AV 11th January 2025

o

Tulip Siddiq refers herself to ethics watchdog

alleg ations of involvem

n d e al linked to her

nt, form er Bang ladesh Prim e M inister S heikh Hasina, and prop ert ie s as s o ci a ted w i th h er p olitical party

This comes after calls for an investigation into Siddiq, following reports that she l i v e d i n p r o p e r t i e s i n London connected to allies

o f h e r a u n t , t h e o u s t e d

p r i m e m i n i s t e r o f Bangladesh Siddiq is also named in Bangladesh court documents related to meetings with the Russian government

Si r Ke i r St a r m e r, expressed support for the economic secretar y to the

Tr e a s u r y s t a t i n g , " Tu l i p

Si d d i q h a s a c t e d e n t i r e l y properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she has done, and that's why we established the new code It's to enable ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts Yes, I have conf idence in her, and that process is now under way

Si d d i q m a i n t a i n s t h a t s h e h a s "d o n e n o t h i n g wrong "

A l t h o u g h s h e h a d planned to join a delegation

to China this week, Siddiq will remain in the UK to a d

a public uprising against her two-decade rule and subsequently fled to India She is under investigation by an a n t i- c o r r u p t i o n c o m m i ssion

According to court docu

alleged 2013 deal with Russia

uments, f iled by a political r

online news report and suggest Siddiq received embezz

construction costs for the plant, which was primarily f u n d e d b y R

a It i s alleged that $5bn (£3 9bn) was siphoned off from the project’s budget in collusion with Russian off icials

The referral also follows r e p o r t s i n T h e Su n d a y Times and Financial Times regarding Siddiq's residence i n p r o p e r t i e s t i e d t o h e r

aunt's regime The Sunday Times claimed that Siddiq used a flat in Hampstead, north London, provided to her teenage sister by lawyer Moin Ghani, who represente d H a s i n a ’ s g o v e r n m e n t

The Financial Times reported that Siddiq also used a flat in King's Cross, given to

League party

In her letter to Sir Laurie Magnus, Siddiq stated, "In recent weeks, I have been the subject of media coverage, much of which is inaccurate, regarding my f inancial affairs and my family's

am clear that I have done nothing wrong However, to avoid any doubts, I would like you to independently establish the facts surround-

information you need to do this "

Tory immigration focus fuelled riots, equalities committee chair says

T h e C on ser v a tiv e g o v ernm ent’s focus on small bo at crossing s and delays in processing asylum claims contributed to th e unrest seen in the U K in Aug ust, according to S arah Ow en, chair of t h e C o m m o n s eq u al it ie s com mittee

Owen, a Labour MP, is leading an inquir y into community cohesion following

t h e r i o t s t h a t e r u p t e d i n o v e r t w o d o z e n l o c a t i o n s a f t e r t h e k i l l i n g o f t h r e e y o u n g g i r l s i n S o u t h p o r t , Merseyside She highlighted that the rhetoric of Reform UK MPs, which often targets s p e c i f i c c o m m u n i t i e s , h a s added urgency to the need for stronger community ties

O w e n n o t e d t h a t t h e violent incidents in August w e r e m u l t i f a c e t e d , b u t i t w a s c o

l s

hotels housing asylum seeke r s w e r e a t t a c ke d S h e pointed to a backlog in asylum claims that developed during Prime Minister Rishi Su n a k ’ s p u s h fo r t h e Rwanda plan, which sought t o d e p o r t a s y l u m s e e ke r s w i t h o u t p r o c

think the backlog was deliberate,” said Owen, adding that the political decisions a

m p ro c e s s i n g c o n t r i b u t e d t o t h e a n g e r that fuelled the unrest

T h e i n q u i r y w i l l a l s o

Owen

explore why some ethnically a n d r

L u t o n , avoided disorder She suggested that a histor y of farr i g

c t i v i t y,

h a s marches led by anti-Islam f igure Tommy Robinson in the past, had strengthened c o m m u n i t y c o h

that local ties and dialogue

played a crucial role in preventing violence

concern about the role of social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), in ampli-

Isis terror threat raises UK security funding concerns

Th e New Orleans attack has raised concerns ov er wh ether the U K Gov ernm ent is allocating enoug h resources to cou nter the ongoing threat from the Islam ic State (IS ) Following the deadly incident on New Year’s Day, when a driver killed 15 people in Louisiana, there have been calls for more attention to be given to jihadist groups, particularly as IS and similar organisations show signs of resurgence Shamsuf-Din Jabbar, identif ied as the attacker, was reportedly inspired by IS This tragedy has prompted British lawmakers to question whether IS is being suff iciently m o n i t o r e d , a s s e c u r i t y a

increase in planned IS attacks in 2024 They also warn that the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, along with the radicalising

acknowledged that counterterrorism efforts

threats from nation-states like Russia He noted that tough decisions had to be made to

risks Some MPs, including Mike Martin and Tobias Ellwood, have warned that focusing too much on state threats at the expense of terrorism could be dangerous Ellwood emphasised that the threat from IS is rising, fuelled by a lack of governance in regions like Afghanistan and Syria He called for constant vigilance and urged that counterterrorism efforts must remain a priority The Home Off ice has yet to comment on these concerns

incidents crucial for

icing and risk losing v ital d ata for solving futu re crimes, a former counterterro r is m c h

h a s warned Neil Basu, the former head of the U

argued that NCHIs play a crucial role in a

off icers to “nip it in the bud before it escalates into crime ” His comments come amid growing scrutiny over the practice, with Lord Herbert of South Downs, chairman of the College of Policing, suggesting the governm

a c h Herbert expressed concerns that recording trivial incidents diverts police resources and erodes public conf idence

Examples of NCHIs include minor disputes, such as a parking row, school disagreements on social media, and complaints about offensive language or imager y Over 13,200 hate incidents were recorded in the year to June, according to data from 45 of Britain’s 48 police forces

Basu defended the practice, citing its importance in identifying patterns that could prevent tragedies, such as the 2007 case of Fiona Pilkington, who took her own life and that of her disabled daughter after enduring years of unchecked harassment

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretar y, has instructed the College of Policing to revise NCHI guidelines, emphasising their use only when there is a signif icant risk to community harmony Senior policing bodies are also calling for reforms to balance data collection with freedom of expression

BRITAIN ACHIEVES CLEANEST ELECTRICITY

Britain achieved its cleanest electricity supplies ever last year as fossil fuel power generation dropped to its lowest level since 1955 This decline, driven by the closure of the last coal plant, reduced demand, and an increase in renewables, resulted in fossil fuels contributing only 29% of the electricity supply Meanwhile, renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and biomass accounted for a record 45% Nuclear power contributed 13% with the remaining share coming from imports and other sources An analysis by Carbon Brief revealed that carbon dioxide emissions per unit of electricity have decreased by 70% over the past decade In 2024, emissions were at 124 grams per kilowatt hour (g/kWh), compared to 419 g/kWh in 2014 The final coal plant Ratcliffe - on-Soar in Nottinghamshire closed in October ending 142 years of coal power in the UK Gas-powered plants remained the top electricity source producing 88 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity just ahead of wind s 84 TWh

UK PATIENTS STRUGGLE WITH DENTAL CARE COSTS

Private dentists are significantly increasing charges for common procedures like fillings checkups and extractions as NHS dental care becomes harder to access Patients now pay up to £7 75 for root canal treatments £435 for extractions and £325 for white fillings with private dental fees soaring since 2022 For example the average cost of a non-surgical extraction has risen by 32% over two years Research by MyTribe Insurance, covering 450 private dental practices across 52 UK towns and cities, shows stark cost increases The average price of a white filling has jumped from £105 to £129, while a routine checkup has risen from £48 to £55 Healthwatch, the statutory patient champion, reports that one in five people in England, including two in five on lower incomes, avoid dental visits due to high costs As NHS funding struggles to keep pace with rising costs, dentists increasingly shift to private care The government has pledged 700,000 additional urgent NHS appointments and reforms to address the crisis POST OFFICE AIMS £100M FEE HIKE DEAL

The Post Office is proposing a significant fee increase for banks to access its network , with the goal of securing extra funds to raise postmasters pay Sky News reports that over two dozen

Tulip Siddiq

Neil Basu

A ‘humpty dumpty’ situation for Keir Starmer?

When the Labour Party secured a landslide victory in the 2024 election six months ago, Sir Keir Starmer inspired hope with his promises to fix the nation and address the missteps of 18 years of Conservative rule

However, in just half a year, the government appears to have stumbled from the lofty wall of “change” it championed From the far-right riots, with Starmer failing to confront the underlying issue of racism, to Rachel Reeves’ autumn budget reversing key pre-election commitments, and the pledge to prioritise social care reform now delayed until 2028, the cracks in Labour’s agenda are becoming increasingly apparent

The government’s recent announcement of a commission to propose reforms for the social care sector signals that addressing its deep-rooted challenges is far from an immediate priority Decades of neglect by successive governments have exacerbated these issues, while the NHS’s collapse has led to longer wait times, and social care ’ s inadequacies continue to unfairly burden the elderly and disabled The crisis in the social care sector is undeniable, yet political parties have consistently avoided confronting these urgent problems

Labour’s ambitious proposal for a National Care Service offers a glimmer of hope, but it is undermined by a lack of clarity on funding Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have provided no details on financing the initiative, and the commission’s recommendations are not expected until 2028, effectively postponing meaningful action This delay does little to instil confidence or address the immediate needs of vulnerable individuals

The

Labour’s broader approach to governance also raises concerns In just six months, the party has launched an overwhelming 67 reviews and consultations Yet, when it comes to key issues, the government appears hesitant Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips recently rejected calls for a Home Officeled inquiry into Oldham’s historic grooming gang scandal, despite repeated requests from the local council

Two possible reasons for the refusal are being speculated One is the government’s desire to avoid accusations of targeting a particular community; the other, potentially more damaging, is that such an inquiry might scrutinise Sir Keir Starmer’s tenure as head of the Crown Prosecution Service during the Oldham investigations While the motives can be debated, the decision to withhold government intervention is widely seen as reprehensible

Unsurprisingly, Labour’s popularity is faltering Despite Keir Starmer’s efforts to frame 2025 as a year of renewal, the mood across Britain remains grim, and Labour’s promises of transformative change increasingly ring hollow in the face of delayed action and waning trust After six months in power, the Labour government is running out of opportunities to blame the country’s problems solely on the Tory legacy, as they have done over the past months The focus is now shifting to whether they can deliver the "change" they so emphatically promised

The only question that remains is that will all the commissions, promises, and preparations be enough to put Britain back together again?

impact of Donald Trump 2.0

As of 2024, over 5 4 million Indians reside in the US, including 3 3 million Persons of Indian Origin In 2023, India ranked second in green card recipients, with 127,000 obtaining permanent residency Despite this, over 1 million Indians face lengthy green card backlogs due to per-country limits and low annual quotas Indian immigrants, the second-largest foreignborn group, contribute significantly to technology, healthcare, and other sectors, reinforcing US-India ties These statistics emphasise the critical role of immigration policies in shaping relations between the two nations, as the US remains a preferred destination for Indian migrants seeking opportunities

A new era in US-India relations as Donald Trump is set to begin as the President, to take on his second term on January 20, 2025 The strategic relationship between India and the US grew stronger during Trump’s first term and continued under the Biden administration The US has consistently emphasised India’s role in countering Chinese expansionism and enhancing manufacturing capacity Recent visits, such as US National Security Advisor Jack Sullivan’s trip to India, underscore India’s importance to Washington Initiatives like the Quad alliance and defence agreements, including BECA, have solidified India’s position as a key strategic ally Trump’s second term is expected to continue this focus, with deeper defence cooperation, advanced military exercises, and joint naval patrols in the Indo-Pacific However, India’s strategic autonomy means it will engage pragmatically, avoiding being cast solely as a counterweight to Beijing

But his tough stance on tariffs and "America First" policies raises concerns about trade disputes and market access While the US remains India’s largest trading partner, renewed scrutiny of tariffs and intellectual property rights may emerge India’s massive market, however, ensures American compa-

nies’ vested interest in maintaining strong trade relations

On immigration, Trump’s tightened policies during his first term disproportionately impacted Indian professionals and students Despite his rhetoric, the indispensability of skilled Indian workers to American universities and tech companies limits the likelihood of harsher restrictions on legal immigration Policies affecting H-1B visas will be closely watched as they hold significant implications for India’s tech sector and diaspora

The Indian-American community, a politically influential group, will play a pivotal role in shaping the bilateral narrative Concerns over immigration policies, education, and civil rights will influence discussions, highlighting the interconnectedness of domestic and foreign policies

Trump visited India once during his first term in February 2020, attending the "Namaste Trump" event in Ahmedabad alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showcasing their camaraderie and strengthening ties

During Trump’s first term, US criticisms of India’s internal policies, including those on Kashmir and citizenship laws, were limited However, his second term might bring greater scrutiny under pressure from lawmakers and advocacy groups Both nations must carefully navigate these sensitive issues without undermining their strategic partnership

Trump and Modi’s dynamics and policies can significantly shape the trajectory of US-India relations Positively, their camaraderie can enhance defence collaborations, economic partnerships, and counter-terrorism efforts However, potential challenges like trade disputes, immigration restrictions, or differing stances on global issues could strain the partnership The future of this relationship will depend on their ability to align strategic interests while respecting mutual sensitivities

China’s water strategy, a potential to threat India

India-China relations, marked by complexity and historical distrust, are among the most critical bilateral ties globally As key players in an emerging multipolar world, their relationship significantly impacts global stability and economic prosperity

Overcoming historical baggage and fostering trust will require visionary leadership, astute diplomacy, and effective confidence-building measures

The country's relations face another strain as China advances plans for the world's largest hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River, known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet This river, vital to millions in India and Bangladesh, is now at the centre of a geopolitical conflict The dam, approved by China on December 25, 2024 poses significant risks, including potential water shortages and flood hazards in north-eastern India The Brahmaputra is crucial to both nations' development For India, it provides 30% of freshwater resources and 40% of hydropower potential, while in China, it supports Tibet's agriculture and energy needs

China's hydro politics exploit the absence of an internationally binding water-sharing treaty with India Many rivers in northern and north-eastern India originate in Tibet and Nepal, giving China a strategic upper hand This project not only threatens water security but could also lead to economic challenges in the region

By building dams in the Himalayas, China can pressure India by disrupting water flow and impacting hydraulic infrastructure The Brahmaputra, essential to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, supports drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower A dam in Tibet could cause dry-season shortages, harm agriculture, and degrade soil fertility through increased silt deposition

During monsoons, sudden water releases could intensify flooding, leading to widespread destruction These disruptions threaten farming cycles and livelihoods, putting millions at risk

China's dam project comes amid rising geopolitical tensions, as it seeks to expand its regional influence through largescale infrastructure initiatives While India and Bangladesh have raised concerns, China's assurances about the project's impact and its commitment to disaster management will be pivotal in shaping future diplomatic dialogue China's strategy of using water resources as leverage extends beyond India With 11 massive dams on the Mekong River, it exerts control over water levels in Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam This approach reflects a broader policy of maintaining dominance over its neighbours, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, to suppress regional rivals like India

India has voiced serious concerns over the impact of China's proposed dam on the Brahmaputra River, stressing its critical importance for the livelihoods and ecosystems of the north-eastern states The External Affairs Ministry has urged China to ensure that downstream nations are not adversely affected, emphasising the need for transparency and consultation before proceeding with such large-scale projects

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's concerns through diplomatic and expert-level channels, which were also raised during recent discussions with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan The international community will closely monitor these developments, emphasising the need for transparency and regional cooperation to prevent further tensions India has water-sharing treaties with Pakistan (Indus Waters Treaty) and Bangladesh (Ganga Water Sharing Treaty), enabling dialogue to resolve disputes However, with China, there is no such treaty Instead, India and China rely on a temporary memorandum of understanding (MoU) for hydrological data on the Brahmaputra, renewed every five years Experts warn that China can nullify this agreement at any time, leaving India vulnerable

“The

biggest temptation is to settle for too little ”

Thomas Merton

Political Sketchbook

UK-India Relations Beyond Trade: The Role of Hinduism in Cultural Diplomacy

Following from Tulsi Gabbard and the CEO of Microsoft’s visit to India to do so much for US-India relations (oh and the US National Security Advisor too) let’s look at UK-India relations Tulsi, as the nominee Director of National Insurance, and you won’t meet a more vocal and proud Hindu in public life anywhere, is the most important of many important vocal Hindus in the Trump administration

UK-India relations are often viewed through the lens of trade deals, economic partnerships, and geopolitical strategy But beneath these headlines lies a subtler, yet equally significant force: the growing influence of Hinduism in shaping

Americans have grasped this Kamala did herself no favours in UK India relations being confused about her roots

The Rise of Hindu Representation in the UK

The UK’s Indian diaspora, particularly those of Hindu faith, plays a central role in this dynamic From the celebration of Diwali at 10 Downing Street to the increasing presence of British Indian MPs, Hinduism has become a visible part of British public life These cultural symbols are more than gestures they’re powerful tools of soft diplomacy If used the way the Americans have now at long last understood and accepted it through Trump

Rishi Sunak, the UK’s first Prime Minister of Indian origin and a practising Hindu, symbolizes this intersection His public acknowledgment of his faith, such as lighting Diwali lamps outside No 10, resonates deeply with Indian audiences and highlights shared values of inclusivity and diversity Of course, as Hindus, we ’ re never satisfied We’re striving for more

Soft Power in Action

Hindu philosophy, with its emphasis on sustainability, community, and non-violence, aligns with global priorities like climate action and social cohesion For example:

• Y oga a nd Ayur veda : The UK has embraced these ancient practices, fostering a shared cultural identity that transcends borders

• Fes tivals and Educ ation: Diwali, Holi, and other celebrations are now mainstream in the UK, and many schools teach aspects of Hinduism as part of religious education

• Susta inability Collab oration: Hindu principles of living in harmony with nature resonate with the UK’s push for green initiatives

These cultural exchanges create goodwill, deepening ties beyond formal negotiations

Challenges and Opportunities

Both nations must work to ensure that cultural diplomacy fosters inclusivity, avoiding polarization or the politicization of religious identity

But beyond that we must ensure the Americans don’t runaway with what should be a naturally close UK India relationship The Americans work deeply on nuclear technology transfer, defence, security We must not be seen in Britain as aloof, the superior partner The truth is we need India We need the security in its region, we need the climate work, we need the vaccines, we need the investment India needs few countries, if any The Americans under Trump and belatedly under Biden have grasped this But bewarned Jealous eyes want UK India relations to be like those that are Canada India relations They want to disrupt and destroy relations These fanatics will stop at nothing

Beyond Economics

Trade deals and economic growth will always dominate headlines, but the role of culture and faith in international relations should not be underestimated Hinduism’s growing presence in the UK isn’t just a reflection of the diaspora’s influence it’s a bridge between two nations, fostering understanding in a way that economics alone cannot achieve It is incredibly important to the Government of India The Americans who separate Church and State get this

For UK-India relations to thrive, this softer, cultural dimension will remain as important as any trade agreement

This New Year, share the gift of knowledge and connection with your loved ones through our special combo subscription offer for Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. For more details, see page: 9

Alpesh Patel

V O T E R D I S P A R I T Y A T

T I P P I N G P O I N T

UK election s are ne arin g a "ti ppin g point" wh ere they could lose legi timacy due to d ecli ni ng vote r tur nout, pa rticularly among ren ters

a n d n o n - g r a d u a t e s, a ccordi ng to a re port b y the I nstitute for P ublic Poli cy Research (IPP R)

The think tank's analysis highlighted a growing

g

groups In the 2024 general election, the turnout gap between university gradu-

a t e s a n d n o n - g

d

e s increased to 11 percentage points, double that of 2019 Similarly, the gap between h o m e o w n e r s a n d r e n

r s grew by 25% between 2017 and 2024, reaching 19 percentage points

These findings point to

elections Dr Parth Patel, associate director at IPPR, warned that the increasing disengagement could lead to a loss of electoral legiti-

macy, as the majority of people fail to vote This trend is also reflected in income disparities, with an

turnout gap between the top and bottom thirds of

working-class and middleclass voters The turnout gap between younger (1824) and older (over 60) voters remained at 21 percentage points

This data is concerning for Labour, particularly as p

McSweeney based the 2024 election strategy on win-

ning over non-graduates Labour has also focused on tackling the rise of Reform UK, which came second in 89 Labour-held seats, especially in former industrial

voter participation, such as

lowering the voting age to 16, and expanding the types of ID accepted at polling stations

The IPPR also recommended enfranchising the

paying residents who aren’t UK citizens, and adjusting constituency boundaries to

enforce election rules and proposed a civic duty for citizens to staff polling stations, warning that with-

more traction

Treasury criticised over ‘tax break’ claim in school VAT ads

M Ps and educ ation leaders

h ave accus ed th e Treasu ry of

b r e ac h i ng im p ar t ia l it y b y c laim ing th at V AT on private s cho ol fees wo uld end a “tax break ” The policy, which introduces VAT on independent school fees for the first time in the UK, has been promot-

e d i n T r e a s u r y a d v e r t i s ements stating that it will “end tax breaks for private schools from 2025 ” and “enable better investment in state education,” including hiring 6,500

a d d i t i o n a l t e a c h e r s T h i s messaging aligns with statem e n t s b y E d u c

Struggling

Secretary Bridget Phillipson and other ministers

C

guage is misleading Former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel accused the Treasury of abandoning neutrality, calling its stance a “mouthpiece

Norman echoed this, stating, “The absence of a charge is not a tax break,” while also highlighting that funds raised are not earmarked for education

Association, noted that VAT is a tax on parents rather than schools and warned it could force smaller and special needs schools to close W h i l e t h e g o v e r n m e n t expects schools to absorb some costs and reclaim VAT

o n

increases have exceeded initial projections

have risen by an average of

imposing a 20% hike The T r e a s u r y m

a i n s t h a t previous VAT and business rate exemptions constituted “tax breaks ”

universities spend £1m on overseas trips

U niv ersities strug gling with funding hav e spent nearly £1 m il li o n o n o v ers ea s tr i p s o ver the p as t th ree years, accord ing to an analysis by T he T imes

Despite ongoing financial difficulties and capped

t u i t i o n f e e s , v i c e - c h a n c e llors from the Russell Group of universities have taken extravagant trips, with one university leader spending over £86,000 on flights to destinations like Australia

a n d a n o t h e r s p e n d i n g £8,000 on a two-day visit to A r i z o n a A l l e g e d l y , l u x u r y h o t e l s a n d e x p

bursed for some vice-chancellors

London, incurred £35,000 in renovation costs for his univ e r s i t y - p r o v i d e d f l a t a n d later spent £8,000 on a trip t

£500-a-night hotel Kapur a r g u e d f o

a 3 5 % h i k e i n tuition fees to £12,500 to allow universities to break

Public discontent grows as Starmer's Labour falters

Labour lead er Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged p ublic disconte

li ng the Co nserv atives on ec

tence

In his New Year’s m

emphasised the need t

“ r

r t h e great nation we are ” and pledged to restore prosperity and public services However, the mood across Britain remains bleak A YouGov poll for The Times found only 21% of voters trust Labour most on the economy, compared to 24% for the Tories their first lead since before Liz Truss’s tenure This marks a sharp decline from Labour’s 29-20 lead after the last election

The survey also reveals widespread dissati s

h 4 6 % expressing disappointment in the party’s performance Overall, just 12% of voters view the government as successful, while 56% consider it unsuccessful Labour is described as “incompetent” and “dishonest” by over half of respondents, and Starmer’s personal ratings have similarly fallen

While Labour retains a significant lead on the NHS, polling shows the party trailing Reform UK on immigration Efforts to frame 2025 as a year of renewal, with Starmer drawing parallels to post-World War II reconstruction, appear to have had limited impact

Meanwhile, council by-elections highlight Labour’s struggles, with a net loss of 27 seats since July Lord Hayward, a Tory peer, labelled Starmer’s administration “the most unpopular incoming government of all time ”

The Conservatives and Reform UK have seized on Labour’s difficulties, warning that the government offers “change for the worse ”

Police investigate prison attack on Sara Sharif’s father

P o l ic e are i nv e st ig ating rep orts th at U rfan Sharif, 43 , the father of schoolgirl

S ar a S h ar i f, w as at tac k ed by tw o inmates in Belmarsh prison

T h e a s s a u l t , reportedly carried out on New Year s Day with a weapon made from a tuna tin lid, left him with injuries to his neck and face, which were treated in prison

The Metropolitan Police are investigating an assault allegation at Belmarsh prison Last month, Urfan Sharif, 43, and Sara's stepmother, Beinash Batool, 30, were sentenced to life for the murder of 10-year-old Sara at their home in Woking, Surrey

S

demned their abusive campaign as "torture" and criticised them for showing "no remorse "

MPS OPPOSE POST OFFICE HANDLING HORIZON COMPENSATION

The Post Office must be removed from overseeing redress schemes for victims of the Horizon scandal to prevent further delays to justice the Commons business and trade committee has urged In a report the committee criticised the slow pace of compensation payments It recommended imposing financial penalties on the government if progress does not accelerate The report revealed that Post Office Ltd, a state-owned entity, has spent £136 million on legal fees for the four Horizon redress schemes This includes £82 million paid to a single law firm, Herbert Smith Freehills, for advising on two of the compensation schemes managed by the Post Office Alarmingly, the total legal costs represent 27% of the redress paid to victims so far The committee’s findings underscore concerns that the current approach is exacerbating delays for those seeking justice It called for urgent changes to ensure victims receive fair and timely compensation without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles

REOFFENDING FOREIGN CRIMINALS EVADE DEPORTATION

Hundreds of foreign criminals are prolific reoffenders, with some committing more than ten offences while evading deportation Over the past four years, 537 foreign criminals have committed ten or more offences, and 1,260 have committed between six and nine Another 10,093 foreign criminals have committed between one and five offences, bringing the total number of re-offenders to 11,890 Separate data revealed that foreign offenders who avoided deportation committed 10,000 offences in one year, with a quarter reoffending after being released from prison and staying in the UK By law, the home secretary must deport foreign criminals sentenced to over a year in prison with the discretion to remove those jailed for shorter sentences if deemed in the public interest Currently 10 000 foreign criminals are in British jails making up 12% of the prison population Albanians lead the list, followed by criminals from Poland, Romania, Ireland, and Jamaica

90% OF LONDON CAR THEFTS UNSOLVED, FIGURES REVEAL

According to the analysis, Shitij Kapur, vice-chanc e l

o r o f K i n g ’ s C o l l e g e

tenure Amid these high costs, university leaders argue that international travel is vital for building networks that enhance UK research and trade However, with uni-

ties defend these expenses, asserting they are necessary to maintain global research and education partnerships

A Met Police spokesperson confirmed they are investigating an assault at HMP Belmarsh on January 1, where Sharif, 43, sustained nonlife-threatening injuries A source revealed that Sharif was attacked in his cell by two men with a makeshift weapon made from a tuna tin lid The assault was reportedly planned, and Sharif was lucky to survive after receiving stitches

The attack occurred just weeks after Sharif began his minimum 40-year sentence

The Met Police have been criticised for failing to solve 90% of car thefts in London, with new figures labelled "staggeringly high " Home Office data shows that 90 2% of car thefts between February and June 2024 were classified as unsolved Out of 8,861 investigations, only 80 cases (0 9%) led to a charge, while no suspect was identified in 7,996 cases An average of 78 5% of car thefts across England and Wales went unsolved totalling nearly 25 000 cases according to Liberal Democrat research The Met Police had the highest unsolved rate followed by South Yorkshire (85%) and Essex Wiltshire Sussex and Hertfordshire (80%) Only 2 8% of cases, about 900, led to a charge or summons Lib Dem home affairs spokesperson Lisa Smart said victims are "denied justice" as car thefts go unsolved and thieves avoid punishment She added, "Victims should feel safe and protected by the police, but after severe cuts to community policing, that's no longer true We urge the new government to toughen its approach to crime and invest in local policing for safer communities "

Dr Parth Patel

Shitij Kapur

Sir Keir Starmer

Urfan Sharif

A S I S E E I T

(Light a lamp with another, flow with the river of love, Embrace have nots along your way, Embrace everyone by spreading kindness as you move )

I cam e across t his song much lat er , but i t echoes deeply within m e, especi ally when people ask m e questi on s, I hear qui te often: “You have such a unique background; how did you tr an sit into m edi a? Why do you wor k so hard at your age? Why not retir e? ” These are thoughtful questi on s, an d I am not surpri sed they com e up I have shared m y per spective in on e of my colum ns of “Jeevan Panth” in Gujarat Sam achar , and many of m y f riends ar e awar e of it too

M y j o u r n e y i n t o m e d i a w a s n ’ t purely accidental, nor was it meticulously planned, it was simply a case of one thing leading to another When I was young, my parents subscribed to a Gujarati daily newspaper, and even at the age of four, I found myself flipping through its pages There were also children's magazines like Bal Jeevan and Bal Mitra, which introduced me to the joy of reading I soon realised that r e a d i n g w a s n o t j u s t f u n b u t a l s o rewarding By the time I was 12, in 1949, the daily newspaper Sandesh, which my parents received, published a special Diwali edition titled ArogyaT an a n n u, M a n a n n u , D h a n a n u (Health: Body, Mind and W ealth) It was beautifully presented with captivating visuals I was amazed, thinking: My God! There is so much to learn, so much to enjoy and so much to share! I

Akshar Gyan: How media, defiance and service shaped my life and work

I shared how the inspiration for this p

Sanyasi. He reminded me that while money is important, it is not everything He encouraged me to pursue something meaningful, saying, "If you

through Akshar Gyan (knowledge of wo r d s) S

that words held a unique significance

passed on to me

B

Samachar, I faced a challenging period of introspection To gain clarity on what, how and when I should proceed in the field of print media, I attended a three-day retreat at the Theosophical Lodge in Camberley, Surrey. This was followed by a week long training at the Thomson Foundation in Reading in

eagerly discussed what I had learned about health and the human body with m y s c h o o l f r i e n d s a n d n e i g h b o u r s , sparking my lifelong love for knowledge and sharing As life moved forward, reading newspapers, magazines and books became an integral part of my daily routine, a source of nourishment and in many ways, sustenance In an article published in our special book "Eyes of Tomorrow" in 2023,

1977 The experience introduced me to the legacy of Lord Thomson, and for anyone interested in learning about him, I recommend his book, "A fter I Was Sixty" by Lord T hom son of Fleet It offers profound insight into his life and philosophy

Akshar Gyan represents the principle of standing by your readers and your community This belief was further solidified during two brief yet

immigration laws or resolving challenges with local governments I am proud to say that in Britain, whenever we have initiated a campaign, we have mostly succeeded. However, I cannot say the same about campaigns concerning issues in India For instance, while our campaign for a Direct Flight between the UK and Ahmedabad was successful, thanks to the support of Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi, but other efforts, such as addressing property fraud, hijacked properties or land disputes affecting NRIs, did not y

detailed memorandum, these issues remain unresolved I n

s been more achievable, provided politicians are reminded and public opinion is mobilised Take the Hare Krishna Temple campaign in 1994 It wasn’t just Hindus who supported it, Jains, Sikhs, some Muslims, many Christians and members of the Jewish community joined forces With their collective support, the campaign achieved its g

power of unity and persistence

p

Prabhupada at the ISKCON Temple in 7 Bury Place, Central London. Though our exchange was brief, his words left a lasting impact Here was a man, despite his health challenges and other o b s t a c l e s , c r e

Inspired by our conversation, I read the Bhagavad Gi ta A s It Is, a copy he personally gave me That reading was a revelation, it taught me that every a c t i o n , w h e t h e r a s a n e m p l o y e e , a spouse, or a politician, is a form of service This understanding profoundly shaped my perspective and I embraced service to my readers and my community as my life’s motto

W h e n w e t o o k o v e r G u j a r a t

Samachar, during the Emergency in India, a time when fundamental rights were suspended, media censorship was e n f o r c e d , a n d p r o m i n e n t p o l i t i c a l leaders were arrested The press, often regarded as the fourth pillar of democr a c y , s u f f e r e d g r e a t l y u n d e r t h e s e restrictions Our very first campaign w a s a b o l d s t a n d a g a i n s t I n d i r a

G a n d h i ' s E m e r g e n c y , r o o t e

a g g r e s s i v e l y s t r o n g i n i t s m e s s a g e

D ef yi ng t he con straint s, we published Rab in dr an ath Ta gore's i con i c poem fr om Gitanj ali, "Where the mi nd is wi t ho ut f ear an d th e he ad is hel d high " This act of defiance led to India House barring my entry, as the Indian government, under Indira Gandhi had prohibited the publication of that very poem It was a reminder of the power of written words and the resilience required to uphold democratic values Defiance has always been an intrinsic part of media and campaigning has been at the heart of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar’s mission Over the years, we have consistently supported c a u s e s t h a t s e r v e o u r c o m m u n i t y , w h e t h e r a d d r e s s i n g h e a l t h i s s u e s , tackling difficulties with nationality or

I must say that the Indian diaspora, e

y vibrant and active Whenever we presented a well thought out proposal for a campaign or cause, we received overwhelming support. Without the backing of my readers, the community, organisational leaders and even some philanthropists, none of our achievem

have served our commu-

decide What I can confidently say is

putting service before self, at least in the public domain I am not perfect, and I have openly admitted in one of m

or honesty to write my autobiography That said, I can assure you that the content of Asian Voice (previously New Life) and Gujarat Samachar, as well as our other special magazines is rooted in truth, with the simple intention of serving our community to the best of our ability

CB Patel

Srila Prabhupada

MCB secretary-general candidates under fire for controversial views

T wo candid ates competing to lead the Muslim Council for Britain (MC B) hav e m ad e c o nt ro v e rs ia l rem a rks : D r M uhamm ad A drees praised Iran, while Dr M ohammed Wajid Akhter called m ixedg end er New Year celebrations “ un-Islam ic ”

The two are vying for the role of secretary-general of the council, which claims to be the largest democratic v o i c e o f B r i t i s h M u s l i m s However, a Policy Exchange report has revealed “deeply disturbing” comments from both, according to a former Muslim MP

I n 2 0 2 2 , A k h t e r described being Muslim as an "act of revolutionary defia n c e " a n d u r g e d B r i t i s h Muslims to identify primarily as Muslim, rather than as British

He argued that teaching children to prioritise nationality or ethnicity limits their w o r l d v i e w a n d f o s t e r s

n a t i o n a l i s m , r a c i s m , a n d fascism "Choosing faith as a

primary identity provides a solid foundation," he wrote, adding that children should be taught to embrace their Muslim identity above all e

H

g e d parents to remind their children of their proud heritage, saying, “Help them realise they are heirs to an ancient and proud nation, so they can hold their head high ” In a 2012 article, Akhter argued that Muslims should avoid New Year’s celebrat i o n s , c i t i n g u n - I s l a m i c practices" like mixed-gender e v e n t s w i t h d a

Britain criminalises sexually explicit 'deepfakes'

T h e Br it i sh g o v ern m en t announced plans to criminalise th e creation and distribution o f sexu ally explicit " deepfakes," aiming to combat a surg e in such abu ses, p rimarily targeting w omen and girls

Deepfakes are artificially generated videos, images, or a u d i o c l i p s d e s i g n e d t o appear real This technology is often misused to superim-

p o s e s o m e o n e ’ s l i k e n e s s onto explicit content with-

o u t t h e i r c o n s e n t W h i l e sharing intimate images or v i d e o s w i t h o u t c o n s e n t , known as "revenge porn," was outlawed in 2015, this legislation does not cover digitally manipulated fake images

D a t a f r o m t h e U K ’ s R e v e n g e P o r n H e l p l i n e s h o w s a s t a g g e r i n g 4 0 0 % increase in deepfake-related image abuse since 2017 The n e w o f f e n c e w i l l m a k e i t i l l e g a l t o c r e a t e o r s h a r e deepfakes without consent

There is no excuse for creating sexually explicit deepfakes of someone without their permission," the just i c e m i n i s t r y s a i d

Perpetrators could face fines

or jail time

T h e g o v e r n m e n t a l s o plans to introduce offences for taking intimate images w i t h o u t c o n s e n t a n d i n s t a l l i n

penalties of up to two years in prison Victims Minister A l e x D a v i e s - J o n e s c o nd

"demeaning and disgusting

forms hosting abusive content, warning of significant penalties

The proposed measures will be part of the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill, though a parliamentary date is yet to be set

Child mental health crises surge 10%

There has been a 10 % i ncrease in chi ldren in Engl and recei ving s pec ial is t treatm ent fo r severe mental health iss ues , acc ording to NHS data

B e t w e e n A p r i l a n d O c t o b e r 2 0 2 4 , e m e r g e n c y , very urgent, and urgent referrals for under-18s rose from 31,749 to 34,793 compared to the previous year These children often face life-threatening conditions, such as suicidality or severe eating disorders

The charity YoungMinds, w h i c h a n a l y z e d t h e d a t a , found that very urgent referrals to mental health crisis care teams rose by 13%, from 3,912 to 4,424 L a u r a B u n t , C h i e f E x e c u t i v e o f Y o u n g M i n d s , emphasised that early supp o r t c o u l d p r e v e n t m a n y young people from reaching crisis levels, but without it, their mental health deterior a t e s , s o m e t i m e s p u t t i n g their lives at risk

tiny He expressed support for the republic, claiming it r

, despite reports of blasphemy-related executions that year K h a

longest-serving Muslim MP

“Islam-free zone ” with no connection to Islam In 2023

sised the need for Muslims

into a "powerful communi-

"begging" to "giving " In 2017, Adrees wrote

Iranian regime following a trip to Tehran In an article for Islam Today, he praised Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran’s former supreme leader, and the Iranian Revolution for guiding the nation to its des-

views uncovered by Policy Exchange are deeply troubling The MCB’s repeated missteps are no accident but a flaw in its ideology The government is right to avoid engaging with the MCB ”

advice on governance, diversity, and community relations but does not issue religious rulings It encourages people from all backgrounds to visit local mosques to prom

Labour in 2005, the council's relationship with the government soured after 2009 when a senior member supported Hamas

Man charged over ex-soldier's escape

A man ha s b een c harged with he l pi n g f or m e r s ol d i er

Daniel Khalife es cape from pris on I m r a n C h o w d h u r y , 2

London, has been charged w i t h a s s i s t i n g D a n i e l

Khalife's escape from HMP Wandsworth in September

2

Metropolitan Police Arrested in January and c

, Chowdhury faces one count of assisting an escaped pris-

Justice Act 1961 He is due to

Prof. Indranil Chakravorty MBE

The Assisted Dying Bill: Benefits and challenges for a multicultural UK society

Professor Indranil Chakravorty MBE, Consultant Physician & Chair of Bapio Institute for Health Research

The passage of the Assisted Dying Bi ll by th e UK Parliament marks a significant sh ift in h ow society views autonomy, dignity, and end-of-life care Bu t what does th is legislatio n mean for a multicultural soci ety li ke the UK?

This bill brought to the house by Kim Leadbetter MP promises to preserve autonomy and dignity by allowing terminally ill individuals to maintain control over their final days, reducing the suffering associated with protracted illnesses In jurisdictions such as the Netherlands, where euthanasia has been legal since 2002, studies show that patients seek assisted dying primarily due to loss of autonomy (87%), fear of diminished quality of life (90%), and suffering (84%)

These statistics underscore the role of such laws in empowering individuals to make decisions aligned with their values

This bill also proposes to reduce unregulated practices or illegal instances around ending the life of terminally ill individuals A study in Belgium, where euthanasia was legalised in 2002, revealed a decrease in unregulated assisted deaths Legal oversight ensures ethical compliance, minimising the risks associated with informal arrangements that could compromise patient safety

Ar

Magistrates' Court

The Met confirmed that n

n w i l

b e taken against a 25-year-old woman arrested in February l a s t y e a

s u s p i c i o n o

a s s i s t i n g a n o f f e n d e r Khalife, 23, was found guilty in November of spying for Iran, breaching the Official Secrets and Terrorism Acts However, he was cleared of carrying out a bomb hoax and had previously admitted t o e s c a p i n g f r o m Wandsworth prison by hiding under a food delivery van

Labour faces blow as 20 Nottinghamshire councillors resign

of

le ader, have res igned from the Lab our Party in protes t against Keir Starmer’ s leadership

Formerly part of a 26member Labour majority, t h

w form an independent party and plan to run the council as a minority administration for the time being

T

Labour barred 10 council-

Council elections in May a

party's cuts to the winter fuel allowance

C

M

a n Radulovic, who quit Labour after 42 years, called the party's decision to block 10 councillors from standing

" u t t e r l y d i s g r a c e f u l " a n d s a i d i t l e f t h i m i n a n "impossible position " He a l s o c r i t i c

p l a n s f o r local government reorganisation, warning that proposals for super councils would undermine democracy and centralise power, likening it to a "dictatorship " In their statement, the c o u n c i l l o r s a c c u s e d K e i r S t a r m e r ' s l e a d e r s h i p o f a b a n d o n i n g " t r

d i t i o n a l Labour values," pointing to c u t s t o t h e w i n t e r f u e l a l l o w a n c e , t h e t w o - c h i l d benefit cap, rising bus fares, t h e " b e t r a y a l " o f W a s p i w o m e n , a n d a " t e p i d response to the genocide in Gaza " They noted that one N o t t i n g h a m s h

Concerning populations from socioeconomic or minoritised backgrounds, assisted dying laws may inadvertently pressure vulnerable individuals to end their lives prematurely, particularly in societies such as the UK with systemic inequalities For a multicultural society like the UK, where socioeconomic disparities disproportionately affect ethnic minorities, safeguards are critical to ensure informed and voluntary decisionmaking Healthcare professionals in multicultural contexts may face conflicts between their personal beliefs and professional duties Surveys of physicians in jurisdictions with assisted dying laws, such as Canada, reveal varying willingness to participate, often influenced by religious or cultural beliefs This challenge is magnified in the UK, where 29% of NHS staff come from minority ethnic backgrounds, requiring culturally sensitive training and robust support systems

Some experts caution that the availability of assisted dying could complicate suicide prevention strategies, potentially normalising suicide among vulnerable populations

From the perspectives of health professionals, the opinions remain deeply divided There are fears that the lack of adequate palliative care provisions, which are primarily funded by charities, may further complicate matters at the end of life There are frequent instances where doctors and nurses are faced with challenging end-of-life conversations with an ethnically and religiously diverse population These can be challenges against end-of-life treatment escalation plans or on rarer occasions, pressure from patients or their families to hasten the end of life Health professionals find themselves in situations where limitations of language, education, social deprivation and their lack of cultural intelligence, make it impossible to understand and connect with patients with terminal illness

There is a bigger issue which is not discussed outside of the medical profession, and that is the uncertainty of ‘terminal illness’ The nature of disease and how individuals react to their condition or treatment options makes it difficult to predict the length of life Often the most detailed prognosis predictions are merely educated guesses In such situations, agreement by two physicians with an ill-informed patient without the social and educational background, who chooses to end their life using this legislation, may lead to an unnecessary and untimely death That would be a disaster from an ethical and moral perspective

The Assisted Dying Bill offers terminally ill patients a choice to die with dignity, reflecting a commitment to individual autonomy and compassionate care However, its implementation poses challenges, especially in a multicultural society like the UK, where religious, ethical, and social values vary widely There needs to be more national conversations engaging the members of multicultural organisations to address these challenges before the UK can create a compassionate framework that respects both autonomy and diversity

Muhammad Adrees and Mohammed Wajid Akhter

Alex Davies-Jones

Reflecting on 2024 and planning for the year ahead

We can now look back on 2024 and assess it in its entirety As is th e case with any year, th ere were ups and downs in 2024 , for both the wider econom y, and the p roperty market Althou gh, at times, it felt as tho ugh last year w as a p articularly brutal one for prop erty investors and landlord s

Many challenges emerged in the market in 2024, and we believe most of them resulted from our struggle to get on top of our stubborn economic problems

Specifically, stalling on inflation was disappointing There seems to be no easy way forward here

If borrowers need tips and/or encouragement for the year ahead, we’d say:

The first half of the year showed potential, as the CPI continued downwards from its 2023 highs We finally hit our 2% target in May, and optimism – all too briefly – returned But, in H2, we struggled to stick to 2%, and the fear may be there that inflation could runaway from us once again Costs are still high for many and by failing to fully get on top of inflation, confidence in the market will likely be dented

• While looking for short-term financial solutions, keep your long-term goals in mind

were thrilled to see the Bank of England feel confident enough to finally cut the base rate in 2024 We even finished the year with a hopeful forecast of more rate cuts to come

Hopefully, 2025 will be a turnaround year for the property market There is still plenty of demand for rental properties in the UK, yields may be surprisingly stable this year, and certain commercial assets may rebound

• Communicate with your lender and partners as much as possible to get ahead of any issues

• Do not take dire financial news too much to heart, keep an eye out for positive headlines and opportunities

Although, all of 2024 ’ s challenges led to a solid year for the bespoke lending market As borrowers looked for solutions for their investment woes, it seems they turned to bridging providers for salvation

Throughout the year, bridging loan books reached record levels, according to the Association of Short Term Lenders Also, despite inflation’s trickiness, we

Although, we must remember the challenges that sit ahead of us The Renters’ Rights Bill, Awaab’s Law, EPC targets, and more will all come into focus this year Fortunately, all of this will likely push demand for bespoke lending products that are designed from the ground up to find solutions for these types of issues A t M arket Financial Solutions, we will be there fo r what borrow ers know is com ing , as w ell as tho se nasty economic surprises that m ay catch them off guard

Ananya Prasad rows solo across Atlantic

months left before reaching Antigua She has mince pies and mulled wine ready to mark the

across the Atlantic for the World's Toughest Row challenge, raising funds for the Mental Health Foundation and an orphanage in India

She spent Christmas at sea, marking the occasion with

sports, admits the solitude is "unsettling" but finds comfort in messages from family and friends "It will be hard,

but I’m choosing to do this," she said M s P r a s a d s a i d t h e weather has been "stormy and rough" since she set off but hopes it will improve

training, she’s navigating a 25ft ocean rowing boat, having had to learn everything from scratch, as she has no

experience

u , India, Ms Prasad moved to the UK at age five and has

doors, and adventure

Women's support centre gains £1m funding

The leader of a charity s upp o rt i n g w o m e n f r om

m i n or i t y e t hn i c b a c kgrounds express ed her j oy af te r rec eivin g a £1 mi lli on g r a n t f r om t he g o v er nm ent, calling i t "so wonderf ul " Shantona Women s and Family Services, based in Harehills, Leeds, offers supp o r t f o r " h i d d e n i s s u e s " such as domestic violence, mental health challenges, a

serves women and young people from South Asian c

often "fallen through the cracks" of traditional support systems CEO Nahid Rasool said

grant from the Community

and girls to have their own dedicated space where they

1998 by local Bangladeshi women, Shantona started as a women's group provid-

Boost childcare and commute aid to help parents, report finds

Labour mus t pr ovide addit iona l s upport f or workin g parents , inc luding childcare and c om muting aid, to meet

ion

Foundation has urged

The government plans to unveil a 10-year child poverty strategy in the spring, followi n g i

ment

The Resolution Founda

Poverty Out’ highlights that the last Labour government lifted 600,000 children out o

among single parents

However, it notes a shift in today's challenge, as 70% of families in poverty now

h

parent, compared to 49% in 2000 H

under five, 31% having three or more children, and nearly half including an adult with

ing a space separate from the men's community cen-

been with the charity since its inception, shared that

permanent base at the centre, which will become a "community haven " With a team of 35 staff and over 15 volunteers fluent in 16 lan-

schools, and strengthening workers’ rights to reduce

changing jobs

Countryside boosts park home demand among downsizers

New research from Regency Living, sp ec ialists in over5 0s pr op e rty, r eveals t h at while co astal areas remai n p op u lar, c ou ntryside lo cat io ns h a ve dr iv en th e stro ngest demand fo r park h omes in the past year

The study analysed park h o m e l i s t i n g s a c r o s s

England, identifying regions w i t h t h e h i g h e s t b u y e r a c t i v i t y a n d t h e b i g g e s t annual increase in demand

In Q4 2024, one in five park homes listed for sale in England were already under

offer, a 1 5% rise from the p r e v i o u s y e a r T h e W e s t Midlands led demand, with 50% of park homes sold, followed by Berkshire (39 3%), O x f o r d s h i r e ( 3 4 6 % ) , S o m e r s e t ( 3 3 7 % ) , a n d S t a f f o r d s h i r e ( 3 3 3 % )

Staffordshire also saw the l a r g e s t a n n u a l d e m a n d increase, rising 19%

In Q4 2024, demand for park homes rose by 18 2% in O x f o r d s h i r e , w i t h M e r s e y s i d e ( + 1 7 4 % ) , Buckinghamshire (+15 2%), a n d t h e I s l e o f W i g h t (+12 2%) also experiencing significant annual increases Tim Simmons, Sales & M a r k e t i n g D i r e c t o r a t R e g e n c y L i v i n g , s t a t e d , R e s i d e n t i a l p a r k h o m e s offer silver downsizers an affordable way into desirable areas, bypassing high p r o p e r t y p r i c e s W h i l e c o a s t a l l o c a t i o n s l i k e Cornwall and Dorset have been popular, it's the countryside sites that have driven the park home market the most in late 2024 "

Paresh Raja, CEO MFS

Ananya Prasad

Grand celebration of Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav by Vadtal Dham in London

Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal

D ham UK hosted a grand Murti Pran Pratis htha Mahotsav at their inaugural Swaminarayan Temple in Pinner, London, from 31s t D ecember 2024 to 5th

J anuary 2025

The celebrations featured a series of beautifully planned events, including a Pothi Yatra, Satsangi Jeevan Katha, Yagna, a grand Nagar Yatra, and the Murti Pran Pratishtha ceremony The sacred idols of Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj, Shree Lakshminarayan Dev, Shree Narayan Dev, Shree Ram

Darbar, Shree Radhakrishna Dev, Shree Ganpatiji, Shree Hanumanji and Shivji were ceremoniously installed during the festivities

The Nagar Yatra witnessed the participation of the

UK's first National Thali Week commemorates curry varieties

T

launched to celebrate

outh A sia's rich culinary h eritage annually

The week-long National T h a l

W

brates South Asia’s vibrant

c

enthusiasts to explore the diverse cuisines of a traditional thali Held annually in January, NTW promotes cultural appreciation, healthy eating, and community spirit, making it a global event with widespread appeal NTW was announced in

l a t e 2 0 2 4 a

s Mohanthal Restaurant, with

C h e f A r b

S

n g h , MasterChef 2019 semi-finalist, endorsing the initiative

distinguished

and

about South Asian culinary traditions Gulzar's journey

Leicestershire Curry Awards,

food lovers, eventually leading to the Toronto Curry Awards and expanding glob-

Asian flavors

Bestway founder Abdul Khalique Bhatti passes away at 89

Bestw ay has announced the passing of Abd ul Khalique Bhatti, one of its found ing fath ers Bhatti, a childhood friend of Bestway founder Sir Anwar Pervez, began his career at Bestway in the late 1970s at the Acton warehouse

He later became general manager in Southall before moving to the head office in Park Royal For over 40 years, he served as a director of Bestway Holdings and a trustee of the Bestway Foundation in both the UK and Pakistan Bhatti retired in 2016 to spend more time with his family in Pakistan He passed away peacefully after a long illness and was

Rohit Vadhwana

laid to rest at his ancestral home in Pakistan on 21st December 2024

A Bestway spokesperson said, "Mr Bhatti will be remembered for his gentlemanly manner and sense of humor He will be deeply missed by all in the Bestway family Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time "

Mayor,

Members of Parliament, a large number of devotees and local residents The event was graced by the presence of Shree Acharya Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, Shree Acharya

Nrugendraprasadji Maharaj, Lalji Shree Pushpendraprasadji Maharaj, and members of the Dharmakul family, who offered blessings to the devotees on this auspicious occasion

Karen's Diner offers rude service training to Birmingham Indian restaurants

seeking Birmingham Ind ian restaurants w illing to train staff to ad opt a 'rude' custom er serv ice style as part of plans to retu rn to th e city Karen's, an Am eric an-style diner known fo r its offensive staff interactions, closed in May 2024

Karen's Diner, Showon, is relaunching with an "Asian

Bombay, aiming to partner with Indian restaurateurs A

our diners ceased to trade, we had to adapt The Karen's experience is loved globally,

and now is the perfect time to bring our unique style to new customers " London-based Showon, known for immersive dining

offers a 'training model' to

Bombay licensees for rude service, available for a nominal fee In return, Showon takes 7 5% of gross sales The company is also exploring other UK cities that previously hosted Karen's Diner Karen's first opened in Birmingham in 2022, quickly going viral for its shocking service, but the diner went into liquidation 18 months later

Successful fundraiser held by India Association in Slough

The India Association, a British charity, celebrated its annual festival on 30th November at Baylis House, Slough, with around 200 guests in attendance, including the honourable Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi, MP, and Chair of the Defence Committee Chairman Sarbjit Grewal and his executive committee played a key role in making the event a highly successful fundraiser for the homeless The highlight of the evening was the Bhangra group "Munday Punjab Day " and the raffle and auction which raised significant funds for the cause

Often, we say, " I can do this " Bu t this 'c an' d o es not neces sari ly lead to action unless accomp anied by a firm commitment: " I w ill d o this, " fo llowed by actually d oing it The gap betw een 'can' and 'will' is th e d efining line between success and failure It separates the potential to achieve fro m the effort required to make thing s hap pen

For example, possessing the ability to sing well does not guarantee one will perform well Despite having the talent and skill, a singer needs to rehearse regularly, synchronize with the music, show up for performances, and pour their heart into the art to produce exceptional results Hence, the 'can' is merely a possibility, while the 'will' is the reality brought to life

Similarly, all of us can wake up early, establish an impactful morning routine, and have an energetic start to the day The schedule could include prayer, meditation, exercise, and a nutritious breakfast However, this does not mean we all will implement such a routine in our daily lives Why? Because while we 'can,' we often lack the determination to translate it into action

An interesting aspect of this dynamic is that until you start doing something, you cannot accurately assess your ability to perform it Your belief about what you can do may not align with reality In fact, your actual capacity might be greater or lesser than you imagine But until you commit to action until you implement your will you will never know your true potential Therefore, the next time you say, I can do this, ask yourself: Have I ever tried doing it?"

For instance, consider someone who believes they can write a book They may have the creativity, language skills, and brilliant ideas, but unless they sit down and start drafting pages, that potential remains unrealized Interestingly, as they continue writing, they might discover not only that they 'can' write, but that their ability improves with practice, eventually transforming them into a proficient author Action strengthens ability If you 'will' run daily, your 'can' to run farther and faster will naturally increase over time

This difference between 'can' and 'will' often holds us back from achieving our most desired goals Those who bridge this gap who consistently convert their 'can' into 'will' are the ones who find success in their endeavors Remember, success is not about having potential alone; it is about having the discipline and determination to act on it

(Expressed opinions are personal) Success is reducing the difference between 'Can' and 'Will'

Upcoming event

The Gurjar Hindu Union invites all to attend the Shrimad Bhagavat Katha, recited by Pujya Bhaishri Rameshbhai Oza, on Saturday, 24th May 2025, from 11 am to 5 pm, followed by Prasad The event continues daily from 25th May to 31st May 2025, from 4 pm to 7:30 pm, concluding with Mahaprasad each evening The venue is Sanatan Mandir, Gurjar Hindu Union, Apple Tree Centre, Ifield Ave, Crawley RH11 0AF

Kamlesh Madhvani marks 70th birthday

Abdul Khalique Bhatti

Romail Gulzar

Annakuth presented to deity

Devotees gathered at the event

Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi (second from left) with committee members and performers at the event

Kamlesh Madhvani, the elder son of the late Manubhai Madhvani of Jinja, Uganda, celebrated his 70th birthday in London last month The event, held at the Rosewood Hotel, was attended by over 100 guests, including family and friends from around the globe Speeches were delivered by Kamlesh's two daughters, Jaya and Shifa Madhvani, his brother Shrai Madhvani, and Kamlesh himself

L to R: Shifa, Sheila & Kamlesh Madhvani, Jaya & Fabio

Ram Mandir and Kumbh Mela draw global attention

Ayodhya i s preparing for an

th e upcom ing New Year period, as thousands are expected to visit the newly construc ted Ram M andi r With the first anniversary of the temple's conse-

c r a t i o n c e r e m o n y approaching on January 22 and the Maha Kumbh Mela

s e t t o b e g

y Prayagraj, authorities anticipate a significant rise in

v

mented enhanced security

m e a s u r e s T h e A y o d h y a Municipal Corporation has estimated that around 2 5 crore devotees will visit the town between January 13 and February 12

F o r t h e I n d

n d Hindu diaspora in the UK, the Maha Kumbh Mela pres e n t s a n o p p o

reconnect with their cultural roots while sharing the richness of Indic traditions

g r o u p s a n d i n t e r e s t s t o make this connection possible

One notable initiative is the O xford Sans kri t Te xt Society’s 10-day study trip, which will be led by Prof Diwakar Acharya, Spalding Professor of Eastern Ethics

a n d R e l i g i o n s a t t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f O x f o r d

Scheduled from January 17 to 27, 2025, the trip com-

bines academic study with immersive cultural experiences It is supported by the National Hindu Students’ Forum (NHSF UK), which is encouraging young British Hindus to participate

' s t

e n g a g e with Hindu philosophy and Indic traditions through the study of ancient Sanskrit

Acharya The program also i n c

sion opportunities, such as

and interacting with practitioners, providing a firsthand experience of the spir-

Mela

Various Hindu diaspora organisations and individuals will also participate in

gathering

Meanwhile, British historian Nick Booker is gaining attention online for a video in which he uses a sand model created on a

Goa beach to explain the importance of the Kumbh Mela In his caption, Nick

research on Prayagraj and the Mela, including reading

Purana, Mahabharata, and Ramayana He also shared

Sankranti, offering insights into the Mela's significance

important event

Pravas i Bharatiya D ivas to be celebrated i n Bhubaneswar

External Affairs announced on Saturday the details of the Government of India's

Bharatiya Divas 2025, which will take place in Odisha C

Ma yor of Gerrards Cros

will also attend the event S

, she said, "I am honoured to have received an invitation from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to attend this year ’ s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas As the first Indianorigin Mayor of Gerrards Cross, it is crucial to maintain strong links with the

and work together across borders to strengthen the

Britain and India on a global platform " (More details of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on page 22)

Carers UK commemorates 60 years of progress for unpaid carers

Charity Car ers UK is cele -

of

pa igning for un paid car

across t he UK who care for an ol der, disa ble

or chronical

famil

or friend

faced by women caring for older relatives Today, the

thousands of carers, advocating for the 5

Carer’s Leave Act in 2024

Despite these gains, research shows that support remains inadequate Every day, 600 people leave work to care, many face poor health, and

poverty For its 60th annivers

‘Equality: today and tomorrow, ’ highlights the ongoing need for greater equality and support for unpaid carers H

Executive of Carers UK, said:

Carers UK has played

key

role in shaping carer legislation, but inequalities persist 60% of carers have long-term health conditions, compared to 50% of non-carers, and they’re 50% more likely to live in poverty Despite providing care worth £184 billion annually, many still lack support and recognition In 2025, we ’ re calling for a

lives, including making caring a protected characteristic to tackle these inequalities Our 60th anniversary highlights the need for last-

equality, support, and recognition "

Non-EU visitors to UK must get digital permits

system, first introduced in November 2023

An ETA – which is a digital permission to travel

Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice, the leading newsweeklies, are seeking an enthusiastic and energetic individual with excellent communication skills, to help expand newspaper distribution across London and the UK, focusing on areas with a larger Asian community presence

w Visit shops to introduce and promote the sale of our newspapers.

w Build strong relationships with shop owners and managers

If you are eager to take on this dynamic role and join us in building stronger connections with the community while broadening our readership, send in your details at: cb patel@abplgroup com or call us

is currently only required for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan Starting April 2,

Applications can be made via the UK ETA app or gov

the UK for up to six months over two years The Home Office states ETAs improve security checks and prevent immigration system abuse Over 243,000 Gulf nationals received ETAs in the first h

2 0 2 4 H o w

v e r , Heathrow reported a 90,000 drop in transfer passengers on affected routes since the scheme’s launch

Cllr Prerna Bhardwaj

Manmohan Singh's legacy

Dr Manmohan Singh's tenure as Finance Minister in the early 1990s and later as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 i n t r o d u c

growth

He was considered the architect of key liberalising economic reforms, as premier from 2004-2014 and before that as Finance Minister

As the Prime Minister, he took several far-reaching decisions that continue to impact the health of Indian democracy even today He also introduced new laws that strengthened and guaranteed the right to seek information from the government, allowing citizens an extraordinary power to hold officials accountable

He also introduced a rural employment scheme which guaranteed livelihood for a minimum of 100 days, a measure economists said had a profound impact on rural incomes and poverty reduction He also brought in a law that guaranteed the right to free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14, significantly reducing the school dropout rates

His government also introduced a unique identity project called Aadhaar to improve financial inclusion and delivery of welfare benefits to the poor The current federal government, run by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has continued to keep Aadhaar as a cornerstone for many of its policies

He was the best PM India has ever had as of date He will be remembered for his economic reforms that spurred India’s rapid economic growth May his soul rest in peace in the abode of the Almighty

Ju bel D Cruz

India in the elite group

It is a matter of great pride for every Indian that India is a step closer to becoming a part of the elite group of nations with space docking technology as reported in AV dated 4 –10 Jan 2025

As reported in the paper, this technology is available to only 3 countries at present the US, Russia and China This is a strategically important mission from many different angles like defence, reduction of reliance on technology from other developed countries, space missions, research in microbiology and microgravity

I think this is a result of dedication and the hard work done by our great scientists like Vikram Sarabhai, A P J Abdul Kalam, Prof Satish Dhawan, Prof Brahm Prakash, M Sankaran and S Somanath, just to name a few and their vision Any scientific research requires lots of effort and resources in addition to zeal and enthusiasm

Fruitful utilisation of this advanced technology for society will be a great step towards humanity and hopefully, this will make life of the common people a bit better This will also give inspiration to younger scientists and research students

Hitesh Hing u

Farage rejects 'racist' claims at Reform UK conference in Leicester

Nigel F arage has rejected acc usations of "racism and division"

in Leic ester

Despite protests outside, including by Leicester Stand Up To Racism, Farage defended the party, saying it was having an " h o n e s t c o n v e r s a t i o n " o n i s s u e s o t h e r s a v o i d T h e E

Midlands event, held at Leicester’s Athena Venue, featured speeches from party figures such as Lee Anderson, Richard Tice, and Dame Andrea Jenkyns, following the party's success in last year's general election with five MPs

Jackie Lewis, chair of SUTR, criticised Reform UK for blaming the UK’s issues on immigration and small boats, urging focus on local authority underfunding and the public housing shortage Farage, however, dismissed these claims

M r F a r a g e , M P f o r C l a c t o n , a r g u e d t h a t R e f o r m ' s immigration policies address a "population crisis" and blamed governments, not immigrants, for the issue He also dismissed claims of racism, saying protestors were "looking in the wrong place "

Ms Lewis, speaking on behalf of the protesters, opposed Reform s policies, emphasising Leicester’s multicultural history She argued that blaming immigration for the UK's problems overlooked issues like underfunding, particularly by the previous Conservative government She criticised Farage's approach, stating it wouldn't solve the city's funding issues or deliver a real solution

This New Year, share the gift of knowledge and connection with your loved ones through our special combo subscription offer for Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar For more details, see page: 11

Financial concerns delaying divorces

Recent research showing that financial worries are delaying 20% of divorces highlights a growing issue Rising living costs and the high price of divorce are forcing many people to stay in unhappy marriages longer than they want to

Additionally, the lack of awareness about the long-term financial consequences of divorce, such as pension arrangements, can leave one partner at a disadvantage, especially if they have sacrificed career advancement to care for children Proper financial planning during divorce could help ensure that both individuals are able to rebuild and thrive independently

It’s also important for couples to consider alternatives, like mediation, to reduce the emotional impact on everyone, especially children Divorce is hard enough without adding financial stress to the mix, and both emotional and financial concerns need to be addressed for a fair resolution

Reena Verma

Bhopal gas tragedy

The Bhopal gas tragedy, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters, continues to affect the people of Bhopal The 1984 gas leak caused thousands of deaths, and even decades later, people still suffer from health issues caused by the toxic chemicals These problems have led to birth defects across three generations

Although authorities recently removed 337 tonnes of toxic waste from the site, there are concerns about the safety of the new disposal location, especially given past failed attempts Despite some compensation, many victims feel justice has not been served The damage caused by the disaster is still harming families in the area The people of Bhopal deserve more than just compensation, they need a permanent solution to the toxic legacy left behind It's crucial that the full extent of the damage is addressed to prevent further harm to future generations

Furthermore, the issue of illegal toxic waste dumping remains widespread, with industries neglecting safety protocols for both workers and the environment Despite the catastrophic lessons of Bhopal, the government has yet to implement preventive measures The global community, alongside corporations, must take full responsibility and act decisively to prevent future disasters The victims of Bhopal and the people affected by industrial negligence worldwide deserve justice, safety, and lasting solutions

Jay Vyas

18-year-old Briton jailed in UAE over holiday romance

A British teenager has begun a oneyear prison sentence in the United Arab Emirates after being conv icted ov er a holiday romance, a camp aig n group rep orts

Marcus Fakana, 18, was sentenced to one year in prison for having sex with a 17-year-old girl while on holiday in Dubai with their parents in August Though she was one month away from being 18, the act is illegal in the UAE

The campaign group Detained in Dubai confirmed that Fakana has "recently surrendered" to begin serving his sentence at Al Awir prison

Radha Stirling, CEO of the group, said Fakana, an apprentice builder from Tottenham, hopes for a pardon from Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid alMaktoum He is receiving support from Foreign Secretary David Lammy, his local MP, and the British embassy

Fakana expressed gratitude in a statement: “Thank you to everyone who supported me It’s been a long fight, but with my lord and saviour Jesus Christ guiding me, nothing is hard I’m thankful for those who donated and my faith family for their support ”

A fundraiser set up by Fakana’s family has raised over £46,000 for his living costs and legal fees Stirling expressed difficulty in finding the right words as Fakana surrendered his freedom, worrying about the impact of Dubai prison on an 18-year-old

She criticised Dubai’s legal system, saying, “The government sentenced a British tourist for consensual relations with another British tourist If they had met just a month later, Marcus wouldn’t have been charged The law’s application here is nonsensical ”

Asian Voice wishes you a joyful celebration of Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Uttaryan, Magh Bihu and Lohri! May these festivals bring happiness, prosperity, and warmth to you and your loved ones.

K A P I L’S K H I C H A D I

The Rape of Britain

Readers of K apil’s Kh ichad i will be aware th at for more th an a d ecade I hav e been exposing the plig ht of white v ulnerable g irls wh o wereraped, violently abu sed and exploited by m en of Pakistani heritag e This natio n, its politicians, its m ed ia and its so-called celeb influencers A LL consp ired to blam e the v ictim s and exonerate the abusers Remember, ev en w hen they knew who th e perpetrators were – they still u sed the term ‘ Asian’ to h ide the id entity of the real culprits I asked repeated ly, why did th e vast majority o f these abuses take place in Labour controlled Cou ncils? Why was it that so m any of these abuses to ok place righ t und er the noses o f Labour M ayors? Ev en more astonish ing th at m any of th ese abuses took place wh ere the p olic e com m issi oners w ere ap po inted by L abou r politicians

The whistle blower Maggie Oliver (former Detective Constable with the Greater Manchester Police) said that in 2008, Gordon Brown issued a circular to all UK police forces which effectively stated, "do not prosecute these rape gangs, these children are making a lifestyle choice " Guess who the director of public prosecutions was at that time? It was none other than our Prime Minister, Keir Starmer This is akin to a woman being abused by a man and then being blamed for being in that relationship Victimising the victims was seen as an easy option There was no one speaking for them, fighting for them, or protecting them They were forgotten, ignored and betrayed by all the agencies And the worst, for this wholesale betrayal, the rape of Britain, the British people elected a Labour government with a massive majority Madness defined I guess

Lest readers feel that I am going to let the Tories off the hook, sorry folks, you should know me by now I will challenge all political parties without any reservation So, the Tories having been in power for more than a decade, what did they do? The simple answer, nothing They chose to sideline the issue under every excuse they could find When strong voices like Priti Patel and Suella Braverman came to office, they were undermined and, in the end, they had to give up their posts The establishment, led by spineless politicians, hid behind the bureaucratic nonsense of civil servants to save themselves the task of protecting the most vulnerable They dropped the batten on grooming gangs, on illegal immigrants, on E H R C , o n e x t r e m i s t p

s andother issues and failed to protect the nation

The rape of this nation took place mostly in Labour controlled councils, and for more than a decade the Tories did nothing I am heartened to read that the new Tory leader KemiBadenochhas come out demanding a full inquiry It’s a pity that when the Tories were in power, they didn’t have the commonsense or the intelligence to do the right thing in a timely fashion I told key people within the Tory party where they were going wrong, and their response was, this is politics, and we know better and have a plan! One thing I have learnt over the past two decades of both a Labour government and then a Tory government, politicians fool themselves if they think they know politics When politicians and government ignore the masses, their aspirations, their needs, their demand for justice, one should not be too surprised to get a shock at the ballot box In 2024 Britain voted in a compromised Labour party to power with a massive mandate, primarily because Tories were navel gazing and Reform UK top sliced the right-of-centre vote Unless those on the right of politics get their act together, don’t be too surprised if the lunatics on the left, those who appease to extremists, terrorists and child abusers, get back in power

I want to see not only a full-blown public inquiry into the whole grooming gang ’sfiasco, but I also want to see leading politicians, public figures, law enforcement personnel, child protection agency personnel and media influencers tried, and if convicted, sent to jail Do our politicians have the spine or the moral compass to make this happen? The answer regrettably is no

I wrote previously that Labour councils and some of our leading institutions accepted the corrupt definition of Islamophobia was not only wrong, but also dangerous to the very fabric of this nation The Labour Party approved this very same Islamophobia definition and regardless of what Ker Starmer says, it remainsan integral part of their party policy I will let you determine if there is any correlation between this and why under Labour controlled councils so many white girls were abused by men of Pakistani heritage

The rape of Britain is not just of white vulnerable girls It is the rape of the very foundations of what makes this nation what it is It is at our peril we allow this decay in the very fabric of our society to go any further It’s time to not only stop the haemorrhaging of our nation, but to put it back together, stronger and fitter for the challenges of the 21st Century

Kapil Dudakia

Marcus Fakana

Plan to tackle NHS backlog with more private sector involvement unveiled

L abour has un veiled a com-

p rehe nsive pla n to addr ess

t he NHS backlog, in cluding

t he ex pansion of community

d iagn ost ic cent re s, mor e use of pr iv ate sector clinics, and m easure s to in cr ease pat ient

c h o ic e in w h e r e t h e y a r e

t re ate d

K e i r S t a r m e r , e m p h asised that the goal is to cut waiting times, currently at 7 5 million, with over 3 million patients waiting longer

t h a n t h e 1 8 - w e e k t a r g e t

Under the new plan, Starmer aims to reduce the number of long waits by nearly half a million in the next year A central element of the pro-

p o s a l i s t h e e x p a n s i o n o f community diagnostic cen-

t r e s a n d s u r g i c a l h u b s , e n a b l i n g m o r e t r e a t m e n t

o u t s i d e o f h o s p i t a l s a n d allowing patients to be treated closer to home

The new initiative will a l s o m a k e i t e a s i e r f o r p a t i e n t s t o e x e r c i s e t h e i r right to choose where they are treated, a promise that was introduced two decades ago but only reaches one in four patients today The plan also includes a new deal with the private sector, aimed at i n c r e a s i n g t h e c a p a c i t y t o treat more NHS patients in p r i v a t e c l i n i c s T h e f o c u s will be on high-demand procedures such as joint opera-

t i o n s a n d g y n a e c o l o g i c a l treatments

"We cannot let ideology stand in the way of getting patients the care they need," Starmer stated, acknowledging that some may oppose t h e i n c r e a s e d r e l i a n c e o n private clinics He emphasised that the reforms would deliver on Labour's commit-

m e n t t o r e d u c e t h e N H S backlog and help alleviate t h e p a i n a n d u n c e r t a i n t y faced by millions of patients

The plan also aims to eliminate automatic review appointments, freeing up a million appointments annually for patients who truly need them These additional

a p p o i n t m e n t s , c o m b i n e d w i t h L a b o u r ' s p r e v i o u s

pledge to create two million extra appointments per year, are designed to improve the s y s t e m ’ s e f f i c i e n c y a n d reduce waiting times

L a b o u r h a s a l s o announced a focus on digital s o l u t i o n s , w i t h p a t i e n t s encouraged to use the NHS App for booking consulta-

t i o n s a n d a c c e s s i n g t e s t results This digital transformation aims to boost patient control and streamline the appointment process, helpi n g t o r e d u c e m i s s e d appointments and make the N H S m o r e c o n v e n i e n t t o navigate

Mix ed r eact ion s from hea lt hca re pr ofe ssiona ls

W h i l e d o c t o r s ’ l e a d e r s acknowledge that the prop o s a l s c o u l d h e l p r e d u c e waiting times, there are concerns about the availability

o f s t a f f a n d r e s o u r c e s t o meet the ambitious goals

P r o f P hi l B a n f ie l d o f t h e British Me dica l A ssociation warned that without sufficient workforce support, the plan may fall short of expectations

Dr Jeanette Dickinson, c h a i r o f t h e A c a d e m y o f

M e d i c a l R o y a l C o l l e g e s Council, echoed these con-

c e r n s , n o t i n g t h a t w h i l e s m a l l - s c a l e p i l o t s o f s u c h i n i t i a t i v e s h a v e s h o w n promise, the challenge lies i n i m p l e m e n t i n g t h e m a t s c a l e , w i t h t h e n e c e s s a r y staff and infrastructure in place

C o m m e n t i n g o n t h e

G o v e r n m e n t ' s l a t e s t N H S reform announcements, Dr

Kristian Niemietz,

D

free market think tank the I

Affairs, said, "The focus on

, including of independentsector providers, is clearly a positive step, which picks up where the Blair/Brown-era r

improvements in the 2000s, which can be built upon "In terms of healthcare

still too much micromanagement, top-down control and central planning The

hours of a healthcare facility

facilities of this kind or that kind there should be, is ludicrous

"If the government were serious about reform, they would seek to learn from self-steering health systems where that kind of political meddling is the exception rather than the norm "

The overall waiting list for NHS appointments, procedures, and surgeries currently stands at nearly 7 5 million, and while ministers are confident that the plan will help meet the 18-week benchmark, no target level for the waiting list has been set Additional funding to support the plan s expansion will be outlined in the g

spending review

Sikh priest sentenced for 24 years involving in child sex case

A S i k h p r i e s t w h o c onf essed to sexually ass aulti ng children i n the 1980s has been s entenced to over 2 4 years in prison

The offences occurred between 1983 and 1987 in H i t c h i n , H e r t f o r d s h i r e , including at a local gurdwara

M a k h a n S i n g

71, of Northampton, was a Granthi who "invaded the lives" of his victims, police said He pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences at C

and was sentenced Judge Hurst said Mauji c

breach of trust He was sen-

counts of gross indecency,

aged 8 to 14 Mauji was also given a sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offenders register for life D

McGrath of Hertfordshire

Labour delays social care overhaul again, pushes back reforms to 2028

Labour’s new commission aims to build “national consensus” on care system, but critics warn of more delays

Labo ur has announced that the muc h-anticip ated overh au l o f so cial care wi ll be delayed until 2028 , with th e launch of an independent c

s s i o n t as k ed w i th forging a “ national consensu

” on refo rm

The commission will be led by Baroness Casey of Blackstock, a respected fig-

social issues such as home-

behaviour Its first phase, a

challenges facing the social care system, will begin in April and conclude by mid-

, examining long-term issues, will deliver its final report in 2028

have promised to tackle the social care crisis for decades, political leaders have struggled to implement lasting solutions, often citing concerns over costs NHS leaders have called the crisis a major factor in their struggles to meet patient demand despite record funding

C a r e E n g l a n d , w h i c h r e p r e s e n t s c a r e h o m e

providers, has criticised the

h e

report that will ultimately gather dust while the sector c

The group also stressed that the people currently in care cannot afford to wait any longer for action, as their well-being is at stake

As one of its first actions

scrapped plans to cap social care costs in England, which had been due to come into

have imposed a lifetime cap of £86,000 on care costs and raised the asset threshold for older people to start paying for their own care from £23,250 to £100,000

Sir Andrew Dilnot, the

pointment, calling the decision a “tragedy ” However,

explained that upon taking office, she discovered a £22 billion hole in the public finances and found that no money had been allocated for social care H

delay, emphasising that an aging population and the rising cost of care demands a longer-term approach He

sion’s purpose is to build a national consensus around a new care system that can meet the needs of older and

into the future

In addition to the com-

announced

£86 million increase in funding for dis-

aimed at improving accessi-

The additional funds will

elderly and disabled individuals

Despite the new funding, critics argue that the ongoing delays and missed opportunities continue to

without the support they need

Police praised the victims' bravery in coming forward, stating that without them,

been held accountable She

should bring some closure t

that Mauji, a sexual predator, will remain in prison for years Mauji had connections to several other gurdwaras, i n c

and Milton Keynes, in addition to the one in Hitchin

Editorial

Wes Streeting and Keir Starmer with doctors and nurses at a hospital in Surrey

Baroness Louise Casey

Sanika Shah: Sauntering in Style

Sunetra Senior

As we beg in th e new year in 2025, th e very active te rra in o f c o nt em p o ra ry blog ging h as evolved into a vast multim ed ia sp ace T his is reflective of th e fact th at th e w orld in w hich we live h as b ec o m e al to g et h er more accessible: culturally, geograp hically and conceptually It is then a source of i nf in i te ex c it em e nt to explore S anika, wh o is the creator of the popular travel blog SaunterwithSanika, s h are d w i th u s : “ In m y experience, th e act of writing itself has becom e a lot more engaging and open in th e same v ein as most travel and activities – in short, th a t th ey a re s im p ly o n one ’ s do orstep Nowadays, yo u d o n ’ t ev e n ne ed t o leave Londo n to h av e an exciting time – recently, for example, I’ ve been obsessed w ith th e C h ristm as m arke ts T h ere ’ s s o m any ! Wh en I do travel internationally, I am never alone as I am alw ays connected to a massive like-minded community online We are now able to uncover o pportunity w ith o u t real ly l eav i ng th e hom e ” ***

S a n i k a ’ s I n s t a g r a m -

b a s e d b l o g c e r t a i n l y demonstrates a pure unbridled passion and talent for

s u a v e l y d o c u m e n t i n g

d i v e r s e t r a v e l O n e moment the elegant globetrotter may be swimming as if a multicoloured ‘ mermaid’ through the rippling blue waters of Zanzibar and the next she can be seen

c y c l i n g t h r o u g h W e s t e r n Australia where ‘everything is half price because it con-

v e r t s t o h a l f t h e B r i t i s h

p o u n d ’ H e r d i g i t a l brochure is captivating and

c h i c H e r e , S a n i k a c o mmented that authenticity is key in having an individual

i m p a c t o n a n a u d i e n c e which is the secret to blogging success: “it is a saturated field You must be yourself above all else: people do

g e t d r a w n t o p e r s o n a l i t y and don’t want everything to be photoshopped or artificial – you must also be c o m f o r t a b l e Y o u c a n b e aware of trends to boost engagement but don’t pander to them You should be p a t i e n t w i t h y o u r s e l f t h r o u g h o u t – y o u c a n t always be creative and be posting incessantly Finally, don’t force the engagement – people who are loyal to your content will eventually find you It may take time, but it will happen It is important to emote your signature ” H a v i n g g r o w n u p abroad in Nairobi, Kenya, before moving to the UK to

a t t e n d u n i v e r s i t y , S a n i k a t o l d u s : “ m y p a r e n t s encouraged travel from a young age and it is from

them that I got the ‘travel bug’ – my dad especially loved to take us to new p l a c e s ” R e c e n t l y , t h e young influencer has revisi t e d h e r o l d s t o m p i n g grounds of the African subc o n t i n e n t , n a m i n g C a p e

T o w n a s o n e o f h e r f a v o u r i t e p l a c e s t

s h e w a s earlier in 2024 “I had been touring Europe quite a bit b e f o r e , b u t t h i s s p e c i f i c capital city was beautiful ” Interestingly, together with h e r i n s a t i a b l e d e s i r e t o wander to novel destinations, Sanika has a converg e n t l o v e o f l i t e r a t u r e where immersive imaginative adventure is the common uniting factor In fact, the young influencer holds a d e g r e e i n E n g l i s h L i t e r a t u r e a n d w o r k s i n p u b l i s h i n g t o o : “ m y t w o professions do complement each other I find that I get really interested in exploring a place if I’ve read about it in a book or other media –you can be inspired by so m a n y d i f f e r e n t t h i n g s n o w a d a y s a s a f o r e m e ntioned It is another example of strong interconnectivity Indeed, conversely, writers such as Hemingway travelled the world so that they could write the way that they did!”

T h e r e i s t h e a g e - o l d conundrum of the balance a w r i t e r m u s t s t r i k e between time spent conjuring their gripping works of great fiction and actually living the life that substantiates this Sanika seems to have broken, or rather glided, through the paradox: “it is possible to do and prioritise both! I am a huge bookworm and love being curled up o read, but equally will jump at the chance to go w h i t e - w a t e r r a f t i n g a n d truly experience life There are a few different facets of myself that seem to organically work well together ” I n d e e d , a n o t h e r w a y i n w h i c h S a n i k a ’ s p e n c h a n t for expression neatly manifests is in her subtle but distinct style which shows in t h e s y n c h r o n i c i t y o f h e r clothes against corresponding far-flung backdrops – a s i m p l e c o o l b l u e j u m p e r accompanies a wintry expedition to Switzerland while

"Writers such as Hemingway travelled the world so that they could write the way that they did!"

a flowing yet princessy dress is sported in the medieval district of the

F r e n c h R i v e r i a w i t h a p e a r l y h e a d b a n d t o crown the regal look: “ I d o n ’ t t h i n k t h a t much about what I wear so that really is a lovely c o i n c i d e n c e – I a m j u s t feeling positively about the trip!” Not only does Sanika provide a lively record of all the colourful places across the globe one can visit, but also celebrates the idea of

c o m p l e x i n d i v i d u a l i t y which makes one radiantly unique The many wonders of the outer landscape represent that of a profound inner one Did you enjoy visiting anyw h e re s p ec i fi c in C ap e Tow n?

T h e r e w e r e s o m a n y spots! However, I will try to name a special few: there’s Boulder’s Beach where you can see penguins! I thought you could only find them in Antarctica or the National

G e o g r a p h i c b u t d i f f e r e n t places in the world have a lot of similarities as well as being different When you see penguins on the African coast, it's surreal There is

a l s o C a p e P o i n t n a t u r e reserve where you feel as if you are on the edge of the world – it’s so serene and quiet That was very cool You can look out but not see anything for miles –

f i n a l l y , t h e r e ’ s C h a p m a n Peak Drive: this is basically a drive through Cape Town on the cliff’s edge If you go during the sunset it’s the most beautiful thing in the world because the rays are reflected everywhere Is nature integral to your travelling itinerary?

Yes, but then so is a mix of everything, and what I end up doing is very depen-

indoors or outdoors If it is

much as I can Nowadays,

screens, hunched over laptops and being in the open in general is incredibly welcome Do you h av e any big plans for travel in 2025?

Yes, I am hoping to go to Canada to visit a friend! I do love immersing myself in culture and doing that

best way for me as food isn’t always an option since I

m looking forward to catching a baseball game during this trip to North America! @S aunterwithS anika

Fraudsters steal £100m from NHS as scammers target hospitals

Fraud sters have exploited IT s

has revealed These scams have cost the NHS the equivalent of

annual salaries or more than 20,000 rounds of radiother-

losses "inexcusable," warn-

a l t h s e r v i c e

The total cost of fraud to the

N H S i n E n g l a n d b e t w e e n

2018/19 and 2023/24 reached £101 million I n d i v i d u a l N H S

losses University Hospitals B r i s t o l a n d W e s t o n N H S Foundation Trust fell victim to a £30,615 bank mandate f

intercepted emails, imper-

tricked staff into transferring money to fraudulent accounts, which were then d

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust lost over £10,000 in 2021/22 due to

online purchases Unlike individuals, NHS trusts cannot rely on con-

recover fraud losses, which further complicates matters w

Efforts to combat fraud have largely fallen to banks, often with inconsistent results Dr Tony O’Sullivan, co-

Public, called the losses

afford

He criticised insufficient safeguards and inadequate oversight of private contracts, emphasising that

Antibiotic emergency could claim 40 million lives

The growing antibiotic em ergency pos es a serious threat to global health, Dam e Sally Davies has war ned As a former chief medical officer for England, Davies has become a leading advocate for addressing the rise of superbugs She highlights the a l a r m i n g r i s k t h a t r o u t i n e procedures, from surgery to childbirth, could become lifethreatening due to the spread o f a n t i m i c r o b i a l r e s i s t a n c e (AMR) Every year, approxim a t e l y o n e m i l l i o n p e o p l e die from AMR, and this figure is expected to rise significantly in the next 25 years By 2050, it is estimated

that deaths from AMR will double, with the elderly especially vulnerable While mortality rates from AMR in child r e n u n d e r f i v e h a v e d e c r e a s e d , r a t e s f o r t h o s e over 70 have increased by 8 0 % s i n c e 1 9 9 0 , w h i c h i s d e e p l y c o n c e r n i n g A s t h e p o p u l a t i o n a g e s a n d m o r e people live with chronic illnesses, the threat of AMR intensifies Efforts to limit antibiotic p r e s c r i p t i o n s a n d e n s u r e p a t i e n t s c o m p l e t e t h e i r treatments have been made, but the misuse of antibiotics i n a g r i c u l t u r e

resistance Around 70% of antibiotics are given to lives t o c k , w

d globally Davies warns that the ease with which AMR s p r e a d s r e

, but the financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies to create them are lacking While the G7 has recogn i s e d t h e c r i s i s , D a v i e s stresses that stronger, more immediate action is essential t o c o m b a t t h i s g r o w i n g threat

Pension bosses slam Reeves' mega fund plans

P ensi on bo sses h av e criticised Rachel Reeves’s p roposal to m erge local auth ority p ension funds and invest i n p ro j ec ts l i ke h o u s in g , f ear i ng g o v ern m en t o v erreach after years of cautious investing

The plans, revealed by the Chancellor, aim to cons o l i d a t e £ 3 6 0 b n i n a s s e t s from dozens of local government pension funds managing pensions for 6 5 million w o r k e r s a n d r e t i r e e s , t o accelerate growth

The Treasury also wants t h e 8 6 a u t h o r i t i e s t o s e t aside a percentage of their funds for investment in the

local economy, suggesting t h a t

5 p e r c e n t t a r g e t would mean about £20bn of i n v e s t m e n t f o r B r i t a i n ’ s communities Angus Thompson, chair of North Yorkshire’s £4 6bn

l o c a l a u t h o r i t y p e n s i o n f u n d , e x p r e s s e d c

that the government's proposal could lead to his fund b e i n g " m o r t g a g e d " f o r i t s own purposes

He believes the move is an excuse to access pension a s s e t s T h e

financial crisis, now has a large surplus, partly due to i t s a b i l i t

investments Notably, one investment fund has more than doubled in value over the past five years, leaving the fund £640m above its required assets Thompson argues that s u c c

p e n s i o n f u n d s like his have little to gain from merging with underperforming ones, calling the

v e funds, which mimic stock indexes and are cheaper to manage, have gained traction, active management s e

investments can yield better returns for members

Channel migrant crossings reach 36,816 in 2024

H o m e Of fi c e f i g u res released on New Year's Day rev eal 36,8 16 people cro ssed th e En g l is h C h a nne l i n small boats in 2024, a rise fro m the previou s year but few er than in 2022

The last group, totalling 2 9 1 p e o p l e , a r r i v e d o n December 29

2024 was the deadliest year on record for Channel crossings, according to the UN The government said it i s w o r k i n g w i t h F r e n c h authorities to curb the small boats In 2023, 29,437 people crossed, while 2022 remains

the busiest year with 45,774 arrivals Since 2018, over 150,000 people have made the crossi n g F r e n c h f i g u r e s r e v e a l that 77 people died attempting the journey in 2024

Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said t h e r e c o r d n u m b e r o f Channel deaths highlights the failure of current policies He called for safer, legal routes for those fleeing conflict and persecution, urging the government to adopt a new approach to prevent a repeat of 2024's tragic losses

Labour abandoned the previous government s plan to deport migrants arriving i l l e g a l l y i n t h e U K t o Rwanda just days after the July 2024 general election S h a d o w H o m e Secretary Chris Philp said the figures show Labour's failure on illegal small boat immigration He criticised the party for scrapping the Rwanda removal plan, calling it a "catastrophic mistake," and emphasised the need for a removal deterrent alongside law enforcement

SANIKA SHAH

K

r is h n a B h an , C h a ir , H in d u C ouncil U K said, “In January 2011, the conspiracy of silence about the mass grooming of girls in some UK towns was revealed by the Times Three years later the first inquiry into this scandal found that about 1400 children fell victim to predators in one English town alone

“It is the prime responsibility of the Government to safeguard and protect children and young people against these heinous crimes It is high time the UK criminal justice system stops failing the vulnerable young girls getting victimised by

p r e d a t o r y m e n T h e s c a n d a l o f these grooming gangs should be fully investigated, and the Home Office adopt a consistent way of tracking the disgusting and vile practice

“We request the Government t o f u l l y i n v e s t i g a t e t h e s e x u a l grooming of girls across the UK by holding a national public inquiry, so that efforts can be made to bring justice to the victims, if it can ever be fully done considering the lasting effects of this trauma on the children, young girls and their parents ”

The scandal, involving grooming, trafficking, and abusing girls and children over a decade ago, has g a i n e d r e n e w

criticism from tech billionaire Elon Musk, who accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of failing to address the issue during his tenure as the UK’s top prosecutor Musk labelled Starmer "complicit in the rape of Britain" and called for his resignation He also accused Jess Phillips of being a "rape genocide apologist" and calling for her imprisonment

In response, Starmer defended his leadership as Director of Public

P r o s e c u t i o n s ( 2 0 0 8 – 2 0 1 3 ) H e asserted that he had confronted the issue directly, overseeing the first major prosecution of groomi n

s e x u a l a b u s e cases being prosecuted during his term

A call for action, not m ore inqu iries

The grooming gangs scandal first came to light with a 2014 report that conservatively estimated over 1,400 girls were sexually exploited in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013 Many victims were known to local services due to their status as children in care or victims of neglect

The report detailed horrifying accounts of girls as young as 11 being raped by multiple men Local officials, however, often deemed t h e a b u s e a s c o n s e n s u a l

u a l activity The majority of perpetrators were identified as being of Pakistani heritage, but authorities h e s i t a t e d t o a d d r e s s t h e e t h n i c dimension of the crimes, fearing accusations of racism or risks to community cohesion

A separate investigation into Oldham similarly criticised police and local councils for their failures but concluded that no systematic c o v e r - u p h a d t a k e n p l a c e Professor Alexis Jay, who chaired t h e I n d e p e n d e n t I n q u i r y i n t o Child Sex Abuse (IICSA) has stated that a new inquiry is unnecessary She emphasised that the government should focus on implementing the recommendations of previous investigations to address systemic failures effectively Prof Jay said there had already been a delay

‘ A C O N S P I R A C Y O F S I L E N C E ’

of more than two years in implementing her independent inquiry into child sexual abuse report and that “the time has passed for more inquiries”

“We have learned quite a lot f r o m t h o s e r e v i

locally, people need to step up to the mark and do the sorts of things that have been recommended,” she told BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme “I think there are something like 400 recommendations that we identified in all the reviews that had already been carried out, and many of those were simply not met

In agreement with Prof Jay’s views, Gabrielle Shaw, C EO of the Nati onal A sso c iati on fo r P eop le Abused in Childho od (NA PAC ), on behalf of IICSA Changemakers told

Asian Voice, "Victims and survivors gave seven years of energy and e x p e

Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

This report was completed over two years ago and yet we are still waiting for recommendations to be delivered

"We must remember that at the heart of this debate is horrific child sexual abuse, with sometimes life-long repercussions

"As IICSA Changemakers, we urge the Government to focus on delivering improvements for child victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse rather than proposing new inquiries that may potentially delay action even further "

A s p o kes p er so n fo r th e

Na ti o nal S o c i et y f o r th e Prev ention of C ruelty to C hildren (NSPC C) said, “It is a horrifying r e a l i t y t h a t , e a c h y e a r , a r o u n d 500,000 children in England and Wales will experience some form of sexual abuse

“But abuse can be prevented and stopped and – with the right

s u p p o r t – t h o s e w h o ’ v e e x p e r ienced the trauma of child sexual abuse can recover and rebuild their lives These are the lessons from the extensive, seven-year national inquiry conducted by Prof Alexis Jay, which heard from thousands of victims and survivors

“The NSPCC participated in nine of the fifteen investigations

c o n d u c t e d b y t h e I n d e p e n d e n t Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

( I I C S A ) , a n d w e w e l c o m e d t h e insights in the final report We’re pleased to see the Government’s commitment to respond to the evidence IICSA comprehensively set out and to develop a robust action plan to address the findings “ V i c t i m s , s u r v i v o r s , a n d t h e children who are experiencing, or at risk of, sexual abuse today need u r g e n t a c t i o n t o t a k e f o r w a r d IICSA’s work and ensure change comes as quickly as possible ” The d ebate over 'Asian' label Another persistent issue lies in the reporting and representation

of this scandal, particularly the use of the term "Asian" to describe the perpetrators This broad categoris a t i o n u n f a i r l y s t e r e o t y p e s a n d stigmatises all Asian men, perpetuating harmful generalisations T h e r e i s s p

Labour ministers are hesitant to explicitly identify the perpetrators as "British Pakistani," as noted in t h e I n d

n

o Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) report This reluctance is reportedly driven by concerns over being labelled Islamophobic, especially in light of strong challenges posed by independent Muslim candidates in the 2024 elections

Krishna Bhan, commenting on

this issue, said, “Hindu Council UK has long campaigned to the media for not using the word ‘Asian’ to describe these gangs as our Hindu and Sikh girls were also their victims and given the present lashback on the ‘X’ platform, the BBC, finally refrained from using the word Asian in their news reports for a more accurate description of the gangs, but we are dismayed that the Prime Minister still chose to whitewash this heinous atrocity with the word ‘Asian’ in his press conference ”

Providing another perspective, P rofesso r A ish a K Gill, P h D FRS A C BE, Professor of Crimino log y at U niv ersity of Bristol and the Head o f Centre fo r Gend er and Violence Research told Asian Voice, “The

research I have undertaken over the last decade suggests that South

received disproportionate media coverage at the expense of other,

white perpetrators and/or minoritised victims This skewed media reporting has fuelled a moral panic by linking ethnicity to child sexual exploitation In so doing, it over-

means that opportunities to identify and address the majority of cases perpetrated by white men are lost in the polemic discourse over South Asian men Many of these cases are already likely to remain hidden because of the tendency for these crimes to go unreported

“ R a i s i n g m o r a l o u t r a g e o v e r the issue of child sexual abuse and exploitation is a matter of priority, but it should be achieved without recourse to racial stereotyping this is helpful to no one, least of all the victims of such crimes ” Mandatory repo rting and to ugher sentencing proposed

Calls for a national inquiry also gained traction among opposition f i g u r e s , i n c l u d i n g C o n s e r v a t i v e leader Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform Party Media reports revealing the government's suggestion for Oldham council to lead its own investigation have further fuelled demands for a broader inquiry

A few weeks ago, discussions on this issue were virtually nonexistent However, a notable shift occurred as the government, seemingly prompted by recent events, announced plans to act on some of the recommendations from previo u s i n q u i r i e s Y v e t t e C o o p e r , addressing the Commons, pointed out that none of the 20 recommend a t i o n s f r o m t h e I n d e p e n d e n t

Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) had been implemented to date She also defended her Home Office colleague Jess Phillips' decision to deny Oldham Council’s request for a national inquiry into grooming gangs, arguing that such i n q u i r i e s s h o u l d b e c o n d u c t e d locally instead

C o o p e r r e v e a l e d t h a t t h e upcoming crime and policing bill, expected this spring, will include mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse Professionals who fail to report or attempt to conceal such crimes will face criminal and professional penalties

The bill will also introduce legi s l a t i o n m a k i n g g r o o m i n g a n aggravating factor in sentencing f o r c h i l d s e x u a l o f f e n c e s Additionally, ministers pledged to reform the collection and use of information and evidence related to child sexual abuse and exploitation This will be embedded in a new performance framework for policing to ensure these crimes receive the attention and seriousness they deserve

T h i s m a r k s s i g n i f

progress, considering that for over a decade, politicians have largely confined their responses to social m

retweeting without implementing meaningful action

D

tions into child abuse scandals in

public inquiry concluding in 2022, the recommendations from these inquiries remain largely unimplemented The Labour government, led by Starmer since July 2024,

mentation of these recommendations

The Conservatives also faced scrutiny over why none of the IICSA recommendations had been

from the disruption caused by the

other aspects of child sexual abuse and exploitation, addressing only six of the towns involved in the gang rape scandal He demanded a "national statutory public inquiry" with the power to compel witnesses, requisition evidence, and take testimonies under oath

One must not forget that while the current government is responsible for the past six months, the Conservatives are accountable for the last ten years

Farage’s Reform UK gains momentum with senior Tory defection

Form er To ry MP Marco Longh i has joined Nigel Farage’s Reform U K , b ec o m i ng th e la tes t Conservativ e to make the switch L o n g h i , w h o p r e v i o u s l y served on the Home Affairs Select C o m m i t t e e , c r i t i

K

m i Badenoch’s party, claiming it has b

g influence

This marks another boost for Mr Farage, following a major poll that predicted his party could secure 120 seats in the upcoming election Announcing his defection to Reform UK, Mr Longhi s a i d : “ I ’ m p r o u d t o t r a n s i t i o n from the Conservative Party to

Reform UK, marking a commitment to serve the people of this nation While loyal to my principles, I found that my loyalty to party leaders began to overshadow my dedication to the people The Conservative Party I once k n e w , l e d b y f i g u r e s l i k e Churchill and Thatcher, has been overtaken by a Left-wing influence prioritising an elite agenda I refuse to be part of this 'uniparty drift' towards a left-wing agenda

If re-elected, I will continue to serve the people, speaking hard truths and prioritising national identity and citizens’ needs over political correctness "

Labour MP calls for mandatory DBS checks for new MPs

ground checks be carried out by

cases, favouring ethnicity over the

often at the root of sexual exploita-

2020) ” She further added, “An additional danger is that giving disproportionate attention to a minority of offenders distracts from child sexual abuse as a whole, which

S

e White urged the leader of the Commons to consider whether a new committee tasked with modernising parliament should r

undergo checks due to their

n g Service (DBS) for MPs entering parliament Currently, candidates with prison sentences over a year are barred from running for MP, but there is no requirement for DBS checks, unlike most jobs involving vulnerable people Ms White had previously submitted an early-day motion on this issue, which garnered support from 13 other Labour MPs

Gabrielle Shaw

Krishna Bhan

Professor Aisha K Gill PhD CBE

“It takes a village to raise a child"

Anusha

Singh

S ania Khan, an Indian-ori-

g in s o ci al w o rk er a nd

D i re ct o r o f S il v er L i ni ng

F ostering, has overcom e significant personal and societal ch alleng es to emerg e as a trailblazer in fo stering and ch ild w elfare

R a i s e d i n a c l o s e - k n i t village in India, Sania developed a deep appreciation for community care and collective responsibility early in l i f e T h e s e v a l u e s b e c a m e the foundation of her passion for child welfare For Sania, fostering is more than just a career it’s a heartfelt

c o m m i t m e n t t o p r o v i d i n g care and protection to children in need Guided by the principle, "It takes a village

t o r a i s e a c h i l d , " s h e h a s made this belief the cornerstone of her work at Silver Lining Fostering

A s a n A s i a n M u s l i m woman in a foreign country, Sania faced the added challenge of proving her worth in a landscape often fraught with biases Her resilience was put to the ultimate test in 2017 when she experi-

e n c e d a s e c o n d b o u t o f

G u i l l a i n - B a r r é S y n d r o m e , leaving her unable to walk

L e a r n i n g t o w a l k a g a i n while simultaneously estab-

l i s h i n g S i l v e r L i n i n g

Fostering was a testament to her unwavering determination and strength

T o d a y , u n d e r S a n i a ’ s

l e a d e r s h i p , S i l v e r L i n i n g

Fostering supports over 70 children and 55 foster families across London and the Midlands The agency has n o t o n l y t r a n s f o r m e d t h e lives of vulnerable children but also empowered foster carers from diverse cultural backgrounds to create inclusive and nurturing homes

I n a n i n t e r v i e w w i t h

A s i a n V o i c e , S a n i a s h a r e s her insights into the South Asian community’s evolving perspective on fostering and adoption, the unique challenges faced by the community, and the gradual yet significant shifts in attitudes over the years

Fostering and adoption are not commonly discussed topics in South Asian communities What cultural factors do you think contribute to this, and how can they be addressed?

Fostering and adoption may clash with traditional South Asian values centred

a r o u n d b i o l o g i c a l l i n

and inheritance, which can deter community members f

Fostering, we address these c u l t

b y engaging in dialogues that respect and incorporate our

form of community support By working with community leaders and using relatable success stories, we are slowly changing perceptions and showing that fostering

rewarding extension of our c

t u r a l p r a c t i c e s o f s u pporting one another A nega t i v e p e r c e p t i o n o f s o c i a l workers also puts people off; however, the majority of our foster carers are from South Asian heritage, and we work together as a family it is not as daunting; we support y o u a l l t h e w a y t h r o u g h c h a l l e n g e s y o u a r e n e v e r alone

Whatare some of the unique challenges faced by South Asian foster carers, and how does your agency support them?

South Asian foster carers face specific challenges, including language barriers, dietary needs, and maintaining cultural traditions We h e l p o u r c a r e r s o v e r c o m e these challenges by offering support through multilingual staff who can communicate effectively in various South Asian languages and b y p r o v i d i n g c u l t u r a l l y appropriate resources Our t r a i n i n g p r o g r a m s a r e d e s i g n e d t o b e i n c l u s i v e , ensuring that foster carers are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of the children they care for, making fostering a less daunting and more rewarding experience Meeting one's own religious expectations alongside the religious needs of children

f r o m o t h e r r e l i g i o n s i s a unique challenge We give

practical advice on how to strike a balance and create a home that respects everyone's beliefs

Haveyou noticed a change in attitudes within the South Asian community toward fostering and adoption over the years?

There has been a positive change in how fostering

with scepticism, these concepts are now gaining acceptance, thanks to increased educational efforts and the sharing of inspiring stories from within the community itself Our agency ’ s focus on cultural sensitivity has facil-

potential foster carers see how they can provide a loving home while still honouring their cultural and religious identities More adult children of South Asian foster carers are taking up fostering as a career, which is encouraging to see We are investing in the next genera-

children

How do you think fostering and adoption can be better promoted within the South Asian community? What advice would you give to someone from the South Asian community considering becoming a foster carer?

To better promote fost e r i n g w i t h i n t h e S o u t h Asian community, we need to continue educating about the profound impact foster care can have on both the c

r

Dispelling common myths around fostering is also crucial for instance, prospective carers do not need to be fluent in English or own a

Voice can play a significant role in promoting fostering

w i t h i n t h e S o u t h A s i a n community For those in the

S o u t h A s i a n c o m m u n i t y contemplating this journey, I would advise them to consider the dual benefits of fostering: the chance to profoundly impact a child's life and the opportunity to purs u e a m e a n i n g f u l c a r e e r from the comfort of their home

Gangs lure girls with beauty treatments

C harities h av e warned th at y o u ng w o m en a re b ei ng

c o erce d in to co u nty lin es d rug gang s in exchang e for c o s m et ic t rea tm e nts l i ke Botox

a

Working from home may harm women's promotion chances

T h e C E O o f N ati o n w i d e

Building Society has w arned that wom en may harm their c are er s by w o r ki ng f ro m hom e reg ularly

Debbie Crosbie, CEO of N a t i o n w i d e , s a i d m o r e women have embraced flexible working due to childc a r e r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s b u t warned it could hinder their c a r e e r a d v a n c e m e n t N a t i

n w i d e , w h

c

s 18,000 employees, 60% of w h o m a r e w o m e n , i n t r oduced a "work from anyw h e r e " p o

h

pandemic However, a year

c h

n

requiring staff to be in the office at least two days a week

Crosbie, 54, noted that while the pandemic made f l e x i b l e w o r k i n g m o r e acceptable, it also highlight-

ed that men are more likely to work in the office than women She emphasised the i m p o r t a n c e o f e n s u r

women don't miss out on career opportunities

Reflecting on her career, she recalled working with Lynne Peacock, an inspiring female CEO at Clydesdale Bank, and expressed grati-

received in balancing work and motherhood Crosbie, who became Nationwide's CEO in June 2022, was able t o w o

raising her daughter, thanks to understanding business leaders

Crosbie pointed out that women are having children later, often in their late thirties, which coincides with the time when many are up for senior promotions Post-pandemic, 28% of t h e U K w

n o w works in a hybrid model,

home full-time, according to the Office for National Statistics Working parents, p

more likely to follow hybrid working patterns, while 44% o

daily

Research reveals sharp decline in female coaches in 2024

N ew re sea rch by Y o uG o v for UK Coach ing sh ows a significant drop in female co ach es ac ros s th e UK, with the percentage falling fro m 4 4% i n 20 2 2 t o 3 8 % i n 2 02 4 a dec line o f 6% i n ju st two years

The news comes ahead of a major year for women ’ s sport, including Euro 2025 i n S w i t z e r l a n d a n d t h e R u g b y W o r l d C u p i n England

UK Coaching s Head of C o a c h i n g a n d P o l i c y , H e a t h e r D o u g l a s , s a i d , "Understanding the evolving landscape helps us support coaches at every level

While coaches are receiving more recognition and support, there's still work to be done to ensure a diverse, equal workforce We must i n t e n s i f y o u r e f f o r t s t o embed inclusive standards, as coaches play a vital role in o u r s o c i e t y ’ s h e a l t h a n d well-being " I n 2 0 2 3 , F A f i g u r e s revealed over 5,000 female c o a c h e s i n E n g l a n d , w i t h n e a r l y 4 , 0 0 0 c o a c h i n g m e n s a n d b o

advanced beyond the semiprofessional level, a trend that persists I n

research, UK Coaching has reiterated its commitment t

Through its Gender Impact Strategy, UK Coaching aims to foster inclusive coaching environments and drive systemic change In partnership with UK Sport, it supported 60 female pathway

coaches in 2024 and is conducting further research to address gender disparities A p

m the study shows an increase in paid coaching roles, rising from 38% in 2022 to 53% in 2024

London traffickers jailed for smuggling migrants

Two Londoners , Shafaz Khan from Feltham and Choudhry Rashied from Southall, were jailed for attempting to smuggle four Indian migrants into the UK, hiding them behind di rty tyres in a van

meeting at a local café to plan the operation

individuals, endangering lives for financial gain

beauty treatments "It used to be designer items, but now perpetrators are offering treatments," she said Girls and young women

Teenage girls are reportedly offered incentives like lip fillers to engage in criminal activities, while young mothers have been found hiding guns and drugs in prams Jade Hibbert of St Giles Trust, which supports gangs and addiction victims, highlighted a "massive shift" in the Midlands, where gangs n o w g r o o m c h i l d r

because they are less likely to be caught by police, with some even lured into abus

the "boyfriend model" and used as bases for drug deals

were vulnerable to gang violence, but many female victims fell through the cracks due to gang prevention services primarily focusing on b o y s , a r e p o r t b y t h e Commission on Young Lives

a n d M a n c h e s t e r M e t r o p

revealed

When Border Force officers stopped them at Newhaven Ferry Port in March 2019, Khan claimed they were returning from a trip to Belgium However, a search of their vehicle revealed four migrants crammed into a cramped, airless compartment behind heavy tyres, enduring dangerous and squalid conditions

A Home Office investigation found the pair had hired the van to smuggle Indian nationals into the UK Phone analysis revealed they used burner phones to cover their tracks, and CCTV captured them

Both were sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court to five years and three months in prison for facilitating illegal immigration Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said: “This case highlights the extreme lengths people smugglers take to conceal their crimes These smugglers exploited

Our investigators are tirelessly working to dismantle smuggling networks that risk lives and undermine border security With increased enforcement, cooperation with key partners, and a £150 million investment in the new Border Security Command, we are committed to disrupting these criminal gangs ”

Sania Khan

Debbie Crosbie

Shahfaz Khan and Choudhry Rashied

The hidden struggles of gambling addiction

A YouGov survey commissioned by GamCare revealed

t h a t 4 1 % o f A s i a n s / A s i a n

British placed a bet in the last 12 months, compared to 60% of white respondents

T h e s t u d y h i g h l i g h t e d

troubling disparities: 24% of Asians needed larger bets to achieve the same excitement

( v s 1 3 % o f w h i t e s ) , 3 3 % returned to recoup losses (vs 2 0 % ) , a n d 1 9 % b o r r o w e d money or sold belongings to gamble (vs 9%)

A d d i t i o n a l l y , 1 4 % o f

Asians reported gambling-

r e l a t e d e x p e n s e s a f f e c t i n g their ability to meet essential needs like food, rent, or bills, nearly double the 8% of

w h i t e r e s p o n d e n t s f a c i n g similar issues

As the problem continues to grow in areas with large South Asian populations, a critical need exists for culturally sensitive support and greater community awareness to break the cycle of silence and provide meaningful solutions

A ddressing g ambling in South Asian com munities

Speaking about the chall e n g e s a b o u t g a m b l i n g addiction in the South Asian community, CEO of Gordon Moody (non-profit organisation that tackles gambling

r e l a t e d h a r m ) M o ni ca S hafaq said, “The challenge

i s t h a t m a n y p e o p l e a r e

u n a w a r e o f t h e s u p p o r t

a v a i l a b l e f o r g a m b l i n g addiction While resources for issues like drug or alco-

h o l a d d i c t i o n a r e m o r e

w i d e l y k n o w n , g a m b l i n g

s u p p o r t o f t e n i s n ’ t T o address this, our sector must

a c t i v e l y p r o m o t e s e r v i c e s within communities, rather than expecting individuals to seek help This includes

e n g a g i n g w i t h r e l i g i o u s i n s t i t u t i o n s , c o m m u n i t y centres, and other gathering places Additionally, it's cruc i a l t h a t o r g a n i s a t i o n s reflect the diversity of the communities they serve If an organisation supporting gambling addiction has staff that lacks cultural representation, such as being pred o m i n a n t l y w h i t e o r homogenous in other ways, i t c a n d e t e r p e o p l e f r o m seeking help Encouraging more people from the Asian community to work in this sector is essential to build trust and ensure that support is accessible and culturally sensitive Seeking help for any addiction requires

c o u r a g e , a n d i n d i v i d u a l s need to feel understood and comfortable with the organisations they approach

“ A n o t h e r c h a l l e n g e i s that, unlike alcohol or drug addiction, there are no obvious physical signs A person can be struggling with gambling, but it’s often hidden because there are no out-

w a r d i n d i c a t o r s , u n l i k e w h e n s o m e o n e i s v i s i b l y drunk or high In our com-

m u n i t y , g a m b l i n g d u r i n g festivals like Diwali might be seen as a social activity, but

when this ‘fun’ starts affecti n g a p e r s o n ’ s l i f e , i t becomes a problem We’re not an anti-gambling organisation; we believe it’s fine to engage in social gambling as long as it’s done responsibly The issue arises when gambling starts impacting a person ’ s life, and this is something many may not recognise until it’s too late There i s a c l e a r n e e d f o r m o r e awareness about the harms of gambling and how it can affect individuals and families,” she added Monica emphasised on h o w f a m i l y m e m b e r s a n d f r i e n d s c a n b e s t s u p p o r t someone they know is suffering from gambling addiction, “Addressing gambling w i t h i n o u r c o m m u n i t y requires a non-judgmental approach It's often a difficult topic, but it's important to understand that there’s usually an underlying reason, such as mental health struggles or trauma, driving t

i n g o f t e n s e r v e s a s a c o p i n g mechanism Providing supp o r t m e a n s h a v i n g o p e n , c o m p a s s i o n a t e c o n v e r s ations where the individual feels safe and not judged t h i s i s c r u c i a l , a s f e a r o f j u d g m e n t p r e v e n t s m a n y from seeking help It's also about guiding them gently t o w a r d p r o f e s s i o n a l s u pp o r t , w h a t e v e r f o r m t h a t may take ”

Harj Gah ley, Director of Red Card Gambling Support (provides gambling related

s u p p o r t ) o n c e f a c e d a £250,000 debt and a suicide

a t t e m p t d u e t o g a m b l i n g a d d i c t i o n A f t e r s u r v i v i n g that dark moment, he dedicated his life to helping others, particularly within the

S o u t h A s i a n c o m m u n i t y , where stigma and cultural taboos often prevent open conversations and access to

s u p p o r t H e s a i d , “ S o u t h

A s i a n s a r e m o r e l i k e l y t o experience gambling-related

h a r m c o m p a r e d t o o t h e r groups, partly due to cultural factors and social pressures Research by YouGov

s h o w s t h a t 1 i n 5 ( 2 0 % )

B A M E a d u l t s e x p e r i e n c e g a m b l i n g p r o b l e m s ( P G S I score of 1+), compared to 12% of white adults While S o u t h A s i a n s g a m b l e l e s s than white ethnic groups in the UK, those who do are four times more likely to suffer from gambling-related harm Forty-two percent of gamblers from minority

c o m m u n i t i e s e x p e r i e n c e issues, compared to 20% of White British people Many view gambling as a coping mechanism, with minority g r o u p s t h r e e t i m e s m o r e likely than white groups to do so The shame and stigma around gambling in South Asian families often delay i

damage This issue disprop

Asian men, impacting fami-

find help, intensifying feelings of guilt and isolation,

GamCare (Charity supports anyone suffering from gambling related problems) said, "

deeply affect individuals and their families The impacts of gambling extend beyond financial losses, with many people finding themselves

families, the ripple effects

may experience emotional distress, strained relations

issues as they grapple with the consequences of gambling-related harm This is compounded by the stigma

o

mbling, which can discourage open discussions and seeking support

W e e n c o u r a g e y o u t o talk to a friend or family member Sharing concerns with someone you trust can be an important first step If you ’ re not ready to open up to someone you know, you can also speak confidentially to someone for non-judgm

G a m

Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133

Community leaders need to raise awarenes s about gambling addic ti on

An ex-gambling addict, Rahul* highlighted the hidden nature of online gambling, as many assume indi-

s o c i a l media or browsing He said, “Even though apps exist to

addicts often find ways to

problem Community leaders, especially in places of worship like Gurudwaras, Masjids, and Temples, need to raise awareness In areas with large South Asian populations, like Southall and Wembley, the issue is growi

tackle While awareness is

lenge is helping those who aren't ready to seek help The accessibility and targeted advertising, particularly t o y o

e the problem worse Sadly, gambling is rarely addressed in Asian media, and when it is, it s infrequent ”

Sharing advice for those who are silently struggling, Rahul said, “Be honest with y o u r s e l f M o n e y i s h a r dearned and easy to lose I’ve lost my life savings, jobs, a n d r

national gambling helpline are available 24/7 Don’t be ashamed to reach out or t a l k t o y o u r f a m i l y

Gambling addiction is often seen as greed, but it’s often tied to mental health issues like depression or trauma

For me, it was an escape, but you can only run from r e a l i t y f o r s o l o n g

C o m m u n i t y o r g a n i s a t i o n s must recognise our cultural n e e d s , s u c h a s d i e t a r y requirements and the ability to pray Many hesitate to seek help due to stigma, but

we need to stop judging and start supporting each other We owe it to ourselves and the wider community " *Name changed for anonymity

A healthier 2025 for South Asians

Wh ile gambling addiction i s a p ressing concern withi n the S outh Asian commu nity, it is not th e o nly h ealth issu e affecting its members

South Asians are disproportionately impacted by a range of health problems, including cardiovasc u l a r d i s e a s e s , d i a b e t e s , dementia, skin conditions and many others South Asians are particularly at risk, being at least twice as likely to develop cardiov a s c u l a r d i s e a s e ( C V D ) compared to other groups, according to the British Heart Foundation

A 2024 study by UC Davis and Oregon Health & S c i e n c e U n

s i t y f o u n d t h a t m i n o r i t i s e d racial and ethnic groups face disparities in dementia care, including delayed diagnoses, fewer prescrip-

and aggressive treatments c

Hispanic white individuals

Cultural, genetic, and lifestyle factors often play

need for tailored health-

greater awareness within the community

As 2025 begins, Asian Voice brings you a special health feature (from page 15 to 17) designed to help you stay fit and embrace a

expert advice to tackling

lenges within the South

feature offers practical tips

your well-being throughout the year Let’s make 2025 a year of wellness and vitality!

Break bad habits in 2025

In 20 2 5, the pac e of life feels faster than ev er, with dig ital distractions, ev olvin g w o rk ro u ti n es , an d sh i f ti ng c u ltu r al n o rm s sh aping ou r daily lives

A s w e n a v i g a t e t h i s dynamic landscape, many of us find ourselves grappling with habits that no longer serve us whether it’s endless scrolling, impul-

s i v e o n l i n e s h o p p i n g , o r neglecting our well-being

B r e a k i n g b a d h a b i t s h a s

a l w a y s b e e n a c h a l l e n g e ,

b u t t o d a y ’ s u n i q u e p r e ssures, from the omnipresence of smartphones to the rise of convenience culture, make it even harder

Y e t , a s t h e n e w y e a r unfolds, there’s no better t i m e t o t a k e s t o c k a n d e m b r a c e c h a n g e E x p e r t s a g r e e t h a t b r e a k i n g f r e e

f r o m e n t r e n c h e d

b e h a v i o u r s i s n ’ t a b o u t sheer willpower; it’s about u n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e r o o t causes of our habits and i m p l e m e n t i n g s m a l l , a c t i o n a b l e s t r a t e g i e s t h a t fit seamlessly into modern life

T h i s a r t i c l e e x p l o r e s tips to tackle some of the most common habits of our time

Phone addiction: Many

of us spend excessive time on our phones 41% admit it Hilda Burke, psychothera p i s t a n d a u t h o r o f T h e

P h o n e A d d i c t i o n Workbook, suggests setting an inspiring screensaver as a reminder of your goals

T u r n o f f n o t i f i c a t i o n s , u n s u b s c r i b e f r o m g r o u p chats, and schedule phonefree periods Apps like One Sec can interrupt mindless s c r o l l i n g w i t h b r e a t h i n g exercises

U n h e a l t h y s n a c k i n g :

O n e o f t h e

a y t o a c h

h i s i s k e e p

n g healthy snacks visible and convenient Studies show that unhealthy foods within easy reach correlate with h i g h e r B M I F i b e r - r i c h foods like vegetables, nuts, and whole grains can curb h u n g e r C r a v i n g c o o k i e s ?

Opt for a healthier alternative, such as chocolate rice

cakes

V a p i n g : W i t h d i s p

banned, it’s time to quit

You can start by reducing nicotine strength gradually a n d e x t e n d i n g i n t e r v a l s b

o n s Setting rules about when and where you vape can also help break the habit O n l i n e s h o p p i n g : Impulse buying affects 94% of us Try being mindful of your wardrobe before purchasing new items Leave items in your cart for a few days to rethink, and unsubscribe from retailer emails

and card details can curb temptation

: Moderation requires discipline Set rules, such as lim-

options Always keep your “why” in mind be it better health, sleep, or energy I n c o n

minutes before bedtime in a

m Prioritise rest throughout the day with meditation or short breaks

Monica Shafaq Harj Gahley

Dementia care in Ethnic minority communities

Anusha Singh

A study conducted by U C D av is H ealth and Oreg o n Health & Science University

i n e arl y 2 0 2 4 h ig h li g h t ed

s i g n if i ca nt d i s p ari t ie s i n d em entia care

T h e

t h a t i n d i v i d u a l s f r o m

minoritised racial and ethnic groups are less likely to

e c e i v e a n a c c u r a t e a n d timely dementia diagnosis compared to non-Hispanic w

likely to be prescribed anti-

e Moreover, the study found t h a t t h e s e g r o u p s f a c e a higher risk of hospitalisation and are more likely to receive aggressive life-sus-

t a i n i n g t r e a t m e n t s d u r i n g end-of-life care

In this article for Asian Voice, Hannah Hussain, an

E c o n o m i s t a t O H E s i n c e September 2024, sheds light on the disparities in dementia care With a strong background in health economics, she brings valuable expertise to the discussion, particularly in the context of dementia

H e r c a r e e r h a s b e e n shaped by her experience in NHS primary care and her previous role as a research associate at the Manchester C e n t r e f o r H e a l t h Economics (MCHE), where she contributed to a multinational dementia trial

Could you share your insights on the cultural perceptions surrounding dementia within ethnic minority communities?

The stigma surrounding dementia can be influenced b y s e v e r a l f a c t o r s S o m e communities are less likely to seek healthcare due to cultural norms or past experiences This lack of trust in h e a l t h c a r e s y s t e m s , o f t e n stemming from experiences back home, can lead people to rely on spiritual or religious healers as their prim a r y s o u r c e o f g u i d a n c e This mistrust contributes to a broader reluctance to seek medical help, affecting all health conditions, including dementia Dementia carries a unique stigma due to its mental health component as well While it is a physical

c o n d i t i o n i m p a c t i n g t h e brain, the mental and emotional effects are significant

For ethnic minority populations, particularly those who migrated to the UK as pioneers, this can be especially challenging Many in

reliant lives, and adjusting t o t h e c h a n g e s b r o u g h t about by dementia can be p r o f o u n d l y d i f f i c u l t n o t only for individuals but also for their families and caregivers Another key factor is the cultural context of patria r c h a l s t r u c t u

e s w i t h i n many ethnic minority and BAME communities In such settings, older male figures are often seen as stoic and detached, taking on a more observational role in social s i t u a t i o n s T h i s c u l t u r a l expectation can sometimes mask early signs of dementia

Could you elaborate on the disparities in social care resources when it comes to ethnic minorities?

Specifically, why and how do these disparities arise, and what factors contribute to them?

Family structures in ethnic minority communities often prioritise home caregiving for elderly members, w i t h a c u l t u r a l s t i g m a a t t a c h e d t o u s i n g p r o f e ssional care services or placi n g l o v e d o n e s i n c a r e homes This mindset results in a reliance on informal caregivers, typically family m e m b e r s , a n d a r e d u c e d uptake of formal social serv i c e s C o n s e q u e n t l y , t h e needs of these communities often go unmet as they do not seek support from formal care systems

F u r t h e r m o r e , t h e s e communities are underrep-

resented in research, making it harder to address their specific needs It is essential for care providers to proact

g r o u p s a n

e n s u r e t h e i r voices are heard To reduce disparities in social care, services must be culturally tailored and relevant Engaging w i t h l o c a l r e l i g i o u s s i t e s , c o m m u n i t y c e n t r e s , a n d using culturally appropriate public health campaigns can help Advertising in specific languages and reflecting cultural sensitivities can raise awareness of services and their importance Effective

i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f t h e s e strategies remains a priority What are some early signs of dementia that we should pay attention to, and how can we encourage people to overcome this reluctance and engage with the diagnostic process?

D i a g n

a can be challenging due to the many overlapping subtypes, such as mixed dementia Accurate diagnoses are o

physical changes, like those seen in vascular dementia, are present This form of dementia is increasingly relevant for South Asian com-

like diabetes and heart disease

Screening tools, such as

commonly used in memory c

However, these tools must be adapted for cultural relevance For example, questions involving animals may not resonate with all popul

recognise a dolphin It's crucial that diagnostic tools are appropriately translated and administered with cultural sensitivities to avoid misinterpretation D

fall into three key areas: cogn

involves memory, judgment,

r

d changes, such as confusion,

impairment, which begins

activities and progresses to more basic functions Early indicators can include social isolation or disengagement in conversations, which may signal cognitive or functional decline A combination of symptoms such as memor y l a p s e s , c o n f u s i o n , a n d m

o d c h a n g e s s h o u l d prompt further evaluation

Whatare some ways ethnic minorities can ensure that their elders age in a healthy manner?

H e a l t h a n d w e l l - b e i n g principles, such as maintaining a healthy diet, are universal but must be framed in a way that resonates with different communities For South Asian communities, managing cholesterol is particularly crucial, given the higher prevalence of health conditions like heart disease and diabetes, which increase the risk of vascular dement i a E n c o u r a g i n g l i f e s t y l e changes like quitting smoking, exercising, and overall well-being can significantly r e d u c e t h e s e r i s k s Additionally, staying mentally engaged and fostering an active, healthy communit y l i f e c a n h e l p m a i n t a i n cognitive health

P r o m o t i n g r e g u l a r health screenings is essent i a l , e s p e c i a l l y i n p l a c e s where elderly ethnic minority communities are already familiar, such as temples or m o s q u e s T h e s e l o c a t i o n s provide accessible platforms f o r i n d i v i d u a l s t o e n g a g e

w i t h h e a l t h s e r v i c e s ,

i n c r e a s i n g a w a r e n e s s a n d facilitating care

The key is not to complicate matters

w h a t b e n e f i t s t h e g e n e r a l

e l d e r l y p o p u l a t i o n a l s o applies to ethnic minorities, but the promotion must be culturally relevant and easily accessible

Lastly, it’s important to acknowledge dementia with L e w y b o d i e s , a t y p e o f

d e m e n t i a a s s o c i a t e d w i t h

h a l l u c i n a t i o n s , w h i c h i s especially relevant for elderly individuals from ethnic minority communities who may have experienced trauma, such as the effects of

p a r t i t i o n R e c o g n i s i n g t h e intersection of trauma and

d e m e n t i a s y m p t o m s c a n help families and caregivers

o f f e r c o m p a s s i o n a t e a n d informed care

Two hours of weekly exercise boosts heart health

E x erc i s e i s u n d o u bt ed l y beneficial for heart health

R eg u l ar p h ys i ca l a ct iv it y l o w er s bl o o d p r es su r e, r ed u c es c h o le st ero l , an d d ecreases th e risk o f heart attacks and strokes

However, finding time and motivation to exercise

c a n b e c h a l l e n g i n g S o , w h a t ’ s t h e m i n i m u m amount of exercise needed to enjoy these heart health

b e n e f i t s ? T h e a n s w e r depends on your current fitness level and the good news is that the less fit you are to start, the less exercise you need to see improvements

For a sedentary person, even a small amount of exercise can significantly reduce the risk of heart

d i s e a s e S t a r t i n g f r o m zero, just one or two hours of light activity per week, such as walking or cycling, can lower the risk of cardiovascular-related death by up to 20% As fitness improves, the benefits of exercise plateau, forming a J-shaped curve

Someone who begins exercising for a couple of hours per week will see the greatest reduction in card i o v a s c u l a r r i s k I f t h e y

increase their activity to four hours per week, the benefits continue but with s m a l l e r g a i n s ( a r o u n d 10%) Maximum cardiovascular health benefits are typically achieved with 4-6 hours of exercise per week, w i t h n o s u b s t a n t i a l improvements beyond this point

H o w e v e r , a s t u d y o n sedentary participants traini n g f o r e n d u r a n c e e v e n t s , like marathons, showed that 7-9 hours of weekly training led to significant structural changes in the heart While the reductions in cardiovas-

Loneliness may be harmful to heart health, study finds

If you're ai mi ng to improve your health thi s year, i t might b e ti me to reas ses s y our social cale ndar A recen t study revea ls that loneli nes s could i ncreas e the ris k of heart d ise ase , stroke, a nd inf ecti ons

Researchers from the UK and China have discovered that heightened social isolation can trigger changes in blood proteins, which may increase the risk of several health conditions While it has long been known that loneliness negatively impacts health, scientists now believe that the underlying mechanism may lie in the blood

The study, conducted by teams from the University of Cambridge and Fudan University in China, analysed blood proteins from over 42,000 adults in the UK Biobank The researchers assessed loneliness and social isolation in each participant and identified five proteins linked to loneliness Among these were proteins associated with cholesterol levels and insulin resistance

According to the researchers, certain blood proteins are critical in the connection between social isolation and health Some of these proteins increase as a direct result of

prolonged loneliness Barbara Sahakian, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, emphasised the importance of social connection in maintaining health She added, "These findings highlight the crucial role of social contact in our well-being "

The World Health Organisation has labelled social isolation and loneliness as a global public health issue, urging strategies to help people stay connected One protein identified in the study, adrenomedullin (ADM), plays a key role in the body’s response to stress Another protein, ASGR1, was found to be associated with higher cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease Additionally, some proteins were linked to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes

Dr Chun Shen from the University of Cambridge remarked, "While we ’ ve known that loneliness and social isolation contribute to poor health, we ’ ve never fully understood why Our study highlights the important role of specific proteins in this relationship, with some proteins increasing as a direct result of loneliness "

UK faces alarming surge in flu cases

The number of peo ple h ospitalised with flu in England has risen at an alarming rate o v er t h e p as t m o n th , according to officials from the U K's Nati onal Health Service (NHS)

Data reveals that by the e n d o f l a s t w e e k , 5 , 0 0 0 patients were being treated for the virus in hospitals almost 3 5 times higher than t h e s a m e p e r i o d i n 2 0 2 3 , though still lower than in 2 0 2 2 , t h

i o n a l C

cular risk were similar to those seen with 4-6 hours of exercise, the heart muscle increased, and heart chamb e r s e n l a r g e d , i m p r o v i n g overall fitness

For those with limited time, high-intensity interval t r a i n i n g ( H I I T ) i s a g r e a t alternative HIIT is short but intense, offering cardiovascular benefits in just 20 minutes Even if exercise is confined to weekends, research shows it can still reduce cardiovascular risk

I n s h o r t , e v e n s m a l l a m o u n t s o f e

n greatly benefit heart health

Emergency Care, said the figures clearly demonstrate that "the pressure from flu was far from easing before we entered the new year, soaring to over 5,000 cases a day by the end of last week and continuing to rise at a concerning rate "

UK health officials are a l s o c o n c e r n e d a b o u t t h e potential impact of very cold weather expected this weekend, particularly on vulnerab l e p o p u l a t i o n s a n d t h e health system as a whole Professor Redhead warned that low temperatures could exacerbate respiratory conditions and urged individuals at risk to stay warm and e n s u r e t h e y h a v e e n o u g h medication

The UK Health Security Agency acknowledged that a rise in flu cases during the w i n t e r m o n t h s i s n o t unusual and had been anticipated It reiterated its call f o r e l i g i b l e i n d i v i d u a l s , including health and social care workers, to take advantage of free flu vaccines As of the latest figures, 33 percent of pregnant women, 37 percent of people in at-risk groups, and 73 percent of those aged 65 and over have received the flu jab In response to the pressure caused by flu and other winter illnesses like Covid a n d n o r o v i r u s , h o s p i t a l s have taken additional measures, including providing extra beds to accommodate the increased demand NHS officials have also expanded support for indiv i d u a l s w h o r e q u i r e f r eq u e n t e m e r g e n c y c a r e b y o f f e r i n g m o r e t r e a t m e n t options outside hospital settings

Hannah Hussain

Promoting heart health awareness among South Asians

Subhasini Naicker

C ardiov ascular diseases are a major h ealth concern amo ng S outh Asians, d riven by genetic, lifestyle, and d ietary factors Harro op S ing h Bo la, co-founder of British Indian Medical A ssociation (BIMA ) and recip ient of th e Diana A ward , is lead ing efforts to raise aw areness abo ut this issue

Inspired by the loss of his grandfather to a heart attack and the prevalence of heart disease in his community, Harroop, with a degree in Cardiovascular Sciences, is committed to promoting better heart health His work focuses on areas like interventional cardiology, cardiac electrophysiology, and cardiothoracic surgery

In this interview with Asian Voice, Harroop discusses the factors behind cardiovascular disease, the role of healthcare providers and policymakers, and more

1) What factors contribute to the higher risk of cardiovascular diseases in South Asians, and what challenges does the community face in addressing them?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, is a major global health issue South Asians are particularly at risk, being at least twice as likely to develop CVD compared to other groups, according to the British Heart Foundation The World Health Organisation predicts that South Asians will account for 40% of global CVD-related deaths by 2050, reflecting an 85% increase This underscores the urgent need to address the contributing factors

Diet plays a significant role in the elevated CVD risk within the South Asian community Traditional diets, rich in refined carbohydrates like chapattis, rice, and sugary desserts, and high in saturated fats from ghee, butter, and dairy, contribute to poor heart health For instance, a chapatti contains 120 calories and 20-25 grams of carbohydrates, leading to blood sugar spikes and weight gain Dairy products like paneer and fried foods further heighten the risk

The good news is that many cardiovascular risk factors are modifiable

Adopting a balanced diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and minimal processed carbs and unhealthy fats can significantly reduce CVD risk Managing high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, smoking, and type 2 diabetes through

healthier lifestyles and better strategies also plays a critical role However, research from the South Asian BioBank reveals that even with controlled risk factors, South Asians face a 1 7-fold higher risk of coronary heart disease, highlighting unique genetic and environmental contributors to their elevated CVD risk 2) What role does health education play in preventing cardiovascular diseases, and how is BIMA ensuring these reaches underserved South Asian populations?

Health education plays a vital role in raising awareness and empowering individuals to make informed lifestyle choices to reduce their cardiovascular risk Many risk factors can be managed through simple dietary and lifestyle adjustments, such as identifying high-risk foods and replacing them with healthier alternatives

Resources like the South Asian Eatwell Guide provide practical guidance, including tips like using unsaturated oils in moderation and opting for whole-grain flour Beyond dietary changes, the NHS Health Check Program offers free screening for individuals aged 40–70, enabling early identification and intervention for conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes

Managing conditions like Type 2 diabetes is critical for reducing heart disease risk, with strategies including mindful eating and regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week) Support is widely accessible through General Practices, community centres, and faith-based locations like gurudwaras, mandirs, and mosques

Cardiovascular disease and diabetes increasingly affect younger populations, highlighting the importance of starting preventative measures early In BIMA, we ’ ve used social media campaigns to raise awareness about cardiovascular risks and promote healthier lifestyle choices within the South Asian community During festivals like Diwali, we ’ ve introduced culturally relevant exercise programs and recipes As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we ’ re launching the National Community Action Project Initiative, aimed at

engaging local communities in adopting healthier habits through culturally tailored approaches We plan to empower British Indian medical students to provide health coaching to the South Asian community, partnering with local centres to reach those who may not be digitally connected, ensuring equitable access to health education and support 3) How can policymakers and healthcare providers contribute to preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases within this community?

Addressing cardiovascular health in the South Asian community requires targeted public health interventions

Establishing culturally tailored care navigation programmes can encourage sustainable lifestyle changes and build trust through partnerships with local organisations Hosting health check stalls at community events like Nagar Kirtans or Garbas can further bridge gaps between healthcare services and patients

Additionally, tackling underrepresentation in healthcare initiatives, such as cancer screenings and clinical research, is vital

The South Asian BioBank collaborates with NHS trusts to provide screenings and gather data, improving understanding of this community's specific health risks Regular health checks at community hubs and increased South Asian participation in clinical trials should be key healthcare priorities

Culturally appropriate healthcare advice is crucial for effective interventions

Primary care should use tools like the Eatwell Plate and educational videos during GP visits, while addressing common misconceptions about lifestyle and nutrition

Collaborating with community networks is key to empowering South Asians to take charge of their health Structured group exercise activities at community centres can help integrate physical activity into daily life

Policymakers and healthcare providers should work with South Asian food producers to create healthier, culturally relevant options The rise of digital health tools like wearables, remote monitoring, and telerehabilitation offers opportunities for personalised care

Partnering with certified digital content creators on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels can effectively raise awareness and promote evidencebased lifestyle advice

Dal Chawal: The world’s healthiest dish celebrates Indian culinary wisdom

Shefali Saxena

At the rec ent World Food and Nutri tion Conferenc e held in Manc hester, Dal Chawal, a quin te ssenti al In dian c om fort f ood, was crowned the world’ s healthiest di sh

This humble combination of lentils (dal) and rice (chawal) impressed global experts with its perfect balance of essential nutrients, affordability, and cultural significance Packed with protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, it is a wholesome, sustainable meal that supports o ll health Its simplicity versatility, and unive appeal transcend borders, showcasing how traditional foods can be both nutritious and satisfying Dal Chawal’s global recognition highlights the timeless wisdom of Indian culinary traditions and their contribution to healthy living

Dietitian Fareeh (RD) told Asian Voice, Dal Chawal is a wholesome and nutritious meal that provides a variety of essential nutrients Rice serves as an excellent source of carbohydrates, while also offering micronutrients like manganese, niacin,

thiamine, selenium, and magnesium Although dal is sometimes criticised for not being a complete protein due to its lack of all nine essential amino acids, the

dal lacks methionine and cysteine, which are abundant in rice Additionally, dal is rich in fibre, which supports metabolic health, gut health, and the immune system ”

Rohi ni B ajekal, Nutritionis t and CoAuthor of Livi ng PCOS Fre e said, “Dal chawal (lentils and rice) provides a complete protein source and is an affordable, sustainable and very nutritious meal It provides ample fibre, complex carbs, B vitamins, iron and zinc

beauty of dal chawal lies in its synergy Together, they complement each other's amino acid profiles, forming a complete protein similar to those found in animal products Rice is deficient in lysine, which dal contains, while

The combination together a low glycemic index ch supports energy els and blood sugar egulation When cooked with traditional spices such as turmeric, cumin, and hing, it gains antiinflammatory properties All healthy long living societies, known as the Blue Zones, eat legumes beans, peas, lentils) ery day and often more n once a day A variety entils is available at a very affordable price in most world food stores or larger supermarkets Squeeze lemon juice on your dal for extra benefits as eating iron-rich foods (such as lentils or dark leafy greens) with Vitamin C (e g lemon juice) helps maximise absorption ”

Transform your health with these new habits

Many people turn to diets

f o r q u ic k w ei g h t lo s s o r imp rov ed health , but dieting often com es with ch alleng es like calo rie counting and the tem p tatio n o f c heat days Sustainable h ealth, ho wev er, isn't about extreme restrictions or sh ort-term fixes It's ab ou t ad o pt ing lo ng -t erm habits that nourish both the body and m ind

Shifting focus from diets

t o c o n s i s t e n t , m a n a g e a b l e habits helps create a lifestyle that promotes overall wellbeing It's not just what you eat, but how you live each day From better sleep to mindfulness practices, there are habits that can have a greater impact than dieting alone

I n t h i s g u i d e , w e ' l l explore eight health habits that offer lasting benefits, empowering you to lead a h e a l t h i e r , b a l a n c e d l i f e

These are lifestyle changes that support both body and mind for the long term

1 C ho ose nutri tio us, lowen er g y f o o d s f or be tte r health:

To lose weight, focus on what you can eat more of, rather than restricting certain foods Increasing your i n t a k e o f n u t r i t i o u s , l e s sprocessed foods is key to promoting fat loss Start by adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet In the UK, only 32 5% of people eat

the recommended five portions daily, so swapping out other foods for fruits and veggies is an easy way to reduce calorie intake without counting Eating a salad

b e f o r e a m e a l h a s b e e n s h o w n t o r e d u c e o v e r a l l f o o d c o n s u m p t i o n b y a n average of 12%

2 Start your d ay with p rotein for better health:

Eating more protein can aid fat loss, curb hunger, and stabilize blood sugar, helpi n g y o u a v o i d u n h e a l t h y snacks Research shows that teenagers who eat a highp r o t e i n b r e a k f a s t , l i k e a n omelette, feel significantly less hungry than those who eat a carb-heavy breakfast, such as sugary oatmeal For t h o s e w h o u s u a l l y s k i p breakfast, having a proteinr i c h m e a l c a n p r o m o t e w e i g h t l o s s c o m p a r e d t o skipping breakfast entirely

Starting your day with protein, like eggs or yogurt, is a simple yet effective choice

3 Watch your fat intake:

Not all fats are bad avocados, nuts, and olive oil

a r e h e a l t h y c h o i c e s However, it's easy to consume too much, especially from sources like biscuits, cakes, and red meat In the U K , m a n y a

u l t s e x c e e d their recommended intake

o f s a t u r a

t S i m p l e habits, such as grilling meat instead of frying, trimming

excess fat, using smaller portions of sauces like mayonn a i s e , a n d c h o o s i n g l e a n p r o t e i n s l i k e c h i c k e n a n d fish, can make a big difference 4 Cut liquid calories: We’re consuming more

c a l o r i e s f r o m d r i n k s t h a n ever, with blended coffees containing milk and sugar often reaching 200 calories Research shows that liquid sugar doesn’t satisfy hunger t h e w a y s o l i

, leading to extra calories on top of meals Regular consumption of sugary drinks is s

gain and poorer health 5 Sm all exercise breaks: A g l o b a l s t u d y f o u n d that only 17% of adults meet the NHS recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week However, research shows that short bursts of exercise, like 10 minutes a day, can add nearly two years to our lives 6 Go od quality sleep: Poor sleep quality can

monal changes that increase h u n g

u n d that after just one night of f o u r h o u

i c ipants ate 559 more calories the next day In contrast, those who improved their sleep by just over an hour consumed 270 fewer calories

Harroop Singh Bola

Rohini Bajekal

Fareeha Jay (RD)

Dear Financial Voice Reader,

Alpesh Patel

The Changing Face of UK Financial Advice: Are IFAs Failing Pensioners?

Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) are often seen as the go-to professionals for pension planning and wealth management But many pensioners are finding themselves dissatisfied, especially as their pension pots deliver underwhelming returns Is the traditional IFA model struggling to meet modern challenges? Into the New Year I have two types of emails The first is from people looking back at 2024, not just Asian Voice readers, and fed up with poor performance from their IFA for yet another year The second type of email is from people gaining 20% or 30% from doing the investing themselves instead Investing, not trading Why Pensioners Are Concerned

Recent surveys show that poor pension growth is a common complaint among retirees Low-interest rates, market volatility, and rising inflation have all contributed to this At the same time, IFAs face increased regulatory pressure and higher fees, which may limit the tailored advice they can provide

For many, the advice boils down to generic solutions that lack the flexibility or creativity needed in today’s financial climate The result? Pensioners are left feeling that their hard-earned savings aren’t working hard enough for them

A Broken Model?

The traditional IFA approach might no longer suit everyone Here’s why:

• High Costs : Adviser fees can erode returns over time, particularly on smaller pension pots

• Lim ited Innovat ion: IFAs often stick to standard investment models that may not exploit opportunities in alternative assets or high-growth sectors

• Mis aligned Goals: Some advisers focus on compliance and risk avoidance rather than maximizing returns Taking Control

In this environment, pensioners are increasingly exploring self-managed solutions Platforms offering low-cost access to diversified investments like Exchange Traded Funds in Crypto stocks for instance or the Indian market, coupled with educational tools, empower individuals to make smarter choices

Programmes like the www thecampaignforamillion com can help fill the gap, providing insights into high-performing strategies for free With access to data and resources that were once the preserve of hedge funds and wealth managers, individuals can take greater control of their financial futures –after all that’s why ISAs and SIPPs were created – not for the benefit of IFAs

The Role of Knowledge

This shift doesn’t mean IFAs are obsolete, but it does suggest they need to evolve Pensioners, on the other hand, must take the initiative to educate themselves about investing With government policies like potential taxation on pensions in the spotlight, being informed has never been more important

Taking control of your pension growth isn’t just an option anymore it’s a necessity Whether through better advisers or self-education, the key is to make your money work harder for you

Small businesses plan job cuts over Employment Rights Bill

S m a l l b u s in e s s es i n B ri t a in a r e expres sing signif icant c onc erns over t he gov er nm e nt ’ s pla n t o e xpa nd w or k er s ' r ig ht s t hr o ug h t he E mployment Rights Bill

Many are predicting a slowdown in hiring and potential job cuts in response A survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows that nearly 92% of small employers are worried about the bill’s impact on the labour market, with one of the key concerns being protection from unfair dismissal starting from the first day of employment

The survey, which involved 1,270 small employers in November, found that 67% of respondents plan to reduce hiring, and nearly a third are considering cutting their workforce Additionally, 56% said the bill would discourage them from investing in their businesses or seeking growth opportunities The bill aims to shift the balance of power between workers and employers, addressing concerns that past policies have been too favourable to businesses Key provisions include guaranteed hours for employees, the end of zero-hours contracts, expanded access to statutory sick pay, and improved union representation Tina McKenzie, policy chair at the FSB, commented that small businesses are clear the bill will not encourage them to hire more staff, with many employers scaling back hiring to avoid legal risks The Department for Business and Trade responded, emphasising the bill’s goal to grow the economy and raise living standards while balancing the needs of both businesses and workers Tina McKenzie

Tata and British Steel leaders join new steel council

Council, which includes key in

Tata Steel and British Steel, following th e loss of thousands of jo bs in the U K last year

The Steel Council will guide plans for the sector, supported by up to £2 5 billion in investment Business

Reynolds, stated that steel communities are “tired of lurching from crisis to cri-

include the chief executives of Tata Steel and British Steel, representatives from the GMB Trade Union, and

d governments, all of whom

will meet regularly to shape the future of the industry

The £2 5 billion funding will be in addition to a separate £500 million package for Tata Steel to help partfinance the new steel production at Port Talbot The Steel Council, co-chaired by the chairman of Teesside-

Government

based Materials Processing

Government’s steel strategy in the spring

The strategy is expected to outline how the UK’s

expanded and how investment decisions can stimu-

Graduate salaries approaching minimum wage levels

Grad uate salaries have fallen in real term s since 2001 and are now nearing parity w ith th e n at io n al m i ni m u m wage, acco rd ing to a new report

T h e R e s o l u t i o n Foundation reveals that the median graduate salary in 2023 was £34,200, compared t o £ 3 5 , 6 0 0 i n 2 0 0 1 w h e n adjusted for inflation Over the same period, the minimum wage has risen significantly, increasing by nearly 60% to £21,700

This shift means that in 2001, the average graduate earned 2 5 times more than t h o s e i n t h e l o w e s t - p a i d jobs, but now they earn only 1 6 times as much The narrowing gap raises concerns that for many students, the financial return on a university degree may not justify the cost Tuition fees f o r a t y p i c a l t h r e e - y e a r course stand at £27,750, set to rise to £28,605 in the autumn

T h e R e s o l u t i o n

published this week, highlights that the earnings of the lowest-earning graduates are now barely above t

10th percentile of earnings are currently earning just 11% more than those on the minimum wage, compared with 82% more in 2001 With the national living wage set to rise by nearly 7% to £12 21 per hour, equating

Aldi celebrates record-breaking Christmas sales

Aldi has announc ed its "best Christmas ever, " reporting sales of over £1 6bn in the four weeks leadin g up to Christmas E ve T h i s

a s attributed to shoppers opti

Specially Selected range and

o r e openings Total sales for the holiday period rose by 3 4%

2 % increase in sales of its premium own-label products

According to retail analyst Clive Black from Shore C a p i t a l , t h

n ' s 3 5 % additional sales space from new stores suggests underlying sales were flat, with p

volume of items sold when a d j u s t e d f

Despite this, the festive season saw strong consumer

s p e n d

n g , t r a d i t i o n a l l y referred to as the golden quarter for retailers Aldi reported its busiest trading

UK firms raise prices amid falling confidence

months earlier

The BCC also noted a significant decline in business

busines s confidence has fallen to its

Truss

s brief tenu re as prime minister

C

A survey of 4,800 busi-

(BCC) found that 55% expected to increase prices by April, up from 39% in a similar poll taken in the second half of last year There was also a sharp rise in concerns over looming tax hikes, following t h e g o v

budget, which relied heavily o n b u s i n e s s t a x a t i o n T h e BCC’s poll found that 63% of c o m p a n i e s e x p r e s s e d c o ncern over taxation after the budget, up from 48% three

c o n f i d e n c e , a s f e w e r b u s in e s s e s e x p e c t t u r n o v e r t o increase in the coming year

T h e c o n f i d e n c e m e a s u r e dropped from 56% to 49% Financial markets are betting that the Bank of England will n e e d t o c u t i n t e r e s t r a t e s sharply this year, though policymakers have warned that inflationary pressures persist in the UK economy

M e a n w h i l e , a s e p a r a t e

business survey, the purchasing managers ’ index (PMI), indicated that job cuts may be on the horizon as companies respond to the upcoming tax increases The PMI’s

e m p l o y m e n t i n d e x f e l l t o 45 6, the lowest level in four y e a r s , a n d b u s i n e s s e s a l s o indicated that they planned to raise prices

d a y o n M o n d a y , 2 3 December 2024, with 3 million customers visiting, surpassing its previous record set on Friday, 22 December 2023

Its competitor Lidl also

a 7 % increase, driven in part by a 3% increase in floor space

s t r o n g h

i d a y performances Meanwhile, Asda and Morrisons have f a c e d c h a

n

e s d u e t o heavy debts stemming from private-equity takeovers

The two German discounters have reshaped British shopping habits by focusing on affordability rather than an extensive product range The results come ahead of industry-wide data from analysts at Kantar and trading updates from market l e a d e r s T e s c o a n d Sainsbury’s, both expected t o

In 2 0 2 4, B r it ai n ’ s b l u echip stocks r ose for t he four th year in a r ow , t he l onge st st r eak sin ce t he 2 00 0 s H ow e ve r , t he i r gains wer e much smal ler compared t o Wal l Str eet’s performance

The FTSE 100, which t r a c k s t h e U K ’ s l a r g e s t c o m p a n i e s , r o s e b y 5 2 points (0 6%), closing at 8 , 1 7 3 0 2 T h i s g a v e i t a total rise of 5 7% for the year, the biggest increase since 2021 The FTSE 100 has now increased for four consecutive years, the first t i m e t h i s h a s h a p p e n e d s i n c e b e f o r e t h e 2 0 0 8 financial crisis The FTSE 250, which includes more U K - f o c u s e d c o m p a n i e s , also performed well, gaining 218 points (1 1%) to fini s h a

Amid slowdown, India's

GST kitty rises to £17.68bn in Dec

Microsoft CEO Nadella meets PM Modi, announces $3bn investment in India

G

g

spending over the past few

h

Agarwal, tax partner at EY

(

% decrease), Andhra Pradesh ( 6 % d e c l i n e ) a n d Puducherry (2% dip) were among the laggards Sikkim (30% jump), Haryana (28% r i s e ) a n d P u n j a b ( 2 2 % growth) emerged the top p e r f o r m e r s i n D e c b u t there were some concerns

producing and consuming states

“The below 5% increase

y season It’s well in line with

Bihar, Bengal, Gujarat and MP would be an area of concern for policymakers,

the sectoral breakdown of

these states to understand the reasons for the same, ” said M S Mani, a partner at consulting firm Deloitte

govt, including reduction in income tax and other

demand The numbers also led to suggestions that the

exercise being undertaken by the GST Council should look at some measures as well

Scamster Ketan Parekh back in Sebi net, banned from market

running scheme in which Parekh (also nicknamed KP) was one of the main brains Along with Rohit Salgaocara Singapore citizen of Indian origin - KP orchestrated

trades of

investigations found Although Parekh never

carried out the operation

a s b a r r e d K P ,

S a l g a o c a r a n d 2 0 o t h e r

e n t i t i e s f r o m t h e m a r k e t

They have also been ordered to pay back the illegal gains worth nearly £6 6mn

S e b i i n v e s t i g a t i o n s

found that a large US-based assets manager had several of its funds registered with S e b i a s f o r e i g n p o r t f o l i o

investors This fund used to c o n s u l t S a l g a o c a r b e f o r e placing their trades in India Salgaocar also had referral arrangements with Motilal Oswal group and Nuvama for executing FPI trades for a commission As and when Salgaocar

r e c e i v e d o r d e r s f r o m t h e US-based fund, he used to instruct dealers at Motilal

O s w a l a n d N u v a m a f o r

e x e c u t i n g t h e t r a d e s

However, before he would communicate the orders to the two, he also passed on t h e s a m e i n f o r m a t i o n t o Parekh KP, in turn, would pass on the information to

Kolkata who would execute the trades that were based on inside information ahead of the genuine trades by the dealers at Motilal Oswal and Nuvama

found that Parekh used to regularly change his phone numbers On their part, his

numbers in their phones

investigators that they had

each other

m and ensure more companies invest in semiconductors in t h e c o u n t r y , g o v t i s a l s o finalising a fresh enhanced financial incentive plan to attract new chip makers after t h e p r e v i o u s $ 1 0 b i l l i o n p a c k a g e w a s e x h a u s t e d i n t h e f i r s t w a v e o f i n v e s t m e n t s “ W e a r e working on it (new semicon i n c e n t i v e p l a n ) r i g h t n o w W e w

approvals and after that we

should take it up, ” Krishnan said H e a g r e e d t h a t a t $ 1 0 b i l l i o n , I n d i a ’

semiconductor incentive was

competing economies, such as, Japan, the US, Europe, and China “All of them are p u t t i

money But, they are putting o u t a c

equity investments, or giving debt, or grants ” K r i

country is expected to start going up from the new fiscal

production under the £1 7bn production-linked incentive ( P L I ) s c h e m e , w h i c h w a s announced in 2023 but got off to a slow start in view of t h e s t r o n g i m p o r t s f r o m C h i n a a n d o t h e r manufacturing locations He emphasised that govt does n o t p l a n t o m a k e a n y i m m e d i a t e r e s t r i c t i o n s , a s this may disrupt supplies

n, high er input costs and p ricing measures, FM C G com panies are expected to see a contraction in their g ross m argin and a mo dest-to -flat op erating profit in the Dec quarter S ev eral FM CG makers are likely to lo g

Microsoft CE O Satya Nadell a said t he company pl ans to inves t $ 3 billion in India on artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infras tructure over the ne x t t wo y e a r s Th e announcem ent c om es a da y after his meet ing with PM Na rendr a M odi T h e w o r l d ' s m o s t p o p u l o u s c o u n t r y h

b e c o m e a k e y A I battleground in the last few years, as US tech giants look to find new users for their services and tap into fresh pools of talent In recent m o n t h s , t

Jensen Huang and Meta's

LeCun have visited India

o n investment would include the setting up of new data

Nadella said

Reliance Jio plans India's biggest IPO

I nd i a' s l ead i n g telecom m uni catio n serv ice p ro v i d e r, Re li an ce J i o , i s ex p ect ed t o ann o u nc e i ts

IPO soon Jio is the largest telecom company in India, with a major market share c o m p are d to ri v a ls Vod afo ne Id ea ( Vi), Bharti Airtel, and BS NL M ukesh

Am bani's Reliance Jio IP O is expected to be the biggest in th e co untry, with m ore than $ 1 20bn Reports say that the initial public offering will be ann ou nc ed in th e s ec on d half of 2025

A c c o r d i n g t o r e p o r t s , Mukesh Ambani is expected

t o r a i s e £ 3 5 b n t o 4 b n

t h r o u g h t h e R e l i a n c e J i o

IPO Currently, Hyundai's IPO is the biggest in India, w o r t h £ 2 7 8 b n H o w e v e r , w h e n a p p r o v e d , J i o ' s I P O

could be the biggest in the c o u n t r y , s u r p a s s i n g t h e

a u t o m o b i l e g i a n t ' s I P O

valuation The reports said it w i l l i n c l u d e n e w a n d existing shares of Reliance Jio and pre-IPO placement for select investors

In the second half of 2025, Reliance Jio's public o f f e r i n g i s a n t i c i p a t e d t o t a k e t h e t e l e c o m g i a n t ' s worth to a whopping $ 120 b i l l i o n , m a k i n g i t t h e b i g g e s t p l a y e r i n t h e market Although there is no official statement from t h e c o m p a n y o n t h e i s s u a n c e o f t h e I P O , a p p r o v a l o r a n y f i n a l amount, it has grabbed the attention of the investors

The rumours hinted that

declined by

compared to the previous year The reports said that in 2019, Mukesh Ambani said he would bring the Reliance Jio IPO and Reliance Retail IPO in the upcoming five-

overlooked

until recently The initial public offering could take the company and its investors to new heights

This move by Mukesh Ambani would help support t h e R I L s h a r e s , w h i c h closed with losses last year for the first time in around 1 0 y e a r s I n 2 0 2 4 , t h e c o m p a n y ' s s

HDFC Bank gets RBI approval to up investments in three banks

HDF C Ban k h as in forme d the st ock excha nge s tha t it has r eceive d app rova l from RBI for its g roup e ntit ie s to hik e in vest men ts in Kota k Ma hin dr a Ba nk , A U Sma ll Fina nce Ba nk , an d Ca pita l Sma ll Fin ance Ban k up to 9 5% of their sha re capit al R B I , t h r o u g h l e t t e r s dated Jan 3, granted approval t o H D F C B a n k , a s t h e promoter and sponsor of its g r o u p e n t i t i e s , i n c

B a n k c l a r i f i e d with regard to the issue that while it does not intend to invest in these banks directly, the “aggregate holding” of its g r o u p e n t i t i e s i s l i k e l y t

Ketan Parekh

Satya Nadella and Narendra Modi

Bangladesh court rejects Hindu monk’s bail plea

DH AK A: A metro politan co urt

i n Ba nglad esh deni ed bai l to H indu monk Ch inmo y K rish na

D as Brahmachari, arrested fo r sediti on on No v 25, after pu blic p ro s

lo wers to p ro test We mo ved agai nst his p lea as we believe t

Bh uiyan was quoted as saying

like sedition and others involving the security and sovereignty of our country ” C

sessions judge Md Saiful Islam’s order - the second instance of

rejected - came amid a cam-

monk’s release after over five

Christian Oikya Parishad issued

immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna and 19 others implicat-

Manindra Kumar Nath, acting general secretary of the organisation, urged the interim govt

Bangladesh court issues second arrest warrant against Hasina

D

m inister Sh eikh Hasina and 11 o thers, inclu ding form er m ilitary g enerals and an ex-police chief, for their alleged role in incidents o f enforced disap pearances

This was the second arrest w a

Hasina, who fled to India after her Awami League regime’s toppling following unprecedented anti-government protests in August last year The tribunal has so far recorded three cases against her

“Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, chairman of the tribunal, issued the arrest warrant after hearing a prosecution plea,” an ICT official said

The Inspector General of Police was ordered to arrest the 12 people, including Hasina, and produce them before the tribunal on February 12 in the case filed over complaints of enforced disappearances of several hundred people

ICT chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul

Islam did not disclose the names of most of the accused “in the i n t e r e s t o f i n v e s t i g a t i o n s

d their arrest The next hearing for this case is also scheduled for February 12 The tribunal has instructed that the investigation report be submitted on that day if completed,” Islam later told reporters

However, he added that if the investigation report could not be submitted by then, the law enforcement agencies would have to provide a progress report on the arrests Islam told the tribunal that the ousted regime had established a culture

sponsorship The chief prosecutor alleged that those involved in carrying out these disappearances were rewarded He added that

Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) were most frequently used for the purpose

Indian origin doctor among 2 killed in UAE plane crash

N EW DE LHI : An India n-origin doct or wa s a mong two kille d in a light a ircra ft crash off the coast of UA E's R as Al Khaimah The cra sh claime d t he live s of both the pilot an d cop i lo t , t h e G e n e r a l C iv il A v i a t i on A uthorit y said in a sta tem ent

S u l a y m a a n A l M a j i d w a s c opiloting the aircraft with a 26-yearold Pakistani woman who also died in the accident Born and raised in the UAE, 26-year-old Sulaymaan had hired the plane for a sightseeing experience with his family His father, mother, and younger brother were at the aviation club to watch the flight, according to reports Sulaymaan's younger brother was scheduled to take the next flight, as per the reports "We were looking forward to the New Y e a r a s a f a m i l y , p l a n n

don't know how to move forward without him," Sulaymaan's father was quoted as saying by

p

r Khaleej Times

The crash occurred shortly

Rotana Hotel along the beach,

"Initial reports suggest the glider lost radio contact and later attempted an emergency landing Despite resuscitation efforts, both occupants succ

authority added

Sulaymaan was a clinical fellow at the

n g t o c e l e b

a t e together Instead, our lives have been shattered It feels like time has stopped for us Sulaymaan was the light of our lives, and we

Foundation Trust in the UK, according to his LinkedIn profile He was actively involved with the British Medical Association (BMA), where he served as Honorary Secretary and later as co-chair of the Northern Resident Doctors Committee

Taliban to shut down NGOs in Afghanistan employing women

K A B U L : Th e Ta l i ba n g ov e rn m e nt i n Afghanistan announced that it will s hut down the operati ons of national and fore ig n non -g overn me nta l or gan is ati on s in the country employi ng women

T h e n o t i c e c a m e t w o y e a r s a f

r e d s u c h organisations to suspend the employment of Afghan women, claiming that women were wearing hijabs, or headscarves usually worn by Muslim women, improperly In a notice on X, the country’s economy ministry said that it was responsible for governing all activities

carried out by non-governmental organisations It said that the Taliban government was once again ordering a ban on female workers in institutions not controlled by it “In case of lack of cooperation, all activities of that institution will be canceled and the activity license of that institution, granted by the ministry, will also be canceled,” it added In September 2021, it also banned education for girls above class six claiming that it does not comply with its interpretation of the Sharia, or Islamic law This came a month after the group took control of Afghanistan

Muhammad Yunus to look into

harassing” charges

An 11-strong legal team from Dhaka’s Supreme Court travelled to Chattogram to represent Chinmoy Krishna at the bail hearing, which commenced under heavy security A contingent of police, Border Guard Bangladesh and military personnel was deployed outside the courthouse to maintain order I

Chinmoy Krishna for indiscipline not long before his Nov 25 arrest

Myanmar releases thousands of prisoners

BANG KO K: My an mar ’ s militar y gove rn ment ha s r eleased more t han 6 ,000 prisone rs an d ha s re duced othe r in mat es ’ se nt ences as part of a ma ss amn esty ma rk ing the 77th an nive rsar y of inde pend ence from Brit ain la st we ek

They included just a small proportion of hundreds of political detainees jailed for opposing army rule since the military seized power in February 2021 from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi That takeover was met with massive nonviolent resistance, which has since become a widespread armed struggle

State-run MRTV television reported that Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, granted amnesties covering 5,864 prisoners from Myanmar, as well as 180 foreigners who will be deported Mass prisoner releases are common on holid a y s a n d o t h e r s i g n i f i c a n t o c c a s i o n s i n

Myanmar The terms of release warn that if the freed detainees violate the law again, they will have to serve the remainder of their original sentences in addition to any new sentence The report also said that all other prisoners will have their sentences reduced by one sixth, except those convicted under the Explosive Substances Act, the Unlawful

A s s o c i a t i o n s A c t , t h e A r m s A c t a n d t h e

Counter-terrorism Law, all laws which are often used against opponents of military rule

Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the military government, said Khet Aung, a former chief minister of the southern Kachin state, was among those freed But, there was no sign that the prisoner release would include Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been held virtually incommunicado by the military since its seizure of power

Bangladesh cancels training of judicial officials in India

D H A KA: A day a fte r the Ba nglade sh la w ministry issued a notificat ion on Supr eme Cour t directives for t he training of 50 judicial official s in India, the Muha mmad Yunus-le d inte rim g ovt ca nce lle d the progamme, adding to t he alr eady str ained ties b etween the two

Ha sina govt in Aug

National Judicial Academy and the State

Bhopal from Feb 10-20, according to the now-cancelled notification The Supreme Court reissued directives on the training of judges in India and this has led to the cancellation of the earlier approval for them to attend the training programme in Bhopal, the law, justice, and parliamentary affairs m

Assistant judges, senior assistant judges, joint district and sessions judges, additional district and sessions judges, district and sessions judges and officers of equivalent rank have been nominated for the training programme

in brief HARYANA YOUTH DIES MYSTERIOUSLY IN US

The family of 27-year-old Manish from Kunjpura village in Karnal district is reeling in shock after he died under mysterious circumstances in the US Manish had travelled to the US around 18 months ago to improve his family’s financial situation His family had taken a loan of Rs 38,00,000 to fund his trip According to his family Manish died of a heart attack However, they received no prior indication of any health issues, as he had spoken to them just a day before his death “Manish seemed perfectly fine when he spoke to us He didn’t mention any health problems Everything seemed normal, but today we received the devastating news of his death,” a family member said

AIR INDIA LAUNCHES NONSTOP DELHI - NEWARK FLIGHT

Air India has expanded its US operations with the launch of a direct flight from Delhi to Newark, New Jersey, starting January 2 The new route will be serviced by the airline’s flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which marks another step in Air India’s growth in the North American market This follows the introduction of Air India’s A350 service on the Delhi-New York (JFK) route on November 1, 2024 By improving its international route network, Air India aims to enhance the seamless connection between North America and destinations in Australia or Southeast Asia through its hubs in Delhi and Mumbai the airline said

INDIAN ORIGIN MAN JAILED FOR HURLING RACIAL SLURS

An Indian origin man has been jailed for four weeks and fined SGD 4,000 for having hurled racial slurs and throwing a tip box at a cashier in a café Rishi David Ramesh Nandwani, 27, pleaded guilty to one charge of using insulting words and one charge of a rash act that endangered the victim’s safety at the café in an upmarket shopping conclave of Holland Village Two similar charges were considered in sentencing Rishi appeared in court through video link from his place of remand, according to a Channel News Asia report The incident happened on October 31, when the cafe was crowded and children were present

INDIAN AMERICAN BACKS BAN ON TIKTOK

Ajit Pai, former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under Donald Trump is taking a firm stance in favor of banning TikTok in the United States In a recent Supreme Court brief co-authored with former Treasury official Thomas Feddo, Pai urged justices to uphold legislation requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to either sell the platform or cease its US operations Pai s position contrasts sharply with Trump’s current efforts to delay the January 19 deadline for ByteDance’s compliance Despite this divergence, Pai’s advocacy aligns with Trump-era policies targeting perceived national security threats from Chinese companies

BANGLADESH REWRITES TEXTBOOKS ON INDEPENDENCE

Bangladesh has introduced new textbooks for students that state that Ziaur Rahman declared the country’s independence in 1971, replacing the previous ones crediting Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with the declaration The textbooks also removed the title “Father of the Nation” for Mujibur Rahman The new textbooks will state that “on March 26 1971 Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh and on March 27 he made another declaration of independence on behalf of Bangabandhu

Chinmoy Krishna Das

Sheikh Hasina

Sulaymaan Al Majid

in brief

WORLD BANK SET TO APPROVE PAK LENDING PACKAGE

The World Bank is set to approve a $ 20 billion indicative lending package for Pakistan – a pioneering 10-year initiative to protect its funded projects from political transitions and focus on six targeted areas, according to a media report The programme, titled "Pakistan Country Partnership Framework 2025-35", aims to improve social indicators in the most neglected but important areas The Express Tribune reported citing official documents It will focus on reducing child stunting combating learning poverty enhancing climate resilience de-carbonising the environment expanding fiscal space and boosting private investment to improve productivity

S KOREA PRESIDENT DEFIES WARRANT TO DETAIN HIM

South Korean investigators left the official residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after a near-six-hour standoff during which he defied their attempt to detain him It s the latest confrontation in a political crisis that has paralysed South Korean politics and seen two heads of state impeached in under a month The country s anti-corruption agency said it withdrew its investigators after the presidential security service blocked them from entering Yoon’s residence for hours

BIDEN REJECTS NIPPON STEEL’S PROPOSAL TO ACQUIRE US STEEL

US President Joe Biden has blocked the nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase Pittsburgh-based US Steelaffirming his earlier vow on the presidential campaign trail to prevent the acquisition of Steeltown USA’s most storied steel company “We need major US companies representing the major share of US steel making capacity to keep leading the fight on behalf of America’s national interests Biden said Nippon Steel and US Steel blasted the decision saying in a joint statement that Biden s blocking the deal reflects a clear violation of due process and the law in a process it said was manipulated to advance Biden s political agenda

GUNMAN KILLS 12 IN MONTENEGRO TOWN RAMPAGE

A man shot dead 12 people in a rampage in a small town in Montenegro before dying from self-inflicted wounds authorities said in one of the Balkan nation’s worst mass killings The attacker, named by police as 45-year-old Aleksandar Aco Martinovic, initially killed four people when he opened fire after a brawl at a restaurant in Cetinje He then shot dead eight people, including two children, at three other locations prosecutor Andrijana Nastic said The victims had close links to the gunman police said All the victims were his godfathers, friends the motive is still unknown, national police director Lazar Scepanovic said

10 KILLED AS DRIVER RAMS NY REVELLERS IN NEW ORLEANS

A driver rammed a vehicle into a crowd of New Orleans revellers early on New Year’s Day killing 10 people and injuring 35 others in what the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism

The driver was killed in a firefight with police following the attack along Bourbon Street in the bustling French Quarter, FBI said Investigators were combing the French Quarter for potential explosive devices, a law enforcement official said FBI assistant special agent in charge Alethea Duncan said officials were investigating at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene

Indo-Canadian minister Anita Anand in race to succeed Justin Trudeau

Mi n is t e r J us t in

resigned as the he ad of state an

lea der of the rul ing Lib eral Party after a nine -y ear tenure in office

wit hin his pa rty for

chan ge

l eader ship

With only two months left until the March 24 deadline for selecting a new leader, the race for his successor has heated up

Liberal Party elects a new leader

Among the names being considered as potential successors are

Anita Anand, the Indian-origin

emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the top post Other

Champagne Anita Anand is currently serving as the minister of transport and internal trade She has held several key positions in the last five years, including minister of public services and pro-

l defence, and president of the treasury board

Anita, a 57-year-old Indianorigin politician, was born and

Scotia She is the daughter of S a r

)

Anand, both Indian physicians of T

respectively

Bitter-sweet moment for IndoCanadians

For some Indian Canadians, Trudeau's departure is "bittersweet", adding that his immigration policies contributed to the

challenges that ultimately led to his resignation It s like driving

product strategy manager at a tech firm in Toronto, said "His r e

That said, some of his policies especially around immigration, government sanctions and aid have brought this day "

"The Indian Canadian community is in favour of the resignation Although liberal, his government's policies have failed to avoid the economic setbacks and their impact on individuals and families," a senior analyst at a tech firm said Trudeau's Immigration Stand

Trudeau's immigration policies have been both celebrated and criticised His government's

plans to welcome over 500,000

permanent residents annually by 2025, were intended to address labour shortages and rejuvenate C

However, critics argue that the rapid influx of immigrants has strained housing, healthcare, and other public services

India-Canada Relations

T

raises questions about the future of India-Canada relations, which have reached a historic low The Indian-Canadian community is

strained diplomatic ties, particularly for immigrants and those

expect much from the interim government That said, I definitely have high hopes from the

, Pierre Poilievre," Subhadarshee said

6 Indian Americans sworn in as members of US House, largest so far

W AS H IN GT ON : In a mo men-

t o u s o c c as i o n f o r I nd i an Americans, si x of th eir leaders were sworn in as the members

o f th e U S H o u s e o f Representatives, th e largest so far for this minority eth nic communit y in the Unite d Sta tes

"When I was first sworn in 12 years ago, I was the sole Indian American Member of Congress and only the third in US history Now, our coalition is six strong! I a m e x c i t e d t o w e l c o m e e v e n more Indian Americans to the halls of Congress in the years to

Bera said in a post on X

o f them, who has been sworn-in

f

term as a representative of the

seventh Congressional District of California, also posted a pict u r

the floor of the House Suhash Subramanian, who represents the 10th Congressional District

of Virginia is the newest Indian American to be a member of the House of Representatives “

Michigan as he posted a selfie of his from the House floor All the six Indian American lawmakers are from the Democratic Party and voted for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in the election for House Speakership Republican Mike Johnson was elected as the House Speaker

Krishnamoorthi represents the eighth Congressional District of

District of Washington state, is the first ever Indian American

House of Representatives

More than 126 killed as quake rocks Tibet, parts of Nepal

K A T H M A N D U : M or e th a n 126 p e op le

hav e bee n kil led afte r a powerfu l ea rthqu ake struck a remot e re gio n of Ti be t on Tue sd ay morni ng, with tr emors f elt a cro ss t h

Bhutan a nd pa rts of no rther n Indi a

The 7 1-magnitude quake struck at a depth of 10 km (6 2 miles) and was followed by multiple aftershocks, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) The energy unleashed by the tectonic movement toppled houses in remote

H i m a l a y a n v i l l a g e s , r o c k e d a n e a r b y Tibetan holy city and rattled visitors to a Mount Everest base camp Its epicenter, located in Tingri county

high on the Tibetan plateau, was close to the border with Nepal, around 50 miles north of the world’s highest mountain

At least 126 people were killed and 188 others were injured in the quake, according to state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) More than 3,600 houses were damaged, it said T h e t r e m o r s w e r e f e l t a s f a r a s Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital “It was very strong People came running out of their houses You could see the wires from poles shaken loose,” said Bishal Nath Upreti f

Management, a non-government organization in Kathmandu

Indians become fourth largest group of ICE detainees in US

Deportations of Indian nationals have surged, with 1,529 removals in FY 2024, a significant increase from 292 in FY 2021 I C

Indian nationals are currently detained in US facilities, making them the fourth-largest group of detainees by nationality, follow-

Guatemala In addition, 17,940

increased, reaching 271,484 this fiscal year compared to 59,011 in FY 2021

d shown that between February 2019 and March 2023, a staggering 149,000 Indians had been detained while attempting illegal entry into the US Moreover, during this escalating problem, over 1,600 more people crossed the northern border

By Tuesday evening, some 150 aftershocks had been recorded, 19 of which had magnitudes of 3 0 and above, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center

The region close to the epicenter is sparsely populated but small villages are nestled in isolated and often hard to access Himalayan valleys About 6,900 people are estimated to live in 27 villages within a 20k

according to Xinhua R

experts and other resources will be flown to affected areas by passenger planes from T

reported

Mumbai attack accused Rana moves US court against extradition to India

WASH ING TON: Tahawwur Rana , acc us ed of being involved in the 2008 Mumba i terror attacks , has approached the US Supreme Court agains t his pos sible ext radition of India and Ne w Del hi is expect ing a rul ing in its favour Rana, a Canadian national of Pak is tani origin, was arrest ed by the FBI in Chicago in 2 009 India wants Rana to face trial in India for his involvement in the 26/11 attacks and is seeking his extradition Rana last approached the US Court of Appeals for the North Circuit in San Francisco to get his extradition cancelled after he lost the legal battle in lower courts and several federal courts Rana s plea in the US Supreme Court, filed on November 13, 2024, came two months after a court junked his plea to pause the decisions of other courts that approved the move of the State Department to extradite him to India With the plea in the Supreme Court, this is Rana's last chance not to get himself extradited to India In his plea, Rana has claimed that he was tried and acquitted in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois (Chicago) on charges related to the Mumbai attacks He also stated that he would very likely be sent to India to be put on trial for a second time for the same conduct, with a possible conviction and death sentence for him

(From L-R) Suhash Subramanian, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shri Thanedar, Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna

Diaspora from 50 countries sign up to Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

T he 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

( P B D ) c o n v en ti o n i s b ei ng

o rganised in partnership with the state g overnment of Odish a from 8 -10 J anuary 2025 in Bh ubaneswar

T he theme of this PBD convention is "Diaspora's Contribution to a V iksit Bharat" , a statement by the m inistry of external affairs said

A l a r g e n u m

diaspora members from over 50 different countries have registered to participate in the convention

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the convention on January 9 It will feature

Trinidad & Tobago

PM Modi will remotely flag-off

Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special

t

diaspora, which will depart from the Nizamuddin railway station in

Delhi and would travel to multiple

religious importance in India for a period of three weeks The Pravasi

ministry of external affairs PM Modi will also inaugurate four exhibitions at the convention:

contemporary art forms; diaspora's

acknowledge the contributions of

development of technology in the

Indian diaspora in the world with special focus on Mandvi to Muscat This exhibition will showcase rare

migrated from Mandvi in Gujarat

to Muscat in Oman; and heritage and culture of Odisha which will

through its different art and craft forms and highlight its illustrious legacy

will preside over the valedictory session of the convention on 10 January She will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2025 upon select members of the Indian

achievements and to honour their contributions in various fields in

announced

The MEA said that the Youth

held on January 8 in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, will be the guest of

Bharatiya Divas

8 cops killed as Maoists set off IED explosion in Bastar

C h h att i sg a rh p o l i ce ’ s co u n terinsurgency force District Reserve Guard (DRG) lo st eight constables and a driver w hen M aoists targ eted their vehicle by setting off an IED w eigh ing alm ost 7 0kg in Bastar reg ion’s Bijapu r d istrict T his was the dead liest Maoist attack since A p ril 2 0 23 w h en a s im il ar I E D e xp l o si o n c la im ed li v e s o f 1 0 security personnel and their driver

The DRG team was ambushed while returning home after a twoday operation in the dense forests o f s o u t h A b u j h m a r h i n Narayanpur district in which five M a o i s t i n s u r g e n t s w e r e g u n n e d down and DRG head constable Sannu Karam lost his life

The blast was so powerful that i t c a t a p u l t e d t h e S U V s e v e

crater 8-10 feet deep The impact scattered the bodies and remnants of the vehicle around the 20-foot wide crater, leaving no survivors “The DRG men were returning t o n e i g h b o u

w a d a district in a Scorpio when the IED blast was triggered near AmbeliKarkeli villages,” Bastar range IG P

Sundarraj said D a n t e w a d a D I G Kamlochan Kashyap said the IED had likely been planted long ago, with grass growing over the wires connected to it “It w a s p r o b a b l y a command IED, one that is triggered manually by M a o i s t s w i t h a s w i t c h wired to the bomb The triggerm a

y l i e hidden at a distance and detonate the IED the moment the vehicle is atop it,” Kashyap said Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai extended his condolences to the families of the slain policemen and vowed to continue the battle against Maoists

2024 was India’s hottest year since records began in 1901

Y e ar 20 24 wa s by fa r t he

wa rme st y ea r on recor d in

I n d i a s in ce 1 9 0 1 , In d ia

M ete orolog ica l Depa rtm ent ( IMD) said It also n ote d t hat t he last thr ee mon ths of the y ea r (Oct-De c), put t oget her,

we re t he warm est on record

w h e r e a s O ct 2 0 24 , i n d i v i d u a lly , wa s t h e

wa rme st month in 1 23 y ea rs

W i t h a n a n n u a l m e a n temperature of 25 75 degrees

C e l s i u s , 2 0 2 4 w a s 0 6 5

d e g r e e C a b o v

i o u s warmest year, 2016, had an anomaly of 0 54 degree C As

a n n u a l a v e r a g e s g o , t h e difference of 0 11 degree C

b e t w e e n t h e m e a n t e m p e r a t u r e i n 2 0 1 6 a n d 2024 is quite huge

The record heat in India during the past year was in sync with the worldwide rise

i n a n n u a l a v e r a g e t e m p e r a t u r e s a s g l o b a l w a r m i n g a c c e l e r a t e s T h e

W o r l d M e t e o r o l o g i c a l

O r g a n i s a t i o n ( W M O ) h a s already observed that 2024 w a s g l o b a l l y t h e w a r m e s t

year on record by exceeding

t h e P a r i s A g r e e m e n t threshold of 1 5 degrees C of w a r m i n g a b o v e p r eindustrial (1850-1900) levels

f o r t h e f i r s t t i m e T h i s follows on from the recordbreaking 1 45 degrees C rise in 2023, the previous globally warmest year on record

R e l e a s i n g m o n t h l y weather outlook for January, t h e I M D s a i d m o n t h l y m i n i m u m ( n i g h t ) temperatures are most likely t o b e “ a b o v e n o r m a l ” (warmer) over most of the country except some regions

o f U P a n d R a j a s t h a n i n northwest India, some parts of MP and Gujarat in central India and portions of east

I n d i a s u c h a s B i h a r a n d

Meghalaya, where normal to b e l o w n o r m a l m i n i m u m temperatures are likely IMD chief M Mohapatra, h o w e v e r , s a i d “ a b o v enormal cold wave days” are expected over western and

n o r t h e r n p a r t s o f c e n t r a l

India during the month of Jan

Specifically asked about

7 HMPV cases detected in India; no cause for concern: Nadda

I nd i a rep o r ted s ev e n c as es o f hum an metapneumo viru s (HM PV) infection in children - tw o each in Be

Union health m inister J P Nadd a allayed concerns, saying the rise in cases won’t lead to an o utbreak similar to C ovid

The first confirmed case of the viral infection in Gujarat is a twom

s admitted in a private hospital in A h m e d a b a d T h e i n f a n t w a s admitted with respiratory illness

o n D e c 2 4 , s a i d o f f i c i a l s “ T h e infant was on a ventilator, but now her condition is stable,” said Dr Bhavin Solanki, medical officer of

A h m e d a b a d M u n i c i p a l

Corporation

“HMPV is not a new virus It was first identified in 2001, and it has been circulating around the w o r l d f o r m a n y y e a r s , ” U n i o n health minister J P Nadda said

E x p e r t s a n d h e a l t h o f f i c i a l s reassured the public that HMPV, commonly seen in winter, rarely r e q u i r e s h o s p i t a l i s a t i o n , a n d timely medical intervention can prevent complications

Nadda said the health ministry,

a l o n g w i t h I n d i a n C o u n c i l o f

M e d i c a l R e s e a r c h ( I C M R ) a n d

N a t i o n a l C e n t r e f o r D i s e a s e

Control, is closely monitoring the s i t u a t i o n i n C h i n a a n d

n e i g h b o u r i n g c o u n t r i e s “ W H O

h a s t a k e n c o g n i s a n c e o f t h e situation and will share its report shortly with us, ” he said ICMR confirmed two cases at

B a n g a l o r e B a p t i s t H o s p i t a l A

t h r e e - m o n t h - o l d g i r l f r o m

B e n g a l u r u , a d m i t t e d w i t h f e v e r and cold in Dec, tested positive for

HMPV and has since recovered and been discharged

The second case, detected on Jan 3, involves an eight-month-old boy admitted for fever following an injury He tested positive for b o t h H M P V a

y r e c o v

has travelled abroad, suggesting

locally Two children, aged seven and 13, tested positive for HMPV at M

suspected H1N1 (swine flu) with Tamiflu, but PCR tests confirmed

treatment

Tamil Nadu health secretary Supriya Sahu said the state has two active cases of HPMV - one in Chennai and another in Salemand the condition of both is stable “HMPV infections are self-limiting

care, including adequate hydration and rest,” she said First identified in 2001 in the Netherlands, HMPV causes illnesses ranging from mild

conditions like bronchiolitis and

s prevalence varies between 1% and 19% across regions

t h e w e a t h e r s i t u a t i o n i n

P

Kumbh (January 13-February 26), Mohapatra said though

period

The IMD said, “Monthly

Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh) is most likely to be above normal

country in January is

normal

“Above-normal rainfall is most likely over most parts of the country except some parts of northwest India and s o m e p o c k

northeast and central India

w h

normal rainfall is likely, said the Met department PM

Modi hails rise in rural consumption, says vision is to empower villages

P M N a r e n d r a M od i cel ebrated the rise in rural c on su mp tion , c iti ng the r e c e n t h ou s e h o l d con sumption ex pe nditure s u r ve y , a n d a d i p i n poverty as und erl ined in an SBI study

T h e c o n s u m p t i o n e x p e n d i t u r e s u r v e y t h a t showed rural households are diversifying their spend and d e v o t i n g a l a r g e r p a r t o f e x p e n d i t u r e o n n o n - f o o d i t e m s “ O u r v i s i o n i s t o e m p o w e r r u r a l I n d i a b y

t r a n s f o r m i n g v i l l a g e s i n t o

v i b r a n t c e n t r e s o f g r o w t h a n d o p p o r t u n i t y I a m c o n f i d e n t t h a t t h e development of villages will lead to the realisation of a developed India,” Modi said while inaugurating the sixd a y G r a m e e n B h a r a t M a h o t s a v a t B h a r a t Mandapam His remarks on t h e c h a n g e d f a c e o f r u r a l I n d i a c a m e a m i d preparations for the Union Budget

T h e c o n s u m p t i o n expenditure survey, released last month, showed that the u r b a n - r u r a l g a p i n t h e m o n t h l y p e r c a p i t a c o n s u m p t i o n e x p e n d i t u r e (MPCE) declined to 71% in 2022-23 from 84% in 2011-12 It further came down to 70% i n 2 0 2 3 - 2 4 , c o n f i r m i n g s u s t a i n e d m o m e n t u m o f consumption growth in rural areas

The survey also showed t h a t n o n - f o o d i t e m s r e m a i n e d t h e m a j o r contributor to a household’s a v e r a g e m o n t h l y expenditure in 2023-24 with about 53% and 60% share in MPCE in rural and urban areas, respectively T h e s t u d y b y S B I t o o f l a g g e d t h e p r o g r e s s i n v i l l a g e s , n o t i n g t h a t r u r a l poverty fell sharply from nearly 26% in 2011-12 to 7 % i n 2 0 2 2 - 2 3

India protests new China counties, hydel project in Ladakh

T he go vt of India has l odged a s trong p rotest

w i t h C h in a o ve r t h e rec ent creation of two c ounties in th e Ho tan p refectu re in its north -

w e s t , s a yi ng p a r ts o f

t h ese “ s o- c al led co u nties” fal l in the U nion

T errito ry o f Ladakh and I ndia has never accep ted the illegal C hines e occ upation of Indian territory in th is area

response to media queries

M E A s p o k e s p e r s o n R a n d h i r J a i s

h established user rights to the waters of the river, we have consis-

as well as diplomatic

India launches 2 special category visas for international students

India has launched two special categ ory v isas for i nt ern ati o n al s tu d e nt s i nt end in g t o p u rs u e hig her educatio n in academic institutions in the country

The ‘e-student visa’ a n d ‘ e - s t u d e n t - x ’ v i s a have been introduced by t h

any of the SII partner institutes

S e p a r a t e l y , I n d i a a l s o urged Beijing to ensure that the interests of downstream

s t a t e s a r e n o t h a r m e d because of China’s construction of a mega hydropower project on Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet

T h e c r e a t i o n o f n e w counties will neither have a b e a r i n g o n I n d i a ’ s l o n gstanding and consistent posi-

t i o n r e g a r d i n g I n d i a ’ s sovereignty over the area nor l e n d l e g i t i m a c y t o C h i n a ’ s illegal and forcible occupation of the same, the external affairs ministry (MEA) said in

have lodged a solemn protest w

C h

s i d

t h r o u g h d i p l o m a t i c c h a nnels ” The area India referred to falls under Aksai Chin that remains under Chinese control The establishment of the counties, both administered b y H o t a n p r

, h a s been approved by the central c o m m i t t e e o

Communist Party of China

Xinhua reported last month

M E A a l s

d

t h a d raised the issue concerning t h e d a m i n t h

mega projects on rivers in their territory,” Jaiswal said “These have been reiterated, along with the need for transp

n with downstream countries, following the latest report ” China has said the project won’t impact the flow of

m states of Brahmaputra India and China established the

s m (ELM) in 2006 to discuss issues related to trans-bor-

d e r w h i c h

will have to use the ‘Study in India’ (SII) portal launched by the government, officials said

The e-student visa facility can be availed by eligible foreign students registered on the SII portal, while estudent-x visa is offered to t h e d e p e n d e n t s o f t h o s e holding e-student visas, they said

The SII portal facilitates t h e a d m i s s i o n p r o c e s s o f international students who

v e

China provides India with hydrological information on the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers during the flood season

India, Maldives reaffirm commitment to bilateral cooperation

In dia and the Ma ldive s re affirme d commitmen t to bilate ra l coope rat ion in a meet -

in g bet wee n fore ign minis-

t e r S J a i s ha n k a r a n d h i s count er part A bdulla Kha le el, while signin g an MoU for impleme nt ation of pr oje cts

i n t h e a r ch i pe la g o n a t i on un der gra nt assist ance fr om In dia

According to an Indian readout, Khaleel appreciated the timely emergency financial assistance extended by India to Maldives in times of need, reflecting India’s role

a s “ F i r s t R e s p o n d e r ” o f Maldives “Foreign minister Khaleel reaffirmed President

M u i z z u ’ s a n d G o v t o f

Maldives’ firm commitment to work closely with Govt of India in realising the joint

v i s i o n f o r I n d i a - M a l d i v e s

C o m p r e h e n s i v e E c o n o m i c

a n d M a r i t i m e S e c u r i t y

P a r t n e r s h i p , ” s a i d I n d i a n govt

J a i s h a n k a r r e a f f i r m e d the importance India attach-

es to its bilateral ties with Male and assured continued

s u p p o r t , u n d e r I n d i a ’ s

‘Neighbourhood First’ policy

a n d V i s i o n S A G A R o r

Security and Growth for All in the Region

B o t h s i d e s s i g n e d a

M e m o r a n d u m o f

U n d e r s t a n d i n g f o r i m p l ementation of High Impact

C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t

Projects under Phase-III in

M a l d i v e s , t h r o u g h g r a n t a s s i s t a n c e b y I n d i a n g o v t

“This visit is part of continued high-level engagements between the two sides and has provided an opportunity to further deepen the bilateral ties for the mutual ben-

e f i t o f t w o c o u n t r i e s a n d Indian Ocean Region,” said govt

Rej ects allegations

M e a n w h i l e , I n d i a slammed Washington Post

f o r i t s r e p o r t s c l a i m i n g covert operations by India

i n t h e M a l d i v e s a n d P a k i s t a n , s a y i n g b o t h t h e

I n dica tin g the s tart of tra in ope rati on s b etwe en Ja mmu a nd Srin agar in the n ext couple of week s, the ra ilwa ys h as n otifi ed the ti meta ble of on e Van de Bha rat an d a nother two mail/ ex press train s for the route The s in gle-tri p Van de Bhara t trai n on the route wi ll take 3 hours an d 10 minute s, whi le the other tw o ma il/ e xpres s tra ins w ill cover the route in 3 hours an d 20 min utes

It’s not yet clear whether train operation from Delhi to Srinagar will also start soon As per the timetable, the Vande Bharat will leave Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) at 8 10 am and reach Srinagar at 11 20 am This train will start its return journey from Srinagar at 12 45 pm and arrive at SDVK at 3 55 pm The other two

newspaper and reporter in question appeared to “ nurse

c o m p u l s i v e h o s t i l i t y ” towards India and had no credibility left

“You can see a pattern in their activities I leave you to judge their credibility As f a r a s w e a r e c o n c e r n e d , t h e y h

spokesperson said responding to media queries The Post had linked India to an

middle of strained relations

w i t h I n d i a I n a n o t h e r report, it had alleged a campaign of covert killings in Pakistan by Indian agents

Q

d Pakistani and western officials, the Post claimed the Indian intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), was carrying out a p

o “kill at least a half a dozen people” inside Pakistan

trains will also make round trips daily

Bharat train and five other fully AC trains to meet the requirement of climatic conditions to operate in the Valley, particularly during winter months “The six trains, including a Vistadome, which are operating at present in the Valley will continue to run, ” said a railway official

Meanwhile, to strengthen rail operation in the region, the ministry has carved out a new Jammu rail division and PM Modi will lay the foundation In yet another development, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of the newly manufactured sleeper version of Vande Bharat t

achieved

velocity of 180 kmph

wish to pursue either longterm or short-term courses in India

S t u d e n t s w i l l n e e d t

apply for a visa separately on t h e p o r t

n / b u

authenticity of their application will be checked by SII ID

Hence it is mandatory

website, the officials said

Students may apply for the visa after receiving an admission offer letter from

under graduate, post-graduation, PhD and such other formal programmes at edu-

recognised by the statutory

India, the officials said Student visas are issued for up to five years, depending on the

port of immigration check post, the officials said

India’s atomic weapons man R Chidambaram passes away at 88

Rajag opala C hi dam baram , Indi a ’ s foremo st nuclear weap ons designer and an imp ortant player in bo th of I nd i a ’ s P o k h ran nu c le ar te s ts p ass ed aw ay at M u m bai’ s Jasl ok

Hospital on Saturd ay last follo wing health complications He was 88 According to those close to him, Chidambaram had sustained a head injury after a fall at BARC in Nov 2 0 2 4 a n d h a d b e e n a d m i t t e d t o J a s l o k

Hospital He was discharged but was readmitted because of health issues

C h i d a m b a r a m , o f t e n c a l l e d “ I n d i a n

Oppenheimer”, was given a state funeral

The details of Pokhran-2 tests were finetuned at the wedding of Chidambaram’s second daughter at a hall in Mumbai attended by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Chidambaram himself told an audience of nearly 2,000 in Sion in 2015 that as the rituals were in progress, he and Kalam had slipped unnoticed into a nearby room and finalised preparations for the nuclear test

R e f e r r i n g t o C h i d a m b a r a m ’ s r o l e i n

P o k h r a n - 2 , C o l G o p a l K a u s h i k ( R e t d ) , described as best secrets keeper of the nuclear tests after he hoodwinked the spy satell i t e s , s a i d t h a t d u r i n g t h e t e s t s Chidambaram’s code name was “Maj Gen

N a t a r a j ” “ C h i d a m b a r a m w a s w e l l - v e r s e d with the nuances of a nuclear experiment of this magnitude and was instrumental in ensuring only indigenously sourced nuclear material was used for the tests,’’ Col Kaushik (Retd) said In 1967, Chidambaram joined the

nuclear weapon designing effort, dealing mainly with the metallurg i c a l a n d p h y s i c a l a s p e c t s o f nuclear weapons

F o r I n d i a ’ s f i r s t n u c l e a r weapons test, on May 18, 1974, he and his colleague carried the plutonium device in a military truck from Mumbai to Pokhran H e w r i t e s i n I n d i a R i s i n g

Memoir Of A Scientist: “Nobody except us knew which box contained the plutonium During the entire journey, we would have the beds brought in the truck and slept inside the truck Since we halted at military officers’ messes en route, the military people thought there was something wrong with us ”

Born in the erstwhile Madras Province in 1936, Chidambaram, who was an alumnus of Presidency College, Chennai, and Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, held several prestigious roles throughout his illustrious career, including being principal scientific

, director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

chairman, and secretary of Department of Atomic Energy (1993-2000) He was also International Atomic Energy Agency board of governors chairman and served as a mem-

Persons, contributing to the organisation’s vision for 2020 and beyond He was awarded

Rajagopala Chidambaram

Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi

SOUTH INDIA

Tamil Nadu governor walks out of House amid row over anthem

C HE N N AI : In yet anoth er

f ac e o f f be t w ee n t h e M K

Stalin govt and Tamil N adu

Raj Bhavan, governo r R N Ravi on Mo nday walked ou t

o f the s tate assem bl y within t

a d dr es s , in p

a ga in s t t h e national anthem not being played at th e s tart o f th e f irs t s es sion o f the Ho use this year

This is the third time in as many years when the governor has walked out of the House

Earlier, he had walked out twice in protest against Stalin’s request to the speaker that only the text drafted by his govt in the governor ’ s address s h o u

o n r e c o

R a v i h a d digressed from the prepared text both times As is the custom, the Tamil anthem ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ was played in the House on the governor ’ s arrival on Monday However, Ravi wanted the national anthem to be played, which as per the custom is played at the end of the session

PUNJAB

Though Ravi spoke for about three minutes,

t h e H o u s e p a s s e d a resolution that only the p r i n t e d t e x t o f t h e governor ’ s address that

members would go on record

The governor was seen speaking about the national anthem He soon walked out with his staff resulting in controversy over his action

Minutes later, Raj Bhavan posted on X, “The Constitution of Bharat and the national anthem were once again insulted in the assembly today ”

The live feed of the governor

provided, adding fuel to the

governor in all district headquarters Taking to X, Stalin said the governor ’ s continuous insults directed at the

appropriate for his position

PM Modi to lay foundation for important projects in Andhra

scheduled t o visit Visakha pat nam on We dne sday t o lay t he founda tion for a few importa nt proje ct s an d in augur ate a few ot hers This will be t he Pr ime Min ist er's fir st visit t o the st ate , a ft er he assum ed t he office of PM for the thir d consecutiv e t erm in 2024

The NDA alliance in Andhra Pradesh consisting TDP, BJP a n d

government Accompanied by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and others, Modi will lay the foundation for a railway zone at Visakhapatnam

Likewise, he will lay the foundation for NTPC's integrated green hydrogen hub at Pudimadaka, Nakkapalli mandal, Anakapalli district As part of this project, the public sector company will invest £6 53bn in three phases

The Prime Minister will virtually launch Krishnapatnam Industrial Hub, a £151 8mn project coming up on a 2,500 acre land parcel in the first phase It is expected to generate employment opportunities for 50,000 people Similarly, Modi will also virtually lay the foundation for a £187 7mn bulk drug park in Nakkapalli

Entailing an investment of £1 15bn, the bulk drug park coming up on 2,002 acres of land is expected to create employment for 54,000 people More than 150,000 people are expected to attend the PM's meeting at Andhra University Engineering College grounds in the port city

Besides the foundation stone laying ceremonies and inaugurations, Modi will also undertake a roadshow from Sampath Vinayaka temple to the meeting venue in Andhra University

Fasting farm leader urges kisans to take MSP fight to the entire nation

B A T H I N D A / H I S A R : F arm er u ni o n representative Jag jit Singh Dallewal, on 40th d ay of his indefinite fast, called fo r a na ti o nw i d e m o b il i sa ti o n o f fa rm er s to e ns u re t h ei r d em a

in cl u d i ng le g al

ig

o f m i ni m u m su pport price (M SP) on cro ps as per C2+50 % formula, are m et

Addressing a kisan mahapanchayat

a t K h a n a u r i o n P u n j a b - H a r y a n a border, Dallewal said that it was not his fight alone, but concerned everyone, and exhorted each village to send at least one tractor-trolley to the protest site to intensify the struggle, “ so that govt cannot think of making any attack on the morcha”

Dallewal, who addressed the large gathering from the stage while lying on a bed, appealed to farmer outfits in other states to fight strongly for legal guarantee to MSP to send a message to the Centre that it was not Punjab’s

WEST BENGAL

demand alone

The mahapanchayat was called in support of the farmer representative, who has been on a hunger strike amid d e a d l o c k o v e r t a l k s o n t h e l o n gpending demands of the farmers

Contesting govt figure of 400,000 farmer suicides, Dallewal said “ as per our knowledge, over 700,000 farmers ended lives due to debt”

“ S C o b s e r v e d t h a t m y l i f e i s precious, but I feel the lives of all those who committed suicide were precious for their respective families, and no more lives should go waste,” he added during the interaction

S

mahapanchayat in Haryana’s Tohana, Sanyukta Kisan Morcha representative Rakesh Tikait took aims at central govt, accusing it of prolonging the stir with the aim to rupture farmers’ unity and defame Sikhs

SC defers hearing, fate of Bengal SSC appointees remains in limbo

NEW DELH I: The Supreme Court on Tuesday deferr ed the hearing in the case of t he al leged B engal School Service Commission jobs scam

In the last nine months things have not changed much for Tanima The 33-year old has been teaching physics to students of classes IX and X a t t h

K

around 87km south of Kolkata

She was hoping for a change in the status quo, and end to being in limbo about the future; the Supreme Court was expected to announce its verdict on the school recruitment scam that has plagued Bengal for n

minister and several officials in the education department behind bars

Last year on April 22, the names of Tanima and 25,752 other teachers and non-teaching staff were struck

Calcutta high court in its ruling on

selection process for school staff, allegedly tainted with bribery and favouritism

The high court had annulled all recruitments held over three years as

between those who had cleared the written exams and the interviews on merit, and those who had allegedly employed unfair means like bribes to secure a place on the merit list

The Bengal government – which is accused of not cooperating with the high court – challenged the high court’s order in the Supreme Court, which announced a stay order in May last year and allowed Tanima and others to continue with their j

verdict

The Calcutta high court had also

Accept Sukhbir’s resignation without delay: Jathedar to SAD

A M RI T SA R: Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Sing h on M onday asked the S hiro mani Akali Dal to refrain fro m fu rther delaying th e acceptance of S ukh bir Sing h Bad al’s resignation from the p arty chief’s po st

The stern message to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has come as the party’s working committee is yet t o a c c e p t B a d a l ’ s r e s i g n a t i

pronounced by the five high Sikh priests in this regard on December 2

According to the Akal Takht edict, a meeting of the working committee was to be held within three days of the order to accept his resignation but the SAD claimed to have got a 20-day extension, which expired on December 22 The Akal Takht had also called for the

membership drive A seven-member panel, chaired by SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami, was constituted for the purpose However, Dhami is yet to call a meeting of the panel

Reacting to it, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh said the directions “will have to be implemented in toto”

“The Akali Dal should not be dilly dallying in accepting the resignations of Sukhbir and other leaders lying pending till date,” he told reporters

Bengal CM Mamata blames BSF for cross-border infiltration

K OL KA T A : Ben gal C M Mamata Ban erje e accus ed BS

Banglad eshi s into the s tate as part of a “central govt blue print”, allegi ng the inf iltrati on wa s poli tica lly moti vated to di scredit her govt

“The border is not guarded by TMC or police; it is guarded by BSF,” she said “They are facilitating infiltration, allowing criminals to cross the border, commit murders, and escape I will write a strong letter to Centre about this issue ”

In response, BSF expressed disappointment over the allegations but refrained from escalating the matter “We are a responsible force performing our duty at the border However, statements like these dent our morale,” said Nilotpal Kumar Pandey, spokesperson for BSF’s South Bengal Frontier

The CM said while the state welcomes medical tourists from Bangladesh, criminal activities and terrorist threats wouldn’t be tolerated She alleged a tacit “adjustment” between BSF and infiltrators and claimed illegal entry was occurring via buses, trains, and even planes “But no list (passenger manifest) is shared with us, ” the CM said

Meanwhile, Mamata blamed police negligence for the murder of a local TMC neta and her longtime associate, Dulal Sarkar, who was shot dead last week

NORTH-EAST Tribal body ends blockade along NH-2, relief for Manipur

m ovement, including that of tru cks carrying essential comm odities on NH-2 in M anipur, w as withdraw n after CoT U announced that the to tal sh utd own in Kang pokpi will be lifted fro m Sunday Besides lifting the blockade, CoTU also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to state govt to

controlled from the valley” Saibol, in Kangpokpi, witnessed

violent

forces and Kuki women on Dec 31, resulting

personnel to safeguard their “community bunkers,” while the security forces claimed they had dismantled “illegal bunkers” C

indefinite economic blockade and recurrent extension of 24-hour total shutdown within Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi, will be withdrawn from Sunday They said the decision was taken as per understanding with authorities

Lhungtin subdivision

SP AMONG MANY HURT IN MANIPUR VIOLENT PROTEST

An officer of the rank of SP was among several police personnel and civilians injured in Manipur’s Kangpokpi as a mob bristling over the deployment of central forces in a Kuki-Zo village laid siege to the district police chief s office SP Manoj Prabhakar and his team were the target of stone-pelting likely angered by the administration’s refusal to withdraw central forces from Saibol village bordering Imphal East district The number of injured and hospitalisations if any couldn t be immediately verified A row of vehicles parked in the compound of the SP s office was vandalised, sources said The year s first law-and-order blip in the conflict-ridden state came days after CM N Biren Singh apologised for 20 months of violence on his watch and urged the warring ethnic communities to “forgive and forget” KukiZo groups have been protesting an alleged baton charge on women by forces in Saibol village on Dec 31 Committee on Tribal Unity called a 12-hour shutdown in the district, coinciding with the mob outrage

WILL NEVER ALLOW INSURGENCY TO RETURN TO TRIPURA: MANIK SAHA

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha asserted that his government would never allow insurgency to return to the northeastern state His comment comes days after reports of the movement of armed militants across the border in North Tripura s Kanchanpur Addressing a programme, Saha said "Some people are saying that insurgency is set to stage a comeback in the northeastern state We are keeping a close eye on the situation and the security forces have been asked to take necessary steps We will not allow the insurgency to return” Kanchanpur which witnessed bloodshed in the late 1990s, is a subdivision of North Tripura and shares a 48-km international border with Bangladesh s two districts Khagracherri and Bandarban The border is fully fenced, barring a 300-metre stretch because of hilly terrain Taking a dig at the opposition, the chief minister said they don t see development in the northeastern state Saha, who recently visited Delhi, said he had demanded an AIIMS or NEIGRIHMS hospital in the state to boost the healthcare facilities

R N Ravi

Delhi to vote on Feb 5, results on 8th

D elhi will go to polls i n a s ingle phase on February 5, with a fierce

t ri a ng ul ar c on te s t b et we en the AAP, BJP and the Congress settin g the poli ti cal temperatures soarin g i n the cold wave- gripped national

c a p i ta l T he r es u lt s w

a n noun c ed o n Feb ru ary 8 By -

e l e c ti on s i n M i lk i pu r i n U tt ar Prades h and E rode (E ast) in Tamil N adu will also be held on the same day

W i t h t h e E l e c t i o n

Commission's announcement of the poll schedule, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into force The ruling AAP, battling a w

will be eyeing a hat-trick The Arvind Kejriwal-led party swept the 2015 and 2020 elections with 67 and 62 seats, respectively

The BJP, reduced to just single digits in the last two elections, will be hoping to return to the helm in the national capital after a hiatus of 26 years The Congress, which once ruled Delhi for 15 years, will be contesting the polls alone after having stitched an alliance with the AAP for the 2024 Lok Sabha

polls The election, the first of 2025, is being seen as a prestige battle for all the three parties Last year,

K

Chief Minister after his bail in the liquor policy

would return at the helm once the people of Delhi repose their trust in him This time, the party is

schemes targeting the women and elderly to beat anti-incumbency and its rivals

It has also taken recourse to "soft Hindutva" to nullify the BJP's "

compensation to temple priests

BJP releases 1st Delhi list: Ex-CM’s son Parvesh to take on Kejriwal

A few days before th e Delh i a s se m bl y el ec ti

a nno u nc ed , and am

d s t a blitzkrieg it has unleash ed

o n th e r u li ng A A P , B JP re leased i ts mu ch - aw aited first list of candid ates It has 29 names, including fo ur sitting legislators, two form er M P s a nd ei g h t fo r m er

M LA s T h e m o s t s i g n i f i c a n t names in the first list are of f o r m e r W e s t D e l h i M P Parvesh Verma, son of form e r C M S a h i b S i n g h Verma, who has been pitted against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi con-

s t i t u e n c y , a n d e x - S o u t h Delhi MP Ramesh Bidhuri, who will take on chief min-

i s t e r A t i s h i i n K a l k a j i

C o n g r e s s h a s f i e l d e d

S a n d e e p D i k s h i t , f o r m e r East Delhi MP and son of

l a t e f o r m e r C M S h e i l a

D i k s h i t , f r o m N e w D e l h i a n d A l l I n d i a M a h i l a Congress chief Alka Lamba from Kalkaji It will be a tri-

a n g u l a r c o n t e s t o n b o t h seats and the outcome will be keenly awaited

Voter

Four former Delhi ministers – Kailash Gahlot and R a a j K u m a r A n a n d , w h o served in the outgoing AAP govt, and Arvinder Singh

L o v e l y a n d R a j k u m a r C h a u h a n , w h o h e l d k e y p o r t f o l i o s d u r i n g S h e i l a

D i k s h i t ’ s t e n u r e a s C M , from 2003 to 2013 – have a l s o b e e n g i v e n t i c k e t s

G a h l o t h a s b e e n s h i f t e d from Najafgarh, which sent him to the assembly in 2015 and 2020, to Bijwasan this time

Lovely has replaced sitting BJP MLA Anil Kumar Bajpai in his former strong h o l d o f G a n d h i N a g a r Bajpai was elected on an AAP ticket in 2015 but later

switched sides and won the 2020 poll as a BJP candidate Anand, who left AAP in April last year, joined BSP briefly and contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and then joined BJP, will contest from the reserved cons t i t u e n c y o f P a t e l N a g a r , w h i c h h e w o n i n 2 0 2 0

Chauhan has been fielded

Another former Congress M L A , T a r w i n d e r S i n g h

Marwah, will contest from Jangpura – a seat he held during the Congress govt –against former deputy chief

m Patparganj

count in Gujarat rises by 3,95,819

T he number o f eligible voters in Gujarat increased by 3,9 5,81 9, said th e office of t he c h ief el ecto ra l o ff ic er ( CE O ) T h

a tt ri b u te d i t to t h e two r ou n ds of u p grad atio n o f electo ral rolls between Aug and No v 2024

As of Jan 1, 2025, there was an increase of 1,72,776 males, 2,23,023 females and 2 0 t h i r d - g e n d e r v o t e r s i n the electoral rolls, a statement by the office of the CEO said In the Lok Sabha elec-

t i o n s h e l d i n 2 0 2 4 i n G u j a r a t , t h e r e w e r e 4 9 2 million eligible voters Out of the total registered voters according to the final electoral roll published on Jan 5, 2024, there were 11,32,000 f i r s t - t i m e v o t e r s , a r o u n d 25 4 mn were men, 23 9mn were women and 1,503 were third-gender voters

The statement said that

a h o u s e - t o - h o u s e s u r v e y

was conducted from Aug 20 to Nov 18, 2024, under the s p e c i a l s u m m a r

programme S u

tions for corrections, deletions and additions to the voter list were invited from Oct 29 to Nov 28, 2024 The f i n a l

24

mn females, and 1,569 third gender individuals

The office of the CEO

s a i d t h a t e l i g i b l e c i t i z e n s can apply online to add, correct or delete their names in t h e v o

India’s Voter Helpline app and website

They can also verify their names in the electoral rolls Additionally, applications can be submitted by people at the respective collectorates

T h e v o t e r i d e n t i t y cards of the newly added voters will be delivered to their addresses by post, the statement added

l

and gurdwara granthis

Meanwhile, the BJP, boosted by its clean sweep in the Delhi Lok Sabha polls and thumping victories in Haryana and Maharashtra, has coined the word AAPda (disaster) to launch a blistering attack against the ruling party

"Aapda ko hatana hai, BJP ko

power)," Prime Minister Narendra

M

BJP's poll bugle last week

highlighted the "extravagant reno-

mahal', to double down on its corruption offensive

The fact that Kejriwal, Manish

Sisodia, AAP MP Sanjay Singh and former Delhi minister Satyendra Jain were arrested by central agencies in corruption cases has given the BJP and Congress considerable ammo to attack the ruling party

While both the AAP and the BJP have intensified their campaigns, the Congress is yet to hit the ground running, with its leadership yet to make its presence felt Its presence was only felt on

Shivakumar, released the 'Pyari Didi Yojana'

The scheme promises Rs 2,500 per month to eligible women beneficiaries of Delhi This is seen as

Samaan Yojna that promises Rs 2,100 per month

PM Modi accuses AAP of putting brakes on Delhi's development

P M M od i la un c h ed a s c a th i n g at t ac k o n A AP , c al li ng i t “ AAP da” ( H in di for disaster) , vi rtually setting the tone for an aggressive and high-pi tched campaign for the assembly elections to be held in the capital in February

Speaking at an event in Ashok Vihar while inaugurating various development initiatives, the PM gave the s l o g a n , “ A A P d a k o n a h i sahenge, ba dal ke rahenge (We will not tolerate the d i s a s t e r , w i l l c h a n g e things) ” He repeated the slogan several times with the crowd joining him amid loud cheers Accusing AAP of putting brakes on Delhi’s development, the PM said voters have now decided to get rid of the party

“ T h i s i s t h e c o u n t r y ’ s

capital and it is the right of people to get good governance But in the past 10 years, Delhi has been in the grip of a big AAPda,” he s a i d “ B y p u t t i n g A n n a Hazareji at the forefront, some kattar beimaan peop l e p u s h e d D e l h i i n t o aapda,” he added

This was an indirect jibe a t A A P s u p r e m o A r v i n d K e jri w al , w ho ha s in the past called himself “kattar i m a a n d a r ( h a r d c o r e h o nest)”

A A P f u n c t i o n a r i e s , i n c l u d i n g K e j r i w a l a n d Manish Sisodia, are facing corruption charges in the e x c i s e p o l i c y c a s e M o d i accused AAP of engaging in corruption in liquor policy, schools, treatment of the poor, fight against pollution a n d j o b s “ T h e s e p e o p l e

talked about Delhi’s develo p m e n

a n ‘ a a p d

’ o n Delhi,” he said He accused them of engaging in open corruption and then glorifying it T h i s w a s M o d i ’ s f i r s t political speech ahead of the s t a t e p o l l s w h e n , a g a i n without taking names, he targeted Kejriwal over renovation of the CM’s residence on 6 Flag Staff Road in Civil Lines He said he could have also built a “sheesh mahal” for himself, but his dream was to ensure homes for e v e r y o n

y well that Modi never built a house for himself, but in the past 10 years, I fulfilled the dreams of over 40 million poor families by providing them with homes,” he said

Two Indian companies indicted in US for importing ingredients used in opioid fentanyl

Two India n chemical compa nies ha ve been ind ict ed for a lleg edly impor ting in gre dien ts for the highly a ddictive opioid fen tan yl int o t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s a n d Me x i co

Depa rtme nt of Just ice sa id Athos Chemicals and Raxuter Chemicals, both based in Gujarat, were each charged in Brooklyn with distributing the ingredients and conspiring to distribute them Raxuter and senior executive Bhavesh Lathiya, 36, were also charged with smuggling, and introd u c

commerce

Lathiya was arrested in New York and ordered detained pending trial, after prosecutors called him a flight risk and a substantial danger to the community

chains that span countries and continents and too often end in tragedy in the United

Garland said in a statement

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid about 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine

Opioids accounted for about 82,000 US deaths, opens new tab in 2022, ten times the number in 1999, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

P

2024, the defendants supplied "precursor" chemicals they knew would be used to make fentanyl, and hid their efforts by mislabeling packages, falsifying customs forms, and making false declarations at border crossings

US to lift curbs on India's N-entities, boost energy ties

As the Bid en adm inistration enters its penultim ate week in office, the U S announced th at it’s taking necessary steps to rem ove lo ng -standing reg ulations that h av e p revented civil nuclear coop eration betw een Indi a ’ s lead ing nuclear entities and US co mp ani es

The steps, as v isiting U S NSA Jake Sulliv an said, are essential for realising full po tential of the 2008 Ind ia-U S civil nu clear deal

Sullivan was in India from Jan 5-6 for what was his last visit abroad before leaving office and met his counterpart

Ajit Doval and also external affairs minister S Jaishankar, while also calling on PM Modi Apart from announcing the easing of curbs on Indian companies to facilitate stronger nuclear cooperation, Sullivan underscored the growing India-US defence and technology cooperation as one of the core pillars of stability in the Indo-Pacific a n d s p o k e a b o u t t h e I n d i a - M i d d l e

E a s t - E u r o p e E c o n o m i c C o r r i d o r ’ s potential to deliver a better growth and integration model than China’s BRI However, Sullivan warned that the

two countries will have to together live up to values like “respect for rule of law that creates conditions for dynamic growth, respect for pluralism and tolerance that powers innovation and p r o t e c t i o n o f b a s i c f r e e d o m s t h a t unleash the human spirit” He said these were the basic truths about how the two democracies would grow and flourish

O n s t e p s f o r d e l i s t i n g I n d i a n nuclear entities to facilitate stronger civil nuclear cooperation, Sullivan said formal paperwork will be done soon

Parvesh Verma and Arvind Kejriwal

Pannun's 'Sikhs for Justice' banned for another 5 years

issued b y the Union Min istry

t err or ist G ur patwan

Singh

Pan nun-l ed 'Sik hs for Justice

( S FJ ) for

y ears

The UAPA Tribunal of

K

J u s t i c e A n

m a r Mendiratta, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, ruled that the evidence given by the Centre established SFJ's connections with Khalistani terror groups such as Babbar

K h a l s a I n t e r n a t i o n a l a n d Khalistan Tiger Force, as well a s

S e r v i c e s I n t e

militancy in Punjab

I t a d d e d t h a t t h e e v i d e n c e h i g h l i g h t e d S F J '

Gurpatwant Singh

g and radicalizing youth using

financing terrorism through

explosives, and issuing death threats to political figures, including the Prime Minister and the Home Minister

In a notification issued on July 9, 2024, the MHA extended the declaration of S F J a s

u l association for another five years, saying that Pannunled SFJ's activities have the " p o t e n t i a l o f d i s r u p t i n g

peace, unity, and integrity of the country"

Tribunal for the purpose of adjudicating whether or not there was sufficient cause for

unlawful

According to the MHA,

activities in Punjab, with the

integrity of India

The MHA also said that SFJ is in "close touch with militant outfits and activists,

sovereign Khalistan out of

Children under 18 need parental nod to join social media in India

The re will be no a ge-g atin g

fo r ch ildr en t o join soci al

m e d i a p la t f or m s in I n d ia ,

ut

r equire “ v erifiable consent ” of par en ts, say d raft r ules of t he d i g it a l p e r so n a l d a t a p r o t e ct i o n ( D PD P ) A ct r elea se d by the IT min ist ry

D a t a fi d u ci a r i e s - u n d e r which the draft r ule s club ecomme rce, social me dia an d

g a m in g p la t fo r m s - ca n pr ocess childre n ’ s da ta on ly a ft er prov ision of det ails an d d o c um e n t s, i s su e d by a ut hor ised en ti tie s, by the pa re nt giv in g consent

T h e d r a f t r u l e s a l s o i m p o s e r e s t r i c t i o n s o n transfer of certain classes of

“ p e r s o n a l d a t a ” o u t s i d e

I n d i a , i n l i n e w i t h

r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s b y a committee formed for this purpose by the central govt “A significant data fiduciary

shall undertake measures to

e n s u r e t h a t p e r s o n a l d a t a

s p e c i f i e d b y t h e c e n t r a l govt is processed subject to

t h e r e s t r i c t i o n t h a t t h e personal data and the traffic data pertaining to its flow is not transferred outside the territory of India,” the rules say T h e s e r e s t r i c t i o n s a r e likely to be an irritant for top

s o c i a l m e d i a a n d i n t e r n e t

c o m p a n i e s s u c h a s M e t a , Google, Apple, Amazon, and Flipkart, which may oppose the measure in their filings

a n d c o m m e n t s t o t h e

m i n i s t r y S t a k e h o l d e r

comments on the draft will be accepted till Feb 18

This lucky man cheated death '7 times'

Frane Selak’s story is a jaw-dropping blend of luck, misfortune, and resilience Born in Croatia in 1929, Selak has lived a modest life as a music teacher His quiet existence was shattered in 1962 when he survived a train accident Just a year later, in 1963, Selak reportedly boarded a plane from Zagreb to Rijeka Mid-flight, the plane crashed, Selak claimed he was ejected from the plane and landed safely on a haystack In 1966, Selak swam safely when the bus he was travellling fell into a river In 1970, Selak’s car burst into flames while he was driving, but he managed to escape just before the vehicle exploded Then, in 1973, a faulty fuel pump caused gasoline to spray inside his car, igniting another fire Despite being singed, Selak lived to tell the tale In 1995, Selak faced another life-threatening situation when a Zagreb bus struck him and he managed to escape with minor injuries In 1996, he narrowly avoided death when a truck forced his car off a mountain road He leapt out moments before the car tumbled into a gorge and exploded Lady Luck finally smiled on him when he won a Croatian lottery equivalent to £600,000 Mongolia man's cycle journey to watch football match

There is a global fan base for the English Premier League (EPL) This "crazy" devotion can take many different forms Supporters attend games in crowded stadiums and create lively atmospheres with songs and chants as they enthusiastically support their teams Beyond game days, the zeal is evident as supporters engage in intense rivalries, debate player transfers, and closely examine every touch made on the field To increase this list of bizarre hobbies of football fans, a Manchester United supporter has cycled from all over Mongolia to Britain to watch a game of his favourite team at Old Trafford Sharing his experience, Ochirvaani "Ochiroo" Batbold wrote in a post of X com, "I cycled all the way from Mongolia to Manchester to watch my first match at Old Trafford-proof of how much I love Manchester United Today, I fulfilled a childhood promise to my mom by taking her to see a game No matter how tough things get, my love for this team is unshakeable "

US woman spotted carrying Basmati rice bag in a salon

age-gating

H i g h l i g h t i n g t h e n e e d for “verifiable consent” for processing of personal data of a child or of a person with disability who has a lawful guardian, the draft rules say a data fiduciary shall adopt “appropriate technical and organisational measures ” to e n s u r e t h a t v e r i

p a r e n t i s o b t a i n e d f i r s t T h e d a t a fiduciary “shall observe due diligence, for checking that t h e i n

d u a l i d

i n g herself as the parent is an adult who is identifiable” if required in connection with compliance with any law in force in the country

T h e v e r i f i c a t i o n c a n come in the form of “reliable details of identity and age ”

a l r e a d y a v a i l a b l e w i t h t h e data fiduciary

T h e d r a f t r u l e s w e r e being anxiously awaited by s o c i a l m e d i a g i a n t s , particularly with regard to t h e C e n t r e ’ s s t a n d o n p r o c e s s i n g o f d a t a o f c h i l d r e n a n d a n y p o s s i b l e

Kashmir is India’s cultural and spiritual cornerstone: Shah

Having fulfilled its objective to scrap the special statu s of

J a m m u & K as h m i r by rendering the controv ersial

A rti c le 3 7 0 d ef u nc t, th e M odi gov t appears to have m o v ed o n t o p ro j ec t th e s tate as being one o f the sou rces of Ind ia’ s spiritual

a nd c u lt u ral tra d i ti o n a s p art of the larg er Bharatiya culture

A s p a r t o f t h e endeavour, home minister Amit Shah released ‘Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Through The Ages’, a publication of t h e I n d i a n C o u n c i l o f Historical Research, which f o c u s e s o n t h e s t a t e ’ s “ p r o f o u n d h i s t o r i c influence”, referring to its contributions to Ayurveda, Sanskrit grammar and art

T h e p r e f a c e o f t h e b o o k , with the legendary temple of Lord Shiva built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th

c e n t u r y C E o n i t s c o v e r , says, “This volume narrates with rare illustrations, many being published for the first t i m e , h o w t h e s t o r y o f India’s spiritual and cultural l e g a c y i s t r a c e a b l e t o t h e grandeur of ancient Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh ” Speaking at the launch in the presence of education

m i n i s t e r D h

m e n d r a P r a d h a n , S h a h s a i d , “ K a s h m i r i s n o t j u s t a geographical entity; it is a

c u l t u r a l a n d s p i r i t u a l cornerstone of India ” He

praised the publication as an

d u r i n g t h e c o

o n i a l e r a when a false narrative was pushed about India never b

: a reference to the grouse that the notion about J&K being a distinct entity deserving of s p e c i a l

interpretation was flawed Amit Shah

manufactured as part of the

separatism

efforts were made to “break t

people, leading to a myth

c o u n t r y ” , a d d i n g t h a t history written during the British era might not have n e c e s s a r i l y h a d i l l intentions, but due to their l i m

The Internet is buzzing about a US woman spotted carrying a Basmati rice bag as a tote, pairing it with her luxury outfit Spotted at a US salon, the quirky accessory was showcased in a viral video posted by Instagram user Amanda John Mangalathil The video pokes fun at the luxury handbag trend, highlighting how women often flaunt high-end bags But then, it reveals a woman casually carrying the unconventional rice tote bag, leaving viewers amused and entertained You need to see what s trending in America And you can get it easily This trend is easily available in India at a low price, Mangalathil said in the video The unusual choice of accessory has sparked conversations about creativity, sustainability, and high-low fashion statements Some see it as a quirky move to repurpose everyday items, while others debate whether it's a critique of consumerism or simply a bold fashion experiment However, many were simply left amused and posted funny comments in response to the video

Newborn right whale calves sighted on Florida coast

Wildlife officials in Florida said a group of endangered right whales made a rare appearance off the coast of Ponte Bedra Beach, and they included two new calves The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute said two females named Caterpillar and Blackheart were spotted near the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve on Dec 30 Each whale was accompanied by a newborn calf Researchers said both whale moms are 20 years old Caterpillar is a firsttime mother, while Blackheart had one calf previously "Right whales have been sighted all along the Eastern Seaboard in recent weeks," researchers wrote "Low visibility and windy conditions can hamper research efforts locally, sometimes for extended periods of time " Drone operator helps rescue dog stranded on thin ice

A concerned neighbor with a drone helped rescue a dog that spent nearly a full day stranded on the thin ice covering a New Jersey lake The 20-month-old pooch, named Brooklyn, was spotted on the thin ice covering Lake Parsippany and appeared to be too afraid of strangers to venture off the ice Neighbor Kishan Patel attached some chicken to his drone and attempted to lure Brooklyn to shore, and it initially appeared to be working, but Brooklyn fled back out onto the lake when she spotted the rescuers on shore Once the sun went down, Patel used his drone to pinpoint Brooklyn's location for a police officer who went out onto the ice The officer was able to find the canine, who fled to shore - and kept on fleeing Brooklyn was safely found the next morning on a local resident's porch "As a dog owner myself, I can sympathize with what the owner must have been feeling during this ordeal," Patel told Good Morning America

Alarm triggered by remote-stealing monkey

A South African security firm said teams were dispatched to a home where a panic alarm turned out to have been triggered by a thieving monkey Security company Mi7 National Group said on social media that its control room received multiple panic alarm signals from a home in Northdale on the day after Christmas "Under the impression that the client must have been under distress, several units were immediately dispatched to the home," the post said "Upon the first team's arrival, the client informed them that a monkey had gotten into the home and nabbed a remote containing the panic button " The monkey fled with the remote, and the company continued to receive panic signals until the primate was out of range of the receiver "In an unusual turn of events, the client opted not to have our teams chase down the culprit, and let him get away with the loot, officials wrote Bir Khalsa martial arts group's daredevil act

An India-based martial arts collective captured a dangerous Guinness World Records title when one member donned a blindfold and used a sledgehammer to smash coconuts arranged around another member's body The Bir Khalsa martial arts group took on the title for the most coconuts smashed around a person blindfolded in one minute on the set of Italian TV series Lo Show Dei Record in Milan The blindfolded martial artist managed to smash 69 coconuts in one minute without injuring his teammate The total bested the previous record by Rakesh B and Prabhakar Reddy P, who ended their attempt with 50 smashed coconuts in 2020 The Bir Khalsa collective hold numerous world records, including the recently-announced title for the most slices of a cucumber held in a person's mouth with a chainsaw while blindfolded in one minute

Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul Nursing College organises dedication ceremony

Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul Nursing College in Chhaya, Porbandar, Gujarat recently hosted a grand dedication ceremony, marking the completion of various projects worth over £450,000

B

R

organised a grand ceremony on 31st December 2024, to unveil the donor dedications for the newly constructed nursing college building worth over £1 4mn The event

Swaminarayan Gurukul Nursing College as part of various service initiatives

T

plaques for various service projects, constructed with donations

e

Rameshbhai Oza (Pujya Bhaishri), Vaishnavkulbhushan Pujya Shri

V a s a n t r a i j i M a h a r a j a n d

Gurukul - Chhaya, Shastri Swami Shri Prakashdasji Swamiji The event witnessed the presence of d

city R e v e r e d P u j y

nursing college's construction and i n

H

state-of-the-art paramedical laboratories, equipped with modern f

immense satisfaction and delight at the facilities, he praised the commendable efforts behind their creation The nursing college faculty provided Pujya Bhaishri with an in-depth explanation of the functionality and usage of each piece of equipment, along with an overview of the internal systems, adding further value to his visit

Situated within a 100-kilometre radius of Porbandar, this stateof-the-art nursing college stands as a beacon of excellence During

t h e e v e n t , d o n a t i o n s m a d e b y patrons from different parts of the world has been acknowle d g e d S p e c i a l r e c o g n i t

heartfelt gratitude were extended to Rupin Vadera and his family for t h e i r g

o u s d o n

f £450,000 This contribution was made in memory of his late grandf a t h

Vadera, as well as to honour the

Vinodkantbhai Dayalbhai Vadera a n d m o t h e r S m

(Mridulaben) Vinodkant Vadera

T h e i r i n v a l u a b l e s u p p o r t w

s honoured with profound thanks and congratulations

Students pursuing paramedi-

c a l n u r s i n g c o u r s e s h a d t h e opportunity to observe the latest advancements in medical procedures and surgeries from around the world, all from the comfort of a cutting-edge auditorium This s t a t e

enhances the students' educationa l e x

ideal venue for various lectures

P

immense satisfaction upon seeing the modern, world-class auditorium, which is equipped with permanent LED screens, a high-quality sound system, acoustic design, adequate lighting and Wi-Fi connectivity During the ceremony, P u j y a B h a i s h

i a n d S h r i Vasantraiji Maharaj unveiled the p h o t o g r a p h o f S h r i G o p a

and respectful salute, acknowledging his esteemed presence and contributions

The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Shri Samatbhai O

donor of this impressive hall, in honour of his invaluable contribution

Pujya Bhaishri had the opportunity to watch a tele-film on a large 8x15 LED screen, detailing the entire construction journey of the nursing college, from its foundation to its completion Upon his arrival, Pujya Bhaishri was warmly

President Shri Jatinbhai Haathi, and the dynamic young President

Karia Among the special guests

Kotecha from Kakamega, Kenya,

donors

Bhanuprakash Swamiji provided a n i n s i g h t f u l o v e r v i e w o f t h e

Nursing College’s development and progress During the event, Shri Arvindbhai Rajguru, Dean of the Department of Nursing at B h a k t K a v i N a r s i n h M e h t a University and Director of the Nursing College, was honoured with a garland by Pujya Bhaishri

S h r i P a d u b h a i R a i c h u r a , Trustee of Gurukul Sansthan and a p r o m i n e n t e n t r e p r e n e u r , shared insights into the academic progress of the Nursing College, highlighting its impressive gold medal-winning results at the university level He also outlined future plans for establishing a large science center at the district level, to be developed under the S h r i S w a m i n a r a y a n G u r

, Chhaya Institution

D

Shri Padubhai Raichura presented a cheque for the purchase of eight additional computers for the Nursing College students, a generous contribution made on b

Krishnaben Raichura P

Pujya Bhaishri also honoured Azizaben Hathaliya, the Principal o f t h e N u r s i n g C o l l e g e a n d a member of the Board of Studies in Nursing, with blessings and recognition for her outstanding contributions Dr Sumitkumar Acharya, the Director of Gurukul M B A a n d a m e m b e r o f t h e Management Board of Studies at B h a k t K a v i N a r s i n h M e h t a

remarkable progress the institution has made from its inception to the present, offering his blessings for its continued success and growth O

Bhaishri praised the services in t

c

l fields, while also making a heartfelt remark about the need for ethical practices in the medical industry He stressed that unethi

welcomed with a garland by the

Madhubhai Raichura Similarly,

Rajyaguru, extended

Raiji Maharaj by presenting him with a garland Pujya Guru Shastri

Swami was also honoured with a garland, accompanied by a sincere

presence added to the grandeur of the occasion

students stay away from such inappropriate and socially harmful ideas Pujya Bhaishri also highly appreciated the contributions of all the overseas donors for the Nursing College's build-

Jivanbhai Popat, Shri

including the institution's engineer Shri Akashbhai Vithlani and

Sureshbhai Gandhi, were warmly

University, was similarly blessed a n d h o n o u r e d b y P u j y a S h r i Vasantraiji Maharaj During the event, seven bright and promisi n g f e m a l e s t u d e n t s f r o m t h e N u r s i n g C o l l e g e , w h o h a d e x c e l l e d i n t h e i r s t u d i e s a n d received full support from the institution, were presented with l a p t o p s b y D e e p a k b h a i Dayaljibhai Jatania from London, along with other generous UK

Nagrecha to the five essential aspects that sustain life, offering them his heartfelt blessings The event was skillfully managed by

Bright and promising female students from the Nursing College presented with laptops

Pujya Shri Rameshbhai Oza (Bhaishri)

Padumbhai Raichura presented the financial aid cheque to the founder of the institution Shastri Swami Pujya Prakashdasji Swamiji Bhanuprakashdasji Swami

Pujya Bhaishri and other esteemed guests unveiling the photographs and a commemorative plaque honouring Shree Dayalbhai Madanji Vadera and Smt Prabhakunvar Dayalbhai Vadera

Asian representation shines at 2025 G O L D E N G L O B E S

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, highlighted Asian talent in a celebration that marked triumphs and near misses. Director Payal Kapadia, nominated for her critically acclaimed film All We Imagine As Light, faced disappointment as she lost in both categories she was nominated for. Despite this, Kapadia’s presence as only the third Asian woman ever nominated for Best Director at the Globes was seen as a monumental achievement for Indian cinema

Kapadia’s film garnered international acclaim, winning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 and earning nominations at the Critics Choice Awards However, All We Imagine As Light at the Globes lost the Best Non-English Language Motion Picture award to Emilia Perez, while Brady Corbet won Best Director for The Brutalist The film, which had a limited theatrical release in India late last year, began streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in January 2025, allowing a wider audience to appreciate its artistry

Controversy surrounded the Film Federation of India’s decision not to select Kapadia’s film as India’s official Oscar entry, opting instead for Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies The latter failed to reach the Academy Awards shortlist, further fueling debates over the decision

On the television front, it was a groundbreaking night for the FX series Shogun, which took home the award for Best TV Drama Series

Based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel, the samurai epic continued its historic streak, following its recordbreaking 18 Emmy wins last year

Cast members Anna Sawai, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Tadanobu Asano all earned individual honours for their

performances, further cementing the show’s place in Golden Globes' history

Anna Sawai won Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series for her role as Toda Mariko In her acceptance speech, the New Zealand-born Japanese actress humorously acknowledged her fellow nominee, Kathy Bates, while expressing gratitude for the show's writers Sawai emphasized the importance of strong storytelling in crafting memorable performances

Hiroyuki Sanada, who received the award for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series for his portrayal of Yoshii Toranaga, spoke passionately about the show’s

impact on representation In a backstage interview, he stated, “The gates have swung open not only for Japan but also for other Asian countries ” Sanada encouraged young creators to remain authentic and persistent in pursuing their dreams

The series’ unique approach, with 70% of its dialogue in Japanese, demonstrated the growing acceptance of non-English content in global entertainment Sanada celebrated this milestone, describing Shogun as a bridge breaking language and cultural barriers

On the red carpet, Mindy Kaling stunned in a strapless gold sequin column dress, exuding elegance, while Glen Powell turned heads in a black velvet suit paired with sunglasses, showcasing a fusion of classic and modern fashion

The night stood as a testament to the increasing visibility and recognition of Asian talent in Hollywood, heralding a new era of inclusivity and cultural exchange

Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya ignite adrenaline at ‘Sky Force’ trailer launch

Jio Studios and Maddock Films have released the highly anticipated ‘Sky Force’ trailer, promising a thrilling cinematic journey. Inspired by one of India’s first and deadliest airstrikes, the film blends intense action, patriotism, and emotional depth Ahead of the trailer launch, action star

Akshay Kumar and debutant Veer Pahariya w

chopper, followed by an exhilarating bike ride to the venue, embodying the fearless spirit of the film They also led a unique biker tribute, with riders forming the ‘Sky Force’ logo and saluting the skies in honour of the nation’s heroes Dinesh Vijan, Founder and Producer at Maddock Films, says, The motto of our soldiers is to never leave anyone behind, embodying the bravery and selflessness of t

commitment, telling an untold chapter in our nation's history At Maddock Films, we aim to create narratives that entertain and r

Akshay Kumar leading the film and Veer Pahariya making his debut, we believe ‘Sky Force’ will leave a lasting impact Some missions end, while others last a lifetime ’Sky Force’ will endure " F

Pahariya in key roles, the film also stars Nimrat Kaur and Sara Ali Khan

Ajay Devgn on changing audience expectations: “Mistakes no longer forgiven”

Ajay

Devgn has reflected on the evolving Bollywood landscape, noting that today's audience is more discerning and less forgiving than when he first entered the industry He believes audiences were once more lenient, often overlooking mistakes, making it harder for newcomers to break through now

At the trailer launch of his upcoming f i l m ‘ A z a a d ’ , A j a y D e v g n d i s c u s s e d t h e changes in the film industry since his entry

He recalled, “In the past, we worked and learned on the job, with more time to grow

The audience was forgiving, and mistakes w e r e o v e r l o o k e d T o d a y , h o w e v e r , audiences are more aware and unforgiving, placing higher expectations on new actors They must be ready to deliver from the start ” Ajay also noted, “The current generation is far more prepared, and everyone strives to give their best ” Ajay Devgn also shared his enjoyment of working on ‘Azaad’, particularly because it gave him the opportunity to shoot with horses, a feature that was common in many films during his early years in the industry Ajay will next appear in Abhishek Kapoor’s period drama ‘Azaad’, which will also mark the debut of his nephew Aaman Devgn and Raveena Tandon's daughter, Rasha Thadani

"People miss the magic of classic comedies, " says Shreyas Talpade

Shreyas

Talpade’s career took off during the golden era of comedy films, with hits like ‘Golmaal’ (2006), ‘Phir Hera Pheri’, and ‘Garam Masala’ (2005) defining the genre. These films, which starred Talpade, are now considered classics However, many cinephiles believe today’s comedies lack the same charm and appeal S

comedy films I was once seen as a serious actor, but now I’m known for comedy, and I have no complaints ” He acknowledges the rise of OTT platforms, where much of the content is dark or serious

Despite this, he notes the ongoing demand for comedies, citing classics like ‘Golmaal’ and ‘Bhagam Bhag’ Talpade adds that he enjoyed

working on ‘Housefull

and ‘Welcome to the

‘Golmaal’ from Rohit Shetty

When asked about the new ‘Golmaal’ film a

considering his involvement in the previous three instalments, Talpade replies, “Rohit only contacts actors once the script is ready I believe he’s still working on it, but I’m eagerly waiting for that call ”

Mindy Kaling

Payal Kapadia

Ram Gopal Varma dismisses Sridevi-Janhvi comparisons: 'No intention of working with her'

RamGopal Varma’s admiration for t late Sridevi is wellknown, often sparking controversy due to his unabashed praise for the legendary actress. The filmmaker discussed Sridevi and her daughter, Janhvi Kapoor, stati don’t see Sridevi in Janhvi yet,” without hesitation Janhvi Kapoor’s ‘Devara’ co-star Jr NTR had previously remarked that there was a moment during a photoshoot where Janhvi resembled her legendary mother, Sridevi However, Ram Gopal Varma dismissed such comparisons, attributing them to the lingering influence of Sridevi’s legacy

He praised Sridevi’s exceptional range rformances in films like adaharella Vayasu’ and Vasanta Kokila’, sharing that her talent made him forget he was a filmmaker and see her as an audience member instead When asked about working with Janhvi, RGV candidly stated, "I liked the mother, not the daughter," clarifying that it was not eant maliciously but cting a lack of connection with Janhvi He expressed no intention to collaborate with her On the professional front, Ram Gopal Varma is preparing a comeback

Junaid Khan on Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta’s Divorce:

“I never saw

them fight until 19”

Aamir Khan and his first wife, Reena Dutta, parted ways in 2002 Recently, their eldest son, Junaid Khan, shared his gratitude for how his parents handled their divorce He revealed that he never witnessed them arguing and appreciated that they shielded their children from any emotional burden during that challenging time.

J u n a i d K h a n o p e n e d u p about his parents’ divorce and how he coped with it Reflecting o t h e e x p e r i e n c e , h e s h a r e d , “ I t w a s good My parents split up when I was around eight, but they never made us feel the impact of it I never saw them fight until I was 19 The first time I witnessed them arguing, I w a s a l r e a d y a n a d u l t T h r o u g h o u t o u r childhood, they always presented a united front when it came to us (my sister Ira and me) In that sense, they handled it really well It was probably a mature decision on their part Two good people aren’t always good together, and this way, I got to have a c

being happy ” Junaid also mentioned that he ever felt the absence of his parents’

t o g e

separation, his parents and sister, Ira Khan, ensured they remained close and regularly spent time as a family

“It’s great; we meet frequently, especially after her marriage,” Junaid shared “We all live within a 100-meter radius, so it’s easy to connect Every Tuesday evening, we have family tea mom, Ira, dad, and me Even if someone ’ s unavailable, at least a few of us get together We’ve been doing this for years and meet quite often ”

Shashank Arora recalls Irrfan Khan’s India-Pak border kite plan: “Producer terrified”

Shashank Arora, who played Muna in ‘The Song of Scorpions’, recalls meeting the late Irrfan Khan during the film's shoot in Jaisalmer in 2017

Despite battling illness, Irrfan continued working with immense determination Arora shared, "He was in pain during the shoot, but his spirit was remarkable " He remembered filming near the India-Pakistan border in the cold desert nights, with Irrfan in a kurta and pyjamas Arora expressed mixed emotions, feeling both proud to have worked with him and saddened by his suffering Shashank Arora fondly recalled memories with Irrfan

Khan from ‘The Song of Scorpions’, including a memorable moment when Irrfan suggested, "Let’s ride to the border and fly a kite," a plan that left the producer worried He described Irrfan as a grounded person who didn’t care about appearances or grooming, adding, "He was one of those rare actors who didn’t care how he looked " Shashank also shared other moments, like making gulkand ka halwa together, riding bikes in the desert, and discussing cinema, though he kept some memories private, calling them his "little moments" with the legend

film

TV Listing

16:30 Daily Bonus

MON 13 JAN - FRI 17 JAN 2025

09:30 DESHI BEATS

15:30 Madhubala

16:30 Daily Bonus

17:00 United States of Gujarat

17:30 RASOI SHOW

18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma

19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re

19:30 Sanskaar - Dharohar Apnon Ki

20:00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI

20:30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU

21:00 United States of Gujarat

21:30 Mangal Fera

22:00 Seeta Vallabh

22:30 Daily Bonus

SATURDAY 18 JAN 2025

09:30 DESHI BEATS

15:30 Madhubala

MON 13 JAN - FRI 17 JAN 2025

13:00 One 2 Ka 4

16:30 Rasoi Show Desi Flavours S3

17:30 Shrukra Mangal

18:00 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1

19:00 Anmol Bandhan

19:30 RAMACHARI

20:00 Appollena

20:30 Udaariyan

21:00 Choti Sardarni

21:30 Punyavati

22:00 Anmol Bandhan

22:30 Appollena

23:00 Ramachari

SATURDAY 18 JAN 2025

13:30 Bigg Boss S18

17:00 United States of Gujarat

17:30 RASOI SHOW

18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma

19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re

19:30 Sanskaar - Dharohar Apnon Ki

20:00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI

20:30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU

21:00 United States of Gujarat

21:30 Mangal Fera

22:00 Seeta Vallabh

22:30 Daily Bonus

SUNDAY 19 JAN 2025

09:30 DESHI BEATS

10:30 Best of Rasoi Show

11:00 Dada Ko Dikri

17:30 BEST OF RASOI SHOW

18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma

19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re

19:30 Sanskaar - Darohar Apnon Ki

20:00 Rashi Rikshawali

20:30 Moti Baa Ni Nani Vahu

21:00 United States of Gujarat

21:30 Mangal Fera

22:00 Seeta Vallabh

22:30 Daily Bonus

16:30 Rasoi Show Desi Flavours

17:30 Shrukra Mangal

18:00 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1

19:00 Anmol Bandhan

19:30 RAMACHARI

20:00 Appollena

20:30 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull

21:30 Punyavati

22:00 Anmol Bandhan

22:30 Appollena

23:00 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull

SUNDAY 19 JAN 2025

13:30 Bigg Boss S18

16:30 Rasoi Show Desi Flavours

17:30 Shrukra Mangal

18:00 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1

19:00 Anmol Bandhan

19:30 RAMACHARI

20:00 Appollena

20:30 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull

21:30 Punyavati

22:00 Anmol Bandhan

22:30 Appollena

23:00 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull

starring Manoj Bajpayee, while Janhvi Kapoor, who recently starred in ‘Devara’, has upcoming projects ‘Sunny Sanskari ki Tulsi Kumari’ and ‘Param Sundari’

S Shankar shocked by Anurag Kashyap’s ‘caterer’ remark on ‘Game Changer’ editing

Filmmaker

S Shankar has clarified his recent statement, which was misinterpreted by Anurag Kashyap. Kashyap had claimed Shankar wanted to cater to the audience's Instagram Reels addiction. Shankar responded, “I never mentioned Instagram Reels My point was that films should convey things quickly and effectively, keeping the audience engaged Editor Reuben achieved that in ‘Game Changer’ It’s shocking that Anurag said this, as my comment came from a genuine place ”

S h a n k a r h i g h l i g h t e d t h e c h a llenge of keeping today’s audience engaged due to their short attention

s p a n

s impatient; within 10 minutes, they’ll start commenting on social media So, a film's editing must be engaging,” he said He praised ‘Game Changer’ for its fast pace, noting, “Ruben’s editi n g e n s u r e s t h e f i l m k e e p s y o u hooked without distractions ”

This clarification follows Anurag

K a s h y a p ’ s c o m m e n t s i n ‘ T h e Hollywood Reporter India’, where he c r i t i c i s e d f i l m m a k e r s f o c u s i n g o n audience preferences over creativity He referenced Shankar’s statement about tailoring ‘Game Changer’ to t o d a y ’ s s h o r t - a t t e n t i o n - s p a n a u d ience, calling it confusing

Anurag expressed concern that filmmakers were becoming "caterers"

b y p r i o r i t i s i n g w h a t t h e a u d i e n c e wants instead of following their creative vision, saying, “The moment

f

Keerthy Suresh on dating Antony Thattil: ‘Only

Vijay, Samantha, Atlee knew’

Keerthy Suresh tied the knot with her long-time boyfriend, Antony Thattil, in Goa last December, after dating for 15 years

In an interview, the actor shared that very few people in the film industry knew about their relationship, as they preferred to keep it private “Only my close friends knew,” she revealed “From the industry, it was just a handful Samantha (Ruth Prabhu), Jagadish (Palanisamy), Atlee, Priya, Vijay sir, Kalyani (Priyadarshan), and Aishwarya Lekshmi ”

Keerthy Suresh revealed that she and Antony Thattil are “really good” at keeping things private, managing to plan their wedding since April 2022 without anyone finding out “We both value privacy Thattil is media-shy, and we ’ re not into PDA,” she shared, adding that their first solo trip was just two

years ago, despite dating for years She also revealed she pursued Antony on Orkut while in 12th grade, despite their seven-year age gap he was working in Qatar at the time They dated for years before moving in together during the Covid-19 pandemic She called their wedding a “dream” they had long cherished Keerthy recently debuted in Hindi with ‘Baby John’ and will next star in ‘Revolver Rita’ and ‘Kannivedi’

Khushbu Sundar calls her role in Rajinikanth’s ‘Annaatthe’ disappointing

Khushbu

Sundar expressed regret over her role in ‘Annaatthe’, starring Rajinikanth. In an interview, she revealed that her experience on the project fell short of her expectations, leaving her disappointed.

Khushbu revealed that while she has few regrets in her Hindi film career, there are several South Indian films she wishes she had declined, with ‘Annaatthe’ being a notable example She shared that she was initially told her role would be significant and that she'd be paired with Rajinikanth However, as the film progressed, it became clear her character had been sidelined Khushbu also mentioned that, like actress Meena, she and others were promised prominent roles alongside Rajinikanth, but changes were made during production

Khushbu shared, "The film initially promised Meena and me significant roles as heroines alongside Rajinikanth I accepted the project thinking we'd be central to the story My character was supposed to be fun and lively, but as filming progressed, Rajinikanth got a new heroine, and my role was sidelined I felt my character became caricatured Watching the film while dubbing, I was deeply disappointed "

Ultimately, Nayanthara was introduced as Rajinikanth's love interest, shifting the film's dynamics and relegating Khushbu's character to a more caricatured role When asked if Rajinikanth was behind these changes, Khushbu clarified that he wouldn't have mad h d i i ti th hift likely influenced by a ducer's choices

Tovino Thomas praises Unni Mukundan’s ‘Marco’: "Success isn’t just due to violence"

AsUnni Mukundan’s ‘Marco’ continues to perform well at the box office, garnering praise from audiences, actor Tovino Thomas took to social media to shout out to Haneef Adeni’s direction He also highlighted that the film’s success isn’t solely due to its violence, but also for its broader appeal

During a promotional event, Tovino Thomas praised ‘Marco’ as an entertaining film, emphasizing that its positive reception is due to its strong technical elements and performances, not just its violence

"The movie is getting great reviews because of its exceptional technical aspects and performances Its success can't be attributed solely to the violence It's a hit because it excels in every aspect, and that’s what I truly believe," said the ‘Identity’ actor

Tovino Thomas further explained that ‘Marco’ is a makebelieve film, and the makers succeeded in creating that immersive experience "Any emotion conveyed effectively to the audience leads to a successful film," he said

‘ M a r c o ’ , h a i l e d a s o n e o f t h e m o s t b r u t a l f i l m s i n

Mollywood, has gained widespread appreciation, including from Hindi audiences, and has crossed Rs 40 crores at the box office

Meanwhile, To Trisha and Vinay R over 1 crore on its fi

Triptii Dimri recalls crying during ‘Laila Majnu’ shoot, sent for acting lessons

Triptii

Dimri became an overnight sensation after her brief role in Sandeep Reddy

Vanga’s controversial 2023 film ‘Animal’ Before this, she appeared in films like ‘Laila Majnu’, ‘Qala’, and ‘Bulbbul’, but her journey wasn’t easy As an outsider with no formal acting training, she revealed in a recent interview that she cried several times while shooting for ‘Laila Majnu’, struggling with the demands of the role

Triptii Dimri shared how she struggled with acting early on, as she had no formal training She recalled attending a 5-6 day workshop with Mukesh Chhabra before being approved for the role in ‘Laila Majnu’ While shooting in Kashmir, she found herself lost in technical terms like DOP and POV, and often wondered what was going on Doubts crept in as she couldn’t grasp the character depth discussed by the director and co-actor, thinking, "What pain? What are they talking about?" She even questioned her decision to sign the film, feeling unsure and crying at times, wondering if she'd made a mistake

character, making it hard to separate herself from Triptii She struggled with emotional scenes and acting techniques,

complex than just performing in front of the camera Triptii also recalled how S

‘Animal’, sent her home for being late to his workshop Despite her explanation of traffic, Saurabh insisted she leave,

discipline in the profession

Shalini Passi clarifies 'bathing in milk' claim, talks charity and wealth

Shalini Passi, the breakout star of ‘Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives’, sparked curiosity with her viral statements, such as, “I like things more than people because they don’t talk back,” and “I don’t hold grudges because it affects my skin.”

She clarified her claim about bathing in milk Shalini explained, "I don’t bathe with milk I would just agree to anything on the show to avoid explanations We aren’t allowed to have cows or goats where I live, so it's not possible "

Shalini Passi, a fan favorite on ‘Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives’, addressed the attention her reality show fame garnered, saying, “I want to use this platform to support my passions art, design, and philanthropy ” She acknowledged that it’s easier for those with wealth to donate to charity, but added, "Of course, it's easier to give " Known for her quirky antics, like running into the ocean in a gown and singing to giraffes, Shalini became a standout alongside the original cast members Neelam Kothari, Bhavana Panday, Maheep Kapoor, and Seema Sajdeh She was a new addition to the show, along with Riddhima Sahni and Kalyani Chawla

Shalini Passi, known for her art collection and philanthropy, resides in a 20,000 sq ft house in Delhi, which she likens to an art museum She revealed, "It took us five years to build this place," though she admitted to never counting the rooms Shalini also shared her creative approach to fashion, saying she rarely repeats clothes, often transforming them instead "I cut them up or dip-dye white clothes to make something new," with help from a "master ji" at home

Shreya Chaudhry on ‘Bandish

Bandits’

18-hour

‘Ghar Aa Mahi’ shoot: ‘Felt like a rockstar’

Shreya Chaudhry, who stars as Tamanna Sharma in Amazon Prime Video's ‘Bandish Bandits’, is thrilled with the show's success. Set against the clash between pop and Hindustani classical music, the series has earned widespread praise

Reflecting on her experience, Shreya describes working on the project as a dream come true "I almost felt like a rockstar," she shares One of her most memorable moments was filming the complex "Ghar Aa Mahi" sequence, which took 18 hours to shoot She credits director Anand Tiwari for making the challenging sequence come to life, where the actors not only lip-synced but conveyed deep emotions between characters Shreya Chaudhry credits director Anand Tiwari for his meticulous attention to detail, which helped her deliver a strong performance "He gave us the time we needed and never

rushed us He focused on even the smallest details to ensure authenticity," she says The cast worked together during the 18-hour shoot of the song "Ghar Aa Mahi," with no complaints, all focused on perfection

To prepare for her role, Shreya trained in singing and the keyboard

While Nikhita Gandhi voiced Tamanna, Shreya concentrated on lip-syncing, posture, body language, and expressions with help from trainers at AR Rahman’s KM College "I’m not a singer, but I deeply respect the dedication musicians put in," Shreya adds

Following ‘Bandish Bandits’ success, Shreya is excited about her next project, ‘Mehta Boys’, directed by Boman Irani in his directorial debut "It started as Boman sir's passion project but became a collective passion for all of us," she shares

Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine As Light’ scores 3 nods on BAFTA 2025 longlist

Payal

Kapadia's ‘All We Imagine As Light’, after earning Golden Globe nominations for Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film, has now secured three spots on the BAFTA longlist: Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Not in the English Language The BAFTA longlists for 25 categories have been unveiled, with Jacques Audiard's ‘Emilia Perez’, a lively crime drama, leading with 15 nods Edward Berger's papal thriller ‘Conclave’ followed closely with 14 nominations Films such as ‘The Substance’, ‘The Brutalist’, and ‘A Complete Unknown’ featured on 11 longlists, while ‘Wicked’ and ‘Dune: Part Two’ appeared on 10, and ‘Anora’ and ‘Gladiator 2 ’ secured nine nominations each

Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine As Light’, starring Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam, is a poignant exploration of the transformative power of friendship and sisterhood, with all its intricacies and depth The film won the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival and earned accolades at the Gotham Awards, New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, San Diego Film Critics Society, Phoenix Critics Circle, and Toronto Film Critics Association, among others

Australia beat India, reclaim Border-Gavaskar trophy and enter WTC final

A ustralia have beaten India by six wickets in th e fifth Test of their five-match series and w on

b ac k th e Bo rd er- Ga v as k ar T rop hy for the first time in a d ecade

The hosts held their nerve to chase down their victory target of 162 after lunch on the third day of the final Test in Sydney

o n S u n

d celebrations from their camp as they also sealed a spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June Travis Head, who was 34

n

B e a u Webster, unbeaten on 39, got their team over the line to end the series on a high “It’s unreal, i t ’ s b e e n a n a m

Australia skipper Pat Cummins said shortly after the win

“It felt like it was kind of seesawing throughout the whole series so to finish it 3-1, to hold

t h e t r o p h y , i s a n a m a z i n g

feeling,” he added India captain Jasprit Bumrah was unable to bowl in Australia’s second innings because of a back issue but his fellow pace bowlers P r a s i d h K r i s h n a a n

Australian batters

The match had been played on fast forward over the first two days with 15 wickets falling o n S a t

removed four more in the first

Gavaskar questions Gambhir and

his

support staff's credentials

Tea m India's future unde r the

n e w l y - a pp o in t e d he a d co a ch

G a u t a m G a m b h ir i s a l r e a d y unde r pl enty of discussion In the wak e of the 0-3 home Te st ser ie s

d e f e a t a g a i n st N e w Ze a l a n d , G ambhir ha s found his and his support staff's crede ntials being

q ue st io n e d As t h e ch a t t e r a r o u n d T e a m I n d ia ' s p r e pa r a t ion s f or t he Au st r a l ia t our ga ined mome nt um, In dia l egen d Sunil Gavaskar found the l a ck of c l a r i t y w it hi n I n d ia ' s coaching setup a musing

D u r i n g a n i n t e r v i e w , Gavaskar expressed his lack of

u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e c u r r e n t

c o a c h i n g t e a m s e t u p T h e

b a t t i n g i c o n w o n d e r e d a s h e

a s k e d w h a t A b h i s h e k N a y a r ' s designation is in the coaching team There's a lack of clarity on the role of Ryan Ten Doeschate as well

W h e n G a v a s k a r w a s t o l d both Ryan and Abhishek have

dual roles - as assistant coaches and batting coaches - the India legend struggled to control his laughter Then, Gavaskar urged Gambhir to be more proactive

a n d h e l p I n d i a n b a t t e r s u n d e r s t a n d t h e c h a l l e n g e s i n Australia better, having scored more runs than Nayar and Ten Doeschate in his career

For batting what is the role of Abhishek Nayar in the team?

I s h e a b a t t i n g c o a c h o r a n a s s i s t a n t c o a c h ? G a m b h i

scored a lot more runs than the two, so if he can step in and guide the players on how to bat in Australian conditions and the t y p e o f a p p r o a c h t h e y s h o u l d t a k e , t h e n w e c a n p r o b a b l y perform better," Gavaskar said during a chat on Sports Tak

Gavaskar also fired a blunt warning to Gambhir, saying his h o n e y m o o n p e r i o d h a s e n d e d and now he needs to deliver the results for which he was hired

dismiss India for 157

spice, and Krishna stood up in Bumrah’s stead and sent back

, Marnus Labuschagne for six and

lunch

Test, where the momentum had shifted by the over, came almost as an anti-climax for another big crowd bathing in the sunshine at Sydney Cricket Ground

Head and Webster got the j o b d o n e w i t h a n u n b r o k e n f i f t h - w i c k e t s t a n d o f 5 8 , t h e latter continuing his nerveless debut by clubbing the winning runs with a straight four

“It was a little frustrating but sometimes you have to respect your body,” said Bumrah, who was named Player of the Series for his 32 wickets over the five matches

“It was a great series The w h o l e s e r i e s w a s w e l l - f o u g h t and we were still in the match today Our young players will take a lot of learnings for the future ”

The bulk of the Australian side has been together for years and beating India remained an elusive goal for many of them

Only Smith, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc were part of the squad that played in the last s e r i e s w i n o v e r t h e i r r i v a l s a decade ago

Haven’t retired, just stood down for Sydney Test: Rohit

Indi a ’ s out-of -form Test and ODI captai n Rohit Sharma has cleared the ai r on the deci sion to mis s the fi fth Test ag ai nst A ustral ia, in sistin g that he took the cal l on his own, i n th e team’s interest, an d he has not called time on his Test career

“This is not a retirement decision Nor am I stepping aside from the game I stood down from this Test because the bat isn’t talking There’s no guarantee that I won’t get the runs two or five months later We’ve seen it a lot in cricket I believe things will change At the same time, I’ve to be realistic as well,” a relaxed Rohit said in an interview Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, whose decision to sit out of the fifth Test against Australia raised many eyebrows, said, “If there’s someone with a mic, laptop or a pen, what they say doesn’t change our lives We’ve played this game for so long These people cannot decide when we go, when we shouldn’t play, when we should sit outside or when I should captain I’m sensible, mature, a father of two I have some idea about what I want in life ”

Intrigue has surrounded Rohit’s decision, since it is unprecedented for an Indian cricket captain to opt out because of bad form A captain usually walks into the side, but a day before the Test, head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to confirm whether Rohit would play, raising eyebrows BCCI too did not make the decision official, spurring intense speculation Doubts have subsequently been raised about Rohit’s future as an active international cricketer because of his age and the steep decline in batting form, which he has cited as the reason for stepping down There have also been suggestions he was nudged by Gambhir and selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar to opt out of this all-important Test, which India need to win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Manu Bhaker, Gukesh among four to receive Khel Ratna award

After facing criti cism for ignori ng Manu Bh a ke r f ro m th e li s t of r ec o m me n d ed athletes for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, the govt announced that the Paris Games’ double Olympic medallist wi ll re c e i ve th e c ou nt r y ’ s h i gh es t s por t i ng honour Manu’s name was included along with newly crowned world chess champion D

G u k e s h , t a k i n g 2 0 2 4 ’

Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh

P

n

v e e n K u m a r h a d already been nominated for the award

At 18, Chennai-based Gukesh recently became the youngest-ever world champion in chess history when he defeated China’s D i n g L i r e n i n t h e F I D E W o r l d Championship in Singapore last month He is only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to clinch the title A

INDIA'S VAISHALI WINS BRONZE IN WORLD BLITZ CHAMPIONSHIP

India s R Vaishali clinched a bronze in the women s section of the World Blitz Championship capping another strong performance by India's chess players after stalwart Koneru Humpy s title winning show in the rapid event in New York Vaishali defeated China’s Zhu Jiner 2 5-1 5 in the quarterfinals before losing to another Chinese opponent Ju Wenjun 0 5-2 5 in the semifinal In an event completely dominated by the Chinese, Ju Wenjun went on to snare the world title defeating compatriot Lei Tingjie 3 5-2 5 Fivetime world champion and International Chess Federation (FIDE) vice-president Viswanathan Anand congratulated Vaishali for her efforts saying it was a great way to end the year for Indian chess We are so happy to be supporting her and her chess What away to wrap up 2024 In 2021 we thought we would get stronger chess players but here we have a world champion (Humpy) and a bronze medallist (Vaishali)! he wrote This continues India s upward trajectory in Chess, with several players making the nation proud last year In the Open section, world No 1 Magnus Carlsen and Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi shared the Blitz title after three sudden-death games failed to produce a winner This was the first time that the title was awarded to two players

KARUN NAIR SETS LIST A WORLD RECORD

Veteran batter and Vidarbha skipper Karun Nair scripted history during the Vijay Hazare Trophy by creating a new world record for the most consecutive runs scored in List A cricket Nair reached this feat during Vidarbha s match against Uttar Pradesh on January 3 where he hammered his third back-to-back century of the tournament While chasing a tough total of 308 runs Nair came up with a brilliant 112-run knock He was very well supported by the opening batter Yash Rathod who also scored a century When Nair surpassed the score of 70 runs, he became the first batter from India to score 500 consecutive List A runs without losing his wicket The 33-year-old batter who shifted his base from Karnataka to Vidarbha, started the tournament with 112 against Jammu and Kashmir, followed by a gutsy knock of 44 not out against Chhattisgarh Nair then smashed back-to-back centuries: 163 not out against Chandigarh and 111 not out against Tamil Nadu On the back of this feat, Nair broke the record of New Zealand s James Franklin who held a record of 527 runs After not getting any buyers in the last two seasons of the IPL, Nair was roped in by the Delhi Capitals for Rs 50,00,000 in the IPL 2025 mega auction

captained the Indian men ’ s hockey team to a bronze medal-finish in Paris, and paraathlete Praveen Kumar is the gold medallist in the men ’ s high jump T64 class at the Paris Paralympics

The athletes will receive their awards from President Droupadi Murmu on Jan 17 Manu's name had not been recommended for the Khel Ratna by a 12-member awards

s

sports ministry, despite the 22-year-old from Haryana’s Jhajjar district becoming the first Indian athlete to clinch back-toback Olympic medals in a single edition of the Games since independence

Her omission from the list had created a huge furore, following which the ministry considered nominating her name for the Khel Ratna using executive powers vested in the provisions of the National Sports Day awards scheme

G uj a rat C h i ef m i ni st er Bhupendra Patel inaug urated the K h el M ah aku

disciplines

The inauguration ceremony was held at the athletics track of

world-class infrastructure and provide facilities He said the

£250,000 in 2002 to £35 2mn today Similarly, the number of sports complexes in the state

Patel said the govt is making all efforts to promote sports culture by allocating

Rohit Sharma