in 2017. They tie the knot in Hindu and Christian ceremonies in Goa later the same year. Fans were so in love with the couple they even dubbed them ChaySam. However, after months of speculation, they confirmed their separation on social media in 2021. Chay was rumoured to be dating Sobhita Dhulipala when pictures of them on a vacation went viral on social media. On the work front, Naga Chaitanya was recently seen in the bilingual film ‘Custody,’ which got mixed reviews and a lukewarm response at the box office. He also debuted on OTT with the Prime Video web series ‘Dhoota.’ He will be seen next in Chandoo Mondeti’s ‘Thandel,’ opposite Sai Pallavi.
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Ranveer Singh thanks Johnny Depp for 'unknowingly' teaching him about craft A
ctor Ranveer Singh was recently honoured for his contribution to cinema at the third edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. After accepting the award from Sharon Stone, he thanked American actor and “master of transformation” Johnny Depp in his speech. Ranveer said, “I’m going off-script for a moment here. Wow, one of my screen idols is in the house. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Johnny Depp. My good sir, I have followed your work since Edward Scissorhands and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. What an honour to be receiving this award in your presence.” He added, “Thank you for everything you have unknowingly taught me about the craft, sir. Master of transformation, versatility, is something that I am inspired by you.”
In response, Johnny kept his hand to his chest and nodded several times. Ranveer was one of the three recipients of this year’s Honorary Yusr Awards at the Jeddahbased gala, which opened last week. The other two personalities to be honoured were Diane Kruger and Saudi actorwriter Abdullah Al-Sadhan. Several other Indian cinema personalities attended the festival, including Karan Johar, Katrina Kaif, and Frieda Pinto. On the work front, Ranveer has a rich line-up of films next year. He will reprise his role of Simmba in Rohit Shetty’s star-cast cop drama ‘Singham Again,’ which also includes Deepika Padukone, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Kareena Kapoor. Ranveer will also headline Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Don 3.’
Pak actress Hania Aamir, Indian rapper Badshah spark dating rumours Indian rapper Badshah and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir have been raising eyebrows for quite a while with their social media banter and photos circulating on the internet. Now, Hania surprised her fans by sharing pictures from their recent shopping date. In the first picture, she flaunts her nerdy look in a sleeveless sweater, no makeup and reading glasses. Badshah looked relaxed in a baggy green-hued t-shirt. The two appeared to enjoy each other’s company as they smiled and giggled. Hania also shared two videos wherein she looked amused seeing the glass in which her drink was served. She also asked the waiter if she had to balance her drink. She captioned the post, “kids went shopping.” Many likes and comments poured in from all sides, including Badshah’s, who commented, “Zaya,” to which Hania responded, “circus.” Their friendship came to light earlier this year when Aamir
posted a video in January attempting to pronounce French words. Badshah commented on her post, “por favor?” To which Hania responded, “thora Spanish bhi?” Later, a fan asked the rapper about their friendship, and he responded by praising the actress and calling her a “mood uplifter” for him. He said, “Yes, I follow her; she’s a very funny person. My mood uplifts every time I see her posts, and I think it’s also just her personality. I think she’s a very bright human being.” Hania then shared the clip on her Instagram Stories, praising Badshah, saying, “Aap bhi bohat mast ho @badboyshah.”
Actor Catherine Zeta-Jones explores India tourist attractions with family C
atherine Zeta-Jones appeared joyous as she shared glimpses of her India vacation with husband Michael Douglas and son Dylan. The 54-year-old Wednesday star took to Instagram, posting family photos from their cultural trip. In one sunny snapshot, Catherine embraced Douglas as they posed together, capturing the loving family moment.
in India attending the 54th International Film Festival. Michael received the prestigious Satyajit Ray Life Achievement Award for his 2023 drama-thriller film, Endless Borders. The pair was accompanied by their son Dylan, who also was in attendance at the film festival. 'It's a tremendous honour to receive
She looked stylish in a multicoloured long sleeve top and wore high-waisted cream trousers, teamed with a straw bucket hat. The trio immersed themselves in India's sights, embracing its rich culture throughout their journey. The renowned couple looked delighted in the video, showcasing their enduring love. Catherine and the actor from Basic Instinct were
this award, a career life achievement. When I heard about the award, my family and I were elated,' said the two-time Oscar winning actor. Previous recipients of the award include the likes of Martin Scorsese, Bernardo Bertolucci, Dilip Kumar, Carlos Saura, Krzysztof Zanussi and Wong Karwai.
Vir Das shares letter of appreciation from alma mater for Emmy win A day after receiving a handwritten note of appreciation from Priyanka Chopra, stand-up comedian and actor Vir Das shared another letter congratulating him for the historic International Emmy victory. He took to his Instagram handle last week to share the letter of appreciation from the principal of Delhi Public School Noida. The letter states, “On behalf of DPS Noida, we extend our warmest congratulations to you on winning the prestigious Emmy award. It is a true testament to your talent and your unwavering commitment to excellence.” Vir captioned the post, “It’s nice to get a letter from the principal and not be in trouble :-) Thank you to Delhi Public School Noida. Proud to have studied there. Thank you to Surjeet Khanna for putting me on stage, for pushing me beyond just academics. #dps #dpsnoida #dipsite.”
The 44-year-old took to X earlier to share a photo of the flowers and a handwritten note by actress Priyanka Chopra following his historic triumph at the Emmy International Awards 2023 for his comedy special ‘Vir Das: Landing.’ In the letter, she wrote, “Dear Vir, wishing you huge congratulations on your
Emmy win! Such a well-deserved and wonderful accomplishment! With love, Priyanka, Mary, and your Purple Pebble Pictures.” Sharing the picture, Vir mentioned, “Thank you @priyankachopra for the flowers and for every door you’ve opened for the rest of us. You’re awesome!”
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India win T20 series against Australia 4-1 A superb bowling effort combined with Shreyas Iyer's gritty batting helped India beat Australia by six runs in the fifth and final T20I series against Australia in Bengaluru. India, who were asked to bat first, piled 160/8 in 20 overs and Australia could only manage 154/8 in response. Iyer smashed 53 off 37 balls and found some support from Jitesh Sharma and Axar Patel in the middle overs. Jitesh chipped in with 16-ball 24, while Axar scored 31 in 21 deliveries. Mukesh Kumar and Ravi Bishnoi then made early injections as Australia lost both openers Travis Head and Josh Phillipe in the powerplay overs.
Mukesh removed Phillipe, while Bishnoi cleaned up Head for 28 (18). Australia, who are chasing 161, accumulated 50/2 at the end of powerplay. Bishnoi then removed Aaron Hardie for 6 (10) in his next over. Tim David and Ben McDermott then added 47 runs for the fourth wicket before Axar broke the stand. He removed David. McDermott, on the other hand, completed his half-century before falling against Arshdeep Singh for 54 (36). Mukesh Kumar then removed Matthew Short (16 off 11) and Ben Dwarshuis (0) in consecutive deliveries. Matthew Wade kept Australia in hunt before getting
out to Arshdeep Singh for 22 (15) in the final over. Earlier, India got off to a brisk start before Australia crashed the party and removed openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad inside powerplay overs. Jaiswal was removed by Jason Behrendorff for 21(15), while Gaikwad fell for 10 (12) against Ben Dwarshuis. Dwarshuis then got rid of Suryakumar Yadav in the next over, packing the Indian skipper for 5 (7). Australia continued to make inroads as Tanveer Sangha removed Rinku Singh for 6 (8),
JENNIFER-DIVYANSHI WIN HISTORIC SILVER
reducing India to 55/4 in 9.1 overs. Both teams have made one change each in their playing XIs. Nathan Ellis got some game time and replaced Chris Green. Deepak Chahar, on the other hand, has flown back home due to medical emergency and is replaced by Arshdeep Singh.
Rohit, Kohli to sit out of white-ball leg of SA tour Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have asked the Indian cricket board (BCCI) to not consider them for the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour. This meant the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, had to name three different captains for three formats for the month-long tour. While Suryakumar Yadav continues to lead the T20I team in the absence of both Rohit and Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul has been handed the ODI captaincy. Rohit will be back as captain in the two Tests, with Jasprit Bumrah being named his deputy. Bumrah too has made a comeback having last played a Test more than 17 months back. Mohammed Shami has been included in the Test team subject to fitness. While the BCCI didn’t
specify the nature of his injury, sources said the medical team has conveyed to selectors that the pacer has a good chance of being fit for the Tests. It has been learnt that BCCI and the selectors requested Rohit to play the T20Is keeping the upcoming T20 World Cup in mind. Rohit, however, said he was not keen. Kohli too has asked for an indefinite break from white-ball cricket, while Rahul has been dropped from the T20I team. Interestingly, Axar Patel has also been dropped from the T20I squad. Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed the vice-captain. Ostensibly, Bumrah has also been rested for white-ball cricket on this tour. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Mukesh Kumar are
the only players to be picked across formats. The selectors have decided to move on from Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the longest format. The selectors have got Shreyas Iyer in the middle order, with KL Rahul agreeing to don the gloves in Tests. Rahul was dropped from the Test squad midway through the home series against Australia earlier this year. Ishan Kishan will be the second wicketkeeper. With a question mark on Shami’s availability, Prasidh Krishna has been kept in the Test squad. Shardul Thakur has been retained to perform allround duties down the order. Meanwhile, left-handed batter Rinku Singh’s impressive T20I performances have earned him a maiden ODI call-up.
in brief
THE SQUADS Tests: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Mohd. Shami, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Prasidh Krishna. T20Is: Jaiswal, Gill, Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Iyer, Kishan (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jadeja (vc), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Siraj, Mukesh, Deepak Chahar. ODIs: Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Iyer, Rahul (c; wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Sundar, Kuldeep, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep, Chahar
Jennifer Varghese and Divyanshi Bhowmick etched their names in Indian table tennis history at the ITTF World Youth Table Tennis Championship in Nova Gorcia, Slovenia. The two won the silver after putting up a tough fight against top seeded Japanese pair of Mao Takamori and Yuna Ojio in the girls U-15 category. There were 14 events in the U-15 and U-19 age categories at the youth Worlds and Jennifer and Divyanshi became the first Indian pair to reach the final. After losing the first game 5-11, the Indian pair outclassed the Takamori-Ojio pair 11-8 in the second game. The Japanese duo upped their game with aggression to regain the lead by dominating the third game 11-4. By then, Takamori and Ojio had sensed that Jennifer and Divyanshi were gasping for answers. The Japanese pair cruised to an 11-2 win in the game to pocket the gold. Of the 58 medals up for grabs at the eight-day meet, the Indian contingent won just three medals with Jennifer accounting for two.
BANGLADESH BEAT NEW ZEALAND Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam grabbed his second 10-wicket haul in Tests as Bangladesh defeated New Zealand by 150 runs in the first Test last week, taking a 1-0 lead in the twomatch series. Resuming on the fifth and final day at 113-7 with another 219 needed for victory, New Zealand added 68 runs for their last three wickets, ending at 181. Taijul claimed the last two wickets to finish with 6-75, adding to his 4109 in the first innings. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan gave Bangladesh their first breakthrough on the day, after New Zealand’s overnight batting pair of Daryl Mitchell and Ish Sodhi survived nine overs. Mitchell top-edged Nayeem to long leg after making 58. Brief scores: Bangladesh 310 (Joy 86; Phillips 4-53) & 338 (Shanto 105; Patel 4-148) beat New Zealand 317 (Williamson 104; Taijul Islam 4-109) & 181 (Mitchell 58; Taijul Islam 6-75) by 150 runs.
India set to bid for 2029 World DELHI DIDN’T KEEP PROMISE India-England test TO RETAIN ME IN 2010: ABD Athletics Championships match starts on January 25 England will face India in five Tests at Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamsala, starting on January 25. “We have got a huge challenge against a very good Indian team in five Tests in India,” England's batting coach Brendon McCullum said. “I am excited about it because you want to test yourself against the best side and I genuinely believe that India is the best in their own condition. It is going to be a good challenge for us. If we have success then fabulous, if
we don’t, then I know we will go down in the style that we want to go down,” McCullum used the platform to signal England’s clear attacking intent for the marquee series. McCullum also expressed his thoughts on the essence of ‘Bazball’ and what it stands for. “We are playing the game, because we love cricket and we want to try and be as good at cricket as we possibly can. During the time that you are in the chair, you want to make sure you enjoy it and you shouldn’t wait till the end of your career to do.”
India is set to bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships after dropping its earlier intention to host the 2027 edition of the prestigious tournament, a top official of the national federation said. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) was earlier considering to bid for the hosting rights of the 2027 World Athletics Championships but it is now learnt that it has dropped the plan and is instead looking to host the 2029 edition. “We are interested in bidding for the 2029 World Athletics Championships,” AFI senior vice-president Anju Bobby George said. “India has expressed interest to host the 2036 Olympics and 2030 Youth Olympics. So, it will be very good if we can host the 2029 World Athletics Championships,” she added. The time period for the formal bidding for the 2029 World Athletics Championships is not known yet. The World Athletics has published the bidding timeline for the 2027 World Athletics Championships - which began early this year - but not for the 2029 edition. The last edition of the World Athletics Championships was held in Budapest, Hungary in August and the next one will be held in 2025 in Tokyo.
One of the greatest batters of modern era, AB de Villiers has revealed that he was snubbed by Delhi Capitals, formerly known as Delhi Daredevils, after spending three seasons at the IPL franchise. Before making it big at the Royal Challengers Bangalore, the South African batting legend had three lukewarm season with Delhi Capitals. But in a team meeting, also attended by Australian opener David Warner, de Villiers was told that he was going to be “retained” but it happened otherwise as the franchise released him before the 2011 auction. “When I played in the 2010 season, I got called into the office and was told ‘you are going to get retained, young AB de Villiers'.” “I sat alongside David Warner in that meeting. It came as a huge surprise to me a week or two later when I realised I had been released.”
PCB IN DEADLOCK WITH
Praggu and Vaishali become first-ever brother-sister Grandmasters ACC ON COMPENSATION Chennai girl R Vaishali, who had achieve this and only a few Vaishali achieved her earlier sealed a spot for the women’s Candidates tournament, made history by becoming the first brother-sister duo with R Praggnanandhaa to do so, is now the third Indian woman to become a Grandmaster. With two consecutive victories in the ongoing Llobregat Open tournament in Spain, Vaishali steered past the 2500-mark Elo rating to reach the milestone that Koneru Humpy and D Harika did before
first GM norm in 2019 and took three years to win the second norm in 2022. And, finally, after a year later she obtained her third and final norm in the Qatar Open in October. Vaishali’s coach RB Ramesh, who has played R Praggnanandhaa and R Vaishali a pivotal role in her career her. According to Chessbase so far, was a proud man now. India, a prominent chess website, “Vaishali’s ambition for many Vaishali and Prag are the firstyears was to become a GM and it ever brother-sister pair to be has happened now, so I am very GMs. happy about it. It is not easy to
women have managed to do this world over. Having qualified for the Candidates, winning the FIDE Grand Swiss ahead of so many strong players, and now this, she is in very good form,” Ramesh said. The 22-year-old broke India’s 12-year wait to find its third woman Grandmaster. She also became India’s 84th GM and is now the current world No. 11 in women’s ranking with a live rating of 2501.5 and India’s number two after Humpy.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was caught in a deadlock with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for demanding additional compensation on organising chartered flights between Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup, which it co-hosted in August-September. The Asia Cup 2023 was organised in a hybrid model in Pakistan and Sri Lanka after the ACC accepted PCB’s hybrid model, with majority of the matches organised in the island nation. PCB sources said apart from seeking the tournament hosting fees - around $250,000 as well as shares from ticketing and sponsorship fees, they have also demanded additional compensation.