AV 11th June 2022

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE Outrage in Islamic countries over Prophet remarks

Queen's Birthday Honours 2022

A glimpse at some of the South Asian recipients

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11 - 17 JUNE 2022

08 NCGO marks 50 years of Gujarat Samachar

BJP suspends Nupur, expels Jindal over controversial comments

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

VOL 51 - ISSUE 6

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09 Community extends best wishes to Rohit Vadhwana as he moves on to another prestigious role

As a community, we can overcome anything

70 YEARS OF

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PM Modi says UP is India’s growth engine

Scams haunt amid cost of living crisis

GLORY AND COUNTING

From Bollywood dances to Bhangra, street parties to traditional Indian folk dances, music, glamour and beacons of light, the diaspora marked Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations with extreme warmth and grandeur.

Amid the cost of living crisis and post-pandemic society, study shows individuals are more vulnerable to financial scams. Not only phishing texts and emails or fake calls that scam people to give out bank details, but recently even WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram users are being warned about the dangers and spread of cryptocurrency scams on the Meta-owned apps.

Continued on page 06

Confidence by a small margin Alfriston Jubilee crafts at the Queen's Jayantee Project Photo credit: Helen Fortgang

Shefali Saxena As the Platinum Jubilee weekend drew to a close, Her Majesty sent a thank you message to all those who have marked her 70 years as Queen. In her message, Her Majesty said, “I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee.”

The four-day UK bank holiday weekend marked the culmination of events to mark this unprecedented

The Royal Family sans Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Queen's Jubilee appearance at Buckingham Palace's balcony

anniversary, with a series of spectacular events taking place in central London. The event was brought together by 1,500 soldiers and officers, 400 musicians, 250 horses, and 70 aircraft.

The celebrations which lasted four days witnessed two Buckingham Palace balcony appearances by the 96-year-old queen — one on Thursday as festivities kicked off, and the other on Sunday at the finale of a massive street pageant.

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41% Tories voted against the PM in Monday's no-confidence vote at the British Parliament Prime Minister Boris Johnson perhaps had a difficult Monday evening, which turned out to be marginally successful for him as the British parliamentarians voted for and against a no-confidence vote - deciding Johnson’s fate right after the grand Jubilee celebration weekend. Last week, as Sue Gray’s report of the Partygate exposed the Tories of breaking Covid lockdown rules as thousands lost their lives, the demand for Boris’ resignation soared across opposition, including British citizens.

He won Monday’s confidence vote by 211 to 148 .“I think it’s an extremely good, positive, conclusive, decisive result which enables us to move on, to unite and to focus on delivery,” Johnson said after Monday’s result.

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11 - 17 June 2022

Criminal acts of violence at UK GP surgeries doubled

with Keith Vaz

DR JAGRUTI ODEDRA Herbalist Dr Jagruti Odedra is an Ayurveda Doctor based in Leicester. She was born and raised in Porbandar, Gujarat, India, she trained at J.S. Ayurveda College, Nadiad at Jamnagar Ayurveda University in 2008.

After qualifying Jagruti moved to the UK in 2010 and started her career as an Ayurveda Doctor at Patanjali Clinic, Leicester for a year before establishing her own Ayurveda Awareness Herbal Clinic in Leicester in 2011. She opened her second Clinic in 2020 on Leicester’s Golden Mile offering relaxing holistic therapies such as full body massage, Sauna, and Indian Head massage. Jagruti is married to Satish and they have 2 children Aryan aged 7 and Dylan aged 4 years old.

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

I spent almost 23 years of my life in Porbandar, Gujarat, India. Porbandar has been the home where my parents raised me, I have very special memories with my family and friend but I have made Leicester my home and created wonderful new memories with my children.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

My first proudest achievement was getting a place in my desirable field Ayurveda Last but not least achievement is to spread awareness about the holistic way of Ayurveda by attending community events, arranging lectures in Community Centres and offering herbs and Panchakarma therapies to the needs of people according to their requirements at both aboveaddressed clinics in Leicester and out of Leicester as well.

3) What inspires you?

I like trying something in a new way, with a new approach, a new idea etc., doing something new, and learning something new is a source of inspiration to me.

4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

In order to have a progressive career, quite often something must take a back seat. For me, it is always a challenge to strike the right balance between family, motherhood responsibilities and work life.

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

My biggest influence on me has been my mom who always inspired me to be a humble and independent person. My husband has been the other biggest influence on my career by believing in me and giving me opportunities and space to follow my passion for Ayurveda practice in the UK. 6) What is the best aspect about your current role?

The work I do in Ayurveda has benefit-

ed thousands of people in their daily life by adopting Ayurveda as a health solution. I get to meet some wonderful people and get to see how my work improves their life. It is always wonderful to hear back from patients who I have helped and the changes it has made to their lifestyle.

7) And the worst?

Being a full-time mum, I do have to balance my work and family life. By expanding my clinics I have to offer more of my time to my work. But I feel that women should be empowered to follow their dreams and be successful in everything that they do.

But at the same time, I have to balance both and enjoy being a mom as well as a doctor.

8) What are your long term goals?

Want to be a most humble Ayurveda doctor and want to make aware people that Ayurveda is not all about herbs and therapies. It is a science of life, and it teaches us how to balance mind and body spiritually.

I’m originally from India where I had seen many kids who do not have access to education due to poor financial conditions.

I have started to help them with the help of my friend but would love to do more for them.

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

I cannot imagine myself being anything else except Ayurveda doctor. As it is not a career for me, it is my passion, my hobby and it totally reflects my personality.

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

Mahatma Gandhi comes first in mind who is born in Porbandar, Gujrat, India but if I was marooned on a desert island, I would love to spend time by myself..... As I don’t get enough “me time” from kids, clinic work, and family.

Met Police termed selfish for 'poaching' officers Two police and crime commissioners (PCC), Matthew Scott, PCC for Kent and Sussex PCC Katy Bourne have accused the Met of putting its own targets "ahead of community safety".

Scott took to Twitter saying the Met's "failure to recruit" would be "felt by neighbouring forces".

By March 2023, the Metropolitan Police is trying to recruit 4,000 officers by March 2023.

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They are not only the ones who have written to London Mayor Sadiq Khan to voice "grave concerns" about the impact of the Met's recruitment methods on other areas. Other signatories include Festus Akinbusoye, Roger Hirst, Donna Jones, David Lloyd, Lisa Townsend and Matthew Barber, the PCCs for Bedfordshire, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey and the Thames Valley.

Scott said: "They're targeting our experienced officers to meet their own recruitment targets, not having any look at the system around them or the community safety impact that will have.

"It's selfish and they're only doing it to meet their own recruitment targets whilst putting extra pressure on us."

In five years, criminal acts of violence at GP surgeries across the UK have almost doubled, as per the figures obtained under freedom of information laws by the BMJ. On a daily basis, police are now recording an average of three violent incidents at general practices every day. After years of failure to recruit or retain sufficient numbers of family doctors, staff are facing assaults, unprecedented

abuse and aggression by patients, with surgeries struggling to cope with “unmanageable levels of demand”.

In order to cope with the increasing assaults, security measures such as CCTV, panic buttons and screens at reception are now increasingly being rolled out across GP surgeries.

According to the figures obtained in 2021-22, there were 1,068 criminal incidents of violence at health

centres and surgeries.

“It is unacceptable that GPs and their staff are afraid and at risk of being verbally or physically abused when they are working amid exceptional pressures and striving to do their best for patients,” said Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the British Medical Association.

“GP practices are facing unmanageable levels of demand with 2,000 fewer GPs than in 2015.”

Vivek Agnihotri threatens to sue Oxford Union Director of controversial movie 'The Kashmir Files' Vivek Agnihotri has issued a video message threatening to file a lawsuit against Oxford Union, the studentrun debating society at Oxford University after the union rescheduled his event from Tuesday to July 1. He termed the incident Hinduphobic, adding that Hindu students are a minority at Oxford University and the president-elect is a Pakistani.

"As you are aware that I am here in Europe on a humanity tour. This tour was decided because a lot of

prestigious places invited me like Cambridge University, Oxford University, the British Parliament and a lot of places in Germany and the Netherland. But yesterday, a very strange thing happened. When I reached Cambridge University, at the last minute, I was told that we cannot video record the event. Now, this is a 100 per cent curbing of freedom of expression. This happened because a few Pakistani and Kashmiri Muslim students protested against it. These are genocide denials, they are fas-

cists. Their logic is, perhaps, what they write on social media that I support a democratically elected Government of India," he said in a video message.

"They are not cancelling me, they are cancelling the genocide and they are cancelling the Hindus. As if killing thousand of Kashmiri Hindus was not Hinduphobic but making a film on the truth is Islamophobic," Agnihotri said.

He added that the same university hosted dictators and fascists including Bhutto's son and many African radical extremists.

Vashu Bhagnani speaks on mental health at the House of Lords Bollywood producer Vashu Bhagnani, founder of Pooja Entertainment India Ltd, participated in a discussion on mental health which was a part of the activities centering around Mental Health Awareness Month.

Bhagnani was felicitated during a discussion at the House of Lords, which was attended, among others, by India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom,

Gaitri Issar Kumar, and the Indian-born British billionaire, G.P. Hinduja.

The discussion was chaired by the founder of the Mindfulness Gym, Bhupinder Sandhu, and attended by Matt Hancock, former U.K. Secretary for Health and Social Care, and Lord Raminder Ranger, founder of the international marketing and distribution company, Sun Mark.

Bhagnani who has given some of the biggest Bollywood hits, including ‘Bell Bottom’, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, ‘Coolie No. 1’, ‘Jawani Janeman’ and ‘Biwi No.1’, joined the other panelists in delving deep into the importance of mental health, each one bringing to the table their own unique experiences and insights, making the conversation well-rounded and meaningful.

Police to question Labour's Starmer and Rayner over lockdown drinks As part of an inquiry into alleged Covid rule-breaking, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his deputy Angela Rayner have received police questionnaires. Both attended a gathering in Durham on 30 April last year, at which people drank beer and ate curry. Sir Keir and Ms Rayner deny breaking any Covid rules adding they would resign if they are

fined for breaching.

The Labour leader was spotted on camera drinking a bottle of beer while in the constituency office of City of Durham MP Mary Foy. Initially, Durham Constabulary decided that no offence had occurred, but amid calls for the police to re-examine the incident, the force announced an investigation saying it had

since received "significant new information".

So far, 83 people have received a total of 126 fines for events happening across eight different dates, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his wife Carrie Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Mr Johnson has apologised but refused to resign over the fine.

First group of asylum seekers to be deported to Rwanda The Home Office has issued is a key part of our strategy to onto charter flights, like removal directions to an unknown number of migrants and refugees who will be removed to Rwanda.

The first flight was expected to leave on June 14 but the number of migrants on it is still unclear, also their nationalities.

As per the policy, migrants who arrived “illegally” on dinghies or fridge trucks since January 1 will be detained and then forced

those used to deport foreign criminals and will be “removed” with a one-way ticket of almost 5,000 miles away to Rwanda. Once reached Rwanda they will be barred from claiming asylum in Britain. There is a possibility that flights may delay as the move is likely to face legal challenges.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Our world-leading Partnership with Rwanda

overhaul the broken asylum system and break the evil people-smugglers’ business model.

“Today’s announcement is another critical step towards delivering that Partnership and, while we know attempts will now be made to frustrate the process and delay removals, I will not be deterred and remain fully committed to delivering what the British public expect.”

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11 - 17 June 2022

General election just for massaging egos will be a mistake The 1922 Committee formally known as the Conservative Private Members' Committee, is the Parliamentary group of the Conservative Party, in the House of Commons, which consists of all Conservative backbench members, providing a way to co-ordinate and discuss their views independently of the frontbenchers. The no-confidence vote that Prime Minister Boris Johnson won marginally on Monday night, at the Committee, is a worrying trend. Sue Gray’s report lays bare the mistakes on the Prime Minister’s part when the whole of the UK lived in agony, families torn apart by deaths and loneliness. The Prime Minister, despite his initial lies, has apologised profusely for all the wrongs done and is now immune to a Conservative leadership challenge for a year. Mr Johnson described his confidence vote win as “decisive”. But critics have pointed out, that despite the PM’s very usual upbeat tone on the result, the rebellion against the Prime Minister shows that his authority has weakened, with some asking him to resign.

63% supported Theresa May in 2018 during a no-confidence vote, before resigning 6 months later. Mr Johnson could only garner 59% support, showing his hold weakening.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has criticised a divided Conservative party, whereas Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said Mr Johnson’s reputation was in “tatters”.

May what the verdict has been and the criticisms be, it is a fact that Britain cannot afford another general election now. Mr Johnson’s victory in 2019, gathered much support from middle England, white, middle-aged voters. Though his victory was piggybacked much on the Brexit fiasco and

negotiation failings, Covid and the mismanagement that followed was unchartered water for Mr Johnson. Absolutely no country and no leader was ready for a pandemic of that size or force. But the UK has come a long way since then, not only with vaccines but also by paving the pathway to an adoptive model to live with Covid across the world.

The UK's economic condition is dire, despite minuscule growth since the pandemic. The cost of living has gone through the roof, with high poverty rates where people are choosing between food and heat. Splashing thousands of taxpayers' money right now on another election to massage someone’s broken ego, is not only impractical but a death sentence for those stuck between the rock and hard place.

The Labour party currently is not a strong opposition.

Even their leader is being investigated for breaking rules and the party’s recent anti-India sentiments have moved traditional voters far away from the trusting core.

This no-confidence vote apparently renews the Prime Minister’s mandate, allowing the government to focus relentlessly on the issues concerning voters.

It is remarkable how powerful and impartial Britain’s democracy is - even punishing the Prime Minister for breaking the law. But of course, this victory does not mean he can’t be robbed of authority, says BBC political editor Chris Mason. If one in four of Mr Johnson’s MPs think this country would be better off without him as a leader, there is a huge problem at hand. But is the general election before 2024 the right or only answer for this, that remains a million-dollar question.

One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind The Indian community in the UK has reached new heights.

Recently, The Sunday Times Richlist wrote about the number of Indians who have gained considerable wealth over the last year, making it to the Top 250 wealthy men/families in the UK. In the Queen’s Honours List (see pages 16-17), there are around 40 Indians mentioned, some of whom are as young as 35 years old, making noteworthy contributions to the community- from politics to healthcare.

According to the UN, there are 18 million Indians living abroad, making it the largest diaspora in the whole world.

While many have recently migrated to countries offering highly skilled jobs, such migrations have happened over hundreds of years, especially after the world wars, when the West needed to rebuild their nations. But every migration has a story. There is a story of a family and loved ones left behind, milestones missed, life-changing drastically with new responsibilities and anticipations of adjustments that even affected health. Dr Roshan Vara, Director & Hair Transplant Surgeon at The Treatment Rooms London told Asian Voice, “I am seeing an increasing number of Indian men coming to me asking for help for their hair loss. They have often moved from India and are now working in London and have started to lose hair.

It is difficult to explain why they have started to lose hair.

Reading scientific studies, it appears to be related to stress associated with the move, but also a change to a western diet which contains more fat which can increase hair shedding and thinning.”

The migration that happened from an undivided, nonindependent India to Britain, cannot be considered a willing action for many – for example, those Indian soldiers who fought for the Queen and the nation without even knowing it.

But modern migration as we know it, driven by economic gains mostly, since 1947, is celebrating its 75th anniversary with India this August.

It is also a year that celebrates the might of the pen and the significance of foreign correspondents. Those who wrote strong and powerful news pieces about India’s true feelings about being ruled over, gathered momentum among the educated, giving a new dimension to the independence movement, and eventually formed the Indian Journalists’ Association in the UK in May 1947.

India’s first High Commissioner to the UK, V K Krishna Menon, who established the Pelican imprint of Penguin Books as a borough councillor, and topped off his career as the Defence Minister of India for 5 years, was born in 1896 in Kerala. He was a supporter of the IJA, helping build its portfolio along with the India League.

Mr Menon lived for several years at 30 Langdon Park Road, and his biggest achievement was helping his country India to independence and then building a relationship between Britain and what is now the world’s biggest democracy.

In 1928, during Mr Menon’s Highgate years, he took charge of the India League, converting it into one of the most effective lobby groups of the inter-war era, writes Ham&High.

The group highlighted Britain’s repressive measures in India, creating a pool of public opinion, especially among those who believed in the left, trying to gain support for India’s independence.

On Friday 17 June 2022, Andrew Whitehead is leading a walk- “India in Highgate” telling the tales of an Indian immigrant Mr Menon, and his relationship with this country and the diplomatic journey that shaped today’s UK-India relationships.

While looking back at 75 years, the efforts by our forefathers compared to today’s diasporic strength as a “living bridge” look trivial, but all it took ever was one small step by a man (or woman) that proved as one giant leap for our mankind.

Hate speech is against national interest The BJP government has declared unequivocally that its respects all religions and the actions against party spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal are steps in the right direction. In its letters to two people, the BJP said that they had acted against the ethos of the party, and in its statement, said it opposed any ideology that insulted any faith, sect or religious personality. The moves came two days after violence broke out in Kanpur over the comments, and left 17 people injured. Anger was also building up in several Arab countries over the comments. India has the second largest Muslim population in the world and as a party in office, it needs to show by words and deeds that it is a government of all communities. BJP chief JP Nadda appeared to distance the party from the ongoing legal disputes in Varanasi and Mathura and said that the party had decided to respect the court's order in letter and spirit. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that the Muslims should not be held responsible for the actions of Muslim rulers. He said that the past actions cannot be changed by either Hindus or Muslims of the country as invaders took to breaking down temples to crush the morale of the Hindus, and also create an impression among newly converted Muslims. He said Hindus and Muslims should sit across table and settle the disputes amicably and that both communities should exercise restraint and not to provoke each other.

The episodes lays out three clear lessons. One, strong, unequivocal condemnation of any mala fide action to stoke

communal disharmony is urgent, and that the absence of action against such rhetoric only encourages fringe elements to disturb communal harmony. Two, it underlines that domestic political rhetoric can have damaging international ramifications and tarnish India's image. The BJP spokespersons' allegedly derogatory comments against Prophet Mohammad, for example, threatened to harm relationships that India strengthened with a number of Arab countries and cause problems for millions Indian living in those part of the world. And three, it indicates that any statements must be followed up with strong signals within the party and faith-based groups that claim patronage that the government will not tolerate insult to any faith and communal rabble-rousing. The BJP is right to note that India's 75th year of independence should ensure a life of dignity and freedom for all citizens. For this to endure, the ruling establishment and all political parties will have to focus on forging a new peace compact.

The party acted against two leaders, because the anger against their remarks should not be seen as something that could be dismissed as expressions of ignorance, but is resonating throughout the Islamic world threatening to upend India’s most important relationships, alliances key to its strategic imperatives that Prime Minister Modi himself has nurtured. All it took was 30 seconds of unadulterated hate speech by the party’s face on television to send that goodwill evaporating. So, in future all should be careful while making comments on any subject.

Thought for the week One day you will look back and see that all along you were blooming. - Morgan Harper Nichols

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel

The Right to Cause Offence There is no such right. There is the right to free speech. But you’d be a fool to use such privilege to spew bile as much as having a beautiful house and burning it down.

I speak of the damage to India’s reputation by the words of Nupur Sharma who said words deeply offensive to Muslims about the Prophet Mohammed (peach be upon Him).

Why would you do that? Why would you seek to cause offence? Comedians do, that’s their job. I’d rather they did not make offensive jokes about my faith, just as I’d rather Charlie Hebdot magazine in France did not make offensive jokes about Islam.

To what end? You think mocking people’s most revered beliefs will achieve what? It will make you feel stronger. Make you feel better? A dopamine hit?

You know what happens when you attack people’s identity? They don’t change their mind? They double down. You end up having the opposite effect.

Research shows it.

Then there is the ‘how would you like it?’. Or the ‘yes but Timur the Mongol killed thousands of infidels.’ Seriously? Focussing on the here and now the greatest danger to India and Indian democracy may well be the well-meaning idiot who thinks they’re a patriot.

When I worked in the US Congress, I asked the Minister Political at the Indian Embassy, “all these Congressmen, spewing hatred towards India on the debate on aid. What are you doing?” She said, the problem was the number of Indians in America supporting the aid package which gave an opportunity for Congress to have a debate and spew bile. They’d rather the well-meaning people didn’t take it on themselves to be so helpful.

Returning to offence. Should I be outraged? Yes, I am outraged that someone has offended over a billion people, (make that two – the global Muslim population and the population of India) that they’ve fallen into a trap where India’s enemies can say “I told you so”.

What a prize idiot to cause so much harm needlessly to so many. Words that could have been used for good. Yes you can say ‘fringe’ and she is suspended and probably in fear of her life now. And of course all political parties have fringe elements. I’m sure the Labour Party has antisemites and islamophobia and so do the Conservatives. But none of that excuses idiocy.

Hope we will learn to use our right to freedom of speech, just as carefully as Americans should use the right to bare arms – with extreme care and caution.

Be a beacon of bringing together not sectarian separation, of building bridges not destroying minds, of living in the here and now of lifting up not putting down.

And if you really want to help – do an IQ test first and sit out getting involved if it comes up ‘Stupid’.

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Masked robbers threatened to kill mum's newborn baby The three burglars after breaking into their home in Wrexham threatened Barinderjit Dhaliwa and her eight-week-old daughter to obtain as they believed they would contain gold as the family was Asian, the court was told.

While pharmacist Mrs Dhaliwa was punched in the stomach as she was still recovering from a C-section, one of the men snatched the baby. She begged the men

not to hurt her daughter and pointed to a jewellery box and they fled, the court heard.

John Price, 22, was jailed for seven and a half years, Scott Powell, 23, was given one year and nine months and Patrick Flynn, 19, was handed six years and two months for their roles in the raid in September 2020 at Mold Crown Court, in Wales.

Prosecutor Simon Mintz

said CCTV showed four men arriving in a black Volkswagen and knocking on the door but Mrs Dhaliwal didn't answer. However, after a few minutes, the men wearing surgical masks smashed their way through a patio door by breaking glass.

Mintz said: "They were not deterred by her presence and rather rushed at her and snatched a necklace from her throat and her wedding ring from her finger."

Nearly 80 London bus routes face cuts As part of a major shake-up aimed at making “significant savings”, nearly 80 bus routes in central and inner London face being axed or cut back, it was announced on Wednesday.

The decision of Transport for London to launch a six-week consultation on 78 of its 620 routes in the centre of the city including some of the capital’s best-known services -

has sparked a fierce row between City Hall and Boris Johnson’s government over who was to blame for the cuts.

Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance said: “No one wants to see reductions to our bus network, but TFL is having to consider these changes because of the savings demanded by the Government as part of the

emergency funding deals during the pandemic.”

The latest £200m government bailout for TFL is due to run out on June 24. It was announced in February to help it maintain services as it attempts to recover from the financial damage caused by the pandemic.

Since the start of the Covid19 crisis, the Government has provided £5bn of funding to TFL in total.

Mayors of LA, London working together to tackle pollution The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan stopped at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator along with L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti spoke of how the two cities have been working together to tackle pollution and climate change by focusing on zeroemission vehicles, during his visit to Southern California.

According to a press

statement, the visit came as London exceeds a significant electric vehicle milestone with more than 10,000 charging points now available for public use in the city, five times more than under the previous Mayor, and accounting for a third of all-electric vehicle charging points across the whole of the United

Kingdom.

At LACI, Khan was shown a number of zeroemission vehicles that showcased the innovative work happening in Los Angeles. He also visited New York, and San Francisco to drive investment and launch his new £10m international tourism campaign.

Grandmother who arranged ‘honour killing’ of daughter-in-law will be released from jail A grandmother Bachan Athwal, who arranged the murder of her daughter-inlaw in 1998 will be set free from prison after having a parole application accepted. Then 70, Bachan was jailed alongside her son Sukhdave in 2007 for the so-called honour killing of 27-year-old Surjit Athwal, who went missing during a trip to India in 1998. It is said that her body was thrown in the river but it was never found.

The Old Bailey heard how Bachan discovered her daughter in law having an affair and wanted to divorce her son but told family members this would only happen “over my dead body”.Bachan, now 85, was the matriarchal head of the west London family and exercised an extraordinary influence over the other members, the court was told.

Sentencing them both to life imprisonment in

September 2007, Judge Giles Forrester told the mother and son: “The pair of you decided that the socalled honour of your family members was worth more than the life of this young woman.

The Parole Board said Bachan, who is in poor health and suffers from dementia, is physically frail, lacks mental capacity and her risk of reoffending is “very low”, hence could be released from prison.

Former Birmingham mosque worker charged with child rape and sexual assaults A former agency worker at a city mosque, Said Daauud, 21, has been charged with rape and two sexual assaults, assault by touching a boy under 13, causing the sexual exploitation of a child and two charges of causing or inciting, a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity against boys. Police said he

is accused of a string of offences which allegedly happened over the past few months.

The charges of assault by touching are alleged to have taken place at the Birmingham mosque, which cannot be named for legal reasons while the other offences are alleged to have

happened elsewhere.

Daauud was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "He appeared before Walsall magistrates today, where he was remanded in custody to appear before Birmingham Crown Court on June 29."

UK faces PIO backlash over new graduate scheme To attract highly-skilled graduates from the most prestigious overseas universities to work in Britain, the UK has been accused of snobbery over a new postBrexit scheme as not one IIT has made it to the lists of “top 50” international universities whose graduates may apply for the “High Potential Individual (HPI)” visa that was launched in Britain on Monday.

In order to get eligible, an institution must have featured in the top 50 of at least two of the three ranking lists that are produced annually by QS, Times Higher Education and the Academic Ranking of World Universities. Though the scheme is open to anyone regardless of nationality, the list of eligible universities does not count universities in Africa, Latin America and South Asia.

Indian National Students Association UK president Amit Tiwari said: “In the present day, India supplies the most foreign students to UK universities, so the fact that they are not part of this programme defies logic. Professors and R&D units value graduates from IIT or IIM. UK authorities need to stop treating Indian students like cash cows.”

World leaders pay tribute to ‘unwavering’ Queen World leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have sent congratulations to the “unwavering” monarch, who is celebrating 70 years on the throne over the bank holiday weekend.

In a video message Mr Macron said: “Madame: During the past 70 years, the President of the French Republic has relied on very few constants at the international level.

“Times have changed, Europe has evolved, and our continent is again experiencing war.

“Through these transformations, your devotion to our alliance and to our friendship has remained, and has helped build the trust that brought freedom and prosperity to our continent.”

Mr Biden and first lady Jill Biden both offered their congratulations to the Queen from across the Atlantic.

“Throughout your reign, the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States has grown stronger and closer than ever,” he said.

Australia’s new prime minister, Anthony Albanese, tweeted: “This week marks the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. In her seven decades on the throne, the Queen has been a reassuring constant, projecting calm and strength.

“Tonight, along with 53 other nations, we light a beacon to give thanks to Her Majesty and send our warmest congratulations.”

in brief AUTHOR WITH BRITISH CITIZENSHIP BARRED FROM BOARDING FLIGHT A Ugandan-born prize-winning author and a British citizen, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, was stopped from boarding a Ryanair flight from Brussels back home to Manchester. She was returning from a literary festival when she was barred from checking in.

The 54-year-old novelist, who has lived in the UK for 21 years, has won the WindhamCampbell literature prize in 2018 and the Commonwealth short story prize in 2014, said she left feeling numb after the treatment she received. Makumbi was granted indefinite leave to remain in 2012 and British citizenship this year. She applied for a British passport in April and was waiting for an appointment. On Wednesday evening, Ryanair staff at Brussels Charleroi airport didn't allow her to check in for her return flight to Manchester, where she lives with her husband and son. Makumbi said: “I tried to explain to this guy, but he just did not even look at me or give me a moment to explain. He just said we’re not going anywhere.” “I explained to them that I’m a British citizen but they were not having it,” she said. On Thursday morning, Makumbi went to the British embassy in Brussels where she says she was treated with “respect and sympathy”.

DISMISSAL OF WOMEN’S HEALTH PROBLEMS AS ‘BENIGN’ LEADING TO SOARING NHS LISTS BY 60% The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) president, Dr Edward Morris, said doctors are routinely dismissing women’s debilitating health problems as “benign” which in return has contributed to gynaecology waiting lists soaring by 60 per cent to more than half a million patients.

He added that in the past two years, waiting lists for conditions such as endometriosis, prolapse and heavy bleeding had increased by a bigger proportion than any other area of medicine. “We have to change the language.

We have to call it what it is,” said Morris.

“These conditions cause huge amounts of suffering to women. Being lumped in a topic called benign gynaecology downplays the importance and suffering.” He further added that hospitals have regarded “benign gynaecology” surgery lists as being easy to cancel in an effort to tackle rising pandemic waiting lists. RCOG analysis has revealed that gynaecology waiting lists across the UK have reached a combined figure of more than 570,000 women as of December last year – just over a 60 per cent increase on prepandemic levels and the biggest percentage increase of all elective specialities.

GPs to screen patients’ genomes to assess disease risk In order to assess the risk of conditions like cancer and heart disease, GPs would be able to screen patients’ genomes, DNA blueprints, a new study has suggested.

Tests can spot genetic changes that may have important implications for health, allowing preventative measures or counselling to be made available, researchers say.

They believe that the findings could be the “start

of a revolution” for healthcare whereby the screening is routinely provided to patients by their doctors.

The 90S study is the first to demonstrate that whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is possible in primary care settings like GP surgeries, and suggests it might play an important role in detecting or preventing diseases like cancer or heart disease.

Study leader Ros Eeles,

professor of oncogenetics at The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR), is a consultant in clinical oncology and oncogenetics at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We feel that this work could place us at the start of a revolution for healthcare, by helping to pave the way for a future where genomic screening is provided routinely to patients in primary care

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SCAMS HAUNT AMID COST OF LIVING CRISIS Continued from page 1 It has been revealed that since the start of 2021 cryptocurrency scams have cost victims a staggering £800million in total, with the median victim having over £2,000 stolen. Asian Voice reached out to several banks high streets and national to find out what precautions they are taking to protect their customers, especially the old and vulnerable ones.

Last week, NatWest bank urged Britons to be vigilant after a woman was cruelly scammed out of £25,000 and nearly lost thousands of pounds more.

Unfortunately, scams in the UK are becoming increasingly common, with fraudsters deploying numerous tricks to hook innocent victims. One type of scam is a “romance scam” which involves a fraudster building a false relationship with someone to lure them in for their cash.

According to Express UK, this was the case in 2019 for a NatWest customer who was online when she met a man with whom she quickly established a friendship. With the pair hitting it off, over the course of nine months, they gradually grew closer and a relationship developed. The man sent her gifts, the couple spoke on the phone, and they had even exchanged photographs.

Although many online relationships begin in this way, there was a factor which meant the situation quickly unravelled. This occurred when NatWest staff found out the customer had been sending her online acquaintance money. In total, she had already parted with £25,000 before the matter became apparent.

According to Asian Image, about 2.1 million tax credits customers are expected to renew their annual claims

by July 31. Criminals will mimic government messages to make them appear authentic in their phone calls, texts and emails. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) says scammers may try to threaten people about non-existent tax bills, or they may try to tempt them with ‘tax rebates’. Scammers may also claim there is an issue with the person’s national insurance (NI) number or direct debit.

Virendra Sharma MP, speaking to Asian Voice exclusively said, “Scammers target the elderly and vulnerable, but anyone can fall for them. I have pushed the government to do more to track down those committing these heartbreaking and abusive crimes.

Fraudulent financial advice with pensions, investments and inheritance often goes undetected for years. If you have been a victim, don’t be ashamed, report the crime to the police.”

Victims between the ages of 55 and 64 still lose the highest amount on average.

In a statement shared with Asian Voice, Llyods Bank stated that the number of people who fell victim to a romance scam increased by more than 16% over the last year, according to new data from Lloyds Bank. The average amount lost per victim is now £8,655, slightly more than the previous year (£8,610).

Though victims between the ages of 55 and 64 still lose the highest amount on average (£15,957), the typical age of a victim has fallen, with people between 45 and 54 now the most likely to be tricked into sending money to a fraudster masquerading romantic partner.

The average amount lost last year by this younger age group was £7,336.

While those most at risk of romance

scams tend to be over 45, younger generations do also fall victim. Last year, an average of £2,128 was lost by victims aged between 18 and 24. People aged 25 to 34 lost an average of £3,193.

Social media and technology have further played into the hands of romance scammers, who can easily pretend to be someone else in their profile, using fake information and photos.

They have used the pandemic as an excuse not to travel or meet in person.

Lloyds Bank issues an urgent warning to consumers as the number of ‘advance fee’ loan scams.

Lloyds Bank has issued an urgent warning to consumers as the number of ‘advance fee’ loan scams has surged in recent months. Loan scams happen when a victim is asked to pay an upfront fee for a loan. They will typically reply to an online advert for a ‘fast loan’ from a company they have never heard of before, though sometimes the fraudster will try to impersonate a genuine firm.

They will have their application approved regardless of their credit history. Before they receive the loan, they are told they must pay an upfront fee by bank transfer. Once this fee is paid, the fraudster may even ask for further payments. Eventually, the victim does not hear from the company again and the loan is never received. Reports of this type of scam have increased by more than 90% already this year, with the number of cases continuing to rise sharply. The average amount lost by victims is £231.

Holiday scams Lloyds is urging British sunseekers and staycationers to take care when booking a break this summer, with scams linked to holidays increasing by a third (33%) over the last year.

Based on an analysis of relevant scams reported to Lloyds Bank, fraud relating to flight bookings was up by 13% in the 12 months to March 2022.

The average amount lost to a flight scam was £2,955.

Scam reports linked to hotels were up by 18%, with the average amount lost £1,231. Packaged holiday-style scams also saw a 17% increase over the same period, with victims losing £2,342 on average.

However, by far the biggest increase came from scams linked to fake caravan bookings (i.e. a short stay in a caravan, rather than the outright purchase of a vehicle), with cases surging by a massive 108% year-on-year. The average amount lost in each case was much lower though, at £374.

HSBC bank, According to “Romance scams are one of the most common types of fraud. Criminals exploit the emotions of their victims to build up a relationship, often via social media or dating sites, and then request money. To avoid falling victim to one of these scams, never send money to someone you’ve only met online. And don’t agree to send money on their behalf, as it could be the proceeds of crime. Purchase scams, where fraudsters trick shoppers into paying in advance for goods or services that are never received, are the most common type of scam by volume. At this time of year, fraudsters will often post adverts and social media posts promising great holidays or travel arrangements which are fake. Customers are advised to purchase through official travel websites and be careful of secondary ticketing sites. if you’ve booked a package holiday, you should check this is ATOL protected.”

HSBC UK was one of the first banks

to introduce Voice ID which is one of the most secure methods of authenticating customers. The introduction of this technology has seen a significant reduction in telephone fraud with the rate of attempted fraud down 50% yearon-year. “We were one of the first banks to sign on to the voluntary industry CRM Code which sets out industry standards to increase steps taken to prevent Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams and to reimburse customers fairly and consistently. We support calls for new legislation to make the voluntary code a statutory requirement. We have also rolled out Confirmation of Payee across our UK bank channels and have introduced the ability for customers to confirm the authenticity of payments via text message as well as in our mobile app. We regularly post scam warnings on our website, social media feeds and in our customer communications. We also have a fraud leaflet.” the bank told the newsweekly.

In an official statement, Baz Thompson, Head of Fraud and Investigations at Metro Bank, told us: “Romance scams are an increasingly popular way for fraudsters to scam people, with TV programmes such as Netflix’s “The Tinder Swindler” highlighting this growing trend. We’re urging everyone to be cautious when entering into a new online relationship, especially if you’ve never met them before.

No matter what reason is offered, please don’t be tempted to send funds to someone you have never met. Keep a close eye out for inconsistencies in their stories as well as internet dating and social media profiles, or if they refuse to video call or meet you in person. These are red flags that will identify them as a potential scammer.”

In terms of what Metro Bank is doing to help protect customers from fraud, the bank said, “We are active supporters of UK Finance’s ‘Take Five’ fraud awareness campaign and have an extensive online security centre that provides information on how we protect customers' accounts and how they can keep their personal details safe.”

Replacements and handovers Rohit Vadhwana

I

f you have changed the phone recently, you would remember that in smartphones it's easy to transfer data from an old phone to the new one.

Depending on the phone, you can transfer the data either with or without a wire. How easy it becomes to have all the contacts, apps, photographs and notes in your new phone without downloading them one by one. It's just another miracle of fast-growing technology that has made our life simple.

Can we do the same with human replacement as well?

For instance, if a manager changes the organisation, his replacement would not be able to get all the knowledge in instance - like the transfer of data between two smartphones. Even if one gives a full written or verbal briefing, it is virtually impossible to establish all the rapport and connections that one has developed over the period of time. It can be made easier by spending some time together explaining the process but each individual has different nature, and therefore it is not that simple.

Human nature is not too simple to be guided or controlled by any technology. Or in other words, the technology has yet not developed to that extent. There are variable emotions and styles attached to each person which cannot be transferred to the other in one go. And the other person would also not like to imbibe anyone else's style in his own work. After all, that's what makes us an individual.

So the question is how to build a good organisation that not only retains institutional knowledge but also the individualistic characteristics of each person working in it? One way is to create layers of information and activities. While the manager may be working in the organisation, his parallels and juniors who are involved in different activities would have gained a certain level of expertise. This can be utilised by the new manager when taking over the position. The best way is to perhaps keep the communication open between the predecessor and the successor, as well as all the stakeholders, for some time.

There comes a stage when things settle down on their own and the new manager becomes established in the role.

Two important human aspects that we have to keep in mind: the outgoing person should not hold on to the previous role, and, the new person should not completely undo what was done earlier with lots of effort because each individual contributes to the organization in a specific way. While having continuity in the work being done in the organisation, it is very important to also have introduced changes by the new person to bring the muchrequired freshness. That is the reason why organisations like to change people from time to time in different roles.

It provides a new enthusiasm and energy to the organisation.

(Expressed opinions are personal)

CONFIDENCE BY A SMALL MARGIN Continued from page 1 Critics have pointed out, that despite the PM’s very usual upbeat tone on the result, the rebellion against the Prime Minister shows that his authority has weakened, with some asking him to resign.

It has been reported that Johnson is trying to reunite the cabinet since the vote. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab told the BBC he had no intention of quitting. “I will always put first and foremost the good of the country,” he said, adding that was best served by Johnson remaining in post.

Recent polls predict damaging Tory losses in by-elections in Tiverton and Honiton to the Liberal Democrats and Wakefield to Labour. At a Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday, Johnson was loudly booed by a crowd of the Tories’ die-hard supporters waving Union Flags.

Foreign secretary Liz Truss has not openly come out against Johnson, however, so far positioning herself as the inheritor of his support group if he does fall. She tweeted early Monday, “The Prime Minister has my 100% backing in today’s vote and I strongly encourage colleagues to support him.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: “From the vaccine rollout to our response to Russian aggression, the PM has shown the strong leadership our country needs.

I am backing him today and will continue to

back him as we focus on growing the economy, tackling the cost of living and clearing the Covid backlogs. The PM has won the confidence vote and now it’s time to move forward.

Tomorrow we get back to work growing the economy and delivering better public services.”

Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted: “Tonight the PM has secured a fresh mandate from the parliamentary party.

Now we need to unite and focus on the country’s challenges. Boosting economic growth, tackling the Covid backlogs, protecting our national security, and so much more.”

Conservative Friends of India tweeted: “Our PM has led our remarkable vaccine rollout, & unprecedented economic support during Covid.

Delivering on a post-Brexit Britain, securing FTAs globally and providing key strategy & support to Ukraine &her people. Now is the time to focus on the priorities supporting the PM’.”

It is imperative to note that the Labour party currently is not a strong opposition. Even their leader is being investigated for breaking rules and the party’s recent anti-India sentiments have moved traditional voters far away from the trusting core.

Leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer said, “The choice is clearer than ever before: Divided Tories propping up Boris Johnson with no plan to tackle the issues you are facing. Or a united Labour Party with a plan to fix the cost of living crisis and restore trust in politics.Labour will get Britain back on track.”

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Johnny Depp splashes £50k on curry in Birmingham Pirates of the Caribbean actor Johnny Depp reportedly spent thousands on curry at Varanasi restaurant in Birmingham and left a generous tip as he left. He visited the restaurant after his security team visited the city centre venue, which can cater for 400 diners at a time, to check it was safe and his privacy could be respected.

Since he has won the defamation case against his ex-wife Amber Heard, the 58-year-old actor has been spotted in a number of places around the UK. Depp has been touring with Jeff Beck, 77, shocking the public by popping into local pubs.

The duo racked up a huge

£50,000 and are said to have enjoyed a selection of Indian dishes, cocktails and Rosé champagne.

General manager Mohammed Hussain said: ‘We were so excited to hear Johnny Depp was coming to visit and are just over the moon to have met and hosted him here at the restaurant.

‘We basically had a phone call

from the security team at about 3 pm yesterday saying that they wanted to come and have a look at the restaurant and make sure that it was right for the visit.

‘They loved the restaurant so they brought Johnny Depp here at 7.30 pm.

‘Jeff Beck the guitarist was here as well and there were about 20 or 22 people here in total.

‘They booked out the whole place so we locked off the whole restaurant for them and seated them in the Siddhartha Lounge.

‘They came through a secret entrance we have so no one would see them and they stayed until about 11.30 pm.

How Highgate residents helped India gain independence VK Krishna Menon who was born in Kerala in 1896 and lived for several years at 30 Langdon Park Road, established the Pelican imprint of Penguin Books, as a borough councillor helped develop our marvellous network of local libraries and topped off his career with five years as defence minister.

Helping his country to independence, and then build-

ing what is now the world’s biggest democracy, was his biggest achievement. He studied at the London School of Economics, where he was apparently described by the eminent political scientist Harold Laski as the best student he ever had. He was the founding editor of the hugely influential Pelican Books and worked for the publisher Bodley Head.

‘Preacher’ attacks takeaway boss, leaving him with severe brain damage Hamdi Braiek, 34, attacked Mukhtar Hussain leaving him with life-changing brain damage. Braiek has been jailed for more than eight years. He attacked Hussain after complaining that a female member of staff at Mix Grill 91 in Maidstone, Kent, was indecently dressed.

CCTV footage showed how Mr Hussain confronted Braiek outside

the fast-food outlet over his attitude and insulting behaviour to his employee. Having punched and chased Mr Hussain, Braiek rugbytackled him to the ground and put him in a choke-hold for up to a minute until he fell unconscious, a jury heard. Later, he repeatedly kicked and stamped on Mr Hussain’s head ‘with ferocity’ as he lay motionless on the ground.

Met Police facing real problems and challenges - Sadiq Khan London Mayor Sadiq Khan told Sophie Raworth on BBC One's Sunday Morning that evidence of "systemic sexism, racism, homophobia, discrimination, misogyny" had emerged in recent months. He added that the new commissioner would need to work at restoring trust and confidence. The role has yet to be filled.

After Mr Khan said he had lost confidence in Dame Cressida Dick’s leadership, she quit and Stephen House became acting

commissioner.

Mr Khan said: "One of the reasons why I lost confidence in the previous commissioner was my lack of confidence in her plan to address the two big issues.

"Addressing the systemic racism, sexism, homophobia, misogyny, but also the trust and confidence required from our public.

"That's one of the things that they will be checking the new commissioner for."

I will run a business in UK, Asil Nadir says The former Polly Peck boss Asil Nadir who was convicted of stealing millions from his own company is now fighting to get his sentence overturned and is planning a return to Britain.

In his first interview after being transferred out of the UK prison system in April 2016, Nadir said he is preparing to move back to London in August

when his 10-year sentence will expire. He added that he will come up with new business in the UK. “Retirement means that you are getting ready to depart.

Whatever God has granted me, I want to use it,” Nadir, 81, told The Times in north Cyprus, where he lives with his wife Nur, 38, and their two children.

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NCGO marks 50 years of Gujarat Samachar The National Council of Gujarati Organisations UK (NCGO) organised a get-together to mark 50-years of Gujarat Samachar.

NCGO officials honoured CB Patel, Publisher and Editor-In-Chief of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice, for raising awareness through social and knowledge movements. Lord Dolar Rohit Vadhwana - First Popat, Secretary at the High Commission of India in London, Industrialist and Social worker Vajubhai Pankhania, Social worker Prabhakantbhai Patel, NCGO President Vimalji Odedra, CEO of Advisory Council and Sangat Advice Center Kantibhai Nagda (MBE), Vice President Jitubhai Patel, Treasurer Deepakbhai Patel, General Secretary Sanjay Odedra and other NCGO office bearers also graced the occasion.

NCGO President Vimal Odedra acknowledged that CB Patel has strengthened the society through

L-R: Dipak Patel, Gargiben Patel, Vimalji Odedra, CB Patel, GP Desai, Jitubhai Patel, Kanti Nagda MBE, Sumantrai Desai, Chandrakant Mehta

Nairobi, CB forwarded me the Kenya special edition published by Gujarat Samachar & Asian Voice. This magazine is helping me a lot. The most important thing for a newspaper is – to walk with changing times. Young readers are important. More and more youths need to be involved in society and social events. Also as a representative of the Indian Government, I take this oppor-

the medium of Karmayoga Foundation.

“Gujarat Samachar is not just a newspaper, it is a way of life. Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice are working hard to help those who are partial Gujarati. Gujaratis are popular in this country. The Gujarati language is our identity.”

At his onset, Gujarat Samachar’s Managing Editor Kokilaben said, “I

Blair’s multimillionaire son earns MBE for services to education Sir Tony Blair’s son Euan, 38, has been appointed MBE for services to education. He is the founder and chief executive of Multiverse, a start-up that provides young people with an alternative to the university by matching them with apprenticeships at leading employers.

In 2016, he founded the business, previously named WhiteHat, and the employers it has worked with are Google, Facebook, BP, Microsoft and Morgan Stanley.

Here, apprentices are offered events and training that it says are intended to “exceed the best of the university experience”.

When it was launched in January last year, the company had raised $130 million

from investors in the US. Blair is reportedly worth more than £160 million.

“It’s a real honour to receive this recognition, but it’s on behalf of an organisation full of people who are working tirelessly to build a truly outstanding alternative to university,” he said.

“Multiverse’s growth is a testament to the power of apprenticeships to widen access to top jobs and give employers the skilled talent they need.

“Our community is now 8,000 strong — and as we continue to scale, our ambition is to reach tens of thousands more individuals at every stage of their careers.”

Former nurse jailed after trying to scam NHS Achala Mithani

Vimalji Odedra

Gujarat Samachar. “CB Patel has always provided ideas, direction, support and cooperation to unite Gujaratis settled outside Gujarat and the Asian community. The movement initiated by Gujarat Samachar for social rights has actually enhanced our respect and status in this country,” he said.

Lord Dolar Popat said, “By the medium of these newspapers, CB Patel has initiated several movements for the benefit of people and succeeded. Be it about the rights of British Passport holders or about starting of LondonAhmedabad direct flight, Gujarat Samachar is not only a guide for newcomers to the UK, but also plays a vital role in keeping our identity and culture alive. Giving direction to the youth is like giving direction to society. Gujarat Samachar has also helped me a lot.

When I started my career in politics, newspapers supported and guided me a lot so that I could reach my present position today.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations are playing an important role in the UK as well as a large number of Gujarati organizations also. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the deportation from Uganda. The manner in which our society has been transformed is like a story of pride. Many from East Africa are at

Lord Dolar Popat

Rohit Vadhwana

tunity to congratulate Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice for helping in keeping the society intact. Just as we have a responsibility to give voice to the different queries and issues of the community, these newspapers also have the responsibility of being the society’s watchmen. These kinds of alert institutions indeed help us a lot.”

CB Patel said, “Many men and women have toiled hard for years. In fact, it is very difficult to run a Gujarati

Vajubhai Pankhania

have been at Gujarat Samachar for 39 years This has been a school for me.

The journey from a typesetter to the Managing Editor proves that nothing is impossible in this world. I started 32 columns in this newspaper. It wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and encouragement of CB Patel.

There is no other similar enterprise where we could work as a single-family and progress. Although we faced several struggles during the course of work,

Invited guests at the event

newspaper. The year 1972 is historical for this country. It was the year when Gujarat Samachar started and Bhartiya Vidhya Bhavan also started. Even the Brahmakumari Center started in the same year.

Sangat Center was started

by Kantibhai Nagda and his friends. This Golden Jubilee is not only of Gujarat Samachar and the newspaper's success cannot be accorded to a single person only. This success belongs to our team members, all readers, advertisers, those who L-R: Kokilaben Patel, Prabhakantbhai Patel, CB Patel helped guide us during difficult times and each and the forefront of politics. Now society every member of the society who conhas progressed but at present loneliness tributed towards this social and knowlis a big challenge. Gujarat Samachar edge movement in the last 50 years. and Asian Voice help society in this “It is true that Gujarat Samachar matter.” has faced several struggles in its jourRohit Vadhwana said, “I came to ney. But, readers and advertisers have the UK in 2019. After that, I was introimmensely helped us. We were also duced to CB Patel. Since then I have lucky to have a good team of people. been writing for both the newspapers.

We have also tried to repay our debt to Now, when I moving to Kenya as the the society through social activities by Deputy High Commissioner of India in

we were never tired. We happily faced each and every situation.”

Mahesh Liloriya, Group Editor, Gujarat Samachar, said, “Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice are not only newspapers but they are the eyes and voice of the society. Rather than being profit-oriented, these newspapers conducted various campaigns for the welfare of communities at large.

“Gujarat Samachar’s first copy was published with the following statement

by CB, “This is not a business for me”, and he has followed it throughout. We want to serve our community in our own way. The wholesome efforts made

by Gujarat Samachar to conserve and preserve our language are immeasurable.”

At the event, Achalaben Miyani captivated everyone with her melodious songs. Vajubhai Pankhania sang beautiful devotional songs for CB Patel.

The whole event was compered by Gargiben Patel and ended with a vote of thanks by NCGO Vice President Jitubhai Patel.

NHS former nurse Holly White, 29, has been jailed for six months after claiming £4 million in compensation from the NHS for allegedly being left disabled and unable to find pleasure in sex due to a bungled back operation. She added that she could not drive for long periods without being left in agony and could not walk without a crutch.

However, undercover investigators filmed a surveillance video that revealed her scam as she was seen walking unaided while shopping, driving 40 miles without stopping, and driving to a party 18 miles away.

She also gave birth to a son.

A former Bupa trainee nurse from Rackenford, North Devon, White admitted attempting to defraud the NHS.

White began complaining of back pain in 2011 but tests at Frenchay Hospital found nothing wrong, James Todd QC, for the North Bristol NHS Trust, told the court. Despite further tests having no problems, she took three months off work.

Nine months before her son was born, she gave up work permanently and claimed benefits including the disability living allowance. She was also provided with a Motability car.

When White saw the surveillance videos, she insisted that she was honest.

2mn people in Britain have long Covid Two million adults in Britain have long Covid, including 376,000 who have had symptoms for at least two years, according to the Office for National Statistics. It has been estimated that 3.1 per cent of the population have lingering, often debilitating symptoms, the highest figure since the problem was recognised.

For at least a year, more than 826,000 people have been suffering, according to the ONS, and a further 1.4 million still have symptoms at least three months after their initial infection.

More than half of people with long Covid reported fatigue, the most common symptom followed by shortness of breath, a cough and muscle aches.

Scientists have still not

figured out the cause of long covid, though they believe that the underlying cause varies depending on a person’s response to the initial infection.

Sarah Woolnough, the chief executive of Asthma+Lung UK, said: “As we pass the grim milestone of two million people living with long Covid, there is still a lack of treatments for this disabling condition, which is leaving people fighting for breath and devastating many aspects of their lives, health, work and relationships.

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Community extends best wishes to Rohit Vadhwana as he moves on to another prestigious role

A

farewell reception was organised by the members of the community and wellwishers of Rohit Vadhwana (IFS), First Secretary at the High Commission of India in London and ABPL’s beloved columnist on 30 May at The Washington Mayfair Hotel. Vadhwana has been promoted as the Deputy High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Kenya.

CB Patel Publisher and Editor In Chief of Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar said, “Rohitbhai your outstanding contribution to the Indian community has been immense and is much appreciated. For that, you, and your wife Femida are held in high regard and much loved by the Indian community.

Besides your diplomatic responsibilities, you are also a passionate and successful writer as well as a sought-after media columnist. The books written by you and your columns in leading publications in India and in Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar newsweeklies in the UK are highly acclaimed by readers worldwide. Your exemplary career and your several accomplishments are a clear reflection of your multifaceted talents and your resolute dedication and passion to truly break the glass ceiling. We express our heartfelt gratitude to you for being a friend, philosopher and guide. We wish you the very best in the journey ahead and every success in all your endeavours.”

L-R: Mahesh Liloriya, Dr Param Shah, Jyotsnaben Shah, Femida, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Surendra Patel, Rohit Vadhwana (IFS), CB Patel, Lord Rami Ranger CBE

Anuj Chande, Partner and Head of South Asia Group, Grant Thornton UK LLP said, “I always look forward to Rohitbhai’s introspection every week. His columns in Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are thoughtprovoking and meaningful.

Secondly, without Rohitbhai, the work that we have been involved L-R: Anuj Chande, Kantibhai Nagda MBE, Femida, Rohit Vadhwana with FICCI would not have been (IFS), Virendra Sharma MP, Dr MN Nandakumar, CB Patel possible.” here, not just to visit but to become, like Rohit Vadhwana, First Secretary, everybody said, the High Commissioner.”

Economic and Press & Info, High Lord Jitesh Gadhia said, “The reason why Commission of India said, “I am really overso many people are gathered here is just the whelmed with the love and respect that you authentic and genuine way in which have given me. On the professional front, I Rohitbhai has conducted himself here durfeel very satisfied. With the support of our lively community here, we at the High Commission were able to do our best. A strong bilateral relationship was not possible without this support. The Covid crisis was also very difficult for all of us. So many stranded Indians, tourists or strangers are stuck here. Our combined effort set an example of humanity.”

Vadhwana said, “When you say that behind every successful man there is a woman but currently two kind women are L-R: Vikram Singh Chaudhary, Mahesh Liloriya, Alpesh Patel, Dr Param Shah, Rohit Vadhwana (IFS), making me successful. On the professional Femida, Kokilaben Patel, Hiralben Shah, Jyotsnaben Shah, Nitu Chaudhary, Pooja Raval, Anahita Bhatt, Subhashbhai Patel, CB Patel

ing his tenure. I saw that first-hand, his 24X7 attentiveness and dedicated work, particularly during the oxygen crisis. It proves that prompt and dedicated actions can save the lives of thousands. We will miss you but you're going on to another territory where a lot of us are from India, East Africa and L-R: Kishor Parmar, Kantibhai Nagda MBE, Sharad B Parikh, Kapil Dudakia, Rohit Vadhwana (IFS), Subhash Thakrar, Jitubhai Patel

The farewell was organised at the chairman of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Joginder Sanger’s hotel. CB Patel extended his gratitude towards Sanger’s wife Sunita, son Girish and daughter Rima whom he has known for over 50 years.

Surendra Patel (Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan) recited the “Rashtradoot Sanman” for Rohit Vadhwana, given by CB Patel and the Asian Voice-Gujarat Samachar family. Dr Nandakumar recited the special citation given by Ruchi Ghanshyam, Former High commissioner of India to the UK. Lord Rami Ranger CBE said, “You have done your best job. You have paid tremendous respect to Mother India. I always believe that if you're not fit for a small job, you're not fit for a bigger job. You're in the creme de la creme service as IFS. You have demonstrated that your cut above the rest.

Secondly, the way you have been promoted is another feather in the cap which is a very popular, very important, very sensitive country for India. We need to have an influence in Africa because the Chinese are muscling every day. So, therefore, they have selected you for the right cause. You are a credit to your team, community and country. We are very proud of you. I know you will reach the Indian diaspora in Kenya and connect them as Mr Modi does. Modiji has connected the children of India with mother India.”

Virendra Sharma MP said, “The influencing part of Rohitbhai is his intelligence and knowledge on different topics. He believes in delivering results. The values he has created here at the High Commission will certainly stay there also. We all wish to see you back

L-R: Madhur Kumar, MD, CE Bank of Baroda UK, Vivek Saraogi, Cecil Soans

Kenya. It's an exciting time for the strengthening connection between India and Africa.

And also, you're there as part of the United Nations, on one of the biggest topics of our moment, the environment. So, I think that this platform will take you to greater heights.

In future years, we will definitely be anticipating your arrival here again on the topmost post.”

Alpesh Patel OBE said, “I think every individual who works at the high commission, embodies the country. Rohitbhai is known for incredibly hard work to make things happen. It's a reflection of our affection for India. When you think of the Indian Foreign Service, you do think of an effective response. Holding these standards and then taking them over to Kenya and hopefully coming back. I know if people like Rohitbhai on the other side were not there, the community couldn't have helped with the oxygen or the million other things.”

Kantibhai Nagda CEO, of Sangat Advice Centre, said, “Rohitbhai has brought the High Commission and the community together. He also published the fantastic newsletter which comes out every week, and gives us the side of what's going on in the Indian government and what he has to tell about the things that India promises.”

front High Commissioner Mrs Gaitri Issar Kumar and on the social front my wife Femida. So, without the support, guidance and leadership of both of them, I could not have done what I always wanted to. I miss people because I make good friends. But still, I have some regret that I couldn’t meet you all more and more. I couldn’t have more occasions to be with you.”

Dr MN Nandakumar, Executive Director, The Bhavan offered prayer and said, “The world is one family. Let global thoughts come to us from every side. Just like the fragrance of a beautiful flower is taken everywhere by the wind, in the same

L-R: Veljibhai Vekaria, Rohit Vadhwana (IFS), Vivek Saraogi, Lord Rami Ranger CBE, CB Patel, Shashi Vekaria, Solicitor Naynesh Desai

way, the kind work of an individual is reaching out to people. Shri Rohit Vadhwana has done noble work for the betterment of the community.”

Madhur Kumar, MD, Chief Executive (European Operations) Bank of Baroda UK, Dr Param Shah FICCI Director, Subhash Thakrar, Solicitor Naynesh Desai, Shashi Vekaria, Velji Vekaria, Kapil Dudakia, Sharad Parikh, Jitu Patel, Subhash Patel, Vivek Saraogi, Hiral Shah, congratulated Rohit Vadhwana for his promotion as the Deputy High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Kenya and Deputy Permanent Representative of India in the UN Environment Agency and UN-Habitat.

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11 - 17 June 2022

Norovirus is a communicable disease Norovirus is a contagious virus that induces vomiting and diarrhoea upon infection. Due to its impact on the gastrointestinal system of the body, the virus is also called 'stomach flu' or 'stomach bug'. Not just kids, but anyone can get affected by the Norovirus. These viruses are notorious for spreading quickly through contaminated foods and surfaces.

If you are in direct contact with someone who is infected with the Norovirus, you are more likely to catch the virus. Apart from this, eating food or having liquids that are contaminated with the virus, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with Norovirus and then touching the face or eating something out of the same hands without washing can also help the virus reach your body. The food which is grown or harvested with contaminated water can also spread the virus.

The common symptoms of Norovirus are vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramping, chills, headache and muscle aches. The symptoms can appear within 12 hours of exposure to the virus and can also come 1-2 days later.

Dehydration is a major health risk during the Norovirus attack. Young children, older people and those with weak immune systems should not let themselves dehydrate.

In order to prevent the Norovirus infection, one should wash their hands thoroughly, especially after using the toilet, before eating, before cooking food, and before serving food to anyone. After each episode of vomiting and diarrhoea, disinfect the entire household.

Avoid eating sea foods without cooking them properly as contaminated water is one of the main reasons for the spread of Norovirus. Remain isolated for at least 3 days after your recovery so that others may not get infected.

Last week my letter on this page, giving readers a peep into my early life in India, ended abruptly for which I apologise. I meant to say my favourite philosophy, culled over several decades as a journalist and columnist and long since retired, was this: “Don’t take life too seriously because nobody has ever got out of it alive!” Another favourite of mine which always brightened my life was: “Don’t worry, be happy.”

Turning again to India, I have so many wonderful memories of my early life in our Maharashtrian town. For fun we Anglo-Indian boys used to climb trees, spin tops, fly kites, and sword-fence with sticks after watching Errol Flynn films in the bazaar cinema. We also rode hired bikes, swam in a crocodile-infested river, did a barefoot balancing walk on heavy rolling stones, shot at birds with catapults and quenched our thirst with sugarcane juice churned out at market stalls. Those were indeed memories to savour. Now it is your turn, dear readers. What memories of India do you treasure?

Rudy Otter

Boris Johnson's political future Boris Johnson has admitted that he broke the law during the lockdown by attending gatherings which were illegal at that time. The Ministerial Code requires him to resign but, instead of doing the honourable thing, he is amending the Ministerial Code retrospectively! His defence that he did not break the law “on purpose” is irrelevant in my opinion. As our Prime Minister, he must ensure that the office of the PM is subject to the highest standards in public life.

Some might argue that with everything else going on in the world at present (War, inflation, immigration, refugees, etc.) this was a minor criminal offence and the PM has paid his fine so we should move on from here. However, this argument conveniently overlooks the fact that the PM breached the current Ministerial Code.

Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai, India

Is France equipped to stage world sporting events?

When the most important match in European football, a championship match between two footballing giants, Liverpool and Real Madrid was switched from St. Petersburg (Russia) to the French capital Paris, no one expected a smooth ride for Liverpool fans who are on most part law-abiding and enjoy their football. But no one expected over-zealous French police to use tear gas and pepper spray on children.

Of course, no football fans are decorous, football is not cricket. It is a game of passion. There is pride and loyalty to their clubs and national team, unmatched in any other sport. Football is the only international team sport played throughout the world.

France is the most ungracious nation on earth. It does not hesitate to bite the hand that feeds it. Britain is no exception! Since the end of WW2, France has behaved like a dog in manger, mostly out of jealousy, the humiliation it suffered at the hands of Hitler’s Germany who over-ran the country in a week! France folded like a house of cards and has not come out of this humiliation which still lingers on today in their subconscious mind, blaming Britain and everyone for their self-inflicted wounds and unprecedented cowardice!

One shortfall we have to admit is counterfeit tickets that are easily available on the internet, as well as in pubs. Then our government is soft touch when it comes to law and order, sentences thugs receive are so often ridiculous and jokes!

No wonder we have the highest prison population in Europe, with burglary, fraud, fly-tipping and assaults prominent. Most of the victims are OAPs who are easy targets. Yet there are no special laws, treatment, or help centres for OAPs. Prisoners are not required to do a day’s work, locked up in their cells for some 22 hours a day. No wonder many prefer prison life more than rough sleeping during bitterly cold and wet winter months! It is time we appoint a minister for the elderly!

Government should spend more time tackling crimes against venerable people and less time partying! Otherwise, humiliation awaits them at the next general election!

Bhupendra M. Gandhi

Global cooling?

I am thinking where is global warming? The month of June in the UK is supposed to be warming up as the start of summer going to August, but I am still feeling cold and having to wear an overcoat. The topic of concern should be not global warming but "global cooling."

Ash Gupta

KAPIL’S

•

Wonderful memories

Dinesh Rai

NHS staff facing racist attacks on the rise, docs warn Doctors believe that NHS staff is undergoing racist attacks that are rising and discrimination at work with chief executives failing to crack down on abuse of staff. The attacks that have taken place in recent months have led to calls from health professionals for trust leaders and the Care Quality Commission to do more.

The British Medical Association (BMA) will be publishing a major report on racism in the NHS this month and is expected to confirm ethnic minority staff facing “debilitating” levels of racism.

It has collected over 2,000 responses from doctors and medical students across the UK. The BMA believes that the survey is one of its kind that will throw light on the experience of racism in the medical profession and workplace.

Over 90 per cent of Black and Asian respondents, 73 per cent of mixed and 64 per cent of White respondents said racism in the medical profession is an issue, as per the interim findings.

Protesters who blocked UK immigration raid launch a petition A year ago on 13 May 2021, Kenmure Street’s diverse community was successful in blocking a raid by UK immigration officials that led to the release of two detained Indian men, Sumit Sehdev, a chef, and Lakhvir Singh, a mechanic, suspected of overstaying their visas.

However, a year on, three protesters who are dubbed “the Kenmure Street Three” remain locked in a bitter battle with police as they fight the charges they received that day.

Last year, Police Scotland confirmed that they had arrested and charged a 23-year-old woman and two men, aged 31 and 32, for public order offences and sent a report to the procurator fiscal. They were told that the state intends to proceed with prosecutions, with trial dates set for early August.

Father’s Day Father's Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in June in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India, and a number of other countries around the world.

In 2022, Father's Day will be celebrated on Sunday, June 19. If you wish to send us a message for your father on this occasion, do write to shefali.saxena@abplgroup.com before Monday, June 13 at 10 am BST. Remember, we are happy to publish your message or letter for your father, no matter where they are, in which dimension or universe. If your mother or any other person in your life has played the role of a father, we’d love to include them too!

Kapil Dudakia

KHICHADI

Genocide Deniers at our Universities Antisemitism is rife in many of our universities. What people may not know is that anti-Hindu and antiIndian prejudice is also growing at an exponential rate. And all of this right under the noses of the senior managementof these academic institutions. It’s almost as if there is a nod of approval from the hierarchy for such prejudice to manifest itself.

This week we saw Shri Vivek Ranjan Agnihotriwho is on his Humanitarian Tourbeing subjected to attacks by jihadists and their academic appeasers from our universities. On Monday 30th May,Vivekji was the guest speaker at Cambridge Universityand astonishinglythey banned thevideoing of the event. So much for Freedom of Expression and Speech. No sooner had this news filtered out,we heard that those associated with Oxford University suddenly declared that the session on Tuesday 31st May could not go ahead because there was a ‘double booking’! I mean to me this is just plain open prejudice. In effect, these institutions are denying the genocide of Hindus in Kashmir. Let that sink in folks. Our leading universities are aiding and abetting the denial of a genocide perpetrated on Hindus in Kashmir by Islamists. If these morally and ethically bankrupt academics get their way, I should not be too surprised if in the very near future they find a way to even deny the holocaust.

The only thing that stops them from denying the holocaust is the power of the Jewish community. They might besmallin number, but theirmillionaires and billionaires contribute billions of dollars to support key Jewish advocacy groups here and around the world. As soon as any entity dares to undermine the Jewish community, their faith or any of their institutions, immediately the legal system and the power of media would be used to teach the antisemites a lesson of a lifetime.

The Indian, and in particular the Hindu community whilst having their own billionaires, have so far not learnt any lessons. There are Hindus who give to universities hundreds of millions of pounds, yet when these institutions disrespect their nation, their people, and their faith, it is disappointing to see that they do nothing and run like cowards.

All too often I have found that the ego of the Hindu is more important to them than their cause, their faith, their culture, their people,or their nation.

Those with power and reach, be it on social media or in institutions,they keep that to themselves. Whereas our enemies promote each other. They make sure that hundreds of key individuals dotted around the worldare promoted so that when they engage on social media, that echo chamber resonates even louder.

We even have the All Party Parliamentary Group for Hindusin the House of Commons. As far as I can see, it has been an abject failure. The jihadists have politicians in their pockets who promote their cause without fear. They even entertain extremists from across the world and declare known terrorists as their heroes – and still no one does anything. The mother of parliament is being taken over systematically by the anti-nationals. When will our politicians grow a spine? Their negligence will ultimately cause civil unrest on our streets.

I have asked the Rt Hon Nadine Vanessa Dorries MPthe Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and The Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi MPthe SoS for Education, to instigate a major investigation into our higher educational institutions and ascertain the extent to which their independence has been compromised by extremistfactors.

It seems the racists, the fascists, and the jihadists have their admirers in the highest offices of state, academia, and public services. They are openly denying the genocide of Hindus in Kashmir. It seems we have learnt nothing from what happened in WWII and the holocaust. God Help us all!

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

Please keep contributing as always. If you are new, then write to Shefali at shefali.saxena@abplgroup.com

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As a community, we can overcome anything Kartik Kavi

L

eicester is a bastion of multiculturalism where aspiration and compassion go hand in hand.

On the 50th anniversary of the expulsion of the Ugandan Asians, we must acknowledge the hardship of the people who helped create the Leicester we know today.

Leicester’s modern history began on August 4th,1972 with an announcement in Uganda. President Idi Amin ordered all members of the Asian community to leave within three months, accusing them of economic sabotage. While Amin claimed he had been instructed by God, through a dream, to throw out the Asian population, critics have said this move was an attempt to restore his fading popularity and divert attention from his mismanagement of the economy.

But for Nitin Rayvadera, who was 20 when he was forced to leave the country, the reasons were irrelevant. He recalled, “It was very dangerous at the time and some Asians were even killed.” He remembered having to cross army checkpoints, where guns were pointed at him, on the way to the airport to ensure he wasn't taking more than he was allowed to.

“Idi Amin only let us leave with one suitcase and 50 pound,” Mr Rayvadera explained.

He initially stayed in army barracks in Surrey and then moved in with his brother in a rented house in Leicester. He remembers the generosity of the UK government who provided him and his family with food and clothing. He was especially grateful for the coat provided as he recollected, “The winter in 1972 was extremely harsh. And coming from a tropical climate, it was a huge change.”

Damini Rayvadera moved to the UK in 1970 as an 18-year-old. She stated, “My father felt it was best to leave as he could not see a safe future for us in Uganda.”

She described the challenges of living in Leicester in those early days, recalling, “There were hardly any Asian shops and you could only buy Indian vegetables once a week. As vegetarians it was difficult.”

Mrs Rayvadera also said, “The very first Navarati, I remember, was held in a church with only a few people playing garba.” She did however add, “At the time everybody wanted to come to Leicester as it had an Asian community”.

Mrs Rayvadera worked in the street opposite where Mr Rayvadera lived. “One day we met. Then we got married. After which we brought our own house and lived there for 25 years,” they gleefully explained.

While extremely grateful to the UK, especially for providing safety, free health care and quality education, they also stated, “Racism was there. Some people would refer to us as Pakis whilst others would be less obvious about it.”

Unfortunately, racism wasn't a unique experience. A recently retired nurse, who worked in the NHS for 42 years, explained, “In Newcastle Upon Tyne, where I did my training, I was the only Indian in the class. One manager referred to me as a unique person. Others didn't like me being in charge. It was something that wouldn't be allowed now.” In 1980, along with her family, she moved to Leicester to be closer to relatives and an Asian community.”

Remembering life in Uganda, she said, “We could have stayed because we were Ugandan nationals. But, by the end, it was an extremely hostile environment for Asians and if you are not safe you leave. I

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don't know anyone who stayed behind.”

She continued, “Before Amin asked us to leave, life was good in Uganda. There were friendly neighbourhoods and a good community vibe.”

She concluded, “The UK government at the time was very helpful. They provided us with a fully furnished house and benefits”.

Vinay Patel arrived in the UK, in 1965, from Kenya and had already established himself in Leicester prior to the arrival of the Ugandan Asians. He stated, “They came in families and were very businessminded. Prior to this only young individuals came. This meant they brought their own culture and entrepreneurship whilst also integrating quickly. The big bonus for us was Indian products became more available after they came!”

Mr Patel also added “The Golden Mile was due for demolition, but the Ugandans, being business-minded, brought the properties and built shops selling saris, jewellery and other products. The council even provided grants to help. At its peak, Asians from around the country used to come to The Golden Mile for wedding shopping.”

Whilst the intake of Ugandan Asians saw Leicester's fortunes rise, the same could not be said about the country they were expelled from. Prior to the expulsion, according to the BBC, the Asians owned 90% of the country's businesses and accounted for 90% of Ugandan tax revenues. Many of the confiscated businesses were handed over to locals who had no idea how to run them, eventually leading them to bankruptcy. This caused the tax burden to shift to farmers. The overall impact on the economy was devastating.

The GDP of Uganda fell by five per cent between 1972 and 1975.

While Uganda struggled post expulsion, so did the Asians, initially. Having seen their ordeals first-hand, Vinay Patel was impressed by the mindset of the refugees. “These were people with servants and top cars who were left penniless but were just grateful to be safe. There was no fuss. They knew they had to either adapt or falter,” he explained.

He also noticed the emphasis the Ugandan Asians placed on education.

“While all their possessions had been stolen

by Idi Amin, they knew nobody could steal their knowledge,” he speculated.

Mr Patel, who was involved in helping the new refugees, said “I had a car so I took people from the airport to their relatives. I didn't care who it was. It was a time when as long you knew someone via someone, you helped. There was immense comradeship.”

He finished by saying, “But not everyone was happy about the arrival of the Ugandan Asians. The Leicester Mercury and The National Front were against immigrants. They believed there were already too many Asians in Leicester. They were afraid of becoming overwhelmed and British culture being lost.” But these attitudes weren't just monopolised by the fringes of British politics. In 1972, Leicester’s Labour-run City Council issued a notice in the Uganda Argus (Ugandan newspaper) asking the Asians “not to come to Leicester”.

Present-day Leicester, where diversity isn't just tolerated but is celebrated, has come a long way in 50 years. The Ugandan Asian community has played a pioneering role in this transformation. As British Asians all over the country today face challenges and obstacles, which can often be disheartening and overwhelming, I plead with them to look at what the Ugandan Asians in Leicester endured and achieved.

Their story, a story of our tradition, shows with hard work and perseverance we, as a community, can overcome anything.

11 - 17 June 2022

Nina Wadia opens UK's firstperiod charity shop

T

he UK’s first-period charity strual health workshops, Binti International opens the Binti’s menstrual educadoors to the UK’s first-period tion information, mencharity shop in Walton on the strual artwork, various Thames. Award-winning actor types of period products Nina Wadia officially opened the including biodegradable, shop in celebration of Menstrual reusable products, menHealth Day on May 28th. The openstrual cup demonstraing of the charity shop celebrated tions, free period products the first anniversary of the ‘Dignity and more. at Work’ initiative with Surrey CEO of Binti County Council (SCC), which saw Manjit and Nina open period International, Manjit K charity shop SCC become the first council in Gill MBE says “As we England to provide free period products think about the cost of the living crisis in the across 55 sites including libraries, their UK, inevitably women always suffer more. If offices, retail stores, public buildings and we all admit to using toilet paper to manage places of worship. our period when we get caught short, it’s easy to see that we need period products in Binti's Dignity At Work campaign all public spaces. With the prices of period ensures access to products to those that need products increasing, I believe that more than them and works towards removing the stigever, all public buildings should have free ma attached to periods. Surrey County period products for those that need them.

Council has been tackling the issue head-on Our ‘Dignity At Work’ initiative has proven by ensuring that there is support for girls and that it’s self-sustainable and that as a society women across the county, to ease the chalwe are able to continue creating a stable lenges and ensure that everyone can menecosystem without masses of external fundstruate with dignity. ing with many donating and paying it forCabinet Member for Communities, ward to support other women to menstruate Mark Nuti said “One year on, Period Dignity with dignity. The plan is to cement the charis still an amazing initiative to ensure that no ity shop into a hub for education, open one is left behind in our community. As peoforum discussion and a safe space for people ple are struggling financially more now than that want to find out more about smashing ever, it will become increasingly important shame around periods and menstruating to keep donating menstrual products to 55 of with dignity”. our donation locations to help those that “It’s that time of the month…It’s the need it most. Period products should be world’s first-period charity shop by Binti available to anyone who needs them, withinternational opening right here in Surrey out stigma or shame, so I urge everyone to do creating a safe, open space for women to give their part in period dignity in Surrey and get and get help for their own health. It’s about involved”. time!” said, Nina Wadia OBE Actor, The charity shop will be more than a Comedienne and Ambassador to the Charity. retail store and will include a space for men-

DISMANTLING PATRIARCHY, TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF RURAL WOMEN

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hardworking and ambitious young girl, Sarita C hau dha r y gr ad u at ed 12th in her class from Pardada Pardadi Educational Society (PPES) in 2013. After graduati n g f r o m t h e s ch o o l , s h e worked in the PPES call centre a nd later j oi ne d the I V i l l a g e p r o d u c t i o n ce n t r e , which is the PPES economic empowerment wing. Along with working she had exerted herself to do courses in HR and English communications. Sarita now works in Delhi as an HR manager for Mphas is , a multinational IT solutions company. She has recently built a new house for her single mother back in her village.

Sarita’s journey from a poor rural village to India’s capital has been challenging. At every turn, she has had to confront entrenched gender bias and patriarchy.

Her education, ambition and commitment to improving a lot of women in Indian society have always inspired her and contributed to her success.

Sarita takes up the story, “My father died when I was young and my mother is differently-abled and needs regular support. I have always wanted to prove that daughters are not inferior to sons. I believe, given the right education and opportunities to become financially independent, a daughter can be a huge support to her family.

“Building my mother’s new house was

tangible proof of my achievement. With every new brick of the build, I felt as if I was dismantling the walls of the patriarchy which had so challenged my upbringing and education as a girl”.

Sarita’s stellar academic and career success have inspired her three sisters to grab the opportunities PPES offers as well as serve as a shining example to many others in her village.

Her elder sister Jignesh is also a PPES alumni and currently works part-time with IVillage. Her younger sister Reeta went to the US on a Community College Initiative Program and is now working as part of the US4 Group, a market-leading multinational technology company.

Sarita’s youngest sister Richa is studying in Banasthali and is in the final year of a four-year engineering course.

Sarita is happy that she has been able to set an example for girls in her community and encouraged others to send their daughters to school. Sarita’s satisfaction comes from a deep-seated belief that, a first-class education has opened the doors for her and many like her to become socially and economically empowered.

At PPES we share Sarita’s conviction and applaud her many achievements.

PPES works tirelessly towards the educational, economic and social empowerment of girls in rural Uttar Pradesh.

PARDADA PARDADI EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY UK is a registered UK charity (Charity no. 1166879) and can be contacted through email at info@pardadapardadi-uk.org; phone at 079 03329311; postal address 25 Sweetcroft Lane, Uxbridge, UB10 9LE.

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11 - 17 June 2022

SCRUTATOR’S Man attacked by mafia for unearthing corruption clears UPSC Rinkoo Rahee, a provincial civil service (PCS) officer in Meerut, UP, who unearthed the £10 million scholarship scam and incurred the wrath of the mafia behind it, finally cleared the UPSC exam. In March 2009, seven bullets were pumped into him. Three hit his face, leaving him disfigured, blinded one eye, and with impaired hearing in an ear.

That's when he decided to strengthen his own hands and crack the UPSC exam. He finally cleared it by securing 683rd rank. Rahee was deputed as social welfare officer in Muzaffarnagar in 2008 when he busted the racket. Eight men were booked for the attack on him that followed, out of which four were sentenced to 10 years in prison.

“During the course of my ordeal, I was not fighting the system, the system was fighting me. I was in hospital for four months but my medical leave is 'pending' for approval till date,” said Rahee, 40. His attack took place during the Mayawati government. “I was even sent to a psychiatric ward during the Samajwadi Party regime for protesting corruption too much,” he said. (The Times of India) Businessman on mission to save bird killed

A businessman's attempt a save a bird turned out to be fatal for him. Amar Jariwala, the businessman, was travelling in his car on the Bandra-Worli sea link when his car hit a bird. Police said when Jariwala and his driver stepped out of the car to check on the kite, a taxi rammed into them. The impact was so severe that Jariwala got flung into the air, fell on the sea link’s railing and then on the road. The duo was taken to the nearby Lilavati Hospital, where doctors declared Jariwala dead in hospital. His driver is undergoing treatment for injuries. Police have arrested the taxi driver and booked him for causing death due to negligence, rash and negligent driving. “We will soon file a chargesheet,” Worli police senior inspector said. The taxi driver was also made to undergo a medical test and since then sent to judicial custody. (Agency)

cycling rallies, seminars, and competitions are organised. (Agency) Child killed as father ducks sword attack A six-month-old child was allegedly killed with a sword by an unidentified criminal in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district.

The incident occurred when Raja Patel, a vegetable trader, was walking to Motijheel with his six-month-old son, wife and father. Raja was carrying the baby in his arms when the criminal attacked him with a sword. It missed him by inches and hit his father on the neck. As Raja ducked when the criminal attacked him for the second time, the sword hit the toddler.

Locals rushed to the spot and took the infant and his grandfather to Sadar hospital. The baby, Mahir Kumar, died after being referred to a hospital in Patna after being given first aid. (Agency)

PM Modi posts Gandhiji pics on world bicycle day

June 3 is celebrated as world bicycles day to create awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of cycling. Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a picture of Mahatma Gandhi riding a bicycle and also wrote how it can be an inspiration for people for a better lifestyle through cycling. “Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE). It is World Bicycle Day today and who better than Mahatma Gandhi to take inspiration from to lead a sustainable and healthy lifestyle,” PM Modi tweeted alongside the image. The image shows Gandhiji riding a bicycle.

Since being tweeted, the share has accumulated nearly 14,000 likes and the numbers are quickly increasing. It has also been re-tweeted over 2,500 times. “The idea behind World Bicycle Day is to recognize the versatility and uniqueness of the bicycle, as well as its reliability and sustainability as a mode of transportation,” wrote a Twitter user.

“Happy world cycle day,” commented another. “Happy cycling day,” posted a third. The United Nations General Assembly declared June 3 as world bicycle day back in 2018. On this day, several

Vadodara woman to marry herself!

Kshama Bindu, a 24-year-old Vadodara woman, is getting ready for her D-day like any other Indian bride. But there is a difference, in this reunion there is no second person. The bride is getting into a union with herself and it is a solo affair. It may seem incredulous, but she will perform all the traditional rituals and even wearing vermilion in presence of some selected guests. This is probably the first self-marriage or sologamy in Gujarat.

“Ever since my teens, I never wanted to get married. The tradition, somehow, never appealed to me. But, I did want to become a bride. So, I decided to marry myself. It’s called Sologamy,” Kshama said.

She did some online research to find out if any Indian woman has self-married in the country, but couldn’t find any. “Maybe I am the first to set an example of self-love in our country where marriages are considered to be sacred,” she said. Kshama got nod from her parents. “Self-marriage is a commitment to be there for yourself and unconditional love for oneself. It’s also a recognition of stepping into adulthood and an act of self acceptance. People marry someone they love. I love myself and hence this wedding,” explained Kshama. She works for a private firm after graduating in Sociology from MS University. She said that some might perceive such self-marriage as irrelevant.

(The Times of India)

Hyderabad teen gang-raped

in the USA asked him to do so. In 2016, the brand displayed its first Magna Carta brand in the Los Angeles Pen Show.

“Nobody believed that the pen was made in India,” recalled Kanakhara. Magna Carta today sells around 35 fountain pens a day.

These include only six to seven pens in India. A majority of pens are exported to the Europe, the USA among many other countries. (The Times of India)

A teenager in Hyderabad who went to a pub for a party was allegedly gang-raped by schoolboys inside a Mercedes car at an upscale part of town. The accused are Class 11 and 12 students and belong to "politically influential" families, say the police. An MLA's son is believed to be part of the group, but the police say he may not have been involved in the gang-rape. The 17-year-old girl had gone to a pub with a friend, who left early. The teen reportedly befriended a boy and left the club with him and his friends. They had allegedly promised to drop her home. The group went to a pastry shop before the assault, according to the police. The five boys allegedly parked the car at Jubilee Hills, which is among the posh neighbourhoods in the city, and took turns raping the girl while the others stood guard outside the car. When the girl's father noticed injuries to her neck and asked her about them, she reportedly told him some boys had attacked her after a party at the pub. The police initially registered a case of "outraging modesty" based on the girl's father's complaint. Later, when she gave a detailed statement, a rape case was filed.

(Agency) Jamnagar family’s luxury fountain pens write history

Bureaucrat suspended for misbehaviour The Assistant Commissioner of Kamrup Metropolitan District of Assam was suspended for her alleged rude behaviour with Singaporean and ASEAN delegations during two international conclaves held recently. Issuing a notification, Personnel Department Secretary T P Borgohain said the Assam Civil Services (ACS) officer Barbie Hazarika, who is also an OSD to the Secondary Education Department, was temporarily attached with the Act East Policy Affairs Department for the two conclaves in Guwahati, held from May 27 to May 29. "A report has been received from the Act East Policy Affairs Department that the Singapore delegation has raised serious complaint regarding her rude and inappropriate behaviour," the order mentioned. The ASEAN delegation too expressed their displeasure over her behaviour, which has brought a "bad name" to the state and the country as well, it added. "Such irresponsible behaviour has caused a serious dent in the diplomatic relation of India and other ASEAN countries and has wasted the sincere efforts of the state government for economic involvement with ASEAN in general and Singapore in particular," said the notification. (Agency)

A pen maker from Jamnagar has made a name for himself in the luxury writing instruments field. Kanakhara family's business has today crossed borders and even continents. The Kanakharas used to make fountain pen parts two generations back. But today, they make exquisite fountain pens and even the heart and soul of these pens – nibs and feeds – all by themselves. The family’s Magna Carta fountain pens can cost between Rs 5,500 and 51,000 and a desk set that is themed on the Ayodhya Ram Temple could cost as high as Rs 250,000. Hiren Kanakhara, who came up with the idea of making fountain pens at his family-owned unit in Jamnagar, says that till 2004, the firm used to make only ball pens. Kanakhara started thinking of making fountain pens after a customer

Estranged ‘bahu’ told to move out of house The Supreme Court has asked the estranged daughter-in-law of an 80-yearold woman in Mumbai to move out of home so that her mother-in law can live peacefully in the evening of her life. But the court ensured that the woman got a roof over her head in Lonavala. The octogenarian, her son and latter’s estranged wife appeared through video conference before a vacation bench of Justices Ajay Rastogi and B V Nagarathna.

The widowed mother-in-law accused the daughter-in-law of harassment and pleaded for a peaceful stay in her house in Mumbai. She said the daughter-in-law has ruined her house. The daugher-in-law said she endured the severe torture and harassment for 22 years in marriage, but could not take it lying down when the inlaws attempted to damage her two sons.

She said she was staying separately from her husband and mother-in-law in the same house. Opposing her mother-inlaw’s plea for her eviction, she said the present arrangement of staying separately in the same house could continue. But the SC did not agree with her plea and ordered her to move out of the house.

(Agency)

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QUEEN'S PLATINUM JUBILEE

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70 YEARS OF GLORY AND COUNTING Continued from page 1 Crowds erupted into three cheers as the queen waved and smiled on the balcony along with other working royals after the traditional Trooping the Colour military parade on the first day. She then attended a special beacon-lighting ceremony at Windsor Castle that night, but the brief appearances left her tired. She missed a service of thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral the next day.

Close to 6,000 performers told the story of the queen’s life along with a parade of vintage cars, double-decker buses, a giant moving wedding cake and huge puppets. Among them were members of the Asian community from various boroughs and walks of life, who participated in the celebration in their own unique way.

While some attended street parties, others had garden picnics.

Among the veterans and renowned names that performed for the Queen were Sir Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Kuchipudi dancer Arunima Kumar, and more.

Dancer Ash Mukherjee was also an integral part of the Citizens of The World Choir.

Prince Louis steals the show

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar’s Publisher and Editorin-Chief CB Patel also celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee during a street party at his new residence in Egham. London Mayor Sadiq Khan shared a throwback picture of the silver jubilee of the Queen from when he was a child, to mark this platinum jubilee celebration.

Crowds sang “God Save The Queen” and the queen made her second palace balcony appearance, flanked only by those in the immediate line of succession and two future queen consorts.

On Saturday 4th June thousands of Watford citizens came together at Britain's well known Cassiobury Park to celebrate Council's centennial and Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The only Indian event, which was a dance performance by students of Kathak Guru Krushna Kumari was widely appreciated by the audience.

On 5 June, St Matthew's Walsall Church hosted their Big Jubilee Lunch. The public was invited to bring their own picnic while enjoying live music and performances from the Blue Coat schools, Bollywood dancers and Bhangra Smash Up. Community stalls and local vendors were also in attendance.

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay completed an epic four days in London, celebrating sports, culture and com-

The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, at the Zoroastrian Centre on Saturday 4 June. With an interfaith High Tea, all guests watched the live coverage of the Platinum Party at Buckingham Palace.

Queen's Birthday Parade

even after the four days long weekend holiday, wherein the Project Jayantee team celebrated on Tuesday in honour of the Queen. Harsha Wadhwani Basu Left to right- Standing: Jesmin Sorab, Rohinton Munshi, Bob Blackman MP, Lord Dolar Popat, Malcolm Deboo President Zoroastrian Trust.

Guests with Mayor Cllr Janet Mote, Cllr Sasikala, Navinbhai Shah CBE, Former Chair of the London Assembly & Former Assembly Member and Cllr Suresh Krishna.

Queen's Hologram

munities across the capital over the Platinum Jubilee weekend, where thousands joined the celebrations and witnessed the excitement. From 2-5 June, over 40 Batonbearers, made up of community heroes and Team England athletes, took on the honourable role of carrying the Baton.

The Queen’s Baton for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games made an appearance in Downing Street as the four-day Platinum Jubilee events drew to a close. It marked the end of the Relay in London following an epic four-day tour around major landmarks in the capital, including iconic venues across Queen

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Platinum Jubilee service

shared some coloured paintings of the Queen along with Mithila art, which she humbly distributed for free to kids who wanted to paint.

While many members of the

Priti Varsani with Hollywood star Tom Cruise Bhangra at Walsall Council

Elizabeth Olympic Park.

School children, Commonwealth athletes and senior citizens attended a Big Afternoon Tea in Downing Street in honour of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Batonbearers bringing the baton to Downing Street today were Kash Gill – a world champion kickboxer and Courtney Hughes, who received a Point of Light award for her services to the elderly and vulnerable, through a charity she founded at age 13 to support lonely and isolated people in crisis at Christmas.

As part of the event, the Culture Secretary awarded Kash Gill a Point of Light award to acknowledge his community spirit. Since lockdown, Kash has been running free martial arts, fitness classes and community running groups in Handsworth Park Birmingham for people of all ages.

The celebration continued

royal family celebrated at the Platinum Party at the Palace, the Sussexes were not in attendance.

The pair travelled to the UK with their children Archie and Lilibet to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 70year reign but missed the final day of the jubilee weekend. They also did not attend any Jubilee events Saturday, instead of spending the day in private to celebrate their daughter Lilibet "Lili" Diana's first birthday. The couple were not seen spending time publicly with the queen or any of Harry's immediate family members this weekend.

However, the person who stole the show was Prince Louis.

Photographs published by the British media showed the young prince cheekily thumbing his nose as his mother Kate Middleton tried to talk to him. The press also caught the moment he tenderly hugged his mother and rested on her shoulder. Clips also showed him moving from seat to sit on his grandfather Prince Charles’ lap.

Malcolm Deboo, President Zoroastrian Trust with community members.

How one multicultural street marked the Jubilee To mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee, the St Mark’s Road in Bristol, which is the lively street in the Easton area of the city – one of Britain’s most diverse- laid out the spread of food from current and former Commonwealth countries and beyond.

In an event co-organised by St Mark’s Baptist church and the neighbouring Easton Jamia mosque, attendees relished sandwiches, scones and Wynne’s cupcakes in gazebos adorned with union jack bunting. Not only this, there was jerk chicken, samosas

and biryani – plus music from a Nepalese bagpipe player.

“We have more than 15 languages spoken at the church alone,” Wynne said. “It’s as much about jerk chicken and biryani as it is about scones and tea.”

“This is about bringing people together,” added Abdul Malik, chair of the local mosque. “People have said to me, ‘How the hell can you support the Queen when you come from Pakistan?’ But it’s an opportunity to celebrate what Britain is about.”

Priti Patel’s pink jubilee outfit draws comparison to Dolores Umbridge Home Secretary Priti Patel instantly became the talk of the conversation on social media when she arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral for the National Thanksgiving Service during the Platinum Jubilee with her pink outfit. She wore a bright pink dress and hat, which immediately earned her comparisons to Professor Umbridge from Harry Potter.

Dolores Umbridge was the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic and was characterised by her cruel treatment of the students at Hogwarts.

She was amongst the politi-

cians at the service, which included Boris Johnson who received both boos and cheers when he arrived at the cathedral with his wife Carrie.

Soon, the comparisons between Patel and Umbridge started to flood social media after Patel turned up at the service wearing the pink ensemble.

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QUEEN'S PLATINUM JUBILEE

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A GIFT TO THE QUEEN

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mersham based artist Harsha Wadhwani Basu has been an integral part of the Queen’s Jayantee celebrations.

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee colouring page has been immensely popular - both as an educational and engagement tool.

A few Bucks Museums (Amersham, Marlow, Discover Bucks) are using it and I have received encouraging comments from The National Gallery & Victoria Albert Museum in London.

The original artwork was displayed in A Little Street Kitchen Cafe on Amersham High Street and local families enjoyed the colouring pages over

CB Patel (Publisher & Editor-in-Chief of AV & GS) along with his family and neighbours celebrating Queen's Platinum Jubilee at a street party in Egham (Sharon Birch, Rick Birch, Molly Kennard, Mick Auger, Andy Bird, Liz Bird, Kalpanaben Patel & Subhasbhai Patel) "Throwback to the Silver Jubileeーmy family and me, eagerly hoping to get a glimpse of the Queen. We inherited our patriotism from our parents. Although they weren’t born here, they were so proud to be Londoners, to raise their family here, and have Her Majesty as their Queen." Sadiq Khan

fresh Asian-inspired food.

“Street party organisers and mothers have emailed me to get a copy of the colouring page to make it a part of holiday activities in the community and at home. Amersham Library has also organised a colour along with a session with me, which is on 11th June and I am really looking forward to it!” she told

Asian Voice.

“My artwork is a gift to the queen, a celebration of her life. I have plans to send the painting to the Queen - an Indian-inspired gift on her special day!”

Basu added.

Explaining the significance of Mithila paintings, Harsha explained

that the art form is 1000s of years old. As per folklore, it originated in the Mithila region - current day Bihar and Nepal in India - when Lord Rama and Goddess Sita got married. This is the art form that was used to decorate the village to celebrate Sita’s marriage. It has been practised, preserved and progressed largely by womenkind. It traditionally uses natural colours and tools. It promotes nature preservation, and nature motifs, and depicts people in association with people. In Japan, there is a museum dedicated solely to Mithila Art and The British Museum in London has at least if not more than 30 Mithila paintings in its collection.

Arunima Kumar is elated to be a part of history Arunima Kumar, award-winning Kuchipudi dancer, choreographer and Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar awardee and the students of her dance company performed at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Westminster Abbey on 1st June.

Kumar is an expert in the Kuchipudi dance form and an acclaimed South Asian dancer based in London. This is not the first time she performed for the royals. She has performed at Buckingham Palace in the past.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Kumar said, “It was once in a lifetime opportunity to represent Indian classical dance, Kuchipudi, at the global Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the

longest-serving Monarch. We were part of history yesterday - a moment we will cherish forever!”

Double celebration in Watford Borough

Jain representatives attend Jubilee Walk of Faith The historic Platinum Jubilee of the Queen's 70year reign was celebrated across Britain from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5.

Thousands of street parties were arranged around the country and for L-R: Punit Shah, Ritu Shah, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian representatives, the first time since the Smt Renuben and Bharatbhai Mehta Covid pandemic, people Garden. were seen rejoicing and upbeat.

Shri Bharatbhai Mehta and Renuben On Friday 3rd June, 'Jubilee Walk Of All Mehta along with Punit and Ritu Shah of Faith' was organised. Over 150 delegates Jain Network took pride in attending the from different religions and faiths joined the walk as representatives from the Jain comevent enhancing the multicultural identity munity. During this walk, the multi-faith of Britain. The walk which started from leaders especially remembered the Late Dr Central Gurudwara, Central Mosque Natubhai Shah who had made a vital contriRegent Street and London Peace Pagoda bution to the propagation of Jainism.

Synagogue ended at Westminster Abbey

Students of Kathak Guru Krushna Kumari who performed at the event

O

n Saturday 4th June thousands of Watford citizens came together at Britain's well known Cassiobury Park to celebrate Council's centennial and Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The town got the status of Watford Borough on 18th October 1922.

The parade of double celebrations that started from Watford highstreet reached Cassiobury Park Bandstand. In the afternoon, various events were held at Bandstand with participation from several organisations. The only Indian event, which was a dance performance by students of Kathak Guru Krushna Kumari was widely appreciated by the audience. Fun fair for children, variant stalls, rides, picnic, variety of cultural and musical programmes was enjoyed to the fullest by all those present. From morning 11 am till 9 pm, it was a grand festive celebration.

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Deputy Lord Lieutenant Raj Aggarwal hosts Duke & Duchess of Cambridge in Cardiff Deputy Lord Lieutenant Raj Aggarwal hosted the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Cardiff For the Platinum Jubilee.

Raj Aggarwal was present in his official duty to escort the Royal visitors on their visit to Cardiff for the Platinum Jubilee.

The Cambridges attended Cardiff Castle on Saturday with Prince George

Left to right, Honorary Captain Raj Aggarwal, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, Royal Marines Brigadier Jock Fraser

and Princess Charlotte on day three of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations.

Raj Aggarwal was there to welcome them and take them around to see the huge crowd that had formed to see them at the event. Afterwards, the Cambridges were introduced to performers and crew involved in the special celebrations taking place on the castle grounds on Saturday afternoon.

The couple and their children watched rehearsals and met some of the acts taking part in the celebrations including Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler.

Last week, Bonnie was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday honours last week for her services to music.

Raj Aggarwal said: "It was a huge

Nitin Mehta

Left to right, Air Commodore Dai Williams, Honorary Captain Raj Aggarwal, First Minister Mark Drakeford, and Royal Marines Brigadier Jock Fraser enjoying the Festival of Music in Cardiff

privilege and honour to welcome them. They were a delightful family, very relaxed and full of affection and warmth. They were courteous at all times and happy to be visiting Cardiff.

Their interaction with everyone was extremely pleasant and genuine.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte

Left to right, Secretary of State Rt Hon Simon Hart, Air Commodore Adrian Williams, Honorary Captain Raj Aggarwal, First Minister Mark Drakeford, Brigadier Jock Fraser

were overwhelmed by the gathering and were full of smiles.

"As they were leaving Cardiff Castle, I said to them it was wonderful having you and you made us all so proud and happy, and both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said they had hugely enjoyed the meet and greet

Raj Aggarwal Greets Prince George and the Cambridges near Cardiff Castle

Left to right, Brig Jock Fraser, Honorary Captain Raj Aggarwal, First Minister Mark Drakeford , Deputy Minister Hannah Blyth and Commanding Officer Philip Harper on board the HMS Severn do

Platinum Jubilee Festival of Music with Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, where Raj was representing the Royal Navy, in which he serves as an Honorary Captain. They were present for the 42 gun salute and the amazing musical performances in honour of the Queen. They also all attended the celebrations onboard HMS Severn in Cardiff on the same day.

stage with Elbow on this special day.”

After an emotional performance of Elbow’s hit song “One day like this”, backstage was abuzz.

For member Nawroz Oramari, known amongst friends as the Kurdish Elvis, the show was particularly special, reconnecting him to his Father

reckoned with as they joined rock legends Elbow to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee at Buckingham Palace last night.

With 50 members from over 30 different countries, Citizens of the World Choir combines a love of performing with a commitment to building a diverse and celebrated community.

After the performance, Musical Director Becky Dell extended her thanks to Elbow’s lead singer Guy Garvey for championing the choir, “we’re all incredibly grateful to Guy and Elbow for giving our choir this opportunity. Guy shares our commitment to spreading unity, kindness, culture and heritage through music, and we are beyond thrilled to have shared the

Indian Vegetarians organised a successful Jubilee Beacon event at Lloyd Park on 2 June. Colonial Ray Wilkinson who represents the Queen in Croydon and his wife Liz were special guests. In the traditional Indian way, they were welcomed with garlands by Ishwar Visvanathan who is a young Yoga master.

Councillors Manjul Hameed and Councillor Tony Letts were present. Those attending brought picnic food and were entertained with dances and music. Prayers for the Queen's

and said they will be back soon."

It was one of the many events over the Platinum Jubilee that Raj Aggarwal was involved in. He attended the

Ash Mukherjee sings with the Citizens Of The World Choir Critically acclaimed performer, Kolkata born Ash Mukherjee sang with The Citizens Of The World Refugee Choir and rock band Elbow at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Mukherjee said, “It is a privilege to be able to sing with the Citizens Of The World Choir. Our music and our story highlight the resilience of the human spirit. We have a fresh, extensive and unique repertoire celebrating the rich ethnic and cultural diversity that finds a home in our choir: from Indian ragas, American spirituals, Arabic rap and protest songs from across the ages, to folk music in English, Xhosa, Zulu, Kurdish and Welsh.

“The choir has become like a musical family to me. A family that celebrates the artistry, heritage and humanity of people seeking sanctuary and their allies. I am really grateful to our visionary Musical Director Becky Dell for creating this wonderful opportunity.

“We got to stand with our chosen musical family on a global stage and hopefully help towards redefining the narrative of how refugees and immigrants are perceived in the UK and the rest of the world.

“Being up there on that stage in front of millions of people and getting to sing “It’s A Beautiful Day’ with Elbow is an unforgettable and electric experience; one that I still have not quite processed yet if I am honest.”

The UK’s leading refugee choir proved they are a musical force to be

Indian Vegetarians celebrate Jubilee Beacon event at Llyod Park

whose lifelong dream was to meet the royal family.

For Ash, meeting Olympic gold medalist Tom Daley afterwards was a particular highlight.

“We had a brief chat about how emotional it can be to win and represent. This is one of the things I love about this choir. By its very nature, it facilitates a way of bringing together people of various ethnic backgrounds and then starting a dialogue.

“Dialogue that hopefully leads to shared understanding, empathy and kindness. That despite where we have all come from, underneath we are all essentially human,” Ash told the newsweekly.

Colonel Ray Wilkinson representing the Queen and his wife Liz Wilkinson

Janaki Mehta Bharat Natyam Dancer

continued good health were said by Hindu and Jain groups.

The 7th Day Adventists sang Gospel Songs. Janaki Mehta performed Bharatnatyam dances which left the audience spellbound. Young Nivedita sang a melodious Hindi song.

Our own Croydon's Elvis sang some memorable Elvis numbers. While all this was going on people were enjoying the picnic and freely sharing food with others.

The National anthem was sung followed by the everpopular Gujarati Garba dance, all in all a tremendous celebration.

The Indian Vegetarians and Vegans have recently won a certificate of appreciation for organising the Platinum Jubilee event from the palace.

Gujarat Samachar & Asian Voice were the Media partners for this event.

Lohana Community North London celebrated Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by holding a Platinum Jubilee Mela on Thursday 2 June at Raghuvanshi Charitable Trust. Bob Blackman, MP opened the event by cutting the cake and planting trees in the presence of LCNL president Dinesh Sonchhatra, Councillors Anjana Patel, Yogesh Teli, Ameet Jogia MBE and the community leaders.

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QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 2022 Sikhs and people of Sikh heritage working in the arts and education sectors honoured

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ikhs and people of Sikh heritage working in training as a lecturer in 2009 and making her the arts and education sectors are amongst way up to her current role. She receives an MBE. the many being honoured by Her Majesty Biddy said "I am absolutely delighted, humthe Queen in the Birthday Honours List of 2022. bled and honoured to be recognised for this Amongst the notable individuals is Sandeep award. I am thankful for the opportunities and Mahal. She is the former Director of interactions with the communities of practice Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature, where that have shared interests in developing a valuesshe drove the city’s vision for a place where based curriculum through the apprenticeshipseveryone is reading and writing their way to a education and skills training, shaping the mutubetter life. Sandeep spent ten years in public al growth of our future leaders at every level, in libraries in Sandwell, working as a Race Equality Librarian, and later as Outreach Services Librarian. She has also spent many years of experience in the UK publishing environment, transforming the way UK publishers collaborated with the UK public library network. In 2013, Sandeep was seconded as a Clore Cultural Leadership Fellow to The Space – a commissioning agency supporting greater digital access to the arts, cofunded by Arts Council England and the BBC. Sandeep has previously judged the Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize and the Costa Prize First Novel Award. She is a trustee of Spread the Word and the Women’s Prize Trust. She receives an MBE. When asked about her honour, L to R - Sandeep Mahal MBE, Gurvinder Singh Sandher MBE, Barjinderpall Kaur Lall MBE, Jasbir Dhesi OBE, and Daljit Nagra MBE Sandeep said “I am stunned and thrilled to receive this honour. I feel privileged to every sector, and in our economy."

Jasbir Dhesi is Principal and Chief Executive be acknowledged in this way, but I take this, not Officer (CEO) of Cheshire College South & West for any title, but in recognition of my Sikh parents’ journey and that generation who came here and has over 24 years of experience in senior and worked so hard to give us a better life. My leadership roles across 3 colleges. He is a qualitime as Director of Nottingham UNESCO City fied teacher and has previously been the of Literature has been the most professionally Principal/CEO of South Cheshire College and rewarding period of my career, and for me, what Yale College. He has worked with employers and made it so wonderful was our mission of buildpartners to support the economic growth and ing a better world with words and championing development of Cheshire and the wider region. greater representation so that more people are In 2019 he joined the Cheshire Police & Crime encouraged, inspired and empowered by arts Commissioner’s Anti Bullying Commission. He and culture. I am truly humbled to represent my receives an OBE Daljit Nagra is a highly acclaimed poet who Sikh heritage and grateful for all the support and draws heavily from his Punjabi and Sikh backinspiration I have received over the years.” ground in his works. One of his most famous Another recipient is Gurvinder Singh Sandher, the CEO of the KECC (Kent Equality poems, Singh Song, is taught in schools as part of Cohesion Council) and Artistic Director of Key Stage 3 and GCSE English. He is a Professor Cohesion Plus. He has been involved in the volof Creative Writing at Brunel University and the untary sector since 1999 and he established Chair of the Royal Society of Literature. His Cohesion Plus in 2008. During his career in the poetry collections have won various awards, and charity sector, he has worked extensively across his work has been shortlisted for the Costa Prize Kent in partnership with community, faith and and twice for the TS Eliot Prize. He was the statutory sectors to promote community coheinaugural Poet-in-Residence for Radio 4, and he sion, and engagement with diverse communities presents the weekly Poetry Extra on Radio 4 Extra. He receives an MBE. and eliminate discrimination. He is also a founding member of UK based Bhangra group Four By Other recipients of Sikh Four with whom he has performed all over the heritage in the list include: world, promoting Punjabi culture and arts. He OBE receives an MBE. • Sumeet Kaur MATHARU - Chief On hearing the news, Gurvinder said “Words Pharmacist, Defence Primary Healthcare, cannot fully express how humbled and sincerely Ministry of Defence. For services to Armed grateful I am to receive this recognition. Having Forces Healthcare (Sutton Coldfield, West worked in the heart of local diverse communities Midlands) for over 20 years now, I have been incredibly • Vippen Paul SAGOO - Founder, Global Asian lucky to work with and learn from a great numAwards. For services to the Asian communiber of local champions and heroes. As such, I can ty, and to Diversity and Inclusion genuinely say that this honour belongs to the MBE community and those individuals as much as it • Ameeta VIRK Markets Leader, Department does me. I am also so grateful for the fact that my for International Trade. For services to the parents will be able to see me receive this honEconomy our. They came to the UK from India in the 1960s and had to face countless struggles and The Chair of City Sikhs, Jasvir Singh OBE, said barriers in order to make a life for their family. I “It’s wonderful to be able to mark the Queen’s will be eternally grateful to them for everything Platinum Jubilee with the news of hard-working they gave me.” people across the country being recognised for Barjinderpall Kaur Lall, also known as Biddy, their efforts and their dedication to others. As is the Head of Curriculum at JGA Group, which Sikhs, the values of ‘kirat karna’ or working hard is a leading apprenticeship, training and career and honestly are an essential part of our identity, management organisation. She has been and it brings me great joy to see that being involved in education for the last 25 years, iniacknowledged in this way. Arts and education in tially as a member of her local Standing Advisory particular have a huge influence on the way that Council on Religious Education (SACRE) before we see the world around us. Congratulations to joining the world of apprenticeships and skills everyone on the Honours list.”

Knighthood for Rohinton Minoo Kalifa OBE Rohinton (Ron) Minoo Kalifa OBE has been awarded Knighthood for services to Financial Services, Technology and to Public Service.

Ron is a renowned strategic and operational leader in the field of digital and financial services, serving as Chair of Network International, an FTSE company, and of FutureLearn.

In June 2019, he was appointed to the Court of Directors of the Bank of England and is also a member of the Council of Imperial College, London.

Additionally, he is a Non-Executive Director for Transport for London.

Previously, he led Worldpay, a leading technology payments company, for over 10 years and was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year 2018 Honours List, for services to financial services and technology.

Ron is Chairman of Network International, a fast-growing payments company, which was previously owned by private equity. He joined just ahead of its initial public offering (IPO) in 2019.

He is also a Non-Executive Director for the Hundred England and Wales Cricket Board.

Ron was Vice Chairman of Worldpay (2013-19) and its global CEO (2001-2013). He developed the business from a small start-up to an IPO in London. And then took it through its merger with US-based companies, Vantiv and FIS. Ron has worked at Natwest (19782000), RBS (2000-2010) and across the UK, Europe and the USA. He has covered many aspects of the business including strategy, marketing and operations.

He is reported to be an investor in the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket

Sir Rohinton (Ron) Minoo Kalifa OBE

franchise, Rajasthan Royals.

Kalifa sits on various not-for-profit boards. He is a Non-Executive Director for Transport for London, where he chairs the Finance Committee. In May 2019, Kalifa was appointed as a NonExecutive Director to the Bank of England’s Court of Directors. In March 2020, he joined the Council of Imperial College London. In July 2020, Kalifa was appointed by the UK government to lead an independent Fintech Strategic Review. The outcome of the review entitled "Kalifa Review of UK Fintech" was published on 26 February 2021, his report highlighted the opportunity to create highly skilled jobs across the UK, boost trade, and extend the UK's competitive edge over other leading fintech hubs. It sets out a series of proposals for how the UK can build on its existing strengths, create the right framework for continued innovation, and support UK firms to scale.

In January 2021, he became a member of the Government's Build Back Better Council, consisting of 30 members representing industries from retail and hospitality, to finance, science and technology. The purpose of the council is stated to be "to unlock investment, boost job creation, promote Global Britain and level up the whole of the UK." In November 2021 he was favoured for a job as the Chairman of the Nominations Committee for ECB.

Navin Shah’s win is a milestone for British Indians

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avin Shah, Former daughter is Amari.

Chair of the Rekha is a longstanding London Assembly Harrow councillor and for& Former Assembly mer Mayor of Harrow.

Member Representing Aneka Shah-Levy is involved Brent and Harrow has with local Charities and is a been awarded the honour Harrow Councillor. Son, of Commander of the Neil Shah is a lawyer. In his Order of the British spare time, Navin enjoys art, Empire (CBE) in the music, travel and photograQueen’s Birthday Honours phy.

List 2022.

Spanning nearly 45 years Navin Shah CBE Navin’s active engagement Shah was born in in community cohesion and fighting Sarkhej near Ahmedabad in India. His racism started in about 1977 when he father Fakirchandbhai, a prominent got involved with the local Antibusinessman was a freedom fighter Apartheid Movement and joined the and his grandfather Punjabhai was Community Relations Council in President of the Ahmedabad Stock Harrow to address the issues of disExchange, a devout Jain and a commucrimination faced by the Asians fleeing nity leader. from East Africa.

After qualifying as an Architect in He has been instrumental in his Mumbai, Navin came to the UK as a role at the Navnant Vanik Association, University College London scholar in OneJain and his contribution to reli1973 where he completed a Diploma in gious places of worship as well as faith Development Planning. Working as an groups.

Architect and Development Planner in Commenting on this honour private practice he was involved in a Navin Shah said, “I’m delighted and variety of projects in the UK, Middles overwhelmed with this honour. I East, West Africa and India. He has accept it as a mark of success in reachworked on medical (university hospiing out to communities and stakeholdtal), education, commercial and resiers, working in the spirit of partnerdential projects. ship to promote social justice, combat Harrow is Navin’s home where he racism and discrimination in all forms, with his wife Rekha have raised their support the deprived and protect and daughter Aneka and son Neil. Aneka is enhance the environment.” married to Daniel Levy and their

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QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 2022 Ameet Jogia awarded MBE for outstanding political service

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meet Jogia, an active member of the Conservative Party for over 20 years has been awarded an MBE for political and public services in The Queen’s Birthday Honours list released to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

Having joined the Conservative Party at the age of just 16, Ameet has played a leading role in helping the Party to engage with the British Indian community – particularly Britain’s 1.7 million British Indian diaspora. Ameet has since worked his way up the Party and demonstrated his commitment to the Party countless times.

Ameet is currently the Co-Chair of the Conservative Friends of India – the group which he helped the founder Lord Popat to launch ten years ago in 2012 with the then Prime Minister David Cameron. CF India is the largest affiliate group within the Party which seeks to strengthen bilateral links between the UK and India.

Recently Ameet played a key role in organising the Prime Minister’s recent trip to India, which was particularly well received by the British Indian community.

Highlights of the Prime Minister’s trip included a visit to Gujarat – making Boris Johnson the first Conservative Prime Minister to visit the home state of the vast majority of British Indians. Ameet has subsequently been a champion for UK-India relations, including promoting a Free Trade Agreement between both countries.

Other recent successes include the role Ameet played in securing the Party’s one victory in his hometown of Harrow. The victory was reflective of the efforts of those like Ameet who were instrumental in successfully politically engaging with the largest British Indian population in the country.

Ameet has been an active, popular and hardworking Councillor in Harrow since 2014, proudly serving Canons Ward. He was recently elected for a third term, receiving the highest vote share than any other Councillor in the recent local elections.

Ameet is known by many local residents and has been very visible in a number of high-profile campaigns in the borough.

Ameet Jogia MBE

Ameet has always been a staunch supporter of the Conservative Party and his dedication has been unparalleled. During the 2019 General Election, Ameet did not take any bereavement or paternity leave during a difficult time. Instead, he remained committed to serving his party and country.

Ameet’s commitment to the Conservative cause has been said to have touched the Prime Minister.

By background, Ameet has worked in Parliament as a Political Advisor to former Minister of the Crown and Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy Lord Popat for over 10 years.

Ameet was recently awarded a long service award by the Houses of Parliament. Ameet has often referred to Lord Popat as his political mentor.

Ameet’s humble background and upbringing have resonated with many within and outside the Party. Speaking at Conservative Party Conference, Ameet said his upbringing inspired him to get involved in civic duty and to give back to his local community, which had given him and his family so much.

Upon his announcement, Ameet said, “I am humbled and honoured to have received this honour for something I am so passionate about. I would like to dedicate this award to my late parents who instilled in me the values of civic duty and I would like to thank my friends and family, especially my wife who have been very supportive in my political journey. I hope that I can continue to do more to serve our society.”

Varsha Mistry overwhelmed by this unexpected surprise Varsha Mistry immersed ing a sense of belonging, herself in her role within drawing on gems of Hindu forensics when she wisdom in striving for genjoined the Met in 1983 der parity, building confiand has spent her service dence and encouraging driving diversity, incluprogression, while inspirsion and engagement ing others through presenwithin her community tations and networking. and the MPS through her She instils pride and is a influential role with the visible positive role model.

Metropolitan Police The MPHA and the MPS Hindu Association have grown together, striv(MPHA). She was the ing to seek out a more first Indian woman to inclusive and cohesive relaachieve MPS Fingerprint tionship with hard to reach Expert status and has communities, none of Varsha Mistry BEM examined crime scenes which would be possible for serious crimes, murder and counter- without Varsha’s hard work and dedicaterrorism. tion.

Varsha has been instrumental in leadShe said, “I’m incredibly humbled by ing inclusion and diversity in police the proposers of this most kind nominarecruitment, developed crime prevention tion. This recognition comes as a truly initiatives, improved community engageoverwhelming and unexpected surprise. ment, launched fundraising projects, and It’s been fulfilling to draw on the universal organised over 200 local, national, and values of Sanatan (Hindu) Dharma to international events. The community, serve the Met Police and our communiofficers and staff benefit from her enhancties, whilst bringing them closer together.”

British Asian Lawyer receives MBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours

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awyer and Councillor, Pranav Bhanot country as Chairman of Chigwell Parish from Chigwell, Essex has been Council leading a team of councillors recognised in the Queen’s Birthday representing three wards.

Honours and has been recommended to be Pro bono legal guidance invested with an MBE for services to the As the founder of The Wedding Lawyer Community in Chigwell. platform and a lawyer at Meaby and Co 50 WhatsApp and Facebook Community Solicitors, Pranav assisted at no cost over Hubs connecting thousands of residents 2,500 brides and 300 hospitality across London and Essex businesses with the legalities surrounding cancelled weddings Committed to providing a due to the various Covid-19 voice, support and legal lockdowns.He also led the assistance for residents, campaign to repatriate British Pranav personally knocked on students stranded in Peru and over 2000 doors and unable to return to the United launched and continues to Kingdom at the start of the coordinate approximately 50 Covid-19 lockdown. Through the road specific and town Pranav Bhanot MBE use of political and legal pressure, specific WhatsApp Groups Pranav worked on a 3-day turnaround to get and three area-specific Facebook the students back to the United Kingdom.

Community Hubs across London and Essex Pranav was the President of the BPP Law connecting thousands of residents. Over the School Students’ Association and the past three years, the messaging platforms National President of the National Hindu have assisted in preventing crime, Students Forum (UK) representing a total of supporting lonely residents and providing 10,000 students. legal support to residents on issues such as neighbour disputes, noise nuisance disputes, harassment and redundancy.

Pranav Bhanot said, “Receiving an During the Covid-19 pandemic, Pranav Honour is one of the most special days of used social media platforms to provide free my life. I thank my family for all their legal guidance and assisted vulnerable support in allowing me to work hard to residents with free half-term school meals serve local residents, clients and and prescription deliveries. At the pandemic constituents. I dedicate this moment to my peak, approximately 1000 messages were Grandfather who recently died and instilled being sent daily by residents across the in me the value of service. I stand on the messaging platforms set up by Pranav. shoulders of giants and there are huge amounts more to achieve and do to create a In 2020, he was elected as one of the more fair and equal world.” youngest leaders of a local authority in the

Avnish Goyal receives CBE for services to social care and philanthropy Chair of Care England and Hallmark Care Homes, Avnish Goyal has received a CBE for his services to social care and philanthropy in her Majesty’s birthday honour’s list.

Avnish, who is also the founder of Hallmark Care Homes, received the national honour for his work during the pandemic with the largest representative body for social care, Care England, The Care Workers Charity and the volunteer-led initiative; Championing Social Care.

Avnish started his career in care in 1997 and became Chair of Care England in 2015.

Since his appointment, he has supported the sector in various initiatives such as campaigning for better funding for social care and the appointment of a commissioner for older people.

He helped found The Care Workers Charity nearly 12 years ago, of which he is now a patron to provide financial care and professional support to care workers. In 2021, the Hallmark Care Homes Foundation which he chairs gave a three-year grant of £78,000 to support The Care Worker’s Charity’s mental health support service which enables care workers to access free counselling. He helped set up and is chair of Championing Social Care, which seeks to shine a light on the great work of the social care workforce through a series of annual events.

In 2018, he established the Care Sector Fundraising Ball, which is the only dedicated fundraising event for the sector. The sell-out event to date has raised £348,000 for care charities and the black-tie fundraiser returns this September 24th at the Grosvenor House

Avnish Goyal CBE

Hotel in Park Lane, London. In 2020, Avnish Goyal and his wife Anita were appointed as Alzheimer’s Society Ambassadors, supporting the charity’s life-changing work to support people affected by dementia.

Avnish Goyal said: “I’m deeply humbled to be recognised by her Majesty, the Queen in her special platinum jubilee year for my work in social care and philanthropy as we celebrate our own silver jubilee for Hallmark Care Homes. I joined the sector because I wanted to make a difference and I knew I had something to offer. Over that time, I’ve worked hard, with my brothers, to establish a care company we can be proud of by delivering high quality care to residents in beautifully designed award-winning care homes and driving quality and care standards in the sector. I have enjoyed working with Care England and numerous charities which support and promote our caring and committed workforce. I’m delighted that my work has been recognised at the highest level. I know that this honour will act as a further catalyst to take my work in social care and philanthropy to the next level.”

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QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 2022 Dr Ramakrishnan receives MBE in Jubilee Honours

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r Chithra has also featured on South Ramakrishnan hails Indian premier television from a musical famchannels and also perily with a rich musical linformed on the All India eage. She is one of the most Radio as a youth artist. She sought after Carnatic has also been regularly perVocalists and an exponent forming during the Madras of Bharatanatyam based in Music season in recent the U.K. She is the Artistic years and has received critiDirector of Shruthi UK, a cal acclaim on several occaSouth Asian Art sions.

Organisation founded in Her desire to propagate 2005, to promote South the rich South Indian art Indian Classical Music and forms globally, led her to arts in the UK start Shruthi UK, a nonprofit organization, now Chithra hails from a based in Staffordshire. She family of musicians with a has also made her debut as rich musical lineage. Her Chithra Ramakrishnan MBE a playback singer in South doting parents noticed Indian movies. She conducts workshops and early her aptitude for dance and music. Her interactive sessions with children and also parents encouraged her and provided a with the community at large to create an favourable ambience to hone her talents awareness and interest in the rich Indian traunder renowned Gurus in Bharatnatyam dition-through music, dance and Indian culand Carnatic music. ture.

She started her musical career under her With an MBA in Marketing & Finance & mother Smt Susila Seetharamn, a senior Human resources, Chithra holds a doctorate Carnatic vocalist and later came under the in Management. tutelage of Shri Chalapuram Papa, one of the As a cultural ambassador and disciples of Shri.Tiger foremost entrepreneur, she is actively involved in Varadhacahrya and also under P.Vasudevan, working with children and young adults (Senior AIR artist, Trichy) disciple of with Special needs and enriches their lives T.K.Rangachary.She further had the opporthrough South Indian Classical Music and tunity to learn under Madhoor dance as a holistic approach.

P.Balasubramanyam, a senior disciple of She is the Director of the British Shri. Kanchana Subbarathnam.Currently, Carnatic Choir, which launched for the very she is under the able guidance of renowned first time in Britain in June 2015. Chithra is a musician and musicologist Dr Prof Shri TV fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, London.

Gopalakrishnan.

She has been awarded an MBE in the She has performed extensively in India, Queen’s Birthday Honours 2022.

Middle-east and in the United Kingdom. She

Professor Indranil Chakravorty honoured with MBE

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ndranil Chakravorty 1994. is a Consultant In the UK, he completPhysician in General ed his MRCP (1997), workInternal Medicine and ing in Lincolnshire and Respiratory Medicine at Birmingham. He underSt George's University took his doctoral research Hospital, London. He is on sleep apnoea and health the Director of Medical economics from the Education and previously University of Warwick Deputy Dean in Health (2006) and then trained in Education England, Respiratory Medicine in London (2012-2020). He London. He was appointed is an Honorary Professor a consultant in respiratory in the Faculty of Life & medicine at Lister Hospital, Medical Sciences at the Stevenage, Hertfordshire University of (2005) before moving to St Indranil Chakravorty MBE Hertfordshire, Hatfield.

George’s University He is the founding chair of the BAPIO Hospital in London in 2010.

Institute for Health Research and editor-inHe lives with his wife (Subarna) a paedichief of the journals The Physician and atric haematologist at King's College, Sushruta Journal of Health Policy.

London and daughters Triya (a doctor from Oxford University) and Aria (currently in Professor Chakravorty was born in high school). He attributes his interest in Asansol and raised in Jamshedpur, research to his scientist father and his love Jharkhand where his father Nidhir for social justice and writing to his mother Chakravorty, was a geologist for the Sharmila, a novelist, feminist and singer.

National Metallurgical Laboratory. He finProf Chakravorty told Asian Voice that ished his secondary school at Loyola where he is delighted to receive the recognition on he was awarded the Mr Loyola award for his behalf of the whole team at BAPIO Institute contribution and leadership in debating, for Health Research. He was pleased that astronomy, editing the school newspaper the important work exploring the differenand for his academic achievements. He tial attainment of medical professionals and moved to La Martiniere, Kolkata for his high inherent healthcare inequalities that affects school (ISC), spent a year in Presidency the outcomes for patients, especially after College, studying Physiology then read the Covid-19 pandemic, is not only being medicine in Kolkata Medical College. taken seriously. He hopes that actions, as After his MBBS in 1992, he completed 2 proposed in the recommendations, will be years of internship and senior house officer implemented by all the stakeholders training at Kolkata Medical College improving outcomes for our patients and Hospital. He worked briefly in Bellevue colleagues from minority groups.

Clinic, ICU before moving to the UK in

Liverpool artist receives MBE

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r Chila Kumari Singh Burman has been awarded an MBE for her services to Visual Art, particularly during Covid-19.

Born in Liverpool, Chila Kumari Singh Burman describes herself as a ‘Punjabi Liverpudlian’ who likes to combine her Indian roots with popular culture. Punjab is a region in the north of India. She has been described as a South Asian pop artist.

She creates art that is fun but also makes you think. She likes using unexpected styles and techniques to create her masterpieces.

She loves the energy of different colours.

Her work includes collage, printmaking and video. You could say that she’s a ‘mixed media’ or a ‘multimedia’ artist.

Chila Kumari Singh Burman doesn’t like being labelled as one thing. She combines different techniques including painting, collage and printing together; this is known as ‘mixed media'. When video or sound is used in artwork it’s called ‘multimedia'.

Chila Kumari Singh Burman’s multimedia work includes making short films. Dada and The Punjabi Princess is a video that features Punjabi dancers and images similar to those seen through a kaleidoscope. Her collages feature objects and pictures that she’s collected. Her self-portrait, Auto Portrait is made up of 28 smaller portraits of her and it took her 12 years to make. She also made a self-portrait called Tall Fly Girl made up of thousands of hand-painted images of her face.

Magpies like to collect shiny things and

Chila Kumari Burman MBE

so does Chila Kumari Singh Burman. Her studio in Hackney, East London is filled with treasures she’s found on her travels like retro jewellery, ancient artefacts, shimmering sequins, Chinese paper cutouts and bindis.

Bindis are small dots worn on the forehead, traditionally in South Asia. They can be round or the shape of a teardrop. They can be simple or shiny, depending on the reason they are worn.

She once decorated a real tuk-tuk with unexpected embellishments like wrapping paper from Nepal, gems from Sri Lanka, fairy lights, Indian stickers and giant plastic eyelashes.

One of the artist’s best-known pieces is a giant glittery ice cream cone sculpture, complete with a chocolate flake on top. This artwork is called Eat Me Now and was inspired by her dad who owned an ice cream van. It's about seven times bigger than real ice cream at 152cm tall.

In 2017 Chila Kumari Singh Burman was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for her art, but she doesn’t consider it ‘work’. Her family are very proud of her art.

Chunilal Odhavji Kakad awarded an MBE at 94

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r Chunilal been the chairman since Odhavji 2012. BAOPA caters for Kakad’s zeal elderly Asians, many in their for voluntary work has eighties, for their well-being evolved over four and assisting with social decades. Today, at 94 needs. years of age and with He is also the chairman health-related probof the Barnet Multicultural lems, he continues his Community Centre, BMCC endeavours to help othbrings together three culers. He came to the UK turally and religiously from Uganda after the diverse communities, nameexpulsion of all Asians ly the Christian, Muslim in 1972. For a short and Hindu faiths together Chunilal Odhavji Kakad MBE period, he worked as an to share resources and operoffice manager in central London and ate from one place. Under Chunilal’s opened a grocery shop in 1975. Although leadership, BMCC won the Barnet Civic he was working full-time, he always Award in 2013 for cultural diversity and aspired to assist those less fortunate. He strengthening community cohesion joined different voluntary organisations between all three groups. working at different levels and positions.

Despite his advanced age, Chunilal Due to his work commitments, many of was also the main carer for a number of these roles were carried out either on years for his sick wife who passed away weekends or in the evenings until 2005 in 2020. He has devoted much of his free when he retired. time to others and offered unconditional support in improving the lives of so Chunilal was awarded the Community many who were less fortunate both in his Champion Award from Brent Council community and the wider community in (2009) for his volunteer work.

North West London and the surrounding Chunilal joined Barnet Asians Old area. Chunilal has been awarded an MBE Peoples Association, BAOPA, when he for his long-term community service. retired and sold his business and has

Dr Dave recognised for his services to NHS Dr Umakant Ramchandra Dave has been appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the NHS. Dr Dave is a consultant gastroenterologist at the Swansea Bay University Health Board, specialising in endoscopy.

He also has a passion for developing others, supporting endoscopy training in Bangladesh, establishing new trainee awards for his health board and delivering mindfulness and wellbeing training for colleagues.

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Dear Financial Voice Reader,

Alpesh Patel OBE

How Low Can the Stock Market Fall?

It's been a roller coaster of a year for the stock market. After hitting an all-time high in February, the market took a nosedive in March as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe. The market rebounded somewhat in April and May, but then took another dive in June as recession fears mounted.

So, where does the market go from here? Can it continue to fall or have we hit bottom?

There's no straightforward answer to that question.

The stock market is a complex beast, and predicting its future movements is difficult, if not impossible.

However, there are a few things we can look at to get a better idea of how much further the market may fall.

1. The global economy is still in a precarious state The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the global economy and it's still not clear when things will get back to normal. In the United States, unemployment is still high and many businesses are struggling to stay afloat. And while some countries have reopened their economies, the risk of another wave of infections remains. All of this uncertainty is likely to continue weighing on the stock market.

2. Corporate earnings are under pressure Companies are feeling the squeeze as the pandemic continues to take a toll on the economy. In the first quarter of 2020, corporate earnings fell by 12% compared to the previous year. And while earnings are expected to rebound in the second quarter, they're still expected to be well below pre-pandemic levels. This could mean more selling pressure for stocks in the months ahead.

3. Valuations are still relatively high Despite the recent sell-off, stock valuations remain relatively elevated. The price-to-earnings ratio (P/E ratio) for the S&P 500 is currently around 24, which is higher than the long-term average of around 16. This means that stocks are still relatively expensive and there could be more downside if valuations come down to more realistic levels.

Where Does That Leave Us? It's hard to say for sure how much further the stock market may fall. However, given the uncertain economic outlook and elevated valuations, it's possible that we could see further declines in the months ahead. It may even lead to another bear market.

The evidence is also mixed on how much further the stock market may fall. Some experts believe that we have bottomed out, while others believe that there is more room for the market to fall.

Recession risk is one of the biggest factors driving the market at the moment. If recession fears continue to rise, the market will probably fall further. However, if the economy shows signs of recovery, the market may rebound.

The bottom line is that predicting the future movements of the stock market is a difficult task. Several factors could cause the market to rise or fall in the months ahead. So, if you're invested in the stock market, it's important to be prepared for more volatility in the months ahead.

Keep an eye on all my free tools to teach a million people to be better investors at www.alpeshpatelventures.com/links

Staff shortage affecting aviation industry in UK Staff shortage is affecting the aviation industry in UK and thousands of travellers are believed to have been stuck abroad after flight cancellations over the weekend. The problems are taking time to resolve and Advantage's chief executive warned there were "no guarantees" the situation would improved by the summer.

"Thirty per cent of my staff are now dealing with calls from very anxious holidaymakers who have bookings, whose travel plans, as far as we know right now, will take place, but they are anxious because obviously they're hearing all [about] the disruption," said

Julia Lo Bue-Said.

Bue-Said said airlines were already employing new staff, many of whom were already undergoing training, and that she hoped the industry would be ready by the busy summer period.

However, Mike Clancy, general secretary of Prospect, a union representing staff working in airports and across aviation engineering, said recent cancellations were having a "really damaging impact" on people's confidence. "It would be difficult to give anybody the confidence at the present, that we are going to be okay by the school holidays in July," he said.

EU’s 27 member states agree to ban seaborne Russian oil imports Leaders of the EU’s 27 member states have now agreed to ban seaborne Russian oil imports. To placate landlocked countries such as Hungary, pipeline shipments will continue for now, but Germany’s and Poland’s willingness to taper their pipeline purchases should, combined with the seaborne ban, see Russian oil exports to the EU decline by 90 per cent by the end of 2022.

Prices of oil from elsewhere will rise as European refineries quickly seek replacement supplies.

In May, about 500,000

barrels a day of Russian crude was still arriving in northwest Europe, according to Vortexa, a shipping analytics company.

While that is a marked decline on the 1.4 mn barrels Vortexa said came each day before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, shipments to Mediterranean countries such as Italy have actually

risen since February 26, although some of those supplies are going to Turkey.

Russia, which produced more than 10 per cent of global oil supplies before the crisis, will need to find new buyers for its barrels or international oil markets could become dangerously undersupplied, analysts pointed out. India has stepped up purchases and China is expected to import more as its cities emerge from Covid-19 lockdowns.

But there are doubts over how much Russian oil they

can absorb, either due to refinery mismatches with Russian grades or a desire to diversify their suppliers.

Millions of barrels of Russian oil are floating on ships with the vessels’ set as destinations “unknown”, suggesting cargoes could be struggling for buyers.

The International Energy Agency has forecast that Russian output could decline by as much as 3 mn b/d. Some analysts see a smaller fall of 1 to 1.5mn b/d.

Even this lower figure could still be enough to push oil prices higher.

UK's contingency plan to reopen giant gas storage facility Centrica's facility in Yorkshire was mothballed in 2017 when the government refused to subsidise it. The government may now be prepared to contribute to reestablishing a strategic gas reserve. The talks are going on as a part of plans for a "reasonable worst case scenario" in which Russia shuts off all gas supplies to Europe resulting in Norwegian gas supplies being redirected from the UK to Europe.

These plans also include extending the life of the few remaining coal fired power plants in the UK. UK Business Secretary

Kwasi Kwarteng wrote to the owners EDF, Drax and Uniper instructing National Grid's Electricity System Operator to explore what would be needed to extend production.

While the EU relies on Russia for 40% of its gas supplies, the UK gets a very small amount from natural gas from Russia but is reliant on Norway for a third of supplies.

There are concerns that if Russia cuts off supplies to the European Union or the bloc boycotts supplies because of the Kremlin's attack on Ukraine, Norwegian supplies might

Banker takes on cleanup at DWS investments Stefan Hoops, a protégé of Christian Sewing, Deutsche chief executive, will take over from Asoka Wöhrmann next week, inheriting a business being investigated by US and German authorities after a whistleblower accused DWS of misrepresenting how it used environmental, social and governance metrics to analyse companies across its investment platform.

Hoops had known for some time that he was in the running to take over at DWS, Deutsche Bank’smajority owned asset manager beset by allegations of greenwashing. But a police raid on bothcompanies’ Frankfurt offices catapulted the 42-year old Deutsche executive into the centre ofGermany’s latest corporate catastrophe earlier than expected. While both the asset manager and Deutsche continue to deny any wrongdoing, Hoops will be left with some “cleaning up” to do when it comes to DWS’s reputation, in the words of a leading investor.

A person close to both companies said the nomination of Hoops, who joined Deutsche as a graduate in 2003, would not mean DWS was being “pulled back into the mother ship”.

Its aim to become one of the world’s top-10 asset managers remained intact.

But Hoops must still convince customers and shareholders that DWS is about to enter calmer waters, even as he becomes the sixth person to lead the business in a decade, during which time a succession of managers left after failing to stem an exodus of clients.

Hoops spoke to his predecessor and DWS’s management team and compiled a list of key customers to call and reassure. No one at DWS or Deutsche has been charged with wrongdoing over greenwashing, people close to Hoops were keen to stress, though it could take years for the probes to come to a conclusion.

be diverted. In fact, there has been a glut of liquefied natural gas arriving in the UK in recent weeks as suppliers use the UK's terminals as a hub for deliveries to Europe.

Tankers have been turned away as there is nowhere to store it. At full capacity, Centrica's facility in Rough, Yorkshire can store between 10 and 12 days' worth of the UK's gas needs. Industry experts say that if they started work now, it might be able to hold up to six days' worth of the UK gas demand by this winter. It was shut five years ago when

Centrica told the government that the £2 to 3 bn worth of investment needed to extend its life made no economic sense to a private company.

Government minister Chris Philp described the contingency plans as "a sensible precautionary measure given that the gas supply coming out of Russia and Ukraine is, for obvious reasons, so heavily disrupted and we do, of course, use quite a lot of gas to generate electricity."

CityFibre engaged in laying broadband lines gets £4.9 bn debt finance CityFibre is one of dozens of alternative network providers, or altnets, that have been laying fibre lines, taking advantage of the slow pace at which monopoly BT was upgrading its network from copper. Over the past two years, as BT and Virgin Media O2 have significantly accelerated their fibre rollout, the battle between these challenger companies and the incumbents has intensified. It is a Goldman Sachsbacked telecoms company laying broadband lines in the UK. The company has now secured £4.9b n in debt finance from a consortium of banks and investors, in one of the largest ever financings by a fibre company. The company said the debt package would finance its rollout of fibre infrastructure to 8mn homes and enable it to participate in the government’s Project Gigabit scheme to reach rural homes.The debt raise has been underwritten by NatWest, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, BBVA, Intesa Sanpaolo, ING and SEB, with ABN Amro, Lloyds Bank and asset manager M&G joining as core lenders.

The financing follows £1.13 bn in equity investments CityFibre closed in the past 10 months from Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala and Switzerland-based Interogo Holding, as well as from existing investors Antin Infrastructure Partners and Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s infrastructure business.

Fuel prices may soon hit 180p a litre, says RAC RAC, the motoring body, said that the price of petrol surged by nearly 5p a litre in the week that included the bank holiday break.

RAC says that it could soon hit 180p a litre.

Oil prices remain high due to the war in Ukraine and sanctions to reduce Europe's dependence on Russia. In March, the government cut fuel duty by 5p a litre for a year, but the RAC called for more help for motorists. RAC spokesperson Simon Williams, said: "More radical government intervention is urgently needed, whether

that's in the form of a further reduction in fuel duty or a VAT cut." Over the week from 30 May to 5 June, average diesel prices also rose from 182.58p a litre to 185.01p.

"Sadly, we expect to see the average price of petrol break through the 180p mark this week with diesel moving further towards 190p," said Williams.

AA fuel price spokesman Luke Bosdet said: "Shock and awe is the only way to describe what has been happening at the pump during the half-term break."

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Singapore regulator raises concern over Tata's takeover of AI The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has expressed concerns over Tatas acquiring Air India (AI) as three related entities now have a major presence on “overlapping passenger routes” - Delhi-Singapore and Mumbai-Singapore apart from “overlapping cargo routes” between India and the city state. Singapore Airlines (SIA) is a 49% stakeholder in Vistara, which is 51% owned by the Tatas. Now Tatas own 100% of AI. Together, these three have a major presence on the India-Singapore sector.

CCCS says it “needs to

assess further whether the competitive constraint from other (unrelated) airlines, such as IndiGo, would be sufficient after the transaction.

Accordingly, CCCS needs to further review the competition effects of the transaction in greater detail.”

The commission had this January accepted an application from Talaca, the Tata entity formed for acquiring AI, to decide “whether the transaction (Singapore’s) infringes Competition Act 2004, which prohibits mergers that have resulted, or may

be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition. …”

“CCCS has raised competition concerns with Talace on the transaction…

In particular, AI and Vistara are two of the three key market players along the overlapping Air Passenger Transport Routes (meaning Singapore-Delhi and Singapore-Mumbai), and both airlines are likely to be each other’s close (if not the closest) competitor,” the CCCS website said in a communique. “Third party feedback also suggests the presence of SIA as a significant competitor of AI

and Vistara along the Overlapping Air Passenger Transport Routes and the Overlapping Air Cargo Transport Routes.

However, CCCS needs to assess further the extent to which SIA competes with the merged entity along these routes, given that SIA is a JV partner with Tata Sons in Vistara…” says CCCS. At this stage, “the parties may offer commitments to address the potential competition concerns of the Transaction raised by CCCS. Otherwise, the merger will proceed to a detailed further review”, it adds.

Tata offers voluntary retirement scheme for Air India staff While about 5,000 Air India employees were to retire in the next five years, the airline rolled out a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for some permanent employees including cabin crew for the first time ever in AI’s history.

The VRS scheme is for employees who are either over 55 years of age or have completed two decades of service. For certain cabin crew members and some grades of clerical and

unskilled employees, the age to opt for VRS has also been relaxed to 40 years.

“An ex gratia amount will also be provided to employees who apply for voluntary retirement from June 1 to July 31, 2022, as a one-time benefit. (Those doing so) will also receive an additional incentive over and above the ex gratia amount,” says the order issued by AI’s chief human resource officer, Suresh Dutt

Tripathi, a Tata Steel veteran brought in by the group after taking over the Maharaja.

The order further says that “The acceptance of your application for (these) benefits and the date of release shall be subject to management discretion.”

The Tatas have now also started fresh hiring for Air India.

Even under government ownership in

the last two years, AI had rolled out a VRS for some of its employees. The unions are questioning this move on the grounds that AI's new owners have to retain employees for a certain time as per the terms of sale.

Whether rolling out a voluntary scheme violates the same remains to be seen.

India’s manufacturing Tata’s Vistara fined for activity remains robust violating landing norms Manufacturing sector in India remained robust in May on the back of new orders with a surge in global demand which was the strongest in over 11 years.

However, a survey compiled from responses to questionnaires sent to purchasing managers in a panel of around 400 manufacturers, indicates that the segment faced the brunt of solid inflationary pressures.

At 54.6 in May, little changed from 54.7 in April, the S&P Global India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) pointed to a sustained recovery across the sector. The above-50 reading was the 11th in as many months and consistent with a solid improvement in operating conditions. The 50-point mark separates expansion from contraction.

The Indian manufacturing sector had been hit hard by the lockdowns that were imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection. Since the lifting of curbs, the sector has been scripting a robust recovery but the war in Ukraine and the disruption in supply chains has again dented the turnaround and heaped pressures on prices.

According to Pollyanna De Lima, economics associate director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, “India’s manufacturing sector sustained strong growth momentum in May. Thanks in part to the sharpest rise in international sales for 11 years, total new orders expanded further”.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of Rs 10,00,000 on Vistara after a co-pilot landed an aircraft at Indore airport on August 9, 2021 under the supervision of a captain who had not undergone simulator training to train a first officer. The DGCA said this “serious violation has endangered the lives of everyone on board.”

According to a senior DGCA official, “Vistara has been fined for violation of takeoff and landing clearance given to first officers without conducting any training. Training is conducted for first officers to land aircraft in a simulator before they can do it on the aircraft with passengers onboard.

In the same way, a captain is also trained at a simulator before he or she can give landing to the first officer”.

In a statement, Tata and Singapore Airlines owned Vistara said: “A supervised take off and landing (STOL) was conducted on a flight to Indore in August 2021 under the supervision of an experienced captain. The pilots were adequately trained and in possession of valid STOL certificates issued by their previous employer for which Vistara claimed the credit. Vistara voluntarily reported to regulatory authorities that the same training which was to be conducted again, in line with regulatory requirements, was missed, leading to the regrettable violation. Vistara always puts the safety of passengers and staff as its top priority. ”

Reliance Brand to buy 40% stake in Italian toy maker Reliance Brands (RBL), which bought British toy retailer Hamleys in 2019, is all set to acquire 40% stake in Italy-headquartered Plastic Legno’s toy manufacturing business in India for an undisclosed sum. The deal will help Reliance Brands strengthen its toy production in India with the acquisition of Plastic Legno's Pune-based Dream Plast.

The deal comes against the backdrop of global retailers such as Ikea

looking to increase the sourcing of toys, albeit wooden ones, from India. A joint statement by both RBL and Plastic Legno said the investment will not only help RBL bring vertical integration for its toy business but allow it to diversify its supply chain with a long-term strategic interest in building toy manufacturing in India.

“It is imperative for RBL to build design-toshelf capability for an advantage over the

competition and to be an accelerator in building a robust toy manufacturing ecosystem in India not only for domestic consumption but also for global markets,” said an RBL spokesperson.

Dream Plast, which operates three factories in India, is a plastic injection moulding company specialising in the production of toys, food packaging containers, sport items and childcare products. It is a subsidiary

of Plastic Legno of the Sunino group that specialises in the “transformation of plastic materials”.

The Indian government last year approved eight toy clusters across India at a cost of £230 million after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that with 85% of toys sold in India are being imported, the country’s share in the $100-billion global toy market is very less.

If the shoe fits Suresh Vagjiani, Sow & Reap Properties Ltd

I recently met an estate agent in Bayswater, who I have known for well over a decade. He has an issue which I suspect many readers have as well. During the course of his business he has built up a small but respectable portfolio of 5 properties; the issue is they are all in his personal name.

The thorn in his behind is that being a high rate tax payer he cannot offset the mortgage payment from the rental income. He cannot offset an expense from an income. This is the equivalent of having to pay taxes on your turnover and not your actual income.

Back when he bought the properties, the lending was more favourable and there was no real tax advantage to purchasing the property in a corporate vehicle; both from a loan to value perspective and that you were able to get a far keener rate. The LTV went up to 89%, if memory serves me correctly, you could also add a gifted deposit.

This meant 94% of the purchase price would be coming from the lender; this particular lender was called GMAC. Therefore, most purchasers in this era bought personally.

The only way this interest can be off set is if the property is in a corporate wrapper, where the property is now held in a company and the shares are now owned by the investor.

In order to make this happen, there are going to be two issues, one is the capital gains tax payable, and the other is the stamp duty on the company purchasing the property.

The properties would have been bought at a fraction of their current value, therefore the tax on this gain would be substantial. Not to mention the renewed finance costs on the company instead of the personal name.

For these reasons, most people in this position simply bear the slow pain.

However, there is a way out of this predicament. I know a barrister who specialises in these matters, and has already dealt with numerous cases successfully.

As always, the devil is in the detail, and a few conditions need to be satisfied in order for this to happen.

One consideration is the time spent per week on managing the portfolio. Case law has shown that property letting may consist of sufficient let properties and engagement by the owner to constitute a business.

The Ramsay case is the case law which has been cited. In that case, some 20 hours per week were spent on managing the portfolio. The court decided that the level of activity, and taking the activities of the taxpayer “in the round”, was sufficient to deem her work in respect of the portfolio as being beyond the mere passive receipt of income and therefore satisfied the “business” test for the CGT relief.

If the portfolio is a business, it should be possible to transfer the entire business to a company in exchange for shares in that company, without triggering capital gains tax. Instead, the shares that you receive in the company will have a reduced base cost for tax purposes, meaning that capital gains tax may instead be due on any future disposal of those shares. However, the company is deemed to have acquired the properties at their value at the date of incorporation, meaning the company will be taxable on any future growth in the value of the properties, but not the growth prior to incorporation. You will have transferred the properties into a corporate vehicle without incurring any capital gains tax at that time, or stamp duty.

An initial meeting will be set up for this chap, to assess whether the shoe fits his particular situation; it will be an interesting exercise.

India’s GST collections rose by 44% in May India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections dramatically rose by 44% year-on-year in the month of May 2022. The total GST collections for the month of May reached £14 billion.

The contribution of domestic and overseas segments, in fact, was equal in this increase of GST. The government said usually the first month of the financial year typically generates lower revenue.

This may have to do with firms pushing sales in March to meet their targets before the end of the

financial year. Due to this, the total mop-up in May 2022, based on transactions in the previous month, was 16% lower than April. The GST department made record collections of a little under £ 17 billion in April 2022.

Last year in the first quarter of India’s financial year there was a disruption in sales due to the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

This could be one of the reasons for a higher yearon-year growth for the month of May this year.

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in brief LANKA MUSLIMS TO FORGO HAJ THIS YEAR Sri Lankan Muslims have decided to forgo the Haj pilgrimage this year due to the worst economic crisis facing the debt-ridden country, a media report said. Saudi Arabia had approved a quota of 1,585 Haj pilgrims from Sri Lanka for the year 2022. However, it was decided no Muslim from Sri Lanka would travel for the pilgrimage this time, following a discussion by several parties, including National Haj Committee, Haj Tour Operators Association of Sri Lanka, and Muslim Religious & Cultural Affairs Department.

BLACK BOX OF CRASHED NEPAL AIRCRAFT FOUND A team of experienced international and national mountain guides retrieved the black box of the Tara Air plane that crashed in Nepal’s mountainous Mustang district, killing 22 people on board, including four Indians.

Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma of Mustang said that rescuers also recovered the last body from the wreckage site of the plane. According to Chief District Officer Sharma, the bodies of 10 people have already been sent to Kathmandu while the rest of the bodies have been shifted to Kobang from the crash site and are in the course of being airlifted to Kathmandu.

NEW AFGHAN GOVT FACES MILITARY THREAT FROM IS Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers are maintaining close ties with al-Qaida as they consolidate control over the country, and their main military threat is coming from the Islamic State extremist group and guerrilla style attacks by former Afghan government security personnel, UN experts said. The experts said in the report to the UN security council that with the onset of better weather, fighting may escalate as both Islamic State and resistance forces undertake operations against Taliban forces.

But neither IS nor al-Qaida “is believed to be capable of mounting international attacks before 2023 at the earliest, regardless of their intent or of whether the Taliban acts to restrain them,” the panel of experts said.

ISRAEL SIGNS FREE TRADE PACT WITH UAE Israel signed a free trade pact with the United Arab Emirates, its first with an Arab state and one which eliminates most tariffs and aims to lift their annual bilateral trade to more than $10 billion.It was signed in Dubai by minister of economy and industry Orna Barbivai and her counterpart, UAE’s minister of economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, after months of negotiations. Tariffs will be removed or reduced on 96% of goods traded between the nations. The UAE predicted the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement would boost annual bilateral trade to over $10 billion within five years. Emirati-Israeli trade stood at $1. 2 billion in 2021. Tariffs will be reduced on goods including food, medicine, diamonds, jewellery, fertilisers and other chemicals.

4 KILLED, 14 HURT IN CHINA QUAKE At least four people died and 14 others injured after two earthquakes hit southwestern China last week. A shallow 6.1 magnitude quake hit Sichuan province about 100 km west of provincial capital Chengdu, broadcaster CCTV said. It was followed three minutes later by a second quake of magnitude 4. 5 in a nearby county. Tremors were felt in cities across Sichuan province, damaging some telecommunications lines, state media reported.

49 killed in chemical blast at Bangladesh container depot SITAKUNDA (BANGLADESH): At least 49 people died and hundreds were injured after a fire sparked a huge chemical explosion at a shipping container depot in Bangladesh, officials said. The toll was expected to rise, with some of the over 300 people injured in serious condition, officials said, while volunteers reported there were more bodies inside the smouldering, wreckage-strewn facility.

The fire started at the depot in Sitakunda, which stores

around 4,000 containers, many of them filled with garments destined for Western retailers. The facility is about 40 km from the major southern port of Chittagong.

Following the fire, containers holding chemicals exploded, engulfing firefighters, volunteers and journalists in an inferno, hurtling people and debris through the air, and turning the night sky a blazing orange.

Buildings located kilometres away rattled with the force of the

blast. Elias Chowdhury, regional chief doctor, said that the number of dead was 49 but would increase.

Firefighters continued to douse pockets of fire. “The death toll will rise as the rescue work has not been completed yet,” Chowdhury said. Reazul Karim, operations director of the fire department, said that at least seven firefighters died and that at least four others were missing.

Mujibur Rahman, the director of B M Container Depot, the firm

operating the facility with around 600 workers, said that the cause of the initial fire was still unknown. The container depot held hydrogen peroxide, fire service chief Brigadier General Main Uddin told reporters. “We still could not control the fire because of the existence of this chemical,” he said.

Lanka in diplomatic row over Pak mulls initiating sedition case against Imran, others seizure of Russian plane COLOMBO: A diplomatic row has erupted between Sri Lanka and Russia after Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport detained an Airbus A330 aircraft of Russia and did not allow the flight with 191 passengers and 13 crew members to to depart.

Sri Lanka’s top envoy was summoned to the Russian foreign ministry to receive a “resolute protest” over the detention, Russian state news agency TASS reported. But Airport and Aviation Services, which runs Bandaranaike airport, said the dispute was “purely of a commercial nature” and should not be subject to state involvement.

The plane was stopped on the orders of Colombo commercial court in response to a commercial dispute filing by Celestial Aviation Trading 10 Limited of Ireland. Aeroflot had suspended all international flights in March following Western sanctions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, but resumed operations to Colombo the following month. It remains unclear whether the detention was related to those sanctions.

According to media reports, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has told Moscow that the issue with the seizure of the aircraft is not between two countries but a private legal matter. A spokesman from the Prime Minister’s office said that Wickremesinghe did have a discussion on the issue with the secretary ministry of foreign affairs and advised him what should be done.

Minister of aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva acknowledged that the issue would make an impact on the tourism industry in Sri Lanka, in addition to the foreign exchange crisis. The Russian airline has decided to suspend its commercial flights to Colombo from June 4, after eight months of operation.

The company owning the aircraft had pleaded in the court that Aeroflot was told not to fly the plane after the lease agreement came to be terminated in March.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government is mulling to launch a sedition case against former prime minister Imran Khan and the chief ministers of Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for allegedly planning an “attack” on the federation during a protest here last month.

A meeting of the special committee of the Cabinet held under the chairmanship of interior minister Rana Sana Ullah Khan deliberated on the issue of bringing sedition charges against Khan and others following their “Azadi March” that left a trail of destruction in the capital Islamabad. The May 25 march aimed at forcing the government to call snap polls, but failed to achieve its objective as clashes erupted between protesters and police.

The government has been mulling options for appropriate action against Khan and others for vandalising property of the state.

The interior minister said formal planning was made to hold the capital hostage, and Khan provoked his workers through his hate speeches against

the federation.

Sanaullah said that the marchers were armed and under a plan, about 2,500 miscreants had already been brought to Islamabad even before May 25 and they tried to capture DChowk before the arrival of Khan.

Sanaullah said that the armed group not only attacked the police and paramilitary Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Corps personnel but also set fire to a metro station.

Imran making naked threats: Shehbaz Reacting sharply to Imran's comments about “breaking Pakistan into three pieces”, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in Turkey that the former premier was “unfit for public office”. The prime minister, who is currently on a visit to Turkey, accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supremo of “making naked threats against the country”, and warned his predecessor against “talking about [the] division of Pakistan”.

“Do your politics but don’t dare to cross limits and talk about [the] division of Pakistan,” he warned the PTI chairperson.

BAPS delegation discusses temple Lanka needs $5 bn in next 6 months for essentials: Wickremesinghe construction with Bahrain PM MANAMA: Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, recently met Swami Brahmaviharidas and delegation of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha to discuss the construction of a BAPS temple in Bahrain.

It is to be constructed on a land gifted by the leadership of Bahrain on February 1. The meeting, at which Indian Ambassador Piyush Srivastava was present, was led by the international coordinator and head of BAPS Middle East, Swami Brahmaviharidas and included Swami Aksharatitdas, BAPS Bahrain President Dr Praful Vaidya. During the meeting, Brahmaviharidas delivered a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Crown Prince, welcoming the historic moment. He also conveyed blessings and good wishes of the spiritual leader of the global BAPS, Mahant Swami Maharaj.

“The fruition of a long-cherished dream, the Swaminarayan Temple in Bahrain will represent the timeless values of Hinduism

and the vision of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for an inclusive world that will nurture peace and interfaith harmony.”

The Bahrain temple will also welcome people of all faiths who may wish to know and understand Indian traditions and have the space for various cultural and spiritual activities. Speaking on the occasion of receiving the grant of land formally from the Crown Prince, Brahmaviharidas said, “We are profoundly grateful to the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain and to the Prime Minister of India for this historic gift of land which represents the enriching of warm relations and an exchange of ideas between Bahrain and India which spans millennia. For BAPS, it is the culmination of a precious moment in 1997 when the late Emir Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa received His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj at the Royal Palace in Bahrain. In their conversation, Sheikh Isa lovingly and instantaneously told Pramukh Swami Maharaj, ‘Make Bahrain your home.'”

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's cashstrapped government will need at least $5 billion in the next six months to maintain basic standards of living, including some $3.3 billion for fuel imports, the country's prime minister told parliament.

"Only establishing economic stability not enough, we have to restructure the entire economy," said Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is working to prepare an interim budget to balance Sri Lanka's battered public finances. The island nation of 22 million is suffering its worst economic crisis in seven decades, with a shortage of foreign exchange stalling essential imports.

Seeks UN help over food scarcity The country is seeking urgent United Nations help to build a stockpile of essential foods, the prime minister’s office said, after authorities warned of looming starvation.

Acute shortages of food, fuel and other essential goods, along with record inflation and rolling blackouts, have inflicted widespread misery in the island

nation’s unprecedented economic crisis.

Scarce supplies of petrol, diesel and fertiliser have made it difficult for farmers to grow crops, while the agricultural sector is still reeling from a disastrous organic policy that kneecapped yields last year.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization is now planning a “food crisis response plan” to shore up reserves and will also offer more funds for urban agriculture, the PM's office said in a statement.

Parliamentary speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana warned in April that Sri Lanka was facing “very acute food shortages and starvation”.

Around half of Sri Lanka’s rice production was lost last year, and the latest cultivation season which started last month has been disrupted because of fertiliser shortages.

Sri Lanka’s painful economic crunch was sparked by a shortage of foreign currency, leaving traders unable to pay for critical imports, including fertiliser.

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Two brothers of Gupta family arrested in UAE ABU DHABI: Atul and Rajesh Gupta, two brothers from the wealthy Gupta family, have been arrested in the United Arab Emirates, the South African government has announced. They are accused in South Africa of profiting from their close links with former president Jacob Zuma and exerting unfair influence.

Extradition talks are taking place with the UAE, South African officials say. The brothers fled South Africa after a judicial commission began probing their involvement in corruption in 2018. They are accused of paying financial bribes in order to win lucrative state contracts and influence powerful government appointments.

Gupta brothers

The family moved from India to South Africa in 1993.

They also face accusations of money laundering in India, where tax officials raided properties belonging to them in 2018 in multiple cities, including their company office in capital Delhi.

Most serious corruption allegations levelled against the Indian-born brothers focus on

their relationship with Zuma, who was president of South Africa from 2009 until he was forced to step down amid a storm of c o r r u p t i o n allegations nine years later.

Gupta The family is accused of using their close links with Zuma to wield enormous political power across all levels of South African government - winning business contracts, influencing highprofile government appointments and misappropriating state funds.

Zuma and the Guptas deny any wrongdoing. After the brothers fled the country, South Africa

negotiated an extradition treaty with the UAE in 2021. President Cyril Ramaphosa's government has said it hoped the agreement would lead to the return of the Guptas to face charges, but it was not immediately clear whether the brothers will return to South Africa.

One of Zuma's wives, as well as a son and daughter, held senior positions in Guptacontrolled companies. Many of the companies in the Gupta portfolio profited from lucrative contracts with government departments and state-owned corporations where public officials say they were directly instructed by the family to take decisions that would advance the brothers' business interests.

Indian-American Harini Logan is new Spell Bee champ HOUSTON: Harini Logan, a 14year-old Indian-American eighth-grader from Texas, barely took a breath as she correctly spelled 22 words during a marathon, first-of-its-kind 90second spell-off to win the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee, beating Vikram Raju in the prestigious contest where children of Indian origin have ruled the roost.

Logan, who took home the USD 50,000 cash prize and Scripps Cup trophy on top of awards from Merriam-Webster and Encyclopedia Britannica, was

Harini Logan

declared champion after she was reinstated by judges in the final round.

She spelled 22 out of 26 words correctly, while Raju, a 12-year-

old boy from Denver, got 15 out of 19 words right during the firstof-its-kind spell-off, a format that tested the contestants on how many words they could correctly spell within 90 seconds.

The final two competitors had trouble deciphering their words between rounds 13 and 18. At that point, judges opted to institute the first spelloff, 90 seconds to spell as many words as possible correctly.

Vihaan Sibal, a 13-year-old from Texas, finished third while Saharsh Vuppala, a 13-year-old eighth-grader from Washington, was fourth. “Just so surreal, it’s my fourth time at the Bee. This is such a dream, this is my fourth and I'm just so bee overwhelmed,” said Logan on stage holding the trophy.

“Harini is an Indian American, resuming a trend that has persisted for two decades - 21 of the past 23 champions have had South Asian heritage.” The National Spelling Bee was launched in 1925.

in brief 13 WOMEN SWORN IN AS MINISTERS IN NEW OZ GOVT A record 13 women, including the first female Muslim, were sworn in as ministers in Australia’s new government. The ceremony conducted by governor-general David Hurley in Canberra came 11 days after new PM Anthony Albanese led the center-left Labor Party to an election victory over the incumbent conservatives. Anne Aly was sworn in as Australia’s first female Muslim minister while Ed Husic became the first Muslim to serve in cabinet. Linda Burney became the first woman, and only the second indigenous person, to serve as indigenous affairs minister. Of the 30 ministers appointed to the new government, nearly half are women. Women also hold a record 10 spots out of 23 in core Cabinet roles.

3 KILLED, 60 HURT AS TRAIN DERAILS IN GERMANY Three people were killed and 16 severely injured when a regional train derailed in southern Germany, police and local officials said. A police spokesperson said the Munichbound train had been quite full at the time of the crash north of GarmischPartenkirchen, a ski resort in Bavaria that is also popular with hikers. In total, 60 people were hurt in the accident, said a GarmischPartenkirchen district office spokesperson.

There were school students on board, the regional Muenchener Merkur newspaper cited local paper as reporting. Pictures on social media showed carriages of a double decker regional train stuck between tree branches and rolled down an embankment.

Beijing inches closer to zero Covid cases as restrictions eased NUMBER OF NEWBORN BEIJING: Beijing inched closer to zero Covid cases Monday as the capital rolled back virus restrictions. The city reported 2 cases, down from 6 on Sunday and the lowest tally since April 22.

It’s a stark contrast to last month, when the capital was recording several dozen cases a day, stoking concern of a citywide lockdown. Instead, mass-testing and targeted measures such as movement restrictions and work-fromhome orders in the worst affected areas helped bring the outbreak under control.

The country still faces the risk of resurgence, with outbreaks seen in other areas.

The Inner Mongolia region, where cases are on the rise, reported 69 local infections for Monday, accounting for about half of new cases nationwide.

The border city of Dandong, an important port for trade with North Korea, reported 32 cases on Monday. Partial travel restrictions were imposed in the area on Saturday because of rising cases.

Life started to return to normal for Beijing on Monday,

with public transport resuming in most districts, allowing workers to return to the office.

Entertainment facilities like cinemas opened in most areas, with capacity capped at 75%, while restaurants were allowed to offer dining in. Residents are allowed to move about freely as long as they have a negative Covid test result within the past 72 hours. The previous requirement was 48 hours.

In another sign of the city reopening, theme park Universal Beijing Resort said it will resume operations from

June 15. China has trumpeted its Covid Zero approach, which included an unprecedented twomonth lockdown of Shanghai and harsh restrictions elsewhere, for bringing its outbreak under better control.

But its success has come at an enormous economic and social cost and hasn’t totally eliminated infections, underscoring the challenges officials would face if they tried to pivot away from a strategy that puts cities at constant risk of repeatedly locking down and reopening.

US mass shootings: 5 killed, two SA president sued for alleged 'kidnapping,' 'corruption' dozen wounded PHILADELPHIA: Five people were gunned down and two dozen others wounded in a pair of weekend mass shootings in the United States, the latest in a string of deadly gun attacks that have left lawmakers scrambling to tackle the crisis.

The shootings - late Saturday in Philadelphia and early Sunday in Chattanooga, Tennessee - further jolted a country facing a gun violence epidemic that has already claimed several thousand American lives this year and shows no signs of abating.

They come as polarized US senators find themselves under pressure to craft a measure that codifies at least basic, preliminary steps to help reduce the carnage. In Philadelphia, two men and a woman were killed when multiple people opened fire on a crowd at a popular South Street nightlife area.Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said one of the victims had gotten into a fight with another man, which could have been the cause of the shooting. The two others were "innocent bystanders," she told reporters. An eruption of violence in Chattanooga resulted in 14 people being shot, including two killed, while another person died and two more were injured after they were struck by vehicles fleeing the scene, police chief Celeste Murphy said, adding "several" victims remained in critical condition.

The pre-dawn incident occurred near a nightclub in a downtown section of the city of 180,000. Such gun violence has become almost commonplace in America, with more than a half-dozen other shootings recorded over the weekend in which multiple people were killed, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks shootings nationwide.

But the shock felt over recent mass shootings at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York and an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, which saw 10 and 21 people gunned down respectively, have spurred ardent cries for action.

JOHANNESBURG: A former senior official of South Africa has filed an official complaint of "kidnapping" and "corruption" against President Cyril Ramaphosa. In his complaint, Arthur Fraser, a former South African intelligence chief alleged that Ramaphosa had abducted and interrogated burglars who stumbled across 3.8 million euros "hidden" in one of his properties before buying their silence.

"Today, I have taken the unprecedented step of filing a complaint against His Excellency, the President of the Republic of South Africa," said Arthur Fraser, in a statement. "This complaint stems from the theft of more than 4 million dollars [3.8 million euros] hidden" in a farm owned by Ramaphosa in the northeast of the country, Fraser added.

Fraser claimed that the burglary took place on February 9, 2020, and that "the president concealed the crime" from the police and tax authorities, "and then paid the culprits for their silence". Fraser accuses Ramaphosa of "obstructing justice", and organising "the abduction of the suspects, their interrogation on his property and their bribery".

He said he had provided the police with "evidence to support" his complaint: "photos, bank accounts, names and videos". His lawyer, Eric Mabuza, confirmed that the complaint was filed at a Johannesburg police station.

BABIES IN JAPAN HITS RECORD LOW A total of 811,604 babies were born in Japan in 2021, a record low since 1899, as the nation’s demographic crisis intensifies, the government said in a report. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the figure was down 29,231 from a year earlier. The latest data also showed that the number of couples getting married decreased in the recording period by 24,391 to 501,116, the fewest in the post-war era, the Ministry said. In addition, it also said that according to the most recent figures, the number of children a woman will bear in her lifetime retreated 0. 03 point from 2020 to 1.30 in 2021. Japan is facing a demographic crisis, with its society rapidly shrinking due to drastically declining birth rate and fewer people getting married. At the same time, the number of senior citizens is growing, meaning a gradual yet persistent hollowing out of Japan’s workforce-aged people.

POISONING SUSPECT OF KREMLIN CRITIC DIES Dmitry Kovtun, one of two Russian men accused by Britain of poisoning Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006, has died of Covid in a Moscow hospital, TASS news agency said.

Litvinenko died weeks after drinking green tea laced with radioactive polonium-210 at London's Millennium Hotel, where he met Kovtun and the other suspect, Andrei Lugovoy. British investigators found traces of polonium at sites across London where the two men had been. They denied carrying out the poisoning, and Russia refused to extradite them to face trial.

Litvinenko, a British citizen, was a former KGB officer who had become an outspoken opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin. From his deathbed, he accused Putin of ordering his killing, but the Kremlin has always denied any role.

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PM Modi says UP is India’s growth engine Addressing the third groundbreaking ceremony of the Global Investors Summit at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited the leading members of India Inc to visit his parliamentary constituency Varanasi to explore investment opportunities there.

During the meeting Modi said that it was not a small development that a government was re-elected in UP for the second consecutive time after more than three decades. “It shows that the government has earned the confidence of the people.

Investors are willing to invest in UP because of the improved law and order situation, investmentfriendly atmosphere and the infrastructural development taking place under the leader-

Narendra Modi

ship of chief minister Yogi Adityanath,” he said.

He pointed out “I am confident that UP, with its consumer base of 16%, will give momentum to India’s growth story.

Every sixth man in India is from UP. More than a dozen towns in the state have a population of over 500,000. Every district has a special product, which is being promoted by the government.

The state has the highest number of MSMEs. The state produces all grains and a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables”.

The event, which saw over 1,400 projects worth over £8 billion come in, was the first significant event hosted by the BJP government after it returned to power. In its previous tenure, BJP organised two groundbreaking ceremonies - the first (in 2018) brought investment worth £6.18 billion and the second (in 2019) witnessed investment proposals worth £6.72 billion.

The event saw the coming together of India’s top businessmen and industrialists, including Gautam Adani, Kumar Mangalam Birla and Niranjan Hiranandani.

25 pilgrims on way to Yamunotri killed in accident Twenty-five pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh died and three were critically injured when the bus in which they were travelling fell into a deep gorge en route to the Yamunotri temple in Uttarkashi district.

The accident took place near Rikhavu khadd on the way to the Himalayan shrine, Uttarkashi District Disaster Management Officer Devendra Patwal said.

The pilgrims were from Panna district in Madhya Pradesh, Additional Chief Secretary Radha Raturi said.

Besides the driver and the helper, there were 28 passengers on the bus. Seventeen bodies have been recovered so far, and a search is on for the rest, Patwal said. Three people injured in the accident have been admitted to the Community Health Centre

in Damta.

Police and SDRF teams have been rushed to the spot, besides ambulances from Badkot, Nagaon and Nainbagh. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the disaster control room at the secretariat immediately after being informed about the accident. He asked the district magistrate of Uttarkashi to speed up relief and rescue operations.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan also spoke to Dhami for an update on the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Uttarakhand Governor Gurmit Singh expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident.

“The news of the bus accident in Uttarakhand is very

painful. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Under the supervision of the state government, the local administration is engaged in all possible assistance on the spot,” the Prime Minister’s Office said, quoting

Modi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Dhami after the accident and said local rescue teams were engaged in the rescue operation, while National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel would also reach the spot shortly.

After ‘Gyanvapi’ another plea filed

Even as the Gyanvapi case is being heard by the Varanasi district court, a petition for seeking permission for performing puja in another structure in the city was filed recently with petitioners asking for worship at Bindu Madhav temple inside Beni Madhav-ka-Dharahara, alleging that it was destroyed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and converted into a mosque. The structure is an ASI-protected monument.

Referring to history books and the ‘Varanasi Gazetteer’, the petitioners have claimed that Bindu Madhav temple of god Vishnu existed at the top of the Panchaganga Ghat along the Ganga. The temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb and a mosque was built there, they claimed.

Raja Anand Jyoti Singh, the lawyer of petitioners Atul Kul, Rahul Mishra, Rajendra Prasad, Shyamji Singh and Ramesh Yadav said, the court of civil judge (junior division) Akash Verma has accepted “our petition by allotting case no. 225/2022 and fixed July 4 as the next date for hearing in this case”.

Advocate Singh said: “The petitioners wish to restore the temple, which was destroyed by the Mughal emperor ”. The petition will be heard on the day when the district judge takes up the Shringar GauriGyanvapi case. Beni Madhav-ka-Dharahara came into focus in 2002, when some residents of Panchaganga Ghat formed the Beni Madhav Darahara Bachao Samiti to stop the alleged misuse of the national monument by members of the minority community.

Attempts by right wing activists to hoist the national flag at this monument on Independence Day and Republic Day between 1997 and 2014 were prevented by police.

Another witness of Lakhimpur India flays US after its minority Kheri violence attacked attack report Another eyewitnesses in the case against Union minister Ajay Mishra Teni's son, Ashish Mishra, whose convoy allegedly mowed down four farmers and a journalist on October 3 last year was attacked. Security officials were absent during all three attacks.

A Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) district president, who is an eyewitness in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, had a narrow escape recently when he was allegedly attacked by two bike-borne assailants who tailed his SUV and fire at him near Gola town in Kheri district. His police security guard was on leave.

An FIR has been registered under section 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC against "unidentified" persons at the Gola police station. A forensic team also visited Kheri to collect evidence as the ballistic report was important for the case.

The farmer leader, who was attacked, has said that “I was going home when two bikers attacked me.

They first shot at one of the tires of my car. They then

tried to open the door.

However, when they failed, they opened fire at me but I managed to escape. I couldn’t identify the attackers as it was too dark. They eventually fled. My security guard had gone to see his ill son but he came to the spot after hearing about the incident. " He added: "I am an eyewitness in the Kheri violence case but I don’t have personal enmity against anyone. I have filed a complaint against unidentified persons and the police have registered a case. They have assured me that the accused

will be arrested soon. ” Kheri Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Suman said that prima facie the attack on the farmer was "suspicious". However, he did not want to say much until the investigation was complete. Suman said, “This incident is linked to a highprofile case so I immediately carried out an investigation along with some forensic experts. A forensic science laboratory team from Lucknow had visited here.

We are taking the support of technical experts and collecting all possible evidence such as CCTV footage. "

USA’s annual report on religious freedom contained a rare criticism of its emerging ally India, documenting incendiary comments by public officials and accounts of discrimination against Muslims and Christians. The report accused Indian officials of supporting attacks on minority worshippers.

The report did not go down well with the Indian authorities. India’s foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said senior US officials had made "ill-informed" and "biased" comments coinciding with the report’s release.

According to a statement made by Bagchi "As a naturally pluralistic society, India values religious freedom and human rights." He added "In our discussions with the US, we have regularly highlighted issues of concern there, including racially and ethnically motivated attacks, hate crimes and

gun violence." Defending its record on religious tolerance India rebuked the United States for its own rights issues after the report was released by Washington.

While releasing the report, US secretary of state Antony Blinken also spoke about how the report highlights violation of rights in Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and other countries while adding in the same breath that the report, beyond these countries, also documents how religious freedoms and the rights of religious minorities are under threat in communities around the world. For example, he said, "in India we have seen rising attacks on people in places of worship".

Rashad Hussain, the US ambassador at large for international religious freedom, added: "In India, some officials are ignoring or even supporting rising attacks on people and places of worship."

No need to look for a Shivling in every mosque: RSS chief Bhagwat Referring to ongoing disputes in India centering on certain "incidents" linked to the history of a place of worship, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said, "These (incidents) cannot be changed by either Hindus or Muslims of the country. . . Invaders took to breaking down temples to crush the morale of the Hindus, and also create an impression among newly converted Muslims.”

While addressing RSS workers at an annual event in Nagpur to mark the completion of their third year of training, Bhagwat said “there is no need to look for a Shivling in every mosque”. He said even the dispute over Varanasi's Gyanvapi

mosque could be resolved amicably by Hindus and Muslims. He said the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri worship case could be resolved just by talks between the two communities. “If it comes from the court, the decision should be acceptable to both sides.”

Bhagwat said RSS had taken part in the Ram Janmabhoomi campaign in Ayodhya "due to certain very important reasons. It was also made clear that the organisation would not be part of any new movement. There is no need to raise fresh disputes every day," he said. Bhagwat described Muslims of India as "descendants of Hindus and even

Kshyatriyas who were converted into a different faith". “Hindus, while raising any such issue, should understand that Muslims are their own people. Just that their faith was changed. If they are ready to return, we would welcome them with open arms. Even if they do not want to, there is no reason to be displeased. Indians already worship a multitude of deities. There are many faiths in the country, and Muslims would remain one of them," he said. The RSS chief said the onus was on both communities to exercise restraint and not provoke each other. Hindus have "always shown restraint", he said.

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in brief

SOUTH INDIA

Tough fight for 4th Karnataka RS seat BENGALURU: Six candidates are in the fray for the June 10 Rajya Sabha poll to four seats from Karnataka, necessitating a heated contest for the fourth seat. Despite not having an adequate number of votes to win the fourth seat from the state Assembly, all the three political parties in the state - BJP, Congress and JD(S) - have fielded candidates for the seat, forcing an election.

The six candidates in the fray for Rajya Sabha polls from the state are - Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, actor-politician Jaggesh and outgoing MLC Lehar Singh Siroya from the BJP, former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh and state general secretary Mansoor Ali Khan from the Congress, and former MP D

Kupendra Reddy from the JD(S).

Among the candidates, Sitharaman and Jairam Ramesh are seeking re-election from the state. Despite JD(S) seeking support to ensure Reddy's election to the Upper House of the parliament, the Congress did not withdrawn its second candidate Khan from the fray on

Friday, the last day for withdrawal of nomination, and has issued a whip to all its MLAs asking them to vote for the party's candidates.

The JD(S) had sought Congress' support by invoking secularism and to keep communal forces away. JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda is

even said to have discussed with Congress President Sonia Gandhi in this regard.

The Congress had in turn asked the JD(S) to support its candidate Khan, and return the favour, reminding the regional party that it had supported its patriarch and former PM Deve Gowda's election to Rajya Sabha last time. The election to four Rajya Sabha seats is necessitated as the term of office of members Nirmala Sitharaman and KC Ramamurthy of BJP, and Jairam Ramesh - is due to expire on June 30. The fourth member Oscar Fernandes of the Congress passed away last year. A candidate needs the support of 45 MLAs to win, and based on their strength in the Legislative Assembly, the BJP can win two seats and the Congress one.

PUNJAB

4 former Punjab Cong ministers join BJP CHANDIGARH: Barely two weeks after former state Congress chief Sunil Jakhar joined BJP, four former Punjab cabinet ministers - Balbir Singh Sidhu, Sunder Sham Arora, Gurpreet Singh Kangar, and Raj Kumar Verka - joined the saffron party. Six others - four from Congress and two from SAD - also left their parties for BJP. Former MLA from Barnala and expelled Congress leader Kewal Singh Dhillon, considered close to former CM and now Punjab Lok Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh, also joined the saffron party. Former health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu’s brother and Mohali mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu also embraced BJP. Other leaders to jump onto the saffron bandwagon are former

Congress leader and four-time former MLA from Samrala Amrik Singh Dhillon and his grandson Karanvir Singh Dhillon, who is president of the Samrala municipal council.

Jakhar is believed to have played a big role in the exodus of leaders.

All four former cabinet ministers first met Jakhar at his residence in Panchkula. Later, they also held a meeting at Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar’s residence, where Union minister Shekhawat and Delhi BJP’s Manjinder Singh Sirsa were present.

Seven people, including four minors, drowned in the Gedilam river in Tamil Nadu when they went to bathe in the water body, officials said. The incident happened at Kilarungunam village near Panrutty in Cuddalore district. Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi expressed grief over the incident and prayed for the departed souls. Chief Minister MK Stalin, in an official statement, condoled the deaths and announced a compensation of Rs 500,000 to each of the bereaved families. He called for steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents. One among them should be placing of warning signs near water bodies, he said. Officials concerned should impart first aid training to people, especially those staying near water bodies, to help in times of crises, he added.

Punjab govt to restore HC REUNITES LESBIAN security to at-risk individuals COUPLE IN KERALA CHANDIGARH: Punjab’s AAP government informed the Punjab and Haryana high court that the withdrawal of state security to 434 at-risk individuals, including slain singer-rapper Sidhu Moosewala, was “transitory” and that guards assigned to all such people would be restored by June 7.

The formal statement in the HC was in response to a petition by former deputy CM Om Prakash Soni, questioning the Bhagwant Mann led government's decision to revoke his security. Moosewala was fatally shot while out in his vehicle along with a friend in his native village in Mansa district on May 29, a day after his security was withdrawn.

Blamed by many for Moosewala's murder, the state government maintained in court that security cover to the 400odd "protectees" had been temporarily withdrawn because

Bhagwant Mann

resources needed to be diverted as part of law-and-order requirements on the anniversary of Operation Blue Star. Security was to be automatically restored on June 7, it said. A sealed report on the controversy was submitted to the bench of Justice Raj Mohan Singh by the government’s law officer, advocate Gaurav Garg Dhuriwala. The court also wanted to know why the government made public the identities of the protectees who were suddenly left without state security.

WEST BENGAL

Dilip Ghosh reacts to BJP’s warning on remarks against top brass KOLKATA: BJP`s national Vice President and former West Bengal unit chief Dilip Ghosh seems to be in no mood to honour his party high command`s order barring him from making media statements against its leadership. Just a day after BJP`s national General Secretary and headquarters incharge, Arun Singh sent an email communique to Ghosh on this count, the latter was in his usual maverick mood.

"What is this censorship all about? I have not received such communication from the party high command. Of course, the media persons have shown me a copy of some purported letter," he said, indirectly questioning the authenticity of the censorship letter.

In the letter that Singh forwarded, it was said that certain statements and outbursts by the latter have not only angered the state party leaders, but also embarrassed the central leadership. "This was pointed out to you on several occasions by the party leadership in the fond hope that you will take note," read Singh`s letter. He also pointed out that he wrote the letter following instructions from party President J.P. Nadda.

7 PEOPLE DROWN IN TAMIL NADU RIVER

Dilip Ghosh

"On the instructions of J.P. Nadda Ji, I wish to convey to you the party`s deep anguish and concern at issuance of such statements and advise you to always refrain from going to the media or any public forum, about your own colleagues either in the state of West Bengal or anywhere else," the letter quoted Singh as saying.

On May 20, Ghosh was relieved of the party`s organisational responsibilities in his home state West Bengal, and entrusted with the task of expanding the party`s base in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Manipur, Meghalaya, Assam, and Tripura.

Kolkata police begin probe into singer KK's death KOLKATA: Kolkata Police have registered a case of ''unnatural death'' over the demise of renowned Bollywood singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK, and started an investigation, even as the main opposition BJP blamed the West Bengal government for ''lapses'', drawing a sharp retort from the ruling TMC which asked the saffron party ''not to politicise'' death.

A post-mortem examination of the singer's mortal remains was conducted and the report is awaited, the police said.

"Police has spoken with the manager and other staffers of the hotel where KK had put up. A case of unnatural death has been registered by the police after the singer felt unwell before being taken to a hospital," an officer was quoted as saying.

"We are scrutinising the CCTV footage to understand what had happened before he was taken to the hospital," the police officer said, adding that two persons have been questioned in connection with the case.

The Kerala high court reunited a lesbiancouple which had been separated by their parents who did not approve of the relationship. The court allowed the women to live together after one of them moved a habeas corpus petition seeking directions to the police to produce her partner - a Kozhikode native - who had been allegedly taken away by force by her parents from the petitioner's home. The court initially asked the police to produce the Kozhikode native before it and when she appeared before the Bench, she said she wanted to live with the petitioner. As both women were adults and wanted to live together, the court allowed their plea.

MOOSEWALA KILLING: THIRD SUSPECT ARRESTED The Punjab Police have arrested another person in connection with the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, taking the number of people held in the case so far to three. Davinder alias Kala was nabbed from Haryana's Fatehabad. Two suspects involved in the killing had allegedly stayed with him, police sources said. Two days after the killing of Moosewala in Mansa district, the Police made the first arrest in this case. The arrested person, Manpreet Singh, was accused of providing logistic support to the assailants. Police had termed the incident a case of an inter-gang rivalry and had said the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was behind the killing. Canada-based Goldy Brar, who is a member of the gang, had claimed the responsibility for the murder.

LIFE TERM TO IS OPERATIVE IN BENGAL Mohd Mosiuddin alias Musa, an Islamic State (IS) operative in Bengal accused of plotting the execution of foreigners, was sentenced to life imprisonment by a special NIA court. Musa was arrested in 2016 on charges of brainwashing and radicalising youths, had also been interrogated by the FBI after his plans of targeting US nationals came to the fore. Chief judge Siddhartha Kanjilal sentenced Musa after finding him guilty of “waging war” against the government and organising followers to execute his plans. According to a charge sheet filed earlier by NIA, Musa was plotting ISIS-style execution of foreigners, especially those from the US, Russia and the UK, visiting the Mother House in Kolkata.

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ED asks Rahul to appear on June 13 in National Herald case Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been issued fresh summons by the Enforcement Directorate asking him to appear for questioning on June 13 in the National Herald money laundering case after he expressed inability to turn up the session scheduled for June 8 because he is travelling overseas.

Gandhi is facing a money laundering probe associated with Young Indian, a section 25 company in which, together with his mother, Congress chief Sonia and sister and party general secretary Piyanka, his family controls majority shareholding. Sonia has also been summoned by the agency on June 8 to record her statement. Although she has tested positive for Covid, a Congress spokesperson has said that she would appear before the agency as scheduled.

The ED’s case is based on an income tax investiga-

Rahul Gandhi

tion report taken cognisance by the courts where alleged money laundering charges have been made.

The agency has already questioned senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Pawan Bansal, office bearers of the Congress and also associated with the Young Indian.

The investigation is related to Young Indian acquiring the entire shareholding of Associated Journals Ltd, the publisher of National Herald. The AJL also owns properties across major cities.

Dubbing the case a Modi-authored “fake issue” for political vendetta and to divert attention from social unrest, Congress said Sonia and Rahul will comply with the ED summons and defeat the conspiracy. Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi called it a “weird case of money laundering in which no money is involved”.

The I-T department, in its assessment order placed before the Delhi HC, had claimed that Young Indian had taken “hawala entry of Rs 1 crore from a shell com-

pany of Kolkata”. Besides these charges, the ED is also probing how the entire “process of takeover of the commercial property of AJL was completed within three months from the date of incorporation of YI without paying any taxes and stamp duty”. The I-T department has already taken action against Young Indian. It withdrew the tax exemption of Young Indian, cancelling its charitable status, and raised a tax demand of £24.91 million on the company and its shareholders, including the Gandhis, for "benefiting from the acquisition of £ 41.44 million properties through AJL".

The ED is also probing an alleged "fake" loan extended by Congress to AJL for £9 million. Sources claim that the purported loan was actually never given to AJL, and was merely a "book entry" which was written off when Young Indian acquired AJL.

Indian team holds talks with Taliban leaders during Kabul visit In a first since India withdrew all its diplomatic staff from Afghanistan following the return of the Taliban in August last year, the government has sent a team led by MEA joint secretary J P Singh to Kabul to “oversee” delivery of New Delhi’s humanitarian aid to the country and also engage with senior Taliban leaders on the issue.

Singh, who handles the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran (PAI) division of the foreign ministry, met Taliban’s acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The meeting, described

by Muttaqi as a good beginning, focused on diplomatic relations, bilateral trade and humanitarian aid with the Taliban seeking resumption of Indian projects, according to a Taliban spokesperson. The head of Taliban political office in Doha, Suhail Shaheen said that the visit was “needful and sagacious”.

While Indian authorities warned against reading too much into the visit, saying it should not be seen as indicative of any decision on official recognition for Taliban, the visit is still significant as it follows an outreach by the Taliban to India that also saw them earlier calling upon the government to consider reopening its embassy in Kabul.

Muttaqi again stressed on India’s diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and the provision of consular services to Afghans, particularly to students and patients, according to a Taliban spokesperson. The Taliban conveyed that the government in Kabul is committed to providing diplomats a secure environment. The Taliban spokesperson said the two sides agreed to further “expand interactions” with India assuring that Taliban will assist Afghanistan in increasing its exports and recalling India’s decision to open up its ports and borders for the same.

PM Modi releases special series of coins for 75th anniversary As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) which marks the celebrations of India’s 75 years of Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday released a special series of Rs 1, Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 10 and Rs 20 coins.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), these special series of coins have the theme of the logo of AKAM and will also be easily identifiable to visually impaired persons. The Prime Minister participated in the celebrations of the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Corporate Affairs. He also launched the National Portal for Credit Linked Government schemes - Jan Samarth Portal.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister said, “Whoever took part in the long struggle for independence, added a different dimension to this movement, and augmented its energy. Some adopted

the path of satyagraha, some chose the path of weapons, some faith and spirituality, and some intellectually helped to keep the flame of freedom burning bright, today is the day when we acknowledge all of them.”

Prime Minister stressed that it is the duty of every countryman to

make a special contribution to the development of the nation at their own level.

Modi noted that India has also worked on different dimensions in the last eight years. The public participation that increased in the country during this period has given impetus to the development

of the country and empowered the poorest of the country’s citizens.

He remarked that Swachh Bharat Abhiyan gave an opportunity to the poor to live with dignity. Facilities like houses, electricity, gas, water and free treatment increased the dignity of the poor and improved facilities. The scheme of free rations during the Covid period freed more than 800 million countrymen from the fear of hunger.

“We are witnessing a new confidence among the citizens to come out of the mentality of deprivation and dream big,” he said. The Prime Minister said the country has borne the brunt of government-centric governance in the past. But today 21st century India is moving ahead with the approach of people-centric governance. He said earlier it was the responsibility of the people to go to the government for availing

benefits of the schemes. Now the emphasis is on taking governance to people and freeing them from the rigamarole of doing rounds of different ministries and websites.

The launch of the National Portal for Credit Linked Government schemes - Jan Samarth Portal is a major step in this direction. This portal will improve the lives of students, farmers, businessmen, MSME entrepreneurs and will help them in realizing their dreams, he added.

The Prime Minister said that in any reform if its objectives and goals are clear and there is seriousness in its implementation then good results are assured. The Prime Minister emphasized that the youth of our country have been kept at the heart of the reforms the country has undertaken in the last eight years. This will help them to show their potential.

Covid crematorium converted into oxygen park in Rajkot Vegetables and fruits grown here are being consumed happily by people Nischal Sanghavi India was passing through its worst times in the second wave of Covid one year back. It was the time when dead bodies were in queue at crematoriums with as much as 8 hours to perform the last rites. An NGO, Sadbhavna Trust, based in Gujarat had set up a special Covid crematorium during those days on the outskirts of Rajkot city to ease the woes of the relatives of the deceased.

Now, that this place will become an oxygen park and vegetables grown there would be served in the dinner plates of many.

According to Vijay Dobariya, President, Sadbhavna Trust, "450 Covid-affected bodies were cremated at this place in April last at an average of 20 bodies per day.

Thousands of people who lost their dear ones used to line up here. Many of them could not even see the body closely due to the fear of infection. These relatives stand at a distance as the member of trust performed the last rites. However, after the Covid wave

Retired DFO Chunibhai Varsani

Vijay Dobariya, President, Sadbhavna Trust at Peepal Van

was over, the cremation of bodies was discontinued here. We decided to do something meaningful with the place in the memory of departed souls. Last August we planted a total of 7,575 Peepal trees on this land. Today the trees have grown substantially and the place has become beautiful.

Within three years this place will become an Oxygen Park with thousands of Peepal trees."

According to retired DFO Chunibhai Varsani who is handling this 'Peepal Van' project, "after we started planting trees, we found that the land was rocky. Finally with the help of JCBs and drilling machines, the plantation became possible. Total Rs 15 million were spent on planting these trees.

IICMA (Indian Investment Casting Manufacturers Association) was kind enough to support the project with a dona-

tion of Rs 5 million. Currently, Sadbhavna Trust spends Rs 1to 1.2 million every month towards watering and maintenance of these trees."

In fact, under Varsani's guidance, vegetables and fruits have also been planted on this land. The land where the last rites were performed is generating organic vegetables and fruits and are eagerly eaten by people. The trust does not sell them but distributes them to all its workers and other needy people.

According to Varsani, "Peepal trees are expected to have an age of over a thousand years and scientifically they are one of the very few plants that exhale oxygen 24 hours a day. In fact, in Bhagwat Geeta God has said that 'in all the trees, I am Peepal'. Hence, we decided to plant Peepal at this place. Since it is the 75th year of independence, we planted 7,575 trees. The trees are expected to grow fully after 4-6 months. Located near Rajkot's Nyari Dam it will become an important tourist place of Rajkot."

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11 - 17 June 2022

Outrage in Islamic countries over Prophet remarks BJP suspends Nupur, expels Jindal over controversial comments Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s controversial comments against Prophet Muhammad during a television interview have snowballed into a diplomatic nightmare for the ruling party.

Islamic nations have condemned the remarks with some even summoning Indian envoys.

On Sunday, the BJP suspended Nupur pending further investigation and expelled another leader Naveen Kumar Jindal over a tweet referring to the Prophet on 1 June. Both leaders have apologised and said their remarks were not aimed at hurting religious sentiments. However, the party has taken action against the duo for not abiding by the official line on sensitive matters. The BJP issued a statement asserting that it “respects all religions” and “strongly denounces insults of any religious personality”.

BJP sources said that action was taken at the instance of the top leadership because the remarks of Jindal and Sharma were seen as at odds with the party’s focus on development and the PM’s “sabka saath, sabka vikas” agenda. The party leadership was reportedly annoyed with the controversy breaking out amid the celebrations of the third anniversary of the Modi government’s second term at the Centre.

BJP has differentiated between Jindal and Sharma by saying that not only the former’s remarks were offensive, he compounded the error by repeating it amid signs of the

Naveen Kumar Jindal and Nupur Sharma

leadership’s displeasure.

Nupur has explained she made the statement concerned in a TV debate over the discovery of a ‘shivling’ at Varanasi’s Gyanvapi mosque in which derogatory remarks were made toward Lord Shiva.

“I could not tolerate this continuous insult and disrespect towards our Mahadev and said some things in response to it. If my words have caused discomfort or hurt religious feelings of anyone whatsoever, I hereby unconditionally withdraw my statement. It was never my intention to hurt anyone’s religious feelings,” she said.

Soon after BJP announced its action, Nupur, who has received threats, appealed to people not to disclose her address. Police have also raised security for her. Jindal also said that he has received a series of threats.

Islamic countries reacted to the

controversy Qatar: The controversy erupted as Vice President Venkaiah Naidu is on a two-day visit to Qatar to boost trade.

Naidu met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani in Doha and held delegation-level talks and reviewed bilateral relations including trade, investment, economic and security cooperation. However, the Indian ambassador for Qatar was summoned by the foreign ministry.

Kuwait: Kuwait was among the first nations to slam the derogatory comments.

Kuwait’s foreign ministry said it had summoned the Ambassador to India and handed him a protest note in which it completely “rejects and denounces the statements against the Holy Prophet”. It demanded a “public apology for these hostile statements.”

Iran: Iran too joined the chorus of condemnation.

In Tehran, Indian Ambassador to Iran Dhamu Gaddam was summoned to the ministry of foreign affairs by the director-general of South Asia, where a strong protest was registered over the controversial remarks.

Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia was the latest to condemn the remarks. It described Nupur’s comments as “insulting” and called for “respect for beliefs and religions”,

according to a foreign ministry statement.

However, like other nations, it welcomed the BJP’s action against the two leaders.

Pakistan: Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif took to Twitter to slam India. “I condemn in strongest possible words hurtful comments of India's BJP leader about our beloved Prophet (PBUH).”

OIC: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), based in the Saudi city of Jeddah, also condemned the remarks, saying they came in a “context of intensifying hatred and abuse towards Islam in India and systematic practices against Muslims”.

India has rejected comments by the grouping of Muslim nations as “unwarranted” and “narrow-minded”.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “The government of India accords the highest respect to all religions.”

India’s stand India has said that the remarks were made by “fringe elements” and did not reflect the government’s opinion. It has also highlighted that the ruling BJP has taken action against the leaders, one of whom was the party’s national spokesperson and the other its media chief.

In a statement, the BJP said it is “strongly against any ideology which insults or demeans any sect or religion” and “does not promote such people or philosophy”.

Dubai police arrest British man Sanjay Shah holds high- level meeting amid Shah over Denmark tax fraud case rise in Kashmir attacks Dubai police said they arrested and planned to extradite a British man to Denmark, wanted there for allegedly masterminding a $1.7 billion tax scheme, one of the country’s largest-ever fraud cases.

The arrest of hedge fund trader Sanjay Shah came after Danish officials signed an agreement in March allowing for extradition between the United Arab Emirates and Denmark.

Shah has maintained his innocence in interviews with journalists while living in Dubai over the last few years, but never appeared in Denmark to answer the accusations.

It wasn’t clear if Shah, 52, had a local lawyer in the Emirates. A court date did not appear to have been set in Dubai. Prosecutors did not respond to a request for comment, the start of the Emirati weekend.

A spokesman once associated with Shah, who ran the firm Solo Capital

Sanjay Shah

Partners, did not respond to a request for comment. The hedge fund manager had run a center for autistic children in Dubai that shut down in 2020 amid the attempts by Denmark to extradite him.

He also ran the British-based charity Autism Rocks, which put on shows by major performers to raise money.

In a statement, Dubai police Brig. Gen. Jamal Al Jallaf said the emirate received an international arrest warrant from Denmark for Shah. Al Jallaf said Shah was accused of a fraud that saw foreign businesses pretend to own shares in Danish companies and claim tax refunds for which they

were not eligible. “The fraud scheme, known as ‘cum-ex’ trading, involved submitting thousands of applications to the Danish Treasury on behalf of investors and companies from several countries around the world in order to receive dividend tax refunds,” Al Jallaf said.

Danish authorities say the scheme ran for some three years beginning in 2012.

In a joint statement, Denmark’s Justice and Foreign Ministries praised Dubai’s arrest of Shah, whom they described as a target of the country’s prosecutors since 2015. “The Danish Treasury has been cheated for a staggering amount, and of course it should not be possible for suspected perpetrators to hide in the Middle East and thus avoid being held accountable in a Danish courtroom,” Justice Minister Mattias Tesfaye said. Shah is one of several suspects in the tax scheme sought by Danish authorities.

Union home minister Amit Shah held a highlevel review meeting on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir last week. Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha, national security advisor Ajit Doval, Army Chief General Manoj Pande and other top officials from security agencies attended the meeting.

The meeting was held in the wake of a spate of targeted killings in Jammu & Kashmir over the past few weeks. Security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra also figured in the meetings. In the latest attack, a bank manager was shot dead outside his office by terrorists in Kulgam district. The Resistance Front, a shadow outfit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack.

A non-local brick kiln worker was also killed during the day, while another labourer was injured in a separate incident.

A woman teacher hailing from the Samba district of the Jammu region was also shot dead by terrorists at a school in south Kashmir's Kulgam district. Last month, two civilians and three off-duty policemen were killed in the Valley by the terrorists.

Two weeks ago, Shah held a meeting to review security arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra and the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Govt assures protection to Kashmiri Pandits As central security agencies and Jammu &

Kashmir police reconfigure their strategy to tackle the spurt in attacks on civilian soft targets in the Valley, J&K government sources have made it amply clear that Kashmiri Pandits and other minorities serving in the state government shall be given adequate protection in the Valley itself and not be transferred out to Jammu division.

Calling the shifting of J&K government staffers to safer locations in district and tehsil headquarters a “temporary move”, an officer said this was being done not “because of what we think” but to take care of the minority employees’ own concerns. “Ethnic cleansing happened in the 1990s. We cannot allow it now. We believe in a multicultural society,” said the officer.

On non-local migrant workers also coming in the line of terrorists’ fire, the officer said that while around 10,000 nonMuslim government employees were being shifted to safer locations, “ultimately, we have to provide security for everybody as per our Constitutional mandate”.

Sources disclosed that the Amarnath yatra would proceed as per schedule as disturbing it would be like playing into the hands of terrorists. “Killings may not stop completely but there will always be ways of controlling them and we will do so,” said an officer.

'Resort politics’ returns ahead of crucial RS elections What is often dubbed as ‘resort politics’ is back in many states, ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls scheduled this Friday. This growing trend of moving legislators to resorts and hotels to prevent them from being poached by others has reportedly been prompted after the BJP and its allies picked up two media barons in Rajasthan and Haryana, which is being understood as a move to spoil the Congress’s chances.

In Rajasthan, Zee Network’s Subhash Chandra is contesting as an independent candidate backed by the BJP, while in Haryana, News X’s Kartikeya Sharma is being supported by BJP ally Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) in the Rajya Sabha polls.

Elections to 57 Rajya Sabha seats, spread across 15 states and Union territories, were scheduled to be held on June 10. Forty-one candidates have already been declared elected unopposed.

Of them, the BJP-led National

Democratic Alliance (NDA) has 17 members, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) has 10, and regional parties 14.

Elections to the remaining 16 seats will be held on June 10. They include six seats in Maharashtra, four each in Rajasthan and Karnataka and two in Haryana.

This election assumes significance as the results will influence political events till 2024.

This is the last big election to the Upper House before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Rajasthan The Congress candidates in the state are Mukul Wasnik, Randeep Singh Surjewala, and Pramod Tiwari. The BJP has named former state minister Ghanshyam Tiwari as its candidate, apart from supporting Chandra.

A candidate needs 41 votes to be elected to the Rajya Sabha. The Congress, which has 108 MLAs, is certain about two of its nominees Wasnik and Surjewala. However, it is short of 15 MLAs to ensure the victory of Tiwari.

The BJP, which has 71 MLAs, will be left with 30 surplus votes after securing its seats.

Thus, it will need the support of 11 more MLAs to assure Chandra’s win.

Though Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed confidence, analysts say Chandra’s nomination has made it difficult for the Congress. The Congress legislators are staying in Udaipur’s Taj Aravali hotel, where the party held its ‘Chintan Shivir’ last month.

The BJP has also shifted its MLAs to a resort. More than 60 of its 71 MLAs have been reportedly shifted to Devi Niketan.

Haryana In Haryana, the Congress has fielded one candidate, Ajay Maken, for the two seats going to polls. The BJP has fielded Kishan Lal Panwar, besides extending support to Kartikeya Sharma.

In the 90-member Haryana House, the BJP and its allies have 57 members, where the Congress has 31 lawmakers. The number

needed to win an Upper House seat is 30.

Thus the BJP and its allies, taken together, will possess 27 excess votes after securing their seats.

Sharma may thus need 2-3 cross-votes to get elected. The MLAs who were escorted in a plane are lodged in Mayfair Hotel on the outskirts of Raipur.

Maharashtra Some reports from Maharashtra said that the Shiv Sena had booked rooms in Trident Hotel in south Mumbai, from June 8-10, for their MLAs, along with a few independents and some candidates from smaller parties.

In Maharashtra, six members will be elected to the Rajya Sabha this time. The fight, however, is for the sixth seat, between Shiv Sena's Sanjay Pawar and BJP's Dhananjay Mahadik. In Maharashtra, each candidate needs 42 votes to win. In the 288-member Assembly, the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has 168 legislators.

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Practice these breathing exercises to keep heart diseases at bay The sudden demise of beloved singer KK due to a heart attack has shined some light on the importance of cardiac health.

Cardiologists and fitness experts are recommending timely screenings and a healthy lifestyle to ward off the risk of cardiac death. There are several factors that are contributing to poor heart health from stress, and alcohol to a sedentary lifestyle.

Pranayama or breathing exercises have proven to have immense benefits. Long deep inhalation and exhalation have proved to be very beneficial for heart health. This can not only be done in much less time but also indoors. Renowned Yoga guru Grand Master Akshar says, “Yoga is a natural and safe solution to most health-related concerns, prevention, treatment and cure.

And this holds good even when it

comes to your heart health too.

Yoga is an amalgamation of many techniques like pranayama, mudras, and asanas that can be very helpful for you. Along with yoga, ensure that you make the required positive lifestyle changes that can support your overall health.”

Here, we discuss some pranayama practices that you can start gradually in your everyday life.

Bhastrika Pranayama Technique - Inhale and fill your lungs with air. Exhale completely.

Inhalation and exhalation should be done in a 1:1 ratio. For example, if you breathe in for 6 counts, you must take 6 counts to exhale Bhramari Pranayama Technique - Place your thumbs on the 'Tragus', the external flap outside on your ear.

Place your index finger on your forehead; your middle finger on the Medial Canthus and ring finger on the corner of your nostril.

Inhale and fill your lungs with air.

As you exhale, slowly make a buzzing sound like that of a bee, i.e., “mmmmmmm….” Keep your mouth closed the entire time and feel the vibration of the sound disseminate throughout your

body.

Vratakar Pranayama Technique - Fill your lungs with air as you inhale. Do not disturb your stomach area. Visualize 3 circles in front of your face. Use your right hand to draw imaginary circles close to your nose. Imagine the air flowing into your nose like a spring. With one breath, draw 3 clockwise circles in front of your nose and then exhale. Start with a few circles and gradually increase up to 100 as you become an expert in this technique.

Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) Technique - Gently close your right nostril with your thumb, inhale into your left nostril and close it, letting the breath out through the right nostril. Then inhale through your right, closing it to exhale only through your left.

This makes one cycle. Repeat for

HIV drug could combat middle-aged memory loss: study According to a new study at the University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences, our brains record a group store of memories, instead of single memories. So, recollecting one significant memory could trigger an individual to recall others connected by time. As we age, our brains gradually lose their ability to link related memories.

UCLA researchers have discovered a key molecular mechanism behind memory linking. They’ve also identified a way to restore this brain function in middle-aged mice - and an FDAapproved drug that achieves the same thing. Published in Nature, the findings suggest a new method for strengthening human memory in middle age and a possible early intervention for dementia.

A distinguished professor of neurobiology and psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Alcino Silva said, “The ability to link related experiences teaches how to stay safe and operate successfully in the

world.”

In the current study, Silva and his colleagues discovered a central mechanism underlying mice's ability to link their memories of two different cages.

A tiny microscope opened a window into the animals' brains, enabling the scientists to observe neurons firing and creating new memories.

Boosting CCR5 gene expression in the brains of middle-aged mice interfered with memory linking. The animals forgot the connection between the two cages. When the scientists deleted the CCR5 gene in the animals, the mice were able to link memories that normal mice could not. Silva had previously studied the drug, maraviroc, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved in 2007 for the treatment of HIV infection. His lab discovered that maraviroc also suppressed CCR5 in the brains of mice.

"When we gave maraviroc to older mice, the drug duplicated the effect of genetically deleting CCR5 from their

Over two-thirds of people have Covid antibodies: WHO The World Health Organization said that more than two-thirds of the world’s population probably have significant levels of Covid-19 antibodies, meaning they have either been infected or were vaccinated. In a summary of studies from around the globe, the organization said that the so-called seroprevalence rates surged to 67 per cent in October from 16 per cent in February of 2021.

People who have both been infected with Covid and vaccinated have the best protection against severe outcomes, according to most studies, though it’s unclear if that will be true with new variants, the WHO said. Data show lower levels of seroprevalence in children aged 9 and under and in people over 60 compared with those in their 20s, the WHO said. In low- and middle-income countries, most seroprevalence indicates past infections rather than vaccinations.

The presence of antibodies generally wanes over time and the level and persistence of immunity depend on a host of factors, the health body said, adding that further studies are necessary to determine how quickly protection diminishes.

10 minutes.

Kapal Bhati Method - Inhale normally and focus on exhaling with a short, rhythmic and forceful breath. You can use your stomach to forcefully expel all the air from the diaphragm and lungs by compressing it. Inhalation should happen automatically while you decompress your stomach.

Udgeeth Pranayama Method - Sit in any comfortable pose (such as Sukhasan, Ardhapadmasan or Padmasana).

Straighten your back and close your eyes. Place your palms on your knees facing up (in Prapthi Mudra) Inhale deeply and fill your lungs with air. While exhaling, form a circle with your lips and say "Oooooooommm" for as long as you can. Feel the vibration of the sound disseminate throughout your body.

Herbs and spices to improve your liver health DNA," said Silva, a member of the UCLA Brain Research Institute. "The older animals were able to link memories again.”

The finding suggests that maraviroc could be used off-label to help restore middle-aged memory loss, as well as reverse the cognitive deficits caused by HIV infection. "Our next step will be to organize a clinical trial to test maraviroc's influence on early memory loss with the goal of early intervention," said Silva. "Once we fully understand how memory declines, we possess the potential to slow down the process."

"Life would be impossible if we remembered everything," said Silva.

"We suspect that CCR5 enables the brain to connect meaningful experiences by filtering out less significant details." The National Institute on Aging funded the research.

Tips to improve metabolism, do’s and don’ts to remember Having a great metabolism is important for the healthy functioning of the body. It is the process by which your body converts what you consume into energy. Having a slow metabolism not only leads to weight gain but a series of health issues from skin troubles, hair loss, chronic fatigue, difficulty in concentration to unhealthy cravings.

In Ayurveda, metabolism is often used interchangeably with metabolic rate and can be taken as the time required by tissues for exogenous metabolism from nutrients.

The principles of Ayurveda, to improve metabolism, dictate avoiding - Eating at irregular times and during late night - Consuming foods that are not wholesome - Eating before the last meal is fully digested Having heavy meals - Consuming too much water - Consuming alcohol - Eating incompatible foods - Eating contaminated foods - Consuming fine powder - Eating newly cropped cereals.

So what should one do for good metabolism? One should strive to lead an active life and consume two main diets in a day at proper intervals so as to ensure the previously consumed diet is digested well. It is also important to note that fruits should always be consumed before a meal. ariety in dietary items is also suggested but mixing good - which means homemade and fresh - and bad food items should be avoided to improve metabolism. Packaged, tinned, ready to eat, fast food, refrigerated for a long duration, outside food items, food items having opposite properties as fish and milk, fruits and milk, stale and contaminated food must be avoided.

The largest internal organ of the human body, liver performs an array of functions from helping in metabolism, digestion, and detoxification to the storage of essential nutrients. The liver is constantly filtering and purifying the blood. It also creates vital hormones and enzymes, breaks down and conserves fatigued blood cells, and controls glucose storage.

Experts believe the liver has to be detoxed often to enhance its effectiveness in maintaining the body’s equilibrium. In this article, we discuss a few Ayurveda remedies to improve liver health naturally.

Triphala: A combination of three gut-friendly herbs Amla, Haritaki and Bibhitaki, this herb is primarily used for constipation relief. Triphala also helps in the proper functioning of the liver. These tablets can be an excellent choice for liver health.

Turmeric: The golden spice, Turmeric is also an excellent remedy for liver disorders owing to its anti-inflammatory action. It is also a potent antioxidant that detoxifies the hepatic cells. Boil a small piece of fresh turmeric root in a glass of water and drink it first thing in the morning to detoxify yourself.

Bhumyamalaki: Phyllanthus amarus is the supreme medication for all liver disorders, according to Ayurvedic classics. It is often used in the condition of hepatomegaly and severe cirrhosis liver. Traditional Indian medicine uses this mystic herb to cure liver disorders at home. The regular consumption of this plant with proper guidance can be used as an effective method to guard the liver from further issues.

Ayurvedic Syrup such as Heposem is enriched with Bhumyamlaki.

Ashwagandha: Also known as Indian Ginseng, it is a potent Ayurvedic herb that helps restore liver balance. It helps to reduce the effect of stress and radiation in liver cells and thus prevent damage. It also aids in boosting the natural production of bile and associated enzymes needed for the optimal functioning of the digestive system.

Garlic: A kitchen favourite, the white bulb is the best remedy you can find in your kitchen that offers the best liver detox at the cheapest cost. It has excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action in the plant with chemicals like allicin, allicin, and ajoene, which often improve liver function and aid in this action.

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11 - 17 June 2022

A

ctor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan cheered and hooted for husband and actor Abhishek Bachchan as he performed at recently concluded IIFA 2022. In a video doing the rounds online, Abhishek performs in full gusto while Aishwarya cheers for him. The two share a moment, as Aishwarya joins his dance steps while being seated. He touches her chin while she continues hooting. Their daughter Aaradhya was also seen joining her parents while seated.

The couple was the cynosure of all eyes, as they twinned in black at the awards ceremony that was held at Abu Dhabi. Amitabh Bachchan shared a photo of them as well and called it ‘smashing’. The power couple of Bollywood had turned heads at Cannes recently as well. Their daughter Aaradhya had joined them too.

On the work front, Abhishek was last seen in 'Dasvi'. Aishwarya was last seen in the 2018 film 'Fanney Khan', and will next be seen in Mani Ratnam’s 'Ponniyin Selvan', which will be released in two parts. Initially, the couple had signed on for a film titled 'Gulab Jamun', but due to creative differences, they opted out of the film.

Aishwarya said, “What happened in the last two years was a natural pause that we all took. I’ve always been someone to keep it real, that’s who I am, that’s my sense of prioritising. It’s been a really challenging two years, and my natural instinct is to focus on reality. I’ve never been one to play into the expectation of, ‘Oh my God, is time flying by, why is there no release this year, how many releases do you want to put out, what is the kind of comment it might attract, what is the kind of perception it might attract’, I’ve never been one to play into perception.”

Aishwarya, Aaradhya dance with Abhishek at IIFA 2022

Full list of winners at IIFA Awards 2022 T

he International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards held at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, saw a starry gathering of Bollywood celebrities who flew to the UAE for the awards night. Sidharth Malhotra’s ‘Shershaah’ dominated the awards this year, clinching five awards, while Sardar Udham’, ‘Mimi’, and ‘Ludo’ won in two categories each.

Vicky Kaushal and Kriti Sanon walked the green carpet and collected their Best

Actor (male) and (female) awards, respectively. Among those who walked the red carpet at the event were Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Nora Fatehi, Nargis Fakhri, Pankaj Tripathi with wife Mridula, Fardeen Khan with daughter Diani, Lara Dutta, Bobby Deol and Tiger Shroff.

The event this year was hosted by Salman Khan, Riteish Deshmukh and Maneish Paul.

Kangana defends herself after ‘Dhakaad’ failure

A

ctor Kangana Ranaut took to her Instagram Stories recently and shared an article that quotes her as the “box office queen of India”. The story comes days after the release of her film ‘Dhakaad’, which failed at the box office. She wrote, “2019 I gave Manikarnika 160 cr ka superhit, 2020 was a covid year. 2021 I gave the biggest film of my career ‘Thalaivii’ which came on OTT and was a huge success.”

She added, “I see a lot of negativity but 2020 is the year of blockbuster - lock up hosting. And it’s not over yet…I have great hopes with it.” Directed by Razneesh Ghai, 'Dhaakad' opened up to a poor start at the box office with less than £100,000 on its first day. Later trade sources suggested that the film was taken down by distributors due to" extremely low audience turnout”.

‘Dhaakad’ also stars Arjun Rampal and

Divya Dutta. Defending people who were previously seen ‘celebrating’ the failure of Kangana’s film, Richa Chadha had tweeted, “Aligning with power is easy and has obvious rewards like tax exemptions, awards, special status, security-even literally the Legislature promoting a film! So do you not know that the reverse also holds true Tehseen? People are expressing dissent in whatever way they can. So chill.” The tweet was in response to ‘Bigg Boss’ contestant Tehseen Poonawalla who had criticized people celebrating ‘Dhaakad’s performance.

On the work front, Kangana will be next seen in the political drama ‘Emergency’. She also has ‘Tejas’ where she will be playing an Air Force pilot. The actress had also announced ‘Manikarnika Returns: The legend of Didda’ and ‘Sita: The Incarnation’ as her upcoming projects. Kangana has also wrapped up the filming of her production, ‘Tiku Weds Sheru’.

Priyanka furious at 'shameful and disgusting' perfume ads

A

Here's the complete winners' list of IIFA awards this year: BEST PICTURE 'Shershaah' BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Vicky Kaushal, 'Sardar Udham' BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Kriti Sanon, 'Mimi' BEST DIRECTOR Vishnu Varadhan, 'Shershaah' BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Pankaj Tripathi, 'Ludo' BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Sai Tamhankar, 'Mimi' BEST DEBUT MALE Ahan Shetty, 'Tadap' BEST DEBUT FEMALE Sharvari Wagh, 'Bunty Aur Babli 2' BEST PLAYBACK SINGER MALE Jubin Nautiyal, Raatan Lambiyan, 'Shershaah' BEST PLAYBACK SINGER FEMALE Asees Kaur, Raatan Lambiyan, 'Shershaah' BEST MUSIC (TIE) A R Rahman, Atrangi Re, and Tanishk Bagchi, Jasleen Royal, Javed-Mohsin, Vikram Montrose, B Praak, Jaani, Shershaah BEST LYRICS Kausar Munir, 'Lehra Do, 83' BEST STORY ORIGINAL Anurag Basu, 'Ludo' BEST STORY ADAPTED Kabir Khan, Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, 83

ctor Priyanka Chopra has reacted to the criticised perfume advertisements for allegedly promoting rape culture. Earlier, actors Farhan Akhtar, Richa Chadha, Swara Bhasker, and singer Sona Mohapatra had also taken to Twitter and condemned the ads.

The outrage was sparked by two ads by the perfume brand Layerr Shot. Several social media users have claimed the advertisements sought to promote sexual violence against women.

Taking to Twitter, Priyanka replied to Richa’s tweet. She wrote, “Shameful and disgusting.

How many levels of clearances did it take for this commercial to be green lit. How many people thought this was ok? I’m so glad that it was called out and now the ministry has taken it down. Appalling!”

Reacting to Priyanka’s tweet, a person wrote, "The shocking part is from the comments a lot of people actually condone the advert.

How sh**t is that. Are we really not able to tell the difference between creative work and garbage!" "Worst advertisement is ever seen," commented another fan. "Totally agree with and they should get punishment immediately," read a tweet.

Sharing a tweet, Richa Chadha had written, "This ad is not an accident. To make an ad, a brand goes through several layers of decision making. Creatives, script, agency,

client, casting… DOES EVERYONE THINK RAPE IS A JOKE? Revelatory! This brand, the agency that made this ad need to be sued for the filth they’re serving.”

Farhan had also tweeted, "What incredibly tasteless and twisted minds it must take to think up, approve and create these stinking body spray ‘gang rape’ innuendo ads!!

Shameful.”

Referring to the Hyderabad gang-rape case, Swara tweeted, "A teenage girl was gang-raped in Hyderabad-such incidents happen daily in India.. companies like @layerr_shot choose to make TV adverts joking abt & ‘cool-ifying’ rape & gangrape.

Beyond disgusting! Not just tonedeaf, also criminal! Absolutely shameful!

What agency created it?” Singer Sona Mohapatra criticised the ads and wrote, "Theme - Gang-rape. Gagging after I saw it here on my Twitter timeline & wondering if giving them additional publicity is worse.”

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry asked Twitter and YouTube to remove the videos of the advertisements from their social media platforms. In letters to Twitter and YouTube, the ministry said the videos were "detrimental to the portrayal of women in the interest of decency and morality" and in violation of Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code).

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Janhvi Kapoor meditates outside French church, Anshula has Fomo A

ctor Janhvi Kapoor is currently in France and from what we see, she is living the best of life. The actor shared pictures from her sightseeing tour, during which she also took some time to meditate outside a church. She shared several other selfies and pictures of the trip.

She captioned them, “vive la France”.

Her half-sister Anshula Kapoor reacted to the post, saying “Fomo” to express her fear of missing out. Filmmaker Sharan Sharma pointed out her picture of sitting in a meditation pose outside a church and said, “Please explain picture 5. Best.” A fan

responded to his comment, ”She's praying for the wellness of her loved ones." Another said she was probably “listening to Mani Ratnam music and doing yoga.” Many others also called her “beautiful” in the comments section.

The actor was earlier seen posing for pictures in the lap of nature. Anshula had commented on the post, “Miss youuuu bro.”

Janhvi had earlier stated a funny video of her doing the ‘Naach Punjaban’ hook step at a shopping centre. She had captioned it, “Super market mein #Bawaal

only because u dared me to @varundvn ab bolo #JugJugJeeyo.”

On the work front, the actress has quite a few projects in the pipeline. She has shot a portion for ‘Bawl’, in which she will be seen opposite Varun Dhawan. She recently started shooting for ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’, which also stars Rajkummar Rao. The movie is being directed by Sharan Sharma.

Janhvi has already completed shooting for ‘Good Luck Jerry’ and ‘Mili’. She plays titular roles in both films. She was last seen in the 2021 film, ‘Roohi’ with Rajkummar Rao and Varun Sharma.

Salman, his father Salim receive threat, Mumbai police file FIR A

ctor Salman Khan and his father, film producer-screenwriter Salim Khan received a threating letter. A report revealed that the Mumbai Police have filed an FIR against an unknown person. A further probe is underway. Salman, who was in Abu Dhabi for the IIFA event, returned to Mumbai on Sunday.

A report said, “Salim Khan follows a morning routine where he goes for a walk on the promenade accompanied by his security personnel. There’s a location where he typically takes a break. A chit had been left behind on a bench.” Salim’s security staff found the chit and gave it to him. The chit reportedly said, “Moose Wale jaisa kar dunga.”

Police are also checking the CCTV footage in the

Shah Rukh, Katrina tested positive for Covid-19

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ctor Shah Rukh Khan has reportedly tested positive for Covid-19. Katrina Kaif is also reported to have tested positive for Covid-19, again. The actor had announced that she tested positive in April 2021. Katrina reportedly skipped the IIFA 2022 ceremony on Saturday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted about it. “Just came to know that our Brand Ambassador Shah Rukh has been detected covid positive. Pray the fastest recovery for the superstar. Get well Shah Rukh!

Spring back asap!” The news comes a day after actor Kartik Aaryan confirmed he had Covid-19. Actor Aditya Roy Kapur also tested positive for the virus, although he has not confirmed it yet.

Meanwhile, Shah Rukh revealed the first poster of his upcoming film ‘Jawan’ and said “inevitable issues” led to its delay. He had announced the film with a teaser on Friday.

On Saturday, Kartik shared on Instagram that he had tested positive for Covid-19. This was the second time that he has contracted the virus. Sharing a picture of him, he tweeted, “Sab kuch itna positive chal raha tha, Covid se raha nahi gaya” (Everything was going so well, Covid couldn’t bear to be left out). Kartik has been busy promoting his latest outing 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2'. He was supposed to perform at the IIFA 2022 ceremony but had to skip the event.

Several media outlets have reported that filmmaker Karan Johar’s star-studded birthday party in Mumbai was a Covid-19 super-spreader event, which led to many guests testing positive in the following days.

Bandstand area. Punjabi singer and politician Sidhu Moosewala was shot dead in Punjab last month.”

On the work front, Salman will be seen next in ‘Tiger 3’ along with Katrina Kaif. He recently shared the first look of his film ‘Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali’. He gave a glimpse of himself from the sets of the upcoming film and captioned the picture, “Shooting commences for my new film… .”

‘Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali’ will also feature Pooja Hegde, Shehnaaz Gill and Zaheer Iqbal. The movie is helmed by Farhad Samji and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The film is scheduled to release on December 30, 2022. Shah Rukh reportedly has a cameo in the film.

Vicky Kaushal sleeps hugging the trophy after winning Best Actor at IIFA

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ctor Vicky Kaushal won big at the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) 2022, held at the Yas Island of Abu Dhabi. He bagged the IIFA Best Actor

who voted for this win, I love you!”

Responding to Vicky’s post, Shoojit commented, “Well done. Proud of you” with smiling emojis. “So well

Award for his film ‘Sardar Udham’, directed by Shoojit Sircar. Talking about fulfilling his dream, the actor shared a picture of himself with the trophy on his return from the awards show.

Vicky is seen hugging his trophy, as he sleeps in the car. He captioned it, “Behind all that jazz it’s that boy who once thought everything he wished to achieve was all too far.

Waited for you since forever … not leaving you tonight!”

He thanked Shoojit and added, “Thank You @shoojitsircar for believing in me and making it possible for me and thank you Team #SardarUdham, this one’s for all of us. For everyone

deserved!” said Radhika Madan. Filmmaker Aditya Dhar added, “Ye hui na baat!! Shabaaash mere Laal (that’s the spirit!

Congratulation).”

On the work front, Vicky will be seen next in ‘Govinda Naam Mera’ alongside Kiara Advani and Bhumi Pednekar. He also has Laxman Utekar’s untitled movie with Sara Ali Khan and Meghan Gulzar’s ‘Sam Bahadur’ in the pipeline.

Sara, Ananya twin in white as they celebrate 'friendship kinda night'

A

ctors Sara Ali Khan and Ananya Panday twinned in white as they celebrated their “friendship kinda night” at the IIFA event in Abu Dhabi. Taking to Instagram, Sara shared a picture as the two posed for the camera. While Ananya flaunted a white saree with a sleeveless blouse, Sara opted for a full sleeve Kurta with trousers.

Sharing the photo, Sara captioned the post, “Wearing White, Feeling Right, What a sight, Friendship kinda night.

PS this caption has been written by Ananya. @tanghavri.”

Ananya’s mother Bhavana Pandey dropped red heart emojis.

Sara’s visit to Abu Dhabi comes just after she took a trip to Istanbul. The actor shared several pictures on Instagram, as she roamed around the city with her friends.

She had captioned the post, “Bosses by the Bosphorus”.

Ahead of her Turkey trip, Sara had also travelled to London. Sharing pictures, she wrote, “Enough of the monochromatic. It’s time for some Sara, Neon and Dramatic. #alwaysextra.”

On the work front, Sara will be seen next with Vikrant Massey in ‘Gaslight’. She has also recently finished shooting for an untitled project next to Vicky Kaushal. In March, she visited the Nageshvara Jyotirlinga Temple with Vikrant.

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Shamna Kasim announces engagement with Dubai-based businessman A ctress Shamna Kasim, who is also known as Poorna, introduced her fiancé on Instagram recently. She posted photos of her posing with Shanid Asif Ali, a Dubai-based businessman. Calling it the “next part” of her life, the actor captioned her engagement photos, “With the blessings of the family stepping to my next part of life, and now it’s official.”

Friends and fans of Shamna took to the comments section of her post to congratulate the actor on her engagement. Actor Priyamani wrote, “Congratulations to you and Shanid ikka! God bless.” While, actor Paris Laxmi wrote, “Congratulations darling,” actor Shilpa Bala commented, “Congratulations dear! Wishing you… happiness always.”

Shamna has mostly worked in Malayalam and Telugu films. In 2004, she made her acting debut with the Malayalam film ‘Manju Poloru Penkutty’. She has worked in over 50 films in her career, so far.

She was recently seen in the Tamil thriller, ‘Visithiran’, a remake of the Malayalam film ‘Joseph’. Some of her other films are ‘Akhanda', ‘Thalaivi’, ‘Savarakathi’ and ‘Avunu’. Shamna’s upcoming films include ‘Pisasu 2’, ‘Ammayi’ and ‘Back Door’.

Shamna's fiancé is the founder and CEO of JBS Group of companies, as per reports. The couple is said to have met through mutual friends. Their wedding date will reportedly be announced later.

'RRR' is one of the highest grossing films in India T

he film "RRR" directed by Rajamouli has been released after the success of the two parts of Bahubali. Actors Ramcharan and Jr NTR played the lead roles in the film, along with Bollywood actors Ajay Devgan, Alia Bhatt and Samuthirakani in the lead roles.

The film is based on the lives of Telugu freedom fighters Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem. Senthilkumar ISC did the cinematography for the film and Keeravani worked as the composer.

Following its release, 'RRR' has been reported to have grossed over £100 million at the box office in theaters across the world. It is attracting attention as the film crew is releasing an official poster in this regard. 'RRR' is one of the highest grossing films in India.

Fifty days after its release, the OTT premiere of the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada versions were streamed on Zee5

Career-best opening for Kamal Haasan’s ‘Vikram’ A

ctor Kamal Hassan’s latest release ‘Vikram’ has lived up to its pre-release hype, and managed to register a solid opening at the box office. Trade sources reveal the film has minted £2.35 million in Tamil Nadu, making it the actor’s career-best opening in the state.

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the movie features Kamal Haasan in a role he originally played in the 1986 film of the same name. He returns as former agent Vikram of the coveted 'Black Squad' which used to work for the Indian government. As per industry tracker Ramesh Bala, 'Vikram' collected £2.35 million from Tamil Nadu on

OTT from May 20. The Hindi version was released worldwide on Netflix on the same day.

More than 10 days after its release on OTT, Netflix's announcement has caught the attention of fans. The film is reported to be No. 1 trending in 57 countries worldwide. This includes countries in the continent, including the United States, Europe and Asia. With this poster "Their friendship has resonated around the world. RRR currently ranks No. 1 in trending in 57 countries with a roar.

the first day. He also added that the film grossed £502,000 in Kerala on release day.

‘Vikram’, which stars Suriya in a cameo, sets up the stage for a franchise in the making. Going by some crucial moments in the movie, Suriya could be playing the antagonist in Karthi’s ‘Kaithi 2’ and the next part in the ‘Vikram’ franchise.

Life can be divided into before and after ‘Baahubali’: Sathyaraj W hy did Katappa kill Baahubali, this is one question that took the nation by storm after the release of ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’ in 2015. It immortalised the characters and the actor who played Katappa, Sathyaraj, along with it. Speaking in a recent interview, the actor said his life can be divided into before and after the movie.

He said, “For me, life can be divided into life before and after Baahubali. Before this film, people only knew me in the south, or

wherever Tamilians lived in the world. After this character happened, everybody knows me.” The 67-year-old says the one question he gets asked often is, “How tough was it to keep the answer to the question a secret until the film was released?” Sathyaraj said, “Well, the producer paid me well, and SS Rajamouli (director) told me to, that’s why I kept it and kept the answer a secret!”

In a career spanning 44 years, Sathyaraj has acted in nearly 250 films. He shares, “Most of my films are in Tamil, I did three

films in Telugu, two in Malayalam, and one in Hindi, 'Chennai Express' (2013).”

Why didn’t he take up more work in Hindi after making his debut in a film directed by Rohit Shetty? He confesses, “I do get Hindi offers. I was offered a Tiger Shroff film recently, which required me to be 40 days in London. My family situation is such that I can’t go abroad for so many days.

Then there was a film with Vidya Balan, but on the same dates as the one required by ‘Veetla Vishesham’. The problem is that I speak fluently only in my mother tongue, even English I barely manage. I can speak other languages if I get a prompt.”

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Amy Jackson confirms romance with ‘Gossip Girl’ star Ed Westwick

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ctor Amy Jackson finally seems to have made her relationship with ‘Gossip Girl’ actor Ed Westwick official on Instagram. She recently shared an intimate picture with Ed on the photoblogging website, days after being spotted walking hand in hand in London. The picture shows her in a black top, posing with her arms around Ed. T h e British actress seems to be travelling with him and her son, Andreas Jax Panayiotou at present.

The paparazzi had spotted her and Ed holding hands as they walked on a London street, twinning in grey casuals. Amy was last seen in Rajinikanth’s big-budget film ‘2.0’.

She recently walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. She was seen in a lemon green strapless dress, and also attended a Cannes bash in a baby pink gown with a long train.

Mohan Kapur calls Farhan Akhtar and Fawad Khan 'stars'

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he Marvel Cinematic Universe is all set to introduce its firstever Pakistani female superhero Kamala Khan. With PakistaniCanadian actor Iman Vellani playing the title role, her family is played on the show by a trio of Indian actors.

Veteran TV and film actor Mohan Kapur plays her father Yusuf Khan, Zenobia Shroff plays her mother Muneeba and IndianAmerican actor Saagar Shaikh plays Kamala’s older brother Amir. In an interview, the three actors spoke about Fawad khan and Farhan Akhtar’s cameos.

When asked if they felt it was unfair the focus was on the two stars’ small roles over their more substantial roles, Mohan said, “They are stars. Just on hearing their names, the audience goes to buy tickets. They have earned that. We are making their mark.

They are actually helping us.

When we heard that Fawad and

Farhan are doing it (the show), we were so excited. Imagine the flip the show is going to get in South Asia and the world over because they have fans all over. It’s a huge thing. It’s very small if you start thinking ‘I am in more episodes, so why are they talking about

them’. That’s a very small way of thinking. They propped us up.”

Zenobia adds that in such situations, the artiste must focus on the product and not themselves. “You have to stay on the side of the product. You can’t be on your side. The product matters. The individual doesn’t,” she says. The three actors’ Marvel career is just beginning. They will also appear in small roles in the upcoming Captain Marvel sequel ‘The Marvels, reprising their ‘Ms Marvel’ roles. The film, slated for release on July 28, 2023, stars Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson, Teyonah Parris and Iman Vellani.

Amy was earlier in a relationship with George Panayiotou. The two got engaged in 2019 and welcomed their son Andreas in September of the same year. The two were rumoured to have separated last year but they never confirmed the same. The split was confirmed when Amy deleted all photos of George, including the post in which they announced the birth of Andreas and a post shared by the actor on Father's Day. In March, she shared a video featuring her two-anda-half-year-old son on the occasion of Mother's Day. She captioned it, "Phwoarrrr feeling like the luckiest lady alive to call you mine… A whole bundle of bursting love, weirdness and wonder - thanks for having me as your Mamma.

‘Disclosure’ High pitched squeaky voice came with the ‘Mum Badge’. #MothersDay.”

‘Ms Marvel’ directors want ‘Bad Boys’ remake with Shah Rukh ‘

Ms Marvel’ writer Sana Amanat, and director duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are just as big Shah Rukh Khan fans as the show’s protagonist Kamala Khan. It was revealed some days ago that the Disney+ superhero show, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has several references to Bollywood films, especially those of Shah Rukh Khan.

Still get anxious thinking about hurtling down Indian roads: Sam Neill

H

ollywood actor Sam Neill recently spoke about his time shooting in India, and other memories associated with the country. Neill came to India back in the 90s to shoot Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’, which introduced him to the worlds of Mumbai and Jodhpur. Speaking in an interview Neill said, “I made a film in the country, and when you say India to me, all the time spent making it comes back to me so vividly. It was an amazing experience for me to be there. I found it overwhelming.”

The 74-year-old said, “It was beautiful, but it was too beautiful. It was noisy, but it was too noisy. It was colourful, but it was too colourful. All my senses were overloaded the whole time I was in the country.” Calling India an “extraordinary place”, Neill said in the interview, “We stayed at the enormous palace of Maharaja of Jodhpur, the part which is a hotel. It was the most beautiful place.”

“But it was the evenings on the terrace, overlooking the plains in one direction in Jodhpur, and in the other direction, the distant horizons of that extraordinary arid land with that lovely blue sky changing colour as the sun goes down,” Neill described.

Elaborating his myriad of experiences in India, the actor said, “I still get anxious when I think of hurtling down Indian roads in one of those sorts of 50s Morris taxis, dodging people carrying things, weaving around cars. I would have to close my eyes in cars because every minute we seem to be close to death. But in India, it seemed completely normal.”

“After eight or ten weeks, I got on the plane and just breathed a sigh of relief. I thought to myself ‘it is the most extraordinary experience of my life’. But I just needed a little calm,” he said.

But Neill has an Indian connection. “The generation on my mother’s side was a part of the Indian army, so we go way back. We have a lot of family connections there. In some way, it’s somewhere in my DNA. India felt like I was going home,” he said.

Neill is all set to bring back Dr Alan Grant in the upcoming release of ‘Jurassic Park: Dominion’.

In the comics and on the show, Kamala is a Pakistani-origin teenager, and her cultural roots play an important role in the storytelling.

Marvel has certainly been leaning into this, with everything from Kamala’s costume to the show’s marketing material paying tribute to her South Asian heritage.

In an interview, the writer and directors spoke about their shared love for Shah Rukh and how willing they’d be to work with him.

Adil and Bilall, as they’re credited on their films, helmed the blockbuster ‘Bad Boys For Life’, and will next direct DC’s ‘Batgirl’. Adil said, “We would want to make a Bad Boys 3 remake with Shah Rukh Khan. If Shah Rukh Khan wants to be in this show.” Bilall added, “He is one of the biggest stars in the world, a legend.”

Sana said that references to Shah Rukh exist even in the ‘Ms Marvel’ comics, citing her own youth as a Pakistani growing up in New Jersey. “Shah Rukh, if you want to work with us, we are down for it,” she said.

‘Ms Marvel’ will debut on Disney+ on June 8. The six-episode series is designed to set up the upcoming ‘The Marvels’, in which the character will unite on the big screen with Captain Marvel. The show stars Iman Vellani in the lead role, with Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur and Matt Lintz in supporting roles.

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India, Windies to play 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is in July-August The Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the BCCI announced India’s tour of the West Indies where the ‘Men in Blue’ will play three ODIs and five T20Is between July 22 and August 7.

India will finish its white-ball leg of UK tour on July 17 and those selected would directly leave for the West Indies from England.

The ODI series and three T20Is will be hosted across Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts & Nevis, with the final two T20Is scheduled to be held in Fort Lauderhill, Florida in the USA. The three ODIs will be played on July 22, 24 and 27 respectively at Port of Spain’s (Trinida d & Tobago) iconic Queen’s Park Oval and will be followed by five T20Is, two of which will be played at Florida’s Fort Lauderhill.

The first T20I will be held at Brian Lara Stadium (Port of Spain) on July 29 and followed by two games at St Kitt’s Warner Park on August 1 and 2 respectively.

The final two games, in order to cater to the Indian diaspora in the United States, will be held at the Broward County Stadium in Florida on August 6 and 7.

Itinerary ODIs- 1st ODI: July 22 (Queens Park Oval, Port of Spain) 2nd ODI: July 24 (Queens Park Oval, Port of Spain) 3rd ODI: July 27 (Queens Park Oval, Port of Spain) All ODI matches live from 7 pm IST T20Is 1st T20I: July 29: (Brian Lara Stadium, Port of Spain) 2nd T20I: Aug 1 (Warner Park, St Kitts & Nevis) 3rd T20I: Aug 2 (Warner Park, St Kitts & Nevis) 4th T20I: Aug 6 (Broward County Ground, Florida, USA); 5th T20I: Aug 7 (Florida, USA)

Avani Lekhara wins gold with world record at Para shooting

Avani Lekhara

The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics Champion, Avani Lekhara, made a stunning return to the international arena by clinching the Women's SH1 10m Air Rifle gold with a world record score at the ongoing Chateauroux Para Shooting World Cup in France.

The 20-year-old shot a total of 250.6 in the final to break her own World Record.

Lekhara never looked in any sort of trouble

in the final as she almost cruised to the top spot on the podium, with the silver medallist from Poland Emilia Babska coming up with a total of 247.6. The bronze medal went to Anna Normann of Sweden with a total of 225.6. The Indian broke the world record with her 24th and final shot.

Leading Babska by 2.2 points already, Lekhara maintained her calm to shoot a near-perfect 10.8 with her final shot to shatter the world record and take home the gold. Avani had previously equalled the World Cup in the 2020 Toyko Paralympics, when she shot a total of 249.6 in the final to become the first Indian woman to win a Paralympics gold. With this record breaking effort in Chateauroux, the Padma Shri awardee has also booked herself a berth to the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Earlier in the week, Lekhara was on the verge of missing out on this World Cup after the visas of her escort and coach were not cleared.

Sakshi, Divya, Mansi bag wrestling gold in Kazakhstan Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik (62 kg) and Commonwealth Games and Asian Games medallist Divya Kakran bagged gold medals as India claimed three gold and a bronze in the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup wrestling championship, the 2nd Ranking Series event currently on in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Mansi bagged the other gold for India in the women’s 57 kg wrestling, while Pooja claimed the bronze medal in the 76 kg category on the second day of the competition. Earlier, on the opening day, Indian wrestler Neeraj won the 63 kg Greco Roman bronze medal.

Sakshi, who won a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics in 58 kg, defeated the experienced Irina Kuznetsova of Kazakhstan by fall (VFA) 7-4. Sakshi had made it to the semifinals by beating Tserenchimed Sukhee of Mongolia.

She had started her campaign by beating Irina Kuznetsova by Superiority (Technical Fall) after taking a 10-0 lead. Divya Kakran bagged the gold medal after finishing ahead of Bolortungalag Zorigi of Mongolia in the 68 kg group which was reduced to three participants.

Mansi also won gold for India when she defeated Emma Tissinga of Kazakhstan 3-0 on points in the final.

She had defeated another Kazakhstan wrestler Laura Almaganbetova in the semifinals. In the women’s 76 kg, India’s Pooja defeated Zagardulam Naigalsuren of Mongolia in the bronze medal match, winning by fall.

The superb performance on the Day 2 put India on top in the team rankings with 90 points with hosts Kazakhstan second with 64 while Mongolia are third with 45 points in the event in which wrestlers from seven countries are participating in the women’s section.

Joe Root leads England to victory Joe Root's masterful century led England to a five-wicket win in the first Test against New Zealand on the fourth morning at Lord's. Root, who ended 115 not out, also became the second England batter after Sir Alastair Cook to reach 10,000 Test runs.

From 216-5 overnight, 61 short of their target of 277, the home side were taken to victory by Root's unbeaten sixth-wicket stand of 120 with Ben Foakes, who made 32 not out. Despite the challenge of the gloomy conditions, the England pair were assured throughout, taking the tension away from what could have been a nerve-shredding morning.

When Root pulled Tim Southee for the winning boundary, it completed a remarkable turnaround from 69-4 on the third afternoon and finally gave England a Test win after only one in their previous 17 matches.

The success also handed a winning start to new captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.

For New Zealand, the world Test champions, a seven-match undefeated run against England has come to an end. Even as England crumbled in the final months of his captaincy, Root turned himself into the world's premier Test batter. Here, in his first Test since relinquishing the leadership, he gave another demonstration of his class and reaffirmed his importance to this England team.

On a murky morning, with the floodlights on, Root resumed on 77 and continued to bat with the urgency he showed late on Saturday night. He had the fortune of inside-edging past his stumps on more than one occasion, but when he clipped Southee to mid-wicket to reach three figures he also became the 14th man in Test history to achieve the 10,000-run landmark.

At 31 years and 157 days, he equals Cook's record as the youngest man to reach the milestone, and he is also the first to do it less than 10 years after his debut - this is his 118th Test since he first played against India in 2012.

Sourav Ganguly's tweet creates a buzz Sourav Ganguly was known to create a buzz on the field either with his bat or his leadership skills during his playing days. He continues to do so well after leaving the field. Around 30 years after starting his international cricketing journey in 1992, he can cause wild speculations with a seemingly innocuous tweet. “Planning to start something that I feel will probably help a lot of people.”

His tweet last week was enough to fan rumours of his resignation as the BCCI president.

It needed the BCCI secretary Jay Shah’s word to put them to rest. “The rumours doing rounds about Mr Sourav Ganguly stepping down from the post of BCCI president are factually incorrect,” Shah was quoted as saying.

“We have some exciting times in the form of media rights coming up and my colleagues and I are completely focused on the upcoming opportunity and safeguarding the interest of

Indian cricket,” he added. Shah and Ganguly spent time together during the IPL knockouts in Kolkata and the final in Ahmedabad. The former India skipper in fact is said to be in the running to become the next International Cricket Council (ICC) president with a number of officials of the game’s global body visiting the Eden Gardens during the IPL. Ganguly was elected the BCCI chief in October 2019 and he still has four more months left in his three-year tenure.

That Ganguly, in the tweet, thanked everyone who has been part of his cricketing journey, spiced up the rumours. “The year 2022 marks the 30th year since the start of my journey with cricket in 1992. Since then, cricket has given me a lot. Most importantly, it has given me the support of all of you. I want to thank every single person, who has been part of the journey, supported me, and helped me reach where I am today,” he wrote in a brief statement.

in brief PLAY T20IS FORMAT ONLY IN WORLD CUP: RAVI SHASTRI Former India coach Ravi Shastri reckons that T20 format is not meant for bilateral series Ravi Shastri between international teams and the slam bang style of cricket should be restricted to just World Cup. Shastri, one of the most successful India coaches, also feels that franchise cricket together with a biennial T20 World Cup is best way forward when it comes to shortest format, considering fans’ appetite for it.

Shastri’s comments have come, days before India’s five-mach T20 series against South Africa. “. . . there’s too much of bilateral stuff going on in T20 cricket. I’ve said that (before), even when I was the coach of India, I could see it happening in front of my eyes,” Shastri said.

“It should go the football way, where, in T20 cricket, you just play the World Cup. Bilateral tournaments no one remembers. ” Shastri, whose tenure as India coach ended last year, said he doesn’t “remember a single (T20) game in the last six-seven years as coach of India, barring the World Cup.” “A team wins the World Cup, they will remember it. Unfortunately, we didn’t, so I don’t remember that either. “Where I am coming from is: you play franchise cricket around the globe; each country is allowed to have their franchise cricket, which is their domestic cricket, and then, every two years, you come and play a World Cup. ”

INDIA BAG BRONZE IN ASIA CUP India produced a spirited performance to beat Japan 1-0 and clinch the bronze medal in the Asia Cup. After missing out on a place in the final on goal difference following an exciting 4-4 draw with South Korea, defending champions India came out with purpose and scored a field goal through Raj Kumar Pal in the seventh minute and then defended well to seal the deal. South Korea clinched a record fifth Asia Cup title by beating Malaysia 2-1 in the summit clash. Manjae Jung (17th) and Taeil Hwang (52nd) scored two field goals for Korea. Earlier in the day, India started brightly and pushed hard in the first five minutes of the match but their attacks fizzled once out inside the opposition D. The Indians, however, broke the deadlock in the seventh minute from a brisk counter-attack with Uttam Singh doing all the hardwork.

HOPE TON LEADS WI TO ODI WIN VS NETHERLANDS West Indies opener Shai Hope struck his eleventh ODI century to lead his team to a seven-wicket win over the Netherlands in Amstelvee, in a game reduced to 45 overs.

Although the Dutch only made 240 for seven, the target was adjusted under the Duckworth Lewis method to 247 which the West Indies passed with 11 balls to spare.

Hope, who made 119 not out, and fellow opener Shamarh Brooks quickly got to grips with the damp conditions that allowed the Dutch seamers to move the ball around, adding 120 for the first wicket. Brooks rattled out 60 from 67 balls before Logan van Beek dismissed him with a superb return catch.

Van Beek removed Nkrumah Bonner leg before first ball and Aryan Dutt bowled Nicholas Pooran for seven to leave the West Indies in slightly dangerous territory at 133 for three.