AV 11th December 2021

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

R

inside

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side A tribute to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and his centenary birth celebrations SEE PAGE - 16 - 17

11 - 17 DECEMBER 2021 - VOL 50 ISSUE 31 50th anniversary of BangladeshIndia friendship celebrated in London SEE PAGE - 19

NO LESSONS LEARNED?

Regular international flights won't resume on Dec 15 SEE PAGE - 25

India, Russia sign trade, arms deals during Putin visit

Two months away from a promised ‘Spring 2022’ Covid inquiry, the safety of unvaccinated refugees and homeless amid the spread of Omicron remains a mystery, while students and British Asians anxiously wait to see their families.

Vladimir Putin & Narendra Modi

Shefali Saxena

The government is "fully committed to learning the lessons at every stage" of the pandemic, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in May 2021. He announced that an independent public inquiry will investigate the handling of the pandemic in spring 2022. Boris mentioned that the inquiry would place "the state's actions under the microscope" and take evidence under oath.

Continued on page 18

Russia and India signed a flurry of trade and arms deals during President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, including one that will see India produce more than 600,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles.

Putin travelled to India with Russia's defence and foreign ministers in a visit that saw the two countries reinforce their ties with a military and technical cooperation pact until 2031 and a pledge to boost annual trade to $30 billion by 2025.

Continued on page 27

2 UK

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11 - 17 December 2021

with Keith Vaz

Leicester politician’s death leaves everyone shocked

VARSHA KHATRI Nutritionist and Yoga Teacher Varsha Khatri has a practical and unique approach to healthy living.

She brings forth the value of holistic health by combining the science of health and nutrition with Ayurveda. Varsha is the author of Think Healthy Choose Healthy. She is a qualified Nutritionist, a Senior Yoga Teacher, an Ayurvedic Health Specialist, and a Health Educator. She has spent over a decade helping others achieve their health goals through her holistic and empowering approach that is unique to her skillset.

Varsha founded her own health and wellness business, Illuminated Health, in 2012. She provides nutrition consultations, teaches yoga, and regularly runs health and well-being courses to help people achieve their health goals. Varsha lives in Greater London with her husband and two young children and is proud to be a working mother who runs her own business.

1. Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?

Over the years, I have had many homes and each place has always warmed my heart. I have lived in many cities throughout America and now being in the UK, I feel that I can turn any place into my home.

2. What are your proudest achievements?

I have many achievements, but my proudest is becoming a published author. It only became a happier moment when I received a letter from Hay House congratulating me on the publication of my book.

3. What inspires you?

My work and especially my clients inspire me. Helping my clients feel better and regain control over their health is amazing to see. I have so much respect for my clients who are all willing to make the changes needed to transform their health and I feel blessed that they have chosen me to help them on their journey towards healthier living.

4. What has been biggest obstacle in your career?

Moving from America to UK was an obstacle at first. It may seem straightforward, but it’s all very different out here.

However, I turned the challenge into an opportunity by starting my own business.

5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?

My mom. It is her story that brought me onto this path of complementary health and medicine. Her journey with her health challenges is what opened my eyes to see the other side of what holistic health has to offer and how it can help others

improve their wellbeing.

6. What is the best aspect about your current role?

I get to help others feel better and, in some cases, also prevent disease. They say health is your true wealth and I get to help people achieve that.

7. And the worst?

I do not have a worst part as I love my work so much. But one aspect that is challenging is running a business and having young children to look after. It is a delicate balance.

8. What are your long-term goals?

I would love to become a leader in preventive medicine. I truly believe that the choices you make today influence your health tomorrow. I am on a mission to spread the word on how a healthy diet and lifestyle from the perspective of prevention can be transformational.

9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?

I have enormous amount of respect for the NHS and the health care system, but one aspect that I would change is to have more proactive health education and raise awareness in regard to the value of prevention as well as accessibility to preventive healthcare.

10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. I practice Transcendental Meditation and I love reading his books as well as listening to his talks. I consider him my spiritual guide and I feel that I can learn a lot from him.

NHS worker owes his cancer-free life to Deadpool Rishiel Gudka, an NHS physio assistant owes his life to Deadpool, the antihero played by Ryan Reynolds, for spotting lifesaving early testicular cancer diagnosis.

An NHS physio assistant from Harrow decided to

check himself after watching a video in 2016, where Reynold's character, who has shown having cancer, is seen encouraging men to regularly check themselves for lumps.

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news agency: “I barely had any symptoms, so there was nothing alerting me that there was anything wrong.

“If I hadn’t watched that Deadpool video then I would not have checked and I would not have caught cancer so early.”

Because he contacted his GP who referred him to a specialist, he was diagnosed with the earliest stage of testicular cancer.

It's been 5 years, he is now in remission and cancer-free, having one of his testicles removed.

Tributes were paid to Leicester politician Ratilal Govind who recently passed away. He had taken a temporary break from his duties owing to his illness.

Since 2015, Ratilal Govind served as a Labour councillor for the Evington ward and was vice-chair of Leicester City Council's overview select committee.

He also looked after the adult social care scrutiny

commission and the licensing and public safety committee.

His colleagues and

friends announced the news on Twitter along with paying tributes.

The Leicester East Labour group broke the news, saying: "It is with the deepest regret that we announce the passing of Councillor Ratilal Govind.

“We send our deep condolences to his wife and family. May he Rest in Peace.

We will miss him greatly.

Om Shanti Shanti. "

Labour reshuffles top team Former minister Yvette Cooper will make a comeback as a shadow home secretary as Keir Starmer reshuffles his top team.

Following this reshuffle, Mrs Cooper will step down as chair of parliament's Home Affairs Committee which she was serving since 2016 after losing to the lead-

ership of the party to Jeremy Corbyn in 2015. Between, 2011 and 2015, for the period of 4 years, she served as a home secretary.

Meanwhile, until a successor is elected, another HASC member would step in for Cooper, this was confirmed by one of the committee spokespersons.

In this final reshuffle that was confirmed on Monday, Rayner's position as shadow first secretary of state, shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and shadow secretary of state for the future of work remained unchanged.

Prince Charles garnered praise for condemning Barbados historic slavery The Prince of Wales is being praised for acknowledgement of the “appalling atrocity of slavery” that “forever stains our history” when Barbados cut its last remaining bonds to the British monarchy after nearly 400 years and became a republic.

Lord Woolley, the founder and director of Operation Black Vote, the only black Barbadian in the House of Lords, and a descendant of an enslaved

African who attended the ceremony said Prince Charles made a very brave statement.

“Prince Charles being here, saying ‘we’ve had a very dark past, but Barbados

has a very bright future’ is the start of a grown-up conversation which is being led by a future king,” said Woolley.

At the stroke of midnight on November 30, Barbados formally declared itself the world´s newest republic. The Caribbean Island nation removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state in a solemn ceremony which was attended by her son Prince Charles.

Vidoe surfaces of £100m fighter jet crashing Dramatic footage has come out where £100m fighter jet is seeing crashing. The footage shows aircraft approaching a ramp for liftoff the Royal Navy aircraft carrier, only to slow down and crash. The video also shows a pilot ejecting into

the water.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed earlier that in November during a routine flying operation, an F-35 stealth jet crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. “The pilot has been safely returned to the ship

and an investigation has begun, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time,” said a spokesperson. While efforts are on to recover the jet, a probe could be carried out on how the footage became public.

University of Manchester professor receives vile letters Professor Christopher Jackson who works as a geologist a the University of Manchester were sent vile letters. A university lecturer said that he was told things like 'go live in the Caribbean' and asked ‘If this country is so racist, why are you here?’ in a racist letter. He also

added that in the last 4 years, racist abuse has increased.

Prof Jackson told the Manchester Evening News that when he reported the matter to Greater Manchester Police he was told that they will not work on it.

"If you read that letter

out, if you shouted it at somebody outside a pub, that would be threatening," he told the Manchester Evening News.

Now, police say that they have reopened the matter with enquiries opening after closing the case initially.

Meghan Markle wins privacy legal battle Meghan Markle has won the legal battle against the publisher of the Mail. The Duchess of Sussex, 39 had previously sued Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL), the publisher of MailOnline and Mail for breaching copyright, infringement of her privacy and breaches of the Data Protection Act. The Associated Newspapers’ had called for a trial over the publication of

a personal letter written by the Duchess of Sussex to her estranged father, Thomas Markle, in August 2018.

While dismissing the Associated Newspapers’ appeal, the Court of Appeal gave a summary, in which Sir Geoffrey Vos said: “The Court of Appeal upheld the judge’s decision that the duchess had a reasonable expectation of privacy in the contents of the letter.

“Those contents were personal, private and not matters of legitimate public interest.

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COMMENTS 3 11 - 17 December 2021

Friend in need is a friend indeed Let’s talk about a friendship that goes back 50 years or more and a strategical or tactical move that may save us 150. India and Bangladesh have a unique relationship. A part of India at one-point, East Bengal, now known as Bangladesh, was handed over to Pakistan during partition. Over 20 years around 20 million Bengalis, majority Hindus, left everything back, crossed over, as refugees to a country that was once their own.

Kolkata, Assam and Tripura became their home, though the Bengalis from East Bengal or Bangal, as commonly called remained a cultural ‘embarrassment’ to the natives of West Bengal or ‘ghotis’- as they are called colloquially. Many jokes have revolved around their differences, especially in manners, taste in food and football.

In 1950, it is estimated that a further one million refugees crossed into West Bengal, particularly in the aftermath of 1950 Barisal and Noakhali riots. In 1951, India’s Census recorded that 27% of Kolkata's population was East Bengali refugees mainly Hindu Bengalis and they contributed the economic growth of Kolkata in various fields. Millions of Hindus particularly Bengali speaking from East Pakistan took refuge in India's various states, mainly West Bengal.

Migration continued even in 1960s, primarily from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to India, right up to the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, both on an ongoing basis and with spikes during periods of communal unrest such as the 1964 East Pakistan riots and the 1965 India-Pakistan War, when it is estimated that 600,000 refugees left for India. Estimates of the number of refugees up to 1970 are over 5 million to West Bengal alone. This includes around 4.1 million coming between 1946 and 1958 and 1.2 million coming between 1959 and 1971.

Another major influx into India came in 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War when Hindu refugees escaped systematic mass killings, rapes, lootings, and arson. It is estimated that around 10 million East Bengali refugees entered India during the early months of the war, of whom 1.5 million may have stayed back after Bangladesh became independent.

The Bangladesh Liberation War was a revolution and armed conflict sparked by the rise of Bengali nationalist and self-determination movement in what was then East Pakistan during 1971 Bangladesh genocide. It resulted in the independence of Bangladesh. The war began when the Pakistani military junta based in West Pakistan launched Operation Searchlight against the people of East Pakistan on the night of 25 March 1971. It pursued the systematic elimination of nationalist Bengali civilians, students, intelligentsia, religious minorities, and armed personnel. The war ended on 6 December 1971 when the military forces of West Pakistan that were in Bangladesh surrendered. In this War of Liberation, India came forward as a continuous support politically as well as physically. Many lives were lost but not to a futile cause.

On 6 December 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s with a long-term future in mind, envisioned a ‘Friendship Day’, that was celebrated to mark India-Bangladesh diplomatic relationship jointly by the High Commission of India and Bangladesh in London on Monday. Lord Karan Bilimoria during his very eloquent and captivating speech, spoke about his father Lieutenant General Faridoon Noshir Billimoria’s contribution to the Bangladesh Liberation war, who commanded the Indian army and paid homage to those who lost their lives in the revolution. He also thanked the Bangladeshi community, especially the strong restaurant community in the UK for providing him with the opportunity and hope, when he started his Cobra beer business, going door to door selling his product (see full report on page 19).

With the recent killing of minorities in Bangladesh and several protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission in London, questions arise about the tenacity and durability of this 50 years of relationship. With China, Pakistan, Russia and perhaps Sri Lanka forging a deeper bond, it is of course at India’s advantage to keep Bangladesh on her side. But with India gaining importance in the geo-political scenario, one wonders how long this friendship can escape the eyes of envy?

Perhaps time will tell.

Demolish the ‘hierarchies of victims’ A coalition of women’s rights campaigners has voiced their disappointment as well as frustration after the Law Commission decided to reject a proposal to make misogyny a hate crime.

Instead in a report published on Tuesday, it recommended that the government should consider introducing a specific offence to tackle public sexual harassment, which it claims would be more effective, The Guardian reported.

Misogyny is hatred or contempt for women. A form of sexism, it has been used as a tool to control women, maintaining lower social status than men and societal roles of patriarchy.

Misogyny has been widely practised for thousands of years.

Interestingly where male misogyny is a known fact, female misogyny leads to a very toxic environment. Psychology today has pointed that on Twitter, evidence suggests, women use misogynistic language more frequently than men do.

Labour’s London Assembly Policing and Crime Spokesperson, Unmesh Desai AM, said that it is unacceptable that so many women and girls in our city face routine harassment and abuse. The onus must be on men to change their behaviour, and this should involve an approach that is based both on education and tougher enforcement. It’s very disappointing that the

Law Commission has decided not to support making misogyny a hate crime when this is a step that is clearly needed.

Sexual harassment and assault are more common than many people might believe or want to believe. With Sarah Everard case touching on a raw nerve, women are not wrong to demand a right to protect themselves on a basic level. In an article in The Conversation, it has been reported that a 2018 study surveyed 2,000 people in the US and found that 81% of women and 43% of men had suffered some form of sexual harassment or assault. 38% of the women surveyed said they have suffered from sexual harassment in their workplace.

In 2021, we still have the refusal to make misogyny a hate crime tells us that even amid feminist movements across the globe, we do not understand hatred or contempt of women. This implies that to keep the flame alive, both genders need to come forward and lead the way. It will then truly become a feminist movement. Misogyny can only be eradicated when culturally diverse voices representing all genders sit across the debating table. Then we shall have a prayer to completely demolish the “hierarchies of victims” in order to further empower our justice system.

Putin's India visit is a significant step India has a historical relationship with Russia (formerly Soviet Union), spanning over several decades and President Vladimir Putin’s brief but important visit to India had been a significant step in cementing traditional relations. The Indo– Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation was a treaty signed between India and the Soviet Union in August 1971 that specified mutual strategic cooperation. The treaty was necessitated by increasing Pakistani ties with China and the United States and played an important role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The duration of the treaty was of 20 years and it was renewed for another 20 years on 8 August 1991. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union it was replaced by a 20-year Treaty of Indo-Russian Friendship and Cooperation during President Yeltsin's visit to New Delhi in January 1993. In 1965, Indo-Soviet relations had entered a very important phase that lasted until 1977. During the liberation war of Bangladesh, the Soviet Union supported India when America sent its navy to the Indian Ocean. An early ceasefire imposed by the UN Security Council was precisely the contingency that India had feared and anticipated in drawing up its strategic plans. India relied on a Soviet veto to thwart such initiatives in the UNSC until military operations had reached a successful conclusion. So the continuing friendship is beneficial to both, especially to India. If India moves away from friendship, then Russia will move closer to China which will have unpleasant implications for India.

Putin, who has not travelled much outside Russia during the pandemic, made the trip to Delhi, showing the importance he has attached to India's friendship. While the relationship has stagnated in some areas, the strongest pillar of the strategic partnership is of the defence basket. Although New Delhi has diversified its purchases from other countries, the bulk of its defence equipment are from Russia. Estimates say 60 to 70 per cent of India’s supplies are from Russia, and New Delhi needs regular and reliable supply from Russia for the spare parts from the Russian defence industry. In fact,

Prime Minister Modi has held informal summits with only two leaders - Xi and Putin in the recent past.

So, flowing from the understanding that Russia has leverage over Beijing because of recent proximity, and New Delhi has had a history of robust bilateral ties with Moscow, the present outreach is significant. Prime Minister Modi met Putin face-to- face for the 19th time. The two sides also have a shared concern of terrorism, as the security situation emanating out of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan remains challenging. The two sides have worked “very closely” on the issue of threats of terrorism, terrorist financing, flow of arms and drugs trade, and that was reflected in the joint statement.

The top government source said that Delhi and Moscow have worked together on at least three major multilateral groupings - Russia-India-China (RIC), BRICS and SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation), and the conversation was carried forward at the bilateral meetings as well. The two sides also stepped up defence cooperation. Ahead of the summit, India has cleared the long-pending AK 203 Kalashnikov rifles deal worth nearly £500 million for production of over 500,000 such rifles at Korwa in Amethi by an Indo-Russian joint venture. India and Russia signed a record 28 MoUs across a wide range of sectors including trade, energy, culture, intellectual property accountancy and education.

During a special briefing after the meeting between PM Modi and Putin, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan said there was an "excellent discussion" between the two leaders.

Besides 28 MoUs, New Delhi and Moscow also signed a programme of cooperation in the field of defence for the next 10 years from 2021 to 2031. India is faced with challenges arising out of extraordinary militarisation in its neighbourhood and completely unprovoked aggression on the northern border.

A joint statement issued after the talks said Russia and India had "reiterated their intention to strengthen defence cooperation, including in the joint development of production of military equipment."

A good conscience is a continual Christmas. - Benjamin Franklin

Alpesh Patel

Despite it all, the UK continues to attract investment Covid and Brexit would break a lot of countries.

Especially a tiny group of Islands like the UK – about the size of Gabon and Guinea and one tenth the size of Greenland. Even Oregon is bigger than Britain, and the UK can fit into Australia’s Queensland state, seven times. But let’s not forget the people – there are more Brits than there are Spaniards, even though Spain is much larger. Actually more Brits than there are Frenchies. Phew. In fact in Europe only Germany has more people. (I don’t count Turkey and Russia in Europe as they’re also in Asia).

So why do people and companies invest here?

Including, especially from India? India is the second largest investor in the UK. Indian companies invested in 99 projects and created 4,830 jobs in Britain to retain India's position as the second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) after the US. The Rise and Rise of the UK as an Investment Destination Despite worries about Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK has defied analysts and continues to cement its place as a premier investment destination.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is increasing despite challenging global conditions, with British infrastructure and companies reaping the rewards.

Shelter From The Storm With productivity, GDP and unemployment levels on the decline worldwide due to the pandemic, politically stable regions with robust judicial frameworks become increasingly attractive.

KPMG have reported that VC investment into scale-ups doubled at the start of 2020, while foreign investment in London real estate performed strongly in 2020, according to estate agency Knight Frank.

London outshined Paris and Manhattan for inward property investment, boosted by a series of eye-catching deals like the $380 purchase of The Cabot in Canary Wharf by Hong Kong-based firm Link.

The Benefits of the UK for Inward Investment The UK has a long tradition of providing a stable base for domestic and international companies. When there is some level of uncertainty in the broader markets, investors look to mitigate risk by dealing in known and proven quantities. The UK’s educated and multi-cultural workforce, strong property market, reputation for innovation and opportunity, and a diverse set of well-positioned assets has ensured the attention of foreign direct investment.

Regulatory Commitments Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has committed to improving the UK’s already strong position as an equities listing destination through public market reform. He believes that by reducing free float requirements and modernising listing rules, the UK can attract more inward equities investment when combined with its strong corporate governance standards.

Resilience During the Pandemic Ernst & Young's recent UK Attractiveness Survey continued to paint a rosy picture for UK financial services — which has been the most attractive European destination for decades. The recent report has allayed fears that Brexit and the pandemic will change this position by reporting that the country has attracted double the amount of financial services investment projects as Germany in recent years.

Modernising, Repositioning and Future Opportunities The E&Y report provides more exciting news about investor sentiment about the UK as it modernises its economy and repositions itself globally. Indeed, the UK is regarded as more resilient by global investors, with only 3% suggesting that COVID has derailed investment plans. Another huge growth area is digital tech, with the UK attracting over 30% of the entire European investment market.

Tiny island, big punch. I think 2022 will be good. By the time you read the next one of my articles I will have received at Windsor Castle my OBE for services to the Economy – this is an easy economy to attract investment into. My team with which I work in Government have together brought in companies to the UK which have added over a billion pounds in market capitalisation and investment.

4 UK

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How can Asians reduce death from heart attacks?

Improvements at VHP Ilford Hindu Centre

A

sians are 50% at higher risk of cardiac risk in first generation Asians than the white European population in the UK. Ravi Bhanot, Trustee from Make It Beat Charity said; “There are various reasons why - main ones being our body shape and diabetes. South Asians tend to gather fat around their stomachs and this extra fat increases the insulin resistance so you need more insulin to stabilise blood sugar. Diabetes increases the chances of both Coronary heart disease and heart attack.

Genetics and lifestyle also play a part. Poor diet and smoking increase risk. Lentils, vegetables and oily fish may be good but fried food and high salt intake should eb reduced.

Exercise is important -so brisk walking or group dancing is a good idea. Walk for 10 min-

utes at a time but try to get 150 minutes exercise per week.”

Ravi Bhanot, celebrating his 60th birthday at The Barbican said, “With 70% of heart attacks happening in homes it is imperative that we should all know CPR- Coronary Pulmonary Resuscitation-a technique to get the heart re-started.

It may be because courses are in English, have to paid for and are in places not near them that Asians do not attend CPR classes. So our family charity, Make It

Beat, have made it easier.

Our CPR training is free, in 4 different Asian languages and training is done at Community Centres where residents live.”

Ravi Bhanot MBE, on his birthday said he would rather not receive a birthday present but if anyone wanted to contribute to Make It Beat Charity they could do so. The charity details are: Make It Beat Charity, Account number 70157421 Sort Code 602230.

Ravi highlighted the usefulness of CPR training at the Barbican with celebrities Paul Chowdhury, Deepak Chopra, Jay Sean, Andy Cole, Michael Owen and Jerry Springer.

Ravi feels that bringing yoga and soe practices of Ayurveda in to the NHS would help people exercise more and have a better

mental well-being. Better well being would help lower the risk of coronary heart disease.

To help in well being Ravi launched his new book Everyday Wisdom For Everyone at his birthday. For a free e copy please email Ravi at info@makeitbeat.org.uk.

Independent governance review of Yorkshire County Cricket Club due Yorkshire County Cricket Club announced the appointment of the Good Governance Institute (GGI), working in partnership with Howard Kennedy LLP, to conduct a specialist independent review of governance at the club, and to make recommendations for subsequent governance development.

The review will consider and independently evaluate the Club’s governance against: v established good governance practice v the application of the principles for good governance v relevant sector-specific Codes of Governance, specifically Sport England’s ‘A Code for Sports Governance’ and to include the ECB’s governance framework v outcome impact for good governance summarised as Ethical culture; Adding value; Robust control; and Legitimacy.

In addition to gathering all relevant documentation, the review will involve obtaining written submissions and holding a series of interviews and focus groups with individuals from Yorkshire County Cricket Club, the ECB and the wider cricket and sporting community.

Following this review, the GGI will offer recommendations to the board of Yorkshire County Cricket Club for change, development and improvement needed to hold leadership to account and enable robust, transparent and fair processes and decision making in the best interests of the players, staff, and the Club.

The report will be shared with the Board of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the ECB on 24 January 2022. This will include recommendations to the YCCC Board for change and assurance against Tier 3 of Sport England’s ‘A Code for Sports Governance’.

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2022, GGI will produce a Governance Improvement Plan to accompany the report outlining an action plan for implementing recommendations.

The GGI works with organisations to ensure they are run by skilled and ethical leaders and helps them to build systems that are guided by ethics, evidence and equality to enable decision making that serves the public good.

The key findings, recommendations and actions will also be communicated publicly.

Professor The Lord Patel of Bradford OBE, Chair of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, said:“The independent Governance review will be essential in helping us shape how we move forward as a club following the recent challenges we have faced. It is clear that many have been failed by our leadership and how we operate as a club. We must look closely at our processes and procedures,

With the help of dedicated devotees, members and volunteers the following significant improvements have been made at the VHP Ilford Hindu Centre.

The roof of the two rooms in Shivaji Hall was leaking and there was significant damp in the rooms due to this. The centre has not only repaired the roof but has damp proofed the rooms, painted them and put new carpets in them.

Lord Patel of Bradford OBE

and I am determined that we go above and beyond the gold standard both on paper and in practice.

“The Good Governance Institute believes that good governance benefits society as a whole and enables organisations to play their part in building a sustainable, better future for all.

That is a vision I share, and I look forward to seeing its report.

“Only through taking bold steps to understand and address the fundamental building blocks of how we operate can we build a solid platform from which to change our culture, and create a welcoming and inclusive Club for all in Yorkshire.”

The centre will now have internet and Wifi access in Mandir Hall and Shivaji Hall. This will be enabled in the Community Building in the New Year.

Those who wish to hire their facilities will now have access to them too.

External repairs of our centre will be completed by end of December 2021.

Car parking facilities will be available for over 30 cars in Shivaji Hall car park from the end of December 2021. There will be 6 EVC- Electric Vehicle Charging ports too! This is a very exciting development. Ours will be the first communityowned car park with EVCs in Redbridge.

Thursdays Lunch Meeting of Senior Men is now in full swing for over a month. Ladies Tuesday Satsang has also started. Mrs Ohri, Mrs Neelam Sharma and Mrs Veena Sharma are key organisers.

The centre now has a young Pandit Ji, Shri Anil Ji, for the morning sessions. He is from Andhra Pradesh and well versed in English and Hindi.

The devotees have been asked to wear a mask and not touch anything.

Mayor invests £11.5m to help young Londoners into high-quality careers The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, launched four Careers Hubs across the capital to give young Londoners a head start in finding great jobs and planning their futures last week.

The £11.5m investment, jointly funded by the Mayor, European Social Fund (ESF), and Careers and Enterprise Company, will offer support to all secondary schools, FE colleges, Alternative Provision and Special schools across the capital to develop high-quality careers education.

The programme will connect schools with employers, training providers and Further Education colleges to develop pathways for young Londoners leaving school.

The Mayor is committed to providing young people in London with access to high-quality careers education, to ensure a great start in life and

a successful future. The careers hubs will build on the London Enterprise Advisor Network (LEAN), which has so far connected more than 650 business volunteers with over 600 London schools and colleges, helping them build comprehensive careers programmes that reflect the real world of work.

Young people have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. Their education was disrupted by schools moving to remote learning and many work experience programmes and job schemes for young people were interrupted. Careers education plays a vital role in supporting young people to discover the professional routes open to them, including in London’s new and emerging industries. The Careers Hubs programme will focus support on young Londoners who have been disproportionately affected by the

pandemic, including targeted support for students with special educaSadiq Khan tional needs or disabilities, and young black men in alternative provision.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I want to put young people at the heart of our recovery efforts. This funding will help young Londoners identify their talents and passions as well as match their interests and skillsets with careers. High-quality careers education enables young people to explore which jobs and industries are right for them once formal education ends.

“These Careers Hubs will play a big part in helping young people find their place in the working world and ensuring they can make the most of their talents.”

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11 - 17 December 2021

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11 - 17 December 2021

British-Pakistani mother wins landmark battle Anwar Ditta was born in 1953 in Birmingham to Pakistani immigrant parents. After her parents got separated in 1963, the father won her custody and sent her to Pakistan to live with his parents.

14-year-old Ditta was married to Shuja, 22 and had three sons after that.

Shuja moved to Britain in 1974 and a year later Ditta decid-

ed to join him. Unaware that she had the right as a British citizen to travel back home with her

MPs propose scrapping of visa fees for foreign-born veterans Visas for foreigners who served in the UK armed forces currently cost £2,389.

Add to this the fees paid by Dependents and it can cost a family of four nearly £10,000 to stay.

In 2020, there were 5,110 citizens Commonwealth serving in the armed forces.

Labour's Dan Jarvis and Conservative Johnny Mercer, both Army veterans, put forward an amendment to the Immigration and Borders Bill to scrap the fees for those with five years' ser-

vice.

The government has proposed scrapping the fees for those who had completed 12 years' service in the armed forces. But it would not apply to their family members or be applied retrospectively.

Separately, Labour has tabled an amendment to scrap the fees after four years' service as they say the government's proposal would help just 10% of Commonwealth personnel leaving the armed forces.

Priti Patel DMs Tory MPs supporting green amendment Home Secretary Priti Patel has privately messaged Tory MPs as the National and Borders Bill is due to return to parliament next week.

In the messages, the Home Secretary expresses concern that the proposed change would allow people around the world to claim settlement rights regardless of where they live and invites them to discuss why this amendment is unviable.

So far 46 MPs representing the Conservative Party, Labour, Liberal Democrats and the SNP have signed up to the Green amendment. This also includes prominent Conservative backbenchers.

The amendment tabled by former cabinet minister Damian Green seeks to expand the scope of Hongkongers eligible for the government’s British National Overseas Visa Scheme.

Conman dupes 300 pensioners gets jailed 57-year-old Anthony Taylor who hails from Willenhall has been jailed for scamming vulnerable pensioners offering them fake trips through his company TT Tours.

He conned more than £65,000 from hundreds of elderly people across the Black Country.

In July 2019, he set up the fake business in Bilston Indoor Market and mainly targeted vulnerable customers by attending WASPS meetings, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

The trips never happened and he used up the profits to find lavish five-star hotel stays in London, gambling, restaurants and payments to a girlfriend.

In order to lure the pensioners, he hired an assistant who in good faith helped him to plan trips across the UK including Bournemouth, Blackpool and York. The

employee was instructed to pay a visit to senior citizen clubs and promote a 5-day coach holiday to Torquay.

The trip included travel, a hotel, a five-course evening meal, a free evening bar and excursions for £99. He further duped his customers by giving them doctored letters of giving them a full refund on cancellation of the trip, the court heard. The customers lost the money as there was no financial protection. Around 300 customers who did their bookings arrived on February 17, 2020, found out that they were duped as no coaches arrived to collect them.

On December 3, at Wolverhampton Crown Court, conmen Taylor was sentenced to 4 years in prison and was banned from being a company director for the period of 10 years.

children, she and Shuja decided to leave them with their extended family in Pakistan while they

set up home in Britain.

When Shuja applied to resettle his sons in the UK, the home office did not recognise them as their children.

Undaunted, she fought a sixyear campaign to win them the right to emigrate from Pakistan and join her in Britain. In an embarrassment for the government, she won.

APPG that called for new testing requirements sponsored by Covid testing firm Cignpost Diagnostics has sponsored the APPG, made up of MPs and peers, for Business In a Pandemic World.

The firm has subsequently secured deals with several airports to provide testing for passengers, including Heathrow.

The Commons’ Committee on Standards has recently launched a new inquiry into the work of all-

party groups over fears they could be used as a route for lobbyists, companies and foreign governments to exert influence over Parliament.

Minutes from a meeting of the APPG in January 2021 show Cignpost director Nick Markham was given the opportunity to set out the firm's testing work in front of MPs and representatives from events industry groups.

Tribunal finds breast surgeon guilty of cheating Breast surgeon Dr Wisam Ismail was found guilty of cheating to get a doctorate after a tribunal found that he was dishonest.

In order to obtain his doctorate from the University of Leicester, the surgeon was found guilty of copying large chunks from other works without giving any credit. The same was determined by the panel that was investigating the case.

The hearing is still on and the panel has not yet decided whether how much his misconduct impairs his fitness to be a doctor.

When the incident of plagiarism

took place in February 2017, Dr Ismail was studying for a postgraduate Doctor of Medicine qualification and was a research student at the University of Leicester.

Hero nursery teacher in consideration for freedom of city honour Lisa Potts, a hero nursery teacher, who was badly injured while protecting children at St Luke's Primary School in Blakenhall from machetewielding attacker Horrett Campbell, is in line for major honour 25 years after the horrific incident.

Considering her exceptional bravery and charity work, councillors in Wolverhampton will be asked to

consider honouring her with the freedom of the city.

When the incident took place in 1996, Lisa was only 21-years-old and while saving the children she suffered severe injuries to her head, back and both arms.

Her bravery was acknowledged

by Her Majesty the Queen who awarded Lisa the George Medal.

DWP confirms changes in State Pension l for 2022-2023 The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that State Pension amounts from next year for 2022/2023 will increase. For just this next financial year, a new double lock is temporarily being introduced in which pension will increase on the basis of the highest of inflation and 2.5 per cent.

The triple lock basically means pensions go up by whichever is the largest of three figures - annual inflation, average earnings rises, or 2.5 per cent.

In a statement, the Government said: "In taking this decision, the Government carefully considered the fairest approach for both pensioners and younger taxpayers, many of whom have been hardest hit by the financial impacts of the pandemic.

"In addition, last year, we delivered primary legislation to increase State Pensions by 2.5%, when earnings fell and price inflation increased by half a percentage point. If we hadn’t taken this action, State Pensions would have been frozen.

Man loses his life on tracks while one gets injured at a tube station On December 2, emergency services arrived at Harrow & Wealdstone station following the reports of a casualty on the tracks.

"We sent an ambulance crew, an incident response officer, an advanced paramedic, and a medic in car. We also dispatched our hazardous area response team and

London's Air Ambulance. Sadly, despite best efforts, a person died at the scene. We treated a second person and took them to hospital," a spokesperson said.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner,” a spokesperson from the British Transport Police said.

in brief GOVERNMENT ADVISED BRINGING BACK 'WORK FROM HOME' Experts in the SAGE meeting have agreed that 'remote working' is a highly relevant way to tackle Omicron virus transmission. JCVI member Prof. Adam Finn recommends that more people can work from home now the better until we are more definite about what’s going to happen. The Sage committee warned ministers that they may not be able to wait for data on omicron before deciding whether to bring in more restrictions and even if measures are introduced immediately, there may not be time to fully ascertain whether they are sufficient before decisions are needed on further action.

COURT STAFF MAY STRIKE OVER COMMON PLATFORM ISSUES The Court staff have issued a resounding vote of support for potential strike action over problems with the new Common Platform digital case management system.

PCS said the ballot, which closed yesterday, had a response rate of 57.2% and the sentiment it reflected needed to be taken seriously by senior management. It is said that the Common Platform introduced in September 2020, was beset with technical problems and delays that had slowed cases and added to backlogs.The union says it threatened 3000 jobs, however, HMCTS disputed the figure saying headcount reduction estimates were quite lower.

7.5 TO 11% OF £28BN COVID BUSINESS LOANS FRAUDULENT £28bn has been already handed over in the government's Covid business loan scheme. In March, BEIS estimated that 11% of the loans issued – totalling £4.9bn – were fraudulent. It said the number was uncertain and likely an overestimate because it assumed any fraud leads to a total loss of the loan. NAO head Gareth Davies said that while the government had prioritised speed, it “failed to put adequate fraud prevention measures in place. Government departments introduced 13 further counter-fraud measures as the scheme went on, but most came too late to prevent fraud."

TWO BOYS AND A YOUNG MAN STABBED IN WEALDSTONE In Wealdstone, two teenagers, aged 14 and 16, and a 22-year-old young man who got stabbed were rushed to west London hospital where their injuries were declared as non-life-threatening. The Metropolitan Police said that police and paramedics found two boys with stab injuries. A while later, a third person, a 22-year-old was found with stab injuries outside Harrow and Wealdstone Underground Station. He was also taken to a west London hospital where he is in stable condition. Police are urging eyewitnesses to come forward and call 101 with the reference 6046/30NOV. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. For now, both the teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and will remain in custody at a north London police station.

Dear Readers, This week, we had to drop our Reader's Voice section due to our Property Special coverage.

We apologise for the inconvenience. The letters we received for this issue will be duly published in the next issue of Asian Voice.

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11 - 17 December 2021

Virendra Sharma MP pledges support for medical technology to help NHS recovery Virendra Sharma, MP for Ealing Southall, is supporting a new drive to ensure the NHS makes the best use of life-changing medical technology and that patients have equal access to it regardless of where they live.

Virendra Sharma gave their backing to the initiative at the Houses of Parliament during a reception organised by the Medical Technology Group (MTG), a coalition of patient groups, research charities and medical device manufacturers, working together to make medical technologies available to everyone who needs them. The event was the centrepiece of activities to mark Medical Technology Awareness Week (22nd 28th November) as well as the group’s 20th anniversary.

Medical technology has transformed healthcare since the MTG was created two decades ago, improving patients’ lives, making the NHS safer and more efficient, and helping people back to work.

It has also played a key part in tackling the pandemic, through devices ranging from diagnostic testing to ventilators and remote monitoring equipment. As the NHS deals with growing waiting lists that have resulted it can help in other ways including minimally invasive therapies, such as transcatheter heart procedures, which mean patients recover quicker and need to spend less time in hospital, and insulin pumps and glucose monitors that help patients manage their conditions themselves.

Access to medical technology varies significantly depending on policies in each NHS area, however, meaning what you receive can

Writer Jaspreet Kaur and Asian Network presenter Nadia Ali share their mental health tips for Every Mind Matters Author Jaspreet Kaur and BBC presenter Nadia Ali share their mood boosting tips in a new video out today in support of the Every Mind Matters mental health campaign.

The government campaign champions the little things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing to help us lead happier, healthier lives and cope with life’s challenges.

depend on where you live, not what you need.

Speaking at the MTG reception, Virendra Sharma said, “We all have loved ones who have benefited from medical technology at some point in their lives. It has made an enormous difference to the quality of the care they have received.

“Medical technology has been shown to reduce healthcare spending and streamline services so it can play a key role in helping the NHS recover from the pandemic. Adopting it more widely is also key to creating a healthcare system that is fit for the future.

“We must address the postcode lottery, level up services, and ensure patients have a say in the treatments available so that they receive the best care no matter where they are in the country.”

To highlight the role that medical technology has played in making healthcare more efficient and safer, and to encourage greater uptake, the MTG has produced a manifesto ‘MedTech The Solution’. It calls for better access to reduce pressure, clinician time, and costly interventions in the NHS.

Nadia and Jaspreet joined the campaign after a government survey revealed last month that the mental health of South Asians in England has been especially knocked back by the pandemic. Those affected were also more likely to feel worried or anxious than the wider public.

Author Jaspreet Kaur, who writes about mental health in her groundbreaking book Brown Girl Like Me, says “Many people in South Asian communities have found it hard to cope during the pandemic, which is why I wanted to share some of the things that have helped me. As a writer, I found comfort in journaling every day – getting my worries down on the page helped me get them out of my head.”

At the heart of the campaign is the free, NHS-approved Mind Plan.

By answering five simple questions online, you can generate a personalised mental health plan with practi-

cal tips to help you destress, sleep better and feel more in control. So far, over 3.4 million Mind Plans have been created. Simply search ‘Every Mind Matters’ to create a plan tailored to your lifestyle.

Nadia Ali who presents the Sunday evening show on BBC Asian Network says: “During lockdown, I went on family walks and prepared some traditional meals with my grandparents over Skype. I learned some new skills, which was a great boost psychologically. New hobbies and small changes can make a big difference to your life, and they don’t have to cost a penny.”

Professor of Mental Health & Diversity at the Institute of Psychiatry in London Dinesh Bhugra also lent his support to the campaign. He says: “Depending on how you answer the questions, the Mind Plan might advise you to do a workout, cut down on alcohol, or try meditation. The website also features helpful videos and organisations to contact if you need further help.”

Find out more by visiting www.nhs.co.uk/every-mind-matters Watch the film featuring Prof Dinesh, Nadia Ali and Jaspreet Kaur on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b -0_5IQ-hLc

Omicron ruins holiday and homecoming plans Shefali Saxena The Omicron variant of Coronavirus is spreading fast in the UK. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said there are now 261 Omicron cases in England, 71 in Scotland and four in Wales - a total of 336. "This includes cases with no links to international travel, so we can conclude there is now community transmission across multiple regions of England," Javid said.

The UK has mandated that travellers arriving in the nation from overseas, including India, will have to undergo a pre-departure test no sooner than 48 hours before their journey. Those who come in contact with a suspected case of Omicron will have to self isolate for 10 days. This will also include fully vaccinated people.

Amid this chaos and uncertainty, travel plans for the festive season have gone for a toss. This has not only left families disheartened but also impacted the aviation industry.

Jaymin Borkhatria from Southall Travel UK told Asian Voice, “Since the news on the discovery of Omicron, new bookings immediately slowed significantly.

The implications for the traveller has been a rapid change to testing requirements before departure and on arrival in the case of India.

The UK has reintroduced a red list for 10 countries in Southern Africa. All arrivals now must undertake a PCR test within 48 hours and quarantine at home until results are returned.

“We have seen very few people cancel their trips. The most com-

Jaymin Borkhatria

mon sentiment is that customers are determined to go on the trip they have booked. If a customer is not allowed to go on their holiday then it would be refundable.

However, the trend in the next few weeks will be more changes to entry requirements causing more time-consuming administration and more costly testing. The airline flexibility policies have been extended with the new discovery if changes are needed.”

Jennifer Luke said, “Like most of us I haven't been home - Pune in two years. This year as well, trouble started with British airways cancelling multiple flights with no options to rebook and then came omicron. Along with not meeting our parents we also had our wedding cancelled last year and this time again looks like we might not make it at all. Not just financially, mentally and emotionally draining is what I have experienced in the last 10 days and of course the British and Indian governments

ever changing rules and regulations seem to just increase our anxiety levels every single day.”

Pooja Chavan told us, “I had my Air India tickets booked from LHR-Mumbai with my 3years old son for 30 November. On 24th November the news of the new variant came out. On 26th November the Indian government changed the travel policy for risk countries for PCR 72hrs prior to travel, on arrival n home quarantine. My 3-year-old had cough and cold since 25th His PCR was negative which gave me relief. On the day of travel, 30th November, I was extremely stressed about travelling alone with my little one who is very naughty. All preparation was done and baggage was packed.

My husband and 7-year-old son came to drop me at the airport. I was about to do bag check-in and get a boarding pass. Our friends called saying Air India had shared new travel guidelines released by

the Maharashtra government which are applicable from immediate effect for high-risk countries from 1 December. New guidelines were mandatory 7 days quarantine for UK travellers. I

started tremoring n checked with other travellers and also Air India.

Travellers were either complete family or single but I was the only one with a three-year-old son. Air India told me I only have 30 minutes to make a decision and my decision was to not travel alone and take risk of hotel quarantine.

I had mixed opinions at that time.

The next day I found govt allowed that flight passenger to leave the airport when the PCR test came negative. Maharashtra government changed rules again on 2nd December that hotel quarantine only for ultra risk countries, not UK travellers but in all these, I had a lot of emotional n financial loss.”

Taiwo Owatemi comments on final Government report into addressing Covid-19 health inequalities Taiwo Owatemi MP, Labour’s Shadow Equalities Minister, responding to the final Government report on progress to address Covid-19 health inequalities, said: “Almost all of this report's recommendations were included in Labour’s Lawrence Review into the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, which was published over a year ago.

“The questions many will be asking today are why on earth has it taken the Government so long to listen? And will Ministers take another age to actually imple-

ment these recommendations to keep communities safe?

“However, the Government's report is deafeningly silent about the structural reasons why people from different ethnic minority communities are more likely to be living in overcrowded accommodation and working in high-risk frontline jobs. This is yet another missed opportunity from a Government that brought us the Sewell Report and has denied structural racism even exists.

"Only Labour has a plan to address racial injustice in our society, with a new Race Equality Act to tackle structural inequality at the source.”

14 UK

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11 - 17 December 2021

Five ways to get involved in Human Rights Day Amnesty International is encouraging people to take part in Human Rights Day (10 December) this year, by helping to end horrific abuses against five individuals and groups.

International Human Rights Day marks the day that the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 - a document that enshrines the rights and freedoms of all human beings. Amnesty has launched its Write for Rights campaign - to

encourage people to send a letter, write an email or sign a petition to hold those in

Woman gets justice after 33 years of marital rape Marital rape was not illegal in 1987 when Colin Hill kidnapped Janet Cameron, drove her out to woods near Huntingdon, Cambrid-geshire, then raped her, following years of abuse.

She managed to escape but just weeks later, Hill raped and murdered 17year-old Leanne Scott - a crime for which he was jailed for life with a mini-

mum term of 18 years in 1987.

When Hill was released on licence in 2018, after serving time for Ms Scott's murder, Ms Cameron was told that a change in the law meant she could finally seek justice.

In April 2020 he was jailed for his offences against her after admitting charges of abduction, rape and three counts of ABH.

Forgotten woman’s body left in mortuary for six weeks Ms McGregor, 41, died at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on 12 March after being admitted with a cyst behind her ear.

During treatment, she was put on antibiotics and there had been plans to remove it. Following her unexpected death, the family were told the postmortem examination might take a bit longer than nor-

mal due to Covid. However, after six weeks the family contacted the hospital only to learn that it had not yet been carried out and were told staff had forgotten about it. The family were also said to have been told that because the body had been in the freezer for so long, the post-mortem examination was inconclusive.

Scottish Government: Stop using words like alcoholic and junkie Last year, 1,339 people died in Scotland because of drug use, up 5% from the previous year, and the highest on record.

The new adverts link to an information page on the NHS Inform website urging a "kinder" approach to those affected, adding: "People struggling with an alcohol or drug problem should get the same support and treatment as those with any other health condition."

It advises that terms such as "addict, alcoholic

and junkie" should not be used but replaced with "person with problematic substance use, a person with harmful alcohol use, and the person with problematic drug use".

power to account and protect the rights and freedoms of those at risk.

Sacha Deshmukh, CEO of Amnesty UK, said: “These individuals have been thrown behind bars, attacked or harassed just for standing up for their rights.

By coming together, people around the world have the power to raise their profile and increase their chances of protection or release this Human Rights Day. Sending a letter or email might seem like a small act, but when sent in their thousands they can have a huge impact.

People in power are forced to listen.”

£2.8m settlement for a couple whose child died in womb due to staff mistakes Sarah Hawkins was in labour for six days before Harriet was stillborn at Nottingham City Hospital in April 2016. She was nearly 41 weeks' pregnant when Harriet was delivered, almost nine hours after death.

A Root Cause Analysis Investigation Report published in 2018 concluded the death was "almost certainly preventable". The errors included a delay in applying appropriate foetal monitoring, the important omission of information on an antenatal advice sheet and a failure to follow the Risk Management Policy for

maternity. There were also failures to record or pass on information correctly, failure to follow correct guidelines and delays in administering the correct treatment, according to the report.

The couple received GBP2.8million from Nottingham hospital trust for the mistakes by the maternity staff.

Drug dealer who flaunted his illicit wealth jailed Mansoor Kiani, 28, of Carlton Crescent, Luton, who flaunted his illicit wealth by pouring Champagne over Rolex watches in a nightclub, was caught after police cracked an encrypted communication system he was using to buy and sell drugs.

Kiani was arrested after Bedfordshire Police recovered data from seized servers linked to the Encrochat platform - an encrypted tool used by crim-

inals to talk to each other.

Messages showed Kiani arranging meetings with drugs and cash couriers, coordinating payments to those supplying him with the drugs, and arranging codewords for use during exchanges.

Bedfordshire Police had targeted him in an operation aimed at reeling in "individuals funding lavish lifestyles off the back of violence, exploitation and the misery of others"

Manchester bomber Abedi showed no signs of extremism in school Twenty-two people were killed when Salman Abedi detonated a bomb in Manchester Arena's foyer on 22 May 2017. Abedi studied at Burnage Academy for Boys in Manchester for about 18 months between 2009 and 2011.

Former headteacher Ian Fenn said there was "no indication" from school staff that Abedi or his family had extreme or radical

views.

"He never came across as somebody who was opinionated, who was driven, that had an agenda. He was a typically lacklustre child who drifted around," he told the hearing.

The inquiry heard that since the terror attacks in 2017, MI5 and counter-terrorism police have greatly improved the way they work together.

Handling pressure

Rohit Vadhwana In personal and professional life, we come across a number of pressure points. The cause and degree of such pressure may vary from person to person. In professional life, one may be under a constraint to deliver targets while in personal life there might be an emotional burden. There is hardly anyone who does not have any kind of tension in life. Actually, such pressure may be useful as a motivation to do something better but if not handled properly it may result in stress.

Every individual has a different capacity to handle demanding situations. You might have come across people who constantly complain of stress even for the works which seem normal to you. On the other hand, there is another category of individuals who have the ability to deal with difficult situations very easily. Whether this capacity to manage pressure is a skill or inherent is a different subject but in most situations, it is important to know how much pressure you can handle. Taking the unnecessary burdens of things that cannot be dealt with healthily is disastrous. Therefore, we should choose the pressure wisely, and only if required. Having the pressure of the issue which are not at all important in personal or professional life is insanely foolish. Avoid it at all costs.

But one also needs to differentiate between being busy and being under stress. Both are not the same thing. Every time pressure of work does not result in stress. It may be taking toil of personal comfort and ease, but still much less than apprehensive stress. The intensity of activities might be demanding but yet not pressured if done calculatingly and with good planning. Passion for something keeps one driving beyond the normal speed and capacity. Having overexertion is not similar to encumbrance, it can be handled with peace of mind and in good composure.

In today's time of fragile work-life balance and demanding urgent situations, it is really imperative to identify pressure points and control them before they become stressful. It is also critical to know when to accept such a load on the mind and when to give it a pass. Do not accept an invitation to participate in every race, do not prove your ability on every occasion. Run smoothly and enduringly if it is a marathon, do not sprint. Only in the earthshaking moments, one has to be under tension. At any other time, the best way is to keep calm and sail smoothly, without taking pressure on the situation.

(Expressed opinions are personal)

GP took a girl to hospital in Taxi as ambulance did not arrive Dr Lucy Pocock, a GP in Bristol, was required to call an ambulance for a sick child who had breathing problems.

The ambulance that was called at 4.45 pm for a child on oxygen did not even arrive at 9 pm.

In the end, the GP and one of her nursing colleagues actually took the child to the hospital in a taxi themselves.

The GP said she is now worried for her patients and also worried for the loved ones as to what will happen if any one of them needed an ambulance and had to wait six or seven hours for the right care.

In a statement, South Western Ambulance Service apologised and said they are experiencing the highestever level of sustained demand.

Tesco confident to fulfil plans despite strike warnings Usdaw union said the dispute involving 5,000 members at several warehouses across the country will take industrial action after rejecting a 4% annual pay rise. Warehouse workers would also stage a series of strikes in the coming weeks over the pay offer.

However, the retailer said it was confident it could

keep the shelves fully stocked and “fulfil our plans” despite the action by the Unite and Usdaw unions in the run-up to Christmas.

The union said a stoppage would start on December 20 and end on Christmas Eve saying the 4% pay rise was “well below” the current retail price index (RPI) inflation rate of 6%.

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WOMEN'S VOICE 15

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

11 - 17 December 2021

Pause: A collection of poems inspired by Covid-19 Shefali Saxena

Pause is a collection of poems inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Snehal is a blogger and poet based It draws from my own experiences in London with her husband and and perspectives during what can two toddlers. Her writing primarily best be described as an event that reflects her motherhood journey. truly changed the world. The She also reviews books authored by poems are surrounded by themes of writers of South Asian heritage on uncertainty, isolation, frustration, her blog Desi Lekh. loss and finally hope. The reader Snehal Amembal Snehal’s first book, Pause: A will also identify ‘motherhood’ as a collection of poems inspired by the Covid-19 constant across most poems. pandemic has recently been published by - Why would mothers relate to it?

Writersgram publications. Her work has also appeared in various prose and poetry In my poems, I have tried to capture the anthologies. Pause is a collecchallenges and joys of raistion of poems inspired ing young children during by the Covid 19 panthe pandemic. Although the demic. It draws from the poems are personal they poet’s own experiences have many relatable eleand perspectives during ments that mothers can what can best be identify with e.g. managing described as an event children, work and housethat truly changed the hold without support from world. The poems are grandparents and /or childsurrounded by themes of care services, mom guilt, uncertainty, isolation, identity issues, the impact frustration, loss and of lack of social interaction finally hope. The reader and so on. will also identify ‘moth- How much do you erhood’ as a constant think journaling across most poems. helps in coping with grief?

Snehal has an infecGrief is a very complex tious laugh and a very process and every individloud mind. She believes ual copes with it differentthat observation might ly. I believe writing down just be her superpower. your thoughts can act as a You can find her on means to cope with the many emotions that Instagram: @momtherhustler". grief triggers including sadness, anger, helpIn an exclusive chat with Asian Voice, lessness and sometimes even apathy which is she shared more information about her essentially the absence of emotions. Writing book.

- What is the Covid diary writing challenge? When and how did you start it?

It is an initiative by Writersgram publications and my book of poems Pause emerged from this idea. I have always written poetry but started writing it more regularly during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. I found the process of writing to be very cathartic. It was also an effective mechanism to cope with the challenges the pandemic brought with it. I came across Writersgram helps to give some sort of structure to these in 2021 thanks to my father who has always emotions which can often be overwhelming. been my powerhouse of support. It was - What would your advice be to fellow because of him that I gained the confidence women who've been sitting on a pile of to publish my poetry through Writersgram. stories or poems but never gathered the - What are the various themes of poetry courage to publish them? in this book?

I believe in the power of shared experiences because it reassures you that you are not alone. Social media today is a great platform to do this and there are many virtual writing communities that are very supportive. So please publish your work and share it with others. You never know who needs to read it!

Q

Q

Q

Grief is a very complex process and every individual copes with it differently.

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Dr Opinder Kaur Takhar MBE wins the ‘Sikh Jewel Award’

Asian engineer celebrates nationally as inspiration to the future generation of women engineers Junior Software Engineer The late Mary George CBE Dilani Selvanathan, from joined the Electrical Northolt, Ealing, has been Association for Women in 1956 awarded one of the having previously been a Civil Institution of Engineering Servant with the Ministry of and Technology’s (IET) Agriculture and Fisheries.

Young Woman Engineer of On winning, Dilani said: the Year prizes.

“I’m honestly so overwhelmed, surprised and so so happy – it’s Twenty-two-year-old great to know my hard work Dilani, who works at has been recognised. I’m lookHerotech8, won the IET’s ing forward to using this platMary George Memorial Prize Dilani Selvanathan form to reach more people and for Apprentices at the prestimake a difference nationwide, maybe even gious IET Young Woman Engineer of the worldwide! It’s going to be an amazing year Year Awards ceremony on 2 December. ahead – I can’t wait for all the opportunities In her role, Dilani works alongside the and to make an impact!” technical delivery team to support growing The IET Young Woman Engineer of the technical requirements and helps build the Year Awards celebrate women working in products and services. Dilani recently commodern engineering – and aim to help pleted a Software Engineering Degree change the perception that engineering is Apprenticeship with the BBC, where she predominantly a career for men by banishing worked on a variety of projects and learnt outdated engineering stereotypes of hard about the different aspects of Software hats and dirty overalls.

Engineering. Dilani is a STEM Ambassador As well as highlighting women engineerand took part in the STEMazing programme, ing talent, these prestigious engineering giving online interactive sessions at primary industry awards seek to find role models schools. She is also a WISE role model, prowho can help address the UK science and moting young women in STEM. engineering skills crisis by promoting engiThe Mary George Memorial Prize for neering careers to more girls and women.

Apprentices is given to a young women Just 14.5% of those working in engineering apprentice who shows great promise and and technical occupations are women potential in the profession and is tipped to (source: Engineering UK). be one of tomorrow’s leaders in engineering.

It took 98 years for Disney to appoint its first woman chair For the first time in 98 years, a bly grateful for the support woman will chair the board of and wise counsel they have Disney. provided during my tenure,” he added.

After serving as the board “On behalf of the Board, I member for Disney for 14 years, would like to express my Susan Arnold will succeed Bob deepest gratitude to Bob Iger Iger at the end of this year. Susan for his extraordinary leaderwas formerly an executive at globship over the past decade-andal investment firm Carlyle. She has a-half,” Ms Arnold said. also served in senior and prestiSusan Arnold “Bob has led Disney to gious roles in America’s big firms. amazing heights both creatively and finan“Susan is an incredibly esteemed execucially, with his clear strategic vision for tive whose wealth of experience, unwaverdelivering high-quality branded storying integrity, and expert judgment have telling, embracing cutting-edge technolobeen invaluable to the Company since she gy, and expanding internationally, and he’s first joined the Board in 2007,” said Mr left an indelible mark on The Walt Disney Iger, Executive Chairman and Chairman of Company that will be felt for generations the Board. to come. As I step into this new role as “Having most recently served as indeChairman of the Board, I look forward to pendent Lead Director, Susan is the perfect continuing to serve the long-term interests choice for Chairman of the Board, and I am of Disney’s shareholders and working confident the Company is well-positioned closely with CEO Bob Chapek as he builds for continued success under her guidance upon the Company’s century-long legacy and leadership. It has been a distinct honof creative excellence and innovation,” she our to work with Susan and our many said. other talented directors, and I am incredi-

Law Commission's decision not to recommend making misogyny a hate crime "very disappointing"

Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar MBE receiving the ‘Sikh Jewel Award’

Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar MBE was recently awarded the ‘Sikh Jewel Award’ by the British Sikh Association.

On receiving this recognition, Dr Kaur tweeted, “A huge thank you to @BritSikhAsso for the honour of the ‘Sikh Jewel Award’ at the House of Lords, presented by Defence Secretary Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP.” Dr Kaur is the Associate Professor Sikh Studies; Director of Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies at the University of Wolverhampton.

In response to the news that the Law Commission has ruled out recommending making misogyny a hate crime in a new report published today, Labour’s London Assembly Policing and Crime Spokesperson, Unmesh Desai AM, said: “It is unacceptable that so many women and girls in our city face routine harassment and abuse.

The onus must be on men to change their behaviour and this should involve an approach that is based both on education and

tougher enforcement. It’s very disappointing that the Law Commission has decided not to support making misogyny a hate crime when this is a

step that is clearly needed. It’s something I have been campaigning for alongside the Mayor for many years and despite today’s verdict, I will continue to lobby for it. Now, at the very least, the Government must waste no time in implementing the Law Commission’s recommendation of introducing a specific offence to tackle public sexual harassment.”

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A tribute to HH Pram and his centenary Nitin and Kamu Palan His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centenary birth celebrations will be held on 11 December 2021 and will be taking place at his birthplace Chansad. In Chansad, there will be a special ceremony bearing Covid protocols. Chansad will be dressed up for this occasion and with the support of the Government, the lake, where he went to swim with his friends, has been beautified. The lake has been cleaned up with a beautiful walkway erected around it and an educational museum celebrating his life has been built.

I am at for loss of words as to how to summarise his 96 years of life, so with lots of love and fond memories of Pujya Swamiji, this is my humble attempt. As always, I am incredibly grateful to CB Patel for allowing me space in Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar and a hearty thank you to Yogvivek Swami for his encouragement and guidance.

HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life, devotion and faith Swamiji left home on a bicycle at the age of 17 from Chansad with only one thought in his mind – to serve his Guru. Swamiji passed away at the age of 96. During his lifetime he

kept Bhagwan as his center, and his beloved Bhakta central to his life’s purpose. He had numerous ailments from gallstones, bladder, cataracts and even heart operations twice in his lifetime. There was hardly a year in his last 40 years of life that he had not fallen ill.

Yet he consistently ignored his health and bodily comforts, leaving his medical care until the very last – always hiding pain from others until necessary or until they spotted his discomfort.

His beloved Thakorji (the small metallic murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan) always

travelled with him. For Swamiji the murti was Bhagwan. He would take utmost care of him ensuring that there was an umbrella for him when in the sun, always keeping a suitable seat for him in all circumstances whether it be the Parliament or on stage.

There was an instance in Africa where Swamiji and sadhus went for a swim in the ocean. Thakorji also enjoyed this. Upon return, Swamiji reminded the sadhus that he be given another bath with clean water to remove the salt water of the ocean.

Bhaktas for Swamiji were his everything.

He would delay his meals many times to visit devotees from all backgrounds. He did not care for differences in backgrounds. He walked barefoot in deep mud, in rain and many times when he had fever – travelling on oxen, barefoot, or whatever vehicle was available. His love to serve his beloved bhaktas and to be with them never diminished in any circumstances. It is believed that he wrote

over 500,000 letters, gave names to thousands of devotees’ children, and guided many thousands on their education and visited thousands of villages during his lifetime. His ability to love without judgement and only to give leaves one speechless. Once a long serving farmer in Sarangpur met Swamiji. Upon seeing that he was wearing broken spectacles unsuitable for his eyes, Swamiji took off his own glasses and placed them on his eyes with the gentleness of a father caring for his child. He ensured and propagated life without vice and millions gave up their unhealthy habits. It is this love and compassion that resulted in countless devotees that live today as ambassadors of his life’s message.

Swamiji was equally compassionate to people of all faiths and treated everyone equally. He always said that we are separated from each other by ignorance of the other! While in Israel, he placed a message in the wailing wall: “May all who write their messages be blessed and their good wishes be fulfilled.”

He recognised that faith was the most important virtue especially if practised with love and compassion. When Swaminarayan Akshardham, in Gandhinagar, was attacked in 2002 and over thirty individuals were killed, he immediately announced that this was not a religious matter; it was simply a bad person doing a terrible thing!

Understanding Swamiji through his words Below are some of his statements: F “I am a sadhu of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and a sevak of my gurus Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj.”

F “We introduce principles of Sanatan Dharma in the hearts of everyone and bring everyone closer to Bhagwan and remind them of their true nature of love, education, forgiveness and patience. Bhagwan is kind and compassionate and he will only do what is ultimately good for us.”

F “I have no achievements. I followed the agna of my gurus and acted according to their wishes. All that happened is because of Bhagwan – I have done nothing.”

F “We build mandirs that are beautiful because when you love someone you

want to give them your best specially when what you have is theirs!

Secondly, mandirs are a source of pride for Hindus and a place for peace … we cannot build enough!.”

F “A sadhu is an enemy of your negative attitudes, but a lifetime friend of your soul. Through constant seva and devotion, Bhagwan and the guru will always guide you.”

F “Learn to accept, and see your own flaws, see Bhagwan in others, give joy and allow others to progress. These are keys to your true nature; this is true knowledge. Harming others in mind, thought or action is not our nature.”

F “We are not the doer. Bhagwan is.

Have faith and surrender to him. In time, all will become clear.”

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mukh Swami Maharaj birth celebrations His gifts to humanity Spirituality was his gift. Let us look at some of his achievements.

In terms of propagation of Sanatan Dharma internationally, large Cultural Festivals of India were held, first in London in 1985 and then in New Jersey in 1991. These were mega cultural festivals organised by a minority community who had just arrived on the shores of UK and USA. The festivals ran over one month. More than 1.2 million visitors at each festival savoured the sights, sounds and tastes of India. Using materials as simple as cane, bamboo, burlap and paper pulp, exquisite artwork was created. The messages were universal and tangible; the presentations were aesthetic and inspiring, and the atmosphere was original and congenial.

He built three large mandir complexes that we call “Swaminarayan Akshardham” complexes in Gandhinagar (1992), Delhi (2005) and New Jersey (to open in 2023). They have a functioning mandir, enormous spiritual and cultural campuses that have exhibitions and cultural shows dedicated to devotion, education, and unification of humankind. Timeless devotional messages and vibrant Sanatan Dharma traditions are echoed in their art and architecture. The complexes are humble tributes to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781 to 1830) and the avatars, devas,and sages of Sanatan Dharma. These traditionally styled complexes are each unique and were built with the blessings of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and through the devoted efforts of thousands of skilled

artisans and volunteers. Further information can be found on their respective websites.

Overall, Swamiji established over 1,100 mandirs in 28 countries between 1971 and 2016. In the last 10 years, the organisation was opening two mandirs a week in smaller villages. This continues even today. Making mandirs is no small achievement. Each mandir is built with personal care and attention and as a gift for devotees for the nation and its people to enjoy – open to all, for everyone to find their own bhakti and meet Bhagwan. Each mandir was built with care by the devotees. As Swamiji said, “Each devotee will become a mandir himself or herself.”

During his lifetime, over 1000 sadhus were ordained. They all follow the eight-fold form of celibacy, a principle propagated by Bhagwan Swaminarayan 200 years ago. These sadhus came from diverse backgrounds and from all parts of the world. A sizeable number of them werehighly qualified young people who were inspired by his message and mission.

He encouraged that new literature, scriptures andbhajans be written so that Bhagwan’s message could be easily understood. As a result, literature was publishedin many languages in many countries allowing the organization to flourish.

Today there are millions of devotees who have instilledin them the depth of knowledge of the Swaminarayan philosophy and live a life without addiction and in harmony with everyone, being exemplary citizens wherever they live.

Accolades and recognitions

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London opened by Swamiji in 1995 Social seva Swamiji always said that you cannot separate spiritual seva from social service; they go hand in hand.

During his lifetime, BAPS participated in several relief operations.

F Cattle camps and famine relief activities in Gujarat in 1987: A severe drought swept through Gujarat. A few other states were also affected but to a lesser degree. It was the century’s worst famine and the third successive famine that year, which had taken a heavy toll of life, especially livestock. To help the victims of the famine, the Sanstha started distribution of buttermilk, food grains, nutritious biscuits, and clothes.

F Earthquake of Latur in Maharashtra, India in 1993: It took only a few seconds for the world of many Indians to come crumbling down. The earthquake that struck Latur and Osmanabad in the State of Maharashtra at 3:56am on 30 September 1993 had a terrifying force of 6.4 on the Richter scale and was India’s worst earthquake since independence in 1947. In 24 hours, a team of 25 sadhus and volunteers

of the organisation reached the village of Samudraal with 2,000kg of food and medicine. The volunteer force peaked to more than 250 during the relief work.

About 1,60,000kg of food and clothes along with medical aid was distributed in 15 villages. The injured and sick were looked after by the devoted doctors of the organisation. A ‘Pitru-tarpan’ ceremony, where ablutions to souls of the deceased, was also held.

F Gujarat earthquake in 2001: The aftermath of the 2001 earthquake left tens of thousands of residents homeless and anxious about the safety of their fractured apartments. Millions of packets of food were distributed, and many new homes and villages were rebuilt by the organisation with the inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

being done following the earthquake in Swamiji’s life was full of recognitions Gujarat. He met and thanked Swamiji for and accolades. He would not approve of us the work the organisation was doing. remembering him for what recognitions Swamiji gave him a gift of his mala and that he received as he said that his work was that of a devotee fulfilling his guru’s wishes. Below are some examples of NOT accolades, but his ability to inspire others.

In 1997, he was invited to visit HRH Prince Charles, and separately HRH Prince Philip.

During this visit, HRH Prince Charles asked how he could be a good king. Swamiji responded by saying just see Bhagwan in Swamiji presents a mala to all your citizens.

US President Clinton in Miami in 2000 In 1988, Pramukh Swami said, “This is the most valuable tool for Maharaj was honoured in the British and peace. Prayers can make anything happen” Canadian parliaments.

In 2015, former President of India, Dr In 2000, Pramukh Swami Maharaj APJ Abdul Kalam, authored a book addressed the Millennium World Peace ‘Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences Summit of Spiritual Leaders at the United with Pramukh Swamiji’ as a tribute to Nations, New York, USA. Swamiji. This is an incredible book sharing In 2001, ex-President Bill Clinton visithis personal experiences with Swamiji. ed India to see the relief work that was

Educational and medical institutes Swamiji also encouraged the building of many schools and hospitals. Today, BAPS runs His legacy continues… seven hospitals mostly in Gujarat and Swamiji left us in 2016 and gave us gift of Saurashtra. They have treated millions of people through their state-of-the-art hospitals, HH Mahant Swami Maharaj. He continues in outpatient facilities and mobile medical the same way encouraging relief work during clinics in western India. Staffed by dedi- Covid, publication of scriptures, and building cated medical professionals and caregivers, BAPS is working to bring lowcost, quality medical care to society through these facilities: Additionally, through 14 schools, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha helps thousands of students earn a value-based education as well as the skills required to succeed in a globalised economy. BAPS operates both residential and non-residential schools in the states of Gujarat, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam presents his book to Swamiji writes blessings in the visitors’ Rajasthan, and Maharashtra in India.

Swamiji in Sarangpur in 2015 book at Fatima Church in Portugal in 1988

mandirs. He has said more than once, “I really have nothing to do other than to continue Swamiji’s legacy and work.

“Everything is so well organised and planned.”

Covid relief work in 2020 and 2021 The entire organisation in every part of the world came together in their respective countries providing food and more support.

Funds were collected to assist during the Oxygen crisis in India. The work is too vast to be mentioned here – information can be found on each mandir’s website.

Let us pray, on the birth centenary of Pramukh Swami Maharaj that we may also be inspired to imbibe such noble virtues.

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Continued from page 1 The Prime Minister also said that the inquiry could not "inadvertently distract" those within the NHS and government advisers, who were continuing to deal with the pandemic.

Back in May, the inquiry's terms of reference had not been defined but Johnson said that it would be published in "due course”. We are almost three months away from spring 2022.

The virus has mutated countless times and two years later, we’re battling the latest variant of concern that has started to create panic. An independent investigation by Evening Standard has found that the London boroughs with the greatest number of adults who have yet to receive a Covid jab have been revealed. Newham has more than 130,000 residents aged 18 or older who have not had their first vaccination, followed by Brent, 125,000, Lambeth, 117,000, and Ealing, 111,000.

NHS crisis continues Reacting to the fact that there is no sign of any such public inquiry, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair, exclusively told Asian Voice, “The UK went into Dr Chaand Nagpaul the pandemic woefully underprepared, without adequate supplies of PPE, which left thousands of frontline staff risking their health and lives while being exposed without sufficient protection against a deadly virus. Brutal cuts of hundreds of millions of pounds to public health budgets over the past decade left the nation without adequate testing capacity resulting in ministers wasting billions on a shambolic test and trace system that failed to adequately control the spread of the infection.

“Severe workforce shortages with 100,000 NHS vacancies, coupled with too few beds and a lack of surge capacity, led to the suspension of non-Covid care services in the first wave resulting in today’s record backlog of care, with excess non-Covid deaths last year estimated at 12,000. Public health measures to contain the infection were introduced too late, lifted too early or sometimes not put in place at all, and which led to the virus spiralling out of control.

“All this has contributed to the tragedy of over 140,000 deaths from the virus in the UK - the highest number in Western Europe – disproportionately affecting ethnic minorities and who accounted for 85% of all doctors who have died from Covid. A recent health select committee report concluded that the government's actions represented "the greatest public health failure…

“With the NHS facing its greatest ever waiting lists, a depleted and exhausted workforce, and with the emergence of Omicron risking another Covid surge, it is vital that the Government learns the lessons of the past 20 months and takes decisive action now to protect the nation as well as prevent further inequalities - not wait for a public inquiry next year. The BMA has additionally launched its own review into the pandemic, and the impact on the NHS, the medical profession and the public’s health, as we realise the importance of hearing from those on the frontline while their harrowing experiences are still fresh in their minds.”

Speaking to the newsweekly, Consultant Cardiologist Dr Arjun Ghosh said, I think we need to be cautious given the number of infections Dr Arjun Ghosh and deaths we have seen thus far. While we are still learning about the new variant, we do not want the health services to be overwhelmed if that is a possibility. It is good if the public enquiry gives an independent and accurate account of events as this will help prevent such catastrophes in the future.”

Charities to the rescue of homeless and needy A former diplomat has claimed bureaucratic chaos, ministerial intervention, lack of planning and a short-hours culture in the department led to “people being left to die at the hands of the Taliban”, The Guardian reported.

Tens of thousands of Afghans were unable to access UK help following the fall of Kabul because of turmoil and confusion in

NO LESSONS LEARNED? the Foreign Office, according to a devastating account by a whistleblower.

Dominic Raab admitted that a ‘formal party’ in No 10 last Christmas would have broken rules. Boris Johnson has failed to deny reports Downing Street staff members held a party on December 18 during Tier 3 restrictions – but he has insisted that no rules were broken. “If there is a breach of the rules, there is a breach of the rules. But I don’t know the full facts because I wasn’t there. Of course, if there was a formal party held, of course, that is something that is clearly contrary to the guidance. If anyone held a party that it is contrary to the rules, of course, that is the wrong thing to do. If something unsubstantiated from anonymous sources actually materialised, then, of course, it would be wrong,” Raab told BBC. The Afghan Council in the UK is currently focusing on thousands of British citizens, their children, parents and families left behind by the UK government as hostages to starvation, terror and Taliban. “We are trying to get them out instead of corrupt politicians and warlords along with their families being resettled into the UK,” the council told Asian Voice.

Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) is a Sikh ethos charity said, “During the pandemic, we continued our services being frontline key workers who may not have eaten all day relying on passers-by in towns to buy them a hot meal i.e., Greggs, McDonald’s etc. We set up food parcel delivery services to the elderly in isolation especially during the supermarket stock crisis, also picking up prescriptions and posting letters.

“As every year in 2020, we still managed to hold Xmas parties for our service users followed by social distancing guidelines. Gifts were given by our very own Santa as well as a three-course hot meal, greeted by choir singers as the festive season is a very lonely time, with the suicide rate being high for these individuals.

“Families in poverty with young children who may not have had Christmas dinner let alone gifts for the children were also visited by our Santa and elves surprising them with a Christmas dinner/ snacks food parcels and gifts for every child. Every year we witness children as young as 5 in tears as they see Santa and unwrapping their presents which they may not have had.

“We have a large red bus called the Guru Nanak Langar Bus which was placed at the Queen Elizabeth hospital and also travelled to offer the vaccinations to those that who may not have been offered this. We continue to provide our services to anyone that requires it.”

Nishkam Swat (Sikh Welfare & Awareness Team) have made a rucksack appeal for Christmas. Nishkam SWAT gives out rucksacks with essential winter supplies to the homeless. They request people to purchase a large, durable rucksack and each day, for 25 days, put in an essential item that would help those sleeping rough this winter. They request to ensure all items are new and unused, and that all food items are vegetarian, sealed and in date. You can also Sponsor a Rucksack for £50.00 and Nishkam can purchase the items and make a bag for the homeless from you.

Studying is not a luxury expenditure Speaking to Asian Voice, Sanam Arora, NISAU UK Chairperson said, “Because it's the festive period, a lot of Sanam Arora people haven’t gone back home for quite a while, many for the past two years, a lot of people were looking forward to going back and booking their travel in time. Now, if Omicron spreads, then they're worried about being stranded in India.

In the first and second waves, over 1000s of people had gotten stranded both in the UK and India. If they get stranded, it means that they will miss out on the on-campus experience and that’s not what they’ve paid for. So for those who want to travel or had already booked travel, Omicron is basically leading to havoc.

“A lot of people who do want to go back are scared if they will get stranded because

they need to get back in time to apply for their post-study work visa for which you have to be in the country to be able to apply so far.

They’re thinking that if they get stranded and are not able to make it back to the UK, they will miss their golden opportunity of being able to apply for a job post.

“The pandemic has been here for almost two years now and flight costs are not coming down. People who are wanting to travel can’t do so because the financial constraint is forcing them not to travel. It would cost £200£300 for one way ticket to Delhi, but now it is at least £1500 or above.”

Sanam also said that a lot of students who have just entered the UK are facing difficulties and delays in getting registered with their GPs and confused about taking a jab (those who are partially vaccinated). Since AstraZeneca is not being preferred for those below 40, those who have taken Covishield in India are being advised by NISAU UK to consult their GP for further steps and not take any jab in haste.

“The whole process is not instantaneous.

It takes time,” she added.

According to the NISAU UK Chairperson, a definite matter of concern is the way notifications are being issued by authorities particularly in India. She said they’re ‘confusing’.

Withstanding the fact that the rules keep changing all the time, Sanam said, “We appreciate that guidelines are constantly changing because it's a dynamic situation but want to request authorities to make sure that the information they are releasing is easy to understand and in simple English - bullet points. Expecting people who deal with constantly changing information when you have tons of pages of complicated information is not particularly helpful. So organisations like mine issue regular advisories whenever there is a major travel update. But why do we have to do that? Because there is such a disjointed nature of updates coming from all these different stakeholders. There's no singular flow of information. So our request is that people are having to rely on organisations like mine to receive our advisories which essentially to just a simplification job so that people can actually understand what's being said and in terms of what's relevant for them. Why can't that be done at source is a request we have.

“We also want the aviation industry and the government to get together to put a cap on travel expenses for students. Studying is not a luxury expenditure. Contrary to popular sentiment, particularly in India, people who are studying abroad in the UK are not necessarily rich people who have you know, who have liquid money to waste. Students are on scholarships, and so many people have taken very expensive education loans. They essentially belong to all sorts of strata. There should be some form of cap on how much airlines are allowed to charge from students and we recognise the difficulty for the aviation industry, but this is why the government needs to buckle up and support students.”

One wrong move could wipe out the Christmas harvest for hospitality Jaf Ali of Khai Khai restaurant told us about bookings within the Jaf Ali health sector, especially by nursing homes have already been cancelled owing to the rising cases of Omicron in the UK. He said, “Generally we are quite aware over the last few weeks or months that if you have a large party, of let's say 10 or 12 people, most of the times the numbers are dropping because someone is coming in contact with somebody who's had Covid. So, there is a lot of that that is going on at the moment, which is very, very disruptive because you start to evolve with a certain number of personnel based on the platform that you have in terms of my staff. But the coverage dropped quite a lot.

“I feel that it is going to be disruptive. But we're just hoping and pleading that the government don't introduce any new changes to any rules or regulations. Because if they do then they could wipe out Christmas which is our harvest in hospitality. One decision by the

government and that will be the end of Christmas for us.”

Should the government bring back the furlough scheme to help employees?

Jaf said, “No, I don't think they should bring back furlough because life must continue. Furlough comes with its own problems and headaches. It was very difficult for us. Whilst you have to call a member of the team because we would resort back to take away where there's a lockdown, a core team is required to do takeaways. For that, they're going to come to work and work the normal hours and they get paid 100%. If someone stayed at home, they get paid 80% but doesn't it's not logical and it causes problems for me, as an operator.

The businesses need to fend for themselves.

“We have to live with a variant, and we have to go on with our lives. And our businesses need stability, and they can't just keep on knocking us down and closing us down. We need to stay open, and the government should understand the decisions that they make. They need to think about businesses because we are important lots and lots of people in this sector.

And if they just keep making decisions, which have a direct effect on our business, then there is a problem. But I think we can't just rely on government support. We have to get on with business continuously, regardless of what is ahead, because Covid is a constant.”

Speaking at the Asian Catering Federation's Asian Curry Awards last week, its Chairman, Yawar Khan, spoke of the sector’s resilience and innovation in the face of such adversity posed by the pandemic and lockdowns. He said, "The overreaction to the Omicron variant - which is reportedly milder than the Delta - is potentially devastating to the hospitality sector. Another round of furloughs would be totally uncalled for.

Businesses want to stay open and the sector's biggest problem is staff shortages. The Government needs to grant more work permits for skilled chefs to come to Britain, allowing asylum seekers to work rather than rely on benefits whilst their applications are processed. He also urges the Home Office to grant an amnesty to those restaurant employees whose work permits have expired and forced to work for less than minimum wage in substandard living accommodation provided by unscrupulous restaurant owners - who evade tax and National Insurance contributions, whilst undercutting legitimate, honest businesses.”

Rob Khan owner of the Rajdhani in Sevenoaks, Kent said, “Those businesses who had hoped to partly make up for the loss of trade with Christmas party bookings are being hit badly, with cancellations. Many restaurants have faced over 20 cancellations on the weekend and are worried about the upcoming bookings. Anticipating the possible changes in hospitality rules affecting his restaurant, Rob added, “We are well prepared like we always have been. During the lockdown, we undertook a full refurbishment. We invested in screens to create safety barriers between tables. We've done away with tablecloths and invested in news tables and flooring which make disinfection more effective. Business is being affected with the cancellation of larger groups, despite sending messages to our regulars, detailing the extra measures in place to ensure our staff and our customers feel safe."

Sharif Uddin of Kushi chain of curry houses in East London and Essex said, “VAT at 20% for hospitality venues is at unsustainably high - especially given rising wages, food costs, energy prices and the rest. The real problem is the overly negative media and lazy journalism. " Dev Biswal of Ambrette Kitchen said: "It's time for business to stop asking for Government handouts.

We have schools and hospitals to fund and a Dev Biswal transport infrastructure to make it fit for purpose. Some customers are cancelling bookings and are asking for their deposits to be returned. It has had an impact on bookings overall as numbers are nowhere close to previous pre-Covid years. However, we are still busy and doing decent numbers this festive season. I am not a big fan of the furlough scheme as I think it breeds an attitude of entitlement to free money. However, I would urge the government to reconsider fundamental issues such as VAT increase etc.”

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KHICHADI Kapil’s

50th anniversary of Bangladesh-India friendship celebrated in London Rupanjana Dutta

Ram Mandir

Maitri Diwas (Friendship Day) was celebrated on 6 December 2021 marking 50 Years of India-Bangladesh diplomatic ties. The occasion was celebrated in London by the High Commission of India and Bangladesh High Commission by jointly organising a reception and a cultural programme in a Central London hotel.

On 6 December 1971, India recognised Bangladesh and was one of the first countries to extend diplomatic recognition to Bangladesh.

During the State visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March 2021, both countries agreed to jointly commemorate 6 December as IndiaBangladesh Friendship Day (Maitri Diwas) in India, Bangladesh and other countries around the world.

At the gala reception guests observed one minute of silence in honour of all martyrs who lost their lives in the Liberation war of 1971.

Paying tribute to Bangladesh's founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, High Commissioner of India Gaitri Issar Kumar said, “India was proud to have

and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will take our BangladeshIndia Maitree to even newer height in the decades to come.”

Rt Hon Oliver Dowden, Co-Chair of the Conservative Party of the UK graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, who spoke about the contributions of the British Indian and Bangladeshi community to the UK. Talking about his parents' connection with the Asian community, he also reminded about the 75th year of India’s independence

in 2022 as well as 70th anniversary of the Ugandan Asian expulsion. Among other eminent speakers were Professor Dr Gowher Rizvi, International Relations Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Lord Swaraj Paul, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Lord Dean Godson and Lord Karan Bilimoria.

Lord Bilimoria reminisced about his father Lieutenant General Faridoon Noshir Billimoria’s contribution to the Bangladesh war, as he commanded the Indian army and

Indian High Commissioner Gaitri Issar Kumar speaking at the reception as Bangladesh High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem looks on

Guest of Honour Rt Hon Oliver Dowden, CoChair of the Conservative Party of the UK addressing the audience

A captivating speech by Lord Karan Bilimoria paying tribute to his father and the soldiers who lost their lives in the War of Liberation

provided support to Bangladesh in its War of Liberation in 1971.” She highlighted the vibrancy and depth of the bilateral relations including the ongoing development partnership assistance.

Paying homage to the martyrs of the liberation war and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem recalled the invaluable support that the Government of India and its people extended to Bangladesh during the liberation war. She said, “The value-based friendship between our peoples and our soils, the 54common rivers, the love, affection and common emotions that connect our two nations and the messages of peace, Ahimsa (or non-violence) and humanity propagated by Fathers of our two Nations Mahatma Gandhi

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Kapil Dudakia

Indian High Commissioner Gaitri Issar Kumar (left) and Bangladesh High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem (right) appreciating a painting that pays tribute to the ‘fathers of the nations’

Lord Jitesh Gadhia addressing the guests

Singer Runa Laila performing at the celebration

paid homage to those who lost their lives in the war. He also thanked the Bangladeshi community, especially the strong restaurant community in the UK for providing him with the opportunity and hope, when he started his Cobra beer business, going door to door selling his product.

The reception was attended by nearly 400 guests including UK Ministers and Parliamentarians, Heads of Missions, academics, chamber leaders, professionals, and eminent members of the Indian and Bangladeshi diaspora.

A colourful cultural programme was performed by renowned artists from India and Bangladesh including the celebrated singer Runa Laila. A documentary on Bangladesh-India historic relations and the 1971 War of Liberation was screened.

The ground-breaking ceremony for Ram Mandir was performed on 5 August 2020 by India’s prime minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. Hundreds of years of waiting, but the aspirations of a billion finally realised.

In accordance with Vastu Shastra and the Shilpa Shastras, Ram Mandir will be 235 feet wide, 360 feet long and 161 feet high. Once complete, the Mandir complex will be the world's third largest Hindu Mandir. It is designed in the Gujara-Chaulukya style of Northern Indian Mandir architecture and is projected to be ready by 2024.

The land of Ram Rajya was desecrated by Islamic invaders. Their objective was very simple, to establish an Islamic Caliphate. The genocidal barbarians committed every atrocity known to humanity. From the rape of women and children to the brutality of killing millions over hundreds of years. Their attempt was to systematically eradicate the very essence of Sanatan Dharma. And by destroying mandirs and building Masjids in their place, to make a declaration of superiority. The millions of Muslims you see in India today, most of them did not choose it out of faith or belief. Their ancestors of yesteryears were forced on their knees to accept Islam or die.

The British when they came did things in a more professional way but still towards the similar objective of control and dominance. They introduced Caste, a bastardised version of the British Class system as an administrative tool to force compliance, and to keep people within tightly controlled socio-economic groups.

The tragedy being, Hindus of today are still so stupid that in India they continue this shambolic adharmic practice.

Coming back to Ram Mandir, I write of course because it was on December 6th 1992 that finally some Hindus had the guts to take direct action. The so called ‘Babri Masjid’, was taken apart by the people of Bharat. This was the land on which stood the original Ram Mandir of Ayodhya. Lord Rama destroyed evil incarnate Ravana in a short time frame, the shame for Bharat being that it took them so long to reclaim their own heritage.

So when Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji performed the ground breaking ceremony in 2020, it set down a marker for the whole of India. The message is clear, the people who were enslaved by the Islamic invaders, and then by the British, now deserve justice. In their own land they cannot live any longer as slaves to the madness of the past.

Those who wish to make controversy will of course do exactly that. After all, these are people and organisations who have become the mouthpiece for extremists and terrorists. So I say to the whole Indic family, remain united in the knowledge that your ancestors suffered and lost a lot, but today they will want all of us united so the wrongs of the past can finally be corrected. Those who perished deserve justice. And the establishment of Ram Mandir is but the first step towards a nation reconciling with its past so that it may enter a future where the ideals of Ram Rajya and Dharmic core values can once again become the cornerstone of human endeavour.

In the words of Louis Farrakhan, an American religious leader and political activist who heads the Nation of Islam: ‘There really can be no peace without justice.

There can be no justice without truth. And there can be no truth unless someone rises up to tell you the truth’. Well, I am sure the ‘Nation of Islam’ will not mind if the people of Bharat finally get justice and their truth is told.

British Sikh officer goes viral after sharing Army medal post

APPG on British Sikhs hosts meeting with the Governor of Punjab, Pakistan

A British Sikh Army Reserve officer has gone viral on social media after sharing news about receiving a special recognition medal from the military.

Captain Jay Singh-Sohal VR tweeted a photo in uniform holding up the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal (VRSM), and a message: “On almost 12 years to the day since I joined the British Army, I’m deeply honoured to receive the VRSM. Proud to serve my country in uniform! Thank you to my family & friends

On 30 November 2021, Preet Kaur Gill, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Sikhs hosted a cross-party meeting in the Houses of Parliament with the Governor of Punjab, Pakistan — Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar — on projects to support the Sikh community in Pakistan, including the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor.

As well as MP Gill and Governor Sarwar, the meeting was attended by Lord Ranbir Suri, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Paul Bristow, Lord Wajid

who’ve supported my Reservist career all these years, through the good times and hard.” The post has since gone viral on social media, receiving half a million impressions, more than 10.000 likes and hundreds of comments welcoming the recognition on Twitter, including from MPs, veterans, celebrities and senior military officials.

The VRSM is a special recognition awarded to Army reservists who accrue a decade of continuous service. Recipients earn the right to carry the post-

Jay Singh-Sohal VR

nominals "VR" after their name.Jay joined 55 Military Intelligence in Stourbridge in 2009 and has during his reservist career served on Operations against ISIS and in countries including India, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Italy and Germany. In 2020, during the Covid emergency, he voluntarily mobilised for the Army's response to the pandemic during Op Rescript.

Iltaf Khan and Yasmin Qureshi.

The conversation covered the protection of religious sites and freedoms in Pakistan, relations with India, and efforts to protect and promote Punjabi culture and heritage, including the construction of the Baba Guru Nanak international university.

The Kartarpur Corridor allows Sikh pilgrims to travel without visas across to Pakistan to pay respects at Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, a sacred holy site and the final resting place of Guru Nanak

Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.

India and Pakistan signed the longstanding Kartarpur corridor agreement in October 2019 but has been closed since March 2020, when the corridor was shut in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last month, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Ministry of External Affairs announced that a jatha of around 1,500 pilgrims would be allowed to make the journey in recognition of the importance of Gurpurab.

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How’s your ISA? Your SIPP? Your Pension? You may not have begun or may have left it to an IFA or Fund Manager.

Whatever the case, you will be Alpesh Patel considering as a reader of Dear Financial Asian Voice: Omicron and Stocks: Disaster or Pointless Voice Reader, Panic?

Fears about Omicron sent shockwaves through the market in late November. Will this new variant lead to a disastrous market crash, or is it all a pointless panic?

The Omicron variant, combined with news that the Fed would tighten monetary policy, caused the S&P 500 to drop 2% in late November. Successful vaccine rollout and a loosening of stay at home orders and restrictions suggested that the significant pandemic fears were over. But this was a stark reminder that we are not quite out of the woods just yet.

Omicron could alter the landscape and bring vaccine effectiveness into focus. There is a lot of guesswork happening with this new strain. Many analysts are confident the virus won't be too infectious or severe. Others suggest a new wave could lead to opportunities, with Oil, Healthcare, Gold, and Stay-at-Home stocks set to benefit.

Market Recovery Despite the drop in late November, the markets bounced back. Nikkei futures, and particularly Oil stocks, traded well.

This recovery indicates how serious Wall Street sees this variant, with early indications suggesting the S&P 500 will take these concerns in its stride.

Tech stocks rallied after the slump, repeating a pattern observed during the original lockdown. Indeed, many analysts are bullish in the long term. A recent JP Morgan note suggested that Omicron was just one "sporadic setback" on the march towards a 2022 target of 5000+.

Indeed, some analysts are already considering ways to take advantage of any slumps caused by Omicron. According to SpringOwl Asset Management, casino stocks in Macao look cheap. Additionally, Pfizer won't know how effective their vaccine is against this strain until mid-December. If it proves effective, expect Pharma stocks to push upward.

What to Do if Omicron Gets Bad? If the variant proves to be worse than feared, consumer stocks like Amazon and Walmart could present value.

Airlines were one area that was affected by the late November sell-off and the original COVID-19 market crash.

The U.S. Global Jets ETF, American Airlines Group Inc., and Delta Air Lines Inc took a big dip when Omicron fears were announced. It's hard to see how further travel restrictions wouldn't damage the sector.

Of course, anyone holding reopening stocks will be looking nervously over their shoulder if lockdowns are reinstated. Uber is down almost 10%, Lyft 22%, while Expedia and Booking Holding shed approximately 10%.

Summary Many analysts highlighted potential new variants as a hazard for the stock markets. The appearance of Omicron, a new strain, initially spooked the market. However, with early reports suggesting the variant caused 'mild to moderate symptoms, the market has bounced back.

With ten esteemed strategists suggesting the market turmoil is over, it seems that we may be in the clear.

Furthermore, it could be time to consider retail, hotel, and restaurant equities as potential big performers in 2022.

Of course, one lesson that investors should learn from the Thanksgiving week drop is that stocks are vulnerable to bad news. Omicron won't be the only variant that emerges, so expect a few surprises next year.

BoE’s Saunders says may put interest rate hike on hold The Bank of England policymaker Michael Saunders has said he wanted more information about the impact of the new Coronavirus variant - Omicron, before deciding how to vote this month. He said it might slow the British economy, however, it could also add to inflation pressures if it led to people spending more money on goods, when supply chains are already strained than on going out or on other services.

Saunders said, “At present, given the new Omicron Covid variant has only been detected quite recently, there could be particular advantages in waiting to see more evidence on its possible effects on public health outcomes and hence on the economy.”

The BoE upended bets by investors on a rate hike on November 4, when it said it wanted to wait for more data on whether the end of the government’s job-protecting furlough scheme had led to a jump in unemployment.

Saunders said there did not appear to have been a big hit to the labour market and there are risks from delaying a rate hike too long because that could lead the labour market to tighten further and push up already high inflation expectations.

Greensill Capital model causing 'high level of harm': FCA Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority has said that the business model used by collapsed supply chain financing firm Greensill Capital is causing a “high level of harm” and tighter rules are needed. The watchdog released proposals for public consultation to apply lessons from Greensill, which collapsed in March leaving investors with losses worth more than £1bn.

The FCA said it would make changes to its appointed representatives regime (AR), which allowed an unauthorised company like Greensill to conduct business activities, because it was supervised by a principal - an authorised firm. The

regime, originally introduced in 1986 for sole traders or small firms selling services such as insurance, allowed Greensill to operate in Britain without a licence and conduct business worth millions of pounds.

There are about 40,000 ARs under 3,600 principals in retail lending and insur-

Govt and employers urged to fund safe spaces for night workers A UK think tank has said that all-night city rest centres should provide night-time workers with “dignity” and shelter from bad weather. In a new report, Autonomy called on employers to collaborate with local authorities to fund safe spaces for workers to visit at night between shifts and during quiet periods.

The rapid rise of the gig economy has left many workers without access to staff rooms, toilets, and opportunities to meet each other. This has led to particular concerns over the treatment of drivers, who are often foreign nationals of colour working zero-hour contracts.

The report found that one-in-nine employees in the UK now work at night, the highest proportion since records began. Many are denied equal access to services available to daytime workers, such as childcare, healthcare and common indoor facilities to relax, store belongings, access healthy food and use the toilet.

The services would be provided in the rest centres funded by employers but “autonomously” operated, and the measures would help “revert the exploitation of night-time workers and democratise the night-time economy” the report said. Director of research at Autonomy, Will Stronge said, “The UK has witnessed an explosion of precarious gig economy night-time work but without any infrastructure put in place to cater for these workers.”

Stronge said that 24-hour rest centres would provide safety and respite for night-time workers, and the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, should work with night-time employers to introduce them in London.

Sunak likely to cut income tax, slash VAT Chancellor Rishi Sunak is preparing to cut income tax by 2 pence to the pound or slash rates of Value Added Tax (VAT) before the next election, says a report. Sunak has reportedly told officials to chalk up detailed plans to reduce the tax burden, Rishi Sunak with a third option to cut inheritance tax also on the table.

The report said Sunak’s preference is to be an income tax cut over the next three years as part of a “retail” offer before 2024 when the next general election is expected. A Treasury spokesperson was quoted as saying, “We have been clear that we want to see taxes going down by the end of this Parliament and keep the tax system under review. We do not comment on speculation about specific tax change.”

Sunak had said in early October that he has had to raise taxes to help pay for the huge spending response to the Covid-19 crisis, however, going forward he wanted to cut taxes. Meanwhile, the report also stated the Treasury is working on plans to increase the threshold for inheritance tax, which is £325,000 unless it involves property left to children when it is higher.

ance. Some ARs have their head office outside Britain, which could be an attempt to access UK markets without a licence. The FCA’s executive director for consumers and competition, Sheldon Mills said, “The appointed representative model helps bring choices to consumers, but the level of

harm we are currently seeing is too high. There are real risks of consumers being misled and mis-sold with little scope for recourse.”

The FCA said harms arise from the failure of principals to adequately scrutinise ARs before taking them on and then supervising them. It proposed that principals provide the FCA with far more detailed information on an AR’s regulated and unregulated activities, revenue, and history of complaints. The agency is also assessing if firms that host ARs should hold more capital, given that some have hundreds or even thousands of ARs.

Six more UK energy firms face closure

Six more energy firms in UK face closure before Christmas, thereby throwing hundreds of thousands of households on the brink of losing their energy supplier. Energyhelpline predicts that the energy price cap could be hiked by £475 in February, taking the average bill up to £1,750. Already some 3.8 million customers have seen their energy provider go bust, causing disruption and a spike in bills.

Many households are already struggling to cope, with many facing the choice between heating and eating this winter. Mark Bennett, head of energy at Energyhelpline.com, said:

“Unfortunately, with wholesale prices showing no signs of reducing in the near future, we can expect more energy suppliers to cease trading in the coming weeks.”

Smaller firms have struggled to cope with soaring wholesale gas prices.

That’s because businesses can’t pass on those rising costs to customers who are on a fixed tariffs, meaning they have to absorb the increase themselves. This left many firms running at a loss.

A number of factors are driving wholesale energy prices up, including higher than expected demand as economies re-opened after lockdowns and low supply.

The UK imports more than two-thirds of its gas, and imported energy is more exposed to global price swings, which can make prices more volatile.

UK services sector maintains strong rebound despite supply chain issues A prominent survey reveals high export sales have helped the UK services sector record another strong month of recovery. The IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for UK services gave the industry reading of 58.5 in November, a modest fall of 0.6 points from October.

However, prices rose at their fastest pace in the survey’s 25-year history due to supply chain problems increasing the cost of raw materials, energy, and freight, as well as higher wages. Combined with widespread staff shortages, this has caused optimism regarding business activity expansion to retreat to its lowest level in a year.

Economics director at IHS Market, Tim Moore said, “The overall speed of recovery looks to have accelerated in comparison to

the third quarter of 2021, with output growth mostly driven by services as manufacturers struggle with severe shortages of raw materials and critical components.”

The IHS Markit monthly PMI report on manufacturing gave the sector reading of 58.1, however, noted that input prices reached a three-decade peak. The report said British manufacturers have had to increasingly contend with shortfalls in staff and supply chain problems leading to more expensive items and finished products. The report suggested that fewer issues within the supply chain, planned marketing campaigns, business expansion, and innovation was among the commonly cited reasons for this upbeat sentiment.

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Gita Gopinath to become IMF number 2 The IMF's high-profile chief economist Gita Gopinath next month will become the number two official at the Washington-based crisis lender, the fund announced.

Gita will succeed Geoffrey Okamoto as first deputy managing director, serving under IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva - the first time two women have held the top leadership roles.

Georgieva call Gopinath "the right person at the right time" to take the leadership role.

"Especially given that the pandemic has led to an increase in the scale and scope of the macroeconomic challenges facing our mem-

skill set - combined with her years of experience at the Fund as Chief Economist make her uniquely well qualified." Gita, who was appointed to her current role in October 2018, was due to return to her position at Harvard University in January

but will now leave the university. She was born in India but also is a US citizen.

The economist, who leads the IMF team that produces the closely-watched quarterly World Economic Outlook, became a much more visible figure during the Covid-19 pandemic. She displayed "intellectual leadership in helping the global economy and the Fund to navigate the twists and turns of the worst economic crisis of our lives," Georgieva said.

Gita said that "As the pandemic continues its grip on us, the work of the Fund has never been more critical and international cooperation never more important."

tions of Jet Airways in India,” it said.

According to the filing, the discussions with Boeing and Airbus are in line with the approved plan and that “no fixed value can be determined as on date as the discussions are still ongoing”.

The discussions are in the ordinary course of business of the company as per its approved plan. The winning consortium continues to explore the best aircraft type that fits the requirements of the company as a full service carrier, the filing added.

Gita Gopinath

ber countries, I believe that Gita - universally recognized as one of the world's leading macroeconomists - has precisely the expertise that we need for the FDMD role at this point," Georgieva said in the statement.

"Indeed, her particular

Jet Airways in talks with Boeing, Airbus for buying aircraft Jet Airways, which is preparing to relaunch operations next year, said it is in “advanced discussions” with Boeing and Airbus for buying and leasing planes. The grounded airline has been acquired by Murarilal JalanKalrock Capital consortium under the insolvency resolution process.

The ongoing discussions are part of the grounded airline’s revival plan approved

by the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), the airline said in a regulatory filing.

“As part of such revival, the successful resolution applicant (consortium) has been in advanced discussions since the approval date with aircraft manufacturers - The Boeing Company and Airbus SE regarding the acquisition/ leasing of aircraft to recommence opera-

NCLT allows bankruptcy proceedings against Reliance Capital The Mumbai bench of National Company Law Tribunal (NLCT) admitted the petition moved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to initiate insolvency proceedings against Reliance Capital under Section 227 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

The bankruptcy tribunal has also confirmed the appointment of Y Nageswar Rao as the administrator of the company. Earlier in the day, the bench presided over by Pradeep Narhari Deshmukh and Kapal Kumar Vohra had reserved their order in the matter

after hearing the case.

The RBI had moved the Mumbai bench of NCLT last week to initiate insolvency proceedings against Reliance Capital, after it superseded the company’s board last month, citing defaults and governance issues.

Senior counsel Ravi Kadam, appearing on behalf of RBI, said only the regulator has the power to initiate insolvency proceedings against a financial services provider under Section 227 of IBC. Darius Jehangir Kakalia, appearing for Reliance Capital, informed the bench that they support

the petition filed by the banking regulator. In a statement, the company said, Reliance Capital supports RBI application of referring RCap to NCLT under Section 227, for the fast-track resolution.

This is the third time in recent years that the central bank has superseded boards and initiated insolvency proceedings of what once were considered systemically important NBFCs. The central bank superseded the board of DHFL in November 2019, and then two NBFCs of SREI Group in October this year.

Sanjiv Mehta is new FICCI president Sanjiv Mehta, chairman and managing director, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) will be appointed as the President of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at its 94th annual general meeting. Mehta, currently, the senior vice pPresident of FICCI, will be succeeding Uday Shankar, the current President of FICCI. Mehta is also the President of Unilever South Asia and is a member of the ‘Unilever Leadership Executive’ which is

Sanjiv Mehta

Unilever’s Global Executive Board.

During his eight years at the helm, HUL’s market capitalisation has increased by over $55 billion making it one of the most valuable companies in the country.

In this period, HUL has won several awards and recognitions.

Forbes rated HUL as the most innovative company in India and the 8th most innovative company in the world.

Mehta is also a director on the board of Indian School of Business, member of the Breach Candy Hospital Trust and the South Asia Advisory Board of Harvard Business School. He chairs Xynteo’s ‘Vikaasa’, a coalition of top Indian and MNC companies.

SpiceJet to appeal against winding up order by HC SpiceJet said it is hopeful of a favourable outcome in its proposed appeal against a winding up petition ordered by the Madras High Court. The High Court on Monday ordered winding up of the airline on a petition filed by Credit Suisse over unpaid dues of $24 million. The court also directed an official liquidator to take over the assets of the airline. The order was subsequently stayed for three weeks following a plea by the airline and on the condition that it deposits $ 5 million with the court within two weeks.

“The company is examining the order and initiating appropriate remedial steps including preferring an appeal before the appellate jurisdiction within the timeframe allowed by the Madras High Court. The company believes it has a good case on merits and is hopeful of having a favourable outcome in the appeal,” the airline said in a stock exchange notification. Simultaneously SpiceJet is engaging with its creditors and suppliers to allay their concerns over the high court order and update them about fundraising plans. The airline expects to receive the first tranche of compensation from Boeing over the next few weeks and hopes to utilize the amount to clear its statutory dues.

The petition in Madras High Court arose from a 2011 engine maintenance contract the airline signed with Swiss firm SR Technics. SR Technics entered into a financing agreement with Credit Suisse in 2012 and assigned it rights to receive all the current and future receipts. It filed a winding up petition as SpiceJet failed to make payments under various invoices.

SpiceJet opposed the petition on the grounds that SR Technics did not possess Directorate General of Civil Aviation approval for providing engine maintenance services. It said Credit Suisse as an assignee can not have any right against the airline as engine maintenance agreement was void. The High Court however rejected the airline’s contention and ordered the winding up of the airline.

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India and Lanka finalise cooperation package NEW DELHI: As Sri Lanka battles to revive its Covidbattered economy, New Delhi and Colombo have agreed on a four-pronged cooperation package comprising urgent food and health security, energy security, currency swap and Indian investments.

The short- to medium-term plan was decided during Sri Lanka Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s visit to India this week. He met his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, among others.

The brother of Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Basil Rajapaksa is considered a political strategist. He was a

confidante of Mahinda Rajapaksa when he was President. According to a statement issued by the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi, the two sides discussed “four pillars” for short- and medium-term cooperation.

These are: urgent food and

health security package that would envisage an extension of a line of credit to cover the import of food, medicines and other essential items from India to Sri Lanka; energy security package that would include a line of credit to cover the import of fuel from India, and early

modernisation of the Trincomalee Tank Farm; offer of a currency swap to help Sri Lanka address its balance of payment issues; facilitation of Indian investments in different sectors that would contribute to growth and expand employment The Sri Lanka Finance Minister’s discussions focused on issues of mutual importance pertaining to the bilateral relationship.

“Both sides expressed satisfaction over the evolving trajectory of the bilateral relationship. During the discussions, they identified ways and means through which the existing bilateral economic relationship between the two countries could be further broadened and deepened.” the statement said.

Killing of Lankan accused of blasphemy in Pak sparks protests ISLAMABAD: A brutal mob killing of a Sri Lankan man accused of blasphemy in Pakistan has sparked protests in both countries, with Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan condemning the vigilante violence.

Priyantha Diyawadanage, 48, a factory manager in the city of Sialkot, was beaten to death and his body set alight.

More than 100 people have been arrested so far, said Imran Khan. He has described the incident as a "day of shame" for his country. The victim's family in Sri Lanka said they are in despair. His wife, Nilushi Dissanayaka, called on both

Pakistan and Sri Lanka's governments to conduct a full investigation to "bring justice to my husband and my two children. I saw that he was being attacked on the internet... it was so inhumane," she said.

The violence had begun after rumours spread that Diyawadanage had allegedly committed a blasphemous action, in tearing down posters with the name of the Prophet Muhammad, local police chiefs said. But a colleague, who rushed to the site in a bid to save him, said that Diyawadanage had only removed the posters as the

Myanmar’s Suu Kyi jailed on incitement charges NAYPYIDAW: Aung San Suu Kyi, the civilian leader of Myanmar who was ousted in a de facto coup this year, was convicted on two charges and handed a four-year sentence that was quickly cut in half - in proceedings widely criticised as a further effort by the country’s military rulers to roll back the democratic gains of recent years.

They serve to cement a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the Nobel Peace laureate, who spent 15 years under house arrest for resisting the generals but then agreed to work alongside them when they promised to usher in democratic rule. The verdict was the first in a series of cases brought against 76-year-old Suu Kyi since her arrest on February 1, the day the army seized power and prevented her National League for Democracy party starting a second term in office. If found guilty of all the charges she faces, Suu Kyi could be sentenced to more than 100 years in prison. She is being held by the military at an unknown location - and state TV reported that she would serve her sentence there. That sentence was reduced to half hours after it was handed down in what the report said was an amnesty ordered by the country’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing. The court earlier offered a 10-month reduction in the sentence for time served, a legal official said.

She faced an incitement charge that centered on statements posted on her party's Facebook page after she and other party leaders were detained by the military.

She was accused of spreading false or inflammatory information that could disturb public order. In addition, she was accused of violating coronavirus restrictions for her appearance at a campaign event.

building was about to be cleaned.

Pak to review counter-terror strategy Pakistan’s human rights minister said that the government has decided to review the country’s National Action Plan (NAP) against terrorism in the wake of the lynching. The implementation of a 20-point NAP, aimed at rooting out Islamist terrorism and religious extremism, was agreed between Pakistan’s military and civilian

leaders after the 2014 attack on a school in Peshawar that had left around 150 people dead, 132 of them kids. Meanwhile, the mortal remains of Diyawadanage were sent to Colombo from Lahore airport on Monday.

Taliban chief bans forced marriage of women ISLAMABAD: The Taliban decreed they were banning forced marriage of women in Afghanistan, a move apparently meant to address criteria the international community consider a precondition to recognising their government and restoring aid to the country.

The move was announced by the reclusive Taliban chief, Hibatullah Akhunzada, a cleric chosen as the group’s supreme leader who is believed to be in Kandahar.

It comes as poverty is surging in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover in August amid the withdrawal of US and Nato troops. Since then, foreign governments have halted funds that had been a mainstay of the economy. “Both (women and men) should be equal,” said the decree, adding that “no one can force women to marry by coercion or pressure.” Women’s rights improved markedly over the past two decades of international

presence in Afghanistan, but are seen as under threat with the return of the Taliban, who during their earlier rule in the 1990s virtually cloistered women, banned them from public life and access to education. Forced marriages have become more commonplace in the country, as the internally displaced marry off their young daughters in exchange for a brideprice that can be used to pay debts and feed their families. The decree did not mention a minimum age for marriage, which previously was set at 16. Women in Afghanistan for decades were treated like property - as an exchange token for blood money or ending disputes or tribal feuds.

After air raids, Uganda sends troops into DRC to hunt ADF KAMPALA: Ugandan troops have crossed into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of a joint operation against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group that both neighbouring countries accuse of massacring civilians. The two countries said, the deadliest of dozens of militias plaguing the DRC’s mineral-rich east, had been bombarded with artillery and air raids.

Ugandan army spokeswoman Flavia Byekwaso said in a

statement that “targets were accurately hit”.

Later, large number of Ugandan soldiers entered the DRC at the Nobili border post in North Kivu state, a United Nations source and an aid worker said. “It’s a column of very well-armed troops on foot, followed by armoured vehicles,” the aid worker said. It came as the DRC’s government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the two sides had decided to cooperate further.

“It was agreed after an

assessment to continue indepth operations by the special forces of the two countries to clear the positions of the terrorists concerned,” he said.

DRC army spokesman Leon-Richard Kasonga said in a statement that “for the time being, Congolese special forces supported by Ugandan special units will carry out search and control operations to clear and secure ADF positions affected by this morning’s strikes.”

in brief INDIAN AMERICAN ELECTED MAYOR OF EDISON IN US Samip ‘Sam’ Joshi, 32, created history of sorts when he was elected as mayor of Edison in New Jersey – the first Indian-American in the town of 100,000 population with 44% Asians.

Joshi, who is a second generation Gujarati settled in the US, traces his roots to central Gujarat. His term as mayor begins from January 2022. Interestingly, one of the other candidates in fray against Joshi was Mahesh Bhagia, another second generation Gujarati in Uncle Sam's land. Apart from Joshi, eight odd persons with Gujarati roots have either been elected or appointed to various public positions in the past few years, says a report.

INDIAN GIRL DIES OF BULLET INJURY IN US A 19-year-old Kerala girl was shot dead in Alabama in the US by her neighbour. The deceased is identified as Mariam Susan Mathew, a native of Kerala. The victim was asleep in her house when bullets from the upper floor allegedly pierced through the ceiling and killed her. Susan Mathew is the daughter of Boben Mathew, a native of Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district. Steps are being taken to take the body back to Kerala after completing legal formalities. Earlier this month, another Keralite was shot dead by a robber in Dallas. Sajan Mathews (56), was at his beauty supply store in Dallas when a robber barged into his shop and fired at him.

PAK EMBASSY’S VIDEO TARGETS IMRAN In a big embarrassment for Pak PM, the official Twitter handle of Pakistan’s embassy in Serbia posted: “With inflation breaking all previous records, how long do you expect Imran Khan that we government official(s) will remain silent and keep working for you without been paid for past 3 months and our children been forced out of school due to nonpayment of fees. Is this naya (new) Pakistan?” “I am sorry, Imran Khan, am not left with another option,” the embassy tweeted, along with a parody music video on the Pakistani Prime Minister.

The tweets were later deleted.

PAK ACTIVIST CONVICTED OF ESPIONAGE A Pakistani rights and political activist has been convicted of espionage and sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, according to a media report. The verdict on Idris Khattak was pronounced this week after the trial concluded in Jhelum. “Khattak was found guilty of espionage and leaking of sensitive information by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM),” a security source was quoted as saying. The source said that he was tried under the Pakistan Army Act and Official Secrets Act, 1923. He was accused of providing the sensitive information to a foreign intelligence agency.

PAK PM BARS MINISTERS FROM FOREIGN VISITS Pakistan Prime Minister has barred members of the federal cabinet from travelling abroad without permission, stating that he himself was not undertaking foreign visits, local media said. According to The Express Tribune, National Assembly Member (MNA) Riaz Fatyana's trip to Glasgow for the global climate summit and his allegations of a brawl were among matters that came in for discussion during the cabinet meeting. The Prime Minister said that when he was not undertaking foreign visits, the ministers of his cabinet should also avoid such visits. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also said that MNAs and senators travel abroad more than the ministers. Responding to this, Imran Khan said that even the government MNAs and senators should not go on foreign trips.

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in brief STOLEN NEPALI STATUE RETURNS AFTER DECADES IN US A centuries-old sculpture of two Hindu gods has been reinstalled at its temple in the Nepali capital Kathmandu, nearly 40 years after it was stolen and later emerged in the United States. The stone statue of the gods Laxmi and Narayan was repatriated to Nepal in March by the Dallas Museum of Art and the FBI after a months-long investigation by Nepali and American activists and officials. It was taken from the temple in 1984 and appeared on display at the Dallas museum six years later, on loan from a collector. The work, dating back to between the 12th and 15th centuries, is one of a handful of cultural artefacts returned to Nepal from foreign museums and collectors this year.

22 KILLED AS INDONESIA VOLCANO ERUPTS AGAIN An Indonesian volcano was active again, spewing out hot clouds of ash, two days after a powerful eruption killed at least 22 people and left dozens missing. Mt Semeru, the tallest mountain on the island of Java, erupted dramatically on Saturday shooting a towering column of ash into the sky that blanketed surrounding villages. Aerial footage showed roofs jutting out of an ashen landscape, while on the ground, military officers, police and residents dug through mud with their hands to pull out victims. The death toll had risen to 22 by Monday, while 27 were missing, Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency said.

NYC SETS VACCINE MANDATE FOR ALL EMPLOYERS Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a sweeping coronavirus vaccine mandate for all private employers in New York City to combat the spread of the Omicron variant. De Blasio said the aggressive measure, which takes effect on December 27 and which he described as the first of its kind in the US, was needed as a “preemptive strike” to stall another wave of Covid and help reduce transmission during the winter and holiday gatherings. New York City has already put vaccine mandates in place for city workers and for indoor dining, entertainment and gyms. Nearly 90% of adults in the city now have at least one dose of the vaccine.

CANADA COS ALLOW UNVAXXED WORKERS Canada's tight labor market is forcing many companies to offer regular Covid-19 testing over vaccine mandates, while others are reversing previously announced inoculation requirements even as Omicron variant cases rise. There are pitfalls to employing the unvaccinated. Companies run a higher risk of Covid-19 outbreaks and many vaccinated employees are uncomfortable working with those who have not had the shot, said industry groups and marketing experts. In the hard-hit manufacturing sector, where 77% of firms say their top concern is attracting and retaining workers, vaccine mandates are more rare.

3 KILLED AS STUDENT OPENS FIRE IN US A 15-year-old student opened fire at his Michigan high school, killing three students and injuring 8 others, some critically.

Investigators were still trying to determine a motive for the shooting at Oxford High School, located roughly 48 km north of Detroit, Oakland county sheriff Michael Bouchard said.

The police arrested the student on their arrival. The gun the boy was carrying had seven more rounds of ammo in it when he surrendered. Oakland county prosecutor Karen McDonald said in a statement her office expects to issue charges quickly. Authorities said the student in custody had no previous run-ins with his department and he wasn’t aware of any disciplinary history at school.

Indian American math genius being honoured WASHINGTON: Eminent Indian-American mathematician Nikhil Srivastava, who teaches at the University of California, Berkeley, has been jointly selected for the inaugural Ciprian Foias Prize in Operator Theory by American Mathematical Society (AMS).

Along with Nikhil, the two other awardees are Adam Marcus and Daniel Spielman.

Adam Marcus holds the Chair of Combinatorial Analysis at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland.

Daniel Spielman is Sterling

Professor of Computer Science, a professor of statistics and data science, and a professor of mathematics.

The award recognises their highly original work that introduced and developed methods for understanding the characteristic polynomial of matrices, namely the iterative sparsification method (also in collaboration with Batson) and the method of interlacing polynomials, a media release said.

"Together, these ideas provided a powerful toolkit with many applications, notably in

the trio's breakthrough paper "Interlacing families II: mixed characteristic polynomials and the Kadison-Singer problem" (Annals of Mathematics, 2015), which solves the famous "paving problem'' in operator theory, formulated by Richard Kadison and Isadore Singer in 1959," American Mathematical Society said.

In a joint statement, the

Nikhil Srivastava

three awardees said they wish to accept it on behalf of the many people whose work contributed to the resolution of the KadisonSinger problem.

Omicron plunges the world into uncertainty PRETORIA: The global pandemic response has transformed with dizzying speed since scientists in Botswana and South Africa started studying the Omicron variant. It has reached over 40 countries, setting off new rounds of travel restrictions and adding uncertainty about the trajectory of a pandemic.

Most of the cases so far have been found in arriving travellers.

According to scientists in South Africa, Omicron appears to spread faster than any other variant, thanks to a combination of contagiousness and an ability to dodge the body’s immune defences.

International concern has not waited for a fuller picture to take shape. The WHO acted with alacrity. Even before the WHO meeting was over, more

than 10 countries, including the US, had announced they would close their borders to travellers from southern Africa. Japan, Israel and Morocco went a step furthering, sealing themselves off completely to foreign travellers. These restrictions continue to grow.

The US has made it mandatory for all incoming passengers, including those from India, to test negative within a day before their flights or carry a proof of recovery. Travellers will be required to take a coronavirus test within 48 hours of travelling to Britain regardless of their vac-

Tourists threatening survival of Cordoba’s Great Mosque CORDOBA (SPAIN): Tourists are threatening the survival of the Great Mosque of Cordoba, one of the world’s most celebrated Islamic monuments, with the condensation they cause. The danger posed by sightseers has been highlighted in a report submitted to the government recently.

Historians believe that there had first been a temple to the Roman god, Janus, on this site. The temple was converted into a church by invading Visigoths who seized Córdoba in 572. Next, the church was converted into a mosque and then completely rebuilt by the descendants of the exiled Umayyads - the first Islamic dynasty who had originally ruled from their capital Damascus (in present-day Syria) from 661 until 750. It has up to two million visitors a year.

Condensation has damaged several areas, including its horseshoe arched mihrab, the prayer niche indicating the direction of Mecca. The lack of ventilation poses a great risk because the body heat emit-

ted by each visitor contributes to the evaporation of water in the architectural structures of the cathedralmosque. This] causes the disintegration of these materials and contributes to their rapid deterioration.

The danger is heightened because Cordoba is the hottest city on the Iberian peninsula. In summer, when it reaches almost 47C, conservationists detected the highest levels of condensation. “When the moment of greatest evaporation converges with the moment of greatest influx of tourists . . . the absolute humidity indices of the environment rise very noticeably, which poses a risk to . . . the materials

most sensitive to moisture,” the report said.

One of these materials is wood, from which the roof is largely made. The report said it was “fundamental to implement all measures that improve the ventilation . . . to control the flows of visitors, avoiding agglomerations and spreading them out during visiting hours”. The risk has caused concern among heritage experts. During the Islamic period in Spain it was the second-biggest mosque by surface area after the Holy Mosque in Mecca. Famed for its prayer hall’s forest of columns and doubletiered arches, it has been influential on western Islamic art.

cination status. The reintroduction of compulsory pre-departure testing has prompted an angry response from the travel industry. Justice secretary Dominic Raab said he knew the new measure was a “burden for the travel industry” but stressed the UK needed to act.

In Australia, five people in Sydney have contracted the omicron variant locally, New South Wales authorities said.

Meanwhile, Senegal has recorded its first Omicron case, becoming the third West African nation to detect the new variant after Nigeria and Ghana.

Romania said two recent travellers to South Africa tested positive for the variant. Chile’s first case was a foreign resident who had travelled recently from Ghana.

Indian origin CEO in US fires 900 employees over Zoom call WASHINGTON: An Indian origin CEO of a US-based home ownership company has abruptly fired more than 900 employees, about 9 per cent of its Vishal Garg workforce, on a Zoom webinar, citing market efficiency, performance and productivity as the reasons behind the move.

On a Zoom webinar, Better.com CEO Vishal Garg abruptly announced that the mortgage company is laying off about 9 per cent of its workforce. Garg cited market efficiency, performance and productivity as the reason behind the firings, the report said.

"If you're on this call, you are part of the unlucky group that is being laid off," he said on the call. Your employment here is terminated effective immediately," Garg said. The CEO informed the employees on the call that they were being terminated just before the holidays, the report said.

He then said employees could expect an email from the Human Resource department, detailing benefits and severance.

Meanwhile, Fortune reported that Garg accused the employees of "stealing" from their colleagues and customers by being unproductive and only working two hours a day. "This is the second time in my career I'm doing this and I do not want to do this.

The last time I did it, I cried," Garg said on the call.

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SCRUTATOR’S Woman fights off leopard, saves child A tribal woman took on a leopard with her bare hands and snatched her six-year-old son from its jaws in a bloody fight in a village near Sanjay Gandhi National Park in MP’s Sidhi district. The Baiga woman chased the leopard and caught up with it just when it sat down with its ‘prey’, say sources. She came out of the fight injured, but with the child in her arms. The boy also has deep claw and fang wounds.

Kiran, the feisty mother, lives in Badi Jhiriya village in the buffer zone of the national park. Kiran was sitting next to a fire outside her hut and her children - 6-year-old Rahul and two other siblings sat next to her. The youngest one was in her lap. A leopard was watching them and caught Rahul in a flash and ran off. Kiran was up in a flash, too. She handed the newborn to one of her other children, ordered them inside the hut, and sprinted after the leopard. Even in the darkness, she kept up with the spotted cat and found it sitting in some bushes, its paws resting on a terrified Rahul. Kiran says she lunged at the leopard, grabbed her child and pulled with all her strength. The predator seemed taken by surprise, and she could tear Rahul from its grasp. (Agency) New combat uniform for Indian army Indian Army is set to introduce a light and more climate-friendly combat uniform for its personnel from next year, people familiar with the matter said.

The new camouflage uniform will be based on a "digital disruptive" pattern and they are expected to be showcased at the Army Day parade on January 15. It is learnt that the new uniform has been finalised after wide-ranging discussions and analysis of military uniforms of several countries.

Sources said the new uniform will be much more durable as well as comfortable in both summers and winters. The uniforms, which will feature a mix of colours including olive and earthen, have been designed taking into considerations aspects like areas of deployment of the troops and climatic conditions in which they operate.

Indian Navy too had rolled out a new camouflage uniform last year. (Agency) From Dubai to Delhi with severed thumb Unable to afford medical treatment in Dubai, a 34-yearold Indian carpenter flew into Delhi with a severed thumb wrapped in a bandage after 22 hours of the incident. Sandeep, who hails from Rajasthan, lost his left thumb while working on a saw machine. His modest income did not allow him treatment in Dubai. Doctors there put the thumb between the fingers and wrapped a bandage around it. On arriving in India, the family took him to Aakash Healthcare. The saw had cut three blood vessels causing loss of 300 ml of blood in less than 24 hours, doctors at the hospital said.

“We took him in for surgery within 10 minutes of reaching the hospital. The procedure, technically known as ‘reimplantation’ took six hours to complete, ” said Dr Aashish Chaudhry, director and head, orthopaedics and joint replacement department. (Agency) Man builds Taj Mahal like home for wife A 52-year-old businessman from Madhya Pradesh has built a scaled-down replica of the iconic Taj Mahal as a home for his wife of 27 years. Anand Prakash Chouksey built his "monument of love" in Burhanpur city of Madhya Pradesh. "It was a gift for my wife but also for the town and its people," Chouksey said. The house cost about £199,000 to build, he said. The Taj Mahal is a 17th Century mausoleum in Agra city. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his queen Mumtaz who died while giving birth to their 14th child. Chouksey's replica - nestled deep inside his sprawling 50-acre property has also been attracting a steady stream of visitors. People walk in the lawns and click pictures, he said. "I don't stop them because in our town, we are a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone.

So, my house is open for all." Chouksey said that not all visitors are allowed inside the house because "after all, it is our home and we live there". The house consists of two main bedrooms that are located on two separate floors. It

also has a library and a meditation room. The drawing

room flaunts marble columns, a curving staircase and a gilded ceiling. (Agency) Two-year-old attacked by same cow twice A two-year-old child was attacked twice by the same cow within four days in the Navayard area of Vadodara city. An offence has been registered against the owner of the cow. The incident took place in Rajivnagar in Navayard at the residence of Himanshu Solanki. His twoyear-old son Devansh was attacked twice by the same cow outside his residence, Himanshu claimed. Himanshu said that in the first attack, Devansh suffered injuries on abdomen and private parts. There was some bleeding as well,” he added. Though, Himanshu could recognize the cow by its tag, he didn’t initiate any legal action.

Himanshu said that his family too felt that the cow is an innocent animal.

A few days later, Devansh was attacked again when he was playing outside his residence.

This time too, the same cow was involved in the incident.

The family recognized the cow by its tag number. Peeved at the repeated attacks on his son, Himanshu registered an offence at the Fatehgunj police station. He said that the police were trying to trace the owner of the cow and the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) cattle squad had also called him seeking details. (The Times of India) 77 kg of plastic removed from cow’s stomach Veterinarians in Anand were in for a shock when they found ice cream cups, spoons and plastic bags weighing 77 kg inside a cow’s stomach. It required a twoand-a-half-hour long surgery for removal. A local NGO had brought the cow to the veterinary hospital in Anand. “Our team removed 77 kg of plastic waste including ice cream cups, spoons and other plastic waste that people generally dump on the roadside,” said Dr Pinesh Parikh, professor and HOD of Veterinary and Radiology at veterinary college affiliated to Kamdhenu University in Anand. The veterinary hospital gets 3 to 4 cases every week of stray cows which fall sick after consuming plastic waste. Parikh said that the stray cattle often accidentally consume plastic which enters their stomach because of which the cattle develops problem of indigestion. “Eventually, their digestion power reduces, and the animal becomes sick. It starts affecting their health and at times they also die because of the plastic waste,” he said. (The Times of India)

Only couples will be allowed in this restaurant With time, the concept of dining at restaurants and cafes has changed and this shift has given a scope to the market players to introduce new marketing concepts to stand out. Recently, there was a social media post which talks about a restaurant in Jaipur where men are allowed to eat only in the company of women. The viral tweet shared by a customer along with a picture talks about the restaurant where men are allowed to eat only in the company of women. The caption of her post reads, “So this man took me here to get dal roti because” (sic). The reason is explained by a message on an AC room in the restaurant: It says in Hindi, “Men are allowed here only with women”. (Agency) Man poses as dead MP to claim compensation A probe has been ordered into the case of a man who impersonated a deceased MP and submitted fake documents to claim £100,000 compensation for 80 bigha land acquired by the authorities for road widening project.

The man impersonated Prem Manohar, a two-term Rajya Sabha MP, who died in 2013. The matter came to light when the administration was all set to release a cheque of Rs 84,00,000 and someone informed the officials that Prem Manohar was no longer alive. Manohar's sons confirmed that their father died in 2013. According to an official, "the administration started acquiring land for the widening of the highway. One day, a man identifying himself as Prem Manohar arrived at the district magistrate's office with all relevant documents and claimed compensation for the acquired land. As all documents seemed to be in place, the officials concerned started the reimbursement process, but before the cheque could be released to the claimant, it came to light that the real Prem Manohar had died in 2013. A probe has been initiated against the imposter. (Agency) Man complains of his blood being 'stolen'

A young man in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad city has alleged that his acquaintance offered him a cigarette laced with some intoxicant that rendered him unconscious and then extracted blood from him. In his complaint to the police, Faizan alleged that he was offered a cigarette while sharing a ride in a vehicle with a fellow resident. He was taken for a blood test and then, his blood was extracted, he claimed. His family said they could not trace him the whole day. They tried calling him on his mobile and it was picked up by someone who claimed to be Faizan's friend.

He returned at night and collapsed at home, they said.

Police said a complaint of abduction and illegal extraction of blood has been filed by the victim's family. The matter is now under the investigation of the police. (Agency)

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Regular international flights won't resume on Dec 15 The government has decided not to resume scheduled international flights from December 15, less than a week after announcing the decision in the wake of rising concerns over the Covid variant Omicron.

Aviation watchdog DGCA said the effective date for resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services will be notified in due course. Scheduled international flights remain suspended since March 23, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest move also comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 27 asked officials to review the plans for easing international travel restrictions amid concerns over Omicron. In a circular, DGCA said that in view of the evolving global scenario with the emergence of new variants of

concern, the situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders. "...an appropriate decision indicating the effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger ser-

vices shall be notified in due course," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said. The watchdog also referred to its circular issued on November 26 wherein it was decided that scheduled international flights will resume

India adds Ghana, Tanzania to list of ‘at risk’ countries for Omicron India added Ghana and Tanzania to the list of “at risk” countries, passengers from where have to follow additional Covid-19 testing and quarantine measures.

The list now comprises countries in Europe, including the UK, and South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Ghana, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tanzania and Israel.

Two cases of Covid-19 Omicron variant was reported in Mumbai on Monday, taking India’s total tally of the new coronavirus variant to 23. The first two cases were reported in Karnataka, followed by one in Gujarat and another in Maharashtra. Later on Sunday, seven cases were reported in Maharashtra’s Pune district, of which six belonged to the same family.

India recorded 6,822 new covid-19 cases and 200

deaths on Tuesday. This is also the lowest single-day spike in over 18 months.

Active cases stand at 95,014, the lowest in 554 days and over 10,000 people recovered on Monday.

In Jaipur, four members of a family and five others have tested positive for the new variant, an official said on Sunday. Health secretary Vaibhav Galriya said the genome sequencing of their swab samples confirmed it.

He said the family members had recently returned from South Africa. In Pune, seven persons, including a nonresident Indian (NRI) woman and her two daughters from Nigeria, have tested positive for the Omicron variant, taking the Maharashtra’s tally of those found infected with this strain to eight.

The woman and her daughters had arrived in the state on November 24 to

meet her brother living in Pimpri Chinchwad area near Pune city. Apart from them, her brother and his two minor daughters have also tested positive for the new variant, it said. Earlier, 37-year-old fully vaccinated man who arrived in Delhi from Tanzania tested positive for Omicron, making it the first case of the new Covid-19 variant in the national capital.

India's first Omicron patients India’s first two Omicron-infected Covid-19 patients have been detected in Karnataka, with one of them a 66 year old who travelled from South Africa and the other a Bengaluru-based 46 year old anaesthetist, the health ministry said. Both Omicron patients showed mild symptoms. The two Omicron patients showed only mild symptoms. Both were double-vaccinated.

14 Nagaland civilians killed in botched Army operation, aftermath An Army para commando squad lying in wait for militants in Nagaland’s Mon district last week shot and killed six tribal villagers, all of them coal mine workers returning home in a van. Soon after, villagers of a search party found the bodies and attacked soldiers with sharp weapons, leading to firing in which seven more civilians died. A soldier was also killed in the clash.

Later, another civilian was killed in Mon, dominated by the Konyak tribe, when security forces repelled a mob attack on an Assam Rifles camp. It was one among several such incidents of arson and rioting in the district since the previous night. At least 20 people have been injured in the ambush and the violence that followed.

Faulty information Faulty or halfbaked intelligence coupled with mounting pressure to deliver results in counter-insurgency operations in the northeast could have led to the botched operation, officials said. There is “intense pressure” on security forces to deliver after Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife, son and four soldiers were killed in a well-planned ambush by insurgents in Manipur on November13, officials said.

The Army’s 3 Corps and Assam Rifles said the “specific” operation was mounted

on the basis of “credible intelligence of likely movement of insurgents” in a truck on the Oting-Tiru road. The Mon district, which shares the porous border with Myanmar, is the stronghold of Yung Aung faction of the banned NSCN (K).

A top home ministry official will visit Nagaland to hold meetings with all stakeholders, even as defence minister Rajnath Singh, home minister Amit Shah, Army chief General M M Naravane and others were briefed about the incident. “It looks like a case of mistaken identity,” said an official.

2 CMs say AFSPA must go The Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Meghalaya Neiphiu Rio and Conrad Sangma respectly called for the repeal of AFSPA while home minister Amit Shah expressed regret over the incident in Parliament. Shah told Lok Sabha that it was a case of mistaken identity and offered condolences to families of the victims. The DGP and Nagaland commissioner said villagers has found the commandos trying to conceal the bodies after the initial firing and take them away.

The Nagaland police registered an FIR charging the elite 21 Para-SF unit with murder and said it was kept in the dark about the operation.

from December 15.

On November 28, a day after the Prime Minister's directions regarding the easing of international travel curbs, the government had said the decision to resume the services will be reviewed. While no cases of Omicron have been reported in India so far, the authorities have put in place stricter norms for international passengers.

On November 29, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the situation was being closely monitored and reviewed in consultation with other ministries regarding "any further decision" on resuming scheduled international passenger services.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Scindia had said the deci-

sion to resume the flights from December 15 was taken after recognising the increased vaccination coverage across the globe, changing nature of the pandemic and considering the health protocols, which have been put in place for international arrivals. "However, in view of the evolving global scenario with the emergence of new variants of concern, the situation is being closely monitored and reviewed in consultation with other Ministries, with regard to taking any further decision on the issue," the minister had said.

Currently, international passenger flights are being operated under bilateral air bubble arrangements with various countries in a restricted manner. As of November 24, India had formalised air bubble arrangements with 31 countries.

Farmer unions reach consensus on future of stir The protesting farmer unions have reached a consensus on the future course of the agitation as nearly all their demands have been met, but a formal announcement of the decision will be made later, farmer leader Kulwant Singh Sandhu said.

"Nearly all demands raised by us have been met.... Letter (from government with assurances on farmers' demands) has been received. A consensus has been reached, the final decision will be announced tomorrow," Sandhu told reporters after a meeting of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of over 40 farmers' unions.

Another farmer leader and SKM member said the agitation is likely to be called off as there have been some positive responses from the government side on the farmers' demands.

However, a final decision will be announced after another meeting of SKM. The SKM, which has been spearheading the agitation, formed a five-member panel to hold talks with the government on the pending demands of the protesting farmers, including a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) of crops, compensation to the kin of the farm-

ers who died during the agitation against three agriculture laws and the withdrawal of cases against the protesters.Farmers to continue stir, form panel for talks with govt The agitating farmer unions on Saturday decided to continue their protests until they get a “formal and satisfactory written response” from the Centre on their six demands that include a legal guarantee for MSP, and formed a fivemember committee to talk to the government and work for resolving the pending issues such as withdrawal of cases.

Withdrawal of an estimated over 55,000 cases registered against farmers by different state police forces and the railways, and compensation to kin of those who died during yearlong

protests, seem to be the two most pressing demands at this juncture. Majority of the cases (around 48,000 as claimed by unions) were registered in Haryana with remaining reported from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Delhi. Though the Centre has, so far, not invited the unions for any talks, Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), through its decision, sought to suggest a way out to at least wind up protests along Delhi borders. This approach, many participants believe, would also be necessary in view of the upcoming hearing in the Supreme Court which they feel may now take a more insistent view on blocking of highways and toll gates after repeal of laws.

CPM slams Mamata-Adani meeting A day after business tycoon Gautam Adani met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the CPI(M) and BJP targeted the TMC for its initial criticism of Adani Group.

In a Facebook post, senior CPI(M) leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya alleged that the TMC was part of the “Modi Club” and it was promoting of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and corporates.

Former CPI(M) MP Mohammad Salim predicted that it was “only a matter of time” before TMC MP Mahua Moitra deleted her tweets critical of Adani. Adani in a tweet said he had discussed “investment scenarios and tremendous potential of West Bengal” with Mamata at the state secretariat. He said he would attend the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) in April 2022.

The BJP also took a dig at Mamata. “Now they are sitting in chairs and holding meetings. Questions should be asked why they

had opposed the business tycoon earlier and criticised him. The TMC should hide its face in shame,” said state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar. The TMC said there was nothing wrong in attracting investment proposals from Adani Group.

“Those who come to West Bengal with investment respecting our land policy, industrial policy and agricultural policy are very much welcome. Why would we lose investment because of politics?” said TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh.

Citing the Singur protest against a Tata project in 2013, Ghosh alleged CPM had tried to sell farm land to corporates. “The CPM should remember that they had brought in Tata Motors and others in Bengal. Shouldn’t they be called the promoter of corporates?

They had tried to sell farm lands to suit corporates. Have they forgotten their past?”

Ghosh asked.

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India hosts Pakistan India's GDP records 8.4% growth in July-Sept quarter delegation for SCO meet Indian economy grew by 8.4% in the July-September quarter, broadly in line with expectations, led by a steady farm sector and double-digit expansion in public administration, defence and other services as the impact of the base effect waned and weighed on the overall numbers.

Data released by the National Statistical Office showed the economy grew an annual 8.4% in the three months to September, slower than the 20.1% expansion recorded in the previous quarter but above the 7.4% contraction in the second quarter of the previous year. The Indian economy has recovered swiftly after the bruising impact of the lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the first quarter of 2020-21, when it contracted a record 24.4%.

While some economists said the disaggregated data for the September quarter was far from convincing, the government asserted that the economic recovery has continued robustly in the second quarter and the base

effect does not make it less noteworthy. Industry and the crucial services sectors were largely the growth drivers in the second quarter. The services sector rose 16.2% quarter on quarter and 10.2% year-on-year. The reopening of economic activity and resumption of contact-intensive services has added to the momentum. The sharp pick-up in vaccination is expected to help in boosting

consumer sentiment.

The data showed that private consumption was up 11% from the previous quarter while investment was 13% higher but estimates by Care Ratings showed that as a percentage of GDP private consumption at 57.3% was the lowest in the last five quarters while investments (as measured by gross fixed capital formation - GFCF) continued to be below 30%.

While bilateral ties with Pakistan remain in a deep freeze, India and Pakistan continue to engage under the banner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a Eurasian political and security grouping that is seen as playing an increasingly important role in Afghanistan after the US departure.

In a rare visit by senior Pakistan government officials, a delegation arrived from Islamabad to participate in a cyber security conference of SCO countries that India will host. This follows a visit to Pakistan by an India delegation in October for an anti-terror SCO exercise that sought to promote cooperation between the member states.

The cyber security conference is being organised by India's National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) that had recently also hosted a regional meeting of NSAs on the Afghanistan situation. The 4 central Asian countries which are also full members of SCO had participated in India's Afghanistan conference that reflected, according to the government, regional consensus on major issues of regional stability and security. Except for China and Pakistan, all full SCO Members, including Russia, had attended the conference. Official sources said the invite to Pakistan for the conference was in keeping with the SCO Charter. In their efforts to tackle security threats and challenges, the SCO countries are currently considering establishing an SCO Information Security Centre in Kazakhstan. While India continues to maintain that Pakistan has done little to check cross-border terrorism, and has accused Islamabad of raising bilateral issues at SCO, it has simultaneously pledged, along with other Members, to conduct joint anti-terror exercises. India believes that Russia, unlike China, has been sensitive to India's concerns related to cross-border terrorism. While Russia maintains that it is for India and Pakistan to resolve their differences, it also believes that the SCO forum should be used for what remains one of the organisation's main goals - strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness among the member states.

India summons Pak envoy over photoshoot at Kartarpur gurdwara India summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires in Delhi to express concern about the “desecration of the sanctity” of the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur after a model posed bareheaded in a photo shoot there. The gurdwara, built at the site where Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, is believed to have died in 1539, is one of the holiest shrines for Sikhs.

In 2019, India and Pakistan had inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor to link Gurdwara Darbar

Sahib to the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Gurdaspur district. Recently, the woman, Sauleha, who describes herself as a

digital creator on her Instagram profile, had posted photos and videos of herself at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. The pictures were also shared by a clothing brand.

Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the head of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, said in a tweet that the model’s behaviour was unacceptable.

Sirsa called on the government of Pakistan to stop “the trend of treating Sri Kartarpur Sahib as picnic spot by Pakistani people”.

India’s foreign ministry

spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the Pakistani diplomat was told that the “reprehensible incident” had deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community in India and across the world.

“Such continued incidents of desecration and disrespect of places of religious worship of the minority communities in Pakistan highlight the lack of respect for the faith of these communities,” Bagchi added. “We expect Pakistani authorities to sincerely

investigate this matter and take action against those involved.”

The police in Pakistan have already begun an investigation into the incident, reports said.

Usman Buzdar, the chief minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province, where the gurdwara is located, said that action will be taken against those responsible for the photoshoot. Meanwhile, the model who featured in the photoshoot issued an apology, saying that it was not her intention to hurt anyone.

India slams UN rights body over J&K statement India slammed the UN high commissioner for human rights office for making "baseless and unfounded" allegations against Indian forces in J&K, asking it to develop a better understanding of the negative impact of terrorism on human rights.

The government said that the statement by the spokesperson of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) "betrayed a complete lack of understanding" on the part of the UN body of the security challenges faced by India from cross-border terrorism and its impact on the "most fundamental human right, the right to life, of our citizens,

Arindam Bagchi

including in Jammu & Kashmir".

Referring to proscribed terrorist organisations as armed groups demonstrated a clear bias on the part of the OHCHR, the foreign ministry said. “We have seen the statement made by the spokesperson of the OHCHR on specific incidents in Jammu & Kashmir," foreign ministry

spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

“The statement makes baseless and unfounded allegations against law e n f o r c e m e n t authorities and security forces of India," he added. As a democratic country, with an abiding commitment to promote and protect the human rights of its citizens, India takes all necessary steps to counter cross-border terrorism, said the government.

Bagchi's comments came in response to a statement made by the OHCHR on the arrest of Kashmiri rights activist Khurram Parvez. “National

Plea in SC to to ban Kangana’s posts on net A plea has been moved in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to censor all future social media posts by Bollywood actress Kangna Ranaut. The plea filed by advocate Sardar Charanjeet Singh Chanderpal sought direction to instruct all social media platforms to censor, modify or delete Kangana’s posts before allowing its official release, if it results in law and order problems in India.

The plea said Kangna has made these utterances on a public platform of social media like Instagram. “This post on

Instagram in short means and infers ‘Sikh farmers as Khalistani Terrorists, upholds the genocide of 1984’, means that Sikhs should be treated as a lower race like unwanted mosquitoes and they need a guru like Indira Gandhi when the eternal guru of the Sikhs is Guru Granth Sahibjee,” said the plea.

The plea seeks direction to the home ministry, IT ministry, TRAI and state police authorities of different states to take preventive action on Kangna’s social media posts.

security legislations, like the UAPA, were enacted by Parliament to protect the sovereignty of India and ensure security of its citizens," said Bagchi,

adding the arrest and subsequent detention of the individual referred to in the statement was done entirely as per provisions of law.

“Authorities in India act

against violations of law and not against legitimate exercise of rights. All such actions are strictly in accordance with the law,” he said.

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11 - 17 December 2021

SC allows police to continue probe against Param Bir The Supreme Court allowed Mumbai police to carry on the investigation against former police commissioner Param Bir Singh but restrained it from filing charge sheets on the FIRs against him over the allegations of misconduct and corruption. A bench comprising Justices S K Kaul and M M Sundresh also directed the CBI to file its response on the issue whether the probe should be handed over to it. The top court said it was only concerned with the “likelihood of bias”.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, said the FIRs should also be entrusted to the central probe agency and he will file an affidavit regarding the same. Senior advocate Darius Kambatta, appearing for Maharashtra, stated that the Singh's petition was a service dispute against departmental inquiries, which should be contested before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).

The bench then said, “What are your allegations regarding his service etc, that is for you to take. But this is one of the very unfortunate messages. “The only concern that we should have is, whether in regards to other matter whether the CBI should consider the same or not,” it said. Senior advocate Puneet Bali, appearing for Singh, told the apex court that the Maharashtra government was acting with "mala fide” against the former police commissioner.

Param Bir not whistleblower The Maharashtra government has filed a counter-affidavit before the SC seeking dismissal of the special leave petition (SLP) submitted by Param Bir. The state said it had “no

Param Bir Singh

knowledge of any conversation having taken place” between him and incumbent director general of police Sanjay Pandey, and only learnt of the alleged exchange when Singh filed the petition.

Singh is no whistleblower, contrary to his claim in the SLP, the state said, adding that it has approved initiation of disciplinary proceedings against him under the All-India Service (Discipline and Appeal) Rules of 1969, and issued him the charges of alleged misconduct or misbehaviour and lists of documents and witnesses.

The state said the Bombay high court order of September 16, which Singh seeks to challenge before the SC, is correct. It added that HC’s dismissal of Singh’s petition against two preliminary inquiries against him in April - to be conducted by Pandey were on grounds of maintainability. The state said validity or allegations of ‘malafides’ of its orders to conduct preliminary inquiries falls within ambit of ‘service matters’ which can be challenged before the Central Administrative Tribunal, as held by the HC.

China suspends Lanka solar plants after India complains China has suspended a project to install hybrid energy plants in three islands of Sri Lanka, citing "security concern" from a "third party", amid reports of India raising concern over its location.

In January, the Chinese firm, Sino Soar Hybrid Technology, was awarded the contract to install a hybrid renewable energy system in Delft, Nagadeepa and Analthivu islands, off the coast of Jaffna, according to a report. The three islets are located close to Tamil Nadu.

Without naming India, the Chinese embassy in a tweet confirmed that "Sino Soar Hybrid Technology, being suspended to build Hybrid Energy system in 3 northern islands Flag of Sri Lanka due to 'security concern' from a third party".

Instead, it added, Beijing has inked a contract with Male on November 29 to establish solar power plants at 12 islands in the Maldives.

According to the report, in early 2021, India lodged a "strong protest" with Lanka on the award of the tender to the Chinese company for the construction of renew-

able energy power plants in Delft, Nagadeepa and Analthivu.

The contract was part of the Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project, which is implemented by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), it said.

Last month, the Lankan government awarded the state-run China Harbour Engineering Company the to develop contract Colombo Port's eastern container terminal, months after it scrapped a tripartite deal with India and Japan to

build the deep-sea container port.

China is one of the biggest investors in various infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka under Beijing's controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). But there has been criticism, both locally and internationally, and growing concerns that China has lured Sri Lanka into a debt trap.

The island nation in 2017 handed over the strategically important Hambantota port to a staterun Chinese firm for a 99year lease as a debt swap amounting to USD 1.2 billion.

India is No 1 food supplier to Arab nations after 15 years India surpassed Brazil in food exports to the League of Arab States for the first time in 15 years as the Covid -19 pandemic disrupted trade flows in 2020, according to data provided by the Arab-Brazil Chamber of Commerce.

The Arab world is among Brazil's most important trade partners, but its distance from those markets took its toll as the pandemic rattled global logistics.

Brazil accounted for 8.15% of the total agribusiness products imported by the 22 League members last

year, whereas India captured 8.25% of that trade, ending Brazil's 15-year advantage, the data showed.

Despite remaining

competitive "from the farm gate in," Brazil lost ground to India and other exporters such as Turkey, the United States, France

and Argentina amid a disruption of traditional shipping routes.

Brazilian shipments to Saudi Arabia that once took 30 days could now take up to 60 days, according to the Chamber, whereas India's geographic advantages allow it to ship fruits, vegetables, sugar, grains and meat in as little as week.

Brazil's agricultural exports to the Arab League rose just 1.4% by value to $8.17 billion last year.

Between January and October this year, sales totaled $6.78 billion, up

5.5%, as logistics problems subsided, Chamber data showed.

China's push to boost its own food inventories during the pandemic also diverted some of Brazil's trade with the Arabs, leading countries such as Saudi Arabia to step up promotion of domestic food production, while seeking alternative suppliers. "It's a turning point. The Saudis are still big buyers, but they are also net reexporters of food," the Chamber said in a statement.

India, Russia sign trade, arms deals during Putin visit Continued From Page 1

The Russian president is visiting India amid increasingly strained relations between Russia and the United States, also a key Indian ally, which has expressed reservations about the growing military cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi. A joint statement published after the talks said Russia and India had "reiterated their intention to strengthen defence cooperation, including in the joint development of production of military equipment."

In addition to the deal for India to produce AK-203 assault rifles, Russia said it was interested in continuing to provide S-400 air defence missile systems. India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said the two countries had signed 28 investment pacts, including deals on steel, shipbuilding, coal and energy. He added that a 2018 contract for the S-400 missile systems was currently being implemented.

"Supplies have begun this month, and will continue to happen," he said, referring to the S400. The deal with Moscow puts India at risk of sanctions from the United States under a 2017 US law aimed at deterring countries from buying Russian military hardware.

Russian oil company Rosneft said it signed a contract with Indian Oil to supply up to 2 million tonnes of oil to India by the end of 2022.

The countries also signed a

memorandum of understanding for Russia to send an uninterrupted supply of coal to India to support its steel production, among other deals. Putin and Modi also discussed the situation in Afghanistan, voicing their commitment to ensure that the country will never become a safe haven for international terrorism.

Putin: India time-tested friend Describing India as a “great power” and a “time-tested” friend,

Putin identified terrorism, drug trafficking and organised crime as common challenges facing both countries. In his initial remarks during in-person talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin also expressed concern over the developments in Afghanistan and said India and Russia will continue to coordinate on major challenges facing the region.

“We perceive India as a great power, a friendly nation and a timetested friend. The relations between our countries are developing and we are looking into the future,” Putin said.

Modi said Putin's second visit abroad during the Covid-19 pandemic reflected his personal commitment to the India-Russia ties and that the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two sides was getting stronger. In the last few decades, the world witnessed many fundamental changes and different kinds of geopolitical equations and variables, but the

friendship of India and Russia remained constant, Modi said.

“Your visit to India is a reflection of your commitment to ties with India,” the prime minister said. Putin said both sides continue to cooperate on global issues and the positions of the two sides on many issues have similarities.

"Naturally, we are concerned about everything that has to do with terrorism. I mean the fight against terrorism and the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime," Putin said. "In this regard, of course, we cannot but be concerned about the situation and how it is developing in Afghanistan," he said.

The Russian leader also referred to growing cooperation between India and Russia in areas of environment, trade and investment and high technology among others. "In 2020, we observed a decline in trade turnover by more than 17 per cent.

The first nine months of this year, the growth was already more than 38 per cent," he said.

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ART & CULTURE

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My City My Home Shefali Saxena Published in English, Urdu and Bangla, MY CITY, MY HOME is a ground-breaking publication featuring 184 poems, short stories and other prose from writers, and those new to writing, reflecting on the identity and the role of women in 21stcentury society.

dominates many sections of the community, undermining the role of women in providing stability at home, progress in society and development of future generations. This project was aimed to open up an opportunity for women to communicate and ‘find a voice’ through words and print. Pen, in the hand of a woman, can definitely be mightier than the

The Bhavan's Christmas celebrations There will be music, dance performances and Christmas message.

The event will be followed by snacks and refreshments. Entry free, registration required.

Event Details: 1 pm, 11 December 2021 Location: The Bhavan London, The Bhavan, 4a Castletown Road, W14 9HE

Our time on Earth

Piali Ray OBE and Promila Thomas

The book was made possible through a specially commissioned, international writing competition launched by Sampad South Asian Arts & Heritage in September 2020, a year that marked the company’s 30th anniversary.

Birmingham-based Sampad, one of the UK’s leading arts development agencies, worked alongside Project Associates in Pakistan and Bangladesh connecting online with diverse groups of women and girls in their countries and supporting them through workshops to participate.

As the world is reeling under the impact of a pandemic ‘MY CITY, MY HOME’ illuminates the possibilities of uniting women across nations to express poignantly that they do have the power of words that can make a difference in our societies, now and in the future.

Piali Ray OBE, Artistic Director Sampad South Asian Arts & Heritage exclusively spoke to Asian Voice about it.

- Please explain the concept of My City My Home for our readers.

My City My Home was a writing competition for women living in or connected to Birmingham, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Their writings express personal feelings connected to ‘home’ and ‘city’, and around identity and belonging. Many women move to new places to make a home for their families and experience the challenges and excitement of these lifechanging events. The writings in the book powerfully express a gamut of emotions written in three languages – English, Bangla and Urdu respecting mother tongue from the three places.

- How do words empower women, where we live in a world and community that seldom likes to listen to women and their voices?

Women form close to 50% of the world population and we still have unheard voices of women to tell their own narratives in their own words. A patriarchal society

Q

Q

sword.

- What does it take to put together a book like this, with tremendous efforts amid an ongoing pandemic?

This project faced many challenges including the pandemic! This included our ambition to include scripts in three languages and our determination to reach women who remain unheard in society. We created a team of Associates in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Birmingham who enabled us to connect with women within hard to reach groups and networks. They provided support through writing workshops and technology to upload their work online.

Edit and print of scripts in Urdu and Bangla alongside English also had its own challenges.

- What does a book like this mean for women from Asian countries?

The book ‘My City My Home’ brings together women from Asian countries and Birmingham on a shared platform of writing about issues and stories that have relevance across borders. I hope it makes a small shift to their isolation and resonates together as a collective voice. This can be empowering. The fact that they could write in their mother tongue was an equally important recognition of their identity and status. We did not translate everything to English to reduce hierarchy within the languages.

- In the future, how can more women become a part of themes like this?

At Sampad we are committed to providing opportunities for women to be recognised for their talent, skills and ability.

We continue to work with women at all levels of society and support them to reach full potential through training, learning sharing and performance. Our specific strand of work under the banner of ‘Sakshi’ ( meaning witness) is focused on activities with and for women. We would love to hear from individuals and groups who wish to connect with us.

Q

Q

Q

£800K for racial equity initiative North London’s Freelands Foundation has awarded £800,000 ($1 million) to two leading arts organizations in the U.K. as part of a £3 million ($4 million) funding initiative to address racial inequality across the country’s cultural sector.

According to Art News, the foundation’s long-term funding has been allocated towards two ambitious new residency programs launched by the Wysing Arts Centre and the University of the Arts London’s Decolonising Art Institute. Together, the two groups will organize collaborations between 120

artists of color and 30 domestic museums and galleries in a move to advance equity across the arts in the U.K. Among the 30 partnering institutions throughout the U.K. are Hepworth Wakefield, The Box in Plymouth, MIMA in Middlesbrough, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge, the National Disability Arts Collection and Archive at the Buckinghamshire New University in Wycombe, the Sheffield Museums Trust, and Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Our Time on Earth looks to transform the conversation on climate emergencies.

Harnessing the power of global creativity, it presents radical visions and possibilities for the future of all species.

This major exhibition of art, science, design, music and philosophy invites you to experience different global perspectives on our shared planet, and consider Earth as a community we all belong to. experiences, immersive Interactive installations and digital works come together to take you on a journey of selfreflection, discovering how technology can connect us to the natural world and leaving you feeling empowered to make

positive change. Artists, activists, researchers, writers, designers, scientists and more highlight the need to work across borders and disciplines to urgently tackle climate change together. By reigniting respect for our beautiful and complex planet Our Time on Earth will challenge your existing opinions on the most important issue of our lifetime.

Location : The Curve, located on Level G and can be found at the bottom of the Silk Street entrance ramp, opposite the Barbican Shop.

Address : Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS Dates : Thu 5 May—Mon 29 Aug 2022

UK’s best curry restaurants announced The UK’s favourite curry restaurants, as nominated for by the British public, were announced at the trailblazing and foremost celebration of the industry, British Curry Awards in association with Just Eat, as it returned for its 17thyear after the pandemic challenges.

The finest curry restaurateurs from across the UK descended on the Capital in the hope of being recognised as the best restaurant in their region and honoured with a jewel in the crown of the UK curry restaurant industry award sector at the prestigious ceremony that took place on Monday 29th November at Battersea Evolution.

Recognised globally as the original and most respected award ceremony in the UK curry industry and the ‘Curry Oscars’, as named by former Prime Minister David Cameron, British Curry Awards once again welcomed in person prominent personalities from the worlds of politics, sport, showbiz and entertainment alongside celebrity chefs and curry restaurant owners and their staff from across the country. In attendance were: Cricketer, Azeem Rafiq; Love Island contestant, Priya Gopaldas, model, Danielle Mason; former The Apprentice winner, Sian Gabbidon; TV presenters, Melinda Messenger, Lizzie Cundy, Faye Barker, Hayley Sparkes and Hayley Palmer; radio presenter, James Whale; television GP, Dr Amir Khan; filmmaker, actor and presenter, Mistah Islah; music artists, Patti Boulaye and Mr Fabulous; President of Restaurant Association, Robert Walton MBE; MP's, Chris Grayling, Foysol Choudhury; RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Baga Chipz; and Reality TV personality, Robbie McMahon among others. The ceremony was hosted by actor and comedian, Omid Djalili. Bollywood star, Abhishek Bachchan, joined virtually to present the award for the Best Restaurant West Midlands category.

As the foremost and pioneering celebration of the UK curry industry’s achievements and the best restaurants across all regions, with awards, deemed the most prized badge of honour across the entire industry for winning restaurants,

British Curry Awards has established itself as a national institution.

British Curry Awards 2021 Winners: v Best Restaurant Scotland: Dishoom, 3A St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD v Best Restaurant North East: Mumtaz Restaurant, 386-410 Great Horton Road,

Bradford BD7 3HS v Best Restaurant North West: Asha’s, 47 Peter Street, Manchester M2 3NG v Best Restaurant East Midlands: Montaz Newmarket, 30 Old Station Road, Newmarket CB8 8DN v Best Restaurant West Midlands: Pushkar Restaurant, 245 Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2HQ Restaurant Wales: Purple v Best Poppadom, 185a Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF11 9AJ v Best Restaurant South East: Chez Mumtaz, Centurian House 136-142 London Road, St Albans AL1 1PQ v Best Restaurant South West: Prithvi Restaurant, 37 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG v Best Restaurant London Central & City: Benares, 12a Berkeley Square, Mayfair W1J 6BS v Best Restaurant London – Outer & Suburbs: Shampan Bromley, 38 Chatterton Road, Bromley BR2 9QN v Best Newcomer: Mathura Restaurant, 4 Greycoat Place, London SW1P 1SB v Best Delivery Restaurant/Takeaway: Maliks Express Kitchen, Shop 5, Marsham Way, Gerrards Cross SL9 8AB v Most Innovative Restaurant Concept: Khai Khai Indian Restaurant, 29 Queen Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 3UG

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Aishwarya allowed me to work after wedding: Abhishek Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are undoubted, one of the best couples in Bollywood. Hands-on parents to daughter Aaradhya, the actors have prioritised their prodigy over their careers.

Abhishek, in a recent interview, opened up on how his wife and his daughter have “immensely” contributed to his performances.

Thanking Aish for taking complete responsibility for taking care of Aaradhya when he is away on shoots, he said becoming a father has made him a responsible and thoughtful actor. Abhishek said, “A lot of what I am as an actor post marriage is due to Aishwarya. One is the practical, logistical side of it. To know that my wife is with Aaradhya is a huge, emotional weight that is lifted, from any parents’ mind. She has allowed me, and I say allowed because that’s

what it is - she’s given me permission and allowed, ‘You go act, I’ll take care of Aaradhya.’ So you go out, you get the liberty to perform freely. And it’s a fact. The countless amount of mothers allow this with their husbands, and you have to be thankful.

They have every right to say, ‘Come, shoulder the responsibility 50-50.’ So from that perspective.”

He added that being a husband and a father made him “richer as a performer”.

Abhishek said, “The ultimate richness comes when you have a child because suddenly, your priorities and perspective change. You could have been fearless about some things but today, you cannot afford being fearless in some aspects because you are responsible for a new life.”

On the work front, Abhishek is currently basking in the success of ‘Bob Biswas’.

Criticism has its positives and negatives: Janhvi Kapoor Actress Janhvi Kapoor said she has been subjected to criticism her whole life. Daughter of late actor Sridevi and producer Boney Kapoor, she said her family is now accustomed to criticism. Part of an entertainment family, her mother was an actor, her father a producer, uncles Anil and Sanjay Kapoor are also actors. Janhvi’s sister Khushi Kapoor too intends to pursue a career in acting.

Janhvi said she used to give a “lot of value” to criticism in her life, however, she realised that it has its positives and negatives. She said, “I gave it a lot of value at one point because I told myself it was important to understand the pulse of what the audience wants, what they’re saying, where I’m lacking, what I need to work on. I thought social media was a great platform to try and gauge that.”

Janhvi added, “But it has its positive and negatives. One also needs to identify that although

many people are on social media that still isn’t the majority of people’s voice. It’s a huge part of what they’re thinking but they are many things to take into account, there are many variables. I’m used to the critiquing. I think I’ve been used it my whole life. We as a family have been used to it for a long time but you try to take from it what you can.”

Anil Kapoor too, spoke at the summit, adding he and his family are too subjected to trolling. He said, “When I feel certain kind of trolling is happening to any member of my family, not only me because obviously I being in films for so many years I am completely thick skin, affects me but not as much as it would affect Janhvi or Sonam or Rhea Kapoor or Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor or Arjun Kapoor. I am sure they get much more affected by it. But the younger generation is learning much faster on how to tackle this social media.”

Aayush Sharma opens up on people’s perception of his relation with Salman Comparing with my father puts a lot of pressure on me: Ahan Shetty Actor Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan is all set to make his Bollywood debut this week.

Speaking in an interview, Ahan spoke indepth about his decision to become an actor, and the influence his father had on his choice. Then said, “I was in American School of Bombay, I chose dramatics in 6th grade and fell in Leo with the art form. I am a very shy and introverted person, so when it came down to performing, I realised that everything I am hiding within myself, I am letting out through my characters. That was a very therapeutic experience for me. As I kept performing, I started loving playing different characters, different people from different walks of life. That’s when I realised that this is something I wanted to do.”

He added, “There was a slight influence of my dad being an actor. But no one in my school cared who my father was, and that

was really good for me.” When asked if there is pressure from constant comparison to his father, Ahan said, “I try not to let that pressure get to me. I am very proud to be my father’s son, but his journey was different and my journey is going to be different. I am just very happy that I can carry his legacy forward.

Other than that I don’t feel any pressure. Ya, I am going to be compared to him, but you just can’t let that get to you.”

He added, “My father is such a respected person in the industry, so if I can even earn 20 per cent of the respect he’s got, would be amazing.” If there is any particular genre he wants to take up dedicatedly? Ahan says. “Not really, I am open to any type of genre, I am not trying to be an action hero, I just want to be a good performer, who can do different types of cinema.”

Actor Aayush Sharma, who recently saw the release of his second film ‘Antim’, changed his avatar for the outing with his brother-in-law Salman Khan. In a recent interview, Aayush opened up about how he

somebody trolls me, I feel happy. There is always a sense of ‘I will prove you wrong’.

The first time it happened to me, I was like, ‘Why? What did I do wrong? Why did it happen to me?’ But then eventually, I

is perceived by people but has learnt to take negative comments in stride.

He shared, “Unfortunately, in my life, it is like, you do the smallest activity… You buy a car… ‘Oh, you got it from Salman.’

‘You did this, this is because of Salman’. I also have money, I am not roaming around like this.” He added that he has learnt to embrace criticism as it pushes him to do better.

“But you are like, ‘Okay, it's fine’. For me, I like criticism, I like negativity. When

started finding that one space that every time you are being criticised, I take my criticism in a very healthy spirit,” he said.

‘Antim’ released in theatres on November 26 and had a slow start at the box office. In the first week of its release, the film earned £2.72 million at the box office, as per Bollywood Hungama. Salman took to Twitter last week and thanked his fans for supporting Aayush. He requested them to also support Ahan Shetty, who made his debut with ‘Tadap’.

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Vicky-Katrina wedding festivities begin The wedding festivities of Bollywood couple Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif begins on Tuesday in Rajasthan's Six Senses Fort Barwara. Ahead of the wedding festivities, Katrina was seen arriving at Vicky's house on Sunday along with her mother, dressed in a white saree.

Over the past few days, paparazzi have been stationed outside Katrina and Vicky's house waiting to catch a glimpse of the couple. On Sunday evening, in a sweet gesture, Vicky sent food packets for the paparazzi waiting outside his house. The food was prepared by the actor's chef and it was sent out in neatly packed airtight containers.

Meanwhile, the two families began the pre-wedding festivities on Sunday evening with a function at Vicky's house. The function was reportedly held in the presence of

only close family members.

Meanwhile, Katrina and her family were seen preparing to leave for Rajasthan on Monday morning. Big bags were seen coming from Katrina's building and loaded onto cars heading to the airport. Reportedly, the bride and groom will be taking a chopper to the venue to avoid being clicked before the wedding.

For the wedding in Rajasthan, special suites have also been booked for the bride and groom for their big day. Vicky will be staying at the Raja Mansingh suite, while Katrina will be staying at the Rani Padmavati suite. As per reports, the cost of one night of the suite is Rs 700,000 each.

The property is a 2.5-hour drive from Jaipur International Airport and a 30-minute drive from Ranthambore National Park.

Kartik Aaryan keeps mum on his 'Dostana 2’ exit Actor Kartik Aaryan continues to maintain silence on his exit from Karan Johar’s ‘Dostana 2’. The actor was set to star in the movie alongside Janhvi Kapoor and Lakshya in the movie backed by KJo’s Dharma Productions. It was reported earlier this year that Aaryan was no longer a part of the movie. When asked at a recent event about the movie, he said he will not talk about his exit from the movie.

“I am not a part of any Bollywood camps. I have reached here because of my talent. And I will do the same in the future. I don’t want to comment on Karan Johar’s film ‘Dostana’,” he said.

Announced in 2019, the production of ‘Dostana 2’ came to a standstill owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. While the production house was yet to resume filming, reports suggested that Kartik and KJo have had a fallout leading to the actor’s exit from the project.

While neither has reacted to the reports, Dharma issued a statement announcing a recast of the film. It read, “Due to professional circumstances, on which we have decided to maintain a dignified silence - we will be recasting Dostana 2, directed by Collin D’Cunha.

Kriti Sanon on being compared to Aamir Khan Actress Kriti Sanon received a lot of appreciation for her last release, ‘Mimi’, which featured her playing a surrogate mother. She put on 15 kg for the part, which had people compare her to actor Aamir Khan. At an event, the actor was asked if she could be called the “female Aamir Khan” considering how she too likes things being perfect and also believes in experimenting with her characters.

Kriti responded by saying, “Nahi nahi itna zyada pressure mat dijiye.

Aamir Khan sir ko touch karna bohot door ki baat hai. But yes main itna bol sakti hoon ki jab aap itna mehnat karte hain, aur itna passion se ek character ko jet hain…aur jab woh bohot saraya jata hain…jab log aapke kaam ko dekte hai..tab wo satisfaction data hain.” (No, no, don’t put me under so much pressure. I cannot even touch Aamir Khan sir. However, when you work hard with passion, and your work is noticed and appreciated, it feels satisfying).

The actor also spoke about her other release ‘Luka Chhupi’, which had her play a girl in a live-in relationship. Kriti said she didn’t see anything wrong in it, however, shared that she hasn’t thought about experiencing it in her life.

She said, “There is nothing wrong in it. But, agar aap mujhe puchoge ki aaj, nahi….mere parents I don’t think…meri mom bohot bindaas behave karte hai…bolegi haan toh kya hogya… but when I have to or when I will… she will ask me what is the need (My mother behaves quite cool and might agree right now but when the time comes, she might ask me what’s the need)…so I don’t feel the need. But tomorrow if I am in a relationship, and I have to test it before marriage…because marriage is an important decision…then you never know.”

On the work front, the actress has movies like ‘Adipurush, ‘Bhediya’, ‘Bachchan Pandey’, ‘Heropanti 2’, and ‘Ganpath’ in the pipeline.

Please wait for the official announcement soon.”

'Dostana 2’ is the sequel to Karan's 2008 film ‘Dostana’. The film starred Priyanka Chopra, Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham in the lead.

Sara on growing up with a single mother Actor Sara Ali Khan, in an interview ahead of the release of her upcoming ‘Atrangi Re’, revealed she relies heavily on her mother, so much so, she wouldn’t be able to live away from her. Sara admitted that she feels wise beyond her years, crediting it to growing up with a single mother.

She said, “I grew up fast and saw a lot in life.

Perhaps they helped me grow up a little faster. Living with a single mother in today’s day and age makes you a little tougher and harder than you need to be.

You don’t live in a La La Land for too long then. You see the world for what it is.” Comparing herself to her character in the movie who runs away from home to be with a man she loves, Sara said she’d never been able to do something like that in real life.

She said, “I can’t even come to an interview without matching my bangles to my outfit with the help of my mother. Till my mom doesn’t tell me, ‘Please add green bangles to your hand because you have a chalak of green in that corner of your dupatta’, I won’t be able to step out for an interview. Meri aukaat nahi hai, mummy se door bhagne ki. Kahin bhi bhaag jao, ghar toh wahin jaana hai, roz (I am not capable of running away from my mother. Wherever I run away to, she is the home I have to return to, every day).”

When asked if she has ever felt the desire to run, the actress said, “Not at all. I’ll even get married to someone who can move in and live with my mom.

I’m never going to leave her. Jokes apart, my mother is a very liberal woman. She is my third eye in everyday life. She is the sound of reason, so, no, I’m never running away.”

Daughter of Amrita Singh and Saif Ali Khan, Sara has become a Bollywood treasure. Her upcoming ‘Atrangi Re’ alongside Akshay Kumar and Dhanush, will be released on Disney+ Hotter on December 24.

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11 - 17 December 2021

Deepika gets traditional welcome from Nag Ashwin Actress Deepika Padukone received a warm traditional welcome on the sets of her next film with filmmaker Nag Ashwin and his team. Deepika shared a picture of her welcome basket on Instagram. It contained a traditional Kanchi pattu saree, kumkum, haldi, bangles and flowers.

The gift also had a short note that read, “To the daughter of the South, who’s been ruling the hearts globally. To the princess of the nation, who’s cherished a treasure. Welcome home DP! Come, let’s conquer the world together.” Makers of the movie also shared a photo on their social media handles welcoming “Queen” Deepika onboard.

Tentatively titled ‘Project K’, the movie marks Deepika’s first film with Piranhas. It also stars Amitabh Bachchan in a pivotal role. On the work front, Deepika awaits the release of ’83’.

Kamal Haasan returns to ‘Big Boss’ set after Covid-19 recovery and strategy. Let’s watch the outcomes of their strategies tonight.”

The actor also shared a note, in which he thanks his team, friends, doctors, and daughters Akshara and Shruti Hassan. “My heartfelt thanks go to my brother, Mahendran, and my team members who, skipping food and sleep, looked after me,” he said. The actor also expressed his gratitude to a number of political leaders, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, for their wishes.

In the note, he stated that director Lokesh and his Vikram unit efficiently handled his absence. And lastly, he wholeheartedly thanked the “Tamil people, who, considering me as one of their own, shed tears for me and kept me in their prayers. I do not know if prayers yield results. But I do know the power of your love.”

On the work front, apart from ‘Bigg Boss Tamil’ season 5, Kamal Haasan has ‘Vikram’ in the works. The film stars him alongside Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil.

Actor Kamal Haasan has returned to ‘Big Boss Tamil’s Season 5 sets after recovering from Covid-19. He was seen on the sets of the reality show as he shot for the weekend episodes. Hassan joined work right after getting discharged from Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre where he was admitted on November 22 after being tested positive for Covid-19.

Makers of the show shared a video on YouTube in which Haasan addressed the viewers and thanked them for their love and wishes. He says in the promo, “I, who have recovered only because of your love, am back with you all again today. This season, from what I have observed from the outside, I think people are playing as individuals. Each one has their own plans

Sai Pallavi writes heartfelt note for sister Pooja Kannan Actress Sai Pallavi recently posted a lengthy note congratulating her sister Pooja Kannan who made her acting debut with ‘Chithirai Sevvaanam’. In the note, Pallavi explained how her sister is a natural when it comes to acting.

“Today is a very special day for me coz the world gets to witness something that only I’ve known all along. From pretending to be sick and tricking mom n dad into letting her bunk classes, to being a firecracker even on days when she was depressed, I’ve watched this lil brat grow into a fully grown actor (even off-screen). Today, she debuts as an actor in the film “Chithirai Sevvaanam” (on Zee5)!!! And I’d like for you all to watch it and give her your love. My best wishes to Silva master, who’s debuting as the director,

Director/Producer Vijay Sir, Samuthirakani sir, Rima kallingal Mam, baby Manasvi and the extended team (sic),” Sai wrote on her Instagram account.

“And This is for you Pooju, The love that the audience shower is as addictive as the joy you get when you play a character. I pray that you enjoy this journey and surround yourself with positivity and become a better person with every experience. I love you and I’ll forever protect you. Fly high my lil one.

Your proud sister,” she added.

Directed by stunt choreographer turned filmmaker Silva, ‘Chithirai Sevvaanam’ revolves around a father-daughter relationship. Billed as an emotional drama, it also stars Samuthirakani in the lead role.

TV Listing SATURDAY 11 DEC 6.00

14.00 RASOI SHOW 18.30 SURI

19.00 BHAKT GORA KUMBHAR 19.30 MARU MAN MOHI GAYU * Schedule is subject to change

MON 13 DEC FRI 17 DEC 2021 6.00

HALO MANVYU NA MELE

14.00 RASOI SHOW

18.30 SURI

19.00 BHAKT GORA KUMBHAR

19.30 MARU MAN MOHI GAYU

20.00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI

20.30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU

21.00 PREM NI BHAVAI

21.30 SUDI VACHCHE SOPARI

Vikram, Dhruv complete dubbing for ‘Mahaan’, suggest OTT route Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj announced that actors Vikram and Dhruv have completed dubbing for his upcoming directorial ‘Mahaan’. The latest industry buzz is that the makers have already signed a deal to release the film directly on a leading OTT platform in December.

However, there are no official announcements yet.

‘Mahaan’ is the 60th film in Vikram’s career and marks his first collaboration with his son Dhruv. Bankrolled by Seven Screen Studio, the film also stars Simian, Bobby Simha, and Vani Bhojan. On the work front, Vikram will soon join the sets of director Pa Ranjith’s next film.

The untitled project, which will be bankrolled by Studio Green, was announced last week.

* Schedule is subject to change

Meanwhile, Vikram has completed shooting for director Mani Ratnam’s upcoming fantasy drama ‘Ponniyin Selvan: Part One’ and director Ajay Gnanamuthu’s ‘Cobra’. His spy thriller titled 'Dhruva Natchathiram’ is also in postproduction.

Chail Chabilo Gujarati

MON 13 DEC FRI 17 DEC 2021 9.00 BIGG BOSS 15-WEEKEND KA VAAR 15.30 DIL SE DIL TAK 16.00 TUM KAUN PIYA 16.30 RASOI SHOW DESI FLAVOURS 17.30 CHHUTA CHHEDA 18.00 SASURAL SIMAR KA 18.30 TU AASHIQUI 19.00 BHAGYA KA LIKHA 20.00 BALIKA VADHU 2 20.30 SIRF TUM 21.00 THAPKI PYAR KI 2 21.30 SASURAL SIMAR KA 2

20.00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI

20.30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU

21.00 PREM NI BHAVAI

21.30 SUDI VACHCHE SOPARI

SUNDAY 12 DEC

12.00 Yaar Aavu To Thaya J Kare

15.00 Shubh Aarambh

18.00 BHAKT GORA KUMBHAR 19.00 SHU CHALE CHE

19.30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU 22.00 SHU CHALE CHE

SATURDAY 11 DEC 9.00 BIGG BOSS 15 15.00 SHU CHALE CHE 16.30 RASOI SHOW-DESI FLAVOURS 17.30 DESI BEAT 3 18.00 SASURAL SIMAR KA 18.30 TU AASHIQUI 19.00 BHAGYA KA LIKHA 19.30 EK SHRINGAAR SWABHIMAAN 20.00 COMEDY NIGHTS WITH KAPIL 21.00 THAPKI PYAR KI 2 21.30 SASURAL SIMAR KA 2 SUNDAY 12 DEC 9.00 BIGG BOSS 15 16.30 RASOI SHOW-DESI FLAVOURS 17.30 DESI BEAT 3 18.00 BFFs with Vogue - Season 2 19.00 KHATRA KHATRA KHATRA 20.00 COMEDY NIGHTS WITH KAPIL 21.00 THAPKI PYAR KI 2 21.30 SASURAL SIMAR KA 2

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Yorkshire County Cricket Club India thrash New Zealand by 372 runs sack entire coaching staff India thrashed New Zealand by 372 runs in the second Test at the Wankhede stadium, with the spinners wrapping up proceedings early on the fourth day. The hosts have clinched the two-Test series 1-0. Off spinners Ashwin and Jayant Yadav took four wickets each as the Kiwis folded up for 167 in their second innings. Ashiwn finished with 8 wickets in the match, becoming the Indian bowler to pick up more than 50 wickets in a calendar year for the fourth times.

Indian opener Mayank Agarwal top scored in both the innings with 150 and 62 and was adjudged the 'Player of the Match'. But the Wankhede Test will be remembered more for the heroics of New Zealand left arm spinner Ajaz Patel. He grabbed all the 10 Indian wickets in the first innings, becoming only the third bowler in Test history to do so. He also picked up 4 wickets in the second innings.

The Indian bowlers too had a good outing in a pitch that had turn and abrupt bounce. Left arm spinner

Axar Patel had a nice outing in the first innings. Pacer Siraj too Mohammed bowled with a lot of fire.

India's victory margin of 372 runs against the world Test champions is its highest ever. With a few young players coming into good form, they look ahead to the coming tour of South Africa with a lot of confidence.

New Zealand, who doggedly hung on for a draw in the opening match of the two-test series, were undone by their batting after Ajaz's heroics. They collapsed to 62 all out in their first innings and were never in the chase against India's spin force.

Daryl Mitchell, who topscored with 60, was the only bit of resistance for the

tourists during his fourthwicket stand of 73 with Nicholls on Sunday. Ajaz whose name went up on the Wankhede honours board on Saturday after his perfect 10, stood out with match figures of 14-225 – the best ever by a bowler against India. His 14 wickets against India surpassed England fast bowler Ian Botham's 13-106 in Mumbai in 1980.

New Zealand's stand-in skipper Tom Latham said their first-innings collapse was fatal for the tourists, but added he was taking the positives. "If you take the first innings out of it, then obviously it's a little bit of a different story," said Latham, who took over as captain from the injured Kane Williamson.

Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit among 27 IPL players retained MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were among 27 IPL player retained ahead of the 2021-22 mega auctions among the existing eight franchises.

All remaining players will now be available for the two new franchises Lucknow and Ahmedabad to invest in. The same retention policy - three Indians and an overseas player or two Indians and two overseas players, with a mix of uncapped players at £400,000 each will be available to the new teams.

After these teams are done building their core, the remaining players will then head into the mega auction slated to be held either in the last week of December or first week of January.

There are a few surprises in the list of players who were retained as Mumbai Indians went for Suryakumar Yadav and not Ishan Kishan; Sunrisers Hyderabad settled for two uncapped cricketers Abdul Samad and Umran Malik; and Punjab failed to hold on to Ravi Bishnoi.

Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals are the only franchises who’ve blocked their entire budget of £4.2 million ahead of the mega auction, which means,

MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

they’ll be left with only £4.8 million each when the hammer goes up very soon.

Mumbai had to make the tough choice of deciding between Surya, Ishan and Hardik Pandya. While Ishan can bat and keep wickets and Pandya will gradually work his way back to bowling full time, MI settled for Surya clearly because he helps strengthen the middle-order. The franchise now has an opener, a middle-order batsman, a finisher and a fast bowler and can build the rest of the team around it.

Chennai Super Kings have retained the irreplaceable MS Dhoni, despite him not being the highest paid player. The Royal Challengers Bangalore have a tough task in finding their next captain, given that Virat Kohli has said he won’t lead, and KL

Rahul and Shreyas Iyer unlikely to be available in the auction – Rahul is joining Lucknow while Ahmedabad could eye Iyer.

Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders retained four players each but sprung a surprise in not retaining their respective openers Shikhar Dhawan and Shubhman Gill.

Franchises like KKR and RCB have failed to retain some obvious choices clearly because the financials did not work out.

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals have quite a bit of work to do.

Sunrisers have to rebuild around Kane Williamson, Punjab are left only with Agarwal and Arshdeep while Royals have Sanju Samson, Jos Butler and Yashashvi Jaiswal and they’ll need a lot more.

Yorkshire County Cricket Club have sacked the entire coaching team following the fallout from the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal. The departures include longserving director of cricket Martyn Moxon and head coach Andrew Gale.

Moxon had been signed off from work due to a stress-related illness while Gale had been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing since 9 November. A new Director of Cricket will be appointed imminently, alongside a new coaching team which is being recruited.

Yorkshire say the total number of departures is 16, including six members of the backroom medical team

necessary to regain trust. The d e c i s i o n s announced today were difficult to make, but are in the best interests of the Club.

Without making important changes to how Azeem Rafiq we are run, we cannot move on provided by Pavilion from the past to become a Physiotherapy Clinic, and culture which is progressive that an interim medical and inclusive. team is in the process of “We are hoping to being appointed. announce a new Director of Lord Patel, Yorkshire Cricket in the coming days. chair, said: “Significant We have a huge rebuilding change is required at job to do but we are Yorkshire County Cricket confident that this heralds a Club and we are committed step forward towards a to taking whatever action is brighter future”.

Ganguly appointed chairman of ICC cricket council Sourav Ganguly, the BCCI president, has taken over from Anil Kumble as the new chairman of the ICC Cricket Council, the governing body confirmed.

Kumble, who took over in 2012, has served the three separate three-year-terms.

"I am delighted to welcome Sourav to the position of Chair of the ICC Men's Cricket Committee.

His experience as one of the world's best players and latterly as an administrator will help us shape our cricketing decisions moving forward," ICC Chair Greg Barclay said.

"I would also like to thank Anil for his outstanding leadership over the last nine years which has included improving the international game through more regular and consistent application of DRS and a robust process for

Sourav Ganguly

addressing suspect bowling actions."

Of the many key decisions that were taken, the most prominent was to monitor the future of cricket in Afghanistan in the Taliban regime.

The development forced Cricket Australia to postpone a oneoff Test against Afghanistan, and the ICC formed a Working Group, which will closely follow the future of

cricket in the country especially women's cricket.

"The ICC Board is committed to continuing to support Afghanistan Cricket to develop both men's and women's cricket moving forward. We believe the most effective way for this to happen will be to support our Member in its efforts to achieve this through its relationship with the new government," Barclay said.

India's tour to South Africa rejigged India's tour of South Africa has been given the go-ahead by the two boards, but only for the three Tests and three ODIs as part of a rejigged tour. The four T20Is that were also part of the original schedule will be played later. A CSA release said the dates and venues for the tour were set to change as the Indian team's arrival in South Africa, originally scheduled for December 8 or 9, had been delayed by a week.

It is learned that the first Test will now begin on December 26 in Centurion, the second from January 3 in Johannesburg and the third from January 11 or 12 in Cape Town, which will also host all three ODIs. As per the original schedule, the Tests were to start on December 17, 26 and January 3 in Johannesburg, Centurion and Cape Town respectively, followed by the three ODIs on January 11, 14 and 16.

There has been a lot of doubt around the tour to South Africa because of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, in the country that has led to a surge in cases and hospitalisations, especially in the Gauteng province where India are scheduled to play

the first two Tests.

"With the Proteas men's team having already participated in no less than eight international cricket BSEs, CSA is pleased to announce that this tour will also take place under the strictest Covid-19 guidelines, as contained in the BSE protocols," the CSA release said.

"CSA is also pleased to confirm that the allocation of match venues will still be in respect of the Bubble Safe Environment (BSEs) and therefore the decision on the allocations will take into account the need for safer playing environments. CSA has instituted these world-class standards and measures to ensure that all players, staff and officials are protected within this environment. CSA's main focus is to safeguard the cricket biosphere by managing strict entry standards and limited movement outside of its cordon. CSA will confirm the venues soon."

India captain Virat Kohli had said on the eve of the ongoing Test against New Zealand in Mumbai that it was natural for such a tour to involve a lot of planning and preparation.