AV 12th December 2020

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

inside: Khalistani and separatist forces protest outside the High Commission in support of Indian Farmers SEE PAGE - 11 R

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

12 - 18 DECEMBER 2020 - VOL 49 ISSUE 32

HERO COUPLE ‘ENCOURAGE’ COMMUNITY TO VACCINATE

Twitter@NewcastleHosps

• 87-year-old Dr Hari Shukla and his 84-year-old wife Ranjan became the first Indianorigin couple to be injected with the vaccine.

• GPs have been instructed to prioritise patients from BAME backgrounds in their first over-80s Covid-19 vaccination cohorts.

Dr Hari Shukla and wife Ranjan Shukla receiving Covid-19 vaccine at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle

Campaigning for direct Air India flights for the British Indian diaspora SEE PAGE - 15

The importance of looking after your mental health SEE PAGE - 16 - 17

Nita Patel is leading the vaccine team of Novavax in US SEE PAGE - 22

Time magazine names Gitanjali Rao as Kid of the Year

Priyanka Mehta & Rupanjana Dutta Doctors, pharmacists and parliamentarians are concerned about greater awareness of the coronavirus vaccination drive among members of the black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. Community members are also stepping forward to shed any stigma and inhibitions around the vaccination process. On Tuesday 8 December as Asian Voice went to print, 87-year-old Dr Hari Shukla and his 84-year-old wife Ranjan Shukla became the first Indian-origin couple to be injected with the vaccine at Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, after being collected from home personally by Martin Wilson, Chief Operating Officer, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals.

Continued on page 6

Gitanjali Rao

Gitanjali Rao, a Colorado teenager who invented a mobile device to test for lead in drinking water, is Time's Kid of the Year for 2020. The magazine announced the award last week, citing Rao's ability to apply scientific ideas to real-world problems and her desire to motivate other kids to take up their own Full story on page - 22 causes.

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AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

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12 - 18 December 2020

with Keith Vaz

Brother played "full part" in Manchester bombing

Mina Om Shah Mina Om Shah, 38, from North West London, graduated from the University of Bedford with a degree in business and marketing. She later went on to work in the education sector and currently teaches at a local, primary school.

Mina has always had a keen interest in spirituality. Her spiritual search came to end six years ago when she found her spiritual master, Om Swami ji.

Mina says, the Black Lotus app based on Om Swami ji’s teachings of meditation, breathing practices, wisdom, and kindness has transformed her life.

Seeing the benefits of using the Black Lotus app daily and practicing meditation and mindfulness, Mina wanted to help others, especially primary school students to get the best start in life. She became a representative for Black Lotus, and, during the lockdown, Mina completed a diploma in Mindfulness for Children, and has successfully brought mindfulness practices into her classroom.

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

I feel very content where I am now, Stanmore, London, my home. I am extremely grateful for what I have been blessed with. My family and my husband are very important to me. We love and support each other and I would not want to be anywhere else.

What are your proudest achievements?

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ever.

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What is the best aspect about your current role?

Seeing the children happy and smiling! I am so grateful that I can be a positive influence on them. I love to encourage and motivate them to do their best. Teaching children is more than just about ABC’s.

Teaching them how to live happily is so important.

And the worst?

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I understand more than ever the importance of kindness in spirituality. If I can carry out a random act of kindness and have a positive impact on someone’s life, even in just a small way, every single day, that’s the biggest achievement of all.

What inspires you?

The children are so loving and giving. They just love to share whatever they have, including their cute little bugs! But it’s okay. It’s part of the job and I’m sure it’s given me a stronger immune system.

What are your long-term goals?

Most definitely my spiritual master, Om Swami. He was a successful, millionairebusinessman who renounced everything, became a monk and achieved enlightenment. He now lives in the Himalayas and has dedicated His life to helping others.

The Black Lotus app is His brainchild. He’s a very cool, tech savvy monk!

What has been biggest obstacle in your career?

I think the lockdown, because I missed my students very much and when we returned to school, I saw that some of the children hadn’t made as much progress as they would have had they been having their usual interactions with their friends and teachers.

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

My husband, Mishal. I used to work in retail and I wasn’t feeling very fulfilled in my job. Mishal saw how I interacted with children, he said I’d be great working with kids. He’s the biggest, most lovable kid himself! His encouragement and support helped me make the best career decision

I like this question. With Om Swami ji’s guidance, I would love to teach mindfulness to children all over the world.

Happiness is a skill that can be learned just like any other. So, why not give children the best chance at happiness from an early age.

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

It’s a two-parter for mind-&-body health.

All children to have free, nutritious, school meals, and to add mindfulness practises to the UK curriculum. I’ve seen the effect it’s had with my students. It’s priceless!

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

Princess Diana. As a child I used to dress up just like her! Now, I look back and I admire her for what she stood for. For her courage and kindness, and how she inspired millions of people. I wonder what Princess Diana would have thought of Om Swami and Black Lotus. They all have kindness in common!

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Wife murdered with the help of an accomplice On 2nd December Wednesday, a 45-year-old construction company boss murdered his wife with the help of a female accomplice who was recorded on CCTV, Birmingham Crown Court heard. Prosecutors alleged that 38-year-old Sarbjit Kaur, was strangled by her husband, Gurpreet Singh, in their Wolverhampton apartment in 2018. But the husband has denied murder.

Jurors were also told an unidentified woman went into the home of the accused, just minutes after Gurpreet Singh entered the Wolverhampton property according to Birmingham Mail. Prosecutor David Mason QC said the death was at first thought to have been the result of a "burglary gone wrong" because "the house [the couple] lived in had been turned over and this defendant seemed fairly plausible".

While Mr Singh's own CCTV was disabled, the prosecutor explained that the defendant did not know that a house opposite had CCTV

covering his driveway which reportedly showed the arrival of a woman who was not mentioned by Mr Singh in his account to officers. In his Sarbjit Kaur statement, he stated it was just he and his wife at home when he left for work. It left "two possibilities", according to the prosecution.

"Firstly, [Mr Singh] is not telling the truth and another person has come to the house and been there for nearly an hour, no doubt, we would say, helping him to kill his wife.

"Or someone else has been let into the house by his wife without him knowing, while he has been in the house, and that unknown person has then murdered his wife and ransacked the house in just four minutes between him going to work and her leaving the house after he left.

On 7th December Monday, 23-year-old jailed terrorist Hashem Abedi finally admitted that he had “played a full part” in planning and preparation for the Manchester Arena bombing which killed 22 people in May 2017.

Abedi made the admission in prison last month while he was visited by two members of the inquiry's legal team to be interviewed as part of the ongoing public inquiry into Manchester Arena bombing attack. The

Hashem Abedi

brother of suicide bomber Salman Abedi had pleaded not guilty earlier this year to 22 counts of murder; attempted murder; and plotting to cause an explo-

sion likely to endanger life.

He did not give evidence at the Old Bailey, but provided a pre-prepared defence statement in which he denied involvement; claimed to have been “shocked” by what his brother had done; and did not hold extremist views.

He is convicted by a jury of all the offences and was handed 24 life sentences in August, with a minimum term of 55 years before he can be considered for parole.

Leicester NHS trust first to sign charter to promote diversity in workplace University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has become the first NHS trust to sign up to Unite the union’s Unity over Division Charter designed to promote tolerance, equality and diversity in the workplace.

Unite, which has 100,000 members in the health service, said the landmark signing of the charter is another step forward in Unite’s fight to stamp out racism and far right activities. The trust employs more than 16,500 staff. Aloma Onyemah, head of equality diversity and inclusion at Leicester’s hospitals, said, “Signing up to the Unity over Division Charter with Unite is another positive step forward in our commit-

ment to ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is embedded across our hospitals.

“EDI is core to our values as a trust and the charter supports our wider ambition to ensure our talented workforce reflects the communities we serve, and our patients receive high quality care and service, regardless of background.”

Unite regional officer Mark Pettifer said, “This will be the first NHS trust to have signed up to the charter in the UK and is a significant move which, hopefully, will lead other public sector employers to follow suit.

It is a template for tolerance and equality in the workplace.”

Unite regional secretary for the East Midlands Paresh Patel said, “The signing demonstrates a genuine commitment between Unite and the trust to work together, to educate and tackle racism head on.

“Given that we have also celebrated Black History Month recently, this charter is a positive move to ensure that Unite continues to tackle racism within the workplace, regarding of the nature of the industry, business or organisation.”

Theme park faces fine over child’s death A theme park in Staffordshire is reportedly facing a fine of up to £2.5m over safety failings in relation to an 11-yearold girl's death on a ride.

Evha Jannath was on the Splash Canyon rapids ride at Drayton Manor theme park during a school trip in 2017 when she was "propelled" into the water, the Cannock Magistrates’ Court heard.

The prosecuting, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) complained of a "constellation" of failures in the Leicester girl’s untimely demise. Drayton Manor Park Ltd, had breached Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act, relating to failure to ensure the safety of park guests.

Prosecutor Ben Mills informed the court, “During the course of the journey, she fell into the water. The boat struck a wooden deflector panel which jolted her into the water. She wasn’t seen by a member of staff, but by a member of the public who raised the alarm. Her friends also sought to raise the alarm.

It’s evident from CCTV that she was able to wade around the course for some distance.

She is on camera for a little under a minute.

“The accident was caused

by a constellation of different failures. Inadequate signage, inadequate instruction to people on the ride, inadequate training of staff manning the ride, inadequate monitoring of the ride CCTV only covered half. An element of under-staffing and a lack of emergency planning.”

The Leicester Mercury further reported that Mr Mills highlighted in court that Drayton Manor's latest accounts showed it turned over about £24m in 2019.

Evha Jannath

Thus, a possible starting point for any fine for the theme park should be of £950,000, "with a range of £600,000 to £2.5m".

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12 - 18 December 2020

The vaccine journey begins On Tuesday, Britain became the first Western country to start a mass coronavirus vaccine campaign, using the new PfizerBioNTech jab. It saw the beginning of a robust vaccination programme among community members as a Gujarati octogenarian couple became one of the firsts to take the coronavirus vaccine. Dr Hari Shukla speaking to the press said how he wanted the Indian community to follow in his footsteps and take this vaccine to combat coronavirus. He is an 87-year-old social worker, who braved everything to get injected with his 84-year-old wife Ranjan, just to inspire the community. This is what the Indian community in the UK stands for. They lead and they inspire, despite risks, hindrances and obstacles. Dr Shukla came from Uganda, against much adversities settled in Tyne and Wear in 1974. He spoke about race relations most of his life and received Queen’s Honours. A former writer in New Life (now Asian Voice), even at 87, he showed the strength of a successful community leader.

Amidst this joy of a vaccine rollout here, a top US infectious disease expert suggested that UK regulators did not scrutinise Pfizer-BioNTech data as rigorously as Americans, defending US regulators from the ire of Donald Trump. But as we went to press, the British news fraternity roared with applauds, when the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine was found safe and effective, giving good protection, confirmed by researchers in The Lancet journal. The BBC reported that most in the study were younger than 55, but the results so far indicated it does work well in older people too. The data also suggested it can reduce spread of Covid, as well protect against illness and death. The paper, assessed by independent scientists, sets out full results from advanced trials of over 20,000 people. Pfizer chief executive

Albert Bourla on Tuesday at a virtual press meet hosted by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) said he understood concerns around the speed at which pharmaceutical companies have produced Covid19 vaccines but insisted that no corners had been cut.

Newspapers such as FT have been concerned about the future availability of vaccines for sale privately in other countries, such as India. They said it increases the likelihood of a secondary market developing for vaccines where locals or foreign visitors could pay for a vaccination. But for a huge country like India where the population is of 1.3bn and class divide is widespread, waiting to be vaccinated by the government is definitely a long haul. In fact, if the rich could access a parallel market, poor may have quicker access to vaccines.

The V-day (Vaccine Day), as Prime Minister Boris Johnson called it, was indeed a day of victory. Mr Johnson’s second ministry started on 13 December 2019. The year which was meant to see glories of Brexit talks and breakthroughs, was hijacked by a terrible virus that tore through the economy, social fabric and the NHS. It held bare all the weaknesses this government ever had. But with this vaccine showing a light at the end of a long dark tunnel, Mr Johnson can perhaps heave a sigh of relief. Not everything has been easy for him. Divorce, a new baby and Covid this year, it must have been hard on him too despite the available help and infrastructure. But it is noteworthy that the man did not lose the sight of his plan and goal. As the famous Pablo Picasso once said, “Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.”

From corner shops to cash registers The Iron lady of the UK once acknowledged that Britain was built on the back of the corner shops, many who had arrived from Uganda. Now, the council plans to underwrite a £100,000 unveiling ceremony for a statue of Margaret Thatcher in her home town of Grantham have been approved.

Home Secretary Priti Patel was raised by corner shopowning parents and found her heroine in another daughter of a shopkeeper, Margaret Thatcher. Chancellor Rishi Sunak grew up in a similar working-class background where his parents worked hard at the local pharmacy to be able to educate their son at Oxford University. Such has been the success story of most of the first generation of Asian and Indian-origin politicians and businessmen. Indians once dominated the corner shop but they are increasingly moving away from minding the cash register, a change that tells part of the story of Indian engagement with post-colonial Britain. In a postpandemic and post coronavirus Britain, the Indian diaspora will have a larger role carved out for themselves to be able to revive the UK’s economy.

This at a time when more than 7,200 workers are set to lose their jobs as retailers Sainsbury’s, John Lewis and Clarks, plus Llyods Banking Group and a caterer for British Airways, added to the already grim picture for the UK’s employment prospects. Sainsbury’s is expected to confirm plans to cut at least 3,000 job and John Lewis said it would axe 1,500 jobs at its head office as it tries to save £300m a year in costs and return to profitability. Footwear retailer Clarks is set to cut at least 700 jobs as part of a shake-up of its shop management and store estate. The group is consulting with all 3,969 staff at its 320 UK shops about potential redundancy. These are just

few examples to illustrate the unemployment levels in the UK which have dipped to the levels of that of 2009.

But with the vaccination drive being unveiled this week there is also hope at the end of the tunnel and a glimmer of hope for small scale and medium sized businesses, primarily Indian or Asian owned to revive their High Street collapsed sales and re-invent the British consumer market. In the meantime, it is also a perfect opportunity for South Asian companies such as National Care Group, Oak Security Services, Saloni, Otto Car, Northern Gas & Power and Task Consumer Products among others to widen their audience outreach and bring innovation to the virtual and digital workspace.

In his research paper titled South Asian Ethnic Minority Small and Medium Enterprises in the United Kingdom: a review and research agenda, Muhibul Haq of the University of Huddersfield writes, “Within the SMEs sector, contribution of ethnic minority SMEs in the UK is of particular interest. In addition to contributing £25 to £32 billion each year, they are involved in regeneration of declining sectors, they play a catalyst’s role in transnational business relations and they help new immigrants to integrate into the wider society.”

Perhaps, the enterprising state of South Asian businesses is best demonstrated by the accelerated growth of the Euro Garages Group and the financial acumen of Issa brothers as they continue to expand their empire from simply owning petrol stations to reportedly intending to buy café chains. In a post pandemic Britain, South Asian businesses will have a vital role to re-build Britain which was once built on the back of these corner shop-owners.

Indian Farmers’ Bill: A work in progress The Indian farmers' protest has gained momentum internationally. On Sunday London saw the country’s Punjabi community , aided by large numbers of others with vested interests , come out in big groups standing in solidarity with the farmers. They raised slogans outside the High Commission of India - though soon the political nature of the protest was revealed.

Thirty six British MPs from various parties , predominantly from Labour Party , including some of Indian origin and others representing several constituents with links in Punjab – have written to British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, asking him to raise the issue of farmers’ agitation with the Narendra Modi government. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said that Canada would always defend the right of peaceful protest and had already reached out to Indian authorities to highlight its concerns. The recent farm bills passed in Indian Parliament has caused a fair amount of disturbance, even within the country.

The bills are radical in nature indeed. But they aim to reform the current system where Indian farmers have to sell their produce at local markets, with minimum support prices (MSPs) decided by the government. Now, farmers can sell to and enter into contracts with private players.

Some may consider the existing MSP system as forcing farmers to sell to a monopoly. Others may consider the MSP system a safety net, where the farmer is at least assured of a minimum price. This is why the new bills have led to divided reactions. Author Chetan Bhagat in The Times of India wrote that the new bills allow farmers to choose between several buyers and sell across regions. In other words, it liberalises the agricultural markets, historically that have been heavily controlled by the state. India has huge potential as a major agricultural powerhouse in the world. Seventy per cent of India’s livelihood

depends on agriculture. The total agriculture commodities export was US $ 3.50 billion in March–June 2020 with a sharp increase of 23.24% during the same period in 2019. India exports pulses, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, basmati and non-basmati rice, processed food products etc.

The long term and the best case effect of these farmer bills can be enormous growth in India’s agriculture. But as Bhagat says, for this we will need private players, which in turn will allow capital, competition among buyers, scale, branding and multiple opportunities to come to the sector. While it is good to allow private deals and contracts for agriculture, a less powerful person cannot negotiate a fair contract. The only way out of this is some sort of rebalancing of power, which will come through farmer collectives, negotiating bodies on behalf of farmers, unions and other entities that ensure farmers’ rights.

This is where the various state governments should focus their efforts right now. The solution to a power differential is to increase the farmer’s power, not to stall his progress and keep him on government crutches for generations to come. Punjab farmers fear that the newly enacted laws will harm their interests. They fear that central agencies, such as the Food Corporation of India, might gradually scale down food procurement targets, and even PDS (Public Distribution System) allotments may eventually move to the direct benefit transfer system. Among the farmers’ demands are making purchase of all crops at MSP rates mandatory; setting up of special tribunals and courts for redressal of grievances instead of ‘consolation boards’ with the local district collector as the appellate authority; and cheaper access to storage facilities. The central government has agreed to work on most of the demands and make them part of the rules. The result only time will tell.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony – Mahatma Gandhi

Alpesh Patel

Indian Farmers Hijacked

by British MPs The first instinct of anyone anywhere is the protection of farmers. In Karamsad, Gujarat, at the Sardar Patel Memorial Hall, a massive banner states the same – and that is a hall Narendra Modi will be very familiar with.

Sadly, in Britain a few MPs have decided to hijack the farmers views. I was on the BBC and spoke to the producer about this.

First, in the UK, what on earth during a coronavirus tier 2 lockdown are MPs doing encouraging people to protest in close proximity to each other – presumably coming in coaches. How does that help Britain. Read that again, how does that help Britain?

Second, could the protestor in the Ferrari explain exactly how he makes common cause with poor farmers, or was it the flag waving ‘Khalistanis’ that are the real agenda here for him.

Yes, there will be some concerned for the farmers, but let’s not be naïve, the majority in the UK claiming to support them are opportunistic political fanatics who want a theocracy. It’s a simple test, you claim to support Indian farmers – how many of you will say you are proud to be Indian, but support the farmers?

But of course if your cause is not strong enough and you have a hidden agenda, you need to bolster your case with misinformation (think Brexit). You need to claim these four lies: Lie 1: Farmers land will be in the hands of capitalists.

Truth: the Bill clearly prohibits sale, lease or mortgage of farmers’ land. The agreement is for produce not land.

Lie 2: Big corporates will have all the advantages.

Truth: Now smaller farmers can get the benefits in other states farmers have of working with corporates to get better technology with guaranteed profits because the farmers get a fixed price and they can withdraw without penalty at any time.

Lie 3: Mandis will end.

Truth: No the market system will continue.

Here are some principles we can and do agree on: Protests should never be hijacked by separatists and those who have a problem with the country, as opposed to a problem with the laws.

British MPs should not be encouraging a congregation of theocratic fanatics during Covid.

Better you lose your seat than pander to fanatics.

Law first, nation second, religion third. If it’s not in that order, there is a shredder for your passport.

And in case you think I am some ‘Government jamjah or Modi-bhakt’ my top Indian politicians of all time: Mrs Indira Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Radhakrishnan, Sashi Tharoor – all Congress and Zakir Husain of Jamia Milia Islamia (3rd President of India).

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Study notes BAME communities four times impacted by Covid-19 A recent study has examined that the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities have suffered four times greater number of coronavirus infections than their white counterparts.

Published on Monday 7th December, The Guardian analysis of England’s 10 worst-hit council areas found disparities in the effect of Covid-19 on residents living alongside one another, with densely packed BAME communities bearing the brunt of the pandemic.

The paper examines that in Blackburn with Darwen, which has experienced the UK’s highest coronavirus cases per capita, the contrast between neighbouring areas is stark. One in 10 people have had the virus in Bastwell, where 85.7% of residents come from a BAME

background – four times higher than a neighbourhood five miles away where only 2% of people are non-white. It dissects more than 300 neighbourhoods comprising nearly 2.7 million people in England’s 10 local authorities with the highest infection rates, almost all of which are post-industrial towns in the north-west.

It also found that across England places with higher average earnings were more likely to have fewer Covid-19 cases. But in the 10 worst-hit local authorities, an area’s proportion of BAME residents had a stronger correlation to its case rate, compared with salary, age and deprivation.

In these 10 worst-hit councils, the 26 areas with a majority of BAME residents and an average

salary of b e l o w £25,000 had experienced 7.1 cases per 100 people. is This almost double the average rate in the 22 mostly white Lord Bob Kerslake areas where most people earn more than £35,000 a year.

In a statement to The Guardian, Lord Kerslake, chair of the 2070 commission into city and regional inequalities in the UK, said the findings proved “Covid has not been a leveller. Nor has the economic fallout been a leveller.”

Brent council celebrates small businesses On 3rd December the Brent Council celebrated and honoured the small and medium businesses who have continued to show resilience by adapting delivery methods, product offer and supporting community groups.

Nearly 100 businesses had entered the Business Saturday Awards from among whom Asian businesses such as Babla’s Jewellers, Shambhu’s and Funeral Print Services

were awarded for their ability to train with the Council and pivot their business module to provide digital and virtual services.

In a statement, Cllr Shama Tatler, Brent Council’s Lead Member Regeneration, for Property & Planning, said, “It was particularly heart-warming to hear from businesses who have truly gone above and beyond to support our residents, which is a

testament to the true community spirit we have in Brent.”

This comes at a time when the Brent Council has announced that it is facing a funding gap of £5.1 million over the next two years as it announced its “most challenging” draft budget in history. It intends to implement a council tax increase of 5% for next year, with three per cent ring-fenced for social care. The council’s cabinet approved initial

Cllr Shama Tatler

proposals covering 2021/22 and 2022/23, which will be subject to consultation. It outlines cuts of £1.6 million, including a review of the borough’s transport service and the removal of several job roles.

First BAME woman Chairman for Slough Conservatives On Monday 7th December, the Slough Conservative Association appointed their first woman from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community and the youngest person as their new chairman.

Mherunisa Hussain will be replacing the current chairman Lee Pettman and the university student is expected to bring a “wealth of experience, insights, and passion” to the role.

On Monday 7th

December, the Slough Conservative Association appointed their first woman from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community and the youngest person as their new chairman.

Mherunisa Hussain will be replacing the current chairman Lee Pettman and the university student is expected to bring a “wealth of experience, insights, and passion” to the role.

The leader of the Conservatives, councillor

Wayne Strutton (Haymill and Lynch Hill) said Ms Hussain has the “vision” to take the group forward and is “excited” to see how she leads the association into the future.

In a statement to Slough Observer, Mherunisa Hussain said, “I am delighted and honoured to have been elected as the new Chairman of Slough Conservative Association. I look forward to leading this association with the same passion and dedication of

Mherunisa Husssain

our outgoing Chairman; to working closely with our fantastic Conservative councillors and to harnessing the enthusiasm of our younger members to take this association and party forward in Slough”.

Anecdotes are invisible and invaluable chapters of history Rohit Vadhwana “When I was a child...” and the story goes on. Have you heard your grandparents or parents narrating some stories about their childhood? They invariably begin with this phrase, “when I was a child...”.

Do you remember what happened when you were a child?

Maybe we remember what games we used to play; what peculiar habits we had, or the memory of holding our parent's hands as we learnt to walk. Some memories of early childhood stick to our mind. But we don't remember whether we cried or smiled when born. We may not have any memory when we started walking first.

But we know, it happened to us. Because it happens to everyone.

That's why we believe these tales when our parents tell us.

Similarly, our parents may remember some parts of their early childhood. And so, would our grandparents remember about their childhood. So, the memory trail goes back from generation to generation. Each generation keeps telling their own stories of childhood with the same phrase, “when I was a child...” and the knowledge is transferred through oral history.

But what happens to history? Does this oral history give us a comprehensive account of its time? Maybe not. But the written history also doesn't inform us about those interesting and basic aspects of human lives that we can hear from such oral history.

Nowadays many parents record every activity of their children: the first smile, first crawling, first tooth, first walk, and the list goes on.

It later becomes a cherished recollection for the family. Sometimes it also turns out to be an embarrassment for the person whose story it is. Because parents would add certain funny anecdotes with it.

Every child's first photograph is invariably naked and as grown-up matured, serious head of the family, he would not like the photograph to be placed on the centre table and discussed by his wife and children. But later it is realised that such photographs are a treasure.Coming back to the 'when I was a child...' stories, it can be said that the storyteller finds them so interesting and enriching that the same story is repeated over and over again. Till the time listener is still a child, it goes on well. But once the listener turns to an adolescent, the story loses its charm. One, because of countless retelling.

Two, because that is the age when the listener feels s/he has better things to do than listen to the repeated boring stories. Some stories are told only to amuse children or grandchildren. But many stories begin with a clear purpose of correcting the behaviour of children.

Setting the parameters of their own time, storyteller propagates that children should follow the example.

The point is, it is an interesting tradition to pass on stories of our generation to the next, through written or oral communication. That also tells us about society, emotions, habits and expectations of different times. Importance of diary writing is invaluable because it is a recorded history of contemporary time from a personal point of view. Even if the diary writer mentions his personal struggle of searching for a job, it is evidence of the struggle that generation would have faced. Personal diaries are generally not published. But whoever has given us a glimpse of their personal diary writing, it has enriched our knowledge. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is perhaps the best example. A Writer's Diary by Virginia Wolf; and I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith are other good stories of individual's perspective of their time. Therefore, if someone starts to tell you a story, “when I was a child...”, listen to it patiently.

(Expressed opinions are personal.)

Baggage handler accused of murdering his lover A 36-year-old baggage handler is accused of murdering his British Airways lover as he allegedly tried to steal cash to feed his drug habit, Hove Crown Court heard.

But Jayesh Gobar, of Crawley, West Sussex has denied murdering his 58year-old Nelly Myers at her apartment in Rotherfield.

Mrs Myers, a customer services host at Gatwick Airport, and baggage handler Gobar were reportedly in “passionate and turbulent,” affair. But according to prosecutors, Gobar, who

was previously jailed for assaulting the mother-oftwo, was “only interested in her money,”, the Daily Mail reported. He was reportedly convicted at Lewes Crown Court and jailed for three years but was released early from his sentence in May 2019. He was fitted with an ankle tag under condition he did not see or contact Mrs Myers or visit her hometown or the nearby town of Crowborough.

Following a violent argument between the pair, Gobar beat the mother-of-

two to death. She had multiple rib fractures, strangulation injuries and was found dead at her home on the evening Nelly Myers of December 18 after her son James alerted police. lage. He has denied murder Her son, James, who was allegations and claims Mrs aware of their “peculiar relaMyers was killed after he left tionship” in particular, knew the house.

Gobar had drug dependency Mr Richard Hearnden, issues and had previously the prosecutor told the been violent towards his court, "Mr Gobar was not a mother. professional killer, he killed The jury was told Gobar her in a fit of rage in order to was seen leaving the house steal from her thereby to with a hoodie pulled up and feed a drug habit." later caught a taxi in the vilThe trial continues.

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HERO COUPLE ‘ENCOURAGE’ COMMUNITY TO VACCINATE Continued from page 1 Encouraging everyone to take the vaccine, Ugandan born Dr Shukla, grandfather of nine, in an exclusive interview with Asian Voicesaid, “When the NHS called me, I asked them if I could take along my wife Ranjan for the vaccination.

She is 84. They said of course, that will be great. So, both of us have taken the injection this morning. The NHS staff are absolutely wonderful and very dedicated.

“There were lot of people waiting to receive us at the hospital doorstep. They us in, doctors took explained to us about the vaccine and then the nurse injected us. We have to go back in January after 21 days from today to take the second dose. The injection did not hurt; I did not even realise that I was injected. I thought it would be painful.

But it wasn’t.

“People in different communities have concerns about this vaccine, but my idea is to urge and encourage people to take it.I am determined to tell people that this is a serious crisis. It is still spreading and we need to take advantage of this vaccine now.”

Any appointments not used for these most at-risk groups will be used for healthcare workers who are at highest risk of serious illness from Covid-19. All those vaccinated will need a booster jab 21 days later.

Dr Shukla’s father went to Uganda from Mumbaito work in the railways.Dr Shukla went to school in Kampala and got his teacher’s certificate in Kenya. He then got his Certificate of Education at Exeter University.

He later returned to Kenya to teach and was then offered his first job in race relations in Scunthorpe before moving to Newcastle in 1974.

In Newcastle he later got the job of Director of the Tyne and Wear Racial Equality Council. He has been awarded an MBE, OBE and CBE for his work on race relations and helping to bring communities together.He has told his story of childhood, education and work in Newcastle in a book called ‘The Art of Giving’.

People aged 80 and over as well as care home workers will be first to receive the jab this week, along with NHS workers who are at higher risk.

Over the weekend, hospitals have begun inviting over 80s in for a jab and work with care home providers to book their staff in to vaccination clinics.

Creating awareness around safety of vaccine in BAME community Labelled as the "V-Day" with a mass vaccination pro-

gramme begins, about 70 hospital hubs across the UK are gearing up to give the Pfizer/BioNTech jab to the over-80s and some health and care staff. The government has secured 800,000 doses of this vaccine currently, but orders have been placed for 40 million in total, enough for 20 million people as two courses are needed. The Pfizer vaccine needs to be kept at a temperature of about -70C when transported but some GPs have said that they've been informed it can be stored for a few days in normal fridges. Most fundamentally it is crucial that elderly people get their jab and for this to be possible, politicians are concerned that the elderly are aware of and understand the significance of taking the coronavirus vaccine.

Speaking exclusively to Asian Voice, Mayor of West Midlands, Andy Street said,

Andy Street

“There is no prioritisation in the vaccination drive with regards to geography or the ethnicity. Instead, age is the primary factor. We need to ensure that the BAME community is aware of the wisdom of having the vaccine.

It is important that individuals from the diverse ethnic communities understand the safety and significance of the vaccination process.

Thus, the messaging should be propagatedin different regional and local languages.

We need the uptake of the vaccine to be as high as possible for it to be as effective as possible and that is something we are extremely focussed on in Birmingham.”

Birmingham Mayor urges following social distancing rules will not visit his parents during Christmas The vaccination drive begins ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities bringing the much-needed cheer at the end of a lockdown-imposed year. The Government has already previously announced some relaxation of coronavirus restrictions by allowing people to mix with a slightly wider circle of family and friends. Across the UK, people will be able to form "bubbles" of three households over a five-day period. But scientists have warned that Britons should remain cautious while socialising especially as

infections continue to rise daily.

Concerned about another potential spike in Covid19 infections during the flu season, the Mayor of West Midlands said, “Communities have celebrated their festivals in lockdown including Ramadan and Diwali. Thus, it is understandable that rules are relaxed by the government ahead of Christmas and towards the end of the year when people want that opportunity to be together.

People should decide and make their own judgement on what is wise. I have had a discussion with my elderly parents and have not been able to visit them for months considering the Tier we are placed in. But we are not getting together for Christmas and that is an example of an individual deciding what is right for themselves.”

London Mayor warns about the city slipping in Tier three lockdown In Tier Three rules, which are currently applied across most of the Midlands and the North, as well as Kent and Bristol, people are not allowed to socialise indoors or in enclosed gardens with anyone from another household and restaurants and cafés must close. In the meantime, Londoners might be facing Tier three lockdown restrictions just a week before Christmas as data shows infections are up in twothirds of the capital’s boroughs. According to the latest data by Public Health England infection rates are rising in the capital, with cases per person up by half in certain areas of the city.

Rates in some areas were rising even before lockdown was lifted on December 2 and before Londoners enjoyed the first weekend of slightly eased measures.

Public Health England data shows that 20 of London's boroughs have infection rates higher than the England average, and 21 boroughs have rates that rose in the seven days up to December 2.

Government officials are set to meet on December 16 to review tiers across the country - just over a week before Christmas Day. Urging Londoners to follow public health rules, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said,“From today our NHS will be working to vaccinate the most vulnerable in our society and those who work hard to keep them safe. After many dark months, I am glad that there is now some light at the end of the tunnel. Londoners aged 80 and over, and care home workers, will be first to receive the jab at six hospital hubs across the capital, along with NHS workers

who are at higher risk.

“It is a huge achievement to have produced a vaccine that has met the strict safety and quality standards in the UK, and is now ready for use. It is a testament to the hard work of scientists around the world and I urge all those who are offered the vaccine to take it so they can protect themselves and others. I can assure you that, when it’s our turn, my family and I will all be getting vaccinated.

“But until the vaccine is fully rolled out to everyone who needs it, we must all continue to play our part to keep ourselves and others safe. We still have a long winter ahead of us and I urge Londoners to continue to follow the public health rules to protect each other and our NHS.” GPs asked to prioritise elderly BAME patients The BAME community has been disproportionately impacted by coronavirus with over 600 healthcare workers from minority backgrounds dying at Covid-19 frontlines. Thus, GPs have been instructed to prioritise patients from BAME backgrounds in their first over-80s Covid-19 vaccination cohorts. This advice to prioritise the BAME community, within the first over-80s cohort, is based on an independent report from Public Health England in which the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JVCI) outlines vaccination priority groups. The PHE report states that ‘there is clear evidence that certain BAME groups have higher rates of infection, and higher rates

Dr Nikita Kanani

of serious disease, morbidity and mortality’ as a result of Covid-19 infection.

Dr Nikita Kanani, NHS England Medical Director for Primary Care, said, “Evidence shows Covid-19 disproportionately affects those from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. That’s why it is so important that people take up the offer of a vaccine when they receive one. This will be a marathon, not a sprint, but we’re working hard to ensure as many people as possible get vaccinated so they can protect themselves and their families, starting this week with older people and care home staff.”

PROFILE OF THE WEEK

Preserving the South Asian culture M N Nandakumara moved to the UK to pursue his PhD when he started volunteering at The Bhavan.

This gave him the opportunity to make the classical arts of India available and accessible to both the Indian diaspora and the wider audience in the UK. Today, even as the UK’s M N Nandakumara Arts Industry continues to battle through the coronavirus pandemic, he believes that these art forms are quintessential in connecting the communities and allows them the opportunity to stay rooted with their identity. The Executive Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan UK Centre feels that performing arts foster the understanding of another culture and people whilst encouraging integration and establishing strong and lasting partnerships.

He discusses the kind of assistance and support system that Bhavans provides to aspiring South Asian artists especially when some in South Asian families can be skeptical of pursuing a career in this industry considering many believe it is not a very rewarding career path.

He explains that the pessimism around achieving a stable career is this industry must extinguish as he agrees, “Yes, becoming a professional artist is a tough journey - it requires access to excellent teaching to establish the strong base, it needs opportunities for exposure to both create awareness and gain a better understanding of the craft, there is a process of continuous refinement and discovery, and there is no guarantee of 'success'. However, the UK is a wonderfully inviting location for artists - arts are encouraged and funded, and for the artist who is driven and passionate there are many opportunities from performance to teaching to communicating to creating that exist to support the artist's development and growth. We are grateful to media such as yourself for supporting the Bhavan to promote our art and artistes by way of publicity.”

But with theatres shutting down, shows being cancelled and artists struggling to make a living, the challenges brought forward by the coronavirus pandemic are abound. For a teaching and performance organisation like The Bhavan the Covid-19 situation and the associated restrictions have proved to be difficult challenges.

Discussing how they have adapted to changing times, he said, “From a teaching perspective, we have been able to move our entire schedule to be fully online, and we now run over 100 online classes and teach more than 600 students on a weekly basis.

Moving to online teaching was a challenge initially as both teachers and students alike had to familiarise themselves with a new medium of interaction - the fact that remote working and remote learning have become largely prevalent over the last few years meant that this was actually far simpler than initially thought. The larger impact by far has been for those who are dependent on performances to make a living - monetising online performances for anyone but the most well-known artists is incredibly challenging and access to sponsorship is often restricted to these same artists. Additionally, the huge number of 'free' concerts available online means that asking for payment for an online show is now met with resistance.

Everyone has simply got used to consuming performances online at no cost.

“Understandably, artists are reluctant to perform for free - they need to earn a living from their profession. So a suitable solution to this needs to be found and sponsorship may be one answer. I am incredibly grateful for the years of support that The Bhavan has received from individuals and organisations that see the value in nurturing grass-roots artists at the very early stages of their training and careers. The Arts Council has supported us in this for many years. We are grateful for the support we have been receiving from the Infosys Foundation. I'm sure it's not always as glamorous as working with established A-list stars, but without this support of the young and inexperienced, the next generation of Maestros and Gurus may never arrive.”

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Conservative Election Victory: One Year On Cllr Ameet Jogia, Co-Chair, Conservative Friends of India This week marks one year since the Conservative Party won their biggest election victory in 32 years, securing a Commons majority of 80. It was an election win which changed Britain’s political landscape as we secured seats in the north which had Cllr Ameet Jogia only ever been held by Labour.

Labour on the other hand suffered their worst election result since the 1930s. It was the first time many had voted for us and we could see that Labour had lost touch with its traditional supporters, particularly those from the British Indian community.

Our victory represented a major breakthrough for the Party after a turbulent few years. However, when

London Mayor provides additional funds The Mayor of London has deployed extra funds amounting to £500,000 for communities recovering from the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under a new fund launched by Sadiq Khan, Make London, will support the delivery of a range of recovery projects led by the city’s communities. These initiatives will help improve public spaces, support community hubs and town centres, promote grass-roots culture and bring people together safely.

Smaller-scale projects will be able to pitch for support up to £5,000, while larger initiatives will be eligible for as much as £50,000. The money will be drawn from Sadiq’s £6.6 million Recovery Fund, which is part

of his wider work to support London’s long-term recovery from the impact of coronavirus.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said, “Coronavirus has had an impact on every Londoner and every area of our city, often with lower-income and ethnically diverse communities the hardest hit. We have already seen an incredible response to this challenging time from Londoners of all backgrounds. I firmly believe it is our communities who have the most innovative ideas on how to emerge from the pandemic and bring our city together.”

The programme follows the recent launch of the Mayor’s Community Spaces at Risk Fund, which gives emergency advice and fund-

ing to venues facing closure due to the pandemic. Open to Londoners, mutual aid groups, charities, business improvement districts and social enterprises, the scheme will use the wellestablished crowdfunding model – this also enables groups to secure additional funding from other bodies including local authorities, private companies, and a range of voluntary and philanthropic organisations.

The Spacehive platform, which helps deliver Crowdfund London, will also be used to support applications to Make London.

CEO of Spacehive, Misha Dhanak, said, “Amid all the challenges this year, the way people have reconnected with their local area – and

Sadiq Khan

with each other – has been really inspiring.

Communities across the capital are teeming with ideas for what their area needs and Make London is about channelling and supporting that creativity.

“Spacehive is proud to work in partnership with the Mayor to deliver this programme and can't wait to help Londoners bring their ideas to life.”

Sanjeev Gupta doubtful about French site

Cllr Ameet Jogia on the campaign trail last year with Boris Johnson and Priti Patel

the election result was announced, no one would have expected 2020 to be the year it has been.

Covid-19 has subsequently dominated our political agenda. The fight against coronavirus has demanded big sacrifices from all of us, generating unprecedented challenges and an unprecedented response from everyone. But one year on, this is a time for us to reflect and take stock on how we have done in delivering the election pledges we were elected on.

No government was ready prepared to face this pandemic, but this government stepped up to the challenge – doing whatever it takes to protect lives and livelihoods. This unpredictable pandemic has taught us to be prepared for the unknown, which has resulted in us heading into winter ensuring the NHS has over 30,000 ventilators and billions of items of Personal Protective Equipment - most of it now manufactured here in the UK. But perhaps one of the greatest achievements of this government so far, has been its ability to deliver one of the world’s most comprehensive economic support packages over of £200 billion – led by our outstanding Chancellor Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP. The unprecedented packages consisting of furlough schemes, government loans and grants and payment holidays, reflected our commitment to ensure that no holds are barred in ensuring that wages and jobs of millions of people are protected and making sure the vulnerable have the help they need during this global crisis.

Even in the midst of fighting this virus, we have been getting on and delivering on those promises. We said we'd get Brexit done. We did, leaving the EU on 31st January this year.

We said we’d take back control of UK borders.

We’ve passed our new Immigration Act which ends free movement at the end of the year and replaces it with a fairer Australian style points-based immigration system.

We said we would recruit an extra 20,000 police officers to keep our streets and communities safe, and one year in we have already recruited nearly 6,000.

We said we would recruit an additional 50,000 nurses to ensure our NHS can continue to provide first rate care for all who need it. One year in, there are 14,800 more nurse then last year and over 6,250 more doctors.

Whilst Covid-19 will still dominate 2021, it is vital that we build back better and stronger from it. With vaccines on the way and the need for lockdowns becoming less necessary, this Conservative government must carry on delivering the pledges we made to the people a year ago to build a better country for everyone.

British businessman and steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta is reportedly doubtful over his French aluminium smelter.

Gupta had bought the Dunkirk aluminium smelter from Rio Tinto in December 2018, in a deal said to be worth $500m (£375m). But he then fell out with Rio over an outstanding sum that they said it was owed, and are in arbitration now.

The Times reported that the accounts for 2018 for

Heathrow proposes to charge drivers On Thursday 3rd December, it emerged that the Heathrow airport is considering charging drivers £5 to drop off their loved ones from next year.

Other airports including Manchester, Stansted and Birmingham airports already charge drivers from drop-offs.

Whereas, Gatwick has already announced plans to introduce a tariff in the future.

The Telegraph reported that this proposal is Heathrow’s part of a “green initiative” whereby airport authorities believe that the new charges will encourage travellers to use public transport and help it to reach its sustainability goals. The airport is also expected to impose a “Forecourt Access Charge”.

Additionally, these charges are also likely to "protect the business financially" following the £1.5 billion of losses in 2020 due to coronavirus.

In a statement to The Telegrpah, Surinder Arora, Founder & CEO of Arora Group said, “It has been tough for everyone. Nothing surprises me with Heathrow. Being the most expensive airport for customers already, it [the £5 charge] is just shocking.”

Aluminium France Industries UK, filed at Companies House, already show they are at a breaking point. The same reports also noted that they reportedly breached covenants on a £350m loan used to buy the smelter, while a $115m loan from lenders including BlackRock has an interest rate of 14%.

The accounts said there was “material uncertainty caused by the pandemic on

Sanjeev Gupta

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Also, it is in “advanced discussions” with the French state about a €70m (£63m) loan.

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PRODUCED IN ASSOCIA ATI TION WITH UK K GO OVERNMENT VERNMENT

SUPPORTING EMPLO OYERS YERS TO KEEP BUSINESSES G GO OING THIS WINTER R The UK Gov overnm ernment’’ss extension ext of the Furlough ugh Scheme S to o March 2021 has reassured small and big ig businesses b that they can pay ay and retain their staff. The scheme whi which helps to boost cashflow ow, also als provi ovides des a saf s fety ety net n until Spring 2021, should the employ oyer ers need it.

BEAN + BREW, W, LONDO N N ‘C CONTINUED SUPPORT RT IS CR RUCIAL TO HOSPIT TALITY’ ALITY’ In many waays, ys, coff ffee ee and winter go hand-in-hand: its throat-warming alchemy the perffect ect balm for for the bone-chilling weather. But winter isn’t just about giving coff ffee ee shops an excuse to add comfforting orting pick-me-ups such as gingerbread lattes to the mix: they typically do a stronger trade in the colder months.

However, an ongoing level of consumer uncertainty combined with a drop in footfall, footfall, due to the rise in remote working, has left many coff ffee ee shop owners fretful fr about the months ahead.

“Winter’s usually a good season, but with people not commuting and further lockdowns aff ffecting customer confidence, I don’t know whether they’’d d leaave ve their houses for for a comfforting orting drink,” sayys Michaela K Kyriacou, yriacou, founder and dir director of Londonbased coff ffee ee bar Bean + Brew.

B However, the news that the coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (f l (furloughing) hi ) has h been b extended t d d until 31 March 2021 has been a salve to Kyriacou.

Kyriacou. “It’s “ meant I’ve managed to retain all of my four four staff,” she says. y “Y Yes, es, furl furloughing still costs the business, but these costs are relative to the wages staff members receive while furloughed.

It’s much more aff ffor ordable.”

A new clause introduced to the scheme means anyone made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 may be able to be rehired and returned to furlough.

Havving made the difficult decision to make one member of staff redundant in October, Kyriacou Kyriacou sayys the revised scheme allows Bean + Brew to keep this employee on paayr yroll. “Retracting her redundancy has meant I’ve kept all four four of my team this year,” she

saays.

When the first lockdown hit in March, Bean + Brew had just celebrated its first birthday.

Kyriacou had work worked hard to set up the caffe, e, havving left her corporate tax job at a big ffour our accoun accountancy firm to train as a barista. Closing the store for for three thr months was “gutting”, she sayys, but during this time the store sold online, with Kyriacou and her father delivering coff ffee around London. Kyriacou Kyriacou also furloughed her staff for for this period, giving her confidence the scheme will benefit Bean + Brew once again.

“We’ve had part-time furloughing beffor ore, so we know how it works,” she says. y “Not only is it familiar, but it’s eff ffective, ective, too – furloughing definitely did its job.

As a business-owner, it gavve me peace of mind that my team were covered.” She also believes the furloughing extension can provide

succou ur to other hospitality firms: “The industry i still isn’t out of the woodss yet, but continued support is cruccial to keeping them going.”

Kyriacou y also hopes that one silver lining from the pandemic will con continue. “[The crisis] has brough ht home that local businesses are th he staple of the community: peoplee are going out of their way to vissit local shops, and we’re gettingg to know our customers more personally. p Ultimately, we’re in the business of hospitality, not just seelling coff ffee.” ee.”

C ATIVE G CREATIVE GARD ARDENS S,, NOR RTHERN THERN IRELAND ‘THE E FURLOUGH SCHEME IS VIT TAL AL UNDER LOCKDO OWN’ WN’ During November, the UK’s 2,000 or so garden centres will be overru un with Christmassy tinsel, garlands nds and elves. The festive festive

Local florist in protective glass and mask while making fresh bouquets during pandemic

““This means w we’re able to k keep open p people’s ’s jobs u until such time we need them w back fullly b y; this is particularrlly the p th case ov c over winter win and Christmas.” a

flourishes mark the end of a mixed year ffor or gar garden centres. Havving had to close temporarily during the spring, they subsequently bounced back, reporting a sales boost of 60% over the summer, according to the Horticultural Trade Association.

Associati “Lockdown liffe has generated more mor interest i th in the h home and d garden d ,”” sayys Philip Gass, finance director ctor at family-owned Creative Gaardens, which operates three sites acr across Northern Ireland. Y Yet, et, despi despite ite this surge, Gass says y the firm’ss caffes es aren’t perfforming orming as well.

In mid-October, No orthern Ireland announced a ffour ourr-week partial lockdown, shuttin ng the

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whenever there’s a hike in consumer demand.

“We’re able to bring in who we need and when, without impacting their eligibility ffor or support,” he sayys. “This means we’re able to keep open people’s jobs until such time we need them back fully; this is particularly the case over winter and Christmas.”

During spring’s lockdown, Creative Gardens placed nearly all of its 190 employees on furlough.

Gass credits the scheme with allowing the business to retain nearly all of those staff. He is also confident the winter economy measures will help boost the growth of the business, founded founded by his mother in the 1980s.

“We’ve got plans to expand and are determined not to let Covid-19 get in the way,” he says. y “[The measures] mean we can hold on to jobs and pick up where we left off once restrictions are removed. It’s given us and our caffee staff peace of mind. Had it not been introduced, I’’m not sure what we would havve done.”

GEARED DAP APP P,, EDINBUR RG GH ‘THE JOB RETENTION SCHEME IS THERE IN CASE WE NEED IT’

hospitality sector apart from takeaways ways and deliveries. deliveri As a result, Creative Gardens’ caffes es closed for for the second time this year, but the company will now be able to benefit from the extension of the UK government’s furlough scheme. “Poorer weather and darker evenings see fewer fewer people shop h att garden d centres, t especially i ll if caffes es and hospitality are closed,” he saays. ys. “The [furlough [furl extension] scheme is vital while we’re under such restrictions.”

The flexibility of the furloughing extension is another plus, saays ys Gass, G as it enables Creative Gardens to redeploy furloughed staff to the firm

“The crissis has bro rough ght home th ha att local l businessses arre e the staplle of the commun niity ty: people p p ar a eg goin oin ng out of their w way ay to visiitt lo local shops, an nd we we’re gettin etting to o know ow our custo omers more re per pe ersonallly y.

Ultima attel ely, w we e’re re in the bu usiness of hospittality y,, not just selling s coffee ffee.”

If coronavvirus has shown anything, it’s that unpredictable events can flare up at any time. Even though many small ll businesses b i h vve seen ha trade return to pre-pandemic levels, just knowing that the furloughing extension is available until 31 March 2021 – with a government review planned at the end of January – gives these firms reassurance if circumstances change during the winter.

Edinburgh-based Geared App is one of the 1.2 million employers that used the furlough scheme earlier this year. Fortunately, business is thriving again for for the software company, which develops apps and platfforms orms for for clients cli such as the NHS and Awdis and non-profits such as the Homeless World Cup Foundation. As such, GearedApp won’t be using any UK government support to furlough any of its 14 staff members at the moment but may consider it if clients tighten their purse strings.

“It’s good to know that the option’s there if we should need y co-fo it,” says founder and director Lara Findlay. “If we go into another lockdown with harsher restrictions it could mean business slows down. We havve clients working in hospitality; if they slow down operations, it could have v an impact on us.”

Back in March, this is exactly happened.

“Everything what seemed to dry up,” sayys Findlay, who helped start the firm at Napier Un niversity in 2013 (GearedApp’s first job was building an app ffor or the Edinburgh Capitals ice hockey team). “Most business stopped altogether, which meant we had a massive dip in our cashflow,” she sayys. “One of our biggest clients is an event-based platfform orm and they stopped work in the middle of a project. We didn’t know how thi gs would thin ld end d up.””

F Furloughing two employees undeer the coronavvirus job reten ntion scheme helped assuage these ffears. ears. “Being “ able to furlough these two staff members [they returrned in September] was a big help p ffor or us, because it meant we coulld build some reserve,” sayys

A barista reminding locals that they are open for business

Findlaayy. “It also helped us assess sess how much resource we’d ’d need ffor or the next ffew ew months mon and get back ack on our ffeet eet again.”

The new scheme off ffers ff ers flexible furloughing, which allo ows employees to work part-tiime with the government funding 80 per cent of the worker’s salary for the hours not worked, work up to a maximum of £2,500 a mon nth.

“Bringing somebody back partarttime is better than all-or-nothiing, especially when tasks build up,” u sayys Findlay.

For the next ffew ew mont months, Findlaayy sa says GearedApp (which she describes as a “tech-fo for-good” firrm) will be busy building solutionss to help businesses get back on th heir feet from fr a digital perspective. ive.

She believes these clients may m benefit from the winter econom my measures.

“Businesses haave ve been in such uch flux over the past year – I’m just glad that protection is there ffor or them,” she says. y “We’ll see wh hat happens with further lockdown restrictions, but it’s good to know now these schemes are availab available. It’’s a possibility ffor or us should we need eed it.”

COR RG GI, W WALES ALES ‘THE BUSINESSES THA AT T COM C ME OUT THE OTHER O SIDE WILL BE STRONGER’ R’ With their luxury socks adorning ing the feet feet of the Queen, Prince nce Charles, and A-listers such as Daniel Radcliff ffe, e, Corgi C has certainly made a mark in Wales and beyond. However, as various UK lockdowns eat into the retaileer’s busiest season, co-managing ing director Chris Jones admits that hat he’s expecting things to get tough. gh.

“We’re very seasonal and wee’re normally quiet in spring,” he saays y of the Ammanffor ord-based busineess.

“But a lot of shops [we supply to] are sayying they’re going to carr arry over the stock they bought last spring but couldn’t sell because use they were closed. We’re expecting ing orders to be well down.”

Jones employs a skill lled workffor orce of about 60 and, as uncertainty lies ahead, he’s relying on the furlough scheme to keeep them in their jobs – and the 128-year-old business afloat.

“It makes a big diff ffer erence,” he sayys. “We are facing a ffew ew ha har ard months, so getting this furlough ugh money means we don’t havve to let anyone go. Otherwise, we’d ’d lo lose skills, and we can’t aff ffor ord to lo ose anybody.”

In fact, rather than submitting ing to doom and gloom, he’s feeling feeling ing confident and ambitious ffor or tthe future.

“Th ’ a couple “There’s l off untapp ped areas of the market that we are going to go ffor or. I ffeel eel reall r ally positive,” he saays. ys. “People “ alw wayys need socks and when they sttart going out more, I think they willl be thinking about their wardrobe and getting new ones. The businesses sses that come out the other side will be stronger.”

10 READERS' VOICE

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12 - 18 December 2020

Are Christmas trees environmentally unfriendly?

Britain is first and foremost a friendly Christian nation.

No wonder we all celebrate and enjoy Christmas holidays, irrespective of our own culture and religion. Then, it is the greatness of our Hindu (Hindus, Jains Sikhs) culture and religion that we can mix and assimilate with any culture with ease, without feeling outsiders or aliens!

One tradition I feel is out of step with the present environment is the use of Christmas trees practically in every home, especially in America where no home could be seen without lights and trees clearly visible from front glass windows!

Those who may have visited USA during this festive season will never forget their experience, full of joy, tradition, charm and sheer enthusiasm found nowhere else in the world. Vast farmlands are cultivated for this festive season, planted with Christmas trees which are harvested at the age of three to five years, depending on the height and demand.

As these trees are thrown away after week or two usage, it is indeed a waste of fertile land and manpower, especially now that artificial plastic trees are so real looking, cheap to buy, environmentally friendly and can be used year after year, thus negating the need of homegrown trees.

The land can be used much more effectively for agriculture or forestation to reduce carbon build-up that harms environment with raised temperature, forest fires and unseasonal rainfalls, resulting in floods and destruction of crops, thus causing food shortages and even famines in many African countries.

It is right time to move forward, leave obsolescent, medieval time behind, with courage, confidence and purpose to save our planet; after all we have only one mother earth to rely on!

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

A nite of East Indian Marathi songs Amid the pandemic, celebrate your Christmas with Hazel Parikh's (D'Souza before she married Raju, a Gujarati businessman) online singing competition of East Indian Marathi songs on December 25, 2020 from 8.30 pm onwards. Hazel was the first person along with Polly D'Mello to come out with an East Indian Marathi audio cassette of original East Indian Marathi songs in the year, 1982.

Since 'Village People' was the first East Indian Marathi cassette (there were no audio cassettes or CDs then), it sold like hot cakes within the community. And like Zeenat Aman after doing ' Hare Rama Hare Krishna' with Dev Anand, Hazel rose to fame overnight. As of today, Hazel has sung a lot of Marathi songs in East Indian Marathi dialect, all original, on stage and on TV. She also has a lot of audio cassettes and CDs to her credit.She is going live on December 25, 2020 singing all her original East Indian Marathi songs from 8.30 pm onwards. Those who have not seen this beautiful charming lady nor heard her songs, can do it now. Those who want to take part, can also join her in the competition and win prizes.

KHICHADI Kapil’s

Hate crime on Sikhs We read your headline story about the 70% rise in hatecrimes on Sikhs. Years ago, when we were growing up in this country, we used to get attacked by racists people who kept calling us names on the street. That is how Indian community and others started living together in ghettos, so that we could save each other.

People cannot forget what happened in Southall in 1979, how a peaceful protest turned violent, and what damages it did to people like us.

The fact remains racism is deep-seated in this country.

Look at this pandemic. So many Asian people died in coronavirus, just because they were left in the frontline, for long hours, when others could have taken their place. It is unfortunate but true. Even after 70 years of being independent, Indians and brown skins are looked down upon like we are slaves. Our achievements in this country and otherwise change nothing!

Ila Singhania London

Tory revolt It was disheartening to read about Tory revolt on one of the most important issues of lockdown around Covid19 in England (AV 5-11 Dec 2020). In a democratic country, everybody has a right to raise his/her voice and express the opinion. However, keeping in mind, the gravity of the situation and alarming level of cases, consensus is a must. In a normal situation, there is a place for debate and discussion but as a country we are passing through a difficult phase, so it is a time to be decisive and firm implementation.

Decision taken by Mr Boris Johnson and his team must be respected in terms of dividing the country into tier system to prevent the spread of the virus.

They must have taken these tough decisions based on the facts presented to them. Also, we need to keep in mind the ensuing festive season. Any relaxation beyond the permitted one will cost society and the country dearer in long run. We all like festivals and meeting our friends and families especially elderly members who have been waiting to see their loved ones since long for Christmas.

It is time to be cautious and a bit more vigilant to prevent the spread of virus.Everyone needs to take a holistic view of the situation and restrain oneself from mixing with as few people as possible especially elderly members. There is a good news about vaccine but it is not time to celebrate we would have done in the normal situation but to reflect and introspect for the benefits of all of us.

Hitesh Hingu London

Attack on India

Follow me on Twitter: @kk_OEG

Dhesi ki asi ki tesi OPEN LETTER: The Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP Kapil Dudakia Dear Dominic, I understand Tan Dhesi and some 30 Labour MPs have written to you with their fake outrage regarding issues internal to India. Of course, you and I both know that India is the world’s largest democracy and PM Modi has secured his second victory with a stunning majority. So I am sure you must have been surprised that some impotent Labour MPs found the time to write to you to interfere with the internal politics of a friendly nation.

The Labour Party is imploding right in front of our eyes. It has been branded racist and antisemitic. Recently the EHRC found it guilty of breaking aspects of the Equalities Law. The Ex-Leader of the Labour Party is threatening to take his own party to the courts for unfair treatment. And in the middle of a major pandemic, Labour abstained from one of the most important Parliamentary votes on COVID19. Even their vote bank friends, the Muslim members, have voiced alarm with rising Islamophobia within the party.

I also note Labour MPs have a track record with their anti-Indian credentials. They attacked Rt Hon Priti Patel for not being the right shade of black, then they attacked Rt Hon Rishi Sunak for being too successful and rich. This is the same Labour Party that passed an anti-Indian resolution on Kashmir. The same party that wanted to ban PM Modi from the UK. We know Labour politicians are a lost cause. These unfortunate souls have not just lost their way, they are living through a nightmare of moral and ethical failures.

Fortunately for the UK we have a Conservative Government that understands international politics and the importance of global partnerships with friendly nations. You of course already know that India has put right a historic wrong by getting rid of A370 with a 2/3rd majority in both houses of the Indian parliament. For the first time in 70 years all Indians are equal under one constitution, but for some reason the Labour Party finds that hard to swallow.

More recently the Indian Government introduced the new Farmers Bill which was also passed by both houses.

This grants all farmers exclusive rights such that the money lenders and other illegal cartels are no longer able to exploit them. This has obviously upset those in the extortion racket, and they have funded the current antiGovernment agitation in India, as well as those in the UK and Canada. These rogues are linked to the extremist Khalistanis who have become agents of the Pakistani state. How can any politician or political party ever consider being on the side of terrorists and extremists?

The majority of true Sikhs are with the Government of India, as is the Indian population. India is marching forward with confidence to face the challenges of the 21st Century. And unlike the rogue states of Pakistan or China, India is a thriving democracy. Indians, no matter where they are in the world, have always been net contributors.

Our very nature is to enhance any country and any society in which they find themselves. We are nation builders.

Britain can never be seen to support anarchists and sympathisers of extremists. I guess the only logical response their pathetic letter would be, ‘Dhesi ki aisi ki tesi’. I am sure Number 11 can help with the translation.

By the way, let’s get the vaccine out and heal our nation. Post Brexit, it’s time to build our nation in 2021.

It seems NHS believes that vitamin D will help to combat this dangerous virus during our long and wet winter months.

It plans to deliver free Vitamin D supplements to nearly three million people, starting in January 2021 with four months’ supply, to last winter months. Those who will receive free supply include Care Home Residents, Clinically Venerable and those who have long standing chronic disease.

Although link between Covid 19 and vitamin D deficiency has not been proven, NHS scientists are working hard to come to the right conclusion.

The supplements are supposed to help general health, bones and muscles fatigue, as well as ailments associated with old age, that include over eighties. It seems confinement indoors during Covid 19; thus, depriving sunlight during summer months that generate vitamin is partly responsible, as one in five of us suffer from vitamin D deficiency.

Most probably vitamin D would be distributed by GP through their local pharmacists. If you feel you are entitled to free vitamin D and not received, perhaps one may talk to their GPs and their local pharmacists.

As these tablets are available over the counter and not expensive, one may buy it themselves after talking to their pharmacists. This winter is going to be tough on elderly, so be prepared and take care.

We read Ruchi Ghanashyam’s column in your Asian Voice issue of 5 December 2020. Lord Ahmed’s dismissal is a good answer to all his karma. I remember reading about how he instigated the anti-India protests.

Mrs Ghanashyam wrote that though Nazir Ahmed began his political career as a local Councillor from the Labour Party, he is better known for his ties with Pakistan government and his lobbying in the UK Parliament for the so-called Kashmir issue on Pakistan’s behalf. He claimed to have changed the Labour Party’s policy on the ‘Kashmir’ issue and to have had it discussed on the floor of a conference organised by Justice Foundation, whose then Director, Ghulam Nabi Fai, was arrested by US authorities for spying and illegal lobbying. US prosecutors reportedly alleged that Kashmir Centres of Justice Foundation in UK, USA and Saudi Arabia were run on behalf of Pakistani government and its InterServices Intelligence Agency.

She also wrote that Nazir Ahmed was indeed in the forefront of demonstrations outside the High Commission of India, including efforts to mobilise crowds to join these socalled protests, believed to have been orchestrated by Pakistan. Important occasions like visits of dignitaries from India, Indian Independence Day and Republic Day have been special targets. He was involved in organising the large and violent crowds that gathered outside India House in London on India’s Independence Day on 15th August 2019, when a group of innocent Indians celebrating the occasion were attacked. I have read this all over the last few years.

He even reportedly instigated an incident where an Indian journalist was attacked trying to stop people stamping on the Indian flag when Narendra Modi visited the UK. Last weekend Khalistanis protested outside Indian High Commission in pretext of standing in solidarity with the farmers. In this pandemic when people are dying, 5000 gathered without masks. The protesters here perhaps cared about India too much to forget about the safety of UK population.It is good to feel strongly about your roots but influencing others to damage people’s property or attack innocent people on the street, is a crime in itself.

My father is a subscriber of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar for years. I have read this newspaper over the last 10 years and I feel it is getting more and more topical. It talks about issues faced by our community. Good coverage on Indian affairs and international stories. I love the Women’s voice and Art & Culture section.

There are some very good articles by your journalists and a mix of informative news and light-hearted Bollywood reads. Last week you had many interesting columns that were rather exciting to read. An article by Nitin Mehta on Rishi Sunak caught our eyes.

Your columnists Rohit Vadhwana, Alpesh Patel, Ruchi Ghanashyam write on very topical issues. I absolutely loved your feature piece on page 16 and 17 in the issue of AV 5 Dec. The health tips by Lavina were a great help. Her sessions with her mother-in-law Nishaben is so inspiring. Look forward to many such features in the coming issues.

Kumudini Valambia By email

Atul Sheth By email

Karan Mehta Birmingham

Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai, India

Could vitamin D combat Covid 19?

Good columns

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Rowdy Protests outside India House again Ruchi Ghanashyam India House in London, the home of the High Commission of India was once again surrounded by a large group of unruly protesters this weekend.

While they had come to protest on farmer’s issue, radical and extremist elements seem to have taken over the protest for pursuing their own agenda.

The protestors violated the terms of the approval granted by the authorities for the protest.

News reports indicate that the organisers had got permission for only 30 people to gather but between 3500-4000 people crowded outside the India House in violation of the permission granted.

The caution exercised by the authorities was understandable. It was necessitated by the security requirements of India House, and UK’s fight against the Covid pandemic. People in UK would have found it strange to see hordes of people crowding together in complete violation of Covid protocols, shouting anti-India slogans at a time that UK is beginning to vaccinate its frontline workers against Covid. Some within the crowds even raised Khalistani flags, thus demonstrating the political agenda that certain radical elements had come to project. Police reportedly arrested 13 persons for breach of Covid regulations, though some were released later.

Video clips of the protest show coloured smoke being released by some people in the crowd. Media reports state that three youngsters who were seen setting off a firework towards a crowd were spoken to by the police and the fireworks were confiscated.

As I saw the footage of these protests, I was taken back to the protest outside India House in September 2019 when smoke bombs were thrown at the building while all of us were working inside the High Commission. The offensive smell could be felt by those working in sections of the High Commission building. The unruly crowd on that occasion were of Pakistani origin, though mingled with them, there were some proponents of Khalistan too. It was no surprise that some of the same people had also taken over the protest this weekend and were the ring leaders of those shouting slogans against India and its leadership. There is currently an agitation by farmers in India against new farm laws passed recently. In a democracy, people can and do resort to protests. The beauty of democracy lies in the power of the people. The farmers have made their voice heard by the Government. Talks between representatives of the Government and the farmers have already begun.

Media and civil society are watching the process and so are the people of India. It is unclear how a ruckus outside India House in London could contribute to efforts of the farmers in India.The UK census of 2011 counted over 430,000 Sikhs in the country. The number would be far higher today.

The Sikh community in London itself would be over 300,000 strong. The Sikh community is well integrated into British society, consists of well educated individuals, many of whom have been recognised for their contribution to the society.

Members of the community have achieved distinction in varied fields, be it business, politics, education, banking or administration. A number of Sikhs contribute to maintenance of law & order in UK as policemen and women. The Sikhs of UK are peace loving and contributing citizens of their adopted country. The Langar Sewa by this community for thousands of people during the pandemic has been widely appreciated, as devoted members of the community have tirelessly worked to provide hot meals for others without worrying about their own safety. This generosity of spirit has been on display in various parts of the world, including India. The image of the brave and hard working Sikh community is tarnished by the unruly behaviour of the few thousand who have been radicalised or have fallen for the motivated propaganda of certain vested interests. During my stay in the UK, I was fortunate to meet a large cross section of the Sikh diaspora across different parts of UK. It, therefore, saddened me to see that through their actions outside the Indian High Commission this weekend, segments of the protesters did grave injustice to the image of this hard working community.

Khalistani and separatist forces protest outside the High Commission in support of Indian Farmers On Monday 7th December, the Scotland Yard had reportedly arrested several protestors who had gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London earlier on Sunday as they demonstrated their support for the farmers in India.

According to reports, the Metropolitan Police had arrested as many as 13 people for breaching Covid-19 regulations off whom four have been released while nine others remain in custody.

Commenting on the protest outside India House Building, a spokesperson at the High Commission of India, London informed, “The protesters had gathered in large numbers around 3500 to 4000 in front of the high commission flouting social distancing norms during a pandemic. About 700 vehicles had participated in the rally. Protesters were seen to have arrived by vehicles. High Commission had been informed that as per normal practice, permission had been sought from London Met Police for a drive past protest involving about 40 vehicles. We were also aware that the police had given specific warning against gathering of more than 30 people. The developing situation was brought to the attention of the UK Foreign Office and Home Office. London Metropolitan Police managed, controlled and eventually disposed the crowds. We could see that a few violent were arrested.

Anti-India separatists and Khalistanis at the protest These protestors who had gathered to apparently oppose the agricultural legislations in India also reportedly had some Khalistani and anti-India separatist forces. These included Khalistani militant Paramjeet Singh Pamma who has been living in exile in the UK and is wanted by India for conspiracy on several domestic attacks. But, while the protestors had sought permission from London’s Metropolitan Police for a drive past protest involving 40 vehicles, officials estimate there were over 3,000 people who flouted government’s social distancing norms at the demonstration.

Noting the presence of anti-India forces at the demonstrations, the spokesperson further elaborated, “The gathering was led by anti-India separatists who had taken the opportunity of the farm protests in India to pursue their own anti-India agenda.

As many are aware, the protest against Agricultural reform bills in India is part of a democratic process.

The Government of India is in talks with the protesters and needless to say, it is an internal issue of India.

“In recent days, The High Commission has comprehensively briefed the relevant interlocutors in the UK Govt and the Parliament on the fundamental features of the path breaking farming sector reforms initiated by the Govt of India. The fact that currently the Govt of India has reached out to the Farmer organisations in India to address any of their apprehensions and concerns about the relevant reform measures is part of the democratic decision-making process and exemplifies the spirit of responsive governance in India.”

In the meantime a video has been circulating on social media which zooms in on a police officer who appears to punch a man in the face and then backs away. The video is reportedly being examined by the Met Office. Chief Superintendent Raj Kohli responded to the footage on Twitter, writing, "The footage has been passed on to the relevant people."

joint letter calling for representation to be made by yourself to your Indian counterpart about the impact on British Sikhs and Punjabis, with longstanding links to land and farming in India. This is an issue of particular concern to Sikhs in the U.K. and those linked to Punjab, although it also heavily impacts other Indian States. Many British Sikhs and Punjabis have taken this matter up with their MPs, as they Protests outside the High Commission in London are directly affected with family memPicture courtesy: Ravinder Singh, Twitter bers and ancestral land in Punjab.” In 36 Labour MPs write a letter to Dominic the meantime, Lord Indarjit Singh, a Raab crossbench peer in the House of Lords, This is not the first time British Sikhs also raised the issue in the Upper House have protested in “support” of the farmof Parliament earlier this week. India has ers. There have been several fundraising repeatedly called the remarks by foreign campaigns, virtual webinars and camleaders and politicians on protests by paigns across Southall and Slough prifarmers as “ill-informed” and “unwarrantmarily organised by British Sikhs in their ed” as the matter pertained to the internal opposition of the Indian Central affairs of a democratic country. While the Government.

FCDO is yet to respond to the letter or Recently, a group of 36 cross-party with an official statement on the matter. parliamentarians signed a letter written by Labour MP for Slough Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.

The letter signed by other Indianorigin MPs including Valerie Vaz, Virendra Sharma and Seema Malhotra urged Raab to make a representation with his Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar, about the impact on British Punjabis affected by the demonstrations by farmers against new agricultural reforms in India.

The letter notes, “This is a

12 MEDIA WATCH

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SCRUTATOR’S Rlys gets green clearances for Bullet train project The Indian Railways has got all the requisite wildlife, forestry and coastal regulation zone clearances in Gujarat and Maharashtra for the 508-km AhmedabadMumbai high-speed rail corridor, railway board chairman and CEO V K Yadav said.

He said that of 1,651 utilities, 1,070 have been shifted for the corridor. Yadav added that the railways has got 67 per cent of the land required for the Bullet train project. Giving the break up of land acquired in Gujarat, he said, 825 hectares of 956 hectares have been acquired, which is 86 per cent. While in Maharashtra, 97 hectares of the 432 hectares of land has been acquired, which is just 22 per cent of the total land required and seven out of eight hectares has been acquired in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Yadav further said that the railways has floated tenders worth £3.2 bn in Gujarat for the project covering 325 km of viaduct and five stations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan’s then premier Shinzo Abe had on September 14, 2017 laid the foundation stone for the £10.8 billion project. The initial deadline to complete the project was December 2023. The bullet trains are expected to run at 350 km per hour covering the 508-km stretch in about two hours. In comparison, trains currently take more than seven hours to travel the distance, while flights take about an hour. (Agency) Modi to lay foundation for new parliament building

to other nations, according to the All India Rice Exporters

rice during the April-October period of the current fiscal.

(Agency) Johnson could be chief guest at India's R-Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for a new parliament building on December 10, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said.

The new building will have an area of 64,500 square metres and is being built at an estimated cost of £97.1 million, he said. "The existing temple of democracy is completing 100 years… It is a matter of pride for our countrymen that the new one will be built by our own people as a prime example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat," Birla said announcing details of the new proposed building. "The new building will showcase the cultural diversity of the country.

Hopefully, in the 75th year of independence, Parliament session will be held in the new building," he said. Birla said the new building will be earthquake resistant and 2,000 people will be directly involved in the construction of the new building and 9,000 indirectly. He said as many as 1,224 MPs can sit together in the building, while a new office complex for all MPs of both the houses would be built at the site of the existing Shram Shakti Bhawan.

China turns to India for rice after 2 years China has started importing Indian rice after two years and placed orders for shipment of about 5,000 tonnes of nonbasmati rice due to competitive prices offered by India compared

Association (AIREA). India is the world’s major exporter of rice, while China is the biggest importer. In 2006, China was given market access for Indian rice but shipments took place only during the 2017-18 fiscal.

China buying rice from India comes at a time of heightened border tensions between the two nations. “Although market access was given in 2006, China imported about 974 tonnes of non-basmati rice in 2017-18 fiscal. Now after a gap of two years, we have started receiving enquiries,” AIREA executive director Vinod Kaul said. Less than 150 tonnes of basmati rice has been exported till October of the 2020-21 fiscal. In last two months, China has placed orders

for shipment of about 5,000 tonnes of non- basmati rice called broken rice from south India, he said. As per the AIREA, India has exported 2.8 million tonnes of basmati rice and 6.1 million tonnes of non-basmati

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson could be the chief guest for India’s Republic Day parade next month, it is learnt. While there was no official confirmation from either side, sources said the two countries were in touch diplomatically for a visit by Johnson late next month. Johnson is learnt to have conveyed to PM Narendra Modi that he was looking forward to visiting India soon. A British high commission spokesperson said Johnson, who has listed strengthening relations with India as one of his priorities for 2021, was keen to visit India as soon as possible, even though the official didn’t confirm if he would be here for the R-Day celebrations. The last UK PM to participate in the R-Day parade was John Major in 1993. The visit will likely be used by Johnson to re-emphasise UK’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.

(Agency) IAF testfires Akash missiles to

'shoot down' enemy fighters Amid threat from the Chinese Air Force on the LAC in the ongoing conflict, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out around 10 testfirings of the home-grown Akash air defence

missiles to validate different scenarios to shoot down enemy aircraft that may violate the Indian air space during conflicts.

The testfirings conducted at the Suryalanka testfiring range in Andhra Pradesh last week were highly successful as a majority of the Akash missiles fired at the targets scored a direct hit. The Akash, sources said, is one of the most successful indigenous weapon systems and would be fulfilling the desire of the defence forces to fight wars with indigenous weapons. The missile was recently upgraded and is being equipped with a seeker which will help it to take down targets with greater ease than before. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been working on the Akash Prime missile system which will make it capable of engaging with targets at very high altitude locations too. The DRDO also has made modifications to make the system more effective during the ongoing conflict, where the Chinese are deploying their socalled stealth planes like the J-20 fifth-generation fighters. Due to the integration of the missile system with other systems, the stealth features of the missile have gone up significantly and can surprise enemy fighter jets equipped with anti-radiation missiles. (Agency)

Muslim student gets PhD in Sanskrit Salma Qureshi, a Muslim student, has obtained a PhD in the Sanskrit language from Gujarat University. She chose to study the subject of the teacherdisciple tradition of India. Her thesis is titled ‘Puraneshu Nirupita Siksha Paddhati Ekam Adhyayan’. Salma was a student of GU’s Sanskrit department. She obtained her doctorate under the guidance of Atul Unagar. She was awarded a gold medal during her MA from Bhavnagar University.

She had graduated from Saurashtra University. Her doctoral research took three years, as she had joined the GU’s PhD programme in 2017. She aspires to get into academics.

Salma said her research is on the subject of the teacher-disciple tradition as depicted in the Vedas, the Upanishadas and the Puranas. She further said, “I was drawn to the Sanskrit language since I was in school. I liked studying the Vedas and the Puranas. My family did not have any objection to my taking up Sanskrit for my higher studies.”

Qureshi said since Hindu religious scriptures are in

Sanskrit, it is believed that it is the language of the gods. “I believe language has nothing to do with any religion. Students should have the freedom to choose in whatever language they want to study.” (The Times of India) Sharp decline in India's malaria cases India has made considerable progress in reducing its malaria burden and is the only high endemic country to have reported a decline of 17.6% in cases during 2019 as compared to the previous year, says the World Malaria Report 2020 by World Health Organisation. India also witnessed the largest absolute decline in WHO’s South-East Asia region, though it still accounted for 88% of malaria cases and 86% of related death in the region. In India, between 2000 and 2019, malaria cases dropped by over 83% to around 338,000, whereas deaths declined by 92%. Cases and fatalities have declined a significant 21.3% and 20% respectively in 2019 from a year ago. Total number of malaria cases reported till October this year fell 45.02% year-on-year, the government said. States like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Madhya Pradesh together accounted for nearly 45.47% of total malaria cases in the country in 2019. They were also responsible for 63.64% malaria deaths. The government intensified malaria elimination efforts with the launch of the National Framework for Malaria Elimination in 2016. It was followed by the national strategic plan for malaria elimination (2017-22), launched by the health ministry in July, 2017, which laid down strategies for the next five years. (Agency) Gujarati businessman acquires 13 elephants from Jaipur A businessman from Jamnagar has acquired 13 elephants from ‘Hathi Gaon’ in Jaipur, which were the essence of Jaipur royal history for centuries.

Till now, 13 elephants have been shifted to Jamnagar. Three more elephants are in line to be shifted. It is likely that an elephant Safari, like the one at Jaipur’s Amer Fort, will be launched at a temple in Jamnagar. It will be a major setback for the Rajasthan government, as state’s only elephant village in Jaipur that was meant to be a tourism attraction will be jeopardised. The elephant safari, one of the prime attractions for foreign tourists at the Amer Fort will fade away.

After the migration, 93 elephants are there in Jaipur. It is alleged that forest department issued illegal transit permits as the matter of elephants’ ownership is pending in the court.

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NHS urges public to get cancer symptoms checked South Asian professionals are backing a major new NHS ‘Help Us Help You’ campaign urging anyone concerned about cancer to get checked and to keep routine appointments, as new research found that even now, nearly half (48%) of the public would delay or not seek medical help at all.

A fifth (22%) would not want to be a burden on the health service while a similar number said that fear of getting coronavirus or passing it onto others was a major reason for not getting help.

More than four in ten people would leave it longer to get health advice than they normally would have before the coronavirus outbreak, however delaying can have serious consequences for some cancers.

NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to keep cancer services going

throughout the pandemic, with almost one million people referred for checks or starting treatment since the virus took hold.

Community and faith-based organisations such as British Association of Physicians of Indian Origins, Asian Women Cancer Group, and Sikh Council UK recently met with members of the NHS and PHE teams to discuss the campaign and the need to urge members of the South Asian community to utilise NHS services.

Also present at the meeting was Dr Anant Sachdev, CRUK GP and TVCA Clinical Lead Prevention & Early Diagnosis, said “It’s important to note the NHS is there to provide you support and help, safely. Great measures have been placed to ensure those who do not have Covid have access to important services.

“Invitations for breast, bowel or

cervical screening are also vital, as cancer is easier to treat when it’s caught at an earlier stage, so please don’t delay – coming forward for a check-up could save your life.”

NHS services have put a range of measures in place so that people can be treated safely throughout the pandemic including Covid protected cancer surgery hubs, a Covid friendly drugs fund which means fewer trips to hospital and chemotherapy being delivered in more convenient locations.

Symptoms of cancer include: - Changes in bowel habits, including blood - Unexplained weight loss - A lump - Persistent bloating - Pain that does not go away For more information about using NHS services during coronavirus, visit nhs.uk/yourhealthmatters.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh’s UK parliament week activities a huge success Forty HSS Shakhas joined communities across the country getting involved in UK Parliament Week 2020 and encouraging people to play a vital role in their democracy. Over 2200 HSS UK participants said, “It starts with me”.

Scope and scale of engagement with UK Parliament exceeded the expectations in 2020 as 49 Shakhas registered for UKPW2020 activities and 41 MPs and councillors attended HSS UK’s virtual Parliament Week activities. MPs included Sir Graham Brady, Alex Chalk, Theresa Villiers, Bob Blackman, Matthew Offord, Holly Lynch, Navendu Mishra, Virendra Sharma, Fabian Hamilton to name but a few. They were unanimous in reiterating that Hindus must stand for political office. At Barnet Parliament Week event, councillor Roberto Weeden -Sanz said, “We need to see

more Hindu youngsters in the council chambers.” From Edinburgh to Portsmouth, from Southend on sea to Cardiff there was genuine enthusiasm to engage in conversation with UK Parliament. Parliamentarian and Councillors shared experiences, praised participation and responded to intriguing questions from youngsters.

It was a compelling experience which included quizzes, painting, drawing, debates, polling, mock parliament, drafting a petition, writing letter to MP, lobbying an MP, mock Prime Ministers Question time, being an MP for a week and much more. Activities were creative and educational.

Fourteen-year-old Yachna Dhir from Cheltenham Balagokulam said, “UK Parliament Week is a very important event. It highlights the importance of speaking up and getting your voice heard. Before Parliament Week I

had no clue about how parliament is run but now I know about the different voting systems and different ways in which I can participate. I feel empowered and confident that together we can make a difference.

After this event, I am motivated to join more debates at school and make my voice heard.”

This year marks ten years of UK Parliament Week. It was a great opportunity to be part of a thriving democracy and we look ahead to the next 10 years, thinking about what issues are important to us and how we can work with UK Parliament to bring about change.

HSS UK lead for UK Parliament Week commented, “We believe the entire universe is one family, in Sanskrit we say ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and we work towards this by teaching our youth the value of responsible citizenship”.

Peer demonstrates outrage over fake letter A House of Lord peer has expressed his outrage over a fake letter doing rounds on the social media claiming that he is not in support of the farmer’s protests.

Lord Rami Ranger CBE was taken by surprise when a letter a fake letter on the old British Sikh Association letterhead doing rounds on social media.

In his revised letter, Lord Rami Ranger

notes, “I would like to

confirm my view that

every community has the right to express its views and democratic rights peacefully, this right is also paramount to our kissans (farmers).

These rights are enshrined in the Indian constitution and I request the government of India for an urgent resolution.”

Lord Ranger has reportedly brought this fake letter to the notice of the police who are reportedly conducting a thorough investigation.

Milton Keynes sees tech firm boom With coronavirus and a hope of beating the illness with a successful vaccine, not all is doom and gloom.

The start-ups in the Milton Keynes area are seeing a promising growth.

The Times reported that 32-year-old Amar Chauhan and 30-year-old Georgina Hollis who start-

ed Una Tickets in 2015, are launching their second venture, Unite with Glow. It will help people join forces in legal actions. It has been backed by local angel investors and won a £200,000 grant from the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Una, that touted counterfeit tickets, was

bought by Sky in 2016.

The Amar and Georgina run Milton Keynes Investors Group, with about 90 members investing in local start-ups.

Chauhan reportedly told The Times that the town is “brilliant” for early-stage fundraising, with plenty of wealthy people in the area.

Time to take stock Subhash V Thakrar, BCom FCA FRSA Former Chair, London Chamber of Commerce and Founder Chair, Charity Clarity In this pandemic, it matters more than ever to dig out your old papers on pensions, investments and life policies and carry out a review.

Our financial services company, Blackstone Moregate, has got exceptionally busy with people wanting to review and plan their affairs avoiding unpleasant surprises post this pandemic.

Here is a quick list of what might help. t Will: Without a will, on death, the rules of intestate will apply, and your estate may not get distributed as per your wish.

Have a look at this site https://www.gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will who is entitled to a share of your money, property and possessions if you die without making a Will. With Wills you should also consider Lasting Powers of Attorney over Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare. t Inheritance tax (IHT): This tax bites at 40% of your estate in excess of your tax-exempt allowances. With good planning in advance this tax can be avoided.

Lifetime gifts, if made 7 years prior to death, will escape IHT 100%. Each of us have a lifetime zero rate band of £325k of our estate up to which no IHT applies and for many, a residential nil rate band of a further £175k each. So worth exploring dividing your estate with your spouse such that up to £1m, you are covered with no tax effect. Certain other types of gifts are also free of IHT. t Life insurance: If you have any life policy, check and ensure it is written in trust as otherwise the proceeds of a claim on death will add to your estate which can be eaten away by the 40% IHT. When policies are in trust, you do not have to wait for probate for the funds to be realized. t Pensions: Can you be sure of a comfortable retirement post pandemic? Volatile markets with recent dips and rallies, potential job insecurity, self-employment or having to work longer to pay for your mortgage, many are concerned. Where do you stand?.

Pensions are fantastic tools for retirement income and family tax planning. . These days, pensions have become extremely flexible and versatile. You can merge and accumulate your various policies which make it easy to manage your investment strategy and charges. If you need short term cash you can start drawing on your pension at age of 55 and even less in cases of serious illness. It is important to check if your scheme has any special benefits or drawbacks. I recently found that one of my pension schemes had guaranteed annuity return (GAR) of 10.5%! This is nearly 3 times what you can get in open market.

Whereas the other policy had not adopted the freedoms introduced in 2015. These changes would allow my pension fund to be passed down to be inherited by future generations free of IHT instead of it simply passing as a reduced annuity to surviving spouse. So, if you do not need the income it is now possible to leave funds that you want to pass down your future generation in a tax efficient way. t Capital gains tax(CGT): This is currently 28% for higher rate taxpayers on property and 10/20% on other non-property gains but is expected to rise in future as the government looks to boost its coffers.

We all have £12,500 personal allowance per year for zero tax to apply. One thing people forget is that CGT disappears on death. So, if you have assets that have accumulated a lot of gain and selling would trigger a large tax bill, it may be a consideration to hold until death. You do however need to watch the effect of IHT as this tax counteracts with CGT. One thing to always remember is that your created wealth is there for you first and then for the next generation. So do not preserve for them when you can and must enjoy for yourself. Do not give away everything or get worked up on tax effects. Plan to enjoy it.

Take time to understand your monthly/annual net spend. You will be surprised of this figure when you consider no mortgage, insurance premiums, or school fees etc to pay. In the current low interest, low returns and volatile markets you will need a bigger portfolio to pay for what is required. But if you work on annual spend of say £40k and estimate 20 years to live, that is £800k and you are covered!

I believe it is useful to regularly review your financial affairs with your adviser enabling you to achieve your financial goals and security.

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in brief in brief HALAL FOOD BRAND DONATES 50,000 BABY FOOD MEALS

The UK’s leading Halal Baby Food brand has donated 50,000 baby food pouches and toddler tray meals to FareShare. For Aisha is the UK’s largest food redistribution charity with their central belief that “no good food should go to waste while people are going hungry”, and they redistribute surplus foods to charities that need their help. FareShare provides enough food to create almost a million meals for vulnerable people every week and support almost 11,000 charities and community groups.

Over the past few years, they have supported other charitable organisations at home in the UK and also overseas, such as; Heart Research UK, Lincs2Nepal, and The Serendipity Foundation of Sri Lanka.

At For Aisha, the multi-award winning baby food is made with 100% natural ingredients, with absolutely no additives or preservatives. Their recipes include a wide variety of exotic ingredients, broadening the palates of little ones so they will make healthier food choices later in life. Their halal recipes are dietitian approved and specially blended for tiny tummies- they’re also dairy-free and gluten-free.

TIMES APOLOGISES TO ADVOCACY GROUP FOR INCORRECT LINKING TO KILLER On 4th December Friday, The Times apologised for incorrectly suggesting that an advocacy group supported a man who killed three men in a knife rampage in a Reading park.

The daily newspaper is expected to pay damages worth £30,000 to Cage and its outreach director Moazzam Begg after suggesting they excused Khairi Sadallah's actions. Sadallah has admitted three counts of murder but denies the stabbings in Forbury Gardens were terror-related.

Saadallah’s lawyers have denied the attack was motivated by a jihadist ideology, The Guardian reported. He is now due to be sentenced this month after pleading guilty last month to three counts of murder. The Times had previously incorrectly accused Cage of excusing Sadallah's actions by reference to failings by the police and others.

"We apologise to Cage and Mr Begg for these errors and the distress caused, and we have agreed to pay them damages and legal costs," The Times announced.

In a statement to The Guardian, Mr Begg said, "Over the years, Muslims in Britain have become accustomed to reading sensationalist and defamatory headlines in popular newspapers. We can only hope that this settlement serves as a reminder to others that the truth is not negotiable."

In the meantime, Zillur Rahman, from Rahman Lowe Solicitors which represented Mr Begg, said, "It exemplifies the gravity of the allegations and provides the vindication to which Cage and Mr Begg are entitled."

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Campaigning for direct Air India flights for the British Indian diaspora After Ahmedabad, Air India announces direct Chennai-London flights from next year The coronavirus pandemic appears to be coming to an end with numerous vaccines now being developed, and Air India is planning to operate non-stop flights on the Chennai-London route from January next year, making Tamil Nadu’s capital the ninth city to be connected with the British capital. Air India is currently operating non-stop flights to London from Delhi (seven flights a week), Mumbai (four flights a week), Kochi (three flights a week), Ahmedabad (two flights a week), Bengaluru (two flights a week), Goa (two flights a week), Kolkata (one flight a week) and Amritsar (one flight a week).

Tuesday 15th December marks the five-year anniversary of the re-commencement of the direct London-Ahmedabad Air India flight.

In 2015, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the resumption of this service before 60,000 people who had gathered at the Wembley Stadium, as he lauded the efforts of CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice for his relentless campaign on supporting the enterprising Gujarati community in the UK. PM Modi was on a three-day visit to the UK when he said, “Whenever my friend Shri CB Patel used to visit Gujarat, even

when I was in Delhi, he used to “catch hold of my neck” on this matter. It is because of him, today I am announcing the resumption of the direct flight between London and Ahmedabad.”

Direct flights between the two cities was stopped nearly twelve years ago in 2008.

Consequently, for over half a decade CB through Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar had been representing the concerns of the diaspora who demanded the need for a direct flight service between Ahmedabad and London. CB as the pioneer of the campaign to restart this direct flight was helped by Manoj Ladwa, a corporate

lawyer, a political strategist and Modi's director of communications. Matters were also picked

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice CB Patel in 2015

up with India’s now Civil Aviation minister Hardeep Puri as over 30,000 people thrice signed up petition forms over the subject. The day of the recommencement of the flight coincided with Sardar Patel Nirvana Day and the new the new flight catered to the strong demand of more than 6 lakh Indians from the Indian state of Gujarat.

This ensured that the passengers from the economic and industrial hub of Gujarat, were no longer required to change the aircraft

at Mumbai.

Arvindbhai M Patel and wife Naina A Patel, Baroda, who live in Croydon and were the first passengers to have taken the flight in 2015, had then said to Asian Voice, “For elderly people like us it has become very easy now. I have lived in Croydon for 30-40 years. I had no issues on this flight. We finished immigration in Ahmedabad. The food on flight was Indian vegetarian and it was good. Facility was good, we had a lot of fun.

NaMo has done great by reinstating this direct flight. We had signed petition that Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar had circulated. Thanks to you for helping us with this direct flight. Also, thanks to Mr Saurabh Patel to send us off.”

National Care Group is one of the UK’s top three fastest-growing private companies Published this weekend, The Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 league table of the UK’s fastest growing private companies has ranked National Care Group in the top three nationally.

Lancashire based healthcare provider National Care Group, a new entrant to the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 league table, has grown its sales by an average of 183% a year to £60.8m in 2020 and has recruited 650 new staff since March of this year.

Co-founded in March 2016

by Jamil Mawji and Faisal Lalani, National Care Group is an established provider of support services for people with complex additional needs arising from learning disability, mental health and acquired

brain injury. Working closely with clients, family members, local authorities and healthcare providers National Care Group provides high quality, personcentred support through residential care, supported living, outreach and home support and day services.

James Allen, Chief Executive Officer at National Care Group said, "To have achieved a top three place in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100, is testament to the hard work and commitment that all our staff have shown in establishing National Care Group as one of the leading providers of adult care and support in the United Kingdom.

“We are committed to continuing to grow National Care Group based on our compelling

vision aimed at unlocking the potential of the individuals we support and our colleagues. This recognition comes at a time when due to the fantastic work of so many peo- Co-founders Jamil Mawji and Faisal Lalani ple working within National who support over 1230 people Care Group we have shown with complex needs resilience and a determination Co-founder Jamil Mawji to protect the health and welladded, "We are very proud to being of the individuals we suphave been ranked so highly in port." the UK’s fastest growing private Since being founded in 2016 companies. As we continue to National Care Group has delivgrow nationally, we remain ered significant growth and committed to our vision of completed more than 35 acquisibeing the best and most trusted tions to date. Today the group care and support provider in the has over 2,400 dedicated staff United Kingdom.”

South Asian companies climb ranks in Fast Track 100 companies list Nearly ten South Asian companies have been featured in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 league table which ranks Britain’s 100 private companies with the fastestgrowing sales over their latest three years. Some of these companies include National Care Group, Oak Security Services, Saloni, Otto Car, Northern Gas & Power and Task Consumer

Products which is a Toilet paper manufacturer.

The Managing Director of Oak Security Services, Mohammad Minhas reported about a demand increase from the retail sector during the pandemic. Similarly, Ravi Patel and his sons Nikul and Kunal Patel owner of Task Consumer Products had the manufacturing capacity and stock available to

support clients during the panicbuying of toilet paper. The Fast Track 100 is sponsored by Virgin Atlantic, BDO, DHL Express and N+1 Singer, and is compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based research and networking events firm.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Group, which has supported Fast Track 100 for all 24 years, said:

“While we are living in extremely uncertain and challenging times, there is one thing I am certain of: entrepreneurs are the dreamers, the doers, and the innovators that have the power to have a positive impact on society. There are so many inspiring examples of this on the Fast Track 100 league table showing this is just as true, if not more so, in 2020 as it ever has been.”

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AsianV Voi oiceNewsweekly

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PRODUCED IN ASSOCIA ATI A TION

WINTER WELLNESS: PART TWO OF YO PAR YOUR THREE-P PAR A T GUIDE AR

THE IMPORT TAN ANCE OF LOOKING AFTER YO YOUR MENT TAL HEA AL LTH TH Takin ng care of our mind is as importan ntt as takin ng g care of our bod dy y. The Co ovi vid-19 pandemic has caus aused ex xceptionallly y chall c en ngin gin ng and wo worryin ng g tim mes es for f every very yone. It is im mpo portan ntt tto rem member ember tha att it i is normal to feel this w wa ay giiv ven the th circumstances and acknow owledge ge that every very yone reacts differentlly y tto various situations.

For mo most of us, this feelin ng g will pass. p There are sim mp ple thin ngs w we e can c do to help take care of our mental health and well wellbein ng, g, especiallly y now ow. It I will help us to think clearly ly an and make sure we we can c look after oursellv ves an and those we love.

Rupanjana Dutta Dr Tina Mistry has over 15 years of experience of working within psychology and mental health. She founded founded B Brown Psychologist, a culturally sensitive service that off ffers ers people, especially South Asian women an array of psychological support. She has a special interest in working with trauma.

Speaking to Asian V Voi oice, Dr Mistry said, “When we are in a heightened state of hyyper vigilance like now, we ffeel eel extra vulnerable. vulnerab And if we havve pre-existing mental health issues it will be amplified even more at this point. Now is the time to look inwards and really take ownership of our own self. As a community, we are encouraged to look after other people too. But we are no good to other people, if

we ffeel eel broken br inside. Selfcare is very important.”

Speaking about how self-care can diff ffer er fr from one person to another, she added, “Everybody has a diff fferen er t way of taking care of themselves. For some, self-care could be sleeping.

For some it could be taking on ffewer ewer tasks. Again, ffor or another person it could be nourishing themself with the right ffood ood, drinking more water or doing exercises. All these basic things are so important.

So, meet your physiological needs first and then you can start to think about saffety ety, relationships and connections.”

Dr Mistry acknowledged that one of the biggest factors aff ffecting ecting us at this point is our own expectations expectations, especially from our own sellves. “Now is the time to h have v lower

expectations. We need to take everything down by a notch, so that things feel more mor manageable.

Moreover, we haave ve come into the winter season, so there will be winter blues to deal with.

“We usually tackle winter months by socialising. But now we need to do exactly the opposite by stayying indoors and staying y within our close-knit bubble. For many people it is a huge shock to their system. So, within the limitations you havve, it is time to acknowledge what you can pull through.

Everybody’s limitations and boundaries are going to be diff ffer erent.”

Wha at should prioritise durin during pandemic?

Dr Mistry told newsweekly, “Y Your our

A young man enjoying listening to music m during his ‘me time’

yo y ou this

Dr Tina Mistry, Cliniccal Psychologist and Founder, Brown Psychologist

this first priority has to be yo our selfcare, which can b be small things. If you are living ving in a busy household, taake time out ffor or yourself. y Evven if it’s for 30 mins. Listen to t music, m sit and reflect or w whatever gives you that sense of taking care of yyourself.

This is where ou ur Asian culture comes intto play.

We see our grandpar dparents doing meditation, praaying, ying, engaging in spiritual al things, taking a holistic ap pproach.

Experiencing intense emotions is part an nd parcel of liffee and recognissing this is the best waayy ffor orw ward.

She further went on to say, “T Talk k about your feelings and worries. worri If you can express it to somebody who will listen to you, that will be the first thing I will encourage you to do. Seek a place where you think people can listen to you and off ffer you y a healing touch.

Acknowledge, where you are in liffe. e. Reflect R on how you are feeling feeling todaayy. Tak Take each day at a time and maintain a journal if that helps.”

Emphasising on factors like daily exercises and healthy eating, Dr Mistry

said, “Movement iss very important at this poin point and it helps to releaase the tension we store in i our body. This is why thee NHS recommends 150 mins of moderate physical activity a per week. If you can move, please do so. Getting ng out while there is daylight daaylight and in the fresh air is very important for for our mood.

Going ffor or a walk, walk run or bike ride can really help lift your mood and clear your mind. Y Your our diet is also equally important. Look at what you are consuming every day. Look at how

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AsianV Voi oiceNews

UK

AsianV Voi oiceNewsweekly

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12 - 18 December 2020

WITH UK GO OVERNMENT VERNMENT g ng Stru ug gglin g to cop ope?

• Where to go ffor or help if yyou are struggling: It’s normal to ffeel eel stressed, str anxious or depressed about the current situation, but if your mental health is aff ffecting yyour daily liffee or you’re y struggling to cope with anxiety or depression, Talking Talking Therapi Therapies can Your help. Y our GP can reffeer you, or you can reffeer yourself online through the NHS IAPT service (England only). See: nhs.uk k/t /talk • If you need help ffor or a mental men health crisis, emergency or breakdown, breakdown you should get immediate expert advice and assessment. NHS urgent help for for men mental health is available ffor or peop people of all ages in England.

You can call ffor or 24-hour 24advice and support ffor or you, y for. Find your child, your parent or someone you care for a local NHS urgent mental health helpline via nhs. uk k/urgen /urgentmentalhealth • Call free on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website at https://www w.samar .samaritans.org.

• Shout 85258 off ffers ers confidential 24/7 crisis text support for for times when w y you need immediate Text “SH “SHOUT” to t 85258 or visit Shout assistance. Text Crisis Text Text Line (https:///giv givveusashout.org).

SOME HELPFUL TIPS FOR YO YOUR OUR MENT MENTAL TAL HEAL LTH TH WELLBEIN LBEING Bettter Heallth B h – Every Mind Mi d Matters M h has expert pert advice and practical tips that are endorsed dorsed by the NHS to cope with your ffeeling eelling at this time. T To o begin with, there is thee free “My Mind Plan” quiz which asks a few fe w simple questions to help you build a perrsonal action plan to look after yourself.

Few e useful tips on the site to lly well: ll keep e you mentall .

.

-

y c

v

v.

• Connection: Maintaining health hyy and meaningful relationships with people we trust is important for for our mental welllbeing. If you can, meet up with friends and d family in person, but alwayys make sure you u ffo ollow current restrictions in your area and d the guidelines provided. If you cannot meet up in person, stay in touch by phone, video eo calls or social media.

ev

-

.

• Stand by others: Helping someone else can n benefit you as well as them, so try to be a little more understanding of other peo ople’s concerns, worries or behavi v ours at this time. T Trry to think of things you can n do to help those around you. Is there a frieend or family member nearby you could meet outdoors? If you cannot meet up, you cou uld phone or message them. Are there any community groups you could join to sup pport others locally?

checking h ki against i credib dib ble sources.

You Y ou might also want to consider limiting the time you spend watching, reading or listening to coverage of the outbreak, including on social media, and think about turning off breaking-news alerts on your phone. You You could set yourself a specific time to read updates or limit yourself to a couple of checks a daayy.

• F Face ace your difficult ffeelings: eelings: Being concerned about the coronavvirus outbreak is normal. However, some people may experience intense anxiety that can aff ffect ect their daily liffe. e. T Trry to ffocus ocus on the things that you can control, ffor or example your behavi v our, who you speak to, and where and how often you get infformati ormation.

• Do things you enjoy: Feeling worried, anxious or low might stop us from doing things we usually enjoy. Focusing on your faavourite vourite hobby, relaxing or connecting with others can help with anxious thoughts and ffeelings. eelings.

If some of the things that you enjoy doing involve meeting up with others, do it but by maintaining social distancing. If you cannot do the things you normally enjoy, perhaps because you are staaying ying at home, think about how you could adapt them, or try something new.

• Sleep well: Good-quality sleep makes a big diff ffer erence to how we ffeel eel mentally and physically, so it’s important to get enough

drinking too much cofffee ee or alcohol is afffecting ecting you. y Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

“Be realistic. Look at what stresses you out at this point. Hold on to what you need to. We havve this idea of an ideal, what liffee should be like, e but now we havve to look at what is realistically possible. Let go of what is not a priority and what you do not need. Focus on what are the most important things now, what you need to do to get through the day and start again with the reset button.”

If you do go out to off ffer er support or help to others, always y fo follow social distancing guiidelines when you are outside your hom me.

• Feel e prepared at work: o As the outbreak con ntinues, it can help to work through what h the changes to government guidelines mean ffor or you and your employer, so you ffeel eell more prepared and less concerned.

•A Avvoid v fak kee news: Fact-check infformati ormation you u get from newsffeeds, eeds, social media or oth her people. Consider how inaccurate infformati o ormation could affect ffect others too. T Trry nott to share infformati ormation without factA girl enjoying her walk in the fresh air

sleep. T Trry to maintaiin regular sleeping patterns and keep up good sl sleep h hygi ygiene practices like avoidingg screens beffor ore bed, cutting back on caff ffeine eeine and creating a restful environment.

For more see: e: h https://www w.nhs. .nhs. uk/ k//oney oneyou//ev evver y-mind-matters/ coronaavvirus/

18 FINANCE - UK

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

12 - 18 December 2020

Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel The billionaire behind the headline I saw on the internet this past week is John Paulson. And his argument is that with pent up demand, a vaccine, record Government spending on a recovery, and the spending habits of his kids, we will see stocks in general boom.

Of course journalists want your clicks and so ‘sex up’ the headline. The fact remains, whether I look at IMF data or McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, or other sources, people are positive about 2021 and the stock markets.

Yes I also know according to the Bank of England that 1.5 trillion pounds sits in UK accounts earning nothing.

People are too scare to invest. Of course saving is good, but it does not give a return unless those savings are reinvested.

A 70 year old lady emailed me having read last week’s article and she is a role model of action. She asked if it is too late to buy Amazon? Well, I am not allowed to give individual stock advice.

And I would need to know how soon you may need the money considering age. For instance Microsoft and Amazon now well up on the year, did fall in February and March. Things fall. Even they fall. Stocks I happen to like balancing risk of falls with rewards include those Amazon, Microsoft, Paypal, Alphabet, Apple, Square, Costco, TechTarget.

So to anyones question given that the stock market is at all time highs – yes and it may drop, but I am not trying to time my entry into more stocks, I am holding for 12 months and reviewing.

By the way the data suggests in the first year of a presidency and also in the 12 months after a stock market record, returns are good.

What about UK companies. They’ve been underperforming as we know. Will they catch up post Brexit? I don’t do top-down. I do bottom up. Ie I look at the company not the country. It’s the company which has to be generating me returns. And I am not racist when picking stocks. I don’t care if the company is British or not.

At this critical time for people, their jobs, their savings, their pensions, I’ve created a free newsletter/blog to teach people and keep them informed with the best insights.

You can access it here: www.alpeshpatel.com/blogsignup

British construction industry sees fastest rise since 2014

A market survey shows the British construction industry grew faster than expected last month, highest since 2014. The IHS Markit/CIPS construction Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 54.7 in November from 53.1 in October, its strongest since July and above all forecasts in a Reuters poll.

Economics director Tim Moore of the IHS Markit, said, “UK construction output stayed on a recovery path in November and there were signs that the main growth driver has transitioned from catch-up work to new projects.”

Official data revealed

Britain's monthly construction output almost halved in April during the first lockdown, and in September it was still 10 per cent below its level a year earlier. New orders in the construction industry were reported to be the highest since October 2014 last month. House prices have projected a steep rise since the end of the first lockdown in June, with lenders having approved the most mortgages since 2007. This has encouraged builders to commit to more construction. November also bought the first growth in civil engineering activity since July.

Sadiq Khan urges shoppers to return to Oxford Street London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged city shoppers to help boost retail sales in Oxford Street. Joining thousands of shoppers who flocked high streets on the first Saturday after the second national lockdown was lifted, Khan was seen touring shops, talking to shop owners, and taking selfies with people over the weekend.

Khan said, “It's quite

Sadiq Khan

clear speaking to shopkeepers, businesses and those in retail, they've had a horren-

dous nine months, they're keen to make sure this golden month and this golden quarter they can make up some of the ground lost.

They've seen the collapse of international tourism, the of domestic collapse tourism, and that's why they really need our support.

Unless we support our shops, we can't be surprised if, due to a combination of Covid and lack of business, shops close and people lose

their jobs.”

The warning comes at a time when 26,500 jobs were put at risk at retailers hit hard by the pandemic. Khan also said it was vital people follow the rules. He said, “It's really important that we don't think that this virus is behind us or that we're over the worst necessarily.” With Christmas just a little over two weeks away, shoppers are urged to shop locally in a bid to save small businesses.

Bank of England may cut interest rates below zero Bank of England (BoE) policymaker Michael Saunders reveals the Bank may cut interest rates slightly below zero and should be ready to pump more stimulus into the economy quickly if needed to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. In a speech last week, he said, “In my view, there may be some modest scope to cut bank rate further but, if we do, it may be preferable to move in relatively small steps.”

The BoE is reviewing the feasibility of taking its benchmark rate negative from its current level of 0.1 per cent. Saunders said, “My judgment at present is the ELB (effective lower bound) for the UK is probably a little

below zero, provided appropriate mitigations are in place.” He said the Bank would comment on the review “reasonably soon.”

The BoE's nine rate-setters have expressed differing views over the suitability for Britain of negative rates.

British economy shrank by a quarter earlier this year as the country went into a first coronavirus lockdown.

Saunders said he thought the BoE should not worry about overdoing future stimulus and it still had “quite a lot of scope” to expand its 895 billion-pound bond-buying programme.

He said, “Provided inflation expectations are well contained, it is better to err on the side of providing too

much monetary stimulus rather than too little, in order to underpin prospects for a strong recovery in the economy.” Recent updates about the development of Covid-19 vaccines has reduced several risks facing

the economy.

Saunders said, “But we are not out of the woods yet, and there are some headwinds that could leave the economy stuck with persistently high unemployment and below-target inflation.”

Caffe Nero board rejects Issa brothers’ offer An offer to buy high street coffee chain Caffe Nero by the billionaire Blackburn brothers behind EG Group has been rejected. Mohsin and Zuber Issa approached the business over the weekend with their proposal, which has been rebuffed by the chain which claimed the “unsolicited” offer was a ploy to disrupt its CVA (company voluntary arrangement) currently under way “as a precursor to opportunistically acquiring the company at a later date”.

Caffe Nero is currently undergoing a CVA process aimed at reducing its rental

Mohsin and Zuber Issa

bills. It was claimed that part of the Issa’s offer was to pay Caffe Nero’s landlords in full the rent arrears owed to them, due to the massive reduction in customer footfall following the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the company, on behalf of the directors, said in a statement: “Having considered carefully whether progressing with this unsolicited, highly uncertain approach has the potential to achieve a better result for

creditors than the CVA as currently proposed, they do not believe this to be the case or to be in the long term interests of the group.

“This offer has been made without any understanding of Caffe Nero’s financial and trading position.” Caffe Nero said the CVA proposal was designed to put the group “on a sustainable footing for the medium to long term” and provide the company “with the flexibility required for it to withstand the devastating impact of the current pandemic, and any further subsequent lockdowns.” It said lenders had indicated their support for the CVA process.

Second lockdown dampens UK car sales, falls nearly 30% The second national lockdown has washed down demand for new cars in the UK, with sales down by almost 30 per cent in November. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said only 113,781 new registrations were recorded in the UK, nearly 43,000 or 27.4 per cent fewer than during November 2019.

Showrooms across the country were forced to close for most of November, however, click and collect orders were processed.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said, “Compared with the spring lockdown, manufacturers, dealers and consumers were all better prepared to adjust to constrained trading conditions. But with £1.3bn worth of new car revenue lost in November alone, the importance of showroom trading to the UK economy is evident and we must ensure they remain open in any future Covid-19 restrictions.” He added, “More positively, with a vaccine now approved, the business and

consumer confidence on which this sector depends can only improve, giving the industry more optimism for the turn of the year.” Private demand fell by 32.2 per cent last month, while the num-

ber of new cars added to larger fleets was down 22.1 per cent. Total registrations during the first 11 months of the year were down 30.7 per cent compared with the same period in 2019.

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REAL ESTATE VOICE & INDIA FINANCE 19 12 - 18 December 2020

NCLT clears Jio’s £440 mn plan for Rel Infratel The Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved Reliance Jio’s resolution plan for the bankrupt Reliance Infratel.

Jio is owned by the Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries (RIL), while Reliance Infratel was once owned by Mukesh’s younger brother Anil.

Lenders, who now own Reliance Infratel, would receive about £440 million from the sale of the company’s telecom towers and fibre assets. But, the distribution of the sale proceeds are subject to the disposal of Doha Bank’s intervention application.

Separately, UV Asset Reconstruction Company (UVARC) has proposed a £1.4 billion resolution plan for

Reliance Infratel’s parent Reliance Communications (RCom). It has proposed an upfront payment of £1.5 million to creditors and to the remainder make payments in the future after it monetises RCom’s properties.

UVARC’s resolution proposal for RCom’s enterprise, data centre, spectrum and real estate businesses are, however, pending approval from the NCLT. RCom owes £3.17 billion to financial creditors and another £2.25 billion to the department of telecom. It had closed its consumer mobile business in 2019 and subsequently filed for bankruptcy after it was unable to repay debts.

Recently, UVARC’s resolution plan for Aircel’s

To provide a safe shopping experience amid Covid-19, the company will be taking a number of extra

precautions apart from its global best practices and relevant learnings from its Hyderabad operations. To ensure proper physical distancing, the company will initially have a cap on the number of visitors through prior registration on its website, by which customers will be allotted a day and time slot to visit the store.

Peter Betzel, CEO and chief sustainability officer, IKEA India, said, “Mumbai is one of our priority markets in India. We have been present online in Mumbai since early 2019 and soon the many people of Mumbai will be able to shop at our

real estate, telecom towers and spectrum businesses was rejected by the RBI. The development happened after the NCLT greenlighted the deal. Industry watchers see a cloud hanging over the UVARC-RCom transaction too. The RBI had denied permission to the UVARCAircel deal as it did not meet the guidelines of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of

Securities Interest (SARFAESI) Act. This law does not allow ARCs to submit resolution proposals, whereas the Bankruptcy Code does. This will be RIL’s second bankrupt asset purchase after textile manufacturer Alok Industries.

Initially, RIL had proposed to buy the entire assets of RCom, but later changed its mind due to various reasons, including delay in getting regulatory approvals.

fantastic IKEA store.”

“IKEA will bring alive inspiring home furnishing solutions with its large, unique range and home furnishing knowledge, showcasing many room-sets and homes, and multiple solutions for a more

beautiful, smart, sustainable and affordable life at home – all this reflecting how people live in Mumbai. With our long-term commitment to Maharashtra, we will create over 6,000 jobs by 2030, of which 50% will be women,” he said.

Govt to challenge Anil Ambani’s stand on personal guarantee The government and the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) are set to challenge the position taken by Anil Ambani and former chairman of Bhushan Power and Steel Sanjay Singhal, questioning the invocation of their personal guarantee. Singhal, who has now been ousted from his company, and Ambani had been questioned for the validity of the provisions.

The government is of the view that the law had been approved by Parliament and the provisions were contained in it. Besides, a government sources said, “the promoters had offered personal guarantees to cover the risk of default and just as corporate guarantees are invoked in case of loan defaults, so is the personal guarantee. You can’t have different rules”.

The source also said, absence of the power to invoke personal guarantee will make it difficult for lenders to extend credit and

Anil Ambani

will change the entire terms of the contract. Singhal was the first to challenge the provisions in the Delhi high court after SBI invoked the provisions and set a demand notice of over £1.2

Suresh Vagjiani, Sow & Reap Properties Ltd

There are a couple of deals close to Marble Arch which are in the hands of the receiver. The properties consist of two bedrooms and, surprisingly, three bathrooms.

They have been finished to an extremely high standard. I would estimate the costs would have been around £60K each. The woodwork is all hardwood and bespoke to the rooms, even the beds have been custom made.

IKEA to open store in Navi Mumbai on Dec 18 Swedish home furnishings retailer, IKEA, will open its new store in Navi Mumbai on December 18. The over 500,000 sq. ft store will be IKEA’s second store in India after it opened its Hyderabad store in August 2018. Located on the ThaneBelapur Road, customers will now be able to test, try and purchase popular products such as BILLY Bookcase, MALM Bed, EKTORP Sofa, the company said.

The Centre of Gravity

billion.

Ambani, who is battling creditors in India as well as in the UK, was next to rush to the Delhi HC after SBI decided to invoke guarantees related to £120 million loans extended to two of his companies, Reliance Communications and Reliance Infratel.

The government and IBBI have put in place new rules that allow lenders to act against personal guarantors to recover their dues. Earlier, the Insolvency

and Bankruptcy Code only covered companies but subsequently the government sought to distinguish between individual bankruptcy and those related to personal guarantees.

The developments in the case are being followed closely by a host of Indian promoters, who have been hit by the four-year old law, as they had liberally offered personal guarantees to secure loans to their companies.

It is unfortunate for the seller that this is a receivership sale. The price for both properties is now under £1.4M, approximately £700K a piece.

The comparables show a discount of close to a third, which is huge given the location.

The more central the location the harder it is to secure any discount, let alone almost a 1/3 off the retail price. Our office premises used to be across the road, on the 10th floor, on Bryanston St, until they were knocked down for a residential newbuild; this is a locality we know extremely well.

Prices across the road run at about £4,500 per sq. ft.

This equates to £3.7M; and it is literally 20 seconds across the road.

The product of course is vastly different. The newbuild has “COVID proof” air purifiers, and will come with a spectrum of services and a service charge to match.

The apartments we have are old school in comparison. They occupy a traditional Art deco block, though do have a lift. When these apartments have been fully completed and resales come on, there will be some effect on the price of these apartments but more from the ripple effect of the block. The newbuild sales will raise the average pounds per sq. ft. of the area.

It is unlikely there will be any income on a monthly basis, the property will wash its face. The angle here is the hard capital gain on the property which will come when the lease has been extended and the when the market has normalised.

Marble Arch is the true Bull’s Eye centre of London. You have Oxford Street on the East, Park Lane on the South, Edgware Rd on the North and Bayswater & Notting Hill on its West. The location sits on the corner edge of Hyde Park.

With the cost of financing so low currently, you should be able to get a mortgage deal for between 2-3%, fixed for 5 years.

The real gain on this property is in the capital growth. It suits someone who doesn’t need income, and can afford to tuck the funds away for a period of 5 years; after which time the investment should mature nicely.

Although this property may seem highly priced to the uninitiated investors, this is close to the bottom of the barrel relative to its location. This is an important point. We are in unprecedented times, with a future which looks even more uncertain; either by design or chance.

In recent history there have been times when, during uncertainty, investors have chosen property to park their funds to weather the storm. On one level this might seem unintuitive, however, on another it makes perfect sense. When the economy is fluctuating, isn’t something real, that you can touch, a good place to invest your fiat money?

Property is the logical conclusion, as is gold. And on a global playing field, London property fairs well for the international investor; moreover, they only seem to know certain spots in central London. Rightly or wrongly, the rest of the UK doesn’t exist.

Air India employees planning to bid for Maharaja MALLYA’S PROPERTY WORTH £1.4MN SEIZED IN PARIS A group of Air India (AI) employees is “Financially, I know that we do not have planning to bid for the divestment- bound Maharaja. With collective debt-cumliabilities of over £9 billion, they are trying to rope in a financial partner for the venture.

According to their plan, the group of employees - each of whom will need to contribute up to Rs 100,000 - will own 51% and the investor the remaining 49%.

The Tata Group, which founded AI, is seen as the most likely bidder for the airline.

The deadline for placing bids is December 14 and qualified bidders will be intimated by December 28, unless the timeline is extended again due to the pandemic.

the necessary wherewithal to participate in this bid process alone. We have accordingly sought a private equity fund who will invest in the company. Employees will own and control 51% and the financial partner the balance 49%,” an internal note circulated among the group of employees mulling this bid says. “Until we cross expression of interest stage, no money is needed to be collected from employees… after successfully completing stage 1, we are planning our bid in such a way that no single employee will have to contribute more than Rs 100,000,” the note says.

French authorities have seized fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya’s property in France worth £1.4 million based on a request made by India's Enforcement Directorate. According to the ED, Mallya’s seized property is located at 32, Avenue Foch, Paris. The asset created by allegedly laundering bank loans availed by Mallya using his Kingfisher Airlines Ltd. Mallya has defaulted on loans of over £ 900 million taken from public sector banks. The agency has attached his properties worth over £1.1 billion. Mallya has already been declared a fugitive economic offender and his extradition from the UK is in progress. A chargesheet has been filed in court against him and a non-bailable arrest warrant is pending. “Extradition request of Mallya was sent to UK, and the Westminster’s magistrate’s court has ruled for his extradition on charges of money laundering on December 10, 2018,” the ED said.

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Dhaka shifts Rohingya refugees to remote island despite outcry CHITTAGONG: Bangladesh naval vessels carried about 1,600 Rohingya refugees to a remote island in the Bay of Bengal despite complaints by refugees and rights groups that some were being coerced. Bangladesh says it is only transferring people who are willing to go and the move will ease chronic overcrowding in camps that are home to more than 1 million Rohingya, members of a Muslim minority who have fled neighbouring Myanmar.

But refugees and humanitarian workers say some of the Rohingya had been coerced into going to the flood-prone island of Bhasan Char that only emerged from the sea 20 years ago. Refugees were packed on plastic chairs across the decks of the naval vessels that set sail from the southern port of Chittagong. Some brought umbrellas to shelter from the sun on a journey that takes several hours.

Two refugees on board said they had travelled willingly and were happy to be out of the camps. “I hope we will find some comfort and peace here,”

one 46-year-old man said after reaching the island. “There is so much suffering and conflict in the camps.” In a statement, the foreign ministry said it planned to relocate 100,000 Rohingya because of “extreme congestion” and the “deteriorating security situation” in the camps.

It said the island has been equipped with “proper infrastructure and enhanced facilities” and it hoped the United Nations would soon be working there, alongside 22 aid groups who had agreed to help out.

Some refugees allege coercion The United Nations has said it has only received "limited information” about the move.

At a briefing in Geneva, the UN refugee agency called on Bangladesh to uphold its commitment that the move be voluntary, saying it had heard reports about some refugees being put under pressure. The UNHCR was ready to check conditions on the island to ensure it was a “safe and sustainable place for refugees to live”, if allowed by the government, spokesman Babar Baloch said.

Before the departure, two Rohingya said that their names had appeared on lists compiled by government-appointed local leaders without their consent.

"They have taken us here force-

fully," a 31-year-old man said as he boarded a bus that he said was taking him from the camps near Cox's Bazar to Chittagong.

"Three days ago, when I heard that my family is on the list, I ran away from the block, but I was caught and taken here," he said. An 18-year-old woman said her husband had put their names on the list thinking it was for food rations.

He fled when they were told to go to Bhasan Char, she said, adding that she was also hiding in the camp.

More than 730,000 Rohingya had fled Myanmar in 2017 following a military-led crackdown that the United Nations said was executed with genocidal intent. Myanmar denies genocide and says its forces were targeting Rohingya militants who attacked police posts. Human Rights Watch said it had interviewed 12 families whose names were on the lists, but had not volunteered to go. Two aid workers said refugees had come under pressure from government officials who used threats and offers of cash and other enticements to persuade them to go to the island.

Priscilla Jana, lawyer who battled apartheid, passes away PRETORIA: Priscilla Jana, a human rights lawyer and who acknowledged crossing a line in her native South Africa between the law courts and the clandestine war to end white minority rule — died on Oct 10 at a care home in Pretoria.

She was 76.

Ismael Momoniat, a senior government official and family friend, did not specify the cause but said her death was not related to the Covid pandemic. Priscilla occupied an ambiguous space in the regimented society imposed by the South African government’s policies of racial separa-

tion, which became ever more pervasive after the whites-only National Party took power in 1948, when she was 4 years old.

Priscilla was descended from a family of middle-class Indian immigrants, and her status was defined by laws that consigned many people of Asian heritage to segregated neighborhoods, schools and amenities — apart from the white minority and the Black majority alike. In her early years, she said, she felt unsure about her identity.

That changed when she was 28 and heard a speech by the

Pak oppn steps up campaign to oust Imran ISLAMABAD: Amid a resurgence of the Covid pandemic across Pakistan, the alliance of opposition parties, PDM has escalated its campaign to oust PM Imran Khan from power.

PDM has planned to conduct an antigovernment rally on December 13 in Lahore and the opposition members have thrown all efforts into it to make it successful. A march in Islamabad had also been planned earlier, however, sources in PDM said leaders are now considering mass resignations from national and provincial assemblies to bring a quick end to the PM Khan-led government. Following a surge in Covid cases in the country, a PML-N member said resignations from assemblies, was discussed as a final and only workable option by opposition leaders who had recently visited party president Shehbaz Sharif. “Most PDM leaders believe that a march may turn the public opinion against their drive if their sit-in was seen fuelling the virus,” said a PML-N stalwart, requesting anonymity. Some of the PDM leaders, including its president Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, believe that after resignations, the assemblies would become defunct and it will not be possible for the incumbent government to conduct by-elections.

activist leader Steve Biko.

“I listened to his definitions and was amazed,” she wrote in “Fighting for Mandela,” a memoir published in 2016. “I realized that you didn’t have to be African to call yourself Black. Until now I had been aware of the vacuum Priscilla Jana in me, not belonging to Mandela and Winnie Black or white, just being ‘difMadikizela-Mandela as the couferent,’” she continued. “Now I ple were torn apart in the early could be part of a group. I had years of South Africa’s emerfound solidarity, and I felt gence from apartheid. She had uplifted.” gotten to know them as their Priscilla spoke of the emolawyer when Mandela was servtional turmoil inspired by her ing his 27-year imprisonment. friendships with Nelson

Afghan govt, Taliban announce deal to pursue peace talks KABUL: Afghan government and Taliban representatives said they had reached a preliminary deal to press on with peace talks, their first written agreement in 19 years of war and welcomed by the UN and Washington.

The agreement lays out the way forward for further discussion but is considered a breakthrough because it will allow negotiators to move on to more substantive issues, including talks on a ceasefire. “The procedure including its preamble of the negotiation has been finalised and from now on, the negotiation will begin on the agenda,” Nader Nadery, a member of the Afghan government’s negotiating team, said. The Taliban spokesman confirmed the same on Twitter.

The deal comes after months of talks in Doha, the capital of Qatar, encouraged by the US, while the two sides are still at war, with Taliban attacks on Afghan government forces continuing unabated.

US special representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said the two sides had agreed on a “three-page agreement codifing rules and procedures for their nego-

tiations on a political roadmap and a comprehensive ceasefire”. Taliban insurgents refused to agree to a ceasefire during the preliminary stages of talks, despite calls from Western capitals and global bodies, saying that would be taken up only when the way forward for talks was agreed upon. “This agreement demonstrates that the negotiating parties can agree on tough issues,” Khalilzad said on Twitter. Under a February deal, foreign forces are to leave Afghanistan by May 2021 in exchange for counter-terrorism guarantees from the Taliban. US President Trump has looked to hasten the withdrawal, despite criticism. The Trump administration has since announced that there would be a sharp drawdown by January, but at least 2,500 troops would remain beyond then.

German foreign minister Heiko Maas warned Nato against withdrawing troops prematurely and said it should “ensure that we tie further troop reductions in Afghanistan to clear conditions”. UN envoy for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons welcomed the “positive development” on Twitter, adding that “this breakthrough should be a springboard to reach the peace wanted by all Afghans”.

in brief DHAKA EXPECTS TO RECEIVE FIRST COVID VACCINE BY FEB Bangladesh expects to receive its first batch of coronavirus vaccines by February which people will receive free of charge, the health secretary said. The South Asian country of more than 160 million last month signed a deal with the Serum Institute of India to buy 30 million doses of the vaccine developed by British drugmaker AstraZeneca. "We expect to get the vaccine as early as February and people will get it for free," health secretary Abdul Mannan said. Frontline workers like health service providers and police will be given priority. AstraZeneca's candidate is viewed as offering one of the best hopes for many developing countries because of its cheaper price and ability to be transported at normal fridge temperatures.

ISRAEL SET FOR FOURTH ELECTION IN 2 YEARS Israel took a step toward plunging into its fourth national election in under two years as lawmakers - supported by PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s main coalition partner - passed a preliminary proposal to dissolve parliament.

The 61-54 vote came seven months after the coalition took office. But since then, the alliance between Netanyahu’s Likud Party and defence minister Benny Gantz’s Blue and White has been locked in infighting. The vote gave preliminary approval to ending the alliance and forcing new polls next year. It must now go through the Legislative Committee and pass three more readings before new elections can be called. “The dissolution of the Knesset is not a victory, it’s the first step toward a different government, which will deal with the coronavirus and the economy and won’t cause Israelis to hate each other,” Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, who proposed the measure, tweeted after the bill was passed.

TRUMP'S ATTORNEY GIULIANI TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID Rudy Giuliani, who has led US President Donald Trump's legal challenges to try to overcome the outcome of the presidential elections, has tested positive for Covid-19, informed Trump.

Giuliani is the latest member of Trump's inner circle to contract the virus. Giuliani's diagnosis comes roughly two weeks after son, Andrew, works in the White House, tested positive for coronavirus. He also held a lengthy, indoor, mask-less press conference in late November with, among others, Trump campaign adviser Boris Epshteyn, who tested positive for the virus shortly after. The former New York City mayor is 76, putting him at a higher risk for serious complications from the virus.

US COURT SCRAPS TRUMP’S TOUGH H-1B VISA RULES A US district court has set aside the two recently introduced rules that stifled hiring of H-1B workers, by significantly hiking wages and restricting eligibility norms. The ruling is important from the point of view of Indians already in the US, whose H-1B applications would come up for renewal and also those aspiring to take up employment in the US. These rules were promulgated on a fast-track basis and introduced as interim final rules in early October, without the normal procedure of inviting public comments and vetting the same - a process that can take several months. Judge Jeffrey S White of the US district court (Northern District of California), in his order dated December 1, held that the Trump administration had failed to show there was good cause to dispense with the rational and thoughtful discourse that is provided by the Administrative Procedure Act’s notice and comment requirements.

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in brief SINGAPORE OKAYS SALE OF LAB-CREATED MEAT Eat Just Inc, a maker of meat and egg substitutes, has been approved to sell its laboratory-created chicken in Singapore, which becomes the first government to allow the sale of cultured meat. The product, created from animal cells without the slaughter of any chickens, will debut in Singapore under the Good Meat brand as nuggets with seasoning in a single restaurant. Eat Just is initially working with local manufacturer the Food Innovation and Resource Centre to make the cultured chicken. Additionally, the firm is buying more equipment to expand sales to other restaurants and eventually grocery stores.

“We want Singapore to be the focus of our manufacturing globally,” CEO Josh Tetrick said. Singapore is moving to allow the sale of alternative proteins like cultured meat, a move that fits into its broader food-security agenda

SAUDI ARABIA DENIES ROLE IN ASSASSINATION OF IRANIAN SCIENTIST Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir denied any role of his country in the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. He responded through his Twitter account to the allegation by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif claiming that the murder of the scientist was a Saudi ArabiaUS-Israel plot. It is not the policy of Saudi Arabia to engage in assassinations, al-Jubeir said. Fakhrizadeh was assassinated last week near the Iranian capital Tehran by "armed terrorists," Iranian Ministry of Defense said.

In early 2016, Saudi Arabia cut off diplomatic ties with Iran after the Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran were attacked by the Iranians protesting against the Saudi execution of 47 individuals on terrorism charges, including Saudi Shiite cleric Namir al-Namir.

KIM, N KOREAN OFFICIALS GIVEN CHINESE VACCINE China has provided North Korean leader Kim Jongun and his family with an experimental coronavirus vaccine, a US analyst said, citing two unidentified Japanese intelligence sources. Harry Kazianis, a North Korea expert at the Center for the National Interest think tank in Washington, said, “Kim Jong-un and multiple other top officials within the Kim family and leadership network have been vaccinated for coronavirus within the last two to three weeks thanks to a vaccine candidate supplied by the Chinese government.” Citing US medical scientist Peter J Hotez, he said at least three Chinese companies were developing a coronavirus vaccine, including Sinovac Biotech Ltd, CanSinoBio and China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm).

HONG KONG PRODEMOCRACY TYCOON DETAINED Hong Kong media tycoon and prodemocracy supporter Jimmy Lai has been charged with fraud and detained until a court hearing in April next year. A court denied him bail over a charge relating to the illegal use of his company's premises. It comes a day after three prominent prodemocracy activists were jailed. The cases have raised fears of a renewed crackdown on the city's activists and media figures, spurred by a controversial new security law. Lai was arrested under the National Security Law earlier this year and later released on bail. China has said the new law will return stability to the territory after a year of unrest, but critics say it has silenced dissent.

Violence, deaths continue ahead of Uganda elections KAMPALA: This is already the bloodiest general election in Uganda’s history with more than 50 people shot dead last month in protests that broke out after the opposition National Unity Platform candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s arrest. The election is scheduled to take place on January 14, 2021. Kyagulanyi’s arrest follows weeks of deadly encounters between his supporters and Ugandan security agencies. Kyagulanyi tweeted: “This is war, not presidential campaigns.” A few hours later, a police car ran over his supporters in an attempt to block the opposition presidential candidate from accessing a campaign rally venue. One supporter was killed and at least four others injured.

At the next campaign stop police fired tear gas and live bullets to disperse his supporters.

The injured this time included one of the police guards officially allocated to the candidate, shot in the face with a rubber

bullet. At the third rally of the day, police fired live bullets at the candidate’s car as he attempted to drive through a military barricade set up to block him from driving through the centre of Jinja City Centre.

One bullet struck the windscreen of Kyagulanyi’s car, missing a fellow MP Francis Zaake, who was in the co-driver’s seat, by a whisker. Kyagulanyi had seen enough. He suspended his returned to campaigns, Kampala and met the Electoral Commission chairperson to demand an intervention.

The violence springs from the manner of campaigning in an election many saw as a fore-

gone conclusion last year. Earlier this year, the Electoral Commission issued guidelines to all candidates barring them from carrying out processions and huge rallies, limiting campaign meetings to 70 people and asking candidates to use social media, radio and televisions to campaign.

The EC said this was to contain the spread of the coronavirus during the campaigns. The rule was later relaxed to 200 people.

However, most of the 10 candidates seeking to end President Yoweri Museveni’s 35year grip on power have tasted the wrath of law enforcement agencies seeking to enforce the rules. They have either been arrested, blocked from accessing hotels, had rallies dispersed by tear gas, blocked from accessing rally venues in some districts or thrown out of radio and television stations.

Opposition parties point out that there was no effort to enforce the rules during the rul-

ing NRM party primaries in October. They argue the rules are meant to handicap, not protect them. Several military and police vehicles follow main opposition candidates, firing tear gas and live bullets to disperse supporters standing by the roadside to wave at them.

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said that the force is only enforcing Electoral Commission guidelines.

However, local ruling NRM party leaders and handlers often mobilise masses to make processions and stand by the roadside to wave at him and his motorcade as it drives by, with the police looking on. The Inter-religious Council of Uganda, some cultural leaders and other opinion leaders last week condemned the violence and asked police to investigate and bring all culprits to book.

While the security forces are using CCTV camera footage to identify and arrest rioters, no security officer has been arrested in connection with the killings. The election.

Ghana votes in tight election, Uhuru's Sh929 billion Covid as veteran rivals square off recovery plan ACCRA: Voters across Ghana headed for the polls on Monday in presidential and legislative elections, with the incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo and opponent John Mahama offering competing plans to rescue the pandemic-hit economy.

The poles closed at 5 pm and there were no reports of disruptions. The electoral commission is expected to announce the outcome within 72 hours.

Up to 17 million Ghanaians were registered to cast ballots at 38,000 polling stations across the country. Along with presidential candidates, voters were also charged with selecting 275 lawmakers out of 914 candidates for parliament.

Veterans face off Although 10 other candidates are seeking the presidency, the contest has focused on the two political heavyweights, Akufo-Addo, 76, and Mahama, 62, who have faced off twice before for Ghana's highest office. Akufo-Addo won in 2016,

replacing Mahama who won office in 2012.

If either wins, which is expected, it would be for a second and final term under Ghana's constitutional term limits. A survey by the University of Ghana taken in November showed Akufo-Addo ahead with a razor-thin 51.7% of support. Ghana has advanced economically in recent decades, however, the coronavirus pandemic hit Ghana's key exports of oil and cocoa. The jolt has led to Ghana's first quarterly economic contraction in decades, with growth expected to fall to 0.9%, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Akufo-Addo has promised a $17-billion recovery program aimed at job creation. Mahama's plan is to boost the economy with a $10-billion infrastructure plan. Ghana is widely considered to be a bastion of political stability in West Africa, and has held peaceful and transparent elections for nearly two decades.

NAIROBI: Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration has unveiled a Sh928.6 billion recovery plan to rescue the economy ravaged by Covid-19.

The government is banking on the Covid war chest to mitigate or reverse effects of the virus crisis that has left an estimated 1.7 million people jobless in the formal and informal sectors.

Unemployment has doubled to 10.4 per cent; the country faced an unemployment crisis before the pandemic hit.

President Kenyatta intends to pump billions into the health, education, security and ICT sectors. Transport and women's enterprises will also benefit. The recovery plan also involves incentivising the private sector, reviving tourism, manufacturing and transport, as well as providing for vulnerable segments of society. The Treasury says the steps will be implemented in the current and next financial year.

It estimates the economy will grow from the current 2.9 per

cent to 5.9 per cent. Among the biggest winners in this strategy are schools that are set to reopen in January. The government will spend Sh1.1 billion for masks, soap and sanitisier for primary schools and another Sh1 billion for the same items in secondary schools.

In addition, Sh28 billion will be spent to increasing enrolment in primary schools and another Sh4 billion to recruit teachers. At least Sh1.2 billion will be spent to expand and refurbish classrooms and ablution blocks; Sh5 billion for WASH programmes and Sh5 billion for meals. Universities are expected to receive Sh103 billion capitation grants and Sh1.4 billion for additional hostels to accommodate 8,000 students.

Others are agriculture (Sh30.2 billion), manufacturing (Sh23.5 billion), transport (Sh101 billion), financial services (Sh10.7 billion), Water (Sh95 billion), Education (Sh383 billion) and Sh29 billion (environment services).

Tanzania police release three opposition leaders on bond DODOMA: The Tanzanian police have released three opposition leaders who were arrested on Monday after they called for demonstrations to demand fresh elections and an independent electoral commission. Chadema, the leading opposition party, said its chairman Freeman Mbowe, and fellow leaders – former legislator Godbless Lema and former mayor of Ubungo municipality, Boniface Jacob – were released.

“Mbowe, Lema and Jacob have been released … on bond by the police,” Chadema said on its Twitter account. The opposition

Freeman Mbowe

Godbless Lema

demanded a rerun of the election, citing widespread suspected fraud, and has called for protests against the outcome, which saw incumbent President John Magufuli win with 84 per cent of the vote on October 28.

Boniface Jacob

Separately, police also released Zitto Kabwe, head of another fast-growing party, ACT-Wazalendo, a party official said. Police had arrested Kabwe earlier while he was visiting the now-released Chadema leaders

at the station where they were being held.

“We are seeking details on whether he has been released on bail or not and when he is supposed to report back [to the police station],” said Janeth Rite, ACT-Wazalendo’s deputy secretary of ideology and publicity. Kabwe was among leaders sought by police after the former legislator called for peaceful protests. Police said the protests were illegal and aimed at fomenting violence.

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Biden's budget pick Neera Tanden faces Republican opposition Washington: Neera Tanden would make history as the first woman of color to head the Office of Management and Budget, but she's already faced strong pushback from Senate Republicans. She's also been an outspoken partisan warrior, and that could complicate her confirmation process, especially if Republicans maintain control of the Senate after Georgia's two runoff races in January.

Tanden is president and CEO of the prominent leftleaning Center for American Progress, a think tank that promotes Democratic ideas. She served in President Bill Clinton's administration, was a key player in Hillary Clinton's 2008 campaign, and worked in the Obama administration, helping craft the Affordable Care Act. But it isn't her resume that's generating all the heat; it's the

Neera Tanden

fights she's waged on Twitter and elsewhere. During the Trump years, she's been highly critical of Senate Republicans for enabling the president. "She's been pretty partisan in some of her previous positions and in many cases with respect to Republican senators who would have to vote on her potential nomination," said Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, alluding to the tweets.

And it's not just Republicans.

In 2016 and again in 2019, Tanden tangled with Bernie Sanders' supporters. She was unabashed in her support of Clinton, his onetime presidential primary rival, and many people in Sanders' world see her as too centrist. But already progressive Sens.

Elizabeth Warren and Sherrod Brown have rushed to express support for Tanden, in essence shoring her up from the left. As Biden introduced her at an event

in Wilmington, the strategy for securing her confirmation came into focus. He described her as having a "brilliant policy mind with critical practical experience across government." Then he quickly turned to her childhood.

She was raised by a single mother, an immigrant from India who, for a time, relied on government assistance to get on her feet after a divorce.

People who know her say Tanden's approach to policy is driven by her childhood experiences being lifted up by government assistance. It's a story she may retell from the Senate witness stand if she ultimately has a confirmation hearing in the chamber.

Tanden's primary role as budget director would be to put Biden's promises and priorities into a budget document that is as much about message as dollars and cents.

Time magazine names Gitanjali Rao as Kid of the Year Colorado (US): Gitanjali Rao, a Colorado teenager who invented a mobile device to test for lead in drinking water, is Time's Kid of the Year for 2020.

The magazine announced the award last week, citing Rao's ability to apply scientific ideas to real-world problems - and her desire to motivate other kids to take up their own causes.

It's just the latest recognition for Rao, 15, who was named last year to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. She won praise in 2017 after she responded to the Flint, Mich., water crisis by creating a device named Tehys, using carbon nanotube sensors to detect lead in water. The Colorado native was named America's Top Young Scientist when she was in the seventh grade. She went on to collaborate with scientists in the water industry to try to get the device on the market.

More recently, Rao has developed a phone and Web

tool named Kindly, which uses artificial intelligence technology to detect possible early signs of cyber bullying. The debut Kid of the Year award comes from a partnership between Time and Nickelodeon. Rao was chosen in part because of the way she has followed up her technical work with efforts to get other young people to work on solving the

problems they see.

"I don't look like your typical scientist. Everything I see on TV is that it's an older, usually white man as a scientist," she told Time. "My goal has really shifted not only from creating my own devices to solve the world's problems, but inspiring others to do the same as well.

Because, from personal

experience, it's not easy when you don't see anyone else like you. So I really want to put out that message: If I can do it, you can do it, and anyone can do it."

Time says the new Kid of the Year recognition is a way to highlight young people who are having a positive influence on their communities and using their innovations to help solve problems. Five finalists were selected from more than 5,000 candidates between 8 and 16 years old. A committee of kids then made the final choice, along with comedian Trevor Noah.

Each of the finalists will get a cash prize from Viacom, Nickelodeon's owner, as well as appearing with Noah on an upcoming TV special. The candidates are responsible for a wide range of positive work, from guiding discussions about racial injustice to growing food for the needy and making toys that all kids can enjoy, regardless of their abilities.

Nita Patel is leading the vaccine team of Novavax in US Gujaratis are famous across the globe. Nita Patel (56) is a senior director in the vaccine development programme at Novavax Inc., one of the frontrunners in the race to develop a vaccine for coronavirus. The company received a fund of $1.6 billion from the US government to develop the vaccine.

Nita has come a long way from her humble beginning in Sojitra, a farming village in Gujarat state. When she was 4 year- old, her family fell into poverty after her father nearly died from tuberculosis (TB). He never worked again and told Nita that she should become a doctor and find a cure for TB. Nita set about doing that, wearing the same ragged dress

Nita Patel

to school day after day. She had no shoes and even begged bus fare from a neighbour.

Her academic excellence propelled her through college on government scholarships. She later picked up two master's degrees, in India and the United

States, in a p p l i e d microbiology a n d biotechnology.

Her memory is photographic: when driving, she has to be careful not to look at license plate numbers, or she'll memorize them.

Nita married a US biochemist and then moved to Gaithersburg and started job hunting. One small company offered her less than others - but she would work on a TB project.

In 1990, Nita became the 16th employee at MedImmune. One

of her bosses there, Herren Wu, now a senior vice president at AstraZeneca, remembers her skill with a difficult assay that bedeviled others. “She was the one [whose data] I believed,” he says. “She's a very good bench scientist.”

Since the pandemic arrived, Nita says, “my day just doesn't end. And it's the same with everyone else here.” Yet Nita, who prays and meditates daily at a temple in her home, projects serenity and good cheer. “To me, nothing is impossible. So, having that mindset, nothing stresses me out, being honest.” Nita serenity gets a boost because she doesn't see the firm as competing with others. “We are [all] working towards, together, the world's problem,” she says.

in brief INDONESIA GETS COVID VACCINE FROM CHINA Indonesia received its first shipment of coronavirus vaccine from China, President Joko Widodo said, as the government prepares a mass inoculation programme. Jokowi, as the president is widely known, said in an online briefing that the Southeast Asian country received 1.2 million doses from China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd., a vaccine Indonesia has been testing since August. He added that the government plans to receive another 1.8 million doses in early January. Late-stage trials of the Sinovac vaccine are also under way in Brazil and Turkey, with interim results on efficiency from Brazil expected by mid-December.

Indonesia is also expected this month to receive shipments of raw materials to produce 15 million doses and materials for 30 million doses next month, the president said.

WEARING OF MASKS MUST IN NETHERLANDS A law mandating the use of face masks went into effect in the Netherlands last week. With the country in a “partial lockdown” since October 13, authorities are expected to release weekly figures that will show new Covid infections are about flat from the 36,931cases reported for the week ended November 24. A requirement that masks be worn in public buildings will be imposed for an initial three months. Violators can be fined up to €95. From March through September, the government dad not recommend pubic use of cloth masks other than on public transport. It changed tack on September 30.

HACKERS TARGETING VACCINE DISTRIBUTION OPS IBM security researchers say they have detected a cyberespionage effort using targeted phishing emails to try to collect vital information on the WHO’s initiative for distributing Covid-19 vaccine to developing nations. The researchers said they could not be sure who was behind the campaign, which began in September, or if it was successful. But the precision targeting and careful efforts to leave no tracks bore “the potential hallmarks of nation-state tradecraft”, they said in a blog post. The campaign’s targets, in countries including Germany, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan, are likely associated with the development of the “cold chain” needed to ensure coronavirus vaccines get the nonstop sterile refrigeration they need to be effective for the nearly 3 billion people who live where temperature-controlled storage is insufficient, IBM said. “Think of it as the bloodline that will be supplying the most vital vaccines globally,” said Claire Zaboeva, an IBM analyst involved in the detection.

ANTI-AGING TREATMENT HELPS RESTORE VISION IN MICE Scientists said they have restored sight in mice using a “milestone" treatment that returns cells to a more youthful state and could one day help treat glaucoma. “I’m excited about being able to rejuvenate organs and tissues that fail due to aging and disease,” said senior author of the study David Sinclair, a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School. “We hope to treat glaucoma in human patients (at the trial stage) in two years.” The treatment is based on the properties that cells have when the body is developing as an embryo.

At that time, cells can repair and regenerate themselves, but that capacity declines rapidly with age. The scientists reasoned that if cells could be induced to return to that youthful state, they would be able to repair damage. To turn back the clock, experts modified a process usually used to create the “blank slate” cells known as induced pluripotent stem cells. Those cells are created by injecting a cocktail of four proteins that help reprogramme a cell.

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First vaccine dose may be available in a matter of weeks: PM Modi Going by expert opinion, India will not have to wait for a vaccine against Covid-19 for long and the first shots could be available in a matter of weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an all-party meeting called to discuss the pandemic situation.

The PM Modi said the pricing of the vaccine would be finalised keeping public health interests in mind and after deliberations with state governments. He strongly urged political leaders attending the meeting to dispel rumours about the vaccine and said unfounded claims would hurt the fight against the virus. His reference seemed to be the recent controversy over an adverse event during a vaccine trial and concerns over "vaccine hesitancy" in the wider public. "Rollout of the vaccine will begin as soon as scientists wave the green flag," Modi said. He added that there were eight vaccines being developed that would be manufactured in India and referred to three homegrown initiatives. He expressed confidence that progress on the vaccine front had strengthened India's fight against the disease but emphasised that given the resurgence of Covid19 in parts of the world, the need to use masks and observe hygiene would remain.

Health workers, elderly to receive first shots of vaccine He broadly confirmed reports

on India’s prioritisation plan for the vaccine, saying health and frontline workers and elderly people who are vulnerable to the virus would receive the shots first.

He said India’s policies were shaped by scientific and expert advice and this had yielded good results in terms of disease control, treatment and lower mortalities.

This will continue to be the case, he added.

Modi said the Centre and state teams were working in close coordination on vaccine strategy.

“India has vaccine distribution expertise and capacity. We are far better than several other countries in this regard. We have a vast and experienced vaccination network and the country will capitalise on these advantages,” he added.

The PM said some additional cold chain equipment and other logistics would be required, which would be evaluated with the help of state governments. “India has developed a special software, Covin, in which beneficiaries of vaccine, and real-time information about availability and storage of the vaccine will be available,” the

From left to right Mrs. Meha Patel (wife of MD Dr Sharvil Patel), Narendra Modi, Pankaj Patel, Chairman, Zydus Cadila and Dr Sharvil Patel, MD, Zydus Cadila

PM said. “A special task force has been constituted for vaccine research with technical experts, officials from ministries concerned and officers from each zone,” he added. Modi said the world was looking towards India for the development of a safe and affordable vaccine.

Political parties which participated in the meeting included Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, YSR Congress, JD(U), BJD, Shiv Sena, TRS, BSP, SP, AIADMK, NCP, JD(S) and BJP. The leaders assured the PM of their full support to ensure efficient and speedy vaccination.

“We not only helped our fellow Indians but also made every effort to save citizens of other countries as well. Also, the scientific methodology adopted by India led to increased testing in India, which

not only reduced the positivity rate but also reduced the Covid mortality rate,” the PM said.

As of November 30, India was leading the world in the number of "confirmed Covid-19 vaccine doses" for which orders have been placed, having "concluded contracts to get 1.6 billion doses". The latest global vaccine procurement analysis by Duke University, which has been tracking advanced commitments between countries and vaccine developers, put the European Union second and the US third.

The EU will get 1.58 billion doses and the US will get over a billion doses, provided all the vaccine candidates they have struck deals to buy prove efficient in trials and are certified for use. Union health minister Harsh Vardhan had said in November that India was in

talks with vaccine makers to get up to 500 million doses by July-August 2021. An analysis by Duke University’s "Launch and Scale Speedometer", which is updated every two weeks, shows India has made deals for three global vaccine candidates upon them being ready and certified for use. The latest analysis of contracts by Duke University, based on publicly available data, puts the OxfordAstraZeneca candidate on the top of the table, with 17 countries signing deals to procure 2.5 billion doses. This is followed by the US’s Novavax, which had deals for 1.3 billion doses of its vaccine as of November 30, while Sanofi-GSK has deals for 732 million doses. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which this week became the first in the world to be approved for emergency use, has deals for 646 million doses.Besides these, a domestic vaccine candidate by Bharat Biotech entered Phase 3 trials last week. "Given that all candidates showing promise need two doses of vaccination, theoretically India would need 2.6 billion doses to cover its population. But it isn’t practical to inoculate the whole country and, also, it isn’t required as once we cover over 60% of the population, we’ll see the disease being controlled," said Dr V Ravi, member of the expert committee on the Covid vaccine. "So, I think commitments of these many doses should suffice, and we also have some domestic candidates, like the one from Bharat Biotech."

International investors cast doubt India allows domestic airlines to operate at 80% of pre-Covid capacity over India's bankruptcy code International investors have cast doubt over the India's overhauled bankruptcy code.

The controversy stems from the auction of shadow lender Dewan Housing Finance Limited (DHFL), a company with about $14bn of debt that was taken over last year

by India’s central bank.

Global investors Oaktree Capital Group and SC Lowy have been competing against Indian conglomerates Piramal Group and Adani Group to buy DHFL’s assets.

All submitted bids ahead of a mid-November deadline.

Investors said Adani Group, one of India’s most powerful conglomerates, put in a bid for parts of the business at the same time as everyone else on November 9.

However, they said Adani then filed a second “unsolicited bid” for all the assets after that deadline. Adani Group’s bid of $4.2bn was only slightly higher, by Rs 2.5bn, than Oaktree’s, said people with direct knowledge of the matter. A person close to the Adani Group said all rules and regulations were being followed.

The Adani Group’s offer prompted the creditor committee to hold a vote on

The govt of India said that domestic airlines will now be allowed to operate up to 80 per cent of their precoronavirus capacity.

Union civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri said domestic operations, which began with 30,000 passengers on 25 May have reached 252,000 as of 30 November. whether to have another round of bidding in the interest of fairness. The results of the vote are expected early this week.

The episode has thrown a new spotlight on respect for due process in India and the speed of its bankruptcy resolution procedures at a time when the country’s economic troubles have led to a rise in distressed assets.

“There is too much nonsense going on,” said a person close to one of the international investors.

Recommended Markets InsightBenjamin Parkin India is coming around to the idea of foreigners owning its debt Introduced to much fanfare in 2016, India’s overhauled bankruptcy code is designed to speed up resolutions, boost recovery rates and generally make it easier

to do business in the country. At the time it was introduced, bankruptcy resolutions in India were notoriously slow with an average recovery rate of just 25.7 cents to the dollar. Recovery rates have significantly improved but cases can still drag on for years, well beyond the stipulated resolution timeline. “What puts global investors off is . . . the uncertainty in the resolution process,” said Pradip Shah, head of IndAsia, a corporate finance business, adding that the implementation of the bankruptcy code was “still a work in process”. Piramal Group has written to the creditors warning it may pull out of the process entirely.

Oaktree, Adani Group, Piramal Group and Hong Kong-based SC Lowy declined to comment.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court expressed its concern over the violation of Covid-19 guidelines on wearing protection masks at public places and maintaining physical distance and asked the Centre to suggest ways for its effective implementation.

India's daily coronavirus infections stayed below the 50,000 mark for the 26th day last week. The country now has a total of 95,34,964 cases, while as many as 89,73,373 people have recovered. The toll rose by 526 to 1,38,648. Globally, the coronavirus has infected more than 64.4 million people and killed over 14,91,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University. Over 40 million people have recovered from the infection.

Guleria pins hope on Covid vaccine AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria pinned his hopes on the five Covid-19 vaccine candidates which are in advanced stages of a clinical trial in India, stating they are logistically feasible for distribution in both urban and rural areas.

His assertion comes amid Pfizer-BioNTech's anticoronavirus vaccine getting emergency clearance in the UK, paving the way for mass vaccinations against the deadly novel coronavirus from as early as next week.

Dr Guleria expressed hope that by the end of this month or early next month, at least one of the five vaccines being locally-tested should get emergency use authorisation from the

drug regulator to be administered to the public starting with priority groups.

According to sources, global pharma giant Pfizer had talks with the Indian government late August, but since then there has been no development.

Meanwhile, Pfizer said it remains committed to engaging with the Indian government to explore opportunities to make Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine available in the country.

"Right now we are in discussions with many governments around the world and remain committed to engaging with the Government of India and explore opportunities to make this vaccine available for use in the country," a Pfizer spokesperson said in a statement.

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7 killed as cyclone Burevi batters southern Tamil Nadu CHENNAI: Seven people have died as heavy rains caused by Cyclone Burevi batter parts of Tamil Nadu for a second straight day, even as hundreds of villages remain inundated. In Cuddalore district around 300 villages have been flooded, while large parts of Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram district are without electricity.

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has announced Rs 10,00,000 relief for the families of those died, as well as compensation for loss of homes and cattle. The state said it would pay Rs 30,000 for loss of each cow, Rs 16,000 per calf and Rs 3,000 per goat. Relief and restoration work is being carried out on "war footing" and ministers have been deployed to personally oversee rehabilitation in affected districts, the Chief Minister said.

Although Burevi - expected

to hit the southern parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala on Friday as a cyclonic storm with extremely heavy rain and winds nearing 100 km per hour - has weakened into a well marked low pressure that has remained stationary in the Gulf of Mannar region for over 30 hours.

Nevertheless, coastal and southern Tamil Nadu continue to receive heavy rainfall.

As many as 66,000 people

have been shifted to relief camps in Cuddalore district alone, with another 5,000 evacuated in Ramanathapuram. Rameswaram is without power supply. "We served breakfast to 66,000 people. Continuing rain is a problem. We hope the rains stop today. We are keeping a close watch on Veeranam Lake (in case of flooding)," Gagandeep Singh Bedi, a senior government bureaucrat in charge of

Cuddalore said.

Across the state 75 huts have been completely destroyed. A further 1,725 have been partially damaged. Similarly, eight tiled houses have been destroyed and 410 damaged. Sixty six trees have been uprooted and 27 electric poles destroyed. Some 196 head of cattle were killed, while unknown number of other livestock were also washed away or died.NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams are on the ground helping in relief work. The weather department has forecast more heavy to very heavy rainfall for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the next 48 hours as the depression weakens further - becoming a "wellmarked low pressure area" - and drifts towards southern Kerala.

As of this morning the depression was around 40 km southwest of Ramanathapuram and had wind speeds of around 50 km per hour.

PUNJAB

SAD delegation meets Sena chief to forge national front CHANDIGARH: Continuing with its efforts to carve a new national political front against the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, a delegation of the Shiromani Akali Dal held parleys with Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai.

Former MP Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, who led the SAD delegation, said apart from reaching an understanding to forge a national alliance, Thackeray has in principle agreed to restore the old management system of Takht Hazoor Sahib, Nanded.

Chandumajra said the Chief Minister had agreed that the management should have representatives of Sikhs from all over the country.

Presently, only Sikhs from Maharashtra are part of the

management after the previous Shiv Sena-BJP combine government had recast the membership. “Thackeray has agreed that two representatives of the SGPC should be part of the management. This was an important demand of the Sikh community in India and abroad.

The CM has ordered holding of

meetings next week to formalise this arrangement,” he said.

Chandumajra said the Shiv Sena chief was pained at the attack on federalism by the BJP government and it’s attempts to weaken regional parties and dethrone the regional governments.

Chandumajra had earlier

met All India Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. He said Thackeray and Mamata Banerjee were looking forward to the new political front. He said the SAD delegation would meet former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in the coming week. It has already met Biju Janata Dal president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

“The regional parties have to come together to save the federal system in the country and to end the dictatorial government of Narendra Modi,” said Chandumajra. The SAD and Shiv Sena were among the oldest allies of the BJP. While the SAD broke ties with the BJP over the farm laws, the Shiv Sena had parted ways earlier over differences in Maharashtra polls.

WEST BENGAL

After Suvendu, another Bengal minister slams TMC top brass KOLKATA: Amid speculation over dissident TMC leader Suvendu Adhikari’s next move, another state minister and TMC leader Rajib Banerjee lashed out at the party leadership.

“Those who are doing well and those with ability… they are sidelined in TMC. The score of those who applaud the team is higher. My score is low because I can’t. If Suvendu Adhikari leaves, a huge void will be created in the team. It is important to find out why the leaders are so angry. These issues should have been thought about earlier. Those who work in the field do not get the upper hand. Power seekers are getting a place in the team. It is difficult to say… [in TMC] good is bad, bad is good.”

Suvendu's next move On whether Suvendu

Suvendu Adhikari

Adhikari is planning to join the BJP, the party’s national vice president, Mukul Roy said, “Suvendu is a product of mass movements. The dilemma over this issue will be clear soon.”

Roy, a former TMC leader, added, “I did a political blunder by removing Suvendu as (TMC) youth wing president. I regret it.”

On Rajib’s remarks, Roy said,

“What Rajib said reflects the pain of those who formed the party (TMC). If you listen carefully, you will hear such words from several other TMC leaders.

Our stand is clear for TMC and others… who ever wants to join hands with us are welcome.”

Earlier, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged TMC MP from Contai Sisir Adhikari, who is the father Suvendu Adhikari, to rid the party of leaders who are allegedly engaged in anti-party activities.

In a virtual internal meeting held by Banerjee with the top party leadership, district unit chiefs, MPs and MLAs, she

reportedly gave a lot of importance to the Contai MP. This put an end to speculation that Sisir Adhikari may not attend the meeting considering his son’s equation with the party.

A minister who attended the meeting said that the CM entrusted Sisir Adhikari, the party’s vice-president, of flagging party leaders who were indulged in anti-party activities in Purba Medinipur. The minister added that Banerjee asked Sisir to work with TMC state president Subrata Bakshi and ensure that rebels are replaced with loyal party leaders in places such as Nandigram, Haldia, Contai, Nandankumar and Ramnagar. Earlier, the party took action against a close aide of Suvendu and later against four more close aides of his, sources said.

in brief EX-JUDGE KARNAN HELD FOR OBSCENE POSTS A former judge of the Madras and Calcutta high courts, C S Karnan, was arrested by the Chennai police cybercrime wing for alleged obscene and abusive social media posts against several judges and their family members.

The action comes two days after the Madras high court pulled up the Tamil Nadu DGP and Chennai commissioner of police and issued summons to them for their inaction against the retired judge even though three cases had been registered against him for a series of offensive posts. Later, the police team picked up Justice Karnan and detained him. The police have registered a case against him for offences punishable under IPC Sections 509 (intending to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any words, makes any sound or gesture) and 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot).

RAJINIKANTH TO LAUNCH POLITICAL PARTY IN JAN Chennai: Actor Rajinikanth finally ended the suspense over his political plans, saying that he would launch a political party in January.

A formal announcement would be made on December 31, Rajinikanth said, taking to Twitter and ending a wait of over 24 years for his fans. “With the massive support of people we will capture power and provide a corruption-free and transparent government that will be above caste, creed and religion,” Rajinikanth said in a tweet. “Change. We will change everything. Miracle and wonder will happen. If not now, then never,” Rajinikanth tweeted, taking a leaf out of a campaign that his fans have been running over the past few months on the same slogan.

MP HANSRAJ HANS HECKLED IN MOGA BJP Lok Sabha member from Delhi and noted Punjabi singer Hansraj Hans faced the ire of farmers in Moga on Monday. He came there to preside over a function to pay tributes to Bhim Rao Ambedkar at a function organised at Shaheedi Park. When BKU (Ekta) activists came to know about his visit, they started gathering outside the Shaheedi Park and raised slogans against him. They demanded that he should resign from the Lok Sabha. After the function, when Hans came out, a group of farmers surrounded him. They asked him to support the farmers’ agitation. However, the BJP leader maintained that the farmers were being misled by the opposition parties on farm laws.

MURDER CHARGE AGAINST MUKUL ROY The West Bengal CID has named BJP vicepresident Mukul Roy in the third supplementary chargesheet in the 2019 murder of Krishnaganj TMC MLA Satyajit Biswas, prompting Roy to label it as yet another instance of “vendetta politics”. The CID, in its six-page supplementary chargesheet, accused Roy of being one of the “conspirators” in the murder. “He (Roy) was among the conspirators in Biswas’s murder. He has been charged under Sections 302 and 120B of the IPC,” said assistant public prosecutor Pradip Pramanik. Investigating officers named BJP Ranaghat MP Jagannath Sarkar as an accused in an earlier chargesheet submitted this September. Roy, however, called the chargesheet “biased”.

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12 - 18 December 2020

The writer is a Socio-political Historian - E-mail: haridesai@gmail.com Dr. Hari Desai

Emperor Krishnadevaraya and World Heritage Hampi • The great Hindu King was a Shudra and a Dasiputra • Vijayanagara Ruler was India’s first Global Leader ecently the news flashed in The Hindu of Chennai attracted global attention since it is of international as well as historical importance: “Tourists can no longer get too close to the iconic stone chariot in front of the Vijaya Vittala Temple in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi in Karnataka. Hampi is 350 kms from Bengaluru and can be reached via road, rail or air. The architectural marvel has been cordoned off by a protective ring by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). ASI has put up the barrier aimed at preventing people from touching or climbing the monument, causing damage in any way.”

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Stone Chariot is an iconic monument located in front of Vijaya Vittala Temple in Hampi, central Karnataka. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stone Chariot is a shrine dedicated to Garuda, the official vehicle of Lord Vishnu.

Stone Chariot in Hampi is one of the three most popular stone chariots in India. Other two are in Konark (Odisha) and Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu). Built in Dravidian style, chariot has carvings depicting mythical battle scenes.

Standing on two giant wheels, two elephants are seen pulling the chariot. Stone Chariot is made of multiple smaller stones assembled to perfection.

Stone Chariot was partially damaged by invading army towards the end of Vijayanagara Empire. Stone Chariot was The statue of the great king Krishnadevaraya who ruled during 1509 to 1529 built in the 16th century by the orders of King all intermingled as they made their lives and fortunes. In Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara Empire. The emperor is the eyes of the world, Vijayanagara was the epitome of said to have been impressed by the Sun temple of Konark oriental opulence. It was a cosmopolitan metropolis, the during the war with Kalinga and wanted to recreate a best provided city of the world, more magnificent than similar one in Hampi. Recently released INR 50 currency Rome, and so exceedingly rich that diamonds were traded notes of India have stone chariot images. in the streets by the basket load!

The chariot inside the temple complex is a shrine The epicentre of Vijayanagara literary production was dedicated to Garuda, but the sculpture of Garuda is now a great hall called the Bhuvana Vijayam, or World missing. The Hampi chariot is among three famous stone Conquest, designed to host poetry readings and contests of chariots in India, the other two being in Konark, Odisha, literary wit. According to Paes, the hall was built when the and Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. The delicately carved king returned from the war against Orissa. It was a wide chariot at Hampi, art historians say, reflects the skill of open space with lofty walls covered from top to bottom temple architecture under the patronage of the with crimson and green velvet and other handsome cloths.

Vijayanagara rulers who reigned from 14th to 17th century The magnificent structure was metaphorically held up by CE. the king’s ashta-dig-gajas, or Elephants of the Eight Srinivas Reddy’s latest biography of Emperor Directions, great poets of the land whom Krishnadevaraya Krishnadevaraya, whom he likes to describe as poet-king had invited to grace his court. reveals so far hidden aspects of his life: “Unlike the royalIn Hindu cosmology, the mythical eight elephants blooded Prataparudradeva of the Solar Lineage, support the entire universe on their backs, and so it was Krishnadevaraya was by all accounts a shudra, the only fitting for the king to bestow this lofty title upon the unplanned offspring of a low-caste general and a dasi celebrated poets who sustained the empire by (servant woman). One story tells of an auspicious falling memorializing the king’s fame. To be sure, there was a star that flashed across the sky at the moment of deep and sustained connection between political power Krishnadevaraya’s conception. On that night his father and literary production. The king’s royal poets not only Narasa Nayaka lay with a maidservant who had come to crafted words, but they also helped shape whole empires. light the evening lamps. According to Narayana Rao, in his Historian Manu S. Pillai records in his “Rebel own locality, Krishnadevaraya was only a peasant and, if Sultans: The Deccan From Khilji to Shivaji traces the legends are to be believed, a low-caste peasant at that.” history of Deccan India from 13th to 18th century”: According to oral tradition, Prataparudradeva looked Krishnadeva, the Raya of Vijayanagar, was a man who down at Krishnadevaraya with contempt. He felt it below breathed magnificence. Poets his high stature to engage heaped praise on him by the with a son of a servant, a lowdozen, but the kingdom’s class upstart with no social Diamond Throne was never standing. Prataparudradeva meant to be his. To begin only saw Krishnadevaraya as with, he was born to his a dasi-putra who had grafted father from an inferior wife, himself on to the royal Lunar whereas his predecessor and Lineage. Clearly, this was a half-brother emerged from a major point of tension, but purer vessel. When that Krishnadevaraya seems to brother was on his deathbed, have made every effort to live the story goes, he made his up to the ideal of a righteous minister promise to blind the Hindu king, regardless of (or ambitious Krishnadeva so perhaps because of) his that any threat to the royal humble origins. In their The stone chariot at Hampi prospects of his own children personal devotions, might be thwarted. The minister nodded at the disabled Krishnadevaraya and Prataparudradeva were both staunch king, produced, it is said, goat’s eyes as evidence of the Vaishnavas. At the same time, they were inclusive and deed being done and then proceeded to merrily install tolerant in supporting state patronage of various other Krishnadeva on the throne anyway. All rivals who lived deities, sects and religious movements. were parcelled into a prison fortress far away, and soon And although both kings worshipped the main god Krishnadeva commenced his conquests (also Vishnu, they supported two separate Next Column finding time to compose half a dozen literary traditions of Vaishnava theology: Krishnadevaraya was a Sri Vaishnava, a Junagadh back to India works on the side).

Emperor Kerishnadevaraya’s biographer follower of the Tamil saint Ramanuja, and the New Year Day Reddy digs out some interesting stories. In while Prataparudradeva was an ardent an interview he is quoted as saying: “I’m an admirer of Gaudiya, having converted to this new faith after a Krishnadevaraya because after years of studying his life, he profound encounter with its celebrated founder, the remains a great source of inspiration to me, and hopefully Bengali saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. now a whole new generation of leaders and thinkers. As Krishnadevaraya represents a critical transformation the book progresses, I’m also critical of Raya’s actions at from ancient king to modern politician. And in that sense, the end of his reign, particularly his growing megalomania he was India’s first global leader. He had to confront very and the unfortunate incident with his beloved minister modern problems such as building international alliances Timmarasu. As the story goes, Raya, in a fit of rage, and negotiating overseas trade deals while grappling with blinded the man who he always called a father. A sad story the challenges of globalism and multiculturalism. The indeed, but one that also serves to humanise this largerDeccan of his time was a place where Hindus and Muslims, than-life king.” north Indians and south Indians, Persians and Portuguese,

Maharashtra teacher wins $1 mn global prize, to share half with finalists A primary school teacher from Maharashtra Ranjitsinh Disale, 32, from Paritewadi village in Maharashtra's Solapur district, emerged the winner among 10 finalists from across the world. The annual prize was founded by the Varkey Foundation in 2014 to recognise an exceptional Ranjitsinh Disale teacher who has made outstanding contribution to the profession. He won $1 million annual Global Teacher Prize 2020 in recognition of his efforts to promote girls' education and trigger a quickresponse (QR) coded textbook revolution in India.

Disale, who believes that teachers are the world's "real changemakers", announced that he will be sharing 50 per cent of his prize money with his fellow finalists to support their "incredible work". He said, ”The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed education and the communities it serves in a multitude of ways. But, in this hard time, teachers are giving their best to make sure every student has access to their birthright of a good education’. "Teachers are the real changemakers who are changing the lives of their students with a mixture of chalk and challenges. They always believe in giving and sharing.”

The Global Teacher Prize 2020 winner's announcement was made at a virtual ceremony, broadcast from the Natural History Museum in London by British actor-broadcaster Stephen Fry. His gesture means the other nine finalists will receive just over $55,000 each, making history as the first winner to share his prize money. "By sharing the prize money, you teach the world the importance of giving," said Indian education philanthropist Sunny Varkey, the founder of the prize. "Teachers like Ranjitsinh will stop climate change and build more peaceful and just societies. He will eliminate inequalities and drive forward economic growth and will save our future," said Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director General for Education at UNESCO, a partner of the initiative. "Of course, I want to work for the students in India. But at the same time, I would like to work for the students across the borders as I believe that the world is my classroom," he added.

Disale said he wants to allocate 30 per cent of the prize money towards "teachers'' innovation fund" that he plans to set up. "There are several teachers in the country, who possess innovative ideas to transform education and I think that fund can be used for such talent," he added. "Teachers abroad are more professional. They spend some part of their earnings on their own development. As a teacher, when I came in their contact, I could see the difference," he added.

Disale feels that he is a teacher from the 20th century and the students are from the 21st century. "So it is like students from the 21st century are being taught by a teacher from the 20th century with the 19th century curriculum using techniques of the 18th century. This is the gap that we need to bridge and I think technology is the main enabler in this," he said. When Disale arrived at the Zilla Parishad Primary School at Paritewadi in Solapur in 2009, it was a dilapidated building, sandwiched between a cattle shed and a storeroom. He took on the task of turning things around and ensuring the textbooks were available in the local language for the pupils. He not only translated the textbooks into their mother tongue, but also embedded them with unique QR codes to give students access to audio poems, video lectures, stories and assignments. As a result of his interventions, no teenage marriage has been reported in the village and there has been 100 per cent attendance of girls at the school.

Disale's school went on to become the first in Maharashtra to introduce QR codes. After submitting a proposal and successful pilot scheme, the state ministry announced in 2017 that they would introduce QR coded textbooks across the state for all grades. In 2018, the human resources development ministry announced that all the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks would have embedded QR codes. Disale is equally passionate about building peace between young people across conflict zones and through a "Let's Cross the Borders" project, he connects young people from India and Pakistan, Palestine and Israel, Iraq and Iran, and the US and North Korea.Over a six-week programme, students are matched with a peace buddy from other countries with whom they closely interact with. So far, Disale has inducted about 19,000 students from eight countries into this programme. Besides, with the use of the Microsoft Educator Community platform, the enterprising teacher spends his weekends taking students on virtual field trips.

26 INDIA

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12 - 18 December 2020

Amit Shah meets farmers for talks as protests spread against agri reforms Home Minister Amit Shah met with representatives of farmers on Tuesday evening in Delhi after nationwide protests against newly enacted laws liberalising India's agriculture market spread to more parts of the country. Shah's meeting venue was at the Pusa agricultural institute campus near his official residence in Delhi.

"There is no midway. We will demand just 'yes' or 'no' from Amit Shah at the meeting," farmer leader Rudru Singh Mansa was quoted as saying said at a press conference near Delhi's border with Haryana.

"We have a meeting with the Home Minister later. We are going to Singhu border now and from there we will go to the Home Minister,” said Rakesh Tikait, a spokesperson for Bharatiya Kisan Union, one of the dozens of groups camping outside Delhi to protest the reforms.

Shah meet farmers for talks a day before sixth round of government negotiations on Wednesday. The nationwide shutdown on Tuesday led to road and rail traffic being affected in parts of the country and some

markets were shut.

Shah will meet farmers' representatives for the first time to discuss their demands. Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Railway, Commerce and Food Minister Piyush Goyal have been leading the talks at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan.

Tens of thousands of farmers are camping around Delhi, rallying against three laws that the government says are meant to overhaul antiquated procurement procedures and give growers more options to sell their produce.

Farmers fear the legislation, passed in September, will eventually dismantle India’s regulated markets and stop the government from buying wheat and rice at guaranteed prices, leaving them at the mercy of private buyers.

Farmers block key roads Farmers blocked national highways and other key roads at many places in Punjab and Haryana as part of the their nationwide protest to press for repeal of the Centre's new agri

marketing laws. Shops and commercial establishments remained closed at most places in Punjab and several places in Haryana as traders backed the agitating farmers.

The farmer leaders said the protestors did not go to Burari ground as it is an "open jail" and demanded that Ramlila Ground be given to them. They stressed that they don't want to trouble the people of Delhi and Haryana.

Public and private transport services remained shut in Punjab.

In neighbouring Haryana, interstate and intra-state bus services were disrupted. Agitating farmers blocked several key roads, including Chandigarh-Delhi, Amritsar-Delhi, Hisar-Delhi and Bhiwani-Delhi national highways.

They parked tractors, trucks and other vehicles in the middle of the carriageways.

The Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shiv Sena, Left parties, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Samajwadi Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) extended their support

to the call. Several cab and taxi unions are also supporting the Bharat Bandh due to which travelling across the states has been disrupted.

Public transport services in Mumbai, including suburban trains and buses, and in other parts of Maharashtra largely remained unaffected amid the Bharat Bandh called by farmers' organizations.

Mixed response in Gujarat Several rural pockets of Gujarat remained shut on Tuesday, while urban and semiurban localities were largely unaffected by the 'Bharat Bandh.'

Markets, shops, banks, government and private offices and other commercial establishments functioned normally in most parts of the BJPruled state.

Though a majority of the Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) remained open, no auction of products took place at several mandis as traders and commission agents extended their support to the nationwide shutdown against the three farm laws brought by the Modi government.

Trudeau ignores India's warning, supports farmers' protest again

Indian diaspora may soon get to vote via postal ballot

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau repeated his support for the right of farmers in India to hold peaceful protests hours after the central government summoned the country's High Commissioner last week to express its displeasure at his original remarks.

Non-resident Indians (NRIs), who at present must cast their vote in person in India, may soon get to vote remotely from their country of residence perhaps as early as in state polls due in May next year - if a proposal sent by the Election Commission to the law ministry finds acceptance.

"Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protests anywhere around the world. And we are pleased to see moves towards deescalation and dialogue," he

Justin Trudeau

told reporters in Ottawa to a question about India's warning that he could damage ties between the two countries. When pressed

further about whether he was worried about the consequences, Trudeau coolly reiterated the first line of his statement. India had summoned Canada's ambassador and warned of serious damage to diplomatic ties after Trudeau commented on growing protests by farmers. Tens of thousands of farmers have been camping on the outskirts of New Delhi since last week to protest new laws on farm produce trading which they say will leave

Obituary Jay Lakhani sadly passes away on 4th Dec Jay Lakhani was born on 5th December 1948 in Mombasa, Kenya, where he spent his childhood in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

He moved to London in 1964 at the age of 15.

After attending Wembley Grammar School, he studied Physics at Imperial College in London and graduated in 1969. He received an MSc in Theoretical Physics in 1970 and is the first Hindu tutor to be appointed by Eton College for religious study.

Jay Lakhani is a well-known figure in the British Hindu community. He is founder of Vivekananda Centre UK and for many years has been on a seemingly tireless mission to promote Hinduism in Britain. His work has included setting up GCSE and A-Level Hinduism classes, delivering talks at hundreds of schools, colleges and universities, working with education and media institutions, holding yoga and meditation camps and

interfaith work.

An important turning point in his life was reading the ‘Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda’, at the age of 17. He re-read it many times over a three-year period. From 1970 to 1994, Jay Lakahni ran his father's rice and coffee trading business between the age of 21 and 42.

His work in teaching began as a result of not being able to find a comprehensive Hindu education for his daughter. He has published articles and given university presentations on Hinduism, as well as contributed to documentaries by BBC and ITV. His work explores the findings of modern physics and how they relate to the broader ideas of spirituality at the heart of Hindu tradition.

I think most of us really got to know of him when he appeared on a BBC TV “The Big Question” hosted by Nicky Campbell. I believe his first appearance may have been in 2008. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008s730 His appearance in 2012 can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6GBWxx h44Y

them at the mercy of large corporations and override legal safeguards.

The Indian foreign ministry said it had summoned Canada's top diplomat for a warning over "unacceptable interference" in India's internal affairs. "Such actions, if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada," said a statement. The ministry said "ill-informed" comments by Trudeau and other Canadian politicians had encouraged "extremist" gatherings in front of Indian missions in Canada. "We expect the Canadian government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimise extremist activism," it said.

India protests Trudeau's remarks India summoned the Canadian envoy and formally denounced Trudeau's remarks on the farmer protests, warning that "such actions will seriously damage ties."

The government conveyed to the Canadian High Commissioner its strong objection to Trudeau's recent comments and those by other parliamentarians, including ministers.

"Comments by Canadian leaders on Indian farmers constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs. Such actions, if continued, will have a seriously damaging impact on bilateral ties," the foreign ministry said.

The EC has suggested that NRIs be allowed to vote through electronically-transmitted postal ballot system (ETPBS), a facility already available to service voters that include members of the armed forces, paramilitary and government employees serving abroad. In a November 27 letter addressed to the law secretary, EC proposed necessary amendments be made in the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, “at the earliest” to enable the Indian diaspora to vote through postal ballot, adding that it is “technically and administratively ready to extend this facility in general elections to legislative assemblies of Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry”. Elections in the five states are due in May next year.

There are around 11.7 million NRIs registered as voters in the electoral rolls. EC in its letter stated that it has been receiving several representations from the Indian diaspora to facilitate voting through postal ballot since such overseas electors are not in a position to be present in their polling area as travelling to India for this purpose is a costly affair and otherwise too, they cannot leave their country of residence owing to compulsions like employment, education or other engagements. The protocols associated with Covid-19, have further compounded the problem, it added.

As per EC proposal, an NRI may be issued a postal ballot electronically after she intimates her wish to vote through Form 12 to the returning officer, which must be received at least five days after notification of election.

The duly filled up postal ballot – attested by an officer to be appointed by the diplomatic or consular representative of India in the country where the overseas elector is resident -- must be returned by post to the returning officer of the NRI’s constituency in India such that it is received latest by 8 am on the counting day.

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HEALTH

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12 -18 December 2020

Britain rolls out Covid-19 vaccine Millions of doses of Pfizer/BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine could be reportedly airlifted to Britain in case Britain fails to agree a trade deal with the European Union when the Brexit transition period ends.

Media reports quoted junior foreign office minister James Cleverly as saying, “We have extensive plans in place to ensure the protection of our vaccines, that is absolutely the priority product. We've looked at the use of non-commercial flights, we have border arrangements in place.”

Britain has become the first country to roll out vaccine doses created by the US-based pharmaceutical

giant, this week. They will be initially available at hospitals for care workers and the most vulnerable before distributing stocks to doctors' clinics. Supplies have started to arrive in Britain from Pfizer's manufacturing site in Belgium. Britain has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, enough to vaccinate 20 million people. Approximately 800,000 doses are expected to be available in the first week.

However, if a trade deal with the European Union is not agreed before transitional arrangements expire, transport between Britain and mainland Europe may get severely disrupted.

Cleverly said the vaccine would get through whatever

the circumstances. He said it is the “top priority product in terms of bringing anything into the UK.” The minister said the military could be used and an airlift was included in plans “among other things.”

United States’ Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech reported final trial results on 18 November that showed that their vaccine candidate was 95 per cent effective in preventing Covid-19. The company also said that there had been no significant safety problems so far in a trial which included almost 44,000 participants.

“The Phase 3 study of our vaccine candidate has met all primary efficacy endpoints.

The study reached 170 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with the vaccine candidate BNT162b2

demonstrating 95 per cent efficacy beginning 28 days after the first dose,” a statement from the company said. Pfizer-BioNTech data said that the vaccine’s efficacy in people older than 65 was more than 94 per cent, according to Bloomberg.

An earlier preliminary analysis, results of which were announced on 9 November, had shown that the Covid-19 vaccine being developed by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE prevented more than 90 per cent of infections. Those findings were based on a preliminary analysis and Phase 3 trials of the vaccine were still underway at the time. The Pfizer vaccine requires minus 70 degree Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit) or even lower – one of the coldest temperatures ever seen in a vaccine.

US scientists develop nasal spray to prevent Covid-19 Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania and the biotech firm Regeneron are investigating whether technology developed for gene therapy can be used to make a nasal spray that will prevent infection with the new coronavirus. The idea is to use a weakened virus as a delivery truck to carry genetic instructions to cells within the nose and the throat, which will in turn create powerful antibodies to stop SARS-CoV-2 from invading our bodies.

"The advantage of our approach is that you don't need a competent immune system for this to be effective," James Wilson, a professor of medicine at Penn who is leading the project said. The technology is currently being tested in animals and Wilson believes that, if successful, it could provide people with around six months of protection from a single dose, sprayed up the nose, and therefore complement vaccines that could soon be approved. His research team discovered that the Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) group of viruses, which infect both humans and other primates but aren't known to cause disease, can be engineered to ferry healthy DNA into cells.

This approach led in 2019 to the approval of Zolgensma, the first drug for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy, and today AAVs are being investigated for dozens of more possible applications.

Wilson was contacted by the US government in February to see if he and his lab could use the technology against Covid-19. But it was-

plete their animal studies by January, before applying to the Food and Drug Administration to begin human trials.

India biggest buyer of confirmed vaccine doses: Report

A recent study has pegged India as the biggest buyer of confirmed vaccine doses at 1,600 million. The study, conducted

by Duke University, US, places the European Union in the second position with nearly as much as India, while the US has managed to purchase a 1,000 million vaccine doses.

Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom have purchased less than 400 million confirmed vaccine doses.

Titled 'Launch and Scale Speedometer', the study analysed data up to November 30 on vaccine procurement and manufacturing to track the flow of procurement and better understand global equity challenges. The North Carolinabased university conducted research to identify Covid-19 vaccine candidates and status, ongoing negotiations of procurement and manufacturing, virus burden in a country, and allocation and distribution plans.

The study showed, “Countries with manufacturing capacity, such as India and Brazil, have been successful in negotiating large advance market commitments with leading vaccine candidates as part of the manufacturing agreements.” It pointed out that there won't be enough vaccines to cover the entire global population until 2023 or 2024.

“Most high-income countries have been able to negotiate purchases through the investment of large amounts of public funds into research and development of Covid-19 vaccines and leveraged purchasing power to make large-scale deals across a portfolio of vaccine candidates,” it said.

WHO warns against Covid complacency, says health systems could buckle n't until Regeneron developed two promising labmade antibodies against the coronavirus, which bind to a surface protein of the pathogen and stop it from invading our cells, that his team could move ahead.

Regeneron's antibodies are themselves in clinical testing but have received emergency approval for patients with mild or moderate Covid-19 who are at high-risk of getting severe disease - and were notably used recently to treat President Donald Trump.

Researchers are hoping that the nasal spray could be squirted through the nostrils, enter nasal epithelial

cells, and hijack their protein-making machinery so that they make Regeneron's antibodies. Normally, only immune cells create antibodies, which makes the new idea a particularly innovative approach.

Since the coronavirus enters the lungs through the nasal passage, the spray could halt the infection in its tracks. What's more, AAVs cause only a mild immune response so the side effects could be less severe than the frontrunner vaccines, which work by training the immune system to recognize a key protein of the virus. Penn and Regeneron hope to com-

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned governments and citizens not to drop their guard over the Covid pandemic. Speaking at a Geneva news conference, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Progress on vaccines gives us all a lift and we can now start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

However, WHO is concerned that there is a growing perception that the Covid-19 pandemic is over.”

He said the pandemic still had a long way to run and that decisions made by citizens and governments would determine its course

Tedros Adhanom

in the short run and when the pandemic would ultimately end. Tedros said, “We know it's been a hard year and people are tired, but in hospitals that are running at or over capacity it's the hardest it can possibly be. The truth is that at present, many places are witnessing very high transmission of the Covid-19

virus, which is putting enormous pressure on hospitals, intensive care units and health workers.”

Meanwhile, WHO's top emergency expert Mike Ryan cautioned against complacency in the wake of vaccine roll-out, saying that although they were a major part of the battle against Covid-19, vaccines would not on their own end the pandemic. “We are in a pivotal moment in some countries. There are health systems in some countries at the point of collapse,” he said. Ryan said some countries would have to sustain strong control measures for some time or they would risk a “blow up” in cases.

Resiliency helps older adults deal with the pandemic Surveys from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted between June 24 and June 30, 2020, found that 40.9% of respondents experienced at least one mental or behavioral health condition. These ranged from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma to starting or increasing substance use. While all humans need social contact, some cope better with less contact than others.

Social deprivation, the reduction or prevention of levels of social interaction considered normal depending on culture, is particularly harmful for adolescents. A 2020 review of studies

investigating social isolation and loneliness, published between January 1, 1946, and March 29, 2020, found that these factors strongly predicted later depression in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Additionally, loneliness correlated with an increased risk of mental health problems up to 9 years later in life. An April 2020 article from the European Paediatric Association investigated adolescent mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. The researchers reviewed data from preliminary studies in China and found that those aged 3–18 were more clingy, distracted, irritable, and fearful of asking coronavirus-related

questions. They also had trouble sleeping, poor appetites, and separation problems.

Young adults are also vulnerable to the psychological effects of social isolation. An October 2020 study found that in a group of 564 adults aged 22–29 years, 60.7% of whom were female, loneliness increased between January and April–May. This effect was more prevalent in females, as were increased symptoms of depression. Social isolation can also cause physical symptoms, such as a weakened immune system, an increased risk of diabetes, and an increased risk of death. A 2016 study found a strong link between a poor

social life and an elevated risk of inflammation during adolescence. In older adults, a lack of social interaction is linked to a greater risk of hypertension, compared with diabetes. The CDC cite 2020 estimates that one-third of adults aged 45 or older feel lonely, and almost 1 in 4 adults of 65 or older are socially isolated. This is associated, they report, with health risks, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. However, while older adults may be experiencing significant social isolation from loved ones, this may not necessarily translate into worsening mental health, according to a recent Viewpoint article in JAMA.

28 ART & CULTURE

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12 - 18 December 2020

From Here to Eternity Sunil Gupta's first major UK retrospective The Bagri Foundation is supporting ‘From Here to Eternity’, which marks the first major retrospective of UK based photographer, Sunil Gupta (b.1953, New Delhi, India).

Spanning five decades, the exhibition will bring together all the key series from his pioneering photographic practice for the first time, as well as presenting never-before exhibited works.

Subversive, impulsive, personal and political, Sunil Gupta’s socially engaged practice has focused on themes of identity, family, race, migration and the complexities and taboos of sexuality.

Sunil completed a doctoral program at the University of Westminster in 2018.

Educated at the Royal College of Art, Sunil has been involved with independent photography as a critical practice for many years focusing on race, migration and queer issues. In the 1980s, he constructed documentary images of gay men in architectural spaces in Delhi, his “Exiles” series. The images and texts describe the conditions for gay men in India at the times.

Sunil’s series “Mr. Malhotra’s Party” updates this theme during a time in which queer identities are more open and also reside in virtual space on the internet and in private parties. His early series “Christopher Street, New York” was shot in the mid-1970s as he studied under Lisette Model at the New School for Social Research and became interested in the idea of gay public space.

A committed activist, his work has been instrumental in raising awareness around the

Photo from series ‘The New Pre-Raphaelites’.

Courtesy: the artist and Hales Gallery, Stephen Bulger Gallery and Vadehra Art Gallery. © Sunil Gupta.

political realities concerning the fight for international gay rights and making visible the tensions between traditional and contemporary societies, public and private, the body and body politics. This retrospective is a timely reflection and overview of his politically engaged work that continues to tackle these ongoing issues.

Taking place over two floors of The Photographer's Gallery (9 October 2020 - 24 Jan 2021), this retrospective will bring together works from sixteen of his series from across his divergent and extensive career, from Christopher Street (1976), the first series of photographs Sunil made as a practicing artist, where he documented the burgeoning gay scene in Greenwich Village; to muralsized narrative portraits such as From Here to Eternity (1999) produced following his diagnosis as HIV positive in 1995, they explore his experiences of living with the virus, his fear of death and how his community reacted

after being diagnosed.

From his coming out while migrating with his family to Montreal, to participating in New York’s active Gay Liberation Movement in the 1970s and being an active campaigner in the early AIDS movement, to his more recent campaigning in India and around the world, Sunil has been inspirational to generations of activist photographers and LGBTQ+ rights advocates. The exhibition is curated by Dr Mark Sealy MBE (Autograph ABP, London) in collaboration with The Photographers’ Gallery, London and the Ryerson Image Centre (Toronto). The exhibition will premiere at The Photographers’ Gallery before travelling to the Ryerson Image Centre, Toronto in Autumn 2021. The exhibition is supported by the Bagri Foundation.

A new publication will be published by the organising partners to accompany the exhibition. Designed by Fraser Muggeridge studio, it will focus on ephemera and map the encounters and events that chart Gupta’s political and personal journey.

A rich programme of online talks, special events and workshops exploring key themes and contexts will be announced shortly.

These will be led by a range of writers, artists, activists and theorists including Raisa Kabir, Dr Mark Sealy MBE, Mason Leaver-Yap and the artist himself, Sunil Gupta. Talks and Events programme supported by the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation.

Visit tpg.org.uk for details.

Wedding Planner publishes book during pandemic to help brides-to-be After losing out on over a year’s worth of events, a determined Leicester-based planner decided to use lockdown to her advantage, by writing and publishing her first book.

Indian and interfaith wedding planner Meera Majithia works with couples across the UK and beyond, helping them plan their dream wedding day. But with cancellations coming in left, right and centre due to Covid-19, she decided to utilise her ‘spare’ time to pursue her lifelong dream project of writing a book.

The bridal coach who was interviewed earlier in Asian Voice about how the pandemic shaped her business, said, “When the lockdown was announced I was devastated for my couples. So many of them had been planning for over a year to make their dreams come true and all of a sudden this had to be put on hold. On a personal front it was also extremely worrying because there was no sign of the situation easing. But rather than be a victim of the pandemic, I wanted to take control and do something I

could be proud of – so I started writing back in March.”

‘Planned to Perfection’, which will be available both in paperback and as an eBook and officially releases on 11 December 2020, has an easy-to-follow simple structure with an entertaining fictional twist, to demonstrate the best wedding planning approach for the modern Indian and interfaith bride. With its unique format, the book is the first of its kind.

Meera added, “In a world of constantly changing trends and high expectations, this book shows you how to stay calm, keep things real and plan a wedding you can be

proud of. What’s more, I’ve tried to keep it as concise as possible as I know brides are rushed for time.”

In addition to writing the book, Meera launched her signature paid-for bridal members club (also named Planned To Perfection) back in October 2020, which provides brides with access to bespoke tools and templates to plan their own wedding, along with her bespoke 7-step planning framework, bridal masterclasses, a private community and so much more.

“I really wanted to build a platform where I could stay in constant communication with not just my own brides, but others too, by providing them with everything they need in one place to show them planning a wedding can be fun – even if it may not seem so at the moment. In December for example, we have a strong focus on wellbeing with meditation, yoga and breath work workshops,” she said.

New magazine aims to bring diverse voice to children’s publishing Koolfi Club magazine, founded during the short stories by authors of Indian origin, Covid pandemic by a mum-of-three living recipes by Junior Bake-Off contestant in North London, hopes to address Jaya Sharma Patel and inspiring the lack of minority representation stories of role models. in children’s publishing.

Cambridge University archaeologist Dr Jason It comes as a Book Trust Hawkes has been an and CLPE report released last advisor for the history month called on the section. publishing industry to Founder and Editor improve the representation of Nishika Patel said, “This characters in children’s books fun, colourful magazine is as well the authors who write packed with educational them.

Nishika Patel content that children do not The 32-page Koolfi Club always hear about in mainstream magazine is aimed at 7 to 12-year-olds and education, books and magazines. explores India’s rich history, culture, “Recent studies and important wildlife, places and people. It also features

conversations in publishing and education show how important it is for children to see themselves in books and magazines.”

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in brief in brief COLORS TO LAUNCH NRI HAADSA – A NEW FORMAT CRIME SHOW DEDICATED TO DIASPORA

Colors is all set to launch a riveting new show, NRI Haadsa, a crime show inspired by true stories of crimes involving Non-Resident Indians in India. The 14-part series showcases spine-chilling stories of kidnapping, mysterious murder, a faux marriage proposal and many such crimes which will entice viewers. This finite crime series will launch on 12th December and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM on Colors.

Govind Shahi, Executive VP, IndiaCast International Business said, “Crime as a genre has worked really well across Hindi GECs and we are extremely excited to bring this show to our viewers, especially when the consumption appetite for new content is on the rise. I am extremely positive that this show will not only make them aware but also entertain them. As one of the firsts, this show is localized as per various international regions and each region will have their own master for telecast. This show will add a new flavour to our already varied and popular content offering and create a stronger ground connect.”

Taking the viewers through the 7 stories in 14 episodes will be host Rushad Rana, who is known for various roles in Hindi TV Shows and Bollywood movies. Through his hardhitting narration, he, along with the audience will try to uncover the truth behind these crimes.

12 DAYS OF MILAP Fresh from the success of an incredible programme of events to celebrate Diwali last month, Milap - the UK's leading Indian Arts and Culture Company - see no sense in slowing down, with their ‘12 Days of Milap’ programme launching on Sunday 13 December 2020.

'12 days of Milap’ is a series of daily surprises - fresh content and exciting performances, showcasing the best of Indian music and dance.

Each day a new door will be unlocked on Milap's virtual Advent Calendar - opening to reveal a new surprise.

Milap will be keeping the exact schedule under wraps but expect amazing new performances from some of the best established and upcoming practitioners in Indian Classical music and dance; premieres of a very special series of collaborations with a special production by Arushi & Sawani Mudgal; last chances to see some of the highlights and unreleased footage from Milap's 2020 online programme; and festive treats courtesy of Anil Srinivasan & Sathyaprakash, Flute Jayanth, Kaviraj & Upneet Singh Dhadyalla, and the mischievous Beef Sappad Trio.

Alok Nayak, Artistic Director of Milap, said, "In our Diwali 2020 programme, we were able to bring an eclectic mix of performances and ideas to help you celebrate at home, while bringing you into contact with some incredible artists. Our online playlist also gives you the opportunity to dive deeper into the performances you particularly enjoyed, watch them again, and share your thoughts with us and the artists.

“Since the lockdown of the entertainment sector in April 2020, we have had to change our approach to sharing our work, but the challenges have given us the opportunity to share music and dance performances beyond our physical space in England to an international audience. This will continue in the run up to the festive season, with our take on the 12 Days of Christmas!" www.milap.co.uk/12days.

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Sara responds to 'Coolie No. 1' controversy Actor Sara Ali Khan has spoken out on the minor controversy surrounding her upcoming movie 'Coolie No. 1'. The movie, a remake of the 1995 comedy starring Govinda and Karisma Kapoor, will feature Varun Dhawan in the male lead. In a recent interview, Sara was asked about the “problematic” aspects of the original film in which Govinda's character cons Karisma's character into falling for him.

Sara said if one views everything through a politically correct lens, “any scope of humour in our lives will be lost.” Sara added, “I'd urge people to watch

the film with the honest intention with which it is told. There is a difference between what you say on Twitter, and what an entertaining comedy tries to say. If everybody (expects) everything to be politically correct, any scope of humour in our lives will be (lost).

Of course, you can’t be demeaning.

Govinda sir duping Karisma to make her believe that he is not a coolie, is funny. It’s not about him cheating. Ultimately, he falls in love with her, and that’s what most of us look forward to in life.”

Sara also said her skills as a comic performer shouldn't be compared to those of her parents –

Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh.

She said, “I am not as spontaneous as my dad or my mother. It's all about reacting to what the other person says. It's a difficult genre to crack. Varun helped me improve my comic timing. He is much more experienced in this genre.” The actress also rejected any comparisons to Karisma, saying there is no point in trying to ape what the actress does.

Directed by David Dhawan, the new 'Coolie No. 1' is slated for a Christmas day release on Amazon Prime Video. The film also stars Paresh Rawal, Jaaved Jaaferi, Rajpal Yadav, and Johnny Lever.

Akshay pens beautiful note for mother-in-law Dimple Actor Akshay Kumar is a proud son-inlaw as noted filmmaker Christopher Nolan showered his mother-in-law and veteran actress Dimple Kapadia with praise for work in his movie 'Tenet'. The ace Hollywood actor lauded Dimple in a note that read, “To Dimple, all my love, respect & admiration. Dimple, What can I say? Working with you has been a delight. Watching you bring Priya to life all around the world has been fantastic. Thank your for your great skill and hard work and for lending your talent to 'Tenet'. Best Wishes.”

Akki shared the note on Instagram, and wrote, “Here’s my proud son-in-law moment! #ChristopherNolan pens a heartfelt

Diljit-Kangana face-off : harsh words thrown around Punjabi singer/actor Diljit Dosanjh recently added his name to the list of actors virtually attacked by Kangana Ranaut. Both factions had a heated exchange of words on micro-blogging website Twitter, with Diljit receiving majority support. It all began with Kangana's now-deleted tweet on an elderly Sikh lady identified as Mahinder Kaur from farmers' protest in Delhi, who the actress misidentified as Bilkis Bano of Shaheen Bagh.

Diljit responded to the tweet, urging Kangana not to speak without proof. The tweet, however, did not sit well with the actress, who launched a tirade against Dosanjh. She wrote, “Ooo Karan johar ke paltu, jo dadi Saheen Baag mein apni citizenship keliye protest kar rahi thi wohi Bilkis Bano dadi ji Farmers ke MSP ke liye bhi protest karti hue dikhi. Mahinder Kaur ji ko toh main janti bhi nahin.

Kya drama chalaya hai tum logon ne?

(Karan Johar’s pet, the grandma who was protesting in Shaheen Bagh for her citizenship, the same grandma was seen protesting with the farmers.

I don’t even know who is Mahinder Kaur. What is this new drama?) Stop this right now.”

In another tweet, she wrote, “Listen you vultures, do not consider my silence as my weakness. I see how you are instigating the innocent by lying to them and are using them. Just like Shaheen Bagh, the truth behind

these protests will soon be out.

Then I will write a brilliant speech and leave with your faces black,” she wrote and signed off as ‘Babbar sherni’.

Not one to back off, Diljit went on a rant himself. He said, ““Tuneh Jitne Logon Ke Saath Film Ki Tu Un Sab Ki Paaltu Hai...? Fer To List Lambi Ho Jaegi Maalko Ki..? Eh Bollywood Wale Ni PUNJAB Wale aa .. Hikk Te Vajj Sadey Jhooth bol kar logo ko badhkana aur emotions se khailna woh toh aap achey se janti ho (Are you the pet of all the people you have worked with? Then the list of your bosses must be long. This is not Bollywood but Punjab. Manipulating people by lying and playing with their emotions is something you know very well).”

Diljit said that Kangana has no manners. “Bolan Di Tameez Ni Tainu.. Kisey di Maa Bhen Nu.. Aurat Ho Ke Dujeyq Nu Tu 100 100 Rs. Wali das di an.. SADE PUNJAB DIAN MAAVA SADEY LAI RAB NE.. Eh tan Bhoonda De Khakhar nu Shedh Leya Tu.. PUNJABI GOOGLE KAR LI (You have no sense how to speak to someone’s mother or sister. You are a woman yourself and are saying another one would work for Rs 100.

Our mothers of Punjab are like God to us. You have poked the hornet’s nest. Google this Punjabi now,” he

wrote.

While Kangana tried to correct her stance, Diljit wasn't having any of it. He told her not to divert the topic and that she can't manipulate Punjabis. Diljit said, “Oye Bad Dimag Batmeez... Gal HO RAHI JIS MAA NU TU 100 rs. Dihadi wai Keh ke foto paee c.. Os Bebe Da JAVAB Sun Leya c Yaan Dobara Bheja.. Avi gal na ghumaa Hun.. GAL KAR NI BHAJJI DA .. Jod tod Bollywood ch chalda hona Tera.. Punjabi’an Naal Ni Chalna (Go away fool. We’re talking about the elderly woman whose photo you shared and said she protests for Rs 100 a day. Did you hear her answer or do I need to send it to you again? Your manipulations will work in Bollywood but not in Punjab.)”

The war of words went on for a long time, with Diljit gaining support from all quarters.

Kangana, meanwhile, has been sent a legal notice as well by advocate Harkam Singh for her comments against Mahinder Kaur.

note to #DimpleKapadia on the eve of their release. Had I been in her place,I wouldn’t have been able to move in awe but having watched her working her magic in #Tenet,I couldn’t be more happy and proud of Ma.” The movie, a globetrotting game of international espionage with a time-bending element at its centre, boasts of a star cast one for the books.

It features John David Washington in the lead, along with Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Kenneth Branagh, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Michael Caine, and Clemence Poesy.

Dimple has described her experience working with Nolan as “life-changing”, adding that it all felt like a beautiful dream.

Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Award for Anangsha Biswas Actor Anangsha Biswas, infamous for her performance as Zarina Begum in 'Mirzapur' and 'Mirzapur 2', won the Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Award 2020 for Jury Choice. Admired by audiences for her performances on various OTT platforms, Anangsha took home the prestigious Dadasaheb Icon Award.

The actor who played the role of dancer Zarina Begum in 'Mirzapur' and 'Mirzapur 2' on Amazon Prime also enacted the character of Hymna in 'Hostages' and 'Hostages 2' on Netflix.

The star who is being cherished by the OTT viewers has also worked with Naseeruddin Shah in her first play in Mumbai which was 'Women in waiting Men in line' in Prithvi theatre and 'Kusum Manohar Lele', a cine play on zee5 with 'Under the influence' production.

In addition to OTT, she has also worked in movies like

'Fraud Saiyaan' and 'Be Careful'. Anangsha's previous film to hit the theatres was 'Fraud Saiyaan' in the year 2019, and 'Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana', 'Maaya 2', 'Aashcharyachakit' in the year 2012, 2018, and 2018.

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Sonam slams media for 'false reporting' on her father's Covid-19 test results Actor Sonam Kapoor has slammed media factions for sharing false reports about her father, actor Anil Kapoor's health. There were rumours circulating lately that the actor had been tested positive for Covid-19. While he did put all reports about his health to rest by saying he had tested negative, Sonam took to Twitter to share that she could not even ask her father about his health before reports of him having tested positive for Covid-19 began circulating.

Genre: Christmas Comedy Film Duration: 115 minutes

She tweeted, “False reporting is dangerous. I'm sitting in London and I see incorrect information peddled by some parts of the media before I can even speak to my father. Please be responsible in your reportage.” It was reported earlier that Anil and other cast and crew members of his film 'Jug Jug Jeeyo', had tested positive for the disease. Sonam shared an update about the team as well. She wrote, “My father is fine and so is his team.

I wish a speedy recovery to everyone else. All my love and prayers.”

Santa Claus and Kate are back for another adventure Kate has turned into a teenager and is annoyed that she isn’t able to spend Christmas in Boston. That is until she is whisked away on an adventure back to the North Pole and has to help Santa save Christmas again.

Uncertain times, but we all have to make an effort: Alia on resuming work In a recent interview, actor Alia Bhatt spoke about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and how it not only threw Bollywood, but the entire world into a mayhem. Busy shooting for multiple projects before the lockdown struck, Alia said she decided to use all that time learning different aspects of business.

“It's been a challenging year for all of us,” she said. “When I realised I had all this time to myself, I decided to use it productively, learning more about the different aspects of business and the market. And of course, I used the time to catch up on my reading and binge-watching content.”

Now, with lockdown restrictions lifted, everyone has resumed work and Alia is no different. The actress returned to the sets of 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'. When asked how things have changed, she said, “It’s a great feeling to be reunited with the team and being back on set. Of course, we have multiple restrictions and protocols to follow, everyone is very careful, taking all sorts of precautions. But we’ve accepted that this is the new normal, and we’re all trying to make the best of the situation.”

When asked if she had any apprehensions about returning to work full time, the 27 year old said, “Like I said, we are all apprehensive, these are uncertain times but we have to make an effort and look at doing the best that we all can do. Also the ability to be back on set doing what you love is a blessing and I feel very grateful for every moment.”

'Adipurush' will 'humanise' Ravan, says Saif Actor Saif Ali Khan reveals his version of Ramayana's demon king Ravan in his upcoming movie will be more “humane”. The actor is all set to play the character in Om Raut's upcoming mythological epic 'Adipurush' which also stars Prabhas as Lord Ram. In an interview, Saif said the film will attempt to “justify” Ravan's actions.

“It's interesting to play a demon king, less strictures in that. But we will make him humane, up the entertainment quotient, justify his

abduction of Sita and the war with Ram as revenge for what was done to his sister Surpanakha by Lakshman, who cut off her nose,” he said.

The movie will reportedly be shot from January 2021, in one long schedule.

Reports reveal most of it will be shot in a studio against a chroma screen. CFX technicians of international repute are expected to be roped in.

Kate and Teddy are in Cancun on holiday with their mum and her new boyfriend, Bob and his son, Jack. Kate has decided she is not happy with Bob and does not like the idea of being in a hot country for Christmas. She wants to have a real Christmas and so she decides to run away and get on a plane back home.

As she climbs into a golf cart that will take her to the airport, she finds Jack, has sneaked his way on and they are transported to the North Pole.

They are saved by Santa Claus who takes them back to his house and to Mrs. Claus. Mrs. Claus tells them a bedtime story about a bad elf called Belsnickel and as the kids get ready to go to sleep Belsnickel releases a beast into the reindeer pen that hurts Dasher. He also steals the star from the top of the tree which makes the lights go out in the village. He further causes chaos by releasing a potion into the village that causes the elves to go insane.

Santa and Kate leave to go to Turkey to make a new star and in the meantime, Jack tackles his own demons whilst trying to get the root to cure Dasher. As they are on their way back, Belsnickel chases them and steals the star, he also transports them to Boston in 1990 where they have to find batteries to put into the device that will take them back to the North Pole. Mrs. Claus manages to get Dasher back on his feet and Santa, Mrs. Claus, Kate and Jack must try and save Christmas.

If you have seen the first film in this series you will know that where Kate and Santa are involved there will be loads of laughs along the way as well as getting you into the Christmas spirit. Exactly what you need now the weather has gotten colder and we are getting closer to the big day. If you haven’t seen the first film then both are now on Netflix so you can make a proper night of it.

You can get in touch with Vallisa: djvallisa@gmail.com

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Kajal Aggarwal to team up with Deekay for Tamil horror Actor Kajal Aggarwal is all set to reunite with director Deekay for a yet-untitled multi-heroine Tamil horror flick. The film is projected to star four heroines and Kajal will play one of the leads. Kajal and Deekay had previously worked together in Tamil romantic comedy 'Kavalai Vendam'. The filmmaker recently shared a picture of him with Kajal and her newly-married husband

Gautam, prompting rumours that the photo was clicked in Chennai where the actress had flown down for story narration.

A media report said, “Deekay will be directing a horror movie, which will have four heroines playing the lead roles. It's not an anthology, but the horror element in the story will be a jugalbandi of sorts – there will be horror that will bring audiences to

the edge of their seat, horror that will scare the living daylights out of you, horror that will drive you crazy.”

The report also said that a test shoot was carried out to understand the look and feel of the film. On the work front, Kajal already has multiple projects in her kitty, including Kamal Haasan's 'Indian 2' and Dulquer Salmaan's 'Hey Sinamika'.

First look of 'Sarpatta Parambarai' shows off Arya in a ripped avatar The first look of Pa Ranjith's upcoming Tamil film 'Sarpatta Parambarai' is out and to say Arya is ripped is an understatement. Tipped to explore the boxing culture of North Chennai in the 1990s, the movie will feature the actor in the role of a boxer. The unveiled poster features Arya in a boxing ring with people cheering for him in the background.

The project marks the maiden collaboration between Arya and Pa Ranjith, best known for films such as 'Madras', 'Kaala' and 'Kabali'. Arya worked out to build a ripped body for his character in the film. He had teased his fans not long ago, with his workout routine from the shoot in a Twitter post. He made a 150 kg squat look like a cakewalk.

The movie was originally planned with Suriya, however, it did not materialize for unknown reasons, and Arya was roped in.

TV Listing

'RRR' wraps up major action sequence in 50-day schedule Crew of SS Rajamouli's upcoming magnum opus 'RRR' has revealed they have wrapped up a major action sequence which was shot over a period of 50 days. The team has also confirmed they will immediately start the next schedule of the project which will be shot in several exotic locations.

The film's official Twitter handle tweeted, “Goodbye winter nights! Wrapped up a major action sequence schedule after almost 50 days of night shoot.

Anddd nowww. Gearing up for a

new schedule in some exotic locations.”

Made on a lavish budget, 'RRR' will be a fictional story set in the 1920s pre-independent era and it will be based on the lives of two real heroes and well-known revolutionaries – Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem.

'RRR' is expected to hit the screens worldwide next year. The makers are yet to

* Schedule is subject to change

officially announce the release date.

'Soorarai Pottru' is just the 'inspiration' Samantha needs Actor Samantha Akkineni has described Suriyastarrer 'Soorarai Pottru' as the film of the year, showering praises on the actor. Taking to Twitter to appreciate the film, she wrote, “Film of the year #SooraraiPottru. What a gem. @Suriya_offl #SudhaKongara @Aparnabala2 @PrimeVideoIN. Outstanding. Just the inspiration I needed (sic)”.

Directed by Sudha Kongara, the film is based on the life of Captain GR Gopinath – founder of the budget airline Air Deccan. The movie marks Suriya’s maiden collaboration with a female director, and features Aparna Balamurali, Paresh Rawal and veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu in crucial roles. The film released on Amazon Prime in

MON 14 DEC FRI 18 DEC 2020 6:30 INTERNET WALA LOVE 14:30 KASAM 16:00 THE GREAT INDIAN GLOBAL KITCHEN 16:30 BIGG BOSS (SEASON 14) WEEKEND KA VAAR 18:30 NAMAK ISSK KA 19:00 ISHQ MEIN MARJAWAN 2 19:30 CHOTI SARDAARNI 20:00 SHAKTI 20:30 MOLKKI 21:00 PINJARA KHUBSOORTI KA

* Schedule is subject to change

October and garnered a lot of praise, even from Captain Gopinath himself even though he called it “heavily fictionalized”.

MON 14 DEC FRI 18 DEC 2020 8:30 BHARADWAJ BAHUEIN 16:00 SILSILA BADALTE RISHTON KA 16:30 THE RASOI SHOW 17:30 CHHUTA CHHEDA 18:00 TUM KAUN PIYA 18:30 DIL KA RISHTA 19:00 BIGG BOSS (SEASON 14) WEEKEND KA VAAR 21:00 BALIKA VADHU - LAMHE PYAAR KE 22:30 MERE HUMRAHI

21:30 BIGG BOSS (SEASON 14) 23:00 NAMAK ISSK KA SATURDAY 12 DEC 18:30 DESI BEAT RESET 19:00 ISHQ MEIN MARJAWAN 2 19:30 CHOTI SARDAARNI 20:00 NAAGIN (SEASON 5) 21:00 NRI HAADSA 21:30 BIGG BOSS (SEASON 14) WEEKEND KA VAAR SUNDAY 13 DEC 16:30 BIGG BOSS (SEASON 14) WEEKEND KA VAAR 18:00 CHOTI SARDARNI 19:30 NRI HAADSA 20:00 NAAGIN (SEASON 5) 21:00 NRI HAADSA 21:30 BIGG BOSS (SEASON 14) WEEKEND KA VAAR

SATURDAY 12 DEC 11:00 DESI BEAT SEASON 2 16:00 SILSILA BADALTE RISHTON KA 16:30 THE RASOI SHOW 17:30 DESI BEAT SEASON 3 18:00 KHATRA KHATRA KHATRA 19:00 BIGG BOSS (SEASON 14) 20:30 BARRISTER BABU 21:00 BALIKA VADHU SUNDAY 13 DEC 11:00 DESI BEAT SEASON 2 16:00 SILSILA BADALTE RISHTON KA 16:30 THE RASOI SHOW 17:30 DESI BEAT SEASON 3 18:00 KHATRA KHATRA KHATRA 19:00 BIGG BOSS (SEASON 14) WEEKEND KA VAAR 21:00 BALIKA VADHU

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India win series; Australia pick 3rd T20I Mithcell Swepson claimed a match-winning 3-wicket haul helping Australia to defeat India by 12 runs in the third and the final T20I in Sydney on Tuesday.

Sent in to bat, Australia scored 186 for five in their stipulated 20 overs.

A 53-ball 80 from Matthew Wade and a well made 50 from Glenn Maxwell guided Australia to 186/5 in 20 overs against India in the third T20I in Sydney. The Australian innings largely dominated by Wade’s powerhitting after Sundar got rid of Aaron Finch (0) very cheaply. He was the dominant partner during the 65-run stand with a scratchy Steve Smith (24) but played the second fiddle once Maxwell (54) came to bat. In reply, skipper Virat Kohli smashed a 61-ball 85 but but India could only reach as far as 174/7 in their pursuit of 187 in 20 overs.

India win series Hardik Pandya deposited Daniel Sams into the long-on

stand in the last over at the Sydney Cricket Ground to win the second T20 and seal the series on Sunday. For most part of the match, it seemed India’s lack of a sixth bowling option would again cost them dear.

Conceding a score of 194/4 against an Australian batting lacking the two lineup powerhouses in Aaron Finch and David Warner isn’t a pleasant feeling anyway. Yet, India came out with players who have grown as specialists in the back end of a game. T Natarajan ended with figures of 2/20 from his four overs before Hardik’s unbeaten 42 off 22 balls meant India chased down the target with two balls and six wickets to spare. It’s not that India are not used to chasing down such targets. Shikhar Dhawan laid just the foundation he is known for with his 36- ball 52. Skipper Virat Kohli, with his 24-ball 40, again showed glimpses of the beast he turns into in a chase.

But this match will be about the

REMAINDER OF ENGLAND'S SA TOUR CALLED OFF

confirmation of Hardik’s evolution as a responsible batsman on this tour.

Australia may have not fielded their first line of bowlers.

They were without their fastbowling rockstars Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. But they had their T20 specialists like Sams, Andrew Tye and Sean Abbott, bred on Big Bash Leagues on these grounds, defending 194.

They had managed to take out Kohli, Dhawan and KL

Rahul before they could run away with the game. India’s big investment Sanju Samson, who looks like he has signed a contract of throwing his wicket after hitting an aweinspiring six, went for 15. That meant Hardik was left to chase around more than 13 runs per over for six overs. And there was no Ravindra Jadeja to fall back on. came down to It temperament, and Hardik had more experience to execute skills at the death.

Hameed pays tributes to Kohli for inspiration behind career revival Haseeb Hameed paid tribute to India captain Virat Kohli for inspiring a revival that the England top-order batsman hopes will see him regain his Test place. Hameed signed a new contract with English county side Nottinghamshire that is set to keep him with the Midlands club until the end of the 2022 season. He scored three half-centuries in five Bob Willis Trophy matches for Nottinghamshire after moving to Trent Bridge from his native Lancashire at the end of last season, when it looked like a once promising career might be cut short.

Bolton-born Hameed left Old Trafford just three years after impressing for England in India. But the runs dried up to such an extent that in 2018 his average failed to reach double figures. A change of scene, however, means Hameed, is now looking to add to his three Test caps. "Having got a taste of it very young and then those experiences that

followed, it has been an absolute rollercoaster but that ambition is still there," Hameed said of an England recall.

"I am 23, I will be 24 in a couple of months but I still see myself hopefully playing this game I love for another 12 to 13 years, if not longer." Aged just 19, Hameed marked his Test debut by making 82 in the second innings against India at Rajkot. Such was his concentration and correct technique he was nicknamed 'Baby Boycott' in honour of England opening great Geoffrey Boycott.

Kohli then labelled Hameed a "future

star" after he made an unbeaten 59 with a broken finger in Mohali. But the injury led to a dramatic dip in form that saw Hameed playing for Lancashire's second XI. Kohli's words, however, helped keep Hameed going.

"Obviously for someone like Virat to say that does give you a lot of confidence and he is a massive inspiration for me as it is," Hameed said.

"I think he is a great inspiration for people to look at and see what you can achieve if you put your mind to it and have a bit of discipline." As for his own "mental resilience", Hameed added: "I have something deep down that won't let me stop." While he would have never contemplated "waking away from the game", Hameed said he had doubts. "That is when you need something within you, deep down to stop you from giving in and to try one more time and to keep doing that," he said.

Sarfaraz Ahmed Ahmedabad likely to get IPL recalled team; BCCI decision on Dec 24 The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 24 to discuss the induction of two new IPL franchises besides the appointment of India's ICC representative and three new national selectors.

Also on the agenda is the election of a new vice-president. As per norm, the BCCI has sent a 23-point agenda to all affiliated units 21 days prior to the holding of the AGM. The most significant point is seeking approval for two new teams to make it a 10team IPL. It is understood that the Adani Group and Sanjeev Goenka's RPG (owners of the Rising Pune Supergiants) are keen to owning new teams with one franchise surely from Ahmedabad.

Another important point will be BCCI's representative to the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council. It is expected that Jay Shah will be the BCCI representative in the global committees. Appointment of three new selectors, along with a chairman of selectors,

in brief

is also on cards given that Cricket Committees and Standing Committees are part of the agenda.

“Selection committee is a part of cricket committee plus the technical committee also needs to be formed. They are all statutory sub committees,” a senior BCCI source said. The all-important Umpires' subcommittee will also be formed and matters related to the National Cricket Academy will also come up for deliberation.

Former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has returned to Pakistan's T20I squad for the three T20Is against New Zealand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced.

PCB has named an 18-player men's national squad for the T20I series against New Zealand to be played on 18, 20, and December 22.

Both Pakistan and Pakistan Shaheens squads are scheduled to depart for Queenstown this week, after completing their 14-day isolation period in Christchurch. In Queenstown, both sides will stay in different hotels and train at different times and according to their match requirements. On 14 December, Shaheens will travel to Whangarei, while Pakistan will head to Auckland on 15 December for the opening match of the three-match series.

For the New Zealand T20Is, Pakistan have recalled Hussain Talat and Sarfaraz Ahmed in the only changes from the side that defeated Zimbabwe 3-0 in November.

Sarfaraz has reclaimed his spot from Rohail Nazir, who will captain Pakistan Shaheens against New Zealand 'A'.

The remainder of England's white-ball tour of South Africa has been called off, it was announced. In a joint statement, CSA and ECB stated that the decision to call off the remainder of the series was taken to ensure the mental and physical health and welfare of players from both teams. With the threematch series being part of the ICC Cricket Men's Super League, the boards will work together to determine if it can take place in the future. CSA Acting CEO, Kugandrie Govender said: "The concern over the mental health impact of recent events on all involved is not one that we as CSA or the ECB take lightly and the decision to postpone the tour is the most responsible and reasonable course of action for us. "I would like to thank the ECB for the continued positive relations, and we look forward to hosting the England team in the near future." Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, added: "We have always maintained that the welfare of our players and management is paramount. We were concerned about the potential impact that recent developments might have on the wellbeing of the touring party, and so after consultation with Cricket South Africa we have jointly made the decision to postpone the remaining matches in this Series, in best interest of the players' welfare”.

WI WIN MCC’S SPIRIT OF CRICKET AWARD West Indies have won this year’s Spirit of Cricket award after sending both their men’s and women’s teams to tour England during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced. The men’s side arrived in England in June for a threeTest series played in a biosecure environment, which saw international cricket resume for the first time since the novel coronavirus outbreak brought the global calendar to a halt.

MUJEEB IN OZ HOSPITAL AFTER TESTING POSITIVE Afghanistan cricketer and Brisbane Heat import Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been taken to a Queensland hospital after testing positive for Covid-19. The 19-year-old spinner, the world’s No. 2- ranked T20I bowler, was in hotel quarantine on the Gold Coast south of Brisbane after arriving in Australia last week.

The news comes a week out from the Heat’s season opener against the Melbourne Stars in Canberra.

RONALDO WINS GOLDEN FOOT AWARD Cristiano Ronaldo got the most votes from football fans around the world to win the Golden Foot award. Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski were among those shortlisted.

The Portuguese is the 18th recipient of the award which can only be won once during a player’s career. It was started in 2003 and is the only award given by football fans from all over the world who vote on the official website of the event www.goldenfoot.com.

The award is honoured by the Prince Albert II of Monaco. The winner is chosen from among 10 nominees picked by international journalists. Footballers must be at least 28 years of age. The winners are invited to leave a mould of their footprint on the ‘The Champions Promenade’ in Monaco. Messi has never won the trophy.