AV 16th April 2022

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

R

Be The Change SEE PAGE - 06

16 - 22 APRIL2022

09 Families should dream and celebrate together

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

16 Festival Special: Vaisakhi & Ramadan

Ranbir-Alia set to tie the knot this weekend SEE PAGE - 28

VOL 50 - ISSUE 49

17

19

7-year-old Indian artist set to have a solo exhibition in London

Ambani richest Asian closely followed by Adani

DIASPORA STANDS

WITH SUNAK

Shehbaz Sharif becomes new Pakistan PM

Amid Rishi Sunak’s US green card and wife Akshata Murty’s tax evasion controversy, the British Indian community is deeply hurt and suspects these attacks are ‘politically motivated, prejudiced and racist’.

Shehbaz Sharif

HRH Prince Charles with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murty at the British Asian Trust Annual Royal Reception

Shefali Saxena

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly set to visit India next week to focus on strengthening bilateral ties against the backdrop of the ongoing India-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations. The visit is expected to be around 22 April, PTI reported. The High Commissioner of India to the UK, Ms Gaitri Issar Kumar is also headed to India ahead of the visit to prepare for the high-level delegation.

Ahead of his India visit, Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have been fined by Met Police for breaching lockdown rules during Covid-19 The PM's wife, Carrie Johnson, will also be given a fixed penalty notice.

However, there’s a bigger crisis looming amid impending investigations - the crisis of Britain’s racist attitude towards ethnic minorities. Only this time, its target has been the UK’s Chancellor Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty.

Continued on page 08

Islamabad: Pakistan’s parliament elected Shehbaz Sharif as the country’s new prime minister following the removal of Imran Khan in a vote of no confidence. Ahead of the vote on Monday, MPs from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party resigned en masse, boycotting the election of Sharif, the younger brother of three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

“Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has been elected as prime minister,” said Acting Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. In his first address as prime minister in the National Assembly, Sharif discussed the foreignpolicy failures of the outgoing government and said he will expedite the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and rebuild broken ties with partners and allies.

“We want good relations with India but there cannot be sustainable peace unless the issue of Kashmir is resolved,” he said.

Sharif invited his Indian counterpart to help solve the Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations resolutions.

Continued on page 20

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www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

16 - 22 April 2022

with Keith Vaz

Imran Khan supporters join protests outside exiled leader Nawaz Sharif’s home

KRISHNA SURESH Councillor – London Borough of Harrow Krishna has lived in Harrow for 30 years, he graduated from Middlesex University and is an InspireMDX Network Leader and a Mentor for Middlesex University. Krishna joined the Labour Party in 1999 and was elected as Councillor for Rayners Lane in 2010.

He was the Mayor of Harrow in 2015/16 and almost four years he has been the Local Government Cabinet Member. In addition, Krishna is the Trustee of Harrow Association of Disabled People and he likes to work closely with all diverse community in Harrow and beyond.

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

Even though I was born and bred in Sri Lanka, the years I spent in UK is more and Harrow is my Hometown now, I am living in Harrow for almost 30 years.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

During my Mayoral year 2015/2016, I instructed Harrow Council to install new benches on high streets and parks, install festive lights for all high streets in harrow, introduced no smoking in all children play areas in parks and also in the future I instructed to build a Fountain in front of the New Civic Centre in Harrow 3) What inspires you?

The environment, atmosphere, and the people I meet on a day-to-day basis in my town.

4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?

When I got elected as a Councillor in Rayners Lane where Labour Party never had Labour Councillor but I really worked hard on a grassroots level to prove my ability and commitment.

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

My family and the Community as they appreciate and encourage me constantly on a regular basis.

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

As a Public Health Portfolio holder making sure people of all age groups are following the public health guidance for healthy living and as an Equalities portfolio holder making sure each human being are valued in Harrow.

7) And the worst?

The Austerity is causing deprivation and obesity in Harrow and trying to educate and guiding people to eat healthy food for healthy living.

8) What are your long term goals?

I fulfilled all my dreams and I am very satisfied but people are pushing me to become a Member of Parliament.

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

I make sure the people of Britain all treated on the same level, regardless of their race, gender, religion, colour, disability, etc. and to see that people all get the equal opportunity.

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

Definitely with the former President of United States Barack Obama as I was really inspired by his first presidential campaign speeches, he talked about everything in the United States at all levels.

British who was killed alongside son has been identified The British who died along with this nine-year-old son has been identified as Mehraab Nazir, 49. They were killed while on holiday, when they were caught in the landslide in the Blue Mountains, 100 miles west of Sydney. Their bodies were recovered the next day around 9:30 am.

Police have informed that Mr Nazir's wife is still in a critical condition in an

intensive care unit, his other 14-year-old son went under

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surgery and is in a stable condition, and the couple's 15-year-old daughter has been kept under observation.

The couple’s daughter managed to escape without injury and sought help before making a harrowing 90minute hike to safety alone.

It has been reported that the distraught teen dialled triple 0 and told an emergency operator: “I don’t know where we are”.

After recovering the bodies, the New South Wales Department of Environment and Heritage has kept the area closed to the public until further notice and a "comprehensive review" will be carried out.

A British High Commission spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British couple and their children following an incident in the Blue Mountains. Our staff in Australia are in contact with local police."

After Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted in a non-confidence vote, who has led the country since 2018, his UK protesters staged a protest in Hyde Park and outside the London home of the country’s exiled leader Nawaz Sharif. It is believed that Sharif’s younger brother Shehbaz, 70, the opposition leader who has succeeded Khan as PM. One woman said: 'It's

about our prime minister being hoisted out by corrupt politicians, they were corrupt before in Pakistan. He [Khan] was voted in by the people and unfortunately, due to America's pressure, they brought all the other political parties together and hoisted him out.'

Many of the protesters vowed to send 'no remittances' to Pakistan until Khan was reinstated as Prime Minister.

Shehbaz’s party said that he has submitted his nomination to be Pakistan's next prime minister to the legislature after incumbent Imran Khan lost a no-confidence vote in parliament after nearly four years in power.

Shehbaz, 70, led the bid by the opposition in parliament to topple former cricket star Khan, and he is widely expected to replace him following a vote tomorrow.

Black and Asian households are most likely to suffer from food shortages As the cost of living crisis is gripping the country, food shortage is more likely to hit Black and Asian households across the UK than the national average, new analysis shows.

Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions family resources survey revealed that in the 2020-21 financial year, some 21 per cent of households headed by someone from a Black African, Black Caribbean or Black British background struggled to stay healthy and active as they didn’t have enough

food. This figure is three times more than the UK average which stands at 7 per cent.

Taiwo Owatemi MP, Labour’s shadow minister for women and equalities, said: “Families in the country are reeling from Conservative failure that will leave them £2,620 worse off. But for the 4.6 million households already grappling with food poverty during the pandemic, the cost of living crisis started a long time ago.”

According to the Joseph

Rowntree Foundation’s analysis published in January, poverty rates are significantly higher among people from Bangladeshi (53 per cent), Pakistani (48 per cent) and Black (40 per cent) ethnic groups than among white people (19 per cent).

Gamble GP who stole £1.13m loses licence to practice A senior GP, Rumi Chhapia, 45, who stole more than £1 million of public money to fund his online gambling addiction lost his licence to practise after a medical Tribunal. While chasing jackpots on internet slot machines and roulette, he defrauded the NHS out of a total of £1.13 million.

Last year, Chhapia was sentenced to three years and four months in prison after admitting fraud.

After co-founding the Portsmouth Primary Care Alliance (PPCA), a group of 16 GP surgeries in Hampshire, Chhapia was given charge of their accounts in August 2020, when a colleague fell sick.

Between August 20 and September 30, over a mere period of 41 days the father of one, who had become “seduced” by online gambling, made 65 transfers from the PPCA accounts to his own.

After being confronted he

said he was the victim of cybercrime and continued to embezzle funds.

Eventually, the PPCA’s former finance chief raised an alarm who saw that £600,000 was missing from the accounts.

While sentencing Chhapia, Judge Keith Cutler said: “Your duty should have been to provide the very best care to your patients and that should have been the pinnacle, but you were dishonest.”

Human rights charity has sued Government and CPS over ‘racist’ joint enterprise law The human rights charity, Liberty have sued the Ministry of Justice and the Crown Prosecution Service over the “racist” joint enterprise law, which research indicates disproportionately imprisons young Black men. Liberty believes that evidence of involvement can often be inaccurate and is likely to be premised on racist stereotypes.

Irrespective of the overwhelming concerns raised by campaigners over the years, the CPS

and MoJ do not record data on joint enterprise cases.

The charity acts on behalf of JENGbA (Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association), a grassroots campaign group that supports approximately 1400 prisoners, mainly those who are serving life sentences, all of whom have been convicted under the joint enterprise doctrine.

Lana Adamou, a lawyer at Liberty, said: “We all want our communities to be safe, and for our laws to

treat us equally. But joint enterprise is overwhelmingly used against people from marginalised communities, especially young Black men, and drags people unfairly into the criminal justice system.

“Campaigners have been raising concerns for years about racism and joint enterprise prosecutions, and the Justice Committee recommended as early as 2012 that the CPS and MoJ should start collating data about joint enterprise prosecutions.

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

03

www.asian-voice.com

16 - 22 April 2022

Thought for the week

Does Britain still stereotype rich Indians?

The Liberal Democrats are calling for Parliament to be recalled immediately so that MPs can hold a vote of no confidence in Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, following the revelation that both he and Chancellor Rishi Sunak are to be fined over lockdown-breaking parties at Number 10.

Responding to the news that both Prime Minister and the Chancellor have been fined for Partygate, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said, “The country cannot have criminals and liars leading our government, especially at a time of national and international crisis.

“Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak took the country’s sacrifices for granted, while they broke the law to party in Downing Street. They are not fit to hold office. If they had a shred of decency, they would resign. “Parliament should be recalled immediately so that MPs can hold a vote of no confidence.

Conservative MPs must do their patriotic duty and kick these criminals out of Government once and for all.”

The fines received by Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak are for breaking the rules, they themselves passed into law. This should not be trivialised. Many mistakes – small and big, are often disregarded as necessary evil, but establishing that even a country’s most powerful leaders are in no way above the law, is a true win for democracy.

The fines, one must note, are not criminal convictions.

Neither they lead to any criminal records. But, if they are disputed or not paid, it can lead to a court case and further punishments. Army of critics have come forward to state how unfit the Prime Minister and Chancellor are for their respective offices. The Prime Minister has made a few grave mistakes, some even unpardonable, but it does not trivialise the effort he had put in the last two years to keep the country and businesses afloat, including mass vaccination. With Ukraine crisis, Mr Johnson may have found an opportunity to prove his new worth in the international arena of diplomacy. Pretty much

like Margaret Thatcher’s efforts during the Falkland Wars, Mr Johnson has reinvigorated himself as a semi-hero. But of course, he has failed to remove institutional and wider racism and inequalities in the society, which took lives of many frontline workers during the pandemic and just when Minister Kemi Badenoch tried to flaunt Britain’s inclusiveness in a glorified report, the Chancellor is cornered, shamed for being a rich Indian married to one.

Sajid Javid, the current Health Secretary has also been drawn into the non-dom controversy after admitting he held the status for six years while a banker, allowing him to legally avoid tax on overseas earnings. The former Chancellor, in a statement to The Sunday Times said that he had held nondom status, thought to be on the grounds that his father was born in Pakistan.

Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation in an article in The Guardian wrote that a new study on nondoms (as timely as it sounds) by a Warwick and LSE team reveals that more and more Britons have benefited from the tax loophole. While there aren’t many non-doms, only around 70,000 in the UK, but when you focus on the upper strata of the population: one in five top-earning bankers and two in five of those with income over £5m are/were non-doms.

While recent reforms, has made it more and more difficult for people to live in the UK as non-dom (no more than 9 years), some have argued this may make us less competitive, with talented and rich people not choosing the UK as a place to live, especially for high tax purposes. Of course, UK is much more than just high taxes, but diaspora feels scarred by this whole episode (see p1), making one seriously wonder, if the west is still incapable of accepting Indians to be at par- as rich and deserving as them and can only visualise them in stereotypical roles of villains and fugitives such as Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi.

Beginning of a safer era As expelled Tory MP Imran Ahmad Khan found guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old, comes the news of the historic victory of three women, who were sexually exploited by notorious grooming gangs in Rochdale, in Greater Manchester. The police apologised to them for a “catalogue of failings” and Stephen Watson, Greater Manchester Police’s Chief Constable, met the women at the police force’s headquarters on Tuesday where he voiced regret for the way the police handled their cases.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester in a statement, told us, “Within days of being elected as Mayor of Greater Manchester I commissioned an independent assurance review into historic child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester, prompted by The Betrayed Girls documentary and the serious issues raised by Maggie Oliver. The first phase of the review reported in January 2020 and, whilst the review into other areas, including Rochdale, is on-going it is right that action is taken when possible.

“There is no doubt that GMP did fail victims and survivors.

I am therefore pleased that today the new Chief Constable has met with some of the victims of child sexual exploitation from

Rochdale and with Maggie Oliver and has delivered an in-person and written apology...”

The Rochdale failure happened in early 2000s followed by many more in various other parts of the country.

Approximately 20 years later, PM Johnson (in 2021) was still talking about the force’s failure to take violence against women and girls sufficiently seriously, during an interview about Sarah Everard’s death.

It is not just sexual exploitation, the Crime Survey for England and Wales showed that 1.6 million women had experienced domestic abuse between March 2019 and March 2020, with a 7% growth in police recorded crimes.

Although there is limited official data so far on the impact of lockdown on domestic abuse, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) report that in mid-May 2020, there was a 12% increase. Between April and June 2020, there was a 65% increase in calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, when compared to the first three months of that year.

The country and its law need to do much more to protect women (and vulnerable men) and hopefully Rochdale and this apology will be an example for all and a beginning of a safer era.

Biden-Modi talk about the impacts of Ukraine war US President Joe Biden, while welcoming India's humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine, said that both the countries should continue close consultation on how to manage the destabilizing effects of this Russian war. In his virtual meeting with Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who did not name Russia, called the “killings of innocent civilians” in Ukraine’s Bucha city “very worrying”, and said India immediately condemned the killings and called for an independent probe. Modi said that immediately after the Bucha killings, he spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and suggested that they hold “direct talks” between themselves. After their meeting, the White House said, “They emphasized their shared commitment, as leaders of the world’s largest democracies, to respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in the IndoPacific and beyond. The two leaders also discussed the destabilizing impacts of Russia’s war against Ukraine, with a particular focus on global food supply.”

Biden said he was looking forward to meeting Modi in Japan around May 24 for the Quad leaders’ summit. PM Modi said that a few weeks back, more than 20,000 Indians were stranded in Ukraine. And most of them were young students. After putting in a lot of effort, India managed to get them out of there

safely, although one student lost his life.

Modi said that he suggested President Putin to have direct talks with the President of Ukraine. Stressing that India had extensive discussions on Ukraine in its Parliament as well, he said, the news of the recent killings of innocent civilians in Bucha city was very worrying. We condemned it immediately and have also demanded an independent probe. We hope that the ongoing dialogue between Russia and Ukraine will pave the way for peace. We have also laid emphasis on the security of the civilians in Ukraine and the uninterrupted supply of humanitarian aid to them, which you mentioned at the outset. We have sent medicines and other relief materials to Ukraine and its neighbouring countries. And on the demand of Ukraine, soon we are sending another consignment of medicines, Modi said.

Biden said, “As two vibrant democracies, we have the same concerns about the global challenges we face from Covid-19, advancing health, security and tracking the climate crisis. And we share a strong and growing major defence partnership. Our continued consultation and dialogue are key to ensuring the US-India relationship continues to grow deeper and stronger, delivering our people and our global good that we all are seeking to manage, particularly in your part of the world,” he said. Modi told Biden that the Indian- America

partnership can contribute to solving a lot of global problems.

A statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said the two leaders had extensive exchange of views on several regional and global issues, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, global economic recovery, climate action, recent developments in South Asia and the IndoPacific region, and the situation in Ukraine. They also took stock of the significant progress made in bilateral relations in recent years. Both leaders agreed that further strengthening of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership would be of tremendous benefit to the two countries and would also contribute to global peace, prosperity and stability. Indians in America occupy prominent positions in business, education, health and in the IT sector and continue to play a significant role in the development of the country in diverse fields. So a cordial relationship between both the countries will go a long way in the progress of both the countries. Though both countries may not have identical views on global issues, they respect and never try to impose their views on the other. Modi told Biden, “You gave a very important slogan at the very beginning of your term - Democracies can Deliver. The success of the partnership between India and the US is the best way to realize this slogan.”

The reason for fasting is to understand the relationship between what's you and what's the accumulative body. - Jaggi Vasudev

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel

The Pitchforks Come Out For Wife of Chancellor

I

am really angry. Where do I even begin? I am angry because if you pay UK tax on UK earnings and Indian tax on Indian earnings in India as an Indian citizen and that is within the law, then why do bullies on the internet get to tell you to voluntarily pay more?

Let me say that again. You pay Indian tax on Indian earnings in India, kept in India, not in the UK, as an Indian citizen.

Ever since the Labour Government passed the Independence of India Act in 1947, the British lost the right to seek tax from Indians on Indian income in India. That’s why you start Empires – consider the Boston Tea Party? It’s when the Americans told the British tax collectors where to go.

Actually, the British tax collectors are not even asking for the funds. The law does not require it. Don’t get me wrong, I read Tax Law, this stuff is not simple. There is residence, domicile and nationality and remittance.

Oh, but it feels wrong? Since when the hell are laws interpreted by feelings and emotions? No that’s why we have judges – to be objective. And no judge questions anything about this. We are run by the rule of law not the rule of the mob. When peoples lives are run by mob rule and mob feelings then we are not a country of laws.

“But the Chancellor sets the tax rates.” Yes, and you know who gets to set your interest rates that impact your mortgage and savings? The Governor of the Bank of England – and the last one was Canadian domiciled.

No issues there though.

In case you do not think this is also for some about racism – consider that as the Chancellor said, yes it is confusing to many than an Indian lives in Downing Street. Yes, but the Chancellor raised taxes. Yes, I don’t want higher ones either and the best way to reduce the reach of Government in your pocket is not by seeking to go Imperial and take global money from foreigners but take less tax.

Then there are the dimwits who think they know the Finance Acts and the Income and Corporation Tax Acts.

I have a choice, so do most people on how much tax they pay. Imagine I have bought some, say £20k Infosys or Microsoft shares in a tax avoiding vehicle in 2000 and again in 2001 and in 2002 too. Now they would be worth several million pounds. All tax free. You know what that tax avoiding vehicle is called? An off-shore Cayman Trust? Nope? It’s an ISA. Go get one.

You know another way in which I choose to pay less tax? I claim allowable expenses against profits. If I choose not to then I pay more tax. You know what they call someone who chooses to pay more tax? Work it out.

The sexism stinks too- as Rishi said – my wife is not my possession. Not all are sexist on social media comments. But between the sexists and the racists and the overlaps, I reckon I got 30% of the comments.

Then there is the envy and jealousy. Oh dear lord.

Some on social media said I was angry because maybe I was using this (legal) ‘loophole’. First, it’s not a loophole – whatever that is. It’s something you literally tell HMRC about. Second, I can’t use it, I’m ineligible.

It’s meant basically for foreigners to ensure they’re not penalised for coming to the UK and so not putting off investors or overseas talent from being here.

The Chancellors wife is Indian, her income is from an Indian company, in India, kept in India. Clive of India would blush at seeking this money. And you cannot overpay HMRC. I’ve done it. They send a cheque back. They don’t like it when you owe money to them, and they don’t like it when they owe money to you.

What next? HMRC should issue a tax demand on all Indians in India on their Indian income kept in India?

Sure, Twitter trolls demand it – it helps with their feelings. It will reduce the price of avocados and oil.

04 NORTH/MIDLANDS

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AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

16 - 22 April 2022

in brief North-South education Historic pub in MULTIPLE PEOPLE divide with no A-Level Greater Manchester INJURED IN A CAR on sale for £400,000 options in Great Manchester COLLISION The Fusilier Pub that comes with a two-bed flat is up for sale and looking out for a new owner. The historic pub which branded itself a ‘local, friendly pub’ is on the market for £400,000. It is located roughly a mile away from the centre of Ramsbottom on the busy main road of Bolton Road West.

The pub spans 3,200 sq ft with an entrance porch, main bar and bar area, seating area, and snug and storage area. On the first floor, there is a two-bed flat, which is also included in the price of the property. Along with this, there is private car parking on site as well.

Estate agents Charles Louis Commercial Agents believe that the property has a lot of poten-

tials and it will be a good pick for an experienced pub landlord who is looking to own an independent, freehold pub property.

Anthony Meadowcroft, Director at Charles Louis Commercial Agents said: “Having recently celebrated our first year in business since launching the commercial agency, I am delighted we are now handling the sale of such a wellknown pub in the locality of our main office.

Carer awarded National Great British Care Awards while receiving cancer treatment Deborah Spilsbury has come out as an inspiration who went above and beyond the call of duty while she was receiving treatment for breast cancer.

Mum of three, Deborah Spilsbury, who works as a Care Scheduler for Home Instead Nottingham and Melton Mowbray, was praised for her hard work through the fuel crisis in 2021 and has been awarded the Home Care CoOrdinator Award at the National Great British Care Awards for 2021.

Passionate and hard-working carer, in her role, she continued her important work despite being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy.

In her role, she contacted petrol stations to find those that were stocked up and directed her colleagues to the locations. This was an important task as people across the care sector were struggling to see their patients because they were unable to get the fuel to make their journeys.

Deborah said: “I am thrilled to have been awarded this title as I love working within an industry where I can truly make a difference in people's lives and wellbeing. It’s an honour to work for such a caring team that makes a positive difference to the community, and I’m so thankful for the support that I have received from them recently.”

As students across Greater Manchester are preparing for GCSEs, the Northern Agenda revealed a 'shocking' NorthSouth education divide with no A-Level options.

According to the analysis of Government data, there are eight Parliamentary constituencies in England where there are no schools or sixth form colleges, either independent or state-run, offering A-Levels - including Bolton West, Bury South and Stalybridge and Hyde, Tameside.

Of the eight areas - which also include Barnsley East, Blackpool South, Bolsover, Dudley South and Houghton and Sunderland South - all but two

are in the North of England.

An MP from one of the affected areas expressed her anguish adding that it was 'unacceptable' to not have a sixth form in her constituency and that it was vital for young people to have 'proper opportunities' locally.

Local Tory MP Chris Green said, "I am quite surprised by the number of schools without one.

The constituency does have one school, Rivington and Blackrod, that does provide A-Level courses. Whilst physically outside the constituency, it has always counted because the lower school has always been part of the local educational provision."

11-year-old ballerina from Leicester gets into Royal Ballet School 11-year-old Anisha Yadla from Leicester has secured admission to the Royal Ballet School. She is ecstatic to fulfil her dream of representing people of colour within the industry. She is one of the 12 girls from around the world who made it through admission.

Every year, the Royal Ballet School which is based at the Royal Opera House in London receives over twenty thousand applications. Admissions are done purely on the basis of dancing talent and potential, regardless of academic ability or personal circumstances. In order to attend school, 90 per cent of current students rely on financial scholarships.

With a £40,000 yearly tuition fee, Anisha, who attends Abbey Mead Primary School, got a partial scholarship based solely on her talent. Her parents, Surya and Jayasree Yadla, said they came to

know about the ballet because of their daughter, as they had never seen it on TV before.

Her father said when Anisha was three years old she used to watch Angelina Ballerina on the tv and they thought it was just a phase.

“We're so proud of her and all of her accomplishments are based on her own ability, without any extra help from us.”

TikTok star Mohib Sheraz Bankruptcy order extended hands out £200 to people for disobliging accountant who make him laugh 28-year-old Mohib Sheraz who went on to become a popular and full-time content creator with more than a million followers, hands out £200 to people who make him laugh. Last year he quit his job with Emirates as a flight attendant and now he is among TikTok’s most popular creators.

He has 1.1million followers and a combination of 17million likes on TikTok. However, it was not easy for him as he had to overcome challenges.

He said, "I knew it wasn't going to be easy but I believed in myself as cliched as it sounds - I like to push the limit and see how much I can achieve. Some people didn't understand and some still don't but I promised myself I was going to make this work.

"A lot of creatives sometimes leave the city and end up repping their new home, which is fine, but I want it to be known that the creative scene in Brum is worth repping also.”

Mohib said he wanted to make a mark in his city and represent Birmingham through his social media content.

He became a TikTok sensation when his 'Fist bump to win a chocolate' video blew up in 2021 and attracted 31 million views.

A bankruptcy order has been extended for a McLaren driving accountant Nafeesah Abid who is linked to a £17m company collapse. After she failed to pay the legal fees of liquidators investigating Accountable Accountancy Ltd, a Wolverhampton payroll firm, she was made personally bankrupt.

The accountant has a home in Stechford and has driven a McLaren supercar with a personalised plate in her initials. The plate that was independently valued by an expert said it's worth £200,000 to 225,000. Her bankruptcy which was due to expire last September has now been extended twice until May this year.

The Insolvency Service

explained the unusual move saying that the accountant 'has not been fully cooperating with the Official Receiver (OR) or Trustee'.

A High Court freezing order prevents her from selling any properties or assets she owns.

Accountable Accountancy Ltd, based in Tettenhall Road, operated between March 2016 and December 2017 before applying for voluntary liquidation on insolvency grounds.

Police officers were called to a two-car road traffic collision on Bury New Road in Heywood that took place on Saturday afternoon. Police officers, firefighters and paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service were present at the spot. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said multiple people suffered minor injuries and it has not been confirmed exactly how many people were injured. Of the two cars that collided, one appeared to be a taxi. The front bumper of the other vehicle looked to be badly damaged. Following the incident, a section of Bury New Road was taped off while crews dealt with the crash and traffic was diverted away from the area.

PRESTWICH NAMED AMONG BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN UK As part of the Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2022 round-up, Prestwich has been named one of the best places to live in the UK. The North Manchester suburb made it to the list because of its fastimproving roster of bars and restaurants, quick and easy tram routes to the city centre and its thriving community and culture- most notably music festival Parklife, which attracts over 80,000 concertgoers per year at Heaton Park.

Since 2020, Prestwich has witnessed a growth of 18 per cent and the average price of the house is £246,000. Special mentions as the best addresses in the town were given to Sheepfoot Lane, Poppythorn Lane and Rectory Lane, which sport ‘grand detached properties' and 'redbrick Victorian houses' on the first two streets highlighted. It came just weeks after it was announced that the Bury town will undergo a huge £100 million pound project that is set to 'transform' the area and give it ‘a new community heart’. Also, over the next few years, the Longfield Centre will be redeveloped with a mix of new shops, homes, public space and a health centre.

POLICE SECURE JAIL SENTENCES TO DISGRACED KINGPINS AND RUNNERS This year, police have secured jail sentences for a number of drug runners and kingpins from Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Eugene Brannigan was jailed for six years, nine months for supplying drugs across Balsall Heath and Birmingham city centre and was estimated to have moved more than £55,000 worth of illegal substances.

Brannigan admitted to supplying Class A drugs. Imran Ali, Majidedeen Arif, and Daniel Hassan, three dealers from Birmingham admitted to being involved in the supply of crack cocaine. Imran Ali, 29, of Westminster Road, Handsworth, was jailed for 25 months, Majidedeen Arif, 21, of Conybere Street, Highgate, received three years, while Daniel Hassan, 18, of Grasmere Road, Handsworth, was sentenced to three years detention in a young offenders' institution.

Saed Ali admitted supplying heroin and crack cocaine and was jailed for five years and six months. The 'KD' line drug gang was busted when one of their members, Qazi was arrested outside a Worcester nightclub for brandishing a baseball bat at bouncers. Analysis of his phone exposed the drug-dealing operation and they were jailed for a combined 50 years.

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London Elections 2022: When are they, who can vote, how to vote?

From matters of social care to bin collections, bus routes and potholes, to providing mental health services, deciding on planning applications and managing schemes to tackle climate change, elections in May will give local residents the chance to choose councillors who will take charge of these chores for the local residents.

A total of 1,817 seats across London’s boroughs are up for grabs – as Labour seeks to dominate Toryheld seats in Wandsworth and Barnet as well as defending stronghold boroughs such as Croydon.

In England, more than 4,000 councillors in 146 councils are up for election in major cities including Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and all 32 London boroughs.

South Yorkshire will also be voting for a regional mayor and 1,000 parish councils will be electing about 10,000 councillors.

The election for Northern Ireland's government is largely a contest between the parties in two blocs: unionists, who favour continuing the union with Britain, and nationalists, who favour a united Ireland, BBC reported.

All seats in 22 local councils will be contested across Wales, where people can vote from the age of 16. Voting is open to anyone over the age of 16 in Scotland, in all 32 local authorities.

In England, there is a fair bit: 33 metropolitan borough councils, covering 904 seats; 21 unitary authorities, with 627 seats; 60 district councils (1,011 seats); 32 London boroughs (1,817 seats); plus mayors in six

London local authorities, and a South Yorkshire combined authority mayor.

In Scotland, there are 1,219 seats up for grabs in 32 councils, while for Wales it is 1,234 seats in 22 councils.

Northern Ireland will vote for the 90 members of its devolved assembly.

Arguing what’s at stake for the main parties, BBC wrote, “While this is a different set of elections in different parts of the country from last year, it will still be the first widespread test for Boris Johnson since the war in Ukraine, the spiralling cost of living and the so-called party gate saga. The latter has not yet been resolved; an outcome from the Met Police's investigation is still pending, and if it comes before polling day it could clearly have an impact, one way or another.”

The report also stated that the

Labour party needs to show whether it can reverse some of its recent electoral losses, particularly in parts of the country that voted to leave the EU. Each of London’s 32 boroughs is divided into wards for which voters can make their choice of the councillors for each seat. A councillor will sit for four years.

In 27 boroughs the council leader is determined by the party group with the most overall council seats.

The five other boroughs – Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham, and, from May 2022, Croydon – have their local council leader chosen directly by voters in an executive mayoral system.

If you are a candidate who would like to get your profile features in Asian Voice amid election season, write to shefali.saxena@abplgroup.com.

Greater Manchester Police apologises to Rochdale sex grooming victims Greater Manchester Police have apologised to three victims of child grooming gangs in Rochdale for failing to protect them, Sky reported. The apology came a decade late, following the conviction of nine men for sexual exploitation of children.

The police admitted to the victims on Tuesday: "GMP could and should have done much more to protect you and we let you down."

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “Within days of being elected as Mayor of Greater Manchester, I commissioned an inde-

pendent assurance review into historic child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester, prompted by The Betrayed Girls documentary and the serious issues raised by Maggie Oliver. The first phase of the review reported in January 2020 and, whilst the review into other areas, including Rochdale, is ongoing it is right that action is taken when possible.

“There is no doubt that GMP did fail victims and survivors. I am therefore pleased that today the new Chief Constable has met with some of the victims of child sexual exploitation

Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) approved for applications to UKVI for visas, visa renewals, British Citizenship and Settlement GESE: Graded Examinations in Spoken English A speaking and listening in English test available at levels A1, A2 and B1 Tests available seven days a week at centres UK wide Provisional result received by 9am the next day and certificates sent within seven days

New Trinity SELT test centre now open in Newcastle!

You can now book your Trinity SELT test in Newcastle, only a 10-minute walk from Newcastle Central Train Station

Scan the QR code or visit trinitySELT.co.uk to book your Trinity SELT test

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B

e The Change, Make A Difference, an Asian Voice initiative in association with the Royal Air Force marked its first networking and panel discussion on 6 April 2022 at the House of Lords. The theme was ‘Diversity & Inclusion’.

Welcoming the audience, Lord Raj Loomba CBE said, ''I have known Asian

creed. You will now understand why I said that diversity and inclusion is close to my heart. ''Prejudice and discrimination based on race, colour, gender identity and gender bias must be fought tooth and nail until they are completely eradicated from society. It is our collective responsibility to

RAF personnel with CB Patel, Chairman ABPL

Wg Cdr Tracey Broome (L) and Flying Officer J Broome

Lord Raj Loomba welcoming the guests

Anita Kaushal, co-founder of Mauli Rituals, a British brand of self-care products inspired by her Ayurvedic heritage, and Professor Jonathan AJ. Wilson, an Award-winning academic with two doctorates and over 200 pieces of published work.

Both panelists shared their life experiences of navigating the challenges of belonging to ethnic minority communities and breaking barriers.

Anita Kaushal said,“Perhaps I’ve subconsciously gone into a business which is part of my heritage because it feels a safer place to be? My parents owned corner shops because while it took great courage, it was an open door, when many others were shut. Growing up, I did face racism and I was stereotyped, but I did what my parents did, which was to work hard, lead with love and rise above fear and hatred. I believe we need to be aware and bring change and there are many ways to do this” Speaking about the challenges he faced as a black man in academia, Professor Jonathan A.J. Wilson said, "There are about a quarter of a million academics in

Voice and its Chairman CB Patel for over 20 years, and I am aware that this esteemed publication has been at the forefront of campaigning for several social causes. The topic for today's panel discussion, Diversity and Inclusivity, is a cause that is very close to my heart and one in which I am deeply involved worldwide through the Loomba Foundation. ''The Loomba Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary. During this time, we have educated over 10,000 children of poor widows in India and empowered over 20,000 impoverished widows in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Malawi, Guatemala and Chile – irrespective of religion, gender, cast or

do so at every opportunity and I am delighted that we have Wing Commander Tracy Broome from the Royal Air Force and eminent speakers on our panel this evening to throw light on this important subject.''

Wg Cdr Tracy Broome in her presentation spoke about diversity and inclusion in the RAF. She said, “When I joined the Royal Air Force, the world was a different place. I was 19 years old, and now I'm a mother, with a daughter in the RAF. In the RAF we are constantly breaking barriers. My role is to attract people from diverse communities and make them think about a career in the Royal Air Force, because of the opportunities that the RAF has offered me.”

The panellists for the evening were

Wg Cdr Tracey Broome speaking about diversity in the RAF

(L to R) Moderator Sangeeta Waldron and panellists Prof Jon Wilson and Anita Kaushal

Esteemed guests

the UK. Of those, there are about 23,000 at the top who are full-professors. However, out of the 23,000, only about 160 are black, and roughly 10 times as many are Asian compared with blacks - which is still too low, considering the high levels of ethnic representation across all staff and the student body." For these reasons, Prof Wilson said he feels so lucky.

In his message, CB Patel Chairman Asian Business Publications said, ''We have come a long way since the inflammatory and divisive 'rivers of blood' speech by Enoch Powell in 1968. Today, The UK, is without doubt, a much more inclusive society and there are abundant opportunities for people of all backgrounds as Wing Commander Tracy Broome, Prof Wilson and Anita Kaushal have demonstrated. I welcome the candid views shared by both Prof Jon Wilson and Anita Kaushal. They are shining examples of what can be achieved in this country despite the challenges.''

The moderator for the panel discussion was award-winning public relations and media professional Sangeeta Waldron.

CB Patel, Chairman ABPL delivering the vote of thanks

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DIASPORA STANDS WITH SUNAK Continued from page 1

Akshata Murty (daughter of India’s most respected businessman and Infosys founder Mr NR Narayana Murthy and philanthropist Sudha Murthy) has been accused of tax evasion through her non-dom status and the couple was recently also targeted by a Labour party member who said they should “go back home to India”. This has stirred serious unrest and hurt among the Indian diaspora- one of the richest in the UK. With the intensity of tax-related criticism and attack on Mr Sunak and Ms Murty, the community’s leaders and renowned entrepreneurs have come forward to term it as clearly ‘politically motivated, prejudiced and racist’.

Infosys, had announced last year that it plans to hire 1000 employees in the UK over the next three years, thereby strengthening the UK-India partnership in the ongoing Free Trade Agreement, thereby supporting economic recovery. “This investment from Infosys is a vote of confidence in the UK and its technology sector and will help that sector scale new heights - creating the jobs of the future. We need more firms like Infosys with a commitment to investing in people to help the UK build back better,” Boris Johnson had said.

In a previous interview with Asian Voice, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street had also expressed excitement about companies like Infosys being a part of the West Midlands India partnership. With the current attack on Ms Murty, just weeks prior Mr Johnson’s visit, makes one wonder if Infosys would continue to be a part of the FTA. RISHI SPEAKS UP FOR HIS WIFE Reports suggest that Akshata earns around £900mn annually and she claims a non-dom tax status in the country, which allows her to avoid paying taxes on the annual dividend advantages she receives from her Infosys holding. However, that’s a misinterpretation.

The entrepreneur’s spokesperson said in a statement: "Akshata Murty is a citizen of India, the country of her birth and parent's home.

"India does not allow its citizens to hold the citizenship of another country simultaneously. She has always and will continue to pay UK taxes on all her UK income."

Rishi Sunak told The Sun that it was awful that his wife and in-laws were being smeared to get at him.

Sunak also alerted the British government and the Treasury about his wife’s tax status when he became a Minister, according to Reuters.

AKSHATA MURTY ISSUES CLARIFICATION ON TWITTER Clarifying her own intentions, Akshata Murty tweeted a thread from her unverified profile saying, that she has paid tax in this country on her UK income and international tax on her international income.

“This arrangement is entirely legal and how many non-domiciled people are taxed in the UK. But it has become clear that many do not feel it is compatible with my husband’s role as Chancellor,” Murty said.

“I understand and appreciate the British sense of fairness and I do not wish my tax status to be a distraction for my husband or to affect my family. For this reason, I will no longer be claiming the remittance basis for tax,” she added.

This means she will now pay UK tax on an arising basis on all her worldwide income, including dividends and capital gains, wherever in the world that income arises.

She added, “Until now, I have tried to keep my professional life and my husband’s political career entirely separate. Since Rishi entered parliament, he has not involved himself in my business affairs and I have left politics to him.

“He’s never asked me to abandon my Indian citizenship, ties to India or my business affairs, despite the ways in which such a move would have simplified things for him

politically.

“He knows that my long-standing shareholding in Infosys is not just a financial investment but also a testament to my father's work, of which I am incredibly proud.

“My decision to pay UK tax on all my worldwide income will not change the fact that India remains the country of my birth, citizenship, parents’ home and place of domicile. But I love the UK too.

“In my time here, I have invested in British businesses and supported British causes. My daughters are British. They are growing up in the UK. I am so proud to be here.”

‘FRIENDS’ OF INDIA REACT Nayaz Qazi, Director of Conservative Friends of India told the newsweekly, "Rishi is a Parliamentarian of the highest accord and has worked closely with Nayaz Qazi the Conservative Friends of India encouraging members to be politically engaged and dedicates his time to support community groups" Speaking to Asian Voice, Ameet Jogia and Reena Ranger OBE, Chairs, Conservative Friends of India said in a joint

Cllr Ameet Jogia

Cllr Reena Ranger OBE

statement, “Rishi Sunak has been an outstanding Chancellor who has steered our country through one of the most unprecedented periods in our history. He has the Conservative Party’s full support, and we support the Chancellor’s request to launch an investigation into his ministerial interests.

“The way that the Labour Party has targeted Rishi and his family in such an abusive and vile way has been deeply disappointing.

This includes the Labour Councillor who recently tweeted that Rishi and his wife, Akshata should ‘go home back to India’. It is therefore no surprise that the British Indian community is hurt by the way Rishi has been treated, especially by the worrying antiIndian and anti-success undertones. The Conservative Party remains proud of championing the most diverse Cabinet in history.

“Rishi Sunak is a shining light within the Conservative Party, especially in the Conservative Friends of India. He is an inspiration to so many, particularly with the outstanding support he has provided to thousands of people and businesses during the pandemic. It is therefore very upsetting the way Labour have launched personal attacks on him and his wife Akshata in this way.”

Commenting on the row against Sunak, Friends of India Society International UK's Manu Khajuria said, “It’s a British law (Formosa vs Formosa) which says a woman’s domicile is not dependant on her husband’s.

Akshata Murthy is a proud Indian citizen, Manu Khajuria while Rishi Sunak is a proud British who has served his Nation well in times of distress brought on by a pandemic. She has not broken any law. It’s almost as if they are being punished for being model citizens, aspirational and hardworking, qualities which are desirable for any Nation’s citizenry. Is Rishi Sunak’s growing popularity and success a problem

because he is brown? Why the attack if not envy & racism?”

However, Rahul Roy-Chaudhury, Senior Fellow for South Asia The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) told Asian Voice, “It is unfortunate that the British Indian Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has been targeted Rahul Roy-Chaudhury politically in the media over his US ‘green card’ status (till recently) and his Indian wife Akshata Murthy’s nondomicile status in the UK. None of these acts of omission or commission is illegal. But they reflect poor political judgement at a time when the cost of living for ordinary people has escalated.

“It should also be clear that Akshata’s case has been one of tax avoidance and should be acknowledged as such. Sunak’s argument that her non-domicile status was because of her intention to return to India to be with her parents, at some stage, is especially lame. This could have taken place all these past years with her domiciled status and paying tax in the UK for her international wealth, as will be the case from now on her.

“In effect, we are seeing a mix of poor political judgement, sheer competitive politics within the government and the Conservative Party, tougher economic circumstances all-round, anger against Covidtime parties by government members and very high public envy against the Sunaks (for being so rich) playing out, rather than as the result of any outright racism on the basis of their Indian heritage.”

Vinod Tikoo, a community activist and leading voice of Kashmiri Pundits in the UK, told us, “I am not sure if we can Vinod Tikoo attribute this to the

country's attitude towards race but for sure there are pockets of institutional racism in the UK, much like other countries. In this case, given home secretary Priti Patel also faced a lot of heat from Civil service and polity last year and now Rishi is being made a target because of his wife's legal non-dom status, one is led to believe that there may be an attack on those who make it big from the ethnic minority backgrounds.”

Ashish Popat from Indians Voice - UK told Asian Voice, "As we all know British Indians are a hardworking community in the UK and they always excel in the field of education and across the work sectors be it teaching, NHS, defence and other sectors, Labour party always talk about freebies so the British Indians do not fit their category of voters.

"Mr Sunak's wife did not do anything wrong and she comes not only from a wealthy family but well respected and down of earth family of India who created an empire from the scratch with all their hard work. Dom and non-dom status is a too technical term and if you ask the general public they do not understand everything around it so the Labour party with their propaganda machinery trying to misguide all and Mr Sunak himself requested an inquiry as he did not do anything wrong.

"Mr Sunak believes in hard work and his popularity comes from all his policy since his tenure as a chancellor, he is a person who helped many employed and self-employed individuals survive during the covid time, why did the opposition is forgetting all his helping hand during Covid times. All the propaganda machinery is trying to create a narrative that has no base and the current cabinet is well aligned and working for the welfare of the UK. "The visit of Boris Johnson is very important for India - UK trade deal and they are very important partners and there is no relevance to this kind of rumours where the development is concerned. We all love and respect Infosys chair and we should not forget they have a huge contribution to the IT infrastructure of the UK."

Rishi Sunak moves belongings out of Downing Street The Sunday Mirror reported Rishi Sunak's family is moving to their West London pad because his eldest daughter is about to go to boarding school Under fire, Rishi Sunak moved belongings out of Downing Street as he clings to his job as Chancellor. On Saturday morning, a red velvet armchair, a shelving unit and several bags and boxes were loaded on two trucks that arrived at Downing Street’s back gate. Removal vans were seen to take furniture and personal items from the flat that is shared by Mr Sunak and his

wife Akshata Murty.

The belongings will be moved to their newlyrefurbished, luxury West London pad.

It is being said that the family is making a move because their eldest daughter is about to go into her final term of primary school and they want to be nearer to her school before she goes to a boarding school.

It is expected that Mr Sunak will split his evenings between the Downing Street flat and their Kensington home, but will continue to work from Number 11.

Adil Ray and Kwarteng locked horns over Sunak's wife's tax affairs ITV hosts Kate Garraway and Adil Ray were joined by Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng on Good Morning Britain via video link where they discussed the rise in energy prices and Rishi Sunak’s wife.

Gradually, Ray challenged the MP on why Sunak’s wife, who has a non-domicile status does not pay UK tax, while people in the UK are having to deal with the rise in National Insurance.

"Why is it that the people watching this show have to deal with high national insurance," Ray began as he asked: "Whereas the very wealthy like Rishi Sunak's wife can choose to make sure her tax isn't paid here?"

Kwarteng replied: "So I'm not an expert on her tax affairs, but from what I understand, she's an Indian citizen, so she doesn't have dual citizenship she has Indian citizenship.

"And as a consequence of that, she has what is called a non-domiciled..."

When Ray mentioned that Sunak’s wife came to the UK and lived here for seven years, benefiting from the same, yet choosing not to pay taxes, the MP hit back saying “she's not a UK citizen, she's not a UK citizen."

The interview left viewers divided and many took to social media to share their thoughts.

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‘Families should dream and celebrate together’ Shefali Saxena Mehrnavaz Avari started her career in 2002 as a Management Trainee and has been associated with the Indian Hotels Co. Ltd. for almost two decades now. It was always my dream to be a world-class hotelier and excel in the field of hospitality.

As a young hospitality professional adept at handling multiple responsibilities in the Food & Beverage Division, she rose through the ranks to Assistant Food & Beverage Manager.

“I spent 2 years in Front Office honing my skills in customer relations, conflict management, crisis management and revenue management,” she told Asian Voice.

The quest for continuous learning has led her to do double graduation in Hospitality and Psychology with Sociology followed by a ‘Master of Management’ at the renowned Cornell University in New York and the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

Avari’s father Pervez Avari spent all his life as a TATA loyalist growing from a shop floor engineer at TATA Motors to directorlevel positions in other subsidiaries before retiring.

Her mother, Mrs Hilla Avari spent her life as a banker – the epitome of an inspiring woman achiever. Not one to stand by the sidelines, she is now an eight-time MDRT Award-winning Insurance Advisor with TATA Life.

“Growing up in a simple family – one incident stands out in my

Mehrnavaz Avari

memory clearly. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai was the epitome of glamour and glitz for us as children. I vividly remember my parents taking us to the Gateway of India for an outing and us looking at the hotel in awe. We then walked through those hallowed doors and its lush corridors to stare at the grand staircase and the magnificent blue dome. I still remember thinking this is what I wanted to own someday! Of course, I learnt that I couldn’t own the hotel – but I definitely could run it! And I have had three very successful stints at the Grande Dame of Mumbai!” she told the newsweekly.

Upon her return back to Taj after completing her studies in the USA, Mehrnavaz was offered the most challenging role of Food & Beverage Manager at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, and later promoted to one of the operationally largest city Hotels in the country - the Taj Palace, New Delhi as Resident Manager.

In 2016, she took up the role

of General Manager at the prestigious Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur as the youngest lady General Manager in the company.

During her tenure, the Palace achieved several awards and accolades including the No. 1 Hotel in India, No. 2 in Asia and No. 3 in the World from TripAdvisor in 2018. After a successful stint at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Avari returned to head the flagship hotel of the Taj – the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai.

She served as the Vice President of Maharashtra State Council for India’s first independent National Business Chamber for Women - Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI) for the Hospitality Industry.

Talking about what its like being in a leadership role as a woman, she said, “I am honoured to be the first woman Area Director to run the IHCL operations in the United Kingdom. The TATA group is a respectful place for women to work – if you work hard and deliver results, there is no glass ceiling for you to break through – the sky is the limit! I have always believed that Leadership roles should be given based on performance and potential. It is highly gratifying to work for an organization that resonates with this philosophy and demonstrates it through action.”

Discussing challenges in the hospitality business during the most vulnerable time in history and reviving the economy, Avari told us, “As the Area Director UK,

my focus is to reinvent the guest experience, enhance the profitability of our existing assets through revisiting operational excellence, and oversee any new developments that may come up in the region. Given my diverse experience across geographies, I have learned to see challenges as opportunities to make a lasting difference for our brand and create the changes that have become the need of the hour. Today, my focus is on reviving our hotels in the post-Covid and post Brexit era, given the paucity of talent, increasing energy and procurement costs, rising inflation, and constant fear of another wave. We have seen some encouraging trends of recovery in business and have put in place many strategies

for business and brand growth.”

Her advice for women wanting to develop their careers in Hospitality or leadership roles is, “It is important that women actively seek challenging roles outside their comfort zone in order to develop themselves as well-heeled hoteliers or industry leaders.

“It is important to carry your inner circle with you; they have to buy into your dream and be equally invested in it. Then your every win is also their win – and they will push you harder than you push yourself to achieve larger goals in life. My family has not just been my sounding board, but also my biggest cheerleader in this journey. Families should dream and celebrate together!”

Pregnant woman tragically dies on her honeymoon On September 2, 2021, Fawziyah Javed, 31, who was pregnant, tragically died after falling from Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh while she was on her honeymoon, an inquest heard.

Her husband Kashif Anwar, 27, has been held for the murder.

She was pronounced dead at 10:18 pm on that day by paramedics. She was identified by her uncle to police in Edinburgh.

Though the inquest was adjourned pending further investigation, the coroner read out preliminary results from the pathologist's report which stated that her death occurred due to multiple

injuries after a fall from a height.

Fawziyah, who hailed from Headingley in Leeds, worked as a solicitor and was living in Pudsey.

She had only just gotten married on August 29 before her death.

After her death, bereaved family members, friends and co-workers paid tribute to her. A vigil was held as well for Fawziyah on Millennium Square in February.

Charged with murdering his wife, Mr Anwar has already appeared in court. During his appearance, he made no plea at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in September 2021.

Inspiring and rewarding careers in adult social care If you have been looking for a meaningful career where you’ll be able to make a real difference to people’s lives every single day, consider adult social care. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have previous experience, if you’re passionate about helping others, you may be the perfect candidate. It can offer lots of flexibility and there are many different roles available, depending on where you’d like to work or what you want to do.

Mariya previously worked in an office but wanted to pursue a role that was more rewarding and varied.

Having heard that to begin a career in care, all you needed were the right qualities, rather than specific qualifications, Mariya decided to become a part-time Healthcare Assistant in a nursing home for people with dementia.

Mariya explained that “I used to work in banking and with computers, where you know exactly what to expect,” so felt a little worried about her lack of prior caring experience.

However, she says that she had no reason to be concerned, as a three-month training course, as well as ongoing on-the-job training and support ensured she was well-equipped for her role.

Having only planned to work on a part time basis, just seven months later,

Mariya is set on building a career in adult social care as she loves that “every day is different”. She also really enjoys the training and progression opportunities that are available. However, the main thing that Mariya enjoys is “supporting care recipients. “I find it both inspiring and immensely rewarding. I love the positive

feedback I receive from the residents and their families.”

Something that Mariya has found particularly helpful in her role, is the fact she is multilingual as it enables her to speak to residents in their native tongue, building stronger rapport with those she supports, noting that “I particularly love that my

To find out more about the roles available near you, visit www.adultsocialcare.co.uk

ability to speak Hindi and Tamil has been an unexpected asset.”

Mariya is excited and proud to see that there is an increasing recognition of the importance of nursing homes within the South Asian community and the role healthcare assistants play in looking after these vulnerable people in society. She attributes this to a greater understanding of how her work chimes with her personal and her community’s values and beliefs - “I have a lot of respect for my elders and that helps me in my job. I like to treat the residents as I would treat my own family. After all, tomorrow I too will be older and in need of support.”

Maryia wants to encourage others with the right qualities to apply for a career in care. “This job needs patience and empathy, which is more important than any qualifications you have.”

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Scandal of imported foods

Hypocrisy of the West

While the world is struggling to limit the global rise in temperature, the West is paying a lip service to the cause.

One only has to look at the thousands of huge lorries parked outside Dover port to cross the channel, after delivering our huge imports from Europe. These Lorries are the worse polluter, bringing in foodstuffs we can easily grow at home.

It is time we grow our own food rather than import it from countries like Netherland and Denmark where the climate is similar to ours. Netherland is the world’s largest exporter of fresh vegetables and soft fruits. One may wonder how come they can manage to grow all these sub-tropical products, even cheaper than tropical countries like India, Kenya, South Africa and many more.

Netherland uses the latest technology, mostly developed at home. These products which include cucumber, onions, tomatoes, peas, beans and even popular Asian vegetables like aubergine, chillies, okra and their likes, available in most Asian shops are also imported from Netherland.

Of course, these products are grown in huge greenhouses, some even fifty feet high, using home developed fibre-glass soil, a tiny plastic pot can hold a plant producing a huge amount of vegetables, greenhouses are heated using the latest technology, solar panels and recycling heat within the greenhouse.

Whenever I go to our local supermarket, I try to find out whether what I buy is homegrown, home-produced or imported. Unfortunately most vegetables, soft fruits are imported from Netherland, dairy products like cheese, yoghurt and milk from Scandinavian countries like Sweden Denmark where living standards, wages are highest and most expensive to grow while sweets, biscuits, pizzas and their likes are imported from France, Spain and Italy.

Do we grow, manufacture anything or solely depend on imports! No wonder supermarket shelves are emptied at the slightest trouble in transport! I thought coming out of the EU will encourage our farmers to grow more and supermarkets to buy local produce. Unfortunately, nothing has changed!

Bhupendra M. Gandhi

The present ongoing terrible situation regarding Ukraine exposes the hypocrisy of the West. What we hear in the western media is that the unprovoked war in Ukraine is started by Russia. But the real root cause is unabated Western military expansion under the NATO umbrella to surround Russia from every inch of its eastern border. The NATO alliance was created in 1949 with 10 western European countries along with USA and Canada to provide collective security against the Soviet Union. Then Greece, West Germany, Spain and Turkey were coerced to join later.

In the late twentieth century, three former Warsaw pact countries joined NATO. In the 21st century, the 10 former Vilnius groups joined NATO making it a 30 countries alliance of formidable force. Why this relentless expansion?

The Soviet Union (USSR) does not exist anymore.

The breaking point came in 2014 when the West engineered a regime change in Ukraine under the so-called Maidan Revolution which was followed by the Russian annexation of Crimea and the declaration of independence by mainly Russian speaking Donetsk and Luhansk region of Donbas. The present encroachment happened with the talk of Ukraine joining NATO which would have allowed them to pour lethal weapons at Moscow’s doorstep. Remember the Cuban crisis and the action by Kennedy! Cuba does not have a land border with the USA. The USA has invaded several countries in the world since the 2nd World War with their cronies’ active participation or connivance by them. None of these invaded countries had borders with any of the countries of the West. Is this not hypocrisy of the West?

Dr Narsibhai Patel New Malden

Sun always rises in the East “Sun always rises in the East” by Kapil Dudakia (in AV dated 9-15 April 2022) clearly shows the important role India has been playing in the current geopolitical situation. Historically the west has been using smaller countries for their advantage whenever they wanted.

The western countries raise issues about human rights from time to time in China and other countries but when they need cheap products from China and oil from other counties they sideline important issues and just focus on what they need and what serves their interests.

The recent visit of Liz Truss and the proposed visit of Boris Johnson gives clear signals of the importance of India on a wider trade and political front. One thing foreign dignitaries have realised is that they cannot force India to accept what they think is right by intimidation or by coercive actions. The government of India will take decisions based on what is right for India and for Indians.

The colonial mindset needs to change to have a fruitful and futuristic strategic relationship with India to harness the full potential of the bilateral relationship.

Hitesh Hingu London

Family of murdered teacher brand killer ‘animal’ Koci Selamaj, 36, who murdered Sabina Nessa, a teacher by profession, last year on September 17, refused to attend the first day of his sentencing hearing at the Old Bailey. The parents of Sabina called her killer an “animal” and said he had “no right to touch her”. They also branded him a “coward”.

During police interviews he did not answer any questions nor did he defend himself by explaining his actions.

However, he pleaded guilty to murder.

Addressing Selamaj, they condemned his refusal to answer questions or give evidence, adding: “You are not a human being, you are an animal … how could you do such a thing?”

“You had no right to take

our daughter’s life away and no right to touch her,” the statement added. “Not knowing why you carried out this murder will remain on our minds.”

On the evening of the murder, Selamaj drove from his hometown of Eastbourne to Kidbrooke after unsuccessfully “trawling” Brighton for a potential sexual encounter, the court heard.

Defence barrister Lewis Power QC said Selamaj did not give any reason for his actions. “I am not able to put forward a defence or partial defence,” he added. “He simply accepts that he did it … I can’t assist the court.” Mr Justice Sweeney has adjourned the sentencing hearing until Friday morning.

Free for all Rules for the four nations of the United Kingdom should be the same. So why there is a difference in the Covid test kit policy? People aged 75 and above in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland continue receiving free Covid test kits but the same age group in England now has to pay £2 per test pack. As Covid is spreading like wildfire, the test kit should be free for all in the upper age group.

Ash Gupta

West London's Skipping Sikh blasts at trollers Rajinder Singh who is known as ‘Skipping Sikh’ has spoken out against the online trollers who have asked him to hide his religious sword, Kirpan, under his shirt. He said he is proud of being a Sikh and wearing the sword publicly.

A Kirpan is a curved, single-edged sword or knife carried as part of a religious commandment to wear the five articles of faith, or five Ks, at all times.

The 75-year-old said, "These kinds of comments make me stronger, I learnt so much since I've been in this country - the Kirpan is a religious sword we mostly

keep as a symbol to defend yourself not to stab. I keep it with me 24 hours a day and it's very special - you must not use the instrument against anyone in anger."

Mr Singh had tweeted about the comments he had received, he wrote: "I wear my Kirpan outside as I’m proud to wear it. I really don’t appreciate comments on my Instagram page telling me it should be worn under my T-shirt. If you don’t wear one, you get asked why you’re not wearing it. If you wear one, you get told how to wear it.

Please stop."

•

Kapil’s KHICHADI

Kapil Dudakia

India-The Guarantor of Peace?

T

he war in Ukraine has divided the world like never before. Western duplicity and hypocrisy have been exposed for all to see. On one hand they championed sanctions, yet it turns out they are the biggest buyers of Russian fuel. They also trumpeted their support to Ukraine that whilst NATO was alive, no harm would come to Ukraine. Today’s history shows us the true value of these cheap promises made by the west. As I have stated before, be careful not to trust the west to such a degree that in that moment of your extreme need, that they don’t stab you in the back.

This is why India’s position on Ukraine and Russia has been proven correct. The mess that the west has made must be firmly laid at their collective door. They abdicated their responsibility and have continued to breach their own sanctions whilst preaching and threatening to the world.

Each day hundreds are dying in Ukraine, thousands injured and millions left homeless. The President of Ukraine now understands his options to save his nation are limited. His first fatal mistake was to depend on NATO and the west, and his second fatal mistake, to continue to believe that somehow the west will save the day. No number of sanctions can undermine Russia to the extent that it will just voluntarily backdown, retreat and accept defeat. And there is no scope of any western nation entering the arena with their weapons and foot soldiers to counter the Russian armed forces.

At the same time the United Nations has bowed to the American pressure and last week they agreed to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council.

This now leaves both Russia and Ukraine in a difficult position. Who can they trust? The UN is tainted by its corrupt policies and practice. There is no major western nation that Russia can trust. Likewise, there is no major eastern nation that the west can trust. Except for India. India has always maintained a difficult position of working with partners in the east, the west, Africa and the Middle East. It is the only nation that is powerful enough to stand up to all the major powers.

In my view, a view that I have shared privately with certain key people already, the only solution is to ask India to act as the guarantor of peace. There is scope that the President of Ukraine would accept India in such a position, and we know that Russia will listen to only one nation – India.

The biggest issue being whether they can agree on the new Line of Control (LoC). To bring Russia on board the LoC will have to be to the west of the Donbass region, which includes the two breakaway states of Luhansk and Donetsk. This I believe would have to be extended all the way to Crimea which means the control of Mariupol. Will the west allow Ukraine to give this up is the big issue?

If Ukraine wants peace, it has no option but to seek out an acceptable LoC and to have it monitored by a nation like India that both sides can trust with confidence. This undermines the west and the UN. And therein we have the real problem.

It’s now for Ukraine to take the matter in its own hands. It’s time for Russia to seek a solution and stop this madness. And maybe India’s destiny for the 21st C has finally arrived, it’s time to rise up to the challenge and bring about peace. The global reset has started.

Predator taxi driver jailed A taxi driver has been sentenced to jail for three months and placed on the sex offenders register for 7 years, for attempting to sexually assault a woman who was in need of safe transportation.

Khairul Ehsan, 43, of Navigation Way in Hull, received a call from the victim who wanted to reach home safely and was in need of a vehicle. Instead of helping her, he abused his position of trust and made sexual advances toward her. He

pleaded not guilty to attempted sexual assault but was found guilty of the crime.

Praising the courage and bravery of the victim, detective Sergeant Luke Albison

said: "I hope the outcome at court this week will provide her with some closure, reassured by the knowledge that this vile predator has been sentenced for his crime against her.

Asian Voice wishes a very happy Vaisakhi, Ramadan, Vishu, Pôila Boishakh, Mahavir Jayanti, and Easter to all our readers, supporters, advertisers and well-wishers. May you all have a happy, healthy and prosperous festive season.

“I would like to provide reassurance to anyone who may have suffered sexual assault, if you come to us we will listen to and support you and act against those responsible."

We are grateful to all letter writers for more and more versatile letters well within word limit. Please keep contributing as always. If you are new, then write to Shefali at shefali.saxena@abplgroup.com

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Council revokes a series of fines imposed on man for driving in his own street Abdul Noormohamed, 39, who was fined £650, five times, for driving to and from his own home, is now celebrating as Harrow Council has revoked a series of fines he was given for driving in a restricted zone.

Cameras have been put up in school streets zones in order to prevent people from using certain roads at school drop off and pick up times.

Mr Noormohamed, who lives in the zone near Marlborough School, was shocked to discover that a fine was imposed on him for

using his own road during these hours. He got no help from the council and received little response from several politicians. Finally, the issue was then highlighted by The Local Democracy Reporting Service which in turn contributed to the cancellation of fines, believes Abdul.

He said: “It feels like a huge weight off my shoulders. [The council] still hasn’t accepted any fault, they still made me register even though I’d already done so, but at least they cancelled them.”

Sajid Javid urges NHS to protect women-only wards The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said if the reasons are “justifiable and proportionate”, then trans people could be excluded from single-sex services.

As per the new guidance, the justifications could be for reasons of privacy or decency, or to prevent trauma.

Following the new guidance, health secretary Sajid Javid has urged NHS to protect single-sex hospital wards. The NHS was already reviewing whether trans women should be treated in female-only wards.

Some NHS officials, with one hospital equality boss,

have criticised the ruling calling it “Transphobic” A government source said, “The health secretary welcomes the EHRC guidance and he is going to ask the NHS to take it fully into account as part of the review into same-sex wards.”

Currently, NHS England has a policy that allows patients to be placed in single-sex wards depending on the gender with which they identify. It states that trans people should be treated “according to their presentation: the way they dress, and the name and pronouns they currently use”.

Lord Parekh speaks at the House of Lords Grand Committee in a debate on Ukrainian Refugees A debate on Ukraine: Refugees was moved by Baroness Helic in the UK Parliament on 6 April where the Grand Committee took note of Her Majesty’s Government’s plans to support refugees from Ukraine.

Baroness Helic said, “I thank the noble Lord, Lord Parekh, for his philosophical questions. I agree with him that third-country nationals have to be afforded the same rights. They are in the same danger, so have to be given the same rights and safety that is given to our Ukrainian friends.”

Here are some selected excerpts from Lord Bhikhu Parekh’s speech.

“We know we have had Ukrainian refugees and that they have been victims of harassment and persecution. What else do we need to know and why? In other words, we have had many refugees throughout our history—Ugandans, Afghans and others—and if you add them up you build up quite a total. Ukrainian refugees will, in due course, become an indistinguishable part of that. Is that what we want? I suggest that we want to identify Ukrainian refugees as a distinct historical group with distinct historical experiences, which need to be remembered and will always

“It’s a Brain Tumour NOT Carpel Tunnel Syndrome!”

This is a story of a nightmare scenario one can hardly believe.

Clair, a 43-year-old mother of a 9yr old son, born and bred in Harrow was told her numb fingers were caused by carpal tunnel syndrome but it now transpires she may only have two years to live.

Claire never imagined her symptoms could in fact be caused by a fast-growing and incurable brain tumour.

Claire is a through and through Harrovian with a large following in Harrow.

Born in Harrow, she grew up on Courtfield Avenue and has a strong bond with local residents. Claire’s former next-door neighbours

whom she’s known from childhood are Navin Shah who’s the former Chair of the London Assembly, Rekha Shah a longstanding Harrow Councillor and Mayor of Harrow in 2016/17.

Under current NHS treatment, Claire has a life

expectancy of 2 years at the most. Claire has a 9-year-old son and is determined to fight as hard as she can to try and live as long as possible for her beautiful boy.

There are new treatments emerging that could help to extend Claire's life and even beat the odds.

However, none of these is currently covered by the NHS so she has to fund this herself. If you’d like to get involved by organising your own fundraising event, please get in touch via social media (www.facebook.com/Claire ShippFundraiser).”

IS fanatic found guilty of murdering Sir David Amess MP An IS fanatic, 26-year-old Ali Harbi Ali has been found guilty of murdering Sir David Amess MP by stabbing him more than 20 times, during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex on 15 October 2021.

It took only 18 minutes for a jury at the Old Bailey to announce their verdict convicting Ali Harbi Ali of murder and preparing acts of terrorism. Sir David's family

was present in a court just a short distance from Ali when the verdict was being

delivered.

Ali had denied the charges and claimed he targeted the MP over his vote for airstrikes on Syria.

Ali stabbed Sir David after tricking his way into a meeting by pretending to be an NHS employee moving to the area.

be remembered, thanks to the efforts of people like us and others. Their identity should not be lost.

“It is striking that this is the largest refugee crisis since the Second World War. The population of Ukraine is 44 million. Some 4 million have left and 6.5 million are displaced within Ukraine, so 10.5 million people out of 44 million—a quarter of the population— have been turned into refugees. No wonder it has been called a level 3 emergency. That is the first thing to bear in mind: the number of refugees represents an incredibly large percentage of the population from which they emanate.

“At a fundamental level, this is a quarrel arising from a collective identity crisis. I suspect that, if we are not

careful, similar crises with similar origins will continue to appear in that part of the world, where there are long, deep-rooted, ambiguously connected sources of identity.

“The Economist points out rather nicely that those carrying enough of a burden decided physically to carry their animals, and even those who had to leave them behind grieved for hours at the very thought of having

to leave them to the mercy of mindless Russians. In fact, the pet travel specialist PBS Pet Travel says that 1.2 million pets have crossed the border along with human beings.

“The fourth feature is the acute disparity we have noticed between the response of the British Government and that of the British people.”

Lord Parekh insisted that we need to introduce a much simpler and faster emergency visa system. We could lift normal visa conditions other than the biometrics and security checks, which could be done en route. Matching people to refugees could also be done quickly and refugees would not have to advertise on social media that they are available.

Tory MP found guilty of sexually assaulting 15-year-old boy Wakefield Tory MP Imran Ahmad Khan, 48, has been ousted from the Conservative Party after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 15year-old boy. Southwark Crown Court heard that he forced the youngster to drink gin, dragged him upstairs and asked him to watch pornography before assaulting him.

In January 2008, Khan had denied groping the teenager at a party in Staffordshire but was convicted after a trial. He has said that he intends to appeal his conviction.

The complainant, now 29, said the attack had left him "scared and shocked".

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16 - 22 April 2022

SCRUTATOR’S 85-year-old becomes oldest cadaver organ donor An 85-year-old brain dead man became the oldest cadaver organ donor in Mumbai. The family’s decision to donate his organs has saved the life of a liver failure patient and showed that age is not a barrier to becoming a donor. Last week the octogenarian was admitted to Powai hospital with brain haemorrhage. Immediate surgery was carried out, but the patient went into a comatose condition and was declared brain dead. When the idea of organ donation was mooted, the family agreed to donate his organs. The 85-yearold’s liver was allotted to H N Reliance Hospital. His kidneys and heart were not fit for transplant. Dr S K Mathur, president of Zonal Transplant Coordination Committee, said age is no longer an impediment for donation if the organ is functioning well. “Recipients have to be selected carefully for such organs, and informed consent from patient and family has to be obtained by the transplant team,” he said. Globally, even livers of 90-year-olds have been transplanted with good results, said Dr Bharat Shah, general secretary, ZTCC. (Agency) Anand Mahindra's Monday motivation

As the week starts, we all are in need of some motivation for the workdays lying ahead of us. Looking for the much-needed boost? Well, it looks like Anand Mahindra has just the right tweet for you. The Chairman of Mahindra Group often leaves us with inspirational words through his social media. He has done it again. Giving us a lesson in teamwork, Anand posted a cute video to explain his point. Anand tweeted, "Remember…You're always going to be more effective if you work collaboratively with a team." He added a hashtag saying, "Monday morning". He has also attached an interesting video to this note. The video was quite a hilarious clip.

In the video, we see a cat sitting crouched in the middle of a street. It appears that it is munching on some food. A crow tries to take the food but is chased away by the cat.

While the cat chases the crow, it flies away.

Meanwhile, another crow, which has been lurking around for a while, seizes the opportunity. Ultimately, the crows get the food. Netizens have reacted with enthusiasm to this post by Anand. Some of them have called it a "very nice" note. A person wrote, "True that.. teamwork makes the 'dream' work always." Another said, "Yes sir, Flying solo is good but having team members make you much stronger."

(Agency)

the manager had not received instructions that there was more. "Unbelievably frustrating! Want to weep," she said. 'RRR' is a fictitious tale set in the 1920s. The movie is based on two freedom fighters Komaram Bheem and Alluri Seetharamaraju, who fought against the British Raj and Nizam of Hyderabad. The film, starring Jr NTR and Ram Charan, was brought down to 3 hours 1 minute after makers made cuts. The earlier version was 3 hours and 56 minutes long. The movie also stars Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Samuthirakani, Ray Stevenson and Olivia Morris. It was reportedly made on a budget of £33.6 million. (Agency) Hairball extracted from girl’s stomach A nine-year-old girl from Mehsana was admitted to the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad with severe stomachache.

When the pain became unbearable, the parents approached the hospital. Her sonography and x-rays revealed a tumourlike object in her stomach. The doctors decided to operate her and to their surprise, the tumour was entirely made up of hair. The hair had started hardening causing severe stomachache. The girl, the daughter of a labourer, had the habit of eating hair, doctors said. This condition is known as the Rapunzel syndrome. A doctor said that it is a rare condition seen in adolescents or young females with psychiatric disorders. Under stress or trauma, they pull their hair or hair belonging to others and ingest it (trichophagia). The girl’s parents told the doctors that her hair had begun thinning a while ago but they never suspected that it was because she was pulling it out and eating it. (The Times of India) Man builds statue in memory of his dog

Theatre shows only the first half of 'RRR'

Imagine going to the theatre to watch a first-day show of the most anticipated movie of the year and not be able to see the film's second half due to a technical glitch. This is exactly what happened at a California theatre during a screening of SS Rajamouli's magnum opus 'RRR'. A Film critic tweeted about the incident saying that the theatre showed the first half of the movie, but not the second half.

"First time this has happened! Went to Cinemark North Hollywood #firstdayfirstshow of #RRR. Saw first half but not second because theatre had not ingested it," the critic said on Twitter.

Explaining the glitch further, she said that

In Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga district an 82-year-old man, Muthu, has built a statue in memory of his dog Tom Kumar.

For Muthu, a former government employee, Tom came into his life when he was retired a decade ago. Muthu’s nephew Manoj Kumar says that his younger brother bought Tom, a brown labrador, when he was 45 days old. For the entire family, Tom was a loved dog, but for Muthu, Tom was like his son. Muthu wanted the coming generation also should know about his love and affection for the dog and decided to build the statue. Muthu has spent almost Rs 150,000 from his savings to build this statue. The dog lived with them for 11 years and died in January 2021. To coincide with the dog's first death

anniversary, the statue was put up this January. The statue is erected in a familyowned farm, 18 km away from their home in Manamadurai. Muthu visits the statue at least twice a week. Whenever the family visits the statue, they offer Tom his favourite food and garland the statue. The family plans to build a temple for the dog there. (Agency) Meet the auto driver who used to be an English lecturer

When Nikita Iyer, a Bengaluru-based professional, heard her autorickshaw driver speaking in impeccable English, she was taken aback at first. Curious, she asked him how he had acquired fluency in the language. The 74-year-old auto driver opened up about his former life as an English lecturer and more. Nikita documented her extraordinary encounter in a LinkedIn post. Nikita, on her way to work, was stranded in the middle of a highway. An old man driving a rickshaw stopped and asked her where she I wanted to go. Skeptical at first, she told the auto driver she needed to reach her office at the other end of the city and was running late. The driver responded in English, much to her surprise. He said, 'Please come in Ma'm, you can pay what you want' in impeccable English." "Taken aback with such kind behaviour, I said ok and what followed was a very enriching 45 minutes." When Nikita, unable to contain her curiosity, asked the driver how he "spoke such good English", the man revealed that he used to be an English lecturer in a Mumbai college and had done his MA and MEd. When asked why he became an auto driver, he revealed that his name was Pataabi Raman and had been driving an auto for 14 years - ever since he retired from his post as a college lecturer. When Raman did not get a job in Karnataka, he moved to Mumbai and found job in a reputed college. He worked in that college in Powai for 20 years before he retired at the age of 60 and moved back to Bengaluru. Since he did not have a pension, he started driving the rickshaw to earn Rs 700-1,500 a day which was enough to keep him and his wife happy. (Agency) School principal embraces Vanprastha Rucha Vyas stepped down from the post of principal of a municipal school minutes after she turned 51 on March 31.

She was preparing for this day for over 25 years. She set an example for many by

embracing Vanprastha, one of the four stages of life according to the Vedic ashram system. It would not be easy for anyone to forgo a monthly salary of Rs 70,000 and the post of head of a school.

But Rucha set herself free from all these, as she had promised to her husband Rudresh, now head of the psychology department at MTB Arts College, when they had got married. Rucha had started as a primary teacher when she was 18. She worked in different schools for 33 years as a teacher and principal. While working, she did her graduation and post graduation in English. Later, she did PG in psychology. Rucha and the family celebrated her decision with a series of events to spread the message. Rucha plans to take up welfare activities, including teaching, at municipal schools and spend time travelling with family. She says she will be involved in social service and will do things that she likes. (The Times of India) Miss Universe dances with border police families

Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel in Noida hosted Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu for a special programme on women empowerment.

Harnaaz, who returned to India earlier this week for the first time since winning the crown, attended the special programme organised by Himveer Wives Welfare Association (HWWA) under the aegis of ITBP's 39th Battalion in Greater Noida. During the event, Harnaaz praised ITBP personnel for their dedicated service to the country. She also joined police families and children in a group dance performance, shaking a leg to a Punjabi song. The ITBP shared a video of Harnaaz dancing at the event on Instagram, writing: "Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu joining Himveer families and children in a group performance during a special programme organized on Women Empowerment & HWWA Raising Day at 39th Battalion ITBP Greater Noida." According to a report, Harnaaz spoke about the difficult conditions under which ITBP guards the snowy border of the country. She also shared her views on the progress and efforts being made toward women empowerment. Harnaaz is only the third Indian to win the Miss Universe title, after Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000. The 22-year-old from Chandigarh started her journey in pageantry when she won Times Fresh Face in 2017. She was previously crowned Miss Diva Universe 2021. (Agency)

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UK Ministers pay tribute to Bangabandhu on Bangladesh's 51st Anniversary of Independence and National Day Speakers laud PM Sheikh Hasina’s outstanding leadership in strengthening democracy and regional security

B

ritish Ministers and senior parliament members paid profound homage to Bangladesh’s Founding Father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s outstanding leadership in strengthening inclusive democracy, economic progress, climate initiatives and regional security at the 51st Anniversary of Independence and National Day Reception, hosted by High Commissioner for Bangladesh to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem on Monday at the Great Hall of London’s prestigious venue Methodist Church Convention Centre at Westminster, next to the British Parliament.

Chairman of the Conservative Party and Cabinet Minister without portfolio Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP attended the reception as the Chief Guest while British Foreign and Development Office (FCDO) Minister for South and Central Asia, North Africa, United Nations and the Commonwealth Lord Tariq Ahmad was the Guest of Honour.

UK Minister for Defence Jeremy Quin MP and Minister for London and Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets Paul Scully MP attended and spoke on the occasion as special guests.

Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP, Sam Tarry MP representing the Labour Party Leader and member of Scottish Parliament Foysol Choudhury MSP also spoke on the occasion.

Apart from the above speakers, a number of cross-party MPs along with Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia

an inspirational leader, and today his vision for independent Bangladesh is continued by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”

brighter and more prosperous future.”

Speaking on the occasion, UK FCDO Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a leader upholding the spirit and values of Bangabandhu in building a self-reliant, secular and inclusive Bangladesh. He said, “Sheikh

Scotland, International Maritime Organisation Secretary-General Kitack Lim, high commissioners and ambassadors of more than 50 countries including, High Commissioner for India to the UK Gaitri Issar Kumar; and business association leaders, academics and eminent members of the British-Bangladeshi Lord Ahmad addressing the audience in presence of diaspora attended the Ms Saida Muna Tasneem, the Bangladesh High reception.

Commissioner to the UK Recalling Bangabandhu's maiden visit to London on 8 January 1972 as President of Bangladesh and meeting with Conservative Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, Oliver Dowden MP said, “Not only was the historic meeting at No 10 a powerful symbol of Bangladesh's independence, but it laid the foundation for a deep and enduring partnership between the UK and Bangladesh. Over time, we've established a strong bond with Bangladesh, bound by kinship, cultural ties, and shared values."

The Conservative Chairman commended Bangladesh’s recent economic growth and progress and said, “The people of Bangladesh have now begun to see Bangabandhu’s vision of an inclusive democratic and secular valuebased country are being realised, and the UK would work together with Bangladesh to build a

Hasina is a leader who has stood up for democracy and against those who seek to radicalise communities. She is a woman of principle who seeks to strengthen inclusive democracy and freedom that guides us forth today.”

Referring to Bangabandhu’s historic meeting at 10 Downing Street with Sir Edward Heath, Lord Ahmad said, “Bangladesh-UK relations since then has gone from strength to strength and it would deepen further on shared values and towards peace and prosperity of the two friendly nations.”

Paying deep homage to the Father of the Nation and 1971 martyrs, High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem in her welcome remarks said, “Fifty-one years ago, Bangabandhu founded Bangladesh on democratic, secular and progressive values for which he received a hero’s welcome at

The minister also said that the UK is looking forward to increasing further Guests included High Commissioner of India to UK, the strategic maritime Ms Gaitri Issar Kumar and Commonwealth Secretary cooperation in the Bay of General Baroness Scotland Bengal, counterterrorism as well as support to No 10 in 1972; and the UK became Bangladesh Forces Goal 2030. the first European countries to recognise Bangladesh. Fifty-one Paul Scully MP speaking at years later, as Prime Minister the occasion lauded the BritishSheikh Hasina's relentless strides Bangladeshi community’s varitransformed Bangladesh into the ous contributions to the UK, and Asia's fastest-growing economy specially the brilliant philanpursuing Bangabandhu’s inclusive thropic work of the Britishand progressive democratic values, Bangladeshi business communithe UK continues to remain a cruties during the covid pandemic. cial partner in realising that vision Shadow Foreign Secretary and our shared prosperity.”

David Lammy MP paid deep tribRecalling Prime Minister ute to Bangabandhu and greeted Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina Boris Johnson’s bilateral meeting for her leadership in facing cliin November 2021, the High mate issues. He reaffirmed Commissioner said, “Prime minisLabour Party’s continual support ters of Bangladesh and UK underfor Bangladesh saying: “As a took a common resolve to open shadow Foreign Secretary, I will new frontiers in Bangladesh-UK continue to work with the peorelations and elevate this partnerple of Bangladesh and the govship towards strategic level prioriernment.” tising business, climate change, The event's highlights includtechnology transfer, and educaed a colourful cultural perfortion and skills for an ever prospermance by Bangladesh Shilpakala ous and shared future.”

Academy performing art delegaThe envoy recalled with due tion led by Cultural Affairs respect the contribution of the UK Secretary Md. Abul Monsur, a government, its people and the photo exhibition titled British-Bangladeshi and the Irish‘Bangabandhu and Britain’ dediBangladeshi expatriates during the cated to Bangabandhu’s special 1971 war. relations with the UK as well as Paying rich tribute to exclusive documentaries on Bangabandhu, British Minister for Bangladesh’s extraordinary Defence Jeremy Quin MP in his progress in the past decade remarks said, “Bangladesh’s under the visionary leadership of founding father Sheikh Mujib was Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

A people’s person passes away Navin Shah, Former Chair of the London Assembly & Member of London Assembly Keith the ever so popular figure in Harrow sadly passed away last week.

On 1st of April I rang Keith and wished him a Happy Birthday. After that, two days before he died, I met Keith on Sunday 3rd April afternoon at St Mary’s Church for the Mayor’s Civic Service. Over a cup of tea I had a lovely conversation with him who looked very fragile but as ever happy to talk and share memories, which we did. As usual, there was some banter about his dangerous driving and how over his 32 year career as a Councillor he nearly killed ‘half of the Labour Councillors with him in the driver’s seat! This was quite true because I was one of the near victims of his driving in 1994 when I was elected as his co-Councillor.

Incidentally as a former communist he insisted driving Skoda cars in his early career as a Councillor.

I’ve known Keith, his wife Nye and family since nearly 40 years. He was my mentor and inspiration, guiding me to win in Kenton East ward. He branded the ward as the Republic of Kenton! I represented this ward for 20 years of which 12 years were with Keith as my co-Councillor.

Keith was very proud of his Welsh Heritage and every time he addressed

Late Hon Alderman Keith Toms

cultural events of diverse communities he would not only refer to his welsh origin but also greeted everyone in Welsh. He was hugely passionate about equality and fighting discrimination.

When he was elected as the Mayor of Harrow he gave a top platform to racial equality - so he branded himself as the first ‘anti-racist Mayor of Harrow’.

Given Keith’s passionate work against racism, his humour, passion for diverse cultures and communities he was hugely loved by Harrow’s religiously and culturally diverse communities.

One of his famous sentence for Indian events was ‘Mahatma (Gandhi) was for India but Bapu was for the world’!

Born in South Wales and son of a miner, Keith’s political career was first defined by communist ideology and

was a firebrand campaigner all his life.

May it be Miner’s strike or NHS campaigns he was always in the forefront.

One of his proud involvement was the successful occupation of Northwood Pinner Hospital to save it from closure.

After joining the Labour Party, given his commitment he became a Councillor for Harrow Weald in 1978 and then served Kenton East for 28 years. During this period he was an active member of the Labour group and served as Leader of the Group & Leader of the opposition. I’m proud that immediately after his retirement from Harrow Council in 2006 Keith became the Honorary Alderman of Harrow which was during my leadership of Harrow Council & the Labour Group. This was just a perfect position for people’s person like Keith and he adored the position for the rest of his life.

All those adjectives like larger than life; inspirational; principled; firebrand and legendary etc. were so very applicable to this giant of a person. To me, he was the one who promoted and guided me to public service. I always looked up to him as a mentor, friend and brother.

He will be sorely missed by Harrow and our diverse community. Truly it's the end of an era. RIP ever so popular Keith. Ohm Shanti Shanti Shanti.

Maoist cult leader who raped his followers dies in jail The leader of a Maoist cult Aravindan Balakrishnan, 81, of Enfield, who called himself Comrade Bala, and kept his own daughter captive for 30 years, died in jail.

He used to brainwash his followers into believing that he had godlike powers. In 2016, he was jailed for 23 years after he was convicted of a string of offences including child cruelty, false imprisonment and assault. He died in HMP Dartmoor on Friday.

Over the span of 30 years, he raped two of his followers and heard the jurors during his trial at Southwark Crown Court.

In the 1970s, he established the Workers’ Institute of MarxismLeninism-Mao Zedong Thought, a cult in south London and convinced his followers that he can read minds. His daughter, Katy Morgan-Davies, said the

cult had been a ‘horrible’ ‘dehumanising and degrading’ experience.

Ms Morgan-Davies, who waived her right to anonymity, said: ‘I used to think, “God, if the whole world is going to be like this, what way out is there? How am I going to live? I cannot live in this. So I used to think that the best way would be to die.”

A Prison Service spokesperson said the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman had been informed of Balakrishnan’s death.

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16 - 22 April 2022

Bridgerton Season 2: Representation matters, but at what cost?

Shonda Rhimes’ Bridgerton Season 2 has dropped on Netflix and it’s more than just about the diamond of the season, waltz and mazurka and certainly more nuanced in writing than season 1.

However, while South Asians feel seen and represented in characters like Edwina and Kathani Sharma who have Indian roots, Bridgerton Season 2 seems to have meddled with linguistics while intending to get it right.

South Asians have critiqued the narrative and representation and in some cases, quite rightly so.

Mandira Sarkar said, “I’m very confused with Bengali ‘bons’ and southern Indian Appas. A Sharma surname from Mumbai royalty is a complete hotchpotch!”

Prof Sunny Singh, Cofounder of Jhalak Prize wrote a Twitter thread saying, “The race free utopia of this Bridgerton season is being constantly disrupted.

The choice of corgi for in a narrative about mixed heritage people/inter-racial

couples is…well, inimical to my suspension of disbelief.”

“So Bridgerton S2 casts two South Asian women in major roles, gives their characters the last name Sharma, they supposedly speak Marathi and Hindustani but they call their father ‘appa,’ and the older sis calls the younger one ‘bon.’ Confused much?” Prof Singh reacted.

‘Nazi romances’ however, continue to a disgusting (and yes antisemitic) part of contemporary romance genre although I have not encountered one any that places victims into position of perpetrators with Bridgerton’s insouciance,” she added in one of her tweets.

“Also bon which is “bone” and Bengali for sister pronounced incorrectly as bon as in bonbon,” Mallika Basu added.

Entrepreneur and BBC Presenter Sonya Barlow told us, “As someone who is called didi, I loved the fact that they referenced that.

Generally, yes more research could have gone on though that clearly showcases why

we need the representatives in the decision making.

However, another thing to note is that SA culture is so vast, so not everything will be 100% accurate but as a 20-year-old South Asian woman, I'm excited the conversation is starting and we are coming into mainstream media. Gives me hope as a radio presenter and TV and media personality.”

E.L. Johnson, a historical mystery author, told Asian Voice, “Shondaland’s Bridgerton has been a pioneer in progress, in the sense that people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds are taking centre stage. Featuring actors from an Asian background in starring roles is a step in the right direction, and with any luck, we’ll be seeing more of this in the days to come.

“As viewers, we are there

to be entertained and swept away by the costumes, the scandals and the lush romances of the ton in Julia Quinn’s portrayal of Regency England. Whilst some fans might question whether the depictions and cultural references are entirely historically accurate, it’s worth remembering that this is a period drama and is fiction at its best.

“What is great about this show is not the just the incredible romantic tension between Viscount Bridgerton and Miss Sharma, but the slight references to history, especially when it comes to the commercial relationship between the UK and India in the 19th century. The British East India Company was trading with India since the 1600s, so when Miss Sharma declares in the second episode how much she dis-

Monica Chadha appointed to the British Film Institute The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has appointed Monica Chadha, Edgar Wright, Scott Stuber, Elizabeth Karlsen and Laura Miele to the Board of the BFI Governors for a term of four years commencing on 09 May 2022 until 08 May 2026.

Monica is an experienced board advisor with over 25 years of experience in the creative industry. She advises a number of organisations including the International Union of Cinemas (UNIC); British Association for Screen Entertainment (BASE); Digital Entertainment Group Europe (DEGE); and serves on the CMI President’s Advisory Council; the Bias in AI Research Group at Durham University;

and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for AI. In 2018 Monica was appointed ambassador for Women on Boards and a ‘Super NED’. In 2019 she was one of the top 50 Women to Watch in the UK in the Female FTSE Board Report. She is also a long-term global coach for a multinational entertainment company; and a faculty member of the FT Board Director Programme.

Monica was previously CEO of MyMovies.Net Ltd, Vice-Chair of the Queen Mary University of London and Chair of Remuneration; Founder and Co-Chair of the Deloitte Higher Education Cyber Security Group; Chair of the British Independent Film Awards Advisory Board and the British

Board of Film Classification Advisory Group; a member of the BAFTA Digital Communications Board and NonExecutive Director positions at British Video Association; Voddess Portal Ltd; and Obviously Creative Ltd. Early in her career Monica was Head of Operations for various film distributors and started out at Technicolor Distribution.

SIA announces “good causes” grants Altogether the SIA has awarded a total of £113,000 to nine charities and community enterprise groups. The grants will come from a special SIA fund that uses ill-gotten cash confiscated from individuals convicted of criminal offences within the private security industry.

The awards and beneficiaries for the grants are: u £25,000 to EY Foundation: Secure Futures programme (a previous beneficiary) u £20,000 to The Prince’s Trust for

u u

u u

‘Get Into’ Security initiative (a previous beneficiary) £13,630 to ProtectEd, for its SecurED research initiative £12,500 to PTSD Resolution, rehabilitation for former service personnel, many of whom are security personnel suffering mental health issues following active service £10,000 to Argus Community Interest Company, which offers specialist security training in County Durham £10,000 to Young Enterprise, for

its initiative to support 600 students in Stoke u £10,000 to Global Vision Initiative, a Manchester-based community enterprise supporting women and girls from a range of communities u £7,257 to Samsons Academy for its SIA Training and Certification Courses in Bedford u £4,619 to Banana Enterprise Network for the purchase of personal alarms and a safety app for this Bolton based charity

Transgender women should not compete in female sports: UK Prime Minister UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday that transgender women should not be competing in female sporting events.

Johnson was speaking as the country looked set to abandon plans to hold a flagship conference designed to promote LGBTQ+ rights around the world. Charities and organisations are boycotting the event following a dispute over conversion therapy for transgender people, ESPN reported.

"I don't think biological males

should be competing in female sporting events. Maybe that's a controversial thing to say, but it just seems to me to be sensible," Johnson said.

"I also happen to think that women should have spaces -whether it's in hospitals, prison or changing rooms -- which

are dedicated to women.

That's as far as my thinking has developed on this issue.

"If that puts me in conflict with some others, then we have got to work it all out. It doesn't mean I'm not immensely sympathetic to people who want to change gender, to transition, and it's vital we give people the maximum love and support in making those decisions."

likes British tea, it may well be a subtle nod to the historical trade between those nations.”

The show uses Karan Johar’s blockbuster Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’s title track during the ‘haldi’ ceremony of Edwina, while also using the custom of applying turmeric to unmarried girls as a sign of good luck for their future nuptials.

The show interestingly (this season) reminds viewers of the movie Mujhse Dosti Karoge at many instances, where the storyline coincides with what happens between Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor who fall in love with the same man, Hrithik Roshan. The exchanging of bangles, tiffs and picking up of romantic vibes between Kathani and Anthony, and Edwina eventually accepting

their relationship, is a deja vu experience for Bollywood fans.

Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas also tagged the lead actors and creator of ‘Bridgerton’ on Instagram and wrote, “I have to say..it's so wonderful to see desi representation on mainstream TV. It was such an anomaly when I started. Love the show and the Sharma sisters.”

While audiences may stand divided in opinion over the show this season, representation matters, yes.

But, not at the cost of fiddling with facts and linguistics.

If you would like to share your opinion on the South Asian representation of women in Bridgerton S2, do write to us at shefali.saxena@abplgroup.com by Monday 12 pm BST.

South Asian women team to reach new peaks Asian Women MEAN Business (AWMB) a UK based education and empowerment platform for South Asian Women, has taken on one of the greatest challenges to bring into fruition a history in the making ground-breaking trip of a group of South Asian women trekking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

In August 2022, Rupinder Kaur, Founder of AWMB, will fly out to Tanzania with 15 other climbers from the UK. All the women are British, from a South Asian heritage. This is the first time such an endeavour has been undertaken by an exclusively South Asian female group.

Getting to the summit of Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, is not for the fainthearted, and has challenged and defeated even the most experienced of climbers. Its permanently snow-capped summit towers 5,895 metres above sea level - four times higher than Ben Nevis, UK’s highest mountain. To reach the summit, the all-female team will have to brave daunting conditions and harsh terrain, camping on bare rocky mountain slopes for six consecutive nights through 5 climate zones, from bushland to arctic.

The approach to the summit will be especially demanding, overcoming exhaustion and altitude sickness, the team will set off at midnight in oxygenthin air for the final 6-8 hour push to the summit, over dangerously loose boulders before the mostly vertical snowy climb, maintaining a reserve for the equally treacherous descent.

Explaining her excite-

ment at bringing a team together for the climb, Rupinder Kaur said: “Climbing one of the seven summits is no small feat, especially when you're on track to make history.

There are many reasons for assembling an exclusively South Asian female group to climb the world’s largest freestanding mountain.

Our foremost motivation for organising the trip is unequivocal: We want to show the world what Asian women are capable of. The Kilimanjaro expedition provides an example of what is possible for others, that it’s okay to hit pause as Asian women on your parental, family responsibilities, and seek personal accomplishment and adventure for YOU.” To prepare for the challenge, the currently inexperienced team will undertake serious climbing training including spending 2 days camping and trekking with Surrey Trek & Hire, an overnight Mount Snowdon summit and regular 14mile hikes across the Chilterns.

A documentary crew will be joining the team to capture this gruelling trek and momentous occasion.

Award-winning documentary maker Rehmat Ryatt, who won Best Documentary for her previous offering Toxification, has partnered with the project to bring it to the screen.

To follow their training and updates you can follow the #ClimbKiliWithAWMB.

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Lolita Chakraborty's Life of Pi wins big

Nishit Kotak: Strategic Web Success (SWS) Group Sunetra Senior Strategic Web Success is the antidote to often-elitist commercial business: namely the cut-throat culture of online intercorporate competition.

Nishit’s digital firm focuses on garnering good reviews from a willing public to powerfully elevate clients across a variety of small business. From private medical practices to trendy bakeries and local government, the enterprise combines philanthropic ethos with strategic marketing to not only boost a plethora of niche clients but further level an entire system. This is done through the subversive wielding of Reputation Marketing: a concept which was typically the domain of big business. Co-Founder, Nishit, elaborated: “Amazon, Google and Yellow Pages were using the approach where very few others had caught on. When starting SWS a decade ago, we noticed that many smaller businesses were struggling to collect customer feedback and online reviews. Search Engine Optimisation or paid ads were the normal method of getting additional traffic to the usual local business website. However, relying on SEO or paid ads is really not enough.

With everyone fiercely aware of this, research shows that customers tend to trust third-parties, or ‘word-of-mouth’ over the company’s own marketing.

What a Company says about themselves is their story; what their customers say about them is their reputation. We explore and make the most of that idea”: this, logically, is Reputation marketing!

“It doesn’t matter if you’re higher on the search engine or the cheapest: what people want is superior quality.”

Strategic Web Success then correspondingly offers a multi-faceted approach where clients are granted a workable feedback system through which they can monitor profitable performance while better selling themselves online. This includes how to efficiently collect reviews as well as posting the positive feedback on the most influential platforms, such as Google, Facebook and Trip Advisor, as well as solid integration of visibility on Google maps which is conjoined with online booking and so inevitably also feedback. Nishit is in the top 10% of Google Local Guides in London, and always helping to improve the Google maps experience. He is in the top 10% for reviewers on Google for bars, restaurants and venues. In fact, the company thrived during lockdown, expanding to 17 countries online.

“We’d been discussing the potential of Zoom to strengthen communication before it was basically mandatory…”

But what happens to negative reviews? The answer truly reveals how benignly SWS differentiates itself. As well as positive feedback, the company drives constructive reform within the industry to genuinely elicit it: “Negative reviews are acknowledged and with the right team, can become a huge part of companies’ success. We encourage responsiveness to areas that need improvement, growing the company holistically. We regularly check-in and have dialogues about feedback so that the running of the company can itself evolve. We have feedback forms that help specify exactly which department and even

individual is responsible. We also encourage the incentivising of staff to do well through certificates of achievement and special monetised rewards. We are interested in authentic good reviews that will consistently pour in.” Indeed, this unique outlook has been verified through the winning of several exciting awards for SWS: from the Innovation & Excellence Awards to making it into the Global 100 list.

Unsurprisingly, the CEO himself is a friendly accommodating individual who has explicitly incorporated ‘TLC’ into his business! “We realised that customers appreciated encouragement and guidance through the process of receiving and implementing lots of feedback so we have an entire team dedicated to oversee and practically assist.” And so, the best contemporary policy is one in which everybody wins. SWS transcends simple expert methodology to embody an essential universal aim: reverberating

contentment. Valuing the people behind the numbers not only increases wealth but also promotes the longevity that preserves it. True emotional investment only comes of a strong bond. This is the social master key to booming modern business.

“Community and sustainable connection are at the heart of what we do. We 100% support CSR.”

"Relying on SEO or paid ads is really not enough. With everyone fiercely aware of this, research shows that customers tend to trust third-parties, or ‘word-ofmouth’ over the company’s own marketing. What a Company says about themselves is their story; what their customers say about them is their reputation. We explore and make the most of that idea” You state that customers started to consider strong reviews over top search results on the internet. This implies the inherent democratisation of consumerism. Do you have any comment on harnessing online activity as empowerment of the public?

NISHIT KOTAK There are two sides to the coin. On the one hand, it’s incredible that we can leave a review or opinion about absolutely anything. On the flipside, the companies receiving unfiltered feedback are susceptible to unfair damage. You might have a vengeful or unreliable review and this could sabotage an entire business. Similarly, if a

"So last night at Olivier Awards was amazing! Life of Pi at Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Wyndham’s Theatre won 5 awards which gave us 14 statuettes across our team.

Everyone has worked so hard to realise this extraordinary story by Yann Martel I can’t stop smiling!!!" she tweeted.

Beckham's snub Harry and Meghan at son’s wedding Football superstar David Beckham’s son Brooklyn Beckham got married on April 10, 2022. He reportedly got engaged to his long-term girlfriend Nicola Peltz in July 2020. A recent report by The Daily Mail revealed a series of details about Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz’s wedding ceremony that took place at Palm Beach on Sunday.

business bribes someone to leave positive reviews, they risk prosecution. It is illegal. It’s therefore important to be mindful and careful across the board.

Yes, it can be easy to glamourise the awesome power of the Web but with such authority is always the need for great responsibility and moderation.

Actually, in Thailand, a man who wrote persistently negative reviews of restaurants, which caused considerable harm to the company’s revenue, was sent to jail! Every country has different regulations but, again, consequences remain the same.

What has been a highlight moment?

Helping a dental practice thrive and basically become a mini-empire!

The owners in question now have 8 separate, successful businesses: each of which SWS has closely assisted.

You say your award-winning duty to Community is what makes you unique. Tell us more.

Yes. Our CSR extends to volunteering to help improve access to the digital marketing know-how. We work with a few organisations and charities, donating time and experience: we work with the Sai school of Harrow. We moved the whole school online within a week, training students and teachers to use zoom to carry on with classes. We even opened its doors to Kenya virtually, expanding internationally; secondly, we do help out at Diwali on Trafalgar Square, working with the Mayor of London’s office. They call me their IT specialist, having found a solution that even a paid media company could not!; there’s Healing Our Earth, which is a communal organisation that brings together experts in mental health, gentle fitness such as yoga, and vegetarian cooks. It encourages people to maintain their health. We’ve had 126 shows so far, and through lockdown and I’ve run every single one. Finally, I love treating my team to fun destressing activities such as skydiving!

W: https://www.sws-ltd.com/aboutus/

The function was kept intimate with only close family and friends on the guest list. David Beckham gifted the newlywed couple an electrified and re-engineered convertible 1954 Jaguar XK140 as a wedding gift according to a report by The Daily Mail. The classic vehicle is worth $500,000 (Rs. 3,79,57,750) and Sr Beckham was also seen taking the vintage car for with wife Victoria before giving it away as a gift.

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz decided to make a grand entry at the wedding brunch with the same four-wheeler, recreating the iconic Meghan Markle- Price Harry reception moment from 2018.

Kate and William were invited to the star-studded £3 million wedding in Florida, but the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge declined the request.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan, who also had David and Victoria as wedding guests in 2018, were not even invited to the wedding. Actor actors Rashida Jones and filmmaker M Night Shyamalan were also in attendance.

I was racially profiled, says SNP MP Anum Qaisar An SNP MP Anum Qaisar said police in Westminster stopped her twice when she was dressed in a salwar kameez, something which she never encountered when she wore a western outfit.

Along with this, the Airdrie and Shotts MP also pointed out a lack of options for people who are not able-bodied.

She said: “I was racially profiled on the parliamentary estate a couple of weeks ago, and when I spoke to my SNP group about that it was over-

whelming because they wanted to be there to support me. They identified the fact that I am the only person of colour representing a Scottish constituency.”

16 FESTIVAL SPECIAL

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NHS doctors urge eligible Muslims to have spring booster jab this Ramadan Leading Muslim NHS doctors are today stressing that having a lifesaving covid vaccine during Ramadan does not break the daylight hours fast with the NHS spring booster campaign now underway.

Resident TV doctor Dr Nighat Arif, a GP in Buckinghamshire, and Dr Farzana Hussain, a senior GP in East London and 2019 GP of the year, are among the doctors urging people to roll up their sleeves and have their jab.

People aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed are now able to book their spring booster via the National Booking Service as part of the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in health service history.

Tens of thousands of people have already taken up the offer in order to protect themselves and their loved ones, including 95year-old grandad of two, Devraj Jhalam, who was one of the first to get a spring boost last Monday in Slough.

Recent research from the UK Health Security Agency has shown that the NHS booster programme has helped prevent around 197,000 hospitalisations since midDecember.

The NHS in England made history when Margaret Keenan received the first jab outside of a clinical trial, in Coventry in December 2020 and since then has delivered over 119 million jabs since rollout began, including over 32 million booster vaccines.

Dozens of Mosques around the country will be hosting pop-up clinics either inside the mosque or

nearby, including East London Mosque, Darus Salam Mosque in Leicester and Assunah Mosque in north London, making it easier than ever to get a life-saving covid jab.

Meanwhile, a number of NHS vaccination sites are extending their opening hours so that Muslims can receive the jab after they have eaten if they would prefer to do so and make it easier for people to find a convenient slot.

People who are invited can book in online or by calling 119, which is free from mobiles and landlines. Lines are open every day from 8am to 8pm, and 119 can provide support in 200 languages.

Dr Nighat Arif, who regularly appears on BBC Breakfast and ITV This Morning, said: “Having your jab in Ramadan is permissible and it does not break your fast because it is not nutrition.

“So when offered please get your spring booster as this will help increase your protection from the rising covid transmission rates and cut your risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 and being admitted to hospital – I would urge anyone invited for a spring jab to come forward as soon as possible.”

Dr Hussain, a practising Muslim who works at The Project Surgery in East London, said there was no problem with taking up the spring booster during daylight hours.

Dr Farzana Hussain said: “There is absolutely no reason why you should not come forward for your life-saving covid-19 jab if you are eligible and have been invited a spring booster because it does not

break your fast.

“The Koran says saving your life is the most important thing: to save one life is to save the whole of humanity. It’s a responsibility of a practising Muslim to get their vaccine when invited in order to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“Getting your spring booster will help increase your protection from the rising covid transmission rates and cut your risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 and being admitted to hospital – I would urge anyone invited for a spring jab to come forward as soon as possible.”

This year local NHS teams will also be setting up some mobile vaccine clinics near mosques, which has been found to a more effective way of reaching those eligible.

The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA), an affiliate of the Muslim Council of Britain insists it is okay to have during Ramadan as it is not nutritional.

Nor does it contain any animal or foetal products.

Dr Amer Hamed, the member of the BIMA Council and Covid Response Group, said: "During the month of Ramadan BIMA encourages Muslims to keep wearing masks, ventilating your houses and Mosques, washing your hands regularly & getting appropriate booster vaccine doses so that you can save more lives than before."

Full ingredient lists are published by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA): AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna.

Sports Direct launches ‘Fast Enough’- the new podcast for Muslim runners this Ramadan To help inspire Muslim communities to achieve their fitness and sporting goals whilst fasting this Ramadan, Sports Direct has today launched the Fast Enough: Ramadan Running podcast - the perfect pavement-pounding companion for Muslim runners throughout the holy month.

Released throughout Ramadan just before sunset to coincide with breaking the fast, the weekly episodes will help runners slow down and reflect, allowing them to explore the spiritual and physical elements of their run. Set to the steady tempo of 120bpm, the backing track will encourage runners to move mindfully and allow them to be at their personal best, rather than beat their personal best.

The series will be hosted by British Taekwondo athlete and breakthrough punditry star of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Lutalo Muhammad. Each episode will feature a different British Muslim guest star, including star founder of “Active Inclusion Network” Haroon Mota, journalist Fadumo Olow, rugby player Zainab Alema and actress Zoha Rahman.

From exercise plans and wellness tips to mental preparation and finding balance, the podcast series will cover a whole host of

topics whilst ensuring listeners don’t miss a beat when it comes to navigating Ramadan safely.

The podcast is a continuation of last year’s award-winning campaign ‘Fast & Slow’ which was devised to help Muslims train safely during the holy month, after findings highlighted that a quarter of Muslims train less during Ramadan.

A special live event will also take place later this month at Sports Direct’s Flagship Store in Oxford Street, where members of the public will be invited to learn

more about the holy month and immerse themselves within the podcast.

Speaking at the launch of the podcast, Lutalo Muhammad, added: “Knowing first-hand the difficulties associated with training during Ramadan, the concept really appealed to me! It’s so important that you listen to your body and train at a pace you feel comfortable with. I really hope that this podcast helps not only on a practical level with the tips we’ll be providing but on a more inspirational one, too.”

Bringing peace of mind this Ramadan Sanaa Ahmad, Mental Health Manager (Pakistan), British Asian Trust There has been no dearth of reports warning of mental health crises in the UK in the past few months.

Social workers have cited a 25% rise in cases of mental ill-health in children and young people since 2020. Recognising how socioeconomic inequality goes hand-in-hand with mental health, the Levelling Up White Paper aims to have 900,000 people referred to social prescribing therapies to support mental health beyond medication.

Whilst awareness and acceptance of mental health issues, as well as the resources for addressing them, are commonplace in the UK, unfortunately, the same cannot be said of many countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, which lack both the awareness and capacity to address the growing mental health crisis post-Covid-19.

The widespread stigma and lack of awareness mean that almost 90% of people in need of treatment in Pakistan lack access to any support.

There are fewer than 500 psychologists and 400 psychiatrists for the population of 216 million people. Alcohol and drug dependency, sexual assault, trauma, neglect and poverty, exacerbated by Covid-19, can worsen mental health problems.

Umme Habiba, a mental health coordinator in Pakistan, notes that many community members in Pakistan take young girls facing mental illhealth to spiritual healers, believing that the issues are caused by demons that can be exorcised through physical torture.

Bangladesh faces a similar dilemma. Suicide is the leading cause of death among Bangladeshi adolescents, yet most Bangladeshis have no access to mental health services, and they encounter stigma and social exclusion.

It is critical to end the stigma around mental health before delivering any solutions. However, stigma is not just about a lack of acceptance of mental health issues. It also involves a lack of understanding of how to deal with these issues, where to seek help and how to support those suffering. It is about both the accessibility and affordability of seeking help.

The British Asian Trust, in collaboration with local in-country partners, has been facilitating conversations about mental health and teaching individuals how to support themselves and others over the past eight years.

Our mass media campaigns have reached 16 million people with mental health messaging through television and social media. In low-income urban communities, we have gone door-to-door to start critical conversations about mental health with 270,000 people. Shortly after the onset of the pandemic, we set up the Mental Health Covid Response programme, which provided emergency support to 140,000 individuals during the pandemic.

Together with our partners, the British Asian Trust has also been instrumental in establishing the Pakistan Mental Health Coalition, which brings together organisations and experts passionate about mental health under one platform. The Coalition enables collaboration, and learning and provides strategic leadership to key issues.

Recently, the Coalition successfully campaigned for the passing of a Bill for the decriminalisation of suicide in Pakistan.

Despite these successes, much work remains to be done to build the capacity of the mental health ecosystem in these countries. There are many more conversations yet to be initiated – between health professionals, workplace colleagues, students and teachers, as well as families and friends. As we emerge from the pandemic, we also need to train more family practitioners and expand the service delivery of our mental health interventions.

Throughout Ramadan, the British Asian Trust is encouraging Zakat and donations as part of its Peace of Mind campaign, which aims to alleviate the mental health crisis impacting millions in South Asia. Just £10 can give five people access to support from a mental health professional for a month.

Visit https://www.britishasiantrust.org/appeals/peace-of-mind/ to learn how you can bring peace of mind to those who need your help.

Vaisakhi at Trafalgar Square 2022 This year, you can head to Trafalgar Square to enjoy the festival of Vaisakhi, a celebration of Sikh and Punjabi tradition, heritage and culture. There will be free light bites and Indian tea (Langar), demonstrations of martial arts (Gatka), entertainment and a display of Sikh art.

It will be hosted by Tommy Sandhu, and you can enjoy some langer and tea and the following programme of activities on Trafalgar Square. The opening ceremony will be at 1 pm, where a 10-piece marching band from Asian British Music ('ABM') will perform the Sikh anthem 'Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Hai'.

Langar food demo by Chef Manpreet Singh will take place at the following times:

1:20pm, 2pm, 2:40pm, 3:20pm, 4pm, 4:40pm, 5:20pm (timing subject to change at short notice). Talk/Parchaar by Basics of Sikhi taking place at the following times: 1:40pm,

2:20pm, 3pm, 3:40pm, 4:20pm, 5pm, 5:40pm (timing subject to change at short notice).

Gatka performance timings are 2:25 pm, and 4:15 pm (timing subject to change at short notice).

Kirtan performances from Qi-Rattan and Manika Kaur will be recorded especially for Vaisakhi 2022 as well as celebratory messages from Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP for Slough and Karenjeet Bains, the first Sikh woman to compete for Great Britain in powerlifting.

From 5pm-6pm. A range of free and fun activities is provided by Kiddie Sangat for children to do including Mala making, Khanda colouring as well as creating your own Kirpan on a gatra to take home.

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7-year-old Indian artist set to have a solo exhibition in London Shefali Saxena

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dvait Kolarkar’s first solo exhibition in London following the artist's previous successes including the New York ArtExpo, London Art Biennale 2021 and shows around the world. Advait is one of the youngest and most promising artists worldwide featured on the BBC and various other global news stations as a remarkable and wonderful young talent from India. Advait has also received the prestigious Global Child Prodigy Award.

Advait has a fascinating story that started at 8 months old when he was given food colourings to play with by his mother.

The depth of his imagination, manifested on the kitchen floor, externalised naturally into eloquent compositions.

When Kolarkar learnt to speak, colours dominated his vocabulary and at the age of 2 years old, he could differentiate Naples Yellow from Cadmium Yellow and Burnt Sienna from Raw Sienna. Today, his work will be the focus of a solo exhibition of over 25 original artworks in the heart of Chelsea.

Asian Voice spoke to his mother Shruti about his gift. s a mother, what did it take for you to nurture your child's talent at an age as early as 8 months till now, and believe in his vision?

It was one of those afternoons about six years ago — there was nothing special about it until I made a discovery about my son who was not even a year old then. I was in the kitchen, and Advait was playing around when I saw that he had taken over food colours from the inventory and painted them on the floor. I could have dismissed his creation as a fluke but it had an unmistakable blending of colours.

Colours were his thing. He scribbled on the walls of our house with paints and brushes. I never felt the urge to stop him for his imagination was taking shape. I realized that art was a need for him. So, we slipped him canvases and colours.

Advait found his calling because he developed a unique technique for art. He was cognitively growing with it. He made associations with newly learned vocabulary. For instance, after carefully looking at a painting in the room, he said, “Mom, I see a galaxy.” Since then, from the sun, dinosaurs, and oceans to space, he puts a narrative to his work. It stems also from his love for reading — he absorbs what he reads and spills his idea on the canvas. s Advait aware of his exemplary gift as a child?

Painting is quite natural to Advait.

While growing up, he realized that he is very passionate about painting, and it makes him happy. He also understands that painting sets him apart from others and it is wonderful to be known around the world because of his beautiful art. ow cooperative is his school with him pursuing art while studying?

Advait’s school staff and teachers are aware of his talent, and they encourage him and portray his example in front of other children. Advait loves reading and learning about new things. School is fun for him.

Painting and learning new things are two of his favourite things. He goes quite easy on studies and does his schoolwork quickly, so

he has more time to play. He has been managing quite well and coming up with flying colours. hat does a day in the life of Advait look like when he's creating art?

Advait attends the school in the morning. He is ready to paint after he has his lunch break. Painting is a relaxing and happy experience for him. He plays with his friends in the evening and does his essential things before going to bed. He is able to paint longer on the weekends and has more time in his studio to experiment and enjoy painting. f you could get Advait to give one piece of advice to our readers about pursuing art, what would that be?

Advait would love to tell the readers

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Paromita Goswami is launching her art platform JalTarang commercially in a Thames cruise party in the heart of London this May. JalTarang Limited is all set to you gear up with its Indo-desi first commercial event in the heart of London. Why it is different from the regular cruise parties is because the team is curating Indian vibes in the most soughtafter prime location of the UK‘s focal point Westminster Pier beside the British Parliament.

JalTarang Limited is founded by TFL corporate professional Paromita Goswami. It started off as a digital art platform with the support of Nehru Centre, High Commission of India London, Gandhi Centre, Indian Embassy of Netherland, Consul General of India in New York and Cultural wings of the

Ministry in India. JalTarang’s production was supported by 18 eminent cultural centres and organisations across the globe from Houston, London, and Madrid to India.

JalTarang aims to not just leverage Indian culture across the globe curating programs in US, UK and India but also infuse more contributions from a meticulously talented team of women who work towards it.

The first documentary of JalTarang has been awarded as the best film in the largest CSR Film festival held recently in Pune.

“My company is named JalTarang since it is a metaphor of the ancient instrument that creates melodic percussion organically, JalTarang Limited is diverse yet United. It represents the incredibly beautiful diversity of India,” Goswami told Asian Voice.

Artist Somnath Hore’s artworks to go under the hammer on 29th April 2022

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Digital art platform JalTarang to launch at a cruise party

that, if you love creating art, it is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you. Be free and continue creating, express your heart freely. Even if you are small, you can achieve big things, always dream big. In the beginning, it’s not important how good you are at it, what matters is how much you love doing it and eventually, you will improve. hat is your vision for his career and passion ten years down the line?

Advait would like to continue painting

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for his entire life. He wishes to have his art exhibited in galleries around the world. He has other interests like palaeontology and writing. We will support him in all his interests. If he would like to pursue art as a career in future that would be wonderful.

Advait already has planned his 2022 exhibitions, as follows: Upcoming Events: Advait is chosen by Apollo as their platinum artist and his work will be seen on the American airline’s inflight entertainment and lounges very soon.

June 2022– Advait is invited to exhibit his work in Las Vegas by Artgroupink and their other nine galleries in USA. Advait will also be having his permanent gallery space in one of their art galleries.

July 2022 Advait is invited to exhibit his work alongside the original paintings by world’s finest artists Pablo Picasso, Henry Matisse and Joan Miro in New York.

August 2022 Advait is also invited to exhibit his work in the Chianciano Biennale Italy with other well-known artists from around the world.

He will be presented by Gagliardi Gallery.

Prinseps are set to open their auction season with Somnath Hore’s works on paper, which will be open to online bidding, offering 82 lots that will go under the hammer on 29th April 2022.

Somnath Hore’s works are considered to be the most expressive objectification of the essence of wounded humanity.

The upcoming auction will offer each of Hore’s physical works on paper.

All 82 works on paper carry an estimate of INR 50,000 - INR 5,00,000 (£500-£5000 approx).

In Somnath’s vision, it is the spectacle of man’s suffering that steals the show. Hore's paintings, prints, and drawings reveal a torn and injured world depicting a kind of social

realism. His body of work is an understanding of the human predicament that took shape from encountering the wars, the Japanese bombings, and the man-made famine he experienced in his early adulthood.

RSL Ondaatje Prize 2022 longlist announced The Royal Society of Literature (RSL), the voice for the value of literature in the UK, has today unveiled the longlist for the 2022 RSL Ondaatje Prize. An annual prize of £10,000, the RSL Ondaatje Prize is awarded by the RSL to an outstanding work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry that best evokes the spirit of a place. Twenty authors make up this year’s longlist, chosen by judges Patrice Lawrence, Chair Sandeep Parmar and Philippe Sands.

Someo of the names on the 2022 RSL Ondaatje Longlist are: - Sonia Faleiro, The Good Girls: An Ordinary Killing (Bloomsbury Circus) - Sabba Khan, The Roles We Play (Myriad Editions) - Yousif M. Qasmiyeh, Writing the Camp (Broken Sleep Books) - Sunjeev Sahota, China Room (Harvill Secker) - Sathnam Sanghera, Empireland (Viking) - Anita Sethi, I Belong Here (Bloomsbury

Wildlife) Elif Shafak, The Island of Missing Trees (Penguin) Sandeep Parmar, Chair of the RSL Ondaatje Prize judging panel for 2022 said: “From seventeenth-century witch trials in England to a massacre in wartime Poland, the traumatic displacements of a Lebanese refugee camp to the deep scars of Empire on Britain, these, and the other longlisted books, take place to mean both geographical space and the imagined realities of being in the world. Every book teaches us something about how we carry the spirit of place within us across the breach of history through the perils of forgetting.”

The RSL Ondaatje Prize is one of 10 annual awards and prizes presented by the RSL, which bring the widest possible community of writers and readers together in celebration of the breadth of literature today.

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13-year-old artist becomes a MultiMillionaire in just one year 13-year-old Nyla Hayes' art has been sold for nearly $7 million, with portraits going for thousands of dollars each. According to media reports, she started drawing at age four and got a smartphone for digital art at age nine.

Nyla is known for her portraits of women with elongated necks, which were inspired by the Brontosaurus - a dinosaur she has liked since she was little. Her

uncle encouraged her to sell her art as NFTs, which she has done with the help of her parents and brother.

Her most expensive NFT - a 'hand-drawn, computergenerated collectable out of 3,333 diverse females' - sold for 4 ETH, or about $11,737, last August. She has signed to Los Angeles-based talent agency CAA and was named Time Magazine's first 'Artist-in-Residence' last year.

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

16 - 22 April 2022

Dear Financial Voice Reader, There are some stock market questions that need to be answered. I will do the best in this column.

Stock market turbulence, rampant inflation, and fears of a recession are contributing to an uncertain time for the stock market. Five big questions are swirling around Wall Street. Let's answer them. #1. Will the rally continue?

The stock market has rallied in recent weeks despite a potent mix of concerns over inflation, Ukraine, and the Fed. Some analysts called this a "relief rally" and suggested that investors should de-risk if they can.

In a note recently, Mike Wilson at Morgan Stanley said that the rally is over. Wilson highlighted that the Institute for Supply Management's PMI Index is down 1.5% from February, which could be a signal for a decline.

Inventories are below orders for the first time since the pandemic recovery. Morgan Stanley says it's time to get defensive and rotate out of cyclical and growth stocks.

Of course, not everyone agrees. Proponents of the Elliott Wave Principle (EWP) suggest the S&P 500 will hit 4,750 before dropping down later in the year. #2. How come the market is not falling?

Experts believed the market would suffer when the Fed confirmed its aggressive stance toward inflation.

While that thesis hasn't proved true just yet, the market quickly gave up its early gains this week.

However, inflation isn't the only issue. Consumer and investor confidence is low, and there are active supply chain and energy crises.

But some experts suggest that our current financial landscape is unique. As such, comparisons with the past have their limitations. While a pandemic, wars, inflation, and rising interest rates usually hit economic growth, we now live in a different world. #3. Are Energy stocks still good? Subgroups like nuclear?

Energy stocks still look strong. Warren Buffett has been getting rid of Tech and Banking stocks and ploughing into the Energy sector. Sanctions on Russian oil and gas could create an opportunity for several Energy companies, such as the resurgent Bloom Energy.

Supply chain problems and the situation in Ukraine also make oil and gas alternatives look attractive.

Renewable energy — like wind, solar, and fuel cells — look interesting. However, nuclear power is an intriguing and efficient option for nations trying to wean themselves off fossil fuels. #4. Will there be a recession, and what does it mean for stocks?

81% of US adults fear that a recession will hit this year, according to a CNBC survey. Whatsmore, a Sentix survey has found that 1,000 major investors believe that a recession is just around the corner.

On the other hand, the US economy is booming.

Unemployment is low, wages are rising, and businesses are steadily investing. However, rising oil prices and inflation — coupled with global instability — have caused some economists to downgrade their economic forecasts for 2022. #5. Impact of inflation on stocks and what will continue to benefit?

High inflation is a sign of an overheated economy.

Essentially, it occurs when demand outstrips growth.

Supply chain problems and government stimulus have also played a role in inflation reaching almost 8%.

Times of high inflation generally hurt the equity markets. Inflation typically leads to higher interest rates and lower economic growth. However, some sectors like Energy or Gold still look good.

For me, it’s the same old story – I filter, filter, filter till I find stocks which are good on profits, cashflow, sales and their share price is not astronomical, plus they continue growing so they can beat the expectations implied in their price.

Work force challenges restrict business growth Vacancies increased for the 14th month in a row in March and at the quickest rate since last September, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and KPMG. However, their latest survey of 400 recruitment agencies indicated that a shortage of candidates was restricting the ability of businesses to grow.

According to the report, pay offered for permanent and temporary staff increased last month.

Neil Carberry, chief executive of the confederation, said: “Starting salaries for permanent staff are growing at a new record pace, partially due to demand for staff accelerating and partially as firms increase pay for all staff in the face of rising prices.

He also said that “record Covid infection levels are also pushing up demand for temporary workers, particularly in blue-collar and hospitality sectors, underpinning the ability of temps to seek higher rates”.

According to KPMG’s Claire Warnes “There’s no end in sight to the deepseated workforce challenges facing the UK economy.

Once again this month, job vacancies are increasing while there are simply not enough candidates in all sectors to fill them. With fewer EU workers, the effects of the pandemic, the economic impacts of the war in Ukraine and cost-ofliving pressures, many employers will continue to struggle to hire the talent and access the skills they need.”

BoE warns of significant increase in prices of food items The Bank of England has warned that the prices of food items will increase later this year following significant increase in prices of petrol, diesel and home heating costs. Mark Cassidy, director of economics and statistics, said that while higher fuel costs were already visible at the pumps and in domestic heating bills, the effects of the Ukraine war on food prices would become visible on the supermarket shelves in the second half of this year and continue into next year.

The BoE has revised its inflation forecast for this year up from 4.5 per cent to 6.5 per cent on the back of rampant energy price rise driven by the war in Ukraine.

The warning of higher inflation and lower domestic growth comes just three months after the bank predicted a strong economic recovery from the pandemic slump, as consumer spending and employment grew steadily in late 2021.

The Central Bank bulletin warned shortages of fertiliser and maize, and higher commodity prices over recent weeks, would

have knock-on implications for the agriculture sector and, ultimately, food prices.

Fertiliser prices also rose by 100 per cent last year and by a further 50 per cent on top of that since the outbreak of war; wheat prices went up 20 per cent last year and by a further 40 per cent since in the last seven weeks.

The government is under fresh attack on next month’s scheduled carbon tax increase. The increase was worth just €1.40 a month to the average home but it would be offset by new government measures on energy costs.

The Central Bank has cut its domestic demand growth forecast for each of the next three years by 2.2, 1 and 0.9 per cent respectively, culminating with just 3.9 per cent growth in 2024 - down from 6.5 per cent last year.

Inflation should fall back to about 2.8 per cent in 2023 and 2.1 per cent in 2024.

Small business under pressure of delayed payment cycle Pressure on small businesses is growing with invoices taking longer to be paid and staff numbers still below pre-pandemic levels, an analysis of half a million companies has found.

The accountancy software firm Xero has aggregated data from its small business customers and found a rapid rise in late payments since the start of the year. Invoices were paid 8.2 days beyond their payment terms, up by 2.5 days since January and the highest figure since August 2020.

Hospitality remains subdued, supporting 22.7 per cent fewer jobs than two years ago, while small manufacturers have also been unable to return to pre-pandemic levels of employment, down 15.1 per cent. Wage bills increased by 4.3 per cent in February, the

Airlines, airports struggle to cop with Easter rush More flights were cancelled on Monday as airlines and airports struggled to cope with the big Easter getaway, and Heathrow said it was increasing resourcing as fast as possible to deal with rising passenger numbers.

British Airways cancelled at least 64 domestic or European flights to or from Heathrow.

Affected UK routes included Heathrow to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle, while the international routes affected were services to and from Berlin, Dublin, Geneva, Paris and Stockholm. British Airways said passengers were given advanced warning of the cancellations.

EasyJet cancelled at least 25 flights to or from Gatwick, affecting routes between the West Sussex airport and Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Glasgow and Milan. The low-cost carrier said cancellations were being made “in advance to give customers the ability to rebook on to alternative

FCA plans a 3-year strategy of 13 commitments A plan has been set out by The Financial Conduct Authority. The plan includes 13 commitments over three areas: to reduce and prevent serious harm to consumers, set higher standards and promote more competition in the industry. For the first time, the watchdog will publish measures that it can be judged against. The FCA also said it is recruiting more staff to help police the markets,

hiring 80 employees who will focus on shutting down problem firms that do not meet regulatory standards.

According to CEO Nikhil Rathi, the changes will mean faster decisions against misbehaving firms, and in turn cheaper regulatory costs for those that stick to the rules. The watchdog needs to be efficient at approving new companies, as well as on social media

platforms that host financial advertising, he said.

Meanwhile, according to Rathi, the watchdog FCA is pulling together new teams to monitor compliance with sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. The regulator is “watching very closely” any use of cryptocurrency and e-money companies to skirt the restrictions.

The focus on consumers

highest recorded rise since the survey began in 2017, reflecting rocketing inflation and the tight labour market. Employers providing hospitality recorded wage rises of 7.7 per cent.

However, the companies did register stronger sales in February, up 8.8 per cent compared with the same month in 2020, with particularly strong growth in the northwest of England (11.4 per cent) and the east of England (10.7 per cent).

Experts say that sustained sales growth is an encouraging sign for small businesses, but will that money go far enough in today’s current climate? It doesn’t offset the other challenges they face, and it will be difficult for them to fully recover from the pandemic until they can get the right people on board.

comes with the FCA, which was established in the aftermath of the financial crisis, under pressure to act more forcefully. It has faced criticism after a mini-bond scandal in 2019 exposed retail investors to losses on more than $300 million in investments. The FCA made its first criminal prosecution last year under 2007 money laundering rules, as part of its more proactive stance.

flights”.

Long queues have formed at some UK airports over the past week, with many families travelling abroad for the school Easter holidays – often for the first time since the travel restrictions were lifted. Travellers at Manchester airport have faced particularly long waits.

On Monday, Heathrow – which is aiming to hire 12,000 staff to cope with an expected summer holiday boom – admitted that resources were “stretched”, as an increase in bookings created long delays over the Easter holiday period.

“Following a very weak January and February, passenger numbers in March were the highest since the start of the pandemic, following the government’s removal of all travel restrictions, making the UK the first country in the world to do so,” the airport said.

“The aviation sector has been rebuilding capacity ahead of a summer peak, so resources are stretched.

Heathrow is working closely with airlines and ground handlers to make sure this increase in demand can be met while keeping passengers safe.”

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FINANCE & REAL ESTATE

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16 - 22 April 2022

Ambani is richest Asian closely followed by Adani Mukesh Ambani, promoter of Reliance Industries, is the richest Asian, followed closely by Gautam Adani, promoter of Adani Group, according to the latest billionaire list released by Forbes. Compared to Ambani’s total net worth at $90. 7 billion, Adani’s was $90 billion, Forbes Gautam Adani Mukesh Ambani estimated, based on data till the promoter of fashion retailer FSN EMarch 11.

Commerce Ventures (owner of Nykaa In the global pecking order, brand) who has a net worth of $4.5 Ambani is the 10th richest, followed by billion. Forbes called Nayar, a former Adani at the 11th spot. The latest list investment banker who quit her job to also showed that Adani’s net worth had start the online fashion retailer less increased nearly $40 billion since April than a decade ago, a ‘New beauty 2021, the third-biggest addition by billionaire’. anyone in the world. It added that The global list was topped by Elon there were 166 Indian billionaires. Of Musk, the founder of electric vehicles these, the list featured Falguni Nayar,

major Tesla and also space exploration & tourism company SpaceX. With a net worth of $219 billion, Musk topped the Forbes annual billionaire list for the first time, replacing Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who’s at the second spot with a net worth of $117 billion.

The rich list also saw emergence of Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, who made billions as his crypto exchange Binance turned out to be the biggest trading platform globally. In last one year, Changpeng’s net worth jumped 70%, or about $63.1 billion, to an estimated $65 billion as “new information about his stake and success of the exchange” flowed in, Forbes said.

Abu Dhabi’s IHC to invest $2 bn in Adani green firms

US-based Triton EV to invest £1.08 bn in Gujarat

Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company (IHC) will invest $2 billion as primary capital in three green-focused companies of Adani Group – Adani Green Energy, Adani Transmission and Adani Enterprises. The investment will happen through the preferential allotment route and the capital will be utilised for pursuing the growth of the respective businesses, further strengthening the balance sheet and for general corporate purposes, Adani Group said in a statement.

It said the board of three Adani Group companies approved the transaction. “IHC and Adani portfolio are committed to growing the business partnership across multiple strategic opportunities in India, West Asia and Africa,” the statement added.

Adani Enterprises, the group’s flagship firm, will get £770 million by issuing preferential shares to IHC, while Adani Green Energy and Adani Transmission will receive £385 million each via the same equity instrument, the statement said. The Adani Group, however, did not say how much equity would IHC hold in the three firms. The transaction is expected to be completed in a month, after all necessary approvals are obtained.

This is a landmark transaction and marks a start of a wider relationship between the Adani Group and IHC and attracting further investment

from UAE into India,” Sagar Adani, executive director at AGEL, said.

Syed Basar Shueb, CEO and MD of IHC, said: “This will be a long-term investment in India as the country is driving much innovation globally, including the green energy sector.

The opportunity to earn a compelling return on investment in green energy has never been greater. We are confident that Adani companies will play a significant role in unleashing India’s total green energy potential, reflecting positively on our shareholders’ commitment.”

Spencer Ng, vice-president, Moody’s Investors Service, said: “Today’s announcement by Adani Transmission regarding IHC investment is credit-positive. If completed as announced, the equity proceeds would help alleviate some of the downward pressure on Adani Transmission’s credit metrics caused by its substantial pipeline of growth projects over the next 3-4 years.”

India's tax kitty surges to record £271 bn India's gross tax receipts surged to a record high of £271 billion for 2021-22. This was due to robust revenues from income, corporate taxes, customs and GST on the back of a strong economic recovery and rising compliance.

The higher mop-up also led to the highest tax-to-GDP ratio in 23 years at 11.7%.

Against the Union Budget estimates of £222 billion, the revenue receipts according to the pre-actual figures totalled £271 billion, about £50 billion above the Budget estimate.

This shows a growth of 34% over last year’s revenue collection of £203 billion, led by 49% surge in direct taxes and supported by 20% growth in indirect taxes. This revenue growth has been propelled by rapid economic recovery after successive waves of Covid, supported by one of the largest immunisation programmes of the world run

by the government.

“A lot of technology is being used where GST figures are now being matched with income tax figures and compliances are being ensured. All this has resulted in better compliance and better revenues, both in direct and indirect taxes,” revenue secretary Tarun Bajaj said. He said that 2021-22 marks the highest tax-GDP ratio of 11.7%, with direct taxto-GDP ratio at 6.1% and indirect tax- to-GDP ratio at 5.6%.

Direct taxes, which include personal income tax and corporate tax, totalled £141 billion, showing a growth of 49%, which is the highest growth rate recorded in a long time according to Bajaj. Corporate taxes rose 56.1% to £86 billion, while personal income tax receipts shot up 43% to nearly £75 billion.

In a major push in Gujarat's electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing sector, USbased Triton EV inked an MoU with the state government to set up EV truck manufacturing plant with a minimum investment of £1.08 billion over five years in Kutch district. An investment of £120 million will be made in the financial year 2022-23. The plant will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to about 10,000 people. It will be spread across 645 acres with a production capacity of 50,000 trucks.

The MoU was signed between Himanshu Patel, founder and managing director, Triton EV, and, additional chief secretary, Rajiv Gupta, in the presence of CM Bhupendra Patel. It will also set up inhouse facilities like chassis and cabin, robotic paint shop, chassis sub assembly and quality assurance and material testing lab.

Triton EV specialises in manufacturing lithium battery cells and electric vehicle controllers in addition to long-range EVs. The company manufactures electric semi-trucks, SUVs, electric sedans, defence electric vehicles and electric rickshaws in the US. The state government will assist in the necessary permits, approvals and registration procedures for the establishment of this plant in accordance with the existing policyrules.

Tata Digital launches super app Neu Tata Digital, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, unveiled its super app – Tata Neu – a mobile application that provides access to all the group firms’ services at one place. Tata Neu brings together diverse offerings – from fashion to finance, gadgets to groceries, hotels to health and tech to travel and suite of financial offerings (such as bill payments, loans and insurance) – on a single platform. Tata Neu is a one-stop destination for all consumer needs, Tata Digital said in a statement.

“The Tata Group is focussed on transforming businesses for the digital world, and in the consumer context, bringing them together into a unified platform that offers an omnichannel experience. With Tata Neu, we are focused on making the lives of Indian consumers easier. The power of choice, a seamless experience, and loyalty will be at the centre of Tata Neu, delivering a powerful One Tata experience to Indian consumers,” Tata Sons’ Chairman N Chandrasekaran said in the statement.

The app – which is available on Android, iOS and TataDigital.com – houses several Tata Group brands such as AirAsia India, Bigbasket, Croma, Indian Hotels Company, Qmin, Starbucks, Tata 1mg, Tata CLiQ, Tata Play and Westside.

In a LinkedIn post, Chandrasekaran added that services of firms such as Vistara, Air India, Titan, Tanishq and Tata Motors would be available soon.

What to do with a lemon

Suresh Vagjiani, Sow & Reap Properties Ltd

A site we looked has a river running to the rear of it. The agent cheekily said ‘the property has river views but they’re not charging any extra for it’. Rather than this being a positive, it’s actually a hindrance. This makes the property in question in a flood risk zone, this means any planning would require a flood risk assessment and a mitigation.

In short, this means it could be unviable as a residential scheme. However, this does not mean the deal is dead.

When you’re given lemons, you make lemonade.

Currently, the property is a large office space with massive height. The market for office space is strong, especially small cubicles, equipped for 1-2 person firms.

Something where all the ‘bits’ are taken care of, and there is one flat monthly fee for the occupier. The freeholder’s intention was to convert the commercial office space into residential. I know the other end of this through experience, we have been shepherded out of office spaces in and around central London. Notably, an office we occupied, known as Marble Arch Towers, is now a high end residential block selling for £4,500 per sq. ft.; this equates to £2.7M for a one bedroom.

It’s easy to see the incentive of this move, especially as PD rules enable developers to convert without the need for planning. As some boroughs started losing office space wholesale, they applied for an Article 4, which, if granted, stops the developers from having this automatic right.

However, application for an Article 4 takes time, usually well over a year, by this time a borough could be decimated. When a trend gets too big it goes into reverse.

With the rapid shrinking of office space, it then becomes a scarcity. The prices of office space now start to rise higher than residential. There was talk of the developer who had the planning for residential in place, then going back to the drawing board, to keep it as office space, perhaps with a little spruce up.

The most notable company in this sector was WeWork, which rose spectacularly and crashed in the same manner. An interesting story. However, it does demonstrate the demand for good quality and fluid desk space. This is not something we could take a lead on, but would need to partner up with someone in order to execute this well. There are companies who specialise in this space whom we have approached.

This does not negate residential planning, there is precedent; it has been done further up the street, with the same river flowing to the rear. This residential element only starts from the 1st floor upwards.

The objective here would be to lock in some income from the commercial, to ensure it is cash flowing well, and then keep biting away at the site to try and get residential on the upper floors. This would be our basic strategy.

Commercial income is by nature a lot more desirable than residential income, as it is typically done on an FRI lease, and there are not the frequent voids and turnover one gets with residential tenants.

Jet Airways plans new 'hybrid' premium and no-frills model Jet Airways India, which is undergoing a courtmonitored restructuring, plans to return with a hybrid of premium and nofrills services that would allow the former airline to claw back market share while managing costs in the fiercely competitive Indian aviation market.

The bankrupt airline, now helmed by a new set of owners, will have a twoclass configuration where business class passengers will be offered services including free meals, its new chief executive Sanjiv Kapoor said in an interview.

The economy class will, however, be modelled similar to low-cost carriers where flyers pay for meals and other services, he said.

A successful revival of Jet Airways, which collapsed under a pile of debt in 2019 and became the first airline to enter a reformed insolvency resolution process, will be a major

moment for India’s bankruptcy laws. The new owners - Dubai-based, Indian-origin businessman Murari Lal Jalan and Florian Fritsch, the chairman of London-based financial advisory and alternative asset manager Kalrock Capital Management - have pledged to make investments of as much as $120 million, Kapoor said.

Jet Airways will operate a so-called proving-flight one or more test flights with no passengers to assess safety - as early as this month, using a leased Boeing 737, Kapoor said and added that this will immediately make the airline eligible for a flying permit. This permit allows the new owners to bring in investments and enables the airline to negotiate landing and parking slots with airports. “We are confident that we are very close to a proving flight,” Kapoor said.

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

16 - 22 April 2022

Rajapaksa trying to hold on to power with promises Colombo: As protests raged unchecked in Sri Lanka, prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who heads the clan in power, appealed to the people to end the anti-government protests, saying every minute spent on the streets deprived the cash-strapped country of precious dollars.

Mahinda, who was president for two terms before his brother Gotabaya took over, said in his address to the nation that the government was working round-the-clock to overcome the economic crisis. This was Mahinda’s first public appearance since the protests began and came amid bids by president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to form an allparty government. The opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), meanwhile, continued its efforts to move a no-trust motion against the government in the parliament.

Talks to establish an all- party interim government to deal with the unprecedented economic crisis, however, remained inconclusive. On Sunday, president Gotabaya had invited 42 parliamentarians from 11 parties for a discussion on the country’s economic crisis. On the opposition front, SJB MP Harsha De Silva said that his party was confident of getting the desired simple majority of 113 to back its no-trust motion against the government for the “gross mismanagement of the country’s economy and its poor economic policies”.

India extends credit worth $1 bn India announced a $ 1 billion line of credit to Sri Lanka recently as part of its financial assistance to help the island nation deal with its economic crisis. After an agreement to extend the line of credit was inked, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has always stood with the people of Sri Lanka and will continue to extend all possible support to the country. He said the assistance will be used for importing food, medicines and other essential items.

Lanka speaker warns of starvation As Sri Lanka continues to grapple with an unprecedented economic crisis, speaker of the country’s parliament, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, painted a doomsday scenario where starvation and power outages would be common across the island nation of 22 million. Meanwhile, queues for fuel got longer and religious leaders joined protesters on streets.

Addressing the parliament at the beginning of a two-day debate, Abeywardana said, “We are told this is the worst crisis, but I think this is just the beginning.

Shortage of food, gas and electricity will get worse. There will be starvation.” The legislators had insisted on a debate on the emergency decree during this week's session of parliament.

Bangla cop harasses college teacher for wearing ‘bindi’ Dhaka: In an incident of hate crime in Bangladesh, Lata Samaddar, a female teacher of Tejgaon College in Dhaka was reportedly harassed in broad daylight by a policeman for wearing a traditional bindi on her forehead. According to reports, the policeman hurled abuses at her after seeing a bindi on her forehead.

When the teacher protested, the policeman tried to run her over with his motorbike, causing her to fall and sustain injuries. Biplob Kumar Sarkar, the deputy commissioner said that the constable identified as Nazmul Tareque has been taken into custody. Bangladeshi author Tasleema Nasreen took to Twitter to condemn the incident.

News of the incident spread quickly on social media, drawing a severe backlash.

Members of various women’s rights organisations took to the streets to protest against the despicable act. Extending their solidarity with Lata. Parliamentarian and social activist Aroma Dutta termed the unfortunate incident as more than harassment. “It is preventing people from practising their own culture as women have worn Bindi and jewellery for thousands of years in this country. Such incidents are not expected in a secular state like Bangladesh,” said Aroma. She, however, added that the

incident reflected an individual’s mindset rather than the mindset of Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies in general.

According to Lata, a number of people were watching the incident but chose not to intervene. Because the man was wearing a police uniform, they may have kept a safe distance from any unwanted attention, stated the teacher.

Pak army conducts test flight of ballistic missile Shaheen-III Islamabad: Pakistan's Army conducted a successful flight test of the surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile Shaheen-III which can strike targets up to 2,750 km, bringing a number of Indian cities under its range. "The test flight was aimed at revalidating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system," the military's media wing Inter Services Public Relations said in a statement.

Shaheen-III is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 2,750 km, which makes it capable of reaching the farthest point in India's northeast and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Dawn newspaper reported.

It is solid-fuelled and equipped with the Post-Separation Altitude Correction (PSAC) system. Solid fuel is suited for rapid response capabilities, while the PSAC feature provides it the ability to adjust the warhead trajectory for greater accuracy and evading anti-ballistic missile defence systems, the report said.

Last year, the Pakistan Army conducted a successful test launch of an "enhancedrange" version of the indigenously-developed Babur Cruise Missile 1B. The Director General of Strategic Plans Division (SPD) Lieutenant General Nadeem Zaki Manj congratulated the scientists and engineers on achieving excellence in the domain of cruise missile technology.

He also expressed his full confidence that this test would further strengthen Pakistan's strategic deterrence.

13 injured in New York subway shooting New York: At least 13 people have been injured in a shootout at a subway station in Brooklyn, New York, law enforcement said.

The injured have been admitted to various hospitals after what the police think was a lone wolf attack.

The police have described the suspected shooter as a man about 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 180 pounds.

According to the police, the gunman acted alone and that investigation is on to find the motive of the suspect. However, the allout manhunt for the gunman is the investigators' top priority, they said.

A suspect fled wearing an orange construction vest and a gas mask, according to the police, who are on the lookout for the gunman. Horrifying visuals from the scene

show people tending to bloodied passengers lying on the floor of the station, where train services have been delayed during the morning rush hour.

The attack appears to have happened on the southbound R train, beginning at 25th St station. As the doors closed, the suspect threw smoke bombs and opened fire.

The victims then got off the train at 36th St station.

President Joe Biden has been briefed about the shooting, the White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, said in a tweet. There are no details yet on the kind of injuries sustained in the attack.

There are "no active explosive devices at this time" at the subway station, the New York Police Department said.

Shehbaz Sharif becomes new Pakistan PM Continued from page 1 Sharif ordered an in-camera briefing of the parliamentary committee on national security. Senior civil and military officials, including Pakistan’s foreign ambassador in Washington, will also attend the meeting.

“I will step down and if there is an iota of evidence [against me],” he said.

Earlier, Sharif secured 174 votes and will now form a new government that can remain in place until August 2023, when general elections are due. No prime minister has ever completed a fiveyear term in office during the country’s nearly 75-year history. Sharif, who was sworn in later on Monday, comes from a family of industrialists which has become a political dynasty.

Earlier, Imran Khan has been

Shehbaz Sharif

deposed by a no-confidence vote in parliament, days after he blocked a similar attempt. The passing of the motion on Saturday came after the country’s Supreme Court ruled the cricket star turned politician acted unconstitutionally in previously blocking the process and dissolving parliament. The no-confidence motion, which required 172 votes in the 342-seat parliament to pass, was

Imran Khan

supported by 174 politicians.

Anticipating his loss, Khan, who alleged the opposition colluded with the United States to unseat him, called on his supporters to stage rallies nationwide on Sunday. Khan earlier tried to sidestep the vote by dissolving parliament and calling early elections, but a Supreme Court ruling ordered the vote to go ahead.

in brief HAFIZ SAEED GETS ANOTHER 32 YEARS IN JAIL An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan sentenced Mumbai terror attack mastermind and banned Jamat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed to 32 years in jail in two more terror financing cases. Earlier in five such cases, Saeed (71) had already been convicted to 36 years imprisonment in five terror financing cases. The total sentence of 68 years imprisonment will run concurrently. The anti-terrorism court judge Ejaz Ahmad Bhuttar handed down 32 years jail term to Saeed in two FIRs registered by the counter terrorism department of Punjab Police, a court official said. Saeed was brought to the court from the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore where he has been imprisoned since 2019 under strict security, the official said. Saeed, a UN-designated terrorist on whom the US has placed a $10 million bounty, was arrested in July 2019 in the terror financing cases.

DR CONGO JOINS EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY The Democratic Republic of Congo has joined East African Community's seventh member. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi formally signed the treaty to join the community during his visit to Kenya.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, the current chair of the bloc, and the Congolese leader addressed messages of unity. "By joining the community, the Congolese people do not only want to be satisfied with the benefits of intra-community trade, but they aspire first and foremost to maintain relations based on peace and security for all.", said Felix Tshisekedi. Kenyatta stressed this addition would "strengthen (our) economic muscle and competitiveness, in the continent and as well as globally". Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and now the DRC are part of the EAC.

FIRST WOMAN TO LEAD US MILITARY BRANCH US President Joe Biden said he has nominated Admiral Linda Fagan to lead the US Coast Guard and become the first female uniformed leader of a branch of the US armed forces. "Her leadership and integrity are second to none," Biden said in a tweet announcing the nomination. Fagan, who currently serves as vice commandant of the Coast Guard, must be confirmed by the Senate to the post. She would replace Admiral Karl Schultz, who has served as commandant since 2018.

SENATE CONFIRMS BLACK WOMAN ON US TOP COURT Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed by the Senate as the first black woman to serve on the Supreme Court in a milestone for the US and a victory for President Joe Biden, who made good on a campaign promise as he seeks to infuse the federal judiciary with a broader range of backgrounds. The vote to confirm the 51-year-old federal appellate judge to a lifetime job on US’ top judicial body was 53-47, with three Republicans joining Biden’s fellow Democrats. A simple majority was needed, as Jackson overcame Republican opposition in an SC confirmation process that remains fiercely partisan.

Jackson will take the 83-year-old Stephen Breyer’s place on the liberal bloc of a court with an increasingly assertive 6-3 conservative majority. Breyer is due to serve until the court’s current term ends - usually in June - and Jackson would be formally sworn in after that.

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in brief ISRAELI PM LOSES MAJORITY AFTER LAWMAKER QUITS Israeli PM Naftali Bennett lost his razor-thin parliamentary majority last week after a lawmaker from his nationalist party quit, leaving his government with a more precarious grip on power but in no immediate danger of collapse. The walkout

by Idit Silman, a step she said she took on ideological grounds, left Bennett in control of 60 of the 120 seats in the Knesset. As the assembly is in spring recess, Bennett was spared of any imminent no-confidence votes.

To succeed, such votes would need the backing of at least 61 lawmakers, including Arab legislators who are outside the ruling coalition but also longtime political enemies of the current opposition leader, former PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

CANADA TO BAN FOREIGNERS FROM BUYING HOUSES Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has proposed a two-year ban on some foreigners buying homes. The measure comes as the country grapples with some of the worst housing affordability issues in the world.

Prices have jumped more than 20%, pushing the average home in Canada to nearly £495,000 - more than nine times household income. But industry analysts say it's not clear a ban on foreign buyers will address the problem. Data on purchases by foreign buyers in Canada is limited, but research suggests they amount for a small fraction of the market. "I don't think it's going to have a huge impact," said Ben Myers, president of advisory firm Bullpenn Research & Consulting in Toronto.

SOME APPLE STAFF THREATEN TO QUIT Tech Giant Apple has asked its employees to return to office for one day a week starting April 11. But some employees aren’t happy with the move and are threatening to quit.

CEO Tim Cook’s plan is to introduce a hybrid schedule, which will enforce two in-office days every week by May 2, and three days

by May 23. The New York Post reported that a self-described Apple employee posted this on a message board called Blind: “I don’t give a single f*** about ever coming back to work here”. The message board had numerous anonymous messages from other employees as well. One of the employees cited the transit as part of their reason for leaving: “I already know I won’t be able to deal with the commute and sitting around for 8 hours.”

KHASHOGGI MURDER TRIAL TRANSFERRED TO SAUDI A Turkish court ruled to suspend the trial in absentia of 26 Saudis accused in the gruesome killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi and for the case to be transferred to Saudi Arabia.

Kaghoggi was killed on Oct. 2, 2018, at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. He had gone into the consulate for an appointment to collect documents required for him to marry his Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz. He never emerged from the building. Turkish officials alleged that Khashoggi was killed and then dismembered with a bone saw inside the consulate by a team of Saudi agents sent to Istanbul. The group included a forensic doctor, intelligence and security officers and individuals who worked for the crown prince's office. His remains have not been found.

Indian American Puneet Dikshit sentenced to 24 months NEW YORK: Puneet Dikshit a former partner in McKinsey & Company, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison by US District Judge Colleen McMahon. He pleaded guilty on Dec 15, 2021, to one count of securities fraud in connection with his scheme to commit insider trading based on material, nonpublic information regarding the upcoming public announcement that The Goldman Sachs Group – which he and McKinsey were advising – would be acquiring GreenSky, Inc. US Attorney Damian Williams said, “Puneet Dikshit must face the consequences of his egregious crime. We will continue to vigorously protect the integrity of our capital markets and hold accountable those who cheat by trading on inside information. This conviction shows Wall Street and Main Street that corporate advisors who steal information entrusted to them and use it for their personal gain will be caught and prosecuted.”

GreenSky was a publicly traded financial technology company that provided technology to banks and merchants to make loans to consumers for home improvement, solar, healthcare, and other purposes.

Goldman Sachs, the investment bank, engaged McKinsey, the management consulting firm, to provide services related to the potential acquisition of GreenSky by Goldman Sachs and the post-acquisition

Nepal bans import of luxury items as foreign exchange reserves decline Kathmandu: Nepal’s central bank has announced a ban on the import of vehicles and other luxury items, citing liquidity crunch and declining foreign exchange reserves, despite government assurances that the economy will not go into a tailspin like Sri Lanka.

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the country’s central bank, issued this directive last week after a high-level meeting consisting of officials from Nepal’s commercial banks.

“We have been seeing symptoms that there may be some kind of crisis in the economy, mainly because of growing imports.

Therefore, we have discussed halting the imports of those items which are not immediately necessary,” NRB spokesperson Gunakhar Bhatta said.

Since July 2021, Nepal has seen a decline in forex reserves due to the surging imports, declining inflows of remittance and meagre earnings from tourism and exports. By

February 2022, the Himalayan country’s gross forex reserves had decreased 17 per cent to USD 9.75 billion from USD 11.75 billion in mid-July 2021, according to central bank figures.

The forex reserves are now only enough to sustain the import of goods and services for 6.7 months, below the central bank's target for at least seven months. However, despite the high balance of payment deficit, Nepal’s Finance Minister Janardhan Sharma assured that the Himalayan nation is not headed in the direction of Sri Lanka.

Addressing 'National Conference on Economics and Finance' organised by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) in Kathmandu, Sharma quelled rumours that Nepal's economy was on the verge of collapse like that of Sri Lanka. "Instead of creating panic by comparing Nepal's economy with that of Sri Lanka, we need to focus on improving it,” Sharma said.

Locked-down Shanghai facing food shortage Beijing: Residents of Shanghai are struggling to get meat, rice and other food supplies under anti-coronavirus controls that confine most of its 25 million people in their homes, fuelling frustration as the government tries to contain a spreading outbreak.

People in China’s business capital complain that online grocers often are sold out. Some received government food packages of meat and vegetables for a few days. But with no word on when they will be allowed out, anxiety is rising.

Zhang Yu, 33, said her household of eight eats three meals a day but has cut back to noodles for lunch. They received no government supplies. “It’s not easy to keep this up,”

said Zhang, who starts shopping online at 7am (local time).

“We read on the news there is (food), but we just can’t buy it,” she said. “As soon as you go to the grocery shopping app, it says today’s orders are filled. ” The complaints are an embarrassment for the ruling Communist Party during a politically sensitive year when President Xi Jinping is expected to try to break with tradition and award himself a third five-year term as leader. The government reported 23,107 new Covid cases nationwide. That included 19,989 in Shanghai. Officials say Shanghai has enough food, but a deputy mayor Chen Tong acknowledged getting it the “last 100 metres” to households is a challenge.

Qaida chief Zawahiri wades into hijab row in India New Delhi: Global terrorist group al-Qaida waded into Karnataka’s hijab row, with its elusive leader Ayman al-Zawahiri exhorting Indian Muslims to react to “this oppression”.

In a nine-minute video, released by Qaida’s official Shabab media and verified by the SITE intelligence group, Zawahiri, who took over Qaeda’s leadership from Osama bin Laden, praised Muskan Khan, the college student from Karnataka who had taken on a group of students objecting to her being in a burqa, and countered their “Jai Shri Ram” slogans by shouting “Allahu Akbar”.

In the video titled and accompanied by a poster that read, “The Noble Woman of India”, Zawahiri is seen reciting a poem he composed to praise Khan. The jehadi veteran said he came to know about Khan from videos and social media and was so moved by the act of “a sister” and by her raising “cries

of Takbeer” that he decided to write a poem in praise of her.

After reading the poem, the Zawahiri attacked countries which have banned hijab, along with Pakistan and Bangladesh, whom he accused of being “allies of the West”. This is the first video of Zawahiri since November and shows that one of the “most wanted” jehadi terrorists is not just alive but, as his references to Muskan Khan suggest, is actively engaged with contemporary affairs.

In 2020, Zawahiri was reported to have died of natural causes but months later an undated video surfaced suggesting he was alive. He is supposedly located somewhere in Afghanistan, sources say.

In his November 2021 video, Zawahiri had criticised the United Nations for being hostile to Islam and warned Islamic nations about the threats which the UN posed.

integration of GreenSky. Dikshit was one of the McKinsey partners leading these engagements. In that role, he had access to material which was not available to public, which he misappropriated and, in violation of the duties that he owed to Goldman Sachs and McKinsey, used to trade GreenSky call options, a press release said.

At various times Dikshit purchased and sold relatively small numbers of GreenSky call options, which had expiration dates weeks or months from the time of purchase.

However, in the two days before the public announcement that Goldman Sachs would be acquiring GreenSky, he sold all of these longer-dated GreenSky call options and purchased approximately 2,500 out-of-themoney GreenSky call options that were due to expire just a few days later. He realized profits of approximately $450,000. In addition to prison sentence, Dikshit was ordered to pay forfeiture of $455,017.

No of Indian students in US up, from China down Washington: The number of Indian students in the United States increased by over 12 per cent in 2021, while those from China, which accounts for the largest number, dropped by more than eight per cent, according to an official report.

In its annual report, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the Covid -19 pandemic continued to impact international student enrolment in the United States in 2021. The total number of SEVIS records for active F-1 and M-1 students was 1,236,748 in the calendar year 2021, a decrease of 1. 2 per cent from the calendar year 2020.

SEVIS stands for Students and Exchange Visitor Information System. F-1 and M-1 are the two non-immigrant student visas. J-1 is also a non-immigrant student visa but is mostly given to scholars exchange programmes.

In 2021, 8,038 SEVP-certified schools were eligible to enrol international students, registering a decrease by 280 schools from 8,369 eligible schools in 2020. “The number of students from China and India made Asia the most popular continent of origin.

However, China sent fewer students in 2021 in comparison to 2020 (-33,569) while India sent more students (+25,391),” the report said. As many as 37 per cent of Indian students are females.

Overall, China continues to top the list of countries sending 348,992 students to the US. India follows China with 232,851 students. China and India are followed by South Korea (58,787), Canada (37,453), Brazil (33,552), Vietnam (29,597), Saudi Arabia (28,600), Taiwan (25,406), Japan (20,144) and Mexico (19,680).

According to the report, only Asia and Australia/Pacific Islands saw an overall decline in the number of students coming to the United States last year as all other continents saw an increase.

International F-1 and M-1 students came from every continent in the world other than Antarctica and from more than 224 countries and territories.

Students from China and India made Asia the most popular continent of origin, accounting for 71.9 per cent of the international student population. China sent fewer international students while India sent more, the report said.

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Kashmir attracting record number of tourists Kashmir is attracting record number of tourists after the easing of pandemic restrictions and some improvement in the security situation, bolstering local businesses. Tourist arrivals are set to touch a 10-year high this year after more than 340,000 tourists have come since January, local tour operators and government officials said, despite restrictions on foreign tourists and some recent incidents of violence.

Tourism plunged in Kashmir after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration stripped the region of its special status and autonomy in 2019, and later as the Covid-19 pandemic cut domestic and foreign tourist inflows. "We are seeing the highest-ever tourist arrivals in Kashmir this year with 0.18 million tourists arriving in March only," Sarmad Hafeez, Tourism Secretary for Jammu and Kashmir said, adding April arrivals could surpass March.

Along with horticulture and agriculture, tourism is an important industry for Kashmir, contributing about 7% to its economy, according to government data.

Touting itself as "Paradise on Earth,"

INDIAN BANANAS, BABY CORN GET CANADIAN ACCESS

Kashmir is home to Dal Lake, which was a favorite centuries ago for Mughal emperors escaping the summer heat of India's plains.

The lake's famous houseboats are major attractions along with the nearby Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Asia's largest, and the region's mountains and glaciers.

Hafeez said an advertising campaign across major Indian cities and the opening of new destinations was attracting more tourists. Boatman Wali Mohammad Bhat, 54, said he had no work during the pandemic, "but, now I am earning 1,000 to 1,500 rupees a day and we expect a good

tourist season ahead."

Many hoteliers and houseboat owners said tourists have booked rooms in advance for the next couple of weeks, and the earnings helped them to pay part of their debts. After a gap of years, hoteliers, taxi drivers and tour operators are doing a brisk business, Ghulam Hassan Bhat, 75, a tour operator in Srinagar said.

The rush is so strong that tour operators said they are having a hard time finding bookings for their clients as hotels are between 80% to 90% full and air fares have increased.

India has almost wiped out extreme poverty: IMF India has almost eradicated extreme poverty and brought down consumption inequality to its lowest levels in 40 years through stateprovided food handouts, according to a new working paper published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The working paper - authored by economists Surjit Bhalla, Arvind Virmani and Karan Bhasin - said that the proportion of people living in extreme poverty, at less than 1%, remained steady even during the pandemic on the back of “in-kind” subsidies, especially food rations.

A study praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for keeping extreme poverty levels in check during the pandemic. The study comes at a time when several recent global reports have pointed to the widening gap between the rich and poor in Asia’s thirdlargest economy, while studies on the

economic shocks of the Covid-19 pandemic vary in their conclusions.

In India, the number of people living in extreme poverty - defined by the World Bank as living on US$1.9 or less in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms - was 0.8% of the population in the pre-pandemic year 2019, stated the IMF paper. Food rations were “instrumental” in ensuring that

Chinese hackers target India's power grid near Ladakh India's power sector has been targeted in recent months by suspected state-sponsored Chinese hackers as part of an evident cyber-espionage campaign, according to a report by the threat intelligence firm Recorded Future Inc. The hackers targeted at least seven Load Despatch Centres (SLDCs) in northern India responsible for carrying out real-time operations for grid control and electricity dispatch in the areas they are situated in, near the disputed India-China border in Ladakh, the report notes.

One of the SLDCs was also targeted earlier by another hacking group, RedEcho, which Recorded Future said shares "strong overlaps" with a hacking group that the US has linked to the Chinese government. "The

prolonged targeting of Indian power grid assets

by Chinese state-linked groups offers limited economic espionage or traditional intelligencegathering opportunities," the report states.

Furthermore, the hackers also compromised an Indian national emergency response system as well as a subsidiary of a multinational logistics firm, the report states.

The hacking group, named TAG-38, has used ShadowPad malware, which is a kind of malicious software that steals data from a victim computer and automatically communicates with the computer servers at the hacker's end. The malware was earlier associated with China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Ministry of State Security, as per Recorded Future.

Manoj Soni becomes first Gujarati to head UPSC Dr Manoj Soni has been appointed as chairman of Union Public Service Commission. His term will last till June 27, 2023. This makes him the first Gujarati to be appointed to the post. Prior to this, Dr Soni has been the vice-chancellor thrice. These include two terms as chancellor of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University and one term as chancellor of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.

Interestingly, Dr Soni’s Baroda appointment made him the youngest ever vice-chancellor of a varsity in India.

The formal appointment of Dr Soni will

in brief

follow the return of the President Kovind from Netherlands. In this role, he succeeds current incumbent Pradeep Kumar Joshi.

Dr Soni has been the recipient of several awards and honors. A political science graduate, Dr Soni opted for a Masters in international relations at Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar. To his credit, he has served on the governing boards of several institutions of higher education and public administration in the past. He has also been a member of the quasi-judicial body constituted by the Gujarat Legislative Assembly Act.

extreme poverty did not increase and “remained at that low level” in the pandemic year 2020, the study found.

Most previous studies and measures of poverty and inequality did not account for the role of food handouts, the paper’s authors noted.

“These (new) estimates include, for the first time, the effect of in-kind food subsides on poverty and inequality,” the paper stated.

During the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, the Modi government launched the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY), a programme to distribute a fixed quantity of free foodgrain (5kg per head) to the poor beyond their usual entitlement of 25kg a month of subsidised grains.

Over 800 million beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act are covered by the programme. Last week, the government said it would extend the PMGKAY till September 2022.

Indian bananas and baby corn have got market access in Canada, making it possible to further enhance the country’s export earnings from farm products that reached the highest level ever by crossing $50 billion in 2021-22. The decision on market access for Indian bananas and bay corn was taken this week after successful negotiations between the National Plant Protection Organisations of both the countries. “Export of fresh baby corn from India to Canada may begin later this month after update of plant protection import and domestic movement requirements for corn and the automated import reference system (AIRS) whereas export of bananas can begin with immediate effect,” said an official in the agriculture ministry. The move comes at a time when India has already made significant progress in export of farm products.

ED QUIZZES J&K EXCM OMAR ABDULLAH The Enforcement Directorate summoned National Conference vice-president and former CM Omar Abdullah to its Delhi headquarters and questioned him for several hours in a 12-year-old property purchase case linked to the J&K Bank scam. After emerging from the ED office, Omar clarified that the agency hadn’t accused him of any wrongdoing. “There’s an ongoing investigation in some 12 to 13 year-old case. . . I was asked questions, which I answered. I told them that if they need me again, I will help them out.” National Conference, however, didn’t hold back in criticising the Centre for making “a habit of misusing (central) investigative agencies”. The party said Omar responded to the summons “in spite of this being the holy month of Ramzan, and Delhi not being his primary place of residence”. ED officials said the case in which Omar was questioned pertains to a £17.2 million property purchase in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex in 2010 to set up a zonal office of J&K Bank for “less than 20 staff”.

Shah opens Indo-Pak border viewing point in Gujarat's Nada Bet Union Home minister Amit Shah opened the Indo-Pak border viewing point in Nada Bet in Gujarat's Banaskantha district.

The viewing point has been built on the lines of the Wagah-Atari border of Punjab.

The viewing point, which will be the first in the state, will be developed as a major tourist attraction, officials said. "Nada Bet will be an opportunity for travellers to see the workings of an army post on the border of India," the website of Gujarat tourism, which is developing the project along with the Central government, said.

"Some of the activities and sights that will interest travellers include the retreat ceremony where the Border Security Force (BSF) jawans put up a gallant show of marching with pride to end another day of guarding the borders. It will also have a weapons display and photo gallery with guns, tanks and other sophisticated

devices that help in keeping the border and inland places secure on display," it added. A camel show will be presented for visitors as well, as per information available on the website. Hundreds of people visit the Wagah border in Punjab to witness the beating retreat ceremony.

The idea to develop another border viewing point for tourists was mooted when Vijay Rupani was chief minister of Gujarat in 2018. It took three years for the state government to develop the point.

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Hafiz Saeed’s son declared designated terrorist Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Mohammad Saeed's son Hafiz Talha Saeed has been declared a designated terrorist by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. In a notification dated April 8, the MHA said Hafiz Talha Saeed was a senior leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and head of the cleric wing of the terror outfit.

Talha Saeed has been "actively involved in recruitment, fund collection, planning and executing attacks by LeT in India and Indian interests in Afghanistan," the notification said. The notification comes on the day that Talha's father and the chief of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Hafiz Saeed was sentenced to 31 years in jail by a Pakistan antiterrorism court.

The MHA notification further said that Talha Saeed has been "actively visiting various LeT centres across Pakistan and during his sermons propagating for jihad against India, Israel, the United States of America and Indian interests in other western countries."

"The Central Government believes that Hafiz Talha Saeed is involved in terrorism and Hafiz Talha Saeed should be notified as a terrorist under the said Act," said the MHA notification.

Notably, the Central Government had amended the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 in August 2019, to include the provision of designating an individual as a terrorist. Prior to this amendment, only organizations could be designated as terrorist organizations.

Following the amendment, the Ministry had designated nine individuals as designated terrorists under provisions of the UAPA Act in July 2020.

Political parties receive £92 mn in corporate donations In FY 2019-20, when the Lok Sabha elections were conducted, political parties received over £92 million in the form of corporate donations, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms.

The report analysed corporate donations to five national parties: the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC), All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM). The BJP was the biggest recipient of corporate donations made in FY20 followed by the INC and NCP. Prudent Electoral Trust was the top contributor to the BJP and INC followed

by Jankalyan Electoral Trust and ITC Limited. It is to be noted that donations through electoral bonds still constitute the lion’s share in the total income of the BJP

and INC. Corporate donations in FY 20 constituted 91% of the total contribution to political parties from known sources.

Known sources are donations above Rs 20,000, whose donor details are available with the Election Commission of India.

The Bahujan Samaj Party was not considered in the analysis as the party declared that it received no voluntary contributions above Rs 20,000 from any donor during this period. The Communist Party of India did not declare any income from corporates for FY 201920.

Pawar meets PM Modi, raises ED action against Sena MP Amid Enforcement Directorate stepping up its probe into money laundering charges against Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, his kin and associates, NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar met PM Narendra Modi in Parliament to raise the red flag over central agencies targeting the RS member.

In his 20-minute meeting with the PM, Pawar also brought up Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari’s alleged inaction on the Maharashtra government’s proposal on nominations to the state Legislative Council. “What was the reason to take action against Sanjay Raut? What is the evidence they have against him?

He writes critical pieces against the government from time to time. But is that reason enough to take action against him,” he asked while talking to reporters after meeting the PM. NCP chief also asserted that in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP are

“linked” and they will “take action against the BJP together”, while rubbishing reports of a rift between the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners. The NCP patriarch exuded confidence that the MVA government will complete its tenure and be reelected. He brushed aside claims that Maharashtra Congress functionaries were complaining about being sidelined.

Pawar ruled out the need for any realignment within the opposition parties, arguing that Congress, despite facing repeated electoral losses, still has the “largest numbers”. He also said he was unwilling to take up the responsibility of being UPA chairman even though some in his party have urged him to take up the role.

India abstains from voting as UNGA ousts Russia from rights council Disregarding Moscow's warning, India joined 57 other countries to abstain from voting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on a resolution that sought to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council. The resolution was adopted, revoking Russia’s membership, with 93 countries voting in favour and 24 against.

Russia became the first P5 and the only country apart from Libya in 2011 to be suspended from the 47-member top human rights body. Though this was not the first time India had sought to wriggle out of a difficult situation over Ukraine by not taking sides, its abstention this time worked in favour of the US and other Western countries that wanted to expel Russia for alleged violations in Ukraine. Russia had warned UNGA member-states that an abstention will be seen as an unfriendly gesture and also hurt bilateral ties.

India’s permanent representative to the UN, T S Tirumurti, however, said India decided to abstain for reasons of both “substance and process”, while calling upon the UN to ensure all decisions are taken fully respecting due process. India’s explanation of the vote came after the voting. The reso-

lution needed the support of only two-thirds of countries present and voting. Abstentions didn’t count. India has so far abstained from all 10 votes in the UN on Ukraine. China voted against the resolution to suspend Russia.

“India has been at the forefront of protecting human rights, right from the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We firmly believe that all decisions should be taken fully respecting due process, as all our democratic polity and structures enjoin us to do. This applies to international organisations as well, particularly the UN,” said Tirumurti, as he recalled India’s unequivocal condemnation of civilian killings in Bucha and its support for an independent probe into the killings. The ambassador reiterated India’s position that it stands for peace, dialogue and diplomacy.

Parliament passes criminal procedure bill The Rajya Sabha last week passed the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, with Union home minister Amit Shah saying that the rules for the implementation of the proposed law would have safeguards against any misuse of all identification database and biological samples collected from convicts and those accused of crimes by fixing accountability of those entrusted with the safety of data.

Shah defended the bill against oppo-

sition’s charge of being intrusive and violative of the SC verdict on piracy and said that only designated people will have the code to access the data. He reiterated his promise to keep those detained for apprehension of breach of peace and in connection with "democratic" political protests will be kept out of the purview of the provisions which will shortly become law after President’s assent.

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in brief

SOUTH INDIA

Andhra CM Jagan reconstitutes Have to live together: Yediyurappa on communal flare-ups his cabinet with five dy CMs Vijayawada: Like in his firebrand leaders previous cabinet, Andhra on one side and Pradesh CM Y S Jagan softspoken ones on Mohan Reddy announced the other. He has five deputy CMs this time accommodated Jagan Mohan Reddy too. He retained both K more BC ministers, Narayana Swamy and Amzad which is aimed at targeting the Basha as deputy chief ministers in TDP’s vote bank.

The the new cabinet. He also retained composition of the cabinet with a the portfolios of excise and clear tilt towards BCs is a clear minority welfare that the two move by Jagan to lure them away were holding in the first cabinet. from TDP ahead of the general elections.

The other three deputy CMs Women and child welfare are Peedika Rajanna Dora with minister in the previous cabinet, tribal welfare, Budi Muthyala Taneti Vanitha, was given the Naidu with panchayat raj and home ministry. Senior minister rural development, and Kottu Botsa Satyanarayana, who was Sathyanarayana with holding the portfolio of endowments portfolios. municipal administration and The new team took oath at urban development in the secretariat on Velagapudi previous cabinet, was now given Monday. education, while the education Jagan took almost a week to minister in the previous cabinet compose his new cabinet, in Admulapu Suresh was now given which he retained 11 ministers the portfolio of municipal from the outgoing cabinet, while administration and urban going for 14 new faces. The development. cabinet is a clear composition of

PUNJAB

Bengaluru: The BJP has formed three teams, led by senior leaders to travel across Karnataka, to prepare the ground for the state assembly elections next year, party strongman and former chief minister BS Yediyurappa said. Making an appeal to end the flare-up of communal issues in the state, he said Hindus and Muslims should lead their lives as "children of one mother."

"From April 12 to 24, in three teams, we will be travelling across the state. BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel will be in the first team, our national general secretary (Arun Singh) and I will be together in the second team and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai will be in the third team," Yediyurappa said.

Talking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said this tour is aimed at strengthening the party, holding discussions with party workers for drawing up strategies and preparing for the

Haryana, Punjab spar over Chandigarh Chandigarh: The Haryana assembly unanimously adopted an official resolution reiterating the state’s right over Chandigarh, its capital, a move that comes four days after the April 1 resolution by the Punjab assembly urging the Union government for a “complete transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab.”

Cutting across party lines and displaying a rare show of unity, the majority of the legislators of the 90-member Vidhan Sabha dubbed as a “political ploy” the Punjab assembly resolution, spearheaded by that state’s new Aam Aadmi Party government.

“This house notes with concern the resolution passed in the Legislative Assembly of Punjab on April 1, 2022 recommending that the matter for transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab be taken up with the Central government,” read the Haryana resolution moved by chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar that was adopted unanimously by the House.

Punjab’s April 1 resolution is the latest in the long history of the fight for Chandigarh - a lowintensity sparring that has played out since Haryana was carved out of Punjab on November

1, 1966. Back then it was decided that the two states would share Chandigarh, which would be made into a Union territory, as capital, although there have been at least two separate Union government decisions to transfer Chandigarh completely to Punjab.

After a three-and-a-half-hour debate during which legislators vociferously attacked the newly formed AAP government in Punjab and repeatedly said its resolution was a deep-rooted conspiracy, the Haryana assembly said: “This is not acceptable to the people of Haryana. Haryana continues to retain its right to the Capital Territory of Chandigarh.” It urged the Union government not to take any steps “under these circumstances” that would disturb the existing balance.

Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda set stage for the discussion saying Punjab’s resolution was not only meaningless but also a “political gimmick” and that while the state’s role only as an elder brother (to Haryana) was acceptable that of “big brother” was not.

WEST BENGAL

CBI makes first arrests in Birbhum killings case NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI made its first arrest in connection with the recent killing of eight people in West Bengal's Birbhum district.

According to reports, a team of six CBI officers probing the case flew down to Mumbai and arrested four suspects. Through transit remand, they will be produced before the Rampurhat court, where the CBI will seek their custody.

The CBI had filed cases in connection with the killing of eight people in Birbhum district, shortly after the Calcutta High Court directed the central probe agency to take over the investigation into the case.

It may be mentioned that in Bogtui village, some miscreants had on March 21 set 10 houses on fire, killing at least eight people, including women and children. The Calcutta High Court later on Friday directed the CBI to take over the investigation into the case from the state police and submit a progress report before it at the next date of hearing.

Earlier, a Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CSFL) unit of the CBI visited the site of the crime to collect evidence. TMC leader and

former Rampurhat block-1 president Anarul Hossain who has been arrested in connection with the case claimed that he had surrendered before the police.

Police said Hossain was arrested from outside a hotel near Tarapith, hours after CM Mamata Banerjee had directed the force to nab the TMC leader in connection with the killings.

Following the murder of local Trinamool Congress leader Bhadu Sheikh in Bogtui village on 21 March, a mob torched several houses in the village, resulting in the deaths of at least 8 people in what is suspected to have been a retaliatory attack.

polls. "Such tours will continue here...in the first phase we will be travelling in three teams," he added.

BJP sources in Delhi said every team will have seven to eight members.

Besides Yediyurappa, national general secretary CT Ravi, former chief ministers Sadanand Gowda and Jagdish Shettar, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, and state ministers Eshwarappa and R Ashok, among others, will be part of the teams, they said. BJP president JP Nadda will also be spending a couple of days in the state.

The team members will be spending at least two days in different areas so as to ensure that the feedback exercise is comprehensive, the sources said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his visit to the state earlier this month, had set a target of 150 seats (in the 225member assembly) for Karnataka BJP leaders for the 2023 elections.

Oppn targets Mann over Kejriwal 'interference' PPCC chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has targeted CM Bhagwant Mann over the Centre’s interfering in the state law and order in context of the Punjab governor’s visits to border areas.

Pointing out that since the CM was meeting the President, he should take up the issue with him.

This is an exclusive state subject and it is the CM who should be touring border districts, he said. Warring also took a dig at the CM over Arvind Kejriwal summoning the Punjab officials to Delhi, saying it had set a wrong precedent. In a tweet, Navjot Sidhu said, “Punjabs IAS officers summoned by Arvind Kejriwal in CM Bhagwant Mann’s absence.

This exposes the de facto CM & Delhi remote control. Clear breach of federalism, insult to Punjabi pride. Both must clarify.”

CBI probe ordered into murder of TMC leader Bhadu Sheikh New Delhi: The Calcutta High Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the murder of TMC deputy panchayat pradhan of Bogtui, Birbhum- Bhadu Sheikh.

Earlier, Calcutta HC had ordered a CBI probe into the Birbhum case where nine people, including seven women and two children, were burnt alive at Bogtui village following the murder of TMC leader Bhadu Sheikh.

The court verbally remarks that the two incidents, the murder of TMC leader Bhadu Sheikh and Birbhum killings, are interlinked. A Bench comprising Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj said that CBI should investigate both the cases simultaneously.

COURT REJECTS SASIKALA'S PLEA AGAINST EXPULSION

VK Sasikala

A court in Chennai dismissed expelled AIADMK leader VK Sasikala's plea against her removal in a party general council in 2017. The court dismissed her plea following an interlocutory application from AIADMK Coordinator O Panneerselvam and joint coordinator K Palaniswami, the party's Legal Wing Joint Secretary A M Babu Murugavel said.

Sasikala had moved the city civil court earlier contending that the AIADMK general council held in 2017, which expelled her as general secretary, was not valid. The general council was held in the wake of the merger of the then separate factions headed by Panneerselvam and Palaniswami.

KARNATAKA CM ON MOSQUE LOUDSPEAKERS

Basavaraj Bommai

A day after right-wing groups demanded a ban on loudspeakers at mosques on the grounds that they cause disturbance to people in the neighbourhood, Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said that the government will implement court orders on the issue after taking everyone into confidence and “not by force”. The CM said the government will implement “in stages” Supreme Court and high court orders on regulating the use of loudspeakers by shrines and other institutions. “Also, there is a court order that questions why earlier orders on loudspeakers are not being implemented.

The decibel limit is prescribed and there is also an order to purchase decibel meters,” he added. In July 2005, Supreme Court SC banned use of loudspeakers from 10 pm to 6 am.

HC RESERVES ORDER ON CBI PROBE PLEA The Calcutta High Court concluded hearing in a petition seeking a CBI investigation in the alleged rape and resultant death of a minor girl at Hanskhali in West Bengal's Nadia district.

A division bench presided over by Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava reserved its order on the plea. The petitioner's lawyer prayed for a CBI probe on the claim that the accused is the son of a panchayat leader belonging to the ruling Trinamool Congress. It was alleged that the girl had on April 4 gone to the birthday party of the accused at his residence in Hanskhali and was drugged before being raped. She died on the next day owing to bleeding following the atrocity committed on her.

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Ukraine, defence ties come up at Biden-Modi meet At the virtual meeting with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden welcomed India’s humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine. “I want to welcome India’s humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine, who are suffering a horrific assault, including a tragic shelling in a train station last week that killed dozens of innocent children and women and civilians attempting to flee the violence,” Biden said.

Modi reiterated that India condemns the killing of the civilians in Bucha and demands an impartial probe into the matter. “Recent news of the killing of innocent citizens in Bucha city was a matter of concern. We immediately condemned it and also demanded an impartial probe. We hope that through the talks between Russia and Ukraine, a path for peace would come out.”

“I have spoken with Presidents of both Ukraine and Russia over the telephone, several times. I not only appealed to them for peace but also suggested President Putin

hold direct talks with the Ukrainian President,” he said. Modi has had phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, March 2 and March 7.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was also in New Delhi recently. He has also spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy twice.

President Biden last spoke to Modi along with other Quad leaders during a virtual meeting in March. Unlike the other countries in the group, India has not condemned

Court bars ex-Amnesty India chief from going abroad A Delhi court has directed former Amnesty International India chair Aakar Patel from leaving the country without its permission, after CBI filed a revision petition against a magistrate court order to withdraw the lookout circular (LOC) issued against him in a money laundering case. Special judge Santosh Snehi Mann also stayed the court’s direction to the CBI director to give a written apology to Patel. “Respondent Aakar Patel is directed not to leave the country without permission of this court, till the next date of hearing,” the court said in its order.

Patel had moved court seeking withdrawal of the LOC which was cited by Bengaluru airport authorities to stop him from boarding a flight to the US on April 6.

He had also sought directions to allow him to travel to the US till May 30 to deliver lectures at various universities there.

On Patel’s plea, the magistrate court had directed the immediate withdrawal of the LOC against him and said a written apology would go a long way in not only healing the

wounds of the applicant but also upholding the trust and confidence of the public in CBI. CBI moved a sessions court against the order, saying the additional chief metropolitan magistrate had erred in his reasoning to set aside the LOC. Advocate Nikhil Goel, appearing for CBI, told the court that the magistrate seemed to suggest that if one was not arrested in an investigation, a lookout circular could not be issued. He further said that it would be violative of a person’s fundamental rights if the agency had to arrest somebody first to issue a lookout circular.

“Ensure that your client does not do any misadventure. He is not going to leave,” the judge told advocate, after CBI said Patel had tried to leave for the US earlier, a fact not disputed by his counsel. Patel had, in fact, moved a contempt petition before a magistrate court earlier in the day, alleging that he was yet again stopped from flying despite the court’s direction. In his plea, Patel alleged that he was stopped again in complete disobedience and disregard of the court’s order.

Gujarat records first Covid XE case in a visitor from Mumbai A 67-year-old Mumbai man, who was on a social visit to Vadodara, tested positive for XE sub-variant of Covid’s Omicron strain which is known for its fast transmission. Earlier, a woman from Mumbai was claimed to be India’s first case of XE sub-variant but the Union health ministry said that the same does not correlate with the genomic picture of XE variant.

Vadodara health officials said the Mumbai man had come with three others to the city by air on a personal visit on March 11. He checked into a high-end hotel and was tested for Covid after reporting fever on March 12. For the testing purpose, he had given the address of a relative staying in a posh residential society in New Alkapuri.

Manoj Aggarwal, ACS (health), said that the senior citizen went back to Mumbai after the test. “He had tested positive for Covid but did not develop any severe symptoms,” he said. When his sample was sent for genomic sequencing at Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), it tested positive for the XE subvariant some days ago,” he said. The West Bengal-based National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG) has also confirmed the XE report, Aggarwal added.

“It’s surely the first case of XE sub-variant reported in Gujarat where the patient is not a resident of Gujarat. I cannot com-

ment on whether it's the country's first case, as Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) can provide this information,” said Aggarwal. He said that the man had left for Mumbai and was contacted after the XE positive report. He is found to be stable after recovery.

The state health department officials said that four people were in close contact with the Mumbai man locally and all of them have tested negative. “Further sampling would be carried out based on the contact history,” said an official.

Russia aggression in Ukraine. The virtual meeting came in the midst of concerns in Washington over India’s position on Ukraine and it decision to procure discounted Russian oil.

Significantly Biden also referred to the strong and growing defense partnership between India and the US. In Washington, India’s reluctance to condemn Russia is understood to also relate to the defense dependence on the latter. He said at the root of the bilateral partnership is a deep connection between “our people, ties of the family of friendship and of shared values”. The two leaders will meet on May 24 in Japan at the next Quad meeting.

Jaishankar meets Blinken India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar tweeted pictures of himself in Washington with Secretary of State Tony Blinken. “Began the day with a breakfast meeting,” with Blinken, he reported, adding,

“wide ranging exchange of views on the global situation, regional hotspots and bilateral cooperation. Took place with the comfort and openness of true strategic partners.” He also tweeted out an image of himself meeting President Joe Biden who had a virtual meeting with India’s PM Narendra Modi.

India's defense minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III held delegation-level talks at the Pentagon, ahead of India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue. Rajnath, who is on a five-day US visit, arrived at the Pentagon for a bilateral meeting with Austin. Austin welcomed Rajnath Singh in an enhanced honor cordon ceremony at the Pentagon.

The enhanced honor is reserved for valued guests and visitors. During normal honor cordon, visitors are greeted at the Pentagon stairs and welcomed with handshakes, before proceeding inside the building. During the enhanced honour cordon, national anthems are played.

PM Modi hits out at familydominated parties Calling BJP’s recent victory in four states and it touching the milestone of 100 seats in Rajya Sabha as additional responsibilities to serve the people, PM Narendra Modi exhorted party workers to immerse themselves in the service of humanity and work for the nation on mission mode.

“This year’s foundation day has become very important due to three reasons. First, we are celebrating 75 years of independence.

Second, (due to) the rapidly changing global situation, new opportunities are coming up for India continuously. Third, BJP’s double engine goverment came to power once again in four states recently,” he said and added, “After three decades a party has touched the mark of 100 members in Rajya Sabha.”

Hitting out at family-dominated parties once again, Modi asserted that BJP stands for “Rashtra bhakti” and its rivals for “Parivar bhakti” but people have gradually realised that dynastic parties are the “biggest enemies” of democracy. “When these parties are active nationally or come to power in states,

members of some families dominate from local bodies to Parliament. BJP has challenged them and made it an electoral issue. ” Although he didn’t take any party’s name, his reference was apparently to the Congress dominated by the Gandhi-Nehru family and its allies like DMK, Shiv Sena, NCP, JMM and Samajwadi Party. Addressing BJP workers on the party’s 42nd foundation day via video conference, the PM attributed the party’s success to the growing support from all sections even as he hailed women for being the “architect” of the party’s recent successes.

Communal violence erupts during Ram Navami procession Communal violence erupted in at least three Gujarat districts, Himmatnagar, Khambhat and Dwarka, on Sunday during and after Ram Navami processions. Heavy stone pelting in Khambhat left one dead due to head injuries, and three cops were injured in stone pelting in Himmatnagar.

Late in the evening, a saffron flag, which was left behind after a Ram Navami procession passed through Muslim dominated area, was burnt by miscreants which resulted in tension in the coastal city of Dwarka. One person was apprehended by Dwarka police for burning the flag.

Violence was also witnessed in Himmatnagar on the day.

Police officers said at about 1 pm, during a rally by the VHP which was passing through the Muslimdominated Chhaparia locality of the city, the rioters pelted stones on the rally. While the police tried to drive away people who were pelting stones from rooftops on both sides of the procession, many of them escaped by jumping from terraces.

Additional police forces were rushed from nearby districts of Ahmedabad, Anand, Aravalli and Mehsana. Two IG level officers and five SPs are currently camping in Himmatnagar, where section 144 has been imposed.

Violence erupts in MP Communal violence also erupted in at least two districts of Madhya Pradesh during the Ram Navami celebrations. The first incident of violence was reported in Khargone district, where nearly half-a-dozen police

personnel were injured while a similar incident occurred in Sendhwa town of Barwani district.

In Khargone, stones were hurled at a Ram Navami procession, triggering incidents of arson wherein some vehicles were set on fire, prompting authorities to clamp curfew in three areas and section 144 of CrPC in the entire city. Police fired tear gas shells to control the situation.

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Seek spirituality to improve life after heart failure A study led by the American College of Cardiology, has suggested that spirituality not only helps improve the quality of life for people with chronic diseases like cancer but also impacts heart failure patients. The study was published in the journal, ‘JACC Heart Failure’.

It further concludes spirituality should be considered a potential target for palliative care interventions to improve patient-centred and clinical outcomes in these individuals. “Patients who have heart failure experience a poorer quality of life compared to their peers, with high levels of depression, anxiety and spiritual distress,” said Rachel S Tobin, MD, resident in Internal Medicine at Duke University Hospital, and lead author of the study.

“Contributing to diminished quality of life is the fact that heart failure, unlike many other chronic diseases, is very unpredictable and can lead to hopelessness, isolation and altered self-image,” he added.

The American College of Cardiology and other major cardiovascular societies recommend palliative care for heart failure patients. Spirituality is a core domain of palliative care, with the goal of identifying and addressing spiritual concerns and providing patients with appropriate spiritual and religious resources. However, limited research has been conducted on spirituality’s impact on patients with heart failure, and there are no known tools designed to measure it.

According to the researchers, spirituality is hard to define, but they reference several definitions that describe spirituality as how individuals find meaning and purpose in life, which can be separate from religious beliefs.

For instance, the Institute of Medicine defines spirituality as “the needs and expectations which humans have to find meaning, purpose and value in their life. Such needs can be specifically religious, but even people who have no religious faith or are not members of organised religion have belief systems that give their lives meaning and purpose”.

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Quitting smoking can add an extra five years of healthy life

D

utch cardiologists believe kicking the butt could give you an extra five years of healthy life. Researchers involved 1,000 smokers who had recently had a heart attack or bypass surgery but didn’t actually track participants. They relied on a mathematical model to calculate the effects of giving up cigarettes.

They claimed giving up smoking was just as effective as taking three types of heart medications theoretically. Around 6.9 million Britons smoke, but over half say they want to quit.

The lead author of the study Dr. Tinka Van Trier of Amsterdam University Medical Centre said, “The benefits of smoking cessation are even greater than we realized. Kicking the habit appears to be as effective as taking three medications for preventing heart attacks and strokes in those with a prior heart attack or procedure to open blocked arteries. Patients could gain nearly five years of healthy life.”

Presented at a European Society of Cardiology conference, the research involved 989 patients aged 45 or older. They were all still smoking at least six months after having a heart attack or bypass surgery. Dr. Van Trier added, “This analysis focused on smokers who had experienced a heart attack and/or undergone stent implantation or bypass surgery. This group is at particularly high risk of having another heart attack or a stroke and stopping smoking is potentially the most effective preventive action.”

The study was designed to calcu-

late the number of years of life they would gain by giving up smoking.

They compared this to taking three medications - colchicine - an antiinflammatory therapy, and cholesterol-fighting bempedoic acid and PCSK9 inhibitors.

Quitting smoking added an extra 4.81 years to people’s lives, on average, the research claimed. This compared to 4.83 years from the three medications.

Dr. Van Trier said, “This indicates that smoking cessation is a very important step towards adding healthy years to one’s lifetime. Giving up cigarettes after a heart attack is linked with improved survival compared with persistent smoking. If you are considering becoming smoke-free or would like more information about it, please talk to a health professional.”

They added, “Your motivation is key to successfully quit, but beating an addiction becomes easier with medical and psychological assistance.”

Study says nearly half of heart disease patients have insomnia A new study has found that nearly half of heart disease patients suffer from insomnia. The research included 1,068 consecutive patients an average of 16 months after a heart attack and/or a procedure to open blocked arteries.

Participants completed the Bergen Insomnia Scale questionnaire which is based on the diagnostic criteria for insomnia. The questions cover the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, waking up prematurely, feeling inadequately rested, tiredness during the day that affects the ability to function at work or socially, and being dissatisfied with sleep. The risk factors include C-reactive protein, smoking status, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, diabetes, physical activity, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure.

The co-existing conditions were stroke, transient ischaemic attack, peripheral artery disease, and kidney failure.

Lead author Lars Frojd said, “Sleep problems are linked to mental health issues, but our study found that insom-

nia was still significantly associated with heart events even after accounting for symptoms of anxiety and depression.” She added, “The findings suggest that heart patients should be assessed for insomnia and offered appropriate management.”

Approximately one in five participants (21 per cent) were women. At baseline, the average age of patients was 62 years, almost half (45 per cent) had insomnia and 24 per cent had used sleep medication in the past week.

During an average follow-up of 4.2 years, a total of 364 MACE occurred in 225 patients.

Compared to those without insomnia, the relative risk of recurrent MACE

in patients with insomnia was 1.62 after adjusting for age and sex, 1.49 after additional adjustment for coronary risk factors, and 1.48 after also adjusting for co-existing conditions. The association between insomnia and recurrent MACE remained significant when symptoms of anxiety and depression were also adjusted for, with a relative risk of 1.41.

Frojd said, “This means that 16 per cent of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events might have been avoided if none of the participants had insomnia.”

He concluded, “Our study indicates that insomnia is common in heart disease patients and is linked with subsequent cardiovascular problems regardless of risk factors, co-existing health conditions and symptoms of mental health. Further research is needed to examine whether insomnia treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy and digital applications are effective in this patient group.”

Beat the heat with these natural cooling drinks Summer naturally steers us towards cold drinks and beverages, skipping oily food and high-calorie snacks altogether. This season gives one an opportunity to detox and improve overall well-being.

However, consuming a lot of sugar-sweetened and canned soft drinks, juices, and ice-creams can increase the risk of obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes.

Drinking too many carbonated drinks can also harm your oral health and can cause tooth decay.

To avoid such risks, one can make a smarter choice by opting for natural and homemade drinks.

In this article, we talk about natural drinks made from seasonal fruits, lentils, herbs and spices that have cooling properties.

In her recent post, Ayurveda expert Dr Dixa Bhavsar shared 10

natural cooling drinks to beat the heat this summer.

Fennel Sharbat: Take a bowl, and add 2 teaspoons of fennel powder. Add rock sugar (misri/khand) as per taste. Add 2 glasses of water and mix them well. And your delicious cooling fennel drink is ready.

Sattu Energy Drink: The extremely cooling and best source of easily digestible protein during summers, sattu sharbat is a popular choice of fitness enthusiasts. Mix 1 tsp sattu powder in a glass of water, add a pinch of roasted cumin and pink salt and add some jaggery in it and the drink is ready.

Pudina Sharbat: Take 2-3 glasses of water, add handful of mint leaves in it and small pieces of rock

sugar (as per taste) and grind it thoroughly. Then add half lemon and rock salt (as per taste), strain and sip the most delicious mint drink.

Gulkand Shots: Take one glass of milk, add one tbsp gulkand in it and mix it with the hand blender.

Then enjoy small shots of gulkand milk mixture with your family.

Paan Shots: Take 4 paan (betel leaves) torn into small pieces, 4 tsp gulkand, one tsp fennel seeds, one tsp grated coconut, one tbsp rock sugar/misri (optional) and 1/4th cup water.

First of all, add the pieces of paan to the mixer. Then add all other ingredients except water and blend them for a few seconds. Add water and blend until smooth.

Your paan shots are ready.

Bilva or Bael Sharbat: Take bilva fruit. Cut it from the middle and take out the inner soft pulp.

Soak the pulp in 1 glass of water for 20 mins. Then mash the pup thoroughly. Later strain it and add one tsp jaggery, roasted cumin, car-

damom and a pinch of black salt in it. Your bilva sharbat is ready.

Khas Sharbat: Soak Khas (Vetiver) in water for 8-10 hours.

Then strain it, and add rock sugar to it (as per taste).

Kokum Sharbat: Take two fresh kokum fruits, cut them in half, remove the seeds and then grind them into a fine paste. Make rock sugar syrup and pour it into the kokum paste, add cumin and cardamom powder to taste. Add 23 tbsp of this paste in a glass, add cold water from earthen pot and enjoy your kokum sharbat.

Sugarcane Juice: Drink fresh sugarcane juice during summers.

Best energy provider and thirst reliever.

Coconut Water: Have it in the morning or two hours post meals in the afternoon (around 4 pm).

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Theft at Sonam KapoorAnand Ahuja’s New Delhi house A

complaint has been filed by the in-laws of actor Sonam Kapoor alleging theft of cash and jewellery worth £240,000 from Sonam Kapoor and her husband Anand Abuja’s New Delhi residence. A case has been registered.

Deputy commissioner of police, New Delhi, Amrutha Guguloth said, “Their house is on Amrita Shergill Marg in Lutyens’ Delhi, where Anand’s parents Harish Ahuja, mother Priya Ahuja and grandmother Sarla Ahuja live. The theft in Sonam’s in-laws’ house took place in February.” The complaint was made on February 23, 2022.

“They complained that some cash and jewellery combined worth £240,000 was stolen. They had noticed it on February 11, 2022, but the complaint was filed on February 23, 2022. Immediately FIR was filed under section 381 IPC at Police Station Tughlaq Road and an investigation started. Teams have been formed and examination of the evidence is underway,” said the officer.

Police further said that the case has been transferred to special staff New Delhi district and they are investigating the matter. No arrest has been made so far.

Kangana recalls falling for a married man

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angana Ranaut who is currently hosting the reality show Lock Upp, opened up about the time she fell for a married man. The actress who was rumoured to be in a relationship with Hrithik Roshan when he was married to Sussanne Khan said that young girls are often vulnerable in such situations.

While she did not name Hrithik, she said that such a situation became a huge scandal in her life.

Anil Kapoor-Harsh Varrdhan starrer ‘Thar’ set to release on Netflix S

treaming giant Netflix announced its upcoming film ‘Thar’ starring Bollywood actors and real-life father-son duo Anil Kapoor and Harsh Varrdhan is set to premiere on May 6. The revenge noir thriller marks the directorial debut of Raj Singh Chaudhary and is produced by Anil Kapoor Film Company (AKFC).

Raj Singh has also written the film and penned the dialogues along with Anurag Kashyap. Inspired by the Western Noir genre, ‘Thar’ is set in the eighties and features Harsh as an antique dealer named Siddharth. The film traces his journey through a remote village in Rajasthan and has recently been rocked by a series of violent killings.

Meanwhile, local cop Surekha Singh investigates these killings he crosses paths with Siddharth. ‘Thar’ is the second collaboration between Anil Kapoor and Harsh Varrdhan after ‘AK vs AK’. The movie also stars Fatima Sana Shaikh and Satish Kaushik.

Shahid announces film with Ali Abbas to come out this year On the show, contestant Munawar Faruqui was shown a picture from social media and Kangana asked if he'd like to elaborate on it. Kangana revealed that the picture had gone viral on social media. The picture had Munawar posing with a woman and a kid. Other contestants in the lock-up wondered if the woman in the picture was his sister. “I don't want to talk about this. Not on social media, not on a platform like Lock Upp. This is not something I want to talk about," Munawar said.

On the show, Kangana said, “Every girl falls into the charm of married men. I speak from personal experience. I am not talking about you, but maybe it happens because they (married men) are domesticated and they are more understanding. They are responsible and have that aura around them that charms young women." She added, "Wo kahani bana ke rakhte hain ki kaha phans gaya, bichara hoon. Same story (Such men have stories of being trapped and they tell similar stories to the wife and the young girl). Munawar interrupted to say it is not the same story.

“I am not talking about you but many girls will relate, girls who are at a young age. Mere saath kafi bada scandal ban gayi. Aisa lagta hai biwi se aap hi bacha sakte ho, but biwi ki sun lo to kaan se khoon nikal aaye (It became a huge scandal in my life. The young girls feel they are the only ones who can save the married man from his wife. But, if you hear the wife's story, you'd be shocked)."

A

ctor Shahid Kapoor’s action film with director Ali Abbas Zafar is finally complete and is set to release sometime this year. Presented by Jim Studios along with Zafar’s AAZ Films, Offside Entertainment and The Vermillion World, the yet-untitled is billed as a “stylised relentless action-packed ride.”

Talking about the movie, Shahid said the film is a departure from the “typical” action movies. He said, “Ali’s film is ready. It is a kind of action that I have not done before. It is new for me and him. It is an edgy action, not like the typical one, it has a quirk to it.” He added, “It (doing action) is very tiring and I have lost a lot of weight. I had a great time working on it. Ali and I have known each other for a decade and we decided to collaborate on this. It will come out this year.”

On the work front, Shahid is all set to make his OTT debut with Prime Video series from ‘The Family Man’ creators Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK. He also signed to play a paratrooper in an action film titled ‘Bull’, which is inspired by events from the life of Brigadier Bulsara.

Shahid is currently awaiting the release of the Hindi remake of the National Award-winning Telugu sports drama, ‘Jersey’. The 41-year-old said he is grateful for the varied offers coming his way but it is difficult to find interesting opportunities all the time. Shahid said, “I have a film coming out two-and-half years after a super successful film without having another release. It is great for me.”

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Katrina flaunts cooking skills A

ctress Katrina Kaif shared another glimpse of marital bliss on her social media as she spent her Sunday morning with her husband Vicky Kaushal. Katrina shared a picture of scrambled eggs she made for Kaushal on her Instagram account. She wrote, “Sunday breakfast for hubby made by me.”

Kat-Vicky married in December 2021 in a private ceremony with only close friends and family members in attendance. The couple recently went on a vacation and spent quality time at an undisclosed beach destination.

They also treated fans to photos. In her latest post, Katrina turned into a muse for her husband as she posed for the camera. Vicky, meanwhile, flaunted his chiselled abs and captioned a picture, “Got 99 problems but the bench ain’t one”.

On the work front, Kat is working on a project with Sriram Raghavan, and also has ‘Jee Le Zaraa’ alongside Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra. Meanwhile, Vicky has Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Sam Bahadur’.

Priyanka urges leaders to help refugees amid the Ukraine crisis

A

ctor Priyanka Chopra has made an appeal to world leaders to come out in support of the refugees of Ukraine. In an Instagram post, she said that the current refugee crisis is the “largest we have seen as human beings”.

In the video, the actress, who is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, said, “World leaders, this is a direct appeal to you. We need you to answer the call from activists and advocates working to support the humanitarian and refugee crisis that we are watching every day in Eastern Europe. We need you to take action to help the displaced people from Ukraine, and we all around the world.”

She continued, “In total, two million children have been forced to leave everything behind in search of safety in neighbouring countries. Together with 2.5 million children internally displaced, it’s one of the fastest, largest displacements since world war 2.”

Priyanka called the numbers “staggering” and added how the trauma of this war will be “forever carved in the memory of so many young lives and none of these children will ever be the same again for what they have seen and experienced.” She questioned the leaders of the UK, Germany, Japan, Norway, and Australia. She asked, “When you meet to decide how much funding you will give to support humanitarian aid, will you stand up for refugees? Will you contribute the billions that they need?”

She also posted a UNICEF donation link in her bio on Twitter and Instagram to help the children of Ukraine. The actor’s appeal is a part of a social media campaign organised by The Global Citizen to show support for Ukraine.

Celebrities such as Bruce Springsteen, Hugh Jackman, Elton John, Jon Bon Jovi, the Jonas Brothers and Billie Eilish also joined the campaign.

Ranbir-Alia all set to tie the knot on April 14

I

t is time for another big fat Bollywood wedding and this may just be the biggest event of the year.

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor are all set to tie the knot on April 14, followed by a grand reception. While the couple and their relatives are quite tight-lipped about the details of the wedding ceremony, media is following and reporting the event by the minute.

According to media reports, a small baraat procession will leave for the venue on the afternoon of April 14. It will be followed by nuptials which will last till the evening. Ahead of the wedding, the couple will host mehendi ceremony, followed by haldi ceremony on April 13 and the first half of April 14, respectively.

While it was earlier believed that the ceremony will take place at Ranbir’s ancestral house in Chembur, it seems there is a slight change in plans. A new media report suggests that Alia and Ranbir will get married in the latter’s house Vastu in Bandra. Another report continued to state that the bride will choose to wear Sabyasachi with a dupatta especially made by her close friend Manish MalhotraAlia and Ranbir will also host a party for their friends in Bollywood on April 16, and later a grand reception on April 17 at Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai.

All events are known to be strictly private with only family members and close friends in attendance. The guest list includes Karan Johar, Ayan Mukerji, Katrina Kaif, and Vicky Kaushal, among others.

Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn have a hilarious Twitter exchange

B

ollywood star Amitabh Bachchan took to Twitter to share a photo from Ajay Devgn’s debut film ‘Phool Aur Kaante’. The picture was the iconic image of the actor making a heroic entry on two bikes. He captioned it, “Sirji inka record hi hai rules todne ka!

Range haathon guilty paaye gaye ho @AjayDevgn, ab kya doge iska jawaab? #Runway34”.

Shah Rukh pens handwritten note for ‘Pathaan’ crew member

A

ctor Shah Rukh Khan’s handwritten note for Abhishek Anil Tiwari, assistant director on the upcoming film ‘Pathaan’, has made its way to the internet. The movie marks Shah Rukh’s first film in over four years after the actor went on a sabbatical following 2018s ‘Zero’.

Abhishek reposted the note on Instagram Stories, and it appears to have been written on the authorized biography of actor Al Pacino, as evidenced by the Oscarwinning legend’s name on the page.

The note read, “To

Abhishek, Thank you for making Pathaan. Such a wonderful experience for all of us, especially me.

You are a gem my man.

The hard work, efficiency, and smiles with which you pulled off such difficult work is much appreciated.

Also I love the fact that you love your drinks man.

Have a good life in cinema – will miss u lots. Love, Shah Rukh Khan.”

While ‘Pathaan' has been in production for a while, the official confirmation came only a few weeks ago. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film is slated for a January 25 release.

The post received an interesting response as he shared a photo of Big B riding a bike in the movie ‘Sholay’ where he has fellow actor Dharmendra on top of his shoulders. He captioned it, “Sir you were saying…” Both Devgn and Bachchan are collaborating on ‘Runway34’ , which is being directed by the ‘Golmaal’ actor.

The film follows the events of a plane crash and also stars Boman Irani, Rakul Preet Singh, Angira Dhar, and Aakanksha Singh. YouTuber Carry Minati also appears in the movie which is set to release in theatres on April 29.

Ajay spoke about directing the movie earlier and said, “When I want to make a film, I search for films which are not easy to mount. So it was difficult to create new visuals, as the film is set on the ground and on air. But it was also exciting. In this film, for Mr Bachchan’s role, if he wouldn’t have agreed, I don’t even know if I would be able to cast (any other actor). I don’t think I would be making the film.”

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‘RRR’ crosses the £100 million club worldwide S

S Rajamouli’s magnum opus ‘RRR’ has officially entered the £100 million club worldwide within two weeks of its release.

This is only the third movie after Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’ and ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’ to cross the mark globally. ‘RRR’ features Ram Charan, Jr NTR, Alia Bhatt, and Ajay Devgn, among others.

Taking to Twitter, trade analyst Manobala Vijayabalan wrote, "#RRRMovie enters the PRESTIGIOUS Rs. 1,000 cr club." He also tweeted, “Rs. 1000 cr+ club Indian #Dangal movies. #Baahubali2 #RRR.” Trade analyst Taran Adarsh also tweeted, “[Week 3] refuses to slow down, RRRock-solid on [third] Fri...

Continues to attract substantial footfalls in mass circuits... Expect higher numbers today and tomorrow [third Sat and Sun]...

Fri 5 cr. Total: Rs. 213.59 cr. #India biz.”

On Saturday, Ram Charan thanked fans in Britain for the success of the movie, which registered strong numbers at the UK box office during its opening weekend. “A special thank you to our UK fans for showering us with so much love and support. It is this love and affection that

makes us who we are and drives us to work harder and present you all with good films. I have both vacationed and filmed in the UK several times and it has always been a great experience.”

‘RRR’ is a multilingual action movie that

narrates a fictional tale based on the lives of two freedom fighters in the early 20th century - Alluri Sitarama Raju and Kumram Bheem, played by Ram Charan and Jr NTR, respectively. The film became one of the fastest to enter the Rs. 100 crore club at the Indian box office.

According to the film team, the film is also making waves in the UK, amassing $ 1.20 million at the box office during its opening weekend. In the US and Canada, the film earned $11 million, while it minted 1.89 million in Australia.

Shruti Haasan pens emotional note on childhood

A

ctor Shruti Haasan shared a lengthy post on childhood recently. Posting a photo of herself from her younger days, she wrote about how the child “within” us, has more wisdom than adults sometimes. She wrote that one can never forget their childhood and the past.

She wrote, “How does one never forget the child and also leave the past behind ? Our most defining moments the ones that shape us forever happen in childhood and carry us through and sometimes those memories we can’t let go off ? They become the burned to carry .. that bully on the playground or were you the bully ? Do you remember the adult who wasn’t as nice or that one other kid who had the same unspoken truth as you ?”

Shruti added, “Do you remember the friend you always wanted to sit next to and the teacher who taught you more than just the subject on paper ..The child in us always has more heart and wisdom than we pretend to have as grown ups. I’m going back to my roots to Thank the child inside of me and to set her free … she always knew best it seems.”

The post left a lot of fans emotional, with some even thanking the actor for sharing her thoughts.

On the work front, Shruti Haasan has ‘Mega 154’, ‘NBK 107’ and ‘Salaar’ in her kitty.

Veteran Telugu actor Balayya dies at 94

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eteran Telugu actor Balayya passed away on Saturday at his residence in Hyderabad at the age of 94. Born at Chavupady, the actor completed engineering in Chennai and forayed into acting after a brief stint at the theatre. He made his acting debut with 1958 Telugu ‘Ettuku Pai Ettu’, which was directed by Tapi Chanakya.

The actor has over 300 films to his credit, along with a record as a successful producer and bankrolled films under the banner Amrutha Films which he set up in 1970. As an actor, he was popular for his work in films such as ‘Parvati Kalyanam’, ‘Irugu Porugu’, ‘Bobili Yudham’, ‘Manchi Manishi’, ‘Palnati Yudham’, ‘Bhakta Kannappa’ and ‘Malliswari’ among others.

Several celebrities offered tributes as soon as the news of his death was announced.

Nandamuri Balakrishna released a statement mourning Balayya’s death and wrote, “Balayya guru was an incredible actor. He shared the screen space with my father in several films and has also played pivotal roles in my movies. Not only as an actor, but he also proved himself as a filmmaker, storyteller and writer. My family had a good bond with him. Today, knowing about his passing away has deeply hurt all of us. I wish peace for his soul and heartfelt condolence to his family.”

He was a recipient of the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award.

Rashmika Mandanna’s old tweet goes viral A

ctor Rashmika Mandanna has joined the cast opposite Vijay in ‘Thalapathy 66’. The makers announced the big news earlier this week, with the shoot kicking off on Tuesday last, to mark the Rashmika’s 26th birthday, and while fans couldn’t hold their excitement about the pairing, an old tweet of the actress has gone viral.

The tweet, dated, November 27, 2018, reads, “A lot of you have been asking me if I am part of Vijay sir’s and Atlee sir’s film but since that’s not happening this time, I hope I get to work with them soon. I am so overwhelmed (like literally) to see such support from all of you. I will definitely make a debut there soon. I love you all very much.”

Tentatively titled ‘Thalapathy 66’, the movie went on floors in Chennai with a prayer ceremony. It is Tamil superstar Vijay’s 66th film that’ll be simultaneously shot in Telugu as well.

The Vamshi Paidipally directorial also stars actorpolitician R Sarath Kumar. It is produced by Dil Raju. The movie marks Vijay’s first collaboration with Rashmika and music composer Thaman.

Sharing her happiness, Rashmika tweeted, “There we have it. can’t believe this is

happening but soooo kicked about this.”

In the meantime, Rashmika also has ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ and an untitled Telugu project with Dulquer Salmaan in her kitty.

TV Listing

* Schedule is subject to change

MON 18 APR - FRI 22 APR 2022 6.00 Chundadi Odhu Ne Sajan Sambhre 9.00 SHUBH PRABHAT 9.30 SUR PRABHAT 15.00 RASOI SHOW 17.30 SHRIMAD BHAGWAT MAHAPURAN 18.00 DESHI BEATS 18.30 SURI 19.00 BHAKT GORA KUMBHAR 19.30 MARU MAN MOHI GAYU 20.00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI 20.30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU 21.00 SORATHNI MRS SINGHAM 21.30 GEETA SATURDAY 16 APR 2022 6.00 Kalje Korano Maro Saybo

* Schedule is subject to change

MON 18 APR - FRI 22 APR 2022 16.30 RASOI SHOW DESI FLAVOURS 17.30 CHHUTA CHHEDA 18.00 SASURAL SIMAR KA 18.30 TU AASHIQUI 19.00 BHAGYA KA LIKHA 20.00 SWARAN GHAR 20.30 DIL SE DIL TAK 21.00 THE GREAT INDIAN GLOBAL KITCHEN (SEASON 2)

9.00 SHUBH PRABHAT 9.30 SUR PRABHAT 15.00 RASOI SHOW 17.30 SHRIMAD BHAGWAT MAHAPURAN 18.00 DESHI BEATS 18.30 SURI 19.00 BHAKT GORA KUMBHAR 19.30 MARU MAN MOHI GAYU 20.00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI 20.30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU 21.00 SORATHNI MRS SINGHAM 21.30 GEETA SUNDAY 17 APR 2022 9.00 SHUBH PRABHAT 9.30 SUR PRABHAT 12.00 Tamburo 15.00 Pela Adhi Akshar 18.00 DESHI BEATS 18.30 MARU MAN MOHI GAYU 20.00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI 20.30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU 21.00 SORATHNI MRS SINGHAM 21.30 GEETA

21.30 SASURAL SIMAR KA 2 SATURDAY 16 APR 2022 15.00 SHU CHALE CHE 16.30 RASOI SHOW - DESI FLAVOURS 17.30 DESI BEAT 3 18.00 SASURAL SIMAR KA 18.30 TU AASHIQUI 19.00 BHAGYA KA LIKHA 20.00 COMEDY NIGHTS WITH KAPIL 21.00 THE GREAT INDIAN GLOBAL KITCHEN (SEASON 2) 21.30 SASURAL SIMAR KA 2 SUNDAY 17 APR 2022 16.30 RASOI SHOW - DESI FLAVOURS 17.30 DESI BEAT 3 18.00 BFFs with Vogue - Season 1 19.00 THE ANUPAM KHER SHOW - SEASON 1 20.00 COMEDY NIGHTS WITH KAPIL 21.00 COMEDY NIGHTS WITH KAPIL

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16 - 22 April 2022

Swastika Dutta set to make a comeback in films B engali actress Swastika Dutta is all set to return to the big screen after a gap of five years. She will be joining Abir Chatterjee and Ritabhari Chakraborty for Aritra Mukherjee’s ‘Fatafati’.

Sharing why she chose this particular project, Swastika said, “I did get film offers but none of them were meaty enough. I loved the script of ‘Fatafati’ and I believe that it will be a good comeback film for me. I play Biki Sen, a popular model in the film. In real life too, I started my career with modelling so those experiences are helping me portray the character convincingly. I will also be attending acting workshops before the film goes on the floor. My shooting schedule is from May 2 though the film will go on the floors from April 25.”

She added, “I have joined a gym so I can flaunt a toned body in the film. Plus I am on a healthy diet so the inner glow is reflected on my face.” Swastika said she is waiting for the right script to make a comeback on the small screen. “It is only possible to face the camera every day if one is part of a serial. And I feel, as an actor, that is how a person learns. So, I would love to be back on the small screen.”

Previously, Swastika has featured in films like ‘Parbo Ami Charteh’, ‘Toke’, ‘Abhimaan’, and ‘Haripada Bandwala’.

Lilly Singh, Drew Barrymore dance to ‘Chura Ke Dil Mera’ T

elevision host and YouTuber Lilly Singh was a guest at actor Drew Barrymore’s talk show recently. Now, the entire segment was a delight to watch, however, the icing was a lip-sync dance to ‘Chura Ke Dil Mera’ from 1994’s ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’. Singh shared the video on her Instagram where she and Drew can be seen dancing as the latter lip-syncs the Alka Yagnik-Kumar Sanu number.

Singh captioned the post, “Finally met @drewbarrymore and she legit stole my heart Also, didn’t she nail this?! Ugh. A queen. I had an absolute blast on @thedrewbarrymoreshow today.” The post has its own fan following and saw a barrage of comments and love. Celebrities too liked and commented on the clip.

Actress Freida Pinto wrote, “Omg!!! This IS EVERYTHING! Best thing I’ve seen in a long time.” Kal Penn wrote, “Hahaha amazing!” Hollywood life coach and author Jay Shetty wrote, “@drewbarrymore lip sync on point.”

‘Never Have I Ever' actor Richa Moorjani wrote, “This is officially the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” Wellness expert Mona Vand wrote, “Confession – I used to watch so

mmy Award-winning actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is quite inspired by Indian culture and Bollywood’s style of filmmaking. In an interview with a media agency, the ‘Candyman’ actor said he is “inspired by a lot of things from India.”

many Bollywood movies with my mom when I was in high school. You guys nailed this scene… the drama on point @lilly @drewbarrymore.”

Singh is currently busy promoting her new book ‘Be a Triangle: How I Want From Being Lost to Getting My Life Into Shape’.

Neeraj Joshi’s ‘Gajab Thai Gayo’ promises a journey to remember T railer for Neeraj Joshi’s long-awaited Gujarati film ‘Gajab Thai Gayo!’ is finally out and looks quite promising. The movie stars Gujarati star Malhar Thakar alongside leading lady Pooja Jhaveri.

The film revolves around a man from a

I am inspired by Indian filmmaking: Yahya AbdulMateen II E

reputed international university, who takes up the challenge to join one of the last existing Gujarati medium schools in the state. The protagonist aims to provide free education to children and establish the power of one’s mother tongue.

The movie has a very special message about the Gujarati language. It also features more than 100 school kids. The film’s music which is composed by Parth Bharat Thakkar is already well-received. The soundtrack ‘Koi Mane Prem Shikvado’ sung by Jasleen Royal and Aditya Gadhavi has gone viral.

Skills of Bollywood actors are unsurpassed: Jake Gyllenhaal

H

When asked what comes to mind when one mentions India, he said, “I instantly think about the filmmaking style, thinking about the music, colours, the fashion and other aspects of the culture. When it comes to filmmaking, how all of the (aspect of the culture) is infused into one, I hope it is a respectable term, into a spectacle. I mean it is the movies and the movie-going experience which is really exciting and exhilarating for me. That is one aspect which influences me a lot.”

On the work front, Yahya is currently busy promoting his upcoming film ‘Ambulance’ alongside Michael Bay and Jake Gyllenhaal.

ollywood actor Jake Gyllenhaal, who is promoting his upcoming movie ‘Ambulance’ lately spoke to a media source about India and the Indian film industry.

The 41-year-old actor feels the ability to match dance steps to the tunes of music in between cut and action moments in reel life is an art mastered by Bollywood.

All praises for India and the Indian culture, Gyllenhaal said, “Ohh, yes, I know a lot about Indian culture, food and films. In fact, Indian culture is so beautiful, even Indian literature. I happen to be reading an amazing book

right now. I mean there are so many things about India which are incredible.”

He said he is particularly inspired by Indian movies. “The films in Bollywood are so inspiring to me… The creativity in them, so much of the acting in them. I think the skill that so many Bollywood actors have is just unsurpassed. To be able to sing, dance and act at the same time is a real requirement, which we don’t really have much in Hollywood. I have so much admiration for the filmmaking and the acting coming out of India.”

A food lover, Gyllenhaal said the food is probably number one for him.

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in brief BCCI COUNCIL TO REVIEW PROBE PANEL’S REPORT ON SAHA The BCCI Apex Council will review the probe committee's report concerning India wicket keeper Wriddhiman Saha, who had accused a journalist of intimidating him, at its meeting on April 23. The BCCI had formed a threemember panel comprising vice-president Rajeev Shukla, treasurer Arun Dhumal and Apex Council member Prabhtej Bhatia to probe Saha's allegation. The 37-year-old India discard appeared before the Committee last month and so did the accused journalist Majumdar and presented their respective versions. Saha had alleged that Majumdar intimidated him for not giving him an interview. BCCI is expected to close the matter at the Apex Council meeting. “Review of the Committee report on issue concerning Wriddhiman Saha,” read item no. 4 on the meeting agenda.

INQUIRY AGAINST IOA CHIEF BATRA The CBI has registered an inquiry against the president of Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Narinder Dhruv Batra, and unknown officials of Hockey India to probe allegations of misappropriation of official funds. Besides the IOC, Batra is also the head of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

Sources said that the agency was likely to record Batra's statement by next week. At present, the CBI will obtain and analyse the transactions and account details, sources said. The inquiry was registered on a complaint alleging that Rs 35,00,000 of Hockey India was spent by Batra and some other office holders for personal benefits, officials said.

RR’S COULTER-NILE TO MISS IPL DUE TO SIDE STRAIN Rajasthan Royals Australian pace bowling allrounder Nathan Coulter-Nile was ruled out of the IPL, owing to a side strain he suffered during the team’s first game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The 34-year-old has returned home for rehabilitation. “I have the hard task of wishing him farewell,” RR’s head physio John Gloster said. “It’s always hard to lose someone, particularly when it’s through injury. I’ve made a conscious effort to do justice to myself: Karthik It was in 2006 that a young Dinesh Karthik won ‘Player of the Match’ award for his cheeky 30-odd in India’s first ever T20 Inter- national. Sixteen years hence, Karthik, nearing 37, with 330 shortest format matches under his belt, is showing signs of being another eternal comeback man of Indian cricket “I made a conscious effort to do justice to myself. Felt I could have done better in the last few years,” said Karthik, whose 44 off 23 balls, took RCB to victory over Royals on Tuesday.

AZAM AND HAYNES ICC ‘PLAYERS OF THE MONTH’ Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was on Monday voted as the ICC 'Men's Player of the Month' for March, while Australian opener Rachael Haynes bagged the honour among women. Azam scooped the honour following a number of thrilling batting displays in Pakistan's multi-format series against Australia. Amassing 390 runs in the pulsating Test series, his supreme contribution was highlighted by his record-breaking innings of 196 in the second Test, salvaging a draw for his side against the odds on the final day in Karachi. Haynes bagged the honour on the back of a formidable set of displays on the road to Australia's seventh ICC Women's Cricket World Cup title. Scoring 429 runs in eight matches at an average of 61. 28, her extraordinary feats at the top of the order proved crucial to her side's unbeaten run to the final against England.

Sunrisers beat Gujarat Titans Sunrisers Hyderabad snapped Gujarat Titans' three-match winning streak with a eight-wicket win in the Indian Premier League, with captain Kane Williamson leading from the front with a solid 57 while Nicholas Pooran gave the finishing touches with a late flourish on Monday. Hardik Pandya's unbeaten 50 had taken Gujarat Titans to 162 for 7 after being sent in to bat, but that was never going to be enough, as Williamson, who struck his first fifty of the season, anchored the Sunrisers' chase, as they crossed the line in 19.1 overs. Sunrisers thus recorded their second consecutive win after defeating Chennai Super Kings on Saturday last, while it was the Titan's first defeat after a hat-trick of wins. Earlier, Captain Pandya's responsible 50 not out off 42 balls helped Gujarat Titans post a competitive 162 for 7 after a top-order failure.

RR beat LSG by three runs Rajasthan Royals defeated Lucknow Super Giants by three runs in the IPL match on Sunday. Electing to bowl, LSG produced a fine bowling effort before Shimron Hetmyer struck a fluent fifty to help RR post 165 for six. Hetmyer remained unbeaten on 59 off 36 balls to take RR to the total after they were at 67 for four at one stage. Krishnappa Gowtham (2/30) and Jason Holder (2/50) shared four wickets between them for LSG. Chasing the total, RR restricted LSG to 162 for eight.

Delhi return to winning ways Openers Prithvi Shaw and David Warner’s fearless batting laid the foundation as Delhi Capitals outbatted Kolkata Knight Riders by 44 runs to notch up their second

win in the IPL here on Sunday.

KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer’s decision to invite Delhi Capitals for batting first in backfired as they piled up 215 for five riding on half-centuries from Shaw (51) and Warner (61).

In reply, KKR were all-out for 171 in 19.4 overs and it was left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s evening at the Brabourne Stadium as he exacted sweet revenge against a franchise that didn’t treat him too well during his stint as his career came to a halt.

Fourth straight loss for Chennai Chennai Super Kings suffered its fourth straight loss and gave the first win to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Abhishek, a 21-yearold left-hander, played an innings of pure class on a pitch where shot-making wasn’t easy as SRH ran away to an eight-wicket win with 16 balls to spare. The back-of-thelength delivery on this DY Patil pitch was stopping just a bit and when CSK managed 154-7, one felt it would shape up into quite a game. But Abhishek (75 off 50 balls) was mentored by the great Kane Williamson in the middle and the two put up 89 for the opening-wicket stand in 12.1 overs that all but took the game away from CSK.

A drunk MI player hung me from the balcony of 15th floor: Yuzvendra Chahal In a sensational revelation which suggests bullying is pretty much prevalent in IPL teams’ dressing rooms, India’s limited overs leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has talked about a shocking incident during the 2013 IPL, in which a drunk Mumbai Indians teammate grabbed hold of Chahal at a post-match party and humg him from a 15th floor balcony. The wiry Chahal, who has taken seven wickets for his new team, the Rajasthan Royals in the current edition of the IPL, has played for MI and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the past.

Talking to Ravichandran Ashwin and Karun Nair on comebacks in a video that was shared by the Rajasthan Royals on their official Twitter handle, Chahal revealed what he suffered nine years back. Narrating the incident, Chahal said, “I never told this story. . . now everyone will know. I never shared this. This dates back to 2013 when I was with Mumbai Indians. We had a match in Bangalore. There was a gettogether after that. There was a player who was very drunk, I won’t take his name. He was very drunk, he was looking at me for a long time. . (suddenly) he just called me, took me outside and he dangled me from the balcony (sic).”

The 31-year-old confirmed that not many know of this incident as he kept it to

himself at that time. Chahal said had he lost his grip on his tormentor’s neck, things could’ve taken an ugly turn.

Fortunately, a few people rushed in to save Chahal. “My hands were around him, like this (behind the neck). Had I lost my grip. . . I was on the 15th floor. Suddenly many people came and handled the situation. I kind of fainted, they gave me water. Then I realized how responsible we need to be when we go anywhere. So this was one incident where I had a narrow escape. Had there been the slightest of mistakes, I would’ve fallen down. ” It is likely that some players in the MI team know who the bully is. It remains to be seen if BCCI, which has been tight-lipped on the issue so far, takes a serious note of Chahal’s revelation and orders a probe through its IPL Governing Council.

Winless streak gets longer for MI For a team brimming with talent, most of Mumbai Indians’ batting line-up has been turning up with a cold bat. Against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday night it was no different. Amidst the ruins, Suryakumar Yadav stood tall with a 37-ball unconquered 68 which helped the former champions to 151/6 in 20 overs at the MCA stadium in Pune. But matches are hardly won on individual brilliance as Faf du Plessis’ men handed the struggling five-time champions a sevenwicket defeat. The loss, their fourth consecutive this IPL season, leaves Mumbai in danger of making an early exit.

While MI batsmen struggled, RCB had no such trouble as they closed out the match at 152/3 with nine balls to spare.

Karthik brings RCB back from the brink A sensational display of hitting from Dinesh Karthik and Shahbaz Ahmed helped Royal Challengers Bangalore recover from a mini batting collapse and record a fourwicket win over Rajasthan Royals Tuesday.

Jos Buttler hammered half a dozen sixes in his unbeaten 70 off 47 balls as Rajasthan Royals grafted their way to 169 for three after RCB opted to bowl. Losing four wickets in a space off 11 balls, RCB were in all sorts of trouble at 62 for four before Karthik (44 not out off 23 balls) and Ahmed (45 off 26) took the game away from the opposition with a 67-run partnership off just 33 balls. Karthik eventually got the team home in 19.1 overs. It was RCB’s second win in three games while it was the first loss of the season for the Royals after consecutive victories.

Metal plate removed from Nari Contractor’s skull after 60 years Sixty years after being hit on the head by a Charlie Griffith bouncer, former India skipper Nari Contractor got a metal plate removed from his skull. The plate had to be installed as a part of his treatment as he copped a dangerous blow to the back of his head during a tour game in Barbados in 1962, which left him grievously hurt and even cut short his international career. Unlike the modern-day, batters did not wear a helmet or any other protective gear while playing at that time.

Contractor, now 88, underwent a host of surgeries and made a comeback to first-class cricket, but could not add more to his 31 Test caps following the scary injury. He scored 1,611 Test runs in 52 innings at 31.58, including a century and 11 half-centuries, in a career spanning seven years from 1955 to 1962.

“As a family, our concern was about how he would be able to handle post-op at this age. But he’s doing absolutely fine and is mobile,” Hoshedar Contractor, Nari’s son, was quoted as saying.

“The doctors Dr. Harshad Parekh and Dr. Anil Tibrewala did a great job.” His son said that the family decided to get the titanium plate removed as the 88-year-old was losing skin in the area of his head where the plate was inserted.

Speaking about the injury during an interaction in 2009, Nari Contractor had said that he got distracted when “somebody

opened a window in the pavilion”.

“There were no sight screens at that time and my 100 per cent concentration wasn’t on that delivery. I saw it just inches away before it hit me,” Contractor said.

Back in the day, several West Indies cricketers, including the legendary skipper Frank Worrell, donated blood to save Contractor’s life. Contractor had shot to prominence after his 92 against the same opposition in the 1958-59 season in Delhi. He proved his bravery on the England tour the next year when he battled his way to 81 with broken ribs in the Lord’s Test.

In 1960-61, Contractor made a record as he became India’s then youngest captain when he was handed the task against Pakistan at the age of merely 26. The blow to his head in 1962 brought his career to a premature end, something he regretted aplenty. In a 2014 interview, he termed not being able to wear an Indian cap postinjury as the “only regret” in his life. Contractor continued to play first-class cricket until 1970-71, finishing with 8,611 runs and 26 wickets in 138 matches.

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16 - 22 April 2022

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