AV 16th October 2021

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16 - 22 OCTOBER 2021 - VOL 50 ISSUE 24 “Seva Ratna Sanmman”: Our tribute to the unsung Covid heroes of Britain

Roots: Grandmothers and traditions SEE PAGE - 14

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‘MIND’ THE GAP

Have a safe festive season

Deaths at the start of the pandemic could have been avoided, in what turned out to be the worst public health failures. 18 months later, how do we cope with the mental health pandemic?

Shefali Saxena

As World Mental Health Day was observed on 10 October and we might be progressing towards a postpandemic life, it cannot be ruled out that we are in the middle of a mental health pandemic. Figures by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) earlier this year revealed that cases of adult depression made up a larger percentage of overall diagnoses by GPs than pre-pandemic. All ethnic groups saw a decrease in the number of depression diagnoses, but this was not evenly spread.

Indian ethnic group saw the lowest (13.8%), the report said.

The UK is reopening and we’re gladly entering the festive season. While this year will finally reunite families and friends and we’ll be able to celebrate together, it is imperative to acknowledge that crime rates and safety issues are a burning topic in the country. This implies that venturing out of home with jewels, safeguarding families, businesses that sell precious items is going to be a mammoth task. It is common knowledge that there are thefts, burglaries and knife crimes in and around locations where the BAME community resides, especially during the festive season when families are vulnerable. Asian Voice tried to get a sense of what can be done in order to have a safe celebration.

Continued on page 6

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AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

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16 - 22 October 2021

with Keith Vaz

Harrow’s national lottery winner’s no-show

Debashis Ghosh Consultant & Surgeon, The Royal Free London Debashis Ghosh is the Clinical Lead for Breast services at The Royal Free London Breast Unit that is considered one of the leading breast units in the world In addition to the Royal Free Hospital in London he holds appointments at the Private International Hospitals The Harley Street Clinic, &The London Clinic.

Dr Ghosh graduated from Grant Medical College, Bombay University, India in 1990 with an MBBS (1st class honours). Further surgical training and qualifications include Higher Specialist Training in Breast & Oncoplastic Surgery at University Hospitals of Leicester, University Hospitals, Cambridge; post-CCT Fellowship at the Royal Free Hospital London; and Visiting Fellow at The Paris Breast Institute.

He is one of the top breast cosmetic and reconstruction surgeons and has a special interest for Innovations in Breast surgery and is one of the pioneers in using Intraoperative Radiotherapy, Electrochemotherapy, and use of seeds and radioactivity for Cancer localisations. Bench side to bedside innovations and Personalised cancer care are his top priorities.

He is also the Director at Adamas University Kolkata for its upcoming Medical School.

He has been the National Spokesperson for NHS England UK for Be Clear on Cancer campaign. He is considered a Key Opinion leader in Breast surgery. He is one of the top Medicolegal experts in the UK. 1. Which place or city or country do you most feel at home in?

London is where I feel most at home. I love its multicultural diversity and enjoy walking on the streets where I feel like a global citizen hearing languages from every country in the world. I grew up in Bombay a city that never sleeps but now I am part of a city that always lives.

2. What are your proudest achievements?

My proudest achievement is when I became a consultant surgeon in Royal Free London NHS. It was breaking through the ceiling and being part of Central London teaching hospital. It was always the dream to play in the premier league and that day I felt I had arrived. I have always been treated as an equal in this country and this appointment was proof of that 3. What inspires you?

Success and stories of success inspires me. One single person who has inspired me most was Ex-President of India APJ Kalam and his book Wings of fire. I had the honour of meeting him and having dinner with him. I had his biography on an audiobook, and it played in my car over and over again. It was a life changer, and it fulfilled the reason why he had written it.

4. What has been biggest obstacle in your career?

This pandemic has been the greatest challenge I have faced where I had to overcome a lot of hurdles to maintain a breast cancer service in North and Central London. The obstacle and challenges were physical as well as the unknown we were facing. The constant changes and adapting to new challenges that were being presented in order to maintain a safe service for patients and my staff pushed me to new limits.

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

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My Trainers in the NHS particularly Late Mo Keshtgar and Tim Davidson who trained me to become one of the best. I would also add Steve Jobs who has influenced me in believing that innovation is key to survival. I believe same as him that this current century will be the intersection of biology with technology and will see great leaps in medicine.

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

I work in the field of breast cancer. I feel humbled that I am able to serve the women and help them in this difficult journey. I am part of one of the best teams in world for reconstruction and research and being able to contribute to the advancement in treatment and wellbeing of my patients has been my privilege.

7. And the worst?

As the Clinical lead of one of the largest breast services in the country I have to deal with a lot of human emotions.

I see a lot of turmoil, I wish I could do more to help them.

8. What are your long-term goals?

I wish to retire from Surgery in ten years’ time when I wish to work in promoting hospices and improving patients with terminal care across the world. This remains a very neglected service. There are many associated taboos that need to be addressed.

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

If I were the Prime Minister, I would like to see that healthcare workers valued as much as footballers or social media celebrities.

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

I would love to be marooned with Gautama the Buddha and listen to him. I would love to learn from him first-hand.

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The mystery continues in Harrow as a customer fails to turn up after winning a whopping £1,000,000 lottery. Only a few days left to claim the ticket money, the National Lottery has appealed to the lucky ticket holder to come forward and claim the ticket.

Players who bought

their tickets on April 30, 2021, are being asked to check their tickets to assure they don’t lose out on the money.

If no one comes forward to claim the money before the deadline, i.e. 27th October, then the prize money along with the interest will go to aid National

Lottery-funded projects across the UK. Camelot’s Andy Carter, who works as senior winners’ advisor at The National Lottery, told Harrow times that whoever has the winning ticket must call the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 to claim.

Man’s stolen Mercedes-Benz car found in a chop shop A man’s stolen car lead Essex police to a chop shop that contained 14 stolen cars worth £600,000. It was for tracker device, Alpesh Patel found his stolen MercedesBenz S500 AMG, worth £55,000 in mere 5 hours.

When Mr Patel saw his car nowhere in his driveway, he checked the CCTV, which confirmed that his car was stolen. He immedi-

ately alerted Tracker, a service that helps in recovering stolen vehicles, to track down the car with the help of a tracker device that was already installed on Mr Patel’s car.

Clive Wain, the head of police liaison at Tracker informed Harrow Times that Essex has many chop shops as stripped parts hold value.

Man loses life at NHS Nightingale owing to ventilator faux pas 58-year-old Kishorkumar Patel’s death in Nightingale ExCel Centre in east London has led to an inquiry. Medical examiner Nadia Persaud forwarded a report mentioning multiple incidents of staff using the ‘wrong filter’.

The report she submitted said, “There was a serious incident in which the wrong filter was found to

have been used within the breathing systems of the intensive care ventilator.”

Mr Patel was transferred to Nightingale hospital from

Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow where he was admitted for the treatment of Covid-19.

Dr Tariq Husain, a consultant in anesthesiology at Northwick Park Hospital, clarified that Mr Patel had had no primary health conditions and had to transfer him as the hospital had “five to six consultants managing the patients.”

Pervert gets 10-week jail sentence for filming images underneath clothes Colindale resident Martin Stone has been sentenced for recording upskirt images between August 2 and August 4. He admitted the crime affirming that he did record images of 18 different passengers with the sole purpose of enjoying sexual gratification by

looking at the images.

Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court awarded him a 10-week jail sentence and suspended him for 12 months. Along with this, a sexual harm prevention order has been passed which bans him to possess any device that can store

images.

He will not be able to travel on any London underground, DLR or London Overground unless he pays it with either an Oyster or Contactless payment card that is registered in his name.

The Foreign Office lifts restrictive Covid travel advice for 51 countries and territories UK travellers can now make their plans to visit 51 coun-

tries and territories following the lifting of restrictive Covid travel advice. On Monday, 42 ex-red list countries and territories will see the advice removed. Many travellers will now be able to get their hands on travel insurance for the destinations they are visiting.

The Bahamas, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Jamaica, Martinique, Palau, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Western 15% could not buy fuel.

Manchester United and Sahara, are the countries England footballer Marcus and territories where 'all Rashford, meanwhile, con- but essential travel' firmed the news by adding advice has been lifted.

Angola, Argentina, that the food banks he works with are facing the same Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, the issues.

17% adults confirmed of not being able to buy essential food items- ONS survey As per the new Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey, around 17 per cent of adults confirmed that they were unable to purchase essential goods as they were not available, while 23 per cent were not able to buy non-essential food items.

ONS put out the results after by taking a survey of 52,375,337 adults. The survey also indicated that over the past overnight, 57 per cent said that they were able to buy everything they needed while

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guyana, Indonesia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Nepal, Paraguay, Philippines, Reunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, are some of the countries and territories where 'all but essential travel' advice will be lifted on Monday.

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COMMENTS 3

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

16 - 22 October 2021

A tragic report of a ‘shameless’ Britain What a shame! A country that has been the beacon of hope for the world, being one of the pioneers of Covid-19 vaccine inventions, has let hundreds die with a false prospect of “herd immunity”.

In 2020, Asian Voice wrote a comment pinpointing the catastrophic failure that led to deaths of so many, including health workers, many of whom were from the community.

Former No 10 adviser Dominic Cummings has renewed his attack on PM Boris Johnson in the wake of scathing report into the government’s response to the coronavirus crisis – calling his ex-boss a “joke prime minister”.

Mr Cummings claimed Mr Johnson thwarted his own attempts to improve emergency planning in Whitehall and said the system remains “a disaster” 18 months on from the pandemic, the Independent reported.

Here is a problem. We have got the country vaccinated.

Despite what numbers say, perhaps 60 percent of the whole population is now vaccinated. But there was a mismanagement of a disaster, and those people who have partaken in that disaster now stand against each other in a boxing match of blame game.

Doctors, many of whom are Asians lost their lives. The families are still waiting for justice. The community in fact has come forward to help each other and pay tribute or compensate. Asian Voice organised Seva Ratna Sanman on Sunday 3 October 2021, to pay homage to those who have helped the community survive.

Even during the second wave, we were late to close the country down, as cases multiplied. It killed more than 50,000 people, totalling the deaths to over 150,000 and from 12 September 2020 onwards, the differences in Covid-19 mortality compared with the White British population increased for people of Bangladeshi and Pakistani ethnic backgrounds. The Bangladeshi group had

the highest rates, 5.0 and 4.1 times greater than for White British males and females respectively. Currently, as cases grow, the numbers are the highest in Hounslow, followed by Ealing.

The cross-party MPs’ report said the government’s failure to act at the start of the Covid pandemic ‘cost lives, blaming a culture of “fatalism” and pandemic planning that had been far too focused on flu’.

The report also said former health secretary Matt Hancock’s April 2020 target to have 100,000 Covid tests a day as “an appropriate one to galvanise the rapid change the system needed”.

Next comes Britain's collapsing foreign policies, blaming coronavirus for the Brexit-related chaos. Mr Johnson’s fixation with the exit policy has left the country in shortage of nurses, truck drivers, food, petrol and even toilet papers!

The ‘demented’ foreign policy also led to a breakdown of an otherwise robust international relationship with India. Despite a discussion over the phone on Indo-pacific policies recently, it seems Indian PM Narendra Modi has dropped the idea of attending COP26 in Glasgow. Perhaps it is justified as the UK only allows Indian passengers off the quarantine list partially.

Everybody knows India’s Prime Minister has taken the “made in India” vaccine- Covaxin, and Britain has still not approved it as a 'valid' vaccine, neither has WHO. In its latest Global Financial Stability Report the IMF is warning that Covid-19’s lingering impact is fading optimism among investors, which could lead to financial tightening.

Wrong decisions have cost Britain lives and livelihood. Mr Johnson is carrying on being the “hero” of the Referendum war.

This Covid report should actually shame the government. It’s tragic that nothing has changed so far. But people are not expected to be tolerant to misgivings anymore. If general election is the answer, may the best judgement prevail!

Celebrations and safety go hand in hand The season of celebration is here. A viral video of Navratri celebration on streets of Leicester has been doing rounds, where men and women are seen to be doing ‘garba’ on Kensington Street as bystanders enjoy the sight. This is Britain’s society trying to normalise life after a year of isolation. From east to north and west to south, Britain’s Indian community is absolutely thrilled to be celebrating Navratri and Durga puja.

Midland Indian Association was founded in 1968. There is a venue, bought and designated for Durga puja, where every year hundreds gather. Keeping Covid protocols in mind, over 40 Durga Pujas across the UK are preparing to welcome visitors. People have stitched new clothes, keeping sustainability and plights of small businesses that suffered during Covid, in mind. From weavers to handlooms, people have come forward to support their own. London Sharad Utsav or Ealing Durga Puja, this year, is celebrating women. This year’s two priests are Covid warriors- doctors, who are taking turns to do the rituals.

Adda Slough’s puja is being inaugurated by Tan Dhesi MP while Home Secretary Priti Patel, in a lovely and heart-warming message congratulated the Essex Indians for the effort to celebrate Durga puja with the diaspora.

106 people are gearing up to visit 6 Durga pujas across London in a chartered bus, as a part of “Puja Porikroma” (rounds of Puja celebrations) put together by Indian Bengalis in UK (IBUK), a community organisation for Bengalis in Britain.

After Durga puja and Navratri comes Diwali. The corpo-

rate celebrations for Diwali are starting from next week and will go on for the coming one month. As life normalises, people also plan regularising dressing up, going out and travelling to meet friends and families.

Not to mar the excitement of celebrations, in the current grim economic situation, it is likely racism will increase.

Attacks on bejewelled Asian woman in a traditional saree will be easier to target. So, the time of celebrations call for caution. First, it is vital to take care of your belonging, while walking on the road. Every day we hear of stabbing or stealing at knife point. Tower hamlets has the worst case of knife related crimes. Second, as winter makes people “homebound” it is important not to walk around on empty streets alone. Third it is time to fix that alarm system and not store gold jewelleries at home. It is also important, to take care of your health. With a year of staying indoors, our immunities are weak. So, to protect ourselves from the flu and Covid, wearing face masks, ventilating homes and taking the booster shot when offered is key.

Festivals are symbols of our belief and faith. But they are also representation of a bond that holds the community together. Faith is possible minus culture, but they are both much needed supports for societies to prosper. In the era of religion related narrow mindedness or discriminations, it is fundamental to keep your head high and roots firm. But it is also important to back each other to keep safe and well. Happy festivals, dear readers!

Drugs, other addictions rampant in Bollywood The arrest of Aryan Khan and his friends in drugs abuse case is not an isolated incident. The investigation into actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death revealed the malaise that has afflicted Bollywood. Sushant's girlfriend, actor Rhea Chakraborty reportedly has revealed the names of 15 Bollywood celebrities in her interrogation by Narcotics Control Bureau, whom she has seen consuming drugs. Many celebs in the past too, have either been caught with or confessed to consuming drugs.

Sanjay Dutt has been very vocal about his drug addiction when he was young. Kangana Ranaut had claimed recently that 99 per cent of Bollywood celebs indulge in drugs. She had also taken to Twitter and wrote, “I request Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Ayan Mukerji, Vicky Kaushik to give their blood samples for drug test, there are rumours that they are cocaine addicts, I want them to bust these rumours, these young men can inspire millions if they present clean samples.” Now, an old video has surfaced, where the 33-year-old claims she was an addict when she had initially entered the film industry. “Soon as I ran away from my house, I became a film star in a couple of years and a drug addict,” she is seen saying.

Another actor, who like Dutt and Ranaut, has been vocal about his drug addiction is Prateik Babbar. He revealed that his struggle started before high school. Actor Fardeen Khan had been arrested by NCB on charges of possessing cocaine. Vijay Raaz is another actor who was reportedly detained in UAE in 2005 for possessing narcotic drugs. Ranbir Kapoor confessed to doing pot. He said, “It was hard to get in the moment on stage with 300 bored junior artistes posing as a real audience. Pot made those moments feel real.” There were many other actors who were or are drugs addicts. Drugs and alcohol are part of

Bollywood parties. So, it is not surprising that there are suppliers who are aware to whom the stuff is provided. A police informer said that not only celebrities but children of some government officials were also caught taking drugs. So, it is not only the glamour industry but there are people from other industries also who consume drugs.

It is also alleged that those belonging to the music and the fashion industry too are known to consume drugs. Singer Yo Yo Honey Singh had earlier confessed to addiction and was treated at home by his family. Actors do experiment with drugs, once they reach saturation and they want to try something else. Actors are very conscious of how they look irrespective of what is happening inside of them. They resort to drugs and it is considered to be cool. Some people take drugs because they want to belong to the elitist group. Another big attraction is alcohol. Big parties without drinks are rare. Mumbai is crime capital of India. Politics also play a big role in the growth of vices in the city. Whenever the Central agencies intervene, local politicians try to prevent Central agencies from doing their duty. They see the action by the Centre as an interference in the affairs of the state government. In the Aryan Khan affair, the NCP saw it as an interference by the Centre and they blamed the ruling party for arresting Aryan and his friends.

The finding of a vehicle with bomb near Mukesh Ambani's residence need thorough investigation. The police department is also hand in glove with anti-social elements there. Unless there is a sincere effort by the police, politicians and others who have a stake in the present situation, the vices afflicting the metropolis cannot be curbed. Let us hope that all stakeholders will make a sincere effort to have a secure future for India

There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t. — John Green

Alpesh Patel

The Most Dangerous Man in the World and Me AQ Khan is dead. The former Head of the CIA called him one of the most dangerous men in the world. He was the ‘father’ of what the BBC called the ‘Islamic’ nuclear bomb – Pakistan’s nuclear bomb.

That he stole nuclear secrets from the Dutch is not why Western Spies called him dangerous. Nor that he was behind unstable Pakistan’s nuclear bomb – that would be dangerous enough given the cry each time their army fires mortars towards India – “Allah o Akbar” – that religious extremism is the force behind their nuclear bombs is bad enough.

No, the CIA and MI6 considered him dangerous because he gave nuclear secrets to North Korea and Iran.

If you think it’s fair the West has nuclear bombs, why should religious or mentally unstable fanatics have it too – take a look at your passport.

I first came across AQ Khan’s work in the mid-1990s when I worked in the US Congress for Congressman Eliot Engel. My Congressman was lobbying the US White House and State Department to have Pakistan declared a terrorist State.

My job working for Eliot was to collect signatures from other US Senators and members of Congress. I got to visit CIA too. It is like in the movies – the entrance does have the wall with the stars for lost agents in the field. I had access to laser disc libraries of articles and documents to do research, including the Journal of Atomic Physics. Without which I would not have found an article in which AQ Khan admitted to having built the bomb. This was 1994 remember.

I recall finding it. I couldn’t believe it. The fool, the arrogant fool – AQ Khan – his vanity, he admitted he’d done it. I was sitting in one of the Library rooms reserved for Congressional staff. My heart was pounding. It was late evening in around November time. I hit print. Three times. One copy for Eliot and another for my files (I still have it), and a third for another Government.

I didn’t think then and don’t today that the US Government did enough to protect its citizens. When Bin Laden was found in Pakistan – it was proof the US Government had not done enough to shut down the Pakistani terrorist network. Mix the nuclear weapons issues, and you saw why.

I shared what I found with relevant people of another Government. They were not, but if they were Israeli, I am pretty sure they would have done to AQ Khan what the Israelis did to Iranian nuclear scientists. Dead.

Assassinated. Extra-judicial? Unlawful? Grow up!

In the end, no Government finished Khan – Covid did. The CIA is correct; he was the world’s most dangerous man. And that is why Pakistanis love him.

Understand this. Our values and the values of those who regard Khan as a hero are diametrically opposed.

My miniscule screams at two Governments to do more amounted to nothing. But I think it was the most important work of my life.

Let it be known – we are everywhere and we are legion in numbers today – those who believe in liberalism and democracy and human rights and equality between religions and gender. We are in your Governments – Korean, Pakistani, Iranian, Afghan, Syrian.

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16 - 22 October 2021

Conservative Friends of India at The Party Conference – Manchester 21 The Conservative Friends of India - the largest affiliate group of the Conservative Party - was back with a bang at Conservative Party Conference in Manchester. Co-Chairs of CF India Cllr Reena Ranger OBE and Cllr Ameet Jogia working to further develop and strengthen the Party’s engagement with the 1.7 million British Indian community, jointly hosted with the Indian High Commission the spectacular Conference Reception after two years.

The reception was completely sold out and attended by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Health Secretary Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, International Trade Secretary Rt Hon Anne Marie Treyelan MP, Education Secretary Rt Hon Nadhim Zawahi MP, Transport Secretary Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP and Northern Ireland Secretary Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP . Also speaking were long-standing supporters and

Home Secretary Priti Patel

Groupfie with Conservative party members, MPs, Ministers, Councillors and HE Gaitri Issar, High Commissioner of India to the UK

Parliamentary Vice Chairs Padma Shri award winner Bob Blackman MP, Minister for London Paul Scully MP and Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP and CF India Patron Lord Rami Ranger. London’s popular former Mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey also enthused the crowds, along with the newly elected Member of Scottish Parliament Pam Gosal Scotland’s first female Asian MP. Speaking at the reception Her Excellency

Chancellor Rishi Sunak

Gaitri Issar Kumar, paid tribute to the “Living Bridge” that is the British Indian diaspora and the work they do in fostering great relations between the UK and India.

Rt Hon Rishi Sunak said, “I love Conservative Friends of India, this is my home and I wouldn’t be here without your

Health Secretary Sajid Javid

support.” Rishi also paid tribute to the Indian High Commissioner and the commitment to strengthen trade relations with India.

Co-Chairs Ameet Jogia and Reena Ranger said it was fantastic to be back with an inperson, “we look forward to restarting our events and engaging with more Conservative Parliamentarians and our members. The vote of thanks was delivered by CF India Director Nayaz Qazi who paid tribute to the CF India members, Parliamentary support and to the Co-Chairs Reena Ranger and Ameet Jogia.

CF India hosted a stall at Conference and signed up record members, as well as hosting a roundtable dinner with Trade Minister Ranil Jayawardena MP, who has been at the forefront of developing the road map of a Free Trade Agreement between Britain and the UK.

Asian people asked to donate plasma for medicine South Asian people are being asked to donate plasma. It’s a new form of blood donation with donor centres in areas with large South Asian populations.

Plasma makes up most of your blood and it contains antibodies that can fight infections in other people.

Donation has only just restarted in the UK after 23 years. The donor centres in areas with significant south Asian populations include Manchester, Birmingham, Croydon, Newham, Bolton and Reading.

Asian people donated previously plasma in large numbers for coronavirus research and it is hoped they will also now donate plasma. The plasma is made into medicine which saves the lives of people with immune disorders.

Around 4% of people currently donating plasma are of Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi heritage.

NHS Blood and Transplant has around 10,000 plasma donors but that is only enough to fill around 30% of plasma donation appointments. NHSBT needs 30,000 more people to become plasma donors in the next six months.

Laraib Janjua, 28, from Northampton, received medicine made from plasma after developing myasthenia gravis.

The disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which your own antibodies destroy the communication between nerves and muscle.

“It started off by not being able to speak, and then I couldn’t eat, drink, chew, spit or

Hector Chinoy donating plasma

tion, but there is a need to reach To drive more donaall communities living near tions, the first plasma donor centres, to help make sure donation paid adverts there are enough donors. in more than 20 Dr Hector Chinoy, a years are now rolling Consultant Rheumatologist at out. They will start Salford Royal, said: “We need online and over the next few weeks and months plasma donors from every ethwill also be on the radio, nicity to save lives. Many people street signs and TV. of South Asian heritage live near They highlight that the new plasma donor centres. plasma is ‘the medicine The NHS had a fantastic in you’. response from Asian people The 11 new plasma donating plasma for coronavirus donor centres are in research and now we’d like to see Barnsley, Birmingham, the same for plasma donation for Laraib Janjua Bolton, Bristol, immunoglobulin medicine.

Chelmsford, Croydon, “I donate plasma. I also reguManchester, Reading, Stockton, Stratford, larly prescribe immunoglobulin for patients. and Twickenham.

It’s a powerful mix of donor antibodies Around 17,000 people receive made from plasma donations. For my immunoglobulins each year. patients, immunoglobulin works by stopPlasma donation is similar to blood ping their immune system from attacking donation. In plasma donation, some of your their own bodies. It’s also used to fight infecblood is gradually run through a machine tions. Around 17,000 people a year need that separates out some of your plasma. these medicines but they can only come Your red blood cells are returned to you, so from donors – it’s a medicine in your blood you can carry on with your day as that could be the only treatment which normal. saves someone’s life.”

swallow,” said Laraib.

“I suffered from severe fatigue. I was unable to climb up a flight of stairs or walk for more than 10 minutes without being severely out of breath.”

A few weeks later the disease had progressed so badly that she was admitted to hospital, choking and unable to breath.

She received the medicine made from plasma, which calmed down her immune system and stopped it attacking her.

Laraib said: “I never understood or quite frankly knew about plasma donation until I received it. I am beyond grateful for those who have donated and continued to do so, the immunoglobulin medicine has given me my life back.”

The ethnicity of the donor and recipient is not a factor in plasma donaEnvironment Agency awarded Charan Sekhon ‘East Anglia Lockdown Hero Award’ for supporting diverse commu24 hour helpline e nities and international students last 020 8361 6151 summer during the Covid-19 pandemic and national lockdowns and for his support to his Environment Agency colleagues through the Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network and • An independent Hindu fam mily business UNISON. • D Dedic di atted d Shiva Shi chapel h l off restt Charan, a Senior Environment Officer for the Environment Agency • Washing and dressing facilities East Anglia Area, H&S Rep and • Ritual service items provided Equalities Coordinator for UNISON • Priest arranged for perforrming last rites received a commendation from the Environment Agency for his excep• Specialists in repatriation n to India tional community work with SEVA Trust UK throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

Charan has been supporting and coordinating Covid-19 support projects with Bedford based charity SEVA Trust since March 2020 covering Chandu Tailor 07957 250 851 Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and Jay Tailor 07583 616 151 Hertfordshire where hundreds of Bhanubhai Patel 07939 232 664 International students and families Dee Kerai 07437 616 151 were provided with food and other essential items since the Corona pan24 hour helpline: 020 8361 6151 | e: info@tailor.co.uk | w: www.tailor.co.uk demic started.

Chani House, Lower Park Road, New Southgate, London, N11 1QD

Environment Agency honoured SEVA Trust UK Chairman with ‘The Lockdown Hero’ Award wonderful work”.

He was also comCharan said “It has mended for his work been a very tough year within the Environment for everyone, the workAgency in supporting his places, families, local work colleagues through communities and the UNISON and the BAME students have all been networking, raising hugely impacted by the awareness about diversieffects of the Covid-19 ty, H&S and the impacts Pandemic. We set up a of Covid19 on BAME wide range of support communities. projects through SEVA Environment Agency Trust and everyone Area Director Simon worked very hard to Hawkins presented the support the local comaward to Charan over an munities and internaEast Anglia Area staff Charan Sekhon tional students during teleconference attended these very tough times by over 425 staff memfor all. We worked closely with combers and UNISON representatives. On munity groups, universities, UNISON, this occasion, Simon said “The work student unions and other stakeholders Charan has been doing for local comto reach out to those in real need and I munities in addition to his day job and would like to thank everyone who supthe support he has given to his fellow ported us in playing our part. Let’s Environment Agency colleagues is hope we all can carry on supporting truly commendable and on behalf of each other as the crisis is not yet over.

East Anglia Area, a big thanks to him.

I would like to thank the Environment This shows a really good example of Agency and my UNISON branch for how people do things often in the their excellent support.” background silently, but doing some

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16 - 22 October 2021

Have a safe festive season Continued from page 1 Commenting on how the police force aims to protect the community this festive season, in a statement to the newsweekly, the MetPolice said, “Violent crime, robbery and antisocial behaviour can tend to increase at this time of year as the nights draw in earlier; footfall in open spaces increase, and seasonal festivities get underway. We want Londoners to enjoy themselves during this period and feel safe while doing so.

“We have strong plans in place officers are preventing and suppressing violence in all its forms, using a range of tactics from prevention to enforcement. This includes targeting the most dangerous offenders; conducting high visibility patrols in violence hotspots and transport hubs; as well working with young people to deter them from becoming involved in criminality.

“Alongside the activity, officers are carrying out day in and day out, a number of pan-London operations are currently underway and planned for the coming months. Autumn Nights and Winter Nights focus on tackling seasonal violence and associated criminality, while Operation Sceptre will see a national intensification of anti-knife crime activity.

“Our number one priority is to keep all Londoners safe and we will not stop using every tactic available to us to serve and protect our communities.”

Yogesh Patel of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple told Asian Voice, “We will not be open for Dusshera or Navratri celebrations but will be for 4 days over Diwali. As

it is the festive season we will be announcing to all our devotees who do come to the mandir for darshan and celebrations to be extra careful especially when wearing precious or expensive jewellery. As per our guidelines announced regularly whenever we have major festivals, all members who are coming to attend should aim to come as a family or ensure they are in small groups so that they are not walking or travelling alone. We also encourage all those attending to spread the message to stay safe, remain in groups.

We also encourage devotees to ensure that their homes stay safe whenever not occupied.”

The Metropolitan Police have advised the following specific points for your own safety and to protect your valuables and property: § As far as possible, avoid keeping gold or valuables at home. Be aware that thieves will always search the bedroom, behind bath panels, loft, floorboards, etc. to see what they can find. Asian families continue to leave gold at home, usually in the bedroom.

This is the first place that a burglar will go. § If possible, store gold and valuables in a bank or a safe deposit centre. § Use MetTrace or traceable liquids to mark your valuables. You can contact the local ward officer who will provide assistance on how to obtain a MetTrace kit.

You can contact your local ward officer by visiting www.met.police.uk § Photograph your jewellery on a white or plain surface so that the

§

§

§

§

§

§

§

§

police can issue an appeal if it is stolen. Ensure that you are not in the photograph.

Take simple precautions like locking doors, installing security lights, removing anything from the front of the house that may indicate that the household belongs to an Asian family, etc.

Consider installing an alarm or CCTV on your property. It is not expensive and will deter a burglar from trying to enter your property.

Ensure that you turn on the alarm, even if you leave your house for a short period of time.

The police recommend buying an alarm that makes a sound when activated.

Speak to neighbours and watch out for anyone in the area who is acting suspiciously. Thieves will often visit the area before committing an offence.

If you are a victim of a burglary, try to remember the facial features of the thieves and anything else that is relevant such as car registration, etc.

If you have physical contact with thieves, do not wash the area where you had contact. The police can take a swab sample for DNA analysis, which can help to identify the thieves.

Thieves often target victims who they can see are wearing gold or valuables, so try to cover up any valuables you may be wearing.

If you are the unfortunate victim of any such crime or witness such a crime, report it to the police immediately by calling 999.

Illegal school owners caught by Ofsted for the second time Nadia Ali, the headteacher of Ambassadors Home school in Streatham and her father Arshad Ali (named as the proprietor) have been sentenced for the second time for running an illegal unregistered school in the south of London.

Their sentence came in after Ofsted cracked this unregistered school identity.

The teacher and her father have been sentenced to eight weeks’ imprisonment and suspended for 12 months. They were accused of the same offence two years ago.

Guardian reported, “In

addition to the suspended sentence, Ali was also ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid work, given a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and a prohibited activity requirement of not running or managing a school, and ordered to pay costs of £500.

Her father was fined £300 and ordered to pay costs of £200, while Ambassadors Home School Limited was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £500. In an appearance before Westminster magistrates, the pair admitted running the school illegally.”

Devi - Celebrating womanhood The Bengal Heritage Foundation (BHF) held one of Europe’s biggest Durga Puja celebrations ‘London Sharad Utsav’ (LSU) at Ealing Town Hall in London.

The event was scheduled to

take place between 14 October and 17 October. The theme was ‘Devi - celebrating womanhood’, as represented by the Goddess Durga. ‘Bengali Bhog’ was served for lunch, followed by cultural performances and programmes.

Garba on Leicester streets Videos circluating on Facebook from Asian residents in London showed dozens of Indians playing Garba on one side of the road without impeding the traffic or movement.

Interestingly, the police men

around were also cooperating with the crowd dressed in festive spirit and one policeman even joined the group to play Garba.

This impromptu celebration reportedly took place at Kensington Street in Leicester.

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NEW EVERY MIND MATTERS CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE PEOPLE’S MENTAL HEALTH South Asians are urged to find “what works for me” to support their mental wellbeing as the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) launches the latest Better Health – Every Mind Matters (EMM) campaign.

The campaign empowers people to look after their mental health by directing them to free, practical tips and advice. By answering five simple questions through the Every Mind Matters platform, people can get a tailored “Mind Plan”, giving them personalised tips to help deal with stress and anxiety, boost their mood, sleep better and feel more in control.

New research commissioned by OHID reveals nearly half (49%) of adults and almost two-thirds (59%) of South Asians in England said the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on their mental wellbeing. And more than a third of all adults in England (15.1 million) said they did not know what to do to help improve their mental wellbeing.

Pakistani and Bangladeshi adults reported struggling the most, with 60% saying their mental wellbeing was negatively impacted by the pandemic, closely followed by Indian adults at 57%. South Asian adults were also more likely to say they have experienced worry and anxiety, 59% of Pakistanis and Bangladeshis and 54% of Indians, compared to 45% of the general public.

Encouragingly, South Asians were more

likely to look for support and advice to help with their mental wellbeing than the general public - 74% of Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, 70% of Indians compared to the general public (47%).

This is the first campaign delivered by the new Office for Health Improvements and Disparities which was launched on 1 October with the aim of tackling health inequalities across the country.

Minister for Care and Mental Health, Gillian Keegan, said: “The public showed great resilience throughout the pandemic, but it has served as a stark reminder that we all need to look after ourselves not only physically, but mentally.

“There are simple steps we can all be taking to improve our mental wellbeing and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

“For anyone who is unsure what they can do, I urge you to visit Every Mind Matters and take advantage of the expert advice and practical tips available to you.”

Over 3.4 million individual Mind Plans

ple, low-cost tools out there to get you through challenging times. A great first step is to answer the five quick questions to generate your Mind Plan on the Every Mind Matters site.”

Pavandeep Johal, The Heera Foundation, an organisation that provides support to people with mental health issues in the community, says: “It’s very encouraging to see that South Dr Chirag Gorasia Pavandeep Johal Asians are more likely to seek support have already been created since the campaign and advice to help with their mental wellbewas first launched in October 2019. ing given that we know that cultural and reliThe campaign is supported by a coalition gious beliefs can sometimes make it chalof leading mental health charities and comlenging for some members of the community munity organisations, including, CALM, to seek help.

The Mental Health Foundation, Mental “The reality is that with the pandemic we Health Innovations, Taraki, The Heera have all experienced some form of stress, Foundation and Sharing Voices. Also a range anxiety or a low mood at some point so it’s so of commercial, third-sector, NHS and Local important that we continue to signpost peoAuthority partners, who will share mental ple to the support available and help people health messages with their customers, memfind ways to manage their mental wellbeing.” bers and colleagues, including Mental Health Better Health - Every Mind Matters First Aid, Carers organisations and offers information and videos to help young more. people look after their own mental wellbeing, Dr. Chirag Gorasia (Clinical and will be promoting them through social Psychologist), says: “The mental health of the media channels and in schools. The Every South Asian community has been hard hit by Mind Matters website also provides dedicatthe pandemic, but thankfully there are some ed support to help parents and guardians simple steps we can all take to improve our look after the mental wellbeing of the children and young people they care for. mental health. Whether it’s hobbies like, Search Every Mind Matters to see what going on walks, reading, gardening or pracworks for you. ticing mindfulness and yoga, there are sim-

‘MIND' THE GAP Continued from page 1 However, the fact that health care workers and staff across sectors and industries in Britain thrive on people belonging to ethnic minorities, one can only try to empathise with what went on in the minds of workers, especially in the healthcare sector where there was no respite amid institutional racism, increased proximity from families (most doctors had not visited their home countries for over two years until September 2021 when India moved to amber list).

Members of the hospitality industry getting back on their feet with a prayer to see a full house is yet to be answered.

Many had to take longer unpaid leaves to spend time with their loved ones in their homeland after 18 months. In an unfortunate incident, one of the doctors interviewed by the newsweekly last month, who was due to visit her family after a long wait, finally reached home to witness the death of her brother as she landed. This is only one of the many examples of what must it have been like for the mental health of Asians to navigate the pandemic while serving Britain in their own capacity. The heart-breaking truth is, that these deaths and the mental health pandemic could have been avoided had the authorities taken a proactive route to handle the pandemic in its early stages.

Every week counted but Britain’s early approach “worst public health failures” In a 151-page report led by two former Conservative ministers, Britain’s early approach towards handling the coronavirus pandemic was one of the worst public health failures in UK history. This report which is being touted as a landmark inquiry also states that ministers and scientists took a ‘fatalistic’ approach which accentuated the death toll.

It describes “major deficiencies in the machinery of government” citing that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did not order a complete lockdown despite being alerted by the Sage Committee of scientific advisers two months in advance before 23 March.

It also adds that the UK “squandered” its lead and “converted it into one of permanent crisis. “For a country with a world-class expertise in data analysis, to face the biggest health crisis in 100 years with virtually no

Dr Jenn Gandhi

data to analyse was an almost unimaginable setback,” the report says.

“This slow and gradualist approach was not inadvertent, nor did it reflect bureaucratic delay or disagreement between ministers and their advisers. It was a deliberate policy – proposed by official scientific advisers and adopted by the governments of all of the nations of the UK,” the report adds.

“It is now clear that this was the wrong policy, and that it led to a higher initial death toll than would have resulted from a more emphatic early policy. In a pandemic spreading rapidly and exponentially, every week counted.”

The report describes the decisions on lockdown saying that they – “rank as one of the most important public health failures the United Kingdom has ever experienced”. In conclusion, it says, “This happened despite the UK counting on some of the best expertise available anywhere in the world, and despite having an open, democratic system that allowed the plentiful challenge.”

Mental Health in an Unequal World A report published by The Lancet on World Mental Health Day this year talks about prioritising social justice, not only access to care. Research has highlighted the bidirectional link between poverty and mental health.

The Lancet study explains that mental health in an unequal world will not be addressed solely by focusing on expanding access to mental health treatments, but by reducing inequalities. Scaling up quality mental health services is crucial but in the

Aatish Sharma

current social context is only a partial solution to problems that require more systemic intervention to the body politic.

The report enlists five areas for policy action to promote mental health enabling environments: Safer societies for women, children, and people facing gender-based violence and exclusion; Reject hostile immigration environments; Decent livelihoods and fair wages; Safe early childhood experiences; Protection from and rejection of racialised and minority exclusion.

Adults to be vigilant of their mental health Sita Brahmachari, internationally awardwinning author of novels and plays for children and young adults has a book launch scheduled for November. She is an Amnesty Ambassador for the rights of children and Writer- In- Residence at Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants and a Royal Literary Fellow. Speaking about Mental Health Day, Sita said, “Since I began this writing journey a decade ago my novels have featured narratives of well-being in which characters have faced: school anxiety, grief, the impacts of racism, perfectionism, poverty, fear of failure and the struggles of child-carers. Far from grim tales these stories, as our families, are often full of humour, compassion and hope.

Now more than ever our young; so disproportionately impacted by austerity and the Covid pandemic needs adults to be vigilant of their mental health. Reading can be a cathartic process for growing empathy and releasing creativity and potential; subjects I return to in my forthcoming novel, ‘When Shadows Fall’ in which, following a tragedy, a small group of late-teenage friends, bonded by community, love and friendship, enter shadowlands and struggle to find the light.”

Aatish Sharma, Chief Executive Officer Southall FC told the newsweekly, “Mental health is of the utmost importance for everyone and there are many ways we can maintain a balanced and healthy life. One such way is to exercise regularly, which we at Southall Football Club try to promote and

encourage to the wider community. Over the Covid pandemic, we faced our toughest test.

Our players maintained a good fitness regime and worked on bettering themselves in areas they felt they needed to improve. Now everything is back open, we at Southall FC are a family. Players and Coaching Staff have their team days out and regularly talk to one another away from the stresses and strain of work on and off the pitch.

“We know how important mental health is, which is why we are currently working towards Bringing Southall FC Back Home to the community. Southall is a hub for the South Asian community, but completely lacks Sports and Health facilities. We firmly believe with such facilities our community will benefit greatly. Not only physically but mentally, sport offers the best of both. As well as giving our community an opportunity to be stronger together by building relationships to be a family together.”

The Football Association’s mental health and wellbeing manager, Dr Jenn Gandhi wrote, “My advice for anybody reading this who is struggling or is concerned that somebody close to them is struggling, is to start off small. Have that first conversation, reach out to someone you trust, and ask for help from a person that you feel comfortable with. There is always someone who can listen and help.”

Recover from the disruption, isolation and grief Brian Dow, Chief Executive, Mental Health UK told us, “The pandemic has been a catalyst for opening up the national conversation around mental health, but some of us will have felt the impact of Covid-19 more deeply. As we look to recover from the disruption, isolation and grief of the last 18 months, we need to think of the bigger picture and the many things in life that influence our mental health. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of the many factors that influence our wellbeing, such as financial security, having a safe place to call home, and someone to call on for support if you’re finding it hard to manage. Given the continuing challenges we face, it’s more important than ever that we encourage people to seek support if they’re struggling and recognise some of us will need more time and support to recover from the mental health impact of the pandemic.” Major deaths during pandemic caused among those with mental health concerns. Turn to P27 to read more.

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16 - 22 October 2021

JABS FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE Rupanjana Dutta

With winter fast approaching in the UK, it’s important for parents, guardians, and carers to ensure that our teenagers are properly vaccinated, so that they are not missing out on the things they love doing the most.

Over 50% of 16 to 17-year-olds have already received a dose of the vaccine. With more than 1 in 20 people aged between 16 and 29 having had Long Covid, it’s more important than ever before for young people to get vaccinated.

For teenagers considering whether to get jabbed, it’s important to remember that vaccination is the best way to protect you, your friends, and family, especially elderly family members, as winter means spending more time indoors. The vaccine is quick, easy, and free.

The vaccine will also be offered to teens between the ages of 12-15 to have them back in school in the safest way possible and allow them to enjoy the things they love doing with friends and family.

‘It is about balancing risks’ Dr Farzana Hussain, GP and Clinical Director of Newham Central 1 PCN and co-chair of the National PCN Network at NHS Confederation answers key questions about vaccination.

Q: Is the vaccination safe for BAME young people?

A: Yes, absolutely. Covid infection rates for BAME people are higher and are more likely to cause death and serious illness. Therefore, it is more important for them to be vaccinated. If you’re black African, black African-Caribbean or if you’re Bangladeshi and get Covid, you’re five times more likely to die. We do know the vaccine is the only thing that can save your life.

Q: What reassurance can you give young people, their parents/guardians/ carers, regarding benefits of vaccination?

A: People have many fears, such as vaccines contain animal products, it conflicts with their religious beliefs, or it has been developed too quickly.

The vaccine protects us against Covid death and serious illness. It is about balancing risks.

All religious groups endorse the vaccine.

The mosques and Imams as well as the English Muslim Council have endorsed it. It has no animal products and is safe, free and widely available.

It is better to have the vaccine than a nasty illness, which may not kill you but nevertheless is worse than flu. Long Covid is also a long-term debilitating condition.

Q: Why is the vaccine now being recommended for these younger age groups?

A: Understandably the UK Government wanted to start the vaccine roll-out with those most at risk - over 65s and those with serious underlying health conditions. We are fortunate that we live in the UK, which has a supply of the vaccines, which allows us to now vaccinate our younger people.

It is true that younger people are less likely to suffer serious illness because of Covid. But young people are still at risk from Covid especially Long Covid.

Q: Do vaccines support mental and physical health, preventing fear of missing out?

A: The past 20 months have had a disproportionate

effect on the mental health of young people. They have missed out on so much already. Having the vaccine allows lot more mixing while allaying fears of spreading Covid.

My son Usmaan has just gone to Manchester University. He is at medical school. I am so proud and it is a great achievement for me to produce the next generation of doctors. Having said that, he still hesitated about having the jab because, being so young, he could not see the point. But he has now been double jabbed. He feels secure and can go to all the freshers’ parties and mix with other students and feel less worried. He knows he has less chance of contracting Covid or, if he does, he is at less risk of getting serious illness.

Socialising is very important for young people, especially those living away from home for the first time. Their flatmates are like their family. My daughter Zarina, who is doing her A-Levels, wanted to go to a music festival but I wanted her to have her jabs first. Also, for those starting their first jobs, they want to socialise with their colleagues. Having the vaccine gives young people the chance of getting out and about more.

Parents can also feel more confident about their young people going out if they have been vaccinated. It is common sense that the more people gather, more are the chances of the virus spreading faster.

Q: Does these jabs roll-out differ from HPV/ MMR i.e. usual school vaccination process?

A: There is no difference in young people receiving the Covid jab or HPV or MMR. Parents/ guardians will receive a letter of consent from School Age Immunisation Service, which they can sign. Young people will receive their vaccination at school. There is no need to be frightened of having a conversation with young people about Covid or any health issues. It is good that we are having conversations about health. If parents/ guardians have any concerns they can always contact their GP for advice. I am on hand to listen to the concerns of my patients and give them information about the vaccine. That way they can make an informed decision. If you are not sure, contact your GP or community pharmacist and get a balanced view.

‘We just want to be out and about and back to normal’ 17-year-old Amazing Arabella is an influencer with focus on beauty, fashion, travel and lifestyle.

Her 16-year-old brother JD is a content creator. She talks about importance of getting vaccinated.

Q: Have you had the vaccine yet?

Arabella: I haven’t, but JD and I are both planning on getting it. I’ve finished school and JD is home schooled, so we’re going to do our research and have a look where around us we can get it. But it will probably be a hospital.

Amazing Arabella

16–17-year-old jabs can now be booked online, parents, guardians and carers can give a helping hand if they need it: nhs.uk/ covidvaccination.

If you are a parent, guardian or a carer of a young person aged 12-15 and have questions about the vaccine, please speak to the school age immunisation service provider.

You will receive their contact details with the information and consent form.

Q: How do you feel about getting the vaccine? Are you excited, nervous?

Arabella: I don’t think I’m nervous. I think it’s a great thing for everyone to have, and it’s keeping everyone safe, which is good as well. I think people want to get back to normality, just like I do. There are loads of cool events coming up, such as Halloween, Christmas and we all want to go to them, we don’t want to miss them. We want to spend time with our families too. And we just want to be out and about and back to normal - I think that’s what it’s all about.

Q: Do you see young people getting the vaccine as a part of a wider duty to help the community and help everybody get back to normal?

Arabella: Yeah, I think it is very important for young people to have the vaccine, and I think people always forget that, especially young people. They think they’re immune to everything.

But we can actually be spreading it, especially to older people, who we already know aren’t very good with the virus. So, I think it’s important that we all get the vaccine, and it helps communities and families get back to normal.

Q: Do you think it’s important that young people are careful about where they find their information, and that they get it from a credible source?

Arabella: Yeah, definitely. On my digital platforms the doctor that I interviewed was from Oxford University. So that was probably one of the best places to get information from.

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Rishi has an OCD approach towards the dishwasher In an interview with the Daily Mail, Rishi Sunak was asked whether he helps out with the household tasks. He laughed and talked about the dishwasher: ‘You should speak to my wife. I have a very OCD approach to dishwashers, which she’ll explain you.

‘There’s a way to optimise how much stuff you can get in a dishwasher.

There’s a specific method I like beds to be made and things like that.’

Although it was clearly a lighthearted comment, his words have

attracted high criticism.

Marina Lussich, who works in

strategy and sustainability, tweeted: ‘The chancellor doesn’t seem to know that OCD is a lifechanging mental health condition. ‘You don’t have “a very OCD approach” to dishwashers, that’s disrespectful of people living with real OCD.’ Journalist Flora Gill wrote: ‘Can we please stop using the word “OCD” as it’s just a quirky personality trait! It’s a disorder that can have huge impacts on people’s lives.’

Tory MPs recommend Priti to ensure “Change Actually Comes” for females After the Home Secretary, Priti Patel’s speech to the party’s conference in Manchester, Burnley MP Anthony Higginbotham said he wants to see that “change actually comes” for those affected by violence towards females.

Higginbotham told PoliticsHome what he wanted to hear from the inquiry, set up to investigate the issues raised by the conviction of police officer Wayne Couzens for Everrad’s murder, “is the voice of women loud and clear”.

Speaking at the conference, Patel said, “There will be improvements within policing and across the criminal justice system. Latest incidents have exposed unbelievable failures in policing,” she told at the conference. It is abhorrent that a serving police officer was able to abuse his position of power, authority and trust to commit such a horrific crime.”

The Patel further added, “People have a right to know what failures

enabled his continued service as a police officer and an investigation will help to ensure something like this will not repeat.”

Sarah Everard: Baroness Louise Casey will lead an independent review of Metropolitan police Baroness Louise Casey of Blackstock will now review Metropolitan Police's culture and standards in the wake of Sarah Everard's murder.

The review will investigate the current leadership of the force and its recruitment, vetting and training

of officers. The independent review will help to rebuild public trust, says Met Commissioner, Dame Cressida Dick.

Wayne Couzens, who was then serving policeman raped and killed Ms Everard, 33. He abducted her as

she walked home in south London on 3 March. Couzens was sentenced to life in prison last week, after the hearing. Along with this, Home Secretary Priti Patel too announced a separate inquiry into the Everard case.

Just launched! New playroom with wooden toys on Bearwood Road Parents can now take their children to a new playroom which have been launched in Bearwood. It has a wooden allotment, dino dig sandpit, grocery, vegetables, and cafe.

Artist Romany Crew-Henry has designed the Magic Garden along with

her partner Shane Ubhi. Along with this, there are rabbits to pet, a baby sensory room and parents can relax with a coffee. Romany always wanted children to learn about the great outdoors as she used to take her children, Noah, three, and Gulliver, one, to local stay

and playgroups. The best part of the playroom is that children will get to play with wooden toys and are available to buy as well. The playroom is situated on Bearwood Road, right opposite Greggs and will be open between Mondays to Saturdays.

Schools ‘should act’ in meaningless TV watershed According to the head of Ofsted, it is the school’s duty to educate teenage boys not to share intimate images with girls. When asked at a session of The Times Education Commission about the role of Ofsted in helping schools to tackle sexual abuse cases, Amanda Spielman told there were vast cultural pressures on young people but that did not mean there was a huge crisis in schools.

Amanda added: “In a society where

programmes like Naked Attraction are

broadcasted for all to watch and watersheds are on-demand and YouTube, it’s not shocking that a lot of boys, for example, might get confused about why sharing private pictures with girls is not acceptable. So schools play an important role in teaching the teenagers who are at the mercy of their hormones as well, learn to act like a decent man when they leave the school.”

Mum-of-two killed by runaway car on Phillimore road On 4 October, Rita Alexandra Bento Magni, 30, of Staniforth Road was resting at a bus stop while waiting for her children when a car driving north on Phillimore Road crashed with another vehicle pulling out of

Fitzmaurice Road.

The north-bound car spans out of control and terribly hit the woman at the bus stop. Staff from the school, neighbours and ambulance crews immediately came for help but the

woman was not able to survive.

The driver of the northbound vehicle was reportedly arrested after the collision. For more details, South Yorkshire Police have been contacted.

Javid advices families to look after elderly The health secretary, Sajid Javid said, people should take responsibility for looking after their elderly relatives, before looking for government provisions, as he tries to receive most out of the money given to the NHS and social

care sector.

The Treasury is pressurizing Javid to ensure that last month a £16 billion budget boost handed to NHS England delivers tangible results in bringing down waiting times. Sajid also put

NHS chiefs on notice, stating that business cannot be perfectly good as usual” as doctors attacked his plans for radical changes to management, including getting rid of failing bosses more quickly.

Is money important in your life?

Rohit Vadhwana Is money important in your life? Of course, yes. It gives us the ability to make life smooth. It gives them the power to purchase whatever they want - provided money can buy it. If one is rich, has enough money to spend and spare, a small extra addition does not make much difference in their lifestyle. What difference does it make to add a few thousand when you already have a million? But having those few thousand when you don't have any can be really useful. It is only when one lives with a shortage of resources that life is affected adversely.

Fearing a shortage at some point, many people live whole life as a race to accumulate more money. Their main aim is to be rich, prosperous and wealthy. How does this monetary richness help them in other aspects of life is questionable. While money gives them a free hand to get more facilities, more comfort and more resources, it cannot buy time, health, peace, satisfaction or such inner wealth. It sometimes, on the contrary, takes them away. Those who have made it a mission of their lives to keep earning and saving more money can hardly appreciate this difference.

When friends meet, they do not talk of money.

Their happiness comes from reminiscing the old days they have spent together. Growing old healthy is more important than growing old wealthy. This is a very simple notion that most people forget during their youth. To have more money when they retire, people put at stake their health and personal life. Some people save money so they can travel after retirement.

But it doesn't happen because by then the body gets weak. Many get in this mad race so they can buy a big house, just to realise later that it is not more than a small portion of the home which is actually used. It is not an exact amount that could be said to be sufficient in one's life. But having satisfaction at a certain level of richness is important. How and when does this satisfaction come into one's life? If it is an attitude, how about developing such an attitude that makes you feel rich and contended? As a trick, calculate an amount that can fulfil all your requirements of life, then add a bit more to it so that you feel rich. This amount and attitude should make you rich and contended. Consider anything extra added to that amount is just a number, not wealth.

(Expressed opinions are personal)

Hate crime figures can’t just be shrugged off Amid soaring hate crimes and issues relating to women’s safety, Anneliese Dodds MP, Labour's Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary and Chair of the Labour Party has reacted to police-reported hate crime figures. Dodds said, “It is deeply concerning that amid an overall rise in hate crimes, we’ve seen a particular spike in racially motivated hate crimes.

“It follows the Conservative government denying the existence of

structural racism, refusing to condemn those booing English footballers for taking the knee, and ignoring Labour’s Doreen Lawrence review into the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people.

“These figures can’t just be shrugged off. We need urgent action to address structural racism in this country, which is why a Labour Government would introduce a new Race Equality Act.”

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16 - 22 October 2021

No milk on British Airways Husband admits stabbing his flight, steward gives a ‘lecture' wife ruthlessly to passenger on vegetarianism While Indians finally got the ing the flight, the passenger opportunity to visit home was given a lecture by the from Britain following the steward about "how good relaxation in travel restricvegetarianism is". According tions in both countries, pasto the passenger, the stewsengers from the communiard said to him that most ty have shared accounts of Indians were vegetarians. their travels by British Another passenger Airways flights, calling the recently shared his poor Representational image services 'not up to the mark'. experience with the airline.

“A first-class passenger who was left 'horriSome people who have even travelled by fied' at the 'unacceptable' conditions on a business class with the airline, have said that £4,000 flight is urging travellers to fly with despite paying for expensive tickets, in-flight other airlines. Jarvis Marcos, 37, was flying food and service have allegedly not been satfirst-class from to with his girlfriend, Kamara isfactory, leaving them 'shocked'.

Harding, 33, when he experienced the 'shockA passenger who travelled on 29 August ingly bad' standards - which included dripfrom London Heathrow to Bangalore, India ping water from the air-con and 'sticky liqon British Airways flight 0119, informed uid' on tray tables,” Daily Mail reported.

Asian Voice that he was told by the flight Asian Voice reached out to British attendant that only a vegetarian option was Airways for an official statement on this matavailable for dinner. When the passenger ter. A spokesperson told the newspaper, “We repeatedly rejected the option and insisted pride ourselves on providing the best possible that he be served a non-vegetarian dinner he onboard experience and we want all cuswas offered a non-vegetarian roll (meant for tomers to feel welcome. We have invested breakfast) and the same meal was repeated heavily in our catering across all cabins. We later for breakfast. have invested £6.5bn in our fleet, inflight During their return journey on 1 October cabin product, and catering. Like all airlines, from Bangalore to London Heathrow in we follow Covid travel requirements and British Airways flight 0118, the passenger was restrictions as set by the relevant authorities astonished to know that there was no milk at departure and arrival country. We will on the flight. Not even dairy creamer or milk look into any concerns if you have any other powder. Left with no option the passenger examples.” was forced to have black coffee. Earlier dur-

Sajid Javid takes his flu vaccine Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, received his flu vaccine on Tuesday morning at Keencare Pharmacy in central London.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid said: “Alongside the Covid-19 booster jabs, we are rolling out the biggest flu programme in our history, The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with a record 35 mil- Sajid Javid is given his flu jab during a visit to Keencare Pharmacy. Picture by lion people in England Tim Hammond / No 10 Downing Street eligible for free flu jab to keep them safe this gible come forward for both their flu and winter.

Covid-19 booster vaccines, to give them“I’ve done my bit by getting my flu vacselves and their loves ones the best possible cine, and it’s vital that all those who are eliprotection in the months ahead.”

Rajah Spices – empowering women in India for good Rajah Spices, the UK’s leading authentic spice brand, has announced a new partnership to empower women farmers in Gujarat who grow cumin and other spices. The programme is being run in partnership with The Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), India’s largest Trade Union specifically for women.

Rajah has been working with SEWA on this project for the past three years and now wants to tell its loyal customers about this important initiative and ask for their support. The new partnership will ensure that 5p from every promotional pack of Rajah Spices sold in the UK is donated to SEWA as part of a project to empower the lives of 2,400 cumin farmers living in Gujarat.

Women make up the majority of farmers in Gujarat, many have low incomes, and

there is limited support if their crops were to fail, for example, due to poor weather conditions or a bad harvest.

Through this promotion 5p from the purchase of every participating pack (Chili 100g, Garam Masala 100g, Dhaniya 100g, Jeera 100g and Haldi 100g) will directly support all the women enrolled in the programme. This contribution will fund vital financial and agricultural training to help improve their farm businesses and build a more secure future for them and their families.

Through Rajah’s partnership with SEWA, training will be provided on essential farming practices, such as how to use natural pesticides and apply fertilizers effectively, to grow more crops. SEWA will also provide the women with financial training and reliable market access to ensure they get a fair price for their cumin when it is sold.

In the early hours of 4 March, Geetika Goyal, 29, was found dead in the street with stab wounds to her neck, chest and arm.

Leicestershire Police arrested Kashish Aggarwal shortly after Ms Goyal's body was found in Uppingham Close, off the A47 in Rowlatts Hill, Leicester.

A court hearing was held on 8 October at Leicester Crown Court and Aggarwal changed his plea to guilty and very little information about the attack emerged dur-

pedestrian reporting that a female was lying on the pavement in Uppingham Close. East Midlands Ambulance Service and the police immediately reached there and Ms Goyal was found with multiple stab wounds to her neck, shoulder, chest and arm. Sadly, Ms Goyal was pronounced dead at the scene."

Detective Inspector Jenni Heggs, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, is the Senior Investigating Officer in the case.

Geetika Goyal

Kashish Aggarwal

ing the short appearance.

As per the latest reports by Leicestershire Police, it was revealed that both were married and that Ms Goyal was stabbed several times. It was an arranged marriage, and Kashish belonged to India and Goyal’s parents who are affluent and owners of a factory, gave him a BMW. They also bought them a house.

It also appeared that Ms Goyal had been reported missing by her brother less than six hours before a member of the public spotted her lying dead on the pavement.

According to the statement, Ms Geetika Goyal had been reported missing by her brother at 9 PM on March 3. Police reached her home and enquiries were carried out.

On the following day, police received a phone call at 2.25 am in the morning from a

She said: “My thoughts are with Geetika Goyal and her family. Sadly, the plea will not bring Ms Goyal back but we hope Geetika’s family will see that justice is being done. We now continue to support the family as we prepare for the sentence hearing.”

On 11 October, when he appeared at the city's Crown Court for a pre-trial review hearing, he changed his plea. His barrister asked for the charge to be put to him again and Aggarwal pleaded guilty to murdering Ms Goyal on March 3.

He told Aggarwal: "You've pleaded guilty to one of the most serious criminal offences known to our law. It will be a sentence of life imprisonment.”

Aggarwal is remanded back into custody to await the next hearing.

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16 - 22 October 2021

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READERS' VOICE Navratri

India needs to tread carefully

Navratri is an important festival that is celebrated with full enthusiasm all over India. It marks the victory over evil. In the nine nights of Navratri, nine forms of three goddesses are worshipped --- Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati and Durga called Navdurga.

The Navratri which falls in the month of Ashada and Magha is called Gupt Navratri. Mainly it is not celebrated but is important for those who practice Tantra. The Navratri that fall in the Ashwin month of autumn is called Shardiya Navratri and the Navratri that fall in the spring is called Chaitra Navratri.

Deployment of a large number of Chinese troops across Ladakh (AV dated 9-15 October 2021) is a cause of concern for India especially when the Taliban are being supported by Pakistan who in turn gets backing from China.

China’s ambition for geopolitical expansion and to influence others are very well known. After dominating Hong Kong the Chinese authority wants to control Taiwan by intimidating it.

Recently Australia, UK and the US signed a joint agreement to contain the expansion of Chinese influence in the region with a long term aim to curtail the power of China.

Due to over-dependency on China in terms of production, one country alone cannot control China hence this multicountry agreement.

India will have to negotiate with China very carefully because China is under scrutiny from everywhere after Covid19 and international diplomatic pressure is mounting on it. The Army Chief of India is hopeful but even after 13 rounds of discussion if there is no commitment to limit the deployment of troops, India cannot afford to turn a blind eye but must be fully prepared for any eventuality. I think technology and tactics will play a major part in deescalating the tension.

Hitesh Hingu London

Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai, India

Targetted killings in Kashmir Why would I not be surprised by the silence in mainstream media or the big so-called intentional media groups and the democratic party in the US on the targeting killings of civilian Hindus and Sikhs in Kashmir by Islamic terrorists? The simple answer is that it does not fit their agenda and narrative. The BJP and Narendra Modi are nationalists therefore they are not akin to the globalists, open border democrat party Marxist agenda. These very same are silent on the treatment of minorities in certain Islamic countries, and are equally reticent when it comes to the treatment of the Muslim minority Uyghur in western china by the Chinese communist party--simply put there are bedfellows scratching each other back.

Going up Food prices and utility bills are rising fast and so are funeral fees. We can no longer afford to live well and no longer afford to die either. We find ourselves embedded between an insurmountable rock and a very hard place.

Rudy Otter

Visvas Patel

Tory MP Jonathan Gullis insists sacking teachers whosoever criticises Conservative party in classroom Tory MP Jonathan Gullis believes that whoever uses the term “white privilege” should be handed over to the government’s counter-terror programme. Along with this, teachers who badmouth the Conservative party should be fired.

He was speaking at an event organised by the Conservative Friends of Education group.

According to a recording found by the Independent, he told activists: “The term white privilege – very quickly – is an extremist term, it should be reported to Prevent, because it is an extremist ideology.

He also said that if teachers or people should be sacked if they try to push their political ideology. In 2006 the Prevent programme was set up to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

Afghan Refugees stuck in UK hotels begging to send them back After fleeing the Taliban takeover, many Afghans seek refuge in UK, however, now they are asking to send them back. On 29th August, UK PM Boris Johnson launched Operation Warm Welcome to aid Afghan refugees providing them support in UK. Due to lack of housing, Afghan refugees are made to stay in hotels. Home Office officials admitted that some of them will be kept in hotels for months. Councillor

Danny Thorpe of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, south-east London called the government’s programme as a “shocking failure”. Many Afghan refugees are complaining of a lack of medical provision in the hotels they are placed in. Home Office spokesperson said that it will take time to find permanent homes for everyone, but they are working on an urgent basis with their partners to do so.

Is UK becoming a Covid hotspot?

Amid the discussions over the third wave, UK is witnessing the highest rates of Covid infection in Europe which is alarming. Compared to the UK, few countries including Romania and Serbia have recorded higher infection levels than the UK. It is believed that in UK, there are many reasons that are causing the infection to rise. Stricter restrictions are not being imposed on large gatherings, likewise, wearing a mask is not mandatory.

Hunt for the next head of Scotland Yard begins Home Secretary Priti Patel has initiated a nationwide hunt to select the next head of Scotland Yard. Priti Patel has urged senior officers to look out for fresh talent that is working in a force outside London. She promises that well-deserved candidates will be given promotions where they will get to prove their worth. To find a suitable replacement, Ms Patel has extended Dame Cressida Dick’s contract for two more years. Dame Cressida Dick is serving as Metropolitan Police Commissioner. However, this move has not gone down well with victims of Scotland Yard scandals, who didn’t want Dame Cressida to continue.

Mass homelessness crisis looming over the UK? Founder of the Big Issue magazine Lord John Bird has urged UK Prime Minister Borris Johnson to aid tenants who are struggling to pay their rent. He feared that UK will witness a mass homelessness crisis if the problem is not tacked. As per the reports published by I, Lord John Bird wrote a letter to PM reminding him to keep his government’s promise of not helping tenants amidst pandemic, which has made the situation terrible for tenants. According to Citizens Advice, half a million private tenants are falling behind and are unable to pay the rent. More than 50 charities, unions and other organisations backed the letter that was sent to the PM.

Along with this, compared to Spain, Portugal and France, where the administration is giving more doses as per population, it is going on a slower pace in UK. Another challenge is NHS who compared to other nations has less capacity to take in more patients. Experts believe that traditional winter viruses that were absent last year due to lockdown and social distancing can make a comeback this year in a big way.

Sex probe- Met police will not act against Prince Andrew The Met Police has announced that they will not investigate Prince Andrew over an allegation made by a Jeffrey Epstein accuser who claimed that he sexually assaulted her. Prince Andrew is still facing a sex abuse lawsuit in the US. Epstein vicPrince Andrew tim Virginia Roberts claimed that she was forced to have sex three times with Andrew when she was 17. Prince denied all the allegations.

"We also reviewed information passed to us by a media organisation in June 2021. This review is complete and no further action will be taken."

Met chief Dame Cressida told Nick Ferrari on LBC: "No one is above the law. "It's been reviewed twice before, we've worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, we are of course open to working with authorities overseas, we will give them every assistance if they ask us for anything within the law obviously.”

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KHICHADI Kapil’s

Follow me on Twitter: @kk_OEG

Priti for Sewa - Preet for Matsara Kapil Dudakia This is a tale of two women of colour. Two women who share a name but are markedly different by the twist of fate, in their upbringing and of course in their moral and ethical outlook. Two Indian origin women who rose through the ranks to become members of parliament. One sits on the front bench for the Government in the powerful position as the Home Secretary, whilst the other sits on the Labour front bench as the token Shadow Secretary of State for International Development. One keeps winning whilst the other keeps losing. I will let you decide who you think is the winner and the loser.

I am of course talking about the Rt Hons Priti Patel MP (Conservative) and Preet Kaur Gill MP (Labour).

Ever since Priti Patel began her unstoppable rise in politics, she has been attacked by the so called liberal and socialist elements in politics. The fake champions of equality and diversity just could not take it that a person of colour, Priti Patel, can be a Conservative and also be so successful. In their hatred and bitchiness, they gather like hyenas to attack Priti Patel at every opportunity. They have never been shy of lying, or in showing disrespect to Priti Patel and her heritage.

Both Conservative and Labour gathered recently for their annual party-political conferences. It’s not an exaggeration when I say the Labour Party conference was not just a failure, but the deep divisions surfaced yet again. Keir Starmer’s speech for so long that he put his own party to sleep. Contrast this with the Conservative Party conference.

It sailed through with very little going wrong. And PM Johnson owned the stage and the attention of the nation. In that moment the nation could see the huge difference between the two parties.

It was one speech in particular that annoyed the Labour extremists the most, that was by Priti Patel. She was selfassured, firm yet fair, and was proud of her heritage when she shared the concept of the Hindu word Sewa with everyone. Rather than acknowledge and respect the faith and culture of a billion Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, Labour’s Preet Gill reduced the discussion to her gutter level politics.

She, and other Indian origin Labour politicians attempted to undermine Priti Patel by distorting the context of Sewa and in bringing their bitter politics of hatred and jealousy to bear.

It is a shame that these Labour politicians of Indian origin show such dishonour to their faith and to their heritage.

I started with the words, ‘Priti for Sewa - Preet for Matsara’. Priti or Preet both come from the same root in Sanskrit meaning ‘Love’.

Sewa is a Sanskrit (Hindu) word meaning selfless service.

I am not surprised that Labour MPs likes Preet Gill and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi have no idea of what it means.

And then we have the Sanskrit word ‘matsara’, meaning jealousy. Most apt to describe the likes of Preet Gill and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi. They represent a species of Indian origin politicians in Labour that thrive on gutter politics of jealousy, of their own failures and in their own insecurity when it comes to their heritage. I pity these individuals. They disgrace their bloodline, they dishonour the Gurus, and they are still enslaved to the white imperial masters of the Labour Party. With Navratri and Diwali upon us, get ready to see Priti Patel and Rishi Sunak celebrate their heritage with pride. And no doubt we will see many more attacks on both of them from Labour!

Boris Johnson enrages Priti Patel by blocking public sexual harassment law It has been reported that UK PM Boris Johnson might have infuriated Priti Patel by not allowing to term public sexual harassment as a crime. In the wake of Sarah Everard murder, both Johnson and Patel are trying their best to come up with strategies to tackle violence against women. Senior Home Office sources indicated the visible tension between the pair.

According to the Guardian, some in the Home Office believe that the PM is considering the public sexual harassment as mere ‘wolf whistling’. It is being said that soon a new emergency number will be launched with an aim to help protect lone women.

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 Rupanjana at rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com

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The Legend of Suheldev in today’s India

Ruchi Ghanashyam Mrs. Ruchi Ghanashyam is the former High Commissioner of India to the UK. With a career in Indian Foreign Service for over 38 years, she has been posted in many countries including South Africa, Ghana, before arriving in the UK. She was only the second woman High Commissioner to the UK since India’s independence and during her tenure, she witnessed a number of significant developments in the UK-India relations. @RuchiGhanashyam Last week, the media in India picked up a tweet by the Taliban leader, Anas Haqqani, after his visit to the mausoleum of Mahmud Ghaznavi. Anas Haqqani lauded him as a "great Muslim fighter”. He praised Ghaznavi, who had attacked Gujarat, plundered the famous Somnath temple, and broken its jyotirlinga (idol) in the 11th century.

Mahmud was the son of Sebuktigin, a Turkish slave, who in 977 became the ruler of Ghazna and established the Ghaznavid dynasty. He was the first independent king of the Turkic dynasty of the Ghaznavids and ruled until 1030 AD. His empire stretched

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from northern Iran to Punjab in India.

Ghaznavi is believed to have attacked and looted the wealthiest cities and temple towns in mediaeval India, such as Mathura and Somnath. He is said to have vowed to invade India once a year and, in fact, led about 17 such expeditions. The first large-scale campaign began in 1001 and the last ended in 1026. In 1025, Mahmud Ghaznavi raided Gujarat, plundering and destroying the Somnath temple. Lord Shiva is the temple's main deity.

Ghaznavi targeted Hindu temples primarily because they were the centres of wealth, economics, and ideology of the people of India. He utilised the wealth to expand his capital of Ghazni Reading about Anas Haqqani’s tweet praising Mahmud Ghaznavi, I was reminded of Amish Tripathi’s book titled ‘Legend of Suheldev: The King who saved India’, which I read last year. This was my first exposure to Amish’s writing, even though Amish has been one of India’s most popular writers for many years.

Legend of Suheldev tells the story of King Suheldev of Shravasti, who was so moved by the looting and destruction of the magnificent temple of Lord Shiva at Somnath, that he decided to give up the comfort of royal life as a Prince, to wage guerrilla warfare against the Turks brought to India by Mahmud of Ghazni. During his depredations of northern India, Mahmud of Ghazni won over several old kingdoms who were forced to become his allies. When nec-

Dr Kotecha named one of the UK’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, Chairman of Morningside Pharmaceuticals and the Randal Charitable Foundation, has been named as one of The LDC’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2021.

The programme, which is supported by The Times and now in its fourth year, celebrates the inspiring leaders behind some of the UK’s most successful and fast-growing firms.

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE

The featured Top 50 were selected from over 600 applications from every corner of the country and operate across a diverse range of sectors. Collectively, they employ more than 9,500 people and contribute more than £1.2bn to the UK economy.

Dr Kotecha’s business, Morningside Pharmaceuticals based in Loughborough, manufactures and supplies generic medicines to the UK and international export markets.

Dr Kotecha said: “It is a great privilege and an honour to make this national list alongside so many talented business leaders and entrepreneurs. One of my passions is working with young entrepreneurs to help them develop the necessary skills and experience to create the success stories of tomorrow. I hope my story and experiences can inspire and encourage others to try new things and follow their entrepreneurial dreams.”

LDC’s John Garner added: “The last 18 months have presented challenges that none of us could have foreseen, but despite everything, it’s fantastic to see that so many business leaders have achieved remarkable things. Through their resourcefulness and resilience, this year’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Leaders prove that the flame of ambition is hard to extinguish. Congratulations to all those featured and we look forward to seeing their continued success and impact, and contribution the broader UK economy.”

essary, Suheldev also fought against these Turkic allies.

The story in Amish’s book begins with the killing of Suheldev’s elder brother, Malladev, while defending the Somnath Temple from Mahmud of Ghazni. As Suheldev’s father, King Mangaldhwaj of Shravasti, was unable to raise a credible force to defend the Somnath Temple, Suheldev decides to leave his princely life for the forest. He attracted others, similarly motivated to join him in his fight for the motherland.

Stories of his bravery and patriotism spread, and so did his band of loyal fighters. Together they ensured that the enemies never rested in peace. Amish narrates many stories of Suheldev’s bravery and exceptional leadership. There were times when Suheldev and his fighters were forced into a corner. Each time, his exceptional presence of mind helped him to either inflict a defeat on the enemy or live to fight another day.

As the King of Shravasti, Suheldev systematically built alliances with neighbouring kingdoms. In Amish’s book, Suheldev sends his trusted envoy to the most powerful King in India, the legendary King Rajendra Chola. Strengthened by the formation of a confederacy and armed with the support of the mighty Chola King, Suheldev is well prepared for the Battle of Bahraich with the Turkic forces. Following a long and hard battle, which sees many ups and downs, the patriotic Indian forces led by King Suheldev inflict a crushing defeat on the Turkic forces. So comprehensive was the

Shree Somnath Temple, Gujarat, India

victory that the Turks did not return to India for over one and a half-century, choosing to carry out their depredations in other parts of the world instead! It is the legend of this victory that served as an inspiration for Amish’s interesting book.

The story of King Suheldev is based on a legend. Amish creatively weaves a story of exceptional leadership, demonstrated not just in the battlefield, but also in Suheldev’s treatment of different castes and religions; Indian Muslims along with fighters cutting across caste lines were amongst his closest associates.

I was as offended by the tweet mentioned in the first para as any other Indian.

Through my agitation, I could also understand that history can be viewed differently based on the perspective of where one stands. The Afghan view of Mahmud of Ghazni perhaps differs from how Indians see him. However, the reference to the smashing of the ‘idol of Somnath’ temple is reminiscent of the unforgivable smashing of the Bamiyan Buddhas.

Like others, Mahmud of Ghazni was attracted to India for her wealth. Today’s India is not just wealthy but also strong enough to defend itself.

Boris Johnson speaks to Narendra Modi over a phone call Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Indian Prime Minister Modi on Monday morning.

They discussed the strength of the UK-India relationship and welcomed the progress made on the 2030 Roadmap since it was agreed by the Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi in May. This includes in areas such as trade and defence. The leaders looked forward to the upcoming visit of the UK Carrier Strike Group to India and the deepening of the UKIndia strategic partnership.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of making concrete progress on climate change ahead of and at the upcoming COP26 Summit.

He noted that India already lead the world in renewable technology and expressed his hope that they will commit to a more ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution and to achieving Net Zero emissions.

Prime Minister Modi is slated to attend the summit that will be held in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November. PM Modi will be visiting Italy for the G20 summit later this month, marking his 3rd foreign visit amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi discussed the shared fight against coronavirus and the importance of cautiously opening up international travel. They agreed the UK’s recognition of Indian vaccine certification is a welcome development to that end.

According to a press note issued by the Prime Minister’s Office in India, PM Modi, in turn, conveyed India’s commitment to climate action as seen in its “ambitious target" for expansion of renewable energy and the recently announced National Hydrogen Mission.

“Was a pleasure to speak to Prime Minister @BorisJohnson. We reviewed progress on the India-UK Agenda 2030, exchanged views on climate action in the context of the forthcoming COP-26 in Glasgow, and shared our assessments on regional issues including Afghanistan," tweeted PM Modi.

The leaders also talked about the current situation in Afghanistan. They agreed on the need for a coordinated international approach to engagement with the Taliban, emphasising the importance of upholding human rights in the country.

Friends demand £338 from Grand Hotel for housing Afghan refugees Upon discovering the Grand hotel in Scarborough housing Afghan refugees, a pair demanded a refund of £338.

However, they made it clear that they are not racist and only care about their safety. One of them told TeessideLive, "Our concern is about safety and leaving things in our room, because of what we read about theft and kids running wild.”

She added that they understand the plight of refugees and the difficult situation they are in.

However, Grand Hotel should have informed them beforehand. On the condi-

tion of anonymity, she further said that they are not racist but feel threatened as

there has been a theft in the hotel and many untoward incidents.

Prince Harry upset over a snub made to him and his wife Prince Harry is believed to be upset over a snub to him and his wife. The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry was apparently on the verge of tears after a Royal Family snub.

The Duke of Sussex

was said to be unhappy over a snub towards himself and his wife. Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have stepped back as members of the Royal Family.

The duo had come down for a Commonwealth Day

Service at the landmark location where they met their family members.

However, their presence was not acknowledged by not mentioning their names in the procession in the order of service.

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SCRUTATOR’S Snake used as a murder weapon Snakebite deaths are common in India, but the Supreme Court said it is a heinous crime to use a poisonous snake as a ‘weapon’ to murder an elderly woman and refused to grant bail to the accused in a case from Rajasthan. A woman, married to an army man who was posted away from his hometown, was regularly talking to her paramour over phone, which was objected to by her mother-in-law. Irked by the nagging reprimands of her MIL, the daughter-in-law, along with her paramour and his friend, procured a poisonous snake from a snake charmer. Wrapped in a bag, she kept the snake near her MIL’s bed on one night. The elderly woman was found dead in the morning.

The hospital declared that she died of snakebite. Snakebite deaths being a normal occurrence in Rajasthan, the police took time to discover an unusual number of phone call exchanges between the daughter-in-law and her paramour during the fateful night. It also found that these two have been in constant touch for a long time over the phone. The police arrested the three - the woman, her paramour and his friend - and traced down the snake charmer from whom the ‘murder weapon’ was procured. The snake charmer turned approver and narrated the whole incident.

The paramour's advocate argued that since his client was not present at the scene of crime, how he can be booked. The bench said, “It is very common in Rajasthan to use poisonous snakes for committing murders. You have used an innovative method to commit a heinous crime. You were allegedly part of the conspiracy and provided the murder weapon (snake) after procuring it from the snake charmer. You do not deserve to be released on bail at this stage.” (Agency) 110,000 Indian schools have only one teacher

Many Indian schools are run by only one teacher. According to a report, 110,000 schools in India are singleteacher entities. In fact, a total of 19% (amounting to 11,16,000) teaching positions in schools are lying vacant across India out of which 69% are in rural areas. Correlating this with low learning outcomes as per government data in classes III, V and VIII, the Unesco in its "2021 State of the Education Report for India: No Teachers, No Class," recommended improving the terms of employment of teachers, revamping their working conditions in rural areas besides 'aspirational districts', and recognising teachers as frontline workers. Having underlined that 7.7% pre-primary, 4.6% primary and 3.3% upper-primary teachers are underqualified, the report in its executive summary stated: "The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the role played by teachers and quality teaching in ensuring meaningful education and resilient education systems. Women account for about 50% of the teaching workforce, but there are significant inter-state and urban-rural variations." The three states with over 100,000 vacancies are UP (330,000), Bihar (220,000) and West Bengal (110,000). Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of single-teacher school (21,077). (Agency)

to Jamnagar after the Dussehra festival.

The elephants - Rajeshwari (27), Gemini (31), Seetha (36) and Ruby (44) - are owned by the Mysore-Wadiyar dynasty. The royal family has six elephants, of which four are beings sent to Jamnagar.

Vijaykumar Gogi, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Karnataka, said that the forest department has to issue a permit for transportation of the elephant. These are privately-owned animals and the department has only to certify that the elephants are fit to travel. “The forest department has also informed the Gujarat forest about the transfer of these animals.” V Karikalan, deputy conservator of forests, who has asked his veterinary team to examine the elephants, said, “We are to issue fitness certificates after which they will be transferred to Jamnagar. All the elephants were rescued from a circus and the royal family had volunteered to care for them.” The elephants were a tourist attraction at the palace and were used for “elephant safaris.” Forest officials said that in 2017, the royal family wrote to the forest department to take back three elephants as the handlers were not taking proper care of the animals.

However, the animals were not shifted due to administrative issues. Now they will finally move to Jamnagar. A team from Karnataka visited Jamnagar to check the facility there, after which it approved the transfer the elephants to Jamnagar.

(The Times of India) Kerala's sword-fighting greatgrandmother

Jamnagar to get 4 Mysore royal family elephants

Four elephants that belong to the royal family of Mysore will soon be shifted to Gujarat, at the Elephant Rescue Centre in Jamnagar. The four females, in the age group of 27-44 years, will be sent

Meenakshi Amma, the 78-year-old great-grandmother in Kerala, has been a driving force in the revival of kalaripayattu, India's oldest martial art.

Meenakshi Amma has been encouraging girls to take up the art for self-defence. "I started kalari when I was seven years old. I am 78 now. I am still practising, learning and teaching," the matriarch of the Kadathanad Kalari Sangham school, founded by her late husband in 1949, said.

"When you open the newspapers, you only see news of violence against women," she said. "When women learn this martial art, they feel physically and mentally strong and it makes them confident to

work and travel alone." Kalari, which contains elements of dance and yoga, can involve weapons such as swords, shields and staffs. It is considered to be 3,000 years old. India's British colonial rulers banned the practice, but it survived underground before a revival in the early 20th century and after independence in 1947. Now it is recognised as a sport and practised all over India. Inside Meenakshi's kalari, her bare-chested son Sanjeev Kumar puts barefoot pupils - boys and girls alike - through their paces on the earth floor. "There are two divisions in kalaripayattu -- one is that kalaripayattu is peace and the other is kalaripayattu in war," said the "gurukkal" (master). "It's an art that purifies mind, body and soul, improves concentration, speed and patience, regenerates physical and mental energy. When totally connected mentally and physically to kalari, then the opponent disappears, the body becomes eyes." (Agency) Baby elephant reunited with its mother The forest department in Tamil Nadu has reunited a baby elephant with its family. The initiative was taken at the Mudumalai National Park in the Nilgiri mountains. A video, shared on Twitter, showed how the officials led the operation to search for the elephant's family. In the video, the baby elephant can be seen attentively following the rescue team. Sharing the video, Supriya Sahu, Tamil Nadu Principal Secretary (Environment and Forests), praised the forest officials for their efforts. "A kutty baby elephant was reunited with the family after rescue by TN foresters in Mudumalai. Most heartwarming indeed.

Kudos (to the officials)," she said. The baby elephant after climbing a narrow elevated portion stops for a few minutes and cried out in joy after spotting the mother. Moments later, the little one ran towards her. (Agency) Raising awareness about children's education Volunteers of Bal Mitra Gram or Child Friendly Village programme of the Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation (KSCF) have been organising motorcycle rally in remote village of India to highlight the need for children's education. Another aim of the programme is to protect the children from being sucked into the vicious cycle of child labour, exploitation and abuse and connecting the poor and socio-economically marginalised population with the government's social

security schemes. The rally, spearheaded by child activists crisscrossed through multiple villages. Placards held up by children echoed the rally objective loud and clear: "If you make kids work, you will go straight to jail!" Talking about the initiative, Govind Khanal, activist, Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation, said, schools have been shut for a very long time, due to which many children have been forced into labour and Mica mining.

The aim of this campaign is to break this chain of child labour, to attract children back to school, and to stop those who are taking advantage of the situation and mistreating children. Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi's foundation has been working silently to protect rights of children and to ensure that children do not drop out of school and end child slavery and child abuse. Dedicating his life to building a world where every child has the right to live a free, healthy, educated and secure life, Kailash Satyarthi is determined to ensure justice for every child. (Agency) 3-storey building collapses in Bengaluru A three-storey building collapsed in

Bangalore's Kasturi Nagar, the third such incident in a fortnight. No injuries or casualties were reported, officials said.

Residents were evacuated right in time after a tilt was noticed in the building early in the morning. Of the eight flats in the building, only three were occupied.

Locals were seen running away from the area as the building came crashing down.

Officials of the civic body and the fire department were at the spot taking stock of the damage caused and clear the rubble. Poor foundation appeared to be the reason behind the collapse, officials said. Bengaluru's municipal commissioner Gaurav Gupta had asked the zonal commissioners to set up committees to survey and identify buildings that could be dangerous and those that have been built by violating the law. On September 27, nearly 50 people escaped unhurt when a 70-year-old building crumbled to the ground in Bengaluru's Lakkasandra area.

Last week seven of a family died after a building caved in following heavy rain at a village Belagavi. (Agency)

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16 - 22 October 2021

in brief MAJORITY UNDER-16 UNVACCINATED? According to the Office for National Statistics, Britain lags behind many European countries in vaccinating children, just as infections among secondary pupils are soaring: an estimated one in 15 has the virus. Only 11 per cent have received a first dose, government figures show.

While some blame this on school vaccinations being apparently cancelled, some heads blaming a lack of NHS resources. Only 56per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds have been vaccinated, compared with 95per cent of over80s. Younger people, with a smaller risk of catching severe Covid, are less likely to feel they need the jab.

YOUNG GIRL SEXUALLY ASSAULTED AND PUSHED INTO CANAL According to ITV, police reports revealed that on 14 August, a teenage girl was pushed into a canal by a man close to Schofield Bridge and then inappropriately touched the girl and her friend. Both the girls ran from the scene as they were shaken due to the incident but not physically assaulted. As per the West Yorkshire Police the man was portrayed as Asian and around 20-years-old. Inspector Lee Baragwanath of Dewsbury Neighbourhood Teams, said: "Enquiries are in progress and now we are in a position to release an Efit of a man we wish to speak with. We have been speaking with the girl and their parents. Anyone who thinks they recognise the man is asked to contact the police on 101 quoting crime number 13210411769 or can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ALMOST 50% OF EMPLOYEES RETURN TO OFFICE According to the research of more than 1,000 managers by the Chartered Management Institute for the Financial Times, it was revealed that close to one-third of businesses have lessened their office space because of bringing in hybrid working models. Nearly half of UK white-collar employees have returned to the office at least on a part-time basis but the recent information revealed that managers want the figures to plateau, even if there is a risk of Covid-19 and the shift to flexible working practices.

CHAOS AT HEATHROW AS E-PASSPORT GATES FAIL ONCE AGAIN Thousands of travellers arriving at Heathrow airport reported several hours of delay as epassport gates failed due to technical issues for the second time within two weeks. One of the passengers at Terminal 5, British Airways’ base, estimated that there were around 3,000 people in the queue and it was a chaotic situation.

ANNUAL SALARY OF £81,932 IS NOT SUFFICIENT, NEED A RAISE OF £20,000 Sir Peter Bottomley (77), has recently told the New Statesman that an annual salary of £81,932 is not sufficient for survival of the MPs and they need an increment of £20,000 to bring them in line with GPs. A family doctor’s average salary in England is £100,700. The average salary across the UK was just over £31,000, Huffpost UK reported. Sir Bottomley expressed that this sum is “desperately difficult” for financial management of the MPs. This demand for grievance addressal comes at a time when Department of Work and Pensions has announced a cut to the Universal Credit uplift on Wednesday, which will hit 5.8 million people on the benefits scheme by £1,000-a-year.

Priti Patel speaks about the Hindu concept of sewa Home Secretary Priti Patel expressed a major inclination towards what drives her in making tough decisions in life at the recently held Conservative Party annual conference in Manchester.

She said, “Our values embody service before self. This can be neatly defined by the Hindu word sewa, which can mean service, commitment and dedication to others.

“Ensuring the best interests

of our country come first is what drives me each and every day.

That is my responsibility. That is my service. That is our party.”

Patel said that the concept of sewa is also instrumental in motivating her to do crimefighting work at the UK Home Office. “And it is because of our commitment to putting the needs of the hardworking, often silent, majority first, that I will not tolerate so called ecowar-

riors, trampling over our way of life and draining police resources.

“Their actions over recent weeks have amounted to some of the most self-defeating ‘environmental’ protests this country has ever seen. Freedom to protest is a fundamental right our party will forever fight to uphold. But it must be within the law,” the Home Secretary said.

BAME Met officers earn on average £1.45 less per hour than their white counterparts Ethnicity Pay Gap Analysis 2020 report, BAME (Black and Minority Ethnic) Met officers earn on average £1.45 less per hour than their white counterparts - a difference of 7.54 per cent. This figure remains unchanged since 2019.

In November last year, MetPolice Commissioner Cressida Dick had said, “I recognise trust in the Met is still too low in some black communities, as is their trust in many other institutions. I feel very sorry about that. It is something I have worked to change and I commit now to stepping up that work further.

“My top two operational

priorities are reducing violence and increasing public confidence in the Met, particularly the confidence of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. Actions are more important than words and, as I have said before, we can do more and we will.

“The Met is not free of discrimination, racism or bias. I have always acknowledged that and do now again. In the Met we have zero tolerance of racism. My job is to continue to try to eliminate any such racism and discrimination, however it appears.

“I also firmly believe the Met has come a very long way,

in our understanding of our communities and how we involve them in our work, in our improved community relations, and how we recruit, celebrate and engage a more diverse workforce. We have transformed our training and education on diversity and inclusion, and how we listen to our black colleagues and communities.

“Today we have over 8,000 Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic colleagues, including 5,000 police officers, half of England and Wales’s total “BAME” officers, in the Met. Those numbers will increase further over the next few

years as we recruit in large numbers from London. The Met is a place where black Londoners can and do thrive. ” The figures revealed that there is only a £1.08 difference per hour between BAME and white serving female officers within the force. In the £100,000 and over salary bracket, there is only one BAME officer compared to 34 white. And in the £90,001 to £100,000 bracket, there are a further 62 white officers being paid that amount compared to just eight BAME officers.

There are no Met officers earning under £20,000.

BAME and poorer communities are more likely to live in areas with toxic air The gap between the most and least deprived areas of London for exposure to harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has narrowed by up to 50 per cent since 2016, according to new data revealed on Monday.

However, the report also shows that communities which have higher levels of deprivation, or a higher proportion of people from a non-white ethnic background, are still more likely to be exposed to higher levels of air pollution. The analysis, commissioned by City Hall, shows that significant inequalities remain, and more work is needed to further reduce pollution levels and the health inequalities that result from unequal exposure to air pollution.

Ahead of the UK hosting COP26 and the Ultra Low

Emission Zone expansion later this month, Sadiq is determined for London to be a world leader in tackling the twin dangers of air pollution and the climate emergency and today launched a new Breathe London community programme in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The new initiative is set to empower local action on air quality. Community organisations are invited to apply for a free air quality sensor to be installed in a location of their choice, providing real time, hyperlocal data. The programme aims to reach communities that research shows have poor air quality and lack access to green space, including low-income and Black, Asian and Minority

Ethnic Londoners.

The sensors are being provided to some community groups and boroughs free of charge, but for the first time, Breathe London air quality monitoring sensors are also now available to purchase directly by organisations and individuals wishing to monitor air quality in their local area, measure the impact of existing schemes to improve air quality, or help com-

munities lobby for action in areas with high levels of toxic pollution.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “We know toxic air pollution in London stunts the growth of children’s lungs and worsens chronic illnesses, such as asthma. Now our new research confirms that that those exposed to the worst air pollution are more likely to be Londoners living in deprived areas and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.

“A key step will be the expansion of the world-first Ultra Low Emission Zone up to the North and South circular roads, starting on 25 October, which will improve the health of all Londoners and help us deliver a cleaner, greener and fairer city.”

Exodus of barristers: Justice delayed Barristers in the UK have warned that soon, an exodus of barristers from the legal profession is acting as a major impediment to the government’s plan of reducing the backlog of criminal cases that have piled up during the pandemic.

A Bar Council survey found that 38 per cent of criminal barristers dropped an income band during the pandemic. Another study suggested that almost a quarter had taken on more than £20,000 in debt to meet the shortfall in earnings. “Years of criminal barristers being forced to leave the profession means we simply don’t have sufficient numbers of criminal advocates left to handle the numbers of

criminal prosecutions that have

been sent to the courts,” said Jo Sidhu, chair of the Criminal Bar Association.

According to figures revealed by the Ministry of Justice, a total of 60,692 cases were pending at the end of June. “Since the pandemic, the backlog has risen by 19,000 with some trials delayed until 2023, raising concerns

about the impact on victims waiting years for justice and defendants on remand,” FT reported. The new justice secretary Dominic Raab, the new justice secretary, is treating this as a priority but has also said that this will take more than six months. “We have a plan to fix it,” he said last week.

Contract cheating: No more essays In a move to protect students from "deceptive marketing techniques of contract cheating services", England is banning contract cheating, where several companies offer to write essays for students for a fee.

This is a part of the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill.

According to a survey taken three years ago, 15.7% of recent graduates admitted to cheating. However, Universities UK said that the use of essay mills by students was rare. The National Union of Students said: "These private companies prey on students' vulnerabili-

ties and insecurities to make money through exploitation, and never more so than during the pandemic." According to the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, the watchdog for standards in UK universities, 1,000 essay mills in operation.

14 WOMEN’S VOICE

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Roots Shefali Saxena October and November used to be the most exciting time of the year. More exciting than my birthday month. Not only would we get to eat hot piping pooris and kachoris, but the house would also be dressed as a bride with a variety of flowers blooming at every level of our three-storeyed bungalow that my grandmother turned into “home”.

As soon as Navratri would start, I’d become my grandma’s tail and follow her around the house as she prepared for the goddess to arrive.

I would be up by 5:30 am (too early for a four-year-old who didn’t go to school because of a fractured hand) in the rocky Bundelkhand plateau in North India, as the weather took baby steps into autumn, almost seamlessly merging with winter.

The sparrows (hundreds of them who lived on the Jamun tree of our courtyard) were my alarm clock because my grandmother fed them rice and water in the morning. I would quickly bathe with hot water, wear my specially designed dress (to keep wearing the cast in my hand) that my grandmother stitched herself using her silayi machine (sewing machine).

My next task was to go to every floor of the house and pluck flowers for my grand-

mother’s pooja. I always took the cordless phone (like a walky-talky) which was connected to our intercom system because each floor had cats or monkeys waiting to greet me.

Our house-help - the amazing allrounder Pappu (Dwarika Prasad Kushwah) would be my bodyguard. The first floor had Gurhal (Hibiscus), Genda (marigold), Gulab (roses) and Champa. The top floor had Madhu Malti flowers that ran from the ground floor to the top floor of our house.

I would then connect with my grandma downstairs with the walky-talky and say “Over and Out” which meant I’m coming back downstairs. She would leave all her chores and wait for me to come down the stairs with flowers in one hand and a cast in the other. She’d wipe some sweat and dust off my forehead and give me breakfast.

She and I would then fill several bamboo baskets with flowers, some with grains, and decorate brass thaals (huge round plates) with 56 varieties of food before beginning to pray. She would take out a fresh plate of food for the cow who used to be outside our gate every noon without fail.

I would then rush to the prayer room of our house and start bathing the idols of gods and make them wear hand-stitched clothes coordinating their colours with the day of the week as per my grandma’s instructions. I had a personal liking towards some of the gods so I cunningly use to place my favourite flowers before them and then just throw the rest in the air to see where they fell. Pardon me, I was four.

My grandma would then put a drop of water in the red vermillion which she called ‘Sendur’ and tied a red thread (kalava) on my right wrist. As long as my grandfather was alive, grandma would dress up in a red cotton or Kota check saree. She never liked silk.

She loved calling a rustic woman to our home during Navratri to apply aalta/mahavar on the feet of all women and girls in the house.

Remember, I was the tail. So while she prayed and chanted mantras using her rosaries, I would fall asleep in her lap. She would wake me up when her prayers were

over and we would eat in a huge brass thaal together.

Our late afternoons were spent under the Jamun tree, where she read a few pages of Ramcharitmanas to me and I asked her questions as if she were a human Google.

She never lost patience with me.

I was a jealous child. In those nine days, she would call nine girls every day and pray to them. I would take serious offence that why are nine girls being prayed to when I am there in the house. Grandma pacified me by saying that I was the goddess of the house.

These were the goddesses that resided outside our home. It was easy to please me with the aroma of ghee soaked Panjeeri (a sweet powdery substance made with wheat flour and nuts), poor-sabzi and Panchamrit (raw milk mixed in curd and dry fruits with sugar).

I loved making aipan with her. A semiliquid paste of turmeric, raw milk and soaked rice, which we used to make a rangoli like design which we called ‘chauk’ before we prayed. By the time I was 8, I mastered the art of making it. My old woman was so proud of me.

Seasons passed, I moved to another city, eventually another country and started working. The sparrows stopped coming when the woman of the house left for heavenly abode. I visited that home after a decade this year. The bowl of aalta, the aasan which she used to sit over while praying, the bird feeder, were intact. The idols I prayed to as a kid are now with me at my home to where I live now. Whenever I light a diya and start chanting the Gayatri Mantra, I look at my grandma’s Durga and sense her presence around me, beaming with joy that I still pray.

What was the need to tell this random festive tale you may ask? I think we do not recognise the privilege of growing up with our grandparents enough today. Women especially for me are the harbingers of light into any culture and the very thread that binds us together with small customs, rituals, not necessarily in the name of religion, but as a warm cushion to remind us where we come from, where our roots lie.

Thousands of women sign the petition to reinstate the night tube Following the horrifying murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa, a petition has been started to reinstate the night tube. It has thousands of signatures as women look for safer ways to get home.

Ella Watson who started the petition wrote: “In the UK and London women and girls are unsafe on the streets, especially at night.

The rightful outcry at the recent murders of Sabina Nessa and Sarah Everard on London's streets epitomises the fear women face of walking alone or standing on the streets in the evening and at night. In fact, recent data from UN Women UK showcases how over 70% of women in the UK have experienced sexual harassment in public (UN Women, 2021). The decision taken by TfL to keep the night tube closed over the winter of 2021/2022 will have a disproportionate impact on women and low-income groups, with women forced to take expensive taxis home during the busy festive season as a result of being unsafe in public. Yet taxis themselves pose a risk to women, with 235 allegations of rape or sexual assault against London taxi / private hire drivers over a 12 month period during 2019 (which is equivalent to one assault every 2 days) (TfL, 2021).

Any sexual assault is one too many.

“Urgently more political will and political action are needed to dismantle misogyny, in order to tackle the root causes of violence against women in the UK. This involves inducing cultural and behavioural change through education, policy and practice.

Including reform to key public institutions such as the Met, private institutions such as Uber, greater investment in support services for women and the prioritization of a national strategy. Physical changes to the environment such as street lights and safer transport

should not be seen as a solution, serving as a bandaid to the problem of violence against women, yet arguably they can help make a significant difference, especially during the winter months.

“Whilst it is important to recognize the tube itself, much like other public transport, is not perfect and more needs to be done to protect women when using it, the running of a well-lit and well-connected tube network, with platform CCTV and appropriately trained security staff serves as the best transport option to ensure millions of women across London can get home safely in the evenings and at night this coming winter.

The reopening of the night economy after lockdown without this infrastructure is a disservice to women's safety.

“This petition calls on the following men to take responsibility for women's public safety and reopen the night tube this winter: Mayor of London and Chair of TfL Sadiq Khan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Transport Commissioner Andy Byford and Secretary of State for Transport Rt Hon Grant Shapps. It also calls for Elizabeth Truss Minister for Women and Equalities to recognize, debate and address the disproportionate impacts that will be experienced by women as a result of the night tube closure over the winter period.”

A spokesman for the Mayor of London said: “Sadiq is committed to taking action to improve safety for women in the capital and has been clear he wants to open the Night Tube as quickly as possible. He has urged TfL to look into the feasibility of getting one or two lines reopened this year, which we hope will be possible.

“TfL continues to run as close to full service as possible across all their services, and

the Tube continues to serve central London with last trains leaving around 01:00 and starting again at 05:30. There is also an extensive night bus network that continues to operate across the city every night.”

in brief 85% WOMEN IN THEATRES WORRIED GENDER INEQUALITY WILL WORSEN POSTCOVID Leading women in British theatre fear that theatres may soon face an exodus of female talent if actions are not taken immediately to support women post the pandemic.

According to Guardian, “As a survey reveals more than 60% of women across all roles in UK theatre are considering leaving the industry, with 85% worried gender inequality will worsen post-Covid, the leading figures have called on Arts Council England (ACE) and the government to introduce support funds and quotas.”

The research has been conducted by playwright Jennifer Tuckett, in partnership with organisations such as The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, Equity, Stage Directors UK and the December Group. The research found that more than 98% of the 387 women surveyed experienced challenges in the past 19 months, including a decrease in freelance work (74%), and increases in domestic tasks (38%) childcare (27%) and unemployment (32%).

Other concerns listed in the research pointed towards discrimination against women over 40, and women occupying more emerging and mid-stage jobs, which were more dispensable.

ONLY 8 OUT OF TOP 100 COMPANIES IN THE UK HEADED BY WOMEN A recent report by Cranfield School of Management has revealed that the proportion of female executive directors across the FTSE 100 has flatlined at 13.7 per cent for the second consecutive year as only eight out of the city’s top 100 businesses are run by women. It includes NatWest’s Alison Rose and Aviva’s Amanda Blanc, and 15 chief financial officers or finance directors.

Even though UK's top-listed companies have made progress on gender targets, they still have very few women in senior leadership positions, the report suggests.

Interestingly, the proportion of female nonexecutive directors on FTSE 100 boards was at an all-time high at 44 per cent. This includes 14 per cent of chairs and 35 per cent of those chairing board committees being women. Financial News, London, quoted Kay as saying, “The lack of female representation in executive roles is particularly striking, especially when the presence of women in senior positions, critically the role of CEO and chairperson, was noted to be a strong and influential driver."

Priti Patel supports 888 service to protect women Home secretary Priti Patel reportedly come out with praises for the app proposed by BT that protects women by checking if the users had got home.

The functionality revolves around downloading a mobile phone app and entering home addresses and other frequent destinations.

“Before a journey, a person would call or text 888 or use the app to enter an estimated journey time, which would then be tracked by the phone’s GPS system with the app sending a message to check whether the user had got home. A failure to respond would trigger calls to emergency contacts and subsequently to the police,” the Daily Mail.

Apparently, BT chief executive, Philip Jansen, wrote to Patel informing her that the helpline would cost around £50m. It could be launched by Christmas.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We have received the letter and will respond in due course.

“As set out in our strategy earlier this year, we need a whole-of-society approach to tackling violence against women and girls and welcome joint working between the private sector and government.”

Patel told the Mail: “This new phone line is exactly the kind of innovative scheme which would be good to get going as soon as we can. I’m now looking at it with my team and liaising with BT.”

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Bollywood’s famous musician and composer Padmashree Anandji Virji Shah honoured at the House of Lords During his recent visit to the UK, the wellknown music composer from Bollywood, Padmashree Anandji Virji Shah of the popular Kalyanji Anandji duo, was felicitated at the House of Lords by Lord Loomba CBE, Founder and Chairman Trustee of The Loomba Foundation. Anandji was accompanied by his wife, Shanta Ji and the family.

The dinner was held at Attlee Room, in partnership with Raja Kaasheff & Rubayyat Jahan, who are popular singers in the UK. It was attended by many of Anandji’s followers and dignitaries including Bangladesh High Commissioner, H E Ms Saida Muna Tasneem, G P Ashok Hinduja, Hinduja, C B Patel, Seema Malhotra MP, Umesh Desai, Ravi Sharma, Sarita Sabharwal.

The award-winning musical duo of Kalyanji Anandji have made an extraordinary impact on the music industry with their timeless and iconic melodies. They have also created a legacy through their ability to identify, mentor and nurture new talent, many of Lord Loomba CBE and Shri GP Hinduja felicitating whom have gone on to become Padma Shri Anandji very successful artists.

HE Ms Saida Muna Tasneem, High Commissioner for Bangladesh to the UK with Padma Shri Anandji, Shanta Ji and dignitaries.

In addition, philanthropy has always been very important to them; proactively volunteering and raising awareness of social causes in much need times. They have many a time raised considerable sums through their art to fundraise and grow awareness of important issues across communities. They are renowned for the prestigious awards won across the Indian Music Industry and their talent took their musical reach global by influencing well known Western Music artists too.

AZAD HIND DAY TO BE CELEBRATED ON OCTOBER 21 On October 21, 1943, one of India’s greatest sons – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose announced the formation of the ‘Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind’ or the provincial government of free India in Singapore. Immediately after the formation of the government-in-exile, Azad Hind declared war against the Britishers and allied forces on the Indo-Burma Front. The Azad Hind Fauj also fought against the British Indian Army and the allied forces in the Imphal-Kohima sector.

The Azad Hind government under the Cambridge educated Bose had in fact started its own bank, currency, civil code and stamps. Bose had even formed the first women regiment of the INA – Rani Jhansi Regiment, thus laying down the foundation for equal opportunity for women in the armed forces.

Earlier Bose gave his famous battle cry ‘Chalo Dilli’ and promised independence to Indians saying, “Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe Azadi dunga’ (You give me blood, I will give you freedom). The existence of the Azad Hind Government had given India’s independence struggle against the British a greater legitimacy. The brave actions of Subash Chandra Bose and his decision to set up the country’s first government triggered a chain of events that eventually forced the British government to leave India in August 1947.

Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK is hosting an international webinar across continents to celebrate the 78th anniversary of the formation of the Azad Hind Government

by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose The event is scheduled for Thursday, 21 Oct 21 at 4-6 pm BST (India 8.30-10.30 pm) Our Distinguished Speakers are headlined by Dr Anita Bose Pfaff, Daughter of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Other speakers include: - Lord Rami Ranger, Chairman, SPMSUK

Sadly, Rita P r a k a s h Valambia, daughter of Ananadji and Shanta Ji, who organised the event, passed away on 7th October 2021 Mrs Rita Prakash Valambia, after a brief daughter of Padma Shri Anandji illness. and Shanta Ji. 1958 - 2021

Turn to Page 26 to read the family's tribute to Mrs Rita Prakash Valambia.

Name Leicester Park after Amitabh Bachchan, says Keith Vaz A call has been made for a park in Leicester to be named after Bollywood Mega Star Amitabh Bachchan by former Leicester East MP Keith Vaz who hosted the film star on his two visits to the City. Mr Bachchan celebrates his 79th Birthday today. He should also be honoured by Britain for his international work as he has been in France and numerous other countries, said Vaz. Born on 11 October 1942 Amitabh Bachchan is the superstar of Indian Cinema. Mr Bachchan has been honoured by the Government of India with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhusha and many other awards. He has also been honoured internationally by the Government of France with the highest civilian honour, Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2007. He was voted the greatest star on stage or screen by

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Ardhendu Bose, Nephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Sanjay Choudhry, Grandson of Anand Mohan Sahay, Secretary INA Dr. Bhuvan Lall, Biographer of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose C. B. Patel, Patron, SPMSUK, & Chief Editor Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Convenor: Krishna Pujara, General Secretary, SPMSUK For more information Pravin G. Patel-07960376229

BBC News Online users. He was the first living Asian to have been modelled in wax at London’s Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in London.

Keith Vaz said: “I had the honour of hosting Amitabh on two of his visits to Leicester the city which has more people of Indian origin living here than any city in Europe. Most superstars of his stature only visit London, but he came to Leicester and thousands came to see him. I think it would be appropriate if we name one of our large parks after him and it has been suggested that Rushey Fields in Rushey Mead would be a great place although others may have different ideas. He is known for his humanitarian work, and he has personally helped by way of donations to clear the debts of the poor farmers in India.

“He has also supported the cause of Diabetes awareness by taking a diabetes test in Leicester which I am pleased to say was negative, but this encouraged many others to do so.

“I find it disappointing that successive British Governments have failed to honour him even though other countries like France have done so. It would be good to have a piece of artwork, not a statue but maybe a sculpture in the shape of Amitabh’s face. If we name a park after him, there will always be a part of England that is forever Amitabh” Vaz said. Pradip Dullabh the Chairman of the Bharat Football Club added: “I fully support this idea. I remember the visits he made to Leicester people could not believe he was actually here. Bachchan Park will be visited and enjoyed. It’s a great tribute to an absolute legend.”

Parks in Leicester have been named after Civil Rights Leader Revered Jessie Jackson and South African President Nelson Mandela.

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“Seva Ratna Sanmman” Our tribute to the unsung Covid heroes of Britain Kunjal Zala On 3 October 2021, ABPL Group organised ‘Seva Ratna Sanmman’ at the Dhamecha Lohana Centre, which was applauded by our audience and various communities. A unique gesture by us to recognise, honour and express our heartfelt gratitude to those who have served the community during the tough times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

We were thrilled with the participation of key dignitaries such as Lord Dolar Popat, H.E. Gaitri Issar Kumar (High Commissioner of India to the UK), Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Cllr Ghazanfar Ali (Harrow Mayor) and Shri Shantibhai Dhamecha (Dhamecha Group).

Ashok Kumar Chauhan MBE (Her Majesty’s Armed Forces), Sqn Ldr Amir Khan (RAF), WO Balbir Flora (RAF), Sgt Shiv Chand (RAF), Mayoress Mamona Ali, Dr Kartar Lalwani (Chairman, Vitabiotics Ltd), Mr. Tej Lalwani (Director, Vitabiotics Ltd), Mr Navin Shah (Chair, London Assembly 2020-21), Mrs Rekha Shah (Councillor, London Borough of Harrow), Dr R R Gandecha representing NHS, Mr Virendra Sharma MP, Mr Simon N. Ovens (DL FCMI), Mr. Rohit Vadhwana (Senior Diplomat, India House) and other dignitaries also graced the event.

The ceremony was well organised and managed by compere Shri Vinodbhai Thakrar who kicked off the event by welcoming all the guests present in the hall. The event commenced with prayers by Executive Director of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Dr M N Nandakumara, followed with an expressive and graceful traditional dance performance by the students of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan.

Lord Dolar Popat, Chairman of the Organising Committee was invited to share his views. He spoke about how the last 18 months was full of turmoil. For the British Indian community, it was harder, especially as we missed out on family gatherings, weddings, Diwali and Christmas celebrations, birthdays and even celebrating India’s Independence and Republic Day. The worst amongst all was, losing so many lives. We were not even able to meet our loved ones in their final days or mourn of the loss together with family. Our thoughts and prayers are with families and friends of those who lost near and dear ones to Covid-19.

Chief Guest H.E. Gaitri Issar Kumar, said she was delighted to attend this unique event, admiring the premises of Dhamecha Lohana Centre. She said, “When I was invited by CB to participate in this event, I was extremely happy. First as it was an opportunity to meet you all in person and second, as this event was all about recognising the efforts of the people who came out like stars in the nights, and brought out hope and cheer.”

She added, “The High Commission of India will always prioritise the heroes of the community in

every possible way. I also thank the communities and people all over the UK as we have received lot of donations and we had to arrange a special team to make sure that the donations are properly channelised.”

She congratulated each one for their selfless dedication towards the community that has distinctively inspired the younger generations.

Lord Bhikhu Parekh, spoke about the lessons we have learnt from the pandemic. He said, “What is the one thing that only we have contributed to the society and others could not? Look at our history of independence. MBEs and Sirs were ignored but what mattered was the title given by people like Din Bandhu or Lok Manya. Your fellow citizens decide how to honour and whom to honour and that matters far more than the officials sitting in the White Hall. The Seva Ratna Sanmman are designed to celebrate the great contributions that individuals and organisations have made in the era of a pandemic.”

The Worshipful Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Ghazanfar Ali, thanked CB for hosting this special event He said, “In Harrow, we live very closely. We are always in touch with each other.” He recalled the work done by the Harrow community while there was a disastrous earthquake in Pakistan. In February and March 2020, governments across the world were confused as to how we would tackle this situation. The Indian and Pakistani communities of Harrow stood beside each other and helped by offering free meals, packed foods, medicine and many more things.

“My gratitude goes to all of you because it is not possible by a single person to do all these,” he added.

Speaking about the process and deliberation for the awards and presentations to follow, Shri Kanti Nagda, a well-known community worker said, “It was very difficult for our judges’ panel to read out the best individual and organization entries who have served not only our communities but the society at large.

We had a huge number of nominations, which pleased us. But that made our job difficult in selecting the best one. Please don’t hold grudge against the selection panel as you all have contributed a fair share in serving the community in these testing times. Thanks to the panelists for performing the thankless task.”

In his vote of thanks, CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar said he was grateful to all the guests for attending the event. He especially thanked H.E. Gaitri Issar Kumar for her august presence, the Dhamecha family, and the entire Lohana community for providing the wonderful premises. He added Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar will continue their best to serve the community and our readers in the best possible manner and organise many such unique programmes in the future.

Dr M N Nandakumara Executive Director of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan

Lord Dolar Popat

H.E. Gaitri Issar Kumar

Cllr Ghazanfar Ali

(High Commissioner of India to the UK)

(Harrow Mayor)

Lord Bhikhu Parekh

Kanti Nagda MBE

Vinod Thakrar

CB Patel

Dance performance by the students of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan

L-R: CB with Shantibhai, Kumudben, Vinaben and Pradipbhai Dhamecha

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16 - 22 October 2021

AWARDEES

Shri Kurjibhai Kerai (L) receiving award on behalf of Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Willesden Lane from Mr Kishore Shah of Citibond Travels

Mayoress Mamona Ali presenting award to Mr Dinesh Sonchhatra (R), President Lohana Community North London

Shri Pradipbhai Dhamecha (R) receiving award on behalf of Laduma Foundation from Mayoress Mamona Ali

Mrs Kokilaben Patel (L) receiving award on behalf of Shanta Foundation from MP Virendra Sharma. Kokilaben is a spiritual sister of Bhikhubhai Patel and Vijaybhai Patel

Ms Krishnaben Pujara (L) receiving award on behalf of Enfield Saheli from Mr Kartar Lalwani, Chairman Vitabiotics Ltd

Shri Nitin Palan (L) receiving award on behalf of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden) from Mr Kartar Lalwani, Chairman, Vitabiotics Ltd

Mr Anil Chaman (L) receiving award on behalf of Mr Raj Singh “Skipping Sikh” from Mr Rohit Vadhwana, Senior Diplomat at India House

Dr Reshma R Gandecha (L) receiving award on behalf of NHS from Mr Rohit Vadhwana, Senior Diplomat at India House

L-R: Mr Kantesh Popat & Ms Jayshreeben Radia receiving award on behalf of VYO from Mr Simon N. Ovens, DL FCMI. Ms Devyaniben (Balham Haveli) was also present at the event

The event ended with presentation of the awards. Out of all the nominations received, 11 were finalists and were awarded the Seva Ratna Sanmman.

Names of the awardees are as follows:1.

2.

Mr Dilipbhai Mithani (L) receiving award on behalf of Navnat Vanik Association from Sqn Ldr Amir Khan (RAF)

Ms Kusumben Soma (L) receiving award on behalf of Mandhata Youth and Community Centre from Sqn Ldr Amir Khan (RAF)

We are grateful to Mr Dhruv Gadhvi and Mr Raj Bakrania for video and photography. A special thanks to Colours Gujarati for broadcasting the coverage of this event last Sunday in Dhruv Gadhvi’s weekly Gujarati show SHU CHALE CHHE! Also, a big thanks to Shri Vinodbhai Thakrar for the arrangements, coordination and execution of this wonderful event. Last but not the least the volunteers and the team members of the LCNL and ABPL Group for their invaluable contribution behind the scenes.

The recording of this event will soon be available on YouTube.

Mr. Raj Singh (Skipping Sikh MBE) BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden) 3. Enfield Saheli 4. Laduma Foundation 5. Lohana Community North London 6. Mandhata Youth and Community Centre 7. Navnat Vanik Association 8. NHS 9. Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Willesden Lane 10. Shanta Foundation 11. Vallabh Youth Organisation (Photo Courtesy- Raj D Bakrania, PR MEDIA PIX & Video Courtesy- Dhruv Gadhvi)

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16 - 22 October 2021

As we celebrate Navratri and Diwali approaches – Goddesses Durga and Lakshmi are on our minds.

Turning therefore to more Alpesh Patel worldly matters - What Can Dear Financial Women Teach Men About Investing Voice Reader, Women don't invest in the stock market as much as men. However, there are several reasons why they should, like growing their pension or accumulating wealth. But perhaps the biggest reason is that research shows women are better investors.

Why Women Typically Invest Less Than Men Women typically invest less than men for a mix of reasons: 1 The gender pay gap means, on average, women have less money to invest.

2 Women tend to save in cash ISAs at a higher rate than men.

3 Women cite a reluctance to take risks at the same rate as men.

4 Many women lack the confidence to invest.

Why Women Make Better Investors A lack of confidence and a lower risk appetite are cited as reasons why women invest less. However, there is some evidence to suggest that this might not be the disadvantage it seems at first glance. Men tend to overestimate their ability in the market, which can lead them to take an excessive amount of risk.

Women Panic Sell Less Than Men Let's take a look at panic selling. Stock markets are unpredictable and volatile. During market dips, many investors become skittish and try to time the market. More often than not, this strategy backfires when the market recovers.

Research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has shown that the people most likely to panic sell are men aged 45 or over who consider themselves to have "excellent investment experience." Women are more likely to hold on to stocks instead of timing the market.

As shown by Bank of America research, selling during market dips means missing out on gains when the market recovers.

Women Take Fewer Risks All investing carries an element of risk. But the best investors don't bite off more than they can chew. The financial advisory company Betterment looked at how a lower appetite for risk helps women in investing. Betterment suggests that women trade less, take fewer risks, and generally stay within the confines of financial advice. Some conservatism in investment is great over the long term.

More Research, Less Panic Men and women approach risk in different ways. One of the most glaring differences between investment styles is research. Women tend to do a lot more research than men before investing. Additionally, they tend to demonstrate more patience in the market.As mentioned earlier, women are less likely to unload stocks during a stock market dip.

Women in Hedge Funds Women outperforming men in investing isn't a new phenomenon either. University of California, Berkeley looked at 35,000 private brokerage accounts over a six-year period in the 1990s. The study found that women outperformed men by around one percentage point. The average real rate of returns is around 5%, so even a 1% rise is impressive.

The Confidence Problem One barrier to investment for women is a lack of confidence. Indeed, only 9% of women believe they are better investors than men. The research tells us something different.

However, it also highlights the fact that men tend to overestimate their ability as investors.

The Global Financial Literacy Excellence Centre (GFLEC) underlined this in a recent survey. The women survey were less confident in the US stock market. Additionally, they were less confident in their ability to make investment decisions.

GFLEC believe that confidence and knowledge are strongly correlated. If true, this underlines the importance of education to close the investment gap. If you're hoping that these attitudes will change with newer generations, you might have to wait a little longer. 56% of Millennial women said that fear is what is holding them back from the market.

Why Don't More Women Invest?

In light of the statistics demonstrating great results, why don't more women invest? One interesting reason is that 77% of women see money as a tool to help their families. Men are less likely to see money this way, which could partially explain why they invest more.As the wage gap continues to close, women will have more funds to invest. However, more work must be done, especially when it comes to granting raises.

Summary Women can teach men a lot about investing. Sticking to a disciplined strategy, managing risk, and not trading too much all help long term returns.

Discipline, patience and a willingness to learn are all great qualities in an investor. Research shows that women tend to exhibit these attributes when it comes to managing their portfolios. And with mutual funds managed by women outperforming their male counterparts this year, maybe it's time that more men started to listen. See my campaign to help a million people become better investors with free education to learn more – www.campaignforamillion.com

Liberty Steel pledges to restart Rotherham, Stockbridge plants The owner of Liberty Steel has pledged to restart its Rotherham and Stocksbridge plants this month, saving around 1,000 jobs. The move comes after Sanjeev Gupta’s conglomerate, GFG Alliance, said it had refinanced debts at its Australian steel and mining business. The group has reportedly repaid about a third of its total debt of Liberty Primary Metals Australia, which includes a mining and steel business in Whyalla and a calming at Tahmoor, using cash flow from its reviving business.

They plan to gradually repay the rest of the debt by June 2023 to key lenders Credit Suisse and the collapsed Greensill Capital. The debt was previously expected to be repaid next year.

GFG was desperate in its search for new funds to plug

a gap since the collapse of its key lender Greensill Capital in March. It faces a Serious Fraud Office investigation into those financing arrangements. Chief restructuring officer for Liberty Steel, Jeffrey S Stein said.

“The funding we are injecting to Liberty Steel UK puts it in a strong position for business transformation and debt restructuring.” He said the group’s efforts on global refinancing would now turn to its eastern European operation “where a significant number of new lenders

are expressing interest in refinancing our steel assets.”

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of Community, the steelworkers’ union said, “This news is well overdue but it’s an important step in the right direction and demonstrates that GFG can raise funds for the UK.” He said, “The government must play their part and act now to protect our industry from the consequences of soaring energy prices. Other European countries have already acted, and Britain’s steelworkers want to know why our politicians are sitting on their hands. Brexit was supposed to make it easier for the government to back British industry and British jobs but we’re just

seeing the same old handwringing and excuses for doing nothing.”

GFG had hoped to secure new funding for its Australian business via a deal with San Francisco-based White Oak Global Advisors, however, it is understood that arrangement could not be finalized in time. Instead, a revival at the Australian operation, where underlying profits rose to £391m this year, as revenues rose almost 29 per cent.

Liberty said the deal in Australia also freed up £50m in cash that would fund restarting the core electric arc furnace in Rotherham.

The 1,000 workers at the two Yorkshire plants are currently on 80 per cent pay, funded by Liberty, after the UK government’s furlough scheme ended after 30 September.

Outrage over £125mn bonus pays for staff at financial watchdog Britain’s financial regulator has come under fresh controversy and has been accused of failing from “top to bottom” after a report revealed its staff were paid out £125mn in bonuses since 2016. Campaigners said the payouts at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) were an “absolute insult” to savers who had lost their life savings because of the regulator’s systemic failings.

Details of the bonus payouts were obtained by the Observer and reveal £125,529,590 has been paid out in bonuses at the watchdog since 2016, including bonuses worth £45,000 each for executive directors. In the year to March 31, 2021, £19.8 million in bonuses was paid out

with average payouts of about £5,399 for those receiving awards.

Business activist and cofounder of the True and Fair Campaign, Gina Miller said, “These payouts are an absolute insult to people who have lost their life savings or have had their lives decimated because we have a regulator which isn’t fit for purpose. We have seen over the last five years some of the biggest financial scandals due to a lack of enforcement and regulatory rigour. It’s unbelievable against that backdrop to award these bonuses. This is an organisation which has failed from top to bottom.”

FCA boss Nikhil Rathi is now proposing to scrap the bonuses, after two indepen-

dent reviews found the regulator had acted too slowly to protect consumers. He said the payouts had “not been effective at driving individual or collective performance.”

The FCA was criticised last December in a damning report by the former court of appeal judge Dame Elizabeth Gloster, over its failure to effectively supervise and regulate the minibond issuer London Capital & Finance (LCF). About 11,600 investors lost savings of up to £237m when LCF went into administration in 2019. It was criticised in another independent review published in December for ineffective regulation over the collapse of the Connaught Income Fund in 2012. The FCA said

at the time it was “profoundly sorry” for the mistakes that had been made. It was also criticised for failing to intervene before the collapse of Neil Woodford’s £3.1bn Woodford Equity Income Fund. It was shut down in October 2019 with heavy losses for tens of thousands of investors.

Meanwhile, in an FCA consultation document that has been circulated to staff, Rathi said it was “increasingly difficult” to justify the bonus payouts after the LCF and Connaught fund reviews found the regulator had acted too slowly to protect consumers. He wrote, “This is particularly so when bonuses are paid to the vast majority of staff and not just those who have performed exceptionally.”

Kwarteng under heat for allegedly misleading claims over cable project Cabinet minister Kwasi Kwarteng has been accused of making misleading claims about a £1.2bn cable project directly linked to a Conservative donor. As revealed in the Pandora papers, almost one in 10 Conservative MPs had taken money from firms linked to Russian tycoon Viktor Fedotov. One of those firms included Aquind. The UK Labour Party highlighted that Business Secretary Kwarteng had said he was supportive of the project in a 2019 letter released under freedom of information.

A source at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, cited by The Guardian, said the letter was part of a proposal for crossborder infrastructure schemes to the “EU projects

of common interest” (PCI) register, which included Aquind as one of four interconnector projects. The source said the planning decision was separate and quasi-judicial and proposing the project to the PCI did not mean it would be approved.

In an interview with BBC’s Andrew Marr, Kwarteng said he had “never commented on this specific project” and said he would rely on official advice from civil servants as to whether to approve or reject the application. He said, “I am very much in favour of more interconnectors because they can actually get electricity, sources of power, cheaply from the continent, and in many cases it helps with our decarbonisation because certainly in France a

lot of that power is generated through nuclear power,” he said. “So broadly, I’m in favour of interconnectors, I haven’t said anything about this particular project.”

Kwarteng is due to decide whether to approve the project Kwasi Kwarteng this week. Aquind and moment, safeguarding our other businesses owned by energy supplies. He must be Fedotov have given straight with people. He £700,000 to the must now correct the record Conservatives.

Another and recuse himself from donor, Alexander Temerko, making the decision on [the] who is the public face of project.”

Aquind, has also publicly Meanwhile, lawyers for donated over £700,000 to Fedotov and Aquind have the Conservatives. strongly denied all accusaShadow business secretions of fraud and said accutary Ed Miliband said, sations of corruption aimed “Britain cannot afford this at his Russian firm were chaos and incompetence.” “completely false”. They said He added, “Kwasi Kwarteng Fedotov did not personally is in a vital position at this donate to the Tories.

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16 - 22 Octobar 2021

Reliance buys Norwaybased REC Solar Expanding into the green energy sector, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) bought Norway-based REC Solar from China National Bluestar for $771 million (around £580 million).

“Reliance New Energy Solar Ltd (RNESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of RIL, has acquired REC Solar Holdings as (REC Group) from China National Bluestar (Group) Co Ltd., for an enterprise value of $771 million," RIL said in a statement.

REC is a leading international solar energy company and is

headquartered in Norway.

The company runs its operations from Singapore along with having regional hubs in North America, Europe, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region. The company is renowned for its high-efficiency solar cells and panels.

Reliance's recent purchase came months after the company pledged to invest $10 billion in renewable energy over the next three years in order to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, said a report.

The statement by the

added company that its recent venture will help them explore opportunities in key green energy markets in the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia. "It (buying REC Solar) will enable India to become a world leader in green energy transition to overcome the climate crisis," Ambani said in the statement.

Reliance is targeting to generate 100 gigawatts of renewable energy by the end of the decade, which will make up to nearly a quarter of the 450GW target set by

Triple profits Suresh Vagjiani, Sow & Reap Properties Ltd

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reliance, the years, has over diversified into areas including telecoms and retail apart from owning oil and petrochemicals businesses. Last week, Reliance opened India's first 7-Eleven convenience store in Mumbai in a boost to its retail presence in a sector dominated by family-owned stores, known as "kirana" shops.

Indian economy on path to swift recovery: Finance Ministry report Strategic reforms and the rapid vaccination drive has placed India on the path to swift recovery by enabling the economy to “navigate the ravaging waves” of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Finance Ministry’s Monthly Economic Review.

Sustained and robust growth in agriculture, sharp rebound in manufacturing and industry, resumption of services activity and buoyant revenues suggest that the economy is progressing well, the September review said.

The external sector continues to offer bright prospects to India’s growth revival as the country’s merchandise exports

crossed the USD 30-billion for the sixth mark consecutive month in fiscal year 2021-22, it said. With merchandise trade deficit also rising in September, there is clear evidence of consumption and investment demand is also picking up in India, it said, adding, the external debtto-GDP ratio continues to remain comfortable, declining to 20.2 per cent at the end-June 2021, from 21.1 per cent at the end-March 2021.

In tandem with growth impulses witnessed across the economy, the report said, the rate of growth of bank credit stood at 6.7 per cent YoY in the fortnight

ending September 10, 2021 compared to 5.3 per cent in the corresponding period of the previous year.

With restoration of supply chains, improved mobility, and softening food inflation, consumer price index (CPI) inflation retreated to a four monthlow of 5.3 per cent in August 2021, clearly demonstrating that inflationary tendencies are pandemic-induced and transitory.

However, it said, volatile prices in the international crude oil markets and upward-bound prices of edible oils and metal products may continue to pose concerns. Comfortable levels of systemic liquidity

and softening of inflationary pressure have also lent stability to G-Sec yields in September 2021. The 10-year yield remained unchanged at 6.2 per cent compared to August.

Latest trends in highfrequency economic indicators in August and September further indicate a broad-based recovery evidenced in sustained improvement in power consumption, rail freight activity, e-way bills, robust GST collections, highway toll collections posting a 21month high, sequential uptick in air freight and passenger traffic, and quantum leap in digital transactions.

Tata Motors eyeing Ford’s Gujarat, TN units Tata Motors is in early talks with Ford to buy the latter’s units in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, multiple sources said. If the transaction materialises, it will be Tata Motors’ second asset purchase from the US major. In March 2008, the Indian company bought Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford for $2.3 billion.

For Tata Motors, which is changing gears to ecofriendly vehicles, the addition of Ford’s manufacturing facilities in TN and Gujarat, will augment its capabilities in the automotive industry.

Tata Motors currently has three passenger vehicle making plants in India (one is a joint venture with Fiat Chrysler). The Ford India deal, which is at a nascent stage, comes after Tata Motors separated its domestic passenger vehicle business, valued at about £942 million, into a standalone entity.

Ford, for its part, would get to shed its moneylosing India unit and escalate investments in electric and automated vehicles. Tata Motors’ interest in Ford’s local unit

good and the company may want to add capacity on the back of strong demand. If it acquires Ford India, the Sanand plant would bring synergy to Tata Motors while through the Tamil Nadu facility, it could diversify its manufacturing network.”

A few days ago I went to visit a site, outside of London but along the M4 corridor; if you imagine a clock, it would be about where the hand hits 7:30.

The location benefits from the spill over of Slough and Reading. This was an office building, to be offered empty upon completion. Almost everyone including the postman and the baker knows about the office to resi PD rights available on office buildings; one can convert them into residential without the need for full planning.

However, there is one recent proviso which developers need to be aware of, and that is the minimum space standards which have been introduced recently. This sets out the minimum sizes for a studio, 1 bedroom etc.

Prior to this you could have done the whole building as small shoe box apartments. There is an argument to say let the markets decide, why should the government decide how big someone’s living or bedroom should be?

So, this building has the obvious PD rights associated with the existing office foot print.

However, this is not the end of the development potential, which is what attracted us to this site.

The building benefits from a pitched roof, and therefore has the potential for a further, one or two floors to be added, thereby doubling the square footage.

There exists legislation under PD to allow one to do this without going through full planning, some say however the process is almost as cumbersome, meaning there are just as many hoops to jump through. There is one important distinction though, there will be no S106 and CIL payments to be made under PD. This makes things a lot easier in being able to implement the permission gained and of course keeps the profit margin healthy.

This is not where the deal ends. Along with the building there is attached land, part of which has been used for car parking space. There is the potential to apply for new build development here. This will be subject to S106 payments, and of course will be a lot more expensive than a straight forward conversion.

This deal is good because once you have done the PD conversion of the office space and are cash flow positive with hopefully all or most of your money out, you could dip your hand in the honey again two more times.

The timeline associated with this deal is almost tailor made to it, the sellers want to complete half way next year. This gives the buyer all the time required to obtain not one but potentially all three of the planning permissions in place before completion. This is interesting because this would enhance the value of the property and a development funder could potentially lend the full cost of the purchase price and the build cost. It would be unwise to enter the deal on this basis, as valuers often are a law unto themselves, even when valuing plain vanilla properties, let alone when assessing a development deal which has many more movable parts.

Moody’s changes India’s rating outlook to stable gained momentum after its leadership, including chairman N Chandrasekaran and executive director Girish Wagh, met Tamil Nadu government officials.

While Tata Motors has no manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, it has a plant in Gujarat, which is next to Ford’s production unit. Tamil Nadu is keen to find an owner for Ford’s facility in the state so that it can protect jobs as the US major has decided to stop making cars in India. Ford took the step after accumulated losses of its India unit crossed $2 billion over the last 10 years and the road to profitability continues to remain hazy.

Deliberations are continuing and Tata

Motors could decide not to proceed with the deal. A Tata Motors spokesperson said that Chandrasekaran had a “courtesy meeting” with TN chief minister M K Stalin but declined to share details of the discussions.

A Ford India spokesman said: “We continue to explore possible alternatives for our manufacturing facilities and have nothing further to comment on the ongoing speculations.”

Though Tata Motors has not spoken about capacity expansion in recent quarters, it would be looking at it from a future angle, said Motilal Oswal Financial Services head (research) Siddhartha Khemka. “Its passenger vehicle business is doing

Global ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service on Tuesday retained the lowest investment grade rating (Baa3) on India’s sovereign rating but changed the outlook to stable from negative, citing that the downside risks from negative feedback between the real economy and financial system are receding.

S&P and Moody’s have a stable outlook on India’s ratings while another agency Fitch has a negative outlook but all three agencies have the lowest investment rating for the country.

The upgrade in the outlook by Moody’s will add to the positive sentiment and assure investors about the strength of the economic recovery underway as well the state of public finances.

The sharp acceleration in vaccination across the country has also lent comfort and added to hopes for a sustained recovery in the months ahead.

With higher capital cushions and greater liquidity, banks and nonbank financial institutions pose much lesser risk to the sovereign than Moody’s previously anticipated. And while risks stemming from a high debt burden and weak debt affordability remain, Moody’s expects that the economic environment will allow for a gradual reduction of the general government fiscal deficit over the next few years.

It said that bank provisioning has allowed for the gradual write-off of legacy problem assets over the past few years. In

addition, banks have strengthened their capital positions, pointing to a stronger outlook for credit growth to support the economy. An economic recovery is underway with activity picking up and broadening across sectors, the ratings agency said.

“Following a deep contraction of 7.3% in fiscal 2020 (ending March 2021), Moody’s expects India’s real GDP to surpass 2019 levels this fiscal year, rebounding to a growth rate of 9.3%” according to Moody’s. It said that downside risks to growth from subsequent coronavirus infection waves are mitigated by rising vaccination rates and more selective use of restrictions on economic activity, as seen during the second wave.

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Taliban unlawfully killed 13 Hazaras, says rights group KABUL: Taliban forces unlawfully killed 13 ethnic Hazaras, most of them Afghan soldiers who had surrendered to the insurgents, a rights group said.

The killings took place in the village of Kahor in Daykundi province in central Afghanistan on August 30, according to an investigation by Amnesty International. Eleven of the victims were members of the Afghan national security forces and two were civilians, among them a 17-year-old girl.

The reported killings took place about two weeks after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in a blitz campaign, culminating in their takeover of Kabul. At the time, Taliban leaders sought to reassure Afghans that they had changed from their previous harsh rule of the country in the late 1990s.

Amnesty’s secretary general, Agnes Callamard, referring to the killings in Daykundi, said “these cold-blooded executions are further proof that the Taliban are committing the same horrific abuses they were notorious for during their previous rule.” Taliban spokespersons Zabihullah Mujahid and Karimi did not respond to calls seeking comment. The rights

group said Sadiqullah Abed, the Taliban-appointed chief of police for Daykundi, denied any killings.

US charges former Taliban commander On a June day in 2008, three US soldiers and an Afghan interpreter were ambushed and killed when their Humvee convoy was hit during a combat patrol by mines and rocket-propelled grenades about 50 miles south of Kabul. Over 13 years after the brutal attack and about a month after the US twodecade war in Afghanistan ended, a man whom the federal authorities described as a former Taliban commander was charged with four counts of murder in the killings as well as other terror-related crimes, including the downing of a US military helicopter. The man, Haji Najibullah, was already in custody after being charged last year with kidnapping a US journalist and two Afghan nationals who were taken hostage at gunpoint several months after the roadside offensive.

Moscow invites Taliban for talks Russia will invite representatives of the Taliban to international talks on Afghanistan that

it plans to host in Moscow on October 20, President Putin’s special representative on Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said. He did not provide further details. Russia is worried about the possibility of Islamist militants infiltrating the Soviet former republics of Central Asia, which Moscow views as its southern defensive buffer. In the wake of the Taliban takeover, Moscow has held military exercises in Tajikistan and bolstered its hardware at its military base there. Putin also held a phone call with Tajik president in which the two leaders discussed the security situation.

Dozens of girls return to high school Girls have returned to some secondary schools in a northern province of Afghanistan, Taliban officials and teachers said, but they remain barred from classrooms in much of the country. Dozens of girls in black, some wearing white head scarves and others with black face veils, sat in chairs waving Taliban flags, in a video posted by the hardline group’s

spokesman Suhail Shaheen.

“Girls are going to high schools in Khan Abad, Kunduz Province,” tweeted Doha-based Shaheen. But in Kabul, education ministry official Mohammad Abid said there had been no policy change from the Taliban’s interim central government, saying: “High schools still remain closed for girls.” The Taliban have faced international fury after effectively excluding women and girls from education and work across the country. Seven weeks after seizing power, the hardliners have incrementally stripped away at Afghans’ freedoms. The Taliban permitted girls to attend primary school from the start, but have maintained that neither they nor their female teachers could return to secondary school yet.

Fearing Baloch insurgents, China drops Gwadar and chose the port of Karachi KARACHI: Fearing Baloch insurgents in Pakistan's Balochistan province, Pakistan and China have now abandoned the decision to make the port of Gwadar the center of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor project. The plan by China and Pakistan is aimed at insurgents in Balochistan and attacks are on the rise.

China's CPIC project is part of its Belt and Road project.

Recently, Pakistan and China agreed on a plan to develop the port of Karachi. The city of Karachi is also considered as the capital of Sindh province and

the center of economic development of Pakistan.

Acording to information released by Pakistan, China is

going to spend about three and a half billion dollars behind this project. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman also confirmed the reports. The plan of Karachi Port includes development of port, development of other ports for fishing and establishment of trade zone in an area of 640 hectares.

There will also be a bridge that will connect the port of Karachi with Manora Island. But for good reason, China is taking an interest in it. This means that China used to focus on the port of Gwadar but now it is focusing on Karachi.

20 killed, over 300 hurt as quake hits Pakistan ISLAMABAD: At least 20 people were killed and over 300 others injured after a powerful 5.9 magnitude earthquake jolted a mountainous part of Pakistan's Balochistan province last week, collapsing several houses.

Disaster management officials said the death toll may increase.

The National Seismic Monitoring Centre in Islamabad reported that the epicentre of the earthquake was near Harnai at a depth of around 15 km. It further said the "exact damage" has not yet been confirmed. The quake affected Quetta, Sibi, Harnai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Ziarat and Zhob in Balochistan. Most of the deaths and injuries were reported from the remote north-eastern district of Harnai.

The US Geological Survey said it was a 5.9 magnitude quake that struck at a shallow depth. Shallow quakes can cause

more damage. The death toll of 20 was confirmed by Deputy Commissioner of Harnai District Sohail Anwar Hashmi.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said many of the dead were women and children.

Aftershocks Aftershocks are still being felt in different areas. The earliest tremors were felt at 3:20 am after which panicked citizens rushed out of their houses reciting verses from the holy Quran.

Relief and rescue activities are underway, with an emergency declared in all hospitals.

According to Hashmi, several people have been rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He said that several buildings in Harnai have been damaged.

Many people were left buried under the rubble.

More than 100 mud houses have also collapsed, leaving hundreds of people homeless.

The power supply to the area has been suspended, he said.

Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani said that assistance and evacuation efforts were underway. "Blood, ambulances, emergency assistance, [helicopters] and rest all things are placed ... All departments are working on it," he tweeted.

Speaking to Geo News,

PDMA Director General Naseer Ahmed Nasir said there had been landslides in mountainous areas. Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove said five to six districts were affected on a "major scale" and data was still being collected.

Pakistan straddles between the Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates and is located on the Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone, which is roughly 200 km north of the Himalaya Front, which makes this region highly susceptible to earthquakes.

The region has the highest rates of seismicity and largest earthquakes in the Himalayan region, caused mainly by movement on thrust faults. The country has suffered several earthquakes in recent years. One of the worst earthquakes to hit the country in recent years was on October 8, 2005, which killed over 74,000 people.

in brief JOHNSON AND JOHNSON R&D HEAD HONOURED Dr Mathai Mammen, global head of Research and Development for the Janssen Pharmaceuticals wing of Johnson & Johnson, received the India Community Center’s annual Inspire award for his work in developing the single shot J&J Covid-19 vaccine, at the organization’s annual banquet Oct. 2. “J&J, BioNTech, and Moderna had never created vaccines before. But everyone saw the public health crisis that was happening and wanted to help,” said Mammen. “To think of making a vaccine in such a short time was unthinkable.

This would typically be a seven-year process,” said Mammen, noting that 600 people at J&J mobilized on a 24-hour/seven days a week schedule to develop a vaccine. “We broke all our normal processes,” said the Indian American. “We had invested in good science that we put into play. The journey was unlike anything we had ever seen. For 14 months, no one ever took a day off. I don’t think the world recognizes what it took to make this vaccine,” said Mammen.

FATHER OF PAK NUCLEAR BOMB IS NO MORE Abdul Qadeer Khan, known as the ‘father of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb’, died at a hospital in the capital city after his lungs collapsed, severely damaged by coronavirus infection that he had contracted last month. Khan, 85, has been revered as a national hero for making Pakistan a nuclear power. Islamabad had detonated its first nuclear weapon in 1998 when he was leading the Khan Research Laboratories - a uranium enrichment facility that has been expanded to many other fields of science over a period of time - in Kahuta, near Islamabad. “Khan was loved by the nation because of his critical contribution in making us a nuclear weapon state. This has provided us security against an aggressive much larger nuclear neighbour (India). For the people of Pakistan, he was a national icon,” Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan posted on Twitter after the nuclear scientist’s death.

TANZANIAN ABDULRAZAK GETS NOBEL LITERATURE PRIZE Tanzanian writer Abdulrazak Gurnah was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature for works that explore the legacies of imperialism on uprooted individuals. Gurnah, who was born and grew up on the island of Zanzibar but came to England as a refugee at the end of the 1960s, was honoured "for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents," the Swedish Academy said. Gurnah has published 10 novels and a number of short stories. He is best known for his 1994 novel "Paradise", set in colonial East Africa during the First World War, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction. The theme of the refugee's disruption runs throughout his work. Born in 1948, Gurnah began writing as a 21-year-old in England.

16 KILLED IN RUSSIAN PLANE CRASH A plane carrying a group of parachute jumpers crashed in the Russian region of Tatarstan, killing 16 people and injuring six, the emergencies ministry said. The aircraft, which came down near the city of Menzelinsky, had been carrying 20 parachutists and two crew members. Six people were in a serious condition, the health ministry said. A Let L410 Turbolet twin engine short-range transport aircraft, the plane was owned by an aeroclub in the city of Menzelinsk.

Cosmonauts use the area for training and the aeroclub has hosted local, European and world championships, the club’s director Ravil Nurmukhametov was quoted by TASS as saying. The state-run Cosmonaut Training Facility has suspended its ties with the aeroclub pending an investigation.

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in brief 18-YEAR-OLD OPENS FIRE AT US SCHOOL; 4 HURT Two people were shot and two others injured by an 18-year-old student who took out his gun and opened fire during a classroom fight at a Texas high school, police said. Arlington assistant police chief Kevin Kolbye said a suspect, identified as Timothy George Simpkins, had been arrested after the shooting at Timberview High School in Arlington, a suburb of Dallas. Kolbye said Simpkins, who turned himself in after fleeing the school, would be charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Police said a .45 caliber gun had been recovered. Suspect has been arrested. “The suspect has been taken into custody without incident,” the Arlington Police Department said in a tweet.

WHO APPROVES THE FIRST MALARIA VACCINE The WHO endorsed the first ever vaccine to prevent malaria, debuting a tool that could save the lives of tens of thousands of children in Africa each year. Malaria is among the oldest known and deadliest of infectious diseases. It kills about half a million people each year, nearly all of them in sub-Saharan Africa among them 2,60,000 kids under age 5.The new vaccine, made by GlaxoSmithKline, rouses a child’s immune system to thwart Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest of five malaria pathogens and the most prevalent in Africa.

The vaccine is not just a first for malaria - it is the first for any parasitic disease. In clinical trials, the vaccine had an efficacy of about 50% against severe malaria in the first year, but dropped close to zero by the fourth year.

Called Mosquirix, the new vaccine is given in three doses between ages 5 and 17 months, and a fourth dose roughly 18 months later.

THIS ISTANBUL DOG IS COMMUTERS’ BUDDY In a packed Istanbul passenger ferry between Europe and Asia, all eyes turn to one commuter enjoying the view from his window.

Boji, a street dog, has become a regular sight on ferries, buses and metro trains in Europe’s largest city. A devoted commuter, the dog enjoys long journeys on public transport, up to 30 km on a regular week day. Istanbul municipality officials who record the dog’s trips with a microchip say he drops by at least 29 metro stations a day and was even tracked at sea, taking a weekend break to the Princes’ Islands off the city’s coast. With golden-brown fur, dark eyes and floppy ears, Boji started to draw attention two months ago. “We noticed a dog using our metros and trains and he knows where to go. He knows where to get out,” said Aylin Erol, from Metro Istanbul. “It’s like he has a purpose.” Data collected from his tracking device shows historic tram lines are Boji’s favourite but he is also a frequent subway commuter. Erol says the dog respects public transport rules and waits for disembarking passengers before hopping on the train. Erol says he brought color into the lives of 1.3 million commuters of the metropolis.

HK PLANNING TO BUILD MORE HOUSING Land-starved Hong Kong plans to build more affordable housing in response to public demands that have fuelled social unrest. Chief executive Carrie Lam announced the “Northern Metropolis” plan, which aims to provide hundreds of thousands more homes and tens of thousands of jobs. Hong Kong's property is among priciest in the world.

Astronomical prices helped drive months of anti-government protests in 2019 that have prompted a major security crackdown by the central government in Beijing. Buying one of Hong Kong's cramped apartments costs an average of $28,570 per square metre ($2,850 per square foot).

Africa seeks more Covid-19 vaccine doses from India PRETORIA: The African Union has signalled a demand for more Covid-19 vaccine doses from India, even as the Asian country recovers from low production following months of a deadly wave. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the African Union will send a delegation to India for negotiations on further supplies to Africa.

“We are very glad that India is embarking on vaccine exports.

However, we are yet to know the number of doses Africa will receive,” said Dr John Nkengasong, who heads the Africa CDC, during a virtual press conference.

India was a key vaccine exporter to Africa before it stopped the export to focus on fighting the local infections.

Now the African Union says India’s resumption of vaccine exports means the continent has to directly engage with the country on supplies.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa, the AU champion on Covid-19, is dispatching a delegation to India, which will include Strive Masiyiwa, AU’s Special Envoy, to talk to the Indian leadership so

that they release vaccines to us,” Nkengasong said.

As per the official agreement from last year, the Serum Institute of India (SII), which is the largest vaccine maker in the world, was expected to supply a billion doses to the low and middle-income countries. The vaccine maker was required to provide 400 million vaccine doses in 2020 alone through Gavi, the international vaccine alliance of which the World Health Organisation (WHO) is a member. This commitment did not materialise, following a surge in Covid cases in India, which prompted the Indian government to ban export of vaccine and prioritise her citizens. After exporting 66.3 million doses by April 16, this year, which were

touted by the Indian government as Vaccine Maitri (vaccine friendship), meant to position India as a vaccinemanufacturing hub, the initiative has since been halted.

Earlier this year, WHO said that India's to ban decision Covid-19 vaccine exports had severely affected 91 nations that had been dependent on the SII for vaccines. The global heath body further explained that with inadequate vaccine supply, many countries and especially in Africa remained extremely susceptible to new strains of Covid-19, including B.1.617.2, which was first discovered in India.

“There are 91 countries that have been impacted by the shortage of supplies, particularly since the AstraZeneca parent company has not been able to compensate for the doses which have not come from Serum.

“If this inequitable distribution of available vaccines persist, some countries will return to normal while others will be hit very hard by subsequent waves,"

Soumya Swaminathan, WHO Chief Scientist explained.

Last week, Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe asked India, which also has a ‘fill and finish’ deal in place with Johnson and Johnson (J&J), to remember her obligations to prioritise meeting her Covax commitments and obligations despite their own challenges.

“We appeal to countries like India, with whom we had an agreement under the Covax facility, to deliver vaccines, to honour their promise and obligations towards us. We understand that they, too, have a challenge with the surge in infections. But they have to meet their obligations,” he said.

However, the SII Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adar Poonawalla said that it is crucial for nations depending on India for vaccines to remember that the country is also a low income country.

“Our exports to Covax will recommence again in October.

However, we will only manage to export in large quantities in January 2022 to Covax after local demand has been met,” Poonawalla said.

Kenya rejects ICJ jurisdiction ahead of Somalia border ruling NAIROBI: Kenya has said it rejected the jurisdiction of the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) ahead of a ruling next week on its longrunning maritime border dispute with Somalia.

The Horn of Africa neighbours have been feuding for years over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations and believed to hold deposits of oil and gas. “In addition to withdrawing its participation from the current case, Kenya … also joined many other members of the United Nations in withdrawing its recognition of the court’s compulsory jurisdiction,” the foreign ministry said.

Kenya announced in March that it would boycott ICJ hearings in the case after The Hague-based tribunal refused to

allow further delays. The final ruling is due to be delivered soon. “The delivery of the judgment will be the culmination of a flawed judicial process that Kenya has had reservations with, and withdrawn from,” the foreign ministry said, accusing the court of “obvious and inherent bias” in resolving the dispute.

“As a sovereign nation, Kenya shall no longer be subjected to an international court or tribunal without its express consent.” Cases at the ICJ, which rules on disputes between states over international treaties, can last many years.

Failed talks Somalia, which lies northeast of Kenya, wants to extend its maritime frontier with Kenya along the line of the land border, in a south-easterly direction.

Kenya wants the border to head

out to sea in a straight line east – a delineation that would give it a bigger share of the ocean. The disputed triangle of water stretches over an area of more than 100,000 square km (40,000 square miles). Nairobi maintains it has had sovereignty over the contested zone since 1979.

The two countries agreed in 2009 to settle their dispute through bilateral negotiations.

Two meetings were held in 2014, but little progress was made. A third round of negotiations that same year fell through when the Kenyan delegation failed to show up without informing their counterparts, later citing security concerns. Somalia took the matter to court in 2014 after saying diplomatic attempts to resolve the disagreement had led nowhere. But Nairobi – which described itself as “a beacon of

peace and stability” in a volatile region – maintained that it was committed to resolving the dispute through “amicable negotiations”.

The ICJ verdict may further trouble the often rocky relations between the two countries. Somalia has long bristled at what it calls Kenya’s meddling in regions over its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems. Kenya in 2019 recalled its ambassador to Mogadishu after accusing Somalia of selling off oil and gas blocks in the contested area. It described the move as an “illegal grab” of resources, and reminded Mogadishu of Kenya’s help in the battle against al-Shabab fighters in Somalia.

Lanka allows steep hike in food prices to ease shortages COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government has ended price controls on essential foods in a bid to end black market trading as food shortages worsen amid a foreign currency crisis. The cabinet decided to deregulate prices for milk powder, wheat flour, sugar and liquified petroleum gas hoping it would increase supplies.

“Prices could go up by as much as 37 per cent across the board, but it is hoped dealers will not make unconscionable profits,” a trade ministry official said.

A shortage of foreign currency caused by a pandemic recession has unleashed the shortages of food, medicines and other essential items for the island nation of 21 million people.

The government declared a state of emergency over the food shortages on August 31 and imposed rationing. It forced farmers to sell their rice to a state agency and seized some from private warehouses. But the shortages worsened and last week authorities lifted controls on rice hoping to get supplies into markets.

Since then, rice prices have

risen by more than a third though people can buy as much as they want. During rationing, state stores sold only one kg of rice for each person. Sugar and lentils were similarly rationed.

Virtually all private traders withdrew from the market.

Central bank Governor Nivard Cabraal told reporters that he had authorised some $50m to get the release of containers of milk powder blocked in Colombo port for the past three months.

With price controls removed, the price of a kilo of imported milk powder was increased by more than a third to 1,300 rupees ($6.5), traders

said. The price of gas is also due to rise by about 35 per cent. The Sri Lankan economy shrank by a record 3.6 per cent last year as the coronavirus pandemic brought a brutal halt to the key tourism industry.

The government banned imports of non-essential goods, including vehicles, spare parts and appliances in March 2020 because of currency shortages.

Sri Lanka was already suffering from heavy foreign debt repayments.

Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves stood at $3.55bn at the end of August. It has to repay about $2bn in foreign debts before the end of the year. Some analysts and opposition politicians say it may be forced to seek a bailout.

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in brief

Indian origin researchers win ‘Oscars of Science’ prize in physics

ELECTRICITY BILLS IN KENYA TO GO DOWN BY 33%

CALIFORNIA: Indian Americans Vedika Khemani, assistant professor of physics at Stanford University, and California Institute of Technology Astronomy Professor Mansi Kasliwal have each been named recipients of the New Horizons in Physics prize from the Breakthrough Prize Foundation.

Two Indian researchers from the University of Cambridge in England also won this year’s prize. Sir Shankar Balasubramanian, in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, was honored with the Life Sciences prize for developing next generation sequencing technologies, which allowed for immediate identification and characterization of the Covid-19 virus, rapid development of vaccines, and real-time

MOST WANTED HEZBOLLAH MAN DIES

and unconventional insulators,” according to a press release.

According to a press release issued by Stanford, time crystals, like all crystals, are structurally arranged in a repeating pattern.

But, while standard Mansi Kasliwal and Vedika Khemani crystals – like monitoring of new genetic diamonds or salt – have an variants. Balasubramaniam was arrangement that repeats in knighted in 2017. space, time crystals repeat across Suchitra Sebastian, a time forever. Importantly, they condensed matter physicist at do so without any input of Cavendish Laboratory, energy, like a clock that runs of Cambridge, University forever without batteries. received the award in Physics for Khemani’s work offered a her work with “high precision theoretical formulation for the electronic and magnetic first-time crystals, as well as a measurements that have blueprint for their experimental profoundly changed our creation. But she emphasized understanding of high that time crystals are only one of temperature superconductors the exciting potential outcomes

of out-of-equilibrium quantum physics, which is still a nascent field, noted Stanford.

In 2017, Kasliwal and her researchers Gregg fellow Hallinan, Alessandra Corsi, and Raffaella Margutti, helped make history with their observations of the first-ever cosmic event to be witnessed in both gravitational waves and electromagnetic, or light, waves.

Kasliwal's team was one of the first to observe the collision in visible and infrared light, using the Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen project, a worldwide network of telescopes that specializes in catching short-lived energetic events such as this. The GROWTH team put together a picture of a cocoon breaking out to explain the rich multiwavelength data set.

Post office re-named after Sikh American Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal HOUSTON: US Representative Lizzie Fletcher officially dedicated the renaming of the post office located at 315 Addicks Howell Road in the Houston, Texas, area to the "Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office."

"From now on, the Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office will be a permanent reminder of his service, his sacrifice, and his example for us all," said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher in a statement. "He was widely regarded as a role model for Americans of all faiths wishing to serve their communities and an example of how one person can change our community for the better."

The Sikh American, Deputy

Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal

Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal was shot and killed on Sept. 27, 2019, during a routine traffic stop in Harris County, Texas. A 10-year police veteran, Dhaliwal made history when the Harris County Sheriff's Office amended their uniform policy

Shree Saini to be crowned Miss World America 2021 WASHINGTON: Shree Saini of Washington state has become the first Indian American to win the title of Miss World America 2021 and is perhaps among the most unique pageant winners to be crowned. An advocate for heart health, Saini has had a permanent pacemaker since she was 12, and overcame a major car accident which left her with burns all over her face, according to a press release. But she rarely if ever lets any of that hold her back or define her, it noted.

Diana Hayden crowned Shree Saini at the pageant, which was held at the Miss World America headquarters in Los Angeles. She is also the first Indian American contestant to represent America on a global stage.

"I am happy and quite nervous. I can't express my feelings (in words),” she said after the crowning moment. “All the credit goes to my parents, especially my mother because of whose support I am here. Thank you Miss World America for this honor."

The official Instagram handle of Miss World America shared the news with a caption that read: "Shree, who is currently Miss World America Washington, also holds the prestigious position of 'MWA National Beauty with a Purpose Ambassador', a position she earned by working tirelessly to help those less fortunate and in need. Among her many accomplishments, her work has been recognized by UNICEF, Doctors without Borders, Susan G Komen, and many others.”

Saini was earlier crowned Miss World America for the state of Washington, and Miss India Worldwide 2018 at a pageant held in Fords City of New Jersey.

for Sikhs to serve with their beards and dastaars (Sikh turban) while on patrol. He became the first HCSO deputy to be allowed to wear a turban and articles of the Sikh faith, while on duty.

“It has been an honor to lead this effort to honor the life and contributions of Deputy Dhaliwal by naming the Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office in his memory,” said Fletcher. “This post office will be a permanent reminder of his service, his sacrifice, and his example for us all. Deputy Dhaliwal’s remarkable life of service to others - working for equality, connection, understanding, and community - exemplifies the very best of

Houston,” continued Fletcher.

“I am grateful to our Sikh community partners, including the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund and SALDEF regional director Bobby Singh, who have been true partners in this effort to remember and honor him."

Over the past two years, Bobby Singh has worked hand in hand with Rep. Fletcher and the local congressional delegation to ensure that the memory of Deputy Dhaliwal’s service and sacrifice is preserved. “Dhaliwal did not set out to be a trailblazer, he simply approached life with a caring heart, a generous spirit, and a warmth that brought people together,” said Bobby Singh.

Indian American to lead NASA SpaceX Crew-3 Mission FLORIDA: The next NASA crew rotation flight of a US commercial spacecraft carrying astronauts to the International Space Station will launch on Oct. 31 led by Indian American astronaut Raja Chari. The mission will carry, besides Commander Chari, NASA astronauts Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron as well as European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket to the space station.

The mission is scheduled to launch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, according to a NASA press release.

Chari had been selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class and reported for duty in August 2017. The Iowa native graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 1999 with bachelor’s degrees in astronautical engineering and engineering science. He earned a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Massachusetts

Raja Chari

Institute of Technology and graduated from the US Naval Test Pilot School.

He also logged more than 2,500 hours of flight time in the F-35, F-15, F-16, and F-18.

The Crew-3 mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and is the third time that a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket will carry astronauts to the International Space Station for a long duration mission. This is the first spaceflight for Chari, Barron, and Maurer. It is the third for Marshburn.

The crew will complete a six-month science mission aboard the microgravity laboratory in low-Earth orbit.

Kenya is preparing for an over 33 per cent reduction in electricity tariffs starting December 2021 to shore up power demand and save the struggling utility firm, Kenya Power, from imminent collapse. The reduction in consumer tariffs from an average of Ksh24 ($0.21) per kilowatt hour to Ksh16 ($0.14) per kilowatt hour is part of the recommendations by a 15-member Presidential Taskforce constituted to review the cost of electricity in the country as part of efforts to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) and promote industrial growth. The development comes as the electricity distributor which is 50.1 per cent owned by the state faces a demand crisis due to its inflated electricity bills, corruption and increasing shift to solar energy by households and industries.

Last year, the firm, which is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange said demand risks were a major concern to its operations as heavy-consuming industrialists seeking reliable and cheaper supply shift to solar power.

Ali Atwa, a senior Hezbollah operative who was on the FBI’s most wanted list for his role in one of the most notorious plane hijackings in aviation history, has died, the Lebanese militant group said. Atwa, who was believed to be in his early 60s, died of complications related to cancer, Hezbollah said. Atwa was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in 2001 with two other alleged participants in the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847 with 153 passengers and crew members. The ordeal, which began in Athens, Greece in June 14, lasted16 days and left a US navy diver on the plane dead. The hijackers demanded the release of Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. FBI had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to Atwa’s arrest. He was accused of conspiring to take hostages, committing air piracy that led to the slaying of an American.

LEBANON GOES INTO TOTAL BLACKOUT Lebanon was plunged into a total blackout last week after two main power stations went offline because they ran out of fuel, the state electricity corporation said. The country is battling one of the planet’s worst economic crises since the 1850s, and has in recent months struggled to import enough fuel oil for its power plants. State electricity in most places is barely available for an hour a day amid rolling power cuts, while the fuel needed to power private back-up generators is also in short supply. “After the Deir Ammar power station was forced to stop producing power due its gasoil reserves ran out, the Zahrani plant also stopped for the same reason,” Electricite du Liban said. This led to the network’s “complete collapse without any possibility of restoring it for the time being”, it said.

BLAST IN YEMEN TARGETS OFFICIALS; AT LEAST 6 KILLED At least six people were killed in Yemen’s port city of Aden by a car bomb that targeted two senior government officials who survived, an official said. The blast targeted the convoy of agriculture minister Salem al-Socotrai and Aden’s governor Ahmed Lamlas in the district of Tawahi, said information minister Moammar alIryani. The blast killed at least six people among Lamlas’ companions and wounded at least seven others who had been passing by, al-Iryani said.

The casualties were taken to hospitals, he said.

The blast damaged several buildings in the area.

PM Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed called the explosion a “terrorist attack” and ordered an investigation. No one immediately claimed responsibility. Aden has been rocked by several explosions in the past years, which have been blamed on local affiliates of al-Qaida and the Islamic State groups.

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As attacks escalated, Kashmiri Pandits were forced to migrate Attacks on Pandits are on the rise in Kashmir. Seven Hindus have been killed in recent past, including four Hindus. Many Kashmiri Pandits have started migrating out of fear for their own safety.

This information has been provided by the organization of Kashmiri Pandits.

The group said many Pandits were leaving the Kashmir Valley and heading for Jammu. While the administration said that Hindus and other Kashmiri minority employees have been given 10 days leave. A principal and a teacher at a government school in Srinagar were recently shot dead. A total of seven civilians have been killed in this manner in five days. Kashmiri pundits fear another major attack like the 1990s. Following which they have started migrating.

In Srinagar, on the other hand, school principal Supinder Kaur and teacher Deepak Chand were shot dead. Many people attended the funeral of these two.

The two were bade farewell by the people with tears in their eyes while demanding action against the accused. A large number of Kashmiri Pandits and members of the Sikh community gathered.

While the number of murders is

on the rise, many questions are being raised about the safety of civilians.

Sikh principal, Pandit teacher killed Terrorists shot dead a woman school principal from the Kashmiri Sikh community and a Kashmiri Pandit teacher after demanding to see their identity cards inside a government-run campus in the city’s Eidgah locality. The killings come two days after a prominent Kashmiri Pandit businessman of the city and a migrant roadside vendor from Bihar were gunned down within hours of each other.

Three pistol-wielding terrorists barged into Sangam Eidgah Boys’ Higher Secondary School and singled out 44-year-old Supinder Kour and her colleague Deepak Chand after confirming who among the staff were from any community other than Kashmiri Muslims, eyewitnesses said. Both were escorted out of the building and shot multiple times before the assailants walked out of the campus, they said. Chand died instantly while Kour died on way to hospital.

LeT affiliate claims its role Pakistan-backed LashkareTaiba affiliate The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibili-

ty for the killings, and said these had nothing to do with the victims’ religion. “Our fight is to safeguard our freedom...Domicile holders, stooges and collaborators, regardless of religion, are enemies of the Kashmir struggle and will not be spared,” it said, specifying that the school principal and her colleague had been targeted because they pressured students to attend the Independence Day function on the campus on August 15.

NIA round up 430 OGWs In a major crackdown on the terror ecosystem, the J&K police have detained more than 430 alleged overground workers (OGWs) associated with different terrorist outfits such as Lashkare-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed etc and are questioning them on their terror links and alleged supporting role in the recent attacks.

The agency also conducted searches at eight locations in Srinagar and Anantnag districts and arrested three persons in another case. In the targeted killings case, the suspected OGWs were picked up from across the Valley, prominently Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam and Shopian. One of those detained is a prominent drugs supplier based in Srinagar. As per a preliminary

investigation, the local terrorists behind the killings were mostly neo-recruits or ‘hybrid’ terrorists lured by handlers, including from Pakistan, with drugs or money to carry out one-off attacks with pistols supplied by the latter.

Incidentally, many of the OGWs picked up by J&K police appear to be addicts, said a source.

JCO and four soldiers die in gunfight A junior commissioned officer (JCO) was among five Army personnel killed in a gunfight with a group of terrorists holed up in a hideout at Surankote in the frontier Jammu district of Poonch on Monday, making this the highest number of casualties suffered by the armed forces in a single encounter in J&K this year.

By evening, the operation to smoke out the terrorists had spread beyond the initially targeted hideout in the forested Chamrer area of Surankote to

adjoining Bhangai village of Rajouri district. "The operational area is the same. The terrorists moved to the other frontier location to possibly escape being hemmed in by the advancing security forces. Till we last received information (around 9.30pm), the operation was underway," an official said.

The Army couldn’t immediately confirm if any of the terrorists had been killed. The slain JCO, Naib Subedar Jaswinder Singh, and two of the four soldiers killed in action - Naik Mandeep Singh and sepoy Gajjan Singh - were from Punjab. The other two, sepoys Saraj Singh and Vaisakh H, were from UP and Kerala respectively.

Since January, eight Army personnel have died fighting terrorists in Jammu division alone. Three others were killed in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control.

Coal supplies to power plants improve India takes up Tamil cause with Coal inventories at power stations have started rising on the back of improved dispatch, it was noted at a meeting held by Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday with Power Minister Raj Kumar Singh, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi and top officials of the two ministries to take stock of the fuel supply situation for electricity generation.

It was noted that coal stocks grew at power plants by 48,000 tonnes and 25,000 tonnes, respectively, on October 9 and 10 as more consignments were despatched from Coal India’s mines as the monsoon subsided in coal-bearing states. While the numbers may not appear significant, they indicate a clear reversal in the trend, which is expected to improve further as mining and loading operations pick up pace after dewatering of mines that were inundated due to concentrated rains towards September-end.

Dhanbad in Jharkhand, which is the production area of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd, for example, received 300 mm of rain for three days from September 30 against, say, 600 mm that Delhi receives in a year.

Shah’s meeting came in the backdrop of blackout bogey raised over the weekend by Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd CEO Ganesh Srinivasan and Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain, citing coal shortage at power plants feeding the national capital.

While there is no denying that nearly half of the non-

Lankan president

pithead domestic coal-fired plants are running low on fuel, it did not threaten generation as inventories were being replenished daily. The situation has been aggravated by a 30% reduction in generation by imported coal-fired plants under PPAs due to high international coal prices, while domestic coal-based power supply has gone up nearly 24% in the first half. The imported coal-based power plants have generated about 25.6 billion units against a programme of 45.7 billion units.

It was also noted that cheaper power was available from NTPC’s Dadri station but Delhi discoms were loathe to source power from the plant as they wanted to exit PPAs after 25-year validity ended, citing “high” tariff of about Rs 5-6 per unit against Rs 3-4 on the exchanges earlier. The rates, however, have risen to Rs 1213 per unit in recent times as demand grew on uptick.

States warn of power cuts Earlier, facing a severe power crisis due to coal shortage, many southern states have warned of massive load-shedding and asked Centre for release of

coal blocks.

While Andhra Pradesh CM Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy was the first to highlight the coal crisis in thermal power stations in the country when he sought PM Narendra Modi’s intervention recently, Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said he has urged the Centre to fasttrack clearances for two coal blocks allotted to Karnataka so that a power crisis linked to a coal shortage could be averted.

In Kerala, electricity minister K Krishnankutty warned that the state would have to impose load shedding if the crisis caused by shortage of coal-based power generation continues. In what could lead to an alarming situation, thermal generation in AP is supplementing just around 20 per cent of the total power requirement and discoms are gearing up for sudden power outages due to the shortage in supplies from generation centres. All the thermal power plants put together are producing around 40 million units against the state’s total consumption of 190 million units.

Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla, during his meeting with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo last week, reiterated India’s position on complete implementation of the provisions of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, including devolution of powers and the holding of provincial council elections at the earliest.

In another meeting with Tamil leaders, he also underlined India’s “longstanding support” for reconciliation that addresses aspirations of the Tamil community for “equality, justice, peace and dignity” within the united Sri Lanka and in accordance with 13th Amendment.

He underscored the importance India attaches to expeditiously taking forward mutually beneficial projects, including proposals to enhance air and sea connectivity

between India and Sri Lanka.The Indian high commission, in a statement, said, “Foreign secretary thanked the President for his guidance and close cooperation in the defence and security sphere.” India has been consistently calling upon Sri Lanka to fulfil its commitments to protect the interests of the Tamil community and preserve the island nation’s character as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. Shringla was on a four-day visit to Sri Lanka to review the bilateral ties between India and the island nation.

“He held wide-ranging and comprehensive discussions with the minister of foreign affairs and the foreign secretary on all areas of mutual interest, including on the need to face the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic together to mitigate its economic impact,” said the Indian mission.

US concurs with India's concern over Afghanistan Signalling a strong convergence on China and a preparedness to keep Indian concerns over Afghanistan in mind, US deputy secretary Wendy Sherman said Taliban needs to provide an inclusive government while Beijing should follow global rules.

In a sign that the US has taken on board India’s security concerns after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and giving a hint of the next steps US may take in the war-ravaged country, Sherman said in New Delhi, “We will always have India’s security front and centre in our considerations of how the United States proceeds.” In one of the clearest enunciations of US policy towards China, Sherman told journalists that the US would compete, challenge and cooperate with China in various fields. “We have a very complex relationship with China. And it falls into three pathways. One is, we know that China will be a major competitor with the US in economics, emerging tech and in the future. We are happy to compete with China, as long as there is a level playing field... Let’s make sure that everybody’s liv-

ing by the rules of the road.”

Sherman held discussions with foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and also called on NSA Ajit Doval. Later in the evening, she called on foreign minister S. Jaishankar.

Meeting journalists after her discussions with Shringla, Sherman said, the Taliban “must create an inclusive government, ensure that Afghanistan not be a safe haven for terrorists, allow the safe travel of people who wish to relocate and subscribe to human rights, including the rights of women, girls and minorities.” She said the US and India were “on the same page” regarding Afghanistan and the demand for unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance. “We must help the Afghan people that they are suffering terribly, that many children go without food, and certainly education and health care. And so we support humanitarian assistance that is operated through NGOs, or through UN organizations. We do not believe that now’s the time to provide money directly to the Taliban or to the interim government.

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Kerala to add 7,000 undocumented Covid deaths to official list THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid protest by the opposition alleging under-reporting of Covid deaths in Kerala, the state government has decided to include 7,000 more victims of the pandemic in its official death list. State Health Minister Veena George said 7,000 more deaths, which occurred before the hospitals started uploading the data of such deaths online, will be added to the Covid death list in the state. The hospitals started uploading the Covid-19 deaths online in June this year.

These are deaths that have not been documented and added to the official death list, she told reporters. When the matter came up in the Assembly, the minister rejected the opposition charge that a large number of families of Covid victims in the state were being denied the compensation ordered by the Supreme Court and said no deserving family would be excluded from the financial aid in the southern state.

Veena said Kerala was the first in the country to set up Covid Death Assessment Committees as per the revised guidelines of the Centre and proceedings to expedited provide Covid death certificates to the family members of the victims hassle-free.

A new information portal was also developed to help family members of those not included in the list of pandemic fatalities to register their names via online, she said while replying to a notice seeking adjournment motion by the

opposition Congress-led UDF members.

Those who are facing any difficulty in applying via digital way can register at their nearest primary health centre also, she said. "The concerns of the registered families will be resolved within the next 30 days," Veena said.

The death of any person within 30 days of his admission as Covid patient at the hospital would be considered as Covid death, she said, adding that an order had already been issued to allot Rs 50,000 as financial aid

to the close relatives of such people from the state distress relief fund.

"The state government has acted very swiftly to implement the directives as per the Centre's new guideline. We are moving ahead with a clear, concrete and time-bound plan to ensure the assistance to all applicants," the minister said.

However, opposition leader V D Satheesan alleged that the southern state was facing a dire situation that tens of thousands of Covid victims were being denied the deserved financial assistance.

The government was reluctant to release the death count before June 16, he said, adding that it also violated the ICMR guideline that deaths of people, suffering from deadly diseases like cancer and who died due to coronavirus infection, should be considered as Covid death. The state was yet to announce any financial aid other than the Rs 50,000 compensation ordered by the Supreme Court.

PUNJAB

Sidhu skips wedding of CM’s son to visit Vaishno Devi CHANDIGARH: From MPs to MLAs, councillors to common workers, the entire Congress landed up at the venue of Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi son’s wedding except party chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, who instead of heading back home from Lakhimpur Kheri, suddenly decided to land up in faraway Vaishno Devi shrine.

Channi’s son Navjit Singh got married at Sacha Dham gurdwara in Mohali on Sunday.

With senior cabinet minister, Manpreet Badal by his side, others who were in attendance included Harish Rawat, the AICC general secretary incharge of Punjab affairs.

“Darshan of the primordial mother during Navratras is synergising… Washes away all the dirt from the soul!! Blessed to be at the lotus feet of Mata Vaishno Devi," Sidhu said in a tweet. Sidhu’s absence from the

ceremony has only added to speculations of continued difference between him and Channi.

Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal alleged that Sidhu harboured ambition of becoming a chief minister and was jealous that a member of Scheduled Caste community had become the CM, the attack from the Opposition coming in the wake of a purported video of the Congress leader going viral on social media. In the video, Sidhu can be heard attacking Chief Minister Charanjit Channi, saying, “This man (Channi) will sink the Congress in 2022 (assembly election).

They should have made me CM".

Reacting to it, SAD vice president Daljit Singh Cheema alleged that the Scheduled Caste card played by the Congress to divert attention from its failures in Punjab had boomeranged on

the party “with Navjot Sidhu asserting that the chief minister could not deliver the goods for the party". In a statement here, Cheema alleged that “Sidhu had also shown how much respect he has for the SC community and CM Charanjit Singh Channi by refusing to wait for even two minutes for the latter to arrive

on the occasion of start of the party’s protest on the Lakhimpur Kheri incident issue".

A Sidhu-led Congress delegation had assembled in Mohali last week before heading for Lakhimpur Kheri in UP to meet the families of the farmers killed in the violence there.

Narada sting probe: CBI, ED get high court relief

the investigation into the case.

“The petitioner is aggrieved by the arbitrary, unlawful and without the authority of law summons issued by the

DMK MP ACCUSED IN MURDER CASE SURRENDERS Cuddalore Member of Parliament (MP) TRVS Ramesh from the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu surrendered before a court, after he was charged with the murder of a 55-year-old labourer working at a cashew nut processing unit on September 19. The deceased, identified as K Govindarasu of Melmampattu village, was working as a labourer at the unit owned by the DMK MP. The CB-CID officials who filed the chargesheet on September 24 had earlier arrested five other accused involved in the crime. Ramesh said that certain political forces were using the FIR against him for personal gain in a way that affected the DMK and that as a member of the party, it caused him pain. He further added, “In order to avoid any further false accusations against my leader, I surrender to the court in connection to the charges against me by the CB-CID. I will prove in court that the accusations against me lack evidence.”

KARNATAKA MAN BEHEADED OVER INTER-FAITH RELATIONSHIP Nearly 10 days after the beheaded body of a 24-year-old man was found on a railway track in Karnataka's Belagavi district, the police claimed that the victim was murdered over an inter-faith relationship. At least 10 people, including a right-wing leader, have been arrested for their involvement in the crime, the police said. The right-wing leader, identified as Maharaj Pundaleeka, took money from the girl's family to murder the victim, police officials said. The body was thrown on tracks to mislead the police, they said. The victim, Arbaz, was found on a railway track on September 28, following which a case of unnatural death was registered by railway police. An autopsy of the body revealed that he was murdered and then placed on a railway track.

DERA CHIEF HELD GUILTY OF HIS FOLLOWER'S MURDER

WEST BENGAL KOLKATA: In a major relief to the CBI and ED investigating the Narada sting case, Calcutta High Court said that the officials need not appear before the West Bengal Speaker Biman Banerjee, who has time and again summoned them.

Justice Rajasekhar Mantha of the High Court directed that CBI and ED officials need not appear further before the West Bengal speaker in connection with the Narada sting operation case. Earlier this week, ED had filed a writ petition in Calcutta High Court against summons issued by West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee. The agency complained that the Speaker was interfering with

in brief

respondents herein, thereby interfering in the independent and impartial working of the investigative officers of the Enforcement Directorate," read

the plea filed by ED. “The said summons have far-reaching consequences on the rule of law in the country and the independent functioning of the investigative agencies and their officers in the country,” it added.

The speaker had summoned both ED and CBI as the actions were taken against elected representatives without informing him. ED has filed a chargesheet against two sitting state ministers Firhad Hakim and Subrata Mukherjee and two other TMC leaders, MLA Madan Mitra and former mayor of Kolkata Sovan Chatterjee, in Narada sting case.

A special CBI court in Panchkula held Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim guilty of murdering his follower, Ranjit Singh, in 2002. The judgment was pronounced by special CBI judge Sushil Kumar Garg and the quantum of punishment will be awarded later.

Other accused too have been convicted.

Ranjit Singh, a follower of Ram Rahim, was shot dead by four assailants on July 10, 2002, at his native Khanpur Kolian village in Kurukshetra. According to the CBI, he was murdered as Ram Rahim suspected that he was behind the circulation of an anonymous letter highlighting sexual exploitation of female disciples at the dera. The dera head is lodged in Rohtak’s Sunaria Jail, serving a 20year jail term for raping two disciples.

11 ARRESTED FOR ‘MURDER’ OF BJP WORKER The CBI arrested 11 people in connection with the alleged murder of BJP worker Debabrata Maiti in East Midnapore’s Nandigram after the assembly election results were declared on May 2. The arrests sparked a political row with TMC linking the development to BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari’s reported statement that “everyone implicated in the NHRC report will be arrested”. BJP dismissed the allegation saying that the CBI action was part of a “high court-monitored probe”. Those arrested include TMC leader Sheikh Sufiyan’s son-inlaw Sheikh Hakibul. Sufiyan was CM Mamata Banerjee’s election agent in Nandigram.

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Uttar Pradesh killings: Union minister's son in police remand UP Police were granted three days’ remand for Union minister Ajay Mishra’s son Ashish, who was arrested five days after being booked for killing four farmers at Banbirpur in Lakhimpur Kheri on October 3. He was later booked for killing a journalist at the site as well. The police had sought 14 days’ remand to question him. Ashish was produced in the court of chief judicial magistrate in a virtual hearing. The court asked the police to conduct a medical examination, ensure Ashish is not under duress and allow his counsel to be present.

Farmers question ‘delay’ in probe Protesting farmers, on the basis of whose complaint Ashish was booked, have said he was in one of the vehicles that ran over farmers on the day of the violence.

Both Ashish and his father have denied this, maintaining that he was not at Banbirpur at the time of the killings. During the 12-hour questioning at Lakhimpur Kheri crime branch office, however, he could not explain where he was

between 2.36 pm and 4 pm, a member of the SIT investigating the violence said.

The violence took place around 3pm. He had been sent to 14-day judicial custody on Sunday and sent to Lakhimpur district jail.

Police, then, wanted remand to be able to question him. Farmers have, meanwhile, questioned the delay in investigation. Several aspects of the probe, too, have come under scrutiny. About the five days it took for the arrest, Supreme Court lawyer Shobha Gupta explained that a lot depends

on “prima facie evidence.”

She said, “Usually, the police or the investigating team put in their best efforts and even follow from state to state a murder accused, to be arrested immediately.

They certainly need prima facie evidence to frame an opinion that the person accused has committed the act. Without that, it is unsafe to arrest anyone. But it is equally unsafe to allow the culprit to roam free if there is enough prima facie material against them.”

Ashish was not able to explain the presence of empty cartridges in his vehicle, police sources said. A forensic team had visited the site in Banbirpur and recovered two empty .315 cartridges from Ashish’s vehicle. Ashish has been accused of shooting at farmers. The cartridges

PM Modi hands over keys to 75,000 housing beneficiaries Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week handed over keys to 75,000 beneficiaries of a flagship housing scheme in 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh and kicked off 75 urban development projects in the state, as per an official statement.

The houses were given under the scheme ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban,’ that seeks to resolve housing shortage in urban areas, including for slum dwellers.

The scheme aims to ensure proper houses to all eligible urban households by the year 2022, when India completes 75 years of Independence.

Modi also flagged off 75 buses under a scheme to promote electric mobility for seven cities including Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Jhansi and Ghaziabad. The prime minister said the situation where all the properties are in the name of the men of the house needs some correction and towards this, more than 80% of the houses under the PM Awas Yojna are being registered in the name of the women or they are joint owners.

He said 30 million urban poor families who lived in slums and did not have a pucca roof have got the opportunity to become millionaires. “Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, about 30 million houses have been built in the country, you can guess the cost of them. These people have become lakhpatis", the statement said quoting Modi.

The prime minister pointed out that under the Yogi Adityanath government in the state, more than 900,000 housing

units were handed over to the urban poor and 14,00,000 units are under various stages of construction.

These houses are equipped with modern amenities, he said. Uttar Pradesh goes to polls in 2022.

The government has so far given £250 million as aid to more Narendra Modi than 25,00,000 beneficiaries of a scheme meant for street vendors called ‘Svanidhi Yojana’. Of this, more than 700,000 beneficiaries are from Uttar Pradesh, the statement said.

Modi said metro rail service is rapidly expanding to major cities across the country. In 2014, the metro service used to run on less than 250 km route length, today it is running in about 750 km route length. Work is progressing on more than 1,000 km of metro tracks as of now, the statement added.

have been sent for a forensic exam.

CCTV footage from the area is being scanned by experts. A senior police officer added that witnesses have told cops they saw Ashish at a petrol pump near the scene of violence when he came to tank up his vehicle, just a few minutes before some farmers were mowed down.

The minister’s son had skipped summons by the SIT on Friday, after which a second notice had been issued asking him to appear.

According to the SIT, Ashish was unable to prove why his SUV (Thar) and a Fortuner, registered in the name of his friend, Ankit Das, were headed towards the protest site, despite police blocking the route for traffic and asking commuters to follow another. Ashish had claimed that the SUV which mowed down farmers was driven by his driver Hari Om Mishra and that he was not in it.

SC not happy with UP govt action Earlier, in a sharp criticism of the UP government, the Supreme Court asked why accused Ashish

BJP bags Gandhinagar, two other civic bodies Continuing its victory stride in local bodies, the BJP last week swept the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) polls, and won in two other civic bodies and two seats in Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) by-elections.

The Congress won the Bhanvad municipality in Devbhumi-Dwarka district from the saffron party.

The BJP won 41 of the 44 seats in Gandhinagar. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won just one seat in GMC and the Congress two seats.

BJP also won in Okha in Devbhoomi-Dwarka and Thara municipality in Banaskantha.

Congress put on a good show with a victory in the Bhanvad municipality. It won 16 seats out of 24 seats. In Okha, BJP swept by winning 34 of the 36 seats. In Thara also, it won 20 of the 24 seats.

The municipal polls were seen as a test for new Chief

India, China border talks to defuse confrontation end in stalemate The 13th round of top-level military talks between India and China ended in a talemate on Sunday, with New Delhi blaming Beijing for not being “agreeable to its constructive suggestions” as well as failing to provide any “forwardlooking proposals” in defusing the 17-month military confrontation in eastern Ladakh.

China’s Western Theatre Command spokesperson Senior Colonel Long Shaohua went a step ahead by virtually threatening that “instead of misjudging the situation, the Indian side should cherish the hard-won situation in China-India border areas”. This hardening of stand by the two sides, in effect, means that around 50,000 troops each deployed on the frontier are headed for a second successive winter in eastern Ladakh, where temperatures dip to minus 30 degrees Celsius along with acute oxygen deprivation.

The almost nine-hour meeting on Sunday, led by 14 Corps commander Lt-General P G K Menon and South Xinjiang Military District chief of staff Major General Zhao Zhidan, “failed to move even an inch” towards completing the stalled troop disengagement at Patrolling Point-15 (PP-15) in the Hot Springs-GograKongka La area, said sources.

“Consequently, the much bigger problems at Charding Ninglung Nallah track junction at Demchok and Depsang Plains simply seem insurmountable as of

now. Incidentally, there was a new PLA Major General heading the delegation (earlier rounds were led

by Major General Liu Lin, who is now a Lt-General) this time,” said a source.

‘India made constructive suggestions’ The deadlock in the talks, which came soon after the PLA’s stepped-up incursions in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control, led the two sides to issue separate unusually strong statements on Monday morning, unlike the joint ones in the past.

“The Indian side emphasised resolution of the remaining areas would facilitate progress in the bilateral relations. The Indian side, therefore, made constructive suggestions but the Chinese side was not agreeable and also could not provide any forward-looking pro-

Mishra hadn’t been arrested.

Noting Ashish had been booked under Section 302 of IPC (murder), the bench of Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli said the state’s claims appeared to be “only in words and not in actions”, before adding, “We hope it will take necessary steps”. Advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the UP government, admitted there were lapses on part of the administration and said “what they have done is a hash”. The court wondered when the violence and loss of eight lives constituted a serious case, why the state authorities did not proceed in the manner in which they should have. “Is it the way you treat accused in other cases (murder cases) also: Issuing notice to them to appear and not arresting them,” the bench said, adding there are “straight statements” of eye witnesses in the case. Its message: all accused should be treated in the same manner irrespective of their background.

posals. The meeting thus did not result in resolution of the remaining areas,” said the Indian statement.

The Chinese military spokesperson, in turn, accused the Indian side of “persisting in its unreasonable and unrealistic demands, which added difficulties to the negotiations.” The PLA statement clearly conveyed its unwillingness to go beyond the disengagement achieved in the Pangong Tso-Kailash Range region in February and at PP-17A near India’s crucial Gogra post in early-August.

This will reinforce concerns that India should not have squandered its major bargaining leverage by agreeing to vacate the Kailash Range heights, which Indian troops had occupied in a daring manoeuvre in end-August last year, in return for just the Pangong Tso disengagement pact

Minister Bhupendra Patel and his team. Not taking any chances, the BJP had appointed ministers as in-charge of every seat in GMC. There were victory celebrations at Kamalam, the BJP headquarters, as the results were declared. Party president C R Paatil was joined by CM at the celebrations. All the ministers were also present.

BJP had a majority in GMC with 20 seats, while Congress had 12 seats from a total of 32 seats. But with delimitation, the total number of seats increased to 44. In the 2016 elections in GMC, both BJP and Congress had won an equal number of seats, but Congress councillor Pravin Patel switched sides and BJP managed to rule the GMC. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Results of the local body polls across Gujarat and Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation reaffirm the deeprooted bond between the people of Gujarat and the BJP. Gratitude to the people for repeatedly blessing us. Kudos to all BJP Gujarat Karyakartas for working hard at the grassroots.”

Union home minister Amit Shah said, “This massive victory of the BJP in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation and other local body by-elections shows that the faith of people of Gujarat is getting stronger on development oriented and welfare policies of the BJP government under leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I express my heartfelt thanks to the people.”

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Tata Sons bags Air India for £1.8 bn The Tata Sons reclaims Air India after 68 years and several governments, tracing a policy arc from nationalisation to disinvestment to privatisation. It’s also a homecoming that’s been two decades in the making, with the Tatas first making an unsuccessful bid to buy and the government of the day then making an unsuccessful bid to sell its stake. The Tatas finally got third time lucky, marking the first successful privatisation by a government in nearly 17 years.

Tata Sons – which bid through its wholly-owned subsidiary Talace Pvt Ltd – quoted an enterprise value of £1.8 billion for the bleeding national carrier.

This includes the debt of £1.53 billion that it will take over and the £270 million cash that will flow into government coffers. The rest of AI’s £ 6.15 billion debt (at the end of August) will be borne by the government.

Tata’s offer was nearly 40% higher than the reserve price of £1.29 billion set by the government and 19% more than what rival bidder, a consortium led by SpiceJet CMD Ajay Singh, had offered. Seven bidders had initially shown their interest by December 14, 2020 but five were disqualified as they did not meet the requirements set by the government. One of the disqualified bidders had approached the Delhi high court but its plea was rejected in August this year.

“The Tata Group winning the bid for Air India is great news! While admittedly it will take considerable effort to rebuild Air India, it will hopefully provide a very strong market opportunity to the Tata Group’s

presence in the aviation industry…

Welcome back, Air India!” Tata Sons chairman emeritus Ratan Tata said in a note posted on his Twitter handle, with a thowback JRD photo. Aviation is widely seen as a passion of his – he has a pilot’s licence – and while the Tata Group re-entered the industry via Vistara (in partnership with Singapore Airlines) and AirAsia, it’s the return of AI to the fold that’s been a longcherished dream.

During Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s term, the Tata Group had joined hands with Singapore Airlines to bid for a 40% stake in Air India, which was then the national carrier only flying overseas.

Adding Air India in the hangar will make it the largest player from the country on international routes, while it will be the second largest player in the domestic sector, after IndiGo. Tata Sons said in a statement, “Air India provides a unique and attractive international footprint.” It added that more than two thirds of AI’s revenue comes from international markets such as North America, Europe and West Asia. The airline’s frequent flyer programme has more than three million members.

The salt-to-software conglomerate was seen as the frontrunner once the government restarted the sale process after another unsuccessful attempt in 2018.

The transaction marks a return to an aggressive privatisation plan chalked out by the Modi administration, which has made it clear that the government should exit non-strategic businesses. It has taken seven years to complete a major privatization of a state-run entity. The government is looking to use the money being spent on keeping the national carrier afloat for social welfare schemes. Air India had accumulated losses of almost £8.4 billion and the government was taking a daily hit of £2 million.

The sale came with the assurance that none of the13,500 employees of Air India and Air India Express will be removed by the new owner during the first year. After that, the 8,084 permanent AI employees can be offered a voluntary retirement scheme, civil aviation secretary Rajiv Bansal said at the press conference.

The terms of the transaction allow the Tatas to sell up to 49% in Air India after a year, although they can undertake realignment of the airline during the first year itself. The Tata Group will also sign a business continuity plan for three years. While the brand and eight logos will also be transferred to the Tatas, they come with a five-year lock-in, and the new owner cannot sell them to a foreign entity.

No quarantine for Covishield vaccinated Indians on arrival in UK Putting an end to the vaccine certification row, the UK announced that Indians, fully vaccinated with Covishield vaccine, will no longer require to undergo quarantine on their arrival in Britain from October 11.

The announcement was made by British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis-."No quarantine for India travellers to the UK fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine from 11 October.

“Thanks to the Indian government for close cooperation over last month," he said. In its latest travel guidelines, the UK said the "red list" will reduce to seven countries and "proof of vaccination will be recognised from 37 new countries and territories". It said the British government extended the inbound vaccinated arrivals system to a further 37 countries and territories across the globe including India, South Africa and Turkey, which meant eligible vaccinated passengers arriving from the rest of the world countries only need to take a "day two test in England". The announcement came hours after India said it is hopeful of finding a solution to the vaccine certification row. Under the new British rules that came into effect on October 4, fully vaccinated Indians require to undergo 10-day quarantine as the UK have issues with India's Covid -19 vaccine certification.

The UK initially refused to recognise Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII). However, following India's strong criticism of the decision, the UK on September 22 amended its new guidelines and included the vaccine.

The move did not provide any relief from quarantine rules for Indian travellers vaccinated with two doses of Covishield. In a retaliatory move, India imposed reciprocal action under which all British nationals arriving in India from the UK needed to undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine even if they are fully vaccinated.

Drugs case: special court to hear Major boost to luxury car sales in India Aryan Khan's bail plea on Oct 13 A special court on Monday said it would hear the bail application of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan‘s son Aryan Khan, arrested in connection with the seizure of banned drugs onboard a cruise ship, on October 13 and directed the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to file its reply on that date.

Special Judge V V Patil, hearing matters related to the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, said the court would hear the bail plea on Wednesday after the NCB said there was “no extreme urgency" to hear the application and sought a week to file an affidavit. The defence said Aryan Khan was “falsely implicated" and releasing him on bail would not stop the probe.

Aryan Khan was arrested on October 3 after the NCB raided a Goa-bound cruise ship off the Mumbai coast and claimed to

have recovered drugs from some persons. He is currently in judicial custody and lodged at the Arthur Road prison in Mumbai. He approached the special court for bail on October 8 after his plea for the same was rejected by a magistrate’s court last week on the ground that it did not have the jurisdiction to decide the matter.

In his plea, Aryan Khan said he was innocent and has not committed any crime and that he has been falsely implicated in the case. There is nothing on record to suggest that the present applicant (Aryan Khan) is in any way connected with the production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, import, export or use of any psychotropic substance or the financing, illicit trafficking and/or harbouring of offenders in relation to any narcotic drugs, the bail application said.

No curbs on domestic flight in India from October 18 Airlines in India can operate domestic flights without any capacity restriction from October 18 onwards, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced, keeping in mind the “passenger demand for air travel”. The carriers have been operating 85 per cent of their pre-Covid domestic services since September 18, according to an order issued by the ministry.

The capacity cap stood at 72.5 per cent between August 12 and September 18, 65 per cent between July 5 and August 12 and 50 per cent between June 1 and July 5.

On October 9, the Indian carriers operated 2,340 domestic flights, which is 71.5 per cent of their total pre-Covid capacity.

The ministry stated in its order that “it has been decided to restore the scheduled domestic air operations with effect from October 18, 2021, without any capacity restriction”. The order noted that the decision

was taken “after a review of the current status of scheduled domestic operations viz-a-viz passenger demand for air travel”. Reacting to the announcement, India’s largest carrier IndiGo stated: “It is a welcome move as we believe that with recent pent-up demand combined with the upcoming festive season, it will be great to operate flights on prepandemic levels. We are quite bullish about the overall growth and demand for domestic travel.” Another private carrier, Vistara, also welcomed the decision.

“Vistara welcomes the government’s decision to remove the capacity cap. We believe that it will be helpful in accelerating recovery from the severe impacts of the pandemic as demand continues to grow, especially with the growing confidence in air travel and the much awaited festive season,” a spokesperson of the airline said.

Sales of luxury car in India soared to a new high in the July-September period, with Mercedes Benz, BMW and Audi making it the best quarterly sales in last three years. The rise in demand for luxury cars in India is a positive indication of the economy coming out out of the pandemic.

Mercedes-Benz, whose starting price of some of the cars is about Rs 4 million, said it sold 4,101 in India in the quarter ended September, double its tally for the same period last year. Currently, a global chip shortage has hampered the supply of new vehicles. While the sale of luxury car is soaring, Maruti Suzuki one of India’s largest carmaker, has reported a drop for the month, selling only 63,000 passenger vehicles domestically, down from 148,000 last year. Many foreign carmakers have foundered in India. Last month Ford announced it would stop

manufacturing cars there and shut down its local plants.

Mercedes has launched many new models in the country in 2021, including the Maybach GLS SUV, which costs more than Rs 24 million. According to the reports, Gurpratap Boparai, managing director of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India who also has franchises of Porsche, Lamborghini and Audi said, “On the luxury segment, we are bullish now. He thought that sales of Skoda and Volkswagen might take longer to recover.

But high-end car buyers were less pricesensitive, industry figures revealed.

Imported luxury cars already attract duties of 100 per cent, putting them out of reach to all but the richest in India.

Boparai said the growth of the market pointed to the rise of more self-confident business elite that was more willing to indulge in luxury brands”.

OBITUARY Rita Shah Valambia Rita Shah Valambia, born 18th November 1958 in Mumbai, daughter of Padmashree Anandji Shah and Mrs Shantaben Shah has sadly passed away. Rita married Mr Prakash Valambia in 1983 and relocated from her beloved India to the UK. Rita had a vast reach and touched numerous lives with her kind heart, generosity and zest for life. Rita had a unique ability to make the impossible possible, she was a brilliant networker and understood the importance of maintaining and growing relationships and lasting bonds. These exact skills and her strong business acumen enabled her and her husband to set up their travel agency which grew to be a flourishing venture.

Rita was a fantastic host welcoming everyone into her life and home at any time. She loved to cook and loved to feed people even more. Rita was a natural mother to not only her own children, but offered this love through mentoring and inspiring so many. She would happily support family and friends in their time of need as well as her passion for philanthropy to support many worthy causes.

Reena, Rikin and Soniya are extremely proud of their mother; she was the best role model and the epitome of courage and determination. Family was the ultimate treasure to Rita who found much comfort in knowing they were with her in her final moments.

The Valambia family are humbled and grateful for the endless love and support of many and know Rita would have been so touched.

Contact number 07951290066 / 07951290055

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HEALTH

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16 - 22 Octobar 2021

Anti-nausea medication found beneficial to cancer patients According to a new study, patients with breast, pancreatic and certain other types of cancer may survive longer if given an anti-nausea medication during surgery.

Findings of the research were presented at the Anesthesiology 2021 annual meeting. Three months after their cancer surgery, over three times as many patients who did not receive dexamethasone died, compared to those who received the drug, researchers found.

Dexamethasone is given to patients to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery and during chemotherapy. Scientists found dexamethasone can improve mid-to-long-term outcomes in patients with non-immunogenic cancers such as sarcoma and cancers of the breast, uterus, ovary, oesophagus, pancreas, thyroid, bones and joints.

Maximilian Schaefer, MD, PhD, senior author of the study and director of the

Center for Anesthesia Research Excellence, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical Boston, said, School, “Dexamethasone has positive and negative effects - it inhibits cancer growth, but also suppresses the immune system.”

“Previous research has reported that in cancers in which the immune system controls cancer growth, the positive and negative effects of dexamethasone balance each other, so there is no benefit. Ours is the first large study to show that for

a wide variety of cancers where the immune system does not play a major role, the positive effects seem to Schaefer predominate,” added.

Researchers analysed the records of 74,058 patients who had surgeries to remove non-immunogenic cancerous tumours between 2005 and 2020 at Beth Israel Deaconess Center and Medical between 2007 and 2015 at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Overall, 25,178 (34 per cent) patients received dexamethasone

during surgery. After 90 days, 209 (0.83 per cent) of the patients who had received dexamethasone died vs. 1,543 (3.2 per cent) of patients who did not receive the drug.

After taking into account various factors, including that dexamethasone is often administered to younger patients, those who received the drug still had a 21 per cent reduced risk of dying within one year after surgery. A second analysis determined dexamethasone was particularly beneficial for patients with cancers of the ovary, uterus or cervix.

“Based on our data, physician anesthesiologists should feel more confident in administering dexamethasone to patients undergoing surgery for nonimmunogenic cancers. It not only helps with nausea, but it also may result in improved survival,” said Dr Schaefer.

Major deaths during pandemic caused among those with mental health concerns Majority of deaths amongst those with mental health conditions and intellectual disabilities has been amplified during the Covid 19 pandemic. The findings belong to a study based on more than 160,000 patients, led by King’s College London.

Before the pandemic, the rates of mortality in those with severe mental health conditions were already higher than the general population. The new research shows that between March and June 2020, during the first wave of Covid-19, mortality further increased in people with mental health conditions and intellectual disabilities compared with the general population.

The study was published in the run-up to World Mental Health Day on

October 10, 2021, which this year has the theme 'Mental Health in an Unequal World’. Deaths from Covid19 among those with learning disabilities were nine times higher than the general population during the first lockdown period, according to the study, and for those with eating disorders almost five times higher. For those with personality disorders and those with dementia, deaths from Covid-19 were about four times higher than the general population and more than three times higher in people with schizophrenia.

The research was partfunded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and used the Clinical Record Interactive Search (CRIS) system to analyse

anonymised data from clinical e-records of patients from South London. Lead author Dr Jayati DasMunshi, Reader in Social and Psychiatric Epidemiology at King's College London and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The results from our study paint a stark picture of how the existing vulnerability of those with mental health conditions and intellectual disabilities have worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic. The higher death rates compared to the general population were associated with more deaths from Covid-19 infection itself, as well as deaths from other causes. She added, “People living with severe mental health conditions and intel-

lectual disabilities should be considered a vulnerable group at risk of Covid-19 mortality, as well as deaths from other causes, throughout the pandemic. We suggest a need to prioritise vaccination and optimise physical health care and suicide risk reduction, before, during, and after peaks of Covid-19 infection in people living with mental health conditions.”

Through the NIHR Maudsley BRC's Clinical Records Interactive System (CRIS) researchers analysed anonymised data from 167,122 patients at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust on deaths between 2019 and 2020.

They assessed mortality ratios across nine mental health conditions and intellectual disabilities and by ethnicity.

Try these exercises to enhance flexibility, move muscles We would be lying if we tell you that working from home hasn’t taken a toll on our mental and physical well-being. While finding motivation to work can be a difficult situation, it is also always necessary to focus on our body and how working from home is affecting it. It is vital for us to find routines that enhance flexibility and move the muscles.

In a new post on Instagram, celebrity fitness and Pilates trainer Yasmin Karachiwala has found the perfect workout for you.

Trainer of stars like Katrina Kaif, Vaani Kapoor, and Sophie Choudry, Yasmin took to social media to share

a detailed workout video of herself. Called Functional and Plyometrics Workout, the routine includes five exercises, and provides “greater flexibility to move the muscles more rapidly.”

The exercises include Dumbbell Swing + Sidestep, Mountain Climber, Dumbbell Hammer Press + Skullcrusher in Bridge, Dumbbell Upper Cut x 4,

Punch x 4 with Squat, and Dumbbell Windmill.

Elaborating on the number of repetitions for each exercise, the trainer wrote, “Dumbbell Swing + Sidestep (15 Reps), Mountain Climber (20 Reps), Dumbbell Hammer Press + Skullcrusher in Bridge (20 Reps), Mountain Climber (20 Reps), Dumbbell Upper Cut x 4, Punch x 4 with Squat (10 Reps), Mountain Climber (20 Reps), Dumbbell Windmill (15 Reps), and Mountain Climber (20 Reps).”

Sharing the clip on Instagram, Yasmin also explained Plyometrics and how they help the body. She

wrote, “Plyometrics, also known as jump training or plyos, are exercises in which muscles exert maximum force in short intervals of time, intending to increase power.”

She added, “The primary focus of plyometric training, however, is to expand and contract muscles as quickly as possible, with the main benefits of doing this being greater flexibility and the ability to move the muscles more rapidly.

The Plyometrics exercise for today is Mountain Climber.

Repeat it after every Strength exercise, follow the format below and repeat all the Exercises for 3 Rounds.”

1 in 10 people experience meal-related abdominal pain: Study A study reveals around 11 per cent of the global population frequently experience abdominal pain when they eat meals. The research was presented at UEG Week Virtual 2021. It found that pain associated with eating appears to be most common in young people aged 18 to 28, with 15 per cent affected. Those who experienced frequent abdominal meal-related pain were also more likely to suffer from bloating, a swollen tummy, feeling too full after eating or feeling full up too quickly, constipation and diarrhoea. The same group also had more severe psychological distress and somatic symptoms.

Around 36 per cent of the people with frequent mealrelated pain reported suffering from anxiety compared with 25 per cent in the occasional symptoms group and 18 per cent in those who never experienced meal-related pain.

Based on the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology study2, the findings were a result of surveying 54,127 people across 26 countries online. Respondents were asked if they suffered abdominal pain and whether this was related to eating. They were categorised into three groups: those who said their abdominal pain was meal-related more than 50 per cent of the time, those who had occasional meal-related pain between 10-40 per cent of the time, and those who rarely or never had meal-related pain.

Those with frequent attacks also reported higher rates of depression (35 per cent) compared to 24 per cent in the occasional symptom group and 17 per cent in the group that never had meal-related pain.

Esther Colomier, study author and a joint PhD researcher at KU Leuven, Belgium, and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, explained, “The take-home message from this study is that people who experience mealrelated abdominal pain more frequently experience other gastrointestinal symptoms and more regularly fulfil criteria for disorders of the gut-brain interactions (DGBIs, formerly known as functional gut disorders), including common conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating and abdominal distension.”

"They also have a higher burden of psychological and somatic symptoms, such as back pain or shortness of breath, which are associated with major distress and functioning problems. These symptoms cause distress and disruption in daily life", she added.

Lower gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation and diarrhoea were experienced in 30 per cent of those who reported frequent meal-related pain, versus 20 per cent in the group who reported occasional symptoms and 10 per cent in the no symptoms at all group.

The same applied for bloating and abdominal distension symptoms, which were reported as often as once a week in the group who experienced frequent meal pain, compared to two or three days a month in the group with occasional pain and one day a month in the group who experienced no symptoms.

Esther Colomier concluded, “Considering meal-related symptoms in future diagnostic criteria for DGBIs should be encouraged. In clinical practice, assessing meal association in all patients with DGBIs could be of major importance for improving and individualizing treatment.

Here, patients could benefit from a multidisciplinary care approach, including dietary and lifestyle advice, psychological support and pharmacological therapy.”

Professor Ami Sperber, the lead author of the 2021 Global Epidemiology Study of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) which found 40 per cent of people worldwide have FGIDs or disorders of the gut/ brain axis, said the findings of Colomier's study were of great interest.

“Many patients with disorders of gut-brain interactions (DGBI) such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia ascribe their symptoms to food and eating," Sperber explained. "A major complaint is the development of pain following meals. However, there is no substantive data on this phenomenon, despite its potential significance for patient care and the study of the pathophysiology of these disorders,” Sperber added.

To Our Readers

We are publishing these reports in good faith. Before you try any of these remedies, please consult the doctor. We are not responsible for any adverse effects.- Editor

28

ART & CULTURE

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

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16 - 22 October 2021

to as the backbone of the institution, this outward celebration masks the hypocrisy inherent in government policies that stigmatise them. This is true for doctors and nurses as much as any other type of migrant workers, and adds a layer of stress and anxiety to their daily lives which is unimaginable given the day-to-day sacrifices their job entails, which we want to bring attention to with our film.

The film industry needs more women

- As a filmmaker, how do you juggle your personal and professional life, given the fact that producing and directing any kind of film in the pandemic puts you at high risk of contracting the virus especially if you cater to such subjects?

Q

Sonita Gale

Shefali Saxena Sonita Gale's debut film HOSTILE will have its World Premiere at the Raindance Film Festival, screening 29 October at Curzon Hoxton in east London, followed by a digital repeat screening available UK-wide via Curzon Home Cinema.

Sonita Gale has previously produced several features via her production company Galeforce, including London-set thriller Twenty8K starring Parminder Nagra. Screening at Curzon Hoxton on 29 October, followed by a repeat digital screening available UK-wide via Curzon Home Cinema, this documentary explores how the migrants that Britain once relied on, now facing being expelled - and although Brexit contributes, Covid is a key focus: we see, for example, a doctor who worked on the frontline during the pandemic has now had his licence to work revoked.

In an exclusive interview with Asian Voice Sonia spoke about filmmaking and its future.

- What goes in your mind while making such a relevant documentary for contemporary times? Especially when it relates and caters to cultures, amid a pandemic, What kind of research and effort is required?

Q

Coming from a migrant family, it was imperative to make a film that spoke to the issues facing our communities. ‘Hostile’ is a film about the Hostile Environment in the UK, scrutinising immigration policies via academics, activists, politicians, participants and research, to understand their links to our colonial past. Filming during a pandemic added a layer of risk to production. I needed to be present as issues, policies, and stories evolved, while at the same time ensuring safety for all.

- Is it easy being a woman filmmaker in today's times? Are you able to sell your idea and secure the required funding or do you have your own challenges?

Q

It’s been wonderful to see funding opportunities for women expand, but

Three prominent British-South Asian writers launched their books Three prominent British-South Asian writers launched their books on Thursday evening, 7th September 2021. A wonderful evening of jazz music, wine and much discussion about South Asian writing in Britain at the book-barge Word on the Water on Regent's Canal, London.

Mona Dash, author of the memoir, A Roll of the Dice released her collection of short stories titled Let Us Look Elsewhere.

Reshma Ruia, the author of the novel, Something Black in the Lentil Soup, showcased her collection of short stories, Mrs Pinto Drives to Happiness.

Both books are published by independent publisher Dahlia Press, owned

by Farhana Shaikh, based in Leicester.

Shaikh has been a longtime supporter of diverse voices in the publishing industry and continues to provide platforms for BritishAsian authors. Selma Carvalho, the author of three non-fiction books documenting the Goan presence in East Africa, released her debut novel, Sisterhood of Swans published

Mona Dash, Farhana Shaikh and Selma Carvalho

by Speaking Tiger, India.

The evening was moderated by author Janet H. Swinney, who has life-long connections with the Indian sub-continent.

All three writers explore themes of sexuality, loneliness, grief and belonging in their work and bring fresh perspectives on the changing face of the British-South Asian identity.

Books are available for purchase online or find out more from their websites.

UK City of Culture 2025 longlist Nadine Dorries, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has revealed the UK City of Culture 2025 longlist of nominees.

According to Birmingham Live, a record of 20 places applied to be included on the longlist, including previous unsuccessful applicants Conwy County Borough in North Wales and Medway in Kent.

Dorries said, "Winning the UK city of culture competition has a hugely positive impact on an area, driving investment, creating jobs, and highlighting that culture is for everyone, regardless of their background. This year’s focus is on levelling up access to culture across the country and making sure there is a legacy that continues for generations to come."

The long list includes: D Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon

funding was a challenge for multiple reasons, including the film’s topical nature, our intention to create a social impact film, and the fact that I am a debut director. That said, I’m fortunate for opportunities we’ve had to expand our audience, including our Raindance premiere, and speaking with EP Nitin Sawhney at The Royal Albert Hall, which we hope will raise the film’s profile and help with distribution.

- Your brief mentions migrants and doctors. What is the real picture?

How is their condition different from what we consume from the world wide web where most voices are unheard?

Could you describe it to our readers?

Q

Approximately 14% of all NHS workers are migrants. Whilst they’re rightly referred

As a mother of two teenagers, juggling the personal and the professional can be challenging. Complicating matters, I contracted the virus during pre-production on the film, and when I recovered, I broke my ankle which put me out for about 8 weeks. That said, this allowed me to start directing remotely with a small team and learning about the participants’ lives through user-generated content. Through this process, I was fortunate to find a way to find a balance that worked.

- In the coming future, would you recommend more women to join this industry? If yes, why?

Q

Yes for sure. I believe the film industry needs more women from any background.

Women support women also and I do hope that in the future I too can support women entering the industry as I have been supported with my debut film!

More details can be found here: https://raindance.org/festivalprogramme/hostile/

‘Barun Rai and the house on the cliff’ tells the chilling story of an eery British town with a dark secret This Halloween, a new psychological horror film set to grip fans across the UK with a chilling tale set in a coastal town in England, premiering on the 29th of October only in cinemas.

Set in the 1970’s and filmed across England, Barun Rai and the House on the Cliff tells the story of Harmesh and Soumili, who move into their dream home unbeknownst to the spate of mysterious suicides plaguing the area and local police force. Perplexed and alarmed by the high rate of unexplained deaths, the pair seek answers from Detective Barun Rai – a specialist investigator famed for unravelling paranormal crimes.

As the bridge between our world and the paranormal universe, Detective Rai must win the trust and convince Harmesh and Soumili that the areas suicides are no coincidence, as the pair face otherworldly grave danger.

Barun Rai and the House on the Cliff is the latest film by Producer-Director Sam Bhattacharjee. The film casts a talented lineup including Sid Makkar (The Best Exotic

Marigold Hotel), Nyra Banerjee (Excuse Me Madam), Priyanshu Chatterjee (Love will find a way) and talented British actors Tony Richardson, George Dawson, Emma Galliano and more.

Speaking ahead of the cinema release, Sam Bhattacharjee said: “We are so excited to see the reaction to this movie and have such high expectations for audiences who are looking to enjoy a particularly dark and chilling psychological horror this Halloween.

“We have a talented cast on screen and an equally talented team behind the production. We’re looking forward to seeing Barun Rai contact the other world on the big screen.”

A cultural history of one of the oldest and most prevalent motifs in religion, culture and art

D D D D D D D

Bradford Cornwall County Durham Derby Southampton Stirling Wrexham County Borough The winner will be announced in the spring of 2022 and each nominee will receive an initial £40,000 of investment.

Dr Alka Pande is a well-known writer, art historian and art curator. Her major fields of interest are gender identity and sexuality, and traditional arts. She has been the recipient of many awards and honours; she was awarded the Knight of the Order of the Arts and Letters by the French government in 2006, and the Australian-India Council Special Award for her contribution to Indian art in 2009. Currently, Dr Pande is a consultant art advisor and curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the India Habitat Centre in New Dehli.

Her latest work, Pha(bu)llus explores the intricate network of ideas and beliefs around the phallus and takes us on an eye-opening journey through the world; a world where this most obsessed-with body part is the

centre of culture and civilisation.

Over the ages, the West emphasised the sensual symbolism of the phallus, while the East merged its essence with spirituality and religion. From the classical art of ancient Greece to the pyramids of Giza in Egypt to the ornate Shiva temples in India, the phallus sometimes exists as a symbol of fertility, as a symbol of male supremacy, and sometimes as a receptacle of desire and procreation. Packed with full-colour photographs of classical art and history; tribal artefacts from ancient civilizations and popular art, Pha(bu)llus uncovers and lays bare the myth, the legends, and mystery behind what is perhaps one of the most intriguing and erotic motifs in human history.

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BOLLYWOOD 29

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16 - 22 October 2021

Shoojit Sircar: Cinemas and OTT must co-exist Shefali Saxena Director Shoojit Sircar’s 'Gulabo Sitabo' starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurana in lead roles was one of the few breathers (with its own share of criticism) during the pandemic when the industry witnessed a drought of films due to ongoing Covid waves.

Speaking about the OTT versus box office wars that are about to begin towards the end of this month in India, Shoojit said, “I think because of the OTT last year, a lot of burden from my shoulder was taken off. I think people will still be waiting to see the behaviour patterns, how comfortable they are in going to the theatres and again go back to normal but a lot of pundits are saying that it will be normal again back to a lot of pundits are saying that it will co-exist and I also strongly feel that we coexist because certain films I also enjoyed quite a bit in an OTT platform with good sound system and nice screen production at home or a TV or a nice laptop.”

“As long as the OTT platform is not interfering with the directorial vision, filmmakers will also keep the cinematic experience alive. Whether it's for OTT or in cinemas, doesn't matter, but the cinematic experience is cinematic. I'm gonna poetry is poetry whether you read it on a laptop or in a book or whatever form. That doesn't change and that integrity should be there,” he added.

His next big film which is all set to release on Amazon Prime Video is Vicky Kushal starrer 'Sardar Udham', a biographical film about Udham Singh, a revolutionary freedom fighter best known for assassinating Michael O'Dwyer in London to take revenge for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar. Sircar said that Irrfan Khan was his first choice for

Kangana takes a dig at Shah Rukh As Bollywood unites in support of Shah Rukh Khan, amidst Aryan Khan’s drug scandal, actor Kangana Ranaut seems to have something else in mind. The actress took to Instagram Stories to share an incident when Hollywood actor Jackie Chan publicly apologized after his son was caught in a drugs scandal.

When Jaycee Chan was arrested in 2014 after police found 100 grams of marijuana in his apartment in Beijing, Chan issued a public apology. He wrote, “As a public figure, I’m ashamed and distressed. His mother is especially heartbroken. Along with Jaycee, I want to take a deep bow of apology to the public.”

Sharing the post on Instagram, Kangana added the hashtag #justsaying. She seemed to be referring to the arrest of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan last week.

Earlier, in a message, Kangana said that Aryan's “mistakes” should help him evolve but should not be condoned. “Now all Mafia Pappu coming to Aryan Khan's defence... We make mistakes but we mustn't glorify them ...

I trust this will give him perspective and also make him realise the consequences of his actions... Hopefully, it can evolve him and make him better and bigger. It's good not to gossip about someone when they are vulnerable but it's criminal to make them feel that they did no wrong,” she wrote.

this role but he was unable to shoot with him because of his health. “He (Irrfan) was quite thrilled that he finally got something like this to do. We shared a very good rapport and a relationship and it was quite unfortunate (Irrfan’s death),” Sircar told Asian Voice.

Since such Hindi films are a major source of information for NRI kids to learn about the history of India, we asked the director if he feels any kind of pressure and an added responsibility there. He said, “Yes, there are. Because even my earlier films had a lot of objections from various facets of society, which I never expected that somebody will come up, you know, with some, some group will have some objection to it or something. Now, I am really used to it also. The entire diaspora outside the country is going to see this film may be as a nice window for them to go back to the history also. But for me, if they find anything that they want to talk to me or a debate, I'm always available, so we can talk it over and understand their point of view, and they can understand my point of view.”

Sircar is known to have married music and his scripts so well in most of his films that they blend into each other and don’t look like a song-dance sequence shoved down the guts of the audiences. Commenting on how he manages to do that, Shoojit told us, “I think that's normal and that's how the films should be. That's how art should be presented. I think European cinema or our great filmmakers from Satyajit Ray to Akira Kurosawa have been doing this, so I think this is quite normal and normal things are easy for me.”

Sircar said that this is the first time he has completely experimented and not with a pure cinema feel, without any songs, or a background song or anything.

Hrithik offers support to Shah Rukh’s son Aryan Hrithik Roshan joined the bandwagon of Bollywood celebs supporting Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan who is currently embroiled in an alleged drug bust. Aryan was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) during a raid on a cruise ship. Hrithik wrote a heartfelt note for Aryan, extending his support in the latter’s tough times.

He wrote, “These moments are the makers of your tomorrow. And tomorrow is going to have a brilliant sun shining.” The ‘Dhoom 2’ star shared that he has known Aryan since his childhood and suggested that Aryan should “own everything you experience. They are your gifts.”

His note read, “My dear Aryan, Life is a strange ride. It’s great because it’s uncertain. It’s great cause it throws you curveballs, but God is kind. He gives only the toughest ones the toughest balls to play. You know you are chosen when amidst the chaos you can feel the pressure to hold your own. And I know you must feel it now.

The anger, the confusion, the helplessness. Aaah, the very ingredients that are needed to burn the hero out from inside you. But be wary, those same ingredients could burn away the good stuff… the kindness, the compassion, the love.”

It further read, “Allow yourself to burn, but just enough.. Mistakes, failings, victories, success… they’re all the same if you know which parts to keep with you and which parts to throw away from the experience. But know that you can grow better with them all. I’ve known you as a kid and I’ve known you as a man. Own it. Own everything you experience. They’re your gifts. Trust me. In time when you connect the dots… I promise you, It’s gonna make sense. Only if you have stared the devil in his eyes and kept your calm. Keep calm. Observe.”

“These moments are the makers of your tomorrow. And tomorrow is going to have a brilliant sun shining. But for it, you must go thru the dark. Calm, still, owning your own. And trusting the light. Within. It’s always there. Love you man. Oct 7, 2021,” the note concluded.

Several Bollywood celebrities including Pooja Bhatt, Hansal Mehta, Sussanne Khan, Suniel Shetty, among others have extended their support to Shah Rukh and his family.

Neha Dhupia breaks down before delivering baby boy Neha Dhupia gave birth to a baby boy earlier this month, even giving us a glimpse of the gorgeous baby on social media. Husband Angad Bedi was by her side all the while, and shared several glimpses from the hospital. One reel, shared by Angad, shows Neha breaking down into tears before entering the operation theatre for delivery.

Angad shared the reel with the caption, “Nervousness before going in the #ot @nehadhupia you brave girl #ikonkar #reels.” The video shows Neha in a hospital gown set to go into the operation theatre. She suddenly breaks down into tears but soon starts walking towards the operation theatre. She then turns back to hug Angad before walking away.

Many of her friends and fans came out in support of her and commented encouraging words.

Saif Ali Khan’s eldest sister Saba Ali Khan wrote, “She’s a tough one God bless”, while Harshdeep Kaur wrote “More power to her Waheguru Meher Kare”. Angad and Neha recently shared a glimpse of their son. In the video shared by Angad, he says, “Let me show them his feet,” and pans the camera towards the baby's feet and calls them “Nikke nikke je paer (such tiny feet).”

Angad had also shared a few pictures from the hospital and written for Neha, “Im your baby daddy!! thank you for everything mrs Bedi!!! You complete me @nehadhupia.” Neha and Angad are already parents to two-year-old daughter, Mehr. The birth of their son coincided with the trailer launch of Neha's next film, ‘Sanak’, which stars Vidut Jammwal in the lead.

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Yami Gautam reveals living with incurable skin condition Actress Yami Gautam recently took to social media to share that she has a skin condition called Keratosis-Pilaris. Sharing a picture of herself with no filters, the actress said in the condition the skin erupts in tiny bumps. Stating that she finally felt comfortable to share this with her fans, Yami wrote, “Hello friends, I recently shot for some images and just when they were about to go in for post-production (a common procedure) to conceal my skin-condition called Keratosis-Pilaris, I thought, ‘Hey Yami, why don’t you embrace this fact and accept it enough to be OKAY with it.”

In the same thread, Yami explained what the condition meant, penning, “Just let it be… (Yes, I do talk out loud to myself). For those who haven’t heard about this, it’s a skin condition wherein you get tiny bumps on the skin. I promise they aren’t as bad as your mind and your neighbor aunty makes it out to be.”

She further added that she had developed this condition when she was merely a teenager - “I developed this skin condition during my teenage years, and there is still no cure for it. I’ve dealt with it for many years now and today finally, I decided to let go of all my fears and insecurities and found the courage to love and accept my ‘flaws’ wholeheartedly. I also found the courage to share my truth with you.

Phew! Smiling face with open mouth and cold sweat I didn’t feel like airbrushing my folliculitis or smoothing that ‘under-eye’ or ‘shaping up’ that waist a tiny bit more! And yet, I feel beautiful.”

Fans responded with love in the comments section, and praised her for opening up. On the work front, Yami was last seen in the OTT release ‘Bhoot Police’ alongside Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez. She also has ‘Lost’, ‘Dasvi’ and ‘A Thursday’ in her kitty.

Amitabh Bachchan walks away from pan masala ad Bollywood’s veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan announced his withdrawal from the advertising campaign of pan masala brand Kamla Pasand. The move comes on his 79th birthday, weeks after the national anti-tobacco organisation requested him to refrain from endorsing pan masala as it could help prevent youngsters from getting addicted to tobacco.

The actor was also trolled on social media for endorsing Kamla Pasand when the ads were released last month.

Bachchan initially defended his stance, calling it part and parcel of the entertainment business that provides employment to many.

A few days after the commercial was aired, Bachchan contacted the brand and stepped out of it last week. Upon checking why this sudden move - it was revealed that when Bachchan became associated with the brand, he wasn’t aware that it falls under surrogate advertising. Bachchan has terminated the contract with the brand, has written to them his termination and returned the money received for the promotion," a statement from the actor’s office said.

Released mid-September, the ad is surrogate one mentioning Kamla Pasand "silver coated elaichi".

But it drew social media flak almost immediately. First Bachchan responded to some users saying taking up projects helps both artistes and other employees of the entertainment ecosystem. Bachchan features in the ad with actor Ranveer Singh who plays his son.

Surrogate advertising is defined as a form of advertising which is used to promote banned products, like cigarettes\tobacco and alcohol, in the disguise of another product. The Code for Self-Regulation of Advertising Content in India by ASCI (The Advertising Standards Council of India) outlines among harmful situations (in advertising), featuring “personalities from the field of sports and entertainment for products which, by law, require a health warning such as “….. is injurious to health" in their advertising or packaging." Manisha Kapoor, secretary-General, ASCI said, by law, tobacco advertising is not allowed.

Kiara doesn’t like the word 'doppelgänger' for her lookalike Kiara Advani, like many other actors, has a lookalike. A dentist on social media, Aishwarya Singh, who recreates her looks from her movies and has gone viral on social media. While flattered, Advani says she does not like the word “doppelgänger” being used for her.

Kiara said that she left a comment on Aishwarya's post when she saw the video. “So Aishwarya, I had actually seen her recreate a Dimple (Dimple Cheema, Kiara’s character from Shershaah) look and put it up on Instagram. And I think I was tagged in it, which is why I went and saw the post and even commented on it. She did a really great job with the way she recreated the look. And then this morning, like everyone else I got the forward,” she said.

“But you know I don’t really like the word doppelgänger. I know what she’s doing is flattering, but what’s interesting to me is that she’s a doctor in real life. She’s her own personality and it’s very sweet that she likes to recreate my looks. I’ve been told in the past that I look like someone and that’s great, but at the end of the day, you have to be the person who you really are,” she added.

Meanwhile, Aishwarya had recently spoken about her resemblance to Kiara in an interview. She said, “It feels wonderful when people start recognizing you from a viral video, when people appreciate your looks, especially when you are compared with such a beauty.”

She added, “Meeting Kiara would be a dream come true! She is an amazing actor and a diva. Who wouldn’t wish to meet her in person!”

Nawazuddin gets Emmy nod, says talent is getting noticed

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is no stranger to fame, and recognition. However, getting an international Emmy nomination comes as quite a surprise to him. Nawazuddin has been nominated in the Best Performance by an Actor category for filmmaker Sudhir Mishra’s digitally released ‘Serious Men’. The actor will compete with Christian Tappan (The Great Heist), David Tennant (Des), and Roy Nik (Normali).

Speaking in an interview, Nawazuddin said, “Of course, it feels good when you get a nomination from such a place.

It not just makes you feel happy but also gives you a lot of confidence that whatever choices you are making are correct. It reaffirms that I am making the right choices and that I am on the right path in my career.” The movie is an adaptation of Manu Joseph’s novel and sees the actor play Ayyan Mani, a Dalit personal assistant who passes off his son as a genius.

About taking up the role, Nawazuddin says, “There are many reasons why I said yes to the film. First, it was a Manu Joseph novel and if he has written it that meant that the characters are very strong in terms of inner world, in terms of conflict, characteristics, habits, and angst. I like such character, such greyish characters.”

He said he also always wanted to collaborate with Mishra. “I have always wanted to work with him, woh bahut kaabil director hai. I wasn’t prepared at all when I started working on this film. I surrendered myself to Sudhir Mishra and whatever I am getting from this character is because of Sudhir Saab.”

Nawazuddin adds, “Our country has a lot of talent. The way that talent in our country is being exposed globally thanks to all the OTT platforms is commendable. Everyone is getting global recognition. I hope that this continues and I hope that more and more such content keeps coming and we keep pushing the boundaries. What makes me happiest is that talent is getting finally noticed.”

Ranveer unveils new chiselled look

Ranveer Singh is the present reigning King of Bollywood.

With back to back hits, and a spurt of energy that refuses to wane, Ranveer’s social media is a sight. The actor and fitness enthusiast recently took to Instagram to share photos of his chiselled look. The picture made many of his fans drool over the actor as he flexes his muscles.

While many of his fans left comments of appreciation on the post, actors like Anil Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Meezaan posted fire emojis under the picture. Abhimanyu Dasani wrote, “Khatam”, while Simone Khambatta and Nikitin Dheer also expressed admiration.

On the work front, Ranveer is looking forward to the release of ’83’. He also has ‘Cirkus’, ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’, and ‘Jayeshbhai Jordaar’ in the pipeline. Ranveer will also be making his television debut with Colors game show called ‘The Big Picture’.

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Shruti Haasan reveals her parents’ reactions to her going to therapy Actor Shruti Haasan, who has been open about her mental health issues, opened up about her parents’ reaction to her going to therapy. Speaking in an interview, she said they asked her “what did we do” when she told them. “Of course, all parents take it personally first. My parents are extremely liberal and evolved and they understood, of course, therapy is fabulous. But I need therapy? ‘Why, what did we do?’ You take it personally.”

Shruti said that if someone suggests going to couples therapy to work on the relationship, their partner thinks

“what did I mess up?”. “I think that happens even with parents and it’s so much about saying, ‘We all contribute equally to messing up and fixing things’, and it is about saying, ‘I need this’. Even with my parents, I was like, ‘I need this, it’s not about you, I am not asking you to go for therapy, I am going for therapy’,” Shruti said. She added that Kamal and Sarika “were very supportive.”

Shruti’s next release will be ‘Salaar' opposite Prabhas. The film, directed by Prashanth Neel and touted to be an action entertainer, will release on April 14, 2022.

Actor Vijay files civil lawsuit against his parents, nine others interested in politics. He then went ahead and even registered a party in Vijay’s name. Chandrasekhar made his wife Shobha the treasurer of the while his relative party Padmanabhan was named the party President.

In a statement, Vijay clarified that he did not grant permission to start any party and filed a lawsuit against 11 people to restrain them from using his name. On the work front, Vijay recently completed shooting for the upcoming Tamil thriller ‘Beast’.

Tamil Superstar Vijay has filed a civil lawsuit against 11 people, including his own parents. The actor is the son filmmaker SA of Chandrasekar, and Shobha.

According to the lawsuit, Vijay has said that no one is allowed to use his name to organize public meetings and gatherings.

He filed a civil lawsuit against his own parents because his father recently revealed that his son is

Samantha slams rumours citing Malayalam actor affairs, abortions Nedumudi Venu dies at 73 Veteran Malayalam actor Nedumudi Venu breathed his last at a private hospital in Kerala. He was 73. The actor was rushed to the hospital recently due to stomach-related ailments.

Recently, Nedumudi Venu recovered from Covid-19. Venu was married to TR Susheela and the couple is parents to Unni and Kannan.

Venu's fans expressed their shock over his demise on Twitter.

Venu was battling stomach-related ailments for the past few months and took treatment for the same. However, his health condition worsened and he was rushed to a private hospital in Kerala. Venu breathed his last on October 11 morning.

Born as Kesavan Venugopal, the

actor was popularly known by his stage name, Nedumudi Venu.

Nedumudi Venu acted in more than 500 films in his career spanning several decades. Apart from acting, Venu wrote screenplays for many films and directed one film.

Nedumudi Venu won three National Film Awards and six Kerala State Film Awards for his exceptional performances. Initially, he started his career in theatre and eventually ventured into films. Some of his famous films include 'Margam', 'Vidaparayum Munpe', 'Themavin Kombath', 'Oru Minnaminugginte Nurungubettam', 'Thanmatra', 'North 24 Kaatham', 'Thaniye', among several other films.

TV Listing * Schedule is subject to change

MON 18 OCT FRI 22 OCT 2021 6.00 Dharti No Chhedo Ghar 13.00 Narsinh Mehta (Re-run) 14.00 RASOI SHOW 18.30 ABHILASHA - EK ASTITVANI 19.00 BHAKT GORA KUMBHAR 19.30 MARU MAN MOHI GAYU 20.00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI 20.30 MANASA 21.00 PREM NI BHAVAI

21.30 BOLO KETLA TAKA SATURDAY 16 OCT 6.00 Raj Ratan 13.00 Narsinh Mehta (Re-run) 14.00 RASOI SHOW 18.30 ABHILASHA - EK ASTITVANI 19.00 BHAKT GORA KUMBHAR 19.30 MARU MAN MOHI GAYU 20.00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI 20.30 MANASA 21.00 PREM NI BHAVAI 21.30 BOLO KETLA TAKA SUNDAY 17 OCT 12.00 Sachu Sukh Gujrat Ma 15.00 Mijaaj 18.00 MANASA 19.00 SHU CHALE CHE 19.30 ABHILASHA - EK ASTITVANI 22.00 SHU CHALE CHE

Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has issued a statement addressing rumours claiming she has had affairs, or never wanted children, or has had abortions. The rumours come close at the heels of her separation announcement from husband Naga Chaitanya. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Samantha said these are personal attacks and she is not going to let them break her.

She said, “Your emotional investment into a personal crisis has overwhelmed me. Thank you all for showing deep empathy, concern and for defending me against false rumours and stories that are being spread. They say I had affairs, never wanted children, that I am an opportunist and now that I have had abortions,” she said.

“A divorce in itself is an extremely painful process. Let alone allowing me the time to heal.

This attack on me personally, has been relentless.

But I promise you this, I will never allow this or anything else they say, break me,” she added.

Samantha and Chaitanya issued similar statements last week to inform fans about her separation. They were married for almost four years. However, rumours about their separation began earlier this year after Samantha changed her name to just ‘S’ on her social media handles.

After she announced the separation, she changed the name back to just Samantha.

* Schedule is subject to change

MON 18 OCT FRI 12 OCT 2021 8.30 BHARADWAJ BAHUEIN 14.00 BIGG BOSS 15-WEEKEND KA VAAR 16.30 RASOI SHOW-DESI FLAVOURS 17.30 CHHUTA CHHEDA 18.00 TUM KAUN PIYA 18.30 DIL KA RISHTA 19.00 BHAGYA KA LIKHA 19.30 EK SHRINGAAR SWABHIMAAN 20.00 BALIKA VADHU 2 20.30 BARRISTER BABU 21.00 THAPKI PYAR KI 2 21.30 SASURAL SIMAR KA 2 22.30 DIL SE DIL TAK

SATURDAY 16 OCT 14.00 BIGG BOSS 15 16.30 RASOI SHOW-DESI FLAVOURS 17.30 DESI BEAT (SEASON 3) 18.00 KHATRA KHATRA KHATRA 19.00 BHAGYA KA LIKHA 19.30 EK SHRINGAAR SWABHIMAAN 20.00 DESI BEAT RESET 20.30 FEET UP WITH THE STARS (SEASON 2) 21.00 THAPKI PYAR KI 2 21.30 SASURAL SIMAR KA 2 SUNDAY 17 OCT 14.00 BIGG BOSS 15-WEEKEND KA VAAR 16.30 RASOI SHOW-DESI FLAVOURS 17.30 DESI BEAT (SEASON 3) 18.00 KHATRA KHATRA KHATRA 19.00 BHAGYA KA LIKHA 19.30 EK SHRINGAAR SWABHIMAAN 20.00 DESI BEAT RESET 20.30 BFFS WITH VOGUE (S-1)

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Dhoni takes Chennai Super Kings into IPL final MS Dhoni came into his own and took his beloved Chennai Super Kings into another IPL final. The game was fluctuating from one end to the other and when Dhoni walked into bat ahead of Ravindra Jadeja, CSK needed 24 off 11 balls. The Delhi Capitals attack has the wherewithal to restrict the opposition, but Dhoni, still struggling with his timing, turned the clock back. One six off Avesh Khan in the 19th over and two boundaries off Tom Curran in the 20th sealed a superb win for CSK and took them to their ninth final.

While it was the batter Dhoni who took centre-stage just when it mattered, it was the skipper Dhoni’s decision to stick with Robin Uthappa ahead of Suresh Raina that went a long way in sealing the victory.

Even after two failures Uthappa was persisted with and the former India player came up with an absolute gem. Scoring 173 was a stiff target given the quality of Capitals attack and the fact that they had lost the

in-form Faf du Plessis early could make things even more difficult for CSK. But Uthappa played an innings which would have made him happy even in his heyday.

The Capitals bowlers seemed to lack the homework on the right-hander and made the mistake of not testing him with the short ball often enough. The Karnataka player was always a good player when the ball is pitched in his zone and he did just that on Sunday, hitting over the infield in Powerplay and racing away to 63 off 44 balls.

And once he got out, it was over to another jewel in CSK crown Ruturaj Gaikwad (70 off 50 balls) who took them close.

He mixed caution with aggression, anchored the innings, pulled out the big shot just when it mattered and the target was always within reach.

His 110-run second-wicket partnership with Uthappa was the cornerstone of the CSK march as they won with two balls to spare.

in brief INDIAN WRESTLER ANSHU CREATES HISTORY DESPITE DEFEAT

Sunil Narine helps Kolkata reach Qualifier 2 A match-defining all-round show from Sunil Narine helped Kolkata Knight Riders set up a Qualifier 2 clash with Delhi Capitals after beating Royal Challengers Bangalore by four wickets in a tight Eliminator match of IPL 2021 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Narine first took 4/21 in four overs, breaking the back of RCB’s batting. With the bat, he slammed his first three balls for three sixes to kill the chase, which Kolkata completed with two balls to spare. Kolkata delivering Bangalore a knockout punch also brought an end to Virat Kohli’s stint as a captain in the IPL. Chasing 139, Shubman Gill started off with a flick through square leg of Mohammed Siraj.

In the next over, Venkatesh Iyer joined the party, pulling George Garton over backward square

leg. Gill then tore into Garton in the third over with a hattrick of boundaries. Harshal Patel, introduced in the final over of power-play, made the first strike for RCB as Gill was foxed by an off-cutter and holed to mid-on.

Sunil Narine’s promotion paid off as he slammed three sixes off Daniel Christian over fine leg, square leg and long-off in the 12th over to simplify the equation. Chahal had his second wicket of the match in the 15th over as Nitish Rana mistimed slogsweep to long-on.

Narine had luck on his side as Devdutt Padikkal dropped the catch off Harshal Patel in the 17th over. In the next over, Mohammed Siraj dismissed both Narine and Dinesh Karthik. With seven needed off the final over, Shakib Al Hasan walked across for a scoop over short fine leg off Christian before finishing off the chase with a quick single.

Indian hockey team pulls out of Birmingham CWG A day after England pulled out of the FIH junior hockey World Cup citing Covid-19 protocol issues, Hockey India announced the men’s and women’s teams’ withdrawal from next year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Hockey India has referred to Covid-19 concerns and UK’s quarantine rules for travellers from the country.

The decision was communicated to Indian Olympic Association president Narinder Batra by HI president Gyanendro Ningombam. The hockey governing body said that there is just a 32-day window between the CWG (July 28-August 8) and the Asian

Games in Hangzhou (September 10-25).

“You will appreciate that the Asian Games is the continental qualification event for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and keeping the priority of the Asian Games in mind, Hockey India cannot risk any members

of the Indian teams contracting Covid-19 during the Commonwealth Games,” Ningombam wrote in his letter.

“Therefore, Hockey India will not be sending its men’s and women’s teams to Commonwealth Games 2022 and informing you in advance

to kindly notify the organisers to identify reserve teams,” he added. With the qualification for the Olympics being a priority, HI had decided to send a second-string team for the CWG and now believe it is hazardous to send teams to the UK, one of the worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The UK government had earlier refused to accept the Covid-19 vaccination certificates from India and has insisted on a 10day hard quarantine for travellers which they later withdrawn. It is likely that that sports ministry may intervene and persuade Hockey India to stick to their plan by sending a second-string team.

IOA talking to IOC for 2036 Olympics in India Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Narinder Batra has revealed that he is in talks with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for a possible bid by India to host the 2036 Olympics. Batra also confirmed that he will be proposing the newly-built Narendra Modi Stadium at Motera as the venue for the opening ceremony.

"If someone asks me about the venue for the opening ceremony at present, then it is definitely going to be the Motera stadium," Batra told reporters.

"There is no stadium better suited to host the opening ceremony of the Olympics (in India). I can't say what will happen by 2036.... (but) I will be proposing Ahmedabad as the venue for the opening

ceremony," the IOA chief added.

He was speaking to the media at an event organized by TransStadia, a city-based sports infrastructure firm. "When you say opening ceremony, it means that athletics will also be played (at the same venue). And athletics is the biggest event (at the Olympics)," he said.

Olympic games can be hosted in three or four cities in India, and the IOA is in talks with the IOC about India's possible bid for 2036, Batra said.

The chances of India getting the opportunity were bright, he added. "If we talk about the 2036 Olympics, then yes, we are already talking to the International Olympic Committee. Being the president of IOA, my discussions with the

IOC happen on the subject....2036 Olympics will be finalised in twothree years, and we are currently discussing with IOC," he said.

Recently, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) invited proposals from consultants to conduct a `gap analysis' to assess if the infrastructure in the city was adequate to host Olympics.

A proper presentation for India's bid will be prepared after a new president takes over following IOA elections in December, Batra said. India is

Narinder Batra

one of the six or seven possible contenders for the 2036 games, he added. "India has come on the world radar, and is heading towards becoming the third largest economy in the world. By 2036, it is going to be the second or third largest economy," he said.

Anshu Malik fought hard, very hard. But the USA’s seasoned mat technician Helen Maroulis brought her big-match experience and strong all-round play to the fore to defeat the young Indian ‘by fall’ (4-1 on points) in the women’s 57kg division final at the World wrestling championships in Oslo, Norway. Such was the ferocity of two-time world champion Maroulis’ attacking moves in the second period of the final bout that Anshu was left injured and writhing in pain, clutching her right shoulder with tears rolling down her eyes. As Anshu grimaced in pain, she was offered on-court medical attention by the tournament doctors with women’s team’s chief national coach Kuldeep Malik by her ward’s side.Maroulis, after celebrating her victory briefly with her coaching staff, too, looked visibly worried about her opponent’s injury and sat at a distance on the mat to check on Anshu’s wellbeing. It couldn’t be confirmed whether Anshu had suffered a right shoulder dislocation after Maroulis snapped the Indian’s outstretched arm with brute force.

MORE MEDALS FOR INDIAN SHOOTERS AT JUNIOR WORLDS Pistol shooters Rhythm Sangwan and Vijayveer Sidhu, who had missed out on winning individual medals, clinched gold in the 25m rapid fire pistol mixed team event at the ISSF Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru. It was India’s 10th gold and 23rd medal overall in this event. Rhythm and Vijayveer defeated Thailand’s Kanyakorn Hirunphoem and Schwakon Triniphakron 9-1. The third place was also claimed by India, as Anish and Tejaswini also defeated Thai shooters Chawisa Paduka and Ram Khamhaeng 10-8 in the bronze-medal match. In the rifle category, Ayushi Podder, Prasiddhi Mahant and Nishcal took silver as they lost to USA team comprising Tokyo Games silver medallist Mary Tucker, Elizabeth McGhin and Lorraine Zaun 43-47 in women's 50m Rifle 3 Positions. Both, 25m rapid fire mixed team and women's 50m Rifle 3 Positions team events are not Olympic events. India’s total haul now stands at 10 gold, 9 silver and 4 bronze medals.

INDIA GO DOWN FIGHTING TO OZ IN SECOND T20I It was a game which sums up the story of the Indian women’s team’s tour of Australia.

Thanks to a superb knock under pressure by Tahlia McGrath (42 not out) in the end, Harmanpreet Kaur & Co lost a thrilling, lowscoring game, but stole hearts with their resilience. Fighting back from a situation in which they looked like heading for a rout, the spirited Indians gave the Aussies a run for their money, before finally losing their nerves in the tense moments to go down by four wickets in the second T20I at the Metricon Stadium in Gold Coast on Saturday night. With this defeat, India also lost the multi-format series, which Australia lead now by 9-5.

Having collapsed to 81 for nine in 17 overs on a difficult wicket, India were brought back from the dead into the game by allrounder Pooja Vastrakar’s gallant, unbeaten 37 and her unconquered 37-run stand in just 18 balls for the tenth wicket with Rajeshwari Gayakwad.

Playing her first game of the tour, seamer Shikha Pandey then produced the ‘ball of the series,’ when she castled Alyssa Healy with one that swung back a mile from outside offstump. Clearly running in with a point to prove, Pandey swung the second ball of the innings like a banana, leaving Healy and the entire cricketing world flabbergasted.