AV 16th December 2023 by Asian Business Publications Ltd

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE Kamala Harris, Bela Bajaria, Sitharaman among most powerful women in Forbes list

British Indian sitarist discusses art and achievements SEE PAGE - 09

SEE PAGE - 22

South Asians can and should bring their rich, cultural knowledge to the table

SEE PAGE - 11

16 - 22 DECEMBER 2023

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

Remembering Sardar Patel on his 73rd death anniversary SEE PAGE - 23

VOL 52 - ISSUE 32

EMPATHY, A GAMBLE? British Asians face further racism and stigma as festive season makes gamble addicts privy to accelerated risks while they grapple and try to cope with the cost of living crisis.

As the festivities continue in full swing, the diaspora within the UK have their unique and sometimes “desi” way of celebrating. It is a time of rejuvenation, relaxing and building new hopes for the coming year. In this Christmas Special, you’ll find some stories from the community, similar to yours and some very different yet relatable. We’ve also put together some amazing recommendations and stories for the festive season, you are sure to enjoy. SEE PAGE - 13 to 18

Shefali Saxena The festive season exerts societal pressure on individuals to invest in gifts and celebrations, leading some in the Asian community to turn to gambling as a quick financial solution. However, this often results in mounting debts, subjecting individuals to social stigma, racism, and stigmatisation. The silence surrounding these issues exacerbates racial biases, hindering potential recovery through necessary reforms. The National Problem Gambling Clinic found that 23% of their clients are of South Asian descent, despite only accounting for 7% of the UK population. For instance, a third of UK workers aged 40 and above are worried about the adequacy of their retirement savings for future Christmases, according to research by My Pension Expert. The stress is only mounting. To bridge the gap people get into gambling. The study of 2,000 UK adults found that 32% of over-40s fear their retirement savings won't stretch enough for festive celebrations. Economic challenges, including high inflation and rising interest rates, have made Christmas preparation more difficult for 46% of respondents. Continued on page 12

Gujarat's garba included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list

FULL STORY ON PAGE 23

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9 - 15 December 2023

Samir Shah selected as Junior doctors in England plan more strikes BBC chairman

Sadiq Khan slams Ulez camera attack as 'irresponsible' The London mayor's office strongly condemned a "grotesquely irresponsible" attack on a camera responsible for enforcing the city's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez). The incident involved damaging the camera with what seemed to be a homemade bomb, posing a risk to lives, as reported by The Guardian. Downing Street and the Home Office have not provided an immediate response regarding the incident. No. 10 stated its inability to comment due to an ongoing police inquiry but condemned "criminality more generally." Although the explosion in Sidcup, located in south-east London on Wednesday (6) evening, is not currently categorised as terrorism by the Metropolitan police, the investigation is being overseen by counter-terror officers. Residents nearby shared photos on social media depicting a significant dent in a van, apparently caused by debris from the blast, as well as damage to the window frame of a nearby house. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. A spokesperson for Sadiq

Samir Shah

expressed his delight at being named the government's preferred candidate for the position. This comes after the resignation of Mr. Sharp earlier in the year, who stepped down due to rule violations related to interactions with Boris Johnson prior to his appointment. The role of BBC chair, a political appointment sanctioned by the government and approved by the prime minister, involves acting as an intermediary between the corporation and government officials often critical of its news coverage, size, and budget.

Yousaf laments court ruling on gender law Sadiq Khan

Khan, the London mayor, said: "This grotesquely irresponsible behaviour puts both lives and property at risk. Police are rightly investigating this dangerous and reckless act." A representative for Rishi Sunak acknowledged being aware of the incident but refrained from commenting, citing an ongoing investigation. The Met released figures in November stating that nearly 1,000 recorded crimes have been linked to stolen or vandalised cameras over the past seven months. Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate for the upcoming mayoral election, strongly denounced the allegations, expressing full condemnation for any form of vandalism.

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UK ministers have chosen veteran television executive Samir Shah as the new BBC chair, succeeding Richard Sharp, the former Goldman Sachs banker who resigned earlier this year. With a 40-year career in TV, Shah previously served as a BBC non-executive director in 2007 and held positions such as head of current affairs. As the head of the BBC board, he will immediately face challenges, including the renegotiation of the licence fee leading up to the renewal of the corporation's charter in 2027. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, confirming the appointment, expressing confidence in Shah's clear ambition to guide the BBC amid a rapidly changing media landscape. Shah, acknowledging the BBC's significant global impact, emphasised its role as a key contributor to global culture and a powerful asset in terms of soft power. In a statement, Shah

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Scotland's highest civil court has ruled that the UK government's blockage of a controversial Scottish gender recognition law was lawful. The legislation, passed by the Scottish parliament in December, aimed to streamline and expedite the process for individuals to officially change their gender by eliminating the requirement for a gender dysphoria medical diagnosis. In April, the Scottish government challenged the UK government's decision to block the bill, leading to a legal confrontation between the two administrations. Lady Haldane, who presided over two days of evidence at Edinburgh’s Court of Session in September, declared, “The challenge to the order pronounced under section 35 of the 1998 Act, laid on 17 January 2023, fails.” Scotland's leader Humza Yousaf expressed his disappointment, stating that the ruling marked "a dark day

Humza Yousaf

for devolution." The legislation, which received crossparty support in Scotland’s Parliament, would have allowed individuals aged 16 and 17 to change their gender more easily. Additionally, it reduced the required time for an applicant to live in their new gender from two years to three months, or six months for 16-17 year-olds before official recognition. UK laws currently mandate individuals to be 18 to apply for a gender recognition certificate.

Prince Harry to pay £50,000 in libel case Prince Harry has been ordered to pay the Mail on Sunday more than £48,000 after he lost his attempt to strike out part of the paper's defence in a libel case. The Duke of Sussex is suing the newspaper's publishers, Associated Newspapers, over an article written about his fight with the Home Office concerning his security arrangements. Associated Newspapers

argue the article expressed an "honest opinion" and did not cause "serious harm" to Harry's reputation. The duke had tried to have the "honest opinion" defence thrown out, but in a judgement on Friday, a High Court judge decided it could be included, and the case should go to trial. The judge, Mr Justice Nicklin, ruled the publisher had a "real prospect" of arguing its case.

The National Health Service (NHS) is expected to face challenges in providing proper patient care as junior doctors in England plan the longest strike in the service's history this winter. The collapse of pay talks has led to the British Medical Association (BMA) announcing an extended strike period, with tens of thousands of junior doctors set to walk out for three days later this month and an additional six days in January. These strikes coincide with a period of heightened strain on the NHS. The junior doctors will engage in a 72-hour strike from 7 am on December 20th to 7 am on December

23rd. Subsequently, they plan to strike for six days from January 3rd to January 9th. Talks between the BMA's junior doctors committee (JDC) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) broke down when the DHSC offered only a three percentage point increase over the already granted average 8.8% pay rise for this year to junior doctors, who are primarily medical professionals below consultant level. These additional nine days of strikes add to the 25 days of stoppages junior doctors have already initiated since starting their strikes in March, pursuing a 35% pay claim.

Queen Camilla aids domestic violence victim at refuge During her visit to a refuge, Queen Camilla offered solace to a young victim of domestic violence who had been brought to the UK through a forced marriage. She listened attentively to the woman in her early 20s, offering comfort by gently reaching out her hand as the woman shared her emotional story, wiping away tears. The poignant interaction took place during the Queen's visit to a shelter managed by the Ashiana Network, an organisation overseeing various women’s refuges in London. These refuges provide support to South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Turkish women who have experienced domestic and sexual violence, forced marriages, honour-based violence, financial abuse, and coercive control. During her visit, the Queen praised the women

Queen Camilla

she encountered as "wonderful, brave ladies," expressing her delight at meeting them and commending their progress. The Queen's understated visit followed her prior interest in the organisation's work during a visit to the East End of London earlier in the year. Eager to witness their efforts firsthand, she made an unpublicised engagement, arriving with minimal security measures.

No. 10 team arrives in Delhi for trade talks Senior Downing Street officials have flown to Delhi to kickstart talks over a multibillion pound free trade agreement, with the government of Narendra Modi having indicated it is keen to finalize a deal in the next three months. UK trade negotiators are in the Indian capital talking to their Indian counterparts as they look to revive a deal that looked a distant prospect just a few months ago. Sources say the Modi government is keen to complete an agreement by the end of February, when the Indian prime minister will begin touring the country on the general election campaign trail. A pre-election trade deal would provide a major boost

to both Modi and the British prime minister, Rishi Sunak, who is keen to show the potential benefits of Brexit before he also goes to the polls at some point in the next year. One official close to the talks said: “The deal is still very much on and we think it is possible before both countries have their elections. Both sides are keen to get this done.” A spokesperson for the UK Department of Business and Trade said: “The UK and India continue to work towards an ambitious trade deal that works for both countries. We have always been clear we will only sign a deal that is fair, balanced and ultimately in the best interests of the British people and the economy.”

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16 - 22 December 2023

Empty promises? When David Cameron assumed the role of Prime Minister after Labour's Gordon Brown, he brought forth a wave of promises, anticipating a much-needed change. Amid challenges such as escalating immigration rates and the prevalence of false colleges during Labour's tenure, the need for a business-like approach to governance became apparent. The Conservative Party has since enjoyed nearly 13 years of undisputed rule. A five-year coalition with Nick Clegg preceded Cameron's majority, albeit a modest one. It was during this time that the seeds of Brexit were sown. Regrettably, Brexit led to a significant loss of workers and labourers to the EU, marking the initial step in destabilising the country. Statistics indicate that in the year ending December 2015, a net total of 333,000 people migrated to the UK. By June 2023, total long-term immigration was estimated at 1.2 million, with emigration at 508,000, resulting in a net migration of 672,000. Notably, most arrivals were non-EU nationals (968,000). Immigration, far from being merely a contentious issue, is a crucial necessity for the UK to compensate for the workforce vacuum left in the wake of Brexit. Engaging in debates and making disparaging remarks against ethnic minorities, especially during and after the Covid crisis, is a stain on the government's record. The rise of Rt Hon Priti Patel during Cameron's tenure, in her roles as Minister for Employment and Indian Diaspora Champion, further underscored this. The entry of Boris Johnson, heralding a victory in middle England, complicated the Brexit narrative. The Covid-19 pandemic laid bare the internal strife within the Tory party, leading to a sequence of events that saw Boris

stepping down, Liz Truss becoming the shortest-serving PM in UK history, and Rishi Sunak being elected to address the ensuing challenges, now exacerbated by Suella Braverman's debacle. In these 13 years, the cumulative impact of internal strife within the Conservative Party has inadvertently positioned Starmer and the Labour Party more favourably. Starmer, despite facing criticism for his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, has maintained a consistent and neutral approach. The promise of making Britain great again, made over more than a decade, remains unfulfilled. The country finds itself grappling with one of the most severe cost-of-living and labour crises, a testament to the unrest within the ruling party. As the upcoming election looms, regardless of the outcome, Britons yearn for relief, more jobs, and a standard of living befitting a first-world nation. Projections indicate a rise in absolute poverty in the UK, reaching 12.0 million in 2024/25, with significant variations by ethnicity. Around half of households led by individuals of Bangladeshi ethnicity were in poverty in 2020/21, a figure exceeding four in ten for those led by individuals of Pakistani or Black ethnicity—more than twice the rate of households led by someone of white ethnicity. Amid these challenges, the leaders persist in providing foreign aid to Ukraine and prioritising relations with the US. While commendable for international diplomacy, the pressing issues within the nation demand immediate attention. In a landscape marked by inequalities and perpetual crises, addressing the internal Tory conflicts is imperative; otherwise, Labour may seize the opportunity to rectify the mess that the Conservatives vowed never to create.

Between bonds and battles The relation between India and Guyana (located on the Northeastern shoulder of the South American continent), established through migration of over 200,000 Indian indentured labourers from 1838 to 1917, profoundly influenced Guyana's socio-political landscape. In 1950, Cheddi Jagan, an IndianGuyanese, and Forbes Burnham, an Afro-Guyanese, founded the first political party of the colony, the Progressive People's Party (PPP). In 1961, Britain granted the colony autonomy, and Mr Jagan became Prime Minister (1961–1964). Due to differences, Mr Burnham left PPP and went on to establish the People's National Congress (PNC). In 1964, Mr Burnham succeeded Mr Jagan as Prime Minister, who led Guyana post-independence in 1966 until he died in 1985. The PPP, under Mr Jagan, regained power in 1992, revitalising the economy. After he died in 1997, his wife, Janet Jagan, became President, continuing their legacy. Guyana is surrounded by Suriname on the East, Venezuela on the West and Brazil on the South and Southwest. Even Suriname and India share a historical and cultural connection, primarily rooted in the migration of Indian labourers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In June, Indian President Smt Draupadi Murmu visited Suriname for the commemoration of 150 years of the arrival of Indians in Suriname. Guyana has stable relations with Brazil and Suriname. However, the century-old dispute between Guyana and Venezuela appears to have deepened in recent times. The longstanding territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela has escalated due to recent oil discoveries in the region. This conflict, fueled by nationalistic sentiments, has become a focal point in Venezuelan politics, especially in the context of an upcoming presidential election and the country's prolonged economic crisis. President Nicolás Maduro's government has conducted a referendum asserting sovereignty

over the Essequibo region, a resource-rich area constituting more than two-thirds of Guyanese territory and situated near substantial offshore oil reserves. While a military clash seems improbable at the moment, international concerns have been raised regarding Venezuela's claims and potential annexation efforts against its eastern neighbour, Guyana. The US and Britain express support for Guyana over Maduro's threat to seize a third of its territory while Brazil calls for a peaceful solution. The Venezuela-Guyana conflict unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing global crises, including the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These disputes have widespread consequences, affecting not just regional stability but also significantly influencing the global economy, as well as food and oil security on an international scale. India is closely observing the Venezuela-Guyana conflict, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The nation maintains strong relations with Guyana, evident from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recent visit, where he met President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharat Jagdeo. In the 5th IndiaGuyana Joint Commission Meeting, co-chaired by Hugh Todd, they discussed agriculture, defence, and infrastructure. India, considering its substantial diaspora in Guyana that reinforces historical and cultural connections, should offer its support to Guyana when needed, reflecting and influencing its diplomatic stance. Adhering to international law and seeking peaceful resolutions is in line with India's foreign policy, which supports the internationally acknowledged borders of Guyana. Economically, Guyana's oil reserves present potential benefits for India and strategically, supporting Guyana could boost India’s influence in South America and demonstrate its commitment to smaller nations and democratic values.

A new era for Jammu and Kashmir The Supreme Court of India has upheld the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and has directed the Election Commission of India to hold assembly elections in the valley by September 30, 2024. This landmark verdict promises a new era for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and represents a significant stride towards rectifying historical injustices and advancing national integration and democratic equality. Article 370 originated from Maharaja Hari Singh's Instrument of Accession in 1947, signifying Jammu and Kashmir's integration into India. The historic document limited India's legislative powers, granting the region unique constitutional status. Unfortunately, Article 370 led to continued injustices, affecting women and marginalised communities and it had become necessary to abolish it. Following the repeal of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir were cut off from the world as the internet services in the valley was shut down. People were confined to their homes with curfews in place and leaders like Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah were placed under house arrest. These steps taken by the BJP government to maintain peace and prevent misinformation from spreading, were compared to a dictatorship. However, those making the comparison didn’t really mind when anti-national elements were causing violence and disruptions in the valley. Four years later, a lot of positive changes can be witnessed. With the implementation of a new Industrial Development Scheme, the Union Territory has attracted investment proposals totalling Rs 81,122 crore in the past two years. Over 18,000 kanals (2250 acres) of land have been allocated out of the 39,022 kanals (4877 acres) sought for crucial units across Jammu and Kashmir divisions. With a rising influx of domestic

and international tourists, J&K is becoming a premier destination, expecting to surpass two crore tourist arrivals this year. Previously, a woman marrying outside Jammu and Kashmir lost her state-subject status. Backward classes, faced humiliating job conditions without Permanent Resident Certificates. Non-Kashmiri Indians, manufacturing firms, and multinational corporations were previously restricted from owning land in the valley but the abrogation of Article 370 altered these limitations. The decline in support for strike calls from separatists and militants also indicates a positive shift. While one can hear both positive and negative stories about the aftereffects of the abrogation, one is compelled to question and compare. Is the valley in as bad a shape as it was under the constant threat of terrorism and militancy? Hasn’t the quality of life improved at all? On an international level, India’s stance on J&K (including PoK) being an internal matter of the country has remained undeterred. Despite Pakistan's attempts to internationalise the issue, urging mediation from countries like the United States, India firmly rejects external interference. India now also flaunts the new and improved Jammu and Kashmir globally, a prime example of which was showcased during the G20 summit and the touristic attraction it has garnered. Looking at the abrogation politically, this is the second instance where the ruling BJP government has been able to achieve a goal which has been a part of every party’s manifesto over the years. First the inauguration of Ram Mandir and now the Supreme Court verdict are great indicators for the BJP in the upcoming general elections. One can also wonder whether we can expect the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits and a resolution of the PoK conflict if Modi triumphs for a third term.

Thought for the week “Change your thoughts, and you change your world.” — Norman Vincent Peale

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel

UK-India, the cufflinks that bind I write to you from India, here in my official capacity as UK Government Dealmaker. The unique and deeply nuanced relationship between the United Kingdom and India is a testament to a shared history that, while complex, has evolved into a partnership marked by mutual respect and admiration. This relationship, symbolized by the unassuming act of purchasing cufflinks in India adorned with a postage stamp of King George, reflects a profound understanding and acceptance of a shared past. Historically, the narrative of colonial rule is often fraught with tension and conflict. However, the IndoBritish relationship transcends the conventional postcolonial script. It's a narrative where the echoes of the past have not hindered the forging of a future built on collaboration and mutual understanding. This is exemplified in the poignant symbol of the Americans, who, despite their anthem's lyrics reflecting their struggle against British rule, now share a "special relationship" with the UK. Similarly, India, a former jewel in the British crown, displays no ill will towards its former imperial overlord. The Indian national day of mourning following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a solemn reminder of the depth of this relationship. British and Indian troops, once on opposite sides of a colonial divide, now patrol side by side along the IndiaChina border, a testament to the transformed relationship. This cooperation is not just a matter of diplomatic convenience but a reflection of a shared ethos and mutual respect. The story of India's independence is unique. Unlike many colonies that gained freedom through prolonged conflict, India parted ways with the British Empire as friends. This amicable separation set the tone for future interactions. The erection of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Parliament Square, sanctioned by the then British Prime Minister who now serves under a British Indian Prime Minister, is a powerful symbol of this enduring friendship. It signifies not only reconciliation but also mutual admiration and respect for the values that Gandhi espoused - values that resonate deeply in the corridors of British power. The role of British-educated Indians in India's struggle for independence is a lesser-told but equally significant narrative. Their fight was not just against a foreign ruler but for the ideals of liberty and self-governance. These ideals were, paradoxically, imparted to them in the very heart of the empire, highlighting the complex interplay of ideas and ideologies that transcends national boundaries. In a world where historical grievances often simmer and resurface in bitter conflicts, the Indo-British relationship stands as a beacon of hope. It shows how history, no matter how tumultuous, can give way to a future where former adversaries become allies. When a British monarch bestows an honor, like the Officer of the Order of the British Empire, upon an individual of Indian origin, it's not seen as incongruous but as a celebration of a shared heritage and mutual respect. This relationship, intricate and layered, is not just about diplomatic ties. It's about the intertwining of lives, histories, and aspirations. The exchange of a simple item like cufflinks bearing the image of King George is not merely a transaction but a symbol of a relationship that has weathered the storms of history and emerged stronger. It is a relationship that acknowledges the past, celebrates the present, and looks forward to a future of continued partnership and understanding. Asian Voice is published by

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16 - 22 December 2023

Humza Yousaf violated rules five times at Cop28 During the Cop28 climate change summit, Humza Yousaf violated the rules stipulating that UK Government officials must be present at meetings with foreign leaders on five occasions, as revealed by the Scottish Secretary. Yousaf responded critically to a warning from Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton regarding his talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, characterising it as "petty" after

Humza Yousaf

England ascends six spots in OECD education ranking On Tuesday (5), a global education study for 2023 revealed a significant improvement in the mathematical proficiency of pupils in England. According to the study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), known as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), England's ranking in mathematics has risen from 17th in 2018 to 11th place, showcasing substantial progress from its 27th position in 2009.

PISA assesses 15-year-olds' abilities in mathematics, reading, and science, serving as a worldwide benchmark for the academic achievements of secondary school students, as highlighted in a press release from the Department for Education. The report emphasised the strides made by the government in elevating academic standards. In October, the prime minister introduced an ambitious plan to implement a new qualification known as the Advanced British Standard (ABS), designed to ensure that every student in

Ealing off license discovered with fake cigarettes An Ealing business, the Allenby New off licence in Southall, had its license suspended for three months after being caught selling illicit products. Council officers discovered, on two separate occasions over three years, that the business was concealing thousands of counterfeit cigarettes, almost a kilogram of smuggled rolling tobacco, and hundreds of grams of Indian tobacco. The license holder, Jugmohan Singh, was found to have hidden these products in various places around the shop, including behind bags of

charcoal and in plastic bags at the back of the shop. On one occasion, Singh handed over fraudulent cigarettes to officers directly from his pockets. Despite being warned about the consequences of concealing illicit goods and told they would receive a final warning if they surrendered them, the business failed to comply. Following a review of the shop's license, Councillors Anthony Kelly, Julian Gallant, and Sanjai Kohli decided to suspend the license for three months. The unpaid duty related to the illicit goods was estimated to be around £1,225.

Child cruelty cases double in five years The NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) has reported a doubling of reported cases of children in England subjected to cruelty or neglect over the last five years. An analysis of freedom of information data from police forces in England revealed 29,405 recorded offences between April 2022 and March 2023, compared to 14,263 offences recorded between April 2017 and March 2018. NSPCC Chief Executive Sir Peter Wanless expressed concern, stating that these figures serve as a "stark wake-up call" that the current child protection system is struggling to prevent abuse and neglect happening to

some of the youngest and most vulnerable members of society. The child protection system in England has faced increasing pressure in recent years, with more than 655,000 child-in-need assessments completed in 2022/23 to determine whether a child requires support from a service. England's largest councils have reported overspending on their budgets by £600 million due to "uncontrollable" spending pressures driving up the cost of delivering services to vulnerable children. The NSPCC warns that this strain on the child protection system leaves those working with families ill-equipped to respond adequately when situations reach a crisis point.

the Foreign Secretary had threatened to withdraw Foreign Office support for SNP ministers' foreign trips. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon argued that Lord Cameron's stance could hinder Scotland's international engagement due to a single meeting lacking Foreign, Commonwealth, and Develo-pment Office (FCDO) officials. However, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack informed MPs that

the First Minister disregarded this requirement during discussions with Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, and Charles Michel, president of the European Council. Jack further disclosed that Yousaf had also violated the rule by not having an official present during talks at the summit with Najib Mikati, the Lebanese prime minister, and Anwaar-ulHaq Kakar, the acting prime minister of Pakistan.

Nine hospitalised due to hazardous fumes at London gym A chemical incident at Gold's Gym on Uxbridge Road in Ealing, West London, resulted in unsafe fumes, leading to the hospitalisation of nine individuals. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded to the incident at 8:35 pm on Monday when a combination of chemicals generated chlorine gas. Approximately 70 people were evacuated from the gym before firefighters from Ealing, Southall, and Wembley arrived at the scene.

To address the situation, a 25-meter cordon was established, and firefighters, equipped with hazardous materials suits, managed and cleaned up a chemical spillage within a plant room. Following the discovery of elevated readings of chlorine gas, the LFB assisted in ventilating the building. The London Ambulance Service transported the nine individuals to the hospital after providing initial treatment at the scene.

'Vaccine prince' secures £138mn Mayfair home deal Billionaire Adar Poonawalla, known as the "vaccine prince," has agreed to purchase Aberconway House in Mayfair for £138 million, making it London's most expensive home sold this year and the secondhighest price ever for a house in the capital. The 25,000 sq ft 1920s mansion, located near Hyde Park, will be acquired by Serum Life Sciences, a UK subsidiary of the Poonawalla family’s Serum Institute of India, renowned for manufacturing hundreds of millions of doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. Dominika Kulczyk, daughter of the late businessman Jan Kulczyk, Poland’s wealthiest man, agreed to the sale. Although the Poonawalla family has no plans to permanently relocate to the UK, the mansion

THE CHASE'S PAUL SINHA ASKED TO 'PROVE CITIZENSHIP’ The Chase star Paul Sinha has shared his experience of being asked to "prove I'm a UK citizen" by his NHS trust, describing the process as a "bureaucratic nightmare." The 53-year-old comedian, who is also a former GP and receives a pension from the NHS, revealed that his NHS trust requested several documents, including copies of his passport and utility bills, to verify his UK citizenship. Sinha, who was born in Luton, expressed frustration with the situation, referring to it as "an unfortunate shambles" in a series of posts on social media. Sinha wrote: “Received an official letter from my NHS trust demanding I provide several documents proving I’m a UK citizen, despite my protestations about having lived here my entire life. Feel like Jonathan Pryce in Brazil, and it’s not pleasant.” He continued: “I have eight days to scan and email over my passport and three utility bills. In the meantime, another NHS trust is happily looking after another aspect of my health without alarm. An unpleasant shambles.” Paul Sinha, known as "The Sinnerman" on ITV's The Chase, mentioned that the request to prove his UK citizenship may have been a result of a "computer glitch."

COMMUNITY PREPARES TO SAY GOODBYE TO CHERISHED ANCESTOR

Kimat Kaur Landa

Adar Poonawalla

will serve as a base for the company and family during their stays in the country. Despite potential impacts from higher borrowing costs and transparency measures targeting Russian money, the top end of London’s property market, particularly trophy properties, remains attractive to international buyers who often do not rely on mortgages.

UK blames Russia for cyber meddling in elections The UK government has accused Russian security services of conducting a sustained cyber-espionage campaign to interfere in the country's upcoming general election, a claim denied by Moscow. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated on Thursday that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) was responsible for "unsuccessful attempts to interfere in UK political processes," leading to the summoning of Russia's ambassador to London. Two Russian operatives were sanctioned for their involvement in spear-phishing campaigns and activities aimed at undermining the UK. Cameron emphasised that the sanctions and the summoning of the Russian ambas-

in brief

sador expose Russia's malign attempts at influence, shedding light on yet another example of how Russia operates on the global stage. He condemned Russia's attacks as "completely unacceptable" and a threat to democratic processes. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to call a general election next year. The Foreign Office pointed to Centre 18, a unit within the FSB, as responsible for targeting parliamentarians from various political parties, with some attacks resulting in leaked documents from 2015 to 2023. The organisation also hacked UK-US trade documents that were leaked before the UK general election in December 2019.

The community is preparing to bid farewell to Kimat Kaur Landa, a beloved great-great grandmother from Kings Heath, who passed away at the age of 91. Mrs Landa, a devoted Sikh, was a mother to nine, a grandmother to 29, a great-grandmother to 19, and a great-great-grandmother to ten. Her family expects over 600 people to attend the funeral to pay their respects. Described as popular, loving, and always making people feel wanted, Mrs. Landa's grandson, Hardab Landa, emphasised her bubbly and caring nature. The community is coming together to honor and remember the life of this caring and loving matriarch.

OFSTED SCRUTINY LINKED TO RUTH PERRY'S TRAGIC SUICIDE Heartbreaking notes left by the late headteacher Ruth Perry have revealed her devastation after a coroner found that a "rude and intimidating" Ofsted inspection contributed to her suicide. Ms Perry took her own life months after Caversham Primary School in Reading was downgraded from "outstanding" to "inadequate" following safeguarding concerns raised during an inspection by Ofsted in November of the previous year. Her death led to widespread calls for Ofsted to reconsider its one-word school ratings system. In a diary entry on Christmas morning, recorded at 2:15 am as she grappled with the devastating draft results of the Ofsted inspection, Ms. Perry wrote, "I.N.A.D.E.Q.U.A.T.E keeps flashing behind my eyes." The notes, discovered by her family after her death and shared with the BBC, provide insight into the deep turmoil she experienced.

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05 16 - 22 December 2023

Rishi Sunak avoids damaging defeat on Rwanda bill Last week, Britain entered into a new treaty with Rwanda, aiming to overcome a court decision that had halted the government's plan to deport asylum seekers to the East African nation and a week later, Rishi Sunak has successfully averted a potentially damaging rebellion within the Conservative Party over his flagship bill during a crucial vote in the Commons.

Robert Jenrick

The pivotal legislation received support at its second reading with 313 votes to 269, securing a majority of 44. This outcome provides a sigh of relief for the prime minister, who engaged in crisis talks throughout the day with various factions of the Conservative right to garner their support. Despite this victory, the disagreement may persist,

Rishi Sunak

James Cleverly

particularly if hardliners within the party continue to insist on amendments to strengthen the legislation by preventing interference from foreign courts—a stance opposed by moderates on the opposite wing. Last month, the UK's Supreme Court declared the deportation plan incompatible with international human rights laws incorporated into domestic legislation. The new treaty, signed by Home Secretary James Cleverly, replaces a nonbinding memorandum of understanding. According to Britain, the treaty ensures that Rwanda will not expel asylum seekers to a destination where their life or freedom would be endangered, a key concern highlighted by the court. Following the initial Rwanda announcement, Robert Jenrick had resigned

from his role as immigration minister, citing "strong disagreements" with the government regarding the Rwanda policy. The Conservative Member of Parliament for Newark expressed scepticism about Rishi Sunak's emergency legislation aimed at revitalising the stalled asylum plan, believing it would not effectively address the legal challenges that have hindered the scheme. Jenrick shared his resignation letter on X, shortly after Home Secretary James Cleverly confirmed his departure in response to repeated questioning in the Commons. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak characterised the resignation as "disappointing" and expressed concern that it stemmed from a "fundamental misunderstanding of the situation."

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in brief

English councils sound DWP error: 210,000 alarm on deepening pensioners underpaid financial crisis £5k each Local government leaders have issued a warning that an increasing number of councils in England are facing the threat of financial collapse following the government's recent announcement of tax and spending plans. The Autumn Statement's insufficient funding has placed many councils on the brink of effective bankruptcy, according to local authorities. Letters from leaders of major councils, including 26 Conservatives, have been sent to the government, highlighting the likelihood of "painful" cuts to essential services. The government has expressed willingness to engage

in discussions with financially struggling councils. Snap surveys conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA) and the County Councils Network (CCN) revealed "worrying" findings, indicating a "growing financial crisis." The LGA reported that nearly one in five of its members are at risk of exhausting funds this year or the next. Nottingham City Council recently issued a Section 114 notice, signalling a halt to nonessential spending, raising concerns that other councils may soon face similar financial constraints.

Nursing union accuses NHS England of staff overspending Over three years, the National Health Service (NHS) has expended more than £384 million on agency staff in north-west England, as disclosed by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request on nursing staff spending from 2020 to 2022. The RCN contends that the NHS has "squandered" funds on agencies as a stopgap measure for chronic staff shortages, deeming it a "false economy." The RCN emphasises that this substantial amount could have supported nearly 4,000 full-time staff instead. The nurses union asserts that these figures, reflecting a £3 billion national expenditure amid a

"recruitment crisis," underscore the consequences of poor government planning and NHS underfunding. Trusts are compelled to spend millions that could have covered the salaries of almost 31,000 full-time nurses across England. Instead, the NHS resorts to significant spending on agency staff due to the strain of over 40,000 vacant nursing positions. According to the RCN, the money spent on agencies could have alternatively financed the training of over 86,000 new nurses, citing research by London Economics estimating the cost of nurse training at £37,287. The data indicates a 63% increase in costs from £800 million in 2020 to £1.3 billion in 2022.

Domestic homicide victims often sought help: Review A review of 302 domestic homicides over seven years has revealed that the majority of victims had been "hiding in plain sight," having interacted with the police, health services, and other public agencies before their deaths. Nicole Jacobs, the government's independent domestic abuse commissioner for England and Wales, emphasised that the findings underscored a persistent lack of "political will" at the national level to learn from these often preventable deaths. While every domestic homicide involving individuals over 16 undergoes a formal review with recommendations, Jacobs noted a lack of adequate analysis of outcomes by the Home Office and other government departments. Drawing on 302 reviews conducted between 2012 and 2019 by Manchester Metropolitan University for the commissioner, Jacobs asserted

Nicole Jacobs

that actions could have been taken to prevent the loss of lives. In 52% of the 46 homicide reviews where recommendations were made at the time of the crime to criminal justice agencies like the police or probation service, the victims had previously been in contact with the police before their deaths. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that 57% of perpetrators had criminal records for abuse offences before committing the murders.

The UK government has faced criticism after it was revealed that over 200,000 retirees have been underpaid billions of pounds in pensions over several decades. According to government records, pensions were underpaid a total of £1.3 billion, while £8.2 billion has been overpaid in benefits. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of MPs expressed serious concerns about the high level of fraud and error in benefit spending, raising doubts about the accurate payment of the state pension. The committee identified two historic underpayments of the state

pension, affecting approximately 210,000 individuals, with an average back payment due of £5,000 each. The PAC accused the government of being "asleep at the switch" in handling pension underpayments and called for more proactive measures to detect underpayments before they accumulate. The committee also highlighted concerns about the difficulty of identifying affected individuals due to the unavailability of relevant records. Additionally, it noted that benefit fraud is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2027-28.

Key players in major Midlands drugs line jailed Two individuals identified as "significant players" in a drug line operation that plagued the Midlands have been sentenced to imprisonment. Tazeem Shakil, 31, and Hakim Hussain, 26, were apprehended by police after intercepting a "sophisticated drugs line." Tazeem Shakil (left) and Hakim Hussain (right) Staffordshire Police and West Authorities became suspiMidlands Police executed four cious of the operation by warrants in Birmingham and analysing the activities of a Burton-on-Trent, resulting in mobile phone linked to drug the arrest of both defendants. supply in the region, revealing During the raids, Hussain tens of thousands of calls and attempted to dispose of the thousands of text messages drugs by throwing them out of exchanged over seven months. his bedroom window in a shoeThe Regional Organised box. The police discovered crack Crime Unit (ROCU) initiated an cocaine, cash, and the drug investigation into potential susphone at the address. Detective pects associated with the phone, Constable Dan Gibbs of leading to the arrest of Hussain Staffordshire Police emphasised and Shakil. The drug line operatthe collaborative efforts of ed in Birmingham and Burtonregional officers and forces in on-Trent, affecting communities securing the sentences for the in East Staffordshire and the two individuals involved in the West Midlands. On December 8 drug line operation. of the previous year,

Thirteen charged in police operation against slavery and drugs Nine individuals from Leicestershire and the city have been charged with modern slavery and drug offenses following a three-day police operation. In total, 13 people were arrested and charged, including four from outside the county. Leicestershire Police, with support from West Midlands Police and the British Transport Police, conducted the operation between Monday, December 4, and Wednesday, December 6. The charges include offenses related to modern slavery and drug crimes. The individuals charged include eight from Loughborough, one from Leicester, and others from West Bromwich and Dudley. The

accused appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court on various dates in December and January. The charges and court appearances are as follows: Aqib Shah, 21, Sakib Shah, 23, Takavada Zinyoro, 29, Mohammad Abdur Rakib, 25 have appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court on December 6. Farhan Choudhury, 21, Aman Hussain, 19, Luke Donnelly, 24, Gemma Hyman, 29 are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on January 19. Huzaifa Lorgat, 25, Asraful Uddin, 22, Michael Price, 47, Shazad Khan, 45, Darryl Lawrence, 26, on the other hand, are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on January 24.

JAPAN, BRITAIN, ITALY FORMING GROUP FOR JET DEVELOPMENT Japan, Britain, and Italy are set to sign a treaty in Tokyo next week, establishing a joint organisation and industry group for the development of their planned advanced jet fighter, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the plans. An intergovernmental body will oversee this industry group venture, led by Britain's BAE Systems PLC, Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Italy's Leonardo. The group will distribute work across various aspects of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), such as the engine and avionics. The agreement, subject to ratification by the respective parliaments of each country, follows their establishment of the first major defence industry collaboration a year ago by merging separate next-generation fighter efforts from London and Tokyo.

"HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS" BUG SPREADING RAPIDLY IN THE UK The UK is experiencing an outbreak of whooping cough, with reported cases of the highly contagious bacterial infection soaring by 250% in a year. The disease, also known as pertussis, has seen 716 cases between July and November, a significant increase from the 217 cases reported during the same period in 2022. Whooping cough is an infection of the lungs and respiratory tubes caused by bacteria. It is known for spreading easily and can lead to serious complications. Vaccination is crucial for babies and children to protect against this infectious disease.

NHS PROVIDES 80% OF PATIENTS RECORD ACCESS More than 80% of NHS patients now have access to their medical records online, according to officials. Patients can use the NHS App on their smartphones to view their medical history, including test results and consultation notes. The NHS reports that 81.1% of GP practices in England are currently providing patients with access to their health records online, intending to reach 90% of GP practices offering this service through the NHS App by March 2024. Access to future records is considered a legal right, and general practice is obligated to provide patients aged 16 and over with access to their new health record entries unless patients explicitly opt out or exemptions apply. The NHS App is increasingly becoming the primary gateway for millions of patients' health needs, with one in four repeat prescriptions (2.7 million per month) now being made through the app rather than patients having to contact their GP directly.

NEW JN.1 VARIANT SPARKS FEARS OF COVID SURGE A newly identified coronavirus variant, designated as JN.1, has been recognised for its ability to better evade the immune system. This variant spun off from the BA.2.86 strain, also known as the Pirola variant from the Omicron lineage. While JN.1 is currently a small fraction of global coronavirus cases, health authorities in the UK have officially designated it as a variant, labelled V-23DEC-01, for tracking purposes ahead of the holidays. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) first detected JN.1 in late October as part of routine monitoring. As of Monday, around 302 cases of the JN.1 coronavirus variant have been identified, with the majority in England (223) and 3,618 internationally.

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DWP in crisis as staff face depression and sickness The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is grappling with a concerning "epidemic of mental ill health" among its staff, a consequence of intense pressures and subpar working conditions, as disclosed by the civil servants' union. Numerous employees within Jobcentres and across the DWP have reached out to the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), shedding light on their struggles amid what they describe as a "staffing crisis." Martin Cavanagh, the PCS DWP group president, underscored the severity of the situation, stating, "DWP is a failing organisation in a state of crisis. This crisis has been created by a government whose policies are vindictive towards claimants that need

support and not the punishment that our members are expected to dish out." The issue is compounded by the fact that more than one in four staff is paid below the real living wage, and following the Autumn Statement, the majority of these workers will fall below the national living wage set to be introduced in April. Cavanagh emphasised that low pay poses significant challenges in recruiting and retaining staff. This revelation follows previous reporting by the Big Issue, exposing the pressures faced by disability benefits assessors, whose work environment driven by targets led to "panic attacks" and "illness," resulting in decision-making mistakes that affected benefits claimants.

Call for NHS improvement in maternal care for ethnic minority mothers An Oxford University report revealed stark disparities in maternal mortality rates, highlighting that women from Black ethnic backgrounds face a fourfold higher risk of death during pregnancy or within six weeks after childbirth compared to white women. Additionally, the study indicated a nearly two-fold difference in death rates among women from Asian backgrounds versus white women, raising concerns about the underlying causes. The report, known as the Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care, emphasised that 12% of women who died during or up to a year after pregnancy were severely disadvantaged,

residing in the most deprived areas. Their risk of death was more than double compared to women in the least deprived regions. Tragically, nearly 40% of deaths occurring between six weeks and a year post-pregnancy were linked to mental healthrelated causes, with maternal suicide remaining the leading cause in this timeframe. Compounding these issues, healthcare staff in maternal settings often lack adequate training to manage complex conditions. Many disadvantaged women in the postnatal period do not receive tailored care that meets their specific needs.

Neasden Temple honoured with Faith & Belief Award The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, commonly known as Neasden Temple, has been honoured by the

commitment to women and issues important to them, in alignment with the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual

London Faith & Belief Community Awards for its dedication to supporting and empowering women through its annual International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations. The recognition underscores the temple's ongoing

leader of BAPS activities worldwide. The award was organised by the Faith & Belief Forum, a UK-based interfaith organisation that strives to create safe spaces in various settings for people to engage with questions of belief, identity, and diversity.

Rishi Sunak and Mark Rutte locked out of No 10 The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak faced a challenging moment as he struggled to gain entry into No10, finding himself locked out on his own doorstep during an attempt to welcome Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to Downing Street. The awkward incident unfolded as the two leaders posed for photographs, and

Rishi Sunak, the beleaguered Tory leader, grappled with the seemingly locked door. Both leaders glanced to the side in search of assistance, and after a prolonged and uncomfortable wait, the door eventually relented and opened. This mishap occurred late in the evening on Thursday following an emergency press

conference by Mr. Sunak to address his Rwanda plan, prompted by the unexpected resignation of Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick. The incident gained traction on social media, prompting a response from Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper, who remarked, "This is only a sign of things to come: next year, voters

have the chance to lock Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives out of Number 10 for good." During his meeting with the Dutch Prime Minister, Sunak discussed various issues, including "the scourge of illegal migration," the UK's Rwanda policy, and conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, according to Downing Street.

Life sentence for robber who stabbed officers A life sentence, with a minimum of 20 years, has been handed down to a robber who stabbed two officers in London's West End following a police pursuit. Mohamed Rahman, 25, targeted the unprotected areas of the Met stab vest,

stabbing Police Constable Joseph Gerrard in the neck and chest, and later stabbed Pc Alannah Mulhall in the arm while intoxicated on September 16 last year. In a released video along with an interview, Pc Gerrard recounted the inci-

dent: "We came across a male brandishing a knife towards our colleagues. Initially, we were shouting at the suspect telling him to put the knife down. My colleague Dave put a Taser on him, I tried to hit him with a baton but he then stabbed

me in the arm." The officers, part of the Met's Central West Command Unit responsible for policing Westminster, shared how the incident had caused enduring pain and significant changes to their lives.

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16 - 22 December 2023

Diu Kadia Gyati Samaj- Tribute to Roy Hawkins Lord Popat UK celebrates 10th Anniversary The Diu Kadia Gyati SamajUK (DKNS-UK) organised its Diwali and the 10th anniversary celebrations on 25 November 2023. It was an extravaganza of well-presented decorations through

pomp, balloon arch, vibrant colour and bright lights, all well delivered through a live band, fantastic performances and festive dinner. Huge participation was

noted in the Rangoli competition. Students were recognised and rewarded for their achievements in Education, Sports and Culture. Luck on Samaj’s members towards the 10th Anniversary was

sparked by having exciting 10 prizes through an extravaganza raffle draw. A vote of thanks was given by DKNSUK President Upendra Maugi Solanki.

224th Jalaram Jayanti

Roy Hawkins was a distinguished and valued member of Finance House, dedicating over 40 years of his life to the company. His unwavering commitment and exemplary service have left an indelible mark on many people’s hearts. Roy was particularly known for his exceptional tact in dealing with people, especially during the early days of the business when Asian enterprises faced unwelcome challenges. His support in times of discrimination was instrumental in the growth of our business. Many businesses, particularly within the British Indian community, owe their success to Roy’s tireless efforts and his remarkable ability to navigate the intricacies of dealing with bank managers. His contributions have paved the way for countless others to thrive. The Popat family join the

Roy Hawkins

community in sending their deep and heartfelt sympathy and love to all who mourn Roy's passing. During this challenging time, may the memories of Roy’s life bring us comfort. His legacy of dedication, resilience, and compassion will forever be cherished by those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. In honouring Roy's memory, let us find solace in the impact he made and the inspiration he leaves behind.

Somerville College and Oxford India Centre tour India To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development at Somerville College, the Somerville College Choir, along with key representatives from the

Choir Performances: The Somerville Choir will visit Delhi, Goa, and Mumbai, delivering performances of British Christmas music at notable venues such as the National Centre

celebrated at Greenford Mandir

224th Jalaram Jayanti was celebrated at Shree Jalaram Mandir and Community Centre Greenford. Bhog of Annakut and cake were offered to Jalaram Bapa. Mayor of Ealing Cllr Hitesh Tailor, Committee members and devotees were especially present in the cake cutting ceremony.

Navendu Mishra, the Member of Parliament for Stockport, recently organised an event at Portcullis House in the House of Commons to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the tragic Bhopal disaster in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The disaster, resulting from a gas leak on December 2, 1984, at the Union Carbide Gas Plant in Bhopal, led to numerous casualties and lasting consequences. In collaboration with Action for Bhopal, Mishra extended invitations to fellow parliamentarians to join in honouring the victims and advocating for Dow Chemicals to

Navendu Mishra

take responsibility. The call is for Dow Chemicals to clean up the site and ensure adequate compensation for all individuals affected by the disaster, as mentioned in a press release from Mishra’s office.

Rohit Vadhwana

any times people are appreciative of a product or service when given free. Take an example: Google is free, people like it. Gmail and its storage does not cost them money, so people use it. When it comes to buying more storage, only a few people are ready to pay. Similarly, any service that is available for free is cherished. Any goods or items given for free are praised. But what happens when you demand a price for them? If people are willing to pay, that is the real appreciation. Currently, we are living in a world where the mentality is more of getting services for free. Especially services. For tangible goods, people have a mindset to pay, but if you are offering a service, there is an attitude that it doesn't cost. But what about time, money and talent used in creating and providing those services? Buying a book is only a second option, unfortunately for many, which is exercised if they cannot download it for free. Watching a pirated movie is no shame for the majority of the people, unless the country strictly bans them. Why don't we understand that writing a book, making a movie, or offering a seminar involves lots of work behind it. Why should they be free? Consider a friend who is making his living by providing consultancy services. How many of you would be willing to pay his professional charges for taking advice? But if the same friend is selling tomatoes, we are okay to pay. Somehow we don't value the product which cannot be touched. Intangible services are not classified as goods in our frame of mind. If you are providing a career guidance seminar, will it not be because of hard work given in the preparation, and dedicated man hours in organisation? Then why should others not be willing to admire it with a payment? We need to develop a mentality that anything that involves labour behind it has to be a paid service. Let's come out of the expectation of getting things for free. Remember, there are no free lunches, which means something is given in return of the services or products you are availing, whether you are aware of that giving or not. It's true that all charges are not in terms of money, and therefore, no pound or rupees may be deducted from your bank account, but when you 'agree' to the terms and conditions of the product or services, you are consenting to pay the price! It is obvious that if you are paying for something, it's better than getting something for free. Free things come with baggage which may break your back tomorrow and you would not be able to recover from that burden. But when you buy something by making a payment, you know how much you are giving. It also encourages the manufacturer, service provider, knowledge worker and creators to make their products and services better. Payment is a way of appreciation. If money is so dear to you, how much would it be to the recipient, especially in return for their hard work? (Expressed opinions are personal)

London commemorates Bhimrao Ambedkar

(Photo Credit: Raj D Bakrania)

Navendu Mishra commemorates Bhopal disaster anniversary

Appreciation is real when you are ready to pay

college and the OICSD, is currently on a tour of India. The tour includes musical performances, outreach activities, and a panel event on artificial intelligence (AI) featuring University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor Prof Irene Tracey. The choir, known for its eclecticism and inclusivity, is led by Director of Chapel Music Will Dawes, a Grammynominated singer. The key itinerary for the tour includes: Panel Discussion: The OICSD will host a panel discussion in Mumbai, focusing on the ethics of current and future AI use in healthcare and climate science. The panel will feature Prof Irene Tracey CBE, the ViceChancellor of the University of Oxford.

for the Performing Arts in Mumbai and historic churches like St James’ in Delhi and Bom Jesu in Goa. Outreach Sessions: Choir members will participate in outreach sessions with the charity Magic Bus and students from the British Council’s partner schools in India. These sessions aim to provide information about applying to university, particularly Oxford. The tour is made possible through generous philanthropy from the college's benefactors and alumni in India and the UK, including GS Gives, Mr Sonjoy Chatterjee, and Virginia Ross. This support ensures the participation of all choir members, regardless of their financial circumstances.

The 68th Parinirwan Diwas, commemorating the death anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the esteemed architect of the Indian Constitution, was observed with floral tributes and prayers at Ambedkar Hall in India House, London. The event was organised by the High Commission of India in collaboration with the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations (FABO) UK. Acting High Commissioner of India to the UK, Sujit Ghosh, led the ceremony and highlighted Dr B.R. Ambedkar's multifaceted contributions. Ghosh emphasised that Dr Ambedkar's impact extended beyond drafting the Indian Constitution,

noting his transformative emphasis on education as a tool for empowerment and societal change. Recognizing education as a powerful equaliser, Dr Ambedkar envisioned it breaking down caste barriers and fostering selfworth among marginalised communities. Representatives from FABO UK organized prayers and 'Bhim Stuti' presentations during the event. Jagdish Gaware, Vice-President of FABO, underscored Babasaheb's commitment to ensuring that every individual benefits from his contributions, while FABO Joint Secretary C. Gautam expressed gratitude on behalf of all Indians for Dr Ambedkar's selfless service to the nation.

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British Indian sitarist discusses art and achievements Anusha Singh Jasdeep Singh Degun, the British Indian sitarist and composer, has been named Songlines Best Newcomer 2023. Established in 2008, these awards spotlight the finest emerging music globally.

but at the age of 15, I transitioned to learning the sitar. I was fortunate to have an excellent teacher named Saddam Hussein, who, along with his wife, played a pivotal role in nurturing my musical talent. With unwavering support and guid-

Jasdeep Singh Degun

Having been featured as a Songlines Introducing artist in March 2020, Jasdeep's trajectory has been remarkable. At that time, he was launching Arya, his sitar concerto commissioned and presented by Opera North and South Asian Arts. Fast forward three years, and he has unveiled his debut album, Anomaly and showcased his talents at Westminster Abbey during the Royal Commonwealth Service 2022, attended by the British Royal Family and Prime Minister, among various other achievements. In a conversation with Asian Voice, Jasdeep discusses his art, achievements and future goals. hat sparked your initial fascination towards music and how has your background contributed to nurturing this interest? Interestingly, I don't come from a musical family and my parents aren't particularly into Indian classical music or similar genres. My journey into music began unexpectedly during my primary school years. In North Leeds, where I come from, there's a significant Indian population. My primary school, recognising this diversity, offered harmonium and singing lessons. Intrigued, I signed up for both. As I delved into these classes, I discovered my genuine love for music. The school noticed my passion and suggested I join the singing and harmonium group. Encouraged by my school experience, I sought more musical opportunities. A teacher advised me to attend classes at the local Gurdwara in Leeds. This marked a turning point, and I immersed myself in the musical environment there. Recognising my increasing passion, my teachers suggested pursuing formal education in music. My journey continued with vocal training initially,

me to study Western music alongside Western musicians, often being the only one playing the sitar in those scenarios. This experience led me to experiment and collaborate, bridging the gap between different musical tastes. here do you envision yourself five years from now, and what are some of the aspirations you hope to achieve? It has truly been an exceptional year for me. I am thrilled to share that I've received six awards, marking significant achievements in my musical journey. Notably, I secured the Asian Achievers Award, an Asian Media Award, the Critics Circle Award for my opera, the UK Theatre Award, and a nomination for the prestigious Ivor Novello Award. Additionally, I was honoured with the title of Best Newcomer. The recognition has been particularly rewarding. While I am grateful for the personal acknowledgment, I see these achievements as a pivotal moment for the entire community of Indian classical musicians in the UK. Looking forward, my ambitions revolve around fostering more opportunities for Indian classical musicians. Despite the abundance of talent, many go unnoticed. I aspire to see increased infrastructure and initiatives that provide a platform for Indian classical musicians to perform and be showcased, ensuring they receive the recognition they truly deserve. f you were to offer advice to the upcoming generation of musicians, what guidance would you provide? The foundation of success lies in relentless practice and dedication to mastering your craft, whether it's playing an instrument like the sitar or tabla or delving into composition. Strive to be the best you can be in your chosen field. However, excellence in your craft, while crucial, might not automatically translate into widespread recognition. To navigate the complexities of the music industry, it's equally important to invest in your business acumen. Develop networking skills and learn how to engage with promoters effectively. Seek guidance and support from individuals and organisations that can assist you in building your profile. This doesn't always have to come from fellow musicians; often, it's the collaborations and partnerships with various entities that can elevate your career. Be kind, open, and willing to go the extra mile. In your early years, embrace every opportunity to contribute and learn.

ance, my teachers, Ustad Dharambir Singh MBE and his wife, shaped my dedication and discipline towards classical music. as Indian music, in some way or form, influenced or contributed to the development of your interest in Indian classical music? It most certainly has given that the environment I grew up in was deeply Punjabi. Our experiences were shaped by regular visits to the Gurdwara, where we were exposed to Kirtans from a very young age and the sounds of sunrise radio and Punjab radio were a constant background presence in our home. This exposure contributed to a foundation in melody and musical understanding. However, in the realm of Indian classical music, the journey involves rigorous training. It goes beyond just the cultural background; it requires dedicated practice and discipline. Even if you come from an Indian background, being a proficient Indian classical musician demands a significant investment of hard work and commitment. This aspect, at times, may not receive the recognition it deserves. inding the right balance between classical and contemporary elements is often considered challenging by musicians. How do you navigate and achieve that balance in your work? the realm of classical musicians, the term "fusion" often carries a negative connotation. In India, especially, there's a clear distinction between classical and fusion music and while striking a balance is not an easy task, challenge arises when individuals attempt to play instruments from another tradition without a deep understanding of that musical genre. In my case, I don't label my music as fusion. My unique background allowed

Covid inquiry: Sunak "deeply sorry" Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced a rigorous six-hour interrogation during the Covid Inquiry, where he defended his decisions, notably focusing on the rationale behind the contentious "Eat Out To Help Out" scheme. However, his responses were marked by repeated claims of memory lapses concerning key meetings, emails, and conversations. Sunak admitted the loss of WhatsApp messages, further complicating transparency. The Prime Minister refuted allegations of disparaging parents of children entitled to free school meals as 'freeloaders.' TUC Assistant General Secretary Kate Bell criticised Sunak's lack of candour, stating that accountability is essential to prevent the repetition of mistakes. Naomi Fulop of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK called Sunak a "public health hazard" and called for his resignation, emphasising the public's recollection of his inability to recall crucial moments. Sunak underscored the importance of the "Eat Out To Help Out" scheme in preserving millions of jobs within the hospitality sec-

tor. Despite criticism, he defended the scheme as vital for sustaining employment, dismissing claims of inadequate consultation with government scientists as it was considered a "micro policy." Sunak maintained its significance despite concerns about potential contributions to Covid transmission. Addressing characterisations of his Treasury team as "Dr Death" or the "prodeath squad," Sunak expressed remorse and extended apologies to families who lost loved ones during the pandemic. The prime minister began by saying "how deeply sorry I am to all of those who lost loved ones, and family members through the pandemic."He stressed the need to learn from past experi-

ences to enhance preparedness for future crises. Sunak acknowledged his role in providing economic advice to then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson but clarified that Johnson was the "ultimate and sole decision-maker." Sunak While contested claims about scientific advisors warning against ending lockdowns, he defended the decision not to consult them on the "Eat Out To Help Out" scheme, citing a prior collective decision to reopen indoor hospitality. The inability to produce WhatsApp messages, shared with Johnson, raised concerns about transparency and accountability. Rishi Sunak's testimony at the Covid Inquiry revealed challenges in recalling crucial details, facing criticism for lack of candour, and defending controversial decisions such as the "Eat Out To Help Out" scheme. Calls for accountability and concerns about transparency in the absence of key messages underscore the challenges in evaluating the government's pandemic response.

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16 - 22 December 2023

‘Keep your cool’ at Christmas

Is 'mythology' word misleading?

The run-up to Christmas is always a really busy time for retail workers, as shoppers can be stressed and things can boil over. The timing of Christmas this year means that we anticipate especially busy stores the week before, culminating in what the retail industry has branded ‘Super Saturday’ on 23 December. I want to gently ask your readers to remember that shopworkers are people too. They will be working really hard to make your shopping experience as enjoyable as possible and deserve respect. Talking to our members who work in retail, I know that verbal abuse cuts deep. Many will go home after a shift upset about an unpleasant incident that took place at work that day and worried that it will happen to them again. That is why Usdaw, the shopworkers’ trade union, is asking customers to ‘Keep your Cool’, so that everyone can have a happier Christmas. Paddy Lillis General Secretary Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw)

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my concern regarding the misclassification of the Kaikey book in the Asian Voice's book review section published on 2nd to 8th December, specifically on page 26. The review refers to the Kaikey story as "Indian mythology," a term that, in my opinion, inaccurately represents the nature of this narrative. The Kaikye story, intricately woven into the fabric of the Ramayana, is not mythological but, rather, an integral part of Indian historical epics. Using the term "mythological" might mislead readers and diminish the rich historical and cultural significance of this narrative. I would like to draw attention to the character Kaikye in the Ramayana, which further supports the argument that this story is an epic historical tale. By correctly categorizing it, we can avoid potential misunderstandings among readers. If the Kaikye story were truly mythological, it would not align with events like the construction of the Ram Mandir and the promotion of Ram Mandir celebrations in Asian Voice. I kindly request a correction in future publications to appropriately label the Kaikye story as an epic historical narrative rather than using the term "mythological." This adjustment will ensure accurate representation and avoid any confusion among readers. Your papers is read by international readers too. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your commitment to maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the content in Asian Voice. Sincerely, Harsha Shukla Reader Vice president north of HFB Dear Harsha, It's important to note that the term 'mythology' itself has an interesting origin in Greek. Etymologically, the word 'myth' originates from the Greek word 'mythos,' signifying 'stories that are spread by or through word of mouth, especially about gods and heroes.' We are not referring here to the Sanskrit word 'mithya’, meaning falsehood or delusion as the source. We are referring in Sanskrit, to a rich collection of narratives about gods, kings, sages, and heroes that are found in ancient literature. ‘Mythology' is therefore study of 'mythos,' which encompasses tales spread by word of mouth about gods, kings, and sages. In Sanskrit, this would align with the term 'Akhyana Shastra.' It's crucial to understand that history involves the study of the past based on factual, objective truths. Conversely, mythology revolves around stories that hold subjective truths within a community. It's not entirely accurate to label mythology as fiction, which we understand is your concern. Fiction, as we know, is actually nobody's truth, whereas mythology represents a narrative that holds cultural significance and subjective truth. It's essential to acknowledge that while we do not deny the cultural significance or relevance of texts like the Ramayana, the use of the term 'mythology' is not meant to discredit their importance or existence in reality. Instead, it refers to the 'mythos' or the revered story as told from a person to another, about our hero, Lord Rama. AV Editorial

National Mathematics Day December 22, 2023 will mark the 136th birth anniversary of the mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan, and the day is celebrated as National Mathematics Day in remembrance of him. The main objective of the celebration of this day is to make people aware of the development of mathematics and its importance in the growth of humanity. Leaving the world at the young age of 32, Srinivasa Ramanujan contributed monumentally to mathematics that only a few could match in their lifetime. He was the youngest Indian to become a Fellow of the Royal Society, London. The field of number theory in math was enriched by Ramanujan with his intuitive research and enormous contribution to it. He was well ahead of his time and provided a great link to several milestones in the history of mathematics. Ramanujan's mystifying mathematical equations, scribbled in black ink and running into about 130 pages, were chanced upon by Professor George Andrews of Pennsylvania State University in 1976 at the library of Trinity College in Cambridge. These works later electrified the world of mathematics, prompting physicist Freeman Dyson to remark, “Flowers that grew from seeds that ripened in Ramanujan's garden". Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai, India

Fabulous Diwali Magazine The special Diwali magazine published by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar this year has truly captivated my interest and has left a lasting impression on me. In particular, the front cover of the magazine highlights the rituals, traditions and values of our age-old culture. The Diwali magazines are published by many publishers, most of just fill the space with any sort of writing piece. However, the Diwali issue of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar with fusion of interesting information, historical stories, entertainment, aspirational and selfesteem boosting information both in English and Gujarati, has really justified the occasion in real. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are continuously gaining new customers and readers. However, its old readership has remained intact and has not wavered at all. The loyalty of the readership stems from the variety of content and the unbiased news featured in both the publications. It took a while for me to write this and convey my happiness, just as it took time for me to read each and every article in this magazine. I congratulate the entire team of ABPL for this commendable achievement. Kamlesh Desai- Harrow

Asian Voice's praiseworthy efforts It is praiseworthy that Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are organising many programs to bind British Asian society together. But I have a complain that these programs are mostly done in North Harrow or Parliament area. CB previously used to arrange events in various areas across the London. I recollect, CB used to come to Croydon, East London, Birmingham, Leicester Preston, not sure why not visiting them now? Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar used to collaborate with local programs and organisations across London, but lately it has not been the case. Your newsweeklies are not just a newspaper but a medium of communication with the British Asian Community. Now that the pandemic is over, there will be a cold wave in January and February, so I suggest you should restart such initiatives from March onwards. Your team should all visit different parts of the UK regularly as before, discuss and interact with local organisations. Ghanshyam Trivedi Croydon

London mayor launches rough sleeping charter, warns of homeless death Mayor Sadiq Khan has introduced London's inaugural rough sleeping charter while issuing a caution about potential fatalities amid the escalating homelessness crisis this winter. Criticism has been directed at the mayor for overseeing a 24% surge in rough sleeping across London since assuming office. Khan contends that the issue stems from national causes and has urged ministers to allocate £20 million in emergency funding. Addressing the launch of the charter in Waterloo, the mayor emphasised, “We're confronted with a national crisis that demands a collective response. In the absence of that, we must take action within our means. Over the past few years, we've demonstrated progress by assisting 16,000 rough sleepers off the streets since

my election in 2016, with four out of five securing lasting support." “My concern is that without increased government support this winter, we might witness a further rise in rough sleeping, potentially leading to severe repercussions, including possible fatalities.” The charter, crafted with the contributions of over 100 charities, faith groups, businesses, and individuals with first-hand experience, outlines six fundamental principles that signatories have pledged to uphold. These principles include ensuring the safety of rough sleepers from violence, abuse, theft, and discrimination, and ensuring their full legal protection.Mayor highlighted that changes in benefit regulations, soaring rents, mental health challenges, intensify rough sleeping in the capital.

KAPIL’S

Kapil Dudakia

KHICHADI

Jammu Kashmir belongs to Bharat On 11th December 2023 the Supreme Court of India laid to rest one of the most anti-Indian assaults by Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, by INC (Indian Congress Party), by the antinationals in Jammu and Kashmir, by the anti-nationals across parts of India, by the anti-India brigade right across the world, and by the morally corrupt imperial white masters who still aspire to undermine Bharat. Prime Minster Modi said, ‘Today's Supreme Court verdict on the abrogation of Article 370 is historic and constitutionally upholds the decision taken by the Parliament of India on 5th August 2019; it is a resounding declaration of hope, progress and unity for our sisters and brothers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The Court, in its profound wisdom, has fortified the very essence of unity that we, as Indians, hold dear and cherish above all else’. This is a tribute to Bharat's "Akhandata" and the sacrifice of the peerless Shri Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of the BJS, the precursor of the BJP, who gave to the nation the slogan: ‘Ek Deshmein do Pradhan, Do Vidhan aur do Nishan nahinchalenge’. This act of appeasement, Article 370, that amputated Jammu and Kashmir politically, spiritually, economically, and emotionally from the rest of Bharat is finally consigned to the dustbin of history. For those who wish to remember, we must never forget that both Shri Sardar Patel and Dr Ambedkar were sidelined by Nehru when this anti-national Article 370 was formulated and inserted to appease the Islamists and the British. The man from Gujarat has finally righted a wrong perpetrated on the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Lest people forget, this is only the first step to giving due justice to the original custodians of Jammu and Kashmir. There is a lot more to be done. For the 500000 Kashmiri pandits dotted across India, outside of their Jammu and Kashmir, they need their homes back. And they need justice for what happened to them. Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) needs to become integral to Bharat once again. We cannot allow the terrorism of Pakistan to govern where that line of sovereignty should be drawn. Israel has now established in international norms, that any foe that dares to attack the nations sovereignty, can be ejected by any means necessary. Let India make that happen and free the people of POJK who have been traumatised and abused by the Pakistani government. The rat infestation from Pakistan now needs to be eradicated for the safety of everyone. Let me also remind everyone, lest they live in a world of political delusion, that our enemy in the United Kingdom was, and is, the Labour Party. I have seen recently that some of our organisations and institutions have suddenly started to roll out the red carpet for Keir Starmer. The very party that has targeted most of the antiIndia and anti-Hindu rhetoric over the past few decades. I say to each and everyone of you, if you sell your souls to the devil just to profit from a pat on the back from Keir Starmer, because you feel he is now going to be the next Prime Minister, then understand this, you are prostituting your cultural, religious, and historical heritage to the very people who treat you like slaves. The Pakistani lobby within Labour still controls the narrative. So far, NOT ONE, Labour politician of any repute has come out and denounced Pakistan for what it has done in POJK. Not one of them has declared that POJK is legally, by way of accession in 1947, an integral part of Bharat. Not one of them has stopped the Pakistani Labour members from openly voicing their anti-India narrative, and all too often, also their anti-Hindu rhetoric. It was Labour politicians who came out openly to object to the Abrogation of Article 370. As did many in the British media, including the BBC. My position in politics is very clear. I don’t belong to any party. I don’t think there is any party that meets our needs totally. However, I know which party is bad for our community, and I will never vote for such politicians just to get a pat on the back, or an honour or thekey to the House of Lords. If you want to sell yourselfby voting for Labour, you do so knowing that what you do is wrong.

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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Ketan Dattani

Empowering South Asians through Environmental Education

outh Asia, a region of immense cultural and geographical diversity, is also home to some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. From the melting glaciers of the Himalayas to air pollution in rapidly growing cities, South Asia faces a complex web of environmental issues. However, amidst these challenges lies the potential for transformative change through environmental education. Understanding Local Environmental Challenges: South Asia's diverse landscapes and ecosystems demand region-specific knowledge and solutions. Environmental education provides individuals with the understanding needed to address local challenges, such as water scarcity, deforestation, and urban pollution. Climate Change Resilience: South Asia is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Through environmental education, South Asians can learn about the science of climate change, its local effects, and strategies for adaptation and mitigation. Empowering Communities: Environmental education empowers communities to take ownership of their local environments. Whether it's managing waste, conserving water, or planting trees, informed individuals can make a significant impact. Youth Engagement: The youth of South Asia represent a dynamic force for change. Environmental education can inspire and equip young people to become environmental stewards, activists, and innovators. Health and Well-being: Many environmental issues directly affect public health. Teaching South Asians about the links between environmental degradation and health can encourage sustainable practices that improve well-being. Approaches to environmental education in South Asia encompass various strategies, including curriculum integration, multilingual and accessible resources, hands-on learning, community involvement, online and digital resources, and advocacy. These approaches aim to make environmental education engaging and impactful, fostering informed decision-making, conservation efforts, climate action, and sustainable development in the region. Incorporating Environmental Themes in Education: Governments should integrate environmental topics into school curricula, from primary to higher education levels. This ensures that environmental education becomes a fundamental part of a student's learning journey. Multilingual and Accessible Resources: To reach a diverse population, educational materials should be available in regional languages. They should also be accessible to people with disabilities to ensure inclusivity. Hands-On Learning: Practical experiences, such as field trips, nature camps, and hands-on projects, can make environmental education more engaging and effective. Community Involvement: Environmental education should extend beyond classrooms. Community-based projects and partnerships with local organisations can reinforce learning and promote action. Online and Digital Resources: Given the ubiquity of technology in South Asia, online resources and digital platforms can play a crucial role in disseminating environmental knowledge. Advocacy and Activism: Environmental education should not only impart knowledge but also encourage advocacy and activism. South Asians should feel empowered to engage with policymakers and push for sustainable policies. Environmental education in South Asia empowers individuals and communities with knowledge and awareness, enabling them to make informed decisions, take conservation actions, engage in climate initiatives, and contribute to sustainable development in the region. Environmental education equips South Asians with the knowledge to make informed decisions in their daily lives, from sustainable consumption choices to energyefficient practices. It fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment, encouraging conservation efforts such as reforestation, wildlife protection, and biodiversity preservation. By understanding the principles of sustainability, South Asians can actively contribute to the region's development while safeguarding its natural resources for future generations. Environmental education is a powerful tool for addressing the pressing environmental challenges faced by South Asia. It empowers individuals, communities, and nations to take action, make sustainable choices, and work towards a more resilient and environmentally conscious future. By prioritising environmental education, South Asians can be at the forefront of positive change, ensuring a sustainable legacy for generations to come.

South Asians can and should bring their rich, cultural knowledge to the table Shefali Saxena Sangeeta, of Indian heritage, is from Bradford and is a part of the magistracy in West Yorkshire. She initially joined the magistracy as a stay-at-home mum looking for an opportunity to explore a new stimulating venture. She has seen the positive impact of her role in the magistracy first-hand and over 15 years later still finds the role incredibly rewarding. She spoke exclusively to Asian Voice about it. ell us how you initially decided to take up this role and what it took to land it. Speak about your Indian Heritage and roots. I heard about the national recruitment campaign for diverse magistrates on the radio, as I was driving my toddler to a softplay centre, and it excited me! My grandparents are of Indian origin and migrated to East Africa. I have always been interested in the law. My paternal Grandfather studied law in England and was called to the bar in 1953, and he would have encouraged me to be a magistrate. It felt like the right challenge at the right time! ou initially joined the magistracy as a stay-athome mum looking for an

opportunity to explore a new stimulating venture. What was it like as a South Asian woman to juggle this? I was working as a Welfare Benefits specialist in London, when I had my first child, and had little time at home with him. When my second child was born, I decided to take time off. We had moved to West Yorkshire. After a year of being at home, I was ready for a different kind of challenge and to learn something new. My parents and husband have always supported my interests and know there is no stopping me. My mother-in-law played a huge part helping with childcare so I could prepare for interviews and attend the training. Then, she was able to stay on if court sittings ran late. Their support was crucial. hy is the role of women, especially ethnic minority women important in the judiciary? What do they bring to the table which is different from their white and male counterparts? A big part of being a magistrate is the ability to work with others in a team and to make decisions. We all bring our unique skills and perspectives, alongside applying the law and the sentencing guidelines. It is

vital, when making judicial decisions, that we are all from varied backgrounds and careers. More importantly, we as magistrates must reflect the communities we serve and give the public confidence that we understand the people and the situations that we are being asked to judge. hy should more South Asians apply for such roles and why is diversity important in the judiciary? Having magistrates from different backgrounds means that the decisionmaking can be stronger and based on diverse perspectives. We should always reflect the communities with which we are working. It is important that all court users have confidence in the judiciary and can see the representation. South Asians are also a diverse group, many being born in the UK with parents and grandparents who left their homes and possessions, perhaps twice and had to start over. Many of us were raised with a strong work ethic and feel strongly about values such as democracy and freedom. It is rewarding to be part of the legal system as well as to give back our time to the community. South Asians can and should bring their rich, cultural knowledge to the table.

hat does it mean to you and your family, especially coming from Indian Heritage to be able to successfully be in such a role for more than 15 years? I was raised as a strong, independent woman, and my family are proud that I can use my skills to contribute to serving in my community. I am fair, good at making decisions based on evidence and applying the law and guidance before me. Being a magistrate is stimulating and rewarding and a challenge, but you are always learning and working as a team. If you think you have these skills, then please do consider applying. Having magistrates from all diverse backgrounds makes the system fairer and the decision-making richer. To find out more about the role and how to apply visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk.

Hedge fund trader extradited to Denmark One of Britain’s biggest alleged tax fraudsters has been extradited from his home in Dubai to face criminal charges in Denmark, the jurisdiction of his reputedly largest scam. Sanjay Shah, a selfdescribed hedge fund trader who has reportedly previously worked for Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse, has been deported from the United Arab Emirates to face charges that he perpetrated fraudulent share trading schemes. Shah, 53, is accused of

Sanjay Shah

being the ringleader in one of the biggest so-called cumex tax and money-laundering scams in Europe and has been the quarry of regula-

tors in the UK for years. The alleged scam, run out of Shah’s UK-registered operation Solo Capital, involved the buying and selling of huge amounts of shares in Denmark and Belgium and other jurisdictions in a deliberate attempt to avoid tax or reclaim non-existent payments of withholding tax on dividends. The trades, executed between 2012 and 2015 and worth tens of billions of pounds, have previously been labelled by the UK’s Financial Conduct

Authority as “highly suggestive of financial crime” and a deliberate attempt to defraud Danish and Belgian taxpayers. The issue came to light due to the sheer quantity of trades involved in a “circular pattern of extremely high-value over-thecounter equity trading” executed via a network of broker-dealers rather than on an exchange. Trading volumes were between 20 and 40 times the normal amount of shares traded in Danish and Belgian stocks.

Study reveals UK's upcoming election to be most unequal in 60 years A recent study conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), a centre-left think tank, has revealed that the upcoming election is poised to be the most unequal in six decades due to a widening disparity in voter turnout across various demographics such as age, income, class, homeownership, and ethnicity. The research highlighted that in the 1960s, the difference in voter turnout between social groups was

minimal. However, over the years, this gap has significantly expanded. For instance, by 2010, there was an 18-percentage-point difference in turnout between higher-income individuals—who tend to participate more in voting—and lowerincome groups. This disparity grows further to a 23-point margin between homeowners, who exhibit higher turnout rates, and renters. Additionally, a 15-point gap was noted

between university graduates and those who didn't pursue higher education. The study also uncovered a substantial 28-point difference between the voting likelihood of individuals aged 61 and over compared to 18-24-year-olds. Further findings from the IPPR indicate that nearly 9 out of 10 individuals in the top third of income earners participated in the two most recent general elections, contrasting with only 7 out

of 10 from the bottom third. Additionally, respondents in the lower income bracket were about three times more likely to express that voting was not worthwhile compared to those in the higher income bracket. Similarly, renters were more than twice as likely as homeowners to share this sentiment. Moreover, the study delved into political engagement, revealing that one in three university graduates.

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16 - 22 December 2023

Empathy, a gamble? Continued from page 1

In the UK, over 430,000 individuals are identified as problem gamblers, and 13% of the population experiences some degree of gambling harm, as per Providence Projects and a 2020 YouGov survey. Within British Asian communities, gambling addiction is a taboo subject, often met with judgment and dismissal, restricting open discussions and limiting available resources for addressing gambling-related problems. GambleAware, a leading charity in Great Britain for preventing and treating gambling harm, conducted a study in collaboration with Ipsos UK, ClearView Research, and the University of Manchester. The research reveals that individuals from minority communities with gambling issues are 50% more likely to face public racism or discrimination compared to those without gambling problems. The study highlights the impact of stigma and discrimination in both contributing to gambling harms and hindering individuals from seeking assistance. Participants from minority backgrounds engaging in gambling are three times more likely to perceive it as a 'coping mechanism' for life challenges, emphasising the need for targeted support services. Gambling support services need to work on increasing confidence Commenting on the findings, Dr Samir Shah, Consultant Psychiatrist & Medical Director, Manchester told Asian Voice,

Dr Dharmi Kapadia

are at risk of gambling harms. Worryingly, gambling help services are often not seen as trustworthy by minoritised people due to past discriminatory experiences of statutory services. Gambling support services need to work on increasing confidence amongst minoritised groups, including how they organise, advertise and deliver services.” Psychiatrist Dr JS Bamrah told the newsweekly, “Gambling dis-

Psychiatrist Dr JS Bamrah

Dr Samir Shah

“This report is insightful and focusses on a group of population who may benefit from services and support that addresses their needs. Although more research is needed to understand the specific vulnerabilities of minority communities, the difference in gambling harms between minority communities and White British is striking. Ethnic minority communities may not only be exposed to systemic inequalities but also to socio-economic disparities. Additionally, limited access to meaningful targeted resources and cultural expectations may add to their vulnerabilities. Communities that experience racism and discrimination could adversely impact their access to culturally sensitive services that address their unique needs. This report has thrown light at the challenges of minority communities that should encourage conversations about targeted interventions.” Dr Dharmi Kapadia, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at The University of Manchester commented: “This research study has shown that minoritised people facing difficult, and often traumatic, life circumstances such as financial hardship, racism and other forms of social exclusion

order, or pathological gambling as it’s sometimes referred to, is a form of addiction which has gained more notoriety with the ease by which people can access gambling websites these days. These people are consumed with the impulse to gamble to the extent that it can take over their social and family life, and affect their ability to work. This addiction is frequently associated with other addictions such as alcohol or drug abuse, and mental illness such as depression and anxiety. The treatment is complex as it requires a tightening of regulation of gambling sources to make it difficult for vulnerable groups to be exploited. Such patients can benefit from de-addiction therapy as well as treatment of any underlying mental disorder.” Problem gamblers within BAME communities show a higher demand for treatment Problem gamblers within BAME communities show a higher demand for treatment and support, with 83% citing motivating factors compared to 43% for moderate risk and 12% for low-risk gamblers. Awareness of help through phone channels, confidentiality, and free-of-charge support emerged as significant motivators, emphasising the need for targeted communication. Further research could explore motivations and barriers specific to BAME communities. Cultural beliefs within British Asian communities consider gambling a vice to be avoided, making it challenging for those struggling with addiction to seek

help. Studies by the Royal Society for Public Health and the Gambling Commission underscore the higher susceptibility of British Asians to gambling addiction, with specific concerns for women. Suhayl Patel, BAME Gambling Harms Programme Manager at Beacon Counselling Trust, is actively involved in raising awareness, and engagement, and providing culturally relevant education to diverse communities. Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, initiatives like the South Asian Community Gambling Harm Conference and collaborations with organisations like The Muslim Council of Britain demonstrate progress. A YouGov report from 2020 revealed distinctive characteristics and support needs of gamblers from BAME communities, highlighting the prevalence of Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scores of 1+. Specific ethnic groups, notably those of Pakistani and Indian backgrounds, exhibit a higher likelihood of falling into the PGSI 1+ category. Given the significant proportion of problem gamblers from Pakistani backgrounds, tailored consideration of their specific needs is crucial in policy and service planning. Larger sample sizes could unravel nuanced differences between ethnic subgroups and the influence of religion. In a report titled, ‘Gambling in Asian Communities in Great Britain’ it was reported, that in both adult and child Asian populations, the 7-day participation rate in gambling (22% and 13%, respectively) was found to be low relative to that in the white majority community, yet problem gambling prevalence, measured by the adult Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition screen (1.4%) and its juvenile equivalent (2.9%), was significantly higher, including among women. It therefore follows that those Asians who do gamble are unusually prone to experiencing problems, which has implications for public health policies such as the provision of information and help in minority languages. The relevance of the findings seems likely to extend to other countries with significantly sized Asian communities.

Baby loss charity sheds light on the barriers, biases, and substandard care Racism and discrimination are infiltrating various facets of society, including maternity care in the UK. The "Listening Project" report, presented by Sands, the UK's prominent baby loss charity, uncovers barriers, biases, and inadequate care contributing to disparities in baby deaths. Released concurrently with MBRRACE-UK's inquiry into Asian baby deaths, a study supported by Sands, the report delves into the experiences of 56 Black and Asian bereaved parents, focusing on maternity, postnatal, and neonatal care. Half of the Sands project participants believed they received inferior care or faced differential treatment based on ethnicity. Mothers recounted instances where stereotyping by healthcare professionals led to the dismissal of their concerns, perpetuating systemic biases. Despite 13 daily baby deaths around childbirth in the UK, the report reveals that Black and Asian babies face a higher risk of stillbirth or neonatal death compared to their white counterparts. In 2021, Black and Black British babies were twice as likely to be stillborn, while Asian and Asian British babies were over 50% more likely. In a previous interview with Asian Voice, Harrow-based Obstetrician-gynaecologist, Dr Parijat Bhattacharjee, said that unfortunately, the numbers of stillbirths have remained consistent and constant since 2000, which is roughly between 4 to 5 per 1000 life-births. However, in 2019, according to the Office of National Statistics in the UK, even though the absolute number of stillbirths were still 2346, the number of 1000 life birth was at its lowest per 1000, 3.8 per 1000 as compared to 5 per 1000. Dr Bhattacharjee said, “The

government strategy is to reduce the rates to half by 2025, half as compared to 2010. And therefore, the aim is to have 2.6 stillbirths per 1000 life-births in the UK. A couple of reasons that are thought of as to why there hasn't been a significant decrease in the number of stillbirths over the last 20 years or so, is possible because of an increase in maternal age and an increase in BMI or obesity. Both have been associated with an increase in stillbirths. As of today, stillbirths cannot be entirely prevented even in the most modern healthcare systems of the world. Partly because more than half of the time, no cause can be found.” Bhavna, a bereaved parent, expressed a universal fear of poor maternity care, intensified for Black and Asian individuals facing a higher likelihood of substandard care. Sands calls for immediate attention and genuine reforms in maternity services to ensure every baby and family receives deserving care. Ethnic disparities were highlighted in 2021, with ONS reporting the highest stillbirth rates among Black and Asian babies. In both the realm of gambling and maternity care, the experiences of minority communities are marred by racism and discrimination, revealing a disturbing pattern of disparities. Both issues demand urgent attention and concerted efforts to dismantle systemic biases, foster trust, and ensure that all individuals, whether coping with gambling harms or navigating maternity care, receive equitable and compassionate support. Whoever comes to power, Tories or Labour, have umpteen underlying and silent battles that they will need to fight for the greater good of the immigrant community.

Met Police 'severely bent out of shape': Sir Mark Rowley The Metropolitan Police in London has faced significant strain in policing protests related to the conflict in Israel and Gaza, causing the force to be "bent out of shape," according to statements made at a London Policing Board meeting. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley acknowledged that the protests and offenses tied to the conflict necessitated the redeployment of officers from various parts of the force, describing the process as more "clumsy" than he would prefer. The Met has reportedly spent 28,000 officer shifts on Operation Brocks, its response to the knock-on effects of the situation in the Middle East in

Sir Mark Rowley

London. Additionally, 1,600 officer

shifts from other forces have been utilised through mutual aid, with plans to continue this support. He also told the board: “We are severely - and I anticipate for the long term - bent out of shape, both organisationally, and [in a way] that affects many individuals. “We’ve got over 800 open hate crime cases that we’re working through, which will take thousands of officer hours to work through them and try and bring offenders to justice.” Sir Mark also mentioned that the additional pressures from policing protests related to the conflict in Israel and Gaza were having a significant impact on day-to-day policing.

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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

hristmas in the UK is steeped in rich and diverse traditions. From mulled wine to Christmas puddings to mince pies to turkey with all the trimmings to pantomimes to Christmas markets to the Queen’s (and now King’s) speech to Boxing Day rituals, these array of traditions adding a unique charm and warmth to the holiday season and the South Asian diaspora joins in on the celebrations with full vigour. The Christmas celebration within the diaspora is a vibrant tapestry of cultural diversity, weaving together traditional festive customs with the rich heritage of South Asian countries. South Asians are known for their unique and diverse taste palette and it is no surprise that culinary celebrations take centre stage, with dining tables reflecting a fusion of traditional British and South Asian flavours. Sweets like Gulab Jamun, jalebi, and barfi find their place alongside classic Christmas puddings. Music and dance play pivotal roles in these celebrations, with the beats of Bollywood and traditional South Asian music filling the air. Over the past few years, various new trends can be witnessed in how the diaspora has celebrated Christmas as participation keeps increasing with time. Families get together to celebrate the festive season with a twist of their own traditions while international students, on the other hand, open their hearts to new experiences as they navigate life away from their families. Many from the community have also ditched the whole hassle of cooking up a storm and instead choose to enjoy a peaceful dinner at restaurants. Some choose this time to travel and rejuvenate for the new year, opting out of the traditional ways and some choose to enjoy quality time alone, curling up with a book or with family, choosing cheerful Christmas movies instead. The Christmas celebration of the South Asian community in the UK reflects the spirit of multiculturalism and unity. As we wish our readers a Merry Christmas, Asian Voice explores community traditions and celebrations, along with sharing some fantastic recommendations for a delightful festive season.

Thoughtful Christmas gift ideas celebrating cultural diversity

s the holiday season approaches, the joy of giving takes centre stage, and for those seeking gifts for their South Asian friends or loved ones, the opportunity to celebrate their rich heritage becomes a delightful journey. With a vibrant cultural tapestry encompassing traditions, spices, and unique customs, finding the perfect Christmas gift is a chance to honour and embrace the cherished customs of South Asian communities. In this guide, we explore thoughtful gifting ideas tailored to resonate with the distinct cultural preferences of South Asian recipients, adding a touch of familiarity and heartfelt celebration to the spirit of Christmas. 1. Traditional clothing: South Asian cultural aesthetics are greatly influenced by the beauty of traditional attire, such as a magnificent kurta pyjama pair or a saree with elaborate embroidery. These outfits are more than simply clothes; they are representations of elegance and tradition because of their vivid colours, fine fabrics, and intricate designs. Every article of clothing stands as a symbol of the endurance of customs that endure and connect the past, present, and future of a vibrant and varied cultural tapestry. 2. Tea sets: Elevate their tea-drinking experience with a meticulously crafted tea set. Paired with an assortment of

teas like aromatic chai blends or delicate green teas, this gift promises moments of relaxation and indulgence, embodying the comforting ritual deeply cherished in South Asian culture. Tea isn’t just a beverage; it's a cultural glue that brings people together, fostering connections and

conversations that flow as effortlessly as the aromatic brew itself. 3. Art and decor: Add cultural richness to their home with art pieces that celebrate South Asian heritage. Intricately designed tapestries, paintings depicting folklore, or sculptures showcasing traditional craftsmanship infuse spaces with a sense of pride and connection to their roots. The infusion of such art pieces isn’t just about decoration; it's about curating spaces that resonate with a sense of pride and identity. 4. Personal care products: Delight them with grooming

and skincare products that draw inspiration from South Asian beauty customs. Crafted with organic elements like sandalwood and turmeric, these products embrace timehonoured methods, offering multi-level effectiveness for rejuvenation and renewal. These items are not just skin-

care essentials; they are cultural ambassadors that embody the union of age-old wisdom and the bounty of nature. 5. Baked goods: Treat them to delights infused with South Asian flavours. From cardamom cookies to saffron cakes and classic plum cakes, each treat honours their culinary heritage with a burst of authentic taste. Cake artist and owner of small business “A Baker’s Confession”, Janannie Rangaswamy said, “In South Asian culture, plum cake, which is an Indian version of traditional fruit cake, is one of the most popular Christmas treats from my kitchen. Dry

fruits like prunes, apricots, varieties of raisins, sultanas, currants, glaced cherries, dried papaya, dried mango, dried pineapple, figs, and dates are soaked with caramelised sugar syrups." “I've heard heartwarming stories of customers gifting homemade cookies to neighbours, creating unexpected connections, and fostering a sense of community during the holiday season. Some South Asian clients have shared how the plum cake brought back nostalgic memories, bringing joy and warmth. I’ve had parents say how much their children enjoyed painting their own cookies and Elf on the Shelf cookies as part of Elf visit traditions. The act of sharing Christmas treats is a delightful and personal way to spread love and create lasting memories,” she added. Talking about customised baked goods, she said, “We offer personalised stocking cookies, cracker cookies, and elf on the shelf cookies to add a child's or children's name to the cookies, packaged in festive boxes and hand tied with satin ribbon. We offer to pack individual personalised cookies in transparent bags to make them great stock fillers as well.”

The magic of Christmas markets in the UK As the holiday season approaches, cities and towns across the country transform into enchanting wonderlands, brimming with festive cheer and twinkling lights. Annual Christmas markets in the UK captivate locals and visitors alike and have become a cherished tradition, drawing people

together to experience the magic of Christmas. Streets adorned with colourful decorations, fes-

tive stalls, and the aroma of seasonal delights create an atmosphere that evokes joy and a sense of community. Christmas carols and the occasional jingle of

sleigh bells further enhance the magical experience. The hype of Christmas markets in the UK is a celebration of all things fes-

MARKET

LAST DATE

tive. These markets have established themselves as integral to the nation's holiday traditions, inviting everyone to share in the joy of the season. VENUE

Edinburgh Christmas markets

3rd January 2024

East Princess Street Gardens

Manchester Christmas market

22nd December 2023

Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market

23rd December 2023

Victoria Square, New Street and Centenary Square

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London

1st January 2024

Hyde Park, London

York Christmas festival

22nd December 2023

Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

31st December 2023

Old Market Square and Trinity Square

Kingston upon Thames Christmas market

24th December 2023

Kingston Ancient Market Place

Chester Christmas market

21st December 2023

Town Hall Square opposite Chester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral Christmas market

21st December 2023

The Close, Winchester

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UK's South Asian diaspora adds Kolkata's Christmas extravaganza, a festive fiesta like no other vibrancy to festive celebrations Anusha Singh

hristmas is a widely embraced holiday that has evolved into a tradition for many British Asians, with an increasing number choosing to partake in the celebrations. As cultures and traditions intertwine over the years, a growing number of nonAsians also engage in the festivities, celebrating this joyous occasion with their loved ones. In the UK, British Asians warmly embrace the Christmas spirit and the festive season holds a special place for many as it signifies a break from work, study, and routine, providing an opportunity to reunite with friends and family. For second or thirdgeneration immigrants who have been born and brought up in the UK itself, Christmas becomes an important festival that is celebrated with much enthusiasm. Christmas Day becomes a focal point for gatherings, where families come together to celebrate. Often, family members take turns hosting the holiday festivities each year. For all who partake in the celebrations, Christmas is a time of festivity, bringing families and friends together to spend the day in shared joy and companionship. Cultural highlights to a traditional Christmas Tanveer Mann is a Journalist and despite how busy she is, she rushes back home for Christmas celebration. She said, “Christmas is a big deal in our family, it's a time when no matter where everyone is in the world, there's an understanding that we will all be together on that day.” Further detailing her family’s annual Christmas celebrations, she said, “Though we are not Christians, we focus on the cultural aspects of the day and come together to celebrate a happy and healthy family. For us, the day is largely spent playing games, opening presents, and eating Mum's delicious Christmas dinner - with an Indian twist of course! “We normally give all the children in the family small toys and gadgets while us adults will gift each other experience days. We find these are a great way to get the family exploring new places to eat and see rather than wasting money on small items that we don't need! “We also have a tradition with friends where we'll all gather at someone's house, do Secret Santa and play games. It's a really lovely time just to

reflect on the year with loved ones and relax!” Jaspreet Bajaj is the

Jaspreet Bajaj

Founder and Events Specialist at Bombay Funkadelic. Speaking to Asian Voice, she recounted how Christmas is a big deal for her family and is celebrated with equal grandeur as Diwali, if not more. She said, “Since the 1960s, my family has been rooted in the UK, when my grandfather and father made the journey from Punjab. Given our long history here, we've consistently marked Christmas with grand celebrations.” She further added that, “For Christmas, we get together for a family Christmas dinner or lunch on December 25. Decorating Christmas trees and exchanging Christmas cards have become integral to our annual customs. More recently, the younger generation of our family has taken up the festive tradition of Secret Santa. It adds a bit of fun to the festivities and keeps the youngsters amused. “As a British Indian family, the adaptation of Christmas into our culture is most notably reflected in our culinary choices. While we cherish the tradition of a classic Christmas roast, our menu also features Indian cuisine, particularly prepared in a PunjabiTandoori style.” A Christmas tradition of good food Punam Nagpal is a Product Manager at Cisco and finds Christmas to be the perfect time to enjoy quality time with her family. Describing her household celebrations, she said, “We put on our Christmas playlist and decorate the tree together

Punam Nagpal

and I try and have a different colour theme for the tree to keep the experience fresh each year. “Other than that, I bake cookies, biscotti and of course, the traditional Christmas cake. I love gifting homemade baked goodies to friends in pretty jars and boxes, so our home is filled with the aroma of baking throughout the festive season. This year, I’ve baked mince pies and I’ll shortly be baking the Christmas cake, as my son loves it. Plus there will be Paste di Pistacchio which are Italian pistachio cookies, are on the festive menu.” Punam’s heritage has a great influence on her Christmas celebrations and she chooses to light up her house just like she does for Diwali. Additionally, her family choose and support a charity every year as part of their Christmas tradition. She said, “Giving is a big part of festive celebrations in my family, something I’ve imbibed from my mum since childhood.” Mallika Basu is a cook

Mallika Basu

and an author with a passion for authentic Indian food. She grew up buying Christmas decorations and cakes from Muslim and Jewish bakers in Kolkata’s bustling markets and later, in her teenage years, her celebrations involved lavish parties at a Christian friend’s home, where the dinner feast was biryani. About her Christmas celebrations in the UK, she said, “As I left India to settle in the UK, I took to cooking lavish Christmas meals in our household with part Indians, part Latin and part English kids. In the diasporic world we live in, with many mixed heritage families and smaller, changing family units, it’s not unusual for South Asians to mingle and be merry at Christmas time. Now divorced, it remains an important annual calendar moment for my kids. “I gather with my friends and a table covered with food to ring in all the joy. If you fancy trying your hand at some traditional favourites with an international twist.”

he grandeur of Durga Puja in Kolkata is renowned and remarkable, and the spectacle of Christmas is another treat that should be experienced once in a lifetime. Known as the City of Joy, Kolkata embodies a profound love and enthusiasm for its festivals, and this sentiment extends to Christmas, celebrated with unparalleled zeal. In Kolkata, Christmas is referred to as "Boro Din," the roots of the festival delving deep into the city’s colonial history and multicultural character. The city transforms with Christmas bazaars, preIndependence era bakeries brimming with cakes and goodies, and a spectacular Christmas Carnival featuring dazzling illuminations and beautifully adorned churches. Kolkata truly embraces the holiday season with gusto. The celebration has undergone a transformative journey over the years, influenced by historical occurrences, cultural diversity, and the rich tapestry of communities coexisting within the city. One of the most important Christmas experiences in Kolkata is to attend a midnight mass. During Christmas, these churches in Kolkata are brimming with the festive spirit and attract a significant number of visitors. St. Paul’s Cathedral stands out as the most renowned among them, making it a must-visit during the Christmas season. Additionally, other well-known churches such as St John's, St Andrew's, St Stephen's, the Portuguese Church, Greek the Orthodox Church, and the

Bow Barrack

Nahoum and Sons

Mission Church also contribute to the city's festive spirit. Another delightful option is exploring the Bow Barrack. Originally part of military barracks, this colony boasts red brick buildings and is home to Anglo-Indian residents. During Christmas, the Barrack hosts open-air dance parties and various other events. If you're not inclined towards parties, a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood offers a great opportunity to absorb the festive atmosphere. Park Street is a longstanding epicentre of Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Since 2011, the state government has organised a Christmas Carnival on a section of road just off Chowringhee, extending until New Year's Day. The entire street dazzles with fairy lights, while Allen Park is adorned with Christmas installations and cribs. Evenings come alive with musical performances. Food stalls are set up, showcasing culinary delights from different communities in the city. Local Anglo-Indian, Parsi, and Chinese families offer delicious home-cooked

savouries. Notable bakeries, including the renowned Flurys teashop, also join the festivities with stalls along the sidewalk. City hotels and are restaurants renowned for hosting some of the most exquisite Christmas spreads, and a culinary adventure at Nahoum & Sons is a must. Established in 1902 by Israel a Mordecai, Baghdadi Jew, this bakery is famous for its delectable rich fruit and plum cakes, cream-filled pastries, rum balls, and walnut and chocolate brownies. In the week leading up to Christmas, Nahoum & Sons becomes a bustling hub, drawing people from afar who patiently queue up outside its doors for hours to savour their festive treats. Nahoum’s offers three varieties of traditional Christmas cakes- rich fruit cake, special rich fruit cake, and light plum cake, all of which have earned a significant following in Kolkata over the past century. Mrs Magpie, Peter Cat and Mocambo also offer delectable spreads of traditional and fusion food. Indulging in Christmas shopping adds to the festive joy, and Sasha on Free School Street is a must-visit for unique handcrafted Christmas decor. The collection includes cozy lights crafted from wicker threads, papier-mâché creations, and cloth tree hangings. For more Christmas gift options, explore Good Companions on Russell Street. Established in 1934 by a British lady to cater to Brits in India, the store offers beautiful kitchen towels, home furnishings, bed linen, and more.

Which Christmas traditions are on their way out – and which have stood the test of time? A growing number of British people are abandoning longstanding Christmas habits, such hanging stockings, singing carols, and setting out mince pies for Santa. According to a statewide study conducted by the Chef and Brewer Collection of country pubs, people's perspectives and behaviours towards the country's yearly holiday celebrations are changing, defying traditional norms. Out of 22 long-established festive traditions, including sending Christmas cards, the Royal address to the nation and more, just one tradition – watching Christmas films – has increased in popularity this century with respondents being asked which tra-

ditions from 25 years ago they still do today. Meanwhile, the number of people hanging stockings (23%, down from 48%), singing carols (13%, down from 28%) and putting mince pies out for Santa (17%, down from 48%) has dwindled, according to the OnePoll survey of 2,000 UK adults in November 2023. Meanwhile, the study revealed one particularly interesting break away from

tradition when it comes to festive food, with a notable one in 20 people (4%) drenching their Christmas dinner in tomato or brown sauce. Additionally, the survey revealed that only 16% of respondents will have a real Christmas tree this year, with 70% choosing an artificial one and 14% having none at all. When it comes to Christmas films, Elf, Home Alone, and Love Actually reign supreme as the nation's top three festive flicks, with It's a Wonderful Life ranking as the number one classic seasonal movie (released in 1946). Surprisingly, Die Hard, which is often at the centre of Christmas film debates, claimed fifth spot.

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Reflecting on a Christmas away from home Students and professionals spending Christmas in the UK away from family navigate a distinct experience during the holiday season. Straying from familiar cultural and familial festivities, they often cultivate a makeshift sense of home by blending traditions. The absence of family often leads to communal celebrations with fellow students, fostering a multicultural environment. Some choose to explore local Christmas markets, participate in community events, or volunteer, immersing themselves in the holiday spirit. Despite the distance, this period offers an opportunity for cultural exchange, resilience, and the formation of new friendships against the festive backdrop of a foreign land. Komal Agarwal moved

year and plan on doing the same this year.”, she said. “I obviously miss my family as the festive season takes over but turn to my friends for comfort. I usually join my friends for dinner and outings and even hosted a Christmas party to enjoy the celebration I had the opportunity to experience. I made Gajar ka halwa last year to remind me of home and plan on making Badam ka halwa this year.” Komal is planning to the Edinburgh visit Christmas Market again this year, making it a part of her tradition. She also plans to explore the beautifully lighted and decorated streets of Edinburgh. Devanshi Parmar is a

dorm has put up a Christmas tree at the reception and allows us to donate things which is pretty cool. I also bought for myself, a Santa Mug and plan on making a cake.” While Devanshi has learned to cope with homesickness in the past 11 months, some days are still harder than others. “I try to focus on the brand new experiences and call my family up from time to time and that’s a huge help. I also seek comfort in Indian food”, she said. Uday Vir Gurjar moved

Uday Vir Gurjar

Devanshi Parmar

Komal Agarwal

to the UK in 2022 to pursue her Master in Investment and Finance from the University of Strathclyde and found the Christmas celebrations similar to Diwali, with homes lit up and decorated a month prior, Christmas trees put up and Christmas Markets being all the fury. For her first Christmas in the UK, Komal chose to visit the Edinburgh Christmas Market. “It was awesome. I had some Indian food, my pick of desserts and went on some rides. I also went to the Christmas Wonderland in London and tried out some fresh wine. I also decorated my house last

media student who moved to the UK a little less than a year ago and will be experiencing her first Christmas in the country. So far, people dressed up as elves on the middle of the road is a different experience for her. “This is my first Christmas experience in the UK and I’m looking forward to it. One of the things I’ve noticed is the Christmas Markets and lit-up street and it’s very fun and lively. Another fascinating thing is how everything here, from supermarkets to Starbucks, transforms into Christmas themes”, she told Asian Voice. About her Christmas plans this year, she said, “I’ll be partaking in a Secret Santa gifting tradition with friends and my university

to the UK earlier this year for better career prospects in the field of Therapeutic Radiography and has been thankful for the people he has come across who help him miss his family a little less. Elaborating on his experience, Uday Vir said, “At a recent Christmas party, everyone made sure to make me feel included and even blasted some Bollywood songs, dancing their hearts out with me. We even grooved to Bhangra. “I also have an amazing landlord who is no less than family to me and is making sure that my first Christmas here is perfect. We went to see a Pantomime recently and I got to decorate my first Christmas Tree. “I do miss my family from time to time but having surrounded myself with amazing people, things get easier.”

Over-40s grappling with holiday financial stress New research conducted by My Pension Expert reveals that 32% of employed individuals aged 40 and above in the UK harbour worries about the adequacy of their retirement savings for future Christmases. The survey, comprising 2,000 UK adults, emphasises that 31% of over40s express increased financial concerns during the holiday season, particularly those still in the workforce (40%). With Christmas approaching, economic challenges such as high inflation and rising interest rates have impacted financial preparations for 46% of respondents, leading 30% to plan for reduced spending this year. Additionally, 20% of individ-

uals in this age group are apprehensive about the forthcoming general election's implications for their retirement planning in the New Year. Lily Megson, Policy Director at My Pension Expert, said: "It’s been a difficult year for pension planners. And unfortunately, the festive season offers no respite. Economic hurdles, such as high inflation and rising interest rates, have understandably cast a shadow of uncertainty over the holiday season for a significant portion of UK adults for another year. “It’s clear that those preparing for retirement need to be supported

through economic uncertainty, helping them make the most of their budgets without sacrificing their usual festive activities. In this context, the value of professional financial advice shines through. “Independent financial advice can help people feel more financially confident and enjoy the festive period without constantly worrying about how spending will impact their financial futures. The holiday season should be a time of joy and celebration, and financial advisors play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals can experience it without the burden of financial concerns.”

Safety tips for your home as you head out for a memorable vacation As soon as you head out on a vacation, it's common to find yourself overly concerned about matters back home, diverting attention and hindering the enjoyment of the trip. The prospect of returning from a memorable journey only to discover a serious issue at home can be truly distressing. To ensure a traveller's peace of mind, certain essential steps should be taken to safeguard their home while exploring the world. Here are some key recommendations: Keep the window safe: Burglars often target windows for easier access compared to doors. Evaluate the exterior appearance of your windows and eliminate potential access points. Ensure there are no objects like walls, bins, or garden furniture that could facilitate unauthorised entry. Consider using laminated glass or security film, especially for ground floor and accessible windows. Install sash stops on windows to prevent them from being opened wide enough for entry. Additionally, secure upper windows with locks to deter burglars who may use ladders to access seemingly unlocked upper windows and avoid lower floor alarm sensors. Extend alarm

sensor coverage to upper rooms for enhanced security. Safety in a flat: While flats may have fewer entry points, it's crucial to ensure these are well protected. Residents play a role in overall building security by vigilant monitoring and reporting any issues. Communal doors should never be left open, and residents should remain attentive. Regular maintenance, including cutting back shrubs and plants, helps maintain visibility and ensures proper functioning of lighting and CCTV. Report any malfunctions or outages promptly to the managing agent or landlord. Secure hidden spaces like cycle stores, bin stores, sheds, and other covered areas to prevent loitering and antisocial behaviour, especially in the evenings. Home shouldn’t look abandoned: Prepare your

home before departure by mowing the lawn and trimming hedges to maintain a groomed appearance. Cancel regular deliveries like milk and newspapers. Keep some curtains and blinds open during the day to avoid indicating an empty house, but ensure no obvious signs of absence are visible, such as prolonged laundry or wilting pot plants. Request a neighbour's assistance in removing free newspapers and post from your doormat, especially if they can be seen through a glass panel or the letterbox. This added precaution helps create the illusion of an occupied home and deters potential intruders. Security of home and valuables: Home security systems offer indoor, outdoor and doorbell surveillance cameras, smart locks, security alarms, remote monitoring, home automation and various other benefits. You can quite literally ensure the safety of your homes on your fingertips. To keep valuables safe, one should choose to keep them in security deposit boxes, use heavy-duty safes and even hidden safes if keeping important valuables in an empty home. Also, photograph and document the valuable details and

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South Asian Christmas celebration trends: Embracing dining out, staycations, and fusion feasts

he festive landscape of South Asian Christmas celebrations is undergoing a captivating transformation, marked by a delightful fusion of traditions and emerging trends that redefine the essence of the holiday season. In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the way South Asian communities commemorate Christmas, witnessed through an evolving tapestry of trends that include dining out for festive feasts, embracing staycations, and savouring the innovation of fusion cuisine.

Chef Jiwan Lal

Yaatra Restaurant

The familiar aromas of homecooked delicacies now share the stage with the adventurous allure of dining out. Simultaneously, the concept of staycations has emerged as a refreshing alternative to far-flung travel. Many individuals and families within South Asian communities are choosing local getaways, revelling in the comfort and luxury of nearby hotels or resorts. Moreover, the culinary landscape has witnessed a delightful

Rupanjana with husband Vivek and brother-in-law Madhan

fusion of flavours, blending traditional South Asian dishes with global influences. The evolution of

Chef Vivek Singh

Christmas celebrations among South Asian communities isn't merely a change in traditions; it's a celebration of diversity and adaptability. The confluence of dining out, indulging in staycations, and relishing fusion foods signifies an openness to new experiences while cherishing the richness of cultural heritage. As South Asians navigate this festive season, the amalgamation of old traditions and new trends promises a Christmas filled with culinary adventures, relaxation, and a heartwarming blend of the familiar and the innovative. Indian restaurants roll out delectable Christmas day menus As the festive season of Christmas approaches, various Indian restaurants are gearing up to offer an exciting culinary experience that blends the traditional flavours of India with the festive spirit of Christmas. Yaatra restaurant is offering a meticulously

crafted divine four-course set menu for Christmas Day lunch (first booking at 12pm and last booking at 4pm) with a Christmas Bellini and a glass of Champagne on arrival for £85 per person. Another Indian restaurant named Babur is providing a Christmas Day lunch that embraces tradition while bringing something different to the table. The pricing of Babur is as follows: adults: £64.95 per person; children (ages 7–12): £34.95 for a two-course meal; and children (under 7): £14.95 dining from the children's menu. Executive Chef Vivek Singh of the Cinnamon Collection has thrown open the doors of The Cinnamon Club, Cinnamon Bazaar, Cinnamon Kitchen City, and Battersea on December 25th, serving Christmas Day lunch feasting menus. The opening hours of all the restaurants are 12 pm to 5 pm. This year, Bombay Bustle and Jamavar won’t be doing any special Christmas menus; however, they will be open on Christmas Eve. South Asian christmas transforms, restaurants keep pace with evolution In the midst of South Asian Christmas traditions, a vibrant evolution is underway. With a departure from home-cooked feasts, families and friends are drawn to the diverse flavours and lively atmospheres offered by restaurants. South Asian restaurants, adapting menus and ambiance, are becoming the heart of this evolving celebration. Babur’s Executive Chef, Mr Jiwan Lal said, “At Babur, we embrace diversity in our celebrations, and our festive menus have become a fusion of traditions. Our chefs have curated a menu that not only upholds the indulgence and wow factor expected during the festive season but also incorporates the authentic tastes of Indian cuisine. We understand the importance of retaining the essence of Christmas while adding our signature touch to create incredible

Taj Hotel

dishes.” Executive Chef and Managing Director of Cinnamon Collection, Mr Vivek Singh said, “In the last 15 or so years of offering Christmas lunch to our guests, I have noticed how much the makeup of our clientele has changed over the years. It’s not just the lone travellers or people celebrating Christmas, but also lots of Asian families who are increasingly going out to celebrate this more for cultural reasons than for religious ones. Our guests seem to love the cross-border cross-cultural vibe of our restaurants as well as our menus, enjoying and embracing it wholeheartedly.” South Asians embrace staycations for Christmas Amidst the traditional festivities, a captivating shift is taking place within South Asian communities during the Christmas season. Gone are the days of solely homecooked feasts and cosy gatherings. Today, an exciting evolution is underway, as witnessed by the increasing trend of South Asians opting for dining out and indulging in staycations as part of their holiday celebrations. Managing Editor of Asian Voice, Rupanjana Dutta said, “20 years ago, when we moved to England as students, Christmas meant that all friends with similar setups were gathering for a meal

on Christmas day as the city closed down. People stayed over at each other’s house, and I would cook up a storm. Some friends living close by would bring along a dish or 2 to add to our spread. After I got married, Christmas was with my husband’s brother and family in Kent, if we were not travelling. My sisterin-law, who is a fabulous cook herself, and I would put together a fusion Christmas dinner." “Instead of a traditional roast turkey, we would make a roast in Indian style, bake a cake, and Boxing Day would be spent shopping at a sale. But two years ago, we decided to rather have a staycation on Christmas instead of toiling away in the kitchen like any other normal day. We booked a fancy hotel in Mayfair and booked a Christmas dinner at their Michelin-starred restaurant. We spent the day in their spa and walking around London’s beautifully lit streets. The hotel showered us with presents that included beautiful toiletries, champagne, cookies, and cakes,” she added. She emphasised, “The idea was to spend some quality time together just chatting, doing no chores, instead of spending it in the kitchen baking, cooking, or cleaning. Of course this turned out to be a bit more expensive than doing everything at home, but it rejuvenated us and was a complete relaxation that we deserved on a holiday." At St James' Court, the Taj Hotel offers a stay for the ultimate Christmas celebration. Customers can enjoy a 15% discount on stays from now until December 24th, with exclusive discounts at our dining outlets. Our remarkable package captures the essence of festivity, including: daily breakfast and a 10% discount on TH@51; a VIP shopping experience at the renowned Bicester Village; a 10% discount on their Secret Garden Afternoon Tea; and holistic healing therapies at the J Wellness Circle Spa.

Recharge and renew post- Christmas, as the new year approaches During the festive season, it's common for healthy eating habits to be put on hold, given the abundance of fried snacks and sweets and indulging in sweet cakes and alcohol is a typical part of Christmas celebrations. However, once the festivities are over, our bodies need to recover and we often find the desire to reset and detox, aiming to begin the new year with renewed energy and a fresh perspective. Here are some recommendations for a family detox post-Christmas: Digital Detox: Digital detox can be a very refreshing way to end the year and everyone can benefit from temporarily stepping away from electronic screens like smartphones, tablets, and computers. Indulging in activities such as board games, outdoor excursions, or family walks will not only reduce screen time but also foster quality time. Healthy Eating: Transitioning towards wholesome meals and snacks following the indulgences of the holiday season can be very helpful. Crafting well-balanced

meals that include ample fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can effectively support your body in recovering from a week of consuming fat-rich foods and alcohol. It’s best to avoid pro-

cessed and packaged food. Physical Activity: Exercising after leisure can be a breath of fresh air as well. If a gym visit doesn't appeal to you, consider home exercises like yoga, meditation, Zumba, or walking on the terrace. Make exercise a family affair by participating in workouts together, going for walks, or enjoying bike rides to create a fun and inclusive experience. Decluttering and Organising: Declutter living spaces by systematically organising and tidying up. You can foster a sense of teamwork by involving the entire family in cleaning and organising tasks, creating a collaborative and shared effort. This helps detoxify your home while you get some exercise in. Quality Family Time: Schedule purposeful and quality time for the

whole family. Participate in activities that strengthen connections, such as playing board games, having movie nights, or engaging in creative projects together. Hydration: Fluid plays an important role in detoxifying the body. The easiest way to cleanse your body after partying is by hydrating yourself with adequate fluids, since they contain electrolytes which help remove toxins.

One can take detox drinks, including cucumber-lemon water, mintginger water, vegetable juice, and lemon tea. Sleep Routine: Sufficient sleep is essential for the optimal functioning of brain cells and allowing the body to flush out toxins during rest. Aim for a sound sleep of 7-8 hours to support the detoxification process and promote overall recovery.

Kulcha Express to open a new branch Kulcha Express is the real taste of Amritsar, with a wonderful journey like no other in delivering a dish of perfection from their heart. A delicious dish with combination of Amritsari Kulcha and Chole is popular amongst the people of north India. That is exactly where the name Amritsari comes from (city of Amritsar in

Punjab). A new branch of Kulcha Express is opening during the festive season at 398 Farnham Road, Slough SL2 1JD. The aim for the restaurant and its chefs is to ensure a way and means to give something back to the public, in the best way possible and through their passion and dedication.

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Top spots for a whirlwind Christmas escape in the UK Certain places are simply tailormade for the Christmas season, and the UK is among the best. Throughout a couple of chilly winter months, its prominent cities, castles, and palaces each exude their unique versions of Christmas joy. This is brought to life through enchanting light shows, bustling markets, wreath-making workshops, and the delightful inclusion of traditional fairground rides, ensuring there's something for the entire family and more. With destinations such as Edinburgh and Snowdonia in highlight, listed below are some prime locations for an endmoment Christmas getaway. The Lake District, England: The Lake District is known for its stunning lakes, mountains, and charming villages and is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for hiking, boating, and exploring picturesque landscapes. One can enjoy Victorian Christmas at Townsend and walk around Allan Bank and Gowbarrow Park among other things. Scottish Highlands, Scotland: Stunning landscapes, rugged coastlines, and ancient castles make Scottish Highlands a perfect destination for hiking, observing wildlife, and immersing oneself in the rich tapestry

Mousehole Harbour Lights

of traditional Scottish culture. You can enjoy the island experience and fresh whisky at Islay or the art and culture in Glasgow. You also have the chance to explore historic castles and festive markets. Lake District Cornwall, England: Cornwall Edinburgh, Scotland: welcomes you with beautiful Scotland's capital with a rich coastal scenery, sandy beaches, history, stunning architecture, and charming fishing villages. and a vibrant cultural scene, You can enjoy Christmas maroffers the festive spirit with kets in Truro and Padstow, marChristmas markets and ice-skatvel at the Christmas lights dising rinks. You can witness the play in Mousehole, the Lost iconic Christmas lights, join the Gardens of Heligan and the world-famous Hogmanay celeEden Project. Many local pubs brations, visit Edinburgh Castle and restaurants offer special for an unforgettable experience Christmas menus featuring local and stroll down the Royal Mile, produce and seasonal delights.

enjoying festivals and events. Cotswolds, England: Quaint villages with honey-coloured cottages and rolling hills of Cotswolds offer a perfect relaxing countryside retreat, with opportunities for walking, cycling, and exploring charming market towns. You can explore festive Christmas markets in Chipping Campden, Bourtonon-the-Water, and Stow-on-theWold, visit adorned stately homes like Sudeley Castle, attend Christmas carol concerts, and marvel at enchanting lights displays in Cirencester and Broadway. Snowdonia, Wales: Snowdonia presents magnificent mountains, tranquil lakes, and lush forests, ideal for both hiking and climbing enthusiasts. The Snowdon Mountain Railway provides aweinspiring views of snowcovered landscapes, while hiking trails like the Pyg Track and Miner's Track offer breathtaking perspectives. Explore charming villages like Beddgelert, adorned with festive lights, creating a storybook atmosphere. Engage in winter activities such as ziplining, tree-top adventures, or underground trampolining at Bounce Below. Families can

Isle of Skye

enjoy a magical Santa train ride along Llanberis Lake, providing children with the delightful opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Isle of Skye, Scotland: The Isle of Skye presents dramatic landscapes with rugged mountains and coastal cliffs, creating an ideal setting for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring historical castles. Portree, the island's main town, is adorned with holiday decorations, Christmas lights, local events and Christmas markets during the holiday season. Popular spots for scenic walks include the Quiraing and the Fairy Pools. The winter nights on Skye offer exceptional stargazing opportunities, allowing you to bundle up and revel in the breathtaking spectacle of the stars when the skies are clear.

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16 - 22 December 2023

Pages of joy: Unwrapping the list of holiday reads

he holiday season, with its festive charm and leisurely pace, provides the perfect opportunity to curl up with a good book. Whether it's to feel the magic of the season or to travel to worlds unknown from the comfort of your home, there is a book for every mood. Here's a curated list of books perfect for the holiday season, accompanied by a thoughtful analysis of each to help you pick your next read.

out of snow, only to find a real girl the next day. Ivey’s novel is a beautifully crafted tale blending myth, magic, and reality. It explores themes of love, loss, and the harshness and beauty of

6. "Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery" by Jenny Colgan: Set in a small coastal town, this novel follows baker Polly as she navigates the challenges and joys of the holiday season, with a mix of romance, friendship, and festive spirit. Colgan creates a warm, inviting world filled with relatable characters and heartwarming moments, perfect for those seeking a feel-good Christmas story.

1. "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens: This timeless classic tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is visited by ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Dickens masterfully uses a festive backdrop to delve into themes of redemption, compassion, and the true spirit of Christmas. The transformation of Scrooge is both a moral lesson and a heartwarming tale of awakening and kindness.

7. "The Toymakers" by Robert Dinsdale: Set in a magical toyshop in London, the story follows the lives of the owners, the Godman family, and the enchanting world they create. Dinsdale’s novel is a mesmerising journey into a world of wonder and nostalgia. It explores the power of imagination and the complexities of human emotions, all wrapped in the enchanting setting of a toyshop that seems to capture the very essence of Christmas.

2. "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott: This beloved novel follows the lives of the four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – and their journey from childhood to womanhood. Alcott combines warmth, humour, and poignant moments to explore themes of family, sisterhood, and resilience. The novel’s emphasis on values like kindness and selflessness echoes the sentiments of the holiday season. 3. "Let it Snow" by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle: This novel intertwines three different holiday romances, all linking back to a snowstorm in a small town on Christmas Eve. The collaboration between these three authors results in a heartwarming and humorous read. It captures the chaos and beauty of the holiday season, making it a relatable and uplifting choice for young adult readers. 4. "The Snow Child" by Eowyn Ivey: Set against the backdrop of the 1920s Alaskan wilderness, a childless couple builds a child

who must protect her family from a dark force. Arden's blend of Russian folklore and history results in a richly atmospheric tale. It’s perfect for winter reading, with its vivid portrayal of snowy landscapes and a captivating, fairy-tale-like narrative.

8. "Christmas Bells" by Jennifer Chiaverini: This novel interweaves the historical tale of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Christmas during the Civil War with a contemporary story of a group of people in present-day Boston. Chiaverini’s dual narrative skillfully bridges past and present, exploring the enduring themes of hope and peace amidst the backdrop of Christmas.

nature, making it a poignant read for the reflective mood of the holiday season. 5. "The Bear and the Nightingale" by Katherine Arden: Set in a wintry Russian village, the story follows Vasya, a young girl with extraordinary gifts,

9. "The Christmas Train" by David Baldacci: A journalist on a cross-country train ride during Christmas uncovers a story of love, adventure, and intrigue among the diverse passengers aboard. Baldacci’s departure from his usual thrillers offers a charming holiday tale filled with humour, romance, and a touch of mystery, capturing the spirit of holiday adventures.

Christmas movies to stream this festive season

njoying a movie marathon that captures the spirit of this wonderful time of year is the perfect way to unwind as the holiday season approaches, bringing with it the thrill of sparkling lights, snow-covered streets, and the aroma of gingerbread.

Whether you're looking to rekindle childhood memories, enjoy a laugh with friends, or simply relax with family, these films offer the perfect backdrop to your festive celebrations. So,here are a myriad of Christmas movies available at your fingertips on various OTT platforms that you can watch.

Love Actually (Available on Netflix)

Set in the heart of London, "Love Actually" is a quintessential Christmas movie. This romantic comedy, directed by Richard Curtis, intertwines various love stories that culminate on Christmas Eve. Its starstudded cast and heartwarming narrative make it a perennial favourite.

The Holiday (Available on Amazon Prime)

Nancy Meyers’ "The Holiday" is a delightful watch, featuring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two women who swap homes for Christmas and find unexpected romance. Its charming English countryside and cosy winter

scenes are perfect for a Christmas evening.

humorous and heartwarming.

Home Alone series (Available on Disney+)

A family favourite, the "Home Alone" series is synonymous with holiday fun. The mischievous adventures of Kevin McCallister,

played by Macaulay Culkin, are not only entertaining but also remind us of the joys and chaos of family gatherings.

Elf (Available on Sky Cinema)

A modern Christmas classic, "Elf" features Will Ferrell as a human raised by Santa’s elves. His journey to New York City in search of his real father brings about comedic escapades and heartfelt moments.

The Polar Express (Available on NOW TV)

An animated adventure based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, "The Polar Express" takes viewers on a magical train ride to the North Pole. This film, with its stunning animation and touching story, is a treat for all ages.

The Grinch (Available on Netflix)

For those who enjoy a touch of mischief with their Christmas movies, "The Grinch" is a perfect choice. This film adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic book is both

Arthur Christmas (Available on Netflix) An animated gem, "Arthur Christmas" reveals the high-tech operations at the North Pole and follows Santa’s clumsy but well-

meaning son, Arthur, on his mission to deliver a forgotten present.

Klaus (Available on Netflix) A beautifully animated film, "Klaus" offers a unique take on Santa Claus’s origin story. It’s a visually stunning and heartwarming tale that rekindles the true spirit of Christmas.

The Princess Switch (Available on Netflix) This romantic comedy features Vanessa Hudgens in a dual role. A Chicago baker and a soon-to-be princess discover they look identical and decide to switch places during Christmas, leading to unexpected romance.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Available on Netflix) This musical adventure is set in the vibrant town of Cobbleton and follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle, whose fanciful inventions ignite a heartwarming adventure of wonder and magic.

Most services operational, yet Tfl encourages travelers to verify plans during festive period Transport for London (TfL) confirms continued services over the festive period, urging customers to plan their trips in advance. While most services run uninterrupted, planned closures may affect some routes. TfL advises using their Journey Planner or TfL Go app for updated travel information due to essential works. Notably, there'll be no public transport services on Christmas Day and limited services on Boxing Day, including the Elizabeth line. However, all-night services

are available on New Year's Eve, coinciding with the Mayor's fireworks display, urging ticket holders only to visit the Albert Embankment area. Victoria Coach Station, Santander Cycles, e-scooter rentals, Dial-a-Ride, taxis, and private hires will operate as usual. Pedestrian and cycling routes will mostly remain open, except for selected central London roads closed on New Year's Eve for the Mayor's event. The IFS Cloud Cable Car will operate during the fes-

tive period except on Christmas Day. Notably, the Congestion Charge won't apply from December 25 to January 1, while the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Low Emission Zone (LEZ) have specific operational dates across London boroughs. Winter Wonderland remains a ticketed event until January 2, 2024, with alternative travel advice for Hyde Park visitors to ease congestion at Bond Street, Victoria, and Paddington stations.

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Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel OBE

As I write, the Nasdaq Index is up nearly 50%. So in line with that market is your pension up 50%? The reluctance of investors to dismiss their Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) and opt for selfdirected stock selection can be attributed to several factors, which, when closely examined, reveal compelling reasons for considering a more hands-on approach to investment. 1. Perceived Expertise of IFAs Argument: Investors often perceive IFAs as experts who possess deep knowledge of financial markets, superior to their own understanding. This perception is bolstered by the IFAs' qualifications, experience, and regulatory compliance. Counter-Argument: However, studies have shown that the performance of fund managers, akin to IFAs, does not consistently outperform the market. For instance, the SPIVA (S&P Indices Versus Active) report consistently demonstrates that a majority of active fund managers fail to outperform their benchmarks over medium to long-term periods. The 2020 SPIVA Europe Scorecard, for instance, revealed that over 80% of active equity funds in Europe underperformed their benchmarks over a 10-year period. 2. Comfort in Delegating Responsibility Argument: Many investors find comfort in delegating the responsibility of managing their investments to a professional, particularly during volatile market periods. This delegation is seen as a way to mitigate the stress and time commitment associated with direct stock selection. Counter-Argument: Delegating investment decisions does not always equate to better outcomes. Empirical evidence suggests that individual investors, when properly educated and disciplined, can match or even exceed the performance of professionals. A research paper published in the Journal of Finance (Brad M. Barber and Terrance Odean, 2000) indicates that individual investors who trade selectively and infrequently can perform as well or better than the market average. 3. Fear of Direct Investment Risks Argument: Direct stock picking is often seen as risky, especially for those without substantial financial knowledge. This fear is exacerbated by the potential for significant financial losses. Counter-Argument: While investing in stocks involves risks, the diversification and long-term investing strategies can mitigate these risks. Additionally, the rise of information technology and investment tools has democratized access to investment knowledge, making it more feasible for individual investors to make informed decisions. Moreover, the advent of low-cost index funds and ETFs offers an alternative to direct stock picking, with evidence showing their long-term performance often surpasses that of actively managed funds. 4. Cost Considerations Argument: Investors might believe that IFAs can negotiate better fees or find better-value investment opportunities. Counter-Argument: The fees charged by IFAs, which may include management fees, performance fees, and other hidden charges, can significantly erode investment returns over time. A Vanguard study highlighted that a 2% fee could consume up to 40% of an investment’s potential value over 40 years. By managing their investments, individuals can significantly reduce these costs. References: S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, "SPIVA Europe Scorecard," SPIVA Report. Barber, Brad M., and Terrance Odean, "Trading Is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors," Journal of Finance, Research Paper. Vanguard, "The Impact of Costs on Investment Returns," Vanguard Study.

Top UK mobile firms confront £3.3bn lawsuit A £3.3 billion class action lawsuit has been initiated against the UK's major mobile phone companies, accusing them of imposing "loyalty penalties" on longstanding customers. The legal action, led by campaigner Justin Gutmann and law firm Charles Lyndon, targets BT-owned EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2 (part of Virgin Media O2). Allegations include overcharging customers by continuing to bill for handsets even after they have been paid off at the end of their initial contracts, with the same services being offered to new customers at a more favourable rate to attract them from competitors. This lawsuit comes at a time when concerns about telecoms pricing are escalating amid the broader cost of living crisis, prompting regulatory scrutiny by Ofcom, the regulator for mobile and broadband operators. The proposed merger between Vodafone and the smallest operator, Three, has also raised worries among consumer advocates, who fear it could diminish competition on pricing by reducing the number of mobile network operators from four to three.

Home values surge with easing of mortgage rates House prices in the UK increased for the second consecutive month, with the country's largest mortgage lender, Halifax, reporting a 0.5% rise in November. The market is showing signs of heightened activity, fuelled in part by a slight increase in mortgage approvals. Despite the recent positive trend, prices remain 1% lower than the same period last year, with the average property priced at £283,615. Halifax anticipates continued market pressure in 2024, emphasising that the modest rise in prices is influenced more by a shortage of available properties than a substantial

surge in buyer demand. This sentiment aligns with Nationwide's recent observations. Kim Kinnaird, Director at Halifax Mortgages, acknowledged that house prices have held up better than expected over the past

Big firms' 'excess profits' drive inflation, says report A report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Common Wealth suggests that the "excess profits" of large international companies may have contributed to inflation by passing on higher costs to consumers. The researchers analysed the financial statements of 1,350 firms listed on stock markets in the UK, US, Germany, Brazil, and South Africa. They found that after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, certain UK-listed firms like Shell, Glencore, Vodafone, and Barclays experienced profits that outpaced inflation, while real incomes of ordinary families decreased. According to the report

released on Thursday, the increased profits of companies in various sectors, including energy, technology, telecommunications, and finance, may have to the contributed inflationary pressure. The researchers argue that as energy and food prices significantly influence costs across different sectors of the economy, the excess profits exacerbated the initial price shock, leading to higher and more prolonged inflation. This analysis raises concerns about the impact of large companies' market power on inflation, particularly during times of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

year. However, she emphasised that the shortage of available properties remains a key factor supporting prices, rather than a significant strengthening of buyer demand. While the Bank of

England has raised interest rates over the past two years to combat inflation, recent expectations that rates have peaked led to a decline in mortgage rates. Despite warnings from the Bank of England against anticipating rate cuts, the average twoyear fixed residential mortgage rate has decreased to 6.01%, down from 6.86% in July. The Bank's main interest rate currently stands at a 15-year high of 5.25%, contributing to higher mortgage rates and increased home-buying costs. Nevertheless, the recent decline in mortgage rates has resulted in a rise in buyer confidence.

Issa brothers' EG Group sells all 218 KFC restaurants to repay debts KFC has announced that it will buy 218 restaurants owned by a franchisee and sister company of supermarket Asda. The fast food chain said that it would take over the sites in the UK and Ireland, which employ around 7,800 people. Around half of the 218 sites are drive-through locations, said KFC, which is owned by Yum! Brands, the company behind Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. They had previously been owned by Issa brothers' EG Group, a Blackburn-based company owned by the same brothers who bought Asda in early 2021. Sabir Sami, KFC division chief executive, said:

"The KFC business is a powerhouse for Yum! globally and the UK and Ireland is one of our strongest markets. "Over the past five years, we’ve secured our leadership position within the UK and Ireland chicken market, opening 200 new restaurants, and we’re now close to being a £2 billion business in the UK, thanks to our extremely talented local management team. We’re pleased to add these restaurants to our equity portfolio, in a market where we are well placed to drive strong growth while also making further digital and strategic progress."

Mortgage issues improve, but 'price shock' looms According to the Bank of England, fewer households will face challenges in meeting mortgage payments than initially anticipated. The projection indicates that approximately 500,000 households are expected to allocate over 70% of their post-tax income to their mortgages by the end of the following year, a decrease from the earlier estimate of 650,000 in July. However, the Bank's analysis also reveals the

extent of the "payment shock" confronting certain mortgage borrowers. Nearly 900,000 individuals are projected to experience a mortgage payment increase exceeding £500 per month due to elevated interest rates, with approximately 20% of this group anticipating a rise of more than £1,000 per month. In its latest Financial Stability Report released on Wednesday, the Bank disclosed that five million mortgage accounts had

undergone repricing since the commencement of interest rate hikes in December 2021. It further estimated that an additional five million accounts would witness elevated mortgage payments by 2026. Despite the challenges, there was some positive news for mortgage holders, as the Bank revised down its forecast for those expected to struggle with loan repayments. The Bank noted that households were

opting for longer borrowing periods to cope with higher interest rates, with approximately 12% of new mortgages now extending beyond 35 years. Additionally, 28% of new loans have terms exceeding 30 years. While this may make borrowing more manageable in the short term, it raises concerns about borrowers ultimately paying substantially more for their homes over the extended period.

UK companies cut permanent hiring due to the economy The largest recruitment agencies in the UK have cautioned the Bank of England about a sharp decline in demand for permanent hires among British businesses, marking the second-highest contraction since the onset of the pandemic. This warning comes amid increasingly challenging economic conditions in the UK. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) trade body delivered this message ahead of the central bank's upcoming decision on interest rates scheduled for December 14. According to the REC's monthly snapshot of the UK job market, produced in collaboration with KPMG, economic uncertainty and a

reluctance to commit to new hires in November contributed to the decline. The report noted that the availability of new job candidates rose at the fastest rate since December 2020. Permanent staff appointments experienced the second most rapid

decrease since June 2020, a period marked by the initial economic downturn triggered by the first Covid-19 lockdown. With the economy facing heightened pressure from increased borrowing costs, it is widely anticipated that the central bank will maintain interest rates at the current level of 5.25%. Starting salary inflation reached a 32-month low, and job vacancies declined for the second time in three months, as per the latest figures. This warning precedes the official release of job market statistics from the Office for National Statistics scheduled for Tuesday.

20 FINANCE VOICE

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16 - 22 December 2023

Indian economy set to be third largest India's forex kitty tops $600 billion mark after 2030: S&P Global India's GDP is expected to increase from 6.4% in 2023 to 7% in 2026, making it the third-largest economy by 2030, according to a forecast published by S&P Global. After the US, China, Germany, and Japan, India presently has the fifth-largest economy in the world. "We see India reaching 7 per cent in 2026-27 fiscal...India is set to become the third-largest economy by 2030, and we expect it will be the fastest-growing major economy in the next three years," S&P said. S&P's "Global Credit Outlook 2024" predicts that India would rise as the world's fastest-growing

emerging market. The crucial task, though, is figuring out whether the nation can develop into the next significant global manufacturing hub. The report further highlighted that India's growth is

projected to be 6.4% in the fiscal year 2023-24, a decline from the 7.2% recorded in the preceding financial year. The rating agency anticipates that the growth rate will persist at 6.4% in 202425 before experiencing an

increase to 6.9% in the subsequent year and reaching 7% in 2026-27. "A strong logistics framework will be key in transforming India from a services-dominated economy into a manufacturingdominant one," it said. The rating agency highlights a significant opportunity for India by highlighting the significance of India rising as a global manufacturing base. It emphasises how crucial it is to have a solid logistics infrastructure in order to change India's economy from one that is centred on services to one that is dominated by manufacturing.

nearly 4 months

India’s foreign exchange reserves increased to $ 604 billion as on December 1, surpassing the $600 billion mark after a gap of about four months. The forex reserves were last above the $600 billion mark on August 11 this year. “India’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $604 billion as on December 1, 2023. We remain confident of meeting our external financing requirements comfortably,” Reserve Bank governor Shaktikanta Das said, while unveiling the December bi-monthly monetary policy.

The reserves were $597.9 billion in the preceding week ended November 24. In October 2021, the country’s foreign exchange kitty had reached an all-time high of $642 billion. The reserves took a hit as the central bank deployed the reserves to defend the rupee amid pressures caused majorly by global developments since last year.

India’s stock exchange on track to Adani firm AICTPL handles over overtake Hong Kong 300,000 containers in a month The total market capitalisation of companies listed on the NSE was $3.7 tn as of the end of October, according to the World Federation of Exchanges, a trade association of publicly regulated stock markets, compared with the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong’s $3.9 tn. Since that data was produced Indian share prices have surged further as a result of strong earnings and optimistic growth projections, putting it on track to become the world’s seventh largest. Meanwhile, share prices in Hong Kong have

fallen as China’s economy cools. India’s Nifty 50 index of large companies has risen 8.1 per cent over the past month, hitting record highs last week, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 6.7 per cent over the same period, dragged lower by a liquidity crisis in the property sector and low investor and consumer confidence. Over the past decade, India and China stock indices had “moved pretty much hand in hand” as part of an overall emerging markets story, said Abhiram

Eleswarapu, head of India equities at BNP Paribas in Hong Kong. They began diverging in the past three years, said Eleswarapu. “The China stock indices have generally been downward . . . whereas the India one has been going one way, which is up.” Strong consumption in India is attracting investors, Eleswarapu said, pointing to increased spending on property, luxury and higher-end goods by affluent Indians, as well as growing government capital expenditure on infrastructure.

India’s moment on world stage has truly arrived: British envoy Addressing FICCI’s 96th Annual General Meeting and Annual Convention, on the theme- ‘Engaging with the World’s Growth Engine’, the panel unravelled answers to an important question- ‘what is the India moment?’ Moderator Ashok Malik, Partner and Chair of the India Practice, The Asia Group, set the tone by mentioning an iconic shift that the global economic landscape is facing in today’s times, where India is poised to take the centre stage amid rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics. Discussing India’s opportunities and challenges with respect to the Middle East, Dr Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, Ambassador Embassy of UAE, mentioned a growing economic relationship. UAE was India’s third largest trade partner. The two countries are exploring cooperation in newer sectors like agriculture, pharmaceutical, cloud seeding, defence and Artificial Intelligence. Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, emphasised on big scale transformation for a devel-

Engaging with the World's Growth Engine

oping economy like India. He elaborated on the “India Moment” and enthused the audience with his optimism for an “India Time”. With India being the second largest investor in the UK, there has been internationalisation of our existing economic relationship with renewed focus on technology cooperation, supply chain management, expansion of export markets, he noted. Adding to the discussion, Indonesian Ambassador Ina Krisnamurthi celebrates the 75th anniversary of cordial India-Indonesia relations. She further emphasised that Indonesia is very supportive of India's Millets campaign and Indonesia is one of the largest importers of India's Millet. Kenneth Felix Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil, said,

"Brazil and India have adopted a new technological approach in the energy sector and are moving together towards transition goals in electrical energy and ethanol.” Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki congratulated India for the resounding success of the G20 Presidency and launch of the Delhi Declaration. Dr Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation, said that India’s growth story has provided a new texture of dynamism. He focused on investing in 21st century institutions, building stateof-the-art facilities and developing partnerships with African nations. This will continue the momentum of India’s moment to make it “India’s time”.

The joint venture at Adani Ports and SEZ in Mundra, Adani International Container Terminal Private Limited (AICTPL), has become the first terminal in India to handle 3,00,000 containers in a month in November. The company, in a filing, called it a “remarkable accomplishment” and significant achievement for APSEZ as well as a historic event in Indian maritime history. The terminal created a national record by handling 3,00,431 TEUs across 97 vessels in November 2023,

breaking its own record of 2,98,634 TEUs in March 2021, by handling approximately 10,000 TEUs every day. TEUs or ‘twenty-foot equivalent unit’ is a measure of volume in units of twenty-foot long containers. Moreover, two other

ports of APSEZ, Dhamra and Ennore, also recorded their highest ever monthly volumes, handling 3.96 MMT and 65,658 TEUs respectively. APSEZ, meanwhile, recorded a robust 42 per cent on-year increase in cargo volumes at 36 MMT.

Sensex crosses 70,000-mark, Nifty at new record high The BSE’s Sensex scaled a new high on Monday, with the benchmark index crossing the 70,000-mark for the first time amid investors’ optimism about the economy’s resilience and as foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) continue to pour money into the domestic equities. After opening at 69,825.6, the Sensex touched a record high to 70,048.9 during the early morning trades. The NSE’s Nifty 50 which opened at 20,965.3, surged to all-time

high of 21,026.1. The rally in the domestic market is also driven by the last week’s upward revision of the GDP forecast to 7 per cent for FY’24 from 6.5 per cent by the Reserve Bank of India, expectation of political stability after the 2024 Lok Sabha election following the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) victories in three out of five recently conducted assembly polls, fall in crude oil prices and improvement in corporate earnings. So far in December, the

Sensex and the Nifty 50 have risen by around 3.5 per cent. “Global and domestic cues favour continuation of the ongoing rally in the market despite high valuations. FIIs turning buyers, strong DII inflows, exuberant retail investors and a thriving IPO market supported by strong economic fundamentals can sustain the rally in the short run ignoring the high valuations,” said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

RBI raises India's FY24 growth forecast to 7% The RBI raised the GDP growth projection for the current fiscal year to 7% from the earlier 6.5% and kept interest rates on hold for the fifth time in a row, cautioning that rates may remain elevated for an extended period as inflation is nowhere near its target of 4%. “Against this unsettled global economic backdrop, the Indian economy presents a picture of resilience and momentum. The real GDP growth for Q2 of the current financial year has exceeded all forecasts. The fundamentals of the Indian economy remain strong with banks and corporates showing healthier balance sheets, fiscal consolidation on course, external balance remaining eminently manageable, and

forex reserves providing a cushion against external shocks. These factors, combined with consumer and business optimism, create congenial conditions for sustained growth of the Indian economy. Looking ahead, it is our endeavour to further build on these fundamentals which are the best buffer against global shocks in today’s uncertain world,” said RBI governor Shaktikanta Das. Das also said there is no immediate prospect of a policy “loosening”, and warned of uncertainties in future inflation management, mainly due to unpredictable food prices and anticipated elevated consumer price index (CPI) data for November.

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in brief INDIAN-ORIGIN ISRAELI SOLDIER KILLED IN GAZA A 34-year-old Indian-origin Israeli soldier has been killed during fighting in Gaza Strip this week, according to the community members. Master Sgt. (res.) Gil Daniels from Ashdod was killed and his funeral was held at the military cemetery in his hometown, they said. The Indian Jewish Heritage Centre said that Gil went to the reserves on Oct 10 soon after the war started. Gil did his Masters at the School of Pharmacy at Hebrew University. “He was a genius with a great personality. Just got engaged a month ago. Such a loss!” his friend said. He was a member of the Bene Israel community, whose origin lies in India’s Maharashtra region. Some 86 Israeli soldiers are said to have died in Gaza since Israel launched ground operation. At least four Indian-origin soldiers are among them.

22 DIE AFTER ERUPTION OF INDONESIA’S VOLCANO At least 22 climbers died following an eruption of Indonesia's Mount Marapi volcano, officials said. One person remained missing. More than 50 climbers were rescued after the initial eruption. New eruptions spewed more hot ash as high as 2,620 feet into the air, reducing visibility and temporarily halting search and recovery operations, an official said. The bodies of eleven climbers were located in two days. One climber remained missing and was presumed dead because of being very close to the eruption site, said Edi Mardianto, the deputy police chief in West Sumatra province.

COW DUNG FUELS JAPAN’S SPACE AMBITIONS Japan’s space industry opened potentially an utterly new chapter with a start-up testing a prototype rocket engine that runs on fuel derived purely from cow dung. The experiment saw the engine blast out a blue-and-orange flame 30-50 feet horizontally out of an open hangar door for around 10 seconds in the rural northern town of Taiki. The liquid “biomethane” required was made entirely from gas derived from cow manure from two local dairy farms, according to Interstellar Technologies chief executive Takahiro Inagawa. “We are doing this not just because it is good for the environment but because it can be produced locally, it is very cost effective, and it is a fuel with high performance and high purity,” Inagawa said.

HUNTER BIDEN INDICTED ON 9 TAX CHARGES Hunter Biden was indicted on nine tax charges in California as a special counsel investigation into the business dealings of President Joe Biden’s son intensifies against the backdrop of the 2024 election. The new charges - three felonies and six misdemeanors - are in addition to federal firearms charges in Delaware alleging Hunter Biden broke laws against drug users having guns in 2018. They come after the implosion of a plea deal over the summer that would have spared him jail time, putting the case on track to a possible trial as his father campaigns for re-election. Hunter Biden “spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills,” special counsel David Weiss said in a statement.

PENNSYLVANIA VARSITY PRESIDENT QUITS The University of Pennsylvania’s president has resigned amid pressure from donors and criticism over testimony at a congressional hearing where she was unable to say under repeated questioning that calls on campus for the genocide of Jews would violate the school’s conduct policy. The departure of Liz Magill, in her second year as president of the Ivy League school, was announced by the school. The statement said Magill will remain a tenured faculty member at the university’s Carey Law School.

Bangladesh oppn party holds protest as it boycotts polls amid violence DHAKA: Hundreds of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party supporters protested on Sunday to mark International Human Rights Day, as the country gears up for a general election on January 7 that the opposition says should be held under a nonpartisan, caretaker government. The party, led by former PM Khaleda Zia, is boycotting the election, leaving voters with little choice but to reelect Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League for a fourth consecutive term. At Sunday’s protest in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, opposition activists said they do not think a fair and free election can take place under

Hasina’s watch. The gathering took place weeks after a massive opposition rally on October 28 turned violent. The party’s decision to boycott the polls comes amid a crackdown that has seen

Key Lashkar operative wanted in India gunned down in Pakistan ISLAMABAD: Abu Hanzala, also known as Adnan Ahmed, a topranking commander of Lashkare-Taiba, was gunned down by unknown men outside his home in Karachi. Over the years, a number of attacks against security convoys in Kashmir valley have been planned by Hanzala. A group of attackers broke through the two-tier security ring that the ISI had given to Hanzala, shooting him many times in the head, chest, and stomach at point blank range. He was targeted by gunmen outside his home at night. He was rushed to the nearby Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. The local law enforcement have termed it a terrorist attack. Hanzala - who appears to be the

most significant figure to die in mysterious killings in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir this year - had coordinated the terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Pampore (J&K) on June 25, 2016, resulting in eight casualties and injuries to 22 security personnel. There were two reasons why the death of yet another terrorist on India's "wanted list" was noteworthy. Hanzala was protected by many layers of security around-the-clock, unlike other people who were killed in Pakistan and the region under its control and were wanted by India for their involvement in terrorism. Second, it was quickly determined that he had been killed in a "terrorist attack" in his case.

hundreds of opposition politicians jailed and critics silenced, an allegation authorities deny. Protesters on Sunday carried banners that read “Human chain of family members of the victims

of murder and enforced disappearances” and “We want the unconditional release of all prisoners.” After the October 28 rally, authorities arrested thousands of party leaders and activists. Many others have gone into hiding, and hundreds have been convicted by courts on charges of violence or subversive acts that the opposition says are politically motivated. BNP has tallied five deaths in custody among its activists in the past two weeks, party legal chief Kayser Kamal told AFP. “We’ve learnt that many BNP activists were tortured in police custody after they were arrested,” he said.

Nepal court convicts 2 for involvement in planting bomb on Indian train KATHMANDU: A Nepal court convicted two persons, including a suspected ISI agent, for their involvement in plotting a terror attack by planting a bomb in a train in India some seven years ago. The two are identified as Samsul Hoda and Brij Kishor Giri, according to Special Court's spokesperson Dhan Bahadur Karki. The court gave the verdict in a case filed by the Money Laundering Department against the two Nepali nationals. Neither the details of the incident, nor the verdict have yet been made public. The court will pronounce the sentence against the duo in the next hearing, the court official said. However, according to local news portal Ukeraa.com, Hoda, while residing in Dubai, hatched

a terror plot against India with the help of a Pakistani national and mobilised some Pakistani and Nepalese youths to plant a bomb in India's Bihar state. The bomb was planted but did not explode due to a technical fault, the report said. Hoda, according to the report, used to receive money from Pakistan's spy agency ISI and send it to Nepal from Dubai to carry out his plans. He also murdered two Indian nationals after his plan failed. After the murder he took the dead bodies to the nearby forest. A special task force in India also carried out a separate investigation into the matter and three people, identified as Moti Paswan, Umashanker Patel and Mukesh Yadav, were arrested, the report said.

Lanka to settle over 14,000 cases of ‘missing’ persons: Justice minister COLOMBO: Sri Lanka is currently saddled with more than 14,000 cases related to persons who went “missing” during civil conflicts in the country, including the war against the LTTE, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said, pledging their quick resolution. According to him, investigations into roughly 4,800 cases have been completed by the Office of Missing Persons (OMP), a unique office created to ascertain the status of all missing persons. According to Rajapakshe, "all outstanding

complaints lodged with the Office of Missing Persons are expected to be resolved by the coming year." He also stated that a comprehensive package of eight new measures is scheduled to be submitted to Parliament in order to ensure the effectiveness of the legal system. The OMP is seeking a quick resolution of cases, he told reporters. Established in 2016, the OMP is a state agency entrusted with finding the whereabouts of all those reported missing in Sri Lanka in order to provide comfort to bereaved victims and their families. It serves

as a transitional justice system to compensate the relatives of those killed in the island's civil wars. Rajapakshe said the current caseload in the judiciary exceeds 1.1 million cases, and “concerted efforts have been undertaken in recent times to mitigate delays in case adjudication. Substantial measures have been implemented to address the backlog and streamline the judicial process, with a particular focus on the establishment and operation of conciliation boards aimed at facilitating the expeditious resolution of select cases”.

Shah Foundation makes gift to establish family Chair in Chapman University ORANGE: The Shah Happiness Foundation has made a generous gift to establish The Shah Family Endowed Chair in Innovativeness at Chapman University’s George L Argryos College of Business and Economics. This philanthropic initiative aims to stimulate innovation, education, and research at the intersection of high-tech thinking and low-tech industries, a statement said. The Shah Family Endowed Chair will be instrumental in promoting creative thinking by means of a semester-long course named "Creativity and Innovation - Corporate Entrepreneurship." The endowed chair will also actively participate in service and

research projects, looking into the effective integration of high-tech ideas with low-tech sectors. Recently honored with the Business Excellence Award by Argryos College, Matt Parlow, Chapman’s executive vice president, and chief advancement officer expressed satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “We couldn’t be more pleased that such esteemed business leaders are partnering with Chapman in this endeavor.” The endowment also includes plans to provide internships to Chapman students, creating a collaborative bridge between academia and industry. These internships will offer hands-on experience, reflecting the

transformative journey of the Shahs in the surfacing industry and the founding of their company, M S International, Inc. (MSI). Henrik Cronqvist, dean of Argryos College, highlighted Manu Shah’s approach at MSI, stating, “What Manu did at MSI was apply high-tech thinking and innovativeness to a low-tech stone industry.” The endowment aims to express the Shah family’s commitment to education, innovation, and social impact. The Shah Family Endowed Chair will host events with leaders from the community and around the country who have effectively incorporated high-tech ideas into low-tech sectors, giving children priceless educational opportunities.

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16 - 22 Decmber 2023

brief Kamala Harris, Bela Bajaria, Sitharaman DRinSACHIN JAIN AMONG among most powerful women in Forbes list 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL NEW YORK: Vice President Kamala Harris and Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria have secured spots on Forbes list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World for 2023. Apart from the two Indian Americans, others on the list from India include Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s finance minister, in the 32nd position in the politics and policy category. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, was in the 60th position for technology, Soma Mondal, CEO of the Steel Authority of India, was at number 70 in the business

Bela Bajaria & Kamala Harris & Nirmala Sitharaman

category, and Entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw in the 76th position for business. Vice President Harris, who continues to make history, maintained her impressive position at number three for the second consecutive year. Recognised in the politics and

policy category, the 59-year-old, serving as the Vice President of the United States, achieved the milestone of being the first woman, the first Black person, and the first South AsianAmerican to hold the office on January 20, 2021. Before this, she had also made history as the first

Ramaswamy gets obnoxious at rivals in fourth Republican debate ALABAMA: Entrepreneur in the tech sector Vivek Ramaswamy was dubbed “the most obnoxious blowhard in America” by former New Jersey governor Chris Christie. According to Ramaswamy, Democratic President Joe Biden is "the only person more fascist" than former US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley. The crowd erupted in audible applause when he displayed a homemade note that said, "Nikki = Corrupt," later in the fourth Republican presidential debate. In what may be their final confrontation before the Iowa caucuses, which begin the 2024 Republican presidential nominating process in less than six weeks, the four contenders on the Alabama stage had little hesitation in taking aim at one another. In their savage confrontations, Christie and Ramaswamy in particular did not hold back

with their attacks. Particularly acerbic was Ramaswamy, who often attacks his opponents during past debates and is currently ranked fourth in most national surveys. At one point, he appeared to poke fun at Christie’s weight, while referencing a past scandal in which allies of the former governor closed a bridge to exact retribution on political rivals. “Chris, your version of foreign policy experience was closing a bridge from New Jersey to New York,” Ramaswamy said. “So do everybody a favour, just walk yourself off that stage, enjoy a nice meal and get the hell out of this race.” All the candidates were keenly aware of the need for a breakout moment that will help them eat into frontrunner Donald Trump’s more than 40-point-plus lead in most polls. If that meant hitting low, so be it.

Israeli military in intense battle with Hamas in 3 Gaza areas GAZA: The Israeli military said it had taken control of the area surrounding the former headquarters of Hamas in Gaza City, and that its forces were engaged in intense battles in three areas of the Gaza Strip where it said the group still had “strongholds”, including in the south, where the UN has warned of an increasingly perilous humanitarian situation. The Israeli military now controls the area in Gaza City surrounding Palestine Square, home to municipal offices and the headquarters for Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s leader in the enclave, spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said. Israeli forces are now focused, he said, on fighting in three areas: Jabaliya and Shajaiye, two neighbourhoods in northern Gaza, and in Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza. Israel has yet to find Sinwar, whom they believe is hiding in southern Gaza. Admiral Hagari said that

capturing or killing him is still a goal of the war, which has entered its third month. The director of Israel’s national security council, Tzahi Hanegbi, has rejected the idea that the lives of Sinwar and other top Hamas leaders could be spared if they went into exile outside Gaza - as Yasir Arafat, the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization, did in 1982 during a war between Israel and Lebanon. The ongoing war is the bloodiestever Gaza conflict which has killed 101 Israeli soldiers and about 18,205 Palestinians, according to latest death tolls issued by respective officials, amid a spiralling humanitarian crisis.

Man kills 3 at Vegas college

DUBAI: As the deadlock over the language on phasing out fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) in the ‘outcome text’ of the UN climate conference (COP28) continued on the penultimate day, a few countries pushed for an idea of a ‘fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty’ giving a call for having an international mechanism on the lines of the ‘treaty on nonproliferation of nuclear weapons’ (NPT) that came into force over five decades ago. Though there are not many takers of the idea that was born in 2015 from small Pacific islands, the call has gained momentum here on the sidelines of COP28 at a time when many countries will not opt for the phasing out of the fossil fuel route keeping in view their respective national interests. “The language of the text is still being worked out to find a landing zone, based on

Terrified students and professors cowered in classrooms and dorms as a gunman roamed the floors of a University of Nevada, Las Vegas building, killing three people and critically wounding a fourth before being shot dead by police. The gunman was a professor who had unsuccessfully sought a job at the school, a law enforcement official said. Police didn’t immediately identify the victims, the attacker or the motive and didn’t say what kind of weapon was used, although some witnesses reported hearing as many as 20 shots fired. The attack was the worst shooting in the city since Oct. 2017, when a gunman killed 60 people after opening fire from the window of a room at Mandalay Bay casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

Indian American woman elected to the US Senate in 2016 and as California’s Attorney General in 2010. Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, emerged as a powerhouse in media and the entertainment category, clinching the 67th position on the prestigious list. Born in London and having spent her formative years in Britain and Zambia, Bajaria moved to Los Angeles at the age of 8. With her extensive experience, she has been steering Netflix’s content strategy globally since 2020, and in January 2023, she assumed the role of Chief Content Officer.

Australia plans to halve migrant intake, tighten student visa rules SYDNEY: Australia said it would tighten visa rules for international students and lowskilled workers that could halve its migrant intake over the next two years as the government looks to overhaul what it said was a "broken" migration system. Under the new policies, international students would need to secure higher ratings on English tests and there would be more scrutiny on a student's second visa application that would prolong their stay. "Our strategy will bring migration numbers back to normal," Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said during a media briefing. "But it's not just about numbers. It's not just about this moment and the experience of migration our country is having at this time. This is about Australia's future." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over the weekend said Australia's migration numbers needed to be wound back to a "sustainable level," adding that "the system is broken." O'Neil said the government's targeted reforms were already putting downward pressure on net overseas migration and will further contribute to an expected decline in migrant numbers. The decision comes after net immigration was expected to have peaked at a record 510,000 in 2022-23. Official data showed it was forecast to fall to about a quarter of a million in 2024-25 and 2025-26, roughly in line with pre-Covid levels. O'Neil said the increase in net overseas migration in 2022-23 was mostly driven by international students.

COP28: Proposal moved for ‘fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty’ equity and differentiation in terms of responsibilities and timelines,” said a developing country negotiator as differences remain in both the draft texts one on the global stock take (GST) carrying phase out of fossil fuels options and the other on global goal on adaptation (GGA). The draft text on GGA is being blocked by rich nations led by the US as they want a diluted language on finance provisions, seeking to spare themselves from their responsibility to contribute to the adaptation fund. European Union (EU) nations are, however, pitching for a strong language on phase out of fossil fuel issues. New texts on both these tracks, expected on late Thursday, may go for final plenary as cover text for adoption as an outcome of COP28 on its scheduled concluding day.

PEOPLE IN HEALTHCARE

Dr Sachin H Jain, the California-based CEO of the SCAN Group and SCAN Health Plan, has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare of 2023 by Modern Healthcare. Modern Healthcare’s recognition program identifies individuals deemed by their peers and senior editors as the most influential figures in the industry, focusing on leadership and impactful contributions. Jain has consistently advocated for “radical common sense” reforms to elevate patient care within the US healthcare system. As the CEO of SCAN, Jain has translated his visionary ideas into tangible actions by spearheading cutting-edge programs, products, and initiatives. These endeavors aim not only to improve the healthcare experience for older Americans but also to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization. Jain’s initiatives include Homebase Medical, which provides comprehensive care to homebound older adults through Annual Wellness Visits, Chronic & Palliative Care, and Care Transition Management. Building on his early experiences in homeless healthcare, Jain conceived Healthcare in Action, a street-based medical group providing healthcare for the unhoused, garnering national attention and serving over 1,000 patients in six counties across California.

SIKH COUPLE FROM INDIA SHOT DEAD IN CANADA A Sikh couple from India who were targeted last month in a shooting spree in the Canadian province of Ontario could have possibly died in a case of mistaken identity, police said. Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and paramedics responded to reports of a shooting on Mayfield Road near Airport Road, shortly before midnight on November 21. Upon arrival, they found Jagtar Singh (57) dead on the scene, and rushed his wife Harbhajan Kaur (55) and their daughter to hospital with life threatening injuries. While Kaur succumbed to her injuries in hospital, their daughter, yet to be identified by the police, continues to battle for life at a trauma centre in Toronto.

IRAN COURT ORDERS US TO PAY $50 BN IN DAMAGES A Tehran court has ordered the US government to pay nearly $50 billion in damages for assassinating a top Iranian general nearly four years ago, the judiciary said. Then-US president Donald Trump ordered a drone strike near Baghdad airport that killed General Qasem Soleimani, 62, and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis on January 3, 2020. Days later, Iran retaliated by firing missiles at bases in Iraq housing American and other coalition troops. The Iranian judiciary’s Mizan Online news agency said that a Tehran court had sentenced the US government to pay $49.7 bn after a lawsuit filed by more than 3,300Iranians. The court found 42 individuals and legal persons guilty, including Trump, the US government, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo and former defence secretary Mark Esper, Mizan added.

TAXI DRIVER ARRESTED FOR DRIVING INTO PIGEONS A Tokyo taxi driver was arrested for deliberately driving into a flock of pigeons and killing one, police said, reportedly because he was angry that the birds were on the road. Atsushi Ozawa, 50, “used his car to kill a common pigeon, which is not a game animal”, in the Japanese capital last month, and was arrested for violating wildlife protection laws, a Tokyo police spokesman said. Ozawa sped off from a traffic light when it turned green, ploughing his taxi into the bevy of birds at a speed of 60 kmph. The sound of the engine reportedly prompted a surprised passer-by to report the incident. Tokyo police had a veterinarian perform a postmortem on the hapless pigeon and determined its cause of death as traumatic shock.

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Remembering

Sardar Patel on his 73rd death anniversary

ardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, bore several monikers that encapsulated his multifaceted persona. Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, central Gujarat, he was more than a lawyer turned seasoned politician; he was a symbol of determination and unity. Commonly referred to as 'Sardar,' meaning 'chief,' or 'Iron Man,' Patel's legacy embodies firmness and dedication. His pivotal role in India's freedom struggle and subsequent efforts to unify the nation postindependence remain indelible.

December 15 marks the death anniversary of this extraordinary figure who breathed life into the concept of an 'Unbroken India.' Posthumously awarded the 'Bharat Ratna' in 1991, Patel's commitment to national service defined his entire existence. His passing on December 15, 1950, at the age of 75, marked the end of an era, leaving behind an enduring legacy of selfless service and unwavering dedication to his beloved nation.

Early Life and Fight for Independence Patel displayed an early inclination towards leadership and advocacy. His journey into active politics began with his role in the Indian National Congress, where he became an ardent supporter of Mahatma Gandhi's principles of non-violent resistance. Patel's involvement in the freedom struggle was marked by his leadership in various campaigns, including the Satyagraha movements in Nagpur, Borsad, and Bardoli, earning him the title 'Sardar' or leader.

Unifying a Nation Post-independence, Patel took on the daunting task of integrating the princely states into the Union of India. His strategic negotiation skills, unwavering determination, and

Sardar is admired for unifying India into single nation within two years of Independence

commitment to national integration were instrumental in persuading over 562 princely states to accede to India, thus preventing the balkanization of the newly independent nation. Serving as Independent India’s first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Patel laid the foundation for administrative and police reforms. He was instrumental in forming the All India Services and envisioned a unified and efficient administrative system.

A nation's farewell to a stalwart leader Days before his passing, Sardar Patel's health deteriorated noticeably. Despite efforts to seek treatment in Mumbai, his condition worsened. On December 15, 1950, he suffered a heart attack and passed away at 9:37 AM. At his funeral, figures like Nehru, Rajagopalachari, and Rajendra Prasad paid their tearful respects, acknowledging Patel's immeasurable contribution to India. Dr Rajendra Prasad eloquently stated, 'The fire may burn Sardar's body, but no fire in the world can dim his fame.

ord Meghnad Desai determination, Patel is remembered as a figure said, “Nationally and deeply rooted in Indian internationally, Sardar values after Patel is revered for relinquishing a swiftly unifying India into Westernised lifestyle. a single nation within two His domesticity and a years of independence. staunchly Indian His instrumental role in identity resonated coaxing Indian princely profoundly among the states to accede to the populace, solidifying Indian Union remains his stature as an Lord Meghnad Desai commendable, solidifying embodiment of India's territorial integrity. Patel's unwavering determination and resolute stance against Nizam of national commitment,” he added. Hyderabad and Junagadh Speaking about Sardar Patel’s showcased his tenacity in unifying actions and ideologies, Lord Desai “The Congress party's the nation. However, within the said, Gujarati diaspora, a persistent ideological trajectory has differed question lingers: Why Nehru and not from Sardar Patel's ethos, leaning more towards secularism and Patel?” “This sentiment of feeling overlooked for the prime ministerial position in favour of Nehru remains among many Gujaratis, sparking discussions by many newspapers and Gujarati associations globally. While understanding Gandhi's strategic choices, this sentiment of 'Patel being hard done by' prevails. Renowned for his iron-willed

socialism. Nehru's inclinations, rooted in his experiences in England and the influence of groups like the Fabian Society, reflected more English elements in his cultural ideology. In contrast, Sardar Patel's lifestyle resonated deeply with local Indian values, a facet that appears more aligned with the BJP's current ethos, rooted in Indian heritage.”

Gujarat's garba included in UNESCO's 403 Indian students died abroad since Intangible Cultural Heritage list 2018, most deaths in Canada: Centre UNESCO has authorised the traditional Garba dance of Gujarat to be included in its "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity," chief minister Bhupendra Patel said. Garba, which is performed during the Navratri festival throughout Gujarat and many other regions of the country, was nominated by India to be on the list. The age-old tradition of devotion to Goddess Mother in the form of Garba is alive and growing. Garba which has become the identity of Gujarat has been approved by UNESCO under its intangible cultural heritage list, Patel said in a post on X. This is a moment of pride for Gujaratis spread all over the world. This is a result of importance being given to the heritage of the country under prime minister Narendra Modi's leadership and such heritage being taken to the world. Congratulations to the people of Gujarat, Patel further said. During the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which got underway in Kasane,

Botswana, the inclusion was made in accordance with the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Garba of Gujarat is the 15th ICH element from India to join this list. This inscription underscores Garba's pivotal role as a unifying force that fosters social and gender inclusivity. Garba as a dance form is entrenched deeply in ritualistic and devotional roots, involving people from all walks of life and it continues to thrive as a vibrant living tradition bringing communities together, an official release said.

16 countries to be Vibrant Gujarat partners The 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global forum (VGGS) is just over a month away, and 16 countries and 14 organizations have been confirmed as partners for this premier business and investment forum hosted by the state government. The partner countries include the UK, Japan, Finland, Morocco, Republic of Korea, Mozambique, Estonia, UAE, Australia, Netherlands, Norway, Nepal, Thailand, Bangladesh, Germany, and Egypt.

The partner organizations for VGGS 2024 will be American Chamber of Commerce in India (AMCHAM India), Canada India Foundation, EPIC India-University of Chicago, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), IndoCanadian Chamber of

Commerce (ICCC), Indo-African Chamber of Commerce & Industry, International Solar Alliance, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Netherlands Business Support Office (NBSO), Council of EU Chambers of Commerce in India, UAE India Business Council, US India Business Council (USIBC), US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), and Indian Business Chamber in Vietnam (INCHAM).

At least 403 Indian students have died abroad since 2018 due to various reasons including natural causes and accidents, the government said in the Parliament. Out of the 34 nations, the most deaths occurred in Canada. The data was presented in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minister V Muraleedharan, who said that 403 Indian students have died abroad since 2018. According to data submitted by the ministry, Canada has reported 91 deaths since 2018 followed by the United Kingdom (48),

Russia (40), the United States (36), Australia (35), Ukraine (21), Germany (20), Cyprus (14), Italy and the Philippines (10 each). He also emphasised the Centre's commitment to the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad, pledging to address individual cases and work toward preventing any untoward incidents in the future. He said that heads of mission and senior officials regularly visit colleges and universities to interact with Indian students studying there. "The safety and security

of Indian students abroad is one of the foremost priorities for the Government of India," he said. "In case there is any untoward incident, it is immediately taken up with the concerned authorities of the host country to ensure that the incident is properly investigated and the perpetrators are punished, he added. The distressed students are also offered comprehensive consular assistance, including emergency medical care, boarding, and lodging when needed, he said.

Bohra head conferred with Pakistan’s highest civilian award Leader and spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin was awarded Pakistan's highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, making him the fourth Indian to receive this accolade. The award is given to people Pakistanis or foreigners -who have excelled in global leadership while simultaneously carrying out charitable endeavours. Indians who have received this honour earlier were former Prime Minister Morarji Desai in 1990, thespian Dilip Kumar in 1998 and Kashmiri leader Ali Shah Geelani in 2020. Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad and the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani are among the heads of states who have previously received this award. The Syedna received the award from Pakistan President Arif Alvi at an investiture ceremony at the President’s House in Islamabad in the presence of governor of Sindh Kamran Tessori and foreign minister

Jalil Abbas Jilani, among others. A spokesperson for the Syedna’s office in Mumbai said: “His Holiness The Syedna received this prestigious award in recognition of his continued contribution to social services such as health, education and the environment, and for promoting global peace and harmony. During the award ceremony, Syedna was praised for his diverse initiatives for fostering socio-economic development in Pak.” On November 20, the Syedna arrived in Karachi at the invitation of the local Dawoodi Bohra community and the Pakistani government. Syedna opened the Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin School of Law at Karachi University while he was there. The school is a component of the Bohra community's efforts to advance education in Pakistan, where a substantial Bohra population resides. There is also a branch of the well-known Bohra institution Jamia-tusSafiah in Karachi.

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in brief

SOUTH INDIA

Kerala doctor held for fiancée’s suicide over dowry row THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Shahana, a 26-year-old doctor in Kerala, committed suicide after her boyfriend allegedly demanded dowry and her family couldn't fulfill the demands. In a suicide note, purportedly written by Dr Shahana, she alleged that her boyfriend Dr EA Ruwais's dowry demands abetted her to end her life. "It is true that my family cannot provide one and a half kg of gold, acres of land if they ask for the same," Dr Shahana wrote in the purported note. The police recovered the suicide note from the apartment where she was found dead and arrested the accused. Dr Shahana's family alleged that the accused's family demanded 150 gold sovereigns, 15 acres of land and a BMW car in dowry. When Dr Shahana's family said they could not meet the demand, her boyfriend's family called off the wedding. The police, quoting the victim from the recovered suicide note, said she ended her life as the accused's intention was to ruin her life by promising to

Dr EA Ruwais & Dr Shahana

marry her. In her suicide note, Shahana said that everyone seemed focused on money. Jasim Nas, Shahana's brother, said that, "In November, my mother and I visited their home and met his family. His father was adamant on dowry. I told them that we would give as much as we could, but they were not ready to negotiate." Shahana has two siblings, her father died two years ago. Ruwais and Shahana were in a relationship, "but he did not stand by her", Jasim said. "We were open to the idea of a register marriage, but Ruwais wanted the dowry demanded by his parents. He backed out," he said, adding that these developments broke her sister emotionally.

Revanth Reddy sworn in as Telangana CM HYDERABAD: Even before Revanth Reddy took oath as the first Congress CM of Telangana, bulldozers had lined up outside Pragathi Bhavan, the official residence of the CM last week. The machines started bringing down the large iron gates and barricades that extended onto the main road at Begumpet, in the heart of Hyderabad. This was the first symbolic gesture of many that Revanth had signed off on to show that his would be a people-friendly government even as he, his deputy Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and 10 other ministers took the oath of office in front of a crowd of thousands at L B Stadium. Top Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, AICC chief Mallikarjuna Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, the CMs of Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, Siddaramaiah and Sukhvinder Sukku, respectively, Karnataka deputy CM D K Shivakumar and other VIPs attended the swearingin. Minutes after Revanth took oath, chief secretary Santhi Kumari presented him with the file clearing the six guarantees that Congress had promised during its election campaign, which he signed amid loud cheers from the crowd. The first cabinet meeting was held in the evening in which the guarantees file was given the stamp of approval. The second file cleared related to giving a job to physically challenged T Rajani, whom Revanth had promised a government job when she had met him a few weeks ago. She was given a job as a project manager in the Telangana State Seed and Organic Certification Agency.

PUNJAB

Kejriwal, Mann launch doorstep delivery of services in Punjab CHANDIGARH: AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a state government scheme to deliver citizen-centric services at people's doorstep, with the senior leader calling it a hammer blow on corruption. Under the "Bhagwant Mann Sarkar Tuhade Dwar" scheme, people will get 43 services, including certificates of birth, marriage, death, income, residence, caste, rural area, border area, backward area, pension, payment of electricity bills and land demarcation. Addressing a gathering after the launch of the scheme,

Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal called it "revolutionary". Lauding the Mann government, Kejriwal said it was taking steps one after another against corruption and

is conducting raids against and arresting big leaders who "looted" Punjab in the last 75 years. He said freedom fighters did not sacrifice their lives for

people to face harassment at government offices even after freedom. They sacrificed their lives so that people get good education, quality health, medicines, roads and electricity, said the Delhi CM. But in the last 75 years, with the kind of system in the country, people face a lot of harassment at government offices for getting even a small work done, he said. "The work that is going to commence in Punjab is no less than a revolution. It is a revolutionary step," said Kejriwal. He spoke about the plight of people visiting government offices for getting their work done.

WEST BENGAL

9 newborns die at Bengal hospital in 24 hours KOLKATA: As many as nine newborn babies and a two-year-old died in a West Bengal hospital in 24 hours. The infants died at the Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital and a committee has been formed to investigate the cause of death, an official said. The preliminary information suggests that most of these children were malnourished and one of them had a severe congenital heart disease. "We were not able to save some children as many of them were malnourished, had congenital diseases and were born underweight, weighing about 500 gm or 600 gm," Amit Kumar Dah, the Medical Superintendent cum Vice Principal of the Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, said. Treatment in such cases is timebound and we did not have that time,

Dah said, adding that the Jangipur Sub-Divisional Hospital is undergoing renovation and all their cases from there are being referred to the Murshidabad Medical College & Hospital. The patients were first taken to Jangipur and then came to us, which took more than five hours, he said. "If you don't treat such patients in the first four to five hours then it gets difficult to save them," he said. Children weighing 800 gms or 1 kg can still be saved but saving a child weighing 500 gm is a huge challenge, Dah said. He said that they have just 130 beds for the 300 patients they are treating as they are also admitting patients from other districts. "We have to admit all patients on humanitarian grounds," he said, adding that they have also saved about 900 children.

Bengal CM Mamata to meet PM Modi to discuss release of central funds Kolkata: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20 to discuss the matter related to the release of pending central government dues to the state. The meeting will take place in the Prime Minister's chamber in Parliament. The Bengal CM claimed earlier that the Centre owe over £11.5 billion to the state. Before leaving for Delhi, she targeted the BJP-led central government over the non-payment of funds and said “either release the funds or vacate the office”. “The central government is not paying our MNREGA dues. Today, there is only one tax, GST. The central government takes all the tax and is not giving our share, which they are taking from here. I am going to Delhi and have sought time from PM Modi. Either release the funds or vacate the office,” she said at a public address. She also claimed that her government could have included more people under its social welfare schemes had the Centre cleared the state's dues. "... I always keep my promise, unlike the BJP, which had promised to reopen all closed tea gardens... I could have offered social schemes to more people if we had received our dues," the Trinamool Congress supremo said.

STALIN ANNOUNCES CASH AID TO CYCLONE-AFFECTED

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced ₹ 6,000 relief to people affected by cyclone Michaung and also increased payout under other categories including compensation for flood-hit crops. A government statement said Stalin has ordered increasing the compensation for rain-hit crops (33 per cent and above) including paddy from ₹ 13,500 per hectare to ₹ 17,000. If perennial crops and trees had been affected, the compensation per hectare would be hiked to ₹ 22,500 per hectare from ₹ 18,000. For rainfed crops, the compensation would be increased to ₹ 8,500 from ₹ 7,410 per hectare. The assistance to damaged huts shall be now ₹ 8,000 from ₹ 5,000. Meanwhile, the cyclone death toll has been revised to 27.

WOMAN STRIPPED NAKED, PARADED IN KARNATAKA A 42-year-old woman was stripped naked, paraded and assaulted after being tied to an electric pole in Karnataka’s Belagavi district after her son eloped with a woman, police said, adding that they had arrested seven people in connection with the incident. “The victim’s 24year-old son has been in a relationship with an 18-year-old woman, but her family arranged her marriage with another man. The couple ran away before the engagement ceremony take place,” a police officer said. Relatives of the woman allegedly attacked her boyfriend’s mother at their home. They paraded her naked and tied her to an electric pole before assaulting her, according to the Kakati police. The victim was shifted to a Belagavi hospital for treatment. Home Minister G Parameshwara visited the village and said it was an inhumane act and that strict action would be taken against the culprits.

NRI FROM AMERICA SHOT DEAD IN JALANDHAR In a shocking development, Daljeet Singh, a 31-year-old Non-Resident Indian (NRI) with an American citizenship, who recently returned to Jalandhar after 11 years to be with his family, was shot dead by his own relative from Tarn Taran at Dhillon Resort. The incident occurred during a birthday party celebrations at the resort, where Daljeet encountered his relative, believed to have an old rivalry with him. Tensions escalated during a verbal spat over personal matters, leading the suspect to pull out his pistol and open fire on Daljeet. Following the shooting, the suspect fled from the resort. Police said during a preliminary investigation, it was found that three or four rounds of shots were fired out of which two bullets hit Daljeet on his chest and head. The police said they were trying to find details of the old rivalry between victim and suspect in order to uncover the motive behind murder.

WHY WAS BENGAL EXCLUDED, SUPREME COURT ASKS CENTRE The Supreme Court asked the Centre why did it single out Assam and exclude West Bengal from grant of citizenship under section 6A of the Citizenship Act when the latter shares a much larger border with Bangladesh. Section A of the Citizenship Act relates to illegal immigrants in Assam. Observing that illegal immigration is a serious problem, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, what is the Union government doing to safeguard the border. During the hearing, the CJI remarked that there were people who benefited from the grant of citizenship under Section 6A.

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BJP names CM, deputy CMs of Rajasthan, MP and Chhattisgarh The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday appointed Bhajanlal Sharma as the chief minister of Rajasthan. With this announcement, the party has now named chief ministers of all three states Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh - where it gained victory in the recent Assembly elections. Bhajanlal Sharma contested the polls from the Sangner Assembly seat, which falls under the Jaipur Lok Sabha constituency. He defeated Congress candidate Pushpendra Bhardwaj with a margin of 48,081 votes. The total percentage of voters in the Sanganer Assembly constituency was recorded at 70.3 per cent. The BJP named Prem Chand Bairwa, who won the Dudu seat, and former MP Diya Kumari, who secured the Vidhyadhar Nagar Assembly seat, as deputy chief ministers in Rajasthan. In the Rajasthan State Assembly elections 2023 for 199 of 200 seats, the BJP emerged victorious with 115 seats, while the

Congress secured 69. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) got two seats. The polling for the Karanpur Assembly seat in Sriganganagar will be held on January 5 and the counting of votes will be conducted on January 8. The party has fielded Surenderpal Singh for the seat, while the BSP has fielded Ashok Kumar. Congress has yet to announce a new candidate's name for the seat. The last date for nominations will be December 19. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP picked Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister. Yadav will have two deputy CMs - Jagdish Devda and Rajendra Shukla. The party picked

former Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar the Assembly as Speaker. In the Assembly of 230 members, the BJP secured 163 seats, while the Congress won 66. In Chhattisgarh, the BJP appointed Vishnu Deo Sai as the next chief minister. He is the first tribal leader to hold the post, and he is the first to hail from a region beyond the Other Backward Classdominated central plains in Chhattisgarh. In the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections 2023, Sai won the polls from the Kunkuri Assembly seat in the Jashpur district. He defeated the sitting Congress MLA, Udit Minj, by a margin of over 25,000 votes. The party appointed Vijay Sharma and Arun Sao as new deputy chief ministers of Chhattisgarh. Former chief minister Raman Singh will be the Assembly speaker.

Aggressively probing attack on Indian consulate: FBI director tells NIA The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is “aggressively” investigating the attacks on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on March 19 and July 2 this year, chief of premier US agency Christopher Wray told the National Investigation Agency (NIA) director general Dinkar Gupta during a high-level meeting in Delhi. Gupta told the delegation led by Wray, which visited NIA headquarters on Tuesday, that the nexus of terrorists and gangsters was “spreading to the US as well”. The consulate was attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters on July 2 who tried to set the diplomatic facility on fire following the killing of separatist Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Earlier, on March 19, a group of pro-Khalistan protesters

FBI Director Christopher A. Wray with NIA Chief Dinkar Gupta

attacked and damaged the Indian consulate in San Francisco. The FBI chief is on a three-day visit to the country to meet top security and intelligence officials for discussions on strengthening mutual cooperation, sharing information, cybercrimes, extraditions etc. He met Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Praveen Sood on Monday.

The visit, although planned in May, comes against the backdrop of activities of pro-Khalistan elements operating from the US and Canadian soil and an indictment filed by US prosecutors in a federal court in Manhattan last month, which alleged an Indian government employee who described himself as a “senior field officer” responsible for intelligence, ordered the assassination of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Wray underscored that both agencies have a lot in common and the similarities are far greater than the differences. “On the nexus between terror actors and organised crime syndicates, Wray said that a blending of lines between terrorists and criminals was now visible in the cyberspace as well,” NIA added.

LIBF 2024 will be held in Gandhinagar from January 18 to 21 After Uganda, Lohana Samaj is going to organise the Lohana International Business Forum (LIBF) 2024 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with more than 700 different types of trade products and start-up stalls. The LIBF 2024 will be held at Helipad Exhibition Center Gandhinagar from 18 to 21 January. LIBF was formed by Shree Lohana Mahaparishad to allow the community members for proper publicity of their trade, products and services. Under this, the first global exhibition was successfully organised in Uganda (Africa) in March 2023, in which Lohana community members living in 22 countries participated very enthusiastically. Apart from this, other community members also got good opportunities. Talking about this, the President of Lohana Maha

large number of Lohanas from all over the world are expected to participate in this exhibition. The objective of this exhibition is to provide a global platform to the people for their trade, products and services. "We aim to provide a (From left) Subhash Thakkar, Umangbhai Thakkar, proper platform to the Satishbhai Vithalani and Pravinbhai Kotak youth and create employParishad Satishbhai Vitthalani ment along with promoting the said, "We want to involve all the entrepreneurs of society. The people of the Lohana community. LIBF Expo 2024 offers particiBefore this planning, we also held pants a distinguished platform to a meeting in Jamnagar, through present their diverse range of which we conveyed the word products and services to an interabout this business exhibition to national audience. It's more than everyone in Lohana society." just a showcase, it's an opportuniA total of five domes will be ty. Engage with potential partused in this exhibition organised ners, partake in insightful semiin Gandhinagar. In which more nars, and establish rapport with than 700 stalls for different types both industry stalwarts and govof trade, products and services ernment representatives." said and start-ups will be created. A Satishbhai.

Indian envoy meets ex-Navy men on death row in Qatar Indian envoy to Qatar had met eight former Indian navy men who were sentenced to death by a court here, and discussed about filing appeal against the death sentence, MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi said this at a media briefing. The Navy veterans were on October 26 given death sentences by Qatar’s Court of First Instance. India described the ruling as “deeply” shocking and vowed to explore all legal options in the case. An appeal was filed against the death sentence by the family members of former Indian Navy person-

nel. “As you know, we filed an appeal from the families and the detainees. Two hearings have since been held. One, I think on November 30 and the other on November 23,” Bagchi said when asked about the case. “I think the next hearing is coming up soon. We are closely following the matter and extending all legal and consular assistance. Meanwhile, our ambassador got consular access to meet all eight of the men in prison on December 3. We will continue to follow (the matter).”

Lalduhoma takes oath, gives Mizoram its first woman cabinet minister Former IPS officer Lalduhoma, a maverick who led his fledgling party to an electoral victory against Zoramthanga’s MNF, was sworn in as the CM of a 12-member Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government in Mizoram that includes the state’s first woman minister of cabinet rank in 61-year-old Lalrinpuii. The new government has seven cabinet ministers and four ministers of state. Lalfamkima was appointed protem speaker of the 40-member assembly. Lalduhoma (73), who spent much of his career bearing the cross of being India’s first MP to be disqualified under the anti-defection law, and his ministerial colleagues were endorsed by a committee of elders assigned to vet all crucial decisions of ZPM on the lines of how tribal societies operate. Among the dignitaries present at the swearing-in were ex-CMs Zoramthanga and Lal Thanhawla of Congress, relegated to fourth place this election with a lone seat. BJP won two seats. All 10 newly elected MNF MLAs, including leg-

Lalduhoma

islature party leader Lalchhandama Ralte, attended the event. Soon after being sworn in by governor Hari Babu Kambhampati at Raj Bhavan, Lalduhoma announced 12 “priority programmes” for implementation over the next 100 days. The new CM retained the finance, planning and programme implementation, general administration, political and cabinet, law and vigilance portfolios. Journalistturned politician K Sapdanga will be the home minister, besides handling urban affairs and poverty alleviation, personal and administrative reform s, and disaster management and rehabilitation.

£35.1 mn seized from Congress MP in tax raid The Income Tax department's raids on Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu's premises in Jharkhand and Odisha have so far led to the recovery of £35.1 mn and approximately 3 kg of gold ornaments. The cash haul is the highest-ever in a single action by any probe agency in the country, according to officials. A significant portion of this cash was recovered from an Odisha-based Boudh Distillery Private Limited, linked to Sahu. The marathon raids against the distillery's promoters and others were launched on December 6 on charges of tax evasion and "offthe-book" transactions. Over 100 IT officials were present during the raids and more than 40 machines were deployed to count the seized cash. The tax officials, during the searches at business, official and residential premises, go through all the cash, financial documents, property papers, electronic devices, gold and other items. The cash is seized and counted

in the presence of two independent witnesses and is put under seal. It is then taken to a national bank. This unprecedented haul marks the largest single seizure ever made by any investigative agency in India, shattering all the previous records. Premises linked to Sahu in Ranchi and other places, were covered during the searches. While the Congress has distanced itself from Sahu, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned why no searches were conducted against leaders of the BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the public that "looted money" would be returned.

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16 - 22 December 2023

SC upholds Modi govt's decision to scrap J&K's special status A Constitution bench of the Supreme Court unanimously endorsed the Union government’s August 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu & Kashmir, calling the move the “culmination of the process of integration” of the erstwhile state into the Union of India. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, Bhushan R Gavai and Surya Kant, further directed the Election Commission of India to conduct polls to the J&K legislative assembly by September 30, 2024, and asked the Centre to restore statehood to the region

“as soon as possible”. In a historic decision that ends a chapter that started with the ascension of Jammu & Kashmir to India in 1947 at a time when the region’s political future was

uncertain, the judges declared the abrogation to be a perfectly valid exercise of power by the President, ruling that Article 370 was always meant to be a temporary provision.

The judges were also in unison about the validity of the two constitutional orders (COs) issued in August 2019 by the President in applying all provisions of the Indian Constitution to J&K and the cession of Article 370, declaring that the President was not required to obtain the approval of the J&K constituent assembly (which was dissolved in 1957) or the J&K legislative assembly before notifying under Article 370 that “this article shall cease to be operative”. “The declaration issued by the President in exercise of the power under Article 370(3) is a culmination of the process of integration. Thus, we do not find that the President’s exercise of

power under Article 370(3) was mala fide,” held the court. The top court chose not to give a ruling on whether the reorganisation of the state of J&K into two Union territories of Ladakh and J&K was constitutionally permissible, pointing at the Centre’s statement that statehood of J&K would be restored eventually. “This court is alive to the security concerns in the territory. Direct elections to the legislative assemblies, which is one of the paramount features of representative democracy in India, cannot be put on hold until statehood is restored,” held the bench, directing ECI hold elections in J&K by September.

Mahua Moitra moves SC challenging Sonia won’t make me PM, said Pranab, her expulsion from Lok Sabha recalls his daughter in new book Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra moved the Supreme Court challenging her expulsion from the Lok Sabha, after the House adopted the report of its ethics committee that held her guilty of accepting gifts and illegal gratification from a businessman to further his interest. On December 8, after a heated debate in the Lok Sabha over the panel report during which Moitra was not allowed to speak, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi moved a motion to expel the TMC MP from the House

Mahua Moitra

for "unethical conduct", which was adopted by a voice vote. Reacting sharply to her expulsion, Moitra had equated the action with hanging by a "kangaroo court" and alleged that a parliamentary panel was being weaponised by the

government to force the opposition into submission. The ethics committee report found Moitra guilty of "unethical conduct" and contempt of the House as she shared her Lok Sabha members' portal credentials user ID and password -with unauthorised people, which had an irrepressible impact on national security, Joshi said. The committee had also recommended that in view of the "highly objectionable, unethical, heinous and criminal conduct" of Moitra, an intense, legal and institutional inquiry be initiated by the government in a time-bound manner.

Scholarship for diaspora children for 2023-24 Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India has launched the “Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children” (SPDC) for the academic year 2023-24 for the children of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)/ Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who are pursuing Undergraduate courses (except medical courses) in Indian Universities/Institutes. The SPDC scheme provides them financial assistance towards tuition fee, admission fee and post admission charges. Since its launch in 2006-2007, the scheme guidelines have been revised over the years to increase the number of scholarships to 150 and the beneficiary can be of any country provided certain conditions are met. The main features of the SPDC for the academic year 2023-24 are: The SPDC Scheme is applicable to eligible applicants from NRI/PIO/OCI community in all foreign countries. Students who have already secured admission in Indian institutions are eligible to apply. The scheme can only be availed by 1st year Undergraduate students (not 2nd or 3rd year students) as it provides scholarship for the entire duration of the Undergraduate course. The scheme is open to following two categories in the age group of 17 to 21 years, as on July 31, 2023. The total number of scholarships under the SPDC programme is 150, out of which 50 slots are reserved for Children of Indian Workers in ECR countries. Further, out of these 50 slots, one-third of slots (i.e. 17 slots ) shall be reserved for those Children of Indian Workers in ECR countries who have studied in India. The selection of applicants for scholarships will be on Merit-cum-Means basis.

Once a close confidant of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, late former President and Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee told his daughter Sharmishtha that he believed Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the only PM after Indira who has the ability to feel the pulse of the people “so acutely and accurately”. Sharmishtha Mukherjee’s conversations with her father have been narrated in her soon-to-be-released book ‘Pranab, My Father: A daugh-

ter Remembers’, and weave in several anecdotal references from his diaries. The narrations include her conversations with the former President on wanting to be PM (and what came in the way), his view of Rahul Gandhi, and his reaction to the Congress first family giving the ceremony where he was conferred the Bharat Ratna, a miss. She also recounted that though her father was keen to be Prime Minister, he believed Congress leader

Sonia Gandhi thought he would “challenge” her authority and “safeguarded” her own family’s interest by paving the way for Manmohan Singh to hold the post in 2004. Pranab Mukherjee, who served as India’s 13th President from 2012 to 2017, also told his daughter that the entire Congress leadership and the party’s allies had been left stunned by Sonia’s decision to renounce the PM’s post after UPA won a majority in 2002.

Cheetahs coming to Kutch’s Banni grasslands Adding to Gujarat's big cat profile, cheetahs are coming to the state. The Union government approved the state’s proposal to set up a centre to breed the fastest animal on land in Kutch’s Banni grasslands, state forests and environment minister Mulubhai Bera said. “The Gujarat government has sent a proposal to the National Compensatory Forestation Fund Management Authority under National CAMPA. The executive committee of National CAMPA has granted its approval for setting up a cheetah breeding centre at Banni grasslands in Kutch,” the minister said. Bera said that cheetahs once roamed the Banni grasslands but had become extinct in the state. “With the proposal having been cleared, cheetahs are expected to roam in the wild yet again in Kutch district,” the minister said. Records of cheetah hunting in

Saurashtra and Dahod date back to 1921, according to wildlife specialists. Until the early 1940s, specialists noted, this non-pantherine big cat was reported to exist in Gujarat in a number of reference journals. However, experts warned that reintroducing cheetahs in Gujarat, especially in the Kutch area, would be a massive task. “Kutch does not have an adequate prey base. The Gujarat government will have to set up breeding centres and introduce a prey base in this area before cheetahs are brought,” they said. When Project Cheetah was first launched, five sites were recognised nationwide, and Banni grasslands was one of the appropriate locations for cheetah conservation, according to sources. Meanwhile, in Kuno Palpur, Madhya Pradesh, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Union Forest Ministry prepared a sanctuary for the preservation of Asiatic lions.

Ambassador of Uganda paid a courtesy visit Sachin, Virat, Big B, Ambani among 7,000+ to Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel invitees for Ram temple consecration

Ambassador Margaret L Kyogir of Uganda and her delegation extended a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. During the meeting, the Ugandan representatives expressed keen interest in collaborating with Gujarat across various sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, construction, skill development, vocational training, and industrial centers. Emphasising the

longstanding relationship between India and Uganda spanning over a century, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted how the ties between the private sectors of both countries have significantly boosted businesses for Indians and Gujaratis in Uganda. Patel extended an invitation for Uganda to participate in Vibrant Gujarat 2024, aiming to foster and expand bilateral relations further.

Prominent figures invited to the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22 include cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, industrialists Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Ratan Tata, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, and actors Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhlia, who played Ram and Sita in the hit TV series "Ramayana." Over 7,000 guests, including 3,000 VIPs, have received invites from the Ram Mandir Trust. Families of karsevaks who lost their lives during the temple movement will also be invited. Additional invitees include 4,000 seers, writers, journalists, scientists, RSS president Mohan Bhagwat, yoga master Ramdev, and well-known individuals from all around the nation. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust general secretary Champat Rai said: “We plan to invite one representative each from 50 foreign countries.” “We have also invited

saints, priests, shankaracharyas, former civil servants, retired Army officers, lawyers, musicians and Padma awardees,” he said. “Ram Lalla will be seated in the temple in the form of a five-year-old boy. For this, three idols are being made from two stones brought from Karnataka, and one from Rajasthan,” said Rai, adding, “These idols are 90% ready and the finishing work will take a week more. The idols are being made by three sculptors - Ganesh Bhatt and Arun Yogiraj from Karnataka and Satyanarayan Pandey from Jaipur. The most beautiful idol will be selected for consecration,” said Rai. VHP spokesperson Sharad Sharma said, “We have also invited journalists who supported the Ram temple movement through writings and reports. Without them, the struggle for the Ram Temple could not have been successful.”

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Nutrition tips to manage arthritis pain in the cold People who have arthritis have an increase in joint pain, stiffness, and discomfort as the cold winter approaches. Millions of people worldwide suffer from arthritis, a disorder characterised by inflammation of the joints, which can worsen in the colder months. Even though cold weather can exacerbate symptoms, there are proactive ways to manage arthritis pain, and one of them is nutrition. An all-natural and comprehensive approach to pain relief is provided by nutrition, which is crucial in the management of arthritis. In order to lessen the effects of arthritis over the winter, some foods and dietary practices can help lower inflammation, improve joint health, and improve general well-being. Add a few nutrient-dense tips to your diet. Embrace an antiinflammatory diet: Choose anti-inflammatory properties such as leafy greens (kale, spinach), nuts (almonds, walnuts), fruits (cherries, berries), and olive oil. These foods can help

lessen joint inflammation because they include polyphenols, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Load up on Vitamin D: Getting enough vitamin D is important because during winter the sun exposure is reduced. In addition to promoting bone health, vitamin D may lessen arthritic symptoms. Incorporate turmeric and ginger: Ginger and turmeric both have strong anti-inflammatory qualities. These spices can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis whether added to food or drunk as a tea. Consume foods high in magnesium: Magnesium plays a role in muscle and nerve function and may help reduce the discomfort of arthritis. Include magnesium-rich foods like legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds etc.

Two months on a vegan diet reduces diabetes risk A trial conducted by Stanford University showed that adopting a vegan diet for two months can notably reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. In the study involving 22 pairs of identical twins, one twin from each pair followed a vegan diet while the other consumed an omnivorous diet. Those on the vegan diet experienced positive changes, including reduced cholesterol, blood sugar improvements, and weight loss, indicating the benefits of transitioning to a more plant-based diet for most people. Participants in both groups received meal deliveries and guidance on preparing healthy, minimally processed food. After the trial, measures for heart health such as cholesterol

and blood sugar levels were assessed. The vegan group exhibited a significant decrease in "bad" LDL cholesterol, which lowers the risk of heart issues, while their insulin levels dropped by 20%, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, those on the plant-based diet lost an extra 2 kg compared to their counterparts consuming meat and dairy. Christopher Gardner, the study's lead author, highlighted the potential for long-term health improvements within two months on a vegan diet, particularly noting substantial changes in the initial month. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study used identical twins to minimise genetic influence and controlled for various factors such as different backgrounds.

Continual Learning: Foster your mind's growth with ongoing learning. Engage in activities like reading, exploring new hobbies, or joining courses to consistently stimulate your intellect. This pursuit fuels a sense of purpose and fulfilment in life. Health Views Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

A brisk(ish) walk above 2.5 mph cuts diabetes risk There may be a simple step to reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes: walking faster than 2.5 mph. A study including half a million participants from the United States, Britain, and Japan discovered that persons who walked faster were less likely to be diagnosed with the disease, irrespective of the distance they covered. Every 0.6 mph increase in walking pace above strolling at less than 2 mph was linked to a 9 per cent lower risk of diabetes. The average walking speed of 2- 3 mph was associated with a 15 per cent lower

risk and 3-4 mph with a 24 per cent lower risk, while striding at above 4 mph was linked to a 39 per cent lower risk of the disease. Researchers from Oslo New University College in Semnan Norway, University of Medical

Sciences in Iran, and Imperial College London participated in the study. It was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. It combined data from earlier research studies that measured walking speed and exer-

cise and matched it with diabetes diagnostic records. In the quickest category, the risk decrease equated to 2.24 fewer type 2 diabetes cases per 100 individuals. By 2045, there will be 783 million adults worldwide with type 2 diabetes, compared to the current number of 537 million. The researchers said walking was “a simple and inexpensive type of physical activity and is associated with several social, mental and physical health benefits”, so could be a useful way to stave off the disease.

How lifestyle changes can reduce dementia risk Encouraging lifestyle changes like walking 10,000 steps a day, reducing alcohol intake, improving sleep, and staying socially active can potentially prevent 40% of dementia cases worldwide. Lifestyle changes offer hope in delaying or preventing dementia entirely. While our grasp of the biological mechanisms behind these risk factors varies, some are better understood than others. However, there's substantial knowledge available about these factors, and here's what you should know. Cognitive reserve and neuroplasticity: Cognitive

reserve reflects the brain's resilience against damage or neurodegenerative conditions. When one brain area suffers loss, other neurons step up to compensate. Lifelong experiences build a defence against brain damage from diseases and ageing. Neuroplasticity is the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt, learn, reorganise, and form new pathways or rewire existing ones to recover from injury. The role of stress and inflammation: Stress responses and inflammation are the body’s complex answer to injury.

Inflammation is an important component of the body’s immune system, helping defend against threats and repair tissue damage. While short-term inflammation is a natural and good response, chronic or prolonged inflammation disrupts normal function and causes damage to the brain’s cells. Similar pathways across multiple diseases: Many risk factors for dementia share pathways with various chronic diseases. Extensive research suggests that "what's good for your heart is good for your head."

Adopting these lifestyle changes not only lowers dementia risk but also decreases the chances of diabetes, hypertension, and heart issues. It’s never too late: The human brain and body possess incredible adaptability and resilience at any stage of life. Although being active, both physically and socially, is beneficial at any age, research indicates greater rewards post-40. As metabolism slows and risks rise, nurturing cognitive reserve becomes crucial in safeguarding against cognitive decline.

Low-dose radiation therapy may reduce inflammation, improve heart function Treatment for patients with ventricular tachycardia, a potentially fatal abnormal cardiac rhythm, has included radiation therapy, which was pioneered by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. The team found the therapy effective in enhancing heart function in various heart failures. The study suggests that the effects of radiation on injured hearts with high levels of inflammation may be more varied and beneficial than previously thought, however additional research is required. Low-dose radiation thera-

py improves cardiac function, at least partially, by lowering the quantity of inflammatory immune cells in the heart muscle, according to a study published in the journal Med. Co-senior author and cardiologist Ali Javaheri, MD, PhD, said, “The radiation therapy used to treat ventricular tachycardia is

targeted to a specific location in the heart; however, a large portion of the rest of the heart gets a low-dose exposure. We wanted to understand the effects of that lowdose radiation on these patients’ hearts. There was concern that it could be harmful to overall heart function, even though it treats dangerous arrhythmia. We were surprised to find the opposite: Heart function appeared to be improved after radiation therapy, at least in the short term.” Co-senior author and radiation oncologist

Carmen Bergom, MD, PhD, said, “We know that rapidly dividing cells - such as cancer cells, for example, tend to be more susceptible to death by radiation. The effect we see in these hearts is likely more complex than a simple reduction of rapidly dividing inflammatory immune cells. We are continuing our research to delve more deeply into what else may be happening, but we have been pleasantly surprised to see evidence that lowdose radiation in these hearts may reduce inflammation and help remodel the heart in a way that is beneficial.”

Ayurvedic herbs that can help detoxify your body Ayurveda promotes balance between the body, mind, and spirit in order to treat illnesses and place an emphasis on prevention. The detoxification process, or shodhana, is central to Ayurvedic philosophy. Its goal is to rid the body of built-up poisons and return it to its natural balance. Ayurvedic detoxification methods mostly rely on herbs since they provide a safe, all-natural means of cleansing the body while promoting general wellbeing. By eliminating waste, encouraging ideal organ

function, and revitalising the body's energy pathways, or doshas, these herbs assist the body's natural detoxification processes. Here are a few list of Ayurvedic herbs renowned for their detoxifying properties, each contributing uniquely to the cleansing process: Turmeric: Curcumin, its active compound, boasts powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, aiding liver detoxification and supporting digestive health.

Triphala: Ayurvedic medicine holds Triphala, a concoction of three fruits (Amalaki, or Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki, and Haritaki, in high regard. Together, these three fruits have the beneficial impact of clearing the digestive tract, improving nutrient absorption, and encouraging regular bowel movements—all essential for successful detoxification. Neem: It supports liver function, aids in blood purification, and helps eliminate toxins from the body. Neem

is also valued for its antimicrobial properties, promoting overall immunity. Guduchi: It eliminates toxins, boosts immunity, and supports the body's natural defence mechanisms against various environmental stressors. Ashwagandha: By boosting the body's resistance to pollutants, lowering stress, and promoting adrenal health, ashwagandha aids in detoxification. Its relaxing qualities help the body's natural equilibrium to be restored.

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16 - 22 December 2023

Parineeti reveals Farhan Akhtar visits her future plans after marriage ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ location A after 23 years F

ilmmaker and actor Farhan Akhtar walked down memory lane recently as he visited a location in Goa where he shot his directorial debut ‘Dil Chahta Hai.’ He posted a picture on Instagram as he posed at the Chapora Fort. He is sat on the wall with director Shujaat Saudagar at sunset.

ctor Parineeti Chopra tied the knot this year with politician and AAP leader Raghav Chadha in Udaipur, Rajasthan on September 24. Since then, the couple has given a glimpse of married life by posting pictures on social media. In an interview, she was asked about her plans to join politics. Pari responded, “Let me tell you the secret to our successful marriage. He knows nothing about Bollywood, and I don’t know anything about politics! So, I don’t think you will see me joining politics... Although both of us are in public life, we had no idea that we would get so much love from all over the country. I feel that if you are with the right person, married life is the best.” Regarding work-life balance, Parineeti highlighted its importance and said, “It’s very important to strike the right work-life balance. In India, we often see people proudly talking about how they did not eat or sleep on time because they were busy with work. They wear it like a badge of honour but personally, I don’t think it is the right way to live life. I believe in working really hard but I also love to meet my friends and go on holidays. When I am 85 or 90 years old, I should look back and feel that I lived my life the way it should be done.”

Bobby Deol calls himself a broadminded person C

urrently basking in the success of his performance in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal,’ Bobby Deol opened up about his family and raising his kids. He admitted that his relationship with his sons is completely different from the one he had with his father, actor Dharmendra when he was young. Bobby and his wife, Tanya Deol, welcomed Aryaman in 2001 and Dharam in 2004. Speaking in an interview, “When I was growing up, it was a different scenario all together. There was respect that you had to umours of Ranveer Singh potentially filling the role of Dev in part two of Ayan keep for your parents. You cannot go beyond Mukerji’s ‘Brahmastra’ have been doing the rounds recently. Some reports also certain things. With your mothers, you can still speculated Hrithik Roshan or Kannada actor Yash would be seen in the role. fight, still argue. Mothers are made like that, However, nothing has been officially confirmed yet. Now, a media report states but fathers ke saath always jhijhak rehti thi Ranveer has now given his nod to play the much-anticipated character of Dev in the (There was always a sense of hesitation with film. Dev was introduced as the antagonist at the end of ‘Brahmastra: Part I - Shiva.’ fathers).” An unnamed source was quoted in the report as saying, “Ranveer Singh has He added, “I saw that it didn’t happen with been finalised to play the role of Dev. He has signed the dotted line. The me and my kids, and it's not my dad’s fault scripting for the second part is still in progress and the film is expected to roll because he grew up in the same environment, in 2025. Currently, Ayan is busy with War 2 and Ranveer will also begin but I am a very broad-minded person. I never shooting for Baiju Bawra this year. So, when Brahmastra 2 will go on floors is stopped my wife from working, or subdue her, still unclear.” or make her feel less about herself. I am what I They added, “If all goes well, Ranveer will kickam because of my wife.” start Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Baiju Bawra Bobby’s role as Abrar garnered a lot of mid-2024. While it was decided that the attention from audiences. ‘Animal’ features the shoot of Brahmastra 2 will begin in early lead roles of Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and 2025, it is now being said that Don 3 will Rashmika Mandanna. Released on December 1, go on floors at around the same time. In the movie crossed Rs 600 crore gross all likelihood, Ranveer will shoot for worldwide by the time this edition went to Don 3 first and then Brahmastra 2.” print.

Ranveer reportedly set to play the antagonist in ‘Brahmastra 2’ R

Farhan had his back towards the sea as he smiled at Shujaat who rested against a wall. He wore a grey T-shirt, denims, a jacket and shoes. He captioned the post, “First time back at Chapora Fort since we filmed Akash, Sid and Sameer talking about life. That was 23 years ago. A lot has changed but the warm, sea-salt-infused Goan air remains the same. Some places are just magical. (black heart emoji).” Released in 2001, ‘Dil Chahta Hai,’ was a comedy-drama film written and directed by Farhan. It was produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and released under the banner of Excel Entertainment. The movie focuses on the lives of three college graduate friends. It stars Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta, Sonali Kulkarni, and Dimple Kapadia. Applauded for its strong storyline, performance and music, it won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. On the work front, Akhtar is all set to be back in the director’s chair after almost 11 years with a road trip film ‘Jee Le Zara.’ It will feature Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles. He announced the movie in 2021. He will also direct Ranveer Singh in ‘Don 3.’

If true, this will be the first time that two Bollywood off-screen couples Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone will come together for a film. Deepika plays Ranbir Kapoor’s mother Amrita in ‘Brahmastra.’ In the first part, Ranbir’s character Shiva opened a new universe of Astraverse for the Indian audience. Also featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Naga Arjuna and Mouni Roy in key roles, the film was among the highestgrossing films in 2022.

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16 - 22 December 2023

I would question some of Gitanjali’s actions: Rashmika on her ‘Animal’ character A

ctor Rashmika Mandanna described her character Gitanjali from ‘Animal’ in a lengthy note as the film continues to rule the box office. The Sandeep Reddy Vanga-directorial gained mixed reviews for the film, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor. Talking about her character, which also received mixed reactions from those who have watched the film, Rashmika revealed even she did question a few things about her role. She wrote, “Gitanjali. If I were to describe her in a sentence… it would be the only force at home holding her family together. She is pure, real, unfiltered, strong and raw. At times as an actor, I would question some of Gitanjali’s actions.” “And I remember my director telling me - this was their story. Ranvijay’s and Gitanjali’s.. it was their love and passion, their families and their lives - this is who they are. In a world full of all violence, hurt and unbearable pain - Gitanjali would bring peace trust and calm. She would pray to her Gods to keep her husband and her kids safe. She was the rock that weathered all the storms. She would do anything in her power for the sake of her family. Gitanjali is absolutely beautiful in my eyes, and in some ways she is like most women who are standing strong and protecting their families day in and day out. Happy one week to us #Animal team,” she further defended her character from the film. ‘Animal’ features a lot of violence amid the setup of a gang war. It focuses on a troubled father-son relationship between Anil Kapoor, who plays Balbir Singh and Ranbir Kapoor as his son Ranvijay Singh aka Vijay. Bobby Deol plays the antagonist in the film, while Triptii Dimri has a key role. Recently the film landed in a new controversy after Congress Rajya Sabha MP Ranjeet Ranjan slammed the film for its ‘justification of violence and misogyny is shameful.’.

Rocking Star Yash announces his next film

Junior Mehmood, dancing star of the 1960s and 1970s, no more J

unior Mehmood, whose puckish screen presence and carefree dance moves propelled him to stardom as a child actor in Hindi films in the late 1960s and early 1970s, passed away in Mumbai last week. He was 67. “My father passed away at 2 am following his battle with stomach cancer. He was in a critical condition for the last 17 days and had lost 35-40 kg in a month,” his younger son Hasnain Sayyed said. The actor’s career spanned over 150 films in four decades but he is best remembered in ‘Brahmachari’ (1968), ‘Do Raaste’ (1969), ‘Aan Milo Sajna’ (1970), and ‘Haathi Mere Saathi’ (1971).

fter maintaining complete silence for a year and a half, Rocking Star Yash has announced his next film, titled 'Toxic - A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups'. Expected to be one of the most interesting collaborations of all times, the film brings together internationally acclaimed Director Geetu Mohandas and Rocking Star Yash, one of the most loved superstars from the country. The two spent their time in developing the picture and assembling an incredible crew because they had a clear vision, were patient, and were passionate about the movie they wanted to make. Following a great deal of conjecture, the crew revealed the movie's title along with a visual aid that gives an idea of the scope and level of excellence they are aiming for. Sharing her thoughts about the film, Geetu Mohandas said, “I’ve always experimented with my style of narratives. Although 'Liars Dice' and 'Moothon' were received well internationally, I’ve always craved to find my own audience in my country. This project stemmed from that thought. This film is an amalgamation of two opposite worlds and aesthetics in story telling coming together and I found Yash. Who is one of the most brilliant minds I have come across and I’m excited for our team to begin this magical journey.” The film, written and directed by Geetu Mohandas, will be coproduced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind creations. The film will be released worldwide on 10th April, 2025.

Triptii Dimri reacts to being tagged 'national crush' after ‘Animal’

espite a considerably small role in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal,’ the internet is gushing over Triptii Dimri. The actress recently reacted to being dubbed “national crush” by the internet, saying she is feeling so many things that she cannot even describe in words. She said, “I have had sleepless nights post the film due to the excitement.” Triptii said, “It was an instant yes when I heard the back story of the film. Sandeep Reddy Vanga sir, I was told by an assistant during an ad shoot, wanted to cast me in this film. I said yes, but then nothing happened for a year. Then he called me and we spoke about life. He said ‘Triptii, I am not going to send you this character by saying it’s the lead. All I want to say is it’s a negative character but I don’t want you to play it like

that. When the audiences see on screen, they should never feel you have a motive’ That was it for me.” After receiving much acclaim from films such as ‘Qala,’ and ‘Bulbbul,’ she appears to have found her breakthrough into mainstream cinema with the Ranbir Kapoorstarrer. Triptii said, “I think there will be a shift in my career now. I always wanted films like ‘Qala’ to reach out to a lot of people. It did earlier too, but now so many people are messaging me saying ‘we watched your films’, it’s such a special feeling. I always wished for people to watch them.” She added, “More than me, my family has been excited. Every time it goes up even a little, they send it to me.” On the work front, reports suggest she is drowning in film offers and is set to work with Prabhas on an upcoming project.

Junior Mehmood (real name: Naeem Sayyed) emerged in the 1960s. The Bombay-born son of a railway engine driver was first noticed in Jeetendra’s ‘Suhaag Raat’ (1968). The film also starred top comic Mehmood, who took the child actor under his wings and gave him a catchy trade name, Junior Mehmood. The young performer stood out from the pack with his innate sense of rhythm and a sharp comic timing. The audience fell in love with him in Shammi Kapoor’s ‘Brahmachari’ where he mimicked and reprised his ustad’s famous lungi dance from the 1965 film, ‘Gumnaam’, ‘Hum kale hain to kya hua dilwale hain.’

Vidyut Jammwal bares it all for Himalayan retreat

idyut Jammwal has ditched all luxuries, including his clothes, to spend time alone in the woods at a Himalayan retreat. The actor took to his social media handles and dropped three photos. The first one has him sitting by a river edge without any clothes on. The other pictures show glimpses of his new simple life, as he cooked in nature and even performed Surya namaskar in water. Sharing the photos on X, Vidyut wrote, “My retreat to the Himalayan ranges - “the abode of the divine” started 14 years ago. Before I realised, it became an integral part of my life to spend 7-10 days alone- every year.” He added, “Coming into the wilderness from a life of luxury and adulation, I enjoy finding my solitude and realising the importance of knowing ‘Who I am not’, which is the first step of knowing ‘Whom am I’ as well as fending for myself in the quiet luxuries provided by nature.”

The ‘Commando’ actor concluded the post, “I am most comfortable outside my comfort zone and I tune into the natural frequency of nature, and I imagine myself as the satellite dish antenna- receiving & emitting vibrations of happiness and love. I vibrate at the frequency of COMPASSION. I vibrate at the frequency of DETERMINATION. I vibrate at the frequency of ACHIEVEMENT. I vibrate at the frequency of ACTION. It is here that I create the energy I want to surround myself with and come back home, ready to experience a new chapter in my life - Reborn. Also would love to share that this solitude is inconceivable to the mind, but experiential only when in awareness. I’m now ready and excited for my next chapter - CRAKK releasing in theatres on Feb 23rd, 2024. Pic courtesy - A Local Shepherd Mohar Singh.” On the work front, Vidyut was last seen in ‘B71.’ He has ‘Crakk’ and ‘Sher Singh Rana’ in the pipeline

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16 - 22 December 2023

Ajith reaches Samantha announces out to Aamir production house Khan, Vishnu A Vishal after they were rescued from the Chennai floods A ctor Ajith Kumar recently paid a visit to Aamir Khan and Tamil actor Vishnu Vishal who were recently rescued from Chennai floods. Both the actors were stranded at their house after Cyclone Michaung hit the area. In a new post, Vishnu revealed Ajith made travel arrangements for them and others in the community.

ctor Samantha Ruth Prabhu launched her production house, Tralala Moving Pictures, over the weekend, adding it will produce content “representative of new age expression and thought.” Taking to Instagram, she posted a video announcing her new venture. She said Tralala Moving Pictures will be a “nurturing place” and a platform for filmmakers to tell “meaningful” stories. Her caption read, “Very excited to announce my production house, Tralala Moving Pictures @tralalamovingpictures Tralala Moving Pictures aims to produce content representative of new age expression and thought. A nurturing space which invites and encourages stories that speak to the strength and complexity of our social fabric. And a platform for filmmakers to tell stories that are meaningful, authentic and universal (Inspired from one of my favourite songs growing up. Brown girl is in the ring now…).” Her fans and colleagues gave their compliments in the comment section. Samantha’s ‘The Family Man 2’ collaborators filmmaker duo Raj and DK also commented on the actor’s post, writing, “All the very best! God speed!” On the work front, Samantha was last seen in ‘Kushi’ alongside Vijay Deverakonda. She is currently on a break from acting to focus on the treatment of her autoimmune condition, myositis.

Chinmayi Sripaada reacts to ‘Pushpa’ actor Jagadeesh’s arrest S

inger Chinmayi Sripaada has opened up about actor Jagadeesh’s arrest, days after he was brought in for allegedly blackmailing an artiste leading to her death. Taking to X, she shared an article about his arrest. Chinmayi wrote, "The Telugu Film Chamber is one of the first Film Bodies in the Country that has a Sexual Harassment Redressal Committee. Had the woman known her rights and that she had legal help, and that she didn’t have to be scared - she’d have felt safer.” She also added, “Today another young woman is dead because a man felt

it is easy to blackmail her. Because of how our society tells the honour of a woman is in her body. And you know how it is with the Indian Legal System. This case will take years. This man will be on bail even if convicted like Gurmeet Ram Rahim. This is all there is. The man in the white shirt is Jagadeesh.” A news report quoted the police as saying that the actor was arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of a woman junior artiste. He has been accused of threatening and blackmailing the 34-year-old woman after “taking her photo along with a man.” The woman reportedly took her life on November 29, and a case was filed.

Nelson was warned against showing Rajinikanth’s grey hair in ‘Jailer’ D

Vishnu took to Twitter and posted a picture with Ajith and Aamir. He captioned it, “After getting to know our situation through a common friend, The ever helpful Ajith Sir came to check in on us and helped with travel arrangements for our villa community members…Love you Ajith Sir!” Vishnu also shared photos in which he and Aamir were seen in a rescue boat. Vishnu's wife, badminton player Jwala Gutta, was also seen with them. The caption read, "Thanks to the fire and rescue department in helping people like us who are stranded. Rescue operations have started in karapakkam..Saw 3 boats functioning already. Great work by TN govt in such testing times. Thanks to all the administrative people who are working relentlessly.” He added, “Our water is continuously rising from morning... It was below the entrance steps... Then started entering the house and it has slowly taken over the first floors of the entire community…Thats why we got worried... It's not going down.” Aamir, who was in Chennai to care for his hospitalised mother, got stuck as the water rose in Karapakkam after the cyclone.

irector Nelson Dilipkumar’s Rajinikanth-starrer ‘Jailer’ was released earlier this year and grossed more than £65 million worldwide. At the Film Companion Directors Adda 2023, he opened up about the “big challenge” he faced while not only writing but also filming the project. Nelson admitted many from the Tamil film industry told him, “don’t grey Rajinikanth’s hair” in the film and asked him to make the superstar do “whatever he has done already” if he wanted ‘Jailer’ to work. When asked if and when he had a doubt about ‘Jailer,’ Nelson said, “Throughout the writing process. What made me come out of that is Rajini sir (Rajinikanth), but not literally him. I somehow wanted to do a Rajini sir film, so when the doubt was happening, I used to convince myself 'Don't leave this project, somehow you have to do it'. While shooting also I had the same doubts. Because it is the first time I think that I made him (Rajinikanth) play his age. So that was the major doubt. A lot of people told me 'No, don't make him play his age, let him do whatever he has done already'. But I was a little confident or not

confident, both, about it. I said 'Somehow, even if it fails, let it be with my gut, so whatever I am making let's make and if it fails, I

will take the blame'. I didn't want someone else to confuse me.” He added, “Knowing his (Rajinikanth's) audience, and what he did in his 50 years, it was a very big challenge... whether I can satisfy that audience because the target for me for this film was to pull the maximum audience into the theatre. So I worked around it, I knew here and there I was doing something over-thetop, but still, that's what people expect from him. That's what I also feel... Rajinism is the backbone of that film... my doubts cleared only after the film... Before starting Jailer, many people told me, 'Don't grey his hair. Don't show him in grey hair'. When people from the industry say it so confidently, it shakes me up. But after 10 days of shoot I was a little confident. I saw the scenes working, then left it to the universe.”

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Bobby Deol’s viral ‘Animal’ entry song has an Iranian origin

Navya Nanda makes her modeling debut at L'Oreal show in Paris B

ollywood celebrities walking down the runway of international fashion shows is definitely a moment of pride. Over the years, many divas have made their jaw-dropping debuts on the international ramp. Next to join the list is Amitabh Bachchan's granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda. The star kid made her runway debut at Paris Fashion Week 2023 for the L'Oreal show which took place under the glittering light of

the Eiffel tower. Navya, who has fronted campaigns for the French beauty brand, strode down the ramp wearing a bright red dress which featured an off-shoulder neckline and plenty of ruffles. For a debut walk, she was in high company as Kendall Jenner, Elle Fanning and Eva Longoria, who are L'Oreal ambassadors, all walked the very same ramp in the crimson dress code. Making it even more memorable was the fact that

Navya's aunt Aishwarya Rai, also walked the ramp for the very same show. Aishwarya has been a L'Oreal brand ambassador for decades now and represents the label at annual international events like Cannes and Paris Fashion Week. This year too, Aishwarya stunned at the showcase in a glitzy gold beaded ensemble with a floor-length cape detail. With her signature red lip, her hair was worn in blonde curls.

ince the release of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal,’ social media has been abuzz with Bobby Deol’s entry scene where he is seen grooving to the song ‘Jamal Kudu.’ Many took to social media to share the music a few days after the movie's release. Makers of the film have now released a full version of the song, which has crossed 24 million views within four days of release on YouTube. ‘Jamal Kudu’ is based on a popular Iranian song called ‘Jamaal Jamaaloo,’ which has been transformed and designed for the film by music composer Harshvardhan Rameshwar. This song was inspired by a poem of the same name by Iranian poet Bijan Smandar. It was first sung by Shirazi Choir of the Kharazemi Girls High School in the 1950s. Over the years, it has become a popular wedding song. A rough English translation of the song reads, ''Oh my black-eyed beauty, don't play with my heart; You are leaving, embarking on a journey; And I'm getting crazy; Oh my love, my beloved.” A user commented on the video, “I remember this song as a child in every Iranian wedding I have attended. Glad to see it hits in a dance-loving culture such as India.” Another said, "Bobby Deol rocked this role. What a comeback!" A comment also read, “Let’s take time to appreciate Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s music selection. All songs that played are mind-blowing."

Shah Rukh's 'Jawan' X users react to Alia Bhatt, Jr NTR, Ram Andrew Garfield’s nominated at Charan, Chiranjeevi interaction at the Red Sea ASTRA Awards 2024 welcome Netflix Film Festival CEO to Hyderabad T A N

etflix CEO Ted Sarandos was in Hyderabad recently, where he was received by ‘RRR’ stars Ram Charan and Jr NTR. According to reports, after attending the premiere of ‘The Archies’ in Mumbai, he was received by Ram in Hyderabad. After a brief welcome, he took him back to his residence, where Ted met with veteran star Chiranjeevi, and actors Sai Dharam Tej and Vaisshnav Tej.

The next day, Jr NTR shared a glimpse of their lunchtime together. He wrote, “It was such a pleasure hosting you and your team for lunch, Ted Sarandos. Enjoyed our conversation and the afternoon spent together indulging in our love for movies and food.” Director Koratala Siva, who’s directing Jr NTR in ‘Devara,’ and his brother, actor Kalyanram also joined him for lunch. While the purpose of his visit remains unknown, fans are hoping for a collaboration between the actors and the OTT giant. One of the reasons behind the visit is said to be ‘RRR’s major success. It was the most-watched Indian film on Netflix last year. Meanwhile, Ted took to his Instagram handle to share his pictures from ‘The Archies’ premiere in Mumbai. Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Agastya Nanda, and other cast members shared smiles with Sarandos. He captioned it, “Had the best time in Mumbai at the premiere of The Archies with director @zoieakhtar alongside this amazing cast.”

he Hollywood Creative Alliance has announced their Astra Film and Creative Arts Awards (ASTRA Awards) nominations for 2024, and Shah Rukh Khan’s blockbuster ‘Jawan’ received a nomination. The action film, released on September 7, has been nominated in the Best International Feature category. Other nominations include ‘Barbie,’ ‘Oppenheimer,’ ‘Killer of the Flower Moon,’ ‘John Wick,’ ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,’ and other box office hits on the list. ‘Jawan’ was nominated in the best feature category from India. The list includes ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ (France), ‘Concrete Utopia’ (South Korea), 'Fallen Leaves’ (Finland), ‘Perfect Days’ (Japan), ‘Radical’ (Mexico), ‘Society of the Snow’ (Spain), 'The Taste of Things’ (France), ‘The Teacher’s Lounge’ (Germany), and ‘The Zone of Interest’ (United Kingdom). The Hollywood Creative Alliance is a film critic organisation based in Los Angeles, US. It was founded in 2016 as the Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society and renamed in 2019 to the Hollywood Critics Association. In 2023, the organisation changed its name a second time and rebranded its awards as The ASTRA Awards. The award winners will be revealed in Los Angeles on February 26, 2024. Apart from Shah Rukh Khan, ‘Jawan’ featured Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi in key roles alongside Deepika Padukone in a special appearance. Also in the movie were Sunil Grover, Ridhi Dogra, Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, Eijaz Khan, Lehar Khan and Girija Oak.

lia Bhatt was among several celebrities to attend the third edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival held in Saudi Arabia recently. While several photos and videos went to the internet, Alia and Hollywood actor Andrew Garfield exchanging smiles and handshakes at the closing ceremony caught everyone’s eyes. Alia wore a grey strapless gown with purple floral embroidery, while Andrew Garfield looked dapper in a black suit. Sharing their photos, an X user wrote, "Alia Bhatt and Andrew Garfield shaking hands omgg (Oh my God).” Reacting to it, another person wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Multiverse of madness just got real." A second said, "Alia Bhatt and Andrew Garfield moment (crying emojis)." A third wrote, "Alia to daughter Raha (when she is old enough to know): I met Spider-Man." Another said, “OMGGGGG." A fan also wrote, “Aww, the way they were smiling, manifesting them in a Hollywood movie.” One more said, “A Hollywood movie, please.” A fan also wrote, “She looks good with everyone like I need this to happen NOW.” During a conversation on the sidelines of the festival, Alia shared an anecdote about meeting actor-husband Ranbir Kapoor for the first time when she was nine. She revealed that she worked as a child artist on a Sanjay Leela Bhansali project, where Ranbir was an assistant director. Alia had said, “Actually the one time my mother was okay for me to be a child actor was when I was nine because of Sanjay Leela Bhansali cause he was making a movie. And I walked into his office and who was assisting Sanjay Leela Bhansali (SLB) at that time? Ranbir.” She added, “Obviously that time he was not an actor so I didn't even know, I wasn't even looking at him, I was looking at SLB. I was like, ‘This is the director, I am looking at him... There's a photo of us from that audition that I did for that movie that we were gonna do at that time which I still have with me.

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Uncapped Kashvee and Vrinda make it in brief BISHNOI BECOMES WORLD'S big at WPL-2 auction NO 1 T20I BOWLER

At the Women’s Premier League (WPL-2) mini-auction in Mumbai, the uncapped Indian pair of Kashvee Gautam and Vrinda Dinesh hit the jackpot when they were snapped up for a £200,000 by the Gujarat Giants and £130,000 by the UP Warriorz respectively. The only other player apart from Kashvee who attracted a bid of £200,000 was Australia’s Ireland-born pacer Annabel Sutherland, who was bought by the Delhi Capitals. For someone who went unsold in the last auction, it is indeed a surprise that Gautam’s bid was even higher than what the Mumbai Indians paid for Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur - £180,000 at the inaugural auction. Trooping in with the biggest purse after offloading more than half of their squad, the Gujarat Giants went flat out

The 22-year-old Vrinda, who went for 13 times her base price, has scored runs for Karnataka consistently over the past two seasons. Like Kashvee, she was a part of the India ‘A’ Kashvee Gautam and Vrinda Dinesh squad that played to secure the 20-year-old seamthree home games against bowling all rounder Kashvee, England ‘A’. Earlier this year, she who plays for Chandigarh in played a key role in Karnataka’s domestic cricket. run to the final of the Senior At the senior women’s T20 Women’s one-dayers, notching trophy last month, Kashvee up 477 runs in 11 innings at picked up 12 wickets in seven 47.70 , including 81 in the games at an economy rate of semifinal against Rajasthan. 4.14. She played for India ‘A’ in WPL-2 to be held in one state: the recently-concluded home Jay Shah series against England ‘A’. In Amid buzz that the WPL June, she was part of India’s could be held across two venues victorious Under-23 squad at - Mumbai and Bengaluru - in the ACC Emerging tournament February next year, BCCI in Hong Kong. secretary Jay Shah said, “We will

Bowlers earn India consolation win Playing for the first time in the series, Amanjot Kaur showed remarkable spunk, stroking leftarm spinner Sophie Ecclestone for three fours - two superb drives to extra cover followed by a reverse sweep - in the penultimate over to seal India’s five-wicket win over England in a low-scoring third and final Women’s T20I at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night. The consolation victory helped India finish the threematch series with a 1-2 scoreline, and should give them confidence going into the one off Test against the visitors at the DY Patil Stadium from December 14. Having taken two wickets in the final over of England’s innings earlier, Amanjot, who replaced fellow medium-pacer

Pooja Vastrakar, helped India finish off the 127-run chase with one over left. Needing 11 off the final two overs, India suffered a jolt when Richa Ghosh (2) lost her stumps while trying to scoop Ecclestone, before Amanjot took them home comfortably. India lost Shafali Verma (6) early, but Smriti Mandhana (48) and Jemimah Rodrigues (29) added 57 for the second wicket in 55 balls for the second wicket to put India’s chase on track.

India engages 47 foreign experts for 2024 Paris Olympics India’s growing dependence on foreign coaches has again come to the fore. In its bid to boost India’s medal chances at the Olympics, the government has engaged 47 foreign experts across disciplines to guide the country’s athletes to podium finishes at the Paris Games in 2024. The number of such experts currently associated with Indian sports is the highest-ever. Among them, athletics has the maximum engagement with a total of seven foreign coaches, two physiotherapists and one recovery expert hired at a cumulative salary of £1.3 million annually among the highpriority and priority sports. It’s followed by hockey where the services of chief coaches Craig Fulton (men’s team) and Janneke Schopman

(women’s), five assistant coaches and two scientific advisors for both the senior and junior teams have been earmarked at £690,000 per annum. Incidentally, Fulton is the highest paid among the foreign coaches at a monthly salary of $18,724. The senior men’s hockey team has Fulton, Alan Tan and Rhett Kennedy as coaches and Patrick Upton as mental trainer, while the women’s team has Schopman, Taren Naidoo and Anthony Farry as coaches, with Peter Harberi working as mental trainer. In shooting, the government is spending £540,000 annually to cover the salaries and other expenses of a high-performance director (HPD), a highperformance manager and four foreign coaches.

start the tournament most probably in the second or third week of February. As far as the venue is concerned, it will be held in one state only so that it is better logistically.” At the WPL-2 auction, former India captain and Gujarat Giants mentor Mithali Raj said that she believed that it would be a boost for women’s cricket if the tournament is held across multiple venues. Shah, however, said, “Logistics are very important for us this time. Next time we can figure it out. We can do it either in Bangalore or Uttar Pradesh also. We have so many venues, even in Gujarat, where we have Ahmedabad. Rajkot and after a few years Baroda can build their own stadium. Basically it is a joint call between the franchises and the BCCI,” Shah said.

South Africa win raininterrupted T20I by five wickets South Africa chased down the revised target of 152 runs to defeat India by five wickets in a rain-interrupted T20I match at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha on Tuesday. After being asked to bat first by South Africa captain Aiden Markram, India were propelled to a score of 180/7 by half centuries from Rinku Singh (unbeaten on 68 from 39 balls) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (56 off 36). There were three balls still left in the Indian innings when rain held up play. Eventually, the DLS Method was used to set a target of 152 off 15 overs. Opener Reeza Hendricks scored 49 off 27 balls while most of other South African batters got off to starts as the hosts chased down the target without really breaking into a sweat. The only time they were under pressure in the second innings was when they lost three wickets in quick succession including that of Hendricks and Heinrich Klaasen. The first of the three T20Is

was washed out in Durban on Sunday. There was a chance of the second T20I at St George’s Park in Gqeberha also being interrupted by rain, but the match started as scheduled after some initial concerns. India surprisingly chose to leave out Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi from the side, while Ruturaj Gaikwad also missed out due to illness. India and South Africa will also lock horns in three ODIs and two Tests. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India come into the T20I bilateral having closed a 4-1 win against Australia in the five-T20I series at home earlier this month. South Africa on the other hand are being led by Aiden Markram, who was appointed the full-time T20I captain earlier this year. Rinku Singh solidified his standing as a reliable finisher by scoring his maiden half-century, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav displayed his trademark style, guiding India to a total of 180 for seven in the second T20 clash.

Windies clinch ODI series against England Keacy Carty hit a half-century and Matthew Forde took three wickets as West Indies claimed a four-wicket win in the rain affected third One-day International to clinch their first home ODI series victory over England since 1998. Chasing a DuckworthLewis (DLS) par score of 188 in 34 overs, Carty (50) combined with Alick Athanaze (45) for a 76-run partnership, before Romario Shepherd hit 41 to help the West Indies get over the finish line with 14 balls to spare. Earlier, Forde (3-29) took the wickets of top order batters Phil Salt, Will Jacks and Zak Crawley to leave England on 45/3 in an excellent spell on his ODI debut. England’s innings was rescued by Ben Duckett, whose knock of 71 came off 73 balls, while Liam Livingstone was able to shrug off his recent struggles with the bat to contribute 45 runs as the visitors posted a total of 206 in 40 overs at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The two sides will face each other in a five-match Twenty20 series, with the first game of the series being played at the same venue. West Indies skipper Shai Hope said, “We got the win, that’s what we wanted. Great to see the batters chipping in with good performances. I remember making my debut here. It is always an amazing feeling. Forde has a bright future.”

Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi rose to the top spot in the ICC T20I bowling chart on the back of his recent player-of-the series performance against Australia. The 23-year-old was India’s go-to bowler in the just concluded series against Australia, taking nine wickets from five games. Bishnoi, who is on 699 rating points, has jumped five places to displace Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan (692) from the top slot. Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and England’s Adil Rashid, who both have 679 points, are in joint third. Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana (677) completes the top five. Bishnoi is the only Indian bowler in the top 10 in the shortest format even as Axar Patel climbed nine spots to be 18th. Suryakumar Yadav, who captained India during the series against Australia, held on to the top spot among batters, while opener Ruturaj Gaikwad dropped a place to be seventh. Hardik Pandya retained the third spot in the all-rounders’ list, despite missing the series against Australia.

U-19 ASIA CUP: AZAN TON HELPS PAKISTAN TO BEAT INDIA Pakistan rode on Azan Awais’s classy unbeaten century to beat arch-rivals India by eight wickets in the ongoing U-19 Asia Cup at Dubai on Sunday. India managed a mediocre 259 for 9 in 50 overs, largely due to late surge by Sachin Dhas, who hit three sixes in his 42-ball-58. Skipper Uday Saharan (60 off 98 balls) and opener Adarsh Singh (62 off 81 balls) couldn’t force the pace adding only 93 runs in 20 overs. For the winners, right-arm medium pacer Mohammed Zeeshan took four for 46. The biggest name among U-19s -Sarfaraz Khan’s younger brother Musheer (2) couldn’t repeat the performance of the opening game. In reply, Pakistan romped home in just 47 overs with southpaw Azan anchoring the chase, scoring a patient 105 not out off 130 balls with 10 fours. He first added 110 for the second wicket with opener Shazaib Khan and another 125 in just 19.1 overs with Saad Baig, who smashed unbeaten 68 off just 51 balls with eight boundaries and a maximum.

ASHWINI-TANISHA PAIR WINS WOMEN’S DOUBLES CROWN India’s Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto on Sunday won the women’s doubles title of the Guwahati Masters 2023 badminton tournament, beating Chinese Taipei’s Sung Shuo Yun and Yu Chien Hui 21-13, 21-19 in the final. This was Ashwini and Tanisha’s second title as a pair, having previously won the Abu Dhabi Masters Super 100 this year. Additionally, they reached the final of the Syed Modi International Super 300 tournament in Lucknow last week. The Indian shuttlers dominated the first game. After tying at 1-1, Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto took charge, steadily extending their lead and confidently securing the opener for a lead.

NZ EDGE BANGLADESH IN 2ND TEST TO LEVEL SERIES New Zealand beat Bangladesh by four wickets on the fourth day of the second test to level the two-match series a t 1-1 as Ajaz Patel ripped through the Asian side with six wickets before his batting colleagues secured victory. Chasing 137 to win on a treacherous track at Mirpur’s Shere Bangla Stadium after Bangladesh’s Zakir Hasan hit a battling 59, the tourists rode on Glenn Phillips’ unbeaten 40 and Mitchell Santner’s 35 not out to prevail. “It was a bit of scrap,” New Zealand skipper Tim Southee said. “It’s nice to come out on the right side of it. The guys trusted their ways. The way Phillips and Santner play, it’s on the attacking side to the other players. And they did that.”